Introducing Poptails by FrutaPop

Posted in Brands, Sites + Technology We Love, Food + Drink, Pleasure, Weddings by socialbfly

FrutaPOP is a small-batch, hand-crafted ice pop company, specializing in natural fruit and juice ice pops, coffee ice pops and alcohol infused ice pops better known as Poptails.

FrutaPOP offers seasonal flavors, making the POP a year-round treat and for the summer their featuring six tantalizing flavors that we are patiently waiting a chance to try, including Coconut Rosé Sangria POPs made with fresh blueberries and strawberries; Watermelon Mint Lemonade POPs made with premium vodka; Sparkling Prosecco POPs in mango mimosa and passion fruit; Tropical POPs in rum punch and pina colada; Red or White Coconut Sangria POPs made with top shelf alcohol, wine produced in New York State and organic fruit; and Passion Fruit Pink Champagne POPs which we can totally see as a champagne toast alternative for our summer brides.

At approximately $60 for a dozen, each pop costs about $10 each once you factor in the $35.00 flat-rate shipping fee. All of the flavors are 5% alcohol by volume – which means you must be at least 21 years of age to enjoy them – and available in packs of 12, 24 and 48. It also looks like you can mix and match your order so you can try all of them.

We haven’t yet had a chance to taste test these tasty treats but we’re hoping to do so soon and even have plans for a future event so stay tuned. In the meantime, stop by FrutaPOP for a full list of their healthy frozen dessert options and to place an order for your upcoming event

21Dec2016

Guestiquette: Honor vs. Pleasure

Posted in Do It Yourself Diva, Weddings by socialbfly

I was recently asked a question that I think a lot of people may have had confusion over. Recall, if you will, an invitation that you’ve received for a wedding or other formal event. Chances are it opened with the line “request the honor of your presence” or “request the pleasure of your company” as part of the wording. Believe it or not these phrases actually have etiquette guidelines on when they can each be used and are not entirely interchangeable.

The phrase “…the honor of your presence…” is reserved for wedding ceremonies taking place in a house of worship, be it a church, temple, mosque, synagogue or another religious institution.

Meanwhile the phrase “…the pleasure of your company…” is used to invite guests to a wedding ceremony taking place anywhere else. Examples of this would include a country club, resort garden area, the beach, etc.

This rule does not take into consideration a religious ceremony, but rather the location. So if you have a Jewish ceremony, complete with a Chuppah, at a resort, you would still request the pleasure of your guests company.

If you want to stick with tradition in this area though, then each has an appropriate and specific use.

Is this etiquette rule breakable without being totally faux pas? I say, yes! Only the trained eye will notice that you used “…the honor of your presence…” to invite them to your beach front wedding. After all, God is everywhere and one could argue that the beach front is just as sacred as the Chapel. I personally believe that God is not limited to a building and that many things can be sacred, so I would have no problem using “the honor of your presence” to invite people to an outdoor wedding.

Do you have wedding questions that you need answers to? Email us at info@socialbfly.com.

10Nov2016

2017 Wedding Predictions [to Ditch], According to David Tutera

Posted in Weddings by socialbfly

photo credit: google images

When it comes to wedding trends, the rules of engagement are constantly changing. And for 2017, yet another evolution of wedding planning is upon us. In a recent interview with Brides Magazine, celebrity wedding planner David Tutera recommended these as the coveted en trend details to incorporate into your 2017 wedding.

David says: Ditch The After-Party
While you might be bummed to hear this at first, Tutera really believes guests should stay put, and you can bring the “after-party” to the party. “I want guests to stay in one location, and keep the energy escalating and flowing,” he explains. The wedding is the main event, so why risk losing the party vibes with a venue change? Tutera suggests couples can, “create movement and energy in one environment with lighting, entertainment, opening up a different bar or dessert station, etc.”

SocialBFly says: LOVE this idea and agree on all fronts! It’s the reason why we adore one-venue weddings so much.

David Says: Modern & Industrial Vibes will be En Trend
Tutera forecasts a mix of metallics and whites to top the palette charts of 2017/2018, but forget the golds and shiny silvers. Softer, brushed metallic popping from bright white accents are a color combo made in heaven, and will totally help to achieve those “contemporary yet city hip vibes” that will be so on-trend. Combine this color palate with industrial and modern touches for a fashionable yet classy look.

SocialBFly says: Metallics, when used correctly, can add a romantic edge to any decor motif so we’re heavy metal all the way!!

David says: Stay Connected
Regardless of what trends, themes, or vibes you’re going for, Tutera stresses the importance of remaining connected with your new spouse throughout the wedding day celebrations. “What’s been happening is couples separate to their friends and don’t hang out with their significant other on their celebration. That’s not good. That’s something I am trying to force people to understand is incredibly important.”

SocialBFly says: Noted!

David says: Incorporate Paper
Whether it’s in floral bouquets, incorporated into your big-day décor, or used as a way to preserve special wedding “memory moments,” incorporating paper into your wedding day is quickly growing in popularity — and for good reason. Economical, potentially eco-friendly and unique in any way you use it, paper isn’t just for wedding invitations anymore. Tutera says, “there’s so many interesting things you can do,” and adds, “People are sort of surprised, like oh my gosh, look what you can do with paper.”

SocialBFly says: Paper can add a variety of depth and texture to your wedding motif so this is yet another 2017 trend we are looking forward to.

David says: Ditch Receiving Lines
“I am not a fan of receiving lines,” admits Tutera. He adds, “I think it creates a large barrier of etiquette for that celebration — it’s too formal.” Instead, opt to greet your guests during cocktail hour, and throughout the night. It may not seem like it, but you will have the time.

SocialBFly says: A-GREED!!! Goodness grief, we agree!! There’s nothing that screams old-fashioned more than seeing the Bride and Groom with their bridal party lined up at the end of the ceremony waiting to greet all of the guests who attended. Like David said, IT’S TOO FORMAL!! And we like to make sure that the couples has enough time to personally greet their guests during the reception.

David says: First Looks
These are a keeper. Tutera gushes, “I love first looks. I think they’re brilliant. It takes me forever to convince a bride and groom to do that,” but he adds, “They’re more personal — I love them.”

SocialBFly says: I will forever have mixed feelings about the first look trend. On one hand, it is an awesome way to ensure the couple spends as much time during the wedding and reception having fun interacting with their guests. But the traditionalist in me (YES! the same traditionalist that does not like receiving lines…) will always have a heart that skips a beat when a groom sees his wife take to the aisle for the very first time.

What are your predictions for 2017 weddings and brides? Are there any wedding trends you’d like to see go away? Do you agree/disagree with David (or our) assessment of the future of weddings?

5Mar2012

SocialBFly About Town: Weddings for Heroes Bridal Showcase

Posted in Pleasure, Socialbfly About Town by socialbfly

Photo courtesy of weddingsforheroes.org

You probably noticed that no blogs were posted last week but I promise there’s a good reason for that – last week became unexpectedly BUSY! The outcome? We’ve successfully participated in our first bridal showcase!!

I found out about an opportunity to participate in the Weddings for Heroes Military Wedding Charity event one week before it was scheduled to take place – which is great, right? But considering this had NEVER been done before, the opportunity quickly became a race against time in an effort to pull it off.

And with a little help, we did!!

The event was held on March 28th in Red Bank, NJ at the Oyster Point Hotel. The organization, Weddings for Heroes Corp, is a NJ charitable organization, benefiting our Military by providing dream weddings to Combat wounded military personnel, Combat Veterans and active duty military facing hardships or otherwise underprivileged at no cost to them.

Weddings For Heroes also offers resources and programs to Military couples coping with the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder due to military service/ deployments.

Servicemen from all branches of the military, and their brides, attended the event learning more about the vendors and in hopes of being the couple lucky enough to win the wedding of their dreams.

And several of NJ’s fabulous wedding businesses were also participating – including some of my favorites like SZDesigns, Calligraphy by Allison, Hallak Bridal, and Cardbox Diva.

Thank you again to Weddings For Heroes for the opportunity to participate in their first bridal showcase. Having grown up as a military brat to a father in the Army, their cause is one that is close to my heart and I’m excited about the opportunity to showcase in future showcases and donate our services to helping make bridal dreams come true for our troops. Here are some pictures from the evening…

The SocialBfly Booth

Ms. New Jersey stopped by the booth

Allison of Calligraphy by Allison...she's a SocialBFly Preferred Vendor!

The Ladies of Hallak Bridal - another SocialBFly preferred vendor!

The Winning Couple...they were so cute!

18Jan2012

‘Angry Brides’ FIGHT for a Cause

Posted in Brands, Sites + Technology We Love by socialbfly

Despite being illegal since 1961, the tradition of paying dowry’s, both financial and material, to the groom’s family is still alive in well in the country of India.

It may sound romantic to some, after all, dowries were once meant to assist the new husband in making sure that his wife is taken care of. But in 2010, India’s National Crime Records Bureau cited an alarming 8,391 dowry-related deaths. It seems the tradition has turned ugly and husbands are now demanding dowries well after the ceremony is over. When families don’t comply, brides may end up tortured or even worse, murdered.

Thankfully, a new online game called Angry Brides hopes to shed light on the problem of dowries and inform the world of the increasing number of crimes against women living in India. It’s a play on the popular game Angry Birds and in order to play the user (Bride) has to strike the dodging grooms. Each groom (there are 3 – an engineer, doctor, and pilot) starts of at a dowry value of 1.5 million rupees (~30,000 USD). Each hit decreases the total cost of the groom’s dowry and credits money back to her Anti-Dowry fund.

The game is available as a free Facebook application and can be downloaded at app.facebook.com/angrybrides.

Photo credits: facebook.com/angrybrides

4Aug2010

A Weekend of Celebrity Weddings

Posted in All Things Vera Wang, Celebrity Weddings by socialbfly

The last weekend of July went out with a bang with some of biggest names in entertainment finally saying I do and Vera Wang sweeping the “Most Brides Donning a Fabulous Gown” award!

courtesy of examiner.com

Chelsea Clinton says “I Do” to Marc Mezvinsky at the very historic Astor Courts in Rhinebeck, NY
Not only did Chelsea double-dress herself in Vera Wang, wearing an ivory strapless gown for the interfaith ceremony and a silk tulle cross-back Grecian gown for the reception, but Vera was also the creative inspiration and designer for the bridesmaids dresses.

Officiated by Rabbi James Ponet
Besides having the former President of the United States walk her down the aisle, her very high profile guest list included THE Vera Wang (Yes! We know she was not THE MOST high profile guest but sorry, we LOVE her…no one else really matters).
Estimated price tag: $5M dollars…now there’s a PLATINUM wedding.

courtesy of popeater.com

Alicia Keys says “I Do” to Kaseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean in Corsica, France
Grecian inspired dresses were predicted to be one of 2010’s wedding dress trends so it’s only apropos that Alicia decided to adorn her baby bump in a beautiful ivory gown designed by none other than…Vera Wang.

Officiated by Deepak Chopra
Guest List included Bono and Queen Latifah

courtesy of tmz.com

Tameka “Tiny” Cottle says “I Do” to Clifford “T.I” Harris on Star Island in Miami, FL

Because I was raised to just say nothing in situations where there’s nothing good to say, I am refraining from saying much about Tiny’s strapless ivory gown designed by Valentino. Okay, just one little comment/question…if she had a wedding planner WHY didn’t they recommend a different dress? Not that it’s bad but it’s not screaming “Here Comes the Beautiful Blushing Bride” to me. Moving on…

Officiated by former Atlanta mayor Andrew Young
All of the “A”; including Usher Raymond, Jermaine Dupri, TLC’s Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, Bow Wow, Nelly, Ashanti, and Trina; descended upon Miami to help the couple celebrate their long-anticipated nuptials.

courtesy of popeater.com

Kimberly Brock says “I Do” to James Van der Beek in Tel Aviv
This wedding was probably the most overshadowed by the Clinton/Mezvinsky wedding as we couldn’t find one interesting detail, or picture, about it outside of news that Kimberly wore a Shareen Vintage dress. BOR-ING! Oh wait, like Key’s she’s pregnant!

So final tally:

VERA WANG:2 +all of Chelsea’s Bridesmaids dresses
VALENTINO: 1
New Wedding Accessory: Baby bump (Oh, how I hope this isn’t the new trend!!)

courtesy of eonline.com

Weddings to watch
Tamera Mowry, twin sister of Tia Mowry, is engaged (AGAIN) and this time she’s scheduled to wed Fox News correspondent Adam Housley in May 2011.

Congratulations to all of the Couples!! What wedding were you most anticipating? And now that the big day has passed, which one left you teary-eyed and awestruck?

7Jul2010

Back to School Night with David Tutera

Posted in Socialbfly About Town by socialbfly

You’ve seen him on WEtv’s, “My Fair Wedding”. He’s been lovingly crowned ‘Wizard’, ‘Godfather’, ‘Fairy Godfather’, and ‘Prince’ by the brides who’s wedding dreams he’s made a reality. And last night I had the pleasure of being taken back to school by event planner extraordinaire, David Tutera at a Learning Annex event held at the lavish Hilton Hotel in Downtown Manhattan, NYC .

What can I say besides…He was fabulous! Throughout the course of the night we learned little DT Gems like he doesn’t belong to any associations, which is especially ironic considering he’s starting one in 2011, and he’s never paid for any form of advertising (thanks David!! I finally have an answer to my, To Advertise or Not to Advertise, question!). Just to give you an idea of how much information was covered, I went home with 8 pages of notes but because this is not a book report (remember those?), I’ll bestow upon you a few of my [paraphrased and in my own words] favorites, which I’ve categorized below:

Learn your Client. David urged us as planners to learn how to listen to the client and to learn what they want and who they are. “Become emotionally connected to your client…” He suggests that 75% of the conversation, during the first hour spent meeting with a new client, should be about them and as you’re listening jot down five adjectives that are a recurring theme in the discussion. Include those words in the proposal so they feel like they’ve written their own proposal.

Looking for ways to motivate (or rejuvenate) your creative edge? Opening up your client base and vendor base were two of David’s simple suggestions. In both cases, lack of variety can quickly lead to stale and cookie-cutter ideas. Creating a story also has many benefits to ensuring each event experience is unique.

Keep the Party Going. “Weddings are about the Bride and Groom but more importantly it should be about the guests. Something different should happen every 30 minutes putting guests on a journey and preventing boredom.”

With plans for 2011 that include the launching of a new jewelry line of wedding and engagement rings, the David Tutera Wedding Certification Course and the launching of a line of bridal crafts, it’s hard to not think of him as some kind of super wedding action hero so imagine how great it was to learn that he isn’t impervious to things like burnout, planners block, and annoying clients. Yes, annoying clients get on his nerves also! Here are some of his tips to help cope and better manage Life as a Planner:

In order to avoid burnout minimize the amount of time spent socializing with people in the business because what you end up doing is talking about work all of the time!
“Never under price yourself. When you do, you’re under pricing your confidence”.
Take baby steps. Don’t leap. Become good in one section and segue way into another.
Networking with organizations such as MPI, ISES, and ABC to build your contacts is good but also branch out and make your own networks.
- Your network mix should be 70% social and 30% corporate.
“As event planners it is important to create a team of vendors who you are confident can deliver and are willing to support (even if something goes wrong)”.
Reforecast yourself every 3 years and in that time, always move prices a little higher.
Breaking even on a project is fine but losing money is never good!
You are a Mediator, Therapist, Counselor, and Wedding Planner Last. Know when you switch hats”.

There were also valuable little tidbits about destination weddings and the real story behind the Joan Rivers scandal but you had to be there. Overall the learning experience was priceless and even though his manager came across as more of a sharpshooter for the CIA thus preventing me from getting a picture with David, I will still continue to be a faithfully loyal My Fair Wedding watcher til death do us part.

8May2010

Hello world!

Posted in Socialbfly About Town by socialbfly

(That was the default title WordPress assigned to our first blog and it worked…so we’re sticking with it.)

Hello World and welcome to our little piece of the blogosphere. Behind the Veil…Beyond the Vows is the new official blog for Socialbfly and in case this is the first time you’re hearing of us, Socialbfly is a special events and lifestyle marketing boutique geared to enhancing every aspect of our clients lives through three unique and trendsetting studios:

The Imaging Studio provides assistance to individuals and businesses looking to alter, enhance, or maintain any and all aspects of their lives. We work with a sassy lineup of indie stylists, motivational speakers, and designers to provide personal services, seminars and workshops that successfully enhance our clients’ definition of love, life, look and luxury
The Publicity Boutique specializes in providing premier marketing and publicity services for businesses, brands, and personalities anchored in arts, entertainment and womens health and beauty
The Event Design Studio is actually comprised of 4 Boutiques geared to our most popular client types: Charities and Small Businesses, Children, Girlfriends and Blushing Brides-to-be

We also host an annual calendar of events throughout NJ, and the surrounding areas, that are used to raise funds and awareness about charitable causes. Stay tuned because the “Behind the Veil…Beyond the Vows Bridal Expo” is in the works and we’d love to see you there.

For much more information on our services visit our website, http://www.socialbfly.com. In the meantime, stick around and see what the fuss is about as we explore all of the ins and outs of the wedding experience and beyond (Yes, there is life after marriage…lol). They’ll be a lot of housekeeping taking place in the weeks ahead so pardon our dust but we promise to keep you entertained in the meantime. We’ll be launching with a 26 week series on the ABCs of Wedding Planning very shortly as well as profiling our first feature vendor so make sure you don’t stay gone long.

Hello World! We’re Here!!!

Cheers!

A Special Events and Lifestyle Marketing Boutique