Wedding Registry

Wedding reluctant, need a day off from planning, or simply looking for a little inspiration, this registry event hosted by Crate and Barrel may be just what you need.

The store is closed to the public, for couples to enjoy music, mimosas and more. Get table design ideas, registry advice, excellent customer service in an extremely civilized setting. It means setting the alarm on a Sunday morning, but it's worth it. This is an good opportunity to include the grooms.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Ever since I planned a dear friend's bridal shower years ago, using a "she's kissed a lot of frogs, now she's met her prince" concept, I've been able to sniff out crown wearing frogs from a mile away. I have a bad habit of buying cards I love but then not sending them. When I found this set of precious valentines (it was a set of four: a unicorn, a castle and a princess) I could not resist buying them, but promised myself they would all be sent. Mission accomplished, perhaps I am turning over a new leaf. Hope your day is filled with love and chocolate! xoxo

Save the Date

I was thrilled to get this save the date in the mail for this very special couple. I am so happy when couples not only take my advice but get great feedback as a result. I can't elaborate more because I don't want to risk ruining the surprise they have in store for their guests.

Kid's Activity Book

I recently sent a bride her Kid's Activity Book, a great tool to occupy young children at the reception. I love to tailor the book to the couple using their colors and any special ideas they are incorporating into their wedding as a guide. In this case, I exchanged the wedding cake for pie. The bride and her family loved the book, but she asked if I could change the photo of the officiant from a man to a woman. I did not think I would find a cartoon this specific, but, I did!

Big thanks to Dianne and Courtney of One Source Worldwide, Inc. for hosting and organizing an excellent day! They arranged tours of great venues in Manhattan for a group of event planners. We started at the new and very swanky Lucky Strikes Lanes and Lounge. This new bowling "alley" is a great destination for a Friday night with friends or perfect for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

Next stop: lunch at Etcetera, Etcetera. We were treated to a delicious meal. We sampled roasted Atlantic salmon with a pistachio crust, parma prosciutto and parmigiano stuffed chicken breast and vegetable risotto. The dessert made me to oooooh out loud. The meal was delicious. The service was warm, welcoming and efficient. The private room upstairs was beautiful, it's a pre-theather treasure. I recommend this venue to those hosting rehearsal dinners, bridal luncheons, birthday parties, business functions and more. I look forward to trying their sister property Vice Versa on 51st Street.

Urban Ride chauffeured us around all day in a comfortable van.

Then we went to the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum.
This was a first for me, they closed for two years and have now reopened stronger than ever. This is a great family day activity; interesting and educational. It's huge, and they are fully equipped to handle events of any size. I look forward to returning with my next young and curious visitor.

After a quick walk through of the IAC Building, pictured above, and designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry we were welcomed at City Winery. This large, woody but beautiful space marries wine and music. The stage houses bands and since the owner ran the Knitting Factory, the acts on stage will be worth the trip. If by some chance the music sucks, you can drowned your sorrows in one of 300 bottles of wine they hope to offer very soon. They have a partnership with my beloved Murray's Cheese who will move their cheese classes to this new home. Private dinner in a barrel room or where the wine is being made, of course: no problem.
You can also buy a private barrel for $5000, this promises you 250 bottles of wine, the perfect gift for the couple who has everything or or a bride and groom looking to serve something special to their guests at their wedding. After selecting the grapes, the process takes about one year. Clearly, I was impressed with this place and plan to return to this Soho newby again. They opened on New Year's Eve.

is the largest business networking organization in the world. It offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals. There are 47 chapters in Manhattan. Each chapter is limited to one professional from each industry, so I would never be in competition with another event planner. I have resisted joining thus far, but am thrilled to visit or to be asked to substitute for member who is planning an absence. This organization was significant as I started structuring my company. The 7am (eeek!) weekly breakfast meeting requires members to stand and share their 30-60 second commercial. Subbing at Chapter 16 the past two weeks really helped me shape my pitch/voice. I am ready to meet Trump in an elevator! This is what I would say, here is what sets me apart from other event planners in New York and what I am looking for:

"Good Morning Everyone.

My name is Tammy Golson, I am an event planner and my company is Tammy Golson Events.

We plan Weddings, Destination Events, Private Parties and Corporate Functions.

We are passionate about planning events and deliver the most personalized service!

A great referral for us is a newly engaged couple, successful professionals who are too busy or overwhelmed with the planning process but want to celebrate or acknowledge their milestone in a thoughtful, personal and creative way.

Tammy Golson, Tammy Golson Events

For your next event planned with style and grace, please remember this face."

I have visited or subbed at only three chapters, 44 to go and have met AMAZING people already. Thanks to those who have welcomed to their meetings and if you need a sub, please keep me in mind.

Take the cake....plate

I recently inherited a beautiful sterling silver cake stand. The bride from my last wedding generously gave me this $300 piece. I truly want to put it to excellent use. Need a cake stand? Let me know. It's very large, heavy but yours to use, if you'd like it.

Bravo!

Not only does City Harvest make it easy for volunteers to volunteer, with weekly e-mail updates. It is fun! Since May, I have worked at the Green Markets in Union Square rescuing food for the organization to redistribute to hungry New Yorkers. I collected food from vendors at the end of the Food Show at Jacob Javits Center and my best event was helping to facilitate the Bravo Top Chef event at Vanderbilt Hall in historic Grand Central Station. It was great, it featured delicious tastes of all five boroughs. Chefs from last season's Top Chef gave demonstration and season 5 chefs were introduced to New Yorkers. It was a great celebrity spotting, culinary celebration. Best of luck contestants!

Twit?

I am trying.... it's not as natural as facebook but perhaps with time.

What is twitter? Twitter is a real-time short messaging service that works over multiple networks and devices. You can follow me, and see what I am doing all day, every day.

FAQs

The Knot.com recommends brides and grooms ask these questions when interviewing prospective planners or coordinators. I've answer the questions here.

Strongly consider handing the planning baton to a wedding consultant if a) neither you nor your families have time to plan your wedding; b) neither you nor your families have any desire to plan your wedding; c) you're planning a wedding out of town; or d) you simply prefer -- and can afford -- professional help. They'll do the legwork, hire vendors, negotiate contracts, and may even cut you some money-saving deals.

1. Will the consultant commit to your budget and not push you in the direction of things you simply can't afford?

Absolutely, I will respect your budget and will work hard to keep your costs in line. Though it is very common for couples to under estimate how much they will spend planning their wedding. Often one element is overlooked initially. With that in mind, plan to spend at least 15% more than your original budget.

2. Will the consultant devise a master plan mapping out all the little details, from announcement to zebra-striped décor?

Yes, I will build you a very specific day of timeline that often includes activities on the days leading up to your wedding. We will review it and then I will make sure all the vendors have a copy of this to make sure everyone is on the same page and ensuring that all of your expectations are fulfilled. I love carrying out original ideas for décor and as long as you can convince me of the significance of a zebra to you and your fiancé, let’s do it!

3. Can the consultant name the best and most original locations in your area (that would be suitable to your wedding size, style, and budget)?

In New York, we are fortunate to have a surplus of amazing venues and I am lucky to have planned events at a wide variety of beautiful, interesting, original and different locations in New York. I have worked at hotels, private clubs, castles, loft spaces, homes, backyards and restaurants. Selecting an appropriate venue is one of the most important initial decisions. It sets the stage for your wedding. I will make recommendation based on venues I am familiar with or search specifically for a venue that fits your wedding, personality and budget perfectly.
There are interesting, special and unique venues all over the world. Should your event be a hometown celebration or a destination wedding, I’d welcome the opportunity to find you a great place to host the festivities.

4. Is the consultant familiar with the best florists, photographers, caterers, bands, and DJs in your price range? Can she explain their strong points to you briefly?

The list of preferred vendors I have built is excellent. I have selected a few vendors in each category; they are all remarkably talented, professional and trustworthy. They have different styles and personalities, I’d love to walk you through the list and tell you a little bit about each vendor.

5. Can the consultant score you some discounts with any vendors?

I will do my best to negotiate the best rates for the services delivered. The vendors I work with are excellent and depending on the day and time of year of your wedding, discounts may be extended.

6. Will the consultant read over the vendor contracts for you? What are some common traps to look out for?

I always ask for copies of all vendor contracts. I like to review all the specifics and the terms offered, payments schedules, arrival times, date, attire, number people attending, what they will need, etc. Having access to this information, first hand better prepares me to do my job and assures that you get the services you want.

7. Can the consultant create a timeline that tells everyone involved in the planning process -- vendors, members of the wedding party, bride/groom, and families -- what to do and when to do it? How will she/he make sure that everyone sticks to the schedule?

I do create a very detailed timeline; it is distributed to vendors a few days before your wedding. I will confirm receipt of this with the vendors in advance. We will review this with you venue/caterer in person. I will be at the rehearsal to talk to your family and bridal party and I will follow up with everyone on the day of so everyone knows when they need to be where. I am in constant communication with venue manager, catering manager, band director or DJ and will remind individuals of speeches and other events in advance.

8. Will the consultant handle the invitations, from wording and ordering to the addressing and mailing?

I am happy to be as involved in your wedding planning as you’d like me to be. I love beautiful paper! I have wonderful vendors who design and print beautiful, creative and original invitations. I would love to go to the meetings with you and weigh in on your decisions as necessary.

9. Can the consultant counsel you on etiquette matters and alert you to hot trends on the wedding horizon?

Of course, you can run anything by me, and if I don’t have the answer for you on the spot, I’ll tap into my resources and find the answer. While hot trends are not as important as what you really want for your wedding, I am thrilled to introduce you to fresh wedding planning ideas. Implementing new and original elements into the process makes my already great job even more enjoyable. I never want to plan the same wedding twice!

10. Will the consultant coordinate delivery, arrival, and setup times with photographer, florist, musicians, caterer/banquet manager, et al?

Yes, yes and yes. I confirm with all vendors by telephone on the week of your wedding and my day of schedule is very specific noting vendor arrivals and deliveries.

11. For the day of the wedding, will the consultant be willing to oversee the entire event by supervising vendors, troubleshooting emergencies, and soothing nerves? Can she share any anecdotes that required performing above and beyond the call of duty?

Things will undoubtedly come up, but my team will be prepared on the day of to put out fires or smooth out any situations, should they arise. We are equipped with the necessary tools to hide straps, freshen breath, calm nerves, entertain children, affix runners, …you get the idea. Personally, I have lent/given bridesmaids the earrings (from my ears), tampons and hairspray. I have changed diapers, held dresses while brides go to the bathroom, and cut off guests who have had enough to drink.

12. Will the consultant be willing to step in as your advocate, conveying your visions and desires to vendors when you don't feel up to the task?

Yes, that’s a key element of my job, especially on the day of your wedding or those days leading up to your wedding. Some people find it difficult to communicate their ideas to the vendors or don’t want to risk hurting their feelings when they don’t like a concept or design. Let me be the bad cop, so to speak. I have a relationship with the vendors and can explain what you like and what you’d like even more. We all want you to have the day you have envisioned. The more feedback the vendors and I have, the greater the chance we have at achieving this successfully.

13. Will the consultant help plan and book your honeymoon?

I’d be happy to! I recently added two gorgeous and informational travel books to my collection, The Leading Hotels of the World Every Quest Has a Beginning www.lhw.com, and Valerie Wilson’s World The Top Hotels and Resorts. I encourage clients to peruse these for inspiration.

25 Random things about me

This application is currently traveling around facebook.
Thought I'd share mine here.


1. I used to be envious of and intrigued by people who loved their jobs, now I am happy to be one of them.

2. I absolutely love the technology that allows me to “play train” with Andrew in Kalamazoo, watch Cambelle do gymnastics in Waukesha and have face time with Ellen in Osceola all in the same day from the comfort of my living room on the upper east side. Seriously, what’s next?

3. I am 5’11 in socks. I was always the tallest in my class, but I still look up to my friends.

4. I love sunsets, birthday cake remix, sand between my toes, grilling out, Indian food, BYOB restaurants, pedicures, a bargain, Target, Fairway, warm days after it’s been very cold, lilacs, Aveda, Molton Brown, stuffing from inside the turkey, and strong blue cheese.

5. I wish I had a faster metabolism.

6. My bedroom is not as organized as my events are.

7. I love going out. I love coming home.

8. I get my haircut by a man named Dominic at a barbershop in the east village. One time, when he was finished he told me I looked like a movie star. I am still hanging on to that.

9. Until I moved into this apartment- over three years ago, I did not have a dishwasher, wireless Internet or DVR. Now, I will never live without a dishwasher, wireless Internet or DVR.

10. I am committed to building a successful business, but more than anything, I look forward to finding someone to share my life with, having children and building wonderful traditions with my family. Until then, I will embrace my new role of sister in-law beginning October 23.

11. I want to go to India, South Africa, Napa, New Orleans, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Thailand, Japan, Australia, Fiji and New Zealand.

12. I used to cook meals for 100 people many times every week and now when I cook for one I feel like I have accomplished something significant.

13. Winter Carnival in Quebec City was one of the coldest but most amazing weekend trips I have ever taken. Walking along the cobblestone streets was like a Christmas card or a snow globe come alive. Drinking cocktails from glasses carved out of ice at the ice hotel was cool!

14. When shopping for domains, I bought simply www.tammygolson.com because I am inspired by individuals like Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray and Katie Brown, and in the years to come, should I choose to grow my brand, I’ll be prepared.

15. Lucky was my all time favorite dog. I am allergic to peanut butter and cats, but I once had a miracle cat that I was not allergic to. When my roommate, who owned the cat, moved out I missed the cat more than the roommate. (I feel the need to add that-I am NOT a cat person!)

16. My bar: St. Andrews is CLOSING (okay relocating) but I am still sad because it has been a constant in my life for the last 10 years. Most of my out of town visitors, local friends and family members have been there. The new location is only two blocks away but it will not house the amazing memories made inside the four walls on 44th Street.

17. In addition to passionately planning weddings, events, showers and children’s birthday parties; I love destination events, designing invitations, making goodies bags, setting pretty tables, decorating miniature cupcakes and carrying out a theme in a tasteful manner.

18. I don’t like and won’t eat maple syrup, sauerkraut, beets and ketchup. Everything else is fair game.

19. I have eaten sheep’s intestines and snake congee but snowboarding and trapeze school scared the c*&! out of me.

20. I wear my heart on my sleeve.

21. I love taking and posing for pictures, I would love a “big” camera some day- the click is seductive.

22. I wish I were more motivated to exercise and could move Manhattan closer to the Midwest.

23. My annual tree trimming party is one of my favorite days of the year.

24. I am a total klutz. I have broken an arm, dislodged teeth, skinned numerous knees, ripped countless pairs of pants and embarrassed myself on dates due to my lack of coordination.

25. After living in Scotland for a year, I spent a few months in Wisconsin before moving to New York. When I arrived in NY and started unpacking, I found a yellow post-it note in each box that read “Love, Dad”.