Sweet Harmony Brings Meaning and Enrichment to Your Wedding Day

Sweet Harmony’s team of talented live musicians are in the moment with you, on one of the most important days of your life.

Picture it – you’re taking your first steps down the aisle, surrounded by family and friends, with a beaming fiancé to meet you at the end. What do you hear in this moment? A gentle piano playing the chords to “A Thousand Years”? Perhaps “Canon in D” from a string quartet?

No matter your tastes or preferences, music plays an enormous role in your wedding and live musicians take your music to another level. That’s why Sweet Harmony views themselves as an integral part of your day, providing a meaningful soundtrack to one of the most important moments of your life.

• MORE: How to Write Your Own Wedding Vows

“It started in a humble and fun kind of way.” – Sweet Harmony 

What began as a meetup of musicians grew into something more. “I’m a pianist, and I met a violinist through some people we knew from church,” said Tara Bhrushundi, owner of Sweet Harmony. “We just started to play some music together and I thought, ‘Hey, this is fun. Let’s call ourselves Sweet Harmony and try playing for people’s weddings.’ It started in a humble and fun kind of way.”

As the group’s popularity grew, Tara began adding more musicians to her network. “A customer might say, ‘I’d like to try cello and piano instead of violin and piano.’ Or we’d have someone say ‘can we have a trio?’ Instead of saying ‘no, we can’t do that,’ we decided to branch out. That’s the principle of how the company has grown, and now we offer soloists, duos, trios and quartets, and even larger ensembles such as quintets or sextets.” 

“We need live music. It’s a part of our soul.” – Sweet Harmony 

Despite lighthearted beginnings, Tara’s drive speaks to a deeper mission. “We have a message and a service to provide, and that message is that live music is vital to society,” she said. “We see ourselves as more than an added touch. We need live music, it’s a part of our soul, even though in daily life it doesn’t always get noticed.”

“When you have the element of live players, there’s something warm and real,” Tara continued. “You have people that are in the moment with you, and you’ll feel that support. It’s something special, and a wedding deserves that.”  

“We work with couples to help them build their visions.” – Sweet Harmony 

Since Sweet Harmony offers a diverse range of ensemble options and musical styles, how do you decide what will work best for your day? “We work with couples to help them build their visions,” Tara said. “I love it when people are excited about live music and what it will bring to their wedding, and we love to make that happen for them.”

“One factor is going to be budget,” she said. As you add musicians, your rate will increase. Weather might be another consideration – if the couple has their heart set on an outdoor wedding in November, it might be a good idea to have instruments that aren’t sensitive to weather.”

Tara also suggests thinking about your style or theme. “Are you a more traditional or elegant type of person, or do you want to break the boundaries? There are different ways of doing that as far as instruments. You have your typical string ensembles, but if you mix it up and put a guitar in there, then you’re going to get a little more of a modern touch. We’ve also had a couple of recent requests for a sax/cello duo.”

“Variety is the thing.” – Sweet Harmony 

When it comes to song selection, couples are venturing into new territory. “Variety is the thing,” Tara commented. “People aren’t requesting the same songs. It’s getting more and more diverse, and we get new requests all the time.”

“I love it because our couples are creatives and resourceful, and we’re being introduced to music that we might not have known otherwise, “ she continued. “At one upcoming wedding, we’re going to play ‘All Night’ by Beyoncé. The song starts out with Beyoncé telling a story. When an artist is speaking words, there’s no melody to play, but we can improvise or create an arrangement that matches the rhythm of what’s being said. This makes the song recognizable and beautiful to the listener. It’s one of the adventures and the challenges of modern wedding music.”

• MORE: 10 Unique Rehearsal Dinner Ideas

“You have people that are creative and talented, and you can trust them.” – Sweet Harmony 

After many years and hundreds of weddings under her belt, Tara had some wise words of advice for brides of Long Island. “What you have on your wedding day is a lot of very hardworking and talented people that are doing their best for you,” she explained. “You can expect a level of excellence. You have people that are creative and smart, and you can trust them.” 

“These are people that have worked hundreds of weddings and special events, so we know what’s good for the event. Specifically when it comes to music, we know what parts of songs to play so that it will build nicely, we know how to time things, we know which songs will flow well together.”

“So, I would tell couples to relax and trust your vendor team.” 

• MORE: Ring Leader makes wedding planning easy

This article is sponsored by The Glenmar Studio, a Brides of Long Island Preferred Vendor!

Give your guests something “extra” to talk about! Here are 14 fun extras for your Long Island wedding. 

We all know everyone is excited to celebrate you and your fiancé on your big day. But wouldn’t it be cool to have something different and unique for people to see, try or do to celebrate you? From the bachelorette party to the after party, the Brides of Long Island has you covered with these amazing Preferred Vendors just waiting to celebrate with you. Here are 14 fun extras for your wedding.

Artful Biv
Looking for one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork to have at your wedding? Dana Biviano at Artful Biv is the one for you. From wooden signs to card boxes, mirrored seating charts and so much more, Dana is ready to make your custom artwork dreams come true.

Catherine Rose Studio
What better way to capture your wedding memories than on the canvas? Cat at Catherine Rose Studio will capture the laughter and love with her brush, creating a beautiful work of art that you will treasure forever.

Flohral Preservations
Transform your wedding bouquet into a statement piece with Flohral Preservations. Debbie’s custom creation will bring back those wonderful wedding memories each time you look at it.

• MORE: ‘It’s a Statement Piece.’ Flohral Preservation Will Turn Your Flowers Into a Work of Art

Camp No Counselors
Go back to summer camp, but add some adult activities. Think DJ, live bands, foam parties and so much more! And it’s all inclusive – including the adult beverages. This will be one weekend you won’t forget.

• MORE: Bring your Bachelorette Back to Summer Camp at Camp No Counselors

Don’t Toss the Bouquet
Keep those memories alive by preserving your bouquet! Or, create beautiful presents for your bridesmaids or parents by preserving their flowers. The possibilities are endless when it comes to Don’t Toss the Bouquet.

• MORE: Brighten Someone’s Day Thanks to This BOLI Preferred Vendor

Event Painting with Gina
From the big things to the minor details, Gina doesn’t leave anything out when she captures your wedding. She wants her work to bring all of those wonderful wedding day memories flooding back when you look at it years later. Having been a BOLI herself, she is in-tune with what brides are looking for.

By Brittany Branson
Brittany would be honored to make your memorable moments into meaningful masterpieces. She had a live painter at her own wedding, so she knows just how special having one at yours would be.

• MORE: By Brittany Branson Captures Your Day with Creativity and Passion

Village Cigar Headquarters
Since 2016, Village Cigar Headquarters has been dedicated to live rolling cigars at weddings around Long Island. Their wide knowledge and unparalleled quality of tobacco makes them the premier cigar rollers for your special day.

Calling All Guests
Out with the tired guestbook and in with the audio guestbook! With Calling All Guests, your loved ones get to call a hotline and leave you sweet, fun and sentimental messages to mark your special day.

Love + Leashes
Who doesn’t want their Best Fur Friend at their wedding!??! Love + Leashes will be there to care for your pup, making sure they’re picture-perfect and ready to be by your side. From the first look photos to your honeymoon, Love + Leashes will be your pup’s ‘plus one’ to the best day of your lives.

Illustrated by Leigha
Leigha is a fashion illustrator who fell in love with weddings, and now she wants to capture you and your guests! She can’t wait to sketch everyone celebrating the best day of your life.

Sitter Network (L&A Babysitting Inc.)
The team at Sitter Network is ready to assist you and your guests with childcare needs. They provide professional sitters either at your wedding venue or hotel, allowing the parents to kick back and celebrate without worry. 

Two Gems Collection
This permanent jewelry venture was born from two best friends who wanted to create meaningful moments together. Each piece of permanent jewelry is thoughtfully designed to symbolize love, friendship and the journey to ‘I do.’

Married and Painted LLC
Mar from Married and Painted can’t wait to paint your love story. Having a live wedding painting is an elegant addition to your wedding day, and will entertain your guests in a way they won’t forget.

All of the Brides of Long Island Preferred Vendors are here for you to create the most perfect wedding day. These 14 fun extras for your wedding are the perfect way to bring a unique experience that you and your guests will be talking about for years to come.

Narrow your choices down to bridal shower and rehearsal dinner locations in Suffolk County

There are so many restaurants and venues on Long Island that could host any of your wedding celebrations. But how can you tell which one will be the best for you? Well, look no further than some of  our favorite bridal shower, rehearsal and bachelorette locations for Long Island weddings. 

If you need to narrow it down a little further, why not check out these shower and rehearsal dinner locations in Suffolk County? From waterfront restaurants to intimate steakhouses, these BOLI preferred shower and rehearsal dinner locations in Suffolk County feature exceptional service and delicious cuisine.  

Post Office Café
Babylon
As part of the Lessing’s Hospitality Group, you know your event will be in good hands at Post Office Café. Thanks to their delicious fare and fun cocktails, this downtown Babylon venue could be the perfect place for your shower, rehearsal dinner or engagement party.

Sandbar
Cold Spring Harbor
Craving seafood? Head to Sandbar in the heart of Cold Spring Harbor. It features a “polished coastal-casual” ambiance that creates a sleek backdrop for elaborate American cuisine. Seasonal ingredients are featured alongside year-round edibles that are perfect for any wedding event.

Mirabelle Restaurant & Tavern
Stony Brook
Mirabelle Restaurant & Tavern is located in the heart of Stony Brook, and is part of BOLI Preferred Venue Estate at Three Village Inn. Enjoy your shower or engagement party overlooking Stony Brook Harbor, tasting their French bistro cuisine and American comfort food.

• MORE: The Estate at Three Village Inn Offers Unique Charm That’s Off the Beaten Path

View
Oakdale
View offers a refined yet relaxing setting with beautiful waterfront views and award-winning food. Host your intimate wedding event with a customized menu and breathtaking landscapes.

• MORE: Bridal Shower and Rehearsal Dinner Locations in Nassau County

Insignia
Smithtown
This steakhouse-turned-wedding venue can accommodate up to 300 guests. It offers indoor and outdoor spaces for any type of event, from rehearsal dinners to showers and more. Insignia combines the feel of a Hamptons-style mansion with an upscale Manhattan restaurant for a unique wedding vibe. Menus range from prime-aged steaks to fresh seafood and sushi.

Goldy’s Gems
Bay Shore
This timeless Bay Shore bar offers a cozy bar atmosphere with a killer house cocktail list. Goldy’s Gems brings people together to celebrate anything and everything – it’s the perfect space for intimate celebrations, showers, bachelorette parties or an after party you’ll never forget.

AR Workshop Patchogue
Patchogue
Why not get creative for your shower or bachelorette party? At AR Workshop in Patchogue, there is a broad selection of projects and designs to fit your décor style. Its relaxed atmosphere is the perfect place to celebrate your upcoming nuptials.

• MORE: Unique Bridal Shower or YOUR Long Island Bachelorette Party? Both – at AR Workshop Patchogue!

One10
Melville
This restaurant space is designed in a modern, chic style, with plenty of natural light and warm wooden flooring. In addition to hosting wedding celebrations, it also operates as an Italian steakhouse that can host your wedding events.

The Halston
Melville
The Halston features exciting cuisine, delicious wines and signature cocktails that are perfect for your shower, rehearsal dinner or any other wedding event. It features indoor and outdoor spaces for any time of year, with unique spots for photo opportunities.

• MORE: BOLI Preferred Venue Debuts Exciting Transformation to The Halston

Blackstone Steakhouse
Melville
The restaurant space offers a modern, chic style, with plenty of natural light and warm wooden flooring. Blackstone’s incredible décor sets the scene and mood for an unforgettable event, featuring warmly glowing chandeliers and fireplaces, as well as remarkable service.

Coastal Creative Studios
Huntington Bay
Coastal Creative Studios can be yours for wedding day prep, as an inspiring backdrop for your wedding photos or even for other events such as your bridal shower. It features stunning views of Huntington Harbor and is conveniently located across from Harbor Club at Prime.

• MORE: Elevate Your Wedding Day Preparations at Coastal Creative Studios

The Sofo Spoon
Islandia
The Sofo Spoon is a full-service private chef and event production company. Its team of chefs and hospitality professionals are passionate and are waiting to curate your vision for the perfect wedding event. Brides love their bachelorette weekend packages, bridal shower brunches and bridesmaid proposal dinners.

Verde Kitchen & Cocktails
Bay Shore
Located in vibrant downtown Bay Shore, Verde is the perfect place for lunch, happy hour, dinner, and all your special occasions! Verde Kitchen & Cocktails has been specializing in creative Mexican food and margaritas since 2014.

This article brought to you by Michael John Photography, a Brides of Long Island Preferred Vendor!

Say “yes” to the dress at one of our favoite bridal salons in Suffolk County

Choosing the right gown for your wedding day can seem like a monumental task. Even if you have a pretty good idea of what you want, sifting through the options and deciding on “the one” is a big job!

Luckily, Long Island is home to some incredible bridal salons that offer tons of options, expert staff, and luxurious accommodations that take your dress shopping experience to the next level. If you’re in Eastern Long Island, be sure to make your appointments at our favorite bridal salons in Suffolk County!

•  MORE: 6 Popular Wedding Dress Silhouettes — Which One Should You Choose?

The Bridal Salon at Huntington Village

Located in the heart of Huntington Village, The Bridal Salon at Huntington Village has a dedicated and professional staff with over 20 years combined experience. This full-service boutique offers a wide range of beautiful designer gowns in many different sizes and price ranges!

Bella Bridesmaids

Huntington, you’re in luck! The village is also home to Bella Bridesmaids, a boutique that makes sure your girls look as beautiful on your big day as you do. They carry over 600 bridesmaids dresses from 12 different designers, and also carry flower girl and mother’s dresses. 

• MORE: Polling Your Bridesmaids? Here’s Why You Should Do It

Blu Rayne Bridal Boutique

With their welcoming atmosphere and experienced stylists, Blu Rayne Bridal Boutique can make your bridal visions a reality. They offer a hands-on shopping experience, and their goal is for all Blu Rayne brides to feel like they’re at home.

 

Bridal Suite of Centereach

Owner Tracy understands that a happy bride is their best customer! At Bridal Suite of Centereach, they want your bridal experience to be filled with 21st Century knowledge and an old-fashioned twist. 

 

North Fork Bridal Shoppe

The staff at North Fork Bridal Shoppe wants your dress shopping experience to be relaxed and fun! Their boutique is decorated with lots of flowers, which they say is because flowers are like brides- they come in all shapes, sizes and colors, and they are all beautiful!

 

Kerianne Meehan New York

Kerianne Meehan is the founder, owner, and designer behind Kerianne Meehan New York. She specializes in custom, one-of-a-kind gowns for your wedding, and everything is handmade here on Long Island.

 

Burton’s Bridals

Brides of Long Island call Burton’s Bridals “a hidden gem.” This small. family-run boutique conducts one-on-one appointments to ensure that each brides gets their experienced staff’s full attention.

• MORE: 6 Things To Wear When Dress Shopping

Village Bridal

The recently-updated Village Bridal is now owned by Omnibus, a brand that has built and maintained a stellar reputation in women’s evening wear for over 30 years. They adore brides and strive to give each one the best experience possible. 

 

Ivory and Main

Ivory and Main is New York’s first exclusively plus size bridal gown boutique! Their focus is on assisting brides who are from sizes 12-32, but brides of any size can shop and find their dream gown — in a beautiful, stress-free environment. 

 

Bridal Suite of Bay Shore

Owner Gina DiGuardia along with new co-owner Andrea House lead a team of compassionate and driven bridal stylists. Their mission is to keep your dress shopping experience fresh, individualistic, fun, exciting, and welcoming. 

 

Simply White Bridal

Simply White Bridal is a bridal boutique founded by Eline Bertsch, a passionate individual with a rich background in the bridal industry. With experience in fashion design, merchandising, and production, Eline helps brides-to-be find their dream gowns with one-on-one appointments and custom styling. 

• MORE: Find even more salons on Ring Leader

In Brides of Long Island’s Monthly “Mrs.” series, we profile some of our members’ unforgettable weddings. This month, we spoke with Carol-Anne about how her experience in a wedding band helped to shape her wedding.

Carol-Anne and Rob met while playing in a wedding band, so when it came time for their own wedding, they knew exactly what they wanted – and what they didn’t want. Having insider knowledge helped the pair plan their perfect day.

A Surprise Proposal

When Carol-Anne and Rob played their first wedding together at The Mansion at Oyster Bay, a BOLI Preferred Vendor, little did they know that six years later they’d be saying their own ‘I dos’ at the very same venue. After the pair met in 2019, it took them a year before they started officially dating.

In August of 2023, Rob proposed to Carol-Anne at home with their two cats, and then surprised her with a celebratory lunch. “He flew my whole family in from Maryland when we got engaged,” said Carol-Anne.  “We were surrounded by both our families to celebrate right after he proposed, which was really great.”

An Insider’s Take

Having been in a wedding band for so many years, Carol-Anne and Rob knew exactly what they wanted for their own nuptials. “I pretty much knew all of the vendors we wanted,” said Carol-Anne. “I called them immediately to make sure I could get them.” 

The first call and most important aspect to the pair? The venue. “We love playing at the Mansion at Oyster Bay because they work so well with their vendors,” said Carol-Anne. “And they know how to throw a great wedding.” Carol-Anne also loved how beautiful the Mansion is inside. Since it would still be winter for their March 7, 2025 wedding, Carol-Anne wanted to make sure they had good photo opportunities throughout the entire venue.

• MORE: Best Wedding Venues in Nassau County

Keeping It Chill

Carol-Anne and Rob kept each other calm throughout planning and on their wedding day. “We were really trying to focus on the fact that we were getting married, and everything else was gravy,” said Carol-Anne. “At the end of the day, it didn’t matter if we were running late or the DJ played a song we didn’t like, what mattered was that we got married – and that was all that mattered.”

The pair made sure to hire a great DJ who kept the floor packed all night. “I know we were kind of tough customers,” said Carol-Anne. “But playing so many weddings, we were very particular about what we wanted in terms of music.” And the DJ delivered, bringing positive energy throughout their reception.

And with all of the planning, Rob managed to surprise Carol-Anne as they ate dinner. “Rob wrote and recorded a song for me ahead of our wedding day,” said Carol-Anne. “He gave it to the DJ, who played it during dinner. It was so special and sweet, and a complete surprise!”

• MORE: How to Be a Bridechilla for Your Bridesmaids

Making It Your Day

Despite knowing which vendors she wanted for her big day, Carol-Anne did call in reinforcements in the form of the Brides of Long Island Facebook group. She looked up a lot of reviews for things like hair, makeup and transportation. “I didn’t know much about those vendors, so I relied heavily on Brides of Long Island for help,” she said. She added that she also looked up reviews on vendors she had her heart set on, just to make sure other brides had good experiences.

In the end, Carol-Anne said her wedding day was amazing. “We’ve played at a lot of wedding venues across Long Island,” she said. “And at the end of the day, your wedding is what you make it – no matter where it’s held. If you vet your vendors, and you’re happy to be getting married – everything else is gravy.”

Vendors:
Venue: The Mansion at Oyster Bay,  BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photographer: Scott Bui Co
Videography: JL Films
DJ: 74 Events
Florist: Poppy Flowers
Hair/Makeup: Bridal Rush, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Officiant: Michele LaRosa/LI Officiant, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Photo Booth: Fresh Face Photobooths, a BOLI Preferred Vendor
Transportation: Camelot Limos
Coordinator: Hannah Newton Events
Dress Alterations: Bridal Alterations Studio by Kirstyn, a BOLI Preferred Vendor

The pair announced their engagement on Instagram

Swifties, rejoice! 14-time Grammy winner Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce announced their long-awaited engagement on August 26th.

“Your english teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” Swift and Kelce said in a collaborative Instagram post featuring pictures of the couple, as well as a close up of the ring.

According to People, Kelce, 35, worked with designer Kindred Lubeck and Artifex Fine Jewlery to design Swift’s ring. Boasting a rectangular Old Mine Brilliant Cut diamond, the stunning piece features antique references.

• MORE: 8 Popular Diamond Shapes — Which One Should You Choose?

Swift, 35, began dating Kelce in 2023, going public with their relationship at a Saturday Night Live afterparty. During her appearance on the New Heights podcast, Swift detailed Kelce’s courtship efforts, which included gifting the singer a friendship bracelet with his number on it.

“[It’s like] he was standing outside of my window with a boombox saying, ‘I want to date you! Do you want to go on a date with me? I made you a friendship bracelet! Do you want to date me?’

For their engagement shoot, the “Anti-Hero” singer wore a Polo Ralph Lauren halter dress accented with gold jewelry, sandal heels, and a nude-colored manicure.  

• MORE: Hey, Taylor! We’ve have a major wedding planning tip for you 🙂

This article brought to you by Absolute Entertainment, a BOLI Preferred Vendor!

 

These tips will help you write your own unique and special wedding vows.

If you’re looking to bring more of you and your spouse into your wedding ceremony, you might want to consider writing your own wedding vows. While that might seem like a daunting task with all of the wedding planning you have going on, Brides of Long Island has you covered with some tips on how to write your own wedding vows.

Reflect on Your Relationship

Think back over the course of your relationship. Pick a few highlights, maybe a trip you took or even some milestones like buying a house or getting a dog. You could even mention a not-so-great moment and how you got through it together, which shows the strength of your love. 

Focus on the future

If reflecting on the past is too much, focus on your future. List the things you hope to do in your marriage – start a family, travel, move, etc. – and focus on how you’ll be there by each other’s sides through it all.

MORE: The 7 Most Common Questions About Wedding Ceremonies

Borrow From Others

Have you been to any weddings where you thought the vows were great? Reach out and see if they have suggestions on how to put your vows together.

Seek Advice

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Ask some friends or family members for pointers or even special moments they may have shared with you and your future spouse. When in doubt, Google some ideas. Better yet, turn to your BOLI community for suggestions!

Time It Out

Once you have something written, time it out. Remember, longer isn’t always better. You could lose your audience pretty quickly if it’s too long. So grab your timer and speak as if you were saying your vows. And don’t rush either!

Agree on Tone

Speak with your future spouse on the tone of your vows. You don’t want to write something funny and then have them speak from the heart. Set the tone together. And if one of you wants funny and the other wants heartfelt – agree to settle on something in between.

MORE: How to Write a Wedding Day Letter to Your New Spouse

Consider Your Audience

Of course you’ll have inside jokes, and you’ll want to speak from the heart. Just keep your audience in mind. If you have a rowdy bunch, consider mentioning some funny moments with them. If you have a more serious crowd, stick to the basics. This also ties into the tone you choose, as well as how long you want to speak.

How Emotional Will You Get?

You may have written the best, most heartfelt wedding vows. But will you be able to read them not just to your fiancé, but in front of an audience? Will you get emotional? Will you be able to get through them all? Keep this all in mind as you write your vows, and adjust as needed as you practice.

MORE: I’m a Shy Bride – How Do I Handle Being the Center of Attention?

If you and your fiancé want to write your own vows, don’t wait until the last minute. While you don’t have to write them together, take the time separately to practice – especially if you get nervous speaking in front of people. But remember, the vows should reflect you, your future spouse and the life you will build together as you start your next chapter.

Bridal Rush received the Heart and Hustle award, and Red Letter Day Invitations and Design received the BOLI Certificate of Excellence

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again — the 2025 BOLI Summer Soirée would not have been possible without the efforts of an incredible group of wedding pros.

All of our vendors go above and beyond not only for our event, but for each and every one of their clients. This year, Brides of Long Island recognized two truly outstanding members of our vendor community with special awards presented at the Soirée. 

• MORE: Meet the Vendors of the 2025 BOLI Summer Soirée 

Jessica Ciofrone, owner of BOLI Preferred Vendor Bridal Rush, received the Heart and Hustle Award. “This award is given to someone who truly embodies passion, dedication, and heart in everything they do,” said BOLI founder Heather Cunningham. “It celebrates not only hard work, but also the genuine love and care that goes into building a business and uplifting everyone around them.”

“Jess is unbelievably involved in every aspect of her business,” Heather continued. “She puts her clients first, supports her team every step of the way, and leads with authenticity and integrity. From the very first day I met her, I’ve looked up to her. She is one of the most genuine people I know, and her passion inspires everyone around her.”

“The Heart and Hustle Award was a surprise to me,” said Jessica. “it made me feel like my efforts and hard work have not gone unnoticed and that is such a gift to me in this season of my life. The Brides of Long Island is so special to me because whether it is reviews, or an award voted on by brides, or an award like this from the team behind BOLI, everything is based on the perspective and opinions of real people. If they can say I have done a good job showing how much ‘heart and hustle’ I put into this business, then I feel I have received the greatest compliment I can.”

• MORE: Bridal Rush Delivers More Than Just Your Wedding Day Glam 

Elliott Markowitz, Creative Director of BOLI Preferred Vendor Red Letter Day Invitations and Design, received this year’s BOLI Certificate of Excellence. 

“Elliot doesn’t just make invitations, he crafts experiences,” said Heather. “He sits with his clients, listens to their vision, their quirks, their love stories and then somehow, always manages to deliver something not just beautiful, but better than they ever imagined.”

“But what makes Elliott truly special is what he does when no one’s watching,” she continued. “He has been an invaluable part of BOLI behind the scenes for years offering support, sharing ideas, solving problems, and bringing a spark of creativity to everything we do. Whether it’s a new concept for an event, a clever twist on tradition, or just a well-timed joke when we need one most, Elliott always shows up with heart, with laughter, and with purpose.”

“We are truly honored to be recognized by The Brides of Long Island with this year’s BOLI Certificate of Excellence,” Elliott responded. “The Brides of Long Island organization has made a remarkable impact on the Long Island wedding scene, and we are beyond proud to be part of a community guided by such an influential group of wedding experts. We look forward to continuing to deliver some of the most beautiful wedding invitations our clients have ever seen!”

The Brides of Long Island is grateful for these amazing wedding professionals, and we look forward to watching them work their magic for our community.

• MORE: Ring Leader makes wedding planning easy.

Don’t go crazy thinking up favors for guests, these alternatives could be a big hit.

You have everything planned perfectly for your wedding day – flowers, music, venue, food, etc. But what about wedding favors? You might be wracking your brain trying to think of something unique that your guests won’t throw out. Did you know you could skip the favors altogether? Here are seven best alternatives for favors that could leave your guests impressed.

Something Edible

Think cookies or hot pretzels on the way out. Or maybe have a food truck outside offering snacks, fast food or even just a cold bottle of water for the ride home. Everyone loves a good snack after a great wedding. And you know your guests won’t leave hungry.

Mini Succulents

If you have a green thumb, gifting your guests with mini plants like succulents could be a great alternative for traditional matchboxes.

MORE: 5 Unique Party Favors Your Guests Will LOVE

Hangover Kits

It doesn’t necessarily have to be a hangover kit, but maybe just some things like ibuprofen, water, chips, etc. People work up a sweat on the dance floor and would probably love some relief.

Gift Cards

If you and your future spouse have a favorite restaurant or store, why not take the money you’d spend on favors, and buy gift cards to that place? It doesn’t have to be a lot, maybe $5. It’s really the thought that counts. And include a little note about why that place is special to you two.

Recipe Cards

This one is fun! If you have a favorite recipe or two or three, have them printed on fun cards and leave them for guests. They can all be the same, or perhaps different ones. You can even encourage people to take photos and share with their tablemates.

MORE: Fun Extras for Your Wedding

Photo Booth Magnets

If you have a photo booth, see if there is a magnet or bookmark option. This is a fun twist on a classic, and something that people may actually use when they get home, as opposed to tossing the photos that get printed.

A Handwritten Note

A handwritten note from you and your husband could go a long way. Just a simple “thank you for joining us, we hope you’re having fun,” can go a long way.

MORE: 9 Wedding DIY Ideas That Any BOLI Can Tackle

When it comes to favors, the sky is the limit. While it used to be traditional, guests aren’t necessarily looking for favors – or judging you based on what you did or didn’t put out. The key to remember is try to think of something that is unique and special to you and your future spouse. 

 

They make sure everything runs flawlessly, but for a price. Should you hire a day-of coordinator?

We know you’ve heard it from past brides — you’ll be so busy with hair, makeup, pictures, and finally walking the aisle that you’ll have no time to play traffic cop. If you’re planning on meeting with your vendors, helping with setup, or directing your guests where to go…think again, BOLI. 

So who will be there to make sure everything goes according to plan? Well, you could entrust the tasks of the day to a friend or family member, but that could interfere with their enjoyment of your wedding. Cue the day-of coordinator.

• MORE: The Best Long Island Wedding Planners and Coordinators

What are day-of coordinators?

Day-of coordinators are wedding pros that come in on — you guessed it — the day of your wedding to ensure that everything works together seamlessly. They’ll keep your vendors (and your bridal party) on the right timeline, handle any last-minute emergencies, and help set up personal decor items. They can also help direct guests to the appropriate places, or even run small errands for you when needed.

 

What’s the difference between a wedding planner and a day-of coordinator?

Wedding planners join your vendor team at the very beginning, months or years before the big day. They help you determine your vision, choose the right venue, and even hire other vendors. Most of their work is done in advance of your wedding.  

While you’ll want to hire a day-of coordinator before the big day, they’ll do most of their job during the actual wedding. They make sure all the plans you’ve put into place are carried out correctly and according to your timeline. They usher guests in the right direction, communicate with your vendors, and ensure that everything is where it needs to be when it needs to be there.

Many wedding planners can and often do work as day-of coordinators as well. So if you’ve hired a wedding planner, chances are they’ll have day-of coordinator packages available. 

• MORE: 6 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Wedding Planner

When should you hire a day-of coordinator?

Having a day-of coordinator at the helm of your wedding may seem like a no-brainer. Who wouldn’t want a point person in charge so you can sit back, relax, and trust that everything will run according to plan?

Really, the only reason to skip a day-of coordinator would be due to your budget. Like any other vendor you’d hire, day-of coordinators come with a price tag — and depending on the coordinators experience or years in the industry, that price tag can be pretty high.

You may also choose to forgo a day-of coordinator if you’re getting married at “typical” wedding venue, as they often have maître d’s on staff that take care a lot of the same tasks that a day-of coordinator would handle. 

Day-of coordinators can come in clutch if you’ve planned a DIY wedding, or are getting married at a non-typical venue. In these scenarios, you’ll definitely need someone in charge of the show (and again, that can’t be you!)

Where to find day-of coordinators

If you’re on the hunt for one of the best wedding planners and day-of coordinators on Long Island, check out BOLI’s Preferred Vendors! Your day is in amazing hands with one of these well-established and respected pros.

• MORE: Find day-of coordinators and more on Ring Leader