Kyoto Grand Hotel

I had lunch with a good friend yesterday at the beautiful Kyoto Grand Hotel and I must say if you're looking for an oasis in the middle of downtown Los Angeles this is it. The lush gardens makes you forget you're smack dab in the middle of high rises and traffic. The hotel's lobby has contemporary Asian flare and is beautiful as well.

If you're looking for host the wedding of your dreams we can help! Meet us at the Kyoto Grand Hotel and we'll make it happen.

Leaders of Tomorrow

I am the Social Networking Chair of National Black MBA Association Los Angeles Chapter. We have an awesome program for high school students called Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT). Today we celebrated these young folks with a reception and scholarships. I must commend the students, the parents and the facilitators of this program for their dedication and hard work. It's always rewarding to see our youth participate and do well with regards to their education, especially in today's society. Keep up the good work...I remember someone saying "I believe the children are our future" really it was George Benson (then later Whitney Houston), but still poignant. Right?

Pepperdine Black Alumni Council Launch

This evening I attended Pepperdine University's Black Alumni Council Launch (and also watched the Lakers whoop on Boston...just saying); anyway the event was held at the City Club on Bunker Hill in downtown Los Angeles. The event was absolutely terrific. I had the opportunity to meet some very progressive individuals (whom I wish to remain in contact with). The view was breathtaking and the food was delicious (I happen to love to eat so good food is always a plus). I simply forgot how beautiful downtown Los Angeles is (it's not all bad, trust me I've seen the transformation). If you would like an event that boasts breathtaking views and mouthwatering delicacies give us a call.

Memorial Day

So, I'm getting ready for the holiday weekend thinking about pool parties and bar-be-ques it dawned on me that I've lost sight of what the "holiday" is really about. So I'll pause (you should too) and recognize the soldiers that were on the front line, are on the front line and will be on the front line fighting for our freedom. So instead of thinking of Memorial Day as a three or four day weekend, let it be a time of remembrance, respect, recognition...then let's get our grub on at the BBQ. Holla!

So unpredictable. I haven't Tweeted, Facebooked, Blogged in over a month. Shameful! Well I'm back and ready to rule the world. Holla!

Champagne Taste

I know I said I would start off talking about Invitations, but I figured I'd better talk about the best...easiest...quickest way to reduce your wedding costs. CUT THE GUEST LIST!

Look! Bottom line, you want to share your wedding day with individuals who love you; those whom you (and your significant other) have a special bond with and who can be truly happy for you and some times that's not your 5th cousin on you Mama's Daddy's side. So why invite them? Merely becuase they're related? They'll probably sit through the whole event rolling their eyes, pointing out everything you did wrong and "If this was my wedding I would have done blah...blah....blah".

Let me be frank with you (even though my name is Monique...ba da bump) you're paying $85 for someone to sit at one of the happiest days of your life and criticize? And then give you a crappy gift? Pa-leez!

Go through your guest list and start eliminating people. Start with distant relatives that may not know your real name...you know the one's that only know you by "Pooh" and if they received something in the mail with your real name on it they would be like "Um, who is Karen Elizabeth Hopper?" Scratch them off of your list first.

Then eliminate ex-coworkers that you're no longer in contact with. You know the ones when you (or they) left you guys promised you'd keep in touch, but never did. Scratch them. You can tell them you got married the next time you run into them.

Scratch his ex's, your ex's...do I even need to explain this?

Okay, now here's where it gets touchy. I know your Mom is excited her baby is finally tying the knot so she's invited her bridge club, her BINGO friends, the butcher, her hair dresser, the lady who she waves "Hi" to when she takes her walks in the park...gently break it to your Mom that you wish for an intimate affair with close friends and relatives. She'll be a little heart broken, but she'll get over it...cuz her baby is finally gettin' married. BTW, this also goes for the mother of your significant other.

Finally, eliminate the individuals you weren't planning to invite or really didn't want to invite in the first place, but feel obligated to do so because the heard you were getting married and said "Girl, where's my invitation?" Scuse me? Weren't they just in the lunch room talking about you? You may want to explain to them that your wedding is an intimate affair with close friends and relatives.

Sometimes cutting as little as 15 guests can make a huge difference and save you plenty.

Champagne Taste

Do you have champagne taste, but a beer budget? When you go shopping do you usually fall in love with the most expensive item? How ‘bout when you go on a date you chose the most expensive item on the menu? So naturally you want a platinum wedding, but don’t quite have unlimited resources. Well that’s okay fashionista…I’m here to help.

In this series called “Champagne Taste” I’ll show you how to have a platinum event without breaking the bank. Now let me be honest with you because I believe in being upfront and honest with people (sometimes accused of being abrasive, but I’m working on that) there’s going to be a lot of work on your part. If you’re not willing to put in the work then….hmm….hire me {wink, wink}.

Stay tuned…I’ll start with INVITATIONS.