Couture to Cocktails: inside a night with The Knot and Tim Gunn
What can make Bridal Fashion Week even more of an affair to remember? A spectacular after party with The Knot, of course. We sat down with resident Crate and Barrel Wedding Registry Expert Sarah Bratholt to talk about our recent Couture to Cocktails Private Registry Event, including style tips from special guest Tim Gunn of Project Runway.
What did you love about working with The Knot?
The Knot has a pulse on all things wedding and are a go-to for advice, especially surrounding wedding fashion. Their expertise and all-access pass into spring Bridal Fashion Week gave us an idea to create the fashion “after party” with a private registry event twist. In partnership with the inspirational Knot editorial team, we curated the top fashion looks and paired them with our favorite Crate and Barrel product picks for the ultimate in wedding inspiration.
Tim Gunn of Project Runway made a special appearance at the event. What was your favorite piece of advice from him?
The fashion and style advice that Tim gave that has stuck with me is, “The key to getting fashion right has to do with proportion, silhouette and fit.” Great advice that we can all appreciate regardless of the outfit or occasion. Tim also noted that as a frequent wedding guest himself who wishes to purchase a gift, “Everyone should register!” Trust us, your guests want to give you a gift that you will enjoy for years to come.
You featured three wedding styles at the event. How did you decide on which ones to pick? Can you talk a little about each one?
Obviously it was hard to pick just three styles, but we did our best to pull the top fashion and product trends to create three that we felt would resonant with our couples. We started with fashion and then layered on the tablescape and bar carts. We even matched a signature cocktail and hors d'oeuvres for guests to fully experience the style personas.
The Minimalist
This couple likes simple and clean lines with a subtle pop of color. But don’t confuse “simple” with boring. Sophisticated details are what really brings this look together, like buttons following the full length of a dress train or a modern tux with a fun color tie. On the table, pairing square and round dinnerware for visual interest and beautiful flatware in a non-traditional place setting take this look up a notch.
The Naturalist
Just as the name implies, this look takes it’s cue from color, shapes and textures found in nature. This couple loves to mix and match, pairing a wood server with organic shaped stoneware dinnerware. Florals really bring this look together with loose bouquets and centerpieces that include blooms, such as peonies, proteas, roses, thistle, eucalyptus, air plants and scabiosas.
The Romantic
A classic and timeless look with a hint of modern trend. Our romantic couple loves the idea of a ballroom wedding with soft touches like a tulle wedding dress skirt. You also can’t go wrong with a crisp black and white tux. Their tablescape pairs elegant white dinnerware with the finest accessories – rose gold flatware and a champagne coupe.
How many couples attended the event?
We had over 700 people come out for “Couture to Cocktails.” Between creating their registries, taking in fashion at every step, entering for a chance to win the giveaway (more on that later, and, of course, sips and snacks it was a very full night.
What were three of your favorite things from the event?
First, we were fortunate to partner with Maggie Sottero and Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa to give away a wedding dress and luxury resort stay in Puerto Rico. The winners were elated and couldn’t wait to claim their prizes. Congrats again!
Second, while Maggie Sottero gowns, Nina shoes and Ariel Jennifer Taub veils adorned the first floor, when guests headed upstairs they were greeted with even more fashion from Rent the Runway and our Blushington make-up styling and floral braid bar. Guests made floral selections based on the style persona that resonated with them the most and Marie-Lou & D stylists added a braid for a special touch.
Third, our gentlemen guests were also in for a treat when they discovered our bourbon tasting bar with New York’s oldest whiskey distillery, Kings County Distillery Our friends at The Black Tux rounded out the groom’s lounge with black, navy and white tux’s to suit everyone’s style.
What’s a great piece of registry advice for couples?
Check your wedding registry list early and often. We often see wedding guests disappointed at trying to buy a couple a gift only to be left with a few things on the list to choose from. They are counting on the list to guide them in getting you a gift you will cherish. Help them out by keeping your list full of ideas.
