{Coming to New York} for Vera Wang

So you've decided that the perfect dress for you is one of Vera Wang's timeless, elegant gowns. But for a gown this special there is a process that goes along with it! First, you must go to the Vera Wang Flagship Store at 991 Madison Avenue, to choose the perfect dress for you. Then there is a series of 3 fittings to custom tailor the gown for you. Make sure you make your first trip there at least 8-10 months before your big day, because these gowns take 4-6 months to make! 

If you're going to be coming in to New York, for your first Vera Wang trip, we recommend staying at The Carlyle. It is near the Vera Wang Flagship Store, and is a great way to experience NYC in style! This hotel has been host to dignitaries and celebrities from around the world, and is in one of the most exclusive and upscale neighborhoods in the city. This was the first and only New York hotel we suggested when planning one of the Dalai Lama's first tours of the United States. 

When you book at The Carlyle Hotel with Classic Travel & Virtuoso, you will receive an upgrade upon arrival (subject to availablity), $80 of breakfast credit that can be used via room service or in the hotel's restaurant, complimentary high speed internet access, a welcome amenity, and an addition $50 food or beverage credit, to be used once during your stay. Leave it to our friend Maureen Stella, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Carlyle to see to it that your stay is nothing but luxurious and relaxing as you start your preparations for your wedding!

If you are planning on actually having a destination wedding in NYC, now is the perfect time to go to different venues and sample menus, and learn more about their wedding packages! Here are our top 3 picks for wedding venues that any New York City bride needs to see!

The Carlyle - As mentioned before this is one of the most luxurious and beautiful hotels in the city! They offer many different sized halls for special events, with great menus & amenities.

The Plaza Hotel - This well known and world renowned hotel is the perfect place for a classic elegant wedding. It is right across from Central Park, which is a great spot for wedding photos!

The St. Regis Hotel - This amazing, extravagant hotel is the top in luxury. Boasting 16 different event spaces, you are sure to find the one that is perfect for your dream wedding. 

For information about any of the hotels mentioned, please contact Jerry Hirshon at 212-404-6777 or jerry@classictravel.com.

Gramercy Park Hotel: Luxurious Wedding Package!

The Gramercy Park hotel is amazing to begin with. It is located on New York City's only private park, and features beautiful, luxurious custom designed furniture. Off the lobby are Rose Bar and Jade Bar, two of New York's most glamorous and unique cocktail lounges. The timeless Private Roof Club and Garden serves Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, and offers a unique and beautiful view of the city. All guests of the hotel receive keyed access to Gramercy Park (something any resident of NYC would vie for!)

Now imagine all that and more as part of an all inclusive wedding package. Leave all the details of your wedding to our friend Jennifer Kane, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Gramercy Park Hotel. As part of the package you receive a private wedding ceremony and reception at the exclusive Private Roof Club and Garden (with a minimum of 50 people.) Gramercy Park Hotel will provide all of your wedding consultation and planning, including floral design, decor, lighting, menus and even custom invitations by the Ian Schrager Design and Marketing Team. They will provide a champagne reception, and an open bar! Music at the reception will be provided by the creative director of the Rose Bar. They will even give you a custom keepsake iPod loaded with music from your wedding! You will get access to Gramercy Park for photographs of the wedding party, and a picnic lunch for bride and groom to enjoy in the park. The newlyweds will receive complimentary overnight accomodations in one of Gramercy Park Hotel's luxurious and extraordinary suites. The hotel looks after every detail, going so far as to provide one dozen long stemmed roses in your suite! Of course, you will get to have a romantic breakfast in bed & late check out! All this and no worry starts at $50,000. For more information on planning your wedding please contact Jerry Hirshon at 212-406-6777 or jerry@classictravel.com.

Aqualina Resort & Spa - Perfect for Honeymoon!

The Acqualina Resort and Spa is the perfect place for a relaxing honeymoon. This romantic Virtuoso property is inspired by beautiful Mediterranean villas and is located on one of the best beaches on South Florida's Atlantic Coast. Each of the 97 rooms and suites features its own balcony, with breathtaking views; especially at sunrise and sunset. The hotel features beautiful architecture, including iron gates, sculpted archways, baroque fountains and a grand porte-cochere. Acqualina has three beach front swimming pools, as well as the world famous Espa Spa. 

The Spa is dedicated to combining ancient and modern spa therapies, enhanced by their full line of Espa products, made with high quality organically grown plants. The spa also features his and hers saunas, steam rooms, relaxation lounges and an outdoor spa veranda with outdoor spa pools. Perfect for a relaxing and romantic day.

When you book your honeymoon with Classic Travel, the Virtuoso rate includes:

• An upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability)
  
• Romantic Continental Breakfast for 2 (by room service!)
  
• Special Virtuoso Rates on Rooms
  
• Early check in & Late check out (subject to availablity)
  
• $100 in food and beverage credit
  

Visit Classictravel.com for more information on this and other virtuoso properties that are perfect for your honeymoon.

The Trousseau: Not Just For Your Grandmother!

We all remember stories from our grandparents about dowries, arranged marriages and the trousseau. Well, the first two are still relics, but thanks to D. Porthault, a luxury linens designer & Italian luggage maker Schedoni, the romantic trousseau is back!

Traditionally the trousseau was a hope chest which would hold everything a girl would need for her new married life, from bed linens to ball gowns. Here are some creative ideas for your own custom trousseau!

Vintage Style Lingerie from The Urban Fox Co.

Coyuchi Organic Sateen Sheets

Organic Soap from Skinny Skinny

A Sassy Bathing Suit for your Exotic Honeymoon from Karla Colletto

Diamonds - Still a Girl's Best Friend

Fragrant & Romantic Massage Oil from Sabon