Meet Lauren Ricciardelli of Private Receptions
www.privatereceptions.com
lauren@privatereceptions.com
What inspires you?
I often feel inspired in Pier A park and the surrounding parks. I think this is because I almost feel like I'm in my own sprawling (and public!) back yard and then across the river is this huge "make you or break you" city. Seeing that skyline forces me to think outside the box, and stay focused on my goals.
What personal strengths do you bring to the table as an efficient woman in business?
I actually come from a fine art and performing arts background. I think this allows me to really get creative with my business and with problem solving. Especially since we do planning AND design - I really love working on creating new and fresh ways to make our clients' personalities shine through into their events. Everyone deserves to have a stress free "dream" wedding. I take those dreams and find ways to make them happen.
How did you overcome your latest business obstacle?
Hmmm. The wedding industry is so competitive. I think my biggest and ongoing obstacle has been the economy. Budgets are tight and the DIY trend doesn't seem to be going away. Often times, brides don't realize how stressful that month leading up to the wedding is; finalizing all the contracts, delivery and set up times, transportation - we take care of all that so the bride doesn't have to stress. I remember I had a vendor email me a question the DAY BEFORE my wedding - about something that I'd already confirmed, and I said to myself "Where is MY planner? Oh wait, that's ME!" But I had my staff for the day of the wedding and enjoyed every second of being a bride. They handled everything.
Right now referrals are my friends. Haha! People that know me and the caliber of the services we offer usually provide the best leads.
What’s different about your business niche?
The competitiveness! They're so many other planner in Hoboken and in NYC. But we don't just plan. We help design the wedding. And we tailor all of our services to specifically meet our clients needs. We aren't just another package deal. We love what we do and we'll make sure you love planning your wedding with us!
Your favorite part of your job is...
Well who doesn't love weddings? I mean, I get to get up and help create someone's fairy tale wedding! I feel like the fairy godmother of weddings; making sure everyone has a great time and isn't worried about where they have to be next or if the band will play that song that they hate. We take care of that. It's the best feeling to work an event and see the bride and groom totally relaxed and enjoying themselves.
Your fave Hoboken restaurant is...
La Cucharamama. I've NEVER had a bad dish there, everything is SO good. It's the perfect place for tapas!
Fave Hoboken hangout?
Madison's: great food, great drinks.
Your favorite Sinatra melody is...
Witchcraft. Sexy and playful at the same time
Tell us about your baseball love or not? It was started here in this great town...
I'm actually an Orioles fan, being from Baltimore originally. My husband is a HUGE Yankees fan though, so I usually keep quiet about my O's. (Especially because the past few seasons have been nothing to write home about)
If you can give Hoboken a tagline, what would it be?
The little city with a BIG personality!
Thank you Lauren for your inspirational wedding ways. Of course, now instead of listening to Witchcraft from Sinatra, we're most likely envisioning "Twist & Shout", but good choice on the song by good ole "blue eyes". We all know someone who is planning a wedding. This town is full of pre-nuptual couples. We'll keep our eyes peeled and send them your way!
