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'The Ring Leader' Shares Her Valentine's Day Advice
Wedding planner Kristin Banta shares her tips for the high pressue holiday.
February 13, 2012
Need Valentine's Day advice? Why not let the lady who handles the happiest day of most couple's life lay it on you.
Kristin Banta, founder of Kristin Banta Events (and star of the upcoming special The Ring Leader, airing Tuesday, February 14th at 7/6 C) makes a living planning out-of-the-box style ceremonies for celebrities and high profile clients, so she's well-versed in big pressure romance situations -- which is why she recommends keeping it low-key for Valentine's Day.
"With respect to the Valentines' date, it goes without saying that taking him or her to your favorite restaurant is always going to be successful." But if you do want to do something special, it doesn't have to be a hot air balloon rides or expensive dinner. "Planning a private moment in an unexpected place doesn't have to be an extravagant feat. Taking your honey to a hidden urban rooftop with a picnic, or a natural hike ending on a romantic hilltop with champagne and strawberries, are other ways of doing something memorable and economical."
Nothing's more memorable than a proposal, particularly if it goes terribly wrong, which is why Kristin recommends keeping the big question private.
"I think it's risky proposing in the company of others and could rob a couple of having a shared moment that is just their own," Kristin advises. "One of my favorite proposal stories came from a guy who, while at their favorite restaurant, presented his girlfriend with three different trays with cloche covers. Inside each was an object that represented a key moment in their relationship. The first was a succulent, which stood for a cactus garden where they spent time while falling in love; the second was a Sprinkles' cupcake, which they ate on their first date; the third was an engagement ring! So simple yet so perfect."
So if all goes well and you end up engaged by February 15, Kristin recommends strategic spending as you plan your wedding to make the big day super special.
"I suggest splurging on lighting because it affects the way people feel and behave more than any other element at a wedding," Kristin encouraged. "Always make sure that 'creature comforts' are taken care of before considering any other element, because if people are hungry and thirsty, they won't have fun."
True, let the libations (and the eats) flow and you're bound to have a good time (at least that always works in the the Watch What Happens: Live Clubhouse).
Don't miss seeing Kristin in action on Valentine’s Day at 7/6 C (You can watch a sneak peek here)! And check out the Tweet Tracker to see what people are saying about her skills.
I can't wait to watch more! This needs to be a series. Its refreshing to have some REAL reality tv. I love Kristin and her team xoxo
I loved this show. I have a friend that wants to do a non traditional wedding and this show a a ton of great ideas. Please show more episodes!!!
Please make this into a series! Kristin is so funny and I loved watching it!!!!!!!
What a fun show and a refreshing departure for Bravo. I liked that the show was exciting without being trashy. The wedding planner is calm and cool but funny, and what a fun cast of characters. When are we getting another episode?
Kristin Banta is freaking hilarious! I loved how irreverant and sincere she is at the same time! I need to see more - when will the next show be on?
I LOVED this show!! When are we going to get more? I really hope this becomes a new Bravo series!!
Kristin is fantastic! when will we get to see more?
I LOVED this show!!!!! Kristin was not only incredible but entertaining and informative. The Ring Leader is the best show on Bravo!!! There is only one thing wrong with this show!!! There was only one so far. We need more of these!!!!
I LOVED this show!!!!! Kristin was not only incredible but entertaining and informative. The Ring Leader is the best show on Bravo!!! There is only one thing wrong with this show!!! There was only one so far. We need more of these!!!!
HOPE BRAVO KEEPS THIS SHOW. LOVED IT.
This NEEDS to be a series. I was heartbroken when I found out it wasnt!!
Love, Love, Love this show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kristin Banta is Bad As+!!!!! What more can one say?
Love, Love, Love this show!!!!!!! Kristin Banta is "Bad Ass"!!!!!! What more can one say? Bring the show back!!!!!
Love this show! Both Kristin and the couple were so inspiring. Would love to see more!
I loved this show! Both Kristin and the couple were so inspiring! More please!
Loved this show, when will the next episode be airing?
I love the show. I want more!!!
After hearing several people talk about The Ring Leader, I caught a rerun of it and loved it! Kristin Banta doesn’t pull any punches…she speaks her mind and is so fun and entertaining to watch as she pulls off an amazing, original wedding. I hope Bravo will be showing more wedding shows with her and her team in the future!
Loooooooooove this show,wish it were a full series!
Love the show! And I love her gold leaf necklace! Does anyone know who designed it?
Hoooooly crap, just saw the show. What a ride! That wedding planner is hilarious and such an artist! The wedding was like nothing I've ever seen on tv. Stunning. Are there more episodes?
I loved this show. I was ready to book her for a party but we are a bit far away. If this is a potential series please place her in the rhooc slot? They are getting more tired each year.
Kristin is such a bad ass! She does great professional work while managing to stay human. I hope we get to be a part of more of her weddings.
Ohh I missed the first part of it …bummer! I hope there will be more. I loved the excitement the decorating ideas and the happy end.
Watched this show last night....INCREDIBLE! one of the best shows from Bravo in a long time! Can't wait for the next episode!!!! AMAZING!
Watched last night - one of the best shows on Bravo in a long time. Can't wait for next episode!!!
LOVE the show!!!!! I want to see more episodes!!!
I knew I recognized her. She was Patti Stangers wedding planner on Millionaire Matchmaker. Loved the special, need a season!
I loved this show. Watched it twice & got some great ideas. Thanks Kristin!
Great show, are there more episodes coming?
The Ring Leader is now my favorite show on Bravo!!! How fun to watch the creative makings of such a special event from start to finish!!!!!! It makes me want to get married again!!! When can we see more???!!!
When will we see more of this show? I love it!
In the midwest, we can't even imagine weddings like Sarah and Michael's. Wow, what fun to watch it develop and turn out so beautifully. I hope we have the opportunity to get acquainted with "The Team" at Kristin Banta calls her associates. The beautiful, exotic young woman with the hat, beautiful smile and great laugh...we couldn't keep our eyes of her and kept looking for her in every scene. They are all creative and energetic. We can't wait for the next episode.
This show is awesome! Kristin is great! Keep more shows coming. I have wedding envy!!!!!
Love this show!!! Hope it comes to stay!
LOVE THIS SHOW!!! Hope it comes to stay for good!
Just saw the the ring leader, I need more of this show. No, really, more. Bravo go film, scoot.
Where did this show come from?! Its AMAZING!! Brilliant!
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