Hydrangea and Lilac

Lilac and pale blue make a stunning and color combination. These are the colours which I imagine Marie Antoinette walking the grounds of Versailles, the effect is a little French countryside with a touch of Rococo glamor. Arrangements of purple sweet peas, pale blue hydrangea and  pale pink almost white peony would provide pretty table centerpieces.Petite bouquets of violets finish the look for the attendants. 

Finding the perfect gown

Look through bridal magazines and wedding websites, attend bridal shows to familiarize yourself with latest designer trends. Keep pictures of the designs you like. From the type, size and location of your reception, determine your budget and styles of wedding gowns you prefer.

• Do not purchase a dress that is several sizes smaller than what you actually need.  It is easier and more cost effective to have a dress taken in than taken out.  Especially if you have  features like  crystals, beads, pearls, lace, and fabric with patterns on it.

• Even though you may be a size 6 in everyday clothing, bridal fashions usually run much smaller.  Therefore, a size 6 may translate into a size 8 or size 10 for your wedding dress.  So take a deep breath, and let it be ok if the size is shocking at first for you.  Remember, people will be looking at how beautiful you look in your dress, and will not be searching for the tag that indicates your size.

• Get everything in writing the color of the dress, to the size, to when it will come be shipped and arrive at your wedding boutique, to if the dress comes in petite/standard/long lengths, and finally, any alterations that may have to be done.

If you are Pear Shaped...           

Do: Full A line Silhouettes; V-neck, Bateau, Scoop or Strapless necklines

Don't Sheath Silhouettes or Trumpet / Mermaid Silhouettes.

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If you are Apple Shaped...

Do: Princess or A line Silhouettes, Empire Silhouettes: V-neck,Scoop or Plunging necklines.

Don't: Ball Gown Silhouettes

If your Petite...

Do: Sheath, A line or Empire Silhouettes.

Don't: Ball Gown, Drop waist Silhouettes; High collars and overwhelming necklines.

If your Tall...

Do: Ball Gown, A line, Bias cut and Mermaid silhouettes

Don't: Princess silhouettes

If your Straight Figured ...

Do: Ball gown, Mermaid A line silhouettes; Creative necklines

Don't: Soft Sheaths

If your Hourglass Shaped...

Do: A line, Mermaid Silhouettes

Don't: Sheaths or dropped waistline silhouettes

If your Plus Sized...

Do Dropped waist, A line, flat front Ball Gown Silhouettes

Don't: Fitted Silhouettes that are unconstructed or clingy.

Fantastic favors

There are so many options when it comes to favors for weddings these days. Below are some of my favorites, all from Martha Stewart Weddings.


Fortune Bouquets

Tools and Materials

Several varieties of flowers

Floral tape

Seam binding

Fine paper

Straight pins

Fortune Bouquets How-To

1. Combine several varieties of flowers (Martha uses roses, calla lilies, and ranunculuses). Separate flowers into small bouquets.

2. Trim the stems evenly, and wrap stems of each bunch with floral tape. Cover the stems with seam binding, securing with a bow; leave ends trailing.

3. On strips of fine paper, handwrite fortunes, such as "You will marry the boy next door," "You will marry your true love," and "You will marry a millionaire." You can also print out fortunes from your computer. Cut the end of each fortune strip in an inverted V. Use a straight pin to affix each fortune to its bouquet.

Tea Bag Favors

Buy your favorite teas in bulk, or devise a blend to your liking, then decant it into packets large enough to brew an entire pot. Attach a homemade tag inscribed with a fitting message to a length of embroidery thread, which can be sealed into the seam of the tea bag.

Old Time Candy Cups

For a favor that brings out the kid in guests, turn baking cups into darling dishes brimming with old-fashioned hard candies (these have hazelnut chocolate filling). The cups are normally used for baking single servings of brioche, so they're made of stiff paper that can hold lots of little treats. To package each favor, add candy to the cup, then wrap in cellophane. Tie closed with a ribbon threaded with a printed paper tag.

Trees to go

Give a favor that symbolizes love growing and becoming stronger with time. Many seedlings are available at online nurseries -- these are foot-tall Norway spruces. Keep them in their plastic-wrapped pots so soil stays moist, but cover those in rustic fashion: Tear squares of fabric, gather, and tie with twine. For "tree tags," download our template here, and cut out. Trace onto card stock; stamp with your names and wedding date.

 

Budget Friendly #7 Cake and punch

Ways to Save:

1. Instead of flowers for centerpieces use succulents or potted herbs the guests can take with them. They can be as big or as little as you like, in really almost any container.
2. A beautiful hair pin is a less expensive alternative than many veils, and it’s something you could easily wear again.
3.Postcard invitations. With a cake and punch reception, you’ll save by not printing all of the various stationery pieces that go along with a more formal party.
5. Save by doing your own flowers. Make these paper flowers, which are suitable for formal and casual weddings, in advance. A bouquet takes only an afternoon; all you need are a few supplies and your own  hands Read more at Martha Stewart weddings Crafted Bouquet.
6. Wearing a short dress or a chic pencil skirt and top.This opens up a whole range of options that are not available when you’re looking only for an evening gown.


Splurges: 

1. The cake. It doesn’t have to be huge, and several small cakes would be nice too, but make sure that it’s gorgeous and delicious. You might also want to offer other sweets, like French macaroons or a candy buffet.
2. Splurge on your photographer. A good one will capture the beauty of your wedding, no matter how much you spent on flowers or a dress.
3. Accessories. If you are wearing a simpler dress have your accessories be the star. Consider a decadent pair of hears or stunning jewelery. Go beyond bridal white with different colors, jewels and material.

Fabulous suit by Graeme Black . Exquisitely tailored pencil skirt and its ultra feminine silk organza ruffle-front blouse.

Stylish Sunday - The Aisle

A traditional wedding aisle runner is a long piece of material sometimes plastic, vinyl and even canvas that may serve several purposes at a wedding. Wedding aisle runners have always been used to protect the bride, bridesmaids and women guests attending the wedding from dirt. They are also a great place to tie in the wedding theme. 

Rose petals are a beautiful way to add some color and interest to your event. Keep in mind that when used outdoors, they will blow away. 

Even if your dress is floor length, the petals will blend perfectly as you walk down the aisle

Fancy flower scroll work

Floating candles and hundreds of rose petals 

Rose petals not for you? Consider using elaborate decorations for the runner, including things like your names or monogram.Fabric choices can be custom-made to suit many different themes, and include very expensive materials like silk, lace and velvet.

Black and white scroll work 

The Original Runner Company makes the world’s first non-slip fabric aisle runners for weddings and special events.

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Effortless Chic

Calm, cool and effortlessly chic.

More of everything

Some brides want beads. Some want miles of tulle. Some want lace. And some brides want everything - all in one dress.

Michael Cinco is one of Dubai's finest fashion designer and the creative director of Michael Cinco Haute Couture that caters mainly on fabulous wedding gowns and unique evening dresses.

Destination Wedding: Spain

Traditionally the groom will give the father of the bride a watch when the proposal is accepted. Modern brides choose a white wedding gown rather than the once popular black lace and silk gowns. Lacey Mantillas are still used no matter the color of the gown. In Andalucia some brides wear frilled flamenco style dresses.

Flowers vary from region to region. In Seville orange trees abound and brides often wear orange blossom wreaths and carry them in the bouquets to represent the promise and fulfillment of the orange tree. Brides in Andalusia prefer pink and white rose garlands and brides in Castillian traditionally wear only white flowers.

Ceremonies are marked by an exchange of 13 gold coins in a special purse or box. These are said to represent Christ and his apostles and a pledge of the new groom to support his wife.Wedding rings are exchanged and are worn on the ring finger of the right hand.The Spanish wedding dance is called "sequidillas manchegas" and guests that dance with the bride traditionally give her money.Paella, a delicious seafood and rice stew, is popular along the coast while sangria, a red wine punch, is found at most Spanish gatherings.The wedding cake is traditionally sponge cake with fruit and almonds.

Centerpiece ideas, out of the box into the pantry

On a super tight budget... look no further than your pantry for inspiration. 

I am all about going beyond the cookie cutter when it comes to decorations for weddings. Your centerpiece can be one of a kind by using these simple and easy to find items from dried beans and noodles to lentils, rice or even coffee beans.... 

I love this idea of using mismatched stemware, and and silk flowers. Definitely and unexpected twist.

Or how about this idea using dried pinto beans, daisies and containers from the Dollar Store. 

                

This is a great idea- split peas and a spider mums. The lovely chartreuse green color with unique texture look amazing in glass vases combined with the graceful lines of the mum.              

                        

                                                                    

Again right out of the pantry, long grain white rice and gorgeous orchids make and elegant centerpiece.  

                         

                             

 I love this idea for a fall wedding - whole nuts anchoring pillar candles, simple, rustic and elegant and best of all easy on your wallet.

              

Peppermint Patty

Can a dessert inspire a wedding? These magically-minty, pastel, cool-and-creamy buttons have got to be the yummiest treats on the planet. Get the recipe here.What is it about this retro color combination that makes everyone so happy? 

Picking a wedding date

Ready to start planning? Before you put down a deposit, check this list of dates you may want to avoid

Holiday Weekends
Holiday weekend weddings have pros and cons. You've got an extra day for the dinners and brunches and is often less expensive to host a Sunday wedding. However, costs of travel and hotels are often higher. Also, some families may be unable to join you because of standing holiday weekend plans or traditions.

Religious and Cultural Holidays
Be mindful of religious and cultural holidays when planning your wedding. There often be restrictions at your house of worship during these dates.

Costly Holidays
If you're looking to marry around Valentine's Day expect higher than normal flower costs. They're likely to be more costly than at any other time of the year. Likewise, reception locations often charge a higher fee for a New Year's Eve wedding.

Notable Holidays
April Fool's Day- If you and your fiance are jokesters at heart, this could be the perfect wedding day for you. If not, choose another day because undoubtedly Uncle Larry or Bob from college will be plotting a prank

Mother's Day and Father's Day (always a Sunday)
Make sure your parents are okay with sharing this weekend with your wedding -- but it could be the perfect opportunity to honor them.

Halloween
Avoid it if you're terrified that someone might actually show up in costume.

Days of Remembrance
Historically significant days may cause a conflict of interest for some guests.
September 11, Patriot Day: December 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day:

Super Bowl Sunday
If you don't live in the host city and are marrying on the Saturday rather than the Sunday of Super Bowl weekend, then the big game shouldn't affect your wedding too much -- unless you and your husband are diehard pigskin fans and can't bear to miss the big game instead of leaving on your honeymoon.

Final Four/March Madness
Everyone loves the excitement of college b-ball but be prepared for cellphones to be out to check the scores.

Unusual Dates
9/10/11 falls on a Saturday
11/11/11 falls on a Friday
10/11/12 falls on a Thursday
12/12/12/ falls on a Wednesday

Other Dates to Avoid
College reunions and/or homecomings, big conventions in your city, and any annual charity events that involve your family or close friends that could monopolize hotels, car services and vendors.

Destination Wedding : Greece

The Greek island of Santorini was formed by a series of ancient volcanic eruptions, the crescent-shaped island is home to villages of white stone buildings that sit atop the steep cliffs, teetering nearly 600 feet above sea level. Why marry there? The amazing sunsets, a relaxed island vibe and celebrations with a distinctly Greek flair—full of food, music and dancing.

If you are thinking of a destination wedding to Greece please check out this website http://www.greecetravel.com/weddings/embassy.html for more information.

My funny Valentine

Getting married on Valentine's Day? Have your Valentine's Day Wedding reflect all the romance of your love story with special details. Even if you're not getting married on Valentine's Day, consider incorporating some of these touches for a truly inspiring day.

Attire: On Valentine's Day, an old-fashioned look is always romantic. You'll want to wear a classic style dress  or go for a white dress with red accents. Wear your hair pulled back with red roses pinned into a chignon. Have your bridesmaids wear the same dress in varying shades of pink and red, and have groomsmen wear red ties with different red and pink boutonnières.

Setting: Look for a place warm enough in February such as a Victorian greenhouse filled with lush flowers. Decorate as you would for a romantic dinner- soft lighting, gauzy fabrics, flowers, candles.

Music: A string quartet or Italian opera singer will help set the mood. If you want to have a DJ, create a song list full of love songs.

Flowers: Flowers are by definition romantic, so use almost any flowers in abundance. While roses are the classic, roses in February are extremely expensive. So look to other pink and red flowers, including tulips, hydrangea, and freesia.

Menu: Why not fan the sparks between your guests by including some aphrodisiacs in the menu, including an oyster bar, asparagus, almonds, chicken with mole sauce, and chocolate covered strawberries and bananas.

Invitations: Set the tone with your invitations by writing something like "Come celebrate love and romance on Valentine's Day at the wedding of ..."

Favors: Give your guests tiny heart-shaped boxes of candy with a note attached saying "Thank you for being our Valentines.."

Special Touches: Instead of table numbers, name your tables after famous romantic couples. Fred and Wilma Flintstone, Antony and Cleopatra, Grace Kelly and Prince Ranier, Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, Robert and Elizabeth Browning, Romeo and Juliet, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick.

Stylish Sunday

Nothing is more disappointing than buying a beautiful wedding gown only to have to cover it up with a jacket. With the wedding dress designers still favoring strapless designs, a cover up is a must in the colder months.
These Russian Couture inspired boleros By TianaCHE on Etsy are the perfect romantic touch that will have all your guests dreaming of a winter wedding.

Budget Friendly #6 Champagne & Dessert

Ways to Save:

1. Use eBay as a resource, as well as flea markets and antique shops. The sheer curtain would be beautiful as a photo backdrop, ceremony backdrop, or a space divider. You can also use doilies to adorn table linens.
2. Choosing one kind of alcohol will help to cut costs – you should be able to get a discount when you buy it by the case. Champagne is the obvious choice, but other dessert wines would work as well.
3. Invite just your immediate family to your ceremony, and then have the rest of your guests celebrate with you at the reception.
4. Save by forgoing the sit-down dinner, and instead serve delicate, delicious desserts. You can either set up a gorgeous dessert buffet, or have waiters pass miniature sweets to guests. As with an hors d’oeuvres reception, make sure it is clear to guests that dinner won’t be served.
5.Etsy is another great resource for handmade, even custom, hair accessories like this Black Feather Flower Fan Fascinator.
6. There’s no reason that your wedding budget can’t start with the engagement ring, especially when the ring comes in the world famous little blue box. This stunning Praseolite ring is right on the colored stone engagement ring trend and easy on the wallet at $850.
7. Save by purchasing local pastries for favors. My favorite Rick's Bakery has great options starting as low as $1.59 per person!

Splurges:

1. Flowers. Though peonies and passion vines aren’t the cheapest blooms, when you have fewer tables to fill, you can afford to use pricier flowers.
2. The Dress. With a simpler and more streamlined food and drink menu splurge on the fantasy dress.

I can see clearly now

Whether your wedding is at a posh hotel, city loft, garden or beach, one thing which is very “in" for weddings right now is clear wedding decor.

A great place to begin using clear wedding decor is the seating. Rather than the traditional gold Chiavari chairs or slipcovered chairs, rent clear Lucite chairs for a very chic look. The effect will be very light and clean, and will not only look modern and unique, but will also give the reception room a very uncluttered appearance. This would be wonderful for a smallish space, as the unfussy clear chairs will virtually disappear, allowing the room to look larger than it is.

There has definitely been a shift away from the standard ball-cane chair and into the more modern lucite chair (comparable in price to a standard chiavari chair and cushion at around $15 each).Brides have been updating the traditional ballroom weddings by incorporating lounge pieces around dance floors, giving the room more of a night nightclub feel. Others have dressed up their tents with chandeliers, hanging lanterns and candles to give a touch of indoor ambiance to an outdoor wedding.No matter how you use them these chairs they sparkle and shows off that table you worked so hard at designing and add a chic, weightless feeling to the decor.

Beyond the diamond solitare

Women can capture Kate Middleton’s style without having to catch a prince, with a wide range of regal rings.

For a woman with an nontraditional style, colored engagement rings are always a good bet. From pink diamond engagement rings to other colorful gemstones like beryl, sapphires, and rubies, there’s a endless selection of choices in any color you can think of.

Icicles in the snow

Who says you need to have a white wedding in the winter?

1950's Elegant Metallic-Silver Floral Baby-Blue Embroidered Net-Tulle

Unveiling

Are you a bride who's been avoiding the unveiling? Not every woman is meant to walk down the aisle with a six foot long veil surrounding her.  


Looking for something a little bit more subdued and a bit sexy? Short retro veils, fascinators and jeweled headbands are becoming the hot wedding accessory. Madonna set the curve back in 2000 when she donned a chic, black bird cage veil during her wedding.


With a multitude of  bridal couture designers on Etsy and all over the internet you can find amazing selections that bring plenty of sparkle and style.

Enchanting Fairy

Be pretty if you can, be witty if you must, be gracious if it kills you- Elsie Dewolf

Vera Wang 

What's worth it and what is not

What’s Worth It


A great photographer.  Have a list of specific shots that you want your photographer to capture and ones you can pass on. Ask your wedding planner who they would recommend and be sure to check out their portfolios to understand their style.


Wedding décor. This is what will make your wedding stand out from the thousands of others. Your décor is an expression of who you are as a couple.Great decor will allow you create your wedding day that you’ve always wanted.


Food and drink. Ensure your guests have a good time by having great food and drinks. People will remember food. If the food is good, it will not go unnoticed the same can be said if the food is bad. 


What’s Not


Expensive and meaningless wedding favors. Yes it’s great to have wedding favors but what’s the point of spending a fortune on knickknacks? Do you really want plastic trinkets with your friends’ wedding date on it? Think about favors that are meaningful.. Chocolates,small potted herbs, CD’s or tea are a big hit. 


A full wardrobe of “bride” attire. By this I mean sweatpants that say “bride” on the butt with a sweater, underwear,baseball cap and t-shirt to match. Remember that you will only wear the outfit once. Don’t miss out on the bride experience but be conscious when spending money on the various “bride” swag found at almost any retail store.

Aqua, Mint and Peach

From Russian with Love

Russian church weddings are not considered official, and so couples wanting to get married must exchange their wedding vows at a Russian marriage civil ceremony. Here, the bride and groom receive bread and salt, symbolizing health, prosperity and long life.

The Russian civil ceremony is often considered unimportant to friends and relatives of the bride and groom. The main affair is the wedding reception, a great two day celebration with music, dancing, feasting and drinking.

Once the reception celebration has begun, a relative or close friend will make a wedding toast to the bride and groom. In keeping with Russian custom, everyone throws their champagne glasses on the floor. It is considered good luck if the glasses break when they hit the ground.

When a traditional Orthodox couple get married in Russia, they are crowned as royalty for the day. The bride and groom must stand on a special carpet as they recite their marriage vows, but first they race each other to it. Whoever reaches the carpet first will, presumably, be the head of the household.

Dragonfly

Another stunning dress from Claire Pettibone from her Spirit of the Night 2011 Collection. 

Multi-colored sequin sheath with embroidered long sleeves and train.

Dewdrop

Claire Pettibone makes some of the most beautiful and unique wedding gowns. My latest obsession is her gown named Dew Drop from her 2011 Spirit of the Night Collection. Today's inspiration board is designed for the bride that wears this gown.

Pale pink ombre embroidered bubble skirt with dew-drop covered rose bolero.