Carmen Marc Valvo Illusion-Top Beaded Dance Dress
$725.00 by Carmen Marc Valvo at Neiman Marcus

For all of you who watch the Oscar's last night and were drooling over some of the Red Carpet's hottest gowns, and for those of you who missed out; here are some of the night's memorable fashions that have Look-A-Like's in the Bridal world... Some of the top Bridal Fashion Designers have also made gowns specifically for the red carpet (does the name Oscar De la Renta ring a bell?) and guess what, they also make some show stopping pieces that would really be a hit for your Big Day!!

photo by: ConsumedbyCake

photo by: Vera Figueredo

photo by: Vera Figueredo

photo by: Vera Figueredo

photo by: hello naomi

Jennifer Green, Bride To Be on New Years Eve (what a special day to celebrate a joining of lives in marriage to kick off the new year) was showered with love and gifts by some very special ladies in her life! A dear friend to Jennifer and her family, Fabi Harris opened her beautiful home and honored Jennifer with a truly memorable Bridal Shower... Here are a few Inspiring pictures taken at Jen's Bridal Shower Tea, boy was it a fun event to attend!

I just love this idea: Heart Shaped Notecards were placed on the table that each had a Month of the Year written on them. Each guest was to write their name on the back of the card and list an activity for the newlyweds to do sometime during that month. I wrote down the month of June and suggested that the newlyweds take a Saturday drive down to Laguna Beach to visit the beautiful Art Galleries (where they usually serve Mamosa's or Champagne on weekends), then visit the Beautiful Montage Resort & Spa where they can enjoy live music in the Lobby Lounge and then take a stroll down their breathtaking Beach and enjoy the sun and summer brease together! What a fun way to make their first year of marriage memorable and exciting!!

I do have to say that they had some creative games to play at this extra special Bridal Shower. The Bride was blinefolded by the oh-so-talented host Fabi and then handed a suitecase where she then had to put the attire items on without seeing what they were. It was quite hilarious when she thought a slipper was an elbow pad and thought a nightgown was an apron ;) The idea was that she was Getting Ready for her Groom on their Honeymoon - so creative!

So much fun with Jennifer, the Beautiful Bride as she enjoyed her Luncheon Tea and all the pretty decor!

A special poem was read by the Bride's sweet friend Fabi Harris, who threw her the beautiful Bridal Shower. The Biblical poem mentioned significant wedding items (something old, new, borrowed, and blue) - as Fabi read the sweet words, she gifted Jennifer (The Bride to be), her Mother, and soon to be Mother In Law with the touching hankerchief with all the significant items shown in the photo above. If I were Martha Stewart, i'd call this "A Good Thing!"

They served the salad in a vintage teacup and i have to say it sure made the plate look adorable

Tea Sandwiches, Punch, Hot Tea, Scones, and so much more... They also had these cute candy favors in a decorative bag (pictured above)

One-Shoulder Satin Dress $168.00 at White House
A sleek silhouette rendered in lustrous black satin captures the essence of haute couture with asymmetrical lines and a polished shine.

Oversized Pearl Bead Bracelets $4.00 at Charlotte Russe
Three stretchy strands featuring black beads and oversized pearls.

Nine West - Beaulah (Black) $119.95 by Nine West at Zappos
Adjustable buckle closure over instep. Leather upper with cutout detail around collar and vamp.

le Metier de Beaute Red Rapture Kaleidoscope Lip Kit $95.00 by Rapture at Bergdorf Goodman
Blending tradition & vision, creativity & innovation, Le Metier introduces the chrome Kaleidoscope Lip Kit combining 4 irresistible shades of luminous lip color to create a perfect pout.

Narrow Squares Tie $135.00 at Ralph Lauren
A distinguished geometric squares pattern enlivens our exquisitely tailored silk twill tie, expertly handmade in Italy exclusively for Black Label.

Melinman Black Leather $99.95 at Steve Madden
A wing-tip with flair, that's MelinMan. Wear this baby with suits, jeans and a blazer, or your best dress pants, and get noticed.

Brand Van Egmond - flower power chandeliers by brand van egmond $176.00 at Unica Home
designed by brand van egmond. wanting to get away from the traditional hand crafting of wires and steel, steel plates were cut into various flowery forms to create the flower power hanging lights. the shapes are accented by the crystals that decorate its seventies-like design. both sexy and interesting, flower power curls and tangles around light bulbs to create a stunning fixture. uses halogen lights. additional charge candles in nickel finish for black and white models are available. all lights are supplied with a stem of 2x39.4" electrical cable and a ceiling shade. brand van egmond is a company that loves to explore and be independent. william brand and annet van egmond are two of europe's top designers and their carefully handcrafted pieces make them world renowned for their attention to detail and individuality.

For the Chic and Elegant Bride
Marc Bouwer Glamit! Chiffon Overlay Gown $895.00 by Marc Bouwer Glamit at Neiman Marcus
Ivory. Halter neckline. Cut-in shoulders. Sheer ruched bodice. Banded natural waist with floral appliques.

For the Trend-Setting Bride
One Shoulder Ivory Jeweled Gowns by Tony Bowl Collection $1,250.00 at eDressMe
White evening dress, One shoulder style; embellished strap; left strap, Rhinestone waistband; side slit skirt

Mermaid Gown for the Fashionista Bride
Strapless Mermaid Style Evening Gowns by Terani Couture $440.00 at eDressMe

For the Modern & Sleek Bride
Oc By oleg cassini Ivory Stretch Satin Beaded Gown $198.00 by Oleg Cassini at Lord & Taylor
Look absolutely stunning in this floor-length ivory stretch satin gown from OC by Oleg Cassini. Elegant styling includes pearl-style beading, sequined and crystal trim at the wide shoulder straps and banded waist, a surplice sweetheart neckline, a gathered bust and a flowing hem, creating a graceful ivory gown for the bride-to-be.

For the Classic Conservative Bride
JS Collections Lace & Chiffon Empire Gown $220.00 by JS Collections at Nordstrom
Silvery eyelash lace overlays the sweetheart bodice of a long charmeuse gown, banded at the Empire waist and finished with a flyaway chiffon layer over the A-line skirt.

For the Simple Beach Bride
Night way matte jersey gown $170.00 by Night Way at Dillard's
This fully lined ivory sleeveless matte jersey gown features rouched detail on the front and back V-neckline, a gold rhinestone-encrusted flower at the empire waist, a full skirt with cascading front detailing.

For the Glamour Beach Bride
Long Halter Lamé Rose Detail Gown $895.00 by Marc Bouwer Glamit at Bloomingdale's
You'll float along the dance floor in this sweeping and glistening silhouette. With halter neckline that snaps behind neck. Slide into metallic heels to finish. Flyaway front. Jewels and appliqués at waist, Invisble back zip.

I'm a huge fan of the blog CreatureComforts, created by the oh so talented Ez (pronounced Ee-zee). She created this awesome Wedding Template of FREE printable matchbook notepad favors and I wanted to share her amazing work with you bargain brides out there looking for a great DIY project to do (boy are they cute)! Click to Download free matchbook_notepads.pdf