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!!
Most young girls are given a mental picture of what Brides are supposed to look like from fairytale stores and such; you know... "The Beautiful Bride, All Dressed in White, Wearing a pretty White Veil with her pretty Princess Gown, and on her way to say I Do to Prince Charming"??? Well... The Ideal Bridal Style has since evolved! There is no longer a rule out there that says you Have to wear a veil or if you do that it has to be a long sheer white one. Now days, modern Brides are either sticking with the traditional white veil, but are also going more contemporary with unique hair pieces or colored veils such as the ones shown above! Brides are able to have fun with their hair styles and adding floral accessories or even something blue in some way. Check out these inspiring ways to spice up your wedding look and making it your own personal style, enjoy~
I know that many Brides getting married in any wet and rainy season is going to be worried about what shoes to wear (no one wants to sink into mushy grass in heels, especially the bride)! I recommend wearing a beautiful wedge heel so that if your wedding is out doors at all, you won't be worried about tip-toeing down the aisle... This also goes for Bridesmaids and guests, allow yourself to be comfortable at all times and be able to dance the night away!
Many times, Brides go first to their local Bridal Shops to be fitted and to pick out their Wedding Gown after browsing through countless pricey dresses. I don't always recommend ordering your gown online, but for some who are looking for stellar deals - this may be for you! I do recommend ordering much larder than your estimated size (based on their size chart) as you can always take things in to be a smaller size, but very difficult to stretch out/let out, or impossible to return. Its a safe bet you will have more luck by ordering a couple to a few sizes larger. Also, you can go and get measured at your local Bridal Botique and try on gowns by certain designers so that you can know exactly what size you will need if you come across the dress online at a better price (this is the best route to take)! Best of luck to all of you "White Gown" shoppers~
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.
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 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
Damask Deals from Target It seems as though Target comes up with some of the most modern and chic wedding sets time and time again... they are really on top of current trends! I just love these black and white wedding sets they currently have in stock, they are partially Do It Yourself items - but hey, all you need to do is round up your bridesmaids to create your wedding assembly line and your good to go ;) I know there are so many 2009 and 2010 brides out there are who are looking for contemporary damask pieces to incorporate in their wedding theme (especially on a budget); Check out the goods and enjoy~
The following below are additional great finds from additional retailers that we love in the oh so fabulous pattern of Damask:
Horchow Sabrina Rug $229.00 at Horchow Dramatically oversized patterns are a major trend in textiles, and this hand-tufted rug reflects it beautifully. The damask design on a grand scale is deeply hand-carved in the wool pile. Available in White on Black, Black on Beige, or Black on Purple, the rug is treated with stain guard and has a cotton backing. Choose color below. Imported. Sizes are approximate. We recommend using a rug pad with every indoor rug to prolong its beauty by minimizing everyday wear and tear and providing a little breathing space to help prevent fiber damage. A pad also helps stabilize the rug, reducing slippage on hard floors.
Auberon with Tassels Square Topper $89.00 at Ballard Designs Our designer Tablecloths are meticulously sewn in the USA by the same company that creates our most elegant bedding collections. A bold damask print in black and ivory finished with a clean edge.Fabrics are specially chosen for their sumptuous drape and feel. Trims, tassels and accents are finished and applied by hand. Crafted of cotton. Dry clean. Round Tablecloth features:
Decorative Tape $14.00 at Ballard Designs Our Black Damask Tape, Green Scroll Tape and Faux Bois decorative tape make your wrapping part of the gift. The distinctive patterns add extra visual texture and dimension, giving your present an extra special touch that will stand out in the holiday crowd. Decorative Tape features: