Nearly New...

Daily, I research all things bridal. Whether it's on Pinterest, Style Me Pretty, or any other wedding blog I am constantly looking at things that catch my eye from gowns to gladiolas. My newest find: Nearly Newlywed.

Nearly Newlywed is an online dress boutique where brides can buy, and sell "nearly new" bridal gowns. Basically, you can find designer dresses from Elie Saab to Lela Rose and everything in between for half the price. Yes, the dresses are used BUT in amazing condition. What's the catch you ask? There is none! You are even able to send the dress back after you have said I do, if you don't want to keep it! Another plus, they have a Pinterest :)

Monique Lhuillier 'Arielle' Gown

Normally: $6,200

Nearly Newlywed: $3,500



Happy One Year Anniversary

William and Kate!!

Some photo insipration to start your week...

you're welcome.

(all photograpgs from pinterest & stylemepretty)



COLOR is the new white

Here is the question of the hour....Where did sealing the deal in bright white come from anyway?

According to fromtimespast.com, white was not a popular wedding gown color until the wedding of Queen Elizabeth in 1840. Before her wedding brides wore whatever color they felt comfortable in. After that, it became a case of "everybody's doing it" and the color stuck.

These days, some brides have veered off course and chosen colors such as ivory and champagne or the daring have even gone with pale pink. Not as daring, but still want to add color to your special day? Why not one (or more) of these fun, creative ways...

1. Why not add a sash to your pearly white dress? This has become a popular and beautiful trend. Many brides use the color of their bridesmaid dresses or an accent color seen elsewhere in their wedding. I personally love a sash with a long tie to the floor like below. This isn't as bold of a color, but gets the point across.

2. Another popular trend, that you can wear in your hair: Flowers. Brides everywhere are adding flowers to their hair whether its up or down. Lillies are a great flower to pin in. My only advice; don't let the flower in your hair clash with the ones in your hand.

3. What about the shoes?! Colored shoes are a fun way to add color to your look white staying subtle. It also makes for fun photo ops like below



4. If you're a bold bride, why not a statement necklace? Whether it's colorful, chunky, or both it can certainly add some flavor to your look.

all images taken from google images



Ooh Vera...

When one dreams of bridal gown designers, she may think...Monique Lhuillier, Amsale, or Carolina Herrera, who are all equally amazing designers. But, most daydreamers minds jump right to the obvious...Vera Wang.


Vera Wang has changed the game for bridal gowns. From dressing some of the most famous celebrities including both Kardashian sisters (Kim and Khloe) and model Lily Aldridge, to creating a lower priced line called White for David's Bridal, Vera Wang has done it all. Every season she continues to 'wow' us with her perfect designs.


Now, I always say I have no idea what style dress I will wear when I finally tie the knot, but I do know my first choice will without a doubt be Vera Wang. Whether you go with her signature line, or her equally phenomenal White line, I believe Vera Wang is the Queen or Princess (yes, I am refrencing her perfume) of bridal fashion. If you haven't seen her designs, I suggest you put down that issue of Martha Stewart Wedding, and take a look! You will fall in love, just like the rest of the wedding day, daydreamers.

all images from google images



Do Your Friends a Favor

From dainty details to creative colors palettes, new trends for your friends are popping up all over the place!

Here is my take on the newest trends for your bridesmaids to wear as they take you down the aisle...

Trend 1: Beautiful Bows

Bows are all over the place lately, not just on flower girl dresses anymore. Take a simple dress and add a bow pin, or tie a ribbon sash and it completely changes the look. After the wedding, remove the bow and they now have a new dress to wear out!

Trend 2: Same Colors, Different Styles

Not one dress is going to flatter every one of your bridesmaids. So, why not go with a color that comes in multiple styles like Tori Spellings gal pal did from J. Crew. Companies like Ann Taylor and J. Crew offer collections that are available in the same color and fabric and a multitude of styles. (It lets your girls display their own personal style as well!)

Trend 3: Same Blues, Different Hues

If blue is one of your colors, why not different shades of blue, or purple, or whichever color you choose! It allows you to add more than one shade of the color you picked for your perfect day! Rachel Bilson's good friend did it beautifully with this green color palette. Just make sure the colors don't clash!

Trend 4: Patterns and Prints

How about a patterned or printed dress, like a floral print for your BM's? It's a fun little twist and can represent more than one of your wedding colors. If having all of your girls in a printed dress is too much for your personality, how about just your Maid of Honor?

Trend 5: One Shoulder Wonders

The newest trend in dresses from bridal to cocktail are all one shoulder. Whether there form fitting or flowing these styles are showing up more and more. So, how about 'doing your friends a favor' and pick one of these styles for your girls. It's flirty and fun, and looks good on a lot of body types!

all pictures from google images and celebritybrideguide.com

Day 4: Family Traditions

After veering off course for my Royal Wedding post (I had to if I plan on wooing Prince Harry to become the next Princess) and working like crazy, it is wedding season after all...I am back to my 4th and final day of planning: Family Traditions.

For this one you are required to do some homework...pick your family members brains. Find out from your family if there were any particular special moments from their own weddings that they would like to continue. Or, if there are already traditions that have been passed down from wedding to wedding. For example, in my family there is a tradition which started at my aunts wedding and since then has been passed down to my cousins. A few of us sing a couple of lines from one of the songs played in the movie "It's A Wonderful Life" at the end of a toast.

Speaking of songs, maybe there is a certain song that has been played at other family members weddings, and you can continue that tradition. Another idea or special moment would be to honor family members who have passed on. You could do this by a candle or a photograph, or saying something to your guests. Or think back to the Royal Wedding...Prince William gave Kate Middleton his mother's (Princess Diana) wedding ring, to honor her and to have her there in heart.

Remember, a big part of what got you to the alter is your family. Take a moment to thank them-no matter how big or small the gesture is.