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.

The Wedding of ALL Weddings...

Before I can even finish with my 4 Days of Planning, I HAD to write about The Royal Wedding! After all, wedding bloggers have been awaiting this day for months.

After watching hours of TV and footage from online, I have hands down fallen in love with Prince William and his new Princess Kate Middleton like the rest of the country. People around the world have been patiently waiting for this event. People set their alarms for 4:00 AM to watch this historical wedding. Citizens of LA held all night long bachelor parties at their local bars, just to catch a first glimpse of the royal couple. Everything from the Ceremony to her little bridesmaids was perfect. Kate herself looked flawless in her gown designed by Sarah Burton the creative director for the late Alexander McQueen. The lace was beautiful and that nine foot train...to die for! If that gown wasn't enough she then changed into an additional dress, also Alexander McQueen which was equally breath taking. My favorite part, was the gorgeous 1936 Cartier tiara she wore, borrowed from the Queen herself, to accompany her engagement ring which belonged to the late Princess Diana, Williams mother.

So, here's to you William and Kate! Congratulations!

 Kate and Sister (MOH) Pippa

Second dress

all images taken from google images

Day 3: Season

Spring or Summer...

Winter or Fall...

How on earth do you pick when you say 'I Do?'

Here is MY simple breakdown of each season to help you narrow down your choice:

Spring:
-It's warm, but still cool enough to have an outdoor ceremony/reception.
-While Christmas is said to be the happiest time of the year, I find most people are the happiest in Spring!
(Who doesn't like when the snow starts to melt, and the flowers start to bloom?)
-If you're thinking of adding Cala Lilly's, Lilac's, Tulips, or Cherry Blossoms to your bouquet then Spring is perfect!
-As far as colors, pale blues, springy greens, soft pinks, or a light yellow work great in Spring.
-For some reason when I think of Spring, I think of day weddings with brunch as the meal. That being said, fresh fruit, savory fritatta's, homemade quiche's and mint julep cocktails come to mind.

-Summer
-Depending on your location (i.e Palm Springs or Miami) it may be too hot to hold an outdoor event in the middle of summer.
-Also remember, Summer is the most popular time of year for people to vacation, so if your second cousin is planning on going out of town the week of your wedding-don't be upset!
-For flowers, Daisies, Gardenia's, and Hydrangea's are ideal for a Summer bouquet.

-The best summer colors in my eyes would be BRIGHT! Think about corals, lemon yellow, turquoise or teal, BOLD. Or, go the nautical route and choose navy blues and golden yellow. 

-If you're thinking of having a candy bar, I'd steer away from that idea. My bet...the candy melts before anyone can enjoy a single jelly bean.

-When it comes to light food, and cocktails to cool you off, I think of iced tea and lemonade,Waldorf salads, putting a twist on grilled vegetable and fruit skewers (for that outdoor, backyard wedding) and mojito's.

-Winter

-Again, depending your location (i.e New York, or Seattle) you will most likely have to be indoors.

-Lets be honest...in the Winter, people love to hibernate. 

-As far as flowers, I don't always think of flowers in the Winter, but hey I am from the East-coast.  But in my opinion I think a gorgeous bouquet of white flowers is perfect for a wedding this season.

-Colors: go dark or neutral. Something about jewel tones in 25 degree weather gets me going. Emerald greens, eggplant, burgundy, and royal blue. Or, what about champagne and no I don't mean for drinking ;)

-Now for food. When you mix Winter and cold, hungry people you get comfort food. What about a hot chocolate station? Think gourmet pastas, fondue's, and warm cozy soups. 

Last but not least, Fall...

-Just like Spring, Fall has the option of having an indoor or outdoor event.

-On the other hand, Fall means back to school so remember that when you decide on kid friendly weddings!

-Gladiola's, Iris', Lily's, Orchids....I can't get enough of the flowers for Fall!

-When it comes to colors during the Fall season, think outdoors. Think of how the leaves change, they are great colors to use....burnt orange, darker yellows, maroons, olive green, and cream!

-And as far as food goes, this is the perfect season to utilize that candy bar idea! It is the season for Halloween after all....

(all images from google images)

Day 2: Location

Church or Chapel?

Beach or Mountains?

Indoor or Outdoor?

With so many options, how is one supposed to choose?

Here are some helpful tips which can hopefully narrow it down for you.

1. Ask yourself...Do we want to keep it traditional?
-If you answered yes, then you may want to stick to your family church (Grandma will be ecstatic.) 
-If you answered no, think outside the box--make a list of you and your fiance's favorite places. You may surprise yourself with what you come up with.
2. Take a look at your guest list. Is the location your thinking about accommodating? 
-Is it big enough? Is it suitable for all guests? For kids? Do you even want kids attending?
-Also keep in mind travel for your guests. Are they going to be able to travel across the country to hear you recite your vows if you decide on a destination wedding?
3. Go down memory lane.
-Think of your favorite places when you were growing up.
-Do you and your fiance have a special place you always go back to? Or do you have a common interest? For example, if you both love sailing consider a beach or dock side wedding.
4. Remember your budget.
-You may want to become a 'Mrs.' in that historic mansion in the town where you were raised, but does it fit into your wedding budget?
-What about an equally beautiful family members house?
5. Keep in mind the season. (which leads me to Day 3)
-Your guests will not be happy bundled up in the middle of December on a rooftop in New York.
-If you have your heart set on Winter in New York, check out numerous gorgeous hotels which offer rooftop services as well for those daring guests in need of some fresh air.

image from google images.

4 Days of Planning. Day 1: Colors

When beginning to plan your wedding, it can become quite hectic. Think about any party you've planned, there are the invitations, the decorations, the location, the theme, etc. Once you've handled all of that, there are the smaller details. You know, buttercream or marzipan, roses or lily's, DJ or live band, and the most crucial....the seating chart? 

Why not break it down into 4 simpler categories to begin your planning? Instead of burying yourself with endless cake tastings and listening to cheesy mixes of the cha cha slide right away, start with these four things!

1. How to pick your colors?

- Do not pick too many colors. Limit the color palette to two or three colors. It will make decorating simpler and too many colors can become overwhelming.

-Do use paint chips. Once you finalize your color's keep a set of paint chips with you at all times, that way colors wont change.

-Do not forget people (i.e your bridesmaids and groomsmen) will have to wear these colors. Like I've said before, you want to keep these people happy.

-Do use this website to help pick your colors. 

http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/index.aspx

It is the Pantone color website, which has every color hue known to man.

-Do not keep changing your colors. It can get expensive once you have things made like invitations and centerpieces. 

-Do take into consideration (which will lead to my next posts) location, theme, and mood you want to set for the day.

Some other helpful tips:

-Remember white or ivory is always a color--it is the color of your dress after all.

-Let different elements inspire your palette: season, flowers, your theme, etc.

-One option: pick 2 bold colors and 1 neutral. (ex. deep purple, maroon, and ivory)

stay tuned for Day 2-4 on planning your special day :)

pictures from weddingcolors.net

Picture Perfect

After looking at countless pages of wedding pictures for longer then I would like to admit, here are the few I think are perfect and could not get enough of for today....

you're welcome.

all pictures from stylemepretty.com

27 Dresses...

Lets face it, we all fear to be in Katherine Heigl's position. Not only, 'always the bridesmaid, never the bride' BUT more importantly having a closet full of terrible dresses.

Your sister, childhood friend, or college roommate asks you to be a bridesmaid. You're happy, honored, and excited, until the reality sets in...you're a bridesmaid. It begins to sink in, the horror of the bad bridesmaid dress. I am sure we have all seen our share of terrible taffeta, and shameful chiffon, but brides listen up! You can still have the wedding of your dreams without making your bridesmaids miserable.

Here are 5 helpful dress tips in making and keeping your bridesmaids happy...

1. Like I said before, leave the poorly made taffeta, and cheap chiffon behind. Most places will overcharge you and make you order months and months in advance.

2. Pick a ready-to-wear bridal store like J. Crew or Ann Taylor where dresses are already made in number sizes (0-16 for example) and are not made to measurements.

         -An advantage of this is, dresses will most likely come in the same fabric and color but will be offered in multiple styles so all bridesmaids from short to tall, and busty to hippy will find a dress to flatter their figure.

3. If you do not have your heart set on any color, let them wear black. Who doesn't like to add another LBD to their closet?

4. If you decide on a general enough color like navy, or champagne. Let them find the dress on their own. (If you are nervous on their style choice, have them O.K. it with you first) That way they can choose how much they are spending, and they are guaranteed to wear it again.

5. Last but not least, you know your bridesmaids, you picked them to be in your wedding after all! You know their style, you know what they like or what they don't like. (Or at least I hope you do!) Yes, it is your day! Just remember you asked them to be apart of it.
           

picture from google images

dresses from J. Crew

Beholden or BHLDN....

Besides Borrowed, Blue, Old and New, something else was launched this Valentine's Day: BHLDN.com...

The creators of Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Free People have launched a Bridal line, called Beholden. Designed after the likes of the Anthropoligie style, Beholden or BHLDN is beautiful, elegant, and definitely not classic. They offer everything from the bridal gown itself to lingerie. My favorites being the bridesmaid dresses, shoes, and hair adornments. Although there is no actual bridal boutique, they are all available online.

So, for the unique bride looking to step outside the box, check out www.bhldn.com.

Here are some of my favorites...

bridesmaid dress

rehearsal dinner?

 

short bridal gown? i'm in love...

and some accessories for you...

birdcage veil

something blue?

new trend=colored shoes for the bride

 

all images taken from bhldn.com

Bridal Gown 101

We all know shopping for a dress can be stressful. Just think back to when you were searching for that perfect birthday dress, or that one dress no other girl would have at prom. Now, it is time to search for the ultimate dress....your Bridal Gown. This can turn from exciting to upsetting fast.

Below are 10 tips to keep in mind when searching for your dream dress.

1. Limit yourself to how many boutiques you want to go to. Going to too many stores can become overwhelming.

2. At your first appointment, try on as many different styles as you feel you need. You then can rule out which styles you don't like, and which styles do not flatter your body.

3. Choose wisely who you bring with you to your appointment (I say no more than two.) Too many opinions can quickly make an appointment go bad, and make dress shopping seem like a chore.

4. Bring the proper under garments. A supportive strapless bra, and nice but modest underwear. (You can leave the thongs at home ladies!)

5. Be open minded. You may end up loving a dress you never would have originally tried on.

6. DO NOT be afraid to say no! Do not let your company, or wedding specialist talk you into a dress you don't want. Remember this is your day, not theirs.

7. Before going into any appointment, know your budget. The last thing you want, is to spend more than you planned on and have to limit yourself in other areas of your wedding.

8. Have an idea of your theme or location of the wedding. This can help inspire your style of dress.

9. Remember to bring a few other things with you: a pair of shoes with the size heal your planning on wearing that day, a hair tie if you are thinking about an up-do, and a camera/camera phone so you can snap pictures of your favorites (if allowed by the boutique)

10. And finally, Have Fun! Bridal gown shopping should be exciting not upsetting!

image taken from google images

Will You Be Mine?

As one of the most romantic holiday's, where I am sure at least one man will get down on one knee and ask that one question every girl dreams of 'Will You Marry Me?' I thought Valentine's Day would be a good day to start this off.

So, to keep in the Valentine's Day, romantic spirit, I thought I would start at the beginning. The day where all of the dress shopping, planning, and of course showing off the new addition to your left hand begins. The day he proposes.

Below are some of those stories...

Nicole and Aaron. Santa Monica, CA

  Nicole and Aaron had planned on going up to the vineyards in Santa Ynez for Halloween. The night before Halloween Nicole and Aaron had a crazy costume party which didn't come to an end till about 4 AM. Naturally, Nicole thought the plans for the vineyard were off, but Aaron insisted. After making him drive, and sleeping the whole way, Nicole woke up to her favorite vineyard. The day started with wine tasting like they usually do, then on to a picnic, which Nicole described as a perfect day. They then snuck into the actual vineyard where they walked around and took pictures. As Nicole walked ahead of Aaron, she then asked him "Aren't these leaves pretty in the sun?" To which he responded with "Do you know what else looks pretty in the sun?" Nicole then turned around to see Aaron down on one knee holding what would then be her engagement ring! Aaron simply asked the question, "Will you marry me?" After screaming, and jumping up and down, Nicole said yes and he finally got to slip the ring on her finger, and she realized what was happening! 

Congratulations to the future Mr and Mrs McDonald!

 Tammy and Scott. Warwick, RI

Tammy and Scott had been dating since she was a freshman and he was a senior in college ('99). They had been living together in a one bedroom apartment right after her sophomore year. At the end of her junior year, on the last day of finals, Tammy got home and went to start dinner. It was their weekly taco night! Tammy was in sweats and was drained because she had been studying all week, not to mention it was rainy out. Instead of starting their weekly dinner routine, she came home to find a dozen roses, chocolates, and a beautiful new dress laying on their perfectly made bed. Tammy, confused asked what this was all about? Scott then told her that he was proud of her for finishing her junior year successfully, and he wanted to take her to dinner to celebrate! Tammy quickly got ready and put on her new gorgeous dress. They then headed out to Tammy's favorite restaurant.  They had a wonderful (as expected) dinner and everything was great! After dinner, dessert was next to come! Tammy loves creme brulee and that's exactly what came to the table! Scott who knew what he was about to do had the biggest grin on his face! Tammy then said, "calm down, I know it's good, but it's only dessert!" Little did she know there was an exquisite engagement ring placed right next to the dessert that she didn't see. The waiter placed it in front of her and Scott got down on his knee and proposed. The whole restaurant cheered.  

Tammy and Scott have been happily married for almost 8 years now and have a beautiful 1 year old Sophie, that only brings more love into their house every waking moment.

Briana and Chris. Cranston, RI

It was the day before New Years Eve, and Briana had been working all day. She had talked to Chris on the phone earlier in the day and he had been very short with her, so Briana was upset on her drive back home. When Briana walked in the door, Chris was no where to be found. She then found him in their bedroom under the covers "sleeping." Becoming more upset, thinking he had been sleeping all day Briana shook him to wake him up. As soon as she "woke him up" Chris jumped out of bed and got on one knee and proposed! Briana was completely surprised, and describes it as "the most random and exciting moment of her life." They both cried and hugged for over an hour! Briana loved that he proposed at home and the special moment was shared simply between the two of them!

Congratulations to the future Mr and Mrs Forlasto and baby to be :)

Marie and Patrick. Warwick, RI

Simple, and to the point. When Patrick decided to propose to Marie, he simply took her out to a romantic dinner with Marie not expecting anything! After dinner, Patrick took Marie to the spot where they shared their first kiss, which happened to be on Mother's Day. After proposing at a very thought felt location the newly engaged spent a romantic night at the Hilton hotel in Providence, Rhode Island. 

Marie and Patrick are now happily married and have a beautiful baby girl, Elisabeth!

Tina and Rob. Cranston, RI

Told in her own words....

"I always knew that when Rob proposed to me that it wouldn't be a big and over the top thing. I would always say " he will just do it at home and hand the ring over to me and tell me I know what the question is." Well my day finally came on September 28, 2010. It was an ordinary Tuesday like any other day. Rob was acting a little off that day though. He was out running lots of "errands" and then had to work that night, so I didn't really talk to him all day. I was just sitting at home watching TV in my jammies when Rob got home from work around 11pm. He went into the bathroom and changed out of his work clothes into a pair of PJ pants. Then he went into the kitchen and asked if I wanted anything. I was so into my TV show that I just said no. He came around the conner from the kitchen and was just standing by the side of my chair. I didn't really pay attention to what was going on, but he didn't keep walking or say anything, so I looked over and he was standing there in his green PJ pants holding a little black box. The first thing that came out of my mouth was "You are an a**hole!" He got down on one knee and opened the box and started with his cute little speech. I was in such shock that I kept asking "Is this real, is this seriously real?" I didn't start crying like I always thought I would, but I did sweat a ton from being so worked up and nervous and I actually never said yes (so I made him ask me to marry him again). It was only a Tuesday night at home, but it will be a Tuesday that I will never forget"
Tina and Rob are getting married this April, and are also now expecting a baby! Congratulations!

So, there you are all of my romantics! Stay tuned for more posts, and of course if someone happened to get on one knee for you today, Congratulations and please share your story!