I was recently inspired by TLC's show "Say Yes to the Dress" to write this blog about all the different types of wedding gowns, and the women who think they look good in them.
Recently, there was a woman on who insisted on a trumpet style gown (see picture if you don't know what a trumpet style is), but it was completely wrong on her. She wouldn't even allow the consultant to show her any other styles, and despite her friends' opinions that sat there and disliked every trumpet she played, she "knew what was best" and only wanted that style. At the end of the show she walked out without a dress because not even she was happy about how she looked. Why wasn't she happy? Because she was about 5'3 and roughly 45-50 pounds overweight.
There are so many styles that a bride can choose from and some styles are even so close together that one may look fabulous while the other might look dreadful. Women need to be fully aware of their shape before shopping for a dress, and then understand that their favorite style might never look beautiful on them.
Aside from the cut of the dress, a strapless dress is often the most popular. I did not wear strapless because I have very broad shoulders and would've looked like a linebacker if I didn't break it up with some straps. Strapless also slips a lot and it's a pain in the ass. Depending on how high up the neckline goes, there is a chance that you would pinch the skin under your armpit area, and if you're overweight, there will be spillage. If you find yourself trying on strapless dress after strapless dress and cannot figure out the problem, just give one with straps a try and see if it makes a difference. Always be open to different styles.
Mermaid/trumpet dresses are very difficult to pull off, especially if you have any sort of hips. The models you see in the magazine have these typical measurements: 34-23-34. A trumpet dress has more material and it hugs the bodice all the way around. The mermaid is sexier and it will emphasize every single curve of your body. Be honest with yourself and ask if you want everything emphasized or not. Tall also works better with these styles and if you're on the shorter side, you'll find that big huge heels will make a difference. Are you ready to wear those all day?
A-lines offer a slightly less dramatic and less severe structure than the mermaid or trumpet, but the same general idea. The waist is dropped and it doesn't hug you all the way to your knees or even straight to your hip. There are variations on the bottom anywhere from ballgown to just a simple slip. If you want a little more freedom, this is a great style to try.
Then there are the many ways that you can wear the top: strapless, cap sleeves, long sleeves, off the shoulder, everything! Just because one thing doesn't look right on you, doesn't mean you can't open your mind to others. Think about the dresses in your closet and what you think your best features are. Don't try on a dress with the idea that you'll drop 30 pounds before the wedding day. Be realistic. If something doesn't look good and doesn't feel right, try something else.
You never know..you might surprise yourself!
Wedding cakes are absolutely the traditional way to go. There's so much you can do with them...real flowers, different flavors each layer, fondant, colors, etc. But what if the cake just isn't your style and you're looking to add something a little different to the same old dessert you've seen at every wedding?
Cupcakes are the new trend in wedding cake substitute. I found a fabulous place in Ridgewood, New Jersey called "Cupcakes by Carousel" and invite you to check out their website here: http://www.cupcakesbycarousel.com/index.html. The picture posted is their wedding cupcake but you would be surprised how much more they have to offer. I spoke with Emily and she told me how brides have added this to their wedding by using tiers of cupcakes, mixing them up, changing the colors and even requesting specific ingredients.
If you go the cupcake route, you want to make sure you have enough for everyone to enjoy so plan carefully. Next you'll have to decide how you want to incorporate your theme. You can do anything from showcasing your colors, tiers of candied cupcakes or even shaping them like a wedding cake.
Another option is to substitute cupcakes in for the groom's cake. You could place the cupcakes next to your wedding cake and then make something special out of the cupcakes for your groom celebrating his passions in life. Maybe he likes to fish, so you could use the "worm in dirt" cupcake from Carousel.
I highly recommend Cupcakes by Carousel if you're close by. Not only are they extremely helpful, but their cupcakes are beautiful and they taste amazing. Think of all the cute pictures you will get of your guests enjoying something a little different at the end of your reception.
Enjoy!
Everyone knows that next to picking the perfect husband, the most important item in a wedding, is the perfect dress.
But let's face it, dresses can be very expensive, even for the ones with minimal details. Not into all the bling and poof that we're seeing at wedding after wedding? Is your style more casual and laid back...and are you one of those brides that just doesn't want to spend thousands on a dress you'll only wear once?
J. Crew to the rescue. The picture I have posted is just one of their gorgeous gowns from their collection. Ladies, this dress is only $700, and they have dresses with even lower prices!
What's so refreshing about the J. Crew wedding line is the simplicity of even their most elaborate gowns. They work well for the casual garden wedding, a ceremony on the beach, or anywhere our casual bride wants to celebrate her special day.
With all of that money that brides can save on the gown, it will be easier to accessorize without guilt and keep with that simplistic feel. You can add embellishment to your hair using barrettes, or even just flowers. J. Crew has veils that are short and sweet and ones that drop down to your toes. If you're looking for that special piece of jewelry, they have that to offer as well.
Let's not forget those special girls helping to celebrate your day...J. Crew offers bridesmaids' dresses in a variety of both lengths and colors. Some dresses are as low as $59.00.
Of course, J. Crew is famous for its standard clothing line, so don't forget to do some honeymoon shopping with all of that money you just saved for your big day.
For all of their beautiful looks, visit: http://www.jcrew.com/wedding.jsp
Now brides, I know how worried you get about the most important thing on your wedding day: your hair! Well, this product has been around for the past 2 years, and I cannot say enough about it! Moroccan Oil is the one hair product you need for your wedding day.
I, personally, have hair that frizzes the second I walk out the door...whether it's just humid or raining, I have these unattractive flyaways that can never be tamed. I usually will just pull my hair back, but on your wedding day, that isn't an option.
Enter: Moroccan Oil. This lightweight oil gets applied to towel dried hair (very important to get all of the dripping water out) and it's as simple as that. You don't even need that much. The oil will cut down blowdrying time and make your hair soft and smooth but it won't weigh it down or make it look greasy. You can easily brave the rain and humidity with this in your hair.
What's better, is that the more you use this oil, the healthier your hair will be and the better it will look over time. I tell all of my brides when I meet them for the first time about this product and before their wedding day it's a gift from me to them. But go spoil yourself. This is a product you must buy. It's on the pricey side, but since you will be using such a small amount each time, it will last for months. It's even better if you're a hot iron abuser like I am, or a color junkie.
Now, if you are working with me as your planner, you will eventually receive this wonderful product as a gift before your wedding day, but if you're not, you should run, don't walk and grab it for yourself. Yes, I do put together a cute little gift basket for all of my brides before they say "I do" (just another reason to work with me), and this by far, is my favorite item.
So run out and try this...remember, the more you use it before your wedding day, the more wonderful your hair will look. Now then, isn't it nice to have one less thing to worry about on your wedding day?
(Edit: Don't believe me? TheKnot.com backs me up:http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/planning-a-wedding/articles/wedding-dates-to-avoid.aspx)You're cordially invited to spend your entire holiday weekend at our wedding. Because we're important and you didn't have anything else to do.
So clearly, I think holiday weddings are a mess. Yet, over the years I've watched couples get married over Fourth of July, Labor Day...even Christmas.
To all of the brides who do this, I say "tsk tsk". The only thought going through the minds of the people you are inviting is "There goes my holiday and one of the only breaks I get all year." Trust me, not many will be excited.
That said: Is it your wedding? Yes. Can you have it anyway you want? OF COURSE! But there is a point where you need to think of your guests before selecting the date. And if you're hoping to cut costs and make money back from your guests...guess again, especially when some of your guests don't show up. Despite etiquette rules, most won't send gifts if they are invited, but then don't come. Shame on those guests, but that's another story.
One of the arguments for having a holiday wedding is that things will be cheaper. Let me shed some light on that having worked on weddings where the bride insisted on a holiday wedding.
There is a good chance that the venue will be cheaper. While the venue is a big price tag to worry about, let's not forget all of the other ones you will need to keep in mind:
Vendors: florists, photographers, videographers, and yes, even officiants are going to charge you more money. If you have your wedding on a holiday weekend or, worse, directly on that holiday, you will have your vendors charging you more for giving up their time that they otherwise would not have been working. I have watched vendors raise their rates solely because a wedding was on a holiday weekend. It happens, so be prepared.
You may be limited to the vendors you can hire now because of a. limited availability (it's a holiday, duh face) and b. they raise their prices because...it's a holiday...did I mention that already?
But let's say that you're one of those lucky brides where budget isn't even a concern. To you, I say mazel tov. What's the pricetag on your friendships and your relationship with your family members?
I've heard brides with holiday weddings say "I don't care if people don't want to come. If they don't want to come because it's a holiday, then they don't have to." These same brides have been MISERABLE on the day of their weddings when they see how many people in fact do not show up. And, again, despite the fact that etiquette dictates that the people that receive invitations are still supposed to send gifts, trust me, you won't receive many if any at all. It is very hard for most brides to see on the day of their wedding how empty the venue is. Make sure that's something you can handle. Be honest with yourself.
I've also heard brides say "If people don't show up, that just shows we're not really friends". First of all, stop inviting 500+ people that you never see or spend time with. Those people aren't your friends in the first place and why you want them at your wedding is beyond my comprehension. Second of all, just because people don't come, doesn't mean they aren't your friends. It means it's a holiday and you're not being a good friend by picking your wedding date and having no respect for anyone else.
I know this post is harsh and I've probably offended some brides. To those brides I say, you've offended a good portion of your guest list.
My advice is to avoid holiday weddings at all costs. You will lost relationships no matter how strong you think they are. Also, even though you think you might be saving money on the venue, do not forget the rest of the items you have to purchase that will be more expensive because you just HAD to deck the halls on your wedding day.
I promise I'll be nice in my next entry. And even though this is harsh, it simply serves a warning. Brides that want holiday weddings need to be aware: 1. prices won't be cut, 2. vendors won't be available, 3. guests will not be happy. Weddings are stressful enough...don't add more stress to your day. There are 52 weekend to choose from.
Ever wonder how you could enhance the look of your wedding? Your linens are beautiful, the florist did a great job, but what makes the room complete? Fabulous lighting, of course!
I recently stumbled across "Luminous Designs" while searching for a lighting designer for a wedding we are currently working on. Seems that there is more to offer than just uplighting.
This company shows off their talents hanging chandeliers from tents, globes from ceiling, swallowing the whole room in a wash of reds, you name it, they do it.
Think of your wedding as a movie. What does every great movie have in common? Beautiful lighting. Lighting is a great way to showcase what your other vendors have already put together for you.
You can keep it simple, and have your initials splashed up on a wall, or designs of flowers or snowflakes, or you can really turn it up. For instance, say your colors are purple, orange and golds for a fall wedding, why not have your flowers be deep purples and plums with orange accents while drenching the entire room in a golden hue? There are so many ways to play with it.
Don't just think about the walls, there are ways to decorate the ceiling and the floor as well. If your ceiling is a white tent, why not turn it into a canopy of leaves using lights? Perhaps turn your floor into an icy blue color all night for your winter wedding.
Lighting doesn't always have to be big and bold. If you have a small wedding planned, pinches of lighting here and there can complete the total picture. Whether it's lighting the entrance and archways that guests walk through, or places bright bulbs outside the venue, there are many options.
I invite you to take a look at Luminous Designs' Website here: http://www.luminousld.com/
Happy Lighting!
While working on a wedding lined up for this May, I became incredibly inspired by the natural look this bride was going for.
Her wedding will be at a beach and she seems to lean towards glass, candles, hanging lights...very clean and natural. The reception area has a wood ceiling with wood beams and the floor is also wood. There is something very natural about the place.
I took a look around at wedding pictures that I've seen and found some gorgeous ways to incorporate wood in every way possible. Wood adds a natural, feel that you can dress up or keep simple. Like flowers, there are so many combinations that you should look at before dismissing the idea completely.
The picture on the left that I have posted are large branches that were placed at the entrance of a cocktail hour. Hanging from the branches are flowers, but you can do so much more than just this. These flowers are an off-white, but you can put bright bursts of your colors in the forms of flowers, candles, glass bottles, pretty much anything that hangs. Think of it as a Christmas tree..there are thousands of ornaments you can use!
I've also seen this type of a centerpiece on a smaller scale either placed on tables or around the ceremony area. You can see from the picture on the right that charms were hung from strings coming down from the branches. They also used flowers but the charms would easily have stood on their own.
You could also hang votive holders (long enough for the flame not to catch the wood on fire) from the branches to add a beautiful glow. This would be gorgeous for a piece on the table where your guestbook is. You could even carve your initials inside of a heart on a piece of wood by your wedding cake.
If you want to go all out with the wood theme, and not just stick to centerpieces, look for places where you could add a little here and there. For instance, at your cocktail hour, why not place bleached wood on the bar area or around pictures of you and your new spouse? Bring the wood to your altar with branches hanging above you and your love as you say your vows.
Whether you wedding is on the beach, in a church, or whereever it is, you can add little touches of wood or go full out. The choices are yours and the possibilities are endless!
