Having a Candy Buffet?

There are a lot of different ways to make your guests feels special, one is by having a candy buffet. When your venue coordinator asks if you want a buffet, say yes, a candy buffet!  More brides are adding a candy buffet to their wedding day as a way to let guests choose their own favor or as an additional sweet for the end of a meal.  Brides who want to color coordinate their candy buffet can either visit a warehouse club and try to find their wedding colors or they can do some one stop shopping at Candy Warehouse.  Candy Warehouse has every candy imaginable and many old fashioned favorites made in your favorite colors.  Looking for black wrapped Hershey Kisses?  This is your source!  Colorful pink candies, they have more than you could ever imagine.  Gold or silver accents? They have those too.  I don't recommend buying all your candy here. For instance, if you want silver wrapped Hershey Kisses, go to your warehouse store.  Or if you're near a holiday when they have red candies out, buy them at the warehouse store as well.  Reserve candy warehouse for hard to find colors in your old favorites or some new to you candies in your wedding color or theme.  Candy Warehouse has several YouTube videos to help you with setting up your candy buffet.  Take advantage of their expertise and their selections of colorful candies.

DIY Luminaries

Your DIY luminaries from I1LUMIEnate will arrive at your doorstep ready-to-assemble. These elegant table number luminaries are 8-1/2" tall and measure about 3-1/4" in diameter. All you'll need to do is unpack these beauties, assemble them and place them over a votive candle that's inside a glass holder. They are quite sturdy and self-standing.  Other options are also available.  You can also customize designs, contact the IlLUMIEnate shop on Etsy.com.

Shoes to Die For!

Are you a shoe fanatic always looking for that pair of shoes to die for? If you're that shoe fanatic, or if you're just looking for the perfect shoe for your wedding day, go to heels.com.  They have fabulous shoes for every taste.  High heels, flats, and everything inbetween.  I know where my next paycheck is going.  Now I just have to narrow it down...  There are some great sales on this site too, shoes from lots of designers, this page is HOT HOT HOT!

Planning a Wedding? Check the Weather Channel for Help!

It seems like everyone is in the Bridal Biz these days and The Weather Channel at http://www.weather.com/ is no exception!  They offer info on the dates with the most rain, driest weather, most sunny days etc.  They also track the time of sunset for your wedding day so you can make the most of mother nature for your photos.  They also offer a 'Flower Finder' and a book of suggestions for your outdoor wedding.  Who knew? Fishing weights in you veil so it doesn't fly away in the breeze at an outdoor wedding?  So it's worth stopping by if only to pick up some tips and ease your angst over the weather!  Their wedding expert, Jen, can answer your questions and ease your mind.  Worth a stop!

See It Before You Try It--Hairdos on the Web

Choosing a hairstyle for your wedding just got easier.  Join Hairstyler.com and you can upload your photo and try out a variety of formal hairstyles for your wedding.  Hairstyler.com says: "A style created correctly will not only look fabulous, but it will also be durable and fit the overall theme of the wedding and/or formal occasion. Styles that are pinned into place have a much better chance of lasting the distance too. But beware of the three main factors that destroy formal hairstyles: moisture, rain, and wind (wavy hair that has been made smooth can go frizzy; straight hair that has been curled can go limp)." Hairstyler.com is an inexpensive way to try out a lot of different do's for your big day.  Currently the cost is $14.95 for a lifetime membership. 

Gifts for Your Bridesmaids

Avoid the ho-hum of the usual totes for your bridesmaids and try these sterling silver Juliet bracelets with a pretty floral pattern that has been oxidized to make it pop and give it a worn feel. The bracelets don't close all the way in the back so if you have a maid with a larger wrist they should easily fit.  Bracelets are made to order so it you need one larger you can talk to the artist.  Another Etsy find at Punky Bunny's store. 

Monogram It!

 Marrymonograms.com offers their services to assist you in having a unique look for your monogram that you can add to everything from stationary to invitations to favors. Prices are around 49.99 for each monogram. 

Going Digital!

The days of disposable cameras on each table are long gone.  Now the ideal way to capture candids your guests take is to set up a digital docking area so your guests can upload all their pics onto your computer before they leave.  Then after you get home from your honeymoon sort through all the pics and make a digital photo album that you can send to everyone as a thank you for taking your candids!  The best of all worlds!

Be Creative With Color

Glassybaby is physically a small, colored, glass cup, candleholder, or vase. But the light of a candle coming through generates more; it gives warmth to a cold day, a calm token of peace in the busy world. It can be used to drink out of or as a vase. Use glassybabies alone or in groups. Their web site is http://www.glassybaby.com/. Glassybaby has a rental program so if you'd like to use them at a big event (like your wedding or shower) check their web site. Each glassybaby is $40, but rentals run about $5. They are handblown glass and come in a wide variety of colors.

Want To Make Your Own Invitations and Stationary?

Karen Bartolomei, owner of Grapevine Paperie, has published a book called "Paperie For Inspired Living"  which is available at Borders, Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com.  If you've ever seen her work on her web site or in one of the many wedding magazines you know how stunning her wedding stationary can be.  While it may not give you the exact designs she produces for her clients "Paperie for Inspired Living" will get you started on a beautiful DIY project.  To see Karen's gorgeous work go to her web site http://www.grapevinepaperie.com/. 

Etsy Does Your Wedding Bling

Etsy is a formidable resource for wedding planning.  They have everything from dresses, to flowers, invitations, gifts, to jewelry.  (And I'm sure I've missed something!)  Their artisan jewelry is incredible, especially if you are looking for a unique piece that the rest of the world isn't wearing!  Search under FleurDeLak on Etsy.com. 

Google Wedding Applications

Google Docs launched 20 individual Google Docs templates, geared exclusively towards the bride, groom and wedding planning. With these templates you can keep track of your guest list,your budget, you can plan your entire wedding in one, super-organized little place…from booking your venue and photographer to managing and collecting addresses for your guest lists and RSVPs. And since these documents are live online, you can share them with your bridal party, access them from anywhere, you can even edit them using your smartphone. Google has applied their usual smart and simple approach to help you with your wedding planning. 

Noaki Jewely--Unique Etsy Strikes Again!

Noaki Jewelry has some beautiful jewelry for your wedding day.  Notable is a bouquet that the designer made for her sister's wedding from old brooches.  Noaki also has some great 'hair jewelry' and necklaces too.  http://noakijewelry.com/.

Wedding Rings -- symbol of love and commitment

Wedding jewelry is an important part of arranging a perfect wedding. For most people a wedding ring is more than just jewelry, it is a symbol of love that will last a lifetime. This is why people give so much importance to the choosing and buying of the wedding rings. They often do not mind to pay little bit more for the perfect rings for this very special day.

Wedding and engagement rings are designed to offer each couple a chance to express their own special feeling about their love and marriage. Whether they are looking for a unique antique look or for an up to the minute contemporary one, or somewhere in between, there are thousands of options to choose from. Manufacturers and designers have recognized the diversity of the brides and grooms choosing these rings and there truly is something for everyone.

The quality of a wedding band or engagement ring is based on the uniqueness of the design, the quality of stones(if any) in the ring, the metal (gold, white gold, platinum, titanium) and the quality, quantity and cut of the stones in it. Again, the designers have found something for everyone and something at every price point.

Whether it's a simple band or a diamond encrusted one, the meaning is the same--lasting love.  Engraving your initials or a special sentiment or date on the inside of your bands is often a nice touch. 
Shopping for your rings is easier than ever. You can either shop in your local jewelry store, 'jewelers row,' online, or at one of the huge diamond warehouses. Your rings can be custom designed to show your unique bond.

As you shop for rings look for rings that will symbolize your commitment to each other. Rings that will be comfortable to wear and that are durable and long-lasting, just like your love.  (photos from http://greenkarat.com/)

 
 
 
 
 
 

Bling for Your Cake

Bling for the bride, why not some for the wedding cake as well?  Wedding Cake Jewelry is the latest trend to enhance the top of your wedding cake. Delicate meandering vines of tiny crystal flowers and leaves. Available in Silver or Gold. Sold as a set of three cascading vines and three smaller accents for top of cake. Hand Made.  http://www.favorsbyserendipity.com/

Orange Theme Floral Design

Plus Size Wedding Gowns

The following are just a few of the many places selling plus size wedding gowns. If you run a search I'm sure you'll find a lot more of them. Also check on http://www.theknot.com, they have information on everything wedding and I'm sure have suggestions.

http://www.discountbridal.org/category.aspx?categoryID=410

http://www.frenze.com/modest-bridal-gowns-c-39.html?zenid=f8d182bf05f10e7e0393fe815574ee5a

http://bridalonlinestore.com/Collection/plus-size.asp?i=1275311738

http://www.plussizebridal.com/

http://www.DavidsBridal.com/Plus-Size

http://www.bridalexpressonline6.com/

http://www.inweddingdress.com/wedding-dress/plus-size-wedding-dresses.html

http://www.igigi.com/

http://www.milanoo.com/wholesale-Plus-Size-Wedding-Dresses-c809

Baby Bump? Need a Dress?

The following websites offer a large selection of materniy wedding dresses. Hopefully you'll find the gown of your dreams on one of them.

http://www.maternity-wedding-dresses.com/


http://bridalbumps.com/


http://www.wholesale-weddingdress.com/maternity-bridesmaid-dress.htm


http://www.aliexpress.com/product-gs/277751121-2010-collection-elegant


http://www.aliexpress.com/product-gs/277751121-2010-collection-elegant%20-maternity-wedding-dresswholesalers.html-maternity-wedding-dress-wholesalers.html

Planning an Italian Wedding?

Amazon.com offers "Abbodonza, Planning an Italian Wedding" by Lori Granieri.  One review of this books says:

"This book was well-written and very helpful. it gives specific menu ideas along with recipes, information about what certain foods symbolize, and foods from the different regions of Italy. It also goes into detail about the Italian wine regions and gives ideas for serving wines. This book includes information about Italian wedding traditions and stories from people about their Italian traditions and experiences. It gives ideas for wedding locations, how to plan it, tips on planning a wedding in Italy and suggestions for wardrobe, music, Italian dances and a lot more. This book is obviously well-researched and also speaks from first-hand experience only gained from living Italian!"

Silk Flower Petals

Exquisitely crafted to look like real rose petals,silk flower petals are specially created for tossing at the wedding ceremony or sprinkling on your reception tables as a delightful decoration. The realistic silk petals, which vary in size, are approximately 2 ¼" in diameter. The personalized petals can be purchased at http://www.myweddingfavors.com/ come in 72 gorgeous flower petal colors! The petals are sold in units of 100 only.