Laughter and Wedding Planning

Every bride needs a way to de-stress during the year or so she's planning her wedding.  So if you've been trolling all the sites trying to find just the right dress, centerpieces, favors and are stressed out and need a break go to the Tacky Wedding website and you're sure to find some photos or videos that will make whatever you are stressing over evaporate into thin air!

Brides in camouflage, brides barely dressed, (and I do mean bare), horrible dresses, and on and on and on.  Whenever planning threatens to overwhelm you head over and see just how BAD it can be! And if you're a bridesmaid complaining about the ugly 'I'll never wear this again' dress your bride insists on, trust me, you will find some that will make you LOVE that ugly dress!

Cupcake Stand With A Butterfly Theme

Having a butterfly theme at your wedding? Why not use this great butterfly cupcake stand wrapper to decorate your cupcake stand and take it from ho-hum to stunning? You can also use coordinating cupcake wrappers (seen below) as well as wafer butterflies to polish off the look.  For more cupcake wrappers visit FancyFlours.com.

Looking for cupcake papers to go with your cupcake stand? Fancy Flours also has butterfly cupcake wrappers and butterfly wafer paper in a variety of hues to accent your cupcakes for your wedding sweet table or to add to your wedding cake.

Happy Hour Shopping Event For The March Of Dimes

Take advantage of this Happy Hour Shopping Event if you live in the Paramus NJ area. Get those finishing touches you want (or need). Be sure to RSVP!!!!

The Happy Hour Shopping Event For “Team Laurita” and New Jersey March of Dimes.

Finishing Touches Accessories, women’s accessory boutique will be hosting “The Happy Hour Shopping Event”, on Saturday April 9th at 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Finishing Touches Accessories Boutique, 23 North Fairview Avenue, Paramus, NJ.

A portion of the proceeds made at the event will help benefit reality TV star of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” Jacqueline Laurita’s team for the New Jersey March of Dimes foundation. Laurita was appointed the celebrity spokeswoman for the 2011 New Jersey March of Dimes.

This event will be full of fun! Guest will be able to shop, have cocktails, enjoy treats and a chocolate tasting from “The Chocolate Swirl.” The event will be a Guest List Only event. This is definitely an event that you do not want to miss, so RSVP today!

Guests must RSVP by April 4th.

For more information please contact: Finishing Touches Accessories at sas.finishingtouches@yahoo.com.

Visit Finishing Touches Accessories website: www.finishingtouchesaccessories.com

Post courtesy of Girls Lunch Out Blog http://girlslunchout.com.

Kidnapped At A Wedding Reception?

I was at a bridal show recently and overheard three brides to be discussing their wedding budget. They said they were having a 'kidnapping' at their wedding. OK, I thought, this is without doubt the STRANGEST thing I've heard while blogging about weddings so I admit, I listened in.

It seems the idea is that at one point during the reception there would be an announcement made that the bride had been kidnapped and in order to get her back we had to pay a 'ransom'! (My thought here was H*LL NO WAY WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THIS!) Not only that they announced how many $$$ they needed!

These brides didn't seem to find this at all, well, dare I say it? TACKY TACKY TACKY? Give me some feedback, would you do this? Is it just a different version of the dreaded 'Dollar Dance' popular in some regions? Give me your thoughts!

Ring Bearer Pillows, The Glitzy Girls, From Maihar Design

Top Pillow: Abbey Ring Pillow with ivory/dark chocolate ribbon combination
Bottom Pillow: Allison Ring Pillow with ivory/mustard ribbon combination and Passionfruit flowers

Maihar Design, offers ring bearer pillows, the Glitzy Girls: named: Abbey, Allison, Amber, Claire, Maclaren and Zoe.

Top Pillow: Amber Ring Pillow with lilac/orchid ribbon combination and Lilac flowers
Bottom Pillow: Claire Ring Pillow with ivory/bluebonnet ribbon combination

Brides can choose to opt for no flowers, or select from an offering of six different silk flower colors (Amethyst, Lilac, Passionfruit, Pearl, Peony and Pumpkin). Additionally, a bride can color-coordinate from a selection of more than 20 grosgrain ribbons.  Now that's what I call choice!

Top Pillow: Maclaren Ring Pillow with pistachio/lime ribbon combination and Pearl flowers
Bottom Pillow: Zoe Ring Pillow with blush/bashful ribbon combination

Pink and LIme Green Inspiration Board That Wows!

Saw this inspiration board and fell in love! The limes with the rings, the little boy with his hands over his ears, so many classic looks!  The lime and pink flower centerpieces look like easy DIY projects.  Just had to share these great photos.  For more great photos and ideas click the link at the beginning of this post.

Bride and groom, captured byBrandon Kidd Photography; Floral and fruit vases by The Nichols Photography; Hungry horse through the eye of W Scott Chester; Vintage floral bouquet by Brandon Kidd Photography; Young boy tired of the noise captured by W Scott Chester; Bridesmaids in boots by The Nichols Photography; Moment on the steps by Jill Thomas Photography; Austin skyline by Aberdeen Studios; Vintage bridal gown by Brandon Kidd Photography; Lime still-life by The Nichols Photography; Lovebirds in the grass by Aberdeen Studios; Marital bliss on the bed by Jake Holt Photography; Modern invitation captured by Jake Holt Photography; Blue-eyed father and daughter by Aberdeen Studios; Bubblegum wars by Jill Thomas Photography; Adorable couple with balloons by Jill Thomas Photography

Baby Cake Pop, Whoopie Pie and Mini Donut Makers? Wow!

This easy cake pop maker video is from The Daily Grommet.  Instead of dealing with those little pans this makes these cute little cake pops fast and easy!

Raspberry Inspiration Board

Raspberry Inspiration Board from the Polka Dot Bride.

Maternity Wedding Gowns

Are you a bride looking for a stylish maternity wedding gown? Tina Mak has gowns that are designed for both the bride who is expecting and the bride who isn't.  Flowing gowns that are elegant, feminine and pretty for EVERY bride.  What more could any bride ask for?

Peach and Gray Inspiration Board

Stormy gray and Peach Inspiration board from The Polka Dot Bride.

Peach and aqua inspiration board.

Medieval Times Inspiration Board

This inspiration board is for the bride who is planning an Medieval Wedding.  Everything from the venue to the attire change the look and feel of your wedding day.

Blinged Out Bird Cage

This bird cage was part of a photo shoot at Blackwell Grange Hotel, organized by Michael Cartwright Photography, photos by Photography By Katie seen on Fine and Funky Events web page.  It is a great inspiration for brides planning on decorating a bird cage for cards at their wedding. 

Add flowers and pearls to change this from an ordinary BORING bird cage that anyone could use to an unforgettable memory.

Flipouts--Fancy Flip Flops for Brides!

Flipout Sandals are perfect for the bride who wants to change from those killer heels into some comfortable flats for dancing at her reception.  They design Flipouts just for brides!  But that doesn't mean they have forgotten the rest of you.  Pretty, inexpensive, and perfect for dancing or a beach wedding.  WOW! These also would make great bridesmaid gifts!  Available in jellies or flip flops.

Decorate A Swing For Wedding Photo Ops

I love this photo of the flower girl on the swing by JKoe photography.  Consider duplicating this look if you're having an outdoor wedding, Decorate a wooden swing and use it as a great place for photo ops.  You'll need a strong tree branch, a wooden swing, and you can decorate it with flowers and greenery to make a perfect frame for whoever sits on the swing, be it flower girl or bride.

Decorated Swing for Wedding

Peacock Inspiration Board

Peacock colors and themes are all the rage at weddings this year.  The colors are rich and perfect for your wedding day.  These inspiration boards offer you additional ideas of how to incorporate a peacock theme and color scheme into your wedding.  For additional peacock ideas follow this link (can you tell the Wedding Queen loves peacock colors for weddings?)

Vintage Paper Products? Who Knew?

Vintage Paper Products

These great products let the bride on any budget have a reception that is fit for a queen! This video from The Daily Grommet where you can purchase these products gives you a great overview of these vintage paper products.  Great for a wedding with a strong accent color to offset the black and white.

No More Boring Place Cards!

Looking for unique place cards or table numbers? Head to this Etsy store to make your tabletops unique.  They have everything from cute critters (wild and domestic) to botanicals. 

Etsy has really provided brides with a treasure trove of artistic details to add to their weddings while keeping costs low. 

Oh Baby! What A Wedding Photo!

I've seen a lot of unique ways to show off your wedding bands but this adorable photo by Kelly Cardona Photography is a perfect way to display your rings in your photos if you have a baby you can beg, borrow or steal for a photo op!  If you have a newborn of your own or a cute niece, nephew or baby of a friend, take advantage of their adorable infant and let them show off your wedding bands.  What better way to include them in your wedding photos if they're too young to be a flower girl or ring bearer but you want to include them in your wedding day.  

Pink and Green Inspiration Board

Green and Pink Inspiration Board

This pink and green inspiration board is from It's My Party by Ashlie (click on link above).  Ashlie is one creative lady so head on over to her blog to find more great ideas for your events.  She's working on her cert in wedding planning so be sure to look her up if you need a planner in the Chicago area.

Lemon Yellow and Teal Inspiration Board from Pepper Design Blog

The crisp look of yellow and teal are perfect for a spring or summer wedding.  This inspiration board and more in the same color families are just a click away at Pepper Design Blog. 

Floral Chandeliers Light Your Wedding Day

Looking for a modern twist on a classic silhouette? Consider using floral chandeliers.  Whether your even is indoors or out these give your event a vintage elegance which is perfect for weddings.  Head over to Bustle Events and see how Erin Taylor and her team can give wedding or other special event that something extra.

Erin decided to form Bustle Events after she planned her own wedding and fell in love with planning events with a little more 'glitz and glam'.  Bustle Events plans events other than weddings but Erin's first love is weddings--how appropriate!

Brides Against Breast Cancer Coming Soon to a City Near You

Who runs this sale and why?

Making Memories, a foundation that raises funds and awareness to prevent breast cancer is gearing up for their 2011 Brides Against Breast Cancer Nationwide Tour of Gowns. They will be visiting over 25 cities across the United States.  Visit their website to see if your city will be a host city.  Additional cities are being added daily so if you don't see a city in your area check back again soon.

"Brides Against Breast Cancer" gown sales continue to be important fund raising events for Making Memories.  Our more than 32 yearly shows provide brides-to-be with an opportunity to find their dream gown (at an incredible savings) while making wishes and dreams come true for women and men who are losing their fight against breast cancer.  The worldwide support of designers, manufacturers, bridal shops and individuals (who donate a most treasured possession) make possible our Nationwide Tour of Gown Sales.  The proceeds from these events help bring a moment of joy into the world of someone for whom a cure is too late." 

Many of these sales have brand new gowns that are donated directly from the designer or manufacturer as well as gowns from individual brides.  It's a great way to find the gown of your dreams and make a wish come true all with one purchase.

Fill in a bride registration form and you'll get info about the sale in your area when it is booked.  If you are interested in volunteering fill out a volunteer registration form and you'll be contacted 3 to 4 weeks before the sale takes place.  Don't forget, gown donated are tax deductible!

Bow Ties With A Difference

Looking for an bow tie that's just a little different? Visit Forage Bow Ties to find an nearly limitless choice of colors and designs to accent your wedding. After the launch of their spring FORAGE collection... they said "something crazy happened: they sold out really, really fast! now our in box is full of people asking us when we'll make more, so we're sewing as fast as we can. Get ready for our second spring collection that's going to debut in a pop-up shop at a secret location in Philadelphia. (don't worry, we'll tell you all about it)." Meanwhile check out what is available on their website.  For the groom with style.

Wedding Monograms For Floors, Walls and DIY Decorating

Modern Wall Company offers brides and grooms an easy way to decorate both their wedding receptions and the bridal couple's car.    

Vinyl car stickers include: Bride & Groom, Always and Forever, Congratulations, and Just Married.  A classier version of hanging tin cans and poster board signs on the back of the couple's getaway car!

Head over to see the variety of colors offered as well as other monograms and vinyl wall stickers to easily decorate your first home. 

If you're just looking to add monograms to glassware for your centerpieces they also offer this easy way to personalize your decorating.

Monogrammed Wellies for the Bride and Her Maids

Monogrammed Wellies

The theme of Zoubaby Boots is "Where it's all about you."  What better theme for boots for the bride and her bridal party?  Too many companies use their products as billboards, but Zoubaby thinks your clothing (and boots) should show your style and identity, especially if you are going to wear them on your wedding day.  Zoubaby says 'Clothes reflect your life...show the world your style.'  When do you want to do this more than on your wedding day? 

Let Zoubaby help you and your bridesmaids walk down the aisle in wellies that reflect their inner self.  And see if you can talk your mom and his into wearing them too.  That picture I want to see!  Email me if do and I'll post it for up and coming brides to see too.  Remember, Zoubaby, where it's all about you.  Zoubabies are also available for children, so if you have a flower girl don't forget to pick her up a pair.   

Making Your Own Invitations--Vere.com

Making your own invitations can be a fun creative exercise for the bride or the groom.  There are a lot of great sites out there for cool fonts but one of my favorites is Vere.  This site offers almost any font you could possibly want to use to make great invites.  Head over to check out fonts of every shape and size or type you can imagine, and MORE!  It will let you try out any line of text you like so see which one makes your name and your fiance's look the best! Have fun!

Mint Fudge Brownie Parfaits--DIY Wedding Favors In a Jar

(This in Kristan's (of Confessions of A Cookbook Queen) Great Photo! And using those disposable spoons and twine and recyclable jars are just more reasons to recommend this for Eco-friendly brides!)

Desserts in a jar...hmmm...not messy, easy to transport, show off your creativity, yes I think that all adds up to a great idea for a wedding sweet table or wedding favor for the DIY bride.  I've seen many versions of these on the web but the one that makes my mouth water is by Kristan at Confessions of a Cookbook Queen.  (use that link to find this recipe (with yet more photos as well as the exact recipe) and other creative ideas Kristan offers her readers on a regular basis!)  Also don't forget you could use peppermint flavoring with some red food coloring for a wedding with a pink theme.  It's all in the details ladies!

Think how much your guests will enjoy both the taste and presentation of this well thought out gift from you and your new spouse.  Now head over to Kristan's blog for more great ideas to make your mouth water!

Eye Popping Wedding Cake

Cake from The Bisuiteers

Whether you are looking for cakes or cookies (biscuits for those of you in the UK) this company has it all! Head on over and take a look.  Everyone is sure to find something to suit them.

Looking to Buy or Sell Wedding Related Items?

Head over to the Smart Bride Boutique where you can buy or sell everything from wedding gowns to shoes or accessories as well as decorations from your wedding or jewelry.  What they have in stock varies day to day but there are some really great buys! And if you are tired of seeing your wedding gown taking up space in your closet when you know you REALLY won't use it again or pass it on to your daughter it's a great option.  There is even a category marked FREE.  What bride can resist saving some money?! You'll also find flower girls dresses/ring bearer suits and dresses for the mother of the bride and bridesmaids.  Happy shopping!

No Guilt Strawberry Shortcake - Perfect for Wedding Showers

(photo credit: Wedding Paper Divas)

Look closely. Then look again! These "cakes" are actually tea towel cakes. They look like delicious treats to eat but are actually soft hand towels to use as favors for your guests.  They are 100% cotton towels made to look like real pastries.  Great for shower gifts! Available from Wedding Paper Divas if you're looking for a cute idea for shower favors.

Supermarket Wedding Cakes

Wedding cakes don't just come from high end bakeries anymore! Cakes these days can be made at home, or like the ones above, come from supermarkets.  (Of course some of these came from high end markets!)

Love the cake with the ribbon flowing down the side from Fortnum & Mason!  The cakes above came from Marks and Spencer, Watirose and Fortnum & Mason. Prices vary. 

This trend is not just something happening in the UK, but you'll find wedding cakes in most supermarket bakeries in the United States as well.  A quick visit to my store's bakery showed a simple three tier cake running about $350.

Groomsmen All Tied Up

Groomen don't all have to wear matching ties.  This group of groomsmen wore navy ties but all with different designs taking the ho-hum of navy to an interesting combination of colors and designs.  This option lets you take groomsmen from wearing a simple gray suit and blue tie to a more interesting combinations that reflect each groomsmen's personality.  Photo courtesy of Southern Living Magazine.

Boutique Bridal Veils, Tiaras and More

Brides looking for unique tiaras, capes or veils need look no further than Trina Porter's site Baba-C where they will find accessories for the bride's big day that are fresh, unique and unlike anything found in your local bridal shop.  Trina started designing when she became frustrated by the lack of choice with attention to detail and personal service available at a reasonable cost to brides.  Also Baba-C ships internationally for your convenience.

You'll find Baba-C designs in many wedding magazines as well as on her website, Baba-C.  Her fresh eye and attention to detail make Trina's designs the first choice of brides with an eye for fine detail.