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Saturday, March 31, 2012

If You're Going To Wear It--Flaunt It!

Source: google.com via Tara on Pinterest
From: SarahRhoads.com

Having an outdoor wedding? Afraid the weather might not be predictable? Don't want to ruin some pretty Manolo's in the grass and mud? Here's your answer--pretty boots that save destroying your good shoes and keep your feet pretty and dry at the same time!

This great photo shows off your footwear! If you're going to wear it--flaunt it!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Take A Break Join BEN FM & See The PhillySoul!

Wanted to remind my readers and their families not to get so wrapped up in wedding planning that they forget to take time to 'smell the roses' and take a day off from wedding-itis and head off the see the Philly Soul games this weekend on April 1. Take a day off and join BEN FM's Joey Fortman REAL MOMS GOT PHILLY SOUL sponsored by 95.7 BEN FM


BenFM (my favorite radio station) is going to have a lot of it's listeners (and a big group of bloggers, me me me!) at the April 1 home opener game when the Philly Soul take on the Cleveland Gladiators! Head to this link for tickets and use the code BEN when you buy your tickets! Use the BEN code and get FREE FOOD at the game (courtesy of BEN FM). Maybe I'll see you there! Yes, REAL MOMS GOT PHILLY SOUL! And we love a great deal!


Wouldn't it be nice to take a day off from wedding planning and just HAVE FUN? You know it would and a Philly Soul game is sure to be a blast. They're playing the Cleveland Gladiators (for any of you Cleveland transplants who want to support your home team.) The game is at the Wells Fargo Center, lots of seating for fans with SOUL! And we know you ALL have that! BEN FM REAL MOMS GOT PHILLY SOUL! Come join the Soul Fans and get the season off to a great start!


Video Courtesy of YouTube.com

I'm planning on having a great time (taking a day off from planning my daughter's wedding AND from blogging) and heading out to cheer for the Philly Soul with Joey Fortman, the Moms and 95.7 BEN FM.

Don't forget you don't even have to worry about dinner that night, the Wells Fargo Center has plenty of places to pick up some food and drink for you and your family.  Ah! A night without dishes!

So click this link to get your tickets and join 95.7 BEN FM and watch the Philly Soul trounce the Cleveland Gladiators on April 1 at their home opener! OH YES WE WILL! WHY? We've got SOUL! (And some great players as well, which always helps!)


**Please note, the blogger has rec'd compensation in the form of tickets to alert you to this great deal, although comments and point of view have not been influenced by receiving this 'compensation.'

You Will Remember What She Wore

Source: 79ideas.org via Carol on Pinterest

Sometimes a wedding gown transcends mere prettiness and moves to become not just elegant but a work of art. This gown will make the woman who wears it feel like a queen, and it's guaranteed to WOW the groom and anyone else who sees her in it. Sometimes a gown is worth sky high prices charged by a designer, this is an example of one of those times.


The above gown by DKNY may or may not have been designed as a wedding gown but it's a dress that is perfect for the bride with the confidence to carry off an unusual dress. Add a fascinator, a bouquet, and she's ready to walk down the aisle to marry the man of her dreams.


I'm not sure who makes the lavendar gown above but it is sure to catch the eye of groom and guest alike. It takes a bride with confidence to wear this unusual color, but no one will ever forget what she wore when she walked down the aisle. Encrusted with glitz on the bodice, a bride will float down the aisle to say 'I Do.' If you know of an unusual gown, whether it's your gown or not, post a link to share with our readers.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Beyond Words....




This is a dress to fall in love with...or a dress for the groom to fall in love with you all over again in. Sometimes a wedding gown is just beyond words...this one is. 'Nuff said.

Bowed In The Back Bridal Gown



For the bride who wants to show off her back.  This gown, tied with a bow accents the bride's beauty on this special day. Definitely a dress to fall in love with! It's by Rita Pateroni, a Greek designer.







Healthy Yogurt and Fruit Bar


















Photo from Southern Weddings Magazine and posted on Pinterest

Having a food bar at your wedding or shower is all the rage. So why not have a yogurt bar for your wedding shower or brunch reception?

Healthier than making ice cream sundaes and a yogurt bar offers your guests the chance to top off their bowls of yogurt with assorted fruits in a variety of colors.

It's pretty, it tastes good and it's good for you.  What more could anyone ask? And if you want to be a little indulgent, add a bowl of chocolate shavings for the guests who need that 'little bit of something extra.'

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Ombre Designs For Weddings



Ombre or shading of colors for a color scheme for your wedding is one of my favorite looks. Here are some ideas on how to use it effectively. Not all ideas will work for every bride, but you are sure to find some that will please.

 
 

How about these favors in graduated shades of pink? Or maybe a wedding cake and cupcakes in graduated colors of icing flounces? No mater what you choose your sure to WOW your guests with the variety of colors.
 

 If you have a link to some other ombre looks please share in the comment section. WDW loves readers who comment!

Bling Is The New Black

I was watching Hoda and KathyLee (well actually today it was Hoda and Kelly Pickler) but they had this great product, perfect for brides, from Bling Is The New Black. Their product 'Bling Your Bottoms' are a sheet of crystals that fit on the bottom of your high heels to flash some bling as you walk. Perfect for brides!

Bling Your Bottoms come in a variety of colors, blue, pink, lime green, gold, lavender and their trademark 'clear rhinestone/diamond look.' So be a Rhinestone Bride when you walk down the aisle!

BTW, check out Pickler's shoes! The woman is wearing heel-less shoes! Have no idea how she walks in them but she seems to be balancing just fine.

Bachelorette Scavenger Hunt
























Source: lacedinweddings.tumblr.com via Danielle on Pinterest


Are you wild enough to pull this off? Some are easy, some not something I'd want to do, but having a scavenger hunt for a bachelorette party is a good idea! Looks like it could be fun.  Choose your own challenges and point values based on the bride and guests coming to the party.  Have fun!

Entertain Like An Ambassador


Having a spring wedding when asparagus is in season? Serve this great asparagus dish from the book Elegant Entertaining: Seasonal Recipes from the American Ambassador's Residence in Paris. Or just want to entertain like the rich and famous? Amazon describes this book this way:

"In the heart of Paris’s exclusive Faubourg St. HonorĂ© neighborhood, the magnificent nineteenth-century residence of the American ambassador to France is the center of Franco-American relations and the site of elegant entertaining. Nearly every day of the year, master chef Philippe Excoffier prepares dazzling meals and parties for foreign dignitaries, French friends of America, and Americans in Paris. In this beautifully illustrated volume, Excoffier shares forty of his favorite recipes, including grilled veal with sage sauce and stuffed zucchini flowers, a new twist on French toast with roasted pineapple and rum raisin ice cream, and wild strawberries and cognac in dark chocolate baskets. Excoffier also reinvents American classics such as the Fourth of July picnic and Thanksgiving dinner. Specially commissioned photography sets the recipes against the backdrop of the residence’s splendid interiors. Partial proceeds of the book will be donated to FXB, a charity dedicated to fighting childhood poverty and AIDS."

The book was written by Dorothy W. Sayers, the wife of the former American Ambassador in Paris. and Phillippe Excoffier who was the master chef to the American Ambassador in Paris for over a decade. Francis Hammond's photos accent this book showing off the elegance of Excoffier's recipes with his world famous photography.

Not only put this book on your registry as the perfect gift for a shower or wedding but consider reading it ahead of time to get some great ideas for the menu for your wedding. Master chef, Philippe Excoffier will take you from elegant dining rooms to classic yet still elegant picnics. You just have to have a copy of this great book!


Sunday, March 25, 2012

Coffee and Sweets


End your wedding reception with a hot cup of coffee with a stirrer complete with a tiny doughnut hole on a skewer with your wedding date on it. Put the coffee in a up that has your names and wedding date on the side. The perfect accent for the end of a perfect day. Not only that, if your guests are a little tired for that drive home or back to the hotel, this will perk them up and keep them alert for the ride. 

Looking for more creative photos? Photos that take the mundane parts of your reception and turn them into memories? Call Harwell Photography and talk to them about shooting your wedding day.

None of That Frou Frou Stuff For Him!

Photo courtesy of Jessica Claire via Pinterest

This cute ring bearer carries a wedding pennant, hey finally something a GUY can enjoy, none of that frou frou stuff for him!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Strawberry Topiary To WOW Guests

Photo and ideas courtesy of HWTM Daily Blog

While I love the inspiration board's red and yellow colors, my absolute favorite is the strawberry topiary! You could make it without the grass growing in the fancy pot, just use some moss or other media to cover the Styrofoam in the bottom. Like other topiary you'll find in this and my Do It Yourself Wedding blog the trick is toothpicks and Styrofoam balls and dowels.  You will definitely get WOWs from your guests as soon as they see this strawberry topiary.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Flowers and Pearls - Simple and Elegant


I'm about to be the mother of the bride and I have to admit I love this idea! I really don't want pins in my dress and this pearl wristlet is perfect! Not only am I a big pearl fan but it's small enough as to be unobtrusive!

These would also be perfect for a bride who wants to carry a bible or prayer book but who wants some flowers as well. Pretty. Simple. Stylish. See JL Designs for this and other great floral designs.

Also check their site for some great photos of grooms holding bouquets. Love the idea for a wedding pic!

Zipper Bouquet?


Do you love the trend of zipper edging on shoes last season? Well these flowers aren't just adorning shoes. Turns out that bridal bouquets are sporting zipper flowers as well! You can't be a timid bride to carry this bouquet, but wow, it does make a statement! Made by The Quiet Riot on Etsy. The artist is interested in making other offbeat bouquets, either different colors or different materials, if you have an idea contact them via their Etsy.com site.

Wedding Dresses With Splashes of Color and More

Source: etsy.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Want to make a statement for marriage equality? Or having a civil union? Or are you lucky enough to live in a state where same sex couples can legally marry? These dress designs sketches from Etsy.com are perfect for the bride who wants to show the diversity of life. I love the dress on the far left that looks like it has flower petals falling down the skirt-so pretty and delicate.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Peacock Treats From Bedazzle My Bonbons

Photos courtesy of Bedazzle My Bonbons &
Photo taken by Cunningham Photo Artists

Planning a  wedding with bright peacock coloring? Bedazzle My Bonbons makes cupcake wrappers as well as the glittering bonbons to put on top of each cupcake.  Let your cupcakes become part of your decor!

Not only that, Bedazzle My Bonbons will send you a sample kit to try out their product! They also sell Bedazzle Pops.  Wow! Contact them at:

BEDAZZLE MY BONBONS
Phone: (321)327-5550 Fax: (813)428-5764

Photos courtesy of Bedazzle My Bonbons &
Photo taken by Cunningham Photo Artists

Monday, March 12, 2012

Wedding Cakes Laced With Love

Photos Courtesy of Victoria Made Website

Looking for unique wedding cake designs? Check out the Victoria Made website. This UK cake designer has a variety of wedding cakes guaranteed to 'knock your wedding shoes off.'   I love it when I find a new cake designer who does something 'a little bit different.' Victoria Made certainly does that!


This feathered look is one of my favorites. This sculptural style wedding cake is gorgeous! It looks like it belongs to a bride who prides herself on her ability to be ahead of the trend. She's the bride you want to follow!

Photo courtesy of Victoria Made Website

Like the look of the two tier broderie anglaise style wedding cake? You can have it on your wedding cake too.  Victoria Made shows the eyelet look on this two tier cake. Victoria Made cakes are decorations in and of themselves.  This cake looks like a flower girls dress or a wedding gown that's edible.

Photo courtesy of Victoria Made Website

And the pièce de résistance? This pearl and frills wedding cake, slightly off center, draws the eye of each and every wedding guest with it's unique look. So if you're looking for a cake to die for? Head to Victoria Made

What fillings are in these cakes? Filling include everything from "butter cream, ganache or a marscapone cream with various conserves, real fruit layers and a home made lemon or orange curd."

"Some of the cream fillings include the flavours below.
Vanilla/caramel/rose/lemon/orange/chocolate/ginger/almond/whiskey and choc/passion fruit/raspberry".  For more information about cake flavors visit Victoria Made website.

Not in the UK? Go to the website and just enjoy the view!





Friday, March 9, 2012

Hot Honeymoon Fashion


Every once in awhile I come across a piece of clothing that just screams "TAKE ME ON YOUR HONEYMOON!" This top is one of those. Not only is it pretty, it's flirty, romantic, and sexy all at the same time. Bare enough for the tropics but great for evening no matter where you honeymoon. (Unless you are camping, then all honeymoon attire changes!)

Satin and lace. Bare shoulders. Shows off your bust without being over the top. Yep! As I said, perfect! Tell me what you think.  And if you have a favorite fashion find for your honeymoon let me know!

Causing A Riot!

Can you imagine if someone really did this! No, some things are not meant to be a joke, at the same time, I have to admit, I laughed. It sounds like something that would make a good chick flick about how three couples all got engaged when 'the waiter' did the asking!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Chocolate Birds?


Looking for a unique cake? Love this green and cream cake complete with it's chocolate love birds! If you're not into a fancy cake with layers and layers of icing and thick buttercream, this pretty but simple cake is a great option for you.
It looks easy to execute for your baker (although I don't recommend baking your own wedding cake unless you have some serious experience!) 
Don't forget, you can choose you baker based on their skills. Most of them can execute your designs in custom colors.  So if you aren't doing a green cake, not to worry, just change the base icing color.  Easy!

Ten Tips For Attending Bridal Shows


After you get engaged all of a sudden you are inundated with places to go and things to do. One of those things are bridal shows. If you live in a major metropolitan area you'll have a huge choice of shows.  If you live farther out in the country, not as many.  But the same basic tenets apply.
  1. Determine how many bridal shows you plan to go to.  If you are planning to go to more than one or two, it's time to have a plan.  You'll want to hit one large show (which could put you off shows forever, but be aware, the smaller shows aren't as big a crush).  The larger the show the more likely you are to have a variety of venues, photographers, and honeymoon destinations. Choose one large show, and two smaller ones.  If you have ideas about venues you are considering booking, choosing a show there will give you a good idea of their organizational skills. Also you frequently get to taste food at smaller shows (always a bonus if you don't want to pay risk not tasting food until after you sign on the dotted line.) I suggest choosing one higher end venue and one mid/to lower end venue.  This lets you compare and contrast what each offer you.
  2. Make a list of vendors you want to contact while you are at the show. If you only need a photographer or DJ, hit those booths first.  Quick tip: I've found some great venue tips from DJs at bridal shows.  They know who is easy to work with and who has problem weddings. 
  3. Carry 'bridal' business cards with your contact info.  Some brides come with labels pre-printed with their name, address, phone and email address.  This lets you have more productive time with a vendor instead of wasting time filling out this info by hand.
  4. Make a list of questions you want to ask vendors.  At a smaller show you may well get some good one on one time. If not, carry your datebook with you so you can make appointments. 
  5. Don't be afraid to admit you're just starting to plan your wedding or don't have a date yet.  Usually a ballpark like 'summer of 2013' works for a vendor.
  6. Look for vendors who are actively engaged with brides. These are vendors who aren't sitting behind a table talking to the people running the table next to them.  These are vendors who are looking at YOU. If they can't focus on you at a bridal show ...
  7. Some shows encourage you to bring your fiance. While there are hundreds of brides per show, there aren't as many grooms.  So if you're looking to win a prize.... take a groom. 
  8. Don't waste your time all at one table. Stop at a table, get their "elevator pitch" and move on. Then take a break and make a note on the business cards of the details you want to touch base with a vendor about.
  9. Take advantage of free services if you have time, but don't waste your day waiting in line to get your makeup done. The show is short, make the most of the time you are there. Usually someone doing makeup is selling it, make an appointment with them for a 'trial,' scheduled after the show.
  10. Don't forget, good manners go a long way. I know one venue that gave brides a 10% discount for writing them a thank you note! Wow! That's a big savings.  Also if you see the person there who has organized the show, it doesn't hurt to let them know you've enjoyed the day. Your mother would be soooo proud.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Peacocks and Orchids

Header courtesy of Little Pheasant


Are you planning a peacock theme wedding? Are you looking for an eye-catching centerpiece? Look no farther! They are right here.  Denise at Little Pheasant has designed these great centerpieces. 

Photo courtesy of Little Pheasant

They are perfect for small table tops, or if you make them a little bigger, great for your dining tables.


Photo courtesy of Little Pheasant


Work the colors and feathers into your bouquet and the boutonnieres! Perfection!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Brideorexia

“Brideorexia” is the newest eating disorder on the block. Coined in response to the way brides-to-be are using unhealthy ways to lose large amounts of weight, a brideorexic is a bride who risks her long term health in the attempt to look slim and svelte for her wedding day. 

Most recently the Brits became concerned when Prince William’s then fiancee, Katherine Middleton seemed to be rapidly slimming down in front of their eyes.  After watching William’s mother, Princess Di, and her fight with eating problems and its co-morbidities, seeing Katherine Middleton (now Prince William’s bride) losing pounds almost daily in the tabloids became a concern. 

Today’s brides (royal or not) are bombarded with advertising for ways to weigh less and slim down for their wedding. If they were hovering on the edge of anorexia, getting engaged can push them over the edge into Brideorexia and possibly long term anorexic behaviors in an attempt to fit into a bridal gown sizes smaller than they usually wear. To add insult to injury the makers of bridal gowns size them so if you are usually a size eight, their dress only fits you in a size 12. Talk about making a woman feel fat!

We also have television shows like Shedding for the Wedding and new exercise programs designed just for brides known as ‘bridal boot camps.’  In prior years you saw articles about ‘losing baby weight’ in women’s magazines, but bridal magazines had little or no discussion about weight loss. Now bridal magazines have taken up the ‘lose weight’ chant.  They’ve also picked up advertising dollars by littering their ad pages with ads for everything from exercise programs (like the aforementioned bridal boot camps) to ads for products like liquid diets or ads for your local gym. Wedding magazines also have articles encouraging brides-to-be to lose those pre-wedding pounds and suggesting ways to do it.  

A research group at Cornell said approximately 70% of brides-to-be are concerned about losing weight for their weddings. Most want to lose about 20 pounds, but some want to lose more. Some brides-to-be don’t just want to slim down; they want to lose an unhealthy amount of weight using unhealthy means. The 10% who tip over into Brideorexia use things like extreme liquid diets, laxatives and extreme exercise programs that are designed to work off every calorie they consume and more.  

A healthy bride is a beautiful bride. Brides-to-be need to concentrate on healthy eating habits. If this results in weight loss because they’ve corrected poor eating habits and late night pizza binging that can only result in a healthier bride. But the brides whose new food group is laxatives are on a slippery slope to full blown anorexia after the wedding. Brideorexia can take a formerly slightly overweight bride and turn her life into one that mirrors the that of Karen Carpenter and other famous anorexics.

So if you’re planning on getting married be aware of the pitfalls of Brideorexia. If you want to lose pounds (and dress sizes) find a healthy eating program and combine it with a healthy exercise program.  Talk to your physician and have him monitor your weight loss and suggest appropriate life style modifications in eating and exercise. And speaking of exercise(even though I’m not getting married…I’m off to the gym! Bye!