Floral heels

Source: goo.gl via Razia on Pinterest

Are you in love? White shoes with blinged out floral design on heel! Perfect!

Not sure where this pair came from (Curses on Pinterest!) But I'll be you could manage these yourself. Some white or silver flowers from your local craft store, a hot glue gun and some white pumps! WTG! Note: I haven't tried this yet, you might want to test it on an old pair of shoes...just in case!

Failing that, if anyone knows whose shoes these are and where to purchase them please post in comments! Thanks.

Going Black and White

Source: photobygeri.blogspot.com via Desarae on Pinterest

Want to wear shoes that are a little bit different without rocking down the aisle in bright red, blue or greens? How about these zebra pumps? Perfect for the bride who loves animals (or who is having her wedding at the local zoo!) (To be clear, these are faux zebra, no real skins used or animals harmed.)

You almost miss the discreet challenge to the normal white wedding shoe as these black and white numbers peek out at you from under the bride's  hemline! Great photo op too!

Green Feet? Well, Make That Great Green Shoes

Fergie Protest in Fluorescent Green

And the bride wore: Something old, something new, something borrowed and something GREEN. The Offbeat Bride offers you a selection of shoes gone green.

My favorites? Shoes by Fergie.  Yes, I know the heels are high, but so pretty! And perfect to have peeking out from under your lacy wedding gown! Your feet will fluoresce in these beauties! And give your groom some flourescent green socks and it will make for some great photo ops!

Butter Women's Sambuca Platform Pump in green patent leather

Looking for some shoes with a boho bow? Try this green pair from Butter, a company born from the combination of designer Nancy Geist and her business partner Lee Riech.  These come in a pretty pink too, so if you are not quite brave enough to go green, try pink instead.  

Chicomum-b by designer Nancy Geist at Butter

Nancy Geist also has a shoe called Chicomum-b, for the bride who wants just a little green as well as a whole bridal collection.

Criana by Nina at Zappos

Looking for a different shade of green? Try this pair by Nina from Zappos in apple green. Their lower heel and comfortable price may make you a happier bride!

Not happy with any of these choices? Head over to Offbeat Bride and see some other green shoes (or at least partly green shoes). It's fun to look at them even it they aren't 'your cuppa tea.'

Would you wear green on your wedding day? Yes? No? Tell us all about it!

The Invitation You Cannot Resist!

Invitation photo from Earmark Social Paper Goods

Creative. Beautiful. And Just Yours. Looking for a custom wedding invitation?  Visit Earmark Social Paper Goods.  They do all kinds of paper creations, and if you don't find one to suit go custom.

POLL Please!

Will all my readers please take the time to click the answer to the single question poll to the right of this post? It won't identify you by name, address or even your browser, just your age bracket.  I'm working on tailoring the site to fit the largest age demographic so please, one click, that's all it takes! Thanks! Nancy, Editor, WDW

How to Eat 10% Less The Easy Way

Photo Credit

Want to get skinnier by the forkful? Looking for an easy way to cut your food consumption by 10%? Trying to lose some weight before your wedding? We've all heard the tip to eat from a smaller plate, which would seem to be a valid option (and easy to do, which is half the battle for me when I diet). But new research shows that if you eat with a BIGGER fork you eat less. A recent study by researchers, reported in iVillage says researchers at the University of Utah studied subjects eating at an Italian restaurant and found a correlation between fork size and feeling full. It showed that those eating with a larger fork, one that could hold 20% more food than a regular fork, (at an Italian restaurant) ate approximately 10% less than those using a regular fork. 

My question about this is if you use a regular dinner fork instead of a salad fork does the same effect occur? I'm all for easy weight loss tricks but I really don't want to have to go out and buy new forks just to find a company with a bigger fork! Also will this work when you eat at a French restaurant? A Chinese restaurant? Or even in your own home? Or is it the twirling of noodles around a bigger fork that that is the real cause?

The researchers in this study said they believe that eating with a smaller fork makes us feel we aren't making as much headway on consuming the food on our plates so we take more forkfuls to satisfy our hunger. It seems this ONLY works when you are eating larger portions, so if you're doing the small plate trick it isn't effective. Fork size only effects consumption on larger entrees. So if you're a 'supersize it' eater this trick may be for you. No matter what, this seems like it's worth a try. What's the worst thing that can happen? Right, it doesn't work. It's not like I haven't been on diets that didn't work before!

But best of all, skip the tricks and simply stop eating when you're satisfied, don't wait until you are stuffed. (And you won't need special plates or special forks!) Stuffing after all is for turkeys (are you a turkey? Let's hope not!)

Read more weight loss tricks from Jessica Smith for iVillage in her article 52 Little Changes For Big Weight Loss Results. You are sure to find a few tricks that will work for you.

The Not So Simple Black Teeshirt

The front of this simple black tee is misleading. It definitely turns sexy as your turn around or walk away displaying a saucy flare with it's lacey corseted back. 

For the bride to be looking for something sexy to wear on your honeymoon (or whenever you're in the mood) consider this corset back tee shirt! Wow your viewer!

The shirt, made by Patty Women, is sold with some other 'sexy shirts' (trust me, they ARE sexy) on Amazon (and wow is the price right, under $30.)

Source: amazon.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

And The Bride Wore...Leather?

Source: etsy.com via Kimberlee on Pinterest

Loving these cuffs? They're from Etsy.com home of artisans and artists who work in every medium! These leather cuffs (not necessarily meant for a wedding) either in white or the color of your choice would work well for a bride who is looking to make a statement.  Not your typical white gloves of yesteryear! Will grandma love them?  You never know!  But I'll bet you look different than she did in her wedding photos!

Dresses That Rock!

Source: theprettyblog.com via Kimberlee on Pinterest

A variety of dresses perfect for your wedding.  No, I DID not say they were inexpensive!  But they are good inspiration if you can't afford the original you might be able to find a way to incorporate the ideas into your gown.

Braids For Brides

      Source: frenchbraid.nicehairstyles.net via Kimberlee on Pinterest

Braids for brides are one of the favorite hair styles you see in bridal magazines and on brides as they walk up the aisle. This post has several braid choices that brides might enjoy weaving for their wedding day.

This blond braid is a relaxed style, perfect for an outdoor wedding! Braids are the perfect answer for what to do with your hair on your wedding day. So much better than those old teased looks!

 

Source: all-the-cool-kids-say-yes.tumblr.com via Kimberlee on Pinterest

The braid is what all the cool kids are wearing! This colorful braid is perfect for the bride who wants to look just a little bit different. Yes, grandma may swoon, mom may grind her teeth, but hey, whose wedding is it anyway?

Source: Uploaded by user via Ashley on Pinterest

Love this waterfall braid? I love her hair period! But this braid is outstanding! Just be sure you have a stylist who can carry it off!

Source: tumblr.com via Lizzie on Pinterest

Bridal braids are everywhere! Add some flowers to your braid, a perfect idea for wedding day braids.

Temari Wedding Cake

Source: cakewrecks.com via Rosemary on Pinterest

Temari? Never heard of it? Neither had I, that's one of the great things about blogging, you learn something new everyday. 

What is Temari? Expert Barbara B. Seuss who wrote a fabulous book on Temari describes it as follows: "Temari てまり ("hand ball" in Japanese) is a folk craft born in ancient Japan from the desire to amuse and entertain children with an embroidered toy thread ball. "  (quote from her book, Japanese Temari)The Japanese art of Temari is over a thousand years old. A threaded ball was created by weaving silk in bright colors onto a small ball, the perfect simple toy for a child. (Btw, once the insanity of wedding planning is over if you're at all crafty, check out her books, two on Temari (one that is on pre-order right now), one on Kimekoni.)

These Temari inspired small cakes are pretty, decorative and sure to catch the eye of all your guests. How cool! A round ball decorated with colorful icings and a two layer cake with dots to match the colors the Temari balls were iced in. I love it when a baker and cake designer take it to the next level and create a wedding cake/or cakes that really catch the eye and aren't the same old, same old!

This cake was designed by Maki's Cakes. They offer a variety of different Temari cakes to choose from. Where am I going? I'm headed to my kitchen to see if I can figure out how to make these at home, fun for my next party for sure! And then? I'm going to call my girlfriend and recommend these books to her (I'd read them just for the photos, she'd actually put it to use! A great crafter I am not!

 

All Tied Up!

Every bride should have a stunning bouquet, here are some ideas to take your bouquet from ho hum to WOW!

These bouquets offer some pretty ideas for your florist to make your bouquet just a little bit different!  My favorite? The 2nd from the bottom. 

For more ideas visit Hearts and Flowers: All About Decoating For Your Wedding.

Photos courtesy of La Papeterie Diva.

Veiled Monograms?

Source: google.com via DeAnnä on Pinterest

Want to show off your new monogram? Why not have it embroidered on your wedding veil? Love this pretty veil for a wedding. Found it on Pinterest so I can't tell you where to get one.  If anyone knows please leave a note in comments! Makes me wish I was getting married all over again!

He and She Shoes

Source: Uploaded by user via JustFab on Pinterest

                                         Source: Uploaded by user via JustFab on Pinterest

Are you and your husband-to-be looking for some comfortable fun shoes? Try these All Star Sneakers...his marked HUSBAND (obviously) yours is marked WIFE.  My only problem? Not sure I love HUSBAND with a pink background... tell me what you think. Would your groom wear these?  Would you?

These are not only comfortable (so much more so than those five inch heels you were thinking about wearing!) but they take formal to fun with the tie of a lace!

According to Converse Customer Service:  "You are able to put a personal ID on either the heel stripe or the lower rear of our sneakers as part of our Design Your Own process. You can access the Design Your Own sneakers under the "create" section at the top of Converse.com." So now you know the how and where to order a pair of these all your own!

Succulents As Bridal Bouquet and Centerpieces

Photo from Offbeat Bride

As you know if you've been reading my blogs, I love the trend using succulents for weddings. Above see the bride's bouquet.  Not full succulents but just enough to make it interesting. 

More from Offbeat Bride (same link as above)

Instead of having the attendants carry succulents, they carried these salmon/orange roses with pretty lavender filler.  A great accent for a wedding with butterflies in the decor (they used them on the cake and centerpieces.)  They also used lavender to throw instead of confetti or bubbles! Perfect for an environmentally responsible wedding (or one that just likes a fragrant and unique choice!)

The florist added Monarch Butterflies to each centerpiece.  The wedding cake designer added butterflies as design elements on the cake (see below). The cake design called "Butterflies Scrambling Over Snow."

All in all, a nicely coordinated wedding! Photographer: Ars Magna Studio

All photos from Offbeat Bride, Originals Ars Magna Studio (See links above)

Wedding Shower Food

 

 

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of SkinnyTaste

This Mexican Shrimp Cobb Salad is sure to please the guests at your wedding shower (or even the light eaters at a rehearsal dinner. Love the layered look in the clear glass bowl with all the pops of color! Just be sure to provide something for those who might be allergic to shellfish! Thanks Skinny Taste! Use the link above to find their recipe for this pretty salad that not only looks good but tastes good too--and it's low cal, what more can you ask?

Chalkboard Wedding Invitations

Source: papercupdesign.com via Audrey on Pinterest

Paper Cup Design has these great chalkboard invitations, a nice break from the routine, ho-hum wedding invitations.

Are these for you? Maybe yes, maybe no.  But it's always nice to see the fun things available! I love these for the bride whose wedding has mostly red or Tiffany blue bridesmaid gowns, it sets off these dominant colors and shows them off. You can only use so much in red and blue.

Use this paper to make table numbers and buffet signage. The sky is the limit! Consider lining your envelopes with the red or Tiffany blue, a nice touch!

They also have Save The Dates and other wedding stationary to use to coordinate your wedding.

A 'Cheese' Cake

Source: snippetandink.com via Joy on Pinterest

I love this look! Perfect for appetizers or to serve after dinner with fruit.  A truly cheesy cake! OK OK, I admit I just couldn't resist that!

Easy enough to make, just stack and decorate with your favorite fruits and nuts! Easy for someone who is catering their own wedding, serve with crackers and let them eat cheese! Be sure to provide small cheese knives for cutting bite size pieces! Everyone sure will get their daily recommended calcium! So feed your guests, but contribute to their good health too.

Filigree Table Numbers

From Vintage Confections on Etsy.com

Looking for a sweet way to mark your tables at your wedding? Vintage Confections on Etsy.com offers their fancy filigree numbers a variety of colors for you to choose from. See Vintage Confection's store to see what the other numbers look like.  The cost? $9.75 for three pops! Totally reasonable for such a unique look.

Photo credit

These lollipops stand 8 inches tall on 6 inch sticks. What a pretty way to mark your table numbers! Choose your colors to match or compliment your wedding theme colors. Lovin' these pretty numbers! Etsy is just the best!

Be sure to read the ordering directions to be sure your order arrives on time!

Vintage Wedding Gowns

Vintage Dior Wedding Gown

Want a look that will blow your groom away? Consider looking for a vintage designer gown like this vintage Dior in gold.  Expensive? Well it's not cheap! But depending on how much you like 'the hunt' for just the right gown,' you might score one of these for less than you think.

This gown will go down in history as memorable (as will you when you wear it!).  So consider going vintage, even if it isn't vintage Dior, there are other vintage gowns out there that will give you the look without the high price tag.

More Vintage Looks

The lace confection (above) topped with a pearl necklace is breathtaking! Sometimes there is no replacing true vintage! The Edwardian look dress above with it's tiny pleated sleeves and other detailing is absolutely exquisite!

Mike Benet Formal Old Hollywood Look from the 1950's.

Or consider going Hollywood with this romantic look from the '50s.  This stunner of a Hollywood look is a white ball gown with a fitted shirred waist and a large bow in back below the zipper. This dress' snug fit against the bust, with an outer layer of fabric that stands out a bit is classic Old Hollywood chic!. Labeled a Mike Benet Formal.

No matter what look you're going for, there is a vintage gown out there somewhere with your name on it! Happy hunting!

Vintage Bridesmaid Dresses From Amanda Rose Bridal

Photo and dress from Amanda Rose Bridal

Looking for a vintage look for your bridesmaids? Or a flirty feminine dress for your honeymoon? Amanda Rose Bridal on Etsy.com makes these dresses from vintage materials. They are breathtaking and perfect for any special occasion. According to the designer, you may want to wear a skin tone camisole and slip since the material is semi-sheer.

I admit, I am in love with these dresses, unfortunately I'm a little old for this look! But I'm sure most of my readers aren't! There's a bit of a wait for special order dresses so order now!

Appetizers For Weddings

Photo courtesy of Vows and Cakes

Love this look for appetizers for your wedding! So cool! Simple and easy, the one trick is keeping the noodles on the meatball! Love the way they've shown it on the 'chessboard.' Presentation is everything!

Visit Vows and Cakes to find more great ideas for your wedding!

Does Your Choice of Bridesmaid Dresses Say Something About You?

Source: iknowhair.com via Capri on Pinterest

What do you think? What do your bridesmaids' gowns say about you? ... Comments welcome.

Not A Limo Girl?

Source: ashflynn.blogspot.com via Marshanna on Pinterest

Don't want to shell out the cash for a limo? Or just not a 'limo type girl?' How about arriving on your very own bike? Complete with a basket of flowers! Pretty and perfect for an outdoor wedding (and a short wedding gown!).

Summer Watermelon Lemonade and Fruit Slush

Summertime wedding planning? Looking for something to serve at your shower or wedding reception that is a little bit off the beaten track? Why not serve Watermelon Lemonade? The combination of colors and flavors brighten any wedding, and the added triangle of watermelon added to the edge of your glass adds that 'something extra' (so much better than a little paper umbrella!)

Photo courtesy Signature Drinks For Your Wedding from Delish 

(reposted on What's Cookin' Chcago)

Add thin slices of lemon, orange and lime to a base of lemonade and limeade and then add some frozen chunks of watermelon for cooling and added watermelon flavor.  Add some diced watermelon and other fruit like apples, strawberries, or pears. Add a few ice cubes as well and you're good to go! The watermelon will breakdown the longer it sits in the lemonade turning  it into almost a slushy! YUM! A pretty drink for your outdoor summer or spring wedding or shower. For recipe head to the Delish website.

Grace Kelly Would Be Proud!

Source: greatlookz.com via Linda on Pinterest

Wearing a dress that is relatively plain and want to add something extra? Try this great pair of "Grace Kelly gloves" (or gloves of your choice) to add a little to your look. Love the lace on these! Delicate and dainty. Very ladylike. So even if you're usually a tomboy, a wedding is a great time to be your most lady-like and go with the lacey gloves!

Like the fingerless look? Try these... a little lace but long and sleek, and fingerless to show off your new bling!



These photos courtesy of Great Lookz.

Checklist For Wedding Photos

Source: aggiephotoart.com via Linda on Pinterest

Nothing like a list to make things go smoothly! This list from aggiephotoart.com lets you check off each shot as you get it--especially good for the DIY photographer who isn't used to photographing weddings.

Are there shots you want that aren't listed? Of course, every bride and groom are different. Just adjust the list to suit your wants and needs.

Perfect for Serving!

Video from Daily Grommet

If you are looking for the perfect way to serve your lemonade, sangria or any other favorite summer drink Daily Grommet has a suggestion, the Beehive Drink Dispenser. I like it better than some of the other drink dispensers because it's both attractive and offers and easy to clean option for serving at a wedding or shower.

If you're having your reception or shower outdoors it will also bugs away! Don't want to have it shipped from Daily Grommet? Your local Pier 1 also sells a similar if not exactly the same product (beehive shape and all). It would save you on shipping (but you'll have to lug it home, so it's your choice!) Right now it's on sale for just $31.96, so Pier 1 will save you some $$$. (This sale may be temporary.)

But no matter where you buy it, enjoy this beehive drink dispenser at your wedding reception or shower, or just your 4th of July party!

Piped Chocolate Hearts

Source: marthastewart.com via Tressy on Pinterest

Martha Stewart rules again! She shows you how simple it is to pipe some chocolate hearts onto parchment paper to use to decorate your cupcakes for your wedding or wedding shower. This is a DIY project most anyone can do (as long as you can keep your fingers out of the chocolate!)

Think of other designs you could use for other occasions and practice! Go Martha!

Candy Apple Bar, A Sweet Treat

Source: marilynskeepsakes.com via Tressy on Pinterest

Bars at weddings aren't just alcoholic anymore! (This isn't to say you can't serve alcohol as well!) But food bars are a big hit at weddings.

This candy apple bar would be perfect for a fall wedding. Choices of toppings are only limited by your imagination. Crush your favorite candy, use jimmies, crystal sugar in a variety of colors and more.

Food bars are not only tasty they add an element of fun to your wedding reception! You candy apples can act as your wedding favors. No more favors left behind on a table, these are sure to either be eaten before your guests leave or you can provide a box for 'carry out.'