Saturday, November 28, 2009

Honeymoon Luggage

Last May I was looking for the perfect luggage that was both chic and reliable. I stumbled across Steamline Luggage online and it seemed too good to be true. I could get the color contrast and lined compartments of a far more expensive suitcase, but for less than half the price. This company is based in Ireland, but you can order their cute styles online and have them shipped worldwide. I love the pink stripes!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

My Current Obsession: Photo Booths

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about photobooths. Mainly about how much I love them; how people seem to step inside them and completely lose their inhibitions; how they’re a bit like giant Polaroid cameras. And how nowadays, there are photobooths of all shapes, sizes, and forms. But first you've got to choose between the two main options: digital and film.

Rainy Day

When the days get dark and wet…we reach for our boots! Rain boots…. while they aren’t particularly my favorite accessory, they sure are useful. So, today I wanted to share with you some rain boot inspiration with a wedding twist, of course! Is your big day expecting rain? Plan ahead. Rain or shine, boots and umbrellas can make for some super cute photo opportunities. Check out the image below! Need a white pair to match your light colored dress? Check out these fabulous Original Hunter Wellington Rain Boots. A bit more colorful for the ‘maids? How about the same brand in a different color? Love these, which can be found at Piperlime.
Or perhaps you’re looking for something a bit more…branded? I’d take either of these – Burberry or Coach.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Head over Heels

One of the most important accessories on your wedding day is your shoes! Not only do they make a great addition to your beautiful dress they make for amazing artistic photos....

Wedding Toppers

I had to share these adorable wedding cake toppers I found recently via one of my favorite blogs, Bakerella. These precious handmade toppers are from the whimsical Lollipop Workshop. I adore how she customizes the bride and groom to mimic quirky little details that make each pair unique, just like their real life counterparts. I couldn't decide which one was my favorite... I love them all! Visit her Etsy shop to see all the amazing tiny touches she adds to make these lollipop kids come to life. .

Friday, November 20, 2009

Clever Holiday Decor

With Thanksgiving and holiday decorating right around the corner I thought it would be fun to show you a few centerpiece made entirely from easy to find items from your local supermarket. --- festive without being too fussy---

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Creative Save the Date Ideas

Some of my friends have expressed to me that they find the pressure of creating the perfect save the date cards can be too much early on in the wedding planning. When this comes up, I always suggest that they use their engagement photo shoot as an opportunity to work with their photographer to come up with some unique shots that can be the centerpiece of the save the date. After all, this makes the session a lot more fun and it gives you the opportunity to test out your photographer’s creativity before the big day.

Faux Wedding Mustaches?

Faux wedding mustaches are everywhere right now, but it’s not a trend that has me feeling super excited. It’s not super pretty! But is it fun and quirky? What do you think?

One of a kind Wedding Invitations

Ordering wedding invitations online can be a bit intimidating if you aren't familiar with the vendor. I understand...Ohmymia is a small Hawaiian based company the specializes in style and quality. Trust me you wont be disappointed!
ohmymia.etsy.com

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Yummy!

Wedding favors are a fun and unique way to say thanks to the people who attended your wedding. Here are some ideas for food-related favors. (Sorry for the wording before my computer was acting funny :)

The Black and White Party

What will tomorrow bring? I've always loved weddings because it gives us a moment to reflect on the joy of the past and the hope for the future. What better way to honor this idea than incorporating elements of both into your wedding? Here's to the past, present and future:

Thursday, November 12, 2009

20 Things to Never Do When Planning Your Wedding

Planning your wedding can be fun, exhausting, exhilarating, stressful, exciting and frustrating. Here are 20 tips that you should never do when planning the party of the year. 1.) Never book any venue without seeing it. My only exception to this is if you have a wedding planner working your behalf and doing the scouting for you. 2.) Never work with any vendor without a contract. Ever. This includes Aunt Jan and Uncle Marty. Contracts put everyone’s expectations and obligations on paper. 3.) Never start planning or interviewing vendors without a budget. You will waste your time and the time of the vendors you meet. Whenever a potential client says “There is no budget” or something similar, they are not impressed. The red flags go up. 4.) Never start your wedding planning in the “middle”. In other words, start at the beginning and work your way down with tasks and duties. Find a planning timeline to help you figure out where you should be in your planning process. Don’t start designing your floor plan when you haven’t chosen a venue. 5.) Never be afraid to speak up with your vendors. If you have questions or concerns, ask while changes can still be made as opposed to being stuck with something you will regret on your wedding day. 6.) Never take your family and friends for granted. Using the “But it’s my wedding” carte blanche will get very old, very fast. Your bridesmaids and groomsmen will spend a small fortune to participate in your day. Please treat them nicely. 7.) Never believe anything you see on the wedding shows. Ever. 8.) Never choose a dress under the condition you will lose weight to fit in it later. Stress eating is a huge monster during wedding planning. It is easier to take a dress in than it is to let it out. 9.) Never forget what you are planning for—your wedding, which is the birth of your marriage. I encourage you to plaster pictures all over your planning binder of you and your honey. That is your motivation. 10.) Never pick a vendor that has poor communication skills or makes you feel silly, “cheap”, "spoiled, or otherwise about your choices. Period. 11.) Never put your registry information on or with your invitation. Times may have changed and “some” etiquette rules can be bent. I don’t feel this is one of them. You do not want people to feel like there is a cover charge for your wedding. This information needs to be sent word of mouth, on your wedding website/newsletter or with your bridal/couple shower invite. 12.) Never choose a photographer with your budget solely in mind. This is the only thing that will preserve your memories for your special day. Please choose someone with style, talent and charisma so that you can remember your day fifty years from now as if it were yesterday. 13.) Never go to your catering tasting starving. Everything will taste good. You need to be discerning with mingling flavors and scents…and be able to appreciate them. 14.) Never go to your florist without a concept. There are several breeds of roses, lilies, and orchids. Your floral designer will be more than happy to provide you with inspiration, guidance and ideas, but you need to know where the destination is before you get in the car. 15.) Never assume a vendor’s “retainer” is the same as a deposit. A deposit is refundable. A retainer is not. 16.) Never think you will be able to make everyone happy with your decisions. Don’t try to make them all angry either. Ask for ideas, and find ways to incorporate everyone into the wedding. Nothing will make your FMIL beam brighter than to point at something and say "I picked that!” 17.) Never try to micromanage your day while wearing the gown. The day will be a blur anyway, it will go by so much faster (and harder) if you are playing the starring role and the director. Enjoy your day. Save your sanity. Please get a wedding coordinator. If you do, let her/him do her/his job. 18.) Never withhold the final payment from a vendor with the belief that this will pressure them to show up. If you have chosen to hire professionals for your wedding, this will never be an issue. The wedding industry thrives on reputation, and several vendors have reputations that precede them. Many have the philosophy if you do not pay them on the due date, they will not be there, and you will be without the vendor anyway. 19.) Never lose sight of the fact that you will have several hundred people at your wedding with different tastes and likes. While you cannot make them all happy, as a host, it is your job to make it enjoyable and comfortable. Remember this when it comes to design, location and food. 20.) Never forget to read this blog. (ok, I was running low).

Monday, November 9, 2009

Channel Your Inner Carrie Bradshaw: A Hair Accessory Must for Fashionista Brides

Hello gorgeous! If you’re looking for wedding hair that’s sure to wow, check out a few of these darling accessories that are sure to add a little extra charm to your coif for the big day. * Stunning wedding hair net from Style Me Pretty * Sparkly vintage wedding hair clips from Lucky in Love * Big, bold blooms from Bliss’d * Floral fun from Green Wedding Shoes * Retro glamor from Girlz Night