Bridesmaid Dresses | Bridal Party Attire

How Do You Want Your Wedding Reception To End?

breanna.gunn@gmail.com (Jamie Dawson) — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:35:43 +0000

At the end of a wedding reception, traditionally the bride and groom have chosen a slow, meaningful song to dance together to while all guests form a circle around them and show their love and support for the newlyweds.

This is a fine ending to the night – as wedding DJ’s we see it all the time. If you are traditional and want a romantic finale to your evening, then by all means, dance to that special song from your high school prom when you realized you were in love, or the song that played during your first date.

In fact, if you are a true romantic, a new idea for ending your night is having a last dance after the last dance. What this means is, have your last dance with all of your guests whether you dance just as husband and wife or you invite all guests to join in with you.

Photo by Cregg Anarino

Then, have your wedding DJ ask all guests to step outside of the reception room as he/she plays the final dance song of the evening – for just you and your new husband or wife.

Your wedding will go by in the blink of an eye and with so much excitement buzzing in the room, it’s often difficult to find a moment to take a step back and realize what this day means. By having a last dance after the last dance, it gives the two of you a few minutes to dance alone and reflect on the start of your new marriage and the party you just had in honor of you.

Mark Your Exit

Depending on your reception site, you may even have all guests lined up and waiting with sparklers for you to make your exit from the dance floor. This makes for a fabulous picture as well!

However, if you want to shake the tradition up a bit and finalize your party with an upbeat, I don’t want the night to ever end kind of vibe, then we suggest having two last dance selections.

Choose a special song that has meaning, or that you just love, to be your second to last song of the evening. You can either keep the tradition of dancing amongst a circle of your friends and family, or invite all guests to join you on the dance floor for the last slow song of the night.

Then, for the final song of the evening, have your wedding DJ play a selection to get everyone pumped up and remember what a blast they had at your reception. (This is also a great idea if you are having an after party and want to rev up your guests for continued partying). Songs such as “Time of My Life” by the Black Eyed Peas or “Take Me Home Tonight” by Eddie Money are both great choices for ending your night.

Whichever way you choose to end your wedding – slow and romantic or upbeat and crazy, make sure to relax and enjoy every moment of your special day!

Congratulations and best of luck!

Jamie Dawson is co-owner of Avid Entertainment – a husband and wife owned Wedding DJ company out of Massachusetts. On a weekly basis, Jamie aims to provide valuable and/or entertaining wedding planning information to engaged couples on Avid Entertainment’s blog page.

Mila Jovovich as Marilyn Monroe for Madame Figaro

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Wed, 23 May 2012 08:40:00 +0000

Milla Jovovich found her inner Marilyn Monroe in a special shoot for French magazine, Madame Figaro. I love these photographs... they exude happiness no?

Why Men Should Wear Suits.

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:31:00 +0000

Do I need to prove my point?

The Great Gatsby - Official Movie Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:25:00 +0000

Finally we have a movie trailer for the highly anticipated film, 'The Great Gatsby' directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire.

The trailer looks beautiful and true to the book, from what I can see in 2 mins and 28 seconds, but what is with the music? Kanye West...1920s? What do you think of the trailer? Are you excited to see the movie?

Oscar De La Renta - Resort 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:48:00 +0000

WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW! Here are our favourite looks from the Oscar De La Renta, Resort collection for 2013. Wish it was summer already, these dresses are inspiring.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA RESORT 2013 - PHOTO BY RACHEL SCROGGINS/THE GREYEST GHOST

Quick Look: Fanciful Waterfront

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:18:00 +0000

The Bridal Party's Fanciful Waterfront bride and groom were married on May 19th at St. John's Roman Catholic Church in Allentown, New Jersey. This stunningly gorgeous Spring day was the absolute perfect beginning to the rest of Allison and Nick's life together. Everyone in attendance was so happy and excited to witness their exchange of vows and shortly thereafter a posh reception commenced at Bonnet Island Estate, one of New Jersey's most picturesque and tranquil event venues.

What we loved about working with Allison and Nick was their personal attention to detail. Needless to say, we hit it off right from the start! They were so easy to work with and so much fun, which contributed to the wedding being a true success.

We look forward to sharing professional photos of our Fanciful Waterfront event once they're available, but are thrilled to provide a quick look via a few impromptu snapshots below:

Last but not least, here's an image of yours truly during my "quiet time" (waiting patiently for my bride to arrive). I like quiet reflection before everything gets going, so I make a point to take a few minutes alone right before each and every event. Nothing's better than truly being in the moment.

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY LLC

Finding YOUR Bridal Style

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:34:00 +0000

Are you a sparkle-and-shine bride who loves lots of bling? Are you a fan of old Hollywood glamour, channeling Audrey Hepburn or Dorothy Dandridge, who's in love with everything "antique-y?" Are you an outside-the-box, new-age bride who is focused having a non-traditional wedding? Or are you a little bit of ALL of the above. Well, there is a ton of inspiration out there for whatever style wedding you're interested in having.

Check out a few of the ideas we've compiled via Pinterest:

BRIDAL BLING

VINTAGE VOWS

MOD MARRIAGE

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by Rashana Anderson

Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY LLC

Royal Mail Celebrate British Fashion with a Range of Stamps

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:24:00 +0000

A new range of stamps from the Royal Mail are to go on sale today to celebrate great British fashion and the designers behind the iconic creations, both past and present.
What do you think? I could totally get behind stamp collecting with this stamp collection.

Scarlett Johansson is Janet Leigh!

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:41:00 +0000

I have been keeping my peepers poised and peeled for any pictures that emerge of the stars of the movie Hitchcock. I have been dying to spot Scarlett Johansson as Janet Leigh and here is a picture... finally. Next, lets hope for Jessica Biel as Vera Miles.

Met Gala 2012 : Best Dresses!

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:31:00 +0000

The Met Gala is the fashion Oscars...it is where fashion, art and dieting is celebrated. This year's red carpet did not disappoint thanks to these ladies and their stylists. What did you think? Who was wearing your favourite look of the night?

Amy Adams

Dianna Agron

Emma Stone

Jessica Alba

Eva Mendes

Sofia Vergara

Scarlett Johansson Gets a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:23:00 +0000

Scarlett Johansson took a break from the promotional tour for the Avengers to get her very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and besides all that jazz she looked damn good doing it.

Check out this fabulous retro inspired look complete with cat eye sunglasses.

Hitchcock 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Thu, 03 May 2012 10:11:00 +0000

Did you know...a film is being made about Alfred Hitchcock?

I love Hitchcock movies and I am strangely fascinated by the infamous director, especially his relationships with his leading ladies.

The 2013 movie simply called, 'Hitchcock' will focus on the relationship between Hitchcock and his wife, editor and assistant director Alma Reville.

Hitchcock is going to played by Sir Anthony Hopkins and Alma will be played by Helen Mirren. Alma was Hitchcock's sounding board and constant collaborator for the fifty-four years of their marriage, and had a keen mind for dialogue and continuity.

Filming started this week and Scarlett Johansson has already been spotted on set dressed as Janet Leigh and Jessica Biel as Vera Miles. To see the entire cast list click here. What do you think? Are you as excited as me?

Scarlett Johansson will play Janet Leigh.

Jessica Biel will play Vera Miles.

FYI - I would not mind if either of these ladies played me in my biopic.

Anthony Hopkins as Alfred Hitchcock.

Marilyn Monroe is Vanity Fair's Cover Girl, June 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:21:00 +0000

It has been 50 years since Marilyn's death and to commemorate the icon, the legend and star, Vanity Fair magazine have given their June 2012 cover to Marilyn Monroe.

Oh and for extra memories they have a spread of Monroe nude photographs from her 'last on set photo shoot'. Nothing says remember like naked pictures!

Liz and Lindsay

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 07:26:00 +0000

I was hoping this was a bad nightmare or a vicious rumour, but it has been confirmed that Lindsay Lohan will be playing Elizabeth Taylor in the TV movie 'Liz & Dick' based on Taylor and Burton's relationship.

This is Lindsay Lohan in 2005 as Taylor, but it has been 7 years since this photograph was taken and since then Lindsay has had plastic surgery, time in prison, years of drug abuse and her career has taken a nose dive. No drug pun intended.

What do you think of Lindsay Lohan being cast to play such an icon? Do you think La Lohan deserves a second/eighth chance?

All Set for Downton Abbey Season 3!

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 07:01:00 +0000

Finally filming is underway for the brand new season of Downton Abbey as the stars of the show were spotted in all their Downton finest for series 3 in oxfordshire this past weekend.

Looks like there is a wedding, but not Lady Mary's! Shirley MacLaine has arrived and there is rumour of a death in this series and with all the talk of Dame Maggie Smith and contract problems...I am placing my bets it is the Dowager Countess of Grantham. Nooooooooooo!

Taylor Swift and Friends Celebrate Shirley MacLaine's Birthday in Vintage Dresses!

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:45:00 +0000

Taylor Swift and Glee are two of my not so top secret guilty pleasures so I was feeling slightly giddy when these pictures were released of Taylor Swift, Dianna Agron and friends all dressed up in 50s pink prom dresses. The girls dressed up in vintage lace prom dresses, flowers, gloves and pearls for a special dinner in honour of Shirley MacLaine's 78th birthday.

Ever held a party in honour of your favourite star? Icon?

Nicole Kidman to Play Grace Kelly in 'Grace of Monaco'

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:36:00 +0000

Following on from the success of both The King's Speech and My week with Marilyn, which both followed a 20th century figure and focused on a time in their lives when things were bad or good or both, comes 'Grace of Monaco'.

Confirmed to play Grace Kelly is Oscar winning actress, Nicole Kidman. The film is likely to centre on a six-month period in 1962 when French leader Charles de Gaulle and Monaco's Prince Rainier III were at odds over the opulent principality's standing as a tax haven. Grace, then 33 and in the first flush of her royal career, was said to have been instrumental behind the scenes in solving the political impasse.

What do you think? Of the story? Of Kidman as Kelly?

I would love to of seen a movie about her relationship with Hitchcock or her last few months of living as an actress, becoming a Princess, but maybe that wouldn't make a great movie?

Mad Men Cushions!

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:15:00 +0000

This might be crazy, even for me....a Mad Men obsessed loony, but I was just browsing Etsy for handmade decor inspiration and I found these Mad Men cushions.

Handmade and custom made for you. Every eyelash had to be individually hand stitched on! What do you think? Want to sit on Don Draper's face? (Not how it sounds/looks...Oh dear).

Designing 007 - 50 Years of Bond Style

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:35:00 +0000

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the James Bond franchise, from 1962's Dr No to this year's Skyfall. To celebrate the anniversary, The Barbican is hosting a unique exhibition showcasing the inside story of the design and style of the world's most influential and iconic movie brand.

It will explore the craft behind the screen icons, the secret service and villains, tailoring and costumes, set and production design, automobiles, gadgets and special effects, graphic design and motion graphics, exotic locations, stunts and props.

Highlights include gadgets and weapons made for Bond and his notorious adversaries, along with artwork for sets and storyboards and costume designs.

On display too will be lavish screen finery by Hollywood costume designers and major fashion names including Giorgio Armani, Brioni, Roberto Cavalli, Tom Ford, Hubert de Givenchy, Gucci's Frida Giannini, Douglas Hayward, Rifat Ozbek, Jenny Packham, Miuccia Prada, Oscar de la Renta, Anthony Sinclair, Philip Treacy, Emanuel Ungaro and Donatella Versace.

The exhibition is designed by Ab Rogers and curated by the Barbican, with guest-curation by fashion historian Bronwyn Cosgrave and Oscar®-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming.

To book, or for more information, visit barbican.org.uk/bond.
Booking opens 10am on Thu 1 Mar.

Laura & Matthew: Pretty Park Perfect

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:11:00 +0000

We shared quick pics of our Pretty Park Perfect wedding earlier in the month, but professional photos became available today and we're so excited to share!

Laura and Matt were wonderful to work with, and their wedding day was just lovely. After beginning a bright, sunny afternoon with a heartfelt full-mass at St. Thomas The Apostle Church, guests descended upon Nanina's in the Park to celebrate. What stood out most about this event was the pampering. Guests were spoiled throughout the entire day in an effort to encourage their relaxation and F-U-N. The weather, the food, the band - it was all wonderful. And as mentioned previously, our team sent everyone home at the end of the night with our custom candy display plus coffee-to-go (wink).

Congratulations again, Laura and Matt. We wish you a lifetime of love and happiness as we share some of the best moments of your wedding day below, thanks to our great friends over at Classic Video & Photography.

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY LLC

Retro Olympics in Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:34:00 +0000

Can you believe it is less than 100 days until the London Olympics? As a Brit living in Singapore I feel slightly left out now the time is growing closer, but I never bothered to apply for tickets and the only way the games are really effecting me is that flight prices are through the roof this summer...so there is no going home for me. Are any of you going? Are you excited about London hosting the 2012 Olympics?

These fab photographs are doing the rounds at the moment of the Olympics from days gone by and I had to share them with you...

Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier watching the Olympics in Rome, 1960.

The 1948 London Olympic poster - the last time London hosted the Olympic games.

Danish gymnasts in 1908 for the London Olympics.

Femina magazine, 1912. Olympic tennis champion, Ms Broquedis.

Just Added to NBVCC - 1950s Vintage Prom Dresses

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:04:00 +0000

1950s Vintage Red Prom Dress, Size UK14, £100

1950s Vintage Black Rose Prom Dress, Size UK14, £120

1960s Vintage 'Little Black Dress', Size UK10/12, £100

These fabulous vintage dresses have just arrived and been added to our online store at www.natashabailie.com

Retro Glasses Inspiration...HELP!

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 07:54:00 +0000

Warning, warning this post is image heavy as the time has come dear readers...I need NEW glasses. You may not know this, but I am what the mean kids call "a speccy four eyes", but what those kids don't know is I love wearing glasses and will rock them whilst I have a nose to rest them upon.

Problem is I now definitely have to wear glasses all the time and my frames are currently over 5 years old and yada, yada I need some new frames. Which I thought would be simple enough, but for a vintage loving, retro styling broad like myself it is actually trickier than I thought. My main problem is that I am...sssh! a grown up. Damn. I only know this as my body has started to tell me so, but it does mean I need to buy well and with the prices of lenses I need to buy using my smarts.

I am starting a 'girls in glasses' club. Would you like to join? All you have to do is tell me where you got your awesome glasses from and tell me which one of these pictures you like best...

I am in love with the cat eye glasses....can you tell? They are fun, bold and super retro. I know I am a grown up, but I can still have fun no?

Please let me know if you have any glasses recommendations - what is your favourite shape? Store? Have you ever bought glasses online? I have seen some really cool retro specs online, but without trying them on I would be to scared to buy. SOS.

Killer Photo Shoot for Elle Magazine!

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 07:12:00 +0000

I just finished watching 'American Horror Story' created by Ryan Murphy who also created another show that I love to cringe to...Glee. I cannot believe that Murphy created both as they could not be more opposite in concept and content.

Anyways...(segway) Ryan Murphy re-created all his favourite scary movies in a retro style photo shoot for Elle magazine, using all his current star power and I cannot get enough of these wicked shots!

Lea Michele 'The Creature from the Black Lagoon'.

Connie Britton 'The Omen'.

Kate Mara 'Carrie'.

Dianna Agron 'Attack of the 50ft Woman'.

Sarah Paulson 'Whatever happened to Baby Jane?'

Jayma Mays 'The Birds'.

Heather Morris 'Repulsion'.

Scarlett Johansson Covers Vogue, May 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 06:21:00 +0000

Holy glamour, Scarlett Johansson is gracing the cover of US Vogue for their May 2012 issue and looking fabulous!

Nicole Kidman and Clive Owen in Mad Men Inspired Shoot

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 06:06:00 +0000

Nicole Kidman and Clive Owen have teamed up for the Hemingway and Gellhorn movie based on Ernest Hemingway's romance with WW11 correspondent Martha Gellhorn.

Gellhorn was Hemingway's inspiration for 'For Whom the Bells Toll' and was the only woman who ever asked for a divorce from the writer. The HBO movie begins in Florida where Gellhorn first met Hemingway in a bar in 1936. The film is scheduled for release on the 28th May 2012.

Though the film is set in the 1930s this shoot for W Magazine looks very 1960s and very Mad Men. Clive Owen or Don Draper?

Marilyn by Magnum

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 05:40:00 +0000

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's death a special book is to be released with you guessed it....'never before seen pictures' of the iconic star. The photographs were shot in her apartment in 1952 by famous photographer Philippe Halsman.

Marilyn by Magnum collates over 80 photographs shot by four members of the Magnum photographic cooperative and is available to buy at just £19.99.

"A pictorial celebration of the life of Marilyn Monroe".

Austin Scarlett: Exclusive Interview at COUTURE

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:32:00 +0000

Over the weekend, we were very excited to have attended COUTURE: New York Bridal Fashion Week (formerly WeddingChannel Couture Show), which is the most established, premier bridal industry trade show in New York and has been the launching pad for legendary wedding dress designers such as Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra and Lela Rose. This magnificent event, held twice a year, welcomes thousands of national and international designers, retailers and press to introduce, buy and announce the latest fashion trends of the bridal world. And this year, Austin Scarlett unveiled plans for his new bridal collection, set to debut in fall 2012 at New York Bridal Fashion Week! Although we're scheduled to attend Austin's autumn runway show, it was such an honor to be afforded an opportunity to meet and interview him during the exclusive preview.

Austin first gained recognition for his designs on the original season of Project Runway before being one of the youngest designers in history to be named Creative Director of a couture bridal and evening wear collection in 2006. He designed over six seasons of gowns from Spring 2006 to Spring 2009 to critical and commercial acclaim before venturing on to other creative projects of his own.

Since he made his debut in 2005, Austin’s name has become synonymous with beauty, femininity and high fashion. His work has been described as “magic” (The New York Times), “worthy of a goddess” (Elle), “technically innovative and esthetically sublime” (Madam Figaro) and I had the pleasure of sitting down with him to discuss his upcoming bridal collection in depth. Here's what he had to say about his upcoming collection and overall love for all things bridal:

Austin, how did you get into fashion design?
Design is something I feel I was born with. For as long as I can remember, I fantasized about beautiful fairy-tale princesses. I also had two younger sisters growing up, so they were my perfect models, and we’d always play dress-up … so that’s how it really began. In high school, I was even creating prom dresses for my friends. And finally I went to the Fashion Institute of Technology as a teenager. I love fashion! I’ve always loved couture, romance, beautiful fabrics ... putting in a lot of love and bringing lots of detail into one amazing piece is "my thing."

Is that what drew you to the bridal part of fashion?
I think so. With wedding dresses, it’s just one of the rare opportunities where you can really lavish and sew the finest fabrics, craftsmanship, handwork, laces - all of those wonderful couture elements. And it’s not just a runway fantasy, this is a real garment that’s part of a woman’s life. You’re fulfilling the dreams of so many women and that’s really the best part; the excitement and the memories these women will have forever.

How was your experience as Creative Director at the couture bridal house you designed at for over 3 years?
Wonderful! I loved it. They hired me to take over the collection and it was an amazing opportunity. I really fell in love with designing a collection of wedding dresses. That was my first experience with this industry and meeting the brides face-to-face was great too.

Are you drawn more towards the more subtle details when it comes to designing bridal gowns?
I love a range. While I've designed really lavishly embellished gowns in the past, my collection is a little lighter, a little fresher, but it still has grandeur, opulence and drama.

Why now have you decided to branch out on your own?
I’ve always wanted to have my own collection which could focus on my style and really give the bride something from a younger point of view, which is what the Austin Scarlett collection reflects. It took a long time to get to this point, a lot of hard work. But I didn’t just want to jump into my own business when I wasn’t quite ready. Now, I feel that I’m at a point in my life where I’ve really gained the experience to do it on my own.

Who is the bride who’s most likely to select an Austin Scarlett gown?
She is a hopeless romantic. She’s been dreaming about her wedding day ever since she was a little girl. She really wants her wedding dress to be the center of attention at her wedding. She wants something magical. She wants to live out a fantasy at her wedding. And that’s what I love to create.

Is there a gown from this debut collection that you’d say is your favorite?
It’s really impossible to say because every dress is so different on different women. They really come to life once she (the bride) puts them on, so it’s really hard to choose a favorite. But, I am really excited about the silk organza gardenia gown (pictured below). The entire bottom skirt comes off, so it’s two pieces. I love the idea of detachable trains and versatile skirts, whereas you can have something very grand and opulent for the ceremony, sparing no extravagance, but then you can have something very fun for dancing or even for the honeymoon. Plus, the gardenia has always been my favorite flower … the elegance and chicness of it has always been an inspiration for me.

When the collection hits in the fall, what would you most like people to take away?
Just a sense of dreams coming true. I’d like them to also see the love that I have for what I do and the love I have for women, in helping them realize their vision of themselves on their wedding day. I really can’t wait to get out there and start sharing my dresses with brides. I’m designing for a new generation of brides. I’m so happy to get started!

(me with Austin Scarlett)

The Austin Scarlett collection will make its first appearance at the Neiman Marcus Flagship Store in Dallas this fall. Beginning this October, his gowns will be available through specialty boutiques and select department stores nationwide.

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY LLC

1950s Vintage Dresses - Just Arrived!

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 03:10:00 +0000

These vintage dresses have just arrived and our available to buy online at www.natashabailie.com

I think the candy pink lace mod dress is giving me a sweet tooth!

Oh Snap! Kelly Brook & New Look

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Bailie) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:38:00 +0000

Oh snap!

Look who it is...Kelly Brook modelling clothing from her new fashion collection for high street chain, New Look. Underwear and bikini's were not enough...Kelly now has a 'retro' clothing range so we can all get her style.

Seen here modelling in my hometown, Brighton...first Mulberry, Adele is moving there and now Kelly Brook! Brighton is on the map.

What do you think?

Fantastic Formals (Smoothing the way for family picture time at your wedding)

hillary@hillaryharvey.com (Hillary Harvey) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:47:22 +0000

Fantastic Formals?? An oxymoron, you say? Not so!

It’s true, people tend to dread the family picture time during a wedding. It’s one of the things I hear most often. People say they don’t like to pose. People live in fear of having to keep their large families in line. But the formals don’t have to be the part of the day you get through. And they don’t have to be stiff! Let’s not even call it “formals”! Because there are certain things you and your photographer can do to make the family pictures stress-free… and even fun!

Timing is Everything

When organizing the timing for family pictures, tell the family members who will be needed that you’re starting half an hour before you really plan to be. (This is actually a great rule of thumb for every aspect when timing the wedding ceremony – the hair and makeup, the guests, even the officiant! Half an hour isn’t too long to ask people to wait, especially when they have drinks and people to talk with.) It’ll help your loved ones automatically factor in for traffic and other unforeseen delays or mishaps without compromising your wedding day schedule.

When scheduling your family pictures, find out when sunset will be at that time of year. You’ll lose your workable ambient light about half an hour before sunset, so either schedule it earlier in the day or just know that your family photos, bridal party and solo pictures will need to rely on flash for lighting.

Remember that receiving lines add time. If you have 150 guests, it may take half an hour or more to greet them all as they exit the ceremony site. Build that time into your schedule. If you’re doing a cocktail hour and pictures immediately after the ceremony, you might want to skip the receiving line (in favor of getting to your cocktail hour instead). In that case, you can visit the tables during the reception.

Make time for solo portraits with your new spouse after the ceremony. Beforehand, you may be nervous and have a lot on your mind. But afterwards, you can relax together, which will make better photos. The more time you leave, the more fun you can have with it. You neverk now, it might be the only 15 minutes “alone” together that you get all day!

Keep it Simple

The more people you have to coordinate during family pictures, the more time-consuming it can be. Save extended family photos for the party. Assign one person in each group to be the photographer’s go-to person. Given them a list of people needed for the shot, and ask them to gather everyone up during the party. Then they can grab the photographer, the photographer can grab you, and you’re in the shot and back to your party in no time!

If you don’t want to be posing in photos all night, keep your picture list to the bare necessities. Just list groupings and combinations of people that are absolutely key. Remember, it takes 2-3 minutes per photo set-up, so 15 combinations is about 30-45 minutes.

You want to leave your photographer a little wiggle room to improvise, so s/he can jump in and capture those wonderful emotional moments between you and your family that are bound to happen. That’s the stuff you really want!

Be Inspired

One thing I love to include in my wedding photography packages is a site viewing. Just like it sounds, the couple and photographer meet at the wedding venue for a tour prior to the big day. If the photographer hasn’t been there before, s/he can get to know the grounds and scout out good picture spots. And even if s/he has been there a hundred times, the site viewing allows the photographer and couple to chat about the logistics of location and timing away from the pressure of the wedding day, so everyone knows the game plan ahead of time. (Of course, the plan can sometimes go out the window on the actual day, depending on what’s going on.)

A site viewing allows the photographer and couple to learn more about each other’s aesthetic and vision, so the photographer is in a better position to make those shots that you will always cherish.

If you’re the kind of person who is haunting wedding planning sites and blogs (like this one!), then you might want a photographer who will consider you a collaborator. Share your ideas, send him/her pictures you’re drawn to and let him/her in on the personal details about your love story and family that can add to your pictures of the day. A collaborator-photographer will consider your ideas and aesthetic, allowing it to inspire him/her to make truly personal photos for you. But remember that your photographer is a professional and knows what will work or won’t, given the lighting, backdrop and timing of the day. It’s not always possible to recreate a photo, and sometimes the best pictures are the ones that weren’t planned or expected. As with everything having to do with your wedding day, make your preparations, and then let whatever happens happen. If you can let go of needing to be in control once the day has started and can trust your vendors to do their thing – the thing you hired them to do for you - everyone will be able to get into a good groove, and you’ll have a lot more fun!

When you’re well-prepared, organized and inspired, your family photos can be a fun part of your party – a moment to celebrate the emotions of the day with your very close family and friends. And in 20 years, when your family make-up is bound to have changed, you’ll be so glad you took the time to make those pictures!

Hillary Harvey is a freelance photographer specializing in wedding photojournalism. Though born in Brooklyn to a long line of Brooklynites, she is a tried-and-true valley girl, having lived most of her life in the Hudson Valley. She also lives online, so catch up with her there!

Bridesmaid 101: 10 Ways to Rock Your Bride’s Socks Off

breanna.gunn@gmail.com (Jill Tooley) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:29:48 +0000

As a bridesmaid, you don’t have as many responsibilities as the Maid of Honor. But that doesn’t mean you get to sit back and let everyone else do all the work, either! Bridesmaids should always show a genuine interest in the wedding and in the bride’s needs, and they should also be respectful of upcoming deadlines. It’s no cakewalk!

Here are 10 things you can do, as a bridesmaid, to lend a hand for the wedding:

Ask questions

It’s best to get questions cleared up right away. Is the chosen bridesmaid dress style/color a mystery to you? Find out. Are you curious which groomsman you’ll walk with? Ask. Heck, even if you’re unsure of where or when the wedding is, then ask. You need to know these things!

Don’t get overzealous

It’s fine to plan ahead and ask to help out with the bride’s wedding decisions, but don’t step on anyone’s toes while doing so. If you have a stellar suggestion, then bring it up to the bride (or the Maid of Honor) before carrying it out.

Keep your criticisms to a minimum

Do you hate the venue? Are you disappointed that you have to wear that shade of purple? Don’t freely offer your negative opinions or complain about decisions that have already been made. Remember, it’s HER wedding, not yours.

Bond with the MOH

The Maid of Honor is instrumental in any wedding planning – she takes care of business and stays up to date with goings-on. Get to know her sooner rather than later and you’ll feel more “in the loop.”

Do your research

It never hurts to study bridesmaid tasks, even if you think you’ve got a solid grasp. A better informed bridesmaid is a more effective (and conscientious) bridesmaid!

Know all the facts

You should know about the dress you’ll wear, the procession order, the color scheme, the times of important events, and anything else that affects your performance at the wedding. Refer to #1 and ask plenty of questions if you need help.

Don’t miss a deadline or appointment

Nothing’s worse than a bridesmaid who half-asses everything! If you want to be a part of the wedding, then act like it. That means buy your dress and shoes on time, show up to fittings and other appointments, and be ready to roll when you arrive.

Always be reachable

You’re making things more difficult for the bride when you don’t respond to her texts, phone calls, or emails. She should be able to reach you to ask questions or give you updates, and she won’t be able to do that if you constantly ignore her.

Be professional

You’re an extension of the couple when you’re in the wedding party – whether you like it or not. Don’t swear like a sailor, say rude things to the guests, or act in a sloppy manner when you’re in view/earshot of an audience. This goes for the reception, too.

Support, support, support!

The best thing you can do for the bride is to support her throughout the wedding planning process. Be a shoulder to cry on when she needs it, and don’t give her more work than she already has by being difficult.

If you honestly care about the bride and the wedding, then it shouldn’t be a tough task to follow through with any of these tips. Being a bridesmaid is more than putting on a dress and smiling for the camera! The lucky couple will love you even more if you do your absolute best in all aspects. And above all else, don’t lose sight of why you were chosen as a member of the bridal party. Your cooperation is needed and appreciated – always. So get to it!

Do you have any concerns about being a bridesmaid? Are there any more tidbits you’d like to offer for seamless wedding plans?

In addition to being a Maid of Honor veteran, Jill Tooley is Head of Content and Social Media at Quality Logo Products, where you can snag the coolest wedding favors and personalized items. Connect with Jill on her company’s promo blog for more handy tips!

Quick Look: Pretty Park Perfect

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:44:00 +0000

The Bridal Party's Pretty Park Perfect couple were married on March 30th at St. Thomas The Apostle Church in Bloomfield, New Jersey, and a fabulous reception followed later that evening at Nanina's in the Park amongst Branch Brook Park's hundreds of gorgeous, blooming cherry blossom trees. We'd worked with this bride and groom for many months and are excited to report every aspect went perfectly.

About 150 of our couple's family and friends traveled from far and wide to attend the nuptials and really enjoyed celebrating their heartfelt union. All in attendance were pampered throughout the afternoon and evening, and as we said goodbye at the end of the night via our custom candy and coffee-to-go display we heard a great many "we had an awesome time" and "you guys rock!"

We look forward to sharing professional photos of this event once they're available, but are happy to provide a quick look via a few amateur snapshots below:

Working with our Pretty Park Perfect couple was an absolute joy. We made sure to send them off to Punta Cana with a blast. Congratulations, again!

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY LLC

✓To Do: A Weddings Event by Etsy

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:35:00 +0000

Etsy is an online marketplace for independent, creative businesses, offering millions of unique handmade and vintage items from sellers in more than 150 countries and their first-ever weddings event is taking place Saturday, April 28, in New York City! The "To Have and To Hold" affair will feature one-of-a-kind items and inspiration from some of the most unique Etsy vendors - an event to absolutely add to your to-do list if you're getting married soon. We LOVE Etsy and quite often support many of its vendors in planning our events, and what's great is you're always sure to find handmade and vintage pieces that fit your personality and budget. This extra special event will feature dresses, accessories, decor, paper goods and more, so register today!

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY LLC

First Story in our new Blog Contest!

Heather Caswell — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:42:00 +0000

Today's story comes from Mrs. Fairfield, Elicia Stewart:

"To say I love fashion is an understatement. Although I am not obsessed with it or find it necessary to follow all the latest trends, I do feel that clothing gives us a unique opportunity to express ourselves without words. I am wise enough to understand that once you find a style that “works” stick with it!

Of course I have had my share of miss steps, feeling great in something that wasn’t as flattering as I thought or imagined it to be. Being a pageant contestant and former Mrs. Fairfield, I know all too well how important it is to look as good as you feel….in every direction (pictures!).

With knowledgeable and honest sales associates, The Wardrobe had many beautiful gowns to choose from. The Sue Wong dress I choose fit like a glove and was as comfortable as it was beautiful. Most of all, it gave me the freedom to be “me”."

Fabric Fabulous

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Thanks to the variety of décor and event planning shows on television, most folks preparing special events are looking to create what's known as "Celebrity Style." Now ... is that what you had in mind? (wink)

Perhaps you're thinking of a red-carpet themed wedding or a grand exit from your reception that involves you and your new spouse waving goodbye to your guests on a yacht! Whatever your fancy, key ways to liven your event to "Celebrity Style" aren't too complicated (even if you're on a budget), and could be as simple as incorporating glamorous lighting, unique floral pieces and ... specialty linens!

White and/or ivory table cloths and napkins are classic and will always be beautiful, but why not pull your guests even further into your experience with table dressings that will formulate a vibrant and contemporary look.

Never be afraid to be different. Go against the grain with your linens as a step to achieving a "Celebrity Style" event.

(images above courtesy of Wildflower Linens)

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by Rashana Anderson

Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Ask Rashana: Who's First?

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Dear Rashana,
I'm planning to buy a personalized cake-cutting set, but I'm stumped on one thing ... whose name goes first, mine or his? Help!
- Unsure

**********************************************

Hi Unsure,

This is a common question asked of many vendors, especially when purchasing favors. It has been found that almost 90% of personalized wedding items are printed with the bride's name first. However, if we pull out the book of "proper etiquette," presentation of names usually requires the man's name precede the woman's anytime the surname or married name is included. That said, even napkins, favor boxes and ribbon printed with a monogram or surname, the groom's name should be printed first.

Nonetheless, it is really up to you and what you prefer. A little diversion from "proper etiquette" is not really a huge crime. And in my opinion, the best route is usually to go with what's aesthetically pleasing. Good Luck!
- Rashana

(photo above courtesy of Etsy)

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

First Comes Love, Then Comes… Pregnancy Boudoir?

hillary@hillaryharvey.com (Hillary Harvey) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:37:13 +0000

Weddings are often like that schoolyard song - there’s a sequence to them. And with the average age of wedding couples creeping closer to 30, many times the newlyweds are hot to start a family right away. So perhaps a natural next thing to think about trying is a little prego boudoir. It makes a great anniversary gift!

Making the Most of your Pregnancy Shoot

Timing is key to a great pregnancy photo shoot. The best time to do a shoot is when you are big enough to be sporting a nice, recognizable bump, but not so close to your due date that you’re not feeling as physically comfortable or, worse, miss the shoot if the baby arrives early. Different body types, family histories and the way a woman carries the baby in her body (more internally, lower, higher, etc.) dictates how her body will look and react during pregnancy. Even the same woman with multiple pregnancies might find each one of them very different from the next. So this is a generalization that should be considered with a grain og salt: sometime between 7 and 8 months of pregnancy is often ideal for photos of the sexy mama.

If you’re doing your pregnancy shoot on location at your home, schedule it for a time of day when the natural light is brightest ot hitting the windows. That’ll give your photographer more to work with, and give you softer, less commercial-feeling pictures.

Talk to your photographer ahead of time about his/her vision for the shoot. You might even do some website research on other photographers’ blogs and websites or on sites devoted to pregnancy and parenting. You can share with your photographer the images that appeal to you and get ideas for poses you might want to try. Starting the collaboration with your photographer ahead of time will help you both to prepare, as well as start a rapport to build on at the shoot.

What to Wear and Prepare

When doing a photo shoot at your house, it’s helpful to straighten up first, especially in spaces that have good light. Have some cozy couches and your bed prepped for pictures, as well as anywhere near a window, by minimizing clutter around them, arranging pillows and blankets, and hiding unnecessary elements away. With just a few areas tidied, even, you can jump in and out of the various backgrounds with minimal setup. This ability to flow will mean more relaxed, fun photos.

Set out a bunch of scarves, blankets and clothes with drape and texture (but downplay the patterns) that you can play with. Wear form-fitting clothing in solid colors or black to show off your shape and help you look slim, and have your favorite lingerie or bathing suits at the ready for when you feel warmed up. Most of all, choose things to wear that make you feel comfortable and sexy.

Are the Kids All Right?

This might be your second or third pregnancy, or perhaps your partner has a child from a previous relationship. Or maybe you’re less inclined to do a secret boudoir pregnancy shoot and just want some nice portraits. Whatever the case, it’s good to consider ahead of time whether or not you want to include the whole family in the shoot. If so, the shoot might function more like the formals on your wedding day, with a variety of shots taken – people in different combinations, you alone, portraits, body shots, boudoir. You can do it all, and probably in just an hour or two!

When it’s the kids’ turn, remember that they will respond to your attitude. Depending upon the ages of the children, they might be more or less pose-able. If you can, keep your stress level and expectations low, and help them to see the shoot as a fun family event or game. Let kids wander in and out of picture time, and have something ready to keep them busy while you do some photos alone with the photographer. Don’t worry, a pro photographer will be able to grab some great shots with the kids even within a limited or intermittent timeframe.

Maybe you don’t feel as sexy and lovely as you usually do, but pregnancy is a really special time. When the baby comes, you’ll realize how amazing it all was and how fleeting. It’s so great to look back on your body’s shape with baby and a pro photog will know how to capture your best form. Who knows? You may even come away from the experience feeling gorgeous and powerful.

So go ahead and gift it to the one who will always share this new little love with you.

Photos in this post with the e logo are by Ellie Leonardsmith.

Engaged & Ecstatic

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:40:00 +0000

Today, we're proud to share a few of our Glamour & Grandeur couple's gorgeous engagement photos, courtesy of The Artist Group. We've been working together with this couple and their families to create a truly meaningful and memorable event, taking place late July.

Elise and Sharif are a very sweet, attractive couple ... absolutely meant for each other. We're really very excited for them, as well as for their little boy (who's a heart-breaker already). Our team can't wait for their wedding, which is shaping up to knock every one of their guests off their feet!

Enjoy ...

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY LLC

Pinterest-ingly Yours

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

It's no secret Pinterest is making its mark in the world of weddings and events. So, if you're not pinning, you certainly should be. Or, if you don't have the time, just let us crafty-creative types do all of the work while you sit back and watch (wink).

Be sure to follow me and The Bridal Party LLC on Pinterest today! We've collected an awesome starting lineup of 4 Wedding Boards comprised of 268 pins, and counting. Here's a sampling of some of the frills and yummies we've compiled so far:

HAPPY PIN-ING!

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Flower Petals & Rings Are Very Important Things

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:54:00 +0000

Just this passed Sunday, my twins were dedicated at church in an intimate and loving ceremony. Many of our friends and family joined to witness this important milestone; some even traveled from out of state. We celebrated afterward with a big family-style dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Boulevard Five72, where the babies were honored with many cards and gifts. It was truly wonderful.

Although the dedication didn't require the same preparation and attention a wedding would, dressing my little angels for the occasion took some effort. Since my babies are a year old and walking, I found myself rubbing elbows with brides who were shopping for their flower girls and ring bearers ... all attempting to find the perfect ensemble. After all, flower petals & rings are very important things! But when it was all said and done, I found the most superb pieces that matched what I'd envisioned since they were born (pictured below).

Now, take a look at some of The Bridal Party's favorite flower girls and ring bearers of weddings gone by. I'm sure you'll agree, they are just darling! (click on the photos to see more of the entire wedding)

Fairy-Tale Flutter Ring Bearer

Golden Gala Flower Girl & Ring Bearer

Saree-Style Soiree Flower Girl Angel

RU Pink Flower Girl

Against The Grain Flower Girls

Chocolate Twist Flower Girl

What are your plans for dressing the little ones in your wedding?

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by Rashana Anderson

Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Word to the Bride

benedets@gmail.com (Hillary Harvey) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:45:32 +0000

When I was planning my wedding (years and years ago), I wanted the process to be really fun. I wanted it and all the decisions my then-fiance and I were making to reflect our excitement about our future together. Unfortunately, I found myself too easily overwhelmed by all the details involved. I’d only been to two very non-traditional weddings at that point, so my own wedding was essentially the first wedding I’d ever attended!

One of the biggest surprises to me was the expectations involved with weddings: that my husband and I had but hadn’t known about, that our families and friends had for us, and that just seemed to generally be in the air when I mentioned that I was engaged. My husband and I had never hosted such a big event before that, and it was daunting to juggle all the elements.

But in the end, there were some lovely surprises, too. I am not one who enjoys the spotlight, and my family isn’t religious so the thought of my wedding ceremony, itself, sent me into a total state of panic and sleeplessness during our planning. But on the day, the ceremony ended up being my most favorite part. My husband and I chose really inspiring readings that I still think about from time to time, as well as meaningful music. We wrote our own vows, and I was so blissed out at saying and hearing them. I always tell people now that I could have stayed at my wedding ceremony all day, just gazing at my handsome new husband.

Thinking about all of my own ups and downs in my wedding planning, I recently asked several clients if they’d like to share what they’d learned from their weddings. Here’s what they had to say…

Keep it Simple

Bigger is not necessarily better when it comes to wedding parties. I would think twice about having 12 people in the party: too many personalities to deal with and keep track of. I would NOT let them keep their own cameras on them during the formal pictures. Let the photographer do their job, and then they can go and do their own thing. I also would have had my father stick around while dealing with the party so someone else besides me could try to get them to be where they needed to be for pictures and cooperate. – Laurie, married April 2009

Choose Vendors You Can Trust

We had made playlists for reception and dinner music that our DJ played, but they had asked us if they could use their own music for dancing/fun stuff. Everyone still talks about what a fun party that it turned into - everyone was dancing and having a great time. The music matters!! – Christina, married June 2010

Prioritize Your Budget

I knew it would be expensive, but I was floored at how it all adds up. We prioritized on what was most important for us and put our money towards it. In our case, it was having as many guests attend as possible. The inspirational sculpture, Opus 40, in Saugerties, NY, was an alluring venue. Its location and beauty brought all our guests together. It's cliche, but it is true. Having all these people you have known your whole life come out to witness and celebrate in your wedding is worth every penny. – Mitzie, married September 2010

Work out the big issues first, then go down to details (because there will be millions if you plan it yourself). Most important details: good music, good photographer, good food, good booze, good people - and everything will work out great! – Christina

Do It Together

The best surprise was how involved my husband was in the planning. It was a great test of communication and compromise to help prepare for marriage (which is going wonderfully!) – Christina

Through this head-banging process, we really blossomed as a couple and decided what it is, exactly, we want for our marriage; for ourselves. - Mitzie

In the end, the wedding planning process, even with all the stress, expense and overwhelm, seems a well-designed first step in creating a marriage. My husband and I had been together 5 years before we were married, but there were many things we’d never talked about before. And those conversations and compromises we made back then, almost 13 years ago now, set an important foundation for the marriage we began on our wedding day.

I hope you, too, enjoy the ride!

How to Read Minds and Make Dreams Come True as a Maid of Honor

breanna.gunn@gmail.com (Jill Tooley) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:27:04 +0000

Didn’t you know that Maids of Honor are supposed to be mind readers? They’re supposed to round up the rest of the bridesmaids, plan the bachelorette party and bridal shower, cater to the bride’s requests, and still find time to lay the smack down when things may not go as planned with vendors or venues. Without oodles of patience and a keen eye for detail, Maids of Honor could end up being completely lost.

The truth is, you can’t exactly read the bride’s mind no matter how determined you may be to do so. But I can get you pretty close. Here are a handful of tips I’ve learned from being a dedicated MOH!

Maid of Honor Tip #1: Do Your Research and Stay One Step Ahead

My first MOH experience gave me a crash course on the subject of wedding research – I had exactly 5 months to coordinate everything and I had no clue where to start! I scoured the internet for articles about Maid of Honor duties and temporarily flipped my lid after seeing how much had to be accomplished. However, after closer inspection, many of the articles included outdated information that my bride didn’t care to include. So, I compiled my own to-do list based on info from several different sites, specifically tailoring it to her specific needs. I ended up with a more precise list that wasn’t nearly as overwhelming as I’d expected.

Once you have that list, it’s important to prioritize those tasks and then get to work on them immediately. It’s never too early to start thinking about the bachelorette party (some venues fill up months in advance) and the bridal shower, but there will be plenty of smaller, manageable tasks to handle as well, like helping her with ideas for personalized items or suggesting bridesmaids’ shoe styles. And just think: you’ll have more time to focus on the big projects once you get the minor ones out of the way!

Even if you’ve previously been a MOH, you still have research to do. Brush up on your knowledge and you’ll be that much more efficient because of it.

Maid of Honor Tip #2: Always Communicate with the Bride and Respect Her Authority

Never assume that your wedding preferences match those of the bride! Verify everything with her first (unless it’s a secret bachelorette party or shower, in which case it would be a good idea to probe her for preferences without tipping her off) and make sure she doesn’t have anything else to add to your list.

Don’t let your personal opinions bleed into your decisions too much; remember, it’s her wedding and she’ll let you know specific things she likes or hates. It’s one thing to talk her out of a potentially disastrous decision, but don’t urge her to get a hairstyle she’s on the fence about or convince her not to get the type of cake she wants – your job is to support her, not to influence her. Trust me, these things have a way of backfiring! You do not want to get accused of ruining any details after the fact.

Maid of Honor Tip #3: Be Firm with Bridesmaids and Vendors if Needed, but Don’t Be Overly Demanding

We’ve all heard horror stories about uncooperative bridesmaids and vendors. Hopefully you’ll get lucky and end up with a group of perfectly-organized, on-the-ball individuals, but that’s incredibly rare. There are usually a couple of bad eggs in the bunch that’ll try to jeopardize your master plan. Don’t let them!

Did a bridesmaid neglect to order her dress a day before the cutoff date? Call her and stress the importance of it without accusing her of indifference. Did the bachelorette party venue get back to you with prices for an incorrect head count? Let them know they made a mistake, politely ask that they correct it, and ask them to re-send the confirmation with the new totals. Yelling and pointing the finger at people will only make them shy further away from responsibilities. Be firm while conveying the urgency of the issue but avoid unnecessary confrontation; no one will want to help you if you’re rude to them!

Extra tip: It’s always a smart idea to pad deadlines for those super slackers! If dresses have to be ordered no later than June 1^st, then tell the bridesmaids the last day is May 15^th. This gives you some leeway in sticky situations and provides some peace of mind.

Maid of Honor Tip #4: Be Attentive and Don’t Let the Bride See You Panic on the Big Day

Are you secretly freaking out because you noticed the venue failed to put out cake-cutting utensils (this happened at my own wedding and at a friend’s) or because the kitchen mixed up a few meals on the placecards? Don’t immediately go running to the bride with the news; it’ll only frazzle her and make her upset. Step up to the plate and take care of unexpected situations as best you can –while keeping her best interests in mind – and only involve the bride if absolutely necessary. Panic doesn’t exactly set the mood for having a good time, and her enjoyment is the most important of all.

Oh, and pay attention to every detail you can take in, from the setup of the reception hall to the servers’ attire and behavior. It’s your job to take care of business if there’s something lacking, because the bride will surely be distracted and overwhelmed with other things!

Maid of Honor Tip #5: Over-Prepare for the Unexpected

Emotions will be running wild once the big day finally rolls around, which means items will be forgotten. As a MOH, you’ll want to think like a responsible mom with quintuplets; that means you have to prepare yourself for every possible crisis you can imagine. Pack an overnight bag with commonly-overlooked necessities like nail polish remover, Q-tips, cotton balls, petroleum jelly, deodorant, razors, toothpaste, dental floss, nail files/clippers, lotion, tampons/pads, and shampoo/conditioner. You can even throw in extras like energy shots or bottled water. This won’t go unnoticed!

Don’t forget to eat during the whirlwind of preparation and encourage the bridal party to do the same. Snag some bagels and cream cheese, fresh fruit, and non-messy snacks for people to munch on while they’re getting ready. It’s not a good idea to skip breakfast on the wedding day…dinnertime will be a long way off!

A Maid of Honor wears dozens of hats, such as bridesmaid shepherd, party planner, and go-to problem fixer. The job may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s much more manageable when everything is split up into bite-sized tasks. The bride is counting on you, so remember to keep your cool and stay organized even when things seem chaotic!

In addition to being a Maid of Honor veteran, Jill Tooley is Head of Content and Social Media at Quality Logo Products, a leading supplier of personalized items and wedding favors. You can connect with her on Twitter and on her company’s promo blog.

What's IN (and OUT) for 2012 Weddings

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

As in fashion (sans the reality show, Project Runway), also for weddings one day you're in ... and the next day you're out. WeddingChannel.com, the number-one wedding and gift registry website, has created a list of wedding details not to skip during wedding planning this year. Some of Hollywood’s top A-listers like Katie Holmes, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Katherine Heigl, Jim Carrey and Billy Joel, gave an insider’s look at what’s in (and out) for 2012.

Take a look:

Wedding Dress

In: Coy coverage

Out: Dare-to-bare necklines

Although designers have been creating dresses with sleeves for years, Kate Middleton has brought the trend mainstream. Don’t consider long sleeves your only option. Think: capelets, illusion sleeves, sheer backs and even a bolero for a demure wedding day look that’s all your own. “Every bride wants a gown and wedding that is uniquely ‘theirs,’” says Randy Fenoli, star of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress and fashion director at Kleinfeld Bridal New York. “They no longer desire to be that cookie-cutter bride, but wish to express their individual style and taste.” (photo courtesy of Inmaculada-Garcia and Wedding Inspiriasi)

Wedding Style

In: Country-chic, waterfront weddings and Napa nuptials

Out: Vintage everything

Some of the most recent celeb weddings offer style ideas that step away from the overdone vintage theme. Be inspired by Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth’s country-chic wedding that took place at her rustic ranch, where guests were seated at long wooden tables, served mustard-grilled chicken and herb-roasted lamb and danced to the sounds of a bluegrass band. Reese even donned a pair of cowboy boots when it was time to hit the dance floor. If water and sun are your wedding day must-haves, take a cue from Brooke Burke and David Charvet, who exchanged vows on a 77-foot yacht in St. Barts with an intimate guest list and ended the night by sending a handwritten message in a bottle out to sea. Wine lovers? Look to the Napa nuptials of Seth Rogen, Tamera Mowry and Nikki Reed for influence. (photo pictures Crescent Beach Club)

Wedding Food

In: Global meats

Out: Bacon, bacon, bacon

2012 is all about expanding meat options beyond steak and chicken, and while bacon is a flavor classic that showed up in a ton of weddings last year, it’s time to move on. “Lean global meats like goat, kangaroo, antelope and horse will be big,” predicts Peter Callahan, creative director of Peter Callahan Catering, whose clients include Will Smith, Kelly Ripa and Regis Philbin. “Nothing takes on Moroccan, Mexican, Greek and Middle-Eastern flavors better than goat!” (photo of lamb chomps courtesy of Olivier Cheng Catering and Events)

Wedding Cake

In: Hand-painted designs

Out: Towering tiers

Having an over-the-top wedding cake actually tower over the bride à la Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries is so 2011. Skip the desire to break a Guinness world record for the tallest cake and concentrate on the detailing. Buddy Valastro, owner of Carlo’s Bakery and star of TLC’s Cake Boss predicts, “In 2012, hand painted designs will give brides a new medium to add detail and personality to their cakes. Whimsical designs can be painted on top of fondant, and can be as subdued or as bold as the bride wants.” (photo of hand painted Chocolate Cappuccino cake courtesy of Jan Kish la Petite Fleur)

Wedding Flowers

In: Textural, leafy bouquets

Out: Giant colorful bouquets

When it comes to bouquets, don’t be afraid of green. Think: mixed greenery with lots of texture such as bupleurum, hellebores, green hydrangeas and green dianthus for a monochromatic arrangement of lush foliage that differs from the traditional floral bouquet. Even incorporate greenery into your bridal party look like Kate Moss did with lush, green head wreaths worn by her bridesmaids. “Bouquets that are textural and interesting, yet not busy are in for 2012. Remember, it’s about you, then the dress, then the flowers. Not the other way around,” says Todd Fiscus, owner/creative director of Todd Events, whose clients include Tony Romo, Eli Mannng and Jay-Z. (photo of Lily of the Valley / Sweet Pea / Bupleurum bouquet courtesy of Scarlet Petal)

Wedding Invitations

In: Dual-purpose interactive invitations

Out: Ribbon and buckle embellishments

Thanks in part to Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo’s airplane ticket wedding invitation to their Necker Island nuptials, dual-purpose interactive invitations are on the rise. “Airline ticket invites for destination weddings, invites that double as fans for an outdoor affair and comic book save-the-dates that tell the engaged couple’s story are definitely in for 2012,” predicts Ceci Johnson, founder and creative director of Ceci New York, who’s designed invitations for Diddy and Katherine Heigl. (photo courtesy of Invitations4Less.com)

Wedding Photography

In: Stylized postwedding shoots

Out: Trash the dress sessions

Trash the dress photo sessions where a bride steps back into her gown postwedding to swim in the ocean or play paintball with her husband have definitely run their course. In for 2012 is the stylized postwedding dress session—a photo shoot wearing your dress, but this time restyling your look with chunky colorful jewelry, sultry makeup, wild hair or any completely different look than what you walked down the aisle in. “Maybe it’s the accessories that didn’t make the wedding day cut, or the hairstyle your mom didn’t approve of that you’re now able to rock in a restylized postwedding shoot,” says Robert Evans, celebrity photographer for Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise and cofounder of WeddingPhotography411.com. “It’s like the bride gets to style and star in her own magazine spread.” (photo courtesy of Hayne Photographers)

Wedding Videos

In: Bride-to-be roast videos

Out: Choreographed bridal dance videos

Definitely out in wedding videos this year? The choreographed bridal party dances we’ve seen time and time again to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” Chris Brown’s “Forever” and even Justin Bieber. Expanding beyond the popular “Sh*t Brides Say” YouTube video, brides are having a blast making fun of the silly (and sometimes ridiculous) things they’ve said and done during their wedding planning via Comedy Central-style roast videos. We won’t be surprised if more of these videos pop up at bachelorette parties where bridesmaids have the opportunity to “roast” the bride-to-be as a fun send-off before her big day.

Wedding Registry

In: Charity registries

Out: Reckless registries
If your registry includes things like a $1,200 serving spoon, $500 teapot and nothing under $100, you’re sure to upset more than a few of your guests. Instead of registering for the most expensive items you can find and not considering your guests, take a cue from Kate and Wills and create a charity registry. “At a time when most couples are feelings so thankful for what they have, the Charity Donation Program on WeddingChannel.com provides the perfect opportunity to give back to those who are less fortunate,” says Amy Eisinger, associate editor of WeddingChannel.com.

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Real Wedding: Fall Flare at The Grandview

breanna.gunn@gmail.com (Michele Diggelmann) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:03:33 +0000

Michele & Ryan

Location: The Grandview, Poughkeepsie, NY

We got married in a small, adorable Roman Catholic church in the town of Pawling (St. Johns). I picked this church because it's my church and I just absolutely LOVE it there!

Afterwards, we headed over to the Grandview in Poughkeepsie for our reception and we were speechless! The service we received was out of this world! They made my visions come true with the set up and they were right there if we needed anything. Our reception (even though I know it was our wedding!) was honestly one of the BEST Iíve ever been too! People are still raving about the view of the Hudson River and the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the FOOD! We had five stations of different foods that we picked. Each station had several different things on them. People RAVED about this because they got a little bit of everything. My thinking was that Iíve been to so many weddings were I didnít care for my dinner and youíre stuck until the cake comes out. Here you had so many choices.

Photographer: Surprise Photography

She was absolutely AMAZING (as always). We did our engagement pictures with her and Ryanís family had a family shoot with her. She does beautiful work! She is also such a sweetheart! Anthony is my 3 year-old son and I thought I was never going to get him to sit still for a picture. But Melissa to the rescue! She was outstanding and we had a blast working with her!

Entertainment: Next Generation, Mahopac, NY

It was great! People danced the whole wedding. There was never a slow down. The guys that were working for us were so much fun and so lively! They also had a great set up and a slide show of our personal pictures. Seeing pictures of us as kids and grandparents who couldnít be with us that day added a great touch to the night. [first dance, kids dancing, dancing, dancing guys, dancing guys2]

Dress: Maggie Sottero

I got it right before she discontinued making it. It was purchased at a little shop called Brides Fanatasy, which sadly is recently closed. The women there were dolls! They made my experience of finding and buying ìthe dressî everything it should be!

Shoes: Ivanka Trump

My adorable hubby purchased them for me on Zappos. They were these one-of-a-kind Ivanka Trump pumps. I say one of a kind because if you saw the pictures of them, they were the new millennium Cinderella slipper!

Jewelry

My jewelry was also purchased at Brides Fantasy. I highly recommend that if you donít buy your jewelry at the same shop, bring it with you and try it all on with your dress. It helps to bring the whole picture together.

Hairpiece

My hair piece was also purchased a Brides Fantasy. I was going sort of vintage with my look so I had (what looked like old) combs with plenty on gems. They made me feel like they were off the Titanic. My veil was purchased by surfing the internet. In stores veils can cost you almost $200. Mine cost $35, but you would've never known!

Tux: Menís Wearhouse

The boys got their tuxes from Menís Wearhouse on Rt.9 Poughkeepsie. My husband did a great job picking the styles and colors to match my girls!

Bridesmaid dresses: After Six

I got my girls to order their dresses from PerfectBridal.com. They were After Six dresses for $160. They got them in plenty of time to go wherever they wanted to get them altered. It worked out perfectly!

Cake

Our cake was supplied by The Grandview, and it was delicious! I had picked an octagon shape and supplied them with fake fall leaves that they assembled on the cake, which was chocolate, with chocolate mousse and butter cream frosting. People kept asking me if it was the real wedding cake because it looked so amazing and it was!

Flowers: DIY

For my Flowers I got silk flowers from Michaels on Rt.9. They were absolutely beautiful and we got to keep them forever!

Hair and makeup: Shara Studler

My hair and makeup was done by a good friend of ours, Shara Studler. Her husband Justin was a groomsman. She stayed overnight and we got to work at like 6 am. Why so early? Because we got married at 10am! She did an amazing job. I would have been lost without her!

Inspiration

My color and theme inspiration basically came from the season. Fall and vintage were my key words. I ìmadeî my own centerpieces. I bought cast iron pumpkins from Michaels a year in advance, and put an orange candle in them. Since I couldnít have a candle directly on top of the linen, I found brown plates and placed the pumpkins on top of them. On either side of the pumpkins I purchased mason jars and filled the bottoms with a small orange votive and orange and clear glass pebbles. Then there were a few fall leaves (fake, of course) scattered along the tables. The girlsí dresses were a beautiful orange color. It was called Clementine but it was very muted with a wide lace ivory sash. I also purchased the flower girl dresses online and they matched perfectly!

Michele's advice for future brides

I would have to say although I put a lot of time, thought and effort towards basically everything and Iím well aware that a lot of people donít have that kind of time, it was really important to me that I helped create the day. Walking into the reception area and seeing my centerpieces come to life was really special to me. I would love to do it again, but who has that kind of money?!

What would you do differently?

Since I had our son with me the morning of the wedding and both flower girls, plus my four bridesmaids, two matrons of honor, my mother, my father and my hair dresser (the lovely Shara), it was a little crazy! I definitely either would have had the kids go to a family memberís house or had a babysitter with them all morning. I love my niece, but having her crying on my dress while I was getting it laced up isnít exactly how I envisioned it! J Thatís ok. Kids are kids and they are darn cute! All in all it was a beautiful day and I couldnít have been or be happier to be Mrs. Diggelmann!

Real Wedding: Gorgeous Pops of Color at The Venetian Yacht Club

jengarry@besthudsonvalleyweddingever.com (Jennifer Garry) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:30:19 +0000

Katie & Steve, October 9, 2011

As cliché as it may sound, I truly have been planning my wedding ever since my first walk down the aisle as the flower girl at my parents' wedding. My dad still jokes to this day that my new husband Steve was the final missing piece to all of my wedding planning! After becoming engaged I realized it was even more fun planning a wedding with the love of your life to help (and of course a bridesmaid here and there!).

Two of my friends have had amazing weddings with unbelievable pictures, so of course my very first phone call was to Ulysses Photography. I wanted to have them shoot our wedding so bad that I called them before I even had a wedding date picked! Having already known Jenni and Ulysses from previous weddings, it was more like having our pictures taken by our friends.

Before I could book them we had to pick a venue, which ended up being The Venetian Yacht Club, which sits on the Great South Bay of Long Island. Knowing that we were going to have pictures outside with gorgeous views of the bay, we decided on an early fall wedding.

The date is also special to me because, being a John Lennon fan, I knew I’d be getting married on his birthday! Another really special touch was that we had our ceremony at St. Patrick’s Church, which is the same aisle I walked down for my parents' wedding as their flower girl.

I really wanted my wedding to not be the usual cookie-cutter wedding and instead opted for some unique touches. I never really saw myself in a big ball gown dress, and after trying on my Reem Acra Grecian-style gown it was love at first sight! I also wanted to add a little drama by wearing my navy Badgley Mischka shoes as my “something blue.”

Another place I knew I had to go to for some unique ideas was Bayview Florist. When Steve and I walked into our reception hall, we were just blown away by the centerpieces with white lilies and roses spilling out of their water and crystal filled vases.

Steve and I have been together for four years and I don’t think we have stopped laughing or having fun together since, and that was exactly what we wanted our wedding to feel like. I really feel that we made that happen with our photo booth from Ovations. They made us an album of all of the crazy pictures taken by our friends and family, and to this day it cracks us up every time we look at it.

I know my dad jokes about Steve being my last piece of the planning, but it ended up being the surprise of his entire family coming over from England, Spain and Australia. Having all our family and friends in one room celebrating with us really made our special day the most unforgettable one that we have ever had.

Vendors

Photography: Ulysses Photography

Flowers: Bayview Florist

Ceremony Location: St. Patrick's Church

Reception Location: Venetian Yacht Club

Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas

Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Bride's Dress: Reem Acra

Bridesmaids Dresses: Ivy & Ashh

Cake: Sweet Fifi

Makeup: LJ Makeup Artistry

Hair: Gina of The Hair & Makeup Studio

Real Wedding: Rustic Elegance at Onteora Mountain House

jengarry@besthudsonvalleyweddingever.com (Jennifer Garry) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:06:50 +0000

Jessica Cummings and Ashlin Halfnight, September 3, 2011

Our wedding in Woodstock was a dream come true, from start to finish. We were looking for a rustic setting, woods and sky and fresh air, but with convenience and class... somewhere people could feel relaxed but pampered. Onteora Mountain House was all that and more... and everyone who came was stunned.

Our ceremony went off without a hitch, except for the fact that our best man forgot the wedding rings... which added the perfect dash of drama to an otherwise smooth and enchanting start to the wedding day. After leaving the church with Jessica waving out of the sunroof of the getaway car, we headed back to Onteora to start the party. On the heels of Hurricane Irene, we chose the Dark and Stormy as our specialty cocktail, but as the night wore on plenty of sweat, laughs and tears were in evidence, but thankfully, no raindrops at all.

Ulysses and Jenni from Ulysses Photography were awesome, capturing the ceremony, reception, and intimate details throughout with a compassion, vision, and humor that was beyond compare. Our florists, Steven Bruce Design were so cool and chill in the lead-up, even with the added complications of power outages and road closures, and the end results were perfect and beautiful and exactly what we'd imagined. We could not have asked for a better day to celebrate our love.

Vendors:

Photography: Ulysses Photography
Flowers: Steven Bruce Design
Caterer: Blue Mountain Bistro
Location: Onteora Mountain House
Stationery: Minted
Dress: Jim Hjelm
Bridesmaids dresses: After Six
Music: Boss Systems
Hair: Courtney Benedetti
Makeup: Jennifer McCarthy

Hot Trend: Video Save-The-Dates

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:16:00 +0000

Thankfully videography/cinematography is regaining it's strength and popularity among brides and grooms. As I always say, there's nothing like a MOTION PICTURE, and the trend of using video for save-the-date communication is growing leaps and bounds. After all, unlikely someone in receipt of an ultra-modern video reminder will forget to make note of your upcoming nuptials. You just can't throw something like this aside in a pile of bills.

Brides and Grooms, you can contact your favorite cinematographer OR even grab your FlipVideo camera and create your own little masterpiece. It's all up to you. The best thing about any finished product is that it will be a living, breathing reflection of your love and the amazing new life you're soon to embark upon.

Check out a few of our all-time favorites:

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by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

THE BRIDAL PARTY LLC, still bride's choice

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:47:00 +0000

WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, announced earlier The Bridal Party is a winner of a 2012 Bride’s Choice Award™! This award recognizes the top 5 percent of local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service and professionalism.The Bride’s Choice Awards™ are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds (brides and grooms) through extensive surveys and reviews, which means our past clients have spoken on our behalf and selected us to receive this honor. This is our 3rd time receiving this award (having won the 2009 Bride's Choice Award and 2010 Bride's Choice Award) and we THANK YOU so very much!

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Shoesday: Funky Wedding Shoes

jengarry@besthudsonvalleyweddingever.com (Brea Gunn) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:02:29 +0000

Happy Shoesday, everyone! Did you have a fabulous weekend? I saw quite a few friends, and one of my dear, dear friends was wearing shoes that were just about as fun and funky as mine.

See, shoes with some spunk and creativity always make me smile.

They’re a great way to show off your personality in small doses. I like small doses of fun and funky, especially for an important and elegant ocassion such as your wedding.

It’s important to make a style statement on your big day, and these shoes definitely do not lack in personality.

From top left: Poetic Licence Charm School Pump, Poetic Licence Love Letter Pump,
Poetic LicenceSpectacle Pump, Poetic Licence Date Night Pump

How to Wear Funky Wedding Shoes

The best advice I can give about exactly how to pull off the perfect pair of funky pumps is to do it with gusto. Yes, I just used the word gusto.

Enjoy the moment, and be proud of your unique style and fun shoes. I think that shoes should be all about fun (it does help if they’re functional, but that can be ignored if they’re spectcular).

From top left: Poetic Licence Exclusive Delight Sandal, Poetic Licence Girl’s Best Friend Pump,
Poetic Licence All Tied Up Pump, Poetic Licence Feel The Rhythm Pump

I love bright colors, especially for shoes. Can you tell? There’s just something so bright and happy when you’re wearing fantastically over-the-top shoes. The best part? (at least for me) You can rewear any of these styles, which makes them multi-functional (a huge win in my book!).

From top left: Poetic Licence Dance All Night Pump, Poetic Licence Birdcage Pump,
Poetic Licence Tempt Me Bootie, Poetic LicenceGlamming Up Pump

Don’t you just love the bright colors and little details?

Brea Gunn is a blogger and writer living in Houston, TX with her husband and son. When she's not hyperventilating as a result of chasing her son, Smalls, you will find her immersed in any one of her writing projects. Her current obsessions include shoes of any kind, healthy eating, fashion, and sewing. According to her husband, she is very opinionated. Brea doesn't always agree with him.

Over-thinking It = Overdoing it

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:51:00 +0000

The holidays are prime time for new engagements, so CONGRATULATIONS to all of you who found that little box in your stocking. You're a bride-to-be, you're ecstatic and you can not wait to get started planning. Please just resist the urge to over-think your wedding. What do I mean by over-think? Let's consider a few examples ...

Example #1: Perusing 100s of wedding blogs and magazines, and attempting to cram 100s of different ideas into your ONE wedding.
Example #2: Selecting an extremely specific color scheme (that could probably only exist on a computer) and demanding that every single aspect of your wedding decor follow it to a "T."
Example #3: DVR'ing 5 different wedding reality shows and pressuring your vendors to duplicate/copy/follow the work of others, ignoring their own individual talent.
Example #4: Giving your photographer 100s of "must-have" photos or providing your DJ with a full 5-hours of "must-play" songs or demanding your wedding planner construct a wedding day timeline that's broken down "by the minute."

It's understandable you take your wedding seriously. After all, it'll likely be the beginning of your forever (unless your name is Kim Kardashian...sorry). But trust me, over-complicating leads to disaster! You could very well end up with a hodgepodge of a wedding that looks and feels busy, or worse, cheesy.

Quite frankly, I fully support the old cliche "less is more" here. Less doesn't have to mean skimpy, certainly doesn't need to mean cheap, and probably shouldn't mean disjointed ... but an easeful, flowing wedding day that appears effortless is better for everyone. You're likely to drive yourself and everyone around you crazy if you stress out about each and every minor detail. So, remember ...

Check out the latest trends, but focus more on who you and your fiance are as individuals and/or who you are as a couple. Let your wedding be a reflection of YOU, not of "Martha Stewart Weddings Volume 343, Edition 7, Adaptation 4590."
If you've always dreamed of a wedding including your favorite color, light blue, go with that and allow for some variation. It's great that you LOVE Pantone 18-4039 "Regatta," but unless your budget is ceiling-less, you won't be able to ensure all aspects of your wedding are exactly in sync.
Trust and respect your vendors enough to produce their own work, not duplicate the work of others. As long as you've done your research and feel confident who the support staff you've selected, let everyone do their job.

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Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Joyful and Triumphant

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:22:00 +0000

(photo courtesy of Amy Lashelle Photography)

Jamie & Nick: Isle To Aisle

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:41:00 +0000

We shared snapshots of our Isle To Aisle wedding back in September but, to our delight, professional photos became available today!

We'd worked with this couple for over a year prior to their big day, via satellite (since they reside in the Washington, D.C. / Northern Virginia area). We partnered on each and every detail of their wedding, from selecting the venue, to incorporating their African and Caribbean heritages, to the intricate design of their wedding cake; and it all came together on September 3rd at Dolce Basking Ridge. The ceremony and cocktail hour took place within the venue's handsome courtyard as guests were treated to the soothing sounds of a jazz duo. The outdoor festivities were followed by a posh reception which featured signature cocktails, photo booth and a surprise African dance troupe performance. The dance-floor was rarely empty ... guests continuously raved about how much fun they were having.

The chosen color scheme was a phenomenal hit, I think because it was left of what most summer brides and grooms move forward with. The primary color was black, but the bold addition of orange, purple and pink added loads of POP! The ballroom was set with specialty linens and lighting, golden chiavari chairs, break-away centerpieces (which allowed each guest at each table to take a piece of the wedding home with them), personalized menu cards and more!

It was great working with Jamie and Nick and we're happy to share some of the best moments of their wedding day below, thanks to Sobitart Photography.

For this wedding our team was just extraordinary. From hair and makeup to photography to live performance artists, we produced a masterpiece! We worked really hard and it shows, but it's always done with a smile.

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Color Me BAR

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0000

In wedding planning, selecting a theme can be quite involved and sometimes pretty cumbersome. Just remember, you don't have to build an event around a "Vintage Chic" or "Romantic Candlelight" theme ... actually, color all by itself goes a long way.

Now, I'm sure you've already thought of laying the foundation of your colored theme by means of the bridesmaid dresses, linens and flowers. Just don't forget the bar. YES, that's right, the traditionally color-free zone where over half of your guests will spend most of their time during your wedding reception. Think: Decorative Drinkware! Bring color to your signature drinks and even those commonplace glasses of Pinot Noir. It's totally fine to include your color scheme at the bar and most reputable party rental companies offer a wide range of options.

Check out some of our favs:

Classy Twist

The Marais collection features a single hand-blown frosted stripe twirled around the glass from top to bottom.
The white wine glass featured here is also perfect for your favorite martini.

Goblin Goblets

In a word ... sexy! These black wine glasses are ideal for serving a variety of wines or waters in a cool, alluring style.

Art by way of Glass

A beautiful combination of creativity and craftsmanship handed down from generation to generation.
Estate drinkware at its absolute best!

Pied Pipers

Dress up any special occasion with these Gold Accented Flutes.

Unique raised 18-karate gold design in the drape and swag. Just gorgeous.

Baccarat Beauty

(no explanation necessary)

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by Rashana Anderson

Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Watch Your "Tone" ... It's a HOT One This Year

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:22:00 +0000

If you're tying the knot this year and haven't already chosen your wedding color scheme or you're looking for the perfect accent hue, remember to reference Pantone's "color of the year," which is TANGERINE TANGO.

An orange with loads of depth, 2012's signature color is both sophisticated and seductive. Take a look at a few of our favorite ways to incorporate TANGERINE TANGO into your wedding:

(photos courtesy of flickr, The Visual Vamp, Best Dress Shop, Invitations by Ajalon and Just Cake)

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

My Cup(cake) Runneth Over

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

As 2011 draws to a close most of us in the events industry are pondering what'll be in for 2012, and of course what'll be OUT. Cupcakes took the world by storm several years back and have held a pretty tight grip on weddings, showers, birthdays, BBQ's - you name it! Let's face it, this cute little ditty was even big and bold enough to knock the traditional wedding cake right off its pretty filigree pedestal; so could this monster of a trend be coming to an end?

While cupcake stand rentals are still helping most bakery bottom lines, it seems folks are ready and willing to move on, considering the plethora of other options in the world of confections (like pie, cookies, cake balls, push-pops and doughnuts). We've even noticed bedazzled bon-bons bogard their way into all of our hearts. Regardless, people LOVE mini-anything, so even if cupcakes are being asked to take a temporary bow, it's safe to say they'll be back. Especially if they continue to come in flavors like red velvet, chocolate cherry, s'mores and lemon coconut kiwi ... and look like this:

(cupcake photos courtesy of Kati's Kupcakes and Call Me Cupcake!)

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Aidan & Jonathan: Enchanted Forest

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 11:22:00 +0000

We shared snapshots of our Enchanted Forest wedding just four days ago and somehow, SOMEWAY, professional photos became available last night! (an unbelievable world record ... calling Guinness after the holiday)

As mentioned before, we were brought on to plan and execute this wedding just 3 months out, at which time 90% of the vendors and service providers had not been selected. But I must say, we couldn't have had a better team of professionals bring this event to life if we'd started a year ago.

The ceremony was held in the evening on the outdoor patio of Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren, NJ. On this brisk mid-November night, our teams successfully achieved a loving and warm ambiance by having clear tent wall covered by swags of 21-foot long fabric hung on the outer perimeter of the space. This treatment allowed for the bride's dream of being married near nature but also kept the couple's beloved friends and family comfortable. A blooming birch-branch chuppa was constructed, both uplit and downlit, and placed among hundreds of candles. Clusters of antique lanterns sat on both sides of the chuppa as well as lined the aisle, and the bride was stunningly beautiful as she entered wearing a couture Romona Keveza gown.

The cocktail hour truly set the tone for the reception as a live quintet played a mix of jazz, blues, pop and funk. And finally, when the enchanted forest themed ballroom was revealed, guests gasped! 10-foot trees, accented with white orchids and hanging candles, lined the perimeter of the ballroom ... 3 uniquely designed centerpieces, which featured moss covered cylinder vases, birch pedestals, clusters of lush white blooms, hanging candles and river rocks, adorned the dinner tables ... specialty lighting featuring forest gobos sprayed the dancefloor and walls ... sprigs of baby's breath lay delicately atop each personalized menu card ... shimmering pewter pintuck linens ... and surprise gourmet caramel apple favors (guests' sweet for being so sweet to join the celebration). All expectations were exceeded, and most importantly everyone had FUN!

It was such a pleasure working with Aidan, Jon and their families. We wish them a lifetime of love and happiness as we share some of the best moments of their wedding day below, thanks to dp Studio Ting Yi Photo & Cinema.

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Happy Thanksgiving

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:57:00 +0000

We send you and your family

our warmest Thanksgiving greetings,

good blessings and thanks!

- The staff of
THE BRIDAL PARTY LLC

(photo courtesy of Meredith Perdue)

Quick Look: Enchanted Forest

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:21:00 +0000

The Bridal Party's Enchanted Forest couple were married on November 19th at The Stone House at Stirling Ridge. We were brought on to plan and execute this wedding about 3 months ago, at which time ONLY the venue and DJ had been formally selected. Needless to say, we hit the ground running and are so proud to report every aspect went off without a hitch.

About 160 of the couple's family and friends traveled from far and wide to attend the nuptials. So much so that we designed, prepared and delivered welcome packages and weekend itineraries for over 100 guests staying at the Short Hills Hilton hotel earlier in the week. Prep and installations for this Saturday evening celebration began on the Thursday before, so our team was really excited to see it all finally come together. Plus, each and every person in attendance was truly WOW'd by the intimate aesthetic abounding throughout, which was felt during the outdoor, candlelit ceremony ... anticipated amid the cocktail hour accompanied by a magnificent jazz quartet ... and celebrated throughout the enchanted forest themed reception, as guest sat amongst 10-foot blooming trees.

We eagerly anticipate sharing professional photos once they're available, but are glad to provide a quick look via a few amateur snapshots:

Last but not least, we must mention and thank our fabulous day-of team: Jocelyn, Jennifer, Kiran, Alexandra and Termerra. As always, you rock!

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Celebrate With Us on Nov. 26th: Small Business Saturday

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:35:00 +0000

November 26 is a big day for everyone at THE BRIDAL PARTY LLC. Why? It’s the 2nd annual Small Business Saturday®, when people across the country come out and shop to support their favorite local businesses! And as an extremely proud small wedding planning business in the great state of New Jersey, we are thrilled to spread the word and rally support.

Plus, in honor of all the wonderful small businesses we adore working with, we're offering an extra special promotion of 50% OFF to all prospective clients who submit inquiries on Small Business Saturday® and decide to invite our participation in their upcoming weddings and events.

We are excited to offer such an exclusive offer in support of Small Business Saturday® and hope, overall, you're sure to frequent your favorite local, non-chain businesses on this special day. Show them your appreciation and support your local economy ... they deserve it!

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

The Knot Gala = "Love On Top"

Rashana of THE BRIDAL PARTY — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:12:00 +0000

We were thrilled to have been invited to cover the red carpet at one of Bridal Fashion Week's most anticipated events, The Knot's 2nd Annual Industry Gala, held at The New York Public Library on October 17th. Capping off this season's Bridal Market, the who's who of all things weddings ... socialites, designers, event planners and other industry players ... gathered to party the night away and celebrate at what many consider to be the Oscars of the wedding world. After being shown our place on the red carpet, we were just so excited to be a part of it all!

Along with Carley Roney, co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Knot, many other top personalities opened the event by walking the red carpet and providing interviews to the press and bloggers (including yours truly) such as celebrity event designer Diann Valentine, TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress” star Randy Fenoli, and bridal designers Amsale, Pnina Tornai, and Yumi Katsura.

(Monique Lhuillier)

(Yumi Katsura)

(Diann Valentine)

(Pnina Tornai)

(Randy Fenoli)

(Ines DiSanto)

Bathed in soft blue and purple gobos amidst an absolutely amazing 7-piece band, Astor Hall proved to again be the perfect locale as attendees enjoyed magnificent champagne and chocolate bars along with unique palate-pleasing eats by celebrity chef Danny Meyer ... my personal favorite being the meatball sliders, YUM!

While we were excited to simply rub elbows with some of the very best in our business, we also luckily had the chance to personally interview Carley Roney, Diann Valentine and Amsale!

(me with the fabulous Amsale)

(Carley Roney and I after our interview)

And here's a little snippet of the festivities including a bit of our talk with Diann Valentine about her new WE tv show, I Do Over, which premieres Sunday, November 13th.

The Knot sure tied and wrapped Bridal Fashion Week all up in the prettiest box and bow ever! Beautiful night ... Gorgeous people ... Wonderful event. Though we surely weren't surprised at the result; for The Knot, no matter what, love's always on top!

- - - - - - - - - -
by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Vogue's View - Hue and Cry

Heather Caswell — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:53:00 +0000

By Erica Chan

The Color Association of the United States was established during the First World War (1914-1918) as a place where color predictions could be made and dictated so that it could match its dye and fabric purchases from consumer trends. Every six months, four panels of color dictators, one each of women’s, men’s and children’s fashion and interiors sit down and put together a color card of around thirty-six swatches that they feel will be power colors two years from that decision day. The tough part of the job is predicting not only what consumers should want, but also generating a wide enough variety that includes what they will want. Dating from the eighties and prior decades to that era, certain colors are more prominent and create a certain image and perception, but colors change just as trends do and often become “inappropriate” years later. The article posed a good argument that they supported well throughout the reading:

“Colors come in a wave and you have to know when to ride it or you’ll end up on the markdown racks.”

The takeaway message from this article is that we should all be aware that colors in general give off a certain “vibe” or statement in defining our moods and attitudes. In a sense, The Color Association decides which colors take off and which colors send your garments straight to the sales racks. Color changes and “comes in a wave” and depending on when we catch up to the color trend, it could make or break the garment itself. We need to watch colors and wait for them to reach their peak, then you try and tweak it as much as you can or you wait for the next shade to come out. When you see those colors, not only do your clothes transition to this color, but so do your other accessories which may include: makeup, shoes, handbags, and more! Be aware that colors DO get old and it’s our job to know when things are popular colors in the world of fashion and society and when they are not (as well as when the change to something else).

In an application to the store, we should always know what colors are selling and what colors are not in comparison to what colors are currently trending. Maybe telling a customer what colors are “in” and applying that to what colors of that palette look best on them and in addition to that, possibly suggesting other accessories that go well with that new “citrus green” top.

2nd Friday for June...Wearable Art Scarves by Susan Eastman!

Heather Caswell — Wed, 25 May 2011 11:49:00 +0000

The Wardrobe, in conjunction with Davis’ Downtown Art About, presents “Wearable Art Scarves by Susan Eastman” on Friday, June 10^th , from 4-9 pm. Music will be provided by The Sound of Fashion DJ’s Emily and Todd. There will also be scarf tying demonstrations at 5 and 7pm. This event is free and open to the public and refreshments will be provided. For more information, call The Wardrobe at 530.756.1128 or email staff@thewardrobe.com

Ms. Eastman is a fiber artist who hand dyes her 100% silk scarves in her environmentally conscious San Francisco studio. She was recently featured at the De Young Museum. Her new collection is lightweight, colorful, and perfect for summer.

Paper Couture!

Heather Caswell — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:54:00 +0000

I'm very excited to bring Julie Nutting to The Wardrobe for Paper Couture this Friday! She also will also be teaching a class the next day, at 1:00 on Saturday April 9th at the Davis Art Center. Space is limited to 15 people, and reservations can be made at The Wardrobe for $50 each.

Julie Nutting has been creating for as long as she can remember. She started drawing fashion figures when she was about nine years old. She grew up in the era of the first really fabulous fashion doll clothes. It was a time when doll clothes were exact replicas of Dior coats and Balenciaga gowns. Zippers were real and buttons were of the tiniest proportions. When she couldn't have the clothes she wanted for her dolls, she simply made them from her mom's pretty pastel hankies or fabric scraps headed for the trash bin. This led to a lifelong love of fashion illustration, design and sewing. She is published regularly in Somerset Studio magazine and has a book Collage Couture coming out this June.

Sarah Houston - 2011 Spring Collection Event

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 21:31:00 +0000

Hi All - I know I've been MIA . Blogging, unfortunately, has taken a back seat in my crazy schedule. However, you know how I love to support local businesses so I wanted to let those in the Tdot know about the Designer Weekend in Yorkville" event at the Sarah Houston salon. Sarah Houston specializes in designing vintage wedding dresses. Please click on the image above to visit the Sarah Houston website.

Hope you're all well!

-PB

Trash a la Mode

Heather Caswell — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:46:00 +0000

Note: the following article was written by Julie Nutting, our 2nd Friday artist for April.

Last November, I was asked to participate in an art exhibit at a local gallery. Instead of the usual holiday sparkle, this show focused on the less fortunate. All the proceeds were going to a food bank and outreach program for the homeless. At first, I declined doing this show. Quite honestly, I just couldn't see how my pretty girly girls would fit the theme. there was just one problem with doing the show-I wanted to do it. It was a community event and it was for a good cause. Plus, I love challenges concerning my art.

A week before the show was to start, I went to the gallery. They were bringing in chain link fencing, shopping carts, and lots of wadded up newspaper for the installation.

It was looking fantastic. Just a couple of days before the drop-off date for the art, I had one of those aha moments-newspaper. It's one of my favorite papers to use in my collages, so why couldn't I use it for fashion? I set to work creating a gown that used newspaper.I didn't choose just any newspaper for this. I carefully tore the date from a French paper that I had purchased during an anniversary trip to Europe two years earlier. I also used an Italian ad from one of my favorite stores, a Thai newspaper from one of my husband's many mission trips, and some old patterned tissue paper. I added some pink tissue because everything looks a little better with pink, and a bit of gold leaf for the finishing touch.

As I was working on this piece, many thoughts regarding the theme of the show came to mind. The most important was how much we tend to judge others on appearance. I was thinking of the girl I created-underneath her gown made of trash was the beautiful princess that's in us all. I remember years ago hearing a celebrity on a talk show telling of a trip she made to a third world country and gifting young girls with dolls and new dresses. She was surprised that they were drawn to the dresses more than the dolls, but then realized that they never had a new dress before. That had always stayed in my mind. Just imagine the happiness at having a brand new dress when you've just had hand-me-downs-what an amazing feeling that must be! And so, I named my piece All She Wanted Was a New Dress.

Academy Awards Party UPDATE!

Heather Caswell — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 11:51:00 +0000

Our Academy Awards Party is quickly approaching (less than a week left!), and it just keeps getting more exiting! Amazing DJ Emily will be there with French music, and we will be having Champagne to go with Becky Winter's delicious raw desserts. I am looking forward to rolling out the Red Carpet to everyone in the heart of Downtown Davis. Come down to The Wardrobe on February 27th (Sunday) and watch the Academy Awards in style!

Academy Awards Party!

Heather Caswell — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 15:52:00 +0000

Join us on the red carpet on Sunday, February 27th for an Academy Awards Party here at The Wardrobe. We encourage everyone to play dress up, and there will be a $100 gift card prize for Best Dressed!

Call us at 530.756.1128 or email staff@thewardrobe.com for more information.

"Fashion wasn't what you wore someplace anymore; it was the whole reason for going." -Andy Warhol

Winter Sale 2011!

Heather Caswell — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 13:26:00 +0000

Don't miss out on The Wardrobe's Winter Sale!

Everything in the store is 20% OFF or more. The sale will last until Sunday, January 16th, but hurry in soon to catch your favorite styles and sizes!

Anne Barge Trunk Show - Toronto

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 03:39:00 +0000

Fashionscapes - Mark Your Calendars!

Heather Caswell — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 12:10:00 +0000

I am quite excited to be working with photographer Kyana Taillon to put together The Wardrobe's next event!

On Friday, November 12th at 7pm, The Wardrobe will host "Fashionscapes - A Photographic Exhibit that Features Local Women Making a Difference in Our Community." The exhibit will include portraits of influential Davis area women. Subjects include Ann Murray Paige, whose personal battle with breast cancer lead to the founding of Project Pink, a non-profit organization aimed to help women cope. Other women featured include entomology professor Diane Ullman and local artist Donna Billick, co-directors of the Art-Science Fusion Program at UC Davis, Autumn Labbe-Renault, executive director of Davis Media Access, Heidy Kellison, community activist and Erie Vitiello, executive director of the Davis Art Center.

Believing in our community, in our work, and ourselves is the inspirational theme for Fashionscapes. The Wardrobe is more than just a fashion boutique. It is a place that inspires joy and personal transformation through self-expression with fashion.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Blue By Enzoani Trunk Show - Toronto

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 02:29:00 +0000

Only a few more days to check out the 2011 Blue By Enzoani Collection!

What do you call your MIL?

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 23:53:00 +0000

Hopefully you don't call her Monster-in-Law like JLo's character did! The above question might be an odd question but people's answers to this question has always fascinated me. I've observed women and men call their mother-in-laws by their first name, by their last name (i.e. Mrs. Last Name) and just plain ol' Mom.

Out of those three monikers, plain ol' Mom is the most intimate. In my mind, my Mom is my mom. So I can't picture calling another woman Mom. However, I know in many cultures, calling one's mother-in-law "Mom" is tradition and to not address your MIL as Mom is a serious insult to the woman who birthed your partner. I often wonder how the 'real' mothers feel when they hear their children call another mom, Mom. Are they hurt? Is it OK because their children-in-law in turn call them Mom too?

So what about calling your MIL by her first name? I call the BF's mom by her first name as calling her "Mrs." seems way too formal. My own mother would probably express her disappointment if she heard me call the BF's mom by her first name since in our culture, calling an elder by their first name is a serious no-no. However, the BF's mom is fine with me calling her by her first name and if/when the BF get married, I'll likely keep calling her by her name.

Finally, the "Mrs. Lastname" option. This seems awfully formal to me. It seems to infer a distant relationship. With that being said, there is a certain respect that goes with addressing someone by their last name. If you called your MIL "Mrs." before marraige and then switched, what did you switch to and how long did it take you to switch?

See? I told you this topic fascinates me!

What do you call your MIL? Was this something you and the finance discussed before getting hitched?

*This question can also be "What do you call your FIL?" but for simplicity's sake, I'll stick to discussing MILs.

Raincoats are now coming in just in time!

Heather Caswell — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:27:00 +0000

As the days get longer, we here in Davis know what that means: rain! This year, I'm very excited about a new French line I've discovered. Pile Au Face makes really jazzy clothing, and their raincoats are my favorite this season. With a fleece lining and a detachable hood, this raincoat is definitely a 5-star.

Today, we also received Mycra Pac raincoats. These coats come with a coordinated bag, and are reversible. Described as "The ultimate unstructured travel coat," Mycra Pac is sure to be a hit for the classy traveler this Fall.

Oscar de la Renta Trunk Show - Toronto

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 01:25:00 +0000

Coming Soon to Sash & Bustle!

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:22:00 +0000

Hope my fellow Canadians had a yummy and relaxing Thanksgiving. That's right, us Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in early October (2nd Monday to be exact, same day as Columbus Day). Why the early Thanksgiving you ask? Well, it coincides with the end of the harvest season (we are a little bit more north) and the holiday is to give thanks for the bountiful crops. Whereas, according to trusty ol' Wikipedia, the American Thanksgiving was established by the Pilgrims to thank God for surviving their first brutal winter. When I asked the BF if we celebrate both when we're in the same household.....he says he's happy to have two occasions to eat turkey! ;)

I've mentioned Sash & Bustle - Toronto's premiere modern bridal loft - many times before. I love how Cynthia Martyn has introduced Toronto to the same 'alternative' gown designers (e.g. Stephanie James) and accessories designers (e.g. Paloma's Nest) that have won over so many American brides. Well, Cynthia has done it again. She recently announced that Sash & Bustle will be carrying Carol Hannah (yes, from Project Runaway!) wedding gowns and hair adornments from Twigs & Honey. So exciting. Carol Hannah is expected to arrive October 30th. An exact arrival time have yet to be announced for Twigs & Honey so make sure you check the Sash & Bustle blog frequently!

Below are my favourites from each collection.

Breast Cancer Workshop this Sunday, October 10th from 10 - 1!

Heather Caswell — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 12:08:00 +0000

When women heal, the world heals.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Heather Caswell presents a three hour workshop that will focus on the healing power of color, beauty, and self-adornment. Learn how to intuitively choose colors and styles that will help you look and feel your best. Featured will be an accessories lab on the art of tying scarves by local artist Katy Brosky. Local hat designer, Norma Rice, will also be demonstrating the art of wearing just the right hat.

Ann Murray Paige, writer, journalist, and television host, will be assisting. She is a breast cancer survivor and co-founder of the non-profit Project Pink, which raises awareness of the issue of women and breast cancer. Her blogs are RaisingMaine.com and ProjectPinkDiary.com

The class will be assisted also by Carol Klesow who has been teaching Color and Consciousness internationally for the past 15 years.

Reservations are required and limited to 25 people. To make a reservation please email us at staff@thewardrobe.com or call the store at 530.756.1128 to sign-up. This is a free class. Donations are welcome and will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation in Sacramento.

A Beautiful Wedding by KGM Weddings

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 12:00:00 +0000

This lovely outdoor Malibu wedding by LA based wedding planner extraordinaire, Krista Malinin for Amber Events (Krista is also a friend of mine!) was recently featured on Style Me Pretty. How stunning are these photos? Who knew there was a venue in Malibu that had zebras!?!

Krista (she's in the middle in the below pic) described Saddlerock Ranch as "a rustic venue, located in the Santa Monica Mountains of Malibu. Exotic animals (like horses, buffalo, camels, zebras, llamas, sheep, and peacocks) roam the 1,000 acre farm. The vineyard setting, where Melody and Michael exchanged their vows, is secluded and stunning. It created a breathtaking backdrop to an emotional ceremony and fun-loving reception."

To see more from this rustic wedding as photographed by Suthi Picotte, visit Style Me Pretty. To read Krista's post Q & A with the bride and groom, visit Krista's blog.

Congratulations to Krista on planning such a gorgeous wedding and being featured on SMP.

Ritche Fall Bridal Sale - Toronto

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 14:16:00 +0000

(click to enlarge)

Jenny Packham Bridal Trunk Show - Toronto

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 13:00:00 +0000

click to enlarge

Honey My Heart Open for Business!

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Hope you all had wonderful weekends! The BF went back to LA so I spent most of the weekend being mopey, and doing the summer-fall/winter wardrobe switcheroo. Boo.

As some of you may know, the incredibly talented honey my heart recently opened her Esty stor e. honey has been wowing her readers with her amazing craftiness since the days of planning her beautiful Santa Barbara wedding. Check out her cute table cards & numbers here.

honey's Esty store contains some fabulous jewelery - perfect for gifts.

I have always adored honey's paper goodies so I'm happy to see that she's also selling her one of a kind cards.

What are you waiting for? Go check it out!

Follow honey my heart on twitter and Facebook so you can see the latest projects she's working on!

Good luck honey my heart!

The Art of Color Workshop

Heather Caswell — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 13:46:00 +0000

The Art of Color Workshop on September 19th was a huge success. Friends came from all over the area to see how a spin of the color wheel could brighten their day (and Fall wardrobe!) There was tea and fresh figs to share. Color is mood food. Just as we have food that feeds our bodies, color feeds our emotions. Carol Klesow, international color teacher of Aura-Soma and AuraJin assisted the class. I really look forward to working with her again!

Carolina Herrera Trunk Show - Toronto

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:00:00 +0000

click to enlarge

A Bride's Shiny Thank You

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 23:50:00 +0000

Hi ya! How are you? Sorry for the sporadic blogging...blogging seems to have taken a back seat lately. I've been super busy with work and our condo board. And to be honest, having the BF here for the summer has kept me quite busy! Trying to spend quality time with one another after a long day of work while balancing the social calendar with our friends is no easy feat.

Anyways, I wanted to show you the bridesmaid's gift I received from C. a couple weeks ago. Isn't it pretty? I adore it. This bracelet has been my go-to bracelet for the last week - Thank you C.!!

For ideas on bridesmaids' (and maybe groomsmen) gifts, check out Swarovski. Trust me, your bridesmaids will thank you.

What is your favorite bridesmaid's gift? What's your worst?

Pearl Bridal House Sale -GTA

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 02:09:00 +0000

Going wedding dress shopping this weekend? Well, you're in luck! Pearl Bridal House is having a two-day sale this weekend.

WHERE?
76 Lakeshore Rd. East
Mississauga, ON L5G 1E1
905.278.5407
hello@pearlbridalhouse.com
www.pearlbridalhouse.com

The Art of Color

Heather Caswell — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:46:00 +0000

C is Married!

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 16:27:00 +0000

I think I've finally recovered from C's wedding on Saturday. It was a long day yet it went by so fast. I'm sure you brides and bridesmaids out there understand what I'm talking about. You wake up so early and can't even imagine lasting past 8pm, and the next thing you know it's 2:30am. Pure adrenaline.

The weather was gorgeous - sunny but not too hot. The day went pretty smoothly. The Catholic ceremony was traditional, however it lasted maybe 30-45 mins . It was the first time that I actually teared up during a wedding ceremony. Though C and A were saying traditional vows, there was something so touching about how they looked at each other. Very genuine. I think I got teary eyed because I briefly caught a glimpse of C, the 14 year teenager I met in high school in computer studies class, and then realized that teen-aged girl was now a gorgeous bride.

Above is a shot of C's Pronovias dress before she put it on. It's probably the same view C has when she woke up Saturday morning.

Congrats C & A!

September 11th

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 20:16:00 +0000

Tomorrow my dear friend C. is getting married! It’s going to be a wonderful and joyous day for C. her soon-to-be husband, and their family and friends. However, for many people, tomorrow will mark a day of mourning and reflection. Especially if one has a personal connection to the September 11th attacks. When I mention to my American friends and family that I am attending a wedding tomorrow, they raise an eyebrow. My response is that for many Canadians and nationals outside of the U.S., September 11th holds no personal significance. While they acknowledge the tragedy that occurred on that day and sympathize with those who lost loved ones, the day is no different than any other day of remembrance, e.g. Memorial Day, Remembrance Day.

Some would argue that the attacks were an attack on the Western world not just the U.S. A lot of people stated when I asked whether they would marry on September 11 or any other day of memorial stated they just wouldn’t want the “bad karma” or “bad joo joo.” However, some people responded that if you took out every day of remembrance or bad event anniversary in the calendar, there would be very few days left to commemorate a marriage. Also, as time goes on, such bad event anniversaries tend to lose their taboo – e.g. I’m pretty sure couples have no issue with December 7, the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbour .

September 11 is significant to me as I remember the frantic hours I spent trying to find my relatives in NYC and praying for their safety. Combined this with the BF being American, it’s highly doubtful we would pick September 11 as a wedding date if it landed on a weekend.

For those of you who were personally affected by the September 11 attacks, my thoughts are with you.

Look What I Made....

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 01:42:00 +0000

As you may know, my friend C. is getting married this Saturday! Her birthday was a few weeks ago and I gifted her this bridal fascinator that I had made.

The flower, pearl sprigs and feathers were purchased from Sussman's Bridal Supplies in Toronto (Queen & Bathurst).

Special thanks to the BF who help me design it ("The feathers should stick out like this") and let me use his head as a 'live' mannequin head.

If C. ends up wearing it for the reception, I'll post pics!

What do you think? Should I quit my day job? ;)

Vera Wang Trunk Show - Toronto

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:00:00 +0000

WHEN?
Thursday, September 23rd to Saturday, September 25th

WHERE?

Vera Wang Bridal Salon at Hugo Nicholson
38 Avenue Rd
Toronto, Ontario M5R2G2
416-927-9094
www.hugonicholson.com

To see the latest Vera Wang Bridal collection, visit www.verawang.com.

Reem Acra Trunk Show - Toronto

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:00:00 +0000

WHEN?
Friday, September 17 & Saturday, September 18th by appointment

WHERE?
White Toronto (www.whitetoronto.com)
19 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, ON. M5R 2E1
Tel: 416 849 9196 / info@whitetoronto.com
Call to make an appointment.

To see the latest Reem Acra Bridal collection, visit www.reemacra.com

Ines di Santo Trunk Show - Toronto

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:09:00 +0000

WHEN?
Friday, September 10th to Saturday, September 11th

WHERE?
Veronica Di Santo Atelier - www.veronicadisanto.com
4040 Steeles Ave West
Suites 14 & 15
Woodbridge
905.264.5518
email: info@veronicadisanto.com.
*FYI -Veronica is Ines' daughter.

To see more from the Ines Di Santo collection, visit www.inesdisanto.com.

Here's a preview of my trip to New York!

Heather Caswell — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 13:47:00 +0000

On my recent trip to New York City, I was excited to be able to attend American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The exhibit was drawn from the newly established Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at the Met. American Woman examines different perceptions of the modern American woman from the 1890s to the 1940s and how they have affected the way American women are seen today. It interested me to see how the American Woman reinvented her femininity, especially thorough her dress.

More from my visit to come!

Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show - Toronto

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:11:00 +0000

(click to make larger)

Finally!

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:52:00 +0000

Banana Republic, Gap and Old Navy have finally launched online Canadian stores! Yay - no more custom duties and so-called international shipping fees! Note that the pricing in the Canadian store is more expensive than pricing in the US store but on par with the pricing in Canadian retail stores*. Standard shipping costs are $8 per shipment - not bad at all. Happy online shopping!

*For those of you who wonder why items from US retail chains are always marked up in Canada, here's a quickie explanation - Canada has way less people per capita than the US which means less people buying, less a business can rely on volume sales. Also, since our country is so geographically large, it costs more to ship around our nation. Finally, with the Canadian dollar doing so well, it costs US businesses more to do business in Canada.

Vote for Carlsberg's Big Wedding Bash Couples

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:58:00 +0000

Remember when I wrote about Carlsberg's Big Wedding Bash contest? Well, two couples contacted me after that post and asked if I would vote for them. So now I'm encouraging you to vote for them!

Couple #1 - Jessica & Mike

Jessica & Mike get props for making this "Constable Carlsberg" video. To read their story and cast them your vote, click here.

Couple #2 - Tim & Rebecca

Tim & Rebecca are avid TFC fans (Go Reds!) who started out long-distance. To read their story and cast them your vote, click here.

Good luck to both couples in winning the $100,000 wedding!

Congratulations Bi-Coastal Bride!

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 23:09:00 +0000

Today is Tamar's, aka Bi-Coastal Bride, wedding day. (Remember her awesome Scratch n' Save-the-Dates?) Hope you have a wonderful day with your friends and family. A big thanks to A Hot Pink Petticoat for introducing us to you!

Story Contest rules reminder!

Heather Caswell — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:32:00 +0000

Just as a reminder, here are the rules again for those that may have forgotten:

How has a dress, a pair of shoes, or a jacket, shaped or added magic to your life? Our goal is to find out how fashion has added more fun or made a difference in your life.

Guidelines
Share a story and express yourself in 1000 words or less.
Include an interpreted image of the item in a photo or sketch, if possible.
Please submit your story under one of the following themes:

Special Occasion Wear
Wedding Dress
Everyday Dress
Shoes
Accessories (hats, scarves, purses, etc.)
T-shirt
Jeans
Bathing Suit
Suit
Jacket/Sweater
Jewelry
Costumes
Other

To Submit your story, please e-mail it to blog@thewardrobe.com along with the image.
The winning stories will be shared here on our blog, If Our Clothes Could Talk. monthly Prize is (1) $50 giftcard to The Wardrobe, and your story will be displayed at the wardrobe in downtown Davis!

7 Dresses (Not Quite 27)

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 03:17:00 +0000

What do you think? This is my 7th bridesmaid dress. (For those of you counting, yes, this is my 8th bridesmaid stint but I did not attend one of the weddings as I had my sister's wedding on the same day, so no corresponding dress.) The dress is a Sophia Tolli dress #11030 in aqua with a pale gold sash (looks like a darker cream with a slight gold tint in person). As you can see, I need to shorten it for my 5"1 body. It's a tad loose on me but since it has a corset back, I'm going to do without getting it taken in on the sides. The dress also comes with a matching shawl, and straps. I'll likely use the straps since I can't stand strapless dresses - I'm always constantly pulling dresses up!

For those in the GTA, we purchased our dresses at Izabella Bridal Boutique. I had a pleasant experience there. The staff are young, friendly and helpful. They measured me twice and let me look at the size chart to determine what size I should order (I've been to some places that didn't let me see the size chart and then insisted that I order the way too large size). Also, since C., the bride, had 6 bridesmaids, Izabella's gave us a discount so the dresses ended up being CDN $200 each. Not bad for a designer bridesmaid dress. I hoping to shorten the dress myself so $200 might be the final cost for me. (Professional bridesmaids - I highly recommend you learn how to sew - comes in handy!)

And for those of you wondering - no, I will not be wearing this one again. ;) It's very pretty but obviously very bridesmaid-y.

Carlsberg's Big Wedding Bash Contest

noreply@blogger.com (The Professional Bridesmaid) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:43:00 +0000

Just got engaged? Don't want to plan a wedding? Don't have funds for a wedding? Well, if you live in Ontario, you will want to enter this contest. Carlsberg is giving away a $100,000 wedding to one lucky couple. The deadline is August 20, 2010. Before you enter, make sure you read the rules & regs as there are some stipulations. For example, if you win, you must get married on October 1, 2010 at Toronto's Capitol Theater.

Good luck! And if you enter, let me know so I can vote for your story!