Savvy Winter Bride

~~NEW BUSINESS, NEW BLOG SITE~~

2010-02-24T20:30:00.002-05:00

The Savvy Winter Bride is starting her own event & wedding planning business!!! Please follow the new blog at www.yoursavvysoiree.com as updates will no longer be made here!

Thanks!
Savvy Winter Bride

DIY Shoe Bling

2010-02-14T23:24:00.004-05:00

Finding the PERFECT bridal shoe can be a pain. Depending on your personality, you might want to match your dress, you might want to wear hot pink shoes that pop, or you might want to bling it out. Regardless, it's hard to find the ones you've been dreaming of.. especially if you're on any type of budget. Well, here's a solution so simple than even the non-craftiest bride can do: Add rhinestones to your own shoes!

From plain

To Sassy!

complete tutorial here

V Day - Pink & Black Inspiration

2010-02-13T14:26:00.004-05:00

No words necessary --- here's some black, white & pink inspiration for Valentine's Day! I hope you get to spend it with the ones you love!

seen here

Video of the Day

2010-02-13T12:44:00.003-05:00

Absolutely love this hilarious video by Digital Princess at the Broke Ass Bride! Who couldn't love something set to the theme of Fresh Prince of Bel Air?

Fresh Hubby of LA from Digital Princess Productions on Vimeo.

Chicago Photographer with Creative Curve

2010-02-13T11:39:00.003-05:00

I love looking at wedding photography, and today I came across a Chicago based photographer that really gives an edgy style to the photos. So, if any brides are planning their nuptials in the Chicago area, consider Jai Girard photography -- of course you might have to book 2 years in advance, but hey, wedding pictures last forever!

Valentine's Photoshoot

2010-02-13T11:06:00.004-05:00

Happy Saturday! And Happy day-before-Valentine's Day! I'm so excited to be sharing this beautiful photoshoot from you with Simply Bloom Photography. It's a modern day twist on an old love story -- a beautiful woman falling in love with Cupid! Enjoy... and take some inspiration for your engagement photos and/or wedding photos!

Wedding Traditions

2010-02-09T21:36:00.004-05:00

After dating my boyfriend (now husband) for 3 months or so, I went with him to his cousin's wedding, and of course met the ENTIRE family. While waiting for the bride to make her way to the aisle, my future mother-in-law said, "I don't even know why girls wear white these days. It means nothing." I had no idea what to say. I think I laughed it off. A plethora of thoughts crossed my mind: is she serious? does she think this bride is unpure? Is she hinting that she thinks I am unpure? I then sat, watching a beautiful couple tie their vows, while I silently wondered what the heck does this mean?!? That got me thinking of wedding superstitions and their genesis. If the white dress traditionally is meant to symbolize purity, where do all of the other wedding traditions get their roots? I did a little digging, and here's what I found out {my real-life items listed after the description}.

Something Old: The bride is supposed to wear something old as a sign that even though the wedding symbolizes a new beginning, the couple is not forsaking their friends and family even as they step into a new life together {my deceased paternal grandmother's pearls were draped on my wedding bouquet}.
Something New: The bride should wear/have something new to show a symbolic reference to the new life she is embarking upon, which will bring her health, happiness, and success {practically everything I was wearing was new}.
Something Borrowed: The bride and her family reaffirm their love & affection with each other with this tradition. By borrowing from her family (or close friends), the bride shows she is close to them, and by returning what she borrowed, she wishes them luck {my maternal grandmother's rose pin tucked into my bouquet}.
Something Blue: Wearing something blue is meant to be a throwback to ancient times when the color represented fidelity and consistency. The bride is thus reinforcing her commitment, symbolically, to the groom {Blue Sapphire ring -- lucky me, my hubby gave it to me as a wedding gift}.
The groom's bout matches the bridal bouquet: By the groom wearing a flower from the bridal bouquet, he is showing that his bride is his lady and declaring his love for her. This is from an old custom when knights roamed England and wore their ladies' colors to show their love for them {my groom wore a burgandy callalily which matched my bouquet}.

and finally.... the white wedding gown has 2 stories of its creation

White wedding gowns: 1) White is the color that represents purity, to show that the bride is a virgin. A bride is never supposed to wear green since that is the color that shows "loose morals" -- women who rolled around in the grass with various men would get green grass stains on her dress. 2) In the olden days, white linens were very costly. Women didn't tend to wear white dresses because they would often get ruined very quickly and thus would have to be thrown away, resulting in a waste of money. So, by wearing a white gown, the bride's family was declaring that they come from high society and can afford a dress to only be worn once {ivory is also an accepted color and much more common these days --- and was worn by yours truly}.

Any other traditions I left out? Feel free to let me know!

Worst. Wedding. Guest. Ever.

2010-02-09T21:04:00.008-05:00

Someone fed this girl one too many drinks. Remember, ladies -- at ALL weddings, you MUST stay classy! You do not want to be this girl... or have that girl at your wedding!

For some reason, I don't think they're very good friends anymore...

Choosing a Wedding Consultant

2010-02-08T21:21:00.004-05:00

I LOVED planning my wedding. Though, I can say that it was very stressful at times, and I wished I could have relinquished control and let someone else help me. All in all, my wedding day turned out perfect. But in hindsight, it would have been nice to have a wedding consultant during the planning process. If you're ready to let go of the reigns and accept some help to provide you with the most perfect day possible, be sure to interview several wedding consultants, before deciding on one.

Remember, the idea behind hiring a wedding consultant is to take the stress of planning and coordinating your wedding off of your back. So, you don't want to worry if your wedding consultant is doing a good job.

The below fifteen questions are a great guideline to finding the perfect person to plan and arrange your wedding.

1) Are you licensed, or do you at least have a DBA registration document?

2) How long have you been in the business of wedding consulting?

3) How many weddings do you do on an annual basis?

4) Do you have any feedback/testimonials?

5) Do you belong to any professional organizations?

6) Are you certified? If so, by whom?

7) Do you have a contract (if so, may you see it?)

8) Do you plan on doing this work yourself or are you using the services of your staff? (You'd be surprised how many wedding consultants send other people to do their work--this is an important question to ask).

9) Do you accept referral fees and/or commissions? (If they say that they accept referral fees--you should walk out the door, this sounds like a scam artist).

10) How do you work? Will we be meeting on a one on one basis, or will your full staff be there?

11) Will you be able to work within my budget? If I give you a ceiling budget, will you go beyond it to meet your expectations? (Make sure they are willing to work within your budget--it's always easy to spend someone else's money!).

12) What are you willing to do for the fee you are quoting me? Make a list and make sure it coincides with any written contract that requires your signature.

13) How often will you provide me with updates on my wedding planning?

14) Will you be present during my wedding rehearsal and wedding day? Will this be included in your fees?

15) What type of attire will you be wearing should you attend these events?

questions found here

Awkward Wedding Photos

2010-02-05T12:14:00.003-05:00

I've spent the last few weeks obsessing over my absolutely STUNNING wedding photos. I am not saying that because I am stunning.. but because my photographer is AMAZING. Literally. Work with Melody Smith. Anyhow, because I enjoy irony so much, I thought I'd spend some time looking at the most awkward wedding photos ever. Not only does it make me laugh out loud, but it makes me feel better about mine... as if that was possible. Enjoy.

All photos originally seen here

Wedding Trends -- Yellow & Gray

2010-01-27T20:05:00.000-05:00

K (my beautiful, dear friend in the engagement pictures below) is planning her 5/1/10 wedding with one of the season's hottest wedding trends... the yellow & gray color palette! Typically, the yellow is bright and/or cheerful (yay!) and the gray can either be muted, or it can be silver... a but more in-your-face. Both work wonderfully, and give different vibes. In her honor, I've done some searching for some cute yellow & gray inspiration to keep us excited until her nuptials. Here you go, K!

found here

both above seen here

seen here

K's turn

2010-01-27T19:46:00.000-05:00

Now that my wedding is over, I am really excited to be a part of one of my dear friends, K's wedding. K and I went to the same Women's college and we have a tight knit group of friends. K & E was engaged a couple months before me, but planned their wedding for 15+ from the engagement date... I guess you could say P & I rushed it, since we were married 8 months after getting engaged! K & E's wedding is May 1, 2010 and I cannot wait to be supporting her up on the altar. Below are a few beautiful images of K & E!

Rehearsal Centerpieces

2010-01-24T21:51:00.000-05:00

At my rehearsal dinner, my crafty mother-in-law put together these super cute snowglobes inside of a glass ornament. I had never seen this before, but it was adorable and a huge hit! I came across this in the blog world today and wanted to share so that others might be able to create something just as unique!

DIY instructions for making your own snow globe from Well Worn:

You will need:

All can be found at a craft or haberdashery store.

*A jar of your choice (with a lid)

*Figurines or jewelery

*Anti-rust sealant for metal pieces

*Clear-drying epoxy

*Distilled water

*Dash of glycerin

*Large silver or white glitter (smaller versions will float at the top)

Steps:

1. Use clear-drying epoxy to adhere your piece to the inside of the lid. Let dry per instructions.

2. After the epoxy dries completely, fill your jar with distilled or boiled water (at room temperature, of course).

3. Add just a dash of glycerin so the “snow” falls slowly.

4. Add as much glitter as you like. If you don’t like the look of glitter, you can usually find faux snow at craft and haberdashery stores.

5. Screw your lid on tightly and enjoy your snow globe!

Winter Loveliness

2010-01-24T21:45:00.000-05:00

It's a shame that during the majority of wedding planning, I could find NO inspiration or pictures from winter weddings... when I NEEDED it. Now that my wedding has come & gone, and winter is passing us by, the winter ideas are all over the blogs! Of course it makes sense that as winter is here, we put it on the blogs... it just would have been nice if it I'd had all these lovely pictures and blogs when I was needing help planning.

Regardless, check out these from Green Wedding Shoes!

Another Lovely Winter Wedding

2010-01-24T21:38:00.000-05:00

I am still waiting to receive the rest of my pictures from my photographer.. in the mean time, I am obsessing over other winter wedding pictures to hold me over. Check out a few lovely ones below.

seen here first

The Final Results, photobooth edition

2010-01-09T13:20:00.001-05:00

The Final Results, part 2

2010-01-09T13:17:00.000-05:00

The photobooth was a huge hit! Thanks Partybooths!

The Final Results, part 1

2010-01-09T13:02:00.001-05:00

Virginia Winter Wonderland

2009-12-24T11:14:00.001-05:00

SO excited!! My soon to be hubby told me that, even though we can't take a full honeymoon immediately following the wedding, he did plan a few days for us at The Homestead.

It was reviewed by Southern Living as a Winter Wonderland. I can't wait to spend a few days here with my husband!!!

Cute Holiday Cupcakes :)

2009-12-23T10:29:00.000-05:00

Thank You Notes

2009-12-22T20:46:00.000-05:00

As it's getting closer and closer to our wedding, we've been receiving more and more gifts. I've started writing Thank You notes IMMEDIATELY to get it out of the way. At work recently, a woman was telling me that I have up to 6 months to get my thank you cards out. I smiled. Inside, though, I definitely disagree, and so do most etiquette experts.

All thank yous should be written within 2 months of the receipt of the gift, and proper stationary should be used. Your thank you notes should be personalized and acknowledge the person and gift. Pre-printed thank you notes with a handwritten signature are not appropriate. Writing a sincere thank you will not only show your appreciation for their attendance at your event and their gift, but your guest will admire the special time you took to personally thank them.

Here are the Top 10 Do's and Don'ts of thank you notes (by Emily Post)

Do personalize your notes and make reference to the person as well as the gift.
Do remember that a gift should be acknowledged with the same courtesy and generous spirit in which it was given.
Do be enthusiastic, but don’t gush. Avoid saying a gift is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen unless you really mean it.
Don’t send form letters or cards with printed messages and just your signature; don’t use email or post a generic thank you on your wedding web site in lieu of a personal note.
Do promptly acknowledge the receipt of shipped gifts by sending a note right away or calling and following up with a written note in a day or two.
Don’t mention that you plan to return a gift or that you are dissatisfied in any way.
Don’t tailor your note to the perceived value of the gift; no one should receive a perfunctory note.
Do refer to the way you will use a gift of money. Mentioning the amount is optional.
Don’t include wedding photos or use photo cards if it will delay sending the note.
Don’t use being late as an excuse not to write. Even if you are still sending notes after your first anniversary, keep writing!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-22T19:53:00.000-05:00

Enjoy these wonderful winter engagement pics :)

seen here first

Bridesmaids Hairstyle - DIY

2009-12-16T13:15:00.000-05:00

Brides.com has 5 DIY Winter Wedding Hairstyles that are great! There's one I am particularly fond of -- I just passed it along to my bridesmaids in case they are inspired, or love it as much as I do!

HOW TO DO IT For an oh-so-now ponytail that's pulled to one side, begin with a blowout, using mousse and a holding spray on damp hair. Tease hair at the crown to create volume, then smooth the rest with a brush and twist into an off-center ponytail. Instead of an elastic, use a line of bobby pins on the underside of the twist, starting at the top and ending at the nape-you'll need at least 20. Side bangs add a flirty softness. Swarovski crystal hairpins, Regina B,reginab.com.
PRODUCT PICK Don't dream of teasing your tresses without first app lying John Frieda Collection Luxurious Volume Lavish Lift Root Booster. This serum thickens and protects, thanks to fixative polymers and a shot of silicone. $6.50.

found here

Worst Wedding Advice?

2009-12-16T11:33:00.000-05:00

I am all for the idea of wearing a beautiful faux fur for your winter wedding, but I am pretty sure it's bad advice to tell a bride-on-a-budget (and who isn't?) to invest in the mink below.... $5,800. No thanks.

{Winter Ideas} 5 Tips for Winter Wedding

2009-12-16T11:13:00.000-05:00

Whether The Weatherman Calls For Snow Or Not, Work That Winter Romance Look With These Cool New Ideas.

1) Cover up in style
Cover-up with the fashion statement of the year: a satin trench coat. You’ll look positively divine and you can wear the coat again and again after the big day.

2) Give a warm thank-you
Solve both the problem of thanking your bridesmaids and keeping them toasty by supplying each with a cashmere stole chosen to coordinate with their dresses and the wedding décor.

3) The new take on frosted hair
Here’s a tip stolen from the latest fashion runways: have your hairdresser sprinkle a little loose sparkle eye shadow through your hair. Finer than glitter, the shadow will give your hair the barest hint of shimmer – just perfect for an icy, winter wonderland look.

4) Get practical with a twist
Get some boots made for walkin’ all the way up the aisle. Whether you’re prone to python stilettos or love the comfort (and the romantic look) of flat knee-high boots in white velvet or suede, boots are a sensible winterwear notion with a whole lot of glamour potential.

5) Better than a bouquet
Nothing makes a more charming winter accessory than a muff in sequin or pearl trimmed velvet or in fur (faux or the real thing). Have one made for each bridesmaid in your wedding color, too, then have your florist do up fresh floral arrangements that can be pinned to the muffs. You’ll literally have guests gasping in awe.

all tips found on Get Married

Savvy Winter Bride

*~*~*NEW BUSINESS, NEW BLOG SITE*~*~*

DIY Shoe Bling

V Day - Pink & Black Inspiration

Video of the Day

Chicago Photographer with Creative Curve

Valentine's Photoshoot

Wedding Traditions

Worst. Wedding. Guest. Ever.

Choosing a Wedding Consultant

Awkward Wedding Photos

Wedding Trends -- Yellow & Gray

K's turn

Rehearsal Centerpieces

Winter Loveliness

Another Lovely Winter Wedding

The Final Results, photobooth edition

The Final Results, part 2

The Final Results, part 1

Virginia Winter Wonderland

Cute Holiday Cupcakes :)

Thank You Notes

Happy Holidays!

Bridesmaids Hairstyle - DIY

Worst Wedding Advice?

{Winter Ideas} 5 Tips for Winter Wedding

~~NEW BUSINESS, NEW BLOG SITE~~