Weddings- the Joys and Jitters

Bright Ideas for a Beautiful Summer Wedding

2013-04-16T22:36:00.002-07:00

Are you planning to exchange vows this summer? If yes, here are some ideas to help you prepare for a beautiful summer wedding. I also searched Pinterest for stunning photos of summer weddings to inspire you even more.

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A romantic bohemian wedding in the summer!

Tie-the-knot outdoors. Summer is the perfect time to get married out in the sun. Why not plan a beach wedding or a garden wedding and make the most of the beautiful, sunny weather? Don’t have a big budget for a destination wedding? It doesn’t matter! There’s no need to go far. Even a small, backyard wedding can be exceptionally wonderful as long as there is a plan and the preparations are done right.

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Simple outdoor wedding banquets arrangements

Complement nature. What’s great about an outdoor wedding is that you can actually take advantage of the natural beauty of the place. Indeed, decorations can be very minimal, which is great especially if you’re on a budget. Whether it would be an early morning ceremony by the seaside; a brunch in an orchard; or a late afternoon wedding in the garden; the occasion is bound to be beautiful even without lavish adornments. As cliché as it may sound, what could be more picturesque than two people exchanging vows amidst sparkling bluish green waters; lush, green landscape; or under a glorious sky?

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A long piece of plain, white fabric drapes over a tree to create a stunning frame ;

lighted string jars hung from tree branches add a romantic glow to an evening reception

Flower power. Bouquets and garlands of fresh flowers are a feast to the eyes. Calla Lilies, Chrysanthemums, Cockscomb, Columbine, Daisies, Hydrangeas, Blue Delphiniums, Gerberas, Gladioli, Lilies, Peonies, Roses, Wildflowers, Zinnias ~ these are but a few names to choose from. It would be a good idea to ask a gardener or a florist a few months in advance which summer blooms are available in your region. Needless to say, flowers in season would be cheaper than the rare varieties. But don’t forget to consider succulents and greens in your flower arrangements. They never fail to bring texture, uniqueness, and charm to a bunch of blossoms.

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love the simplicity of these bridal bouquets ~
an assortment of greens, wildflowers, summer blossoms an succulents

How about fruits? Fruits! Of course! What's a summer wedding without cocktails! Berries, cherries, watermelon, mangoes, oranges, lemons and citruses ~ A beverage station is a must for all weddings, but most definitely with outdoor weddings.

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summer fruit punch in glass, jars and bottles

But summer fruits not only make delightful thirst-quenchers! Mixed with colorful florals, fresh fruits make lovely accents on the banquet table and place settings as well.

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Bring in some vegetables! I love the idea of having a fruit and veggies bar where guests can help themselves of healthy treats anytime during the reception.

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little, red raddishes with flowers make unique, vibrant centerpiece;
artichoke bouquet, anyone?;
a colorful veggie bar featuring fresh veggies and a variety of dips and dressings

Ice cream, please! It should be safe to say that all the guests would surely be delighted to have something cold and sweet to beat the summer heat? How about frosty ice cream or gelato for dessert! Get in touch with a local ice cream vendor and see if you can hire an ice cream cart or if you have an ice-cream maker, you can set-up your own help-yourself homemade ice-cream booth, complete with cups, cones, and all sorts of toppings to choose from. Another fun option to cool the palate are popsicles!

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A vintage style ice cream cart;
ice cream snack bar;
homemade ice cream in glass jars ready to be served

Parasols and fans would come in handy for a summertime wedding and would make great souvenirs too! You may choose to distribute these before the start of the ceremony, placing one parasol or fan on each chair or let your guests take one from the basket.

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yellow & white umbrellas await guests on each seat;
paper fans;
white parasols with ribbons in a wooden box;

a heart-shaped fan with the bride & groom's monogram

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An early evening wedding outdoors with the splendid sky as the backdrop.

These are just a few suggestions that you may consider. Which one of these ideas would you like to incorporate on your wedding day? Do you have other summer wedding ideas to share?

Online Wedding Shop: Pom Pom Factory

2013-04-16T00:03:00.000-07:00

I featured poms last week and couldn't help but be smitten by these beguiling photos by a shop called Pom Pom Factory. Based in East London, the shop is owned by Karen Hsu, who specializes in creating poms and flower installations for weddings and other occasions. Her products are made from 100% biodegradable and recycled tissue paper.

Bridal Inspiration: All the Pretty Bouquets

2013-04-09T22:42:00.000-07:00

I find myself breathless after spending an hour browsing over the pages of Magnolia Rouge online, How I wish I could leaf through the pages of this magazine on paper. I'm actually trying to avoid reading online for too long because it is straining on the eyes. It would be nice if I could take this magazine to bed with me so I can read through each page at my leisure.

The magazine is filled with beautiful wedding inspirations from real weddings across the globe. It is truly a must-read especially for those who are searching for wonderful ideas for their special day. I am loving these bridal bouquets! I think they are perfect inspirations for Spring and Summer weddings. Taking advantage of the season and making use of various blooms which are found in the local garden. I love how vines, ferns, and succulents have been incorporated with an assortment of flowers in each arrangement. The small bunches are nice but oh, how I love the bigger ones!

Which of these bridal bouquets did your like?

Wonderful Wedding Decor Inspiration: Pompoms

2013-04-08T20:25:00.004-07:00

Pom-poms are wonderful decorations which can be used for the wedding ceremony and reception. The materials needed are also cheap compared with other craft projects. They can be made out of yarn, tissue paper, or recycled fabric. Yes, if you are working on a small budget, decorating with poms is a great way to create a cheerful, dreamlike ambiance, fitting for a wedding.

Pompoms come in many sizes - from small bursts of colors to large balls of fluffy radiance; you can make them as little or as big as you like. Poms can be sewn into a string to make a garland of puffs, seemingly floating in the air. They can also adorn the banquet table as centerpieces and prettify each place setting.

The trims can be cut in various degrees of slantness to replicate different blooms. Of course, you can choose from a wide variety of shades to match your motif. Some couples choose to fill the place with a rainbow of happy poms while in some weddings, you can see lovely clusters of poms of the same hue like giant hydrangeas suspended in the air.

Take a look at these real wedding inspirations I've gathered from a couple of wedding websites. You can click on the links after each photo to read the exact details.

Lauren & Ian Wedding via Birchtree Photography
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Jen & Ben Wedding via The RocknRoll Bride

Kate & John Wedding via Before the Big Day

Weddings by Michelle

found via

via PomPom Factory

I love this idea of decorating an entire wall with large poms and pinwheels in assorted colors and patterns to create a quirky, gleeful backdrop for wedding photos. So fun and pretty:)

via Style Me Pretty

Photography by Love Is A Big Deal

Poms by Simply Nesting

Nope, pom-poms aren't just suitable as indoor decorations. If you will have an outdoor wedding, colored poms would be stunning against the natural light and greenery, like these cascading pink and purple poms set in a garden wedding reception.

via Crafty Moods

Poms by PomGlow

Pompom wedding decorations can be pretty easy to make too. If you enjoy crafting or if you would like to try your hands on making poms, here are DIY tutorials from various blogs that you can check out: DIY Tissue Paper Pompoms at Boho Weddings, Whimsical Wonderland Weddings, RocknRoll Bride and Martha Stewart Weddings. Fabric Pompoms at Once Wed, Green Wedding Shoes, and Craftaholics Anyonyms. Here (found via: Bridal Musings) is a video tutorial by Creature Comforts on how to make Yarn Pom Poms. RMW blog also takes on this DIY.

However, if you don't have time to make a whole bunch of poms, you can order readily-made pom poms. Each set comes with all the accessories needed so all that's left to do is fluff and set them. Here are a couple of Etsy shops that sell beautiful handmade poms. HINT: Check out the many different ways in which you can decorate or embellish with poms.

Fiesta Pompom ; PomGlow

Pretty with Sprinkles ; Sweet Tea Paper

Makelle Designs ; Pretty with Sprinkles

Pom Garden ; Bell Bloom Design

Peckled ; Just Embellish

Pom Love ; Theading Marigolds

PomGlow

Which of these ways of styling poms have you incorporated in your wedding or would you consider for your wedding? If you have other ides on how to style pompoms for a wedding, please share them. And if you know of other useful tutorials online, you're welcome to share the links in your comment. Thanks for reading :)

Four Pretty Things: Pastel Purses

2013-04-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Beginning today, I will be featuring four pretty things from different wedding shops at Etsy each week. I hope that this particular segment on this blog would help future brides who are looking for a particular accessory or wedding item, by narrowing down their choices. Apart from curating pretty wedding things, I take a moment to read about the shop, making sure that the sellers on spotlight are passionate about their craft.

For my first post on this segment, I looked for handmade bridal or bridesmaid purses in pastel hues of yellow, blue, pink and mint.

pastel yellow silk clutch with bow : Blackbird's Pearl

baby blue pouch with Rossette & lace : lolos

peach with lace wedding purse : Atelier Edyta Loukia

mint green box bridesmaid clutch set : Vincent V Designs

Wedding Mag: 2013 Bridal Lookbook By Ruche

2013-04-04T02:54:00.001-07:00

Have you seen the 2013 Bridal Lookbook by Ruche? Entitled Forever and A Day, the look book features soft, flowing, vintage-inspired gowns in Grecian style. Nothing stiff and nothing too heavy. Wonderful for outdoor weddings or garden weddings this Spring and Summer seasons. I also love the whimsical headdresses, the heirloom jewelry, and the vintage accents. Here are some of my favorites:

A Closer Look at Three Beautiful DIY Weddings

2012-10-10T23:48:00.000-07:00

I absolutely adore DIY weddings! I would love for me and my hubby to get married again and DIY everything for the occasion. It would be a lot of work, there would be some challenges but I'm sure that it would be fun and exciting!

Are you planning to do DIY projects for your own wedding? If yes, I think you would be inspired by these three beautiful handmade weddings featured at Etsy. I'm sure that ideas would fly.and your creative bone would be poked after this read. I highlighted some of my favorite aspects from each wedding but you can click on their links to read their stories and view all the photos. Continue reading...

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Tea Collection Sale for October

2012-10-10T19:34:00.001-07:00

Tea Collection offers another sale event beginning October 11th. Online shoppers can enjoy new markdown items at up to 25% off! Tea Collection outfits are make the perfect gift for both children and parents! Check out the website now by clicking on the photo:

Gorgeous Wedding Dresses: Pretty Ruffles

2012-09-25T03:50:00.000-07:00

I think wedding gowns with ruffles are so romantic and dreamy. I searched Etsy for this particular style and found these gorgeous choices:

The ruffles on this gown is made out of dotted embroidered lace with scalloped edge.
by Holly Stalder

This post has been moved to Beautiful Rache. Please click here to see more.

Cute Find: Wooden Wedding Band

2012-09-19T05:36:00.000-07:00

This is a cute find:

Instead of the usual wedding bands made out metal, how about wood?

This one is made out of Walnut with Oak inlay and Turquise.

Found this from a shop called Wood Flex Design at Etsy.

Would you wear this on your wedding?

Win A Nordic Getaway from Tea Collection and Jet Setter

2012-09-17T04:10:00.001-07:00

Calling out all jet-setters and travel enthusiasts! Tea Collection has partnered with Jetsetter and is offering you the chance to win a Nordic Getaway + a Tea Collection gift certificate to pack your suitcase full of Tea. The contest ends on September 25 so click here to enter the giveaway now.

Wedding Accessories: Blusher Veils

2012-09-16T22:12:00.000-07:00

The blusher veil is a traditional bridal headpiece. It is a short veil that covers the bride's face as she walks down the aisle. This bridal accessory is also called the birdcage veil, with varying lengths: the veil can fall just below the eyes, below the chin. Floor length veils are also known as ballerina veil.

The person who gives the bride away raises the veil to kiss the bride on the cheek or forehead and puts the veil back down. After the exchange of the wedding vows, it is time for the official "Just Married" kiss and the veil is raised by the groom. The veil then stays lifted all throughout the ceremony.

Apart from varying lengths, the veil may also come in different designs. Some veils have two or more layers; some are attached to a hat or fascinator. Blusher veils can be made out of tulle, or old lace.

Some modern brides choose not to wear this style of veil because they want everyone to have a clear view of their face as they enter the ceremony. However, a blusher veil can also add that perfect accent to the bridal gown. Take a look at these beautiful blusher veils from various Etsy sellers:

double layer of tulle by Twigs & Honey

silk organza & Habotai silk with blossoms and rhinestone by Erica Elizabeth Design

blusher veil with peach fascinator by There Was Once a Girl

blusher veil with ivory fascinator and bridal hat by Butterflies Wing

bird cage veil with nickel plated comb by Alisa Benay

double layer teardrop blusher veil by Twigs & Honey

Would you like to wear a blusher veil or a bird cage veil on your wedding?

Which of these veils caught your fancy?

Wedding Accessories: Alternative Bridal Bouquet

2012-08-21T04:20:00.000-07:00

These bouquets are not your typical bridal bouquets! They are made out of recycled paper, vintage fabric, old buttons, or trinkets. These alternative bridal bouquets are perfect for a bohemian-themed wedding or a handmade wedding. These are eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and beautiful! So when fresh flowers are not available or are too expensive, why not use alternatives? Here some inspirations from Etsy sellers.

vintage rhinestone and fabric bouquet by florabond

paper hydrangea florets and denim roses in deep blue by The Crimson Poppy
beach wedding bouquet with teal accents by Seashell Design Co
rosettes and hydrangeas made out of vintage wedding dress by Autumnand Grace Bridal

bouquet made of seashells, dried flowers, and grasses by Crocus Creative

bouquet made of faux pearls, crystals, brooches, pins, buttons, rings, earrings and other trinkets by Lillybuds Bouquets

paper bouquet made out of recycled books by A Bespoke Touch

bouquet made of vintage flower brooches and earrings by hairbows wonderworld

Camille felt flowers by Muncle Fred Art

bouquets made from recycled pages of old books by redzebradesigns

Wedding Accessories: Juliet Cap Inspired Bridal Veils

2012-08-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

The headpiece is one of the most important accessories of the bride. There are many kinds of headpieces to choose from such as the traditional veil, bridal combs, tiara, bridal headbands, and more. I think the Juliet Cap inspired headpiece is such a beautiful adornment, especially for a vintage-themed wedding or a bohemian-themed wedding. I looked up for gorgeous designs online and found these great finds from Etsy.

Veil made of ivory velvet leaves with Swarovski rhinestones, beaded lace, & French netting by Sibo Designs

sculpted veil cap made by Chantilly lace by Which Goose

vintage style cap made of French Chantilly Lace, Habotai & Organza Silk & silk satin woven ribbon beading by Erica Elizabeth Design

veil made from the finest 100% silk tulle,drapes over one shoulder and features genuine vintage velvet flower by Agnes Hart

Art Deco inspired veil made of soft ivory Bridal Illusion tulle by Gilded Shadows

On Finding the Perfect Plus Size Wedding Gown

2012-08-06T23:31:00.000-07:00

Regardless of her body built - the bride will always be the most beautiful woman on her wedding day. However, finding that perfect wedding dress can prove to be a challenge especially when you're a plus-size. If you're a soon-to-be bride with a plus-size body, consider these tips on choosing a wedding gown.

Consider the theme. What kind of wedding will it be? The right style of gown would depend on the theme of your wedding. Will it be a beach-wedding? A winter wedding? A garden wedding? Would you like a gown with a long train or without one? Before shopping around, it's best to have an exact idea of which styles you like and which styles you don't like.

Know your shape. What’s your body shape? An A-line gown is very forgiving for most figures especially if you are pear-shaped or if you’re bigger from the hips down. This shape also elongates the body which is always a good thing.

Hide the flaws. Floor-length wedding gowns are ideal for plus-size women to cover up the thighs and calves. Tea-length or short dresses can make you look shorter. However, steer clear from ball gown skirts as this style can make a woman look heavier.

Show off your best asset. Many plus size women are endowed with flawless skin. Don’t be afraid to bare those shoulders with a strapless goddess gown, a fitted bodice, snug under the bust, and gently hugs the body to create a narrower waistline. Instead of opting for a gown that completely covers the bust, don’t be afraid to show some cleavage. A fully-covered top will only make the chest look bigger.

Simplicity is the key. Gowns with elaborate designs or too many embellishments will not help in hiding the flaws. It will only make the dress look bulky and that would instantly add extra pounds to the bride who wears it. It’s best to opt for a simple, flowing gown that is not too fitted and not too lose either.

Don’t forget what’s underneath. To achieve a truly beautiful fitting, it’s very important to wear the right underwear underneath the gown. Instead of wearing bra, choose a gown that provides sufficient boning, support and lift so you can afford to go bare underneath. A girdle panty is great to help tuck in unwanted bulges but see to it that the material allows you to breathe comfortably.

Shop around. There are brick & mortar stores and online shops that specialize in plus-size wedding gowns. You can purchase a handmade or custom made gown or buy a second-hand dress. Remember, if you’re going to buy online, you need to be very careful in providing measurements as it can be difficult to return the item if it doesn’t fit right.

Choose a flattering hairstyle. Donning the right hairstyle is an essential factor to achieve that overall elegance. It would be great to try out different do's weeks before the wedding until you find one that complements your face.

Try it on. Make sure that the gown allows you to move with ease. If you’re not comfortable in it, it would be very difficult to look your best. Don't forget to do a final fitting at least a week before the wedding day, especially if you've made some changes in your diet and lifestyle in order to lose weight.

Be confident. Your wedding day is a time for celebration. If you feel great about yourself, you will certainly look that way too. If you're genuinely happy, that inner glow will exude and you will look even more amazing. Once you have picked the wedding gown that you like, there's no point in worrying about how you look. Just relax and smile! Celebrate your love and happiness.

Photos:

V-neck chiffon handmade gown by wonderxue
halter plus size gown by shop of brides
sheath V-neck sweep chiffon dress by light in the box
strapless chiffon gown with empire-waist beading by sydney's closet

Themed-Wedding Inspiration: Art Noveau

2012-08-06T06:06:00.001-07:00

What is Art Noveau?
"Art nouveau" which is French for "new art" first appeared in the Belgian journal L'Art Moderne in the 1880s. The term was used to describe the artworks of twenty painters and sculptors who were members of Les Vingt- an artistic community.

Particulary associated with the French style, the art form is inspired by elements of nature or the natural world such. The Art Noveau movement was short-lived, yet it has influenced modern art and is still regarded as a historical and treasured artistic style. *

Is your wedding inspired by the Art Noveau era?

Here are my top picks from Etsy sellers:

Flapper inspired bridal headband by Twigs & Honey;

Art Nouveau Style 14K Gold Antique wedding band by jewelry1910studio

antiqued brass filigrees by marygracejewellery

Crystal and Marcasite Brooch Bouquet by The Ritzy Rose

14k yellow and rose gold woodland necklace by Pretty Things Galore

Rhinestone 1920s cloche by Erica Elizabeth Design

references:
*http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/artn/hd_artn.htm

DIY Wedding Photo Books

2012-06-28T21:26:00.002-07:00

What better way to preserve those beautiful wedding moments than with a photo book? And now, there is an easy way to organize those memories and turn it into a stunning hard-bound wedding photo book through Blurb, a website that offers all the tools you will need to create photo books or printed books from your own computer.

You can publish and share your book so family, friends and guests can easily order them online or better yet, make it as your personal thank-you gift or token from your wedding. Photo books are also ideal for bridal showers, engagement shots, a wedding guest book, or wedding anniversaries. Blurb is offering a 15% discount with each order from July to August 31,2012. Just use the promo code BLURBBOOK15OFF.

Wedding Accessories: Vintage Bridal Hair Combs

2012-06-28T03:29:00.003-07:00

A vintage bridal hair comb is the perfect accessory for a bride wearing a simple, vintage or vintage-inspired wedding gown. This kind of accessory can be used to add that touch of glamor for any hairstyle- whether the bride chooses to wear an up-do, braided, half-tail, or to wear her hair down.

Hair combs are not only beautiful, they are functional accessories too. A bridal hair comb helps to keep that veil in place. Do you own an antique brooch or old pieces of jewelry? You can easily make a bridal hair comb just by attaching the jewelry on a plastic comb or you may choose to buy a ready-made one online.

Here are some of my best picks from various Etsy sellers. Some of these hair combs have been re-created or upcycled out of heirloom jewelry pieces. Which one is your favorite?

1940's blue & clear rhinestones hair comb

by bridalwear

a vintage jewelry repurposed into a bridal hair comb

by Gener8tions Cre8tions

1920s rhinestones and pearls heirloom brooch repurposed into a comb

by Amore Treasure

1980s hairpiece

by Second Hand Emporium

1940 rhinestones and pearl hair comb

by Karen Rutledge

Tips for the Bride to Be – Finding that Perfect Wedding Gown

2012-06-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

One of the most exciting things about being a bride is donning the gown of your dreams. If you are a future bride, there is no doubt that you wouldn’t want your wedding gown to be anything less-than-perfect. You may choose a gown with an elaborate design or you may opt for a simpler one but regardless of your personal taste, you would surely want your gown to be perfect for you.

short summer wedding dress by Lana Stepul

What are some of the things you should consider before choosing a gown? Here are points to ponder:

Your budget. First, you will need to decide how much you can afford to spend on the dress. If money is not a problem, you may choose to splurge on your dress but if you have a limited budget, you will need to find an inexpensive wedding gown. Of course, the price does not necessarily define the kind of dress you would be wearing. It can be a very simple gown at an affordable price but if it fits just right, you would still look beautiful on your wedding day.

Hence, don’t worry so much about the price tag. What’s most important is for you to set a definite budget and stick to it. Don’t forget to think about other expenses such as the food, venue, decorations, favors, etc. You wouldn’t want to go over-budget just because you have your eye on a gown that you clearly can’t afford.

designer-inspired gown by: mila haute couture

Tailor-made or off the rack? Once you have set your budget, you can decide whether to purchase a gown off the rack or have it custom-made. Custom-designed or tailor-made gowns are expected to be more expensive but if you happen to be a friend of a designer, then you might be able to get a huge discount.

The nice thing about having a gown especially made for you is that you can actually request for the exact design and material you want. You can also be sure that the dress would perfectly fit. Some couturiers are able to create fabulous wedding gowns made out of recycled fabric. If you are planning to do a bohemian-theme wedding, a recycled-fabric wedding dress or an up-cycled vintage gown is a good option.

bohemian wedding dress by Katie Jean Designs

It’s a good idea for you to canvass the price-range offered by designers or tailoring shops in your city. However, if it’s clearly way-out of your budget, don’t worry. You still have a lot of choices from bridal shops online and at store locations.

You can find numerous wedding gown shops that sell bridal gowns in all styles and sizes. It used to be that plus-sized brides don’t have much choice but to pay a hefty sum of money on custom-made wedding gowns. Today, there are specialized bridal shops that exclusively cater to plus-size women so you can be sure to find a gown that will perfectly suit your sense-of-style and figure.

tulle dress bridal gown by Claire La Faye

Know your body type. Wedding gown styles vary and certain styles are more flattering on specific body shapes. Certain styles emphasize the best features of a woman while hiding the flaws. It’s important to understand your own body structure before shopping around so you’ll know exactly which styles would look great on you and you won’t need to waste time trying on gowns that do not go well with your body built.

What’s your body type? (Are you a pear-shaped or a cone-shaped (inverted-triangle) woman? Do you have a straight, hourglass, or a curvy figure? Are you plus-sized, medium-sized or petite? You’ll be glad to know that regardless of your body structure, you will be exceptionally gorgeous if you will choose a dress that complements your body.

silk chiffon empire-waist wedding gown by dahlnyc

Take time to shop around. You will be confronted with a thousand choices and choosing the right one can be a daunting task. What you need is time to do comparison shopping. The internet can be a wonderful tool for canvassing information so you can check out the price-range of gowns in different materials and styles.

Of course, you should also visit your local shops where you can do on-the-spot fittings and you might be able to find a good buy. Think you’ve found the right gown at a good price? Don’t buy just yet until you’re done checking out other shops and doing comparison.

Check out the SALE section. When checking out online shops or brick-and-mortar stores, don’t forget to take look at the SALE section as you might be able to find the gown of your dreams at half-the-price or at a much less cost. Carefully examine the dress if there are flaws or glitches. Nonetheless, most sellers offer their overstock items on a bargain even though they are in perfect condition and with no damages whatsoever.

vintage lace wedding gown by Leanimal

Consider second-hand or vintage wedding gowns. You may also consider buying a second-hand or a vintage dress from online auction websites or from local and online vintage shops like Etsy. In fact, vintage bridal gowns are a favorite choice among many brides these days. Even for brides who choose to have their gowns tailor-made, many of them do request for vintage-inspired wedding dresses.

Does it fit you well? Don’t choose style over comfort. The perfect wedding gown should match your budget, your taste, and your figure. You should feel comfortable, not uneasy wearing it. You should feel beautiful, not doubtful wearing it. If you think you’ve found the style you want, don't buy in an impulse unless you have tried it on. If you’re 100% convinced that you feel good in it, then you’ve found your gown indeed.

Be sure that the people closest to you are there when you do the fittings. Your maid-of-honor should be present as this is one of her most important duties. Many brides would also love their mothers to be there to help them choose their wedding dress. And if you came from a big, close-knit family, it wouldn’t be so bad to have your sisters or brothers there as well. If you see them beaming with joy when you come out from the fitting room, then it’s most likely that the gown looks flattering on you.

bridesmaid dress wedding gown by The English Dept

Prepare a budget for alterations. If you plan to purchase a gown off-the-rack, whether it’s brand new or second-hand, do not completely eliminate the possibility of alterations. You might need to make minor adjustments with your gown such as trimming the hem or adding a few embellishments. If your mother or friend knows how to do alterations, then you wouldn’t need to worry about the extra costs. However, if you don’t know anyone who can do the fix, it’s best to seek help from a professional dressmaker.

Do a final fitting. It is recommended that brides do their final fitting at least one or two weeks before the wedding day. In case, adjustments need to be done, there would be enough time to do so.

*All wedding gown photos featured on this article are by Etsy Sellers. Please click on the shop name to check out the store.

Cuteness: Wedding Cake Topper

2012-03-15T00:09:00.002-07:00

This is so cute!

personalized cute wedding cake topper by Anna Crafts

Handmade Rustic Wedding Signs

2012-03-13T23:25:00.001-07:00

These rustic wedding signs are adorable! Perfect for outdoor, backyard or garden weddings, vintage-themed weddings and bohemian-style weddings. Be inspired and make your own or check out handmade sellers from Etsy to order a custom-made signs and banners.

wood heart sign with the words "Here Comes The Bride" : braggingbags

burlap heart garland with yellow hearts : victorian station

Just Married Wedding Banner Sign : Sew Barefoot

rustic old barn wood sign hand engraved with "Just Married" : bragging bags

Beautiful Handmade Wedding Favors: Bags of Sweets and Flowers

2012-03-12T20:26:00.003-07:00

Make guests smile with bags of flowers and sweets! You can always bake your own goodies or make potpourri in adorable packages. Ask for help from your family and friends at least a few weeks before the wedding.

Homemade soaps are also wonderful as wedding favors. They don't even need to be wrapped. Just tie a piece of a few bars with a ribbon and voila! You have scented wedding favors that are eye-candies too!

If it's not possible to DIY projects, you can purchase ready-made wedding favors from handmade sellers like these Etsy shops:

sweet salted caramels : mini ME bakery
Organic flower petals in french inspired sachets : gardenmis
burlap drawstring bags hand stamped with "love" : dazzling expressions
handprinted lavender sachet: gardenmis

mini bird seed hearts : Green Doxie Events
edible sugar vintage inspired buttons : andie specialty sweets
wedding favor paper bags : shintashop
organic heart shaped soap favors : sofiart

If you were a guest in a wedding, which of these favors would you like?

Featured Wedding Photographer: Jay Jay Lucas of Chestknot Studios

2012-03-11T21:09:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone. I am very happy to present another talented wedding photographer from the Philippines, Jay Jay Lucas. This interview is now published on MePhotographies.com.

Bohemian Inspired Wedding Inspiration: Jamie + Jake

2012-03-08T00:12:00.001-08:00

I love beautiful weddings done in a small budget. Here is a perfect bohemian style wedding that will surely inspire couples on a budget.

The bride wore a simple, strapless vintage inspired gown and the groom wore a striped long sleeves and suspenders. The bridesmaids wore mix and match vintage-style dresses in plains and prints and varying shades of blue from, guess where?? Urban Outfitters and Macy's; while the gentlemen all wore plain, light blue long sleeves with suspenders.

There were a couple of DIY projects that are easy to make such as the bouquets and floral arrangements,the handwritten signs on chalkboards and the photo booth wall. For dessert, freshly-baked cupcakes made by the bride's best friend, embellished with a super cute topper.

The couple gave away two kinds of favors. Guests filled their muslin bags with sweet treats from the candy buffet table. They also took home a vile of wildflower seeds. On the vile, it reads: “The earth laughs in flowers” by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Vintage things from thrift stores such as lanterns, picture frames, tablecloths, vases, cake stands, mason jars, mirrors, and apothecary jars were incorporated with rustic DIY decor to create the perfect bohemian-style wedding.

The wedding was set in the Keys Creek Lavender Farm, California on a sunny day in June, when lavenders are in full bloom.

The atmosphere was filled with the scent of lavender, love and laughter.

Every moment was captured beautifully.

photography by: anjuli

found via: Project Wedding

Vintage Style Wedding Gown Inspirations

2012-03-06T06:22:00.002-08:00

Looking for vintage style wedding gowns to inspire? The Vintage Wedding Dress Company features the collection of stylist Charlie Brear. Charlie sources vintage gowns, dresses and accessories from London- where the shop is based, Paris and other parts of the world. In line with her shop's theme, Charlie also introduced her own collection of custom-made vintage style wedding dresses inspired by the decades. Here are my favorite pieces from the decades.

1910s Edwardian style tiered lace wedding dress

1920s style wedding dress with low back & plunging neckline

1920s style lace wedding dress with plunging neckline

1930s style satin dress with embroidered lace neckline

1940s style silk wedding gown with cowl front and back

1950s style silk tulle wedding dress with gathered bodice & skirt

1960s style lace wedding dress with satin ribbon

1970s style silk crepe crochet wedding dress

Which of these vintage inspired gowns would you like to don on your big day?