Monday, July 23, 2007

It's Also About the Groom - Tux Talk

Bridal fashions have always focused on the bride. Why shouldn't it anyways? But, sometimes, let's give the groom some attention even if it's a just brief moment. As always, finding a nice directory with all the fixings is a perfect place to start looking. Check out New York Wedding Guide's List of Men's Formalwear Stores. Another good place to check styles is at Men's Wearhouse. And if the question of whether to rent or buy comes up, just think of it this way. Would you be wearing that tux more than once? If the answer is "yes", it's a buy. But, if you can't afford to buy it, then perhaps you can think of it as an investment in your formal attire. While not everyone would agree considering how expensive a tux can get, if you absolutetly have to rent one, then let it be only as a last resort. Think of the tux as a lavish gift and it won't be so bad. Take this gorgeous tux from Ermenegildo Zegna:

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Inspirational Highlights from Eva Longoria's Wedding

We all heard about the spectacular wedding of Eva Longoria in Paris on July 7th. What did I find most interesting about their wedding? Here are seven inspirational highlights for anyone planning a wedding bonanza:

1) The Bouquet
A bouquet of white phalaenopsis orchid stems and lillies.

2) The Ring
Piaget Possession wedding band rings. For her, an 18K white gold with featuring two rows of 80 brilliant-cut diamonds, separated by a row of 27 square-cut diamonds-a total of 107 jewels. For him, an 18K white gold Possession band. Read more >>
See the website: Piaget

3) The Wedding Dress
A mermaid-styled gown with stunning silver metallic embroidery by Angel Sanchez. The back of the gown was the show-stopper with a scoop-back style. It was off-white and had a 10-foot-long cathedral train. Read more >>
See his collection at Wedding Style Magazine by Grace Ormond

4) The Cake
A French wedding cake, of course! It was a vanilla bean pound wedding cake with raspberry filling with each of its five tiers embellished with sugar flowers. Read more >>

5) The Church Ceremony
Church of Saint Germain l'Auxerrois located across from the Louvre Museum. If you're in Paris, it's located 2, Place du Louvre, Paris 75001.

6) The Wedding Reception
Chateau de Vaux le Vicomte, an awesome 17th-century castle located in Maincy - about 30 miles southeast of Paris. It's about a 30 minute train ride.
See the website of Chateau de Vaux le Vicomte for tour information

7) Gifts for Guests
As an ultra luxurious gift for guests, each female guest received a Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra bracelet. Based on the iconic Alhambra design, the bracelets come in 18K yellow gold with a miniature mother-of-pearl clover charm. If you're as rich as Eva, there would be no need for a favor budget, here. However, it is certainly inspiring to be able to give something nice to guests!
See the website of Van Cleef & Arpels

Sunday, July 01, 2007

Target Wedding Gowns

Target, once gain, has come up with an affordable line of wedding gowns designed by Isaac Mizrahi. Prices start at about $89.99 and are only available on-line.



My favorite is the Tulle Princess Dress $159.99



While you may find many of the styles on the plainer side without the fancy lace and complex embroidery and beading of more sophisticated gowns, they are affordable for brides that are on a tight budget. Using accessories such as lovely shawl or wrap, or even jewelry can help a great deal to spruce up your overall look. I found this interesting and practical article from Bellenza! Go here for How to Select a Perfect Bridal Gown For a Summer Wedding.