The Wedding March in October

If you have a free Friday or Saturday to spare this coming October 6-7 at the Waldorf=Astoria, then why not spend some time at the "Wedding March" featuring the wedding industry's most celebrated planners. And, did I say prizes?

Soap art - cute favors found

You've seen it, food art has been hugely popular especially for edible favors. From the wedding cake cookie to the chocolate shoe, but how about soap art? Take Loopcreations, their line of little soaps ranging from piggies to flip flops are definitely high on the cute quotient.

Flips flop soaps scented in pineapple (10 pairs)$59.99




Animal Farm Soap (Set of 6)
$6.00

Wedding coupons

Have you ever been shopping on a website only to notice that while checking out, there is a little field called "promo code" or "coupon code?" You wonder to yourself at that point, should I just continue with the purchase, should I look for that pesky code, or just freeze for a moment and say "argh." Been there? We all have! As always, some codes will require you to have a minimum purchase amount, so do remember that. Also, please realize that these should be double checked on the sites listed below, since information gets updated.

Here are some of those codes:

Personalization Mall
Save 15% with coupon code 'msn987'
See MSN for products that qualify


PoetryGift.com
Special 10% discount by entering coupon code - poetrygift
See Findgift.com

Chelsea Paper
Get $20 off $100, coupon code: NBEARLY expires 9/30
See Couponcabin

RedEnvelope
Get free shipping on $50 - Code: FALL50
See Dealnews

Technorati tags:
wedding coupons

The Pink Leather Flask for your Bridesmaids

Every once in a while, there is a member of your bridal entourage that seemingly deserves something different as a gift. She's somebody who isn't exactly easy to please. A purse, a compact, or a necklace just isn't going to be right. Look no more...the pink leather flask has finally arrived. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying bridesmaids have now gone towards the way of old burly men toting flasks, but I can see now how this pink flask can be put to use. Take a stroll down Froogle, and just look at all the prices available and I'm sure you will find the best deal!

Wedding Dahlias

Today, I'm celebrating Dahlia's Day with some beautiful pics! They are said to be "blooming" in popularity during the Fall and come in all sorts of colors such as red, peach, yellow, and orange to name a few.

Check out these lovely pictures:

c/o of Greenhouse Photo Gallery



c/o Lisa Shea from Mensa Gardening SIG



c/o Fern Lea Flowers



c/o Flower and Plants Association in the UK




Lastly, the American Dahlia Society has some superb photos, if you want to see them all.

Fall Wedding Invitations

Fall - it's not just about bringing the outside in, but also mixing warm earth-tone colors with organic elements. Now, how do you do that with your wedding invitations? Ah, the answer is simple. Use your eyes. It's your best bet. Look out for motifs rendered in acorns, maple leaves, maple trees, or gourds - the list goes on and on.

Take these gorgeous invitations from CardGirl, featuring a pretty chopstick attached to an chocolate brown card and enclosed in an olive green envelope.



Or, how about these unusual copper textured paper from Invitations by Nature, prices run at about $5.15 or so. They're a Canadian site, but sell to the US:



And lastly, these elegant invitations from Whimrose are crafted with a unique acorn motif and finished with a pretty bow.



Now, if you're from the DIY league of crafters, natural paper pressed with maple leaves would be nice to use for a fall bridal shower or wedding invitation. Print them out from home and use a nice white or cream sheet of vellum paper tied with a fall colored ribbon in brown, muted orange, olive green, or an iridescent ribbon. Places like Michael's usually have these supplies, while specialty stationers may also carry handmade stationery, including ribbons, embossed seals and stamps, and ribbons. You may want to check these sites for ideas:

Orange Invitation Using Natural Paper - a project from Invitesite.com

DIY Printable Wedding Invitations

Cake pull - charms with a charm

The concept is simple behind a cake pull. Usually done at the bridal shower, your bridesmaids gather around the cake and they pull out ribbons that are attached with different charms - each having their own unique meaning. It's history is said to have originated during the Victorian Times, but there are also other stories that indicate it being popular in the South especially in states like New Orleans.



Charms range anywhere from 6 to as many as 18. The most popular ones include a weddng ring, heart, 4 leaf clover, wishing well, flower, and an anchor. Judging from what I've seen, the choices of charms are pretty much endless. But, if you are going to get cake charms, the sterling silver charms made by the artisans at Flowering Pineapple are worth a look. Each of their lovely charms is attached not only with a ribbon, but with an embellishment at the end of the ribbons. Cute and elegant - it can be kept as a lovely bookmark. Prices range from $34.95 and $54.95.



Be sure to try JMcKinley.com, they also sell sterling silver charms in a wide variety of choices - a lot of choices ranging from hearts to airplanes. Also, check out the picture on their website that shows a typical cake pull at a bridal shower party. Prices range from $30 to $75.

Depending on how traditional you want to plan your wedding, the cake pull may or may not be your cup of tea, but it's a sure fun way to do something a bridal shower. What do you think? Is it too old fashioned?

Ringbearer Pillows with Personality

Since the days of kings and queens, important pieces of jewelry were always presented in ornate cushions or pillows. Whether for a coronation or a royal wedding, a beautiful sewn pillow would set the presentation in a glorious way. Let's fast forward a few hundred years and you've got ringbearer pillows. They come in all sorts and in varying prices. Some are cheaper (within the $10 to $50 range, others can be embroidered with a monogram, while there are those that are simply different -handmade, lavishly decorated, and made for the bride and groom who don't just want any pillow. They want a luxurious ring pillow that can be kept as a precious heirloom. Those that your ringbearer will be proud to hold up and not toss off during the ceremony by "accident". For these couples, I recommend the following fine boutiques:

Olivier Laudus



Based in London, but they sell to the US. Their collection consists of pillows in your choice of satin or dupioni silk. Each are embellished with lustrous pearls and diamante circles. You also have the option of having your wedding date and initials embroidered on the pillow. These pillows come in their own keepsake box bearing the company's name. My favorite is the one with a heart in the center called the "Cinderella Wedding Ring Cushion" priced at $166.00.


Bellenza



Already known for their elegant favor packaging, their ring pillows are crafted in silk shantung, hand beaded with glass beads and pearls, and embroidered with lacework. These puppies also come with a silver presentation box bearing their name. If you are looking for an ivory ring bearer pillow, which are not that easy to find, then their book shaped pillow could be it. It's evidently made to look like a real book with flaps, too! The rings are placed inside and you tie them with a set of satin ribbons. It'd be great for a wedding with a fairytale theme. Priced at $185.00


GIOIA



With a reputation for their one of a kind bridal bags, their ring pillows are exquisite. This cream embroidered pillow with a gold silk ribbon is a nice piece for a gold and ivory wedding ceremony. Its edges are beaded with gold and pearl scallops. Priced at $250.

Personal Magazine Cover

Ever wanted to make it to a cover of a magazine? Well, here is your chance. Okay, it won't be national, but at least it's personal! At YourCover, you can have your face or that of anyone else printed on a mag cover - whether it's for a wedding, or other special event.



Their website allows you to create a personalized message based on text you enter - you have to create/register an account, too. Other customization features include the ability to upload a photo from your pc (make sure it's at least 300 dpi to ensure print quality. If you need assistance on ordering, they've also taken the time to create a tutorial from their website. You can even put in a masthead - neat indeed!

Bridal Gown Preserves

After the honeymoon, you'd think the wedding was over. But, for all new brides, they know that the party ain't over - till you've preserved and stored your gown properly. The Knot has teamed with Prestige Preservation offering brides a convenient way of storing their gowns. They clean it first, of course, then store it in a safe acid-free box.

Unique guest book alternative

You say gesture, I say "Guestures". Ever wondered what are some alternatives to the traditional signing of the guest book? Well, here is one that allows you to frame it, keep it, and display it. At Guestures, you can order a beautiful frame that every guest can sign at the wedding reception. An original idea for the bride looking for something different. Depending on your guest size, they offer different sizes of frames from a 16x20 to a 24x30, and come in either metal, wood, or "premium". For ordering, their website also has a nifty interactive configuration tool that allows you to customize your frame according to font, style, frame type and size.

Cuff Links - Made of Inlaid Abalone

We've all seen the same kind of cufflinks, but every now and then, something unusual comes along. This one was inspired by the mosaic works of Louis Comfort Tiffany - an inlaid abalone and agate cuff link available at the The Metropolitan Museum of Art for $165 (for non-members). FYI - Louis was the son of the founder of Tiffany and Co.

Vintage Veil by Mr. John

During the glamour days of the Hollywood era between the 40s and 60s, if you had a hat or veil made by milliner, Mr. John, it meant that you were a fashionista at large. This beautiful veil, made back in the 50s, has inspiring lace work that features a 3-d floral design. If you want to make statement, and have $3000 to spare, this is the veil for you.

Running of the Brides

Every year since 1947, a ritual at Filene's Basement has been running once a year for the chance to find the best bridal gown bargain. Popularly known as Filene's annual Bridal Gown Sale or the "Running of the Brides," some brides are known to have camped out on the night before the sale - who wouldn't if you can get a drastically marked down gown. If you have ever been to one, you would know that it is not for the faint of heart. As they say, come equipped, come prepared, and come with your bridal battle garb and attitude. And, don't come alone.

Watch the video and you'll see what this is all about : Filene's Basement

Wedding Invitation Sale

What's all the buzz about? A wedding invitation sale at Paper Buzz! Some of their sale items include invitations by Anna Griffin and Caspari. I just don't know when the sale ends (the site didn't say, or I just couldn't find it:)).

Battenberg Cake

Gâteau, gâteau, gâteau! Okay, when you say it three times in a row, the French word for "cake" has a funny ring to it. But putting aside that, who doesn't like cake especially if it's checkered and covered in marzipan icing? Yum's the word! If you haven't seen a Battenberg or Battenburg cake, you've probably seen cakes that have this checkered design. This fancy cake is said to have been named in honor of the marriage of Queen Victoria's granddaugher, Princess Victoria of Hessee-Darmstadt to Prince Louis of Battenberg. Basically, it consists of pink and yellow sponge cake, apricot jam, and marzipan icing. There are several variations of this cake, but the one I've described is at its most basic level:



It's colorful appearance makes it perfect for a sweet afternoon tea party.

If you want to see some delicious pictures, Bron Marshall has some really fab pics.

For recipes:



Better Homes and Gardens

All Recipes

Recipe Goldmine

Gastronomy Domine

Wedding Cupcakes

Call it inspiration from across the Atlantic! These wonderful cupcake arrangements from Cakes 4 Fun in London are just so beautiful. I think their pictures says it all.

Chocolate Mold - for Favors

If you can melt it, you can mold. Chocolate in any form - be it a cake, coin, or any other object you can imagine (I won't mention anything else besides chocolate thongs). But anyways, candy or chocolate molds are a fun way to give out edible favors at a wedding or bridal shower party. They're even a great project for a Saturday afternoon - a snowed out one with the kids, or as a fun craft-oriented shower.

There are many kinds of chocolate molds out there such as:



Make and Mold Wedding Cake Mold from Wrapwithus - at $2.49 per mold. This is a mold that is different from the ones you can make into a lollipop. If you are inspired by those Godiva chocolate cake favors made by cake designer Sylvia Weinstock, then this could be a nice alternative. I can't say though about how it will taste because Godiva chocolate is supremo good. On another note, Make and Mold's website also features some interesting DIY projects.



Purse and Umbrella Chocolate Mold - at $2.19 per mold

They also have the mold for a cake on a lollipop, which seems to be quite popular. There are several kinds of these lollipop molds around the web, that come in different designs.



Bride and Groom on a Lollipop from Candy Mold Central - at $1.89 per mold
They also feature several other kinds of molds in the shape of every bridal thing such as a bell, swan, or champagne glass - to name a few.

Happy Molding!

Topics:

Wedding Chocolate Favors - Truffles

Gown Sale - "Brides Against Breast Cancer"

In a previous post, I mentioned that you could donate your wedding gown to a charity auction. From a gown buyer's perspective, some good news is in the air.



There's an upcoming gown sale called "Brides Against Breast Cancer" in the Baltimore area - sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Curves and the radio station (MIX 106.5). The auction comes in two segments: one on October 19th for a auction preview party wherein tickets run $50 and up. Not bad if you're looking to enjoy some champagne and hors d'oeuvres for a good cause. The next segment runs between October 20-21 at Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation.

Incidentally, there are also other event sales scheduled around the country:



Topics:
Wedding Charity

What to Wear for a Winter Wedding

Visions of snowflakes and icicles bring forth all the surreal beauty of winter - both romantic and glamorous. But wait, it's also really cold, especially if you live anywhere within the midwest and east coast region. How about Chicago or Vermont in December? And let's not forget our Canadian brides, it's cold up there!

A wedding in the winter can certainly be ultra glamourous, but you gotta have the right garb to look fabulous even when it's 20-30 below (brrr!). And hopefully, you don't have to look like the Pillsbury doughboy. So, with that said, the search is on for pretty things to wear with a wedding gown this coming winter.

Here are some of my first finds:



This wonderful ivory faux fur satin shrug - simple with an elegant satin ribbon. There is also a similar one in white. Only problem is that this is from the UK, but this piece from Cornelia James might be available in the US. Some of their products are available in stores such as Neiman Marcus. It's still quite an inspirational piece - perhaps a similar capelet might be lurking around somewhere on the web.



Stylish is the word to describe this white coat from Designer Tuleh. As for the price, still searching for it.



From Bluefly.com, this white wool coat from Via Spiga touts a cashmere and wool blend. So chic! For $399.00, it's worth a look, since white coats that are stylish are so hard to come by.

Topics:
Wedding Dress

Wedding Contests to Join

I rarely win anything, but if there is a chance to join a contest, then why not! You never know when it could be your lucky day.

After searching through the weddingsphere, here are some contests that I stumbled upon - hope to find more:



$5,000 Grand Prize from Mirassou Wines - the contest ends on Dec. 1, 2006



Win a honeymoon vacation from Things Remembered valued at $4,400 - contest runs through March, 2007 (they don't give the exact date). And, if you don't win the grand prize, you can still have a chance to win gift certificates - yay.



From Blue Nile, enter to win a Signature Princess-Cut Diamond - their contest ends on November 30, 2006.

Good luck!

Topics:
Wedding Promotions

Celebrity Wedding Game

US Mag's website has this hilarious game called "Celebrity Wedding Crashers" on guessing the longest celebrity marriages - what a hilarious take.

Topics:
Celebrity Weddings

Barbie Doll Wedding Dress

Bride Barbie® as they are called are a collection of limited edition gowns by such famous designers as Monique Luillier, Carolina Herrera, and Badgley Mischka. For the most serious collector, plunking down a little more than $109 bucks is no big deal for these dolls.



The newest doll from Monique Luillier is supposed to be available this year - touting the ever popular sash design.



As for other special occasions, you can also view Mattel's entire line of dolls all dressed up for weddings, etc. When taking a closer look at what they have done, the level of detail in terms of sewing and embellishing dresses leaves much to be admired.

Topics:
Attire - Ivory Wedding Dresses, Empire Cut Wedding Dresses, Miniature Gowns, Ivory Wedding Dress

Crocheted Jewlery

When you think of crochet, what’s the first thing that enters your mind? Baby bonnets and blankets, eh? Well, times have changed and so has the artistic rendering of crochet. Take the unusual works of Melanie Miguel who has with great dexterity created jewelry by merging her love of needlework with jewelry-making through crochet.



She uses wire threads made of precious metals such as 14k gold or sterling silver.



Her silver crochet necklace is my favorite – you would feel like a princess wearing this piece on your wedding day – it would also be amazing in gold, then you could match it up with that pretty gold bridesmaid dress mentioned in a previous post. Since her creations are all produced by hand, she accepts orders by phone or email. Besides jewelry, Melanie can do some pretty neat things with stone and clay as seen by her sculptures.

Topics:
Jewelry - Platinum Jewelry

W is for Wedding Cookie Invitation

There are invitations that you get in a bottle, there are those you get in a box, or as usual in an envelope (yawn, yawn). But, what if you get one that you can eat? Edible invitation, you say? Aha, got your attention there! Edibles, Inc. makes these wonderful edible invitations, including greeting cards, which are custom-made on a cookie - measures about 5x7. At $15 per cookie, it's not a bad size if you wanna eat it. Just remember to write down the date, time, and venue for the event. Then enjoy it!

Topics:
Edibles - Wedding Photo Cookies

One Gold Bridesmaid Dress You Gotta See

Gown from ©Lazaro



This fall 2006 season, many bridesmaid dress designers have picked the colors: bronze, gold, and orange for their collections. While searching online, this one from Lazaro caught my attention. Even if I weren't becoming a bridesmaid, I'd love to wear this dress - like for a party or fancy dinner date. It' just so simple - yet what is striking is the color and pretty gold sash (which you can also wear on the back instead of on the side of the dress). Although many of their trunk shows were during the summer, Lazaro still has some remaining ones throughout the country for the month of September.

Here is another view of the dress from brides.com:

Gown from ©Brides



I found these show dates from their site:

September 08 - 10, 2006
Bridals By Danielle - Philadelphia, PA
215-670-9500

September 15 - 16, 2006
Jobyna's - Glendale, CA
818-248-0026

September 21 - 23, 2006
Julian Gold - San Antonio, TX
210-824-2493

September 28 - 30, 2006
Here Comes the Bride - San Diego, CA
619-688-9201

One Custom-Made Dress, Pls. - Online

In the age of RTW (ready to wear) dresses, a custom-made dress is not something we normally think of when planning the attire of your bridesmaids. Enter Coco Myles and you’ve got custom couture made easy for the today’s tech savvy bride. It’s so much fun to use their site – choose your style, experiment with colors and fabrics, match it with a shawl, add on beadwork, and even choose a sash color. Though a little limited, you can currently choose from 6 different styles of skirts and tops and their sizes range from 2 to 32.

*** Do note: they don’t mention if they carry petite sizes.

Here is the dress I ended up picking: