wedding ideas, tips and inspiration for smart and stylish brides to be

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The Gilt Groupe Wedding Sale is back!

Posted by alerner on October 18, 2011 · Leave a Comment

gilt wedding shop If you are a soon to be Mrs, your to do list and calendar is probably filling up rather quickly these days.

One event you don’t want to miss is the Gilt Groupe wedding sale starting on Thursday, October 20 to October 24.

You deserve the very best on your big day and thanks to GILT, you may be actually be able to afford it.

Score your favorite designer fashions for much less and look picture perfect from head to toe at your shower, rehearsal dinner and down the aisle!

From Carolina Herrera runway gowns and Badgley Mischka Accessories to the “best of bridal picks” from celebrity wedding planner Colin Cowie

Judging by the steals and success stories from the last Gilt wedding shop, my anticipation and expectations are pretty much through the roof.

If there is anyone out there who has yet to become a member of the miraculous Gilt Groupe, follow this link to sign up and start saving! Shop Savvy:)

Gilt groupe wedding shop

Virtual Dressing Room for Brides

Posted by alerner on September 20, 2011 · Leave a Comment

ali-wedding-dress A few years ago, when it was my time to find the perfect wedding dress, I didn’t take advantage of the opportunity to play dress up. After putting on my second gown, I felt that immediate connection that told me it was “the one.”

After watching too many episodes of Say Yes to the Dress, I resisted the temptation of trying on different styles and silhouettes to avoid confusing myself and wasting the consultants time. Although, I do not regret my purchase, how could I pass up my once in a lifetime opportunity?

Thanks to the new Virtual Dressing Room by Brides Magazine , I can secretly revisit the experience from my computer. Getting started is easy… Simply upload a full length picture of yourself (the less coverage the better), follow the prompts to adjust to your figure and let the fun begin.

Gowns Pictured Above:

1. Cloud by Lela Rose
2. Mikaella style 1608
3. Cait by Priscilla of Boston
4. Lazaro style 3167
5. Lolita by Oscar de la Renta
6. Corset and skirt by Wtoo
7. Casablanca style 2052
8. Cassia by Rivini
9. Kate’s reception dress by ABS

brides magazine cover model

Using the digital tool, you can even try on bridesmaid dresses and mother-of-the-bride gowns brought to you by the Lord and Taylor Wedding Shop. Brides.com also has a new beauty salon tool to try on different celebrity hairstyles, makeup and more to complete your total wedding look.

Make your fantasy complete by seeing your wedding look on the cover of Brides Magazine.

Wedding Dress Bargains served daily

Posted by alerner on August 15, 2011 · 1 Comment

One of the most common issues brides struggle with is finding an affordable wedding gown.

Keep your eyes open. Wedding dress bargains are often found buried within a sale that does not market itself using common bridal keywords.

Tonight, I found a handful of designer bridal gowns with unbelievable, slashed prices. All of the below were hidden within the Sunday Night Fashion sale events on Ideeli and Rue La La (two fabulous sites for discounted designer fashions).

dress-steals

$215 Dere Kiang dress on Ideeli
$105 Jacquelin Exclusive gown on Ideeli
$227 Davinci gown on Ideeli
$199 Badgley Mischka lace dress with silk sash on Rue La La
$69 Max and Cleo dress on Ideeli
$159 Badgley Mischka one shoulder gown on Rue La La
$209 Nicole Miller one shoulder gown on Ideeli
$30 Max and Cleo dress with black sash on Ideeli
$329 Nicole Miller gown on Ideeli

With the right shoes and accessories, you could easily spruce up any of these wedding dress bargains to fit your perfect look.

Pinterest addiction

Posted by alerner on June 1, 2011 · 2 Comments

Love, Love, Love Pinterest…maybe a little too much!

If you haven’t discovered the joy of pinning yet, you are missing out.

Pinterest is a free tool that lets you easily categorize create your own inspiration boards using things that you find and love online. Pinterest adds a brilliant social marketing component too! Add tags to every item, follow certain stylish members and boards, and recycle other pinned finds for yourself, then share them on facebook and/or twitter if you want.

Every bride knows just how beneficial a tool like this pinterest is while planning a wedding, with all the fabulous resources and ideas circulating the web.

Some of my favorite bloggers and style trendsetters are avid pinners:)

At this time, pinterest members must be invited and approved to join. So, if you’re eager to get pinned, drop me a comment or
email me and I’ll do my best to send you a personal invite!

Have I peaked your “pinterest” yet?

Z Gallerie Destination Wedding Decor

Posted by alerner on May 3, 2011 · Leave a Comment

I often find stylish decorative inspiration at Z Gallerie, like the above image from Soiree Bliss.

Every season, the store has fresh color schemes and new, chic accessories that transform wedding tables. The prices are fairly reasonable too!

As the weather in Chicago is finally seeing some warmer forecasts, I’m loving Z Gallerie’s oceanic inspired items. From vibrant colored coral and polished seashells to aquamarine vases, there are so many modern pieces that would make a fantastic addition to a destination (or beach style) wedding.

Here are some good options:

Pictured above:

Jade Turbo Shell- $9.95
Set of 15 Starfish- $15.95
Shell gift Bag- $19.95
Mariposa aquamarine Pillars- 14″ ($14.95) 11″ ($12.95)
Shells in a glass Jar- $9.85 on sale
Aquamarine Potpourri- $19.95 per bag
Faux Seahorse and Nautical Shell- $14.95 each
Aquamarine Faux coral- Large 12.5″ ($49.95), Small 7″ ($24.95)
Set of 3 Seashell sprays- $17.85

Vintage bridal styles inspired by the Tube

Posted by alerner on April 11, 2011 · Leave a Comment

People have been going MAD over the hit TV series, Mad Men on AMC. The award winning show fuels our love for vintage fashion and has been inspiring many 1960′s style brides and celebrations.

The Aisle Say blog from Brides.com offers some easy tips for having your own Mad Men style wedding.

Here’s my quick recap:

*All photos courtesy of Brides.com

Retro style hair waves (use a large barreled curling iron to get them)
Where a pair of white wedding gloves (shorter styles work best)
Get a wedding dress with sleeves- women of the day were too modest to show off their shoulders
Where a birdcage wedding veil
Choose knee or secretary length bridesmaid’s dresses (“wiggle dresses”)
Wear bold, red lipstick
Serve 1960′s style cocktails like Mint Julep’s (bourbon, mint and sugar) in vintage glasses
Wear pearl jewelry-or adorn your bridesmaids with them
Rent a vintage luxury car for your transportation instead of a limo

I love love love these Mad Men inspired wedding invitations created by Danielle Leopold Designs. Every single detail, from the bold colors and unique fonts to the vintage photograph RSVP cards was cleverly constructed to complete the ultimate vintage invitation set.

If you’re more of a crafty and hands on bride, you can make your own Mad Men Save the Date I found on Your Savvy Soiree (originally posted by the Wedding Chicks)

This backyard style Mad Men inspired wedding, photographed by Dana Grant and posted last year on the brilliant Green Wedding Shoes blog has been bookmarked for 10 months and it’s still as impressive as it was when I first came across it.

There are SO many extraordinary images and details to this celebration that you cannot miss. Visit Green Wedding Shoes and get the complete coverage of Catie and Ben’s Real Wedding. After four incredible seasons, there should be plenty more 1960′s Mad Men inspiration circulating the web.

In case you haven’t heard, there’s a new vintage era in TV land. HBO’s latest series, Boardwalk Empire, has opened up eyes and hearts to the fabulous Roaring 1920′s. Beaded, fringed and feathered frocks, pearls galore and Great Gatsby style parties… need I say more? If only I could have been a real flapper…

Finding an amazing and glamorous 20′s style gown should not be a difficult task these days. Bridal Gowns by Jenny Packham and Sue Wong bridesmaids dresses immediately come to mind but there’s much more out there. Of course, any ensemble can be jazzed up (cheesy pun intended) with 1920′s style jewelry and adornments.

Here’s one of my Great Gatsby style inspiration boards:

Pictured above:

Vintage feather place cards from Catherine Hall
Bride with long vintage veil from Elizabeth Anne Designs blog
Fall 2011 Jenny Packham wedding dress via Brides Magazine
Sue Wong bridesmaid dress found for $159 on Gilt Groupe (big steal!)
Beautiful orchid “Gatbsy style” centerpieces by Preston Bailey- seen on Project Wedding
Pearl and Rhinestone bracelet from T’s Studio Jewelry- $85
Vintage feather and brooch floral bouquet photo taken by Ashlee Carter of Sakura Photo, featured on La Belle Bride

Just a small taste of 1920′s style wedding photography by Rosie Parsons

Former vintage bride, Ebony, will have you gasping for air over her amazing DIY, 1920′s style wedding photos. Her creativity, attention to detail and sense of style is off the charts.

1920s-wedding on ruffled2

Head over to Ruffled to see the full wedding set and I guarantee you will not be disappointed!

DIY Moroccan Lanterns

Posted by alerner on March 13, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Oh, Design Sponge, how I love thee…

Katie Steuernagle, DIY expert and Ohdeedoh contributor, shared this awesome Moroccan Lantern DIY on Design Sponge. She used old glass sauce jars that were in her house and created these golden, jewel toned masterpieces.

Here are the DIY instructions:

Materials

old glass jars (spaghetti jars, jam jars or any plain glass jar will work)
gold dimensional puff paint
glass paint (Delta or Pebeo Vitrea glass paint are great options)
paintbrush
wire (optional, for hanging lanterns)

Instructions

1. Remove labels and any glue residue from the glass jars and allow them to dry completely.

2. Apply the gold dimensional paint in various patterns. You can use the applicator tip to create small stud-like dots, draw various decorative patterns or push around the paint to create solid areas of gold. Let dry.

3. Pour a small amount of glass paint inside the jar and use your paintbrush to drag the paint up the sides of the jar, coating all of the jar’s interior. Let dry.

4. Your lanterns are now ready to enjoy indoors or out!

Simply fill them with candles or add loops of fine-gauge wire to the tops for easy hanging.

Check out more amazing DIY projects on Design Sponge

Suite Arrival

Posted by alerner on March 8, 2011 · Leave a Comment

If you are heading to your honeymoon straight from your wedding, then you have had enough on the brain lately to add in the extra hassle of (last minute) packing for the trip. A honeymoon should be your time to celebrate your new marriage, relax and finally let go of the planning stress that has been on your shoulders.

Enter Suite Arrival, a service that let’s you customize your own travel kits online with all of your preferred toiletries. The service will deliver your purchased personal care products to your destination before you arrive.

The options are plentiful, including your favorite brands of:

face wash, make up remover, suntan lotion, sun block, curell, body wash, shampoo, conditioner shaving cream, wet wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, kleenex, contact solution, shaving cream, condoms, tampons, stain lifter, fabric softener, detergent, allergy medicine, headache medicine, vaseline, chapstick, stomach aids, hair gel, hair spray, and even mini bar snacks without minibar price tag…the list goes on and on!

If you are not too particular about your brands, you can also purchase one of their premade kits on suitearrival.com such as:

Get rid of the hassle of airport security and travel lightly. Remember, many of these couples resorts do not have your typical local drugstore nearby so why not be prepared?!?

It’s the right way to start off a marriage!

Wedding dresses under $1,000

Posted by alerner on February 27, 2011 · 2 Comments

Not every bride can dish out thousands of dollars for a designer wedding gown. Many well known bridal boutiques, such as Kleinfeld Manhattan, have gowns starting at $1,600.

Budget savvy brides, do not get discouraged.

Your perfect (and affordable) dress is out there and I have done some of the digging for you. The following chic wedding gowns are all priced below $1,000…

$850- Grecian style gown by Love, Yu from edressme.com
$248- Bari Jay gown from TJ Formal
$538- Grecian 1 shoulder, draped dress by Mignon at E Dress Me
$650- Dress by Alyce Designs from E Dress Me
$750- Love, Yu gown from E Dress Me
$288- Bari Jay gown from TJ Formal
$575- Dere Kiang dress from TJ Formal
$658- Mignon Dress from E Dress Me
$478- Mignon Dress from E Dress Me

$478- Mignon Dress from E Dress Me
$578- Mignon Dress from E Dress Me
$750- Rose Petal Dress from Ann Taylor
$678- Mignon Dress from E Dress Me
$350- Mori Lee Voyage dress from TJ Formal
$340- Sue Wong dress from Bloomingdales
$900- Casablanca dress from TJ Formal
$628- Sue Wong Dress from Bloomingdales
$495- ABS by Allen Schwartz one shoulder dress from Bloomingdales

Note: some dress styles have limited quantities and may only be available in certain sizes.

Also, consider finding a once worn, designer gown for a bargain price at the following sites:

Shedding for the Wedding

Posted by alerner on February 24, 2011 · 1 Comment

After attempting to watch the dull and disturbing series, Bridalplasty, my hopes were not high for the CW network’s new T.V. show, Shedding for the Wedding.

However, tonight’s season premiere was surprisingly refreshing. On this show, the contestants are nine engaged couples that actually work their butts off (literally) to win the wedding of their dreams. The unique personalities and dynamics of each couple were pretty entertaining. They have COMPLETELY different visions of the perfect wedding which made me want to root for the wedding I would most like to see.

During each episode the couple’s compete in a physical challenge to win one specific wedding element (e.g. the dress, the cake, the invitations, the rings) which is theirs to keep. The couple’s are weighed together on over-sized scales, just like on The Biggest Loser. The two teams with the least amount of pounds shed must compete in an elimination challenge and the loser goes home.

Here’s a brief overview of the contestants and their wedding styles…

Allison and David- Team Fairy Tale

Definitely the couple with the most common type of dream wedding
Wedding colors: Ivory and Champagne pink

Dawn and Adam- Team Fun and Games

Expect their wedding to have ping pong tables, shuffleboard, air hockey, etc. (interesting….)
Wedding colors: Purple and Fucshia

Laerisa and Stephen- Team Hollywood

This couple wants to roll out a red carpet and be movie stars
Wedding colors: Red and Blue

Laura and Austin- Team Football

All about the pig skin…obviously Packer Fans!
Wedding colors: Green and Gold

Lindsey and Chase- Team Greek Week

These two met at a frat party and insist on having a monogrammed beer pong table at the wedding)
Wedding Colors: Orange and Blue

Samantha and Brooks- Team Eco-Lovers

A total granola wedding where the maid of honor wears a bio-degradable dress
Wedding Colors: Sage green and Plum

Taylor and Peter- Team Gamers

By “gamers” I am not talking about sports. These two met online playing Final Fantasy XI and are addicted to their “virtual gaming worlds.”
Wedding Colors: Chocolate Brown and Green

Valerie and Dave- Team Big Band