Bridesmaid Jewelry Sets for Older Bridesmaids

Although the average age of the American bride is about 25, there are many women who are waiting until their 30s or 40s to get married for the first time. As women are waiting later to get married, they usually have bridesmaids who are out of their 20s as well. When they are looking for gifts for these older bridesmaids, brides should seek out bridesmaid jewelry sets with a high level of sophisticated style.

When it comes to choosing bridesmaid jewelry sets to give as gifts, you will naturally want them to suit the personality and style of the recipients. If your attendants are out of their 20s, they will undoubtedly want to wear something more elegant and timeless than a younger gal might enjoy. Think abut choosing pieces that your bridesmaids will be able to wear again after your wedding, for a truly meaningful gift.

Pieces that are unique are always a good place to start when looking for that perfect gift. Designer style pieces, like keshi pearl necklaces are a fabulous option. You can find keshi pearl bridesmaid jewelry online for a fraction of the prices that you see in the high end department stores. Your friends will love the expensive and chic look of keshi pearls, and you will love getting their gifts at an affordable price!

Many women in their 30s and 40s already have a decent collection of jewelry, so they will appreciate receiving pieces that are beyond the basics. The chances are that most of your bridesmaids will already own a classic strand of pearls, but they probably do not yet have something truly spectacular like a crystal and pearl lariat necklace, or some funky coin pearl jewelry. These more unique pieces are sure to make a great impression.

Choosing the right sets of bridesmaid jewelry doesn’t have to be hard, as long as you keep in mind the recipients. When your bridesmaids are a little older, look for pieces that are unique, sophisticated, and above all stylish. Not only will your friends love their gifts, but you will love how good they look in them on your wedding day!

Deciding Who Will Walk You Down the Aisle

In most American weddings, the bride’s father is the one to walk her down the aisle. It is a special ritual, as it often ends with the father “giving away” his daughter to her new husband when they reach the altar. If the bride is wearing a blusher, the father may be the one to push it back, as he gives his little girl a parting kiss on the cheek.

The walk down the aisle is an enduring father-daughter ritual that is one part of the whole special bond between them during the wedding process. There are other parts of the wedding that can also be very sentimental for a father and daughter. When I was planning my wedding, my father wanted me to have some special pearl bridal jewelry to wear on my big day. One of my fondest memories is when my father presented me with the pearl bridal jewelry he had chosen right before left for the church. The father-daughter dance during the reception is also another highlight of the wedding.

This is all great if the bride has a father available to her. But some brides have fathers who have passed away, or who are not a part of their lives for some other reason. This can make what should be a very happy moment into a bittersweet one for brides feeling the loss of a dad, whether he is living or not. There are, however, some other options for choosing the right person to accompany you down the aisle.

Many brides will choose another male relative if their father is unavailable. The bride’s grandfather, uncle, or step-father are all excellent choices, as is a brother. The question of the step-father can be a thorny one if the bride’s dad is still in the picture, but she was raised by her step-dad. In cases like that, you have to follow your heart.

Not only men have the privilege of escorting a bride down the aisle, by the way. In the Jewish faith, it is traditional for the mother and father of the groom to walk with him down the aisle, and for both parents to accompany the bride as well. This is a lovely custom, as it emphasizes the role of both parents in raising their children.

In the end, choosing the person who will walk you down the aisle is an entirely personal choice. Whether you choose, to have your father, mother, both parents, or even to walk alone, the key is to do what will make you feel most comfortable. At least you know that when you walk back up the aisle, it will be arm in arm with your new husband!

Designing Your Wedding Tablescape

A tablescape, as the name implies, is the landscape of your tables. When you are designing the tablescape for your wedding reception, you will consider many of the same concepts as when planning a landscape: color, texture, and visual interest. The way you put it all together is what will make your reception shine.

The tablescape includes all of the different elements that you will use to create your place settings. These things include: the tablecloth and napkins, plates and chargers, utensils, glasses, centerpieces, favors, table numbers, and menu cards. With so many things involved in creating a tablescape, it is important to give thought to how they all work together as a whole.

As an example, if you are having your wedding reception in a hotel ballroom that provides white table linens, clear wine glasses, and simple white china with a gold rim, there would be a number of different choices as to how to transform the basic to the beautiful. The great thing is that if you are trying to work within a budget, just doing one or two things is enough to give your tables that customized look that everyone is going for these days.

If your wedding is very elegant, you might choose to keep the white linens and play around with special stemware instead. Brides who have bedecked themselves in crystal bridal jewelry can make their tables equally dazzling by substituting sparkling cut crystal wine glasses for plain ones. To further enhance the theme of elegance, you can even have some Swarovksi crystal drops added to the centerpieces to sparkle like your bridal jewelry in the candlelight.

Of course, if you are working with a venue that does not provide any of the table needs, you will be able to choose any combination of pieces that you like. This gives you the freedom to truly customize your tablescape. Just be sure that all of the pieces look as fabulous together as they do individually, and you will have a stunning looking reception!

Is She a Bridesmaid - or a Maidzilla?!

First there was bridezilla. Then came her equally out-of-control mother, momzilla. Now weddings everywhere are being terrorized by the latest member of the bridal party to run amok: maidzilla!

A maidzilla is a bridesmaid who has gone rogue. She terrorizes vendors, the other bridesmaids, and even the bride and groom! There is nothing that a bridezilla will not say or do to get her way. She will often even try to boss the bride around, as if she is the one getting married.

Maidzillas can get so caught up in their mission that they forget whose wedding it is. They end up more concerned about what makes them happy than what is best for the bride. You see them everywhere: telling the bride that the bridesmaid dress she has chosen is ugly, insisting that the couple do their first dance to her favorite song, and even telling the bride which wedding gown to buy.

The maidzilla will also try to manipulate things in her favor. This is the bridesmaid who will dig up some obscure piece of etiquette that says the bride should spend some exorbitant sum on bridesmaid gifts. “Oh, Sarah, haven’t you heard? You are supposed to give gifts to each bridesmaid worth at least 1% of the total cost of the wedding.”, or some such nonsense (1%, by the way, would be over $250 for each gift based on the cost of the average American wedding!) A maidzilla also can no doubt “help” the bride pick out just the perfect thing.

The good news is that just like bridezillas, maidzillas usually revert back to their normally charming selves after the wedding is over. The best thing to do is ride it out, and to stand up for yourself when necessary. And maybe take a few notes for things to do when your maidzilla of a bridesmaid asks you to be in her wedding one day!

Honeymoon by Train

When most people think of travel, they think of cars and planes. We forget about taking a trip by train. Traveling by train is great for people who not only want to get from Point A to Point B, but who also want to enjoy the trip along the way.

There are a variety of things that can make riding a train a pleasant way to travel for your honeymoon. For one thing, neither of you will have to drive. This means no arguments over asking for directions, no backseat driving, no disagreements over when to stop, and therefore, no stress! When you travel together by train, the honeymooners can actually spend time enjoying each other’s company. You can get meals, play cards, or just relax and talk.

Since you are planning a honeymoon, you want to take a few steps to make your train trip as pleasant as possible. Definitely plan to reserve seats in first class or business class. Depending on the train, this can mean that you get your own little private cabin. Much more romantic than being stuffed in with everyone else. For longer journeys, such as cross-country, you will want to have a sleeping cabin (you are on your honeymoon, after all – you can’t spend your wedding night sleeping in seats!).

Since the dining car on many trains isn’t anything special, it would be nice to break up your train trip with some overnight stays in the cities along the way. Call ahead, and book a romantic dinner at the fanciest restaurant in town. Be sure to bring along some nice clothes and jewelry so that you can dress up for the occasion. The bride can bring along the wedding jewelry gifts that her husband gave her when they got married. If the new husband wants to make a very romantic gesture on the honeymoon, he could pick out another piece of jewelry that matches the wedding gifts he gave her. That would make a fabulous surprise on either the first or last night of the honeymoon.

When planning your honeymoon, look for trips that will allow you to relax and take it easy with your new spouse. Taking a honeymoon by train can be a very nice way to travel at a more relaxed pace and to see the country at the same time. All Aboard!

Cornucopia Centerpieces for Your Wedding

Looking for a unique wedding centerpiece with auspicious symbolism? Then look no further than the cornucopia, also known as the “horn of plenty”. A symbol of abundance dating back to the 5^th Century B.C., the cornucopia would make a beautiful addition to any wedding table, especially in the autumn.

The traditional cornucopia is a horn shaped basket that has fruits and vegetables spilling out of it to symbolize an abundant harvest. This would make an unexpected, and very festive, fall wedding centerpiece. Each table could feature similar fruits and vegetables, or you could pick a color scheme for each on, such as shades of gold or shades of green.

The rustic and informal look of a cornucopia would be ideal for a fall harvest or Thanksgiving time wedding. It would work very well in a setting like a field or a rustic barn. This would be the type of wedding where the bride wears a casual wedding dress with handmade wedding jewelry, and the bridesmaids wear rich fall tones with wedding jewelry handmade to match.

For a spring wedding, look for cornucopias in white wicker. Instead of vegetables, fill them with spring flowers. Choose a wide array of types of flowers in the whole range of pastel colors to spill forth onto the tables. Pair them with linens in fresh spring colors like lilac or pale apple green.

The cornucopia itself can be dressed up with flowers or ribbons. Sheer organza ribbons can be woven into the basket for a touch of color, or wrapped around the basket for a feminine touch. Small flowers can easily be tucked into the weave of the cornucopia to make them even prettier.

Summer is another great season to think about cornucopia wedding centerpieces. A pale basket in a natural color would look fantastic with either flowers or fruit spilling out. The fruit does not have to be strictly decorative, either. Imagine ripe strawberries as a delicious summer treat for your guests. You could even have some dipped in white chocolate. Yum!

Bridal Jewelry That You Can Wear Again

When a bride begins searching for the perfect bridal jewelry, her main focus is picking pieces that will look incredible with her wedding dress. Complementing the gown is indeed the most important job of wedding jewelry, so that is a good place to start. If you are hoping to be able to wear your bridal jewelry again, there are a few additional things that you should keep in mind.

When you start trying on bridal jewelry, think about not only your wedding style, but also your regular life. What type of clothing do you wear on a daily basis, and what do you like to wear when you dress up? You want to choose bridal jewelry that can move seamlessly from the wedding day to the day-to-day.

Certain types of jewelry are classic and will always be in style. These include pieces like pearl necklaces and earrings, crystal pendants, and chandelier earrings. Don’t feel like you have to limit yourself to very traditional styling, either. You may find that some of the more contemporary pieces of bridal jewelry are actually the easiest to wear with your regular clothing. A great pair of long drop earrings, for instance, would look fantastic worn with jeans and a beaded top for a night out.

A lot of times brides like the idea of having a dash of color in their bridal jewelry, such as blue crystals for their “something blue”. Not only does that make a beautiful accent for your wedding gown, but it will add to the future wearability of the pieces. A simple pair of earrings created with sterling silver, freshwater pearls, and blue Swarovski crystals will even look great with your favorite jeans.

When you have found the perfect bridal jewelry for your wedding, my final piece of advice would be to get the complete set. Even if you think that you only want to wear a necklace and earrings for your wedding, you will be glad to have the bracelet in the future. For more casual occasions, a very fancy necklace might feel like too much, but a pair of earrings and a bracelet will be just right. And just think of how much you will enjoy getting to wear the same jewelry that you wore walking down the aisle; every time that you slip it on, it will bring back happy memories of your wedding day.

Baubles, Bangles, and Beads: Classic Bridal Jewelry

Every bride needs beautiful wedding jewelry to complete her look, and there are many great options out there. Some of the most fabulous styles are classic looks that brides have turned to for many years. Whether your style is simple or more ornate, there is a timeless piece of bridal jewelry that will be perfect for you.

The most timeless look for a bride is pearl bridal jewelry. Brides from all eras and all walks of life have loved the elegant simplicity of a lustrous strand of pearls. The soft glow of pearls is a beautiful complement to the lovely fabrics of wedding gowns. There are other great classics beyond the basic strand for brides looking for something that is still timeless, but also a bit different.

Teardrop shaped pearl bridal jewelry is one such look. A nice big teardrop shaped pearl makes an elegant pair of earrings, whether it is allowed to take center stage, or if it is paired with sparkling crystals. The combination of crystals and pearls is a fabulous look that will work with any style of bridal gown.

Pearls and crystals also make a gorgeous classic statement in a necklace. Look for necklaces that either have one single drop as a pendant, or fancier necklaces that feature a series of graduated drops. It can also be nice to add in a dash of color, such as a few pale blue crystals for your “something blue”.

Often brides will think about finding the right necklace or earrings, but will forget about bracelets. An elegant wedding bracelet can be just the finishing touch to make your bridal ensemble feel complete. It is also a great way to cover up tan lines from your watch! Look for styles such as strands of pearls, or strands of crystals and pearls mixed together, especially if you are not accustomed to wearing a bracelet. Women who love the feeling of bracelets jingling on their wrists can try to mix up a variety of bangles and other bracelets.

There are many great modern or cutting edge jewelry styles available, but there is something to be said for the classics. You will find that the timeless styles that brides have always loved will be a beautiful addition to any bridal ensemble. Enjoy the classic elegance of crystal and pearl bridal jewelry on your wedding day, and for many years to come.

What is Your Bridal Temperament?

There are as many types of brides as there are temperaments. Are you a people-pleaser? Then you will want to make sure that you don’t let your mother hijack your wedding! A born star? Then go for a dramatic look with plenty of crystal bridal jewelry. A very caring person? Then plan an organic wedding with a low carbon footprint.

The best thing about knowing your own temperament is that it can help you to have the wedding that will feel right for you. If you are an earthy type, then the diva’s satin ballgown and crystal bridal jewelry will not feel natural to you. You will feel more at ease, and therefore more beautiful, in a simple wedding dress with more organic jewelry, like unique keshi pearls.

The shy bride who can recognize this trait in herself will be able to plan a day that doesn’t make her feel too overwhelmed. A very small wedding will be a better fit than one with a 300 person guest list. In addition, a bride who shuns the spotlight can make choices such as not walking down a long aisle or having all eyes on her for a first dance.

Extroverted brides will find that their temperament calls for a big, boisterous reception. Hire the best band or d.j. in town to really make your party a lot of fun. This is the bride who will regret it if she chooses a venue or band that is too buttoned-up. Indulge your love of a good time!

The temperament of the groom should be taken into account when planning a wedding as well. After all, if the bride loves a big party, but the groom is painfully shy, then some compromise will have be be found so that he can enjoy the wedding also. Hopefully, you have found a groom whose main personality trait is patience; many brides can use a patient listener during the wedding planning process.

There is no good or bad temperament; it is only about being aware of your own innate traits, and working with them instead of fighting against them. Once you have identified your own bridal temperament, you will be ready to begin planning the wedding of your dreams.

Sparkly Wedding Gowns

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If you are anything like most brides, you want lots of sparkle for your wedding day! There are lots of ways that you can use sparkle throughout your wedding, but the best place to start is with you. You wedding gown is the perfect way to set the tone, so make it as sparkly as you want.

Sparkle can come in different forms. One of the most popular is beading done with Swarovksi crystals. When used on a wedding gown, they are typically clear or ab finish, but you can also add some crystals in your wedding colors for that extra punch.

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If you choose a gown with crystals, you will want to accessorize it with crystal wedding jewelry to coordinate. Because crystal beading on a gown shows as sparkle, but not as much as a bold design, you have the freedom to choose crystal wedding jewelry that is as ornate as you like. Of course, a simple strand of Swarovski crystals glittering at the throat is also fabulous, if your style is more streamlined.

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When creating a super sparkly bridal ensemble, don’t forget about your veil. You can add a row of crystals to the bottom edge of a straight cut veil, or all around a shaped veil. Larger crystal briolettes look absolutely stunning when they are dropped onto a long veil. However, even if you like the silvery look of rhinestones for your gown, you should stay away from them on your veil; in photographs, the rhinestones will look like dark spots. Best to stick to the crystals.

Your wedding day is your time to shine! Make this come true by choosing a wedding gown with lots of sparkle, or by adding crystals to a plain gown. When you walk down the aisle all a-glitter, the effect will be spectacular.