Pearl Bridesmaid Jewelry Gifts
It is customary for the bride to thank her attendants with thoughtful bridesmaid gifts. Jewelry is one of the most popular types of bridesmaid gifts, as it is timeless and also comes in very handy for the wedding. Brides with classic taste will adore all the different styles of lovely pearl bridesmaid jewelry which are available.
These days, the tin cup necklace is one of the most popular styles of bridesmaid jewelry gifts. Also known as the floating pearl or pearl station necklace, the tin cup design features single pearls which are evenly spaced along a fine chain. Brides love tin cup necklaces because they can be personalized in different colors and sizes of pearls, and bridesmaids adore them because they are very wearable. This is one of those gifts that your attendants will find many occasions to wear again after the wedding, which makes the tin cup necklace a particularly thoughtful present.
For brides looking for beautiful pearl bridesmaid jewelry gifts on a tight budget, the single pearl pendant can be ideal. If you want to make it more elegant, consider a pearl with a crystal accent. It won’t add much to the cost, but it certainly will make a statement. A very pretty pendant design is to combine a classic white pearl (round or teardrop) with a colored crystal which matches the bridesmaid dresses.
Of course, necklaces are not the only wonderful option for pearl bridesmaid jewelry gifts. Earrings also make fabulous presents for your attendants, and there are a huge number of styles from which to choose. There are classic pearl studs, simple drops with crystals or rhinestones, and long modern drops as well. Either on their own or as a set with a pearl necklace and coordinating bracelet, you will find it impossible to go wrong with gorgeous pearl earrings as your bridesmaid gifts.
Filed under Bridesmaid Gifts, Bridesmaid Jewelry | Tags: Bridesmaid Jewelry, bridesmaid jewelry gifts, pearl bridesmaid jewelry, pearl tin cup necklace | Comment (0)The Best Deals on Designer Wedding Gowns
As with anything else, top quality costs top dollar. If you want a designer wedding gown without the designer price tag, it pays to be a clever shopper. Your first step is to scout out the bridal salons in your area. Talk to the staff and find out when they have their money saving events, like sample sales or end-of-season clearance events. Typically held in January and July, these clearance sales are when stores try to move the samples from previous seasons to make way for incoming merchandise.
What this means for brides is the chance to get a deep discount on a designer sample; markdowns usually start around 30%, with 50% being common. You may even get lucky and find a sample sale bridal gown for as much as 70% off – imagine buying a designer gown for less than wholesale! That will sure clear up some room in the budget for your veil, headpiece, and bridal jewelry. The key is to be one of the first to get to see the dresses when the sale starts, which is why you want to speak with the bridal store staff; either to make the first available appointment, or to find out when to start lining up before the event.
More than one bride-to-be has bought a wedding dress only to later find another one she likes even better, or a style that makes more sense for her event. What does that mean for the bargain hunting bride? A steal on a never-worn designer gown. Since they cannot return the first gown, brides usually try to sell it to make back at least some of what they spent. Sites like Craig’s List or the local newspaper classified ads can be a good place to hunt down these bargains.
If you have a favorite bridal gown designer, attending one of their trunk shows can be a way to get a better price. You won’t find the same kind of deals that are offered at clearance sales, but you can at least save a little and get a brand new bridal gown. A little known bonus is that the designer’s rep is usually authorized to throw in extra perks at no charge during trunk shows. You might be able to get a longer train or other pattern change for free that would normally cost hundreds of dollars. Every little bit helps, after all.
Filed under Bridal Jewelry, Uncategorized, Wedding Planning | Tags: Bridal Jewelry, designer wedding gowns, discount wedding gowns, wedding gown shopping | Comment (0)Glamorous Wedding Attire
Weddings are one of the few excuses we get to really dress up these days. Let’s face it: dressing your best makes a special occasion feel even more special. That goes for everyone involved in the wedding, from the bride and groom to the wedding party to the guests. This guide to glamorous wedding attire will help you turn out in high style.
There are spectacular options available for the bride who wants a wedding gown with a glamorous attitude. It is all about the use of luxurious fabrics and rich details with a touch of drama. A trumpet style is one of the most glamorous, with its slim fit through the bodice and sudden flare of fullness at the skirt above the knee. The most au courant versions of trumpet shape wedding gowns are created in silk satin or silk taffeta and feature interesting ruching and gathering. A one shoulder gown would be very chic as would one with an asymmetrical oversized bow. Lots of dazzling crystal bridal jewelry and fabulous high heels will make the look even more glam.
When the bride is the picture of glamor, she will surely want her bridesmaids to embody the same fabulous style. Rich color can be an excellent way to make your bridesmaids look glamorous. Try an eggplant silk or a peacock blue for drama and sophistication. A satin draped column dress would be a fantastic silhouette for the bridesmaid dresses (the draping is not only gorgeous, but it hides any figure flaws). Sparkling crystal bridesmaid jewelry sets will be the perfect finishing touch.
Without a doubt, the most glamorous style for the groom and the rest of the gentlemen is black tie. The female wedding guests can take their cues from the bride and bridesmaids: rich colors, luxurious fabrics like silk, special accents like feathered accessories and crystal wedding jewelry. The entire wedding will be a marvelous sight to behold with such gorgeously attired people there!
Filed under Bridesmaid Jewelry, Uncategorized, Wedding Planning | Tags: bridesmaid dress, bridesmaid jewelry sets, crystal wedding jewelry, wedding attire, wedding gowns | Comment (0)Wedding Compromises Worth Considering
When you start planning your wedding, of course you hope to have everything necessary to make your dream wedding come to life. The reality, though is that wedding planning involves a lot of pieces which need to all be fit together, including budget, family, and schedules. The result is that no one gets everything their heart desires, but it is possible to have a wedding that makes you happy even if you might have to make a few changes. These are some wedding compromises worth considering to get to a final result that is great for all concerned.
The venue is one compromise that is often worth making. It may be that you fall in love with a location that is too small to fit your entire family or one that is so expensive you would run out of money for everything else. In the long run, it makes no sense to stubbornly cling to a venue which does not suit all of your needs. It is far better to find a reception site that has good bones and make it into what you want than to try to change your wedding to fit into a venue which is not right for you.
I firmly believe that no bride should have to compromise on her wedding gown, but the bridal accessories should be open for discussion. Maybe your mom is disappointed that you chose a wedding dress with a sweep train; appease her by wearing the cathedral length veil she loves. Or perhaps your mother had always imagined that you would wear her bridal jewelry when you get married. Maybe you can wear one piece of her bridal jewelry set along with a modern piece of your own choosing to update the style. Sometimes the location of the ceremony dictates compromise; your favorite Jimmy Choo stilettos simply will not be practical for a beach wedding, for example.
Your honeymoon should be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but that does not mean that the trip will be what you had initially envisioned. Perhaps the plane tickets to Europe are too steep, so you head to Quebec City in Canada for old world European charm instead. Or maybe you picture frolicking on the beach as the perfect honeymoon, but your wedding will take place during peak hurricane season. It might be worth it to choose a different type of trip or to delay your honeymoon until after the hurricane threat is past. As with all of the aspects of your wedding, as long as you are there with the one you love, the rest is really just a matter of keeping a positive attitude and enjoying what you have.
Filed under Bridal Jewelry, Honeymoons, Wedding Planning | Tags: Bridal Jewelry, Honeymoons, Wedding Planning | Comment (0)Your Glass Slipper: The Perfect Wedding Shoes
Every Cinderella needs her glass slippers, right? While planning your wedding, you may well feel like you are living in a fairy tale, and all you need is the perfect shoes to really make you feel like a princess, if only for a day. These are some great tips on how to find the perfect shoes for your wedding.
Of course your bridal shoes need to look fabulous, but above all, they must be very comfortable. Imagine how miserable you would be if the pain of tight footwear made it hard to dance at your own wedding reception? Definitely not worth it, even for a pair of Manolo Blahniks found at a clearance sale! That is not to say that you should wear a pair of white Crocs for your wedding (in fact, please don’t!); there are shoes that look good and feel good.
Start with a low heel. Even if you love stilettos, you know in your heart that they are not as comfortable as a lower heel height. Remember that your gown will come down to your feet anyway, so it is not like you are giving up the long, sexy legline created by towering heels. Wider heels are also more wearable than spike heels, and a must for any outdoor wedding. If you do not care for the style of shorter or thicker heels for your outdoor ceremony, consider a very chic strappy flat sandal instead. Choose one in a metallic or one which is embellished with crystals (so fabulous with crystal bridal jewelry!) and it will be every bit as gorgeous as a stiletto and much more practical.
The style of your wedding shoes should complement that of your bridal gown. A formal gown calls for classic footwear, whereas a more casual dress can offer more opportunity for offbeat shoes. Your bridal shoes will be even more special if they complement the details on your gown or wedding accessories. If you are wearing dazzling crystal bridal jewelry, look for shoes with sparkly accents. A bride wearing a beachy halter gown can choose a dressy thong sandal to play up the style of her dress. When it all comes together, the shoe will fit you perfectly, just like Cinderella gliding into her glass slipper.
Filed under Uncategorized, Wedding Planning, crystal bridal jewelry | Tags: bridal accessories, crystal bridal jewelry, wedding shoes | Comment (0)Wedding Cake Topper Ideas
The traditional wedding cake topper is the bride and groom pair. These small statues are designed to resemble miniature versions of the actual newlyweds, right down to their white gowns, pearl bridal jewelry sets, and tuxedos. Many couples find the traditional bride and groom topper to be too boring, but they can be wonderful for a vintage inspired wedding. You can find actual antiques dating back to the 1920s to add just the perfect vintage flair to your wedding cake.
For a formal wedding, one of the most popular styles of cake topper is the custom crystal monogram. This is a fabulous accent for the bride who loves all things glitzy, from beaded gowns to crystal bridal jewelry sets. You can have one large single initial from the groom’s last name (if the bride is taking his name), a first initial from the bride and the groom, or a special crystal monogram made with their shared last name initial in the center and a first initial for each newlywed on either side. The effect is very glamorous and elegant, wonderful for an evening wedding.
Nature can be a great place to get inspiration for a wedding cake topper. For a fall wedding, a forest theme cake would be marvelous. Frost a rich spice cake with a chocolate icing textured to look like bark then top with marzipan mushrooms, leaves, and tiny forest animals. Or make a lovely spring cake with each tier frosted in a different pastel color. Tie it all together by topping with a collection of colorful butterflies. The effect will be whimsical and very pretty.
Consider your wedding theme as a great source of ideas for your topper. Having a beach wedding? Decorate the top tier of the cake with faux coral, seashells, and starfish. For a Winter Wonderland reception, a tiny sleigh with bride and groom figurines would be a cute alternative to the expected snowflake topper. Or top a garden wedding cake with a tiny vase filled with blossoms. This is a great way to enhance the theme of your wedding while making your cake even lovelier.
Filed under Bridal Jewelry, Wedding Planning, crystal bridal jewelry | Tags: bridal jewelry sets, wedding cake, wedding cake toppers | Comment (0)Is a Black Tie Wedding Right for You?
The black tie wedding is the height of elegance and style, second only to the white tie wedding in terms of formality. When you are in the early stages of planning your wedding, you will need to decide if you want your wedding to be black tie or something more casual. This article will help you to determine if a black tie wedding is right for you.
First think about the time of day for your ceremony. Black tie attire is reserved for the evening. Technically, it should be used only for affairs starting at 6pm or later, but couples will often opt for black tie if they have a late afternoon ceremony with the reception running into the evening, which is fine. If you wish to have a formal morning wedding, plan on the traditional gray morning suit instead of black tie dress.
Location matters too. Black tie in an elegant ballroom setting is fabulous. On the beach? Not so much. Many locations can be decorated in a fancy enough way to make them a great setting for a formal wedding, such as country clubs, tents, and weddings at home. Some places, though, will never seem right for a black tie wedding, like a rustic lodge or VFW hall. If the style of attire does not match the style of the wedding venue, the effect just won’t be good.
Your wedding guest list can also play a factor in whether or not you opt for a black tie wedding. If your family is used to dressing up and loves pulling out their best wedding attire and jewelry, then requesting black tie can be a great idea. On the other hand, if you come from an ultra-low key family who will think a black tie wedding is ridiculous, you would be wise to skip it. You won’t get the elegant effect you intended if the guests are all miserable about having to dress up! Try to find the balance between the style of wedding that appeals to you and what is reasonable to expect of your guests.
Filed under Wedding Jewelry, Wedding Planning | Tags: black tie wedding, Wedding Jewelry | Comment (0)Destination Wedding Planning Tips
Let these destination wedding planning tips help you to plan the long-distance wedding of your dreams…
Find a resort with an on-site event coordinator. Planning any wedding can be challenging for a first time bride. Making arrangements across many miles can be nearly impossible without someone local on the scene. Many popular resorts have their own in-house coordinators who can do all the legwork for you in sourcing caterers, florists, and musicians – take advantage of the service!
Choose attire which suits your destination. For a tropical wedding, bridal gowns in lighter fabrics like chiffon or organza are popular. Add some beach wedding jewelry to complete the look. Bridesmaid dresses in a similar fabric and a sunny color like mango will look wonderful; give your attendants beach theme jewelry as your wedding gifts to them. Black tie is too formal for a ceremony on the sand, so consider khaki suits or a jacket and trousers for the groom and groomsmen. Remember that many islands can be windy; choose a wedding hairstyle which will keep your hair out of your face, and consider a veil which is weighted with crystals or pearls to keep it from flying around too much on a breezy day.
Double check paperwork. You now need a passport for virtually any trip outside of the U.S., and it can take months for a passport to arrive, so get one right away. Find out if you need any additional paperwork to travel to your wedding location, such as a visa. You can check online to see if the government recommends any special vaccinations, which can be completed well in advance of your trip. One critical bit of planning is the marriage license. Each country will have its own particular requirements and may require the bride and groom to bring certain documents. Don’t forget about what you need to do once you get home to make your marriage official in your home state.
Filed under Bridal Jewelry, Destination Wedding, Wedding Planning | Tags: beach wedding jewelry, beach weddings, Destination Wedding, Wedding Planning | Comment (0)The Order of a Wedding Reception
To help you plan the perfect wedding, take a look at this guide to the order of events at a wedding reception…
Generally, after the marriage ceremony, the newlyweds will duck off for photographs while the guests mingle at the cocktail hour. The next time that the bride and groom are seen again will be when they make their grand entrance to the wedding reception. In some cases, the bride may even choose to change out of the bridal gown and wedding jewelry which she wore for the ceremony into a party dress and more bold wedding jewelry for the reception. The bandleader announces the bride and groom by saying something like, “For the first time ever, please welcome Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jones!” and the guests respond with cheers and applause as the joyous newlyweds enter the room.
Following the arrival of the bride and groom at the reception, there will be a Champagne toast. Custom says that the first toast is always given by the best man. The maid of honor is next, if she chooses to speak. Then the fathers of the bride and groom follow, along with any other family or friends who wish to propose a toast. After the toasts, it is time for dinner to be served. Once dinner reaches its conclusion, the bride and groom will have the ceremonial cake cutting, and then the cake will be served. This is followed by the bride and groom’s first dance.
Towards the end of the wedding reception, the bandleader will announce that the bride is going to toss her bouquet. After that, the couple will either resume dancing, or prepare to make their grand exit. In some regions, it is customary for the newlyweds to change into going away outfits before they make their formal exit, surrounded by cheers and congratulations as they dash off into their waiting limo to head off on their honeymoon.
Filed under Wedding Jewelry, Wedding Planning | Tags: order of wedding reception, Wedding Jewelry, wedding receptions | Comment (0)Elegant Wedding Seating
The classic wedding reception chair is the gold chiavari chair. The graceful lines and gold paint of the chairs are ideal for traditional weddings where the bride wears a classic gown with pearl bridal jewelry. They are frequently used in ballroom wedding receptions. For an outdoor wedding, white chiavari chairs are graceful without appearing overly formal. If you want to add a splash of color, order seat cushions to be made that coordinate with your table linens. That is a great detail which will really tie your entire room together.
Slipcovered chairs are very popular for weddings, as they lend a room a very feminine and pretty look. White slipcovers are the most common, and are frequently dressed up with a sash in one of the wedding colors. Make the bride and groom’s chairs extra special by adding decorative elements to the back of the sash on the slipcover. Hang each of their initials made from flowers or fancy oversized tassels for a formal wedding. Another idea is to make tiny wreaths out of special materials.
As pretty as slipcovered chairs are, they would seem too busy and fussy at a wedding with a minimalist flair. The perfect seating for a hip, modern wedding? Clear lucite chairs. They are very crisp and clean, and will add an ultra-modern style to your reception. Lucite chairs are great for a wedding in a small space, as they will allow the room to remain visually uncluttered and spacious. No need for covers or decorations when the chairs are so unique.
Lounge areas have become increasingly popular at weddings, and they require very special seating. Groups of chairs and low sofas are the usual seats in wedding lounges, and they should be arranged to encourage conversation. Comfort is the key to this seating. Also think about the style you want your lounge area to convey. Many brides like to set the lounge apart with colors and styles which contrast with the rest of the wedding reception. One of the top trends in lounges is a South Beach inspired vibe. Your guests will not only have a comfortable place to sit, but you will have a reception which is perfect down to the last detail.
Filed under Bridal Jewelry, Wedding Planning, pearl bridal jewelry | Tags: pearl bridal jewelry, Wedding Planning, wedding seating | Comment (0)