Be a Bridesmaid for Less!

The bridesmaid dress is always an issue. They are generally very expensive, and rarely does the bride choose a dress you would actually ever wear again. There are a few ways to improve the situation. If the bride has expensive taste, you can look into renting designer dresses for the wedding. There are a few websites that offer this service, and it can be a fantastic option for weddings, since you pay a small fraction of the original price of the dress. This can be a great alternative to purchasing a dress that will be banished to the back of your closest for all eternity. Add some gorgeous bridesmaid jewelry, and you will be good to go!

If a designer gown rental service does not work for your group, propose to the bride that you shop for bridesmaid dresses at stores that have special occasion collections, rather than traditional bridal salons. When you can buy from a major chain, you will have a good range of size options (many stores offer the same dress in petites, misses, and womens’ sizes), which means fewer expensive alterations. Better yet, if you time it well, you might be able to take advantage of sales and promotions to get deep discounts on the dresses. Best of all, a classic cocktail dress is a style you will be more likely to wear again than a traditional bridesmaid dress.

It is often travel and accommodations that push the cost of being a bridesmaid so high. With a little effort, you may be able to keep these expenses under control. Explore different ways of getting to the wedding, such as flying at off hours or driving with a friend to split the cost of fuel. Ask the bride if she has a friend who would be able to host you for the weekend of the wedding, rather than paying for a hotel room. If you will be traveling to attend her bridal shower, these same tips apply.

Finally, get creative when it comes to buying the wedding gift. Instead of buying a crystal vase from the registry, shop around for a unique and beautiful one from a vintage or thrift store.  By the time you have saved on your bridesmaid dress and accessories, travel, and gifts, you might find that being a bridesmaid does not have to cost an arm and a leg after all!

Fabulous New Trends for 2012 Wedding Dresses

The Fall 2012 wedding gowns have just been shown in New York, and some beautiful trends have been emerging. We are seeing continuations of some of the trends from recent seasons (especially natural waistlines and tulle), and the introduction of a few new trends. Get inspired by all the fabulous trends for 2012 wedding dresses.

Tulle rules! Virtually every single bridal designer featured tulle in their collections. The fun thing is that tulle skirts are being shown in a wide variety of ways. There are classic tulle ballgowns, such as the timeless jeweled bateau neck gown shown at Amsale. Many designers featured tulle formed into fluffy three-dimensional forms for fullness and movement on the skirt. There were drop waisted and empire waist tulle skirts on gowns at Marchesa. There were even wedding gowns made with crumpled black tulle at Vera Wang. And if tulle isn’t your thing, other sheer fabrics like organza and chiffon are also very popular.

Lace is another fantastic trend for 2012 wedding gowns. Like tulle, lace was one of the hottest things going at the Fall 2012 bridal market. Brides craving a non-copycat version of the Princess Kate bridal gown will adore a fabulous new lace bodice gown with sleeves by Marchesa. It has a sweetheart neckline under a very dramatic lace and a cummberbund at the waist. It is a cross between Kate Middleton and Grace Kelly, done with a unique lace for an updated twist. Royal inspiration propelled lace to a top trend at virtually every bridal house.

Vintage inspired beaded sheaths were a gorgeous style that was shown by some designers for 2012 weddings. Jenny Packham in particular showcased numerous fluid gowns with incredible embroidery and beadwork. There were beaded chiffon gowns that skim the body and slinky draped satiny halter gowns like something out of the Golden Age of Hollywood. It would be fun to play up the retro nature of these chic dresses with crystal chandelier bridal jewelry. Pnina Tornai had her own take on vintage style sheath bridal gowns, with plenty of her signature jeweled accents.

A trend for 2012 wedding dresses that all brides will enjoy is the broad array of neckline choices. There are certainly still a lot of strapless dresses around, but there are a lot of other options too. There were gowns with sleeves, illusion necklines, one shoulder dresses, halters, slender tank straps, bateau necklines, and even sheer wrapped shoulders. A standout neckline was a very elegant portrait neckline wedding gown designed by Carolina Hererra. I love that brides will be able to find a gown in any neckline that they want for 2012!

Hot Trends In Wedding Shoes

Wedding shoes are anything but basic white pumps these days. In fact, one of the hottest trends in bridal footwear is to wear a color other than white. Blue is one of the most popular options, as it makes a great “something blue” for the bride. Tiffany blue is sweet for the bride who wants a subtle hint of color, while a rich cobalt hue is fabulous for fall and winter. Jewel tones in general are on the rise for wedding shoes this fall, so feel free to look at opulent shades of plum, cranberry, and emerald. It would be spectacular to order custom bridal jewelry made with crystals in the same hue.

Sparkle is always popular for brides, from the bridal jewelry in their hair right down to the tips of their toes. A crystal buckle or beaded strap on a pair of sandals is ideal for the bride who wants just a hint of sparkle. But the stronger trend right now is to fully embrace all out sparkle, in the form of a glitter covered evening shoe. Choose from metallic silver, platinum, or gold in a classic high heel pump style. The best part about choosing these is that you will definitely get to wear them many times again. Just imagine how awesome your glittering pumps will look with your favorite little black dress for your next cocktail party.

If sparkle is not really your thing, you may well enjoy another hot accessory trend these days: lace. Especially chic is a funky shoe dressed up with feminine lace, such as a lace bootie. It’s a fun choice for the fashionista bride who wants to walk the line between classic and trendy. Lace over a colored shoe is another great look for a wedding. Black lace over a pale ballerina pink flat would be absolutely charming with a tulle or organza bridal gown. All black lace is a great option for bridesmaids who want to wear black shoes, as it makes them look more romantic.

All sorts of interesting details are appearing on bridal shoes this season. Add style to your bridal ensemble by wearing something unique, such as a fanciful row of ruffles down the back of a pump, pleats on the toe, a charming rosette, or a big splashy bow on the side. As for the shape of the shoe itself, high heels are definitely in right now. Many of the most striking styles feature a low platform under the toe. Designs with open sections such as peep toes, slingbacks, or D’orsay pumps (my personal favorite) are particularly in vogue.

Wedding Reception Speech Planning

First of all, you should determine before your wedding who will give toasts. Typically, it will be the best man, the father of the bride, and the groom. There are others who may wish to say something as well, including the father of the groom, the maid of honor, and the bride. Sometimes the siblings of the bride and groom are also interested in giving toasts. It is generally best not to open the floor up to everyone at the reception, however, as the speeches can end up going on until the point where everyone is bored to tears.

Everyone who is going to speak should prepare a short speech beforehand to avoid rambling toasts that seem to go nowhere. A reasonable length for a wedding toast is two to five minutes. If you have a fairly large group of people who wish to give toasts, urge them to limit their remarks to two or three minutes. While that may not sound long, all of those short toasts can start to add up to a long time. The best time to fit the toasts into the schedule is during the salad course at dinner so people can eat while they listen.

It is not a bad idea to give the people who will speak some hints about what is appropriate to include in a wedding toast – especially if your best man fancies himself a comedian. A good speech involves a few opening pleasantries, such as thanking everyone for coming. It can go on to talk about the first time that the speaker met the bride or groom (only if the story is suitable for guests of all ages!), wish the couple every happiness, etc. At no time should a speaker reveal something personal or embarrassing about the bride or groom or say something embarrassing in an attempt to be funny. Comments from the best man like, “The bride looks so pretty in her dress and wedding jewelry that no one would ever guess she is pregnant!” are never appropriate, whether it is true or not!

Something that will help keep your wedding toasts moving along at a good clip is to put someone in charge. This job can be undertaken by the band leader, m.c., or the best man. That individual should have a list of the order of speakers, so that he can prompt them to come to the microphone in the correct order. It cannot be emphasized enough that wedding guests do not enjoy sitting for a long time listening to toasts, so it is important to keep everything moving along in a timely manner.

Gift Grabby Brides and Grooms

There are many things that a bride or groom can do which will come across as looking greedy, even if that is not their intention. Anything that shifts focus away from the point of a wedding towards getting presents runs this risk. Some things are fine in moderation, but can cross the line if not done in good taste. The perfect example of this is the bridal shower. Having a small bridal shower with the bride’s bridesmaids, immediate family, and best friends is a perfectly fine wedding tradition, even though it is all about giving presents.

Where it becomes not-so-fine is when the bride starts demanding that people throw showers for her. Another problem with showers is when there are an excessive number of parties. One or two events (with different guests) is fine, but three, four, or five bridal showers is ridiculous. Previously married brides having bridal showers can also look gift grabby, as will any bride who is gauche enough to host her own shower. Something else that definitely crosses the line is a shower by mail, when there is no actual party, and the “guests” are expected to mail in presents. That is little more than social blackmail to get as many presents as possible.

Making any mention of gifts on the wedding invitation is another faux pas that can make you look gift grabby, even if you really are not. It has become more common in recent years to include bridal registry information on the invitations, but that has never been polite, and it still isn’t. It makes it appear too much like a gift is the price of admission to the event. Worse yet is to request “cash gifts only” on an invitation. It is truly offensive to most people, and they will suspect you of trying to get them to finance your wedding. Guests want to be able to choose a wedding gift, not pay for their reception dinner, the limo, or the bride’s wedding jewelry!

Anytime you are making it clear that you expect your wedding guests to give you cash, you are likely to cause offense. This is why so many people deem the money dance at the reception to be in poor taste. The couple can then put that money towards their honeymoon, paying for the wedding, or whatever. While the money dance is still relatively common in certain communities, it is a dying custom. There is something ridiculous about having a wedding that costs thousands of dollars and then demanding cash from your friends and family. Just have the wedding you can afford, and people will give you money if they want to.

The Pros and Cons of Sunday Weddings

For a lot of couples, the biggest incentive to get married on a Sunday is the lower cost. Venues and vendors typically offer discounts for non-Saturday events, especially if they would have otherwise gone unbooked. (This may not hold true in communities where there are a lot of Jewish weddings, as they traditionally do take place on Sunday.) Considering that the average American wedding costs something like $27,000, saving even 5% would come out to over $1000. It is no wonder that Sundays are becoming more popular!

Another pro to having a Sunday wedding is better availability for top locations, photographers, caterers, musicians, and so on. The best venues in some locations can be filled up on Saturdays for two years. If you do not want to wait that long to be married, exploring a Sunday date might just get you in the door far sooner. The better availability of venues and vendors on Sundays can be particularly helpful for couples who are trying to plan a wedding within a relatively short time frame. Added to the idea of getting a non-Saturday discount, the appeal of the Sunday wedding can be considerable.

Of course, there are some potential disadvantages to Sunday weddings as well.  One thing to consider is the time of day you hope to have your wedding. If you want to have a formal evening wedding, with your attendants in long dresses and crystal bridesmaid jewelry sets, it would make more sense to have it on a Saturday. People are typically in a more festive mood on a Saturday night. They usually don’t want to stay out late on a Sunday, since most guests will need to be at work bright and early Monday morning. An afternoon ceremony and reception will be the better option in this situation.

Another drawback to a non-Saturday date is that you may have fewer people who are able to attend.  When the wedding is on a Sunday, it will mean taking off work on Monday to travel. Not everyone is willing or able to do that, so some of your friends and family who live far away may end up having to send their regrets. Each couple needs to weigh the pros and cons to determine which day of the week will work the best for their individual circumstances.

A Black, White, and Silver New Year’s Eve Wedding

New Year’s Eve is definitely the most glamorous night of the whole year to have a wedding. Black, white, and silver is a chic color palette that will bring out the stylish flair of the holiday. Learn how to plan an unforgettable New Year’s Eve wedding using a black, white, and silver color scheme.

It almost goes without saying that a New Year’s Eve wedding should be black tie. Classic black tie always looks the most elegant; while rental shops may suggest colorful vests for the groom and groomsmen, a black cummberbund is more dashing and timeless. Silver dresses will be the clear choice for the bridesmaids. If they are comfortable in slender silhouettes, slinky silk sheaths would be ideal. Choose ones with a gathered bustline and wide straps, like something from the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1930s. Big sparkly crystal jewelry will complete their look perfectly.  An incredible look for the bride is a fluid sheath gown covered from head to toe in tiny crystals or sequins. Because the silhouette of a sheath is so simple, you can get away with really bold crystal bridal jewelry.

Then there are the flowers! Accent white flowers with silvery elements to incorporate the color scheme into the bouquet. Silvery dusty miller or lamb’s ear leaves are wonderful natural accents to ruffly white parrot tulips or lovely white camellias. Another idea is to use silver metal leaves or tiny metallic silver balls to mix into the white blossoms. Being New Year’s Eve, you could even get away with glittery silver curly branches mixed into the bouquets or centerpieces. Tie the bouquets with black velvet ribbons to complete the effect. The centerpieces will be very striking arranged in black vases. Either use fluted footed black vases for a vintage flair, or tall sleek rectangular black vessels for a sleek modern look.

To bring your black, white, and silver color scheme to life at your New Year’s Eve wedding, special table linens are a must. I personally do not care for black table linens (they never feel clean to me), but silver would look amazing. Shimmery silver organza toppers can be used over standard white tablecloths, or if budget permits, rent silver silk dupioni linens with a chic quilted stitching (like a Chanel handbag). Since the centerpieces will be primarily black and white, the whole elegant color theme will come together beautifully.

Wedding Trends That Are On The Decline

Cupcakes. Once upon a time, it seemed fresh and unique to feature a tower of luscious cupcakes at a wedding reception instead of a tiered wedding cake. And then more people starting doing it, and more, and more, until…cupcakes became no more original than a cake. If you happen to love, love, love cupcakes, by all means have them at your wedding. Just be aware that they are no longer more original than having a traditional wedding cake, and they are somewhat limiting when it comes to design.

Sneakers on the Wedding Party. Do you remember the Steve Martin version of the movie “Father of the Bride” when his daughter hiked up her wedding gown to show off the sneakers she was wearing underneath? Unless your dad actually owns a sneaker company like in the movie, there is nothing cute about wearing a pair of Converse with your wedding gown or having the groom wear them with a suit. Ditto for the row of bridesmaids in their party dresses and pretty bridesmaid jewelry wearing sneakers (or plastic flip flops, for that matter). Casual shoes are for casual occasions. Fancy attire calls for equally fancy footwear.

The Orchestrated Aisle Walk. Darn that JK Wedding Entrance Dance video on You Tube! It led countless brides and grooms to think that if they planned a wacky dance instead of simply walking down the aisle that they too could become famous on the Internet. Let’s face it, once it was recreated on “The Office”, that became a sign that it was no longer a novel idea. A wedding is a reason for joy and celebration, of course, but the marriage ceremony is also a monumental right of passage. Save the entertainment for the reception, and show a little dignity when you process down the aisle.

Head Tables. Back when brides and grooms were young and most of their friends were young and unmarried, the head table worked fairly well. The bridal party is a special group, after all, and there was something very decorative about seeing the bride and groom surrounded by the handsome groomsmen in their suits and the bridesmaids in their lovely dresses and pearl bridesmaid jewelry. These days, though, bridal parties tend to be older, and many are married or have significant others. Splitting up couples during dinner is not popular, and most of the attendants would rather sit with their spouses or dates.

How to Have a Wedding For Under $5000

Going into this project, it is important to prioritize. What you absolutely must have for a wedding is a bride, a groom, an officiant, and a couple of witnesses. Everything else is really gravy. So the first step in pulling off a wedding for less than $5000 is to accept that you will not be able to have all of the little extras that you see in the bridal magazines. This is okay! The main rules to remember are: shop smart, DIY what you can, borrow or barter when possible, hire students or young professionals, and accept all offers of help.

A great way to have an affordable wedding is to have the ceremony in a free location. Some state parks will waive the rental fee if you do not bring things like chair and arbors. Keep your ceremony short and sweet, since guests will be standing for it. If you live in a state which allows individuals to become ordained online, you can even have a close friend act as your officiant instead of hiring a justice of the peace. Music can be quite simple. It would be lovely for the bride to walk to her groom accompanied by the sounds of classical guitar. Ask a talented friend to play or hire someone from a music college. The total cost for your ceremony will be next to nothing.

Some brides spend more than $5000 on just their wedding gowns! For the bride on a budget, the custom designer gown is not the most practical idea…unless you happen to score big at a bridal clearance sale (think Running of the Brides) or find one being sold on Craig’s List. But you can still look every bit the beautiful bride in an elegant gown with sparkling wedding jewelry without spending thousands. Consider a long white or ivory formal dress from a department store instead of a traditional wedding gown. You can find something gorgeous and chic at a place like Nordstrom for under $200. Definitely use the Internet to shop for wedding jewelry and veils at the best price, as well. Rather than buy white bridal shoes that you will never wear again, get a great pair of silver evening sandals that you can use again and again.

Wedding decorations are another area where you can save big. Plan on ordering your flowers online and arranging them yourself. The most affordable option is to decorate primarily around candles, and use the fresh flowers as accents. You can get 100 stems of roses for under $200 from an Internet floral wholesaler, which will go a long way if you are using them for bouquets and with candles for the centerpieces. Another idea is to spring for a more costly blossom like dendrobium orchids. It only takes one or two stems of these exotic flowers to create a stunning submerged centerpiece. For the rest of your wedding decorations, shop at craft stores at the end of the season clearance sales. Also check out wedding chat boards for newlyweds selling off their extra wedding supplies so you can create a gorgeous look without having to pay retail.

Tips on Making Your Own Wedding Cake

If you are a great baker and love the idea of making things for your wedding, you might wonder if it would be a good idea to make your own wedding cake. It is not an undertaking for the novice, but certainly a good baker could pull it off. These are some tips on making your own wedding cake.

Tip number one: keep it simple. Forget about handmade sugar orchids, airbrushed scenes, or tiny marzipan figurines. Instead choose fool-proof decorations like non-toxic fresh flowers, ribbons, and fancy cake toppers. Unless you have a lot of experience working with fondant, you will find buttercream frosting to be a better choice, since it does not have to look “perfect”. A buttercream frosted cake decorated with ribbons around each tier and a crystal cake topper to complement your crystal bridal jewelry will look fantastic, and will be nearly impossible to mess up.

Limit your DIY cake to three tiers so that weight does not become an issue. Be aware that even a three layer cake can end up weighing as much as fifty pounds, so you will need to have a sound plan for transporting it to the reception. To make sure that your tiers do not slide over or look lopsided, use a cake leveler to give each layer a totally flat top and bottom. Avoid using anything tricky like columns between the tiers. Another cute idea is to make several smaller cakes to display on beautiful cake stands instead of one large tiered cake. It is easier to manage, and also looks quite charming. You can choose stands to fit in with the theme of your wedding. If your style is woodsy and natural, use tree stumps for the stands. If your wedding will be all about the glitz and glamor of Swarovski crystal bridal jewelry, use silver or cut crystal stands. It is easier to manage, and also looks quite charming.

Deciding to make your own cake requires a lot of planning and time – it should definitely not be a spur of the moment decision. You should definitely make a practice cake many months before your wedding. Keep notes on exactly which ingredients you used, how long you baked the tiers, cooled them before frosting, and so on. That way, if the cake turns out well, you will be able to replicate it for your wedding, and if it does not, you will have some idea on what to change for your next practice cake. And if you start well in advance, you will also have the option of bailing on the whole DIY cake thing and hiring a baker if your practice cake turns out to be a disaster!