Making the Most of your Dress Shopping Experience

Now that the holidays are over it's time for many people to get back to their everyday routine. This does not, however apply to brides-to-be. It's officially the season for dress shopping! The majority of weddings take place in the Summer and Fall months. Many gowns are by order only and can take up to six months to come in. Therefore, it's important to start dress shopping very early.

Being a consultant at a bridal salon, I work with brides and their entourages on a regular basis. Brides want their dress shopping to be memorable. It's heartbreaking when they leave disappointed.

Not everything about your dress shopping excursion can be controlled, but a little bit of planning can go a long way.

Here are my tips to help the day go smoothly:

1. Do Your Research
Your dress shopping doesn't start once you enter a bridal salon, it starts at home on your computer! Be sure to check out the salons in your area before making an appointment. Read the reviews and see which designers they carry. All this information will help you decide which locations you should visit and keeps you from trying to jam in five appointments in one day. Which brings me to my second point...




2. Less is More
I know it's tempting to bring your entire family and your six closet friends along for the day, but the more people you bring the more opinions and personalities are a long for the ride as well. You can always invite others to cake tastings and dress fittings to make sure everyone is included in the planning process.

3. Come Prepared
 Make sure you make any appointments necessary a couple weeks in advance. Salons will have to turn down a walk-in if they are already booked for the day. Also, you're going to be seeing yourself in a wedding dress for the first time: You need to look the part! Have your hair and makeup done and bring a pair of heels. Often dresses dictate which style hairstyle looks best. It's easiest to come with your hair down and bring a clip to quickly pull it up if necessary.

4. Be Open Minded
Often brides come in knowing exactly what they want and will not try on styles that stray from their vision. This becomes a problem when they try on numerous similar dresses and nothing seems to impress them. Be open to trying something completely different and trust your consultant and their suggestions. Maybe a style you never pictured yourself in could be the one!

Happy dress shopping!

Fabulous Floral

Winter may only be half over, but I am itching for Spring and its beautiful burst of colors! Just in case you're going through the mid-winter blues as well, I decided to feature a wedding trend that is all about the beauty of springtime:floral print! Vintage wedding themes are continuing to grow in popularity, and this look is a great way to add some interest with pattern in your decor. Another great thing about floral prints is they look best when they are mixed! You can incorporate them into everything from your dress to the cake!

                                                                               

               The Inspiration: June by Elaya Vaughn                                                                                   This Elaya Vaughn design features a floral print under a sheer overlay that gives the bridal gown a delicate romantic feel. You can find this gown and the entire Elaya Vaughn collection at http://www.elayavaughn.com/                                            

2014 Grammy's

These Grammy nominees rocked the music charts this year. From love songs to party music, there was a little something for everyone during last night's performances. We rounded up a few ways to incorporate their music into your wedding. From the proposal to the honeymoon, these musicians have you covered.


   
Just in case you're not convinced, here are a few wedding videos that will have to on YouTube for the rest of the day.


                                                                     Bruno Mars 

                           
            This lip dub proposal video started a massive trend, and features Bruno Mar's "Marry You."



                                                                     Taylor Swift 

                                                               

Using a Taylor Swift song for a wedding video is a no-brainer. This video features "Love Story," which is an oldie, but has earned its spot among classic love songs.

                                                                   Justin Timberlake

                                                                           
                     These groomsmen steal the show by dancing to Justin Timberlake's "Suit and Tie."


                                                                      Daft Punk

                                                                         
      Last but not least get your groove to Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" on the way to your honey moon!

Capturing the Moment: Your Engagement Session

When it comes to your engagement photos it's best to plan ahead. Think about what you want as a final result, and don't forget to have a little fun! Having an element of surprise will make your pictures memorable. There are a variety of ways to go about about your session, and we have a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing!

                                                                            Add Some Interest

                       

Make your engagement session stand out by finding a breathtaking location.

                                                                            Playful Fun

Being in front of a camera can feel pretty awkward, break the ice by enjoying an activity together to showcase your true personalities.




                                                                  Include Your Best Friend

           


Pets are part of the family, so it would only be natural to include your furry friend in your photos! Adorable animal plus sweet couple, be prepared for people to obsess over the cuteness.



                                                                              Favorite Activity 
 



   Do you have a hobby you both enjoy together? Plan your shoot around it to capture some fantastic action shots.

Light it Up

There is one similarity to many of the gorgeous wedding photos I covet on Pinterest: romantic lighting. Lighting has the ability to transform your reception space and set the mood for the night. Whether you're going for whimsical, glamorous, or dramatic, lighting can be your best friend in helping achieve the perfect look for your venue.

Your Photographer will also appreciate your attention to this detail.  How your venue is illuminated, or lack there of, will certainly affect the style of your wedding photos. Photographers can use lighting to add creativity to their shots and show off the ambiance of your big day.

There are various ways to light up your reception, previously one of the most popular was flood lighting. These lights shine a wash of color over a large area, making them rather simple and effective.

 Just in case you're looking for other ideas, we have complied a few that are currently trending:

String Lighting

             

           Catch an after Christmas sale and score an amazing deal for some seriously gorgeous lights!



                                                                 Chinese Lanterns
                        
Chinese lanterns are easy to find in a variety of styles, and can often be reused and found on auction sites for half of the retail price. This is a great way to keep your lighting budget in check!

                                            

                                                                      Chandeliers 

                     

       A little bit vintage, a little bit glamorous, using chandeliers adds a sense of style to your lighting.




                                                                                      Sparklers
      

  Okay so Sparklers can't exactly be the only lighting at your wedding, but they are ideal for adding a little something extra to your photos. Bonus! They're entertaining for your guest!

Shades of Blue Grey

If you want to stand out from the sea of bright colors that is going to be trending this wedding season, this monochromatic color palette may be for you. A blue grey color scheme has an ethereal vibe while remaining chic and sophisticated. It works best when shades are varied so there is no need to bother with matching colors. The palette is extremely versatile and can be used as a neutral.  Many other colors look lovely with it including dusty purple and silver.

                                                               

                                                                     

                                       

                     The Inspiration

This breathtaking Aurelia gown is from Kate Pankoke's bridal line Elaya Vaughn. The dusty blue color, the feminine fabric, and just a hint of sparkle is an enchanting combination.
                                             
Check it out here:
 http://www.elayavaughn.com/?page_id=116

                                                 

Etsy Treasures

I am very impressed by those who can conquer Do It Yourself Projects. They are a great way to save money when it comes to weddings. The only problem is when I attempt a DIY my finished product comes out something like this:

                                                       

I always have good intentions when trying to DIY, usually to save a few bucks and have something to show off on Instagram, but execution is not my strong point.

Then somewhere a genius came up with a website where you can buy and sell handmade or vintage items through a marketplace called Etsy. Essentially this website brings the crafters of the world to people like me and Voila! My favorite website was born.


If you want to incorporate handmade elements into your wedding but are a little leery of attempting them yourself, Etsy is the solution.

Here are a few of my favorite Etsy wedding finds:


Wedding Dress Hanger
                                                           

 This personalized hanger is great for pictures with your dress and to have as a keepsake after your wedding.

Check it out here:
Wedding Dress Hanger


 Personalized Wedding Map
                                                                         

These maps are made with original Watercolor drawings of your wedding locations, first date, ceremony, reception, your home, and local spots for your guests to visit. They would be ideal as a save the date or wedding invitation. Who would want to throw these out?

Etsy Wedding Map


Brooch Bouquet

                                                                      

 Etsy has numerous brooch bouquets in a variety of styles and colors. This trend looks impeccable with a glamorous vintage theme.

Brooch Bouquet


Cake Toppers
                                                         

 The cake topper section on Etsy is a sea of cuteness. You can really find something on there for every theme!

Just Married Cake Topper


Hair Accessories
                                                                

 Last but not least use Etsy to find the finishing touches to your bridal look. You can find this stunning beaded headband and much more.

Beaded Bridal Headband

Sweets and Scrumptious Treats

Wedding food has a reputation of being bland and boring.  As a guest you really look forward to a great meal, so when you're presented with a flavorless room temperature entree it is a serious let down. The problem with choosing a meal to serve is it has to be universally pleasing. Unfortunately, we all have very different palettes and while you may love sushi, some guest may be repulsed. Therefore, it is often recommended to go with a dinner that is more traditional.

I do not believe any aspect of a wedding should be boring, especially something as creative as food! The past few years we have seen dessert bars popping up at receptions. Guest are loving this recent trend. Serving an assortment of tasty treats is sure to be well received.
         

One great thing about a dessert bar concept is it can be customized to your wedding! If you and your groom have a certain food you bond over incorporate it into your reception for a personalized touch.

Here are a few fun ideas to get your creativity flowing:
.        

Breakfast Bar               
Having a breakfast bar is a fun a way to incorporate both sweet and savory into your reception treats. It would be perfect for a brunch wedding, but would also work well for an evening affair. Who doesn't want pancakes after a late night of dancing?


Ice Cream Bar                                

Your guest will have a great time customizing their cone or sundae!


Candy Table

                                                              


A candy table is both delicious and beautiful! You can choose candies of a certain color to match your theme or just go for colorful and fun!


S'mores Bar
                       
I love this idea for a rustic outdoor wedding.


Food Truck

                               


Having a food truck at a wedding? Genius. The concept is so quirky and unique it is sure to be a hit with your guests!

Wedding Worthy Red Carpet: The Golden Globes

I love  red carpet season! This Sunday is the annual Golden Globes, and I cannot wait to see what the celebrities step out in. Designers pull out all the stops to get their stars on the best dressed list, and it is always an affair of glamour and gorgeous gowns.

The red carpet is the perfect place to look for inspiration. In fact, many of these stunning looks can easily be translated into bridal. We took a look back to the 2013 Golden Globes for some wedding gown inspiration, and where to get the look.


                                           

Amy Adams looked soft and feminine in this blush mermaid style. 

Vera Wang Fall 2012

Francesca Eastwood was elegant and classic in lace and her signature red lips.

Elaya Vaughn: Evangeline 

Julianne Hough was ahead of her time when she rocked this white and gold Monique Lhuillier gown. Gold is predicted to be a huge trend for 2014 bridal.

Eden Bridal Spring 2014

Lea Michelle brought the old hollywood glamour in this sparkling Elie Saab. 

Alexa by Maggie Sottero

Finding the Perfect Look; Groom Edition

Alright ladies we have to admit, we spend a great deal of time planning how we will look on our wedding day. Why should the Groom's attire be an afterthought? It is nice that his search for the perfect outfit should be less daunting. After all most places who offer tuxedo rentals only have a few options compared to the hundreds of dresses you had to search through. But keep it mind that it's not just you who should stand out at your wedding, but your groom as well.

Men's clothing has come a long way and today there are a number of fashionable options for your groom to choose from. Don't worry, these suggestions vary to suit the most adventurous risk taker to someone who likes to keep things simple and classic. Also, just as with your dress, it's important that his look reflects the feel and theme of your wedding.


Skinny Tie

There's something about a skinny tie that feels very modern. If your wedding is sleek and sophisticated this could be the perfect look for your groom.



Blue Suit
                                     
I have something blue! This is my absolute favorite new menswear trend. A slate blue suit is just bold enough for your groom to stand out and is extremely versatile. This could be kept simple for a glamorous affair or dress down for a more rustic feel.


All Black
                                                  
There is something seriously sexy about a man in all black. If your dress is dramatic this monochromatic tux will be the perfect accent.



Suspenders and Bow Tie
                           
I love a groom who can rock suspenders and a bow tie. It takes a certain amount of personality and confidence to pull it off, which makes it absolutely amazing when done right! The look is especially great if your wedding has a vintage theme.


                                                                   

Let Them Eat Quirky Cake!

      

So when I came across The Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco's wedding photos I was instantly mesmerized! She shared various candid moments on instagram that are just radiating with happiness.
                                                                              


The obvious stand out of the night is that fabulous pink dress! Colored dresses have been becoming increasingly popular that last few seasons, and I suspect after seeing how utterly breathtaking Kaley looks, we'll see more brides opting for a nontraditional hue.





After I got over that fantastic Vera Wang gown, I noticed another interesting wedding detail;She had an upside down cake!! Now that is what I call unique. Actually, I'm not even sure how it's even possible, but I love it! It is the perfect whimsical touch to her fairy tale wedding.


In case you are loving Kaley's unique cake as much as I am, here are a few more that stand out from the crowd.

                                              
This "Naked" wedding cake is beautiful in a deconstructed way.

                       


A charming macaroon cake is simple to construct, and therefore very cost efficient compared to your tradition tiered cake.
                                    

Another alternative to tradition is this croquembouche. It's French, so needless to say, it's the chicest cake around.