Table Lighting

This post is all about table lighting. Want a creative and unique way to light your tables without having to spend a bunch while numbering them at the same time? Here are two alternatives to making your table numbering and lighting beautiful and simple.

image by leighamarie

By taking a simple light string and installing it into the back of a wine bottle and painting the table number on the front, you create a stunning centerpiece. Another option is to replace the lights with glow sticks or LED candles so that there is no worry about a chord for every table.

image by momentsofelegance

These luminaries can come custom to your liking (by choosing a colored ribbon and font) and are a great way to light up your tables. Made with vellum paper, these luminaries are white by daylight, but glow golden when lit by candlelight. No assembly required and can be purchased at this web site for $8: http://www.momentsofelegance.com/catalog/elegant-table-number-luminaries-p-3490.html

Win a Chance To Say Yes To the Dress

Do you dream of walking down the aisle with the help of New York City's premiere bridal expert Randy from Kleinfeld but cannot afford to fly to New York? Do not fret because your fairy godmother is here! Brides are getting the chance to meet Randy and try on the famous gowns that make TLC's "Say Yes To the Dress" such a hit.

Randy will be starring in a sin-off of the show, entitled "Randy To The Rescue" in which he drives around, bringing Kleinfeld's best gowns to your home town. He will be hosting numerous bridal events around the U.S. and a few lucky brides will get a chance to have a one-on-one consultation with Randy himself!

For a chance to be part of the new show- email your name, age, location, and wedding date to: job-k3kat-2727234005@craigslist.org. For more information and to fill out a survey for a chance to consult with Randy, go to: http://www.theweddingguys.com/randytotherescue.html

Save the Date Cards Contest

Hostess With The Mostess, a site that showcases DIY party ideas and themes, is having a surprise giveaway of 150 'Save The Date' cards in any style and design that the winner would like. To enter, go to HWTM's site, find the Contest post and leave a comment mentioning which (or multiple) cards are your favorite(s). This a great opportunity for any couple that cannot afford the amount of cards they wish to send, or parents of the couple who wish to give them a engagement present.

The contest ends Monday (November 28), so get to commenting and good luck!

Inspiration

Brides- having trouble deciding what colors you want in your wedding or finding inspirations that go with the theme you want? Well, there is a solution to this problem! That solution being- Snippet and Ink. This web site has inspiration boards-from color schemes to themes-to help any bride needing inspiration.

Snippet and Ink's inspiration boards not only show brides ideas with pictures, but actually points out where they are from and a link to the web sites as well as other boards a bride might like.

If you are stuck on a color scheme or want some ideas, this is the perfect site to get some inspiration!

Visit the site here: http://www.snippetandink.com/category/inspiration-boards/ 
 

Real Housewife Buys Pre-Owned Gown

I posted about a web site that sells pre-owned and new designer bridal gowns a few weeks ago- Preowned Wedding Dresses.com- and who of all people used the site for their own wedding? Kim Zolciak from The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Kim bought a $58,000 designer gown from the site for her marriage to football player Kroy Biermann, held last weekend. The bride's gown was covered in Swarovski crystals and pearl beads.

See more details here: http://www.toofab.com/2011/11/15/kim-zolciak-wedding-dress-photo-kroy-biermann/

Free Wedding Cake from Buddy

Attention all brides!!! If you book a room at a Marriott in Philadelphia and New Jersey between now and February 29, 2012, you will get a FREE cake from Buddy (TLC's Cake Boss). Couples will be able to chose between a signature Marriott cake or 24 other designs.


This promotion includes, in addition to the cake, the following...


-A one-on-one consultation with a member of Buddy's staff (a $100 value) 

-Cake tasting at Carlo's Bakery

-A behind the scenes look at Buddy's new bakery facility

-Autographed photograph from Buddy


For additional information or to book your celebration, call 978-977-6425 or email Meghan.Clark@marriott.com. For location information, visit: http://www.marriott.com/specials/promotion.mi?promotion=group_offer_244 

2people1life

Two people, in love, traveling the world. Sounds normal, right? Well, this couple has added a twist. Alex and Lisa are traveling the world, having quit their jobs and sold their house, getting married in various places around the world.

The couple has mapped out their wedding adventure on their blog, 2people1life. Here, family members, friends, co-workers and those interested in their story, can follow their movement and keep up with the couple by viewing their wedding maps-which show where they are, where they have been, and how long they plan to stay there-and by leaving comments for the couple to read.

People can even RSVP to their destination weddings if they are in the area by filling out a form on the couple's blog. The couple will then notify them anytime that they update their blog.

What's in it for you? By leaving comments on their blog, you have a chance at winning a cool prize. The couple will fly 2 people to their last wedding ceremony and put them up for the weekend. So the more times that you comment, the more chances you get at winning the prize.

This blog is not only a cute, original idea, but a win-win situation!

Designer For Less

image provided by preownedweddingdresses

In this type of economy it is no surprise that brides want to save money when it comes to their wedding, and most importantly, their dress. As I previously mentioned, Ebay has a variety of dresses to bid on, including big named designers. Now there is another place to get wedding gowns for lower prices.

I discovered the other night a site that lets you buy and sell used wedding gowns, including designer names. Why spend thousands on designer dresses when you can spend hundreds? Vera Wang, Monique 

Lhuillier, Alfred Angelo, Oscar de la Renta, Nicole Miller- you name it, they have it! Prices start from 

around $75 to $750 for used dresses and new designer dresses can be found for $800 to $7,000. 

Now I know what you are thinking- USED?? But the site recommends The Association of Wedding Gown Specialists, which has stores in 500 cities nationwide, to send your used gown to. It states, 

"each member (of the Association) is certified to ensure your gown is cleaned to established museum care standards and preserved in archival-quality materials." 

Used dresses can be found here: http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/dresses/bestdeals/page:1 

 Designer dresses can be found here: http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/used-wedding-dresses 

Don't need a dress but want some accessories to go along with your new gown? The site has a section for that too! From shoes to veils to tiaras. It can be found here: http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/accessories/search

DIY Bridal Hair

One of the things that can go wrong on your big day is your hair dresser not showing up. This is HIGHLY not likely to happen because no vendor is going to be a no show due to credibility and reputation, however,  if this DOES happen, every bride should be able to do pull off an updo of their own so that they are not freaking out on the day of and still look beautiful. Here are some classy looks that any bride can pull off:

For a seriously simple yet chic updo like below, follow these instructions:

1. spray a little hairspray all over your hair to give it some 'grab.'

2. tease at the crown of your head for extra lift

3. section off a small portion at the back of the crown and secure with bobby pins.

4. loosely grab a section on one side of your head and pull it back and over the bobby pins in the center. This is so that you do not see the bobby pins that you first used.

5. do the same on the other side and cross over the section that you just did. Secure with bobby pins.

6. next, swirl your hair in a circle, hold in place with one hand, and begin adding bobby pins into the circle to hold in place. Then you are done!

images provided by hairromance & thesmallthings

Your Dream Shoes

image provided by shoesofprey

What could be more fun for a bride than picking out her bridal gown? How about designing her own bridal shoes!

Newly discovered Shoes of Prey is a web site that lets anyone design their own pair of shoes. From the fabric, heel, color to even bling- YOU decide how they look and their craftsmen will design them for you!

The process is simple... choose a design of shoe (wedge, pointed toe, platform, flat, etc), the type of toe and back of the shoe you desire and the design elements (bow, no bow, leather, suede, glitter, etc). Ultimately, YOU become the designer.

To start designing your dream shoe, visit www.shoesofprey.com.

Vera Wang & Monique Lhullier Bridal 2012

images provided by brides.com

Fashion week has come and gone and this includes bridal gowns on the runway. So what can we expect for 2012 wedding fashions? Color, lace and bows.

Top designers Monique Lhullier and Vera Wang both took part in fashion week, displaying their new line of bridal gowns for 2012. Both designers feature gowns with poofy, mermaid style gowns, but Vera explores more with gowns in browns and black! While Vera's gowns look more like they're catered to woman of the opera or theatre, each gown is unique. Monique's style is more bridal, sticking with off-white, cream-colored gowns. Her style is more about big bows and subtle bling.

These gowns are certainly not for everyone, but for that bride with a unique, edgy style.

Both designers' bridal shows can be viewed at Brides.com.

Vera Wang: http://www.brides.com/wedding-dresses-style/bridal-runway-shows/2011/10/new-vera-wang-wedding-dresses-fall-2012#slide=1

Monique Lhullier: http://www.brides.com/wedding-dresses-style/bridal-runway-shows/2011/10/new-monique-lhuillier-wedding-dresses-fall-2012#slide=3 

DIY Envelope Guestbook

Couples are reinventing the guestbook and coming up with new and fun ways for guests to leave messages and advice for the newlyweds. I saw this idea from Martha Stewart and thought it was not only amazingly simple, but a very cute idea as well.

Envelope Guestbook

Take a blank photo album or scrapbook and transform it into your very own guestbook with words of wisdom from your guests.

Use double-sided tape to stick assorted size and colored envelopes to each of the pages in the book. Provide guests with cards and pens to write their well wishes on. Once they have finished, they can put their cards into the envelopes.

This is not only a simple process for guests who want to enjoy themselves at the reception, but it is a great way for the newlyweds to spend their honeymoon or first year together.

Glittery Souls

The most famous high heels in the fashion industry are of course Christian Louboutins, infamous for their red bottoms. But what if you're a bride on a budget? The solution- glittery souls.

image provided by nevernakedblog

Transform the boring bottom of your wedding heels into something unique and gorgeous by applying glitter to the soles of your shoes!

Here is the step-by-step:

1. Cover your shoe with masking or painter's tape so that you do not ruin the rest of the shoe.

2. Mix the glitter (in your desired color) and tacky glue.

3. Coat the bottom of your shoe with the glitter mixture, tapping off the glitter as you go.

For a complete tutorial, watch this YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zKaQwjF7K4 

HANG In There!

image provided by etsy

A lot of trends in the wedding world these days are cute ways to incorporate your own personal touch into the wedding decor and reception. But what about adding a personal touch BEFORE?

I LOVE these hangers from etsy. For yourself or for you and all your bridal party, these hangers are customized just for you. Whether you want it to simply state "bride" or "mrs _____", they can be made to say whatever you want, in up to 12 characters on a single line. 

From $18 to $22 (depending on how you get it customized), these hangers are available in light wood or dark cherry wood with an Ivory or White ribbon bow added to the top, if desired. 

And for the daring bride who loves some 'bling,' hangers are available for $53 with 800 rhinestones on the front, with the same wording. Brides are able to chose from any colored ribbon to adorn the top of the hanger. For the 'blinged' out hanger, check it out on etsy here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/79763050/girls-best-friend-the-ultimate   

They make a perfect bridal gift or special surprise for your bridesmaids. 

image provided by etsy 

Pinterest

Have you ever wanted a place online that you could post ideas and nifty finds so that you could look them up at any time? Are you tired of creating inspiration boards in the real world and then having to throw them out once the event is over? Now there is a place to do all of this without having to physically post anything. It is Pinterest.com. I discovered Pinterest from an event site that I follow on Twitter and figured I would share this wonderful site with those who would appreciate it (besides my mom). 


Pinterest is a great way to share and gain inspiration from blogging, design, lifestyle,  wedding and event planning. As someone who loves finding new recipes and DIY projects, Pinterest is a great place to find these new ideas and inspirations. As a detailed perfectionist dabbling in the wedding planning industry while building my event planning profile, Pinterest is a great place to post all of my ideas and findings for events-I have even dedicated an entire post to my OWN wedding! (which is YEARS down the road)  


The best part of Pinterest is that you can "pin" anything you find online so that when it comes to giving credit where it is due, you can figure out where you found the original piece. 


So how do you get started? It's simple, really. Go to Pinterest.com and click "invite" and provide your e-mail. You will get an e-mail with a link back to the site where you can set up your account. Once you become a member, go to the goodies page and download the "pin" button to your task bar so that you will now be able to "pin" whatever you see online.  


You will definitely get lost in the world of Pinterest (in a good way) - spending hours finding the coolest things out there. But it is totally worth it. Especially in the world of event planning. It can become an event planner's best friend where you can post all your ideas, your client's wishes and DIY projects. 


Happy "pinning"! :)

If the Shoe Fits...

                                                                   image provided by etsy

There are a lot of different ways to incorporate the date of your wedding and one of the most creative and cute way I have seen lately are on the bottom of the bride's shoes. On one shoe a bride can write in permanent marker "Mrs _______" and on the other, the date they tide the knot. But permanent marker seems a little tacky and may not last the entire night, so etsy has stickers that you can place on your shoes that you can customize and chose what color you want. It is a cute and simple way to say "I'm married".

                                                              image provided by theknot
                               

An alternative to the date and name on the bride's heels is having the bridesmaids write a message on the back of the heel itself. This is a fun way for the bride and her bridal party to interact before the wedding madness begins and to remind the bride that she is loved by her bridesmaids. Much like a yearbook, the girls can write a simple message expressing their love, or a bit of advice for the bride-to-be. Using blue permanent markers provides the bride with her "something blue".

Chalkboard Hearts

                                                             image provided by etsy

Chalkboards are in right now for weddings and these heart chalkboards are adorable! They're perfect for gift tags, table numbers or wedding favors.

You can purchase these on Etsy or Folksy.

These are a cute and simple way to make your mark on your Big Day.

Photobooth: Say Cheese!

                                                           image provided by stylemepretty

I worked a wedding on Saturday and the hit of the night was the photobooth set up in the cocktail area. Guests could take as many photos as they wanted-while using props and hats to create funny pictures. This kept guests entertained throughout cocktail hour and the rest of the night as the photos printed instantly and in sets of two so more than one person could take a copy home. It was a fun and interactive way to make memories for the Big Day.

If your budget does not allow for a fancy photobooth, as these can be expensive, set up a digital camera or a Polaroid on a tripod and face it toward a blank wall.  Decorate the wall with fabric, streamers, or paint to create a fun backdrop. Provide guests with a table full or basket of props such as hats, boas, sunglasses, wigs, mustaches, etc to play with. If you know your guests are more the traditional type, ditch the props and go with a simple picture frame that guests can poke their heads into. 

                                                      image provided by mebophoto

In addition to guests taking photos, the couple had a table set up with scrapbooks and decorative stickers and pens to leave them well wishes. Instead of having a traditional guestbook, this is how the couple new who had attended. This is fun and creative for both guests and newlyweds. 

                                                           image provided by theknot

Online Wedding Dresses

I have recently become obsessed with buying clothes on e-bay. It is my new guilty pleasure. Not only are the clothes cheap but you can get never worn or new clothes that may not be available in stores. This, of course, includes bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses. YES. Brides can shop online and find great deals when it comes to their dress for their big day.


Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier,  David's Bridal- e-bay has them all for reasonable prices. Whether you are free to spend or are on a specific budget, e-bay gowns can fit any bride's needs. And they aren't the only ones. Web sites such as SimplyBridal and Wedding Wire offer brides wedding gowns at decent prices- some at $50 to $100 off. Ann Taylor and Alfred Angelo are just some of the names that can be found on Wedding Wire when looking at gowns.


But what if it doesn't fit? Brides who aren't comfortable looking online without physically trying on gowns no longer have to worry about that. BRIDES.com has created a virtual world where soon-to-be-brides can try on dozens of gowns-without even leaving their homes! The site’s newest attraction even lets brides upload a picture of themselves so they see exactly how they look in each gown. In addition, users can link directly to salons where they can make online appointments or buy a gown. So you can find a dress online and try it on in store! 


So brides-be daring and discover the world of online wedding gowns. You never know what you'll find! 

Groom's Survival Kit

image provided by classpuppylove

A lot of event and wedding planners tell their brides to bring a "survival kit" for the day of (or bring them one themselves) but what about the GROOM?


While the females need things such as bobby pins and safety pins, the males are more about desires than needs. Here is a list of things that the grooms can put in their survival kit for the day of...


a pair of dress socks, “to keep cold feet away” or in case socks don’t come with the tux rental.


a small bottle of alcohol, “to calm nerves”. Make sure it's small so no one gets wasted before, and buy enough for all the groomsmen to enjoy!


mints or gum, “to ensure a fresh kiss”. Can also bring a toothbrush and mouthwash for after snacking or drinking and before walking down the isle. 


mini sewing kit, "to keep things tight". You never know if something will come lose or break, such as a button, so having a mini sewing kit on hand is a perfect solution.


mini water bottles, "to ensure hydration". No one wants to be thirsty walking down the isle or dehydrated for the rest of the day/night.


snacks, "to keep from hunger". Mini bags of crackers, chips or nuts will keep a groom and his men satisfied until dinner is served.


bandages, to "cover up the boo boo". No one wants to be bleeding on their big day, so bandages are a dire thing to have in any emergency kit in case there's an accident.


pain reliever, "to ensure the head is clear." Nervous jitters can cause headaches and no bride wants their man in pain. Whether it's Tylenol, Advil or Midol, pain reliever is a necessity for the big day.

Chalkboards-At Weddings?

Chalkboards remind me of elementary school, before white boards were invented, however, they are making a comeback in a different way-and different place. Chalkboards are now used in weddings....

 Whether it is listing the menu....

image provided by lovelybride

Or as a message board...

image provided by stylemepretty

You can even label drinks for cocktail hour...

 image provided by laurenconrad

Or table numbers...

image provided by beau-coup

Whatever the use, chalkboards are easy to find and use for any event. If you want to make your chalkboards yourself, Martha Stewart even has a recipe:

What you need…

• flat-finish latex paint in any color
• unsanded tile grout
• paint stirrer
• paint roller or sponge paintbrush
• 150-grit sandpaper
• sponge

For further instructions, go to Martha Stewart.com 

Elegant Celeb-Inspired Wedding Make-Up

Taylor Swift (seen above) has donned this look throughout the years and it seems to be a trend with other celebs this year as well. This simple yet elegant make-up is perfect for a date or a wedding. Both bridesmaids and the bride herself, can pull of this look-just differ the two by the color palette.


To achieve this look you will need:
black mascara
liquid black eyeliner
brown or goldish eye shadows
brown eyeliner


First brush on your desired eye shadow color from the lash line to the crease. Bridesmaids can don a more simple, light brownish color (see below) while brides can go with a more goldish color for their eyes to stand out. (see below)
Next, apply liquid black eyeliner to the top eyes and on the bottom lash line, apply a brown eyeliner. To finish, use several coats of black mascara. And you are done! You have a very glamorous look that will look great on any bride and her bridesmaids. 

image provided by becomegorgeous 

image provided by keikolynn 

David's Bridal and Kim Kardashian's Dresses

As previously mentioned, Vera Wang has teamed up with bridal boutique David's Bridal to offer Vera's normally pricey bridal gowns for a reasonable price that any bride could afford. Now that Kim Kardashian's wedding is over, Vera and David's Bridal have recreated two of her three gowns that Vera designed. The two dresses-the ballgown Kim wore down the aisle and the ruffled mermaid gown worn at the reception—are being offered at the boutique for just $1,600 each. This is a steal, as the dresses originally cost $30,000. Although they are not the EXACT dresses that Kim donned on her wedding day, they are very close. 


The dresses will be available at David’s Bridal stores in February.

Summer Wedding Braids

Five Strand Braid

Need:
tiny hair elastics
hair spray
hair curler
hair brush

Brush your hair and split into five equal sections. Hold sections 1 and 2 in your left hand and 4 and 5 in your right hand; leaving section 3 in the middle. Bring section 1 over 2 and under 3. Saying "over and under" helps so that you remember what you are doing. Keep repeating this until you have reached the end. Secure your hair at the end with a hair elastic. Pull on the strands of the hair to make the hair thicker. For the remaining hair that is left out of the braid, curl it with your hair curler. Curl for 10 seconds and then release. Run your fingers through so that you achieve more of a messy look. Lastly, spray the curled hair with hair spray. This makes a more romantic look that could be perfect for any engagement party, wedding or date.

Simple Braided Summer Hair

Need:
bobby pins
curling iron

This look can be achieved with straight or curly hair. If you want more of a romantic look, curl your hair and then proceed with the rest of the process.

Take a part of your bangs and braid it, creating a loose braid. Stop 2/3 of the way down and bring to the back of your head and secure with a bobby pin. Take another section below the section you just braided and braid that section like you did the first one, and secure in the back with bobby pins. Repeat on the other side of your head and secure those braids so that they match up with the other two at the back of your head. Then you are DONE!

This simple look takes no time and is perfect for summertime when it is hot and you don't want your bangs in your face. This keeps them out of your way and creates a sexy, romantic look perfect for a wedding or date.

Bohemian Braids

Need:
curling iron
hair elastics
bobby pins
heat protectant spray
hair clip

Part your hair down the middle, from left to right. Separate front bangs into three sections and braid. Bring the front over the middle and the back over the front. Continue braiding it down. Secure with a hair elastic. Grab a section of hair that is in the middle front and braid like the first. Secure with an elastic. Take a section of your hair, above your ear, on the opposite of your head that you just braided and braid just as you did on the opposite side. Separate the bottom section of your hair on that side of your head and braid. Curl the remaining hair in sections (both sides) and spray with the heat protectant. Lastly, take the front braid that you first braided and tuck under your hair so that a small portion of the braid is peaking out. Secure the braid under your hair with a small hair clip. And you're DONE!

Whether your wedding is on the beach or at a hotel, this simple bohemian inspired look is perfect for summer.



images provided by LuxyHair

Crepe Paper Flowers

Crepe Paper Flowers

Flowers are a big part of a wedding, and real flowers are often quite a big expense. So rather than blowing your budget on tons of floral arrangements, opt for some DIY flowers that can easily be made and look beautiful with real flowers. This will save you some money in the end.

I remember making everything and anything out of crepe paper in preschool and kindergarten. Now it is making a comeback in weddings. Whether used as simple table pieces or as hanging room decorations, paper crepe flowers dress up any venue with little effort. Crepe paper comes in any 
and all colors and is available at any craft or party store.

For a cute, unique table topper, you will need crepe paper, ribbon, scissors and a takeout box. To see step-by-step instructions, visit the Martha Stewart wedding site. 

For a bigger, over-the-top, tissue paper pom-pom room decoration, you will need tissue paper, floral wire and scissors. To see step-by-step instructions, visit the Martha Stewart site.  

images from: Martha Stewart 

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality

BRIDES.com has created a virtual world where soon-to-be-brides can try on dozens of gowns-without even leaving their homes! The site’s newest attraction even lets brides upload a picture of themselves so they see exactly how they look in each gown. Users can link directly to salons where they can make online appointments or buy a gown. The virtual program not only allows its users to upload their own photo to see what they might look like in different gowns, but it adapts dresses to match each individuals body type and size.  Brides get the benefit of trying on gowns without having to actually try anything on or go through a massive amount of gowns.  Brides can even share their top picks with family and friends to get a final say. This brings a whole new concept to online shopping.

To try out the new interactive portion of their site, go to: http://www.brides.com/wedding-dresses-style/dressing-room