Holiday Cheer for your Bridal Stresses

Manic Mondays by Lauren Cooper

As if you didn’t have enough to worry about while planning a wedding, now you have to think about getting gifts for the holidays, too?  Don’t worry, you can still plan a gorgeous wedding and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list without become a Scrooge Bridezilla.  Here’s how:

Stay Organized: Those inspiration boards or binders you made to keep all your notes and pictures in for the wedding?  Use the same idea for the holidays.  When you see something someone may like, put it in your file so you can revist your ideas while shopping.  Do the same for planning your holiday menu and card list.

Multi-task: Use this time of holiday parties to test out your hair and makeup for the wedding.  That way you can get glammed up and show it off to your friends at a party instead of spending money without an occaison to display your new look.

Talk to your Planner: Ask her or him which details are priorities and which can take a back seat until after the holidays calm down.  Then set a schedule with her and divide and conquer.  Let her handle some things and you others.  Designate certain days to be “wedding days” and other to be “Christmas days” and only work on (or enjoy) on those designated days.  Keep the week before Christmas wedding planning free!

Chill Out: This is easily one of the most magical and love filled times of the year so don’t let stress weigh you down.  Take time to make new traditions with your fiance or honor old tradtions.  Turn on some soothing music while decorating and then watch it light up your room.  Snuggle up and watch your favorite childhood holiday movie.  Give your eyes a treat and visit the pretty Holiday Shops at Grand Central Station and Bryant Park.

Dress of the Week

This gorgeous dress by Carol Hannah of The Wedding Collection has us swooning for Spring 2011. The Haskell Street Gown boasts exquisite re-embroidered silk organza flowers appliqued onto silk tulle exclusively imported from Switzerland. Luscious!

TODS Tip – Cheecky Wedding Gifts

A for Asparagus plate by Just Noey on Etsy

Listen ladies and lads, I know you’re not always a bride, sometimes you’re simply a delightful guest at a wedded affair, in which case you need to come with a fabulous gift. And what’s better than these playful initial plates? Choose 6 plates with their last initial as dessert or app plates for entertaining or 2 with their first initials for just the couple. Support handmade and go to Etsy and check them out!

TOD says: Everyone loves seeing their own name!

Diary of a Maid of Honor

by Jennifer Crone

My sister’s wedding is now 2 months out. The shower is being planned by my mom and one of our dear friends of the family while my mom and I have been virtually planning the bacholorette party.

I recently got my dress for the rehearsal dinner, which is so swoon-worthy! Because bride-to-be Hilary is wearing navy blue and the dress I found was a teal color I sent her a cell phone pic pre-purchase to make sure it was color and cut appropriate. If there’s one thing I believe about weddings it’s that the bride gets final say on anything, no matter what. If Hil didn’t like my dress or thought it was too close to the color of hers, I had a Foley + Carina black satin one shoulder back up plan. But, my sister is easy going and liked the dress, so everybody wins. Bonus, it gave me an excuse to buy Elizabeth and James, a label I’ve been coveting since it’s inception.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the gift. They don’t yet have a registry, and although no one likes a home made bird house in favor of cold hard cash, I like to think that, being an artist, my nearest and dearest have come to think of me as a truly unique gift giver. I don’t want to throw money (not that I have an excess to throw) at the newlyweds, and I certainly don’t want to gift them a toaster. But perhaps a double-edged sword is in play, because the pressure is on to give an amazing and heartfelt gift. I have some ideas, but it has to be perfect. Last Christmas I gave Hilary a blank recipe book that I created by hand. I’m not sure if she uses it or just keeps it on display, but I know she loves to cook and the book was beautiful and crafted with love. Perhaps I’m creating the pressure myself, but I know I won’t be satisfied until I have the perfect gift for my beloved sister and soon to be brother in law.

Until next week,

MOH

 

Battle of the Bands

Manic Mondays by Lauren Cooper

When it comes to the music for your wedding, everyone has an opinion.  Traditional songs or personal songs?  Pianist or String Quartet?  Here are some tips to help you answer that million dollar question, “Are you having a DJ or a band?!”

Venue: The size of your venue will help you decide between a band and DJ.  If you have a smaller venue, a band might over-power the acoustics and make it alarmingly loud for guests.  At the same time, if you have a very large or cavernous venue, make sure the room has heavier drapes, carpeting around the dance floor, or acoustic padding to absorb some of the sound the band will produce.  Otherwise you might experience an unpleasant echo.

Style/Theme: A wedding band can help complete the theme or overall style of your wedding.  For example, if your wedding is vintage inspired, it might be more appropriate to have a band to perform swing music with modern music mixed in than to have a DJ spinning top 40 hits all night.

Crowd Control: Everyone wants to make sure that their guests are having a blast out on the dance floor.  The great thing about bands is that they usually have a lot of personality and will interact with the crowd. At the same time, a really awesome DJ has the ability to “read” the audience and won’t just play a pre-rehearsed set.  A DJ has thousands of tunes at his fingertips to change the mood on the dance floor, while bands typically have a specific repertoire that they’ll stick to.

Cost: Of course, you’ll need to consider your budget when making a final decision.  Bands tend to cost more than a DJ would (unless you hire a celebrity DJ) because you’re paying for each individual musician.  However, you can still get a really awesome band on a limited budget if the band leader or agent is willing to work with you.  A small band can still have a full sound if they re-arrange some of the instruments, like swap out a trumpet for a saxophone, for example.

Its important to go and hear the band or DJ you’re considering or watch a video of them if they don’t play in public, making sure that they’re the best fit for you.  Finally, check with your wedding planner for her recommendations and referrals. She’ll be able to get you the hottest musicians that fit right into your budget!

Photos courtesy of Private Receptions and Ryan Brenizer from Sarah and Michael’s wedding

Exclusive Jewelry Event

 

Join them in their new space and receive your complimentary spa gift for her and a custom made shirt for him. RSVP to info@mybaubles.com and tell them PR sent you!

Dress of the Week

This 1950’s vintage wedding dress is as pretty as ever, in wonderful condition, and an absolute steel priced under $400. Scoop up this dress by Timeless Vixen on Etsy before it’s too late!

TOD’s Tip Of the Day: Ooh La La

This week’s tip is short and sweet. Don’t forget about your groom. Your guys will go gaga about how beautiful you look in your white dress, of course. They love you. But love them back and slip into something sultry later in the night when you get to your fabulous hotel room for your first night as man and wife. Try this out for size:

Joilala Photography

TOD says: Give a gift to your groom on your wedding night!

Trendy Wendy – Everything Wood Grain

by Trendy Wendy

gratitude journal from Wiley Valentine

Gorgeous girls, I am simply obsessed with all things woodgrain. It’s fabulous, nostalgic, and natural while still being chic. I love letterpress woodgrain especially as it looks so real. I’m thinking wedding invites. Could go perfect with the right venue aka a garden wedding, forest ceremony, etc. These are some of my fave woodgrains:

• These gorgeous Save The Dates are too cute with a bumble bee from Heather Jeany
• The Gratitude hand letter pressed journal from Wiley Valentine. Great as a gift for bridesmaids and groomsmen alike to show your gratitude for their participation.
• Wood Slices serving trays from West Elm. Put these on your registry for a metallic good time, or wood slices organic dining wear for all that cooking you and your new hubby will be doing together (even if it’s take out, it should still look fit for a king).
• Amelia Mae gets the award for the most unique woodgrain invites.
• Need your wood grain on a budget? Try these save the dates from Pear Tree Greetings.

See you next week for the hottest! xoxo Wendy

Fashion Fever: Kitten Heels, Yay or Nay?

Fashion Fever by Zilia Munguia

One of the biggest controversies of this winter’s trends has been the kitten heel.  Do we like them or not?  Let’s review the pros and cons :

Vaneli, Zappos

Pros

1. No more excruciating walks in 4-inch heels!
2. Great for tall people who want to wear a heel but don’t want to tower over people.
3. No more dreadful sneakers or boots to commute to work that ruin the whole look of your outfit.
4. Gives a professional look for everyday use at the office.
5. Once again they’re comfortable!

Poetic License, Zappos

Cons

1. Too often linked with little girl shoes
2. Doesn’t provide the same cool sexy feel you have when wearing skyscraper heels.
3. Not enough extra height for the shorter crowd.
4. Not a dressy shoe appropriate for all events or parties.

Sigerson Morrison boot, Zappos

My final decision . . . Yay on kitten heels!!  Being 5’3 I love the boost I get from a 4-inch heel but I have to admit I’m excited not to dread walking or standing for a long period of time!  After searching shoe sites and stores I found very cool an exciting kitten heels that will make me feel fabulous without the extra inches.  It’s all about pairing them with the right outfit.   Try a black mini dress with a fitted blazer (sleeves rolled up of course!), fishnet design stockings, stud cuff bracelet, and a pair of ankle high boots with a kitten heel.   You’ll be looking fierce, hot and chic! Check out Aldo and Zappos for great and affordable kitten heels!