Blush*It!

“I Do” by Jennifer Bueno

Photocredits: Reem Acra, Vera Wang

We first saw this trend bloom last year during award show season.  Now, the wonderfully romantic color has been appearing all over Hollywood on many different celebs.  From Natalie Portman, to Lea Michelle, and Scarlett Johanson, this year’s golden globes officially confirmed that the color Blush is here to stay!

With the color spilling into the spring 2011 runways, bridal designers have also incorporated the color blush in to the wedding gown.  Vera Wang has two different takes on the color for her spring 2011 collection.  The hint of Blush simply transforms a traditional ball gown to a more glamorous, modern gown.  If you are more of an understated bride, not to fear, Vera Wang also offers a Blush demure one-shoulder gown that is simply effortless.  For the bride with more luxurious taste, Reem Acra has a lavish strapless appliqué satin gown that truly brings out the understated color.

So ladies, do you dare to blush on your wedding day?

Stress Free Dress Shopping

Manic Mondays by Lauren Cooper

I’m sure we’ve all imagined shopping for the perfect gown. Surrounded by your loved ones; trying on gowns that make you feel like a princess, having everyone’s attention on you. If you’re fans of “Say Yes to the Dress” (as I am) you may have an idea about how much of an emotional rollercoaster that shopping trip may be.  To make sure choosing your dream gown is as fun as you’ve always imagined it, here are some tips to make shopping stress free.

• Window Shop: Look through magazines or online to find pictures of the style you like.  Create an inspiration board, or binder to keep all those pictures in so you can take it shopping with you. Attending a bridal show may help you gather ideas as well.  Be sure to go shopping with an open mind.  Even though you have inspiration with you, the consultant may find a dress you wouldn’t have tried but looks fabulous on.

• Set a date: Saturday’s are the busiest days at bridal boutiques so make sure you arrange for an appointment.  You might want to consider another day of the week to go shopping, ensuring that you have your consultant’s undivided attention.  Consult your wedding planner for dress shops that have gowns within your price range.  It’s heartbreaking to find a gorgeous dress only to be told it’s twice your budget.

• Three’s a Crowd: Bringing your mother, sisters, grandmother, bridesmaids and future mother-in-law will make it fun, right?! Not so fast!  You might think that you’re including everyone by doing this, and the gesture is very sweet, BUT this is about you and it can quickly become very stressful if everyone has an opinion and wants you to try different gowns. Limit the excursion to three people.  If you really want to include everyone, make several shopping trips or bring everyone to your first fitting so they can see how truly spectacular you look.

• Plan Ahead: You should begin trying on dresses as early as possible.  Depending on the gown designer, it may take up to six months to deliver a gown.  And that’s without your alterations.  Be sure to bring the shoes you want to wear to your fitting, to make sure that the hem line is where you want it.

Your wedding planner can always direct you towards gowns that fit your body and budget, as well as resources for finding your perfect gown. Remember, this is your day and you should feel like the princess or glam girl that you truly are!

Photos clockwise to right courtesy of Carolina Herrera, Bellisima Bridal, Amsale, Vera Wang, Pronovias, Reem Acra, and Jim Hjelm

Spring Princess Brides

Some of our favorite dress designers are showing drool worthy collections for Spring 2011. For the Princess bride, try ball gowns with the light air of spring. Sun kissed brides will love the bare shoulders. Here are some of our favorites. Enjoy!

Reem Acra, Douglas Hannant, Vera Wang, and Christos gowns