The Royal Treatment!

Fashion Fever by Mallory Mayer

It’s Sarah Burton!! The wedding secret of the century has finally been revealed! The Alexander McQueen designer created this one of a kind royal wedding gown for the one and only Princess Catherine.

Kate’s beautiful silhouette was draped in gorgeous white wedding satin, with a modestly plunging neckline and long white lace sleeves. The bride wore a ‘halo’ tiara atop her hair and a sheer white veil covered her face as she waved to the crowd. Her something borrowed: her crown lent to her by the queen. She also had something new: her jewelry. Her diamond drop earrings, inspired by the Middleton family’s new coat of arms, which were a gift from her parents.

And my favorite part of it all…her beautiful face adorned by make-up she did herself!! I have heard grooms admit before that they didn’t recognize their bride as she approached him at the altar, but not this time. William’s bride was there in the way she has always been. Simple. Elegant. Beautiful.

I have mentioned my love of simple elegance and I further hold it true. This beautiful young princess couldn’t have done it any better.

Diary of a Bride to Be-Post Nuptial Depression

Diary of a Bride to Be by Lauren Cooper

I won’t lie, I’m a little sad that Will and Kate’s wedding is over.  Not that I was obsessed with it before it happened but they’re such a lovely couple to watch that you can’t help but feel happy right along with them. The wedding was so beautiful, it’s hard not to feel a little nostalgic after witnessing such a large part of history.  Which brings me around to post nuptial depression.  Just like some women may feel a deep sense of sadness, ennui or emptiness after having a baby, so too, some brides will have similar feelings after all the wedding buzz settles down.

Why is this?  Well, its likely due to the fact that brides are consumed with this huge project that they’ve been dreaming about for most of their life and it’s finally culminated.  And what are you left with after the dream wedding?  Well, marriage.  As I’m planning (and since I’m now taking a slight break from plans until the fall) I’ve been trying to keep things in perspective so that I don’t wind up with post nuptial blues. My step dad has been great with reminding me of this too.  “Have a great party, but remember that it’s just the beginning.”  In other words, the real party is your life together…and though it may not always be a picnic, what’s important is that you know your other half is always there for you, always supports you, always loves you.  Isn’t that what your vow to do on your wedding day?

So, in order to beat possible post nuptial depression, I’m trying to keep the big picture in mind.  If I ever start to get stressed about wedding plans (which, thankfully, I haven’t encountered too much of yet) I’ll remember that it’s him and I for the rest of our lives, and this one day, is just the beginning…(although it’ll be one fabulous beginning, if I say so myself)…

Every Princess Needs A Glass Slipper

“I Do” by Jennifer Bueno

Now that Kate Middleton is officially part of the royal family, eyes will forever be on her ever-evolving style.  But with all the attention the royal wedding received, we already have an idea on some of her designer favorites.

So what do her feet fancy? Aruna Seth.

Having commissioned four pairs for her wedding, one can only wonder what exactly about these shoes makes them fit for a princess.  With plush padding, satin fabric, and Swarovski encrusted details, any princess—or bride to be—is worthy of a pair.

From sandals, to flats, from wedges, to heels, Aruna Seth shoes are perfect for every occasion.  And, with her online bridal boutique, you too can have your very own pair of special wedding day shoes.  You even include a piece of the royal wedding with the Farfalla Royal Blue Satin Butterfly Heel.

So put on your glass slippers.  Prince Charming will be waiting for you down the isle.

How To: Royal Invitations

Manic Monday By Lauren Cooper

By now you may have seen the invitations to the wedding of the decade.  (I’m talking Kate Middleton and Prince William).  If you haven’t you can check them out here, but I must say, I expected so much more from such a beautiful and stylish royal couple.  The wedding invitations set the tone entire tone for your wedding.  It’s how your guests know how to dress (black tie, or casual?), hints at what your wedding colors are (so your guests don’t match the bridesmaids)  and gives a reflection about the couple’s overall style.  I get none of this from the royal invite.  Greatly disappointed.  For those brides searching for the perfect invitation, check out some of my favorite stationary providers.

Ceci New York

Now, this screams royalty.  Ceci uses thick, creamy cardstock for her invitations that can be letterpressed or digitally printed.  (Letterpress is when the wording and graphic are imprinted into the paper, creating a more textured and dramatic look)  Designs are elaborate and chic without being gaudy. In fact, a few of the Private Receptions brides have chosen Ceci’s fabulous stationary for their own weddings.  While, the price is on the steeper side, you won’t be disappointed.  Ceci designers are even willing to work with you to create a custom design and matching accessories.  (Bellybands, pocket invites, etc.)  Royal Wedding Worthy? Yes!

Ceci New York

Wedding Paper Divas

I can’t get enough of this site.  They offer exclusive designs from some of the top stationary designers and are amenable to a variety of customized options.  Here you can find everything from the stylishly simple, to rich and elegant designs.  They even provide a line of eco-friendly invites, made from recycled paper for those brides going green.  Their three different collections cater to a variety of tastes and, more importantly, budgets. So if you’re splurging on, say, a fab band, you don’t have to stress over stationary.

Twig & Fig

Born out of Cali, this stationer features couture invitations oozing elegance.  Completely based on your vision, the designers at Twig & Fig work with you to create the perfect wedding invitation.  They feature a variety of luxurious papers and invitation accessories to suite your every whim.  Want a belly band of ribbon with a charm attached?  No problem!  A wax seal to elegantly close the invites?  They have that, too.  Stop in at one of their New York store locations or call to make your own invite suited for royalty.

Want to see what some hot designers thought up for the real Royal Wedding?  Click here.