Trendy Wednesday: Mismatched Bridesmaids

Trendy Wednesday: Jenna Paniccia

Shopping for a wedding dress is like purchasing a new car. It has to be perfect, stunning, magnificent, and screaming your name from a mile away. Yes, you the bride are the center of attention, but your bridesmaids want dresses that make them feel just as stunning. Looking for the perfect bridesmaids dresses no longer needs to be a huge issue. Everyone has a difference of opinion, from what color looks best on them, to what cut flatters their figure, the list goes on and on.

When planning this big shopping day, approach it with an open mind. Give your bridesmaids options.

1. Pick a color scheme. Pick one color that you want the bridesmaids dresses to be and let them pick the best silhouette for themselves. If you really want to be daring and outlandish pick a color spectrum for the ladies to choose from.  Seeing different dress styles and colors can truly make a wedding come to life.  Not sure what colors go together?  Grab a couple paint swatches – they’ll give you variations on the color you want and you won’t have to worry about clashing!
2.  Different lengths are fun too! Shorter dresses a little above the knee have become quite popular. It’s more of a sophisticated-trendy look.
3. Play with pattern! Dresses that have touches of lace, stripes, and even embroidery can give your bridesmaids individuality that defines their personalities.
4.  If you don’t love the idea of having different bridesmaids dresses, try different colored shoes. Having the ladies pick their favorite shoes is a dream come true.

If you’re still not sold on the idea of mismatched bridesmaids, look for inspiration from the Sex and the City Wedding. How fabulous did those ladies look that day?!

Photo Credit: boards.weddingbee.com, rootedinloveweddings.wordpress.com, bellethemagazine.com, blogs.aexknows.com, weddingsbylily.com, beauxandbelles.net, blog.kristeenlabrotevents.com, feministe.us

Fashion Fever: Spring 2011 Collections

Fashion Fever by Zilia Munguia

It’s great to stay on top of current trends and we have been giving you ladies great tips so far about fall, but now we need to look ahead to what spring will be bringing us.  Here are our favorite wedding designers and trends that we are seeing for the Spring 2011 bridal collections!

Tulle, frills, floral embellishments and details are what are being seen on the runways of all the top bridal designers. Every little girl imagines a beautiful full ball gown to be married in, and tulle is the fabric that is helping make those dreams come true.  A tulle overlay helps bring fullness to a dress and gives a light as a feather look to a gown. Whether it’s for fullness or for a textural difference to a dress tulle will be everywhere.  Monique Llhuiler and Melissa Sweet filled their collection with ruffles and floral embroidery and embellishments making contemporary, chic, and sexy dresses.  Slip into one of their dresses and you will be one of the most stylish brides out there!

 

left to right: Melissa Sweet, Oscar De La Renta, Carolina Herrera, Monique Llhuiler

 

A new and interesting trend for this spring is designers paying homage to past influential women by designing dresses that represent their style and grace.  Carolina Herrera has a beautiful collection of wedding dresses that represents the styles from Grace Kelley to Frida Kahlo. I have to admit one of my favorites dresses from her collection was the Lena one shoulder dress that is sleek and sexy!  Oscar De La Renta also following this trend delivered a collection that was daring, unique, and overall beautiful.  You might be asking, “How is this a trend?” Well ladies this trend isn’t about delivering one particular look to an audience but giving a collection of dresses from all different decades and styles.  Your options are limitless so take advantage of the variety of styles that designers are offering!

To all the spring brides, Happy Dress Shopping!

TOD’s Tip Of Day: Always Trust Martha

Listen ladies, I’ve been telling ya’ll to trust Martha Stewart since she first introduced me to Robbin’s Egg Blue when I was just a wee teenage boy in the small town I shall not mention here. This to die for Carolina Herrara gown from Martha’s recent Bridal Fashion Show with a touch of that gorgeous blue we love so much reminds me of how true it is. Class, all the way. And that sleeve!

(From Martha Stewart Weddings) The details: Carolina Herrera gown, worn with Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz earrings, Harry Winston necklace, M&J Trimming ribbon, Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz brooch, Oscar de la Renta cuff, Ever After Miami and Memoire ring.

TOD says “A little blue goes a long way on your big day!”

TOD’s Tip of the Day – Say Yes to Yourself!

Just Say NO to Jessie Spano!

I’m as interested in the latest and hottest trends as the next man about town, but remember guys and gals, to thine own self be true! If your favorite colors are “so last season” everyone else can get over it! Remember scrunchies and giant puffy headbands? You know you didn’t want to wear those! Imagine the equivalent in your wedding photos ten or twenty years from now, no thank you!

TOD says “If you go with what you love you’ll never regret it no matter what happens with the trends!”

Fashion Fever – So many fabrics, only 1 dress!

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

So you’ve just been proposed to – CONGRATS! Date is set, venue is booked, and bridesmaids are chosen, there’s only one minor problem, YOU’RE DRESSLESS!  That’s ok, deep breaths! Fashion Fever is here to help, exploring different fabrics used for bridal gowns.  There are many types of fabrics built into the silhouette of the dress so we will only be going over a few (you can’t spend too much time reading about fabrics – you got to get out there and look for a fabulous gown!)

Vera Wang

Organza is a crisp fabric.  It is thin enough to just accent some bridal gowns but strong enough to be the entire base of others.  It is very similar to chiffon but has a heavier foundation.

• Pro: Organza has the most romantic feel!  Perfect for a Romantic Fall wedding.
• Con: Organza is very easily wrinkled and must be steamed properly to relieve the wrinkles. PR loves Vera Wang organza ballgown!

Charmeuse is a very lightweight fabric, which forms and contorts to your body’s shape and movement.

• Pro: It’ll show off that dedicatedly worked-out bridal body!  Check out Private Reception’s Lauren Coopers “Sweat the Stress Away: Bridal Workouts!”  blog for tips to help get into great shape for your big day.
• Con: In photos the fabric may come across too clingy so be aware of the dress’s shape at all times.

Chiffon is a very lightweight and sheer fabric.  This fabric–radiating with a fashion fever–adds dimension to any bridal gown, contributing to the dress with subtle texture.

• Pro: The Perfect summer dress!  Its weightless feel will keep you cool for any warm summer day!
• Con: This very thin knit fabric can be easily ripped!  Be very, very careful when handling your gown.

Oscar De La Renta

Silk is a word that defines itself!  It is very elegant and always helps those who wear it portray class!  This fabric can be infused making up different types of silks such as silk faille—a glossy silk with hard texture, silk taffeta—a mid-weight silk with a polished look, silk crepe—an opulent texture with a soft feel.

• Pro: Studies show that silk fabrics can enhance your inner calmness, which is perfect for calming nerves on your wedding day!
• Con: The dress may turn yellow if ironed improperly, so be sure to trust the shop that you bring your gown to! Check out Oscar de la Renta’s Silk Razmir strapless gown with ruffle detail. One of our June brides wore this gown and it looked so couture! To see photos check out our Private Receptions Facebook Fan Page, the “Sarah & Michael” album.

This is only the beginning brides-to-be!  The best way to picking your fabric is trying on gowns of different types to see which you’ll love for your wedding day!

Fashion Fever – Flower Power

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

Flower girl!  The word speaks for itself; it’s a word that describes cute, adorable, and playful all rolled into one.  Flower girls can be the mini versions of your bridesmaids from dress and shoes to hair and accessories.  They want to be dolled up as much as you do, so have fun with the cute idea of little girl(s) walking down your ring bearer or throwing petals on your runway to your groom.  Here are some Fashion Fever tips for dressing your flower girl.

Try Fox’ n Lily for a wide variety of dresses.  They offer sleeveless to keep your flower girl cool during these hot summer months or sleeves to keep your flower girl comfortable during a winter wonderland wedding.  The dresses are designed with embellished jewels, satin sashes, and lace overlays, depending on what you’re looking for they have it all!

If you’re looking for something full of tulle try Etsy.  They have over 200 dresses and tutus for any flower girl walking down the aisle. Some may be a bit over the top for an everyday wear but the loads of tulle create the perfect flower girl ensemble.  Try Dreamspun for unique handmade dresses.  Each dress is handmade when ordered! So you’re flower girl will look like one of a kind!

First row l. to r. White dress with green sash: Fox' n Lily, Gold sequins flats: J. Crew, Flower girl walking down aisle: Johanna Grace, Flower girl sitting on the stairs: Fox' n Lily, Flower girl baby: Johanna Grace Group of 3 flower girls: Dreamspun Tangerine Headband: J. Crew, Red flower girl dress: Dreamspun, White and lavender dress: Fox' n Lily, Flower girls and ring bearer: Johanna Grace, Cream lace dress: Fox' n Lily, Pink flower hair accessory: Fox' n Lily, Vintage tiara: Fox' n Lily

Don’t neglect your flower girl fashion!

Fashion Fever — Glamming Up Your Groom

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

Ciao brides to be! In this Fashion Fever post we’re heating things up and glamming out your groom’s style to look as hot as yours!  We know this is the day you’ve been dreaming about since you were 5 and your imagination has always had a guy in a great tux next to you.  This means his accessories should be nothing short of timeless.

Entirely Ties When choosing groom’s wear incorporate the theme of your wedding without making it too matchy-matchy.  For example if your wedding theme is Eggplant and Marigold (Check out Jennifer Crone’s How To – Eggplant & Marigold Blog) incorporate shades of Eggplant with your tie choices for the groomsmen but have your groom wear a white or ivory tie accented by a Eggplant Calla Lillie boutonniere.  Check out Nordstrom’s tie selection, or if your fiancé is looking to splurge on some groomsmen gifts try Dolce & Gabbana tie’s at the Forzieri Shoppe.

Top row left to right: D&G, D&G, Tiffany & Co. bottom row left to right: Salvatore Feragamo, D&G

Cufflinks worth Coveting Cufflinks can give any tuxedo an immediate personality. Cufflinks can be very decorative, traditional, and even humorous.  PR Girls recommend that the cufflink be photo worthy on your wedding day.  We’re hot for Tiffany & Co. cufflinks!  They might be slightly costly, but they’re classic and unforgettable.  If Tiffany isn’t your style try Etsy for more of a unique or funnky look.

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes Choosing the perfect pair of shoes is a big part of the wedding process.  They need to be comfortable, dance worthy, and stylish.  Here’s and idea: give your hubby a gift on your wedding day – great shoes to complete his trendy look.  Salvatore Ferragamo’s shoe options have something for any groom! If looking to save check out Calvin Klein;  they have great looking shoes for great prices!

Remember you want to enhance your groom’s look not change it!  You’re marrying him and his style so just improve his boyish taste!

Fashion Fever – What to Wear to a Wedding?

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

“What should I wear? Will I be over dressed? Underdressed?” Do you feel these three questions come up every time a wedding invitation comes in the mail?  Do you stand in front of your closet with a blank stare when searching for an appropriate outfit to wear to the wedding? No worries girlfriends! This Fashion Fever will help you discover the perfect summer wedding wardrobe.

Cool Colors This summer we’re all about the cool color pallet.  Aim for shades that imitate sea blues or rainforest greens for a hot look.  If you go with cool colors choose cool fabrics.  During these warm summer months avoid anything too heavy. Try silks and chiffons for a breezy feel.

ALERT: PR Girls Picks! BCBG MAX AZRIA silk ombre one shoulder gown is the perfect combination of sea blues and elegance.   Pair this beautiful dress with frosty accessories like these Swarovski Dolce Pierced earrings and BCBG MAX AZARIA Mirna heels.

Cool Colors Dress: BCBGMAXAZRIA silk ombre one shoulder gown Shoes: BCBGMAXZARIA Mirna heels Earrings: Swarovski Dolce Pierced earrings Textures Dress:Milly Mini Empire Shift dress Shoes: beehive Enzo Angiolini Bagles: Nadri coutout flower hinge bangle Cream: Dress: Milly Clarette ruffle mini dress Shoes: Tahari Adele heels Clutch: Amanda Pearl Samantha clutch

Tantalizing Textures We’re hot for classic looks with embellished details.  You want the details to emphasize the beauty of the dress not drown the silhouette.  Stay cool with a mini or sleeveless.

ALERT: PR Girls Picks! Milly Mini Empire Shift dress is great look with embellished woven appliqué and unique straps.  Try a beehive Enzo Angiolini heel with a metallic Nadri coutout flower hinge bangle to complete the style.

Clean Creams As we know wearing white to a wedding is a faux pas NO NO!  But, with the hot summer sun and day weddings becoming more popular a light colored fabric seems like the flawless choice!  Pick creams and beiges to still reach a light color goal.

ALERT: PR Girls Picks! Milly Clarette ruffle mini dress is fab with silk fabric and the cut is timeless for any summer day wedding.  Pair this great dress with Tahari Adele heels and an Amanda Pearl Samantha clutch for a perfected look.

Look fabulous – while staying cool during this warm summer season!

Beauty Fever!

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

As we end Beauty Week at Private Receptions we would love to leave you with some tips that will make you look absolutely radiant on your wedding day!  Here are the PR Girls favorite product picks!

• DO choose mascara that will amplify your eyes! Try CoverGirl LashBlast Length Water Resistant Mascara
• DON’T pick non-waterproof mascara!  It’s very possible a tear or two might drop – no reason it should ruin your make up.

• 

  Make up: Vie

  DO try faux lashes for an enhanced dramatic look!  Check out Laura Mercier Full Faux Eyelashes

• DON’T choose eyelashes that match the theme of your wedding i.e. aqua shade or accented with glitter. Think 1981: do you want your photos to look like you got married in that year?

• DO use a gel or creamy blush for a non-cakey look. Take a crack at Smashbox O-Glow
• DON’T settle on a color that won’t define your bone structure.

• DO use NARS Sheer Glow Foundation to boost your wedding glow!
• DON’T apply any foundation that has SPF in it for your wedding day.  It will cast an ashen shade on your face when using flash photography. But every other day of the year? Sunscreen for you Missy!

• 

  Make Up: Chanel

  DO choose a lip stain that will give a pop factor on your wedding day! Lip colors by Chanel come in an array of shades.

• DON’T choose a color that will wash you out. There’s natural and then there’s blah.

• DO choose perfume that denotes your personal style! For a citrus scent try TOCCA Florence or for rose-orange blossom scent try BVLGARI Volle de Jasmin
• DON’T drown in your scent! A little dash will do ya! And me sure to choose a color that’s in line with the season. Don’t choose cinnamon spice for a spring wedding.

Enjoy the PR Girls Favorite picks!!

J. Crew Fall 2010 Collection

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

Fall is knocking on our doors ladies!  And there’s one only way to answer: to be in the know about J. Crew’s yet to be released luxurious Fall 2010 Bridal Collection. This collection is radiating a Fashion Fever!  The ingredients of bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, veils, jewelry, clutches, and shoes create the recipe for the romantic fall collection.  It will arrive in 30 vibrant colors, featuring different shades of navy, plum, and mint.  The 6 varieties of fabrics are the perfect way to match all body types – J. Crew truly thought this collection through and ladies of all shapes and sizes can appreciate it.

Check out J. Crews Bridal Boutique on Madison Avenue, which freshly opened in May.   As I’ve been told by our J. Crew insiders, the Madison Ave Boutique currently has a few of the of the Fall Bridal Collection pieces for pre-sale and fittings—so get em’ while they’re hot!

J. Crew

I personally love the cotton silk faile dress in Vintage Wisteria (a shade of plum); it’s sweetheart cut and form-fitting silhouette is great for the petite body type.  Don’t overlook J. Crew’s silk taffeta dress with a ruffled collar and an empire waist in Violet Dust–the perfect fit for a curvy bridesmaid.  Short Torso? Don’t worry! J. Crew silk taffeta one shoulder dress in Matisse Blue will lengthen their look.

J. Crew’s Fall 2010 Bridal Collection is sure to strike any bride-to-be with a fashion fever!