On Something Old, New, Borrowed, & Blue

Let's face it, we all want to be a creative bride when it comes to wedding traditions and the infamous verse associated with them:

Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

(To learn more about the original verse visit the following sites: http://ask.yahoo.com/20031027.html Or http://ezinearticles.com/?Wedding-Tradition---Something-Old,-Something-New,-Something-Borrowed,-Something-Blue&id=690931) 

Here are some ideas of how to incorporate these ideals in to your wedding day.

Something Old

Incorporate pictures from your parents or grandparents wedding day

 

OR

Rent a classic 

Something New

A gift from a friend or family member

Something Borrowed

A necklace or bracelet from a lady in the family

Something Blue

Monogram Shoes, Monograms inside your dress, Sapphires, blue rings, A blue tattoo (temporary or permanent),  blue garter, blue lingerie, blue dyed crinoline, flowers, gifts

On Making a Difference: Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Jump on the bandwagon ladies and host a breast cancer awarness themed bridal shower! Or even provide your bridal party with a breast cancer themed thank you for being a part of your big day!

You can have a Pink theme:

 Oriental Trading

(http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/shared/sharedFlowController.goToHelpController.do?&requestURI=link.staticContent&documentKey=mlp_1_cancerAwarenessFunnel&categoryFromSearch=true&categoryFromSearch=true&rd=breast%20cancer)

             

Pink Treats:

Recipes available on Manolo Brides Blog

http://manolobrides.com/2008/12/09/diy-wedding-favors-edible-and-pink/

Bridal Party Thank Yous

Tote Available at Stylehive.com

(http://www.stylehive.com/tag/breast_cancer_awareness/recent/grid/9)

Goodies:

(http://www.giftsforyounow.com/breast-cancer-awareness-gifts_331.aspx)

   

 Also try finding your gown at the Brides Against Breast Cancer Tour

“FIND THE GOWN OF YOUR DREAMS AND MAKE A WISH COME TRUE”

(http://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/)

On Do It Yourself Projects: Sometimes it's the personal touch that counts

Why not do some crafts on your own? Tap into your creative bones and muster up enough Elmer's glue, glitter, and card stock to create a wedding fit for a queen. As long as you do it correctly your guests will never know. And you my friends will be in a win win situation by saving money and being able to say "yes, I made those!"


Here are some links and images to get you started:

http://www.diywedding.org/

On this site you can venture through hundreds of ideas posted by Mette a bride herself. You are also given the opportunity to post your own wedding.

http://www.diywedding.org/

This website is part of the infamous the Knot network. Each blog post boasts around 5 do it yourself projects that you would've never thought of. Definitely a must see!

You can even create your own invitations through using Walmart's website http://www.walmartchecks.com/line.aspx?lineid=90
You get to interact electronically by changing text colors and wording AND get this ladies, they are only 18.95 for a pack of 25 invites!


You can print your own at home by purchasing the kits at your local  Walmart or Michaels craft store!

(an example of the Michael's Kit)

Video tutorials:

Invites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NP6kq29nCk&feature=fvwk

birdcage veil: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-plC2fwt5EA

Birdcage veil: http://hiphostess.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-to-make-birdcage-veil.html

Birdcage veil option 2: http://www.designsbymeganturnidge.com/blog/?p=844

Go to the Thrift store for Centerpiece Items

On Accessories: How to Maximize your Look

Accessories!
                      
                        A much overlooked part of day to day wear. Your wedding is not the time to leave it up to fate. Have fun with them. Try new and innovative pieces to personalize your look for your day. Bridal trends have shown, women are tapping in to their creative bones and letting loose with accessories. Don't be afraid to try hats instead of veils, large earrings, chunky necklaces, or even colorful shoes (those are always fun). 

Ellen Marie Designs

www.EllenMarieDesign.com

(Design your own Accessories or choose from a vast array of veils, barrettes, tiaras, and jewelry for amazing prices!) 

Jennifer Behr 

(http://jenniferbehr.com/index.php?main=gall&gall=2)

Have an accessories session. Invite your bridesmaids over, pull out your dress, and take a gander at what accessories look great with your gown. Make a party out of it. THE SKY IS THE LIMIT ON THIS ONE  LADIES! Your gown is not complete until you add the final touches, so, accessories, accessories, accessories!

On the Dress: What silhouette suits you best (Tall Slender)

You ladies should have a field day at the bridal salon.This body type can don almost any silhouette, so HAVE FUN! But to get the most "bang" for your day I suggest the following:

Fitted- A gown that hugs the body will read as elegant not over the top. Your body is a perfect canvas for the now in style ready to wear bridal gown (garments that can be worn immediately out on the town).

Back view- Play with gowns that flatter a nice back. Nice low cuts that drape beautifully will do the trick.

Mermaid- The mermaid silhouette right above the knees will do wonders for your curves and it gives you a bit of a fuller skirt to play with.

Piccione Bridal Collection

(Alfredangelo.com)

Greek/Roman- Try asymmetrical one shoulders with cascading drapes. Be a roman goddess for the day!

 Lisa Merton of Sydney-based Culture Bridal Couture

(She designs Couture wedding gowns, inspired by different cultures from around the world)

Full- Why not be a Cinderella for a day. But, as for every bride no matter the size, shape, or height, CHOOSE WISELY on this silhouette. You do not want to look like a an accent on top of a cupcake. Make sure you command this dress if chosen.

                                                  Allure Bridal Gowns

(http://www.allurebridals.com/)

On the Dress: What silhouette suits you best (Full figures)

Full Figured Women are the topic of today.


DO NOT be afraid of those curves ladies. Flaunt what you have and use it to your advantage when picking out your gown.  


*Undergarments- Use the proper undergarments to help your voluptuousness
stay in its lane. There is nothing worse than having to adjust your gown all day. Make sure your braziers have been tried and true. Wear them around for a day just to make sure they will do their job and do it well.

Spanx SPANX.com/ Marilyn Monroe

     

*Ruching- A technique where fabric is gathered to create a slimming effect. Ruching is flattering on any body figure, and is gorgeous when used in a wedding gown. It gives the piece more detail and definition for your guests to aw over when walking down the aisle. 

*Full or High skirts- Having a higher waistline can camouflage any imperfections in you lower extremities. This cut of gown looks very elegant and your figure will be flawless

Ruched and High Waist Gown- Margaux by Jenny Yoo

 (http://jennyyoo.com/wedding_alternatives.html)

On the Dress: What silhouette suits you best (Petites)

     As a designer I have found that there are many ways to hide our, shall we say "beauty traits" that he has learned to love so dearly. Though he takes all of us exactly how we are, believe me, we still want to look ravishing on our amazing day. So, here are a few quick tips to think about while choosing the infamous wedding gown.

Today we cover Petites

Petite Frames-remember ladies petite does not only mean small in dress size it applies to height also.

* Size Matters- Do not swallow yourself in a dress that is larger than life and larger than you. You want to be seen as a gorgeous woman wearing a gorgeous dress, not the other way around.

*Alterations- Find an amazing seamstress. You have familiarized yourself with your body for some years now and you know the key to a successful outfit is tailoring for your rather small frame.
     -There will be alot of excess fabric, so see if you can get a garter or even a veil made out of the scraps. The veil may be a birdcage style but it is a resourceful accessory to say the least.

Ellen Marie independent accessories designer-  

(http://www.1000markets.com/categories/weddings+hair-accessories/products/304211)

*Illusion of Height- try finding slim sillhouetes or empire waist lines. Or even if you dont mind showing off your legs, shorter gowns will create an elongating effect. Anchor yourself with a nice pair of heels to exaggerate your legs even more. Do not cut your body in half with a horizontal line!

Empire gown by Amanda Wakeley (http://www.amandawakeley.com/shop/bridal/readytobuy.html)