Red & Black Wedding

Red and Black has become a popular color for Brides in cooler climates and is a good mix for December brides. If you do not want to date your photos stay away for venues that have elaborate christmas decorations. Unless you want to see the christmas tree competing for the limelight with your dress, go neutral.

Many of you have seen Brides dressed in Red instead of the customary white gowns, but have you seen Black Bridal gowns?  Today's Bride is far from ordinary and she just might be wearing the next LBD to her very own wedding. See more Red & Black themes or brides all decked out in bold and vivid Colors!

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Online Gowns

You have been browsing the online Bridal Gown shops for awhile and still have not ordered your gown. Do not take chances if you are not sure!  Just remember, your gown will take time to be designed & more time if you have to make alterations & Time is of the Essence.

I have seen lots of dresses online that are so affordable, it makes me wonder the validity of it all. So, I did a search for reviews and found DressilyMe.  Here's some of their designs:

Wedding Dress for $256.99

Wedding Dress for $239.99

Chances are, you'll need to make some tweaks to your gown to make sure it fits you like a glove on your big day. It's important that someone experienced, reputable and capable takes on that task (A good tailor).  I am NOT a reseller for any manufacturer or telling you where/how to buy your dress. These are just suggestions and open for your comments.

Read a blogger Frugal Beautiful's review on DressilyMe.

Disclaimer: This is not an advertisement for DressilyMe nor a paid sponsorship from any company. Please do your research before you buy!
* Part of A Series *

Candelabra Decor

Candelabras make for romantic centerpieces at fall and winter weddings. The reason is it's going to start getting darker earlier, so lighting will become even more crucial. Incorporate crystals and one big mass of flowers for a classic look, or ask your florist to wrap blooms around the base for a bolder approach that would work perfectly for an escort table arrangement. 

This is difficult for a DIY because it is very hard to get inexpensive candelabras at flea markets or online, therefore you may have to use a florist to rent the candelabra and most florists will only offer them in a package deal. Flowers add more bulk to the equipment making the tablescape appear more lush and very favorable for large weddings.  This arrangement can be as elaborate as you want or as simple as you want by using multiple candles instead of flowers which can get quite expensive. But it is beautiful on any table depending on the flowers in season, so get the details before you hire a florist.

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Made in China

You have done your research and ready to shop China online. Here are some tips for purchasing a wedding dress from a Chinese dressmaker.

Many wedding dresses stocked in salons are made in China to begin with, these dresses are often made to a list of specifications, there is no reason why you can not request your own specifications to make sure your dress is well made. Generally Chinese dressmakers are very cooperative and helpful so they should be able to fulfill your wishes. Some things you might want to ask before you buy:

• For a nicer fabric. It will drive up the cost a little but there is nothing wrong with asking them to use a better quality fabric. Ask for a natural or silk based fabric rather than a polyester/man-made fabric.
• If you’re buying lace, ask them not to use a stiff one, good lace should be soft. Stiff laces look cheap and can make a wedding dress look and feel awful when worn.
• If you’re buying satin ask for one with a high thread count.

The Magenta Bride

Fuschia and Magenta has been popular colors for Brides in every state and city here and abroad. This color is so rich and vibrant and is a photographer's delight. Now Brides can choose gowns in this luscious color in shades to delight everyone.

As the weather starts to get a little colder why not choose Fushia/Hot Pink/Magenta to brighten up your wedding theme. If you are in the planning mode for your spring or summer wedding, think Hot Pink. There are endless tropical flowers to create a lovely bouquet and do not forget pink up-lighting for the reception hall. More ideas Here!

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Gowns Online

You already know the style of bridal gown that fits & flatter your figure and you also know the type of fabric you want. Now you are ready to do some online shopping.

There are a lot of inexpensive gowns and knockoffs out there that may look great in the photos online, but not the quality you desire. Be sure you have a clear understanding of what fabrics are being used, how the dress is lined, and where the gown is made. If at all possible request a swatch of the material before you order, there is nothing better than to touch and feel. Each site and each designer uses a different set of measurements, so grab a measuring tape and write down your measurements, to identify your right size. Remember to wear a bra similar to what you will be wearing on your big day and stand naturally, with your heels together and arms by your side.  If you purchase a made-to-order gown you will be ordering according to the designer's standard sizing policy, which is why, as a rule of thumb they advise you to order a size up & then alter the dress to fit you perfectly. 

Please note:- Bridal Salons profit off the alterations and they always make you order up a size to pad their pockets. If you choose to go with this standard when you order online, you will need a great tailor in your back pocket.  Want an ivory dress instead of pure white? A longer train? Straps? Need a plus-size dress? These options are often available to you when you choose a made-to-order dress online. Keep in mind, that you might be charged for some of the extras and it will take time. Normally, it will take 20-25 days to tailor a new dress before arranging shipment. It might be more or less, which depends on individual dress style and order quantity. So place your order sooner than later.

Dress Shopping

Bridal Gown shopping can be fun and it can be a heartache. Many brides are shopping online due to Budget constraints & many are getting good deals. Think before you Buy!

The first thing a bride should know is what type of style she is going for on her wedding day. The dress can really set the tone and mood for the entire wedding day and should coordinate appropriately. For example, if she is having an outdoor garden wedding, then a tea-length dress would be sweet. However, if the wedding is inside a formal hotel ballroom, then she might be better suited in a full-length gown. Of course, nothing is set in stone, and some rules are meant to be broken, so do think about your venue in choosing your style.

The next thing is to pick a style that compliments your figure. If you're a busty woman, finding a bust shape that works well with your dress is important. While much of this is down to wearing the right bra, certain necklines will accentuate your feminine qualities better than others. If the lower half of your figure appears fuller, it's important to create more balance. Add some style upstairs; choose wide necklines, puffy sleeves and tops that hug the shoulders. Tops with wide-set straps will also help to visually widen your shoulders and chest area. If you're a full figured woman, strapless and sweetheart styles will accentuate your bust and curves. Go to the nearest bridal salon or any department store and try on some gowns. Get a feel for what fabrics, styles, colors, and embellishments flatter your body type, height and skin tone. You'll find out if you are not meant to wear a lace dress. Be on the look out for the pushy salesperson, who only wants to make a sale!

After you have selected the style you want, go shopping.  Start shopping in your family's closet and attic. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing a Used or re-purposed dress. Remember that dress your Cousin wore years ago that you loved? Give Her a call.

* First in a Series *

Pink Rose Wedding

The birth stone for October is Rose and this can be reflected in both flower type and general color. The name Rose lends itself to feminine influences and soft tones for a perfect wedding.

Perfect for a classic or vintage style wedding, the use of Roses in pinks and whites make for a colorful bouquet and since roses are easy to find your decor options are endless. Pink wedding gowns are also very popular now so, wear blush or pinky pink and be unique. You could also add a modern twist by teaming your pinks with a Mint Green. See more Rose Pink wedding themes Here!
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Brooch Bouquet

Your wedding is full of choices, and there are many opportunities to trim your budget by doing things yourself.  You can make your own centerpieces… table arrangements… party favors…wedding cake... food and Brooch Bouquet.  Lately many brides are choosing a Bouquet made entirely of Brooches. 

Making a Brooch Bouquet can be a good DIY because you can make it months in advance and storage is easy, but they can be costly. Some brides pay as much as $8 per brooch and if you want an elaborate bouquet you could end up spending too much money and kill your budget. 

Taking into consideration the size and colors of the brooch you find, you must be careful to

Terrariums

We all know that floral arrangements can get expensive & a florist can take a big bite out of the DIY Bride's budget, so Brides need to think outside the box to achieve a great look for less.

Terrariums are an economical way to decorate reception tables for a wedding. You will have to make them in advance, so good storage away from the elements is necessary. Before you tackle this project you must make a sample before you go out and spend money on supplies. Sprout Home has some good instructions HERE. Look for other samples on the internet and make yourself a colorful terrarium in your wedding colors. This is a good project for a group of friends to do one weekend. Get creative & save $$$.
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Wedding in Peridot

Peridot is a green colored gem stone that is the birthstone of August. This color has many variations and you can choose Greens from dark Olive to Lime green for your wedding.

Choose an exotic blend of spring green and white flowers for your wedding bouquet, these might include Paphiopedilums also known as Ladies Slipper Orchids along with some Lenten Rose, & Freesias.

How about a bridal gown in Green and bridesmaids in green, yellow or white dresses.

Then dress the groomsmen with green vests & ties and you have the makings of a wedding in Peridot. Let shades of green take center stage and make your wedding unique.

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Beach Wedding

Last Saturday I coordinated a Trini/Jamaican beach wedding on Singer Island, Florida. God blessed the couple with a beautiful day, but it was hot even in the shade.

The bridal party went barefeet and the guests had the option to wear flip flops.

The wedding colors were Coral & Teal

The cocktail hour featured a pan player who also played the prelude to the bride's walk down the aisle and the Dejays kept the music thumping. Congrats to the Mr & Mrs.

Wedding in Neon

Neon and tropical colors are hot for weddings in Mexico and the Caribbean. These vibrant colors conjure up a beachside or waterpark venue that is very unique to today's brides.

Hot Pink & Lime Green with some Yellow and Turquoise makes for unlimited dress selection for bridesmaids and, you could have a field day with the tablescapes and floral decorations. Fresh flowers are available in the summer with lush colors so you can go wild and mix and match to suit your taste. For more Neon & other color themes visit my Pinterest page.

Red Hot Wedding

Red or Ruby is the color of July's birthstone and is chosen for weddings on that factor alone. But, RED is a classic color and most popular for the Cultural Bride. Brides in many countries around the world choose Red because of their culture. And why not, it is an outstanding color!

It sparks Happiness & Good Luck to some, and just Red Hot to others. You just can't go wrong with Red. There are so many colorful bridal gowns these days and if you are daring, wear a Red Gown and dress your bridesmaids in Pink or white. Talk about Unique!. . .see more Red Hot here.

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Source: Pinterest

Bridal Headwear

Headwear can include a range of different options, including veils, tiaras, hair pins and hair slides. If your wedding day is going to be a glitzy and glamorous affair then you will want an ultra-glam wedding look to complement this. As well as thinking about the perfect wedding dress and statement wedding shoes, think about how you are going to complete your look – will you be choosing to wear a stylish veil? Or a sparkling headband? Take a look at some glam bridal headwear ideas and get inspired.

 

Source

Tangerine/Lime

Ahh. . .Summertime and a long glass of lemonade/limeade mixed with some good ole tangerine juice does a body good.  These cool citrus colors are perfect for a backyard wedding or beach wedding due to the large amounts of decor items available during the summer season. This color inspiration of Lime Green/Tangerine/Orange will fit any lifestyle and budget and is perfect for the DIY Bride.

Make your signature drink for the reception some concoction of orange/lime/tangerine juice with your favorite liquor, then serve some key lime desserts. For your candy table get candy in citrus colors to please the little kid in us all.  There are lots more color inspirations HERE.

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Fresh Orange

Looking for a modern and fresh color palette for your wedding? You can't go wrong with ORANGE. This is such a vibrant color that it needs no company and can stand on it's own in any setting. But, it's a citrus and it is great with all the other citrus colors in combination style. My Niece's wedding was in Orange & Fuschia and our floral choices were endless.

Source: Pinterest

Lots more Orange Here!

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Trash the Dress

Your wedding is over. What do you do with this beautiful gown that you fell in love with and paid a small fortune for?

1. Pay to have it preserved and put in the attic.
2. Trash it and take some great photos/video.
3. Give the dress away to charity or a relative.

Many brides these days Trash the Dress.  Certainly you have heard of this by now. Brides posing under water;  brides wallowing in mud; or flouncing around in the snow in their bridal gowns. Why? . . well everyone has their own reasons and mostly it is for that great photo opportunity that no one else has. Trash the dress has become a worldwide

DIY Pomander

Pomanders have become a popular a tradition in modern weddings. Essentially, they are balls of flowers attached to a decorative ribbon.

Wedding pomanders can be carried by the Bride instead of a floral bouquet;  hung on the side of pews or chairs & used to create a tablescape for the reception.  If you can't

Caribbean Blue

Something borrowed, something Caribbean Blue. Are you thinking of a Destination wedding or a wedding in a tropical location?  Caribbean Blue is hands down the best color for a wedding overlooking the ocean or on a cruiseship. Even if you do not like "blue", there is just something about this pale blue/green color that spells beach wedding.

Source

Bridesmaids in short caribbean blue dresses, groomsmen in coordinating shirts and/or vests, bridal bouquet in blue orchids. . . is this on your radar?  For more Blue Inspiration go HERE!

DIY Table Decor

With an average wedding cost of $28,000 many couples are perplexed on how to pay for it all. A wedding should not put you or your family in debt. There are many ways to have the perfect day on any budget.  How?  Good Planning and good DIY skills. The reception usually is the most expensive part of your wedding with the costs of Venue, Catering, Alcohol, Music, Flowers, Bridal accessories and the list goes on and on.  One of the easiest ways to cut the expense of your wedding is to cut out any unnecessary extras and stick to a strict budget for all the items needed for your special day.  Unless you got a package deal that includes everything at the right price, you do not need them all.  Your first decision should be the DATE and VENUE.  Next, trim the guest list to guide you on occupancy/budget to feed them all.  If you choose round tables that seat 10, you will have less tables to decorate and you can do this yourself with a few friends & family.  Here's an Example:

One of my favorite Easy Tablescapes

Make your own with several tall cylinders (about 3) in graduated sizes and fresh flowers you

Superior Cakes

Upside Down Cakes
Now I have seen it all. It is hard enough to transport a well made cake from the bakery to the reception site, now you want to suspend it upside down from the rafters. Good Luck!

Holly's Cakes

Bakeries like Holly's Cakes has an extensive collection of chandelier cakes that are available in three, four, or five tiers, and they can easily be dismantled from the bottom for cutting. "My chandelier cakes hang from our custom support system and definitely

Bridesmaid Dress

Do you already feel like a blushing bride? Carry that sweet love over to your color scheme. Think peaches, blush pinks, nudes, pale lavender, beige & soft patterned dresses. You can find most colors in major bridal salons.

Then there are the brides that cannot agree on just one color so they choose luscious pinks & teals for a tropical themed wedding. Two months ago I worked with a bride that had fuschia & green bridesmaid dresses & she used bronze cover on the chairs. I would have never thought of that and I believe it was a last minute thing that turned out great. 

Color Story

Most Brides today create a Color Story on their inspiration boards for their wedding long before the proposal. This helps them to plan not only a theme for the wedding but the Venue. If you base your color scheme on your choice of venue you will be limited due to budget restrictions. If the venue is already styled in a Mediterranean theme, you will need a decorator to make it into your Tropical Fantasy and who has money for that!   If you love Teal but you realize it doesn't match the free table decor that comes with the venue, that doesn't mean you can't include it. You may just want to consider bringing it in through small details, rather than making it an overwhelmingly Teal-themed wedding.

Source: Google

Do not limit yourself to two or three hues, as long as they're all from the same color family and add complimentary colors like gold, silver, copper, black or white. The colors above are perfect for a Tropical Themed wedding. If you still want more Teal or Blue/Green in your theme check the Bridal Guide, they have more than 200 color combinations. Here are some more Teal/Turquoise & Blue Green Inspirations that you may just Love.  

St Patrick's Wedding

Green & White and the Luck of the Irish blessings are important to so many people. Some Brides choose to get married on St Patrick's day mostly because of their culture or their love of Green & White. Here is a sample of Green & White inspiration for the Luck of the Irish:

Source: Pinterest

These colors are great for any season and wedding gowns also come in Green available at a few salons. If you do not want to wear a green dress, how about a green tutu under your white dress for impact. Starting in February there are lots of decorative options for the DIY Bride, so shop early.

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DIY Bouquet

Last month,  I made the bridal bouquet and six bridesmaid's bouquets for a relative's wedding that we had been planning for 7 months. We purchased all the fresh flowers at our local Flea market for less than $80.00 and it took me 2.5 hours to make them all the night before the wedding. 

Wedding - 2/25/14

To make this Brides Bouquet I used:

Used Bridal Gowns

All brides want the best and most Glamorous designer Wedding Gown to wear on their big day. They buy all the bridal magazines and have their favorite pages dog-eared the first month of their engagement. Then they start gown shopping and reality hits. The gown they have been lusting after is more than $4,000 or not available in their state, or does not come in their size. This can make for a difficult shopping experience and many brides often leave the shops discouraged. I have been shopping with many Brides who cannot afford the gown they want or let their entourage talk them out of the gown of their dreams. Fit and Flatter is the most important, but cost drives them to tears.

If you are on the search for a Bridal Gown, would you consider a Used one? I do not mean your Aunt B's dress from the 1960's that is now discolored and tattered. Many ladies are now shopping for used gowns that they can personalize because of affordability. Have you seen the show on TLC called Something Borrowed or New? The designer on the show takes an old gown and re-purpose it in a style to fit the new Bride.  You can also do this or have your tailor alter a used gown to fit you at minimal cost. And, you will have a Custom dress that is not seen all over town. Check out the following sites:

www.preownedweddingdresses.com/

www.stillwhite.com

www.bridepower.com

www.oncewed.com/used-wedding-dresses/

www.nearlynewlywed.com

There are also many online shops that you can purchase ACCESSORIES to glam up a pre-loved dress. Create a sheath dress into a convertible with a Tutu; wear awesome statement jewelry on a bare neck;  get a dazzling belt or floral belt to cinch your waistline;  or get a bolero/shrug to update a sparse neckline, etc..etc.  How about adding some lace, an underbodice or detachable wedding straps to your gown? Use your imagination and go to Pinterest for some design ideas. Some of the accessories you need you can find on Etsy.

www.etsy.com/shop/TutusChicBoutique

www.etsy.com/shop/RosemaryDesignsBride

www.etsy.com/shop/RomanticARTlife

Get the style gown you like, have it re-styled/customized to fit you and your Budget. Nothing says vintage like a pre-loved bridal gown re-styled.

No other Bride will have your Beautiful Dress!

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Radiant Orchid

The Pantone Color of 2014 is Radiant Orchid and many Brides will be incorporating this color in their wedding this year. I think Orchid/Violet is a great color for a vivacious Spring wedding at the Botanical gardens in your City or on the patio of an elaborate Estate.

If you are not keen on orchid dresses for your bridesmaids, because not everyone can wear it, add some Pink or Lavender to contrast a pale Orchid. Of course you will have lots of orchids for your bouquets and it's best to use an artificial orchid if you want to have a flowing bouquet. Real orchids, as beautiful as they are, are very fragile and will break easy, so be very careful when using in your decor.  See more Orchid/Violet Here!

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WeddingMoons

Destination Weddings aka "WeddingMoons" have become famous over the past ten years when Brides found out how economical it was to host a Wedding in the Islands. You do have lots of options - Spend $10,000 on a wedding at home with a very small guest list, or spend $5,000 on an amazing trip to Greece for two, complete with a honeymoon cruise. Back in the day this was called "Eloping".  Then, an elopement happened when couples ran off to far away places and got married without all the fuss and approvals from Mom & Dad. Now they call it a destination wedding and Mom & Dad approve because it is cost effective and they get a vacation out of the deal.

Jamaica Grand Hotel

Then, there's the question of whether you want to pay for your guests to attend. That is entirely up to your budget and their ability to pay.  If you are considering a wedding far

Royal Purple

Getting married in February? Think PURPLE. This is the color of Royalty and it looks great on every skin tone. You can combine the richness of purple with so many other shades, your choices are endless. What about Violets and Orchids for your bouquet. . . Purple can stand on its own and be magnifique', but if you want to give it more pop, how about a purple/lime combination.

Lots more Royalty Here.

This is just for Inspiration.  If it tickles your fancy, tell a friend and come back to see more.

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Cakes

Let Them Eat Cake. . .
The cutting of the cake has been a part of the reception as long as I can remember and the Bride always stuff the cake in the Groom's face.   Lately I have noticed that the cutting of the cake is just for photos and it is the only dessert served.  In the West Indian culture a rich rum/fruit cake is the wedding cake, and another is cut up and packaged in boxes for guests to take home. The top layer of the cake is preserved for the couple to enjoy on their first anniversary. How much cake do you need to serve?

Source: Pinterest

The amount of Layers is dependent on how many Guests you are looking to feed. To save money, find a baker in your family who makes great cakes and ask them to make your wedding cake. They will be so honored. . but you will have to tell them exactly what you

Copper & Teal

While the winter months can definitely be dreary, there is no reason that your wedding colors can’t be filled with excitement and rich beauty. Although deep reds and icy blues are quite popular during weddings this time of year, light browns, teal, and purples can also look amazing. If you live in an environment that gets a lot of snow, than integrating creams and white can be very striking and dramatic. Think of Copper & Teal for your unique celebration and surprise your guests.

Source: Pinterest

You can find lots of copper accessories this time of year, so go Glam!