Tag: wedding blogs
courtesy of weddingwindow.com
Huffington Post’s Kara Reinhardt reported 7 tips on how brides can budget on their wedding gown shopping, and they were soooo good I knew I had to share! She makes her money as editor of Cheapism.com; so, you can imagine, she’s quite the expert :)
Check out below and see how some brides choose to save and still stay sassy on their wedding day:
1. Consider a bridesmaid dress in white. A sales consultant at a salon may not volunteer this option, but many elegant designs come in an array of colors — including white or ivory. If you prefer a clean, simple silhouette to a full skirt and sequins, a bridesmaid dress could play a starring role for the cost of a supporting player.
I actually had a friend who did this – wad up, Leah! Not only did she looked absolutely b.e.a.uuuutiful on her wedding day, but she OBVS saved moolah on the gown; therefore broadening up her budget on other areas!
courtesy of Leah Matis
2. Plan a less formal event. If you imagine yourself at the altar in a cathedral-length veil, skip ahead to the next tip. But couples open to an outdoor wedding or any other casual setting can save a lot on attire. A lightweight dress for a beach ceremony is likely to cost far less than yards of embellished silk satin.
3. Seek out sample sales. Bridal salons offer big discounts a couple of times a year to clear out sample dresses, selling them as is. You may cringe if you’ve seen scenes of brides-to-be lunging at piles of marked-down gowns. But things may be more civilized at a local salon — some even take appointments during these sales. Ask about upcoming events and sign up for email lists.
4. Don’t overlook department stores. Off-the-rack retailers such as J. Crew and Ann Taylor have become go-to sources for brides on a budget, offering attractive styles and prices. But department stores have also embraced the bridal business. Cheapism found that Nordstrom is one of the best places to buy a cheap wedding dress. You can order online or make an appointment with a wedding stylist at select locations. Bloomingdale’s and Lord & Taylor also feature “wedding shops” on their websites. The dresses don’t take months to come in and can be returned.
5. Don’t assume mass-market means cheap. While these retailers set prices as low as a few hundred dollars, sticker shock is still possible. Most styles by BHLDN — the Urban Outfitters/Anthropologie wedding brand — carry four-figure price tags, and the most expensive is $6,000. Bebe is introducing a bridal collection expected to start near $1,000. Many salons carry lines that start well below that level.
6. Give secondhand sources a chance. You may balk at consignment shops and classified websites, despite the alluring prospect of a designer gown at a discount price. But sites such as Recycled Bride and Encore Bridal often feature new and sample dresses as well. New dresses don’t necessarily carry the bad karma of a called-off engagement, either. One bride is selling a $1,430 Mikaella for $600 on PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com because she switched to an outdoor venue and a simpler dress. My own bargain was hiding in the basement of a bridal consignment shop and could be ordered in my size. The experience came complete with a pedestal in front of a mirror, an attentive sales consultant, and a tearful sister-in-law exclaiming, “This is just like ‘Say Yes to the Dress’!”
7. Choose a color other than white. At New York’s bridal fashion week this fall, none other than wedding dress doyenne Vera Wang showed not one white or ivory gown. Many of her designs were black (can you believe it?), but even blush could help you sidestep the markup on anything labeled bridal. White isn’t always the easiest color to wear, and a different shade might better complement your skin tone. If you’re the type of woman who likes to turn heads, refraining from white is a surefire way to make a statement with your wedding gown.
(Kara Reinhardt, huffingtonpost.com)
March 13, 2012
So, here at Marilyn’s Keepsakes, we always like to brainstorm new product ideas… no idea is too big, too small, too ugly or otherwise. Thus, why brainstorming is fabulous… even the ugliest idea in the ‘storm can turn into a beautiful rainbow after all is said and done! (And yeah, I totally just took it to that cheese level. Boom.)
At our most recent brainstorm sesh, one of the girls (holllerrrr, Tonya!) brought an idea to the table that I absolutely loved: Pure Rhinestone Wedding Garters! One, because I love sparkle. Two, because there’s no better day to sparkle than your wedding day, and three, because it’s a Zsa Zsa twist on an age old tradition!
But I wanna know what you all think. Do you like the idea of a garter that dazzles?!?! Obvs, it would have to be done right, fastened with an enclosure that wouldn’t pinch and inset enough where the stones wouldn’t scrape, but pending those two factors… would this be a look you’d love to sport on your wedding day??
courtesty of Amy Ressa via pinterest.com
March 8, 2012
I love celebrities.
I love weddings.
Hence, I love nothing more than when celebrities and weddings somehow join forces to make magic. And nowhere has this combination been more apparent than at this year’s Oscar Celebration! Celebrity starlets came out of the wood work, seriously workin’ all kinds of bridal couture!
Okay, so maybe they weren’t actually bridal gowns, but between the bashful shades of pinks and creams to the stark bright contrasts of crispy whites and metallic dreams, this proved to be one red HOT carpet filled with a whole lotta wedding looks! Check out below and see what I mean :)
Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford
Dream! La-Louvre this impeccably tailored gown and cape combo! (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Rooney Mara in Givenchy Haute Couture
If Marilyn Monroe were a wedding dress... she'd look an awful lot like this :) (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Cameron Diaz in Gucci
Flared to perfection, this is an "I do" nude and gold dream come true! (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Stacy Keibler in Marchesa & Judith Leiber
Give us the gold baby, and make a bride 'pop' with richly awaited applause! (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad
The deeply plunging neckline and perfectly tailored diagonals give this gown a whole lotta POW! (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab Couture
Talk about Old Hollywood GLAMour at its finest! And what bride-to-be wouldn't want to be seen sporting this sparkling dream? (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Shailene Woodley in Valentino Couture & Harry Winston
While it may be a little "too old" for such a young girl, I could see a number of slightly more mature brides rockin' this Westwood! (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji & Neil Lane
Can you say, Silvery Siren, Ms. Spencer? Another vintage styled, cap sleeve gown I'll be dreaming about! (courtesy huffingtonpost.com)
Kristen Wiig in J. Mendel & Neil Lane
Tiers of neutral tulle make this unique gown a pixie-inspired bridal pick! (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Kelly Ripa in Carolina Herrera
Grecian goddess meets modern princess with this twisted halter dress. (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Giuliana Rancic in Tony Ward Couture
Love love love everything about this illusion neckline and intricate beadwork! Brava! (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Li Bingbing in Georges Chakra Couture & Cindy Chao
Strapless florals and appliqués... can it get anymore bridal than that? (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
February 28, 2012
courtesy of weddingringpillows.org
I love kids for a number of reasons.
- They’re fearless. They haven’t lived long enough to know true heartbreak or ache, making them far braver than any adult counterpart.
- (An extension of one) They love recklessly and unconditionally. They’re pure spirits, yet untainted by the worries and stress most people know all too well.
- They’re hilarious. Dead sere, no one makes me laugh like my 3 year old nephew and 2 year old niece. In a word, they’re riotous.
- But most importantly, they’re honest. While they learn the difference between what is right and wrong, they still have the innate ability to give responses that both refresh and revive the soul.
And when you combine points 3 and 4, you generally have some severely comical moments. I recently received an email forward from my crazy Aunt Julie – holla AJ! – and I thought I would share it all with you. So, so funny!
1. HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and be sure to keep the chips and dip coming. – Alan, age 10
-No person really decides before they grow up who they’re going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you’re stuck with. – Mary, age 10
2. WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
-Twenty-three is the best age because you’re old and practically known the person FOREVER by then. – Camille, age 10
-Once I’m done with kindergarten, I’m gonna find me a wife. – Bert, age 6 (Who says only older men want to commit?)
-No age is good enough to get married. You gotta be a fool to get married. – Isaiah, age 6 (He must not know Bert.)
3. HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
-You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids. – Derrick, age 8 (Brilliant!)
4. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
-Both don’t want any more kids. — Lori, age 8
5. WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
-Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough. – Olivia, age 8
-On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date. – Martin, age 10 (Seems logical enough – hehe)
6. WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
-When they’re rich. – Lucy, age 7 (Pam’s my favorite so far – haha!)
-The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn’t want to mess with that. – Curt, age 7
-The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It’s the right thing to do. – Howard, age 8 (And who said chivalry was dead? Look at Howie here… so incredibly noble!)
7. IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
-It’s better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them. – Anita, age 9 (bless you child )
8. HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN’T GET MARRIED?
-There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn’t there? – Kelvin, age 8 (Sooo cute!)
But the best answer by FAR…
9. HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
-Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck. – Oscar, age 7 (Haha! Amazeballs!)
February 23, 2012
designed by Tony Fleecs, courtesy of dailymail.co.uk
Zap! Boom! Whoosh! Bamf! POW!
That’s right. As geek chic becomes more and more popular, so do all the nerd-tastic trends it represents! And brides and grooms everywhere are learning just how fun incorporating these once less desired details into their big day can be!
As a lifetime-achieving, self-proclaimed nerdy bird, I’ve got to admit, I love this… especially when it comes to the comic book themed invitations. My brothers and I were raised on comic books and continue to little-kid-at-Christmas excited every time the latest Marvel or DC dream is released to the silver screen!
But I’m not naive enough to think that everyone will delight in this trend as much as me. In fact, I’m sure the more traditional and classic-minded folks out there might even turn up their noses to it… but even the most cynical comic book critics have to admit… they are one of a kind at the very least! And when done appropriately, turn out pretty amaZING!
Check out below and see what I mean…
Designed by Tony Fleecs for Heidi Atocicco and Chris Ryder’s wedding, this 5 page invitation was nothing short of a page turner :)
courtesy of dailymail.co.uk
Hello Kitty meets Archie Comics for this couple’s ‘happily ever after’ invite :)
courtesy of canvasandcanopy.com
Get super literal with a comic book cover invite, captioned with all the big day details and custom illustrated just for you :)
courtesy of emmalinebride.com (left) and stormwolfstudios.com
Take it even a step further by filling your invitation with graphically inspired inserts and super fun details :)
courtesy of nandlnotes.com
Or simply pop in thought bubbles with your favorite photo and BAMF! you’ll have a one of a kind invite like Jay and Anna :)
courtesy of minted.com
No matter how they do it or choose to showcase it, there’s no denying these original invites stand out and leave audiences (err, guests) hoping for the *To Be Continued…
February 21, 2012
courtesy of fiftieswedding.com
Happy Valentine’s Day to all those who love! Whether you’re in it or out of it, love truly is all around us, and there’s no better day to exploit it (or try and avoid it, haha!) than February 14th!
Personally, I’ve always been a fan of the big V-day… even during my most single and sullen of days, I learned quickly to appreciate the holiday as one to simply celebrate love… in all its forms! The love I have for that someone special. The love I have for family. The love I have for friends. Etc. Heck, if nothing else, it’s a day to simply celebrate the fact that mailboxes are a little more full with pink and red cards and stomachs with pink and red cupcakes. Yum-may.
And with all the pink and red being displayed – from store front to home front - I couldn’t help but think about two-toned weddings and just how b.e.a.uuuutiful they can be — and in today’s Cupid themed case, just how b.e.a.uuuuutiful Pink + Red can be! Be sure to not only check out the images below, but also take some time to spread the love to someone today! After all, it is in giving that we receive :)
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) lovefromtheoven.com, halterneckwedding.onsugar.com, jessicalewisphoto.com, blog.celeb16.com, colorsareblushandbashful.blogspot.com, thestylishbloom.com, blog.paper-source.com, etsy.com, sophistimom.com and flickr.com
February 14, 2012
courtesy of robertortizphotography.com
With everyone going green these days, it was only a matter of time before weddings would catch the earth friendly fever. And why not?? We’re all raised under the respectful manner to “love our mothers;” so, why should Mother Nature be any different?
One area to really show your “Mother” loving ability is found within the confines of the biggest expense in your wedding budget: the reception. While some couples are opting to budget crunch out favors for the guests, others are simply choosing to keep costs minimal.
Both smart and stylish, eco-friendly favors are the latest and greatest gifts to hit the wedding market. When deciding which favor will be friendliest, keep three R’s in mind: Reduce, Recycle and Reuse, and incorporate them accordingly. Below are some ideas on how to keep Mother Nature pleased during your planning:
- Trees, Please: Who says Arbor Day is the only day to hug a tree and save a life? Planting trees throughout the year is a great way to honor your guests, while making an everlasting impression of your love for the environment… think of them as symbolic saplings, if you will. As the years progress, trees become greater in size and rooted in strength – just as you and your Mister will! (Awwww!)
- Potted Centerpieces: Perfect for all the do-it-yourself brides out there, these powerful potted plants serve a dual, ovation worthy purpose. Not only do they make fabulous, eye-catching centerpieces during your big day, but you can invite your guests to take them home and replant them their gardens. AND, if you stick to perennial flowers, your guests will delight in seeing them come back year after year :)
- Dandy Donations: It truly is in giving that we receive, which is why making a donation to your favorite charity in honor of your guests is an ideal way to help out Mother Nature, while helping others. A perfect example of a gift that keeps on giving, donations – no matter how big or small – help make a difference! Not to mention, with the ease of a donations, there will be no excess wrapping paper or trash! Now, that’s a “hooray” I can really get behind!
- Shop Locally: Consider reducing your carbon footprint by shopping close to home. Driving long distances or having things shipped separately or from long distances can only add to the problem; so, be a part of the solution, instead, by looking online for the best deals in your area and taking advantage.
In the end, every little bit counts; so, why not do the eco-chic thing and be a bride who goes green? And feel free to check out our line of Eco-Friendly Wedding Favors and give the earth a hug today!
February 9, 2012
courtesy of Summit via extravaganzi.com
As much of my life is consumed by weddings – whether it be planning them, participating in them or simply attending them – I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of the day’s biggest crowning jewel… The Dress! It’s the one thing I will always look forward too, and the one thing that’s presence will never be surpassed.
Heck, since of the dawn of time, people have been getting hitched and bridal dresses have been worn, but it remains the singular bridal accessory that is both static in concept and oh so dynamic in content. With all the vibrant styles, designs, assortments, creations etc., it’s no wonder why it’s a favored part among so many.
And there is no better place to immortalize the wedding dress all than the Silver Screen!
With the well anticipated release of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 coming out this Friday (yeah, I just took it there), I couldn’t help but get excited to see the wedding scene again… if for nothing else, the ka-ka-ka-KILLER Carolina Herrera wedding dress, which is tailored impeccably to dance along Kristen Stewart’s delicate figure.
The $35,000 (yes, I said $35,000) custom created gown, which took four seamstresses six months to complete, oozes with timeless bridal elegance and has a regal quality unmatched by today’s standard of competition. In a world dominated by strapless couture, it’s the kind of dress that stands out in all the right ways… and don’t even get me started on the jewel-encrusted Manolo Blahnik’s she got to rock with it! I mean hellooo!?!? Can you say dream?!
And speaking of dreams, here’s our Top 15! Feel inspired, feel encouraged or simply feel completely green with envy like me, but no matter what, you gotta pay respect to the style :)
1. Kristen Stewart in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (2011)
all photos courtesy of summit via dailymail.co.uk
2. Elizabeth Taylor in Father of the Bride (1950)
courtesy of fiftieswedding.com (left) and ia.media-imdb.com
3. Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City (2008)
courtesy of nydailynews.com
4. Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
courtesy of firstqueen.net (left) and j-nacustomgsb.com
5. Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face (1957)
courtesy of gelinoluyorum.com (left) and rootsofgoodness.tumblr.com
6. Kate Hudson & Anne Hathaway in Bride Wars (2009)
courtesy of moviebackground.org
7. Claudette Colbert in It Happened One Night (1934)
courtesy of zankyou.com
8. Rachel McAdams in The Notebook (2004)
courtesy of shesgotdelusionsofgrandeur.blogspot.com
9. Jennifer Aniston in Marley and Me (2008)
courtesy of popsugar.com
10. Natalie Portman in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
courtesy of boards.weddingbee.com (left) and coolspotters.com
11. Audrey Hepburn (again!) in Sabrina (1954)
courtesy of celebritypicnic.com (insert) and fashionfilmstudies.blogspot.com
12. Sasha Barrese in The Hangover (2009)
courtesy of blog.weddinginacastle.com (left) and projectwedding.com
13. Keira Knightley in Love Actually (2003)
courtesy of pathe.nl (left) and weddingwindow.com
14. Amanda Seyfried in Mamma Mia! (2008)
courtesy of wearemoviegeeks.com
15. Ginger Rogers in It Had to Be You (1947)
courtesy of fanpix.net
February 7, 2012
Being that the Mister and I attend such a large number of friends’ and family weddings (51 & counting – boom!), I’m always leery to ever classify anything as “THE BEST.” In lieu of not wanting to catch feelings but also because I pretty much la-LOUVRE everything anyone does, it’s never an easy thing to pick out favorites amongst friends…
However – and this is a HUGE however – a couple weeks ago, we received what is legit THE BEST Save the Date EVER! It was super cute, super inventive and perfectly personalized with the couple’s names in mind.
Her name: Katie Matis. His Name: Liam Smith.
Mash them together in holy matrimony and what do you get?!??
Mr. & Mrs. Smith, of course!! So, you can imagine my delight when I opened the mailbox and found this save-the-date dream waiting for me!! There’s nothing I love more than when a couple makes their wedding their own, and in this case… it couldn’t be more perfect! It is just sooo them, and sets the tone for what will no doubt be an unforgettable evening of family, friends and matrimonial celebration!!
I mean can you say, genius?? Here’s the front:
And the back:
Heck, the reception is at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of this year’s Pats VS Giants Super Bowl rematch! I mean, how can it not be amazeballs?
The wedding may be months away, but I’m 100% confident in predicting… it’ll be one for the record books :) :) :)
February 2, 2012
courtesy of theknot.com
Exclusive / Schmeglusive.
Whoever said exclusivity makes something superior is seriously mistaken. This year, brides and grooms are taking it back to the old school (because I’m an old fool, who’s so cool… bah, couldn’t resist) with the ever famous, turn-of-the-century-inspired, all inclusive wedding portrait.
In typical watch-the-birdy fashion, couples are having their guests take a minute and say cheeeeese for the camera as a collective group. These popular panoramics are a super fun way to remember all the people who celebrated the day you said ‘I do’… not to mention, they can make for one incredibly laughable experience!
Because the size of guest lists varies from couple to couple, it’s EXTREMELY important to keep your number in mind when creating the shot. You need to be sure to work with your photographer and find just the right location. Ideally, the best location would be found directly in or right next door to your ceremony site. That way, all your guests are already together and your celebrant can inform them of the photo op before mass chaos ensues and a mad dash to the reception begins.
OBVI – the larger the number, the harder the shot; so, keep this in mind when finding your spot. Consider areas with an aerial view or places with large staircases where guests can be staggered and tiered. If your numbers get too high and the shot becomes too difficult, consider doing something more abstract… be less concerned about capturing every single face, and be more concerned with simply having everyone there for a more spirited shot. Check out below for some examples :)
Take the shot from above to show some serious love :)
photos courtesy of blairnicolephotography.com (top) and shangchenphoto.com
Use a staircase to see every face :)
photos courtesy of kimgrubb.com (top) and wallflowerphoto.com
Try something artsy… you’ll feel super smart-sy :)
photos courtesy of Google Images (top) and flickriver.com
But no matter what you do or if you even do it… just be sure to enjoy your day and all the people that go with it!
January 26, 2012
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