Shopping For Your Wedding Dress: Bring This to the Salon

I have to admit that watching the TLC show "Say Yes to the Dress" is such a frustrating experience for me for a couple of reasons:

• Why do these prospective brides bring an entire posse to the gown selection when they know it is a recipe for disaster?   The more participants, the more differing opinions you'll have, the slower the selection process.   Some members of the posse have the audacity to suggest the bride exceed her budget to select a dress they prefer (with no offer to chip in!)
  
  
• Also, why don't brides bring pictures of the type of gown they're seeking so that the selection process goes much smoother.   Sometimes the consultants become exasperated and invite to-be-weds to help search through a sea of bridal gowns.   I would be absolutely overwhelmed and somewhat claustrophobic if I had to do this.

I'm hoping that the featured brides' stories are shown for entertainment purposes because of the drama and that more brides don't handle the selection process in this manner.

Brides Magazine suggests that you bring only the following to your gown selection:

1. Nice but modest underwear
2. A supportive strapless bra
3. Freshly shaved legs and armpits
4. A shoe with the heel height you'll probably wear with the dress
5. An elastic band or hair clip, if you'll be wearing your hair up
6. Your mom and maid of honor (No posse!   You don't want too many opinions.)
7. A digital camera or phone that takes good shots (if the salon allows this)

I would add to the list:   a picture or magazine clipping to guide consultants to the dress of your dreams.

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Copyright © 2007-2011, Things Festive Wedding Blog. All rights reserved.

Contemporary Love Birds Cake Topper Featured

Our Contemporary Love Birds cake topper was featured on the Project Wedding site as part of this beautiful rustic wedding.   The wood platform, candles and precious family photos help to create a warm and sentimental mood, don't you think?



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Bird Wedding Ideas: Owl Always Love You with Sweets

When I saw this adorable owl-themed candy buffet at Amy Atlas' blog, I couldn't help but think of how great it would look as part of our Owl Always Love You wedding theme.  Don't you just love the paper lanterns and flowers floating above?   The candy buffet was designed for a birthday party but with a couple of tweaks, it would work just as well at a wedding reception.

More bird wedding ideas


Candy Buffet image courtesy of Amy Atlas Blog

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Candy Buffet Ideas - Personalize Your Goodies

Here are some candy buffet ideas that will turn your sweet display into somewhat of a "wedding favors station":

More candy buffet ideas


Personalized candy buffet bags allow guests to take home a sampling of treats.


Personalized chocolate bars make tasty favors and are a yummy way to display your names and wedding date.


Homemade goodies look more special with themed favor tags and stickers.

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Wedding Tablescapes & Chair Covers

Event designer Jennifer Carroll has created amazing wedding tablescapes but I was especially surprised to see that she, too, is a fan of Wildflower Linen chair covers.   With Jennifer's eye for detail and these exquisite chair covers, the results are nothing short of fabulous.

More wedding tablescapes


Images courtesy of Jennifer Carroll Events

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Ring Bearer Pillow Alternatives

Think beyond the traditional pillow as a means of transporting your rings down the aisle.    Check out these delightful ring bearer pillow alternatives:

How eco-friendly and inventive is this handmade pillow of green moss?   Ring pouches provide a secure means for getting precious wedding bands to the altar.   A satin or decorative lucky horseshoe is an interesting alternative to the traditional pillow.   Tie rings to the stem of a decorated small pumpkin for an autumn wedding.    Enhance a Love Bird wedding theme by transporting rings in a bird’s nest.    Have your "treasures" carried in a treasure chest style jewelry box.    Love antique cars?    Use a model or toy car as a ring vessel then gift it to the ring bearer.    Isn't the large silk dahlia with grosgrain ribbon simply gorgeous?


Image credits:   Pumpkin (morgannhilldesigns.blogspot.com), nest (etsy shop: garden side studio), treasure chest (inspirasiancreations.com), car (theknot.com), dahlia (magnetstreet.com)

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Vintage Bridal Gowns by Claire Pettibone

If you're looking for a vintage bridal gown for your Spring or Summer 2011 wedding, you won't be disappointed by Claire Pettibone's newest collection.   Claire's Spirit of the Night collection will appeal to every bride whether you fancy a vintage gown with a modern silhouette or want to create your own romantic fairy tale.

Complete the look with hair accessories, jewelry, garters and handbags.



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Should You Have a Live Band or DJ? An Expert Weighs In

If your wedding guests will vary drastically in age, Bronson van Wyck of Van Wyck & Van Wyck Event Planners suggests that you start the evening with music that is accessible to everyone then switch to a more eclectic mix as the night goes on.

DJ or Band?
According to Bronson, "there's nothing like a live band but if guests are mostly young and want to hear a certain playlist, then a DJ is fine, and definitely more budget friendly."

Trends in Wedding Music
Having a second band.   The first of which is a society orchestra and the second one being more specific (i.e. disco or '80s cover band.    More people are saving the DJ for reception after parties.

via Town & Country Weddings

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November Wedding Giveaway Winners Announced

Congratulations to our November 2010 SpaFinder Giveaway Winners.   Here's how they plan to use their gift certificates:

Read more »

Wedding Giveaway: Vote for Things Festive and Win $500 Cash!

As mentioned in an earlier post, the Things Festive Wedding Blog was recently honored as a top 20 wedding blog by Perfect Bridal and Brides of California.    A contest is underway to determine which of the top 20 is #1 and we would love for our readers to show us some love.

If the Things Festive Wedding Blog is declared the winner, a $500 donation will be made to the American Heart Association on our behalf.   Also, one lucky voter will be selected at random to receive $500 cash.   It could be you, so take a minute to place your vote by going here and clicking

on the purple "Vote" button on the right side of the page.  Increase your odds of winning by voting for us once a day until March 15, 2011.   You never know; the $500 cash prize could take your wedding plans over the top!


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Castle Wedding Reception: Oheka Castle Hotel & Estate

What better end to a Fairy Tale Wedding ceremony than a castle wedding reception?   What better castle than the Oheka Castle in Huntington, NY?   Only one wedding per day is held at this sublime venue so you will definitely feel like a VIB (very important bride).


Image credits:
Images 1, 4, & 5 (Brett Matthews Photography); Image 3 (Deja Vu Studios); Images 2 & 6 (no source)

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Wedding Giveaway: Win $20,000 in Upscale Wedding Attire

Outfit your entire wedding party in style courtesy of Nordstrom.   Simply like Nordstrom's Wedding Facebook page and you could win a grand prize of $20,000 in wedding attire and accessories or one of many $200 gift cards.   Giveaway ends January 31, 2011.

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Purple and Fuchsia Wedding Outdoors

If a purple and fuchsia wedding color palette tickles your fancy, can't you just hear all of the "oohs and aahs" as guests make their way into this paper lantern-filled reception area?    The colorful luminaries light the way to the area once night falls.    Lively fuchsia and purple are present in all aspects of the wedding including the favors and groomsmen gifts.  To keep the color palette from being too girly, cool shades of gray are worked in.   Resources below.

Click image to enlarge

Image credits:   Reception area (swsmag.net);   Wedding cake (affairswithelegance.com);   Bride/ bridesmaid/flower girl, groom, ring bearer, luminaries (stylemepretty.com);   Shoes (kellyoshiroevents.com);  all other items from Things Festive

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Chef's Table Wedding Reception for the Foodie Couple

Serious foodies once hosted wedding receptions in their favorite restaurants but lately more gourmands are "taking it up a notch" and opting for culinary feasts at private chef's tables (to find a private chef's table in your area, visit zagat.com).   This reception style allows them to get closer to all of the gastronomic action and is best suited for smaller guest lists.   More ideas and resources below.

Click image to enlarge

Images courtesy of brides.com and Things Festive.   Invitation, favor bag label & wine label found here

Before the main course, allow guests to gather in the kitchen and nosh on tasting portions served straight from cooking stations.    Guests then move to a single long chef's table within view of the kitchen.    Decorative menu cards are strategically placed on the table to give guests a glimpse of the culinary delights that are still to come.   Decorate the space with ribbons and flowers in colors that stimulate the appetite.   Dress wine bottles in theme-appropriate personalized labels.

Food-related favors are apropos and a wooden spoon or other serving utensil can serve double duty as a place card and favor.    Simply attach a tag with each guest's name and place at each setting.    If you prefer to show off your culinary skills, gourmets treats in pretty packaging are always a hit with guests.

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Copyright © 2007-2011, Things Festive Wedding Blog. All rights reserved.

Which Item is a Must-Have for Your Wedding Day?

We recently asked real brides-to-be to share with our readers the item that is a must-have for their nuptials.   Here's what they said:

• ...a lace trimmed veil the length of a chapel train.   It would truly complete my wedding look.    -   Jordan H.
  
  
• Amazing wedding favours that are completely unique to us!   -   Kathleen H.
  
  

Read more »

Colorful Bridal Gowns for the Fearless

It’s not unusual for designers to accent bridal gowns with colored ribbon, lace and panels but these colorful bridal gowns definitely push the envelope.   According to pre-eminent gown designer Monique Lhuillier (who has designed gowns in yellow and steel gray), "bridal is really much prettier if you incorporate some kind of color.   It says you’re not afraid."

Complete the look with hair accessories, jewelry, garters and handbags.


Image credits (left to right):   sangmaestro.com (gowns 1 & 2);   bridalbuds.com;   weddingdressesup.co.uk (Vera Wang)

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Dusty Rose, Taupe & Ivory Color Palette

How lovely is this wedding color palette in Dusty Rose, Taupe and Ivory?   Although all of the colors in this palette are subtle, the exquisite details will definitely get attention.   Resources below.

Click on image to enlarge

Bridal bouquet (chrysalis-designs.com);   Invitation;   Ring pillow;   Bridal Shoes (Badgley Mischka);   Favor box & tag;   Brooch (perfectdetails.com);   Wedding gown;   Evening bag;   Nail colors (Particuliere, Tendresse, Inattendu by Chanel)

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Love Bird Damask for a Valentine's Day Wedding Theme

Perfect for a Valentine's Day wedding theme, the Love Bird Damask print features the classic damask pattern with delicate flowers and sweet love birds flawlessly interspersed within.   Opt for the traditional Valentine's Day colors of red and pink (with black as the grounding color) or any of the 15 colors available in this collection.

Click on image for resources

Wedding dress image courtesy of weddingbee.com

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Copyright © 2007-2011, Things Festive Wedding Blog. All rights reserved.

Exciting New Ideas at Things Festive

If you were caught up in the "hustle and bustle" of the holiday season and didn't get a chance to peruse Things Festive Wedding Blog over the last couple of weeks, here's what you missed:

• The polite way to ask for money as a wedding gift.

• Things Festive voted among the Top 20 Wedding Blogs.

Read more »

Wedding Stationery - Hand Calligraphed Return-Address Stamps

According to Emily Post, a couple must send thank-you notes within three months of receiving wedding gifts.   Use these hand-calligraphed return address stamps to not only make the task easier but also to add a touch of elegance to each envelope.    This would add a nice touch to invitation envelopes as well.

Find invitations and RSVP's to match your wedding theme


Left to right:   Primele, Paperfinger

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DIY Wedding Favor Idea: Picnic Style Wedding Favors

If you’re planning an old fashioned picnic style reception, these miniature picnic baskets will make ideal DIY wedding favor containers.   Fill each basket with tiny treats, adorn with ribbon and watch your guests absolutely gush over them!   For added charm, attach a favor tag with wording similar to that below.   This favor idea works best for casual, rustic, vintage, or shabby chic style weddings.

Click image to enlarge

Picnic basket w/gingham ribbon image courtesy of Calli B Photography

Suggested gift tag wording:

"Thank you For Coming!

We know life is no picnic so…

We’ll remember to ham it up so our home is filled with laughter.

We’ll know when we’re in a pickle we still have each other, and that if life gives us lemons, we can make lemonade.

We’ll remember one is strawberries, the other one cream – fine on their own but better together.

And when the Tupperware’s empty, the ants held at bay

together we’ll face the world, come what may"


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Vintage Wedding Theme Inspiration

There's just something about a vintage wedding theme...so quaint, so charming, so feminine.   Vintage typewriters are becoming a popular decorating element in this wedding theme.   Resources below.


Bridal party (mintandsage.com);   Vintage typewriter place card holder;   Vintage typewriters (mintandsage.com);    Vintage bridal shoes (highsocietybridal.co.uk);   Birdcage veil w/feather; Birdcage wishing well; Vintage style handbag; Antique bottle opener favor;    Brooch bouquet

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Copyright © 2007-2011, Things Festive Wedding Blog. All rights reserved.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas and Inspiration

If you're looking for eco-friendly wedding ideas and inspiration, you have to check out the brand new online Winter 2011 issue of Eco-Beautiful Weddings.   Enter their contest for the chance to win a beautiful bridal gown made of pure and natural fabrics courtesy of The Cotton Bride.

More eco-friendly wedding ideas

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