iVillage - From I Will to I Do

Color Wheel

2008-05-12T11:27:33Z

When choosing a china pattern, think about how you plan on entertaining as well as what pieces you may already own.

If you plan on having the whole family over for big holiday dinners, you may want to register for 12 or more settings of a formal china pattern. If you prefer a more informal style, and think you may have the gang over for weekend brunches and cocktails after work, you may want to choose a more casual, or fun, pattern.

Remember that you also want to work with what you already own. If you have a set of china for entertaining, you can add to it, or find another set that compliments it - one you can mix and match with your current set. If you already own, or you know that you’re going to get/inherit a set of crystal or flatware, take a piece or two with you when you go to register. This way you’re sure to register for items that match it.

I recently learned about a beautiful line of dishes and beverageware, by Terra Keramik. It is available in a rainbow of colors so you’re sure to find one to your liking. You can order everything in the same color or pick a few different hues that match your home’s decor and compliment each other. If you think these bold colored plates are a little too bright for your dining room table, then you can order just the espresso cups or the small dinner plates for use during dessert. Here's the link to their registry section.

Paper Source

2008-05-09T16:02:18Z

There’s a countdown clock on my desk and it’s not to my upcoming 5^th anniversary. It’s the countdown to the National Stationery Show held in New York once a year. It is my absolute favorite trade show. (The Fancy Food Show is a close second).

There are hundreds, if not thousands of designers from around the world showing their save-the-date cards, invitations, personal stationery and other paper items.

When I was a bride, I was able to go from booth to booth to see every designer’s collection and find the perfect one for me. Brides without access to the show have to run from store to store and Web site to Web site looking at different samples. But wouldn’t it be nice to have some of the top stationery designers in one place?

Well, now there is! A new online stationery Web site, Minted, offers brides and grooms a chance to check out designs by some of the stars in the biz. You can also create a custom invitation and stationery accessories for your wedding through the site.

The list of the designers includes: Blonde Designs (two former Martha Stewart Weddings art directors started this line), Cat Seto, CECI New York, Dauphine Press, Egg Press, Louella Press, Mia Carta, Mr. Bodddington’s, Oblation Papers & Press (eco-friendly), Paper + Cup, Peculiar Pair Press, Prentiss Douthit, Seraph, Tag & Co., The Happy Envelope and Wiley Valentine.

The best feature on the site is Minted’s invitation search engine. You can select a color(s), style(s), price point and printing method and they'll find the perfect invitation(s) for your wedding.

As for the Stationery Show, I’ll be taking tons of notes and collecting samples so you’ll know what wonderful paper items and invitations will be coming to a stationery store near you.

If the Shoe Fits

2008-05-08T16:33:43Z

Finding the right shoe is very important. In addition to matching your wedding dress it should also be comfortable, because you’ll be standing and dancing in them all night long.

I learned about a new online shoe store, Piperlime, which has a great collection of wedding day shoes. The company has partnered with celebrity wedding planner, Mindy Weiss. (I told you about her amazing book a few weeks ago.) Mindy suggests that every bride should have two pairs of shoes for her wedding: A fantasy shoe and a reality shoe. The “fantasy shoes” are really over the top gorgeous, perfect for photos, and the “reality shoes” are more about comfort and being able to dance and mingle with your guests all night long. This way you’ll have one dramatic style for your formal portraits and ceremony, and then slip into something more comfortable for your reception.

One of my favorite features on Piperlime is that they offer FREE shipping and returns. So you can order a number of pairs in time for your first fitting, try them all on and return the ones that don’t work. Remember your seamstress won't be able to hem your wedding dress if you don't have the shoes you will be wearing.

The site also offers these shoe shopping tips from Mindy:

Skip the rhinestones and jewels on your shoes. They can snag on your dress.
Don’t forget to break in your shoes. Start walking in them about two weeks before the wedding. (This is also a good tip for your groom. -- AC)
Scuff up the soles of your shoes (and his) with sandpaper so you don’t slip when you’re headed down the aisle (or on the dance floor -- AC).
Slingbacks can be hard to keep on your foot, so pick a pump or something that goes around the ankle.

The two shoes featured above are examples of the styles available on the website. Click these links to learn more about this fantasy shoe and reality shoe, or click here to see the entire Piperlime bridal collection.

More Signature Cocktail Recipes

2008-05-07T18:16:58Z

As I mentioned yesterday, I went to a Scotland Tourism event last month. They served two signature drinks at the event – both made with Hendrick’s Gin. Here are images of the two cocktails and the recipes to help you find the perfect signature drink(s) for your wedding:

Rosie Lee

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz Hendrick’s Gin
1 1/2 oz Lychee Juice
1/2 oz Rose Infused Simple Syrup
1/2 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Directions:

Shake well and strain up into a cocktail glass over ice.

Cucumber Collins

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz Hendrick’s Gin
4 oz Cucumber Puree*

Directions: Shake and strain over ice in a tall glass

*To make cucumber puree, blend 1 cucumber with 3 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice and 4 oz simple syrup.

Both cocktails were created by Charlotte Voisey of Hendricks Gin Brand Champion

Enjoy!

Musical Interlude

2008-05-06T16:47:39Z

Since I saw a preview of Made of Honor last week, this past weekend we went to see Iron Man. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it, even though it has absolutely nothing to do with weddings. I’m sure your fiance will appreciate you going with him to a non-chick flick, and I promise you’ll enjoy it. It was amazing!

But if you did get to see Made of Honor this weekend (this is not a spoiler, so feel free to keep reading) you know that the bride is engaged to a Scottish gentleman, and they decide to get married in Scotland.

The couple chooses a variety of Scottish traditions to include in the wedding festivities: a pre-wedding sporting event, the menu, attire and music. Whether you’re getting married in a foreign country or not, you may want to include cultural traditions in your wedding. These traditions can come from your family, the groom’s family, or just pick a tradition you like and make it your “something borrowed.”

I love the idea of having music represent a family’s heritage/culture. From klezmer bands during the cocktail hour to bagpipes at the ceremony, there are a myriad of options available.

At a Scotland Tourism event I attended last month I had the privilege of trying two Scottish cocktails – which I’ll write about tomorrow – and also hearing an amazing Scottish band: Red Hot Chilli Pipers. That’s right bagpipers.

While traditional bagpipers in kilts are not an unfamiliar site at Scottish weddings in the US, this new take on a familiar cultural tradition will definitely add a unique element to your wedding.

And no, I’m not suggesting that you only have bagpipers for your reception music. Research local bands in your area and hire a cultural band for your cocktail hour or for part of your reception. Unfortunately, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers are based in Scotland, but maybe you could email them and ask them if they can recommend a band with a similar sound in the States. Please let us know if you know of a great cultural band, I'm sure other brides would be interested in the information.

The Munchies

2008-05-05T15:29:27Z

Whenever I go to a wedding I go as both a guest and a weddings editor. It’s hard not to look at everything and think how I can turn the details of this particular wedding into a blog post. And that’s where this post came from - the wedding I went to in California last October.

Dave and I got there a little early to take some photos with friends, and some how we ended up in the room the bridal party was getting ready/hanging out in. It was a rather large room with couches and tables and chairs, and scattered throughout were bottles of beer and water, as well as bags of pretzels and chips.

I don’t know if the bride and groom, the location or the members of the bridal party brought in the drinks and snacks. The point is that it’s a great idea to have both snacks and drinks for your bridal party because they will be waiting around all day, helping you get ready, taking pictures, setting up the favors, etc.

I came across a company that specializes in creating food baskets just for this purpose and wanted to share their information with you. It’ll save you time and energy by just ordering what you want instead of having to add “buy food and snacks” to your wedding checklist.

Marrylicious creates gourmet gift baskets specifically for wedding parties. They have three packages – Tulip, Rose and Orchid – and each comes with a selection of gourmet treats as well as a wedding day emergency kit. You can also create a custom package if you want to have a themed basket or need to fit certain dietary restrictions. Prices start at $100. The company is based in Seattle but ships nationwide.

And brides, remember to drink clear liquids (water, seltzer, vodka) through a straw so you don’t spill anything on your dress or smudge your lipstick before you walk down the aisle.

Would You Ask a Man to Be Your Man-of-Honor?

2008-05-02T16:46:52Z

That’s what the bride in the new film Made of Honor did. Unfortunately, or fortunately, for her, her man-of-honor took on the role to bust up the wedding and get the bride for himself.

I had a chance to see a preview of Made of Honor earlier this week, and I have to say I thought it was a lot of fun. It was a traditional romantic comedy, but of course it was filled with tons of wedding ideas that I think can help you plan for your big day.

From the shower (one of the funniest scenes in the film) to the dresses and hairstyles and incorporating cultural traditions into your wedding, you’re sure to not only enjoy the film, but get some great ideas from it.

I don’t want to tell you what I liked the best, because I don’t want to give anything away, but just like my review of 27 Dresses earlier this year, Made of Honor is the perfect movie for date night with your fiancé, or a day out with your girlfriends.

I’ll give you until Monday to catch it, because I’ve been waiting all week to write about one particular part of the film.

Have a great weekend!

So, are you asking a man to be your man-of-honor?

A Great Gift for the Father of the Bride

2008-05-02T12:06:27Z

I'm almost done with that project I wrote about on Monday, and I'm sorry I didn't post yesterday but I'll try to do two today.

I received a review copy of 8 Simple Rules for Marrying My Daughter by Bruce Cameron a few months ago. The story is told from the view point of a dad whose daughters announce their engagement a few days apart and then plan two completely different weddings.

It's hysterical, and I think I read that it will be made into a movie.

While you're busy reading wedding magazines and planning books, give yourself a break and a good laugh by ordering a copy of 8 Simple Rules. You may get some planning do's and don'ts out of it as well as some inspiration. There are three very different weddings being planned in the story.

Not sure what to get dad for father's day? You may want to get him a copy. He'll probably be able to relate to Bruce, the father of two brides, and it might even inspire him to get more involved in the wedding plans.

Photo Stamps

2008-04-30T23:30:08Z

Remember that your wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will get of the style and formality of your wedding.

In addition to finding the right invitation, there are two other ways that you can add a personal touch to your invitation.

The first is how you address it. Calligraphy can be done in any color and in a variety of styles.

The other is by finding a stamp that compliments your theme. For my wedding, with a retro-theme, I stamped our wedding invitations with the Cary Grant stamp put out by the Post Office, and for the thank you notes, I used a pink-colored Audrey Hepburn stamp. But today you have many more options - you can create your own stamps with almost anything on it.

PictureItPostage.com allows you to customize stamps with your own photos and graphics, so you can create a stamp that matches your wedding's theme. You can even put your engagement photo on it!

If you haven't heard, the price of a stamp for letters is going up to 42 cents (from 41 cents) on May 12th, so if you are planning on sending your invitation out in mid-late May, make sure you have the right postage on each envelope.

An Eco-Registry

2008-04-29T19:50:16Z

Are you looking for a unique place to register for wedding gifts? You may want to check out Branch. This home store, specializing in eco-friendly products, sells everything including tabletop, furniture and items for the bedroom, bath and garden.

Their products are very modern, and I have to say, I absolutely loved so many things I had to stop myself from clicking “add to cart.”

Branch has a registry section so you can easily register for items and add a link to it on your wed-site.

The coaster/trivet set featured above is one of my favorite items. I think they’re great for entertaining and flat enough to store easily.

Bridal Beauty Tips at Spoiled Pretty

2008-04-28T23:59:44Z

Hi everyone -

I have a huge work assignment due this week so I may miss a post or two, but I'll try my best to post something at some point during the day.

I got an email this morning that Spoiled Pretty - one of my favorite beauty blogs - is launching a bridal beauty week, starting today! I highly recommend checking out the site for some helpful tips and product advice.

And if your wedding is being held between today and the 31st of December (2008), you can enter to win Spoiled Pretty's Bridal Beauty Giveaway Gift Basket - you could win a bunch of fabulous products worth over $1400!

Good luck!

iVillage is not a sponsor and is not responsible for the administration of the sweepstakes on Spoiled Pretty. For additional information, including the official rules, please visit their site at SpoiledPretty.blogspot.com.

Over the Top Proposals

2008-04-25T23:30:17Z

I spoke to a friend of mine the other day and she told me that she got a press release stating that the latest trend in weddings is an over the top proposal. Men spending an average of $10,000 on top of what they spent on an engagement ring. I just couldn't believe this, and wanted to know what all of you think.

Is it really important for your hubby-to-be to come up with a unique proposal idea? Or is just getting down on one knee and asking the simple question, "Will you marry me?" enough?

I think I would have said yes to Dave if he asked me to marry him anywhere - in the car, on the train, in the kitchen, in my pajamas - I just couldn't wait to get engaged.

Made of Honor

2008-04-24T21:56:46Z

Have you heard about the new Patrick Dempsey movie, Made of Honor? It starts next Friday, May 2nd, and I'll write a review of the film that afternoon. Anyway, one lucky couple won a free wedding, which will take place on the red carpet - they're actually having a pink one - before the premiere. I had a chance to get some great planning tips from the vendors supplying the details for this lucky couple. Here they are:

Hair Advice from OSCAR BLANDI:

1. For preparation, bring photographs of your dress, any hair piece you will be putting in your hair and photos of what you are looking for. The hairdresser can work with you to find the style that works best for you and your dress.

2. Get hair cut at least two weeks early for any up-coming fix or trim for the wedding day.

3. Don't wash your hair the wedding day, but rather one day early. Let the hairdresser work with your hair for long-lasting style. If you wash your hair the same day, the hair stylist will put a lot of products to let the hair stay and that can create too much build-up which may make your hair static or frizzy.

Cake Advice from SYLVIA WEINSTOCK:

1. Always use a reputable baker, board of health approved, with a good track record for professionalism.

2. Ask for a tasting and design session. Be sure you get what you like. Be aware that some guests will have food allergies (i.e. nuts and nut products).

3. Bring with you some ideas that you want incorporated in the design of your cake (i.e. colors, floral species, pictures of your gown, architectural elements, etc.).

4. Be aware of weather, refrigeration, air conditioning, and make sure you have a sturdy table for the cake.

Makeup Advice from DAVID EVANGELISTA:

1. The bride should ALWAYS go for a hair and make-up trial so that she feels confident as she walks down the aisle. No bride wants any surprises on her wedding day!

2. If either the bride or groom is going to use tanning cream or get a spray tan, be sure to do it at least 2 days prior to the wedding just in case the color is off or uneven, allowing time to do a quick fix.

3. When deciding on an overall look, come armed to your stylist and colorist with photos of the dress, hair accessories/veil and any jewelry so the hair and makeup can complete the look.

4. Consider buying the basic makeup items your makeup artist used (press powder, lipstick/gloss, blush) so you have the right tools for touch-ups.

Wedding Dress Advice from Designer SELIA YANG:

1. Be open minded when picking your dream dress, but don’t loose yourself in it. Remember you are the star, but not starring in a pageant.

2. Don’t be shy; make sure you are completely happy and satisfied with your dress before you pick it up.

3. Walk around the house in your wedding shoes for at least an hour to test drive them; it’s hard to enjoy yourself when you are in a lot of pain. Also, you may want to have a pair of flats on hand just in case.

4. Pick a wedding dress that not only flatters you but also, compliments the season and your location. A big, heavy and puffy, satin dress in the month of July will make you miserable and impossible to feel beautiful.

5. Make sure you have an emergency kit handy, such as a light sewing kit, bandage kit, double sided sticky tape, scissors, etc.

You can watch this real wedding, which will be officiated by Mary Hart, live on Crackle.com. I’m planning on being there, so I’ll take pictures and post them next week!

Do You Own the Ugliest Bridesmaid Dress?

2008-04-24T20:56:28Z

Remember wedding movie week back in January? Well, it’s back – sort of. There are two wedding film-related events taking place next week that I want to share with you, and one of them is accompanied by some expert tips from the industry’s most celebrated vendors.

So here’s the first wedding movie post. It’s an event that you may be interested in attending if you’re still looking for your wedding dress.

27 Dresses, with Katherine Heigl, will be available on DVD on April 29^th. To celebrate, a fashion show and contest will take place in Central Park, and one lucky bride will win a $10,000 wedding dress from Kleinfeld Bridal, plus a few other fabulous prizes.

Interested? Here’s how you can enter the contest. First you have to decide if you have worn one of the world’s ugliest bridesmaid dresses. If so, and you still have it hanging in your closet, register at 27dressesdvd.com/event and then bring your dress and a lot of courage to the Central Park Boathouse – East 72^nd Street and Park Drive North – at 7am, Monday, April 28^th.

If you are one of the lucky brides-to-be to be chosen as having the ugliest bridesmaid dress, you will model it to a panel of judges – Malin Akerman (she plays Katherin Heigel’s sister in the movie), fashion designer Randolph Duke and “Project Runway” finalist Chris March – in fashion show style at 10am Monday morning.

And just a reminder, if you do have some unwanted bridesmaid dresses hanging in your closet you can do a good thing, and get a tax deduction, by donating your unwanted dresses to The Princess Project who collects evening gowns and gives them to high school students who can't afford a prom dress.

Park Settings

2008-04-23T20:09:50Z

A few weeks ago I received a press release that this week is National Parks Week, and I thought to myself, how fabulous would it be to get married in a park!

I did a little research on the subject and found out that ARAMARK Park & Resorts, in addition to providing concessions for a number of national parks, also hosts weddings. From visiting the company’s Web site, I found some amazing US destinations in almost every state in the Union. I personally like the Denali Park Resorts, Denali National Park & Preserve and Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. At Lake Powell you can get married lake side (see photo above) or on a luxury yacht.

Wherever you are planning – or dreaming – of getting married you may want to check out the national parks in your area. And remember yesterday’s tip on outdoor wedding locations: Make sure that the outdoor space has an indoor alternative in case it rains on your wedding day.