Ruffle some Feathers...

What is it about ruffles? From flower inspired to deconstructed and jagged, with bling or feathers or without, they are everywhere right now, and there is just something about what they do for a dress! They add instant oomph and drama, but there's just something so darn romantic and feminine about even the craziest concoction that just makes you want to get married tomorrow... at least if you're me : )

Some people worry about the trend factor, that in a year or two there will be no more ruffles, but I really don't see that happening. There are always little changes and innovations, but 1) Bridal fashion changes more slowly than regular fashion and 2) There really isn't any one trend that the bridal industry follows these days. There is so much variety, and brides are all looking for such different things, that you really don't have to worry about having the experience of everyone who was married in say, the 80's or even the 90's. The bridal industry is so much more varied now.

So, if you dig it, embrace the ruffled/textured look and fear not. Ruffle it up.

2012 brides- Nice little Article

I'm always searching for good stuff online to share, and I thought this little post was nice. Planning too far ahead can be tricky in some ways, but it's great for the budget.



http://www.perfectweddingguide.com/wedding-blog/index.php/2010/08/30/wedding-planning-advice-how-should-i-begin-planning-my-2012-wedding/

Think Spring!

Spring is such a great season- love is in the air, flowers are starting to bloom, and everyone's mood is lighter. Here are some links to sites with some great ideas for spring weddings:


http://www.herecomestheblog.com/category/weddings-by-theme/spring/

http://www.springwedding.org/

http://wedding.theknot.com/real-weddings/spring-weddings.aspx?MsdVisit=1

Get Inspired!

Below is a link to a great post on WeddingBee showing some gorgeous Red Carpet dresses from recent awards shows. Some lovely ideas here!



http://www.weddingbee.com/2011/03/01/red-carpet-wedding-inspiration/#more-187140

Do not Over- D.I.Y.

Weddings these days are very much about expressing your unique personality as a couple, so the whole trend towards DIY for as much as possible makes a lot of sense. If you make it, you can have exactly what YOU want, plus it's more special. Bouquets, centerpieces, jewelry, hairpieces, invitations, you name it- so many things lend themselves well to being made by you and a helpful crew of friends and bridesmaids.

And that can be a good thing, but if you try to do too much, it can be a bad thing. There are a lot of things that can be made ahead of time, but then you run into issues of storage and transport sometimes (centerpieces). And if you have a last minute snafu (those flowers you ordered online showed up wilted the day before) you have to do your own troubleshooting just at the very busiest time.

So, I have two pieces of advice if you want to DIY up the proverbial wazoo, but don't want to go insane. 1) Prioritize projects, and 2) Delegate. Not all projects are created equal, so choose things that you can either get a lot of help with, play to you or a close friend/ family memember's talents, or that are just so special and important they can't be left out. And, don't make every project revolve around you. Have a point person who will make sure the table cards get that special touch, or who is in charge of making sure the fascinators for the bridesmaids show up at the wedding and don't get smushed.

I have watched brides go crazy trying to do it all themselves. Don't be one of them. It is NOT a contest : )

You don't have to just take our word for it...

So, we have awesome testimonials on our site, but everywhere you look online you can find good things about us. I did a search on Wedding Bee, and found some nice comments. We have the best customer service you will find, and our claim is backed up not just on our site, but on other blogs, the Knot, and most importantly, by our brides!

Here is one page on Wedding Bee where I was checking out comments:

http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/netbridecom-review

Up, up and Away...

wth Hemlines!

Bridesmaids dresses are now coming shorter than ever before, which can be a blessing and a curse, depending on the height of your bridesmaids! Most are still around the knee, but some of the newest short styles - some from Impression and DaVinci for example- are well above the knee even on someone of average height.

Most designers will offer 5" of extra length, so if the new shorter look is not to your taste, you'll usually have options.
And some designers offer multiple lengths. Jordan, for example, is offering most of their Spring 2011 collection in either knee length, tea length, or floor length.

I can remember when tea length (hits mid calf traditionally) was a big deal. Some people still like that length- it's a little more traditional, I suppose. But almost all short style now are worn either at the knee or slightly above ( Usually not more than an inch or two max). It's the most flattering, and you can work a great pair of heels.

Brides, don't forget to specify where YOU want hemlines on your maids if you have a preference. You can always leave it up to their preference, but give at least a range- around the knee, above the knee, etc.

I'll be interested to see where things go from here. I dont think designers can go much shorter, but I suppose you never know...