Ash Wednesday

Today is the first day of Lent for 2014. Also known as Ash Wednesday.

Taking a break today to reflect and give thanks.

Have you decided what to give up yet?  Are you giving up anything?

Wonder why such an ancient tradition still has so much power?  Click here.

Gown or No??

Wedding Trend - Jumpsuits

Let's just say that a long full belle of the ball gown is not your taste of the perfect wedding attire.  Maybe this is a second, third marriage and you don't look forward to chasing wedding gown designers and trunk shows all over the city.  Then, the Wedding Jumpsuit is something you should consider.

Earlier this year, J. Crew released a bridal jumpsuit and it quickly sold out. 

Even if you  your mother can't even begin to phantom you wearing anything other than a traditional dress, the following jumpsuits and rompers will make for a great outfit for showers, receptions and honeymoons.

 Black Halo Jackie Jumpsuit in Winter White

 Ritsuko Open Bac Lace Jumpsuit

Adams Lippes Plunging V Jumpsuit

Lauren Fringe Trim Playsuit

Stella McCartney Organic Cotton Jumpsuit

Vegas Brides

Wedding Trends - Feathers

Vegas Brides

Another trend for weddings for 2014 is feathers.

While some brides may use feathers for a more vintage and formal affair, I couldn't help but think, I'd be more likely to choose feathers for my Vegas wedding than any other venue.

Feathers from all types of birds are used to augment the costumes that the Vegas showgirls wear.  They don't add much additional weight and some can be encrusted with glitter and rhinestones. 

We've found a few dresses that feature feathers, so Vegas wedding are not, if this is a trend you would like to consider, view our other picks. 

 Mark Zunion For Kleinfeld

 Strapless White Cocktail Dress w/Feather Details

 

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Will and Jada - Favorite Couple Alert (Academy Awards - 2014)

 

From the look on Will's face, you'd think.....did she get dressed at home and ride in the limo to the show with him? I love the fact that he still looks at her like she takes his breath away everyday. 

 

 

My favorite couple of the night, goes to none other than Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Jada started the night in a very pretty pink Versace dress, but turned to a blush color Roberto Cavalli gown for the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.  Will wore a pair of  Berluti velvet smoking slippers with open ascot for the award show and changed into a different tux for the after-party

Will took some slack thorough the evening for his first outfit and his scruffy beard look.  I say, Big Willie been in Hollywood so long that he's earned the right to not follow all the stuffy trends.  They both ended up looking great.

The plunge in Jada's second dress gave me life and sent me right back to the treadmill.  This from a lady that had us all thinking she wouldn't fit into her Oscar dress after a friend sent her a picture that shows she's gained 8-10 lbs.

Radiant Orchid - 2014

Radiant Orchid - 2014

Looking for a way to incorporate Pantone 2014 Color of the Year -Radiant Orchid into your wedding beauty.  View our picks below. 

1.Victoria Secrets "Dark Orchid" Parfum and Body Mist

2. Acqualibrium Dual Action Eye Make-Up Remover and Lip Mender

3.Tarte Cheek Stain "Sheer Berry"

4 Benefit "Hervana" Blush

5.Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in "Orchid"

6.Tom Ford "Bruised Plum" Lipstick 

7.Nars Velvet Gloss "Sheer Grape" Lip Pencil

8. Revlon Top-Speed "Orchid" Nail Enamel

9. Butter London "Lovely Jubbly" Nail Lacquer

Destination Weddings Dos and Don'ts

Destinations weddings account for almost 30% of all US weddings.

A destination wedding is described as a wedding that takes place at least 200 miles from where the marrying couple lives.

So here are a few rules to make it pleasant for your guest and yourselves.

1.  Keep it small. 

•  Invite those that are closest to you. This is not going to be an affair with hundreds of guests.
• Send out your Save-The-Date cards, nine to twelve months in advance.
•  Follow up with formal invitations, three to six months in advance.

2.  Be mindful of the cost to others.

•  Technically, the bride and groom pay the cost for the ceremony and reception to include food, drinks, entertainment, etc. 
• Guest traditionally pay for their own travel and lodging and any activities not associated with the wedding.  If you know someone can't afford the trip it is considerate to offer to pay some or all of their expenses.  Be discreet that you are covering the cost. 
• Be up front about the cost, and double-check that there are no hidden costs or fees that your guest will incur.

3.   Invites

• Of course, there are going to be some people that you aren't going to invite, and if someone ask why they weren't invited, be honest.  Keep it simple, an elaborate reply is not required.  Simply state, its a small ceremony and you only invited those closest to you and your fiance.
•  Don't want kids at your wedding.  It would be the same as a traditional ceremony, be sure to include this information with your invitation. 

4.  Should you expect gifts?

•  Yes, you are still allowed to register for gifts.  Some people may even donate to your costs for the wedding and activities, but do not use this as an excuse to hit your family, friends, co-workers and others up for cash gifts.  Keep your own cost in mind, and be realistic-is this is something you can afford without additional help?
• Keep in mind with your guest that have accepted your invitation that "their presence is the present."

More questions on Destination Weddings.  Click here

Mother of the Bride

Mother of the Bride