Archives – August, 2010

5 Wedding Cake Trends for the Modern Bride

Wedding cakes have long been a testament to the staying power of bold colors, ruffled tiers, manufactured fondant and intricate designs.  However, we are currently seeing a shift in these eccentric trends as the modern bride becomes a less fussy breed.  As weddings themselves scale back into more relaxed and casual affairs, the cakes are seemingly following suit, as couples opt for cleaner lines and better taste.

Butter Cream Dreams – For a while, this frosting favorite had taken a back seat to fondant’s flavorless yet smoother form.  But many couples feared that they were compromising taste for aesthetics; hence, the return to butter cream.  Brides now – more than ever – are embracing the charming untidiness of this cake trend in order to pump up the taste volume and give a nod to vintage chic!

photos courtesy of marthastewartweddings.com (center and right) and design-wedding-cakes-pictures.blogspot.com (left)

(Oh! Oh! Oh, oh, oh!) The White Stuff – A revival that goes hand-in-hand with its butter cream counterpart, the infamous all white cake evokes a more naturally frosted look.  Concentrated in a polished appeal and textured trends, these clean looking cakes are generally always backed with their over the top tastes!  Liz Shim of Eat Cake Be Merry recommends an all-white confection with lots of texture for a more “chic blank canvas” look.

photos courtesy of marthastewartweddings.com (right and left) and chilliwebsites.com (center)

Modern Monograms – Give your cake a kick of personalized flare with your newly instated monogram!  Because cake toppers aren’t just your plastic bride and groom anymore, creative couples everywhere are going for more offbeat, unique accessories.  Some companies will even take a photo of the couple and specifically personalize figurines to look just like them.  More popular (and reasonably priced), however, is when couples take their initials and turn heads with a monochromatic, monogram cake toppers… which happens to one of our favorites, as well!!

photos courtesy of marilynskeepsakes.com

Flower Power (That’s Tasty Too!) – Rather than frosting your cake with more flowers than a garden, cake artists today are creating incredibly real-looking sugar flowers. These blooms are much fuller so you’ll only need a few for garnish. Renowned cake designer Ron Ben-Israel says these sugar flowers will give the cake “a sleeker look”, as opposed to an overwhelming confection of blossom piping.

photos courtesy of marthastewartweddings.com (right and left) and theknot.com (center)

Dog Daze – Believe it or not, one of the newer trends in wedding cake accents is personalized pooches. More and more couples are requesting that their pets make a cameo on their cake, made purely of frosting.

photos courtesy of weddingchicks.com

So when you begin the cake design process, remember that less is more this year. Matching the piping on your cake to the lace on your dress is out, and butter cream and sugar flowers are in. It’s all about the homemade, nummy goodness and delicious taste.

1 Comment August 30, 2010

All Because Two People Fell in Love: The Engagement of Ms. Kimberly Lynn

Me and my cousin being thebomb.com bridesmaids at a friend's wedding.

As many of you are aware, when it comes to weddings, this ain’t my first rodeo.  The Mister and I have been to more ceremonies, rocked out at more receptions and gotten our swerve on at more “no longer single” soirees in 4.5 years than most couples will experience in a lifetime.

And I have to admit… it’s been one, incredible journey.  It truly is an honor to be included on someone’s big day, because to me, it’s not just another wedding I have to attend; it’s someone special’s celebration I get to be a part of. 

Last week, while on vacation in Mexico, my cousin, Ms. Kimberly Lynn and her beau, Sir Brian got engaged while sitting on the moonlit balcony of their Me-hee-co hotel room (swoooon!), and even though it went down early Monday evening in a totally different country, by late Monday night, pretty much everyone and their mom knew.  (I suppose Toby Keith has social networking and Web 2.0 to thank for dispelling the rumors of “what happens down in Mexico, stays in Mexico.”)

While the news travelled at super hero speed, it wasn’t until after she returned from her “Oh-my-goodness-I’m-going-to-a-Mrs.!” vacation that I FINALLY got to hear the story straight from the horse’s mouth (yes, Kim, I’m calling you a horse), and I got to say, I couldn’t be happier her.

You see, Kim is my cousin, which basically means she’s not only a favorite friend, but the oldest, nearest and dearest friend I’ve ever had.  Born four months apart, we spent the majority of our childhoods being toted around by our moms.  *Shown here setting a mature example of mojito pitcher drinking and little girl giggling…

My mom (left) and Kim's mom losing it :)

…while our dads – brothers 3 and 4, in the long line of 12… shown here representing the poignant moves of Papa dancin’…

My dad (left) and Kim's dad stayin' alive!

…were off saving the world – or as some like to call it simply working their jobs to bring home the bacon :)  Haha!  In a word, my childhood was ahhhhmazing, and I have Kim to thank for a lot of it, which is exactly why I’d like to spend today’s post reminding everyone why being involved in someone’s wedding day is such an awesome thing.  I’m not a gamblin’ girl, but if I had to bet, I’m sure at one moment or another you thought to yourself, “ugh, another wedding?”  But why?  It’s not just another wedding; it’s THEIR wedding, and you were obviously invited because you mean something to them, and they mean something to you :)

So, Kimberly, in case I’ve never told you, this is why you mean something to me:  You were the first friend I ever had, and even though you were only half my size growing up, you never made me feel out of place.  You were involved in all my primary sleepovers, up all nighters and “oh no he/she didn’ts.”  You were there the first time I ever saw a scary movie – Aunt Julie’s: Friday the 13th, and the last one who waited up all night with me for sunrise to fall asleep.   You’re both family and friend.  There hasn’t been a single birthday, holiday, celebration, moment really, that went by without you in it.

You were my locker buddy for four years, a roommate for three and a p.i.c (partner in crime) for twenty-six.  You’ve been there for all my epic fail, fashion mistakes - permed bangs and fanny packs, eek!, and somehow you still love me. 

Kim and I in our Sunday best!

Over the years, you’ve remained a hand to hold during all my most desperate, disastrous moments, which looking back now only seem significant – not because of what they were - but because of the loyalty and love you displayed throughout.  We’ve been lucky enough to have the kind of friendship where we would honestly do anything for each other… even if that meant illegally stalking your first crush (shout out to Jamin Wernke!)… and breaking the law at the ripe age of 8… while on a banana seat bike… discreetly snapping photos of Mr. Wonderful during a “no hands!” ride by… donning a hot pink camera… idiots. 

Yes, it’s true, Kimmi; you were there for me on my big day, and I can’t wait to be there for you on yours!  (I’m singing, right?!  Haha!)  So, here’s to you, my dear cousin and Brian, your wonderful hubs-to-be! And cheers to many, MANY years of happiness! 

She said yes!

Oh!  And go ahead and cross wedding prep dance lessons off your list, ’cause let’s get real… we’ve already got the moves!  HIIIIIIIIIT IT!

everyone should be jealous...

5 Comments August 27, 2010

Elbow, Elbow, Wrist, Wrist: Ms. Universe Inspires Glamorous Wedding Gowns

photo courtesy of glamoursurf.com

Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, there’s no denying the glam-WOW factor beauty pageants can divulge.  From the bouffant hair and bedazzled gowns to the super high heels and extra long lashes, beauty contests are all about glitz and glamour, which is precisely why they make an ahhh to the mazing place for diva brides to come alive!

At the epicenter of all this glamocity is the beauty pageants crowning component – the infamous evening gown strut.  Flying first class, it’s the one section of the show to epitomize all things G.L.A.M.O.R.O.U.S.  The girls transform into a frenzy of whimsy, complete with feathers, frocks and all the razzle dazzle rhinestones their flamboyant designers could get their hands on. 

They cover a broad spectrum of sassiness from form-fitting and flowing to over the top and understated.  Pending the girl, her personality and where she represents, the evening gown she wears can vary greatly from one girl to the next. 

And where could you possibly get a better representation of world class glamour than the Ms. Universe Pageant??  Airing Monday night, the well renowned pageant just crowned their 2010 winner (Yaaaaay, Ms. Mexico!!!), and there was little to no doubt that the “Ooh la la!” was out!  Inspiration below :)

It’s All About Asymmetrical!

No doubt every girl wants to stand out on her big day; however, not every girl wants to go too over the top.  One way you can get a punch of trend power and still remain timeless is by doing an asymmetrical dress… for seres, everyone will be impressed :)

Ms. Ireland, Rozanna Purcell and Ms. New Zealand, Ria van Dyke (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)

Ms. Thailand, Fonthip Watcharatrakul and Ms. Greece, Anna Prelevic (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)

Have a Gown Glitz’ed in Gold!

2010 is all about trends, and one of the biggest trends the wedding world is seeing are colored gowns.  But if rockin’ red or pullin’ off purple is simply too much, why not try to glitter yourself in gold?

Ms. Guatemala, Jessica Scheel and Ms. Czech Republic, Jitka Valkova (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)

Ms. France, Malika Menard and Ms. Albania, Angela Martini (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)

Power Up your Prettiest Dress with Pewter!

Gold is to Ivory as Pewter (Silver) is to White… Again, while color is becoming more and more popular for wedding dress designers, most often times, tradition prevails, and using more neutral shades like pewter, slate grey or silver can be a great compromise!

Ms. Peru, Giuliana Zevallos and Ms. Haiti, Sarodj Bertin (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)

Ms. Costa Rica, Marva Wright and Ms. Colombia, Natalia Navarro (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)

Give it up for Grecian! 

Ideal for a beach, destination or backyard wedding, Grecian styled dresses softly dance along your frame, while allowing you to dance the night away!  They offer a timeless, iconic style and can easily make any bride as beautiful as the Venus de Milo :)

Ms. Norway, Melinda Victoria Elvenes and Ms. Egypt, Donia Hammed (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)

Ms. Peru, Giuliana Zevallos and Ms. Guatemala, Jessica Scheel (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)

Be a Playful Bride with Pride!

With wedding dress designers branching out more and more, it’s no wonder that mixing fabrics, textures and shapes can often times create the most radiant looks of all!  I mean just check out these playful numbers…

Ms. Denmark, Ena Sandra Causevic and Ms. U.S. Virgin Islands, Janeisha John (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)

Ms. Croatia, Lana Obad and Ms. Ireland, Rozanna Purcell (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)

Leave a Comment August 25, 2010

Love, Camera, Action!: Top 3 Movie-Inspired Engagement Shoots

UP! inspired movie themed engagement pic courtesy of 100layercake.com

Gather ’round, my little chickadees… it’s time to <sigh> in unison over these super cute, movie-inspired engagement sessions.  Because the engagement photo shoot itself is a relatively new concept, it’s easy for couples to hit the road running with their over-the-top ideas.  And for couples looking to “theme up” their sessions with movie madness, it’s simply not enough anymore to just throw a few props into the mix…we’re talking full-on hair and makeup shazaam! complete with costume and scene changes!  Check out the top three movie themed engagement sessions ever!

Alice in Wonderland – By far the quirkiest, this theme is definitely for the daring divas in all of us!  (Reverie Break) “Cats and rabbits would reside in fancy little houses, and be dressed in shoes and hats and trousers…  in a world of my own.”  Okay, enough of that… “because my world would be a won…der…land.”… Alrite, for real!

Alice in Wonderland sessions can be an ahhhmazing mix of colorful pastels, eclectic tea sets, mad hatter haute couture and more playing cards than you’ll know what to do with.  But the fun doesn’t end with the props; everyone knows that no “very important date!” shoot would be complete without a trippy, forest-like transformation or outrageous teapot party.  Not to mention, it’s the perfect excuse to whip out that adorable, Alice-imitation dress and sweetly tied, black bow headband!

**Famous couples that have utilized this theme: Ashlee Simpson & Pete Wentz at their wedding.

photos courtesy of weddingchicks.com

The Notebook – This vintage romance theme is a bit more traditional but is nothing short of awe-inspiring.  These engagement sessions are all about 1940’s garb, retro coifs, and – of course - scenes inspired by the holy grail of romance movies themselves, The Notebook.  “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird.” 

Essential props include a huge Southern house, a vintage pickup, a canoe - complete with sparkling lake, some ice cream cones and most importantly, perfectly pouting red lips and vintage, vixen clothing and accessories… maybe even a little fake rain for some added ooh la la?? I mean who could ever resist that??! Well, at least in waterproof mascara :)

In need of inspiration?  Check this out for ideas… SUPER SWOON!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjky7v7JIow&p]

UP! – If you think I didn’t la-la-louvre the fact that this Disney Pixar great hit the top three, you’d be sadly mistaken!  The bittersweet tale of love lost and regained has become the ultimate inspiration for engaged couples everywhere.  (For serious, just watch the montage of Carl and Ellie, and you’ll see what I mean!)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GroDErHIM_0]

These all kinds of adorable, engagement sessions go way beyond the fairytale itself and give soon to be Mr. and Mrs.’s the perfect excuse to play around with a massive bundle of brightly colored balloons and kitschy scenery… and don’t forget the retro details: thick-framed glasses, a bowtie, and cozy little cottage… all must-haves for a sweet story like this to unfold!

These are just a few of my faves that have been heating up the blogosphere lately. I have a feeling that movie-inspired e-seshes will be a hot new trend that we’re going to be seeing a lot more of, and thank goodness for that!  **Air Five!**

1 Comment August 23, 2010

Greet Your Guests with Gusto: Custom Illustrated Invitations

photo courtesy of momentaldesigns.com

After receiving my girlfriend’s wedding invitation (waddd up, Tay!) a couple days ago, I couldn’t help but be inspired by her custom finished, attention-to-detail-and-design creations.  Featuring an architectural Chicago skyline, these well illustrated invites were almost as beautiful as the bride to be… wait a tic, not poss :) 

Now, y’all know me well enough (and if you don’t, how sad for you!  haha!); so, you know that there’s nothing I la-LOUVRE more than when a bride and groom customize their big day celebration with hints of their own unique personalities.  Hence, why I’m currently going Lady GaGa over custom illustrated invitations!

They truly are an INCREDS way to catch and capture the attention of all your intended attendees before the big “I do’s” and also provide an ideal means for the DIY diva bride to really shine.  From graphic designs and structured layouts to vintage comics and modern day masterpieces, there is simply no limit to what your invitations can be! 

So, whether you choose to save some moolah and create your own or really splurge and leave the printing power to a professional, custom illustrated invitations truly are an amazing accent to really get your guests excited!  Here are some of my favorites for your viewing (and mayhaps inspiring) pleasure :)

Inspired by… A Touch of Vintage

Vintage Illustrated Invitations courtesy of Google Images + weddingbee.com

Inspired by… The Powerful Peacock

Peacock Illustrated Invitations courtesy of momentaldesigns.com - love them!

Inspired by… Celebrity Caricature Creations

Caricature Illustrated Invitations courtesy of the divas of lehrandblack.com

Inspired by… Modern Day Mapping

Map Illustrated Invitations courtesy of mustardandsage.wordpress.com + weddingistas.com

Inspired by… A Pop of Pop Art

Pop Art Illustrated Invitations courtesy of elizabethannedesigns.com + w-weddinginvitations.com

Inspired by… Comic Book Culture

Comic Illustrated Invitations courtesy of elseachelsea.typepad.com + theindigobunting.blogspot.com

Inspired by… A Return to Retro

Custom Retro Illustrated Invitations courtesy of elseachelsea.typepad.com + theindigobunting.blogspot.com

And be sure to check out our full line of Wedding Invitations & Stationery for the perfect, easy to use canvas to create your one of a kind, inviting masterpieces.

2 Comments August 20, 2010

Sara Rue to say “I do” to CW’s Shedding for the Wedding

photo courtesy of lovetripper.com

Sara Rue, perhaps best known for her roles on TV series like Popular (who else misses that treat?), Less Than Perfect and most recently, Eastwick, became even more of a household name when she teamed up with fellow Jenny Craig advocate, Valerie Bertinelli, and said bu-bye to 50 pounds and hellloooo to skinny jeans!!  You go, girl!

And what better way to show off her sexy new – slightly smaller – curves than motivating others to do the same?  According to reports, Ms. Sara and all her skinniness are set to host the CW’s newest reality series, Shedding for the Wedding, in which 10 overweight couples will compete to shed the most from the waistlines in order to have their entire wedding paid for… um yeah, can anyone else say ahhhhmazing?
A true gem in the making, this has my DVR written all over, and I sooo can’t wait to watch it all unfold!  Love love love weddings!  Love love love Rue and love love love watching people get their shrink-tastic super powers on!  Good luck to all, and may you find solace in the fact that you already have a number one fan :)

3 Comments August 18, 2010

Really! They Could Wear it Again: Bridesmaid Dresses with a Print

photo courtesy of snippetandink.blogspot.com

Every bride always says it, and every bridesmaid always dreads it: “Really, girls, the best part about this dress is you could shorten it and wear it again!”

Um, no… no, you can’t.  Nine times out of ten (at least!), a bridesmaid dress is a bridesmaid dress is a bridesmaids dress.  I made no qualms to my ladies-in-waiting; while they were able to select the dress they liked best, it was still going to ’maid-tastic :)

But alas, there is a solution!  Bridesmaid beauts and please conscious brides, may you find solace in the exception that proves the rule.  For the one in ten times dresses can be worn again… say it with me… PRINTS! 

While prints or patterned dresses may come off seemingly less formal, really are a fantastic way to incorporate vintage glam and retro chic style into even the most mod of wedding settings.  And because of their universal appeal, they can easily be re-worn for other weddings, formal gatherings or simply putting on your Sunday best! 

Check out some of my favorite printed princesses:

photo courtesy of greenweddingshoes.com

photo courtesy of google.com

photo courtesy of greatexpectationsky.com

photo courtesy of onestylishbride.com

photo courtesy of jesslehry.com

photo courtesy of wedding-for-two.com

4 Comments August 16, 2010

*Fall* in Love with Autumn: Top 8 Wedding Trends for Fall

As the summer wedding season comes to a close, we mourn the end of yet another ahhhh to the mazing run, while looking forward to the next best thing… (say it with me!)… Fall Weddings!  It’s the beautiful time of year when the humidity has finally eased off, the hair has frizzed down and the beautifully rich hues of ever-changing trees and trends start to take over.

You finally have an excuse to pull that cashmere ditty you’ve been dying to wear from amidst the back of the closet and to really snuggle up to the one you louvre!  And with cute cardigans and cuddle time flying everywhere in Fall, it’s no wonder that 26% of all weddings take place in September and October alone.  With the world of weddings continually serving up great trends, this autumn is sure to be just as spectacular. Here are the hottest wedding trends wedding forecasters are predicting for the top of Fall’s Finest:

photo courtesy of stylemepretty.com

Mixed Florals:

This category actually extends way beyond your typical bouquets of fresh blooms. Deep red roses, orange calla lilies and golden sunflowers serve as fall favorites, but arrangements will incorporate the great outdoors as well. Think rustic twigs with raffia, pomegranate succulents, fresh hay and the best crunchy hues fall leaves have to offer.

Mini Pies:

These tiny treats actually blew up this summer as homemade reception favorites.  But warm and “nummy!” pies couldn’t have a better place than in the crisp weather of fall.  Not to mention, anything that comes in miniature is that much cuter and delicious!  Your guests will be drooling over their most beloved seasonal flavors such as pumpkin, cinnamon apple, pecan and tangy peach, to start.

Styled Aisles:

photo courtesy of cindyevent.com

Whether your ceremony takes place outside amongst the trees, or takes cover from the cold inside, your aisle is the perfect platform for some fall style. Jazz it up with a seasonal aisle runner, and embellish with mini pumpkins, orange lanterns, and leaves in every color.

Caramel Apple Bars:

As wedding desserts grow more and more untraditional, take a cue from a fall time favorite: caramel apples. Set up a buffet where guests can coat their apples with all the creamy caramel and chopped nuts they can handle.

photo courtesy of the-weddingvendors.com

Tiered Dresses:

A striking gown trend that is sure to be in full force for the fall is tiered wedding dresses. These gowns range from feminine to structured, and are sure to be as multi-dimensional as your autumn wedding.

Autumn-liscious Favors:

Send your guests home with a sweet slice of autumn. Apple butter, candied apples, and jars of apple cider are the perfect favors to thank your guests and celebrate the season.

Bridal Cardigans:

photo courtesy of bridalsurvival.com.au

Another craze garnering much attention these days is the bridal cardigan.  Ideal as a perfect touch of 1950s vintage, these trendy little sweaters are the perfect protection from chilly nighttime breezes and are sure to keep the bride rocking out the reception in style.

Photo Booths:

Photo Booth mania hit a high this year and is no stranger to most bride-to-be’s. But when you get a backdrop exclusively designed for fall time weddings, you’re sure to have scored a fun reception accessory that most haven’t seen yet. Throw in a few Halloween costumes and let the good times roll.

And for a list of all our Favorite Fall Time Wedding Accessories, check us out at marilynskeepsakes.com.

3 Comments August 13, 2010

Because Money is Always in Fashion: Clever DIY Wedding Ideas

Having a DIY wedding is one of the top ways to save a lot of your wallet cheese, and I’m not talking about the dairy kind that spoils… not that you’d ever have or put actual cheese in your wallet… errrr… whatever.  Haha!

Because do-it-yourself projects can be just as beautiful as they are personal and can cost up to a fraction of the price, they are just as – if not more so – incredible as their more expensive counterparts.  By creating elements of your wedding together with your fiancé, friends and family, not only will you save moolah but you’ll also create treasured memories that’ll you’ll hold onto forever.  And THAT, my dear friends, is priceless :)

DIY Save the Date Magnets
Start saving money  right away by purchasing Save-the-Date magnets and designing them yourself!  In the past, you needed to place a custom order at a specialty printer in order to print Save-the-Date magnets or announcements. Now, you can print them yourself on your home computer. Complete kits for DIY save the date wedding magnets allow you to personalize the date, colors and images on professional looking magnets.

 

DIY Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitations can easily be created on your own without sacrificing quality. Many of today’s wedding invitation kits feature the same quality paper you’d find on high end invites and contain some of the same unique embellishments and embossing.  With easy to use templates also readily available online and included response cards and envelopes, you’ll easily be able to construct flawless, professional looking invitations.

Add an even more personal touch by having a custom monogram stamp created so you can make your own envelope seals, note cards or thank you notes.

Tip: If you don’t have a quality printer at home, you can design your wedding stationary at home and then have them printed at a copy shop for (dependent upon the design and paper) for a few cents a print.

DIY Favors
Because the potential for fantastical favors is darn near limitless, there’s about a schmillion and one ways brides and grooms can get wedding guest gift ready without breaking the bank!  Wedding favors are easy to make yourself because they are a gift from the heart. If you choose a ready-made wedding favor, you can personalize it to your wedding theme or even to each individual guest.  By adding ribbon, a printed label or card, you can increase the perceived value of your wedding favors without burning a hole in your bank account.

DIY Wedding Programs
Wedding programs can represent another large chunk of cash out of your wedding budget. But if you print your own, you can pocket the tremendous savings. DIY wedding program kits include quality cardstock or cover stock papers, a template and often times, embellishments such as ribbons, crystals or embossing.

Printed on your home computer (or at a quick print shop), they can be personalized and designed to reflect your style and wording…

And that’s just the tip of the wedded bliss iceberg, kids!  There are even more ways to incorporate do-it-yourself details into every aspect of your big day that can only be limited by your imagination! 

DIY weddings are an ideal way to blend your modern day personality into time honored wedding traditions and create a more cost effective approach to a billion dollar industry. Only you and your fiancé will know the corners you cut. And you can enjoy spending the money saved on a spectacular honeymoon!

Leave a Comment August 11, 2010

You’ll be Sorry in the Morning: Top 5 Most Ridiculous Wedding Dress Trends

I’m all for making a statement with your fashion, and Lord KNOWS I’m even more for a bride having it her way on her day.

However – and this is a very big HOWEVER – let us not forget the whole reason behind the day in the first place.  The love of our men should never, and I repeat never, be drowned out by the love of our fashion.  Of course, I’m using the term fashion here very loosely, and if you’re wondering why… you needn’t look further than the first photo.

Please Don’t #1: Have your Cake Dress and Eat it Too??
I know time’s are tight, ladies.  Hello?!?!  I’ve done more budget crunching than Jillian Michaels has done belly crunching; so, believe me when I say I understand that you want to cut corners and “trim the fat” from your wedding expenses.  And while I fully support getting use out of multi-tasking details, I do not suggest you let one of those details be your dress.  I mean, honestly, who wants a dress that’s known for molding?

Designed by Ukrainian pastry chef, Valentyn Shtefano, this 20 pound wedding dress was created in two months from 1,500 cream puffs for his beautiful bride. And who said chivalry was dead? (photo courtesy of msnbc.msn.com)

Talk about a dress with movement!! Ohhh wait, I mean no movement! Designed by Lukka Sigurdardottir, this wedding dress treat doubles as dessert! (photo courtesy of lostateminor.com)

Please Don’t #2: Don’t Let it Blow Up in Your Face!
I can appreciate art.  In fact, I’m very fond it, but there is a certain level of practicality every bride needs to be aware of on her wedding day.  You can have a dress that is high fashion and over-the-top artsy, but having a helium filled, easily-popped-so-you-might-end-up-naked wedding dress definitely does not cover that level of practicality.  Not to mention, the sweat level for plastic-wear is outrageous.  Not flattering.

Barnum & Bailey got nothin' on these looks! These wedding gowns, made strictly from balloon animal's finest, will surely leave your guests open-jawed... and not in a good way. (photos courtesy of inventorspot.com and funkytrend.com)

Please Don’t #3: Too much Bride, not (nearly!) enough Dress
For the first time in my life, I was rendered speechless.  Literally, I have no words… just an embarrassed, red face… I don’t even know these brides!  Come on now, girls, we should all be proud of our bodies, but is your wedding day inside a church in front of your grandma and the good Lord really the place you want to show it off?  I think not.

Oh my. At least the one on the right has the figure for a bikini wedding dress... Siiiiighhhhh. (photos courtesy of hitched.co.uk and brides.com)

i.have.no.words. (photo courtesy of wedinator.com)

Please Don’t #4: Too much Dress, not (nearly!) enough Bride
Believe me.  I get the whole wanna-look-like-Cinderella, fairy tale princess bride complex.  My best friend and most favorite girl in the world, Breanna Marie, might as well have written the book on this theory.  I’m already prepared for when she gets hitched, because I know she’ll be the belle of the ball and have me in the pinkest, pretty-pretty princess bridesmaid’s dress money can buy.  Buuuuuuuuuut, there’s a big difference between being a princess and being a cream puff (not the pastry this time.)  So, ladies please, wear the dress… don’t let the dress wear you!

With a train like that, this is more than likely the only place they could do pictures... in a field... a very, VERY large field. (photo courtesy of diamondvues.com)

The only caption needed: Whyyyyyy? (photos courtesy of wedinator.com and tackyweddings.com)

Please Don’t #5:  Loud and Ornate… not up for Debate
Your wedding day is about you; so, please please please don’t lose yourself in over-the-top accessories.  Brides who decorate themselves too drastically don’t look trendy; they look, well, in a word, ridiculous.  And nobody wants to look back in 5 years – heck, even 5 days – down the road and go, “Ugh, what was I thinking?”

Sugar Kei Sweet's design (left) and Christian Lacroix may be brilliant in theory, but they are disastrous in depiction. (photos courtesy of weddinginspirasi.com and larkinandcatcher.com)

I'm sorry, Celine. Like you. Love your voice. HATE the headpiece. (photo courtesy of ivilliage.com)

7 Comments August 9, 2010

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