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09 Mar, 2010

Fresh and Fun Bridal Bouquets

Posted by: Denise In: Flowers

Spring is in the air, and these fresh and fun bridal bouquets are simply perfect for this time of year. Get inspired by these featured floral arrangements!

Pure white peonies, hydrangeas, and lilies are offset by a smattering of green ranunculus and lady’s mantle for a bouquet that is exceptional for a spring wedding. I imagine this floral arrangement would coordinate beautifully with a ballgown wedding dress!

I love the classic look of this bouquet with the quirky touch! A gorgeous combination of tulips, roses, hydrangeas and ranunculus look oh-so-soft and romantic for spring, but wait! The added touch of white feathers sprinkled throughout give this classic bridal bouquet a fun, playful touch. Love it!

Why not add a modern twist to a traditional bouquet like the one shown at left? This bridal bouquet combines snow-white roses, freesia, hydrangeas and white orchids, but you get an unexpected pop of color – the center of the orchids are hot pink! This is a great way to modernize a traditional bridal bouquet without going overboard. Simply lovely!

I think this just might be my favorite bouquet featured here! I love bold, vibrant colors – but even if you tend to shy away from them, this floral arrangement keeps it subdued enough for even the very timid. A colorful mix of white lillies, blue hydrangeas and hot pink calla lillies create a show stopping combination that you can’t help but love.

With spring rapidly approaching, these fresh, fun and playful bridal bouquets are simply perfect. Which one is your favorite?

(All Photos From TheKnot.com)

If you’re planning a red wedding, you have literally TONS of things to choose from to make the occasion just right. Whether you need a red wedding cake, a scarlet gown, or red decorations, take a look at these featured accessories to make your red wedding a dream come true!

I love, love, LOVE this wedding cake! The three tier confection looks like chocolate dipped marshmallows because of the ganache that has trickled down each tier. Add a miniature bouquet of roses to the top of the cake, and sprinkle each tier with red rose petals to finish the look. It’s as delectable as it is beautiful!

While red roses are classic, if you want something a little different for your bridal bouquet, you have many options to choose from. Take a cue from the photo at right and create your bouquet from amaryllis, chinaberries, and fancy Amazon roses for a deep red floral arrangement that looks amazing!

You will absolutely amazing in this stunning red wedding gown. The mermaid silhouette, strapless sweetheart neckline, and layers of taffeta, beading and embroidery combine to create one amazing gown! The gown also features a lace-up back and a matching shawl. Gorgeous!

Wedding decor doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, as the photo (at right) shows! To spice up your wedding decor, tie red fabric in interesting patterns or knot shapes on the backs of chairs. It’s an economical and simple way to add personality to your wedding without spending an arm and a leg – plus, it’s DIY!

I love the color red, and love women who can pull off a red themed wedding with style. If you are interested in having a red wedding, take a look at these photos for inspiration and ideas!

When deciding who to include in the wedding party, it can be difficult to make room for siblings – especially if you come from a large family! Perhaps you don’t want to include your siblings, or maybe you only have room for one in the wedding party.

Whatever the case may be, remember that this is YOUR wedding. You aren’t under any obligation to include your siblings in the wedding party. However, be prepared for the potential consequences. Your parents might argue with you about your decision, and your siblings themselves may feel hurt, rejected or left out.

Honestly, the only way to avoid hurt feelings is to try to include ALL of your siblings in the wedding party. If this simply isn’t feasible, then don’t add fuel to the fire by including some and leaving out others; this will only hurt them further.

If all else fails and you simply cannot make space for all of your siblings in the wedding party, try to find alternate roles for them to do. They may not be standing with you at the altar, but you can have your siblings prepare a speech to give at the wedding, sing a song, or any other honorable role you can think of.

What do you think about siblings and the wedding party? Should they always be included?

Have you always dreamed of having your favorite celebrity’s engagement ring for your very own? Unfortunately, most of us can’t afford thousands of dollars on a ring – but we CAN afford a replica!

The following rings are inspired by some of your favorite celebrity’s rocks. While these rings are cubic zirconia and not actual diamonds, they are of such high quality that only a trained eye would be able to tell.

Steal the style of Carrie Underwood’s engagement ring with this excellent representation from Emitations. Underwood was recently presented with a canary yellow diamond engagement ring worth $150,000; you can nab your own look-a-like for less than $70.

Katy Perry’s engagement ring is perfect for the woman who loves understated, vintage-inspired elegance – but most of us can’t afford her expensive tastes! Luckily, Emitations has created this very realistic replica for less than $60!

Although J-Lo has long traded in former fiancee Ben Affleck, no one can forget the stunning pink diamond engagement ring she received from him! Nab the look yourself with this sparkling 5 ct emerald cut CZ with simulated diamond accents – for only $30!

No one can forget Eva Longoria’s stunning engagement ring she received from now-husband Tony Parker. Now, you can nab the look yourself with this stunning replica! The sterling silver ring features a 4 carat emerald cut center stone and two accent stones for a mere $25!

Even though most of us can’t afford the REAL versions of these rocks, the featured replica engagement rings shown here are almost exactly like their more expensive counterparts for thousands of dollars less. All rings are available at Emitations.com!

Which celebrity replica engagement ring would YOU like to see next?

It’s the beginning of another week, and I couldn’t start the week without adding to my “Wedding Color” series. I hope you’ve been enjoying reading them as much as I’ve enjoyed writing them!

This week, take a look at a gorgeous yellow wedding cake, flowers, decorations and favors available in the sunniest hue around. Plus, it’s the perfect color for spring or summer. You’ll love it!

These pretty favor boxes are perfect for stashing a little trinket or some candy for your wedding guests. Each favor box comes with a beautiful sunflower attached to the top, which makes these favor boxes perfect for a garden themed wedding too! (Favor boxes available at MomentsofElegance.com)

For a sunny wedding bouquet, consider combining calla lillies in two differing shades of yellow like the picture at right. Finish it off with a wide yellow ribbon to hold the flowers together as you walk down the aisle. Simple AND pretty!

Featuring four tiers of marble yellow cake, this wedding confection offers a contemporary look while still retaining a classic style. Frosted sugar pearls adorn each layer while a large white bow acts as the cake topper. You can also choose to add frosted mongram initials like the couple did in the photograph at left!

I love this unique decor idea! Fill clear glasses with water and submerge yellow flowers of your choosing (the photograph depicts orchids) and add a small floating tealight on top. These serve as great centerpieces for your tables at the reception and add a touch of ambience to your celebration.

While yellow has never been a favorite color of mine, I have to admit that there are a lot of wonderful possibilities when used as the central color for a wedding!

There are plenty of ring design tools online, but I have yet to find one that’s as comprehensive as JamesAllen.com. If you want to design the perfect engagement ring of your dreams, check out this easy-to-use tool and start building!

First, you get to choose a setting based on whatever preferences you have. You can choose from a variety of settings including solitaire, pave, tension and more. This tool makes it easy to find the exact setting you want because you get to search by type, price AND metal!

Next, you must choose a diamond to add to your setting! You have complete control over which diamond shape you choose (oval, round, heart, pear, etc.) as well as the clarity and color. Each diamond has a photo you can view to see if it fits your needs.

Once you’ve chosen your setting and your diamond, you will be taken to the final page where an image of your design will be represented for your perusal. You’ll also have time to go back and change anything if you don’t like the way your engagement ring looks!

I’m a huge fan of the engagement ring design tool at JamesAllen.com, and I think you’ll be pleased too. Check it out!

While the white wedding gown is generally a tradition, if you don’t feel like wearing white, you don’t have to! In fact, more designers are recongizing colored wedding gowns as a growing trend and are creating beautiful gowns in various hues.

Check out the following colorful dresses for inspiration for your own non-white bridal gown!

This gorgeous scarlet wedding gown is a definite eye-catcher! This taffeta ball gown features a dropped waist, pick-up skirt, lace up back and a lace flower embellishment at the waist for even more style. Shy brides need not apply; this dress should only be worn by those women who aren’t afraid of a little color!

If you are a little unsure of wearing a dramatically colored wedding gown, choose a dress in a silver tone like the one shown at right. You’ll still get away from the traditional white wedding dress, but you’ll feel more comfortable wearing a demure color. This particular gown features plenty of beading to add visual interest, plus a corset bodice and soft satin material.

Whoever said the bride shouldn’t wearing a black dress was oh so wrong! As this mermaid-inspired gown proves, black can be very chic for weddings. This gorgeous gown features an open back, layers of lace and beading,  and a two-tone belt at the waist to add style and flair. If you really want to be bold, a black wedding gown certainly fits the bill!

I think this is my favorite gown of all the ones featured here! This sheath wedding dress features a bright, vivid coral shade with dropped wrapped bodice, plenty of ruffles, and floral embellishments that really add a certain pizzazz to this gown. I can just picture a bride wearing this to her beach wedding!

While white wedding dresses are usually a given, there’s no rule that says you can’t wear a different color. The bottom line? This is YOUR wedding day – wear the color you feel your best in!

What do you think about colored wedding gowns? If you like them, which one featured here is your favorite?

Personally, I love bold, vibrant colors – especially when used well in weddings! If you are planning an orange wedding (or even thinking about it,) the follow wedding cake, flowers, and accessories will show you how amazing the color can truly be.

Make a striking appearance as you walk down the aisle with an all-orange bouquet like the one shown at right. This particular bouquet includes a mix of orange roses, calla lilies and dahlias for a beautiful, bold arrangement. The bouquet is finished off with satin ribbon to keep the flowers together.

Add a fun, funky flair to your reception with an orange cake like the one shown at right. A traditional white cake is then decorated with fun orange stripes and polka dots to create a cake that looks simply amazing! Who says wedding cakes have to be “fancy” to look good?

Consider having your guests shower you and your new husband with orange flower petals as you exit the wedding ceremony. Place them in sheer organza bags and hand one out to each guest before the wedding commences so you and your love can be showered in gorgeous petals that also match the color of your wedding!

Brighten up your reception table decor with a vivid orange daisy enclosed in a glass vase, jar or other decorative object that suits your tastes. You can arrange other small flowers around the daisy as accents, as well. Guests can’t help but smile when they see these bright flowers staring back at them!

These featured items show that orange weddings aren’t only for Halloween! In fact, orange can look amazing as a central wedding color scheme – IF you do it right. Would you ever consider using such a vibrant color for your wedding or reception? Discuss your ideas in the comments!

24 Feb, 2010

A Pretty and Practical Wedding Favor!

Posted by: Denise In: Favors

With Spring right around the corner, these flower pot pen wedding favors are the perfect token to give your guests! Even though I’m not getting married, I almost want to buy a few to spruce up my desk!

Each favor includes a tiny terra cotta pot with a flower pen in your choice of colors/styles – pink gerber daisy, orange gerber daisy, white daisy, a pale pink rose or a lavender rose. All flower pen favors are represented in the photograph above.

Even if you aren’t having a garden themed wedding, these 6-inch tall wedding favors are a fun, practical memento to show your appreciation to your guests for their attendance.

Each flower also comes with matching satin ribbon and a cute “Thank You” tag attached. You can even use these as table top decorations in addition to favors!

Flower pot pen favors are available at MomentsofElegance.com, starting at $3.15/each.

If you’ve always dreamed of getting married in a ball gown wedding dress, take a peek at these beautiful gowns to find the dress that calls YOUR name!

One word describes this gown – WOW! I immediately fell in love with this strapless creation, which uses layers and layers of beading, lace, embroidered details and more to create a gown that is truly fit for a princess. Worn with a sleek updo as shown in the photograph, you’ll look classic, gorgeous and sophisticated.

This gorgeous ball gown wedding dress features a detachable skirt (SO convenient to dance the night away at the reception in comfort,) a sweetheart neckline and plenty of lace accents and beading to add visual interest. This dress is definitely a winner!

This ball gown wedding dress features a sweetheart neckline (I think most of them do!) with a full tulle skirt that reminds me of classic regal style. The bodice features a beaded sash and the back of the dress is done up corset-style. Beautiful!

This is easily my favorite gown of all the dresses featured here! Doesn’t it just scream classic romance? You will truly feel like the “Belle of the Ball” in this gorgeous tulle and taffeta creation with a lace jacket, plenty of beading and beautiful decorative accents that make this dress a masterpiece.

While I never considered myself the ball gown type, these featured gowns have made me reconsider my aversion to frilly, full skirts! Which ball gown wedding dress is your favorite?

Join The Bridezilla Club




  • Denise: Thank you! I had a lot of fun playing with the tool myself :)
  • Dynamite Weddings: This is such a great idea!
  • Denise: I agree - especially during the summer :)

About

Your guide for weddings with a pinch of sugar and a whole lotta spice! ....because there's a Bridezilla in all of us ;)

Best Bridezilla Stories

One of my cousins got married last year and I was a bridesmaid in her wedding. About 2 weeks before the wedding the bride calls me up to ask me if I would mind not wearing my engagement ring at her wedding since it would distract people from looking at her ring, and she really didn’t want anyone in the bridal party sporting jewelry bigger than hers. Can anyone beat that bridezilla request?? — Alexis