After "YES," Before "I DO" and Everything In Between

The Bridal Party LLC wishes all of our clients and blog readers/subscribers/lurkers a happy and healthy new year full of wonderful blessings and good fortune. Best Wishes for 2008! Rashana

Earlier today, I came across a cute little cake creating tool hosted by Brides.com . It's called CREATE-A-CAKE! Brides-to-be are able to choose from a variety of colors, decorations, accents and even toppers. Once done, print the finished design and take it with you to your baker. Great for brainstorming ideas and lots of fun. Try it now !

I met with a really handsome couple a few weeks ago, who shared fond memories of their engagement party. Seems the party was a huge hit ... thanks to the simplest of themes, the diamond engagement ring! Turns out, there are tons of items available to help take it to another level as well. Take a look at a few: "With This Ring" His and Her Napkin Rings by American Bridal - "Diamond Ring" Gift Bag by Plum Party - Engagement Ring Cookies by Maine Cakes and Cookies - Big Ring Invitations by PaperStyle

For some, spending $7,000+ on a handmade, couture wedding gown to be worn only once is no big deal. For others, a more practical approach may be desired or necessary depending on the chosen budget. It really depends on the bride and what she ultimately wants. Since we've already highlighted numerous high-end gowns, here are a few gorgeous choices for $1000 or less. Happy Shopping! Demetrios David's Bridal Group USA Saison Blanche J. Crew ... and even though it's more than $1000, here's one more J. Crew style, just because it's so feminine and unique (wink). J. Crew

While catching up on my blog-reading, I noticed a really fun post over at Danielle Gregory's Oh Happy Blog! Danielle has great ideas and finds, of which I've been quite intrigued. And today, I've decided to borrow this cute little quiz. 1. Egg nog or hot chocolate? During the holidays, I'm all about egg nog . It's actually a bit obsessive of me (especially since it's so high in cholesterol and I really should not indulge). But hey ... it's only around once a year. 2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? "Santa," better know as yours truly, always wraps each and every gift. In fact, today I spent about 2-3 hours wrapping the gifts we've accumulated thus far. It's all about presentation with me ... I can't help it, I'm a planner! 3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Though I grew up with colored lights, once I became the head of my own household, it's been white lights or nothing. Trees shine and glow

As soon as I came across OfficeMax's Elf Yourself , I just couldn't resist! I had to join in the fun. So, from my family to yours, here's to a good chuckle all the way from Central New Jersey ... courtesy myself and hubby, Keith. Check Out Santa's Top 2 Elves ! Happy Holidays!

Bedding ... flatware ... home decor ... luggage ... these are all common items on engaged couple's wedding registry lists. And while it can be fun as well as practical to hand-pick many of the items you'll receive for your wedding, always remember to make it count. Be sure to include one-of-a-kind items, defining pieces that could potentially stay with you until your 50th anniversary, keepsakes to pass down through the generations ... starting with you. Here are a few of the "hottest" wedding registry picks to consider: Artisan Stand Mixer One of the most popular kitchen appliances on the market and also, the prettiest! The Artisan stand mixer is a must for bakers. It boosts 10-speeds and a 5-qt. stainless steel work bowl. A wonderful tool to display on your counter top. Available at Bloomingdales . Ralph Lauren "Odeon" Bedding Ralph Lauren's brand has been built and maintained on tradition .... and the antiqued 1930s wallpaper pattern that inspires th

Understandably, people often judge venues and locations by their bathrooms. When hosting a wedding ceremony and/or wedding reception, remember to always place emergency toiletries in each bathroom. But, consider further transforming an ordinary ladies' or men's room into a true restroom with impressive little touches ... vases of fresh flowers, scented sachets, chocolate truffles, or maybe even these: JUTE BASKETS ( Ballard Designs ) MONOGRAMMED SOAPS ( In This Very Room ) PERSONALIZED TISSUE ( Ballard Designs )

Non-wedding related for the most part, but really cute! A replica of Charlie Brown's classic pathetic Christmas tree. One of my colleagues sat his up on his desk and, boy does it turn heads. The set, from Urban Outfitters , comes with one red ball ornament, and bendable branches that make it possible to fold the tree entirely flat for easy storage during non-yuletide times of the year. Merry Christmas Charlie Brown!!!

I was married 3 1/2 years ago and had a BLAST planning my wedding. It was July 17 ... a balmy, vibrant Saturday afternoon ceremony splashed with hues of celadon and pink ... followed by dancing the night away, under the stars, in " Toni Child's Romona Keveza ." I LOVED my wedding! But, what if I could do it all over again??? Hmmmm . I think I'd try this: OLD HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR Credits (top and left to right): Mermaid-style Wedding Gown - Ines Di Santo ; Laser Etched Plexiglass Invitation - Grapevine Weddings ; Satin-draped theme wedding cake; Red Hots Candy Favors - twentyandseven .com ; Raspberry White Chocolate "Shots" & Spiraling Red Table Setting - Taste Catering ; Red Rose Place cards - (photo courtesy of Modern Bride ); Black duet satin soft fluted gown - Alvina Valenta ; Dolce & Gabbana Metallic Patent Leather Peep Toe - eLuxury .com ; The Hudson Theatre, NY - Millennium Broadway Hotel ; Pouch-style Purse embellished with pearls &

(Note: I'm smiling as I type this post) Okay, so I have never really been a huge fan of save-the-dates. Unless used to give guests advance notice to a destination and/or holiday weekend wedding, I've always felt save-the-dates take away from the pomp and circumstance of the formal wedding invitation. Nevertheless, these adorably clever save-the-dates have stolen my heart. I'd find a reason to send these! Absolutely perfect for wedding dates falling close to the holidays ... courtesy of RedBliss , $18 per piece.

I saw this great article in the Fall/Winter 2007 edition of Brides New Jersey and had to post. Over the years, I've come to find that most non-married people really have no idea what type of wedding they can or can not afford upon becoming engaged. This article serves as a pretty good eye-opener to what married-couples-to-be are in store for ... in the tri-state area, especially New Jersey. MUSIC 4 hours of live music by a popular 13-piece band of accomplished musicians with tour experience: $11,000 5 hours of professional DJ service, plus an MC and a light show: $1,695 4 hours of basic DJ service, plus a pianist for cocktail hour: $1,095 RECEPTION 4-course, plated dinner with 5-hour premium open bar, cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres, champagne toast and wedding cake at a historic garden estate : $245 per person 5-course, plated dinner with 5-hour open bar, buffet hors d'oeuvres, champagne toast, and wedding cake in a ballroom with stunning city views: $150 per per

The idea of the groom's cake began as a Southern tradition and lately, has become more and more popular at weddings. These days, the groom's cake could be any reflection of his hobbies, favorite sport, alma mater or even his profession. Some groom's cakes are served at the rehearsal dinner, however, most times this alternative confection accompanies the wedding cake itself. So here's to giving your sports enthusiast , wine expert , cigar connoisseur , billiards addict , hip-hop junkie , soon-t0-be-ball-and-chain a little piece of the spotlight . Take note of these fabulous ideas that'll make your groom's cake the talk of your wedding!

Have a very safe and blessed Thanksgiving! (Turkey Place Card Holders by Beau-Coup )

Engaged, newly married or just enjoying yourself single ... be sure to check out these picture-pleasing dresses if you're party bound . Satin & Sequin Cocktail Dress by Jovani Fashions, Jovani - Black Sparkle Trim Sheath by Iodice, Neiman Marcus - Ruffle Ivory & Teal Dress by Mint Jodi Arnold, ShopBop - Lace Strapless Dress by BCBGMAXAZRIA, Nordstrom

Like thousands of people, I record The Oprah Show everyday on our DVR. And no matter what, this time every year, I look most forward to the Oprah's Favorite Things show. To my surprise, today was the day! Apparently, most of Oprah's ratings come from Macon, Georgia and as a "thank you" to the residents, the show was filmed in Macon in front of an audience of gracious locals. So Nice! Here's the 2007 rundown, just in time for the start of holiday shopping. UNITED ARTISTS 90TH ANNIVERSARY PRESTIGE COLLECTION UGG® AUSTRALIA CLASSIC CROCHET TALL BOOT TOYWATCH WATCHES THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH BY KEN FOLLETT THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL'S PLANET EARTH DVD SET THE ARTISAN® STAND MIXER FROM KITCHENAID HOME APPLIANCES SHAKLEE GET CLEAN™ STARTER KIT SCRABBLE PREMIER EDITION FROM HASBRO SAMSUNG PROGRESSIVE HD CAMCORDER SC-HMX10C RACHEL PALLY SWING TURTLENECK AND SAILOR PANTS PERFECT ENDINGS CUPCAKES FROM WILLIAMS-SONOMA O'S GUIDE TO LIFE MELAMINE BOWLS, MEASU