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

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

This time our next inspiration board will be created with the minds and imaginations of our readers in mind. SO, using 5 words or less, submit your wedding style or theme! Post your idea in "comments."

Of course, being able to personalize milestones and special events is what most folks planning celebrations are interested in. And luckily, there are tons of different ways to pull this off ... and here's one I came across recently: Personalized Magazine Covers, by YourCover ! Celebrate Your Wedding with a YourCover Unique Personalized Magazine Cover ... your photos on front & back ... personalized headlines ... the works. They even come with a deluxe frame. Personally, I think this is a great idea for bridal showers and/or bachelorette parties as well.

Even though it's now considered tried and true , I still love the incorporation of the signature drink for celebration events. Here are a few tasty martinis perfect for the holidays: MAYFLOWER MARTINI (courtesy of Food Network ) Ingredients: 2 teaspoons sweet vermouth Ice cubes 1 part gin 2 parts white cranberry juice Whole cranberries on toothpicks, to garnish Instructions: Pour 1 teaspoon of sweet vermouth into each martini glass; swirl glass to coat and pour out excess. Set aside. Fill a martini shaker with ice cubes. Pour 1 part gin and 2 parts white cranberry juice. Shake vigorously. Pour into martini glasses. Serve chilled with a garnish of whole cranberries on a toothpick. PUMPKIN PIE MARTINI (courtesy of New York Magazine ) Ingredients: 2 parts Absolut Vanila vodka 1 part pumpkin schnapps Splash of cream (or substitute a splash of orange juice) Nutmeg Instructions: Shake all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with nutmeg

A friend and old colleague of mine is a bridal buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue. She passed on the message that their exclusive sample sale is once again upon us! Hundreds of gowns from the foremost names ... including Vera Wang, Reem Acra , Monique Lhuillier , Ulla- Maija and more. Save up to 70% off original retail prices. Nov. 28 th - Dec. 5 th Saks Fifth Avenue NYC location, 3rd Floor All sales are final. No in-store alterations. Shipping available. Happy Shopping!

Per Abby Larson of Style Me Pretty , WHOSE WEDDING IS IT ANYWAY? SEASON 7 is CASTING COUPLES! Are you planning your wedding day, but the never-ending tasks keep getting in the way? Are you and your fiancé fun and fabulous, but drowning in details? Then let WHOSE WEDDING IS IT ANYWAY? hook you up with a top-notch wedding planner, to help organize the wedding of your dreams and take you down the aisle in style. The Style Network is currently casting for the seventh season of Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? Looking for couples with or without a planner, who want to share their wedding-preparation adventures with the hit prime-time wedding series! All participants must be 21 years of age or older and have a wedding date set from November 20, 2007-March 1, 2008. Please send your info and wedding story to dwcasting@trueentertainment.net Good Luck!

Our latest inspiration board ... especially for soon-to-be-weds who'd rather "run away and get married." DESTINATION DESIGN Credits (top and left to right): Sandy Seashell Landscape Wedding Cake - Beach Weddings ; Bride Profile Snapshot (photo courtesy of theknot.com ); Majorica Pearl Wedding Earrings & Houston Satin Pleated Handbag - Perfect Details ; Mint Bridesmaid Dresses - Alvina Valenta ; White Reception On The Beach - Luxe Destination Events ; A-line Silk Bridal Gown - Pronovias ; Pebble "Place cards" - (photo courtesy of Michelle Turner Photography ); Handmade Tropical Fans - Preston Bailey Crystal Wedding by Sandals ; Message In A Bottle Invitations - My Personal Artist ; Satin-Wrapped Rose Bouquet - Terrie Easley Designs ; Oceanfront Resort - Halekulani, Hawaii (where hubby and I honeymooned)

Y esterday, I received my first wedding scam attempt (guess my latest marketing and advertising efforts are starting to work). I received an email from an "Irish" bride-to-be whose fiance was offered a job in the U.S. and needed help planning a small wedding in New Jersey. I vaguely remembered hearing of certain swindle attempts on wedding vendors (especially photographers and videographers), so my radar peaked immediately, however, I didn't jump to any conclusions right away. I responded to the email, drew up a preliminary proposal, quoted cost of service and submitted an invoice for payment. Nonetheless, when it became apparent that the bride-to-be and her French fiance only intended on mailing a cashier's check, I knew right away what I was dealing with ... a scam! I happen to know that international cashier's checks are not fully validated for 90 days. So even though the check may clear at first, if found to be phony, the money is later deducted. I must say, i

L ove this list from New York Magazine ... I just had to share! 1. Avoid playing boring piano music during the cocktail hour. Choose a genre you love that people can’t bust a move to, like experimental jazz, bluegrass fiddling, or emo-rock like Radiohead and their sound-alikes. Alternately, showcase a type of music native to your or your fiancé’s heritage—think strolling mariachis, Caribbean steel drums, or a flamenco guitar-and-mandolin duo. 2. Supplement the often-ignored wedding cake with passed desserts. For one recent reception, planner Xochitl Gonzalez of Always a Bridesmaid worked with caterer The Raging Skillet and How Sweet It Is to dress up the bride’s favorite junk food. Mini devil dogs, mini Rice Krispie treats, and mini peanut-butter cups were served on silver platters at the end of the night. 3. Transport your guests in style. A shuttle bus can be such an eyesore; why not rent a few vintage cars to chauffeur guests instead? Brooklyn’s Film Cars has a diverse collection,

'T is the season to use the holidays for inspiration! Take a cue from winter, in all of its splendor, with these little embellishments: Newlyweds and Couples Holiday Cards ( Tiny Prints ) Gold Tree Place Card Holders ( Beau-Coup ) Spruce Monogram Wreath ( Ballard Designs ) Christmas Parcels Wedding Cake ( Rosalind's Desserts )

PlumParty is one of my favorite party sites, carrying some of the most unique supplies and great planning tips. Plus, their table combinations make throwing something last-minute really easy too! TableToss (by PlumParty ) is a whole new approach to table top design, with colors, textures and mixes for every occasion. Of course, you can mix and match depending on your needs, but it's always nice to have a starting point just in case "party block" sets in. Plus, for friends of The Bridal Party , enjoy 10% off your purchase now through November 10, 2007. Use coupon code: PlumThx07. Hurry!

(just a random non-wedding related post for today) 1. Family & Friends 2. Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer 3. DVR (digital video recorder) 4. Music 5. Lucky Magazine What are your 5???