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

E vent planners and consultants know all too well that extraordinary place settings are a powerful element that truly make events. Personally, I have a soft-spot for menu cards in this respect. Menu cards not only show your guests what they will be served, but they express a sense of formality and charm ... they further anchor the intended ambiance of the event. Is it really possible for this lone piece of stationary to provide that "WOW" factor to your event? The answer is, "Absolutely!" Therefore, it is with much excitement that I introduce Hand-Crafted Menu Cards from The Bridal Party LLC , featuring a full range of colors, textures and embellishments. For more information, go to  RashanaAnderson.com . (Pictured above - "Banquet" Menu Card : 5x11 Metallic White Card featuring Hand-Tied Satin Wired Ribbon)

T he 80th Annual Academy Awards, mother of all awards shows, finally arrives! Now THIS is the real red carpet . Lots of silk, satin and organza ... John Galliano, Michael Kors, Dior and Marchesa. Check out these cues for brides: (click on bridal fashions to enlarge) Heidi Klum (Bridal Inspirations below: Jenny Packham, Saison Blanche, Sophia Tolli) Laura Linney (Bridal Inspirations below: Emerald Bridal, Jim Hjelm) Anne Hathaway (Bridal Inspirations below: Winnie Couture, Sposa by St. Pucchi) Marion Cotillard (Bridal Inspirations below: Pallas Athena, Alvina Valenta) Penelope Cruz Bridal Inspirations below: Kenneth Pool, Enzoani)

WHERE: Your local Williams-Sonoma store TIME: Please call store for details COST: Technique classes are free Join Williams-Sonoma for a new series of technique classes at your local Williams-Sonoma store. Their technique classes are an enjoyable way to broaden your culinary experience with new flavors and techniques. Led by culinary experts and featuring cuisines from around the world, classes include demonstrations and samples of prepared dishes as well as printed recipes you can take home. Join for the entire series or choose your favorite individual classes. Class size is limited, and classes tend to fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve your space today. SUNDAY, MARCH 2 Easter Baking & Cupcake Decorating Cupcakes are the perfect something sweet to enjoy at your Easter or Spring Celebration. Enjoy new recipes, inspired decorating ideas and sophisticated flavors while adding whimsy and childhood nostalgia with our cupcake ideas! SUNDAY, MARCH 9 Soufflés Take the mystery and i

F or 5+ years, I had the priviledge of performing with one of the most applauded wedding/event bands in the tri-state area, Cashmere . Cashmere is the top band within Barry Herman Entertainment and are simply phenomenal (not just in my biased opinion). Through my experience performing, I was able to become at home with celebrations that stemmed from a multitude of cultures and styles. I can still sing "Hava Nagila" in my sleep! Prior to performing with Cashmere, I thought hiring a DJ was more than enough for weddings. And while for certain celebrations this is true, nothing compares to a live band (especially if you hired a band like Cashmere who is extraordinarily versatile). So, when it comes time to advise clients on entertainment, I usually suggest having a live band or both a DJ and a band for the perfect party. This way, there's something for everyone: the young, the old, the modest, the party-animals ... they're all covered. Thus, it goes without saying that

S he helps you pick out the bridal gown of your dreams ... She insists Aunt Mary and Aunt Suzy not be seated at the same reception table ... She's the last woman to be seated before "Here Comes The Bride" is played ... She's been dreaming about your wedding day since you were born ... She's your mom! And here are a few of the latest fashions to help her look her very best: (click photos to enlarge) Alyce Designs Rina di Montella Sarah Danielle Montage Occasions by Mon Cheri Jovani

I 've been a huge fan of PosePrints for a long while. So much so, I even had a custom pose of myself created (pictured left ... wink). Nevertheless, I was elated when they decided to release "couple poses" (example pictured below). You couldn't chose a better, more personalized Save-The-Date or Thank You card! Fabulous idea. The founders of PosePrints , Denise & Jen (a mother/daughter team), have enjoyed impressive success since launching their site and continue to offer those on a quest to be unique great options for all occasions. There are even options for children now available. Super cute! So, head on over to PosePrints ... have a great time creating your special pose(s) ... and use coupon code " bridalparty " for 10% off your purchase, courtesy of The Bridal Party LLC and the ladies of PosePrints .

I like to repost this about every 6 months, as it really comes in handy when couples are just starting to plan their weddings and choose dates. While there's absolutely no way you can ensure a warm sunny day and there's nothing you can do to prevent a misty rainshower, you CAN do a little research and try to make a decision based on theory . Check out MY WEDDING WEATHER , which has lots of great info for the coming months! (Favors pictured courtesy of Beau-Coup )

T he 50th Annual Grammy Awards, held in Los Angeles, gave the musical elite a chance to strut their stuff in the latest of trends and fashions. Here are a few cues from the red carpet for brides: (click on bridal fashions to enlarge) Lisa Rinna (Bridal Inspirations below: Fiamma by Atelier Aimée & St. Pucchi) Beyonce (Bridal Inspirations below: Avine Perucci by St. Pucchi, Demetrios Blue, Mon Cheri) Alicia Keys (Bridal Inspirations below: Henry N. Jackson, Platinum by Priscilla of Boston) Miley Cyrus (Bridal Inspirations below: Paula Varsalona, Winnie Couture Destination) Fergie (Bridal Inspirations below: Tara Keely, Tomasina)

L ast week, one of my favorite clients introduced me to IANKA by Giancarlo Miranda , a Peruvian jewelry maker of exquisitely awesome designs. The craftsmanship and creativity, second to none ... the designs, absolutely GORGEOUS! As described by the designer, the pieces are "ecletcic, full of fantasy, with much shine and delicate forms ... small works of art." And quite frankly, I can't think of anything else a bride's jewelry should be.

B eing one of the most debated English phrases in history, the root of "Let Them Eat Cake" is still somewhat unconfirmed. Though widely attributed to Marie-Antoinette, most believe it was Marie-Thérèse who coined the phrase or that it was penned by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Nevertheless, the origins of cake's roll in weddings date back to medieval times. Nowadays, brides search for bakers 6 to 12 months in advance and each year wedding cakes become worlds more eccentric. Get your sweet tooth ready ... it's time for a sugar fix! Carlo's Bakery Confetti Cakes Jan Kish-La Petite Fleur Just Cake Pastry Arts Robyn Loves Cake Sweet Tiers Vote on these and other magnificient cakes at Brides.com , for the chance to win your favorite !

H ere's a helpful article for those shopping for diamond rings, entitled How to Tell if a Diamond is Real . Whether you're buying that perfect gift for a special person in your life or you want to know if your own diamond is the real thing, the proliferation of imitation stones and the people who try to pass them off as real can be worrisome. While the best option is to have the diamond appraised by a jeweler you trust, who can test the diamond without damaging it, this will cost you, and it may not be convenient if you're shopping around. Here's how to take matters into your own hands and catch a fraud on the spot. Ask for a certificate: Make sure it's from an impartial diamond grading authority (e.g. Gemological Institute of America, Jewellers Association of Australia) or an independent appraiser who is affiliated with a professional organization (like the American Society of Appraisers). This is especially important if you're buying a stone you haven't s