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

An updated analysis of changes in wedding spending from 2007 to 2008 was released by The Wedding Report (an organization that analyzes/publishes statistics and market research for the wedding industry).  The average cost of a wedding actually fell 24% in 2008; this along with other areas of spending that saw declines were very interesting: Wedding dress: -31% Rehearsal dinner: -34% Spending for a DJ: -6% Bridesmaid bouquets: -36% Gifts for attendants: -38% Wedding invitations: -34% Engagement ring: -30% Photographer: -26% Videographer: -24% Wedding cake: -33% Wedding favors: -9% Reception food service: -53% Limo rental: -24% On the flip side, there were areas identified to have experienced increases.  It seems that brides and grooms chose to spend more on things that really count like their wedding bands, the ceremony and the reception.  Plus, many couples are opting to have both the ceremony and reception at the same location, which can save a lot of $$$. ...

I was strolling through Sephora over the weekend and stumbled upon a great find!  The first thing I always do is head to the back of the store to check out philosophy (one of my favorite brands) and this time I was stopped in my tracks by this wonderful little collection: YES, it's called the bridal party !  "How perfect," I thought.  And anyone who knows me knows I LOVE philosophy so seeing that one of their collections dons the name of my company ( The Bridal Party ) immediately put a huge smile on my face. philosophy's the bridal party collection is for the bride-to-be and includes a trio of shower gels inspired by wedding traditions that are sure to pamper the beautiful bride before the big day.  It's an ideal bridal shower gift, but could also be a wonderful gift for bridesmaids. * * * * * * * So…I've decided to offer one lucky person their own the bridal party collection by philosophy! If you're interested, all you need to do is post a comment ...

We're starting off our newest blog series, Weekly Wedding Eye-Candy , with a recent wedding photographed by Onada Photography . I had the pleasure of meeting their principle photographer, Bola, a few months back and her work never ceases to amaze me. Feast your eyes ...

During the Fall, I registered for a twitter account , but loss interest pretty quickly since I thought it was just another social networking site. Well, while it IS that, I've come to find it's also so much more. Start following The Bridal Party on twitter today!  And be on the lookout for our twitter series in the coming months. Stay TWEET!

The 81st Annual Academy Awards aired last night, and this was THE red carpet event I've been waiting for.  Last year we saw lots of red and black.  This year, lots of bling and lace of all colors. Here are a few cues from the red carpet for brides: (click on bridal fashions to enlarge) Kate Winslet (Inspired options for brides from the following collections: two by Maggie Sottero, one by Melissa Sweet)   Taraji P. Henson (Inspired options for brides from the following collections: Michelle Roth, Claire-Pettibone, Lazaro, Mia Solano) Alicia Keyes (Inspired options for brides from the following collections: Sottero & Midgley, Demetrios) Miley Cyrus (Inspired options for brides from the following collections: Aire by Rosa Clara, Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Watters Bride)  Marisa Tomei (Inspired options for brides from the following collections: Priscilla of Boston, Lara Hélène Bridal Atelier, Jim Hjelm) Sarah Jessica Parker (Inspired options for brides from the fo...

After launching The Bridal Party's fan pages on Facebook in October 2008, our blog After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between has just been added to NetworkedBlogs!  We wouldn't want you to miss anything, now would we?  (wink) So if you have a Facebook profile, be sure to become a follower of After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between today.

You'll find there is a wealth of helpful tips on blogs and in wedding magazines about preparing, organizing and sorting wedding invitation response cards.  But I assure you this is one of the best R.s.v.p. tips to heed: AWESOME TIP :   As you prepare to address and mail your wedding invitations, give each address a number.  Write each guest household's assigned number lightly, in pencil, on a back corner of their response card before mailing.  It's highly probably that 30-40% of your invitees will not write their name on their response card.  You're guaranteed to receive several cards with "will attend" checked, but no name written in.  Nevertheless, by following this numbering system you'll know exactly who is responding.

It's always so much fun to know what's in and what's out with every new year, so TheKnot.com is always there to help.  I love their article, 9 New Wedding Trends for 2009 and thought I'd share.  9 New Wedding Trends for 2009 Trend 1: Rustic homespun details Outdoor weddings -- on a farm, in a vineyard, or even in the backyard -- are huge right now, and we'll continue to see a lot of them in 2009. It's really no wonder: An outdoor setting makes for a fun, laid-back vibe and the decor options are limitless. So what kinds of details are in store? Vintage vases filled with fresh-from-the-garden flowers, mismatched china in bright colors, and homemade wooden signs to direct guests. Even catering is in on the action with in-season ingredients paired with local wine. Trend 2: Jewel tones Say good-bye to pale pastels and bright poppies. Rich gem colors like navy, plum, and amber are going to be hot. And instead of chocolate brown, look to a soft creme brulee h...

Personalized M&M's® are still big hits at weddings.  Not only are brides and grooms able to tell their love story with words, faces and colors, but now a NEW Shimmer Collection is available.  Hues of gold, platinum and pearl are now up for grabs. Check'M out!

Before you make plans to buy each of your bridesmaids just the costume jewelry you'd like them each to wear for the wedding or buy each of your groomsmen silver-plated money clips with each of their names engraved on them - STOP!  Consider going against the grain on this and check out all that Navy and Lavender has to offer.  Several of their offerings are actual experiences . Here are a few of my favorites among their giftables: For The 'Maids Le Boudoir This luxurious silk short robe is the ultimate in femininity. Create the perfect atmosphere for lounging about with this beautifully packaged lavender home fragrance set, including a personal-size diffuser and a soothing soy wax candle. A pair of lavender sachets adds an elegant final touch of fragrance to closets and drawers.  Jet Setter Every experienced traveler knows the best way to look fresh on arrival is with a short catnap on the flight over, and this satin eye mask will do just the trick! Clear customs in...