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

I just read the cutest, yet informative, little article over at TheKnot .  Each question is 100% valid and should be paid attention to (especially #4).  Definitely worth the read, so I thought I'd share: After a few months of wedding planning, you start to feel like a pro. You've already memorized all the in-season flowers, can name the top 20 wedding dress designers alphabetically and are on a first-name basis with every single member on staff at your reception venue. Still, there's bound to be a couple of questions that you forgot to ask. Let us help fill it in for you. 1. When should I take off my veil after the ceremony? Everyone loves to talk about the veil, but nobody tells you exactly when to ditch it. While it's perfectly okay to wear the veil for the entire reception, there are two optimal times to take it off. The first is after the ceremony (have your hairstylist show a bridesmaid how to do this without messing up your 'do), and the second is

I always remind my clients to remember to shop special items especially for their honeymoon, not just for the BIG DAY.  So, my advice to all of you is to head on over to Anthropologie (one of my absolute favorite shopping destinations) and check out their latest swim collection.  It's "beyond basic."  You won't find anything average or run-of-the-mill about their suits. You're sure to make a splash in one of these! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

As you cross the dress, the jewelry, the shoes, the veil and the shoes off your list...don't forget the bag! You'll need something lovely to hold your day-of essentials. But consider staying away from the plain stark-white styles you'll likely only get to wear once. There are lots of options that would work beautifully with your wedding attire, but could also work for future parties and events once you're a Mrs . Here are some of our favs, whether you're looking to stick close to the white family or if you're daring enough to infuse a pop of color: Nine West Neves Clutch Paparazzi Veronica Hard Clutch Prada Vernice Clutch Judith Leiber Package Clutch J.Crew Flutter-Flower Clutch Karen Millen Sequin Bow Clutch Santi Hand-Beaded Clutch - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

I will always be an advocate for favors that are either "practical" or "edible."  After all, it isn't likely wedding/event guests will have much use for a ceramic trinket with a ribbon displaying the couple's names and wedding date hot-glued on. So during last week's sneak peek into Spring (80 degree sunny weather) here in the NJ/NY area, my husband and I decided to stop into Cold Stone Creamery and I was reminded of their novelty cupcakes! These ice-cream cupcakes debuted last year and were supposed to be offered for a limited time only, but it seems they're here for a while longer. They come in packs of six and include a layer of cake, fudge and super premium ice-cream, all inside a rich chocolate shell. Cold Stone Creamery offers the following flavors: Cake Batter Delux: red velvet cake with fudge and cake batter ice cream in a rich Belgian chocolate shell, topped with pink frosting and sprinkles Sweet Cream: yellow cake with fudge and s

I've been enjoying planning a celebration for my Mommy, who's celebrating this golden birthday in just a few weeks.  I finished printing, preparing and mailing the invitations for her fabulous affair a few days ago, so invited guests should have received yesterday.  I really love this style, featuring an ultra-chic velvet zebra print pocket.  Who doesn't love a 3-dimensional textured piece of stationary?! Definitely befitting my mother and the upcoming party.  So, I thought I'd share a few photos of the finished product! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Former Superbowl Champion Aaron Ross of the NY Giants and Olympic Track and Field Gold Medalist Sanya Richards recently wed in Austin, Texas and it was a spectacular event! So spectacular, that their wedding will be featured soon on Platinum Weddings . The ceremony was held in a gorgeous house of worship, followed by an awesome 500-guest reception (which took place at The Four Seasons resort).  Not only were the bride and groom celebrating the beginning of their lives together as husband and wife, but it was also Sanya's birthday - how sweet!   Check out Sanya's gorgeous St. Pucci Couture gown (she changed 3 times by the way), the groom's debonair custom Giorgio Armani tuxedo, the jaw-dropping floral design/decor, the classy wedding party attire, the show-stopping 5-tier wedding cake and the little touch of sportsmanlike personalization: - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

A cocktail hour is even more celebratory with signature drinks dedicated to the bride and groom, and the occasion of their wedding. I've always loved the idea of a single signature drink, but here lately I have suggested my clients implement martini bars that offer a plethora of options and tastes. This is also an awesome wow-factor addition for engagement parties and bridal showers. Guests love the novelty and will definitely have fun with it. Here are a few of my favorites, along with ingredients: The Tuxedo * 2 ounces London dry gin * 1 ounce dry sherry * 1 dash orange bitters Sealed With A Kiss * 2 ounces chocolate liqueur such as Godiva or Crème de Cacao * 1.5 ounces vodka * 1 Hershey's Kiss Blushing Bride * 1 ounce peach schnapps * 1 ounce grenadine * 4 ounces Champagne Wedding Cake Martini * 2 ounces vanilla vodka * 1 ounce pineapple juice * 1 ounce cranberry juice * 1 teaspoon artificial sweetener (1 package)     The P

Shop the Kleinfeld April SAMPLE SALE! Sunday, April 18th (One-hour appointments available only) Save up to 70% on sample gowns from top bridal designers, including Alvina Valenta, Amalia Carrara, Amarilidine, Amsale, Amy Michelson, Anne Barge, Badgley Mischka, Carolina Herrera, Christos, Claire Pettibone, Danielle Caprese, Edgardo Bonilla, Eve of Milady, Henry Roth, Ian Stuart, Jim Hjelm, Judd Waddell, Justina McCaffrey, Kenneth Pool, Lazaro, Liancarlo, Marisa, Melissa Sweet, Michelle Roth, Monique Lhuillier, Peter Langner, Pnina Tornai, Priscilla of Boston, Reem Acra, Rivini, Romona Keveza, Stephen Yearick, Tara Keeley, and many other famous Kleinfeld exclusive European designers. Also, receive up to 50% off a select group of accessories! Call (646) 633-4300 today to make your sample sale appointment. - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

(photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings ) Pinning groom and groomsmen boutonnières may sound like an easy task, but trust me, it's not as easy as it looks (unless you know what you're doing). So, I've put together a brief step-by-step guide along with a little eye-candy . After all, the last thing anyone wants to see is a groom taking his vows with a lopsided boutonnière that's just seconds from falling off. Thus, the task of pinning should certainly be taken seriously. So, without any further ado ... brides, grooms and members of my staff (wink @ Jocelyn), take note: Step 1* Hold the boutonnière by its stem with the front facing you. Step 2* Place the boutonnière 4 inches below the tip of the gentleman's shoulder, onto the left lapel. Step 3* Take a step back to confirm placement of the boutonnière before attempting to pin. Step 4* In an upward motion, pierce the fabric from behind the lapel, with a sturdy straight pin, through the bottom of

- - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Brides and friends-of-brides, we just made our Press Kit public and available for download ! It's a quick and easy way to learn about THE BRIDAL PARTY , our services, our philosophy and our style. This, our official company Press Kit, also features a glimpse into some of the photography representing our recent work. And thanks to Google Docs, you may view and/or download a copy at your leisure. You are even able to easily share it with your friends (which we'd LOVE for you to do). Thank you, in advance, for your support! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Exquisite Bride is holding a Vera Wang Trunk Show from March 19 to March 21, at their Millburn, New Jersey location. Don't miss out on Vera Wang gowns not yet in stores and receiving trunk show discounts and incentives! Check out their other upcoming events too : Reem Acra Trunk Show, March 12-14 (Princeton location) Blow Out Designer Sample Sale, April 6-18 (Millburn location) --- Wedding gowns from Reem Acra, Anne Barge, Ulla Maija, Jim Hjelm and more! Call today to make your appointment today! Exquisite Bride 110 Essex Street Millburn, NJ 07041 (973) 376-2770 Exquisite Bride 107 Main Street Princeton Forestal Village Princeton, NJ 08540 (609) 452-7200 - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

I ran across this awesomely cute handmade hanger over at Wedding Tidbits: Kelly McWilliams' Blog , courtesy of her New Years Bride .  Great photo op, huh?  This definitely beats the common-place "Mrs. So-and-So" jogging suits or boyshorts. You should be able to finagle one of your own on Etsy ! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Are you or someone you know planning a wedding, but the never-ending tasks keep getting in the way? Are you and your fiancé fun and fabulous, but drowning in details? Then get hooked 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 looking for couples who want to share their wedding-preparation adventures with the hit prime-time wedding series, Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? ... plus, they'll help you pay for some of your wedding costs! They're especially interested in 2 types of wedding stories: Brides and grooms who have extremely DIFFERENT IDEAS of what their dream wedding should be (theme, venue, indoor/outdoor, cuisine, formal/informal). We will put you head to head with your fiancé in various reality-style competitions to fight for your wedding vision – we will see who really is the better half! OR Two couples who are interested in having a joint wedding (best friends, sisters

Well, you can get married every year...just ask Barbara "Barbie" Millicent Roberts, who turns 51 years old today! She and her beau of 44 years, Ken, have realized getting married as many times as possible is the key to maintaining their loving and successful relationship.  She's even had the unique opportunity to wear some of the most beautiful couture pieces by Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Bob Mackie, Carolina Herrera and Reem Acra (pictured below). Must be nice! (wink) Happy Birthday, Barbie! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

The 82nd Annual Academy Awards aired Sunday night and I'd been looking forward to it for months. This is our 3rd year posting cues from the red carpet for brides, but I believe this display of fashion was the most impressive. Last year we saw lots of lace and bling. This year, lots of light colors and flowing fabrics. Here are a few cues from the red carpet I've compiled for brides: (click on bridal fashions to enlarge) Anna Kendrick wearing Elie Saab (Inspired options for brides: David Fielden, AcQuachiara)   Diane Kruger wearing Chanel (Inspired options for brides: Elizabeth Fillmore, Jenny Packham)   Elizabeth Banks wearing Versace (Inspired options for brides: Avine Perucci Collection, Platinum for Priscilla of Boston)   Jennifer Lopez wearing Armani Prive (Inspired options for brides: Anne Barge, Ian Stuart) Miley Cyrus wearing Jenny Packham (Inspired options for brides: Monique Lhuillier, RS Couture) Sandra Bullock wearing Marchesa (Inspired options for br