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

The Bridal Party's Rustic Romance Bride tied the knot at The Raritan Inn at Middle Valley in Califon, New Jersey. The bride and I met back in December and from our very first meeting I was ecstatic to work with her.  The richness of her vision was amazing and I felt honored to be a part of the wedding planning.  From the ceremony being held in a beautiful field with the Raritan River as the backdrop to the reception being kicked off in a vintage 19th century barn, it was a magnificient event.  The wedding also featured a gorgeous mix of bright wildflower hues, homemade jam that doubled as escort cards, gourmet cupcakes in lieu of a traditional wedding cake and, thankfully, there wasn't a drop of rain in site.  I really enjoyed working with this couple, and as usual all involved did an outstanding job. Below are my snapshots of the day. But, professional photographs coming soon! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRID...

The Bridal Party 's on THE LIST ! The New Jersey Life Weddings Magazine's list , that is. And as always it's spectacular to be recognized and included, because we love what we do. - - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

You're invited to browse our latest inspiration board, focusing on the gorgeous feathers of a peacock and all of the "vanity" that comes with them. After all, brides, it's YOUR one-and-only day, so why shouldn't you strut your stuff? While this is not a commonplace theme, it is effortlessly classy and uniquely bountiful. I've seen it used here and there but once I laid eyes on the cake below, by Mark Joseph Cakes , I decided to pay closer attention.   PEACOCK PLUMES  Credits (top, left to right): Peacock Symphony Chandelier Earrings - Shop Ruche ; Outdoor Ceremony Chairs adorned w/ Peacock Plumes (photo courtesy of A Lavish Affair ); Teal Net Puffball "Dolly" Dress - What R U Wearing ; Peacock Cookie Favors - Sunflower Baking ; Hanging White Paper Lanterns over blue pool; Faux Peacock (photo courtesy of Tanya Tribble Weddings ); Manolo Blahnik Satin D'orsay Shoes w/ Black and White Feathers - Foot Candy ; Custom Peacock Ceremony Programs (...

Our Weekly Wedding Eye-Candy today features a Texas wedding photographed by Juxtapose Photography . Each photo looks as though it's as light as a feather. After the ceremony, the wedding party went to the Burton Cotton Gin & Museum for a historical and unique backdrop.  But my favorite element was their get-away car.  Very cute! Feast your eyes ... - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Dear Rashana, I'm in need of some guidance about tipping. How does tipping vary if the vendor is the owner of the company? Does this matter? I'm sure you can give this confused gal some good advice. Need Tips On Tipping * * * * * * * * * * Dear Need Tips On Tipping , This is an excellent question! I wrote about gratuity etiquette once before, but I think focusing on owners of companies is important because most folks are not sure if there's a difference. But yes, there is a difference. When it comes to gratuities, there really are no concrete rules. Nevertheless, my advise to my clients when the vendor working on their event is also the business owner that tipping him/her is optional. Of course, if they've gone above and beyond for you, you may chose to show your appreciation with a gratuity, but it's not required and shouldn't be expected. Exceptional vendors who are not owners of the company should probably receive a tip however. Please al...

Your After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between archive reminder has arrived! Take a look back at what we were discussing one year ago. * Cham"painless" Flutes (suggestions for selecting affordable champagne flutes) * 27 Dresses? (11 fine dresses to consider for bridesmaids) * Edible Centerpieces (notable mention of edible centerpieces created by a renowned local baker) * NEW from The Bridal Party (introduction of our SWEETS SIDEBOARD...also affectionately known as the candy buffet) * A Name After My Own Heart (a detailed look at Maggie Sottero's "Rasharna" gown) - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Surprisingly I'm not ashamed to admit how much I adore shopping at HomeGoods (known for being packed with an ever-changing array of one-of-a-kind, and unexpectedly incredible finds from all over the world). There's just something about perusing their aisles and discovering those diamonds in the rough . So, to my husband's dismay, I am frequently "HomeGoods happy"...even recently taking advantage of an amazing sale on Lacoste bath linens! (yep, still somewhat giddy about it) Anyhow, as many of our readers are soon-to-be married or newly married, you'll have to take on the task of figuring out how your new home will be decorated. Unless you're a professional decorator, it may be somewhat difficult to figure out how yours and your hubby's styles will fuse, so just for fun take the HomeGoods StyleScope quiz . Find out what your decorating style really is and note the really great tips that will help you make the best decor decisions. Let's face ...