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

A $25k custom Vera Wang gown + a 500-pound wedding cake + an 18-piece big band orchestra + a former United States President as the Father-of-the-Bride + the United States Secretary of State as the Mother-of-the-Bride ... a royal wedding , U.S. style! Saturday night, Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky were married in Rhinebeck, New York and all reports indicate it was a lavishly successful affair.  Although the event carried a $3 million dollar price-tag, it was far from gaudy, as everything was executed quite tastefully.  And guess what?  My favorite designer, Oscar de la Renta, outfitted Chelsea's mom, Hillary Clinton. Here are photos from the highly anticipated event. - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

TLC is currently casting Season Two of Four Weddings featuring NY, NJ, CT, PHILADELPHIA & DALLAS brides getting married in JUNE, JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER! TLC's hit series Four Weddings is a fun show that gives four brides the opportunity to compare notes with other brides, attend each other's weddings and WIN an exciting 5 star Honeymoon ! Only considering brides getting married within an hour of NYC, Philadelphia or Dallas. Want to feature ALL types of weddings: Traditional, over the top, unusual venues or event spaces, married on a cliff, at the zoo, while sky diving, fairytale, on a boat, very small & intimate, themed...ANY and ALL types of weddings! Any and all ages welcome! This is NOT a Bridezillas type of show. If you'd like to be considered for the show, please email your name, wedding date, wedding location & short description of your wedding immediately to the Casting Department at: TLCBrides@gmail.com . Here's your chance to win a 5...

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

Dear Rashana, I have an issue I really need your help with.  We're thrilled to be having my fiance's nieces as flower girls in our wedding.  However, their parents would rather purchase their dresses from a department store as opposed to a bridal salon.  I'm concerned because I had ideas in mind for the girls already (which would coordinate with what the bridesmaids and I are wearing) and I doubt this can be achieved at a random department store.  Is there anything I can do without offending the family?  HELP!! - Concerned Bride * * * * * * * * * * Dear Concerned Bride, It is customary for the bride to select all attire for her attendants (bridesmaids, flower girls, etc).  However, this can get sticky in the case of child attendants if the bride hasn't agreed to pay for their ensemble.  Perhaps you should proactively choose a few dresses for your flower girls and take photos to their parents for review.  Just be sure to pick out options withi...

  (photo courtesy of Getty Images) When planning a wedding, brides and grooms a will likely do all they can to prevent any major changes or an untimely cancellation. However, in case of an emergency, they should be sure to make themselves and their family aware of the proper way to handle such situations. A wedding is an enormous event regardless of budget or scope, therefore any major modifications or postponements should be handled very carefully, with utmost care and in accordance with proper etiquette. Definitely talk to your wedding planner before making any decisions. We at THE BRIDAL PARTY recommend the following: Postponement If the wedding is to be delayed but will be rescheduled within a reasonable amount of time, a mailed announcement is proper.  If time does not allow for a mailed notification to your invited guests,  telephone calls and email are acceptable. Changes of Date : If the wedding date changes after invitations have been printed but BEFORE...

I'm working with a couple, planning a late-April wedding, who aren't yet sure what their color scheme will be. I jumped at the chance to suggest we design their event around hues of purple, navy and pink.  I call this "Classic Love" and I'm very excited about this design. I hope they're just as excited. Here's my first inspiration board for this couple's nuptials. CLASSIC LOVE Credits (top, left to right): Magenta Vintage Floral Birdcage Veil/Headpiece - Etsy ; 5-Tier Navy & Pink Cake - The Sugar Suite ; Pearl Adorned Flowergirl (photo courtesy of Stephanie Williams Photography ); Personalized Glass Paperweight Favor - Red Stamp ; Orchid Boutonniere (photo courtesy of The Knot ); Lavender Truffle Favor - Boca Bons ; Navy Belted Menu Cards/Papers - Socially Write ; Navy & Pink Monogrammed Invitation - Etsy ; 3 Pink Shoes (photo courtesy of Stephanie Williams Photography ) - - - - - - - - - - By Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Dire...

Engagement photos outfit = CHECK. Bridal gown = CHECK. Veil and shoes = CHECK. Honeymoon bathing suits = CHECK. Hope you didn't forget a showstopper for your bridal shower! Just in case you're waiting until the last minute or you are no longer in love with the frock you purchased on sale last season, here are some ultra cute options I've had my eye on: Grecian Moon Dress (J.Crew)   Fall Out Dress (Karen Walker) Embellished Taffeta Party Dress (BCBGMAXAZRIA )   One Shoulder Silk Dress (Isabel Marant Etoile ) Wizard Wonder Dress (French Connection ) Sequin Bustier Dress (Alice + Olivia ) Metallic Floral Tube Dress (AKIRA Black Label ) Hors d'Oeuvres Hour Dress (Modcloth )   - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY