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

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

This week's Wedding Eye-Candy features one of our own couples who will be getting married in September! I couldn't wait to share their beautiful engagement photos with our readers, which were shot at Van Vleck House & Gardens in Montclair, New Jersey.  I love the location and LOVE the wardrobe. We at The Bridal Party can not wait to help them begin the rest of their lives together this September. Feast your eyes ... - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

If you haven't stopped over and browsed Etsy.com for your wedding, RUN don't walk! It's an awesome site whose mission is to "enable people to make a living making things and to reconnect makers with buyers." There are hundreds of thousands of sellers on Etsy and of course you'll find a plethora of wedding items (from veils to invitations to garters).  You can always find something eclectic and unique. I love Etsy, so I made time to do a little net shopping today.  Check out what I found! Shilo Luxe Silk Box Wedding Invitations Personalized Engraved Escort Stones with Guests' Names Golden Dove Ring Bearer Bowls Handwoven Ivory Lace Petal Cones Hummingbird Brooch Garter The Kerry Wedding Program Whimsical Ostrich Feather Flower Girl Basket Couture Champagne Flower Girl Gown - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

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. * Celebrating "25" In White (recap and photos of our "outdoor white party" event) * FlAVOR of the Month: July '08 (Mini Candy Dispensers w/ Scoop by Beau-Coup) * Memorializing Loved Ones (ideas on honoring loved ones who've passed on at your wedding) - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

A growing trend among brides and their wedding parties is non-matchy-matchy bridesmaid dresses and bouquets. Some may continue to shy away from this idea, as it can be deemed "nontraditional," but it's a clever way to set your wedding apart from rest. Furthermore, for groups of bridesmaids with varying body types, this idea may come as a godsend! Once a cohesive color palette is chosen, allowing each maid to choose her own dress style and possibly even the flowers for her bouquet ensures everyone is comfortable. But remember, it's extremely important you do your homework to be sure hues, fabrics, designs and florals blend. Not that the dresses have to be the same exact color, fabric or length, but everything should flow and complement. Here are a few examples of non-matchy-matchy bridesmaids done right! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Our Weekly Wedding Eye-Candy today features a destination wedding photographed in Sydney, Australia. Each photo is literally like an individual work of art. Photographer Jason Lanier outdid himself on this one for sure. It's easy to see this couple and their guests were lots of fun and truly immersed themselves in each wonderful moment. This was obviously a "simple affair," but these photos honestly propel it to a level few have reached (in my opinion). Wow! Feast your eyes ... - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Today is the last day to vote! So RUN, don't walk, over to WeddingChannel.com to place your vote for THE BRIDAL PARTY as “Best Overall Blog" here .  And remember, you can vote as many times as you like! Be sure to tell all of your friends because the blog with the most votes will win a trip to St. Kitts! Thanks!! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

The wedding cake pictured above could be considered quite a show-stopper by some and it would probably feed approximately 150-200 people.  IF it were real.  That's right...it's made of Styrofoam instead of eggs and baking powder.  If this were a real cake, the style, design and size would call for most well-known bakeries to charge anywhere from $7 - $15 per slice...which translates to $1050-$3000.  Yep, that's a pretty penny .  Surprisingly, many brides are now considering using "fake cakes" for a fraction of the normal price.  They're having the wow-factor without the wow-cost. And of course, a real cake is cut behind the scenes and served with the guests being none the wiser. If you're interested, here are a few sites to check out if you're in the market for a "fake cake" or "rental cake:" UltimateFakeCakes.com CakeRental.com   RentAFakeCake.com - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director,

It's my anniversary! Five years ago today, I married an amazing man who is a wonderful partner and friend. Being married helps me in my business everyday because I'm in the business of LOVE. I know what it's all about because I live it and it's just so amazing. Sunday, July 19, is THE BRIDAL PARTY 's birthday/anniversary and I'm really excited about that as well. I couldn't be more proud of our strides, progress and growth. It's been an outstanding ride and I'm not at all ready to get off. So here's to many more years of happy marriage and success in the LOVE business. Cheers! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

GetMarried.com 's giving brides-to-be/grooms-to-be the chance win an all-expense paid honeymoon to Turtle Island, Fiji (the location of the movie "Blue Lagoon"). The grand prize winner would be lucky enough to experience 7 nights in a private, luxurious two room cottage or "bure." Get More Details & Enter To Win - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY