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

New Jersey Brides, join Macy's Wedding & Gift Registry for an event featuring fun beverages, hors d'oeuvres, and great registry experts to help you create your dream registry. Bring your fiancé and he can play 007 with the scan gun while you sip your drink and approve his choices. You'll also receive a fabulous gift from The Knot. The perfect weeknight date! Call the number below for your chosen store to reserve a spot now! Please be sure to include your phone number, which store you are coming to, and how many people plan to attend. Date: Wednesday, March 3rd Time: 7:00pm Macy's Freehold 3710 Route 9 South Freehold, NJ 07728 Upper Level RSVP: 732-761-6305 Macy's Willowbrook 1100 Willowbrook Mall Wayne, NJ 07470 Upper Level RSVP: 973-812-6105 Date: Thursday, March 4th Time: 7:00pm Macy's Bridgewater 400 Commons Way Bridgewater, NJ 08807 3rd Floor RSVP: 908-429-3305 Date: Friday, March 5th Time: 7:00pm Macy's Short Hills 1220

Today I came across this little video all about bridesmaids, courtesy of The Dessy Group .  In just over two minutes, it covers the role of the bridesmaid and even touches on the history behind it.  For instance, did you know in ancient times bridesmaids were "protectors against evil spirits?"  Go figure!  And with that said, in many instances, not much has changed.  After all, being a bridesmaid has a lot to do with trust , devotion and friendship .  The very best of intentions are required from each bridesmaid and from the bride during such a high-pressure time, but it's also important to have FUN! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

* CAUTION -- NON-WEDDING RELATED, BUT REALLY CUTE -- CAUTION * So wedding blog = wedding posts , I know.  But I'm so in love with my new "cozy" that I felt compelled to share with all of you.  Doesn't my Starbucks non-fat chai tea latte look snugly and comfy?  You've got to admit, my pink coffee-cup-cozy is nothing short of adorable.  Courtesy of Wayside Violet, it's hand knit with a gorgeous cable stitch, the perfect eco-friendly alternative to those disposable paper sleeves. Plus, Wayside Violet offers a variety of nifty colors and styles.  Too cute! Check out Wayside Violet's etsy shop and blog for more cozy, lovely items.  And definitely consider a coffee-cup-cozy for each of your bridesmaids*. (*You should have known I'd find a way to tie this back to weddings...) - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Spring is on its way and I'm already excited about being in the thick of wedding season.  And as we planners and brides-to-be continue with scoping and preparing for THE BIG DAY, it's also important to remember to put just as much thought into THE BIG DAYS AFTER.  That's right gals/guys, don't forget about the honeymoon.  I always say the honeymoon is likely the best of times between newlyweds, so special attention should be paid...especially when it comes to accommodations. Now if you're on a tight budget, I may not be the person to talk to when it comes to destinations and accommodations.  Why?  Because ever since my husband and I honeymooned in Hawaii, frolicking the suites and sights of Halekulani and Fairmont Kea Lani (pictured above), we've somewhat unashamedly become hotel snobs .  For us, resorts and accommodations are extremely important and on them we do not skimp (which is why I don't do honeymoons and refer all of my clients to a world-class

If you're free this coming Monday, head on over to Ralph Lauren's daughter's famous candy store, Dylan's Candy Bar, and discover the latest tips & trends to help you plan your wedding! This educational seminar will feature the best vendors from the weddings industry, so let the experts teach you how to avoid hidden costs and save. Get step by step details, loopholes and "tricks of the trade."  Learn proper etiquette for the ceremony, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, showers, and bachelorette parties.  Enjoy cake tastings, cocktails, gift bags, AND enjoy complimentary mini-makeup consultations from Bobbi Brown The Studio . Sign Up Now ! The Wedding Bootcamp - New York, NY Show date: Monday February 22, 2010 Show hours: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM Venue: Dylan's Candy Bar Address: 1011 Third Ave, New York, NY 10021 Dylan's Candy Bar is an experience in of itself, so if you haven't had the pleasure of visiting, here's an advance video t

Hostess with the Mostess™ , one of my absolute favorite virtual destinations, is holding a SURPRISE GIVEAWAY for brides-to-be (and to any friends & family members looking to help them out with a generous, budget-boosting gift)!  MagnetStreet Weddings is offering up a fantastic wedding invitation giveaway at Hostess with the Mostess™ this week: 100 Pocket-Style Wedding Invitations & Coordinating RSVP Cards…an amazing $425 value!! HOW TO ENTER: • Post a comment to the HWTM blog telling them which Pocket-Style Wedding Invitation design(s) from MagnetStreet Weddings you especially love! • Giveaway ends Sunday, February 21st at midnight PST . Winner is chosen randomly and will be announced on the HWTM blog as soon as they’ve accepted the prize. Good luck, everyone!! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Dear Rashana, I'm an up-and-coming videographer slowly breaking into the wedding industry.  Right now, in addition to acquiring clients, I've been focusing on setting up a proper and fair business model through market research and networking.  But one issue I'm still a little wary of is if it's ever OK to turn down a potential client's business?  I read in your interview on the Think Splendid blog that celebrity event planner Preston Bailey gave you the best piece of business advice you've ever received ("No matter how afraid you are or how unqualified you might feel, never walk away from an opportunity...").  But does this mean you'd never turn down business? - Video Girl * * * * * * * * * * Dear Video Girl , When I first began building a foundation for THE BRIDAL PARTY I never planned to turn any potential clients away.  I was eager and anxious to take on all inquiries.  I realized fairly quickly however, I could not run an honest and m

I'm working with a couple planning a late-October wedding who've chosen to design their event based upon the theme, " Vintage Romance ." Now, any busy wedding planner will tell you...nowadays anything "vintage" is all the rage with brides-to-be. But exactly what does it mean? The truth is, it means lots of things. Just take a look at what dictionary.com says: vin⋅tage [vin-tij] –noun 1. the wine from a particular harvest or crop. 2. the annual produce of the grape harvest, esp. with reference to the wine obtained. 3. an exceptionally fine wine from the crop of a good year. 4. the time of gathering grapes, or of winemaking. 5. the act or process of producing wine; winemaking. 6. the class of a dated object with reference to era of production or use: a hat of last year's vintage. –adjective 7. of or pertaining to wines or winemaking. 8. being of a specified vintage: Vintage wines are usually more expensive than nonvintage wines. 9. repres

Here's a DIY project for a really beautiful little adornment, perfect for brides-to-be.  This felt rosette wreath is featured on Domestifluff.com and could be used to enhance any event decor...perhaps a bridal shower, bridesmaid tea or even the location where the bride's dressing the day of her wedding. What You’ll Need: - a 12 inch styrofoam wreath form - approximately 2 1/2 yards of felt - straight pins (enough to match the number of felt circles needed, plus two for attaching the hanger) - scissors - a 3 inch circle template - a pencil - ribbon for hanging Using a pencil and your circle template, trace circles onto the felt. Cut the felt circles, and fold them in half twice to form rosettes. Insert a pin near the bottom corner of the rosette, about 1/8 inch from the corner. Attach the felt rosettes to the wreath form, making sure to group the rosettes tightly enough that no styrofoam is showing through the rosettes. After you’ve added a few, fluff and adjus

Basketball star, Carmelo Anthony, and television personality, LaLa Vasquez, mailed out Valentine's Day inspired save-the-dates for their upcoming wedding this week.  Very cute! The couple has hired celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss, who also worked on the weddings of Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria and Gwen Stefani.  And although Carmelo and LaLa split most of their time between Colorado and California, their nuptials will be held in New York (where both were born) on July 10, 2010. So far, LaLa has toured such premier locations as Pier Sixty and Cipriani, but an official venue has yet to be announced. Congrats to the happy couple! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

(photos above courtesy of Sedona Arizona Wedding Photography ) When it comes to brides' choices of shoes on their wedding day, some go for "vanilla" (traditional white or ivory, conservative) while others opt for "chunky monkey" (outside-the-box, expressive, colorful). It's such an expression of personal style today, so there really isn't a wrong or right choice. Which flavor would you go with? "VANILLA" (top to bottom, left to right: Badgley Mischka white satin shoe, Martinez Valero white satin pump, L.A.M.B. platform booties, Ruthie Davis white maryjanes, Report white sandal, Tori white silk platforms, Christian Louboutin ivory stilettos, Alexander McQueen sandals, Stuart Weitzman cross-front shoe) "CHUNKY MONKEY" (top to bottom, left to right: Charlotte Olympia metallic striped pump, Nina Ricci yellow lame pumps, Alexander McQueen blue patent peep toes, Touch of Nina red shoe, Paris Hilton green croc pump, Betsey Johnson mage

Is it possible you're as big a fan of Project Runway as I am? If you're just as in love with this American reality TV show that focuses on fashion design, you're probably familiar with last year's contestant, Carol Hannah Whitfield . Carol Hannah was by far my favorite designer and I'm thrilled to have learned not only is she living in New York City and still designing, but she recently previewed her own wedding collection . With a fine selection of gowns for brides and bridesmaids alike, Carol Hannah has brought the same sophistication, construction, whimsy and femininity to this debut offering. These gowns and dresses are just lovely. And I'm excited to share a few of her creations with you below:     Carol Hannah's full collection will be presented on March 20th in Charleston, South Carolina and mid-April in New York City. - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Introducing Wedsy !  That's right.  It's the best of Etsy for brides.  Proof there's always an opportunity to make anything ALL ABOUT BRIDES. Perfect, indeed. Though still in beta and not directly affiliated with Etsy, Wedsy is perfect for 'brides who love Etsy for the one-of-a-kind handmade finds...' and automatically compiles the most popular items for you.  It's updated daily with bridal jewelry, cake toppers, wedding supplies, favors, guest books, invitations and vintage items galore.  Go on over and check it out ! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Once you've said "I Do," finished the layout for your wedding album and mailed off the last thank-you note you officially enter the realm of the MARRIED.  Hooray!  The doors are now open to the yearly celebration of your anniversary...plus gifts.  And lucky for you (and probably more lucky for your husband) there's always been a preset list of anniversary gifts by year.  Now...the gift-list has evolved over the years, but since I often times enjoy sticking to tradition I'd like to highlight the traditional first five anniversary gift themes: paper, cotton, leather, fruit/flowers and wood. PAPER: 1ST ANNIVERSARY Gift Idea: Airline Tickets to one of the top romantic destinations in the world, perhaps Aspen, New York City, Costa Rica, Tahiti, Italy or Greece. Gift Idea: An exquisite piece of artwork for your home. COTTON: 2ND ANNIVERSARY Gift Idea: A clothing shopping spree...a few new suits for him, a few classic dresses or lingerie for her. Gift Idea: Match

My friends over at WeddingChannel.com informed me last night that they just launched brand-new wedding websites, including exclusive designs from Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, Lela Rose and Oscar de la Renta (my personal favorite).  Brides already love to personalize their wedding, and this is another way a Vera- or Monique-clad bride can actually have a wedding website that ties in with her wedding gown designer.  What fun! The new wedding websites also feature hundreds of other personalization options including interactive wedding maps that help guests locate all the wedding events via Google maps.  Go on over and choose your couture design today. - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY