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

Living in what some call the "Digital Age," our lives are governed by virtual tools.  More than telephoning, we catch up with friends and family by Facebook, email or text.  We view/cherish each other's photos online as opposed to flipping through actual albums or asking to have copies made.  And instead of waiting for the mailman to see if you've been invited to a special event, most times invitations are waiting for you in your email inbox.  The company, Paperless Post, made a name for itself doing just that, allowing people to send visually interactive and engaging invitations/cards by email.  I excitedly used their service for two of my children's big events, their dedication and 2nd birthday party .  But, to my surprise, PAPER by Paperless Post emerged a few months back for those of us who still look forward to receiving an actual envelope in our mailboxes.  Admittedly, finding out Paperless Post (having over 1.5 million registered users) wasn'...

Per Business Wire , 'TheKnot.com, a global media and technology leader announced the launch of its first all-inclusive wedding planning application for the iPhone and iPad today, The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner , now available in the Apple App Store. Couples can now create and update their wedding to-do list, track wedding budget expenses, browse thousands of wedding dresses and bookmark inspirational photos of cakes, wedding décor and more – all while on the go. This first-of-its-kind wedding app is complimentary through February 29, 2012, due to a launch partnership with The Registry at Bloomingdale’s.' Features of The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner App for the iPhone and iPad include: Ultimate Wedding Checklist. Not sure when to book the photographer or order the cake? Keep organized with a checklist that tells you exactly when to complete each wedding task. Wedding Budg...

Here's a DIY project for dressing up your mason jars, perfect for brides-to-be.  This tutorial is featured on Tori Spelling's website, ediTORIal , and the blog Crafts by Amanda .  Such an adorable idea could be used to enhance any party.  Rustic and quaint ... love it! YOU'LL NEED Mason jars Adhesive spray (like Elmer's Craft Bond) Doilies Burlap Twine , buttons, and/or ribbon STEP 1 Clean and dry your jars.  Spray one side of your doily or lace fabric with adhesive spray. Position your doily or fabric onto the outside of the jar, smoothing and making sure it's not bunched up. Press in place. STEP 2 Spray the rim of your jar with adhesive spray and wrap a piece of burlap and/or ribbon.  You can also tie a piece of twine around the rim as well.  Tie it all in a bow. STEP 3 Thread on buttons or other appliques if you like.  Or even use the lid. Finally illuminate with a candle! Really easy. Very cute. - - - ...

We at The Bridal Party are excitedly gearing up for our next wedding, taking place in a couple of weeks.  So, as we cross all of the t's and dot all of the i's, I was sure to alert my staff we'll have lots of napkin folding to do.  Our bride would like her menu cards tucked into the napkin at each place-setting, which I love.  I've certainly worked with many clients who ultimately decided to skip this gesture, but I always urge otherwise because it's such a simple way to add just that extra little touch for the celebration.  Some napkin folds are quite complex and take some practice, but for this affair we'll only need a simple pocket-fold.  A quick flip, fold and tuck! RealSimple even offers a nifty online video demonstrating the pocket-fold technique.  Of course this will take some time to complete, especially if you're expecting 110 guests (like we are in a couple of weeks), but I assure you ... it's worth it. - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana An...

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

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...

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

Traditionally, a couple's wedding album was a large white book, but in recent years, its switched to the common big black book . Truth be told, there are endless options for wedding albums available...everything from genuine snake skin covers to metallic pages. Yet, another trend I've noticed over the last few years is that of couples NOT ordering their wedding album at the time they book their photographer. I usually advise against this, but perhaps they're on to something. One would never want to hire or not hire a photographer because of the albums he/she offers (although it should be a serious consideration). Nevertheless, now there's Album Boutique ! With just a few clicks of the mouse, couples are able to upload digital wedding photos from their hard drive and start creating a dream album. Hey, there's nothing wrong with options. Click for more details below: - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PAR...

Kodak Gallery offers a plethora of products with which to enhance your wedding.  I personally used this service for my own thank you cards (pictured above) as well as for a recent client's guest book...both were BIG HITS. Be sure to take a look at what they have to offer! Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, The Bridal Party

Your After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between blog archive reminder has arrived! Take a look back at what we were discussing one year ago. Success at the Most Popular New Year's Resolution (awesome online weight loss tool) Summer Preview: They'll All Scream For Ice Cream (make ice cream cone shaped cupcakes) Outside-The-Box (3 offbeat finds for the non-traditional couple) On-Site Venue Coordinators vs. Professional Wedding Planners ( ***check back for an updated post on this topic for 2009*** ) The Best First Dance Ever (just for laughs!) Oh, Martha!   (Martha Stewart's Wedding Cakes book...just exquisite) Help Future Brides...Get A Free Gift Card (sign up for WeddingWire.com) The Best Things Come In Small Packages (5 boxed invitation ideas)

Although traditionally considered a summer salad, I recently fell in love and prepared a marvelous Broccoli Salad that I thought I'd share. If you love broccoli, this recipe is for you. If you're not a fan of broccoli, this recipe is for you. It's the perfect complement to any bridal / baby shower or engagement party even. The broccoli pairs beautifully with the toasted walnuts, bacon, cranberries, and onion. A little sweet, a little tart ... delicious! Ingredients 5-6 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 pound of florets) 6 to 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 1/2 cup chopped red onion 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons apple-cider vinegar 1/4 cup sugar Salt and freshly ground black pepper Method 1: Bring a large pot of water, salted with a teaspoon of salt, to a boil. Add the broccoli florets. Cook 1-2 minutes, depending on how crunchy you want the broccoli. 1 minute will turn the broccoli bright green, and leave it still pretty crunchy. 2 minutes wil...

Your After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between blog archive reminder has arrived! Take a look back at what we were discussing this week, one year ago. Top 20 "Most Expensive" Celebrity Weddings DIY Cupcake Cake Flowergirls Off-White (bold and vibrant options for your littlelest attendants) Bridesmaid Giftables (9 fabulous ideas for your BMs) The 2007 Honeymoon Guide (last year's phenomenal list from Daily Candy - Travel) Inspiration Board: Scrolls of Blue Bring Paper To Life (Poseprints! Use our coupon code " bridalparty " and receive 5% off )

You can always count on Martha Stewart Weddings to put a unique spin on all good things . Recently, I've fallen in love with the Bridesmaid Fashion Cards featured in the current issue, which are both adorable and functional. Using a handy template , brides are able to type in all of their information (contact info, fabric swatches, images, special sentiments, etc) and print on their own card stock. Voilà! P.S. Don't forget to head over to Paper Presentation for matching button-string closure envelopes.

Looking for a few great wedding products or finishing touches? As always Amazon.com has great deals on wedding/event supplies. Check out the right-side margin of our main blog page to check out this month's favorites (including silver LOVE place card holders, wedding emergency survival kits, platinum hearts program kits, Vera Wang toasting flutes and white rose votive candles). Happy Shopping!

F unny, I had not come across this wedding commercial until now. Planning a wedding can definitely be a mental challenge, just make sure you have more than a good stationer to get you by. (wink) P.S. DIY lovers, check out Gartner Studios' uPrint feature !

I 've been a huge fan of PosePrints for a long while. So much so, I even had a custom pose of myself created (pictured left ... wink). Nevertheless, I was elated when they decided to release "couple poses" (example pictured below). You couldn't chose a better, more personalized Save-The-Date or Thank You card! Fabulous idea. The founders of PosePrints , Denise & Jen (a mother/daughter team), have enjoyed impressive success since launching their site and continue to offer those on a quest to be unique great options for all occasions. There are even options for children now available. Super cute! So, head on over to PosePrints ... have a great time creating your special pose(s) ... and use coupon code " bridalparty " for 10% off your purchase, courtesy of The Bridal Party LLC and the ladies of PosePrints .

Scenario #1: You're engaged and within a year or so, you will become a Mrs. and will be in many ways RESPONSIBLE for another adult Scenario #2: You're a newlywed, still adjusting to for better or for worse , taking your new way of life as it comes ... in stride Scenario #3: You're a party/event planner and you simply can not resist evolving and expanding your beautifying and entertaining skills Whatever the case may be, you'd be wise to check out the classes being hosted by 2 of my absolute favorite specialty stores! PotteryBarn Spring Decorating Class Call your local store for details - Cost: FREE! SUNDAY, JANUARY 20: Learn tips on updating and accessorizing your home. Class time is limited, so be sure to call your local store for class times and to reserve your space. Cooking Classes at Williams- Sonoma Bridgewater Commons Mall, NJ - All Classes 7pm to 9pm - Cost: $55 per class WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30 - Bowl Game Party: Host a party for the big game this year. We gu...

Need wedding cake ideas? Wondering if your style is whimsical, modern or rustic? Thinking about incorporating seasonal accents? Want to highlight your hometown or favorite location? Fabric or floral motif on the brain? Well, herein lies a treasury of inspiration! (available at most book stores, including Barnes & Noble )

What's summer without ice cream? With that said, consider this delightful DIY confection as a charming addition to your bridal shower or bridesmaid tea: Ice Cream Cone-Shaped Cupcakes! Design them according to your color palette ... arrange them as centerpieces ... gift them as favors. You can't go wrong. This one's sure to be a hit no matter what. Cake pan available at JCPenney .com .

Understandably, people often judge venues and locations by their bathrooms. When hosting a wedding ceremony and/or wedding reception, remember to always place emergency toiletries in each bathroom. But, consider further transforming an ordinary ladies' or men's room into a true restroom with impressive little touches ... vases of fresh flowers, scented sachets, chocolate truffles, or maybe even these: JUTE BASKETS ( Ballard Designs ) MONOGRAMMED SOAPS ( In This Very Room ) PERSONALIZED TISSUE ( Ballard Designs )