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

Isn't it refreshing when you come across elegant, fashion-forward, non-traditional gowns for mothers of the bride and groom?  The kind that she feels young and vibrant in?  The types of garments that are memorable and figure flattering?  (pausing ... because this almost never happens, until NOW) Check out BHLDN 's latest array of lovelies just for the mamas !  I must admit, I'm impressed. Happy Planning (and Shopping)! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY LLC

Over the weekend, we were very excited to have attended COUTURE: New York Bridal Fashion Week (formerly WeddingChannel Couture Show), which is the most established, premier bridal industry trade show in New York and has been the launching pad for legendary wedding dress designers such as Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra and Lela Rose.  This magnificent event, held twice a year, welcomes thousands of national and international designers, retailers and press to introduce, buy and announce the latest fashion trends of the bridal world.  And this year, Austin Scarlett unveiled plans for his new bridal collection, set to debut in fall 2012 at New York Bridal Fashion Week!  Although we're scheduled to attend Austin's autumn runway show, it was such an honor to be afforded an opportunity to meet and interview him during the exclusive preview. Austin first gained recognition for his designs on the original season of Project Runway before being one of the youngest designers in histor

Just this passed Sunday, my twins were dedicated at church in an intimate and loving ceremony.  Many of our friends and family joined to witness this important milestone; some even traveled from out of state.  We celebrated afterward with a big family-style dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Boulevard Five72 , where the babies were honored with many cards and gifts.  It was truly wonderful. Although the dedication didn't require the same preparation and attention a wedding would, dressing my little angels for the occasion took some effort.  Since my babies are a year old and walking, I found myself rubbing elbows with brides who were shopping for their flower girls and ring bearers ... all attempting to find the perfect ensemble.  After all, flower petals & rings are very important things!  But when it was all said and done, I found the most superb pieces that matched what I'd envisioned since they were born (pictured below). Now, take a look at some of T

We were thrilled to have been invited to cover the red carpet at one of Bridal Fashion Week's most anticipated events, The Knot's 2nd Annual Industry Gala , held at The New York Public Library on October 17th.  Capping off this season's Bridal Market, the who's who of all things weddings ... socialites, designers, event planners and other industry players ... gathered to party the night away and celebrate at what many consider to be the Oscars of the wedding world.  After being shown our place on the red carpet, we were just so excited to be a part of it all! Along with Carley Roney, co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Knot, many other top personalities opened the event by walking the red carpet and providing interviews to the press and bloggers (including yours truly ) such as celebrity event designer Diann Valentine, TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress” star Randy Fenoli, and bridal designers Amsale, Pnina Tornai, and Yumi Katsura.  (Monique Lhuill

As reported, Kim Kardashian will finally wed on August 20, 2011.  Per statements and a short video (below) from her bridal shower, her family is extremely excited and looking forward to Kim's walk down the white aisle ... and so are we! According to the double-K monogrammed wedding invitation, the black-tie event is set to take place in Montecito, California (near Oprah Winfrey's lavish estate).  As with many celebrity couples, specific location information was left off the invitation for security purposes.  But we can count on the paparazzi uncovering this little secret in no time. It seems Kim has been eager to join her sisters, Khloe and Kourtney, in the "larger milestones of life" (marriage and children).  Needless to say, her engagement to NBA player Kris Humphries was no shock.  Albeit, the enormous 20.5 carat engagement ring was quite a surprise.  Whoa! So as the entertainment world awaits photos and details of what's sure to

Getting married is just another excuse to go shoe shopping.  It's also one of the few opportunities women get a pass to "splurge."  One of our favorite clients asked for our assistance in finding the perfect shoe for her big day and we were more than happy to steer her in the right direction.  She's going to want her photographer to capture these very special accessories, so attention must be paid. Check out our sampling of some of the prettiest pairs on the market for brides. Some new & trendy ... some enduring classics.  Some white & traditional ... others bold show-stoppers.  There's just something about SHOES! BADGLEY MISCHKA BUTTER WHITE HOUSE BLACK MARKET YVES SAINT LAURENT DOLCIS CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN   GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI PACO MENA     KATE SPADE - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY