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

When designing events, especially weddings, I go out of my way to incorporate memorability in even the smallest of details.  In my opinion, that's what will set your wedding apart from the others your guest have attended and even become accustom to.  And while I'm a huge fan of "WOW factor," I'm well aware not everyone has a "WOW budget" to match.  With that said, creatively infusing subtle touches that are in line with your ethetic go a long way.  Trust me, one or two of these little ideas can make a BIG impact. Here are a few ideas/trends I am crushing lately:   Napkin-Wrap Menu Cards - In my opinion, no wedding table is complete without menu cards - and these are such a unique way to showcase what each guest will be served.  These can be dressed up or down depending on the style of your event as well.  Plus, they save space!   Monogram Cupcake Display - This idea creates a wonderful opportunity to add pizzazz to your decor while also of...

As we prepare for this weekend's Green & Natural wedding, I'm reminded "eco-friendly and exciting" is still what many brides are looking for on their search for "green" favors.  While there's a plethora of options of varying price ranges in the marketplace, I am partial to those WeddingStar has to offer.  These are not only beautiful but exceptionally special.  I'd bet 99.9% of your guests will have not come across any of these take-aways, especially the married couples who gave away champagne glasses with their names and wedding date etched.   Multiuse Natural Cotton Tote This simple tote can mean so much! Enjoy presenting your guests with a take-home favor that just makes sense and is a long serving reminder of your happy wedding day. Miniature Woven Picnic Basket This mini picnic basket comes with an optional solid lid and adorable double handles. The lid can be simply and decoratively held in place with a pretty wrap of ribbon tied into ...

Don't you just love things "reusable?"  In this day and age, no one supports waste and we strive to recycle as much as we possibly can.  Well, these unique place markers don't disappoint.  Perfect for bridal showers as well as the big day itself, these versatile place cards are made from high quality ceramic.  Simply write your guest's names on with semi-permanent markers and they can wipe clean later for use again at future parties!  Practical + Wow-Factor = SUPER CLEVER. - - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

How adorable and just plain ca-ute are these nifty little Eraser+ing Erasers ?  Perfect as bridal shower or bachelorette party favors, these diamond ring shaped erasers are just so much fun. Designed by Balance Wu Design, they're available in 5 colors and have fruity scents. Perfect for the young at heart!  - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

I will always be an advocate for favors that are either "practical" or "edible."  After all, it isn't likely wedding/event guests will have much use for a ceramic trinket with a ribbon displaying the couple's names and wedding date hot-glued on. So during last week's sneak peek into Spring (80 degree sunny weather) here in the NJ/NY area, my husband and I decided to stop into Cold Stone Creamery and I was reminded of their novelty cupcakes! These ice-cream cupcakes debuted last year and were supposed to be offered for a limited time only, but it seems they're here for a while longer. They come in packs of six and include a layer of cake, fudge and super premium ice-cream, all inside a rich chocolate shell. Cold Stone Creamery offers the following flavors: Cake Batter Delux: red velvet cake with fudge and cake batter ice cream in a rich Belgian chocolate shell, topped with pink frosting and sprinkles Sweet Cream: yellow cake with fudge and s...

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

Your After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between archive reminder has arrived! Take a look back at what we were discussing around this time, one year ago. * License to be Married (how to apply for a marriage license in New Jersey) * Shirley & James: Fairy Tale Flutter (a look back at one of our June 2008 weddings) * FlAVOR of the Month: September 2008 (2 awesome favor ideas) - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Each season brings new and exciting ideas/items for those planning wedding celebrations. Just when you think you've seen it all, something new knocks you out of your comfort zone. But I just love new ideas for ways to make your wedding really special. And the way to do that is to find favors/gifts/touches that are wonderfully unpredictable! These are a few of my favorite things... Postcup™ by bailey doesn't bark Such a cute idea for bridesmaid gifts. These white porcelain cups are decorated with “postcard” design, where your custom message and the recipient's address are painted on. What a perfect way to say "thank you" and make each of your bridesmaids feel appreciated. Save The Date Cookies by The Flour Pot Cookies Now this isn't your average save-the-date magnet. Each recipient will literally be in for a treat as each cookie is personalized with your wedding date and wrapped in a cello bag with a festive raffia tie. Crystal Diamond Paperweigh...

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

  (escort card design by Sarah Drake Design ) I love escort/place cards and nowadays there are countless unique ideas for displaying them in the most special ways. Some arrange their cards in various shapes amidst flickering votive candles or hang their cards from the branches of Manzanita trees, while others invest in holders that make a bold statement. If considering escort/place card holders, remember to keep these impressive styles for various themes in mind... Eco-Friendly Bamboo Place Card Holders A symbol of friendship and long life in many cultures, bamboo brings an exotic touch to any wedding celebration. You'll be amazed at how something so light and delicate can carry so much meaning to your guests. "Ain′t Love Grand" - Piano Place Card Holders A decorative gift for your guests to take home and use as photo holders, these diminutive replicas of a grand piano are especially adorable for brides/grooms who are pianists. "Bourbon Street" Streetligh...

Your After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between archive reminder has arrived! This time, let's take a look back at what we were discussing during the entire month of April one year ago. * Favorite Wedding Products & Finishing Touches (our favorites from Amazon.com) * Up or Down (eleven options for wearing your hair up or down) * "The Only Thing that Separates Us from the Animals Is Our Ability to Accessorize " (ideas for accessorizing your bridal gown) * Bridesmaid "Recipe" Cards (how to make Martha Stewart's bridesmaid fashion cards) * Por Favor! (five great edible favors) Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, The Bridal Party

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

Treat yourself or your bridesmaids to candy lip savers, ice cream sugar scrubs, soda pop shower gel, candy butter cream and body smoothie lotion.  Where can you get all of this?  The answer - Dylan's Candy Bar !  That's right.  It's not just about gummy bears, lollipops and taffy anymore.  Ralph Lauren's daughter's candy shop has expanded into the world of beauty.  I can't wait to try the Birthday Cake Batter Body Smoothie Lotion (made of Shea Butter, Vitamins A & E, Aloe Vera Extract, Chamomile Extract and Jojoba Seed Oil). And before I forget, here's some nutritional info for you health nuts out there: Suggested servings per week – 100% unlimited. Gentle enough to use daily. In the shower or bath, massage onto moist skin. For extra polishing effect, exfoliate dry skin prior to bathing or showering. Rinse well and follow with Re-Treat™ Soda Pop Shower Gel for cleansing. After bath or shower, try Re-Treat™ body Lotion Smoothie or Re-Treat™ Candy Body...

Personalized M&M's® are still big hits at weddings.  Not only are brides and grooms able to tell their love story with words, faces and colors, but now a NEW Shimmer Collection is available.  Hues of gold, platinum and pearl are now up for grabs. Check'M out!

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)

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. What's On Your Registry (7 of last year's hottest items for wedding registries) For $1000 Or Less  (gorgeous bridal gown choices for under a "grand") Engagement Party Theme: The Ring  (ideas for planning a celebration of your engagement paying homage to your ring) Create-A-Cake (design your wedding cake online)

This month we're highlighting an essential nutrient that makes up 70-75% of the human body ... water! The bottled water trend is still very much alive, and for some, carrying just any bottle of water is just not cool. Luckily, there are a few much more favor able options. Our F l AVORs of the Month for December 2008 are ... Christian Lacroix " Prêt -à-Porter" 2008 Limited Edition Evian® Water Evian® dressed in Christian Lacroix ! The bottle comes decorated with glittering snowy crystals that charmingly symbolize the purity of this natural spring water. The coppiced lace pattern provides the bottle with a classic frosted feel and is reminiscent of the flora that can be found at the French Alps. Distinguished, understated and so very Lacroix , it will add that final touch of chic and elegance to every festive table. Bling H2O Crystal-Encrusted Bottled Water More than a pretty taste ... calling itself “the Cristal of bottled water,” Bling H2O is pop culture in a bottl...