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

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, tak...

Vera Wang's final Barbie "bride" doll goes on sale tomorrow, the  Vera Wang™ Bride: The Traditionalist Barbie® .  A true collector's item, 2,500 dolls were made worldwide but only 1,000 are available to purchase.  Vera always does such a magnificent job each and every time Barbie decides to marry - her Romanticist Barbie® was our favorite until we laid eyes on this year's Traditionalist Barbie®.  It's gorgeous!  Based on the impeccable "Dovima" gown (pictured at bottom), this "doll captures the luxury, impeccable detailing, and superior workmanship that define Vera Wang." The gorgeous beauty goes for a hefty $159.95, but if you have a mature and gracious little girl in mind for this little treasure, she's likely to cherish and preserve it for years to come. I know my flower girls LOVED the Barbie brides I gifted them for participating in my own wedding. Plus, BarbieCollector.com has announced its first-ever personalization program...

Dear Rashana, I have an issue I really need your help with.  We're thrilled to be having my fiance's nieces as flower girls in our wedding.  However, their parents would rather purchase their dresses from a department store as opposed to a bridal salon.  I'm concerned because I had ideas in mind for the girls already (which would coordinate with what the bridesmaids and I are wearing) and I doubt this can be achieved at a random department store.  Is there anything I can do without offending the family?  HELP!! - Concerned Bride * * * * * * * * * * Dear Concerned Bride, It is customary for the bride to select all attire for her attendants (bridesmaids, flower girls, etc).  However, this can get sticky in the case of child attendants if the bride hasn't agreed to pay for their ensemble.  Perhaps you should proactively choose a few dresses for your flower girls and take photos to their parents for review.  Just be sure to pick out options withi...

- - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

As you discuss and swap ideas for the adult women participating in weddings (brides, bridesmaids, mothers), you certainly should not forget about the "little ladies." Their primary job is to be adorable and invoke lots of ooohs and awwws , so it's important to start shopping early for their ensembles, especially since there are a great many styles and trends for flower girls nowadays. Add these styles to your shopping list ... Us Angels Silky Taffeta orchid dress with sheer illusion neckline Kirstie Kelly for Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Princess Snow White dress with organza skirt and beaded trim bodice Jessica Lynn Taffeta ball gown with gathered crossover bodice Joan Calabrese Sleeveless faille dress with scoop neckline and full gathered skirt Watters Luminescent taffeta dress with flowers at neckline and hem Fox 'n Lily Silk dupioni layered dress   Sweetie Pie Collection Scoop neck, peau satin dress, trimmed in organza Sweet Beginn...

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

 (photo courtesy of Lumiere Imaging ) There's a reason why women LOVE shoes...because designers start us off with such snazzy options as little girls! When shopping for flower girl shoes, remember to check these out.  I just love the ones with little "heels."  Too cute! Kenneth Cole Reaction 'Snazz 'n' Blues' Pump   Little Raggio Ballerina Capucine Flats Venettini Kids Leather Flats Chloe Leather Ballerinas D&G White GLAMOUR Shoe Betsy by Rachel Kids Girls' Twinkle Ballet Flats   - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

I gifted my four flower girls (pictured above) Barbie "bride" dolls the night before my big day. They were all very excited. But I have to admit, those dolls were so pretty I almost wanted to keep them for myself. I love Barbie dolls! And if you're as much a fan of Barbie as I am, this one's gonna knock your socks off... Vera Wang Bride: The Romanticist Barbie Doll [This] doll captures the luxury, impeccable detailing, and superior workmanship that define Vera Wang. Created under the direction of the designer herself, this lovely Barbie doll embodies the romance of the bride and her gown. Collect her for yourself or a bride that you know. No more than 8,900 units produced worldwide. This beautiful doll goes for a hefty $150 but if you have a mature and gracious little girl in mind for this little treasure, she's likely to cherish and preserve it for years to come. It could be a worthy investment. P.S. She dons a pretty impressive engagement ring too! ...

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 )

J. Crew just launched CREWCUTS Weddings & Parties, which features adorable dressy items for kids (especially flowergirls). Stop by JCrew.com and check it all out (including this sassy little number)!

I first discovered Angel Threads in 2003 and was immediately impressed by the quality of their hand-crafted bridal accessories. A couple of my own keepsakes were made at Angel Threads . Several of their pieces are perfectly suitable for passing down through the generations and I encourage all interested in the idea of creating heirlooms to take a look at what they have to offer. My favorite? Their hand-stitched silk garters! (pictured above) Ballroom Chair Covers Ringbearer Pillows Wire-mesh Flowergirl Baskets

As brides and planners continue to explore and exploit bold colors, we've begun to see flowergirl dresses go more to the left as well. Most times, the desire is for the flowergirl(s) to match the bride's attire as closely as possible. For those of you who are interested in going against the grain here are a few styles to take a look at: (1st Dress by Winnie Mini ; 2nd Dress by Little Flowers by Odyssey ; 3rd Dress by Winnie Mini ; 4th Dress by Joanna Grace )