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

Most people, and almost all brides, are addicted to Pinterest . Many suffer from what is affectionately referred to as "pinertia" (inability to move away from Pinterest and do something productive). On the contrary, it's not always unproductive ... and here's proof!     For more ideas/pins, be sure to follow our PARTY FAVORS & CUTE IDEAS board!  There are already 533 others keeping tabs...

It doesn't take much to become excited by, then enthralled by Pinterest ... but lately, the beautifully innovative ideas have been on the rise!  Check out my latest, greatest pins and feel free to snag a few.         For more ideas, be sure to follow our FAVORS & IDEAS board !  517 other people are already taking note...

Part 4 of my series on how to translate your personal style into your wedding design and look is here!  We've already explored the Glam Tomboy , Business Beauty and  Bradshaw Belle .  Today we continue with the DIAMOND DIVA : The Diamond Diva is high-maintenance.  Some would consider her flashy and flamboyant, but it's mostly due to her ability to command a great deal of attention .  She seeks out only the very best and tends to follow celebrity trends.  Still, she likes to be exclusive and one-of-a-kind stays top of mind.  WOW factor is her middle name.  She makes no apologies for innate expensive taste. If you're a Diamond Diva , consider these inspirations for your wedding:   (photos courtesy of One and Only Paris Photography , Wedding Inspirasi and Karen Tran Floral Design ) Sometimes, it's all about location ... therefore, Destination Paris!  After all, what's better than the Eiffel Tower as a backd...

In parts 1 and 2 of my series on how to translate your personal style into your wedding design and look, we focused on the Glam Tomboy and the Business Beauty .  Today, part 3 continues with the BRADSHAW BELLE (affectionately named after the Sex & The City character "Carrie Bradshaw"): The Bradshaw Belle is stylish, creative, spontaneous and emotional.  Her closet's full of pieces that epitomize her personality.  She loves color, bold patterns and layering, which in most cases leads her to pairing unique combinations together.  There are times when she'd rather be simple, but there always has to be a twist.  She's a risk-taker above all else. If you're a Bradshaw Belle , consider these inspirations for your wedding:   (photos courtesy of Lisa Devlin Photography , Kristen Taylor Photography and Karen Tran Floral Design ) Infuse a Bohemian-chic vibe into your attire, it's trendy yet nostalgic at the same time.  Knowing yo...

Last week, we discussed the world of the energetic, boisterous, spitfire Glam Tomboy .  Today, part 2 of my series on how to translate your personal style into your wedding design and look continues with the BUSINESS BEAUTY : The Business Beauty is refined, cultured, loyal to a specific aesthetic and exudes swank.  Designer handbags, understated yet exquisite jewelry and blazers are staples in her wardrobe.  Yet, she also enjoys inserting menswear influences here and there.  It's never a problem for her to take an in-the-office look and turn it into high fashion.  For her it's always quality over quantity, but she still loves to make a statement. If you're a Business Beauty , consider these inspirations for your wedding:   (photos courtesy of KT Merry Photography and Nadia D. Photography ) Tradition is preferred in this case, but a little twist here and there is still acceptable.  Push stark white aside and lead with creamy ivor...

I've always believed your wedding should be a reflection of who you are as opposed to what trends, critics and magazines specifically call for.  In the grand scheme of things, there really are no wrong answers for brides-to-be.  Whatever you like is perfect!  So, I've been working on this four-part series on how to translate your personal style into your wedding design and look. The series will feature ladies who are not “real” brides, but have inspired me via a bold sense of style and each week I'll share my thoughts on the direction this type of woman should take in planning her wedding.   Sounds like fun, right? Without further adieu, let's get started with the GLAM TOMBOY : The Glam Tomboy is energetic, sometimes boisterous and can be a spitfire for sure.  Boyfriend jeans and studded jackets are staples in her wardrobe.  Yet, she's easy-breezy, chill and relaxed, able to go up against the best of 'em when it comes to glamming it up and showca...

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...

Are you a sparkle-and-shine bride who loves lots of bling?  Are you a fan of old Hollywood glamour, channeling Audrey Hepburn or Dorothy Dandridge, who's in love with everything "antique-y?"  Are you an outside-the-box, new-age bride who is focused having a non-traditional wedding?  Or are you a little bit of ALL of the above.  Well, there is a ton of inspiration out there for whatever style wedding you're interested in having.  Check out a few of the ideas we've compiled via Pinterest : BRIDAL BLING   VINTAGE VOWS   MOD MARRIAGE - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY LLC

It's no secret Pinterest is making its mark in the world of weddings and events.  So, if you're not pinning, you certainly should be.  Or, if you don't have the time, just let us crafty-creative types do all of the work while you sit back and watch (wink). Be sure to follow me and The Bridal Party LLC on Pinterest today!  We've collected an awesome starting lineup of 4 Wedding Boards comprised of 268 pins, and counting.  Here's a sampling of some of the frills and yummies we've compiled so far: HAPPY PIN-ING! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

As in fashion (sans the reality show, Project Runway), also for weddings one day you're in ... and the next day you're out .  WeddingChannel.com , the number-one wedding and gift registry website, has created a list of wedding details not to skip during wedding planning this year.  Some of Hollywood’s top A-listers like Katie Holmes, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Katherine Heigl, Jim Carrey and Billy Joel, gave an insider’s look at what’s in (and out) for 2012.  Take a look: Wedding Dress In: Coy coverage Out: Dare-to-bare necklines Although designers have been creating dresses with sleeves for years, Kate Middleton has brought the trend mainstream. Don’t consider long sleeves your only option. Think: capelets, illusion sleeves, sheer backs and even a bolero for a demure wedding day look that’s all your own. “Every bride wants a gown and wedding that is uniquely ‘theirs,’” says Randy Fenoli, star of TLC’s Say Ye...

Thankfully videography/cinematography is regaining it's strength and popularity among brides and grooms.  As I always say, there's nothing like a MOTION PICTURE, and the trend of using video for save-the-date communication is growing leaps and bounds.  After all, unlikely someone in receipt of an ultra-modern video reminder will forget to make note of your upcoming nuptials.  You just can't throw something like this aside in a pile of bills. Brides and Grooms, you can contact your favorite cinematographer OR even grab your FlipVideo camera and create your own little masterpiece.  It's all up to you.  The best thing about any finished product is that it will be a living, breathing reflection of your love and the amazing new life you're soon to embark upon. Check out a few of our all-time favorites: - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

In wedding planning, selecting a theme can be quite involved and sometimes pretty cumbersome.  Just remember, you don't have to build an event around a "Vintage Chic" or "Romantic Candlelight" theme ... actually, color all by itself goes a long way. Now, I'm sure you've already thought of laying the foundation of your colored theme by means of the bridesmaid dresses, linens and flowers.  Just don't forget the bar.  YES, that's right, the traditionally color-free zone where over half of your guests will spend most of their time during your wedding reception.  Think: Decorative Drinkware!  Bring color to your signature drinks and even those commonplace glasses of Pinot Noir.  It's totally fine to include your color scheme at the bar and most reputable party rental companies offer a wide range of options. Check out some of our favs: Classy Twist The Marais collection features a single hand-blown frosted stripe twirled around the glass ...

Lots of brides and grooms decide to tie the knot around the Independence Day holiday.  Why?  There's always lots of celebrating already going on, the weather is usually beautiful AND you get to take advantage of free fireworks! If you're planning a wedding or party this upcoming July 4th weekend, consider infusing a little red-white-and-blue into your shindig.  And make sure Crate & Barrel is on your "must shop at" list.  They have a really fabulous selection of elegant and festive accessories. 4th of July Cupcake Papers Blue Gingham and Red Gingham and Blue and Red Striped Ramekins 4th of July Pinwheel Picks Red, White & Blue Nonpareils - - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Sometimes, the key to making your wedding unique isn't all about coming up with tons of original ideas.  Just adding a little something extra, and unexpected, can go a long way.  For example, utilizing special and personal embellishments in your bouquet makes for a "fine as fivepence" result.  Ever considered adding rocks, sheet music, magnets, cotton balls or buttons to your bouquet?  Talk about wow-factor !  But don't knock it before you try it.  Check out these funky bouquets by some of the industries most coveted floral designers, as seen in New York Weddings magazine: Saipua Kyanite rock, amaryllis, carnations, ranunculus, seeded eucalyptus, and scabiosa pods. Kimberly Sevilla for Rose Red & Lavender Circus roses, gloriosa lilies, astilbe, ranunculus, anemones, tillandsia, blackberries, and sheet music. Elan Flowers Cymbidium orchids, Vendela roses, calla lilies, blackberries, and Magnetic Poetry. Poppies & Posies Sarah garden roses, u...

I mentioned a couple of months ago, when we debuted our Blue to the Bone inspiration board, that while I'm a LOVER of bold color (the bolder, the better), this wedding season I've favored more delicate palettes.  It's true.  As television personality Wendy Williams would say, "I've gone all soft and pink" ... or should we say peach !  Peach tends to get a bum rap, perhaps due to its popularity throughout the 70s and 80s.  But everyone knows even the strangest of trends return eventually.  Yet to ensure it's set apart from any pre-21st century wedding remnants, we've paired it with gray.  What'dya think? PEACHY KEEN Credits (top, left to right): Peach Wedding Gown - Vera Wang ; Miniature "Present" Cake - Beau-Coup ; Pearl Silver Necklace - Daria Imports ; Peach Candles; Peach, Gray Bouquet; Peach Chanel Shoes (photo courtesy of Elizabeth Messina Photography ); Peach and Gray Bridesmaid Dress - Jim Hjelm ; Handmade Wedding Invitation - Mo...