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

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...

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

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...

I truly LOVE the big, the bold and the bodacious when it comes to color. But this wedding season I've gravitated toward the meek, the mild and the muted ... hence my work on our Blue to the Bone inspiration board. When it comes to weddings, some believe it more difficult to select a striking bright palette, but truth be told it's the other way around. Most brides steer clear of anything too close to "white," as they feel this is their color and only their color. Albeit, brides shouldn't be afraid of a design that features feather-soft hues like "pale blue" and "bone" (two of the most delicate colors rarely utilized by brides and grooms). And here's why ... BLUE TO THE BONE Credits (top, left to right): Pale Blue Invitation - Southall Eden Paperie ; Vintage Table Number - Studio Stems ; Putty Radzimir Mini Dress - Lanvin PARIS ; Monogrammed Lollipop Favor - Beau-Coup ; Pale Blue Rolled Fondant Cake - Bach Bakery ; Silk Ring Pillow ...

I'm working with a Washington, D.C. couple planning an early-September wedding who've chosen to incorporate island flair and culture into the design of their event.  My staff and I have been having so much fun brainstorming and compiling ideas, thus this couple has become our Isle to Aisle bride and groom.  So far, we're having visions of bright pink, purple and orange hues ... steel drummers and African percussionists ... frozen specialty drinks & rum punch ... hanging paper lanterns ... crackling fire pits encircled by plush pillows ... walls drenched in color ... message-in-a-bottle escort cards ... hints of black for "POP."  Oh the possibilities! Here's my first inspiration board for this couple's nuptials. ISLE TO AISLE Credits (top, left to right): Mermaid Style Wedding Gown - Henry Roth ; Black-dress Bridesmaid holding bouquet (photo courtesy of TheKnot); Outdoor Courtyard Ceremony Set - Dolce Basking Ridge ; Multi-colored Paper Lan...

Style Me Pretty has been inspiring brides and wedding planners for years and remains one of the most elite blogs to date.  Honestly, this forum definitely helped me get my creative juices flowing when building the foundation for After YES, Before I Do and Everything in Between .  And just when we all thought it couldn't get any better ... they've unveiled a NEW digital magazine ! Run, don't walk, over to Style Me Pretty and check out '20 of the most swoon-worthy, gush-able, ah-inducing, style-savvy weddings of the year… all together in one pretty package.'  - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

I'm working with a couple, planning a late-April wedding, who aren't yet sure what their color scheme will be. I jumped at the chance to suggest we design their event around hues of purple, navy and pink.  I call this "Classic Love" and I'm very excited about this design. I hope they're just as excited. Here's my first inspiration board for this couple's nuptials. CLASSIC LOVE Credits (top, left to right): Magenta Vintage Floral Birdcage Veil/Headpiece - Etsy ; 5-Tier Navy & Pink Cake - The Sugar Suite ; Pearl Adorned Flowergirl (photo courtesy of Stephanie Williams Photography ); Personalized Glass Paperweight Favor - Red Stamp ; Orchid Boutonniere (photo courtesy of The Knot ); Lavender Truffle Favor - Boca Bons ; Navy Belted Menu Cards/Papers - Socially Write ; Navy & Pink Monogrammed Invitation - Etsy ; 3 Pink Shoes (photo courtesy of Stephanie Williams Photography ) - - - - - - - - - - By Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Dire...

I'm working with a couple planning a late-October wedding who've chosen to design their event based upon the theme, " Vintage Romance ." Now, any busy wedding planner will tell you...nowadays anything "vintage" is all the rage with brides-to-be. But exactly what does it mean? The truth is, it means lots of things. Just take a look at what dictionary.com says: vin⋅tage [vin-tij] –noun 1. the wine from a particular harvest or crop. 2. the annual produce of the grape harvest, esp. with reference to the wine obtained. 3. an exceptionally fine wine from the crop of a good year. 4. the time of gathering grapes, or of winemaking. 5. the act or process of producing wine; winemaking. 6. the class of a dated object with reference to era of production or use: a hat of last year's vintage. –adjective 7. of or pertaining to wines or winemaking. 8. being of a specified vintage: Vintage wines are usually more expensive than nonvintage wines. 9. repres...

You're invited to browse our latest inspiration board, focusing on a color without hue ... white. Not many brides are brave or gutsy enough to make white their wedding's entire theme, for fear they themselves will be drowned out . Yet, this has to be one of the classiest and loveliest of color-themes. Perfect in the winter. A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR   Credits (top, left to right): Floral Hair Adornment (photo courtesy of Brides.com); Historic Czech Republic Venue - Grandhotel Pupp ; Four-tiered Sparkling Snowflake Cake - Amy Atlas Events ; Square Monogrammed Ceremony Programs (photo courtesy of TheKnot.com); Couture Flowerbaby Gown - Etsy.com ; Pearl Bouquet Ring Pillow - Perfect Details ; Emerald-cut CZ Ring - Fantasy Jewelry Box ; Elephant Walk Earrings by Paris - Perfect Details ; White & Crystal Floral Arrangements (photo courtesy of Forever Photography ); Starin Embellished Clutch by Malene Birger - mywadrobe.com - - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder ...

Our blog After YES, Before I DO and Everything In Between has become an awesome medium for all of us at The Bridal Party and for all of it's readers/followers/subscribers. And whenever I'm looking over blog stats, my favorite metrics for each post are the views and clicks.  So I decided to look a little deeper and share with you the posts that generated top results: Inspiration Board: Plum Perfect 171 Tracked Views May 7, 2009 Check out our latest inspiration board ... boasting a Rose Dust and Lavendar palette, another two of Pantone's chosen fashion colors for Spring 2009. This is the color scheme for the bride that truly wishes to set herself apart from the crowd. Soft, yet striking. And don't forget to add a little chocolate brown here and there! read more The honor of your presence is requested...Mr. President 100 Tracked Views February 11, 2009 Don't forget to invite the President of The United States of America to your wedding! Although the cha...

You're invited to browse our latest inspiration board, focusing on the gorgeous feathers of a peacock and all of the "vanity" that comes with them. After all, brides, it's YOUR one-and-only day, so why shouldn't you strut your stuff? While this is not a commonplace theme, it is effortlessly classy and uniquely bountiful. I've seen it used here and there but once I laid eyes on the cake below, by Mark Joseph Cakes , I decided to pay closer attention.   PEACOCK PLUMES  Credits (top, left to right): Peacock Symphony Chandelier Earrings - Shop Ruche ; Outdoor Ceremony Chairs adorned w/ Peacock Plumes (photo courtesy of A Lavish Affair ); Teal Net Puffball "Dolly" Dress - What R U Wearing ; Peacock Cookie Favors - Sunflower Baking ; Hanging White Paper Lanterns over blue pool; Faux Peacock (photo courtesy of Tanya Tribble Weddings ); Manolo Blahnik Satin D'orsay Shoes w/ Black and White Feathers - Foot Candy ; Custom Peacock Ceremony Programs (...

Your After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between archive reminder has arrived! Again, let's take a look back at about a month's worth of interesting and informative posts one full year ago. * Paper Lanterns (inspiration for infusing paper lanterns into your event) * NEW from PosePrints! (unique silhouette cards PLUS The Bridal Party's special discount) * Have you discovered GENI? (online tool for staying in touch with your family) * Inspiration Board: Chocolate Twist * Photo Ops (introductions to the photography of Jeff Ascough, Bebb Studios, Joe Buissink, Jerry Ghionis and Christian Oth) - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, The Bridal Party

Check out our latest inspiration board ... boasting a Rose Dust and Lavendar palette, another two of Pantone's chosen fashion colors for Spring 2009. This is the color scheme for the bride that truly wishes to set herself apart from the crowd. Soft, yet striking. And don't forget to add a little chocolate brown here and there! PLUM PERFECT Credits (top, left to right): Tranquil/Fawn/Chocolate satin-faced taffeta strapless bridesmaid gown - Jim Hjelm Occasions ; Mirrored Vanity w/ Armless Lilac Chair - Pier 1 Imports ; Rustic Blush Tablescape - Wildflower Linen ; Personalized Purple HERSHEY'S® Kisses - TheKnot.com ; Bouquet featuring violet and lilac anemones, fritillaria, sweet peas & fringed tulips - Belle Fleur ; Rose/Purple Tented Ballroom - Park Avenue Club, NJ ; Lavender Letterpress Invitation - Paper & Cup Design ; Ivory Tulle Over Silk Shantung Gown - Lazaro ; Soft Pink/Chocolate Place card Setting (photo courtesy of TheKnot.com); Lavender, Gold & ...

I'm working with a couple planning a mid-September wedding who've chosen to design their event around the theme "Garden Of Eden."  They've decided to ground the ambiance in sage green and soft brown.  To complement the greens and browns of their color scheme, the couple may consider infusing burgundy, whites and lots of candlelight.  Here's my first inspiration board for this couple's nuptials. GARDEN OF EDEN Credits (top, left to right): Real Flower Ring Pillow (photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty ); Groom in Brown Suit w/ Green boutonniere (photo courtesy of TheKnot ); Chocolate Colored Personalized Aisle Runner (photo courtesy of The Pissed Off Bride blog ); Bride w/ Bridesmaids wearing Sage Green gowns (photo courtesy of Jan Garcia Photography ); Courtyard Ceremony Space - The Imperia ; Delicate Green Fan Programs - Wedding Things ; Multi-Height Floral Arrangements wrapped in brown ribbon ( Elizabeth Bailey Floral and Event Design ); Celadon Draped S...

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. * Are You A Subscriber? (instructions for how to sign up for email notifications from After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between ) * What's On Your Registry [2nd Edition] (five great registry picks) * Planning A Wedding... A Mental Challenge? (wedding commercial sure to yield a few laughs) * Eva et Tony's Parisian Invite (a closer look at Eva Longoria and Tony Parker's wedding invitation) * Inspiration Board: Crystal Ball Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, The Bridal Party

Here's our latest inspiration board ... boasting a Super Yellow and Slate Gray palette, two of Pantone's chosen fashion colors for Spring 2009.  I adore this color scheme!  It effortlessly exudes elegance. YELLOW CAKE Credits (top, left to right): Super Yellow bridesmaids and flower girl (photo courtesy of Vrai Photography ); Limoncello Cooler Cocktails atop sunny patterned napkins (photo courtesy of Brides.com ); Handsome column-front venue - Mansion at Judges' Hill ; Lemon painted car (photo courtesy of flickr); Yellow rose and Eucalyptus bouquet - Lakeland County Florist ; Silk drop-waist bridal gown - Romona Keveza Collection ; 21 carat yellow cushion-cut diamond ring ; Yellow polka-dot ring pillow (photo courtesy of Brooklyn Bride Blog );  Classy gray wedding invitation - Wedding Paper Divas ; Specialty wine bottle themed cakes - Sweet Gems Custom Cakes ; Vintage inspired yellow/gray headpiece - House of Telsa, ETSY

It's still Spring and in no way am I attempting to hasten the year, but our upcoming holiday season is going to be filled with weddings! I'm working with a couple planning an early November wedding who've chosen to design their event from the foundation of "chocolate" (one of the most elegant staples of wedding color palettes). To complement the deep browns and golds of their color scheme, the bride and groom may elect to infuse Burnt Sienna and perhaps a hint of Merlot. Here's my first inspiration board for this couple's nuptials. CHOCOLATE TWIST Credits (top, left to right): Flower/Twig/Branch Centerpieces atop Chocolate Linens; Staircase Wrapped Fountain at The Venetian, Garfield NJ (photo courtesy of Stephen Tackeff Photography ); Monogram Glass Transfer - Wonderful Graffiti ; Seated Bride w/ Chignon & Crystal Hairpins; Gourmet Caramel Apple Favors - Mrs. Prindables Handmade Confections ;Photo Booth Rental (photo courtesy of Best Wedding NJ ; ...