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

Living in what some call the "Digital Age," our lives are governed by virtual tools.  More than telephoning, we catch up with friends and family by Facebook, email or text.  We view/cherish each other's photos online as opposed to flipping through actual albums or asking to have copies made.  And instead of waiting for the mailman to see if you've been invited to a special event, most times invitations are waiting for you in your email inbox.  The company, Paperless Post, made a name for itself doing just that, allowing people to send visually interactive and engaging invitations/cards by email.  I excitedly used their service for two of my children's big events, their dedication and 2nd birthday party .  But, to my surprise, PAPER by Paperless Post emerged a few months back for those of us who still look forward to receiving an actual envelope in our mailboxes.  Admittedly, finding out Paperless Post (having over 1.5 million registered users) wasn'...

Dear Rashana, I'm planning to buy a personalized cake-cutting set, but I'm stumped on one thing ... whose name goes first, mine or his?  Help! - Unsure ********************************************** Hi Unsure, This is a common question asked of many vendors, especially when purchasing favors. It has been found that almost 90% of personalized wedding items are printed with the bride's name first. However, if we pull out the book of "proper etiquette," presentation of names usually requires the man's name precede the woman's anytime the surname or married name is included. That said, even napkins, favor boxes and ribbon printed with a monogram or surname, the groom's name should be printed first. Nonetheless, it is really up to you and what you prefer. A little diversion from "proper etiquette" is not really a huge crime.  And in my opinion, the best route is usually to go with what's aesthetically pleasing.  Goo...

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

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

Check out a new and unique way to "discover the fine art of your celebration."  Paper, Gowns & Glory !  This wonderful studio specializes in custom cake toppers and paper sculptures of brides, grooms and those snazzy gowns."  All tiny sculptures are made with acid free paper and archival glue ... miniature keepsakes to enjoy your dress long after the day is done."  What could be cuter than a mini-you ? And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, floral designs and tablescapes are available too by way of Japanese, Italian, recycled and local handmade papers. - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Girls can propose too!  And Tie That Binds makes it ever so easy with their support cute Bridesmaid Proposal Labels.  You can use their label set to ask your best friends/family participate in your wedding as bridesmaids in endless, unique ways.  Just stick these on any of your favorite giftables, like body lotion, chocolate truffles, perfume, champagne bottles, etc., invite her to lunch and surprise her with a pretty gift bag.  Voilà !  Plus, the entire process is so easy.  They send you a pdf of multiple sized labels and you print them out yourself.  Why not go the extra mile to show them how special they are to you?  It's the perfect way to say "Pretty, Pretty Please." - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, love is in the air, especially for our Isle to Aisle couple, Jamie & Nick!  And since their wedding will take place during the Labor Day weekend, early February save-the-dates were a must.  Thus, we suggested their guests receive a special "breaking news" notification in honor of the love-liest of holidays. Jamie and Nick took photos at the location where they were engaged, Washington D.C. area restaurant/bookstore/fair trade market/gathering place "Busboys and Poets" and incorporated them into this snazzy newspaper announcement designed by Magnolia Press for TinyPrints .  We were so excited to see how incredibly cute these save-the-dates turned out and are all the more anxious for the actual wedding, for which planning is well underway! Last year basketball star, Carmelo Anthony, had this same idea and mailed heart-shaped save-the-dates , which were gorgeous.  So you see, stationary inspired by holidays are defi...

I ran across this awesomely cute handmade hanger over at Wedding Tidbits: Kelly McWilliams' Blog , courtesy of her New Years Bride .  Great photo op, huh?  This definitely beats the common-place "Mrs. So-and-So" jogging suits or boyshorts. You should be able to finagle one of your own on Etsy ! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

My friends over at WeddingChannel.com informed me last night that they just launched brand-new wedding websites, including exclusive designs from Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, Lela Rose and Oscar de la Renta (my personal favorite).  Brides already love to personalize their wedding, and this is another way a Vera- or Monique-clad bride can actually have a wedding website that ties in with her wedding gown designer.  What fun! The new wedding websites also feature hundreds of other personalization options including interactive wedding maps that help guests locate all the wedding events via Google maps.  Go on over and choose your couture design today. - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

While taking time out to read my favorite blogs today, I was so excited to come across RedLightStudio's Double-Bride custom designed wedding cake topper. This is undoubtedly one of the sweetest wedding details I've come across in a long time. It's so perfectly emotional. I just love it! You can request two brides, two grooms, a bride and a groom, or even love birds! Visit RedLightStudio's Etsy shop to view their entire collection. - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

So, it's no secret I'm a BIG fan of PosePrints and it's likely due to Jen & Denise always coming up with new and unique options for personalizing all of your stationary needs for special occasions (save-the-dates, baby shower invitations, thank you cards, etc). But this time, they've unveiled something just for fun : PosePrints MyPose for Facebook!  Now, you can create your own PosePrints caricature and post it on your and your friends' walls for all to see. Create your MyPose now , save it and then get the code you'll need for posting it to your Facebook profile.  It's really easy, as you can tell by my own MyPose, to the right. P.S.  If while having fun creating your MyPose you decide to make a purchase, don't forget to use our special coupon code " BRIDALPARTY " for 10% OFF your purchase , courtesy of The Bridal Party LLC and the ladies of PosePrints. Enjoy! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Dir...

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

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

I came home today to a small package marked "FRAGILE." After glancing at the return address and seeing the word "wedding" I assumed I had received another communication or sample from a wedding vendor interested in working with me. But to my surprise, the boxed contained a large cookie with my name printed up at the top. I was being asked to be a bridesmaid on a cookie! Wasn't that sweet? Check out WeddingStand for other edible card options. There are tons of designs and embellishments to choose from as far as their selection of edibles, but there is also a plethora of favors, bridal accessories and gifts to browse. - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

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. (photo courtesy of RedBliss) Picture-Perfect Party Dresses (a little holiday party-bound inspiration) Any Way You Slice It (6 extraordinary groom's cake ideas) What It Costs To Get Married (costs NJ brides-to-be should be prepared for) Save-The-Dates, All Bundled Up (winter save-the-date idea) Inspiration Board: Old Hollywood Glamour Water Closet Personalization (ways to spruce up your bathroom baskets)

This month we've found a cute little item that's extremely unique, because (of course) it's unexpected and fully personalizable!  Our FlAVOR of the Month for November 2008 is ... Custom Lip Balm from Etsy Submit your own wedding logo and/or monogram and choose a flavor, such as Banana Rose, Lemon Creme, Peppermint, Apricot, Blackberry, Pistachio, Strawberry, Apple Tart, Almond or Anise.  You'll also be able to choose either a clear tube or a white tube.  Great for showers and even welcome packages for destination weddings!

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 )

This month I found a favor that's quite traditional...but with a personalized twist.  Our F l AVOR of the Month for October 2008 is ... The Personalized Hershey Kiss from Beau-Coup Hershey’s has been making chocolate candy since 1907.  For couples looking for the classic American treat to pass out on their wedding day, look no further.  You are even able to choose full-size bars or miniatures if you like.  Plus, Beau-Coup guarantees exquisite printing so your favors will look classy and professional. (photo courtesy of Brides.com)

Just when you thought PosePrints couldn't be any cuter, they now have silhouette cards (examples pictured below). The founders of PosePrints, Denise & Jen (mother/daughter team), offer unique options for all occasions .... save-the-dates, baby shower invitations, thank you cards, etc. And don't forget, there are even options for children's invitations and stationary. Ultra fab! Just don't forget to use our special coupon code " BRIDALPARTY " for 10% OFF your purchase, courtesy of The Bridal Party LLC and the ladies of PosePrints.