One of the biggest misconceptions that new brides have is that they have to get their bridesmaids dresses at a bridal shop. No true. There are plenty of gorgeous dresses available online at upscale and department stores. One place that has a nice affordable collection is Fashion Chateau. Below are a few samples of what you can buy that is both unique, affordable and re-wearable.
Rachel Pally Cream Olivia Dress
Holly Tube Color Block Dress
.
Betsey Johnson Sheath Dress in Black
Every once in a while you see some really, really unique and cool favors. Today I found two that I just had to share. Now you have to think "outside of the box." These are marketed for weddings -- but a wedding is just a big party -- so wedding, party or even swing dance... these will work beautifully as a favor or just has something to have to make your life a little easier : )
The Plate Mate ... How cool and practical is this! This little device gives guests an easy way to mingle, nibble and sip with just one hand! The clip attaches to any sturdy plate and can be used with glass or plastic stemware. Each white plastic clip is silkscreened with up to two lines of personalization in the ink color and lettering style of your choice. Clip measures 3" by 1.25".
Dance Floor Sock Favors - If you're anticipating a furious dance party lasting long into the night, then your guests are going to appreciate these comfortable socks with a non-skid bottom. Give them to your DJ to distribute, or place in a basket near the dance floor so guests can take their own when their feet start hurting. Made of soft whitecotton and one-size-fits-most.
The Laptop Bride is out helping a friend plan a wedding. And, we went out for the tuxedo rental the other day. After seeing that a basic tuxedo (without the shoes) was $140.00 .... My suggestion was to just "buy one." That way it's not money wasted. And, you can get the below set for a little over $300.00 ... What a bargain!
Get a complete tuxedo at a great price. Choose from a selection of styles tosnag a tuxedo for work or a special occasion. Each package includes a 100% wool tuxedo in your choice of one, two or three button, a crisp white formal shirt in your choice of wing or spread collar, a
set of cufflinks and studs, and a black adjustable cummerbund and tie set.
The buffets can serve a two fold purpose. They of course, taste good to your guests, and can work as your wedding favor as well. Your guests can select the candies of their choice, and only those that want a treat will come to get one...no leftovers all around your reception tables to clean up at the end of the night. A special touch of your favorite candies and small beautiful treat bags can wrap up your special evening.
Here are some tips and ideas to help you create a beautiful candy buffet at a low cost.
Also, be sure to have some clearly marked sugar free, peanut free, milk free, and gluten free candies for those with food allergies/ intolerances or special diets. Just so everyone can be included.
Some things to think about:
What type of candy should you buy?
Get candy that is individually wrapped such as Hershey Kisses, or has a hard
coating (like M&Ms). Gummi items can get hard if they sit out too long, licorice is too sticky for guests to pull on all night unless it is individually wrapped.. The most successful candies will be wrapped or hard.
Looking for a great gift for the bridal attendants and perhaps yourself that can also give to charity? Here are a classic set of earrings that can be worn at your wedding and for years to come - available at Wendy Culpepper.com called the Fire Drop 14K Gold Vermeil Earrings. She offers free shipping on her jewelry and all jewelry is handmade.
- Metal Options: 14K Gold Vermeil brushed matte finish
- Semi Precious Gemstone Options: 5 mm - Peridot, Blue
Topaz, OR *Rhodolite
* Please note Rhodolite has a slightly increased price due to its
rarity of quality and clarity in this size
- Length from the top of the earwire: ~ 3/4 Inches, width: ~
1/4 Inch
CHARITY DONATION: 15% of total based on Stone Color
Peridot: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Blue Topaz: Parkinson’s Disease Foundation
Rhodolite: Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
WENDY'S WORDS:
The Fire Drop 14K gold vermeil earrings are engraved with unique flames around the bezel. I wanted a design with effortless style that would accent the semi precious gemstone that represented each charity while having a distinctive twist to let you know you are doing more to help those around you. The large blue topaz, rhodolite, and peridot make for a stunning pair of inspirational handcrafted earrings.
INSPIRATION:
“Ignite Change” for charity – need we say more? Ignite is a collection all about giving back. We want to continue our efforts of supporting charities by donating 15% of the proceeds of each piece from this collection directly to charity. Three main charities currently benefit from the “Ignite Change” campaign, and we look forward to adding more in the future. To learn more about why Wendy chose these specific causes, feel free to read more on our Inspirations Page. If you would like to visit the specific charities we are donating to, please visit:
Susan G Komen Breast Cancer
Foundation: www.komen.org.org
Parkinson’s Disease Foundation:
www.pdf.org
The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: www.aspca.org.org
Botox. Teeth whitening. Skin peels. Boob Jobs. According to ther Herald Tribune - Bridesmaid's or attendant gifts of jewelry or knickknacks have gone by the wayside. It would seem that group manicures have gone the way of the wedding night pep talk as today’s brides are more and more often brightening their wedding 
party with some pretty serious and extensive work. Spas, plastic surgeons and cosmetic dentists are showing up at bridal expos in hot demand and it’s not just an afternoon out with the ladies anymore; some treatments are done over several months (not including recovery time.) Many brides are picking up the tab, but for those who aren’t, spa owner, Camille Meyer, explains why the bridesmaids are often willing to pay: “Most women, when they come in here, they want it. They know they’re aging.”
All I can say is you have to be a pretty darn good friend to all this as a wedding attendant : ) It's not just throwing the bachelorette party anymore!
Read more here
Strapless Knee Length Homecoming Dress by Mori Lee
Looking for a fabulous dress for your 2008 homecoming or prom? This beautiful short strapless dress has a demure knee length. A homecoming dress that features vertical shirring overlaying the strapless empire bodice and a flared a-line knee length skirt. Available in many
colors this strapless dress for homecoming will have all eyes on you.
And don't forget the shoes... these shoes come with lots of ribbon!
If you are looking for heels for your special occasion you’ve found them here at Prom Girl. These 3 inch high heel shoes are amazingly available with thirteen different colors to match any color dress! Wear these shoes to prom and make heads turn. These high heel sandals are just the right sexy heels that you are looking for for your special event. White, black, yellow, orange, pink, red, dark blue, gray, lavender, peach, teal,
hot pink, and light green.
Grandma used larger versions of these jars to hold candy, cookies and treats. Now available in a miniature version, these vintage glass jars give you so many things in one. Serve as a cute container ... more info.
Looking for a special gift for the bride? How about a Lucky Sixpence? One you don't have wear in your shoes ... For hundreds of years brides have worn a sixpence coin in their shoe to bless their marriage with wealth and prosperity. This pendant puts a new spin on the tradition and allows you to wear your lucky coin long after your wedding day. Each pendant features a hand selected coin that is at least 50 years old and comes with an 18" sterling silver chain. And it makes a great heirloom....
This type of hair piece is best for creating an updo or wearing at least part of your hair pulled back. Whether placed at the nape of the neck or on the crown, it adds 14 inches of length and extra volume to your own hair.
If you want to wear your hair down and need extra length and fullness at the side of your head, consider one of our hair extension sets instead.
Don't Forget to Accessorize
Simple accessorizing can make or break your look - this includes, shoes, jewelry, veil and makeup, all of these things are what will create the whole new you!
What Not to do!
Here's Some Humorous Tips on What NOT To Do,
Hair pins and combs will also help create the "whole" look:
Placed in just the right spots, scattered throughout an updo or clustered alongside your chignon, these Heavenly 'pins are add subtle decoration to your hair. Made with freshwater pearls, clear crystals and glass pearls in white or ivory. Each piece is handcrafted with 14K gold or sterling silver wire and comes in a set of eight. Each silver hairpin is 2.5" long and the cluster measures approximately .3".
Bridesmaid gifts can be fun, practical, useful or all of theabove. Your bridesmaids have known you
The traditional bridesmaids gift is to choose matching jewelry for each
bridesmaid; such as: earrings, necklace, bracelet and/or hair accessories for the bridesmaid’s to wear during the wedding ceremony. Jewelry functions well as a gift of thanks for each bridesmaid and as a way of making sure that the bridesmaids’ jewelry is uniform in all of the wedding photos. Bracelets or anklets are another good selection for bridesmaid gifts as are little evening purses. Taking the jewelry concept one step further, consider having the brid
Some brides chuck the idea of traditional bridesmaid gifts and go for something else. Keepsake photo albums and picture frames are popular, especially if engraved with something personal. Elegant compact mirrors are treasured bridesmaid gifts because they can be carried in their purses and used forever. Those particular bridesmaid gifts are definitely unique and special. Plus, your bridesmaids will remember you every time they use those items. Another unique choice; a day at the spa; a massage; a day of pedicures and manicures or even a bridal tea with just your friends.
The next question is, when do you give them their gifts? Generally, the bride gives her gifts right before the ceremony. But, ifyou want to break tradition; here are some great ideas to show your friends how much you appreciate t
IGIGI specializes in sexy and sophisticated plus size clothing, with an emphasis on plus size formal wear and plus size dresses. They have a nice selection of bridal gowns and gowns and dresses for the mother of the bride and groom, and the bridal party.
More than just a thank you, try to personalize your bridesmaid
gifts to convey your enduring admiration for their role in your wedding.
BeachMemories Photo Album wedding favor. Our photo album is decorated with textured paper and handcrafted shell and starfish charms for a natural, yet elegant look. Measures 6.5" tall, 5" wide and holds forty 4" x 6" pictures.
Personalized Charm Flip Flops. Show off perfectly pedicured toes with these fashionable flip-flops -- great for getting comfortable at the reception or a fun-in-the-sun accessory brides, bridesmaids and flower girls too. The removable charms slide on and off and you can even order extra charms for versatility. Each flip-flop sandal includes adjustable buckle straps for a comfortable fit.
Pearl and Crystal Earrings. Accessories with an aura of Old World romance. A pearl in a variety of color choices dangles carelessly from an antique-looking stud of pave crystals. Each pierced earring measures .5" long and is available in your choice of silver or gold findings. Not sure which pearl color will be best? Order our pearl sampler to get a perfect match.
More than just a thank you, try to personalize your bridesmaid
gifts to convey your enduring admiration for their role in your wedding.
BeachMemories Photo Album wedding favor. Our photo album is decorated with textured paper and handcrafted shell and starfish charms for a natural, yet elegant look. Measures 6.5" tall, 5" wide and holds forty 4" x 6" pictures.
Personalized Charm Flip Flops. Show off perfectly pedicured toes with these fashionable flip-flops -- great for getting comfortable at the reception or a fun-in-the-sun accessory brides, bridesmaids and flower girls too. The removable charms slide on and off and you can even order extra charms for versatility. Each flip-flop sandal includes adjustable buckle straps for a comfortable fit.
Pearl and Crystal Earrings. Accessories with an aura of Old World romance. A pearl in a variety of color choices dangles carelessly from an antique-looking stud of pave crystals. Each pierced earring measures .5" long and is available in your choice of silver or gold findings. Not sure which pearl color will be best? Order our pearl sampler to get a perfect match.
Wow is all I can say. Looking at wedding cake sites this weekend I came across The Party Dress Cake which was created by The Pink Cake Box for a cake contest sponsored by the Somerset Art Association. The “Let Them Eat Cake” contest. The theme was the celebration of spring. They created the “Bloom of the Ball” which was a nature inspired party dress adorned with sugar roses, vines, and leaves hanging on a dress form. The cake was a sour cream orange
zest cake filled with pistachio and white chocolate buttercream and 46″
tall. 
The Pink Cake Box won the “Show Stopper” award.
P.S. They do wedding cakes too : )
uniform.
Buying a tuxedo is something that most average men get to do only once or twice in their lives. It can be exciting and intimidating. Visiting a tailor and requesting alterations is a throw back to yesterday with today's off-the-rack fashions.
Start with good measurements. Finding a tuxedo that fits you well doesn’t have to be a science project. Any high quality dry cleaning shop that offers alterations will gladly take a professional set of measurements for you. Many shops will provide this service as a courtesy for regular customers,
while others charge a small fee. Either way, a realistic set of measurements can help you rule out tuxedos that don’t flatter your frame or don’t come in your size.
Check out your favorite designers. Brand names are brand names, so grab a note pad and head to a mall or a boutique where you can look at fabrics and fashions in person. Your bride will love the chance to go shopping with her groom, so make it a date. If you live near a mall or an outlet village where you can check out a designer’s own factory store, you’ll more likely connect with non-commissioned sales people who won’t mind the fact that you’re planning on cutting out the middleman by shopping online.
Keep time on your side. If the tuxedo you want for your wedding is coming direct from the factory, make sure you’ve got at least ten to twelve weeks to spare before your wedding day. Your pants will be delivered
unfinished, which means that you’ll have to take them in for alterations at a nearby tailor (very likely the professional that helped take your measurementsearlier in the process).
You’ll also probably need minor alterations to the jacket and to the vest, if you selected one. If it takes six to eight weeks for delivery and another two weeks for the alterations, you should still plan on
picking up your suit at least two weeks before your wedding date. That way, your biggest hassle is out of the way and you can help your bride with last-minute emergencies.
For more history and ways to wear the tuxedo visit: The Black Tie Guide
Someone was really thinking when they created the ExboyfriendJewelry.com site! Their tag line..."We don't want it, he can't have it back!" It's brilliant.
Now ladies, be real : ) one girls cast off is another girls treasure. It's worth the look-see to check out the diamond engagement rings, wedding bands and pearls to catch a great deal for yourself.
The idea came from a woman's broken relationship and she didn't know what to do with the loot. She did know she did not want to give it back. She concluded, "Pawn shops are icky. And, according to every bad 70’s cop show we’ve ever seen, they never give you what something is really worth. Consignment shops are even worse. You have to give up a percentage of the total cost AND they always smell like your great-aunt’s house. Eeew. So, what’s a girl like you to do? You have all that jewelry sitting around that you loved so hard to get (that sounded dirty, but you know what we mean) and will never wear again... "
"Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, How does your garden grow?" Hopefully she has violets, roses and a nice assortment of edible flowers.
If you are looking for a fabulous conversation starter at your wedding and a unique approach to decorating your food; try using edible flowers as decor for your desserts or wedding cake.
After somewhat disappearing for many years, cooking and garnishing with flowers is back in vogue. You can decorate cupcakes, petit-fours, cookies; even the wedding cake with a large variety of edible flowers. Just make sure you research the flowers you choose because not all flowers are edible. Some edible blooms include: violets, naturtiums, scented geraniums and violets.
Using flowers as decorations and eating them is not new. The art of flower cooking can be traced back to Roman times, and to the Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Indian cultures. Edible flowers are known to have been popular during Queen Victoria's reign in the Victorian era . Today, many restaurant chefs and innovative home cooks garnish their entrees with flower blossoms for a touch of elegance.
The secret to success when using edible flowers is to use flowers sparingly in your recipes. You don't want digestive complications that can occur with a large consumption rate; and you do not want to add to many other flavors that will over power the delicate taste of the flower.
Although the concept of using fresh edible flowers in cooking is not new it is still awe inspiring to see. It is a nearly lost art that is enjoying a revival.
TIPS:
One very important thing that you need to remember is that not every flower is edible.
Sampling some flowers can make you very, very sick.
Make sure your flowers have never been introduced to pesticides
Identify the flower exactly and eat only edible flowers, and edible parts of those flowers; or
You can be like me and buy the edible flowers : ) If you are not sure how or what to do with flowers it's easier to let someone else to the work for you. One company is Sweetfeilds with offerings such as Edible Candied Pansies or the Sweetfields Silver Mixed Tray
If you want to grow your own flowers and find recipes to candy them, try the book Edible
Flowers by Kathy Brown, which has a wealth of information
For more information and recipes, check out: What's Cooking America; Osage Gardens and the Hub Pages for a great Candied Violet recipe, or even Wikipedia.
Guess it's safe to say that when you are cooking with flowers, every time you scrape that bowl you are putting the "petal to the metal!" Sorry, couldn't resist the pun.
Some people know how to dance... and some know how to have fun!
