It’s short on text, but a picture is worth a thousand words, and each post features a photo that’s sure to intrigue and inspire.

Here are some of my favorites!

photo via erin hearts court

vintage stockings from here

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NYC wedding in the rain! Let the umbrellas be accessories! Cup of Jo’s blog

wedding accessories from j.crew bridal boutique

Deep purple, velvet Ralph Lauren bridesmaids dresses. I kind of like it!

Halloween wedding inspiration from little dailys

How about escaping the cold, and having a greenhouse wedding? Photo source

Can’t get enough? Head over to little winter bride for more!

Shoes

Colored shoes peeping out from below are one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to add color to your ensemble!  For inspiration, think about your wedding colors… consider shoes that match your groom’s tie, your bridesmaids’ dresses, or your bouquet.

photos: Joie of Life

Jewels

Pearls are lovely and diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but there are so many other beautiful jewels out there, no bride should feel limited to monochromatic jewelry. Whether you want to wear your grandmother’s vintage bracelet or some glittery costume jewelry, let those bangles and broaches speak for themselves!

Photos: Garnet broach, Citrine Pendant Turquoise bracelet

Headbands

If you are looking for something flashier than a tired tiara and veil, take inspiration from these gorgeous, multi-colored headbands!

Photos: Peacock headband,  Peony headband, Geometric headband

Cardigans & Cover-ups

Taking photos outside in the snow? Getting married in a church or synagogue where you need to cover up? Just looking for something different to add a pop of color? Try a shawl, bolero, or cardigan, which can change the look of your dress in an instant!

Photos: Yellow cardigan, Boleros, blue cardigan

’50s Flair

Bridal designers are loving belted gowns, high necklines, tulle skirts, and tea-length dresses. Dress by Anne Barge via the Knot.

Tulle

Tulle can be tricky to get right– you want to look ethereal without feeling like a little girl in a party dress.  Artful draping combined with stunning bead-work make tulle the perfect combination in this Vera Wang dress, via AllWomensTalk

Black is Back

Bits of black make wedding dress details pop, from bows and sashes to bolder embellishments and patterns.  Dress by Jenny Packham via the Knot.
See more black-accented wedding dresses

Asymmetrical Necklines

The one-shoulder style is gaining popularity. But this season, over-the-top details are what really makes them stand out. Dress by Anne Bowen via the Knot.  See more one-shoulder wedding dresses.

Bows

These knots are hot, from droopy satin bows to more structured ones! Bows give your dress a feminine look that’s not too girly. Dress by Amsale via the Knot. See more wedding dresses with bows

Flower Power

We love the burst of springtime blooms, whether it’s cherry-blossom details or embroidered, eye-catching rosettes. Dress by Claire Pettibone via the Knot.  See more dresses with flowers.

Illusion Necklines

Sheer straps are the perfect coverage if you want something subtle and sexy. Whether it’s bateau, V-neck, or even one-shoulder, this look is dreamy! Dress by Melissa Sweet via the Knot.

Metallic Prints

If black details are not your thing, consider this hot, new style glittering in gold and silver details.  Dress by Christos via the Knot.

Top it off

To finish the look, designers are adding a hat! Whether it’s something dainty and demure with a birdcage veil, or a large, droopy picture hat, this is one trend we take our hats off to! Carolina Herrera via AllWomensTalk

Kim West achieved mainstream success in the nineties with her wearable rubber women’s collection. She has dressed many celebrities and fashion icons including Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Isabella Rosselini, and Helena Bonham Carter. Now she’s back with a slick new Spring-Summer 2010 bridal collection, in partnership with Anna McDonald Bridal Gallery.

Kim and Anna make quite a team!  Anna’s showroom is widely acclaimed as one of the best in the industry, and she also received acclaim for her ibridal iPhone application for brides, shortlisted in the highly regarded “Innovation of the year” category at this year’s Bridal Buyer Awards.

Stand out from the Crowd!

Since the Kim West Latex brand was launched in 1984, her designs have been acclaimed for their style and glamor. She is currently one of a handful of designers making wearable fashion in this glamorous, exciting fabric.  For the bride who is looking for something elegant and stylish, but unique and VERY HOT, I certainly think that these gowns, made in ultra fine latex, are it!

They’re Comfy, too!

These gowns are as easy to wear as they are on the eye. Just step in and pull upward! Latex takes on the ambient temperature, so if you are in a comfortable, room temperature room, your gown will feel like a second skin.  Planning on dancing the night away? Well, you might get a little sweaty (that was my first thought when I heard “rubber gown!”), but then again, you probably would anyway!

Here are some pictures to show you just how beautiful this range is.  There are gowns with stunning halter tops, fishtail hemline, Sworovski encrusted collars, silk organza bows, and sprinklings of crystals.  The collection is exclusively available in Anna’s shop and include bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses, and lingerie.

News Source: pitchengine.com

Save on Alcohol

• Instead of providing a full bar, serve a signature drink, such as punch or a favorite cocktail, instead of providing a full bar.  Another option is to limit alcoholic beverages to wine and beer, choices that will satisfy most of your guests.

• Rather than pouring Champagne all night long, serve just a single glass to each guest at the appropriate time to toast the bride and groom.

• Technically, Champagne is sparkling wine that’s from the Champagne region of France. But you can find plenty of substitutions that don’t come with the high price tag.  For example, Cava, the Spanish take on Champagne, or Prosecco, from Italy, which is smoother, sweeter, and a better fit for a small budget. Even French sparkling wine is cheaper; it’s made the same way but isn’t actually from Champagne.

• Buy your own wine wholesale. You may pay your caterer a corkage fee to pour it, but wine purchased through him can cost twice as much.

• Most merchants offer a 10 percent discount for buying wine by the case, and they’ll often increase that if you purchase several cases at once.

Save on your Wedding Cake

• Hire an outside baker to provide the wedding cake, if your caterer’s contract permits. You may have to pay a cake-cutting charge, but you will likely pay less overall.

• Want a tall cake but don’t want to pay full price? Have your baker make just enough to serve each guest one slice.  Additional tiers can be made of Styrofoam and iced to match the others.  No one will know!

• Alternatively, you can order two cakes for the reception: a small fancy one to be used for display, and a large sheet cake, which does not need to be elaborately decorated.   The bigger cake gets sliced and dished up in the kitchen.

• Or, order a very plain (and moderately priced) cake, and make the focal point the cake topper. Vintage toppers and classic symbols can make a cake memorable.

• You don’t need a whole separate dessert course. Just present the wedding cake as dessert, with coffee and tea, to end the meal.

Save on Ingredients

• Have your caterer use local fruits and vegetables that are in season. They’re tastier, fresher, and more economical!

• Use expensive ingredients, such as lobster, in hors d’oeuvres rather than in a main course.

• How you serve dinner affects the price. Regular plate service and French service, in which guests are served by waiters from a platter at the table, are the most expensive. Family style, where diners help themselves from serving dishes brought to the table, is more economical.

Save on Flowers

• Many popular bridal flowers are available year-round, but some traditional ones — peonies and lilies of the valley, for example — can be expensive out of season. Consult with your florist about what flowers are in season and easy to obtain.

• Mix berries, pine cones (for winter), and other economical non-floral embellishments  to fill out bouquets and displays.

• You don’t need to deck every pew with flowers. Get the most bloom for your buck by asking your florist to design two lush altarpieces, which will direct everyone’s eyes exactly where you want them to be: on you and your groom.

• Make floral arrangements do double duty: If designed properly, your ceremony flowers can serve as centerpieces at the reception, or decorate the guest-book, seating-card, and favor tables. Place bridesmaids’ bouquets on the cake table.

Saving on Centerpieces

• Floating flowers: Instead of decorating tables with large arrangements, float a few flowers in shallow bowls or glass cylinders filled halfway with water.

• Economical flowers: Floral standbys like daisies and carnations are available year-round, are quite affordable, and when arranged en masse make delightful centerpieces and bouquets.

• Flowering bulbs: Flowers like amaryllis, narcissus, and hyacinth often cost less than regular flowers and are dramatic rising from a layer of stones set in clear containers.

• Fruits: Bowls or compotes filled with seasonal fruits from a farmer’s market can take the place of expensive floral presentations.

• Candles: A single pillar candle in a hurricane lantern is a wonderful centerpiece, as is a casual display of votive candles in the middle of a table.

• Vases: You’ll save money if your florist doesn’t have to supply vases for your centerpieces. if you have a collection of containers, such as jelly jars or milk jugs. Filled with flowers, just about any type of vessel will make pretty displays.

Save on Favors

• Use favors as place cards to save a bit on stationery costs. For seating cards, write guests’ names and table numbers on strips of paper, affix them to the favors, and set in order on a table near the entrance. For place cards, put favors with names attached at guests’ places.

• Handmade favors (especially edible ones like cookies or candies) and decorations are appealing and usually cost less than store-bought.

Save on the Season

• A winter date may come with lower fees, rather than scheduling in the summer, when rates are at their highest.

• Weddings scheduled during holidays or vacation times are more popular and therefor more expensive. To cut costs, plan your wedding during an uneventful season.

• Fridays and Sundays are generally less expensive than Saturdays for renting a venue.

• For a destination wedding, book a date that is not as popular for travel in the region.

Downsize

• Wedding Party: Try to keep the number of attendants as small as possible.  The larger the bridal party, the more you’ll spend on gifts and flowers.

• Transportation:  Use a personal car rather than a limousine to get to and from the reception.

• Wedding Highlights:  Hire a videographer to work just from the ceremony through the first dance rather than for the entire wedding.

• Photographer: There are many talented photographers who haven’t made a name for themselves yet, and their lack of fame can save you a fortune. If you fall hard for a photographer who’s in high demand, ask if she’ll refer you to a lower-priced colleague (just make sure you like his work before you commit).

• Location: If you are considering two locations, small towns are more economical than big cities! One bride moved her wedding from Brooklyn, New York to a beach town in Michigan, and watched catering quotes drop from $140 per head to $40 — a savings of $15,000!

• Guest List: To minimize the guest list, refrain from inviting children and coworkers. Include your friends’ significant others but not casual dates.

• Extras: A venue that comes with extras built in, like a wedding coordinator or an on-site ceremony location, means significant savings.

• Negotiate: Before signing a contract with your caterer, photographer, or florist, try to negotiate a lower yet still reasonable price.

• Celebrate in Public: The nicest wedding sites — parks, museums, public gardens — may be the most affordable.

• Music: For your reception, remember that a deejay can be less costly than a live band.  To avoid hiring two bands and paying two separate fees, ask if just a few pieces of the band can play during the ceremony and cocktail hour, as well as at the reception.

Save on Your Wedding Dress

• Look for a dress at sample sales, trunk shows, and outlets; you can sign up for some designers’ sample-sale listings online. Most wedding-dress designers allow you to sign up for news and updates.  Even if you dislike this type of spam, getting on their e-mail lists will keep you informed on time-sensitive info such as sample sales and trunk shows.

• Consider wearing your mother’s gown. The costs of cleaning and alterations will likely be far less than the cost of buying a new wedding dress.

Use your Friends

• Borrow accessories from family and friends instead of buying them.

• Ask talented friends or relatives to help with your wedding. An artistic friend, for instance, might design your stationery, or a baking enthusiast could make cupcakes or cookie favors.

Hope these tips are helpful! For the complete list, visit Martha Stewart Weddings: 65 Ways to Trim Your Budget.

Not only is black an elegant and unique choice for a bridal gown, in these difficult times it’s an economical choice, too. Women are more likely to re-wear their wedding gown if it’s black, rather than white or ivory.  For the same reason, tailored outfits are more popular than puffy, meringue-shaped gowns.

Does this trend sound bizarre? Maybe it shouldn’t. Brides wore different colours until the 19th century, since many women simply chose their best dress, rather than buy a new one. It wasn’t until 1840, when Queen Victoria wore rich white silk to wed in, the colour associated with purity became the norm for British brides, which spread to other Western countries.

While black may be associated with funerals in traditional American attitude, many cultures associate while with death and grieving. It’s also interesting to realize that in Spain, a black dress signifies the bride will remain faithful until she dies.

The bottom line is, modern brides are not squeamish about expressing their individuality, even if it means going against tradition.  Whether your dress is white, red, blue or black, wear something on your wedding day that makes you feel beautiful, and reflects your uniqueness!

Would you wear a black wedding dress?

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For some light coverage, try a pretty wrap, like this one from Advantage Bridal.  The fabrics and prices range from the Double Layer Silk Organza, for $205, to another similar organza wrap for just $46.

These wraps, from David’s Bridal, are super pretty, and look a little bit more substantial:

Of course, fur is a great option for winter! If you want something a bit warmer, you can get a faux fur wrap ($42.95 at Advantage Bridal) that will keep your shoulders nice and toasty. To add a little fun, get colorful and wear a wrap that will match the bridal party!

For full coverage, I love this coat, below, from Budget Dreams (found via youandyourwedding). It’s just so elegant and gorgeous, who needs a wedding dress?! (Just kidding!)

Another option is a cloak, like this lovely one from Princess Bride Tiaras (via Manolo), made of gown-weight satin trimmed in faux fur. It even has a matching muff!

This mid-length satin cape with faux fur, from David’s Bridal ($125), also looks deliciously cozy… I love the hood!

Bridal salons, photographers, florists, and ordinary citizens who want to do a good deed… there are more of them out there than you might be aware of!

Photo from Jamie Collins Photography

Free Gowns for Military Brides

Want to help support our troops and their families? Bridal salons are uniting across America to donate and give away wedding gowns to qualified military brides. Brides Across America is giving away free wedding gowns in the month of November on a first-come-first-serve basis. For a list of participating designers and locations of the National Giveaway Event, visit Brides Across America!

… and a Free Wedding!

Colorado’s 9News reports that Post 11-11, a group of military moms, sisters and wives, has put together a free wedding package for anyone engaged in active military duty, in need of a free wedding. They will draw a name on Nov. 11, Veteran’s Day, to decide on the lucky couple.  To enter, send an email to info@legionpost11-11.org.  Include a story about the couple, a picture, contact information and their Commanding Officer’s contact information. For additional info, contact Cindy Borrego at 720-971-2271. Time is running out, enter before November 11!

Photographers Fighting Cancer

Blush Photo & Films in Massachusetts offers women undergoing cancer treatment up to 6-hours of free wedding photography. “One less expense can go a long way for women in cancer treatment who are planning a wedding. For people experiencing cancer treatments, their money and time should be spent on healing.” (Thanks to Manolo for this info) Contact Blush at (617) 970-2993.

In a similar story, British wedding photographers have pledged to give a day in October, November and December 2009 for any deserving couples who are willing to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Photographers4charity will chose one couple per county, who pledge to raise as much money as they can via the liaison officer’s “just giving” page. This program was initiated by Andrea Lane, herself a cancer survivor, to help those who’s lives have been “touched by cancer or other illness” and perhaps can’t afford a professional photographer.

Brides Against Breast Cancer

While not a free service, Brides Against Breast Cancer is another program that enables brides to “FIND THE GOWN OF YOUR DREAMS AND MAKE A WISH COME TRUE.” Bridal gowns are donated to the Nationwide Tour of Gowns (with over 32 yearly shows) by designers, manufacturers, bridal shops, and individuals. These gowns are available to brides-to-be at remarkable prices, ranging from $99 – $799, including designer gowns valued up to $8,000. The proceeds from these events bring a moment of joy into world of someone for whom a cure is too late.

If you are looking for something to do with your gown, consider donating it to Brides Against Breast Cancer. This gift, including shipping costs, is tax-deductible. You can also help in the fight against breast cancer by hosting a “Pink Envelope Bridal Shower” on behalf of the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation.

A Wedding Gift in Challenging Times

In light of the challenges facing so many of us today, a group of small business owners from the North Shore have come together to present one deserving couple with a free wedding. Reason to Give was created to help one couple who has undergone challenges (be it financial, health related, etc.) celebrate their love and commitment to one another. Reason to Give is not simply a random contest; it is meant to “honor one special, deserving couple who would not otherwise be able to afford a wedding.”

Similarly, one deserving New England bride and groom will be awarded the free services of Jessica’s Country Flowers and Jamie Collins Photography (up to 5 hours) in Jessica’s 2010 Deserving Couple’s Contest.  This is a need-based giveaway for one couple undergoing economic hardships and/or special circumstances. You can enter this giveaway via the Contact Form at Jessica’s Country Flowers website. (Mention that you found out about it from Style Me Pretty… click over to find out more!)

Wedding planner Liz Guthrie, owner of San Jose Wedding Consultants, feels that giving back to the community is one of the most amazing gifts she can think of as a wedding planner. The 2010 San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway is an upscale destination wedding valued at $100,000.00! Over 40 premier Bay Area wedding vendors will work together to designing the most unforgettable Wedding of the Year, for one very lucky couple in love.  Contest closes November 25, so if you feel you are deserving of this amazing wedding, or know a couple that is, please enter soon!

The incredibly talented wedding photographer Caroline Ghetes wants to get in on the giveaway action too! She  is looking for a deserving couple who has been through amazing obstacles just to be together… or are are struggling financially and could use a break… or have done so much good for others, it’s about time they had something good done for them! This lucky couple will receive unlimited wedding day coverage, plus a wedding package valued at over $3000! To enter, email your story and a picture by November 12, 2009 to both caroline@carolineghetes.com AND amanda@ruffledblog.com.

Couples Campaign for a Cause

From October 1 through December 31st of each year, couples can enter to win the $50,000 New Mexico Dream Wedding Giveaway. Five finalist couples will campaign in the New Mexico Community, conducting several fundraisers for the benefit of UNM Children’s Hospital. New Mexico residents are then are invited to log on to NMDreamWedding.com to vote for their favorite, most deserving couple. The winning couple is determined by the number of votes received, amount of charitable contributions raised, and over-all good sportsmanship during the campaign.

I’m sure there are many more great wedding giveaways available to deserving couples. If you have anything to add, please let us know in the comment section below!

“Good luck!” to all those who are tying the knot, and “Way to go!” to all those wedding vendors providing a lucky break to those who need it!

Pear Shaped: An A-line dress like this one, by Jim Hjelm, has a V-neckline, spaghetti straps, and a natural waist, so it highlights the tiniest part of your figure and disguises your more voluptuous hips.

Petite: A shorter bride, looking for something sassy, should opt for a knee length dress, like this ruffle collar dress by Thread. Something longer, or tea length, may make you look even shorter.

Athletic: If you’ve got a boyish frame and broad shoulders, Then this style by Peter Langner, could look great on you. The V-shape will draw the eye downward and create the illusion of a more petite frame while a cinched waistline will help you fake an hourglass shape.

Short torso: A bold, vertical embellishment, like the floral applique on this Carolina Herrera design, paired with a halter neckline is an elegant way to elongate your figure.

Problem areas: This sparkles on this dress by Platinum for Priscilla of Boston serve as a great distraction for any areas you want to hide. It also has a pretty sweetheart neckline and corseted bodice that will flatter any figure.

Tummy Tuck: A draped skirt and a center-knotted waistline will create a cinching effect. Add some heels and that tummy bulge is all gone!

Skinny-minny: This Amsale gown illustrates how there’s nothing like all-over ruching and slim tiers to give you an hourglass figure.

Arm-conscious: For a design with a bit more upper-arm coverage, will love the flutter sleeves on this gown by Nicole Miller.

1. An apology should be offered in person, face-to-face, in a quiet place with little disturbance. Your undivided time and attention is necessary when offering a heartfelt apology. Pick a time of day that you do not have get back to work or pick up the kids from school. Conversation after an apology is generally a relationship builder.

2. Focus on the other person’s feelings and needs. Remember that the apology is not about how bad you feel, but about how your actions have harmed the other person.

3. Be ready to offer a plan of action, such as counseling or behavior modification to rectify the situation. Admitting guilt, showing remorse and offering a promise of change should always accompany an apology.

4. Don’t trivialize the damage. Just because the offense was not significant to you doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of an apology. “It’s not a big deal” is not a good response when attempting to make amends with your spouse.

5. Excuses are not welcome in a heartfelt apology. Any time an apology ends with “but” the entire effort is negated. “I’m sorry that you feel this way” is a thinly veiled translation of, “I’m not doing anything to change.”

6. Always include the reason for the apology. Doing this shows you are taking responsibility for your actions and are aware of the behavior that caused pain.

7. Don’t expect immediate forgiveness. “How many times do I need to say I’m sorry?” is not an empathetic question. By the way, the answer is, “As long as it takes!” An apology does not immediately right the wrong.

8. In the case of an affair, your world is no longer off limits. Understand that you may have apologized, but the trust is broken. Until you have proven otherwise, your e-mail, cell phone and friendships are an open book. Perhaps not forever, but for now.

9. An apology does not have a lifetime warranty. Just because you apologized once about one situation doesn’t mean that you don’t ever have to apologize again for other reasons. Saying, “I’m sorry” is a character builder and has the power to build relationships and heal friendships.

10. Ask how you can make the situation better. By saying, “What can I do to fix this?” you are expressing your desire to atone for your lack of good judgment or thoughtless behavior.

A well thought out apology can save a job, repair a friendship and heal a broken marriage. Follow these simple rules and forgiveness will follow. For more marriage advice, ideas, and inspiration, visit Hitched.

image from allindiaflorist