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Below: This gown mixes soft tulle with a vibrant skirt of ostrich feathers, silk flowers, and crystals. (Ines di Santo via Martha Stewart Weddings)

Below: The skirt of this ball gown is made up of a mixture of frayed organza and feather embroidery. (Legend, Monique Lhuillier via Martha Stewart Weddings)

Below: Italian tulle and silk organza gown with feathered tulle skirt. (Style 4888)  Strapless gown with hand-beaded drop torso with full skirt in tulle and silk organza. (Style 4879) Liancarlo.com via Weddingish

Below: Dimensional flower petals and fanciful feathers bloom from the waistline of this romantic tulle gown. (Going to the Chapel, Matthew Christopher via Martha Stewart Weddings)

Below: V-neck dress with full feathery skirt by Reem Acra

Below: (L) Douglas Hannant gown. (R) Feathered one-shoulder gown by Ines Di Santo (via firstVIEW via weddingish).

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!

1. Hang amber-lit lanterns

The warm-colored light perfectly coordinates with fall wedding colors.  With so much going on overhead, you can keep things simple on the guest tables.   Use rustic lanterns in place of elaborate floral centerpieces that might compete with the suspended setup. Also, consider using a lantern motif on all of your stationery. (From the Knot)

2. Warms-your-Heart Wedding Favors

• Make it – homemade goodies like fudge, candy apples, or jams presented in festive packaging always go over well
• Bag it – fill mini burlap bags with coffee beans, bulbs, or any treat you desire, and tie a label with your monogram or wedding date to the top
• Pour it – miniature bottles of maple syrup are a sweet treat
• Fill it – miniature wood crates lined with straw and filled with goodies are a rustic touch (From Elegala)

For more autumn-themed favors and inspiration, visit American Bridal!

3. Create a Mini Pie Bar

Pie is the dessert of choice for fall! Apple, cherry, blueberry, persimmon… and and miniature food is a huge trend, too.  You can send guests home with mini pie tins as wedding favors, including recipe cards for your favorite kind of pie.  (From the Knot)

4. Go Glam

You are not confined to rustic and casual in the fall (you can skip the hay bales and pumpkins if that’s not your style!).  To create a posh autumn ambiance, use accents such as lush velvets, antique broaches, crystal stemware, and elegant candelabras.  (Chair covers from Dreams Do Come True)

5. Blooming Bouquets

The colors of the season (red, orange, gold, purple…) can be expressed in so many ways. This beautiful bouquet of flaming calla lilies is perfect for a fall wedding. It also adds a stunning contrast against the bride’s ivory gown. (From Martha Stewart Weddings via Allwomenstalk)

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

Best!

This picture looks a million times better if you see the original at Flickr, by the talented Flora Photography.  (You should definitely check it out here, as well as her other gorgeous wedding photography.)  I am just in love with the whole color scheme here…  the bridesmaids’ blue dresses, combined with the crisp white flower girl dresses and matching bows… the bright, cheerful daisies… it’s like the picture sucks you right in to a perfect spring day, when the air is fresh and finally warm enough to go sleeveless and  you just want to romp through the meadows with an arm-full of wildflowers… mmmmmm!

Worst!

It’s not the dresses themselves that are so awful here, it’s the headdress… and not the bride’s! I know this photo is taken in a different era and that styles have changed, but was it really acceptable back then to make your bridesmaids… and mother… wear veils?! It’s really a shame, because otherwise these bridesmaids are quite lovely. I really do like the dainty yellow dresses and the Mother of the Bride’s pale green gown. But it’s hard to tear your eyes away from those hideous headdresses….

Wedding Dress Blog points out that “given that the average wedding these days will set you back about $20,000, you may be looking for ways to keep your special day from costing more than the down payment on your first condo. A little creative thinking can cut your wedding tab 25% to 50%. Think nontraditional. Think memorable. Think laser tag, as my colleague Robert Brokamp and his bride did for their nuptials…”

Wedding Dress Blog presents us with a few ways to save on your big day:

Timing is everything: Lovebirds pay a premium to tie the knot on a Saturday or in June. Pair the two and you’re facing a few extra Gs on the bill. Off months such as March and April are more affordable, as are morning weddings where expenses such as food, transportation, and hall rentals can be a lot cheaper.

Location, location, location: Modern Bride estimates that a wedding reception costing $4,000 in San Diego would cost $9,000 in Chicago and $15,000 in New York City. See? Even not-so-small towns have their charm. Wouldn’t your mom be thrilled if you got married in your childhood stomping grounds? Your guests will certainly appreciate cheaper lodging costs. Even if you live in a high-priced city, nontraditional places such as public parks and art galleries can cost less than rental halls and hotel ballrooms.

Bite your tongue: Anything that has the word “wedding” attached to it can instantly fetch a 25% premium (or more) over the generic version. When shopping for your cake, flowers, tablecloth, “ring pillow,” or dress, beeline away from any options preceded by the “w” word.

Put your pals to work: In lieu of another Crate & Barrel tchotchke, ask your talented friends for a gift that you could really use: their help. Perhaps you know someone who can perform music at the service (or change the CDs you and your sweetheart make yourself), take photographs, tend bar, or play videographer — all functions that will cost you $500-$900 to have someone else do. Chances are your best friend’s brother won’t charge a corking fee.

Trim the guest list: At $80 per person for food, wine, cake, napkins, and every one of your variable costs, this is the fastest way to save. Remember, this isn’t just some kegger that’s open to all of your office mates. It’s your wedding.

Just say “no”: Anti-etiquette bride and author of Fire Your Wedding Planner Stephi Stewart says that assertive brides and grooms need to learn to just say “no.” Party favors? Feh. Engraved napkins? Puh-leeze.

Dream of the future: Before you shampoo the rice and rose petals out of your hair, start planning your financial future — together. Saving for a house, college for future critters, paying cash for a vacation — these should all be things in the back of your mind before you write a check for your wedding gown.

Image from weddingscenter.com

Holiday Weekends

Holiday weekend weddings have pros and cons. You’ve got an extra day for the festivities (and recovery!); plus, it’s easier to host the affair on Sunday, which is often less expensive than a Saturday event would be. However, costs of travel and hotels may be higher. Also, having your wedding on a holiday weekend might adversely affect your guest list. Some families have standing holiday weekend plans or traditions that they’d prefer not to have disrupted.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (always a Monday)
January 19, 2009
January 18, 2010

President’s Day (always a Monday)
February 16, 2009
February 15, 2010

Memorial Day (always a Monday)
May 25, 2009
May 31, 2010

Independence Day
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Sunday, July 4, 2010

Labor Day (always a Monday)
September 7, 2009
September 6, 2010

Columbus Day (always a Monday)
October 12, 2009
October 11, 2010

Thanksgiving (always a Thursday)
November 26, 2009
November 25, 2010

New Year’s Eve
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Friday, December 31, 2010

Religious and Cultural Holidays

Be mindful of religious and cultural holidays (your own and those of your guests) when planning your wedding. There may even be restrictions at your house of worship as to whether you’re allowed to marry at these times.

Palm Sunday
April 5, 2009
March 28, 2010

Easter Sunday
April 12, 2009
April 4, 2010

Passover (begins at sunset the night before)
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Tisha B’Av (begins at sunset the night before)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Rosh Hashanah
In 2009: begins at sunset on Friday, September 18, and lasts until nightfall on Sunday, September 20
In 2010: begins at sunset on Wednesday, September 8, and last until nightfall on Friday, September 10

Yom Kippur (begins at sunset the night before)
Monday, September 28, 2009
Saturday, September 18, 2010

Hanukkah (begins at sunset the night before)
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Thursday, December 2, 2010

Christmas
Friday, December 25, 2009
Saturday, December 25, 2010

Kwanzaa
Begins Saturday, December 26, 2009 through Friday, January 1, 2010
Begins Sunday, December 26, 2009 through Saturday, January 1, 2011

Costly Holidays

If you’re looking to marry around Valentine’s Day, be wary of your floral bill, especially if you’ve got your heart set on red roses — they’re likely to be more costly than at any other time of the year. Likewise, reception sites often charge a higher fee for a New Year’s Eve wedding.

Notable Holidays

April Fool’s Day
If you and your fiance are jokesters at heart, this could be the perfect wedding day for you. If not, choose another day.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Thursday, April 1, 2010

Mother’s Day (always a Sunday)
Make sure your mom is okay with sharing this weekend with your wedding — but it could be the perfect opportunity to honor her. If you do choose it, make a toast to all the mothers in the room at your postwedding brunch.
May 10, 2009
May 9, 2010

Father’s Day (always a Sunday)
Ditto for Dad.
June 21, 2009
June 20, 2010

Halloween
Avoid it if you’re terrified that someone might actually show up in costume.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Sunday, October 31, 2010

Days of Remembrance

Historically significant days may cause a conflict of interest for some guests.
September 11: It falls on a Friday in 2009 and a Saturday in 2010.
December 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: In 2009, it’s on a Monday, and falls on a Tuesday in 2010.

Super Bowl
If you don’t live in Florida and are marrying on the Saturday rather than the Sunday of Super Bowl weekend, then the big game shouldn’t affect your wedding too much — unless you and your husband are diehard pigskin fans and can’t bear to miss the big game instead of leaving on your honeymoon. If in doubt, steer clear of these dates:
Sunday, February 1, 2009, Tampa, FL
Sunday, February 7, 2010, Miami, FL

Final Four/March Madness
Everyone loves the excitement of college b-ball (and betting on it!). Keep your sports fans at bay by avoiding these dates:
Saturday, April 4, 2009, and Monday, April 6, 2009, Detroit, MI
Saturday, April 3, 2010, and Monday, April 5, 2010, Indianapolis, IN

Quirky Dates
03/06/09 falls on a Friday
09/09/09 falls on a Wednesday
10/10/10 falls on a Sunday

Other Dates to Avoid

College reunions and/or homecoming, big conventions in your city (call your local chamber of commerce), and any annual charity events that involve your family or close friends.

Editors Note: Some Jewish holidays are missing from this list. If you have Jewish friends who observe all the holidays, you should get ahold of a Jewish calendar before picking a date! Remember, all Jewish holidays begin the evening before, at dusk.

Many brides search for the ultimate outdoor wedding location to capture the romance of their special day. If you are looking for a wedding spot that’s out of the ordinary, a vineyard may be the perfect destination, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to your outdoor wedding.  Perfect Outdoor Weddings chose the top five vineyards where you can treat yourselves to beauty, serenity, enjoyable group activities, and fine wines, while celebrating the most wonderful day of your lives.

1. The most popular, Martha’s Vineyard, located in Massachusetts, is known for being remote from the mainland. If you are looking for that private island, Martha’s Vineyard is the ideal wedding destination — only accessible by boat or air. Martha’s Vineyard offers several unique wedding locations, including five lovely lighthouses overlooking the vineyard. Or you can tie the knot in a gorgeous gazebo at one of the local inns or vacation rentals.

2. Located north of San Francisco, another great spot is California’s wine country in Sonoma and Napa Valley. The Vintage Estate in Napa Valley is a 23-acre wedding destination, known for its wine production and lush scenery. Napa Valley is also known for fine art museums and antique shops. Sonoma County is home to beautiful pastures, wineries, and mystical rivers, offering activities such as hot-air balloon rides, surfing, and canoeing.

3. The charismatic Newport Vineyards, located in Middletown, Rhode Island is a delightful place to get married. The private wine garden comes with a wedding package that also includes on-site catering and personal wine tasting. Gansett Cruises offers a unique “Breakfast Sunrise” cruise that all your guests will enjoy.

4. Looking for a dreamy outdoor wedding venue? The Grand River Vineyard, located in Palisade, Colorado will definitely make your heart beat faster. The Wine Country Inn, features a breath-taking view of the vineyard, and has a beautiful gazebo and open patio area, perfect for an outdoor wedding. The whole wedding party can enjoy activities such as horseback riding, fishing and hiking.

5. Finally, Millbrook Vineyard and Winery, located in Millbrook, New York is a diamond in the rough. Millbrook Vineyard allows you to rent out the entire vineyard for your wedding ceremony. Set atop a hill, this quaint vineyard has quite a stunning view. In addition to outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, you and your guests can treat yourselves to an indoor art show.

Add the perfect touch to your vineyard wedding with gorgeous, unique wedding favors! ]]> http://www.bride.net/2008/five-breathtaking-destinations-for-your-vineyard-wedding/feed/ 0 http://www.bride.net/2008/do-you-need-some-spanx/ http://www.bride.net/2008/do-you-need-some-spanx/#comments Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:59:59 +0000 dena http://www.bride.net/?p=659 Because if you do, now’s the time to get them with free shipping (until January 6, 2009)!

We all know that what you are wearing looks only as good as what’s underneath it, and that’s especially true with a wedding gown or other formal wear! So, if you need some body shapers, supportive bras, stockings, or other slimming apparel, Spanx will keep you sizzling hot even when it’s co-o-o-old outside!

Thanks to the Relentless Bride for the head’s up on free shipping! We like free stuff!

Researchers found that after second wedding anniversary, men are far more likely to leave dirty washing on the floor and the toilet seat up, while women stop wearing make-up, slouch around in pyjamas and hog the TV remote control. By the third anniversary… 83 per cent say they can’t even be bothered to celebrate the occasion…

Does this sound like you? Don’t worry, you’ve just fallen into a bad habit and need to reevaluate your relationship and make a commitment to give your partner more attention. Remember when romance was always in the air? You can get those good old days back if you’re willing to put in some effort!

“The odd romantic meal would probably be all many couples need to spice things up a bit. And small gestures such as tidying up, helping with the housework and relinquishing control of the TV remote would go a long way,” the rep added.

Newlyweds can take this advice to heart as well. There’s no need to wait til the romance wanes! Get into good habits and resolve to keep them up! Some tips to keep your marriage fresh include:

• Write love notes and leave them in odd places your spouse is sure to find them. It only takes a minute!
• See something he/she likes? Buy it as a surprise gift. It doesn’t have to be something big– a small bouquet of her favorite flowers, a new book by his favorite author– just to show you care!
• Make date night once a week or once every other week. Go out for dinner, see a movie, or order take-out and eat it by candle light.
• Send a sexy email. Your spouse might be putting in a hard day at work, but you can give him/her something to look forward to when he/she returns home!

How do you keep your marriage exciting and passionate? Drop us a comment and let us know!