Bride .net» bridal

10 Exquisite Handmade Touches for your Wedding

dena — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:58:02 +0000

It’s frustrating when you know just what you want but can’t find it anywhere. That’s when sites like Etsy are simply amazing– you can find someone to make just about anything, just the way you want it! From gowns to veils to slippers to invitations, these talented artists and artisans can bring your vision to life.

Here are just a few of the gorgeous wedding things I’ve found by browsing Etsy!

1. Custom Alencon Lace Wedding Jacket – Short or Capped Sleeves by GlorybyJeannieLee: “The Alencon Lace jacket is my favorite bridal accessory, as it will dress up even the most simple gown.”

2. Collette Lace Shoes with Hand Singed Roses and Rhinestone Buttons Marie Antoinette Style Ballroom Slippers by ShatteredPrincess. New, but enhanced with vintage lace, definitly one of a kind.

3. Wedding Sign Directional Wedding Shabby Chic 24 x 12 by tcart2010: Hand painted signs direct your guests in the right direction!

4. SPARKLING CHAMPAGNE on ICE – Hand Knit Spiraling Twist – Pearl and Crystal Bangle by SerebaDesigns : Creamy 8mm ivory and 8mm champagne glass pearls are mixed with 6mm soft white glass pearls… all hand knit onto light silver durable metallic cord.

5. Martha Stewart Replica – Wedding Cake Butterfly Packs by clearcutcrafts2007: Pack of 30 butterflies in 5 different colors and many designs.

6. Men’s wedding ring shiny classic finish 14k solid gold by havalazar: This beautiful stylish hand made band from 14K recycled gold can be customized according to your request.

7. Retro-Tulle Headband with Hand-made Chiffon Flower with Button center by FascinatingCreations : Soft and pretty, a little bitty hippy but 100% sophisticated!

8. Chandelier Earings, Crystal Quartz Little Wings by SarahHickeyJewellery : Available in Sterling Silver or 14K Gold Filled

9. Flower Girl Fancy Tutu Dress Custom Colors by CHICLILLOVEBUGS : This Elegant Design will be recreated in any size ranging from newborn to size 6 girls, in your choice of color, fabric type, and extra embellishing.

10. Bridal Bouquet Turquoise Fuschia Fiesta Wedding Flowers by AmoreBride : This silk bouquet and others can be customized to your specific color and floral needs!

Short Wedding Dresses for Summer 2011

dena — Sun, 29 May 2011 17:54:29 +0000

I admit: I don’t totally get the short wedding dress trend. Getting married is just about the only time you’ll ever have the chance to wear a long, gorgeous, poofy dress… with a train… and a veil down to your toes… why would you want to give that up?!

I do understand that not everyone agrees with me. Obviously not everyone agrees with me, because there are quite a lot of short dresses making it onto the runways today! And some, I admit, are pretty darling. So if you’re got a beach wedding planned or just want to slip into something easier to dance in (after you’ve had your fun in the ball gown!), here are some delightful little dresses to consider!

All photos from Martha Stewart Wedding.

See more short dresses at Martha Stewart Wedding!

Our Favorite Bridal Pumps!

dena — Thu, 05 May 2011 20:45:05 +0000

Gotta have the perfect wedding shoes? Here are ten of our favorite pumps, from super glamorous styles (with super price tags) to demure, ladylike looks (with medium range price tags) and a few beauties with teeny-tiny price tags you won’t believe!

feature image: Flickr

Paris Hilton Bonita Ivory Wedding Shoes; $84.00 my glas slipper.com

Evelixa Peep-Toe Pumps; Price: $89.95 Nina Shoes.com

Grace Sienna Bridal Shoes, $130 Bellissima Shoes

Stuart Weitzman High-n-mighty Wedding Shoes; Swoon $369.00 my glass slipper.com

Liliana By Adi Side Bow Satin Stilettos $34.99 Target.com

something bleu “Clarke” $260.00 my glass slipper.com

Heel, Boy $320 Hey Lady.com

Martinez Valero Vida Bridal Shoes $149.00 Bellissima Shoes

Shanghai Exotic Peep Toe Pump $44.99 Payless.com

Benjamin Adams Charlize Wedding Shoes; $399.00 Model Bride.com

Wedding Hats for the Modern Bride

dena — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 08:00:44 +0000

Dramatic, unconventional, and more than a bit coquettish, bridal hats have been the preference of some of the world’s most fashionable brides: The Duchess of Windsor wore a blue straw halo-style hat trimmed with pink and blue coq feathers, Rita Hayworth chose an enormous cartwheel, and Grace Kelly wore a Juliet cap that matched the lace of her gown.

“You can do all kinds of wonderful things with hats. They can be dramatic, romantic, whimsical, or traditional,” says Kelly Christy of Kelly Christy millinery in New York City.

The right hat must be in proportion to your body and your outfit. The color and fabric should complement your dress, but needn’t be a perfect match. For harmony, you can trim a hat with a detail from your hem or sleeve. The hat must fit your head comfortably, sitting above the ears and framing the face so the eyes are prominent– no cast shadows that would ruin your pictures. Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: Bridal Hats.

Here are some great hats to try on for size!

Hat by Suzanne Millinery, 212-593-3232 via Martha Stewart Weddings

Hat by David’s Bridal via Brides.com

Hat by Erica Koesler via Brides.com

Photos from Favor Ideas.com

Hat by Erica Koesler

Gorgeous, ultra-dramatic hats by Jane Taylor Millinery.com

Hats by Thailand Wedding Accessories

The Byrone – Pleated Victorian Bridal Hat by Topsy Turvy Design

Wedding Dress Inspiration from Past Era’s

dena — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 09:39:55 +0000

The rage today in wedding fashion is all about asserting your own style. But in doing so, many brides are finding inspiration in the page of yesterday’s fashion magazines. As you may have noticed, terms like “classic” and “vintage” are hot in everything wedding-related.

So when it comes to your wedding gown, taking a look back in time is a good place to start. Are you a fun-loving flapper from the 20′s or an elegant lady of the 50′s? Take a look at these gowns, each one reminiscent of one of America’s iconic fashion eras (thank you, Martha Stewart) and be ready to be blown away!

Rococo 1700′s: Big hoops. Big drama.

Victorian 1800′s: Aristocratic. Ladylike. Fascinating.

Roaring 20′s: Audacious. Glitzy. Glamorous.

Art Deco 20′s & 30′s: Simple. Elegant. Functional.

1950′s: Crisp. Tailored. Polished.

Swinging 60′s: Relaxed. Revolutionary. Real.

Disco 70′s: Captivating. Groovy. Dance til you drop.

Punk 80′s: Audacious. Flirty. Sexy.

21st Century: Dramatic. Unique. Contemporary.

More gown inspiration: Martha Stewart: From the Runway

Bridal Adornments: Something Different, Something Blue

dena — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 20:19:13 +0000

A white gown, shimmering veil, and dazzling tiara are perfect for some brides. Then there are those who want a black dresses, leather boots, and peacock feathers. Whatever your fashion style is, here are some fabulous online shops to buy bridal jewelry and accessories that will dazzle and delight every bride!

Do you have a bridal accessory website that’s too great not to share? Please let us know about it in the comment section below!

Portobello Bridal Collection

This website has gorgeous bridal jewelry, birdcage veils, and hairpieces. Edgy, vintage, or whimsical– choose your style!

Messages of Passion by Angelika Liv

Romantic bridal accessories in Victorian and Gothic styles. We love the idea of having a bolero that you can put on and take off as you choose, whether it’s for added warmth, fashion, or modesty.

SnowWhite Studio

Absolutely stunning vintage-inspired bridal jewelry and accessories, including combs, veils, headbands, garters, sashes, and more.

Honeycomb Veils

Breathtaking, handmade veils that take a stroll and the wilder side of tradition!

The Headpiece Collection

The headpiece and veil combination is one of the most important and personal features of the bride’s attire. Here you’ll find a wide range of wedding headpieces, tiaras, feather & floral hair fascinators for weddings, wedding hair combs, veils as well as bridal hair pins, twists and clips for you to choose from to complete your look.

Bridal Fashion 2011: Understated Wedding Gowns

dena — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:28:41 +0000

No flowers, bows, or ruffles. No crystals, sequins, embroidery, or lace. Whether your style is simple and elegant or modern and edgy, it’s your wedding and that’s the way it’s going to be. Luckily for you there are plenty of lovely wedding gowns for your taste, amid this season’s dizzying array of florals, flounces, beads and bows! The drape of the fabric and your own poise will speak for themselves. Here are some absolutely lovely, understated wedding gowns for 2011.

All photos from Martha Stewart Weddings

Jewel by Priscilla of Boston, Spring 2011, priscillaofboston.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

J. Crew. Spring 2011, jcrew.com

Anne Bowen, Spring 2011, annebowen.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Monique Lhuillier, Spring 2011, moniquelhuillier.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

J. Crew, Spring 2011, jcrew.com

Douglas Hannant, Spring 2011, douglashannant.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Amsale, Spring 2011, 800-765-0170, amsale.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

J. Crew, Spring 2011, jcrew.com

Jenny Lee, Spring 2011, jennyleebridal.com, Photograph by firstVIEW.

Ines di Santo, Spring 2011, 866-899-INES, inesdisanto.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Oscar de la Renta, Spring 2011, oscardelarenta.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Anne Bowen, Spring 2011, annebowen.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Angel Sanchez, Spring 2011, 212-921-9827, angelsanchezusa.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Anne Barge, Spring 2011, 404-873-8070, annebarge.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Douglas Hannant, Spring 2011, douglashannant.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Nicole Miller, Spring 2011, nicolemiller.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

See more beautiful gowns, including other styles, silhouettes, and designers at Martha Stewart Weddings

Bridal Fashion 2011: Stunning Sheaths for Fall

dena — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 19:36:39 +0000

Designers are coming out with some truly gorgeous bridal gowns this season, and the sheath seems to be a favorite among many. The shapely silhouette is elegant and timeless, and the gentle curves are flattering to just about about every woman. But if you’re looking for something daring and edgy, this is the style for you too- just try it in a clingy fabric with a plunging neckline!

A sheath is anything but simple! These amazing gowns come strapless and with sleeves, in silk and lace, embellished, embroidered, beaded and ruched, in styles both modern and classic… it’s all here! Take a look at some of these beauties, and let us know what your favorite is!

All photos from Martha Stewart Wedding

Kevan Hall, Fall 2011 Collection; kevanhalldesigns.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Modern Trousseau, Fall 2011 Collection; moderntrousseau.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Kenneth Pool, Fall 2011, kennethpool.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Amsale, Fall 2011 Collection: 800-765-0170, amsale.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Kevan Hall, Fall 2011 Collection; kevanhalldesigns.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Nicole Miller, Fall 2011 Collection, nicolemiller.com.

Valena Valentina, Fall 2011 Collection, valenavalentina.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Monique Lhuillier, Fall 2011 Collection, moniquelhuillier.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Lela Rose, Fall 2011, lelarose.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Modern Trousseau, Fall 2011 Collection; moderntrousseau.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Anne Bowen, Fall 2011, annebowen.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Randi Rahm, Fall 2011 Collection; randirahm.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Kevan Hall, Fall 2011 Collection, kevanhalldesigns.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Nicole Miller, Fall 2011 Collection, nicolemiller.com

Reem Acra, Fall 2011, reemacra.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Nicole Miller, Fall 2011 Collection, nicolemiller.com

Monique Lhuillier, Fall 2011 Collection, moniquelhuillier.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Nicole Miller, Fall 2011 Collection, nicolemiller.com

Reem Acra, Fall 2011, reemacra.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Jenny Lee, Fall 2011, jennyleebridal.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Modern Trousseau,Fall 2011, moderntrousseau.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Kevan Hall, Fall 2011 Collection; kevanhalldesigns.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Johnna Ho, Fall 2011 Collection; johnnaho.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

Randi Rahm, Fall 2011 Collection, randirahm.com. Photograph by firstVIEW.

For more photos, styles, and designers visit Martha Stewart Wedding Fall 2011: From the Runway

Garden Tea Party Wedding Shower

dena — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 19:44:52 +0000

I am totally smitten with this Mad Hatter Tea Party themed bridal shower featured on Green Wedding Shoes, with photography by Bryan Miller. The bride and her sister have always been fans of the Mad Hatter, so a Sunday brunch bridal shower in their parents back yard was the perfect setting for this whimsical tea party in the grass. “I can’t say enough how much we got at thift stores and sap meets,” says the bride’s sister, who planned the party. “The great thing about this theme is the more eclectic the better!”

Teacups photo from Vintage Touch

I love the stacks of tea cups: “We took inspiration from other things we’d seen and stacked, stacked, stacked as many tea pots, tea cups, and cake platters together as high as we could. It’s amazing what super glue and patience will get you.”

Check some of the photos below and head over to Green Wedding Shoes to see even more!

An afternoon tea party is such a sweet idea for a wedding shower, even if you are not doing the Mad Hatter bit. There’s something so elegant and ladylike about it, especially if you’ve got a garden like this available! Here is more tea party inspiration from Country Living:

I also love the way these floral napkin rings brighten up the table! All you gotta do is buy faux roses in your favorite colors at a crafts store, then sew them, singly or in pairs, onto regular hair elastics with a few stitches. Viola!

One way to add instant charm is to mix-n-match your place setting china, as mentioned above. Keep the look cohesive by focusing on common features — the underlying shade, delicate details, and gold embellishments– as seen here. Martha Stewart shows us how it’s done:

And of course, now that you’ve got your pretty table all set, you want to know what’s on the menu! Here are some dainty and delicious ideas from Country Living (click here for more ideas!)

Pineapple Cooler with Fresh Lavender:

Fresh lavender and lemon verbena add subtle depth to this refreshing drink. Simply add rum to make it into a cocktail. Champagne is light and festive, too. Recipe: Pineapple Cooler

Pear and Gorgonzola Salad:

This twist on a Waldorf salad makes an elegant start to a sit-down meal. Recipe: Sweet Pear and Gorgonzola Salad

Finger foods — tea sandwiches, bite-size cookies, and tiny tarts — go great with tea. They also minimize the need for dishes, and look so pretty!

And more finger food, from Ceremonial Teas:

You can never go wrong with a good chocolate cake! try this moist and fudgy chocolate cake, with coconut and nuts to add texture and flavor to the filling.
Recipe: Rich Chocolate Layer Cake. Some other dessert options include Lemon-Blackberry Cake, Baby Bundt Cakes, fruit tarts, and floral cupcakes. Mmmm!

Fall 2010 Wedding Fashion: Gowns with Sleeves

dena — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 01:25:28 +0000

Wedding gowns come in myriad shapes, styles, and silhouettes, lots of interesting materials and embellishments, but there’s one thing they often have in common. More often than not they’re strapless, and that does get tedious!

That’s why I’m loving these new fall fashions with sleeves! Long sleeves, cap sleeves, sheer sleeves, lace sleeves… sleeves, glorious sleeves! Not only are they pretty, but they’re great for the blushing bride who wants to cover up a bit, or the bride who just doesn’t like the strapless look.

Take a look at these beauties and if you want to see more, hop on over to Brides.com.

Gown by Oscar de la Renta

Gown by Monique Lhuillier

Gown by Claire Pettibone

Gown by Lela Rose

Gown by Melissa Sweet

Gown by JS Boutique, available at nordstrom.com

Gown by J Kara, available at nordstrom.com

Gown by Temperley London, available at net-a-porter.com

Gown by Priscilla of Boston