Brides.com takes a look at some bouquet shapes that are “equally lovely, but far less predictable.” And I can’t get enough of them! (Which is why, five-and-a-half years ago, I carried one of these down the isle myself!)

Feature image: Your Special Flowers.com

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That’s right, who said a bride’s bouquet has to be any sort of shape at all?  This free-falling bouquet allows for a fluid, just-threw-this-together arrangement in which the flowers and greenery are longer and more abundant on one side than the other.

Bouquet of garden snow roses, mini hosta leaves, hellebores, Eucharist lilies, calla lilies, and wire vine by Bridget Vizoso of The Designers’ Co-Op, via Brides.com

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!

For a gorgeous array of photos depicting bridal bouquets in every shade of the rainbow, Martha Stewart Weddings has a gorgeous gallery! Here are a few samples of their featured bouquets, centerpieces, and boutonnieres from each color scheme.  You can the look you love, and discover the names of all those beautiful blooms, too!

Red Flowers

Click here for more red wedding flowers!

Yellow & Orange Flowers

Click here for more yellow & orange wedding flowers!

Green Flowers

Click here for more green wedding flowers!

Pink Flowers

Click here for more pink wedding flowers!

Blue Flowers

Click here for more blue wedding flowers!

Lavender Flowers

Click here for more lavender wedding flowers!

White Flowers

Click here for more white wedding flowers!

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

Can you tell the Difference?

Can you tell the difference between the affordable and deluxe bouquets? Head on over to Brides.com to test yourself!  They’ll also give you some good tips on what affordable flowers you can use to replace similar, but more expensive, blooms.

For example, mass-produced spray roses ($.99/stem) instead of big garden roses ($4-$8/stem), dendrobium orchids instead of cymbidiums, anemones and tulips instead of fancy orchids and clematis. And to further cut costs, use more greenery to fill out the bouquet.

]]> http://www.bride.net/2010/bridal-bouquets-the-look-you-love-for-less/feed/ 0 http://www.bride.net/2010/beware-13-bridal-beauty-pitfalls/ http://www.bride.net/2010/beware-13-bridal-beauty-pitfalls/#comments Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:00:04 +0000 dena http://www.bride.net/?p=1359 The Knot polled hundreds of wedding beauty experts for their top tips for brides who want to put their best face forward. Some of them you may have heard already… and some may surprise you! Here they are!

1. Don’t drink wine or eat dark-colored foods like berries.

You should avoid foods that can tint your pearly whites, or you may end up with a stained smile. For really dazzling teeth, invest in a professional teeth-whitening service, or do-it-yourself with Crest Whitestrips. “Start any whitening regime about one month before the wedding,” says Melissa Roshan of Make-Up by Melissa Roshan in Columbus, Ohio.

2. Don’t tan.

A slightly sun-kissed glow is lovely, but a too-dark tan can look unnatural in wedding photos…. especially if it’s a spray tan gone wrong. “Nothing says Jersey Shore more than an orange bride in a white dress,” says Hingham, Massachusetts, makeup artist Kelly O’Keefe of Blush. “This is one of the worst looks, and it’s not fixable!”

3. Don’t get your first-ever bikini wax just before your wedding.

If you plan to wax your bikini line, begin the process at least three months beforehand — or face the consequences. “Waxing that area becomes less painful each time, and you’ll avoid major pain, swelling, and irritation on your wedding night,” says Houston makeup artist Jen Marine.

4. Don’t change your birth control, skin-care program, washing detergent, etc., less than six weeks before the wedding.

The fabric softener might be on sale, but the rash you get from it will NOT be a sweet deal. “You don’t want to introduce new products because you don’t know how your skin will react,” says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Elle Leary.

5. Don’t get a facial, get your brows waxed, or cut or color your hair two days or less before your wedding.

“Get these services done a week or so beforehand,” says Atlanta-based makeup artist Raney O’Keefe. “Then you have plenty of time to remedy any ‘oopsie-daisies’ that may happen!”

6. Don’t ingest excess sodium the week before the wedding.

If you’re concerned about fitting into your dress, avoid salty foods, sauces, dressings, and deli meats. Instead, choose low- or no-sodium everything starting at least seven days before the wedding. “Sodium holds 50 times its weight in water, so you can shed two to five pounds the week before the wedding just by doing this!” says Liz DiAlto of Fit, Healthy and Beautiful in New York City.

7. Don’t flat-iron your hair if you want curls on your big day.

“If you’re aiming for soft, romantic curls on your wedding day, you need to have fresh hair,” says Samara Binder of Bridal Beauty Chicago. “That means if you flat-iron your hair the night before, make sure to wash it out!”

8. Don’t wear a bra with straps the morning of your wedding.

This is the best way to avoid those unsightly pink indents on your back and shoulders, which you want to avoid if you’re wearing a strapless dress!  Makeup artist and hair stylist Nicole Francavilla, of Beauty by Nicole in Orange County, New York, has a second tip: If you plan to wear an updo, take an Advil with breakfast to eliminate the possibility of an “updo headache.”

9. For glowing skin, don’t skimp on water!

Double up on your water intake for at least one month prior to the wedding to keep your skin clear and glowing. You should also limit the toasting at your prewedding parties. “During the rehearsal dinner, try to switch back and forth between alcohol and a glass of water,” says makeup artist Adriana Fontes of Adriana Fontes Makeup Design in Chandler, Arizona.

10. Don’t forget your beauty emergency kit.

Trust us — and hair and makeup expert Megan Garmers (MG Hair and Makeup) — when we say this will be a lifesaver. Include different sized safety pins, double-sided sticky tape, a small sewing kit, a small pair of scissors, a bleach pen, bobby pins, hair spray, blotting papers, gum or mints, a razor, deodorant, Band-Aids, a small packs of tissue, nail polish remover, clear nail polish, an emery board, a nail clipper, makeup remover wipes, tampons, and anything else you think you might need. Now you’re prepared for anything!

11. Don’t forget to touch up!

It’s okay to be a little high-maintenance — bring a touch-up bag and actually use the products at the reception. “You may have hired the best makeup and hair professionals you could find, but if you’re cutting a rug on the dance floor and drinking Champagne like France is going dry, chances are you’ll break a little sweat and your lip color will wear off,” says Chicago-based makeup artist Adriana Aude.

12. Don’t cry off all your beautiful makeup!

Tears will happen, so it’s important to know how to weep correctly. “Hold a tissue in each hand. Then press the tissues in the tear duct and let the tears run into the tissue — and keep changing the tissue,” says Catherine Sullivan of Fresh Face Chicago. “This keeps you from rubbing your face and eyes and ruining your beautiful face.” (Takes the fun out of crying, but at least you’ll still look good!)

13. Don’t forget your makeup artist or hair stylist!

Trust us, they want to see how beautiful you looked! “Remember to send at least one picture to your makeup artist,” says Stephanie McKenzie of Stephanie M. Make-Up in the DC metro area. “Doing so enables your makeup artist to build a fantastic portfolio and, more importantly, your beauty will be showcased for all to see.”

For more bridal beauty secrets, visit the bridal beauty section at The Knot!

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

• Choose an outgoing officiant who can take over the major speaking parts of the ceremony, and absorb the stage fright.

• Keep your vows short and sweet. You can have your officiant do “repeat after me” vows, or just read off a paper.  No one will really mind if all you say is, “I do.”

• After the ceremony: You may want to schedule some alone time for just the two of you immediately after the ceremony.  Or, conversely, if you want to eliminate a grand entrance into your reception, you can slip right in there together with your guests.

• Limit the toasts: Avoid making formalized speeches, and do what you can to keep the number of toasts low.

• Use the “The I Love You Break.” Here’s how it works:

Decide on a secret signal with your fiance: an ear tug, scratch of the nose, squeeze of the hand, whatever. Stick close to each other for the entire day, and whenever one of you starts get getting overwhelmed or anxious, give the signal.Then, the other partner should politely step in and say “Excuse us for a moment” or gently place a hand on the other’s cheek. Then just stare into each other’s eyes and both whisper “I love you I love you I love you” for as long as it takes to calm down a bit.

• Don’t be afraid to cut out attention-grabbing scenes, such as a first dance, cake cutting ceremony, or bouquet/garter toss. You don’t have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, especially if it doesn’t have that much meaning to you anyway.

Here are some mental exercises that you can practice in order to stay calm on the big day, provided by IntimateWeddings:

• Practice a technique called Grounding. It’s about maintaining composure, being aware of sensations, and proper breathing. Read more about it here.

• Practice a technique called Visualization. This one is about imagining a time beyond the wedding, when you can be relaxed and look back at all the wonderful memories you’ve created.

• Practice a technique called “welcoming people with your eyes.” If greeting everyone individually seems daunting to you, you can practice welcoming others silently with the warmth of you eyes.  Avoiding eye contact at your wedding creates tension and prevents you from being in the moment.

And just remember, if the feeling that all eyes are upon you is unnerving, just think about how much everyone loves you, and how they are there to support you and wish you well! Do you have any other tips for brides and grooms who don’t love the spotlight? Please share them in the comment section!!

feature photo from weddingslimmer

• Swarovski crystals
• ribbons & trims
• laces
• appliques
• buttons
• buckles
• handbag handles
• cords
• jacquards
• nailheads
• sequins & rhinestones
• beads
• flower pins
• & lots more!

Their blog has some great ideas and photos to inspire you! Here are some projects to take a look at… and let the creative juices flow!

• Magnetic Save The Date Cards!
• Bridal Wedding Veil
• Wedding Cake Embellishment
  
• Unity Candles
• Bridal Shoe Clips
• Velvet Ribbon Wedding Corsage
• Bridesmaid Organza Beaded Necklace
• Dog-of-Honor Ribbon Collars
• Ring Bearer Pillow
• Bride’s Garter Belt
• Toasting Flutes