Blabber Bride

Buy your tickets now!

2009-09-21T19:25:00.004-04:00

The bridal event hosted by The Wedding Salon is, in my opinion, one of the best events in the industry. The last time I attended, I was "oohing" and "aahing" over all of the fabulous table arrangements and elaborate floral designs. I also sipped on pretty, blue cocktails and sampled 3 delicious cakes (and met Sylvia Weinstock)! There was also an amazing display of gorgeous wedding gowns and accessories. Of course, I went snap happy with my camera the entire time, so check back to my old post from March (click here) to see the photos.

Monday, November 2nd from 4 - 9 PM
The Roosevelt Hotel
45 E. 45th Street @ Madison Ave

Buy tickets online ($50 for 2)

Fall Sample Sale

2009-09-21T19:16:00.004-04:00

Junko Yoshioka is hosting a sample sale at their SoHo bridal salon on 580 Broadway, NYC. This 2-day event will take place October 1st and 2nd from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Get up to 70% off gorgeous, couture wedding gowns! Sample sale prices range from $700-3,000 (Originally $2,500-8,000).

Call for an appointment 212.206.9302

The Great Bridal Expo in NYC

2009-09-19T11:14:00.003-04:00

Buy your tickets now
$7 online ($9 at the door)

Monday, October 5th starting at 5:30 PM
Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway, NYC

An Invitation from Town&Country Weddings

2009-09-18T20:22:00.003-04:00

St. Regis Hotel
2 E. 55th St. at Fifth Avenue
Louis XVI Room, 2nd floor

RSVP: 212.649.5005 or tcweddings@hearst.com

Say "I do" to J. Crew

2009-09-18T20:09:00.005-04:00

Check out the J. Crew wedding trunk show for the upcoming fall/winter 2009 and spring 2010 collections at 30 Rockefeller Center, NYC. Sat 9/26 - Sun 9/27 from 8 - 11 AM.

RSVP to Ashley@jcrew.com

Blabber Bride is 1 year old!

2009-09-12T13:24:00.005-04:00

Today marks the 1 year anniversary of when I started the Blabber Bride blog. My very first post was my "Spring Inspiration Board" on September 12, 2008. So, what better way to celebrate this day than to go to a WEDDING? Funny coincidence, I'm actually heading to a wedding... the wedding of my best friend... the same friend who I created the inspiration board for... exactly 1 year ago!!! It's really interesting how things come full circle...

I'm grabbing my blue bridesmaid dress and gold stiletto heels, and heading off to Long Island to get my hair and makeup done before the big event!

Ciao ladies~

Free Wedding Websites

2009-09-10T19:16:00.004-04:00

Nowadays, having a wedding website for your guests to visit is a must. Here are some sites that offer free, personalized wedding websites.

Bridal Fever
MomentVille
eWedding
My Wedding
OneWed
The Knot
Wedding Channel

Facebook your wedding

2009-09-10T19:00:00.003-04:00

If you're a Facebook fanatic, you can now share your wedding with your bridal party and guests through Weddingbook, "the most popular wedding destination on Facebook." I was impressed to find that Weddingbook currently has over 571,000 active users and over 8,000 fans already.

Through Weddingbook, you can do all the basics, like post links to your wedding website and gift registry, post engagement photos, and create a guest book for friends to sign. My favorite is that you can create a place for all of your guests to get to know each other on Facebook before the big day. There's also a countdown clock and the "wedding wall" where you can discuss your wedding plans and share updates. Another neat feature -- you can connect with other brides for advice through the Weddingbook Boards!

For the Tech-Savvy Bride

2009-09-09T19:43:00.006-04:00

Here's a concept! Plan your wedding through your iPhone!

The Bride Guide was designed by a wedding planner and claims to offer "everything you need to plan a successful and stress-free wedding." You can download the Bride Guide from the iTunes app store.

The Bride Guide features:

A countdown to your wedding date
A complete (185) pre-populated to-do list items based on your wedding date
The ability to add items to your to-do list
Contact view that allows you to view and add wedding vendors
A recommended budget based on industry standards
A budget calculator that let’s you keep track of and add payments as you go
A wedding planner that explains each facet of planning a wedding
Topics include: Getting Started, Ceremony, Reception, Bride, Groom, Stationery, Flowers, Music, Photography & Videography, Wedding Party, Cake & Favors, Transportation, Honeymoon, Registry, Guests, Other Festivities

A Whole Other Kind of Crab Cake!

2009-09-02T20:37:00.004-04:00

One of my coworkers shared these photos with me, and we both got such a kick out of it! Her aunt went to a wedding in Italy, and this cake (yup, cake!) was served at the rehearsal dinner. The entire cake is edible... the crabs, the corn, the Old Bay seasoning can, the bucket!... all made of white chocolate. Crazy, huh?

8 Fabulous Dresses!!!

2009-07-20T20:56:00.004-04:00

Vera Wang

Romona Keveza

Platinum for Priscilla of Boston

Lazaro

Junko Yoshioka

Giambattista Valli

Elie Saab

Sample Sale Alert

2009-07-20T19:52:00.005-04:00

Thanks for letting me know about this event, CC!

Clara Kasavina

2009-07-18T17:04:00.005-04:00

I first discovered Clara Kasavina handbags at the Wedding Salon Event I attended at the Roosevelt Hotel in NYC back in March of this year. I revisited her site today and found the most gorgeous handbag! It's handmade with Swarovski elements, genuine mink, and ostrich feathers! Absolutely fabulous.

Priced at $1875, but remember I shared a promo code with you back in March. Use code "WSalon09" and get 20% off your purchase. Just e-mail sales@clarakasavina.com to redeem.

i love yellow

2009-07-18T16:51:00.003-04:00

Going for a fresh, summer look for your wedding day? Try a bright, citrus yellow!

Photos courtesy celebrity wedding florist, Kevin Lee.

I'm bringing Amanda1986 back~

2009-07-18T16:33:00.007-04:00

I had to bring Amanda1986 from Etsy back!! She has such gorgeous and unique creations to offer ... I can't stop going back to see what else she's made! If you missed my earlier post in February, click here.

Look at these beautiful centerpieces in vintage tea tins!! Just $30 for the pair!! Think how lovely these would look sitting atop the table for your bridal shower or rehearsal dinner. Your guests will "ooh" and "aah" over them (like I do), and the best part is, they get to take them home and they won't wilt or die like real flowers!

This one is a bonus feature... how amazing is this boutonniere?! It's made of ostrich feathers! So glam, so fabulous. I just love it. Only $18.

Colette Malouf

2009-07-18T15:22:00.005-04:00

My colleague could not stop gushing about the Colette Malouf hair accessories she found for her wedding and she urged me to share on Blabber Bride. She's right -- if you're not going for the princess tiara look, and you're not going for the ultra feminine, fresh flower look, what do you have left for your pretty little wedding head??! Well, CM's collection offers contemporary, chic hair pieces for the fashion-forward bride. Finally!

P.S. Congratulations, AB!!! I can't wait to see your wedding photos!! =)

Another great find from Etsy!

2009-07-18T14:58:00.005-04:00

No more dust-collector guest favors! If you are a practical and eco-friendly bride, you'll want to check out these adorable soap favors from Primitive Earth on Etsy.com. Based in Charlottesville, VA, this Etsy member makes all-natural vegetable soaps using ingredients that are close to the earth. The soaps are scented with 100% essential oils, NO synthetic fragrances. You choose the scent from a variety of options!

Plus, provide a sample of your invitation or describe your wedding theme, and they will match the font and style on the soap labels. Label includes type of soap, name/date/event details, and ingredients. Soaps average 1.7 to 2 ounces each (about half the size of a regular bar), and are wrapped in adorable fabric, and topped off with your choice of grosgrain ribbon. $22.50 for a set of 10.

Featuring 3 new invitations from Paper a la Mode

2009-07-18T13:35:00.006-04:00

Sorry ladies~ I completely forgot about the "Featured Invitation of the Month" posts for May, June, and July! To make up for this, I'd like to share three new invitations from Paper a la Mode...

Invitation #1 is from the Chloe B collection:
Sail away to your destination wedding with this bright white, tea-length invitation featuring nautical designs and navy pocket. Measures 9 1/2" x 4 1/4". Price $570 per 100.

Invitation #2 is from the Exclusive II collection:
A symbol of beauty, the peacock inspired this ecru, tea-length invitation. Two peacock feathers, in oceanside blue and espresso, encase the wording of your invitation to add a sophisticated touch. Measures 4" x 9 1/4". Price $212 per 100.

Invitation #3 is from the Tru collection:
A heavy, textured invitation in a nature-inspired wrap that opens to reveal your wording in the ink color of your choice. Wrap you invitation in a satin ribbon for the final touch. Measures 5 5/8" x 5 1/2". Price $460 per 100.

E-mail info@paperalamodeny.com with promo code "blabberbride" for 15% discount from now until Dec 31, 2009.

Congrats, Megan & Todd! Thanks for sharing your fabulous wedding video!

2009-07-10T21:21:00.008-04:00

Megan & Todd's Wedding Movie Preview Trailer from tangerine media group on Vimeo.

Apothecary Jars

2009-07-06T22:36:00.006-04:00

Hi Ladies~ I'm back!!!!!!!!

It's been nearly two months since I've been on BlabberBride, and about a month since I returned from Italy. I fell head-over-heels in love with the country, particularly Tuscany and Florence, and definitely needed some time to unravel and unwind from the trip before I could get back to my ordinary life.

Many people have been so kind in sending me material for BlabberBride, nudging me to start blogging again. The stuff that I've received is pretty awesome... some really cool deals, new and funky ideas, and even personal stories and photos of your own weddings. Thank you, everyone!! I hope no one is too disappointed that I didn't actually use the material here. Please know that I used everything as inspiration!

I guess I just needed to find my own thing... and I think I've found it!! I don't know if you'll love it as much as me, but here goes...

Apothecary jars!!! Look how beautiful this table looks!!! The jars are holding rose heads, nests, and birch... it just feels so warm and cozy, but also very feminine and natural. It kind of reminds me of the countryside... maybe Tuscany!!?? I just love it. It would be perfect for a garden wedding, don't you think?

You could buy high-quality, preserved rose heads which would last much longer than fresh rose heads. I just think it's so pretty~ Click on the photo to enlarge and get a closer look.

Losing steam...

2009-05-17T13:45:00.003-04:00

Believe it or not, my husband was the one to suggest that I start this blog. You're probably wondering, why in the world would a man tell his wife to start a blog about WEDDINGS? Well, you have to understand... before I started BlabberBride, I was beyond obsessed with weddings. I would spend hours researching new trends, new gown designers, new color schemes, and devote my time to helping friends (and even strangers) plan their weddings, while at the same time, reading oodles of wedding magazines, and indulging in my favorite wedding TV shows (Who's Wedding is it Anyway?, Bridezillas, Platinum Weddings, Say Yes to the Dress, Amazing Wedding Cakes, Married Away, Rich Bride, Poor Bride -- oh yeah baby, there are tons of wedding shows out there!). If I wasn't obsessing, I was daydreaming. Daydreaming of one day becoming a high-profile wedding planner or opening up my own wedding dress shop. Yup.

So, my husband wisely suggested I start blogging so that I would have an outlet for this obsession of mine. And you know what? I think it worked!!! For the past few months, I've been furiously typing away on my computer, blogging about anything related to weddings. Whenever I came across something particularly beautiful or inspiring, I would blog. Every time a bride-to-be shared one of her creative ideas with me, I would blog. When a new line of weddings gowns were debuted, I blogged. I kept blogging. I blogged when I was sick and I blogged when I was tired. Blogging became my second obsession. Until now...

These days, I find myself losing steam. I don't have much to blog about. I don't feel the urge to buy wedding magazines. Last weekend, I went to Borders and found myself grabbing travel magazines, and NO wedding magazines. And when my wedding shows are on TV, I flip right through them. Gasp!

I never thought I'd say this, but I don't think I'm obsessed with weddings anymore. I still think they're beautiful and oh-so-special, and I'm always going to be the one to help friends, coworkers, and strangers with wedding advice and tips. But, the maniacal obsession is gone. It came and went so quickly -- a mere 5 years.

So what do I do? I have this blog set up... aren't I obligated to keep blogging? I dunno...

I think I'll take a hiatus for a while. My husband and I are going to Italy at the end of this month, so maybe I'll be inspired by some fabulous European style and come back with a vengeance. But right now, I can't imagine that.

What gives me joy these days is curling up in bed with a good book (right now, I'm reading "The Geography of Bliss" by Eric Weiner and highly recommend it), or planning our next vacation. I've always loved traveling and I'm sure I'll never stop loving it. Unfortunately, I don't think I can say the same for weddings.

But please don't give up on me! At some point, I'll have some great material to blog about ... maybe it'll be about weddings, maybe not. Either way, I know I'll find something else to obsess about. Stay tuned...

Amazing Wedding Destinations in the U.S.

2009-05-03T18:06:00.013-04:00

Who says you have to leave the country to have a memorable, one-of-a-kind destination wedding? Not me!! I think there are plenty of amazing destinations right here within the US, and I've highlighted my top 5 picks below (in no particular order).

The gorgeous red rock landscape you see in the photo above is the backdrop of the Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona. This luxury resort offers everything you could imagine -- beautiful grounds, impeccable service, delicious food, great activities such as tennis, golf, pool, horseback riding, jeep tours, and a world-class spa. A major plus is the weather in Arizona! It's sunny, warm, and dry practically all year round. What more could you ask for? =)

The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera in Colorado is a stunning resort inspired by a chateau in Belgium. It's nestled into the snow-capped mountains and overlooks the Rockies and Vail Valley. If you're looking for a destination to have a winter wonderland wedding, it just might not get any better than Cordillera! Your guests can spend their time taking in the beautiful views, soaking in an outdoor heated jacuzzi, or hitting the slopes to snowboard and ski. To top it off, Cordillera was ranked #1 hotel in Colorado for food and service by Conde Naste Traveler last year.

The Grand Del Mar in San Diego, CA is a mediterranean-style resort with old world charm. It was inspired by architecture in Spain, Italy and France, and offers the feeling of a warm day in Tuscany. The resort boasts 5-star cuisine and an extensive wine list, as well as a beautiful, on-site church should you choose to have an indoor ceremony. If you're looking for a romantic destination with renaissance flair, but you don't want to go all the way to Europe, The Grand Del Mar just might be the perfect choice for you! Rated #3 among Top Ten Unforgettable Wedding Destinations in the U.S. on WeTV in 2009.

The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, CA sits atop a massive 150-foot cliff overlooking the sun-kissed Pacific Ocean. The beautiful blue waters are often visited by whales and surfers -- a sight to see! Each guest room has a private patio or balcony and is well-appointed with all the comforts you need. Every detail at this resort exudes luxury -- from the silk walls to the heated swimming pools. Pamper your guests by having your wedding here.

The Mohonk Mountain House in Hudson Valley, New York is a haven away from the city. This gem is hidden in the mountains and has its own lovely lakefront. Mohonk is particularly beautiful in the autumn with the fall foliage -- I highly recommend it! The activities here are endless. Your guests can enjoy a paddle on the lake or walk the hiking trails or play golf. There's also rock climbing and bike riding, and even horseback riding. In the winter, there's iceskating and snowtubing! For a day of pampering, visit the spa. Just imagine how amazing your wedding photos will look with the Mohonk Mountain House as your backdrop.

A Sketch of Your Wedding Dress

2009-05-03T13:28:00.006-04:00

Okaaay, I know I've been slacking. It's been almost a month since my last post. Ugh. Sorry ladies~ I've been preoccupied. I accepted a new position within my company on April 1st, so that's been keeping me busy on the weekdays (meaning, I'm not in the mood to sit in front of a computer again when I get home from work -- can ya blame me?). During the weekends, I'm doing one of two things -- planning our next vacation (Italy, baby!!!) or sitting at home waiting for prospective buyers to come see our place. Right now, I'm having an open house, and I thought I'd squeeze in a post while I wait for the knock on our door. We're trying to sell our place and move to a bigger place this year. Anyway... take a look at the beautiful sketch below...

To make up for my slacking, I wanted to find something cool to share with you all and I think I found it! This website My Dream Lines.com was featured in the spring 2009 issue of InStyle Weddings Magazine. They offer custom sketches of your wedding gown by an artist who lives in the South of France *lucky bastard*. The sketch would be approx. 8 1/2 x 11 in size if you want to frame it, or you could order it as a set of thank you cards. Prices start at about $100 depending on how detailed you want your sketch to be. For example, if you want to include your veil and bouquet, it might cost extra.

I think this would make a great gift! A gift to yourself for all the planning you did for the big day. A gift from the groom to the bride on the wedding day. A gift from husband to wife on their 1st year anniversary (afterall, paper is the traditional 1 yr anniversary gift). A gift from a friend or sister to the bride. Or even, a gift from you to your bridesmaids -- because you can order sketches of the bridesmaids dresses too!I I just love it~

Real Wedding: Becky & Ryan April 11, 2009

2009-04-13T18:43:00.005-04:00

Thanks Becky, for sharing your wedding photos on BlabberBride!

For those of you who don't know, Becky was one of my first clients for my company, Paper a la Mode. She ordered her wedding invitations from me, and then returned for her direction cards, dinner menus, and place cards! She was/is one of my favorite clients and I'm so excited to share her wedding photos with you all.

Rain or shine, photographer Gerard Tomko was able to capture beautiful photos of the bride and groom set against the gorgeous backdrop of Congress Hall in Cape May, New Jersey.

Let's wish Becky and Ryan a lifetime of love and happiness!

Invitation of the Month (April)

2009-04-12T23:23:00.002-04:00

Available at Paper a la Mode from the Exclusive Collection II.

Fabulous brooches under $25!!!

2009-04-12T00:46:00.011-04:00

I just stumbled upon this great website that has amazing brooches for under $25! Check out FashionJewelryforEveryone.com for some unbelievable finds. They specialize in handcrafted jewelry and they also accept custom order requests if you want something made in a particular material or style.

I say, if you're planning to dress up in a cute little number for your engagement party or your rehearsal dinner, why not add some sparkle to your ensemble with one of these gorgeous brooches? Or, be creative and even use one as a hairpiece! Some of my favorite finds are sampled below...

What's the ugliest dress you've ever worn?

2009-04-10T19:15:00.006-04:00

Do you want a $2,500 shopping spree at the Amsale flagship store in NYC? Then, enter this contest!! All you have to do is submit a photo of the worst dress you've ever worn or ever seen, and then choose the Amsale dress that you would rather wear. You'll need to write a short story behind the worst dress and why you love the Amsale dress you picked. There's only 3 days left before the contest ends, so hurry! And... GOOD LUCK!

Flowers I Love These Days

2009-03-29T16:45:00.014-04:00

Peonies are still my all-time favorite flowers, but here are some other flowers I'm really loving these days!

Anemones... love the dark center...
what a chic, modern option for your wedding

Ranunculus...with their never ending layers
(kind of reminds me of peonies)

Tulips... so simple, so sweet.
(If you want a more modern take on the
traditional tulip, find one with frayed edges)

Chartreuse roses...love the lime green

Pretty pink winterberries
(I know these aren't "flowers" but I love them!)

It's Sunday

2009-03-29T09:57:00.002-04:00

Something Blue

2009-03-28T13:03:00.009-04:00

It's very rare to find true blue flowers. In most cases, the so-called blue shades are often closer to purple. So, you can imagine how excited I was when I found this lovely photo of a blue bouquet on The Wedding Corner. It has calla lilies, roses, and delphinium. The delphinium is where you get the blue color -- mixed in with the pure whites, this bouquet is classic, clean, romantic.

Of course, there's always the trusty hydrangea family! Hydrangea come in so many different beautiful shades of blue...

This pretty boutique has roses and calla lilies tied together with soft blue hydrangea.

Rows and rows of blue hydrangea mixed in with green carnations -- an inexpensive way to create interesting arrangements!

(AC, this post is for you!)

New York Magazine's 2009 Wedding Event

2009-03-28T12:15:00.008-04:00

New York Magazine is hosting its 2009 Wedding Event on Wednesday, April 1st at the Metropolitan Pavilion from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. Meet New York's top wedding planners, dress retailers, cake bakers, photographers, dance instructors, florists, caterers, jewelers, musicians, makeup artists, and more! Click here for a complete list of participants.

Buy advance tickets online! (Offer expires 11:59 pm on 3/31)
$35 for one ticket
$50 for two tickets

Due to limited quantities, gift bags are no longer available.
Limited tickets will be available at the door for $45.

Bad day... topped off with sangria and cookies!

2009-03-24T21:27:00.005-04:00

Ladies, I had one of those days at work today. You know, the kind where you just want to call it quits and never look back. So, to calm my nerves, my dear husband took me out for a lovely dinner after work. We stuffed our faces with paella and arroz con pollo, and shared half a pitcher of the best sangria ever (if you're interested, check out Sangria 46 in midtown)! I was feeling a whole lot better by the end of dinner, but then he surprised me by taking me to a cute little bakery that we had never been to. As we walked down 50th Street towards 10th Avenue, he explained that this place was known for "the best cookies in town." So, of course, me having a huge sweet tooth, I got super excited. Well ladies... I have to tell you, I was NOT disappointed! These cookies are delicioso~ And... when I looked at the packaging, I immediately recognized them from one of the displays at the Wedding Salon Event last night. They had displayed pretty little boxes of cookies as wedding favors! If you're thinking about something edible to give as guest favors, you definitely should check out Ruby et Violette! Started by three sisters (two of them Ivy League grads!), this is the cutest little bake shop!

Photos from the Wedding Salon Event

2009-03-23T20:32:00.013-04:00

Wow, what a night!! My girlfriend and I arrived at the Roosevelt Hotel around 6 PM tonight and found a looong line of excited brides wrapped around the hotel and down the corner of Madison Avenue. Fortunately, the line moved pretty quickly and we were at the top of the winding stairs in about 15-20 minutes. Unfortunately, we were clearly not the first few hundred or so that made the early bird cut to receive the coveted gift bags. Oh well.

Here's a shot from the second floor balcony... it was hot, busy, and packed!

We pretty much made a bee line directly to where the cakes were displayed and indulged in the yummy samples. I have to say, my favorite was from Make My Cake -- I thought they had the most moist and fluffy cake there. Delicioso! (Apparently, they bake all their ingredients from scratch and they don't use any preservatives. No wonder it was so yummy!) Check them out in Harlem.

I took a photo of this cake below because it was so interesting... love the iced branches! This one is from Nine Cakes in Brooklyn.

And of course, the cake queen, Sylvia Weinstock herself, was at the event! Look at the intricate cake below with all the beautiful sugar flowers. She was sampling a unique flavor, apricot and caramel, and was promoting her new book.

There she is! Sylvia Weinstock...

And another celebrity sighting... Colin Cowie was there. I didn't get a photo of him because a bunch of brides were flocking around him, but I did manage to take this photo of the floral arrangement he had on display. Can you believe these are carnations? Who would know? This would make a beautiful centerpiece... and that's coming from someone who normally hates carnations.

I don't know who arranged this table, but I liked the color combo of the turquoise linens, gold chairs, and mix of orange, pink, and green flowers. Lovely~

Uniquely shaped vases make for an interesting table setting. This was done by PBG Events. Apparently, what they're really known for is there "award winning event lighting."

Now, this is so cool and so scary all at the same time! Live plants... there is an actual human being planted in the center of a floral arrangement and they move! Interesting or weird? Maybe both! You can use them as greeters, centerpieces, or just plain roaming entertainers at your event. Check them out at We Make Pretend.

Are you thinking about having ice sculptures at your wedding? Why not have a fresh flower frozen into your sculpture? I thought this was pretty cool... it's a tulip. From Okamoto.

What would a wedding event be without fabulous dresses? These gorgeous gowns were on display... all from Bridal Reflections.

My favorite one below!!! The detail on this dress is amaaaaazing... and the black flower accent so chic.

What an intricate bodice...

You have to be brave to wear this sexy number!

And finally, to add that finishing touch to your wedding day look... some vintage-inspired handbags. They're simply stunning, by Clara Kasavina. You get 20% off your purchase if you use the discount code "WSalon09" ... e-mail sales@clarakasavina.com to redeem.

Ok, I have to run! The Korea vs. Japan game is on tonight ... you know, the World Baseball Classics! It's the final!!! You know who I'm rooting for!

(P.S. -- To my girls AC, JS, and AK... it was great seeing you girls tonight!)

REMINDER: The NYC Wedding Salon Event!

2009-03-20T23:30:00.003-04:00

Did you get your free tickets to the NYC Wedding Salon Event? It's coming up Monday, March 23rd!!! I know some of you have already registered, so I hope to see you there. =)

In case you missed my original post on March 2nd, here's the event information again:

Monday, March 23rd, 2009
The Roosevelt Hotel in New York City
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Check out table decor, photographers, couture gowns, honeymoons, musicians, beauty services, cake tastings and more!

Featuring a Victoria's Secret Lounge & an Exclusive Bridal Reflections Fashion Show

2 Complimentary Tickets with code "BRNY09C" at www.WeddingSalon.com ($50 Value)

For more info and a list of participating vendors, visit the Wedding Salon

Shop the Latest Looks

2009-03-20T23:13:00.006-04:00

Are you still searching for your perfect wedding dress? Lucky you -- the 2009 spring and summer collections are fresh and gorgeous! Check out the latest styles at one of the upcoming events at Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier (by appointment only).

Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show
March 26-29
Anne Barge & Badgley Mischka Pre-Market Preview
April 2-3
Junko Yoshioka Trunk Show
April 16-18
Elizabeth Fillmore Trunk Show
April 23-25
Oscar de le Renta Trunk Show
April 27-May 2
Peter Langner Trunk Show & Personal Appearance
May 7-9
Jenny Packham Trunk Show
May 14-16

110 East 55th Street, 8th Floor
Btwn Lexington & Park Aves
212 319 6778

An interesting centerpiece

2009-03-16T21:42:00.004-04:00

This centerpiece caught my eye because it's interesting and unique. It's a full bouquet submerged in a water-filled, tall, cylinder vase, tied down by a rock! How cool! I believe that a centerpiece is not only meant to be the "center" of attention at the table, but it should also be a conversation piece for your guests. Delight your guests with something interesting and unique like this one!

Wildflower Linens

2009-03-14T12:01:00.004-04:00

Youngsong Martin from Wildflower Linens was once a fashion designer, now turned tabletop linen designer. You would think designing for table linens would be pretty boring, right? I mean, a linen is a linen is a linen. Actually, no! Take a look at some of Ms. Martin's extraordinary work below. She takes the elements of high-fashion, couture looks from the Paris runways and incorporates them into her linen designs. These linens can change the entire look of your wedding! It's no wonder she's so highly sought after by brides, celebrities, and event planners all over. Her company is located in California but they can service clients in New York. Lucky us!

A Lovely Bridesmaid Gift

2009-03-13T19:48:00.004-04:00

You know I'm a huge fan of Etsy! In an earlier post, I gushed about one of my favorite sellers -- Amanda1986. She's the one who offers all of the gorgeous vintage, handmade bouquets. Well, I've discovered yet another amazing seller -- Emma Gordon London. She designs and sells handmade handbags and clutches (see sample below). The great thing is, she accepts custom orders, so you can request specific colors or fabrics to match your wedding. So... I'm thinking, what a PERFECT gift for your bridal party! You'd be giving each of your girls a personal, unique, one-of-a-kind handbag or clutch that they can wear on your wedding day and beyond! A plus -- you get a discount when you order 4 or more!

How much will YOU spend on your wedding?

2009-03-12T21:16:00.004-04:00

Take our survey on the right side of this page, and then check out this recent article from the Wall Street Journal... Tijuana Chicken Helped Keep our Wedding Cheap

Who needs tiaras anyway?

2009-03-11T20:21:00.007-04:00

Are you thinking about wearing a tiara on your big day? Well, I can understand that. You're probably going for that "princess" feel, right? I was a sucker to that as well, when I was a blushing bride-to-be. And that's fine and dandy ... BUT ... have you even considered all of the other options? You can ...

GO NATURAL -- Put beautiful flowers in your hair for a soft, natural, organic look.

GO GLAM -- Bling yourself out with hair jewelry! It doesn't have to be a tiara to be sparkly and pretty.

GO COUTURE -- Add some vintage-style netting or fabulous feathers to your hair and you'll look fashionable and chic on your big day.

Whatever you decide, just please make sure you consider all the options! A tiara is not the only thing that you can set atop your pretty little head!

Sweet Inspiration!

2009-03-07T21:40:00.002-05:00

Are you thinking about having a candy buffet at your wedding? Sweet!~ Here are some amazing photos to inspire you...

Oh, Hair!

2009-03-06T21:51:00.012-05:00

There are so many hairstyles you can choose from for your wedding day! Here are some of my favorite celebrity updos...

SIMPLY CHIC

BRAIDS

PRETTY PONYTAILS

RETRO GLAM

SOFT & SWEET

GIRLY CURLS

Favor Ideas

2009-03-06T19:49:00.007-05:00

My BFF is getting married this fall and she's asked me to look into "practical" guest favors. You know, things that guests would actually use and appreciate. So, here's what I found...

Adorable letter openers... who doesn't need a letter opener?! I love these...

from Exclusively Chic

from KICK Creations

from Favor Favor

Wait, there's more!!!!! Here are some of my favorite picks from Exclusively Chic -- a fabulous site offering tons of different favors!

"Owl Always Love You" Soap Set -- sooo cute!!

"Fall in Love" Leaf Soap Set -- perfect for a fall wedding!

The "Perfect Pair" Pear Timer

"Whisked Away"

Demitasse Spoon Set

"Scoop of Love" Ice Cream Scooper -- for a summer wedding!

The Wedding Atelier in NYC

2009-03-05T21:56:00.003-05:00

The Wedding Atelier has been featured in dozens of bridal magazines, the Rachel Ray Show, and The Knot. Apparently, they offer the ultimate experience in shopping for your wedding gown and accessories. I checked out their site and was impressed. Has anyone ever been?

Located at 103 Fifth Ave. (bet. 17th & 18th), 2nd floor
By appointment only

Featured Invitation of the Month (March)

2009-03-05T21:34:00.005-05:00

What I love about this invitation...
It's pretty and feminine, but not typical. It's different and unusual. It's memorable. I love the triple stacked papers. And I love that each paper has a different texture and look. The torn edges add a little something extra too. I imagine the bride who chooses this invitation would be girly and glamorous, yet natural and earthy!

From the "Simple, but Elegant" collection
Available through Paper a la Mode

Invitations on a Budget - Get the Inside Scoop!

2009-03-05T20:05:00.017-05:00

According to bridal magazines and wedding planners, you should allocate roughly 2-4% of your total wedding budget towards invitations. So for example, if you're having a $50K wedding, your budget for invitations should be between $1K - $2K. And that should buy an entire invitations "ensemble" -- which includes the invitations, matching envelopes, RSVP cards, reception cards, and thank you notes. (Note: No need for reception cards if you're having the ceremony and reception all in one place.)

I've learned quite a bit about invitations after I started my Paper a la Mode invitations business last year. Specifically, I learned just how much you can do on a limited budget! I mean, really ladies, you have A LOT of options! My clients are always so surprised when I point out all of the different things they can do to make their invitations unique and special... without spending too much.

Here's the inside scoop...

The heavier, thicker papers will cost more, as will the more intricate and embellished designs simply because they require more handiwork. Okay, so let's put those aside. What about the more affordable, simple white or ecru (that's fancy for "cream" color) invitations? A lot of brides think they're too boring ... that is, until they see what they can do!

Take a look at this beautiful ecru invitation below. No fancy embellishments or intricate fold-out designs, right? But look what you can do when you play with the fonts. Simply by enlarging the couples' names and setting them off to the side in an unusual layout, you no longer have a boring invitation... you now have the WOW factor. It's amazing, isn't it?

The next invitation uses the same concept with varying font sizes. It also presents a nice contrast between script font and block font. On invitations, it's really the little touches that make a big difference.

And look at this one below. It's simple and understated, but also modern and chic. The use of the two different ink colors makes a world of a difference. Also, look at the varying font sizes and styles.

If playing with fonts and layouts is just not enough for you, go girly and add a beautiful satin or silk ribbon to your invitations. It'll add that extra "oomph" you're looking for!

So ladies, if you thought you couldn't afford beautiful, unique, and memorable invitations on a budget, THINK AGAIN!!! You just have to be creative. The cost of adding an extra ink color or extra font style is minimal. Unfortunately, many stationers don't point out all these different options because it means more work for them and very little profit for the extra work. I wish someone had told me all of this when I ordered my invitations. I could have done SO much more! Oh well~ Now YOU know so you can take advantage and design one-of-a-kind invitations for your big day!! =)

*All invitations featured on this post are available through Paper a la Mode. E-mail at info@paperalamodeny.com*

Kleinfeld -- love or hate?

2009-03-04T22:17:00.005-05:00

I've heard mixed reviews about Kleinfeld. The brides I've talked to, either love the place or absolutely hate it. Personally, I think it depends on what kind of experience you're looking for. I visited the original Brooklyn store back in 2004 when I was shopping for my own wedding dress. (Btw, if you've been living under a rock for the past year, you may not know that Kleinfeld recently closed down its Brooklyn store and debuted in Manhattan on W. 20th Street btwn 6th & 7th Avenues.) Here are the pros and cons as I remember:

Pros

Huge selection of wedding dresses
Lots of trunk shows featuring the latest styles
If you're lucky enough, you may meet one of the designers at the trunk show. I met Kenneth Pool who offered to customize the dress I had tried on. It was awesome getting his personal attention, with him saying things like "well, if you want, I could add a few beads around the bust and change the neckline to a sweetheart..." He was really charming and convincing, but in the end, I didn't buy the dress. Go figure.
Sales staff are pretty good about bringing you only those dresses that are within your price range (so be honest!) so you don't waste your time trying on $10,000 dresses when your budget is really $2,000.

Cons

Like I said, there is a huge selection of dresses, but you hardly get to check them out because the saleswoman crams you into the tight fitting room and runs around all by herself trying to find dresses she thinks you might like. (Bless her heart!) Now, if you're an open-minded, laidback bride, this should be fine. But if you're a picky, impatient bride (c'mon, you know who you are), you may get frustrated as the saleswoman brings you one dress after another, none matching the style you envisioned.
Your experience will depend heavily on your saleswoman. If you get a pushy one (like I did), it may not be such a pleasant experience.
The place is crowded so you may have to wait your turn to see yourself in the 3-way mirror. If you don't have much patience, this isn't going to work for you.
It's hectic -- some say it's overwhelming. I think if you can deal with sample sales and bargain hunting, you can deal with Kleinfeld -- the level of hysteria is pretty much the same.

Caveat -- All of my comments are based on my one experience at the Brooklyn store 5 years ago. I have no idea how the new Manhattan store is. If you're interested in checking them out, I highly recommend going on a trunk show day. This way, you can see the latest dresses from a designer you admire. Here are some upcoming trunk shows:

Jane Wang (Mar 3-5)
Kenneth Pool (Mar 6-8)
Augusta Jones (Mar 10-12)
Reem Acra (Mar 13-15)
Michelle Roth & Henry Roth (Mar 17-19)
Badgley Mischka (Mar 20-22)
Vineyard Collection (Mar 24-26)

***I'd love to see comments from brides who have already been to the Kleinfeld Manhattan store!!***

Elie Saab

2009-03-04T20:49:00.003-05:00

Thanks for solving the mystery, Katt!! As soon as I read your comment on my last post, I went digging for more Elie Saab wedding gowns. This one is gorgeous!! Very rarely do I see long-sleeved gowns as stylish and beautiful as this one. There's so much going on, yet the overall look is still so classic and chic.

Does anyone know who the designer is???

2009-03-03T23:23:00.005-05:00

This photo is from Paris Fashion Week, but I can't find who the designer is. Does anyone know? I'm dying to see the rest of his/her collection!!

Monique Lhuillier's 2009 Collection

2009-03-03T22:56:00.009-05:00

Photos compliments of Coutorture.com

Sabrina Ann's Consignment Shop in PA

2009-03-03T22:11:00.009-05:00

A bride I know just bought her wedding dress from a consignment shop in PA and highly recommends it! She sent me photos of her dress and it's absolutely beautiful. The shop is called Sabrina Ann and they carry both once worn and never worn dresses. The great thing is, all of the dresses are from the last 2 years, so you don't have to worry about sifting through a bunch of tired, outdated styles. According to their website, prices range from $400 to $3,000 for high-end designer gowns ... Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Melissa Sweet, Anne Barge...

If you have a dress to sell, they do all the work and then share the profits with you 50/50. Not a bad deal, right? Afterall, who doesn't need a few extra bucks in their wallet these days.

Peonies and Limes

2009-03-02T23:06:00.009-05:00

Peonies are my all-time favorite flowers! In fact, they were the primary flowers in my centerpieces, along with cymbidium orchids. So of course, I absolutely love the centerpiece featured below. The fluffy white peonies are so pretty, and the lime-filled vase gives it a fresh, modern twist!

David's Bridal Debuts in NYC

2009-03-02T19:00:00.009-05:00

Manhattan brides, your wait is finally over! The bridal mega-chain, David's Bridal, will have its grand opening in NYC this Thursday, March 5th. The new store will be in Chelsea at 751 Sixth Avenue (at 25th Street). Doors open at 11 AM. Oh, and there will be an in-store raffle for a free wedding gown, so good luck!!!

Free Tickets to the NYC Wedding Salon Event

2009-03-02T11:35:00.009-05:00

Monday, March 23rd, 2009
The Roosevelt Hotel in New York City
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Check out table decor, photographers, couture gowns, honeymoons, musicians, beauty services, cake tastings and more!

Featuring a Victoria's Secret Lounge & an Exclusive Bridal Reflections Fashion Show

2 Complimentary Tickets with code "BRNY09C" at www.WeddingSalon.com ($50 Value)

For more info and a list of participating vendors, visit the Wedding Salon

Filene's "Running of the Brides" Annual Event in NYC Union Square (Feb 27th)

2009-02-28T22:13:00.003-05:00

Bring on the warmth...

2009-02-19T20:04:00.009-05:00

{Photo of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico}

Ladies, I'm in a rush! I'm boarding a flight to Seoul in less than 4 hours ... which means I have to jump into a taxi within the next half hour to get to the airport in time. I will type fast!!

My friend Julie is having a destination wedding in Cabo later this year. (I'm so excited!) When I think of Mexico, I think of toxic tequila shots, yummy hot sauce (love Cholula sauce!!), and of course, the beautiful, sandy beaches! So, with those three images in mind, I found some ideas for a fun, beach-themed wedding...

For the place cards, instead of using standard folded cards (boring~), how about tiny personalized bottles? The bottles can be filled with sand and seashells from the beach you're getting married on (how sentimental!) ... or... you could get mini tequila bottles (a final farewell salute to your wild, single days?) ... or mini cholula hot sauce bottles (yum~)!!! You could dress up the bottles with cute little labels or tags with the guests' names and table numbers (check out My Wedding Labels).

If the bottles don't float your boat, how about these mini sailboats? I think they're absolutely adorable!!!

Or these fun little parasols stuck in sand...

Or simply take standard place cards and set them in pretty little sea shells...

Ooh, I like these big shells...

Ok, gotta run!! If you're having a destination wedding or a local beach-themed wedding, I hope some of these ideas inspired ideas of your own!! Ciao~ till March...

A Family Affair and Some Cheap Ideas!

2009-02-16T18:49:00.009-05:00

Happy belated Valentine's Day! And I guess happy President's Day too? I love 3-day weekends. I've always thought that all weekends should be 3 days long. It just seems more fair that way -- 3 days off and then 4 days of work, instead of just 2 days off and then 5 loooong days of work. Right? Anyway, my husband and I spent the entire weekend with my family and we just got back home about an hour ago. We celebrated my dad's b-day (which happens to fall on V-day, unfortunately for my mom) and we visited my grandfather. It was a family-filled weekend! =)

My parents are classic, hardworking immigrants. They came to the States in their twenties and have been here ever since. Every time I'm with them, I'm reminded of how unbelievably hard they've worked all their lives to give my sister and I everything we've ever wanted. So, it's no wonder that for several days after I visit them, I go on this "gotta-save-money-mission" where I try to be super frugal and not waste money on stupid, useless, over-priced "things" that I don't need. So, in the spirit of being cheap, I offer up some budget-friendly ideas for your big day.

When your guests arrive, they're likely going to bring cards (hopefully filled with cash!) and they'll need a place to hand them in. For my own wedding, my father took a plain cardboard box and wrapped it with pretty wedding-themed wrapping paper, cut a slit at the top of the box, and tied a white bow around it. It costs us nearly nothing and it worked great. To dress it up a bit, you can stack a bunch of different sized boxes (for height). Take a look at this one constructed from stacked Tiffanys boxes and white satin ribbon. It's eye-catching and unique... and best of all, cheap!

This next idea is one of my favorites! I wish I had thought to do this at my own wedding. Take a few vintage family photos and frame them for your guests to view at your cocktail hour. These can be a great conversation starter as guests mingle during the hour before your reception. I would use wedding photos to match the occasion. Ideally, you'll want to include small table cards or tags to identify each photo (i.e., "bride's parents" or "groom's parents") so the guests know whose photos they're looking at. Add small candles around the photos and you have a table filled with interesting and original decor. Love it~

My final idea for the day is for the more ambitious brides who are courageous enough (and organized enough) to create their own reception centerpieces. If you don't want to spend big bucks hiring a florist, but you do want flowers for your tables, try making your own "submerged garden" centerpieces (I just made that name up, but this look is a hot trend these days!). Just like in the photo below, you can buy various sizes of glass vases, fill them with water, and then completely submerge your flowers in the water for a soft, fluid look. A few tips: 1) You can purchase the glass vases at bulk prices from online wholesalers such as Save-on-Crafts or from arts & crafts retailers such as Michaels or AC Moore. 2) For the best selection of fresh flowers, cut out the middleman and go straight to your local flower market. The one in NYC is located on 28th Street from Seventh Avenue to Broadway as well as Sixth Avenue from 27th to 29th Streets. 3) To make sure that you preserve the freshness of the flowers, don't submerge them in the water until the morning of your wedding. 4) Don't be afraid to experiment with different flowers, different heights and shapes of vases, and feel free to try adding rocks or pebbles in the vases, and candles around the table. Have fun with it!!~

Shoe Fetish

2009-02-12T20:03:00.013-05:00

Yummy~~ This sensational shoe is part of Badgley Mischka's new spring '09 collection and it's just stunning! I love the 4" heel. I'm a pretty tall gal at 5' 6" but I can't resist skinny, high heels. Don't they just make you feel super sexy? You know what I mean! You could be wearing a pair of old, overwashed jeans and a plain jane top, but once you slip on a pair of high heels, you feel like a diva!! Woohoo~ (A little secret... when I'm in a bad mood, I'll sometimes slip on a pair of my favorite heels and prance around the house. Mind you, I'm usually wearing my pjs so I don't look very appealing to my husband, but it makes me feel great!!)

Right above the heel is a delicate tulle rose that adds just enough flair to make a statement.

You can buy these shoes online at Perfect Details, but some of the popular sizes are already sold out, so hurry if you want these for your wedding day. (Priced at $215)

This next shoe is modern, sexy, and feminine -- from the one and only, Christian Louboutin! Of course, he added his signature red sole so when you lift up your dress and walk, all your guests will see what a fashionista you are!! I just love these. You can buy them from Saks, but they will cost you! They're priced at $895.

I found this photo online on The Flirty Guide. The bride is wearing red-soled Louboutins!

If you don't want to rock the red soles, you may prefer the softer, subtle tiffany blue soles. Unfortunately, the highly coveted blue-soled Louboutins are extremely rare finds -- I'd be surprised if I saw one in person, EVER! But... if you like the look of the blue soles, try taking ordinary shoes to a shoe repair store (known in the good ol' days as a "cobbler") and ask them to re-sole your shoes with "something blue!" P.S. I can't take the credit for this awesome tip! It came from The Flirty Guide and it says it would cost between $50 and $75 to get your shoes resoled. Check out the pair below...

Now ladies, please don't think I'm being insensitive to your budgets. Like I said in my earlier post, I do realize that we're in a recession. So, if you love the $895 Christian Louboutin shoe above but you can't afford it (or just don't want to splurge on shoes), there is another option! Take a look at this similar pair from Kate Spade. You won't have the signature Louboutin red sole, but you will save tons of money. You can purchase these for $298 at My Glass Slipper and still have money left over to resole these with the color of your choice!

I drool...

2009-02-11T13:40:00.017-05:00

amanda1986 from Etsy is truly AMAZING!!! I promised you a fabulous post today, and ladies, it just doesn't get any better than this on a regular Wednesday afternoon!!!! I drool over these beautiful, handmade, vintage-inspired bouquets. I especially love the jewel-encrusted ones with the delicate vintage fabrics. AH~ I wish I had found these when I was planning my own wedding -- these are one-of-a-kind keepsakes! They're perfect candidates to become family heirlooms, don't you think? Btw, amanda1986 takes custom requests so you can have a perfectly tailored, never before seen, bouquet for your special day!! Seriously, it just doesn't get any better than this!

I also love these adorable boutonnieres for the men ... they're so unique and fanciful. Imagine how eye-popping they would be in your wedding photographs!!

For the ladies in your wedding (i.e., mom, mom-in-law, sisters, aunts), why not give them one of these amazing brooches in lieu of a traditional floral corsage? They would make sensational gifts!

Last, but certainly not least, take a look at this gorgeous centerpiece dripping with chandelier crystals. It's charming yet so glamorous at the same time! I looooove...

All I can say is, amanda1986, YOU ROCK!!!!!

Bed rest

2009-02-11T12:56:00.006-05:00

Have any of you been wondering how I manage to blog smack in the middle of a workday? Do you think I sneak my blogging time in at my "real" job when no one's looking? Yea, I wish! No no, I can't do that. Afterall, I DO realize how the bills get paid. You see, I've actually been on bed rest for the past 7 days per my doctor's orders. Yesyes, bed rest. For me, it was more like sofa rest with my laptop attached to my hip. Of course, I needed the rest (I was totally burnt out and my health was deteriorating right before my husband's worried eyes), but I gotta tell ya, staying at home all day for seven days straight can make one a little crazy. So, I committed myself to blogging!! That would explain the sudden explosion of posts in the past several days *wink*. Anyway, today is my last day on bed rest and then I return to WORK tomorrow. Yup, back to the grind. Woohoo!!~ *long drawn out sigh* Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to have returned to a normal, healthy state where I can go back to living a normal life again. But, I'll definitely miss this wedding bubble that I've created for myself. I mean, I've been eating, sleeping, blogging, eating, sleeping, blogging for the past week! It's been amazing~ OK, so before I burst this fantasy bubble I've been living in, I'm going to add a va-va-voom like post (haha, maybe I'm getting carried away now!). Just stay tuned... I promise I will post one more time today... and it will be fabulous! (But first, let me hit the gym so I can work off 7 days of sitting on my arse...)

Featured Invitation of the Month

2009-02-11T11:46:00.007-05:00

As some of you know, I established a small invitations business last April, called Paper a la Mode. I have to say, thanks to word of mouth and all the referrals from friends and family, my business is off to a great start!!

Starting today, I will try to feature at least 1 invitation each month for ya'll to see!

My client yesterday chose this whimsical, tea-length invitation for her upcoming August wedding. We both love the dandelion design! It's modern and playful and tells the guests that you don't take yourself or your wedding TOO seriously. I will be customizing this invitation to match her wedding colors so it will be a bit more personal to the couple!

If you're interested in invitations, please feel free to e-mail me at info@paperalamodeny.com.

Vintage-Inspired Pillows

2009-02-10T23:09:00.011-05:00

Take a look at these gorgeous, vintage-inspired ring pillows from Etsy! Click on the photo to get a close-up of the intricate details.

(Top left: EmiciBridal; Top right: paperhill; Bottom left: ElmoandIke; Bottom right: tinarie 21)

Real Wedding: Vivian & James

2009-02-10T11:00:00.011-05:00

Thanks so much to Vivian and James for sharing their beautiful wedding photos! My husband and I have a special connection to this couple, not only because they are dear friends of ours, but also because we had our weddings at the same place! That is, Leonard's La Dolce Vita in Great Neck, NY -- a venue inspired by the renaissance era with spectacular crystal chandeliers, pure white marble floors, charming handpainted murals, and rich, European decor that exudes elegance and luxury. Ah~

Viv and James are impeccably stylish and so was their wedding -- take a look for yourself...

Love the bouquet -- it's simple and pretty without any pretension, but the size makes a bold statement!

LOVE the hair!!! The side sweeping with the delicate braids -- simply gorgeous! It's one of the most unique hairstyles I've ever seen on a bride. Viv, you look like royalty!

Dresses for Less

2009-02-09T22:03:00.000-05:00

Let's be real for a moment... as ugly as it sounds, we are in the midst of a "recession" right now, so here's a smart, budget-friendly place to buy your dream wedding gown for less. That is, if you don't mind buying a dress that has been worn by another bride before. A small sacrifice to make for hundreds or even thousands of dollars in savings. Visit www.OnceWed.com to see a listing of dresses currently for sale. Or, post your own dress for sale and make a few bucks!

Originally $3,500, this Monique Lhuillier gown is being resold at $1,500

Originally $4,600, this Reem Acra gown is being resold at $1,700

Feeling Charitable? Visit The Bridal Garden

2009-02-09T20:56:00.000-05:00

The Bridal Garden is the only non-profit bridal boutique in New York City that offers designer wedding gowns at up to 75% off original prices! They carry gowns from designers such as Amsale, Melissa Sweet, Reem Acra, Monique Lhullier, Maggie Sottero, Angel Sanchez, Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang, and many more. They've been around since 1998 and all proceeds from sales go to improving the education of the city's children. Now, that's an amazing business model, don't you think? Where else can you shop for a wedding gown at significantly discounted prices, and know that your money is going to a good cause? By the way, you can also donate your gown to The Bridal Garden after your wedding, so another lucky customer can purchase it and keep the cycle going!

The Bridal Garden has been featured in InStyle, The New York Times, Modern Bride, and many other magazines, newspapers, and websites.

Make an appointment and visit them at 54 W. 21st Street, Suite 907. And of course, please tell us all about your experience right here on BlabberBride!!

A tribute to an all-time favorite...The Wedding Planner

2009-02-09T15:35:00.000-05:00

The Wedding Planner... it's the movie that started it all for me! This movie was released in 2001, the year I graduated from college. As you can imagine, like many twenty-something year olds, I was lost and desperately looking for something to inspire me. I had gone from thinking I'd be a lawyer to possibly a psychologist, to then finally, joining the corporate world like the millions of other lost souls. Don't get me wrong... I have a nice, cushy job at a well-respected company. I don't want to seem ungrateful. It's just that my inspiration doesn't come from my 9-5 job. It comes from all the beautiful, stylish, and creative things that make a wedding. In hindsight, I think it was this movie... The Wedding Planner ... that sparked my obsession -- an obsession that has lasted for eight years now.

Here are a few fabulous photos from the movie. They feature three different wedding gowns -- all spectacular in their own way! Enjoy...

The Movie: BrideWars

2009-02-09T14:51:00.000-05:00

Kate Hudson looked amazing in this Vera Wang wedding dress in the movie Bride Wars where she stars alongside Anne Hathaway. Ladies, it's all about the poof in this dress!!

Anne Hathaway looked elegant and understated in her ivory dress (don't know the designer).

Stunning Short Wedding Dresses

2009-02-08T15:28:00.000-05:00

If you've got nice legs, flaunt them in one of these gorgeous, shorter length dresses! I'm in love with them ALL...

from Priscilla of Boston

from Cymbeline

from Amsale

Custom Cake Toppers

2009-02-08T14:52:00.001-05:00

I am a HUGE fan of Etsy! Check out these adorable, custom designed wedding cake toppers by GooseGrease. You can submit a photo of you and your fiance, and they'll create miniature (3.5" tall) figures for your cake!

Amazing Canary Diamonds!

2009-02-07T19:18:00.000-05:00

For DIY brides

2009-01-25T16:51:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's already 2009! I haven't posted anything new in over 3 months! I've been so busy with my full-time corporate job (yes yes, a woman needs to pay her bills!) and the invitations business I started on the side last April (yay!), that I really haven't had a chance to sit down in front of the computer and just blab about the thing I love most -- weddings! Well, today, I'm compelled to post because I've discovered two amazing websites that I must share. The first site is www.save-on-crafts.com. It's a treasure trove for all those do-it-yourself brides who want to create their own, unique wedding decor! You'll find everything from ribbons, tulle, and silk to those tall, curly branches, glass vases, candles, crystals, and so much more. If you're thinking about creating your own reception centerpieces to save some money, this is a great place to start!

The second site is www.zazzle.com. This cool site allows you to design your own postage stamps to personalize your wedding invitation envelopes. You can also custom design your own postcards -- a cute and modern twist to traditional save-the-date cards for your guests!
Both of these sites are so fun and they offer very affordable options for the creative DIY brides out there. Enjoy!

Wedding Cakes in New York City

2008-09-18T22:56:00.001-04:00

I'm addicted to WeTV (channel 59 if you're in the NY metro area). One of their new shows is called, "Amazing Wedding Cakes" and it's absolutely fabulous! The first episode I watched featured NYC wedding cake designers, Lauri Ditunno and Ruth Drennan from The Cake Atelier. What caught my attention was their insane attention to details. Both are true perfectionists. Recently, I visited their website www.thecakeatelier.com, and noticed that the two designers have parted ways to start their own respective businesses. Congratulations Lauri and Ruth! Now, you can find Lauri at www.cakealchemy.com and Ruth at www.ruthdrennancakes.com. The one thing I love about Lauri's style is that she refuses to put anything inedible on her cakes. So, all of the flowers and decor are made of sugar and are totally fine to eat! No real flowers are added -- which is great! For those of you who don't know, the majority of flowers in the US are sprayed with chemicals like fungicide that are obviously unhealthy for us, and also harmful to the environment. So, if you want to avoid poisoning your guests, ask for handmade sugar flowers instead! FYI, the orchids you see in the photo above are made of sugar! Aren't they lovely?

Wedding Cake Envy

2008-09-18T22:56:00.000-04:00

So many brides fret over how their wedding cake will look. But what about how it tastes? Afterall, a cake is meant to be consumed, right? Well, here's food for thought...

The wedding cake featured here -- it's quite possibly the most delicious cake I've ever tasted in my life. Banana bread with chocolate. It was moist, it was sweet (but not too sweet), and it was light (well, light enough to justify eating 2 and half pieces)! The bride ordered her cake from www.fabcakes.com. They're located in San Diego which is a bummer for me since I live in NYC, but if you're a west coast bride, I highly recommend at least going in for a tasting!! Be bold! Choose a unique cake flavor that your guests will remember. Create wedding cake envy!

Spring Inspiration Board

2008-09-12T00:15:00.000-04:00

Hello, fellow wedding junkies!
This is my very first post and also my first inspiration board. I created it for my dear friend who is thinking about having a blue- and yellow-themed spring wedding. I wanted to inspire a stylish, yet whimsical look that conveys that the couple doesn't take themselves too seriously and knows how to have fun. Afterall, a wedding is a big party... a celebration... and it should feel like one!

I'd love to hear from other brides who are thinking about blues and yellows. Inspire us with your ideas!