Wedding 101 - What Should I Put On My Registry?

This is about you! Whatever you think you'll need to start your new life with your hubby should be listed on your registry.  Register for whatever you want. There are so many more options now, so if crystal isn't your thing, then opt for a store that is more your style.

I also recommend that you do the registry together; after all, you are starting your life together.  There may be something that your groom wants or needs.  You can even register for appliances now.  How cool!!!

Erika

Wedding Hairstyles

When brides ask me, "How should I wear my hair?" I  always tell them that this is their day.  

Everything about your day should reflect who you are as a person.  If you want to wear an undo or let your hair hang, it should be comfortable for you and should represent who you are.  I also strongly suggest doing a trial run with your wedding day hairstylist.  You want to make sure that you are totally satisfied.  

I love so many wedding day hair styles, but I am partial to the bun; it is so classic.  I wore my hair wavy with the bun swept to the side;  I still love this look today.

Erika

Wedding 101 - Where Should I Register?

When answering this question, you will want to consider two things, your guests and your taste.  You will definitely want to register for several different price points.  My recommendation would be $50 and under, $75 and under, $100 and under, $200 and under and so forth.  You want to make sure to include something that everyone can afford.

Also, you want to add at least one online registry.  Many people do their shopping online now, so making that convenient for them will really work for your benefit.  You may also want to consider the store's return policy; the last thing you want is a hassle when exchanging gifts.

Hope these tips work for you! Tune in next Wednesday for more Wedding 101!

Erika

The Perfect Ring for Her

Have you heard the saying, "diamonds are a girl's best friend"? Well I would have to agree, I absolutely love diamonds.  How can a girl choose one then there are so many out there? Well let's help her pick one out.

First, there is the Round Brilliant, also known as the solitaire cut.  It is the most brilliant diamond out of all the shapes, hence the name.  It is classic and versatile; believe it or not, it accounts for more than half of the diamonds sold today.

Need more ideas? Tune is every Monday to find the perfect ring for her.

Erika

Favorite Bridesmaids Gowns - Vera Wang

Lately, we've been focusing on the bride, and we all know that every bride wants her party to be picture perfect.  That really begins with staging the bridesmaids.  I want to share with you some of my favorite bridesmaids gown designers.

First and foremost, Vera Wang - who isn't in love with her designs?  Not only are her wedding gowns phenomenal but her bridesmaids dresses are just as gorgeous.  Her keen sense of fashion and zeal for women's figures is why her gowns are so fabulous.

I saw this dress at a wedding in Santa Monica, I absolutely loved it.  The bridesmaids looked gorgeous and not to mention picture perfect - definitely a winner.

Who are some of your favorite designers?

Erika

A Night to Remember

Last week I went to a Bridal Show hosted by Aroos Magazine.  This had to have been the most spectacular ones that I have been to yet; Hugo Boss was there I had a great time networking and seeing new things.  The gowns that were showcased were gorgeous beyond compare.
There I met an amazing photographer Navid...this was definitely a night to remember.

Check out more photos and information at Aroos Magazine's website.

Erika

After the Wedding

Many brides are becoming more and more innovative in preserving the memories of their special day.  I have hear some wonderful ideas about what to do with the bouquet; the most common is to have it preserved and to use it as a centerpiece on your mantel.  Others press it into either a photo album or scrapbook for keepsake.  I even had one bride, a jewelry maker, crush the petals of the bouquet, dried them and used it for a jewelry set.  Of course there are other brides who either give it away or just toss it.

Now, what to do with that beautiful gown that you have spent a fortune on? First thing is first, I recommend that you take your dress to a reputable dry cleaner that will be able to restore your gown to almost-new.  Many brides want save their gowns for either their daughter or granddaughter.  Others have it displayed in a shadow box; just like your centerpiece this can definitely spark a reminiscent conversation.

One of most common ways to preserve a dress now-a-days is to donate it to a non-profit organization such as Brides Against Breast Cancer (BABC).  BABC will send you a tax donation letter for your gown, it will then be sold at a discounted rate $0.71 of every $1.00 will be used to promote breast cancer awareness for those both effected and wanting to support the cause.  BABC is really a great organization, if you decide to donate your dress you'll be helping more than you can imagine.

Erika

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Wedding 101 - Should I Register?

Yes you should!  Although guests aren't required to purchase a gift, many of them want to celebrate your wedding as well as help you start your new life.  It is recommended that you register early.

If you have an engagement party you can register before then.  Even if you don't have all of your registry items picked, at least have a few for your guests to choose from.

The next major event that guests may use to purchase from your registry is the bridal shower.  Your engagement is a wonderful occasion for you and your groom and your guests are going to be ecstatic. Help take the guess work out for them by registering.

Erika

Before the Wedding

The Engagement

Immediately after the engagement brides start planning all of the many details of their special day.  But why not enjoy your engagement? After all I'm sure your family and friends will want to enjoy that special moment along with you.  So why not start with your engagement?

Engagement Party - This party can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be.  Some suggestions would be to have it in someone's backyard, a nice restaurant or even at a hotel.

Engagement Photo Shoot - Next, have some fun with each other.  Do an engagement photo shoot!
Many of my brides my "Save the Date" cards.

Photo from this website.

Save the Date Cards -  Save the date cards should be sent out roughly 6 months before the event.  This is so that your guests can mentally plan for the event; especially those who have to travel.  Your guests may need to take off of work; from a financial perspective the more time that they have, the better.  In addition, it is particularly important to send out Save the Date cards if your wedding around a holiday or Summer vacations.

Boudoir Shoots - Yes, these are becoming more and more common for brides and they can be done very tastefully.  They want to capture themselves in their bridal lingerie and share with their hubby later.  My bride did one of these shoots before her wedding and it was very tasteful.  In addition, why not consider having a destination boudoir shoot or even doing the shoot with your husband - to - be? The most important thing to do is plan; plan your location and the outfits that you want to wear.  What do you want your pictures to say about you?

Erika

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At a Glance

Some photos from the party this past weekend.