Where Did That Come From?

Ever wonder where the saying something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue came from?

I found that this tradition stems from an old English rhyme:

 “something old, something new, 

something borrowed, something blue 

and a silver sixpence in her shoe.”

The objects from the poem represent good luck charms for the bride which are added to her wedding attire and are often provided to the bride by her mom, sister, aunt, or anyone that may be close to her. The thought is that if a bride carries all of these items, her marriage will be happy.

Old represents continuity with the bride’s family and the past, new offers optimism for the bride’s future, borrowed represents borrowed happiness, it is usually an item borrowed from a happily married friend or family member whose fortune in marriage is to carry over to the new bride, and blue stands for purity, love and fidelity. A sixpence in your shoe, which is often left out in today’s culture, is a wish for good fortune and prosperity. It primarily remains a British custom.

So want ideas on incorporating these into your wedding day attire?

• Something Old: Many brides have gotten out of the tradition of wearing their mother’s bridal gown. However, this can still be incorporated into your attire. You can have some of the lace and beading added to your gown. You can also make a hanky that can be carried if you need it. Something old can also be a piece of heirloom jewelry that your mom, grandmother or aunt may want to pass down. The possibilities are endless with this category.
• Something New: This can also be used in jewelry, who doesn't like a nice bracelet, earrings or statement necklace.
• Something Borrowed: Mother or grandmother not quite ready to pass down the heirloom jewelry, why not ask them to let you borrow it?
• Something Blue: The easiest way to pull this element in is by getting a blue garter belt. Definitely a safe measure, but remember the wedding is about you and your character and personality. Be adventurous….why not some blue shoes like the ones pictured by Badgley Mischka? Blue headpiece? Or even blue undies :). 

I have had brides ask, what if you don't have something from each category?

Relax...although joining in the fun of finding something for each category adds to your wedding excitement, you won't be hassled by the wedding fairy if you miss one, two or all of the elements.

I love to join in the fun with my brides to pull elements in from each of the categories, but we know that true happiness comes from the heart and the items should be a symbolism of family support and love in your marriage…

I love thinking out of the box and could spend countless hours thinking about items in each category. We would love helping you come up with some awesome ideas. Contact us at erikaselegance@sbcglobal.net. 

Brides Against Breast Cancer Whittier Event

Supporting the Cause

Brides Against Breast Cancer's Nationwide Gown Sale landed at the Radisson Whittier this weekend.  We had such a wonderful time.  There were great vendors, over 100 volunteers and lots and lots of brides.  This was the first show that I did in my new role as the LA City Coordinator and it was truly remarkable.  Everyone worked together well and it really felt like a family.

Brides Waiting for Gown Unveiling

My Booth for Erika's Elegance

Vendor Friar's Tux

The PartyLite Gals

The Radisson Whittier Team

Brides Saying "Yes to the Dress"

The event sold 21 gowns raising enough money to provide 90 hours of free support to those impacted by breast cancer.  Thanks to Amy Paulishak BABC's SVP for joining us this weekend. 

If you didn't see us in Whittier, we will be going to Agoura Hills next.  Can't wait!!!

Erika

Brides Against Breast Cancer

Come out to support!

The Details

What makes the ring, the ring.  The Four C's: cut, color, clarity and carat are the criteria by which diamonds are graded.  This system was developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and adopted by the entire industry.  Your goal is to find a ring that you like, within your budget and that balances the Four C's.

Cut: Represents 50% of the price of a diamond.  Most diamonds are cut round with a full 58 facets - which are like little mirrors that let light enter the surface and creates a sparkle for the viewer.

Color: The most common diamond color is yellow.  Most diamonds have a slight hint of yellow and the diamond color is based on the amount of yellow present in a diamond.  Diamond color is graded according to the GIA Grading Scale which ranges from D-Z. It is extremely difficult to see the color differences with diamonds.

Clarity: The clarity scale ranges from Flawless to Imperfect; it reprints the natural blemished and inclusions within the diamond.

Carat: It is the weight of the diamond.  The more a diamond weighs, the rarer the diamond, hence the more expensive it will be.

Look for the details when choosing your ring.

Erika

Favoring Friday - Photo Booths

A great party favor is for your guests to be able to leave with candid photos from the event.  I just did a graduation party and per the client, "the photo booth was a big hit, I'm glad we got it".

I have seen clients and their guests have hours and hours of fun with a photo booth.  It is key to have a great photo booth company who brings wonderful props and great personality to the party.  Your vendor can create a custom template that will tie in with your overall theme.  Pictures are printed on the spot and some vendors have the technology where you can email or upload the pictures to your guests' Facebook and/or email accounts.  How exciting, and you, as the client, will get a copy of all of the images.

I have used the photo booth several times and can say it has always been a hit.

Erika