OK, Now What Bride

Where Do You Think These Designer Dresses Are From?

They're absolutely dreamlike with the multiple layers, the embroidery and look close for the detailing on the tulle. The bodices are are fitted and tailored just for you. Give up yet? I didn't know right away either. 

They're David's Bridal! The dress above is from none other than Vera Wang and her exclusive line White by Vera Wang made just for them. Imagine your dream dress at a fraction of the price. 

I loooove this dress! Too beautiful for words, really. If you don't believe that these are all available, see for yourself here and tell me which one you're choosing! 

What Will You Do the Night Before the Wedding?

I remember the night before my wedding better than my wedding day (that happened in a blur). My closest friends and I had a slumber party at a friend's condo overlooking Lake Michigan, while my fiancé stayed at our place. The scenery, fresh air and company was exactly what I needed after months of stressing about floral arrangements. My girls reminded what it meant to be me again before I took the big step. 

Staying away from each other that night was also an old-fashioned take on an otherwise contemporary wedding. Our best friend was marrying us, we didn't have a wedding party and we had a big BYOBar (really!) and an iPod playlist. I think that night apart gave us time to appreciate and miss each other, which made seeing other on the aisle all that much sweeter the next day. 

What will you do the night before? Or, did you have your wedding and do something really memorable with the girls or family? Send me your stories! Here are some of the fun and low-key things I did to indulge before the biggest event of my life.

1. Getting a mani-pedi is a ritual must. I've seen a lot of brides with glitter ring finger manicures lately. I love Butter nail polishes for their intense color and lack of toxins. Glitters are the best! Yummy Mummy and Tart with a Heart, Butter nail polish, $14 each

2. I laid out all my accessories the night before. Wrap sashes like this one on a large pillow to keep its shape. Adriana sash, $70

3. A mask is do! Don't go for anything harsh that you haven't done before. I exfoliated gently for a nice, fresh glow the next morning. Benefit Refined Finish Facial Polish, via Sephora, $22 

4. Have your engagement ring cleaned or do it yourself. Simply take a small brush (toothbrushes work great) and scrub with dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and let dry. Then house it in a safe place for the next day! Egg Ring Box, Ivy Lane Design, $44

5. I had a drink to unwind. An itsy bitsy margarita is a great treat for the girls. Classic Margarita Glass, Pottery Barn, set of 6, $24

6. I hope you registered for one! It makes great smoothies -- and maragaritas! Kitchen Aid 5 speed blender, $119.95

LINK LOVE

There's something the bridal mags aren't telling you... BRIDEfinds has the 10 Most Stressful Parts of Wedding Planning.

We're obsessed with these gorgeous champagne cupcakes with champagne buttercream frosting and caramel "firework" toppings! You gotta try these bubbly treats. See pictures and get the recipe on Bride Ideas.

Fashion Week Round Up: What Would Work for Wedding?

New York Fashion Week closes today and there were a lot of trends returning including more floral but in smaller form, or "micro floral" along with a lot more coats, sportswear and high end. With a mix of luxurious materials like velvet, heavy embroidery and brocade, it's easy to see how we could see a lot of crossover to wedding and evening wear. 

What were some of your favorite Fall 2012 looks and by who? Here are a few of mine that I could see jumping from the catwalk to the aisle. 

Daytime sweetness at Anna Sui

Ethereal and floating at J. Mendel

Beyond bridal, unstoppable in red by Carolina Herrera

Gladiator goddess at Max Azria

A look for the experimental and unexpected bride at Cynthia Rowley

No nonsense and understated elegance at Luca Luca

Images: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

 

Trend or Not? : Paperless Wedding Invitations

I love paper. (Especially the Minted Stationery I was just going goo-goo over in the last post)!! Any and every kind of color, texture, fibrous or not. When I stumbled across Julie Benz's article, Why I Chose Paperless Post in the Huffington Post, I was a bit taken aback at first. I couldn't imagine a wedding world without lined envelopes and all the pretty parts of the invitation and the maps and cute lil' RSVP cards. When else do you get to color coordinate postage stamps?? Or do a custom logo with your initials and monograms?

But then I explored Paperless Post and I started coming around to all the adorable designs, the convenience and the thought of saving trees. I could see why people were inching that way. Maybe there's something to all of this. Check it out and tell me what you think.

Eucalyptus Save the Date

Hand painted peacock

Spec on Capri

Photo Spread Ivory

Contest (yay!): Win $100 from Minted Stationery

I'm super excited to be in on the giveaway with my friends at Minted. They have the sweetest stationery and most contemporary wedding invitations around. With tons of custom options and mix n' match themes, you're going to find something you love for your big day.

Today's giveaway is simple. All you have to do is visit their site and tell me which Minted product you like and why in the comment section below. One winner will be chosen on Wednesday, February 8th and Minted will take care of the rest. You win $100 worth of product of your choice. My pick is for the Summer Sun wedding set. Wouldn't that be sweet for a color block wedding theme?

Good luck! 

Spring Blossom Personalized Stationery | Type Stack Wedding Invitation | Summer Sun Wedding Invitation | Tree Personalized Stationery | Wildflower Mead Wedding Invitation

 

Is it a trend yet: Wedding Dresses Above the Knee?

There are wedding dresses of all lengths but I was completely wooed by the knee length wedding dresses I saw in the Spring 2012 shows. Giambattista Valli, Elie Saab and Valentino all had bridal pieces showing off the amount of leg that's usually reserved for the bridesmaid. Does the fact that it was present in various collections mean that we'll be seeing it as a trend now? 

Image: ImaxTree via Bazaar

I think it's a smashing idea for the intimate cocktail wedding or a daytime romp in the woods. What ever your theme, a shorter hemline lets you move, dance and I think it's a refreshing and charming update for the contemporary bride.

What do you think? Would you rock a short frock?

Vera Wang Satin-faced organza gown, $528

Herve Leger Quinn off shoulder dress, $1050

 

Short shantung dress, $135

 

Sonja Paillette dress, BCBG, $448

LINK LOVE

This week on Bride Ideas we were blown away by this gorgeous DIY doily lamp. The soft romantic shadows it creates across the wall and ceiling will give your wedding an unforgettable look and feel.

See how The Broke-Ass Bride’s own “Real Weddings” guru Christen pulled off her own Hawaiian destination wedding for under $20K! Plus check out all of her drool-worthy photos!