OK, Now What Bride

Special Bride Board: What's Your Valentine's Date-Night Style?

It finally happened - winter hit in mid-February. It snowed about three inches and the temp dropped thirty degrees overnight. We braved the cold and actually found a park and trails about five minutes from our place over the weekend. Between all the layers, snow pants and boots, it was one of the funnest dates we've ever had. But for Valentine's you'll probably want something a bit more refined for dinner and a movie. 

What're you doing tomorrow night? I've put together three special bride boards with my dream outfits. Whether you're usually jeans and ponytail or drama all the way, I'm sure you'll find one you love!

And if there are any of you that have that feeeling that he's going to pop the question, I especially want to hear from you. Email me and let me know how he does it and maybe you'll get a feature on OKNW Bride. xo

Downtown Casual

Dress it up with a slip or pair with leggings for casual chic. Minutiae Dropwaist Dress, Anthropologie, $128

Effortless and adorable to boot. Olympia Leather wedge, J. Crew, $198

Carry it all, perfectly mismatched. Perfect for running wedding errands. Embellished Native Clutch, Forever 21, $26.80

Layer for warmth and for looks. Dancer slip, Free People, $98

Top off the look with a striking hat. Sam Feather trim fedora, Free People, $128

Business Not As Usual

Sure, it's a work night but you can toss on a cute sweater over this work-appropo skirt and make it into a darling date look! Corded Dobby Stripe Skirt, Loft, $59.50

Mixed prints lend just the right amount of texture and playfulness.  Marta Printed tie neck blouse, Banana Republic, $69.50

Ribbit. You'll be kissing your prince by the end of the evening. Frog-clasp bracelet, J. Crew, $68

Your day shoes have just a bit of sparkle for night. Ron White, Bonnie pump, $525

Toss the work bag aside for this gorgeous leather and it'll pop with the navy wear. Optical Izzie Weave clutch, Cole Haan, $198

Vamp Chic

Jaws will drop with this "wet-look" number. Cladiana Off The Shoulder Dress, BCBG, $248

A lovely go-to bag for night time. March by Marc Jacobs Classic Q clutch, $258

Wear these for Vday and then again for your bachelorette party. Versace, print suede pumps, $248.99

So handsome and chunky, he may want to wear it! Michael Kors Bradsaw watch, $250

 

Friday the 13th: An Original Gift List to Show Your Love

Is anyone else superstitious about it being Friday the 13th today? I don't like to travel on this date but I'm just weird like that. Would you get married on this date or celebrate another milestone today? What ever the day, I would buy any of these gifts for myself, especially the skull ring -- love that!

I wouldn't be able to help gifting the couple something superstitious on a day like this. 

1. Show your commitment til death with this gorgeous handmade band. Baby Skull Band Ring in 14k gold with diamonds unisex, Michelle Chang Jewelry, $2,480

2. For the couple that collects, this piece of original work will dazzle. Mosaic steer skull, Jiveworks, $1,200

3. Gift this bracelet as a safe keeping for your bridesmaids. Superstition bracelet, Sarah Aghili, $4.50

4. Yes, it would get a laugh. Forego the registry knife set and go with this popular one instead. Raffaele Iannello Voodoo Knife set, $89.95

5. Dramatic and beautiful, this watercolor is truly an unforgettable work for the couple. Day of the Dead painting, by Renee L. Lavoie, $65

LINK LOVE

Honey Living was full of fun wedding stuff this week...how about wildflower ice cubes for your welcome drinks? Love it.

VIDEO: “Does this veil make me look fat?” and other hilarious shit brides say, courtesy of BRIDEfinds.

We're crushing hard on German artist Eva Menz, who creates out-of-this-world chandeliers and custom installations using everything from random objects to prized jewels. Her work is breathtaking and ideal for wedding inspiration; you gotta see these chandeliers on Bride Ideas!

Bride Unwind: How to destress, detox, detach from wedding planning for 24 hours

It's only been two years since our wedding and I've already forgotten how stressful the planning process was. My husband-to-be was working in L.A. for five months, I was in Chicago and we were trying to plan a wedding in Michigan. He was scheduled to come back two weeks before the date and I was a wreck. Even though he trusted me to make all the design decisions, I still wanted his approval, no matter how far he was. I went through about two dozen invitation themes. I mean, not just shopping for but designing over twenty different versions (we're both artists and I love Adobe Illustrator).

That entire time, the best thing that I could've done for myself was to step away from the sketchpad and computer and just r-e-l-a-x. Recently, a good friend was fretting over the design of her invitations as well. Because she's also a designer, she was going through the same circles I was running through with my own. She couldn't step away and yet hadn't nailed down a final design. A few weeks before the send out date, she called and confided that she needed help. Delegating the job to me to design them was probably the best thing she could've done. She did exactly what I should've done but didn't have the control to do - let go.

I know that it's much easier said than done so here are a few tips for detaching yourself from planning the biggest day of your life for 24 hours. Take time for yourself without the wedding taking over if even just for one day. Believe me, it will help you refocus, make better decisions and feel better about the wedding after you do this. The graphic below is clickable and printable so you can take it with you for motivation. 

If you have some tips, share them with us. We all need a little help during this harrowing time. Have a great weekend!

1. Treat yourself to a new yoga piece if you need motivation to go to class and step away from the wedding blog. Lululemon No Limit tank, $68

2. Easy to use and fun to use by yourself or with your partner! Weleda organic massage oil, $21

3. For an entire list of pampering ideas, check out Whole Foods Home Spa worksheet here. 

4. An inexpensive but refined writing instrument. Lamy Safari Fountain pen, $23.20

LINK LOVE

Bride Ideas is always on the look out for fabulous yet unexpected wedding favors, which is why we flipped for these champagne lollipops. (Don’t love the bubbly? These handmade sweets come in more than 50 unique flavors!)

BRIDEfinds has 60% off designer wedding dresses -- including Lela Rose, Alberta Ferretti, Valentino and more.

Trend: Shiny, Mirrored Metallics for the Bride

Metallics have been the rage for a couple years now but the newest ones are all about mirrored shininess. You can practically see yourself in them. Would you consider using a mix of gold, silver and bronze for a wedding palette? Maybe toss in a disco ball for effect? Just kidding -- sort of. I've collected a few of my favorite ways to stand out as the shiniest bride ever.

1. A darling, gold table set up Milk & Honey table via Once Wed

2. Cherish the family with this necklace to be passed on. Gold family medallion, Bridal Elements, $37.95

3. Dress to impress, but comfortably, with silver loafers. Biella metallic loafers, J. Crew, $248

4. Shine on with this mirrored watch. Gold mirrored watch, Dolce & Gabbana, $200

5. A honeymoon must-have, the dressy espadrille for day or night. Eliza wedge, Michael Kors, $350 

6. Toss everything in this clutch and go. Metallic silver clutch, David's Bridal, $29.50

7. Talk about smoldering! Whether it's an engagement party dress or for the sophisticated night time bride, this is a showstopper. Katherine sequined dress, Herve Leger, $2,070

 

Your Wedding: All Rituals or Could You Just Throw a Big Party?

For the last six months or so, I had been planning a surprise birthday party for my husband. To say the least, he was very surprised when we walked in the door and family and friends (especially those from out of town), had come to spend his day with him and New Year's eve with us. It was pretty darn special. There's definitely an art to throwing a successful bash and we like to think we're pros at it by now.

After our wedding, a few people told us that it was the best wedding they'd ever been too (!!) just simply because we threw a great party -- and happened to get married during it. That made us glow with joy and it made me think...why not just throw a huge party instead of all the formalities? I mean, that's what we want, right? A really loving, memorable par-tay! 

If you had to narrow it down to the elements that would make for a fabulous wedding bash right now, what colors would you use? What would your playlist be? Could you get away from the typical wedding rituals, like father-daughter dance, tossing the bouquet, and just celebrate? 

1. Pinatas aren't just for kids. Just watch your champagne intake. Meteorite Pinata Cantaloupe, Confetti Sytem, $150

2. Print these goodies out as many times as you want. Printable party hats, Mr. Printable

3. In white, purple or pink, color things happy with confetti. Pair with (#6) for ultimate festive overload. Heart shaped confetti, Bridal Elements, $5.95

4. Follow the theme of whimsy and gift your lady guests a feather charm to toss on a keychain, on a bracelet or on a bag. Collector's charm feather, Anthropologie, $15

5. Contemporary flutes are sophisticated for a grown-up party. Cylinder toasting flutes, $17.95 for the pair (!)

6. So many people have been looking for these. Perfectly round balloons - here they are! 36" round balloons, Brilliant Bash, $21.95

7. Dress up the table with these carved candles. Carved Damask pillar candle, Ivy Lane Design, $48.99 

Out with the Vintage, In With the New Again: Are you ready to let go of the DIY Look?

A while back during an interview with our dynamic duo planning friends at The Charmed Event, Jill and Katie, mentioned that DIY and vintage-y type weddings were starting to step aside to more refined, sophisticated ones. With all the glitz and sparkle I've been seeing since last Fall, I definitely have to agree. That's not to say that making your wedding items isn't still tops but the direction of aesthetic has totally changed. Not that it's the best example, but Kim Kardashian's wedding was all bling, all the time. Does that mean that we're in the midst of a wedding makeover trend? I think so. 

In the meanwhile, I've gathered up some of the items that have popped up anew and a few oldies (but goodies) that I think people will be looking at again. 

Are you over the DIY movement and typewriter / flags / aged look? And if so, what have you moved on to? I'm really curious to hear people's thoughts on this. 

1. No soft, ruffles here. Only grown-up goddess drapes make the cut. Match or mismatch your bridesmaids in this hot number. Pleated one-shoulder dress, BCBGeneration, $118

2. These luxurious cover-ups are back and they're more affordable than ever. Customize them for the bridesmaids and the Moms! Embroidered pashmina, $28.95

3. Flaunt your bling with this gorgeous rhinestone bracelet that's totally affordable. Lattice Pattern Bracelet, $42.95

4. Wine never gets old. Well, it does...but...you know what I mean! Counter Balance Wine Bottle Holder, $24.95

5. For the girl who wants a showstopper, this is a pave encrusted orange diamond! Orange and white diamond engagement ring, Overstock.com, $1,199.99

6. The high glamour Chloe collection gets released in a couple months. Call them for details! Chloe Collection, Spring 2012

7. Pair this with #3 and you've got a great gift for your wine conoisseur MOH. Heart Bottle Opener, $3.95