Posted on October 24th, 2008 by Kori Ellis in Wedding AttireComments Off
Recently, I had a chance to check out a variety of a bridal gowns from the Alvina Valenta fall collection at a shop in New York City.
Alvina Valenta bridal gowns are elegant, sophisticated and very detailed. The fabrics are luxurious and all the dresses are finished by hand with intricate beading and their hand-rolled roses
Here are a few of my favorite wedding dresses from the Alvina Valenta Fall 2008 Collection.
Visit the Alvina Valenta website to view more fabulous bridal gowns from designer Victoria McMillan.
Are you getting married soon? If you haven’t picked out your wedding favors yet, Truly Wedding Favors offers a variety of elegant wedding favors that are perfect no matter your wedding theme. Unique wedding favors at very affordable prices are available at Truly.
In the past, you’d never see a black bridemaid dress. However with so many couples having evening weddings, that all changed. I think black bridesmaids dresses are fantastic because the bridesmaids can use them again and again at other evening events.
Here’s one of my favorite from Eden Bridals. This black chiffon dress features a sweetheart neckline and a beaded bust. But what I really adore is the hi-lo hemline. It’s sophisticated and sexy.
You can find this dress (style #7207B) and many other bridesmaids gowns online at EdenBridals.com.
Mori Lee bridesmaid dresses are always cute, flirty and fun. What I like about their collections is that your bridemaids will be able to wear the dresses for many occasions after your wedding is over.
Here are a couple of my recent favorites from Mori Lee. Check out their website at MoriLee.com and look for the gowns at a bridal shop near you.
If you are looking for the perfect wedding jewelry, check out Noaki. Noaki Jewelry is a new line that resurrects the Great Gatsby glamour of the early 20’s. Each one-of-a-kind piece includes resurrected antique items, including shoe clips, broaches and dress pins, predominantly from the early 20th century art deco period.
Here are a few of my favorites. You can find out more about Noaki Jewelry and designer Noaki Schwartz at NoakiJewelry.com and shop for the jewelry at her Etsy site.
As I am sure you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Brides magazine gathered together 21 of the world’s top dress designers and asked each to create a pink wedding wedding gown.
These bridal gowns will be in bridal shops and other stores across the country during the month October, with a portion of sales going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
On October 14th, Brides magazine’s “Something Pink” issue hits the stands. Inside the magazine, they reveal the pink wedding dresses along with a series of dedicated features to the fight against the disease.
The participating dress designers include Alfred Angelo, Amsale, Anjolique, Anne Barge, Atelier Aimee, Badgley Mischka Bride, Carolina Herrera, Christos, Claire Pettibone, David’s Bridal, Eve of Milady, Kenneth Pool, Mon Cheri Bridals, Monique Lhuillier, Mori Lee, Romona Keveza, Reem Acra, Sophia Tolli, Vera Wang, Vineyard Collection and Watters Brides.
Here are just a few of the bridal gowns.
Watters Brides Pink Gown, photo by Heidi Niemala
Romona Keveza gown, photo by Heidi Niemala
(L-R) Kenneth Pool gown, Badgley Mischka Bride gown, photo by Heidi Niemala
Have you heard about the new contest that David’s Bridal launched called “The One”? They want to hear stories about that incredible moment when you knew your guy was “The One”. Whether you’ve got the date set or you’re just dreaming about it they want to hear your stories. You can find the contest here at davidsbridal.com.
The winning prize package is worth $5,270 that includes a $1,500 gift certificate towards their honeymoon, their choice of the following: one wedding gown, up to four bridesmaid dresses, one bridal accessory, up to four bridal shower favors, up to five tuxedo rental packages and their choice of his and her wedding bands from Ice.com.
All you need to do is head to the David’s Bridal webstie, upload a picture of you and your fiance and tell your story!
Garden weddings have become more and more popular in recent years. For couples who love the outdoors, it is simply the perfect opportunity to add a memorable backdrop to your wedding.
When planning a garden wedding, you should incorporate the garden theme into all aspects of the wedding from the decorations to the menu. What you want to have in mind is a classic garden picnic – but on a larger scale.
For tables, consider using large round tables that seat up to ten people. Each table should have an umbrella. The umbrellas should be light in color for fresh and lively appeal. For centerpieces, you can make a decoration that includes both flowers and fruits. To carry the flowers and fruits, consider using something you might find in a garden like a fruit basket or a straw hat. Look for locally grown fruits and flowers.
The food at a garden wedding should be light. Sandwiches, vegetarian dishes, pasta salads and fruit salads work well with a garden wedding. A wedding cake topped with strawberries will match the scenery. In terms of drinks, you should consider having fresh squeezed lemonade, sweet tea and exotic fruit juices to go along with alcohol beverages such as wine spritzers and raspberry martinis.
For music, you should keep it light and bubbly. A single harpist would be appropriate during the ceremony. For the reception, find a DJ or band that has an expertise with light jazz music that will blend into the background.
Throughout your wedding, don’t be afraid to add as many plants and flowers as you wish. If there are trees to work with at your location, use the trees as natural shade for your wedding party. Trees can also double as built in decorations. If you are using many potted plants and other floral arrangements, after the wedding is over you can donate them to a local retirement home, hospital patients or another organization.
The best wedding favors are seeds or bulbs. Truly Wedding Favors offers these plantable wildflower hearts that are just perfect. These heart shaped, plantable seed packets are available in a choice of pink, lavender, sage green, blue and white. You can slip in a handwritten note to each guest inside the envelope for a personal touch.
When selecting attire for a garden wedding, the bride should wear a more simple wedding gown than for a church wedding. Some brides are even wearing short wedding dresses for outdoor weddings these days.
The groom and his groomsmen should wear light colored suits in linen, beige, grey or green. The bridesmaids should dress accordingly – shorter bridesmaids dresses in light airy fabrics.
For all the women, including the bride, skip the stilettos which can easily sink into the ground. Instead wear ballet flats or chunky heels.
The most important aspect is to have fun with your wedding and enjoy the beauty of our green earth.
If you register on the Alfred Angelo website, you will be entered into a monthly drawing for a free wedding gown or four free bridesmaid dresses.
Additionally by signing up, you also get on their list for exclusive events, special offers and the Alfred Angelo email newsletter. Check out AlfredAngelo.com for more details.
I love Alfred Angelo bridesmaid gowns because your bridesmaids will be able to wear them long after your wedding day. These dresses can be worn to a work party, graduation dinner or a special date.
One of my favorites is the gown pictured here. This satin cocktail length dress is available in 55 fabulous colors in sizes 2 to 28. And this dress is priced nicely at under $150.
Check out the Alfred Angelo full collection of bridal gowns, bridesmaid dress, flower girl dresses and more.
On your wedding day, you will be on your feet for a long, long time. Wedding day activities usually start very early in the morning and last well into the night. You don’t want your feet to ache all day, therefore it’s imperative to have a great pair of bridal shoes.
Consider the location of your wedding. For garden and beach weddings, stilettos probably are the best idea. Choose chunkier heels or flats.
You don’t need to stick to white. Metallic sandals are a trendy option. You can also select bridal shoes that are trimmed with rhinestones, gemstones and embellishments.
Here are some top choices in bridal shoes in various price ranges.
Filippa Scott Helena Bridal Shoes
These beautiful designer bridal shoes come with a big price tag – over $300. The white silk satin pump is dyeable, so you can probably change the color and wear them after your wedding day. However, as with any high dollar shoe purchase, make sure you are going to wear them more than once before buying.
Nina Cason Simple sandal with crystal square
If you really want to wear a high heel, these bridal shoes are a great choice. These silver shoes feature a simple silhouette that is accented with glitzy crystals and a thin ankle strap. At $79.95, they are very reasonable priced.
Coloriffics Ballet Flats
These ballet flats are all about comfort. They feature a very simple design, a flat heel and a sueded sole. These shoes are only $25.20, so you really can’t go wrong.
Do you want to add some red carpet glamour to your wedding day? Shannon Nelson at Pierce Mattie Public Relations says that many brides are extending the definition of “something borrowed.”
From Shannon: “Renting a tux is no longer the only thing that is being borrowed for the big day; brides are also taking part in this wedding tradition, but in a whole new way. Just as celebrities don borrowed jewelry and other items for their walk down the red carpet, brides are seeking out retailers who also have a rental option available for their accessory needs. Bag Borrow or Steal is one such retailer that allows jewelry rental from such names as Vera Wang, Miriam Haskell and Chanel to handbags from Rafe New York and Badgley Mischka for as little as $10 a week.”
When wearing glitzy jewelry, it’s essential to wear your hair in an equally glamorous up do. In this video, Joe Carol’s Tolga Ackay creates a gorgeous up do with lots of height and style. He places rose petals into the hair and adds a wonderful tiara.
Throughout your wedding, don’t be afraid to add as many plants and flowers as you wish. If there are trees to work with at your location, use the trees as natural shade for your wedding party. Trees can also double as built in decorations. If you are using many potted plants and other floral arrangements, after the wedding is over you can donate them to a local retirement home, hospital patients or another organization.
If you register on the 
On your wedding day, you will be on your feet for a long, long time. Wedding day activities usually start very early in the morning and last well into the night. You don’t want your feet to ache all day, therefore it’s imperative to have a great pair of bridal shoes.