Unique Wedding Centerpiece Idea

Web Site Find
I'm loving this alternative idea for either bridal shower or wedding centerpieces - it's a centerpiece and favor combo in one. (Thank you mom for bringing this site to my attention) The company is Florelle™ and they offer bouquets made up of candy-filled wands that each guest at your table can take home. They offer centerpieces for tables of 8, 9, 10, and 12. You select the colors, gourmet candy filling of choice (ex. sugar coated almonds, after dinner mints, sweet heart candies, etc), the size of the wand, and if you wish to, you can personalize the favors with the name and date of your event.

This idea is so clever. And, flowers can still be incorporated into the favor centerpieces if desired. There are over 40 colors to select from and you can have your centerpiece be comprised of one or more colors. There is sure to be a color that will match your event. To speak with a Florelle™ designer, you can call toll-free 1-800-768-7116 or 1-800-746-0429.

Has anybody used this type of centerpiece before? What are doing for your bridal shower or wedding centerpiece arrangements? I'd love to hear your ideas on unique centerpieces.

The Event Essentials

Web Site Find
The Event Essentials had just launched phase 1 of their new website - and it's beautiful. The Event Essentials, with Kim McDowell as the master designer/planner, is a planning and design boutique that offers gorgeous designer stationery pieces with personalized touches. They "will take any event from simple to spectacular from the first to the last impression". They offer designer invitations, distinct event planning and decorative accessories. And their event planning packages have the cutest names: Cubic Zirconia (getting started), One Carat Round (day of director), Two Carat Princess (event designer), Three Carat Radiant (coordinate & design), Four Carat Marquise (full planning), and Loose Diamonds (a la carte).

My personal favorite? The designer invitations with swarovski rhinestones. Who doesn't love a little extra bling? You can also select other types of embellishments such as ribbon or even scents.

With each of the designer invitations, you can select coordinating collection pieces that might include: reply cards, information cards, reception cards, dining cards, place cards, favor tags, table numbers, save the dates, favor tags, programs, and thank you notes.

My favorite part of the site? On the individual invitation pages, there are recommended accessories to keep your theme consistent (seen underneath each of the invitation collection's detailed photos). The accessories are amazing and truly do coordinate with the invitation collections.

PS: The Event Essentials also offers pre-designed or custom designed monograms and couples logos. {see the elegant designs here}

PSS: Looking for even more bling? Come see our online store the Rhinestone Bridal Apparel collection)

Blue and White Summer Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Color Palette: Indigo and White

The following inspiration board I've put together would be perfect for a summer wedding - particularly a seaside affair.
Image Credits and Shopping Resources:
Blue Sailboat Tea Light Holders from Beau-coup, candy table display from Brides.com, Letterpress Wedding Invitation from Wedding Paper Divas, Onda de Mar Mini-Comb from Pavoreal's etsy shop, Blueberry Hill Cupcakes with recipe from epicurious.com, Coastal Wedding Cake from Brides.com, Dress from Chadwicks on Brides.com, Tate Jeweled Shoe with steel diamante heel from Dikuza, Floral Bouquet from Brides.com

It's all about the bride's shoes

Last week I spotlighted photographers creative displays of wedding bands. Today I wanted to showcase some stunning detail shots of the brides shoes taken by talented photographers. Enjoy!
Image Credits:
White Shoes (top left and right) and Green Shoes: Amy Squires
Strappy Shoes: Elizabeth Medina Photography
Gold Shoes: Jennifer Skog Photography
Pink Shoes and Flip Flops: Emilie Inc. Photography
White Shoes (bottom): Eau Claire Photographics

A Small Wedding Cake to Save Money

Weekly Wedding Tip
brought to you by bridalguide.com
"Have your cake. and save money too, by ordering a smaller cake for display and for you to cut the first slice. Then supplement that with less ornately decorated sheet cakes of the same flavor and icing, to be cut and served from the kitchen."

I've noticed that having smaller wedding cakes at receptions has become a growing trend for brides who want to cut down on some of their expenses. An added benefit of having the sheet cake is that the slices can be pre-cut and ready to serve as soon as the cutting cake is removed from display. No need for your guests to wait while the display cake is cut.

Another cost saving option is to serve a dessert bar to your guests and offer coffee and tea along with several small wedding cakes and maybe some cupcakes instead of a larger cake or purchasing a sheet cake.

Do you plan to have a smaller wedding cake and then serve your guests slices from a sheet cake?

Image Credits: (all from flickr galleries)
Top Left: Amy Sandoval Photography
Top Right: Kylie Lambert of Le Cupcake
Bottom: Amanda Leamons

Black and White Favors

On Monday I featured a black and white damask wedding inspiration board. Today, I decided to keep with that color theme and showcase several unique wedding favors that you could either use with damask weddings or other events.

Shopping Resources: (top to bottom, left to right)
• "Timeless Traditions" Elegant Black & White Glass Photo Coasters
• Monogram Wedding Pillow Candy Favor
• Hugs & Kisses From Mr. and Mrs.! Scented Soaps
• Satin Bow + White Circular Label with Color Dotted Border Favor Kit
• Silver Plated Make Up Mirrors
• Personalized Mint Tin - Black Toile
• Elegant Black & White Crystals Flower Candle Holder
• Flourish Favor Boxes

Thank You Wedding Chicks!

Our cookie collection is featured on the Wedding Chicks blog today!

Here's what Amy and Jocey had to say:
"Check out this darling Wedding Cookie Collection available at Best Wedding Sites! These wedding cookies make super cute and tasty favors. Edible favors are always a hit at weddings, and now you can even personalize your cookies. So often we find that non-edible favors are left behind on the table. I can’t imagine anyone leaving these delicious cookies behind! This cookie collection renages in price from $5-$7 each. Each cookie favor is packaged in a high quality cellophane bag with twist tie and satin ribbon. (No work for you - yay cookies!) These cookies have a shelf life of eight to ten weeks and are shipped direct from the baker to ensure freshness. You just have to check out Best Wedding Sites for the very latest cookie designs in the exclusive collection that have just been released!"

Thank you Amy and Jocey for a lovely presentation and write up.
You made my day!

Note: The above is post 1 of 2 for today July 23rd. The 2nd post follows. I just wanted to let you know as I typically only post once a day and wanted to make sure you saw both entries.

Love Collection Debuts from Enzoani

Yesterday I received a press release from Enzoani (known for its high-quality and affordable designs) that announced the launch of its 2009 Enzoani and Blue by Enzoani bridal collections, as well as the worldwide debut of the Love Collection.

From the press release:
"The Enzoani Love Collection featured colorful and modern pieces to perfectly compliment both the, Enzoani and Blue by Enzoani bridal collections. Unlike your typical bridesmaid frock, Enzoani specifically designed the new line "...with a color palate that is stylish for all occasions..." not just for a loved one's wedding day, but by making each piece one that can be worn to a multitude of events for years to come. After receiving rave reviews from Buyers, Retailers and the like, Enzoani has certainly ensured that the Love Collection will indeed surpass its initial debut season expectations.

Established in 2005 and based in Southern California, Enzoani has quickly gained notoriety as a premier bridal fashion house by providing its clientele with modern couture pieces but for a fraction of the cost."

For more information, please visit:
Enzoani and Blue by Enzoani or you can call 866-Enzoani.

Creative Displays of Wedding Bands

I am loving how photographers are choosing to spotlight the bride and groom's wedding bands, or even just the bride's engagement ring. The displays can be so creative - here's some of the ones I've seen recently and had to share with you. If you come across any others, please leave a comment with a link to the image.

Image Credits:
Top Row: Jon Koch Photography {found via Southern Weddings}
2nd Row: Left: Elizabeth Medina {hand made magnets with the birth year symbol from the Mayan calendar}, Right: Southern Weddings
3rd Row: Left: Southern Weddings, Right: Amy Squires
4th Row: Left: Emilie Inc. Photography, Right: Jon Koch Photography

Damask Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Color Palette: Black and White (or Cream)
Motif: Damask
Today I decided to put together a black and white inspiration board with a damask theme - I've kept the board to just black and white as you can easily add any color to be the accent. But, be careful to not overdue the damask - not everything has to have the damask pattern on it. For example, I wouldn't pair the damask dinnerware set on top of the damask table runner. If using the dishes, I would have the table runner be a solid of the chosen accent color. If you use a solid color table runner, the Damask Table Cards from The White Aisle would look wonderful on each table. (thank you to Teresa of The Homestead blog for the table setting photo)

The Black Damask Wedding Invitation Set from Social Circles is absolutely beautiful and the bow matches the one that's on the back of the Blue by Enzoani wedding dress (image courtesy of Brides.com) If you are looking for a wedding invitation that pairs well with the damask theme, but doesn't have the pattern, you might want to consider the Falling Petals Wedding Invitations from Wedding Paper Divas. The Damask Wedding Ring Bearer Pillow from Chubby Monkey pairs well with both the invitation and wedding dress. At the Chubby Monkey shop, you can also find Mint Matchbook Style Party Favors in Damask (not shown).

For your bridesmaids, the Victorian Damask Acrylic Heart Necklace from Heatherly Designs would be a wonderful gift and one they could wear the day of the wedding with their Kimba Travel Dress from White House Market.

The Damask 16 piece Dinnerware Set from Target is a perfect registry item or, if the budget allows and the bridal shower is kept to a small number of guests, why not purchase this dinnerware to serve food in at the shower? Then, the bride can keep the dishes for use after the wedding. For a truly amazing damask bridal shower in black, white and green, please check out Jennifer Skog's blog - she's a talented photographer in Northern California and the bridal shower shown was her very own.

For favors, I selected to show the Simple Sophistication Favor Kit from My Wedding Favors to show that it doesn't have to have the damask pattern on it to fit in with the overall theme. This favor box is elegant and features a monogrammed circle seal with gold dot border.

Is anybody having black and white wedding? A damask wedding? Has any photographer or wedding planner worked with a bride and groom on a wedding with this particular theme or colors? Please email me at brenda{at}bestweddingsites{dot}com to have your wedding featured here.

And lastly, here are a few additional items I found that I just didn't have room to fit in the inspiration board:
Black and white pattern cake from Pink Cake Box
Personalized Mint Tin from My Wedding Favors
Damask Mint Tins from Wedding Things

Your Photographer and Location Site

Weekly Wedding Tip
brought to you by bridalguide.com
"Ask your photographer to visit your ceremony and reception sites in advance so she's familiar with the space and lighting needs."

I think this is a great tip and maybe your photographer has even been to your location site for a previous wedding. While at the NJ Wedding Salon recently - I was at a photographers booth and a newly engaged couple came up and asked if he was familiar with a particular reception site. He was and even starting suggesting the best places for some great shots. If your photographer has already been there, you might even be able to see some of those photos if they have them in their portfolio. Has your photographer been to your location site for a previous wedding? Or will you be asking them to visit the site to familiarize themselves with the location?

Image Credit: (isn't this one of the cutest ideas for a pic?)
Alter Image Studio (found via their flickr gallery)

Best Movie Weddings

I wanted to share with you the "Best Wedding Movies" from Yahoo! Movies that was determined by their expert staff. Is your favorite wedding movie featured? Is there another one that you would have liked to have seen in the list?

A Brand New Cookie Favor Collection

I am so thrilled to announce that we have just added 6 new exclusive cookie favors to our current collection. These cookies are just under 4" in diameter and some of them can be personalized.

I was so excited when the sample box arrived from our baker, I couldn't wait to see what they looked like. And, as usual, I'm so happy with the perfectionism of my baker(s). They did a wonderful job.

What do you think of the cookies? Here's the direct link to each of the cookies for further information and more photos.

Asian Love Cookie Favors
Wedding Cake Cookie Favors
Snowflake Cookie Favors
Flip Flop Cookie Favors
High Heel Shoe Cookie Favors (Striped)
High Heel Shoe Cookie Favors (with Hearts)

Other cookies in our exclusive collection can be seen here

Vignette Wine Country Soda

My introduction to Vignette Wine Country Soda was in the brand new issue of Modern Bride that I received in the mail today. I wanted to share it with you as I thought the soda would be perfect for upcoming summer bridal showers and weddings. It's a wine inspired drink that is naturally sweetened with the juice of California varietal wine grapes. It is all natural and non-alcoholic. Plus, it's caffeine free, lightly carbonated and does not contain any high fructose corn syrup or preservatives and has no added sugar or preservatives.

The flavors include: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Rosé.

I saw on the web site that you can purchase Vignette Wine Country Soda online at www.hellodelicious.com. Just curious, has anybody had the opportunity to try this soda?

Wedding Giveaway: Wedding Goddess

My first giveaway is here!
I have 2 autographed copies of Wedding Goddess: a Guide to Transforming Wedding Stress into Wedding Bliss to give away. This book is written by Laurie Sue Brockway - Please complete the following form for your chance to win a copy - there will be 2 lucky winners announced on Friday August 1st. About the book Wedding Goddess:
From creating personalized rituals and vows to throwing a bridal shower fit for a goddess, Laurie Sue reveals the secrets to radiating confidence and beauty while planning for that special day. And because a goddess never forgets about her groom, this book includes sage advice on staying connected through the craziness. With creative ideas and inspirational suggestions, every bride can transform wedding stress into wedding bliss.

About the author:
Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway is a leading interfaith and non-denominational wedding officiant, and a widely recognized expert on blended marriages and bridal stress. She reguarly presides over interfaith weddings.

You can visit Rev. Laurie Sue's web sites here:
Wedding Goddess Wisdom® | Wedding Goddess | Wed Lok

The contest is now closed.

Lemon Yellow Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Color Palette: Yellow
Motif: Lemons
My inspiration for this board began with the photo of the bride and groom behind the lemon yellow parasol (photo taken by Hollye Schumacher Photography). This board could easily be used for a bridal shower or wedding. The citrus centerpiece (courtesy of Martha Stewart) features lemons and grapefruits in a glass compote with a menu card on display. This would be the ideal tabletop display for summer weddings. The bouquet (from BHG.com) features garden roses and berzillia berries. The Palm Springs invitation suite is from Kenzie Kate Invitations and features a bright yellow and sleek silver design with timeless graphic patterns and delicate line work. The Lemon Cupcake courtesy of bumbleberry cakes. There's also a great recipe for lemon bars on Niki's site with beautiful photos (they would be perfect for a bridal shower dessert).

Who tackles which wedding chore?

Weekly Wedding Tip
brought to you by bridalguide.com
"Divide and conquer: Whenever possible, divvy up the wedding chores according to your interests and expertise. If your fiance is a gourmet cook, let him take over picking the caterer. If you're a crack negotiator, you take charge of vendor contracts."

For my own wedding nearly 6 years ago, my husband planned and booked our honeymoon. I knew where we were going and he would show me places where we could stay, but he did all the calling and making of reservations. For the wedding itself - I dealt with the florist and for the other vendors, we were both involved.

How is your wedding chore list being tackled?

Above Image Credit:
Karen's flickr gallery from French Kiss Pastries in the Philippines

Sarah Houston's Couture Collection

I've been in touch with Kim from Sarah-Houston.com and found out that after much success with her maternity line of wedding gowns, Sarah Houston has created a couture line which now includes 25 wedding dresses. Fifteen of which are brand new and just being launched in the US and Europe in Sept/Oct of this year. From her web site: "Sarah's gowns combine timeless romanticism with enduring elegance". The above images are a peek at some of the dresses from the couture collection. You can see more of the dresses at Sarah-Houston.com. Sarah Houston's wedding dresses can be found in stores in the US, Canada, UK and Europe.

A few quick updates . . .

Voting ends today . . .
Just a reminder that voting for my fuchsia pink and bright orange color palette/inspiration board I submitted to the contest at Style Me Pretty ends today at midnight. If you haven't voted already - please click here to vote for my color board. You just need to type in the word "VOTE" in the comments under the post. A BIG thank you to everyone who has already voted!

My photo is featured on The Bliss Blog . . .
Just noticed this today (thanks to my google alerts): a photo that I personally took while attending the NY Wedding Salon was featured yesterday as part of their vintage inspired southern wedding inspiration board. You can see this photo and others in the Table Setting Photo Gallery of Best Wedding Sites.

Peggy Porschen Cakes

Web Site Find
I came across the web site for Peggy Porschen Cakes the other day and just had to share it with you. She is based in London, and her site is filled with delightful edible eye candy. The site design is simple and elegant. I know you will have fun browsing thru the sections. And one of my favorite parts of the site? . . . When you mouse over most of the wedding cake images, you can see the amazing detail work. (don't forget to use the arrows under the row of images to see more)

Images as shown (from left to right):
Top Row: Ruffle Rose Cupcakes, Boxed Miniature Wedding Cake, Buds in May Wedding Cake
Bottom Row: Peony Wedding Cake close-up, Aqua Roses Wedding Cake (plus close-up)

Peggy's Site Photography by Georgia Glynn Smith

Peggy and her photographer have also published 2 books which you might enjoy:
Pretty Party Cakes - Sweet and stylish cookies and cakes for all occasions
Romantic Cakes - Cookies And Cakes To Celebrate Love

Please vote for my color board

I'm so excited, the fuchsia pink and bright orange color palette/inspiration board I submitted to the contest at Style Me Pretty is a finalist!!! I would be honored if you would be so kind and vote for my color board. You simply have to write the word "VOTE" in the comments section under my featured color board.

Click Here to vote for my color board.

Voting ends at midnight on Thursday, July 10th. Thank you in advance to all who vote for my board.

A new Father/Daughter Dance Song

I want to share with you a brand new original Father/Daughter dance song that's just been released called Daddy's Angel. Both the words and music are by the amazingly talented Anthony W. Carter of T Carter Music (Tony was previously featured in my blog for his wedding ceremony and reception music).

You can purchase the Daddy's Angel song on the T Carter Music web site. Also on the site is a music player with an acoustic version of the song as well as the lyrics. The words are so beautiful, you will probably want to have a tissue on hand because you might get tears in your eyes when you listen to the song. Click the play button below to hear the song and see the video clip:

Aqua and Red Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
In honor of the 4th of July weekend, I wanted to create an inspiration board with the popular aqua color paired with red. Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.

Image Credits: Dress from David's Bridal, Wedding Cake with Hydrangeas from Patricia's Cake Creations, Rose Bouquet from rpslee's flickr photo gallery, Vintage Damask Wedding Invitation from Wedding Paper Divas, Mini Aqua Blue Favor Boxes from the Best Wedding Sites Store, Satin Pumps from Zappos.com, Wedding Programs courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

my m&m's - personalized candies

At the NJ Wedding Salon I was able to meet with Deanna from M&M'S and discuss the new feature now available for MyM&M'S Brand Candies. Along with the already popular customized M&M'S where you can add your own personalized message on the candies, you can now add faces from a digital photo. What a perfect personalized favor idea. You can choose from 22 different colors of M&M'S to match your party theme. Add in faces of the bride and groom along with your own messages and you have a treat your guests will love. Plus, it creates a great conversation piece at the guest table. It's also a great idea for your guests welcome baskets. The MYMMS.com web site is set up so you can see the custom messages on the candies as you create them as well as purchasing the complete favor with packaging if desired. And, there's also tips for making your photo M&M'S® look great.

Below are links to additional ideas for personalizing M&M'S with messages and photos:
Save the Date
Bridal Shower
Rehearsal Dinner
Reception
Bridal Party Gifts

And, from MyDove® Chocolates - you can now add your message inside of the Dove® foil wrapper on . Creative message ideas from their site include:
"Erica and John Married on October 12"
"Thank you for sharing in our special day!"
"A match made in heaven!"
"Jennifer's shower July 20, 2011"

Image Credits:
Top row: MYMMS.com
Bottom photo: my own digital pic I took of the show's display

Vera Wang Gowns . . . the favorite is revealed

On Monday I asked which Vera Wang gown was the favorite from the exclusive fashion show at the NJ Wedding Salon, and the winner was #4 with #15 being the runner-up. You can see the choices again here.

I had promised to show the backs of the dresses, so here are some of them that I have pictures of. (the numbers relate to the Vera Wang gowns from Monday's post)

Above Photos of Dress #6 and #5
Above Photos of Dress #4 and #7
Above Photos of Dress #9 and #14
Above Photos of Dress #8 and #13

Wedding Details

The week continues with more from the NJ Wedding Salon - here's a few of my favorite detailed photos I took while at the show...
Glass votive holders hanging from tree branches were the centerpiece for the escort card table upon entrance created by A Touch of Elegance. Below is another view of the amazing display. Pink beaded napkin ring holder with edge of beaded plate from Select Event Rentals. Close-up of Vera Wang wedding gown modeled at exclusive fashion show. Customized napkin ring from Boxwood Linen.