Hiring a Wedding Planner

Weekly Wedding Tip
brought to you by bridalguide.com
Above Image Credits: Event Expressions
(Tara and her team specialize in the creation of celebrations that are unique, personalized, and elegant.)

"Though hiring a wedding consultant may seem like an expensive indulgence, a professional who's clued in to the bridal business is better equipped to get you the best prices and deals."

With the wedding planning business rapidly growing, I'm almost certain you would be able to find a planner easily in your area that fits within your budget. Plus, hiring a wedding planner helps take a lot of the pressure and stress off of you, so you can have fun planning your wedding. (and, sometimes you might be able to find an officiant/Justice of the Peace who is also a wedding planner)

Did you hire a wedding planner or do you plan on having one?

today is Nie Nie Day

While this isn't a wedding related post, I wanted to pass along some information to you. As you know, one blog connects you to another blog and in return, you meet new people. Well, today, Kathryn at Snippet and Ink did just that for me and it touched my heart, so I wanted to share.
Fellow blogger Stephanie Nielson of Nie Nie Dialogues, was in a private plane crash on August 16th with her husband and both are currently being treated for serious injuries and burns. Gabrielle at Design Mom has dedicated today (Thursday) to be Nie Nie Day and has organized over 200 bloggers to host silent auctions. The proceeds from the auctions will go directly to the Stephanie and Christian PayPal Fund to help cover the medical costs, the care of the 4 young children, and general household expenses as they recover. The list of items available at the auction can be seen here. Direct donations can be made here.

Here's a couple more links to keep fellow bloggers updated on the Nie's Recovery:
from Stepanie's sister c jane and from Stephanie's dear friends, Reachel and Lyndsay

Personalized Wine Bottles for your Wedding

A discount coupon code is below for my readers . . .
Whether you opt to give your guests bottles of wine as take home gifts or you choose to serve wine at your wedding - why not personalize the wine bottles? At Personal Wine - you can select from an international selection of wines to place your custom label on. You can choose from existing label designs or upload a label design of your very own.

All the wines available can be seen here (red, white, champagne, blush, mini bottles and packages). You can then add the wine(s) to your basket, design your labels and then checkout.

And, for the readers of my blog - Personal Wine is offering 25% off the subtotal of any order with coupon code: MPLN03 (offer expires on September 31st, 2008) {thank you Alex for this great discount}

JLM Couture Fall 2008 Bridesmaid Collection

Yesterday, I wrote about the release of the Fall 2008 JLM Couture Bridal Collection, today I wanted to showcase some of the bridesmaids dresses in the Fall 2008 collection from Jim Hjelm Occasions, Lazaro and Alvina Valenta.
The Jim Hjelm Occasions bridesmaid collection, designed by Francesca Pitera, features "away from the body" silhouettes and a new tissue taffeta fabric that Francesca feels is a wonderful light weight fabric and drapes beautifully.
The Alvina Valenta bridesmaid collection by Victoria McMillan features beautiful designs for every figure, from graceful, soft fluted gowns with halter necklines to chic tea-length dresses accented with feminine bows.
Lazaro has carried his art-deco inspiration over to the bridesmaids, and this collection features sophisticated silhouettes, beautiful embellishments, and airy fabrics.

JLM Couture Fall 2008 Bridal Collection

JLM Couture Bridal and Bridesmaids consists of Tara Keely, Lazaro, Alvina Valenta, Jim Hjelm and Occasions. I've just received press releases and photos from each of these designers on the release of their Fall 2008 collection and had to share with you some of the dresses from each. Today I will feature the bridal collections from each designer. Check back tomorrow to see the new bridesmaids dresses for Fall 2008.
The Jim Hjelm Bridal and Jim Hjelm Occasions collections are designed by Francesca Pitera. This season, Francesca introduced a beautiful re-embroidered Chantilly lace and a hammered silk charmeuse. Francesca says the Chantilly lace gives the gowns a "romantic and vintage mood". She is also know for her unique detailing and feels that details are important because they "add unique and special touches to the gowns".
Designer Eric Woo's Fall 2008 collection for Tara Keely is a modern interpretation of old Hollywood Glamour. This collection, named "Modern Glamour" incorporates new fabrics, colors, and back details to give the collection an updated and fresh look.
Inspired by the art deco era, Lazaro seamlessly combines streamlined silhouettes with his signature Spanish embroidery in the Fall 2008 collection. Something very unique, is that several of Lazaro's gowns feature a removable lace overlay that reveals a stunning silk charmeuse gown underneath, providing versatility for the after-party.
Designer Victoria McMillan of Alvina Valenta's Fall 2008 collection features her signature romantic details and ultra-feminine silhouettes. Victoria has incorporated a range of unique necklines such as softly scooped, a variation on the traditional halter and a daring off-the-shoulder style.

Fuchsia and Navy Blue Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Colors: Raspberry Pink and Navy Blue
Motif: Raspberries and Blueberries
On Friday - Kim {from The Event Essentials blog} posted about fuschia and navy weddings as she is now a matron of honor for her dear friend who wants a blue or deep purple and the fiancé wants a raspberry pink color. She posed a question wondering if anyone would help her create some fun color palettes with the magenta/raspberry/fuchsia pinks and aqua/navy blue scheme. So, here we are. This is my inspiration board for the wedding and the more I thought about it, I realized why not actually incorporate raspberries and blueberries into the overall theme. I absolutely love the bright pink centerpiece arrangement {from Table Settings with Pictures}. Adding candles that float atop blueberry filled cylinders with small galvanized pails that are filled with fresh blueberries would complete the table setting. The perfect favor for your wedding guests would be homemade raspberry jam. Add your guest names to the lid and you have both a personalized favor and place card. {favor image from Martha Stewart, the recipe for Red Raspberry Jam is also available on her site} The navy and pink wedding invitation from Custom Programs is the ideal invitation to introduce your color scheme to guests. The wedding dress {from David's Bridal} features a ribbon waist accent (in your choice of colors) and comes with sleeve options (if desired). The bridesmaid dress is a crinkled chiffon A-line frock with a ruffled halter neckline and a navy sash from Alvina Valenta. The finishing element for those who wish to serve their guests an alternative to the wedding cake is a Very Berry Cupcake {from Ana Henneberke's flickr gallery}.

Additional Images:
Floral Bouquet from Amy Squires and others from Brides.com

Destination Weddings in Las Vegas

I've received an email from Kellyann regarding destination weddings in Las Vegas that contained an amazing statistic. According to her email, "destination weddings are more popular than ever with getaway ceremonies up 400 percent in the last two years alone". Wow!

The email was about the resorts of MGM Mirage offering the opportunity for brides and grooms to tie the knot in 4 distinctly unforgettable ways. The press release follows (which one is your style?):

Number 1: Those with a courageous spirit can exchange vows underneath the shark tunnel inside Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef Aquarium as sharks and other dangerous predators float by. The Shark Reef Ceremony, priced at $1,175.00, features 45 minutes inside the aquarium complete with a private pianist, photographer, bride's petite bouquet, groom's boutonniere, bridal garter, personalized wedding album, custom wedding certificate holder and a bottle of champagne. Designed like an ancient temple slowly sinking into the ocean, Shark Reef Aquarium is 95,574 square feet and holds 1.6 million gallons of water, featuring 16 different species of sharks and more than 2,000 animals. With a maximum of 10 guests, Shark Reef is perfect for those couples with a small but intimate and memorable ceremony in mind. For reservations, contact the wedding chapel at Mandalay Bay at 877-632-7701 or weddings@mandalaybay.com.

Number 2: The hotel that introduced the concept of the destination resort to Las Vegas invites guests to wed amidst its lush tropical beauty. The new wedding packages of The Mirage - "Simply Elegant," "Exotic Delights" and "The Sophisticate" - offer romantic ceremonies in a stunning poolside location or within a private indoor venue. Priced at $1,900, $1,950 and $2,100 respectively, packages offer brides three distinct styles of spectacular floral arrangements. An officiant, bouquet for the bride and boutonnière for the groom also are included. The talented chefs of The Mirage also are available to create delectable menus and wedding cakes for the perfect reception bash. For reservations, contact Chantay Sandoval in The Mirage Banquet Services Department at 800-939-9389 or via e-mail at csandoval@mirage.com.

Number 3: The "Wedding a la Carte" Menu at Treasure Island offers couples a budget-friendly way to personalize their ceremony. Starting at just $200 for a 15-minute union complete with a non-denominational minister and traditional music, the "Wedding a la Carte" menu features a variety of options to create a customizable experience. Couples looking for a traditional wedding with keepsakes, bridal bouquet and a DVD of the ceremony will be just as satisfied as those seeking a more luxurious package with his and her robes, a bottle of bubbly and a suite in which to celebrate. For reservations, contact The Wedding Chapels at Treasure Island at 888-818-0999.

Number 4: At Mandalay Bay, engaged couples are invited to say "I do" in the luxurious Villas Soleil of Mandalay Bay Beach. The "Sun Villa" Package features a 15-minute ceremony and full use of the indulgent cabana for the rest of the day including a $200 food and beverage credit. Additional amenities include Coconut Crème Pedicures at Spa Mandalay for the happy couple, a large bouquet for the bride, a boutonnière for the groom, one night in a honeymoon suite and a DVD of the ceremony. Couples also receive twelve 4x6 photographs presented in a beautiful album as well as two 8x10 and six 5x7 images. Priced at $4,350, the Sun Villa Package is available Sunday through Thursday only. Guests are limited to a maximum of 25 attendees. Each must be 21 years of age or older. For reservations, contact the wedding chapel at Mandalay Bay at 877-632-7701 or weddings@mandalaybay.com.

PS - please look for the weekly BridalGuide.com tip to return next week.

Giveaways . . .

Just a reminder about our monthly wedding contests - we're giving away a pair of jeweled bridal shoes and a bridal tiara. If you haven't entered, here is our contest page. Both contests end on August 31st.

And Missy from the Isn't She Lovely blog let me know about her Most Unique DIY Project Contest she is holding for fun etsy prizes. Contest ends on August 27th. Prizes include a personalized monogram wedding dress label (perfect for your "something blue") and a personalized monogram.

more from yesterday's Real Wedding follows . . .

Real Wedding - Melissa and Chris - details

In yesterday's post, I showcased the wedding of Melissa and Chris in Costa Rica - today I wanted to share some of my favorite detail shots with you. {photographs taken by Richard May Photography and the wedding was planned by Larissa of Weddings Costa Rica}.

Interested in having your Real Wedding featured?
{Brides and Vendors welcome}
Please email me for information:
brenda{at}bestweddingsites{dot}com

{clicking on an image will show you a larger version}
I love how the earrings on the bride's attendant resemble the damask pattern that was carried out throughout the reception.

Real Wedding - Melissa and Chris in Costa Rica

Thank you again to Larissa of Weddings Costa Rica and Richard May Photography for sending me photos from another wonderful wedding to feature this week. Check back tomorrow to see some more photos from this wedding.

About the Wedding {from Larissa, the wedding planner}:
Melissa's entire décor scheme was inspired by a dress she wore to her engagement party – a black & white damask print with a fuschia belt. We used handmade paper with flocked damask print for the candles with fuschia and black table linens. Even the cake had a black and white damask design out of icing.

The beach décor was a 'piece de resistance' - a bamboo 'T' structure with fuschia fabric swagged. Then we had balls of hyndrangeas and chains of white dendrobium orchids strung from above. Arrangements of white gladiolas, leaves and stems of white dendrobium orchids highlighted the poles' bases and cross beams.

Note: You can view Melissa and Chris' entire wedding album here




See previous Real Weddings

Related Posts:
Damask Weddings Inspiration Board
Black and White Favors

save the date, save the trees

web site find
I recently received a comment on my Eco-Friendly Wedding Invitations post that introduced me to a "green wedding" etsy shop. It's called Save the Date * Save the Trees. The shop sells digital Save the Dates. I think this is an absolutely brilliant idea and the shop is filled with lovely designs.

Not only are you saving money on stamps, you are saving yourself time and helping the earth by saving trees. You simply choose the layout you like, purchase that design, email your information and you approve a jpeg file. Then you are supplied with a digital save-the-date file that you then email to your guest list. You will actually receive 2 files - one for emailing {72 dpi} and one high-res file {300 dpi} for printing if your guest doesn't have an email or if they don't check their email often.

The digital save the date's are easy on your budget too at only $13.50 per design (summer sale designs are $11.50 each).

Red Leopard Bridal Shower

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Ideal for: Lingerie Themed Bridal Shower
Motif: Leopard Print

I came across the Red Leopard Style&co. "Jules" Slide from Macy's and loved them. From there, the inspiration for a red leopard bridal shower began (although this could easily be used for a bachelorette party too). The leopard handmade bodice sachets from Beau-Coup are the cutest. They could be used as either favors or used in centerpieces. Another idea for guest favors is the personalized Leopard Print Mint Tins from Wedding Favors Unlimited. The Leopard Print & Sparkly Shoe Cake is from the flickr gallery of Debbie Does Cakes. The Leopard Bridal Shower Invitation is from Angel Custom Creations and is only $1.35 each for smooth paper and $1.65 each for a linen finish. You customize the invitation with the wording of your choice. The Betsey Johnson Leopard Charm Bracelet from Macy's is a stylish accessory for the bride to either wear to the party with a red dress or as a themed shower gift. And lastly, the Leopard Nightie from Sleepy Heads with matching Leopard Cosmetic Bag set is a wonderful gift for the bride's honeymoon bag.

Another perfect invitation for a lingerie themed bridal shower (not shown) is the Leopard Print Bra and Panties Die Cut Invitations from Paper Style.

Brides and their Mother in Law

Weekly Wedding Tip
brought to you by bridalguide.com
"In developing your new relationship with your mother-in-law-to-be, find interests the two of you share and start building a friendship based on them. Love may come in time, but "like" is more important right now."

I'm going to need your input and advice on this tip as I was never able to meet my mother-in-law. She passed away when my husband was in his early teens, so the only "memories" I have of her are from photos my husband has shown me. In our church programs, we gave tribute to my husband's mom and all our friends and family that could not be with us on our special day.

Do you have any advice for brides that are developing a relationship with their future mother-in-law?

Ooops...

I came across this photo while browsing thru the blog of Todd Pellowe Weddings and just had to share it with you. The expressions on the bride and groom are priceless.
{thank you Southern Weddings for introducing me to yet another great wedding photographers blog}

Real Wedding - Ines and Stephen - the details

In yesterday's post, I showcased the wedding of Ines and Stephen in Costa Rica - today I wanted to share some of the detail shots with you. {photographs taken by Richard May Photography and the wedding was planned by Larissa of Weddings Costa Rica}.

Interested in having your Real Wedding featured?
Please email me for information:
brenda{at}bestweddingsites{dot}com

{clicking on an image will show you a larger version}

Real Wedding - Ines and Stephen in Costa Rica

Thank you to Larissa of Weddings Costa Rica and Richard May Photography for sending me photos from this beautiful wedding. Check back tomorrow for detail photos from this wedding.

This couple has the cutest story:
from Larissa, the wedding planner...
Ines and Stephen were married at the Marriott Los Suenos in Playa Herradura. They met a few years ago in nearby Jaco – he's from England and she's Costa Rican and neither spoke the other's language but they 'knew' soon as they saw each other. Countless emails, on-line translations and language lessons later, they were married in a mixed ceremony (she's Catholic, he's Jewish).

Note: If you would like to see the photos larger, you can view the entire wedding album here

I just love how lighting can completely change the colors and feel of the reception room.



Congratulations to Ines and Stephen!

Crumbs Bakeshop Customized Cupcake Tower

Last week I received an email from Melissa introducing me to the latest budget-friendly alternative to the traditional wedding cake that is now being offered by Crumbs Bakeshop {the originator of the gourmet cupcake}. It is the customized cupcake tower. This is a stylish option to serve to your guests - and as I'm sure some of my readers have noticed - I love cupcakes for weddings! You can almost always find a cupcake option/idea in my inspiration boards.

From Melissa:
"The gourmet cupcakes can be used to accessorize a traditional Crumbs cake, or the flavors can be combined to create a personalized cupcake tower of every couple's dreams – perhaps a cupcake tower comprised of the bride and groom's favorite childhood dessert flavors, such as "Twinkie" and "Hostess" cupcakes? The possibilities are endless, especially with 50 gourmet flavors to choose from."

You can choose from the following two tier sizes:
The 5 tier holds 30-35 large cupcakes
The 6 tier holds 40-45 large cupcakes

Crumbs Bakeshop has locations in New York and Los Angeles.
Anybody been to a Crumbs Bakeshop?

Strawberry and Lemon Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Color Palette: Red, Yellow and hints of Orange
Motif: Strawberries and Lemons

I love the idea of a strawberry/lemon theme for an outdoor summer or early fall wedding (could be used for a bridal shower too). Maybe instead of a cake or cupcakes for dessert, you might consider serving pies or strawberry shortcakes. It's something unexpected for your guests, but one I'm sure they will love.
Image Credits and Resources:
Berry Basket Favors from MarthaStewart.com {send your guests home with fresh strawberries and scones to enjoy the next morning}, Table Setting with gingham napkins from Brides.com, Citrus Centerpiece from Brides.com, Red Beaded Silk Chiffon Dress from Nordstrom, Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes from Deirdre Jean's flickr gallery, Polka Dot Chrysanthemum Wedding Invitation from Sutherland's flickr gallery, Red Crinkle Patent Leather High Heel from Zappos, Sweet & Refreshing Homemade Lemonade and Strawberry Daiquiri from Hostess Blog, Cultured Pearls Swarovski Fire Opal necklace {with earrings} from ynakeelady2's etsy shop

Monogram Contest at Event Essentials

Just wanted to let everyone know about the monogram contest Kimberly is holding on the Event Essentials blog. It started on 8/8/08 and there will be 8 winners announced this coming Friday (8/15). You can see the current inventory of monogram designs here. Good Luck.

Also - don't forget to enter our own wedding contests. We have a jeweled pair of bridal shoes and a tiara for our lucky winners this month.

Borrowed Wedding Decorations

Weekly Wedding Tip
brought to you by bridalguide.com
"If you're holding your reception in a hotel or restaurant, ask if they have decorations you could borrow to spruce things up, rather than spending extra for more flowers. They may already be beautifully decorated, especially between Thanksgiving and New Year's."

If you plan to be married in a church, you will probably be able to also take advantage of their decorations if marrying during the winter holiday season. It never hurts to ask because saving a bit of money on decorations will let you have a bit more towards something else you would really like for your wedding.

Is anybody planning to use decorations that are either already on display or ones that the venue has available?

Image Credits:
Left: Renaissance Zurich Hotel's flickr gallery
Right: Eastern Marriott's flickr gallery

My Wedding Labels - save 15%

My Own Labels is currently offering 15% off any purchase until August 31, 2008. Coupon Code: CPZ12A

I'm sure some of you have probably heard of My Own Labels, but if not, I wanted to show you some of my favorite ideas they showcase on their site. The designs (available in many different sizes and shapes) are eye-catching and completely customizable to your needs - all at affordable prices. On their site, you can find labels for all kinds of items (including wedding, food/craft, wine, cd, and more), favor tags, place cards, coasters, boxes and bags, and bottled water labels (with and without the actual bottle).
I love the ideas section - it's filled with sample labels, suggested phrases/sayings, and beautiful photos for helping you see what the finished product might look like.

PS: Don't forget to use coupon code CPZ12A and save 15% on your order thru August 31st.

Free Event for Brides

Last night I received an email from Danielle of On Location Professional Makeup Artistry and wanted to pass along the details about her free event she is holding this weekend. Please share this info with other bride-to-be's and your friends. Danielle and other professional artists that work for her will be there providing free trials for Brides and other guests. Sounds like a fun event.

Event: Skincare and Makeup Application
Date: Saturday, August 9th 12-7 pm
Location: Robert Jordan Salon
208 High St. Wakefield, Rhode Island 02879

Service will be free of charge. If you would like to attend, please call Danielle at 310-430-0117 or send an email to onlocationnyc{at}gmail{dot}com

Paper Lanterns at Weddings

I'm loving the look of paper lanterns at wedding receptions - particularly for outdoor weddings held under a tent after dark. The lighting they create is so romantic. Luna Bazaar recently joined our wedding directory and they offer paper lanterns in over 50 great colors to decorate your wedding with. Here are some inspiring photos from Luna Bazaar and other sources (credits below the montage). If you are having paper lanterns at your wedding, I'd love to hear about it.
Image Credits:
Top Left: Luna Bazaar
Top Right, Middle Row: Brides.com
Bottom Left: Marie Labbancz courtesy of Southern Weddings
Bottom Right: Sublime Photography courtesy of Southern Weddings

Wedding Trends for this Summer's 8/8/08

The other day I received a press release from comedienne and CEO of Bride's Night Out®, Pamela Yager. Pamela is considered the "Lucille Ball of bachelorette party planning". According to Pamela, "one of the foremost trends for this season is 8/8/08 weddings". I thought you would enjoy reading this, so below is an excerpt from the press release:

Bachelorette Party Planning Maven Reveals Why 8/8/08 is so Hot
"The number eight is highly favored in many spiritual and cultural traditions," says Yager. "For example, the Chinese pronunciation of 'eight' sounds similar to the word for 'prosperity' In the Chinese culture, the more eights involved in a couple's life, the better chance for luck and wealth. In Russia, 8/8/08 date is so highly prized that it is called the 'Millionaire Mark' day and one bride told me that people would pay a bribe to secure it for their wedding."

Some other reasons why eight (8) is such an auspicious number include:
• Eight (8) is a multiple of four (4). Four (4) equal sides create a square. A square represents the ultimate shape of balance and stability.
• Eight (8) is the symbol for "infinity". This is connected to the spiritual concept of "forever," which of course is the great hope for every new marriage.
• Just like the circular shape of a wedding ring (which has no beginning and no end), the two loops of the figure eight (8) when joined together represent the connection between a higher power and a human being.

"My bachelorette party clients carefully choose the date of their nuptials," says the saucy auburn coiffed Yager. "I personally chose 7/7/07 for my own wedding and threw seven (7) pre-wedding events. For 8/8/08 couples, Yager suggests the following party planning ideas to accentuate the fortuitousness of the date:

• Produce a bachelorette party with eight (8) distinct elements (i.e. games, toasts)
• Throw eight (8) co-ed pre-wedding parties for the bride and/or groom
• Schedule the bachelorette party for 8:08 p.m.
• The hottest (and best socializing) table shape happens to be an octagon for eight (8)
• Appoint eight (8) wedding attendants
• Set eight (8) diamonds in the wedding rings
• Set eight (8) crystals in your bachelorette party and bridal veils
• Arrange eight (8) featured flowers in each bouquet
• Ask eight (8) special wedding guest to make toasts
• Dance to an eight (8) piece band
• Give favors including eight pieces of chocolate and an 8/8/08 lottery ticket

Beverly Hills bride-to-be and classical pianist, Elena Ganjoula, chose the 8/8/08 wedding date based on the strong cultural significance of the date in her native Russia, "The number eight represents stability, prosperity, wealth and success in love and finances. As a musician, the symbology extends to the fact that the 4:4 tempo is the march, which is a happy, uplifting melody." Ironically enough, Ganjoula and her husband-to-be live at an '808' address. Coincidentally, Pamela Yager lives at a '717' address.

Priscilla Flores, another Los Angeles bride-to-be, serendipitously chose the date when the venue she wished for had the 8/8/08 date suddenly become available. "It was only later we discovered that the 8/8/08 date is fabled to bring my marriage eternal happiness because of the luck surrounding the number eight!"

The "Sex in the City of Hen Parties," Bride's Night Out® (www.bridesnightout.com) is the nation's first and only bachelorette party planning service of its kind and was founded by stand-up comedienne, Pamela Yager. The national network of pre-nuptial festivities is uniquely led by improvisational comedy-trained "Party Guides" at venues, homes, and destinations throughout the U.S. Bride's Night Out® features a lucrative consultant career program for anyone wishing to become a bachelorette party planner, and wedding industry professionals can add BNO to their list of products and services for added income. Most of all, a rockin' good time is offered for the 2.4 million brides that are headed to the altar every year.

Image Credits (left to right): always13 flickr gallery, Documents and Designs, AmmarQ8.com's flickr gallery, songchilde's flickr gallery

Pink Gerbera Daisy Bridal Shower

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Color Palette: Bright Pink
Motif: Gerbera Daisies

While this inspiration board could easily be used for a summer wedding, I initially created it for a fun, "just us girls" bridal shower. My starting inspiration? . . . the yummy looking cupcakes.
Image Credits and Resources:
Gerbera Daisy Cupcakes from Pink Cake Box, Table Setting from lisarunolfson's flickr gallery, Donna Morgan Cap Sleeve Eyelet Dress from Nordstrom.com, Gerbera Daisy Invitations from My Personal Artist, Flower Arrangement from Brides.com, Cointreaupolitan Cocktail with recipe from Cointreau.com, Gerbera Daisy Favor Boxes from My Wedding Market, Azalea Necklace from Brooke Marton's etsy shop

Congratulations to . . .

The winners in my first blog giveaway are:
Tammy B of Houston, TX and Jennifer S of Beavercreek, OH

You have each won an autographed copy of Wedding Goddess: a Guide to Transforming Wedding Stress into Wedding Bliss by Laurie Sue Brockway. Congratulations to you both. Please be on the lookout for a package from Best Wedding Sites - I'll have the books in the mail to you next week. If you are interested in purchasing your own copy of Wedding Goddess - please visit Rev. Laurie Sue's web site.

Same Flower Type Bouquets

Weekly Wedding Tip
brought to you by bridalguide.com
"Buying all one type of a flower is generally less expensive than getting smaller amounts of a range of blooms, and it can have considerable dramatic impact both in bouquets and in table arrangements."

Is anybody considering this for either their bouquets or table centerpieces? Has anybody already done this for their wedding?

And, if you're looking for something other than flowers for your tables, why not a fruit bouquet? I love the strawberry bouquet - it would be the most unique table centerpiece for an outdoor summer wedding or bridal shower.

Image Credits:
Tulip Bouquet and Centerpiece: [griff] [griff]'s flickr gallery
Calla Lily Bouquet: Fi20100's flickr gallery
Strawberry Bouquet: sunflower [nami]'s flickr gallery
Sunflower Bouquet: Marta Potoczek's flickr gallery
Rose Bouquet: ProFlowers