Platinum Weddings and Events

Wedding Veils - Choosing your Style

2009-05-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

The wedding dress is an iconic image of beauty, but just as important to that image is the bridal veil. A lot of brides don't think as hard about their veil as they do their dress. When they've got their dream gown picked out, they hit that "huh"-point when their salon consultant says "now, what are your thoughts on your veil?"

Let's start off with a little education. There's many types of veils, many different lengths, embellishments, and characters.

Veil Length
There's many different lengths you can choose from with your veil, and they are traditionally decided by the location of your wedding. Your smallest veil is the birdcage veil (see my previous post). This veil just hugs your face, generally no longer than mid-neck.

The fly-away veil is the next longest. This veil brushes about the shoulders, and traditionally is a bit poofy in the back, like a bustle. (Bustle as in early 1900's bustle, not what today's bridal salons refer to).

Next is the elbow length veil. This is one of the big popular lengths. It's easy to manage for today's bride, and is just enough veil to be a presence without being it's own major piece in the bridal outfit.

After that is the finger-tip veil. The second most popular length. Again, easy to manage, but a little more formal.

Then we get into some serious length. The next veil on our length-based tour is the ballerina veil. These veils cover any range from the knee to the ankle. They get into the formal arena, without demanding floor space on the aisle.

Last, is the cathedral-length veil. These veils demand their own attention, trailing behind you from any range of length you want - just a couple short feet to dozens of yards, as seen by many a fairy-tale princess. These veils demand use in a very formal setting, traditionally in a large cathedral church or major synagogue, and a couple cute little girls helping you through doorways. Think Princess Diana's whopping 25 foot veil. These veils make for incredibly dramatic photographs, and trust me - that baby's coming off before you take one step into the reception.

Princess Diana's dress and veil, from the back. The scalloped lace is her veil.

Parts of the Veil
Parts? Yep, the veil has more to it than just length. The veil is traditionally made up of two parts, the blusher, and the back (known just as the veil). Not all veils sold in bridal salons are two-part veils including the back and blusher. Many salons today make an extra buck selling a basic blusher as a separate piece. The blusher is that pretty bit covering your face that your husband lifts in order to give you your "you may now kiss the bride" kiss. A definite must-have for romantics! The blusher can range from just below the chin, to just above the waist (so not to get in the way of the flowers). Though they're uber romantic, they aren't required!

Other popular types of veils are multi-tiered. These tiers are just adding to the look of your veil. Styles with multiple tiers can be used in combination with different lengths. Many cathedral gowns are three-tiered with elbow and fingertip lengths.

Veil Styles
Once you've chosen your veil length, you need to choose your style. There's lots of choices out there. First, there's the raw edge veil - just a simple cut tulle, no stitches or embellishments of any kind. Very bold. Next is the simple-stitch veil. The edges are just rolled and stitched, giving a simple, finished look. Then, we get into it. You can get ribbon-edged veils - ribbons of a variety of width, color, or design can be stitched on the edges of the veil. You can also get lace matching your dress to trim the tulle.

More popular right now are beaded veils. A separate strip of tulle, generally with smaller spaces, is covered with beads, or have a beaded design sown on. This strip is then sewn onto the veil around the edges. I must say, when I was trying on my gown last week, I saw a beaded-edge veil that matched my dress perfectly! Yes, I bought it. (Pictures soon)

Another veil style is the mantilla lace veil. Instead of using tulle for the veil body, the entire veil is made of lace. These veils traditionally cover the top of the head and frame the face; no blusher. Very beautiful, and the kind of veil that became popular in Spain and was huge in the 1920's.

My last bit of advice for you - make sure your veil fits your gown and your ceremony venue. Your veil should accent your gown, and enhance your look, not dominate or take-away from people looking at your glowing face. Above all, make sure you love it - it's part of your special day and is worth the time it takes the find the right one.

Mantilla veils, a beautiful way to frame the bride's face.

Happy planning!
Rebekah Ross
Weddings & Events

Rehearsal dinners - not just about the food

2009-05-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the wedding of a client-couple of mine, and it was just beautiful. The bride was stunning in her gown, her daughter and flower girl in a matching version of her dress was ridiculously adorable. And best of all - it went off without a hitch. Thanks to a successful rehearsal dinner the night before, that is.

Rehearsal dinners are a great opportunity to put your feet up before the stress of the big day, but it's not just a meal and opportunity to be with your family and friends. It is incredibly important to take advantage of the 'rehearsal' part of 'rehearsal dinner'. This is your opportunity to walk through everything, from who goes in what order, when you pass your bouquet to the maid of honor, to the groomsmen practicing their "woops, where's the ring?!" bit. But most importantly, it gives you and your officiant an opportunity to ensure everyone is confident for the big day.

Most brides and grooms are very nervous during the actual wedding ceremony. Yes, even couples who "never" get nervous with public speaking. Honey, this ain't public speaking! Even if you don't want to spend the money on one more meal for the wedding process, take the time to get together with your officiant - and please not the day of the wedding - to walk through the ceremony physically. Just talking it through isn't good enough, you need to stand before the officiant, practice the walking down the aisle, practice lighting unity candles, having your maid of honor fix your train, etc.

That way, on the big day, everyone knows what to expect. Everybody's confident, excited, and they know exactly what to do. Trust me - a little rehearsal goes a long way.

Happy planning!

Spotlight On: Trophy Cupcakes

2009-05-04T11:54:00.001-07:00

The day before Easter I finally had an opportunity to go to Trophy Cupcakes and try their oh-so-famous, and really quite cute, cupcakes. When I got there, there was a very impressive line of eager customers. I wondered to myself "is this an every day occurrence?". I soon found out, to my happy surprise, that I happened to go to Trophy Cupcakes on the one day of the year that they sell a cupcake called a hi-hat. It was a sugary heaven. Marshmallow icing dipped in chocolate atop a chocolate cake. Trust me - one cupcake is good for 2 or 3 people.

We ended up getting a couple different flavors to take home, and I must say - I like this part of my job! In the end though, I found I didn't come across one flavor that really nocked my socks off, but I did enjoy the tasty journey. If you like gourmet flavors with incredible ingredients, they are very much worth it.

If you're considering the cupcake route for your wedding or event - do yourself a fun favor and go try a couple flavors, from a couple different places, before you place your order. Yum!

Where not to scrimp on your big day

2009-05-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesday I gave you a lot of fantastic tips for helping you save money on your wedding. But there were a few tips I didn't give you, and for a very good reason. Here are the top three things for your wedding day that are just too important for you to scrimp on.

#1 - the most important thing - the photography. Your cousin Billy who took a photo course at the art annex doesn't have the skill to get you those incredible photographs you really want. He also doesn't have the quality equipment. And what if his camera battery dies mid ceremony? What if he likes taking pictures of his kids more than photos of you cutting the cake? If you're really looking to save, and don't want to go for an all-out professional, at a minimum, check with your local art school and talk to the photography students who are in their senior year. There's a huge difference in what student in their senior year and students in their sophomore year have learned - don't learn that the hard way. But honestly, if you can only spend the extra money on one thing - spend it on your photographer.

#2 - the dress. Let's face it, most girls dream about their wedding day growing up. And there's a certain image that comes to mind with that dream - the dress she'll wear. You'll only wear it once, but it'll be for the most special day of your life - why not wear something you feel magical in? Trust me on this one. This is something you want to look back on and not regret.

#3 - your choice. When you're doing your wedding budget, there's something you tell your planner that is very important to you; a priority. If it's that important, don't let it fall to the way side. Put the money aside so that when you look back on your wedding it's everything you wanted it to be.

Happy planning!
Rebekah Ross
Weddings & Events

Resessionista Wedding Tips

2009-04-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks I've been tweeting some "Recessonista Wedding Tips", ways to save money in today's economy. They've been so popular I wanted to share a blog post with my non-twitter followers, and expand on the list! These ideas are fun, romantic, and so simple. So here we go!

1. Have your bridesmaids carry a single flower instead of a whole bouquet. Simple, romantic, costs lots less

2. Send an e-card instead of a big save the date card. There's lots of free options, and some great cheap ones

3. Skip the inner envelope with your invites, or better yet, make them yourself with a small square of paper or doily.

4. Have your florist use more filler in your arrangements, centerpieces, and attendant bouquets.

5. Cut back your guest list. Your dad's college roomie he hasn't seen in 25 years doesn't need to come.

6. Provide free drinks for the first hour, then switch to cash bar.

7. Get married on a day other than Friday and Saturday. You'll save so much on venue costs, and some vendors even offer off-day discounts!

8. Hit up the local music school for musicians, local bar school for bartenders, beauty school for hair and make-up, fashion school for bridesmaids gowns (not bridal gown). Get my drift?

9. Hold both ceremony and reception at the same venue. Save on additional site fees, transportation fees, and it's so much easier on your guests.

10. Instead of a gourmet rehearsal dinner, get your favorite take-out! It's fun, it's laid back, and new family can bond easily over the shared love of pad thai.

11. Skip the tiered cake. Other options? Try a sheet cake, or the popular cupcake route. The best part about cupcakes? No cake cutting fee from the caterer.

12. If you've got lots of friends you want to share your big day with, throw a low-key party a day or two after the wedding (or after the honeymoon) for your friends. Make the invitation BYOB and just order some pizza to cover the food. As a friend to host at their home. You've spent $50 and your friends feel like they've been part of the celebration.

13. Take up one of those great free trip packages, you know, the kind where you have to listen to a 4-hour lecture on buying a time-share? The trip is still free, and you get an additional 3 lecture-free days.

14. Enter those free-stuff competitions. Most bridal shows give away gowns, photography, cake, even a great planner's services. It's worth entering, you may win some great stuff.

15. Use family heirlooms. If your fiance has a beautiful ring from his great grandmother, it's an incredible wedding ring for you. Antique cake toppers are incredibly popular right now - does someone have one to gift you? Sit down with your families and ask them what they have that would make your day even more special.

To get your thoughts going, here's some beautiful centerpiece ideas that are surprisingly inexpensive:

On Friday, I'll tell you what not to scrimp on.

Happy planning,
Rebekah Ross
Weddings & Events

Wedding Ceremonies - Do What You Want

2009-04-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I attended a beautiful wedding ceremony for my dear friends Tracy and Bill. They didn't have loads of money to spend on their wedding, but they knew what they wanted, and that was for the ceremony to be true to their beliefs. They are part of an alternative religion, and had had a difficult time finding an officiant who would either give then a civil ceremony, or perhaps even something akin to their beliefs. Unfortunately, most commercial officiants were of specific beliefs, and refused to do their ceremony.

Luckly, they had me. I sat down with Tracy and Bill and we talked all about what they really wanted. If money was no object, what did they want their ceremony to be? And then we talked about all the ways we could go about getting what they wanted. Who did they know? Who could they introduce themselves to in order to find more information? What did they already possess, both with their beliefs and with the items needed for the ceremony, to make this happen? And you know what it came down to? The insta-ordination power of the Universal Life Church. The ULC has a blanket belief system, letting anyone of any faith become a licensed minister legally able to do weddings.

So Tracy, Bill, and I had a fun time finding a good friend of theirs whom they shared their deepest beliefs with, and asked them if they would consider becoming a minister and administering their wedding ceremony. And it was just beautiful. It was everything they wanted their wedding to be, full of the meaning and commitment they wanted. Their families gained a greater understanding of Tracy and Bill's beliefs, and were able to share something very spiritual with them.

Happy planning!
Rebekah Ross
Weddings & Events

Mmmm Cakes!

2009-04-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things during wedding planning is shopping for the cake! Yum! Cakes are one place that a bride and groom can really cut lose on personality, especially if the rest of the wedding is traditional. There's so many options out there now for wedding cake, and even non-cake options like cupcakes, and even pie. But no matter what your cake or non-cake decision, you'll need to have a good discussion with your baker about what you're getting.

Most bakers are wonderful, honest people, but I've seen some instances in which a couple really got swindled from some shady tactics, so the three big things you need to cover with your baker:
1. Have a sit-down with your baker, your fiance, and anyone else you want to include (me!), and decide on the flavors and the design of your cake. Bring pictures or sketches of what you're interested in, and keep an open mind as your baker may have great ideas that would fit your budget better.
2. Make sure your baker has a detailed sketch of the cake before the meeting is over. If there's something you're very specific about wanting, and it's new to them, give them as much information to refer back to as you can.
3. GET IT ALL IN WRITING!!! If you only follow one bit of advice from me, please let this be it. In your contract you MUST detail everything: what each tier consists of with flavor, height, and layers, how names or any writing needs to be spelled, the height of the cake overall, delivery, everything. The contract also needs to detail everything your money pays for. I have literally seen bakers charge to assemble the tiers, and even to put piping on! If you have structural elements (and you will if it's got any kind of tiring or height), make sure that's not an additional cost.

Have fun with your cake. Nothing says you need to have four round white tiers with a monogram. Bakers are coming up with the most interesting ideas, and each so exciting and easy to tailor to your wedding. Here's some fantastic ideas to get you ready:

Happy planning!
Rebekah Ross
Weddings & Events

I Before We, Except if the Groom's Parents are Paying

2009-04-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

How to word wedding invitations can be tricky, especially if you're not following the age-old tradition of the bride's parents paying for everything. Even if they are, modern couples are opting for more laid-back invitations, and traditional eloquence may not be in vibe with the mood the couple is trying to set. So here's some help with figuring that all out.

The invitation is your preview to your guests. It details the who and the where, but also how to dress, how long the wedding will be, the mood of the event, what kinds of refreshments to expect, and how family-friendly.

Traditional invitation wordings look like this:

Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Durand
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Sophie Lynn
to
Jeffrey Matthew
son of
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lautrec
Saturday, the eighth of March
two thousand fourteen
at two o'clock in the afternoon
Venue Name
Venue Location

Notice, I say traditional - this is what wording looks like if the bride's parents are covering everything. Notice they get top billing? What if the groom's parents pay? Just switch it around. Now what if you, the couple, are paying? Here's a traditional-vibe invitation wording:

Together with their parents
Julia Esabella Sanmeters
and
Nicholas Kristoff Demett
request the honour of your presence
at their marriage
on Sunday, the fourth of October
two thousand fourteen
at six o'clock in the evening
Venue Name
Venue Location

Sweet, huh? And then, we start getting into the incredible number of variations there are out there. What if the parents of the bride are divorced and are hosting? What if the groom's parents are divorced and hosting? What if both couple's parents are divorced, hosting, it's the groom's second marriage, and the bride's father recently passed away? Get where this is going? Headache city, that's where.

Lucky us, the wedding invitation companies and wedding planners have neat resources to help us out - like this great online resource from Invitation Consultants. Once you've got the words figured out (and no one is upset about their name coming last), you can get set and order your invitations. When you do, don't forget the other key things to include in your invitation: a map with driving directions, information on the city for out-of-town guests, information on your registries, and information on accommodations for guests. It's always nice to include your phone number (or the number for your parents) for family members and guests coming from out of town, on a separate slip of paper.

There's lots of great companies out there for selecting your invitations from. Here's some beautiful samples from companies right here in Seattle!

Top row: izzy girl, Bottom row: mmm...paper

Happy planning!
Rebekah Ross
Weddings & Events

Wedding Book Reviews

2009-04-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to my local book-sellers to see what's new in the world of wedding books. These sections of the store are usually only a couple shelves, and the usual tried-and-true books are there, like the latest Martha Stewart Weddings book, something by Colin Cowie, and oodles of "how well do you know each other" quizzes (and guys, please don't fall for those). But when looking at some of the other books, I was partially surprised, partially grossed out by what I saw. It seems like every wedding planner has written their own wedding book, and some honestly aren't worth the $14-25 they cost.

So here's some advice, when you're drawn to that section of the book store, on what's worth your hard-earned dime, and what ain't.

"The Simple Stunning Wedding Organizer" by Karen Bussen is my favorite wedding planning workbook. This baby has it all! Style quizzes, tips on what to look for with vendors, places to stick magazine clippings, even pages for you to sketch out ideas. Some books lack one thing or another, but I really like this one. My favorite thing about this book - it's a binder. You can take out, move around, and add things per your preference. Well done, Karen.

"Bridal Bargains, Secrets to throwing a fantastic wedding on a realistic budget" by Denise and Alan Fields. This book is a MUST HAVE for all brides wanting to get a bargain for their big day. There's reviews of everything - what gown designers cover what sizes with what gown options, to big big bargain options. They've got the questions to ask vendors like you'd expect - but they also cover things some folks don't - like will your celebrity photographer be shooting the wedding themselves or will they staff it out? This book is golden - you should own it.

"Weddings" by Colin Cowie. Colin Cowie is probably the biggest name in wedding planners there is. He does the royals and super-A-list celebs (like Trump and Oprah). If you aren't spending millions on your wedding you can't touch him with a 10-foot-pole. Lucky us, he writes a lot of books. Now, I'm not a Colin Cowie groupie, so I can honestly say that most of his books leave me with a "take it or leave it" attitude. But not this one. This book is a step by step instruction guide for brides and planners on how to create a wedding, complete with a copy of a Colin Cowie wedding day timeline in the back. If you want to mimic this planner's incredible style, this is where to go.

"The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Weddings" by Joshua Piven, David Borgenicht, and Sarah Jordan. The latest in the hysterical yet handy book series, this is a great book to get a laugh from, but it's what you'll be reaching for on the big day when something goes wrong. I learned things about stain-removal I'd never heard of, and some solid advice that is my day-to-day bread and butter. This is a great book for you to give your maid of honor to keep in her emergency kit.

"Buff Brides" by Sue Fleming. If you've got a weight-loss goal for your wedding day (and let's face it, who doesn't), this is the book for you. This book pairs a great workout schedule with little reminder tips on the borders, like "schedule gown fitting". Most of the book is a pictorial-guided series of work-outs, and in the back is a week-to-week guide of what workouts to do when. And, if your close to the big day and not there yet, there's even a supped-up workout to get you to your goal. After your married and have a baby on the way, there's even "Buff Moms-to-be" and "Buff Moms" books.

There's also a lot of great professionals out there that, teaming them up with what you're learning in these books, will help you get an even better wedding. Your wedding planner can help you out with a lot of the bargain and how-to advice.

Happy planning!
Rebekah Ross
Weddings & Events

Spring 2009 Bridal Gown Trends

2009-04-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

With the upcoming release of the Spring 2010 bridal gown lines by many of the great fashion designers, I thought it was very important that we take a step back and review the trends for spring 2009 that struck our hearts only four months ago. There are still many designers putting their foot forward with their spring 09 lines and they are blending incredibly well with what we're seeing so far in the newer lines. Many of the spring 09 trends are continuing, being used in fascinating ways by designers who, at the same time, are embracing the new themes.

So today's post is about the greats from this spring's collections. They're still trendy, still chic, and oh so delicious!

First, we've got the ruffles and layers look. With just one, you've got a mid 2007 look going, but together, designers are coming up with some really incredible looks. In the photos below, the second row is of two dresses by Matthew Christopher. They both use the ruffles and layers look, but they are so drastically different. One's sweet and romantic, and the other's got so much sass walking out of a room it's making me blush!

Second, there's the mini-dress. It's been flirted with, it's been taken on one or two dates, but mama bought the cow! The cute touches of these dresses are uniquely to the mini-dress. Over-exaggeratins you can't get away with on a floor-length are very in. Big poofy bodies being broken up or just embellished are the thing. Amsale Bridal has really got it right - with the photo below, and the cute bow dress in the newest Martha Stewart Weddings magazine.

Speaking of bows - they're back. But not in a bad way. Mini-dresses have their own set of rules, but with floor lengths they are being paired with a belt, in a cohesive mono-tone way that's sweet, but not distracting. Floor-length gowns are being broken into top and bottom sections with these belt & bow additions, and it's really making people stop and give them another look in a way that last year's big "brown belt" look really didn't. Thank you fashion evolution.

Floral embelishments are in, and designers are going all-out. I'm seeing so many detailed petal designs, the most impressive the gown by Carolina Herrera in which the entire bottom half of the dress is one large flourish-y flower. On a shorter bride, this will make you look stalky and about 12 years old, but on the long and lean bride (thank you Pilates), this look is striking. Carolina's gown is a real gamble, but there's lots more floral dresses out there that will work just right with you.

And then we have the vintage look. Last year was the 40's and 60's. This year, we go back and hit up the 50's for all they're worth. So many designers are using the 50's inspiration with other looks (do you see it in the Matthew Christopher?), and some designers are just embracing the amazingly simple lines and creating dresses of such sleek beauty I'm really amazed. And this brings me to...

My #1 wedding gown dress pick of the season! I've seen hundreds of gowns, some so beautiful they made me cry. But this gown...this gown made me stop, and the incredible simplistic beauty made me fall in love. This gown is liquid love, spun into silk, and made into something so incredible it takes my breath away. With the incredibly liquidity that only silk mikado can give, my gown of the season is Valentino Sposa's "Eridanus" gown (bottom photo).

I do.

Clockwise from top left: Vineyard, Amsale, Carolina Herrera, Matthew Christopher, Valentino Sposa, Matthew Christopher

So where can you find great gowns like this? Here's a list of some of Seattle's top bridal salons:

Something Blue

La Belle Elaine's

Marcella's La Boutique

La Belle Reve

The Bridal Garden

The Princess Bride Couture

Here's also got some great videos of the Panache fashion show, and an interview with Something Blue, to get you excited for your visit to a bridal salon.

Happy planning!
Rebekah Ross
Weddings & Events

Event Music - To DJ or To Band?

2009-04-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

In our continued series of learning how to create a great wedding (or any event, for that matter), let's cover the music for your big day. There's pretty much two options out there. Ok, three. Option one: hire a DJ. Option two: hire a band. Option three: hire both.

Now, not everyone's budget has the room for the last option; it's usually one or the other. So let's cover some of the basics!

First- what's the difference? Yes, one is a band and one's a DJ, but there's more to it than that. For example: a DJ can play you just about any song you want, especially if you give them an advance list of music you want played (which you should always do). With a band (and by this term, I'm covering all forms of live musicians) you're limited to what they know. You can request something and most groups will learn the song for you, but expect some sort of additional charge. With a band, you get the great energy that only live music can provide, which a DJ can't give (unless they're talking a lot, which is a different type of service called an "MC", or "Event Host").

If you're really torn between the two genres, go check some perspective people out. Find a couple bands, and a couple DJ's, and go to public events they're playing (please don't crash someone else's wedding). Once you've made your choice on the big "to band" or "to DJ", you've got to make sure you're getting a reliable service. If you've never heard the group or person before don't gamble on it: check them out! Again, go to a public event, or ask for a sample CD. If you're looking for a great deal on live music, check in with your local music school - students are always looking for money! And ask them to perform for you as an audition. Don't feel guilty about asking live musicians to audition, it's a very practical part of the business.

So you know who you'd like to hire, let's get to the details. The questions you want to ask the person (or group) you're hiring are pretty much the same for bands and DJ's. Are they available? How long have they been performing/been a DJ?How many hours of music are included? If they require a sound system can they provide their own? Do you have liability insurance? Do I need to provide you with food? (A hungry musician is a grouchy musician) Can you help us create a custom playlist? How much setup/breakdown time do you need? Do you take requests? Can you play our special song?

And get a copy of their contract - read it before you put any money down! Make sure there's no hidden fees, that every penny is broken down. The contract also needs to cover what they are going to wear at your wedding - don't set yourself up for purple velvet! Get two references from other wedding clients that you can call.

Once you've got your music decided, deposited, signed, get their contact information: cell phone for your on-location contact (the DJ or band leader), and someone in their office as a backup. Give all this info to your wedding planner to keep on themselves for the big day.

And that's it! Easy! To give you a little inspiration, here's some great pictures of my favorite music professionals in Seattle!

Clockwise from top left: Event Source NW, Al Vento Music, Seattle Chamber Brass, Disco Royale (DJ), Stanley Greenthal, Windstring.

Happy planning,
Rebekah Ross
Weddings and Events

Finding a Caterer that Fits the Bill

2009-04-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

The right caterer for your wedding or event is just as crucial as the right venue, and the clothes you wear. Your food selection determines how you'll word your invitations so guests know what to wear and what to expect. Life rotates naturally around food, and happy guests are those who have full belly's. It's really that simple.

What's not simple is knowing if the person catering your event is giving you a good deal, and giving you great service along with great food. That's three big things to cover, and just looking at someone's website isn't going to cut it. You've got to get out there, see them face to face, and have a tasting.

Here are some great tips for hiring a caterer:

1. Interview at least 2 different caterers. This means having a face to face and a tasting. Even if you have to pay for your tasting, trust me that it's worth it.

2. Get all the details. Your caterer is telling you it'll cost $20 a person, but what does that include? How much staff to waiter, is there a separate cork fee for the bartender? Do you even have a bartender? Most caterers charge by the slice to plate your cake, but some don't. So do they, and how much? What's their gratuity they add to your bill? Do they charge separately for beverages or is that part of the per person fee?

3. You also need a history of their company. How long have they been in business? What's the culinary history of their executive chef? Does the executive chef focus on just your event, or do they oversee multiple events a day? Is your food cooked on-site or off-sight and then reheated?

4. Very important - find out if your caterer is insured and what their insurance covers. It's not out of line to ask to look at their detailed coverage information.

5. A great think to know is if your caterer has ever worked at your venue before. If they haven't make sure they get a tour of the facility with a venue representative so no one has any bad surprises on the big day. This is something your event planner can help you with.

6. Get your prices broken down to the smallest detail, and don't forget delivery. You don't want a big surprise that's going to cost you a couple hundred dollars that you may not have the room for in your budget. Most caterers are very open about this.

7. Get a copy of their contract before you put money down. Take it home, look it over, get advice if you don't understand it, and before you sign, make sure you do!

8. Get references from other couples. You can ask the caterer for people to ask, and check out your online resources like Wedding Wire that let you rate and comment on service. Check with the Better Business Bureau too.

9. If you have a dream dish, ask your caterer if they'll make it. If they tell you "oh yeah, we make that all the time," ask to try a sample of their version - it may not taste anything like the way you like the dish made. Most caterers will take your own recipe and make that for you, but make sure!

10. Make sure for the day-of you've got contact information for the caterer's office, the chef in charge at your venue, and that they've got your information too. If something happens, your event planner can then easily reach them and get a solution in the works.

There's a lot that goes into your wedding or event, and you want to make sure you and your guests have a wonderful time. Great food is one sure way to do that.

Happy planning,
Rebekah Ross
Weddings and Events

Choosing Your Attendants - The Worst Case Scenario Handbook

2009-04-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

When it comes to choosing her attendants and officially saying "Susie, you're my maid of honor, the rest of you are brides maids," a lot of brides get very anxious, and some just don't event want to go there.

Too bad! Let's rip the band-aid right off, and I'll give you tips to make it clearer and easier.

There's no concrete rule out there that says your best friend from childhood or your sister has to be your maid of honor. And there's no rule that your maid of honor has to be single, or even a woman. Yes, there's lots of tradition and romance movies to back up these crazy stigmas, but look lady, this is your wedding day. Do what you want!

Band-aid off yet?

So a little history for ya. Years and years ago when bridesmaids were first made popular, they served two purposes. The first was so that if someone tried to ride in on a horse and steal the bride, he or she would be confused by the many ladies dressed alike, and the bride would be safe. Phew! The second purpose, and this is real 'chicken or the egg' stuff, was that in case the bride (or the groom, as this served the same purpose for the groomsmen) was unable to marry (or unwilling), everybody just moved over one step to the left (or right) and boom, insta-couple, lets get this wedding going. Why, you ask? During this time, most marriages were arranged to serve political or commercial needs. The attendants, both male and female, were recognized as appropriate replacements. Should the bride run off with the stable boy, the maid of honor married the groom and the bride's father and the groom's father could still go into business together.

Ok, history lesson over, lets get back to your problem. Some brides are lucky and know exactly who's their maid of honor and bridesmaids, and no one's feelings are getting hurt by the choice. But...most girls want to be the maid of honor. They see this as a big competition as to who's a better friend to the bride, or some other popularity contest.

So what to say to the gals not chosen for the 'of honor' position, but are still bridesmaids? First, make it a one-on-one conversation. No one likes to be embarrassed in public, so do this in a place you will both be comfortable. Sitting in the park sipping Starbucks together is a great local - it's even territory. When you're with your gal-pal, start out with the good news (if she doesn't already know). And then ask, in a nice way, for her (or him) to be a bridesmaid. And phrase it well. For example:

"Carol, this is a very special day I'll remember for the rest of my life, and it would mean the world to me if you were a part of it as my bridesmaid."

Notice I didn't say "a bridesmaid" or "one of my bridesmaids". This is a sneaky way of subconsciously letting her (or him) know that she (or he) is one of a kind. Yes, you're one bridesmaid in a group of 2 or more, but you're there for me as an individual. This is the good stuff you're stressing here.

Now, this is usually the point that about 70% of gal-pals get uber excited, give you a hug, and say "oh I'd love to! let's start planning!". Great! You've passed the stressful moment and everyone's in a good mood. For now.

The other 30% of gal-pals have a less gushing response. Some go straight for the throat - "well who's your maid of honor?" Don't panic! I'll get you through this.

A great answer you can give her is "Mary's my maid of honor. I hope this doesn't hurt your feelings because I need you there on my wedding day."

Ahh, tricky me! Phrasing your answer like this gives you a couple of things. First, you've been honest. You straight out said "Mary's my maid of honor". Good for you. The second sentence also sets you up in two ways, first, you're apologizing without apologizing, and you're throwing a little guilt in there too. At this point, most gals cave, reassure you that they're happy for you and not hurt, and off we go on the happy planning discussion.

But then...some gals won't let go. Are you ready?

If your friend at this point really starts to get upset or angry with you for not having the coveted role, you need to remember to stay calm and don't start fighting. This is someone you want standing with you as you get married and you don't need any bad karma.

At this point, you've got some limited options. One of the best things is to give your friend some breathing room.

"Carol, you're very important to me, and I want to have you there with me. I don't want you to do something you don't want to do, so I want to give you some time to think about being my bridesmaid. I'm sorry I've hurt your feelings, you're my friend and that's the last thing I want to do. Please call/email/visit me when you've made up your mind."

Then grab your drink and walk away. Most ladies will calm down, you'll reconcile, and all is good. The key here is not to make excuses ("Mary's better at planning parties"). And remember, her feelings are hurt, so be nice.

Now, let's cover the "who to choose". Like I earlier stated, there's no rule for who is supposed to be an attendant. For example, my fiance's best man is the woman who introduced us. She's wearing a tux and everything. Why did he make that choice? Because this woman is a dear friend, and because she was the one that introduced us he felt it gave great meaning to have her stand beside him.

Don't feel obligated to choose one person over another. If your friend you met last year has become your best friend, it's ok to choose him or her over your sibling. It's not a "I knew them first". It really comes down to this: when you're looking at your wedding pictures 30 years from now, who do you want to see standing with you? This is one of the biggest days of your life, make your choice out of love, and it'll be the right one.

Happy planning,
Rebekah Ross
Weddings and Events

An Interview with Sharlane Chase of Urban Unveiled

2009-04-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

I recently sat down with Sharlane Chase, one of the founding members of Seattle's hottest wedding show 'Urban Unveiled'.

Sharlane and I met at her house, a cute little home in north Seattle. Stepping in, I thought I was in Hotel 1000 or something - the decor throughout was tasteful, modern, and oh so cute. Over a cup of tea and fresh madelines we talked about 'Urban Unveiled'.

Rebekah: Sharlane, tell me about 'Urban Unveiled'.

Sharlane: 'Urban Unveiled' is a cocktail party that partners all the vendors together, giving everyone a hand in planning the event, that we present to brides and grooms. Couples come to our event to have fun, meet the best wedding vendors in Seattle, and get great ideas for their wedding. All the vendors are pre-screened. The venue we hold this at is decorated with the latest ideas, not the old stand by's. It's great food, an incredible fashion show, and talking with all-around great vendors. These are people who are great innovators and good people to work with.

Rebekah: How long have you been doing 'Urban Unveiled'?

Sharlane: Our very first event was in March of 2007. We had two last year in February and October, and we've decided to have our third event this October, and we'll keep it a fall event here on out.

Rebekah: What type of bride comes to 'Urban Unveiled'?

Sharlane: The tickets aren't cheap, $45 at the door and $75 for our VIP tickets. The bride who comes to this event is someone who expects she'll have to pay for good quality. She's hiring the best of Seattle. Regardless of the budget, she wants something extra special. Mainly, we attract brides that are shopping for quality.

Rebekah: How long is this event?

Sharlane: It's a one-day event. We start out with a VIP hour where VIP guests have exclusive time with the vendors, really get some great one-on-one time. At 6 we have general admission, and we go until 10. We average about 550 guests, and expect 750 this year.

Rebekah: What's your theme this year?

Sharlane: Well...we're still debating. I'd love to revisit the Marie Antoinette theme, but I think we'll end up doing South Beach Urban Chic.

Rebekah: You mentioned VIP tickets and a VIP hour. What's the whole VIP package?

Sharlane: In addition to early admittance, we also supply VIP guests with butler valet marking, and an incredible swag bag. Last year's swag bag had cake plates, wine, earrings, lots of good stuff. It's totally worth getting a VIP ticket.

Rebekah: Is this event catered?

Sharlane: Oh yes! This year Tom Douglas is catering. Last year we had three caterers, including Wolfgang Puck.

Rebekah: You say "we" a lot. Who makes up the "we"?

Sharlane: At the heart of everything is the group of us that started this and spearhead the event every year: me, Sharlane Chase Photography, and Jessie and Travis of True Colors Events.

Rebekah: Overall, how many vendors do you have at the event?

Sharlane: About 50. We try to limit the number of folks in each category to 4 businesses.

Rebekah: And how can we all get tickets to this incredible event?

Sharlane: Tickets go on sale in September, and we sell out fast. Keep an eye on our website for the latest info on ticket sales.

For more information on Sharlane Chase and her photography business, check out her website. For more information on 'Urban Unveiled', check out their website.

And enjoy these wonderful pictures from previous 'Urban Unveiled' wedding shows.

Happy planning!
Rebekah Ross
Weddings and Events

Finding the Perfect Venue

2009-04-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I attended a beautiful wedding at the Golden Gardens Bathhouse in Seattle. Golden Gardens Park is a beautiful setting, right on the water, with sandy beaches and limitless sunshine on a day as lovely as Saturday was. The couple had a unique theme of vintage carnival games, with "pin the veil on the bride" and other fun games for both kids and adults. The venue was perfect for the theme, with aged brick walls and an open beamed ceiling. In any other space, the decorations and theme wouldn't have worked. It was the great melding of everything together that made it so fun and successful.

Finding the venue that's right for your wedding is the same thing as a sculptor finding the right piece of marble for a statue. The very first impression your guests receive of your wedding is the invitation, followed by the venue. The invitation gives them an impression of what to expect, and the venue is the first thing they see of the wedding itself.

So what do you need to look for when venue shopping? First, before you even get in the car, sit down and think about what you're looking for in a venue. Do you want it to be able to have both indoor and outdoor activities? Do you want it in a park? Do you want lots of privacy? Do you want it to have a room you can stay in your first night? What about the view? Most importantly - what's your budget? Remember that you'll have to pay taxes on your rental, so give your budget the wiggle room for that.

Write down everything that's important, but are also transferrable. Writing down "a venue with a kitchen attached directly to the main room" is going to limit what's out there.

When you do get out to look at places, keep your budget and your vision in mind. What will need to be brought in? What does the venue supply with the rental fee (like tables, chairs, and a sound system)? Will it comfortably seat all your guests? Is it relatively easy to get to? Do they have a caterer on site you have to use or can you bring in anyone? If they have exclusive caterers, do you have a minimum you have to spend?

Ask every question you can think of. And bring your planner with you - they'll be able to think of questions you wouldn't have even thought was important (like spill-over parking for guests).

Bring with you a kit to both remember the aspects of the venue and capture ideas that spark you while you're there. A camera, a sketch pad, a calculator, and a pocket measuring tape will come in more handy than you'd think.

After you've found the right place, you'll need to put down your deposit and sign the contract. Read the contract thoroughly. Don't just assume they'll supply staff to help with clean-up, if your tour-guide mentions it, make sure it's written in the contract. If it's not covered in writing, assume it's not going to happen. Make sure you get a copy of the contract right then and there to keep for your records - this is something your planner will need on hand at the wedding should something go wrong.

Give yourself some options, and keep your mind open. You can often find a venue that fits the bill in a place you didn't expect to look. Utilize your planner's knowledge of the area, and check out what bloggers in your city are saying about places they've visited. It doesn't have to be "Bridal Wars" to get the perfect venue - so be patient, be educated, and have fun.

Happy planning!
Rebekah Ross
Platinum Weddings and Events

A note for planners - current scam to avoid

2009-04-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow planners. For the past week and a half I have been trying to help a nice couple from England, now living in Haiti, who are moving to Seattle, plan their wedding. As the emails progressed, red flags were going off in my head, but I just kept them thoughfully in mind as I continued our corespondence. But my red flags became flashing red billboards when the couple asked me to transfer over $2,000 to their band in South Africa, with the check in my name. Hello! So I googled the band contact's name and got nothing. Then I googled the way the bride kept describing the band, "french coupe de calien band", and I found a blog post from another wedding planner in Oregon who received emails with the exact same wording and everything.

I spoke with the FBI, and this is apparently a scam that's been going on for a couple years. The couple's names and small details change, but the gist of it is that they want you to help "secure their band" by sending you a very large check in your name. Scam is that the band get the money, and you get stuck with the bill once the check bounces.

Please take a look at the Oregon planner's post as she includes the emails she received. Just remember, planners, to protect yourself do these two things: 1. make clear the bride is repsonsible for all her bills and you are not to disperse money for her, and 2. if someone wants you to transfer money for them, don't!

If you receive such emails, or start getting into the planning and discover you're part of this same fraud scam, print your emails out and send them to your local FBI office. If you're unsure if this is a separate scam, just give them a call, they're very nice.

Good luck, and happy planning.
Rebekah

Fashionable Colors for 2009

2009-04-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Pantone, the world authority in color, releases the colors of the season for everyone from fashion designers to wedding planners to anticipate what's hot. And right here, in this blog, is the only release on the full spring and fall colors for 2009 (as far as I could find, and I looked!).

The colors for this spring are lovely. The eight colors are: fuchsia red, salmon rose, palace blue, lucite green, super lemon, dark citron, lavender, vibrant green, slate gray, and rose dust.

Lovely! And for you fall brides out there, the colors for this fall are: American beauty, purple heart, honey yellow, iron, burnt sienna, nomad, rapture rose, warm olive, majolica blue, and creme brulee.

Ok, now you've seen the colors, and I bet you're saying to yourself, "self, what do I do with these colors?" First, start playing with them! Websites like Polyvore and More Alive with Color let you play around with color combinations and start making inspiration boards for your wedding. These boards come in great when you're meeting with your wedding planner, rental company, invitation company, florist - everybody. So grab your magazines and scissors or hunt the web, and make a wedding that fits your color scheme.

A couple ways to use these colors include monotones (or analogous tones) based on one or two shades, and using complementary colors (colors opposite of each other on the color wheel). What's a color wheel?

This is...

So get out there and start playing around. Get your fiance involved, and you'll find your fashion style will come out as well as you start putting things together on your color board. To get you going, here's my own color board using spring's hottest colors!

Green Wedding - Color for Spring 09 by bekahross on Polyvore.com

Happy Planning,
Rebekah Ross
Platinum Weddings and Events

You're Engaged! Now What?

2009-04-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Congratulations, you're engaged! Now what?

Today's blog post is geared towards the recently engaged and those just beginning to plan their wedding. You've recently become engaged, you now have a stack of bridal magazines in front of you, and your eyes are swimming with images of lace, candles, and dream destinations. But take a step back and a deep breath - I've got a reality check for you.

The average wedding today costs around $25,000. Yep, you heard me right! When you look at all the details, big and small, they add up fast, so here's the first steps for you:

Very first, you need to have the money talk with your honey. I covered the money talk in detail late last year, so check that blog out for more detail.

Second, you need to talk with your families (parents) about their ability to help out with your wedding. Keep in mind you're going to them asking them for money, so be nice about it, and impress them with notes from your earlier money talk. And if they don't have much to give, be appreciative - it's more than most couples get.

Now a quick interjection. I know some of you are thinking about wedding loans. I'm not a financial adviser, so I don't offer any professional opinion in that sense, but here's a couple quick things to consider when visions of loans to create a big fancy wedding dance in your head - do you really want to be starting a marriage with a big loan? And a big loan that's not for a house, too? It's ultimately your own decision to make, so do your research and make it an educated decision.

Ok, back to the fun stuff. So you've had your money talks, and you've narrowed down where the money's coming from to help you with your wedding. Next step - making your budget. This is where things start to get fun (well, for me at least). This is where you start coming down to these detailed little delineations that, once set, let you go crazy fun finding the best deal for your money. A lot of brides today don't know what all goes into a wedding budget - and that's why I'm here!

The key to a great bridal budget is getting firm limits on what each section of the budget are, and then spending less. There's nothing more exciting than working a budget, finding out you've got wiggle room after every thing is ordered and signed, and you can do a fun little splurge for yourself or your guests you didn't think you could afford.

Roughly, here's how the budget breaks down:

Ceremony (officiant, license, location,ring pillows, decor) 3%
Reception (food, drink, location, cake, decor, favors) 48%
Attire (dress, veil, under bits, jewelry, hair, makeup, tux, shoes, tie, etc) 10%
Rings (wedding bands) 3%
Flowers (for decor, for bridal party, flower girl, parents) 8%
Music (ceremony, reception, and sound system rentals) 8%
Photography and Videography (all fees, disks, albums, prints, disposables) 12%
Transportation (for self and/or guests before and after wedding) 2%
Stationary (invitations, thank you cards, postage, guest book, etc) 3%
Gifts (for attendants, parents, bags for out-of-town guests) 3%

Got that? Now, here's where we can change things, if something you just read you don't like. This is where a questionnaire from your wedding planner helps you decide how to play with the budget. Feel free to email me (info@rebekahross.com) if you'd like a copy of the one I give my couples.

Questionnaires cover basics like - looking at everything you're doing and buying, what are the most important things to you? How would you like to remember your wedding, and how would you like your guests to remember your wedding? Based on how you both (and individually) answer these questions, you can play with the percentages to come up with a budget that reflects you both and what you really want to get out of your wedding. You now know, when you're meeting with locations and vendors, what works with your budget and what won't, and where a little inventiveness can save you bundles.

So good luck! And to show a beautiful example of what a $25,000 wedding gets you in a dress, a selection of gown from Alfred Angelo Bridal (swoon!) all within the above budget.

Birdcage Veils - Drama, Drama, Drama

2009-03-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite fashion icons is back and I am so giddy about it I think I'm making my friends crazy. I love birdcage veils. They are mysterious, glamorous, and absolutely dramatic! There's so many great styles and samples out right now that I have to share.

With a birdcage veil there's different ways you can use them to add that dramatic effect to your wedding gown, or an evening gown too! (Can you say bachelorette party?)

You can look sweet and innocent with your veil (attached to a headband), or you can say ultra chic (attached to a simple comb). Or you can scream glamor with a vintage jeweled hair clip. Use feathers for fun flair, or just a simple strip of veil across the eyes for incredible mystery. Shake it up a little and make your birdcage veil your something blue! There's so much out there honey.

Some great veils I found include some sweet samples from Birdcage Veils. For the big and dramatic, try out Castle Bride (yum). You can also get some great veils from Hat Veils and My Wedding Veil.

And if you're feeling super DIY - a birdcage veil is incredibly easy, and inexpensive, to make.

But what dress do you wear a birdcage veil with? My first tip - just throw it on and see if it works with your dress. Overall, though, they look better with slinkier dresses (mermaid, sheath, etc). If you've got a nice vintage dress you're at a home run - dresses from the 20's to 50's look great in these cute little veils. I've also seen great pairing with corset dresses and lace gowns.

Yesterday I watched a fun movie - Fantastic Four 2 - and Jessica Alba had a great pairing of a birdcage veil with a floor length veil attached to her bun. It looked beautiful with her sheath dress with a little belt.

So try it out! Call your bridal boutique before you go and see if they have a sample veil you can try on with some dresses. Or just grab a half yard from the fabric store and pin it on as you're out the door.

Bottom line - birdcage veils can offer you all kinds of attitude for your bridal look. It can add any flavor of mystery, glamor, innocence that you want it to. One thing you're going to be guaranteed - an incredible dramatic entrance.

Amazing Accent for your Bridal Bouquet

2009-03-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

Last month I was watching an episode of the 'Martha Stewart' show and was shown a new flower decoration technique that caught my heart and immediately convinced me to have my own bridal bouquet decorated this way.

In order to add accent to a bouquet of gorgeous Ecuadorian roses, Kevin Sharkey, Martha's editorial director of decorating, added 3 different methods of glittered roses.

Now, first breath, sounds a little funny, but believe me - they are amazing. Add a couple of these accented flowers to your bouquet (don't feel limited to roses) and it adds some amazing bling without the price tag.

There were 3 methods used to decorate these flowers (watch them in this video).

1. Spray the roses with a diluted glue and shake on glitter (matching color shade).

2. Brush diluted glue to the tips of the roses and shake on glitter (matching or slight contrast).

3. Dot on clear glue and shake on glitter (matching or contrast - you pick!).

The results are fantastic. Martha herself remarked that the third method made the roses look decorated with real jewels. And with bouquet bling being so popular right now, here's a fast and simple way to add such beauty without a massive cost.

Top Ten Tips to an Easily Green Wedding

2009-03-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

More and more brides are jumping on the go-green bandwagon for an earth-friendly wedding. There's lots of ideas out there on how to have an uber green wedding, but some ideas are so outlandish, and other, well...what are some other ideas?

Well I'm glad you asked! Here's 10 easy tips for a green wedding:

1. Have your ceremony and reception at one location. Not much, I know, but you're saving your guests from having to drive to another location, and you only have one map you end up needing to put with the invitation. Saving on gas, trash, and money!

2. Have your wedding during the day. Use that natural sunshine as your lighting, and you're using less electricity to keep your party running.

3. Serve a family-style meal at the reception. Family style means less plates being used, which is less water and soap for washing, less chemicals in the water. And if you are using one-use plates and utensils, serving family style means less garbage after everything is over.

4. Use digital invitations. Websites like evite.com are coming up with more and more lovely email invitations that are definitely wedding-y. Everyone's on their email anyway, so be creative, surprising, and save money and paper.

5. When you have to buy something, buy it from a local, low-impact vendor. Weather it's your gown or aisle decorations, if you have to purchase an item, find a local vendor that uses organic and low-impact processes to create the item you are buying. Organic doesn't always mean they recycle, so find reviews on companies and make and educated decision. Local also means you're not paying for an item to be shipped from a separate location, which means less pollution from trucks and airplanes.

6. Use recycled rings and jewelery. Something borrowed is a great tradition, saving you money, and saving the environment from pollution caused by mining, chemicals, and the processes it takes to create jewelry. For your wedding rings, look to your family heirlooms, or buy rings made from recycled gold and stones by artists such as GreenKarat.com

7. Use local flowers for your bouquets and decorations. Work with a florist that will use organic, locally grown flowers that are native to your wedding's location. And don't use out of season flowers either as they are force-grown in hothouses with lots of chemicals and 24 hour artificial sunlight. Yuck.

8. Recycle everything. From leftover food (give to a local shelter) to your dress (give to Brides Across America, a program that donates gowns to couples in the military), the flowers (use for both the ceremony and the reception then gift to your church, cemetery, etc). And ask your vendors to do the same - ask your caterer to recycle his leftover foil, and your florist to use a compost for leftover clippings.

9. Don't do a huge wedding. It'll also save you money. Simple and sweet is a great way to go, spending less on decorations and custom this-and-that's. The environment gets less needing to be cleaned, trashed, transported, and stored.

10. Actually make the effort! Don't just set out to do it, actually do it! And tell your guests all about it! Tell them that you're planning an eco-wedding and you'll be surprised at the amount of help and support you'll get. Your family may end up coming up with some great ideas you never thought of!

Wedding Trend for 2009 - Rustic Wedding Venues

2009-02-24T15:40:00.000-08:00

A wonderful trend has already begun for 2009 - brides are taking advantage of the breathtaking rustic venues in their areas for weddings. Below are pictures from local Seattle venues, such as Treehouse Point, Pickering Barn, and Pravada Studios.

Its a beautiful pairing of roughened woods with soft white fabrics, and I'm so happy to see brides making this move. Most of these venues often cost hundreds, even thousands, less than traditionally used hotels and country clubs. There is a little give and take in that though these venues boast less frills, any frills you do want you'll have to bring in yourself. But it doesn't take much to make it look great - and companies like Prop Gallery West have great experience making your rustic venue imbue just the right amount of elegance.

When looking at a venue that's a blank canvas, bring your rental company and your wedding coordinator with you - we've got the experience and eye to help come up with those creative ideas to create a great wedding space.

These spaces also work great as a ceremony location, saving you money on two venues, and your guests only have to drive to one location. A pairing of the ceremony outdoors and reception indoors (or visa versa), will help delineate the parts of the wedding from each other.

Have questions about what's around Seattle? Check out this great new wedding planning website: NW Bride TV. It lists a lot of locations other websites don't, and even has video interviews with some of Seattle's greatest vendors.

With the Oscars, it's Always Winning Fashion

2009-02-23T11:51:00.000-08:00

Last night's Oscars was it's usual incredible night - so much fashion and beautiful faces I'm glad it comes only once a year. A couple of my hopefuls didn't win, but my #1 did - Heath. I was so happy to see him recognized for one of the most incredible acting performances I have ever seen (and honey, I've seen a lot).

But the one thing I wanted to share today was my happy surprise at the number of white gowns worn last night. Ladies who love fashion, here are your wedding gowns! Love it!

First, here's a sampling of white (and flavored white) dresses from last night, courtesy of MSNBC.

These are all great examples of gowns not made by "wedding gown designers" that would each make a beautiful walk down the aisle. My two favorite gowns from the evening were the Versace worn by Marisa Tomei (left picture) and the Roberto Cavalli (love it!) worn by Taraji Henderson (right picture, on the right). These are such lovely gowns, each playing with layering in their own ways.

So my message to you brides out there - don't limit your wedding gown search to what's in your bridal boutique. If you want to find something a little more unique, look at what designers are making outside of the "wedding" label and you can find some incredible gowns, maybe even that perfect one. And remember, great gowns can come in gentle 'flavors', such as Sara Jessica Parker's mint dress (top picture, 3rd from right), and still imbue the virtues of a wedding gown.

Events This Weekend

2009-02-20T11:20:00.000-08:00

There's so many incredible things happening over the next couple days it's got me all a twitter! Like what, you ask? Well...

All weekend long check out the Blue by Enzoani trunk show at A Princess Bride Couture Bridal Salon. Brides purchasing an Enzoani gown get some great gifts from the salon too!

For brides in Eastern Washington, check out the South Hill Mall Bridal Show going on all day tomorrow. For more info call the organizer at (360) 894-1758.

Seattle Bride, a company that manages historic properties for weddings, is having their big annual wedding event, taking place Saturday in Bellevue at two of their properties. Check out the venues, try their eight exclusive caterers, and see if they've got just the right venue for you!

Sunday, oh my, is an incredible wedding show I've been looking forward to, the Skansonia Wedding Show - FREE TO BRIDES!! Sip mimosas and nibble amazing treats as you stroll around the historic ferry visiting with some of Seattle's most wonderful vendors (like Midnight Blossom - my favorite Seattle florist).

And it all accumulates to the big wedding gown give-away at Lululemon on Monday. Adele Wechsler has teamed up with Lululemon to give away a free wedding gown from her green collection in cities all across the US. Check out Adele's website for Lululemon's address and what time everything starts!

Wedding Events This Weekend

2009-02-13T11:17:00.000-08:00

Still looking for something to do this weekend to help with your wedding planning? Well you are in luck! Tonight only, at La Belle Elaine's Bridal by the Space Needle, True Colors Events, Simply Wed Events, and me, helping you come up with the style for your wedding and how to create it. This fantastic event is called "Something Old, Something New, Something You!". Come get some great advice, and some yummy chocolate! It's free, so just come by at 7!

Another great wedding event is the grand finale for the Battle of the Betrothed, Seattle's own wedding race giveaway! Everything starts at 11 at Westlake Park in downtown Seattle, and ends at the Cococabanna at Pike's Place Market. Watch the finalists battle for the last big prize - a free honeymoon!

With Valentine's Day this weekend, guys everywhere are getting themselves ready to pop the big question. Need a place to propose? Here's a list of some great places to get down on one knee. And if nothing sounds quite right - think back to all the places that had special moments for you both: where you first kissed, where you told her you loved her for the first time, the place you were when you realized you loved her. Nothing is sweeter than just the simple plan and an open heart.

There's lots more events still this month, so come back next week for info on a FREE local wedding show!

The Gentleman's Shave is Back

2009-02-11T11:31:00.000-08:00

Oh thank goodness! Finally, once again, gentlemen can easily find quality razors, shaving soaps, lotions, and a quality barber. What a relief!

The most fantastic thing about the return of quality shaving is that guys are once again starting to really care for themselves. Sorry guys, but you went on a hiatus for a while there. A few months ago, my fiance decided it would be economically smart to switch to a straight razor, saving money on disposables, and it's less garbage too. So now he has a badger's hair brush, a bowl of shaving soap, a straight razor, sharpening strap, etc. And he looks forward to making himself look clean and professional. Lovely!

And barber shops are right in with this too. There's lots of great places now to purchase your shaving needs, from Excalibur's to The Art of Shaving, and salons for men are now offering shaving experiences, complete with hot towels and massaging their jaws. One place here in Seattle, Capelli's, even offers a groomsman's package to help the guys look their best on the big day.

On behalf of women everywhere, thank you!

Capelli's Gentlemen's Barbershop - Seattle's Premier Men's Barbershop Experience - by bekahross on Polyvore.com

Ooh La La Love!

2009-01-31T10:20:00.000-08:00

Wow, ladies and gents, this is my last collage for the Behind the Veil competition. It's been a long journey, full of good times and stress (like life's supposed to be). But I have had a wonderful time, learned so much, and I'm getting really excited for the big Battle of the Betrothed weekend coming up fast (Feb. 6-8!!).

So for our last wedding theme, may I present, Paris!

*Insert iconic Parisian accordion music HERE*.

For our fair city wedding, a collage of the flavors and airs of Paris. Incredible fashion, simplistic gourmand food, sweeping architecture, back door cafe style, and...ooh la la...the Eiffel Tower.

So here's a few things to know when planning your own Parisian wedding. First, you'll find lots of cute stuff featuring the Eiffel Tower. Sweet. There's a lot of styles you can choose with a Paris themed wedding. Some cute ideas: turn of the century Paris - this theme touches into the early days of film making, with the yellowy photographs, and the iconic black and white striped shirts can easily be used (even though it's a Beatnik thing). You can go glamor and gallery - using the romantic architecture and couture fashion as your method. Or, you can go what I call "gentle Paris" - think cafes, strolls along the Pont de l'Archevêché, sitting in the park, and window shopping. Very cute things can be incorporated into this idea - like a backyard reception, waiters in those stripy shirts, cute little ceramic "Hotel de Paris" jars in the bathrooms, painted wood signs, and a nice mix of fancy gowns and wood folding chairs.

And so, ladies and gents, I present to you, my own version of "gentle Paris" - Ooh La La Love!

{Rebekah} Paris: Ooh La La Love! - by bekahross on Polyvore.com

Love (and a diamond) is Forever

2009-01-30T10:19:00.000-08:00

Wow, diamonds! Are they expensive, or what?! For today's wedding theme, splurge vs. steal: Diamonds, I wanted to be as true to diamonds as I could. Where I couldn't for the splurge, I tapped the amazing source of Swarovski crystals (and gals, if you can't have a diamond, this is one hell of a replacement!).

To keep this wedding from being too crazy expensive, I've formed both weddings around a total party of 30 people, with 5 total tables (6 a table). Half the guest receive the paperweight favor, half the key ring favor. Everyone has one diamondtini (ooo!), and each table is decorated with the table confetti.

So enjoy! Drool!

{Rebekah} Diamonds: Love (and a diamond) is Forever - by bekahross on Polyvore.com

I Pledge Allegiance to Your Love

2009-01-29T10:18:00.000-08:00

Today's wedding is focused on Washington, DC. As I mentioned the other week, when I was 12 I went with my family to DC, and I fell in love with the town. It's always been my dream to live there (and work at the Smithsonian, drool!), and my sister and I's hope to one day open a restaurant there (we've got it all worked out).

For today's wedding, I wanted to showcase some of the amazing architecture of DC. There's so much to see, but not many places that will let you have a wedding or reception there (darn you, national archives!).

So for the wedding, the National Cathedral. Oh yum. And the reception? The Daughters of the American Revolution's Banquet Hall. Double yum.

Add a little southern hospitality and DC glamor, and you've got such a beautiful wedding. Enjoy!

{Rebekah} Washington DC: I Pledge Allegiance to Your Love - by bekahross on Polyvore.com

Pop! Goes the Wedding

2009-01-28T10:17:00.001-08:00

Ok, who got the title? It's a play on the song "Pop goes the world" by Men Without Hats, that incredible 80's band. And that's today's theme - the incredible 80's! When neon was the norm and jelly shoes were a fashion statement. So lets have a wedding!

There's a lot of different paths to take in an 80's wedding: 80's glam, 80's rock, 80's executive, 80's pop. I could go on and on. For this wedding, I wanted to use the 80's pop idea, cuz it's SO fun!

A few things to remember for your 80's wedding: Jelly shoes rock, the bride needs to wear lots of tule, and early Madonna is a mix of the 50's and shabby-chic. So grab your mix tape, and dance, dance, dance!

{Rebekah} 1980's: Pop! Goes the Wedding - by bekahross on Polyvore.com

The Best of Seattle: An Interview with Kelli Morse of Kelli's Creations

2009-01-28T10:17:00.000-08:00

Tell me about Kelli’s Creations

Kelli’s Creations does wedding and specialty cake design. I have 15 years of professional experience as a cake designer, and I have been working for myself for the past 3 years. The whole process of the cake creation and design I do all myself.

What is your philosophy in wedding cake design?

My trademark is “cakes as unique and beautiful as you are”. I like to think about the bride a lot as I am making the cake, and I aim at making the cake as perfect as she wants it. The bride and I working together come up with the idea for the cake.

Why do brides come to Kelli’s Creations for their wedding cake?

Brides come to me because my cakes stand out both in flavor and look. I make my buttercream icing from scratch, and I only use high quality ingredients in my cakes. I’ve perfected making my cakes straight and level, people often ask “is this really a cake?” There are endless design possibilities I can do, and when a bride comes to me with a picture of a cake she wants I can duplicate it exactly.

What would you like brides to know when wedding cake shopping?

Brides should do their homework and ask questions on the pricing, this is where a lot of commercial bakeries get tricky. Some places charge more for little things here and there, like piping and special flavors. Ask question on what’s included in the price. When I quote a bride, it includes absolutely everything to create her cake.

What made you interested in participating in the Battle of the Betrothed?

When Christi Masi (of the Healthy Bride) approached me, I thought it sounded so exciting, and it’s been really great to get to be a part of this.

Any last comments?

I love what I do. I look forward to going to work every day, and I love weddings. Each wedding is different and I enjoy being a part of it.

Hole in One Love

2009-01-27T10:16:00.000-08:00

A golf wedding is such a fun and easy sports-themed wedding to do. A ceremony and reception at a golf club, with ceremony on the green, some fun putting photo op's, and a ride on a golf cart for all! How fun!

Some extra ideas - include the kid's putting area in the reception and put up a neat sign "if you get a hole in one, we kiss!". For table numbers, use numbered golf flags (an easy DIY project too). There's so many neat things to do, and I've included some great ideas from other brides and grooms on my collage below.

Enjoy. And don't forget: fore!

{Rebekah} Golf: Hole in One Love! - by bekahross on Polyvore.com

The Best of Seattle: An Interview with Laura of Totten Photography

2009-01-27T10:15:00.000-08:00

Tell me about Totten Photography

Totten Photography is myself, Laura Totten, and my lovely assistants, Dave Knirk and Stuart Grinnell. I photograph people and life events– weddings, families, pregnancies and newborns, high school seniors, reunions, and I do some fashion work as well. I photograph bands for KEXP, and some of my commercial clients are the Seattle Seahawks and the Sounders. Working recently with the Sounders (our soccer team) has been awesome because the players are so diverse and come from all parts of the world. But I always love to photograph people.

What is your philosophy or technique when photographing a wedding?

I like to let things happen naturally and try to capture the energy of the day. There are parts of the day when I’m directing people, but mostly I just put my couple in a location with good light and tell them “go be in love!” and something natural happens – they kiss or hold each other in a way that you just can’t choreograph, and that’s the moment I capture. The first time I meet with a couple, I make sure that my style of photography fits their needs. I also find out what they specifically want photographed (certain objects or moments), and what formal family pictures they expect. But usually they trust me to be creative and capture candid moments throughout their day.

What makes Totten Photography stand out? How are you unique from other wedding photographers?

My clients love that I have a calming effect on them and their wedding day, and they appreciate that I am unobtrusive. They also understand that I appreciate the sensitivity of what is happening during the day, and can capture it artistically. I balance capturing the event and allowing space for people to enjoy the day and be in the moment. Most of the time, people don’t notice me clicking away. And most often, I end up becoming friends with my clients! I include an engagement session with all my wedding packages, and this way we can spend some casual time together and see how the photography process works without the pressure of the wedding timeline. When I’m at a wedding, it’s like I’m a friend of the couple who happens to be photographing their wedding.

What should brides know when looking for a photographer to hire?

Two things- first, that they know exactly what they are getting for their investment (album, a disk of the images, etc). And as a couple, they should determine beforehand what they want (not necessarily what their friends want or what they’ve read in a wedding magazine).

Second, that they have good chemistry with their photographer. This is someone you’re spending your whole day with – your wedding day – and you should get along.

What made you interested in participating in the Battle of the Betrothed?

It sounds awesome – it’s a great idea to involve a lot of different wedding vendors and aspects of weddings and make a competition out of it. There are so many negative wedding shows on TV, ‘Bridezillas’ and disaster weddings, so it’s refreshing to participate in a fun and motivational event.

50's Family Wedding

2009-01-26T10:14:00.001-08:00

The 1950's was the height of the classic American family, where kids and parents ate dinner together every night, and played board games with each other. It's the style of American family that many people today try to emulate. Some of my own best memories were spend around the table playing games with my parents and my sister (my sister often won).

With this wedding, I wanted to use that incredible clothing style of the 1950's with vintage clothing, but use that happy memory of board games and include them in the wedding reception, with each table (6 total) having a board game to play with each other. It's a great way, too, for in-laws to get to know each other better.

I also wanted to use the classic wedding style of simple, white, and clean in everything. The 50's were also the time of bleach and the perfect, crisp, clean clothes mom folded neatly in your dresser, so using that in the color scheme, and in the cake - simple, straight lines.

So enjoy these two versions of the 1950's wedding!

{Rebekah} 1950's: 50's Family Wedding - by bekahross on Polyvore.com

The Best of Seattle: An Interview with Amoreena of Midnight Blossom

2009-01-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

Tell me about Midnight Blossom

I’m a studio florist, and I do weddings, events, and also arrangements for businesses. I try to work with people, find out what their vision is or what they’re going for, and then work with how to get that with their budget. I mostly work alone, but for the occasional big project I bring in other people, but the design is all done by me. I like to do something different that people haven’t seen before. I offer custom work, sculptures or art that people look at and say, “Wow, I haven’t seen that before”. I use flowers, not a couple blossoms and a lot of greenery. The flowers are worth the money my clients put into it.

What is your philosophy or technique when doing the flowers for a wedding?

With weddings I keep up with the trends and work from there. I see what’s going on and then make my own design from there, I’m not about creating a photocopy of what’s in the magazines, I use them as a starting point for something better. When working with a couple, I like to find out what the overall emotion is that brought them to a certain flower arrangement, and work with them on how to invoke that same emotion in an arrangement that reflects them but is also within their budget.

Why do and should brides choose Midnight Blossom for their wedding?

Most often, people go to my website and see that what I have to offer is different. I’m flexible, I don’t throw out a lot of rules and contracts at brides, and being that I’m a studio, I can be more flexible than the bigger shops and companies. I can easily travel and meet people or talk in my studio. Pricing is important too – I don’t have a lot of overhead, so when a bride spends $100 on a bouquet she really feels that she is getting $100 worth of flowers. And shopping with Midnight Blossom is supporting a local business!

Do you do something or have a floral item that is uniquely yours?

I don’t have a trademark item, I try instead to create something unique for that moment. I like always making new things for my clients and surprising them. I do a lot of natural items, wood, bamboo, sand, stones, driftwood, and birch bark. When clients see something natural and relaxing, they know it’s made by me. My style is cohesively mine. I like to use other botanical elements too, like feathers or pods. I go out to the mountains and the ocean and find my inspiration there. My work is celebrating the world outside and bringing that in. I keep waste minimal – I don’t use a lot of wrapping or tissue – instead I use handmade or local containers, like handmade wood boxes from a local wood worker, the whole idea is for people to be able to give an organic gift when they buy flowers from Midnight Blossom.

What should brides know when floral shopping?

A lot of it is intuitive as you’re working with someone who’s creating something for you. you don’t have to spend $10,000 on a wedding, you can work with a budget and still have something beautiful. When walking in to a meeting with a florist, you should know 2 things – your wedding style and what you want the wedding to be. “Here’s my budget, colors, and style”. And you should be able to get something you love. As for the contract – get in writing the parameters of what your arrangements will look like. Things change in the natural world, and if roses come in looking awful, you need to have other options – not necessarily specific flowers, but the overall feeling - keep the flowers in the same family and filling that vision. You also need to like the person that you’re working with and make sure that they can help you create your vision. You should also feel confident that you can change your mind, on the color and scheme until the time the flowers need to be purchased. You may like the big feathers and jewels, but a year later say “what was I thinking?!” and you need to make sure that the contract and the person you’re working with is flexible.

What made you interested in participating with the Battle of the Betrothed?

I first heard about the Battle of the Betrothed after talking with Sarah from Avant bride. She mentioned Christi of the Healthy Bride and it sounded interesting. As I learned more about it, I really got excited and I love that I have the opportunity to do this. It’s been a lot of fun and Christi’s been a great connector with other local businesses. We all benefit from it!

Punk Rock Love

2009-01-25T10:13:00.000-08:00

Punk rock music has such an incredible attitude to it that speaks of independence, of fun, and of finding your own road.

For this wedding, I wanted to go for a feel of a concert and a wedding "married". The ceremony and reception taking place in the same room, with the ceremony taking place on the stage, then after the wedding, a great Ramones cover band, The Ramonas, takes the stage.

For the bride, this incredible Wai Chang wedding gown made of hand died silks. It's so incredible. paired with some kicking black stilettos, and a peacock feather fan instead of (in the words of the Offbeat Bride) the "standard clump of flowers".

For the bridesmaids, a cute little black frock with plaid shoes (I had to, they are so delish), a nice studded wrist cuff and less-pretty peacock feather fan.

The invites, a play off the invites to Ashlee Simpson's wedding. You could use the Gashlycrumb Tinies as a theme style. And I love the cake, by the Bleeding Heart Bakery - the ultimate in punk bakeries.

But overall, make it fun, make it dark, and make it punk!

We miss you Joey!

{Rebekah} Punk Rock Music: Punk Rock Love - by bekahross on Polyvore.com

Giving the Gift of Love

2009-01-24T10:13:00.000-08:00

A wedding can be a time to celebrate your love that is also an opportunity to better the world. You're spending so much money on your wedding day, so make the money mean something.

The first step, is to take a look at everything on your 'shopping' list and find out what charitable options are out there to get your list checked off. You need flowers - why not buy flowers from a charitable fundraiser organization that supplies beautiful arrangments with all profit going to a charity organization. And there's lots of companies out there that sell bottled water that send the money to feed childhood starvation, help villages get clean water, pay for education - there's so many out there to choose from.

Instead of favors to your gifts, make a donation. Instead of gifts to you from guests, ask for them to make a donation. You can give your guests an option as to whom to donate to (have 4 or 5 charities you can work with), or make your whole wedding and opportunity to raise money for one organization.

If you can't find a company that sells, for example, wedding cakes that benefit a charity, why not ask your baker if they would donate a percentage of their profit to charity? Heck, ask all the vendors you're working with if they would make a 5% donation from your purchase to a charity! It doesn't hurt to ask, and you'll be surprised at how many people are willing to help.

{Rebekah} Love of Charity: Giving the Gift of Love - by bekahross on Polyvore.com

Finding Love on the Beach

2009-01-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

"Finding Nemo" was such an incredible film, teaching children and adults lots of life lessons, the #1 being (in my opinion)- family is important so don't forget to say I love you. It's a great message, and worthy of celebrating at your wedding.

For a "Finding Nemo" inspired wedding, you've got to remember the most important thing - when creating the film, the artists behind the movie wanted to show their audiences how incredibly colorful the ocean is. It's not just tan beaches and blue ocean. There's pinks, purples, yellows, deep blues, and orange! So when planning your "Finding Nemo" wedding, don't just do all tan with a splash of orange - celebrate the incredible array of color of the ocean!

Use the colors in your ceremony on the canopy and chairs. Your invitations can gently hint to the theme with a real star fish and colorful ribbon. Give your bridesmaids different colored dresses (not everyone looks good in orange), and give them a nice gentle bouquet of tans and whites, so no matter what color their dress the bouquet won't clash. For the bride, a nice beach dress, the lace reminiscent of the gentle porousness of the reef, and a nice bright orange bouquet tied with white ribbon (Nemo's colors!).

And the reception, keep the tables classy with the ocean theme, touches of color provided by the cool drinks and amazing foods. Decorate the tables with dried coral to really add some flair. For the seating cards, use cute silver turtles (dude, sweet!) that guests can take home. And the cake, oh heck! Just have fun with it with this snazzy "Finding Nemo" cake.

And don't forget- there's more to the ocean than just water. There's more to a "Finding Nemo" wedding than tan and blue, and there's more to your "Finding Nemo" wedding that will continue to surprise and delight your guests!

{Rebekah} Finding Nemo: Finding Love on the Beach - by bekahross on Polyvore.com

Love Around the World

2009-01-22T10:12:00.000-08:00

You love to travel. It's what brought you both together, helped you fall in love, and you want to celebrate this passion for each other and the world in your wedding. Easy!

There's two ways to do this - with one heck of a purse, and inexpensively.

For the big price tag wedding, a beautiful mermaid dress and a designer bridesmaid dress start this off right. The invites - custom passports with the photo of both of you! The cake? Uh! A Sylvia Weinstock globe, with little sugar 'pins' for each place you've been. The favors, beautiful umbrellas of five major cities - the ones you'll be using for the reception - each table at the reception is a different place (Paris, London, New York, etc), and they are marked by beautiful ice sculptures with the icon of the city (Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, Statue of Liberty, etc). Top it off with an outdoor reception under a tent with Parisian-striped linens! What a wedding (for only $23,272).

On the sly - what a great dress and gown find - and tons less. Passport invites from Invitations by Dawn, and luggage tags of major cities as the favors. The cake, a little more of a cartoony rendering of the globe, and just as nice a Parisian reception, but saving huge on no tent, and cutesy statuetts of the city icons! Not bad at $4,534.50!

{Rebekah} Love of Travel: Love Around the World - by bekahross on Polyvore.com

Wedding Fiesta!

2009-01-21T10:12:00.000-08:00

Today's wedding is based on the love of a certain dish, and then designing a wedding around it. And what's better than fabulous chicken mole with fresh avocado? It's chicken and chocolate!

So let's plan a traditional Mexican wedding around this incredible dinner choice. Using the beautiful colors on the left side of the collage, we've created a wedding using traditional wedding cakes, wedding flags, a crystal wedding laso, pinata, el mariachi, dancers, even a pinata!

As the calla lily was created as a cash crop in Mexico in the 1800's, there's a strong tie between many Latin-American villages and these beautiful flowers.

On a beautiful spring day, have the wedding on the steps of the old mission church. For the reception, find a near-by hacienda (estate) to have a mixed indoor-outdoor party. The pinata will be such a huge hit with the kids, especially the 30-year-old kids!

{Rebekah} Dinner Choice: Wedding Fiesta! by bekahross

YES WE DID! Celebrating Our 44th President

2009-01-20T10:11:00.000-08:00

The world over today is celebrating the FANTASTIC fact that Barak Obama is now our 44th president. My fiance and I woke up early this morning and watched on MSNBC as the events unfolded, cheering, clapping, and crying, as President Obama took the oath of office and made his first ever presidential address. "My fellow citizens" he spoke, "I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors".

All across the earth and this great nation, people of all beliefs, colors, and backgrounds are joining together like this country has never seen before to celebrate this great man and his dawning presidency. In salute to this fact, I've created a collage telling three stories of such celebrations.

These three stories are of distinct groups of people: the classy shin-dig with evening wear and slow music, the apartment party with flashy music and flashy clothes, and the street celebration with warm coats and Obama-wear.

First, here's the overall collage:

{Rebekah} President Obama: YES WE DID!! by bekahross

Party one takes place in a fancy hotel ballroom. Guests are resplendent in red, white, and blue. The fashionable women are dressed in gold dresses like Michelle's worn during the inauguration (and what an incredible dress!). Drinks abound through dozens of toasts, and guest munch on the exact same dinner that Obama ate at the inaugural luncheon - duck with cherry chutney, pheasant with wild rice stuffing, molasses whipped sweet potato, and cinnamon apple sponge cake (all the recipes can be found here).

Party two is invoking the youth of the new generation, with an apartment party full of loud music and featuring Chicago style deep dish pizza. The ladies are again dressed in the flag's colors, with the fashion trendy wearing gold to salute Michelle's style. Drinks abound, especially Barak's favorite mixed beverage, "God Damn Americano", a drink he invented in college - half sweet Vermouth, and half Campari.

Party three is an impromptu expression of exuberance, on the streets of America and around the world. People still bundled from the inauguration and full of hope just start to celebrate. They show off their Obama t's and mittens, eating Chicago style hot dogs and having a beer, singing with strangers, and making them new friends.

This is America. In all her styles, in all her tastes, and in all her glory. We are a people with many pasts, many opinions, many dreams. But together we have helped this great nation of ours make the first step to a brighter future, as today WE made Barak Obama our president!

Inaugrual Ball Wedding

2009-01-20T10:10:00.000-08:00

Today America marks a huge moment in her history books, 'cuz Barak Obama's our president!! Woohoo!!

In the spirit of our newly anointed President Obama and the 12 inaugural balls he and First Lady Michelle are visiting tonight, I wanted to create a patriotic inaugural ball wedding. Using our flag's beautiful colors but in a polished way, let's look at the wedding I've put together for our bride and groom.

Starting the day, the invitations our couple sent. This set I found on Bellis Blog is very chic, very simple, but really nicely portrays the red, white, and blue. It's really lovely.

As our bride gets ready, she dons her lovely ballgown wedding dress by Alita Graham. Next, her jewelry. She slips on her lovely bracelet by Chanel and earrings by Brian Danielle. Next, her engagement ring (by Jewelex New York), soon to be joined by the matching wedding band. *Sigh*.

Last, our bride slips on her blue and red Christian Louboutin pumps. So cute!

Now that the bride's dressed, our bridesmaids are at a flutter! On go their red satin evening gowns and matching Valentino pumps. As the bride's gift to them, red ruby flower earrings.

Meanwhile, our groom and groomsmen are getting ready in their black tuxes with royal blue vest and matching tie. Everybody's ready to go, and off to the ceremony. Along the aisles, beautiful arrangments of blue flowers with white ribbons. Down the aisle comes the bride with her red, white, and blue bouquet. *Fun fact! In late 1986, the rose was named the "national floral emblem" of the United States!

Congrats to the bride and groom! Off to the reception! The tables are beautifully set with a dominate red and accent blue. The ceremony was full of blue, so the reception is pulling in the other bright color of the flag. Beautiful bright red carnations make a mound of red to brighten the white linens.

Time for cake! This beautiful cake (from Martha), is a dream of white, with the tops making a 'basket' for red and blue fresh berries. What a fun way to use the red, white, and blue colors!

Our guests have had an amazing time, and in parting thanks, the bride and groom have supplied a variety of red, white, and blue bound journals for their thoughts as the county and the couple step into a bright new future in America!

{Rebekah} Patriotic: Inaugural Ball Wedding by bekahross

Great Gatsby Love

2009-01-19T10:10:00.000-08:00

Today we're doing a 1920's theme wedding. Yes, I know I did a 20's art deco wedding, but this time we're doing a different flavor of wedding and are having a Great Gatsby inspired flapper wedding. For those of you who don't know, the Great Gatsby is a book by F. Scott Fitzgerald published in 1925, and taking place in 1922 following the lives of a group of very wealthy socialites in New York. It's a classic read and worth the time if you've never read it.

Starting out - the invitation. This cute little 20's style is from Elegant Handmade Creations, Inc.

So with out 20's Great Gatsby (GG from now on) wedding, our bride dresses herself in this incredible flapper gown from Net-a-Porter. It really invokes the classic flapper dress with the luxury of a GG debutant. For her shoes, a take on the classic Mary Janes. Mary Janes came out in fashion in the 20's and the clunky version of this shoe was a flapper's must. This cute pair is from Bettye Muller. Her necklace, a 72" rope of pearls. In the style of the time, flappers wore long ropes of pearls ('rope' is the term used for any necklace 42" and longer). The pearls are wrapped twice around the neck so it looks like a choker and an uber long rope, and the end of the rope is knotted. Cute! To finish her look, a faux fox fur stole. Fur was in like Flynn in the 20's and any gal with the purse for it owned at least one great stole. For her hair, the classic flapper style with a bob-do and headband with a blossom.

The wedding ring is absolutely georgeous. This is a vintage 1920's platinum and diamond ring worth over $66,000! Uh! Can you imagine spending that much money on a ring? They really lived lavishly back then.

Now our groom - resplendent and effulgent in a white tie tux. In case you didn't know, the white tie is considered the most formal of formal wear, and was reserved for elegant state dinners and very special occasions. I'm imagining my fiance in this - wow!

Our couple is ready! Now to the ceremony. A lovely outdoor affair with white chairs and canopy. The aisle chairs decorated with a big tropical leaf and a creme hydrangea. The canopy flowing with white linens and buds. After the ceremony, our bridal party is off to the reception in a large tent outdoors. In GG style, couches and lounge chairs on a beautiful green outdoor rug.

The cake is a dream and just perfect for this wedding. The scroll work style reminds me so much of the cover of the GG novel. Topped with a vintage 20's bride and groom and it's perfect.

Wrapping up our couple's perfect day, a decorative wedding certificate painted just like the ads of the 1920's and featuring a cute 20's couple. What a day!

{Rebekah} 1920's: Great Gatsby Love by bekahross

Love Jamaica Style

2009-01-18T10:09:00.000-08:00

Jamaica has long been a place known for providing it's tourists with a complete get-away experience. One of exotic foods and splendid beaches. It's an incredible location for a wedding, and regardless of your budget it's easy to accomplish it in style.

With money as no object, I wanted to highlight a few things that will make the ultimate Jamaican wedding experience. First was finding the right location. With the help of Five Star Alliance - the Expedia of luxury 5 star hotels - I was introduced to Half Moon Resort. And it's absolutely beautiful. But with rooms starting at $609 a night, very expensive. With a ceremony at the gazebo pier - out surrounded by water on three sides - the ceremony alone is $600. For the reception, dinner for 100 at the Seagrape Terrace is $1,000. Lucky that being outside is decoration enough!

As the ceremony is taking place on a solid surface (not beach sand), we can have these amazing Fendi peep-toe pumps ($705). The dress is a Badgley Mischka ($7,500), and I just love the neck line.

For the earrings, I fell in love with these chandelier earrings by Gucci ($2,490). Last - the cake. The overall palette for the wedding is white and creme, and I wanted to reflect that in a simple-chic cake - this beauty by Cake Alchemy ($1,200). And there's the basics you need for a splurge wedding in Jamaica at $13,495.

Wow, that felt very showcase showdown (from the Price is Right).

Now, let's do the same on the sly. For a much more affordable hotel, I found the Rock House Hotel, awarded many titles by CBS and travel magazines for being a luxury hotel at every day affordable prices. Rooms start at $125!

For the ceremony, another great spot where you're surrounded on 3 sides by water, the oval stone deck ($200). For the reception, dinner at the Rockhouse (original name, huh?) for 100 is yards cheaper at $575 (a 3 course dinner is only $25!). If I ever go to Jamaica, I'm so staying at this hotel.

Now the shoes - not as fab as Fendi, but pretty darn good when it looks so similar and is only $73 (by Topshop). The earrings, a very similar pair by Isharya, and feature my favorite stone, the moon stone ($175).

The dress, a Nichole Miller! Awesome, I know! And at only $750. Last, the cake - I actually like this one better because of the way they added the little squiggle lines, by Cheryl Kleinman Cakes ($420).

Ok, I'm invoking my inner Bob Barker - All this, and more! Yours if the price is right! Only $2,193!!

{Rebekah} Splurge vs Steal Jamaica: Love Jamaica Style by bekahross

Rented Elegance - A plus!

2009-01-17T10:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, as part of the Battle of the Betrothed, I attended a meeting with Christi Masi of The Healthy Bride at Rented Elegance. I was very impressed. Rented Elegance provides the props you need for your wedding ceremony and reception (or any other kind of party), and they even make their own items so it's easy to find something for your wedding that no one else has. Their office is beautiful, all in one color scheme and using a lot of the unique items they rent out. They're constantly changing the look of their office with a deign for the season - right now a black and white affair with the use of jewels and candles. When you're looking for help designing your wedding, give them a visit.

Spring Renewal Love

2009-01-17T10:08:00.000-08:00

Spring is a beautiful time of year to get married. Everything is just starting to wake up, and the air is filled with excitement and potential. It's the perfect atmosphere for joining with the one you love.

When planning your spring wedding, there's a few things you need to keep in mind. The first - it's not as warm as you think it is. Your daytime temperature will be warm enough for a strapless gown, but save yourself from freezing at the ceremony and go with the big ballgown skirt, and put your bridesmaids in floor length dresses. Trust me on this one. And it'll be nice enough for an outdoor ceremony, but for the reception, especially if it's at night, bring it indoors.

Second, your colors. Spring is when things are just starting to bud and grow, so keep your palette to pastel shades. Bright reds and oranges and yellows are summer colors - for spring, you want very light tones - like butter yellow, baby pink, and yellow-greens. Light purples and blues are good too, but keep them very light!! You'll be overpowering the natural tones around you if you choose robust colors. And don't forget - this is the time that green comes back to vegetation, so use it!

And third, focus on the natural. Buy flowers that will be in season, or gentle buds that invoke the look of fruit blossoms - like peonies. They're soft, come in gentle tones, and look so much like apple blossoms. For foods, use fresh vegetables like baby carrots and asparagus. Keep your drinks light and fruity - for example, in my polyvore wedding for today, my signature drinks are margaritas and sangria's.

More about my wedding - I've got the big beautiful full wedding dress, this one from Platinum for Priscilla of Boston. For the bridesmaids, floor length dresses in the wedding colors from David's Bridal. The flower of the day - peony - accented in the centerpieces with fresh limes and lemons in the vase.

For the ceremony, a simple and beautiful setting on a lawn with white chairs and a white garden canopy. For the aisle flowers, keep it simple, and have some lovely blossoms or plants laid naturally on the lawn. It's making a statement without having to spend oodles on props. The program is a lovely little booklet made of cardstock and stamps, again using the colors of the wedding.

And for the ring bearer? A pillow of greens - green Kermit mums! The big reveal of the ceremony, after the kiss, little boxes along the aisle open to release hundreds of butterflies as the couple proceeds down the aisle. So sweet.

Now the reception - using those tips and bringing it back indoors. The tables set with linens in the wedding palette in a variety of miniature shade changes and multiple pairings of the three basic colors. Our peony and lemon/lime centerpieces - bringing in the palette with a fresh, citrus smell. For the table assignment cards, cute little leaves attached to fresh green apples. So cute! At the tables themselves, the place cards are miniature watering cans with the guest's name on the ribbon - a little play on the spring showers.

Again, the fresh fruit drinks of margaritas and sangria's, fresh, light, and coming in the palette! The drinks include the fresh fruit for guests to munch on. Yum.

Lastly, the cake. Something simple and budding. This gorgeous creation is from April Reed Cake Design and invokes perfectly the feel of the entire wedding.

{Rebekah} Spring: Spring Renewal Love by bekahross

Revolutionary Love in Williamsburg, VA

2009-01-16T10:08:00.000-08:00

When I was 12 I got to go, with my family, to Washington DC for a week. Like any family on a budget, we drove. On the way back, we took our time, stopping at some amazing places, all historical centerpieces to American history - Mount Vernon, Newport News, and Colonial Williamsburg. I was incredibly impressed by Washington's home and the colonial city and they sparked my love affair with historic clothing that I carry with me today.

The thing about Colonial Williamsburg that stuck with me the most was the incredible beauty of the buildings and how much I wanted to don the garb and play revolutionist. So when I saw that today's wedding was all about Williamsburg, VA, I wanted to use that opportunity to dwell in the great things offered by Colonial Williamsburg. There are so many opportunties to create a wedding with a designer gown and a tux, but it's another thing to create a historical masterpiece that really envelopes you into your setting.

The first thing I wanted to do was find the right setting. Though historically parties in the 1770's were lavish and huge, the buildings at Colonial Williamsburg don't lend themselves to a 200-person wedding. For today's wedding, we'll be having an intimate party. To start, the ceremony itself, in the back yard of one of the manor homes of Colonial Williamsburge, surrounded by old-growth trees and antique rose bushes. For the reception, horse-drawn-carriages abound, and take the couple and their guests over to the Governor's Palace for a dinner in the dining room made in historical methods. Can you say sweet potato biscuits? I heard Jefferson's got an amazing recipe. After dinner, dancing in the ballroom (the blue room in the collage) with live music from harpists and flautists in historic garb.

Our wedding couple will be resplendent in their period clothing. There's a lot of talented clothing makers that make historically accurate clothing, and you'd be surprised by the number of non-professionals as well. The groom's clothing (uh! love it!) is made by Chimera Costumes, a very talented lady who does clothing for museums and movies. The bride's beautiful gown is made by a woman named Koshka who's abilities in period clothing are amazing - and all as a hobby. And just a side note - today, brides wear a white gown for their wedding. But this was not the case until Queen Victoria chose this color for her own wedding day in 1840. Until this time, brides wore their finest and most fashionable dress, regardless of color. In fact, bright colors as your clothing signified your enhanced wealth.

For the jewelry of the bride and groom, I wanted to use some of the hand made masterpieces made by the workers of Colonial Williamsburg. For the bride, a pearl cameo choker. Her engagement ring, a gold, diamond, and saphire ring made exactly like it's historical counterpart.

The wedding rings are one of my favorite classical styles - scroll rings. Today, scrollwork is used as decoration on a band, but historically, the difficult ring was a scroll itself. They are absolutely beautiful, and like the rest of the jewelry, all made using historic methods in Colonial Williamsburg itself.

And for the honeymoon, a night in one of the cottages in the colonial city, complete with a grand 1770's feather bed. It's incredible that you can rent a whole house to yourself, and it comes fully stocked with food and firewood.

{Rebekah} Williamsburg, VA: Revolutionary Love in Williamsburg, VA by bekahross

Seen In Miami Love

2009-01-15T10:07:00.000-08:00

Miami is a unique part of the fashion and hip world. The city has it's own style, it's own pace, it's own way of doing things. The style (both fashion wise and culture wise) is a fantastic mix of central and south America, the sun and beach, and a kind of fashion that is a balance of the crazy color prints and light solid tones. If you're looking for a good example of Miami fashion and lifestyle, check out the tv show Burn Notice, and the fashion designer Ulrike Herzner (from Project Runway season 3).

Fist, I wanted to find a location for the wedding that really hit the Miami feel, and I found the Renaissance Eden Roc Beach Resort and Spa in Miami Beach. For the ceremony, something very simple. The emphasis for this wedding is the reception - Miami is about the socializing - not "the party" like LA is, or bars and clubs like New York, but the sit and talk, drink some wine, and enjoy the scenery. So the wedding, a little something on the beach, a simple aisle and arch, guests standing for the short ceremony, and bringing it back to the Renaissance's Ocean View Terrace for the reception, with additional guests showing up then.

The reception itself, very much a focus on a cocktail and hoers d'oeuvres reception. The terrace is a smattering of low couches and cocktail tables, some chairs. A DJ and lighting provide for a hip environment for the group to enjoy the night. The drinks, in the colors of the wedding (three shades of pink) - I found these really refreshing looking drinks on the Knot and they just screamed the look and feel I was going for.

For the clothes - I wanted to hit that fashionable side I described earlier. It's either a big flashy colorful print, or a light solid color. The bridesmaids dress I found first and I absolutely LOVE it! This dress is from Two Birds Bridesmaid, and it's one dress you can style 10 different ways, and I don't mean some boring styles - the dress comes with instructions on the 10 different styles and they are night and day contrast from each other and FAB!

The bride's gown took some hunting, and I really love what I found. This Reem Acra dress from the Spring '08 collection is perfect. The architecture of the dress is very Miami, the beading is a nice salute to both the Latin influences and the shape is very palm tree. Last, the overall flowy-ness of the gown and shade is the ultimate finish. This dress screams Miami beach wedding and sexy scene.

For the flowers of the wedding, I wanted to use a native flower to southern Florida, and I found this beautiful pink rain lilly and it's just the thing. To wrap it up, the cake. I wanted to go back to the color scheme but subtly, but I wanted it also a little sweet. (Sweet "aww" not sweet sugar). So this lovely creation from Maisie Fantaisie was perfect.

And there you go! I very Miami wedding - hitting the style, the feel, the pace, and the fun that truly optimizes the city and the lifestyle.

{Rebekah} Miami: Seen in Miami Love by bekahross

Bollywood Love

2009-01-14T10:07:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know, Bollywood is a term used to describe the whole of Indian film and the 'Hollywood-esque' creation of stars and buzz that has grown around it. Originally, the term was used to describe a specific production house. Bollywood films have been characterized as being like the original big Hollywood productions of song, dance, glamor, and lots of romanticized stars.

Think Virginia Mayo with a nose piercing.

And what's a Bollywood wedding without the Hindu ceremony and big Hollywood money? For today's wedding, I present to you a splurge vs steal Bollywood wedding.

On the splurge side, we start with a lovely bridal ghagras from Khaas Boutique ($760). In Bollywood style, traditional jewelry with the diamond flair, earings ($9,172.35), tikka headpiece ($424), bangle bracelet ($4,488), and necklace ($2,756.30) from the Gold Palace.

In proper Hindu style, next is the mandap, a special pillared canopy the couple and their parents (and the maid and man of honor) all sit during the ceremony. This lovely piece ($4,000) is from Nu Creations. For the reception, a beautiful indoor affair complete with lounging couches and an indoor tent ($15,000). To top it off, a cake from Ann Ogden of Celebrations Ltd in the Caman Islands ($4,000).

And now - the steal. The dress, a bridal sari ($389) from Kaneesha. The jewelry, a set also from Kaneesha, and made with plated gold, comes with the necklace, tikka, and earrings ($89). The bangle bracelet ($25), in traditional wedding red is from Kaneesha as well.

For the mandap, instead of a solid structure, a beautiful tent ($2,000) from Raj Tents (my favorite). The reception, an outdoor affair, again from Raj Tents ($4,000). And last but not least -the cake, from More than Cakes ($600) mirroring the outline of the splurge cake (and the flowers), but just no additional piping (and made in the states).

Overall - the splurge cake came in at $40,600. And the steal at 17% the cost - $7,103!

{Rebekah} Bollywood: Bollywood Love by bekahross

Slam Dunk Love

2009-01-13T10:06:00.000-08:00

Today's wedding theme is basketball. Two things I know about basketball: the ball is orange, and guys get really sweaty playing it.

But, unlike baseball, it's not a sport that's had a romantic history in the states - like baseball. And guys get really sweaty playing it. So I wanted to use the colors and the shape of the ball itself, and not get all "let's put a basketball on everything". My first step: I created a color palette. Enjoy! I couldn't find something professional to represent the palette, so I used pillows. Unique, huh? :)

For the colors - medium and dark orange, dark brown, bronze, and creme. The bridesmaids in brown, the bride in creme-brown, the flowers in both shades of orange. The flowers? Dahlias. They have a lovely round shape that reminds me of a basketball. Also round - the orange pomanders hanging on the aisle chairs and carried as bouquets by the bridesmaids.

When I was thinking about pomanders, I realized something - historically, pomanders were scent balls used in Elizabethan times to hide the fact that no one bathed. Rich people used silver balls filled with cloves, and the not-so-rich used oranges studded with cloves. And what a neat idea to make a cloven orange with the cloves making the lines of a basketball to put a couple on the tables to add a nice scent - and makes a tasty snack.

Also historical: the cloven fruit game. It's really fun, and great for hooking up your single friends. You want the details? Email me. *wink!*

For the reception table, use the orange and creme shades as the base, and the brown and bronze as accent colors. And the favor? Gourmet candied apples made in the wedding colors! Yum!

{Rebekah} Basketball: Slam Dunk Love by bekahross

A Few of My Favorite Things

2009-01-12T10:06:00.000-08:00

I just finished taking a little break with a pot of tea and the man I love, and it was lovely, refreshing, and relaxing. I'm a tea-aholic. I love taking tea, and if you're ever looking for a great place to have tea, I've got some in mind.

So while thinking about my lovely tea break, it occurred to me that this would make a lovely addition to my wedding. It's something my fiance and I both love and has great meaning for us. And isn't that exactly what a wedding is?

So when you're thinking of neat things to do at your wedding, and are torn between what one magazine tells you and what another tells you differently, stop and think - does this have meaning for me? Will it mean anything to me and my fiance if we do [fill in the blank] that we are being told has to be in our wedding?

Your wedding day is all about you and the person you are marrying. Don't feel like you have to do something because it's expected, either by a magazine or a great-aunt. Do what has meaning for you two. Do something that you will love. It's your day!! Don't let anyone try to convince you otherwise.

Love on the Fourth of July

2009-01-12T10:05:00.000-08:00

To me, the fourth of July is a time to gather with your family and friends and enjoy a meal, watch some fireworks, and really enjoy the fact that this is a backyard holiday. No need to wear fancy clothes or buy expensive gifts - just you, your favorite jeans, and some honest food.

And that's the feel of this 4th of July wedding - an easy and relaxed wedding in the back yard with your friends, some kids, and the one you love.

Starting off, I wanted the bride to be in something comfortable and breezy, and I came across this cute strapless dress (very summery) from Monsoon. I wanted to bring the red, white, and blue into the color scheme without making it crazy (what do I mean by crazy? look at this horrible dress). So I decided to put the bridesmaids in one color, and make the groomsmen's tie the opposite. Since white is the bride's color, and red dresses are a bit flashy, blue it is! And then! Oh! I came across this so so cute gingham dress from God Diva in the UK, and this made me think, "bam! here's our overall theme!" So for the groomsmen, red gingham ties to go with their cream-color suits. Love it!

My next thought was flowers. Something simple yet American, thinking 'girl next door' influence. Gerber daisy's. You've got the simplicity and innocence of a daisy, yet it's just a little more dressed up for a wedding (and comes in different colors!). For the bride - a bouquet of red Gerber daisy's. For the bridesmaids, white Gerber daisy's (for the contrast to their outfits and the bride's bouquet). From there, I found this cute centerpiece idea of the daisy's in a shallow vase with a striped ribbon around the base - just substitute a red, white, and blue ribbon, change up the flower colors per table, and there you go!

The tables, a nice play on the gingham for the tablecloth. Stick with one color for all the tablecloths - having both a blue and a red tablecloth (one table with blue, one table with red, etc) will actually take away from the cohesiveness of the look.

The ceremony - again, want simple. So for the aisle chairs, such a cute idea, little blue paper lanterns hung by red ribbon. I absolutely adore this idea! And, they can be moved to tree branches when the sun starts to set to add romantic lighting.

For the invitations I wanted to, again, find something that conveyed the color-link to the Fourth, without going crazy (like that dress above). So I hunted and found this pretty white invite with a blue and red ribbon, and the envelope has a blue inside as well. It doesn't scream '4th of July', but makes it obvious when your guests read the invites. Perfect.

So I needed a few more things. I didn't want to add fireworks 'cuz they are very very dangerous for kids to play with, and hiring professionals costs a few thousand dollars and this isn't that kind of wedding. So how to incorporate firework fun without firetruck eventuality? Martha Stewart showed me the way. I love this - add some glitter (in the wedding colors) to some balloons (in the wedding colors) and then fill with helium. This is uber easy to do at your local Michael's. Then, let the kids loose with a little pin. You get the pop and sparkle from the sky like a firework, but won't burn down the house!

The signature drink needed to be something refreshing (as guests are most likely very hot at this point), so mixing some punch, I've got a great recipe for a champagne punch - perfect for a wedding, and put them in a highball glass. Another cute idea, add a little 4th of July umbrella to make it fun.

Something I saw once a few years ago and absolutely loved, individual pies for each guest. But to make it extra neat, have some pies be cherry pies, and some pies be blueberry pies. This way, you're bringing the color scheme into your desserts in a unique way. And last but not least - the cake. There's a lot of interesting Independance Day cakes out there. But this one from the Oh Joy Blog (bakery not noted), is the perfect mix of fun, cute, and color. And the best part? It's got gingham ribbon!

{Rebekah} 4th of July: Love on the Fourth of July by bekahross

Home Run Love

2009-01-11T10:04:00.000-08:00

When I found out that today's wedding theme was "baseball", my response was, "yeah, sure, ok", and then I proceeded to check out what Google had to offer on the subject. Let me say this? If you are ever planning on doing a sports-theme wedding, honey you've got the uber at your fingertips! Apparently, sports weddings are a big thing. So never fear!

With the particular wedding I put together in my head (and on my polyvore), I went modern/cute for the overall method. Starting things off, for the invitations, I found some stadium-style tickets that can be custom filled, to be wedding invites. Party 411 makes these invites in lots of different colors, and even has a custom creating section to make your invite from scratch with your own pictures. The dress? I decided something in a cocktail dress length was appropriate (more on that in a sec.). This flirty number is an Oscar de la Renta - yum!

Now, the ceremony. Like any good baseball fan, you'll be dying to have it in the park. And by park, I mean the Seattle Mariner's Safeco Field. It's bright, it's open, and hey, can't do much better when it comes to decorations. You can even having the scrolling marquees read "Congratulations Sarah and Jay" (see, in the picture!). So have the ceremony like this - the bridesmaids and bride in the home dugout, the groomsmen and groom in the away dugout. As the music starts, the bridesmaids and groomsmen enter the field and pair up at home plate, and walk to the pitcher's mound. Instead of flowers, they each have a white painted baseball bat (can even paint on your names and wedding date as keepsakes). The ring bearer, instead of using a mitt, carries a ring pillow that is shaped like the home plate - cute! The bride comes out and walks to the pitcher's mound, where the officiant is. Love, honor, kissy, and then, the attendants move down the aisle a little, and lift their bats, for the now husband and wife walk through (like Marines do with their swords - see the picture in the polyvore). The wedding party and guests retire to the executive clubhouse for gourmet park fare - snazzy hot dogs with gourmet sauces and toppings, hand made soft pretzels, beer, and at each place setting - a bag of peanuts and a bag of Cracker Jacks! To help guests find their seats, little season ticket place cards! For this idea, you can use the stars of your favorite team, or take photos of you and your fiance playing baseball and use those!

The cake? Again, modern but cute. What I paired was an elegant white 4-tier cake (this one from Specialty Cakes), but the topper - a bride and groom playing baseball.

So after the food is eaten, the rug been cut (by dancing), out come the favors - baseball t-shirts with the couple's names on the front, and the wedding date on the back. If you're getting a wedding logo - make that big on the front. And surprise! The lights in the stadium come on, and everyone troops down to the baseball diamond for a fun game of baseball, under the stars, and with good fun and friends.

{Rebekah} Baseball: Home Run Love by bekahross

Emerald Love

2009-01-10T10:04:00.000-08:00

When you want to wrap your theme around a specific color, or in this case, a color that's also a gemstone, it's always fun to look at both sides - if money was no object, and if you wanted to save it for the new house. There's some really great options out there for folks who don't have a problem with good looking fakes, so here's the best of both worlds!

For these weddings, there's 3 bridesmaids, 60 guests, and needing to take place in Victoria, Canada.

For the splurge wedding, we start off with a Vera Wang wedding dress ($18,000) and some Michael Kors emerald green shoes ($244.95), an emerald cocktail ring ($16,598), and emerald earrings (540). For the bridesmaids, lovely babydoll gowns from Russia ($739 each, $2,217 for 3), and their gift, emerald earrings ($499 each, $1,497 for 3).

I love the invites ($36 each, $1,080 for 30) from Dochelle. The ceremony and reception take place at the Hatley Castle gardens ($4,000), 'cuz what's better than emerald green manicured lawns? For the ceremony itself, a lovely hand painted aisle runner with a custom monogram for the couple from the Original Runner Company ($600). For the reception, the tables decorated with lovely crystal emerald vases ($246.90 each, 6 for $1,481.40), and crystal green stemware ($135 each, 60 for $8,100).

Now, for the contrast! A lovely gown from Alfred Angelo ($1,000), Max Studio shoes ($89.99), a faux emerald cocktail ring ($79.95), and faux emerald earrings ($79). The bridesmaids in uber cute dresses from Forever 21 ($30 each, 3 for $90), and their gift, some lovely faux emerald studs from QVC ($31.32 each, 3 for $93.96).

The invites are a light emerald green with jewel, just like the expensive invites, but at only $75.80 for 100 from the LC Design Company. For the ceremony and reception, the famous Butchart Gardens ($899). The aisle runner a real steal at $125 from Aisles with Style. Vases, just colored cut glass, $19 each (6 for $114). And the stemware, very lovely, from Table and Home ($20 each, 60 for $1,200).

{Rebekah} Emerald: Emerald Love by bekahross

Go Vikings!

2009-01-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

More and more couples today are opting to show their college spirit by involving their alma matter into their wedding, sometimes making it the whole wedding theme. There's so many neat ways to include your college pride into your wedding, and lots of levels of reflecting that pride.

For the uber devoted, the college mascot, or whatever big identifier of their college, can be included in name placards, on invitations and as bouquet jewelry, and, at the ultimate, in the wedding vows. ("I Janet, take Brad and the UW Huskeys, from this day forth...") For other couples, just the touches of college pride with the inner knowledge that it's for the school is good enough.

Here's a middle road.

With this challenge being college alumni, how could not do my own alma matter, Western Washington University (GO VIKINGS!!!). Our colors are navy blue and white, and our mascot is the Vikings (could you guess?). The two images Western uses to ID the school are a Viking ship and a viking face with a big-ass horn helmet. Since I'm not a fan of the horns, I used just the ship image for my icon usage.

Ok, the archaeologist in me (yes, I have a degree in archaeology) feels the need to correct a misunderstanding. Viking is not a noun, it's a verb. To go a viking. Basically, the word viking is the same as the word pillage. Class dismissed.

So for the bride, a sweet mermaid dress by Mori Lee titled "Blu". Aw yeah. The bouquet - blue roses. Why, you ask? Western prides itself on being know for a couple of things - and one of the top 4 is it's incredible rose garden, featuring about 30 different species of rose. So gotta give props to the roses as being the flower of the wedding.

The bridesmaids in navy blue dresses by Forever 21, with white rose bouquets. I love having a contrasting bouquet for the bride from the bridesmaids. For their hair, blue rose hair clip!

Now, the overall decor. You know how I mentioned Western priding itself on 4 major things? Well the second thing is the trees on campus. We literally have a 200 year old giant sequoia. They even have an online tree tour.

Anywho, there's a walkway of trees leading up to the 'Old Main' building - the first building of the school, and, for everyone who walks down that path, you get a tingly feeling on the back of your neck, and you can't help but feel a part of something so important, and can't help feeling important yourself. I found only 1 photo of this walk online, and it's a winter shot. I'll check and see if I can find a photo I've taken in the summer.

I really wanted to bring this into the wedding. So for the ceremony and reception, taking place in a park or something with lots of large trees. The aisle walking either between a path of trees or near some large ones, lit by candles with lights hanging from the trees. At the reception, bring the trees under the tent, and have small topiary's as centerpieces, or, like the photo in my polyvore shows, have some larger potted trees.

For the invitations, it's easy to find a navy blue and white set, like this beautiful one I found from Fine Papers. It's really unique to find wedding invites that come in a non-white envelope - very, very cool. I also found a wedding cake that sticks to this general scheme (blue as the domanant color), navy blue with white 'pearls' - so beautiful!

Also at the reception - blue cocktails! I found 13 different blue cocktails at the Absolut Vodka site - just typed 'blue' into the search bar. They really make it easy to find a color-coordinated drink for your wedding.

And to bring in the school icon - martini shakers with the school's viking ship logo on them for all the attendant's gifts. You can also add a little viking 'jewel' to the bags of Jordon almonds. Simple, and gets the point across that the Vikings ROCK!

{Rebekah} College Alumni: Go Vikings! by bekahross

In Love with Pachelbel

2009-01-08T10:03:00.000-08:00

Another "bet you didn't know about me": I'm a classical clarinetist and oboist. So when I heard today's theme is classical music, dude - heaven.

The first step was deciding what to focus on specifically, as classical music spans hundreds of composers, thousands of works, and a big batch of years. But my favorite classical music piece in regards to weddings is Pachelbel's Cannon as a wedding march. Uh! If you've never heard it, here's a link to an orchestral version.

My second step, was finding the perfect venue. What better than the home of the Seattle Symphony - Benaroya Hall - the crown jewel of Seattle's classical music scene. You can easily have an incredible wedding at Benaroya, as they've had lots of experience, and offer great wedding packages. The two photos on my polyvore of Benaroya weddings have the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium for the ceremony - the room with the huge organ pipes - and the grand lobby for the reception - a beautiful venue with it's sweeping ceiling and massive windows. With the exclusive caterer being Wolfgang Puck, you've got one hell of a setting.

The dress and invitation I chose because they very quickly reminded me of the treble clef. The gown is a Vera Wang, the invitations, also reminding me of parchment sheet music, by 1st Class Invitations.

For the bride's jewelry, pears strung on ribbon -the classical style, the original style, that jewelry was strung. Going back to Pachelbel, I threw in the sheet music, and what's with the wind chime? Did you know, you can get wind chimes in the key of the notes of your choice of classical music? What a great wedding favor to attendants than the wind chime in the key of Pachelbel's Cannon.

For the reception table, check out the cute music stands I found for place card holders from My Wedding Favors. For a cake topper, if you and your man are classical instrumentalists, how about this fun topper from Magic Mud. And the favor for guests? A CD of you and your partner's favorite classical music, including the processional and recessional and first dance from your wedding.

Speaking of that - for the ceremony, music by the local string and flute trio Windsong. Nice and compact group, very talented, and have a soft sound for your ceremony. For the reception, need something stronger - and if you can't afford Canadian Brass (the best brass band ever), there's a very good Seattle group, Mosaic Brass - they sound just like Canadian Brass but thousands less. I totally want to book them for my own wedding.

So if you're a classical music fan, here's some great ideas!

{Rebekah} Classical Music: In Love with Pachelbel by bekahross

A Love Blessed by God

2009-01-07T10:02:00.000-08:00

There's nothing more beautiful than a lovely wedding in a cathedral, with the lights streaming through the stained glass windows. For our Seattle catholic wedding, what better location than Seattle's iconic St. James Cathedral. Our ceremony, a non-mass ceremony, takes place in mid afternoon, our bride resplendent in a Melissa Sweet gown with a bouquet of blue hydrangea. Her attendants in matching floor-length iridescent gowns by Watters, and her cute little flower girl in a dress matching the hydrangea flowers carried by the bride and maids.

The ceremony, a full Roman Catholic wedding mass, with the programs filled with the music for the ceremony, in a matching blue theme. In the ceremony itself, many representations of the joining of two - the union candles, and a personalized bible with the couple's names and wedding date, used by the priest to join them before God.

After the ceremony, a nice sit-down dinner at the Sorrento Hotel, following the blue theme. on top of the cake, a lovely cake topper of the cross with entwined wedding rings.

Solemn, sweet, and filled with the commitment the couple have for each other and God. Lovely.

{Rebekah} Catholic: A love blessed by God by bekahross

Birthday Bash

2009-01-06T10:02:00.000-08:00

Today is my fiance's birthday! And this brought up an interesting question in my mind - what do couples do for birhtdays when they are trying to make a wedding budget work and don't have lots of other money lying about? Well? Ideas?

First thing is for you and your fiance to talk about birthdays in relation to your overall couple's budget, and when putting aside money for the wedding how to make sure you both feel special on your own day. Come up with a plan you both can feel happy with - and be totally honest with each other. If you really don't want to go see a movie on your birthday, than don't lie to make your partner feel like you do. But keep in mind, if you and your fiance are wanting a posh wedding and are making some sacrifices to do so, don't be greedy on your birthday, and don't expect your partner to do a big all-out for you and get into a hissy if he or she doesn't.

Bottom line - communicate. This one word will help you and your partner have a much healthier marriage, and a happier one.

Love in the City

2009-01-06T10:01:00.000-08:00

Recently, the long-awaited wedding of Carrie Bradshaw took place, amidst a barrage of glamor and designer shoes. Can you guess what today's wedding theme is? That's right, the wedding of Carrie and Mr. Big from "Sex and the City", the movie.

If money's no object, get the exact same things Carrie did. The dress Carrie wore in the movie is a very glitz gown by Vivienne Westwood's Fall 2007 collection, costing roughly $18,000. The shoes? A strange pairing with the dress, but when it's Christian Dior's gladiator platforms with rhinestones ($870), you must oblige. Finish the look with a faint-worthy white roses and ranunculus bouquet ($552), and bam, you are clone Carrie.

The bridesmaids, in Zac Posen floor length gowns (3 at $3,200 each) in shades of blue, black, and coral/orange. The beautiful local for Carrie's wedding was, surprisingly enough, the New York Public Library, in the Astor Hall and Mcraw Rotunda, at a mere $50,000 to rent. For $79,022, you'll be picture perfect Carrie.

Now, if you're living in the real world and working with a budget, here's how to mimic the look. The dress, a St. Pucchi, at half the price, $7,140. To make your bridesmaids even happier, a very similar gown by Jasmine Bridal at $200 each for 3. Much easier price to swallow, huh?

The shoes? Can't beat this - $13 at Make Me Chic. Hello! And simplify the bouquet with just white roses, 40 stems for $41.95 from Beyond Blossoms.

And last, but not least, the ceremony and reception space. The NY library is an architectural masterpiece in baroquian theme. How about a nice manor house with baroquian flair? How about one that comes with a big 'ol library? The House of the Redeemer, stuffy name, beautiful local. Upstairs is a full large library, downstairs multiple rooms and a paved garden, rent the whole thing for $4,500. For $12,249 you're spending a lot less for a very similar feel.

As for the weird blue bird on Carrie's head? Ew, no idea where she got that.

{Rebekah} Sex and the City: Love in the City by bekahross

Hepburn Chic

2009-01-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

In every Audrey Hepburn movie, her incredible style is so well represented, that it's made women everywhere look for an opportunity to mimic her simple, chic method. Today's wedding is based on the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's", a role most people think of when thinking of Audrey, and one which she claimed was her most demanding role she ever played.

In order to properly represent the B@T theme, the bride and the bridesmaids need to bring in that Hepburn style, so I found this beautiful dress in silver that looks a lot like the dress Hepburn's character changes into at the beginning of the movie, and a similar style for the bridesmaids in black. For the bride and her ladies, gloves that go past the elbows, and luxurious large rim hats - all very B@T. Another nod to the movie is the pearl necklace for the bride (see photo of Hepburn). In the movie, Audrey's character often smokes a cigarette through a very long cigarette stick. Since that's icky, but want to mimic the style, the bridesmaids will carry a single white calla lily. Fab! For the bride, a lovely whole bouquet of the scrumptious flower. And the wedding ring? Tiffany's of course.

For the ceremony, shepard's crook flower holders with very simple white flower pomanders hanging from Tiffany's blue ribbon. The canopy, or chuppa, a simple structure in white, with more white pomanders on Tiffany's blue ribbon hanging from the top and the sides. The ceremony will take place around 9 am, in order to fit the morning theme represented by the movie.

I found some really neat invites from Imagine Invites in Tiffany's blue, which has in the series a neat favor box that screams Tiffany's.

For the reception, a breakfast of course! Espresso and danishs on little plate and cup sets so guests can easily walk around and chat (like Hepburn did in the movie), and couches and chairs placed comfortably around the space for guest to sit and nosh and chat. Love it!

Lastly, the cake, a pile of Tiffany's boxes. Couldn't you have guessed? Such fun to use such a great movie as your wedding theme.

{Rebekah} Breakfast at Tiffany's: Hepburn Chic by bekahross

I Love Color

2009-01-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

One thing about planning a wedding is having to choose a choice two or three colors to be your palate for everything. And you stick to those colors. Or, at least, that's what some people say. What if you chose a bunch of different colors, and just enjoyed them all in their natural variety? Bam! That's today's wedding.

First thing I thought of, was how to have color in the wedding dress without 1. having a single color, like red dress, and 2. not having to go do David's Bridal. What came to mind? Gwen Stefani's amazing Dior gown that she had died Ombre style, with pink dye. What is ombre? It's that neat transitional dye look. We all learned a new word together!

So obviously, need ombre gowns for the bridesmaids, same general style, but each girl in a color that flatters her best, along with a matching bouquet (no more "is this bouquet yours or mine?"). For the bride, a gold bouquet. Yum-o! The groom in a black tux with a color tie and vest that best suits him, and his groomsmen in a tie and vest that matches the bridesmaid they are escorting down the aisle. LOVE IT!!

Bride's shoes are gorgeous! Royal blue peep toe, woof! The invites are all the same style, but different color combinations. This theme is then easily adopted everywhere else for the programs, place cards, etc. And with all the color options out there it's uber easy. For the aisle, petals of different colors, this particular shade scheme made up of tropical flowers. I love the parasols - a great addition and favor for outdoor summer weddings. And for the reception? Instead of having "table 3", have "blue table" and "orange table". And a last easy decoration idea - multiple colors of paper lanterns.

And the cake? Each layer, a different color. Mix it up even more, and have one layer in poka-dots, one in stripes, one in plaid....

Your wedding will be full of so much vibrant energy!

{Rebekah} Color: I Love Color by bekahross

Poet's Love

2009-01-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

Our wedding theme today in the Behind the Veil competition is "poetry". When I started thinking about this, I thought of my favorite love poems and found myself quoting some sonnets by a famous poet - William, son of John Shakespeare. The master. This splurge vs steal poet's wedding is based on Shakespearean sonnets.

The splurge wedding (on top), starts off with a lovely empire waist gown from Romona Keveza ($4,000). For the ceremony, what better than a beautiful garden reminiscent of "Twelfth Night", at Seattle's Yang's Garden ($1,400 for just the ceremony). For the reception, move it indoors to Barolo, an up and coming restaurant that's been featured by the Seattle Times, Alaska Air Magazine, and is one of Seattle Magazine's best restaurants. For an intimate dinner of 22 (which is our number used for cost for both weddings), dinner runs at $1,500.

The cake by Maisie Fantaisie is a beautiful combination of flavor and poetry, with lines from the famous sonnet number 43 "How do I love thee, let me count the ways..."

The invitations are scrolls, with a direct printing, from Majestic Invites, and come in a box to send them in, $12 each ($120 for 10). For flowers, tulips. Why? In Shakespeare's time, the tulip was a very popular import to England. This bouquet is from Flower Bud ($88). Lastly, the favors. I found this beautiful book of Shakespeare sonnets with an introduction by an English professor of poetry (Duckworth Overlook, $37.50, 20 for $750). Total wedding cost of these couple items: $8,976.

In contrast, our steal wedding is, in fact, a steal. The dress, which I like better, is from Ginza's private label ($450). The cake is from the Pink Cake Box and has an entire Shakespeare sonnet, as opposed to just two lines, and costs the same as the dress ($450).

The garden ceremony, is the rose garden at the Woodland Park Zoo, at only $140 an hour. The restaurant is one of my favorites, and a great Seattle secret - the Pink Door. Incredible food, and if you go for dinner, you may be surprised by being entertained by a circus performer hanging from the 20 foot ceiling. Dinner for 22 is much easier to swallow at $600.

The invites I found on sale, regularly $12 each, now only $5.79 ($57.90 for 10) from Hanson Ellis. The flowers are simply FTD ($59), and the book, from Amazon, only $13.49 ($269 for 20).

{Rebekah} Poetry: Poet's Love by bekahross

Red Rose Wedding

2009-01-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

Two things come to mind when I hear the words "True Love". The first is the funny priest from the Princess Bride saying "twue wove", the second, are red roses - the ultimate symbol of love.

And as today's wedding theme is true love, the theme for the wedding I put together is red roses. Everywhere. First, I found these incredible handmade wedding invitations, programs, the whole kit and kaboodle, from RSVP Handmade Wedding Stationary in England. Each piece has a real rose bud on it. Incredible. And your guests will catch on to the theme very quickly.

The flowers, obviously, a red bouquet, this one with black-red lily's. The wedding aisle, completely covered in a thick blanket of red roses to glide down. The bridesmades in a rose red evening gown with these wonderful red floral shoes I saw on Amazon.

When thinking about a dress, the texture of roses came to mind - soft. The fabric that came to mind was lace - hence, this wonderful gown from one of my favorite designers, Jasmine Bridal. For the hair do - a chignon with a single red rose.

I also found a neat red rose tie for the groom and his attendants that's not too cheezy. The cake is a simple concoction accented by dozens of red roses. At the reception, the bride and groom's chairs decorated by ropes of red rose buds, and the tables with tall vases with rose domes.

And for the flight the next day, a beautiful red rose dress from Forever 21. You'll be smelling beautifully for weeks with this wedding.

{Rebekah} True Love: Red Rose Wedding by bekahross

Fireworks at the Space Needle

2009-01-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

At one point in the planning process, I told my fiance I wanted to do a New Year's Eve wedding. "Everybody's already partying anyway", I told him. And I was so right. Who all had a blast last night? I watched Kathy Griffin and Anderson Cooper on the CNN east coast feed count down to the ball drop, and Kathy was hysterical! I'm such a fan!

Anywho - so if I was to help a bride plan a New Year's Eve (NYE) wedding, first, I'd say, "honey, think Space Needle". What cooler of a place to get married and ring in the new year than ground zero in Seattle's biggest NYE party? And such a unique view your friends will be raving for years. So here's the idea: have the wedding on the viewing deck - yes they have an inside area so you can stay warm. You've got the city all lit up, completely surrounding you. After the kiss, as you walk down the aisle, your quests light your way with sparklers! Ever since I first held a sparkler, I wanted to have a wedding recessional through an aisle of sparklers. And it's so fun. Just imagine all the great photo op's you can have with sparklers on the top of the Space Needle!

The ceremony starts at 8 or 9 pm (depending on the length - longer ceremony, start earlier). For the reception, head down a floor (still at the top though) to the Space Needle Restaurant, where the whole restaurant rotates 360 degrees. Don't make this a sit-down, have a buffet dinner with cocktail tables - those tall tables (see polyvore) that are just tall enough to stand while eating and drinking. Put some cozy seats around the windows for your older guests.

Ok, too excited, backing up a little. The gown - something slinky and sexy, no train. I love this gown in my polyvore by Melissa Sweet's spring 2009 collection. For your bridesmaids, I found these cute cocktail length dresses made by Betsey Johnson, and, fun enough, is called a NYE dress! For the jewelry, a nice gold bangle bracelet and drop earrings, for you and your attendants. The wedding's colors? Black, white, and gold! Yum.

Speaking of yum, bottles of Dom on hand bring in the new year with a very happy bang. Don't have the dough for that? Martini and Rossi make a fab brute that will definitely do the job.

Back to the reception - the cake, a lovely confection in black and white, with gold sparklers in the middle tier (keep it simple with just 2 to 4), for your cake cutting and photo op. As it gets closer to midnight, break out the cheezy hats, yes people will wear them.

In the end, you'll have a fantastic NYE wedding and party your guests, and you, will remember forever.

{Rebekah} New Year's Eve: Fireworks at the Space Needle by bekahross

Books Abound

2008-12-31T09:58:00.000-08:00

As someone who was practically born with a book in her hand, ask my parents, I love today's theme: Love of Books. There's so many neat ideas here.

For this wedding, I found a really neat hard back book invitation from Unique and Personal, they have a few different book invitations actually. This will start your book theme off nicely! For the ceremony program, you can make a simple bound program with ribbon and card stock paper (you can get at any office supply store). Martha Stewart had a neat idea in her magazine a few months back, and so I included a picture, of the ancient meanings of trees. Something neat your guests can read before the ceremony begins.

When your guests enter the reception, have a handmade guest book for them to sign with a feather pen. One of the greatest things about books is the tactile experience, and writing in them is just as fun as reading.

As your centerpiece, it's easy to grab some simple vases of flowers, and put copies of you and your fiance's favorite books on the table. It will promote conversation, give kids something to do, and you can invite your guests to take a book home with them. There's nothing better than sharing a good book with someone you love.

For a favor, you can get a copy of your favorite book of love poems, or make your own! It's easy to bind a book, with either Kinko's or Borders, and you can put one at each place setting to promote words of love at your reception - and give those giving a toast something to be inspired by.

I love this book cake - it's by Michelle Bommarito, a contestant from the Food Network Wedding Cake Challenge, and she used this previous book wedding in the challenge, and won! She's very talented, and from what I saw from the show, a great listener.

After the wedding photos are in, you can make a great wedding book, and give a copy to the parents. It makes a keepsake and you and your spouse will find yourselves reading it again and again.

Bottom line, if you love something, you'll find easy and neat ways to incorporate it into your wedding.

{Rebekah} Love of Books: Books Abound by bekahross

Fashionably Foreign

2008-12-30T09:57:00.000-08:00

When I first found out today's wedding theme, fashion, I wanted to find an honest to goodness haute couture gown. Unfortunately, the bridal gown market has taken the term couture and labeled any piece of crap as couture. (Pardon my French).

Luckily for me, I know what couture really means (thank you Project Runway). From Wikipedia: "In France, the term haute couture is protected by law and is defined by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris based in Paris, France. Their rules state that only "those companies mentioned on the list drawn up each year by a commission domiciled at the Ministry for Industry are entitled to avail themselves" of the label haute couture."

So I chose one of the very few designers that is officially recognized by the government of France, Elie Saab. The beautiful gown on the left, the splurge gown, is from Elie Saab's Spring 2009 collection and costs about $100,000. You heard me right. I noticed the gown looked so much like a fluffy sari, that I went with a fashion infused Indian wedding theme. The silver sandals are Jimmy Choo's ($750), and the earrings are Me & Ro ($1,250)- a jewelry designer I found on InStyle that is so in right now.

When thinking of an Indian wedding, the first thing that came to my mind was the beautiful henna tattoos on the bride's hands, or Mehndi. The designs on the left cost about $266 to have a professional do. For the bouquet? Authentic Indian water lily's (a real pain to find, worthy of the $500 bouquet cost). I love the invitations, woven paisley invites, surprisingly only $164 for 100 from Wedding Paper Divas. When you add the paisley theme to the cake (and yes, paisley is authentic Indian), I found this very chic cake from Carrie's Cakes for $480. Wrap the wedding with a ceremony and reception in an indoor "tent" made of loads of draped fabric ($10,000) and you've got a very name-brand, fashionable wedding for only $113,410.

Or you could save your money and have the steal wedding. The sari is direct from india, with woven lace and faux gold threads, for only $240. That's right, over $99,700 less. The sandals are gold (to go better with the sari) and are made by Dessa ($65). The earings are, surprisingly enough, also by Me & Ro, but cost only $389. So you're still getting designer label without spending a grand. The flowers are pink oriental lillies, with 40 stems for $169. So much easier to get your hands on, too. The invites, also by Wedding Paper Divas, are more on the cute side, but they're so fun you can't help but love them, and at $99.50 for 50, why not?

The cake's fun too, and at $300 it's certainly worth the money. Lastly, the tent. *Sigh*. This tent is from one of my all time favorite companies ever - Raj Tents. Oh man, I just got goose bumps. I'm gunna say it again. Raj Tents. Ooo! Whatever you do, check out this website. It is so lush. When I win the lottery I'm buying a whole lot of stuff from them. The neatest part - you can buy, not rent, buy, a square tent with the lavish fabrics, for only $2,000. And you can have theme siestas and tea parties with your friends. Ooo nosh. The total for the steal wedding? $3,271.44.

{Rebekah} Fashion: Fashionably Foreign by bekahross

Sweetheart of Sigma Chi

2008-12-29T09:57:00.000-08:00

The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi, now an esteemed title, was the inspiration for a wonderful song, and the person it was written about was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority at Albion College in Michigan. My grandmother, though not the woman who inspired the song, was the Sweetheart after this gal. My grandmother, a sister of Kappa Alpha Theta, married her own love, a brother of Sigma Chi, my grandfather. Which made it an easy choice, given today's wedding theme of sorority/fraternity, to use these two houses as my base.

The colors of KAT (Kappa Alpha Theta - it's going to get annoying to type pretty soon), are gold and black. The colors of SC (Sigma Chi) are gold and blue. Hence, the wedding colors being gold, blue, and black. Easy. The flower of SC is the white rose, the flower of KAT the black and gold pansy. So for the bridesmaids, blue dresses and gold dresses, with bouquets of black and gold pansys. The bride, in a lovely gold Vera Wang, carrying white roses. For the centerpieces? You guessed it, bunches of white roses and the black and gold pansies on the tables.

The groom and his attendants are all dressed in lovely black tuxes, with engraved cuff links. For the attendants, the cuff links engraved with the SC Roman letters. For the groom? One engraved with SC letters, the other engraved with KAT letters, for his wife. So cute!

One of the fun things with sororities and fraternities, is that they have crests, just like traditional family crests. So on the wedding cake, on the middle tier, have the baker add the crests! I've superimposed the crests for each of the houses on the cake in my polyvore.

Another fun thing with sororities and fraternities, is their traditions. One tradition that most sororities have, is when a sister is married, at her reception her attending sisters surround her and her now husband, and sing the sorority song. There's a sweet picture of such a singing in the polyvore below. It's really fun to do this, because sorority membership runs in the family, and you can have mothers and grandmothers who were members of the sorority join the sisters in their singing and it's a tear-jerker.

Lastly, I've chosen an awesome location. The Ruins. I fell in love with this place a year ago when looking through Seattle Bride Magazine, and wanted to have my wedding there. The neat part - they have a medium sized gold room -for the ceremony - and a large blue room - for the reception. Dude- it's a color coordinated wedding in the simplest way possible!

{Rebekah} Sorority/Fraternity: Sweetheart of Sigma Chi by bekahross

Tech Savvy Minimalist Style

2008-12-28T09:56:00.000-08:00

I think I have an interesting insight into today's wedding theme: techie. While I was in college, I was friends with folks who were hired by Microsoft to test products, months before they were on sale, who lived by their digital media, and now I'm engaged to a guy just like this as well. The first thing I thought of when I saw today's theme was a great shopping website called Think Geek. The photo in the bottom left corner of my polyvore is of this great shirt they sell. The shirt has a line of hearts, and you and your honey wear them the same day. When your honey is farther away, less hearts are lit up, but as he or she comes closer, the more hearts light up. Very cute, very silly, but it wiggles into your heart.

My overall vision for this wedding, though techie, is also minimalist. The ceremony and reception taking place at the same venue - a studio, with lots of natural lighting. This studio in my polyvore is here in Seattle, owned by Englestad Pictures.

But let me back up a little. So how do you know you're attending a techie wedding? First - you get an e-vite to the wedding. That's right, a digital wedding invitation. Evite.com has a great selection of wedding invitations. The couple also has their own website, with attendance info, links to their online gift registries, a bio of their relationship, and a blog of the couple as they go through the preparations of their wedding - like the flowers, the experience of buying the dress, etc. It's a great way for guests to feel involved in the process, and gives in-laws something to talk about at the reception.

Our techie bride also takes advantage of the great online planning tools, like David's Bridal's online outfit planner for the entire wedding party, in which you customize what each party member looks like (from hair color to dress size), complete with your choice of backdrops. It's lots of fun, and helps the bride get a look at the whole image and make sure it works.

The dress is simple yet delicate, this one a nice gown made by Alfred Angelo Bridal, and ready in 2 weeks!

The necklace is my favorite part. This beautiful necklace is a Miriam Haskell original, costs $1,740, but you can rent it for a week for only $54 on BagBorrowOrSteal.com!! You can even rent a Gucci clutch for the day.

The reception table embraces the minimalist look, by not going for the overflowing flowers and big centerpieces. Simply, a nice place setting, and on each table, a couple digital photo frames, that change between the table number, and the dinner menu! How cool!

For the music - a simple dj iPod mixer. It's so easy (trust me, I've used it), that you can ask a techie teen in the family to take the reins. The cake is a simple style, and interestingly enough, will remind guests of the neat digital photo frames on their tables.

Lastly, the honeymoon! In Las Vegas, they are currently building a new multi-building structure called CityCenter, and the hotel rooms, the first time you visit them after checking in, have you program the room to your preferential specifications - like temperature, if the TV is on and what channel, is the fireplace on, how bright the lights, just like Bill Gates' house!

And my last little idea - if you have the money for it. Instead of having the digital photo frames, at each place setting put an iPod touch, with the dinner menu on the screen. Fancy favor if you can do it!

{Rebekah} Techie Wedding: Savvy Minimalist Style by bekahross

Belle's Bridal

2008-12-27T10:44:00.000-08:00

When I was little, I wanted to work at the Disneyland theme park as Belle, 'cuz I figured, I have brown hair, she has brown hair, and her dress rocks. So when I found out today's wedding theme was Fairytale (not Cinderella), what do you think I chose? You're right! I chose the Walt Disney version of "Beauty and the Beast" (BATB).

First thing I did for the splurge wedding (left side) was check out the fab-oo wedding gowns I've been in love with since they came out: Kirsty Kelly for Disney's Fairytale Weddings. Oh I love it, I love it, I love it! The wedding gown, bridesmaid's gown, tiara, and earrings are all from the "Belle, Spring 08" collection. The cost? Bridal gown $2300, bridesmaid gown $900, earrings $200, tiara $350. The bouquet? Red roses, baby! This beautiful boquet cost only $87.48

The beautiful castle is Thornwood Castle, just outside of Seattle, and the filming location of Stephen King's "Rose Red". The one thing you see throughout the entire Disney BATB movie is stained glass. It's used to tell the story in the very beginning, and is all throughout the castle, and is the final image. Thornwood uses stained glass in a very late European style, and the staircase (lower left picture) reminds me so much of the library in the movie. And the gardens are such a perfect spot for the ceremony. Cost for the whole place for one day? $3500

And last, the perfect centerpiece for the reception, a bell jar with a single red rose (suspended with fishing wire). It just screams BATB! The jar costs $109 each, but so worth it if you've got the dough!

For the steal wedding (right side), my first step was to find a great location and I already know where: the Arctic Club Hotel in downtown Seattle. Their dome room (both photos) features a full stained glass ceiling with chandelier. For using one room for both ceremony and reception, it's a hell of a room. And rental cost is just $1500 for the day. Not bad.

The gown was a steal at $298 at Lili Wedding, so was the bridesmaid's gown at only $59.99. The earrings and tiara are from Princess Bride Tiaras, the place I brought up with yesterday's post - look very similar, don't they? For the bouquet? Be romantic, and very BATB, and carry just a single red rose. Very reminiscent of the bell jar rose without the exorbitant cost, and with a single rose starting at $3, Hello!

For the centerpiece, why not just a single stem of a rose in a bud vase? Especially when you can get the base at Save On Crafts for only $2.99.

Total cost for these basics? Splurge = $7,000, steal = $2000. So whether you're in the money, or not, it's easy to have a Belle wedding.

{Rebekah} Fairytale Wedding: Belle's Bridal by bekahross

Royal American

2008-12-26T09:55:00.000-08:00

The wedding theme for today was a real bugger for me. On our assignment sheet it read "King and Queen (Madonna theme)". What the huh? So I did some Googling, of all arrangements of these words, and kept getting links to "wouldn't it be cool to have a 80's Madonna-theme wedding?!" No. No it wouldn't. Ew.

After more Googling, I finally took a look at Madonna's most recent wedding to Guy Ritchie. They had a very royal-esque wedding in a Scottish castle. Madonna wore a mid-1800's style gown, the men wore kilts, and it was very private and family-centered. Many of the reviews of the wedding were "Madonna looked like a princess". More like Madonna wanted to be a queen. A-ha! There's the theme! Madonna did a faux 1800's royal wedding. How about an little more modern version of that?

My wedding is, what if a couple wanted a royal wedding, but here in the states? But not all "hey, lookey, we have a no-monarchy" tint to it.

First, the gown. This dress screams royal to me. It's beautiful, has very fluid lines, does that sexy off-the-shoulder look that is a demure sexy, and is all corset-y. Oh yeah, I'm jazzed. Let's add some more lavishly royal feel to this. How about that bouquet? The color is amazing, is from the calla lily family, love it. The ring is a modern creation with a Renaissance inspiration. The earrings are diamond balls, lush.

The cake is a replica of Princess Diana's wedding cake, but a little tighter construction. My favorite part of the cake are the "gold" rings that cover the pillars separating the layers. It's wedding without screaming wedding. The tiara is a photograph of Queen Mary's tiara, made for her in 1913. Unfortunately, so not for sale. But there are so many great tiara shops out there, including Swarovski, Princess Bride Tiaras, and David's Bridal.

But the king and queen's wedding isn't complete without the beautiful wedding space. My favorite chain of lux weddings is the Fairmont, and here in Seattle area, we have the Olympic Fairmont Hotel. There's three photos in my collage of the hotel, one of the grand staircase, one of the garden, and one of a beautiful suite. If you can do it, the Olympic Fairmont or the Empress Fairmont (in Victoria, BC), are such dreamy locations. The Victoria hotel even looks like a castle and has views of the bay.

Lastly, the royal wedding needs a royal reception. Chandelieres, flowers, and drapery abound in this wedding. The colors of the bouquet are brought out with lighting, and a lovely seated dinner tops it off.

Ok, I want to win the lottery now so I can have this wedding.

{Rebekah} King and Queen (Madonna Theme): Royal American by bekahross

Embrace the Christmas Charm

2008-12-25T09:54:00.000-08:00

If you're having a Christmas wedding, there's two things you need to do: 1 - embrace it whole heartedly, and 2 - make it your own! Yes this may be a major holiday, but it's also your wedding day, so don't be afraid of having fun with it.

My collage I made is a mix of some of my favorite Christmas things, the first, getting to wear faux fur! Nothing more fun! I love this dress, beautiful bead work and a faux fur shawl with a broach. Any opportunity I get to wear a broach is on my top 10 list. I love these boots too - remember, if you're getting married in an area known to be cold for the occasion, for goodness sake, wear the shoes for it! :)

There's other great things you can embrace about the holiday, and that's the flowers. Poinsettias are bursting with life, and everywhere during the holidays. It's great, too, becuase most sites where you may be deciding to have your ceremony and/or reception will already be decked out for the holiday, so it saves you decoration money. Bekah likey. And carry the holiday scheme into everything. My favortite part of this collage is the table decorations- the little topiaries with candles - reminds me of the old English tradition of wearing those head wreaths with candles in them, but a much lower fire hazard.

Be aware that everyone has their own holiday traditions, especially your new in-laws, so ask your fiance what his or her traditions were growing up, and see if you can find a way to incorporate that into your wedding. For my family, our Christmas breakfast was always cinnamon rolls and hot cocoa. So I added a nice hot cocoa to my collage - its warm, kid-friendly, and easy to spike! My favorite spike: amaretto. Yum.

A neat idea I came up with, is adding a nice big tree to your reception space, and put all the wedding favors under the tree, that way everyone gets a nice little visit under the tree, and kids will love the idea of an early present.

One more thing, Christmas crackers. No not a snack, the rolls with open ends where you pull and it cracks, and inside is a paper crown, a toy, candy, jokes, etc. There are some very nice ones out there that you can put at each place setting at your reception. Check out Old English Crackers for a great variety of cracker papers and fillers.

Bottom line, if you're doing such a big event on such a big holiday, love it whole heartedly. If you try to make it as un-Christmas as you can, it's going to seem silly. So be a bit of a kid and decide how you want to represent the holiday on your special day, and be prepaired to get nothing but registry gifts for Christmas!

Happy Holidays everyone! All my best to you and yours.

{Rebekah} Christmas Wedding: Embrace the Charm by bekahross

Contemporary Love

2008-12-24T09:54:00.000-08:00

Our wedding theme today is modern/contemporary, with an added flair - a splurge vs steal board. For my polyvore, the first thing I thought of when thinking of the modern wedding, is the interesting use of color. Brides today are making color matches that have not traditionally been seen in weddings before. I looked around a lot of blog posts and say that the biggest color match I was seeing was "Tiffany blue and chocolate brown". Seeing as Tiffany's has such amaizing engagement rings, I'm so with this!

For the wedding gown, I'm seeing a lot lately the draped wedding skirt. I'm seeing it everywhere. AND I LOVE IT! I tried on a wedding gown with a draped skirt and I was sold. The splurge gown is by Anne Barge, yum-o, the steal gown by Eternity Bridal and costs over 60% less.

The ceremony on the splurge is a beautiful setting, Tuscany, hello. But the chairs and aisle are the center of this, with huge bouquets. Don't have that kind of flower budget? Your programs are beautiful, right? Add a string, you've got instant ceremony decoration! Bam!

Now here's the part that gets me. The unity candles, lovely as they are, cost $66! I'm so flabergasted! Do it cheeper with sand, costs about $3 a bag for a single color, easy to pick up at Michael's.

For the reception, you've got a good mix of high quality linens vs basic 200-count cotton. Simplify the extravagance, don't use charger plates, simpler menu cards, and decorations that say more rather than cost more. Lastly, for the cake, the splurge cake is a beautiful cake with lots of hand work, filigree, and a gold cake stand. But you know what? A simple glass cake plate does the job just as nicely!

Here's the costs: Splurge Wedding - cake $800, bouquet $120, gown $2500, unity candle $66, reception $6000, ceremony $2000. Total cost: $11,486.

Steal Wedding - cake $400, bouquet $85, gown $736, unity sand $20, reception $2000, ceremony $900. Total cost: $4,151. And all without photography, hair and makeup, or the groom's clothes for either wedding. Adds up fast, huh?

Remember this, when it comes down to your wedding. You can either spend $30,000 and live in a one bedroom apartment afterwords for 10 years, or spend $10,000 and be able to put money down on a house.

{Rebekah} Modern/Contemporary: Contemporary Love by bekahross

Eco Chic

2008-12-23T09:53:00.000-08:00

Today's wedding theme is eco-friendly. But why not be eco-chic as well?!

In the top left corner is a front and back view of an amazing wedding gown made by Chrissy Wai Ching, and fuses together the looks of China, Puerto Rico, and England in an organic and eco-friendly, low impact way. A great idea to do with the dress after the wedding? Donate it to the I Do Foundation, a group that donates prom gowns and wedding dresses to low income girls and women. The beautiful bridesmaids dresses are also from Wai Ching.

The ring is so cool - it's made from remelted metals and recycled stones, this one from Leber Jeweler. Another great ring shop is Green Karat, the Earthwise Jeweler. For a green bouquet, go to an organic florist, or pick them from your, or a friend's, garden. Be uber cute and carry them in a little pot so you can replant them!

For invitations, programs, and other paper materials, you've got so many selections. It's so easy to find 100% post-consumer recycled papers that are just beautiful. These are from Invite Site. For a green cake, go to an organic bakery, like the Flying Apron in Seattle, or better yet, make it yourself. Home ovens use so much less energy than commercial ovens. And use plants to decorate! Pot either some greens or flowering plants, and encourage your guests to take them home and plant them. A great favor idea is to give your guests saplings from the Arbor Day Foundation. For your reception, it's so easy to get bamboo plates and biodegradable cups made from corn instead of plastic. Check out Branch.

But my biggest recommendation? Have your wedding and reception in the same place, and have it outdoors!! This will not only cut out on car travel (and exhaust) but you'll have a beautiful wedding lit by natural light!!

{Rebekah} Eco Friendly Theme: Eco Chic by bekahross

Traditional Jewish Wedding

2008-12-22T09:52:00.000-08:00

Today's wedding theme is "traditional", but as I was getting ready, a question popped in my head: traditional to whom? There's a lot of cultures and religions in the world, and they all have their own definition of what a traditional wedding is. For me and my faith, a traditional wedding means a synagogue, a rabbi, and a lot of booze.

The traditional Jewish wedding has lots of important pieces in the ceremony, but the reception, that just calls for great food and good alcohol.

My polyvore today is a short journey through the traditional Jewish wedding. The top left corner is our bride - lovely, isn't she folks? As this is a religious ceremony taking place in her family's synagogue, she's wearing a modest gown that covers her arms and, since she's fashionable, most of her shoulders.

The first part of the ceremony is the greeting of guests. The groom is in one room, the bride in another, and they sit in chairs and this is very much like a king in his court kind of deal. Folks come forward, greet the groom, or bride, give them their well wishes, and go to the other room to see the other side of the couple.

After this, the bride and groom sign the marriage contract, or ketubah. This details everything in the marriage, how much money the man will promise to make, how many kids they'll have, how often they'll have "relations", and if there is a separation, how much the bride gets. Pretty sweet. After this is the badeken, the groom puts the veil on the bride. This signifies his vow to clothe and protect her (the bottom left corner photo).

Next the groom goes down the aisle with his parents, then the bride comes down the aisle with her partents. At the end of the aisle is a chuppah, or canopy (top, middle photo). When the bride reaches the chuppah, she circles the groom 7 times. This is to signify her as the one who is the heart of the home. The rings are the next part. I've shown 2 rings in my polyvore. The ornate ring with the red that comes to a point is a traditional wedding ring, and the band with the Hebrew is a more modern version. The rings generally say something like "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine" - it's from the Torah. The end of the ceremony is noted by the breaking of the glass, and below the rings is a beautiful glass cup.

Immediately after the ceremony, the bride and groom go off in a room alone to - ok dirty minds, not that! They have their first meal together as man and wife, and I'm not talking "pass the whip cream" kind of meal!! This meal is called the yichud. For the modern bride, this gives her the opportunty to relax and get a bite before the reception starts (and most couples end up not getting a chance to eat at the reception).

The reception itself has no big guidelines. The most memorable thing is the chair dance - the bride and groom sit in a chair, respectively, and they are raised up by the men and basically paraded around to the music. The reception is a sit-down meal, lots of good food provided by the bride's parents, and great cake!

20's Art Deco Vintage Wedding

2008-12-21T09:51:00.000-08:00

I love vintage, weather it's my wine or my jewelry, it's so fun to enjoy. The best place to shop for it? Can you say antiquing? Today's wedding theme is vintage, and since I had fun earlier this week doing a lacy vintage (see below polyvore titled 'Vintage Love'), I decided to go a different route - 1920's art deco. This period brought about some of the most amazing structural art. The classic wedding cake tier outline was used frequently in lighting elements for glam hotels. Many couples today can find a hotel in their area featuring amazing use of art deco. Our local Seattle hotel is Hotel Deca, which uses art deco with a modern flair (and great use of color!). When doing a vintage wedding, it's so easy to go to an antique shop to find what you need (maybe visiting 4 or 5 shops). One thing I love about vintage weddings is the use of a mussy tussy - that silver bouquet holder I've got in the bottom right side of my polyvore. The one I feature has these beautiful curls that serve as rests for the bouquet. Fashionable handy! But my favorite part of this polyvore? The Prada art deco shoes. Oh my!

If you're looking to steep yourself in the 20's theme, here's your key notes: feathers, metallic colors, simple lines (in your gown, flowers, etc), and luxuriousness - if its yummy to the touch, your're on the right track!

Today's Vintage Polyvore

My polyvore I did for fun the other day, "Vintage Love"

Uh oh, the Weather

2008-12-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

Today I had planned to attend my family's annual holiday party. My cousins that live in other states all come home for this party, and the whole family is together for that one time of the year. And then, the weather report came out and I found out that if I went to the party, I'd probably get stuck in the car, in a ditch, as the snow piled higher and higher with 50 mph winds. Suck.

What if this happened to your wedding? Well no one can stop the weather, so here's two quick tips: check your wedding date on Weather.com to see what your area's archived weather report says is most likely to happen, and talk with your vendors about a back-up for bad weather, a cancellation rate, reschedule 'insurance', whatever.

And good luck!

It's So Easy to DIY

2008-12-20T09:50:00.000-08:00

All right your brides and grooms who want a fab-o wedding with a low-low cost, here's the secret - do it yourself! I know, I know, you're not Martha, but it doesn't take 30 years of experience to make it right with all the DIY (do it yourself) how-to sites there are on the internet. In the below polyvore are projects I found on DIY sites or from folks who make DIY kits. Like whom? Well, let's start with the queen, Martha Stewart. She makes these awesome template for weddings, you just download, customize, print, voia-la! (www.marthastewartweddings.com) Other great sites are www.ehow.com and www.diynetwork.com. You can also find videos on these sites and YouTube.com on things like making bouquets and pomanders (those flower balls):

Want to see what others have done? Check out StyleMePretty.com, they often have DIY challenges and the entries include step-by-step instructions. And what about those kits I mentioned? Both Target and Michael's both make a crap-load of DIY wedding kits, like invitations - I bought mine at Target and they came with everything I needed, including sample phrases. They also make DIY favor boxes - great to fill with custom m&m's, and more. Are you the ultimate DIY'r? Wonderful wedding gown patterns are available from Vogue, Butterick, and McCall's, and your local fabric store is full of folks who can help.

So don't be shy. Pull out the glue gun and pliers, and grooms, be manly, lots of these projects use fun tools!!

My Inner Goth is Happy

2008-12-19T09:48:00.000-08:00

So we contestants in Behind the Veil now have daily collages we need to make, and each day has a different theme. Today's theme - wait for it! GOTH!! Oh revel!! For those of you who don't know me, I'm an "executive" goth. I still go out and party at the goth clubs in traditional wear, but my day to day clothes are nicer. All blacks and reds, but nicer. Today's collage is in "splurge vs steal" format, where I glam it up as if price was no object on one side of the collage, and then on the other use a huge dose of realism and work with a budget.

Here it is!

{Rebekah} 12/19 Wedding Theme Board: Gothic Chic by bekahross

For the splurge side, I have a beautiful black chandelier and some silver candle holders, a gown and corset by my favorite goth store of all time, Fairy Goth Mother. The boots are Alexander McQueen's, and fab black pearls. Yum!!

To save some dough, I found a very similar black chandelier at House To Home, candlesticks I like better from Ikea, a great corset from Lingerie Diva, a "homecoming" gown (yes gals, you can save money that way), and boots I love even more- as they have a plaid fabric lining!! In the words of Rachel Ray, YUM-O!!

Finger Food

2008-12-19T09:47:00.000-08:00

While perusing Martha Stewart Weddings, I came across a photo from an archive issue that I absolutely loved. The first time I saw this photo of hot cocoa with the tiny doughnuts on stirring sticks, I wanted to do this at my own wedding. How cute!!

And this is so in right now! Tiny foods as hors d'oeurves. The fancy name is Amuse Bouch - "a little bite". You could snazz-up the taste a little and out something I saw on Iron Chef America. Giada De Laurentiis made Italian Zippolini's (Italian doughnuts) and rolled them in a special sugar she made in the Cuisinart - sugar, dried cranberries, and candied ginger. Giada served it with a cranberry simple sauce, but I think hot cocoa would be a great pairing too. Or - you could serve them with Cosmopolitans! (http://tinyurl.com/4m62k9).

Other great tiny snacks I've seen? Tiny burgers - or 'sliders' as they're called on the east coast. Also - tiny boxes of Chinese food in tiny take-out boxes, little toast sandwiches, and more. Want to serve that at your wedding? Ask your caterer if they've done this before, and ask for a taste test to make sure!

Water Water Everywhere, But I can't Serve THAT At A Wedding!

2008-12-18T09:47:00.000-08:00

"Open bar or select beverages? I can't afford an open bar, what other mixed drink options do I have?" An important sub-section of the reception budget is what to serve for drinks. If money was no object, most couples would choose an open bar and champagne. But this being the real world, there's other options. Like what, you ask?

Signature cocktails are very popular right now. Choose your favorite one or two mixed drinks and serve just these mixed beverages at your wedding. It's a great way to show off your wedding colors too. Not a master mixologist? Absolut Drinks, the makers of Absolut Vodka (and yes, it's spelled that way), have a great site where you can find drinks based on the time of day, taste, base spirit (vodka, tequila, rum, etc), and even a how-to guide with step by step mixing instructions. If you find something you like, try it at home with your honey with some of the flavors you'll be having at the reception so see how well they mesh. When you've made your pick, just supply the recipe to your bartender (a couple weeks before the wedding). Check out their website - you must be 21 to enter - http://absolutdrinks.com/

One type of white and one type of red wines are great too. For my wedding, my fiance and I each chose our favorite, as I love white, he loves red, and we're not fans of the other. Many bartenders/caterers/hotels charge a cork fee for events, so to save money buy magnum bottles of wine - they're equal to 2 standard bottles. Also, check out the Washington State Liquor Board website (http://liq.wa.gov/PriceBook/PriceBookMenu1.asp) as they have an online catalog of what each liquor store in the state has in stock, and how much each liquor or wine costs by the bottle, as well as by the case. Larry's Market and Cost Plus World Market are also great places to shop, and many couples I know have made a steal buying a case of wine from these two stores.

For non-alcoholic beverages, save yourself some hassle and just go straight to Costco. Right now they're selling glass bottles of Coca-cola, very cute. Packs of soda cans, in 24 and 36 packs, are ridiculously cheep, selling for the same price as 12 packs at the grocery store. You can also pick up items like bottled water, Juice Squeezers (kid friendly), energy drinks, and more.

But most importantly, shop around. And feel free to grab a bottle here, a package there, as you inch closer and closer to the big day. And when it comes, sit back, relax, and have fun.

Let's Talk Money

2008-12-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

Today's mail brought with it the quarterly newsletter from my Allstate agent, and the cover story is "Learning to Blend Financial Styles When First Married". Money is often a difficult thing for people to talk about, but no discussion now may lead to a big fight later, when people's different opinions about financial security are yelled rather than discussed.

So what do you talk about - or rather - what needs to be talked about? And yes folks, this is a great time to discuss how much you're each budgeting for the wedding.

My insurance agent's recommendations? First, look at your bills, from cell phones, to rent, to student loans. This is not the time to be embarrassed or to not share. Marriage is built on honesty, so open up and talk turkey.

Second, look at your individual incomes, then calculate your net worth (income minus bills). Tell each other what you envision financially for your future, include assets in that too, such as a home, boat, car, motorcycle, whatever. And talk things over. If you disagree about something, talk levelly with each other and find a happy medium.

Last, make a spending plan. What do you want to put into savings? How about retirement? How much does the fun budget get, and what long term goals do you want to put money towards? This is also the time to talk about how much you want to spend on your wedding, what the total budget is and what the sub-budgets are (cake, dress, flowers, etc).

There's so much more to marriage than just a wedding, so be prepared for the real life after the honeymoon. By having this talk now you're clearing the air (if it needs clearing), and you know that you'll be starting a marriage on the same foot.

There's Children Everywhere!

2008-12-16T09:46:00.000-08:00

For most couples, wedding means family. And family, means KIDS! But finding a way to have them enjoy the day without nocking over the expensive champagne can draw a blank. Lucky for you, there's a bunch of people way smarter than us out there who've spent the time figuring it out. I've just poured the web for you, and found some great ideas - and added some of my own - take 'em and go, or use them as a launching point!

Find something for them to do. Create a kids’ corner or table. Depending on the ages of the children, activities might include coloring books, building blocks, books and games.

Assign a “keeper.” This has two parts. First, ask an adult to be on “kid patrol” during the ceremony. Ideally, this would be someone who is well-respected in the family. Their role is to gently ask parents to remove children who are screaming or being disruptive during the ceremony. The second part is to ask some responsible teens, or even pre-teens to help keep the younger children engaged during the ceremony. This can include anything from dancing to reading stories and doing activities.

A children's menu is a must! Kids prefer common foods (like pizza) to gourmet food (like stuffed mushrooms), so have familiar foods for them to eat and everybody will be happier. (Your flower girls and ring bearers will be thrilled to fill their tummies with familiar foods!)

Include the kids Make them feel like they're part of what's going on, not just shuffled off to another room. At my aunt's wedding, my sister, cousins, and I were invited up by the priest at their church to light all the candles on the dais. After the wedding, we each got to help put them out again. This made us feel very important to the whole day. After the ceremony, my aunt asked me to take care of her bouquet during the reception. My job was to make sure the flowers didn't squish and that it was in hand for photos. I felt so important and crucial to the whole day's events.

What is Style?

2008-12-11T09:46:00.000-08:00

For many brides, they want to convey their 'style' at the wedding, but some find themselves wondering what their style is. Personally, I haven't a clue what my style is. I just know I like something when I see it. I recently bought a book by Colin Cowie titled "Weddings", which I got at an uber cheep price of $7.99 - and trust me, this is one hell of a book.

Colin addresses style in this tome, and he defines it in a way I think every bride can embrace: "True style is a sense of self, a confidence and graciousness that is evident to everyone you come into contact with. It means knowing yourself, what works for you and what doesn't. True style also relates to how we treat one another. It means behaving with consideration and respect towards others. One your wedding day, true style means creating a personal environment to share with the people who are closest to you, and making every single guest as welcome and as comfortable as possible." I think that's something we can all work with.

The Goddess of Wedding Cakes

2008-12-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

While looking for a good cake to post for today, I thought to myself, I wonder what's on Sylvia Weinstock's site. For those of you who don't know who she is - for shame! I'm just kidding. Sylvia Weinstock is the goddess of wedding cakes and each cake she makes is taylor made to the couple it's for, and was one of the first masterminds to come up with individual cakes for guests. This woman's got brains and talent and a great pair of glasses. Check out her site at: www.sylviaweinstock.com .

Wedding cakes are one of the things that a couple can do to really express themselves and their personal character (or quirks) in the middle of a wedding that may or may not necessarily represent them. With a cake, it's the opportunity to have fun, do something to make people's jaws drop, and eat some of the finest quality cake you'll probably ever get to taste. When picking a cake out - first think about your favorite flavors. The whole cake doesn't have to be vanilla with lemon filling. Each tier is an opportunity for taste bud splendor, and many cake makers are coming out with some incredible flavors, like creme brulee raspberry, or spice cake with chai tea filling. Don't know what you'd like? That's why there's TASTINGS!! Your chance to eat your fill of free cake (most of the time). Another great place to try things out? WEDDING SHOWS! Come check out the Battle of the Betrothed at the Seattle Wedding Show the first weekend of January (http://www.weddingshow.com/) enter the Battle if you haven't already, and check out the cakes! Yum. And when you go, stop by the Seattle Bride booth and say hi to me!!

It's a Nice Day for a Creme Wedding

2008-12-08T09:42:00.000-08:00

After a great deal of computer trouble, I am now able to post my very first Polyvore collage! This was a very interesting learning experience about Polyvore, and I had fun! For my first collage I started putting together some wedding things. After I added a gorgeous Vera Wang gown, I got Billy Idol's "White Wedding" stuck in my head. So the title of my collage is "It's a nice day for a creme wedding". What do you think? And bonus points - do you know what Billy wrote this song about? ;)

It's a Nice Day for a Creme Wedding by bekahross