Archive for December, 2011

Jason Mraz and Tristan Prettyman are Engaged!

Saturday, December 31st, 2011

Grammy Winner Jason Mraz is Engaged to Tristan Prettyman

Jason Mraz is engaged to Tristan Prettyman.  Mraz tweeted “SHE SAID YES” on Christmas Eve.  Later on, Prettyman tweeted “For once I am speechless…I did good! holy crap! man of my dreams!!! for the rest of my life!!!”
Prettyman is a surfer and former model born in California.  They met while Mraz was on tour. The couple were previously engaged in 2006, but broke up for a short while.  We sincerely hope that “Life is Good” for these two from here on out!

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Wedding Pictures: Before or After the Ceremony?

Friday, December 30th, 2011

Some couples are setting tradition aside for their sanity.  While wedding tradition and sweet anticipation are often factors in taking wedding pictures after the ceremony, consider the positives of posing beforehand with the wedding photographer.  First, wedding photographers can capture the special reveal with the bride and groom in an intimate setting, away from guests.  The bride’s hair and makeup are fresh, and the tears haven’t kicked in (hopefully).  It also gives the couple more time after the ceremony to celebrate with wedding guests rather than posing for hours while they eagerly wait the couple’s return.  The bride and groom can relax at the reception knowing the wedding photographer has captured those cherished moments between them.

"Wedding Photography" "Wedding Pictures"

Wedding Photographers Can Capture the Couple Before the Vows (Peace 4 Art Photography)

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with taking wedding pictures after the ceremony.  It’s a personal choice every couple should think about with the wedding photographer, who can weigh the positives of both scenarios before a decision is made.  Another option is for the wedding photographer to snap photos of the couple and the wedding party beforehand, which could save even more time.  If planned right, taking wedding pictures before the ceremony can reduce overall stress at the reception.  Check out this article at the Perfect Wedding Guide.

The Perfect Winter Accessory: Shrug, Wrap, Shawl

Friday, December 30th, 2011

White Faux Fur Wrap $99.95

If you’re planning a winter wedding or fall wedding next year, then consider dressing up your gown and shoulders with the perfect accessory: Wear an evening wrap, shrug, shawl, faux fur stole,  bridal jacket or bolero before and after the ceremony.

Evening wraps and shrugs are perfect for bridesmaids, proms and other special occasions, too. You don’t have to be a bride to look elegant at any function. Even though you may be facing cool temps, doesn’t mean you can’t still wear that little black dress with designer heels.

Accessorize for winter affairs with an adorable faux mink shrug or colorful shawl. It will help keep you warm without sacrificing style. For brides, these look great in photos before the ceremony or at the reception. You don’t have to wear a bridal jacket down the aisle, but you want to have one on hand before and after.

Whatever your style, Advantage Bridal carries just what you’re looking for, including sexy, flirty, romantic, sophisticated, casual or minimal. Our custom pashmina shawls can be personalized with a monogram or initial for the perfect bridesmaid gift.

If cool weather is in the forecast, be prepared with affordable shawl scarves by Dessy (available in 20 colors). With a great price point, you can surprise all the girls in your bridal party.

Faux Mink Evening Shrug Russian Sable $99.95

Monogrammed Pashmina Shawl $28.95

Lace Bolero Jacket in black, white or ivory $65.95

Dessy Pashmina Shawls in 20 Colors $32

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Spotlight: Gorgeous Erica Koesler Veils in Every Style

Thursday, December 29th, 2011

Erica Koesler Veil with Sequin Edge $224.95

Even for non-traditional brides, wedding veils can be dramatic, modern, simple or elegant. A veil frames your face, adds a romantic touch and many styles drape beautifully over the shoulders – but it should not distract from the gown or you, the bride.

Today, Advantage Bridal features its Erica Koesler bridal veils, a collection of intricately embellished, made to order veils for every bride. Whether you want a short veil or long veil, minimal or ornate, this line is sure to have you thinking twice about wearing a veil.

There are so many different styles to choose from that with a little effort and some inspiration, you can put together the perfect bridal hairdo to fit the veil of your choice.

Short veils can be attached to a bridal hat, comb, fascinator or other lovely headpiece; some barely hit the shoulder, although most are above the chin. Cage veils are still popular and take many shapes; some frame only the eyes, while others go to the chin. Attach some gorgeous netting to a beautiful hair accessory and, voilà, you have a fascinator veil. Flyaways or poufs are typically a multi-layer tulle veil with cut edges and lots of body at the crown.

An elbow length veil just passes the shoulders and frames the face without being too fussy, as they’re often worn in casual affairs, day weddings or outdoor ceremonies. The edges can be adorned with lace, beads, sequins, ribbon or the entire veil can be made of lace. Some mantilla veils, which drape over the head and are popular in Spain, come only to the elbows.

Fingertip veils hang to the hands with the arms down and are a fancier version of shorter options, but perhaps not as dramatic as longer veils. Elegant evening weddings and indoor ceremonies are perfect for this type of veil.

The waltz veil falls between the knees and ankles for “the best of both worlds,” with a formal touch that allows the bride to walk and dance comfortable without stepping on it. Also perfect to wear with gowns that don’t have a train.

Chapel length veils extend to the floor and up to three feet past the hem of the bridal gown, creating a romantic look that works for formal weddings. This look works in any setting with the romantic bridal style.

A cathedral veil falls beyond the hem of the dress for a dramatic look and are common for formal, religious and large venue weddings. As with a train, these long veils require help from someone in the bridal party to drape the fabric and make sure it falls correctly. For outdoor weddings, wind and dirt can be a factor, so you may want to consider something shorter.

Of course, brides can add a blusher to wear during the ceremony that gets flipped back before the vows. Shop AdvantageBridal.com for affordable veils, rhinestone tiaras, bridal headpieces and other accessories to complete your look.

Erica Koesler Face Veil $149.95

Elbow Length Veil by Erica Koesler $200.95

Erica Koesler Waltz Veil $237.50

Chapel Length Veil with Lace Edge $462.50

Cathedral Length Veil

 

 

 

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Check out the Newest Wedding Favors at Advantage Bridal!

Thursday, December 29th, 2011

28096BLLooking for the perfect wedding favor?  Then check out the latest wedding favors we’ve added!  We have everything you could possible want for your upcoming wedding!  Having a beach themed wedding?  Check out our new “Castles in the Sand” wedding favors!  Perfect for your upcoming beach wedding, your guests will appreciate taking home their own sand castle tea light holder!   Looking for a classy favor box to send home with your guests?  Check out our new “With this Ring” Elegant Icon Favor Box.  It is stylish and perfect for any occasion!  Wanting to add your own personal touch and save a dime?  Check out our new “Make it Yours” Kits!  Check out Advantage Bridal’s newest items and let us help you get ready for your big day!

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2012 Wedding Trends

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

Photo: Belle Magazine

Planning a wedding this year? Got engaged over the holidays and ready to start shopping for inspiration and vendors? There’s a plethora of good ideas emerging for 2012 wedding trends and we’re excited to help brides during the new year.

Vibrant Colors: When PANTONE revealed its 2012 color of the year – Tangerine Tango – we knew to expect bold pops of color in floral arrangements, bridesmaids accessories and reception decor.

Incorporate Color Into Your Gown: Whether choosing an ivory, off-white or white bridal gown, brides can still incorporate some color whether with a bridal sash or having a seamstress sew a special emblem. This year’s wedding dress collection features pale hues of pinks, blush, blues and some bold colors for a really dramatic look.

Unique Photos: Photo booths are still big for guests, but more photographers are using props and back drops to add some fun to traditional methods.

Au Natural: Thanks to the royal wedding and with more couples choosing sustainable flowers and arrangements, natural choices continue to be popular. A subdued floral palette and potted trees set the tone for the ceremony of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. Potted plants, airy trees, succulents and choosing seasonal flowers are this year’s trend.

Miniature Is In: For example, smaller scale centerpieces and mini desserts arranged in groupings can be modern or whimsical, depending on your choices. Rather than display large centerpieces, choose smaller containers bunched with small flowers for an elegant look. Have fun with the colors, arrangements and variety of mini desserts to heighten visual appeal.

Food Trucks Gain Steam: The food truck revolution is catching on in the wedding industry and couples are choosing to end the night or celebrate the after party with various options, such as ice-cream trucks, hamburger trucks and coffee carts.

(The above trends courtesy of Bridal Guide).

Check out these real wedding photos that capture some of the upcoming wedding trends.

Expect lace, gold and romance to remain popular among brides in 2012. Gorgeous lace bridal gowns and tones of ivory and golds set a romantic atmosphere.

Advantage Bridal carries bridal accessories and reception decorations for every affair. Whether you’re looking for designer wedding shoes, couture bridal jewelry or affordable wedding accessories, we can help you effortlessly plan your big day. You want everything to be perfect and we want to bring your vision to life with our large selection of items from wedding invitations and flower girl dresses to groom cuff links and bridesmaid accessories.

AdvantageBridal.com is your one-stop shop for 2012 wedding trends. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Call our customer service reps who will gladly answer any  questions you may have. Congratulations and we wish you a stress free planning process.

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Wedding Ceremony Music

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

Set the tone of your wedding ceremony with beautiful, live music.  Whether classical, traditional or modern, professional musicians can fill most requests.

Peace 4 Art Photography

Consider the various musical instruments and their unique sounds when deciding, such as the flute, violin, cello, harp and acoustic guitar. A solo musician, duo, trio, quartet  or larger ensemble can play before the ceremony as guests are seated and during the wedding procession. Keep budget in mind when planning the wedding ceremony music because the number of musicians and length of time they play will determine costs. Musically talented family members or friends could be options for the wedding ceremony, as well as local churches and universities, where they will likely have referrals for a fraction of the cost. Some professional musicians might negotiate their price for clients who are honest about their budget.  Regardless, put some thought into the wedding ceremony music because it sets the mood, creates ambiance and plays a role in the overall picture of your wedding affair.  When hiring a professional musician, timeliness, attire and manners are important factors; make sure to address all aspects of the ceremony to avoid any surprises; and check references to be certain he/she is truly a professional.  It also helps to listen to audio samples online before scheduling an appointment.

Fabulous New Purses & Handbags

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

Don’t underestimate the importance of a bridal purse, clutch or handbag on the big day to carry makeup, tissue and other wedding essentials.  Advantage Bridal carries a beautiful selection of this important bridal accessory at every price point and in numerous designs.  We are pleased to offer six gorgeous, unique bridal purses and handbags by Sondra Roberts.  Check out the pictures below to see these distinct bridal accessories up close.  You’ll love the timeless style, amazing accessories and eye-catching appeal.  Sondra Roberts creates sophisticated purses for every bride with accents such as pearls, beads, satin roses, silk spheres and quilted satin.  Every girl needs at least one dressy clutch or evening bag for special occasions.  Some of these bags are available in other colors.

Reception Shoes: White Bridal Flats

Monday, December 26th, 2011

Rhinestone Rose White Ballet Flats by Dessy $36.95

Beautiful, white bridal flats are the perfect accessory for any bride. If you already tower over your man in heels, then you may want to pick wedding shoes that aren’t too high.

Bridal ballet flats also give your feet a rest at the reception, so you can wear your gorgeous heels down the aisle and slip into something more comfy before your first dance as a couple. You’ll love the price of bridal flats and their comfort even more.

White ballet slippers work for any bridal style, so you can choose from simple to sophisticated. Satin ballet slippers or bridal flats embellished with bows or flowers are so pretty!

Your bridesmaids can wear them, too. Wedding ballet slippers in every color to match almost any bridesmaid dress. We have wedding shoes for brides, flower girls, bridesmaids and the guys!

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Engraved Gifts, Personalized Gifts, Monogrammed Gifts

Saturday, December 24th, 2011

What better way to make a gift truly unique?  Engraved gifts, personalized gifts and monogrammed gifts celebrate any occasion, and make perfect holiday gifts. Advantage Bridal offers a vast selection of engraved gifts and monogrammed gifts for everyone on your holiday list.  Advantage Bridal carries personalized key chains, personalized money clips, personalized cuff links, personalized mugs, personalized beers mugs, personalized lighters, personalized barware, personalized cigar humidors, personalized coolers, personalized tote bags and much, much more!!  Whether you want monogram initials, an engraved name or personalized T-shirt, we have engraved gifts, personalized gifts and monogrammed gifts for men, women and children.  Shop now for last-minute holiday gift ideas and get your items before Christmas.

Personalized Cuff Links

Personalized Chrome Lighter

Personalized Cooler

Personalized Tote

Personalized Cigar Humidor