Posts Tagged ‘reception’

How A Bride Becomes Bridezilla

Saturday, June 9th, 2012
Becoming Bridezilla

A bride becomes Bridezilla over time until, one day, she’s so comfortable in her new role she forgets the sweet girlfriend she used to be.

Bridezillas on WeTV makes some brides look not so nice (of course, that’s a sugar-coated statement). Decide what type of bride you want to be during the wedding planning process, and learn to let things go. Why?

Because a bride taking on the persona of giant sea monster named Godzilla is a frightening thought. And you’ll scare those closest to you with the “it’s all about me” attitude that surfaced once the engagement ring was on.

5 tips to avoid becoming Bridezilla:

  • Decide to plan a stress-free wedding.
  • Forgive and forget.
  • Always have back-up options.
  • Communicate calmly and honestly.
  • Remember, two of you are getting married.

For some brides-to-be, this is easier said than done. If you’re a Type A personality or you simply want things done your way – now, then the road to success might be a little rocky. But it can be done.

Reflect on why you said “yes” to your honey in the first place. Write down your feelings in a journal rather than hash out on others. Exercise: Try yoga, long walks or a gym class to get your mind off the wedding. Vent to a bridesmaid or friend, but don’t overwhelm them.

More important than the planning is the ceremony itself. The vows unite you as husband and wife. Yes, we all want a flawless affair, a memorable event, a to-die-for reception, but don’t you want to marry the man of your dreams more than anything?

Hopefully, the population of Bridezillas will die off over time (figuratively speaking) and the beautiful brides men fell in love with will take their place. That depends on you, of course.

If you’re a bridesmaid or relative of a bridal monster, CNN offers these tips.

Novelist Ayn Rand perhaps unintentionally paid tribute to Bridezilla in this quote: “The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.”

And that type of thinking is how a bride becomes Bridezilla. . .

 

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Take Two: Bridal Heels & Ballet Slippers

Sunday, March 11th, 2012

"Tudor Rose" Couture Bridal Flats

We love heels as much any woman and if you’re anything like us, they’re more like closet decorations than every day shoes. But that doesn’t stop us from adding to our collection. Remember Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City? She was a self-proclaimed shoe addict. So while you want to look fabulous from head to toe on your wedding day, high heels probably aren’t the right shoes for an eight hour day. Yes, we all sacrifice in the name of fashion, in the name of looking good, and in the name of our fave designer. But we have a better idea.

Why not select two pairs of wedding shoes? You can wear the couture heels down the aisle and for photographs and switch to ballet slippers or ballet flats for the reception. Better yet, consider wearing an alternate dress, too. Kate Middleton is doing it. We’re not saying you should blow your budget on becoming the bride fashionista of the 21st century. We’re suggesting that you balance your budget so that you can look great and be comfortable after the ceremony, because we know you’ll be dancing the night away to the hits of the 80s and 90s. Ballet slippers add an elegant touch and are available in numerous colors and styles – even the classic lace-up ballet shoes. Think prima ballerina meets modern bride, what a beautiful combination. Check out the Real Weddings blog featuring our ballet slippers.

Hand-Decorated Ballet Slippers

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Military Wedding Ideas

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

Intimate Weddings Photo: Isabel March

Okay, so wedding planning isn’t as easy as it sounds. In fact, it can be stressful, time consuming and costly. But that’s why we’re here to help all you brides-to-be as much as possible, so you can have fun in the process and find everything you need at Advantage Bridal. When plannning an Army wedding, Navy wedding, Marine wedding or any military wedding, timing is critical. Picking a wedding date and location are likely two of your biggest obstacles, especially if you or your future hubby are on active duty in the U.S. or deployed to another country. Then, there are the unique elements when planning military weddings, such as wedding invitation etiquette (rank/title), military traditions and military wedding attire (we all remember how handsome Prince William looked in uniform at the royal wedding).

Check with your community and municipality to see about possible discounts for public wedding venues. Designated areas at public parks and beaches can be rented for a nominal fee, and many boast beautiful views and an arbor. If you’re a military bride or military groom, chances are you’re on a tight budget and timeline. Ask family and friends to help with planning your military wedding. Maybe they have a large backyard or a clubhouse in their housing track that can be rented for a small fee. Also, it might be practical to get married at the courthouse and plan the reception later that day or at another time (we’ve seen pictures of classy court weddings). Military weddings don’t have to break the bank. You can incorporate tradition and honor your service to our country in an elegant, understated way. Some military brides opt for navy blue bridesmaid dresses. Check out TheKnot for pictures and ideas of real military weddings.

Advantage Bridal offers wedding theme ideas, navy blue wedding accessories, patriotic wedding accessories and our military wedding collection, which includes military wedding toasting glasses, camo bridal garters and camoflauge wedding accessories.

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Reception Ideas: Groom Cake & “Man Food”

Monday, May 30th, 2011

More grooms are adding their two cents when it comes to wedding planning. Guys who want to infuse their personality into the big day are doing so with groom cakes and wedding food choices for the reception. For example, take Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who married former TV reporter and beauty queen Candice Crawford over Memorial Day weekend. With more than 600 guests (many of them NFL players), wedding planner Todd Fiscus added an All-American menu aptly dubbed “man food,” which included a pizza bar and short ribs. Guests received a goodie bag with a Neiman Marcus gift card, a mini bottle of Moet champagne, Dude Sweet Chocolate, gourmet popcorn, chips and salsa, and “Killer Pecans.” Sounds like a good time! Add your personality to the wedding cake with a fun bride and groom cake topper. For unique groom gifts, groom apparel and baseball caps, and groom accessories, visit Advantage Bridal.

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Napa Valley Wedding for Actress & News Correspondent

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011
Celebrity Wedding

Tamera Mowry & Adam Housley Wed on May 15 Photo: Jose Villa Photography

Tamera Mowry and Adam Housley exchanged vows in a traditional ceremony on May 15 at a vineyard in Napa Valley. Approximately 300 guests attended the evening wedding ceremony and rustic wine-country reception coordinated by celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss.

Tamera and twin sister Tia Mowry, also the maid of honor, starred in the 90s sitcom “Sister, Sister.” Adam Housley is a correspondent for Fox news. The bride wore a Carolina Herrera wedding gown, followed by two outfit changes for the affair, according to People.

Sounds like the wedding decor was beautiful, including farm tables with pale pink and white hydrangeas and roses, olive branches and hundreds of white candles. Guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner and late night snacks of tacos and cupcakes. Yum!

Advantage Bridal carries Mindy Weiss wedding accessories, wedding collections by theme or color, and custom reception decorations. We make shopping for the bride and wedding effortless!

 

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Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011

Vintage Style Couture Lace Bridal Garter

It’s fun to incorporate meaningful elements into your wedding, such as “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” Subtle details can fulfill this traditional bridal saying that is thought to be bring the bride good luck and a long, happy marriage. “Something old” symbolizes continuity with the bride’s family and the past while moving to the next chapter.

Ideas for something old:

Family heirlooms, antique pieces, vintage relics or sentimental objects can fill the “something old” wedding tradition.

Look to moms, aunts, grandparents or someone close to you for trinkets that you can use in your wedding, like a handkerchief or charm wrapped around your bouquet.

Wear a locket necklace with old family photos or display these pics at the reception. Photos of the bride and groom as children look lovely at the guest book table.

Use vintage ribbon, lace, buttons or other ornaments on the flower bouquet, wedding dress, veil or as decorative touches.

Shop thrift stores, antique malls and your grandmother’s closet for a vintage purse, clutch, gloves or brooch.

Perch vintage cake toppers on the wedding cake or add a whimsical touch at the dessert bar.

Toasting flutes handed down are perfect for the reception.

Carry a cherished momento in your bridal purse.

Wear something passed down, like a veil, tiara, garter or jewelry. This also meets the “something borrowed” requirement.

Brides can use their imagination and search their mother’s attic or memory box for the “something old” object they cherish. The bridal shower is an opportunity for family members to pass down a keepsake for the bride to use at the wedding or keep afterward. We wish you joy as you hunt for something old.

Vintage Style Bridal Purse

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“Black Swan” Themed Wedding Reception

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

Wedding Reception Theme

Luxurious . . . sophisticated . . . dramatic. Perfect Wedding Guide posted gorgeous pictures of a Black Swan themed wedding reception tabletop, a motif based on the popular movie starring Natalie Portman as a prima ballerina. This wedding theme incorporates elements of the Black Swan in creative, opulent fashion. See below for close ups and get inspired with your own wedding theme.

Wedding Reception ThemeThe Atlanta Perfect Wedding Guide team recently participated in a tabletop competition for the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE). With the creative vision of Ciao Bella Weddings, the ladies presented the Black Swan as a themed wedding reception tabletop.

Wedding Reception Theme

Advantage Bridal encourages brides to think beyond the cookie-cutter wedding, with theme reception decor and wedding accessories for a dramatic statement. Advantage Bridal loves the details: the contrast of the black and white, different textures, feathered reception chair covers, soft candlelight, rhinestone napkin holders, black lacquer toasting flutes . . . This reception tabletop is simply “divine.”

Wedding Reception Theme

Perfect Wedding Guide states:

“The theme of our table is inspired by the motion picture, the Black Swan. The tablescape is a combination of modern and monochromatic with hints of French influence as a nod to the ballet. The elements will emulate the two personas by combining the elegance, innocence, and grace of the white swan with the anchor of guile and sensuality embodied by the Black Swan.

While our table is predominately charcoal and black in color, the details are softer. Silver and black chameleon chairs draped in sheer soft silk organza chair covers flanked in rouched fabrication. A long estate table is dressed in a couture black ruffled linen. The tabletop features gorgeous black glassware and china accented by sleek and modern silverware. The crowning jewel of the table is the winter white flora and white candles appearing as a halo to the entire design. The balance of power and romance is evident at first glance.”

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2011 Wedding Trends

Saturday, January 15th, 2011

A new year brings new beginnings.  For those planning a wedding, it’s the perfect time to start the year with renewed clarity and vision.  Stick to a budget, follow a plan and avoid indecisiveness (if you can).

It’s exciting to think about all the couples that got engaged over the holidays, whether the wedding date is set or still being considered.  The following 2011 wedding trends should help brides and grooms during the wedding planning process. Susan Southerland of the Perfect Wedding Guide provides these wedding trends for 2011.

Subtle Luxury:  The overall theme for 2011 weddings seems to be “subtle luxury,” with emphasis on creativity and personalization.  Every element should be tailored to reflect you and your groom, but not cross the line into lavish or excessive.

Intimate Weddings: Even though wedding budgets are beginning to recover in 2011, a return to the traditional lengthy guest list will not make a comeback.

Buck Wedding Tradition:  Couples will continue to buck wedding tradition and personalize every aspect of the wedding to reflect the bride and groom’s interests and personalities will be big again in 2011.

Vendor Services: With wedding budgets rebounding, some of the services that were DIY in 2010 will be given back to the pros.  Look for more professional DJs, videographers and higher quality wedding photography.

Wedding Gowns ­– Texture:  In past seasons, we have seen pops of color, lots of bling and feminine detailing galore.  In keeping with the subtle luxury tone of all wedding trends this year, gowns are following suit with visually interesting and rich textures.  (Sleeves haven’t made a big comeback on the runways, as was predicted last year.)

Non-Traditional Veils: Vintage or heirloom bridal hair combs are really hot.  Reusing old items are great for the environment and they are a great way to incorporate something special for a loved one.

Bold Colors:  Bold wedding colors are the thing for spring.  Shades that are a bit punchier than pastel, but not-quite-jewel-toned are making a big statement this year.  Look for rich corals, vibrant apple greens, violet and goldenrod.

Eco-Friendly Options:  Outdoor weddings (saves on power), recycled paper or “plantable” stationery (reduces waste), vintage jewelry and décor (reusing saves energy and waste).

Alternative Times:  Wedding brunches are big as couples try to spend wisely.  The time change can save money on food and bar bills.

Technology:  Technology is being used to its full potential behind-the-scenes (wedding blogs, smart phone apps, social media, personal websites, etc.)

Simple Wedding Cakes:  Cakes will continue to be scaled back to more modest designs with all-edible elements.

Reception Seating:  Couples will be using different table shapes and sizes at the reception to create a more casual “lounge” feel.

DIY Wedding Accessories:  Handmade and DIY wedding items continue to grow in popularity.  Handmade, vintage and rustic touches are being prominently showcased. Regardless of budget, many brides are getting into the DIY craze as materials are become easier to access and more affordable through major craft retailers and reputable online sources.

Unique Ideas:  Couples are choosing to provide their guests with a dessert bar, a candy bar, cigars and a signature drink, coffee bars, or souvenir photo booth picture strips in lieu of the traditional wedding favor trinket.

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The Year of “Sophisticated Elegance”

Saturday, January 1st, 2011

Outdoor Wedding Venue Photo: Peace 4 Art Photography

OneWed posts its Top 10 Wedding Trends for 2011, and we think many of them will be a hit with brides and grooms on their wedding day.  To sum it up, “sophisticated elegance” will make a splash from wedding venues to colors and from bridal gowns to wedding invitations.

1.     Sophisticated Elegance Returns: Elegant, sophisticated style returns in 2011. Simple, understated wedding décor, with modern design elements trumping DIY touches.  Scripted calligraphy, custom monograms and classic wedding cakes embody this trend.  Brides will wear pearls, and grooms will ditch the Converse in favor of more tasteful wedding day kicks.

2.     Outdoor Venues: Outdoor ceremony and reception venues will take center stage in 2011.  An outdoor setting leaves room for personalization and customization, a major perk for creative, hands-on engaged couples.  Lakeside venues, vineyard locations and spaces alongside sprawling mountains will dominate, with personal touches that represent the bride and groom.

 

3.     Grey is the New Black, Crazy for Navy: Bucking its gloomy stereotype, grey is the neutral “It” color for 2011 weddings.  Organic and natural shades of charcoal, dove, stone, oyster and shell will be incorporated liberally into wedding color palettes and paired with vibrant hues to make the colors pop!  And while grey remains the talk of the town for 2011, navy blue (and other deep blues) are definitely on-trend for the coming year.  OneWed asks:  “Wonder if Prince William’s royal wedding has anything to do with the crazy for navy trend?”

4.     Mad for Metallic & Bold Color Palettes: Whether it’s two bright hues with a metallic accent or several metallic shades used together, bright colors and metallic accents will be popular choices for wedding color palettes in 2011.  Gilded gold, shimmery silver and sparkling champagne will be used alone or with accents of yellow, purple or teal.  And since metallics make such a bold statement, couples will scale back over-the-top décor in favor of a more restrained style aesthetic.

5.     Big Ball Gowns: Dramatic ball gown wedding dresses floated down 2011 bridal catwalks in droves.  Wedding dress designers draped, gathered and layered tulle, power netting and chiffon to fashion wedding dresses with limitless volume.  The outcome?  Fairytale-inspired bridal style and whimsical wedding dresses for 2011.

6.     Grooms Walk on the Stylish Side: Grooms are taking a stand in the name of fashion.  Their tux choices will no longer be dictated by some “rent 5, get 1 free” deal.  Instead, they’ll choose formal looks that represent their unique style.  Bow ties will replace classic long neckties, and embroidered dress shirts, engraved cufflinks, stylish lapel pins and the color of the season ­– grey – will grace the aisles.

7.     Wedding Invitations Go Green: Green weddings continue full speed ahead in 2011.  From totally paperless wedding invitations and save-the-date announcements, to stationery printed on 100% recycled paper, invitations have truly gone green.

8.     Luxurious Textures: Luxurious textured fabrics will bring a sumptuous, opulent vibe to 2011 weddings.  Wedding dresses will feature 3D appliqués, layered light fabrics (tulle, lace, chiffon), romantic ruffles, oversized floral, and illusion fabric with eye-catching beading.  Textured linens will be layered to dress up reception tables, chair covers may be embroidered or beaded, and branchy centerpieces and floral arrangements will captivate wedding guests.

 

9.     Ethnic Influences, Cultural Wedding Details: At long last, brides and grooms are embracing and showcasing their unique cultural traditions and ethnicity.  Whether it’s a religious wedding ceremony ritual, traditional wedding day garb, cultural cuisine infused throughout the reception dinner, or wedding decor with bold, ethnic prints, you can’t help but embrace the unique cultures and ethnicities of couples in 2011.

 

10.  Revved-Up Wedding Receptions: Who wants the best day of their lives to end?  Not couples and guests in 2011, that’s for sure!  Couples will plan a post-reception after party lasting into the wee hours of the night with drinks, entertainment, dancing and snacks so that wedding guests can party all night long!

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