Posts Tagged ‘weddings’

2011 Top Honeymoon Destinations

Tuesday, March 6th, 2012

Hawaii lands the #1 spot for honeymoon destinations, with Belize as the #1 up and coming destination. BRIDES Magazine and Signature Travel Network announce BRIDES Best Honeymoons of 2011. More details will appear in the March issue of BRIDES.

THE WORLD’S TOP HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS HAVE BEEN NAMED:
1. HAWAII
2. FRENCH POLYNESIA
3. FIJI
4. ITALY
5. BALI
6. BERMUDA
7. COSTA RICA
8. GREECE
9. THE BAHAMAS
10. FRANCE

The 2011 top honeymoon destinations survey was conducted through the Signature Travel Network, a group of more than 6,000 top travel agents in North America. The full findings will be revealed in the March issue of BRIDES, on newsstands next week, and includes the top 20 honeymoon destinations, top 5 hotels and resorts in numerous categories and inside scoop on best bars, best pools, best beaches and more.

Shop Advantage Bridal for honeymoon gifts, newlywed gifts and honeymoon essentials, such as beach towels, bathing suits, tote bags, flip flops, hoodie and pants, and tons of personalized gifts.

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Wedding Industry Stats

Friday, September 23rd, 2011

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. ~ Author Mignon McLaughlin

10_17_WeddingStats

Despite what’s going on with the country’s economics, love always seems to prevail with few things that can stop two people ready to exchange wedding vows.  That’s something to celebrate! From 2005 to 2009, the number of weddings in the U.S. dipped slightly from 2.23 million to 2.15 million, while the average wedding cost fell from $26,450 to $19,581, according to The Wedding Report.

However, the average cost of wedding has already increased to $23,867 during the first half of this year, marking a positive sign for economic recovery.  Wedding statistics indicate things are beginning to turn around and couples are making more financially sound decisions when planning for the big day.

According to SmartMoney, the average number of wedding guests jumped slightly to 138, while the following areas have seen the greatest growth this year: floral bouquets and floral ceremony arrangements, as well as wedding planner services.

We’re optimistic that next year will bring even more engaged couples down the aisle, as they make a lifelong commitment to love and cherish each other.

Shop Advantage Bridal‘s large selection of designer bridal accessories and affordable wedding accessories, such as favor boxes, bouquet jewelry, crystal cake toppers, unique guest books, bridal jewelry, veils/headpieces, bridesmaid accessories, wedding shoes, flower girl baskets, flower girl gowns and much, much more.  Now’s the time to shop wisely and save!


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Check Out Local Wedding Cake Designer Erica O’Brien

Saturday, July 30th, 2011

Wow, we just discovered a fabulous wedding cake designer in our own backyard! Her name is Erica O’Brien and her designs are fresh and fun! We love the bright colors and think that a crystal monogram cake topper would be gorgeous on her cakes!

Unique Wedding Cakes

Of course, her unique wedding cakes have been featured in top bridal magazines, but she also offers classes for bakers looking to expand their skills and learn about the basics of cake decorating. We’ve always loved the look of fondant cakes, which pair so elegantly with our crystal cake toppers. Be sure to check out the online gallery of wedding cakes created by Erica O’Brien and her team – there are some whimsical wedding cake ideas that will inspire you as you begin the process of shopping for a baker who can help your vision come to life. Desserts are such a fun part of planning and guests always look forward to eating the delicious cake and/or yummy goodies. If you’re an LA bride or live in the Long Beach area, be sure to schedule a consultation to see what she can do for you. And don’t forget to visit Advantage Bridal for the crowning touch to your wedding cake!

Black Wedding Cake

Wedding Cake Ideas

Unique Wedding Cake Designs

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New Custom Colors Cupcake Wrappers!

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

They’re finally here!  We are pleased to offer our customers new custom colors cupcake wrappers in several gorgeous designs, such as butterfly, filigree and vine patterns.  Our cupcake wraps lend an elegant air to the simplest of cupcakes and now you can order them in your choice of a great selection of colors.

Butterfly Cupcake Wrappers

Butterfly Cupcake Wrappers

Now you can match our cupcake wrappers to your wedding color theme, but allow 3-4 weeks for delivery, as these are custom laser-cut just for you!  Enjoy!

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Advantage Bridal Launches New Website & Logo

Thursday, April 7th, 2011
Advantage Bridal website

Advantage Bridal and Beyond

In case you haven’t noticed, Advantage Bridal has a new look and website! We’re proud to announce the launch of our new website and tagline, Advantage Bridal and Beyond – because we offer so much more than bridal and wedding accessories. Inspired by the classic fleur-de-lis, the website boasts a new look and easier navigation for our customers. You’ll find it a breeze to shop through our inventory of more than 21,000 items, including bridesmaid gifts, bridal veils, wedding shoes, cake toppers, First Communion dresses, birthday party decorations, personalized gifts, couture jewelry, prom garters, special occasion purses, anniversary gifts, custom rhinestone tanks and much, much more.

After countless hours and sleepless nights by the staff here at Advantage Bridal, we’re already receiving praise for all of our hard work. Thank you so much for your encouragement! We strive to make your shopping experience for weddings and special occasions a positive one. Advantage Bridal values our customers and we hope to earn your loyalty for all of life’s milestones. Yes, we still have some fine tuning to do, so please let us know if there’s anything we can do to assist you in the planning process. We want to make each celebration a memorable event for you, your family and your friends.

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Sears Launches David Tutera Wedding Jewelry

Saturday, February 26th, 2011

Sears Debuts David Tutera Bridal Jewelry

Similar to major retailer JC Penney, Sears also launched an exclusive line of bridal jewelry aimed at attracting engaged couples on a budget. David Tutera Bridal Jewelry include four collections of wedding bands and engagement rings: Eternal, Heirloom, Radiance and Legacy. Prices range from $399 on the low end to $3499, and each ring contains the “something blue” element for brides. Brides can also find wedding jewelry, “something blue“ and other fashion accessories at Advantage Bridal.

Tutera’s primary inspiration for the four collections originated from his desire to inspire each woman to be the unique and special bride she has dreamed of becoming her whole life. The sculptured pieces feature exquisite designs made from premium materials. Additionally, the four themes were created to have special and significant meaning: The Eternal collection represents the cherishing of a bright future; the Heirloom collection embodies the love that stands the test of time; the Radiance collection boldly signifies that all eyes are on the bride; and the Legacy collection epitomizes the enduring union in which the love story continues.

Each ring incorporates a genuine blue sapphire on the inner band—a unique detail that allows brides to incorporate their “something blue”—as well as exquisitely detailed symbols of love and loyalty that will be the hallmark of their married lives. Tutera’s solitaire rings also feature a signature floral head, drawing from both tradition and the designer’s personal passion for flowers.

“David Tutera’s deep understanding of the bridal market and direct connection to women everywhere, particularly when it comes to creating a beautiful wedding experience, makes this collection launch an ideal way to celebrate romance and elegance,” said Megan Featherston, vice president of jewelry at Sears Holdings Corporation. “The launch of the David Tutera Bridal Jewelry Collection is another example of Sears’ continued commitment to delight customers with the splendor they’ve dreamed of at an incredible value.”

Tutera added, “Your wedding story begins with choosing the perfect engagement ring. I am proud to offer my designer style, and more than 25 years of bridal expertise, to help make women’s dreams come true with a dazzling line of affordable wedding rings. Just like a couple’s love story, each ring design is completely unique. I’m excited to showcase the retail collection at Sears, which understands my vision and will not compromise elegance for affordability.”

(Information courtesty of a Sears, Roebuck & Co. press release.)

David Tutera Designed 4 Collections of Wedding Rings

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Cupid Strikes: Happy Valentine’s Day

Monday, February 14th, 2011

Reportedly, 10% of wedding proposals occur on Valentine’s Day, so cheers to all those women who will become part of this statistic! Valentine’s Day is the most popular day to get engaged, followed by Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve and the birthday of the bride-to-be.  The U.S. Census Bureau provides more interesting stats on marriages, such as an average of 2.2 million couples wed each year.

For Valentine’s Day gifts, greeting cards came in at 65% while jewelry rang in at 11%. The United States, Canada, Mexico, France, Belgium, Australia and the United Kingdom celebrate cupid’s day. It is believed that Charles, the Duke of New Orleans, wrote the first Valentine when he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. He wrote the letter to his wife in 1415, and six centuries later, Valentine’s notes and cards (stationary) are still exchanged between loved ones, parents, friends and family members.

One last tidbit: Some women take things into their own hands and send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day (15% in fact).

Advantage Bridal offers “Just Engaged” gifts and apparel for a unique statement. We want to know who got engaged this Valentine’s Day, so send us a message on Facebook! Wonder if there will be any celebrity engagements to announce?

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Kathy Ireland Weddings Launches This Spring

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011
Kathy Ireland Weddings

Kathy Ireland Weddings Launches "Affordable" Bridal Gowns

Kathy Ireland and Mon Cheri Bridals are teaming up to launch Kathy Ireland Weddings by 2be Designs this spring.  The collection includes designs for brides, bridesmaids and mother of the brides and grooms. The supermodel and fashion mogul has created a widely recognized brand that spans into numerous industries, such as home furnishings and accessories, apparel, fresh-cut flowers, skin care, jewelry, real estate, publishing, etc.  Now, Kathy Ireland ventures into bridal design in a partnership with Mon Cheri Bridals, where her passion for fashion will make its way down the aisle.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight (ET), Kathy Ireland notes her designs will be elegant and traditional with a focus on textures and “attention to detail.”  She also said wedding gowns will feature A-lines and flowing trains, while color is the hot trend for bridesmaids dresses.

This spring, Kathy Ireland Weddings by 2be will be available at “affordable” price points.  According to a recent press release:  “Each 2be wedding dress encompasses one of three distinct personalities: the princess bride, the sensual and sophisticated bride, and the traditional bride.  The 2be bridesmaid dresses are a collection of chic and versatile dresses designed to be worn again for other occasions. The third collection, 2be mother of the bride, is created to provide body-conscious style for the youthful mother of the bride or groom.”  Brides, keep your eyes open for new designs by Kathy Ireland as she expands her talents to the wedding industry.

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Stunning Details: Luxurious Lace

Friday, January 21st, 2011
Lace Wedding Gown

Lace Bridal Gown

Lace is making a comeback in the wedding community, from stunning lace bridal gowns and lace embellishments to elaborate lace wedding accessories. Lace wedding gowns are no longer considered outdated, but rather exude opulent luxury. Wear a beautiful lace veil to complete the look.

While choosing a lace wedding dress can be a difficult challenge, it helps to know what type of lace is most flattering on you. With strong European influences and centuries old pattern designs, lace has been revived through technological advancements and market development. Lace wedding gowns look gorgeous in day or evening weddings, indoor or outdoor weddings and, of course, seasonal or traditional weddings. Lace is also the perfect choice for vintage weddings. Search lace samples for inspiration and to find what kind of lace best suits you.

Different Types of Lace

Re-embroidered Alencon: One of the most popular types of lace for weddings and also one of the most expensive. Re-embroidered Alencon lace is embroidered Chantilly lace. It is a heavy-duty type of lace; capable of handling large quantities of crystal, glass and beaded embellishments.

Chantilly: Features flowers and ribbons on plain netting or organza. Chantilly is the most inexpensive type of lace made.

Duchesse: Belgian lace made in Brussels and named after Marie-Henriette, Duchess of Brabant. She was also later queen of the Belgians. Duchesse is a bobbin lace motif

Guipure: Needlepoint lace made with a heavy buttonhole machine stitch. The motif pattern layout is on a coarse mesh net. Guipure is a French bobbin lace.

Ribbon: A cord of ribbon is used to draw and tie together two opposite edges at random over netting or mesh.

Schiffli: This lace is a type of embroidery made by modern machines, but evolved from a hand version.

Spanish: Venetian needlepoint lace. The Spaniards imported this lace from Italy in the 1700’s. Designed with flat roses on a mesh background.

Venetian: Otherwise known as Venetian needlepoint lace. The motif is a combination of acute-angled points, individually worked separately and linked together by a narrow band, or “footing” stitched with buttonholing.

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