Creating your Own Centerpieces

I recently hosted a 100th birthday celebration for my Great Grandmother back in January. Part of the planning was to create centerpieces for the 130+ guests. What we did was we asked all the women, some of whom are family members and some were friends and society members who’ve known her for years. Anyway, we ended up asking all these ladies to bring a crystal bowl from their home and we used those as the centerpieces. We set them on a piece of mirror to bounce back the reflection and make the centerpieces seem bigger. Then we placed four roses in each bowl (with ice and just a little bit of water to keep them cold, then the ice would melt down and fill the bowls), we added a bit of baby’s breath and kept the leafing to add some green. We then sprinkled faux rose petals around the centerpieces. The final result was so adorable.

Our table settings were round tables of eight. We placed colored linens within the wine glasses to create a little pizzaze. Then we also used round cuts of white tulle with colored M&M’s inside with a thank you tag on the ribbon. We placed these favors in front of the place setting, since this was a buffet, and the end result was perfect for what we wanted.

This was a less formal event than a wedding, however was very classy and proper. (She IS one-hundred!) But I thought that showing what we did might give you some ideas to create something on your own!

Good luck!

Is Black the new Wedding White?

As much as the media is playing up the idea of black as the new white for weddings, I personally believe that black is the ONLY color that should not be worn by the bride.

I consider myself to be very fashion-forward and in no way am I “dissing” on the appearance of black in any designers lines this season, however… I believe that the idea of black at a wedding is, well, inappropriate.

If black is the new color for weddings, does that mean that white is the new color for funerals? To me, wearing white isn’t just a sign of purity, its a sign of something new…. a blank canvas. White is the absence of all color and to me fits the bill for a bride to wear on her wedding. Its about starting new and putting the past behind you, cleaning your slate and starting over.

In searching for another opinion on the subject I asked my boss, is black appropriate to be worn at a wedding? She said, (speaking as a guest would wear black) “I don’t care, as long as they show up… and bring a present!”

So I guess the only appropriate way to end this is, to each to their own. You find what works for you and for your fiancee! If a black wedding dress is what you want, go for it… if you want to dress up your bridesmaids in black, more power to you! But just be sure you’re doing it for yourself… not for anyone else, and DON’T do it b/c “fashion” says so.

Sarah Jessica Parker may have worn a black wedding dress at her wedding, but guess what, she regrets it now! Here’s her quote from Us Magazine.

“I wore black on my wedding day, and I really regret that,” Parker says in the October issue of Marie Claire. “I was too embarrassed to get married in white, and both Matthew [Broderick, her husband of nine years] and I were reluctant to have people pay so much attention to us. Which is ridiculous, because that’s when you can relish the attention, when it’s natural. We treated it like it was a big party on a Monday night, and I regret it.” - Sarah Jessica Parker

The Change-Over?

One thing that I keep hearing more and more of is the change-over bride. The woman who goes all out for the ceremony itself and buys the princess dress with her jeweled crown and big updo. Then for her reception, switches it all up and changes over into a sleeker-slimmer dress and takes that do down creating a more dance-able attire.

The amazing part is, we’re finding its not just the bride who’s pulling this “change-over” between ceremony and reception. Some brides are requesting guests to switch up their outfits, even for cocktail hour, to add to the whole ambiance of the day.

From this…..

To this…

2008 Hair Trends!

Although there are many great ways to style your hair for your wedding, if you’re looking for something sleek and chic then there’s only one answer… the bun. Either classic and calm, twisted and twirled, sleek and simple, or short and sassy…. we’re seeing every possible variation hit the runway. J Bogatti, a fabulous French hair stylist, has pinned up some fabulous do’s which are sure to turn heads. His multi-twisted updo which is also knotted with satin ribbons is the most modern, chic, and elegant updo I think I’ve ever seen! He has also created some fabulous classic looking down-do’s that look as if they belong in the 50’s or 60’s.

Accent your beautiful hairstyle with woven in ribbon, a flower, or even a tiara. But ladies please, leave out the glitter and clips! No matter what you decide for your hairstyle on your wedding day, be sure that it fits you!

J Bogatti’s Twisted Chignon

Hot off the Runway!

In searching for the perfect dress, I’m sure you’ve already come across this year’s hottest trend. If not, brace yourselves! Straight off the runway in Paris, the hottest 2008 trend we’re seeing is the BLACK wedding dress. As we all know, us U.S.A. ladies tend to look towards Paris for fashion forward tips and trends. This year we were blown away to see colors from each end of the color spectrum arriving on the runway. From deep plums, to bright yellow, vibrant reds, the “old fashion” (but always classic) white, to the newest arrival, black.

The black wedding dress first appeared in the public eye on trend setter Sarah Jessica Parker when she married her husband Matthew Broderick.

Most brides are a little weary about straying away from the traditional white dress, but the truth is, times are changing! Whether you chose white, red, or black make sure that your dress says what you want it to, fits you well, and is exactly what YOU want!

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