ruffled blush romantic

Romantic ruffled blush....sounds just like a wedding, right?  These looks below would be darling for a rehearsal dinner for the bride.  Or a wedding shower or bridesmaids luncheon.  Would also work for a baby shower (especially if a girl!), christening, or ladies lunch.

wedding: custom postage stamps

Custom wedding postage stamps can be a thoughtful compliment to your beautiful wedding invitations.  Especially if using calligraphy, it would feel strange to add a regular stamp from the Post Office.

For 100 stamps from Zazzle, instead of $49, you would pay $122 with shipping.  Yes, this is more than double the price, but when you consider the amount you're spending on the invitations and/or calligraphy, it is a nice touch.

Order your invitations first, as you want the stamp to go with the envelope & the general feel of the wedding.  Modern & monochromatic?  Soft & romantic?  Cheerful & colorful?  The next step is important:  take your invitations to the post office to be both measured & weighed.  Most invitations will need special stamps.  Make note of this so you know what to order from Zazzle.  

I used one stamp on the envelope and a different one on the RSVP envelope.  Finally, I ordered a third set for my thank you notes.  Your wedding invitation is the first thing your guests will receive that sets the tone of the wedding.  Make a good first impression!

veil vocabulary

Beyond length, familiarize yourself with other terms to describe veils.  Again, thank you Southbound Bride for these photos.

long sleeved gowns

Move over strapless.  Apparently, all the cool girls now wear long sleeves.

Have you noticed that long sleeved gowns are making a comeback?  I fell in love with this long sleeved wedding dress.....but never found it.  

Some highlights of long sleeved beauties.  What do you think?  Elegant & refined?  Will long sleeves make an appearance on the Red Carpet this weekend at the Oscars?


veil lengths

a photo of me putting on my veil before the wedding ceremony

A month before my wedding, it dawned on me that I actually wanted a veil.  Never thought I would!  My dress was backless, and I realized I wanted to be a bit more covered up at the ceremony.

I had no idea there were so many different types of veils!  A Cliff Notes version for you below!  (I ended up going with ballet/waltz length).

Your dress comes first as the color & style of the dress will determine which veil options will best compliment.  Don't follow in my footsteps and choose your veil a month before the wedding unless you want a limited selection & rush fees.  Like wedding dresses, veils take longer than you think!

Thank you Southbound Bride for these photos.



engagement gift ideas

Your best friend or sister just got engaged.  You want to show support by giving a gift.  A few ideas:

  • Kate Spade ring holder (thank you, Sharon, for mine!)
  • Stationery 
  • Return address embosser
  • Gift certificate for a blow dry bar to use for a wedding event (shower, engagement party)
  • Gift certificate for manicure to show off her new ring
  • Something personal about where they got engaged (photograph, painting, object)  
  • A special lunch to listen to all the details