Planning: Give me a Ring!

It's April, THE most sparkling month of the year. I mean any month that has diamond as the birthstone has got to be the most awesometastic! And I'm NOT just saying that because my birthday is tomorrow (4 - 28)...nope, not at all. So in honor of my birth...I mean April. let's dedicate this post to my favorite topic...DIAMOND Rings. More specifically for the bride. (I'll tell you why later):

Which finger is the "Ring Finger":

• The ring finger is on the LEFT hand
• Second finger in from the pinkie. Third finger in from the thumb (4th if you count the thumb as a "finger"...as I do)
• Why this finger: Old tales believed that *the vein in this finger is directly connected to the heart and thus became a symbol of love #awwwwwww

The Engagement Ring...the BIG BLING:

• Placed on "ring finger" until the wedding day
• Etiquette states you don't flash/flaunt the engagement ring until after the engagement has been officially announced
• Reality says: flash it, flaunt it, love it, admire it. It's yours bask in the beauty (don't tell them i said that)

The Wedding Ring...it's OFFICIAL:

• Prior to vows: your engagement ring is placed on the right hand
• Post vows: After your wedding band is placed on the "ring finger" you return the engagement ring to the left hand ring finger
• Typically: the wedding band is on the inside (or closest to the hand) and the engagement ring is placed on the outside of the wedding band (closest to the nail)

The Anniversary Ring

• Can be worn on the right hand or on the ring finger along with your wedding band and engagement ring. It's your ring. Do what makes you comfortable
• When is it appropriate to give an anniversary ring: The better question is when ISN'T it appropriate to give an anniversary ring. It is never too early or too late to show your appreciation with bling

NOW, WHY this post: Most of this information may seem like common knowledge but it isn't be it fear, forgetfulness, or a shoulder shrug, I get asked most of these questions ALLOT. Enough for me to write a post about it. So just in case you were one of the many that wanted to know...your welcome:)

Quote: Courtesy of Wikipedia

Photo: Courtesy of De Beers

Pretty Little Things: Romance by Candlelight

What do I love about these pictures?

Courtesy of FB

Courtesy of Flick'r

The reflective vases!

Reflective Vases give your table setting a sleek modern look that is to die for. My favorite use of these magic vessels are to couple them with candles/candlelight. The reflection is multiplied and the "romance by candlelight factor" is quadrupled. It's a quick easy way to turn up the fabulous on your tablescape. And who doesn't want that.

Planning: If the Sock Fits!

Your bridesmaids have been really good to you throughout your engagement. They have been supportive, they didn't complain about wearing the same lime green taffeta dress with flower applique in every color in the rainbow (with a rainbow pin in their hair). They showed up on time to every rehearsal for your "Beat It" specialty dance routine. No one had a problem spending 200+ on matching shoes. Everyone shoes up to your 2 bridesmaids meeting per month. They dried your tears when you cried because the florist put pink roses instead of blush roses in the floral mock-up. Face it, they have been saints! And now you want to thank them but your not sure how.

Here are some ideas:

• Jewelry: Do I even need to elaborate on why.
• PJ's: Cute ones of course,  with bridal party socks (it ups the cute factor)
• Spa Gift Certificate: After 8+ months of being your personal b*t... ah mean "helper" don't you think they deserve it
• A Gift Certificate: To their favorite restaurant (even if that favorite restaurant is Red Lobster...where applicable)
• A Clutch Purse: To hold their lipstick, cell phone and blot powder for the wedding day. Nothing big, just something small, cute and that can be used for multiple occasions.
• A Kindle: such a great gift. And with some many colors, you might be able to find one with a coordinating color to your wedding.
• Personalize MP3 Player. Personalize it with her name, "Best Bridesmaid" or the wedding date. Get creative with it
• Personalized Stationary: And then write a personal "Thank YOU" note on the first sheet.
• Her favorite "__________" (fill in the blank): I'm assuming, because you put her in your bridal party you know her. You know her likes, loves, and dislikes. So get her her favorite wine: if she's a wine drinker, Magazine subscription: if she's an avid reader of a particular mag and just hasn't gotten around to subscribing yet,  Chocolates: if she has an insatiable sweet tooth. The point is pick something you know she will appreciate and appeals to her as an individual AND something that is different for each member of the bridal party. It will make her feel special that you really put some thought into it.

If you get your girls a few small items, put them together in a personalized or a Bridesmaids tote. Presentation is just as important as the gift itself.









*NOTE: Don't go overboard on the gifts if t is a financial hardship. a GREAT gift doesn't have to be expensive. Make a budget and stick to it. if they are your REAL friends they will appreciate the gesture and be eternally grateful for it!

Credits

Socks | Bags

Pretty Little Things: More Bridal Envy - Spring 2013

More of what caught my eye from Bridal Market - Spring 2013

Amsale

Amsale

Amsale

Carolina Herrera = LOVE!

Ines Di Santo

Ines Di Santo

Junko Yoshioka

Kelly Faeteanini

Monique Lhuillier = YES PLEASE!

Reem Acra

Reem Acra

Romana Keveza

Romana Keveza

Which is your favorite?

Courtesy of Brides.com

Pretty Little Things: Bridal Envy 2013 - And the Oscar goes to...

Every Season there is one designer whose overall selection of Bridal Wear just blows me away. This year that designer is Oscar de la Renta. The innovation, the design, the use of fabric and fantastic veils, the wearability of it all...well most. The color, the gorgeousness and the versatility = SWOON! Just take a look at a few that caught my eye:

This Cape is...FIYAHHHH!

I'm digging the balloon skirt

Let there be SLEEVES! LOVE!

Love this option!

COLOR!

I would wear this veil with the dress the 

entire wedding. Just awesome!

Don't you just want to eat them up!. Bravo Oscar...Bravo! 

Pretty Little Things: Sexy Little Bride

Most brides consider the bridal gown as the most important outfit you will put on. While that is true, what about the "other" important outfit you will put on. The honeymoon night is supposed to be the first of the most romantic nights you spend together as husband and wife. So why not make the most of it.

After the festivities and before you snooze, slip into something a bit more...

Courtesy of Victoria's Secret

...comfortable, and enjoy the cherry on top of an amazing wedding night! *Wink*

Pretty Little Things: Bridal Envy - Spring 2013

It's Bridal Market time in NYC featuring gowns for the Spring 2013 collection. Which means lots and lots and lots of bridal goodness on the horizon. Here are some that has caught my eye so far:

Maggie Sottero Courtesy of Brides.com

one of my favorite colors for bridal gowns

Maggie Sottero Courtesy of Brides.com

Maggie Sottero Courtesy of Brides.com

Alfred Angelo = YES!

Courtesy of Brides.com

Modern Trousseau courtesy of Colin Cowie Weddings

Vera Wang courtesy of Vera Wang (FB)

COLOR...YAYYYYYY

Vera Wang courtesy of Vera Wang (FB)

Vera Wang For David's Bridal Courtesy of Colin Cowie Weddings (FB)

 

Up Close

Vera Wang For David's Bridal Courtesy of Brides Magazine

I predict this will be a huuuuuuuuge hit. I mean look at that bow!

Vera Wang For David's Bridal Courtesy of Colin Cowie Weddings (FB)

Things are looking wonderful for the future of bridal gowns!

Planning: A Block of Color

If you are that trendy bride that likes to make a statement then this may be for you.

Dress, Shoes, Candy

Cake, Invite, Bouquet

Dress, Invite, Shoe

The hottest trend right now is neon colors/color blocking. For the 80's babies this is just a blast from the past so you may be thinking this isn't new at all. And you're right it isn't new, however it's foray into the wedding industry isn't common at all so let's run with it shall we. This colorful statement has always been a love of mine (I love the bright extra pop of color) so I would encourage that if you are THIS bride then ROCK out to it!

Consider showcasing your trendiness into your wedding by keeping it simple-ish. Here me out. You don't have to have EVERY aspect of your wedding in neon colors. As a matter of fact..please DO NOT make every aspect of your wedding neon. That is a headache for you and your guests waiting to happen. Instead, infuse a few items with this colorful trend: For instance

NEON: cake, shoes, bridesmaids dress, linens, flowers, wedding gown sash and gloves, stationary = *bbm angry face*

NEON: shoes, bridesmaids dress, brides bouquet, stationary, favors = *bbm smiley face*

A little bit goes a looooooooong way and makes a bigger statement! Besides, you want to love your wedding today tomorrow and for years to come. Not look back on it and say what the hell was I thinking!

SO, are you THIS bride?