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5 Ways To A Unique and Fun Wedding

It seems like everyone is saying, "I do" and after attending your 10th wedding of the year, guests and couples alike are dying to mix it up. Recently, while helping many a bridal party stand apart via fashion, I have witnessed some incredible ideas beyond that...

1) Entertainment - Yes, a wedding is about declaring your love, but the reception is just another word for party, so treat it that way. Music and dancing is a must, but why not take another step toward entertainment, particularly if your guests aren't the type to make their own fun. One bride I worked with recently had circus performers put on a show. We took that theme to the fashion by selecting colorful, printed bridesmaid dresses and adding a miniature top hat to her own wedding look.

2) Be Creative with Personalized Items - Small details like personalized wedding napkins can do anything from securing the theme of the wedding to inciting laughter. Recently I saw a client make up six separate designs for each guest at a table. On the napkins were beautiful designed conversation starters for the guests that revolved around the couple in some humorous way. Tastefully done, these can be a unique addition to the reception.

3) Interview the Guests - How many couples go on their honeymoon realizing they never spoke to half their guests? Hire someone to get a clipboard with a list of the guests go around and interview each one. Once they get the interview they can mark them off their list and towards the end of the evening, hunt down the ones they didn't get. This may seem odd and intrusive, but, if done well, will be a huge success.

4) Props - Although this can be dangerous, providing props for your guests could create grand fun. Obviously you have seen the goofy hats and wigs provided by those photo booths, but take a step further by adding hoola hoops or other playful items.

5) Location - Skip the usual hotels and banquets. No one should have to dance in a location that had a conference serving stale coffee at it last week. Try a garden, a park, a large home, or a warehouse.  

Fashionable Invitations and Stationery

Jonathanadler.com

I hate to detour from clothing, but I have been so impressed with something fashionable outside of fabric. The past few months I have seen numerous invitations via snail mail that are full of style. I have received beautiful wedding invitations, elegant birthday invites and funky bridal shower envelopes.

I suppose I started thinking about this in December when my mom forwarded me a blog post from Rowdy Kittens about the lost art of writing letters. I finished reading it, wiped a tear from my eye and wrote my mom a letter. She sent one back a few days later. The I sent one, then she sent two, then I sent one...

David's Bridal

We write letters to each other now, even though we talk on the phone and e-mail through out the month. I had forgotten how fun it is to get a letter. Then my girlfriend, Annette, visited from Colorado with her husband. They stayed at my place, I cooked them dinner and we had a wonderful time. Shortly after I received a thank you card. I have known her ten years and she has never sent me a thank you card. It still sits on my desk now because I am so impressed by her thoughtfullness.

E-vites and e-mails and text messages and phone calls have saved many pounds of paper and tons of time, but the most stylish way of communicating will always be the hand held note. My friends Mindy, Beck and Jempy all know this. 

Next time you want to throw a party, say hello, thank someone or have an event, here are some paper and invitations you might want to use instead of the digital version.

StylishStationery.com

Unique Engagement Rings

I once told my college boyfriend that I would say no to the man who got me the "wrong" engagement ring. Keeping in mind that he wanted to marry me, he was horrified at this prospect, especially because I said I wouldn't help the man pick it out - no help, no hints. I wasn't just trying to scare him off, although that was usually the case. What I meant by wrong was normal, boring, or run of the mill. Any man that would stand there with the standard band and a white diamond has no business marrying me. Nowadays of course it is easy for a fella to find out what I want - it's in print.

Other options instead of the usual go-to's, are colored diamonds. Yellow and pink are fabulous options, but may not go with all your outfits, making my all time favorite colored diamonds (or diamond of all colors) are black diamond engagement rings. Pictured is a replica of the black diamond ring that Mr. Big gives Carrie Bradshaw at the end of Sex and The City The Movie 2. I love the idea of a black diamond. I have never seen it done outside a movie. 

Another option is to focus on other stones entirely. A dear friend of mine has a saphire on her ring finger. Another delicious idea are emerald engagement rings. Having the emerald city at your finger tips looks like a lovely way to declare lifelong commitment and love.

If you really want to get out of the ordinary, there is always the idea of getting a thick gold band and carving your pictures into them. Yes, I have a friend that did just that. Her and her husband have thick gold bands with their beautiful faces carved into them.

Even if you don't want to get as extreme as these ideas, there are so many ways to make your ring unique, timeless and worthy have everyday wear. Consult with your fella and numerous jewelers in your city to find your perfect fit and be sure you have certified stones.

 

Priscilla of Boston Weddings Dresses

As I get deeper into wedding styling for my clients I am learning about so many new designers, ideas and more. My newest discovery for wedding dresses is Priscilla by Boston. Although the prices are high, so is the style factor. If there is one argument for spending an arm and a leg for a wedding gown, it is elegant innovation. It can be a diamond in the rough search to find this kind of detailing and fabulosity under $1000. My favorites pictured below and above are some of the dresses I am showing one of my high budget brides. I will tell you what I told her, try not to look at the models - they bring down the dresses.

Unique Wedding Dresses $1000 and Under

J. Crew $895

I have qualms about getting married for various reasons. One of those reasons is that snooze worthy wedding dress that cost two months rent or more. I was thinking about turning this post into a how-to find the wedding dress for your body type and occasion and I know that would probably be more helpful to most of you, but I can’t find it in me to write about that. I personally wouldn’t even wear white.

What I really want to do is help out the women that are looking for a unique wedding dress that costs $1000 and under. After talking with some brides I find that seems to be the budget and all others that pay more than that seem to be embarrassed about it. No one is proud to spend more than that on an outfit you can generally only wear once, well twice if you count the Tuesday before your wedding when you throw it on to dance around the house and drink beers. Either way, the cost per wear is ludicrous.

Here is for the unique budget bride, unique wedding dresses that cost $1000 and under:

David's Bridal (Style WG3165) $449

David's Bridal (Style WG3020) $624

J. Crew $595

David's Bridal (Style SV9563) $675

David's Bridal (Style CWG322) $750

Oleg Cassini (Style CT326) $500

David's Bridal (Style SWG9902) $950

My Most Recent Photo Shoot With Exquisite Weddings

My most recent work for Exquisite Weddings magazine is now on newsstands, but to see my favorite shots simply scroll down. My favorite part about styling this bridesmaid spread was taking a more fashion forward view on the idea. 

   

Ten Tips For Picking Stylish Bridesmaid Dresses

 

Beyond it being wedding season, there are three reasons I am inspired today to share with you brides-to-be and associated parties 10 tips and ideas for choosing stylish bridesmaid dresses.

One, my best friend of 19 years is getting married and not only am I a bridesmaid, I am the maid of honor. Two, last week I just styled a stunning bridesmaid photo shoot for the next issue of Exquisite Weddings Magazine. And, four, I will begin offering Wedding Styling for Southern California clients.

First tip to keep in mind: Very rarely does a group of women all look great in the same style of dress. Best bet is to assign them a color and hem line and then have each woman choose their preferred style. Many brands, labels and stores like David’s Bridal create various styles in the same fabric and color.

Second Tip: Shiny or reflective fabrics rarely look expensive or timeless. Best to avoid satin, sateen or anything with a high luster.

Third Tip: Rich and deep colors will flatter most skin tones where as light hues and pastels often wash people out. Some examples of rich colors include sunny yellow, emerald green, deep purple, indigo etc. Pale colors include baby blue, soft pink and lime green.

Tip Four: There are a few daring brides out there that are trading in the traditional white gown for a colored one. For those bold brides, keep a version of the "white" tradition alive by putting your bridesmaids in the colorless hue. 

 

Tip Five: Try a pattern. You don’t always have to have a solid color for your bridesmaid dresses. Browse cocktail dresses instead of designated bridesmaid frocks and see the elegant patterns available in stores. There are plenty out there that can go beautifully with your location and flowers without overwhelming the look of your wedding.

Tip Six: Play with the shoes. If you have very traditional dresses have some fun with the shoes. Try a fashion forward wedge, platform or heel to add some flare to the look.

Tip Seven: Headpieces and hats are a wonderful way to add drama to your wedding crew.

Tip Eight: Less isn’t always more. Getting your bridesmaids bold necklaces to unite the group, (instead of delicate ones) can be dazzling.

Tip Nine: Men aren’t the only ones who can wear a tux. If you really want to stand out in your gown, put your bridesmaids in some sleek and feminine tuxes or suits.

Tip Ten: Go for a textured dress. Feathers, beading, crystals, pleats and other things of this nature are all wonderful ideas for a more fashion forward bridesmaid look.

A small note: Your bridesmaids are your support group for this serious occassion. Return that support by choosing flattering and comfortable dresses. On the flipside of that, this is your event, not theirs. They need to wear what you tell them without giving you any guff. Just don’t ask a pauper to dish out big bucks for a dress she will never wear again.

 

Vanessa Valiente Discusses Groom Fashions on FOX

 

I recently went on FOX news last week to discuss fashion and accessory trends for the modern groom. Click play to hear about feather boutonnieres, Spanx for men and bold colors.

 

My Groomsmen Spread in Exquisite Weddings

This month features my most recent work in Exquisite Weddings Magazine. Men are no longer just renting a tux, they want some of the spotlight too.

Cynthia Rowley To Design Bridesmaid Dresses

Last week the Dressy Group, a manufacturer of bridesmaid dresses and bridal apparel, announced a partnership with American fashion designer Cynthia Rowley to produce Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids frocks. Not that I am in any upcoming weddings, but I am pretty excited especially since they will be priced from $175 to $220. Though the dress pictured above does not look impressive. Looks like just another girlie bridesmaid dress to me, which was far from the intention. This collaboration wants the dress to "be worn long after the reception."

I am still opened minded though. Inspired by Rowley’s runway line, Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids dresses are designed for both day and evening weddings with design elements taken directly from Rowley’s ready-to-wear collection like tulle skirts and drop-waist silhouettes. “We wanted to bring a chic sensibility to bridesmaid dresses – a look that is pretty yet sophisticated,” said Cynthia Rowley. They will be available this May.