Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Step by Step Hair Help for the Rockabilly Bride

Vintage Hairstyling: Retro Styles with Step by Step Techniques by Lauren Rennells is now available in it's 2nd edition. And this time it is bigger and better! 200 pages with 15 brand new hairstyles.


Order it now at the special price of $33.95. That is $3 off the cover price! Pay by credit card securely through PayPal by clicking the button below.

Vintage Hairstyling is now in its second edition and gives details on a range of styles from the Twenties to the Sixties.


There are certain classic styles that withstand the test of time. The look of a beautiful hairstyle from 60 or 70 years ago is just as eye catching today as it was then, maybe even more so today. They remind us of a time of elegance and femininity. This book shows how to create so many of those hairstyles. This 2nd Edition takes hairstyles from the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s and breaks them down into simple, easy-to-follow instructions. It uses over 750 brand new photographs and illustrations and detailed directions in a 200-page full-color book.

(Sample Page)

The book begins with the basic elements and works its way back to advanced techniques. Chapter one describes the tools and products used throughout. Chapter two offers detailed instructions on creating different curls, including the pin curl, the basis for many vintage hairstyles. Chapter three breaks down the proper way to comb the curls for the effect including creating finger waves, Marcel waves, victory rolls, pompadours, and waves from pin curls. The fourth chapter of the book provides step-by-step start-to-finish detailed instructions for 33 different hairstyles created with different hair lengths and textures. The final 2 chapters provide ideas for hair accessories, makeup and nails to finish the look.

Available at Get Go Retro!

Sunday, September 5, 2010

The Bridal Tea Takes a New Twist ... Bridal Bath Tea ...

Pretty steamy .... but cool. What about a true Bridal Tea? Turn your bath tub into a therapeutic spa if you are the bride and want a treat. Your bath can be relaxing, romantic, tighten skin, or help pep you up. Or get them as gifts for the various people involved in your wedding.  These teas by Fortune Cookie Soap are sealed in a 4″×5″ tea bag so you won’t have to pick up all the herbs after you use it.

These make a great favor for the shower, for the bridesmaids, (the bride) and even to put in little baskets for out of town guests as a welcome gift.

They have everything from the "Pamper Me" tea (Soak Your Day Away with a Large “Calming” Chamomile and Green Tea); to the Romance Me tea set (to name a few).

Pair it with some soap (fortune cookie style) of course... my favorite being the Chocolate Dippled Strawberry blend .. and you have a fab and unique item to share.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Something New ... Rice Krispie Chocolate Dipped Favor

In your bridal colors.... Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Favor    $4.90 each

Brighten up your wedding reception, bridal shower or birthday celebration with our stunning Rice Krispie "Flower Pop" Wedding Favors. Available in 4 different colors of delicious chocolate coating, each sweet rice krispie treat is fresh baked then dipped in yummy chocolate coating and hand decorated to your specifications. These looks absolutely stunning when arranged (think an edible bouquet or centerpiece) on a table or even when they're distributed individually to your drooling guests. Either way, these desserts come wrapped in a clear cellophane bag and each is finished with a ribbon in the color of your choice.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Casting Engaged Couples- Oxygen’s Tori & Dean Wedding Planning Show

Casting Call Information


City: S. California

State: CA

Are you engaged, planning your wedding, and stressed? Do you want to have a unique wedding that represents your love and who you are as a couple, but just don’t have the means or vision to make it happen? If so, get ready for the opportunity of a lifetime. You are going down the aisle celebrity style!!

Introducing Oxygen’s new… TORI & DEAN’S WEDDING PLANNER SHOW!

Celebrities Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott will help you plan your dream wedding that tells YOUR story. They will use their expertise, exquisite style, and vast network of impeccable connections to deliver the wedding of a lifetime!

Tori & Dean will help with the planning and be your confidant through your emotional hurdles. This is the biggest day of your life & the most stressful. Let Tori & Dean step in!

SEEKING

•Young, fun engaged couples that want more than just a traditional wedding.

•Your big day needs to be themed or have a unique twist, something out of the ordinary that represents who you are.

•Are you planning a Vegas wedding, Bollywood wedding, Rockabilly wedding, Jewish wedding, big BBQ cookout wedding, or you dream of riding in on a horse? Whatever your wildest dreams are, tell us!

Casting is moving fast (only 2 weeks).

Must be ready to get married Sept-Nov, 2010.

Must live in Southern California.

Must REALLY be engaged.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Who Pays for What During the Wedding Celebrations

I Now Pronounce You Paid In Full: Who Pays for What During the Wedding Celebrations

There’s no two ways about it: weddings are expensive. Paying for every detail is enough to drain any family’s financial coffers and – even worse – leave them wrestling with debt. Especially for new couples paying their own way during the wedding, the expenses quickly add up.

The following is a traditional guide to dividing expenses equally and fairly among the four major participants in planning the four main parts of the wedding celebration: rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and honeymoon. These are guidelines more than rules, and are intended to show tradition more than carved-in-stone etiquette.

The Bride’s Family

There’s a popular misconception among the unmarried of the world that the bride’s family foots the entire bill. That’s not entirely true, though unfortunately it may feel that way for the father of the bride!

Traditionally, the bride’s family finances the reception dinner with all its facets: the food, drink, venue, service staff (including tips), flower arrangements, wedding favors, and any other miscellany. The bride’s family also pays for many of the necessities leading up to the ceremony: these usually include the bridal gown, the wedding invitations and save-the-date reminders, as well as the engagement and wedding photographs.

Finally, the wedding ceremony costs, the photographer and videographer fees, the cost of the ring bearer and flower girl accessories, the transportation costs and bridesmaids bouquets are all picked up by the
bride’s family. Honestly… if you’re the parent of a young girl, start saving right now.

The Bride

Compared to her family, the bride gets off relatively easy. Brides traditionally pay for the groom’s wedding band, gifts for her bridesmaids, the bridesmaids’ luncheon, her blood test fees, and the wedding day lingerie. In the strictest traditional sense, the bride should also pay for her out-of-town bridesmaids accommodations.

The Groom

Okay, guys. Time to pony up. Following the engagement ring (that two-month’s salary guideline is passé, by the way) you’ve still got a few things left to buy. You’ll pay for the honeymoon, the marriage license, and gifts for your groomsmen. The gentleman groom, however, also pays for the bridal bouquet and corsages for your mother and your new mother-in-law.

You’ll also pick up the boutonnieres, ties, and accessories for the groomsmen, and finally the bride’s wedding ring. Gifts for the ushers and for your parents go the extra distance to showing your class. You should also pay the honorarium for the judge, justice of the peace, or clergyman who officiates the ceremony, too.

The Groom’s Family

Besides their own attire, the groom’s family is responsible for the rehearsal dinner and all its details.

The Maid of Honor

Bachelorette parties and wedding showers are the responsibility of the maid of honor. This includes all the details, top to bottom.

The Best Man

The best man is master of ceremonies and godfather of the bachelor party, from the planning to the execution to pouring all the guests into cabs at the end of the night. It’s a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it.

The Groomsmen and Bridesmaids

Most of the attire – for example, the tuxedo rental and costs of the gown – are the responsibility of the individual wedding party member. They also give a gift to the newlyweds. Groomsmen arriving from out-of-town are also expected to pay for their accommodations.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Bouquet Holders (Clamps) -- Great for an outdoor wedding!

Excellent tool for those outdoor weddings with a breeze : )  Of course, you can use these inside too ... But what a great idea!

Create a stunning setting at your reception head table with easy-to-use bouquet displays. Your bouquet will be beautifully displayed, as well as protected from spills. A hook on the bottom allows you to elegantly drape and gather your table skirts for truly breathtaking results. Each set includes one white clamp and two attachments to accommodate most bouquets.

Looks great around the cake!

Bouquet Display Clamps  Create a stunning setting at your reception head table with easy-to-use bouquet displays. Your bouquet will be beautifully displayed, as well as protected from spills. A hook on the bottom allows you to elegantly drape and gather your table skirts for truly breathtaking results. Each set includes one white clamp and two attachments to accommodate most bouquets.

Friday, April 30, 2010

The Art of Displaying and Cutting Your Wedding Cake

Displaying and Cutting Your Wedding Cake ... yes, there is an art to it. The wedding cake is a focal point of the reception. Second to the bride and groom. The first thing you see when you enter the room. The cake is usually displayed from the beginning of the reception until the cutting. So, choose a filling and icing that can hold up for the duration. If you're adding special lighting to the room, add a spotlight on the cake table. Otherwise, place the cake in a focal point where the guests can see it.  (Cake pictured on left is from Wedding Cake On Sugar.)
Cake table secrets

The base of the cake determines the size of the table.   Make sure the table size is relative to the cake.  You don't want the cake to look too small for the table; or too big.   To embellish the table try these tricks:

  • Wrap picture wire (as if tying a package) around the tabletop,  after the tables are covered, you can attach swags, garlands, and sprays with safety pins to the wires in the appropriate places.
  • Layer sheets and/or tulle to give the tablecloth fullness and make it look more elegant.
  • A nice touch is to make use of those expensive bridesmaid bouquets after the ceremony -- have the maitre d' or wedding consultant discreetly take the bridesmaid's bouquets and arrange them around the cake.
  • Have the cake placed on a gorgeous cake stand (like the one to the right.)  Again, a beautiful addition to the cake and reusable for parties you may have in the future
  • Add a small picture framed picture to the table of the grooms parents and bride's parents.
Make sure the cake is delivered at least two hours before the reception begins. Cakes are rarely transported fully assembled.  This gives the caterer time to position the cake, and the reception hall to make sure everything is in order.
Cutting the Cake

Prior to the wedding, be sure to choose a cake knife and serving set.  These make a great heirloom that you can use for years.  And, they are reusable, long after the wedding. 

Everyone looks forward to the cake cutting.  Traditionally, the first shared piece symbolizes the couple's first meal as husband and wife. The cake cutting also used to signal the end of the wedding, as the bride and groom would then change and be off.

Have the DJ or Host announce the cake cutting. The bride and/or groom often make their toast at this time, presenting a perfect photo opportunity. After the cutting and toasts are completed, the band plays quietly in the background until the bride and groom finish exchanging their first bites, whereupon the music swells into a full-fledged dance number.  You will usually be asked to pick a song for both the cake cutting and the following dance number.

When you create your wedding day schedule, put in bold type: "Entire band should be ready to play immediately after cake cutting." Many bands seem to think this is the perfect time for a break. Just the opposite — if the music ebbs now, your party is over.

The headwaiter should show you where to make the first cut, particularly if the cake has a dummy layer (a fake bottom layer that serves as support for the cake). To symbolize the couples' shared life together, the groom places his right hand over the bride's, which holds the knife. Together they cut a small piece from the back of the bottom tier. Traditionally, the groom feeds the bride first, a small mouthful easily washed down by a sip of champagne. Then the bride feeds the groom.
After the photos, the banquet directors should have the cake taken into the kitchen to be cut quickly and efficiently.  They should also put cake bags out on the table for the guests to take home with them.

Some places charge a cake-cutting fee — usually $1 a slice — to cover the cost of the "setup" (plates and forks). If you strongly feel that this charge is inappropriate, then you should attempt to expunge this clause from your contract.

Tips for Saving the Top Tier

Traditionally, a couple saves the top tier of the wedding cake to share on their first anniversary. Unfortunately, the cake often ends up somewhere in the back of the freezer, squished beyond recognition!
Therefore, make sure you have everything in order before you freeze the cake.  To freeze the top tier for your first anniversary bring a properly sized box, saran wrap and foil. Leave  instructions for airtight wrapping (freeze the cake first for a few hours before it's wrapped).  Wrap the cake in saran wrap tightly and then wrap again in foil.  Place cake in box and rewrap again with saran wrap and foil.  This, to make sure there is no freezer burn.  Then make arrangements to have someone either store it in their freezer (usually one of the moms and dads) or placed in yours. An easier option,  put in an order for a small cake of the same flavor to be scheduled for baking and pickup on your first-year anniversary.


Option three is even easier. 

You can buy the Silver Keepsake Cake Box.  This box is made specifically for storing your cake, so it's as perfect and tasty in a year as it is now. Printed with a beautiful silver filigree design, the box is made of sturdy cardboard with a slick coat surface for durable storage and easy clean up. Includes a removable silver board for easy cake transfer, and a freezer-proof plastic liner.

My opinion.  You've spent alot of money on the wedding, why not buy a nice box to ensure that your cake is safe until your anniversary.  Under $25.00;  it's a great idea : )


Sources:  Dummies

Monday, April 26, 2010

Paper Wedding Cake Toppers (No Pens Allowed)

Rock Paper Scissors

PLEASE ... NO CANDLES NEAR THE CAKE!!!!

I love these super cute, one of a kind paper wedding cake toppers from Concarta. The unique paper sculptures can be made in a variety of styles and colors and can be used as wedding cake toppers or as accent decorations. Concarta also makes decorative paper flowers that coordinate with the toppers or stand on their own as decorations for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions.

Check out their site to view the intimate details of these fab sculpture.

Original post at Paper Crave and LaptopBride.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Feathers, Pearls, Combs or Veils - Wedding Hair

Wedding day hair. The most important thing to remember is not to go overboard. You want to look like "you" on your special day. Dress your hair up so it reflects your personality. The "natural" days of plain straight hair are finally ending as today's bride looks for "more." More fun, more beauty, and more individuality are what brides are in search of. And a little hair bling helps.

Celebrity hairstyles are great to look at when planning your hairstyle as well. Of course it helps that celebrities are everywhere, but the latest celebrity hairstyles are a useful source of inspiration because celebrities are usually on the cutting-edge of what's new and trendy- it's their job (after all) to make sure that limelight doesn't fade away. And, another great tool ... check out Last but not least: Check out The Hairstylist and View Yourself in Over 8,000 Hairstyles!these fabulously simply hair adornments. From a simple flower to ostritch feathers!



Whether tucked behind your ear or nestled next to your chignon, this silk flower is an unexpected way to add softness and texture to your look in white or ivory. The center is embellished with just a few well-placed Swarovski crystals for sparkle. The flower measures 4" across and a 1.75" silver alligator clip on the backside allows you to attach the piece easily and securely even in fine, thin hair.





Black is back! The Fantasy Onyx Headband is a delicate headpiece encrusted with brilliant Austrian rhinestones, chunky faux black onyx stones, and Swarovski crystals to form a modern scroll rhinestone pattern that sits on the side of the head. This tiara is perfect for the Modern bride who has a gown with black accents. The side detailing measures 4 inches long and 1 ¬Ã¦ inches wide along a 14-inch rhinestone studded band.




An artistic and abstract arrangement of rhinestones sits to one side of this rhinestone encrusted headband. Pin loops are located at each end to allow you to secure the tiara easily to your hair with bobby pins.



This headband is intricately designed with loads of white feathers to form an extraordinary side spray, along with Swarovski crystals and Austrian rhinestones. The side spray measures about 6 1/2 inches at it longest point along a 15-inch rhinestone curved band.
Advice for Picking Your Hair Piece:
  • Pick your gown first
  • Decide on a hairstyle
  • Then, choose the headpiece

You don't have to buy the headpiece that matches or supposedly "goes" with the dress. Buy one that suits you and "complements" your dress; whether it be pearls, fefathers or a veil. Tip: Match the flowers in your bouquet if you want to add some color.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Wedding DNA - Your Bridal Signature


Very Cool website "Wedding DNA - Dream Designs ... Your Bridal Signature" Lots of blog posts on a variety of topics; including bridesmaid duties; springtime weddings, creating your own wedding vows and more. In essence... making your wedding personal, and uniquely you.
They also have a link where you can browse hundreds of high quality wedding stationery templates including invitations, programs, slideshows and more. Just download, change the words or photos and you're finished! It's that easy.


Take the time and visit Wedding DNA ... you won't be sorry!

Sunday, January 31, 2010

It is Written ... Love Love Love

What the world needs now is love, sweet love. And, it's so sweet when it's written and not text messaged : ) Check out these adorable little gifts for your sweetheart!


"Envelope" Pendant Uniquely designed "envelope" pendant opens to reveal a heart-shaped letter with your own personalized message. Created in Stainless Steel heart pendant is adorned with a raised golden heart. Engrave the heart-shaped insert with a message up to 3 lines 12 characters each line. Pendant is suspended on an 20" ball chain.



"Live to Write, Write to Live Pen" While the message ""Live to Write, Write to Live,"" will appeal to those who adore the written word, the design will certainly strike a cord with those of the medical world. An important reminder to make your passions a part of your life. Black ballpoint pen. Made in Taiwan. This item has been discontinued. When it sells out, it will no longer be available. We apologize for any inconvenience."



Saturday, January 2, 2010

The Bride Lights Up the Room!


Very cool idea on the Coquette website. A friend of hers made this lighted wedding dress for her friend Julia's beachy evening wedding in Hawaii. Very cool indeed. I would say she lit up the groom's life : ) Sorry Debbie Boone!


Alison writes: It was decided that the dress should honor the metallic look but with a vintage inspired style. To do this, I focused on creating a soft and glowing design that played with the Victorian shape of the dress. The lighting design was intended to be simple with warm and cool whites. There were no flashing bulbs or severe bright spots. The spectacle of a lighted dress is enough on its own, There was no need to over do it with intense changing colors or a blinding reflection.

It was decided that the dress would have a metallic look but with a vintage inspired style. To do this, the designer focused on creating a soft and glowing design that played with the Victorian shape of the dress. The lighting design was intended to be simple with warm and cool whites. There were no flashing bulbs or severe bright spots. The spectacle of a lighted dress is enough on its own, so there was no need to over do it with intense changing colors or a blinding reflection.

So to those of you who want something that gives the illusion of the future, a 2010 dress : ) or if you are having an evening wedding, you may want to check out the Luminex fabric which can be purchased directly from the Luminex Corporation. To work with it, get a sample from http://www.romanillumination.com/.
(Photography by: Carlos Linares III)

Friday, January 1, 2010

Day of Reckoning .. Time to Get Ready for the Wedding Dress Fitting

I hate to be the one ... but .... New Year's Resolution time. What time is it? Time to start the diet. And, when I tell you the Body Magic shapewear makes you "feel good" physically, I'm not kidding. It actually feels great being "firmed up" and all your insides in place : ) Not to mention -- losing the few inches in minutes helps you get mentally motivated to lose the weight (not matter how little or how much).


This particular shaper does get great reviews. And, it is medical grade compression material. Same thing the doctors and plastic surgeons use. It's comfortable and works.

Measuring Instructions
1- BREAST (measure around back and your breast. This is not a tight measurement)
2- THORAX (measure directly under your breast and that one is to be a very tight measurement)
3- WAIST (measurement about 2 inches above your navel)
4- LOWER BELLY (if you have a lot of lower belly tissue measure that as well)
HIPS (measure around the largest part of your hips)

You can order it here --- Ardyss