TAKE ME TO WED!

Brides Magazine's Operation Dream Dress

2011-01-24T20:12:00.000-08:00

Are you the next bridal superstar? Brides Magazine is giving you a chance to get on the cover with their 2011 competition...

Designers first need to submit sketches. Finalists, voted on from the website, will be asked to create and photograph their gowns. Enter here before February 1, 2011.

Custom Invites, Plates, Gifts, Embossers 40% Off

2010-12-30T21:34:00.000-08:00

I just got a hookup for some great deals at Expressionary. They have a huge range of customizable products. The designs range from cute to sophisticated, fashionably chic to minimalist. You can use the site for your invites, or gift labels. They do plates, luggage tags, stationery. Think bridesmaids gifts or you can find everything to brand the f*%k out of your wedding.

You just need to use code BZZ40 at checkout for 40% off. Sweet!

Jason Wu Takes On Bridal

2010-11-14T12:03:00.000-08:00

He tackled edgy and downtown. He wowed the First Lady. Now fashion darling Jason Wu is doing a small collection of girly bridal dresses for e-tailer Net-a-porter's wedding boutique. Dresses will range fro $800 - $4000. Other designer contributions to Net-A-Porter include Donna Karan, Lela Rose and Anna Sui.

Sang A. Bridal Sample Sale!

2010-11-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

Go and get a sweet clutch for yourself and all of your bridesmaids. Cute bags with some edge, some exotic leathers, shapes...hotness.

Who: SANG A

What: Bridal Sample Sale of Exotic Skin Handbags

When: Wednesday November 17th- Friday November19th

Why: Select current and past season handbags are up to 85% off

Time: 9AM-8PM

Where: SANG A NEW YORK Showroom
   524 Broadway
   2nd Floor
   New York, NY 10012

Contact: 212.564.4433
samplesale@sanga.com

WWW.SANGA.COM

Gilt's Big Wedding Shop

2010-10-21T21:39:00.000-07:00

Need designer gowns, accessories, bridesmaid dresses, beauty or other fashionable items? Look no further than Gilt's wedding event, going on now until the 24th of October. Look for dresses from Vera Wang and Reem Acra, clutches from Judith Leiber, diamonds and pearls. Get prettied-up with products from Warren Tricomi or Go Smile...

Sounds expensive? It's all from an online sale up to 70% off retail. We know you need it. Even grooms have stuff to browse in the tuxedo and suit department. Sign up to shop now...

Rustic Weddings, Country Weddings

2010-10-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

Couples are always worried 'country' can be interpreted as 'hillbilly'. You can do rustic with comfort food in a sophisticated way. Just remember the charm is in not taking yourself too seriously and having fun!

My favorite picks around the web:

Frilly Milly Events did a "Lumber -Jack & Jill" themed event. Sliders, fries in pretty paper cones, corn on the cob on a stick, tiny jars of baked beans. The s'mores cupcakes with fruit kebobs for dessert. The gingham backdrop with silhouette couples pictures in the back tie the decor together. The simple sunflowers balance out the grass and burlap tablecloth.

If you're going to do 'country' why not do WINE country?

Hinako and Reflection's wedding was set at a rustic inn in Napa, California. They used tomatoes from the bride's mother's garden as a theme.

The fields of the inn made a pretty backdrop for the outdoor reception.

Rich chocolate desserts were served on top of wine crates...

Photos by Angie Silvy

Guest Blog: Gothic Weddings

2010-09-07T07:54:00.000-07:00

From Gothic style blogger; The Courtesan Macabre:

L'amour... There are no laws that weddings have to be frilly, saccharine affairs. If white, daisies and fondant don't suit you, don't bother!

Here is a round-up of real weddings I found online where the couples were tasteful, gorgeous and projected their own personalities for their big day...

Rachel & Tom's Halloween wedding was mostly DIY, she made everything from the invitations to the gown. Instead of your typical bouquet, the bridesmaids carried the stunning lanterns you see above. Cocktails were in the form of an 'eyeball' punch. The cake was made up of rich red layers, topped with dripping dark chocolate ganache and skeletal figurines.

Kelifern & Hamilton had a quirky Day of the Dead themed wedding in a friend's backyard. The bride wore a simple black dress, embellished with butterfly wings and skull. Cute skeletons decorated the tables along with traditional Day of the Dead figurines. The drinks were themed for the afterlife, as well as the menu. Marigolds are a tradition flower of the holiday, keeping the overall wedding palette very cheerful.

Danielle & Kyle's theme was "Gothic Fairy-Tale". He is a big fan of Metallica and skulls. She loves deep colors, architecture and used a glass slipper as a motif throughout. The bridemaid's gowns were black lace on white. The bouquets were different shades of blood red, embellished with jewels and black feathers. The cake was an exquisite off-kilter black and white creation with deep red velvet inside...

Photos and wedding stories from styleunveiled.com and offbeatbride.com

Anti-Flower Wedding Bouquets

2010-08-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

To echo the sentiment of many wallet-shocked fathers (mine included), flowers for a wedding always cost MUCH more than expected. Even with the most modest of expectations, the natural flora one remembers picking from the garden, or ordering for a holiday can escalate once a bride is involved.

Why? Several reasons. You are paying for service, style and arrangements (not just flowers!) While bouquets and centerpieces look simple, they never are. Stems are treated according to their type, the blooms are treated specifically to hold all day and through weather. Water is treated to extend the life of your goods, and the composition is everything!

OK, so even if you can appreciate all of that, it doesn't mean you can afford it all. Flowers can differ greatly in cost depending on the time of year and breed. How can the basic stem be that much more than the flowers you pick up from the deli? They are usually the leftover stock from the vendors that everyone else didn't want. If you don't ask the right questions, your florist may not know how to help you meet your needs. If you love a particular flower, but can't afford them, ask the florist if there are suggestions on similar, less expensive flowers that will achieve it. Express what your priorities are....

However, if you want to be truly unique, you can forgo flowers altogether. Check out some of these crafty creations as an alternative to roses...

A little edgy, a little jazzy. Crystal and feathers give a modern update to the bouquet. You can place an order with Emplume studio. Prices start at $225. If you splurge on the bouquet, you (and helpers!) can probably make the bouttonieres yourselves. A few supplies, floral tape and pin will do...

Beach Wedding? When the sand and ocean are your courtyard, seashells just make sense... You can use shells that you picked up on vacations you took as a couple (just make sure they are not occupied! I speak from experience).
Love the ornate look of embroidery, but ended up with a simple gown? A beaded bouquet glams up any dress. This one is handmade by designer Terry Kowalczyk and available for $190.00

Vintage or Steampunk? An antique button bouquet from Lil Fish Studios.
If you make it yourself, it might be a good way to incorporate items from friends and families (and not have to wear that ugly old heirloom gown that doesn't fit you!)

Origami Tulips for $22.50 from artist Arguing The Mobius. Commission a bunch, or make your own. (Trust me, it's easier to hire the artist)

J.Crew's Annual Weddings & Parties Sample Sale

2010-02-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

J.Crew's Annual Weddings & Parties sample sale will feature an assortment of bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses from previous and current collections. Receive up to 60% off retail prices. RSVP at Skylarelliott.com for a special sale preview Thursday night -- February 18th, 4pm to 8pm., \

Event Begins: 2/18/2010
Event Ends: 2/21/2010
Event Times: Fri-Sat 9am-8pm Sun 10am-6pm
Location: 182 5th Avenue (between 22nd and 23rd) 2nd FloorNew York, NY 10010
Payment Type: MC/VISA/AMEX/Debit Card- No Cash or Checks

Bergdorf Goodman - Bridal Gown Sample Sale

2009-12-07T12:07:00.000-08:00

Be a Bergdorf bride and save as much as 75% off! Discover bridal gown samples from the most exclusive design houses including Angel Sanchez, Carolina Herrera, Elizabeth Fillmore, Jenny Lee, Oscar de la Renta, Ulla-Maija, Amsale, Christos, Kenneth Pool, and Vera Wang. This sale is six days only. For more details call 212.872.8957.

Event Begins: 12/14/2009
Event Ends: 12/19/2009
Event Times: Mon-Fri 10am-8pmSat 10am-7pm
Location: 754 5th Ave.(at 57th St.)New York, NY 10019 (212) 872-8957
Payment Types: Cash / Charge

Kelima K Couture Sale Through Saturday December 5th

2009-11-30T14:47:00.000-08:00

Couture bridal dresses and evening-gown samples by Kelima K are 30 to 60 percent off. An ivory sheath with chiffon ruffles is $960 (originally $2,400), a silk taffeta ballgown with a shirred bodice is $895 (originally $1,695), and a short embossed silk dress is $575 (originally $895). Through 12/5. 229B Mott St., nr. Prince St. (212-334-6546); T–S (3–7).

Veils! Headpieces, Accessories Sample Sale in NYC

2009-11-16T07:18:00.001-08:00

Bridal Styles Boutique - Headpiece & Veil Sample Sale
For three days only , Bridal Styles Boutique, New York's premier bridal headpiece and accessory showroom, is having its first ever sample sale. Hundreds of bands, crowns, tiaras, combs, hair jewels, veils and more, from national and international designers will be sold at up to 60% off! If you are a bride-to-be, this is one sale you don't want to miss. Also, many pieces available for Sweet Sixteen's, Bat Mitzvahs and Communions. No appointments necessary. Please visit their website at BridalStylesBoutique.com.

Event Begins:
11/19/2009
Event Ends:
11/21/2009
Event Times:
Thu 10am-8pmFri 10am-7pmSat 10am-7pm
Location:
905 Avenue UBrooklyn, NY 11223 (718) 339-3222
Payment Types:
CASH/VISA/MC

Temperley London Bridal Trunk Show - Win a Bridal Bliss Kit!

2009-11-06T06:51:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 7th & Sunday, November 8th, 2009
12PM-5PM
Temperley London Boutique
453 Broome Street, 2nd Floor, NYC (b/t Mercer & Greene St)
Featuring:
Temperley London's 2010 Bridal Collection
Cake Alchemy
Christian Oth Photography
Ceci New York Luxury Stationery
The Oratory Laboratory
MAC Make-up
Visions Floral Design
RSVP virginiar@temperleylondon.com or 212.219.2929
*BRIDAL BLISS KIT:
$400 TEMPERLEY GIFT CARD TOWARDS BRIDAL DRESS PURCHASE
CAKE ALCHEMY FREE CONSULTATION & SKETCH,
$750 CHRISTIAN OTH ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SHOOT,
$250 CECI GIFT CARD,
SET OF MAC MAKE UP BRUSHES,
$250 VISIONS FLORAL DESIGN BRIDAL BOUQUET

Bride on a Buck in NYC! FREE Event on Wednesday, October 21st

2009-10-19T13:28:00.001-07:00

No matter what your budget, the good stuff always costs MUCH more than you expected when it comes to weddings. Community based non-profit organization Housing Works understands. This wednesday, they are inviting brides to their "Bride on a Buck" event. Look for over $300 000 in luxury and designer merchandise to be heavily discounted for the recessionista bride.

What specifically can you expect? How about gowns from Monique Lhuillier, Jenny Yoo, Peter Langner and Giovanni Ravello discounted up to 75%? (Shh..Giovanni Ravello will even make a personal appearance).

Goodies from The Cake Diva, The Works Catering, Dramatics NYC and a bevy other vendors to tickle your nuptials...

WHAT: Housing Works Gramercy Thrift Shop Bride on a Buck 2
WHEN: October 21, from 10am to 7pm
COST : FREE
WHERE: Housing Works Gramercy Thrift Shop; 157 East 23rd St. between 3rd and Lexington Aves.
EVENT CONTACT: Dan Moore 773-454-2865; d.moore@housingworks.org

NYC: Bridal Sample Sale at Mark Ingram Boutique (Get your Monique Lhuillier, Angel Sanchez and more!)

2009-08-17T21:33:00.000-07:00

You might want to make your appointment now to shop at the exclusive sample event at Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier featuring bridal, eveningwear, and special occasion dresses. This couture salon will offer a wide selection of dresses and gowns at up to 80% off retail, normally ranging from $3,200-$8,000. The premier salon caters to the elegant and sophisticated modern woman and bride. Find sample and stock sizes from internationally known wedding designers Angel Sanchez, Anne Barge, Monique Lhuillier, Peter Langner, Jenny Lee, Rivini, Ulla Maija, and more.

Appointments for the exclusive event will be accepted starting today. Please contact the Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier directly to set up an appointment at (212)319-6778.

Event Begins: 8/25/2009
Event Ends: 8/25/2009
Event Times: Tue 10am-8pm
Location: 110 E 55th St 8th Fl. (btwn. Park and Lexington Ave)
New York, NY 10022
(212) 319-6778
Payment Types: Cash/VISA/MC/ AMEX