Sunday, December 19, 2010

Less than 100 days left

I realized this fact yesterday.... I have 97 days left until my wedding. There is a lot to do. My countdown is drawing closer. Its exciting. My fiance is absolutely giddy (and he hates ceremonies!)

Thankfully, I've been able to browse the thousands of online resources and various wedding guidebooks in order to get help organizing this event. One of the major hurdles was crossed this week when we booked our photographer! We decided on Bella Photography. I just never saw photos that I didn't like among the portfolios. Hundreds of them in various settings and all capturing the photo journalistic  I like best. I can breath a sigh of relief over this one.

We still have engagement photos to do, and I'm going to rely on the services of a friend (Tamara Watson Photography) whose work with animals I've loved. Since we plan to include our horses, this should make it a fun event.

Next week I'm getting my dress fitted and there is still the issue of finding the shoes to wear. Since its raining enough to consider building an ark, I'm not sure how I will accomplish this! I didn't even mention its just days before Christmas and the malls and stores will be insane. *sigh* I might just put off the fitting until January. I'm humming to myself "I have time, I have time..."

Bridal anxiety, not the fear of getting married ;-) but the fear of it all going smoothly is best dealt with by sticking on my yoga and Pilates regime. A hard workout on the spin bike has helped too. Don't forget to spend time on yourself in all this process. After all, its about you, your spouse to be and the life you will be embarking on together. 

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Bridal Jewelry

My jewelry arrived this week. I was astounded at how well it matches the beadwork and embroidery designs on my Oleg Cassini gown. Shopping online for the jewelery was fun. There are of course some amazing bridal jewelry designers out there. Many of them were definitely not in my price range. However, I was extremely taken with Anna Bellagio.

Here are some important things to keep in mind when selecting jewelry for your wedding.
Silver goes with Silver. Gold goes with Gold. If there are any accents on the dress in silver or gold stay with jewelry in that metal tone.  Similarly, while pearls are elegant they are not the right choice with a dress embellished with crystals and rhinestones. However, a dress with no adornment at all can be paired with either pearls or "sparkles" in the form of diamonds, crystals or rhinestones.

Hairstyle:

If you plan on wearing an updo, go with earrings that hang. With your hair up and out of the way, the effect of their movement and swing will be noticeable. Stud earrings are best used for long hair styles. Pearl or diamond stud earrings classically elegant and never out of style. Larger earrings are more dramatic, so thing about where you want to draw people eyes. Are you trying to bring attention upward, frame the face, create movement or gently accent without taking attention away from the face and hair?

Dress style:
The neck line of the dress has a lot of impact on the choice of necklace. An off one shoulder dress with an assymetrical line is best left without a necklace. This style of neckline has its own movement and drama and a necklace will clash. V, or halter style necklines need a drop necklace. High necklines often don't need a necklace at all, but can be paired with a very simple choker.  Strapless dresses and scoop necklines can go with either a drop necklace or a choker. But, keep in mind the body proportion of the bride. If you have a  long neck or a lot of length from the nape of the neck down to the neckline of the dress, you can wear a necklace that hangs into a "v" easily. For shorter or more petite brides who may lack a lot of length through this part of their body or have a short neck, a necklace that is either a choker or at least fits close up to the neck with minimal drop will enhance her length and elegance.

Additional Jewelry: 
Should you wear a bracelet? This is largely based on preference. Are you someone who wears then frequently? Do you have one that is "something old, something borrowed, or something blue?" Either way, be sure to put the bracelet on the right arm. You don't want anything to detract from the wedding ring that will be on your left ring finger by the end of the ceremony!

Quick tips ...  
If you think it looks like too much jewelry, it probably is. Take one thing off.

Take into consideration how your jewelry will match with hair pieces as well.

Where what you will feel good in. Large dangle earrings may be the rage, but if that isn't your style, don't go with it. You don't want to feel self conscious about big chunky jewelry or extravagant dangles as you are walking down the aisle.

Its your wedding, wear what you want. So, you've always dreamed of being Cinderella, wearing a tiara, big chandalier earrings and an ornate necklace? Then, do it. Have fun and feel like the princess you've always dreamed of being.

Keep your bridesmaids jewelry simple.


 

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Wedding Invitations for Spring 2011

Like any bride-to-be, I am obsessing over the details of creating the beautiful story of our wedding. One of the important aspects of this is to set the tone for your guests with the perfect wedding invitation. I've spent my time browsing bridal magazines, top websites and other ideas from wedding coordinators. For spring 2011, several trends will remain popular while a few will stand out to set your unique and special event apart.

Chic Wedding Invitation Ideas for Spring 2011