Category Archive for: ‘Fab Finds’
Fab Finds: Romantic Wedding Fashions by Vera Wang
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and we here at DIY Bride are continuing this month’s theme with some lovely looks from Vera Wang.
WHITE by Vera Wang is offered exclusively at David’s Bridal, and features the classic looks as well as dresses in gorgeousness red and pink hues. This collection features the romantic and timeless pieces perfect for a Valentine’s Day wedding. All of the styles shown below would be perfect for some passionate nuptials.
And to make sure your significant other is looking dapper as well, BLACK by Vera Wang can be found exclusively at Men’s Wearhouse. The BLACK by Vera Wang tuxes offer modern details on the classic look that we all know and love.
To view the full collections, visit the sites below:
WHITE by Vera Wang - www.whitebyverawang.com
BLACK by Vera Wang - http://tuxedo.menswearhouse.com/inspiredDetail.do?type=w&topic=ModernSophistication
Love these looks? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
Fab Finds Friday: Bridesmaid Style Book
Dresses that Look Great and Won’t Break the Bank
There are many things that are wonderful about being a bridesmaid. What, after all, is better than getting the chance to celebrate one of your best friends? There is, however, one big drawback: the price tag. Whether it’s flights and hotels or a beautiful shower gift, it’s easy to feel like one of a bridesmaid’s chief duties is going into major credit card debt. And how is a bridesmaid to feel if she spends a zillion bucks on a dress that’s clearly made for someone with the opposite body type or skin tone?
Of course, it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are just a few tips for matching the dress to the bridesmaid, all while not breaking the bank.
Finding the Right Dresses for the Right Shapes
Pear Shaped
The full skirt on this Ann Taylor strapless dress is perfect for pear-shaped bodies, accentuating the waist while hiding hips and thighs beneath a full skirt.
Petite
With petite bodies, resist the temptation to go all out with frills and heavy layers, as that will only weigh the bridesmaid down. Instead, go for dresses, like the ModCloth Pixie Dress here, that end above the knee to highlight the legs and make them look longer.
Tall and Slim
For tall and slim bridesmaids, don’t hesitate to go for a long, elegant look, like this enchanting dress from ModCloth — very easy for this kind of body to carry.
Boyish
Because boyish bodies lack curves, you’ve got to add them in. That means going for dresses with distinct lines, particularly those that cinch the waist and emphasize the shoulders and hips, like this. Also, it may not be traditional, but don’t shy away from patterns that emphasize movement towards the curves, like with the dress pictured here, or from frills and ruffles that will lend a more feminine look.
Universal
If you’re working across a broad range of body types, either of these two dress styles will do the trick.
This ModCloth v-neck dress will draw attention to the waist on most bodies, while the A-line skirt will accommodate a variety of shapes and sizes.
Bridesmaids dresses with an empire waist, like this one from ModCloth will look great across body types, as they flow naturally outwards from just below the bust.
How to Keep That Piggy Bank Intact
Typically, unless the bride is set on bridesmaids dresses that are above everybody’s budgets, the bridesmaid is responsible for buying her own dress. However, with the price tag for dresses ranging so wildly, you have to get a little creative to keep those costs down.
1. Nix the Bridal Shops
Add the word “wedding” to any kind of shopping trip, and get ready to experience an incredible mark-up. But, honestly, besides the adjective, what’s the big difference between a bridesmaids dress and a nice cocktail dress? Rather than heading straight to a bridal shop, check out the wares on offer at your local department store. Even a boutique will offer a wide range of prices. If it’s a sale you seek, shopping online is always a great idea, especially if you’re willing to think past the big name shops. You never know what deals you can find!
2. Casual Locations Call for Casual Looks
These days, having an elegant, over the top church wedding is as much a theme of one’s choosing as is having a wedding on the beach or in the backyard. While the contrast can be striking, you don’t necessarily need sequined gowns if the nuptials will be exchanged somewhere earthy, like in a farmhouse. Instead, reflect the personality of the place with a little personality of your own like these bridesmaids, who are unified through a flowered patterns, boots, umbrellas, and laughter.
3. Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS)
Yes, we’re bringing in that old pneumonic from English class. There’s no need for your bridesmaids to be dripping in gems. In fact, to ensure the bride is really the center of attention, the simpler the bridesmaids dresses, the better. Try picking a single color, and then having the bridesmaids order whatever dress is best for their shape and budget in that style. Or, choose a range of colors that the bridesmaids can then use for their hunt in non-bridal stores — pastels, for instance, compliment a wide range of skin tones, and they’re nice and light and celebratory. Most bridal stores have swatches, or you can stop by a paint store for chips that the bridesmaids can then take with them.
4. Gain Unity Through Accessories
If you still are set on more of a theme, don’t worry; you can always find one through accessories. Be it bracelets, clutches, sashes and scarves, or even something quirky like umbrellas, the dress isn’t the only way to get that unified look. Even better, accessories are cheap to buy at most any store, and they’re also fun to make with the help of DIY sites like Pinterest.
5. When in Doubt, Rent, Borrow or Adapt
Yes, bridesmaids dresses can be rented, just like tuxes. They also can be borrowed from friends or family members, or bridesmaids can tailor dresses they already have to fit the theme. These are all especially good options for bridesmaids who can’t stand the idea of only wearing the dress once!
So you see? There are plenty of ways to find the right dress for all bridesmaids, no matter what their body styles or budgets. You just need a little DIY elbow grease, and a bargain hunter’s mentality. Let the wedding — and the hunt — be your creativity.
Fab Finds: Travel Edition
We’ve been talking this week about destination weddings, so we’re dedicating this week’s Fab Finds blog to travel!
If a destination wedding is in your future, here our a some places to consider:
Wyndahm Virginia Crossings Hotel – Richmond, Virginia
Wyndahm Virginia Crossings Hotel // Wedding Ceremonies
When the estate’s elaborate iron gates open to the winding, tree-lined driveway, guests enter a gracious era of elegance and charm. Weddings can be set in the beautiful formal Courtyard garden, with the bride walking the bridal path that sweeps down from the graceful Jefferson Building. Or, choose the more intimate Pergola, overlooking the woodlands beyond. Another unique site for a ceremony is the newly created Jefferson Gardenthat replicates the seasonal plantings at Monticello, just as they were in Thomas Jefferson’s Day.
Receptions can be outdoors or in the hotel’s stunning ballroom. Brides enter the ballroom from the beautifully appointed Bride’s Room that leads to the ballroom’s staircase. Private dining rooms can accommodate up to 40 guests for cocktails or dinner.
Few wedding destinations are more accessible. The Wyndham Virginia Crossings is within a half day’s drive of half of the US population and easily reached via Interstates 295, 95 and 64. RichmondInternational Airport is served by a variety of carriers including, Air-Tran, American, Delta, Jet Blue, United and US Airways.
The Wyndham Virginia Crossings can accommodate every aspect of the actual wedding – rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception and Sunday Brunch, says TeriLynne Petersen. “One-stop shopping is a tremendous advantage in planning any wedding, but it’s really important in pulling together a destination wedding.”
The Wyndham Virginia Crossings’ services can go well beyond that, Staff can arrange of an array of activities, on site and off, including cycling, hot air balloon rides, winery tours, and golf at the adjacent Crossings Golf Club. Day trips to Monticello, and Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens are an easy drive.
Guests can opt to stay and enjoy the hotel and the area’s attractions. And, there are other options, according to Paul Brown, Director of Sales and Marketing. “A growing trend is to add a family reunion at the end of wedding so that guests can spend more relaxing time getting re-acquainted.”
Kids are free to play on the beautiful grounds, swim in the pool and play electronic games in the Tavern Restaurant, and Kings Dominion, Virginia’s most spectacular amusement park, is just 20 minutes away. Baby sitters are available.
source: Glen Allen, Press Release, Oct 2012
Turnburry Isle Miami – South Florida
Turnberry Isle
Since hosting its first gala event nearly a half-century ago, Turnberry Isle Miami remains the standard bearer for fabulous weddings and special events in South Florida. Whether it’s treating the bridesmaids to a morning at the Forbes Travel Guide Four Star Spa, arranging a golf outing for the groomsmen, the resort delivers a level of personalized service and passionate attention to detail worthy of the most discerning brides and grooms.
o Customized ‘I Dos’
From a majestic ballroom gala, a sunset wedding ceremony on the beach, or overlooking the golf course’s signature 18th hole island green and waterfall, Turnberry Isle Miami offers a number of venue options that can accommodate up to 650 guests.
o The Spirit of the Banyan Tree
Turnberry Isle Miami has been built and expanded around a 100-year-old Banyan tree. Considered sacred and a symbol of eternal life, couples are invited to get married or renew their vows under the banyan tree at the resort’s enchanting Cascata Pool.
o World-Class Resort Facilities
Guests discover the essence of elegance and indulgence with 408 spacious guest rooms and suites, two 18-hole Raymond Floyd-redesigned championship golf courses, a private Beach Club, Forbes ranked four-star Spa & Fitness Center, state-of-the-art tennis facilities, three pools including a lagoon-style pool, private cabanas and poolside dining and an array of recreational activities.
o The Perfect Location
Turnberry Isle Miami provides a ‘best of both worlds’ lifestyle. Secluded on 300 acres, the property features a soothing, tropical resort atmosphere and is also a convenient walk across the street from the Aventura Mall. Ideally situated in the heart of Aventura, Florida, Turnberry Isle Miami is near a number of iconic sights, including South Beach, Miami Beach, the Miami Seaquarium, the Aventura Marina, Everglades National Park and is also situated 12 miles south of Fort Lauderdale International Airport and 18 miles north of Miami International Airport.
o Exceptional Dining & Culinary Experiences
Turnberry Isle Miami affords guests with an opportunity to satisfy any taste and occasion including renowned Chef Michael Mina’s BOURBON Steak restaurant offering a contemporary American steakhouse experience. For approachable American cuisine, Cascata Grille fuses the freshest ingredients from the onsite chef’s garden, while casual al fresco dining can be enjoyed poolside at Laguna grill.
source: Samantha Stier, Evins
Grand Velas, Riviera Maya – velasweddings.com
Velas Weddings
Grand Velas Riviera Maya now offers a Mayan Wedding ceremony for couples interested in authentic wedding experiences on Mexico’s Caribbean Coast. The Mayan culture-infused wedding ceremony features sacred blessings from a Shaman, an ocean ritual, a Mayan song and instrument ceremony, and more. Guests have the chance to experience Riviera Maya’s oldest spiritual way of life with an intimate and unique ceremony on the beach or amongst the resort’s jungle setting.
A highlight of the Mayan ceremony is the Shaman’s blessing and union of the couple’s Tzolkins, the Mayan version of a horoscope calculated using each person’s name and date of birth to determine their individual potential and true vocation. Another memorable part of the ceremony, the Shaman honors the Mother Earth through the 7 directions (upward – cosmic energy, downward – mother earth, to the four winds and in the center – the heart, temple of love). He invokes the energies to come down and unify the couple, and then asks the force of the ocean to wash away all negative energies the couple does not need. A sacred blessing follows, as well as a ceremony to join the couple’s hearts accompanied by Mayan song and native instruments.
Mayan Wedding Ceremonies at Grand Velas Riviera Maya start at $450 USD, for two people. Rate does not include hotel stay. Reservations must be made by March 31, 2013 and events may be held up to July 30, 2014.
source: Megan Sterrit, KWE Partners
Hotel Andaluz, Albuquerque, NM - girlfriend getaway
Hotel Andaluz Wedding
Women all over can rejoice because the fabulous downtown Albuquerque, boutique Hotel Andaluz, a LEED Gold certified hotel and a leader in the eco-friendly hotels market, is now offering a totally fabulous and indulgent Girlfriend Getaway Package. Whether it is a bachelorette party or a mom’s getaway, accommodations at the upscale Hotel Andaluz and a day trip to Santa Fe make for the perfect weekend away!
Starting at just $199 for double occupancy, the Hotel Andaluz Girlfriend Getaway Package will include:
- Deluxe accommodations
- A 15 minute chair massage + an optional upgrade for a full massage.
- A private casbah for happy hour, including one free cocktail per person (High-resolution casbah images available)
- 20 percent off dinner at one of Albuquerque’s finest restaurants, Hotel Andaluz’s Lucia
- Breakfast in Lucia
- Roundtrip RailRunner passes to Santa Fe
- Overnight valet parking
If you aren’t familiar with Hotel Andaluz, here is some background info:
- The fourth hotel ever built by Conrad Hilton, Hotel Andaluz was returned to its former glory in 2008 by current owner and local resident Gary Goodman.
- AAA Four Diamond & Historic LEED Gold Certified – this is particularly interesting because it wasn’t built from the ground up as LEED Gold, meaning there were unique and interesting constraints that went into the process of preserving the history while becoming LEED Gold certified.
- With 107 rooms and suites with a variety of meetings, Hotel Andaluz is the only boutique hotel in the City Center and a popular home base for exploring New Mexico.
Bonus: Hotel Andaluz would be a gorgeous destination wedding venue, too!source: Holly Lucas, Reed Public Relations
Hawaiian style weddings
Hawaiian Wedding
The “Real Hawaiian Wedding” package consists of a true born in Hawaii Hawaiian minister that will do a chant and blow the conch shell. The rest of the package can be altered but usually has a Tahitian drummer begin a procession that has torch bearers leading in the bridal party.
The Hawaiian Style Weddings package will also have a guitarist or even more traditional a ukulele player and hula dancers. It is a true celebration of marriage taken to new heights. Jana Rothenberg of Hawaiian Style Weddings says, “You and just about anybody else within sight distance can hear the sound of the Tahitian drum. It really creates an atmosphere of celebration and since you are in Hawaii do as the locals do when they want something special. The entertainment provided in very much like one would get at a luau.”
The added cost for this extravagant show is only $800. They can keep the cost so low because the Hawaiian’s providing the entertainment are excellent multi-taskers. Often the ukulele player and the hula dancer are also torch bearers. The minister might be the musician or even the drummer.
Hawaiian Style Weddings does weddings on all the major Hawaiian Islands including Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii. The “Real Hawaiian Wedding” package is available on all of them but one must check ahead for availability as these performers also work at the major public luaus.
Their entertainment can also be had for wedding receptions. Hawaiian Style Weddings also has caterers that can make luau style food to truly re-create a private luau experience.
These wedding and reception packages are available on the Islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii. One can simply start with any of their wedding packages and add this on as an option.
source: Jana Rothenburg, Press Release, Oct 2012
Planning a winter vacation or honeymoon? Check out Travelope (travelope.com)
In an effort to help your readers select a winter vacation with the click of a button, Travelope.com has been launched. Travelope.com is the only online website aggregator that brings you readers all of the hottest and most up-to-date travel information from around the web. With an easy-to-use interface, the site provides instant access to airline, hotel, and car rental services. Organized by hotel, airfare, vacations, cruises, or rental cars, the site makes browsing the internet for the best deals very easy. More than 4,000 trips are available at any given time and are updated automatically.
Travelope.com also offers the Week’s Best in Travel tool to sign up for email alerts. This tool helps you stay on top of the latest travel deals as well as features our editor’s top travel packages and vacation destinations of the week (see this week’s best travel deals below).
The Week’s Best in Travel Deals |
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source: Kristen Marquet, Marquet Media LLC
And of course, don’t forget to pack in style: George, Gina & Lucy
Trolley Classic
Trolley Classic
Speed Racer
Soalgoal
source: George Gina & Lucy
That’s it, friends! Planning a destination wedding? Tell us about it!
Fab Finds: Guys Edition
Earlier this week, we shared some groomsmen gift ideas {go to post}, and we’d like to continue that trend. More and more guys are getting involved with planning the wedding, DIY wedding projects, picking out entertainment, apparel, and more. Maybe it has something to do with this summer’s movie, The Five Year Engagement (a great romantic comedy, btw!), or maybe, just maybe, some guys want to get knee-deep in wedding paraphanalia. Regardless of the reason, we want to let those guys know that we’re here for you! Not every wedding website has to be about princesses, pink flowers, and lace. At DIY Bride, we like to give practical advice and help you figure out what to DIY (and what not to DIY), then show you how to do it on a budget.
In light of today being Friday, it’s high-time we dedicate our Fab Finds blog post to the guys.
Guys – for those of you who are new here, we like to showcase a few things from around the web that we think are pretty neat. We’re not paid to include any of these finds, and we don’t share anything we aren’t truly thrilled about. And, I’ve got to be honest, it’s hard to find fabulous finds for guys in the wedding world! So, here goes.
Fab Find #1: Tacori’s new Gentleman’s Band Collection – “a brand new concept from Tacori that is going to revolutionize the way a man thinks, buys and wears a gentleman’s band.” Tacori is synonymous with style and quality. Chances are, your fiance wants a Tacori wedding band, too. The new Gentleman’s Band Collection offers gents the same level of quality in 18K yellow, red, or white gold. These bands retail for $1250, and Tacori is including a sports band ($195 freebie!) with any purchase from the new collection. The sports band is made of stainless steel, which is super rugged. So, you can wear the sports band while working and getting dirty, and reserve the gold band for your days off.
By the way, Tacori’s website (tacori.com) is really helpful for picking out matching wedding band sets if you’re thinking of popping the question this holiday season! Start here: http://www.tacori.com/Wedding-Rings/Mens-Wedding-Bands
Fab Find #2: The Tie Bar. Holy moly, can ties be expensive! Not so at The Tie Bar. This website carries virtually any style and color of tie you could want. Fat ties, skinny ties, bow ties; striped ties, plaid ties, textured ties; extra long and boys ties; hot pink to orange to white; it’s all there. Oh yes, they have tie bars, cuff links, and socks, too. And all at a sweet, low price. All ties are $15 or $20 (extra long). You can’t beat that price!
Fab Find #3: GroomGroove.com. I have to say first of all, that it is ridiculously hard to find an updated grooms blog out there. I stumbled upon a few during my hunt, but nothing with a recent update. So, I settled on groomgroove.com as a viable blog resource dedicated to issues grooms deal with during the wedding. To be brief, this site has everything covered. There’s even a dedicated section just for the best man. A common duty that the groom takes on is planning the honeymoon. Groomgroove.com has some great resources, but we also recommend HoneymoonPixie.com.
That’s it for this edition of Fab Finds for the guys. I hope this has been helpful, and entertaining.
Enjoy your weekend!
{Fab Finds} White for Every Bridal Occasion
Being a bride-to-be requires a lot of fun social events. From bridal showers to bachelorette parties to even your rehearsal dinner, there’s a lot of pressure to look good—especially with today’s growing trend of wearing white for ALL the occasions.
But never fear! With these fab finds from ModCloth’s vintage and retro looks, you’re bound to be the most fashionable bride of the season.
The Bridal Shower
With grandma and mom attending, modest should be the key thing kept in mind. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still look super cute. Especially with bridal showers traditionally being brunches or luncheons, a cute and comfy casual look is a necessity. These girly dresses from Modcloth are perfect for the occasion, plus a pop of color or floral patterns help keep it fresh while also being bridal-esque
The Bachelorette Party
Sexy and glam is the key for a bachelorette party. Sometimes it can be tricky to find a white dress that achieves that but these are bound to scream “I’m here for a great time,” while also giving off the important message that you’re taken and happy about it.
Rehearsal Dinner
Despite family attending this occasion, and given it’s typically at night followed by an elegant dinner, you don’t have to worry about conservativeness too much. These looks are party-worthy and sophisticated while also causing your fiancé to go nuts thinking about tomorrow’s big day.
Here’s where you can also find vintage style bridesmaids dresses: http://www.modcloth.com/shop/special-occasion-dresses
Just a heads up – The vintage section of ModCloth’s website is for members only. It’s free to join, but be aware.
I still love calligraphy {I really do!}
I have dedicated the month of October to officially learning the art of beautiful writing, aka calligraphy. I’ll be following the online calligraphy tutorials, “I still love calligraphy,” created by Melissa Esplin.
Calligraphy is easily one of my favorite wedding details. Whether you are paying a professional calligrapher, doing it yourself, or using a computer, fancy lettering and fonts can really elevate your invitations, stationery, and signage from great to WOW!
Probably the coolest thing about Melissa’s calligraphy classes is the way it’s setup. She teaches you the modern copperplate lettering style, but starts with the basics elements of each letter so that you can create your own custom lettering style. How cool is that? I’ve always wonder how to do that, so I’m excited to learn.
The class consists of 8 lessons that can be completed within 30 days. It’s a self-paced tutorial with step-by-step guides and supplemental how-to videos. The instructions are in PDF format so you have those to keep as a reference to continue practicing after class. Cost is $95.
Today marks Day 1 of my journey through the tools, techniques, and hours of practice that will hopefully upgrade my capabilities with pen and paper. I love ink drawings and calligraphy dearly. I’ve always wanted to take a calligraphy class, but never had the chance. Well, that was until about a month ago when the opportunity try an online calligraphy course landed in the DIY Bride inbox (just one of the perks of working here)!
I’ll be sharing my progress with you over the next 30 days, so stay tuned!
To sign up and take the class with me, click on I still love calligraphy.
Who’s with me?
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