Colors and Textures

Photo Credit: Thisbe Grace Photography // Venue: Nasher Sculpture Center

Clients often ask us to help them decide on a color palette for their big day. We love assisting with this portion of the planning! Remember to think beyond just colors, as patterns and textures can play an important part in your overall aesthetic.

Bridesmaids' dresses. We love the look of muted, tone-on-tone bridesmaids' dresses. Not only does this compliment many body shapes and sizes, but it really makes the bridesmaids' bouquets pop!

Lace. Lace is making a comeback! Whether on the wedding dress, cake design or table linens, showcasing lace in combination with other, more modern touches can create a gorgeous look.

Pretty patterns and terrific textures. We LOVE patterns and textures! Don't be afraid to be bold. Linens with fun patterns and textures can really enhance your overall decor. La Tavola is our go-to company for gorgeous linens that are sure to make a statement! 

The Icing on the Cake

As some of you know, our founder/CEO Rachel Derman married Eric Moore on October 4, 2014, at The Ritz-Carlton in Dallas, Texas. It was a dreamy affair that created lasting memories for all who attended, thanks in large part to the yeoman efforts of the wonderful vendors who participated. That's why we're especially honored that The Knot chose to recently feature Rachel and Eric's wedding.

Click on this link to check out the details and view the stunning photos: https://www.theknot.com/real-weddings/a-garden-inspired-jewish-wedding-at-ritz-carlton-in-dallas-texas-album

Pretty as a Picture

You tried on countless wedding gowns before falling in love with "the one." You spent hours in alterations to make sure it fit like a glove. You married the man of your dreams and had the best day of your life in  this dress. You paid hundreds of dollars to clean and preserve it after your big day. Now what? Don't just pack it away in a box in your closet. Instead, display your gown in a shadow box frame, and you'll have a masterpiece with enough memories to last a lifetime.

Honoring Those You Love

If you’ve ever watched TLC’s Something Borrowed, Something Blue, you understand the pressure many brides feel to honor their mothers by wearing their often yellowed, usually dated wedding dresses. Rest assured, brides, there are many ways to honor the important people in your life without looking like your grandmother’s doily! 

Put the sixpence your mom wore on her wedding day in your shoe. Assuming mom kept her sixpence, wearing it on your wedding day is said to bring your marriage good luck. It may be a bit uncomfortable, but the sentimental value is six fold!

Wear your mom’s veil. It’s less risky than wearing her wedding dress and has much the same impact. Just remember to bring the veil to your dress consultation to make sure you say “yes” to a dress that works with the veil.

Photo Credit: Thisbe Grace Photography

Sew a portion of your mom’s veil or dress into the inner lining of your gown. Be sure to sew it towards the hem so you can easily show it off without revealing too much leg!

Tie your grandmother’s heirloom handkerchief or wedding ring to your bouquet. Although you don’t want your bouquet to look like a charm bracelet, tying family items to it will allow people who are unable to attend the ceremony to be there in spirit.

Photo Credit: Thisbe Grace Photography

Or, attach a small, framed photo of a loved one to your bouquet. One of our brides carried a picture of her deceased dad so he could symbolically walk her down the aisle. Cue the tears!

Photo Credit: Jenny Martell

10 Tips to Finding the Perfect Dress

No matter how easy wedding dress shopping looks on TV, believe us, it can be stressful. Our motto is: “Know before you go.” So, keep these 10 tips in mind when heading off to your bridal appointments!

1. Choose your entourage wisely. It may seem like a good idea to ask all 10 of your “best friends” to accompany you, but too many opinions can cloud your judgement. Plus, most bridal gown shops only have room for a few extra people.

2. Try on all different styles. You may have “the perfect dress” in mind, but be open to trying on an array of silhouettes and fabrics. You may surprise yourself!

3. Eat breakfast. We know you want to look your best, but not eating before your appointments will just make you hangry (hungry and angry)! Bridal appointments can take time and the dresses can be heavy, so be prepared by fueling your body.

4. Wear appropriate undergarments and don’t be shy. Your bridal consultant is there to facilitate your appointment, and this includes helping you put the dresses on and take them off. (Don’t worry, she’s seen every shape and figure!) Be prepared by wearing undergarments you don’t mind seeing the light of day.

5. Trust your consultant. You may know exactly what you want, but your consultant knows the dresses. Having seen hundreds of brides with varying figures try them on, she knows what silhouette will look good on your body. Tell her what you envision, but trust her to pull some options for you, and be open to her suggestions.

6. Wear makeup. Believe it or not, many bridal gown shops have overhead fluorescent lighting. So, do yourself a favor and wear a touch more makeup than normal. This will also give you a better idea of how you will look on your wedding day.

7. Don’t just stand there — dance and sit! Your wedding dress may feel very comfortable when you’re standing, but you’re going to be doing a lot more than just standing on your wedding day! Make sure you can dance, sit and walk in it. You may feel foolish in the moment, but we promise you’ll be glad you gave the gown a test drive when you’re able to get down on the dance floor!

8. You may not cry. TV shows tell us that you know it’s “the” dress when you, your mom and your best friend all cry. This may not happen, and that’s okay! Everyone experiences emotion differently, so don’t put pressure on yourself to react a certain way.

9. Just because you’re a  size six in regular clothes doesn’t mean you’ll be a size six in bridal gowns. Bridal gown sizing is completely funky, but your trusty consultant will measure you and make sure you order the perfect size. Focus on how beautiful you feel in the dress, and forget about the size on the tag of the dress!

10. Sharing is caring. You may walk into a bridal shop and see another bride trying on your dress. Keep in mind that you are not the only bride planning a spring wedding and envisioning a lace mermaid gown. Dresses fit everyone differently, and there’s nothing wrong with sharing the mirrors, pedestals and even gowns!

First Dance

Having just been declared “husband and wife,” you take the floor for your first dance. While some couples have a special song that is meaningful to their relationship, many do not. For the latter, here are some popular tunes to consider:

Ray Lamontagne, “You Are The Best Thing”

Christina Perri, “A Thousand Years”

Etta James, “At Last”

Elvis Presley, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”

Trends

1. Bringing back the 90’s. This means featuring 1990’s tunes on the dance floor, passing out temporary tattoos as favors, hiring break dancing troupes to perform and wearing 90’s-inspired bridal gowns. (By the way, we LOVE the Hayley Paige two-piece, crop-top dress pictured above).

2. Social media bans. It’s disappointing for brides and grooms to see their family and friends tweeting, instagraming and facebooking instead of enjoying the action. Hosts want guests to relax, put their phones down and have a good time. After all, that’s why they hired a photographer! Many couples also want to monitor which pictures get posted. (No, Instagram filters cannot make everything look good!)

3. Action-packed long weekend weddings. It makes sense. Your guests flew into town for your wedding weekend, and you want to entertain them. Guests really do appreciate this. However, make sure they know they are not obligated to attend festivities all weekend long.

4. Flowers. Flowers have always been an important aspect of weddings. But expect floral arrangements to be bigger and better than ever this year. You’ll see more elaborate flowers — from floral walls to cascading arrangements.

5. Bright colors. Say goodbye to muted tones. In 2014, it’s all about bright, fun colors. Think pops of fuchsia, tangerine and deep indigo. The key to pulling off color is to pick a single color and use it to accent more muted tones.

6. Sharable weddings. We were introduced to wedding hashtags last year, and that trend will continue to gain momentum. We’ll also see more cell phone charging stations,  social media buttons installed in photo booths and even live-streamed weddings.

7. Dramatic photo booths. Hello, slow motion photo booths! If you’ve never seen one before, we urge you to check it out. You won’t be able to refrain from smiling! For more information on slow motion photo booths, see this Huffington Post article and video — http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/30/slow-motion-video-booth_n_4179176.html

8. Woodland weddings. Sean Parker took this theme literally. He threw a multimillion dollar Lord of the Rings-type wedding, complete with custom bridges, stone castle, artificial pond and live bunnies. But, you don’t have to go to extremes. Create your fairytale vibe using lush greenery, ethereal decor and dreamy floral instead.

9. Blingy necklines. This year is all about the jeweled neckline. We highly encourage brides sporting interesting necklines or keyhole backs to wear their hair up to show off the intricacies of their dress. (The jeweled-top dress featured above is also from Hayley Paige!)

For more information on these trends, click here.

Mix and Match

If you’re like most bridesmaids, you’ve probably been forced to purchase a dress that you (1) didn’t want to buy, (2) don’t feel beautiful in, and (3) will never wear again. Bridesmaid dresses are normally designed to fit every shape and taste and, as a result, often seem generic. Moreover, they’re usually made of less expensive, synthetic fibers because they are typically constructed with one-time-wear in mind. But, good news! According to the Wall Street Journal, unflattering, synchronized bridesmaid dresses from bridal houses are becoming a thing of the past. (HOORAY!)

Instead, brides are outfitting their best pals in “flattering, non-identical dresses from fashion-forward ready-to-wear designers.” In fact, Annelise Peterson, director of client relations and special projects for Net-a-Porter, insists that not only are synchronized dresses outdated, but “the idea of the cookie-cutter fairy-tale wedding has gone out of fashion.” Net-a-Porter’s personal shopping service is a frequent resource for brides interested in selecting mismatched dresses from different designers for their wedding party. Alternatively, many brides-to-be are allowing bridesmaids to choose their own dresses within specific guidelines (i.e., length, color palate, etc.). This ensures that each bridesmaid’s personality, which is likely what you love about your friends, shines through.

And what about groomsmen? We haven’t forgotten about you! The trend for groomsmen is to allow each to wear a suit he already owns, thereby eliminating the ill-fitting, rented suits and tuxedos. Then, matching ties and pocket squares are added for a more uniform look. Grooms can even fill two needs with one deed by presenting their groomsmen with ties and pocket squares as gifts!

For a look at this WSJ article, click here.

Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping

Anyone who’s ever watched Say Yes to the Dress knows how stressful wedding dress shopping can be. With so many choices, how do you find the right one (or two!) for you? Just follow the tips below to help narrow the selection and ensure that you’ll look your best on your big day.

Know your budget. There’s nothing worse than trying on a dress and falling in love with it, only to realize it’s beyond your price range.

Abide by your dress code. You’d be surprised how many brides look completely out of place at their own wedding. Yes, your personality should shine through your dress, but choose something that befits the ambiance. A princess ball gown, for instance, will look completely out of place at a beach wedding.

Plan ahead. Wear undergarments to the consultation that are similar to those you plan to wear on your wedding day so your dress will fit correctly. Likewise, wear the same style of shoes to the consultation that you plan to wear on your big day. You’d be surprised how much shoes can effect the way a dress falls, let alone the length of the hem.

Primp a little. Don’t come straight from the gym. Do your makeup. Think you want your hair up for your wedding? Give yourself a quick, loose updo. When you gaze into the mirror, you should be able to visualize your wedding day look without having to see beyond your unmade face and hair!

Enjoy the experience. Relax and have fun. You’ll know the right dress when you see it!

For more information, check out this Yahoo article by clicking here.

Butterflies

Everyone has butterflies on his or her wedding day. We’re not talking about the beautiful, winged creatures released into the air. Rather, we mean the kind that flit and flutter around in your belly!

With so many details, expectations and logistics whirling around in their heads, what do most brides worry about? You might be surprised. Here are some fears that real brides shared with TheKnot.com:

“I’m scared that my dress won’t fit.” – Batta

“Being an ugly crier and getting makeup on the dress.” – Christina

“People wearing white to my wedding.” – Nicole

“My biggest fear is Mother Nature.” – Elizabeth

Whether you loathe public speaking and are nervous about your vows or are always late and want to ensure you’re on time for your big day, don’t fret. You’re not alone. Every bride has something she’s nervous about. (Shameless plug alert: Unless, of course, she’s hired a wedding planner to make sure her big day goes off without a hitch!)

What are your fears?

For more information on this article, click here.

How to host a Fun Reception

In our initial meetings with brides and grooms, we find that most say their top priority is that guests have “fun.” Now fun can be had in many different ways, so we always delve deeper into their definition. Does that mean a rocking band, an open bar, a photo booth or something completely different?

Courtesy of The Knot, here are a few secrets to hosting a fun wedding reception. We hope that some will apply to your definition of “FUN!”

Set up an area specifically for kids. This could be as elaborate as a separate room with games and babysitters or as simple as a designated table with activities to occupy the young ones while their parents hit the dance floor.

Give out party favors. Guests LOVE party favors! Whether you offer glow sticks, light-up sunglasses, boas, necklaces or fun masks, make sure the party favors reflect your personality!

Pass out late night snacks. Your guests have been drinking and dancing all night, so keep them fueled! What do you crave after a night of partying? Ask the caterer to pass out late-night munchies like sliders, cookies, french fries, ice cream, etc.

Think about the “break” music. If you hired a band, the musicians are going to take breaks. What music are you going to play while they’re gone? Make sure to plan these breaks during opportune times like the toasts or cake cutting, for example.

Keep the toasts short. Nothing kills the party atmosphere more than toasts that drone on and on. When it comes to toasts, quality is far more important than quantity. Try to choose people you know will give good speeches, and give them a suggested time limit. We recommend that the majority of toasts take place during the rehearsal dinner.

Jazz up your first dance. Start with a slow, traditional song and switch to an upbeat tune halfway through the dance. This is a great way to encourage guests to join you on the dance floor.

Wedding Wardrobe Tips for Men

This post is for men (or for women who dress their men!). You’ve been invited to a summer wedding but have no idea what to wear. Just because it is warm outside doesn’t mean you can show up in shorts and a t-shirt! Here are a few tips to determine the appropriate attire:

1. What time of day is the wedding? Is it an afternoon affair or an evening function? An afternoon wedding is much more casual, calling for a light-colored suit. You should wear a dark suit, however, for an evening function.

2. Where is the wedding? Is it in a fancy hotel or on a beach? While you should wear a nice, dark suit to a wedding at a fancy hotel, you could don a white polo shirt with a khaki suit for a beach wedding.

3. How formal is the invitation? Is it calligraphy or an e-vite? Cotton clothing tends to be more casual. So, the more formal the invitation, the more formal the fabric of your clothing.

And finally, if you want to show your personality, feel free to do so in your choice of ties, socks and accessories.

Guys, Listen up!

This blog post is meant for all you men out there. Men, put some thought and planning into your marriage proposal!

Consider the Dallasite, for example, who recently took the saying “go big or go home” to a whole new level. After a weekend in Disney World, he and his girlfriend boarded a flight for Dallas. Hours later, as the aircraft descended upon Dallas, he asked his lady to take a picture of the city 1,700 feet below. Little did she know, he had arranged for a 5,000-square-foot banner reading, “Sara, will you marry me?” to be placed on top of the Winspear Opera House. Apparently, in-flight proposals happen more than you’d think! To read more about this elaborate proposal, click here.

I’m not suggesting you coordinate a flyover, a flash mob or do anything completely over the top that has the potential to go viral. In fact, I’m a big fan of proposals that are intimate and sentimental. Below are some pointers to make that day even more memorable and special.

My good friend and fabulous photographer, Amy Karp of Amy Karp Photography, has recently started documenting engagements. Yes, she hides in the bushes (not in a creepy way) and takes pictures of the entire proposal, from the man dropping to one knee and pulling out the ring to the woman’s response. What an amazing way to relive this glorious day!

If you and your lovely lady can afford to travel, plan a trip somewhere exotic. According toYahoo News, the best places to propose are Queenstown, New Zealand; Verona, Italy; Serengeti National Park, Tanzania; St. Lucia; Praque; Bali, Indonesia; Big Sur, California; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and Kauai, Hawaii. But, let’s be real, not everyone can swing a surprise trip across the world!

So, whether you cook a candlelight dinner, organize a scavenger hunt, revisit the place you first met, or have a picnic in the park, just be yourself and speak from the heart. And, of course, call us as soon as she says, “YES!”

For the top ten best marriage proposals according to The Knot, click here.

For (Pet) Lovers Only

Do you have a special furry friend you want to include in your wedding? As long as your pet is fairly well behaved, we say, “Go for it!” After all, pets are part of the family. And, let’s be real, is there anything cuter than a puppy dressed to the nines?!

During one of our spring weddings (featured above), the bride and groom’s dog decided to participate by accompanying  the newlyweds up the aisle. As if this picture weren’t amazing enough, Missy’s four-footed presence makes it extra special! Thanks, Amy Karpfor capturing this moment!

Field Day Fun!

We have had some amazing spring weddings this year, and this weekend’s is going to be no different. What will be different, however, is that our bride and groom are branching out from the traditional wedding and having an adult “field day” at Winfrey Point on White Rock Lake. Guests will enjoy lawn games like giant jenga, connect four, corn hole, water balloon toss, dizzy bat race, egg and spoon race, and my all-time favorite — toss the bass. And, yes, there will be prizes! When not in the middle of a game, guests will enjoy crawfish, gourmet pizzas, a rockin’ band, kegs and sangria. We love it when our clients think outside of the box. This will definitely be a day to remember!

A Picture Perfect Wedding

Here’s a sneak peak at our AMAZING wedding this past Saturday, when a New York bride and groom took their first looks at The Stoneleigh and then said “I do” at Three Three Three First Avenue. She wore a blush Badgley Mischka dress; he wore a J Crew suit. The two lovebirds, along with their friends and family, danced all night. We couldn’t have done it without some amazing vendors: Amy Karp Photography, Fancy Cakes by Lauren,Cebolla Fine Flowers, LeForce Entertainment, Dallas Partymaker Catering, TLC Rentals,Versa Strings, Executive Sedan Service, and Wynne Transportation. More pictures to come soon!

Happily Ever Borrowed: Frost Yourself For Less

Celebrities don’t buy jewelry for red carpet affairs, so why should you for your wedding? Let’s be real, how many times after your big day do you plan on rocking that tiara, veil or bedazzled belt? One of our good friends (and fellow sorority sister!), Brittany Haas, has launched an amazing company — Happily Ever Borrowed — that RENTS bridal accessories for your wedding day! Yup, how AWESOME is that?!

Brittany is super fashionable, so there’s no doubt in our minds that you are going to love her accessories. And the process could not be any easier. Simply order your accouterments online and have them shipped to you. After the wedding, just use the complimentary return label they provide and mail the items back from any USPS box.

So be a savvy bride. Walk down the aisle in style…for less — http://www.happilyeverborrowed.com/

Taking the Stress out of Wedding Dress Shopping

Purchasing a wedding dress should be one of the first things you do after he pops the question. The general rule of thumb is to purchase your dress nine months in advance, giving you plenty of time to receive it and make alterations. If you’re having a dress custom-made, however, be sure to give yourself additional time.

With so many to choose from, wedding dress shopping can be overwhelming. But follow these tips, and you’re more likely to have a good time!

Date. The season you’re getting married will help you narrow down your choices. Having an outdoor ceremony in the summer? You may want to avoid ball gowns or full skirts, which will add weight to your dress and leave you simmering.

Location. Keep in mind the location of your wedding ceremony and reception. A lightweight, airy dress will work best for the beach, for instance. You’ll also want to consider a different style for a vintage rustic wedding than you will for a traditional black-tie affair.

Budget. If you watch Say Yes To The Dress, you know it’s risky to try on gowns that are beyond your budget. Once you establish a budget, only shop in stores that you know carry dresses within your price point. Remember that few bridal boutiques allow walk-ins; most insist that you make an appointment.

Style. Know the style basics (silhouette, style, fabric), but remain open minded. Even if you have an image of what you want on your big day, be willing to consider other looks. Our brides often think they want one silhouette but completely change their minds after trying on other options. And that’s perfectly okay!

Pictures. A picture’s worth a thousand words! Make sure you bring pictures of dresses you like to your bridal appointment. You don’t have to like everything about the dresses but, if your bridal consultant has an idea of the kind of silhouette, neckline, style and fabric you like, he or she will be that much more likely to pull your perfect dress.

Saying Yes to the Dress

Bridal gown shopping can be overwhelming. There are so many styles, textures and colors to choose from within a huge price spectrum (who knew there were a gazillion shades of ivory?!). How do you determine which dress to choose?

Many people make the mistake of bringing a large entourage with them when they shop for bridal gowns. We recommend taking no more than three people. The fewer outside opinions, the easier it is to decide what you like best.

Secondly, select individuals who actually want you to look beautiful. This may seem obvious, but often brides invite a large group of friends who subconsciously sabotage the appointment because of jealousy. Bring your mom or other family member whom you trust, as well as your best friend.

Third, consider what looks best on you. While it’s great to look at pictures before your appointment, don’t have your heart set on one dress. You may not have the same figure as the model in the picture and, thus, the dress may fit differently. Have an idea of the style you want, and then keep an open mind.

And don’t forget to let your personality shine. Yes, we want you to choose a dress that you will look back at in 20 years and still love, so don’t go super outrageous. At the same time, this is your day…have fun with it!

Finally, think about your wedding venue. Are you getting married in a cathedral or on the beach? The venue will dictate the style you should lean toward.

If you want to know what’s the hottest selling dress in your city, check out this article fromThe Wall Street Journal— http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304707604577422222567639682.html. See, even wedding dresses are newsworthy!

Shout out to our Cornell friend, Hayley Paige. We LOVE her designs! http://www.jlmcouture.com/bridal-gowns