Friday, February 18, 2011

DIY Friday: Colorful Vase

Craft a centerpiece with pizzazz

Want a way to add color and print to that glass vase? Fabric and ribbon is an inexpensive and cute way to dress up a clear vase for your table centerpiece. The picture above is actually done with a cloth napkin!

Here is how to do it:
Unfold a napkin(or fabric), and set the vase in the center. Pull the napkin edges up, gathering the fabric, and tuck them over the lip of the vase. Make sure the napkin isn't touching the water or the cloth will become soaked. Wrap a ribbon around the neck of the vase and tie it in a bow.



Image and directions via AllYou

Monday, February 14, 2011

Dress deals from Nordstroms

If you are looking for a great price on a wedding dress check out Nordstroms. Here are some of their beautiful dresses all under $500.

 JS Collections Cowl Back Stretch Satin Mermaid Gown $198


BCBGMAXAZRIA Strapless Floral Chiffon Gown $198.90


JS Boutique Beaded Crisscross Matte Jersey Gown $178



Dalia MacPhee Strapless Taffeta Mermaid Gown $298
Eliza J Beaded Lace Inset Silk Mikado Gown $498

Images via nordstroms.com

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Deals on Wedding rings

Yesterday I gave you a few great deals on engagement rings. Today here are some deals on wedding bands for the bride and groom.

JcPenny- Diamond Band 1/2 CT. T.W. 10K

Now $389.99 Original Price $660.99

JcPenny- Diamond Band 1/5 C.T. T.W. 10K

Now $179.99 Original Price $300.00- white or gold

Zales- Ladies' Diamond Accent Double Row Wedding Band 
in 10K White Gold
ITEM #: 18090456 Now $194.65 Orig. Price $229.00

Zales- Ladies' 1/10 CT. T.W. Diamond Wedding Band in 14K White Gold
ITEM #: 18164889 Now $373.15 Orig. Price $439.00


 Jareds- 14K White Gold 1/2 Carat t.w. Diamond Enhancer
Price: $999.99 



For Him. 

JcPenny- Men's Diamond Band 1/7 CT. T. W.

Now $299.99





JcPenny- Men's Diamond Band 1/10 CT. T.W.

Now $389.99 Original Price $660.99

Zales- Triton Men's 8.0mm Cobalt Hammered Wedding Band
ITEM #: 18092015 Now $169.15 Orig. $199.00

Zales- Triton Men's 9.0mm Comfort Fit Tungsten Carbide Wedding Band with Black Ceramic Inlay
ITEM #: 18193375 Now $339.15 Orig. $399.00

Images via JcPenny, Zales, Jared.com

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Deals on Engagement rings

Valentines is a great time to get deals on engagement and wedding rings. Here are a few of the great deals out there on engagement rings.
JcPenny Diamond 3-Stone Ring 1 CT. T.W. 14K Now $999.99 Original Price $1,698.99
There's a JcPenny mailing and in some bridal magazines that has a coupon for $50 off JcPenny jewelry after a minimum purchase amount to make this event cheaper.
JcPenny Love Lives Forever™ Diamond Ring 1 CT. T.W. Now $999.99 Original Price $1,698.99

Zales- 1/3 CT. T.W. Princess-Cut Diamond Splint Shank Engagement Ring in 10K White Gold
ITEM #: 18198507 Now $364.65 Orig. Price $429.00
Zales- Online only 1/2 CT. T.W. Diamond with Pink Sapphire Accent Twist Shank Engagement Ring
in 14K White Gold ITEM #: 18119818  Now $721.65 Orig. Price $849.00


Check back tomorrow for deals on wedding bands.

Images via JcPenny.com, and Zales.com

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Staying Warm

With all the snow throughout the country it seems fitting to have a post on staying warm on your wedding day. Here are a some stylish ways to stay warm on your wedding day. 


Sweetheart Bridal Wrap- Romantic triple pleated light ivory satin and microsuede bridal wrap with Swarovski and pearl art deco brooch
Sweetheart Bridal wrap- romantic triple pleated light ivory satin and microsuede with swarovski and pearl art deco brooch by ALozanoCouture

Off-White Mink Fur Shawl
Off white mink fur shawl by Vladana

3/4SLVSTN
3/4 sleeve satin jacket from Davids Bridal



MDLNGTHCAP
satin mid length cape with faux fur trim from Davids Bridal



Images via etsy sellers and davids bridal

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Bridal Show cakes

Here are some of the wonderful cakes I saw at the Wichita Bridal Show a couple weeks ago.

I loved the stand in the middle of this cake. Three wine glasses.
I love the petals on this cake! There are some wedding dresses out there with petals like this, this would be a perfect cake for a bride with those dresses.

"Diamond" jewels in the middle of the flowers, with a "diamond" string around each tier.

 Check out this grooms cake! A grill for your fiance...so cool!

 
This is a fake 3 tiered cake with truffle candies on them.
This may be the next big thing after cupcakes. One vendor had pink champagne truffle candies.
With so many different flavors you can really have fun with these.


Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Saving on a wedding ring

Sorry for the absence from blogging. I feel like life has gotten so busy the past few weeks, I'm glad I'm not having to plan a wedding right now.
My new focus in life has been saving money. I found this article from a guest blogger on Hip2Save, I hope you enjoy these tips for saving money on a wedding ring.


I’ve received a number of emails from male readers who are planning to propose to their girlfriends soon (maybe even on Valentine’s Day) and are looking for some tips/advice to snag an affordable engagement ring. Since I am by no means an expert on ring shopping, I asked Amy from Belles on a Budget to write up a post focused on tips for engagement ring shopping on a budget. Thanks to Amy, here are 8 tips to help you snag a “Hip” ring without breaking the bank….

* Get informed

Make sure to know the Four Cs (cut, carat, clarity, and color) of diamond shopping… and what is most important to your fiance-to-be, whether it is something that sparkles, a specific cut, or certain type of stone. This will help you know which aspect to prioritize when you are selecting a ring within your budget. Look online for hundreds of articles that explain the Four Cs and the rating scale associated with each aspect.

* Shop around

Although shopping for a ring is an exciting, emotional decision, make sure not to jump into anything! Shop and compare prices and rings at brick and mortar stores and online to make sure you are getting the best value for your money. Don’t be afraid to take notes! As with any big purchase, this is not an impulse buy. Write down the cut/color/clarity/carat combinations you see, and their prices, which will make it easier to compare later after you’ve visited multiple stores. And if you receive pressure at jewelry stores- stand your ground and don’t purchase anything until you’ve done your research. You can always go back to that first ring you saw if you still think it is “the one” after you’ve done some price comparisons.

* Be Trendy

Non-traditional wedding rings are huge right now! Many brides are opting for sapphires, rubies, emeralds, or other gemstones rather than a diamond ring. These options can sparkle and make a statement just as much as a diamond, and most importantly- symbolize your love and commitment in the same way a traditional engagement ring does. And these gemstones can be a huge money saver!

* Use the family jewels

Think about using a family heirloom or vintage jewelry of your grandmother’s/mother’s/aunt’s that has been sitting around the house as an engagement ring. You can modernize a diamond or gemstone necklace or ring by having it placed in a setting your fiance-to-be will love. It will be much cheaper than buying a new ring and it will have that special added sentimental value of family history.

* Shop online

There are several very legitimate online stores that sell jewelry like Blue Nile or Overstock.com. The key to buying at one of these retailers is to know the cut, clarity, color and carats you are looking for and compare them across the stores. And my husband’s tip: even if you plan to buy the ring online, go into brick and mortar stores to be able to actually see similar rings in person. That way you will know what a certain cut looks like or how specific clarity and color combinations sparkle in person, before you buy online.

* Check out sample sales

I have been surprised to see fine jewelry featured on many reputable sample sites like Rue La La, Modnique, and Swirl. These sites offer huge discounts on rings and would be an excellent way to score a good price on an engagement ring, especially a gemstone ring. As with any purchase, though, make sure to consider the Four Cs of the ring (which should be included for any diamond purchase) and your previous research before you buy.

* Communicate with the jewelers

Many shops, especially small businesses, can work with your budget or will help you design the perfect (and completely unique) ring. Don’t hesitate to discuss your budget and your expectations at jewelry stores and see what they can do for you.

* And after you find that perfect ring for your loved one…get insurance!

Although it doesn’t sound particularly romantic, it’s important to get insurance very soon after you make this big purchase. For a few dollars a month, you and your fiance can have the peace of mind of knowing that this big purchase is protected.


Thanks so much to Amy over at Belles on a Budget!
Thanks hip2save

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Calla Lily Fever


Muscari and mini calla lilies

Swaltzwalder calla lilies and mini burgundy cymbidium orchids


cymbidium orchids, mini cymbidium orchids, calla lilies, jade roses


water, cobra and calla lilies

Images via Brides.com

Wedding Freebies

Check out these two great deals for Brides!

Do you have a wedding date set? If so, you can head on over here to score a FREE one-year subscription to Bridal Guide Magazine! Once you sign up, it will take 4-6 weeks to receive your first copy.
And one more deal for all you brides to be, create a new gift registry at JCPenney.com with a future wedding event date, add $2,500 worth of merchandise and you’ll receive a FREE $25 dining eGift card. Offer must be completed by 1/31/11. eGift card will arrive via email during the month of February and can be redeemed for the restaurant gift card of your choice at DiningDough.com.

(thanks savingchick)

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Something new for bridesmaids

Thinking about today's post and being in the new year I really wanted something that didn't seem like the last ten years. So here are some bridesmaids dresses that show off a whole new style to jump start your 2011 wedding.


 BCBG Max Azria
Im starting to love dresses with prints on them like this. They look great with a solid color bouquet.

Here is an example of a wedding photographed by Laura Wills photography


Raylia Designs style 8022
Different fabrics


Bari Jay style 122
a new take on the one shoulder dress

Mia Solano style MB1012 and Courture Collection by Bill Pesce style 1005
Long and short!

Images via Brides.com and Laura Wills Photography