Top 10 Ways to Help You Save Money on Your Wedding Dress:
1. Dicker Over the Price - Sometimes local bridal shops will match prices that you find online, BUT you have to ask.
2. Shop in the Department Stores - Another great place to look for wedding dresses on a budget.
3. Buy a "Sample Gown" - Another great source for wedding dresses on a budget is buying a sample gown.
4. Wear Your Mom's Dress or Borrow a Dress - Even if it is a little out of style or date, you would be surprised at how well a talented seamstress could jazz up a vintage gown.
5. Order a Bridesmaid dress or Less Formal Gown - Many bridesmaids' gowns can be ordered in white. You can easily find a beautiful, less-formal wedding dress this way.
6. Vintage Clothing Shops - Wedding dresses can also be found at vintage clothing shops.
7. Outlet Stores - Yes, there are bridal outlet stores for bridal designers and retailers that can offer you substantial savings on wedding dresses.
8. Hire a Student - If you have a fashion school or college nearby, you might just be able to hire a student to make your wedding dress for you.
9. Charity Sales - You can also find wedding dresses on a budget by checking out charity sites such as Brides Against Breast Cancer.
10. Rent a Wedding Dress - Rental prices can range from $100 to $600 with deposit required and the gowns are professionally cleaned after each rental and can be altered to fit (check with each rental shop).
I have a few entires planned to get written up tomorrow but I thought I'd leave you with yesterday's FOTD while I'm up and waiting for midnight so I can close my Youtube competition.
For this look, I used some of my Sweetscents pigments. I will be doing a more in depth write up about Sweetscents, but I must just say they are one of my absolute favourite mmu brands!
I used: -Afterglow foundation "Cameo" -MAC Shadestick "Beige-Ing" over lid as base -Sweetscents pigment "Orange Sherbert Pearl" inner 1/3 of lid -Sweetscents pigment "Medium Yellow Shimmer" middle 1/3 of lid -Sweetscents pigment "12th Night" outer 1/3 of lid and lower lashline -Sweetscents pigment "Lapis Blue" damp as upper liner -MAC "Nylon" highlight -Boots No7 Dreamlash mascara -Urban Decay blusher "Score"
This year's weddings call for both classic and trendy modern styles. Typically, most would-be brides go for the classic elegant styles particularly when it comes to their wedding gowns. Since the bride is always the center of attention, it is important that her gown fits her well in most aspects because it is a representation of her style and taste.
For the year 2010, the trend in wedding gowns is somewhat a revival of the past but a bit edgy to fit the lifestyles and tastes of the modern woman. Going for signature or branded wedding gown isn't always necessary because local designers know the evolving trend. It's usually up to the bride to choose the design she wants as long as the dress will bring out the best in her.
Here are 2010's top 5 hottest wedding gown trends in no particular order:
(1) Traditional style wedding gowns never falter
Traditional style gowns are still in simply because of their elegance. Some women go for this type of wedding gown style especially when they want that ball feel. The main difference though is in the neckline which is lower nowadays compared to yesteryears where fully-covered bosoms are a must particularly when it is a church wedding. And of course, the color is always the traditional white for that clean, classic look.
(2) Sleek figure-hugging gowns for the slim bride
This type of wedding gown is one of current favorites. This trend will probably stay for long since women nowadays are trying to get fit and slim to look their best. If you want this style, make sure that the dress will perfectly fit you to achieve the ideal silhouette.
(3) 50's style Hollywood glamour
Nothing is too vintage when talking about 50's style wedding gowns. These are usually floor-length and belted at the waistline. Some of these gowns are knee-length at the hem and have sheer overlay which emphasizes the hem and legs.
Scarfs!Robert Jaso Photography Yes, FM has a passion! Head Scarf!Chris Benz, D & G (photos via style.com) Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg Gottex, Jean-Paul Gaultier Nicole Miller Paul Smith Scarfs for your neck, for next Winter...First two - Burberry Prorsum, Donna Karan Marc Jacobs Missoni, Narciso Rodriguez, Michael Kors Ralph Lauren First two - Zac Posen, Rodarte And, scarfs, general...
...or the bottom half of one. 1967 - Geoffrey Beene, native Louisianan, fashion spark of American ingenuity, throws a hundred million sequins into a mirror miracle of a shape; scatters neon flowers at random, then garlands the hem. I want to see the rest of the dress, don't you? And how about those silver vinyl thigh-high boots?
Zur Berlin Fashionweek präsentierte Ayzit Bostan die Früchte ihrer Kooperation mit dem bayrischen niedersächsischen Taschenhersteller bree in einer Kombüse des Modezeltes am Bebelplatz. Weil sie dort nicht auch noch ihre eigene Kollektion zeigen wollte, entschied sie sich für einen etwas abgelegenen Präsentationsort, eine frisch geweißte Ladenfläche am Strausberger Platz. Bereits von draußen strahlte der Raum und trotz klinischer Kälte vermochten die zart im Ventilatorenstrom fliegenden Kleider, die ihre Entsprechungen in den Zeichnungen der Künstlerin Ika Künzel (Magazinjunkies bekannt durch ihre Illustrationen für die Mode Depesche) an den Wänden fanden, eine Oase der Ruhe im Modezirkustrubel zu schaffen:
- Order at least 15 extra invitations. There will always be someone extra to send an invitation to. Similarly, your family and May, you want to keep copies as souvenirs. It's cheaper to order a little more with the rest of the invitations have to come back and order them separately. It is much cheaper and easier for printers to print in bulk at a time.
- Also, be sure to order extra envelopes in case you are correct mistakes.
- When you order your invitations, be sure to order your RSVP cards, address cards, reception cards, thank you notes and other cards you want May to get everything in a single command. In doing so, many printing companies most likely to give you a deal.
- Some photographers include thank you cards in your package. This can be a saving on your print job because you do not need to.
- You can also buy ready RSVP cards to local crafts stores. Compare prices and May you be able to make this so.
- Print your own cards from your computer.
- The most colorful invitations the most expensive. Use a single color with a little shade variations may be saving money. Find savings if you use fewer colors.
- Black ink is still cheaper than the ink color. It is also more elegant.
- If your invitation bows and ribbons, to resort to buying them and putting them on you. It cost more to have the printer and put them on for you.
- Blotting paper is not necessary nowadays. Its original use was careful not to smudge the ink when wet. Today, the ink does stain more by hand, unless you write your invitations.
Different variations on the theme - Vintage StyleDior Pleated Skirt Prada Resort 2008 Ad CampaignChoppy new styles, it is difficult to decide what is what. Classic, tailored recognizable are replaced urban, extravagant lines.Vintage Lady or Modern Ballerina, decide for yourself. Giambattista Valli (photos via style.com)Giambattista ValliGiambattista ValliChristian Dior Spring 2009 Haute
Seit nun drei Wochen wird es wieder gesucht, „Germany's next Topmodel“ und ich frage mich, darf man die Sendung eigentlich ansehen, als mehr oder minderer Teil einer Modeindustrie, mit der die donnerstägliche Pro7 Sendung so gar nichts gemein zu haben scheint? Gebe ich nicht dadurch, dass ich einmal pro Woche gebannt auf Heidi Klums Ausleseargumente warte, Peymans und Rolfes Annäherungsversuche amüsiert beobachte, eine Art Zustimmung zu einem Programmpunkt, der mehr mit Vorstellungen von einem irgendwie gearteten Business spielt, als tatsächlich die Kandidatinnen auf ein Leben in dieser Welt vorzubereiten? Biete ich nicht einer Sendung erst eine Fläche, wenn ich beginne sie in diesem Blog zu diskutieren? Ist es der richtige Weg, in dieser heutigen Medienwelt, Ereignisse, denen man nicht wohlgesonnen ist, totzuschweigen, anstatt ihnen selbst durch die ärgste Kritik noch Spielfläche zu bieten?
credit: gala
Wirklich problematisch wird es dann, wenn man sich eingestehen muss, dass „Germany's next Topmodel“ und mit ihm alle anderen next Topmodels dieser Welt im Grunde zur höchsten Entzückung beitragen – so sehe ich es jedenfalls. Wenn Tessa ihre Konkurrentinnen anschwärzt, die Mädchen (MEEEDCHEN) Rolfe knutschen müssen, oder Peyman in fragwürdigen Rollenspielchen anzugraben haben. Herrlich zum Schenkelklopfen dann die Berichterstattung in den Medien. RED! das Starmagazin im Anschluss der Sendung bei Pro7 oder das „Topmodel Spezial“ bei Stefan Raab. Krönender Höhepunkt ein vierseitiger Beitrag in der aktuellen „in touch“ (ich war heute morgen beim Frisör!), indem Heidi Klum Stutenbissigkeit und Neid vorgeworfen wird, die sie zu ihrer Fiesheit trieben, weil la Klum eben doch eher zu den Auslaufmodellen im Modelbusiness zählt und fortwährend demonstrieren muss, dass sie noch immer die beste ist, sie schönste, tollste und professionellste (selbst jodeln kann sie besser als die Bayern!). Die Mädels sind – laut in touch - natürlich alle wieder „hach so dünn“, werden beim Joggen gequält und Olivia der „Mops“ ist nur Quotengarant und Zielscheibe für Heidis Attacken.
credit: gala
Deutschland sucht Germany's next Topmodel - kurz: DSGNT
Das Problem bei der ganzen Geschichte liegt darin, dass allen nicht ganz klar zu sein scheint – weder den Zuschauern, noch den Kritikern, noch den Machern der Sendung selbst (bei letzteren bin ich mir da nicht so sicher, nur wollen wir nicht so genau wissen, was die wahren Absichten hinter der Sendung sind) -, worum es hier eigentlich geht. Wer wird denn überhaupt gesucht? Die nächste Heidi Klum, die nächste Claudia Schiffer oder Deutschlands kleinster gemeinsamer Nenner? Ich fände ja letzteres am ehrlichsten. Warum darf Deutschland nicht mitwählen? „Deutschland sucht Germany's new Topmodel!“ Das wäre doch mal was - so wie bei DSDS oder dem Dschungelcamp! Mehr Demokratie im Modelbusiness und Dieter Bohlen der das ganze kommentiert. Vielleicht kann Heidi sich dann mal am Mikrofon versuchen und nach neuen singenden (jodelnden?) Superstars suchen. Eijeijei es hilft ja alles nichts, nächste Woche hänge ich ja eh wieder vor der Glotze!
Und noch eines Mädels und maybe -soon-to-be-Models, bitte klopft doch einfach bei den Agenturen Eurer Wahl an und erspart Euch die Erniedrigung Eures Lebens! Es kann nur schlimmer werden... Ich freue mich schon jetzt auf die fünfte Staffel!
Für all jene, die die Nase voll haben von blassen Blondinen:
You may have heard of 1940's and 50's American sportswear designers Claire McCardell, Carolyn Schnurer, and Tina Leser, but how about Joset Walker? Born in France, Walker began her career designing for Broadway and for RKO studios in Hollywood. In the 1940's, Walker specialized in sports clothes for outdoor activities, swimwear, and casual dresses. Shown above, a 1949 marigold linen dress, belted in gold leather.
1946 sunsuit romper and beach jacket.
1954 cotton print capri jumpsuit.
I'm still dreaming of summer, can you tell? If I can't be the woman in yesterday's post, I want to be the woman in orange linen up above.
As I am stilly tallying the numbers, I can tell you that I am very impressed with the generousity of our friends, family, and Let's Eat Cake! supporters!
I know we had a lofty goal! And times were different 2 years ago when I set that goal, so although we'll come close, I know that St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will appreciate every thing that we are doing!
I wanted to thank these folks for blogging about our event, and posting pictures! We should have ours back soon, I want to make the official announcements!!! (so check back Monday)
Steamy Kitchen - for writing about the event so quickly, for loving the cakes, for being a fantastical judge, and loving food as much as me!!! You are the best Jaden!!!
Blissful Bride - Amanda, you are so sweet! Thank you for your friendship, for blogging about Let's Eat Cake!, for volunteering at the event, and just being all around amazing! I am blessed to have you as my friend!
Unique Designs - Where to start! You guys designed the most amazing bakers invitations, the posters were amazing!!! People stopped me on the street to tell me how swank they are! And for helping make this event so classy and fun! (and for helping my sister!) You are true friends! Thank you!!!
Tampa Tribune - Yup! Tampa Tribune! Jaden Hair (see above) wrote an awesome article for the paper, and I love you for it!!!
K-Gallery - Thanks Matt and Krystal for coming to Let's Eat Cake! and for loving my sister's cake unbiasedly!!! You both Rock!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Powers Photography- I know Stewart and Susan are waiting for me to blog the pictures, before they do- but they deserve a huge THANK YOU, for always being there for me, and for Let's Eat Cake! for bringing my sister to tears (in a good way), for photographing our entrie event, and for being my friend! Thank you!
Well, you can just imagine that these wedding dresses cost more than the value of their elegant bridesmaid dresses and wedding favours put together.
1. Renee Zellweger
Although her marriage to country singer Kenney Chesney was short-lived, Renee Zellweger's bamboo twill, ivory-colored, form fitting strapless wedding dress went down in history as one of the best celebrity wedding dresses ever. The wedding dress perfectly complimented their beach-themed wedding.
2. Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock looked absolutely stunning in her Angel Sanchez-designed strapless, antique white lace dress with ruffled bodice.
3. Melania Trump
You may have heard the rumors that Melania Knauss' wedding dress designed by Christian Dior cost a whooping $100,00!
4. Tori Spelling
The late Aaron Spelling's beloved daughter, Tori Spelling, wore a form fitting wedding dress sprinkled with crystal beads. It was the perfect traditional wedding dress that every woman would surely envy.
5. Britney Spears
Nearly everyone hated everything about Britney Spears and Kevin Federline wedding. Britney Spears wore a $26,000 wedding dress with a hand sewn train and cathedral length veil.
6. Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer's halter style, white tulle dress, adorned with tiny pearls was designed by Lawrence Steele. It was the perfect wedding dress to define a once-perfect marriage.
If you want to follow these celebrities wedding dresses, make sure to seek your designer's aid in putting together fabric and materials that aren't as costly as the real wedding dresses.
Dem notorisch fotoscheuen Berliner Mitte-Partyvolk wird es immer schwerer gemacht, einen Ort des ungestörten Feierns zu finden. Während die Picknicker jeden Montag die Fotos auf der Myspace Seite des Clubs absuchen - immerhin muss man "Freund" sein um dies tun zu können - nach dem ein oder anderen mehr oder minder geglückten Schnappschuss, macht es das Scala Partyspannern und geheimen Exhibitionisten seit letzten Monat leichter. Am 20. Januar ging das hauseigene Blog online. Gezeigt werden Fotos, die die Clubbesucher, DJs und Bands beim Feiern zeigen. Einen ersten Einblick in das schon jetzt umfangreiche Fotouniversum auf f&art. Der Rest dann auf dem Scala-Blog.
Diana Vreeland was Fashion Editor at Harper's Bazaar from 1937 to 1962. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, the fashion shoots she directed delivered fantasy to the American public. She has been quoted as saying, "Give ‘em what they never knew they wanted!” It works for me because I definitely want to be this woman right now. I am so tired of winter.
This photo was taken by Francesco Scavullo in Trinidad and Tobago in 1960. The model wears a white pique midriff-baring blouse over a long red and white cotton wrap skirt, both by Mr. Mort Sportswear. The Weiss bib necklace and the brooch-as-hair-ornament add just the right touch of the exotic. But it's the bare feet that make me feel the warm tropical breeze and the hot sand on the beach. Oh yeah, I definitely want to be this woman right now.
I know you hear over and over again, that the biggest way to safe money is to cut your guest list, but what if that just isn't an option for you?
Some people just can't cut the number of people. And I understand that!
But what if you cut the food - I mean, don't invite people and expect them to starve. But what are your options?
Southern Style:
What about a Tea and Cake Reception, or Champagne and Cake? If you plan your ceremony after 8PM, and note on your invitation, "Dessert Reception to Follow" you'd be in store for this:
and this: {Dressed up the Champage with different kinds of fruit}
cakes by Posh Pastry {for 2 Year Old birthday party}
Wedding rings with diamond eyes are very beautiful. Rings made of gold and shaped simple and plain. Then the diamond-shaped eyes and a round of three. Which was greater than the two flanking it. Diamond wedding ring is beautiful.
The different designs will then be adorned by additional features such as crystals, beadings, diamante and various exquisite embroideries. Chiffon, silk, taffeta, organza and tulle are some of the favorite materials from which the gowns are made. Several materials of bridal gowns have their origin in Spain and so will make up the Spanish bridal attire.
A black shawl draped over one's shoulders may turn out to be a good addition to the bridal gown as long as it complements the gown's color. Other colors that are also allowed are white and red so the bride will be fine in any of these. A matching black veil is desirable while one can also opt for one that is mantilla since it could help them frame their face to the admiration of the attendants. Black is the preferred color which is meant to symbolize the bride's character that is just about to be uncovered by the groom. Spanish Wedding Dresses Spanish traditions on Spanish wedding dresses are very elaborate.
The flowers are symbols of love and life, and bring a sense of elegance and transcendence to a wedding ceremony and reception. Of course, you can be creative and express your unique sense of style with your wedding flowers. The ideas are as varied and numerous as the wives - or you can match your bridal party accent colors with a unifying color, or create a splash by adding color to another all black and white wedding to mention only two.
Here are some other ideas to start your creative thinking and help you plan a wedding, you and your guests will remember fondly the chance for years to come:
• COLOR
Use it, play with it, be creative! Consider using different shades of the same hue - from light pink, for example - as an elegant way to add color to your wedding day. Otherwise, go with color for a dramatic monochromatic effect - try cream or white.
• VERDURE
Beautiful green as leaves and ferns can add depth and elegance at your disposal, and possibly save money on flowers. Florists have access to many varieties of greenery and the creative possibilities are endless. Of variegated ivy delicate fern green, glossy leaves, you can create almost any mood you incorporating beautiful greenery. It is also useful for creating a domino effect at the end of pews chandeliers, flowers, etc..
• ACCESSORIES
Add a unique touch to your wedding flower decoration with accessories. For example, ask your florist incorporate ribbons, strings of (fake) pearls, feathers or an element of sparkle to your settings. This way you can express your own sense of style and make use of colors and effects that are not available with a few flowers and greenery.
• CANDLES
Superb creative centers to chandeliers, table candles add soft lighting and romantic wedding flowers. You can make a statement with a large pillar candles or tealights tiny ... the possibilities are endless!
As a vintage seller, I'm often dazzled by the "special" clothes - the cocktail dresses, the evening gowns, the tailored suits. But I also delight in the everyday dresses - the simple cotton and rayon numbers worn around the house or out to play, worn to class or to the movies, worn to run errands or to meet friends. These pictures are all from 1949.
Wouldn't a dress like this be nice for a change instead of jeans and a t-shirt? Instead of cargo pants and a tank top? Here are a few from the same time period newly listed at Couture Allure. Click the pictures to see details!
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Kebaya ethnic-smelling, very beautiful. Mix brown and pink make this kebaya seen this woman wearing an elegant look. There are decorative bands on the abdomen of the form of fiber made of ribbon and pin together with a charming gold.
Matt and Tracey are amazing!!!! I knew after we had the first meeting with them that they were extraordinary! As we've gotten to know each other more and more - I love them more and more.... then... well - these pictures are just incredible!
They are so beautiful {the clients and the pictures!} Pure by Lindsey took the pictures, and I love them!!!
On a side note, Matt and Tracey were huge supporters of Let's Eat Cake! and I thank them so much for that!!! I heart you guys!!!