Monday, August 25, 2008

Maggie Sottero

If you're gown shopping right now, there are three things you'll notice right off the bat.
1) Strapless or nearly-strapless gowns are still all the rage. And...
2) Lace is back-- in a BIG way.
3) Maggie Sottero gowns are everywhere.

But there's a reason why Maggie Sottero dresses are favorites of so many curvy brides, in particular. Many of the styles complement a fuller figure. What's more, even though the models are super-slim, the gowns come in plus-sizes up to size 28. Maggie Sottero always gives us something different in each collection. I don't always agree with the "something different". But I have to appreciate the creativity and the willingness to take chances. Below are some of our favorites in all ranges:


Maggie Sottero Wedding Dress Celestina


Maggie Sottero Wedding Dress Lilly




Maggie Sottero Wedding Dress Natalia



Maggie Sottero Wedding Dress Grace Lynette


Maggie Sottero Wedding Dress Rebecca


Maggie Sottero Wedding Dress Belinda


Maggie Sottero Wedding Dress Mariah



Maggie Sottero Wedding Dress Fiona


Maggie Sottero Wedding Dress Gwen

The Sweetheart Table



You know what the traditional head table looks like. A bride and groom in the center of a long table, flanked by members of the wedding party. On the other hand, sweetheart tables at weddings used to be pretty rare. But things have changed. Sweetheart tables are commonplace nowadays. Besides giving the bride and groom some time alone, it also allows members of the wedding party to sit with their sweethearts, too. Just make sure you get up and mingle with your guests.

Here are some variations:
















If two people can't agree on whether to have a head table or a sweetheart table, here are some possible compromises. You can have the sweetheart table set just in front of the head table. Or, if you have a very small wedding party (Maid-Of-Honor and Best Man) you can have 3 or 4 sweetheart tables as shown below.



What do you think? Do you still favor the traditional head table? Or is the sweetheart table your cup of tea?

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Kiyonna's Honeymoon Wear




This week, there are two reasons to turn your fashion lens to the girls at Kiyonna. First, they're debuting their new Island Collection with adorable new dresses and tops. (Can't beat that in this heat, can you?)





But they're also slashing $25 off purchases of $175. Just click the banner below and enter the coupon code Fever08.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Non-Traditional Wedding Registries



We know a lot of you have thought about it: ditching your towel and china-laden registries for something you really want. The fact is, more and more couples are going for it! PWPOnline.com is reporting that more couples than ever are setting up registries to pay for a great honeymoon or fancy furniture. The idea is that people are getting married so much later than they used to that many couples already own the necessities listed on traditional registries. What do you think about this trend? Tacky or not? Let us know in the comments section.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Wedding Trend Watch: Splashes of Color

Remember when wedding accessories were WHITE? Just white? Well, you could have gotten bold with a dash of rhinestones or a streak of silver. But mostly guestbooks, flower girl baskets, and ring pillows were pretty much... white. Now things are changing, with brides carrying their color schemes all the way through their accessories.

Here's a look at a few colorful accessories:




















When the color is black...





Wednesday, August 13, 2008

What's New In Bridal Accessories?

Wondering what's new in bridal accessories? Well wonder no more! Personalization remains hot this wedding season, along with lots of bling. Here are some of our favorite items:


Friday, August 8, 2008

Straight Talk For Newlyweds


Newlyweds! Ever wish someone would give you the real story on staying married past a year? Tying the knot can be so exciting and romantic. And being a newlywed can be downright FUN. But the fact is, after the wedding there can be new pressures and frustrations that never came up before. Some brides and grooms suddenly find themselves at odds. But help just might be on the way. Author Lorraine Sanabria Robertson promises to tell you what no one else will in her new book, Help! I’m a Newlywed … What Do I Do Now? Wife-Saving Advice Every New Bride Must Know to Survive the First Year of Marriage The book will be released on Wife Appreciation Day, which is September 20th.
If Robertson's name sounds familiar, it could be because her work has appeared in various publications including Teen People, Upscale, and Heart & Soul magazines; and in the anthology Souls Of My Sisters: Black Women Break Their Silence, Tell Their Stories, and Heal Their Spirits. She has been married for nine years and her wedding was featured on The Learning Channel’s popular television show, “A Wedding Story.”

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Don't Toss the Garter Toss!


Ah... the much-maligned garter toss. To some brides this part of the wedding reception may seem unnecessary or even tack-ay. But for guests it's highly-anticipated and a lot of fun to watch. Our opinion is that weddings can't be all rose petals and candlelight. Let your hair down and have some fun! Here are a few reasons NOT to toss the toss.

1) You're already dressed for it. Wedding garters are already part of the bride's ensemble. Even if you don't buy one for yourself, someone is bound to give you one at your wedding shower.

2) It's a chance to thumb your nose at tradition. Hundreds of years ago, garters were worn on both legs to keep a lady's stockings up and symbolized purity because the groom would remove them -presumably for the first time- on the wedding night. He would then toss the garters into the waiting crowd and everyone would clamor for them believing them to be good luck. Now, as a modern woman, you get to change this around and do it your way. My husband removed mine with his teeth. So much for creating an air of chastity.

3) Because you're bringing sexy back. Or at least bringing bawdy back. Have you heard the most popular garter toss songs? Take a look at this list compiled by Yahoo and you'll see what we mean.

1) Another One Bites The Dust - Queen
2) It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls
3) Oh Yeah - Yello
4) Mission: Impossible '88 Main Title - Lalo Schifrin
5) Some Guys Have All The Luck - Rod Stewart
6) Keep Your Hands To Yourself - Georgia Satellites
7) Strip - Adam Ant
8) Maneater - Hall & Oates
9) I'm Too Sexy - Right Said Fred
10) You Can Leave Your Hat On - Ty Herndon
11) Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top
12) Macho Man - Village People - Various Artists
13) Peter Gunn Theme - Henry Mancini
14) Do Ya Think I'm Sexy? - Rod Stewart
15) Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe - Barry White
16) Bad To The Bone - George Thorogood
17) Legs - ZZ Top
18) The Stripper - David Rose
19) Bad Boys (The Theme From "Cops") - Inner Circle
20) Shameless - Billy Joel

4) Because - and this might be the best reason - there are so many frisky little garters out there to choose from. And don't forget to get one to keep and another to toss.

Something blue, mon chou?


Bridal Leg Garter


Pretty in Pink


Bling-y



Think we're dead wrong to insist that you have a garter toss? Don't go away mad- tell us about it by clicking on comments!