Nothing is off limits when it comes to what can be printed on t-shirts and (depending on your personal style) they can be used to announce to the world that you’re engaged!! These particular shirts are available at Koncepts Bridal Boutique . What I like about them is that they don’t use the typical “I’m Engaged” or “We’re Getting Married” lingo and the style is very unisex.
What do you think? Would you announce your engagement by wearing it on your chest?
PANTONE, the “global authority on color,” recently announced Tangerine Tango [PANTONE 17-1463] as the 2012 color of the year.
“Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy” says Leatrice Eiseman, PANTONE’s executive director. She describes the color as “sophisticated…dramatic and seductive…reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset”.
I love PANTONE’s color choice. I see it as a vibrant, versatile color that compliments and is complimented by an array of colors. Don’t believe me? Check out some of these inspirational color boards!
photo credit: 3.bp.blogspot.com
photo credit: jessicatierney.com
photo credit: mypersonalartist.com
photo credit: perfectpallete.com
photo credit: chelseamcbride.com
photo credit: http://blog.123print.com
See more images like these on our 2012 Pantone Color of the Year: Tangerine on Pinterest.
Will your wedding day include any pops of Tangerine Tango?! Leave us a comment below!
One of my goals for 2012 is to do a better job sharing with you my many adventures out on the town. But because there’s no time like the present… A few Saturdays ago, I took an early morning trip to Bryant Park to check out the Real Simple Pop Up Shop. It was more like a holiday vendor fair and we took full advantage of the opportunity to get a jump start on some gift shopping. In the midst of chocolate tastings, Loreal makeovers and bustling crowds, I stumbled across several really cute wedding gift ideas which I expertly photographed and posted below…
I am most frequently asked by bumpies and nearlyweds how they can politely indicate their preference to receive cash as their shower or wedding gift. And my answer has always been, “You don’t”. Of course there are ways to sway your guests buying decisions (like registering at a certain type of store or using descriptive words like ‘lingerie party’ in your invitation description) and trust me I understand the beauty of cold hard cash, however it is impolite to enforce a gift-giving mandate upon your guests.
But what if there was a way to make cash just as much as an option as your Pier One registry?
Would that make it less taboo?
The creators of Deposit a Gift – a cash gift registry – surely seem to think so.
Deposit a Gift is an online registry service that allows you to create a gift list for monetary contributions towards pretty much whatever your heart desires and it gives you the freedom to receive and spend your gift money where and when you want.
The concept seemed simple enough so I decided to try it out.
Registering as a new user on the site was quick and easy and once confirmed, I was all set to begin editing the details for my personal event website. This step (like most wedding websites) requires some thought and creativity and is the lengthiest part of the entire process. I haven’t yet completed my own sample registry but they do a really great job of providing several closed registries that were used for a variety of reasons, including the wedding below.
You also have cool options to share event details with family and friends, post pictures and upload video.
So after a little exploration and a lot of letting go of what traditional etiquette says, I have to admit that I like Deposit a Gift as a wedding registry alternative and it just may change the future of gift giving. Not only is it environmentally friendly but it gives you the flexibility of using the money for whatever life demands and, aside from a small service fee, it’s free!
You don’t need a reason to register your account and you can log onto to Deposit a Gift for more information.
Happy planning!
For many socialistas (and socialistos), the time between Thanksgiving and New Years means a social calendar on steroids. As flurry after flurry of invitations to company holiday parties, winter wonderland galas, and cocktail socials arrive, you may be combing through your closet to find the perfect outfit. But if, by chance, any of those invitations arrive with the fine print request for dress code adherence, you may find yourself THAT much more confused and unsure of what to wear.
We recently took a random poll to find out which of the dress codes are the most confusing and shockingly it’s the most common. So if you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is the difference between white tie and black tie?” you’ll want to read this before you set out in search of the perfect holiday outfit.
In the world of dress up, Black Tie is probably the most common dress code requirement you’ll receive. Ladies, this means long gowns or knee-length dresses. Of course, an elegant black dress in either length is always a safe bet or maybe a crimson red gown will help make your holiday statement. Then feel free to dress it up with a strand of pearls or a diamond tennis bracelet, shimmery satin clutch, an elegant updo and a pair of mouthwatering stilettos.
It’s black tuxedos for the gentlemen. A formal white shirt, and bow tie, cummerbund, socks and patent shoes – all in black – completes the uniform. Subtle accessories like an expensive watch or sterling silver cufflinks and personalized studs, to replace buttons, helps set you apart from the crowd.
Maybe your invitation reads: Black Tie Optional which only means that the gentlemen have the option of wearing a suit. However keep in mind that it should still be navy or black and be accompanied by a white shirt and understated tie – I, however would beg to differ with wearing understated anything. Ladies, no such luck.
If you find yourself on the receiving end of a White Tie event, baby…you’ve made it!! This event classification is usually only reserved for the most posh, sophisticated and expensive of events…think, Presidential Inauguration Ball – so your attire should directly reflect that. What does THAT look like?
Well, regardless of your budget, it should look like A MILLION BUCKS!! Ladies, you should immediately start to envision formal gowns, decorative beading, or exceptionally chic faux fur. Gloves aren’t mandatory but are always a good idea in cold weather climates. Complete the look with spicy red lipstick and elegant upsweep but keeps details like nail polish and makeup simple. Less will always be more at a white tie affair.
Gentlemen, your attire looks a little something like this – a black tailcoat, matching pants with two satin stripes running down the sides, a white tie, white vest and white wing-collar shirt, white gloves, black socks that are long enough to cover your shins and black patent dress shoes. You may want to also consider wearing a overcoat if it’s cold outside but again, gloves are not a mandatory accessory.
Business Formal is probably most often reserved for events that occur during the week and in the early evening hours and all it means is nice office attire. So ladies you’ll want to save sexy for the cocktail party and instead reach for a dressy suit or conservative dress. Meanwhile men your suit options can range the entire color spectrum, regardless of whether or not it is light or dark. I can’t say to the men enough how important socks and shoes are. NOTHING is sexy about seeing you all prettied up and then look down and see sweat socks hiding inside of severely scoffed shoes.
Things tend to get tricky when Business Casual is the dress code, after all the type of venue and company can mean all of the difference between wearing a suit jacket versus a pair of jeans. Regardless, your outfit should always say “I am a professional. I am here”. And whether female or male that statement should only be a dressier version of your casual clothes – so envision, a pretty sweater or blouse with khakis, slacks or a pencil skit for the ladies and a collared shirt with slack or khakis and a pair of loafers for the gentlemen. I would encourage you to stay away from jeans but if you must, only wear the darkest pair you own and make sure they aren’t frayed, faded or ripped.
As I mentioned earlier you’ll want to bring sexy back if the invitation requests Cocktail Attire / Cocktail Attire Festive. Chicas, have fun with it and pair a sexy pair of sandals with a flowy knee-length dress or tailored trouser pants, work your hair into a playful high ponytail or flirty curls, add some shimmer and lip gloss and strut your stuff!!
Gentlemen, you may not have to wear a tie but you might want to consider concealing one inside of your jacket pocket until you can be sure. Don a colorful button down shirt with a pair of dark tailored dress pants and nice soft or hard-bottom shoes.
Still in Doubt? You have options. You can always call the host to ask what is appropriate for the event or you can take my advice and overdress. Who doesn’t want to look better than everyone else in the room and if asked, you can always fib and say you’re on your way to another party.
Happy Partying!!
Following the post, A Guide to Your Wedding Stationery, I received quite a few emails asking for additional assistance on how to word wedding programs. Sounded simple, but what I quickly realized is that with the ever evolving definition of family, invitations can become very challenging for the DIY bride. So we’ve sought out the most tricky of situations and provided the appropriate wording for each.
IF YOUR WEDDING IS BEING GIVEN BY YOUR MOTHER & FATHER:
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick A. Jones
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Veronica Jones
to
Bradley Ian Joseph
at the Venetian Club
Saturday, the Fourth of October
Six o’clock in the evening
IF YOUR WEDDING IS BEING GIVEN BY YOU & THE GROOM:
Veronica Jones
and Bradley Ian Joseph
request the honor of your presence
at their marriage
(etc.)
IF YOUR WEDDING IS BEING GIVEN BY YOUR MOTHER & YOUR FATHER IS DECEASED:
Mrs. Patrick A. Jones
requests the honor of your presence
at the marriage of her daughter
Veronica Jones
(etc.)
>>>If your mother has remarried, use her present husband’s name:
Mr and Mrs. Franklin C. Jamison
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of her daughter
Veronica Jones
(etc.)
IF YOUR WEDDING IS BEING GIVEN BY YOUR MOTHER & YOUR PARENTS ARE DIVORCED:
use your mother’s maiden name plus your fathers last name
Mrs. Rose Nelson Jones
requests the honor of your presence
at the marriage of her daughter
Veronica Jones
(etc.)
IF YOUR WEDDING IS BEING GIVEN BY YOUR FATHER & EITHER OF YOUR PARENTS ARE DIVORCED OR YOUR MOTHER IS DECEASED:
Mr. Patrick A. Jones
requests the honor of your presence
at the marriage of his daughter
Veronica Jones
(etc.)
>>>If your father has remarried:
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick A. Jones
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of his daughter
Veronica Jones
(etc.)
IF YOUR WEDDING IS BEING GIVEN BY YOUR DIVORCED PARENTS & EACH HAS REMARRIED:
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick A. Jones
and
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin L. Morrison
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Veronica Jones
(etc.)
When finalizing the wording of your wedding invitations, keep in mind that the examples above follow the formal traditional invitation wording used most often with religious or interfaith ceremonies. If you’re not the traditional kind or planning a secular ceremony, consider including opening statements such as “With Joy in Their Hearts” or “Celebrate the Love of…”. You might also want to consider changing traditional statements such as “request the honor of your presence at the marriage of…” to something more playful like “laugh, dance, dine, and celebrate the wedding of…”
Be as casual or formal as your wedding vision requires but remember not to get so caught up in the details that you forget that your wedding planning process is supposed to be fun. If you need assistance penning the text of your invitations or can’t think of suitable wording to fit your particular situation email us or leave a comment below.
Add an exclamation mark to the beautiful bridal statement you’ll be making with these heavy metal shoe choices.
Christian Dior Metallic Calfskin Platform Slingback
Valentino Rosette Metallic Peep-toe Pumps
Nicholas Kirkwood Peep-Toe Platform Pump
Alexander McQueen Meteorite Metallic Stiletto
Christian Louboutin Metallic and Pink Stiletto
Gold Metallic Beach Bridal Shoe
While the reception is perhaps the most entertaining section of the wedding day, the ceremony is the most important. Therefore it should be intimately reflective of the values and character of the union you are establishing through the exchange of your vows. It’s for this reason that choosing your Officiant may be one of the most important vendors you hire to be present on your wedding day. If you don’t already have someone who can officiate your wedding, here are some things to consider when you are choosing one:
DECIDE WHAT TYPE OF WEDDING CEREMONY YOU WANT TO HAVE.
There are 3 basic wedding ceremonies: Religious, Secular or Interfaith. Choose which of the following statements closest describes the type of faith-based wedding ceremony you should explore:
If you chose statement 1, consider a religious ceremony and choose the priest, rabbi or minister from your place of worship. If you don’t regularly attend religious services, search for churches or synagogues in your area. Each will have a clergy person who performs wedding ceremonies.
If you chose statement 2, consider a secular ceremony and ask your county clerk for a list of state credentialed Justices of the Peace to contact, starting with those that live closest to the location of your ceremony.
If you chose statement 3, consider an interfaith ceremony. You might be able to find a nondenominational minister who can incorporate elements of both religions into the ceremony, or you might want to start searching for two officiants!
DECIDE THE TYPE OF VENUE THAT IS APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR CEREMONY.
Once you’ve decided on the type of ceremony you want to have you’ll need to consider your venue. A Religious or Interfaith wedding ceremony will most traditionally take place Temple, Church or similar building of worship and you may be able to choose a minister from among its staff of clergy. If your secular wedding ceremony leads you to an outdoor or nontraditional venue, be sure your Officiant is comfortable with conducting the ceremony outside of a formal place of worship.
RESEARCH YOUR OPTIONS.
If you are unable to select an Officiant from the roster of clergymen provided by your religious or interfaith venue, you’ll want to keep a few additional things in mind as you continue your search. First, each state has their own marriage laws so not all Officiants are created equal. Just because someone can perform a ceremony in Washington doesn’t always mean they can perform one in Arkansas so make sure that the ordination your officiant has is legal in the state you are getting married in. The rules for NJ, PA, CT, NY, and DE are as follows:
You may also consider asking a close friend or family member to Officiate your wedding ceremony but before you go this route, make sure you check the list of check the list of state marriage laws. A few states—such as California, Massachusetts, and Alaska will grant one-day Deputy Commissioner of Marriage status.
Online directories such as PartyPop.com’s Directory of Officiants , Onewed’s Vendor Search Tool and The Knot’s Local Wedding Resources are great starting points for couples who have no idea where to begin looking for a ceremony Officiant. Twitter is also an excellent resource and we highly recommend following our mobile wedding officant friends over at WedonWheels.
…Did you know that I am an ordained nondenominational officiant and can legally sign a marriage license. It’s not one of the main services offered by SocialBFly but it is the ultimate tool in my wedding emergency kit!
You may also consider asking a close friend or family member to Officiate your wedding ceremony but before you go this route, make sure you check the list of state marriage laws. A few states – such as California, Massachusetts and Alaska – will grant regular individuals one-day Deputy Commissioner of Marriage status.
INTERVIEW YOUR POSSIBILITIES.
Get to know the officiants that you are considering so that you can make an informed decision. Conduct interviews to find the wedding Officiant who can best represent your beliefs. During the interview, you’ll want to ask the following questions:
SEAL THE DEAL.
Once you’ve interviewed and selected the Officiant you think best fits your wedding , schedule a meeting to write down the detailed vendor agreement. You’ll want to make sure it includes a clear breakdown of prices, cancellation policies, expected arrival times on the day of your wedding and a realistic backup plan should anything prevent them from physically carrying out the agreement.
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