The History of Engagement Rings from Gemvara

Happy Friday. This infographic on the history of engagement rings from Gemvara is great. It wasn't always diamonds and platinum with engagement rings. Popular choices in history include rubies, claddagh rings and even thimbles. In the graphic below, you will find out why it's custom to wear the ring on your fourth finger, what the 4 C's are in picking a gem and much more.

original post here

Bouquet Trends To Make Every Wedding Special

article courtesy of 1-800-Registry

Now that wedding season is in full bloom, here are some bridal bouquet trends from wedding expert Linda Williams, Vice President Marketing, Wedding Services at 1-800-Registry {the first full-service wedding advisory for brides and grooms for weddings and honeymoons}.

Below is a list provided by Linda Williams on some of the latest bridal bouquet trends for the fall wedding season:

One Large Bloom – This season brides are walking down the aisle with bouquets that make a dramatic and elegant statement.  By using only one large bloom, such as peonies or dinner plate dahlias, and minimal green, brides succeed as well as being cost effective, since there’s minimal floral.

Left: Petal and Print {photo by Flutterglass Photography} | Right: Martha Stewart Weddings

One Flower En Masse – This season, as opposed to mixing and matching different floral pieces for bouquets, brides are using one flower grouped together. For example, a bouquet solely of pink roses is both gorgeous as well as being a great statement piece alongside a simple, white gown. In this case, brides are taking the “simple is more” approach.

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A Glamorous Yellow and Pink Wedding Candy Buffet with Pearls + Beads

Remember when I said this month was all about the colors yellow, grey, black and maybe another color thrown in for fun? Well, we're ending the month with an amazing candy buffet that features yellow and a bit of grey with a hot pink background. Such a striking color combo. This spectacular display comes from Kristina of Princess Wedding Co. Kristina joins us today to share a few tips on creating a great candy buffet yourself. I will now turn it over to Kristina . . .

I have been a fan of candy buffets for many years and I thought that I would share a few tips on creating a great candy buffet if you want to do it yourself.  However, there are some companies nationwide that provide the services for you. 

Main thing to remember when creating a candy display is to stick with 1- 3 colors. It will create an elegant and chic look. Choose many clear glass containers that are different shapes and sizes. Also use colored ribbon around vases to add accent.  You can use any candy for the buffet (TIP: lollipops, m&m’s, and round gum always look fabulous). Candy can be used as yummy favors for your guest to take home and adds fun for the guests. So remember to provide containers for your guest to put candy in. Those containers may be Chinese paper boxes (TIP: add silk ribbon, for extra effect), mini metal bins, or mini glass containers. 

Candy buffets adds a beautiful touch to any event. Be creative and have fun with it.

Vendors:
Photography: Mayya Dolis, Princess Wedding Co.
Design: Kristina Breffitt, Princess Wedding Co.

For the Guys : The Tuxedo and Suit Collection from G. Alexander

G. Alexander was formed on the foundation that quality and style do matter. Their tuxedos are manufactured in the USA which allows them to work side by side with the designers, production personnel and their clients to create looks that stand out from the crowd. As Michael from G. Alexander Tuxedo Collection writes, "From the beautiful superfine fabrics, the classic styling and the amazing fit, the first time you try on a G. Alexander tuxedo you know you are wearing something special".

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Hot Trends for Fall Weddings

Article Courtesy of Susanna from K.i.s.s. Wedding Ideas

Fabulous fall is upon us, and it's time to fall in love… with all the great new styles, shades and decorations we’re seeing at fall weddings! This season, forget the typical tired old fall fashions – it’s all about hot colors and even hotter ideas. The weather might be cooling off, but the mercury on our trend-ometer is going through the roof!

Fall Wedding Colors
Cool turquoise and sunny yellow might have been the hot choices for summer, but I’m guessing we’re going to see a move towards a much richer palette of jewel tones this season. Think luscious emerald, glittering garnet and rich, romantic ruby. Think dark and delicious and hot, hot, hot!

Fall Themes
Vintage is the catchphrase this season… I’m imagining the Mad Men era, with its elegance and classic charm. Can’t you just picture it? Cigars, whisky bars and sultry tunes – what could be classier? I’d give the bridal party a real 50s look, have some gorgeous pics taken in a classic car, and use real vintage pieces sourced from antique shops or flea markets to create centerpieces and favors. Click here for more fabulous wedding reception decoration ideas.

Food for Thought
Foodies are the new yuppies, I reckon, so you really can’t cut corners on your fall wedding menu. I think there’s going to be an emphasis on seasonal fare and dishes created out of typical fall foods – pumpkin, squash, nuts, apples, and so on. That goes for serving too! I love innovative ways of dishing up each course, and what could be cuter than pumpkin soup in mini hollowed-out pumpkins?

Shabby Chic Centerpieces
Forget perfectly coifed centerpieces – they’re so 2010. Instead, I’m envisioning a move towards a really unique look, a kind of mix-and-match of vases, glass jars and other eclectic finds. The look is funky and unusual and definitely not run-of-the-mill. Best of all? It’s cheaper, and easier. Remember ladies – keep it simple and special. You can’t go wrong.

The great thing about a fall wedding is that you can move away from conventional flowers and really get creative with pumpkins, candles, squashes, sheaves of wheat, nuts and leaves. Looking for inspiration? You’ll find some great fall wedding centerpieces here…

Bridal Looks
Just as vintage style dresses are making a comeback, so too are retro hairstyles and accessories. No more too-tight chignons ladies – the look for fall is long, loose and curly. If you're set on an up-do, make it a simple one… a loose bun with a few curls pulled out is perfect. And who says you need a full-on long veil? I'm anticipating a lot more brides are going to go for chic Art Deco hairpieces, with feathers and pearls and crystals. Classy and contemporary – what’s not to love??

K.i.s.s Wedding Ideas, created by Susanna, is full of inspiration and tips to help you keep it simple and special for perfect weddings on any budget.

Autumn Wedding Trends Not To Be Missed

article courtesy of Simply Perfect by Melissa

Brides will Fall For These Seasonal Must-Dos

Gone are pink carnations, strappy sandals and outdoor weddings and back are cozy, warm colors and foods to give weddings that perfect seasonal touch. Expert Wedding Planner Melissa Phillips of Simply Perfect by Melissa is giving us the latest and greatest of Fall Wedding Trends to look out for:

Pies: Pies are taking over the wedding cake or cupcake trend. Dessert tables will display different seasonal pies for guests to satisfy their sweet tooth.

photo from Jeanne Oliver Designs

Navy + Charcoal: Navy is the new brown and charcoal is the new black. These deep colors will be seen in bridesmaid dresses and wedding color themes alike.  

Metallics: Metallics are taking over accents. Coppers will be seen in shoes, small accents in decorations and more. These accent colors will really tie in with the navy and charcoal.

Soups: People always feel like the first course needs to be a salad, but salads are going by the wayside to make room for seasonal soups. People will also use unique bowls like a mini squash or an apple hollowed out to serve a hearty fall soup in. Many can also opt to serve a smaller soup to accompany a smaller salad.

photo from Food Network

Sleeves: Wedding dresses are going to leave the trend of strapless and spaghetti straps to show more sleeves. Bolero Jackets will also be added to dresses to give off a warmer fall look with a wedding dress. This is a trend we are seeing based on the Royal Wedding this past summer.

photos from bhldn | handmade by fasOla

About Simply Perfect: Simply Perfect by Melissa works for and with their customers to deliver exceptional event coordination solutions. The customer focus helps them to understand and deliver your event vision. They offer exceptional service, value, extensive industry knowledge, and quality vendor relationships to create your Simply Perfect event. Their relationships with clients, colleagues, and partners are based on collaboration, communication and integrity. The services Simply Perfect by Melissa offers is a range from complete wedding planning months prior to your wedding day to sudden problems or challenges that occur the day of your wedding.  For more information on Simply Perfect by Melissa visit www.simplyperfectbymelissa.com. 

Weddings Trends for Summer 2011, as seen at The Wedding Salon

Mismatched Florals, Classic Mixed with Modern & Cocktail Style
Receptions are amongst the Hottest Trends for the Season Ahead

The Wedding Salon recently held their latest show in NYC. "We were thrilled to be able to celebrate such a memorable occasion with some of the top names in the industry including Sylvia Weinstock, Shawn Rabideau, Le Cirque & Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings in addition to over 1000 New York Brides!  We look forward to seeing all the trends from The Wedding Salon come to life in the season ahead," says Wedding Salon Founder and renowned Celebrity Event Planner, Tatiana Byron.

The ultimate trend that was seen at The Wedding Salon was a mix of classic and modern a true homage to Kate Middleton. Flowers by Topaz showcased this perfect mix with a display of roses for the ultra classic bride mixed with orchids for the ultra-modern woman. Shades of black, yellow and white were another modern twist on a classic look. Shawn Rabideau (of Bethenny Getting Married fame) also embraced the mix of traditional with modern by accenting antique china over an organic burlap linen. Rabideau further highlighted the modern twist my mixing a variety of flowers including pansies, hyacinth and tulips underneath a cascading willow centerpiece. {seen in photo below}

David Tutera designed a table fit for a modern queen for Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings that additionally embraced the classic mixed with modern by mismatching tulips, roses and hydrangea with orchids & lilies. These mismatched florals cascaded over a classic display of china with floating candles and tea lights over regal silver linens.

Le Cirque revealed that although brides will always go for a classic sit down dinner, a huge trend in Summer 2011 will be the cocktail reception with passed mini-meals – Lobster Ravioli, Mini-Short Ribs, Mini Tuna Tartare and all the classic plates a bride and groom love but in a more informal setting. As for dessert, Le Cirque explained that brides are opting for more simplistic cakes, but instead choosing elaborate dessert displays with truffles, chocolate treats and macarons. Events by Devi of Top Chef fame reiterated the huge trend of cocktail style receptions with brides opting for more Asian flavors.

Another modern twist on a classic, the sleek silhouettes in the couture fashion show by The White Gown with figure fitting gowns showcasing the bride’s gorgeous figures. Jaehee Bridal additionally showcased these sleek silhouettes with classic Jenny Packham and Claire Pettibone gowns, a perfect fit for a classic but modern royal bride.