SmartBride Boutique Blogs

Gem of the Day: San Patrick Used Wedding Dress

This A Line San Patrick Bahamas used wedding dress is today's Gem of the Day! It's 30% Off its original designer price, and brand new with tags!

Angelina Jolie Wedding Dress Predictions

Brangelina! It’s happening! Finally! I don’t think we’re alone in our excitement to see how this wedding will come together.

Angelina will reportedly be wearing a L’Wren Scott creation, as she feels this designer “understands her body the most”. Our best guess is that Angelina’s gown will not defer too greatly from her red carpet looks, which have lately been pretty conservative with edgy, sexy touches. Her wedding gown will undoutedly be unique, and probably won’t scream “wedding”. We don’t doubt that she’ll show off some leg and her famous tattoos, as she has before.

We applaud Angelina for taking risks. She pulls off edgy and sexy without being too over-the-top. While you may not feel comfortable with a huge slit down the front of your wedding dress (we don’t blame you) you can still can channel your inner Angelina with these SmartBrideBoutique.com options that are now available in our shop! Bonus: all of these secondhand wedding dresses are under $1,500.

Demetrios 1386 - Sheath Used Wedding Dress For Sale 50% Off ($1,199)

Backless Ivory - A Line Preowned Wedding Dress - New with tags! $50 Off ($350)

Jim Hjelm 8859 - Ivory V-Neck Trumpet Used Wedding Dress For Sale 65% Off ($449)

Marc Jacobs - Ivory V-Neck Preowned Wedding Dress - New with tags! 30% Off ($1,399)

Gem of the Day: Justin Alexander Used Wedding Dress

This mermaid Justin Alexander wedding gown is today's Gem of the Day! It's $300 Off its original designer price, and brand new with tags!

Have you seen yesterday's Gem of the Day?

Gem of the Day: Justin Alexander Used Wedding Dress

This tea length Justin Alexander ball gown is today's Gem of the Day! At $450 Off its original designer price, it's a steal.

Have you seen yesterday's Gem of the Day?

Gem of the Day: Vera Wang Used Wedding Dress

A gorgeous Vera Wang Gemma used wedding gown is today's GOTD! It is 35% Off ($3,500) its original designer price.

You should also check out:

Yesterday's GOTD This post on Jennifer Aniston's wedding dress predictions used wedding dresses

Gem of the Day: Lazaro Used Wedding Gown

This Lazaro A-line used wedding gown is today's GOTD, at 40% Off ($3,800).

You should also check out:

Yesterday's GOTD This post on the Top 10 Wedding Planning Apps Our huge selection of used wedding dresses

Rent vs Buy

When it comes to all things wedding, sometimes it's appropriate to buy, but other times it makes more sense to rent.

Buy: A really awesome cake stand

A unique cake stand is something you can use forever. As home decor, for children's birthdays and Holidays, etc. Every time you see it sittin' pretty on your kitchen counter, and every time you place goodies on it to display, it'll remind you of your wedding day. Perfect.

Cost to Buy: $120 from Sarah's Stands Cost to Rent: $35 from Principle Planner Rents

12 inch Sea of Love Cake Stand from Sarah's Stands

Buy: The Groom's Suit

You don't want your man to be in a suit that's too baggy, too long, and just looks a little bit off when you see him for the first time as you're walking down the aisle. Get him a suit that fits, one that he can wear again and again because it's perfect for him (your wedding pictures will thank you too).

Cost to Buy: around $1,100 for a custom suit from Got Style Cost to Rent: around $150 from Moores Custom Suit from Got Style

Buy: Your wedding dress

Rental wedding dresses have been worn by many women. This means multiple alterations, holes, etc. It also feels a little less special wearing a rented dress. It's not yours, handpicked by you. Buying a second hand wedding dress is still cost conscious, but it's only been worn by one bride, and only altered once. This means less taking in and letting out, which isn't great for the dress. Buying also allows you to purchase a designer wedding gown that you can own forever, but for a sliver of the original price.

Cost to Buy: $750 Used Wedding Gown (40% Off) from SmartBrideBoutique.com Cost to Rent: around $200 to $650 from Best for Bride

Maggie Sottero Used Wedding Gown from SmartBrideBoutique.com

Rent: Bridesmaids Dresses

As much as you don't want to believe it, and no matter how many times they say they will, your bridesmaids will probably never wear their bridesmaids dresses again. Rent them! It was save everyone some extra money.

Cost to Rent: around $90 from Rent Frock Repeat Cost to Buy: $338 from BCBG

Black Strapless Dress with with Lace Bustier Bridesmaid Dress from Rent Frock Repeat

Rent: Chair covers & linens

It’s just too much to store decor items like chair covers, because of the sheer number of them. Chair covers have an excellent chance of getting stained and damaged during the reception; they’re bad investments. Renting these items is a money saver, and will relieve you the responsibility of having to store them post-wedding.

Cost to Rent: $300 for 200 Chair Covers from Angel Chair Cover Cost to Buy: $575 for 200 Chair Covers from eFavorMart

Banquet Chair Cover from Angel Chair Cover

Gem of the Day: Alyne Bridal Used Wedding Dress

Introducing our first Gem of the Day!

A GOTD is a beautiful, on trend used wedding dress for up to half the designer price.

This Alyne Bridal Jacklyn used wedding gown is 70% Off ($600).

Predictions: Jennifer Aniston's Wedding Dress

Celebrity wedding season is upon us!

As we all know, Jennifer Aniston is getting married - again! We’re actually pretty happy for her. Her wedding, also starring actor Justin Theroux, should be happening any day now, and word on the street is that Jen has not yet picked out her wedding dress!

On the red carpet, she usually opts for floor length , a line or empire silhouettes that accentuate her small waist and flow to the ground. At this year’s Oscars, Jennifer Aniston rocked a stunning, show-stoppin’ red Valentino gown. We’re thinking she might walk down the aisle in her wedding dress in a similar red carpet look.

We had fun looking through all the different designer options from SmartBrideBoutique.com we thought Jennifer Aniston might wear. Want to copy Jennifer Aniston’s look for less? All of these lovely used wedding dresses are $1,500 and under.

Watters Mimi

Empire Preowned Wedding Dress $200 Off ($800)

Amsale Calista

Empire Used Wedding Dress 70% Off ($1,350)

Watters Strapless

Empire Preowned Wedding Dress $400 Off ($1,000)

Enzoani Gertrude Strapless

A Line Used Wedding Dress 30% Off ($1,500)

Pronovias Sweetheart

A Line Preowned Wedding Dress 50% Off ($1,500)

Top 10 Wedding Planning Apps For Mobile

A spreadsheet or to-do list can often be a bride's best friend, helping keep track of everything from invite lists to budgets. But in the age of smartphones and tablets, there's no need to put pen to paper to make sure the perfect day goes off without a hitch. From finding a ring, to planning the wedding, to helping guests share photos from the night, here are SmartBride's picks for the top 10 wedding-related apps.

Read on for the Top 10 Wedding Planning Apps.

The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner app - This free app from popular wedding website The Knot aims to cover all the wedding planning bases, with a checklist feature, budget tracker, and ideas for cakes, dresses, and other big day essentials. It syncs up with users' accounts on TheKnot, so will likely be most useful for anyone already using that planning tool.
Snapable - 10 years ago the best way to share photos after a wedding was to put disposable cameras on each table. Not so anymore, where each guest is a photographer and their smartphone usually holds a treasure trove of event photos. Now you can use Snapable, an app for iPhone and Android that lets guests share their event photos with the bride and groom. Create an album for your wedding, then guests can either upload the photos they took on their digital camera, or use the mobile app to automatically add photos and videos to your wedding album.
Wanderable - For anyone who wants to keep track of their gift registry and thank yous on the go, Wanderable is a great option. Specifically meant for those looking to create a honeymoon registry, Wanderable's iPhone app lets couple upload details about their dream honeymoon, and guests can then contribute to the overall cost, or specific experiences (maybe snorkeling in Hawaii). Even better, couples can automatically send postcard thank yous via the app to save time on thank you cards when they get back from their dream trip.
AppyCouple - For anyone who wants a cross-platform wedding website accessible on any device, it's AppyCouple to the rescue. For $28, couples can create their own wedding website, accompanying app for iPhone, iPad, or Android, and branded emails. Upload event details and photos, send an invite to guests who can then join the event with a unique code, and keep everyone updated.
Tiffany Engagement Ring Finder - This app is for any potential brides who are looking to find their perfect engagement ring. Users can view Tiffany rings, and see what they would look like on their hand. Even more important, users can change the carat size, so you can see if that ring looks just as good when it's a big smaller than the celebrity size.
Pinterest - While there are Pinterest-like sites devoted solely to weddings, notably Tailored.co and Lover.ly, neither of those sites have mobile apps. So when it comes to wedding inspiration on the go, Pinterest is still the best option. With versions for iPhone, iPad, and Android, Pinterest is pretty much the best way to find ideas for the perfect wedding dress, hairstyle, decor, invitations...you name it, you'll find it in this app.
Etsy - For anyone looking to add homemade or unique items to their wedding day decor or attire, Etsy is a great option. The DIY marketplace has a great mobile app that lets users browse everything from glamorous headpieces to custom stationery, favourite any items they love, and order right from the app.
Nike Training Club - If you're on a pre-wedding workout plan, Nike Training Club is a great app for iPhone and Android that gives you pre-set training plans. Think a pocket personal trainer, but without the hefty price tag (the app is free). Also includes calorie counting in case you need to track the tequila shots at your bachelorette party.
Guidepal - If you're taking your smartphone or tablet on your honeymoon, forget lugging around a guidebook and download Guidepal. These beautiful travel guides are available for over 60 cities, and for users on iPhone, iPad, Android, and Windows 8 devices. Whether you're going to Bangkok or Buenos Aires, Guidepal's guides include everything from the essential local information, to recommendations on everything from restaurants to local activities. The best part is they're accessible offline, so if you turn off your data while you're abroad you can still access the app.
Avacado - This simple app lets you keep your groom to be in the loop with all the dates, appointments, deadlines and more with a shared calendar. You can create a shared to do list to make sure you're on top of tasks, and even collect photos of venues, cake choices and other details you contemplate along the way.

Quick tips for using technology in your wedding planning:

Back up your device often to protect your wedding planning details, photos and notes stored on your phone.
Grab a protective cover for your phone or tablet. We liked the simple clear protective skin to reduce scratches, but grab an actual cover or case if you're hard on your devices. If you're taking lots of notes, check out the handy case & bluetooth keyboard combo from Snugg.
Go with a tablet for a bigger screen which allows you to look at photos, floorplans, quotes and other documents with ease. Plus, you can download tons of wedding related books and planners, novels for your honeymoon and more!

Here's a chart comparing tablet options. SmartBride has tested the Kobo Arc and iPad mini.

How does your wedding planning stack up? Dare to compare?

We're very disappointed in you! 16% of you haven't taken a honeymoon yet? Seriously, get out there and get relaxing.

Compare how much time you spend planning your wedding each week, your wedding colors, the number of months before you said "I love you", and most popular venues, wedding days of the week and months of the year.

Should Wedding Planning Be a Democracy?

Well, the team at Brides managed to pull it off - but we're still not sure that wedding planning should be a democracy. Can you imagine letting the general public decide on your wedding cake, colors, dress and makeup?

Ever heard of the term "there are too many cooks in the kitchen"? That an idea has been "watered down"?

It's easy to fall into this trap if you let too many people inject their own ideas of what your wedding should be into YOUR wedding.

Are you letting your friends and family weigh in on your wedding choices? Would you ever leave your wedding up to the public to plan?

See more of Briana and Jason's wedding held at the St. Regis Monarch Beach in Dana Point, CA, put on by Bride's Magazine and planned ALL OF YOU with the help of Xochitl and Mayra, founders of A.a.B. Creates
Here's a recap of all the decisions this wedding democracy produced, plus a few of the voting choices below.

In the end, the wedding planners didn't really leave too much to chance. All the cakes were fairly similar, hopefully the couple liked the band that played, after all, people were only voting on their first song.

It's not a Bridal Show, it's a Bridal Rebellion - Join us April 13th in NYC

Yes, L-O-V-E is 100% awesome but planning the BIG day ain’t exactly a walk down the aisle.

No fear, my dear. Break out the bubbly & celebrate your upcoming launch into matrimony with Bridal Rebellion LIVE in NYC April 13, 2013. See the list of speakers and what you'll learn during the day. Tickets are $45 for brides and include one complimentary ticket for a guest (bridesmaid, partner, sister, or whomever you choose.)

It’s a one-day course for Brides and their lovely Bridesmaids, full of inspiration + actionable practices that will transform their wedding into one helluva life-changing day. Kinda like a lean MBA program for Brides (Masters of Bridal Administration, get it?).

After all, managing wedding plans is like running a business. You are the CEO. If you’re lucky, your fiance is your Executive Assistant. Either way, you’re managing a myriad of departments + people just like a corporation.

You’ve got your Finance Department -> eeek wedding budget! Then there’s Marketing -> branding, style, and invitation design. Gotta love the endearing Tech Department -> create the website and iPhone app, please! And don’t forget the most important department, Production. This crew ensures your big day is smooth and successful. Play nice with ‘em.

Oh yeah, and you know how there’s a rumor that weddings tend to be a tad bit stressful? You have an HR Department to handle that mess!

So you see, Bridal Rebellion will introduce you to the savviest disruptive wedding innovators (we’re inviting the HOTTEST wedding+tech companies to join us) as we dive deep into the heart of the M.Bridal.A. Best of all, you’ll be surrounded by 50+ visionary Brides that totally understand you. You’ll bond over bubbly. Blimey!

Did we mention 15% of all ticket proceeds will go toward The Lower Eastside Girls Club of New York? The Girls Club is a nonprofit focused on raising the next generation of environmental, entrepreneurial & ethical leaders. Cheers to that. We’re also collecting gently-used bridesmaid dresses at Bridal Rebellion. These dresses will be donated to members of the Girls Club for prom night. Start digging through your closet!

Expect to leave the day floating high (lots of champagne, of course) with an extra dash of panache, creative mojo, smart planning tips + tools, and innovative social impact practices for your wedding. And remember, you’re more than the Bride, you’re the CEO of Love, Inc. Do it your way.

And who doesn’t need yet another excuse to celebrate your engagement? Check out the ah-mazing speaker line-up and register today to reserve your spot!

Sweet & Sustainable Espadrilles for the Whole Bridal Party

Are you having a spring, summer or destination wedding? We've found the perfect ethical, sustainable and well... totally styling wedding accessory for you.

The dynamic duo behind Alice & Whittles is out to change the world one pair of shoes at a time. No, it's not just another Toms... Founders Sofi and Nick have worked for the United Nations in Asia, North Africa and Europe and have seen first hand the amazing skills and ingenuity present in many third world countries despite few resources. They designed a product and a manufacturing process to directly aid the types of global citizens they worked so closely with along the way.

Take a look at their video below and you'll see not only the passion for a new way of responsible consumerism, but an incredible strategy behind a for-profit company helping to change the world, one pair of shoes at a time. Already sold on the idea? Pre-order Now!

From organic farming and hand weaving in India to artisan manufacturers in France, Alice & Whittle espadrilles are a simple shoe, made with respect.

What makes Alice & Whittles so cool? Sustainable Development
An alternative to charity. Supporting marginalized communities by promoting local skills and traditions, these ways:

Fair trade. Purchasing hand-woven canvas from weaving co-ops at fair trade prices.
Social responsibility. Providing health insurance, training, low-cost infrastructure and no interest advance payments through local NGOs.
Accountability. Working directly with the people who have a hand in making our product, so they benefit from the sale.

If you want to support the cause AND look wicked-cool on your wedding day, here's how to buy: Just the Bride - $89 USD: EMBROIDERED: Receive one pair of embroidered espadrilles - perfect for dancing the night away at your reception or a walk down the ocean front aisle. You'll also receive a shoe bag and a thank you email or tweet. International shipping available. Estimated delivery: Jun 2013 Buy now

For just the bride and groom - $159 USD: LE DOUBLE 2: Receive two pairs of espadrilles. For your first pair choose between bright colours or bold prints. For your second pair receive embroidered espadrilles - a good option if your weekend away includes an evening out. You'll also get two shoe bags to pack them in and a thank you email or tweet. International shipping available. Estimated delivery: Jun 2013 Buy now

For the whole wedding party - $796 USD: THE WEDDING PARTY: Planning a destination wedding? Pledge £525 and receive ten pairs to dress the wedding party: five embroidered pairs for the girls + five pairs for the guys in bright colors and/or bold prints. You'll receive shoe bags with each pair of espadrilles and a thanks you / congratulations email or tweet! International shipping available. Estimated delivery: Jun 2013 Buy now

Size Chart:

White Embroidered

FAQs:

How do I choose the color / print and shoe size? Once our campaign is successful, we'll send you an email requesting your desired colors / prints and shoe sizes. We'll also request the address that you would like your espadrilles shipped to.

Is Alice & Whittles certified Organic and Fair Trade?

We are currently working with organic farmers and adhering to principles of Fair Trade. We will continue to do so even prior to obtaining the official certification because these principles are fundamentally important to the sustainable development of the communities we work in. Currently, through local NGOs we are paying fair prices for our canvas, supporting health insurance and capacity building for the farmers and weavers we work with and engaged in R&D to support improvements in our environmental sustainability (eg. developing methods of producing non chemical dyes for our canvas). We are building long term partnerships with our producers and will be deeply engaged in the supply chain; taking into consideration fair pay, working conditions, advance payments, improving the relative position of women and other disadvantaged groups and continued improvement in environmental standards while building and retaining the trust of our buyers and end consumers.

When is my card charged? If this project is successfully funded, your card will be charged on Tuesday Apr 2, 2:22pm EDT, along with all the other backers of this project.

How can I pay? Visa, Mastercard or AMEX

For more information, you can find Alice and Whittles on: Kickstarter, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Linkedin and on our website. 

Rivini and Alyne Sample Sale: Up to 70% Off Designer Wedding Dresses!

Spring 2013 Wedding Dress Sample Sale!

Brides to Be: Bring your BFFs, your mom.....bring everyone!

Ashton Station Bridal is hosting their Spring 2013 Sample Sale starting Saturday, March 9th and the deals are amazing!

From March 9th to 30th, find a gorgeous Rivini or Alyne wedding gown with savings up to 70% off!

The team at Ashton Station Bridal will help you have an amazing experience finding the dress of your dreams at an unbelievable price. Get all the details on this sample sale below!
Here's the deal:

When: Saturday, March 9th to Saturday March 30th, 2013.

Where: 17A Albert Street, Carleton Place, Ontario K7C 1P3

What: Enjoy up to 70% off a gorgeous designer Rivini or Alyne wedding dress!

How: Hurry, make your appointment for best selection. Call 613-240-7616 or email info@ashtonstationbridal.ca. Spaces will fill up quickly!

Don't believe us that the deals are AMAZING? Check out some of these gorgeous dresses that will be available for a steal of a deal! See listings for Ashton Station Sample wedding gowns on SmartBride

From top left to bottom right: Rivini Antoinette for $3600 (Regularly $6000),
Rivini Tippy for $2975 (Regularly $9600),
Rivini Ida for $2950 (Regularly $4650),
Alyne Beth for $1200 (Regularly $2450),
Rivini Violetta for $2475 (Regularly $5060) and
Alyne Lillian for $1499 (Regularly $2465).

For more information, check out AshtonStationBridal.ca

What's on your wedding registry?

Have you decided where to register? Is your husband-to-be involved? Are you asking for cash?

Etiquette and registry options are shifting as more and more couples are living together before marriage, brides and grooms are footing more of the wedding bills rather than relying on their parents, and new registry solutions are helping to facilitate group gifts and registering for everything in one place.

How do you compare??

Courtesy of: Republic Inc.

Harlem Shake Wedding Styles - Are we done yet?

You know how much we love a good internet meme worming it's way into weddings...
(horse mask anyone?).

The Harlem Shake has hit full force, and I think we can all be thankful that it landed BEFORE the major wedding season so we don't have to endure it all summer.

Here are a few of our favorites!

Storm Troopers Shake it Harlem Style

Harlem Shake Indian Wedding

Apparently the Original? Who can believe these Youtube titles anyway?

Black Tie Wedding Harlem Shake

Harlem Shake From the Knot

Harlem Shake From My Wedding

INFOGRAPHIC: Top Celebrity Brides of 2012

A cute little infographic of the most stylish celebrity weddings of 2012 with extra resources for how to create your celebrity wedding look for less from SmartBride:

Jessica Biel - Find a blush wedding gown
Reese Witherspoon - Create Reese's wedding day makeup
Anne Hathaway - 5 Celebrity Dress Trends from Renee Strauss of Brides of Beverly Hills
Drew Barrymore - Find a Maternity Wedding Dress
Natalie Portman - Get Natalie's Look for Less!

Most Stylish Celebrity Brides – An infographic by Brilliance.com and NearlyNewlywed.com

What to Look for in a Wedding Website

These days it's difficult to choose how to set up a wedding website. Almost every big wedding related site has a host of tools including a website feature. Some websites offered integrate with seating charts and RSVP and others offer a custom URL. Problem is, you might prefer a template from an entirely different website provider.

We're getting to the bottom of it. We interviewed the experts at Wix.com to get into the real nitty gritty of wedding websites and what you should look for when choosing a provider.

Top 4 Things to Look for When Choosing a Wedding Website

Customization: Not all Weddings are Created Equal

Look for a wedding website template that allows some customization. Every wedding is not the same - so you might need different tabs or buttons, additional information about registries, details for multiple events or travel itineraries for destination weddings.

Make sure that you start with a nice design you like that has all the basics like: directions, itinerary, accommodations, RSVPs, and registry info. Ensure the site offers the ability to customize each section and layer on custom information and tools where needed like more details about the wedding party or allows you to add an existing blog or tumblr site you update as you plan your wedding.

Here's a helpful video that walks you through what you might want to include on your own website.

Functionality: Custom RSVPs, Photo Galleries & more

Another example is for photo galleries. If you are already using tumblr or flickr for photos and blogging, you should double check whether the website template will allow you to connect various tools in one central location.

Privacy: Wedding Photos & Event Details

When trying to control your guest list, there are inevitably going to be a few cuts. For the same reason you might not post your wedding details and photos all over Facebook, you might want to maintain some level of privacy and control over your wedding website even within your extended network of family and friends, never mind the general public. Look for websites with the option for password protection. You can give your guests the website URL and a password with their invitation and allow them to browse the site at will without opening yourself up to the entire internet.

Thinking Ahead: Wedding Website URL & Templates

Consider looking for a website company that offers more than just wedding website templates. Now that you already have a custom URL, why not update your website using a new design template and turn it into your family photo gallery or blog that you can maintain as your lives change and family grows.

For more information on wedding website templates and services that can take you from wedding planning right through to sharing news of your wedding, honeymoon and family additions, check out Wix.com.

Renee Strauss of Brides of Beverly Hills Shares her Wedding Dress Shopping Secrets and 2013 Trends

On February 10, 2013, you can mix and mingle with Renee Strauss and other wedding industry professionals at the St. Regis Monarch Beach bridal showcase. Watch the couture fashion show highlighting Renee's top trends for 2013 while you sip bubbly and enjoy delicious treats. RSVP (full details below) by February 7th for your complimentary ticket and to be entered to win your honeymoon at the The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico.

Check out Renee's top trends and tips for finding your wedding dress. We're thrilled to give you a sneak preview of the trends you'll drool over at the showcase.

Renee's Top Five Bridal Fashion Trends for 2013:

COLOR & BLUSH WEDDING GOWNS

Jessica Biel, Anne Hathaway, Gwen Stefani & Reese Witherspoon. See more blush wedding gowns

ADD A TOUCH OF BLING

Source: bridalmusings.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

HIGH LOW HEMLINES

More preowned wedding dresses from Monique Lhuillier

TULLE!

Source: smartbrideboutique.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

ANYTHING GOES

Alita Graham Size 6 Wedding Gown - $1400 (50% off)

Renee's Top Wedding Dress Shopping Tips:

DO decide on a BUDGET!

DON'T TAKE AN ENTOURAGE DRESS SHOPPING! Renee says: The BIGGEST mistake bride's make when choosing a wedding dress are being influenced by their HUGE entourage. They are not in tune with their heart and soul when making the purchase, and are too influenced by their friends and family. If the bride is blessed to have her mother or a female confidant like a maid of honor or Aunt - I recommend just bringing one other trusted person to your appointment. Don't bring an entourage - they can all see the dress AFTER the purchase.

Meet Renee Strauss at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Bridal Showcase!

Also enter to win a Five-Night Honeymoon at The St. Regis Bahia Beach!

Guests must RSVP by February 7, 2013 at www.stregismb.com/showcase

Average Wedding Budget: How Does your Wedding Stack up?

Ever wondered how your wedding budget stacks up? Here's a quick look at what brides are expected to spend on their wedding dress, groom's attire, engagement ring, flowers, cakes, decorations and rentals, invitations, photography, t-shirt printing for the bachelorette party and more.

Infographic Courtesy of Wedding Crowd

Trash the Dress vs Fearless Bridal: Vote for your Favorites

Are you having a Trash the Dress photo shoot? or planning a Fearless Bridal session?

We explore how the Trash the Dress theme is evolving in our semi-annual photo gallery on MSN.

Vote below on your favorite

(p.s. there are 3 separate votes!)

Photo courtesy of Eugenio Wilman of The Wedding Traveler

What is a 'Fearless Bridal' shoot?

Halifax photographer, Liam Hennessey, recently dropped the term 'Trash the Dress' in favor of 'Fearless Bridal'. He thought the new term better suited what brides were truly after, a wicked photo shoot in their wedding dress.

Instead of actually trashing the dress with everything from flames, paint and mud, Brides are electing to pick a meaningful theme or location and really go for it.

Get inspired and vote for your favorites below.

And find a wedding photographer near you with our partners, the SnapKnot Directory.

INFOGRAPHIC: What type of bride are you?

Real Green Destination Wedding: That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy

Katie Triolo and Jordan O’Brien were married on May 22, 2008 in Vernazza (Cinque Terre), Italy.

Both Jordan and Katie have always been environmentally conscious, so planning their wedding with eco-friendly elements was more of a foregone conclusion than a decision to be made. At the time, Jordan was working towards his MBA in Sustainable Enterprise & Real Estate Development to go into green building, so he was especially focused on sustainability and the nuances of greening.

Our friends at The Green Bride Guide are sharing a few ways this couple managed to use local materials and create DIY personal touches to make their wedding unique and green.

Location The couple chose to have their wedding in the lovely village of Vernazza, Italy. Vernazza is one of five villages that make up Cinque Terra, Italy, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site and National Park. These remote villages were only connected to the outside world one hundred years ago by a railway line. Today, they maintain an “Old World” simplicity and charm, where walking paths, boats, and trains are the only means of transportation between the villages. Katie, Jordan, and their guests took advantage of this; 90% of their travel to and from wedding events was by train, bus, boat, or foot.
Invitations Katie and Jordan's invitations, locally printed postcards of the location, were sent one year ahead of the wedding to ensure the guests had plenty of time for planning their travel. To save paper, the postcards were the only printed item; all other communication was through the couple's wedding website, email, and phone calls.
Ceremony Jordan and Katie were wed on a breathtakingly beautiful cliff overlooking the sea in front of eighty guests. Vernazza, shaped much like an amphitheater and set atop a rugged mountain, provided such lovely scenery that the couple didn't need any additional decoration for their ceremony.
Flowers & Reception Decor Friends and family picked all of the flowers and herbs from the hills above the village of Vernazza, which were then made into bouquets and boutonnieres, as well as table and napkin décor for the reception. The couple added many DIY touches to their reception as well.
Food & Beverage Jordan and Katie's reception was held at the Gambero Rosso, where the food was locally and sustainably grown and/or caught. According to the couple, “the town is so isolated that most food products must come from within 5 miles.” This also includes the local white wine and limoncello (an Italian lemon liquer).
Local Tradition After the ceremony, Jordan and Katie took part in a wedding tradition singular to Vernazza. From a balcony decorated with tied ribbons symbolizing their union, they tossed chocolates and candies to the crowd of villagers that gathered below.

full recap on GreenBrideGuide.com

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Rustic Chic Destination Wedding: Green Mountain Love

Among the beautiful and majestic White Mountains of Vermont sits an endless amount of opportunities for a beautiful rustic destination wedding.

Source: Orchard Cove Photography.

The Green Mountain State offers couples a destination location located roughy only 5 hours from New York City making VT the perfect weekend wedding destination spot.

Source: Orchard Cove Photography.

This couple, Laura and Pete, chose to have their rustic Vermont destination wedding at The Waybury Inn in East Middlebury, Vermont.

Source: Orchard Cove Photography.

This enchanting destination wedding featured a stunning outdoor ceremony under a birch garden arbor and, with minimal ceremony decorations, the beauty of the mountain range really took center focus.

Source: Orchard Cove Photography.

Many couples invite their guests for a full weekend of traditional New England activities such as apple picking, hiking and and even kayaking.

Source: Orchard Cove Photography.

For more details on this rustic destination wedding, visit the full recap on RusticWeddingsChic.com.

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Top 5 Honeymoon Hotspots

Are you just about done the wedding plans and need to decide where you’re going to spend your honeymoon? Even if you’re planning a destination wedding, it’s not uncommon for the newlyweds to hop to a nearby island for some alone time after the ceremony. You and your spouse deserve an escape to a tropical haven to celebrate your love. The adults only resorts in Sunwing’s Adult Collection are great choices for your honeymoon getaway.

St. James Montego Bay, book at sunwing.ca.

To start your research on honeymoon destinations, we’ve highlighted 5 resorts from our Adult Collection below, all of which offer a special honeymoon package.

Relax at Valentin Imperial Maya (Riviera Maya)
This 5-star beachfront resort features several types of suites, along with those featuring the Privilege Package, which includes private check-in / check-out, fruit basket, reserved pool or beach area, exclusive access to the privilege lounge and more. The resort’s Honeymoon Bonus includes a welcome letter, fruit basket, sparkling wine and a honeymoon in-room breakfast the day after arrival. Since this resort is part of Sunwing’s Relax concept, guests will receive late check-out, a bottle of sparkling tequila in room, unlimited a la carte dining and a couples 15-minute foot massage. Learn More.

Valentin Imperial Maya, book at sunwing.ca.
Relax at Secrets St. James Montego Bay (Jamaica)
Stay at this romantic 5-star luxury honeymoon resort and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. As part of Sunwing's Relax hotels, honeymooners can experience the perfect break away after a busy wedding. Guests can enjoy the luxury features of the Secrets Eternity Honeymoon Package, which includes breakfast in bed with mimosas one morning of your stay, a Tension Release Massage for two, a private beachfront dinner, a choice between a Salt Glow Scrub and European Facial and complimentary Anniversary Nights. Learn More.

St. James Montego Bay, book at sunwing.ca.
Melia Las Antillas (Varadero)
With a 4 1/2 star rating and luxury amenities, this all inclusive beachfront Varadero hotel is the perfect honeymoon spot. Enjoy honeymoon bonuses such as a private check-in, late check-out, flowers in room upon arrival, special room for honeymooners, chocolate and bubbly Cava upon arrival, nightly turn-down service, welcome cocktails, welcome honeymooners gift, a romantic dinner and a dedicated honeymoon coordinator. Learn More.

Melia Las Antillas, book at sunwing.ca.
Punta Cana Princess All Suites (Dominican Republic)
Enjoy VIP treatment, an all inclusive plan, luxury amenities, comfortable deluxe suites and experience hospitality at its finest when you stay at the 4 1/2 star Punta Cana Princess All Suites. Honeymooners are showered with a complimentary Honeymoon Bonus package, which features a fresh fruit basket, nightly turn down service, a complimentary souvenir photo, romantic dinner, special room decorations, late check-out, a bottle of rum and a room with a cozy king size bed. Learn More.

Punta Cana Princess All Suites, book at sunwing.ca.
Relax at Golden Crown Paradise (Puerto Vallarta)
Enjoy VIP treatment, an all inclusive plan, luxury amenities, comfortable deluxe suites and experience hospitality at its finest when you stay at the 4 1/2 star Punta Cana Princess All Suites. Honeymooners are showered with a complimentary Honeymoon Bonus package, which features a fresh fruit basket, nightly turn down service, a complimentary souvenir photo, romantic dinner, special room decorations, late check-out, a bottle of rum and a room with a cozy king size bed. Learn More.

Golden Crown Paradise, book at sunwing.ca.

Let's plan an unforgettable honeymoon together - one filled with love, joy and cherished memories. Sunwing is here to help. Search online using our helpful search engine to find the perfect honeymoon package for you.

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Real Destination Wedding: Love in Paradise

Marjorie Celis & Geoffrey Menezes

Paradise Island, Bahamas November 13, 2010

All photos courtesy of Michael Patrick of Michael Patrick Images

The Background…

Marjorie grew up in Markham, ON Canada and is now a Real Estate Agent as well as a dance teacher. Geoffrey spent his childhood in Toronto, ON Canada, and he works as a Manager at Costco Wholesale.
The Meeting…

Introduced by a mutual high school friend, Marjorie fell in love with Geoffrey at first sight. At only 19 years old, she knew she would marry him one day. After several years of friendship Geoffrey and Marjorie bumped into one other at a picnic in 2002. Marjorie recalls feeling “so over” Geoffrey because he never before showed an interest in her. Geoffrey asked Marjorie out on a date and the couple dated for four years before buying a house together in 2006. Geoffrey proposed in 2009.
The Proposal…

Geoffrey recalls nervously pacing around the living room with the ring in his hand. “My palms began to sweat and my heart was pounding through my chest,” he says. “I had no idea how I was going to do this.” As Marjorie came down the stairs and around the corner, she asked him what he was doing. Geoffrey pulled the ring from behind his back and presented it to her with two simple lines, “Marjorie, I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”

Wedding Destination…

The gorgeous event took place at the Riu Palace in Paradise Island, Bahamas. “We wanted a resort that was all-inclusive and would be easy to travel to since we had family from different parts of the United States joining us, as well as the majority of our guests from the Toronto area.” Marjorie says. “The Riu Palace met all our needs.”

With assistance from their wedding coordinators, Cindy Johnson and Gabi Castillo of Platinum Destinations and Debbie Gilbert from the Riu Palace, Marjorie and Geoffrey planned an impeccable wedding.
And the Bride wore…

A white gossamer chiffon, form-fitting gown by Maggie Sottero. The stunning dress featured a deep V neckline encrusted with intricate hand sewn pewter beading as well as beautiful crystals with halter straps leading to a T-back design.
The Groom sported…

An off-white suit paired with a crisp, white fitted dress shirt by Zara. The look was finalized with a touch of sophistication with a champagne colored tie.

The Feast…

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception in the Calypso Lounge with hors d'oeuvres and champagne. Enticing bites included lobster canapés over smoked salmon, chocolate mousse and German bread, smoked salmon canapés, serrano ham canapés, and caviar canapés.

The newly weds and their guests dined in The Gourmet Room, which is a specialty restaurant at the resort. Each guest had a choice of Salmon, Filet Mignon or Duck L’Orange to feast on. The wedding cake was custom made in vanilla by the Riu Palace.

Unique Wedding Features…

The ceremony was held on an outside terrace that overlooked the ocean with waves crashing into the shore. Two days after the ceremony, the couple along with the bridal party, participated in a “Trash the Dress” photo shoot throughout Paradise Island & Nassau. The memorable event ended with everyone jumping into the Riu Palace pool in their wedding gear. “It was the jump heard around the island.” Geoffrey says. “The Riu staff admitted they had never seen this done before. It was epic.”

In lieu of wedding favours, the couple made a donation to an orphanage located in Western Kenya, near the city of Kitale, known as Baba Nyumbani. Their friend and wedding videographer, Sam “Danger” Pesce of Heldfast Productions, introduced this orphanage to the couple.  
The Honeymoon…

The celebration continued at the Valentin Imperial Maya Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico. See Top 5 Honeymoon Hotspots for more details on this luxurious resort.

“We had an oceanfront suite and the resort was absolutely stunning,” Marjorie says.

Valentin Imperial Maya Resort

Advice from the heart: a parting word from the bride…

Marjorie recommends hiring a destination wedding coordinator and bringing along your own photographer and videographer. “Those are captured memories that will last a lifetime,” she says. It’s also okay to colour outside of the lines sometimes and be untraditional. “Don’t be afraid to do something different,” she says. “It’s your day.”

Congratulations Marjorie and Geoffrey!

Bio: Caribbean Bride magazine is the premier resource for planning weddings and events in the Caribbean. Download Issue 5 on iTunes for more articles and tips to design your perfect Caribbean wedding! For more inspiration, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Destination Wedding Deals - Save big on your wedding!

Save on your destination wedding! Stay tuned for more great deals on the SmartBride Wedding Deals Page.

Click the Images below to go directly to the Destination Wedding Deal:

$239 per night for special 5 day Honeymoon or Destination Wedding Package

Free Wedding Package at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Real Green Destination Wedding: Natural Hawaiian Beauty

Gabe and Michelle Scotti were married on August 31, 2008 at the Kualoa Ranch in Kaaawa, Hawaii.

The couple's decision to go green on their special day was a no-brainer. As Michelle tells us, “I'm always looking for new ways to green my company and household,” so it was only natural that she would want to green her wedding day, as well.

Our friends at The Green Bride Guide are sharing a few ways this couple managed to use natural materials and think green in all aspects of their wedding!

Save The Dates & Invitations Rather than using paper Save the Date cards, Michelle and Gabe built a wedding website to send out an electronic notice. For the invitations, the couple used Eco-White paper from Paper Source. They chose postcard-style response cards in order to limit the amount of envelopes and paper used.
Location The couple chose the Moli’i Gardens at Kualoa Ranch as their wedding venue. To save on unnecessary waste, Michelle and Gabe selected this naturally beautiful location that needed very little additional decoration.
Personal Touches To make their day more meaningful as well as sustainable, the couple utilized items items already in their families. The chuppah was constructed from a borrowed bamboo arch draped with the mother-of-the-bride’s train from her wedding dress. The diamond in Michelle's ring was passed down from her great-grandmother.
Centerpieces The bride calls her DIY centerpieces "a recycled work of art! I collected old wine bottles of various sizes and colors for months.” These were filled with local papyrus sedge, lemongrass from the bride's backyard garden, and some cut flowers from Watanabe Floral. Old baby food jars were used as votive holders for organic candles, and after the wedding, all the bottles and jars went into the recycling bin.
The (Cup)Cake Instead of a traditional cake, the couple served cupcakes adorned with cut chrysanthemums to cut down on wasted food. The cupcakes sat atop a base built of old cardboard boxes covered with moss, and the topper was held up by a candy dish found at Goodwill.
Recycling & Donations After the wedding, all bottles, cans, centerpieces, and even the bride's bouquet went to recycling centers and compost piles. Instead of purchasing baskets and decor new, the couple opted to find many supplies from Goodwill. Both the flower girl and the ring bearers held square baskets covered with green moss. Glass bowls from Goodwill were used to display food, and after use, they were donated back. In lieu of favors, the couple made a donation to the Nature Conservancy in honor of each guest.

full recap on GreenBrideGuide.com

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Extra Perks for Your Wedding - When You Book with Sunwing

Once you know what type of destination wedding you’re planning, it’s time to start the process. If you’re looking for a destination wedding package that offers VIP treatment for the bride and groom as well as your wedding group, booking with Sunwing is the answer you have been looking for. With special perks for the couple, discounted excursions and a personal concierge, Sunwing offers incredible additional features that exceed those of other travel providers.

Source: sunwing.ca.

Bride and Groom Pre-Boarding* We will make sure brides and grooms are treated like VIPs from the moment they depart Canada with special pre-boarding service from all Canadian airports and at select destinations.
EXCLUSIVE Wedding Dress Care Program* After pre-boarding your flight as bride and groom, you can trust that we will give your wedding dress the finest in-flight care. Our Wedding Dress Care Program includes a personal overhead compartment devoted exclusively to your precious wedding dress ensuring your dress arrives safely to your destination.

Source: sunwing.ca.

FREE Excess Baggage* When you travel as a group of 10 or more, you will receive a free bonus of 20 kg excess baggage, perfect for that extra luggage you may need for your wedding. If you still require more baggage for other items needed for your special day, you can purchase additional excess baggage at a discounted rate of $10 per kg. Be sure to confirm your group travel 7 days in advance, so we can assign the extra baggage allowance. Contact Sunwing Weddings today.
Private Transfers Included** Arrive to your destination wedding resort in style with a private transfer. When you book your group of 15 or more with Sunwing, you can take advantage of free private airport transfers in southern destinations.
Discounted Excursions** With Sunwing, travellers can save time and money by arranging and purchasing their destination excursions before their departure or when they arrive at their resort. Wedding guests will be kept entertained in destination with group discounts on excursions.
Concierge Services** Allow our Special Groups Concierge to assist you in the advance purchasing of discounted customized tours and excursions. Other features include a private destination briefing, dedicated group check-in counters, coordination of private airport transfers and help with any other in-resort needs.
Contact a Sunwing Weddings specialist and start planning your dream destination wedding today.

*Available with Sunwing Airlines (B737 & B767) only. Wedding Dress Care program not available on flights to/from Amsterdam. Applicable for travel between Nov 1, 2012 and Oct 31, 2013. Offers are subject to change without notice. **Available in ITC destinations only (excludes Las Vegas and Florida).

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Rustic Chic Destination Wedding: Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen

A destination wedding in Aspen seems like a pretty cool spot for a rustic chic wedding. Everything from the breathtaking ski slopes and outdoor activities to the world class resorts makes Aspen a perfect destination wedding spot.

Source: Kate Holstein Photography.

One of the reasons why couples are choosing locations like Aspen for their wedding is it allows couples to introduce all of their family and friends to a location that is natural in wonder and beauty, while at the same time creating a sense of vacation rather than just a one day event.

Source: Kate Holstein Photography.

In this wedding, the couple chose to incorporate all aspects of the surrounding landscape - complete with an outdoor ceremony looking out to the breathtaking mountains, and even worked in a few current wedding trends like wedding chalkboards, a wood cake stand and sliced wood for place card holders.

Source: Kate Holstein Photography.

A favorite aspect of this wedding is the gondola ride the couple took just after their wedding ceremony. Not only does it make for the perfect picture but a special moment for the couple to marvel in.

Source: Kate Holstein Photography.

This happy couple hired Blue Bird Productions to plan their rustic dream come true wedding. Compliments to The Little Nell for the incredible venue and catering.

For more details on this rustic destination wedding in the heart of Aspen, visit the full recap on RusticWeddingsChic.com.

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Surprise Proposal & Wedding in Vegas: Bridezillas need not apply

It's one thing for the proposal to be a total surprise, but what if your boyfriend surprised you with a ring and a wedding in less than a week? IN VEGAS?

Follow the Ashley and Jeremy's Vegas adventure that started with a ring and ended in vows in front of their crew of friends in a pop up wedding.

Would you be happy or sad to forgo the entire wedding planning process? Could you relinquish control and just enjoy the moment? Check out this video of Jeremy's propsal and their vegas wedding

Source: vimeo.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Click the image or link above to watch the video on our wedding videos board on pinterest.

Stay tuned for an amazing wedding contest from StoryMix Weddings so you can capture your own special video footage at your destination wedding and create a memorable wedding video to enjoy for years to come.

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Destination Wedding Contests - Win Your Wedding & More

Win your Destination Wedding! Stay tuned for more amazing contests on the SmartBride Wedding Contests Page.

Click the Images below to Enter to Win Your Destination Wedding:

Win a Wedding at the Empire State Building

Win the Ultimate Wedding Package from theKnot.com

Win 1 of 4 Romantic Getaways to the Turks & Caicos Islands

Win a $20,000 Wedding Package at Ocean Turquesa resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico

Win Your Wedding in Antigua

Win Your Wedding at St. Regis Monarch Beach

Win $2,500 in Wedding Planning Services from Get Married in Italy

Win a Beach Wedding on The Crystal Coast

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video

Your destination wedding has been in the works for months. You've planned every detail, right down to those special Chiaviari cushions that the resort is tying onto each chair for you. So what will you have to show for it a year later?

Source: Storymix Media.

Wedding photos are fantastic, but the photographer most likely won't be with you from the airport through the entire week of your trip. Here are some tips from our friends at Storymix to help you capture all the fun moments on video from your entire destination wedding experience.

How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video
I'm sure you've probably seen those videos with endless clips of "Congrats" "We Wish You The Best". Ugh. You have to help your friends with a few interview questions. Some people get a little shy when in front of a camera. At Storymix, we send out a list of fun interview questions for the guests. With questions like "How can he get out of the doghouse?", "How should she sweet talk him?" and "Share a funny story about the groom" you'll get some really fun answers. For more questions to use, download our free guest interview questions card.
We've seen our brides come up with really fun and creative video ideas for their destination with things like...
- Create a video guestbook
- Have guests film their answers from all the different airports
- Invite family and friends who cannot attend the wedding to contribute video so it can be edited into a wedding video or shown on a laptop at the wedding
- Have a video scavenger hunt with specific moments or items you'd like included
Our WeddingMix app has a built-in, customizable shot list which makes it super easy to create the scavenger hunt with items like:
- Interview guest from another city
- Our parent's faces during the first dance
- Sorority dance (uncensored)
- DJ spinning your favorite dance song
- A blue handmade decoration
Lastly, make sure you take all those clips and actually DO something with them. Nothing is more useless than a bunch of numbered files sitting on your friends' hard drives. Set up a way to get the clips from them ahead of time. Don't email or text the videos (they'll be super low resolution). Then plan on either editing the video yourself on a program like iMovie or using a service like Storymix. The end goal is to get an edited video you'll actually watch on your anniversary every year.

Logistics and video tips

Don't leave it to destiny. Ask some specific people to film fun moments during the week. Leaving a camera on a table doesn't always work.
Be sure to have, or rent cameras and smartphones with video available (fully charged)
Make sure all phone/camera chargers work in the electrical system at your destination
Cup your hand around the microphone if it's a windy day or the waves or noisy
Film with the sun behind YOU, not the person you are filming (silhouettes are cute, but not in video)
Hold the camera so the video is wider than it is tall (like a TV)

Filming at a beach isn't always ideal, but how could you live without this moment caught on video at Dana and Kevin's wedding at Dreams Riviera Cancun in Puerto Morelos, Mexico?

Enter to Win a $300 Video Package from StoryMix:

Click for more information and to enter

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning?

Source: sunwing.ca.

In our last blog post, we talked about 5 things to consider when choosing a destination wedding resort.

As you create your shortlist of potential resorts, it’s a good time to think about your wedding theme. Your destination wedding theme will help narrow down your resort choice. Here are 3 types of destination weddings we’ve commonly seen. Now what type of wedding are you planning?

Do you want a mellow and relaxed (adults only) wedding?
If you’re planning a mellow, adults only wedding, then Sunwing’s Relax Hotels and Resorts offer the perfect solution to your blissful day. With superb amenities and exclusive features such as a refreshing welcome cocktail, 20% spa discount, a welcome gift, beach towels and unlimited a la carte dinners, our Relax luxury hotels offer the ultimate wedding experience.

Catalonia Royal Bávaro, book at sunwing.ca.

Celebrate your wedding in luxury at the Relax at Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay, indulge in romantic spa treatments at Varadero's Relax at Sandals Royal Hicacos Resort and Spa, or enjoy an intimate setting at the Relax at Catalonia Royal Bavaro in Punta Cana.
For more Relax resorts and adults only vacation spots, click here.
Do you need a kid-friendly resort to accommodate family and friends?
If your dream destination wedding includes your entire family, including all the little ones, then consider Sunwing’s Smile Hotels, which offer fantastic amenities for kids. At these kid-friendly Smile resorts, children aged 2 to 12 years get to stay, play and eat for FREE when sharing a room with 2 adults. Plus teens will receive a special rate and there is no single supplement fee for single parents sharing a room with their children.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, book at sunwing.ca.

Choose the Smile at Playa Blanca Resort in Panama, Smile at Breezes Bella Costa in Varadero, or Smile at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Punta Cana, all of which have been designed with families in mind.
For more Smile resorts and family-friendly hotels, click here.
Are you dreaming of a lavish and luxurious 4 or 5-star wedding?
If you prefer to celebrate your union of love in luxury, choose from Sunwing’s Luxury Collection, which feature spacious, well-appointed rooms, 4 or 5-star amenities, extraordinary culinary experiences, top-notch spa facilities, room service and more.

Barcelo Maya Palace Deluxe, book at sunwing.ca.

Stay at the Grand Oasis Cancun, Barcelo Maya Palace Deluxe, or the Paradisus Rio de Oro Resort and Spa for an unforgettable luxury wedding experience.
For more luxury resorts, click here.

Grand Oasis Cancun, book at sunwing.ca.

Regardless of your wedding theme, we can help make your day magical. Our wedding specialists will be happy to assist you in planning an unforgettable wedding. Contact Sunwing Weddings today.

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding

Hey there Brides-to-be!

Because destination wedding gowns are often slimmer, lower, tighter and sometimes sexier, it's time to start your wedding workout routine! We've enlisted Sammie Kennedy of Booty Camp Fitness to share her tips on how to get started, stay motivated, target trouble spots and eat well leading up to your big day.

Photos courtesy of Flow Photo

Tips for targeting wedding dress trouble spots:

Want Arms Like Michelle Obama?

Bare a Beautiful Back!

Nutrition & Dieting Tips:

Soup's On!

Beet the Boredom of Salad.

Fun with Focaccia

General tips on how to get and stay motivated!

Three Mistakes That Can Sabotage Your Fitness Efforts

Need M.E.N. For Your Big Day?

Three Tips That Lead To Fitness Success

Don't got it alone! What to look for in a workout routine:

When it comes to working out, sometimes it's tough to go it alone. Why not rally up your bridal party and get tight and toned for the big day together? You wouldn't be the first bride we've seen at Booty Camp!

Statistically, people who exercise in a group setting work out 50% more than those who don't. Know what that means? BETTER RESULTS. (Translation: visibly toned body that looks hot and makes you feel even more confident!)

If you and your gals are going to get fit together, here are some things to look for in a workout regime:

A balance of cardio and resistance training
A fun, friendly fitness environment that you're excited about going to
Somewhere that provides regular fitness assessments so you can measure your progress
A place that offers group-rates so you can work out at a fraction of the cost

About our Guest Blogger: Sammie Kennedy Sammie Kennedy started Booty Camp Fitness in 2007. In three short years the business has grown to more than 90 locations across Canada because of her focus on fun, friendly fitness that keeps ladies coming back for more.

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

December is almost over. Are you engaged yet?

Did you know that Christmas Day is considered one of four big proposal days of the year? Add in Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving and New Year's and it starts to feel like proposals only happen on holidays when the whole family is together!

16 percent of all engagements happen in December, more than any other month, according to TheKnot editor Anja Winikka.

How would you feel about being proposed to in front of family? Would you prefer a private moment? Check out this super cute recount of Kevin and Cath's wedding proposal (in front of his brother and Dad) at their Whistler destination wedding. After carrying the ring around for 8 months, I guess he had to do it sometime!

Source: vimeo.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Click the image or link above to watch the video on our wedding videos board on pinterest.

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Destination Wedding Flowers: Tips and Trends

Source: getmarried.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

For any destination wedding, the bouquet and table decorations play a big part in complementing a magical setting. Often, you must consider what flowers are available in your destination wedding location, which flowers are in season, and even whether certain flowers can hold up to the heat or cold depending where you are.

Here are some great tips as you start to brainstorm what type of flowers you'd like for your destination wedding.

A little goes a long way!

To save money and not waste flowers, consider a unique way of showcasing the flowers like these hanging balls to put them center stage without going overboard.

Source: stylemepretty.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Source: cori.allabouthoneymoons.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Lay low for a more casual feel

Keep it low for a more casual or destination wedding feel. You want your guests to be able to see eachother. No need to formal or oversized arrangements because the scenery is part of your decor.

Source: stylemepretty.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Monochromatic with a POP!

Monochromatic floral arrangements with a pop of color keep it simple and don't overwhelm the beautiful view. Stick with one color palette for table linens and the base flowers.

Source: stylemepretty.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Or, go for a light and calming palette - perfect for a destination wedding. Flowers are soft and monochromatic with a touch of green. Use ribbon or jewels on the stems to really make it stand out without using color.

Source: stylemepretty.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Think outside of the garden!

Think out of the box! With warm weather Destination weddings, some flowers may wilt. Try this Feather Bouquet by AmoreBride, $89.00 and add a few flowers.

Source: etsy.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party

Source: jamandtoasttn.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

One of the hottest trends for traditional weddings in 2012 was mismatched bridesmaid dresses. Choosing colors, necklines and silhouettes that suit each of your maids rather than dressing them up as your bridal army is not only flattering but allows your maids to potentially wear the dress again (here's a perfect example of how to re-purpose a bridesmaid dress) because they'll like it more, and 3 of their closest friends won't have the same dress.

The mismatched gown trend lends itself really well to destination weddings and they are typically less formal, very intimate and unique. With lots of destination weddings, there are fewer decorations as the scenery speaks for itself. The bridal party becomes an important of the decor and backdrop for photos.

It can also be cheaper which is amazing because friends and family often make a big investment to attend your destination wedding. You can find great deals on individual dresses from regular retailers, sample sales at bridal salons, and even once used bridesmaids dresses from SmartBride.

Check out all the amazing options for mixing and matching colors, different colors within the same palette, and varying dress lengths and styles in this post and on our Bridesmaid Dresses Board on Pinterest.

Source: smartbrideboutique.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Source: lover.ly via SmartBride on Pinterest

Source: sunkissedbyjenni.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Source: shopruche.blogspot.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Source: loveandlavender.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Source: greylikesweddings.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Will she or won't she... ever wear her bridesmaid dress again?

Friends and family (and especially your wedding party) often make significant investments to attend your destination wedding. It's important to show them the respect of choosing a venue and arrangements that spend their hard earned money wisely getting the most value for the dollar.

The same goes for a bridesmaid's shoes and gown. Typically a bridesmaid dress is never worn again, but with mismatched bridal parties becoming a huge trend, your maids might just be able to pull it off.

Here's one example of how you can wear your bridesmaid dress again!

Source: wendyslookbook.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Real Destination Wedding: Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor

Cameron Haven and Ryan Sulte

San Juan, Puerto Rico February 27, 2010

All photos by Limelight Photography

The Background…

Both Cameron and Ryan attended universities in Florida. Ryan, a St. Petersburg native, attended the University of Florida, the football rival to Cameron’s alma mater, Florida State University. Cameron, a model and spokesmodel for IZOD grew up all over Florida and has lived in Texas and Paris, France. Ryan is a criminal defense attorney with his own law firm in South Tampa.
The Meeting…

Ryan and Cameron met in Tampa while out walking their dogs, and realized that they were living in the same condominium building. Cameron had recently broken up with her boyfriend when she accepted Ryan’s invitation to watch the sunset down by the water later that evening. The evening took a turn when Ryan’s dog, Layla, attacked Cameron’s tiny Yorkie, Taz, to keep possession of some rocks Layla was playing with. Luckily, Taz only had a few minor scratches once Cameron and Ryan were able to get Layla to release her. Upset over the ordeal, Cameron refused to answer Ryan’s calls for the rest of the night. However, Ryan was determined to make amends and not let the relationship end before it had begun. He received a second chance after leaving a creatively handwritten note marked with fluorescent yellow marker and paw prints from Layla to Taz apologizing for the attack.
The Proposal…

The day before Cameron’s birthday, Ryan suggested a glass of celebratory champagne down by the rocks near their condo. Although it was a hot summer night in Florida, Cameron agreed, and figured that was why Ryan had began sweating profusely as they made their way down to the rocks. As Ryan tried to distract her by talking about mangroves, Cameron watched him get down on one knee. The next thing she knew, he was popping the question at the exact same place where they had their first date!

Wedding Destination...

A destination wedding was a natural choice after being inspired by so many of Cameron’s brother’s friends who had gotten married in exotic locations. “We really aren’t overly traditional so wanted our wedding to feel like a vacation for our guests,” Cameron says.

San Juan was the perfect choice with beautiful beaches, delicious food and a unique culture and a short trip from Florida!
And the Bride wore…

Cameron wore a stunning blush coloured couture gown by Ines di Santo that featured a Swarovski covered t-strap across the back.
The Groom sported…

The groom wore an Armani tuxedo adorned with a contemporary white orchid with moss.
The Feast…

Seeking a tapas dining experience that would get guests mingling and dancing early on, the couple forewent the traditional seating arrangement for Miami-style white lounge furniture. The catering was local with a fusion of traditional Puerto Rican and American favourites, including Puerto Rican rice and mofongo. A variety of tapas were served, followed by mini cheeseburgers at the end of the evening before guests departed for the after party.

Adorned with hundreds of tiny dragees and Swarovski flowers purchased online by Cake Jewelry, the cake was red velvet, the bride’s favourite. It was the baker’s first red velvet cake, as Puerto Ricans tend to favour flavours like chocolate and pistachio.
Unique Wedding features…

Since Cameron was unable to find a photo booth for rental in Puerto Rico, she purchased a mini Polaroid camera guests used to take pictures and place in the guestbook along with a message. The pictures were about the size of a credit card and the guests enjoyed shooting photos for both the book and to keep.

For their friends who love to party, the reception featured an ice luge-shaped martini glass with frozen lime slices that guests could use to pour shots of alcohol through it into their glass. Wedding favours were wine corks that featured silver starfish on top since both the bride and groom love wine.
The Honeymoon…

Because they are an active couple and love the outdoors, they chose Costa Rica for their honeymoon. Splitting the week between the beaches of Manuel Antonio and volcano of Arenal, they did everything from horseback riding through waterfalls to zip lines, ATV’s, night crawler tours, kayaking, hot springs and many more memorable experiences.
Advice from the heart: a parting word from the bride…

“When planning your wedding, think outside the box. How can you be different? What will make your wedding stand out for years to come?”

She also advises couples use the hotel’s wedding planner. “We hired a wedding planner because I worried that language would be a barrier, but our hotel caterer was even more reliable and helpful than the wedding planner, gave us lots of recommendations on vendors and the best part was her services came free of charge!”

Congratulations Cameron & Ryan!

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort

Destination weddings are a great way to combine an intimate romantic setting with an exotic surrounding. If you’re about to plan your dream destination wedding and you’re not sure where to start, this article is for you. Selecting the perfect resort for your destination wedding is a very important step in the planning process.

Source: sunwing.ca.

Let's take a look at 5 things to consider when choosing a resort.

Is there a romantic venue for the ceremony?
Your destination wedding resort should exude romance for your special day. Try looking at Memories Beach Resorts, Grand Palladium Hotels and Resorts, Azul Hotels by Karisma or Princess Resorts, many of which offer luxury amenities and romantic beachfront locations. See below for more details.
Is there a wedding package available at the resort?
Planning your destination wedding will be easier if you choose a resort that offers a wedding package. Not only will this save you time and money, but you'll also remain stress-free before you tie the knot. Check out some of the resorts in the below list, which offer spectacular wedding packages.
Is there a honeymoon suite for the bride and groom?

Bavaro Princess All Suites, book at sunwing.ca.

Whether you’re combining your destination wedding with your honeymoon or hopping to another island for an intimate getaway after the ceremony, you deserve a romantic suite while in destination. Many resorts offer luxury honeymoon suites with king sized beds, romantic treats and more.
Does the resort offer quality restaurant venues for your reception?

Grand Sunset Princess Resort, book at sunwing.ca.

Your wedding guests deserve an extraordinary culinary experience. Do your homework on the restaurant choices at the resorts you’re considering for your destination wedding. Choose a resort that features a restaurant you would like for your wedding reception.
Are there excursions and activities nearby to keep the guests entertained?

Azul Beach Hotel, book at sunwing.ca.

Chances are you'll have an entourage of family and friends accompanying you to your destination wedding. Many resorts offer an array of daily activities to keep guests entertained, such as land and water sports. Also remember to look at the excursions offered nearby.

Here are some top destination wedding hotels. Of course, there are many more to choose from. To learn more contact Sunwing Weddings .
Memories Beach Resorts

Memories Caribe Beach Resort (Cayo Coco) - learn more

Memories Azul Beach Resort (Cayo Santa Maria) – learn more

Memories Azul Beach Resort, book at sunwing.ca.

Palladium Hotels and Resorts

Grand Palladium Riviera Resort & Spa (Riviera Maya) – learn more

Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa (Punta Cana) – learn more

Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa (Jamaica) – learn more

Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa, book at sunwing.ca.

Azul Hotels by Karisma

Azul Beach – NEW to Sunwing (Riviera Maya) – learn more

Azul Sensatori by Karisma (Riviera Maya) – learn more

Azul Sensatori by Karisma Hotels, book at sunwing.ca.

type of destination wedding you’re planning

Contact Sunwing Weddings today

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Real Green Destination Wedding: Tying the Knot in Tulum

Olivia and Guillaume were married on March 23rd, 2012 at Aki'in Beach Club in Tulum, Mexico.

This wonderful couple met in New York about 10 years ago. She is American, he is French-Mexican. They came to Tulum when it was still a hippy spot with its simple “cabañas” on the beach and shared bathrooms. When Guillaume proposed to Olivia, they were both thinking of the special spot that Tulum has in their heart and decided to tie the knot on this wonderful beach. They were married under a two-pole canopy facing the sea, decorated with curlys and lisanthius flowers. It was a simple, elegant and eco-chic design!

Our friends at The Green Bride Guide are sharing a few ways this couple managed to use sustainable and natural materials in their wedding!

Eco-Accomodations The bride and groom chose to stay at Coqui Coqui, a hotel and spa equipped with a solar panel system and unique interior decor. This beautiful hotel also makes their own perfume!
Attire & Accessories Guillaume wore a simple boutonniere wrapped in twine. Their wedding date was embroidered onto his jacket. Olivia wore a simple open back dress with classic pearls. Her bouquet consisted of lisanthius and succulents bundled together with sustainable fabric.
The Rings The newlyweds chose simple metal rings with no stones in them. These simple and understated rings are both modern and stylish pieces.
Decor The tables at the reception were covered in long rustic wooden structures used as vases and clay pots with succulents were handed out to guests as favors.
The Venue For the dinner and reception, the party moved a few steps from the beach to the palapa. The palapa, a spanish word of mayan origin meaning "pulpous leaf" is an open sided dwelling with a thatched roof made of dried palm leaves. The interior was lit with LED lights and handmade papel picado, or decorative paper cut into elaborate designs. Guests enjoyed a night under the stars and the sound of the waves right near them. The decor and the palapa used all natural materials and there was no wasteful decorating.
First Dance & Final Thoughts The entire wedding danced on petates, or a bedroll woven from the fibers of a palm. Destination Weddings Tulum rents the petates from local vendors for use at weddings. The bride and groom were able to revisit a beloved spot of theirs while keeping their impact on the area to a minimum thanks to green planning. By hosting a simple and beautiful wedding on the beach with all natural materials and decor, the couple came together with family and friends to enjoy a special day that was sustainable and chic all at once!

full recap on GreenBrideGuide.com

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Delightful Destination Wedding Invitations

Your guests will need plenty of time to plan for attending your destination wedding. They need to book vacation, travel and often save up to attend. So be sure to send out Save the Dates as well as your invitations well in advance. 1 year advance notice would be great, and you probably don't want to spring an invitation on your friends and family less than 6 months before a destination wedding.

Here are some of our favorite destination wedding invitations, save the dates and other wedding stationary from Minted.

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Celebrity Bridal Hairstyles: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy, Sleek & Sophisticated

Just because you chose to style your own hair for your destination wedding doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a stylish, memorable look on your wedding day.

Kristan Serafino provides step-by-step guidelines to achieve hairstyles worn by this year’s celebrity brides: Camila Alves McConaughey, Blake Lively Reynolds, and Jessica Biel Timberlake.

There is nobody better fit for the task as Kristan was Camila's own personal hairstylist for her wedding day, featured on the front cover of People magazine!

To Get Camila's Look:

APPLY ANTI-HUMIDITY SMOOTHING CREAM & BLOW DRY

Step 1: Apply Garnier Fructis Style Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk to wet hair. Blast hair until about 80% dry. Complete the drying process by smoothing your hair with a round brush.

Note: Since the next step requires the use of a flat iron, that will help to smooth the cuticle, it is not as crucial to have the hair perfectly smooth after the blow dry.
DIVIDE & FLAT IRON HAIR

Step 2: Use a Kiss Silicone Protextion Flat Iron to begin by working with sections no wider than the width of the plates on the iron. First divide your hair into four equal sections using large clips to hold two sections in the front and two in the back. Starting with one of the two front sections, take a smaller sub-section at the hairline above the ear. The sub-section of hair should be no wider than the width of the iron. Hold the sub-section of hair taut with one hand while using the other to place the iron close to scalp.

It is important not to clamp down hard on the hair since this will not straighten the hair quicker or better. It will only cause an unsightly creased line in the hair. Using an even and fluid movement, gently glide down the hair shaft in a continuous motion until hair is released. Repeat until reaching the crown of the head.

After completing both front sections, proceed to the back of the head. Begin at the nape by taking a section no wider than the width of the iron. Repeat the same steps in the back as in the front.
TIE & SECURE

Step 3: Brush all hair towards the crown of the head and secure with a rubber band. (Kristan’s Secret Tip: Look towards the ceiling when finishing your brushing and securing the rubber band. This will ensure the hair at the nape of the neck is smooth and tight!)

Step 4:Twist hair into a coil around the ponytail holder and secure with several bobby pins. Finish with a firm hold hairspray. Voilá! Sexy, sleek and sophisticated all in one!
Next, learn how to get Blake Lively Reynolds's radiant curls, and Jessica Biel Timberlake's elegant updo.
Bio: Kristan Serafino has styled bridal hair for more than 15 covers of Brides magazine. On top of being a hairstylist for celebrities and fashion & beauty publications, Kristan is the editor of beauty and lifestyle blog, SerafinoSays.com. Find all of Kristan’s fabulous hairstyles and tips on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Right now, Kristan has also partnered with Gilt City and is offering the perfect Beauty Bridal package, complete with hairstyling and makeup for the bride, mother-of-the-bride, up to 3 bridesmaids, and the groom. To learn more about this incredible package click here.

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Celebrity Bridal Hairstyles: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine

Destination weddings held in vacation locations have a unique set of challenges, as if planning a wedding isn’t challenging enough! Among the challenges is the bride’s hairstyle.

Kristan Serafino provides step-by-step guidelines to achieve hairstyles worn by this year’s celebrity brides: Blake Lively Reynolds, Jessica Biel Timberlake, and Camila Alves McConaughey.

To Get Blake's Look:

VOLUMIZE HAIR

Step 1: Begin by washing hair with Kerastase Bain Volumactive Shampoo & Lait Volumactive Conditioner. Mid-shaft to ends should be conditioned but make certain not to apply conditioner to the roots. This will help to prevent hair from becoming soft and limp.

Step 2: Apply a dollop of Kerastase Mousse Volumactive to wet hair. Always apply products starting from the back of your head so you don’t accidentally weight down the hair with excess product. Begin the application starting at the mid-shaft of your hair to the ends. Then apply the remaining product in your hand to the front of your head.
BLOW DRY & SMOOTH

Step 3: Blast your hair 80% dry using the T3 Feather Weight 2 Dryer. Finish the drying process while smoothing your hair with a round brush.

Note: Since the next step requires the use of a curling iron, this will further help to smooth the cuticle. It is not as crucial to have the hair perfectly smooth after drying.
DIVIDE & CURL

Step 4: Using a T3 Single Pass Twirl to begin the styling. First divide your hair into four equal sections using large clips to hold two sections in the front and two in the back. Starting with one of the two front sections, take a smaller sub-section at the hairline above the ear. The sub-section of hair should be no wider than the barrel of the curling iron.

Step 5: Curl the hair starting from the mid-shaft to the ends, being careful to roll away from the face. Repeat until reaching the crown of the head. After completing both front sections, proceed to the back of the head. Begin at the nape by taking a section no wider than the width of the iron. Repeat the same steps in the back as in the front.

Note: The reason you do not roll the iron all the way to the scalp is to create a natural flow from the scalp that gradually leads into a sexy wave from mid-shaft to the ends.
SECURE HAIR & FINISH WITH SHINE

Step 6: Brush one side of the hair to a preferred side. Secure the hair by criss-crossing two bobby pins. Once hair is set, gently use your fingers to loosen up curls to desired finish. For added shine mist with a few spritz of spray shine, and you'll be a glowing goddess like Blake!
Next, learn how to get Jessica Biel Timberlake's elegant updo, and Camila Alves McConaughey's sexy, sleek style.

Bio: Kristan Serafino has styled bridal hair for more than 15 covers of Brides magazine. On top of being a hairstylist for celebrities and fashion & beauty publications, Kristan is the editor of beauty and lifestyle blog, SerafinoSays.com. Find all of Kristan’s fabulous hairstyles and tips on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Celebrity Bridal Hairstyles: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Perfection

As we all know, hair can be temperamental and even outright uncooperative under certain conditions of high humidity, found in certain popular vacation spots. By choosing to have a wedding at a dramatic location far, far from home, it’s important to know how to get your bridal updo perfect.

Kristan Serafino provides step-by-step guidelines to achieve hairstyles worn by this year’s celebrity brides: Jessica Biel Timberlake, Camila Alves McConaughey, and Blake Lively Reynolds.

To Get Jessica's Look:

APPLY VOLUMIZING MOUSSE

Step 1: Begin applying a Nexxus Pro Mend Bodifying Mousse to wet hair. Always apply products starting from the back of your head so you don’t accidentally weight down the hair with excess product. Begin the application starting at the mid-shaft of your hair to the ends. Then apply the remaining product in your hand to the front of your head
ROUND BRUSH BLOW DRY

Step 2: Using a T3 Featherweight Journey Travel Hair Dryer and a T3 AntiGravity 2.5” Barrel Round Brush, begin by taking sections of wet hair no wider than the width of the brush. Dry each section of hair before beginning the next section.

Note: Avoid combining a wet section with a partially dry section since it can cause the dry hair to frizz.
SWEEP TO SIDE & SECURE

Step 3: Sweep fringe to the side, then randomly grab loose pieces of hair and secure them with several bobby pins at the nape of the neck. To enhance the texture, finish with a blast of Kaaral Pink Up Spray Gloss and Jessica's style is all yours!
Next, learn how to get Camila Alves McConaughey's sexy, sleek style, and Blake Lively Reynolds's radiant curls.

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Rustic Chic Destination Wedding: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding

If the idea of a southern rustic wedding is what you had in mind for your big day then consider modeling your wedding after the destination wedding of Ryan Reynolds & Blake Lively, who were married at the Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens on September 9th, 2012.

Source: eonline.com.

While Blake & Ryan planned an oh-so-secret wedding, we can only imagine that this quaint destination created the perfect relaxed southern style.

We've heard through the grapevine that their wedding included personal creative touches, like the bride walking down an aisle strewn with pine needles, to Frankie Valli's romantic hit 'Can't take my eyes off of you.'

Mixing the perfect amount of wedding elegance with relaxed southern style is not an easy thing to pull off. Getting married at the amazing Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina offers endless rustic destination wedding opportunities for any couple.

With a spectacular outdoor ceremony and a barn-like reception, your wedding is sure to hit all the right notes.

If the venue does not inspire you enough on its own, you might be excited to learn that Boone Hall was also the backdrop of the incredibly successful movie, The Notebook, adding an extra dose of Hollywood to your perfect rustic southern wedding.

Located close to Charleston, South Carolina, guests can enjoy such activities as touring local plantations, museums and the historic downtown area. Southern weddings are becoming one of the most popular types of rustic weddings due to their amazing venues, stunning natural backdrops and good ol' fashioned country charm.

When couples choose to have a southern destination wedding, like Blake & Ryan's, it becomes a special and unique experience for guests to share one magical weekend in a home-sweet-home southern location. Congrats to the happy couple!

Source: POPSUGAR.

For more ideas on how to incorporate southern charm into your wedding check out Rustic Chic Weddings' feature on Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens and take a look at the southern venue's stunning video!

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts at Make Up Forever

Here are 5 crucial Destination Wedding Makeup tips from one of our brilliant artists, Mathilde Aupetit!

Read on more tips on how to keep your makeup looking fresh regardless of the temperature! And a list of all the products proven to make it happen.

Sweatproof & Waterproof Concealer
Mix your HD concealer with Aqua Seal. This will make your concealer not only long lasting, but waterproof and sweat proof as well! After all, no one wants to look like a racoon on their wedding day!
A Glowing Goddess Look
Mix Uplight with Face & Body and apply it on your arms and your decolté to create a shimmery, satin finish. Why not add a little glow to your look… it's your wedding day after all!

Photo by Sandra Aberg.
Considerations for False Lashes
If you've never worn false lashes, I strongly suggest that you do not try them for the first time on your wedding day. False Lashes are phenomenal, but take a little getting used to. They might create an unnecessary stress, when you have lots of other things you should be worrying about… like having fun! If you are absolutely determined to wear false lashes, make sure you try them out in advance, and in which case I would suggest our False lashes #156 or #157.
A Sparkly Bod
For those of you that enjoy sparkles and can't live without them… I would suggest spraying Mist and Fix on your decolte then lightly blowing on Diamond Powder #2 to create a soft, glowing, shimmery effect..

Aqua-proof Eyes & Lashes

If you are not keen on wearing waterproof products around your eyes, I would at least suggest to outline your eye with a waterproof Eye Liner such as Aqua Eyes, Aqua Liner or even an Aqua Shadow, and work the rest of the eye with a powder eyeshadow. Always finish your look with waterproof mascara... between the sweat and tears, you will want your mascara to hold strong (even if you're not!). I would recommend our Aqua Smoky Lash.

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

Real Destination Wedding: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean!

Beejel Patel & Timothy Chen

Ochos Rios, Jamaica July 30, 2011

All photos by Dwayne Watkins

The Meeting…

“Who would have guessed, a beautiful Indian princess from Michigan would find a ragga muffin Chinese-Jamaican Prince?” Timothy says. “Not in a million years!”

Timothy and Beejel attended Oakland University and both travelled on a medical mission trip to Jamaica. Timothy was doing his residency as a Pediatric Dentist and Beejel was a second year Pharmacy student. On the mission trip, the pair treated patients in rural parts of Jamaica.

“While I was taking care of some kids in a school I was distracted by this exotic girl in pink scrubs,” Timothy remembers. “So, I decided to sneak off and introduce myself. We had a little conversation which I thought went pretty well. I guess it did because here we are now together!”
The Proposal…

“I surprised Timothy with a trip to Greece for his birthday, but the real surprise came when he proposed!” Beejel recalls. Timothy popped the question during his birthday dinner at Mykonos, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea horizon.

Wedding Destination…

Beejel and Timothy married at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and held their reception at Cary Island, also in Ocho Rios.

The couple chose Cary Island, an exclusive 1930s Tudor House, because “it had so many interesting features and it in itself was a small paradise,” Beejel says. With a full staff, including a chef, Cary Island features a main house with an adjoining cottage, pool and gazebo and a private island.
And the Bride wore…

Designed by Madeline Gardner, Beejel’s stunning ruffled organza wedding gown in ivory featured a strapless mermaid style with a sweetheart neckline. In addition, make-up artist Stacy McNeil, from Kingston, ensured Beejel looked radiant for the entire day. “She did an amazing job!” Beejel says.
The Groom sported…

Timothy stood handsomely awaiting his bride-to-be in a single-breast European cut suit by Jean Yves.
Wedding Party…

Bobbie Ghosh (Friend), Digisha Patel (Cousin), Ginelle Moya (Friend), Jessica Uppal (Friend), Sarah Knuth (Maid of Honour - Friend) Sejal Patel (Cousin), Rina Arya (Cousin) Dhruvi Amin (Flower girl - Brides Niece)

Daren Chen (Brother & Bestman), Adam Chen (Brother), Ryan Nunez (Friend), Jorge Solano (Friend), Ticu Patel (Brides Brother), Gonzalo Cortez (Friend), Craig Bernard (Friend)
The Feast…

Beejel and Timothy infused Chinese, Indian and Jamaican cuisine into their reception dinner:

The Chinese influence included mini spring rolls, roast chicken, crispy pork, sweet and sour filet fish, chop suey, noodles and rice.
Indian menu items included mini samosas, dahl makhni, aloo gobi, mater paneer, garlic nan, plain nan and gulub jamum (dessert).
From Jamaica: ackee and calaloo quiche, curried goat, jerk chicken, rice and peas, white rice, toss salad, and baked plantains in cinnamon and butter.

Unique Wedding Features…

To mix their cultures, Beejel and Timothy incorporated Indian and Chinese, Hindu and Catholic, American and Jamaican into their celebration. “We made a special effort to ensure guests felt valuable and had a memorable time,” Beejel says. “In true Jamaican style, it was a wedding “out of many one people."

Beejel describes the event as “magical, captivating, breathtaking and romantic,” featuring a slide show and skit along with a few dance performances and a customised entrance walk.  
Advice from the heart: a parting word from the bride…

Planning a long-distance wedding is challenging, so Beejel recommends you begin the process early and hire a wedding planner. “They are more than worth it,” she says. “And it helps to have someone there to help coordinate the day of the wedding.”

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

2013 Destination Wedding Guide

Destination Weddings are a growing trend! Taking your family and friends away for your wedding generally lets you spend more quality time with your closest guests, and can be an adventure for all involved. Logistically, they can be slightly more challenging, but very special, intimate and rewarding.

Are YOU a Destination Bride?

Scroll below for the full guide, expert advice and inspiration for your destination wedding venues, gowns, hair, makeup, decor and more! Plus check out our Trash the Dress photos from destinations around the world!

Here are some interesting tidbits about destination weddings that might play into your decision (all stats from The Knot.com Survey):

DID YOU KNOW?

The average total destination wedding spend is $20,890 (not including honeymoon, engagement ring or travel expenses).
24% of all weddings are destination weddings
Destination weddings have an average of 86 guests
70% of destination weddings take place in the continental US
51% of destination wedding couples use a wedding planner
The top five domestic destination wedding locations include: Florida (18%), California (13%), Nevada (9%), North Carolina (5%) and South Carolina (4%)
The top five international destination wedding destinations include: Caribbean (39%), Mexico (24%), Hawaii (20%), Central/South America (7%) and Europe (6%).
Destination wedding events are longer than the average wedding, with most (60%) lasting three or more days.
Of the couples who plan a group activity, more than half (53%) cover the cost for at least some of their guests.
Nearly 9 in 10 couples still plan to take a honeymoon after the wedding, with 7 in 10 of them honeymooning in their wedding locale – either for part of the honeymoon or the whole trip.

SmartBride has prepared a handy Destination Weddings Guide with everything you need to get started. First deciding whether a destination wedding is right for you, getting inspired by destination weddings from the Caribbean, U.S. and around the world, and reading tips and tricks from wedding experts in hair, makeup, wedding fashion, video, invitations and more.

All the while, we try to help you prioritize your budget and decide where to splurge and where to save. You'll enjoy all the destination wedding contests and deals we've pulled for you too!

Take a look at the entire destination wedding guide below.

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends

Left: Lace V-neck Wedding Gown by Whyte Couture (Toronto)
Center: Simon Peter Wedding Dress (Barbados)
Right: Water-ready Wedding Dress by Whyte Couture (Toronto)

You don't have to forgo the traditional wedding dress entirely for hot destination weddings... but you don't want to be a sweaty mess either! We were inspired by the bridal fashion show put on by Caribbean Bride magazine at Bride Villa Antigua 2012. With so many great options, the world is your oyster.

Here's what to keep in mind when choosing your perfect destination wedding dress:

light, flowy materials are the coolest (obviously). Typically grecian, sheath or mermaid silhouettes works best with beach themes or warmer climates.
extra materials like crinolines add to the whole "sauna factor" under the dress
open backs are sexy and provide air flow, but don't forget to consider whether you can go braless, or use another solution.
straps are sometimes good especially if you have a few days in the sun before hand when you might acquire tan lines! If you go strapless, make sure you plan your bathing suits around your straps.
It is possible to get wedding dresses made out of bathing suit material. Sure makes running into the ocean for trash the dress pics a little less costly!
Shorter gowns will be cooler and let you do some photos in shallow water with ease
2 in 1 dresses give you options to go long or short, and switch it up for pictures and the reception

Here's a selection of destination wedding dresses for sale now on SmartBrideBoutique.com! There are some amazing deals to be had for used, pre-owned and even brand new with tags wedding dresses.

Light & Flowing Destination Wedding Dresses:

Left: Size 14 Mikaella 1504 Wedding Dress is a sample and $420 off
Center: Size 8 Maggie Sottero RD1086 Wedding Dress, only $475
Right: Size 10 Amy Michelson Wedding Dress only $500

Left: Size 2 Christos T271IVYSOL Wedding Dress is 42% off
Center: Size 4 Enzoani Wedding Dress, 41% off
Right: Size 14 Davids Birdal V9743 Wedding Dress only $250

Sheath Destination Wedding Dresses:

Left: Size 4 Siri 9393 Wedding Dress is $450 off
Center: Size 4 Nicole Miller Wedding Dress, 41% off
Right: Size 12 Nicole Miller Wedding Dress brand new for only $700

Mermaid Destination Wedding Dresses:

Left: Size 8 Allure Bridals 8815 Wedding Dress is 53% off
Center: Size 6 San Patrick Paraguay Wedding Dress, 55% off
Right: Size 6 Allure Bridals 8713 Wedding Dress only $315

Short Destination Wedding Dresses:

Left: Size 6 Alyne Lillian Wedding Dress is brand new and 40% off
Center: Size 4 BCBG Short Wedding Dress, only $200
Right: Size 8 Ella Rosa BE106 Wedding Dress only $300

	Choosing a Destination Wedding Location: 5 Tips for Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort What Type of Destination Wedding Are You Planning? Extra Perks for Your Wedding - Courtesy of Sunwing Top 5 Post Desintation Wedding Honeymoon Hotspots Book your destination wedding today with a Sunwing Wedding Specialist
	Get Inspired with REAL Destination Weddings: An Eclectic Mix of Chinese, Indian and the Caribbean! Sizzling Puerto Rican Flavor Love in Paradise - Paradise Island, Bahamas
	Green Destination Weddings: Tying the Knot in Tulum Natural Hawaiian Beauty That's Amore! Green Wedding in Italy
	Rustic Chic Destination Weddings: Blake Lively's Southern-Charmed Wedding Natural Beauty in the Heart of Aspen Green Mountain Love
	Destination Wedding Style: 2013 Destination Wedding Dress Trends Destination Wedding Trend: Ombre Bridal Party Destination Wedding Makeup Tips from the Experts Celebrity Hair: Blake Lively Reynolds - Radiant Curls & Shine Celebrity Hair: Jessica Biel Timberlake - Elegant Updo Celebrity Hair: Camila Alves McConaughey - Sexy & Sleek
	Inspiration, Expert Tips, Contests, Deals & More: How to Avoid a Really BORING Destination Wedding Video Wedding Workouts: How to get in shape for your wedding Destination Wedding Flowers: 2013 Trends Wedding Invitations: Destination Wedding Etiquette & Timing Destination Wedding Contests Destination Wedding Deals

How to Choose a Wedding Venue

You've probably narrowed down the time of year you'd like to get married. And now you have to find a venue that has availability!

What style of wedding are you going to have? How many people will you invite? Do you need wheel chair accessibility? The list of questions is never ending in the search for the perfect wedding venue.

Here's a handy inforgraphic with a few things to think about along the way!

Check out tons of wedding infographics on our pinterest boards.

INFOGRAPHIC: Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Photography

Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you'll make during the wedding planning process. Before you make a selection, make sure you've educated yourselves on all the options! Your photos are your lasting memory - so don't skimp on budget, or rush your decision.

Here's a handy guide including 10 questions to ask when interviewing photographers, the 5 must have wedding poses, and a complete list of photos you can discuss with your photographer before the big day.

Check out tons of wedding infographics on our pinterest boards.

Source: domesticexecutiveonline.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Guide to Tipping Wedding Vendors: Who and How Much?

Some of these numbers are going to blow your mind! Make sure you budget for tips when you are planning out all of your expenses. By the time your big day is over, it will amount to hundreds of dollars.

A smile, genuine thank you on the day of and of course a thank you card after the fact will go a long way to ensuring you receive good service and karma! (TIP: Don't forget to account for wedding vendors when deciding how many thank you cards to order!)

Check out tons of wedding infographics on our pinterest boards.

Source: iloveswmag.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Check out tons of wedding infographics on our pinterest boards.

A Guide to Wedding Cakes: Sizes and Servings

Ever wonder how many tiers of cake you really need? What about false layers? sheet cakes or cupcakes?

Deciding on a wedding cake is no easy feat, so here's a handy guide to what size fits your guest list and how many servings to plan for.

Check out tons of wedding infographics on our pinterest boards.

Source: weddingbuddy.net via SmartBride on Pinterest

Check out tons of wedding infographics on our pinterest boards.

Real Green Wedding: A Sustainably Sylvan Wedding

Carrie and Tom were married on September 4, 2011 at The Twenty Mile House in Cromberg, California

Carrie and Tom first met while serving as Peace Corps volunteers in Guatemala. Tom runs a non-profit, while Carrie is a consultant working with small businesses. The dedicated green couple said their “I Do’s” in the breathtaking Plumas National Forest. Their sustainable Sylvan wedding bloomed with world travel elegance and eco-chic style.

Our friends at The Green Bride Guide are sharing a few ways this couple managed to use sustainable materials and family treasures in their wedding!

Plus, if you love the bride’s style, don’t forget to check out our top pre-owned choices below to get the look for less!

Her Grandmother's Ring Re-fashioned: Repurposing jewelry is a great way to green your wedding day. A family jeweler (also a member of the Green American Green Business Network) helped Carrie and Tom create their wedding rings. Carrie’s ring featured an exquisite diamond from her grandmother’s engagement ring.

Fair Trade Decor gets a Second Life: The wedding décor was nature inspired with a sustainably sylvan theme! Mason jars were bursting with handpicked, seasonal flowers from a friend’s garden. The Fair Trade table runners were made by Guatemalan weavers that Carrie had worked with. They were repurposed after the ceremony and turned into placemats

Classy Kegs - Yes it's possible: The dinner menu was prepared using only local and organic ingredients. To cut back on waste, the couple purchased kegs from a friend’s brewery and rented tableware from local companies. The dessert was a delicious combination of handpicked blackberries, mint, and Fair Trade chocolate.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Gown: Carrie’s homemade silk and hemp wedding dress was accessorized with a woven belt from the Peace Corps service and buttons from her great grandmother. The result was a stunning, reusable and completely original wedding gown!

Left: Size 6 Watters 16432 Wedding Dress is 50% off at $1,000
Center: Size 6 Mori Lee 4507 New Wedding Dress, $100 off
Right: Size 12 Champagne Lace Wedding Dress brand new for only $250

For all the details on this lovely wedding, visit the full recap on GreenBrideGuide.com.

Dog ruins otherwise perfect engagement photo

A lovely reminder that no matter how much you plan for your big day, little things entirely out of your control might pop up.

Take it all in stride and enjoy your day - the little blunders are what make it memorable!

Wedding Video 6 months in the Making

Talk about advance planning! The newlyweds ”dance on water” was planned for about 6 months and the used professional movie equipment to allow them to “walk on water”. It took about five people to prepare the station in the water and to get the bride and groom into position.

The whole wedding was planned in a 19030's theme and almost all the guests came dressed to fit the theme.

Click the image below to play the video.

Source: vimeo.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Remember those disposable cameras? Seems weird now, huh?

It's really turning into a photography packed week on the SmartBrideBoutique.com blog. Yesterday we told you about a new photo back up tool, and today we're talking about a wedding photo app!

Remember when brides used to put a disposable camera on every table? Well, when was the last time you actually got a picture printed, let alone used a film camera?

Now that everyone in the room generally rolls with a smartphone (complete with a camera that sports more mega pixels than our regular every day makeup routine is equipped to deal with) we need a better solution for sharing pictures from weddings and other events.

Snapable is a wedding photo app that lets you instantly capture your guests photos into one online album. Here's how it works!

Simple to Use:

Everything about Snapable is simple from creating your account to wedding guests downloading the app and snapping photos.

Here's what you do:

Set up your online album at Snapable.com
Tell your guests to download the app and provide them with access code for your album.
Guests take photos at your wedding events using the app.
Photos are instantly captured and uploaded to your album so you don't have to pester everyone to send you their photos after the big day.

Sharing after the big day:

After the wedding, couples have the option to share individual photos or the entire album with friends and family

Printing Photos from Snapable:

Snapable also offers upgrades that include prints of the photos you love. While digital photos are fantastic, sometimes nothing beats having a beautiful, framed photograph of that special moment to showcase in your new home together.

So if you're getting married, forget the disposable camera - let Snapable help you see your wedding through your guests eyes. Every angle, every special moment, captured.

Real Green Wedding: Big Love, Beautiful Brides

Ilina Chaudhuri and Kristin Sternowski were married on August 28th, 2010 at the Griffin Museum of Photography in Winchester, MA.

Our friends at The Green Bride Guide are sharing a few ways this couple managed to get creative and add their own personal touches!

Seasonal & Delicious: Ilina and Kristin planned the menu around whatever was seasonal and local and couldn't help but take advantage of the fact that their wedding coincided with the late summer New England bounty!
Eco-Fresh Take on Flowers: The flowers came from Rory and Alida's Langwater Farm. Kristin bought the vases from Goodwill, which is one of the couple's everyday go-to shops. The arrangements were designed by Rory and used both wild and cultivated blooms, including some not so traditional bits like purple basil.
Rings: Ilina and Kristin chose their rings from Brilliant Earth, an eco-friendly company that specializes in conflict-free diamond rings mined in Canada, colored gemstones and recycled packaging. Brilliant Earth also donates 5% of their profits to help communities who have suffered from unethical practices in the jewelry industry.
Guest Book Substitute: As a guest book substitute, Ilina and Kristin bought a wedding tree from Lovliday on Etsy.com. Guests could leave their thumb print and signature on the framed tree. This reduced their paper use and was an attractive decor element at their venue. The wedding tree was a great memento to bring home and save, too.
For all the details on this lovely wedding, visit the full recap on GreenBrideGuide.com.

Have you backed up your wedding photos?

For a day you plan and obssess over for months, your wedding day can sure go by in the blink of an eye. At SmartBrideBoutique.com, we are always preaching that if there is one place to splurge in your budget, it's on photography.

Your photos are your lasting memory of every guest's smile, glimmer in your groom's eye, tear rolling down your father's cheek and much much more.

Once you have collected all of your photos from your professional photographer, guests and maybe even your own smartphone (seriously, no live tweeting your wedding though), the next step is to figure out how you're going to store and share them.

Most of us are not into putting all of our photos up on Facebook and other public photo sharing websites that allow prying eyes to creep on our most intimate day. And, more importantly, very few of us have thought of a back up plan should our computers crash.

That's where MyShoebox comes in! Read on for more information, and enter to win 6 months of professional photo storage from My ShoeBox.

Steve Cosman got married last summer, twice! One ceremony in Toronto and one in Romania (where his wife's family is from). What he found was that people were constantly asking to see his wedding photos and he didn't necessarily want to put all of his pictures up on a photo sharing site or have his laptop on him at all times. So he quit his job at Microsoft and built MyShoebox, a simple product that keeps all of your photos privately backed up, while allowing you to access them from your phone or tablet.

MyShoebox, is a FREE application that gives you:

An unlimited photo backup plan
Access your photo collection from your Mac, Windows, iPhone or Android without taking up storage space
Automatically backup to keep your photos safe from your computer or phone crashing
Cool new ways to browse your old photos including natural language search and camera view

MyShoebox ensures that pictures from your special day are safely stored forever so that device failures and computer swaps don't leave you pictureless! You will never be caught without your wedding photos; you can access them on any computer, mobile device or tablet.

Lovely & Luxurious: Wedding Dresses with Lace

This week we're all about lace.

Lace can be demure, revealing or the perfect blend of both. Regardless of your style, one thing's for certain, using lace in a wedding dress is always a statement of elegance and sophistication. Whether you've dreamed of a wedding dress with all over lace or just want a touch to add style and texture, this week's picks are sure to delight.

With dresses between $500 and $3000 from au courant designers like Maggie Sottero, Casablanca and Lea-Ann Belter among our top five, it's easier than ever to have the wedding dress of your dreams on a realistic budget.
Sexy & Sophisticated Lace: $500 Chic and refined, this size 10 Maggie Sottero Phillipa strapless mermaid wedding dress (pictured above) features an embellished ribbon lace adorned with seed beads, sequins, and bugle beads. Finish off this sophisticated style with elegant strands of pearls a la vintage Chanel.

Sweetheart Lace: $950 Ruching and Alencon lace create a beautiful and figure flattering combination in this brand new size 8 Casablanca 1914 wedding dress. The lucky bride selling this dazzling dress has been gifted a bigger budget for her wedding dress from her mother. Her loss is definitely your gain.

Scalloped Lace: $980 When used sparingly, lace can add elegant texture and depth to a wedding dress, as seen in this size 14 Jasmine Bridal T834 gown. In this best seller, lace is used in bands across the dress, ending with a beautiful scalloped hemline. In our opinion, this dress has just the right touch of romance for a dreamy bride to be.

Touch of Lace: $1100 If you like the idea of lace, but want it used as an accent rather than the main event, consider this size 6 Lea-Ann Belter "Taylor" wedding dress. The waistline is adorned with pretty French lace and a lovely satin ribbon ties into a bow to trail down the slim A Line skirt.

Strut Your Stuff Lace: $3000 Always wanted a designer dress but didn't want the designer price tag? This brand new size 6 Gabriella Arango 2010 sample is a stunner. Made of French Chantilly lace, this A Line strapless wedding gown is a gorgeous blush color, making it perfect for a sunset wedding.

Dos and Dont's of Sending Save the Dates

DO Notify your guests of your wedding well in advance before you send your actual wedding invitations. Since wedding invitations usually get sent out closer to your wedding, save the date cards give your guests advanced warning to put their date in their calendar, plan vacation time, make travel arrangements and save up if needed.

DO NOT Send anyone a Save the Date if you are not certain they will be invited to the wedding. Make sure you have your guest list confirmed when you send out the cards.

DO Ensure your save the dates announce a date and location.

DO NOT Worry too much about matching your save the dates to your wedding colors of theme if you haven't chosen them yet. Better to send the save the dates in plenty of time rather than have everything perfectly matched.

Read on for more of our favorite save the date cards from our friends at Wedding Paper Divas.

Wedding Registry Idea: Go Green with a Composter

Are you a green minded couple? Add a composter to your online wedding registry!

This green idea will help you fertilize your home garden for less by helping moisturize the soil, therefore reducing the need for water, fertilizers and pesticides you use. It also helps the environment by revitalizing contaminated soil!

You can build your own composter, or get one at a home improvement store, but it’s sure to be a great addition to your backyard, and a welcome gift on your cash wedding registry!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

How To: Makeup for a Vampire Bride

Our friends over at Make Up For Ever have created the ultimate how to tips for a bunch of Halloween looks! Our favorite (of course) is the "Glampire Bride".

Make Up For Ever is the same great team that brought us amazing instructions on how to recreate both Kim Kardashian's Wedding Makeup, and Reese Witherspoon's wedding makeup.

Read on for all the tips and products you need to create the look:
Skin:

For opaque lightened skin mix Mat Velvet with white Flash Color and apply with sponge for maximum coverage.

Sculpt contours of the cheeks, temples, and inner eye socket with Eye Shadow #164. Add deeper dimension with Eye Shadow #40. Highlight high points of the cheekbones, forehead, chin and bridge of nose with Star Powder #942.

Eyes:

Add depth to inner and outer corner of eyes with Eye Shadow #40. Connect outer corner of shadow to temple sculpt. Shade beneath the lower lash line with Eye Shadow #99. Deﬁne upper lash line with Aqua Cream Black. Open and enlarge the eye by lining underneath the red shadow on the lower lash line. Then draw in false lashes on the lower lash line using Aqua Cream Black. Finish with Smoky Lash and Faux Lash #156.

Brows:

Deﬁne brows and enhance arch with Aqua Brow and Aqua Cream Black.

Lips:

Deﬁne lip line and add depth to the corners of the mouth with Aqua Lip #12C. Fill in with Rouge Artist Intense #34. Add detailed deﬁnition with Aqua Cream Black.

Products:

Mat Velvet
Flash Color Palette
Eye Shadow #164 Neutral Brown
Eye Shadow #40 Gray
Eye Shadow #99 Red
Star Powder #942 White Purple
Aqua Cream Black
Smoky Lash
Faux Lash #156
Rouge Artist Intense #34 Berry
Aqua Lip 12C Deep Purple

Hottest Bridesmaids Gifts for 2013

Hands up if you just survived a crazy wedding season?!

As friends to so many beautiful brides this year, we realized just how much goes into a wedding beyond Saying Yes to the Dress. So between centre pieces and wild bachelorettes, many brides say thank you to their bridal party with little tokens of appreciation. It's no surprise that this usually includes something sweet and sparkly. Because who doesn't love a little sparkle, right?

For us, it is an absolute thrill when a bride picks helloberry pieces to commemorate this special memory. We heard from many brides-to-be that our glamified friendship bracelets would make the perfect gift.

So what's our theory? Why the sudden resurgence of friendship bracelet love?

We think it might be because even while we're all moving on and doing "grown-up" things like starting careers, getting married or buying houses...the little girl in all of us still believes in the magic of finding a friend for life. There is a part of us all that will always hold on to the tiny symbols that keeps our friends close by even if slumber parties are now few and far between.

Welp, there goes one single tear.

Ahem. Here are the top picks made by the brides of 2012 who chose helloberry for their "something sweet and sparkly" to share with their besties.

1. Gold Dust Swirl Our Signature bracelet went down the aisle twice!

2. Mini Smoothies Assorted colours- These were the top pre-wedding day gift

3. London Fog Smoothies Bangle-style Bracelet

4. Lavender Lattice Wrap Bracelet

5. Mini Helix Bracelet in Mint & Seaberry

6. Limited Edition Wishing Heart bracelet

We loved that many co-ordinated bracelets to their wedding color scheme - a great way to tie the entire memory together. Cheers to friendship! Thank you ladies, you know who you are :) xo

ATTN Bridesmaids | SWEET TIP: While we know you'll never want to take off your Helloberry bracelet, you may not need the 7 bridesmaids dresses you have in your closet. You can easily sell your bridesmaid dresses on at SmartBrideBoutique.com.

---------------

Sunta is a co-founder at helloberry, a Toronto-based company specializing in handmade jewelry. All pieces are made in Canada and designed in house. If you have any bridal party gift questions or ideas, email sunta@helloberryinc.com. helloberry is more than happy to be a part of your big day. Follow helloberry on twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

The only thing that could make #weddingporn more addictive? Dresses + dogs

Seriously, between pinterest, facebook, instagram and every other visual media - we're overwhelmed with pretty pictures and inspiration for every which way to plan our nuptials.

They call it... WEDDING PORN. We're snapping photos of everything we eat ("food porn" - check out Neil Patrick Harris's twitter feed: NPHFoodPorn and every place we go, so it's no surprise it's come to this.

Source: weddingwindow.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

After a while, it's easy to get desensitized to it all which is why today we bring you the ultimate internet mix: Wedding Dresses and Dogs!

Keep reading for more of our favorites and check out our pinterest board: Cool Wedding Photo Ideas for more inspiration.

Source: houndseek.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Source: community.theknot.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Source: weddingbee.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Source: cottagecheesevintage.blogspot.ca via SmartBride on Pinterest

Source: weddinggawker.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Source: weddingwindow.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Source: wedpicstodiefor.blogspot.ca via SmartBride on Pinterest

Jessica Biel is Pretty in Pink - Get the Look for Less

Jessica Biel joins the pink parade of celebrity wedding dresses of late following in the footsteps of Reese Witherspoon, Gwen Stefani and Anne Hathaway.

Jessica glowed in her custom, strapless petal-pink gown made of silk mousseline and silk organza. Her dress (and all of her bridesmaid dresses) was designed by Giambattista Valli. Valli also designed her veil adding heirloom pearls. For jewelry, she wore vintage cut yellow diamond Martin Katz earrings with a rose gold micro diamond border.

Anne Hathaway, Gwen Stefani & Reese Witherspoon

With so many celebs marching down the aisle in pink it has us wondering why blush wedding gowns and ombre looks are so in. While many shades of white can be hard to pull off, pink complements a wider range of skin tones. It also lets a bride convey her romantic, girly style regardless of the fit and silhouette that looks best on her.

Would you opt for a touch of pink? Here are 5 amazing celeb-worthy designer weddings gowns up to 45% off. Click the photo to be linked for the item for sale on SmartBrideBoutique.com.

Monique Lhuillier Amber Wedding Dress
Originally $7,000, on sale for $5,000

Jim Hjelm Style JH8250 Wedding Dress
Originally $4,000, on sale for $2,300

Maggie Sottero Blush Wedding Dress
SUPER STEAL: Originally $1,300, on sale for $800

Romona Keveza RK282 Blush Wedding Dress
Originally $9,800, on sale for $5,500

Vera Wang Blush Wedding Dress
Originally $7,100, on sale for $5,000

Want more wedding dress styles?

Surprise Ending! Cutest wedding video ever

OMG! We did not see that ending coming! One of the cutest wedding videos we've seen in a while. What classic wedding video shots make your must have list?

Click the image to play the video!

Source: vimeo.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Wedding Registry Idea: Closet Organizer

If your closet currently looks something like this:

It may be time to add some super-duper closet organizers to your wedding registry! Grab your partner and your cash wedding gifts, and head to IKEA for some awesome ideas on how to maximize the closet space you have!

Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Real Green Wedding: Going Local, Organic to reduce your carbon footprint

Lisa Aldridge and Brad Timmerman were married on September 24, 2011 at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center in Black Earth, Wisconsin.

Our friends at The Green Bride Guide are sharing a few ways this couple managed to reduce their carbon footprint and reuse materials!

Plus, if you love the bride’s style, don’t forget to check out our top pre-owned choices below to get the look for less!

An Eco-Chic Updo: Lisa's hair and makeup was done by her local hair stylist Krisa Sweeney, of Khloe's Hair Studio. Krisa used green products and Lisa's hair was adorned with pretty red flowers in a simple up do.
Eco-Friendly Foods: The newlyweds and their guests enjoyed delicious local and organic foods from Ingrid's Lunchbox, located in Madison, Wisconsin. The food spread included juicy peppers, big chunks of fresh feta cheese, kalamata olives, pita breads and hummus for dipping!
Sustainable Sweets: For dessert, the bride and groom satiated their sweet tooths with an organic apple spice wedding cake made by local Madison, Wisconsin company Sweet Life Cakes, Cookies and Confections.
In keeping with the autumnal dessert theme, Lisa and Brad also ordered 4 gallons of organic apple cider from local Door Creek Orchard in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin.
Favors for the Birds: Brad's parents surprised the couple with packets filled with birdseed for the guests to use as confetti. This will be eaten by the birds and does not harm the earth or animals like other wedding send off confettis such as rice!
The Wedding Dress:
Lisa purchased her dress from Halle's Vintage Shop in Mazomani, Wisconsin. This is a local consignment store with used clothing. She also purchased her wedding shoes from Saver's, a thrift store in Madison, Wisconsin.
If you you're looking for a flattering a-line gown with straps and elegant details, here is just a sample of suitable wedding gowns from SmartBride.

Left: Size 8 Maggie Sottero RD1086 Wedding Dress new with tags for $475 (Save $375!)
Center: Size 10 Emerald Bridal 9107 Sample Wedding Dress, for $500 (Save $399!)
Right: Size 8 David's Bridal Wedding Dress for $250 (Save $650)

Fall Florals: Mixing it up with a consistent color palette

For a refreshing take on traditional fall colors, try pairing warm yellows and golds with sleek modern black or deep purple.

If you are not into the whole matchy-matchy thing or are simply embracing the warmth of fall, consider mixing it up a little by designing multiple arrangements using the same colors and flowers. Everything will look pulled together without feeling staged.

Photo by Sharp Fluff Photography

Horse Mask Meme Meets Weddings

If you haven't seen the crazy horse head mask internet meme floating around, things are about to change! Horse head masks have hit the wedding space, and we don't see it slowing down any time soon.

What is this meme we speak of? Well, the masks are sold on Amazon.com and some creative customers started to post pictures of themselves in the horse masks in all sorts of exciting situations right in the customer photos section. Here's a couple samples for your enjoyment ;) More wedding pics below!

Want to submit your own horse head wedding photo?

Post your engagement photos or any related wedding photo to our facebook page and we'll include them in the list.

Wedding Registry Idea: Swing Into It!

There’s nothing more relaxing than the thought of being able to drop your bags at the door, walk straight through the house, and slide onto the porch swing to read after a long day.

This wedding gift idea is great for those summer nights, when you're relaxing with a cup of iced tea and your other half in the backyard!

Want to add some zen to your wedding registry? We suggest adding it via porch swing!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Infographic: Are you at a Hipster Wedding?

In case you are having trouble figuring it out for yourself.... here is a handy infographic you could print out and tuck inside your suit pocket or clutch ;)

Other signs to look for include:

there are many bow ties
all manner of suspenders and mustaches are present
the entire soiree sort of looks like it's been run through a hipstimatic filter
you're being served Absinthe in a mason jar
the bride and groom had their pet chicken bring their rings down the aisle
All honey used at the reception was collectively supplied from the rooftop bee hives of the grooms party
There is a photo wall full of family photos from the 80's... oddly you saw the groom wearing the same sweater at the rehearsal dinner.

Click read more to see the full infographic.

Wedding Registry Idea: Home Improvement

This week’s wedding gift idea is brought to you by the work I’ve been doing helping tear up carpet in my friend’s house.

You already live in the house of your dreams – but it’s about 50 years old, and it’s about time to replace that flooring. Chances are it’s either really retro carpeting, or some terrible laminate circa 1965.

Adding your new laminate flooring to your wedding registry makes for a great wedding gift idea! Your guests will thank you....they didn’t want to tell you before but they we’re scared of that bright green shaggy carpet!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Dance to the Photographer

Want to get great dancing shots? Check out our photo tip below!

Wedding Photos from Memories of Bliss Photography

This week's wedding photos and tip comes from Robert Maves Photography based in Miami, Florida. Check out more of their amazing photography, and their photo tip for smart brides below!

Wedding Photos from Memories of Bliss Photography

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

Dance to the Photographer!

"During the formal dances, like the first dance or the father daughter dance, you should ignore us completely. However, late in the evening when the photographer comes around to shoot the fun dancing shots, it would be wonderful if you and your wedding party would occasionally turn and dance facing a little bit towards the photographer. Otherwise they would get a lot of dancing pictures with your backside showing. If you just turn and show off for the camera a little, the pictures usually turn out really good."

Wedding Photos from Memories of Bliss Photography

Artistic… Polished… Elegant… These are the words that brides use when describing their experience with Memories of Bliss Photography. They pride themselves on tapping into our customers’ personalities before the wedding, and then portraying their personalities through the styles that they use.

See more classic wedding photos from Henry Spencer at his SnapKnot profile.

Winter Wedding Dresses

Want more wedding dress styles?

Wedding Registry Idea: Picture Perfect

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

Even though it all "officially" starts with your wedding day, you’ll want to savour all the memories of your lifetime together.

Whether you’re avid photographers, or just need something for every-day life, a camera makes for a perfect wedding registry gift, allowing you to freeze moments in time, and cherish them forever.

Add a digital camera to your online cash wedding registry and start collecting memories.

Check out more awesome wedding registry ideas below!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Make Sure You Get Along!

This week's tip is crucial for great wedding photos? Check out our photo tip below!

Wedding Photos from Moxie Studio

This week's wedding photos and tip comes from Moxie Studio based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Check out more of their amazing photography, and their photo tip for smart brides below!

Wedding Photos from Moxie Studio

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

Make Sure You Get Along!

"While you may love a photographer’s images, make sure you get along with them. You will be spending your wedding day with this person and you want to make sure that they contribute to the feeling you want your day to have. We become friends with many of our clients because we get along so well."

Wedding Photos from Moxie Studio

When you choose Moxie Studio you not only get amazing photography, stunning cinema/videography and memories to cherish for a lifetime, but you get professionalism mixed with a fun and relaxed atmosphere. This way you will enjoy every moment of YOUR day, because it really is about you!

Find out more from Moxie Studio and check out relaxed wedding photos at their SnapKnot profile.

Wedding Registry Idea: A Love Fern?

What's better than watching a tree grow in the backyard of your family home? Receiving the tree as a gift thanks to your online cash wedding registry of course!

When we say "love fern", we're not talking "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" love fern… we don’t need anyone breaking up over a dead plant ;) What we are talking about is a bona fide tree, like a beautiful maple or oak tree.

Have a specific tree that means something to you? Or just want a nice corner of your backyard, shaded with love?

Either way - add a tree to your wedding registry, and enjoy.

Check out more awesome wedding registry ideas below!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Getting the Right Light Balance

Want your pictures to pop with life? Check out our photo tip on lighting below!

Wedding Photos from Robert Maves Photography

This week's wedding photos and tip comes from Robert Maves Photography based in Miami, Florida. Check out more of their amazing photography, and their photo tip for smart brides below!

Wedding Photos from Robert Maves Photography

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

Make Your Pictures Pop with Life!

"We love lots of flash lighting to bring out the colors and skin tones of a couple’s wedding day. Soft box, off camera lighting gives shape to the couple’s faces, not flat lighting. We often set up 4-6 flash systems to capture lively reception hall dance images.

You can always tell a true pro by the equipment they use and how they use it…great photography with the correct light balance will make pictures pop with life and make your photography work stand out."

Wedding Photos from Robert Maves Photography

Robert Maves Photography will tell an amazing story through color, composition, classic elegant lighting, location, and emotional connections with a friendly photographer. They’ll capture all the details and images for you to keep the rest of your life.

See more of Robert’s elegant wedding photos at his SnapKnot profile.

Rivini Sample Sale: Up to 70% Off Designer Wedding Dresses!

Fall 2012 Wedding Dress Sample Sale!

Brides to Be: Bring your BFFs, your mom.....bring everyone!

Ashton Station Bridal is hosting their Fall 2012 Sample Sale starting Saturday, September 29th and the deals are amazing!

From September 29th to October 7th, find a gorgeous Rivini™ or Alyne wedding gown with savings up to 70% off!

When: Saturday, September 29th to Sunday, October 7th

Where: 17A Albert Street, Carleton Place, Ontario K7C 1P3

What: Enjoy up to 70% off a gorgeous designer Rivini™ or Alyne wedding dress!

How: Hurry, make your appointment for best selection. Call 613-240-7616 or email info@ashtonstationbridal.ca. Spaces will fill up quickly!

Don't believe us that the deals are AMAZING? Check out some of these gorgeous dresses that will be available for a steal of a deal!

From top left to bottom right: Rivini Gigi for $1800 (Regularly $2450),
Rivini Nevia for $1700 (Regularly $4950),
Rivini Ida for $2950 (Regularly $4650) and
Alyne Beth for $1200 (Regularly $2450)

For more information, check out AshtonStationBridal.ca

Shimmer Satin Wedding Dress

Want more celebrity wedding style?

Wedding Registry Idea: For the Bookworm

Add a Book to your bookshelf...

Are you and your hubby avid readers? If you have a few books you really want to add to your collection, why not add it to your wedding registry!

Whether you want to add some cool old school encyclopedia’s or a series of books that hold a special place in your heart, this makes a wonderful gift that you will be able to treasure forever!

Check out more wedding registry ideas below!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Summer Wedding Tips

Don't want to be squinting in your photos? Check out our photo tip for summer brides below!

Wedding Photos from Seshu Photography

This week's wedding photos and tip comes from Seshu Photograph based in Hartford, Connecticut. Check out more of his amazing photography, and his photo tip for smart brides below!

Wedding Photos from Seshu Photography

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

How to Reduce Squinting in Your Pictures!

"Getting married in the Summer? Consult with your photographer for the best time of day to have your portraits created outdoors. You and your bridal party don't want to be photographed with your eyes squinting at the camera do you? A professional photographer will have some solutions to offer you, but you need to speak with her or him well in advance of your special day."

Wedding Photos from Seshu Photography

Seshu is an internationally recognized documentary wedding photographer that creates wedding images that are: Elegant. Memorable. Real. As a seasoned photojournalist, his skills are best defined in natural, mostly unposed moments he captures.

You can find more natural wedding photos from Seshu Photography at his SnapKnot profile.

American Idol Lili Bridals Wedding Dress for Less

Want more celebrity wedding style?

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Where does the Wedding Cake Go?

Wondering where to place your wedding cake for best photo optics? Check out our photo tip below!

Wedding Photos from Kendralla Photography

This week's wedding photos and tip comes from Kendralla Photography based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Wedding Photos from Kendralla Photography

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

Cake Placement

"Over the years, I have seen some great cake locations and some not so good locations.

One of the best wedding tips for best cake placement I've heard is to keep the cake near the front/center of the head table. This way everyone can see and take pictures of the cake as they arrive and have a good view for the cake cutting.

When the couple is getting ready to cut the cake, this placement provides room behind the head table for one of the photographers to stand and room to the other side for the second photographer. Plus, there is room for the couple (which is important!), and the guests who want to take pictures without being in the way of the pro photographers.

This setup also gives enough space for guests to be out of harm’s way in the event cake starts to fly!"

Wedding Photos from Kendralla Photography

Kendralla Photography travels nationwide capturing your wedding in both photojournalistic style as well as portraiture. Kendralla has special pricing for 2013 – be sure to mention his SnapKnot profile to get your discount!

Wedding Registry Idea: Snowshoes!

With winter around the corner, and the first snowfall lingering… we’re pretty excited to get back to all the outdoor activities that include hot chocolate breaks, and snowball fights.

This gift is inspired by a real Wedding Republic wedding registry. A couple had just started experimenting with snowshoeing, and decided that they really liked it! Each wanted to purchase a pair to be able to keep pursuing their new-found love, so they added them to their cash wedding gift registry.

The great thing about this gift is that snowshoes that are well taken care of can last up to 20 years… that’s almost as long as a good old-fashioned wood toboggan!

We say this is definitely a must for the outdoorsy and adventurous couple!

Check out more registry ideas below!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Blake Lively's Wedding Dress Designed by Marchesa

Congrats to Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds on their recent secret marriage ceremony. After only a year together, the couple surprised everyone getting married before even announcing their engagement. We hope that they will not be so secretive about publishing pictures of their wedding attire! Can't wait to see some photos!

Ryan, who we think looks pretty sharp all the time, reportedly wore a Burberry suit with leather suspenders. Blake always looks ravishing in white and often chooses to wear it casually, on the red carpet, and obviously down the aisle. We're betting she received a pair of special wedding shoes from her bestie, Christian Louboutin.

Read on about Blake's Dress and how to get the look for less.

Before the wedding, we would have imagined Blake in anything but a ball gown silhouette which she reportedly wore. We envisioned something Grecian, super sexy low back, maybe with an asymmetrical neckline? Sounds like we were totally off and she went with a one of a kind couture ball gown with hand draped silk tulle. The bodice had some serious bling with custom crystal and rose gold embroidery. Her wedding party wore blush silk chiffon bridesmaid dresses to add to the soft and muted tones.

Two Marchesa Gowns - Sounds like Blake faked us out and went with a fuller silhouette. Didn't see that one coming!

Before the official pics come out, we thought we'd give you a head start at replicating Blake's look for less. We've selected full gowns, some with embellishment on the bodice, all with tulle and elegant draping. Enjoy!

Alita Graham AG7367 Wedding Dress
Originally $6800, on sale for $2,300

Allure Bridals 2359 Wedding Dress
Originally $1,000, on sale for $500 - brand new with tags

Vera Wang Style VW351007 Wedding Dress
Originally $1,024, on sale for $800

Pronovias Basera Pro Wedding Dress
Originally $2,400, on sale for $1,200 - brand new with tags

Mori Lee 2415 Wedding Dress
Originally $1,000, on sale for $800

Vera Wang VW351065 Wedding Dress
Originally $1,326, on sale for $1,200 - new with tags

Want more celebrity wedding style?

All Over Lace Wedding Dresses

Want more wedding dress styles?

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Museum Membership

Do you have a museum that you and your hunny really enjoy visiting?

Why not add the membership to the science museum that you love so much to your cash wedding registry?

If you’re a fan of the interactive displays, iMax films or even just like to hang out in a garden museum, it can be a great and useful wedding gift - not to mention a regular date night!

Check out more wedding gift registry ideas below:
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Vera Wang Gemma and 4 Other Vera Wang Wedding Favs

Want more wedding dress styles?

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Custom Fire Pit

What’s better than settling into your favourite lawn chair, with a nice glass of wine by a fire?

When the fire pit is in your own back yard, of course!

So long as you are aware of the by-laws surrounding outdoor fires in your neighbourhood, why not add a custom built fire pit to your cash wedding registry?

Great for entertaining , we think it’s a great idea. And..... when you’re done building, we’ll bring the wine!

Check out more awesome gift registry ideas below!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Quality Photos Need Time

Want to get to your cocktail hour asap? Check out our photo tip below!

This week's wedding photos and tip comes from Clearly in Focus based in Orlando, Florida.

Wedding Photos from Clearly in Focus

Check out more of their amazing photography, and their photo tip for smart brides below!

Wedding Photos from Clearly in Focus

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

Quality Photos Need Time!

"Trust me, we want to get you to your cocktail hour and reception as fast as possible, but quality photos need time.

Think about doing some formals before, or even possibly a reveal/first look. This is a great way to have a private moment that is just for the two of you. If you are set on the "He can't see me before the wedding" vibe, then consider having all of the formal images of you and your girls done beforehand, while a second photographer can get your husband and his guys done as well…then simply switch the parties. It will be less stress for you, and will guarantee the fantastic images of you and your new husband.

Less stress = more smiling in the photos ;)"

Wedding Photos from Clearly in Focus

Clearly In Focus offers playfully elegant wedding photography that will preserve your timeless event for years to come. Their goal is to give you your wedding, your way. They offer custom photography packages filled with the options you want and none that you don't.

See more wonderful wedding images by Clearly In Focus Photography over at their SnapKnot profile.

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Help Us Move!

You’re planning on moving into your new house shortly after getting married - but you still need a moving truck.

Your friends want to help you move - but they live hours away.

We’ve got the solution, add you moving costs to your Wedding Republic cash wedding registry!

This allows you to book the truck you want, when you need it. It will also let your friends be assured that just because they weren’t able to help you physically, they helped you get all your prized possessions safe and sound into your brand new home!

Check out more awesome wedding registry ideas below!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Ask To See All of the Photos

This week's wedding photos and tip comes from Michelle Jones Photography, based in San Antonio, Texas.

Wedding Photos from Michelle Jones Photography

Check out more of her amazing photography, and her photo tip for smart brides below!

Wedding Photos from Michelle Jones Photography

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

Look through photos for an entire wedding, not just the highlights

"When choosing a photographer for your wedding day, ask to see a recent wedding in full, not just the best shots they use in their portfolio. This helps give you a feel for how a photographer captures the entire event, rather than just one or two highlight photos.

For an example, take a look at one of Michelle’s recent albums featuring the wedding of Anna and Brett."

Wedding Photos from Michelle Jones Photography

As seasoned pros, Michelle Jones Photography anticipates the moments big and small in order to document your story from beginning to end. See more of Michelle Jones Photography’s wonderful wedding work over at SnapKnot profile.

Dotted Wedding Dresses

Want more wedding dress styles?

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Car Sharing

This week's wedding registry gift idea is inspired by a real Wedding Republic registry!

Amy and Julian added a ZipCar gift certificate to their Wedding Republic cash wedding registry!

Nothing says "we want to help save the environment" like car-sharing! If you live in a downtown core you know that renting a parking space can cost you big bucks, why not save by using a car sharing service?

Research local services, and add it to your wedding registry for the next time you want to get away to the cottage on a long weekend to get away from the city!

Check out more non typical wedding registry ideas below!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Lose the Hair Product!

This week's wedding photos and tip comes from Charity K Photography, based in Dayton, Ohio.

Wedding Photos from Charity K Photography

Check out more of her amazing photography, and her photo tip for smart brides below!

Wedding Photos from Charity K Photography

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

Lose the Product!

"Mega hold hairspray will only ensure that you will have little strays sticking straight up and our cameras will show them. Unless you are going for a super teased look lose the product. Ask your stylist to curl your hair and arrange it in a loose bun. This will give your hair a whimsy romantic look and if you want to let it down for the reception it still looks great!."

Wedding Photos from Charity K Photography

Charity is based in Dayton, OH but willing to travel to photograph your wedding. See more of charity K photography’s wonderful wedding photography over at SnapKnot profile.

Natalie Portman's Tea Length Wedding Dress for Less

View the story "Natalie Portman's Tea Length Wedding Dress: Get the Dress for Less" on Storify

Want more wedding dress styles?

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Bike Rack

Bike rides are fun! And it’s even more fun when you can drive to the outskirts to find an awesome bike trail to ride down.

If you and your hubby are outdoor enthusiasts, just imagine taking off on your cross-country road-trip honeymoon to some of the most glorious of North American landscapes. It would take forever to explore by foot, so strap your bikes to the roof of your car, and get exploring!

Adding a bike rack to your wedding registry is simply a way to get the wheels turning!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Let the Pros Handle the Mishaps!

As our regular readers know, each week we're featuring some awesome wedding photos from talented wedding photographers for ideas and inspiration. PLUS, each week they'll be a tips from the photographer that you can use/think about when it comes to planning photos for your big day!

Today's photos and tip comes from Jan Ethridge Photography, based in Destin, Florida.

Wedding Photos from Jan Ethridge Photography

Check out more of her amazing photography, and her photo tip for smart brides below!

Wedding Photos from Jan Ethridge Photography

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

Let the pros handle it!

“Let the pros handle any mishaps the might happen on your wedding day. Remember, your biggest job is to soak in the joy, memories, and love of the precious moments as they happen. That way, all the joy and love will be reflected in your wedding images.”

Wedding Photos from Jan Ethridge Photography

Jan Ethridge shoots in a classic contemporary style – the “shots you expect and the ones that will take your breath away.”

See more of Jan’s wonderful wedding photography over at her SnapKnot profile.

Flower Power: Wedding Dresses with Flower Power

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Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Pig Roast!

Are you a fan of get-togethers, parties, barbeques or any reason to call a reunion of friends?

If you are, why not add the ultimate gift that gives back? Have your guests contribute towards a pig roast (no, not a groom roast) for your cash wedding registry and you can throw a fun one year anniversary party. What a great excuse to get everyone back together!

Vegetarian? No worries! How about a good, old-fashioned corn roast accompanied by tofu dogs and Portobello mushroom burgers?

You’re all set, and we’re drooling already!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Step by Step Guide: Save $7,000 on your wedding

See the full infographic

Step by Step Guide: How to Save $7,000+ on Your Wedding Using Technology

Read below for our step-by-step guide on how to use each technology to save $7,000 on your wedding just by using technology.

Once you're done, feel free to view the full wedding technology infographic.

PLUS, check out all the amazing technology companies below to help you save along the way:

Wedding Dress Trend: Say Yes to 2 Dresses

Many brides are changing into a second, and often shorter or less formal reception dress in order to let loose on the dance floor. To stay on budget, brides are opting for gently used wedding dresses found online. That way they can still have two dresses and stay on budget. For those not interested in wearing a used dress, selling one or both gowns after the wedding can be a good option to recoup some of the money spent on their wedding gowns.

Did you Know?

38% of brides consider buying a second dress for reception
61% of brides go over budget on a dress
18% of brides go over budget by more than $250
75% of brides-to-be would consider buying a used dress if it meant they could save money without sacrificing style
55% of brides would consider selling their wedding dress after their wedding day to recoup some of your investment
The average Canadian bride spends $1,847 which is far more than their American neighbors at $1,121.

How to Save 50% on Your Wedding Dress(es):

Save 50% on your dream wedding dress (or dresses!) by searching SmartBrideBoutique.com wedding classifieds. Find a pre-owned gown for sale by another bride or a new, sample dress straight from the bridal store.

There are thousands of dresses posted for sale on SmartBride to choose from. Simply narrow your search by your favorite designers, size, color, neckline, silhouette and more. Then save your search so each new dress that matches your criteria gets e-mailed to you as soon as it is posted. You'll also find shoes, bridesmaid dresses, decorations and more to complete your entire wedding.

Wedding Website Trend: Mobile Wedding Websites

Brides are taking their wedding websites mobile so guests can access information about wedding activities, transportation and accommodation plus share photos right from their phone. No more guests getting lost between ceremony and reception, or showing up late to the church. Do you have any idea how many guests purchase their wedding gift off a registry the day of the wedding?

Did you Know?

69% of brides have a personal wedding website
58% of brides are using their mobile phone to take and share wedding-related pictures
1 in 5 brides use a mobile app to plan, shop or register for their wedding

How to Save $360 by Using a Mobile Wedding Website with RSVPs:

Keep printed invitations uncluttered and use less paper by sharing directions, maps, and other details on your Appy Couple app and website. Not only will you save on your invitations by eliminating reply cards and envelopes, you will also save hundreds in postage by tracking RSVPs in the app or online. You might get a few people phoning you to RSVP (as usual) but for the most part, people will use the electronic RSVP from their phone or computer which will also save you a ton of time in coordinating your guest list.

Wedding Video Trend: Guests capture and share candid wedding videos

Video isn't just for the wedding day anymore. Brides are having a blast making fun of the silly (and sometimes ridiculous) things they’ve said and done during their wedding planning via Comedy Central-style roast videos. DIY video is also a great way for your guests to share the videos they take from their smartphones on your wedding day with you in order to create a custom wedding video. Combine guests videos with your own, or even a professional photographer if you have the budget to create one video you'll be able to watch again and again.

Did you Know?

Over 25% of videos are captured on smartphones
After their weddings, 98% of brides recommend getting a wedding video. Unfortunately, only 30% of brides actually have a videographer (often due to budget) which means there are likely a ton of brides wishing they there was a cheaper solution for wedding videos.
On average, a bride spends $1518 on video.

How to save $1,400 on Wedding Video

If you can't afford a professional videographer, there is another solution. Check out Storymix Media for weddings. They allow you to use the video function on your smartphones, or rent HD video cameras from them to capture your big day. Between you and your guests, you'll have a ton of video to edit into a custom video after the big day. Before the wedding, have your guests download the mobile app on their phones (hint: put the link on your wedding website!), decide whether you need to rent any HD cameras in case your guests do not have smartphones and set aside some budget for custom editing services after the big day.

Wedding Invitation Trend: Whimsical Invitations by Indie Designers

Brides are looking for high quality, unique invitations by high end designers to match their personal wedding style and set the tone for their wedding theme. Most importantly, brides want an easy way to access tons of amazing designers to reduce the amount of time spent researching and asking for quotes from separate designers. Brides benefit from using technology and volume discounts while still achieving a custom invitation in their own colors and theme.

Did you Know?

Brides spent an average of $695 on wedding invitations and reply cards
The most popular colors for weddings are blue (30%), purple (25%) and green (24%)
You should order about 65 invitations for every 100 guests you plan to have at your wedding

How to Save $500+ on Your Designer Wedding Invitations:

Access hundreds of top independent designers through Minted.com at the click of a button. Choose high quality, fast and customizable invitations to suit your personality without breaking the bank. You can even order paper samples etc before you pull the trigger.

Honeymoon Trend: Honeymoon Registries

More couples are skipping traditional registry items in favor of registering for their honeymoon. Guests can still give something more personal than cash AND the couple gets their dream honeymoon.

Did you Know?

38% say travel is on their registry wish list
The average cost of a honeymoon for Canadian brides is $5,740 while U.S. brides spend about $4,466.
62% of couples cover the cost of their honeymoon
On average, the honeymoon accounts for 14 percent of the wedding budget.
The average length of a honeymoon is 8 days.
50% of brides plan to book at least part of their honeymoon online (up from 42% in 2010).

How to Save $5,000 on Your Honeymoon:

Register for your honeymoon instead of, or in addition to, upgrading housewares and linens. Add the Wishpot button to your browser to place travel or gifts from any website on your wedding registry. Create your registry on Wishpot, and then add all of the honeymoon related travel you have planned to your list. That way guests can contribute the amount they would like directly to your trip or contribute to larger items like flights and hotels without having to coordinate with other guests.

How to Save Over $7,000 on your Wedding Using Technology

Click read more to see the full infographic

Save Over $7,000 on Your Wedding By Using Technology

SmartBrideBoutique.com has teamed up with 4 of our favorite wedding technology providers (#wedtech for short) to bring you the easiest ways to get 5 of the top wedding trends for less by using technology.

Click here to to see the full wedding technology infographic. Once you've had a quick glance, check out our step-by-step instructions on exactly how to save on each wedding trend.

PLUS, check out all the amazing technology companies below to help you save along the way:

Feel free to share our infographic. Just copy/paste the code below for your blog, or use the share button at the bottom of this post for Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter.

<a href="http://www.smartbrideboutique.com/blog/how-to-save-over-7000-on-your-wedding-using-technology/20120801/932/"></a><br/>By:<a href="http://www.smartbrideboutique.com/">SmartBride Boutique Wedding Classifieds</a>

Belted Beauties: Wedding Dress with Belts

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Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Theatre Junkie

Are you a theatre junkie? Why not add a subscription to your favourite theatre to your wedding registry?

A fun (and regular) date night, or a cool Sunday afternoon habit, going to plays with your honey with via a season long subscription allows you to see some great talent!

Whether it’s Broadway, Mirvish, or a favorite smaller theatrical company, add it to your Wedding Republic cash wedding registry!

Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Planning Pays Off

Today's wedding photography tip comes from husband and wife team Vita Images, based out of Washington, D.C.

Wedding Photos from Vita Images

Check out more of their amazing photography, and their photo tip for smart brides below!

Wedding Photos from Vita Images

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

Planning is the key to help make your wedding photography go from ordinary to extraordinary!

We always strongly recommend doing a walk-through of the venue with your photographer a few weeks before the wedding. This gives you chance to see where to do portraits, talk about the portraits you want and plan out a timeline for the wedding.

It also allows the photographer find out first hand if there are any venue restrictions, what the available light is and if there needs to be travel involved for portrait locations. If you are having an outdoor wedding - talking about a rain plan during this time is imperative.

Doing this walk through makes everyone more relaxed and gives you another chance to get to know your photographer.

Wedding Photos from Vita Images

Vita Images’ focus is on documentary-style photography. They also love modern portraiture and take the time every wedding to give couples a wonderful collection of both styles. See more work by Jenn & Mike of Vita Images over at their SnapKnot profile.

Simple and Stunning Wedding Dresses

Just because you don't want any beading, ruffles, flowers or lace doesn't mean that your wedding dress can't still be drop dead gorgeous.

From top left: Simple Sheath - Vera Wang Juliana, Simple Mermaid - Modern Trousseau Mimi, Simple A Line - Alfred Sung 6823, Simple Ball Gown - Rivini Audrey. Check out all the details below!

These 12 simple wedding dresses are case in point. No matter what silhouette you're looking for, our choices show that you can look absolutely stunning on your wedding day in a wedding dress without the bells and whistles.

How to Choose Your Wedding Shoes

Avoid a common mistake brides make: Don’t forget about your wedding shoes!

Sure, your wedding dress will take center stage at your nuptials, but your wedding shoes are just as important on your big day. The shoes complete your special bridal ensemble and make you feel fabulous all day long – that is, if you chose the perfect pair.

It’s important to take extra time and consideration when you choose shoes for your wedding. The old adage that "no one will see my shoes" is completely false!

Not only will your bridal shoes be on display throughout your wedding, but you’ll likely want to show them off.

When you choose shoes for your wedding, consider the following details:

Shop early!
You don’t want to wait until the last minute to purchase bridal shoes. Why? Because your dress needs to be hemmed to accommodate your heels. Once you’ve found the dress of your dreams, start shopping for your shoes so you have them in time for your first fitting.

Think About Your Location.
Any time you get dressed, you consider where you’re going before you pick out your shoes – you wear gym shoes to go hiking, flip flops to the pool, heels for a night on the town – and when you choose shoes for your wedding, it’s no different.
If you have a beach wedding, you probably don’t want towering stilettos – they’ll make it impossible to walk in the sand.
Saying "I do" outside in a garden? Wedges will be easy to walk in on grass and gravel. Consider your wedding’s venue.

What's Your Wedding Style?
It would look silly to wear cowboy boots in a fancy ballroom, but that shoe choice might be perfect for the barn wedding of your dreams.
Consider your wedding’s theme and vibe when choosing your bridal shoes. Is it fancy, laid-back, vintage, country, colorful, traditional?
You want everything at your wedding to look cohesive and that applies to your shoes, too.
Complete Your Look.
It’s not all about the dress – your wedding day outfit is a complete ensemble, from head to toe. Make sure your shoes coordinate and effortlessly compliment your gown, veil, jewelry and bouquet.
This may mean matching the metal finishes throughout, paying attention to ivory vs. white, or making sure the materials mesh together.
A soft white tulle gown with bright patent leather or snakeskin shoes Mismatch!
Wearing bright gold shoes with a dress that only has silver beading? Distracting mismatch!

Comfort.
Above all, you need to be comfortable. This is the most important day of your life – do you want to be distracted by your aching feet? You’ll be wearing these shoes from your ceremony to your photos to your reception to the dance floor – all day and night until you and your new husband make your excited exit as newlyweds. That’s hours upon hours in that pair of shoes – so invest in a good pair!
Be realistic about your history with heels. Are you the woman who can’t dance in heels? Do you feel uneasy in anything but a flat?
Don’t use your wedding day as testing grounds for your stiletto skills. With today’s bountiful selection of bridal shoes, you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort!

Wedding Republic: Cool New Look!

The Wedding Registry For Couples Who Prefer Cash Over Tea Towels

One of the biggest dilemmas we’ve heard from our smart brides when they’re setting up their wedding registry is that, while they prefer cash over gifts, they aren’t sure how to ask for it without sounding… well, rude.

Enter Wedding Republic. Since its initial launch WR’s cash wedding registry has provided a way for couples to ask for cash, while keeping things convenient, fun and meaningful for guests.

Fresh on the heels of a redesign, Wedding Republic now has a cool new look that makes it easy and fun to create a beautiful AND personalized online wedding registry that guests will love.

Here are some of our favorite features:
Totally Customizable Choose from a great list of gift ideas or add your own to your registry. Get creative! From your honeymoon to your house down payments – nothing is off limits.

Register For Experiences For the couple that has enough “stuff”, Wedding Republic is the perfect solution. Register for cooking lessons, scuba diving or a wine tasting. This is more then just a gift list; it’s an expression of your personalities, your likes and your wants.

Register For The Big Stuff With Wedding Republic’s signature puzzle piece feature, you can add expensive gifts (hot tub anyone?) and break them apart into affordable puzzle pieces. Chipping in on a big, expensive gift will be fun and easy your wedding guests.

Convenient and Flexible Set up your gift registry in minutes and once you’re ready, guests can make their contribution online, from the comfort of their own home. This means no unnecessary trips to the store, returns or exchanges for anyone.

Change your mind? No problem! Since you redeem the cash value of your wedding registry, you can use the funds as you see fit.

One-On-One Attention In addition to the new look, you’ll have a wedding registry consultant who can help with anything you need. Have questions about your registry or wedding registry etiquette? Just ask the experts!

So what are you waiting for? Head on over to Wedding Republic and check it out for yourself, it’s free to try!

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Portable Speakers

Time for you to go real-housewife/husband on your house cleaning, and you obviously need your trusted get-stuff-done playlist to help you out. You have to scrub the inside of those grimy cupboards, and get all the soap scum out of your bathtub and sometimes you need a little more than plain ol’ elbow grease!

Though centralized stereo systems work great when you’re watching the big game on your brand new TV in the living room, it doesn’t always work to your advantage when you’re two floors up, so you need something portable.

In comes the Sharper Image Bluetooth Sound System. It connects to your phone, or laptop via Bluetooth, so your playlist is always at the tip of your fingers. Groove on!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Bring Your Own Ideas and Personality

Today's photos and tip comes from Tom Adam Photography, based in Iowa City.

Wedding Photos from Tom Adam Photography

Check out more of his amazing photography, and his photo tip for smart brides below!

Wedding Photos from Tom Adam Photography

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

Bring your lists, ideas & personality!

Your photographers will have ideas for locations and poses, but you can help let your unique style shine by sharing your ideas too. Flip through magazines, look at friends' wedding albums, and visit other wedding websites. You can make a list, a collage, or even a Pinterest board to share with your photographers.

Do you and your fiancee have an inside joke or special location? Are you doing something during your ceremony or reception that you should tell your photographers about? Who do you want to make sure you get in the formal pictures? When you meet with your photographers before your big day, bring your lists and ideas so your photographers will know what you want, and can give it to you.

Wedding Photos from Tom Adam Photography

Tom Adam Photography is a husband and wife team who believe it is important to capture your wedding in the most beautiful but honest way possible, blending a photojournalistic approach with the aesthetic of fashion and art. They bring multiple views and styles so you can be sure to have the memories you want in the style you want.

See more from Tom Adam Photography over at SnapKnot.

Wedding Contest: Win 1 of 2 Bridal Emergency Kits from Hollywood Fashion Secrets!

Create a picture perfect wedding.... free from matrimonial wardrobe malfunctions!

We’re back with another amazing contest, this time it’s courtesy of Hollywood Fashion Secrets, the Fashion Fairy Godmothers dedicated to preventing wardrobe malfunctions. And arguably, there’s no bigger day to avoid a wardrobe malfunction than your wedding day!

That’s why we were so pleased to hear about their recently launched bridal line, a must have for all of your pre-wedding events, the big day itself and even during the honeymoon!

From July 17th to 20th, we're giving away 2 Bride’s Fashion Emergency kits to 2 fabulous smart brides!

These Bridal Kits include 16 wedding emergency solutions like:

Oil blotting tissues to keep you looking fab from your walk down the aisle to cutting up the rug
Silicone CoverUps in case you’ve got a fabulous dress that needs non-traditional support
Special Occasion Tape in 5 unique sizes for extreme hold
Bra converting clips to easily transform your standard bra into a cross-back style
Deodorant removing sponges too prevent any unsightly deodorant marks and make up smudges
Fashion Tape for ripped hems, loose fits and more!

Want to win one of these awesome kits? Read below for all the information on how to enter and win!

How to Enter This Contest: To win this must have Bridal emergency kit, here’s what you need to do:

From July 17 to 24, 2012, leave a comment on our Facebook wall and tell us:

What wardrobe malfunctions have you experienced, seen or heard happened on a wedding day?

We’ll read through all of the stories and choose 2 winners, announcing them on July 25th!

Contest Rules & Regulations

Contest is live from July 17 to 20, 2012
Entry deadline is 11:59pm EST July 20, 2012
Two (2) winners will be chosen by SmartBride Boutique and announced on the Smartbride facebook wall. Winners will be notified via Facebook
This contest is open to residents of Canada (excluding Quebec) and the United States who are eighteen (18) years of age or older
Prize Description: Two (2) persons will each win one (1) Bride Fashion Emergency Kit, which includes a Bra Converting Clip, a Deodorant Removing Sponge, Oil Blotting Tissues, Silicone CoverUps, Hollywood Fashion Tape and Special Occasion Tape. Retail value: $XX.

Brides of a Feather: Wedding Dresses with Feather Details

Looking for some unique embellishment on your wedding dress? Then consider feathers. Feathers add a touch of whimsy and romance to a wedding dress, not to mention some fabulous texture.

Feathered Pronovias Bengasi Wedding Dress

If you want some inspiration, check out our 10 feathered wedding dresses posted by smart brides for a fraction of the price!

Add Voice Memos to your Wedding Photos with SPOKEnPHOTO

At SmartBrideBoutique.com, we are huge proponents of the save and splurge mentality. We always put wedding photography firmly in the SPLURGE category but that doesn’t stop us from looking for ways to stretch a photography budget or capture even more memories from your big day.

Today we discovered a cool iPhone app called SPOKEnPHOTO that you can use in addition to your traditional photographer. The app will help you and your guests to capture special moments of your big day and other events leading up plus keep you organized throughout the planning process.

It’s not just a picture, and it’s not a video. SPOKEnPHOTO simply lets you add voice memos to your photos. Cool, huh?

The app’s main photo screen makes a great looking inspiration gallery to reference when it is full of your Spoken Photos. Ask your guests to download it pre-wedding so they too can take part in giving a voice to your wedding memories!

Here are a couple ways you can use it:

Wedding Planning:

Let's just say it - wedding planning is intense. There are so many decisions to make that sometimes it’s hard to keep track of your favorites in a sea of options.

If you’re at the beginning of your planning, among other things, you’re probably about to embark on finding a wedding dress. Did you know that Brides go to an average of 6 stores during their search, trying on several dresses at each. Who can remember the 3rd dress they tried on at that first store last weekend? Then there is cake tasting, designing your bouquet and sorting through countless décor ideas. By the end of it, you’ve forgotten which way is up!

Pinterest is awesome for photo discovery, but isn’t always great for cataloging and making notes on items or ideas you discover offline. Sure, you can leave yourself some text notes, but often it’s hard to capture your true feelings in text. It’s fast, easy, and adding your voice helps capture emotional context.

Another cool feature is the ability to get the opinions of your friends when they don’t have the time or aren’t around to accompany you on your accessories expeditions. Just send them a photo of your favorite pair of wedding shoes directly from the app and ask them to record their thoughts. You will surely be able to tell by their tone of voice what they really think!

At the Wedding: 

Your wedding day finally arrives. You’ve been planning for month, yet after the herculean effort of getting everything ready, your wedding day slips by in the blink of an eye. Sleep deprivation, bubbly beverages and the high of having all of your friends and family in one room sometimes make it seem like a hazy dream.

SPOKEnPHOTO allows friends and family with iPhones to capture moments throughout your big day and night and share them with you. After your wedding, you can relive your wedding through their eyes and voices creating little vignettes of your day that you can enjoy forever.

Here's a quick video tutorial on how to use SPOKEnPHOTO:

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Patio Furniture

No post-wedding barbecue can be complete without fancy garden furniture!

Let’s be honest, the hand-me-down set you got from your brother’s, wife’s, parents in your whiskey-shooting college days isn’t going to cut it anymore.

It's time to upgrade by adding it to your Wedding Republic gift registry and maybe throw in a few matching loungers for those nice sunny afternoons by your uhm, soon-to-be new pool!

We found the Obelisk which comes at a hefty price, but is by far the coolest patio set we’ve ever seen. It’s a stackable and space-saving, easy on the eyes winter-time patio furniture storage solution!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Take a Moment Alone

Today's photos and tip comes from Lori Paladino Photography, based in San Francisco.

Wedding Photos from Lori Paladino Photography

Check out more of her amazing photography, and her photo tip for smart brides below!

Wedding Photos from Lori Paladino Photography

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

Think of your couple portraits as a chance to enjoy a quiet moment together and take it all in!

I'm sure you've heard how quickly your wedding day will fly by! After countless hours of planning, down to the last detail, you have finally arrived. Now, the day is moving so quickly, and you are surrounded by all the people you love, all at once! It's kind of funny to think that the one person you decided to begin this whole journey with, is also the one person you will likely not have but a few moments alone with all day!

We love to encourage our couples to consider their portraits as a time to reconnect with one another and absorb the amazing amount of love and celebration that surrounds them. As a side benefit, your couple images will reflect your love & joy in an authentic, beautiful way!

Wedding Photos from Lori Paladino Photography

Award winning wedding photographer Lori Paladino is focused on real moments and emotional, inspired imagery. Lori specializes in artistic images that retell your story. Lori's personal connection with her clients and the time she takes to get to know them help her deliver incredibly personal images.

See more from Lori Paladino Photography over at SnapKnot.

Blush Bombshell! Rachel's Prom Dress on Glee

The Glee Prom may have ended a few months ago, but our love of Rachel's blush colored organza mermaid Glee prom dress hasn't faded.

Rachel Barry's Unique Vintage prom dress had loads of romance and a great mermaid silhouette. We found it to be very bridal inspired, and so we had to search the Smart Bride archives to see if we could find similar wedding dresses for less.

Check out our picks below - how did we do?
Rachel Barry's Prom Dress Picks: Romantic Draped Organza

The organza fabric gave Rachel's prom dress a soft and romantic, almost whimsical feel. If you want something dreamy that uses draped organza to mimic Rachel's style, check out these 2 picks from Monique Lhuillier.

Left: Size 10 Monique Lhuiller Capri for $2900 (regularly $7275)
Right: Size 8 Monique Lhuillier Celestine for $4500 (regularly $10500)

Rachel Barry's Prom Dress Picks: Interesting Lines If you're more interested in the cool visual detail of Rachel's dress (i.e. the pretty layering detail of the bodice and skirt), then we think you'll like these 2 choices:

Left: Size 0 Vera wang 12475 for $1250 (regularly $6870)
Right: Size 4 Pronovias Gaudi for $300 (regularly $1400)

Rachel Barry's Prom Dress Picks: Floral Accent

Although Rachel didn't wear the floral belt on her dress, if this kind of floral detail combined with the sexy hourglass silhouette is more what you're looking for, consider these 2 gorgeous dresses:

Left: Size 4 Mikaella 1565 for $1000 (regularly $1700)
Right: Size 10 boutique sample Amsale wedding dress for $2375 (regularly $4750)

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Custom Artwork

Have a favourite local artist whose art may not be for sale at department stores, making it unable to add to your traditional wedding registry? Have no fear!

Support your favourite Etsy shop, or your favourite local graffitist by adding custom art work to your Wedding Republic gift registry!

Don’t have a favourite? That’s okay too, save the cash for the next time a local art gallery is holding an auction to benefit a charity that holds true to your heart. The possibilities are endless with this gift!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Shake it Out!

Today's photos and tip comes from Something Cerulean, based out of Brookyln, New York.

Wedding Photos from Something Cerulean

Check out more of their amazing photography, and their photo tip for smart brides below!

Wedding Photos from Something Cerulean

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

Shake it out!

Don't be afraid to take a moment while you're having photographs taken to shake it out! Keeping that smile on your face can be a lot of work, and you don't want to look tense or frozen in the images of your big day. Ask the photographer to take a breather (they'll probably need one too!)and have a stretch or wiggle. You'll feel and look more natural after.

Wedding Photos from Something Cerulean

From stunning engagement photos to elegant images of the ceremony, unique formal portraits and reception photos that zing, the dynamic duo of photographers Beth Hommel and Katie Case will document the all details that make your love story unique.

See more from Something Cerulean over at SnapKnot.

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Dog Lover

If you’re getting married and planning on settling down after you tie the knot, we’ve got the perfect wedding gift idea for you. What better way to start your family then with an adorable puppy!

With the flexibility provided by online wedding registries, you can add what really want and need (be honest, do you really want another toaster for your wedding?)

Plus, who can resist a puppy??
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Don't Skimp on Wedding Photography!

Today's photos and tip comes from Kati Decker of Lightsplash Photography, based in San Jose, California.

Wedding Photos from Lighsplash Photography

Check out more of her amazing photography, and her photo tip for smart brides below!

Wedding Photos from Lightsplash Photography

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

Don't skimp on the wedding photography.

It's common for photographers not to be first on the list of vendors to secure. Many brides don't even think a photographer is important. Just remember after all is said and done - the cake has been eaten, the dress is preserved, and the guests are gone - almost nothing is left but the your memories.

Wedding photographers help to preserve those memories. Even ones you don't remember: the crazy dancing you didn't see, your parents sweetly dancing & more! Photographs capture a fleeting moment in time. Something that may never happen again to you, in your lifetime. Why wouldn't you hire the best professional you could for that?

Your day is special, your photography should be as well.

Wedding Photos from Lightsplash Photography

Kati Decker never wants to stop doing what she loves on a daily basis – photography. Kati Decker puts love into every engagement and wedding event she has the privilege of shooting. Lightsplash Photography is available for destination weddings as well as California nuptials. See more from Lightsplash Photography over at SnapKnot.

Wedding Contest: Win 100 Wedding Postcards from UPrinting!

Looking for ways to green your wedding invitations, but aren’t quite ready to go totally paperless? Then you’ll love our facebook contest!

From June 26 to 28, 2012, we’re giving 100 postcards from UPrinting to one lucky Bride-to-Be!

These postcards could be used to go green for your save the dates, wedding invitations, bridal party invitations or any other event you might be planning!

UPrinting's eco-friendly printing uses recycled paper types and vegetable/soy-based inks with lower levels of VOCs than traditional petroleum-based inks to reduce harmful carbon emissions and help you have the green wedding of your dreams.

How do you win? It’s VERY easy. Check out the details below……
How to Enter This Contest:

To win 100 Uprinting postcards, here’s what you need to do:

Like SmartBride on facebook! You’ll get access to lots of great facebook only prizes, not to mention inspiration and ideas for your wedding
Once you like us (or if you already do), answer the following question to get an extra entry!

Bonus Entry question: Besides postcards, what other UPrinting product would you choose for your wedding? Check out UPrinting’s products and let us know by commenting on our facebook wall! We like the idea of wall graphics, but you should make your own decision ;) Feel free to comment daily to be entered to win!

About UPrinting UPrinting is a leading socially responsible online printing company. They’ve been online since 2000 and offers a wide variety of products from business cards, brochures, envelopes, greeting cards, posters, canvas prints and more. We love their high-quality and eco-friendly prints.

Like UPrinting on Facebook
Follow UPrinting on Twitter
Add UPrinting on your Google+ Circles

Contest Information & Regulations

Contest is live from June 26th to 28th, 2012
Daily entry deadline is from 9am EST on June 26th to 11:59pm EST on June 28th, 2012
One (1) winner will be randomly drawn from all entries and announced on the smartbride facebook wall. Winner will be notified via Facebook
Prize details: One hundred (100) 5” x 7” Postcards (valued at $33.60), 14pt Cardstock Gloss / Matte / High Gloss (UV), or 13pt Cardstock Uncoated, No Folding, Front Only Printing, 2 Business Days Turnaround time, Free US shipping only.
Sorry Canadians! This contest is open to Open to Us residents only. Must be 18 years old and above.

Beyond Strapless: V Neck Wedding Dresses

Any smart bride who has been hunting for a wedding dress that isn't your typical strapless, knows it can be a challenge.

In fact, Kate Berry, the style director for Martha Stewart Weddings, estimates that while alternative necklines are starting to become more popular, about 75 percent of wedding dresses are strapless.

V Neck Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston 4507 To help simplify your hunt, we've rounded up 16 of our favorite V neck wedding dresses. Enjoy!

Want more wedding dress styles?

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: The View From Here

With more couples moving away from traditional registries and opting for experiences rather then more “stuff” one of the best ideas we’ve seen on a WR registry is a helicopter ride.

Whether you include it as part of your honeymoon or choose to experience a birds eye view of your home town, this makes a great wedding gift and a great experience for you and your husband to be!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Allow Time for the Formal Shoot

Today's photos and tip comes from Troy Young Photography, based in Red Deer, Alberta.

Wedding Photos from Troy Young Photography

Check out more of his amazing photography, and his photo tip for smart brides below!

Wedding Photos from Troy Young Photography

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

Remember to allow enough time for your formal shoot after the Ceremony. To capture the best images, you do not want to be rushed to get to the reception, and remember, they can’t start without you anyways. ;)

Wedding Photos from Troy Young Photography

Young has been an avid photographer for more than two decades and has been a professional wedding photographer since 2005. See more from Troy Young Photography over at Snapknot.

Camila Alves' Wedding Dress for Less

Want more wedding dress styles?

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Couples Massage

Wedding planning can be stressful, so why not take a little time after the big day to unwind. One of our favorite wedding gift ideas is a couple’s massage.

This is the perfect way for you and your honey to decompress after the excitement and drama of your wedding day!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Choose a Photographer Who You Can See as a Friend

Today's photos and tip comes from Michael Novoseletsky of Novo Photography, based in Chicago, Illinois.

Wedding Photos from Novo Photography

Check out more of his amazing photography, and his photo tip for smart brides below!

Wedding Photos from Novo Photography

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

Look for a photographer who you can see more as a friend.

"My job as a wedding photographer is to deliver amazing and artful wedding memories which show the 'real you' and capture your personality and not just a pretty scene. When you know and trust your photographer, you establish a connection that can lead to truly captivating images which tell a beautiful emotional story."

Wedding Photos from Novo Photography

Novo Photography makes elegant, edgy, custom-tailored images to capture each couple’s unique style. Michael Novoseletsky likes to push the boundaries and limits which take the images from being 'what everyone else has' to something that's a truly unique work of art.

See more from Novo Photography over at SnapKnot.

5 Amazing Wedding Honeymoon Contests!

In the midst of honeymoon planning?

You're in luck! Right now there are some awesome honeymoon contests happening and we've rounded up our top 5 to share.

While you're planning, why not enter some of these honeymoon contests to see if you can make your honeymoon even more amazing!

Check out our top 5 honeymoon contests, complete with links to enter to win, below.
Win a 4 day/3 night honeymoon to a Sandals Resort of Your Choice! Don't have time for a full 1 or 2 week honeymoon? Check out this option! Open to US residents only. Details here...

Value: $2500

Win a Honeymoon to the Turks & Caicos! This contest has it all! 7 night accommodations for two in a Junior Garden/Ocean/Pool Suite, one round of golf at Provo Golf Club, his & her massages from Spa Tropique, one sunset cruise with Sun Charters, and daily breakfast at Ocean Club’s Cabana Bar or Ocean Club West’s Seaside Cafe. Open to US Residents only. Details here....

Value: $3500

Win a 5 Night Honeymoon in St. Lucia! For another sun, sand and surf option, how about St. Lucia? Ummm, twist my arm! Open to US & Canada. Details here...

Value: $2000

Win Your Choice of Honeymoon from Oprah! How'd you like to say that Oprah paid for your honeymoon? Oprah is giving away 4 vacation packages: 1 to NYC, 1 to Dallas, 1 to Arizona and 1 winner's choice! All include airfare, hotel and various activities. Open to US residents only. Details here...

Value: $4150

The Mack Daddy! Win a Honeymoon to Brazil! This trip lets you bring 3 guests. Now, I know you don't necessarily want company on your honeymoon, but wouldn't it be sort of awesome to have another couple with you to celebrate? Open to US residents only. Details here...

Value: $24,000

Check out all of our wedding contests!

More Honeymoon Planning Tips & Advice:

Sample Sale at White Toronto June 15 and 16 2012

Check it! Designer sample wedding dresses available without the designer price tags!

Not in Toronto, but still want a great deal on a designer dress? Shop designer wedding dresses on SmartBride!

If you're looking for a great deal on a sample dress, check out some of the bridal boutiques clearing out their sample wedding dresses with us!

Happy Hunting!

Summer Wedding Trends

If you’re a bride on a budget (and who isn’t) you’ll love this year’s summer wedding trend: to make the weddings actually feel like summer!

This means bright pops of color, relaxed food, drinks, and décor.

Source: eastonevents.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Why is this so good for you? Because relaxed and summery is something you can achieve fairly inexpensively!

Here are some ideas:

Music One of the best ways to set a vibe for an event is to choose the appropriate music. For a summer themed wedding think Steel Drum Band, Reggae or Calypso music during the cocktail hour. More and more different types of bands are used to playing weddings these days, so don’t feel like you need to hire a separate band for the cocktail hour and the reception. Using one set of musicians will help save you money.

Source: Uploaded by user via Kara on Pinterest

Decor To get a festive, colorful feel for your wedding go with white linens and bring the color in with the food, drinks and even escort cards and table numbers. White linens are less expensive than colored ones. One colorful idea I love is to use soda bottles with gift tags hanging as the place cards. If you use colorful bottles of Jones’ soda and make your own labels, you can combine the escort card and wedding favor.

Source: aweddingzone.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Flowers Requesting specific colors for your flowers can run up the florist’s bill. But, nothing says summer like watermelon. Ask your florist about the idea of using hollowed out watermelons as the base for your floral arrangement. Or consider using oranges, lemons and limes as your centerpieces. No flowers required and the fruit can be donated to a food pantry after the wedding.

Source: hostessblog.com via SmartBride on Pinterest

Drinks Many blogs suggest a “signature cocktail” for your wedding, but they don’t always explain why this is a good idea. Having a signature cocktail lets you save money because you don’t need to have a full bar. Plus, summer drinks tend to have ice and fruit which cuts down on the amount of alcohol used, so a summer cocktail can be especially cost effective. They also tend to be brightly colored, adding to the colorful summer feel.

What summer ideas have you seen at weddings this year?

Looking for more great wedding and entertainment ideas? Check out GigMasters’ Wedding Blog.

2013 Wedding Dress Trends: Sparkly Straps

A few weeks ago, we covered 9 wedding dress trends from Bridal Fashion week with our picks to get the trend for less.

Now we're diving deeper into some of those favorite trends to give you even more options to get the trend for less. One favorite trend was the Sparkly Straps trend, not only because it provides some amazing options for those brides who don't want to go strapless, but also because hey, who doesn't like a little bling?

Left: Maggie Sottero Hampton in sizes 2, 6, 10, 12 & 16 on SmartBride,
Center: Badgley Mischka at Fashion Week,
Right: Pronovias Porto in size 10 for $1550 (Regularly $1740) on SmartBride

Check out 12 of our favorite wedding dresses with sparkly straps below!

Top 10 Wedding Songs

Wondering what songs to play at your wedding? We found a great top 10 list over at The Budget Savvy Bride!

Do any of these songs make your cut?

You Might Also Be Interested in:

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Consider a First Look!

Today's photos and tip comes from Loft Photographie LLC, the duo wedding photography team of Abbey and Andrea based out of San Antonio, TX.

Wedding Photos from Loft Photographie LLC

Check out more of her amazing photography, and her photo tip for smart brides below!

Wedding Photos from Loft Photographie LLC

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

Seriously, we mean seriously consider doing a first look. It allows for you to soak up a few moments with your Love, before the busy schedule of the big day really begins. Plus, it gives you the freedom to work time into your schedule for photographs of just the two of you without feeling like you need to rush on to the reception. Its a win-win situation: great moments and great photographs of the two of you!

Wedding Photos from Loft Photographie LLC

Loft Photographie wants to photograph your love story. They are currently accepting commissions for 2012 and 2013 and are available for travel worldwide. See more from Abbey and Andrea on Snapknot.

Bow Me Over! Wedding Dresses with Bows

Love bows? We dive into one of the 9 hot trends from Bridal Fashion Week to bring you a host of options if you're looking to be "bowed over" when it comes to your wedding dress!

Left: Jenny Packham Saskia in size 4 for $3000 (regularly $4000) on SmartBride,
Center: Rivini at Fashion Week,
Right: Priscilla of Boston Maeve in sizes 2, 4, 6, 8 & 12 on SmartBride

Check out all of our favorite wedding dresses with bows below!

Honeymoon Planning Infographic

Familymoons, minimoons, maximoon, helpfulmoons......if these are all new words to you, check out this infographic below!

It's full of tips and stats when it comes to planning your honeymoon!

Brought to you by Kuoni Travel For other honeymoon tips:

Green Honeymoon Tips

Have you consiered a mini moon?

Tips to create a honeymoon registry

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Schedule, Schedule, Schedule!

Today's photos and tip comes from Whitney Nicole Photography is a wedding photographer based near the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas.

How great are the bride's red shoes?

Wedding Photos from Whitney Nicole Photography

Check out more of her amazing photography, and her photo tip for smart brides below!

Wedding Photos from Whitney Nicole Photography

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

Schedule, Schedule, Schedule. Make sure you schedule time for pictures on your wedding day or they won't get done. Making a schedule also shows your family that you are serious about taking pictures and will hopefully encourage them to help you accomplish that by being where they need to be when they need to be there.

Wedding Photos from Whitney Nicole Photography

Whitney lives with her husband in McKinney, TX. She would love to meet you and get to know you and your future spouse and answer any questions you might have about wedding photography and wedding preparation. See more from Whitney Nicole over at SnapKnot.

Status Change! Mark Zuckerberg's wedding, plus the dress for less!

View the story "Status Change! Mark Zuckerberg's Wedding, Plus the Wedding Dress for Less" on Storify

Want more wedding dress styles?

DIY Wedding Guest Book Ideas

When it comes to planning all the little details for a wedding, some brides love it, while others dread it!

If one of the things you're struggling with is how to come up with a guest book idea that doesn't involve guests just signing a book, we've got some inspiration for you!

At Smart Bride Leah's wedding, there was an antique photo booth. They provided tokens and encouraged guests to pose for pictures, gluing 2 of the 4 they received in a strip in a book for us, along with a message. It became a fun keepsake that they flip through constantly.

Browsing pinterest, we came across tons more inspiration for guest books. Hopefully it sparks something for you!
Wedding Tree GuestBook

Your guests will bring this tree to life by autographing each leaf. A great way to remember all of the people who help you to celebrate your big day. From Personalized Prints on Etsy

Fingerprint Balloon GuestBook

Have your guests leave their fingerprint on this Custom Silhouette Print, made just for you, with your silhouettes. After the wedding you can display it on your wall, as a reminder of your special day.

Quilt GuestBook

Leave fabric swatches for your guests to write a small note on and then stitch together for your own unique quilt!

Wine Lover GuestBook

Save up those wine corks and have your guests write a wish and drop the corks into a stylish apothecary jar you can display in your home.

Wishing Stones GuestBook

Similar to the cork idea, this idea is great for any eco-friendly themed wedding and a fun and unique way to have your guests send their well wishes to you! From the Papery Nook on Etsy.

Check out more of our guest book ideas on pinterest!

Wedding Photo Tip of the Week: Stay True to Yourself

We're super excited about a new series we're starting with Snapknot.com!

Each week we're going to feature some awesome wedding photos from talented wedding photographers for ideas and inspiration. PLUS, each week they'll be a tips from the photographer that you can use/think about when it comes to planning photos for your big day!

Today's photos and tip comes from Uncorked Studios, LLC a wedding photography team of Jen and Travis, based out of Philadelphia, PA.

Wedding Photos from Uncorked Studios LLC

Check out more of their amazing photography, and their photo tip for smart brides below!

Wedding Photos from Uncorked Studios LLC

Photo Tip for Smart Brides:

Don't get caught up in trends or what you think is fashionable. Pinterest and Facebook are great, however, they can cause you to become close-minded and lose focus on your own identity. Using these resources for inspiration is great, but do not feel obligated to duplicate an idea in its exact form. Don't forget your wedding is about YOU and YOUR relationship. Stay true to yourself even if it isn't considered popular or the latest trend.

Wedding Photos from Uncorked Studios LLC

Uncorked Studios specializes in wedding, boudoir, and portrait photography. They would be honored to be a part of your BIG day. See more from Uncorked Studios over at SnapKnot.

9 Trends from Bridal Market for Less

With the recent Bridal Fashion Week in April, there's been no shortage of wedding dress eye candy for the coming seasons. We found a particularly good summary of the top wedding dress trends from Bridal Fashion Week on Msn.com, and of course, need to put our Smart Bride spin on it!

Here are the 9 biggest wedding dress trends, and our pick to get the trend for less!

Trend 1: Tiers

Left: BHLDN dress size 12 for $1110 (regularly $2500) on SmartBride,
Center: Maggie Sottero at Fashion Week,
Right: Madeline Gardner 6603 size 6 for $450 (regularly $650) on SmartBride
Trend 2: Black & White Details

Left: Justin Alexander 8509 on SmartBride,
Center: Carolina Herrera at Fashion Week,
Right: Jasmine Bridal F470 on SmartBride

Trend 3: Embellished Sheer Backs

Left: BHLDN Wedding Dress on SmartBride,
Center: Reem Acra at Fashion Week,
Right: Casablanca 2004 on SmartBride

Trend 4: Lace

Left: Allure Bridals 8764 on SmartBride,
Center: Alfred Angelo at Fashion Week,
Right: Maggie Sottero Grace in sizes 4 and 6 on SmartBride

Trend 5: Mermaid Silhouettes

Left: Mikaella 1565 in a size 4 for $1000 (regularly $1700) on SmartBride,
Center: Monique Lhuillier at Fashion Week,
Right: Maggie Sottero Adorae in sizes 2, 4, 6, 8 & 10 on SmartBride

Trend 6: Boat Necklines

Left: Anna Elyse AUD003 size 10 for $50 on SmartBride,
Center: Ines Di Santo at Fashion Week,
Right: Birnbaum & Bullock 11114 in size 6 for $900 on SmartBride

Trend 7: Big Bows

Left: Jenny Packham Saskia in size 4 for $3000 (regularly $4000) on SmartBride,
Center: Rivini at Fashion Week,
Right: Priscilla of Boston Maeve in sizes 2, 4, 6, 8 & 12 on SmartBride

Trend 8: Sparkly Straps

Left: Maggie Sottero Hampton in sizes 2, 6, 10, 12 & 16 on SmartBride,
Center: Badgley Mischka at Fashion Week,
Right: Pronovias Porto in size 10 for $1550 (Regularly $1740) on SmartBride

Trend 9: Corset Bodices

Left: Demetrios wedding dress size 8 for $600(regularly $1200) on SmartBride,
Center: Kenneth Pool at Fashion Week,
Right: Maggie Sottero Skye size 14 for $480 (regularly $800) on SmartBride

Quinn's Glee Prom Dress for Less

Did you catch last night's episode of Glee and all the girls in their prom dresses? We thought Quinn's dress - a David's Bridal beaded strapless ball gown with full tulle skirt - was very bridalesque.

Image from FashionofGlee.com

If beaded bodices and full ball gown skirts are what you're looking for in your bridal gown, you should definitely check out the Oleg Cassini CU099 wedding dress available in sizes 2, 4, 10, 12 and 16 for $250 to $550 dollars (vs a retail price of $1000+!)

Want more wedding dress styles?

Win $100 Off Wedding Invitations from Minted.com!

We’ve got another great contest for our smart brides! This time, it’s for wedding invitations…….

WE'RE GIVING AWAY $100 TOWARDS BRIDAL SHOWER INVITES, SAVE THE DATES OR WEDDING INVITATIONS FROM MINTED.COM!

Romantic Wedding Invitations: Willow Tree by Sweet Street Gals

Warning! Spending time browsing the gallery of gorgeous wedding invitations is an excellent way to lose track of time. As I was writing this blog post, I had to choose some of my favorite invitations and suddenly most of my afternoon was gone!

Nonetheless, I did discover that no matter what your wedding style is, you’ll be able to find something that fits you on Minted.

Here are some of my picks to fit various wedding styles - and of course – details for how to win are below!

For an outdoor wedding, how cute is this Fireflies Invitation by Cadence Paige Design?

For a vintage inspired wedding, I love the lace detail on this White Lace invite by Palm Papers:

If you want a clean, modern look, check out this Column Rule invitation by Jennifer Wick.

Are you and your hubby fun and quirky? This Stache & Kiss invitation by Penelope Poppy is great!

More of a simple, no fuss couple? Check out The Happy Couple invitation by R Studio:

WIN *$100* TOWARDS BRIDAL SHOWER INVITES, SAVE THE DATES OR WEDDING INVITATIONS

How To Enter: To win $100 towards bridal shower invites, save the date cards or wedding invitations, here’s what you need to do:

Like smartbride on facebook (if you don’t already!)
Leave a comment on our wall answering our daily question. *Remember* you can enter once daily, so the more times you comment, the better your chances of winning!

Contest Information & Regulations

Contest is live from 9:00 am EST May 8th to 11:59pm May 11, 2011
One (1) winner will be randomly drawn on May 14th and announced on the SmartBride facebook wall.
Winner will be notified via the SmartBride Facebook page
Winner will have one month to redeem
Offer cannot be combined with any other Minted.com offer

12 Sexy Wedding Dresses

View the story "Sexy Wedding Dresses" on StorifySexy Wedding DressesIs your wedding dress style all about the va va voom? Whether you prefer plunging necklines, something short & flirty, a figure hugging mermaid or a one-shouldered sassy number, we've got some inspiration for you (all for a fraction of the retail cost!)Storified by SmartBride Boutique · Sat, May 05 2012 16:55:33

Hourglass Mermaids

If you've always wanted a sexy hourglass silhouette for your wedding dress, these 4 mermaid options fit the bill.

First up, this Mikaella 1551 wedding dress has a tight ruching all the way to the knee for a true hourglass effect. Available in sizes 6, 8 and 10 this dress is anywhere from $799 to $1000 (regularly $1600)

SmartbrideboutiqueThe full skirt below the knee accentuates the curves above in this NEW WITH TAGS Mori Lee 1602 wedding dress. It's a size 10 for $1000 (regularly $1400)undefinedSmartbrideboutiquePlunging neckline & figure hugging bodice in this size 10 NEW WITH TAGS Demetrios GR204 wedding dress for $1500 (regularly $3000)undefinedSmartbrideboutiqueOf "Say Yes to the Dress" fame, this Pnina Tornai 32050106 has lots of bling and a sexy mermaid silhouette. Available in a size 6 and 8 for $4000 (regularly $7000).undefinedSmartbrideboutique

Short & Sassy

If you're a non traditional bride and want to show off your sexy legs, these next 4 options will let you show off your legs AND your personality!An interesting take on the hi-lo hemline, this brand new sample wedding dress looks like a traditional dress from the back, but is a short mini in the front! Available in multiple sizes for $399 (regularly $599).undefinedSmartbrideboutiqueFor the stylish, high fashion bride, this short Notte by Marchesa has a modern, sexy touch. Worn once for a short civil ceremony, it's available in a size 4 for $450 (retails for $1050).undefinedSmartbrideboutiqueIf you've got a little more rocker chic in you and want your wedding to be a real party, then this Melissa Sweet Vegas is the dress for you! Feathers, beading, short, sleek and sexy, this NEW, NEVER WORN size 8 dress typically retails for $1675, now selling for $600.undefinedSmartbrideboutiqueWith a detachable skirt for a sexy and unique hi-lo look, this size 6 Cymbeline Saline wedding dress is not for the faint of heart! This dress typically retails for $3600, now selling, never worn, for $2000.undefinedSmartbrideboutique

Plunging Necklines

If you'd prefer to show off some other assets, then a plunging neckline (often paired with a plunging back) is for you. These next choices all have plunging necklines and bare backs for maximum skin appeal. This look can be perfect for a beach or destination wedding, or a swanky cocktail reception style wedding.First up, this Nicole Miller C00025 wedding dress has a pretty plunging neckline, slim column silhouette and a dramatic criss cross back. Typically $500, this gently used size 0 dress is now just $300.undefinedSmartbrideboutiqueThis Claire Pettibone Constance dress just screams beach wedding to us. The ivory cotton fabric is great for hot climates and the delicate lace straps, plunging neckline and plunging back has a casual sexiness about it. This store sample is in near perfect condition with tags still attached and available in a size 10 for $1300 (regularly $2300).undefinedSmartbrideboutiqueThis breathtaking size 10 Casablanca B006 halter gown has a plunging V neckline and the empire waistline sparkles with beautiful Swarovski crystals. Perfect for an evening affair. Typically retails for $1350, now selling for $400.undefinedSmartbrideboutiqueThis Jim Hjelm 8800 wedding dress perfectly mixes sexy and sweet with the lace mermaid bottom and the daring v neckline in both the front and back. This gently used size 8 dress typically retails for $5500, now selling for $3500. undefinedSmartbrideboutique

One Shoulder Sheaths

Sometimes, baring one shoulder can be more sexy than a strapless dress and these next four examples prove that in spades!For those daring brides out there, this one shouldered sheath wedding dress ups the ante with a high slit - definitely for the bride who wants to show some skin! Available in multiple sizes, this dress is brand new and $399 (regularly $700).undefinedSmartbrideboutiqueIf you think old Hollywood has a sexy vibe, this new with tags Galina SWG439 wedding dress has that old Hollywood feel with a modern twist. This size 6 dress has been stored in a breathable garment bag and is available for $650 (regularly $850). undefinedSmartbrideboutiqueFor a sexy Grecian feel, we think this Essense of Australia D1103 wedding dress has it right, especially with that gorgeous back! Regularly $1300, now available in a size 8 for $700.undefinedSmartbrideboutiqueRounding out our one-shouldered wonders is this size 12 Pronovias Fiona wedding dress. Comfortable and sexy, this new with tags dress is available for $950 (regularly $1200).Smartbrideboutique

Want more wedding dress styles?

Top 5 Alternatives to the Typical Trashy Bachelorette Party

If this isn't your idea of an amazing bachelorette party, check out our top 5 ideas for "non-trashy" bachelorette parties.

Wine Tasting For those of you lucky enough to live near a wine region, there's nothing better than cycling around and sipping vino at various locations.

Bonus - generally the vineries make for amazing back drops when snapping pics with your favorite ladies.

Photo courtesy of Hillebrand Winery, Niagara. (Local Insider: indulge by the pool over an amazing breakfast at the Davy House B&B)

TIPS: Make sure you plan a decent breakfast and lunch stop along the way so you're not guzzling on an empty stomach! And take lots of water.

Private Dinner Whether you reserve the chef's table a local restaurant, or have a fancy chef come to you - a private dinning experience is a great way to get the whole gang together. It's easiest to plan a tasting menu so no one has to worry about ordering. If you're a super hipster, you've probably already booked a secret supper club where you can BYOB.

Cooking Classes Clearly we like to eat and drink over here at SmartBride, but a cooking class combines the best of both worlds. You generally get to eat, drink and learn a few new skills while you're at it. Just be careful about chopping while intoxicated. Even better if you get a cute chef!

TIP: Give your guests a cute Betty Draper-esque apron as a memorable souvenir. (Try Anthropolgie.)

Spa Day or Trip Stay in town or do a crazy spa getaway - either way, you'll return totally pampered, relaxed and ready to tackle the last minute wedding tasks leading up to your big day. Our friends across the ocean are all about the spa getaway (they call them spa hen parties - cute, right?).

Photo Courtesy of SpaBreaks.com It's become such a popular activity that there are now hundreds of options at all price ranges including having professionals come to your home, or rounding up all the supplies for a DIY option.

Dare to dream? Check out the Ananda Spa Resort in the Himalayan hills of Northern India.

Karaoke Private room or taking over the bar - there is no better stress reliever than belting out a few tunes. So many great lady songs to sing but make sure no one is taking a video... you never sound as good as you think you do.

Trust us.

5 Tips for Choosing Your Bridesmaids Dresses

Every bride wants their BFF's to look and feel great as bridesmaids, but sometimes, with varying shapes and sizes and skin tones, it's hard.

We asked our friends at Anna Elyse Bridesmaids for their top tips when it comes to choosing a bridesmaid dress.

Go for the "A!" A-line cuts look fabulous on any figure. If you are concerned about your hip area, pleated or shirred skirts may not be the way to go. For a great style that looks good on everyone, consider Anna Elyse's Audrey style skirt.
Different figures in the bridal party? Consider letting each bridesmaid pick her own style of dress. It's difficult to find a dress style that works on every figure, yet 64% of brides have their maids in identical dresses. Anna Elyse Bridesmaids are big fans of the mix-and-match concept. With this, each bridesmaid will feel comfortable at the wedding. The photos will be fabulous AND your friends will love you.
Got the Short End of the Stick? If any of your maids are 5'2" and under, think about getting a skirt that hits right at the knee or just above. Dresses that hit mid-calf may cut off your maids and make them look shorter - and nobody wants that! Take a look at Anna Elyse's "Mini length" option.
The Wear it Again Question. If they can wear it again, it's worth a few extra bucks. Consider spending a teeny bit more on a couture-quality bridesmaid dress that your bridesmaids will want to wear again.

Images from Anna Elyse Bridesmaids

The Color Question. Fond of pink? Crazy about orange? With varying skin tones, not everyone looks good in every color. Consider doing a color palette for your bridal party in various shades of your must-have color.

WEDDING DEAL! 75% off Brand New Sample Bridesmaids & Reception Dresses from Anna Elyse!

If you're looking for some fabulous bridesmaid dresses on a budget, outfit your bridal party or yourself in fabulous style at a great price with Anna Elyse Bridesmaids! Save up to 75% on brand new sample dresses in variety of sizes, many available for just $50!

Size 4 Anna Elyse Bridesmaids Style PEG014 available in Peacock Taffeta for $50 (reg $265!)

Check out the Anna Elyse Bridesmaids Sample Sale on SmartBride now!

More on Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids: Statistics and Costs

Did you know that 64% of brides have their maids in the same outfits?

We discovered this and a few other interesting stats on bridesmaids when we stumbled across this Bridesmaids by the Numbers infographic. For instance, the average cost of bridesmaids attire (dress, shoes & accessories) is $335!

If you're looking to save your BFF's some dough, check out SmartBride's bridesmaid dresses and shoes - all at about 50% less than retail!

Source: CoolDailyInfographics.com
More on Bridesmaids:

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Movies!

Give the gift of movie night, every night!

One of the great things about the gaining popularity of alternative wedding registries is the ability to customize it based on what you love.

Are you or your hubby a movie junkie or comedy buff? Adding a subscription to Netflix to your registry is a great gift idea and one that you’re sure to love. You can cuddle up on the couch with your soon-to-be hubby, or invite friends and family over to watch the season premier of your favourite shows.

All in all, it's the perfect wedding gift that keeps on giving!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Planning an Eco-Chic Wedding Day

Looking for tips and advice on how to plan an eco-friendly wedding? These days, there are tons of resources and tips out there, but sometimes you don't always have the time to search everything out.

Never fear! We've pulled together 5 recent blog posts chock full of tips and resources for planning a wedding that minimizes impact and overall footprint.

Happy green planning!

5 quick green wedding tips:

Digital Prints: Choose a photographer who can create a digital scrapbook rather than a more traditional printed photo album.
Online RSVPs. Create a wedding website for your guests that will include an RSVP option. In addition to being green, this will save you from paying postage and will eliminate the cost of paper RSVP cards.
Change Your Reception Perception. Instead of having a large reception with a full meal, consider having a cocktail reception. Not only does this give you an opportunity to mingle with your guests, but it can also save you some cash.
Green Transportation. You can easily go greener by encouraging car pooling and selecting a venue that has a hotel within walking distance, so that out-of-town guests can walk to your wedding and/or reception.
A Green Gown. Consider natural fibres for your wedding attire like a silk-bamboo blend, or even better, check out a gently used wedding dress. You can shop locally and swap stories with a former bride in the process!

Want more green wedding ideas?

3 Easy Tips for Green Wedding Flowers

Wanting to go green for your wedding bouquets but worried that you'll have to sacrifice style for the environment?

Not so! Going green with your wedding flowers is easy if you ask the right questions!

Specifically, ask your florist what flowers are grown locally, but don’t feel totally downtrodden if your favourite flowers are only grown in Holland. Cut flowers are a renewable resource and are grown specifically for sale at auction. They are cut from bulbs which produce new flowers annually or new flowers are replanted to replace the ones which were harvested.

Besides that, here are 3 things to avoid with your floral designs if you want to think green.

Avoid South American flowers. These farms typically have the worst wages and a large percentage of the world’s cut roses come from Columbia. No one is quite sure which farms are paying drug lords off to protect their lands and their crops from attack. Ask your florist where your roses are coming from and know that U.S., Canadian and Dutch farms are the best eco-choice for roses.
Avoid heavy usage of floral foam. Floral foam is very damaging to the environment. A true artist and floral designer will help come up with creative ideas that do not require the use of floral foam.
Avoid heavy use of white. Florists always end up buying up to 20% more flowers in order to safeguard against the browning of white flowers. White and cream flowers show even the slightest amount of browning. With this comes an incredible amount of waste.

For More Tips on Eco-Friendly Wedding Flowers, check out these posts:

Happy Earth Day! 30 Beautiful Used Wedding Dresses

Want more wedding dress styles?

How to Successfully Share Your Space

One of the joys of starting a life together is sharing your living space. Ideally, it means choosing a new place to live together that respects the way both people like to live. Often though, it means one partner carving out space from an already filled abode to accommodate their loved one, and all their earthly possessions. Sometimes this is easier said than done!

Photo Courtesy Christina Gapic Photography

What looked quaint or quirky in ‘their’ apartment, now suddenly requires a home in yours. And it’s not just the ‘stuff’. While it didn’t really matter that the lid wasn’t ever put back on her toothpaste, or the toilet roll didn’t roll the ‘right’ way at his place, all of sudden it gets in your way in your shared home.

That’s why we’ve enlisted Clare Kumar, from Streamlife, an organizing company, to share 3 tips and 2 pieces of advice when it comes to successfully sharing space.
Tip 1: Have a discussion about how you want to feel in your home When planning to live together, it’s worth having practical discussions about the way you like to live, and how you like to feel in your home. When explaining these things, be as specific as possible. One person’s definition of ‘lived in’ is not always the same as another’s. It’s prudent to invest in talking about your preferences as you begin to live together, to keep avoidable annoyances and aggravations from building.

Tip 2: Work to create an environment that is comfortable and supportive for both partners Keep in mind that we all respond to our environments differently, and that to co-habitate successfully we need to bring a spirit of generosity to how we manage our homes. We must create environments that are comfortable and supportive to both partners.

Tip 3: Remember to compromise! You may have differing levels of sensitivity to noise (one person may have grown up with the TV on 24/7, while another, an only child, had a completely quiet home), and to visually busy environments (a home filled with collections versus a minimalist décor). There are no rights or wrongs, but the further apart the innate style preferences, the greater the need for compromise.

The Shared Closet…… Nowhere is there a greater chance of friction than a shared closet – the place that greets you in the morning and one of the last spaces you see before bed.

If you know you have differing styles with respect to clothing management (i.e. one puts things away meticulously while the other drops and dashes), I recommend staying away from the shared walk-in closet! Consider his and hers closets and separate drawers.

If separate closets aren’t possible, have an open discussion (and maybe even some negotiation) about what can work and what can’t. Ultimately, our environments have an effect on the way we feel. They can relax and rejuvenate us, or, if at odds with our preferences, they can sap our energy. Everyone deserves to come home to a place that recharges them for their life outside the home.

One Final Thought…… No matter the stage in your relationship, it can be a wonderful investment to ask your partner what kind of environment he or she would like to live in, and to express your love by creating and maintaining it. When two people care for each other’s well being and show that by creating a supportive environment, it can only amount to a beautiful home.

About our Blogger: Clare Kumar Clare Kumar is the founder and Chief Organizer at Streamlife, an organizing company. She and her team of organizers provide organizing and productivity services to people at home and at work, anywhere from the closet to the cubicle.

Clare is also co-founder of the company bringing you the Pliio TM clothing filer – the newest tool to tame your closet. Currently available in the US via HSN, and coming to Canada soon.

Clare can be seen regularly on The Marilyn Denis Show.

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: BBQ Time!

Featured Wedding Gift: A BBQ

The weather is getting warmer and with the summer months fast approaching, it’s the perfect time for you and your fiancé to fire up the grill. And what’s the perfect wedding gift that will make it a pleasure to stay home for summer supper? A BBQ of course!

Here’s how you can ask guests to chip in for your BBQ through your WR wedding registry. And once it’s set up, you can even invite your friends and family over to enjoy a fabulous dinner!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Green Honeymoon Tips

Looking For Green Accommodations as part of a green honeymoon?

If you're looking to stay in a eco-friendly hotel, here are some questions to consider:

Have they have taken green measures like installing low-flush toilets, motion-sensor lights and energy efficient appliances?
Do they try to reduce the use of dangerous pesticides, cleaning products, and paints?
Does the hotel provide information about local culture and customs as well as natural surroundings?
Does the hotel/resort hire local residents for all positions (including management positions), and purchase services and goods locally?
Have they contributed to the protection and preservation of local historical sites or conservation areas?
Has the hotel or resort worked towards minimizing their environmental impact by making significant structural improvements and updating their practices?
Does the property you'll be staying at emphasize environmental conservation?
Do they consider the needs of local communities and promote fair trade?
Do they promote knowledge and understanding of sustainability and ecological practices?

Booking a Tour? Look for tour operators that follow the United Nations Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria. These include a minimum of 37 voluntary criteria that tour operators should follow if they want to call themselves 'green'.

For more green honeymoon tips:

Facebook Contest: Win TWO $25 Gift Card from CardSwap

Often heralded as the ideal gift, gift cards are convenient, easy to send and give recipients a chance to pick EXACTLY what they want, in the perfect size and colour.

If you love yourself some gift cards, then you’ll love our April facebook giveaway!

FROM APRIL 17 to 20 WE'RE GIVING AWAY TWO $25 CARDSWAP.CA GIFT CARDS!

That’s right, 2 lucky ladies will be able to choose any gift card (valued at $25.00 or up) on the CardSwap site! CardSwap.ca is Canada’s #1 site for buying and selling gift cards.

CardSwap offers Canadians a fast, easy and totally secure way to redeem unwanted gift cards for cash, buy gift cards at discount prices, and even donate gift cards to a charitable cause.

How do you win? It’s VERY easy. Check out the details below……
How to Enter This Contest:

To win this awesome prize, you need to do ONE of the following things:

Like SmartBride on facebook! You’ll get access to lots of great facebook only prizes, not to mention inspiration and ideas for your wedding

Like CardSwap on facebook or comment on the CardSwap wall and say that SmartBride sent you!

Comment on the SmartBride wall and tell us what kind of gift card would you like to win & why.

About CardSwap.ca CardSwap.ca is Canada’s #1 site for buying and selling gift cards!

Sell. CardSwap is helping recently married Canadians salvage those unused or partially used gift cards and turn them into cash—up to 90 per cent of the card value. That puts a few hundred million dollars back into the pockets of recent brides to help recover some of those wedding costs!

Buy. Even better, CardSwap puts these recycled gift cards back into circulation, making them available for consumers to buy on the website at savings of up to 40 per cent. Now savvy shoppers can buy discounted gift cards and enjoy even better deals on regular-priced and sale merchandise at their favourite stores.

Donate. CardSwap is pleased to announce a wonderful new use for unwanted gift cards: donate them directly to your favourite charity. CardSwap has partnered with Canadian non-profit organizations including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Ontario Region and Covenant House Greater Toronto to allow consumers to donate gift cards and receive an official tax receipt for their donation.

Contest Information & Regulations

Contest is live from April 17 to 20, 2012
Entry deadline is 11:59pm EST April 20, 2012
Two (2) winners will be randomly drawn on April 21st and announced on the Smartbride and CardSwap facebook walls on April 23. Winner will be notified via Facebook
This contest is open ONLY to residents of Canada (excluding Quebec) who are eighteen (18) years of age or older
Prize Description: two (2) people will each win one (1) $25 CardSwap gift card. Retail value: $25.

Gorgeous Wedding Dresses

Want more wedding dress styles?

Mermaid Wedding Dresses that Wow!

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Gardening Guru

A Wedding Registry for the Bride with a Green Thumb

Are you a bride with a green thumb? Then register for all your gardening needs!

If tending to your garden is one of your favourite pastimes, allocate part of your wedding registry towards getting exactly what you need to make it flourish. This might include tools, or even a gift certificate to your local garden center!

Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Green Wedding Favor Tips and Ideas

April is Earth month and with Earth Day fast approaching we want to highlight some of our top green wedding tips when it comes to green wedding favors, eco-friendly wedding flowers and green honeymoons.

Eco-Friendly Birdseed Wedding Favors from Austin Wedding Blog

First up? Green wedding favors.

If you’re looking for some inspiration to find wedding favors that reflect you as a couple, are eco-friendly and are both function and useful for your guests, check out these tips and ideas:
Top 5 Eco-Chic Wedding Favors Ideas:

Idea 1: Seasonal fruit favors with a stamp that commemorates your special day are an easy do-it-yourself favor project. Use squares of eco-friendly (FSC - Forest Stewardship Council Certified) wrapping paper and stamp each piece with your customized stamp. Simply wrap the fruit in a square and voila, you have a hand-made favor. This favor is unique and healthy for your guests.

Keep reading for 4 other eco-friendly wedding favor ideas.

A Recent Bride-to-Be’s Eco-Friendly Favor Alternative:

While doing one of many online searches trying to find ideas for unique favors, I came across the donation favor idea. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to donate a substantial amount to a worthy cause. Another bonus to this favor alternative is the lack of paper and packaging associated with it.

Keep reading to find out which organization our Bride-to-Be chose to donate to. Maybe it will spark an idea for you!

DIY Green Wedding Favor Ideas from Austin Wedding Blog:

Birdseed Wedding Favors – Unique trendy AND inexpensive.
Soy Candle Wedding Favors – Your Guests will love it!

Looking for advice on how to choose that perfect wedding favor? Here are 5 expert tips from The Favour Shoppe.

Mermaid Wedding Dresses that Wow!

Want more wedding dress styles?

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Go Green!

Green Gift Ideas For The Eco-Conscious Bride!

If you’re planning an eco-friendly wedding, keep your wedding registry green too. Here’s a great story about one couple that created a green wedding registry, asking guests to contribute towards solar panels for their home.

If you don’t need anything quite that elaborate, you can keep it green by registering for experiences rather than “things”. You can also focus on sustainable products like organic towels, a CSA program, or a monthly subscription for organic wine.
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Honeymoon Wedding Registries

With the rise in cash gift registries and the fact that more couples are living together before marriage, wedding registries are less about the traditional registry stuff (we're thinking vases, blenders and plates) and more about cool experiences and lifestyle activities.

We came across this Wedding Gift List Infographic that shares lots of interesting wedding registry stats - like:

8.3% of registries are used to buy honeymoons. Although the dollars are in pounds, the overall stats are still useful, plus there's some good tips at the bottom when it comes to designing your own registry.

Infographic from Daily.Infographic.blogspot.ca
Looking for other Wedding Registry Gift Ideas?

Wedding Dresses with Amazing Backs

Want more wedding dress styles?

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Go Tech

Featured Wedding Gift: iPad

Prefer an iPad over tea towels? So do we!

Practical, fun and multifunctional, the iPad is popping up across many wedding registries among Wedding Republic couples and is quickly becoming one of the most requested wedding gifts.

But be warned… one iPad for two people may not suffice, so if you’re both keen on this gift, be sure to add a his and hers version!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

How to Choose the Best Wedding Photographer

Browsing Pinterest the other day, we came across this cool infographic and had to share!

Source: Daily Infographic
Related Posts:

2012 Wedding Trends: Engagement Photo Sessions
Bride-to-Be: Tips for a Great Engagement Photo Session
Wedding Planning: Questions to Ask Wedding Photographers

Lovely in Lace Wedding Dresses

Want more wedding dress styles?

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Charitable Giving

Featured Wedding Gift: Give To Your Favourite Charity

Have everything you could possibly want as you gear up to get married? So many couples these days are opting to include a charity as part of their wedding registry. This is a great idea, especially if there is a particular cause that is close to your heart.

A charitable wedding registry will make your guests feel as though you’ve contributed, not only to your big day but also towards helping others that may be less fortunate.
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Bride-To-Be: Choosing Your Bridesmaid Dresses

The Bridesmaid Dress....

While all eyes will be on you and your dress on the big day, there are still a few other important dresses to think about... your bridesmaids' dresses!

Photo from Frocks Photo Gallery

When it comes to bridesmaid dresses, there are a million different styles you could choose from - long, short, straps, strapless, plain, patterned..... not to mention all of the different designers. It's almost as difficult as picking your own wedding dress!

Thanks to the princess contest, my decision was a lot less complicated than most. Frocks Vancouver generously offered up three cocktail-length Alfred Sung dresses.

Before I found out about the contest, my bridesmaids and I had already spent quite a bit of time scouring the Internet in search of the perfect dress, or dresses. I was pretty sure we had stumbled upon the right dress when my maid of honour sent me a link to an Alfred Sung dress that I was literally about to send to her!

Keep reading for my top priorities for bridesmaid dresses, as well as 4 tips for choosing a bridesmaid dress!
Top Priorities for My Bridesmaid Dresses

I really wanted:

My ladies to get involved in the dress search. The way I see it, they're the ones that have to wear the dresses and be photographed all day in them!
Something they would be comfortable in, and...
The dresses to be ones they could wear again.

Since I don't live in the same city as my girls, we had to wait a while before going shopping. My original plan was to have all three of them wear different (but similar) dresses in the same colour. I love the idea of doing this – it gives a real uniqueness to the wedding, and lets each of the girls show off their personalities a little more. Plus, it lets them pick a style that looks best for them.

In the end, all three of my ladies fell in love with the same dress I did (I knew I picked them for a reason)!

Even though they will all be wearing the same dress, they'll still be able to stand out from each other in other ways – from shoes to hairstyles. After all, I wasn’t about to dictate their entire look for the day!

My Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Sung Style D498 in "Majestic"

4 Tips for Choosing Bridesmaid Dresses

Go Online for Inspiration: We all spent some time searching online to get different ideas based on what I liked AND what they thought would work. Although there are so many different places to look online it can be overwhelming, it's still a good way to get a feel for what's available.
Start with the Big 3: If you're really confused about where to start, there are a few fairly common designers you can begin with – Alfred Angelo and Alfred Sung and The Dessy Group
Get Input: Don't forget to talk to your bridesmaids and get their input! I believe it's really important for a bride to listen to her maids, since they'll be the ones wearing those dresses, and usually paying for them.
Find the Right “Fit”: Since the dresses are a big deal, make sure they match the feel of your wedding. In my case, even though we're having a fairly formal wedding, it's in the spring, so I thought cocktail-length would be appropriate and easier for my attendants to wear again.

Have fun shopping!

Andrea

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: It's All About Fitness

Featured Wedding Gift: His and Hers Gym Memberships

Fight the status quo and stay fit after you get married by registering for a gym membership! If you’d rather take a yoga class or hit the treadmill than shop for bed linens then this is the perfect addition to your wedding registry.

Check out this couples’ WR wedding registry to see how they added their gym memberships and more great wedding gift ideas!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Want more registry ideas? Check out Wedding Republic's other ideas:

Planning Your Wedding on a Budget: Tips From a Recent Bride

Newly engaged and starting to plan your wedding but wondering how you’re going to stay on budget? We thought so!

That’s why we’re pleased to share some tips and tricks from recently married bride LeeAnne. We’ll let her take it from here....

All photos courtesy Kristin Mizo Photo

When my husband finally popped the question, I was elated! Like most girls, I’d been planning my wedding ever since I knew what a wedding was. I envisioned fun fall colors with a pop of pink, and lots of twinkle lights. I wanted a classic elegant wedding while maintaining a down home feel that all of our closest friends and family could enjoy.

While planning my big day, I found lots of ways to save money and I’m going to share 5 tips that I feel will definitely help future brides plan the wedding of their dreams on a realistic budget.

LeeAnne's Wedding Centrepieces

Tip 1: Centerpieces I saved a very significant amount of money on my centerpieces. I purchased all of the floral arrangements from a local wholesale florist at a fraction of what it would have cost to pay someone to do them. This way, I got bigger centerpieces for less money! My sister had recently gotten married, and had saved all of her vases for me, so I really lucked out there.

If you don’t already have vases you can use, I suggest buying one vase at a time throughout the course of planning your wedding. Stores like Michael’s usually give you coupons each time you shop, therefore you can usually get each vase at 50% off! Or you can check out SmartBride, they have lots of décor items, like vases, for amazing deals.

Tip 2: Alcohol Usually when planning a wedding, most brides prepare to spend a large amount of their budget on food and booze. If you can find a venue/caterer that will allow you to purchase all of the alcohol yourself, and just pay for the bartender, this is the way to go!

I also recommend purchasing your alcohol of choice from a large store such as Sam’s or Costco. You can definitely get more for your money. Save your receipts and any unopened bottles can be returned for a full refund!

LeeAnne's DIY Wedding Fan

Tip 3: DIY With all the stress of planning a wedding, it is so easy to fall behind on all the little projects that help make your day beautiful. Instead of paying someone big bucks to make things like programs, invitations, and favors, dig deep inside and bring out your craftiness!

It is so much cheaper to do these projects yourself; and websites like Pinterest make these projects budget friendly and beautiful!

LeeAnne and her bridesmaids

Tip 4: Utilize your Friends! If you want a wedding planner without the expense, appoint a good friend you trust as your Day of Coordinator. Create a schedule of events for your big day and go over it with your Coordinator so that you both are on the same page. People love to be included in big events like weddings. Your special day should be as stress free as possible, so leave the stress to someone else! You’ve put so much time and effort into this special day, now is the time that your hard work pays off.

Tip 5: Bargain! In today’s economy, it never hurts to bargain! Shop around and make sure you’re getting the most for your money! However, the two things that I totally suggest not settling on are your entertainment and your photographer. You want your band/dj to be able to keep the dance floor packed and the evening flowing smoothly and you want to have beautiful, quality photos that you can share for a lifetime. After your big day is over, all you have left are the photos!

Lastly, don’t forget to remember what this day is really about, and that’s you and your hubby. So relax, breath, and take it all in. The day is going to fly by!

About our Blogger: LeeAnne Walker Born and raised in Pensacola, Fla., LeeAnne Walker now proudly calls Orlando home. She is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and works in Internet Marketing. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their Boston Terrier, the outdoors, and cheering on the Florida State Seminoles.

Weddings Go Social: Planning Your Wedding Online

With our dedication/obsession with facebook, twitter and more, it's no surprise that more and more couples are using technology to plan their weddings.

As many smart brides know, going online for your wedding can save you plenty of time and often thousands of dollars in many areas - from invitations and decor to (of course!) the dress!

We stumbled across an interesting infographic from Sparkle N Dazzle Co telling us the 17% of couples use social media to plan weddings or share information. Check out some of their other stats and wedding apps and let us know on facebook how you're incorporating technology into your wedding!

Wedding Dresses with Bling

Want more wedding dress styles?

Wedding Contest: Win a Pair of Stella & Dot Earrings

Looking for your wedding jewelry?

Then you’ll love this month’s Facebook contest! We’re giving away:

1 pair of Deco Drop Earrings from Stella & Dot!

From March 8th to 15th, 2012, enter to win a fabulous pair of Stella & Dot earrings! These earrings are sparkly, stylish and have a touch of vintage inspiration. Not only will they look beautiful with your wedding dress, but are versatile enough that you can still wear them after your big day.

How do you win? It’s VERY easy. Check out the details below……
How to Enter This Contest: To win this awesome pair of vintage inspired drops, here’s what you need to do:

If you don’t like us on facebook yet:

Like us already! You’ll get access to lots of great facebook only prizes, not to mention inspiration and ideas for your wedding
Once you like us, answer our daily question on the wall and you’ll get an extra entry!

If you already like us:

THANKS!
To enter, answer our daily question on the wall for an entry.

JEWELRY DEAL: Get 25% off Stella & Dot Jewelry! Got your eye on something special for yourself or your bridesmaids? For International Women's Day on March 8th enjoy 25% off any regular priced Stella & Dot item until March 15th, 2012. To get this special discount, ‘LIKE’ Abena’s Stella & Dot fanpage and she’ll send you the discount code!

NOTE: This discount is open to residents of Canada (excluding Quebec) only.

About Stella & Dot You’ve likely already heard about Stella & Dot, the fabulous boutique-style jewelry and accessories line available exclusively through in-home Trunk shows by Independent Stylists or online. These celebrity coveted pieces are created by well-know designers like Maya Brenner and Nancy Leibowitz and are the media darlings of the fashion press holy grails - Vogue and Elle. We’ve got a few of their pieces ourselves and think they’ve got many amazing and budget friendly options for weddings!

Abena Perryman is an Independent Stylist with Stella & Dot. She provides style advice, gift suggestions and hosts complimentary in home style sessions for you and your girlfriends by appointment only (for all occasions). Host a style session and receive $100s in free jewels as a 'thank you'!

Shop now or contact Abena to book your Spring/Wedding Style Session.

Contest Information & Regulations

Contest is live from March 8 to 15th, 2012
Entry deadline is 11:59pm EST March 15, 2012
One (1) winner will be randomly drawn on March 16th and announced on the Smartbride and Stella & Dot Style Maven facebook walls. Winner will be notified via Facebook
This contest is open to residents of Canada (excluding Quebec) and the United States who are eighteen (18) years of age or older
Prize Description: one (1) person will win one (1) pair of Deco Drop Earrings (deco faceted CZ and Czech crystals). Earrings are 1/2" drop length with sterling silver fish hook ear wire and are lead and nickel safe. Retail value of earrings is $49.

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Home Renovations!

This week's idea? Renovate Your Home Through Your Wedding Registry

One wedding gift that’s becoming more and more popular among modern couples is a contribution towards your home renovations!

You may already be living in your dream home, but know that it’s in need of some serious TLC. Maybe it’s new kitchen where friends and family can gather when they visit or upgrading your en suite bathroom to make it a little more his and hers friendly.

No matter what the specifics, adding home renovations to your wedding registry is a great gift idea!
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

How to Choose that "Perfect" Wedding Favor

Wedding favours may not be as vital as your wedding venue, but favours are keepsakes to show your guests how thankful you are they came to celebrate with you.

Cherry Blossom Fan from The Favour Shoppe Every couple goes through the process of "What do I give" when thinking about their wedding favours, and with the abundance of favours on the World Wide Web, it can certainly be a daunting task!

We’ve asked Caren Richardson of The Favour Shoppe to provide us with some tips to help you choose that "perfect” favor for your wedding or any other event you may be having.

Do Your Research This is very important, especially if you are purchasing online. Where you purchase your favors is just as important as what you buy. Look for online retailers that specialize in wedding favours, and always read through the specific details that are shown with the wedding favor.
Do not hesitate to take advantage of the customer service if it is offered on the retailer website. A reputable online retailer will make it easy for you to get in touch and have a representative available to answer any questions that you may have.

Create a Budget Budgeting for favors is a pretty vague subject, and different places offer different suggestions.
As a general rule of thumb, if your wedding favors are considered your gift expense, then 2-3 percent should be allocated to favors. This budget will also include bridal party gifts, and gifts for the couple (if exchanging).
If your favors are part of the reception expense, then part of that 35% should be allocated towards the favors. The reception budget includes reception site cost, meals, liquor, bartender expenses, gratuity, centerpieces, and linens.
If your favors are part of the meal expense, allocate a percentage of meal per person. Consider this: If you’re planning to spend $90 per person for an all-inclusive reception, then if you allocate 6% per person, you would then have $5.40 to spend on each favor.

Buy in Bulk If you’re shopping for favors online, keep in mind that most favors will drop in price with the quantity you are purchasing.

Get a Little Extra Make sure you budget for extra favours, just in case of an accident and some wedding favours are damaged.

Choose Something YOU love. Remember, these wedding favours will be a constant reminder to everyone of your special day, and you’ll likely have a few left over, so make sure you love them!

About The Favour Shoppe Caren Richardson, is a talented internet marketer and favor expert, and owner of The Favour Shoppe since 2009. Caren offers tips and hot ideas in her wonderful blog while showcasing other talented professionals providing excellent information for couples all over the world.

No Purse Required! Wedding Dresses with Pockets

Don't want to be bothered carrying around a purse on your big day? Then you need a wedding dress with pockets!

We've got 10 fabulous wedding dresses with pockets from $450 to $3300 to share!

Enjoy!

Best Dressed Oscars 2012: Bernice Bejo's Bridal Style

View the story "Oscars 2012: Get Bernice Bejo's Look for Less for your Wedding" on Storify

Check out more bridal inspiration from Oscars 2012 red carpet!

Best Dressed Oscars 2012: Cameron Diaz's Bridal Style

View the story "Oscars 2012: Get Cameron Diaz's Bridal Inspired Look for Less" on Storify

Check out more bridal inspiration from Oscars 2012 red carpet!

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Experience Based Gifts

A Wedding Registry Where You Can Choose Your Own Adventure!

The flexibility of a Wedding Republic bridal registry lets couples get incredibly creative with the gift ideas on their list!

From swimming with manta rays to skydiving, adventurous couples everywhere are ditching the traditional cutlery and tea towels for more experience-based gifts.

Experience-based gifts are ideal if you're already living together and have enough stuff. So whether it's camping in the closest national park, or climbing the Inka Trail, consider adding an experience that you can carry with you for a lifetime to your wedding registry.
Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Best Dressed Oscars 2012: Rooney Mara's Bridal Style

Check out more bridal inspiration from Oscars 2012 red carpet!

Best Dressed Oscars 2012: Milla Jovovich Bridal Style

Check out more bridal inspiration from Oscars 2012 red carpet!

Oscar 2012 Bridal Inspired Red Carpet Style - Vote for you fav!

The fashion on the Oscar 2012 red carpet was full of slim silhouettes and plenty of bridal inspiration.

Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab Couture

Over the course of this week we'll be bringing you our wedding dress picks based on each of the best dresses stars, so stay tuned. In the meantime, be sure to tell us which bridal inspired red carpet look was your fav!

Vote below!

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Start a Wine Collection

Prefer Wine Over Wine Glasses?

If you're a wine connoisseur (or even just a wine-lover at heart) you've probably already got enough wine glasses, a gift typically seen on many traditional registries. So, why not register for your favorite wines instead?

Here's why we love this gift idea for your wedding registry:

First, you'll enjoy it without cluttering your kitchen with unnecessary gadgets.
Second, friends and family can join in the fun too! Wine and cheese night anyone?
Third, what better way to start a collection? Just grab a pen that you can write on the bottle with, not who you received it from and then every time you open a bottle, you'll remember who it's from. Maybe you can even invite them over to share!

Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Build Your Personalized Cash Wedding Registry with Zankyou

A personalized wedding registry for today's couple

It's well established that today's modern couples aren't always looking for more stuff. Many couples have already been living together for years and often, registering at one or two "bricks and mortar" stores doesn't really fit, especially if you've got guests coming from all over the world.

That's why, during our recent perusals of the world wide web, we were pleased to come across another online cash gift wedding registry and free wedding website – Zankyou. For those of you smart brides looking to create your perfect wedding registry, here are five reasons why you should choose Zankyou:

Quick to Set Up. We know first-hand that planning a wedding is no easy task. It feels like there are 1 million to dos, and never enough time. With Zankyou’s easy to use four Gift Registry ideas, you can create your own customized registry in 5 minutes. Pick from Traditional, Modern, Design and Experiences or mix and match to create your own perfect wedding wish list!

Lowest Rates. When guests choose gifts for you, you can get the cash equivalent of the gift contributions to your bank account. This means you can take the cash or buy the gift they’ve chosen whenever you're ready. At only 2.85% per gift, Zankyou's rates are among THE LOWEST on the market. Plus, if guests decide to cover the cost of the surcharge, the registry becomes completely free for you!

International Presence. Got guests flying in from all over? No problem! Zankyou is present in over 17 countries and 8 languages! Your guests will be able to view your wedding registry in their preferred language and Zankyou’s international payment gateway ensures your guests can make a payment wherever they are. It also saves your guests valuable time from going store to store or seeing if their gift has been shipped. No need for them to carry that big toaster around they picked for you onto the plane.

Perfect for Honeymoons. If you feel like you’ve got everything already, why not ask your guests to contribute to your honeymoon? You can use Zankyou to collect contributions towards your trip. Receive the contributions in your bank account and use the money before you go, while you’re away or when you come back. A cool feature? Wherever you go in the world, Zankyou’s gift list lets you display your honeymoon on a map so you can share your planned experiences with your guests in a fun and interactive way.

Amazing Customer Service. Zankyou's online customer service is supported by a multilingual team in each country throughout North & South America and all over Europe. No matter what the language your guests can call with any inquiries, make payments over the phone and make last minute contributions from anywhere.

For more information visit www.zankyou.com.

Princess for a Day Contest: Designing Your Wedding Invitations

Wedding Invitation Tips & Trends

Laura from Laura K Design had the pleasure of designing the invitations for the Andrea, the winner of the Smartbride "princess for a day" contest last April.

The finished product! Princess for a Day Contest Winner Andrea's Wedding Invitations

She recently completed the invitations with Andrea and sat down with us to offer her thoughts on 2012 wedding invitation trends and some tips on how to work effectively with your invitation designer, especially if you’re not in the same city!
You and Andrea were never able to meet in person to design the invitations, how did you handle that?

Since we live in different cities and were unable to meet in person, we had to do everything through email. If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are my tips:

Provide your designer with as much information as possible to give the designer a clear idea as to what you are looking for. Telling them about your venue, colour scheme, the style of the wedding and your personalities will help them point you in the right direction for the look of your invitations.
Colour can be challenging when not meeting in person and most brides will want to ensure that the colour(s) they choose for their invitation match their overall them. To get around this, I had Andrea send me a paint swatch of the purple they wanted for me to colour match.

What are you seeing this year when it comes to wedding invitation trends?

I’m seeing that font based invitations are popular this year, as well as large, bold graphics. Purple is still a hot colour this year and so is Navy. Both colours look amazing when paired with another colour: for example purple and silver or navy and hot pink.

Andrea and her fiancé Adam will be sending them out to their guests as you read this! What do you think of the finished product?

Gorgeous Vintage Style Wedding Dresses

Looking for a wedding dress with vintage flair that still feels modern enough for today? Check out our 5 picks below ranging from $550 to $3500.

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Romantic Dinner for 2

A Wedding Registry for Foodies

One of the top gifts on many couples Wedding Republic registries is a romantic dinner for two at their fave restaurant. Not only is this a hot ticket item for couples, this gift is popular with friends and family too!

Tips for including dinner for two on your registry:

Give the Where & Why: Make sure you tell your guests where you plan to go and why it's one of your favorite places.
Describe Your Favorite Picks: If you fancy yourself a foodie and plan to include more than one "dinner for two" on your gift list, describe the yummy goodness so guests know what they're giving.
Go Beyond Your Favorite Local Haunts: Honeymoon-ing? Adding a special dinner for two at a romantic restaurant abroad is also a popular item and one your friends and family will love to contribute towards.

Here's a great example of one couple with "dinner for two" at the top of their wedding gift list.

Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Bride-To-Be: Choosing Your Wedding Invitations

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I can't believe it's already February 2012 – and Valentine’s Day no less! Our wedding is just over three months away at this point... it's creeping up faster than I could have imagined (even though everyone said it would!) and there's still so much to do! And one big one... getting the word out to our friends and families.

New York/Toronto Skyline Invitation by LauraK Design

The Invitations!

Luckily, the Princess for a Day contest is making things a little easier for us! Over the past month or so, Adam and I have been working with Laura at Laura K Design to create our perfect invitations.
When we first got engaged and started thinking about wedding details, the invitations didn't really strike me as something that was all that important. I thought it was just a little thing... and we actually bought really really cheap DIY invitations that didn't match anything we were planning to do for the wedding.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that invitations are the very first impression your guests will have about your big day. That doesn't mean they need to be ridiculously expensive or over-the-top, but they should match the feel you want for your wedding.

Damask Invitation by LauraK Design

On that note, Adam and I are planning a pretty traditional wedding, so we knew we wanted invites to match. We had a bit of a discussion before we started working with Laura, mainly about the feel, colours, and wording. We definitely wanted the dark purple and light yellow to match our wedding colours, but neither of us are overly creative so we couldn't really visualize exactly what we wanted them to look like.

That's where Laura came in – we told her the colours, and that we wanted traditional, but something kind of fun at the same time... and she went to work! She made four different styles for us to choose from.

Adam and I both think they turned out great! Although I haven't included the style we picked, so we can save a little surprise for when our guests receive them in the mail!

Based on my experience creating our wedding invitations, here are a few tips for having your perfect invitations designed!

Tips to Working with a Designer

Come with Some Ideas: Have at least a bit of an idea of what you'd like them to look like. Like I said, we didn't know exactly what we wanted, but we had a few “must-haves” for them to include
Insert Your Personality: Make sure they're a reflection of you and your vision of your wedding day, so your wedding can have a cohesive and personal feel from beginning to end.
Don't be afraid to ask for what you want: We ended up making Laura change things on our invitations a few times before they were perfect, because in the end you need what works for you (Thanks again, Laura!!!)

Happy planning!

Andrea

Romantic Wedding Dresses

Consider yourself a romantic? In honor of Valentine's day, we've scoured the Smart Bride pages to bring you 10 dresses fit for romance! Whether your budget is $375 or $3750, our choices fit every budget.

Enjoy!

Wedding Registry Gift Idea of the Week: Big Screen TV

Rock Your Wedding Registry With A big screen TV

If you’re already living together and have all of the kitchen appliances and gadgets you could possibly need, a big screen TV is a great choice for your wedding registry (and not just because of the recent SuperBowl). A quality television is something you will both enjoy.

Bonus feature? You can host your friends and family for move night!
Worried about adding such an expensive item to your gift list? Don’t be!

With a Wedding Republic registry, guests can chip in so it’s affordable for them and ideal for you!

Here’s an example of a wedding registry with a big screen and several other great gift ideas.

This weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Will You Marry me? Teach Your Man How to Pop the Question

Does Your Boyfriend Know How You Want Him to Propose?

Click the image to see the full infographic or scroll below

Have you hinted about what kind of ring you'd like? Or whether you want this to be a complete surprise?

Some of you have already discussed getting engaged, for others it will be a complete surprise.

It's up to you to educate your future husband to be about what you want in a proposal and a ring - but tread lightly, too much hinting can really turn a guy off (read: SCARE) the whole process.

Did you know that one in ten grooms purchase online diamonds? While others go for loose diamonds so their bride can choose the setting.

Read on for more tips you can pass along!

Marriage Proposal Guide

Wedding Registry Gift of the Week: Cooking Lessons

Are you challenged in the kitchen? Why not register for cooking lessons!

Like many engaged couples, there’s a good chance you don’t need another set of cutlery. Instead, consider putting your utensils to use by adding cooking lessons to your wedding registry.

Whether you fancy yourself an amateur chef or can barely find your way around the kitchen, a culinary class can be a great addition to your gift list. Not only is it a fun way for you and your fiancé to learn something new, it’s practical and will benefit you for years to come.

Besides, you know the old adage: the way to someone’s heart is through his or her stomach, and what better way to start the journey then a couples cooking class!

Weekly registry gift idea is courtesy of Wedding Republic, an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Trash the Dress Photos: Vote for your Favorite

Although many brides are knee deep in wedding dress shopping right now, we thought it would be fun to show what can happen AFTER the wedding is over.

Photo from Christopher King

Check out our new round of Trash the Dress photos on MSN.ca. From digging graves to crazy food fights, these brides opted to have some serious fun with what will likely be the most expensive dress they'll ever wear.

Be sure to vote for you fav below!

Want to do a Trash the Dress Session but don't want to ruin your dress?

Get an inexpensive wedding dress, like this Maggie Sottero Claudette wedding dress for $200.

Not what you're looking for? See more Wedding Dresses for under $200

How about this Mori Lee 6406 wedding dress for $100. Not quite right? See more Wedding Dresses for under $100

Even More Trash the Dress!

Get even more photos on Pinterest

Expert Tip: Wedding Trends 2012: Engagement Photo Sessions

Get creative and think outside the box……Engagement Photo Session Trends for 2012

Let's be honest - the one wedding vendor decision that will live on with you for years to come is your photographer. Their style, expertise and vision will be the one element with tangible remains once the Big Day is over, so you want to be sure you get it right!

How? Consider an engagement photo session. This is the perfect way to help you get to know your photographer, become comfortable and ensure your personalities mesh prior to the wedding. After all you’ll be spending just as much time with them at your wedding as with your bridesmaids!

When it comes to trends for engagement photo sessions – 2012 is all about creativity!

This year, couples are choosing a location or activity that has some meaning for them. So think outside the box - it's great for photographers to explore a new location, and keeps things fresh and interesting for you as well.

Whether your session is done in a small town or an art gallery, remember that the best shoots include a little piece of you in the mix. Work with your photographer to get some unique ideas and really try to think of something that reflects your style!

Still feeling a little intimidated by the idea of a photo session focused on two of you?

Don't be – here are 4 reasons to have an engagement photo session:

You’ll Be Able To Build a Relationship. Spending time with your photographers prior to the Wedding Day will help you get to know each other and increase your trust level. When you trust your photographers, it's easier for them to do their job, and your comfort level will shine through in the photos.
You’ll Get to Understand the Process. How many people have had someone follow them around with a camera for a few hours, lens pointed at them the entire time? It's a pretty foreign concept for most couples, and it's difficult to know what to expect. Engagement sessions are the best way for you to get a taste of the creative process and really understand your photographer's style first hand.
Plus, you'll gain an understanding of the way they work, and learn to trust in their vision. This trust and understanding will come in handy on your wedding day, as it will give your photographer the space to work freely, and put the two of you at ease.
You’ll Have Some Unique, Casual Photos of the Two of You Together! We've all got the standard 'hold out your arm and shoot' images of us with our partner. And hey, they're fun - but they aren't really hang up on your wall and boast material.
Having an engagement session will give you a variety of creative, unique photos that really reflect your style as a couple. Best of all, you're in your regular clothes, being you, and showcasing your personalities. It's a perfect gift for yourselves and a great break from planning!
You'll Have Something Special to Share with your Guests. Photos from the session make for conversation pieces at the wedding reception. Showcase a few images, or have your photographer put together a Guest Book of photos from the shoot. Guests can leave their well wishes for you inside, making it a great keepsake as well!

How to Find An Engagement Photo Session For Less Talk to your photographer about booking a session when you sign them for your wedding. Most companies offer discounts for couples choosing this option as an add-on. After all, it’s a great asset for both the couple and photographer!

Check out more great engagement photo shots on our Pinterest!

About the Authors: Trevor & Larissa

In 2007 Trevor & Larissa joined forces to create Ambient Studios, combining their individual photographic backgrounds of candid documentary and creative fine art practice. With a laid back approach and a creative eye, they work together as a team to capture genuine moments & picturesque scenes that are fresh, inspired and timeless. Although they’ve just recently changed their company name from Ambient Studios to Trevor & Larissa, their documentary meets fine art style remains.

Check out their fresh new look and amazing photos via their blog.

Bride-to-Be: Flavor Favors

RC and I are very much into food and cooking, and some of our favorite memories together involve amazing meals.

As such, I recently became very inspired when I came across this post for homemade marshmallows on one of my daily Interweb stops (seriouseats.com). How cute would little stacks of fluffy, multicolor marshmallows be as wedding favors?

Tasty favors are also a great way to go DIY and save some money – make them yourself and incorporate your favorite flavors for a warm, personalized “thank you" to your guests.

Bitten by the edible favor bug, I’ve been digging around for ideas.

Here are some of my best finds:

Fleur de Sel Caramels

I am a fiend for salty-sweet flavor combinations, and these individually-wrapped bites of heaven would be a great welcome to any celebration.

Keep reading for more flavor favor suggestions from Alana....

Grow-Your-Own Herbs

These are adorable, and would be perfect for a green wedding.
Preserves

Jam jars can be dressed up so beautifully for a rustic or DIY-themed wedding. Get creative with fabric and ribbon (and flavors!) to match your unique couple style.

Cake on a Stick

These cupcake pops would fit right in at a whimsical wedding, and everything tastes better when it’s on a stick (see: corndogs, popsicles, satay, pickles, pizza).

Macarons

Macarons are ridiculously trendy right now, with everyone from DIY-Queen Martha Stewart to Semi-Homemade Sandra Lee putting their own spin on the little French cookies. I love these little individual boxes that showcase the sugary treats.

Alana

About our Guest Blogging Bride-to-Be Alana:

After her first date with RC, Alana knew it was the beginning of something amazing. RC proposed two years after that day and the couple will be married on August 20, 2011. They want their day to be unique and completely "us", so they'll be throwing a lot of wedding traditions out the window and replacing them with fun, personal touches. Check back each week to follow Alana as she and RC plan their party of love.

More From Bride-to-Be Alana:

Expert Tip: Wedding Trends 2012: Wedding Registries for House Down Payment

Moving? Add it to your wedding registry! Wedding Registry Trends for 2012

If you’re in the midst of planning your wedding, you know that it’s not just a wedding. All sorts of other things are probably happening too… you might be amalgamating your finances, planning for a family and buying your own home.

In 2012, we’re seeing more couples than ever include their house down payment on their online wedding registry. These savvy couples opted to register for one of the most important things they could possibly ask for… a place to call home.
If you’re thinking of adding your new home to your wedding registry, remember to show guests exactly what they’re contributing towards.

For example, if you were using Wedding Republic, you would post an image of your new home (or dream home if you haven’t found it yet) and include a description that is personal and from the heart. Tell your guests exactly how this would help you build your life together and how you can’t wait to invite your friends and family to see it!

About the Author: Wedding Republic

Wedding Republic is an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Expert Tip: 2012 Wedding Trends: Cocktail Wedding Receptions

Unique, modern and budget friendly…..Wedding Reception Trends for 2012

Always dreamed of an exquisite wedding reception, full of glamour and extravagance, but realize your budget can’t quite handle it? You’re in luck! One of the big trends when it comes to wedding receptions in 2012 is a cocktail reception instead of a sit down dinner.

Photo from Christina Gapic Photography

A cocktail reception can be just as extravagant as a dinner, but doesn’t have the price tag to match! By focusing on gorgeous linens, elegant glassware and dishware, and serving hors d’oeuvres instead of a plated meal, you can create an exquisite reception at an affordable price.

Here are 4 tips to create your own unique cocktail reception without breaking the bank:

Add Drama & Texture with Bold Linens If you don’t want to spend a ton of money on décor, choose colourful linens to make a statement instead of spending on large bouquets of flowers. Linen rentals can often be cheaper than fresh flowers. Use white linens as your base (often the most inexpensive) and then spread table runners over the top to perfect your colour scheme. For added effect, have the coloured linens run down to the floor. This plays double duty as décor, minimizing your décor expense.
When you’re doing a cocktail reception, you’ll still have to have places for people to sit so you can't cut that expense entirely, but you can experiment with different sizes of tables and less tables overall to help manage your budget.
Serve Hors d’oeuvres instead of a Sit Down Meal Serving hors d’oeuvres instead of a sit down meal is a great complement to a cocktail reception and can be a budget friendly way to have a glamorous wedding reception because you can still focus on amazing food, just in bite sized portions! A good caterer can offer a number of appetizer options instead of a 5-course dinner and appetizers can be just a filling.
If you opt for an appetizer reception, consider adding to the glam by serving the delicate hors d’oeuvres on small individual dishware pieces – it will catch the eye of your friends and family and add a unique touch.
For more budget friendly options, you can also serve hors d'oeuvres on modern shaped large porcelain or silver platters to save on individual dishware costs and serve pasta dishes in cosmopolitan martini glasses as they can be less expensive than small bowls.

Select Universal Glassware Using one wine glass for both red and white wine instead of one for each can help you manage your glassware costs. After all, if it’s an open bar, people will likely go through many glasses so going basic here can be a smart and budget friendly decision.
If you do want to add an extravagant touch, consider using Champagne Sherbet glasses instead of champagne flutes for a special champagne toast. Because you’ll use a set number of these, you can set your budget and forget it.

Minimize Dessert Many times, couples go all out on desserts, having candy tables, cheeses and more in addition to the wedding cake! Save yourself some money and serve your personalized wedding cake as the main dessert. With this option, you could finish off your elegant cocktail reception with stunning flatwear. This adds a luxurious look without an extravagant expense.

About the Author: Pedersens Event Rental

Founded in 1949 as an off premise catering company, Pedersens Event Rentals evolved into a full time rental company. Serving Vancouver, Victoria, and Seattle the family owned business has frequently been recognized by industry partners and competitors as a pioneer in the event industry in the Pacific Northwest.

Find more news about our event rental products and industry news, visit them on Facebook and Twitter.

Maggie Sottero Wedding Dresses For Less

Love Maggie Sottero dresses but want an amazing deal? Check out 15 different Maggie Sottero dresses from $200 to $1300!

Maggie Sottero Sabelle Wedding Dress for $1200, regularly $1700.

Unique Wedding Favors

Tired of seeing the same old and boring favours at wedding after wedding? Not anymore! There are so many fresh, unique and practical favour ideas out there that are sure to make a lasting impression on your guests and leave them excited to take their keepsakes home to remember your special day. Here are some of the most unique ideas that Diana, the owner of The Wedding Shoppe in London, Ontario, has seen...

Sweet Memories Tea Towels: From the mini-chocolate and colourful berry toppings to the heart shaped detail ribbon wrapping the cake, your guests will adore these fun and practical favors. Perfectly packaged in pairs, these towel favors present well (think how cute they’d look stacked up near the dessert table) and are useful (a real plus!)

'Sweet Memories' Twin Towel Cake Desserts, from $4.19 each

The New DIY: DOT - Do It Themselves! Having a spring/summer wedding garden themed wedding? Encourage your guests to take on some DIY projects with these screwdrivers that are all work and lots of play! Each multifunction screwdriver has a solid white plastic handle with a beautiful floral design, and a metal shaft for insertion of any of the included flat or Phillips head tips in both ¼” and 3/16” sizes.

Screwdriver Favors, from $3.70 each

Eco-Friendly Celebrations: On the more expensive side, these “Have a Blast!” wedding poppers are a biodegradable fun alternative to rice. Think of the fabulous photos you’ll create when your guests launch biodegradable tissue-paper confetti into the air.

Biodegradable Favors, from $10.89

Glam Up Their Next Dinner Party with Edible Flowers: If you’ve got a bigger budget, consider these edible favors. Perfect for your wedding guests’ next dinner party or special occasion (or just as an excuse to crack open the bubbly!), these Wild Hibiscus Flowers have a vibrant crimson color (perfect if you’ve got jewel tone wedding colors) and delicious raspberry & rhubarb flavour.

Wild Hibiscus Edible Flowers in Champagne, from $12.50 each

Expert Tip: Wedding Trends 2012: Honeymoon Wedding Registries

Got the travel bug? .......Wedding Registry Trends for 2012

To honeymoon or not to honeymoon? If you’re footing the bill for the wedding yourselves you might be tempted to forgo a honeymoon, but have you considered a honeymoon wedding registry?

One of the big 2012 trends that couples are adding to their registries are honeymoons. In fact, a honeymoon wedding registry is ideal if you’re already living together or are combining fully furnished households and have enough “stuff” (and really, will you ever use that floral china set?)

Why is it so popular? It’s win-win scenario. Couples get to plan the trip of their dreams while guests get an easy and convenient way to give.

Here are a few tips for creating the perfect honeymoon wedding registry:

Be Specific. Show your guests what you are registering for and be specific. If you plan to go to Italy, include that in the description.
Break it Down. Break the trip down into the different segments, activities and outings. For example, if you’re going scuba diving or to a romantic dinner, include the details so it’s more meaningful for your guests. Here’s a great example of one couple's honeymoon wedding registry.
Make it easily accessible. Be sure to include your wedding registry information on your wedding website so that your guests can find it easily.

About the Author: Wedding Republic

Wedding Republic is an online cash wedding registry. Tasteful, practical and fun!

Expert Tip: Wedding Trends 2012: Wedding Centrepieces, Place Cards and Favours

Reflect your personal style…..Finishing Touches from Your Home Printer

It’s your special day and the big wedding décor trend for 2012 continues to be all about personality!

Whether it’s your wedding invitations, flowers, or music, it’s important to make sure your individual style and personality shines through. There’s no need to make your wedding look and feel like it’s the result of cookie cutter arrangements.

Personalized Placecards for your Wedding

When it comes to designing and creating personalized wedding materials, you don’t have to be a graphics professional. In fact, the latest printing technology makes it easy and economical to reflect your personal style with a range of DIY wedding projects that can be created with your home computer and printer!

Here are some tips on how to put your own unique stamp centrepieces and favours for your wedding, without breaking the bank!

Personalized Votive Candle Holders

Table Settings: Place Cards, Menus & Centrepieces Printing your own table settings lets you show off your own creativity and is a great way to extend your wedding theme. For example, you could choose images from your invitation and make them into personalized place cards, menus and more.

Looking for a cool but inexpensive centerpiece idea? Think candles.

Candles are a glamorous and inexpensive way to add pretty lighting to your event and we’ve got the scoop to help you create personalized votive candle holders for your centerpieces in 4 easy steps:

Print. Start by printing a photograph or meaningful quote on vellum paper. Make sure to let the ink dry, as vellum takes longer to dry than many papers.
Cut. Using scissors or an exacto knife, cut the paper to the dimensions of your votive candle. Fasten the paper together by punching small holes and using decorative ribbon.
Wrap. Wrap the vellum around a votive candleholder and tie with a bow.
Glow! Finally, add a lit candle to the holder and enjoy the festivities.

Personalized Candy Cones

Wedding Favours Every couple wants their guests to have something special as a souvenir of their wedding day. Making your own wedding favours is convenient, budget friendly and allows you to customize them with your names, ceremony date and wedding theme.

One popular wedding favour idea we’re seeing in 2012 is to create personalized candy cones. If this sounds like the perfect wedding favour for you, here’s what you’ll need:

Jelly beans or mini milk chocolate balls
Cellophane
Colourful ribbon
Standard paper
Scissors
Glue stick or tape
HP printer, such as the new HP Photosmart 5510 e-All-in-One.

Once you’ve got your materials, follow these 4 steps:

Design. Customize the cones with an image, the wedding date, or a special quote.
Print. Print the cones and make sure to let them dry completely.
Cut & Bend. Cut the paper to an appropriate size, bend it into the shape of a cone and glue or tape the edges together.
Fill & Wrap. The candy or chocolate can be wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon. Put it inside the cone and secure it with glue or tape.

Creating personalized candy cones is just one example of how to customize wedding favors. It’s just as easy to create your own labels for wine, hot sauce or even a home-made jam.

Remember, your wedding day should reflect your personal style. Whether you choose to design your own wedding favours or customize a digital photo, there are endless ways to express your personality on this momentous occasion.

About the Author: HP Creative Studio

No matter what wedding planning phase you're in, turn to the HP Creative Studio for a wide range of creative, expressive wedding-themed projects, from shower invitations and menus, place cards, guest books, to wedding purses and custom candy-bar wrappers for your special day. HP also has a range of products including inks, papers and e-All-in-One printers that can are perfect for do-it-yourself wedding products.

Expert Tip: Wedding Trends 2012: Invitations and Thank You Notes

Fonts, patterns & wording…….Invitation trends for 2012

Wedding invitation trends for 2012 continue to be all about personalization. This year, couples are using invitations to reflect their passion, style and personality with colour choices, fonts, graphics and more! Creating your own personalized invitations and thank you notes are a great way to set the mood and get the celebration started on a reasonable budget.

Wedding Invitations The wedding invitation is your chance to give guests a sneak peak at what your special day is going to be like. Choose styles and colours that reflect what you’re planning for the reception and coordinate the invitation with your theme.

Get Inspiration for your Invitations with HP Creative Studio

Here are 3 tips to help you incorporate the personalization trend and create your own invitations that look like a million bucks (but cost much less!):

Get Inspired! HP Canada’s Creative Studio is a great place to get some inspiration and ideas, not to mention useful templates to make designing your own invitations a breeze. You’ll also find other amazing DIY wedding ideas, including printing your own wedding wrapping paper, gift bags or door hangers!
Choose the right paper.
- Use a heavier paper like card stock for invitations. You can print directly on the card stock or use a vellum paper and layer one on top of the other. Simply attach the two papers together by using a decorative ribbon and glue stick.
- You can also purchase quarter-fold cards that are easy to use. All you need to do is load, print and fold.
It’s all about the Design
- Customize the front of your invitation with an image of the place you met, where he proposed, or even an engagement picture. The sky is the limit!
- When you get to the inside design, consider adding smaller images and text in complimentary colours. Choose a unique pattern and play with font to get a look that reflects your personality as a couple.

Thank You Notes When it comes to thank you notes, try creating a personalized photo to include with your thank-you cards. Most home printers let you create professional quality prints and allow you to add your own personal touches. HP’s Print Apps lets you take the personalization trend a step further because you can include a special bridal border or even inscribe your names and the date of your wedding.

Printing Tip: One of the biggest myths regarding how to print photos is that digital prints don’t last as long as traditional ones. This is not true – as long as you use the right paper and ink! The right combination will help to prevent fading and discolouration.

For example, using normal copy paper to print photos gives you prints that look fuzzy or faded. To prevent this from happening, use photo paper. There are a variety of photo papers that range from glossy to matte. Glossy paper produces deep, vibrant colours and is great for wedding albums, scrapbooks, framed photos and invitations. Matte paper, on the other hand, offers rich textures and resists fingerprints, which makes it great for black and white prints and printing photos from e-mail.

About the Author: HP Creative Studio

Golden Globes 2012: Get the Red Carpet Looks for Less!

Although Ricky Gervais toned down his antics indoors as he hosted last night's Golden Globes, there was still plenty of sizzle on the red carpet.

Left: Elle Macpherson's Fishtail, Right: Get the look for less with this La Sposa Laurel

We've chosen 5 of our favorite wedding inspired looks from some fashionable celebs and found some gorgeous wedding dresses to match in case you're looking to channel some celebrity style for your walk down the aisle.

Budget Friendly Wedding Favor Ideas

Putting a personal touch on your wedding favors or bridal shower favours doesn't have to break the bank! These days, many retailers offer cheap wedding favors that can still be personalized in various colours, designs and with your special text.

Mod Monogram Lollipop Favours from $1.72 CND
And the more guests you have doesn't necessarily mean you'll be paying a lot for your favours; many retailers offer quantity discounts on favours so the more buy, the more you save! Our friends at The Wedding Shoppe have shared some fun and affordable personalized favor ideas to help get the creative juices flowing:

Wedding Favors Under $2 - Sweet & Modern: Lollipops

Make a sweet statement in modern style with these elegantly monogrammed wedding favors (pictured above). Wrapped in clear cellophane and adorned with a simple white-satin bow, they make a beautiful presentation of the bride and groom's initials. And though they look almost too pretty to eat, guests ready to dive in are definitely in for a tasty candy treat.

Wedding Favors Under $2.50 – Perfectly Suited: Deck of Cards

If you come from a family that loves games, why not share a favourite card game and deck of cards with your guests? A practical gift people will use, playing cards are handy for both home and travel, and will bring your guests hours of fun.

"Perfectly Suited" Personalized Playing Cards in Travel Case From $2.12 CND
Under $3 - Black & White Elegance: Damask Note Pad

Sweet, petite and perfect for a vintage black and white wedding theme. Kate Aspen's exquisitely designed "Damask Elegance" Note Pad is the best friend for guests with busy lives.

Damask Elegance Notepad from $2.84

Expert Tip: Wedding Trends 2012: Wedding Registries

Register for Honeymoons, Homes and More!.....Wedding Registry Trends for 2012

Like many wedding traditions, the gift registry has evolved to better suit the needs of today’s modern couples. As people get married later in life or live together before marriage, many already have all the household ‘stuff’ they need before the big day, which is why the latest trend in registries is all about the cash registry!

Here are 4 trends Deposit a Gift is seeing when it comes to cash wedding registries:
Registry Trend 1: Register For Your Honeymoon Modern minded couples who aren’t looking for more household items are absolutely loving honeymoon registries! A honeymoon registry allows you to give guests the option to contribute to different parts of your honeymoon, such as hotel accommodations, flights to your dream destination, romantic dinners, excursions and all the memories that come with them.

Registry Trend 2: Register For Your Home One of the best ways to use an alternative wedding registry to your advantage is to add big-ticket items that are hard to include in a traditional registry. Maybe you’d prefer a new flat screen TV or new (grown up!) furniture. And don’t forget saving to be first time home-owners or to remodel your new place. There’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to put your guests’ generous gifts towards something that will truly be of use in married life, and what’s better than an investment in home sweet home?

Registry Trend 3: Register For Date Nights and Hobbies The fun doesn’t have to end with the honeymoon. Keep the romance alive by asking guests to help you purchase dinners and tickets for date nights. Or, set aside some time for fun and register for what you love to do together, like camping equipment or beach supplies.

Registry Trend 4: Register for Charity When you’ve already got everything you need, why not ask guests to contribute to those who don’t? Check out this couple, who chose to give to those without a home, instead of adding to their own already complete household. Or, be really unique and create a registry for charitable donations and a hybrid honeymoon of volunteer tourism like this couple!

Guests want to give you a special gift that you’ll always remember them for, so if the traditional ‘stuff’ isn’t for you, give them some options that would really be useful and make you smile. There are lots of options out there to let your creativity run wild. Have fun and happy registering!

About the Author: Deposit a Gift Dana Ostomel is the founder and Chief Gifting Officer of the cash wedding registry site Deposit a Gift. She works closely with her users to ensure they are able to craft the perfect gift list for them. Years before Dana got married, she wondered how anyone could store so many presents—and even if they could, how they had the time to unwrap, return (often), track and use them all. Her marketing background led her to believe she could simplify the registry process—and not just for weddings, but for any big gifting event. And so Deposit a Gift, the next generation gift registry, was born.

For more creative registry ideas, keep up with Deposit a Gift on Facebook, Twitter and their blog.

Expert Tip: Wedding Trends 2012: Hiring a Professional Masters of Ceremonies for your Wedding

Get a Professional…..Wedding MC Trends for 2012!

Brides and Grooms depend on family members or friends to "emcee" the evening’s itinerary, based on the fact that they are either outgoing or funny or organized. However, in most cases, it causes more of a whirlwind of stress and panic for the emcee and also for the Bride and Groom.

Photo courtesy of Igor Pavlov Photography

One of the trends we’re seeing in 2012 when it comes to the reception is the professional Master of Ceremonies (MC). A professional MC is more than the familiar term “Emcee” that makes announcements. They help set the mood to your wedding and help keep guests at ease and in the know. Beyond that, they also:

Allow everyone attending your wedding to enjoy the celebrations with you;
Stay focused on the task at hand, unlike your friend/family Emcee who may be in the middle of their meal or distracted with old friends;
Work with the wedding planner and caterer in trouble-shooting any problems;
Know when to speak and when to be quiet (Unfortunately a few drinks can turn an outgoing and fun Family/Friend Emcee into a really embarrassing situation for all);
Add a unique experience to your evening by creating fun and entertaining activities that will transform the usual dinner experience and enhance the evening's line-up.

Photo courtesy of Troy St. Louis

Here are 4 tips on how to find the perfect professional MC for your wedding:

Ask Your Planner. Work with your wedding planner to find a few professional MCs. In most cases, they have seen an MC in action and would have good advice on this matter;
Do an Interview. Take the time to interview your possible MC. It is crucial that your personalities connect;
Check their references, not just testimonials. This will help you separate the professionals from the amateurs.
Inquire with your Venue They might have some valuable input as well.

Photo courtesy of Troy St. Louis

If a professional MC just isn’t in your budget, here are some tips to get the feel of a professional MC without breaking the bank:

Keep it in the Family: If you choose a personal friend or family member to MC, make sure to provide them with the reception timeline, a clear indication of what they should say (also what they should not say) and when to say it. Choose someone who is organized, comfortable with public speaking and has the personality to keep your guests entertained
Consider Your DJ: In most cases, a DJ is a guaranteed wedding expense, so hiring one who can also be the MC for the night is your best bet on saving money. Choose a DJ that is outgoing and has the charisma to energize a room full of your guests. Don't forget to ask for references as many DJs will claim they can also MC!
Bring Your Planner into the Loop: Work with your Wedding Planner to recommend a MC who won't break your bank. In many cases, your Planner may be able to work with the MC to see if its possible to keep costs down. Your Planner should also be able to help you save in other areas so that a professional MC becomes affordable.

About the Author: Beyond Events

Beyond Events is an Ottawa wedding and event planning company founded in 2008 by Wendy Leung. Wendy and the Beyond Events team provide seamless communication with clients throughout the event planning process and work behind the scenes to ensure that all a client has to do is relax and enjoy! Whether you want something simple or extravagant, Wendy will work with you to ensure it is always memorable beyond any event.

Find Beyond Events on twitter and facebook.

Expert Tip: Wedding Trends 2012: Table Settings

What’s Old is New Again…..Wedding Table Setting Trends for 2012!

Table Settings for weddings in the past 5 years have drastically changed; there seems to be an ebb and flow to how table settings are used as part of the overall decoration of the wedding reception.

For 2012, the big trend in wedding table settings is vintage.

More and more couples are opting for a vintage look, incorporating older family photos; sepia photos of themselves, vintage frames and handwritten place and menu cards. Everything that was once old is new again.

Other trends we’re seeing are the use of long rectangular tables rather than the round tables. This gives the feeling of weddings of old, where guests would sit at the very long tables and all guests could see each other.

Couples are also moving away from have table settings that cover every inch of the table top surface; making it difficult to even fit dinner on the table! We’re seeing that most table settings are only being set with your first course and as you move through the various courses, the place setting will be brought to the table.

So how can you make your table settings look more vintage? Here are 3 tips:

Place a table runner or table overlay made of lace or brocade fabric on each table.
Have the photos of you as couple printed in a Sepia tone; this will give your photos a vintage look
Use picture frames with intricate details and silver colouring

Now for the best part, here are 4 tips to get the vintage look for much less than you think:

Go to your Local Fabric Store. Creating table runners or overlays yourself allow you to control the look and the cost; renting these from your banquet hall or décor will add more cost to your décor budget line.
Buy it Yourself. Buy the photo paper at your local Staples and print the photos for each of the tables yourself. If you have to print 30 images for the tables it will probably cost less than $30 to print the photos.
Get Crafty. At your local craft store look for kits that include the place cards and menu cards; these will usually cost you no more than $25 per 100. Writing the place cards yourself adds that personal touch, making your guests feel like they’re a special part of your wedding day.
Check your local dollar store. The quality in picture frames and the choice in picture frames is a lot better than in the past few years and you can get 30 frames for about $45. (Extra tip you can also find vases for your centrepieces there as well!)

About the Author: Talen Events

Talen Events is an event architecture firm committed to bringing your vision to life. We specialize in weddings, corporate events and celebrations but our main focus is always you, the client. Created in 2007, Talen Events has built themselves as an event architecture firm that creates events with a unique flair and with the impact on the environment in mind. Located in Toronto, Talen Events services the GTA and Southwestern Ontario.

Budget Friendly Wedding Dresses Under $500

If you're planning your wedding on a tight budget, you don't have to sacrifice style! We've got a host of beautiful and affordable wedding dresses to chose from in this week's top picks.

Brand New Boutique Sample Pronovias Wedding Dress for $499

Not quite what you're looking for? Check out these options:

Tightwad's 5 Ways to Save on Wedding Favours

Wedding favours are nice, but because they are usually near the end of your list of considerations. And, in Tightwad's opinion, they can be little on the tacky side. It’s important to get the favours right, though, because they are how you thank your guests for making the effort to share in your special day.

Wedding Compilation CD Favour Photo Credit

The possibilities are endless when it comes to inexpensive — and personal! — favours for your guests. You just have to think outside the box.

Here are my top 5 inexpensive but thoughtful wedding favour ideas:

Musical Memories. Why not put together a compilation of some of your favourite tunes? You could pick a theme (ie. Best songs to get you on the dance floor, or fav new artists etc) and you’ve got a personal favour that reglects you as a couple.

Mini Picture Frame Favours Photo Credit
Picture this! Get your guests little frames for photos from your wedding. This would be especially fun if you had a photobooth at your wedding. Guests could then take a picture of themselves in the photobooth and use the frame to remind them of the fun they had!

DIY Chocolate Chip Cookie Favours Photo Credit
Get baking. Wrap delicious homemade cookies up with a beautiful bow and a note of thanks. These are especially nice because they’re edible, so they don’t add to the clutter of sometimes useless favours.

Wedding Bookmarks Photo Credit
Bookworms. If you and your man love to read, and it’s well known, why not design your own bookmark with a picture of you and your new hubs, and a favourite quote. I don’t know about you, but I’m forever using random things for bookmarks, so this would be especially useful for me!

DIY Potted Herb Plant Favours Photo Credit
Add some green. Plant a fragrant herb in a small terracotta pot and decorate with ribbon (this can be integrated into your floral budget.) These are especially popular right now, and can add some great décor touches to your wedding as well.

Got more inexpensive favour ideas? Share them with SmartBride on facebook!

For hundreds more tips on how to save on everything to do with your wedding, come and visit Tightwad and get a copy of her ebook: Tightwad’s Frugal Bride: How to be Fabulous for Less on Your Big Day.

More From Tightwad:

Who is Tightwad? Tightwad is a gal who likes to make sure she's getting her money's worth and blogs about this mission at tightwadblog.com. Her wedding wasn't even that fancy, but she was surprised by how quickly everything added up. That’s why she put together her e-book, Tightwad's Frugal Bride, to help other smart brides find easy ways to save as they plan their big day.

Expert Tip: Wedding Trends 2012: Bridal Accessories

Alluring, luxurious and colorful…..Bridal Accessories Trends for 2012!

One of the most exciting trends to emerge in bridal accessories has to be the fascinator, and not just because of the Royal Wedding!

Small, perched and delicate, accented with handmade flowers, wispy coque feathers, Swarovski crystals and pearls, the fascinator has a modern, youthful appeal as well as old Hollywood style glamour.

Elements of these new bridal headpieces include birdcage style veils that dip alluringly over one eye, rather than mask the entire face.

Even the colour palette has shifted from traditional stark white to softer more pastel tones, incorporating peacock feathers, and other bright and pastel shades. Adding colour lets you transition from your ceremony to the evening reception with some additional flair!

Want to add the style and sophistication of a fascinator to your wedding look but are worried about what a bespoke, handmade creation might cost? Lilliput Hats offers these tips to keep your costs down:

Be honest. Talk with your milliner about your budget and ask about what can be done to keep costs modest while still maintaining the look and feel of a couture bridal piece.
Keep it in the Family. Re-purpose a family veil, incorporate a piece of lace or use a vintage brooch or antique peals to create a personal heirloom piece. When you contribute elements of base material, most milliners can create a piece that is modest yet luxurious and meaningful.
Add Colour. Bringing in a touch of colour isn’t just on trend, it adds versatility too! That extra colour will allow you to wear your fascinator to other occasions, extending the life of your investment and bringing down its overall cost.

Check out some our favorite fascinators and headpieces on Pintrest! Be sure to pin your fav!

About the Author: Lilliput Hats

Lilliput Hats is a traditional millinery selling ready-made, custom and couture hats to discerning ladies and gentlemen. Founded in 1990 by designer, Karyn Gingras, Lilliput Hats uses time-honoured techniques and the finest materials to create a varied line of exquisite, handmade hats, as well as custom-designed creations for weddings, holidays, fashion events, television commercials and films.

Find Lilliput Hats on Twitter and Facebook.

Expert Tip: Wedding Trends 2012: Destination Weddings

Getting Away from it All...Destination Wedding Trends for 2012!

Destination weddings are known for having a no fuss, no muss quality to them. You simply buy a package from a resort, show up and on arrival receive a beautiful romantic wedding.

This is perfect for many couples; but one of the biggest trends we’re seeing for destination weddings in 2012 is the addition of unique elements to the standard package.

We're seeing couples personalizing their destination wedding with special touches, like incorporating the culture of the location into the weddings with traditional dancers, musicians and food. If you want to take it a step further and really add your own unique touch, consider getting married off the resort!

One last trend we’re seeing with destination weddings is that the celebration lasts longer than just the wedding day. Couples are choosing to include extra parties and special outings for their guests.

Destination weddings are definitely becoming bigger affairs with lots of personalized details and guests ready to have a great time. If you want to move beyond the typical resort wedding package for your destination wedding, here are 9 things to keep in mind to help you plan that perfect personalized destination wedding, without breaking the bank!

Choose Local Products. Many popular Destination wedding locations import items such as food, flowers, décor, etc. from the United States. You can get almost anything you want to make a wedding your own; but to help avoid paying higher shipping costs choose locally produced products.
Plan for an Off Season Wedding. Travel can be expensive during the holidays and at peak travel times. Choosing dates when travel is slow can save you money. After the holidays in January or in September after school has started are good options.
Choose Local Wedding Vendors. Use local wedding vendors whenever possible. They know the location and services available best, and might be able to negotiate better deals for you..
Consider Hotel Alternatives. Renting a villa or condos can be a great option. It often works out to cost less per person than hotel rooms and can make incorporating your special elements much easier.
Buy Favors Locally. If you are giving your guests a welcome bag or favors, buy the items at the destination. It will cost less and you will save money on extra baggage fees. Plus, nothing says authentic and unique like something purchased in the destination
Choose planners with Local Connections. If you are hiring a wedding planner from home, choose someone who has a partnership with a known travel agency and someone in the destination who can assist with the planning details. These connections will give you the inside track on special offers by hotels or tour operators.
Do a Site Visit Before Selecting Your Wedding Venue. This will allow you to meet potential vendors in person. If you have a wedding planner bring them as well. Remember, making informed choices always ends up costing you less in the long run. Plus, it will be a nice little break before the big day!
Know What's Included in Your Package. If you choose to have a resort wedding, you need to know that many advertised "free weddings" don’t include décor and most require an additional per person fee for extra guests.
Ask The Right Questions. Not all resorts allow for their packages to be customized. So ask the resort what their rules are before committing to any location.

About the Author: Mindless Sophistication Events

Mindless Sophistication Events is a boutique luxury wedding & events planning firm run by Sandra Aaron. They specialize in creating moments at home and abroad. They are based in Toronto, Canada but will travel anywhere in the world. Known for destination weddings, Jewish Simcha’s and corporate events, they also offer the unique service of in-house travel planning.