Design Your Bridesmaid Dress Contest - Bridal Party - In Style Weddings

Design Your Bridesmaid Dress Contest - Bridal Party - In Style Weddings

Have you ever dreamt of designing the perfect bridesmaid dress? Send us your sketch, and if we choose your design, Thread will create it for up to eight bridesmaids and add the style to their collection!

To enter, send your sketch to weddings@instylemag.com or 1271 Avenue of the Americas NY NY 10020 Attn: InStyle Wedding Design Your Bridesmaid Dress Contest.

Click here for complete contest rules.

Click here to learn more about Thread.

Inspiration For Your Bridal Bouquet

Let's talk bridal bouquets.  Such a personal choice, but I am often asked for my opinion. So here is a little inspiration. Anything goes when your having a destination wedding in Puerto Rico.  It can be a formal look, rich deep colors or a whimsical look, loose, colorful or as simple as one large calla lilly with a beautiful ribbon.  It's all in your hands... literally :) Here are a few bouquets for inspiration...

A Little Paradise I Call Home - Palmas Del Mar

Hello future Mr & Mrs,

I am going to blog today about a little paradise I call home... Palmas del Mar. It is a unique enclosed community located on the southeast side of the island. This gorgeous community is full of wonderful, fun amenities such as; 

• 2 award winning golf courses
• Beach Club
• Equestrian Center
• Largest tennis center in all of the Caribbean
• Largest marina in all of the Caribbean 
• 17 restaurants - ranging from Japanese to pizza
• Bike paths
• Casino

If you are looking for a unique destination wedding experience in a self enclosed community offering the best of the best, Palmas del Mar is the site. Your guests won't even have to rent a car, a golf cart will get them around the entire community.  How fun would it be to run into your guests on the golf cart path on the way to the welcome dinner. And most importantly the resort has an array of choices for lodging; private homes, villas and the 4 Points Sheraton Hotel.

I had a meeting with the catering dept at the 4 Points Sheraton and they have come up with a very reasonable, high quality menu.  

The Enchanted Package (min 30 guests): 

$89 pp including gratuity (tax not included)

• Beach or Garden Ceremony Site
• Outdoor or Ballroom Reception Site
• Cocktail Hour - Mimosa or Sangria
• Cocktail Hour - Cold & Hot Hors d'oeuves
• Champagne Toast
• Choice of Soup
• Choice of Salad
• Choice of one of 7 Main Courses
• Choice of Starch
• Choice of Vegetable
• Bread & Butter
• Coffee
• 4 Hour Open Bar (house brands) 
• White Table & Napkin Linen

If you would like more information about marrying in Palmas del Mar, please email me or call.

 

Fun Favor/Escort Card Idea

Brides and I are always looking for unique escort card ideas and fun, useful favors. When you can combine the two it's twice as good.  

Heide & Paul's wedding was full of  lovely, fun, money saving and unique ideas. One that I loved in particular was the favor. Heide & Paul wanted to give their guests a taste of the best rum the world has to offer, Puerto Rico's Bacardi Rum. So off I went to the Bacardi factory for my research (it's a dirty job but someone has to do it) and to pick up Bacardi nips (I must suggest if you are vacationing in Puerto Rico it's a fun tour. It is interesting, they offer two drinks of your choice at the end and best of all it is completely free). She wanted two nips, one dark and one light, for each guest (they also have flavored nips). We attached them to each other with a pretty ribbon and double sided tape. She made adorable tags that said "Some Puerto Rico Spirit" and they were placed at each guests table setting. When the guests arrived to their seat they all commented on how cute the favors were and how wonderful it was not to have to pack one more item in their luggage. Then I thought what a great favor/escort card. Same idea, you would add the table name/number to the tag. Super cute and you eliminate one extra item on your reception list. 

Thanks Heide for the inspiration! 

Note: Another useful favor idea... The fan in the background was placed on the church pews to help guests cool off.  Heide added the peach ribbon and adorable starfish to personalize them. 

Heide & Paul Wedding Slideshow

Click here to see a beautiful slideshow of 

Heide & Paul's Wedding

Courtesy of David Medina

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2009

Ceremony: Cathedral of John the Baptist, Old San Juan Puerto Rico

Reception: El Convento Hotel, Old San Juan Puert Rico Salon Monterell

Stay tuned for many more pictures to come.

Great Advice From An Expert ~ Carey Evans

Hello Brides to be,  

Below is an email I received from a bride I am currently assisting in creating the wedding of her dreams. Her name is Carey Evans and she is the very talented designer and co-host of HGTV's Closet Cases as well as having numerous appearances on My First Place, Freestyle and Don't sweat it with Steve Watson.  She is oh so talented and full of creative ideas that look modern & chic but won't break the bank. I hope to be sharing lots and lots of her ideas with you.  

Check this one out...

... Something for you maybe to blog about... In trying to save money I found that the cost for printing a return address as well as a RSVP address on every envelope would take hours to do by hand or cost money if you were hiring a calligrapher. My printer wanted to charge anywhere from $100-200 more to print my return/rsvp address on my main envelope flap and RSVP envelope. So I choose to get creative and have a stamp made for $18. With shipping it comes out to $23.. but I can have this stamp for as long as I am in this home.

I picked the "Curly" stamp from Paperwink... 

But I saw a ton of them on our favorite site Etsy. Like these cool ones...
Etsy Stamp.

Just tell your brides if they are using them for their RSVPs they should ask to have a larger stamp made... mine are 2.8" x 1.75". But over all these pretty return stamps would be great gifts for newlyweds OR for anyone with a new home... or a new last name!

Thanks Carey!  Love that tip! Keep them coming!

Sneak Peek ~ Heide & Paul ~ El Convento Hotel

Picture courtesy of David Medina.

Jessica & Greg's Wedding Album

Click on Jessica & Greg's Wedding Album 

to see a beautiful slideshow of their wedding day.

courtesy of David Medina

Michelle & Rick's Wedding Album

Click on Michelle & Rick's Wedding Album

 to see a beautiful slideshow of their wedding,

courtesy of David Medina

Ramona & Chris - September 21, 2009

Congratulations

Ramona & Chris

Photos courtesy of Glen Weisgerber of Fotografia Distinta

PR Wedding Planner MUST HAVE!

How Fab is Mandi?  

Mandizzle is an adorable new online boutique with a sassy name.  Mandi specializes in handcrafted & exclusive items handmade by Mandi—from flowers and exclusive jewelry, to gifts, and accessories. She also has charming scarfs that are brand new to her shop, and more treasures for your everyday posh life. Mandi will also create you any color or flower you need to fit your wedding or party style.

Mandi's flowers were are major part of my wedding theme.  With a single flower you can make a Spanish wedding come together!  Whatever your theme might be or flower you have in mind Mandi can help.

Don't you just love how beautiful these flowers are!

Since my wedding, so many people have asked me about Mandi. I wanted to find away to let everyone know just where my flowers came from. Each flower is specially handmade for you, interlocking flower petals that bring a sense of enduring grace and beauty.

In order to purchase her items please visit Mandizzle, check out the boutique, share with Mandi what holiday items you would like to see by leaving a comment.

PS -10% off to Brides plus free shipping through October with code *cocoandbella*

PATA ti NOVIA

Check out the beautiful feature of our wedding at PARA ti NOVIA!  What a wonderful job they did featuring our wedding love story.  We are so excited to share all the details with fellow brides.  When Valerie at PARA ti NOVIA contacted us to do a feature article we were thrilled.  She did a wonderful job!  There are also a few new amazing photo's by Shawna Herring!

Check out the full article: PARA ti NOVIA

All Photo's Shawna Herring!!!

Unique Wedding Keepsake...

If you are the type of bride that feels paying an exuberant amount of money for flowers that will not make it back home is ridiculous and unnecessary.  This post is for you...

Lilly Buds creates heirloom quality, distinctive bridal bouquets, for divinely different bridal parties.

Each piece is tailor-made to suit your chosen style. You can have your bouquet, bridesmaids bouquet, boutonnieres, corsages and table centerpieces made to order.

Designed and created with quality materials including vintage treasures, buttons, paper and feathers, Lillybuds bouquets, buttonholes and accessories are a beautiful keepsakes to mark that special day in your life.

Prices start at around $100.

You can also find her at; 

lillybuds.blogspot

lillybuds.etsy

Destination... Love

A few more destination wedding ideas...

Row 1: Beach Favor Bags, Destination Love Favor Cards, Beach Cake Topper, Destination Wedding Favor Card
Row 2: Cruise Themed Magnet Favor, Miniature Travel Suitcase Container, Miniature Travel Trolley, Honeymoon Beach Attire
Row 3: Shell Place Card Holders, Heart Unity Sand Ceremony Set, Orchid "Just Married" Flip Flops, Seaside Allure Garter Set
Row 4: Palm Tree Favor Boxes, Destination Love Cruise Ship Luggage Tag, Flip Flop Placecard Holders, Sea Shell Spreader Favors

Consider hiring a wedding/event planning service based in your destination wedding location. This is especially handy when considering differences in time zones and possible language barriers. Companies such as PR Wedding Planner will handle all details of your wedding.

Save-the-dates should be sent from 6 to 12 months in advance to allow guests time to plan and budget for attending the destination wedding.

Enclose an itinerary with your wedding invitations so that guests will know what to expect.

Destination wedding guests are typically expected to pay for their airfare and hotel. You can help with the cost by negotiating group rates with hotels and airlines. Make reservations as early as possible as group rates are often based on availability.

Keep guests informed of travel and accomodation options (including prices) and any changes to the itinerary by creating a wedding website. Send an email to guests each time you make changes to the website.

Because the guest list of destination weddings is generally shorter, consider having a small reception once you return home. This will give you the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends who were not able to attend your destination wedding. Choose a decorating scheme that focuses on the location of your destination wedding. Have wedding photos or a DVD of the ceremony/reception available.

Elegant and Classic

One question I get asked a lot is... 

"What would you suggest as a wedding favor? How should we display them?"

I came across this  idea in Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine and fell in love with it. This is perfect for a destination wedding. It is both timeless and new, create a favor cake with buttercream-colored boxes (ivory, white and aqua work nicely too) and a topper of millinery or paper flowers. Inside, nestle Mantecaditos (sugar cookies) which are a delicious, light, traditional cookie in Puerto Rico. They can be flavored with coconut, almond, lemon or amaretto. And guests don't have to pack an extra item in their luggage.  It can be their midnight or breakfast snack after partying all night long. Ask a calligrapher to make a sign with your initials or monogram. Stack boxes in tiers on a square cake plate; add picot ribbon and flowers to top.  Shells and pearls would also add a decorative romantic look.  

Two piece boxes - Sofie's Favors

Calligraphy Resource - Laura Hooper's Calligraphy

Mantecaditos Receipe (almond flavor) - Puerto Rican Cookies

Photo Credit - Martha Stewart Weddings

Top 10 Attractions

There are so many things you can do in Puerto Rico...

Photos by Christina Barreraz

1.  Forts
   
   1. San Felipe "El Morro"
   2. El Castillo de San Cristóbal
   
   
2. BioBays in Fajardo, Lares & Vieques
3. Camuy River Cave Park
4. Arecibo Radio Telescope & Observatory
5. El Yunque
6. Casa Bacardi Rum Distillery
7. Hacienda Buena Vista
8. Gilligan’s Island
9. Luquillo Beach
10. Toro Negro Forest & Lookout Tower

I Heart Ouma

Life is full of little gems!  Finding one that you want to share with the whole world is unique.  I heart Ouma because she is truely an artist.  There is nothing like putting on one of her dresses, it makes you feel like a movie star.  Her fabulous take on ballerina style dresses makes me want to run to my closet and play dress up.  Her dresses can make you feel like a little girl playing dress up.  I bought two of her dresses recently for my wedding.  I wanted to feel extra special at my rehearsal dinner.  I wanted to wear a dress I would never forget.  I wanted to slip into a dress that would be timeless, unique, unforgettable to anyone who passed by me.  I put it on and never wanted to take it off.  I love fashion!  I love to look just a little different from the rest.  I'm willing to take chances on designers who share my passion for twists on the norm.  Ouma's Clothing gave me every reason to remember my special day. The only problem, I will forever remember the dress more than the occasion I wore it for.

You can check out all of Ouma clothing’s dresses on www.etsy.com or see more photos on www.oumaclothing.com!   

Thank you Ouma!

Fall Wedding Inspiration Board

Most of these items can be found on Etsy!  

Doublets Acorns... on ribbon. Pumpkin and Chocolate by truLuxe Etsy

Gold Leaf Necklace by Peaches4me Etsy

PETALS Hair Flowers -Walking in the woods by MGMart Etsy

Burnt Sugar Pear Drops Earrings Designs by EmmaThomsen Etsy

Brick Red Metallic Strapless Party Cocktail by paulnkc Etsy

Love Bird Cake Topper by Cynthia Spencer
Jose Villa Photography  
Two Little Owls - Wedding Invitation by ellothere Etsy

Fall Foliage Sparkle Box by littlebirdieboutique Etsy

Fall Trends by The Bride and Bloom!

Bride and Bloom Magazine 

I love Bride and Bloom Magazine!  I found this very cool article and thought it would fit perfect with Fall......The article is:“A Chocolate Dipped Soiree” featured in the current issue of Bride and Bloom, on newsstands now.

I am completely loving the chocolate theme!  What fits better with fall than chocolate?  Imagine serving your guests hot chocolate on the beach or cutting them a slice of that amazing chocolate cake. Just imagine what you can do with this theme..............!!!

Photography: The extremely talented Paula and Mike of Luna Photo

Florals: The amazing LaVonne of Adorations

Stationary: Posh Paperie

Cake: Melody of Sweet and Saucy shop.

Linens: Wildflower Linens

Chairs: Those beautiful rosette chairs from Chameleon Chair

Rentals: Megan with Classic Party Rentals

Venue: Suite and Tender Restaurant at Se San Diego. 

So Pretty...

So many reasons to LOVE Etsy.com. Bridesmaid Clutches with an island feel.  I think these would be a perfect bridesmaid gift.  Check out this adorable clutch created by Mollusa!

Mollusa on Etsy

Description:                                        

Elegance, handmade bride and bridesmaids small clutches.. They are great for carrying your cellular phone, keys, credit cards. This clutch is a fabulous accessory to brighten up any outfit. Made with a pretty, unique and limited coloured fabrics.

The finishing touches are these ruffles and cute handmade silk and satin flowers.
Interlined with a firm interfacing to give structure to the purse.
--------------------
The size of the bag is 8"(20cm) width x 2.5"(6.5 cm) high x 2"(5 cm) deep.

SET of 2
--------------------
100 % handmade

 

Visit Mollusa on Esty for amazing idea's and all your wedding accessories!