The Coolest Garters You'll Ever Find

I've just stumbled upon the coolest garters I've ever seen!  They are Mia Von Mink's Garters and you can find them at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5278690 or http://www.myspace.com/firemink.  Here's a few of my favorites:

 

Wedding Veil Styling Tips & Trends

GREAT LENGTHS

Create an ultra-glamorous look with a long, narrow veil. This style has become a top trend for destination or outdoor weddings because of the dramatic image created when the veil flows in the wind. Of course cathedral veils are also a natural choice for formal weddings, as that is where they got their start (and their name). Place the veil at the back of your hair to keep the focus on your face and your dress details. After the ceremony, you can easily remove the veil or replace it with a shorter style at your reception.

SIMPLE ELEGANCE

A sparkling yet subtle comb is the perfect finishing touch for almost any gown. Experiment to find the placement that fits best with your style and hairstyle. If you're going for a modern chic look with short or long hair, wear the accent on the side near your ear. For glamorous up-dos, almost any placement will do; side, back or top. Other simply chic options include a glittering headband or pretty hairpins.

FLOWER POWER

Hair flowers are as versatile as they are popular (as evidenced by the trend among Hollywood celebrities). A simple flower or two creates a fun and flirty wedding look. Combine flowers with a veil to evoke a more traditional feeling. Shorter veils are also an ideal choice for showing off back details. Perfect for outdoor weddings and formal indoor venues alike, this ensemble is comfortable enough to wear all day. And can always remove the veil at your reception for a completely new, more casual look.

STRIKING DETAILS

Add a touch of drama to any bridal gown with the light and airy fullness of a bubble veil. You'll be amazed at just how comfortable high fashion can be. For a truly stunning wedding day look, mix and match your headpiece embellishments with your gown details. For example, balance a detailed gown with a plain veil. Add romance to a simple gown with a lace-trimmed mantilla. And it goes without saying that coordinating accents like lace or beading will create a fabulous pulled-together look.






Article found at http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StyleGuideHeadpieceTrendsView?langId=-1&storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&subCategory=StyleFashionGuide%7cHeadpiecesStyleGuide%7cStylingTipsTrends

How to Choose Your Wedding Veil

Selecting a Veil

• Use metal combs (instead of plastic) to ensure a secure and comfortable fit

What length is best for me?

ELBOW LENGTH (30” long): The is the most popular length. It is generally used for gowns without a train and will enhance any detailing at or around the waist of the gown. It also compliments a gown with a full skirt (ending below a low back and above the start of the skirt). The elbow-length veil is mostly worn for formal and semi-formal weddings.

FINGERTIP LENGTH (36” long): The fingertip veil can be worn with any full length gown. It is not recommended for gowns with a train. It falls right at the fingertips of the bride if her hands are at her side and is used for formal and semi-formal weddings.

CATHEDRAL LENGTH (floor length): Cathedral veils are worn only for formal weddings. The veil will extend onto the floor at least six inches past the train for a very dramatic look. Cathedral length veil looks best when worn with a cathedral or semi-cathedral length gown.

Helpful Tips

• Always consider the detailing of your dress. The veil should accentuate and be proportional to the dress, not take away from its details. Your veil length should be cut just above or below any focal point on your dress. For example, don't choose a veil that ends right where your bodice begins. This will visually cut you in half. If you have a sharply defined waistline, don't choose a veil that ends right at the waistline.

• A cathedral length veil should only be worn with a chapel or cathedral length gown. Keep in mind that chapel and cathedral length veils can be difficult to maneuver and a fingertip length veil will look just as lovely with a chapel or cathedral length gown.

• It is very important to consider the placement of the veil on your head. Keep in mind that if you are wearing it toward the back of your head, the veil will be longer.

• If you are shorter than 5'4" you should select an elbow-length veil (30” long). If you are taller than 5'7" you should select a fingertip-length veil (36” long). If you are in between these heights, you could go with either length depending on your personal taste.

One-tier or Two-tier?

ONE-TIER VEILS: One tier veils are lovely with any dress—they do not have a blusher.* They are for the bride that wants a minimal, less formal, but chic look. The one tier provides a subtle look of elegance. It is also a nice choice for the bride who wants to wear a veil in the back of the head, say to accentuate and up-do hairstyle.

* Blusher: A shoulder-length layer of the veil that is worn over the face. Typically combined with other lengths and used for both formal and semi-formal weddings. Don't underestimate how much the blusher will soften and transform your appearance.

TWO-TIER VEILS: Two-tiered veils are suited for nearly all dresses, but look especially nice with a semi-formal or formal gown—they do have a blusher. Two-tier veils are fuller and will frame your face beautifully. They work well with any hairstyle. Two-tier veils are for the bride that wants a more formal or traditional look, or just a splash of drama!

What color do I choose?

WHITE: This a bright (stark) white color. If your gown is called "white", this is the veil color you need to select.

DIAMOND WHITE: This color is just barely off-white. It was made for silk white gowns which are not a stark white color. It is usually the best choice for "candlelight" or "antique white" gowns also.

IVORY: An ivory color is a very soft, light shade of ivory with subtle yellow undertones. If your gown is called ivory, this is usually the best choice for you.
Helpful Tip

• If there is any color variation between the dress and your veil, you always want to choose a veil that is a shade lighter (versus a shade darker) than your gown.

Article found at http://www.bridalfashionmall.com/choose_veil.html

Wedding Invitations: Eco-Friendly Tips & Tricks

Photo: Anastassios Mentis

"Save a tree" isn't just a cute slogan -- between global warming and habitat destruction, it's imperative. Minimizing the amount of virgin paper used in your wedding stationery can have a huge impact. While there unfortunately aren't extensive options for eco-friendly printing -- between the inks, toners, and solvents, a lot of chemicals are involved -- there are fabulous (yet responsible) choices when it comes to paper.

 Opt for Recycled Paper

You can't completely dismiss the wedding invitation. So instead, use paper that has a high-recycled content or is made from an alternative fiber, such as hemp or bamboo. "There are beautiful recycled papers," Seo says. And buying recycled does make a difference. According to Ariel Dekovic, coauthor of 365 Ways to Save the Earth, "Every ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, the energy equivalent of 380 gallons of oil, and keeps almost 60 pounds of pollutants out of the atmosphere." Go to WomanCraft.net: These 100 percent recycled invitations are handmade by women working to overcome homelessness and other hardships. Or try JamPaper.com for a wedding-worthy array of recycled papers.

Consolidate Inserts

Typically, there's a lot of information to convey to your guests. Instead of enclosing multiple cards in your invite, combine the essential info into one card. Or, even better, print up a website card that directs guests to your personal, paper-free domain.

Minimize the Mailings

Use online invites for the surrounding events: the bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, and the postwedding brunch. If you need to update your guests about the wedding happenings, toss the paper newsletter for an email version.

Skip the Extras

Instead of placing a menu at every setting, have one or two for the table. If you're having wedding programs, eliminate unnecessary pages (like that monogrammed layer of vellum). Or print up one per couple -- you definitely don't need extra programs.

Seat Guests with (Paperless) Style

Two escort card ideas we love: Paint or stamp guests' names on stones, or tie a ribbon to the stem of a flower (using ribbon left over from the programs, of course) with the guest's name and table number on it. Or, forgo individual escort cards for a poster that lists table information. Take it up a notch with white-glove service: have guests ask the waiters (armed with printouts of the table assignments) for the info.

Splurge on Calligraphy

Have as many items hand-calligraphed as your budget allows. Not only is calligraphy gorgeous and elegant, it's totally eco-friendly. Envelopes and escort cards are pretty standard, but you can calligraph menus, table names and numbers, and even the invitation itself.

Investigate Printing Alternatives

Most large printers still use traditional printing methods, but there's no harm in asking if yours would be willing to try soy- or vegetable-based inks. Make sure to find out about custom projects that are eco-friendly (think program covers) at GreenerPrinter.com.
 
Article found at http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-invitations/articles/eco-friendly-wedding-invitation-tips-tricks.aspx