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February 22nd, 2011
Wearing a garter on your wedding day is an old tradition that a lot of my brides have skipped in recent years. A new trend is wearing a garter that is vintage inspired and not bulky or tacky as some of the “something blue” varieties can be. 
Previously is a Chicago based company that re-creates authentic garters from the 1920′s. Original garters from that time were made with high quality fabrics and weren’t as disposable as they are today. Real garters from the 20′s have lost their stretch so Previously went on a mission to create garters with high quality fabric and craftsmanship.
Elide Endreson, Owner of Previously and designer explains her garters in more detail: “The 100% silk taffeta ribbon and cotton fabric lining are sewn directly to the elastic which provides a sleeker silhouette and better fit. The grey silk taffeta is very lightweight, pleats beautifully and has a softer, more subtle luster than silk satin. Just like the originals, the light blue cotton lining provides traction so the garters will stay in place. All ribbon flowers and embellishments are handmade by me. Pictured here are coral pink silk satin roses on top of hand pleated mint green silk satin embellishments.”
Elide points out that “garters were often sold in boxed sets in the 1920′s, and this was my inspiration for this series. The boxed set includes two coordinating bobby pins with handmade embellishments in silk satin. Your garters and matching bobby pins come in a box that they can be stored in as shown in the pictures.”
According to Elide flappers wore the garters just above the knee, not high up on the thigh.
What a great little treat for under your wedding dress. Something classy and elegant that you can cherish forever. This trend is popular among the celebrities too, I read in US Weekly that Mandy Moore wore a vintage inspired garter on her wedding day!
Posted in accessories, Clementine, details, style, Tuesday Tips, vintage, wedding dress | No Comments »
August 17th, 2010
If you’re looking for something beautiful and custom made to wear on your wedding day you must consider Erin Gallagher Jewelry. Their ideas and designs are perfect for the bride, bridesmaids and mother’s of the bride. “Erin Gallagher Jewelry is a custom jewelry boutique. Our customers are able to design their own piece of jewelry; from the style, type of stone, or chain length. Every aspect of the process is the customer’s design.”
 
 
“Most Erin Gallagher brides come to us because they want classy bride and bridesmaid jewelry. They’re looking for something that is elegant, tasteful, and the phrase all bridesmaids dread, something they’ll wear again.”
These necklaces are perfect for bridesmaids and they come in a wide variety of colors. I know I would certainly wear a necklace like this again and again.
“At our gem bar, in-store or online, is full of semi-precious stones and pearls found from around the world. Brides can choose what matches the dress and fits the style of their wedding and personality. All jewelry is made by women in our Chicago boutique.”
I strongly suggest checking out Erin Gallagher either on-line or in person for all your jewelry needs. They also have fantastic bracelets, brooches and rings. They even have something for the groom!
Posted in accessories, bridal party, bridesmaid dress, bright, color, Jewelry, sparkle, Tuesday Tips, wedding | No Comments »
July 27th, 2010
Casual weddings have gotten more and more popular in the last few years! If you are considering an informal affair you might want to consider a short wedding dress!
How adorable is this couple? I’m just loving the short dress paired with colored shoes. She looks fantastic!
Additional ideas for a casual wedding to follow soon…..
Posted in casual wedding, Clementine, short dress, style, Tuesday Tips, Uncategorized, wedding dress | No Comments »
June 22nd, 2010
If you haven’t heard of Paperless Post you must check out their website. It’s a perfect way to send invitations and save the dates in an affordable, modern and eco-friendly way.
You can create & design any type of invitation you want. It is perfect for wedding showers, bachelorette parties, save the dates and even wedding invitations. Paperless Post is much more polished and professional than sending an informal Evite.
Paperless Post makes sending invitations very easy too. Once you design your mailing you create an account and buy “stamps” and “coins” for a very low price…..approximately $20.00 for 250.
The best part is that you can track each invitation to see who has opened their and guests can directly RSVP to send a note to the host.
I strongly recommend trying them out for any upcoming party you might be hosting!
Posted in budget, Clementine, DIY, eco-friendly, invitations, save the date, Tuesday Tips | 1 Comment »
June 16th, 2010
If you are looking for a fashionable wedding dress consider The Limited. They have recently announced that they are now carrying a wedding line including wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, jewelry and hair accessories. The best part: They are REALLY affordable. I love how the dresses are trendy yet classic.
These two stylish wedding dresses are under $300.00.
 
These adorable bridesmaid dresses are something your bridesmaids can actually afford AND wear again. They come in multiple colors are are priced well under $100.00. That is something for your bridesmaids to smile about! Now they can afford shoes and accessories too.
 
Stay stylish and save some money for other wedding attire details like hair accessories, shoes and jewelry.
Tags: wedding dress
Posted in bridal party, bridesmaid dress, budget, Clementine, color, style, Tuesday Tips, wedding | No Comments »
June 8th, 2010
You must go and check out this fantastic new exhibit at the Chicago History Museum! I had the pleasure of attending an industry opening last week and had a wonderful time. The exhibit reminded me a lot of “Chic Chicago” if you had a chance to view that fantastic exhibit last year.
“I Do! Chicago Ties the Knot”, is really a wonderful collection of fashions, stories and accessories from weddings throughout time. The Chicago History Museum has an incredible collection of wedding gowns, suits and accessories dating back to the 1720′s. It’s so interesting to learn about past traditions and how they’ve changed over years. Some of the traditions have even stayed the same! Many of the old-fashioned styles have influenced the way brides celebrate today.
It would be really fun to take your bridesmaids to The History Museum before or after a bridal brunch, maybe you’ll get some new ideas for your own big day! The exhibition run through January 3, 2011.
Posted in accessories, bridesmaid dress, history, Jewelry, style, Tuesday Tips, vintage | No Comments »
May 25th, 2010
It has been hot in Chicago the past three days and it is making me crave a cold cocktail. I just love this presentation I found on www.marthastewartweddings.comThese ice cold vodka drinks are perfect for a summer wedding during cocktail hour, especially at an outdoor reception. Not only do they taste delicious and fresh but they really brighten up the bar. Your guests will be drooling over these cocktails!
Posted in bright, Clementine, cocktail, color, Tuesday Tips, wedding | No Comments »
May 4th, 2010
I’m always reminding my client’s that they need to serve food to the bridal party during the wedding day; especially the bridesmaids because it is such a long day. As a bride, you might be too excited and/or nervous to even consider food but your bridesmaids will be hungry. The last thing you want is a bridesmaid to get light headed from not eating lunch and only having a glass of champagne while she was getting her hair done.
How adorable are these individual lunch boxes? They have been custom created for each bridesmaid. These are a perfect snack for an on the go bridesmaid because everything is easy to eat and mess free.
Another DIY snack idea: line pastry boxes with wax paper and fill with fun snacks. If you don’t have time to make snacks for your bridal party most catering companies can provide you with boxed lunches. Bagels with cream cheese or mini sandwiches are always a good breakfast or lunch.
If the groomsmen are arriving to the hotel or church early you’ll want to feed them as well. We all know once they hit the trolley they’ll be drinking beer and champagne like champions and you want to make sure nobody gets too tipsy before dinner. You can even serve a mini sandwich tray from your local grocer in the hotel suites or on the trolley.
Food is a really important part of the day and it is a detail that is often forgotten. Make sure you bridal party has enough energy to make it to the last dance!!
Posted in bridal party, Clementine, DIY, food, Tuesday Tips, wedding | No Comments »
April 27th, 2010
A great way to add a personal touch to your wedding is to include pictures of your family members on their wedding day. Guests love to look at the old pictures and see how much the times have changed. It’s also really romantic to see a wedding picture from a couple that has been married for 25 or 50 years. I think it helps create a sense of reality to what exactly marriage means. It’s very easy for the guest to get caught up in the food, drinks and music and forget about the real reason they are celebrating.
Here are some clever ways to display your family pictures. The picture below includes little tags with the couples names, their relation to the couple and the year they were married.
This beautiful table was located right as guests entered the reception. As the guests were signing the guest book they could enjoy all these fantastic pictures of happy couples from both sides of the family. They also included two great shots from their engagement session.
This unique display is a really rustic, modern take on displaying family photos. I love how all the pictures are hung up with pins and how the colors of the wood and wire match the black/white photos for a really great historic look.
I love how this couple chose to display a series of photos on this wrought iron folding “fence.” This idea is perfect for a walk way as the guests are entering a cocktail hour. I also really like how it is displayed outside. The pictures are nice and big and easy to view.
I’m always encourageing my clients about incorporating personal history. Showcasing family photos is yet another great way to feature your family members. It’s also a wonderful way to honor them and respect their life long commitment as a married couple. I think it’s just a lovely personal touch that everyone can enjoy.
Posted in Clementine, DIY, guest book, history, style, Tuesday Tips, vintage, wedding | No Comments »
April 20th, 2010
Trying to find your perfect venue can prove to be very difficult. The venue will set the tone for your entire event. It will help determine the style dress you will wear, the kind of menu you will serve and the colors that you can use for decor and wedding party attire. Here are some tips to help make the venue search a bit easier.
1) Make a list of priorities. What is the most important feature?
Do you want indoor/outdoor access like this amazing courtyard at The Ivy Room at Tree Studios.
Would you prefer to host your reception in a hotel for maximum guest comfort and convenience? This fantastic, modern ballroom can be found in the Trump International Hotel and Tower.
Do you want a special menu? Do you crave something unique? Zed451 has high quality food that is served in a very modern style.
Do you want unique architecture like the historic Rookery?
2) Be realistic: You might not be able to find a venue that has everything on your “wish list”
3) Research to be sure you can afford to host your wedding at your preferred venue. A lot of my clients book venues that they simply cannot afford because they didn’t realize there might be additional costs associated with the space. Make sure you know exactly what is included.
4) Follow your heart. If you find a venue that makes your heart sing you need to go for it! Choose a place that is uniquely yours and makes you feel special and creative. Even if it isn’t exactly what you parents had in mind or maybe it is really different than everything your friends have done in the past.
5) Book your venue first! Make sure you lock in your venue before you choose your dress, inviations, party favors, wedding party colors etc… the venue is going to set the tone for the entire event!
Posted in budget, Clementine, environment, style, Tuesday Tips, venue, wedding, Wedding planning | No Comments »
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