Bridal Glamour on a Budget (And No One Will Know!)

Want that exclusive couture gown but can't afford it? Want that glamorous sparkle that every bride should have without racking up the credit card? It's easy and fun!

Gone are the days of boring white sateen bridal shoes and jewelery pieces that are hard to distinguish one from the other, think cubic zirconia and pearl choker-style necklaces with matching earrings! Lucky for today's bride nothing is encouraged more than touches of personality through little unique details. Think a hot pink pair of stilettos, an antique oversized set of pearls, or a set of Swarovski chandelier earrings. And nothing screams glamour like colour and crystals! By pairing up a simple and pretty gown (the more detail the higher the ticket price) with some stunning accessories, you'll be sure to look like a million couture bucks!

As for where to get it, that's the best part...anywhere. And by anywhere I mean all the places you would shop for your everyday accessory needs. Winners, here we come! If fact, stay away from specialty stores. Specialty stores, for the most part, have higher ticket prices because they serve a niche market. And like I always say, don't be afraid to shop online! If a boutique doesn't have to pay rent, electricity bills and staff, the savings are offered up to customers through lower price points. I know, I have an online boutique. ;)

So go easy on the pocket book and have some fun creating your personalized glamorous look!

Best!

Kasia

photo courtesy of marthastewartweddings.com

Be My Maid of Honour....I DO! Or Do You?

SELECTING YOUR WEDDING PARTY....IT'S A SERIOUS COMMITMENT!

OK Ladies, listen up! There seems to be a common misconception out there that planning a wedding, being in a bridal party, being a maid of honour is all fun and games. So not the case! There's a reason that wedding planners such as myself have made a career out of helping couples create their ultimate wedding experiences, it's a full time job! One of the ways to make sure it's a fun full time job is to surround yourself with people who are willing and ready to help you along the way, for better or for worse!

For a long time I was surprised to hear that one of the most common of bride's complaints was how little their bridesmaids and surprisingly their maids of honour pitched in throughout the process. Then I did a little bit of digging and realized that a lot of brides were making the mistake of asking people who they did not share a close relationship with to be involved in their wedding. Big mistake!

When deciding on who you want included in your bridal party, approach the task by thinking of your bridesmaids and especially your maid of honour as your pseudo wedding planners. They are the people who you will need to rely on for those not so glorious tasks throughout the entirety of your planning process. They have to be willing to visit countless bridal boutiques as you shop for your ideal wedding dress, to open and record the many RSVPs as they come in, to roll up their sleeves and stuff candy bags until 3 am if and when necessary. It's not a job for the weary!

On the flip side, many brides are selective with the bridal party members they select only to be disappointed by the lack of effort and support they soon encounter. The only advice I can offer up here is to be upfront with your expectations from the get go. Print off a expected "to do" list that you can hand off to the person you're asking to join you on your wedding journey. Let them know what you need help with and tell them to feel free to take some time to think about it before committing themselves. And of course, don't be offended if someone declines to participate. Being in a bridal party is not only a time commitment but also a financial one that some may not be in the position to afford.

Weddings are a wonderful thing that notoriously bring out the best and worst in the many who are involved. Avoid any unnecessary disappointment and stress during a time that should be remembered fondly by surrounding yourself with the best support system you can.

Best!

Kasia