6 months before our wedding, my wife and I decided to hide a GoPro HD Hero 2 video camera in her wedding bouquet. The wide angle first person viewpoint of her walking down the aisle is something we can look back on many years from now.
What a neat idea to add a camera in your bouquet! It shows you in first person your point of view of what you saw during your exciting moments. If you are thinking of using videography to capture your wedding day memories, this is a must.
Comment below and tell us how you will keep your Wedding Day alive for years to come.
The other day Kellie dished out some guidelines for where to start in the overwhelming world of wedding planning. What we didn't mention was how the length of your engagement may affect how you approach your planning. Luckily, Margo has this topic covered. We have Margo's recap below; the full article is here. Margo is the owner of The Bright Occassions, a local boutique wedding planning company.
Long Engagements
When couples first get engaged, they are often bombarded with questions from family and friends. One of the advantages of a longer engagement is that you can take your time before answering all of their questions. If you know your engagement length will be well over a year, avoid jumping into planning, reading wedding magazines or browsing blogs/Pinterest for ideas. Take a few months to enjoy being an engaged couple before you start to overwhelm yourself with all of the options and planning.
Short Engagements
If you are planning a wedding in 6 months or less, there will be a lot of decisions to make and not a ton of time. Having a Wedding Planner can help in a lot of ways! Perhaps the biggest way, is that as a professional they are not planning a wedding for the first time, they can move quickly providing the appropriate venue and vendor options that are available your date and budget. In addition, they can help manage your time, provide design solutions, as well as contact and negotiate with vendors on your behalf.
Getting Started with Wedding Planning – via Ellie's Bridal Blog
Congratulations, you are engaged!! Now that you have finally arrived to this point in your life, what should you do? As a bride-to-be herself, our very own Kellie will share her wedding planning insight that she has gained through both planning her own wedding and experience working in the bridal industry.
Personally, I find WeddingWire to be very helpful. Who knew you no longer have to go to a million sites? You can find a lot on one place! See image on the right for what you can utilize for your wedding planning alone. In case the WeddingWire/all-in-one-place approach isn't for you, here is a list of 10 Wedding Websites that Every Bride Needs. No matter what resources you use, you should certainly kick off your planning by thinking about these points:
#1 Plan your budget.
Understand your limitations and prioritize. If there is something you really want, talk to the vendors for ideas and suggestions to get something similar that is closer to the price you are looking to stay at. This requires you to be flexible and open to suggestions.
#2 Get inspiration
Figure out what kind of wedding you want. How do you want it to look, what vendors are in the area you want to get married, and where you want to get married. With Pinterest, bridal magazines, and a plethora of wedding blogs at your fingertips, you will never feel short of wedding inspiration. If you own an iPad, The DC Ladies have a fabulous post on how to integrate your ipad/tablet into all your wedding planning needs.
#3 Find a venue that you LOVE
This will determine how many guests can fit and afford. The guest list can build up very quickly. Knowing how much the venue charges per person, you can place a reasonable estimate on how many guests you can invite. If having 200 people is very important to you, you can look at venues that can accommodate the amount of guests and be within the budget you can afford. Check out Venues on Wedding Wire or The Knot to help you see what is in the area and start making appointments.
#4 Request Quotes
Don't be afraid to start requesting quotes from vendors you are interested in. Take the time to learn everything you can. You want to make sure they have what you are looking for.
#5 Put together your online website
It's a great way to give detailed information that cannot fit in the invitations. You can share how you met, the proposal, who's in the wedding, fun activities in the area.
#6 Plan pre-wedding events
Personally, I have been to many weddings. Sometimes you do not know anyone but the couple and a few friends. When planning a wedding, take advantage that people are coming into town to be with you. Plan fun events before the wedding so your guests can make new friends and have time with you. The day of the ceremony is crazy and have limited time to spend with everyone. Events leading up to the big day will help you really spend quality time with everyone.
#7 Create down-time
Plan to have time for last minute details and to get away from the craziness. You want to enjoy everything because it goes by fast. Make sure you take the time to de-stress and relax. You'll need time to get yourself all together. So don't forget to plan time for yourself the week of the wedding.
#8 Expect the unexpected
Realize that something may pop up that you were not expecting. Tell yourself, it's your wedding and you are going to enjoy everything no matter what happens.
#9 Research the value of a Wedding Planner
Every engaged couple should at least think about hiring a Wedding Planner, in which case you should read this so you know a little more about what a wedding planner actually does. Great wedding planners are known to work with your budget, and ultimately help you spend less rather than spending more. If you know you want to plan your wedding completely on your own, you may still want to hire a planner for day-of coordination. You may not realize the full value of one until you learn about the near-disasters that you didn't have to deal with only after the wedding.
If you have any other tips or advice that helped with your wedding planning, please help share those [not so] secret tips. You can also follow our Wedding Planning Tips Pinterest board and view our collection of the most helpful pictures and posts we could find.
We were completely honored when Chris Laich asked us to guest-write a post for his [awesome] blog. Chris Laich Music Services provides elegant DJ services and live musicians for weddings and corporate events in the Virginia, DC, and Maryland areas, and is Washington’s most critically acclaimed wedding DJ. He has even been listed as one of the hottest wedding DJs in the country by Modern Bride Magazine as well as the top wedding DJ in the area by Washingtonian magazine.
Thanks again for inviting us on your blog, Chris! In case you missed it, here is our post again:
We often find that fashion follows fashion, and that includes everything from Hollywood red carpet to ready-to-wear to bridal attire. We found some of the top trends for 2013 to show you how your favorite runway looks will translate to the pages of your favorite wedding magazine.
Without a doubt, floral prints were one of the top trends seen at New York’s Fashion Week earlier this year.This trend is fun and feminine in any fashion setting so it’s not a surprise to see florals emerging in everything bridal, giving a romantic, fairy-tale spin to a look that is still light enough for any spring garden.
For bridal gowns, bold floral patterns add an artful flare when used in place of traditional lace patterns. Proven popular with brides, Blue by Enzoani's Dillon gown (pictured right) is a perfect example of this. Looks like this trend is here to stay!
Far left:Elle Magazine features floral runway designs from New York’s Fashion Week Center left: Zara’s newest collection features a casual Piqué Floral BlazerCenter right: After Six bridesmaid style 6600 Far right: Dessy Collection bridesmaid style 2833
Who ever guessed that pleats would find its way back into our hearts? But one click onto Forever 21’s “New Arrivals” page shows us options to make pleated shirts and skirts cute and wearable again. Above we illustrate how this return styles easily translates into classic bridesmaid and bridal styles. Despite popular belief, these styles are incredibly flattering for most figure types.
Left:Forever 21 Sheer Pleated Waist Top Center: Alfred Sung bridesmaid style D524 Right: Justin Alexander Signature style 9688
InStyle’s ruffles trend overview
We’ve seen ruffles before, but as Instyle notes, “these stiff, austere waves are more modern than the floppier furls of past seasons.” Ruffles of past seasons were soft and flowy, moving with every step and swing. The larger, bolder ruffles of 2013 are more carefully constructed and placed with the greatest attention. Gowns with this design in mind are intentionally chic and in vogue, perfect for the fashion-forward bride.
Left: Alfred Sung bridesmaid style D544 Center: Dessy Collection bridesmaid style 2867 Right: Allure Romance style 2605
Metallics are in for Spring 2013. Shiny textures & iridescent fabrics were seen all over Fashion Week’s runways earlier this year. To keep the elegance of bridal wear alive, the metallics of bridesmaids dresses are typically more subtle than on most runways. Iridescent and luminescent chiffons offer a soft metallic sparkle that radiates the most romantic aura and should be admired up close. He magical look and feel of these fabrics will be most appreciated as your bridal party graces down the aisle past the gazing eyes of your guests. Certain colors offered in Dupioni, Peau de soie, and Silky taffeta fabrics offer a more vibrant metallic shine that is more eye-catching and modern for bolder bridal parties.
Top left:Fashion Magazine features Metallics on 2013 runways Far right: Jim Hjelm Occasions bridemaids style 5151 in Dupioni Bottom row: Justin Alexander Spring 2013 Signature Collection
Knowing that today’s brides are looking to strike that perfect balance between modern trends, individuality, and timeless style, top bridal designers knew that incorporating the metallic trend into wedding gowns would be a bit more challenging. Stylish brides will love the use of neutral, non-traditional colors and both textured and crystal beaded embroidery used to achieve a glamorous bridal look that gives it nod to modern runway fashion.
Brides may also choose to use shiny shoes and accessories to complement a more traditional bridal gown and keep up with the metallic trend.
InStyle loves how adventurous the Peekaboo look is. The most daring of brides may want to stun their crowd with this provocative style, though most brides prefer to adhere to more understated appearances for their Big Day. Typically in bridal, you will find the peekaboo in a much more refined way that still shows off the thinly veiled “reveal-and-conceal” dramatic look the style was intended for. Keyhole and illusion detailing across the back is the most popular way this fashion trend finds its way into the elegant tastes of wedding attire.
Left: InStyle’s peekaboo overview Right: Fada from Blue by Enzoani
It’s all about lace! While never out of fashion, we have seen a sharp and steady increase in the popularity of lace since the timelessness and grace of Kate Middleton awed the world on her wedding day just two years ago. Lace gowns are being paired with nearly every other fashion trend out there (see above). With more lace options than ever, lace-loving brides every silhouette and neckline imaginable. Lace-loving brides, this is the ideal time to find your gown. We are also seeing lace displayed on a growing number of bridesmaid designs.
Far left: Taylor Swift at CMT’s Artist of the Year awards Center left: Allure Romance style 2604 Center right: Stacy Keibler at Screen Actors Guild Awards Far right: Allure Romance 2610
I really could go on forever with this post! It really was a restraint to keep from adding a dozen more photos to the above post... showing gowns with combinations of some of the above trend... highlighting more trends with more photos... You'll just have to make an appointment with us to come in and see the rest!
We are very excited to host a weekend fully dedicated to glamorous curvy girls in the area! April 5-7th is the Casablanca Trunk Show at Ellie’s Bridal Boutique. We will have an extended collection of new designs, highlighting Casablanca's bridal sizes 18-30. In addition to our daily selection (we will feature 14+ from other designers), many of these new designs can only be seen in our store for one weekend only!
Have no fear about sample sizes in the bridal industry, we'll have stunning dresses that real women can fit in. This event is not only for "plus size" women, but also for curvy brides that are an overall smaller size with hips and a booty don't always cooperate with a bridal sample sizes. This event is for all women who are frustrated with sample sizes offered in most bridal shops. Stop freaking out about what size you may or may not be because this process is actually really fun!
And in case you thought it couldn't get any better, all Casablanca gowns purchased during the event will be 10% OFF!
Call us at 703-683-VOWS(8697) to reserve your appointment now.
Appointments are required for this event and spaces are limited!
P.S. All the links above are totally worth clicking on.
About 2 out of 10 brides come in to our boutique unsure if they would like a veil or not. If you do not think you want a veil, we suggest just to try one on anyway. You never know how you will feel until you try one on and see yourself in the mirror with a wedding gown and the veil for the first time. We find that more than half of the time, brides who said they did not want one change their mind. There is something about the veil and a wedding gown that makes each bride feel like it is really happening to them, they are getting married!!!
We found one blogger was torn and decided not to have a veil and now regrets it. She wishes she had changed her mind and now brings up some excellent points and stunning photos that you could have if you choose to have a veil too. We have to say, she found some great photos!
Thank you to our wonderful Ellie's Brides and their amazing photographers who shared these breath taking photographs with us.
What are your thoughts on veils? Comment below and let us know what you think!
Visit Ellie's Bridal Boutique March 9-10, 2013 to view Stella York's newest bridal collection and enjoy 10% OFF the purchase of any Stella York gown for one weekend only! Be sure to click here to read about why we love Stella York so much.
Many of these gowns will be in our boutique for ONE WEEKEND ONLY so call to make your appointment now! You don't want to miss your chance to try on these fantabulous gowns and get the exclusive *trunk show only* price!!
Appointments are required to attend this event. Call 703-683-VOWS(8697) to book your appointment today.
Fashion certainly inspires fashion. So whether you are shopping ready-to-wear in the mall, awed by the Hollywood glamour, or flipping through your favorite wedding magazine, today's fashion trends are universal. We weren't surprised to see lace patterns, feather-like ruffles, and simple elegance grace the red carpets last night and be reminded of our very own bridal gowns. Which style would you have picked for your red carpet debut?
Update: Great minds think alike! Local Wedding Planner, Margo from Bright Occasions, elaborated more on this topic and these dresses here. Definitely check it out!
Ellie's Bridal Boutique is so excited that another one of our designers, Justin Alexander, is having a contest that will provide one lucky bride a FREE Wedding Gown!!
Can you believe it? We are so excited for all of our soon to be Brides out there and we had to share this opportunity! Make sure you visit Justin Alexander Dress Giveaway on Facebook to register and pick your gown today. We are unsure how long the contest will run for, so register today before it's too late!
P.S. If you are in love with Justin Alexander wedding gowns like we are, come book your appointment today at Ellie's Bridal Boutique in Alexandria, VA.
CONGRATULATIONS to all new brides-to-be!! We can't wait to join your journey for your dream gown so you can have the perfect wedding. And what a fine day it is to be engaged, isn't it? Now that you have a stunning ring on your finger, have you thought about why it's there? Why has tradition chosen to put a ring on that particular finger in the first place? The answer is not quite as random as you may think. Trust me. You absolutely want to read this.
The Chinese have given a beautiful and very convincing theory as to why the wedding ring should go on the fourth finger. As the story goes :
Look at your left hand, the hand that your wedding ring goes on, and do you see your thumb? Well the thumb represents your parents. Now your index finger, or your first finger, represents your siblings. The third finger, loving called the middle finger by some, represents yourself. Where the fourth finger represents your life partner. And your pinkie is to represent the children you will some day have.
Now if you place both of your hands together and bend your middle fingers together, and leave the other fingers touching together (like shown in the picture).When your hands are in this position, do the following:
Step 1:
Pull your thumbs apart. (this represents the parents) Your thumbs will open because you and your parents are not destined to be together forever. At some point they will leave you in your life.
Step 2:
Now put your thumbs back together.
Step 3:
Repeat the same motion with your index fingers (this representing your siblings). Of course your index fingers will also separate because you are also not destined to be with your siblings for the rest of your life. They will move on and have families of their own.
Step 4:
Now put them back together.
Step 5:
Now separate your pinkies. (representing your future children) Of course these will also separate because your children will not be with you forever. They will grow up to have lives and families of their own as well.
Step 6:
Now put them back together.
Step 7:
Now for your "ring" finger. (representing your life partner) Try separating them as you did with the other. Can't do it can you? That is because your life partner is the one who is supposed to be with you for the rest of your life. They will be the one to be with you forever and through thick and thin.
According to the Roman belief, the wedding ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because of a vein that we have in our left "ring" finger. This vein is called the vena amoris, meaning "the vein of love." It was believed that this vein ran directly to the heart and that the "ring finger" was the only finger that contained it. As romantic as that may sound, we now know that this is not true.
Fun Idea: Print this, and give your guests something fun to read on your wedding programs to give your guests something fun to read during any waiting time. Make sure to warn your photographer so you can get some keepsake shots of your guests trying to do this!
