OK, Now What Bride

What's It Missing? Finishing Touches for the Wedding Day

You feel like you're almost done. But is there something scratching at the back of your mind, like you want it to be a bit more special? I know I was totally burned out of ideas two weeks leading up to my wedding and I felt like I couldn't think of any more things to buy or make or do. But the sign in table was really bothering me and I couldn't figure out what it was.

Eventually, I realized I our wedding suite on its own just wasn't enough. Since we're both artists, I ended up making boards to attach the invitations to and tying them with ribbon on to coffee table art books. Voila! Just like that, the extra little touch spruced up what I thought was a blah table.

What areas of the wedding do you feel haven't gotten enough attention? Many times it doesn't require purchasing another item, it just needs a push of creativity. Here are some of the best and easiest ways to kick it up a notch. Happy Weekend, everyone!

Guest table Feel like it's still needing more customization? For $10 each, it's easy and affordable to spruce up the welcome table. Love letters, Ivy Lane Design

Wedding Cake If you're looking for a non-traditional cake or cupcake option, you have to see the handiwork of Bakerella. Maybe you won't be doing this yourself but your baker will be impressed. These molds and results are to die for!

Boudoir and Ladies Room Is the ladies rooom at the reception not quite what you had in mind? Transform and transport your guests with sweet, fresh lavender bundles. Dried fragrant French Lavender, $9 per bunch

Flowers and Tabletop Feel like your floral arrangements are looking sparse? Or perhaps you had to add extra tables at the reception. Fifty Flowers has affordable and easy DIY flowers with free shipping. 

Footwear Having an outdoor wedding? Perhaps the terrain wasn't what you thought it would be. Or you just want to wear something unexpected. The prettiest boots ever made will give your guests a big "whoop" when you flash them the delicate embroidered flowers on rugged leather. Full Blossom Boots, $515

Where Do You Think These Designer Dresses Are From?

They're absolutely dreamlike with the multiple layers, the embroidery and look close for the detailing on the tulle. The bodices are are fitted and tailored just for you. Give up yet? I didn't know right away either. 

They're David's Bridal! The dress above is from none other than Vera Wang and her exclusive line White by Vera Wang made just for them. Imagine your dream dress at a fraction of the price. 

I loooove this dress! Too beautiful for words, really. If you don't believe that these are all available, see for yourself here and tell me which one you're choosing! 

Too Pretty To Worry: Spring Things to Look Forward to

This week's been about troubleshooting and all the catastrophes that could happen. But when I sat down today, I kept thinking about spring right around the corner (ok, it's still really a month away) but it got me excited for the pretty florals and colors and darnit! I just wanted to do something happy for Wedding Wednesday. So here you go - a dose of color and cheer for the middle of the week. 

What are you looking forward to this spring? Here are some of mine. 

From top clockwise: I'm attending an upcoming wedding at Café Cortina this spring and have heard wonderful things. | A splash of color in a scarf and a lightweight shirt - springtime musts. Anthropologie | I'd love to see my toes in sandle-ready shape again! Matiko shoes at Soulstruck | Sweet and short party dresses for the kids again. Crewcuts line at J. Crew | A scarf to tie my hair up or around a bag. band.do's signature scarf | Great neautrals and sleevelss. Imagine that! J. Crew Spring campaign

Logistics: What Can Go Wrong at the Wedding and What To Do

I've seen and heard everything from the dress ripping and needing to be sewn on to the bride to the reception getting totally rained out. What ever your dilemma, I promise you, none of it will matter if you and the groom have a sense of humor about. No one remembers anything but the food and whether the music and dancing were good. If you can remember to just throw a really fabulous party, your day will be a success. 

If you do by chance run into these frightful situations, here's the quick and easy way out. Good luck!

The caterer/florist messes up your order or it doesn't show up. 

What to do. Without losing your cool, tell them succinctly and briefly what the issue is. If you can't speak directly to the owner or manager, tell the person that delivered the goods and let them know why you're unhappy and let them know to tell their superior you'll be calling. After things have cooled down, email your disappointment (for proof that you contacted them) and also call to make sure that you voice your unhappiness with a live person. Nothing's worse than fretting over details the day-of. Even if it's atrocious, I promise it won't ruin the day. That is, unless you let it. 

For floral and 24 hour platters, run to Whole Foods. They have an array of floral that can be bunched in color schemes and there's usually a florist in the department that will help with large requests. Platters are big and can accommodate just about any number you need. It's not the ideal for a wedding but they offer quick turnaround. 

You forgot to pack your shoes/accessories/make up. 

What to do. Pool items from your bridal party. It'll end up being your "something borrowed". And if you're super upset that you can't wear the beautiful shoes for the occasion, save them for your first anniversary. It'll be just as special. 

Electra pump, Nina shoes, $99.95

It rains. And your reception is outdoors. Designate someone to do some damage control - stat. If you have a wedding planner, he or she should already have this under control. If you're doing this on your own, find a person that's quick on their feet to take charge of the situation. This may mean leaving the wedding to buy plastic tarps at Home Depot and laying them on walkways, finding ponchos and umbrellas for your guests. 

If you don't have time to change or add details and it's raining, grin and bear it. No one will care if the bride doesn't care!

While you're planning an outdoor wedding, take the precautions to have umbrellas waiting in a basket ready and waiting. Getting walls for your tent are an added cost but worth it in case of a cold spell or ominous clouds. 

The cake gets dropped.

What to do. Smile for the photos as you point and laugh! 

The best man/MOH/mother-in-law is missing. You're worried enough. They're not answering their
cell/text messages and you're sick with worry that something's happened to them. These are bigger issues that you can either stop the wedding or go forward with it. It's up to you and your partner. Period. No matter what anyone else thinks, you have to live with the decision and how it affects your day. Go with your gut and don't look back. More than likely, they're stuck in traffic and everything's gonna be alright. 

I didn't know it was an option when I was getting married but you can have your day insured much like any other event. In the case of cancellations, flights cancelled due to weather conditions, your venue getting flooded, there's insurance to cover any losses you may face. It's worth looking into if you have concerns about what can go wrong. Good luck!

iPhone, Apple 

Problem-Solving: What To Do When...

A wedding is a production much like opening night at theater and there are a number of things that can go wrong. (Sorry to say)! So this week I'm dedicating it to all things that could and do go awry. Whether you rip your dress or the best man doesn't show up, there's a remedy for any and every situation. 

Read on for the best advice and tips to deal with your bridal party. If you have a horror story from your wedding, I wanna hear it! 

1. For wedding day and everyday, a sewing kit is a lifesaver.  15 piece travel sewing kit, $5.77

2. The day that you need to get a hold of everyone, is the day that your phone battery goes dead or you drop it in water. Back up your contacts with the old-fashioned standby. Moleskine adddress book

3. Don't let make up mishaps and smears get in your way. Use this indispensable pen for all kinds of wedding day blunders. Tide Stain Removier

4. Whether you already have the most comfy shoes or just aren't sure, having a second pair of shoes is real peace of mind, especially one with a modest kitten heel. Nina Shoes, Brynn, $89.95

5. Whether you're honeymooning right away or just need a pick-me-up, this pack is full of energy and vitamins to keep you going. Jet Lag Relief kit, $14

 

 

 

 

What Will You Do the Night Before the Wedding?

I remember the night before my wedding better than my wedding day (that happened in a blur). My closest friends and I had a slumber party at a friend's condo overlooking Lake Michigan, while my fiancé stayed at our place. The scenery, fresh air and company was exactly what I needed after months of stressing about floral arrangements. My girls reminded what it meant to be me again before I took the big step. 

Staying away from each other that night was also an old-fashioned take on an otherwise contemporary wedding. Our best friend was marrying us, we didn't have a wedding party and we had a big BYOBar (really!) and an iPod playlist. I think that night apart gave us time to appreciate and miss each other, which made seeing other on the aisle all that much sweeter the next day. 

What will you do the night before? Or, did you have your wedding and do something really memorable with the girls or family? Send me your stories! Here are some of the fun and low-key things I did to indulge before the biggest event of my life.

1. Getting a mani-pedi is a ritual must. I've seen a lot of brides with glitter ring finger manicures lately. I love Butter nail polishes for their intense color and lack of toxins. Glitters are the best! Yummy Mummy and Tart with a Heart, Butter nail polish, $14 each

2. I laid out all my accessories the night before. Wrap sashes like this one on a large pillow to keep its shape. Adriana sash, $70

3. A mask is do! Don't go for anything harsh that you haven't done before. I exfoliated gently for a nice, fresh glow the next morning. Benefit Refined Finish Facial Polish, via Sephora, $22 

4. Have your engagement ring cleaned or do it yourself. Simply take a small brush (toothbrushes work great) and scrub with dish soap. Rinse thoroughly and let dry. Then house it in a safe place for the next day! Egg Ring Box, Ivy Lane Design, $44

5. I had a drink to unwind. An itsy bitsy margarita is a great treat for the girls. Classic Margarita Glass, Pottery Barn, set of 6, $24

6. I hope you registered for one! It makes great smoothies -- and maragaritas! Kitchen Aid 5 speed blender, $119.95

LINK LOVE

There's something the bridal mags aren't telling you... BRIDEfinds has the 10 Most Stressful Parts of Wedding Planning.

We're obsessed with these gorgeous champagne cupcakes with champagne buttercream frosting and caramel "firework" toppings! You gotta try these bubbly treats. See pictures and get the recipe on Bride Ideas.