Bridal: OH EM GEE!

If you love Barbie, you will totally LOVE this! While perusing the net for my own wedding ideas, I came across these photos and just had to share with everyone! Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Bridal: Just When you Think You've Seen it All...

Ok, so although I've done a previous post about invitations doesn't mean that there isn't more out there. And once you check this out , you will either love it or hate it. Personally I thought it was adorable, and if you have the talent and the gift to create something as unique as this, then I say GOD bless you! There are others out there like it, but the one above is a cute one. Have you ever received an outrageous wedding invitation? What did you think?

Bridal: Can You Say Stressed Out?

I would like to take this opportunity to give a little advice for brides to be.  DO ALL THE PLANNING BY YOURSELF! To be honest, I feel that if brides do the planning on their own, it will make things go a little more smoothly. Yes, I agree it is fun going along with your fiancee' or other relatives (i.e. Mom, future Mother-in-law), but the issue is that you want to please everyone and it's just not possible. Perhaps on your first visit to certain vendors it's a good idea to take everyone with you, but then for the rest of the visits and final decision making, go alone especially if you're going to be the one handing over the loot! If you know exactly what you want and you are careful about where you spend your money, then I say just go alone. In the end, whatever choices you make, I'm sure everyone will be happy with it because no one else was involved with the decision making. I realize that planning a wedding can be quite stressful at times, but you have to step away for a second and remember why you are getting married in the first place. (Even if it's your fiancee' that's causing you stress) Dont's sweat the small stuff because the only thing that matters is that you will be marrying your best friend! Has anyone ever had a stressful time planning their wedding?

Bridal: Diamond Dazzle What?!@#%

LOL! Ok, so by accident I stumbled across an add for this new thing that supposedly makes your diamond ring sparkle tremendously: Diamond Dazzle Stik. I don't know how well it works, but basically it looks like a tide to-go pen and you just rub on your diamond and poof! instant shine! Someone please tell me if they know about this product and if it really works or is it just another gimmick. The commercials are so ridiculous, in a funny way of course. Check out this video of a couple at a bar:  

The Bar

Bridal: Long and Short of it, dresses that is

Ok, I know it's been a while, but I'm back now and ready to talk about those wonderful bridesmaid dresses. You've chosen your bridesmaids and they've all accepted with great pleasure! That's great news! Now that you've got them all picked out, you have to pick a bridesmaid dress. This can be an easy task or a difficult one, depending on how you go about it. One thing to consider when choosing a dress for your girls is what season your wedding will be in. If you're going to be a winter bride then I strongly suggest that getting short bridesmaid dresses are a BIG No-No (for obvious reasons, duh!) Late Spring through late Summer are ideal for short dresses generally because the weather tends to be warmer. Another option is for your bridesmaids to get a dress that has an option to become short, like this one from Bari Jay. Tell me, do you prefer long or short bridesmaid dresses?

Bridal Shorts: Themed Wedding

I just love a good themed wedding! The more traditional ones are when all the little details some how are cohesive: invitations match the color scheme, the menu cards match the invitations, the flowers match the menu cards, and it all matches without being too matchy-matchy. Other wedding themes are a bit more obvious such as a disney wedding, or even a seashell wedding. Whatever tickles your fancy, I say just go with it, it's your day after all! I'm not sure if I would particularly do a themed wedding, but I guess if I had to, it would probably be a 1940's or 1950's themed wedding. I think the women, the hairstyles, and the fashion of those eras were just so timeless and classic. Even if you are not big on themes, you could always be very subtle with some of the details, such as makeup style, shoes, or even a nice finger wave for your hair without having to sacrifice the modern look of a wedding. the trick is to not have your wedding look like a halloween party, unless of course, that is your theme. For some vintage inspired dresses check out Unique Vintage and The Vintage Wedding Dress Company. Have you ever been to a themed wedding? What are some other themes that you like?

Bridal: Bridal Showers-yay or nay?

I'm probably going to piss off a lot of my relatives and friends for saying this, but I really hate bridal showers. The thing is, whenever I'm at a bridal shower, I ALWAYS get stuck with the hard labor work involved in the shower. You know what I'm talking about; unwrapping the gifts, passing them to the next person in the assembly line, and then getting the gift back and trying to organize it somewhere in a corner so it's easy to carry off and take home. I understand when one is a bridesmaid, part of their job is to help out with the bridal shower, but c'mon! (lol) It's not an easy job when you have on 5 inch heels and a dress. It's just not a good look to be cute one minute and then wiping sweat off your forehead after pushing around boxes that are bigger than you. So that's my gripe about bridal showers.

I know it's inevitable that I will have my own one day (my mother wouldn't have it any other way), but if i can help it, I would like to try a different approach. And one more thing, I don't really care to sit there and watch the bride-to-be open and show off all the gifts they get; I already know what you're getting! It's called the BRIDAL REGISTRY! On the upside, I do enjoy them because it's a good excuse to get together with friends and family, and I'm always up for a good time, but I could do without the hard labor.  Does anyone have any ideas for a non-traditional baby shower, that's still fun? Let me know some of your ideas.

Bridal: Rehearsal Dinner Fridays a'la BBQ

Rehearsal Dinner: BBQ Style! by Bridal Shorts featuring flat thong sandals

Antik Batik top, €109
All Saints hot shorts, $38
ALDO flat sandals, $78
Forever21 flat thong sandals, $13
Old Navy hobo handbag, $13
All Saints tassel necklace, $58
Gold necklace, $34
TopShop jersey dress, $55

Its summer time. With this recent heat wave I thought about being outside, hence the BBQ rehearsal dinner. For a BBQ, really anything goes.  The key is to wear something comfortable while being able to breath in your skin. Here are two different outfits I created that are appropriate for a BBQ that are comfortable without having to sacrifice style. What type of clothes do you wear to a BBQ?

Bridal: The Bachelorette Party!

So it's time to start thinking about the BIG night? The first thing to consider is everyone's budget. If the plan is to go off to an island, make sure everyone that's getting invited is able to afford it.  Really, the event depends on what the bride wants and what is actually feasible. Whatever the plan is, check out Bridesmaid Aid for some tips on how to plan the bachelorette party and what to expect that night.  If you plan on having some props, e-bachelorette can supply you and your guests with some interesting (i.e. naughty) accessories to party the night away. Have you ever been to a bachelorette party? What were some things that were memorable and some things you would rather forget?

Bridal: Wedding Cakes

When trying to figure out what kind of cake you would like to have at your wedding, think about how feel when it comes to sweets.  If you are a dessert person, then make sure you don't skip out on a great tasting cake. I've discovered that while during my own wedding planning, a lot of people don't care for cake. This is appalling to me because I'm ALL about the cake! If the cake is good, I will definitely remember the wedding. On the other hand, some brides want the cake to look just as good as them; which is fine especially since it will probably be photographed. Check out these Crazy Wedding Cakes to get some inspiration. For a more traditional design go to Wedding Cake Designs and The Knotty Bride for more ideas. Do you enjoy a nice piece of cake? or do you pass it up?

Bridal: Shoes!

Wedding Shoes by Bridal Shorts featuring rhinestone heels

Badgley Mischka white wedge sandals, $200
Stuart Weitzman Bridal platform shoes, $298
Kate Spade bow flat, $193
Ivanka Trump rhinestone heels, $160
Manolo Blahnik blue high heels, $945

Bridal Shorts: Summer Need-to-Know

So you're having a summer wedding? And you're not having it at an inside venue? No sweat! Chances are that your special day will be a hot one and you and your guests are going to want to be comfortable. Check out dexKnows Weddings for some tips on how to keep the party cool and your wedding guests happy. One great idea is to double up using fans as favors as well as a means to stay dry just like the fans pictured above; you can find more at The Wedding Outlet. Have you ever been to a wedding outside and the heat was just unbearable? What would you have done to stay cool?

Bridal: Rehearsal Dinner Fridays

Wedding Rehearsal Fridays by Bridal Shorts featuring feather jewelry

Minuet Petite dot dress, 77 GBP
Joan & David Collection hidden platform shoes, $122
Glint retro handbag, $68
TopShop feather jewelry, $180

Having a more formal rehearsal dinner? Don't be afraid of colors! My new favorite trend right now is mixing pink and blue, but it can be a little tricky if you don't have the right shades to match.  If you are having trouble with what to wear and are not sure how to pick out the right shades, just think about the colors of your very own wedding! If you've ordered bouquets for the bridesmaids, think about the colors of the flowers and how well they match with the bridesmaid dresses.  I've seen a lot of brides choose pink and blue flowers and the colors look stunning next to each other!  What opposite colors have you paired together? Was it a success?

Bridal: Outdoor Wedding

Having an outdoor wedding? I've personally never been to one, but it seems like it would be nice during the warmer months.  Check out these great tips from Weather.com on outdoor weddings and don't forget to go to A Perfect Celebration for more ideas. Have your ever been to an outdoor wedding? How was it?

Bridal: Wedding Fitness

Yesterday I started my summer workout plan and it inspired me to include a post about wedding fitness.  Every bride wants to look her best on her special day and there are only two reasons I can think of why that is: all eyes will be on her and taking pictures. Those two reasons alone are enough to start a fitness regime.  At My Bridal Fitness Program one bride talks about her own fitness plan. When preparing for an event, do you have a stay healthy plan that you follow?

Bridal: Rehearsal Dinner Fridays

Rehearsal Dinner Fridays by Bridal Shorts featuring print dresses

All Saints print dress, $145
Espadrille sandal, $69
ASOS flat shoes, $22
Handbag, 99 EUR
H m jewelry, 6.99 GBP
Old Navy gemstone jewelry, $7.50
ALDO tribal jewelry, $12

In keeping with the beach theme of the week, I thought this outfit would be totally appropriate for a rehearsal dinner at a beach resort.  The espadrilles and flowy short dress make it a perfect fit for sun and sand while still looking fabulous. What do you like wearing when attending a beach function?

Bridal: Balloons VS Flowers

By no means do I want anyone to think I'm being a snob about this, but...I just don't see a neccessary reason to have balloons for a wedding.  Whenever I think of balloons for a wedding, I can't help but think "Oh em gee, that's so 1990!" And judging by this picture above, the couple looks like it's straight out of the Clinton administration. Don't get me wrong, balloons are still cool for let's say, I don't know, a high school prom? I do understand that sometimes budget plays a big deal into deciding on centerpieces, but please, for the sake of weddings around the globe, DO NOT use balloons.  There are plenty of other great ideas that are not only beautiful, but inexpensive as well. I promise you can still have a gorgeous wedding without breaking the bank. At Divine Dinner Party you can find cheap alternatives for an affordable centerpiece. How might you go about trying to get creative when doing your own centerpieces?

Bridal: Beach Wedding

After a long holiday weekend, I'm back and feeling a bit inspired to write about beach weddings.  This past weekend is kind of the unofficial start to summer so I thought what better way to start the week than to post about beach weddings.  The above picture is an actual invitation found on Bridella and it comes packaged in a box.  There are tons of great ideas for beach weddings; the key is trying to make a beach wedding fit your budget and style.  Tell me, what are some of the best beaches to have a wedding?

Bridal: Jewelry

Wedding Jewelry! I have to say, I do like to accessorize and what better occasion to do that than a wedding? Nowadays, there are so many varieties and styles that it can be hard to choose from.  The jewelry set above is from Anna Bellagio, this is just one example of what the site offers. When deciding on what to wear with your magnificent dress, ask yourself what style is your dress? Then you want to think about what jewelry you are comfortable wearing; such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, or none.  As for me, I like big overstated earrings and necklaces. You want to make sure that your jewelry doesn't interfere with your dress either: if your dress has a lot of jewels already, then opt for pieces that are on the simple side. So tell me, diamonds or pearls?

Bridal: Braids

I absolutely love braids! And I love them even more when it's put together with a stunning updo like the one pictured above on Jessica Alba.  This look for a wedding hairstyle is definitely something to consider. You can check out more photos here at Total Beauty. What do you think of the braid? Is this a look you would give a try?

Bridal: Dress Shopping

What do you wear when going dress shopping? Rule of thumb is to wear under garments that are closest to your skin color: NEVER black or white. (These colors will show right through a white dress)  The picture above is from myskins.com and they specialize in lingerie that resemble the color of your skin.

Bridal: Manicure

For us women, there are a ton of options to choose from when it comes to getting your nails done. Typically, for a wedding, brides will choose a classic french manicure.  This style is absolutely timeless and beautiful.  Sometimes, brides will opt for vibrant colors that usually have to do with a wedding theme.  For more ideas, just go to frenchmanicures.com.  What type of manicure would you like to have on your own wedding day?

Bridal: Veils

When it comes to choosing veils, I would have to say I'm partial to the birdcage veil like the one above found on swoonbrides.net.  I would probably wear a long veil for the ceremony and switch over to one like above for the partttaaayyy! What type of veils do you prefer? Long, short, lace, no veil? 

Bridal: Rehearsal Dinner Fridays

Rehearsal Dinner Fridays by Bridal Shorts featuring purple pants

Juicy Couture stripe tee, 129 EUR
Dorothy Perkins blazer, 45 GBP
Diane von Furstenberg purple pants, 239 GBP
Jessica Simpson platform stiletto heels, $100
ASOS leather clutch, 55 GBP
Pearl jewelry

Here is an outfit I put together for a rehearsal dinner.  I would say this outfit is more for a guest at the dinner than it is for a bride. When going to a rehearsal dinner do you think it's better to wear a dress or pants? What are your thoughts?

Bridal: Unique Bouquets

We all know every bride wants to have a wedding like no one else; and serves her right! Each bride should be able to express who she is through her wedding.  One way of doing that is choosing bouquets (flowers or anything else) that are a representation of the wedding and the bride.  I came across this rather unique bouquet of flowers in the shape of a fan at bridal cookie  When it comes to  your own style, are you more traditional or would you rather go in another direction when choosing bouquets?

Bridal: Put a Stamp on it!

I've received many invitations for weddings, bridal showers, engagement parties and whenever there is a personalized stamp on it, I can't help but think it's the cutest thing ever!  I blame my mushy side for that. Here is an example of a pretty simple personalized stamp with names. My favorite are the ones with pictures.  Check out zazzle.com to create your own unique stamp.  How do you guys feel about personalization?

Bridal: Save-the-Dates

For brides who decide to send out save-the-dates, take a look at this cute idea from invitation consultants.  They have a ton of ideas to choose from including magnets!

Bridal: Calligraphy

When looking for invitations, many brides choose to get the standard printed invitations. Others like to go all out and hire someone who does beautiful handmade calligraphy. Whatever your style, both ways can be just as stunning.  Check out some of the handmade invitations at calligraphy lady. 

Bridal: Church Ceremony

Wedding Ceremony (Church) by Bridal Shorts featuring a heart pendant necklace

Jaeger silk top, 160 GBP
Lace tank top, $805
Short sleeve tee, $58
Ballet skirt, 40 GBP
Dorothy Perkins cropped pants, 28 GBP
High waisted pants, 50 GBP
High heels, $995
ALDO high heels, $55
L.A.M.B. pumps, $140
H M straw handbag, 30 GBP
Gold jewelry, $8.99
Swarovski heart pendant necklace, $35

If you're going to be heading to a wedding where the ceremony will be in a church, there is often a time gap from when the ceremony ends to when the reception starts.  If you're like me, you'll probably end up wearing something different to both sites.  Here are three different outfits that I put together.  Also, be mindful of the type of church you attend. The first outfit is a bit more casual and comfy, the middle outfit is a more conservative look, and the last one is a bit matronly and I decided to give it a pop with the cheetah print shoes. And if you notice the purse at the top, I went with this one because I felt it was pretty neutral and matched all three outfits.

Bridal: Rainy Day Wedding

One of the biggest fears for a bride is that it will rain on the day of her wedding. (that or the groom won't show) For the brides that have beach weddings or a wedding outdoors in general, this can be a quite a downer.  I came across some beautiful pictures at project wedding of some weddings in the rain. Maybe looking at these will put a positive spin on a rainy day wedding.  Isn't it good luck if it rains on your wedding day anyway?

Bridal: Rehearsal Dinner Fridays

Rehearsal Dinner by Bridal Shorts featuring hoop earrings

Tibi dress, 426 EUR
ELIE SAAB platform shoes, $600
Secret BB faux leather handbag, $79
G by Guess hoop earring, $17
Bracelet, $7.99

In my experience (I've been a bridesmaid about 5 times) rehearsal dinners are usually on Friday evenings. So in keeping with that tradition, here is a post about what a bride or even a guest invited to the dinner, might wear. Keep in mind, though, find out where the dinner is. Some places are more formal than others.

Bridal: Wedding After Party

Here are two examples of outfits for an after party. Both are wedding-themed: one is a more formal or dressed up look and the other is a more casual-chic look.

Bridal: Bling Bling Bouquet

I found this great bouquet at project wedding and wanted to show you guys. I have to say, when it comes to bling, I'm in love. What do you think?

Bridal Shorts: What's in your wedding closet?

Wedding Closet by Bridal Shorts featuring wedding shoes

For those of you that have planned, are planning, or simply dreaming about a wedding, what wedding-related items do you have already? What items do you still need and what items are you just dying to have?

Bridal Shorts: Summer Engagement Photos

Engagement Photos by Bridal Shorts featuring silk tops

Print dress, 425 GBP

Oscar de la Renta silk top, 815 GBP

Dolce Gabbana sheer top, $279

Paloma Barceló platform wedge heels, 185 GBP

High heel pumps, $650

White House Black Market glass necklace, $68

By Malene Birger metal bangle, $165

DAY Birger et Mikkelsen shell jewelry, 80 EUR

Bridal: Invites with Personality

When it comes to invitations, they come in all shapes and sizes.  Some are simple while others are over the top and loud. Check this one out from revelry invitations. What do you guys think?

Bridal: Two for One

Check out this awesome dress from Max Chaoul. If you are the type of bride who has a flare for the dramatic or you just like changing outfits, consider dresses that offer two styles of dress in one! This designer has some great choices to pick from.  (the website is in French, you may need to translate the site)

Bridal: Some of my Favorite Outfits!

 This pic is from summer 2009 and the dress was purchased at Forever 21. (Oh, don't worry about that handsome glass of water next to me, he's just my fiancée.)

This was taken in July 2010 at my fiancée's sister's bridal shower. The skirt and shirt i'm wearing are clothes I had hanging around. I am pictured here with his younger sister (not the bride) who is about 5'7" and although you can't tell, my shoes are about 4½ - 5 inches high.

An August 2010 wedding, I'm wearing a dress purchased at Marciano. Check out the closeup of my FAVORITE shoes in the world! (my mom thinks they're gaudy, lol)

Bourne Shoes: Anya

This is a better look at what my makeup looked like the day of that wedding above. The lashes are real, I used a lash curler and mascara to ahieve this look.

Welcome!

So, I'm really excited to finally have started a blog. I've been exploring blogs of others quite frequently, and thought, that maybe I should probably do one. Hence, my very own blog before your eyes. The purpose for making a decision to do a blog came from always going on the web and looking up different types of outfits for various occasions.  What will be different about my blog is that it will cater to a specific type of female: the obsessed bride.  That's me! When I was an itty bitty girl, I always knew that one day I'd get married.  Then I got older and was introduced what in today's world is called "dating". I started meeting all types of guys and became so discouraged. Were there not any GOOD men out there?  That's when I gave up the idea of marriage and was convinced that marriage was not for me.  Then I met him. He was right there this whole time, but I was so involved in meeting new people, I almost didn't see what was right there in front of my face. That, and the boy just couldn't leave me alone. (He's so GREAT!) After we became an item, I just knew that this was it and soon, I began planning for a wedding that didn't even exist yet. Yes, I know, I became a future obsessed bride!