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?