ban.do corsages

It is very clear that I have an obsession with ban.do and I think they know it since they are always sending me goodies to my inbox. And, well, today was no different. I opened my inbox to find an email introducing ban.do corsages and really, I couldn't be more in love.

Aren't they gorgeous?! Not only are they the most adorable everyday accessory but they could totally be used on your wedding day. They are the perfect unique bridesmaid gift or they could be an alternative to real flower corsages. Real flower corsages are always gorgeous but lets be honest, they don't fit the style and design of every wedding. (think J.Crew, picnic, on the beach, on a boat, at city hall, etc.) Really, had these beauties been around on my wedding day I may have designed the entire affair around them.

Thank you ban.do for being fabulous!

Find Inspiration Everywhere

My mother-in-law is currently in the middle of remodeling her bedroom and is stuck on choosing (and finding) the perfect shade of purple paint to be used on an accent wall. For weeks, she has been gathering paint samples from various stores and has spent hours starring at them trying to decide which color is best. In fact, she even has an "inspiration" folder with every shade of purple you could imagine.

This same process reminds me how hard it is for brides to make decisions about their wedding design while being surrounded by the ever inspiring wedding magazines and blogs. There are so many options to choose from and so many pretty details that you can't help but love most of them and it's hard to resist wanting to incorporate them all into your event.

I told my mother-in-law exactly what I would tell one of my brides. Find something, whether it be a vase, a candle holder, a photograph, a fabric swatch, or a button that really inspires you and base your entire design around that. I promise it will help you to make decisions and will especially keep you on track in creating a cohesive design. While looking for inspiration try and keep in mind the overall feel you are trying to achieve, and once you've made a decision about design move on. Don't give into the temptation to tweak every last detail, you will drive yourself insane.

Now, go and find some inspiration!

How about a pretty hanger?

On my wedding day I felt confident that I had thought of all the things I may potentially need and I was so sure I hadn't forgotten anything. Really, I thought I was totally prepared.

Then, it was time for our photographer to take my dress and get some pictures before I got into it and that's when I realized something absolutely terrible... I forgot a pretty hanger for my dress! Seriously, my beautiful gown could not be photographed hanging from a piece of plastic that could easily have been from Walmart. Luckily, I didn't worry for too long because our photographer had experienced this before and had along a pretty hanger that I could borrow. Had she not have been prepared, there is no way my dress would have looked like this...

photo courtesy of m three studio

Anyway, I recently tweeted about how brides often forget to find a pretty hanger for their dress and someone shared with me these beauties...

images via Etsy Seller lilafrances

I wish I would have known about these fabulous hangers for my wedding, I certainly would have gotten one! Well, if I had remembered, of course!

Some Fabulous Milwaukee Venues

A bride recently asked for my recommendations for some of my favorite ceremony and receptions sites in Milwaukee and I just couldn't help but share some of them with you all.

Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

I love Villa Terrace for its obvious beauty and mediterranean style and their garden is so lush and beautiful. Villa Terrace is perfect for smaller ceremonies and receptions (about 80 person sit down dinner) and can also be rented for photography purposes. So, you could have a beautiful engagement session there or make it one of your stops on your wedding day.

The Eisner American Museum of Advertising & Design

The Eisner Museum is a venue that I consider a little bit of a secret treasure. Not many people are aware of the space for events, which I think makes it that much cooler. The Eisner obviously has a lot of character of it's own, so it's great for couples looking for something a little bit out of the norm. The Eisner can also accommodate a larger guest list (up to 650!).

Edit: My mistake, apparently the Eisner has closed. So sad.. it was a great venue, and regardless of not being open, is still one of my favorites. Thanks for informing me, though!

The Iron Horse Hotel

The Iron Horse Hotel has some serious style and I am completely obsessed with their event space, The Gallery. The space is perfect for smaller more intimate affairs and has a great ambiance. As a bonus, they have a library (pictured above) filled with old wooden tables and chairs, reading lamps, and a fireplace... the perfect place for cocktails. And, the smell, seriously it smells SO good in the lobby!

Anyone else want to share their favorite spots in Milwaukee?

The Urban Bride | The Newest Inspiration for City Brides

Today is the day that a new resource becomes available for all of the City Brides out there who are planning an urban affair and I am proud to be a part of it. I introduce to you, The Urban Bride.

The Urban Bride is your go to blog for inspiration if you are planning a city-inspired wedding and the best part is it is tailored specifically to you and your style. You won't find any rustic, garden or beach weddings, just weddings that are planned in gorgeous ballrooms and buildings, have a modern flair, and are of course styled to the max.

So, jump on over to The Urban Bride, check it out and don't forget to visit again later today to enter to win the fabulous launch giveaway- a collection of city inspired goodies. And of course, let me know what you think!

Tips For a Less Stressful Wedding Day

With the height of wedding season approaching in the Midwest I can already tell that brides are beginning to think about their wedding every second of the day, are losing sleep, and panicking at the thought of anything going wrong on their big day. Let me say this, something will go wrong, no wedding day is perfect but you can take a few steps to ease your stress that day.

1. At about 2-3 weeks before you wedding take the time to contact all of your day-of vendors (only if you haven't recently met with them though) and confirm their arrival times and also the details of your contract. Knowing that you've had a final discussion with them will give you the utmost confidence in them and their service.

2. Create a production schedule mapping out all of the details for you day. I can't emphasize enough how important and helpful this is.

3. Get your "stuff" organized. Create separate boxes or containers for items related to different events throughout the day. For example, keep all of your items for the ceremony together and labeled in it's own container. This way whoever is setting up has no reservations to where it belongs.

4. Emphasis to your bridal party and any day-of vendors the importance of time. If everyone is prompt and on time it will ease your mind and allow you to really soak in the emotion of the day.

5. Seriously though, just try and relax. If the flowers aren't the perfect shade of magenta, a bridesmaid walks down the aisle on the wrong cue, or your welcome toast isn't exactly how you practiced, at the end of the day you'll still be husband and wife and nobody will have even noticed. Try your best to soak up every moment of the day, it goes by way to fast.

Does anyone else have other tips they'd like to share?

A New Partnership for the Wedding Industry

I don't normally post current events on the blog but this one is just too good not to share. Some of you may be aware of a new partnership in the wedding industry between Vera Wang and David's Bridal. Are you surprised? I certainly am!

Apparently the new (unnamed) collection will debut in stores in Spring 2011 and will include about 20 different gowns. The gowns will be consistent with David's Bridal pricing and will not exceed $1,500.

I'll be honest, I am surprised about this partnership but am very excited to see the collection debut and to see so many more brides be able to wear her gorgeous gowns.

What do you think, would you buy a Vera Wang gown from David's Bridal?