More Lovely Nordstrom Finds

   So after that lovely Tadashi Shoji Strapless number from the other day, I went back to Nordstrom's online shop in search of some bangles to match. I found the bangles and then some. Check out these fantastic accessories (most under $100). And of course I had to throw in that cute little cocktail number. (Maybe a second dress for the reception? hmm...) 

BCBG Maxazria Strapless Dress ($288) / Sequin Beaded Bow Necklace ($175) / Lauren Jones Ava Sandal ($105) Nadro Crystal Bangle ($48) /  Betsey Johnson Garter  ($18) / L Erickson Hair Comb ($28) / Nordstrom Circle Ring ($98) /  Nadri Cubic Zirconia Earrings ($38) / Tasha Birdcage Veil Clip ($52)

Inspiration: Fantasy Wrap

  I saw this awesome ruffled shawl and felt I had to share. ... thinking it will be this week's inspiration.

Ruffled Shawl was found at Vart's Shop on etsy.com

Shades of Yellow in the Center

Yellows of all shades and hues seem to be the color of the season. I just love this yellow center piece on Martha Stewart - yellow begonias, multiple shades of ranunculus and white garden roses.

How long should an engagement be?

The average couple in America is engaged for 16 months, according to ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants).  But whatever length of time you choose, the planning process is comprised of two major categories - the booking of vendors and the final coordination of the day & its details.  And there are pros and cons with a short engagement or a long one.

Long Engagement

The advantages of having a longer engagement (over a year) really only occur if you get a jump start on your planning. Having a longer engagement means you can basically have first pick of your favorite vendors, since many popular contractors are booked well in advance. And booking over a year in advance will also allow you to book the venues in the month that you and your fiance desire. Once your vendors are booked, you will have a nice stretch of time in the middle for non-wedding planning free time. You will also have more time to save for a few extras and custom details you may want to add.  That being said, you have more time to rethink your options and may end up spending more money to change previous decisions. 

Short Engagement

A short engagement also means a less time to plan.  The two parts, booking and organizing, become condensed into one timeframe. You will generally find yourself concentrated on the four different items that your guests will notice the most. This list includes, the wedding gown, food, entertainment and decorations. Many smaller customized details will be left out . (ie monogrammed hand towels - that honestly your guest won't remember anyway.) And since these extra details are generally left out, this will help save on your budget (or allow you to deligate that money to another area).  If you choose a shorter engagement, it is very important to write a detailed list of all the components that are most important to your wedding day. Start with the absolute must-haves and work your way down to the little extras. Be realistic on your timeframe & always overestimate the time it takes to have that task completed. IE Do you really have enough time to have a custom gown made? 

So whichever you & your fiance choose, remember to stick to your budget, be realistic on the time frame (by over estimating on both) Your engagement should be an exciting time and not a stressful one. So if finishing school exams collides with the wedding day then it may be best to push the date back. Or if you just can't wait to be married to your best friend - then go for it! And remember have fun!  

Daily Inspiration

OK so I was poking around Martha Stuart Weddings & looking for a little DIY project to test out this weekend. And I came across this cake & just had to share. They consider this 'rustic modern'. i think it's adorable. (if a cake could be adorable?)

Birds & Bubbles; Rings and Cake

Many times at weddings, we observe traditions that very little of us actually know the meaning of. We release doves or butterflies after saying 'I do',  toss birdseed or rice as the newlyweds exit the ceremony and watch as the couple cuts and shares the first piece of cake. We know this is traditional. We know it's pretty and often makes for great photo opportunities.  But how many of us know the significance behind any of this?

Something Old, New Borrowed & Blue

This is a very common tradition that dates back to the Victorian era.  Even being a wedding photographer, I never knew the meaning to until I did a little bit of research. The 'something old' is a way to honor the bride's family & their bond. The 'something new' represents her new life & bond with her husband. And the 'something borrow' is to be from another happily married woman as a way to pass on the happiness to the new bride. 'Something blue' represents fertility.

Release of White Doves

Doves throughout history have been a symbol of love, peace, purity, unity, faithfulness and prosperity.  They mate for life. They choose one partner and are committed until death. ('til death do you part'). It is said that to see doves on your wedding day, a happy home is certain. To release doves is a representation of the love and commitment that a couple makes to each other on their wedding day.

Butterfly Release

American Indian legend states that if someone desires a wish to come true, they must first capture a butterfly and whisper the wish to it.  Since a butterfly makes no sound, he cannot reveal your wish to anyone but the Great Spirit. As gratitude for grating the butterfly his freedom, the Great Spirit grants the wish.  As a part of a wedding release, guests are asked to for all their best wishes for the couple to be granted.

The First Kiss

A seal of the couples union together & sharing of their souls. Romans believed 'the kiss' officially sealed the union for life.

This Ring

Most believe this tradition dates back to ancient Egyptian culture. Egyptians believed the vein of love ran through the third finger on the left hand and straight to the heart. The ring exchange unites the hearts together.

Birdseed Tossed

Throwing things at a newly married couple dates back to ancient Rome and Egypt. (maybe even older) This is a symbol of good luck to the couple & represents abundance and fertility.  Seeds are a symbol of plentiful crops. A seed being a representation of something small that grows into something much large.  To shower with rice is an American custom. Italians toss sweets and sugarcoated nuts for a sweet marriage. Moroccans toss figs & dates for a fruitful union. Korean tradition is for the bride's father to toss red dates for fertility.   So whether you toss rice (which btw is a myth that it harms birds. Birds do eat rice in the wild.)  or birdseed, dates or confections - this is a great way to involve your guests in your wedding ceremony.

Cut the Cake

This tradition dates back to the Romans. They believed that eating a piece of cake together created a bond between the couple. Wheat to bake the cake represents fertility. And fruit & sweet icing brings sweetness to the couple's life together.

Wedding Flowers

Knights of  Medieval times wore the colors of his wife through flowers. And the bouquet & flowers in the hair and around the bride is an expression of good luck and helps the bride express her love to her groom. Different Flowers carry different meanings. (Which I will save for another article.) 

So now you know! And depending on your own couple style, you can choose which traditions you would like to honor in your own ceremony. 

Traditional vs Modern Wedding

I've been thinking a great deal about the word 'traditional' verses the word 'modern' when it comes to weddings.  There seems to be a stigma attached to the word, 'traditional'.  I know when I think of that word, I think of old and dusty photos with stiff over-posed couples, much like weddings appeared in the 1940's and 1950's.  I think stiff lace and suits with bow ties.  I think black & white.
  When I think about the word, 'modern',  I think fresh & new, sleek & clean.  I think metropolis and vogue magazine - Sex In the City fashion. I think color.
  And then I am torn between the two. I love my collection of old family photos of my grandparents wedding, all worn and yellowed with age. I love lace & tulle.  I love simplicity. I love black & white!  I love freshness and color too!

So how do we melt the two together?  

How do we honor the traditions of our family's past with the digitally-enhanced new?

   There are many simple ways to do this. For example, you can choose the wear your grandmother's wedding gown or mother's veil. (whether you choose to wear it as-is or have a trusted seamstress alter the gown for a more modern cut to fit your body type that is up to you.)  You can present a slideshow of old family wedding photos during your cocktail hour for your guests to watch.   You can host a special traditional dance to a new version of the song.  Or you can simply wear family heirloom set of pearls with your ultra modern gown.

There are also several time honored traditions that are associated with weddings. Each couple is different. 

We want to hear from you about your blend of traditional with modern; old with new.So don't be afraid to tell us here at the Artful Bride all about your own traditions whether they be time-honored or a new one you just started! You can post a comment or email with photos to artfulbride@gmail.com