Eco-friendly or “green” living has become much more important in many areas of our lives over the last few years. From hybrid automobiles to energy saving appliances, from organic shopping to natural alternatives - as we become more aware of the effect our choices have both on our own health and the world around us, many of us are choosing to pay more attention to how we live our lives.

In recent years, brides have begun to take notice as well, and green or eco-friendly weddings are becoming quite popular. Many brides have decided that they want to be sure their special day is a true celebration, not a damaging one - and as a result, the bridal industry has responded with an ever growing selection of products and resources that are both eco-friendly and chic as well.

For the bride on a budget, here are a few eco-chic and affordable ideas for you:

• Choose a venue where you can host both your reception and your ceremony. This not only cuts down on travel between locations, but will probably save you money as well.
• There are many paper products involved in wedding planning, and it is one area with much potential for cutting back on both expenses and paper waste. For example: a seating chart poster uses less paper and costs much less then escort cards. A phone and/or email RSVP cuts back on the need for rsvp cards, envelopes and shipping! Gorgeous recycled paper invitations are also a great option.
• A daytime wedding not only cuts back greatly on the amount of electricity you use (lighting, etc), but is also generally more affordable as well.
• While organic food may not always be cheaper, a light lunch reception opens the possibility to choose organic, local foods without spending a fortune.
• Common flowers are not only more affordable then exotic florals, but if exotic florals often need to be shipped in from much further distances, meaning more travel, more emissions.

If you’re planning a eco-chic wedding, here are a few great finds for you to check out!

Photos #1 & 2 Courtesy of Conscious Clothing

Photos #3 & 4 Courtesy of Twisted Limb Paper

Photos #5, 6, & 8 Courtesy of Plant A Memory

Photo #7 Courtesy of Beau Coup

Photos # 9,10 & 11 Courtesy of Real Green Weddings

Photo #12 Courtesy of Fake The Cake

Green Weddings | 3 Comments »

Each year, the Milan fashion show debuts new trends in bridal wear that never fail to become the next big thing. One of the hot looks in this years runway collections was the Grecian Goddess look. Empires waisted gowns with soft, flowing skirts - these gorgeous gowns are often perfect for a semi-formal, informal or destination wedding. For today’s trend watch - take a look at these amazing designer gowns currently available on eBay.

My Favorite is this Private Label By G gown gown with amazing beaded detailing on the bust. This gown is never worn, originally purchased for a wedding that was canceled and is a size 6-8. And - it is currently listed at an unbelievable $89!!!! Lots of great pictures of the actual dress included in the listing as well.

Another great find was this size 12 Maggie Sottero gown that is currently listed at $59! This one was purchased early in the wedding planning stages and then the bride decided she wanted Ivory instead of white. It hasn’t been worn other then to try it on.

My favorite eBay seller, the wonderful Your Dream Dress, also has some great designer steals available including: a brand new $2200 Manual Mota “Cassandra” gown for $1150, a brand new $3000 Monique L’Huillier “Zoe”gown for $950, a new $3000 Manual Mota “Claudia” gown for $1450 and a new $2800 Carolina Herrera 35310 gown for $1195.

The Real Deal | No Comments »

Diamonds have been a symbol of engagement and marriage for many decades already. Diamonds are also glamorous, luxurious and elegant. So it should come as no surprise that a diamond theme makes for a very luxurious, elegant wedding theme.

Of course, using real diamonds in your decor would take a budget most of us can only dream of - but that doesn’t mean you can’t have the look on a decent budget.

• Instead of real diamonds, look for rhinestones, crystals, glass, etc.
• Choose plenty of white and silver accents to really bring out the sparkle as well.
• Crystal chandeliers are another great way to pump up the sparkle. If your venue doesn’t have them, many decor rental places now offer them as a rental option as well.
• Mirrors are another great way to up the sparkle as they will reflect both your sparkling “diamonds” and the light around the room.
• Silver and white glitter are also great, affordable ways to add sparkle to your decor. They can be used on your centerpieces, bouquets, etc.

Take a look at these diamond inspirations I found online this week.

Sources:

1. Forever Diamond Centerpiece from FavorAffair.com - 2. Diamond Ring Paper Weight from FavorAffair.com - 3. With This Ring Keychain from FavorAffair.com - 4. “Crown Jewel” Diamond-Shaped Tea Light Candleholder - 5. Joyful Gems Crystal Cake Topper - 6. Unknown - 7. Diamond Wedding Cake Design from You & Your Wedding - 8. Diamond Unity Candle Set - 9. Unknown - 10. Diamond Confetti found on Ebay - 11. High Society Diamond Bouquet Jewels found on Ebay - 12. Rose Bouquet with Jewels found on Ebay - 13. Guest Book from Paula’s Petal Pastries - 14. Hand Painted Wine Glasses from The Bare Foot Mosquito - 15. Diamond Accent Headband from Lila Juliet - 16 & 17. - Crystal Boutinneire & Bouquet from Rayvenwood Manor

Wedding Themes | 2 Comments »

The talent folks over at True Love Logos have agreed to help us help you plan your wedding by creating a custom wedding monogram for one of our lucky readers!

True Love Logos was created by the mother-daughter team at Firefly Creatives, LLC.

Alyson Stringer Steakley (the daughter) is the graphic designer at True Love Logos and Cheri Stringer (the mom) provides web design. Together they have almost 60 years of experience in graphic, print and web design.

They have a lovely selection of monogram selections.

True Love Logos has great Ideas For Using Your Custom Wedding Monogram

HOW TO ENTER

So, you’re probably wondering what you need to do to win a beautifully custom designed wedding monogram all your own, right?

To enter - join the Dream Weddings eNewsletter list below! One random subscriber will be picked to receive this fabulous prize!

CONTEST DATES

You will be able to enter this contest until Tuesday, September 30, 2008. The winner will be randomly chosen on Wednesday, October 1, 2008. The winner will have 3 days to respond or another winner will be chosen. Please make sure to include a valid email address or your entry will be disqualified.

Giveaways & Contests | No Comments »

Has it been your wish since you were a little girl to meet your Prince Charming, fall in love and get married?

If you’re planning your fairy tale wedding fit for - well, a princess then take a look at this inspiration board and see if it sparks your imagination!

Photos #1 & 2 Cinderella Gowns by Disney Bridal

Photos #5, 6, 7, 9 & 11 by Favor Ideas

Photo #3 Fairytale Wedding Shop

Photo #4 Invitations by Dawn

Photo #8 Wedding Fairytale Dreams

Photo #10 Cakes To Wed For

Photo #12 Final Touch Balloons

Considering a Cinderella Wedding at Walt Disney World? Disney Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons

Fairy Tale | No Comments »

One of the blogs I enjoy following is Parisian Party and this picture on their blog recently caught my eye:

Apparently, in France, it is a custom to give guests almond dragees as wedding favors, but you don’t have to be French to love this fabulous favor idea. It’s simple, it’s green and it’s extremely budget friendly! 30 minutes picking leaves at the park, a sharp knife, some chocolate covered almonds and a paint pen - VOILA.
(see Parisian Party for more detailed instructions).

These would look absolutely fabulous resting on the cloth napkin at each place setting, and you could use them as place cards as well if you wished.

DIY Weddings, Green Weddings | 2 Comments »

Butterfly themed weddings are obviously not a new trend, but they continue to be a staple in wedding planning themes each year. Butterflies are soft, feminine and generally gorgeous - so it makes sense that brides would see them as a wedding feature. What I love about butterfly weddings is the large variety of colors and seasons it can fit into. Fall? orange and black monarchs make a stunning wedding them. Winter? Take advantage of the glimmer and glitz of winter with silver butterflies. Spring? Pastels of course.

My favorite is the green handmade butterflies shown in the gallery below - Blush made an absolutely gorgeous style board that featured that particular butterfly earlier this year, check it out!

Here are a few of my current favorite butterfly wedding things. Sources are listed below:)

1. Handed Painted Butterflies from Eliza Fig  -   2. Butterfly Print Favor Boxes from HansonEllis  -   3. Butterfly Laser Cut Cupcake Holders from My Wedding Favors   -  4. Sasha Butterfly Hairpiece from Whichgoose   -  5. Butterfly Applique Gown from EarthBitch   -  6. Butterfly Veil from Honeycomb Veils   -  7. Sherry Hill Beaded Butterfly Gown from LaMonir   -  8. Butterfly Cake Topper from That’s My Topper   -  9. Butterfly Foot Jewelry from Fredrick’s   -  10. Vanessa Butterfly Tiara from Target.com   -  11. Butterfly Place Card Holders from Beau-Coup   -  12. Crystal Butterfly Pins from Emitations

Butterfly Weddings | 2 Comments »

A Is For Autumn

If you’re planning your wedding September-November why not consider an Autumn, Fall or Harvest theme?

The colors of Autumn lend themselves beautifully to a warm and welcoming day. There are so many rich shades that can be paired for a beautiful color scheme. Reds, Oranges, Yellows, Browns, Coppers, Creams and Tans would all be stunning color combinations.

I found an invitation in burgundy and orange that I fell in love with and decided to create an inspiration board around it.

I hope it sparks creativity as you plan your Autumn Themed Wedding.

You can find these wonderful items at the sites listed below.

Photo #1 Sassy Sunbursts Pocketfold Invitations by Joyful Heart Design

Photos #2-6 Dream In Color Collection by Alfred Angelo

Photo #7 Orange & Yellow Wedding Boquet Ideas from Better Homes & Gardens

Photos #8-12 Orange Crush Inspiration from Brides Magazine

Photo #13 Beth & Aaron’s Wedding from Chevy Chase, MD courtesy of Modern Bride Maryland

Photo #14 Kate & Chris’ Wedding in a Rustic Barn courtesy of Brides Magazine

Photo #15 Norah & Derek’s Brooklyn Botanical Garden Wedding courtesy of Brides Magazine

Autumn | No Comments »