Golden Girls and Golden Boys

I love the red carpet during the awards season - it gives you so many wonderful fashion ideas to think about and the possibilities of translating those ideas for weddings.

And the winner is . . .

Images via WireImage.com.

Fab Frocks Friday: Wear your Heart on your Sleeve

Red roses and a box of chocolates may be a tried and true favorite, but nothing says "I Love You" quite like this fancy free number from Marc Jacobs.

I only have two questions: 1) What daring girl will wear this delightful dress? and 2) Does this come in my size?

Images via Net-a-porter.

All's Fair in Love and War

I know this may sound cheesy, but I'm excited to see Bride Wars. Here's a sneak peak at a few scenes from the movie. Can I just say I am loving Kate Hudson's Vera!

Images from Fox via IMDB.

The Shape of Things to Come

What will tomorrow bring? I've always loved weddings because it gives us a moment to reflect on the joy of the past and the hope for the future. What better way to honor this idea than incorporating elements of both into your wedding?

Here's to the past, present and future:

The Black and White Party: the history of NYC's National Academy Museum and the wedding trends of today come together to create a stunning reception from the latest issue of Modern Bride.

A Modern Day Grace Kelly: everything old is new again with this beauty from Rosa Clara. Structured volume is reminiscent of yesterday while hidden side pockets bring it totally up to date.

Reception Details: start a new tradition by bringing in the unexpected. Anemones, black lacquered lamps and stemware sure do the trick!

You're Invited: this invitation from Bernard Maisner Calligraphy & Fine Stationary symbolizes a tradition handed down from generation to generation.

Cocktail Hour: look effortlessly chic in Moschino Cheap and Chic's nod to the past.

Taking the Cake: the Little Venice Cake Company sure hits the sweet spot with these darling individual camellia cakes. Alternating black and white provides the finishing touch.

Images via Modern Bride, Rosa Clara, Net-a-porter, Little Venice Cake Company.

Amazing Lace

Be it Alençon, Chantilly, Battenberg, Guipure, Belgium Princess Lace, or Macramé,what can be more romantic than a dreamy lace wedding gown?

Nothing says bridal as much as a beautiful lace wedding gown. A touch of Chantilly is sweetly dainty, a full Macramé shows you are bold and daring, an Alençon conveys maturity and sophistication, and a full beaded lace tells me you want the best of both worlds.

Duchess Satin, you're beautiful, but I'll take a lace wedding gown any day!

Images via Rosa Clara, Pronovias, and Brides.com.

Dollars and Sense

In a world where money matters are at the top of everyone's worries, the cost of a wedding can make managing even the most complicated hedge funds seem like a piece of cake.  Fret not dear reader!  Whether planning a grand affair at the St. Regis or a shabby chic party in the rose gardens, a wedding budget is essential to both your sanity and your wallet.

Here is a general budget of where the money goes.  Keep in mind that you should spend your money on is what matters most to you.  

Ceremony: location fee, officiant fee, marriage license, music, accessories . . .2%

Reception: venue, food and drinks, rentals, cakes . . . 48%

Attire: wedding gown, headpiece, veil, shoes, hair and beauty groom's tuxedo or suit . . . 12%

Photography and Video: photographer, videographer, prints and albums . . . 12%

Flowers: bouquets, boutonnieres, ceremony flowers, centerpieces, venue décor . . . . . 9%

Stationary: invitations, response cards, thank you notes, postage, calligraphy, guest book . . . 5%

Music: ceremony musicians, cocktail-hour musicians, reception entertainment (band, DJ, or sound system rental) . . . 8%

Transportation: transportation for wedding party, guest shuttle and/or parking attendants . . . 2%

Gifts: bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, welcome baskets, favors . . . 3%

Wedding rings: his & hers, engraving . . . 3%

Martha Stewart (what would we do without her?) has a great online wedding budget tool that not only keeps your expenses organized, but also breaks everything down for you. And she includes a industry averages link so you know what to expect. Make sure to have a copy or two on hand when you visit your vendors so you know where you stand.

Fab Frocks Friday

It's Fab Frocks Friday - try saying that three times fast!

I'm starting a new segment here at The Cinderella Project - each Friday I'll be showing a few new dreamy, darling, statement making dresses that I think will be perfect for all your wedding related events and beyond.

Whether you are the guest or the bride, I'll be searching high and low, near and far for the perfect thing to wear to the engagement party, bridal brunch, or rehearsal dinner.

These pretties come from the girls at Thread Social and with a fashion pedigree that includes Vogue, Chanel, and Barneys New York, they sure know what they are doing. All I have to say is "Keep them coming!"

Click here to check out more from their Resort Collection.

Images via Thread Social.

Everything is Coming Up Roses

Good morning 2009! What exciting adventures will you have in store for us?

As you know, today is the 120th Tournament of Roses in the fair city of Pasadena, CA. Growing up near the area, I got to participate in all the pageantry and excitement. I was lucky enough to grow up in an area where the floats passed by my house every year. It became a family tradition for us to stand outside and watch the floats go by.

Even more exciting was after the all the public viewings, when the floats would return to be dismantled, the ever so wonderful float operators would let us pick all the flowers we wanted from the floats.

Sadly, I didn't make the Royal Court (made it to the final 75) and never got to wave to the crowds with my princess gown and tiara. But I do think I'm more than making up for it now!

Gentle reader, will you be watching the parade this year? Now that I am more aware of the different types of flowers I realize how informative the commentators with all their explanations of the various flowers not to mention the new ideas you can incorporate into your wedding - that spray of phalaenopsis orchids will look just divine along the aisle.

So if you no plans other than doing some wedding planning and reading this blog, take a moment to play a little Where's Waldo with the Rose Parade and see how many flowers you can spot or which ones you are using in your wedding. You'll be impressed with how much you know!

Image via Tournament of Roses.

Ringing in the New Year

A New Year's Eve wedding is full of meaning - not only are you celebrating the coming of the New Year but also the start of your new life.

I've always felt that the NYE wedding requires something a little more different that the normal wedding, where glamour reigns supreme. How about having your guests feel like they were coming to a fabulous event and have them dress up in their prettiest party dresses. And not to be outdone, let your bridesmaids wear their favorite LBD. Everyone will look amazing, and be in a non-cheesy festive spirit.

Let's make a toast to celebrating in style!

Images via chickdowntown.com.

Resolutions and Guest Relations

We're a few days from 2009, but that doesn't mean we can't start making a few etiquette resolutions for what will most likely be a busy social whirl of weddings to attend to in the coming year.

For the Bride

I can pretty much sum up the golden rule of etiquette for the Bride to be: don't be a Bridezilla! Yes you are special, but that doesn't entitle you to boss around your friends and family like they are your servants. I shudder at the horrors!

For the Guests
Here are a few tidbits on courtesy and thoughtfulness that will prevent you from making any social faux pas and have the bride and groom grateful to have you there.

Respond in a timely manner: give the bride and groom one less thing to worry about by RSVP as soon as possible. The couple have a lot to plan (seating arrangements, catering, seats, tables, etc) and can't do anything until they know how many guests will be in attendance.

Get there early: weddings are not the time and place to be fashionably late, especially at the ceremony. I would be so upset with myself if I were to miss my dear friends saying their vows. After all, you're not there just to drink the alcohol and eat their food!

The Ceremony: leave the pictures to the professionals and avoid disrupting the ceremony by not taking any pictures of the ceremony with a flash camera.

The gift of giving: if you are invited to a wedding, but cannot attend, it is still customary to send a gift. Also, the couple's registry should have a mailing address to ship to so they don't have to worry about taking care of any packages at the end of the night. And if you wait until the very last minute, don't worry, you still have a year to send a gift.

One isn't always a lonely number: most couples will specify if you are allowed to bring a guest by including your name and guest on the addressed invitation. If not, do not assume you can bring a guest or call the bride or groom if it is okay to bring a guest. Receptions, especially, can be a costly affair, but don't worry - I went to a wedding without a +1 and sat with a delightful group of people. Think of the opportunities to meet new people and getting to know the special people in the bride and groom's life.

Everything in Moderation: no one ever wants to be know as that guest so keep your alcohol intake to a minimum. Yes, the open bar is tempting, but the embarrassment and not to mention rudeness should dissuade you from any undesirable behavior.

Image via Fete.