Well Groomed

Spotted: Chuck Bass going all Edward Cullen on us on the last episode of Gossip Girl "O Brother, Where Bart Thou?" Though if it is one thing both Ed Westwick and Robert Pattison have in common, it's that they sure know how to rock a suit.

Which brings me to our next wedding topic: the Groom's attire. Long has the penguin suit been the bane of many a man's existence. We all know those guys that wear a suit jacket one size too big to appear larger or an ill fitting jacket that adds inches to their waist. Let's take a few notes from Hollywood's dapper dudes to see how its done properly.

You don't need to have the body of a male model, but you do want make sure the clothes fit your frame. An amazingly cut suit jacket and pants will make you look effortlessly updated. The looks above are "skinny suits" - they have a certain European cut and look to them that I personally think looks much, much better. My favorites are Tom Ford, Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, and Ralph Lauren and think they are well worth the investment as you'll be wearing it beyond the wedding day.

After all, who can resist a guy in a great looking suit?

A Recessionista's Reception

Who says you need an enormous budget for a fabulous fete? With the uncertainty of today's economic climate, more and more brides are finding creative and cost effective ways to make the wedding of their dreams into a reality.

This past weekend I helped throw a Holiday party for a couple of those near and dear to my heart. The table below cost under $100!

The Design: inspiration came to me as I was walking through my local 99 Cents store! They had these amazing silver and light blue Christmas ornaments in various sizes and shapes and after I saw them I knew I wanted to use them for something special. My girls and I scattered the large and small ornaments along the table and put the smaller ornaments in apothecary jars you can find at Michael's or in any clear large vase.

We also used some glittery bronze branches and feathers for a Marie Antoinette look and all found at Michael's. And because its the holidays they were on sale for 50% off!

Here's a tip - when on a budget, stick to a simple color scheme and buy a lot - this way you will have a definitive look to the party.

Floral Arrangements: I'm lucky enough to live within driving distance to the LA Flower Market and was able to purchase several dozen white roses to make my arrangements. I think that when the flowers look full and voluminous, it really creates a warm atmosphere to the occasion. Now you may be thinking - several dozen! that must be so expensive! But they only cost $25 !

I used a silver mint julep inspired vase and a clear vase lying around my house.

Tip: the freshest blooms are always going to be the most expensive. These roses were 3 - 4 days old, still fragrant and much less expensive! You'll have to prune a few of the older petals but it's still worth it! Not near a Flower Market? Try your local farmers market or using blooms that take up a lot of room like hydrangeas or carnations - just make sure to stick with one flower. For the vases if you don't have anything similar around your home, you can always cover the container with complimentary festive paper to complete the look.

Place Settings: our hostess V. supplied all the place settings and stemware (from her Tiffany & Co. Registry!) for the occasion and it really helped our budget. But if you have champagne tastes on a beer budget, stick with one color for the dinnerware - white is always the go to option. Ikea offers some affordable and contemporary choices.

Lighting Options: candlelight always makes any occasion infintely more romantic and intimate plus it makes everyone look great! We used V.'s Tiffanys crystal candlestick holders (given to her as a wedding present). V. has her own Ikea candle supply store in her garage so we were able to make do with those. We used plenty around the table and it really helped set the mood.

Tip: don't have a candle aisle in your own garage? Buy candle holders and tealights in bulk at Ikea. The investment is well worth it because you'll be using them again and again for future occasions.

Fashion Forward: we all decided to dress up and glam up for the dinner party and it was such a wonderful idea! It's amazing what a party frock will do for your confidence.

Here's to throwing a fabulous party with your friends to help kick off the whirlwind of your holiday social calendar!

Tiers of Joy

I think it's wonderful how bridal designers are pushing the envelope in wedding attire. Sometimes the design can be a miss, and sometimes, when everything is just right the a designer creates something so unique that it becomes an instant classic.

Monique Lhuillier is one of those designers that embodies this spirit. From the couture construction to the romantic laces and embellishments her designs are simply sublime!

Below are just a few of her layered wedding gowns that have made an impact on the bridal scene. Such is the splendor of one of these beauties that it will have you crying tears of joy!

Images via www.moniquelhuillier.com

Hello Winter!

Its that time again - when we gear up to celebrate that most amazing season of seasons.

For you winter brides, how I do envy you! What a plethora of design options to chose from: clean and classic winter white, chic silver and gold, bold black and white. Nothing seems too excessive for this festive time of year.

I'm kicking off the winter spirit by taking a trip to that mystical, magical land, Bergdorf Goodman.

A fabled place known only to the most savvy of Manhattan brides and fashion elite, Bergdorf's has got me in the holiday and wedding spirit with their amazing Christmas windows. Let's take a peek, shall we?

Thank you C. for being fabulously in the know!

Pretty Little Things

Did anyone catch the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show last night? All I can say is wow - one must give due to their amazing Art and Marketing Departments.

I especially liked the last runway design with the chandeliers and black/white/glitter combo - so decadant and what a bold look for a wedding! Here's an idea - if you're doing a nightime ceremony, what about adding glitter to the aisle? The lucite palm trees - such a novel twist on the beach side wedding.

And don't forget, VS now has their bridal collection available in stores and online. Now if only they would sell the actual costumes, then we're talking!

Images via WENN.

What Would Audrey Do?

When I find myself in a sticky social situation, I ask myself, "What would Audrey do?"

I feel in today's society we are becoming progressively more tolerant of what is deemed to be crass behavior and allowing others to comport themselves in unladylike behavior. Do you cringe like I do when I hear a curse word out of an otherwise lovely lady?

Weddings, it seems, allows us to go back to the genteel mannerisms of yesterday, when courtesy and graciousness rule the day. But why stop at the wedding? Why not take those lessons throughout our entire lives?

Here's a few books that I do hope you will be able to peruse through before the big day and beyond because it doesn't matter if you are a most beautiful bride in the world if the inside doesn't sparkle as well.

Emily Post's Etiquette, Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette, and A Guide to Elegance

So curl up with your a cup of hot tea, your best reading pearls and enjoy a weekend read for a lifetime of practice. After all, there's nothing old fashioned about having good manners!

Images via amazon.com.

Coming Full Circle

If you are like me, you love to see new and unique wedding ideas. One design idea that is quickly rising to the top of my list is the use of paper lanterns. There is just something about a properly used lantern that says "Hello, I'm stylish, but don't take myself too seriously!"

Here's some design tips on this bright idea:

Transform an ordinary space into a tastefully chic reception by using an assortment of paper lanterns. If your wedding is during the daytime, try using lanterns in the same tonal shades as your design palette for an extra punch of color. Having a night time soiree? Make sure to also include some LED lights to give the space a soft romantic glow.

Below are some inspiring receptions that will have your guest noticing how you thought outside of the box!

Images via www.marthastewart.com, www.rebeccathuss.com, www.instyleweddings, www.brides.com, LA Weddings, and www.feteny.com.

Work It Out

By now, the turkey with all the trimmings has been eaten, the pumpkin pie has been consumed and the stuffing has left you feeling, well stuffed.

Reader, if you're worried your thighs are going to look more like lumpy mashed potatoes rather than a toned turkey thigh do not fret - you still have at least a few more weeks before the big day.

But if you're one of the many brides that prefer to exercise to something more that a military style boot camp or a bland stair master, why not take a cue from that amazing champion Kristi Yamaguchi circa "Dancing with the Stars?"

Ever since I saw this I have promised myself to do this at my own wedding. What a wonderful way to have a first dance with the Mr. in your life. Now this good idea does require a little coordination on both your parts, but the results are well worth it!

And talk about an entrance making song - "The More I See You." I found a version by the old Hollywood throwback, Michael Bublé. Gosh that Michael Bublé sure knows what he's doing!

A Fall Ball

Gentle Reader, as we come to the end of Autumn, I'm taking us on one last walk in the Fall park.

One thing I've always wanted to incorporate is that nostalgic feeling we get as we remember the past and prepare for the coming change. And I think that is what weddings are all about, celebrating the past and present, celebrating two special people that found each other because the journey is just as important as the destination.

Reception: from The Knot, this amazing table incorporates rustic charm and city chic. Baby's breath and phalaenopsis orchids are arranged in bamboo containers on a bed of dahlias.

Wedding Dress: from Vera Wang, ivory strapless Chantilly lace gown with appliqué-lace bodice, and green velvet.

Ceremony: Preston Bailey creates a spectacular setting for the "I Dos" by bringing all that is lovely outside inside.

Cake Topper: these two lovebirds take the cake!

Invitations: Ceci NY makes some of the most amazing grand invitations and this one is certainly no exception.

Bouquet: Rosenow Floral, a San Francisco based florist created this lush Fall bouquet. Just be careful when you throw the bouquet!

I'll be back on Monday to dish about all things weddingish! I hope you have a wonderfully Happy Thanksgiving!

Images via: www.theknot.com, www.brides.com, www.prestonbailey.com, www.blissweddingmarket.com, www.cecinewyork.com.

Keep Your Friends Close and Your Anemones Closer

I believe that flowers really help set the tone of any wedding. Roses are a symbol of tradition, hydrangeas can denote a more laid back, casual event, and calla lilies can impart a chic, urban look.

One bloom that I'm quickly falling in love with is the anemone. They can make a classic bouquet of roses into a sophisticated art piece or make a cozy arrangement even warmer. With their big bold centers, these flowers are simply amazing.

Whatever the occasion, anemones are a great way to add an unexpected touch to your affair. And for your winter brides, the anemone is the perfect seasonal flower to use - just make sure to keep them close at hand because with flowers this pretty, those roses just may get a tad bit jealous!

Left to right: Takeshimaya New York, Fleurs NYC, The Knot, Art Fool, Fleurs NYC, Martha Stewart Weddings.