To Thine Own Self Be True

If there is only one thing I want to leave with you through this blog, it is the hope that you cherish your own style and be yourself. Too often I see brides that try to create a wedding that is contrary to who they are and end up being dissatisfied.

So what bride are you? Vera Wang has a fantastic inspirational section aptly titled Being the Bride. And don't worry brides - you need not be a "Vera Wang" bride to embrace the ideals. From the Traditionalist, Romantic, Modernist or Individualist, you'll find your own personal style.

Image via Vera Wang.

Oh Happy Day!

Oh the joys of being featured and mentioned with those you admire!

That's me, second from the bottom. Thank you so much InStyle!

Images via Instyle Weddings.

Sunny Days are Here to Stay

With winter in full swing, I thought I'd brighten up your days with a little bit of color and what better color to use than the new queen bee of the fashion world than yellow?

A few ideas for your spring wedding:

Fashionably Appropriate: from the new J.Crew wedding collection the beautiful Sydney dress. It's perfect for a rehearsal dinner or for your bridesmaids.

Citrus Surprise: a new trend I'm sure you will see in the wedding future - using fruit in centerpiece arrangements.

Guest of Honor: the simplicity of this 3.1 Philip Lim silk chiffon is simply stunning.

You're Invited: a bold colored invite inspired by the equally bold Viceroy Palm Springs.

All Wrapped Up: a canary yellow floral patterned wrapping paper offset by a light blue gives a distinctive feminine impression.

Click below to see/save/use the whole thing:

Images via J. Crew, Martha Stewart Weddings, Nordstrom, Jocey Bella Invites, and Whimsy Press.

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.