TBT | Wedding Throwback Thursday

It's Throwback Thursday on The 530 Bride!

TIMELESS-WEDDING-GOWN

Trends have changed a lot over the years when it comes to wedding gowns and accessories.   Although this look is from 1956, many of the current wedding gowns on the runway have similar elements.  Timeless is always in style!

Grace Kelly, in a gown by MGM costume designer Helen Rose, kneeling at the altar during her wedding at Saint Nicholas Cathedral to Prince Rainier III of Monaco in April 1956.  Image Courtesy of Brides.com

Pre-Wedding Fashion Ideas

Sure the wedding dress is important, but what should you wear for other pre-wedding fun like your engagement party or bridal shower, bachelorette party or even rehearsal dinner? Here is a few looks that could work for any of these events.

Casual Bride by venns featuring a sleeveless peplum top

Pre-Wedding Attire by venns featuring a silver necklace

The Maxi Dress by venns featuring a pink heart necklace

The Cost of Being a Bridesmaid

It is always an honor to be asked to be a bridesmaid or maid of honor in a wedding.  Being by the side of your good friend or family member when they stand at the altar on their big day and sharing in the journey to get there is pretty special!  All of that aside, it does come with some expenses.  We found an infographic on the web aimed to breakdown some of those costs:

Image courtesy of Dimespring.com

Couples should try to keep these figures in mind when planning the involvement of their wedding party and make sure to communicate with everyone in their party to ensure that the expenses are not a hardship for anyone.  Being open to cost alternatives makes the experience better for everyone, a $200 bridesmaid dress may not be doable for some so its good to consider choosing a color and material and allowing the bridal party to find a dress that fits their style and their budget.

Are you a bridesmaid in a wedding?  Take our poll on the expenses of being in a wedding: [yop_poll id="4"]

Have You Branded Your Wedding Yet?

The days of having to trying to piece together corresponding wedding items that match your color and style are coming to an end.  In comes the trend of branding your event so that the design is exclusively yours while keeping things cohesive across the board. If you are unfamiliar with this trend, you are in for a treat because we have invited our local branding expert Carey Galliani from The Idea Emporium to "school us" on what it all means!

How did branding become a trend in weddings? Like most traditions, weddings have evolved over the years.  When our grandmothers got married they wore white dresses and carried flowers and were in love.  When our mothers got married they took those customs and added some personality in the form of a set of colors that would make appearances throughout the celebration.  When our sisters got married the wedding environment changed once again with the popular addition of a theme or motif (if you’ve attended a wedding in the last year odds are pretty good it featured purple, mason jars, burlap or peacock feathers- the largest trends of 2012).  And now we stand on the precipice of the next big thing to introduce itself into the wedding world…event branding.

Okay, what is branding exactly? Branding in the business world is a term you may already be familiar with.  It’s the biggest ambassador of a business, more than a logo it’s the face of a company.  A well-rounded brand includes at least one logo, a carefully crafted color palette and specifically outlined typefaces (or fonts) all of which used together create the brand.   Each piece of collateral produced for the company  (product, promotional pieces, business cards, packaging, etc.) features the company’s “face”.  So how does this apply to your wedding?

What does it mean to brand a wedding? As any bride or groom can tell you there are a million tiny pieces that go into a wedding.  The big stuff you’ve been warned about; the flowers, the linens, the rentals… but what about the tiny touches?  This is where custom event branding can take your wedding to the next level. Event branding ensures that all of the bits and pieces, from the table numbers to the thank you cards and from the invitation to the cocktail napkins & matchbooks are cohesive, impressive, and most importantly say something about you.

“In a world of mass production, wouldn’t it be nice for your wedding to be a breath of fresh air that looks and feels like an authentic representation of your relationship?” explained Carey Galliani, owner of wedding design company, The Idea Emporium.  “Custom branding gives our clients the opportunity to show their personalities through their event details.  This year I had the opportunity to design a dinosaur theme wedding.  White roses, calligraphy and tuxedos are beautiful, but wouldn’t be a fit at all for that couple.  So we took the dinosaur inspiration and ran with it bringing in sophisticated prehistoric touches that were a true representation of the couple.  The best part was hearing how “them” their wedding was and their guests felt the same.”

How do couples get started? Branding your wedding is a two-step process; the creation of the brand and the creation of the wedding pieces that utilize that brand. Just like a company, your brand will include a color palette (good news…you can have more than 2 colors), logo and typefaces.  It will also feature a monogram for you and your future spouse and graphic patterns to compliment the look.

What does wedding branding look like? Here are a few examples of a brand board for a couple that outlines their patterns, color palette, logo/mongram & typography or fonts, etc.

Brand Board Example #1

Pages from BRAND BOARD copy

Brand Board Example #2

Pages from Rusty and Christin Palm

Pages from Julia and Craig-Design Board

Brand Board Example #3 Your wedding logo may make its appearance on your invitation, welcome signage and ceremony program.  Whereas the monogram will make its way onto things like menus, favor packaging.  The patterns and graphic elements designed within your brand are great for items like envelope liners and table runners.  These are also perfect for party favors.  Lets face it, a shot glass with your name on it is cute, but a shot glass in mint and white stripes with the white peony printed on it is something a guest will truly want to keep…which is the point of a favor anyway right?

Long story short, if you want your wedding to be cohesive and riddled with perfectly harmonious details then event branding is the way to go.

For more information about the Idea Emporium, and how to get started contact Carey today:

The Idea Emporium  www.theideaemporium.net or follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theideaemporium 

Invitations: Set The Tone

Finding an invitation that matches your overall theme and vision for your event is sort of like finding your dress, ( when you know, you know.)  Invitations give your guests the information they need in order to make plans to attend & guests will also be getting a sneak peak about what to expect at the event.  Save The Dates can tie in with your overall theme & stationery or you can think outside the box with the style to really have fun with it.  Here are a few styles that could set the tone for your big day! 1. This elegant design ties in any chalkboard elements you may be using and could easily fit in with a DIY/Rustic wedding or and elgant affair.  Very versatile & fun!

A Chalkboard Marriage Wedding Invitations from: Minted

2. Lighthearted

Pink Primrose Wedding Invitations from: Minted

3. Turning the expected into the unexpected!

Vintage Typography Poster Save the Date Cards from: Minted

4. Elegant

French Vintage Wedding Invitations from: Minted

5. So Ombre!

Ombre Stripes Save the Date Cards from: Minted

6.  Wedding Gram meets glam, just add a metallic envelope and done!

WeddingGram Wedding Invitations from: Minted

7. Seedpack Invites  will match with your garden or eco themed event

Seed Packet Wedding Invitations from: Minted

8. Who doesn't love Tiffany Blue? Bookbinder Wedding Invitations from: Minted

9. Proud to Serve Air Force Salute Wedding Invitations from: Minted

10. Keep it simple, all we need is love Picnic Basket Wedding Invitations from: Minted

Whether you have custom invitations made, use a retail company or DIY your stationary we know that the options are endless!  If you need assistance with invitations, wording, rsvp tracking & more we are here to help.

Where did you fall in love with your invitations? Leave us a comment here to gush about your stationary crush! ___________________________________________________ *The 530 Bride is an affiliate member of Minted.com*

A Bride's Something Blue

Chances are you have heard the phrase, "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue." There are many great articles about the originations of this phrase, but one of the most concise articles is found here. In a nutshell: something old connects the brides family and the past and offers continuity in her future; something new represents hope and good fortune in the couples future; something borrowed is usually an item lent to the bride from a happily married mature women (mother, grandmother, etc.) to share her happiness, good fortune and joy with the bride; and something blue symbolizes love, purity and faithfulness. This tradition may or not may be for you, and is absolutely not a predictor of your future married life, but it can be fun to incorporate the past, present, and future, and can provide a great memory and photographs. Below I have put together a few fun ideas for incorporating  "something blue" into your wedding:

1. Shoes. There are many ways to have something blue on your shoes: rock all blue shoes, add some blue bling to the bottom of your shoe, or add a blue shoe clip.

2.  Nail Polish. Light blue, dark blue, teal, aqua, solid, striped, dots, ombre, glitter - any shade of blue or style works!

3. Bridal Bouquet. Add a bedazzled blue broach or blue bouquet charm, or have a  whole bouquet of blue or add just a splash of blue with an accent flower.

4. Jewelry. Earrings and Necklaces and Bracelets and Rings and Brooches - oh my, the possibilities are endless. Jewelry can also double as your "something borrowed," "something old," or "something new."

5. Garter. Any amount of blue will do - a light splash of color or  solid blue.

6. Hair Accessories. Accentuate your hair with blue clips, pins, headbands, or a blue flower.

7. Wedding Dress. No, no - don't worry, I do not mean a blue wedding dress - just add some fun colorful accents to your dress. Embroider your wedding date, add a pop of blue in a sash, add a monogrammed label, or take something old and blue and sew it into your new dress.

**Some other ideas you may enjoy**

Wipe away your tears of joy with a blue handkerchief.   Add a sweet blue note to your grooms tie. Wear blue undergarments. Add a touch of blue to a clutch. Blue ring holder. And hey, if blue isn't your color - there is always a perfume- hey, it's your party, and you can do whatever you want to do!

Posted by Alisha Rouland, Event Coordinator with The 530 Bride

DIY Inspiration

Searching for DIY Resources and Inspiration?  Check out some of these awesome projects on the web! http://justsomethingimade.com/jsim-diy-projects/

http://blog.idoityourself.com.au/2010/09/freebie-cherry-blossom-wishing-tree.html

http://www.betsywhite.com/flightsoffancy/2009/06/diy-download-cello-bag-labels/

http://sprinklesinsprings.com/2012/12/diy-twinkle-star-bobby-pins.html

http://www.ispydiy.com/2012/04/my-diy-heart-ring.html

http://www.ispydiy.com/2012/09/home-diy-metallic-circle-pillow.html

http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/easy-centerpiece-clusters/6

http://www.oncewed.com/514/diy-wedding/decorations/rustic-wedding-cake-stand/

http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/diy-glass-magnets/

Do you have a favorite DIY project? Share links here!

The Topper

Wedding Cakes have transformed from a fancy dessert to the focal point of the evening, (besides THE dress!) If you have seen shows like Cake Boss, or Cake Wars you know the design ideas are endless.  A cake topper is the finishing touch, accenting the cake design and even show a little flair of your personalities.  Here are a few different spins on the cake topper, which one fits your personality? 1. Traditional or Personalized "Wedding Couple" toppers Photos Courtesy of www.weddingstar.com

2. Floral - Fresh Flowers, Icing Floral Designs Photos Courtesy of www.marthastewartweddings.com

3. Paper Cake Toppers Photos Courtesy of www.eventsbychloe.com, and www.papermoss.com

4. Monogram Topper Photos Courtesy of www.weddingcuts.com and www.roxyheartvintage.com

5. Love Bird Topper Photo Courtesy of weddingwallpaper.net and bridalwave.tv

Happy Planning!

Style Trend: The Birdcage Veil

As the vintage theme gets more popular, we have started to see more ways to mix the old with the new.  One great vintage piece in particular has caught our eye; the birdcage veil.  Compatible with many different wedding gowns and hairstyles, the bird cage veil is a great accessory for your big day.  Brides, keep in mind that this look also works really well for bridesmaids as well and can be made in any color.

For all of the DIY Brides out there, check out a DIY tutorial for making your own Bird Cage Veil.  Complete with step-by-step directions and photos, you are sure to have no problems creating your perfect Bird Cage Veil.  Click here to read the article on www.weddingchicks.com.

Wedding Hairstyles

Whether you have short, medium, or long hair you have probably spent a lot of time thinking about how you would like to wear your hair on your wedding day.  If you plan on having a professional hairstylist or a friend do your hair, you should try to narrow it down to a couple different styles. Set up a trial with this person so that you can test out the different styles, and so that the stylist can get used to working with your hair.  If you have curly or extremely fine hair, the stylist will need to prepare by having the right products and pins etc to make sure everything goes smoothly on your big day.

Plan on bringing a veil even if it isn't the veil you will be wearing on your wedding day.  This gives you the opportunity to see the different options you have with your veil and see what feels the most comfortable and secure.

If you are considering using hair extensions, the trial would be a good chance for the stylist to determine the length and how many extensions they will need to complete your look.  Sally's Beauty Supply has an affordable selection of hair extensions of many different colors.

When considering if you should wear your hair up or down, make sure to think about the time of year if you are going to be outside.  If its the middle of August and its hot outside, you might not to have your hair down because you may get overheated. If its fall weather and there is a possibilty of wind you may want to have your hair secured in an up-do to avoid your hair being in your face for your wedding photos. 

You can add accessories like hair pins, clips, feathers or rhinestones to add a little drama to your ensemble, it's your day afterall!

To veil..or not to veil...

When you picture a bride, do you think of a woman in a white dress with a veil and a bouquet of flowers?  

Although there are many different variations of wedding traditions among different cultures, It is fair to say that most people still associate a bride with a flowing white veil.

Traditional, but not a mandatory accessory these days because times have changed; but where did this tradition come from anyway?

We have consistently found evidence of veils being worn as early on in Europe as the time of the Crusades. At a time of arranged marriages, the groom would often be seeing his bride for the first time when he lifted her veil.

Veils were used as a symbol of virginity and purity for brides given to their mates. Through the years the veil styles have changed somewhat dramatically.

Veils come in many different lengths, from single up to three tiers (layers) and can be anywhere from short blusher veils to floor length or cathedral length which is up to 120 inches long.

In addition to a veil many brides also wear a headpiece such as a tiara, headband or clips.  Depending on the hairstyle you choose for your wedding day, you have a lot of options for how you want to wear your veil if you decide to wear one.

For more helpful info on veils, or custom veils online checkout http://www.veilubridal.com/.

Tell us what you think about this topic by taking our poll!

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