This spring and summer’s bridal gowns are all about the right to bare arms, and we support it! But bare doesn’t have to mean naked. At your wedding, Houston bride, those pretty arms and hands of yours are going to be on constant display (holding your bouquet, exchanging rings with your beloved, cutting the cake, etc., etc…). We recommend you dress your wrist appropriately, with a beautiful bridal bracelet that catches the light just so.
A couple of things to consider when choosing a bridal bracelet:
Matching is not required. Sure, you can select a coordinating set that includes necklace, earrings and bracelet. But it’s equally fine (and even a little more fashion-forward) to go with mismatched pieces, like chandelier earrings and a chunky, bejeweled bangle, or an Art Deco pendant and a filigree cuff.
Don’t get snagged. Make sure to take into consideration your gown material when choosing a bridal bracelet. If the skirt of your gown is tulle or lace, you may want to avoid gem-encrusted bracelets, and bracelets with sharp edges or catches, and instead stick with smooth bangle styles. If, on the other hand, your skirt is sleek satin or silk taffeta, you can get away with just about any bracelet construction.
Buy for the future. Choose a bracelet that you really love, and that you will want to wear over and over again. This may mean selecting something that complements your ring set, or an heirloom or vintage piece that makes an enduring statement, and that you can pass down to future generations. Your wedding-day jewelry is special, of course, but that doesn’t mean it has to be stuck in a safe or jewelry box once you’re wed.
OK, now for the fun part. Our best local jewelers offer a spectacular selection of bracelets from classic to ultra-contemporary, so drop in and try on a few styles.
Beyond Houston’s borders, here are a two more fabulous bracelet finds to tempt you:
Bride and press fave Tejani has a big, beautiful selection of bridal bracelets that are not just stunning, but surprisingly affordable, too. Among our most coveted styles is this 1½-inch-wide sterling silver, zircon and crystal bangle…but you can have your pick from bracelets grouped by categories including Daring, Dainty and Antique.
Tejani Bangle
On the edgier side, there’s Melinda Maria, whose statement pieces have won celebrity fans including Vanessa Hudgens, Anne Hathaway and Faith Hill. We’re crazy about the Infinity Pod Bangles, and slightly daintier Mini Pod Bangles. But with a drapey, stately goddess gown, nothing would be more beautiful than this lovely leaf bangle, don’t you agree?
We hear you, Houston bride: This wedding planning thing can be pretty stressful. Creating seating charts. Hounding guests who don’t RSVP. Houston’s fickle weather. Talk about things we’d just rather not deal with.
But as far as we’re concerned, some of this stress is inevitable, so your best bet is to seek out ways to have fun planning your wedding.
May we recommend a trip to Katie & Co.? This fabulous new shop serves up huge doses of style and fun in the form of stationery and, oh yes, wedding invitations galore.
Located in the über-hip Washington corridor, this airy shop radiates style from the red—yes, red!—chandelier hanging from the ceiling to the beautiful stationery lining the walls. Toss in the wedding stationery collection, and you can see why Katie & Co. has all the makings of a Houston bride’s guilty pleasure.
Katie & Co. Invitations
Owner Katie Hackedorn regularly goes to market to check out the hottest new wedding invitations, rehearsal dinner invitations, save-the-dates, thank you notes, programs, and just about every other piece of wedding-inspired stationary you could want. And without fail, she always returns with some ultra stylish and colorful finds. That includes tons of gorgeous letterpress designs by the likes of Spark Letterpress for those of you who want to apply that “something old, something new” adage to your invitations.
Katie & Co. Invitation Portfolio
The shop’s also always adding special offerings that Houston brides won’t find anywhere else. Case in point: These black velvet invitation portfolios made especially for Katie & Co. by Revelry Invitation Studio. Talk about making a statement with your invitations!
Katie & Co. Board
And your wedding stationery isn’t all you’ll find here. Katie & Co. also sells chic note cards and personalized stationery, gift items and candles. As paper loving addicts, we might be a little biased, but we think Katie & Co. has got some pretty fabulous gifts for those ultra hip, paper-loving bridesmaids of yours. And as an added bonus, they’ve even got some absolutely gorgeous paper for wrapping those sweet finds for your gals.
So what are you waiting for? Ultra fun one-stop wedding shopping and planning awaits!
We love the idea of injecting a little extra amusement into your wedding, don’t you? We’re not talking balloon animals and bouncy castles here (although, if that’s your bag, Houston bride, go for it!). We’re thinking about intriguing, unexpected, slightly more grown-up diversions.
For instance:
Magic on the Move
The strolling magician is a very cool cocktail-reception idea. Imagine a suave, debonair magician circling the room and stopping by cocktail tables. Guests don’t have to do much except maybe pick a card, any card, and enjoy the mystery and excitement of good, old-fashioned sleight-of-hand—and enjoy it they will, guaranteed.
Photo Booth
Fast becoming a reception favorite, the classic or digital photo booth gives guests a chance to make their own wedding memories. Throw in photo booth frames—these can easily double as place-card holders—and you’ve got a fun wedding favor, too! Ask your photographer for a booth rental referral.
Sweet Sensations
Another much-loved activity-favor combo is the custom candy bar. Stock your bar with your favorite childhood sweets, or match your candy colors to your reception palette. Supply guests with custom-monogrammed or imprinted bags, tins or boxes, and let them go to town!
Planning a warm-weather wedding? There’s something so nice about ice cream. Rare is the guest who’s not charmed by the make-your-own sundae bar or cone cart. Your wedding caterer can help you plan the perfect treat.
Late Night Fun
Planning to do a post-reception lounge or after-party? Consider featuring an authentic cigar-roller. If your groom, dad or dude friends are cigar fans, they’ll love the chance to watch a rolling pro do his thing—and enjoy the fruits of his labors, accompanied by a sophisticated postprandial libation, afterward (in the appropriate outdoor setting, of course).
For indoor late-night entertainment, nothing beats a little karaoke! Rent a setup, stock your song list with classic wedding tunes and your favorite hits, hire a karaoke MC, have your wedding coordinator set up a stage, and you’ve got the makings for YEARS of amusing wedding anecdotes. What could be better than that?
Just when you were beginning to wonder where all those divine designer trunk shows had gone…they’re back! That’s right, it’s trunk show season again in Houston, and we’ve got the scoop on the hottest upcoming shows in town.
First up, this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 18-20, Saison Blanche comes to Brickhouse Bridal, with its collection of stunning couture gowns. New designs include an ethereal silk organza ballgown with a handkerchief-tiered skirt and rose-appliqué bodice. Breathtaking! Take advantage of free style advice and, as always, a 15% discount off trunk show gown purchases.
Also at Brickhouse, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 19-20, are your dates for a not-to-be-missed Amsale Bridesmaids trunk show. If you’re in the market for maids’ wear, you must pop in to Brickhouse for a viewing of these chic (and very-rewearable) chiffon and taffeta dresses, available in a variety of lengths, in alluring hues like Flamingo, Rhubarb, Wisteria and Peacock.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 19-21, Maison de Mode hosts La Sposa, part of the world-renowned, Barcelona-based Pronovias Fashion Group. La Sposa bridal consultants will be showing a collection of regal, sophisticated gowns worthy of European royalty (and you, Houston bride). And, of course, there’s that 15% discount to entice you, as if those luxurious La Sposa gowns and Maison de Mode’s gracious hospitality weren’t enough.
Stay tuned for more trunk show announcements, and be sure to check Weddings in Houston’s regularly updated Shows & Events listings.
You’d never settle for the first guy you met. So why would you settle for the first engagement or wedding ring you see? After all, you and those rings are going to have a long, sparkly future together. Shouldn’t you wear a ring that screams your name? One that reflects your great taste and style?
That’s what we thought.
Whether you’re scoping out engagement rings (you know, so you can start dropping hints) or you’re looking for special wedding bands for you and your fiancé, we recommend a visit to Select Jewelers.
Wedding band from Select Jewelers
For more than a decade, this hometown favorite has been making Houston brides’ dreams come true. By bringing in diamonds and jewels from around the world, Select Jewelers offers Houston brides with some of the sparkliest and—dare we say—prettiest wedding and engagement rings around. More than a few of those are from the Hearts on Fire line, which sets the bar for perfection in diamond cuts. And if you need a necklace, bracelet, or earrings to wear with that gorgeous wedding dress of yours, this family-owned store offers plenty of irresistible options.
Men's wedding band from Select Jewelers
It’s not just the ladies who get lucky here, though. Select Jewelers also sells a variety of men’s diamond wedding bands. You know, in case your guy gets jealous that you get to wear all those pretty diamonds.
Of course, there are more gems here than meet the eye: From the moment you walk into Select Jewelers, you’ll receive personal attention and all the help you need to pick out or design that stunning ring your want. Even better: Select Jewelers offers some seriously fabulous deals, so you (or your honey) can save a little dough.
Trying to figure out how to thank your bridesmaids for all their love and support (not to mention for sweetly enduring your endless indecision about whither French-pleat or goblet-fan napkin folds, and graciously agreeing to wear sea-foam and spaghetti straps despite pale skin and ample arms, etc., etc.…)?
We’ve compiled some of our favorite ideas for you, and put ’em in this post!
Jean Picard, regular Weddings in Houston contributor and Master Bridal Consultant (that means the international Association of Bridal Consultants has designated her one of the very best in the biz), is a big fan of the pre-wedding bridesmaids tea. Check out her planning and décor tips, menu suggestions and expert tea-making tutorial right here.
We discovered Vivabox at a very cool gift show and just had to spread the word. Our past post on this lovely little gift concept gives all the details on how to choose a Vivabox for each bridesmaid (they’ve got manly ones for your groom’s dudes, too), how they work and where to buy.
Doing the destination thing? Have a look at these sweet silk cosmetics, brush and jewelry bags from Neiman Marcus. We love the vibrant colors and personalized-initial option, and your maids will love packing these for wedding-destination travel!
Whether you plan to wed in town or afar, these super-chic clutches are a perfect complement to any bridesmaid outfit (just check out the range of colors and patterns—amazing!), and a great gift from you to your gals.
Of course, every bridesmaid appreciates a little pre-wedding pampering. And what better way to relax and indulge with your maids than with a group spa outing? Treat your bridesmaids to a day of massage, mani-pedis and divine face/body treatments at one of Houston’s top spas, and you’ll come out smelling like a rose!
A little Greek goddess, a little Midsummer Night’s Dream, a dash of vintage elegance, a smidge of Cinderella and a LOT of detail, detail, detail. That’s the word on this season’s new crop of wedding frocks, Houston bride.
Whether you decide on a flouncy ballgown or an ethereal empire-waist column—both are big for 2010 weddings—the season’s best wedding dresses offer a bounty of truly extraordinary accents from handmade fabric flowers (Augusta Jones) to bodacious bows (Vera Wang) to zillions of organza pleats (Oscar de la Renta) to oceans of tulle (Jim Hjelm). And more.
These dresses are a lot of things…but slick and sleek they’re not. Neither is the new look in wedding-day hair.
Our favorite new wedding hairstyles are very feminine and very elegant but never ever fussy or stiff. Allow us to show you:
This year’s Golden Globes gals had the right idea about updos. Check out these sensational styles—formal and refined, but with a natural touch. Perfection.
Golden Globe Updos
Oh, Carrie, we’d love your hair even if you yanked it back and tied it with a sweat sock. Fortunately, you’ve got way more style than that. And this half-updo with side-combed straight bangs and rivers of soft curls is one we want to steal for our big day!
Carrie Underwood
Feast your eyes on this fabulous down-low updo with bangs. So graceful, so pretty, so perfect for showing off our lovely shoulders in our strapless ballgown… Gorgeous!
Black Hair Wedding Updo
Here’s another nape-level updo we love. Soft, pretty and special-occasion fancy when accented with seed-pearl, Swarovski crystal or other sparkly hair jewelry or accessories.
Nape Updo
As for braid styles, we can’t get enough of them. There’s an obvious wow-factor to these complicated-looking creations, but also an earthy, sensual sweetness that is a perfect complement to the season’s dreamy, fairytale gowns.
Braids
Like these looks? Got a lead on more examples? Let your sister brides-to-be know. Post your comments here!
We here at the Houston Wedding Blog love diamonds. Know what we love even more? FREE diamonds! That’s why we’re so excited about Whiteflash.com’s Valentine’s Day giveaway contest, which you can enter to win at celebrity style site Stylit.TV.
Here’s the scoop: Whiteflash is giving away two gorgeous diamond pendants, both created with “A Cut Above” conflict-free diamonds. These brilliant diamonds are cut so precisely that their facet reflections overlap, creating distinct heart-and-arrow patterns when seen through a special viewer. One lucky entrant will win the stunning “One Heart for Two” platinum-diamond pendant (worth $1,100!), and another will score the dazzling “Essence II” diamond pendant (worth $395!).
Check out this video for more details…and don’t forget to email a link to your fiancé!
Thomas Markle Jewelers may not be giving away bling, but your groom-to-be sure can pick up a little some’n some’n sparkly from TMJ—if you point the way. So drop a subtle hint that you wouldn’t mind, say, a Diamond Key Pendant from TMJ’s Thomas Markle Couture collection. Or casually mention that you’re a fan of the lovely Lagos Key Pendant (both come with a complimentary box of Godiva chocolates to sweeten an already yummy deal). He gets help figuring out what to give you on this all-important Valentine’s-Day-before-the-wedding, you get, you know, GORGEOUS JEWELRY, and we get to say we told you so! Smiles all around…
With Valentine’s Day coming up, we totally understand if you’ve got just one dessert on your mind right now, Houston bride—all that chocolate you’ll be eating on February 14, of course!
But we don’t blame you if you’re fantasizing about gorgeous towering cakes and debating fondant and buttercream. After all, what Houston bride (or wedding guest, for that matter) doesn’t love a great wedding cake?
We haven’t met any.
We have, however, met quite a few Houston brides—and wedding guests—who can’t get enough of the wedding cakes and other goodies at Three Brothers Bakery.
We can see why: For five generations, this family-run bakery has been whipping up some of Houston’s finest baked goods for bar and bat mitzvahs, family and corporate events, and oh yes, weddings. Though Three Brothers suffered some pretty serious damage during Hurricane Ike, they’ve rebuilt and are better than ever, giving brides a touch of personal attention you won’t find at many other places. Give them a picture of your wedding dress, your china pattern, or even the ballroom where you’re getting married, and Three Brothers will design your cake to match. Check out some of the cakes in the slideshow below:
Tell Three Brothers all about your fiancé’s most serious obsessions—oil, Houston Rockets basketball, Vegas—and they’ll create a groom’s cake so over-the-top that you might not want to eat it.
But you should! Every cake at Three Brothers is made-from-scratch and, oh, are they tasty! And if you or your guests keep kosher or need a dairy cake, this is the place to go.
The cakes aren’t the only reason we love Three Brothers, though. We also love this hometown bakery’s charitable ways. After Hurricane Katrina, Three Brothers’ owner Janice Jucker worked to get telecommunications equipment donated so that evacuees could track down their friends and family. And Jucker—herself a breast cancer survivor—is a big supporter of the Susan G Komen Foundation’s Houston affiliate. The bakery even sells pink ribbon cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.
So when Jucker—who runs the bakery with her husband Robert and his Aunt Estelle—was named Woman Business Owner of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners in October, we weren’t the slightest bit surprised. But we were very happy to see someone who’s helped give so much to Houston brides get a little something in return. You go, girl!
If you’re one of those lucky gals who just got a cool new iPhone this holiday season, take note: Your phone can do more than call, text, e-mail, shoot, guide, play, look up, add up, alert, inform and entertain. Why, that ingenious little handful of technology can help you plan your wedding, too!
Wedding-related iPhone apps abound—some made specifically for wedding planning, some just natural fits for the planning-mode bride—and, as with all apps, some are simply better than others. To help you decide which app is best for you, we’ve noted a few of our favorites:
iWedding Deluxe
This turnkey planning app (it replaces the earlier iWedding app) includes such handy features as a fully customizable to-do list, scheduler, auto or manual budget tracker, guest detail section, invitation status tracker, gift tracker and inspiration/ideas section. We’re big fans of the home screen Quickview Binder, which provides fast access to to-dos, notes, budget and photos.
iBridalGown
So many gowns, such a useful app! When you shop at a local bridal salon, enter detailed info on the gowns you’re considering—style, silhouette, fabric, price, etc.—along with notes on any special features or thoughts you might have about each gown (“very Audrey Hepburn a la ‘My Fair Lady,’” “better w/no straps?” “Brad’s gonna LOVE it,” etc.). Also lets you take and organize gown pix (first make sure the salon allows pre-purchase photos—many don’t).
Etsy Addict
The vintage craze is in full swing for 2010 weddings, and there’s no better place to find unique, handmade, vintage-inspired wedding fashion, accessories and décor than at that haven of all things handmade, Etsy. A mere buck buys you this awesome app, which lets you browse Etsy listings by category, view listing details including materials and price, and instantly grab limited-edition listings before another buyer beats you to it. A recent visit to Etsy turned up such fantastic finds as handmade wedding bands, gorgeous Art Deco jewelry and—so cool—wedding gowns from Project Runway Season 6 finalist Carol Hannah. If these sorts of handmade treasures appeal to you, get your hands on this app, pronto!
