Love Knot

Ideas

It’s one of the only wedding traditions that still makes sense in today’s society. It isn’t darkened by old superstitions about fertility and virginity or cheapened by old wives tales about the moon’s alignment. It’s just plain cute. If you can, try to select items that can be placed in your keepsake box and passed down to your daughter or daughter-in-law.

Old
The “old” item represents something you are leaving behind or something that is being passed down to you.

· Your grandmother’s wedding photo in a silver locket
· Your fiancee’s first lost tooth
· Your mother’s wedding band on your right ring finger

New
The “new” item represents something you are adopting through your marriage or something that is unique to your new union.

· Your engagement picture on the other side of the silver locket
· The key to your new home
· A token of your first date like a ticket stub or cocktail napkin.

Borrowed
The “borrowed” item should be symbolic of something you respect or admire about someone or something.

· Your best friend’s energy crystal
· Your mother’s monogrammed handkerchief
· Your mother-in-law’s pearl necklace

Blue
The “blue” item really has no symbolism that we can think of - it simply rhymes with “new.” Try to select something hidden and small that only you (and later on, your new hubby!) know about.

· A sapphire Austrian crystal heart pendant
· Paint your toes with light blue polish
· A thin light blue ribbon on your garter

www.findgift.com  has some unique bridal party gift ideas including bridesmaids’ tote bags, groomsmen caricatures and flower girl gift sets.

www.stamps.com  is a cool and unique way to add character to your wedding invitations and thank-you notes. You can upload a picture of you and your groom or bride, choose different themes and borders, and have them sent to you via mail. They are real postage and are supported by the United States Postal Service. The cost is about $5 to $10 for 20 stamps. With different themes like Nascar, Anne Geddes and Collegiate, these stamps are sure to add flavor to the invitations.

Like the bridesmaids, the groomsmen should wear slightly different styles than the groom, but it should all tie together. At most weddings, the groomsmen wear black tuxes, like the groom, but with a different style or color of dress shirt underneath. The groomsmen are probably the easiest to dress for the wedding! Tuxedo stores usually have a variety of styles to choose from and know how to advise you. Designer tuxedos are becoming more and more popular, as well as styles made by lesser-known manufacturers.

Renting v. Buying

The rule of thumb is that if you can wear the tuxedo at least four times, go ahead and buy one–it saves money! But, if you are a fashion-driven person, renting might be the key because styles change so quickly.

The most important thing when choosing bridesmaid’s gowns is to make sure you figure out what looks best on them. Also, too flashy dresses can make them stand out more than you on your big day, so simple dresses are the best bet. Many bridal consultants advise you to choose shades in soft, subtle hues for your bridesmaids. You’ll want them to complement your style, not overpower it.

Tips for bridesmaids who don’t have the model-figures:

Pretty necklines are a good way to draw attention away from trouble spots.

Thick waists are best hidden with a princess waist. Make sure the fullness of the dress begins lower on the torso.

Large hips can be masked wtih an A-line gown. It will add height to the bridesmaid and make her appear taller and thinner.

Heavy thighs are easily hidden by full skirts. Sleek, straight and narrow dresses are not a suitable choice for bridesmaids unless they are tall and thin.

If you aren’t on such a tight budget, having the bridesmaid’s dresses custom designed is the best bet to perfecting the look for each bridesmaid. Don’t forget to order the gowns at LEAST six months in advance.

Christina Aguilera’s Bridesmaids’ Dresses:

Right under the dress, the cake is a huge focal point of any wedding. The cake may be the most gorgeous thing anyone has ever seen, but unless it’s tasty, no one will remember it.

Tips for the cake:

Remember your budget; some cakes can cost thousands of dollars, others can cost under $100.

     *For those on a budget, try to talk with cake makers early on so you can make sure everything is in your budget. Also, a buttercream frosting is cheaper than a fondant. It also tastes much better! Choosing a rich cake with intense flavors will satisfy guests with a smaller piece, and it won’t appear as if you are skimping.*

Order your cake at LEAST six to eight weeks before your wedding day.

Make sure to have a taste-testing session with your baker before ordering anything.

Remember to coordinate your cake colors with your wedding.

Jessica Simpson’s wedding cake is one of my favorites–it’s simple yet elegant and has just the right amount of color to give it that gorgeous look.

Jessica’s cake was a five-tiered Perfect Endings original with white buttercream icing and layers made of pound cake with raspberry filling, carrot cake and Southern-style red velvet cake.

Mariska Hargitay’s monogrammed cake:

The Law and Order star and husband Peter Hermann had LA best confectioners “Very Different Cakes” create a 7-foot tall, 6-foot tiered chocolate and vanilla wedding cake topped by a swarovski crystal ode to their initials. It went amazing with her “enchanted forest” wedding theme