More dress for your buck

Many brides are not willing to lower their budget for their wedding gown and in this current economy, everyone is trying to stretch their dollar. One way to minimize the cost of a wedding gown and still be able to purchase your dream dress is by inquiring if you can purchase the sample dresses. By purchasing these slightly used dresses at a discounted price, you will be able to splurge on another aspect of your wedding!

~Lauren Winston

Strawberry Lemon Punch Recipe

Another yummy recipe for a punch that could be served at your wedding, bridal shower, really anywhere! Easy to make, tastes delicious, and looks beautiful! Take a look:

(makes about 1 gallon)

4 (10-ounce) packages frozen sliced strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
1 (12-ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 (2-liter) bottle lemon-lime-flavored carbonated beverage, chilled
Garnish: fresh strawberries, lemon slices

In a 1-gallon pitcher, combine strawberry-puree, lemonade concentrate, and lemon juice. To serve, add lemon-lime flavored beverage and stir gently. Garnish with fresh strawberries and lemon slices, if desired. **Tip from Ann Marie: you can also add champagne or a fruity liqueur for an alcoholic option!

Enchanted Illumination

The centerpieces at a wedding reception are very important details that should be given careful consideration during the planning process. While gathered around the tables while eating and mingling, guests will appreciate eye-catching centerpieces that add both beauty and splashes of color. Beyond beautiful centerpieces, entire tablescapes can be brought to life with use of the subtle but shimmering lighting of candles. According the Phyllis Hoffman, author of the book Gracious Tables, “You can create a sense of coziness while offering additional illumination with a pretty arrangement of candles.”

The best thing about candles is that they are very versatile. No matter the time of year, color scheme of the wedding, or other table decorations, candles are the perfect complement to any tablescape. Better yet, they can be easily nestled into other accents such as shells, cored apples, and martini glasses, or floated in a gorgeous crystal glass or bowl. The possibilities are endless when it comes to candles. So get creative, and add some enchanting illumination to your wedding!

~Jasmine Garcia

Fuzzy Navel Mimosa Recipe

Every bride needs a way to relax and calm her nerves on her big day. For some, mimosas do the trick (and taste great too!). I thought I would share a yummy recipe that I found for the perfect Fuzzy Navel Mimosas. Take a look:

(makes 1 drink)

1 ounce fresh orange juice
1 ounce peach nectar
1/2 ounce peach schnapps
1/4 ounce orange-flavored liqueur
4 ounces chilled champagne
Garnish: orange spiral

In a chilled champagne flute, combine orange juice, peach nectar, peach schnapps, and orange liqueur. Add champagne. Garnish with orange spiral, if desired. Enjoy!!

Bridal hair: Traditional vs. Modern

A fabulous hair-do can be the finishing accessory for any bride on her big day. Although it is traditional to wear a veil, you may see more and more modern-day brides giving that up for a creative headpiece. Ranging from tiara’s to flowers, the perfect accessory does not have to be large or expensive. A few original ideas can include baby’s breath, feathers, ribbons, or just about anything else you can imagine! If you still want to stick with the traditional look, many of these items can be incorporated into veils as well, depending on your style and taste. A unique ornament in your hair can just be one more way to stand out on your special day!





~Juliana