BRIDEfinds http://www.bridefinds.com Wedding Ideas - Best Wedding Finds for Brides - BrideFinds.com Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:43 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Peonies Galore! Spring Brides, Find Decor Inspiration In This June-Blooming Flower http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/peonies-galore-spring-brides-find-decor-inspiration-in-this-june-blooming-flower/ http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/peonies-galore-spring-brides-find-decor-inspiration-in-this-june-blooming-flower/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:43 +0000 emilyanderson http://www.bridefinds.com/?p=47229

We’re a little obsessed with wedding flowers. Is it obvious yet? Last week, we showed you some spring-tastic lavender wedding inspiration, and this week, our eye has turned to big, gorgeous peonies. Some varieties of these ginormous beauties can grow as tall as 5-10 feet!

Best of all, peonies are in season in late spring and early summer (as in right now). The wedding world has a slight obsession of its own with these lush blooms, and we’ve got the wedding invites, dresses, and decor to prove it.

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]]> http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/peonies-galore-spring-brides-find-decor-inspiration-in-this-june-blooming-flower/feed/ 0 Get All The Info You Need About Diamond Jewelry From TruthAboutDiamonds.com http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/get-all-the-info-you-need-about-diamond-jewelry-from-truthaboutdiamonds-com/ http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/get-all-the-info-you-need-about-diamond-jewelry-from-truthaboutdiamonds-com/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 12:30:50 +0000 emilyanderson http://www.bridefinds.com/?p=47163

Most of us are fairly clueless when it comes to buying diamonds. Sure, we know the 4 C’s – Color, cut, clarity, and cost – but we don’t really understand how they all relate to each other. Do you really trust a part-time salesman at a chain jewelry retailer to sell your boyfriend a ring you’ll be proud to flash around at the office? If you or a special significant other need help shopping for diamonds, TruthAboutDiamonds.com is at your service.

Truth About Diamonds is the No. 1 website for consumer information about diamonds. Every year, they help thousands of people (including, we’re certain, thousands of hapless boyfriends) avoid common mistakes in diamond buying – mistakes which prevent brides from getting the most bling for his budget. (For shame!)

If you need help differentiating a princess cut from an asscher cut, or making sure your diamond is certified by a reputable source, Truth About Diamonds provides you with highly informative articles about diamond buying. Their crack team of diamond industry vets, headed by founder Ira Weissman, will also navigate the diamond retail landscape for you – providing personalized guidance via email, and finding you the best (and biggest) diamond baubles for your buck.

TAD will save you piles of money, and enable you (or you know, a gentleman who might have a vested interest in buying you a diamond ring) to get a much larger stone than you ever thought you’d be able to afford! And the best part? They provide this service at no cost to you. Truth About Diamonds doesn’t sell anything – their totally free diamond buying advice doesn’t come with a big sales pitch at the end. If you’re waiting on your man to pop the questions, subtly steer him in TAD’s direction, so you can ensure that he finds you the ring of your dreams, without putting you both in the red right before your wedding.

]]> http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/get-all-the-info-you-need-about-diamond-jewelry-from-truthaboutdiamonds-com/feed/ 0 Nothing Says Spring Like This Crop Of Fresh, Floral Bridesmaid Dresses http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/nothing-says-spring-like-this-crop-of-fresh-floral-bridesmaid-dresses/ http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/nothing-says-spring-like-this-crop-of-fresh-floral-bridesmaid-dresses/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 16:00:08 +0000 emilyanderson http://www.bridefinds.com/?p=47094

The floral trend keeps popping up everywhere! We’ve already shown you some faboosh floral wedding shoes this season, and now we’re here to make the case for floral bridesmaid dresses.

Jessica and Ashlee Simpson recently donned floral dresses when they did bridesmaid duty for a close personal friend, and Miranda Lambert’s b-maids wore floral bridesmaid dresses and cowboy boots at her wedding last year. So if your girls are gagging at the idea of pink taffeta dresses, pitch them one of these beautiful floral print frocks instead!

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Shop our guides to the best inexpensive bridesmaid dresses, simple wedding dresses, and designer wedding shoes!

]]> http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/nothing-says-spring-like-this-crop-of-fresh-floral-bridesmaid-dresses/feed/ 0 PHOTOS: Snooki vs. Angelina Jolie In A “Who Wore It Better?” Gown Off http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/photos-snooki-vs-angelina-jolie-in-a-who-wore-it-better-gown-off/ http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/photos-snooki-vs-angelina-jolie-in-a-who-wore-it-better-gown-off/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:55 +0000 Justine Ingersoll Schwartz http://www.bridefinds.com/?p=47086

[Photo courtesy of NYMAg]

NYMag’s The Cut blog is known for its often humorous commentary on the fashion world, and this week they took a stab at bridal with in a hilarious (and topical!) “Who Wore It Better?” slideshow of Angelina Jolie and Snooki in next season’s wedding gowns.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that Angie wore it better. In every dress. But enjoy The Cut‘s Photoshop fun anyways:

Carolina Herrera:

Nicolle Miller:

THEIA:

Angel Sanchez:

Oscar de la Renta:

Lazaro: 

Ines Di Santo: 

Douglas Hannant: 

Vera Wang:

Check out our wonderfully awful wedding dress picks for Snooki here! Need a brief respite from the stress of wedding planning? Better make sure you’re not suffering from “Bride Brain”. And be sure to check out the 25 names it’s ok NOT to take when you get married.

]]> http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/photos-snooki-vs-angelina-jolie-in-a-who-wore-it-better-gown-off/feed/ 0 It’s OK To Get Married With 110 Knot To-Do’s Left — And Other Confessions Of A Bride http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/its-ok-to-get-married-with-110-knot-to-dos-left-and-other-confessions-of-a-bride/ http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/its-ok-to-get-married-with-110-knot-to-dos-left-and-other-confessions-of-a-bride/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 12:46:48 +0000 Justine Ingersoll Schwartz http://www.bridefinds.com/?p=46947

True story: I had 110 “To-Do’s” left on my Knot check-list when I got married. Don’t get me wrong, I had every intention of executing this hefty list when I signed up for the site, and in the suggested order, mind you — but I just didn’t keep up with it. Planning wasn’t as much of an exact science as I’d hoped — but in the end, it didn’t matter one bit.

If your big day is fast approaching, don’t let a daunting To-Do number — or any of these other bridal presumptions get you down.

It’s OK…

To want to elope. The thought will occur to you at least once during the planning process — probably when you’re in the middle of a seating chart crisis. Embrace the urge, then let it pass — you deserve a big wedding with friends & family close by.

To make your bridesmaids pay for their dresses. Although one of my bridesmaids tried to convince me that where she comes from, the bride buys the bridesmaid dresses — there no evidence in any etiquette books I’ve read or researched that buying your b-maid’s dresses is required or expected. It’s a nice gesture, often displayed by older (read: twice-married) brides or brides with a big budget. Don’t feel bad if you don’t fall into either of those categories.

To not care about every little thing. It’s OK (and probably quite healthy) not to obsess about every little detail — or to try and out-do every Style Me Pretty or Pinterest wedding that comes across your desk.

To try to out-do your friend’s weddings. Admit it, you’ve kept a running tally of mistakes and missteps of your girlfriend’s weddings — and have vowed to out-do them all. This competitive nature is normal for brides. Here’s a few tips for making your wedding better than everybody else’s.

To spend five figures on your dress. It’s ok to spend 3 month’s rent on your gown — I don’t have a great reason for this one, other than it’s totally worth it (in pictures, for compliments, when your groom first sees you…). Call me an enabler, but I think it’s OK to throw your budget and caution to the wind when dress shopping. Especially if Vera, Oscar, Reem or Monique are involved.

To not give favors. Your guests are there to party — not to add to their miniature candle collection.

To not throw a bouquet. Or have a garter pulled out from under your dress (ew!). These traditions are old news (and here’s why); make your own new traditions instead.

To suffer from “bride brain.” To only research wedding topics at work. To refer to your fiance as “the groom” only. To pick fights with said groom over the tiniest little thing. To only talk about the wedding with friends. We’ll chalk this up to a case of bride brain — give yourself a pass here.

For more wedding tips, check out the 10 Things To Do As Soon As You Get Engaged, the 10 Things You Should NEVER Do While Wearing Your Engagement Ring and 10 Wedding Myths De-Bunked.

]]> http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/its-ok-to-get-married-with-110-knot-to-dos-left-and-other-confessions-of-a-bride/feed/ 0 Enter To Win 5 Free Bridesmaid Dress Rentals From BRIDEfinds & RentTheRunway.com! http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/enter-to-win-5-free-bridesmaid-dress-rentals-from-renttherunway-com-bridefinds/ http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/enter-to-win-5-free-bridesmaid-dress-rentals-from-renttherunway-com-bridefinds/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 19:30:44 +0000 Justine Ingersoll Schwartz http://www.bridefinds.com/?p=46927

We’ve been fans of Rent The Runway‘s Weddings Boutique since it launched last year, and now the site is making us fall in love all over again: not only have they just introduced a Weddings Hotline just for brides — but they’re giving 5 free bridesmaid dress rentals to BRIDEfinds readers to celebrate the launch!

The Hotline offers Rent The Runway members personal styling advice for their weddings and wedding-related events. Call 866-740-3599 for styling tips or check out their Wedding Boutique in the meantime. Ok, now who wants free dress rentals for their entire bridal party?!

What: Five bridesmaids will receive $150 Rent the Runway gift cards towards dress and/or accessory rentals — a total retail value of approximately $750!

When: Enter now through May 25. Winning promotional code expires after one year.

Where: Only valid within the US.

How: Enter here!

YOUR BRIDESMAID DRESSES ARE ON US!

For more dress rental news — you can now rent Kate Middleton’s favorite Issa dresses, 5 things you didn’t know you could rent for your wedding, and dresses to rent for your engagement shoot.

]]> http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/enter-to-win-5-free-bridesmaid-dress-rentals-from-renttherunway-com-bridefinds/feed/ 0 Cheap Favors & Goodie Bags From 17¢ That Don’t Dissapoint (They’re All Under $1!) http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/cheap-favors-bags-from-17%c2%a2-that-dont-dissapoint-theyre-all-1/ http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/cheap-favors-bags-from-17%c2%a2-that-dont-dissapoint-theyre-all-1/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 18:30:14 +0000 emilyanderson http://www.bridefinds.com/?p=46970

Cheap wedding favors are sometimes embarrassingly so – but we’ve found a fresh batch of affordable options that will make your wedding guests squeal with delight (instead of wince uncontrollably). We’ve also found inexpensive packaging options for gifting your homemade goodies — like linen bags scribed with “Love,” colorful wax paper bags and neat little tins — all under $1.

If you’re looking for inexpensive wedding favors that aren’t a total waste of everyone’s time (including yours), remember to keep it simple, yet delightful – like these cheap succulent favors. Shop now:

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[Photo: Style Me Pretty]

Shop our guides to the best wedding cake toppers, inexpensive wedding shoes, and cheap bridesmaid dresses!

]]> http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/cheap-favors-bags-from-17%c2%a2-that-dont-dissapoint-theyre-all-1/feed/ 0 Coast London’s New U.S. E-Commerce Site Features Kate Middleton Dress Replicas! #Duh http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/coast-londons-new-u-s-e-commerce-site-features-kate-middleton-dress-replicas-duh/ http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/coast-londons-new-u-s-e-commerce-site-features-kate-middleton-dress-replicas-duh/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 17:00:24 +0000 Justine Ingersoll Schwartz http://www.bridefinds.com/?p=47014

Kate Middleton‘s favorite High Street brand Warehouse just launched its first U.S. e-commerce site today, and with it sites for 2 other uber-popular British brands: Coast London and Oasis. If you remember her post-wedding days, Kate stocked up on dresses for her honeymoon there, and now the British retail chain is paying homage to the Duchess by including replicas of her wedding and reception dress on Coast London’s bridal site.

In addition to pretty, affordable bridal styles (like this $450 Grecian one-shoulder dress), Coast boasts a Cora lace maxi dress ($1,295) that bears a striking resemblance to Kate’s lace-sleeve Alexander McQueen gown, and an Aston Duchess satin maxi dress ($950) that reminds us of the princess’ reception frock.

 

]]> http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/coast-londons-new-u-s-e-commerce-site-features-kate-middleton-dress-replicas-duh/feed/ 0 SHOP NOW: How Pretty Is This Multi-Strand Necklace From Pinterest?! http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/shop-now-how-pretty-is-this-multi-strand-necklace-from-pinterest/ http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/shop-now-how-pretty-is-this-multi-strand-necklace-from-pinterest/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:01 +0000 emilyanderson http://www.bridefinds.com/?p=46945

We love a bride in a bold statement necklace. Recently, this intricate woven necklace caught our eye when it popped up in our Pinterest feed. With its intertwining strands of cream, gold, and bridal white beads, it’s a fashion-forward substitute for your everyday string of pearls – and we found it for you on Thirty One Bits - a company that buys their gorgeous handmade beads from independent lady artisans in Uganda. (Instant wedding karma!)

Woven Delight Bridal Necklace ($65) 

In the mood to peruse even more beautiful baubles? Shop our guides to the best wedding jewelry, wedding bands, and bridal hair accessories!

]]> http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/shop-now-how-pretty-is-this-multi-strand-necklace-from-pinterest/feed/ 0 10 Wedding Themes You Haven’t Thought Of Yet — But Should Totally Consider http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/10-wedding-themes-you-havent-thought-of-yet-but-should-totally-consider/ http://www.bridefinds.com/2012/10-wedding-themes-you-havent-thought-of-yet-but-should-totally-consider/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 19:05:59 +0000 emilyanderson http://www.bridefinds.com/?p=46815

Just like your overzealous high school AP English teacher, we love a good theme. Sure, themed weddings can be a little on the hokey (or the spooky) side, but if executed with style and finesse, they can also be pretty magical. If you’re on the hunt for wedding inspiration, check out our ten recommendations for fresh new wedding themes! (And be sure to tune in every Thursday for even more themed wedding ideas.)

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Typography

If your true love is graphic design, letterpress, or a fresh typewriter ink, why not try a typography-themed wedding! If you go ga-ga for a good typeface, plaster your favorite fonts on your cake, photobooth, wedding dress, or tablecloths.

Balloons

 An “Up”-inspired wedding would abound with giant balloons and whimsy galore! Disney’s “Up” warmed a lot of hearts, so why not hitch your wedding to a few hundred balloons and see what happens? Giant helium balloons make a fantastic backdrop for any reception area or ceremony space.

Downton Abbey

An elegant, “Downton Abby”-inspired affair with all the trimmings of Georgian England would definitely wow your wedding guests! If you swoon for the costumes and scenery in “Downton Abbey,” don’t bother looking any further for your wedding inspiration. A few choice antiques and the right turn-of-the-century style gown will get the party started!

Summer Music Festival 

If music is your shared passion, find yourself a festival-worthy space in the great outdoors, fill it with tents, and enlist your favorite local bands to entertain your guests to an unforgettable evening of music, schmoozing, and boozing in the open air.

The Beatles 

Sixties psychedelia is totally your thing, but your heart truly belongs to John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Throw a colorful fete inspired by everyone’s favorite Liverpudlians. After all, all you need is love…and a yellow submarine cake topper, vintage Beatles album table markers, etc. (If Rockabilly is more your style, click here.)

Schoolhouse

A Schoolhouse-inspired shindig with all your favorite simple pleasures! Are you hot for (a) teacher? What could be more adorable than two teachers in love…except two teachers in love throwing a primary school-themed wedding? You don’t have to look any further than a teacher’s supply store for great themed wedding decor!

 Ski Lodge

Listen up winter brides – if you want to treat your guests to an affordable, domestic destination wedding, check out Tahoe, or Mammoth, or one the nearest popular, moutain-top ski locale. (If you need more ski-tastic wedding inspiration, click here!)

LEGO

Is your groom-to-be really just a big kid on the inside? Garnish your wedding with adorable Lego wedding accessories like Lego wedding cake toppers, Lego favors, or even Lego wedding jewelry.

The French Riviera 

Ooh la la! If you can’t swing a honeymoon in Monte Carlo, bring a little of the ocean-side resort elegance to your wedding. A French Riviera-themed wedding could include roulette wheel wedding tables, a plush pool-side lounge area, and over-sized sunglasses wedding favors.

“The Hunger Games”

Twilight-themed weddings are a dime a dozen now – and while a YA novel about a futuristic death match seems like a strange thing to model a wedding on, we’re super impressed by the recent outpouring of “Hunger Games” wedding inspiration! Just remember to mix the rustic design elements with opulent centerpieces and table spreads – and don’t forget archery-themed decor.

Ready to get your shop on? Check out our guides to the best unique wedding invitations, simple wedding dresses, and wedding cake toppers!

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