Garters

Want to wear a garter but are afraid it may “rub” you the wrong way? Well, fear no more. Florrie Mitton Garters of the UK are constructed with the same high-end quality and construction as bras with no chance of itching because they are lined with silk.

The garters vary from a simple silk band and bow to an extravagant puff of soft tulle. You could have lace ruffles with scalloped or leaf edges and you’re done or add ornate, hand-beaded trimmings.

Check them out at: www.journelle.com and etsy.com. The garters range in price from $59-$92.

Hey everyone,

It's that time of year again to don your running shoes and attend the famous Filene's Basement "Running of the Brides."

Our local one will take place this Friday, July 30 at Filene’s Basement, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue, Washington, D.C. from 8:00AM to 9:00PM. Cash, checks and credit cards accepted. All sales are final.

Below is more information and great tips directly from Filene's Basement.

CREATE YOUR TEAM We have just launched an exciting and fun way for you to recruit your team for the upcoming Running of the Brides® event. Simply add each of the members of your A-list, select a fun nickname, and upload their photo. The result is a customized invitation asking them to join you at this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Go to www.filenesbasement.com/running-of-the-brides.

ALTERATIONS ADVICE So what if you find a dress that you love, but it’s too big or too small, needs repair, or even re-styling? Maria Luz and her staff from Anytime Alterations of Silver Spring, MD will be at the Running of the Brides® all day to help. Winner of the Bride’s Choice Award 2010 byWeddingWire.com, they can tell you what can or cannot be altered, repaired or re-styled, and give you a ballpark price to do the work. www.anytimealterations.com

Here are some great tips to prepare you and your team for the Running of the Brides:

Thursday Night
--Drink lots of water
--Get a good night's sleep

Friday morning, before you leave the house

--Food is fuel - have a good breakfast
--Dress in a sports bra and bike shorts, leotard or swimsuit
--Leave your handbag behind; you'll want as little as possible to keep track of
--Don't wear make-up - it might rub off on the dresses
--No jewelry; last year, a bride-to-be lost her engagement ring when it got caught on a lacy dress

Best time to arrive at the store Friday morning

If you want to be part of the "rush to the racks" then plan to arrive by 6:30AM
Or, arrive later (anytime after 11AM) when things have calmed down and you can peruse the racks at your own pace; check out www.filenesbasement.com/campaign/late.php.

At the Sale

--Be considerate and play fair; please, please, please don't horde dresses; grab what you can, go through the dresses quickly and give up what you don't want so other brides can get started; Filene's Basement reserves the right to limit the number of gowns you can hold at one time.
--Be open-minded--try on whatever comes your way; if you focus too much on a specific style or label, you might just miss the dress of your dreams
--Remember, gowns usually run small; don't even look at size tags. Just eyeball the dress and if it's close to your size, try it on.
--Take a break if you get tired and cranky; grab some water
--Take pictures and have fun! These memories will last a lifetime.

Note: This event will likely be photographed and taped by local news outlets and by other photographers for possible broadcast or publication. By your entrance into and presence at the sale, you give unqualified consent to use, record and publicize your voice, actions, likeness and appearance in any manner in connection with news coverage and/or publicity. If you do not wish to be photographed or videotaped, please hold your hand up and inform the camera operator of your wishes. All photographers are required to have press credentials or Filene's Basement authorization tags visible to customers. If you have any questions, please locate a Filene's Basement manager.

Happy shopping. If any brides-to-be are reading my blog and you attend this event, please send me your experiences and I will post them on the blog.

July 3 Wedding

I'm back. My Internet has been out for the last two weeks and looks like it finally is back, hopefully to stay.

Check out my latest wedding under "Another Smooth Wedding." Page down on the left and click on the link for "Wedding of Norma and Patrick."

Tying the Knot

Hey guys! Don’t want the standard bow tie or tie that comes with the rented tux? Then, check out Pierrepont Hicks, a Minneapolis-based neckwear line. Their custom wedding ties are suitable, reasonably priced and can double as your groomsmen gifts.

All custom ties are made from Thomas Mason 100 percent cotton micro-cord. All you need to do is e-mail how many you need, choose your color from a choice of 37 colors and decide whether you want a bow tie or neck tie. You can even go a step further and have them monogrammed. Not sure if the color you see on your computer screen quite matches? You can order a swatch for $5 to cover shipping and handling.

Plan early as the custom-made ties will take approximately six to eight weeks for delivery and range in price from $42 - $82.

Check them out at www.pierreponthicks.com or e-mail at info@pierreponthicks.com.

Floral Design

I did flowers for a wedding today. They were such a sweet couple. I was referred to them by the bride’s hair stylist/makeup artist. Thank you, Erin. Had to deliver them this morning in DC at 9AM!

I spent all day and evening until 11PM yesterday assembling the flowers. Probably would have been done much earlier had it not been for phone calls and other of life’s little interruptions.

I made 7 bouquets, 3 mini-bouquets, 7 wrist corsages, a cake topper and 20 boutonnieres! Never had that many for one wedding before. Whew! It was a great experience, though. I sat down for most of the assembly, which I usually don’t do, but it actually worked really well and my feet didn’t ache by day's end.

The color scheme was dark purple and deep sage. The bride’s bouquet consisted of all white flowers of peonies, dahlias, lisianthus and waxflowers as a filler. I love how it came out. This might be my favorite one I designed yet. The bridesmaids bouquets had purple alstroemeria, white lisianthus and purple waxflowers. The boutonnieres consisted of purple waxflowers backed by a gardenia leaf with the exception of the Groom’s who had white waxflowers. Simple, yet elegant.

I took these photos and they don’t do them justice, but I hope you enjoy them anyway.

Thank you and congratulations, Rebekah and Josh!

Engagement Ring Shopping App Launching from Tiffany & Co.

How cool is this?

On Monday, June 14, you will be able to download a free iPhone app from Tiffany & Co. to browse and shop for engagement rings.

You will be able to look for diamond engagement rings by cut, setting, metal and design. They are all shown actual size in order for you to compare carats. When you see the one you love (and you know you will), you can even search for a complementing wedding band.

Don’t know what your ring size is? Not a problem for the app. It has a sizing feature, too.

You will be able to save your favs and e-mail them to your friends and family. You can also send a text message, Facebook or Twitter them.

When you are ready to make your purchase, just contact your local Tiffany & Co. and ask to speak with a consultant.

I think I’ll download it myself just for fun. Maybe I can find a sweet eternity ring to show my husband for a future anniversary present.

Happy shopping!

(Photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co.)

Today’s brides seem to buck tradition and go with something funky and different for their wedding attire. One of these is what they wear on their heads. No more the traditional veil. Now, brides are wearing feathers, flowers, bling – whatever!

Well, if you are one of these brides, here is something unique you may want to check out for your head attire. Look at the stunning headpieces from Lo Boheme. Designer, Lauren Christensen, uses feathers, flower clips, vintage costume jewelry, etc. that she finds at flea markets and estate sales.

If Lauren hasn’t already designed one that fits your style and personality, she can custom design a piece for you – maybe using lace from your mother’s gown or other sentimental item. Keep in mind custom orders can take approximately four to six weeks. So plan and order in plenty of time.

You can check out all headpiece designs at: www.loboheme.com. Prices range from $25 - $195. Custom orders range from $120 - $400. You may also send an e-mail to: loboheme@gmail.com.

(Photo courtesy of Lo Boheme's Web site)