Bridesmaid gifts: Kate Spade spotlight

Jewelry does not have to be "cliche" or "boring"; think of something that you would love to have, but probably wouldn't buy for yourself. I decided to dedicate this gift post to Kate Spade's designs because I have been lusting over everything, and I'm sure that I'm not alone!
If you'd prefer to give something other than jewelry, included are some other unique, but practical gift ideas.

Statement necklace

$148.00

Scotty studs

$48.00

Variation on classic pearls

$48.00

Bold cuff

$198.00

Mug for your nerdy smart bridesmaid

$20.00

Cute ski hat

$88.00

Perfume

$80.00

All gifts can be found on KateSpade.com.





Flowers: White wedding bouquets

Here is some inspiration for all white, or mostly white wedding bouquets. Some are a mixture of various florals and some focus mainly on one specific flower.

This natural looking bouquet features bougainvillaeas, hydgrangeas, and queen anne's lace

Source via Pinterest

Romantic bouquet of peonies, gardenia roses, and cala lilies

Source

This bouquet focuses mostly on white freesias

Source

Beautiful bouquet of peonies

Source

This bouquet features large, white cala lilies; for a less intense look, you can opt for mini cala lilies

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A babys breath bouquet is an inexpensive all-white choice

Source via Pinterest

This lily of the valley bouquet is beautiful, but only available for a few short weeks in May

Source

• What's your preference? Do you like white bouquets, or do you prefer color?
• Are you a fan of bouquets that mix flowers, or do you prefer to focus on one or two?

Friday favourites

  

Favourite funny

Source via Pinterest

Favourite dress

Such a romantic dress by Monique Lhuillier

Source via Pinterest

Favourite shot

Okay, so the sign probably said "walk" but this shot still seems so adventerous to me!

Source

  

Favourite bouquet

An entire bouquet of stephanotis flowers! So gorgeous.

Source

Favourite backdrop

And! The bride and groom took the subway there.

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Favourite sparkle

!!!!!!!!!!

Source

Friday Favourites: Winter wedding

In celebration (mourning??) of chilly days, here are some of my favorite finds for winter weddings from around the web. Enjoy!

Cover up

How perfect is this red plaid cover up for a winter wedding?

Source via Occasions Online

Accessory

The scarf! The boots! So cute.

Source via Pinterest

Bouquet

Pine, pine cones, berries, dusty miller, and of course, anemones; perfect for a winter bouquet.

Source via Pinterest

Boutonniere

Love dusty rose for a winter wedding; and grey suits!

Source via TheKnot.com

Centerpiece

Inexpensive and easy DIY; I would swap out the silver baubles for berries

Source & DIY tutorial

Floral centerpiece

Source

Favor

Great take home gift for guests

Source via Pinterest

Cake topper

Source via Etsy Shop: Top of the Cake

• Which season is your favorite for weddings? 

Inspiration: Leopard print wedding

My own opinion on animal prints? They can be tacky and they can be tasteful. If you're thinking of including animal prints in your wedding, think more subtle, less Snooki. Here are some ideas for ways to incorporate animal prints. Don't choose everything; a few details certainly be noticed, while too many is overkill.

Accessories

Cover

Gorgeous, but just remember to go faux ;)

Source

Shoes

Jessica Simpson via Zappos

Garter

Source via Etsy shop: Hello Design Crew

Bridesmaids

Dress: La Posh Style ($52.99) - Pumps: Michael Kors ($130.00) - Clutch: Lauren Merkin ($180.00) - Earrings: Overstock ($32.99)

Total cost of look: $395.98

Decor

How unexpected is the leopard print linen over the purple? Even with the flowers, it works for this lavish Plaza wedding

Photo by Brian Dorsey

Other ways to incorporate subtle animal print:

• the cake/cupcakes
• linens, ie: leopard print napkins with gold napkin rings
• groomsmen: boutonnieres, socks, even shoes!
• hairpiece
  
• Are you a fan of animal prints? Would you subtly include them in your wedding, or would you go all out?

Black and white wedding inspiration

The combination of black and white is effortlessly classy and will never go out of style. Here is some inspiration for those who are choosing this elegant combination.

Wedding gown

This wedding gown with black flowers is by Maggie Sottero and is stunning

Source

Bridesmaid dresses

Beautiful, simple dresses and I love the look of green with black, white, and black/white

Source via Pinterest

Bouquets

Perhaps it is because they're delicate cala lilies, but the all black in this bouquet does not seem at all dark

Source

The anemone flower is a popular choice because of it's natural, dark centre

Source

I love the entirely black wrap (so that no green is showing from the stems); this bouquet is made up of inexpensive carnations

Source

Centerpiece

A statement of a centerpiece!

Source

Cake

Source

Wedding day: What to eat and drink

On your wedding day, it's important to stay properly fueled and well hydrated. That said, most brides want to avoid feeling uncomfortable and bloated. Here are some tips to look and feel your best throughout your wedding day.

Source

Remember to drink water
A jam-packed morning, along with excitement and nerves, can make remembering to drink difficult.

Tip: Buy a large, bright reusable bottle. It will be easy to spot so you won't forget to bring it along to all appointments, and it will remind you to sip throughout the day.

Avoid sugary, highly processed foods
On your wedding morning, the pastries may be in plain view and hard to resist. However, foods that are high in sugar and empty calories are low in nutritional value and will only lead to a crash when you need energy the most.

Tip: Try a mix of protein and carbs, such as a slice of whole wheat bread with peanut butter, and an apple or banana on the side.

Avoid salt
Salty foods will make your body retain water, leaving you feeling bloated and puffy everywhere. Avoid foods that are high in sodium a few days before and on your wedding day to keep bloat away.

Tip: The easiest way to avoid salt is to eat foods that are as close to their natural state as possible, or minimally processed. ie: fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins

Avoid artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are found in diet drinks and foods. According to FitSugar.com, the sugar alcohol found in certain food and drinks is difficult to digest and will leave you feeling uncomfortable and bloated.

Listen to your body
Likely, you know what works best for you. If you don't, keep track of how certain foods make you feel for a couple of weeks prior to your wedding and avoid the one that your body doesn't agree with.

Likely, between the time that you depart for the ceremony to dinner, hours will have passed. Here are some tips to keep your blood sugar stabalized and your energy levels up:

Avoid alcohol and drink water
After the ceremony, while your friends and family enjoy cocktail hour, you may be tempted by someone's offer to bring one back for you. However, it's likely been hours since you've had anything to eat or drink, so choose water to keep your mind clear until you arrive at your reception.

Have snacks handy
Ask a bridesmaid to keep some trail mix or Larabars in her clutch. You might not feel hungry because of the excitement, but nothing is worse than feeling an energy crash mid-afternoon.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, a registered dietitian or a personal trainer. I write from my personal knowledge, experience, and interest in health and nutrition. If you require nutritional advice, consult a R.D.

Bridesmaid looks under $500.00

Being in a wedding party is expensive. Most people can expect to spend at least $1000.00 on attire, gifts, and miscellaneous "duties" such as bachelor/bachelorette parties and showers. Add travel if you're far away and the cost can rise exceptionally.

Here are some bridesmaid looks under $500.00, including the dress and accessories such as jewellery, shoes, clutches, etc.

Want to lessen the cost even more? Incude one of the accessories into your budget as a gift to your girls. 

One

Clockwise: Dress: Victoria's Secret ($69.50) - Earrings: Kendra Scott ($60.00) - Boots: Zappos ($140.00) - Hairpiece: Etsy ($23.00)

Total cost: $292.50

Two

Clockwise: Dress: Forever 21 ($21.80) - Sunglasses: Aldo ($12.00) - Beach bag: BCBG ($75.59) - Sandals: Shop Mystique ($185.00)

Total cost:  $294.39

 

Three

Clockwise: Dress: Forever 21 ($24.80)  - Earrings: Etsy ($33.00) - Shoes: Kate Spade ($328.00) - Clutch: Danier ($69.00)

Total cost: $454.80

 

Four

Clockwise: Dress: J.Crew ($344.00) - Earrings: Etsy ($23.00) - Clutch: Etsy ($48.00) - Shoes: Bloomingdales ($65.00)

Total cost: $480.00

• Which look is your favorite?

Wedding inspiration: Bright neons!

When it comes to color, I am drawn to black, white, and pale neutrals. I might even go as far as to say that I'm slightly "afraid" of color (and I'm sure that I'm not alone). However, bright colors featured in weddings look gorgeous, whether they are subtle, such as only the bridal bouquet, or done all out in linens and dresses. Here are some ideas for incorporating bold brights into your wedding.

Bouquet - Spring/Summer

Source via Pinterest

Bouquet - Fall

The yellow and orange keep this bouquet bright, while the red flowers and berries add rich color and fall style

Source via Pinterest

Centerpiece

With their natural, bright hues, the addition of citrus fruits adds pops of color to floral centerpieces

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Linens

If you're looking to go all out, forget pops of color and choose linens in bright yellows, greens, blues, pinks, etc.

Source

Shoes

Source

Bridesmaid dresses

Bright yellow and neon pink are popular choices for bold bridesmaid dresses, but I am loving this blue!

Source

Boutonnieres

Source



Other places to add pops of neon:

• Flower/hairpiece in bride or bridesmaids hair
• Ties or bowties
• Corsages/boutonnieres for parents, grandparents, etc.
• Signage and stationary (ie: programs, seating chart)
• Plates, drinking glasses
• What colors are you drawn towards? Are you a fan of neon?