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 ;)

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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

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Bridesmaid dresses

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

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Bouquets

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

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

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

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Centerpiece

A statement of a centerpiece!

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Cake

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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.

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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

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Bouquet - Fall

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

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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.

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Shoes

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Bridesmaid dresses

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

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Boutonnieres

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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?

Bouquet wrap inspiration

Perhaps you've already decided that your bridal bouquet will be wrapped in ribbon and adorned with jewels. Or, maybe you're going the rusticn birch bark route. Maybe you're like me and you didn't even think about it until your florist asked. Here are some various bouquet wraps to inspire you.

Matching ribbon with jewels

So simple with only one type of flower in one color, but so gorgeous with a different hue ribbon wrap adorned with jewels

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Matching fabric with brooch

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White ribbon and jewels

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All jewels

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Colored rope

I love the way the pink rope pops with the purple and subtle hints of pink in the florals

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Cameo addition

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Lace

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Twine

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Burlap

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Moss

This is my favourite of all the bouquet wraps - it is so unique

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Bark

Love the imperfection of this bark as compared to the more popular birch bark wraps

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Some ideas that have popped into my mind while writing this post:

• denim
• plaid
• an old tie from a family member (father ,grandfather, etc.)
• inspired by your groom (ie: if he loves boating, wrap in nautical rope; if he is a musician, hang a guitar pick)
• Do you have any ideas? Which bouquet wrap is your favourite?

Friday Favourites

No theme this time, just some favourite Pinterest finds!

Favourite dress

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Favourite simplicity

The dress, the bouquet - I love it all.

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Favourite unique idea

Popcorn bar! So smart - actually quite inexpensive and doubles as favors!

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Favourite aha! moment

Many brides take their engagement ring off for the

ceremony, and this would be a good way to let the groom know

which hand and finger he needs to put your ring on. Some may

laugh, but my husband honestly had no idea and the only

reason he remembers now is because he has his own band to

wear.

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Favourite gift idea

So cute! I wish I had these!

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Favourite aww

This would be an adorable anniversary present

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Favourite lil' lady

Only twice in your life can you get away with a dress like this: as a flower girl and on your wedding day

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Etsy finds: Wedding gowns & accessories

Despite the hassles that can arise (return shipping, for example), I much prefer online shopping to "conventional" shopping. Walking around a mall for hours trying to find what I want is not appealing, and neither is dealing with over crowding on weekends and during holidays.

When I was first engaged, I couldn't wait to go dress shopping. However, I was never enamoured by the idea of my mom, mother-in-law, maid of honor, etc., etc. being by my side with tears in their eyes as I found "the one." My sister (and maid of honor) accompanied me, and I found a dress I loved on the first attempt. So, would I shop online for a wedding dress? If I had ample time before my wedding, I certainly would.

Here are some gorgeous gowns and accessories, all handmade by Etsy vendors:

Dresses

Shop: Schone

Handmade gowns based out of Brooklyn, N.Y.

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Both gowns are available in your choice of color and size, with a variety of sash options

Shop: Nastalgia

Featured in Martha Stewart Wedding magazine, Summer 2010

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Shop: Lass Dress

Beautiful and affordable designs

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This particular dress is made of satin and lace and features handcrafted flower detailing. It is available with a zipper or lace up closure at the back.

Shop: Bridal Bliss Designs

Etsy seller with a shop in Campden, Missourri; her gowns are inspired by designers and celebrities

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Dresses are available in a variety of colors including white, champagne, and blush.

Accessories

Shop: Diamond Wedding Veil

Dress sashes and bridal accessories

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Shop: The Red Magnolia

Dress sashes and bridal accessories

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The flower sash is definitely a favourite of mine; it would be a great addition to a reception dress

• Would you consider purchasing your wedding dress online?

Nails: Wedding inspired shades

Can't decide what to do with your nails on your wedding day? Of course, a french manicure is classic and looks put-together with any wedding gown. But, a subtle neutral shade adds a little extra while still keeping it simple. You could even use one of these colours in place of white and still opt for a french style.

Here are four wedding inspired shades from Essie in neutrals and pale pinks.

Left to right, top to bottom: Happily Ever After, Blushing Bride, Baby's Breath, Show Me The Ring

• Will you stick to a french manicure or subtle nail polish on your wedding day? Or are you going bold?