Email Issues
I have been experiencing problems with my business email and am currently not receiving any emails into my inbox. I hope to have my email back up and running this week and will post an update when the issues have been resolved. Until then, please email me at my personal email address if you would like to contact me. If you have emailed me and not heard back, please forward your message to my personal address. I will respond as quickly as possible. My deepest apologies for any inconvenience!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Dress Up Dessert
You don’t have to sacrifice the tradition to spoil your guests. Have the best of both worlds! Display a small tiered cake for cutting and photos, and then serve personal desserts to guests. I love the ribbon and monogrammed accents in the photos above from Martha Stewart. And while the glass dessert platter makes for great presentation in the picture on the left, all the focus goes to the ribbon accent and that enticing dessert it’s surrounding. Forgo the platter to splurge on the dessert. The statement will still speak volumes to your guests as they delight in their personalized confections.
Wedding cake is a time-honored tradition and serves as a beautiful focal point during the reception. Newlyweds look forward to that classic moment when they can cut the cake and feed to each other, and it makes for fabulous photos. But how about offer something extraordinary to your guests? The escape from traditional wedding cake will delight them. While cake is wonderful, individual desserts are unforgettable.
You don’t have to sacrifice the tradition to spoil your guests. Have the best of both worlds! Display a small tiered cake for cutting and photos, and then serve personal desserts to guests. I love the ribbon and monogrammed accents in the photos above from Martha Stewart. And while the glass dessert platter makes for great presentation in the picture on the left, all the focus goes to the ribbon accent and that enticing dessert it’s surrounding. Forgo the platter to splurge on the dessert. The statement will still speak volumes to your guests as they delight in their personalized confections.
Monday, November 24, 2008
The Website Debut...
Our website is now officially up and running! You can find information about Le Jour Parfait and the services we offer, as well as contact us directly through the site. Please check it out!
Our website is now officially up and running! You can find information about Le Jour Parfait and the services we offer, as well as contact us directly through the site. Please check it out!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
'Tis the Season
December is an enjoyable month for weddings because everyone feels so festive. The holiday season brings about a decorating craze seen at no other time of year. Having a December wedding? Celebrate the season and incorporate the endless array of holiday decorations into your day.
December is an enjoyable month for weddings because everyone feels so festive. The holiday season brings about a decorating craze seen at no other time of year. Having a December wedding? Celebrate the season and incorporate the endless array of holiday decorations into your day.
Need some inspiration? Check out these photos from Pottery Barn. I am partial to the glass vases filled with holly berries, ball ornaments, or frosted pinecones: inexpensive yet bold and classy. We've already got ours on the dining room table!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Dressing Your Maids
For as long as anyone can remember, bridesmaids dresses have had a very specific definition. They've been the same solid color in the same style dress. More recently though, we've seen trends that are breaking the bridesmaid dress stereotype: the same dress in different colors, or the same color in different styles.
This look is fresh and fun, and it's the repeating pattern that brings it all together. While striking on multiple ladies standing together, the dresses would not exude such a dramatic effect in a single-maid wedding. The best part about adopting this look is that you can be sure your maids will get additional use out of their dresses. A maid who won't throw her dress in a closet never to be seen again is a very happy maid.
For as long as anyone can remember, bridesmaids dresses have had a very specific definition. They've been the same solid color in the same style dress. More recently though, we've seen trends that are breaking the bridesmaid dress stereotype: the same dress in different colors, or the same color in different styles.
Despite the trend of different colors or different style dresses, one thing has remained. Bridesmaid dresses are notoriously a solid color. I love this bride from Alabama, who chose a printed dress for her maids:
Photo by Ann Wade Parrish Photography
This look is fresh and fun, and it's the repeating pattern that brings it all together. While striking on multiple ladies standing together, the dresses would not exude such a dramatic effect in a single-maid wedding. The best part about adopting this look is that you can be sure your maids will get additional use out of their dresses. A maid who won't throw her dress in a closet never to be seen again is a very happy maid.
I love these dresses from Anthropologie. In the right setting these dresses can be sensational.
So don't be afraid to break out of the wedding box! It is the unconventional details that make your wedding extraordinary.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Finding "The Dress"
Above, Jim Hjelm 8662
For many brides, the most exciting thing about getting engaged (other than the commitment of marrying their dream man, of course) is dress shopping. Often times, new fiances will hit the nearest dress shop to get their first glimpse of themselves wearing a wedding gown. No harm in that! But before you do your serious shopping, here are some things you should know:
RESEARCH THE SHOPS IN THE AREA
Do the stores you are thinking of visiting have a good reputation, or are they known for poor service? When it comes to your wedding gown, you don't want to take risks. A late dress in the wrong color that is terribly altered is not something a bride should have to worry about. Watch out for stores that cut the tags off the dresses. A store that cuts tags is likely a store that orders dresses 4 sizes too large in order to upcharge on alterations.
SERVICE, SERVICE, SERVICE
A great bridal shop is one with attentive and truthful sales personnel. One who only wants to show you the most expensive gowns and tells you that you look "ravishing," "radiant," and "perfect" in every dress you try on is only trying to make a sale. A great shop is one that tells you what looks best... and what doesn't. Bridal shop sales people have literally seen hundreds to thousands of gowns on brides, so they should be able to tell you what looks best.
An example of great service: I fell in love with Melissa Sweet Lia, a dress that was on the very high end of my budget. I put it on and thought it was just divine. My sales lady, wanting me to find the very best dress for me (not the very best sale for her) told me right away that I was too short for the dress. She showed me that, when hemmed to my length, I would have lost the majority of the bottom of the gown - the flare that makes the dress. That's the type of service you want in a bridal shop.
TAKE ONLY ONE
It is tempting to bring your entire entourage with you when you go dress shopping. After all, you want your bridesmaids to be a part of this big decision, as you do your mom, your grandma, and your super hip aunt. As tempting as it is, bringing multiple people with you can make your decision much more difficult. Varying opinions will distract and confuse you. Instead, bring one person you respect and trust completely to tell you her honest opinions. After the decision has been made and you've ordered your gown, take the whole entourage to show off your final selection! Everyone will be thrilled and awed as you unveil your stunning choice.
TRY IT ON!
No doubt you've done some online looking before heading out to the shops, and that's certainly the smart thing to do. Perhaps in all that online browsing though, you've decided that you really only like strapless A-lines. When you hit the stores, don't limit yourself to the neckline and silhouette you've chosen in your head. You might look great in that strapless A-line, but you might look down right gorgeous in a v-neck trumpet. You won't know what looks best unless you try a wide variety. You'll learn quickly what works and what doesn't. Then you can narrow your search on later trips.
I'M WHAT SIZE?
Many dress designers have chosen outrageous sizing charts that can make any bride feel discouraged. A street size 6 could mean a dress size 14. Don't let that number get you down. Be happy in your skin and know that you are not defined by a number... and especially not by a false one.
If alterations are not included in the cost of your dress, it is smart not to simply trust what the shop determines is your dress size. Ask to see your measurements and the designer's sizing chart side by side, then confirm that the shop has made the best selection.
Remember not to order a size based on plans to lose weight before the big day. No matter how determined and motivated you might be to shed those last 10 pounds, order based on your current size. If they have to size it down, great! If not, great! Either way, you are set. Aside from that, he's marrying you for who you are today, not what size dress you are wearing on your wedding day.
Above, Jim Hjelm 8662
For many brides, the most exciting thing about getting engaged (other than the commitment of marrying their dream man, of course) is dress shopping. Often times, new fiances will hit the nearest dress shop to get their first glimpse of themselves wearing a wedding gown. No harm in that! But before you do your serious shopping, here are some things you should know:
RESEARCH THE SHOPS IN THE AREA
Do the stores you are thinking of visiting have a good reputation, or are they known for poor service? When it comes to your wedding gown, you don't want to take risks. A late dress in the wrong color that is terribly altered is not something a bride should have to worry about. Watch out for stores that cut the tags off the dresses. A store that cuts tags is likely a store that orders dresses 4 sizes too large in order to upcharge on alterations.
SERVICE, SERVICE, SERVICE
A great bridal shop is one with attentive and truthful sales personnel. One who only wants to show you the most expensive gowns and tells you that you look "ravishing," "radiant," and "perfect" in every dress you try on is only trying to make a sale. A great shop is one that tells you what looks best... and what doesn't. Bridal shop sales people have literally seen hundreds to thousands of gowns on brides, so they should be able to tell you what looks best.
An example of great service: I fell in love with Melissa Sweet Lia, a dress that was on the very high end of my budget. I put it on and thought it was just divine. My sales lady, wanting me to find the very best dress for me (not the very best sale for her) told me right away that I was too short for the dress. She showed me that, when hemmed to my length, I would have lost the majority of the bottom of the gown - the flare that makes the dress. That's the type of service you want in a bridal shop.
TAKE ONLY ONE
It is tempting to bring your entire entourage with you when you go dress shopping. After all, you want your bridesmaids to be a part of this big decision, as you do your mom, your grandma, and your super hip aunt. As tempting as it is, bringing multiple people with you can make your decision much more difficult. Varying opinions will distract and confuse you. Instead, bring one person you respect and trust completely to tell you her honest opinions. After the decision has been made and you've ordered your gown, take the whole entourage to show off your final selection! Everyone will be thrilled and awed as you unveil your stunning choice.
TRY IT ON!
No doubt you've done some online looking before heading out to the shops, and that's certainly the smart thing to do. Perhaps in all that online browsing though, you've decided that you really only like strapless A-lines. When you hit the stores, don't limit yourself to the neckline and silhouette you've chosen in your head. You might look great in that strapless A-line, but you might look down right gorgeous in a v-neck trumpet. You won't know what looks best unless you try a wide variety. You'll learn quickly what works and what doesn't. Then you can narrow your search on later trips.
I'M WHAT SIZE?
Many dress designers have chosen outrageous sizing charts that can make any bride feel discouraged. A street size 6 could mean a dress size 14. Don't let that number get you down. Be happy in your skin and know that you are not defined by a number... and especially not by a false one.
If alterations are not included in the cost of your dress, it is smart not to simply trust what the shop determines is your dress size. Ask to see your measurements and the designer's sizing chart side by side, then confirm that the shop has made the best selection.
Remember not to order a size based on plans to lose weight before the big day. No matter how determined and motivated you might be to shed those last 10 pounds, order based on your current size. If they have to size it down, great! If not, great! Either way, you are set. Aside from that, he's marrying you for who you are today, not what size dress you are wearing on your wedding day.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wedding Dress Trends
Photos above are gowns from RS Couture and Ian Stuart, respectively.
Photos above are gowns from RS Couture and Ian Stuart, respectively.
Wedding gown styles are changing dramatically. We are seeing trends in silhouettes, appliques, colors, and necklines that are turning wedding gowns from timeless to chic. Ball gowns and A-lines will always be timeless, and they are a beautiful choice for the more classic bride. For the bride envisioning a contemporary event, choose a dress that follows the trends. For the latest look in wedding gown fashion, check out this interview with the owner of Kleinfeld's in New York City.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Flowers For Your Budget
Flowers add a dramatic touch to your wedding day, but they don't have to cost a fortune. Below are some tips on how to get the most bang for your buck.
TIP NUMBER ONE
Choose your flowers based on the season. In-season flowers hurt less on the wallet. Flowers and their seasons are listed here:
Spring...
Choose Cherry Blossoms, Daffodils, Dogwood, Forsythia, Freesia, Hyacinth, Lilac, Lily of the Valley, Peonies, Sweet Pea, or Tulips
Summer...
Choose Calla Lilies, Dahlia, Daisies, Gardenia, Gladiola, Delphinium, Hydrangea, Lily, Sunflowers, or Tuber rose
Autumn...
Choose Amaranthus, Aster, Calla Lilies, Chrysanthemum, Hydrangea, or Marigolds
Winter...
Choose Amaryllis, Roses, Forget-Me-Nots, Jasmine, Orchid, Pointsettia, Star of Bethlehem, Branches, Holly, and Pine Cones
TIP NUMBER TWO
Invest in the floral arrangements that are seen by your guests for the longest: your bouquet and the centerpieces. Pew decorations and altar arrangements spice up a room and help create to the mood, but these arrangements will be seen for less than an hour. Rather than splurging on large flower arrangements for the ceremony, splurge at the reception. To give altar arrangements a bold, robust appearance at the ceremony, consider using foliage to make them appear larger.
TIP NUMBER THREE
If you do invest in large floral decorations for the ceremony, reuse them at the reception. Have a friend or family member pack them up and deliver them to the reception. They can be used to decorate the head table, entryway, cake table, place card table, or guest book table. You'll save a lot, and your guests won't know the difference. Aside from that, beautiful flowers should be cherished all day!
TIP NUMBER FOUR
Find vases that are unique to your style. Clear glass vases are always in style, but old antique ceramic vases and metal canisters are all the rage. Be creative with the way you display your flowers. Renting vases from your florist is always an option, but it is not necessarily the most cost effective one. Unique flower holders that coordinate with your reception's atmosphere can be found at any arts and crafts store. After the big day, you can use those canisters, ceramics, and vases to decorate your newlywed home.
Flowers add a dramatic touch to your wedding day, but they don't have to cost a fortune. Below are some tips on how to get the most bang for your buck.
TIP NUMBER ONE
Choose your flowers based on the season. In-season flowers hurt less on the wallet. Flowers and their seasons are listed here:
Spring...
Choose Cherry Blossoms, Daffodils, Dogwood, Forsythia, Freesia, Hyacinth, Lilac, Lily of the Valley, Peonies, Sweet Pea, or Tulips
Summer...
Choose Calla Lilies, Dahlia, Daisies, Gardenia, Gladiola, Delphinium, Hydrangea, Lily, Sunflowers, or Tuber rose
Autumn...
Choose Amaranthus, Aster, Calla Lilies, Chrysanthemum, Hydrangea, or Marigolds
Winter...
Choose Amaryllis, Roses, Forget-Me-Nots, Jasmine, Orchid, Pointsettia, Star of Bethlehem, Branches, Holly, and Pine Cones
TIP NUMBER TWO
Invest in the floral arrangements that are seen by your guests for the longest: your bouquet and the centerpieces. Pew decorations and altar arrangements spice up a room and help create to the mood, but these arrangements will be seen for less than an hour. Rather than splurging on large flower arrangements for the ceremony, splurge at the reception. To give altar arrangements a bold, robust appearance at the ceremony, consider using foliage to make them appear larger.
TIP NUMBER THREE
If you do invest in large floral decorations for the ceremony, reuse them at the reception. Have a friend or family member pack them up and deliver them to the reception. They can be used to decorate the head table, entryway, cake table, place card table, or guest book table. You'll save a lot, and your guests won't know the difference. Aside from that, beautiful flowers should be cherished all day!
TIP NUMBER FOUR
Find vases that are unique to your style. Clear glass vases are always in style, but old antique ceramic vases and metal canisters are all the rage. Be creative with the way you display your flowers. Renting vases from your florist is always an option, but it is not necessarily the most cost effective one. Unique flower holders that coordinate with your reception's atmosphere can be found at any arts and crafts store. After the big day, you can use those canisters, ceramics, and vases to decorate your newlywed home.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
We love blogs, and we hope you love ours! We would be both thrilled and honored to be linked to your blog. Want to be linked here? We are always eager to share fascinating and fun information with our brides, so please let us know if you have a wedding related blog you think we should share.
Life and Love On Camera
Amy Carroll Photography
Dan Johnson Photography
Genevieve McKeiver Photography
K. Holly Photography
Spark Creative Photography
A Little Sweetness
Lil’ Miss Cupcake
Design and Planning Inspiration
Dooby Design Group
Wedding Australia
Artistry in Makeup and Materials
Blush Hair Combs
Julie Strating
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