And Speaking of Bridesmaid Dresses…

Yesterday we posted about an awesome online service that lets you switch your unwanted bridesmaid gown for a “little black dress.”

Since then I’ve been thinking — sometimes with humor, sometimes with wistfulness of time passing, but always with fondness — about my own past experiences being a bridesmaid. It got me thinking about you, our readers (but then again, you KNOW I’m always thinkin’ of ya!).

Would you like to share your own bridesmaid dress story? Send in any snippet that’s a special memory — for good, ill or somewhere in between — of being a bridesmaid or maid of honor, or of one of your own bridesmaids.

Don’t worry: 100% grammatical consistency isn’t required here. (We promise you won’t be graded on this!) But we would like to pick out one or two tales we absolutely love and publish them at a later date (with your permission). So send in what you’ve got.

Can’t wait to get reading on these. Get writing, peeps. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Unwanted Bridesmaid Dress? NewlyMaid.com Can Help

No, wait! Somebody actually WANTS that! Click pic for more info.

We know this is a touchy subject.

We’ve been there too.

That’s right. We, too,  managed a passably agreeable look when we were presented, all aflutter, with that…that…

Bridesmaid dress. (Cue scream midi.)

We’re reasonably confident that our grimace of shock passed for a smile. (Good for us!) Like you, we went out of our way to make sure the bride was happy…no matter what we were going to look like standing in line next to her.

And you know what? That long-remembered (and not in a good way) bridesmaid dress really was perfect. For a 14-year-old color blind hermit in an eternal time warp back to Early Kurt Cobain.

As bridesmaids or maids of honor, we never want to hurt the bride’s feelings. She has a vision…and she’s allowed. (And admit it, you know you’ll have your own “vision” when it’s your turn at the altar and that it might involve the wedding party imitating a bouquet of flowers surrounding you and the groom. Or pieces of candy. Or something overly-warm and a little too Victorian…not kitschy goth-Victorian, just…Victorian.)

So do keep your thoughts to yourself on your bridesdmaid’s dress if they’re less than complimentary — then when it’s all over, quietly slip (ha ha) off NewlyMaid.com.

Why? Because they offer you a trade that can benefit both you and their mission: mail in your unwanted bridesmaid dress according to the site’s instructions, and if it passes quality control checks, you’ll receive credit toward buying a brand new little black dress you really will love.

That’s right. Somebody wants that! And they want you to be happy in something that looks like it was made just for you. (Srsly.)

We’re so impressed that we just had to blog about it. Please note: we personally have not tried the NewlyMaid.com service, so we can’t vouch for the process or the dresses themselves. However, if you’ve utilized this avenue, please comment — we’d love to hear how the switcheroo goes (and see pics of the beautiful new swap that won’t gather dust in your closet!).

Share Your Summer Wedding Photos!

All fantastic things must come to an end. Perhaps your own dreamy day, though long planned for, already came and went (sigh).  But the memories you made will last (not to sound cliche — it’s true) a lifetime.

And so it is with summer. Unless you live year-round in the tropics, summer always goes too fast.

Maybe it’s just that quality about summer — its sunshine stellar warmth, its glitz and glamour, and its poignancy — that made summer such a popular season in 2011 for our brides and grooms to tie the knot. The brighter a day shines, the longer it will be remembered, after all.

Whatever the reason, our summer brides have sent in such gorgeous photos and tips that we’re prouder of you than ever! We always try to thank our newlyweds for their submissions, and now we’d like to extend an invitation to send in your own.

Photo Submission Guidelines:

* Photos must be under your own personal copyright or not under a copyright so they’re okay to publish.

* Photos must include decor and/or wedding favors.

* First names of the bride and groom and the city and state locale of the wedding must be included.

* We reserve the right to accept or decline any photos.

And that’s it! Easy-peasy. Take this opportunity to show off your wedding style genius and let us thank you properly in a future post that features your wedding photo submission. Thanks again, everyone…we could never do it without you.

Congratulations to our Travel Accessory winner!

We’re happy to announce Barbara K.  as the winner of our Travel Accessory kit.  You’ll be receiving it very shortly.  We thank all who participated.  Happy travels everyone!

Ah, Autumn. How We Love You

Lucky you, autumn bride! Click for fall wedding decor and favor choices we adore.

It feels like it was just last week (at the most) that we were posting about summer brides and hot options for Summer 2011.

So how did this happen? — That’s right, September is only a month away! (Le gasp.)

Not that I mind. I absolutely love autumn. Here in Southern California, we don’t experience as dramatic a fall as some other parts of the U.S. But autumn is most definitely its own, very distinct season, with cooling temperatures, the famous Santa Ana winds and — yes — fall color, particularly if you know where to look.

It’s in that spirit that we welcome new autumn brides to our site (thanks for visiting!). We know you’re in the last stages of your wedding planning right now, and things might be a crunch for you. In fact, traditionally, six to eight weeks before The Big Day is typically “bridal freak-out time.” Don’t worry; we’re here to help! Here are some great last-minute fall wedding favor and decor ideas:

1. Candles. As the weather begins to change, people pull out their candle holders and their wax melts. There’s just something about not only the scents of fall but of beautiful burning candles that says autumn all over. Put candles on your wedding reception tables and hand them out as wedding favors. Your guests will love them, and the timing couldn’t be better.

2. Baked goodies. Brownies and cookies are great this time of year, particularly if frosted in autumn colors. If you have a chef in your family, have him or her bake up some gorgeous goodness for your wedding dessert spread. Or buy your own and package them beautifully.

3. Fall color. Of course, you’ll want to take advantage of the bounty nature has given you for your very special day. Choose wedding aisle and reception table decor in buttery yellows, deep russet reds and delicious chocolate browns. And choose one of these amazing colors to add a splash of autumn to your gown and your groom’s boutonniere (colored sashes or bows on wedding gowns are still super-hot among marrieds-to-be for 2011 and early 2012).

4. Pretty brushed metals. Copper, bronze and brushed silver are great autumn tones for wedding favors and reception table decor.

5. Fancy favor boxes. No, these don’t have to be expensive. And placing favors in individual favor boxes can add that extra special touch of sophistication and care. Look for fall themes and, of course, colors, or a highlight of autumn color on a creamy ivory or white box.

And on a personal note, we’d like to thank site readers who have sent in comments and pictures of their wedding and reception decor. Keep ‘em coming!

The New Disney/Alfred Angelo Line…Your Thoughts?

Photo: alfredangelo.com

Have you seen this new line? It’s not Disney-Disney…there are no mermaid tails or anything. But it’s inspired by Disney princesses, and I think the job Alfred Angelo and Disney did together is absolutely spot-on.

Listed as the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings collection, the line includes eight gorgeous gowns that honor the spirit of your favorite princesses. Some are decidedly princessey, others are high-glam with the perfect touch of romance.

None is silly, we’re glad to say; even the Cinderella is wearable. Very wearable. And very, very fantasy-wedding spectacular without an ounce of tack to be seen (but then again, what do you expect from Alfred Angelo but the best?). All take your little-girl dreams and grow them up into a fabulous and elegant gown that, somewhere in those eight dreamy choices, is perfect for you.

Let us know what you think. Yea or nay? Fab or flop? Leave us a comment and catch up with us on Facebook to tell us your thoughts.

Way to go, Alfred Angelo! We love it, and we hope to see more princess inspiration in future gowns. Now if I can just find that glass slipper…

How to Choose an Awesome Wedding Gift

Caveat emptor: your tastes and hers might not be the same.

Finding the perfect gift for the bride and groom isn’t necessarily an easy task. The ancient stand-bys — a blender, bed sheets, lamps — can be unnecessary considering the fact that these days the bride and groom are often already set up in their own apartments and have all that stuff. And of course, there’s the question of taste. (Who knew your cousin would go crazy over the clock shaped like a cat she got from her mother, rather than your carefully-considered crystal collectible? Eew.)

And yeah, you kept the receipt. But the image of the newlyweds arriving home from their honeymoon and jumping right back into work, writing the thank-yous, returning phone calls and running all over town to return your gift — or struggling online with a faulty server that refuses to behave — isn’t exactly appealing to you (so imagine how it sounds to the bride and groom — oops).

So. What to do?

1. Always Assume the Bride and Groom Know Best

The obvious first option is frequently overlooked by well-wishers who think they know better than the bride and groom what the new couple wants: do they have a guest registry? Too obvious? You might be surprised. We’ve had guests completely overlook a registry stocked full of useful, inexpensive items in favor of what they felt the bride and groom really wanted.

And granted, we’re sure you have taste. You just don’t necessarily have the same taste as the new couple. I once went through a  cobalt blue phase. I figured since I absolutely loved cobalt blue, particularly cobalt colored glass containers, everyone else must adore them, too. Not. Out of perhaps four or five cobalt-glass couples gifts I gave, I saw one on a shelf after the wedding. (And it wasn’t a prominent shelf.  Ow.)

So go for the registry, even if it’s a registry at a local pet food store. (Yes, they have them…believe it or not.) If the bride and groom don’t have a registry, send the hint along via a close family member, or if you’re best buds with the bride, put the bug in her ear to open a registry, already! It’s so easy to do, so many registries can be opened online, and she’ll be saving her entire guest list one big hassle…while getting everything her heart desires (which is the whole point).

2. Enlist in the Help of Close Friends and Family Members

No registry? There’s a Plan B: bug the bride’s family, and the groom’s too. It’s not gauche or against wedding etiquette to outright ask family members what the couple may want as a gift, so you’re okay. Ask away!

The simple fact is, even without a registry, many — if not most — marrying couples do know what they want but feel uncomfortable spreading the word themselves. Perhaps they want one larger gift that a number of guests, or the wedding party, can chip in on. Or maybe the gift just can’t be had via registry; for example, they may be dreaming of luxuriating in an on-locale spa for their honeymoon but the VIP spa room isn’t included with the cost of their honeymoon package. There is a surprising number of circumstances that may make a registry inadequate, despite the plethora of registries out there. So if in doubt, ask!

3. Think About What They Really Enjoy

Why yes, there is a Plan C, thank you for asking!

This one is simple: think about what the couple really enjoy, either separately or together. Are they avid skiers? How about ski lift tickets? Do they like doing movies the old-fashioned way (going to a theater rather than Netflixing)? Give them either tix or coupons for popcorn, soda and snacks. Is she into calligraphy? A beautiful calligraphy set is a gorgeous wedding gift.

Even if the gift seems non-traditional as weddings go, if the activity is something the couple truly loves, then they’ll truly love the gift, and yes…it’ll be perfect.

Happy shopping, and try not to stress. Once you’ve considered all the options and have asked the pertinent questions, there’s not much else you can do but sit back and enjoy the wedding. You did your best, so pat yourself on the back — you’re a great wedding guest!

Cruise Travel Accessories Contest

It’s been a while since we hosted a contest, so here we go!

This contest is SO EASY. Simply submit your opinion about the cruise travel items we’re listing for the contest. (No purchase is necessary; let us know how you feel each would be a benefit to travelers.) The winning entry will receive all three items, a $28 value. Please submit entries to info@favorsbyserendipity.com.

We can’t wait to hear from you! Thanks for your comments to the blog and for your e-mails that continue to inspire us.

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Now, for the tiny print…

July 2011 Favorsbyserendipity.com Cruise Travel Accessories Contest

Contest Dates: July 13 – 29, 2011

Prizes: Travel Accessories  kit including  Cruise Shower Caddy, Soap Pocket-on-a-Rope and 4 Cruise Luggage Tag Holders ($28.00 total value)

Contest Rules: Eligibility is to Favorsbyserendipity Facebook Friends/Favorited members. To sign up, click here and Friend or Follow the page. One entry per e-mail address. Participants will be entered to win one Cruise Travel Accessories Kit personally designed by me for Serendipity.  Contest ends July 29, 2011. To enter, send a brief description of what you like about the three prize items (read descriptions for details) and how you plan to use them to info@favorsbyserendipity.com. No purchase necessary. Rules and contest end date are subject to change. A winner will be announced August 15, 2011.

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Well, alrightie then, lovelies…do you heart them? We sure do. As an avid traveler who favors cruises (ahh…luxury), I can vouch for these products; in fact, I designed them myself to make traveling easier. And I’m so proud of them — they really live up to their name.

The Cruise Shower Caddy is already five-star rated — wow (check out reviews here). It includes 3 travel-size product pockets, 2 additional pockets and velcro straps to fit on any horizontal bar, or it can be hung with suction cups (included). It’s machine-washable and small enough to take along easily. Check out how much this little baby can hold — you’re going to love it.  Made for cruising, but also can be used in an RV, houseboat, or hotel.

The second prize is Our Soap Pocket-On-A-Rope . Nothing against standard soap-on-a-rope (we love this too!) but for travel, it can be messy, and it’s no fun to pack up and take back out. That’s why I created the Soap Pocket-On-A-Rope. No more dropping the soap, easy accessibility and it’s so neat…everything’s in one place.

But over here I think we’re proudest of all of our Cruise Luggage Tag Holders. These are such a hit, according to the reviews and from comments we’ve received from travelers all over the globe. The tag holders are designed for print yourself luggage tags required by cruise lines and the printed information on the tags can be seen clearly and concisely, are very readable, protective and include a durable vinyl loop (a larger loop for longer handles is available for an additional charge — see the details page). Worry-free travel…it doesn’t get any better than this!

We can’t wait to announce the winner, so tell your family, friends and fellow travelers about the contest. (Here’s our Facebook link, and have participants spread the word via your cruise forums, FB and Twitter if they’d like.)

Hope you’re as excited about this as we are, and we hope you’re the  winner!

Choosing a Wedding Photographer

A photographer should be motivated to capture you at your best. Photo: Hair and Makeup by Georgette Roles, www.lipsandcurls.com

Ruh-roh.

It’s that time.

Yes, that’s right, my wedding lovelies. It’s time to…start searching for a wedding photographer. (cue ominous musical score)

Okay, so it’s probably not all that bad. But many a bride-to-be balks at the thought of starting the search for the perfect wedding photographer. The task can seem daunting, but we’ve broken things down into manageable chunks for you. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Start Looking Early

Like your gown and your venue, the photographer is one wedding search assignment you’ll want to start right away. We don’t recommend saying “Yes!” to your guy at the restaurant and running for the phone book or the web before the poor man can get the engagement ring on your finger. But do put the photographer near the top of your wedding planning agenda.

The more time you have to look, the less stressful things will be and the less pressured you’ll feel to settle on someone just to have a photographer booked.

Talk to Your Friends

Naturally, your Smartphone is going to be a ginormous part of your wedding planning, and let’s face it, the internet broadens your search range farther than anyone would have thought possible 25 or 35 years ago. That’s a given.

But don’t discount the oldest form of marketing available: word-of-mouth. No matter how many glowing reviews you may find on Yelp, how can you really know how the entire process will go, from dealing with prices to the photog’s personality? Ask your best buds how their entire experience with the photographer was, start to (photo) finish.

Meet With at Least Five Photographers

Caveat emptor. You may be blown away by the first samples you’ve seen, but check out several operations before handing over that deposit.

Another tip: Go home and think about things. Even if you’re 99% certain of a specific photographer, give yourself time to think about everyone you’ve seen before making a final decision.

Ask to Look at Samples

While visiting with your prospective photographer, ask to see samples of his or her work. She should have plenty. If she can only produce a handful of samples, run, don’t walk to the next person on your list. Photographers take dozens, even hundreds, of shots at a typical wedding. If your photographer can’t produce a nice fat book (or filled-up website) of great shots, it’s a red flag.

Read Over All the Details Before Signing

Yes. All. Including the teeny-tiny print. If you feel like the photographer is rushing you to sign without reading, then don’t sign yet — go home and think about it. Ideally, take a copy of the unsigned contract with you. Then look it over when you’re not feeling rushed. This small step can save HUGE headaches later.

Pick Someone Whose Goal is Making You Look Good

Photographers are artists, and they often look at their creations in the light of whether they caught an interesting angle, appropriate lighting or a fascinating composition of characters.

Wedding photographers, if they’re good ones, know it’s about more than that: it’s your big day. While you’re interviewing your photographer, feel out whether she seems to be gearing her results toward the bride, groom and wedding party. “We stood the bride and groom this way because the afternoon light was slanting in — just look at the bride’s face” and the like can give you hints that the photographer has vision but is concerned, above all, about you.

Make sure your photographer wants you and your hubs-to-be — as well as the wedding party and guests — to look your beautiful best.

Once you’ve found the perfect photographer, book her! Don’t let this chance slip by. Having your wedding photography mission accomplished takes a huge weight off you and your groom and allows you to concentrate on the rest of your planning. And a stress-free couple is a happy couple.

Start early, take your time and enjoy the process, while maintaining a lookout for the above clues — and you’ll look mahvelous, darling.

Our Favorite DIY Wedding Ideas

It’s amazing (and impressive) how many brides we hear from that say they want to create wedding touches themselves. Wedding planning is such a busy time that we just have to give kudos to brides- and grooms-to-be, and their families, who take on the task making things personal with gorgeous DIY additions.

It’s in that spirit that we offer to you our favorite DIY wedding ideas. Why make things harder on yourself? Try these easy, eye-grabbing methods to impress your guests. Here are our favorites:

DIY Centerpieces

One of the easiest and most creative ways to impress your guests is to make your own wedding reception centerpieces. Ideas are wide open here, but generally, you want something pretty, safe (particularly if you’re involving candles in your decor), centralized (keep the centerpieces to a small-ish circle or square area) and within your wedding theme.

Ideas: Try natural touches, like twigs (see your local florist or if you’re really inspired, gather your own), leaves, berries and dried flowers. For a beach-theme wedding, toss a few sea shells and star fish around your arrangement. Be creative and use local choices for gorgeous, kitschy decor.

Pillar candles can really make a centerpiece. Set up two different sizes next to one another and choose two strongly contrasting but complementary colors. Or tie with colorful ribbon. Be careful with scented candles; you don’t want fragrance to overpower the dinner or appetizers that are being served.

DIY Ceremony and Reception Decor

Utilize fabric for color-coordinated touches. Wrap vases in fabric in your wedding colors. Add draped fabric to the backs of wedding reception chairs. Make big, droopy, awesome bows and tie them to aisles for the ceremony. Be daring with color — it’s all about striking individuality this wedding season.

For an outdoor wedding, string pretty white lights amid greenery (trees, potted plants and bushes). Rent a tent in a sumptuous color whether you’re anticipating rain or not; it’s simply a nice touch, and adds instant elegance.

DIY Wedding Menu

Know a great baker in your family or among your friends? Have him or her create gorgeous, gooey cupcakes, then place them in sophisticated cupcake wrappers.

Fill premade favor boxes with candy. For a summer wedding, fill with sand and seashells, plus a wrapped candy or two (chocolate is our favorite). Stuff with pretty fall leaves for an autumn wedding; place a trinket on top of the mini-pile.

Cupcakes are cool for 2011 (see above). So is having someone close to you make your wedding cake. Make sure you give this labor of love to someone you can trust to do a pro job; you want an organic yet professionally arranged look here. Top with a unique and sophisticated topper or ask your “baker” to top with edible real flowers, candy/icing flowers, and pretty piped icing.

Are you a genius with Phyllo dough, and are you planning a manageable-size reception (say, 60 or fewer people)? Then pre-make your own appetizers. Freeze, then have the appetizers baked the morning of the party.

DIY Wedding Stationery

Make your own invitations, place cards and Save the Date cards. There are so many programs available online to choose from that will deliver professional-looking, highly unique results.

Word to the wise: Do not print out your own wedding stationery unless you have a top-notch color printer. And we do mean top-notch. If you’re concerned, take your ideas to a local printer. Have your finished template ready on disc or have it e-mailed to the printer. Choose professional looking card stock in a reasonable weight so your results are fabulous instead of flimsy.

DIY Wedding Site and Guest Registry Site

Again: super-easy…and super fun to boot. Look for free sites online; there are plenty to choose from, with pretty, fun, funky or sophisticated templates and backdrops to keep your guests informed about your wedding.

Link your wedding registry site to your main wedding site to make things easier for guests. Take your time on this idea and make it truly yours, then update regularly. (Have a push e-mail ready for when updates occur, or choose a program that automatically sends out notifications.)