Your wedding day is your day to shine and gorgeous bridal beauty is key.  Now, false eyelashes may not be part of your desired beauty regiment but for those of you that prefer to glam it up, they can help to accentuate your pretty peepers.  However, if you ladies out there are anything like a few of us here at New and Blue, when hearing the phrase “false eyelashes” we immediately revert back to those futile attempts which ended in gluey fingers and a lash-line mid lid.  Well, if your looking to give the application process another go, we found this super helpful video by Sephora.  It really outlines the best way to correctly apply those falsies!  Check it out!

We often recommend to couples that setting up a wedding website is a great way to keep their family and friends updated on all of their wedding details.  Often times you don’t have all your plans finalized when you send out your save-the-date so it’s easy to just put in your website address so guests know to check back as the date nears for all the latest and greatest.   It is also a wonderful way to display photos, share how you met each other and let your guests, get to know each of you better. 

There certainly are lots of sites to choose from and most have packages or offer options you can upgrade to like your own personal domain or keepsake CD of your site.  The Knot and Wedding Channel let you set up one for free if you join their site and then you can pay to upgrade.  The benefits of joining these sites is that you have lots of wedding planning information at your fingertips so they are certainly worth checking out.  Wedsite is 100% flash based, highly customizable and has a special going on right now.  If you want to do a little competitive shopping then try WeddingWebsites.com.  They provide you with information on a number of wedding websites so that you can compare pricing, packages and services, and also read customer reviews.  New to the scene is Shutterfly.  Known for online photo sharing and storage, they are now offering their customers the opportunity to create their own website, whether for your wedding or other occasion.  Of course if you are not a member, you can sign up for free.

A wedding website could make the perfect engagement or early wedding gift should you be in need of an idea!

Here at New and Blue we know you want your wedding to be a reflection of you and your lucky groom, so we are always on the lookout for new products, creative ideas and helpful tips that we can pass along to you.

Just in, from the Brides Buzz section of the latest BRIDES magazine, is cocktail flavored ice cream by Silver Moon Desserts!  Who says the only way to enjoy a Pomegranate Martini is by sipping?  Now you can scoop it out of your favorite martini glass with a spoon!  Yum!  How fabulous would this be at your wedding reception, bridal shower or next party?  Step aside, signature drink!  Silver Moon Desserts has eight delicious flavors to choose from or you can have one custom made.  Custom orders are $250, plus shipping, for 300 servings.  Contact Silver Moon Desserts to learn more or check out their website to buy some pints for your freezer.

The 7th Annual Bravo! Wedding Affair is not to be missed!  Unlike the typical bridal show where you have booth after booth of wedding vendors, this “show” really is an ”affair.”  Wedding planners, florists and rental companies work together to create wedding vignettes in each of the ballrooms that highlight their style, the latest trends and some really fresh ideas for you to experience.  Each of the rooms also have a variety of wedding vendors that are showcasing their work in a more relaxed and intimate setting.  “From the centerpieces to the wedding cake, invitations to the photography, music to catering, every detail has been carefully thought out and meticulously taken care of - all to help simplify the task of planning your own wedding.”

Register today! 

Here are the particulars:

What:  Bravo! Wedding Affair

When:  Sunday, November 15th, 2009

Where:  Embassy Suites Hotel Downtown Portland, 319 SW Pine

Time:  11am-4pm

Tickets: $25 for the bride and 1 guest.  Additional tickets are $10 each. 

Check out these lovelies if you are in need of something new and blue…

Clockwise from upper left:  Something Blue Hankerchief, Anthropologie Sadie Earrings, Santi Basketweave Clutch, Anthropologie Sea Blossom Bracelet, Anthropologie Blue Belle Boyshorts, Weddingstar Classic Garter with Buckle, Anthropologie Blue Belle Bralette.

We get asked a lot if the wedding rings should be tied to the ring pillow and that really depends on the age of your ring bearer.  If he is old enough, sure, but if not, we don’t recommend it.  Instead, tie faux rings to the pillow and have the best man have both rings in his pocket.  Some say the maid of honor should carry the groom’s ring on her thumb but having been maids before we don’t recommend this approach either.  Imagine having a men’s ring, that is already too big for your finger, on your thumb and you now have to hold your bouquet as well as the bride’s.  Talk about stress for your maid of honor!  Make it easy on everyone and just give the real rings to the one with the pockets!

photo courtesy of marthastewartweddings.com

It seems like there is a whole new vocabulary you need to learn when planning a wedding!  Last month we defined a variety of printing terms for you so this month we thought why not explain some of the other stationery terms that you will, or have, come across in your planning process.

Accommodation Card* - Gives guests information about lodging near the wedding site.  If you have arranged for a group rate, let your guests know the name it’s under and the date the rate is good through.  It’s also nice to let them know what the rates are and any special amenities that might make their stay more enjoyable.

Announcement- Mailed right after the wedding ceremony (or the next day) to “announce” that your marriage has taken place.  These are sent to to anyone that did not get invited to the wedding.  Include the date, year and city in which the wedding took place.  As a general rule, if you receive an announcement, you are not obliged to buy a gift, but sending a card is a nice acknowledgement.

Calligraphy - Artistic hand-inked lettering that adds an elegant touch to envelopes, escort cards, place cards, table numbers and more.

Deckled-Edged - Ragged borders with a torn look that give paper a handmade appearance.

Direction Card* - Provides directions to the ceremony and reception locations.

Escort Card - Directs guests to their assigned tables and is usually positioned in alphabetical order near the entrance to the reception.

Font - A typeface or lettering style.

Informal - Flat or folded card that is typically used as a thank you note.  It comes with an unprinted envelope.

Invitation - We know you all know what this is but remember it should never have your gift registry information on it or in the same envelope!

Menu Card - Gives a course-by-course listing of the food to be served.

Overlay - Paper layered atop another piece of paper that you can see through.  Usually vellum or tissue is used as the overlay, over a heavier type of paper.

Pew Card - Designates special seating for honored guests at the ceremony.  The card includes the guest’s name and pew number, and can be sent either with their invitation or after you receive their reply card.  You do not see these used as often today.  Most times your ushers can have a listing of special guests and which pews to seat them in or you can have a number of the front pews “ribbon-ed off” for family and special guests.

Place Card - Directs guests to a specific seat at their assigned table at a very formal wedding.

Rain Card - Tells guests where the alternate (indoor) location is in the event of inclement weather.  Not used often unless the new location is in a completely different location from the original site.

Reception Card* - Tells guests where the reception will take place if different from the ceremony location.  You can also put this information at the bottom of our invitation if you would prefer.

RSVP/Reply/Response Card - Sent with your invitation, this card is filled out by your guests and mailed back to you, so you know if they will or will not be attending.  It is accompanied by an addressed and stamped envelope and is the most common piece to accompany your wedding invitation.

Table Number - Distinguishes tables from one another.  Can be numerals or words.

Transportation Card* - Lets guests know that you’re providing some type of transportation (bus, trolley, etc) from Point A to Point B on the wedding day.  If you need to know how many guests will be taking advantage of the provided transportation, just add a line to your RSVP card so you can get a head count.

Vellum - Translucent decorative paper, often used as an overlay.

Wedding Program - Outlines the ceremony proceedings.  May include songs, readings, special acknowledgements, and list the wedding party.

Within-the-Ribbon Card- Indicates to guests that they are to be seated in this “ribbon-ed off” section during the ceremony.  You do not see these used very often today as your ushers can be given a list of the special guests you would like to be seated in this area at the rehearsal.

*These cards can be combined on one larger card if you are looking to cut down on your carbon footprint and/or costs.  Try calling it Wedding Details or Wedding Weekend Information.

Everyone ha a unique style so what does your diamond style say about you?

*Diamonds from top left:

Simply Elegant: Emerald & Radiant diamonds

Glamorous: Asscher diamond

Modern: Marquise & Oval diamonds

Fashionista: Princess diamond

Traditionalist: Round diamond

Trend-Setter: Pear diamond

Vintage Beauty: Cushion diamond

Are you back from your honeymoon and feeling a little stressed about what to write in all those thank you notes?  Or is your wedding just around the corner and lots of gifts have arrived, and you’re feeling the pressure to get some notes out?  Just take a deep breath and try this template from Brides.com.

Dear / Darling / Dearest / Hello!

Thank you for the _____________ lovely / amazing / adorable / handsome / stylish / useful / interesting / novel / unusual / funky _______________________ (type of gift).  We look forward to ___________________ using it (them) / displaying it (them) / enjoying it (them) _____________________________ for years to come. / at the holidays. / this summer. / everyday.

Can’t wait to __________________ see you / meet you / talk to you / catch up with you / visit you _______________________ at the wedding. / during the holidays. / at the gym. / after the honeymoon. / at the water cooler.

Sincerely, / Warmly, / Love, / Fondly, / Best, / Cheers!

________________________________ (your names)

The most recent issue of The Bride & Bloom arrived and as always we love the Real Weddings section.  The question “What is Your Advice to Future Brides” was posed to all and we thought their replys would be helpful to all you future brides out there.

“Get a massage on the morning of the wedding!  Keep it about you and your husband and not the ‘big day.’  And when the day arrives, just let go and enjoy it!”  -Georgia & Nathan

“When the big day comes, don’t worry about anything.  Just enjoy the day and each other.” - Janet & Roy

“Relationships are hard and after eight years with someone, you realize what it takes to get through it.  A wedding is when everyone is coming with you on this day to support you.  It’s not all about being a princess, but about involving people to make the marriage work.  It’s about your community.” -Alison & Michael

 “Allow yourself enough time to plan the wedding, especially when you want to include a lot of details.  It really takes time.  It’s a reflection of you.” -Karen & Russell

“Stay true to what you want.  It’s easy to get caught up having the most up-to-date trendy kind of wedding.  You can get carried away and your price tag can too.  Stick to what you want and your wedding will turn out to be truly what you want it to, not like someone else’s idea.” -Sandra & Graham

We would love to hear from you too!  Post the piece of advice you would like to share with a future bride and we will gather and share in a blog later this month.