Since you’re shopping on a wedding website, most likely you are already engaged (congrats!). Just in case (or maybe for your anniversary ring in a few years) we’ve decided its time to talk about the very first and foremost thing on the bride-to-be’s to do list: the rock.

And by rock, we mean ring. Engagement ring, to be more precise. We know you know a fair amount about the subject, but you can always stand to learn a little more - right? And if not, pass this along to your BF… we know he’s interested.

The Four C’s: Carat, Color, Clarity, Cut

Yes, you’ve heard of this. Carat is referring to the size of the stone. The larger total carat weight (TCW), the Read the rest of this entry »

When it comes to planning for the wedding many brides consider fixes for big flubs, but not the little ones. We advise you pack an emergency kit for the day of your wedding. We promise it will come to your rescue at least once during the day!

• Pain reliever
• Band-Aids
• Bottled water
• Clear nail polish
• Sewing pins/safety pins
• Dental floss Read the rest of this entry »

We scour the web to find practical and fun wedding information and tips to pass on, and TheKnot.com never fails to catch our attention. Here, we’ve outlined the Top Ten Biggest Pre-wedding Mistakes. Read carefully… and don’t say we didn’t warn you!

1. Blowing your budget. Most planning guides will tell you the first step to any planning is to make a budget. If you fail to do this, there is a good chance you will blow all of (or a good part of) the entire budget on non-necessities. Trust us - you’ll get the “excited Bride rush” and plan, plan, plan… and then be floored when you get the bill. Make a budget first, then look at prices as you go so that you stay on track.

2. Messin’ with the marriage license. There are lots of rules surrounding this task - a task that sounds so Read the rest of this entry »

Happy Birthday to us! Today is our retail store’s one year anniversary and we are thrilled to have had such a successful first year! To celebrate, we are introducing our own line of wedding invitations next week. A portion of the proceeds from our recycled paper invitations will be going to the World Wildlife Fund. Come on by and check ‘em out! Thanks for such a great first year!

If you’re looking for a fabulous place to start your wedding gown search in Portland, look no further than Divine Designs in the Pearl District (NW 17th Avenue). They have an amazing selection of beautiful gowns for brides and bridesmaids, featuring Vera Wang, Nicole Miller, and Monique Lhuillier. Gowns range from $2,000 to $5,000 and are simply gorgeous! Be sure you call to make an appointment before you head in… each bride is scheduled for a private 1.5 hour session with a personal consultant.

 Divine Designs - 503.827.0667

You’ve monogrammed your wedding invitations, programs, napkins, and favors - but what about personalizing your bar? One hot trend right now is having your own signature cocktail. It can be a drink you and your sweetie shared somewhere special. It can be something you both crave. It can be something you asked the caterer to come up with a couple weeks before. Any way you choose to do it, this trend can be fun to partake in. Here are a few of our favorites:

Mango Martini
(www.theknot.com)

• 2 parts Grey Goose vodka
• 1/2 part mango puree
• 1/2 part pineapple juice Read the rest of this entry »

Bridemaids have it easy these days - no poufy sleeves or lacy frilly numbers… and nothing that looks like a couch from the early 80’s. Believe me Brides, they thank you. A lot. But what are the current and upcoming bridesmaid trends? Look no further to find out:

• Rich colors. Pastels are hard for anyone to pull off - no matter how tan or how fair-skinned. Jewel tones flatter everyone, and you can never go wrong with basic black. Bright colors can also be very nice, but make sure you’re not choosing anything resembling “neon” (unless you’re footing the bill for all the dresses).
• Wear-again styles. Do your girls the favor of choosing a dress that they are likely to wear again. Picking something timeless and elegant will ensure less hostility and more happy. For summer, choosing a basic style in a nice color will go over very well.
• Tea-length. This mid-calf length seems to be popping up everywhere these days. It flatters most heights and can be worn in a variety of formalities. If you are into the whole “matching” thing, keep an eye on this length when the girls are different heights. It can look VERY different.
• Simple is in. No huge bows or millions of sequins. Go with a simple design… if you must choose an embellishment, go for small embroidered patterns or a skinny belt.
• Shiny fabrics. Don’t read this wrong… shiny ONLY in moderation. Some fabrics have a natural sheen to them, like taffeta or Dupioni silk.
• Strapless or v-neck styles. Take into consideration the bust size of each girl who will be wearing the dress, and make sure that she will be comfortable wearing the neckline that you choose.
• Eye-popping accents. A large fabric flower can be trés chic.

Check out www.TheKnot.com for many, many bridesmaid dress choices, all listed with designer and price level.

Green is a great color, but we love the idea of BEING green even more. Ecofriendly, that is. There are tons of ways to lend a hand at saving the planet for your day! Here are just a few:

• Use locally grown foods to serve at the wedding reception. Find out what’s in season around your part of the country near your wedding date, and plan a menu around those items. Bonus points if you can buy from a market close to you - you’ll be saving gas at the same time!
• Make your own bouquets with locally grown flowers, or hire a florist that uses local blooms.
• Use something that doesn’t leave anything behind to have guests toss as you leave the church. Bubbles and bells both work well.
• Find invitations that use recycled paper. Visit our boutique for more recycled paper invitations, “plantable” invitations, and our own line of invitations printed on recycled paper (coming soon).
• Use an eco-friendly favor. Good ideas are: wildflower packets, individual potted plants or baby trees, or donations to a charity.

Check out www.TheKnot.com and www.EcoParti.com for more “green” ideas!

For our First Thursday Event, to be held August 7 beginning at 4 p.m., we’ve decided to have a Girl’s Night! Brides and their ‘maids and moms are invited to join us at the New and Blue retail boutique for bridal hair and makeup tips and tricks from FADA Salon. We’ll also be handing out free gift bags with fun little treats, and (as always) serving champagne. You can also expect to be amazed by the mini-cupcakes being served, from our neighbor Cupcake Jones - which will be their signature August cocktail flavors. We’ll play shower and bachelorette games and pamper you… don’t miss out! No RSVP necessary!

The clan from FADA on August 7 will feature hairstylists and makeup pros to give you tips on DIY styles, as well as answer questions about their wedding day packages. And, of course, you are welcome to book your appointments at the event.

FADA Salon is an amazing Portland salon featuring all sorts of salon and spa treatments, specializing in wedding parties on the big day. From makeup to waxing to hair and nails, they will do you up right! Their new location at 615 SW Broadway Suite 400 is right downtown near Abercrombie. Hurry and book your day before they fill up!

Veils are no longer the head-wear of choice for many modern brides. These days it is more common to see Brides donning other things atop their crowns:

• Updated tiaras. We’re thinking more simple than bling bling. You don’t want to look too princessy.
• A single bloom. Pin a flower in your updo, or place it behind your ear. You can match it to your wedding colors, theme, or find the perfect white flower to match your dress.
• Small rhinestones. Spread them throughout your ‘do, but don’t overdo it.
• Peek-a-boo veils. Ok, we can budge on this type of veil. They’re small and cute.
• Feathers. They add a whimsical touch, and - let’s face it - they’re fun.
• Clips. You can add small bobby pins that are adorned with rhinestones for just a little sparkle, or find a clips that have a flower, feather, or rhinestones and go all out.

Look here for some good ideas and finds: Etsy, Handmade Wedding Accessories