Groom's Attire

So much of wedding planning surrounds and focuses on the bride. I want to take some time to focus on the groom, the suit options available for the groom go beyond a regular dark tuxedo.



This suit is perfect for a formal evening wedding. Navy blue linen suit is not quite a tuxedo but brings formality through its color and accessories. Color is also brought in with the tie and vest. As you can see the way the necktie is tied also adds to the formality of the attire.

Bouquet Bridal Collection
www.bqbridal.com/groom.aspx




I really like the look of this suit. There are different cuts that you will find in suit making. This particular suit would be considered a European cut and I really love European cuts. The European cut tapers at the waist, for a trim, fit look. This suit style would really be great in any degree of formality. Accessories and color choices will change the look of the suit to meet your wedding style, (for example this suit in a tan color would work best for a morning or afternoon wedding, indoors or outdoors). I must warn you, you and your groomsmen should be in relatively good shape, OK actually you should make sure you are trim and fit and not planning to gain weight.



For a beach wedding there is no better look than that of linen, most particularly in a light color. It is airy and light, it exudes breezy elegance. It's loose fit does not always require traditional tailoring. There are different types of linen some heavier than others, for a beach wedding you might want to lean towards the lighter version, possibly an Italian linen.

http://www.mycubanstore.com/page/MC/CTGY/Guayabera_weddings





Photo courtesy of Red Ribbon Studio

This suit would be great for an afternoon wedding indoor or outdoors. It is an elegant cross between casual and formal. The grey color also gives you a different option to the black tuxedo.



Photo courtesy of Red Ribbon Studio

Inspiring ideas for grooms!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1950 Vintage Wedding

The 1950's wedding brought elegance, dignity, elaborate church weddings and very formal attire for wedding parties. The 1950's ushered a new style in bridal wear. Introduced by Dior, dresses with full skirts and a pinched waist which created an hourglass shape were popular. This effect was further emphasized with crinolines and hoop skirts.

As is the case today, Hollywood influenced fashion as a whole including bridal fashion. The wedding dress worn by Elizabeth Taylor in the popular 1950's film "Father of the Bride, starring Spencer Tracey and Elizabeth Taylor, became one of the most popular styles during that era. Taylor wore a similar wedding dress in her first wedding in May 1950 to Conrad "Nicky" Hilton, Jr. (and possibly at her next three weddings all in the 1950's). Jacqueline Bouvier also wore a similar look on her wedding day when she married John Fitzgerald Kennedy in Septemeber 1953.

On my stroll through Vintage ETSY, I came across a shop with dresses inspired by this era. Timeless Vixen Vintage has an amazing array of vintage fashions. They have amassed an exquisite collection and offer these uncommon rare pieces for your wardrobe. Timeless Vixen Vintage strives to accommodate the best of every decade and posts new arrivals weekly!including lots of 1950's inspired gowns. I really wished that I had the pleasure of helping to plan a 1950's inspired wedding or even attend one so that I could wear one of these fabulous creations.

I have to highlight my favorite dress on this site because it falls into two categories for me Unique and gorgeous. For the non-traditional bride this would be a great 1950's inspired wedding gown, and for less than $1000 it is a great find.

1950's Vintage Ceil Chapman Couture Strapless Steel-Blue Beaded Sequin and Rhinestone Tulle Circle-Skirt Princess Wedding Party Gown Dress





Here is another dress for a more classic 1950's inspired wedding gown.

1950's "Emma Domb" Original California Designer-Couture Label
*Exquisite Ivory-White Sheer Chantilly-Lace and Shimmer-Taffeta
*Seductive Shelf-Bust Plunge Cap-Sleeve Nipped-Waist Bodice
*Dramatic Full-Length Bow-Trimmed Pinwheel Backside-Train




For one of the many pre-wedding parties that you will attend you may want to consider the dress below. This is my second favorite, for the color inspiration.

1950's Vintage Ceil Chapman Designer-Couture Mocha Silk-Taffeta Seductive Ruffle-Tulle Ruched Shelf-Bust Plunge Bombshell Circle-Skirt Autumn Wedding Party Cocktail Formal Gown Dress



or

1950's Vintage Sophisticated-Miss Couture Heavily-Pleated Black Silk-Chiffon Shelf-Bust Plunge Sequin-Lace Illusion Circle-Skirt Wedding Party Cocktail Dress



There are too many beautiful dresses to highlight here, so stop by Timeless Vixen Vintage and take a look through their collection.

Be Inspired by 1950's style!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unique Wedding Glassware

On my walk through the ETSY countryside, I came across a really fabulous shop. I have a love for anything that stands out and is unique. I love the idea of owning something that is not going to be found at every store, in every home. If you, like me enjoy uniquely created items, follow me to DayDreem Designs. DayDreem Designs specializes in uniquely engraved lead-free glassware.

Michael J. is the artisan behind these unique glassware sets. He shared with Inspired the process that he uses to create these glasses.

Using a high speed rotary tool and diamond burrs, all pieces are created individually. There are no acids, chemicals or sand blasting used to create these engravings in mass production. Every glass is one of a kind. There will never be two pieces exactly alike. The engravings are not traced. Every design is created freehand and a signed original. All pieces are created by Michael J. S.



A perfect gift, weddings, anniversary, wedding parties, housewarming, birthdays, outdoor entertaining, or on display.

Currently they are having special with orders of $20.00 or more, you will receive a FREE Votive Holder.






The above champagne flute is sold in a set of two. It is beautifully hand engraved with 'Reaching Branches' wrapping around the the glass. Two names of your choice custom engraved into each glass. Your glasses will be custom engraved with script font, letters sized accordingly. Date can be added at no charge.

Be Inspired by uniqueness!!!!!!!!!!!!

Red Carpet Wedding: Win Diamond Earrings!!!!!

BridalTweet is hosting a magnificent giveaway. Thanks to BridalTweet and Adorn Jewelry one winner will win a chance to wear gorgeous Diamond earrings on her Wedding Day. Following the tradition of many Hollywood stars you will win a rental of Diamond earrings valued at $3000. Join Bridaltweet for a chance to win, be sure to mention Aleximani Events upon registration. Click here for official entry rules for the official e winner will have Red Carpet.

Wedding Inspiration Boards

Next on my walk through fall colors is red. I love the richness of a red apple and the shades of red I find on maple tree during fall.

While red is a color that stands strongly on its own, you can pair it with other colors. Now stay away from having a chrismasy feel to your fall wedding, pair with colors like orange, golden rod, green similar to what you would find in the fall landscape. Colors come into harmony and create a great feast for the eyes when they are not too close in value such as dark red with a pale or golden yellow. In my opinion, the darker reds like Crimson will be more representative of fall than brighter reds like tomato.

A little something about red

A stimulant, red is the hottest of the warm colors. In some cultures, red denotes purity, joy, and celebration. Red is the color of happiness and prosperity in China and may be used to attract good luck.

Other names for red

Scarlet, crimson, vermilion, carmine, maroon, burgundy, ruby, rose, madder, rouge, brick, blood red, blush, fire engine red, cinnabar, russet, rust, Venetian red, flame, Indian red, tomato.






Bridesmaid dress
Ann Taylor Wedding and Events
Style Code: 236178_4616


Wedding Invite Carlson Craft

Information source
About.com

And the winner is............

Another giveaway, another winner. I am so excited, giving really gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling. Our winner was selected using Random.org.

I am proud to announce that the winner of the Swavorski Jewelry Set is Soypea, who made a comment on Sept 11, 2009. Congratulations!!and thank you for stopping by and entering Inspired's September giveaway. Hope that you will be back and bring some friends. Look for the October giveaway scheduled for the beginning of October.

Thank you to all of you who took the time to enter Inspired's September giveaway. I hope that you will come back and get a little inspiration for your weddings or other events.

Thank you to my sponsor, Jurgita of Etsy shop Jurgita Handmade you have made the September giveaway a fabulous one.

Aruna Seth - Bridal Shoes

Shoes glorious shoes, I love shoes!!Some of the styles of bridal shoes that I see now I wish I could have found when I was getting married. The beautiful styles make them more than just a bridal shoe.

I came across a press release for a company in the UK, Aruna Seth , they specialize in Bridal Shoes & Bags. Their luxury handcrafted shoes make a WOW statement and are now available to US brides via their online boutique. Check them out and see if their shoes fit with your bridal style. If I was looking for bridal shoe I think I would gravitate towards their White Cerise.



Press Release

Aruna Seth
Bridal Shoes & Bags
www.arunaseth.com
• Aruna Seth is the new ‘pretty’ bridal shoe & handbag designer hitting the US

• Perfect shoes for Brides-to-be, Mothers of the brides and wedding guests

• Aruna Seth shoes are a gift to seriously spoil ladies who love shoes, adore rich materials

• Wedding shoes which a bride can treasure forever

• Everlasting shoes for your wedding day, each inspirational shoe and handbag is carefully designed and handcrafted to perfection in Northern Italy

• The finest buttery leather, thick cut satin and instantly recognisable shoes ‘fit for a princess’ embellished with Swarovski crystals and exquisite detailing

• A collection of over 10 pairs of fabulous bridal shoes

• Our bridal shoes can be purchased at our online bridal boutique www.arunaseth.com

• We do private shoe fitting appointments at The Cadogan Hotel in Sloane Street (UK) for Brides to Be to enjoy a personal shopping experience with us.



Photos

Left Top Style Farfalla
Left side center Style AS112B
Left Bottom Style AS104A
Center,Right bottom corner White Cerise
Right Top Corner Style AS139
Right Center Style AS162nude



Don't forget to enter our September giveaway!

OmniBride™- Wedding Planning tool

I came across a very pleasant resource tool for brides. I don't know if this was the brain child of a bride, since it seems as if they the heard the frustrating cries of brides-to-be sitting at their computers. So if you are planning a wedding, here is a tool for your "wedding tool belt". What is this tool?.....OmniBride™, .

The creators of this wonderful search engine knew the countless hours brides-to-be spend on the Internet searching anything wedding. Anyone who has embarked on a journey to find ideas and inspiration knows that sometimes the search keywords you input will yield results that may not be directly related to weddings. It becomes frustrating.

Omnibride has in their words created the wedding cosmos. They have gone boldly where all brides hope to go. OmniBride™, a search-share-find destination solely for wedding- and event-related content. With the explosion of information on the Internet over the last few years that often gets ‘lost in space’, OmniBride™ offers an experience that will be pleasing to brides-to-be in search of information.


Omnibride news release:


OmniBride.com, A Savvy Search-Find-Share Site for Brides, Bloggers and the Wedding Industry

(BETA Version)



OmniBride.com is a compelling search-find-share site specifically created for brides, wedding enthusiasts and event professionals. It is a one-destination, niche solution that captures the wedding and event blogosphere—ceasing the aimless and endless search for quality content.

(September 9, 2009) Santa Clara, CA – OmniBride.com is a powerful targeted search –find-share site that accesses a comprehensive database of information captured from both professionals and real-people bloggers who are passionate and knowledgeable about the wedding industry. The proprietary software allows, for the first time, full access to wedding-related information, thus ending the aimless wandering and endless searches in the vast blogosphere and Internet. Now users have one destination for quickly researching, finding and sharing compelling information, ideas and inspirations for their wedding and event planning. Value-added features in the current release include feeds of the day’s posts from the online wedding community and the most current wedding-related contests and giveaways. Additional features and functions are planned for the near future.

Wedding Inspiration Boards - Yellow

Continuing our series on wedding colors inspired by fall, we move on to yellow. The various varieties of trees will bring different colors to the fall landscape. From the red and orange autumn leaves of maples to the yellow autumn leaves of aspens and birch. Yellow denotes happiness and joy.




Dress bottom right J Crew
Dress Center Left Watters 4331
Cake Todd Rafalovich photo



Yellow mini purse favor Accent the party


Be Inspired by yellow!!!

Don't forget to enter our September giveaway

Check out: Top 5 Questions for Selecting a Wedding Venue

I came across this article and thought I would share with couples in search of wedding venues. This is a major element of your wedding and all the dreams that you have for your perfect day can be made or broken by the wedding venue you select.


Check out: Top 5 Questions for Selecting a Wedding Venue

Check out Top 5 Questions for Selecting a Wedding Venue. (I found it on omnibride).

Shared via AddThis

Fruit Centerpieces

Using fruit in your centerpieces is a stunning and inexpensive way to make a wow statement at your wedding. Fruits make statements on their own, citrus can bring a bright, cheery feeling to your table, while cranberries or red apples could bring warmth to your tables. There are so many ways that the fruit can be displayed and how you choose to display them will make this reception element a hit. Surrounded by candles or standing alone fruit centerpieces range from fun and casual to elegant and chic.





Here are some DIY articles to help you with your fruit centerpieces:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2049200_fruit-wedding-centerpiece.html

http://factoidz.com/how-to-create-fruit-centerpieces-for-your-wedding-the-new-alterative-to-florals/

Be Inspired by fruit!!!!


Don't forget to enter our September giveaway!!!!!

Wedding Inspiration Boards - Green

Last week I started a inspiration board series featuring fall colors. I love fall it is my favorite season. If you have ever experienced a northeast fall you will know about the changing colors, brisk air, apple picking, crackling fires. I started with orange which is my favorite color, the rusty orange that you see in the changing leaves, hot apple cider and in fall decor.

This week I will introduce a green inspiration board. Although the colors of the leaves are changing you still find the green in fall. Sometimes its a whole leaf sometimes you find a leaf showing green on the bottom, yellow, orange tips...beautiful.



Be inpired by Fall!!!!!!!!!!!

Sources
Upper left - Geoff White photo
Upper Right - Arrowood Photos
bottom left - Sara France photo
bottom right - Gilette Photography

Don't forget to stop by our September Giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!

September Giveaway

I am bursting at the seams with excitment about Inspired's new giveaway. Not only am I hosting a new giveaway for September, but (drumroll please) Inspired will be hosting a giveaway every month.

I have always talked about the wonderful artisans that I have had a pleasure to network with; well they will all be sponsoring prizes for my blog's monthly giveaways. The stuff that I have lined up for the monthly giveaways....SPECTACULAR!!(can you tell I am excited?)

With no further delay, I would like to announce September's giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our sponsor is Etsy shop Jurgita Handmade. Her shop holds countless unique items made from Swarovski Crystals and Swarovski Pearls.

You have the chance to win a set of Cream Swarovski Crystals and Swarovski Pearls earrings (silver ) and a Cream Swarovski Pearls and Crystal Swarovski Crystals bracelet ($67 value). Whether you are a bride or not you will want this beautiful jewelry in your jewelry box.




The September giveaway will begin on Sept 7, 2009 and end on September 18, 2009. Winner will be announced on Monday September 21, 2009. You could come back and enter as many times as you like.

So here are the entry rules

1. Subscribe to this post via RSS Feed or email.

2. Visit our sponsor

3. Come back and post a comment about one other item in her shop.

4. End your comment with September giveaway

5. You will earn 1 extra entries for advertising this giveaway on Twitter, Facebook, your blog or any other social site. Come back and post a comment with the link to earn your extra entry

Wedding Gowns with Bling

Your wedding gown will have every bit of your personality in it. Are you a princess? Do you have a personality that sparkles? Then bring on a wedding gown with bling. You could have as much or as little as you want. Here are some of my picks:

The great duo of Badgley Mischka whose signature style is simple, streamlined and elegant, brings this beautiful gown.

With a mixture of small pearls on the lace overlay,crystals lining the deep v in the back and the crystal lined waistband this is a beautiful bejeweled creation.























Blush Jewels

For the bride who is shying away from white and here is a Badgley Mischka blush gown with some bling.























Eden Bridals

Designing and manufacturing wedding apparels since 1988 Eden Bridal brings us this V-neck, Spaghetti Strap A-line gown with an embroidered and beaded Tulle Overlay. The Empire waistline is accented with extra beading. The open back flows into the Chapel length train. Style 2287
























This strapless organza and Royal Duchess Satin sheath with gathered empire waist features all over lace with beaded accents. The detachable organza train is Chapel length. Style 8068




Be Inspired by Bling!!!!!

7 ways to take a break from wedding planning

You have been planning your wedding, meeting with vendors, picking out dresses and colors. Not to mention that you may have a full time job or my be in school. Hopefully, you have chosen to use a wedding planner to help you with the details, if you have not and you might be feeling overwhelmed. It is time to take a break, please trust me your wedding plans will not go haywire if you take a small break. However, if you don't take a break you will definitely be pulling your hair out by your wedding day.


Listen to music

The soothing sounds of a Jazz CD or a classical CD would definitely help you relax. Just the thought of sitting in a quiet room, slumped in your favorite cozy chair with nothing but the sound of soft music..relaxes me. So dust off some oldies but goodies, buy yourself a new CD, or tune in on your satellite radio. All in the name of relaxation.

Read a book

Sit down in your cozy chair after and read a chapter or two of your favorite book. The ability to lose yourself in a good book , will give you an escape from the craziness of wedding planning.

Take a Bubble Bath

A nice soak in the tub surrounded by aromatherapy candles. I would definitely recommend a soothing scent like Lavender.


Get a Massage

A relaxing massage would allow you a few quiet minutes of relaxation. Special massage techniques reverse the negative effects of stress, repair damaged muscle tissue, and remove pain throughout your body. You can experience mental and spiritual healing as your mind releases stress and worry, and allows a renewed sense energy and emotional well being.

Paint, Draw, Sculpt

I still love to color, it is really a relaxing thing for me. I settle down with my handy crayons or coloring pencils and I am in heaven. So pull out your paint brushes, sketch pad or modeling clay and relax. Substitute any of the above for your favorite hobby, like photography or knitting.

Take a walk

Take a walk and let your mind wonder. Take time to look at the world around you. Nature can be quite rewarding.

Have a cup of Tea

A nice cup of hot tea can be very soothing. With the various varieties of teas available, you could set up tea time for everyday. Chamomile is known for its relaxing properties, you could also look at lavender which for it relaxing properties.

Wedding Inspiration Boards

Okay, if you have read past post you know that I am in love with Fall and all the colors that accompany this glorious season. I know that is still weeks away but why wait. Now as with anything that we love, we want to make it last a long time. For the next few weeks I will be starting the week off with inspiration boards inspired by the colors of fall. Colors found in nature, food, clothes well you get the picture.

Of course as I to start off this series I MUST start with my favorite color.....ORANGE, that deep burnt orange found in the changing leaves on your drive to upstate NY, Mums, my dining room.

Enjoy this board as much as I enjoyed putting it together. I really do have an addiction to the color.





Resources & Credits

Cake - Topizios Cake Artistry
Flowers (left) - G. White

Be Inspired by Orange, I am!!!!!!!!!!!!