Wedding Trends: Bridal Headpieces

Bridal forehead jewelry, sometimes called browbands, are a great way to accessorize your wedding dress.  With celebrity brides like Alicia Keys, Kim Kardashian, and Camila Alves perfecting the trendy forehead jewelry style.  We love it because it works with multiple wedding styles, from retro to boho.  And it's a way to add some extra bling and sparkle to your overall look.  Our top picks are simple, elegant pieces that bring a touch of romance to your look.  And although, these celebs wore their hair pulled back, we thing loose flowy locks are uber romantic with a forehead piece.

{Alicia, Kim, Camila}



{Photos via: Top Row: 1|2|3; Second Row: 4|5|6}

Wedding Trends: Changing Your Last Name

For most brides once they've said their I Dos, it's time for a name change.  Although some brides have mixed feelings about adopting a new last name, for some it can be overwhelming.  Especially when they are unsure of which documents require a change,  and how to go about doing so.  Not to worry, we've complied a list of documents you'll need have changed and how to do so and which forms you'll need.

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From miss to Mrs.
Legally required name changes:
1. Social Security Card: Required documents: Proof of Identification (Driver's License, Passport), Proof of Age (birth certificate) and a copy of your Marriage Certificate. You'll also need to complete the Social Security SS5 Form and bring all four documents to your local social security office.
2. Driver's License: To apply for a name change on your IL Driver’s License you’ll need either your new Social Security Card or your marriage certificate. There is a $5 fee for correcting a license.
3. Passport: You will need an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, a passport photo, your current passport, a fee, and either the DS-82 form (if you've had your current passport for over a year) or the DS-5504 form (if you've had your current passport for less than a year)

Don't forget to notify the following institutions of your name change:
- Financial institutions: credit card companies, personal bank accounts, retirement funds, mortgage/lease information
- Insurance carrier: Home/Auto/Life/Health
- Employer: Payroll Department, Benefits Department: 401K
- Educational: School or Alumni Association
- Other: Voter registration, gym membership, social media/networking sites

Wedding Trends: Top Knot

Loving the top knot on brides this season. It's so refreshing and yet timeless at the same time, and it really makes your face pop.  Why we love top knots:  they're simple, elegant, but so trendy right now.  They work great on any face shape and are perfect with bangs!  Dress it up with a headpiece, hair jewelry, or a gorgeous veil.

Here's our new favorite wedding hair trend on some famous faces:


 {Photos via: Top Row: Top Knot; Second Row: Hilliary, Nicole, & Molly; Third Row: Jamie, Katie for ROH, Bride no.1; Fourth Row: Kate B, Kate H, and Bride no.2}

Wedding Trend: Braided Updo

The bridal hairstyle du jor this year has to be braids.  Whether it's a braided up do, a fishtail braid, or subtle braids in your hair, braids are becoming more popular for both brides and the bridal party.  We love the fact that braids are so versatile and can add glamour, elegance, softness, drama, or romance to your hairstyle.  With so many different ways to incorporate braids, there's one that is the perfect compliment to your perfect dress.

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{Photo Credits: Top Row: Fishtail Braid, Low Bun Updo, Braid Ring Updo; Second Row: Messy Crown Braid; Side Braid with Hair Accessory; Side Braid} 

Wedding Trends: Groom's Style

Let's face it, although most eyes will be on the bride when she makes are first entrance, her eyes will be on her man.  And gentlemen let's not disappoint our wives-to-be.  We love all the fun, dapper, and classic groom style out there.   From classic greys and navys, to bow ties, to personalized attire, fedoras, bright colors, and classic tuxes. Here are some of our favorite groom's styles.

And don't forget to sign up for our blog-aversary giveaway!

{Photo Credits: Top Row: Grey Groomsmen, Personalized Tie; Second Row: Pink Shirt; Navy Suit; Navy Vest & Bowtie; Third Row: Fedorra, End of Night Tux, Forage Bowties}

Wedding Trends: First Dance Songs for 2012

Maybe it's because I was blown away with Princes Lea's (Rachel Barry) performance of Without You on last week's episode of Glee, I couldn't help but think it would make a perfect  first dance.  For those of you practicing your first dance moves in anticipation of your wedding this year, here's a list of our favorite wedding songs for 2012.

1. Etta James - At Last
2. Bruno Mars- Marry You
3. Train - Marry Me
4. Lady Antebellum - Just A Kiss
5. Sade - By Your Side
6. Beach Boys - God Only Knows (Love Actually Soundtrack)
7. Des'ree - Kissing You (Romeo & Juliet Soundtrack)
8. Jason Mraz - Lucky
9. Michael Buble - Everything
10. Chantal Kreviazuk - Feels Like Home
11. Glee Cast - Faithfully (Journey)
12. Clarie Danes - Time After Time  (Evening Soundtrack)

Wedding Trends: Getaway Cars

Because making a big exit is just as important as a big enterance, on your wedding day.  It's the classic image of a wedding, the getaway vehicle with the words "Just Married" on the back.  A symbol of a wonderful night and the promise of a bright furntiure.  Some getaway options for your wedding day.

{The Classi Car}



{A Royal Getaway}



{A Scooter: Seating for Two}



{A Hay Ride}

{The Noise Makers -Classic Cans}

{A Water Departure}

{A Romantic Carriage Ride}

Wedding Trends: Bridal Party Attire

We all love the photos of the bride and her bridesmaids all dolled up, but what about the pre-dress photos.  We are loving the pre-wedding matching bridal party attire trend.  Odds are your photographer will be snapping away while you and your bridesmaids are getting ready, so why not take advantage and get in some gorgeous bridal party shots.  There are so many options from matching cotton or silk robes, to tanks and t-shirts, or sweats.  They make for fun bridal party gifts and fabulous pictures. 

Row 1: Khloe Kardashian
Row 2: Etsy- Bridal Party Boutique
Row 3: Jill Thomas Photography
Row 4: Pink Frosting, Jill Thomas Photography
Row 5: Pink Frosting
Row 6: Para ti Nova

Wedding Trends...Dessert Bars

First came the candy bar with its multitude of sweet offerings, which were followed by cupcakes, cookies, etc.  Dessert bars have evolved, and now include anything and everything, and it's a great alternative to wedding cake.  Dessert bars can include everything from your favorite cookie, brownie, cupcake, or even your childhood favorites, like pudding.  Picking out your dessert bar goodies, is half the fun, finding a way to display your sweet treats is the other half, especially since we eat with our eyes first. Whether you're using it to compensate for a smaller cake or as favors, dessert bars are a great way to spoil your guests, and give them something to frequent besides the dance floor or the bar.

{Candy Bar}

{Smores Bar}

{Pie Bar}



{Coffee & DoughnutsBar}

{Ice Cream Bar}

{Pancake Bar}

{Biscuit Bar}

{Cupcake Bar}

{Cookie Bar}

{Popcorn Bar}

Wedding Trends....Send Off

After the cake's been cut and you've danced the night away with your loved ones, comes the send off.  Where everyone gathers to wish you the best and say goodnight.  Here are some of our favorite send off options.  Things to wave: ribbons and signs.  Things to blow: bubbles.  Things to throw: confetti, flower petals, and balloons.  Things to depart in: a car or a boat (a la Juliette & Peter's wedding in Love Actually).  And things to light: sparklers and fireworks (like the ending in My Best Friend's Wedding). 

{Best Wishes signs}

{Bubbles}

{Ribbons}

{Sparklers}

{Balloons}

{Flower Petals}

{Confetti}

{Fire Works}

Wedding Trends... Flowing Flowers

We all know one way to trim any wedding budget is to limit the florals (both the type and the amount).  But looking at these stunning beauties, I think splurging on flowers is the way to go.  From the full blooms to the lush flowing displays, these floral arrangements bring instant glamour to any event.

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Wedding Trend.... Menus

I am loving these unique menu display trends.  There are so many ways to get creative with the options below, and I'm a sucker for great paper designs and beautiful handwriting!  From chalkboards and glass panes to chopstick wrappers and fortune tellers, there are more options for displaying your food selections than the traditional menus, Enjoy!  

{Napkin Holder, Chalkboard Plate, Clipboard, Wine Bottle}

{Brown Paper Bag, Cheeseboard, Chalkboard}

 

{Chocolate Bar, Hanging Menu, Fortune Teller, Chopstick Wrapper, Circle Plate Menu}