Monthly Archives: November 2011

Wedding Planners – To Have And Hold On To

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How are you planning on planning your wedding? A simple checklist? A software program? An app for your phone? No matter how you go about it, finding a great system to organzie your wedding plans is one of the single most important things you need to do before you make a list of things to do. The right wedding planner will guide you month-to-month, day-to-day, task-to-task  and help you accomplish every single detail in a timely manner.

From The Knot to Martha Stewart and beyond; almost every wedding expert offers a Wedding Planning Book but, before you run out an buy the first organzier you see-  make sure it meets all of your needs.

A hardbound book looks nice but, a spiral organizer will probably hold together better. Of course another option is an actual binder type organizer that includes pocket folders.

If you are interested in more high tech planning, you may want to try wedding planning online. Today’s brides have access to the same software that wedding professionals use and it can be easier than you think. Some of the benefits include multiple users and (with some programs) being able to access your information from anywhere you  can log on to a computer.

 

For couples who are serious gadget gurus and constantly on the go, you could try a wedding planning app for your phone. Although many are  geared toward iphones, there are apps available for other phones as well.  Having every detail at your fingertips is a real bonus as well as not having to worry about carrying around a bulky binder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It doesn’t matter which form of wedding planner you use, as long as you use one. The most important thing is finding one suited to your indivdual lifestyle and needs. Do your research, ask for recommendations from previous brides whose opinion you trust but, make no mistake the one thing you don’t want to skimp on is the thing that will simplify and coordinate all of these complicated  details.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

Bringing Sexy Back – What designers have in store for 2012

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The music begins and the bride starts to walk down the aisle, bouquet in hand, escort on arm. Most of what the wedding guests see is from the waist up and what they remember is the look on the bride’s face as she begins her journey to the end of the aisle where her future husband waits.

However, once she reaches the end of the aisle there is plenty of time for the guests to focus on the gown. So, it is no surprise that designers have begun to put so much emphasis on the back of the gown.

Last week, Twilight fans were delighted with the wedding of Bella and Edward. Bella’s Carolina Herrera gown featured a simple silk princess cut, A-line  gown with a dramatic deep-V back edged in scalloped lace. For devout Twilight fans (Twihards) an exact replica of the gown is already  available by Alfred Angelo under the “Twilight Bridal” label.

Pnina Tornai, the famed Israeli designer whose creations are featured on “Say Yes to The Dress” showed several stunning gowns with intricate details in the back.

Designers from ‘Haute Couture’ to ‘entirely affordable’ are embracing this style.

 

 

If you are not comfortable with the extremely low back and all that skin being exposed, you can find a gown with buttons, lacing or another equally interesting detail. You can also opt for a modest keyhole back.

The best news of all is that brides have more choices than ever. Just make sure you have the correct undergarments so the gown is what people are talking about – not pantylines!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

 

 

 

 

The Pros and Cons of Holiday Weddings

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The Holiday Season is upon us! With Thanksgiving and Black Friday under our belts, it is only a few weeks until Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve. For some engaged couples it seems like the perfect time to get married. Your family is already together, they are  already in a festive mood – why not add your wedding to the reasons to celebrate?

Pro – Your family as already making plans to be together, why not incorporate both of your families and your holiday celebrations sooner rather than later?

Con- If your family lives out of town, traveling around the holidays can be expensive, difficult and sometimes impossible. Flights are overbooked, weather conditions can delay or cancel flights, hotel rooms can be unavailable.

If you decide to have your wedding on a Holiday weekend, make sure you give your guests plenty of advance notice since they will need to re-arrange their usual holiday traditions. Giving Your guests more than the standard 8 weeks notice will enable them to  book all of their accommodations months in advance and have backup travel plan if the weather gets nasty.

Pro – Everyone is already in the spirit of giving, so a wedding will be another reason to celebrate.

Con– Some people’s finances could be strapped with family, office and children’s gifts to purchase so adding another gift (much less travel expenses) may be the proverbial straw on the camel’s back.

All in all, it’s never about the gifts, it is about coming together to share a momentous occasion.

Pro – Holiday flowers are abundant and your dollar will stretch a lot farther with flowers that are already in season.

Pro– You may be able to shave a few dollars off the reception site by booking on a Friday or Sunday surrounding the holiday.

Pro– Many wedding professionals consider December their slow time so you might also be able to book your services at  a reduced rate – it never hurts to ask.

The date you choose for your wedding is important; it will be your anniversary for the remainder of your lives together! If you have one of those families that share every celebration together and can support one another under a little extra pressure, then this is the perfect time of year to have your wedding!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

 

Matrimony & Maternity – Surprise!

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Not so long ago when an engaged woman found herself  pregnant, she had two options; move up the wedding date or push it back.  Lately, brides have decided that being pregnant is not such a big deal, you don’t have to rush to the altar and lie about the due date any more – just forge ahead, find a flattering gown and smile ( knowing that you are carrying a much more precious package behind the bouquet than anyone could ever imagine). The number of brides-to-be who are walking down the aisle with a bun in the oven has increased 6.2% in the past year alone and there is good reason: For women who are getting married older, the fear of not being able to conceive (tick tock) can send them into a frenzy so generally they stop using any form of birth control the minute the wedding planning process begins. The invitations are selected, the venue is booked and presto! The stick turns blue.

So how do you plan a wedding when you are pregnant? In addition to modifying the style of your wedding gown, there are a few other things to remember when you are an expectant bride:

Shoes – your feet may not swell until the final month, then again there is a chance they may start changing right away. Find a comfortable shoe with a heel height you can manage. An extra pair of equally comfortable shoes is advisable.

Gown – Find a gown that has a forgiving style.  Empire waist gowns can camouflage a pregnancy, a strapless mermaid gown … not so much! You don’t have to sacrifice your own personal style, if you want something non-traditional – it’s out there. Designers began including maternity options in their collections many years ago since trying to hide a pregnancy with a too tight dress is a mistake. Remember that you MUST talk to your bridal consultant at the time of purchase regarding your condition so he or she can help you select a style that has room for growth.

Rest – Wedding planning is stressful and being pregnant is an emotional time. You may find yourself on an emotional (hormone-induced) roller-coaster at times. Rest whenever you can and don’t sweat the small stuff.

Smile – Trying to hide a pregnancy until after the wedding is ridiculous and archaic. It is really your business to tell everyone in the way you see fit. Being pregnant can be the happiest time of your life and if anyone starts to ask too many questions  just smile and walk away. Babes are a cause for celebration, not shame. Tell people as much as you want them to know but don’t be surprised if some people make unflattering comments since we all know not everyone has enough good sense to keep their opinions to themselves.

Support – This is time when you will need your most trusted and wise family and friends to support you. Ask them for their help, include them in the process as much or as little as you like. There will be one day when everything seems to go wrong and you will need someone to lift your spirits. Make sure you reach out to your nearest and dearest and don’t try to keep it all inside; it is not healthy for you or the baby!

Speaking from experience, not everyone does things the same way. I got engaged on my honeymoon which was 4 months before our wedding. I gave birth three months after the wedding. If I had to go back in time, I would not change one thing. Being pregnant was not an inconvenience at my wedding, it was truly the happiest time of my life. I ignored all the comments and innuendos, I endured all the ‘shorgun wedding’ jokes with a smile, I married the love of my life and gave birth to my first some shortly after so, I figure – the joke was on them.

The most important thing about your wedding is beginning your lives together as a family and since you will have a head start on the family part, don’t let anyone or anything spoil your happiness.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

 

American Music Awards Fashion Highs and Lows

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Last night the stars hit the red carpet in their Sunday best for the 2011 American Music Awards. No one was hatched out of an egg, no one ran across the stage naked and no one interrupted any one of Taylor Swift’s acceptance speeches.

The American Music Awards is the ‘casual Friday” of awards ceremonies. Most of the nominees and attendees wear shorter, less formal gowns.  I have always felt that this is where they dress to suit their personality, not the event. This is also what makes it so interesting to watch!

Most Perfect:

Selina Gomez – Although this look is slightly mature for a teenager, sheshi wore t Georgio Armani gown perfectly; slinky, shimmery, fitted and somewhat revealing. Her hair and accessories perfectly matched the gown’s style and the overall look is stunning. A+

 

Oddest fit:

Justin Beiber must have the tiniest neck in the world because every photo of him in a suit, the shirts are so baggy around the neck he looks like he is swimming in the tie. I can’t seem to get a read on this young musician’s style just yet since he seems to be all over the map.

Most Improved:
Nicki Minaj has a unique style that is still evolving. Although it may not be your taste, it is definitely moving in the right direction.

Worst Fit:

Christina Aguilera used to be a smaller size so she probably doesn’t understand the fit problems of a slightly larger woman. If you are anything over a size 4 – do not wear a bandage dress. I read at least two reports she might be expecting again. I doubt it – those dresses are just not very forgiving. The shoes are adorable, though.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most Blah:

Jennifer Hudson looks great in any size. She was gorgeous as a heavier woman and looks even more stunning with her new svelte figure. BUT, her dress was just blah. It wasn’t hideous or ill-fitting, although I would have loved to see the waist cut a little lower… it was just blah.  I thought the shoes were too dark and a little clunky for the micro mini and her lipstick color was both sharp and flat at the same time.

 

 

 

 

 

Most Sparkly:

Kelly Clarkson has an amazing voice, regardless of her size. But this take off of the cartoon character Jessica Rabbit is all wrong. Too all-oversparkly, not a good cut and just  looks like Christmas ornament.  On the bright side, the top half of the dress is fitted beautifully and her hair looks fabulous!

 

Most Dramatic:
Jennifer Lopez had several looks, each one more stunning than the next. Although J. Lo solidified her place in fashion history a long time ago, she still WOWs the audience every time with her dramatic and daring gowns. Which one do you like best?

 

 

 

Most Ghastly-

Adam Lambert looks like a wax figure of himself. I get the edgy hair and eyeliner, I understand the odd outfits ( I grew up on Elton John) But when your pancake makeup looks like it was done by a mortician, it is time to re-think things a bit. Plus, I think the pants are a bit tight in the front seam, by the zipper. Seriously?

 

Who were your favorites from last night’s American Music Awards

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Fall Weddings /Fall Colors?

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There is no rule that says your wedding colors have to be based on the seasons. Of course in the Spring we are all excited by the vibrant pinks and purples, just as we are calmed by the relaxing hues of  fall but, this does not dictate your color choice and there are no limits to what you can or should do.

 Your options in the fall are as gorgeous and stylish as ever and here are some tips to incorporate fall colors without losing the vibrancy of spring and summer bouquets.

Go White.Nothing is more classic or elegant than all white flowers, centerpieces and bouquets,  just ask Kim Kardashian. By using a variety of flowers, textures and shapes you can have a monochromatic theme with a “WOW” factor.

Go Green. Shades of green from Emerald to Lime will make your guests feel like they are in an enchanted forest.

Be Unique. Mixing flowers and plants that are not traditionally associated with wedding bouquets and adding feathers and herbs or a touch of sparkle will make your wedding flowers stand out no matter what season. Peacock is still a big theme and the feathers look amazing in floral arrangements.

Also hot for fall weddings: Deep colors like crimson, purple and orange all mixed together with some foliage, twigs or antique hydrangeas.

One important tip to remember is that flowers are more economical when they are in season, always ask your florist if you are unsure of what that might be. You may get some quizzical looks if you use daisies for a winter wedding but, take it in stride. Your job, as a bride, is to make yourself  happy, not everyone else.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

A Very Twilight Wedding

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This Friday (Thursday at midnight) fans of the Twilight series of books and movies will not only be moviegoers, they will be guests at the wedding of Edward and Bella.

I will share a secret with you: I am not a Twilight fan. Sorry, folks I just don’t get the whole vampire thing or the cult following. However, I love weddings. ALL weddings… even a Vampire wedding. I would go to a werewolf wedding, a trailer park wedding, a dog wedding – any wedding. Invite me and I’ll be there. You will recognize me immediately because I will be the one smiling from ear to ear, hopping up and down, ooh-ing and ahh-ing over every detail.. Why? Because I love weddings. So here I am.. in a pickle, deciding whether or not to go to the wedding. Oops… I meant movie! I’ll keep you posted on that.

I am very excited to report that Bella Swan’s  gown was designed by famed fashion icon Carolina Herrera and (according to her) took six months to design. She immersed herself in the books to get a feel for the character and what she would wear. Her goal was to make it reminiscent of the early 1900’s to mirror the engagement ring.  Breaking news: the gown will actually be  available in salons after the first of the year so loyal fans planning their own wedding can immerse themselves in the Twilight experience.

Will this be a huge influence in the bridal fashion? Only time will tell. I thought Kate Middleton’s gown was going to change the face of bridal fashion, I thought at least one of Kim Kardashian’s gowns would be  a showstopper. I was wrong on both counts but, I still wouldn’t bet against this one. Carolina Herrera was designing clothing when I was still in diapers and  mastered the art of  effortless style long before that. She is one of the most sought after and talented designers in the bridal industry to date and if you add to this the unbelievable dedication of the Twilight fans – you might just have a breakout style influence for 2012. One can only hope!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

 

Walking Down The Aisle… IN STYLE

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Lets face it- Aisle runners have needed a makeover for a long time. For so long they were just white and boring and often times not substantial enough to keep your heel from poking through the material. Today’s aisle runners can still be simple or all out fabulous! For me, the aisle runner was the most interesting thing about the Kardashian Fairytale (Pre-Divorce) Extravaganza. Did you see it? It was embellished with borders, logos, monograms and crystals and it was phenomenal.

 

 

 

 

 

 If you decide to go the classic route with a simple white aisle runner, make sure it is of quality material and will hold up to several sets of high-heeled feet walking up and back. Make sure it isn’t slippery or lumpy. It should be taught, smooth and non-skid. Of course, sprinkling rose petals along the edges is a nice touch. The aisle runner can also be embellished with  the right lighting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can always choose and aisle runner in one of the wedding colors. Make sure the color doesn’t clash with the colors in the venue. And I’m not entirely certain that black is ever a good choice, even for an outdoor wedding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aisle runners vary greatly in price. Of coures the price depends upon the length of the runner, the fabric, the added materials, logos, monograms or pictures. But make no mistake, custom aisle runners are the hottest new trend in weddings…. and they are fabulous!

 

 

 

 

– Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Country Music Awards 2011 – Hits and Misses

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Last Wednesday’s CMA’s  was one of the best I’ve ever seen. Both male and female attendees brought out their best and brightest and from where I was sitting (in my living room)  it was a glamorous, couture, high fashion extravaganza. Of course there were a few exceptions. Here is my take on some of the CMA fashion hits and Misses:

You Go Girl – Taylor Swift not only won Artist of the Year but also Best Dressed. Her sheer silk gown by J. Mendel was the perfect choice.

 

Equally fashionable and perfectly coiffed was co-host Carrie Underwood wearing a gold,  cap-sleeved Reem Acra. I was also impresed with the way she carried off this gown from the  Zuhair Murad Resort Collection. Nice costume change!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With 8 costume changes she was bound to hit a few strikes; she lost me with this Georges Chakra runway gown from the spring collection.  I’m not sure of it was the color or the print or the way it sagged on her… whatever it was, it didn’t work. Let’s face it – it wasn’t that great on the runway.

 

 

 

 

 

 Two For One –  Tim McGraw and Faith Hill always look spectacular.  The very simple  Chado Raplh Rucci  gown is one time when it looks better on her than it did on the runway. I also loved that she went retro with the hair and makeup. Personally I would like to see some accessories.

 

 

Less is More– Jennifer Nettles in Naeem Khan. This gown has everything going for it; a perfect fit and just the right amount of sparkles.

More is too Much – LeAnn Rimes must have been channeling old school country music when she picked this Badgely Mischka gown. Too many ruffles does nto compliment her recently diminutive frame.

 

 

 

Costume or Gown? Nicole Kidman looke like Morticia Adams in this Jean Paul Gaultier. The color, the way she wore her hair, the choice of accessories was very severe. Also someone needs to tell Mr. Urban that the ultr-slim fitted calves on his suite is a little date. Pee Wee Herman’s tailor called…

 

Least but not Last – Reba McIntyre is a legend. Her voice, humor, fiery hair and true southern spirit. Maybe that southern thing is why she was wearing a gown that appeared to made from one of Elvis leftover Vegas jumpsuits and Scarlett O’Haras curtains. Tsk, Tsk Reba, you are better than this.

 

Check back tomorrow for the final roundup of hits and misses!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

11/11/11 Weddings – Your Lucky Day!

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Most people pick their wedding date based on family events like birthdays or other anniversaries, some like the idea of getting married on Valentine’s Day, Christmas or New Years Eve. Then there are those dates like November 11, 2011 that have  a more celestial meaning. Since the year 2000, there have been one of those dates every month, only a handful falling on a weekend day and there are only a few left in the entire 21st century. These dates are referred to as ‘paradigms’ because they follow a distinct pattern and couples around the world believe in their power. In fact  11/11/11 was voted the the ‘luckiest’ wedding date of the entire year beating out Valentines Day by 26%.

Thousands of couples will be flocking to Las Vegas this weekend to take part in their own personal version of making history in order to get married on November 11th and hopefully hit the jackpot by using a lucky wedding date as a starting point. To be exact, it is estimated that over 3,500 couples have already booked wedding packages.

So does having this date guarantee a lifetime of happiness? Maybe.  Numerologists believe that each number has a trait and a “vibration” attached to it. So, you take the number by itself and then you also break down each two-digit number into a single digit. In this case, you add one plus one to get two and two in numerology equals love. Even math is romantic on this day!

11/11/11 is not just for weddings, either;  florists are offering specials for  11 roses delivered on Friday for couples who are feeling romantic …and lucky!  Is all of this just  an odd coincidence? Maybe…. but why take the chance? Bonus: If you are getting married and your birthday is this Friday, I would buy a lottery (ticket just in case).

 

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago