2009 Dress Collections Part 1

This morning, I was checking out Spring 2009 runway bridal shows online and I have to say that there are some exquisite collections this time around. One of my favorite designers, Vera Wang, managed to out-do herself with an amazingly elegant, beautiful and modern take on today’s bridal gowns. Her designs were refreshing in that there was less beading and embellishments and more intricate fabric work as well as feminine touches of ruffles and bows. She also played with stylish cuts and irregular necklines which gave a fun twist to her dresses. If you want to see or hear more, check out her show at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7z3563fUdc.

Also, if you are in the market for a Vera Wang bridal gown, visit Macy’s Bridal Salon in Troy, Michigan. They are an exclusive carrier of her collection.

More Designer Fashion to come next week…stay tuned.

Wedding Planners

Last week, I had lunch with a friend at a local diner in Birmingham and we got into a discussion about weddings (of course)! She inquired about the role of a wedding planner and more specifically the need of one. I explained that a recent bride said it best the day after her wedding when she said “ Thank goodness for you. I do not know what I would have done without you or your help.”

According to my friend, the brides words were lovely, but what she really wanted to know was the list of responsibilities. So, after explaining the various duties, she is now a full fledged supporter of wedding planners. My job there was done.

Here are a just few of the hats of a wedding planner:

1.) Coordinator-A wedding planner pulls all the little details together for a smooth wedding day result. He/she also works closely with all vendors to bring your day to life as well as to offer a bride a stress-free day.

2.) Organizer- A wedding planner will create a detailed time line for the day of which provides structure and security to the day. He/she will also guide you through the entire wedding process by supplying checklists, tips, articles and resources.

3.) Designer-A wedding planner provides expertise in décor and design as well as offers fashion sense.

4.) Relator-A wedding planner works to unite all your vendors and communicates your dreams and wishes. He/she will even mediate between family members on occasion.

Top 5 Reasons to be a Wedding Planner

While on vacation in Charlevoix, Michigan this past weekend, I had time to reflect on wedding planning and came up with the top 5 best reasons to be a wedding planner.

1.) A wedding planner has the special privilege of forming an irreplaceable bond between the bride, groom, and family during the entire planning process.

2.) A wedding planner helps to make couples’ wedding dreams come true.

3.) A wedding planner is able to share in the unique experiences that make each and every couple’s wedding different.

4.) A wedding planner has the opportunity to not only guide a bride and groom through the wedding planning process, but hopefully has great fun along the way.

5.) The best part of being a wedding planner is the chance to observe a couple during this day whether it is the exchanging of vows or the eating and drinking with friends and family, this is what makes everything worthwhile. It is the pure joy and happiness that surrounds the couple on their special wedding day.

Dream-a-Little-Dream Wedding Contest

Merritt Rosenthal Weddings & Events presents the Dream-A-Little-Dream Wedding Contest to Metro Detroit brides. This is an amazing opportunity to tell Merritt Rosenthal Weddings & Events about your dream wedding. The bride and groom with the most creative wedding idea (and creative does not necessarily mean crazy) will receive full service wedding planning support as defined on www.merrittrosenthal.com at half off the regular price (*wedding must be in Metro Detroit). Please e-mail your entries starting September 1 through September 30^th to mrosenthal@merrittrosenthal.com. The winner will be contacted via e-mail on October 6, 2008

Entry Information

1.) Brides’ Name

2.) Groom’s Name

3.) Bride/Groom Contact information

a. Cell phone number

b. Home phone

c. Email address

d. Billing address

4.) Please describe your love story:

5.) What is the date of your wedding?

6.) Where are you in the wedding planning process (beginning-no vendors have been chosen, middle-some vendors have been chosen, end-all vendors have been chosen)?

7.) Please describe your Dream-A-Little-Dream wedding idea:

Wedding Dress Shopping Part 2

As promised, here are a few more tips on wedding dress shopping.

Petite/Slender Body Types

· Dresses with corsets are another terrific option to showcasing your waist and/or hourglass figure. If you would like some “frontal” enhancement, check out Sassybax Very Bare Backless Self-Adhesive bra as it will stay for hours, but is still easily removable and pain-free.

· Whether bedazzled or plain, an a-line cut dress is another must-try shape for this body type.

Curvy/Pear Body Types

· Look like a princess and try-on a ball gown dress. Depending on the designer, many times sleeves can be added to a silhouette, so make sure and ask.

· Try a dress with a slight off the shoulder strap to draw the eyes up as well as to feature the neck and shoulders.

General Tips

· Do not be afraid to try a shape that you may not have considered before heading into a bridal salon. While bridal salons love when brides bring in pictures, be open to suggestions as well.

· Alterations are extremely important to fit, so make sure and select an experienced seamstress. I have heard horror story after horror story about wedding dresses gone wrong, so do your homework.

· If you budget allows it, check out custom design options and treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

No matter what your body type, there is a perfect wedding dress out there for you. So, go shopping and let the fun begin.

Wedding Dress Shopping

Weddings will always be my number one passion, but the next closest is fashion. Fortunately, they go hand in hand more times than not. Having studied fashion design in New York City, I was able to experience a true fashion mecca. I was even lucky enough to be behind the scenes during a spring fashion week runway show. You could say I picked up a few bits of knowledge. In fact, understanding body types and the importance of fit were definitely a part of that learning experience.

A proper fitting garment, especially a wedding gown, is essential for any bride. Here are a few tips to follow when shopping for the dream wedding dress:

Petite/Slender Body Types

· Try dresses with a natural or cinched waistline as they create an illusion of curves.

· You may also want to try a mermaid cut as it hugs your body allowing your curves to stand front and center.

· Stay away from very large ball gown dresses as you will tend to disappear in them.

Curvy/Pear Body Types

· If you are looking for an option that does not hug the body, try a dress with an empire cut or fuller skirt.

· If you have a fuller bust, you may not find the support you need in a strapless dress, but luckily there are plenty of options out there for you. Sheer straps are a huge trend right now, so check it out.

More tips to come next week…..

Beauty Secrets

The wedding, beauty, and fashion industries are all interwoven and driven by trends. The trends start on the runways of Los Angeles & New York City and trickle down to the pages of Instyle Weddings or The Knot and then to your wedding day. As such, I truly believe it is important to stay connected with these supporting industries. Having worked in the beauty industry for five years, I am privileged to be a little ahead of the game.

Now, I would now like to let you in on one of my secrets and it is called bebeautiful. bebeautiful is “your source for everything beauty.” They offer unique solutions to every possible beauty need through their catalog and website (www.bebeautiful.com).

Here are some of my favorite must-have products for brides:

1.) Spanx Body Shapers & Body Slimming Undergarments -Need I say more? Check out the website for a list of products and prices.

2.) Judith August The Everything Pencil-This miracle pencil hides imperfections like under eye dark circles, birthmarks, and age spots. It comes in a variety of shades to match every complexion. $15 ea.

3.) Miss Oops Rescue Sponges-This is my favorite item as it magically eliminates pesky deodorant marks from any type of clothing without the use of water. $12 ea

5.) Evian Mineral Water Spray-Helps keep you and your makeup refreshed form sun-up to sun-down. 14 oz $16 ea

6.) Essie Nail Good to Go Fast Drying Top Coat- Really, this is the fastest drying top coat around. A great, just in case item, for the day of the wedding. $10 ea

7.) Hollywood Fashion Tape-This do- it- all clear double stick tape is perfect for hiding bra straps, fixing hems, eliminating gaps, securing deep necklines, and more. $10 ea

8.) Silicone Petal Tops-Depending upon your wedding dress or even some honeymoon related garments, this item can come in quite handy. They are flexible stick-on molds that prevent show through and create a smoothing effect. $6/pair

9.) Peaches & Boo Book Save My Feet Blister Elixir-This non-greasy cream prevents blisters from developing and protects skin for up to 8 hours. A must-have for the wedding day! $22 ea

Here are a few new, hot products to check out as well:

The Trends

1.) Talika Eye Dream- Apply this liquid mask at night and wake up to youthful, fresh eyes and less wrinkles. $55

2.) Sassybax Very Bare Bra-An adhesive silicone bra that holds to the body (sizes A-D). Great for low-back wedding dresses! $78

3.) Verseo All Natural Detox Deodorant-“Green is in.” Use to detoxify in a safe way. $12.00