Latest Poll

Unique Wedding Favors – 8 Ideas

Wedding favors often evoke a "been there, done that" response from wedding guests. Looking for something a little more memorable than a bag of Jordan almonds? Here are our top choices for a few inspiring guest thank-yous.

Late night munchies
After dancing for hours, rolling out individual snacks like mini hamburgers with a fixings bar are a big hit

Photo shop
Rent a photo booth and let your guests take turns posing for the camera. Set up a DIY station with mini-frames so they can take home their favorite shots.

Escape the Elements
If you really want to impress, give your guests something sublimely stylish yet useful to keep them smiling through the elements: stylish sunglasses (to deflect glare), sleek umbrellas (in case of rain), or cashmere scarves (should a breeze pick up).

Personalized Thank-yous
Place small journals at each place setting, and write every guest a personal thank-you note on the front page.

Make some noise
Liven up the party, and hand out maracas, small horns, or even kazoos - a great idea for a relaxed affair or a particularly festive bunch.

Family-favorites
Gather a collection of favorite family recipes from both sides into a small recipe book or box printed with your names and wedding date.

Final Farewell
Send guests away with a final parting gift, and enlist the parking attendants to place a flower with an attached thank-you note on the dashboard of each car. If you´ll be providing guest transportation, be sure to place a basket of these favors at the front of the bus for guests to take prior to departure.

Give Back
Yes, this idea has been done – but altruism is at an all-time high, and we´re jumping on the bandwagon . Donating in the name of your guests to a charity, one that holds special meaning for the two of you, adds another sentimental personal touch to your wedding.

Get even more ideas for unique wedding favors at the Elegala.com wedding favors and gifts guide.

How to Plan Your Wedding Reception Music

Your wedding entertainment can really make or break the atmosphere of your reception. No other detail will command more influence over the behavior of your guests, so you should use this opportunity to elicit the behavior you desire. Thus, whether you want your guests dancing on the tabletops by night´s end or would rather keep the atmosphere formal and elegant, your reception music will help set the mood.

Once you have decided on the type of atmosphere you wish to create, it´s time to hire your wedding entertainment. The overall look and feel of your wedding and your venue may determine whether you should hire a wedding band or DJ; however, either will work in almost any situation.

Shop Around
Selecting your wedding reception music is one of the most important decisions you´ll make, so invest some time and energy in scouting for your band or DJ. Check out local acts or ask friends for suggestions. Other vendors can also provide recommendations. Once you find a few bands or DJs that interest you, check out their websites. Many offer sound clips that will further help you decide. Ask each potential band to send you some sample cds for review.

Meet and Greet
Once you have narrowed your list, set up appointments with your top prospects. Take note of the band leader´s or DJ´s personality. Does he or she have a pleasant manner or grate on your nerves? Also, make sure that your band or DJ wears something that coincides with the overall feel of your wedding reception. Mullets and ripped T-shirts don´t really work at formal dinner.

Plan Your Playlist
Make sure that your wedding entertainment plays a variety of music. You want to ensure that both your 17–year–old cousins and your 75–year–old grandmother will enjoy your wedding reception music and find songs that will entice them onto the dance floor. Supply your entertainment with both a play list and a do not play list. If your vision of your reception in no way involves your relatives performing "the chicken dance," you must alert your band or DJ so that they will have a ready response when your Uncle Fred requests it. Browse this list of popular Wedding Songs for receptions for ideas.

Consult this complete guide to wedding music for even more ideas and money saving tips.

Wedding Menu Ideas for Every Season

Let your wedding catering take a cue from the seasons with our favorite menu ideas for every season…

Spring Wedding Menu Ideas
Summon the taste of spring with light flavors and delicate textures…

• In Season - serve a main dish featuring ham or lamb
• 
  
• Fresh produce – round out the meal with a bounty of fresh fruits and young vegetables like baby carrots, baby asparagus and new potatoes
• 
  
• Elegant sides – serve mini quiches or update traditional deviled eggs by adding salmon or crabmeat
• 
  
• Bar favorites – a spring menu seems to call for champagne. Mix up a batch of mimosas for a morning wedding, or create a festive champagne cocktail.

Summer Wedding Menu Ideas
Use your summer menu to invoke warmth, sunshine and fun…

• Serve lighter fare – think fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables like berries, watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, and corn, seafood and lean poultry like chicken. Between courses, serve a light sorbet.
• 
  
• Spark up the grill - serve traditional picnic and grill fare like barbeque, burgers and potato salad
• 
  
• Head to the tropics - feature tropical signature cocktails like margaritas, sangria, or mojitos.

Fall Wedding Menu Ideas
Bring out the rich and comforting tastes of autumn…

• Traditional favorites – you cannot go wrong with seasonal standbys: turkey, red potatoes, corn bread dressing, green beans, and honey glazed carrots.
• 
  
• Family style – re-create a traditional thanksgiving feast by incorporating your family recipes into your wedding menu and serving the meal family style (if your guest list is small).
• 
  
• Hearty proteins - Choose a hearty meat that will pair with heavier side dishes – turkey, roasted quail, rib roast
• 
  
• Keep it elegant – you can serve traditional fare in sophisticated, creative ways – present soup or veggie puree in mini shot classes or hallowed out gourds, or warm apple cider in glass mugs with cinnamon sticks.

Winter Wedding Menu Ideas
Warm up to a decadent winter menu with these cool ideas to reflect the season…

• Hearty dishes – serve heartier fare in sophisticated, creative ways – such as colorful butternut squash puree or warm pumpkin soup in ramekins or shot glasses.
• 
  
• Wintery beverages – warm guests with eggnog, spiced wine or mixed coffee drinks.

Get even more seasonal wedding menu ideas in the complete wedding catering guide at Elegala.com – Elegant Galas Made Simple.

How to Plan a Fall Wedding – 15 Ideas for Fall Weddings

Looking for autumn-spiration? These tips and ideas for fall theme weddings will get you started towards planning a wedding with a fall twist.

Prepare for Variable Weather

1. Fall weather can be unpredictable: what starts as a sunny warm morning can turn into a brisk chilly evening. Be prepared for both extremes. Have portable heaters available (if your wedding will take place outside), and dress the wedding party in layers.

Plan Your Fall Wedding Flowers and Decorations

Use your decor scheme to tie together the fall theme. Here are some tips:

2. Pick your color palette - you can go with the traditional colors of the season: reds, oranges, browns, rusts, and yellows, or make a rich, interesting twist to the autumn color scheme by incorporating jewel tones. For added pizzazz, mix in some metallics: gold, copper, and bronze.

3. Seasonal blooms - popular fall wedding flowers include montbretia, hypericum, mums, sunflowers, roses, and daisies.

4. Get back to nature - use simple décor to subtly enhance the season's natural bounty. Use the autumn harvest for inspiration; think gourds, pumpkins, squash, gold dipped fall leaves, bales of hay, jugs of cider...you get the idea.

5. Go fall glam - you're not confined to rustic and casual in the fall. Create a posh autumn ambiance, and drape lush velvet (a traditional fall/winter fabric) in a rich chocolate brown or gold throughout your reception space. Accent the scene with antique broaches, crystal candelabras and stemware.

Plan Your Fall Wedding Menu

You cannot go wrong with seasonal standbys: turkey, red potatoes, corn bread dressing, green beans, and honey glazed carrots. Here are some additional tips and ideas:

6. Family style - re-create a traditional thanksgiving feast by incorporating your family recipes into your wedding menu and serving the meal family style (if your guest list is small).

7. Hearty proteins - choose a hearty meat that will pair with heavier side dishes - turkey, roasted quail, rib roast.

8. Keep it elegant - you can serve traditional fare in sophisticated, creative ways - present soup or veggie puree in mini shot classes or hallowed out gourds, or warm apple cider in glass mugs with cinnamon sticks.

Fall Invitations & Stationery Ideas

9. Add a fall motif - such as an acorn or maple leaf - to your stationery suite

10. Consider color - use paper or inks in traditional fall colors – browns, rusts, deep reds, orange.

11. An added touch - insert a sprinkling of silk fall leaves into each envelope

Fall Venue Ideas

12. Outside splendor – the season seems to call for an outdoor, rustic setting affording prime leaf peeping views.  Some ideas: parks, orchards, vineyards, farms, ranches, barns, mills, or the grounds of an historic inn or mansion.

13. Room with a view - if an outdoor setting isn't an option, find a venue boasting a clear view of the fall foliage or countryside.

Fall Wedding Cakes

14. Go pumpkin - round out a fall feast with a pumpkin cake or even a tiered pumpkin pie

15. Go chocolate - serve a hearty chocolate cake covered in dark chocolate fondant and decorated with fresh or marzipan fruits and berries

Get even more fall wedding ideas and advice for fall weddings at Elegala.com – Elegant Galas Made Simple

Cash Bars at Weddings: Tacky or Thrifty?

Savvy couples are looking for any way to cut wedding costs - and rightfully so. Shelling out nearly $30,000 to host a party in these tough economic times just feels frivolous and wasteful. But sorry brides and grooms, a cash bar is never an acceptable money-saving solution. Think about it this way: would you ever charge your pals three dollars every time they grabbed another beer at your Superbowl party? People at your wedding reception are still your guests, even if the event is not held in your house (like said Superbowl party), so they shouldn't be asked to pay for anything while there. Also keep in mind that, unlike the Superbowl party, many guests will have likely traveled and paid for a hotel room - not to mention a wedding gift - in order to attend your wedding. While the wedding ceremony is all about you, the wedding reception is about thanking your guests for celebrating in your nuptials.

Some couples think providing non-alcoholic beverages gratis while charging guests who wish to upgrade to an alcoholic beverage is perfectly acceptable, but here's another analogy: Imagine serving all of your wedding guests free soup for dinner at your reception. Now imagine offering optional lobster tail, but forcing those who wish to eat lobster instead of soup to shell out $30 for their meal. Surely you can see why this shouldn't be done. You should never offer anything that you can't afford at a party you're hosting - and then expect your guest to purchase it.

If a four or five-hour open bar is not within your budget, there are plenty of less-costly alternatives that won't offend your guests:

• Offer beer, wine, and soft drinks only.
• 
  
• Offer a full bar for cocktail hour, then switch to beer and wine.
• 
  
• Decide on one type of drink to serve - either a specialty cocktail, champagne, or one type of beer or wine. Most venues will charge significantly less to serve only one type of alcoholic beverage.
• 
  
• Choose a wedding venue that allows you to bring in your own alcohol. Believe it or not - there are plenty of venues that do not have liquor licenses and will allow couples to bring in their own. Anything unopened can be returned for a full refund after the wedding. You may need to get a little more creative with your venue with this option and choose a mansion, museum, or a facility who's main business is not generated from weddings and special events.
• 
  
• Cut back on other wedding expenses. Lose the expensive designer wedding dress and shoes, do your own hair and makeup, consider less costly alternatives to floral arrangements, drive your own car rather than renting a limo, spin your own tunes instead of hiring a band or DJ... Cutting some of these expenses will free up enough of your budget to serve your guests properly. We've seen too many brides waltzing down the aisle in a Vera Wang gown carrying a bouquet of imported orchids with newly manicured nails - all while her guests are hitting up the ATM in the back so they can enjoy a glass of wine with dinner.
• 
  
• Invite less people to your wedding. This is the most effective way to cut wedding costs across the board. The significant savings you'll experience with a smaller guest list will allow you to treat those who you do invite with courtesy and respect.

Read more about cash bars at weddings in the wedding etiquette guide at Elegala.com - Elegant Galas Made Simple

33 Best R&B Songs For Your Wedding Reception

If you're looking to set a sensuous vibe at your wedding reception, look no further than a playlist full of R&B wedding songs. With smooth base lines and sultry lyrics, R&B songs of love and devotion are perfect for moving, grooving, and romance on the dance floor. But with decades of songs to choose from, the only hard part is narrowing your playlist down. Consider this list of the best R&B wedding songs your starting point

R&B Wedding Songs
These passionate R& B wedding songs have fitting lyrics and sultry melodies that will suit every component of your wedding from walking down the aisle through to the last dance.

• 
  
• Never - Jaheim
• 
  
• Forever My Lady - Jodeci
• 
  
• Sweet Love - Anita Baker
• 
  
• Caught Up in the Rapture - Anita Baker
• 
  
• Spend My Life with You - Eric Benet & Tamia
• 
  
• Nice and Slow - Usher
• 
  
• You Got It Bad - Usher
• 
  
• Ribbon in the Sky - Stevie Wonder
• 
  
• You Mean the World to Me - Toni Braxton
• 
  
• Always and Forever - Heat Wave
• 
  
• On Bended Knee - Boyz II Men
• 
  
• Never Let Go - Faith Evans
• 
  
• Angel of Mine - Monica
• 
  
• For You I Will - Monica
• 
  
• The Sweetest Thing - Lauren Hill
• 
  
• No Ordinary Love - Sade
• 
  
• You - Jesse Powell
• 
  
• The Cool in You - Babyface
• 
  
• By Your Side - Sade
• 
  
• I Swear - All-4-One
• 
  
• Make it Last Forever - Keith Sweat
• 
  
• Here and Now - Luther Vandross
• 
  
• Every Beat of My Heart - Brian McKnight
• 
  
• Back at One - Brian McKnight
• 
  
• Saved the Best for Last - Vanessa Williams
• 
  
• Crazy Love - Aaron Neville
• 
  
• All My Life - K-Ci and Jojo
• 
  
• Suddenly - Billy Ocean
• 
  
• No One - Alicia Keys
• 
  
• Hello - Lionel Richie
• 
  
• Saving All My Love for You - Whitney Houston
• 
  
• Everything - Mary J. Blige
• 
  
• Family Affair - Mary J. Blige

Get even more great R&B wedding songs for your reception and a complete list of popular wedding songs at Elegala.com.

Three Steps to Writing Your Own Wedding Vows

Looking for ways to personalize your wedding ceremony? Consider incorporating your own carefully chosen words into this momentous occasion, and build the foundation for a life-long relationship. Writing your own vows is definitely an ambitious undertaking. Not only must you determine the perfect words to say, but those words must be rehearsed and recited in front of your closest family and friends on a day that will be one of the most important of your life. Follow these easy steps to pen and recite beautiful vows from the heart.

Step One - Before you put pen to paper, consider these factors:

Get approval -
Talk to your officiant to make sure personal vows are even allowed. Some religions object to non-secular expressions during the wedding ceremony. Even with the go-ahead, submit your personalized vows to your officiant for review before the big day; he or she may have specific objections or even helpful ideas.

Establish an estimated length -
Your audience will find it odd and even comical if one rambles for 5 minutes will the other says 10 words.

Be succinct -
Overly lengthy wedding vows may lose your audience and will only increase the potential for error. Review them in front of someone else. You can rehearse with each other, or if you'd rather keep them a surprise, read your vows to a trusted loved one.

Step Two - Decide What to Say:

Consult your past -
Time for a trip down memory lane. Start jotting down the details of special firsts in your relationship-first meeting, first date, first kiss, first "I love you," etc. What qualities made you fall in love in the first place? Are there special milestones in your relationship that that have helped bring you here today?

Envision the Future -
What challenges and achievements to you foresee in the future, and how do you expect to meet those things together?

Complete Me -
Sure, it's a line from a movie-but there's a reason for its now cliché status. What characteristics does he/she bring out in you? How does he/she make you a better person?

Use the right words -
Compile your notes, memories and reflections, and begin turning words into sentences. Consult your thesaurus for the perfect expressions to reflect your thoughts. Some words to get you started: love, trust, support, strength, encourage, respect, cherish, admire, value, commit, pledge and promise.

This article offers even more advice on what to include in your wedding vows

Step 3 - Say it With Heart:

Have a cheat sheet -
Even if you plan to memorize them, the nerves may kick in when the big moment arrives. To avoid a potentially awkward scene at the wedding ceremony - bring a cheat sheet just in case.

For more advice to help you plan your wedding ceremony, visit the complete ceremony guide at Elegala.com - Elegant Galas Made Simple.

Wedding Dresses Ideas for Every Season

Take a cue from the seasons with our favorite wedding dresses and attire ideas for spring, summer, fall, and winter...

Summer Wedding Dresses and Attire
Think breezy dresses with airy silhouettes and light fabrics for a summertime affair...

• Lighter fabrics: for the wedding dress – think organdy, linen, chiffon, crepe, georgette or any light-weight silk. Bridesmaids dresses in linen, eyelet, or seersucker will ensure your girls are comfortable. You may want to forego tuxes and dress the guys in traditional cape cod style – khakis, blue sport coats and colorful ties like those from Vineyard Vines, or morning suits for a more formal affair.
• 
  
• Simple silhouettes: opt for a slip dress or sheath – as opposed to a voluminous ball gown. Keep your veil simple as well – look for airy, not poufy.
• 
  
• Dare to go barefoot: a casual outdoor setting can be made more so with a barefoot bridal party
• 
  
• Add color: summer is a time to incorporate some color into your ensemble.

Get more advice on finding summer wedding dresses.

Fall Wedding Dresses and Attire
Embrace fall with rich textures and luxurious accents that complement the season...

• For the bride: 1. off white - cream or off-white wedding gowns accent a richer color palette. 2. lace up - antique or vintage lace adds texture to a rustic setting
• 
  
• For the ´maids: select jewel tone bridesmaids dresses in rich fabrics such as brocade or velvet
• 
  
• Stay comfortable: be prepared for chilly or warm temps. Strapless dresses with wraps, capelets or stoles are a safe bet

Winter Wedding Dresses and Attire
Add some sparkle with glamorous gowns that glisten like new fallen snow...

• Rich fabrics: warm up to velvet, satin, brocade, and heavy silk
• 
  
• Add a layer: if your wedding dress is sleeveless or strapless, add a wrap, shrug or cape in white or in one of your wedding colors
• 
  
• Winter white: dress the wedding party, flower girl and ring bearer in winter white for a chic, clean look.
• 
  
• Black tie: formal attire at an elegant winter wedding is always a classic

Spring Wedding Dresses and Attire
Embrace the outdoors with floral elements and touches of color...

• Loosen up: feel free to relax the dress code a bit, especially if the wedding will take place outside
• 
  
• Lighten up: lighter fabrics like lace or cotton create a perfect springtime look
• 
  
• Wedding gown: add some color with a sash or detailed embroidery
• 
  
• Bridesmaids dresses: 1. pastels are a springtime classic. Keep yours fresh by choosing a color and allowing each of your maids to select a different hue. Or go in another direction with a bolder turquoise, fuschia or mango. 2. avoid satin shoes – they don´t hold up well under springtime showers
• 
  
• The guys: they´ll look seasonably appropriate in tan suits, colored shirts and ties. For a formal evening affair, a basic tux always works.

Get even more wedding dresses style tips and budgeting advice, and browse thousands of designer wedding dresses

5 Hot New Wedding Dress Designers You Need to Know

In the world of wedding fashion, your name is your trademark. From couture one-of-a-kind dresses to breezy ready-to-wear styles, these five up-and-coming designers represent the next class of high-style designer names to remember. Move over Ms. Wang…

The Island Fashionista - Tamara Catz

Peering from the panoramic window of her ocean-side studio on the island of Maui, it's easy for Tamara Catz to understand that a sweaty, satin-and-tulle-encased bride isn't a great look for a beach wedding. Instead, she envisions the kind of dress that can "make a girl want to walk barefoot in the sand with the man of her dreams - flowy, feminine, simple." Catz, 36, modeled her line of romantic, bohemian-style wedding dresses after her breezy sensibility.

The Buenos Aires native spent seven years creating contemporary resort wear before she felt the artistic urge to foray into the world of bridal wear in 2007.  "A wedding dress is probably the most special garment a woman will ever put on, so I knew that my bridal designs could be a little more dreamy and unique than those for my every day clothes," says the 36-year-old. The Hawaiian-inspired designs feature relaxed feminine shapes, simple cuts, and organic accents like shells. Rather than overpowering the bride, Catz's simple silhouettes and light, flowing fabrics "make a women feel like herself," something she believes, "the traditional Cinderella-like wedding dress doesn't always do." Naturally, they're most at home as alternative-style gowns for beach weddings, and many are even versatile enough to wear after the wedding. The best part for that special day, though, is that a Catz design can feel just as refreshing as sand between their toes.

Tamara Catz, Paia, HI, tamarakatz.com, 808-579-9184, $450-$1,500

The Custom Duo - Miosa Bride

"Miosa" combines two names: Michael and Sanea Sommerfield. Miosa Bride combines two visions: that of a husband and a wife to craft couture of the highest quality in a surprising location. Based in Sacramento, California, Sanea, 42, brings her business expertise and insight into the female psyche, while Michael, 46, draws from experience gained sewing outdoor wear at his father's store and running a Sacramento tailor shop. "Sewing is like breathing to him," Sanea gushes. "I am still amazed most of the time at his understanding and knowledge."

The decision to stay in Sacramento despite a zip code that lacks an obvious couture culture was in part an effort to bring high style to the capital city, but it was also a personal one. "We had four children and did not want to move the family," Sanea explains. "Family comes first, so we had to build a business that could function here." Their exquisite fabrics and design techniques have earned them a local following, and now that the kids are grown, the duo plans to begin branding nationally this year.

The consultation phase is an integral component in the process of creating their gowns. The team takes detailed measurements to draft an initial pattern that accurately mimics the bride's body with respect to her level of comfort. They then gather information about her and her wedding so they can weave her personality into the dress, whether soft fabrics for a romantic or a daring silhouette for a sophisticate. Pieces of the gown are then individually cut and sewn in-house, often using 100 percent silk fabrics imported from Europe. The result is a couture gown inspired by the natural aesthetic of the woman wearing it.

Miosa Couture, Sacramento, CA, 916-443-1301, miosabride.com, $1,600-$10,000


The Green Pioneer - Deborah Lindquist

Deborah Lindquist raised a few eyebrows when she launched a daywear line made exclusively from recycled fabrics in 1983, long before the terms "eco" and "green" had been coined. Raised on a farm in Willmar Minnesota, surrounded by gardens, orchards and corn fields, Lindquist was 5 years old when her grandmother taught her to sew. "Life on the farm sparked my respect for the earth, and I knew that if I was to make an impact in the fashion world, I would have to do so in a manner that remained true to my love for the environment," says the 52-year-old.

Lindquist highlighted a 2005 fashion show with a wedding dress made of hemp that drew national interest - from brides who read about it in blogs to a USA Today article on help farming that featured it. So in 2007, Deborah launched a green wedding collection made entirely of recycled materials, hemp blends, and soy silks.

If the idea of wearing hemp conjures up thoughts of scratchy ill-fitted clothing, brides can rest assured that these luxurious, highly-stylized gowns are more suitable for a walk down the red carpet than a stroll up Haight-Ashbury. Lindquist's dresses have a romantic, feminine feel with a bit of an edge. Detailed lace, beadwork, and ribbons embellish her creations with an air of elegance, while flirtatious bustiers and corsets lend a cutting-edge aesthetic. In an era in which greening your wedding is oh-so-stylish, her designs allow you to wear that environmental commitment - and look good every step of the way.

Deborah Lindquist, North Hollywood, CA, 818-762-7199, deborahlindquist.com, $935-$3,000

The Southern Belle - Suzanne Perron

A fashion designer rooted in a culture of debutantes, oversized weddings, and Mardi Gras queens seems somehow destined to create magnificent white ball gowns steeped in timeless elegance. For New Orleans-native Suzanne Perron, that ambition took root when she received her first sewing machine from the Easter Bunny when she was 5 years old. "I dreamed of making beautiful romantic wedding gowns that mirrored the traditional aesthetic of this beautiful historic city," she remembers.

First though, she had to learn her craft by studying under Carolina Herrera, Ana Sui, and Vera Wang in New York City. Thirteen years later, a homesick Perron returned to New Orleans to set up her bridal boutique.

Suzanne's designs are clearly inspired by the city's distinct culture and celebrated architecture. On her gowns, you will find pintucking that mimics a fluted column on a St. Charles mansion or beadwork inspired by the intricate filigree and plaster work that finishes door frames and ceilings throughout the city.

She admits that she's "not looking to be fashion-forward" and instead describes her designs as "once in a lifetime gowns in white and ivory," despite the many stylists and editors who insist color is en vogue. It's a natural union for a designer who continues to make a name for herself in a city where traditions are preserved and celebrated.

Suzanne Perron, New Orleans, LA, 504-899-6895, suzanneperron.com, $6,000 and up

The Embellishment Artiste - Mariana Leung

For Mariana Leung, it's a wedding dress's smallest detail that affords the greatest self expression. "I love that my imagination can run wild with embroidery, since I can adapt an embellishment for a woman of any shape, size, taste and budget," she explains, "no other aspect of a wedding gown grants such freedom." Leung has channeled that creative streak since childhood when her father convinced her she was talented enough to make her own clothes. "Every time I asked for an outfit in a store window, he responded that I could make a better version of it myself," she remembers.

Leung honed those skills designing couture embroidery for the bridal industry's top houses - Monique Lhullier, Vera Wang, and Giorgio Armani. "Bridal was the perfect fit because it's the one outfit that is purchased on emotion instead of practicality, granting more room for creativity," says the 34-year-old. Now, she's parlaying that experience into her own gowns, conceptualized and built around an intricate embroidery pattern. Most of her brides bring a motif to incorporate, such as the detailing of an heirloom piece of jewelry or a pattern from a grandmother's wedding dress. Others peruse Leung's "look book" of embroidery designs for inspiration.

For such a personal, hands-on experience, Leung has a surprising number of out-of-town clients. For one project, a bride e-mailed a picture of flowers from her family's backyard, and Mariana designed a bolero jacket with fabric appliques inspired by the flowers for the bride to wear over the very basic gown she had already purchased. "The project proved that customization and luxury can be affordable," she says, "you just need to get a little creative."

Weng Meng Design Studio, New York City, 917-453-1979, hautecoutureembroidery.com, $150-$20,000

Learn more about emerging wedding dress designers, search thousands of designer wedding dresses, and get even more style tips, trends, and advice for wedding dresses at Elegala.com – Elegant Galas Made Simple.

Wedding Flowers Ideas for Every Season

Take a cue from the seasons with these inspiring wedding flowers ideas for every season...

Winter Wedding Flowers and Decor

Winter theme weddings can be uber chic and ethereal. Use these ideas to create your wonderland...

• 
  
• Color palette - new-fallen snow - use whites and creams accented with silver or gold; winter sparkle - ice blue or navy accented with silver; black tie- black is especially suited for a winter wedding when paired with white, silver or gold.
• 
  
• Go glam - deck your halls with crystal detailing for a sparkling winter effect- adorning linens and chair covers or sprinkled over table tops. The result is deliciously glam and oh so fab.
• 
  
• Liberal use of candle light - the glow will add warmth and elegance.
• 
  
• Holiday theme - decorate with potted evergreens, pine branches, wreathes, poinsettias, ornaments, bells, or twinkling white lights.
• 
  
• Added interest and texture - incorporate holiday greenery or tiny crystals into your arrangements.
• 
  
• Creative bouquets - instead of flowers, carry tea lights, votive candles or cascading bells.
• 
  
• Tossing alternative - have your flower girl throw silver glitter or sprinkle fake snow.

Winter Flowers In Season

• 
  
• White stephanotis, poinsettia, holly, amaryllis, camellias, roses. View a complete list of seasonal winter wedding flowers

Spring Wedding Flowers and Decor

The tulips are blooming, the temperatures are rising - what a perfect time for a wedding! Get inspired with these ideas for spring flowers...

• 
  
• Color palette - green and white - an elegant accompaniment to a garden setting; yellow and green -another fresh, natural color pairing; preppy - combine hot pink with green or mango (think polka dots and gingham); chocolate brown - this trendy hue works well for spring - pair with pale blue or pink.
• 
  
• Go wild with patterns - create a playful effect - think gingham, polka dots, eyelet lace, swiss dots and stripes
• 
  
• Add some greens - grasses and greenery are a natural for outdoor garden settings. Drape over arbors and incorporate in arrangements
• 
  
• Creative containers - put your arrangements in simple, homespun containers like wicker baskets, watering cans, teapots, or urns.
• 
  
• Potted plants - potted arrangements create a natural, organic look. Best of all, you can plant them for a timeless reminder of your wedding

Spring Flowers in Season

• 
  
• Classics include tulips, daffodils, lilies (especially calla lilies and easter lilies), magnolias, gardenias, hydrangeas, gerbera daisies, apple or cherry blossoms. View a complete list of spring wedding flowers

Summer Wedding Flowers and Decor

Set the stage for a sunny summer wedding with vibrant colors and inspirations from the great outdoors...

• 
  
• Color palette - bright and bold - hot pink and deep red or mango and fuschia; nautical - navy and white is a clean summer classic, accent with touches of yellow, red or gold; seaside - combine aqua with beige, peach or white
• 
  
• Go casual - summer weddings lend themselves to a casual decor scheme - fitting of a backyard barbeque. Think checked table clothes, benches and picnic tables.
• 
  
• Go natural - incorporate natural decor elements like fruits, vegetables, even insects (like ladybugs or dragonflies, not necessarily roaches!)
• 
  
• Get lit - light up an outdoor evening reception with lanterns or torches.
• 
  
• Fruits - fruits like lemons and limes look whimsical and chic when filled in tall clear vases
• 
  
• For a beach look - incorporate shells, sand, and sea glass in your arrangements

Summer Flowers In Season

• 
  
• Abundant flowers are always in style at a summer wedding. Use bright and cheerful blooms like sunflowers, peonies, hydrangea, mums, daisies, dahlias, zinnias, and roses. Or create a breezy, airy look with white on white - using roses, stephanotis, calla lilies, snowball mums and daisies - and incorporate a touch of blue - like blue hydrangea. View a complete list of summer wedding flowers

Fall Wedding Flowers and Decor

Get autumn-spiration with these flowers and decor ideas with a fall twist...

• 
  
• Color palette - colors of the season - adhere to mother nature's fall color palette: reds, oranges, browns, rusts, and yellows; jewel tones - make a rich, interesting twist to the traditional autumn color scheme; mix with metallics - gold, copper, bronze - for added pizzazz
• 
  
• Back to nature - use simple decor to subtly enhance the season's natural bounty. Use the autumn harvest for inspiration; think gourds, pumpkins, squash, gold dipped fall leaves, bales of hay, jugs of cider...you get the idea.
• 
  
• Go fall glam - you're not confined to rustic and casual in the fall. Create a posh autumn ambiance, and drape lush velvet (a traditional fall/winter fabric) in a rich chocolate brown or gold throughout your reception space. Accent the scene with antique broaches, crystal candelabras and stemware.
• 
  
• Autumn harvest - add pears, apples, cranberries to your arrangements
• 
  
• Natural texture - incorporate leaves, acorns, sprays of wheat
• 
  
• Creative containers - hollow out pumpkins or realistic fake ones, or use stained wooden boxes, terra cotta pots, or rustic lanterns
• 
  
• Tossing alternative - have your flower girl toss leaves or acorns instead of flower petals

Fall Flowers in Season

• 
  
• Popular fall flowers include montbretia, hypericum, mums, sunflowers, roses, and daisies. View a complete list of fall wedding flowers

Get even more ideas and advice to help you plan your wedding flowers

Wedding Catering Serving Styles Guide

Before you begin choosing between filet and chicken, consider how you´d like to serve them. The most common options include seated meal, buffet and passed-tray (appetizer) reception. To help you decide, we´ve compiled all you need to know about these serving styles.

Things to Consider:

The time of day during which your event takes place -
If your reception will be held during brunch or cocktail hours, a 5 course meal may not be necessary. If your reception will occur during dinner hour, you should serve more than just appetizers.

The formality of your event -
While it´s perfectly acceptable to have a buffet at even the most formal of events, tradition still tends to dictate that a sit-down meal is the most formal. If you envision guests dressed in white tie, sipping French champagne and serenaded by a full orchestra, a seated meal may be the way to go.

Your guests -
Always take into account the nature of your guest list. Elders or more traditional guests may feel more comfortable at a seated dinner, while younger guests may yawn at the idea of being forced to sit still for a few hours. Also remember that an extremely large guest list may not be conducive to a buffet, as hungry guests may be forced to wait in line for a turn at the table.

Personal preference -
That said, it´s your wedding. There really are no rules these days, so if you have your heart set on a particular serving style - go for it!

Serving Styles - An Overview:

Seated Meal -
Overview: At a seated meal, guests are seated and served by a waitstaff at tables pre-assigned by you. This style is the most traditional and typically the most formal. The types of sit-down services include: 1. plated service - where the full meal is pre-arranged on individual plates before served to guests; 2. Russian service - where wait staff serve courses from platters onto plates already on the table; 3. French service - where two waiters serve guests from the platter, one holding the platter and the other serving.

Buffet -
Overview: At a buffet, guests select their food from either one long table or stations strategically placed throughout the room. (think pasta station, seafood station, Chinese wok station) An advantage is that you can serve a varied menu from which guests can choose what they like. Having a buffet-style meal does not mean that you have to sacrifice sophistication. A buffet can be formal when served by stylish wait-staff or more relaxed with self-serve stations.

Finger Food Reception -
Overview: At this style of reception, there is no full meal. Instead waiters circulate the room, offering trays of hors d´oeuvres to standing guests. This style of service is ideal for a cocktail reception, which is often a shorter duration than a full reception.

Get more advice on planning a wedding finger food reception at the Elegala.com guide to wedding catering.

Bridal Jewelry - How to Accessorize Your Wedding Day Look

OK ladies, here's music to your ears (and neck, and wrist)...  now that you've got your wedding dress, it's time to accessorize it! There's no doubt about it, the right baubles perfect your wedding ensemble.  Here's what you need to know to accessorize like a pro.

Bridal Jewelry Style Tips

Keep it Simple
Before the fun begins, please heed this advice.  When it comes to your bridal jewelry, less really is more.  Simple jewelry makes a timeless fashion statement; overdo it and you risk a phone call from Diddy asking for his bling back.

Formality Rules
Along with all other accessories, the bride's jewelry, should reflect the formality of the wedding celebration. A small, informal wedding calls for simple jewelry, while a large, formal wedding calls for more elaborate pieces.

Complement the Gown
Wedding dress style also plays a major roll in jewelry selection. As a general rule - the more detailing on the gown, the simpler the jewelry, while a dress calls for added embellishment.

Let Your Neckline Lead the Way
Your dress neckline will guide you towards what pieces and styles you'll wear.  Many gowns are strapless or have low necklines, which is a perfect style to showcase a great necklace. If your gown has a high neckline, you may want to forego the necklace and concentrate on finding the perfect earrings.

Make It You
Above all, wedding day duds should reflect your personal style. So stick to studs if you've never worn chandeliers, and if you've never left the house without your favorite strand of pearls - around your neck is where they should be when you say "I do."

Pick your Metals:

The shade of your wedding dress will guide you to which metals work best:

• 
  
• If your dress is white - choose platinum or silver jewelry, as yellow gold may clash with stark white.
• 
  
• If your dress is off-white - either golds or silvers/platinums will work.
• 
  
• If your dress is ivory - the slightly yellowish undertones call for gold jewelry.
• 
  

Pick Your Gems:

Pearls - A Classic Choice
The tradition of pearl bridal jewelry stems back to the ancient Greeks, who believed pearls promoted marital harmony.  And of course, style icon Jackie O donned a strand the day she became Mrs. Kennedy, further cementing pearls as the refined gem of choice for brides everywhere.

Diamonds - The BFF of Jewelry
Diamonds didn't get their "girl's best friend" status for nothing. They're always good to add a touch of sparkle to your wedding dress. The good news for your wallet is that faux varieties work just as well.

Add Some Color
Of course, colored stones/gems present a great way to incorporate some color into your wedding day look, so don't shy away from blues, pinks, yellows - you name it.

Pick your Pieces

Necklaces:

• 
  
• The Choker: The classic choker features one to three strands worn close around the neck.  This length works well with a jewel or bateau neckline, as it may get lost if too much skin is showing.
• 
  
• The Collar: This Victorian style consists of three or more strands fitting securely around the middle neck.  This length is a great accent to a low or strapless neckline.
• 
  
• The Princess: This length falls about 16 inches to the hollow of the neck and often supports a pendant.  This style works with almost any but a high neckline.
• 
  
• The Matinee: This style hits the top of the bust and looks great with a bateau, jewel, or a lower neckline with sheer fabric covering the decolletage area.
• 
  
• The Opera: The opera necklace is a long single strand falling below the bust.  It creates a dramatic look when paired with a very high neckline.

Earrings:

Keep your earrings simple if your necklace is especially large or grand.  You also may not want to wear earrings at all if you're wearing a tiara - as the two may compete.  On the other hand - if you're going sans necklace, consider highlighting your look with elaborate earrings.  Remember, the key to accessorizing is balance.

Deck your Wrist?

Although not as common as necklaces and earrings, brides can wear a bracelet with sleeveless, short-sleeve, and three-quarter sleeve gowns. However, a watch is best left at home on your wedding day unless it's a family heirloom or antique.

Get even more advice to help you plan your bridal jewelry at Elegala.com - Elegant Galas Made Simple.

Wedding Dress Styles - Learn the Basic Parts of a Wedding Go

Before stepping into a bridal salon, you should know the basic wedding dress styles and the terms used to describe them.

A wedding dress is typically described by five parts: silhouette, sleeves, bodice, neckline and train. For each part of the dress, there are many different styles:

Silhouette
The silhouette is the basic shape of the gown:

Ball Gown: The ball gown is characterized by a fitted bodice and a waistline leading to a very full skirt (think Cinderella)

Empire: An empire-style gown features a high waistline (right under the bust) falling to a slimmer (yet not body-fitting) skirt.

A-Line or Princess: An A-line or Princess shape features vertical seams flowing from the shoulders down to a flared skirt, creating and inverted V — or A — shape

Sheath: The slim sheath closely follows the line of the body, creating a form-fitting look

Mermaid: The mermaid style is form fitting at the top, similar to the sheath, and then flows out around the knees, creating a mermaid shape.

Sleeves
For wedding gowns, sleeves are more than just long or short. Read below to decide which type of sleeve is best for you.

T-Shirt Sleeves: As the name indicates, these sleeves resemble those of your favorite T-shirt. This style is a good option for brides who want to cover their upper arms but don´t want to go all the way.

Cap Sleeves: Shorter than a T-shirt sleeve and more rounded, therefore a little more baring. Cap sleeves work best on women with fairly slender and well-toned upper arms.

Off-The-Shoulder Sleeves: These sleeves cover the upper part of the arms while leaving the tops of the shoulders exposed. The sleeves also cover enough of the upper arm to make most feel comfortable.

3/4 Length Sleeves: This style has a classic, ladylike feel, with the sleeves ending midway between the elbow and the wrist. An elegant look suited for a formal or winter wedding.

Spaghetti Straps: These are skinny straps with no sleeves attached. Not for the "arm-shy," this style works best for brides with well-toned upper arms or who just want to look sexy!

Sleeveless: Today, strapless gowns with no sleeves are actually the most popular choice among brides. This style works for many body types.

Bodice
As the name indicates, the bodice represents the "body" of the gown, or the section between the neckline and skirt.

Corset: This is a form-fitting bodice, complete with boning and lace-up or snap closures. This bodice style is fashioned after the ladies undergarment with the same name.

Empire: This bodice style ends just below the bust and flares into a full skirt. This style is flattering on almost all body types.

Halter: The halter is a sleeveless bodice that wraps around the neck. Sometimes backless; always sexy.

Midriff: This bodice fits closely around the mid-ribcage, and is a great choice for accentuating a small waist.

Princess-line: This sleek bodice, characterized by two vertical seams that travel from bust to hem, is super-slimming and gives the illusion of extra height.

Surplice: The surplice bodice cross-wraps the fabric in either the front or back.

Tank: The tank is a short, sleeveless top with wide armholes. This popular style looks great on most body types.

Neckline
The most noticeable part of the dress in your wedding photos, the right neckline can create a truly stunning wedding gown.

Off-The-Shoulder: As the name implies, this neckline sits below the shoulders, showcasing a woman´s collarbone and shoulders, while sleeves cover part of the upper arm. This neckline flatters almost all figures.

Portrait: The Portrait neckline is similar to an off-the-shoulder style but additional fabric covers the shoulders. The portrait neckline is characterized by a wide, soft scoop from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other.

Sweetheart: Shaped like the top half of a heart, the sweetheart neckline´s ability to accentuate decolletage makes it a great option for fuller-chested women.

Sabrina/Bateau: This shape is cut straight across, following the curve of the collarbone to almost the tip of the shoulders, showing less dÈcolletage. This neckline can be paired with sleeves or a sleeveless style.

Halter: The halter wraps around the back of the neck, creating deep armholes. The halter is often paired with a backless style, creating a very sexy look.

Scoop: The classic scoop is a U-shaped neckline, and flatters almost all body types. For a sexier look, it can be cut low. The scoop will often continue on the back of the dress.

Jewel or T-Shirt: Similar to an actual T-shirt, the jewel neckline is round and sits at the base of the throat. This neckline creates a bustier look.

V-Neck: This neckline dips in the front into a V-shape. Since it de-emphasizes the bustline, this neckline is good for B or C cups.

Train
More than any other element of the wedding dress, the bridal train has the ability to transform. It´s the elongated back portion of the gown that lies on the floor and trails out behind the bride as she walks, giving her a majestic appearance. The formality of your wedding should influence the type of train you go with; the length should be consistent with the location and time of your wedding.

Royal: The longest and most formal train, the Royal Train extends beyond 10 feet from your waist and is appropriate for the grandest of occasions when the bride really wants to make a statement.

Cathedral Train: Another dramatic and formal train, the Cathedral Train extends about 7 feet from your waist

Chapel Train: Extending about 5 feet from your waist, the Chapel train makes a significant statement

Court Train: Extending about 3 feet from the waist, the Court train is slightly longer than the Sweep train and can be used at most ceremonies.

Sweep: Barely "sweeping" the ground behind your dress, the Sweep train is the shortest train style (apart from not having one). It´s also the most versatile, as it can be worn at just about any type of ceremony.

Watteau: Characterized by the way a single panel attaches to the top of your dress at the shoulders or upper back, The Watteau train can fall to the length of your dress or it can extend behind for a more formal look.

Now that you know the basic anatomy of wedding dresses you can search for examples of all of these styles in this gallery of designer wedding dresses

Bridal Headpieces – Find the Right Headpiece for your Veil

Anchor your wedding veil with an elegant bridal headpiece, or let its sparkle make a style statement all of its own. Usually attached to your wedding veil, your bridal headpiece can hold it in place for the entire event or allow it to be detached through hooks or snaps. You can also wear your headpiece sans veil for purely aesthetic purposes. Here´s what to consider when choosing a bridal headpiece.

Style

When trying on headpieces, try to bring as much of your wedding day ensemble as you can (dress photos, accessories, veil, etc.) to get the best sense of which style complements your look. You never know what will or won´t work until you put it all together.

Cost

Bridal headpieces typically cost $20 to $100. Of course, you may find one for less, and you can always pay more.

Headpiece Style Guide

From a wedding tiara to a snood, here´s the lingo you´ll need to know to get started:

Profile (comb):
The profile is an ornamental comb (often featuring flowers, crystals or pearls) that is worn either on the top or side of the head, or underneath your hairstyle. Profiles can be worn with or without a veil and are a great way to accent a sophisticated updo.

Backpiece:
A backpiece is a barrette or comb (often decorated with flowers or beads), fastened to the back of the head, to which your veil is then attached.

Tiara:
A popular headpiece for brides who want to feel like a princess, wedding tiaras are a jeweled or beaded semi-circle that sits on the top of your head.

Crown:
A crown is a full circular headpiece that sits on the top of your head and is usually decorated with stones or beads.

Headband:
A headband is a band of fabric that extends from one temple to the other. This classic look can range from simple to elaborate, and is often made of satin, lace, or any fabric to match your dress

Bunwrap:
As the name implies, the bunwrap is a circular band that wraps around a bun or updo.

Juliet Cap:
A Juliet cap fits at the crown of your head and can be accented with pearls, beading or stones. You can wear a Juliet cap alone or attach your veil to it.

Snood:
A snood is a net that encases a bun at the back of your head and can be made from a variety of fabrics and embellishments. You can attach a veil to the bottom of this headpiece.

Wreath (or Garland):
Wreaths wrap all the way around your head and often feature organic materials such as flowers, greenery or twigs. This headpiece creates a natural, romantic look.

Get even more advice on choosing bridal headpieces, wedding veils, shoes and jewelry to complete your wedding ensemble in this complete wedding accessories guide.

How to Plan a Summer Wedding

Warm sunshine, vibrant colors, and outdoor setting opportunities abound during the summer months. Take advantage of the season with these summer wedding tips.

Summer Weddings - Things to Consider

Beat the Heat – Seriously consider renting fans or portable AC units for an outdoor wedding (even northern climates can hit 90 this time of year), and try to find a location with ample shade so guests can escape blazing sun and heat. Even if your wedding is inside, you´ll need to check the comfort level beforehand – some older venues lack good ventilation or aren´t air conditioned.

Brave the Elements – Outdoor settings are popular during the summer, but high temperatures aren´t the only discomfort you´ll have to contend with. Damaging UV rays, killer mosquitoes and pop-up showers are just some of the elements you may have to endure. Have bug spray, sunscreen and umbrellas on hand just in case.

Work Around Summer Travel - Remember that summer is prime time for family vacations, holiday weekends, oh yeah – and other weddings. Try to book your date and notify your guests as early as possible.

All in the Details – Summer Wedding Ideas

Invitations & Stationery
- Add a summer motif - such as a seashell, starfish, tropical flower or plant - to your stationery suite
- Go wild with color – now´s the time for paper or fonts in bolder tropical hues – such as fuschia or mango - or the colors of the sea – blues and greens

Location
- Get outdoors – summer weddings just call for a beach, garden, rooftop or backyard setting
- Get on the water – marinas or even yacht cruises make for seasonably stylish venues

Décor Elements
Color palette –
- bright and bold – hot pink and deep red or mango and fuschia
- nautical – navy and white is a clean summer classic; accent with touches of yellow, red or gold.
- seaside – combine aqua with beige, peach or white

Go casual – summer weddings lend themselves to a casual décor scheme – fitting of a backyard barbeque. Think checked table clothes, benches and picnic tables.

Go natural – incorporate natural décor elements like fruits, vegetables, even insects (like ladybugs or dragonflies, not necessarily roaches!)
Get lit – light up an outdoor evening reception with lanterns or torches.

Flowers
- Seasonal blooms – abundant flowers are always in style at a summer wedding. Use bright and cheerful blooms like sunflowers, peonies, hydrangea, mums, daisies, dahlias, zinnias, and roses. Or create a breezy, airy look with white on white – using roses, stephanotis, calla lilies, snowball mums and daisies – and incorporate a touch of blue – like blue hydrangea
- Fruits – fruits like lemons and limes look whimsical and chic when filled in tall clear vases
- For a beach look – incorporate shells, sand, and sea glass in your arrangements

Menu
- Serve lighter fare – think fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables like berries, watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, and corn, seafood and lean poultry like chicken. Between courses, serve a light sorbet.
- Spark up the grill - serve traditional picnic and grill fare like barbeque, burgers and potato salad
- Head to the tropics - feature tropical signature cocktails like margaritas, sangria, or mojitos.

Cake
- Light and Fluffy - serve something light, like angel food cake topped with whipped cream and berries
- Fresh adornments - top traditional wedding cake with fresh tropical flowers like hibiscus, or decorate with shells and starfish
- Spoon it out - serve light sorbet or gelato
- Add a cherry - have a do it yourself sundae bar (just make sure you have a way to keep the ice cream cool)

Looking for even more ideas for summer wedding themes? This complete guide to planning a summer wedding provides ideas and advice for incorporating the summer season into every wedding detail.