Showing posts with label Carolina Herrera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carolina Herrera. Show all posts

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Black & White Wedding: Bring Chic Back

One of my most favorite color combinations is black and white. Its chic, simplistic elegance can speak volumes in the style department. One of my favorite designers, Carolina Herrera incorporates black in many of her wedding gowns. Z Gallerie being one of my most favorite furniture stores has an endless array of items to incorporate into your wedding decor. Walking through their doors is like a kid in a candy store for me. I'm absolutely exhilarated as I begin to visualize 2-3 different event themes.

When choosing a black and white theme or color palette, it's important to remember that it's not a prom. It should not be matchy-matchy. We are past the age of Granimals. (Although, I will agree, Granimals is a great tool for young children.) Focus on texture, small details and play up the way which the black and white is incorporated together. Not every element in the design scheme has to include black and white together. Bringing in a touch of color gives your design a more metropolitan look. As most know, I am very partial to green or yellow. If you're like me and love green, try to avoid the apple green. Go for a deeper green such as kelly green or grass green. The apple green has a little more yellow and is past the trend phase of 2008 & 2009.

For a more unique look, bring in some non-typical items to your centerpieces. As mentioned before, Z Gallerie has some fabulous decor pieces. I say use them around the main item of your centerpiece. Not everything in the centerpiece has to be a candle or vase with flowers. It's important to present a visually interesting design to "WOW" your guests.

And most importantly, remember the details. Drink stirrers are new trend that adds a fun twist on the signature drink. There are some great designers on Etsy.com who can easily provide custom items. You may even consider a drink stirrer with fun romantic phrases to fit your theme. If you are having an Old Hollywood theme, list romantic couples from the movies. Or make them truly unique and personal by sharing funny tid-bits about each other.

And most importantly, be bold and incorporate the black into your attire. In today's fashion world, anything is possible and is perfectly acceptable. Have fun with it and make your look truly your own. You may even consider staying traditional for the ceremony and switching out your headpiece, shoes and jewelry for the reception. Adding a belt or brooches to your dress can make the biggest difference as well.

Blissfully Inspired!

Samantha Darr

Friday, October 22, 2010

{Helpful Tips} Reselling Wedding Items

Were you a DIY'er for your wedding left wondering what you're going to do with 35 lanterns or 300 chargers? Or maybe you're contemplating a splurge for your wedding and wondering how to off-set the cost. Seriously, consider reselling it after the wedding. Not only will it make your new hubby happy to have the "wedding room" cleared out, but will also reload the pocket book. If you have a couture item that was really over your budget, start advertising the sale of the item before the wedding takes place. This way, you can feel better and enjoy the splurge on the wedding day.
Some very valuable sources for selling wedding items:

1. Bride Share - all items are welcome and there's even a message board to chat with other brides. Total bonus!!

2. PreownedWeddingdresses.com - this site is absolutely addicting. I love checking it out periodically to see all the gorgeous dresses. You will find anything from custom gowns to couture dresses by Carolina Herrera. AND at a fraction of the original cost.

3. Who can beat theKnot when it comes to wedding resources. The have a message board geared toward every subject. Consider posting your "for sale" items on your local board and also future wedding date boards.

4. In some areas of the country, Craigslist is a great resource. I have been lucky enough to sell and purchase a few pieces of furniture on there myself. Just be super cautious of scammers wanting to send you a check. Always have another person present if someone is coming to your home to look at the items your selling.

5. And last, but not least, the tried and true Ebay. You may consider taking your items to a company who lists and sells the items for you. May save you a lot of time and the best part is that they take the photos and manage the listing for you.

6. If you're ever in Chicago, you surely have to make a stop at White Chicago. It's truly a premier couture resale wedding dress boutique. AND for those not in Chicago hold onto your seats because they recently launched an online site as well. www.whiteXchange.com

We would love to hear from fellow readers which sites were most successful for you.

Blissfully Inspired,

Samantha Darr
Owner/Lead Planner