New! Virtually Try On Wedding Dresses, Rings and more!

Now trying on a dress, finding an engagement ring, or even a new hairstyle can be done on your couch at home! Let’s face it we are all busy and limited on the time. Why not narrow down your choices by “trying on” things virtually?  You can decide on your top picks before you even arrive!

If you haven’t gotten engaged yet (hopefully that will be your Christmas present..my fingers are crossed for you) or you recently got engaged and need a wedding band, Tacori has an awesome “Try It On” Virtual software you can download for free that allows you to try on wedding rings anywhere.  All you need is a computer and a webcam.  Just print out the ring cutout, place it on your finger and virtually try on different rings.  This tool will help you decide what shape stone you like best (round, oval, etc) or what wedding band will work best with your engagement ring.

Finding a wedding dress can be a bit overwhelming.  With so many necklines and styles you never know what style will work best for your body shape.  Brides has designed a software that allows you to virtually try on wedding gowns from your home.  You can decide to take a picture of yourself (make sure to look up their picture tips before taking your picture) or pick from a group of models with a similar body shape and “try on” dresses.  I love the idea that you can already know what styles look best on you before going to the bridal salons.  Most salons block out a certain amount of time for your appointment and if you don’t know what styles you like you may try on five dresses that don’t flatter your body!

Before:

After:

Brides also offers a way you can create your wedding day look with hair and makeup.  The makeup worked really well…..there are many different shades to choose from and looks very real.  With this tool you can get a very good idea what colors will work best with your skin tone for your wedding day.  You can also “try on” different hair styles and colors.  To me, this wasn’t as realistic as the makeup but still gives you an idea of which hairstyles work best for you.

Before:

After:

I would love to hear your feedback on these fun tools to help you create your wedding look. Both of these sites also allow you to share these through Facebook or Twitter so friends can comment on what they like best (only if you want them to). If nothing else, I promise these virtual sites are lots of fun.  I “tried” on rings and makeup for hours!!

Happy Planning!

Sources: www.tacori.com/tryiton, www.brides.com

 

Aisle Runners: To have or not to have?

Aisle runners are a great way to make a bold statement at your wedding without having to spend a lot of money.  I saw these aisle runners in Inside Weddings Magazine and couldn’t wait to share them with you!  Inside Weddings featured a beautiful damask patterned aisle runner made by Original Runners that comes in six different colors and it has a shimmer sheen to it. Just gorgeous!!   If you don’t like the damask pattern, Original Runners will create a beautiful one of a kind aisle runner for your special day…just like they did for Kim Kardashian’s wedding!

If you are thinking about having an aisle runner there are a few things you need to keep in mind before you make your decision.  Make sure to purchase an aisle runner with a non slip backing. The last thing you want is for anyone to trip as they are walking!

Also, make sure to consider your ceremony space before investing in an aisle runner.  If the aisle is not straight or you have a beautiful pathway already an aisle runner is not needed.  However if you are getting married on a grassy lawn, on the beach, or you just want to dress up your ceremony location an aisle runner is the perfect solution for you! I always try and suggest them to brides getting married on a grassy lawn so your heels don’t sink!

This aisle runner (below) by Customized Wedding Creations is made of burlap!  Perfect for an outside wedding.

For all my crafty brides, custom aisle runners can be a DIY project.  With some muslin and a stencil you can make your own aisle runner.  Do It Yourself Weddings shows the step by step process on how to create your own aisle runner.  I love the idea they give to also reuse the runner by cutting it after the wedding and use it as a wall hanging…genius!

Whether you let the pros make the aisle runner or DIY, they can be the perfect inexpensive way to make your ceremony stand out.

Happy Planning!

Sources: www.insideweddings.com, www.originalrunners.com, www.do-it-yourself-weddings.com, www.customizedweddingcreations.com

Signature Drinks

Signature drinks are one of the best ways to make your wedding unique!   Whether you are having an alcoholic bar or non-alcoholic bar…serving one of your favorite drinks or even a drink in your wedding colors is a fun way to treat your guests.  I have listed below some of my favorite drink ideas.  With many of these drinks you can leave out the alcohol and still serve a great non-alcoholic beverage for your wedding.  I love the idea of taking one of these drinks and naming it something special (try smashing up your name with your fiancés last name and see what you get)!

If you are having an outside wedding, a cute idea is to have a signature drink served before the ceremony.  Your guests can sip on a refreshing drink handpicked by you.  If you decide to do this, I would suggest having a non-alcoholic drink so that all of your guests can enjoy during the ceremony and have an alcoholic drink served after the ceremony!

Maui Sipper: 

 

Go Go Girl:

 

Crantucket Mojito

  • 1.5 oz. Myers’s
    Platinum Rum (25 oz. per bottle)
  • 1 oz. Stirrings
    Cosmopolitan Cocktail Mixer (32 oz. per bottle)
  • 1 tablespoon(s)
    Stirrings Cosmopolitan Rimmer
  • 1 sprig(s) mint
  • 1 cup(s) ice
  • 1.5 oz. Stirrings
    Mojito Cocktail Mixer (32 oz. per bottle)

 

Pina Colada Martini:

 

TEN-Tation:

  • 1 oz. Tanqueray
    Ten Gin (25 oz. per bottle)
  • .5 oz. crème de
    cassis
  • 1 oz. pineapple
    juice
  • 1 pineapple wedge
  • 1 slice(s)
    seasonal fruit

 

If you have a fun signature drink you would like to share we would love to hear about it!!

Happy Planning!

Sources: www.food.com . www.thebar.com