Check out our upcoming Madeleine's Event Central by Moonlight shows!  You are sure to have a blast and find all the vendors you need!

 

 

See you there!

DIY Vanilla Sugar Wedding Favor...

 

We saw this amazing DIY favor idea on kimbryphotography.com that looked easy to do.  We thought it would make a great favor for this time of year.  Something that your guests could use at home while sipping on a nice hot tea or coffee.  Take a look at the pictures and recipe below:

 

 

For this recipe you will need:

 

• Vanilla bean (any kind is fine)
• Sugar (I used white, but I think raw would be great as well)
• A large container
• Favor jars,pretty ribbons, custom tags
• Slice your vanilla bean down the center and scrape the tiny seeds out.
• Mix as much you can get out of your bean with sugar in a large container. Throw in the used bean for added flavor (just don't eat it :)
• Allow a week or so for the flavor/smells to blend

Now just divide in your pretty little jars and enjoy!

This was just a fabulous idea and super cute wrapping/tagging!  I say go out and get the items and start DIY'ing!

Bridesmaids Luncheon...

What is a bridesmaid's luncheon? This is a party thrown in honor of the bridesmaids and sometimes called a “bridal tea”. This is something generally hosted by the bride and her mother as a way of saying thank you for sharing in my big day. Usually this is when the bride presents the girls with thank you cards and gifts. This also gives the girls a chance to get to know one another incase they don’t already. Some out of town bridesmaids may have never met your cousins or best friend from high school.

Historically this was strictly an afternoon event given the day before the wedding, where all parties involved joined and had lunch and tea, thus the name “bridal tea”, which over the years became known as the “bridesmaids luncheon”. today however it can be given at any point day or night and as far ahead as you wish. Where to have this is entirely up to you and your budget. Keep in mind when planning how lavish or low key you want it to be, and where it would take place.

This luncheon could be as simple as a DIY mani/pedi party to a posh event at a ritzy hotel. No matter how much you spend or where you have it just remember its all in fun and for thanking those close to you!

Top 10 things you should know about bridal gown shopping...

We found this amazing article in the newest edition of Brides Magazine that we found to be an extremely helpful tool when shopping for your gown. Take a look at the top ten tips before you head out for a fun filled girl’s day out of bridal gown shopping!

1- A wedding gown is rarely made-to-measure, unless its custom made. In most cases, when a salon takes your measurements it’s so they can order the right size for you.

2-The difference between wedding gowns could be that one costs $500 and the other one may cost $1500 that could very well be the fabric, synthetic versus natural. Natural will always be more expensive.

3-The latest gown styles take about a year to get from the runway to you. Big name designers show their designs at New York Fashion Week every April and October, and those dresses are usually for sale in salons about 6 months later. Then it can take approximately 6-8 months to process your personal order.

4-Wear clean underwear, people will be seeing you semi-naked! (we got a laugh at that one!)

5-What is great about a trunk show? Most bridal salons don’t carry a designer’s entire collection, but at a trunk show, the entire collection is usually available to be touched and tried on. Often the designer sends a representative and on occasion the designer will come (which is really a rare treat). There are usually special events or deals when it comes to trunk shows so don’t hesitate to ask.

6-Most brides spend about 8-to10% of their wedding budgets on their total look (gown, shoes, headpiece, etc.) But that average accounts for a variety of real world scenarios, not all brides fit into that scenario it could be anywhere from 1-20% in all actuality.

7-The “deal” with samples. Bridal salons do not carry gowns in each size, instead they have a sample size. Within the gowns and designers that could range anywhere from a size 6 to a size 22. If you are looking for a specific size just ask.

8-Need a dress yesterday? We always have sample gowns that can be sold directly from the rack! You only need to find that one perfect gown and ask if you are able to purchase that particular one.

9-Shop by this rule: Nothing in fashion is out of fashion! Have an irrational fear of looking at your wedding portrait 20 years from now and asking…OMG what was I thinking? There are so many attributes about a wedding gown that are never going to disappear, and there are some silhouettes that are always going to be timeless…so if that is your fear…have no fear there is always something!

10-You should make an appointment! If you are shopping seriously and want proper attention making an appointment is a necessity at almost all salons these days. There are even salons that won’t even let you look around at things if you don’t have one.

DIY Hot Cocoa Favors...

We were over visiting one of our favorite wedding blogs "Style Me Pretty" and came accross this cute little DIY that would make a great holiday or Fall/Winter wedding favor. Below you will find the blog post we found and the instructions on how to make this:

  

Our next DIY project is so ridiculously cute, you are going to die. They were filled with homemade snowflake marshmallows and hot cocoa, then placed lovingly into the guests’ rooms as a sweet treat. So great!
 
Materials
Heavy Card Stock
Labels
Muslin Bags
Thread / Sewing Machine
Corner Punch Tool
Cellophane Envelopes
Resealable Glue Strips
Individual Hot Coco Packets
Recipe for Homemade Marshmallows

Instructions:
1. Print pattern onto a card stock and trim to 3.75 x 3″ then round the right side corners with a corner punch tool. (You could use any patterned paper for this project and just mount it to a card stock with spray mount.)
2. Print the smaller labels onto a card stock. I used a silver metallic to coordinate with our wedding colors. trim each one out using an x-acto knife and ruler. Then hole punch (only half) on either side for sewing.
3. Line up pieces of paper with the left edge of the muslin bag and sew with a coordinating thread color. I used my basic sewing machine to do the sewing and they turned out well.
4. For the note inside we printed a greeting onto the same silver card stock and rounded the edges with a corner punch tool.
5. The homemade snowflake marshmallows were made from a recipe found at marthastewart.com.
We packaged the marshmallows in cellophane envelopes with a re-sealable glue strip to maintain freshness. Add individual hot cocoa packets in similar colors to complete the gift!

As you can see this was a fabulous idea and we just couldn't resist sharing especially since the Fall is upon us and Winter is right behind!  Have wonderful Fall season!

125 Bridal Boutique

Year Round Flowers...

Year Round Flowers...

 

Did you know that some of the most beautiful flowers are year round flowers?  Which makes it easy for you to use them for your wedding day.  An example would be the Calla Lily, one very timeless flower that is widely used, or the Rose, also a timeless flower used more often than not. How about trying something a little different like the Gardenia or Stephanotis? Take a look at some of the beautiful pieces made from these flowers.

 

Calla Lily

Gardenia

 

Stephanotis

Ranunculus

 

 

It really doesn’t matter which of these beutiful flowers you choose you can’t go wrong, all of them are just stunning as the next. What flowers will you be choosing for the big day?

Going green...

By now we all know what "going green" means...right? Check out link for Clay Hill Farms Environmental Leadership info, great news there!!   Well did you know that there are bridesmaids dresses that can be in that category as well? Its true!  Alfred Angelos Purely line is just that, green!  Such a great idea for that eco friendly bride who wants to stay green.  Take a look at them, adorable!

I know all brides say that you can wear your bridesmaids dress again...however in the case of these dresses, it could be a win!  Either way Alfred Angelo out did themselves with going green!

 

Summer Wedding Favors...

Summer is now upon us and we thought a nice summery post with some great summer wedding favors would help keep that summer mood from disappearing.

Take a look at some of the delectable, beautiful and even eco friendly summer wedding favors that would make your wedding even that more exciting!





Starting at the top left:

1-Custom water mini-bottle labels

2-Colored paper fans

3-Potted Evergreens

4-S’mores

5-Mini-Potted flower seeds

6-Personalized Program fans

7-Personalized Soda bottles

8-Mini-birdseed feeder

9-Cookie boxes with a written/printed endearment

10-Cupcake in a jar





Get your girl friends together because some of these favors are great DIY projects that you could attempt yourself. Make it a party and have fun!

Summer Flower Bouquets...

We did some research to see what flowers would be the best for a summer wedding.  There are a TON of options out there for you to choose between.  Take a look at the gorgeous bouquets below for some flower inspirations...

  We've made it easier for you, we listed and numbered them.  Happy flower picking..


 Starting in order:

1) Astilbe	8) Cosmos
2) Delphinium	9) Garden Roses
3) Snapdragon	10) Marigold
4) Zinnia	11) Gerber Daisies
5) Violet	12) Dahlia
6) Scabiosa	13) Lisianthus
7) Allium

DIY Smores on a stick...

While searching the web and getting ideas on great DIY’s for weddings we came across this wonderful post on Elizabeth Anne Designs for Smores on a stick and just had to share. Since its summer time and people everywhere are sitting by campfires making smores the traditional way (which is super yummy and gooey) we agree with Elizabeth Anne Designs, why not incorporate that into a great wedding favor. We loved the idea of this smores being on a stick and wrapped up, no gooey mess that way. See for yourself and check out the post on Elizabeth Anne Designs to get the full tutorial.

 

 

So who isn’t craving a smores right now? We know we sure are! Will this be your summer wedding favor?

Pool Blue Inspirations...

Check out this gorgeous Pool Blue Inspiration board we just created!  There are so many different options out there in the bridal world in this color palette.  What options can you come up with, here is ours:

White Wedding Inspiration...

Today, we wanted to share what we pictured as "White Wedding" inspirations.  Take a look at this stunning gown by Alfred Sung Bridals, and all the gorgeous pieces you could accessorize it with.  Simply beautiful!

125 Bridal Boutique



What about the men...

So you have bought the wedding gown, picked the bridesmaids and a flower girl dress, the mothers may have even reached their decisions.  So what about the men?  Its time to start thinking about them now. 

• Make a list...figure out who will be in a tuxedo and how you want it to look.
• Choose the styles...book an appointment with your tuxedo specialists and make your choices on what they will be wearing .
• Send the men in...start sending the men in to get measured and leave their deposits. Closer to the wedding when the tuxes are ready to be picke up they will go in agan and try on the tuxedo.  At this point they will get any last minute adjustments if any are needed.

                       

 

With so many different styles out there to choose from its a great idea to do a little research ahead of time.  This way you know what you are looking for when you get there and will feel a little more confident when the sales person starts using terms like Notch lapel or Full Dress.  Atleast you will know what they mean.  We have put together a small basic style guide to help you along.

When in doubt don't be afraid to ask questions, thats what the specialists are there for and they are more than happy to answer any thing.



Black, White and Green Inspirations...

Today we have a great idea for color inspiration...instead of the traditional black and white wedding we threw a pop of color in the mix and came up with this scrumptious color palatte.  Black, white and bright green (but not neon).  This color pop takes this color palatte to a new level, see for yourself.

Who wouldn't want this gorgeous color palatte for their wedding, it's very traditional and still fun!

Save Money on your Wedding Invitations...

We totally understand how much wedding invitations can cost, to put it mildly they are expensive!  So we have put together a few ways we have found that will help take that burden of cost lower.  Below are some of the ways that would help do this:

• Forget the upgrades, little details add up.  Don't go for the caligraphy or the envelope liners.
• Paper...choose a paper that is not imported or made of 100% cotton paper these can be more pricey and will drive the total cost of the invitation suite up.  Go for partially recycled paper (since green is good these days), they are less expensive and have a good amount of colors to choose from.
• Order more...order more than you expect to need, if you need 300 order 325, in the long run it will be cheaper.  Ordering more is good incase you mess up with something on it or have people you forgot to invite and need to send one out.
• Use a URL...Enclosing a map with the invitations suite can get expensive because each invitation will have to get one, instead put a URL to MapQuest or Google Maps.  This not only saves on paper (going green again) but it also saves on cost.  You could even enclose the URL for your wedding website or Facebook Wedding Fan Page that could have directions and a map.
• Do an online RSVP...With so many places offering wedding websites you can get one extremelly easily and for little to no cost.  You could have your guests RSVP to your wedding website.  This would save on an RSVP card (again going green).

These are not the only ways that its possible to save on your invitations, we suggest doing a bit of research yourselves and see what you can find and come up with.  We hope the ideas we gave you will be helpful as well. 

Until next time...
125 Bridal Boutique

Your Wedding Countdown

Your Wedding countdown is an important tool to help you along in your wedding planning process.  We have compiled a list of things  your should do and when, just keep in mind these are just guidelines and you still need to use your best judgement.

12 Months before:

• Decide on a budget
• Think about the size of your wedding and the style you want
• Reserve your ceremony and reception sites, these fill up quickly
• Browse magazines for gown styles and get a feel for what you want
• Choose your save the dates

10 Months before:

• Select your officiant and book them
• Mail out your save the date
• Select your attendants and let them know the good news
• Hire a wedding planner if needed
• Compile a guest list
• Look for your caterer, florist, music, photograher etc.

8 Months before:

• Order your wedding gown
• Book the caterer, florist, music, photographer etc. they book up quickly too
• Possibly create a wedding website or FB fanpage for all guests to visit

6 Months before:

• Meet with your vendors and discuss the details with them
• Order your invitations or if you are a DIY'er get started making them
• Shop for your bridesmaids attire and get them ordered
• Reserve your limo or other transportaion
• Talk to fiance about the tuxedos and how you picture them looking

4 Months before:

• Schedule your rehersal dinner
• Research your honeymoon and book it
• Put together a gift registry and tell everyone where you registered

2 Months before:

• Discuss with your officiant about readings and music for during the ceremony
• Check out marriage license procedures in your state
• Mail out your invitations

6 Weeks before:

• Do a hair and make up trial
• Buy attendant gifts
• Write your vows if you are doing so
• Send your announcement to the newspaper

2 Weeks before:

• Give your photographer specifics on special pictures you wish to have taken
• Get your marriage license
• Assemble your wedding favors

1 Week before:

• Write out your seating chart for the reception and place cards
• Pick up your bridal gown
• Confirm with all of your vendors
• Make sure caterer has a final count of people attending
• BREAK IN your shoes!! Wear them around the house to get used to them

The day before:

• Confirm all transportation for you and the wedding party
• Have your rehearsal dinner
• Get a mani/pedi

The BIG day:

• Eat small light meals that day so there is no passing out from lack of nutrients
• Do your hair and make up and get dressed 30 mins before your departure time
• Last but not least ENJOY yourself and RELAX the hard part is over!

Just keep in mind that all weddings are different from one another and this list is just a guideline for you to use along the way. 

 

Don't forget PROM!

Hey guys, don't forget PROM!  We still have over 200 prom gowns in the store in all ranges of sizes!  Take a look at some of the gowns below we still have:

Matthew Christopher

New Arrivals!

We just received some gorgeou and breathtaking new bridal gowns in the store today!  Take a look at these amazing pieces from the 2012 Collection by Anais Bridal.  Simply breathtaking!

Anais Bridal Collection at 125 Bridal Boutique