Posted by Brenda Lopez, CEO & Founder - AffluentBride.com
Are you game? Have you? Will you? Well this bride did and I must say they definitely picked an unusual place to do it.
Ahhhh….the Riviera Maya, MX. I guess if you’re going to trash your OWN wedding dress, you may as well do it in true Mayan style.
I think I could live with it better that way!!!
OK. I must admit…I know it’s the trend right now and maybe one that is here to stay but I am one of those that sort of CRINGES everytime I watch one of these. Especially when it’s such a pricey wedding gown…. GULP! Yes, a times I find that a bit hard to swallow LOL But let’s be honest, I am, afterall, among friends here … do we REALLY think we’ll EVER wear it years from now?
Rule number one, FIRST you have to fit in it again and SECONDLY, all good intentions aside, if you’re thinking about getting it preserved, so you can pass it on as a relic LOL for your own daughter to wear, some 18 years out, well it’s generally not going to be in style enough for them and they probably wouldn’t want to be caught dead in it!!!
All I have to do is view my own nicely preserved gown, which is a bit dated now and wonder, what planet was on on THEN? HA! Besides, there is is such an influx of new couture designer gowns every year, I’d personally just opt for something new. No offense mom...
But times have changed and I have to say that even I, have become quite intrigued by all this. From videographers to cinematographers, as well as photojournalists to photographers, this has surely given a new meaning to self expression and quite frankly some videos and photos I have seen are quite artistically stunning indeed. So I guess if you are going to TRASH the DRESS, you may as well do it with pizzazz!
And you never know, it might not be as badly trashed afterwards, as you think….however, I wouldn’t count on it. But at least you’ll have fun in the process.
I guess we could officially call the Trash the Gown crowd… Wedding Trashers….LOL
I don’t know about you but even though I did not officially trash my own couture wedding dress years ago, it looked pretty trashed by the time we got through the ceremony, reception and limo ride. Oh and I STILL had to preserved for those sentimental reasons. I know I’ll never wear it again, who am I kidding?? But it at least it still looks good in the box. Not much consolation!
It’s only money, right?
So what are your plans? Trash or officially PASS?
If you are planning to trash it, what did you have in mind? Oh this is going to be good! I can’t wait to hear the responses we get on this one!
No matter what you decide, the above video represents a beautiful way to have your gown go out in style!! I’d prefer that over a MUD sling any day!
Posted by Brenda Lopez, CEO & Founder - AffluentBride.com
Luxe doesn’t even seem to do justice to this bit of paradise and those who are lucky enough to visit for their own honeymoon might also be rubbing elbows with some very influential guests!
A 2200 acre all-inclusive five-star paradise favored by celebrities and affluent brides alike. What’s not to like here?
I certainly would be hard pressed to think of even one thing.
The Wakaya Club has nine spacious Fijian bures. Each one is a luxurious honeymoon hideaway designed to indulge you in the beauty of the island while providing every conceivable comfort. Need we say more?
Each of the eight bures features:
1500 square feet of serenity
private garden and two outdoor decks
bedroom with four-poster king-size bed, with the finest Fili D’Oro 100% cotton sheets from Italy
bathroom with oversized soaking tub and open-air, lava rock shower stall
The entire reef system in front of the Wakaya Club is a marine sanctuary. You can snorkel on your own right in front of your bure, or in deeper waters on the edge of the reef with a guide. For scuba divers, there are a dozen prime dive sites to choose from, where you’ll see a wide array of colorful reef fish like parrot fish, angel fish, butterfly fish, trigger fish and clown fish, plus more uncommon species such as turtles, the blue ribbon eel, nudibranchs, lion fish, manta rays, and even the occasional hammerhead shark and pelagic fish.
Four types of fishing (deep sea, fly, reef casting, and handline) and a variety of excursions are also offered.
The Club has two Wimbledon-Tex lit tennis courts, and a nine-hole golf course that meanders through a 19th-century copra plantation, offering dazzling views of the South Pacific. There’s also a total body fitness center on the island, designed by The Sports Club LA, and massage and acupuncture are available as well.
Prices begin at $9, 000 US for a 7 nite stay, based on double occupany, naturally.
The Wakaya Club is an ecologically sensitive luxury resort offering unparalleled natural beauty in a most intimate setting.
I can’t think of a better newlywed escape to start your life as a married couple than this. Truly magnifcant.
Visit Wakaya Club for more information on this exotic destination honeymoon escape!
Posted by Brenda Lopez, CEO & Founder - AffluentBride.com
Here’s the upcoming Top Wedding Trends for 2008.
What’s on the horizon.
Color Palletes - Blues will still be strong contender, into 2008, but will be matched more often with metallics such as gold, silver, gray and platinum.
Bold Jewel Tone Colors, brides are now seeking to make a stronger eye-catching statement with vivid wedding colors, including rich purples, golds, oranges, and reds. The increasing influence of Asian cultures will play a significant role in the wedding horizon. All shades of purple will equally be popular.
Green, Societal and economic trends will also be making a big splash and impact on wedding color choices.
Couples choosing to go “green” in other aspects of the wedding as well, something that ties in quite well with ec-conscious couples, and promises to be an ongoing trend with no end in site.
Brides and grooms are looking for ways to ‘give back’ with their wedding dollars. Using products such as recycled paper invitations, pesticide free floral, local organic foods, and antioxidant free meats, tomorrows weddings promise to be more environmentally friendly .
However the hottest contender test color for next season is simply purple. Expect to see everything ranging from the most palest of lavenders to vivid deep eggplant. Seasonal colors will include: for Winter - black, plum and navy; for Spring - latte, coral and lavender; for Summer - mauve, sage and turquoise and for Fall emerald, burgundy and chocolate. Another important style trend will be the use of floral patterns and geometric shapes for fabrics and materials and a strong emphasis on shiny metallics.
Attire - In Europe brides are boldly choosing deep, rich colors for not only their bridesmaids dresses but also for their bridal gowns. Here in the United States, American brides continue to stay true to the traditional white wedding gown but will pick up the new color palettes with the focus on smarter accent detailing. While we’ll continue to see sashes, ribbons, and embroidered details, in beautifully inspired colors, the bride will pull these bolder color choices into their respective selections for linens, wedding stationery, additional décor and even into the wedding cake.
Other wedding attire trends will be gowns that feature multi-layers of eloquent fabric, including tinted mutli-layered voile and chiffon that will transpire into a beautiful seasonal colors, mingled int with a white silhouette. The effect will be a breathtakingly beautiful blend of both color and white innocence. Chic luxury brides will also turn to colored crinoline underskirts, with accent color details featured on the soles of their bridal shoes.
Vintage is IN and we’ll see vintage influences that take us back to the early days of Hollywood and beyond. Romance is exuded everywhere, as visbleles in more halter necklines, capelet sleeves, light and airy draping styles, strapless gowns, plunging necklines, antique lace, satin ribbons for straps, ruffles, tea-length dresses in Spring and Summer, diamond or rhinestone accessories, open-toed stilettos and dangling earrings.
Design and Decor - Color plays a part in all aspects of the wedding for 2008 as well. Stunning reception decor will move away from white and ivory to again take on a more bold color pallette display.
Photo-journalism style wedding photography - Couples are moving away from formal, posed shots. Black and white, candid, unposed photography is being requested more often. Of course, color photography is still popular for capturing wedding colors.
Destination weddings - Although this is already popular in tropical or exotic localations, this trend will increase substantially in Europe, where recent celebrity marriages as between Parker & Longoria, Cruise& Holmes have created a buzz.
Savvy engaged couples are also taking the time to personalize gift items with monograms, family heirlooms, etc. Classic wedding ideas are taking on a modern twist and promise to be big next year!
Square tables get even more popular, as do vintage accents, international and ethnic themes.
Catering - Signature drinks and family recipes abound. On the menu, items will be more colorful than ever before. Ethnic themed dishes become are interwined to delight your guests. Middle Eastern, Latin and Mediterranean themes are certainly those worth watching!
A most elegant addition to the cocktail is the addition of ports and cheeses alongside delicious chocolate treats.
Certainly gone are the days of 200 plus guests. Affluent couples are more discerning regarding their guest list. Many simply choose to invite between 75 to 100 of their closest friends and family.
Glamorous Weddings - Lastly, glamour is definitely the buzz word of the year. Affluent couples are opting for the most lavish and sophisticated affairs for their wedding.
Are you planning your own wedding for 2008? How close did we come to seeing into the future with yours? We’d love to know…
Posted by Brenda Lopez, CEO & Founder - AffluentBride.com
From my own observations as someone who has been part of the Wedding Industry for years, I’ve become quite adept at discerning if a bride, truly feels hearfelt thanks for her family, friends, and vendors. She obviously has that certain glow about her and is at ease enough, to enjoy her Wedding Day to the fullest extent.
Letting go of the dissapointments and disagreements that surface as part of any wedding planning process, and rejoicing as to the true meaning of the day, reflects your own committment to your mate.
A grateful bride sees the day as a gift and will avoid thinking of what she would have had, or should have had. Afterall NOW you have each other.
And while it’s so important to feel that thankfulness inside, its equally important to express that gratitude with those vendors, wedding guests, and wedding party who helped make it possible.
Never get so caught up in the moment to forget the little things. I’m sure we all know of brides who simply could not grasp the meaning of this, but should be a point well taken.
Posted by Brenda Lopez, CEO & Founder - AffluentBride.com
The Sustainable Green Wedding
An exquisite white dress, fragrant pink roses, ivory satin ribbons – the traditional colors that come to mind when we think of a wedding celebration.
But, there’s a hot new color on the wedding palette. Eco-conscious couples are adding a big splash of green to their wedding plans. It’s a great way to begin a sustainable lifestyle together and encourage friends and loved ones to do the same. GREEN WEDDINGS can and DO make a difference
Your eco-friendly efforts do not have to bring additional stress to the planning process. Determine ahead of time how much help you need. Are family members willing to support your commitment to a green wedding and are they able to help? Green wedding planners are also available.
As a couple, planning a Green Wedding is a heartfelt way to express your own concerns for the earth’s environment, allowing you the opportunity to provide those creative touches that will truly make a positive, lasting impression with family and guests, well after your wedding day is over.
Read the full articleHERE for tips on planning your own romantic, eco-friendly green wedding.
Posted by Brenda Lopez, CEO & Founder - AffluentBride.com
We truly love Melissa Sweet Bridal and we think you will too.
Just some tidbits…
Melissa Sweet was destined to become a bridal designer. While most young girls her age chose bright t-shirts and denim, Sweet opted for white shirts, dresses and skirts. As a child living in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, she learned to sew under the watchful eyes of her grandmother and mother. Growing-up, Sweet hand-stitched her own garments and designed white gowns for each year that she attended the prom.
Sweet left her hometown to further cultivate her knowledge of design and business at Parsons School of Design in New York and Bauder College in Georgia. It was in 1996, that she launched her namesake company in Atlanta and showcased her bridal collection from a historic white mansion downtown. Sweet was an instant sensation, drawing attention and praise for her refreshing view of glamour and modern design.
Sweet’s appreciations for wedding tradition, combined with her acute business acumen, speak to the success and growth of her company. After establishing Melissa Sweet Bridal, Sweet quickly developed a nationwide following, selling in exclusive boutiques across the country, as well as her flagship store in Atlanta.
Two of her gorgeous couture gowns featured in her Bridal Collection are featured below.
The one on the LEFT is style Britta. A strapless slim empire gown of Silk Chiffon with sprinkled hand-embroidery. We love the romance and airy effect to the styling that says wisk me off of my feet! Available in Ivory and White.
The photo on the RIGHT is style Juliet. Our style editors, simply adore this Strapless Silk Satin Fit-to-Flare gown with sculpted skirt. Available in Verdino, Ivory and White. I must say the Verdino , as pictured here, is especially stunning.
Posted by Brenda Lopez, CEO & Founder - AffluentBride.com
As a discriminating bride, we are simply delighted you stopped by to join us.
If you are looking for the best wedding planning advice and bridal tips on how to create your own luxury, in style wedding, as well as staying informed on top wedding trends, latest bridal couture designer fashions and much more, this BLOG is just for you.
You’ll also hear from the most elite Wedding Professionals, Bridal Suppliers and Vendors, in the wedding industry today, to assist you in the planning of your upscale, elegant wedding.
COMING SOON, we’ll also be broadcasting podcastinterviews, that you can listen to right here, with our very ownrenowned andrecommended, prestigious group of Wedding Professionals, as featured in our ELEGANT WEDDING SHOWCASE. You won’t want to miss what we have in store!
In the meantime, we invite you to take this time to bookmark Affluent Bride’sIn Style WeddingsBLOG so you may visit here often.
Planning your own IN STYLE WEDDING? We’d love to hear all the details as you move along in the process. As a luxury bride, you’ve got friends in good company here.
As always, we wish you nothing but the very best for your upcoming elite Wedding Day.
Here’s the upcoming Top Wedding Trends for 2008.
