Do Ya Guys Want Some Cookies??

Sorry for the terrible Corky Romano reference there.. I couldn't help myself! I have a quick little "treat" tonight, for a fun reception drink. Toward the end of the reception, have the servers pass around milk and cookie shooters. You can have some non-alcoholic with plain milk, a chocolate rim, and a cookie on top, and a grown up version that adds Kahlua to the mix.

No one can say no to America's favorite snack.

Sample Sales

Whether you're getting married in a time crunch, have champagne taste on a beer budget, or need an inexpensive dress for a trash the dress photoshoot, sample sales are the place for you to shop.

Many boutiques have sample sales once or twice a year to make room for new merchandise and get rid of discontinued styles. Be on the lookout on facebook, in newspaper or radio ads, or at bridal fairs.

When you are shopping for a sample gown, you need to look out for a few things. Minor stains are one thing, but avoid dresses that are discolored. A lot of small flaws, like loose beading or a few missing buttons are one thing, gaping holes are another. Be sure to shop close to your size. A size 12 cannot be altered to a size 2, the proportions will just be off.

At most sample sales all sales will be final. Most will also allow only cash or credit-- don't bring a check. Also, be aware that you will more than likely have to purchase the dress at the full price and leave with it. Many stores that offer credit programs for regular orders will not do so for sample sales.

You can find some stellar dresses at awesome prices, they are 100% worth checking out. The Bridal Boutique in Norman, Oklahoma is starting one tomorrow. There's quite the selection, with incredible prices-- I highly suggest going! As I hear of any other sample sales throughout the area, I'll be sure to update you, my readers!

Don't Miss This!!

So, I've mentioned before the ever fabulous website Rue LaLa.. Well today they have multiple wedding related boutiques! From wedding gowns to cake cutters, this is a sale that you don't want to miss out on!

If you are not already a member of Rue La La, just click my invitation link, and join in the fun. Happy shopping!

Who can say no to these beautiful shoes??

Fit For a Queen

Over the weekend, I went to see The King's Speech and I must tell you it was phenomenal. Helena Bonham Carter looks gorgeous throughout the entire movie, and her accessories were to die for. She plays the Queen consort to Colin Firth's King George VI during the 1930's and the costuming department did an excellent job in the film.

Afterward I began perusing the internet, looking for some Queen Elizabeth inspired adornments for brides, and I'm sharing my findings with you.

First up, this incredible Edward Berger lace pill box hat with a Russian netting accent would be unforgettable.

Shopjaxie on Etsy is a great store to look for veils and headpieces. I am drooling over this gorgeous birdcage veil. 

Vintage gloves would add a touch of glam to any ensemble inspired from days past. I love these lace gloves from the 1950's, also found on etsy.

Another fabulous find is this pair of fingerless gloves from the 1950's. Could they be any cuter?

Now, to finish off the look, you would definitely need several strands of layered pearls. Blue Nile has great prices for the real deal, like this triple strand of baroque pearls for $185. 

With all of these accessories, I think the dress should be a little simpler, and probably short. If you can't find a true vintage gown, look into an ivory or white bridesmaids dress, such as this one from Jordan.

As you walk down the aisle, dressed absolutely to perfection, you're sure to make your groom stammer. 

Don't Be An Elizabeth Taylor

It is often said that if a couple spent as much time preparing for the marriage as they do for their wedding, they would be in much better shape. It is incredibly important to equip yourselves for a lifetime together and to ask yourselves important questions and learn coping skills for when times get tough. You've been learning from relationships your whole life-- why stop just as you are embarking on the most important one of all?

Often, churches offer couples counseling, and some even require it prior to marriage. It's a wonderful platform for an outsider to ask questions that you possibly haven't thought of before, learn communication skills, and gain some tools for the years ahead. For those in the state of Oklahoma, there is a great workshop called "Forever. For Real." It's a free workshop, and if you attend all eight sessions, they will pay $45 of your Oklahoma marriage license. Now, for my friends close to taking a trip down the aisle in Texas, please look into "Twogether in Texas." Those that complete a course there get $60 toward a Texas marriage license. The way I see it, you have nothing to lose! If you can make time for cake testing, you can certainly make time to attend these.

Just think, if Elizabeth Taylor had put this much effort into her marriages, maybe she wouldn't have been a bride eight times!

Happily married Aimee and Antonio

Flower Power

A little flower education for your Wednesday evening, courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings. Have a good one, and stay warm!

Brilliant Whites

Lush Greens

Mellow Yellows

Daring Oranges

Radiant Reds

Precious Pinks

Lovely Lavenders

The Winter Bride is Typified by Christmas, Frost and Fairies

The lovely Benita R Cloward graciously allowed me to use her pictures for today's post. She is a talented and genuinely kind photographer based in Norman, Oklahoma. A few weeks ago, she did a photo shoot for the Bridal Couture Girls, a bridal accessory company from Tulsa, Oklahoma. You can find their drop-dead gorgeous hair pieces, belts, and jewelry here. The results of this shoot are breathtaking.

For those of you that didn't get my title... Shame on you!! Now, you must watch this.

Event Logo House

Hiya blog world! I'm sorry, I took a little mini vacation from blogging and then the flu grabbed a hold of me, and I just didn't feel like blogging! I hope you all enjoyed your holidays and got to spend time with those you love most!

Now, onto the wedding biz. Have you ever wondered how people get beautiful custom logos or monograms created for their weddings? Where, oh where, did your friend find that perfect-for-her monogram on her napkins? Well, look no further than Event Logo House, a website dedicated to custom-made wedding monograms and logos. Stacey, a New Yorker, (that is also planning a rather fabulous wedding in NY this June) is a graphic designer who recently started the company. These are so much better than your typical monogram. You can have one beach themed and fun, or elegant and timeless. There are even designs for modern and chic brides. Choose your colors and design, and let Stacey make you something so very... you! While her prices are great, my readers are getting a discount! At checkout, just type in the coupon code "MEG" for 10% off any design.

Once you have a personalized logo you can have it put on anything. Napkins, invitations, stamps, Save the Dates, you name it! Check out Zazzle for a place to upload your design and add it to a myriad of wedding related items. If you'd like to add your logo to invitations, you need to see You're Invited. And, if you want adorable Save the Date magnets, visit Magnets.com. My favorite use of a wedding logo is absolutely lighting at the reception. I just want to dance all over it!

Thank you, Stacey, and I can't WAIT for pictures of the wedding!