Tuesday

TV Addiction

I love tv. I wish there were a job where the description was to just watch television all day long. I have a special place in my heart for reality shows. Here are my top three favorite shows related to weddings and event planning:

I Propose
Third Place

In this show, cameras are focused on a man and his hopefully unknowing fiance to be. He must explain away the cameras to his girlfriend while planning the perfect proposal that will ideally come as a surprise. Proposals in this show involve hot air balloons, hikes, and other creative, romantic ideas.  This show has it all: sweat, tears, and happiness. The perfect show if you need some inspirations for proposing.


Dina's Party
Second Place

This fabulous ex-real housewife of New Jersey is my favorite real housewife from the franchise (that means every city: OC, New York, Beverly Hills, Atlanta, and New Jersey) due to her witty comments and self confidence. Dina Manzo's a very successful party planner and you can see her plan everything down to the very last details from beginning to end.

missjuicyjones.com
Say Yes to the Dress
First Place

This show and its spin off, Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids,  are hands down the best wedding related show. Brides to be try on wedding dresses. It sounds simple, but it's usually drama drama drama. Brides to be have crazy demands, like red wedding dresses; chaos ensues as consultants try to hunt down the ONE dress future brides come in looking for; and brides' friends and family offer their opinions without being asked. Some brides you love; some brides you hate; but either way, you hate love the show.

kleinfeldbridal.com

Sunday

Oh, What to Wear?

So you're about to be the guest at about a bazillion weddings this spring and summer and, while you're not the bride, you still may have an important decision to make: what to wear! Figuring out the language that is formal wedding invitations and determining what kind of attire is expected can be exhausting. So take a look at our little cheat sheet below, complete with pictures, to help you choose that perfect outfit (male or female). Thanks to the blacktieguide.com and emilypost.com (an etiquette officanado) for their helpful clarifications!



Guys
Girls
Black Tie
Fashionfleet.com

Somethingpretty.net


  • Black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers
    formal (piqué or pleated front) white shirt
  • black-colored (e.g., onyx) studs and cufflinks
  • black bow tie or long tie (silk, shiny satin or twill)
  • black cummerbund to match tie, or a vest
  • dressy suspenders to ensure a good fit (optional)
  • black patent shoes and black dress socks
  • In summer or on a cruise: white dinner jacket, black tuxedo trousers and cummerbund are preferable.

  • Formal (floor length) evening gown
  • Dressy cocktail dress

Black Tie Optional
Alovelylittleblog.com

Luxfashionstyle.com

  • Either a tuxedo (see 'Black Tie' above) or
  • Dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie
  • Dressy leather shoes and dark dress socks
  • Formal (floor length) evening gown
  • Dressy cocktail dress
  • A little black dress
  • Dressy separates

Semiformal
Weddingbee.com

Amountainbride.blogspot.com

Laurenconrad.com
  • Dark, business suit
  • matching vest (optional)
  • Dress shirt
  • Conservative tie
  • Dressy leather shoes and dark dress socks
  • Short afternoon or cocktail dress
  • A little black dress
  • Long dressy skirt and top
  • Dressy separates

Casual

Outblush.com
  • Seasonal sport coat or blazer and slacks
  • Dress shirt, casual button-down shirt
  • Optional tie
  • Open-collar or polo shirt
  • Dress
  • Skirt and dressy top
  • Dressy pants outfit


The one thing to remember is that this guide is just that, a guide. Each wedding is different and each bride wants a different atmosphere. That in mind, always feel free to ask the bride if you are unsure of what she expects at her wedding. Also, if you are the bride, consider letting people know via your invitation if you want your wedding to be black tie. Don't make assumptions that your guests will know to don a tuxedo unless you make that clear. 

Be thoughtful of the weather, time of day, and venue too when choosing your outfit. No one wants to be in a full suit at a summer causal outdoor wedding, and ladies its' often not appropriate to have bare shoulders in some religious venues. I also cannot stress enough the golden rule my father taught me at age 8: "You can never be overdressed, only underdressed". So when in doubt, err on the side of caution.

What are you wearing to the next wedding!??