I started this $1,000 complete bridal ensemble with a Silk Taffeta Sabine Gown from J.Crew, for $695.  I love J.Crew’s wedding dresses because they are both affordable and made in wonderful luxurious fabrics; something that you usually miss out on when you purchase a wedding dress for around $600.  I personally think that all brides should be allowed to wear silk on their wedding day, and thanks to companies like J.Crew most can now afford too.  Knowing that the world has a few less poly-draped brides out there really helps me sleep better at night.

Sabine Silk Taffeta Wedding Gown from J.Crew.com

What I love most about this mid-weight taffeta gown is the pleating detail on the fitted bodice.  I mimicked this detail in the shoes and handbag, to add a subtle matching element through several pieces.  The gown flairs out to an a-line from the bodice and falls strait to the floor, with a slight train in the back.  This strapless style looks great on almost every body type and is simple, yet luxurious enough to work for any style of wedding.

Jessica Bennett Larkin Satin Pumps from Zappos.com

I found an amazing pair of pleated round toe pumps at Zappos.com, for $119.  Seriously, I am obsessed with Zappos, they have the most amazing customer service and a killer selection.  Quite frequently they upgrade me to overnight shipping for free, which is just the icing on the cake!  The shoes are by Jessica Bennett and the style is Larkin.  The heel is 3 ½” and the sole is slightly padded, which for me is the perfect pair of dancing shoes.

I went straight to Avelle (the new Bag, Borrow or Steal) for the wedding jewelry and handbag.  Right away I found the most exquisite vintage Chanel necklace, for $82 a week rental fee.  The necklace is gold with pearls and tiny starburst medallions embossed with Chanel CC logo on the back.  I love layered necklaces with strapless dresses.

Vintage Chanel Starbust Medallion Necklace from BagBorrowor Steal.com

As I mentioned above the Python clutch that I selected for this look also has a wonderful pleated detail.  I found this bag, by Carlos Fulchi, at Avelle as well for a measly $26 a week rental fee.  You can’t really beat that!  The bag is a little larger than most clutches and measures 9”L x 3”W x 5”H, plenty of room for lipstick, powder and tissues.

Carlos Falchi Pleated Python Clutch from BagBarroworSteal.com

I opted not to go with a veil, thinking that is will over power the simplicity of the dress.  However, if a veil is a must for you, go for a sweet short veil… studded with pearls, possibly?   When I looked at all of the pieces together I really thought a great embellished headband would be the way to go.  I found a wonderful headband at Shopbop.com for $64.  The Deepa Gurnani Mother of Pearl Headband has mother of pearl details, sequins, embroidery with scalloped edges and double elastic back to hold it firmly in place.  To hide the double elastic band, with is maybe the only element that screams I only paid $65 for this, try wearing your hair down and curled with the crown teased.  This is great hair style for all hair lengths, and very easy to pull off on your own.

Deepa Gurnani Mother of Pearl Headband from ShopBop.com

Suggested Hair Style Photo from Brides.com

Even though I am not adding the bouquet into my $1,000 budget, I went ahead added a photo of the perfect bouquet for this look.

Suggested Bouquet Photo from Brides.com

The total look costs $986, without shipping or tax.  Not bad for vintage Chanel and amazing silk taffeta!  The breakdown is as follows:

Dress               $695.00

Shoes               $119.00

Necklace          $82.00

Handbag          $26.00

Headband        $64.00

Happy Planning,

Melia Spring

I love nothing more than a handmade wedding; placing a signature on your event through thoughtful, creative touches. However, what can seem like a fantastic idea 6 months before the wedding could be nervous breakdown material 2 weeks before the big day.  I do understand the appeal, especially because most brides these days grew up with Martha Stewart and other famously crafty women, making it all look so easy.  Now with the internet there are endless blogs, and websites on the various ways in which you can craft your way to the altar.  Let’s put it this way… if you were not crafty before you got engaged, now is not the time to buy your first glue gun.

With the average wedding budget shrinking in 2009 and Americans being drawn to more intimate and personal affairs, the DIY trend is on the rise.  You can save a fortune if you are willing to create items yourself, and if you know what you are doing.  The flip side of that is you could also spend more than you would have if you had left to the pros and end up with a less appealing finished product.  I can’t help but recall all of the years that I attempted homemade Christmas cookie baskets.  First of all, keep in mind I am at a professional level in the kitchen and there really is no task too big for me… but something happens when you try and bake 45 dozen cookies.  You forget about a batch and they burn. You realize that your kitchen is too small and a single oven is not enough to pull off this endeavor. You realize that you did not leave enough time to finish this project… And when did flour, chocolate and nuts get so freakin expensive? Stressed, covered in flour and your poor kitchen in shambles, your pull it off; only to find out that half of all of the cookies you baked were thrown out by the recipients. After many disheartening attempts at cookie baskets I have opted to just give a killer bottle of wine, or a basket comprised of items I purchased pre-made.  Even better, drop ship the pre-made baskets and wine.  Sanity is priceless. Keep that in mind as you are planning your wedding; in fact make it your mantra, repeat it before bed and say it to yourself in the mirror before you start your day… “Sanity is priceless”.

Yup, as you can imagine I do not always take my own advice and very often bite off more than I would like to chew.  So instead of telling more nightmarish Christmas cookie stories, I am going to give you some wonderful tips on how to add a DIY signature touch to your wedding, and still keep your sanity.  Okay… some of your sanity.  Who needs to be totally sane anyway?

DIY Favors from Martha Stewart Weddings — The Queen of DIY

Tip #1

Only choose to take on DIY projects that are in line with skill sets that you already have.  If you are a graphic designer, or studied graphic design in school, you could easily take on the project of designing all of your own wedding stationary.  However, it is not the time to sew your bridesmaid dresses, or learn the art of calligraphy.

Tip #2

Try to only take on projects which can be done way, way, way ahead of time.  You should try not to leave any of your DIY projects for the last two months before your wedding.  Your to-do list is going to boom the last 6 weeks before your wedding and you will have far less time before your big day than you anticipate.  Inevitably something on your to-do list will have to be blown-off and it mostly likely will be one of your DIY projects.

Tip #3

Ask for help, or accept help when offered.  Only ask people which you can trust will have follow through and produce a good end result.  Keep Tip #1 in mind when enlisting the help of others, and only ask people to help with items that they are skilled at creating.  Be mindful of other people’s time and enlist their help with small projects, nothing that can’t be completed within a couple hours over the weekend.  Give them plenty of notice and please, please reward them with an amazingly thoughtful gift or other token of appreciation. And always, always pay for the raw materials!

Tip #4

Before you start anything, or get your heart set on a project, realistically price it out and estimate the time involved.  Then add 20% more time and money for goof-ups.  If you are comfortable with both estimates go for it.

Tip #5

Buy extra materials… even if you are a pro, you’ll need to have extra materials on hand.  Just in case something goes awry.

Tip #6

We have all heard the tip of hosting a DIY party, but more often than not the party turns into more of a party and less of a workshop.  Instead invite 2 or 3 very crafty friends over to help, get take out and open a bottle of sparkling wine.  You will accomplish a lot more this way, and not end-up hosting a party instead of assembling your wedding favors.

Tip #7

Have a back-up plan.  Weddings are all about back-up plans and DIY projects are no exception.  Always have a Plan B, incase whatever you are trying to make does not turn out to your standards.

Tip #8

Don’t feel like you have to create everything from scratch.  Utilize partially made items or add your own special touch to readymade items.  Sometimes just adding a finishing touch to a simple store bought item is the only effort needed.

Tip #9

Only take on small, easily managed projects.  Again, what is your mantra?

Tip #10

Focus on your priorities and realize everything extra is just that, extra.  The most important thing is that you enjoy your day.  Your guests will forget about the 150 little tiny details that you killed yourself over within a week, but you only get one wedding day… make enjoying it your number one priority.

Happy Planning,

Melia Spring

I found a photo of a fuchsia bridal bouquet a couple years ago, and saved it in my clippings.  I couldn’t tell you where I found it, (I am thinking it was from TheKnot.com ) but the image of this particular bouquet has never left my mind.  I loved how the florist grounded the bright fuchsia elements with rich brown and then added an additional layer of interest with red peonies.  Using natural pheasant feathers along with died pink feathers turned what could have been a tacky and cheap looking bouquet into a stylish, opulent piece.

Feather Bouquet

As do many other wedding and floral designers, I find feathers very inspiring.  With so many different feathers to choose from there is something unique for every wedding style.  My favorite feather for weddings is a bleached peacock feather.  After it is bleached it becomes a brownish cream color and looks amazing in monochromatic arrangements of white and creams.  I think that most feathers look the best when used subtly in this manner.   A great use of the bleached peacock feather was in Monique Lhuillier’s Spring 2009 collection, when she showcased the Evita dress.  If you are a feather lover, this dress is the statement to make.

Monique Lhuillier’s Evita Dress

Photo from The Wedding Guys Blog

Feathers are very easy to find and there are many great online resources for them, one of the best that I have found for feathers and other various craft supplies is Save-on-Crafts.  Everything I have ever ordered from them has been great, check them out at www.save-one-crafts.com

Bleached Peacock Feathers — Save-on-Crafts

There are so many ways in which feathers could be used in your wedding, not to be limited to centerpieces and floral arrangements.  Below are some inspirations for different ways in which you could feathers in the decor of your wedding.  Enjoy!

Happy Planning!

Melia Spring

Bouquets

Photo from TheKnot.com

Photo from Brides.com

Photo from Brides.com

This bouquet only uses feathers, to create a soft yet dramatic feel.

Boutonnieres

Photo from Brides.com

Photo from Brides.com

Decor

Photo from Brides.com

Photo from Theknot.com

Photo from Brides.com

2,000 feathers were used to create a canopy, which hung over the dance floor.

Photo from Brides.com

I love the scattered feathers on the floor.

Photo from Theknot.com

Photo from Brides.com

It seems every time I turn around I am hearing about a fabulous wedding in Palm Springs, or I am reading a magazine article about how it is again becoming the epicenter of design and all things chic. Really when most refer to Palm Springs, they could be referring to any one of nine cities in the Coachella Valley.  I have to admit that I was one of those people who when they thought of Palm Springs pictured an area of endless golf courses full of retirees; a place where the finest dinning was the early bird special at the local steak house.  Boy was I wrong… not only does Palm Springs have an amazing nightlife and a plethora of foodie worthy restaurants; it is breathtaking with stunning desert mountains and panoramic sunsets.  The shopping is great, the spas are cutting edge and yes, there are plenty of golf courses!  Now I so clearly understand why this is such a great destination for those living in Southern California, especially for weddings.  At just 2 hours from anywhere in Southern California, this newly revitalized area is perfect for a destination wedding; they even have an airport for those guests who are not close enough to drive.

Photos of the Viceroy Palm Springs

I have recently fallen in love with the Viceroy Palm Springs. This historic boutique hotel is where many of the stars and starlets of Hollywood’s golden age would stay on their trips to Palm Springs.  Some of their famous guests have been Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Bing Crosby and the 32^nd President Franklin D Roosevelt. The hotel has since had an extensive renovation, and is designed in the Hollywood Regency style of clean white and black stripes, accented with striking touches of yellow and orange.

I love the Presidio Courtyard and Ballroom and could so easily picture a wedding here.  There are a few ways that I would set this up… One would be to have the ceremony in the courtyard, with the fountain as the focal point; followed by dinner and dancing in the Ballroom.  Another suggestion would be to have dinner al fresco in the courtyard, with the Ballroom set-up as a night club and lounge area.  The former option would work best if the ceremony were held off site, or at one of their other flexible outdoor events spaces.

Check out their website… it is very informative, has a wonderful site plan of the hotel, catering menus and virtual tours.  Another thing I really like about this hotel, besides the amazing cuisine, decor and service is that they have an on-site wedding coordinator to handle of your wedding weekend needs.  This is always a wonderful service to have at your venue, even if you choose to hire your own planner.

Oh… and they even allow pets!

Here is the link to Viceroy Palm Springs website.….  http://www.viceroypalmsprings.com/index.html

Happy Planning,

Melia Spring

I am a huge fan of small weddings, both personally and professionally.  My husband and I had a small wedding of 40 people and I couldn’t imagine having done it any other way.  We were able to put so much more of ourselves into the wedding and spread our budget further than we would have been able to otherwise.  There was no way the we could have swung the tequila tasting and oyster bar, cigars, a 3 course dinner at a world famous Michelin Star restaurant, and the welcome luncheon at a private winery; if we had invited 150 guests.  However, these are not the reasons why I was so completely elated with our petite wedding.

What meant the most to me on this most special of days was that we were able to share a personal moment with every single guest, and still had time to enjoy and take-in every detail of our weekend.  My husband and I even did the impossible… we ate!  I have spoken to many brides and grooms which after the whirlwind of the affair are famished; and worst spent the entire evening cornered by their father’s business associate and their crazy uncle which they have not seen for 8 years.

I think that the most beautiful thing about a small wedding is that your guests all feel like they were part of a special little secret, something that they are allowed to bond over and experience together.  We took all of our guests on a 30 minute shuttled drive, with 15 minutes of that drive on a private single lane and very steep road covered in trees to a private mountain top 800 acre vineyard and winery.  All of the guests were on a single shuttle together… needless to say they were all bonded firmly together when they finally arrived!   I know what you are thinking, and yes, the shuttle was air conditioned.   It is experiences like this that set this wedding apart from all others in their mind, and we could not have achieved that closeness and sense of family with a larger wedding.  (Note to readers:  I am not advocating exposing your guests to emotionally and physically challenging situations… bungee jumping, anyone, anyone????  Yeah, didn’t think so… watching a guest have a hyper-mental melt down is not something that encourages good moral.  Not good for you, not good for your guests!)

A couple celebrity weddings that always resonate with me when I am thinking of intimate events are Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott’s, a wedding of only 2 people; and Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, with their 19 guests at home.  Neither of these couples skimped on the details, or the grandeur of the event.  Your wedding is the holiday of your marriage; it should be personal, special and uniquely yours!

Tori and Dean held an idyllic ceremony and 2 person reception on the beach at the Wakaya Club in Fiji.   They exchanged vows at sunset and then had a multi-course gourmet dinner served to them in an antique bed, which was positioned on the beach overlooking the ocean and fashioned with opulent linens.  They danced their first dance together on the beach with waves splashing their feet and built sand castles together in the sand.

Once back home in Los Angeles they held a chic cocktail reception, planned by Jo Gartin of Love, Luck and Angles.  They shared with their friends and family a 40 minute silent video of their week in Fiji; which they filmed in Super 8 film and projected on the wall at the reception.  Another way they brought elements of Fiji to thier guests was in their “Wish Tree”, which served the same purpose as a guest book.  The tree was constructed of willow and orchids and the vase that held the branches was full of seashells the couple collected on the beach together in Fiji.  Guests hung their hand written notes on the tree for the bride and groom.  Ahhh… perfection!

Ellen and Portia’s wedding was perfectly theirs as well.  Designed by the incredible Mindy Wiess, they held their 19 person ceremony and reception at home.  The candlelit ceremony took place in their living room, where on overstuffed floor pillows they exchanging their vows in front of only their most precious friends and family.  Following the ceremony they sat all of their guests at a single long table for a multi-course vegan meal, prepared for them by their personal chef.  The reception table was covered in floral arrangements of roses and café au lait dahlias; and chandeliers hung from the open air tent, which was draped in sheer white curtains. After dinner they cut their vegan red velvet cake, from Sweet Lady Jane; and Ellen surprised her Portia with an acoustic performance by one of her favorite singers, Joshua Radin.

Another element that I loved about this wedding was the couple wore custom designed coordinating Zac Posen dress and pant suit…  I think Portia’s dress was one of the most beautiful wedding dresses I have ever seen… and probably cost more than most people spend on their entire wedding.  Worth every penny, I am sure of it!  However I am a total sucker for anything by Zac Posen.

One of the most important points I am trying to convey is that a small wedding doesn’t mean you are on a tight budget (however it is one of the best ways to stretch your budget) or that you have to skimp on style, or that it limits you any way.  In fact it is exactly the opposite… With less people you are freer to explore ideas and concepts which you could not pull off with a large guest list.  Gone is the day of weddings being a show piece, a way of showing the world that you are bigger and better than that couple over there… okay maybe they still are for some people.  More power to you if that “some people” is you…  The world needs big weddings as much as these teeny tiny ones!  However, I feel blessed to have wed in an era where a wedding is not limited by any tradition or social pressure and is purely what it should be, a day where you declare your love and commitment to your mate and share it with those you love.  The rest should only limited by your imagination.

Happy Planning,

Melia Spring

Here are some inspirations…

Images from Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott’s Wedding and Reception

The Couple in Fiji

Exchanging Vows

The Private Reception — Complete with Sandcastles

Their “Wish Tree”

Watching the Silent Movie at the Reception in Los Angeles

Other Details from the Reception in Los Angeles

Images from Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres’ Wedding and Reception

The Couple Wearing Zac Posen

A Private Moment before Dinner — I love the mix matched chairs!

Another Reception Photo

The Cake!

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