Flower Votive Displays

Flowers and candlelight are nothing new, but together they create tabletop decorations fit for relaxed summer entertaining. Place votive candles in tall glass vessels, and attach a flower (dahlias are shown here) outside each, trimming the stem to fit and tying with raffia that matches the flower. Set each display in a saucer of water to keep the flowers fresh.

Magnetic Guest Wishes

Instead of a traditional sign in book, try making plain magnets where guests can write their Congratulations for you.

Not only is it something different and fun, but it will give you something great for your fridge.

Getting Married in the Lehigh Valley

Always be sure to check out the Lehigh Valley events calendar when planning your big day. While generally not a problem, if you are having guest from out of town you want to make sure there will be a place for them to stay.

Here are some key events to look out for.

Musikfest
Mayfair
The Great Allentown Fair

All Natural Menu Cards

Menu cards are always a nice touch, but are certainly not a necessity. Below is an example of a really simple menu card that is also an easy DIY project.

The MOST Perfect Country Wedding - Ever!

Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert's Wedding was a picture of perfection for a country wedding. Every detail was thought out and tied into the Texas Ranch were they got married. The decor was amazing, her bouquet was stunning, and she even wore her Mother's wedding dress.

You can view their 8 minute wedding video here to see all the details.

Also, here is the link to their engagement party photos from their photographer's blog. They are really great!

Nick + Vanessa

TLC released its first preview of Nick Lachey & Vanessa Minilo's wedding special today. It looks amazing! Watch July 30th to see how they planned a truely Exceptional Event for close members of their family and friends.

Always Leave Room....

I received this email from Martha Stewart today (I'm on a mailing list, and only WISH I knew her personally) and thought they were great tips to share for accessorizing your dress.

For a Bateau Neckline

Necklaces with a little length prime this retro style for a modern-day comeback. "Consider strands of translucent crystals or quartz that drape over the neckline and allow skin and fabric to peek through," says Khan. "Don't be afraid to layer several pieces." As for your earrings, choose a slight drop in a similar stone.

Andrea Fohrman "Georgia" rock-crystal earrings (saksfifthavenue.com); Allia "Fancy Chain" quartz necklace, doubled up, and "Fancy Stone" quartz necklace (brokenenglishjewelry.com); and Fancy New York "Madeleine" gown (dressmefancy.com).

For a Sweetheart Neckline

This shimmery collar beautifully mirrors the curves on a sweetheart bodice. A pair of crystal button earrings adds glitz.

Dannijo "Garbo" earrings with Swarovski crystals (dannijo.com), Amrita Singh "Victoria" necklace with Austrian crystals (amritasingh.com), and Reem Acra gown (212-308-8760).

For a One-Shoulder Neckline

The diagonal sweep of this fashion-forward shape is a statement all its own -- and requires little embellishment. Forgo a necklace and slip on a pair of light-catching earrings and an oversize cuff. "Choose earrings that are beautiful from the back, too," says jewelry designer Ranjana Khan. "People will see a lot of you from this angle as you walk down the aisle." And for a balanced look, "wear your bracelet on the arm that's bare," says Acra.

Siman Tu "Three Leaf" crystal earrings (simantu.com) and Rivini "Sasha" gown (rivini.com).

 

For a Strapless Neckline

Bold multistrand necklaces, bejeweled bibs, and even classic pearls sync up exquisitely with this dress shape -- think of it as the ultimate blank canvas. Then follow the "less is more" mantra for earrings: Studs or small drops hit all the right notes. "A strapless neckline shows off your clavicle and shoulders," says bridal designer Reem Acra. "To accentuate these areas even more, choose jewelry that hits right at your collarbone."

Dana Rebecca Designs "Anna Beth" earrings with citrine (danarebeccadesigns.com), Iradj Moini necklace with freshwater pearls and detachable quartz and citrine brooch (212-925-5666), and Thread "Clara" dress (threaddesign.com).

For a V-Neckline
This universally flattering cut draws attention toward your face and neck -- especially when it's teamed up with the right accessories. "Long earrings and delicate pendant necklaces really complement this design," says Acra. As a pretty twist, layer a few color-coordinating baubles together.

Alex Sepkus "Sticks and Stones" earrings with opals and diamonds (alexsepkus.com); Becky Kelso necklaces in blue topaz, calcite, and green amethyst (all beckykelso.com); and Lela Rose "The Glacier" gown (lelarose.com).