David's Bridal

5 Tips for Hosting a Latin-Inspired Wedding

by Carmen Ordonez

When I first got married six years ago, it was very important for me to have a piece of my Latin culture incorporated into my wedding. From Latin-inspired appetizers such as croquetas to Latin music, Cumbia, to keep us dancing the entire night, we had the best time! If you’re looking to infuse a piece of your own Latin traditions and heritage into your wedding, here a few simple tips to make your fiesta one you’ll never forget.

Picking the Venue: We got married in a Spanish mansion and that really helped bring together the overall Latin theme of our wedding. You can also look for other venues that have Latin-American significance such as a church, a hacienda, a Spanish monastery or a garden. Don’t forget about the decorations – try to find tropical flowers that typically grow in Latin America for your centerpieces.

Latin-Inspired Drinks. You can have so much fun getting creative with the drinks that are served at your wedding. For Latin-inspired drinks, try serving Sangria to your guests. Sangria is a wine punch typical of Spain, Portugal and Argentina and normally consists of wine and chopped fruit. It can be served in a bowl, making it easy for your guests to help themselves.  For Latin-inspired cocktails, I love mojitos, which are typical of Cuba.  For non-alcoholic drinks you can also serve Latin American sodas. For example, in Colombia we have sodas called Colombianas and Manzana Postobon, which are amazing!

Latin Food: Try looking for a caterer that specializes in Latin food or ask your favorite Latin restaurant if they cater. Appetizers such as empanadas are always a favorite and many countries such as Argentina, Colombia, Spain and the Caribbean have their own variation.  Tapas are also a favorite for appetizers; they include cold and hot snacks such as mixed olives, cheese, prosciutto, fried squid and sausages.

The Music: A Latin-inspired party would not be a fiesta without the music! When you meet with your DJ consider bringing him a list of artists or music that you would like to be played at your wedding. Try having a good mix for your guests from salsa, merengue, bachata to rhythmic hip-shaking rumba. Also, depending on your background, you might want to include the genre of music that is typical to your country. For example, Dominicans have Bachata, Colombians have Cumbia and Spain has Flamenco.

The Ceremony: Consider including a Latin tradition during your ceremony. For example, in Mexico and Guatemala there is a tradition called “el ate de nudo,” where a rope is placed around the couple during the ceremony. In Latin America and the Philippines, some couples also opt for having Godparents “el padrino y madrina,” which accompany the couple during the ceremony.

Summer sets the stage for a host of soirees, ranging from weddings to graduation parties to bar/bat mitzvahs.  As such, women everywhere will shop till they drop to score the perfect dress to impress.  The solution to over-spending on a last-minute purchase? Follow in fashion royals Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton’s footsteps and find the perfect all-occasion dress to wear, then re-wear.

These elite ladies have made it stylish to “shop” their closets for recyclable ensembles.  By changing accessories, shoes and hairstyle, it’s a new look every time!  In fact, Michelle has worn her go-to Tracy Feith dress at least seven times since its inaugural debut in January ’09.  Her fashion followers look forward to how she’ll wear it next!

David’s Bridal Style Council member and celebrity stylist, Nikki Pennie, knows the long and short of it when it comes to selecting a signature special occasion dress and she’s shared a few tips for your readers to follow:

• “The key element is the three-quarter sleeve length, because you don’t have to wear a jacket over it, which can look stiff.  Three-quarter length is the most flexible, but longer sleeves work better than sleeveless or capped sleeves, in general.”
• “LBD’s are not your best bet anymore.  If you shy away from prints (like FLOTUS’ fave), try a rich color like navy or pewter.  For lovers of light colors, lace for day in shades like lavender or blush is modern and sophisticated.”
• “When it comes to skirt length, stick with a classic shift cut and one that’s moveable, comfortable and hassle-free.”

Check out these gorgeous dresses that can be re-worn again and again from David’s Bridal!

5 Personalized Bridesmaids Gifts for $25 or Less

BY CATEY HILL

Of course you want to shower your bridesmaids with amazing gifts: After all, these are the ladies who have helped you through breakups (ugh!), graduations (yay!), wedding planning and most every other life milestone.  And what better way to show them you care than with a bridesmaids’ gift personalized just for them!

While a personalized present may sound pricey or seem like it would take a girl more adept with the glue gun than you, it totally doesn’t!  Here are five personalized bridesmaids’ gifts that your maids will cherish – all of which cost $25 or less!

Crystal Initial Necklace
What girl doesn’t love jewelry?  Give your maids a personalized initial necklace decked out in crystals for just $15.  Every time she wears it, she’ll think of you!

Etched Jewelry Box

Because most of us girls love jewelry, we can always use a new place to put it! This gorgeous glass jewelry box for $14 is perfect for earrings, necklaces or bracelets.  The best part: You can engrave it with two lines of text so that each maid gets her own specialized box.

Monogrammed Pashmina
Always in style and always elegant, the pashmina is a wardrobe staple for many chic women.  This pashmina – which comes in black, brown, pink or white – can be monogrammed with each maid’s name.  These beautiful pashminas are just $25 apiece.

Chrome-Plated Koozie
If your maids are fun-loving types, consider this personalized chrome-plated koozie.  It’ll keep their drinks cold – and you can personalize it with their names, so they always know whose drink is whose. This cool-girl gift is just $25 per koozie.

Hampton Tote

If your girls love the beach, give them the ultimate in summertime chic: the personalized Hampton tote.  This carryall features padded handles (so they can stuff their beach necessities in without hurting their arms!), adorable side ties, and you can monogram their names right on the front of the bag – all for just $25 apiece.

What Will Our Favorite Celebrity Brides Wear Down the Aisle?

By: Celebrity stylist and David’s Bridal Style Council member Nikki Pennie

Wedding season is in full swing and as summer approaches, what better time for a few high profile celebrities to carry out their nuptials?! Celebrities walk the red carpet daily in fabulous gowns; however, the walk down the aisle is probably one of the most important days of their lives. With multiple stars set to say “I do” in the near future, I have picked out a dress that would be appropriate for each A-list celebrity bride based on their personal style and personality! The celebrities I’ve forecasted for are: Jennifer Aniston, Sofia Vergara, Angelina Jolie and Kelly Clarkson. Are you classic like Jen or edgy like Angelina? If your personality and look matches any of the below stars, these could be the dresses for you too!

Jennifer Aniston: Classic Queen

This silhouette is definitely something Jen might go for based on her style choices. It is effortless, sexy and elegant.  The lace detail is incredibly feminine and is very much on trend for the season. This dress by Galina Signature is divine and sophisticated, just like Jen!  You could envision her wearing this with her hair down and some stunning diamond drop earrings. Jen is a big fan of the strapless neckline and this couldn’t be any more perfect for her trip down the aisle.

Angelina Jolie: Sexy Siren

This beautiful dress from David’s Bridal Collection is pure goddess…everything Angelina! It is bombshell sexy, minimal and movie star.  The silhouette is quite reminiscent of the old school Hollywood glamour that Angelina evokes with her look.  You can wear it to any type of ceremony and it’s easy to imagine that Angelina might go for something low key and private so this gown would be very fitting! Less is definitely more in this case. She could even wear this gown with her trademark red lips or some amazing emerald earrings and a statement necklace. Beyond Bardot chic!

Sofia Vergara: Glamour Goddess

This dress is demure elegance meets “va va voom!” Based on her red carpet looks, Sofia is a huge fan of the mermaid gown silhouette. This one has that look, but with a more subtle feel, perfect for your wedding day. The dress is made from satin which is infinitely glamorous and the lace appliqué gives it that extra sultry feel. The corset will accentuate and emphasize Sofia’s gorgeous curves in all of the right places, while the lace-up back adds that Midas touch.

Kelly Clarkson: Pop Princess

This stunning Oleg Cassini dress is dramatic, yet down to earth; very much in tune with Miss Clarkson.  I adore the tulle as it gives that princess effect in a subtle way, perfect for a Southern belle like Kelly.  This gown is magical, whimsical and beyond chic.  The lace appliqué is on-trend and infinitely eye catching. Kelly is a fan of the one shoulder silhouette so I am sure she would love this dress!  The sweetheart neckline and synched waist are flattering on every physique, especially if you are curvy.  This detailed dress barely needs any accessories – all you need is your knight in shining armor!

Tips for Planning a Summer Destination Wedding on a Budget

By Carmen Ordonez

Bridal fever is in full swing with weddings and engagements happening everywhere. In the past three weeks, I’ve already had two friends get engaged! One of them is going to plan a destination wedding and she’s asked for my help in planning one on a budget. For those of you planning a summer destination wedding yourself, here are my top 10 tips for having a destination wedding on a budget—it can certainly be done ladies!

1. Set up a budget. First things first, make sure you give yourself a budget. Know how much you want to spend and try to stick to it as much as possible.

2. Keep peak seasons in mind. Hotels and airfares can get really expensive during the high season, so consider having your wedding during off-peak travel times. When you do this though, be sure to keep the weather in mind. For example, I live in Miami and although the summer is considered the low season, it is also the start of hurricane season.

3. Get a wedding planner. My friend recently got married in Turks and Caicos and she said having a wedding planner was one of the best decisions she’s ever made. It saved her tons of money from having to travel back and forth herself, and her wedding planner knew where to score all the best deals on floral arrangements, caterers and venues.

4. Consider a destination wedding where your family lives. Do you have family in South America or perhaps the Caribbean? Why not have your wedding there? My cousin had her wedding in Colombia (where our family is from) and it worked out perfectly. They were able to stay at our family’s house a few days before the wedding and saved on hotel costs and food.

5. Don’t spend tons of money on a wedding dress. I always say you don’t have to spend a million to look like a million. David’s Bridal has many amazing wedding dresses that won’t break the bank. They also have designer collaborations like the White by Vera Wang line. Looking great and on-trend on your wedding day comes with an affordable price tag at David’s Bridal!

6. Combine your wedding with your honeymoon. Many couples are now opting for combining their wedding with their honeymoon destination. One great destination, two great events! You’ll be able to save a significant amount of money on airfare.

7. Keep the guest list short and sweet. Although you might think it’s necessary to invite all 201 of your friends and family, save costs by keeping the wedding low key and intimate. I would suggest inviting your closest family and friends.

8. Use nature as your backdrop. Instead of spending tons of money on floral arrangements, consider using nature as your backdrop. For example, use a forest, as seen here on one of my favorite blogs, Cupcakes and Cashmere. Let Mother Nature be your designer at a fraction of the price!

9. Consider a cruise. Another unique option is to consider getting married on a cruise. It’s becoming very popular and is another family friendly alternative.

10. Look into all-inclusive resorts. Many resorts offer several wedding options and packages from catering, photography to venue space as well as savings on your accommodations.  One stop shopping like this is a huge money and time saver.

Hello DB Readers and Happy Trendy Tuesday! Since the release of The Great Gatsby, the romantic and vintage-y inspired fashions have been popping up everywhere- from bridal gowns to special occasion dresses to… headbands!  Our fashionista and Style Council Member Carmen Ordonez recently posted on her blog about great Vintage Inspired headbands that are affordable and shockingly under $50! Here is our great White by Vera Wang headband that you too can wear to channel your inner Daisy Buchanan!

Quinceañera season is officially upon us!  The invitations have gone out and now it’s time to pick the perfect dress.  But before you get overwhelmed, here are some of my favorite trends in Quinceañera fashion that will make you look fashion-forward, while still being the belle of the ball.

Black and White Trend

White has always been a traditional option for Quinceañera fashion, and this year it’s all about the black and white trend! You can easily translate this trend into your Quinceañera look by incorporating black accessories, such as a statement necklace or black heels with this gorgeous satin strapless beaded gown from David’s Bridal. The A-line silhouette is also figure flattering and would work great on any body type.

Bold, Bright Colors

As the weather gets warmer, we’re seeing a surge of bold colors and this summer it’s all about the “Lemon Zest.” It was spotted all over the fashion runways! This strapless taffeta ball gown is right on trend and budget-friendly for just $399. The inverted “V” empire waist will help accentuate your figure and the jewel details will make you sparkle as you make your grand entrance. It’s also available in other bold colors such as pink and blue.

Organza

This season it’s all about light and airy organza. This feminine fabric is truly fit for a princess and it is also lightweight – perfect for any outdoor Quinceañera parties.  The dramatic vertical ruffles on this David’s Bridal dress are absolutely breathtaking.

Leave the Crown and Consider a Headband

Instead of your traditional crown, consider using a headband inspired by the movie The Great Gatsby. Embellished headbands add a ton of glamour and are really in style right now. This White by Vera Wang horsehair headband with crystal embellishment is my favorite!

Billboard Latin Music Awards Red Carpet Looks for Less

By Carmen Ordonez

The stars brought the heat to the 2013 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which took place last week in sunny Miami, Florida. From bright bold colors such as Kika Rocha’s purple organza dress to America Sierra’s fuchsia strapless number – there were many favorites on my list. Luckily for us, we can mimic their style without breaking the bank with these budget-friendly alternatives from David’s Bridal.

America Sierra looked stunning in this tiered fuschia dress. Get a similar look with this strapless sequined bodice gown from David’s Bridal. The empire sash waist creates a flattering silhouette, while the sequined bodice adds the perfect amount of glam. This dress would be perfect for prom or even a black-tie wedding.

Venezuelan model, Natasha Dominguez, turned heads on the red carpet with this sequined long dress. You can easily recreate her look with this one-shouldered glitter mesh dress from David’s Bridal. It’s the perfect mix of feminine and sexy with the sweetheart neckline and side slit. Take a cue from the gorgeous model and keep your accessories to a minimum. You don’t want them to overpower your dress.

Kika Rocha flaunted her figure on the red carpet in this purple mermaid dress. Accentuate your own curves with this striking organza dress for just under $200. Finish off your look with this intricate beaded satin sash from David’s Bridal for only $39.

5 Amazing Bridesmaid Dresses for Under $100

BY CATEY HILL

You adore your bridesmaids – they’ve held your hand through breakups, shared their cutest outfits with you and kept your juiciest secrets for years – so it’s important to remember that they might get stressed out over the expense of being in a wedding. That’s because the average bridesmaid spends more than $1,600 to be part of your big day. Um, that’s a lot of money!  But don’t worry, you can find amazing dresses that won’t cost them a ton!

You want your big day to be perfect (I mean, you’ve only been waiting for it your entire life!), which means your bridesmaids need to look perfect too.  So to help you find amazing bridesmaid dresses that are inexpensive, I asked stylist Shahrnaz Shifteh – this is a woman who could accessorize a beige mumu and make it look chic! –  to pick the top five bridesmaid dresses for under $100.  Here are her budget-friendly picks:

1. For an outdoor wedding:

“This look is flowy and casual – a great complement to a garden or beach wedding,” says Shifteh. “Pick lighter,pastel colors in the spring or for a garden wedding, and bolder colors for a summer or beach wedding.” Bridesmaids should wear a simple pendant, a few bangles and flat sandals, ballet flats or wedges with this dress.

Strapless Chiffon Short Dress Style F12284

2. For a formal wedding:

“Floor length gowns are ideal for a formal wedding,” Shifteh explains.  Bridesmaids should pair the dress with neutral or metallic, open-toe stiletto sandals and get it hemmed so that it lightly brushes the floor.  Because of the beautiful shoulder detailing, bridesmaids don’t need to wear a necklace with this look, she says.

Flower One Shoulder Mesh Gown Style 8420Y033

3. For a trendy wedding:

“This is very runway – a Sarah Jessica Parker in ‘Sex and the City’ look,” Shifteh says.  She recommends that bridesmaids accessorize with a fun cocktail ring and high-heeled pumps or sandals that don’t have crystals or embellishments on them since “the dress is the statement in this outfit.”

Short Draped Satin Dress with Sash Style VW360017

4. For modern-meets-elegant wedding:

“This dress is elegant with a twist – the slit gives it a very modern edge,” says Shifteh.  She says that bridesmaids should wear this look with statement earrings and a stiletto sandal.

Strapless Long Charmeuse Dress with SlitStyle F44447

5. For a country club-style wedding:

“This dress is a great mix of preppy meets casual,” says Shifteh.  She recommends bridesmaids wear this look with a simple strand of pearls and kitten heels.

Cotton Sateen Short Strapless Ruched DressStyle 83312

Bottom line: “Brides should not be afraid to mix and match dresses at their wedding,” says Shifteh.  “Color and fabric should be similar, but beyond that, have fun,” she says.

Galina Gown Meets Old Hollywood: A Dream Marriage Proposal

By Sarah Pease

After each awards show in Hollywood there is no shortage of magazines and websites splashed with photos of starlets donning gorgeous gowns, and season after season some of the best dressed women are those that channeled Old Hollywood glamour. The figure-hugging shape and sweetheart neckline of this demure yet sultry Galina Signature wedding gown served as the inspiration for a marriage proposal fit for a 1940’s screen siren or a modern starlet.

Your future-fiancée will think she is having a girl’s day spent shopping and going to the spa with her best friend, but the day has actually been planned down to the last detail to be the day of her dreams.  Everything begins as your sweetheart and friend set off for one of the chicest shopping streets in Hollywood, Rodeo Drive.  As they meander and peer into the ornately decorated window displays, her friend will suggest venturing into one of the well-known boutiques where they’ll try on some of the to-die-for dresses and shoes, but what your future-fiancée does not know is that you secretly contacted the store prior to her visit and arranged for her favorite pieces to be delivered to the spa.  After visiting some of Hollywood’s most famous boutiques, the women will head to the spa for an afternoon of starlet-worthy pampering.  As their spa trip comes to an end, she’ll be surprised when an exquisitely-wrapped garment bag from the store she visited earlier greets her at the spa. A classic car will whisk her to one of Hollywood’s most iconic spots, the Beverly Hills Hotel, where she’s shown to a dream suite and says goodbye to her friend and hello to her beauty team.  They’ll create the perfect hair & makeup look and as she changes into her glamorous, red-carpet ready outfit, she is transformed into a vintage screen siren. An impeccably dressed butler will show her to the hotel’s terrace bar that overlooks the pool, where a “red carpet” rose petal path will lead you to an intimate table-for-two hidden amongst the palm trees.  You’ll be waiting for her at the end of the red carpet with an envelope with her name on it. The outside reads “The Academy Award for Best Leading Lady” and on the inside is her name.  You drop to one knee and share that you would truly be the winner, for the rest of your lives, if she says yes!

Like the classic and glamorous Galina Signature gown, this marriage proposal idea is reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood and will be remembered forever.

Sarah Pease, The Proposal Planner ™ is recognized as the foremost expert on marriage proposals and is the pioneer of Marriage Proposal Planning. Based in New York City, Sarah and her team at Brilliant Event Planning have designed and produced dream engagements for countless lucky couples from across the world and are the go-to source for all things regarding “Will You Marry Me?”

Beverly HIlls Hotel

Bar Nineteen12

Lana Turner

Rodeo Drive

Rose Petal Path