Why Bridal Magazine Ads are Worth Looking At

I’ve been flipping thru the latest issues of several bridal magazines and tearing out pages that I’m inspired by for my inspiration folder. After reviewing the tear sheets I pulled, I noticed that I tore out pages that were advertisements as well as editorial.

Wedding magazines are filled with images of wedding dresses and if you’re still shopping for your wedding dress – or bridesmaid dresses – the ads are a great place to look for ideas.

There’s always the chance that you’ll come across the dress, but you may find a silhouette, bodice, detail or accent in an image of a dress that will help you on your search to find your wedding dress.

Remember to take all the images you’ve gathered – from magazines and Web site print outs – with you to your bridal salon appointment to show the salesperson what you like. She’ll pull dresses that reflect the images you’ve shown her. But keep an open mind. A wedding dress looks different on the body than it does on a hanger so take a chance and try on something you may not think will work for you. Because hey, you never know.

Wedding Events 101

There are a lot of wedding events coming up in March and April and I thought it’d be a good idea to give you some tips on how to make the most of them.

1 – Find out which vendors will be there and check to see if they fit your price point. There’s no point in going to an event – and paying to get in – if you really can’t work with any of the vendors because they’re price range is higher than what you expect to spend.

2 – Bring a buddy. Your groom may not always be the best person to go with because he probably won’t get as excited at all the wedding details you’ll be seeing. Though he will probably enjoy free appetizers, cocktails and cake, you may be better off with mom, a bridesmaid or even a friend who's not in the wedding. She’ll be more interested in the details and you won’t have to worry that your mister will be bored and want to leave.

3 – Carry a pad and pen. There’s never a guarantee that the event producer will supply paper and pens for you to take notes so bring a planning notebook – not your whole wedding organizer – with you and jot down ideas and names of vendors you want to schedule an appointment with. You may also want to bring a small roll of scotch tape to tape business cards to the page you’re taking notes on.

4 – Goody bag and giveaways. Expect that you’ll receive a goody bag and that vendors will be passing out samples. The goody bag may not be yours until you leave the event so bring an easy to carry tote bag to put items that you collect in.

5 – This is a meet and greet event. Do not expect the vendors to spend more than 5 to 10 minutes with you. They want to meet as many brides as possible so don’t start going through your what to ask the baker, photographer, stationery and other vendor question sheets. Get the basic information and any samples and business cards so you can follow up with them later.

6 – Attend expert lectures. If the event features a wedding industry expert, go ask him or her questions and take time to sit through a presentation, lecture or panel discussion. You’ll get expert advice for FREE.

New Must-Read Blog: The Bridal Express

Fans of the popular British bridal blog, Bridalwave.tv, have come to trust the site’s blogger Camilla for great products and fun reads for brides all over the world. When I learned that Camilla was moving on after three years on the site I asked her to stay in touch and let me know where she lands because I just love her take on weddings – and I know you do too!

This week Camilla emailed that her new wedding blog, The Bridal Express, is up and running! She’ll feature great products and services for brides everywhere and she has created a variety of new features including more personal chatting.

You’ll find tons of fashion and accessory posts as well as décor and details that are sure to inspire you. Click here to check out The Bridal Express and let Camilla know what you think of her new site!

Indianapolis Wedding Event, Sunday March 29th

Do you live or are you getting married in or around Indianapolis? The Sheraton City Centre is hosting a wedding event that you won’t want to miss!

Some of the area’s top wedding vendors – photographers, florists, bakers, videographers and invitation designers – will be in the Panorama Room at the Sheraton City Centre. You’ll also get creative ideas from e-vents a wedding and event planning company that designs amazing tablescapes and room décor

You and your groom, mom and bridesmaids will enjoy spa services as well as have a chance to win some great prizes, including: free event planning, free engagement photo session, makeovers and beauty products.

The first 100 brides to register will receive “The Signature Bridal Swag Bag” so register online at indyareavendorshowcase.eventbrite.com

Here are the details:
Sunday, March 29th from 12pm to 5pm at The Sheraton City Centre Downtown, 31 West Ohio Street, 21st Floor, Indianapolis.

Cost: $5/per attendee

Visit the Indy Area Vendor Showcase blog to learn more about the vendors who will be attending the event.

New Charleston Weddings Web Site

If you’re getting married in the Charleston area, you’re probably already reading Charleston Weddings magazine. Their stories on wedding ideas – cakes, flowers, details – fashion and real weddings are some of the most beautiful stories that are sure to inspire you.

The magazine’s senior editor, Melissa Bigner, and I spoke last week about the launch of their new Web site, charlestonmag.com/weddings. It’s filled with gorgeous stories and great ideas that even if you’re not getting hitched in the Charleston area you can still get inspired and get great information for your own wedding.

And speaking of Charleston, I’m headed there for Charleston Fashion Week. On Saturday, March 28th, there will be a bridal fashion show and a lecture by me and Melissa on wedding dress shopping tips and trends. Visit charlestonfashionweek.com/bridal for more information on the event and to purchase tickets.

The New York Wedding Workshop: Signature Event - Plus: FREE Tickets

Join Lindsay Landman Events and some of the top wedding vendors in New York City at The New York Wedding Workshop’s Signature Event.

In addition to browsing portfolios, tasting delicious hors d’oeurves, sipping cocktails and talking with vendors, you’ll be able to listen to two panel discussions on: Wedding Style - moderated by me! – and Fashion & Beauty – moderated by Heather Levine, fashion and beauty editor at theknot.com.

The event will be held this coming Saturday, February 28th from 11am to 3:30pm at The Xchange at The Terminal Stores, 640 West 28th Street, 9th Floor (between 11th and 12th Avenues).

Tickets are priced at $65 for an individual and $85 for two.    Enter the discount code: FRIEND1 when you purchase tickets and save $30!  So grab your mom, groom or maid-of-honor/bridesmaid and sign up now because tickets are going fast!

PS - I'm giving away six (6) FREE tickets to the event, so email me at fromiwilltoido@gmail.com if you're interested in going.  I'll email you back with a confirmation so you'll know where and when to pick up your tickets.  Hope to see you Saturday!

Bridal Event at Williams-Sonoma in NYC

Attention New York City area brides: Williams-Sonoma is hosting a bridal event this Tuesday, February 24th at 6:30pm: The Art of Entertaining: living graciously beyond the wedding.

The event will feature event planner Colin Cowie, celebrity baker Sylvia Weinstock and Pamela Fiori, editor of Town & Country magazine.

You’ll learn all about creating the perfect registry as well as using these products to entertain family and friends in your new home.

To RSVP for the event, email TCWeddings@hearst.com. The RSVP deadline has been extended to the morning of the event, Tuesday, February 24th.

Join Me at the "I'm Getting Hitched" Event in Washington, DC

I’m so excited to share with you the exciting news of my first book tour! Over the next 5 weeks I’ll be making stops in several cities on the east coast to promote The Wedding Organizer and give brides (and grooms or moms or bridesmaids) planning and style tips.

Here are the details for the Washington, DC event taking place on Thursday evening, March 19th at Hitched Salon in Georgetown:

Now that you’ve said “I will”…come meet, mingle and hear wedding expert Anne Chertoff and the best of DC’s wedding vendors give you inside tips and advice on getting organized and planning to say “I do”!

Get inspired with event décor, sample cocktails & decadent sweets, win fabulous raffle prizes and take home a wonderful assortment of goodies too.

Featuring: Hitched Salon, Design Cuisine, Ritzy Bee Events , Kate Headley Photography, Humanstory Films, K. Rose Cakes, Laura Hooper Calligraphy and more…

When: Thursday, March 19, 2009 6 pm – 8 pm

Where: Hitched Salon {located in Georgetown} 1523 Wisconsin Ave, NW Washington, DC 2007

The event is complimentary. Space is very limited and open to brides + 1 guest only. Please RSVP early to: fromiwilltoido@gmail.com with your name, wedding date, email, phone & mailing address and also your guest’s name.



Hope to see you there! And remember to bring a notebook and pen to write down all the planning tips you'll learn!

*Map and event logo designed by Laura Hooper Calligraphy

Casting Notice for a FREE Wedding

Are you familiar with the show Whose Wedding is it Anyway? They are getting ready to film their 100th episode and are looking for a couple who want a “free dream wedding!”

Here’s the official casting notice:
Do you and your fiance want a one-of-a-kind wedding? Hoping for the event of a lifetime?
Are you an incredible couple with a compelling love story?
Do you have a strong connection to an exciting and unique location?
This could be your opportunity!

The Style Network is going big to celebrate the 100th episode of Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?, searching for one lucky couple ready to drop everything at a moment's notice and have the big day of their dreams.

A well-known Whose Wedding planner will help you create the most unforgettable nuptials ever, all free! This experience is for a couple who doesn't want ordinary - they want extraordinary!

All participants must be 21 years of age or older and available in early March 2009.
If you are interested you need to email the casting director ASAP at whosewedding100@gmail.com and she will send you an application to fill out.

This is their final week of casting so don't delay!

For more information, please visit mystyle.com.

Good luck!

Did You Know: Wedding Rings

Did you know that Jewish couples can’t get married in adorned wedding bands? The wedding rings the bride and groom exchange have to be perfectly round with no stones or “breaks” in the circle. Many Jewish brides who want a diamond or decorative band will get married in their parents’ or grandparents’ wedding bands, which is a good cost saver as well as a nice family tradition if the bands get passed down from generation to generation. After the ceremony, the bride (or couple) can slip the bands they purchased on and give someone their ceremony-only bands to hold on to till after the wedding.

Michelle Rago's Bridal Bouquet and Boutonniere Tip

For Valentine’s Day this year, I spent it with the staff of Brides.com at the Empire State Building. Thirteen lucky couples won the opportunity to tie the knot at the landmark building.

We worked with the fabulous event designer Michelle Rago to create a beautiful space for the ceremony and I got a chance to interview Michelle on some of the décor elements. you can watch the weddings and interviews with the vendors that made the event possible below. After turning on the Mogulus player, by clicking on it, click VIDEO and then INTERVIEWS.  The clip I'm writing about is under "INTERVIEW WITH DECORATOR".

If you're havng trouble watching the videos below, visit the Brides.com blog, Wedded Bits.

Let's Call the Whole Thing Off

If you watched The Office last night then you learned that Angela bought a very expensive cat with the money she got by selling her engagement ring on eBay. The employees who learned about the sale were a little surprised that she sold the ring after Andy called off her engagement because she was having an affair with Dwight.

Here are some guidelines on what to do with an engagement ring if the wedding is called off:

1 – If it’s a bride family heirloom then the bride (her family) keep it

2 – If it’s a groom family heirloom then the groom (his family) get it back

3 – If the bride paid for it she gets to keep it and do with it what she wants

4 – If the groom bought the ring the bride should return it to him, regardless of why the wedding was called off. However, if the groom insists that the bride keep it, she can and she can do with it what she wants.

Hopefully none of you will ever have to be in this situation, but if you are, now you know what you should and shouldn’t do regarding the ring. As for gifts you received for your engagement, those should be returned to the gift givers.

Sorry to write a pessimistic post on the day before Valentine’s Day, but after watching The Office last night I just thought it was something that should be mentioned… just in case.

First Dance Song Selection

When picking your first dance song think about what you want your first dance to be. Do you want to just stand there holding each other and swaying? Do you want to impress your guests and foxtrot across the floor? Or do you want to go all out with a choreographed number?

It’s important to pick a song that fits the kind of dancing you and your fiancé have in mind. As our dance teacher at Dance Manhattan told us: There are songs you can dance to and then there are songs to roll over in bed to.

If you’re not sure which category your song fits into then try to dance to it at home.

I always recommend dance lessons – private or group – so that you and your fiancé feel comfortable on the dance floor in front of all of your guests. It’s one of the few things from your wedding that you’ll use again and again. Dave and I – six years later – feel very comfortable dancing at weddings because of the steps we learned at our dance Lessons.

If you don’t want to spend money on lessons just put your first dance song on at home and dance to it in your living room to see how comfortable you feel. There are dozens of Web sites with first dance song suggestions or ask your DJ or band leader for some ideas.

Wedding Planning Event 101

Throughout the year you’ll probably learn about a number of wedding planning events in your area. Some are bridal expos with dozens of vendors from each category, a bridal fashion show and a hefty goody-bag. Other events will be more intimate at a local registry store or stationery shop where the retailer will showcase their wares so you can learn more about all the options available to you.  There are also mini-showcases where one vendor from each category will come together at one location.

Some of these events are free and others have a nominal ticket price. Almost all of them will offer you discounts on vendor retail pricing if you make a purchase or hire them that day.  And you’ll probably get a goody-bag with a few fun items in it too.

These events are a lot of fun and both informative and inspirational. You’ll learn about the local vendors in your area as well as getting planning tips from the experts. Some events may even feature a “celebrity” wedding personality – magazine editor, planner, etc…

You should try and bring a buddy with you – your fiancé, mom, sister or a friend – it’ll be more fun. And don't forget to bring a planning notebook to take notes and collect business cards.

As I hear of events around the country I’ll post them. And if you know of an upcoming event please email me!

Tips For a Romantic Valentine’s Day…on a Budget

While planning your wedding you’re probably looking for ways to save money on non-wedding items to ensure that your wedding budget stays at the estimate you and your fiancé agreed to. You may have decided to skip holiday presents and your anniversary this year, but there’s no reason why you have to skip Valentine’s Day too. There are plenty of ways that you can save money and still have a romantic V-Day.

With February 14th falling on a Saturday this year many restaurants may already be booked with reservations – and that’s good for you! Why not plan a nice romantic dinner at home. Pick a menu of some of your favorite dishes and cook the meal together, or surprise him with his favorites. The bottle of wine you buy at the local liquor store will be just as good and a lot less expensive than the one you order at a restaurant.

Instead of spending $5-10 on a card, make him one. You can find lots of graphics online and use your computer make him a valentine. Or if you consider yourself a pretty good crafter, go to your local craft store and design a valentine with red or pink paper and glitter.

I don’t recall a great romantic movie out in theatres right now – and I don’t think your fiancé will love the idea of going to Shopaholic with you, even if it is Valentine’s Day. Instead, browse Netflix together and place an order for a movie you both always wanted to see. It can be a romantic film, a thriller even something you’ve seen a million times. Whatever you choose, it’s guaranteed to be less than a ticket to the movies!

As for gifts, you have to agree with him ahead of time if you are or aren’t doing V-Day gifts this year. It will not be a good scene if only one of you gets the other a gift. So be upfront with him and tell him if you expect a gift or not and then keep within a budget – decide how much you can each spend on a present.

You could also celebrate on another day. Since I have to work on Saturday at the Brides.com Empire State Building Wedding Event, I’ve already told Dave that I want to go to sleep as soon as I get home that evening. And since Monday is President’s Day, and we’re off work, we’ve decided to go dinner on Sunday night if I’m not still exhausted or brunch Monday morning. I’m sure either of these times will be less expensive than a “special menu” on Saturday, February 14th.

Click here to take the Brides.com poll on how you'll be saving money on February 14th.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Would You Marry Him After This Proposal?

I was clicking around the blogs over the weekend and came across this romantic and funny proposal on Bridalwave.

Since engagement season ends on Saturday - many couples get engaged between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day - I thought it was appropriate to feature a great proposal, and even though we don't see her response I'm thinking she said yes. What do you think: Would you marry him?

Random Wedding Planning Tip

A bride recently asked me if it was okay to include her rehearsal dinner and RSVP in her wedding invitation. Her concern was that it’s not acceptable.

In this bride’s situation – which I happen to know is a destination wedding – it is perfectly acceptable to include a variety of wedding-related information in the invitation: welcome party, local activity info, rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch, etc… It’s also okay to have one RSVP card where your guests can let you know which events they will and won’t be able to attend.

If your wedding is local you can still include rehearsal dinner information in the invite, however you have to make sure that you include the details in the right invitations. For weddings in your hometown you don’t have to invite every wedding guest to the rehearsal dinner - only members of your immediate families, the bridal party (and their spouses) and those few guests from out of town.

It may be easier because of the limited guest list to email the rehearsal dinner invitees an online invitation from pingg.com or evite.com. Or you can simply call them and invite each person/couple/family over the phone.

To Wear Gloves Or Not to Wear Gloves - That Is the Question

Wearing gloves in the winter is a no brainer, but there used to be a time when a woman wouldn’t leave her house without a pair of gloves. When it comes to weddings, many brides opt to wear gloves to add a bit of elegance and glamour to their overall wedding day look.

If you are still deciding if you should or shouldn’t wear gloves on your wedding day, I’m sure there are a number of concerns you have: How do you take them off with ease for the ring ceremony? Do you shake hands with your guests with or without them on? Nancy Jaeger, bridal stylist and founder of USABrideWeddings.com – a great resource for bridal fashion accessories – has some great tips to help you decide whether or not to wear gloves.

1. Committing to the Glove

For some, wearing gloves may feel a bit uncomfortable. However, bridal gloves really add mega-style and elegance to your bridal ensemble. Satin, silk, lace, beaded, fingerless, opera —there’s a wide variety of bridal gloves and options available. But how to choose the best pair for your big day? First, choose a glove style to match your gown color, fabric and design as closely as possible.


2. How High or Low Do you Go?

There’s one rule to follow: The more formal the wedding, the longer the glove. For a daytime or garden wedding choose a wrist length glove. But, if you are having a large formal evening wedding go for a dramatic look and choose opera length. When it doubt, choose a glove that hits just above or below the elbow, as those lengths are the most versatile and compliment most gown styles.


3. With This Ring

During the ceremony your husband-to-be will of course need access to your ring finger! One option is to slit the seams on the ring finger of your left glove, then just push the material back during the ceremony. Post-ceremony, swap those gloves out for an un-slit pair. Alternatively, you can choose to remove your gloves during the ceremony and hand them to your honor attendant. Ask your officiant to give you a moment to remove your gloves with your back to the crowd to avoid the appearance of a strip-tease.


4. On or Off?

It’s hard to know the right times to keep your gloves on or off. While greeting guests in your receiving line it is appropriate to keep your gloves on. While you are eating and during the cake cutting you should remove your gloves. At all other points during the reception—from your entrance, first dance, during the bouquet toss and beyond— feel free to wear your gloves.


5. All Together Now

If the bride is wearing gloves your bridesmaids can wear them too! Just make sure they have a unified look. Their gloves should all be the same length and match the color of their dresses. One rule for bridesmaids: Be sure that their glove length is shorter than yours. For example, if you choose opera-length gloves, your attendants should wear gloves that fall just above or below the elbow. You could also decide that only your maid-of-honor wear gloves.


6. Go Fingerless

More and more brides are choosing fingerless gloves. They are available in many different styles, so that your groom can easily slip on your wedding ring during the ceremony and you can keep your gloves on throughout the entire affair.

If you’re thinking of wearing glove, check out the USABrideWeddings.com site for a great selection!

100 Must-Read Wedding Blogs

Thank you to Allison Hendrickson for posting a list of the top 100 wedding blogs.

All of my favorite bloggers are listed and you’re sure to find amazing wedding planning advice and inspiration on them. They’re divided by category so you easily find what you’re looking for.

Here’s the link to the list of 100 Great Wedding Blogs. (From "I Will" to "I Do" is listed at #30!)

Avoid Being a Bridezilla – Part II

5 - Jot things down. Keep a “Planning Notebook” with you at all times so wherever you are you can write down ideas and information. A light-weight notebook that can easily fit in your bag is a lot easier to carry around than a heavy wedding organizer.

6 – Respect your bridesmaids. Your ‘maids are not your private army of wedding elves. They are there to help you – make favors, stuff envelopes. Don't take advantage of their friendship. You wouldn't like them to do the same to you when you're their bridesmaid.

7 – Set a budget. Determine what your budget is early on and then add 10% to it in case you go over -- most of you will go over your budget. Decide where you want to spend your money early on – the dress, the food, the music, the photos – but if you go over in one area you can always take from another area to keep your budget balanced.

8 – Take the day off. I'm talking about your wedding day. Let other people handle all the “emergencies” that come up. Either hire a day-of wedding planner or assign specific tasks to your bridesmaids. But do NOT ask your mom to do anything but enjoy the day.

How Not to Be a Bridezilla - Part I

After seeing Bride Wars and a few episodes of Bridezillas lately, I had to write a post on how not to become (the dreaded) bridezilla. If you follow these tips you should avoid being labeled one during your engagement.

1 – Organization. Having everything organized will prevent a bride from freaking out when she can’t find something. It’s also a good to leave all the pertinent wedding details – wedding vendors and their contact info – in a convenient place for the groom to find, in case you need something and he’s home.

2 – Delegate. Just because you’re the bride doesn’t mean you have to do everything. Take friends and relatives up on their offers to help you plan and trust that your vendors know what they’re doing.

3 – Avoid stress. Join a gym, take up yoga or go for long walks. Do whatever you need to do to release pent up stress. Getting a workout on a regular basis will not only make you feel better, but it’ll help you et in shape for the big day.

4 – Guiding your groom. Don’t assume that your fiancé knows what the traditional groom’s responsibilities are. After the initial excitement has passes – about a week or so – sit down with your groom and discuss what both of you envision for the wedding, what your budget will be and who will be in charge of what.

Check back tomorrow for some more tips on how not to be a bridezilla.