Wedding Dress Wednesday

In the perfect world we all could shop at Kate Spade, never have a bad Monday and our houses would always be clean. Since those things don't always work out, we can celebrate the Kate Spade outlet store with extreme discounts that is about 20 minutes from my house, cheer on Monday's and step over the little piles of dirt on our kitchen floors.

Like promised in posts past I am gladly expanding Wedding Dress Wednesday from just bridal couture to pretty rehearsal dresses, engagement outfit possibilities and send off dresses for the best dressed ladies around. Kate Spade makes me smile. I think she makes everyone smile. I love a dress that fits you so good it doesn't need a single stitch of alterations. Oh, I did throw in a little bridal number or two. And now for the real reason you read Wedding Dress Wednesday, the pretty pictures...

Kate Spade Dresses and Bridal

Wedding Dress Wednesday

Two things to get this post started. First, I am making good on my suggestion here. I am starting to throw in new editions of Wedding Dress Wednesday. Today we are going to cover more bridesmaids dresses. You may think, Oh it is Wednesday. Katie just throws up a handful of images from a designer and calls it a day. False. Totally false y'all. Deciding on which dresses to feature is something that I fret from one Wednesday to the next. With all the gorgeous Spring 2013 lines being released I have to suppress the urge to put up 2,500 photos of wedding gowns. I don't even think that was a dramatic number. That is how many I have just waiting to be published.

My second point with this post is that I think I hit the mother load. On a majority of Wedding Dress Wednesdays I feature a designer and their fabulous duds. For most realistic, budget friendly brides these dresses may be out of your price range. I understand but no matter the cost I do not discriminate against prettiness. Whether it is a $15 thrift find or a $15,000 treasure to be worn 1,000 times to get your money's worth, it will be featured. My numbers are really on point today also. BUT this week I found bridesmaids dresses for less than $100 and no I am not shopping eBay (even though every day I type in JCrew bridesmaids dresses, size 8 -10 in hopes for a thrifty find for Rachel's wedding).

Today I am featuring Ruche Bridal Collection. There to Have and to Hold Collection is so fun! I love the sweet shapes, daring colors, short hems and flirty style of the bridesmaids gowns. They also offer accessories like clutches, jewels, sashes and more. Mai Olivo and Josh Olivo are creative geniuses. Their story is incredible. Read more on that here. What started as a love for affordable fashion turned into a full fledged, successful company. Their vision is to provide vintage clothing with modern touches. Oh and did I mention how reasonably priced these items are? Mai and Josh also wanted affordability to be a reality for all woman. They also have the cutest puppy, Roji. I think this couple and I could be long lost friends. It is refreshing to see a couple who is right there, hands on in the growth of their company. I am amazed by these two! Check out my favorite picks for bridesmaid dresses. Also if any of Rachel's bridesmaids are reading this I may buy the pink dress! ha!

Iris Purple Dress, Price: $52.99

Virburnum Dress, Price: $62.99

Fressia Dress, Price: $72.99

Petunia Dress, Price: $63.99

Orchid Dress, Price: $68.99

Forsythia Dress, Price: $84.99

I still cannot believe how affordable these pretty dresses are. They also have amazing clothes for every occasion! I am so excited to happen upon this fabulous company. Happy day to you all!

Bridesmaid Dress Shopping

Monday people! A new day and a fresh start. How was your weekend? Was it full of fun and good weather? I have a true story to share with you all. My father-in-law works in San Antonio and lives in a hotel here. Since we are a few days into to Spring that means the temperatures are already reaching 85 degrees. One of the benefits of his hotel is the amazing pool area. It comes complete with a bar, pretty rock walls, a walk in pool and a hot tub. I spent yesterday and Saturday lounging by the pool not answering emails. Well, I did answer a few but they were taunting me. Potential brides are emailing about potential destination weddings. I am itching to travel to a new city and have a bit of new scenery.

How about I get back to the point of this story? I am a stickler when it comes to sunscreen. I hate wrinkles and skin cancer. It is such a sad disease and I have watched my sweet grandmother go through major surgeries. One look at the aftermath of her surgeries and any woman who say "H - No!" to laying in the tanning bed. I buy SPF 50 that is sweat proof and long lasting. I prefer to look young when I am older. Yesterday, it was hot and I applied sunscreen like a good girl. I laid under the sun and read for a bit. I reapplied sunscreen, took a dip and then actually moved under an umbrella to cool off a bit. I spent maybe an hour in the direct sun and in that time applied sunscreen twice. Texas is hot. We changed and went to dinner. At dinner I noticed that one of my legs was red but just on the side. I went into the restroom for further investigation and I burned. I was totally bummed. The oddest part of all of this is that I burned on my right side. Not just my right half, my side. The side of my leg is burned. The side of my arm is burned. Unfortunately this is not the only time that I have burned in odd shapes. I wish I had a picture to share of how it looks but who wants to see my red leg? Yeah, I didn't think so. How about a change of topic?

I recently declared that one of my dearest friends Rachel asked me to be her Maid/Matron of Honor. Isn't that gal crazy? One thing I love about Rachel is her attention to detail. I have probably spent close to $1,000 easily on bridesmaid dresses. I have loved every wedding and honestly every dress but I have not worn them ever again. Don't you love the saying, "And what I love most about this dress is you can cut if off and wear it again!" I have never done that. I haven't even worn the gowns that are already short other than the wedding. I am a guilty bride because the gowns my bridesmaids wore were long and red. Not your typically wear again type of gown. Rachel decided that she wants us to purchase a gown that we love and will wear again. We will be just like the not so matchy bridesmaids in this post.

I love the idea but I need help! Below are Rachel's colors that she told us to use when shopping for dresses. I love the peach and mint but may steer clear of the cream because it would be to bridal and I am not the bride this time!

Isn't her color selection so pretty? I really do think pretty is the best way to describe her palette. Please ignore the black ring around the peach circle. Not sure what is happening there. Since Rachel asked me to be apart of her big day I have been keeping my eye out for the perfect dress.

I figure I should start with my favorite dress first. It is gorgeous. It makes me go weak at the knees and would be a forever statement piece in my closet. It is so pretty but costs a pretty penny as well.

Photo Source: Antonio Melani

Photo Source: Tobi

 Photo Source: Forever 21

Photo Source: Forever 21

Photo Source: J Crew

I am loving these little mint numbers.

 Photo Source: J Crew

Photo Source: J Crew

I am having a hard time deciding. I feel that the cream/taupe colors are just to close to bridal gowns. I want something pastel and pretty. Can you guys offer any other dress store suggestions? Do you have a favorite on here? Let me know what you think. You guys can dress me! Wait, that sounded weird. You know what I mean friends. Happy Monday!

A Taste of Southern Charm

Happy Monday! I attempted my first inspiration board this weekend. Most people do a color scheme which I hope to attempt but I thought I would compile pictures that spotlighted a bit of southern charm. I love being from the south. As in L-O-V-E it. I hale from the land of southern hospitality, sweet tea and where saying y'all is the norm. Isn't it great? I hope these pictures inspire you and make you smile!

For more on each photo, follow the links below!
Birch vases: Here
Back of lace bridal gown: Here
Sign: Here
Wedges: Here
Chalkboard: Here
Invitations: Here 
Mason Jars: Here
Cake: Here

I hope that you all have such a great day and even more exciting week!

Wedding Dress Silhouettes

I thought I would do something a little different and try to get in front of the camera. With that being said this is probably the last time that you will see me there. I fully understand why I am behind the scenes now! In good fun though I did create a video to help you understand the different styles of wedding gowns and what size best fits your body type. I hope that you find this video educational and watch to the end! Their is a little surprise! Happy Thursday!


Wedding Dress Silhouettes from Lovebird Productions on Vimeo.

For more on the dresses featured click on the links below.
J Crew Wedding - A-line
BHLDN - Ball Gown
Maggie Sottero - Mermaid
David's Bridal - Empire
Monique Lhuillier - Modern Sheath

Not so Matchy-Matchy Bridesmaids

With each bride comes a different style and taste for their wedding. Some brides like things to always match from the updo on the bridesmaids to the shoes on their feet. Recently I have started noticing a trend of non-matching bridesmaids. When it came to my bridesmaids, I was a unified thinker so it took me a bit to appreciate the cuteness and fun behind non-matching bridesmaids. I think the idea is brilliant and quirky!

Most brides are having bridesmaids with the same color dress in various styles and patterns like in the first photo. I just love this idea! What do you think?

Photo Source: Here

Photo Source: Here

 Photo Source: Here

I love the idea of letting your Maid and Matron of Honor wear something different. Big department stores always carry various styles of dresses. Like in the pictures above, you can even try the same dress but with different top variations. For example, one bridesmaid wears a one shoulder gown while the other sports a halter dress. These touches of style are guruanteed to be fashionable plus each bridesmaid feels unique! Have any of you ever used this in your wedding?

You can always leave your suggestions or ideas by commenting below or email me @ lovebirdproduction@gmail.com!

Ooo Finances! Being a Maid of Honor: Part 2

 Photo Source: Earl Photography

Being asked to be apart of your best friends wedding day is such a special thing but it can also cause stress when you think about how much it costs. Girls always kid that they need to take out a loan to be in a wedding. Yesterday we covered responsibilities here but today I wanted to look at expenses of a maid of honor or bridesmaid plus also point out ways to save money.

Things that you should pay for:

1. Your wedding day attire - On the day of the wedding you will be sporting a cute dress (that can later be cut off to wear shorter of course) that doesn't have to break your bank account. More than likely you will have matching shoes and accessories.
Ways to Save: Encourage your bride to shop at a big name bridal store. Stores like David's Bridal usually offer big sales. Most bridesmaids can get a percentage off of their dress by shopping during their seasonal sales. If your bride does not shop at a brand name store, try asking the bridal store associates if the wedding party can get a discount on your attire. I purchased my dress at a small store and they offered my bridal party 20% off of their dresses because I spent an allotted amount at their store. Every penny helps. If the bride asks your opinion, you can always suggest she give your jewelry or nail appointments as a wedding gift to the bridal party.

2. Wedding Showers and Bachelor Party - These can run a big cost. Bachelorette parties seem to become more and more extravagant. With the title of Maid of Honor, you will be hosting a shower and planning the bachelorette party.
Ways to Save: With any event, get more hostesses involved. The more people hosting the party = the lower the cost of expenses. Do not be afraid to ask others for decor. You can always get creative! When it comes to the bachelorette party, their are plenty of websites that offer cheaper hotels rates like Expedia and Priceline plus just like showers, the more who come and help the cheaper the costs. Plan in advance too! You can always score good discounts that way. Mention to the hotel you are a big group and they could even offer a discounted rate. Never hurts to ask.

3. Gifts - Oh goodness. You mean on top of spending my life savings to be in the wedding I need to give them numerous gifts. Proper etiquette is to give an engagement gift, shower gift and wedding present. If you are invited to multiple wedding showers, you only give a gift at the first shower. Typically you should double what you give each time you give. For example, if you spend $20 on the engagement gift, the shower gift should be $40 and the wedding $80. Yes, this is a lot. That is why you quit panicking and keep reading.
Ways to Save: When it comes to gift giving, do no be afraid to give with a group. If you want to have all the bridesmaid chip in and get a wedding gift for the day of the wedding, $80 all together is great! You can always make something. You could help by starting a scrapbook for the bride or creating a fun wedding keepsake box. You can also offer your services. If you are an extraordinary baker, offer to make fun cookies for the reception's dessert table.

4. Beauty: Hair, nails, makeup and more - Your bride may prefer that everyone wears their hair a certain way. Do not panic if you can't afford the cost of a $50 updo.
Ways to Save: Do your own hair. Practice in advance! You can cut costs by doing your own hair, make up and nails. Doing it yourself also saves time for you to help the bride!

5. Unexpected Costs - Watch your budget.  Unexpected things can creep into your budget like a bridesmaid forgetting the cheese tray for the shower or the bride not remembering her Crest white strips the night before the wedding.
Ways to Save: When planning for the wedding, set aside a little extra money just in case. Having the mind set that you may go over will ease the blow when you are $30 over budget. You can do this!

These tips are pretty simple but it always helps to be prepared financially for your best friends big day. You shouldn't have to worry about costs but instead enjoy your time with the bride!

Being a Maid/Matron of Honor: Part 1

I'm Back! That is right! Have no more Monday worries because I am now able to post all the time. It has never felt better to login to blogger and start typing. I have a large smile on my face and am dancing around the room. You are welcome for that mental image.

This week I wanted to focus my attention on one leading lady crucial for most weddings, the Maid of Honor. Most girls have been bridesmaids but being a maid of honor has some higher expectations. Yes, that is me with my dear friend Summer. Even thought I have been a bridesmaids numerous times, I have only been a maid of honor once. I wish I could say that I was a professional with my utmost title but I feel their are still lessons I am learning from my best friends wedding. When Summer asked me to be her maid of honor, she gave me a helpful handbook written by Kathy Passero. I have taken a lot of advice from this book and am hoping that the tips I share with you can help in your abilities to be your best in all weddings.

Some of these tips are pretty simple but always a good reminder plus they can also be applied to all bridesmaids too! Not every wedding has a maid of honor.

Prewedding Tips:

1. Attend all events - This includes the engagement party and showers. The bride will need you to be by her side helping her through each event. Most brides have three plus events which means you can help with picking out her outfit, assisting with advice on hostess gifts, providimg a record of who gave what gifts and even help with thank you notes.

2. Remain positive and upbeat - Lets face it. Planning a wedding is stressful. Help the bride with encouraging her! Each time she calls, remain positive and cheery. She needs it plus you are the one she chose to be a bridesmaid and/or maid of honor! Duty calls!

3. Take the lead in organizing a shower - Any maid of honor should expect to host a shower. You can recruit the other bridesmaids to help in expenses and planning.

4. Show up for your fittings plus pay for all your expenses - These expenses can include your dress, shows, accessories plus any other expenses like hotel accommodations for the wedding. Attending any fittings that the bride has scheduled for your dress is important. Make sure you are prompt and eager to help with her fittings and your own. By being active in the wedding planning process, your bride can feel your support and know that she is important to you.

5. Be ready to step in whenever needed - Yes, even if the bride has called 7 times already in the past hour. If she needs you to help address invitations or select wedding favors, get to it. She needs you. You are her sanity.

Wedding Whirlwind Tips:

1. Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner - For most, this is a given but make sure you are early as well. Never be the reason the bride is having to wait to start her rehearsal.

2. Make a toast at the rehearsal (Optional)

3. Run any last minute errands or perform any last minute tasks - For example, if the bride forgets to assemble the place cards for the reception let her know that you will take care of it. The night before weddings can be stressful but most brides have things completed. Occasionally you have a chaotic bride and end up creating the wedding program at 2 a.m. then going to a 24 hour Kinko's to make copies. True story. Right Laura?

4. Again stay positive - You have your bride dressed, are posing for pictures in uncomfortable heels, dealing with the crying bridesmaids but keep that smile on. The bride needs your upbeat spirit to shine through!

5. Keep the bride calm - On my wedding day, people kept coming in and out of the brides dressing room. I was a nervous wreck and the last thing I wanted were people coming in and out, in and out. My bridesmaids, without a word from me, put a stop to it. Do whatever the bride needs. It is surprising what bothers you or adds more stress the day of your wedding.

Ceremony:

1. Straighten the bride's train and veil - It drives me crazy when wedding parties do not do that. The bride can't see to do that. You do not have to make a big distraction but gently fix things.

2. Hold the bouquet during the ceremony - Make sure to return it for the recessional too!

3. Perform any tasks in preparation for the reception - If your bouquet is going to be used in a centerpiece, make sure to take all the bridesmaids bouquets, transport them to the reception and placed in the proper vases.

Reception:

1. Bustle the bride's train

2. Participate in wedding party dance if asked to - Shake your groove thing!

3. Try to stay sober and help with any situations that arise - Yes, more than likely someone is going to spill their drink or drop their glass on the dance floor. Be ready to help out and clean up!

4. At the bride's request, take her gown to the dry cleaners - This is such a big help!

5. Transport any gifts after the reception - A lot of people bring gifts to the wedding. Make sure you help get them to the bride's house or you can keep them until the bride gets back from her honeymoon.

I hope that some of the tips are helpful. Tomorrow I will cover the costs of being a bridesmaid. I promise to make it fun!

Happy Monday!

J. CREW Wedding

Hello. My name is Katie and I have a major obsession with J. Crew. Their clothes are fantastic but have you seen their bridal line? Oh my. It is stunning. I thought I would share some of my favorite things with you today. Yes, you can obsess with me. We always welcome new people.

Photo Source and More on this Dress: Here

This dress is so pretty. I picture a wedding on the beach, a vintage themed wedding or a second dress for your reception to dance the night away in!

Photo Source and More on this Dress: Here

Oh be still my heart. I love this dress! It is classic and stylish. It is elegant but also a bit modern. I picture a bride in a chic downtown ceremony or a reception on a rooftop.

Photo Source and More on this Dress: Here

This dress is romantic! I love the layers in the skirt and the fitted bodice. This dress turns heads! I picture a barn wedding or a reception with a big white tent.

They even have Bridesmaid dresses, Tuxedos and fabulous accessories. Here are a few of my favorite things:

Photo Source and More on this Dress: Here

Photo Source and More on these Shoes: Here

Photo Source and More on these Earrings: Here

They even have fun color swatches. Can you tell how much I love coral and peach tones?

You can view all of these products by visiting J. Crew online. Enjoy!

Inspiration: Pretty in Pale Pink

Picking the colors for your wedding is always a challenge. It is just as important as your wedding theme. I just love the elegance and softness of pale pink. Soak it all in! I hope that you all had a fabulous extended weekend with your friends and family. Lovebirds Productions has some big news to let you in on soon!! Enjoy the touches of pink!

Photo Sources:
1. Cuff Links, 2. Favors, 3. Dresses, 4. Cupcake, 5. Cake, 6. Stationary, 7. Table Decor

Rent the Runway

One joy of starting a wedding videography business is that I get to blog about all things wedding.  Not only will I be telling you about my cute couples and their love stories but I will also be letting you in on some great wedding finds.

One thing that I am extremely excited to tell you about is Rent the Runway.  Yes most stars purchase their own designer gowns but now you can rent the same dresses that the stars wear.  How cool is that?  You can rent a dress, wear it to an event, dazzle the crowd, save money on your eye catching gown, then just mail it back.  A new feature that Rent the Runway is starting is a line of bridesmaid dresses!  One thing I love about this is now you don't have to tell your bride why are you making me wear this dress? that you will just cut the dress off an hem it to wear it later.  You can send it back!  They also have a wide collection of dresses for any one attending a wedding, business event or formal.

Just look at how cute these bridesmaid dresses are:





*All photos via Rent the Runway

Some things to know:
1.  How do you ensure my order arrives when I need it?
Answer:  Rent the Runway's main priority is to get you your dress before your special day.  They deliver right to your doorstep on the date you request.

2.  Will the dress fit?
Answer:  Probably the coolest thing ever - They always send you a second dress in whatever size you order...absolutely FREE!  Less than 1% of customers have fit issues.  I know...I love them already.  In the unlikely event your dress doesn't fit, they will ship you another one before your event.

3.  What if the weather is bad or something goes wrong?
Answer:  They never leave you without something great to wear.  Fashion emergencies are their specialties!

4.  How do I know the dress is clean when I receive it?
Answer:  They only ship dresses that receive a 100% fresh seal of approval from their eco-friendly, luxury dry cleaner.  The minute a dress looks worn, they retire it from their collection.  They say if they wouldn't wear it, they know you won't either.

5.  What if I damage the dress, am I liable?
Answer:  No worries!  For only $5 your dress is insured from wine spills, a broken zipper or a loose stone.  Party on!

Now that you are totally in love with Rent the Runway, check out their site.  It is as easy as signing up via email then browsing away.  What a neat way to transform your wedding with stylish bridesmaid gowns that your girls will love or be the best dress attendee.  Check it out!