Running of the Brides

Attention all brides in training, the race of a lifetime is right around the corner!

The world famous “Running of the Brides” event kicks off in Chicago on July 23 at the State St. Filenes Basement store.

Recruit your helpers, camp out early and get ready to shop for your dream dress in hyper drive!  Doors open at 8am and in less than 60 seconds racks carrying over 2,000 designer wedding gowns will be stripped bare.

There’s no room for modesty!

Brides pull as many dresses as they can hoard,  frantically undress and start trying on gowns.

Instantly, the bartering begins as brides call out sizes, colors and styles to be traded.
Is it worth the chaos?  Absolutely!

The discounts are unreal and it’s thrilling to see how much you have saved. Designer dresses priced from  $1,000 to $10,000 are marked down to $249, $499 and $699.

With these savings, your future hubby may be allowed to invite his own guests to the wedding.

To learn more about the infamous event, visit: www.filenesbasement.com/bridal.php

You can also check out the new Running of the Brides new community page to connect with helpers and stay up to date with the latest news and info.

Chicago runners: Keep running to White Chicago at 222 West Huron for the “Breakfast with the Brides” event, co-hosted by CS Brides Magazine.  The designer bridal consignment shop will open at 9am on event day for a much less aggressive second round, with complimentary muffins and mimosas (courtesy of Egg Harbor Café and Binny’s).

The chic boutique carries new and previously worn gowns at 30-70% off, so don’t be discouraged if Round 1 was unsuccessful.
White Chicago’s talented in-house seamstress will be on hand to fit and restyle your dress. Plus, save 20% on beautiful wedding veils and accessories by Lori London.

Run, Bride, Run!

Style Shake

Style Shake is a virtual design studio that takes fashion to a whole new level!
If you believe there is no such thing as the “perfect dress,” this might just change your mind…

Style Shake gives women the opportunity to dream up their own couture dress (and/or other garments and accessories).The fun begins by choosing from a wide range of high quality fabrics in many available colors. The styles and fabrics are abundant and up to date with the latest runway trends.

The Style Shake design tool will guide you through the creative process.  From head to toe, you can manipulate the cut, shape, length and style of your garment.

Finally, you can add stylish extra touches and embellishment including;  box pleats, fancy frills, bows, sashes, jackets, fabric flowers and more!

When you buy your one of a kind design, it will be constructed and tailored to fit your exact body measurements and is ready to be worn in just ten days!
Dresses are individually priced per design, and extremely reasonable in cost considering the result.

Style Shake for weddings puts an end to the sticky problem of trying to please everyone in your bridal party (including the moms).

Interested brides can request and receive fabric and color samples to find their perfect wedding hue. Your bridesmaids can add their unique sense of style and are sure to treasure the, often dreaded, dress buying experience.

Design and create coordinated or complimentary looks, or offer your choice of fabric and color and let your maids do the rest…it’s up to you!

Style Shake is convenient for maids living in various locations, as a computer (and maybe measuring tape) is all that’s needed.  If the purchase does not fit exactly as desired, alterations are 100% FREE of charge.

The fact that these “haute couture” dresses are likely to actually save your gals money is unbelievable! Dresses typically range from $60 to $200.
Style Shake offers special pricing for weddings and a 10% discount when purchasing three or more bridesmaid dresses.

5 under $500-Wedding looks for less

These complete wedding ensembles are proof that any style bride can look beautiful on a tight budget.
Although I was (annoyingly) unable to submit an inspiration board to  Win an Apple iPad contest from DIY BRIDE, I hope to win over reader’s hearts with these 5 unique wedding looks for under $500.

Whoever said brides needed to break the bank to look fabulous was seriously mistaken!
Handmade sash by Emici bridal at 1000markets.com | Touch-Ups Katrina Pumps from Advantage Bridal | Satin A-line Wedding gown from Floras Dress |  Sterling silver and sapphire CZ earrings from Bling Jewelry | En Vogue Bridal Veil from Romantic Headlines

Ivory Faviana Dress from edressme.com | Vivian shoes by Nina at 6 PM | Chamak by Priya Kakkar gold and crystal bangle set from Bluefly | 14-karat gold-plated Juicy Couture earrings from Net-A-Porter | 9″ French illusion veil with side crystal hair clips from Love the bride

Beaded Appliqué Jersey Gown from Saks Fifth Avenue | Dyeable Touch Ups Katrina Pumps from Advantage Bridal | Expandable jeweled bracelet from Forever 21 | Sterling silver and cz necklace from Overstock | Birdcage Flower visor wedding veil from Love the Bride

Touch-Ups Bianca Bridal Shoes from Bellissima | Carolee Garden Dreams Earrings from Zappos | Crystal bow bracelet from BCBG Maxazria | V-neck Chapel Train Chiffon wedding dress from florasdress.com | Ribbon wedding headband from Angela’s Bridal Boutique

Tadashi ivory pleated chiffon and v-neck gown from Bluefly | Golden Bangles set from Forever 21 | Catherine Popesco 14 kt. gold filigree earrings from decobelle.com | Handmade pink silk rose headband from 1000 Markets | Jullian golden metallic shoes by Touch-Ups at Shoe Buy

Spring 2011 Wedding Dresses

After bridal market, it is nearly impossible to rip me away from my laptop.  My husband dreads it but he knew about my wedding obsession before he married me;). I’ve spent hours (and days) gawking over every new collection and attempting to pick each brilliant designer’s brain.
Future brides rejoice! Whatever your style may be, you can look forward to many FABULOUS dress options.
Straight from the runway, here are my Wed Savvy picks:

The Spring 2011 wedding collections by Reem Acra and Monique Lhuillier are ideal for feminine and romantic style brides.   Both designers have mastered the art of a woman’s body and know how to create beautiful silhouettes.  The impeccable, luxurious details in every dress is sure to impress your guests.

Topping the glam category this year were creations by  Oscar de la Renta, Jenny Packham and St.Pucchi.  These gowns are full of that “WOW” factor, reflecting utter elegance without any gaudiness.   You are sure to be the center of attention with these eye-catching designs.

“Cinderella seeking brides” can find unique, full-skirted ball gowns in almost every collection.  Above are some of my new favorites from designers; Ines di Santo, Lazaro, Carolina Herrera, Romona Keveza and Kenneth Pool.

To view more Spring 2011 dress collections, visit Martha Stewart Weddings or Brides.com

Precious Peonies

I seriously considered changing the date of my wedding to June or July so peonies would be in season.  Something about the plush, overlapping petals gives me whimsical, fairy tale thoughts. Although, these flowers can be pricey, it does not take very many blooms to create a stunning arrangement.  Sometimes less is more.  Here is one of my peony inspiration boards, using a “peony pink” and green color palette.

In this canvas:

US Angels flower girl dress, Invitation by Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera Wedding dress, Priscilla of Boston bridesmaid dress, other images from Real Weddings on Project Wedding.