Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Groom and the boys? Check. Bridesmaids? Check. Moms and flower girls? Well I'm glad you're here! Regardless of age, girls always want to look great and feel fabulous for special occasions. Luckily there's no shortage of options for every lady in your bridal party, young or older.
In recent years, designers have taken moms' tastes into account and are giving them more modern and stylish options so they maintain their dignity without looking like, well, MOM. Bridal boutiques that carry a bridesmaid line will also have dresses for moms and sometimes it takes a little sifting through to find a good fit that she will feel comfortable wearing. Watters' Special Occasion line has several mom would love to wear.
Here are my favorites.
The Mandarin style buttons add flair to the outfit. (Watters & Watters Special Occasion from b. Hughes Bridal)
I like this one because the jacket is removable to reveal a stunning strapless, full length gown and it's perfect year-round. The fluting really draws the waist in too. (Watters & Watters)
This orange is surprisingly flattering - trust Badgley Mischka to know how to make mom feel glamorous! (b. Hughes Bridal)
There are plenty of styles and designers to choose from, and the bridal boutiques in town all carry lines that guarantee mom will find something that she (and you, of course) will love. The same goes for flower girl dresses - boutiques are really good about being one-stop shops.
Ok, all together now, “awwwww!”
Doesn’t that just make your heart melt? The gray dress is by Melissa Sweet which the Bride Room carries. The pink ones are by Watters & Watters and the white one above is by Us Angels, available at Faccio Bridal (facciobridal.com).
Custom dresses are fast becoming the norm so if you can’t find something you absolutely love but you have an idea of what it should look like, take it to Designs by Sarah Marie and get exactly what you/mom/ your flower girl loves. Maybe even make a day of it, get some brunch with mom and the girls, and really have fun with this part of the planning!
Pictures courtesy of Us Angels, Badgley Mischka, Watters and Melissa Sweet.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Attire & Accessories, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party
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Monday, August 17, 2009
Cherished Memories is having liquidation sales from now until the end of September, possibly the beginning of October. EVERYTHING must go. They have bridal, bridesmaids, mothers, flower girls, shoes, jewelry, tiaras and veils. Everything will be anywhere from 30%-60% off. As they get closer to the closing date, prices will of course continue to go down. They also have select dresses for $99.


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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Attire & Accessories, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party
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Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009 On Friday, I went to preview Wedding 101 and it was so exciting! As I stated last week, I wasn't able to attend the vendor preview but I do hope that you at got to go to the grand opening Saturday. If you haven't checked it out, here's how the boutique looks.
When I arrived on Friday, Ashley was on the phone and told me to get a party favor as I waited. She directed me to a table with 3 apothecary jars that were half-filled with brightly colored balls. The table had empty tins...my first thought - what a cute candy bar! But it wasnt:). Ashley ended her call and told me the jars were filled with scented balls (not candy). Ahhh...got it now:).

Just like a candy bar, the scent bar would have a tin for filling with scented beads, mini candle, a favor bag with a cute label
As I created my "scented sachets" tin - I thought - no, this isn't a candy bar but it could definitely be a scented favor bar. I told Ashley and a new fun bar was born!

Wedding 101's favor bag includes confetti, travel candle, tin with beads and a label - so cute
I think this would be a great idea for a bridal shower. Maybe you could allow your bridesmaids to create scented tins of their own. The bar would be just as cute and interactive as a candy bar but for zero calories! Plus, the scented sachets would last longer than candy. The only concern is that people might mistake it for candy - so beware! Wedding 101's scented balls and candles would be a great place to start if you are interested in seeing it in action or buying the supplies. Ashley said they would definitely help you create a scented sachet bar for your wedding. There are like 7 fragrances available. My favorite is the sunshine! You can rent the jars, buy the sachets and even buy coordinating Botanicus travel candles to match. As you see, Wedding 101 is not only a library of info but also has a retail area too. I'll be hanging out there a lot and I promise, ABG and 101 will collaborate to make planning your Nashville wedding easier and even more fun and fab!

more from Wedding 101 - love these wedding gown, courtesy of Bridal Opulence

also love this table design by classic party rental - how cute are the hanging letters for a shower or fanciful wedding!

Another great bridal vendor - Maples Wedding Cakes - always stunning
You can see more at Wedding 101.


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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Guests, Gifts & Favors, Inspiration & Trends
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Sunday, August 9, 2009
This couture lollipop is all the rave among the celebrity crowd and I think it would be so cute for a bachelorette party or a great addition to a bridesmaid gift pack. But - this is definitely for a luxe bride! I so love it though. They are available in a variety of colors for like $25 each. Pricey but so perfect.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Guests, Gifts & Favors
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Wednesday, April 15, 2009
People are always asking me for a unique, affordable spot for their bridal events - like bridal showers, bachelorette parties, etc.
Well, yesterday, I visited with Kristen, Director of Sales at aloft hotel. As I sat waiting for Kristen in the lobby, I decided to take some pictures of everything that I love about this hotel. This could possibly be the coolest place in Cool Springs and maybe even all of Nashville! It is the ultimate high-tech hotel, as noted in this recent article by MSN Travel.
one of my favorite areas of the lobby - how comfy yet chic
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Not familiar with aloft? It is a spanking new hotel in Franklin, TN - right behind Cool Springs mall. This is the ultimate hotel for modern gals. I'll be honest, as I sat, I was really thinking of a party or event that I could conjure just to take advantage of aloft's hot ambiance. I am thinking of having a birthday bash there this summer - maybe inviting all ABG readers, vendors, friends and family.
yes guys - that's a pool table! great spot for your bachelor party
...and the xyz bar, which has drinks and food and is usually packed in the evening hours:)
It's really the perfect place for just about any occasion. In fact, here are some ways that you can utilize this cool space:
Bachelorette parties
Bachelor parties
Bridal shower / luncheons
Birthday parties
Baby showers
Rehearsal dinners
Sleeping rooms for out of town guests
more lobby pics - so much room for hanging out with friends / family
view of outside area - which will be a great spot for a spring/summer bash
view of pool and fitness areas - excuse the glass view
ok - I know this might be silly but I LOVE their snack and play area
everything your friends / wedding guests need - from games to toiletries
yes - you can buy games! aloft is all about fun and appeals to every sense - from eye popping colors to energetic music
yes - they have everything - Cheesecake Factory cheesecake to Ben and Jerry's ice cream
beverage bar - espresso, chocolate milk
Just contact Kristen at 615.435.8700, tell her I sent you and she'll tell you all about your options, including sleeping rooms so the night doesn't have to end!
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Guests, Gifts & Favors, Wedding Resources
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