Alter My Wedding Gown

Well now that my mini-vacation is over it's back to blogging! One of my bride's wedding gown came in and she sent me the pick of her in it...simply stunning! I asked her about alterations and that's when it hit me...how about blogging about alterations for your wedding gown and your attendant's gowns.

I've had plenty of brides come to me after they learn of the costs of gown alterations and ask if I know a seamstress that can do it cheaper. My suggestion to them is allow the boutique where you purchased the gown be responsible for the alterations. Reason being, should something go wrong, they are liable for your gown while in their possession and will seek the appropriate channels to repair or even order a new gown. Plus, the seamstresses deal with gowns and these types of delicate fabrics all day. Once you take the gown from the store and seek an outside tailor to alter your gown, the bridal boutique is no longer liable.

Yes, alterations can be costly, but remember this is one of the most important days of your life and you want that gown to fit perfectly. The same should be true for the ladies standing up for you. Proper undergarments are key! When going for your initial fittings, make sure to have the undergarments and shoes with you. This will allow the seamstress to take the proper measurements and decrease multiple visits.

Should you decide to seek an outside tailor to alter your gown, make sure to ask the proper questions. I've included a few below:

Have your altered wedding gowns in the past?
Have you worked with this type of fabric before?
When can I expect the gown to be complete?
What liability will you incur should something go wrong?
What are the terms of payment?

Until next time...WEDologize!
(photo credits: www.glamour.com - J Crew)

Cake Table Decor

If you've been following my blog for awhile, you will notice my passion for all things cake and dessert. In wanting to stray away from posting some more fabulous wedding cakes (I'll save that for next week), I decided to put a spin on today's blog and showcase some ways to design the cake table.

Surrounding the cake table with thick bed of rose petals is not only an easy way to add decor to the cake table, but it also created a stunning photo opportunity.

Glamour can easily be added to the cake table with speciality linens and votive candles.

A little whimsy was added to this cake table with the use of candles and letter spelling out "LOVE". How sweet!

Purchasing or renting a cake stand to elevate the wedding cake can make the most simple cake stand tall and POP on the table.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - www.vcsphoto.com; www.thecakelist.com; www.flickr.com/photos/holistichenna/4056969368/; www.weddingbee.com)

Making it Legal

Many of the early summer couple are at the stage where they need to apply for a marriage license. Below are the details for making this fabulous day you have planner...LEGAL.

• You must be 18 years of age to apply for a marriage license.


• Both parties must be present and will have to show proper identification.


• In Illinois, no blood test or medical exam is required.


• You can apply for licenses Monday through Friday and sometimes on Saturday's if noted by the office.


• Depending on the county, the marriage license will cost a one time fee of $15-50, in cash.


• The license is valid 60 days from the date of application.

Below are some locations:

Cook County

118 North Clark Street

Chicago, IL 60602

312.603.5656

DuPage County

County Clerk

421 North County Farm Road

Wheaton, IL 60187

630.682.7035

Will County

County Recorder

302 North Chicago Street

Joliet, IL 60431

815.740.4615

More information can be obtained at http://illinois.usmarriagelaws.com/

Until next time...WEDologize!

To Save or Not To Save The Top

Although most cake designers are offering couples an anniversary cake one year later, there are still some couples who want to comply with tradition, save the top layer (or slices) of their wedding cake and eat it a year later. Now the biggest concern for most couples...how do you do you save a cake for one year and it come out tasting good?

Should you decide to save that top layer, below are "how-to" steps:

1. Remove non-edible decorations.


2. Place the cake, uncovered, in the freezer for a few hours so that the outer layer can get hard.


3. Remove the cake and wrap in plastic wrap. Three layers would work nicely.


4. Then wrap aluminium foil around the entire cake.


5. Put the cake in a plastic bag removing all the air.


6. Place the bagged cake in an air-tight container.


7. Last, place in the freezer and remove a couple of days before your one-year anniversary.

Until next time...WEDologize!

When Grocery Store Flowers Won't Do

Now that spring has arrived, I get so excited to see the flowers blooming and seeing the beauty of those flowers formed into bouquets or centerpieces. Now I'm fully aware of the DIY conscience bride who feels she can make her wedding bouquets and centerpieces, but please understand the grocery store florals should not make the cut :) I know flowers can be expensive and that saving where you can while planning your wedding will bring a smile across your face...and the grooms. But let's consider some of the tips I've listed below while making the best floral decisions for your wedding day.

• Your florist should purchase the freshest and highest quality blooms available. The following flowers are GREAT spring flowers and aren't costly because they are in season: tulips, daffodils, lilacs, ranunculus, peonies , and sweet peas. Orchids, roses and calla lilies are year-round flowers and are awesome for both bouquets and centerpieces.


• I know brides love the tall centerpieces, but you can create that elegant look with the use of branches and clusters of flowers rather than using all flowers.


• Using larger blooms to create centerpieces and bouquets can save a bundle because most "wedding" flowers are charged per stem.


• Displaying a single stem in a very cool vase or container can make a striking centerpiece for the modern bride.

But should you walk down the DIY aisle of flowers, purchase them wholesale and allow a professional to make the arrangements.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.vsphoto.com)

Spring Brings Showers

Not every wedding day will be rain-free, but that doesn't have to stop the show or damper spirits. Adjust to the situation and incorporate rain "equipment" into your wedding day photography. Haven't you heard the wisetale that if it rains on your wedding day...you will have a life-long happy marriage. Check out some of our "rainy" wedding day ideas.

Using an umbrella or parasol in your wedding photography creates such a classic look.

Check out these adorable flower girl parasols created by Martha Stewart! What a great alternative to carrying a basket.

Using over-sized umbrellas at an outdoor ceremony not only will shield guests from rain, but the sun as well.

Using umbrellas or parasols to create ceiling visuals along with hanging lanterns will most certainly WOW your wedding guests.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.vintagebellaumbrella.com; www.wedevents.com.au; www.marthastewartweddings.com; http://www.flickr.com/)