Lets Talk Ties

Girls, its time to talk ties!

First of all I know how daunting this can be. If you are like me, then the last time you probably bought a tie was when you were 11 and it was for Father's Day. Although I have helped my husband in the past pick out ties, it still is hard to pick out a great combo. This becomes even more intimidating when we're talking about your wedding day.

Well, I have the solution. The Tie Bar! This is a wonderful online store that not only has both classic and trendy options, it has a tool where you can actually place a tie on a shirt, add a suit and decide whether you like the combo or not. How cool is that? This tool is amazing and will save you a lot of trouble. Also if you know what color suit you will have for instance, grey suits, but still unsure on the pattern of tie, just click the Matching Suit tab and it will show you all the ties that coordinate with a grey suit. Its genius!

Not only do that have fantastic, up to date ties, they also have all the other accessories. Pocket squares, and cufflinks. They also offer extra long ties and ties for boys. Also, if you are looking for bow ties, they provide those as well. Everything from your classic black to a funky pink plaid.

The Tie Bar pretty much provides you with all you need to deck out your groom and his boys.

The other part of this whole thing that just makes it that much more fantastic is that all the ties are only $15! Yup, I said it, $15! And the shipping is a flat rate of $5.99, a total deal!

Here is some inspiration, I hope you have success finding a great look for your man! Check out the Tie Bar and see if they can help!

Color table plaid - Hot lime/black

Pin dot - Navy

Skinny solid - Baby blue

Skull stripe - Rose

Honor stripe - Gold/Navy

Prepster plaid - Violet / Lavender

Pulsar stripe - Light cornflower

Hot dots - Red skinny

Double stripe - Black

Heavy plaid - Orange

Skinny solid - Champagne

Swizzle - Blue / Green

Skull and crossbones - Navy

Wool grid - Red

Knitted nitch - Charcoal

Knit - Baby blue

Colorful gingham - Blues / greys

-XO Grace

Dear Sweet Brides, I know sometimes you just need a little break on the ole' checkbook. So today I decided to do a little research and gather up a few Promo Codes from some of your favorite sites.

We all know that even a simple 10% off a wedding order can make a huge difference.

I hope you can find a few promo codes that will be able to help you out!

Happy Searching!

Wedding Paper Divas: Up to 25% of any order

promo code: lv25 - Ends 3/6

Wedding Paper Divas: 25% off Save the Date cards

promo code ST25 - Ends 3/6

Wedding Paper Divas: FREE shipping on any order

promo code FSALL - for a limited time

Jos A. Bank (Men's Suits): Half off everything online

promo code: FIFTY - Ends 3/4

Exclusively Weddings: 15% off all orders $129+

promo code: WBC15 - Ends 3/5

Exclusively Weddings: 20% off all orders $199+

promo code: WBC20 - Ends 3/5

Magnet Street: 10% off wedding stationary

promo code: WCPJA - Ends 3/31

Magnet Street: FREE ups ground shipping on invitations

promo code: WCPSHJA - Ends 3/31

-XO Grace

Heels for Reception???

A lot of brides today are switching out the heels and slipping into something more comfortable for the reception. Or maybe you are the bride that would rather do away with heels all together. Well then this is the post for you.

There are so many different options out there and you may be tempted just to go grab any pair of flats. Be aware that just because they are flats does not mean you do not need to break them in. Every pair of shoes will hit your foot differently and it is important to give them a test drive before the big day. Here is a list of shoes that are tested in the comfortable category but don't leave out any style!

Word of advice, if you are a bride that wants to wear the heels for the ceremony then switch them out, I say wait to switch them until the 'First Dance' and 'Father-Daughter Dance' are over. Your dress is altered to your heels so when you slip them off, your dress will swimming all around you creating an unkempt look. Once those first dances are over with feel free to slip them off and get down, they are going to be crazy-fun photos from there on out anyway.

Now on to the shoes!!!!

Whalen Creative Group's Favorite! So cute!

custom Toms from CAPSLOCKTUESDAY.etsy.com $85.00

more custom Toms by FreeRangeChickStore.etsy.com $89.00

if custom Toms aren't in your range or style then you can't go wrong with a pair of classic Toms

Ivory Women's Glitters by toms.com $54.00

Natural Crochet Women's Classics by toms.com $58.00

Double Dare by tashlimited.com $40.00

Intrigue by tashlimited.com $38.00

I hope you enjoyed some comfortable shoe inspiration!

XO Grace

Cake Topper

Everyone knows that a wedding really shines when the designer pays attention to the details.

I want to talk about one of those details that are often neglected....Cake Toppers.

We've all seen the metal initials as well as a beautiful floral arrangement, but I want to encourage you to look into other options that may fit into your wedding style better.

Here is a taste for inspiration.

braggingbags.etsy.com $24.50

mademerrishop.etsy.com $45.00

atcompanyb.etsy.com $15.00

oneviewfinder.etsy.com $60.00

klipsnscraps.etsy.com $20.00

sayhelloshop.etsy.com $3.00

I hope you have found these fun cake toppers inspiring! And remember...choose details that make YOU happy and represent you and your groom!

XO Grace

Real Wedding: Stremke - October 29, 2011

I had the privilage of planning the wedding of Ryan and Lizzi Stremke in Lafayette, IN on October 29, 2011. The whole thing was planned right down to the smallest details. The details are what made this wedding gorgeous. The bride had a vision like no other, I was just glad to be a part of that inspiration.

A radient bride

Gorgeous details

A meaningful gift. Lizzi wanted to thank her bridesmaids in style. She purchased each maid a personalized clutched with their names stiched on the inside.

A welcome sign with personality to direct guests to the ceremony and reception.

To go along with the vintage theme Lizzi picked up adorable vintage suitcases. We stacked them leaving the top one open for the guests cards.

Lizzi and Ryan wanted a very unique guest book. They opted for a vintage typewriter for their guests to leave their love to the couple.

Guests picked up custom programs, designed by the groom himself before entering the ceremony.

Lizzi wanted something different for her aisle runner. We loved the idea of carrying the chalkboard look throughout the wedding but of course is next to impossible for a chalkboard runner to actually work. Instead we opted for a black runner with white paint markers.

The end result was gorgeous, different and so memorable.

Lizzi and Ryan in the beautiful Lahr Atrium in downtown Lafayette, Indiana.

For tablescape decor Lizzi really wanted that eclectic, vintage feel. Various flowers were arranged by Rubia Flowers in eclectic vases that Lizzi found at Goodwill.

Instead of a traditional favor for their wedding guests, Ryan and Lizzi gave a donation to the Kawasaki Disease Fund, something dear to their heart.

Lizzi and Ryan were just another wonderful couple that I have the absolute pleasure of saying that I had a part in planning their special day. They were a complete joy and their vision was beautful, fresh and new. I hope you can find some inspiration for your day in some of these photos.

A special thanks to Breath of Life Photography for providing these beautiful images that truly captured the evening.

XO Grace

Bridesmaid shoes, easy and inexpensive

Lela Rose, best known for the beautiful bridesmaid dresses have come out with a shoe line. These are dyeable bridesmaid (or bridal) shoes that are affordable. These shoes are $30 and up with 15 different styles and 64 colors to choose from. Just go to unforgettablemoments.com and begin your search. Custom dyeing and shipping are free with your footwear purchase.

Our favorite style is the Nathalie for $49.99, which is a steal for custom dyed shoes.

"This retro-inspired pump features a softly rounded toe, delightful folded bow detail and 3" satin-wrapped heel."

Here is a look at a few of the 64 color choices seen on the Nathalie.

Untold Blue

Pistachio

Pomegranate

Vivid Coral

Alluring Transparency

"There is no mistaking that transparency is the new white" - Reem Acra

One of the biggest trends seen in bridal fashion 2012 is transparency fabrics. You see it in illusion necklines and layered skirts.

Here is a look at the Spring 2012 collection from Reem Acra where transparency is highlighted.

Sheer neckline with cap sleeves.

Sheer cap sleeves with ornate details

Sheer layered skirt

I hope you find this inspiring as you may be hunting for your perfect dress.

-Grace

*all photos from Reemacra.com