What is any outfit without the perfect accessories? Just another set of clothing, right? Same goes for your wedding day!

Esty seller Venust

Etsy seller In Style Boutique

Etsy seller Yaso Knitting

I am a shoe fanatic. I don’t own as many pairs as I used to, but I really wish I could get my paws on some of these…

All found on Shoes.com

One of the easiest ways to make sure you have a show stopping gown? Details, my dear. The unique little details are what take a run-of-the-mill gown and turn it into the dress of your dreams. Here are some of my favorites right now.

Polka Dots:

Christos

Floral Details:

Aire Barcelona

Shorter Length:

Jorma Bridal

One of my favorite designers right now is Amsale. Seriously, how could you not love these gowns? Gorgeous!

Amsale – Nadia found on from Hello to Hitched

Amsale – Dahlia

Amsale – Bijou

Even though I am not a fan of the slouchy, messy-haired models that seem to be all the rage right now, I am in LOVE with some of the newest wedding dresses that are out this year. Over the next few days, I will be showing you a few of my favorites for 2011.

Today, we talk ruffle. I adore all of these gowns and think they add the perfect amount of girly goodness. What do you think?

Disney Bridal by Alfred Angelo found on Wedding Inspirasi

Oscar de la Renta found on The Bridal Beauty

Pronovias found on Wedding Inspirasi

Pink is one of the most used colors around Valentine’s Day. It is also one of the most common wedding colors! Why not share my love for all things pretty and pink by posting a few of my favorite girly wedding inspiration photos from my travels around the web. I hope you love them as much as I do!

Meg Smith via Snippet & Ink via Simply & Forever Blog

JL Designs (The Romantic)

via Le Couple Toy blog

via Credit Crunch Bride

via Hostess With The Mostess

Weddings are a time for celebration, excitement, love and personality. All of those are very important, but this isn’t one of those posts. It is time to BE REAL.

Photo by Bates Photographic from the awesomely personalized wedding of Melissa & Todd

There are hundreds of thousands of weddings around the world every year. A few thousand of those are featured on blogs, websites, in magazines, and spread around like wildfire via Facebook, Twitter and other social addictions. It is pretty obvious which trends are in and which ones are out, but did you notice how quickly that seems to change recently? The speed that these mustache holding, “vintage modern”, DIY, cupcake towered, candy buffet having, tea party looking events go out of style blows my mind. Don’t get me wrong, each one of those things can be beautiful. My question is… Is it really you that you are planning for? Or are you planning for the blogs and magazines?

1. Sure, we all love to look at the gorgeous pictures of the mismatched chairs and twinkle light filled trees, but we also have to get a grip on what is right for us. We need to keep in mind that these shoots may be staged and, even if they are real weddings, may be WAY out of our budgets. It is important to do your research and really learn what you can get for what you can afford. Trust me, if I had an unlimited budget, I could spend $200,000 in about an hour without blinking. Should I spend $200,000? No way in hell. If you dig yourself a huge hole filled with debt before your marriage, you will spend a huge chunk of your newly minted relationship in a whole lot of stress that you just don’t need. Be real with your budget.
2. Just because we see something we like, doesn’t mean we’ve found something that is right. I am personally not a fan of overly frilly and girly details. The “tea party” theme is all the rage right now. If I were to do that and my friends all showed up, they would probably come over to check my pulse and temperature. Those details are great for some, but wouldn’t fit my own personality at all. If you pick a theme or motif that isn’t really you, your guests will be left with a feeling of disconnect and will probably wonder what was really going on. Just because the blogs say this theme is awesome, or that theme is the best, doesn’t mean it is right for you. Be real with your personality.
3. If you are a bride who has always been considered a Tom Boy, or a groom who is more of a lumberjack than an executive, pay attention to your style for the event. If you don’t typically wear a ton of makeup, DON’T! Instead, wear just enough. The most important thing you can remember is to be yourself. That is the love of your life standing across from you. If they can’t even recognize you, how are your guests supposed to? Be real with your style.
4. Throw out your old ideas of what a wedding should be and get with the program. Today’s events are filled to the brim with personality and unique details that make them the perfect representation of the couple who is being celebrated. Just because brides are supposed to wear veils, doesn’t mean you have to. Or because most grooms wear a tux, doesn’t mean you can’t wear something a little more comfortable. Be REAL. Period.

Why, yes, they do!

Anthropologie recently announced that they will be launching their new line of bridal gowns on, of course, February 14th! The new project is called BHLDN. What do you think of these gowns? I am personally a huge fan of Anthropologie, but have heard some mixed reviews on the new dresses.

Images via Glamour.com

While this time of year brings holiday cheer, time with friends and family, twinkling lights and cozy nights filled with hot cocoa, it can also bring the gloom and general blahness (yes, I made that up!) of winter. The days are shorter and there is a lot less sunshine to brighten up your day. So why not add a little spice to those darker nights with an adorable pair of these Santa Baby panties from Events by September’s Bride!

Here is how you can win a pair of these super adorable undies, delivered to you in your size of choice:

• For your chance to win, you must enter by December 22nd at 11:59pm EST and live in the United States.
• You can enter 3 different ways.
  • Comment here with your favorite accessory for winter time! Make sure to leave your email address so I have a way to contact you.
  • Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following… “Santa Baby, leave me something sassy under the tree! (via @BlissAmanda) http://www.yourblissblog.com“
  • Head on over to The Bliss Facebook page and leave us a comment your favorite holiday memory.

I can’t wait to send these beauties out to our lucky winner! Make sure to check back in January for a HUGE giveaway series that we have planned for you. Happy Holidays!

If I had to pick one thing that I love most over the course of the holiday season, it would have to be the warm feeling that the cozy decor and lighting brings during the chilly months. To make it feel even more special, I love to DIY as many of those decor items as I can. I am a huge fan of repurposing everyday items. Who says that feeling can’t apply to wedding decor, too? Here are a few ideas that I have come across in the past few weeks. I am swooning over those coffee filter wreaths!

(Directions and photos: The Nesting Place)

These gorgeous coffee filter wreaths are super easy and crazy cheap to make, but don’t they look amazing?! I can imagine dressing it up for different seasons with colorful ribbon, bows, ornaments, etc. I plan to make one this year and will definitely let you know how it goes! Oh, and couldn’t you see this hanging on a chapel door for a beautiful addition to your wedding ceremony decor? How is that for double duty?!

1. Cover your cabinets or even your front door with festive paper for an added touch of Jolly this holiday season!
2. What do you do with all of those Christmas bulbs that don’t work? Toss them (gently!) into a vase, add a candle and Voila! You have a pretty little centerpiece! Fill a vase with button, coffee beans, floating candles or other small trinkets and this beauty will double duty.
3. Kissing balls are always a delightful dose of cheer. Wrap them in a different fabric to hang from lighting fixtures or tent poles and you have a cute and easy way to jazz up unused spaces at your wedding!
4. Creating your own holiday (or wedding) banners and typographic signs. Or, you can print this one here!

What holiday DIY projects do you have planned? Share your ideas in the comments so others can see how brilliant you are. The holidays are all about sharing, right?

Just a quick collection of some of this week’s favorites!

A Tim Burton inspired wedding: This is absolutely stunning!

Super Adorable New Orleans Wedding: This one will make you say “Awww!” for sure!

This Recipe for Love E-session is one of the sweetest I have ever seen, no pun intended.

Who doesn’t love Robots & Weddings?

With so many brides choosing to try a Boudoir Session, it is important to understand what to expect.

Not only does Michigan have wonderful venues, fantastic settings and lots of fun activities. It also has a wonderful population of small business owners, unique shops and unusual finds. I am a huge supporter of buying local, as many of you know, but this also extends to the way I conduct business.

Photo Source

Weddings are the sum of many, many parts and if you use local companies and individuals for each of those parts, you are creating a huge amount of revenue for the state and local region where you are holding your event. Below are a few of my favorite ways to support Michigan economy AND possibly keep some of that hard earned wedding budget in your wallet!

1. Do yourself a favor. Getting creative with a Michigan wedding is easier than one would think! If you have guests coming in from out of town, they would probably love a little slice of the Mitten State to take home with them. A few of my favorite ideas are some delicious ones! Check out local companies, like Too Hot Mamas and Valentine Vodka for unique favor ideas!
2. Lost & Found. The most simple way to make a discovery is to get lost. Take a drive around the town where you plan on hosting your event and you are bound to find some of the most unique stores! For instance, if you plan on getting married in Royal Oak, be sure to stop by Vintner’s Cellar, Dale & Thomas Popcorn, Write Impressions and Creative Arts Studio for brilliant ideas!
3. Homegrown discoveries. One of the most interesting reasons to get married in Michigan, is that this is a state where you can find almost anything you need in homegrown and local ways. We produce cherries, apples, wine, potato chips, soda (Pop, for all us Michiganders!) and so much more! We are also home to some of the most creative individuals in the world. Think photographers, videographers, event designers, and more!
4. Green comes in many colors. If you drive for 30 minutes in any direction, you are sure to come across a farmer’s market or two (or three, four, five)! This is especially helpful for those of you planning to DIY your own flowers or centerpieces, or even if you are looking for someone to do the flowers for you in a green way! Some of the most beautiful flowers come from right here in the area.
5. Make a difference. On top of the reasons listed above, one of the most important is the satisfaction you can get by donating to a charity in lieu of favors or gifts. Try out these local charities for inspiration: Camp Casey, Last Chance Rescue, Michigan’s Children.