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5 Overlooked Wedding Gown Silhouettes

When picking a wedding dress, most brides feel limited to choose from the three basic silhouettes — A-line, ballgown or fit-and-flare — yet there are so many amazing options that often go overlooked. Michelle Della Giovanna, New York-based designer behind the Della Giovanna line of fashion-forward edgy bridal gowns, shares five alternative silhouettes worth considering (especially if you’re looking to stand out from other brides!).

Empire

empire waist gown by della giovanna
Dress by Della Giovanna

The empire gown's high waist elongates the body, making it the perfect option for petite brides or anyone who wants to add a little height for the big day. It's also extremely flattering on most figures, since it hides a large amount of problem areas.

Tiered

tiered gown by austin scarlett
Dress by Austin Scarlett

November 26th

Photo by: Scott Clark Photo on Oh Lovely Day

Tip of the Day: Ask your caterer to create a food station devoted to your favorite meal! For example, we love this gorgeous, gourmet cheese bar featuring artisanal options. With a cute "Say Cheese!" sign, it would be fun to situate the cheese bar close to your photo booth so that guests in line can grab some cheese slices and cheese puffs while they're waiting.

Plus, check out 50 Ways to Cut Wedding Catering Costs. Visit sharonnaylor.net for more great tips and advice.

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30 Ideas for Winter Wedding Favors

Getting married during the cold-weather months? We guarantee guests won't leave behind these seasonally-appropriate favors.

By: Kristen O'Gorman Klein

Enter Slideshow
  • Prepare for the Holidays

    Prepare for the Holidays

    Let your guests decide if they’ve been good or bad this year – or have some fun of your own playing Santa and assigning everyone a role. Fill the naughty bags with chocolate “coal” candy and the nice bags with your favorite treat.

    Photo Credit: Auntie's Jammies/Etsy

  • Snowy Treats

    Snowy Treats

    Cake pops are popular DIY favors. Winterize them by using white chocolate and rolling each ball in sugar crystals before the chocolate dries – they’ll look like mini snowballs! Get the tutorial here.

    Photo Credit: Pamela Susan

  • Winter Warmth

    Winter Warmth

    Not only is this adorable, but it’s practical, too. These pinecones are dipped in beeswax, which helps get the flames rolling in the fireplace on a cold winter night. Get the tutorial here.

    Bonus: Add a colorful surprise with the right kind of salt (Epsom = white flame; table salt = yellow flame; salt substitute = violet flame).

    Photo Credit: Evermore Blog

  • Winter Warmth for Adults

    Winter Warmth for Adults

    Keep guests warm the old-fashioned way — with a bit of brandy. Opt for a crowd-pleasing assortment of mini bottles for your 21+ guests.

    Photo Credit: Deb Lindsey Photography

  • Winter Delights

    Winter Delights

    Sugar scrubs are perfect for softening dry winter skin. This peppermint version smells like Christmas in a jar. Get the tutorial here.

    Photo Credit: The Idea Room

  • Hot Chocolate

    Hot Chocolate

    ...or in a test tube (get the tutorial here).

    Photo Credit: Something Turquoise

  • Prepare for the Holidays

    Prepare for the Holidays

    These tea cones resemble Santa hats — too cute!

    Photo Credit: Tea Forté

  • Winter Delights

    Winter Delights

    Your guests will combat chapped lips in style this year with personalized lip balm.

    Photo Credit: Beau-coup

  • Winter Delights

    Winter Delights

    Mason jar snow globes are a cinch to make. Create a wintry scene, or fill them with meaningful trinkets. Get the tutorial here.

    Design and styling by Cyd Converse for The Sweetest Occasion/Photo by Alice G. Patterson

  • Winter Delights

    Winter Delights

    Guests will love this personal touch — gather an initial mug for each guest, and fill them with seasonal candy (like peppermint bark).

    Photo Credit: Jan Michele Photography

  • Winter Warmth for Adults

    Winter Warmth for Adults

    For a festive twist, infuse vodka with flavors of the season (like cranberry). Get instructions here.

    Photo Credit: Fancy Napkin

  • Winter Warmth for Adults

    Winter Warmth for Adults

    Getting married on New Year’s Eve? Mini champagne bottles are a must-have. Add a glamorous touch by coating the bottles in glitter.

    Photo Credit: Shewanders

  • Seasonal Flavors

    Seasonal Flavors

    Try a new take on a classic holiday flavor, like these eggnog lollipops.

    Photo Credit: The Groovy Baker/Etsy

  • Winter Warmth

    Winter Warmth

    Want a favor that your guests will definitely use? Provide something that'll keep them warm through these frigid months, like gloves.

    Photo Credit: Live View Studios

  • Hot Chocolate

    Hot Chocolate

    ...in an ornament (get the tutorial here).

    Photo Credit: Bubbly Nature Creations

  • Hot Chocolate

    Hot Chocolate

    Hot chocolate is a classic pick for winter. But there are so many more creative ways to serve it than in a packet — like on a stick (get the tutorial here).

    Photo Credit: Evermine Blog

  • Snowy Treats

    Snowy Treats

    Winterize the ever-trendy macaron by topping off each with a cute edible snowman. Get the tutorial here.

    Photo Credit: Mensaje en una Galleta

  • Prepare for the Holidays

    Prepare for the Holidays

    Help guests get ready for Christmas morning or a New Year's Day brunch with maple syrup.

    Photo Credit: Steve Holmes Photography

  • Winter Warmth

    Winter Warmth

    ...mittens.

    Photo Credit: Orange Girl Photographs

  • Winter Delights

    Winter Delights

    This eco-friendly favor is so cute — guests just sprinkle the seed-embedded snowflakes outside, and flowers will grow!

    Photo Credit: Nature Favors/Etsy

  • Seasonal Flavors

    Seasonal Flavors

    S’mores are perfect any time of year, of course, but this fun winter twist requires no toasting – and we love the snowflake marshmallow! (Get the recipe here).

    Photo Credit: Skinnytaste

  • Prepare for the Holidays

    Prepare for the Holidays

    These beautiful place card holders will look equally gorgeous dressing up your guests’ Christmas trees.

    Photo Credit: Wedding Favors Unlimited

  • Winter Delights

    Winter Delights

    This snowflake soap is almost too pretty to use.

    Photo Credit: Calise Soapworks & Such/Etsy

  • Snowy Treats

    Snowy Treats

    Guests of all ages will love these chocolate-covered pretzels.

    Photo Credit: Beau-coup

  • Winter Warmth

    Winter Warmth

    ...a cozy blanket.

    Photo Credit: Shoreshotz Photography

  • Seasonal Flavors

    Seasonal Flavors

    Wrap up a gingerbread cookie for each guest.

    Photo Credit: Debra Gulbas Photography

  • Winter Warmth

    Winter Warmth

    There’s no better way to warm up on a cold winter night than with a hot bowl of hearty soup. Have a famous family recipe? Package up the dry ingredients and attach the cooking instructions.

    Photo Credit: Zuzu's Joy/Etsy

  • Winter Warmth

    Winter Warmth

    ...or comfy slippers.

    Photo Credit: Blink of an Eye Photography

  • Winter Delights

    Winter Delights

    You can't go wrong with a pretty snowflake candle.

    Photo Credit: Turner Creative Photography

  • Hot Chocolate

    Hot Chocolate

    ...in a jar (get the tutorial here).

    Photo Credit: Jack Deutsch, © 2012 The Stonesong Press, LLC.

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30 Ideas for Winter Wedding Favors

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10 Most Romantic Movie Proposals

"Engagement season" is almost here — the most popular time to pop the question is between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day. To get in the spirit, we decided to take a look back at the big-screen proposals that tugged at our heartstrings.

When Harry Met Sally

Who could forget when Harry (Billy Crystal) finally admits he's in love with Sally (Meg Ryan)? In the movie that made everyone question whether men and women can ever really just be friends, Harry realized he was in love with Sally while spending New Year's Eve alone and raced to meet her before midnight because "when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." Swoon!

The Wedding Singer

Robbie (Adam Sandler) confesses his love for Julia (Drew Barrymore) by serenading her with a personalized song... as she's aboard a flight to Las Vegas to marry her current (awful) fiancé. Sandler's sweet "Grow Old With You" song has become a popular wedding song ever since the movie hit, and it's no surprise why.

Sweet Home Alabama

It's every girl's dream come true: Melanie (Reese Witherspoon) is whisked away to Tiffany's after hours (by Patrick Dempsey, no less) and told to "pick one." Just one complication... she's still secretly married to her childhood sweetheart.

Marvelous Macarons

The delectable macaron (French, of course, for macaroon) has taken the wedding world by storm. These small, round baked confections not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also come in a variety of fabulous flavors and colors. I love their delicate, crispy crust and the soft, meringue-like center and have probably eaten far too many to count! Now, from confectioners ‘Lette Macarons, comes the macaron wedding cake. Choose a rainbow-hued tower graced with colorful flowers:

multicolored macaron wedding cake

Or go boho-chic with this flower-child daisy cake:

macaron wedding cake

Each tower contains 60 macarons of your choice, and the prices range from $119 to $135. You can personalize each tower with macarons in your wedding colors, along with an elegant floral bottom that matches your bridal blooms. I think they’re perfect for any pre-wedding party, a bridal shower and rehearsal dinner or for displaying on your dessert table.

You can also give your guests macarons as wedding favors ($4.00 per box):

macaron wedding favor

And make it even more fun and personal by selecting “his ‘n her” favorites:

November 25th

Photo by: Elizabeth Messina on Snippet & Ink via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: Is there anything more adorable than the sounds of a children’s choir? If you’ll marry in a church, talk to your house of worship officiant to see if you can arrange for their kids’ choir to sing at your wedding. If your faith is a big part of your ceremony plans, their performance can be a beautiful and unique musical interlude, or they can play as guests arrive at your wedding.

Plus, check out The Complete Guide to Wedding Music. Visit sharonnaylor.net for more great wedding tips and advice.

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Beautiful Wedding Invitations You Can Make Yourself

Wedding invitations are one of the most popular DIY projects that brides take on, either to save money (professional invites range from $1 to $10+) or create a one-of-a-kind design that guests won't see anywhere else.

We've rounded up some of our favorite do-it-yourself invitation tutorials. Whether you're interested in personalizing a basic paper suite or want to design one from scratch, there's something for every skill set. Happy DIYing!

By: Jenna Hastings

Enter Slideshow
  • Advanced: Monogram Invites

    Advanced: Monogram Invites

    If your wedding falls more on the formal side, then this invitation featured on Oh So Beautiful Paper is definitely for you. Using different hues of purple and monogram stamps, you can create an invitation that is unique, but still conforms to classic traditions.

    One caveat: The tutorial warns not to press too lightly or too heavily on the stamps, or you could smudge the ink. Purchase extra card stock just in case!

    GET THE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ►

    Photo Credit: Bailey and Emma from Antiquaria

  • Advanced: Passport Invites

    Advanced: Passport Invites

    These invitations created by a Weddingbee user couldn't be more perfect for a destination wedding! The bride provides amazingly detailed step-by-step instructions and a price breakdown for each component of the paper suite. She even includes a section with photos that fans have sent in of their customized passport invitations inspired by her design.

    These invitations will require a lot of patience and hours of assembly time, so make sure you plan accordingly if you decide to take it on.

    GET THE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ►

    Photo Credit: Vanessa Rose Mills

  • Advanced: Embossed Invites

    Advanced: Embossed Invites

    Attention to detail doesn't have to require emptying out your pockets! These eye-catching invites we spotted on DIY Bride were made with card stock, an embossing folder, glue dots, Microsoft Word and a die-cutting machine.

    The die-cutting machine cuts through different material, from paper to cork, which gives your invitations an intricate look. You can also use it to make monogrammed items for your wedding or a photo scrapbook after the big day.

    Photo Credit: DIY Bride

  • Intermediate: Non-Traditional DVD Invites

    Intermediate: Non-Traditional DVD Invites

    This adorable DVD wedding invitation by Red Prairie Press will definitely get your guests excited for the big day! This non-traditional option is best for couples who love to shoot home videos or those with a quirky sense of style.

    The bride designed the "album" cover with a friend and screenprinted the RSVPs, which served as a game of Mad Libs.

    GET THE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ►

    Photo Credit: Red Prairie Press

  • Intermediate: Modern Invites

    Intermediate: Modern Invites

    This pastel-hued paper suite featured on Michelle Gardella was a true collaborative effort. The bride, Ester, worked with Etsy seller Designs by XO to custom design the invitation using inspirational images that she had pulled from the Internet.

    Then, she sent them to a printing company and made all of the finishing touches (including the custom postage stamps) using an assortment of affordable websites. The envelope addresses were printed at home using a free font that Ester found online. 

    GET THE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ►

    Photo Credit: Michelle Gardella

  • Intermediate: Rustic Kraft Pocketfold Invites

    Intermediate: Rustic Kraft Pocketfold Invites

    Having an outdoor ceremony? This boho-chic invitation featured on Boho Weddings has a natural, organic feel to it.

    All you'll need to make this paper suite is pocketfold invites, rubber stamps, and double-sided tape. We love the bride's creative use of stamps — she includes a primer on how to select and ink them properly.

    GET THE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ►

    Photo Credit: Becki from Love Knot Creations

  • Intermediate: Shabby-Chic Invites

    Intermediate: Shabby-Chic Invites

    These reception inserts were done on a home computer and printed out at Target for around $20.

    GET THE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ►

    Photo Credit: depressioneradarlings

  • Intermediate: Shabby-Chic Invites

    Intermediate: Shabby-Chic Invites

    The blogger behind depressioneradarlings couldn't afford the professional wedding invitations that she wanted, so she took the project into her own hands and only spent $2.30 per invite! This tutorial takes a little more time and patience, but the work definitely pays off.

    Using stamps and embossing powder, the images really pop; finishing touches include the doilies and the silk flowers placed at the top. 

    GET THE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ►

    Photo Credit: depressioneradarlings

  • Beginner: Banded Invites with Pretty Envelope Liners

    Beginner: Banded Invites with Pretty Envelope Liners

    Elegant, romantic, classy...expensive? Nope — this elegant invitation was created using Microsoft Word, which you may already have and use on a regular basis. 

    Wedding Window gives helpful pointers to ensure that your typography and spacing are picture perfect. 

    GET THE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ►

    Photo Credit: LCI Paper

  • Beginner: Butterfly Silhouette Invite

    Beginner: Butterfly Silhouette Invite

    Here's a look inside the butterfly-accented wedding invitation. The pocket cards that hold the invitation and inserts were purchased from Paper and More, while the accommodation cards, response cards, and direction cards were all handmade.

    GET THE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ►

    Photo Credit: Create and Babble

  • Beginner: Butterfly Silhouette Invite

    Beginner: Butterfly Silhouette Invite

    This whimsical wedding invitation from Create and Babble was designed and put together by a mother of the bride for her daughter's big day — talk about a labor of love! The butterfly cutout and pink vellum wrap sets the tone for a springtime wedding but we also think this design would work for a bridal shower as well.

    GET THE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ►

    Photo Credit: Create and Babble

  • Beginner: Wax Paper Invitation

    Beginner: Wax Paper Invitation

    Combining wax, an iron, and a hammer to make this invitation isn't as scary as it sounds. Using melted wax and parchment paper, you can add a personal image to the back of an otherwise plain invitation. Doing so not only saves a ton on printing costs, but it also creates a completely personalized design that you can't find anywhere else.

    This OnceWed tutorial is a great choice for an artsy bride who is looking to be a little more creative with her paper suite.

    GET THE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ►

    Photo Credit: Katie Decker / Signora e Mare

  • Beginner: Vintage-Inspired Invite

    Beginner: Vintage-Inspired Invite

    This wedding invitation by Meagan Hearne is ideal for a rustic, romantic affair. What sets it apart is its hand-drawn look, which was created using "KG Eyes Wide Open," a free font, and an illustrated wreath stamp.

    Hearne writes, "My invitations were one of my favorite DIY projects from our wedding, and since they were one of the first things I finished, they served as a starting point for the rest of my wedding design."

    GET THE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ►

    Photo Credit: Meagan Hearne

  • Beginner: Patterned Invites

    Beginner: Patterned Invites

    For a semi-homemade approach, purchase a simple invitation set and then enhance it with unique, patterned accents! Color printing can be pretty costly, so this is a budget-friendly way to add a pop of color.

    You'll need a sewing machine, pinking shears, a corner rounder, and fabric of your choice to complete this project from Project Wedding.

    GET THE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ►

    Photo Credit: Jennifer Kirk

  • Beginner: Glam Pearl Invite

    Beginner: Glam Pearl Invite

    Swoon-worthy invitations that are easy to create? Definitely a "do!"

    With its white-on-white design, these invites featured on Polka Dot Bride are lovely for a wonderland wedding or for a bride with a classic sense of style. The flocked paper and buckle add a unique touch without being costly.

    GET THE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ►

    Photo Credit: Elle from Christina Re

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Beautiful Wedding Invitations You Can Make Yourself

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November 22nd

Photo by: Rebekah Hoyt Photography on Every Last Detail via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: We love this couple's cozy heathfront ceremony setting! If you're planning on getting married outdoors — and yes, brides and grooms are having outdoor ceremonies in mid-November! — decide on your Plan B location in advance in case the weather doesn't cooperate that day. Let your photographer and videographer know ahead of time, too, so they can prep as far as lighting and camera filters.

Plus, check out What to Do in Case of a Wedding Weather Disaster. Visit sharonnaylor.net for more great tips and advice.

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