By Kendra Scott, Associate Planner at Firefly Occasions Inc.

This weeks inspiration came from a lovely gown by Vera Wang. This bridal gown is a strapless, full A-line gown with a pleated bodice, emphasis on the natural waist and a softly tucked hand painted skirt. It can be discribed as vivacious as well as uniqeuly flattering and could only be the work of Vera Wang. Available in Citrus Watercolor, Ivory or White. The opening price points range from $3,100 – $4,500.

I’ve used this one dress to create two completely different weddings. The first wedding has a beautiful simplicity to it. It feels clean but not boring. I call this wedding Citrus Breeze. The second wedding will take you into a whimsical, enchanted forest and is appropriately titled Fairy Dust.

Photos courtesy of:

Citrus Breeze
http://blushevents.blogspot.com/2008/04/happy-earth-day.html (Butterfly place setting, green and white flowers)
http://www.mnweddingminister.com/weddingblog/blog.html (Table setting with Limes in tall vases, place cards)
http://www.thepartydress.net/?p=2704 (Wedding Cake)
http://paperolive.blogspot.com/2009/08/hip-lemonade-coolers-summer-wedding.html (Citrus Drinks)
http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/06/16/lemon-yellow-wedding-by-sillapere/ (Ceremony Set-up)
http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/33016/detailview.aspx?type=3&id=33016 (Bouquet)
http://www.declanphotography.com/gallery.php?gallery=1&tstart=3 (Flower Girl)

Fairy Dust
http://www.kissthegroom.com/?p=1827 (Fountain, path, forest set-up)
http://manolobrides.com/2009/10/26/kristen-and-todds-fairytale-affair/ (A fairy wedding Fairy flower girls )
http://www.yourweddingday.com/ywd/event-design/Fanciful-Garden.html (Table linens, table setting, cupcakes)
http://www.momentaldesigns.com (Stationary)

By Annette Hoegner, LA Division Manager, Firefly Occasions Inc.

Today’s eco-conscious brides are looking at alternatives to the traditional and expensive gowns that outlive their purpose in one day. They are buying dresses that can be worn again or that have already been worn once. You can find great dresses by high end designers at a consignment store in your area or at some awesome websites like www.encorebridal.com or www.preownedweddingdresses.com. Of course there is always ebay and Craig’s list for a really great deal.

Or if you prefer, there are some really great fabrics that can be used when having a gown or suit made like hemp, bamboo, tencel and peace silk ( which allow the silkworms a full life cycle). For couture in organic wool, soy silk and other eco-fabrics, try designers like Linda Loudermilk of www.lindaloudermilk.com or Wai-Chang at www.inhabitat.com .

Another awesome way to give back is to buy your dress from a charity such as the Making Memories Beast Cancer Foundation, which grants the last wishes of breast cancer patients. The foundation sells both new and used gowns (some are high end designers). Awareness of the environment has come a long way in a short time. How ever you decide to make a difference in your wedding should be applauded. Saving the environment is something that needs to become more of a priority for all.

Last year while I was in Vancouver I discovered frocks. A fabulous dress shop specializing in the prettiest bridesmaid dresses! Always a tough sell, bridesmaid dresses are not known for their wearability once the wedding is over but frocks changes all that.

AND they just opened a new shop in Calgary!!!

Catherine Staveley and Deb Viccars carry a line of dresses your “bridesmaids will love & can wear again!” I absolutely love the modern colors and classic styles. Their real life wedding section shows how these dresses really come to life on real life bridesmaids. I think it’s important to note that these girls all have very different body types but the dresses look fab on each of them!

Frocks also has a coordinating line of dresses for your flower girls! Totally sweet!

Let me be the first to say, “Welcome to Calgary Frocks!! You’re VERY Welcome On the Wedding Scene!”

So you have found the perfect dress and sent it out to be fitted to your shape. Now at along last the wait is over and it is time to have the fitting. Well girlfriend, don’t forget the following 5 tips to make your fitting smooth and your final results flattering.

1. Bra – Wear the bra you plan on wearing with the dress. After trying on the dress be sure to jump and dance around. I know it looks a little silly, but better to find out that your bra shows in the dressing room than on the dance floor at your reception.
2. Body Shapers – Got an unsightly bulge you plan on hiding? Make sure you try on the dress with you body shapers as they can not only smooth the slight tummy, but change the way the dress fits.
3. Stocking – While stockings are not necessarily a must, but sure to try them on too. You don’t want to find out too late that you’re being cut off in the middle or at the thighs.
4. Garter - If you are wearing a ball gown or an A line dress this probably won’t show, but if you are wearing a straighter line dress your garter might actually be seen before your groom takes it off. So make sure you try it on with the dress before the wedding. That way if it shows you can find another one.
5. Outerwear? – Last but most importantly, make sure your underwear isn’t outerwear. You most definately don’t want to be giving a peep show while you are walking down the aisle. If you can see your undergarments, you may want to purchase some flesh colored garments. Pinks, tans, and dark creams may just do the trick and keep your unmentionables hidden. A lot of brides wear blue panties for their “something blue” but I’ve seen a bride put these on under her dress and you can actually SEE them right through it… utilize the blue somewhere else.

Leanne with her stunning wedding gown! Contestants of Project Runway 5 were required to create wedding gowns for their final project as part of their collection. Leanne’s was by far the best with its unique design, stunning silhouette, and superb craftsmanship. This same sense of elegancy and design also won her the title of winner of Project Runway 5 last night.

Other dresses included Krotos’s African inspired gown which never hit the final runway in Bryant Park, Kenley’s Steve McQueen inspired feather wedding gown, and Jerell’s jewel encrusted dress that lost him the chance to show in the final.

All brides want to be unique but how far would you go to have a one of a kind wedding dress?

If bridal fashion is your thing then check out the rubber glove wedding dress created by British artist, Susie MacMurray. The dress is made from 1,400 inverted rubber gloves. No more dish pan hands, that’s for sure!

The dress will be featured at the New York Museum of Art and Design during their exhibition “Second Lives: Remixing the Ordinary.” This September you can view how recycled, discarded, mass-produced objects can be transformed into beautiful works of art.