Mommy-To-Be Mode - Terrific Style Tips For the Expectant Bride

(Image Courtesy of The Knot's Community Board)

Back in the day, getting married while with child was a fate that a bride-to-be avoided at all costs. In recent years, however, society has become relaxed towards the idea of an expectant woman walking down the aisle towards her betrothed. Sharing the promise of commitment while presenting the new life that is growing inside of you adds a special element to your big day that goes beyond a typical wedding. With this in mind, you can succeed in flaunting that fabulous bridal style with the opulent options that are available for mommy-to-bes. Whether you’re looking for a gown that flatters your growing belly or a dress that conceals your fruitful frame, you’ll be sure to find something that will allow your loved ones to appreciate the wonder of your wedding day while adoring the beauty of pregnancy.

(Image Courtesy of Jessica Iverson Couture)

If you’re in no rush to get married before you start showing and aren’t bashful about your fuller figure, Pregnant Bride suggests that you look into shopping for a maternity gown. Hardly the monstrous muumuus of yesteryear, there are scores of sensational styles to choose from. What’s better, you can also shop online for beautiful bridal gowns from such wedding boutique websites such as Jessica Iverson Couture without having to sacrifice the luxury that a designer gown would bring. However, it is strongly suggested that you acquire a tailor that will be able to make last-minute alterations without spending a great deal of time or fuss, should you become bigger over time.

(Image Courtesy of Million Looks)

Then again, if you prefer to tie the knot before you start to show, we at Yazzie & Co. highly suggest that you collaborate with a masterful wedding dress maker or sharp bridal designer that will be able to skillfully conceal your growing belly. Do immediately inform them of your being with child so that they can accommodate you by adjusting your gown while being able to take it in prior to your big day so that it will fit your frame. According to Pregnant Bride, an early-pregnancy bride can’t go wrong with an A-line gown or a baby-doll style dress – both of which you’d be sure to find in Therez Fleetwood's versatile wedding dress collection.

(Image of Kilasa Mtambalike exchanging wedding rings with his wife Maulid Ahmed Courtesy of East African Tribune)

Worried about choosing the right accessories that will complete your magnificent mommy-to-be bridal style? No need to be, for you can still wear that radiant veil and stunning ring on the big day while being mindful of what you pick. For instance, you should make sure that your veil isn’t so long that you run the risk of tripping over it. In addition, you want to make sure that your chosen wedding ring will fit you on your wedding day. Pregnant Bride recommends that you have your real ring fitted before you are further along while using a mock ring for the ceremony or snagging a trinket that will fit your already-swollen finger on that day and alter it post-pregnancy. As for your hot honeymoon night? You’ll surely be able to find your share of sultry lingerie to fit your frame that will knock your new hubby’s socks off. With lovely maternity unmentionables from chic websites such as Bellabumbum to pick from, you’ll finish off your wedding day with a fabulous flourish!

Sincerely,

The Yazzie Blogger

Plan Your Wedding Day By Keeping It Green

(Image Courtesy of Bridal Clarity)

Hey, ladies we are back! In the spirit of Earth Day this week, we at Yazzie & Co. thought thought it’d be appropriate to show you how to have that glamorous wedding while protecting our earth. You will not have to sacrifice your sensational style to be conscious about the environment. If you’re still not sure where to start, read on for a few fabulous tips on going green the bridal way!

(Image Courtesy of The Daily Green)

The first order on the list of planning your wedding is choosing eco-friendly invitations. As tempting as it is to have them printed out on the fanciest material, we suggest that you choose your paper with care. Instead of using cotton fiber, Catalogs.com suggests that you use hemp paper or recycled paper as an eco-friendly alternative. With specialized paper stores like Green Field Paper and Kate's Paperie offering either material, they’re easy to find and are guaranteed to give you the same elegant look as regular paper invitations. Should you decide to take it a step further by going paperless, you can always sent out your wedding invites via e-mail. You’ll be saving time and money while avoiding waste.

(Image Courtesy of Tree Hugging Family)

Next on your list is organizing your bridal flower arrangements, which you can handily accomplish without spending a bundle on mass-produced flowers. Have fun with the wedding planning process by growing the beautiful blossoms of your choice in your own yard. Not only will you be saving money by purchasing seeds from your local florist or the Garden Center at your nearest Home Depot, but you’ll also be replenishing the earth with your lovely flowers. If you decide to gift your bridal party and guests, you can gift them green with eco-conscious presents. According to Catalogs.com, you can present your bridesmaids with fragrant homemade soaps while you give your groomsmen stylish hemp-made wallets. Your guests will certainly appreciate your all-natural take on the wedding favor when you present them with dazzling crystals or sweet-scented potpourri.

(Image Courtesy of About.com)

If you’re concerned about making the eco-conscious choice in your wedding dress, consider borrowing one from your loved one. You’ll not only be saving money, you’ll be carrying on tradition while being eco-conscious. However, if you prefer to purchase a new gown, Catalogs.com suggests that you select one that is made of a non-toxic material like hemp or organic cotton. What’s more, your dress will be more likely to resist mildew and mold – making it easier to preserve it and pass it down to the next beautiful bride. Your groom can buy his attire at a local vintage store, where he’ll find dapper classics from the 1930s and 1940s. And while it may be a difficult to snag your wedding rings at a discount, take heart in the fact that you can find an ethical jeweler to purchase them from. An ethical jeweler will not only work to prevent dangerous mining conditions for their workers, but will ensure that the amount of soil that is being used isn’t excessive to the point where our eco system isn’t endangered. You’ll definitely enjoy your big day a great deal more with the assurance that your sparkling diamond is produced responsibly.

(Image Courtesy of Here Comes The Guide)

Instead of collecting endless appliances and moneyed envelopes, you can request that your guests gift donate to eco charities such as Sustainable South Bronx, the Environmental Defense Fund, or Greenproofing under your name. Their money will definitely be spent on making the world a greener place. On your part, you can donate your post-bridal floral arrangements to a retirement home or a hospital. These flowers will enjoy a second life by bringing smiles to another audience. As for capturing those wedding day memories? We at Yazzie & Co. recommend that you skip spending money on developing your wonderful pictures and create a free online album instead. Not only will you skip out on using toxic chemicals, you and your loved ones can check your pics out at any time. After all, it’s easier to be greener on your wedding day!

Wishing You a Happy Earth Week,

The Yazzie Blogger

Go Green With An Excellent Eco Wedding

(Image Courtesy of Bridal Clarity)

Hey, ladies! Ever wanted to celebrate your big day without endangering the environment? With Earth Day being today, we at Yazzie & Co. thought it’d be appropriate to show you how to have that glamorous wedding while protecting our earth. You will not have to sacrifice your sensational style to be conscious about the environment. If you’re still not sure where to start, read on for a few fabulous tips on going green the bridal way!

(Image Courtesy of Organic Green and Natural)

Your wedding cuisine is also a great opportunity to apply that environmentally conscious spirit to your dishes. With a variety of deliciously organic, vegetarian, and vegan courses to choose from, you shouldn’t have a problem with satisfying your guests’ tastes. If you are hiring a chef to cater your wedding reception, do make sure that he or she specializes in making savory meals that include pesticide-free beef and free range chicken. What’s more, you can serve your guests with fresh organic wine, thus treating them to a libation that doesn’t include any chemicals or pesticides. As for your wedding cake, forgo artificial sweeteners for fresh fruit filling and maple sugar ingredients for a fresher taste that falls in line with your green wedding theme. The best part? It’s healthy fare that will be enjoyed by all.

(Image Courtesy of Here Comes The Guide)

Instead of collecting endless appliances and moneyed envelopes, you can request that your guests gift donate to eco charities such as Sustainable South Bronx, the Environmental Defense Fund, or Greenproofing under your name. Their money will definitely be spent on making the world a greener place. On your part, you can donate your post-bridal floral arrangements to a retirement home or a hospital. These flowers will enjoy a second life by bringing smiles to another audience. As for capturing those wedding day memories? We at Yazzie & Co. recommend that you skip spending money on developing your wonderful pictures and create a free online album instead. Not only will you skip out on using toxic chemicals, you and your loved ones can check your pics out at any time. After all, it’s easier to be greener on your wedding day! Stay tuned, for tomorrow wrap up on tips on how to go green on your wedding day!

Until then - Wishing You a Happy Earth Day,

The Yazzie Blogger

Snap Up That Spectacular Vintage Wedding Style While Saving a Bundle!

(Image of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy's Dress As Designed By African-American Designer, Ann Lowe, Courtesy of Life In Pink)

Hello, ladies. Have you ever dreamt of walking down the aisle in an elegant dress that is worthy of old-school glamour? Perhaps, you’ve been dying to bring your Dorothy Dandridge vision to life on your wedding day, but aren’t quite sure on how to clinch that without spending a lot. This is where Yazzie & Co. steps in, for we’ve got a great solution for you – shop vintage. That’s right, save big by shopping for your wedding dress at a thrift store or a consignment shop. You’re guaranteed to find a real treasure there, for you’ll be able to time-travel without having to step into a time machine.

With Smart Money Magazine recently declaring it as a fast-growing shopping trend, you should definitely jump on the vintage shopping bandwagon. Admittedly, being surrounded by various dresses from different eras and diverse styles can be a bit daunting. If this is the case for you, you can kick your vintage wedding dress shopping expedition off by choosing a thrift store or consignment shop based on location. As is the case in reviewing real estate, you’re more likely to find a great vintage designer find at a wonderful bargain in a better location. Another thing that you need to bear in mind is that while consignment shops are known for not accepting any less-than-perfect garments, thrift stores are more lax with what they’ll take in. Thus, if you decide to purchase your gown at a thrift store, you need to shop with an extremely discerning and patient eye. After all, you do not want to be stuck with a torn and stained wedding dress on your big day. Do also make sure that the dress that you eventually choose is a good fit for your frame, for while it can be returned at a consignment store, you cannot return it or any merchandise from a thrift store. As we suggested in our last blog, you should pick a dress that is within two dress sizes of yours so that your seamstress can make the needed alterations to make you look like your fabulous self.

So, before you let the recession convince you to give up on finding that spectacular wedding gown, dive into the wide and wonderful world of vintage shopping. Not only will it open your eyes to the possibility of discovering your dream wedding gown, it will also challenge you to think outside the box when it comes to shopping for bridal treasures. Look around your city for some great thrift shops and cool consignment stores. However, if there isn’t one in your vicinity, we at Yazzie & Co. also suggest that you check out the timeless treasures at Vintage Gown. You’ll take a load off your wallet without having to sacrifice your magnificently magical wedding day style!

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Bring Tradition Back With a Borrowed Bridal Gown

(Image Courtesy of Missouri Historical Society via Flickr)

Hi, ladies! Does it seem that the only road to wedding day glamour involves your spending money that you don’t have? Perhaps, you’re having a tough time finding a gown that speaks directly to you. If that’s the case, we at Yazzie & Co. have a great suggestion on how to still maintain that glam look on your big day without spending a down payment’s worth on a dress: borrow your wedding dress from the most important woman in your life. Whether it’d be your marvelous mother, amazing aunt, graceful grandmother, or sensational sister, wearing their dress is a wonderful way to pay homage to your bond and heritage while looking gorgeous.

Whether your choice is your mother’s extravagant gown, an aunt’s elegant dress, or your grandmother’s classic wedding dress, you’ll definitely be making a statement on your wedding day. Not only will you be carrying on the tradition of the extraordinary women in your family, you’ll look gorgeous when walking down the aisle. What’s more, the woman who you’ve chosen to honor on your wedding day will be touched beyond measure. Your need for something borrowed will definitely be fulfilled while tradition will play a major part on your wedding day.

However, it’s important that you make sure that your borrowed bridal gown is within two dress sizes of yours, according to the folks on the Love To Know website. Which seems simple enough, but when considering how body sizes and dress measurements have changed over the years, this may be an issue. This is why we highly suggest that you hire a skilled seamstress that will be able to tailor your beloved borrowed gown to fit your frame. With the two-dress-size leeway, he or she will be able to tuck in or let out the hem or waistline on your dress. Should you decide that you’d like to add a personal touch to it, please have the courtesy to ask the original owner if she would mind? After all, the last thing that you want to do is turn a wedding fashion "Do" into a disrespectful "Don’t".

Though countless bridal magazines and wedding websites will promote the pricey Vera Wang gowns as the ultimate wedding get, we at Yazzie & Co. believe that you should have pride in your choice to save big by representing the generations of women in your family. Not only have you successfully avoided the rat race of shopping for your wedding dress in a department store, you’re carrying on a tradition that will be available for your future daughter to assume someday.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Snag That Wedding Gown Chic Without Spending A Bundle!

(Image Courtesy of Clove Two Style Sheet)

Hey, ladies! Though we’re in the middle of one of the roughest recessions in recent memory, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your wedding style to save money. In fact, these trying times should serve as a challenge to you to use your imagination and savvy to find that special wedding gown at a great price. Since you’ve taken the first step by checking out our Yazzie & Co. blog, we think it only natural that you check out just how to get that recessionista glam look. So, let us show you how to shop for your dream bridal gown without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for an enchanting gown at a wonderful price, you can go the bridal bargain sales route. With bargain sales happening in April and October of each year, you’ll be able to find some great end-of-season finds at such department stores as Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue. However, if waiting isn’t an option, you can always check out David's Bridal, House of Brides, or Michael Shane Bridal for great year-round deals on beautiful bridal gowns. Not only will you get hands-on advice on choosing a great wedding dress, you’ll have access to some great bridesmaids’ dress selections.

Then again, if designer is what you desire, you can hit up the many sample sales that are always going on in your city. If you’re not sure when to schedule your sample sale shopping, you can subscribe to Daily Candy or Top Button for e-mailed updates on when your favorite designer’s sample sales are happening. You can also contact the showroom of your favorite designer for the inside scoop on when they will be planning their sample sales, for they usually have an idea about this a few weeks in advance. In addition, it would be wise to plan ahead with a dress style in mind so that you will be able to choose one wisely while shopping in a timely fashion. Most importantly, you need to ensure that your dress is not defective or damaged, since nearly all sample sale purchases are non-refundable.

In turn, there are a few basic, yet integral rules to keep in mind while being a bargain bridal diva. First off, make sure that you wear a one-piece bathing suit or bodysuit when trying your many gown choices on. After all, you need to keep in mind that these dresses have been tried on before you’ve gotten to them. In addition, you need to make sure that your dress is a good fit so that it can be tailored to fit your frame properly. You also want to ensure that you stick to your wedding dress budget, despite any cajoling from salespeople. Do also make sure that you do your homework in finding a skilled seamstress, for tailoring a perfect fit is what will ultimately make the wedding dress your own. Last but not least, while you should keep an open mind while shopping, we at Yazzie & Co. believe that you shouldn’t settle for any old dress. After all, you definitely owe it to yourself to show off your sassy, soulful, and sophisticated self on your big day!

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger