Jump The Broom With Joyful Style!

(Jumping the Broom by Annie Lee - Image Courtesy of Howerton Wooten Events)

Hey, everybody! We at Yazzie & Co. know that your wedding day is one of the biggest milestones in your life and definitely understand the importance of tradition. This is why it’s the perfect opportunity to incorporate the time-honored act of jumping the broom. More than just a mere catchphrase, it has been regarded as a rite of passage in symbolizing devotion for generations. While jumping the broom had once been considered as a painful reminder of black love and commitment being unrecognized during slavery, the success of Alex Haley’s celebration of African American heritage, Roots, brought it back to prominence. If you’re not quite sure if this is the route that you’d like to take, consider the parts that complete the special broom. The broomstick represents family and its handle symbolizes an Almighty spirit, while the ribbons represent the ties that bind you and your beloved together for eternity. Once you’ve got that in mind, it’ll be easy for you to bring that great tradition to life with your own special touch.

(Image Courtesy of Stuart’s Creations)

If you’ve decided on staging a Jumping the Broom ceremony, you should definitely choose your broom a few weeks in advance. After all, you want to make sure that you have the time to pick that special broom with care. According to Black Bridal Guide, it can feature anything from refined ribbons that hint at your wedding theme to beautiful cowrie shells that are a nod to your culture. Silk and fresh flowers are also welcome decorations that will spruce up your broom. You can purchase one from a local ethnic store or an online black bridal store such as Black Bridal Guide. If you’d prefer to cut costs, a simple household broom will do just fine. Larry James of Weddings by Lance suggests that you decorate it with your bridesmaids on a night before your wedding. Not only will you be personalizing your broom, but you’ll have the chance to bond with your sistas without the craziness that wedding planning brings.

(Image Courtesy of Katrina at the Get Real Photography)

Black Bridal Guide suggests that you make sure that the spiritual leader that you’ve chosen to officiate over your wedding ceremony is willing to include your Jump the Broom moment. Although the tradition is widely accepted in African American culture, there are some that prefer not to act out the rite of passage because of social and/or religious beliefs. If he or she has no qualms about it, then you can go forward and include everyone in attendance to participate in your Jumping the Broom ceremony on your big day by having them tie ribbons with their written initials around the broom branches before the ceremony. That way, your guests will represent the proverbial Village that is watching you take your leap to the next stage in your life. Larry James of Weddings by Lance suggests that you choose a convenient time before the bridal ceremony for them to do so. After you and your beloved hubby share your first kiss as man and wife, your maid of honor or his best man can place the broom in front of the two of you so that you can jump. Once presented as the new Mr. and Mrs., you’ll take that giant step towards your new life together and let the sweeping music carry you away towards great possibilities.

(Image Courtesy of the Pike’s Peak Wedding)

Once the festivities are over, don’t forget to save your wedding broom as a memento of your special day. According to Black Bridal Guide, you can preserve it in a special keepsake box so that it will stand the test of time. It can be passed down to your future children and grandchildren when they decide to tie the knot, thus keeping African American tradition alive. If you’re also looking for a chic way to give props to this special rite of passage, you can purchase our one-of-kind Jumping The Broom/Soul Inspiration bridal tee from our official website. It’ll serve as the perfect example of paying homage to love’s legacy and lifetime devotion – much like your Jumping the Broom ceremony!

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Start Your Bridal New Year With Our Resolutions!

(Image Courtesy of Hostess with the Mostess)

Hey, ladies! Are you poised to plan your wedding this year? With the New Year rolling in, this would be the ideal time to fuse your bridal plans with the spirit of resolutions. After all, you’ll have a straight head on your shoulders when it comes to putting everything together for the main event. And if you’re not sure just where to begin, well, we at Yazzie & Co. have some surefire suggestions that’ll help you out with everything!

(Image Courtesy of Magazine Express)

#1 – Don’t expect your wedding to be perfect. Now, don’t misunderstand us, for we definitely want your big day to be magical. But, the minute that you start incorporating ideas from Modern Bride Magazine , it’s a sign that you’re getting ahead of yourself. Since the last thing you need is stress when planning your wedding, you should bear in mind that everything isn’t micro manageable. Resist the urge to be a boorish Bridezilla and you’ll definitely come across as the beautiful bride that you were meant to be.

(Image Courtesy of Essence Magazine's Bridal Bliss Blog)

#2 – Don’t bite off more than you can chew. We know that planning a wedding requires that you put in a lot of time and attention, but that doesn’t mean that you should be forced to shoulder all the responsibilities. You’ve got family, friends, and a darling fiancé, so why not delegate some of the duties to them. After all, both friends and relatives will be psyched to play roles in this life-changing event, while your soon-to-be spouse will be kept in the loop. Even better, you’ll be able to make confident decisions while refraining from overspending on unneeded frivolities.

(Image Courtesy of Coconut Cove)

#3 – Be nice to your fiancé. And by that, we mean to remember that you’ll be marrying and spending the rest of your life with him. Sure, the wedding is a great opportunity for you to be totally fabulous, but there’s a marriage ahead that will be absolutely divine. Set aside some non-bridal planning time for the two of you and you’ll be guaranteed a life together that’s worth far more than a wedding day!

We at Yazzie & Co. want 2010 to be start of something wonderful for every bride and bride-to-be everywhere. Thus, we are continuing our mission to provide sassy advice for the soulful and sophisticated sista. After all, we want you to be your best you this year!

Sincerely,

The Yazzie Blogger

Be At Ease in Planning Your Marvelous Military Wedding!

(Image Courtesy of Charmed Events Planning)

Though we at Yazzie & Co. would usually kick off the holiday season by writing about holiday weddings, we wanted to switch gears this time around by honoring our troops. With so many of you all fighting for our country, we thought it right to discuss wedding planning – military style. After all, you brave men and women are in love with love as much as we civilians are, so why not share in that by learning how to pull off a magnificent military wedding? It’s not as daunting as you’d think, so stick around and let us show you how to pull it off with panache!

(Image Courtesy of MB Weddings)

Should you decide to go all out by getting married in a military chapel or military academy, you’d do well to book well in advance. EHow thinks that a year’s time will suffice in ensuring that you don’t get lost in the military marriage shuffle. Do make sure that you thoroughly investigate who you choose as your chaplain, for you don’t want to be stuck with someone who is unlicensed or unqualified to preside over a military wedding. According to EHow, decoration standards are very particular, so you also want to check with the staff to make sure that what you’ve chosen is in line with what they allow. If you’re not sure how to go about decorating your military venue, we suggest featuring the American flag. Not only does it pay homage to your military background, it also serves as a symbol of unity. Even better, you can take things a step further by featuring flowers that reflect the flag – like red and white roses and blue cornflowers. While military chapels don’t charge to rent for weddings, Tracy Guth from The Knot recommends that you donate to its fund out of courtesy. Think of it as giving back to the milieu that made you the person that will stand tall in front of your new spouse.

(Image Courtesy of the Old Glory Ranch)

Your next priority, soldiers, is to address your guests properly. Not quite as easy as seating your soon-to-be in-laws in the front row, one needs to follow proper military protocol when inviting your wedding guests. For instance, while using regular invitations are fine, you should include yours and/or your soon-to-be spouse’s rank and title on them. Also offer your military loved ones and colleagues the option of attending in full dress, EHow suggests. That way, they will be able to pay tribute to your military bond in uniform. You should also be aware of who you invite and where they will be seated, since this also directly reflects on military tradition. According to Gigi Rena Rogers of Favor Ideas, your commander and high-ranking officers should be seated beside your immediate family while your colleagues should be seated directly behind them. Once you work your seating arrangements out, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step – dressing the part.

(Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

If you’re a soon-to-be bride that’s currently serving, you aren’t bound to wear your uniform. However, you can if you choose to do so. Should you be a soon-to-be groom in the military, it is recommended that you dress in traditional military garb for your big day. Since Winter’s around the corner, EHow recommends that you wear a blue uniform with your medal(s) and pristine white gloves. You’ll be dapper enough in your gleaming shoes to do the Arch of Sabers walk with your new bride. The most defining moment of a military wedding ceremony, this consists of you and your new bride walking through an arch of sabers towards your new life together. Whether you’re using swords as a Naval or Coast Guard officer or sabers as an Army officer or a Marine, EHow strongly suggests that check to see that your chosen base location has them available. Also make sure that there are commissioned officers available to hold up those swords or sabers during that moment on your wedding day, for Tracy Guth mentions that they’re the only ones that are authorized to participate in this part of the ceremony. Once the walk has been walked, your former civilian spouse will now officially be a military spouse – another thing that you’ll be proud to hold your head up high about as a member of the military.

Thanking You from the Bottom of Our Hearts for Your Dedicated Service,

The Yazzie Blogger

Express Your Enduring Love with Sincerity!

(Image Courtesy of Melissa Blemur Photographer’s Blog)

Penning your wedding vows can be as difficult as picking out an engagement ring or choosing your wedding dress. This is why Yazzie & Co. felt it right to dedicate this blog to all the soon-to-be marrieds who are stumped on how to speak their heart on paper. After all, the last thing we want is for you to become so overwhelmed that you forget the main focus – to express your love in front of those that are near and dear to you. So, how to pull this off, you ask? Well, keep reading for great tips on creating those timeless vows.

(Image Courtesy of the InMagine)

Say that you and your love have decided to collaborate on your vows. You both should bring your voices into the mix while being able to compromise on what you’d like to include and omit. This is where patience and open-mindedness come in, for the main thing that should be kept in mind is that these vows will reflect your new life together. In addition, About.com suggests that you be mindful of what you’re writing if you both decide to get married in a house of worship. After all, you don’t want the official to decline presiding over your nuptials out of offense.

(Image Courtesy of the Wedding Channel)

Then again, if you’d prefer to surprise your love with words of tenderness on your wedding day, no need to worry about getting it all wrong. All you need to do is remember the little things about him or her that made you fall in love with them, as well as the big things that solidified your love for them. Whether this takes you back to the first time that you ever laid eyes on them or the day that you decided to commit yourself, express these heartfelt feelings by putting pen to paper. If it takes you checking out some great love poems or sincere love letters for extra inspiration, About.com believes that it wouldn’t hurt - just as long as you allow yourself to shine in the finished product.

(Image Courtesy of the Forever - Tim and Becky’s Finger Lake Wedding)

Above all are the heartfelt words that you put to paper when you write your vows, since they represent your innermost thoughts about your spouse-to-be. Streamline them so that they resonate just as well when you recite them aloud on your wedding day. Ask a loved one to listen in and provide you with their feedback so that you can be prepared to share your feelings about your love to the world.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

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

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

Get Your Boogie On With a Wonderful Wedding Band

(Image Courtesy of Katrina at the LI Weddings message forum)

Hello, ladies! With your guest list set and your wedding venue reserved, you’ve made way for one of the most enjoyable aspects of the wedding planning process - choosing your entertainment. While hosting a wonderful wedding weighs heavily on your mind, it’s also important to make sure that you’re able to enjoy one of the best days of your life. This is why we at Yazzie & Co. have come up with a great way for you to bring on the fun – by hiring a wedding band to play. Not only will your wedding day be blessed with fantastic music, the band will guarantee that your guests will have a good time. If you’re unsure on how to make the best choice in a wedding band, scroll on for some terrific tips for keeping your big day in tune.

(The Avenue Band’s Image Courtesy of Jerry Bruno)

If you’re thinking of hiring a band to play at your wedding, you definitely have much to consider when shopping around. First and foremost, do make sure that this is something that you can afford to fit in your bridal budget. According to About.com , a wedding band runs anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000 a night – depending on the size of the band and their resourcefulness. Thus, if you’re willing, but wary, about spending that amount, you should definitely pay close attention to their payment and cancellation policies. You’ll surely save yourself the trouble by doing so. Another thing to consider is the whether a band is versatile enough to play the music that you’ve chosen as your musical theme. Their ability to accommodate the mood of your big day while specializing in many musical genres is something that will greatly affect how it all plays out. Do also keep in mind that while a live band definitely outpaces a DJ in their ability to move the crowd, they will also need to break a few times to collect themselves and enjoy your delicious wedding cuisine. Thus, it will also be a great idea to keep a CD or two on hand for those occasions.

(Image Courtesy of Katrina at the LI Weddings message forum)

Should you decide that a live band is the way that you’d like to go for your wedding day entertainment, make sure that you choose one that can cater to your style of music while providing a great time to your guests. With your choice of bands that play everything from Golden Standards to Jazz and Funk, you’re bound to find one that is just right for you. More importantly, you want to make sure that your band is flexible enough to learn songs that aren’t standards in their repertoire, for their willingness to work with you is a definite plus as far as getting the job done. You will be able to get a feel for what a band is about by meeting its leader to make sure that he or she understands what you’d need from them to make your wedding day go smoothly. In addition, you want to make sure that the band that you choose has a great camaraderie with one another and has performed for quite a while. That way, if unavoidable circumstances – such as sickness or termination - happen to befall a member of the band, they’d be able to cover the last-minute absence. You should also look into liability insurance, just in case.

(Image Courtesy of the Perfect Music For Weddings)

Last, but not least, be sure to choose a band that fits the size of your bridal venue. The rule of thumb, according to Stitely.com, is that a six to eight piece band will work for a wedding of 100 guests or less while an eight to ten piece wedding band can accommodate approximately 100-200 guests. However, if your wedding is going to consist of 200-300 guests, then a nine to fourteen piece band will do. An even larger guest list that consists of 300-plus people will definitely call for a ten to seventeen piece band. No matter what size of band that you opt to go with, do make sure that they possess adequate instruments and a reliable sound system. The last thing that you need is terrible sound quality on one of the most magical days of your life. After all, ladies, we at Yazzie & Co. firmly believe that a wonderful wedding band makes all the difference.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Enjoy Your Enchanting Easter Wedding with Elegance

(Image Courtesy of Associated Content)

What’s up, ladies. Easter is around the corner and we at Yazzie & Co. thought it right to dedicate this blog to the idea of having a wedding on the day of resurrection. Not only does this holiday provide you with the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the Spring weather, but you’ll have a lovely time with creating a lasting memory for all. What’s more, your wedding will be a great chance to keep with the holiday tradition of new beginnings while incorporating the ideas of love, family, and a brand new day.

(Image Courtesy of Silk Flowers 365)

If you’ve decided to have an Easter wedding, well, you’ll be happy to know that it isn’t as impossible a concept as it seems to be on paper. With just a bit of imagination and a lot of heart, your wedding will surely be a special affair. You can kick off your Easter wedding planning by putting together a celebration with a spiritual Spring theme. Your invitations should include religious elements and Springtime flavor such as a combination of crosses and flowers. Pastel colors can also be incorporated in your wedding day look through your bridal headdress, while they’ll work well with the groom’s floral boutonniere selection. Associated Content suggest that the bridal décor that you and your fiancé choose should incorporate pastel colors such as magenta and sky blue, while the best choice of venue would be a church. After all, it provides plenty personality for Easter.

(Image Courtesy of Ariel Skelley of Corbis)

Your Easter bridal reception should include the same spiritual subtlety as your bridal reception. In order to achieve that, we think each table in your chosen venue should include a centerpiece of floating candles with flower petals on the bottom of each votive to accentuate the beauty of the occasion. According to Associated Content, our bridal menu should evoke the spirit of Easter as well with roast ham or glazed lamb as your main dish, while your wedding cake should be made out of delicious buttercream to suggest that Spring feel. Kissing bunnies and pastel-colored frosting will definitely seal the deal for a winning Easter wedding cake. While your adult guests will enjoy personalized Easter bridal favors that include Jordan almonds or chocolate eggs, staging an Easter egg hunt for your youthful guests will definitely guarantee for all to have a great time.

(Image Courtesy of Black Voices Blogs)

In turn, we at Yazzie & Co. believe that you’ll be getting the best of both worlds. After all, Easter is a family affair while weddings are the best examples of love and happiness. By having your Easter wedding, you’ll be able to boast it as a bridal event that can be just as fun and full of color as a summer wedding. However, you must remember the most important aspect of this glorious occasion: making sure that it is the happiest day of both of your lives.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Put Your Best Face Forward on Your Big Day

(Image Courtesy of Ephraim Ben-Shimon of Corbis)

Hey, ladies. Your wedding day is one of the biggest milestones of your life. That’s why it’s integral that you look your best. While your natural glow of love while certainly shine through, an extra boost to your beauty certainly never hurts. That’s why we at Yazzie & Co.will dish on the best way to look your loveliest with magnificent makeup. After all, you want to make sure that every inch of you are dazzling on camera!

(Image Courtesy of the African American Wedding Hairstyles & Hairdos)

When plotting out your bridal look, the first thing that you need is an image in mind. Whether it’s a beauty icon that you’d like to replicate or your personal style that you’d like to enhance, a little research will go a long way with your wedding style. eHow recommends that you seek inspiration from wedding magazines and websites. If anything, it’ll work out for you whether you decide to do your makeup yourself or have it professionally done.

(Image Courtesy of the African American Wedding Hairstyles & Hairdos)

After you figure out what bridal look you’d like to go for, do ensure that it is sufficient for the time of day that you’re having your wedding. In addition to how you’ll look on camera, you’ll also have to bear in mind just how you’ll look in an indoor or outdoor venue. Once you have your wedding plans set in stone, you’ll be able to go forward in putting your best foot forward.

(Image Courtesy of the African American Wedding Hairstyles & Hairdos)

Finally, you want to make sure that you choose the best kind of makeup for your special day. Keeping the lighting of your venue in mind, you need to carefully shop for your makeup. According to eHow your best bet is to choose lightweight foundation for subtle coverage against the heat while using waterproof mascara to avoid raccoon eyes while crying your happy tears. When working on your face, make sure that the delicate shade of lipcolor that you choose matches the blush coloring in your cheeks. In addition, using bronzer will enhance your features while multi-shaded eyeshadow helps your eyes pop, guaranteeing that you’ll be a radiant bride.

(Image Courtesy of The Knot)

Whether you like to bring out the glam or sweep your groom away with a classic look, we at Yazzie & Co. want you to look your very best on your wedding day. After all, you deserve to be the belle of your bridal ball and what better than to do that than to shine brightly in flawlessly fabulous makeup.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Shower Your Wedding with Your Personal Spring Flower Style

(Image Courtesy of Wedding Channel.com Message Board)

Hey, guys! With Spring just a few days away, we at Yazzie & Co. have decided to dedicate this blog to the one of the best things about the season: fantastic flowers. With a great selection of blooming flowers to choose from, you’ll never be at a loss of what flowers to choose on your big day. No matter if your taste in flowers varies from terrific tulips to gorgeous gerber daisies, there’s surely a spectacular opportunity to have a striking wedding. So, why not run with the idea of having fun by designing your own floral arrangement. This can be a fun project to do while saving a significant amount of money. Not only will you be surrounded by the beauty of flowers, but you’ll be able to say that you had a hand in creating one of the best days of your life!

(Image Courtesy of Beautiful Wedding Invitations Blog)

Though most of the stunning floral arrangements that you do see are done by trained floral designers, you needn’t let that discourage you from taking on this project. If you aren’t sure just where to begin with this, we suggest that you check out various floral, interior design, and bridal magazines for inspiration. According to About.com, a weekend visit to a wedding reception at a five-star hotel will also season your creative juices. Whether you decide to snap photos with your camera phone or clip our pictures from the magazines, you should create a file of floral looks that truly catch your eye. In addition, be sure that you purchase basic supplies such as scissors, ribbons, and floral tape to create your floral arrangements. Do also make sure that your floor is covered in plastic to prevent the bleeding stains of some flowers and ensure that you have an abundance of buckets of water. If you’re all about saving money with your wedding flower design, According to About.com also suggests that you invest in carnations and roses. Not only are they simply stunning, but their beauty belies their low price.

(Image Courtesy of A Touch of Perfection)

Most importantly, creating your own bridal floral arrangements takes careful planning and constant practice. After deciding what creative vision you have for your bouquets, centerpieces, or other wedding arrangements, you would need to practice at least a few times to work through any early errors that you may make. According to About.com, you should also test the amount of time that it takes to do each bouquet or arrangement. Friends and family who are willing to help would definitely benefit you as well. What’s more, Do It Yourself Weddings recommends that the flowers that you eventually decide upon can serve as great wedding decoration and bridal wardrobe scheme. If you aren’t sure where to shop for lovely flowers for your Spring wedding, we at Yazzie & Co. suggest that you check out Cheap Flowers for some pretty great deals. If you prefer to shop for them in person and live in the tri-state area, you can also check out the Flower Market District on West 28th Street and Sixth Avenue in Manhattan for some beautiful selections at a great deal. After all, you deserve the best wedding that the promise of Spring will bring.

Wishing You a Spectacular Spring Wedding Season,

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

Capture Your Wedding Memories at a Beautiful Bargain

Hi, guys! Though we’re currently in the midst of a recession, we at Yazzie & Co. are confident that you can have the wedding of your dreams without spending a huge amount of money. That’s right; with a clear vision and a great imagination, you will definitely succeed in pulling off a wonderful wedding without breaking the bank. How so, you ask? Well, this is where we come in. For the next few weeks, we’re going to focus on hooking you all up with terrific tips on how to save big without skimping on wedding glamour. So, scroll on and take notes on what’s sure to take a load off your wallet.

(Photo by Paul Harring of Paul Harring Photography)

Want the memories of your big day to be captured in snapshots that will truly reflect its magical splendor, but don’t quite have the money to spend on a professional photographer. Well, fear not, for we’ve got a great idea on how to accomplish this without digging deep into your wallet – do-it-yourself digital photography . Not only will you save a bundle on what you would’ve spent in hiring a professional, but you’ll have the luxury of receiving your photographs as soon as the same day of your wedding. Whether you decide to hire a friend or family member to do the honors, you won’t have to worry about waiting for weeks or months until you can show your pictures off to everyone.

(Photo Courtesy of Startum.com)

While your designated wedding photographer has technology on his or her side, they still need to have a good idea about the basics in taking a magnificent picture. Factors that come into play when using a digital camera include how to personalize its settings to take a great photo and how to frame the shot, while he or she also needs to be aware of when they should take the picture and how to set up the subject (which can mean anything from the wedding décor to the bridal party). Your designated wedding photographer also needs to know how to retouch photographs so that you will be just as radiant in pictures as you were on your wedding day. While Photoshop experience is definitely a plus, he or she can either utilize its simpler version, Photoshop Elements, or take cues from a digital wedding photography book. We suggest that you check out Digital Wedding Photography: Capturing Beautiful Memories by Glen Johnson or How to Take Great Digital Photos of Your Friend's Wedding by Patrick Rice - two books that are great for photographers with any level of experience.

Most important of all, you want to ensure that your designated bridal photographer captures the prime moments in the one of the most extraordinary days of your life. From your getting your wedding gown zipped by your bridesmaid to your jumping the broom with your new husband to gorgeous wedding cake, you want to make sure that he or she is taking it all in from the lens of their digital camera. After all, we at Yazzie & Co. want you to have an album filled with loving memories of your special day without worrying about the cost of it all. With that said, we’d also love to see your wedding day memories through your photographs. Thus, you can e-mail your snapshots of your special day to me at yazzieblogger@yazzieco.com and we’ll include it in a future blog of ours.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Make Your Valentine’s Day Nuptials a Melodic Memory

Hello, lovebirds. Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic times of the year, making it the perfect time to jump the broom. However, one needs that special detail to crystallize the moment of everlasting love and sweeping romance. We at Yazzie & Co. believe that that element of enchantment is music, for it clinches the passion that a Valentine’s Day wedding can bring forward. Not sure on where to start on selecting some sincerely romantic tunes? Read on for some of our great Valentine’s Day wedding song selections…

The first thing that you want to think about is finding that one song to walk down the aisle to. While magical romance is the first quality to look for in a tune, you also have to consider the location of your Valentine’s Day nuptials. If you plan on having yours in a place of worship, you must be mindful of the sensibilities of the man or woman of worship who is officiating over the ceremony. If you have a contemporary song in mind, you want to ensure that it isn’t at all offensive to them or the members of the place of worship. Should you decide that you do not want to run that risk, we suggest that you choose a classical selection. We think that Canon in D Major by Johann Pachelbel would wonderfully capture the beauty of a Valentine’s Day bride walking down the aisle to the instrumental harmony. However, if your place of worship is a bit more lenient with song choices, we believe that the late Luther Vandross’ classic, Here and Now, equally portrays the poignancy of a bride’s walking towards a new beginning with heartfelt lyrics and a wonderful voice.

Another important musical moment in a Valentine’s Day wedding is the first dance. The song that you choose should reflect one that has meaning to both you and your eternal Valentine. Whether the song is up-tempo or a slow groove, it should also display the overall mood and theme of your nuptials. If your groom is worried about being able to hold his own on the dance floor, he can rest easy in knowing that all eyes will be on the both of you celebrating the new life that you’ve begun to build. One of our favorite Valentine’s Day selections is Stevie Wonder’s Knocks Me off My Feet, for we believe that the simple words of love make for a classic bridal moment. Then again, if you want to use a more updated tune that reflects your modern sensibilities, we think that Come Close by Common featuring Mary J. Blige would serve as a great tune.

Whatever music you decide to feature for your Valentine’s nuptials, we at Yazzie & Co. believe that it should be reflective of the promise that you have decided to make to one another. Furthermore, a marvelous melody is destined to add that special significance to your special day. On that note, we’d love to know what songs capture that Valentine’s Day wedding spirit to you. E-mail me at yazzieblogger@yazzieco.com with your memories of the music that stole your heart and we’ll feature them in a future blog of ours.

With Lots of Valentine’s Love,

The Yazzie Blogger

Whip Up That Winning Wedding Food For Your Big Day!

Hi, everyone! We had such a great time with writing about setting up a great bridal menu last week that we’ve decided to take it a step further. This time around, we at Yazzie & Co.want to let you in on how to make sure that your wedding cuisine is a success. After all, the food that you serve on your big day should be unforgettable for the right reasons. Thus, what better than to whip up food that will capture your guests’ taste buds as well as your special moment will capture their hearts?

While we do know that the recession is weighing heavily on your minds, we nonetheless believe that a wonderful wedding deserves a perfect palette of food. Thus, we think that you should take the less-is-more route to bridal dining success. In other words, instead of serving a large amount of terrible food that none of your guests will touch, you should serve smaller portions of delectable food. That way, your bridal company will have their pick of delicious cuisine while having the opportunity to try food that they’ve never had before.

Then again, if that direction isn’t one that you would want to take, we suggest that you put together a wonderful wedding brunch with delicious fare such as glazed fruit pastries, fluffy croissants, and sparkling champagne. Not only will you be saving a great deal of money, you’ll also have the opportunity to share your big day in an intimate way while forming a special connection with your brand new family. You can even invite your loved ones to participate in the festivities by having them include some of their special dishes.

If you are too busy to pick and choose your favorite dishes, you can always host your wedding at your favorite restaurant. Sure, it might cost you a little more money to reserve it, but it’s definitely worth a shot. Besides, whatever you’re spending to hold it for the night will be made up for with the amount that you’ll save on renting utensils, tables, glassware, any additional venue costs. Most importantly, you already know that the food is amazing, so that’s one less thing to worry about!

In turn, Yazzie & Co.would love to hear your bridal food success stories. Whether your bridal cuisine success was cooked up in your family kitchen or served to you by the finest chef in your city, we want you to share your tales. We just might include them in our future blog.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Jazz Up Your Wedding Cuisine With a Magnificent Bridal Menu!

Hi, guys. After covering the hottest hairdos in last week’s blog, we at Yazzie & Co. are presenting the next step in planning a fabulous wedding – arranging your bridal menu. Just as important as choosing that wonderful wedding dress or that terrific tux, setting up your food itinerary is a decision that requires thought and care. While it can take as little as several hours to put your bridal menu together, expect to dedicate an approximate few weeks to plan this if this is your first time planning a wedding. After all, you want to make sure that your bridal cuisine is just as enjoyable as the wedding itself.

There are two things to consider in putting your wedding menu together: your wedding date and your bridal budget. You need to know if you’re planning on having a summer afternoon reception or a winter evening party so that you can set the tone of the wedding food selection. Where you choose to stage your wedding also has an impact on what you choose to serve, for the dishes that you present in an outdoor location has a different effect on what you would offer your guests in an indoor venue. You also want to make sure that the wedding location of your choice is available before putting your bridal cuisine plans in motion.

That being said, we at Yazzie & Co. know how tough it is to plan a wedding on a limited budget. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to skimp on the quality of your wonderful celebration of love. To the contrary, there are plenty of ways to save money without sacrificing the loveliness of your wedding. For one, you can have a cocktail or dessert reception after the ceremony. Dessert receptions, in particular, are especially great for the couple who wants to break from the standard wedding reception tradition. If you prefer to have a complete lunch or dinner reception, you can recruit family and friends that can burn in the kitchen to make some of their signature dishes for all to enjoy. Their delicious dishes will serve as a great highlight of your bridal reception while saving you hundreds of dollars in wedding planning costs.

Then again, if money isn’t an issue for you, you can still incorporate creativity into your wedding menu. Hot and cold hors d’oeuvres can be served to provide your guests with more options, while they can be presented in a buffet and by waiters as they serve them to be enjoyed by everyone. In addition, you should use this opportunity to check out various bridal caterers, chefs, and cooks to see what dishes they specialize in. Take advantage of the free tastings that they offer and ask a friend or relative to tag along and provide a second opinion. We also recommend that you inquire about the dietary options that the caterers, cooks, and chefs offer, for you also have to consider the eating habits of your various guests.

In turn, the most important part about putting a wedding menu together is ensuring that you include the food that you love. After all, it is your wedding day and you want to enjoy the food as much as you enjoy the celebration of this new chapter of your life. Also personalize your wedding menu choices with food that speaks to your heart while paying homage to your heritage. If you and your spouse-to-be come from different backgrounds, you can feature both in the wedding dinner or dessert reception. Old family recipes are always welcome, as are second opinions when putting your final bridal menu draft together. In the end, we at Yazzie & Co. believe that deliciously sizzling cuisine is a key step to guaranteeing a sassy, sophisticated, and soulful wedding.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger