Off the Rack look...

I have loved this dress ever since I saw it a while back on Nordstrom. I think it would be a beautiful dress for a beach wedding. If you are short on time (but not style) pulling an off the rack look can be easy and affordable. At around $1040 without the flowers it's a pretty good price, if you want to save even more you can find similar shoes for much less.  Did you purchase your dress of the rack? Would you consider it? 

Center: Aidan Mattox dress via Nordstrom.com, Top Right: Brides.com

Top Bottom: Sergio Rossi via Nordstrom.com, Left Top: Etsy.com

Left Bottom: Emitations.com

Handmade Bands

How would you like to have a one of a kind wedding band made especially for you at a very reasonable price? I turned to one of my favorite sites: Etsy.com once again to search for beautiful handmade rings. I was pleasantly surprised at the beautiful work being offered at prices that can't be beat. Have you/would you consider a handmade ring? Why?

Top Left: Artisanlook, Top Right: Silverwoods

Bottom Left: Autumn Leaves Jewelry, Bottom Right: Beyond the Rockz

Splurge VS Steal: Shoes Edition I

As someone who is very aware that wedding costs can add up very quickly I thought I would create a splurge vs steal board. Just for fun; How did I do?

 Splurge Shoes: Nordstrom Steal Shoes: Zappos

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

We are off to enjoy our long weekend in the deep south. Have a safe Memorial Day weekend, as you celebrate with your loved ones please take a moment to remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We will be back next week!

The Forever Ring...

Now that I know what I want this time around I've been daydreaming of colored gems in antique settings, such beauties. A while ago I found such lovelies on the Fay Cullen website. It's like a candy store with all the different styles and colors!  I've put a board together featuring some of their rings but it was so hard to just choose 12! What about you? Have you chosen a "non-traditional" engagement ring? If so, what did you choose?

Credits: All rings are from the Fay Cullen Website

Center: Here

Clockwise from top left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

*Disclaimer: This is not an advertisement, I just happen to really love this rings.

Bridal Market Spring 2010, many options for the encore bride!

I love this very stylish Oscar de la Renta gown, the asymmetrical line creates interest and it looks very modern. I created this inspiration board to showcase the bride’s look for the day. It would be a nice look for a “loft” wedding. Enjoy!

Dress: Oscar de la Renta via Martha Stewart.com, Earrings: Etsy, Headpiece: Etsy, Shoes: D&G via Nordstrom.com

The Encore Bride Style File

  This Carolina Herrera Spring 2010 gown is the reason I returned to blogging. I’ve been wrestling with the idea for a while but once I saw this gown I fell in love and I knew I had to share it. The contrast of the black flowers against the ivory fabric makes a bold statement and along with the A-line silhouette it is very forgiving to any figure. As an Encore Bride, this time around I would definitely wear this gown proudly. As I am committed to supporting the handmade industry I created an inspiration board showcasing many beautiful items from Etsy.com. Enjoy!

Photo Credits:

Center:

1. Carolina Herrera via Brides.com

Clockwise:

1. Etsy 2. Etsy3. Etsy 4. Valentino via Norsdtrom.com 5. The Knot 6. Etsy 7. Etsy

8. Etsy 9. Etsy 10. Etsy 11. The Knot.com 12. Brides.com

Welcome to Encore Bride!

Encore: “a second achievement especially that surpasses the first”-Merriam Webster Dictionary

The Encore Bride is blog about wedding planning with the twist, we have been-there-done-that before. At this stage of our lives we have found true love and are looking forward to celebrating it with those that are very dear to us. This time around our wedding celebration will reflect our style and personality even if it does not follow the industry standards. I look forward to sharing fabulous ideas, inspiration and tips that will help us along the way.

Besides wedding planning I am also in the process of launching a girl’s special occasion apparel line, I hope I can also share some of the ups and downs of that process, I look forward to hearing from you!