Will Recession Spoil the Cinderella Wedding

The New York Times reports that the downturn in spending is causing Cinderella brides to downsize their dream wedding.

Recession? Time to Slash the Flower Budget
By NINA REYES
Published: December 21, 2008

As the financial condition of the country worsens, the wedding industry, so long considered recession-proof, is seeing fairy-tale weddings stripped of their sprites, their sparkle.

Read it

Has fear of the economic downturn caused you to rethink your wedding budget? Do tell.

News Flash! Carolina Herrera Sample Sale

Carolina Herrera Private Sale

Friday, December 19 through Monday, December 22

9:00 am to 6:30 daily

317 W. 33rd Street

(Just off of 8th Avenue)

More Carolina Herrera in Wedding Style or the runway show of the Caroline Herrera Spring 2008 Collection in New York Mag.

ooo la la.

h/t: The Bride's Guide: Ideas from Martha Stewart Weddings

Blue Christmas: The Sapphire Engagement Ring

"Will you marry me?"

According to TheKnot.com, 40 percent of all brides hear this question between November and February.

This makes the diamond engagement ring a popular gift at Christmas; however the trend nowadays is toward the non-diamond bling including the sapphire engagement ring.

None other than Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer may have set this trend in motion in 1981.

Given a selection of opulent rings from which to choose, Lady Diana picked an oval sapphire engagement ring that weighed 18 carats and was surrounded by 14 small diamonds in an elegant cluster setting.

It could be purchased from an upscale jeweler for a mere 28,000 British pounds, or the equivalent of $65,000 (at 1981 exchange rates).

Despite how this turned out, the sapphire engagement ring has continued to gain popularity.

“People want to buy rarity and value. They want diamonds and color gemstones that are not easy to replace,” said Rahul Kadakia, head of Christie’s North America jewelry department. He remarked about a recent sale of a cushion-shaped “blue velvet” sapphire. The 42.28 carat, rare color ring sold at nearly $3.5 million.

The sapphire comes from the Corundum family which includes the ruby. It is considered second in hardness to diamonds. The sapphire is symbolic of faithfulness.


Will this year be a blue Christmas for you?

Winter Weddings: Think Outside the Black

Jingle bells usher in winter weddings, holiday parties and the perennial question, what to wear. Think outside the little black dress this year.


Sparkle

Snowflakes. Diamonds. Crystals. Nothing says winter like sparkle on your ears, in your hair, around your waist.

Christos Bridal Dress ~Style Sienna.

Take me there





Color

Red. Green. Coral? Why not? Who's going to look at those little black crows when you show up in a color that sizzles.




After Six 6196 Red Strapless Party Dress with Pencil Skirt

Take me there










Alvina Valenta 9680 Green Chiffon Halter Evening Dress

Take me there

Bari Jay 247 Coral Charmeuse Halter Evening Dress with Bandeau Top


Take me there







Winter White

All heads turn toward sophisticated winter white.

Montage 16940 Winter White Evening Dress with Lace Topper

Take me there







Berry

Cranberry. Wineberry. Holly. Deep rich tones make dramatic entrances at any elegant affair.

Watters & Watters 2612 Wineberry Silk Halter Tea Length Party Dress


Take me there



Whatever you wear, make merry!

Oscar de la Renta: Here Comes the Bride 2009

The fabulosa Oscar takes the couture bride on a fantastic voyage of new glam and old tricks.

Contrast the avante garde silhouette of white duchess satin one shoulder cascading ribbon bridal gown above with the retro waltz down memory lane of this silk shantung pantsuit below.

Chacun a son gout.

More from Oscar de la Renta here.