Hello there sisters. I know that I said that I would start my blog in October, but at the request of several sisters, I will start my blog tonight. It wasn't my intention to highjack anyone's blog and I sincerely apologize for my faux pas (LOL).

OK, as I've said in several posts, my FH and I will be getting married on October 17th, 2009 in Queens, New York. We're hoping to send out 150 invitations, but would truly feel blessed if 130 attends. Our theme is "Classic Elegance" and our colors are Dusty Rose, Merlot, Champagne and Gold. Our ceremony will be held at 6:00 PM and our Reception will start at 8:00 PM. Being Haitiana, I intend to follow a lot of our honored traditions and will mention them along the way. For example, our ceremony will be about 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours as is customary for a traditional Haitian wedding. The part that takes longest, I believe is the processional as the bridal party dances down the aisle. It's truly really nice to see.

Sounds beautiful Gin. Cant wait till all the details start pouring out. I can picture the bridal party dancing down being beautiful...

I swear that everytime I look at my Mary's catalog, I find other dresses that will do for the occasions. I went back and forth on this gown business, even had my sisters vote on the ones they liked best, but wouldn't you know it, I find another one I'm considering. So here's the object of so much fuss. It's a great thing I've got time on my hands to really look and compare. Ok, here we go again, please tell me what you think?

Choice #1



Choice #2


Choice #3



Choice #4



*** So you ladies could see my dilemma. All beautiful gowns, one of me to go around in them. That's what I'm looking at so far. The thing is I must choose one to be ordered. There isn't a bridal salon who carries Mary's bridal in stock. It must be ordered as if I'm buying it or I could make a trip to Texas to their warehouse. Isn't that something? But I'm still looking, I will find a salon so that I could try all 4 so I could make up my mind better. I love all of them!!! Sorry it came out so big. I don't know how to resize the pictures prior to posting them. They're saved on my laptop.

Ginoue,

I also had to select my gown without trying it on, so I really had to pay attention to the details and know what works for me. I really like the colors you are considering. #4 would go exceptionally well with your colors, and it's unique-looking.

But first of all, I would consider your body-type. As you know, certain dresses are better suited to certain figures. I don't think I've ever seen a pic of you, so it's hard for me to really tell. I would also consider the material. Two are tafetta gowns and two are organza. Which more closely matches the look you're trying to achieve? Did you already select the bridesmaid dresses? I belive organza/chiffon should go with organza/chiffon and satin/tafetta should be matched with satin/tafetta dresses. The styles are also similar with the pick-ups and everything, but which neckline appeals to you more? I see a modified sweetheart neckline in # 1, a sweetheart in #2, a portrait neckline in #3 and a strapless or scalloped neckline in #4. You have 4 selections here. But I believe there is only one that you can even imagine yourself in.

BTW, I love Mary's Bridal, too!

One more thing, if you're a pear shape, I've read that it's better to select a dress with more detail on the top than the bottom in order to draw the eye upwards and not make your bottom half look larger.

So, those pick-ups worry me if you're pear shape. I can tell you're really crazy about them.

Ginoue,
I honestly love all the stles.. You won't go wrong with whichever one you choose.. So sorry sista you're gonna have to let your heart decide!

Ginoue wrote:

Hello there sisters. I know that I said that I would start my blog in October, but at the request of several sisters, I will start my blog tonight. It wasn't my intention to highjack anyone's blog and I sincerely apologize for my faux pas (LOL).

OK, as I've said in several posts, my FH and I will be getting married on October 17th, 2009 in Queens, New York. We're hoping to send out 150 invitations, but would truly feel blessed if 130 attends. Our theme is "Classic Elegance" and our colors are Dusty Rose, Merlot, Champagne and Gold. Our ceremony will be held at 6:00 PM and our Reception will start at 8:00 PM. Being Haitiana, I intend to follow a lot of our honored traditions and will mention them along the way. For example, our ceremony will be about 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours as is customary for a traditional Haitian wedding. The part that takes longest, I believe is the processional as the bridal party dances down the aisle. It's truly really nice to see.

Bonjour, your are haitian. That is awesome. I took french in high school and I am saying for Paris next year.

G, agree with he other ladies it is hard to choose when all of the above dresses are sooo beautiful. I also agree that you need to try the dresses on to really see which one suits you best. Good Luck.

BTW, my sweet little girls birthday is October 17th and she will be 6 years old this year. You picked the perfect day.

As the ladies said, all four choices are really nice. And since they are all nice, I say go with the one that would be most memorable, #4. It really does stand out more than the others.

VIPrincessBride ~ I am flying blind on this one. I am plus size (size 16-17) and I do have a pear shape. God blessed me with both boobs (38D) and bottom. As you can see, they're all terrific gown, but I'm going with the vintage look of the old silver screen. I must admit that I'm partial to #1 in champagne/Multi (color pictured) and #3 in Ivory/Multi , but I find that I can't walk way from #2 either. My MOH thinks that #4 is a bit too busy for me. What do you think?

Thanks for the compliment MzPrice2B

Thank you so much Teresa and yes girl, it's about time, right? (LOL). The thing is, I can't try on those gowns because I can't find a salon that carries her line in stock. Lots of salon carries her, but just a few pieces here and there and wouldn't you know it, not the gowns that I'm interested in either. So, I want to pick one that will compliment me and my bridal party as well.

You will adore Paris Mycenae. It's a wonderful place, but you'll get more out of your trip if you go native instead of doing just the usual tourist things. While there, go to your local markets and buy freshly baked baguettes and sweet cream then wash it down with "Cafe au lait". It's just a fancy word for coffe and cream, but somehow french coffee is the rave with your baguette.

Ok oh. I plan to stay two weeks and I am going to go alone. I want to walk the through the entire Louvre and walk the city until my feet are good and blister and i'll not have anybody saying. I'm tired. LOL

G ...they all are beautiful! I love #4!!! If I were in the air as much as you ...I would just make an appointment to fly in and try them all on!

Here are the bridesmaids gowns that I've chosen.

They didn't post Gin.

I think all of the gowns would be great on you because the flair out. You only concern maybe having more cleavage than you like with some of the gowns.

So sorry. I had a very lengthy phone call. Here we go with the Bridesmaids dresses so far:

Set 1. In Dusty Rose


Set 2. In Merlot


Set 3. In Dusty Rose


Set 4. In Merlot


My Ladies-In-Waiting (Hostesses) will wear this.


My MOH will wear this


I have 8 bridesmaids and that's what they've chosen. They had a vote of about 10 gowns. What do you Divas think?

I like #1. Wow is that pretty.

excellent choices GIN! i like gown 1 or 4 with those.

I'm loving #1

Wow loving your hostess and MOH dresses.

We're keeping all 4 Bridesmaids gowns. That's what the ladies have decided.

I've yet to choose my Junior Bridesmaids', Flowergirls' gowns, but then again, I've got time on my hands. My most important choice is choosing the gown that will best compliment my ladies.

my favorite is 1 & 4! but I am really feeling #4!

For the bride's dress, I would choose #2 in the blush color (that's a good price for that dress BTW). I love the hostess dress! Then I would use both colors in #3 and #4 for your bridesmaids.

wow look who started her block already?the gueen G !!!! wow miss lady i love all the dresses its soo hard for me to choose no wonder its been a hard one for u cos all the dresses are absolutely stunning , and girl ure hostesses dresses got me starry eyed lol its soo georgious . for the b maids il choose dress #2. the hostess dress is perfect and now the main thiiiing ure gown ill chose the last one on the list its sooooo elegant !good luck sis.. cant wait to see more detail LOVE YAH!

So true, Teresa

My bridal party is very diverse. My daughter is a skinny/mini. Her best friend (we call her my puerto rican daughter, she's at the house more than her own) is also skinny mini, my niece is skinny mini, my best friend and my sister-in-law (little brother done got himself engaged) are about a size 14 altogether. FH's sisters are also about the same as my SIL and BF. So, it's a diverse crew.

Thanks you guys for all the compliments.

Now that Pamcrow mentioned it, I do like the elegance and the drama of gown #4 and it will compliment my wedding party too, but then again, so would all the others.

I do remember VIPrincess saying that I should pick something with a lot flares on the top half.

But then ladies in keeping with your choices, please keep in mind that I'm channeling the silver screen era. Ladies, put on your thinking hats and think late 1930's to late 1940's. I'm looking for that elegance. But then again, gown #4 has all of my colors in it. It comes in Champagne/Dusty Rose with details in red and such, my only issue is the waist. If only that red was a little more darker like a Wine/Merlot color and where in the world would I find that jewelry?

Now everyone got in the game, even my Future MIL and my bridal party, my aunts, everybody and so far it's a dead tie for gowns #1 and 3. So ladies, I'm looking for something soft yet elegant. The choices are now narrowed to #1 and #3. Thanks again for all the feedback.

Originally, I'd made up my mind to go with gown #1, soft yet elegant and then, I saw the Elizabeth Taylor inspired gown #3 and fell in love all over again. So HELP!!!

I LOVE THAT MAN OF MINE!!! That's why I call him "Papi". FH just called and landed us a DJ for $450 That will spin for us for 5 hours!!! YES!!! AND IN NY YA'LL.

Hot Damned sisters, we now have a DJ. FH will be taking care of that one and he'd asked that the DJ sent over his contract so we could go over it this weekend, then we'll both be heading to New York to meet with him.

ANOTHER CHECK OFF MY LIST!!!

This is a picture of the banquet hall that we've rented. The name is Occasions Banquet Hall and it's in Springfield Gardens, NY and the room we've booked is called the Golden Creme Room and it holds 130 people for a sit down dinner and dancing. The price was $1,600 for 8 hours!!! Yes, I have 2 hours to set up and decorate, 5 hours to party (heyyyyyyyyyyy) and 1 hour to clear out.



I plan on having champagne colored chair covers with gold sashes. The table cloth will also be Champagne colored and Gold table runners. So what do ya'll think?

I plan on alternating tall and low centerpieces. I found my Giant Martini glasses from the Vibride shop and will be ordering from them when the time comes. This is the 10" x 20"
As it looks, well sort of when I get there, I'll show my vision to you ladies. I plan on adding some mystic Crystals in the martini glasses and maybe some food coloring to have the colors of my wedding for a bit of a dramatic flair. Then I plan on adding flowers to the top of the martini glass. As I've said, I plan on alternating the 10" x 20" with the 12" x 12 without that rectangular box in the center of the table though. It's all in my head for now and when the time comes, I'll do a mock up to share with my sisters.

Ginoue,

#4 goes well with your colors, but Wedding gown #3 has always been my personal favorite ever since I saw it on Marysbridal.com I didn't choose it because it's cathedral train was inappropriate for my outdoor wedding. But of course it would be great for yours and it's a classic. If you're stacking a 38D chest, the shape of the portrait neckline would look gorgeous on you too. Also the pickups are only in the back and not the front which means there may not be too much going on below...and if you're stacked on top and below, you may not be a pear at all. You might be an hourglass. But I'm not sure what you are. You said Butterbean's sister was shaped like you and she seemed more apple-shaped to me.

Also check out these two classics:

Check out this style: Style: #F07 5754 That's such a classic to me.

..and this neckline stopped me in my tracks. Style: #S088619

I also knew how I wanted my bridesmaids to look even before I had my gown picked out. But you really should pick out your gown first then let theirs follow suit.

Here's some neckline info:

Necklines:

Boat neck
This neckline extends straight across the shoulder with a slight curve at the front. It is a very sexy and femine neckline because it emphasizes the shoulders and collar bone. Most figures can wear this type of neckline. It is especially enhancing to the medium and full chested woman.
Good for: well-endowed and pear-shaped women
Bad for: Broad shoulders, fuller arms

Portrait
Similar in shape to the boat neck, but made with more fabric this style stands away from the bride's face and shoulders the portrait neckline is characterized by a wide, soft scoop from the tip of one shoulder to, the tip of the other.
Good for: Fuller arms and prominent collarbones
Bad for: Undefined collarbones

Strapless
This gown speaks for itself in essence, no straps. It is probably the most popular type of gown style on the run way. The variations are endless.
Good for: Great shoulders and collarbones
Bad for: The smaller-chested woman

Sabrina
The sabrina is similar to the bateau, but it starts two inches in from each shoulder. As a result, it has a narrower neck opening. A very current look, this shape gently follows the curve of the collarbone, almost to the tip of the shoulders -- and it's cut straight across, so less of the decolletage is showing. This style can be made with or without sleeves.
Good for: Small breasts
Bad for: Full Chested well-endowed

Decolletage (day-COAL-e-taj)
For the adventurous types, this is a deep, plunging neckline. Also known as the sweetheart neckline -- which is actually shaped like the top half of the heart -- is a wonderful choice for full-chested women. "It really accentuates the decolletage," The sweetheart is often done with an overlay of sheer material that rises higher than the heart shape, "giving the torso a longer line, and making the neck look longer." This style is known as the "Illusion".
Good for: Serious decolletage
Bad for: Smaller chested (unless cups are added and the silhouette is straighter)

Illusion
An illusion neckline can be any style (V, scoop, heart, etc.) that is covered with transparent netting. (See above)

Jewel
A high, rounded neckline that sits at the base of the throat. It is also known as the "T-shirt neckline," due to it's similarity to an actual t-shirt --. "This look is usually for the more conservative bride,"
Good for: Small-chested woman (it will make you appear bustier)
Bad for: Large-chested women (it will make you appear larger in the bust area.)

Keyhole
This teardrop-shaped opening starts two inches in from the shoulders and looks like an old-fashioned keyhole. The Keyhole is a variation on the halter style dress.
Good for: Broad shoulders
Bad for: pear shaped or narrow shoulders

Queen Anne
A heart-shaped opening in front combined with high neckline in back. Good for: Fuller arms and prominent collarbones as well as the fuller chested bride
Bad for: Undefined collarbones

Wedding-band collar
A high circle of fabric is fitted around the middle of the neck. Designers often use this style for a traditional Victorian look. This style will appeal to the more traditional bride.
Good for: almost anyone

Scoop
A curved neckline that may be low in front and quite often, the scoop will continue on the back of the dress The scoop, is a classic style good for just about anyone
Good for: Just about anyone

Halter
This neckline echoes the '70s with a scoop or v-neck in front and fabric band wrapping around the neck. It's a great look with sleeveless designs. Used a lot in destination gowns. Very flattering to the bust line and taller woman over 5ft..7in.
Good for: Broad shoulders
Bad for: Narrow shoulders

Square
This style forms a half-square.
Good for: Broad shoulders
Bad for: Narrow shoulder

I love the second gown you've shown. Wow, what a great gown.

I must admit though, I like the softness of gown #3 and it will hide a lot. It seems that it'll look perfect with just my tiara as I'm not doing a veil. I had the opportunity to vew butterbean's sister in her bridesmaid's gown and she's a bit of me, so I'm really leaning towards #3, eventhough it would take me $200 above my budget for the gown, but oh, so very much worth it!!! My eldest daughter is a shorty, but I could easily see myself passing this on to my hopefully future daughter someday in hope that she'll accept it and wear it on her wedding day.

Yes, #3's organza fabric is the tops. I love organza! The way it floats...and it's very forgiving. You're right it's worth every penny. I've seen gowns that are thousands of dollars that don't look as nice to me. Oh, I'm so excited for you! That's a very romantic dress, sistah. Your fiance is going to want to rip it off you! LOL!

#1 is very sweet and princess beautiful, but it doesn't say WHOA-MAN to me like #3.

Hush please, don't say anything. That's just between us sister(LMAO, as though he could hear us). I am loving #3 more and more as I go on and so far my relatives are voting on #3 as well. I want FH's eyes to just pop out of it's sockets when he sees me for the first time. Girl, you know I'm keeping this gown business under wraps, so it's the only thing not included in our planning book. Brother keeps asking what I'm gonna wear. Yeah right, as if I plan on revealing that secret.

I'm using martini glasses for my centerpieces too, Ginoue!



I have to clean it up a bit more, but I'm making 18 of them.

Oh wow Butterbean that is so totally wonderful and the green will go perfectly with your colors and the time of day is perfect for the flowers within the Martini glass. So very wonderful. Wow!!!

I plan on buying 10 of the 10" X 20" martini glasses and 10 of the 12" X 12" martini glasses.

Since the ballroom I will use will have rectangular tables (still trying to have them let me use the round tables instead) I still have to work out how many I'll need for our guests, but I know for sure that I'll need 20 centerpieces though. I also want a long bridal table and a cake table. As soon as I find pleasing examples, I'll post them.

I'll give you a tip for hiding the gown in the wedding book. I used see-thru sleeves to hold all my print-outs. Just in case my hubby dared to peek, I placed a pic of a fake dress over the real dress. You could never see that there was another dress underneath and on the other side was a pic of a veil or a bridesmaid dress or something. LOL!

Pure Genious Diva. I never thought of it and will use the advice. Thanks

LMAO! Learn something new everyday! Well for today 2 things.

I didn't know there was such a figure called an apple shape ...that's new on me!

Yep. apple shape is larger on top than the bottom. Some call this an inverted pear. Women with apple shapes are usually thick-waisted with large chests. Empire waist gowns are good for this shape. A-lines, sheaths, and mermaid gowns are not good for this shape.

Hourglass figures can be small or full-figured as long as the chest measurement is similar to the hip measurement. I looked at Butterbean's video again and her sister seems to be an hourglass. Ball gown styles look great on this shape. Empire waists do not.

Pear shapes, of course, have a much larger hip measurement compared to the chest measurement and usually have a small waist. So A-line and ball gowns are suitable for pear shapes b/c they camoflage the larger hips and thighs. Sheaths are not good because they emphasize the larger hips and thighs.

Slim and petite women can wear sheath style gowns and ball gowns. But mermaid gowns are not recommended for petite women only slim women.

I found some of this info. here: Types of Wedding gowns It's an excellent guide.

WOW G,
you are on a roll. At this pace you will be finished with all of your planning very soon with months left to just relax and wait. thats awesome!!!
I love your place, its beautiful. Oh, and my bridesmaids are wearing the same dresses you've chosen on set # 3 & 4. I love those besacue its simple and elegant.

Your on a roll G keep up the good work.... And i'm with you the more and more I look at dress #3 the more it looks like the best one.

Are there any chiffon or organza bridesmaid dresses you like? The curvier ladies in your wedding party may like some forgiving fabric too and they would look so good with the #3 gown. Mary's Bridal has some coordinating bridesmaid and flower girl dresses for that gown.

These are the 3 chiffon dresses it suggests:

Dress #1

Dress #2

Dress #3

I like the third one the best. But there are a a lot of chiffon bridemaid gowns on marysbridal.com even more youthful and prettier than those. The ladies can mix it up.

This one comes in dusty rose, burgundy, and champagne: Style: #F08 M1165

So do these: Style: #F08 M1166, Style: #F08 M1168, Style: #F08 M1171, Style: #F08 M1175

There's too many for me to post them all. Check it out!

Gin you had other centerpiece ideas on the inspiration board you posted before. Are you no longer thinking about those? They might coordinate better with your theme than the martini glasses.

I'm not really sure Pamcrow. I've so many ideas going through that head of mine. I keep going back and forth between the martini glasses and the other floral arrangements. Maybe I could incorporate all of it in somehow. I'm still thinking it over. It's just that I'm trying to keep it somewhat authentic of the silver screen era where it was customary to be offered a martini as it would a glass of wine. I'm still thinking though sis. I want to incorporate the Martini glasses in there somehow. I'm still kicking it around though.

Thank you so much CMT. That's exactly the look that I was going for as my theme is "Classic Elegance".

As for planning my wedding, I have a lot of ideas floating through, but I haven't made a decision on a lot of things yet. So far, we have the reception hall, the DJ and the Bridesmaids' gowns for sure.

I'm also a Wedding Planner so I definitely have my hands full with business as well. I'll be planning my wedding on my down time as I still have plenty of business to clear out so that I could fully concentrate on things. The good news is that I have time on my hands to plan my spectacular event.

Thank you so much my sister sensationablyhappy!!!