{all images found here, via here and here}

Are you planning a bridal shower??? I was just introduced to factorydirectcraft.com and they have all of your DIY bridal shower decorations & supplies!!! I found all of these adorable projects on their blog and seriously cannot wait to get my crafting on! They have all of the supplies needed to make the DIY projects above. Or if you are just looking for party favors & decorations, they have a huge assortment including blushing bride napkins, acrylic diamonds that you can use as centerpiece decorations, words of love confetti and so much more! What are you waiting for??? Go check  out factorydirectcraft.com now for all of your DIY bridal shower party needs!

If it is good enough for Carmen Electra and Denise Richards, I knew Dr. Rey’s Shapewear was going to be good enough for me! I have tried all types of shapewear, from big name brands to no name brands and I have to say I was pretty impressed. Since I just had a baby three months ago, I am currently loving the all-in-one step-in bodysuit but on my wedding day, the high waist bottom shaper brief would have been PERFECT! It gives me a super flat tummy and really does give my booty a little lift (who doesn’t love that???). Check me out in my Dr. Rey Shapewear on my new blog The Stylish Housewife. Since I am no longer planning a wedding, my new blog features more product reviews, outfit of the day posts, mommy talk and life after being a newlywed. Make sure you follow me on twitter too!

I just received my copy of Real Simple Weddings 2010! And ladies, it does NOT disappoint! This edition is jam packed with tips and advice for every step of your wedding planning. I especially loved the tear-out guide that you can carry with you anywhere. And the featured weddings are sure to inspire you. Be sure and add this edition to your list of must-have wedding resources!

P.S. Don’t miss this SUPER DUPER AWESOME DIY FAVOR idea, found on page 127. Handmade {working!} pinhole cameras!!! You’re welcome!

A few months ago, I was sent a complimentary copy of  Elizabeth Gilbert’s book “Committed”. I have to admit that I had heard all of the hoopla about her previous book “Eat, Pray, Love” but never really had any interest in reading it until I saw the previews of the movie being made featuring Julia Roberts. I am sad to admit that I do not get around to enjoying a good book too often. When I lived in NYC, I used to relish reading books on the subway to and from work (of course unless there was some really good entertainment walking through the carts). I read more books in my year and a half in NYC than I have in my entire lifetime being a CA native. So when I finally got around to opening my new book, I started with the Note to Readers. I was immediately hooked. I am going out today to purchase “Eat, Pray, Love” so I can start her journey from the beginning.

Your wedding stationary gives your guests the first glimpse of your big day. David’s Bridal offers hundreds of customizable wedding invitations, including many green eco-friendly options. Once you decide on your style, you can also coordinate matching programs, place cards and thank you cards as well as table numbers and menus!

Here are some of my favorites:

{top left; modern elegance, top right; love birds, bottom left; endless embrace, bottom right; blooming}

David’s Bridal offers bridesmaid dresses that you truly can wear again and again! And the best part…they don’t break the bank! This time you will thank the bride for choosing a dress that can be dressed up with a bouquet for the big day and then throw on your favorite cardigan and flats for a totally different look. With over twenty colors to choose from, you will be sure to find the perfect dress for your bridesmaids at David’s Bridal!

Want to win a FREE  wedding gown from David’s Bridal??? Already purchased your gown??? No worries, you can win FIVE free bridesmaid dresses instead! When you enter to win, you also get access to the “Dress Your Wedding” feature allowing you to mix and match endless combinations of styles, colors and accessories online in the comfort of your own home! David’s Bridal offers flattering gowns for all shapes and sizes including petite, tall and plus size wedding dresses. Enter to WIN today!

(Bridal Inquirer is not affiliated with David’s Bridal or this contest)

Are you still in search of your DREAM wedding dress? If so, then you HAVE to put Priscilla of Boston wedding dresses on your list of must-sees! You can choose from the Priscilla of Boston, Melissa Sweet (my absolute fave, by the way), Platinum, Vineyard, Jewel and Reverie collections to find the perfect wedding dress to match your style and budget!

{Priscilla of Boston} Timeless elegance, classic beauty. Each design is dedicated to the original couture spirit that started it all.

{Melissa Sweet} Fashion-forward, whimsical styles. Feminine dressmaker details with a delicate balance of historic and contemporary elements.

{Platinum} Opulent couture, embodiment of luxury. Richly designed craftsmanship and tradition,with elaborate hand-finished details.

{Vineyard} Sophisticated style, of-the-moment fashions. Created with surprising details and a special attention to shape and form.

{Reverie} Non-traditional, unique sense of style. Gowns inspired by modern ready-to-wear designs, for an individual fashion point of view.

{Jewel} A new collection of glamorous gowns for the modern bride. Sensually romantic. Youthfully elegant. Just your style.

SO WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

Note to my Southern Cali girls…the only “signature salon” is in San Francisco, but don’t fret, there are a TON of  local bridal salons that carry these gorgeous wedding gowns.

Times are tough, and the days of spending 3-6 months of your salary on an engagement ring seems a bit unrealistic as of late. That’s where JewelOcean comes in. Not only do they offer affordable and  unique engagement rings, but every piece of jewelry comes with a 30 day full refund warranty as well as a lifetime guarantee to ensure your satisfaction! JewelOcean offers real jewelry at real affordable prices. And you don’t have to skimp on style…they also offer custom jewelry that you can help design! You gotta like that!

Who says you have to spend a fortune to look fabulous??? David’s Bridal has your elegant AND affordable bridal gowns starting at just $299! Looking for something totally unique, but can’t afford a custom made gown??? David’s Bridal has in-house expert seamstresses that can customize any gown by adding sleeves, sashes or even silk flower embellishments. Whether your style is classic or cutting edge, you’ll find the dress of your dreams at David’s Bridal! The organza tea length dress above is one of my favorite looks this season!