Couple's First Dance: Baby, It Got Back

When you hear the words “first dance,” which songs come to mind?  What type of songs come to mind?  For one couple, traditional gooey dance meant nothing.  Wanting to shake up their guests (as well as their dance moves), John and Michelle Brubaker chereographed their own pop moves for the their first dance at the reception.  Not only were a hit, they became a YouTube.com sensation and made appearances on Ellen and the Today Show.  Wait for it...



For more twists on traditional wedding dances, check out www.BestWeddingDances.com You never know, your first dance could land you a spot of fame.

For Laughs: Worst Wedding Advice

For Laughs: Offering respite from that CHAOS that is wedding planning 

From the moment you announce your engagement, you have been bombarded with advice, suggestions, and personal stories.  While they believe this information might actually make you feel better or be useful, it almost always adds to the stress of your already stretched nerves.  So here's some of the worst wedding advice received by brides-to-be that I could find out there.   

"The worst wedding advice anyone has told me was to sing our vows to each other." Erin, Richmond, VA

 "My mom insisted that I wear my gold-colored junior prom dress as my wedding gown. She thought it was silly to buy yet another dress that I'd only wear once." Alyssa, Madison, WI

"Let your mother in-law bring her pet pit bull, no one will mind. No, I'm not kidding."  Kristy

"My future father-in-law thought that since we were getting married in an historic home and I'm a costume designer, we should wear hoopskirts and crinolines!" Abbey, Austin, TX

"Show up late. There is no reason to show up on time for your own wedding, that just doesn't make sense." Liz, Tilldale, MI

 "I was told that if the groom was unavailable during the toast, the bride has to kiss the best man." Anonymous

"My mother-in-law said that it was perfectly fine to spend $9 a plate on dinner for our guests. She based this on my sister-in-law's wedding, where they served cold meat sandwiches, au gratin potatoes, and questionable-looking fruit salad." Morgan, Madison WI

"I was recently a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding. I'm also engaged and was amazed when she told me I couldn't wear my engagement ring during her wedding because it was larger than hers…ridiculous!" Scarlet, Longview, TX

"My mother wanted me to ask random pretty girls at church to be in my wedding party so that my brother could meet and then date them." Anonymous

"My mother said that to cut costs, we could send invitations without an RSVP card. Guests could go online instead and RSVP on the web page my dad built for us. I thought it was a good idea, but only two people RSVP'd! I ended up having to call my entire guest list to find out who was coming." Nicki, Oklahoma City, OK

"A lady I worked with overheard me telling another coworker how much my fiance and I were planning on saving up for our wedding. She decided to pipe in and say, 'Wow, you might as well just buy a house, you'll get divorced anyway.'" Caroline, Flagstaff, AZ

“It doesn't matter how well you know people...invite as many as possible so the pictures look good!"-         Ellen, Spring, OR

 "My fiance suggested we randomize the seating for all our guests because it would be cool for everyone to meet new people. I can just imagine my crazy friend from grad school and Aunt June at the same table. Yikes!" Vicki, Durham, NC

If your own received terrible tips, please share your comments for some laughs. Or if you have any ideas that would make a great "For Laughs" post, let us know.

Fairy Tale Wedding Dress (Almost Literally)



Jasmine Wedding Gown by Alred Angelo



 "We are excited to use our expertise to fulfill the dreams of brides everywhere who long to feel like a princess," says Michael Picone co-owner and Chief Creative Officer of Alfred Angelo.  Well, here's a new twist for the dress part of it.  Working with a Disney design team, wedding outfitter Alfred Angelo has just created a series of wedding dresses inspired by the Disney Princesses: Ariel, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White, and Tiana (Princess and the Frog). 

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings collection  is a series of seven dresses.  Each gown has similarities to the inspiring princess's character, culture, and overall appearance.  While these gowns take their inspirations from Disney, there's enough uniqueness within each design to prevent  guests from recognizing you as a direct princess impersonator.  For example, Ariel's dress takes a mermaid-style cut, pearl beading, and sequin sparkles.  Cinderella's dress relies on lots of sparkles in reference to her glass slipper.

Disney released this showcase of the new collection:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzj94IoIAws

This brand new collection just debuted October 2, 2010 at Chicago's Bridal Expo.  It will be available at Alfred  Angelo Signature stores and select Alfred Angelo wholesale Partner Bridal Boutiques next year.  Sizes will range 0 to 30W and prices  $599 to $1,199.   For more information on this unique trend and twist, visit http://www.disneybridal.com/.


Giselle Gown by Kirstie Kelly



While the Alred Angelo line is new, this isn't the first time gown designers have drawn inspiration from popular princesses.  In 2008, Kirstie Kelly also designed a fairy tale wedding gown series--Kirstie Kelly Disney Wedding Gowns.  The line included Giselle,  Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Jasmine, and Ariel. Kirstie Kelly's dresses were priased for their intricate details.  Another line, Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding Dress Collection for Destination Brides, was launched in 2007.  If you're interested in a fairy tale wedding gown, Disney's dress team has you covered with as many options as Happy Endings. 

Wedding Reception Decorations



Brides are choosing centerpieces that are in the same color tones, but of different sizes. They are also changing the shape of the tables, mixing round with square. These trends give the reception tables a more interesting look and a less "coordinated" feel. Unique vase fillers include glass marbles, sea glass shells, acrylic ice, water absorbing crystals/beads, and fresh fruits such as lemons and limes.

Faux rose petals, diamond confetti and shells/starfish remain the most popular confetti. Also, flowering vines or individually cut flowers are placed directly onto table linens. Reception chairs are decorated with either tulle, fabric overlays, floral swags and/or ribbons. Other popular decorating items include Chinese lanterns, garlands and balloons. Disposable cameras, placed on each table, allow guests to capture candid moments.

An increasingly popular trend is the candy buffet or confection bar. This consists of a variety of candies or treats placed in varied sizes of glass containers and grouped on a table. Pretty silver spoons or scoops in each container allows guests to fill small boxes or bags as take-home favors.

Bolts of economical tulle fabric are typically combined with white lights and/or floral garlands for draping between pews and decorating banisters and ceilings. Candles, always a popular choice for centerpieces, lend a romantic feel to any room. Choices include pillars, tea lights, tapers and floaters. Since some facilities do not allow candles, alternatives include faux tea light candles, battery operated LED lights, and fiber optic lights.

Head tables are replaced with a small table for just the bride and groom. Many couples plan weekend weddings that start on Friday and go for the entire weekend. Dove releases and add drama and excitement to the event. Butterfly releases also remain popular.

How To Attend a Bridal Show

Bridal shows are a great opportunity to check out local wedding vendors, like photographers, DJ's, caterers, videographers, etc.   In organizing your big day,  a bridal show can be a great place to start.  Here are some tips to get the most out of attending a bridal show.

1. Find a show in your area.  If you're in the Northwest Arkansas, River Valley Arkansas, Southeastern Okalahoma, or Southwestern Missouri areas, NWABride Premier Showcase is your stop on January 15, 2011 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, Springdale, Arkansas.

2. Look for ticket venues or purchase tickets online.  Our show's website http://www.nwabride.net/ will have the option of purchasing advance tickets online starting mid-December.  There will also be a list of locations to purchase advance tickets (and get a head start meeting some local vendors as well).  Of course if you don't want the advance option, there are tickets available at the door.

3. Prepare for the bridal show. Make a list of the types of vendors you need to visit (reception location, tent rental, DJ, hotels for out-of-town guests, etc).  Also, be sure to bring pens, your checkbook (for booking deposits), self-adhesive address labels of your contact information, and a tote bag to keep brochures, pamplets, and other vendor information in.  

4.  Once you arrive, plan your attack. Look over the list of exhibitors, make notes of ones you want to visit, and schedule plenty time for yourself to browse ideas there you might not have thought of (make-up the big day, teeth whitening, reception table decorations, etc.).  Don't forget the fashion show at the end of the day as well.  It's a chance to see current dress trends, how dress styles look with the tux, and possible flower arrangements. 

The Beginning of a Blog

Welcome to NWABride's Blog.  This year's upcoming show, January 15, 2011, represents a nineteen year tradition!  The NWABride Premier Showcase is for brides, their friends, and their families to meet and book everyone they will need for their wedding--one day and in one location.  All throughout the year, we search and gather everyone you'll need for your wedding.  Wedding and reception locations, cake companies, wedding coordinators, photographers, videographers, caterers, bridal attire shops, tuxedos, beauty salons, invitation printers, and so many more. When January rolls around, they gather together at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Springdale, Arkansas.   

We're excited to now have a place to offer tips, trends, and idea for brides throughout the year.  This blog is a chance to make NWABride part of your wedding planning beyond the day of the show.  We, the show owner, Mary, and show manager, Arielle, will be updating regularly with all the information and ideas we think you might find useful.  It's also a place for you to leave your great ideas, suggestions, and experiences for other brides.  Happy Wedding Planning!