Keep Calm and Carry On

I like watching a lot of wedding shows and reading a lot of bride's blogs about their journey up to their wedding day. I know that a lot of brides get stressed about money,the little details, changing their minds about decorations, and the list goes on. However, I noticed that the common theme throughout watching the shows and listening to brides is that...they CAN'T WAIT until the day is over! I find that very sad because you should be excited about marrying your true love. If you feel like you are up to your elbows on budgets, to do lists, vendors, decorating and all the other details....get help! Especially if you are a DIY bride, enlist help from your bridal party, families and friends!

Have your mom or mother-in-law whip up treats such as cupcakes for a cupcake bar, edible favors for your guests, or even your wedding cake if they are up to the challenge! They would be delighted to do something special and you know that it will be filled with love!

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Have all your bridesmaids get together to have a DIY floral arranging party for your centerpieces. It would be interesting to see the different styles. =)

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 Have a handyman around? How about building a one of a kind backdrop or signs for your ceremony, reception or centerpieces!

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Some (or should I say most) grooms believe the best thing to do is stay out of your way and show up for the wedding to say "I do." Some brides might actually like that idea, but how about doing something together? If you don't want your fiance to moan and groan when you approach him, how about saying it would be a special project to do together for your special day? You could design your own invitations or make your own "bride and groom sign" like below and pretty much anything else. =)

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Also, if you have a vision in mind for your wedding, stick to it. Your family and friends can give you advice on what would help but it might make you more confused and frustrated.

Next time you feel blue...

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Keep calm and carry on. =)

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Love,
Anne

Wedding Hair Updo's

Hi everyone~ 

I was surfing the web, and was suddenly inspired to do a post about wedding hairdo's.  I remember when I was a bridesmaid, I had a difficult time choosing which hair style to go with, but I ultimately went with an updo.  I love how updo's can be formal, but not too formal, and neat but also messy... There are so many different looks you can play with~

Here are a few celebrity photos I found to give you some ideas (in no particular order)~

First, Carrie Underwood... (Doesn't she look gorg'?)

Her updo looks clean and formal, but it is a little loose, which gives it a romantic feel.

Amanda Seyfried... Need I say more?

Jessica Simpson opted for a very formal updo in this picture, and looks absolutely regal.

Jessica Alba also incorporated braids in her hair, but her look is more casual and young.

Kind of 'Midsummer Night's Dream'...

One of my personal favorites,

Taylor Swift's messy updo is the most casual, and the most romantic look here.

Can you imagine how beautifully her hair would go with a country-style wedding?

Well, whatever look you may choose to go with on your special day, make sure you talk to your hair stylist beforehand, so you know what looks will work for you.  You may even want to try asking your hair stylist if you could have a 'trial run'.  That way, your hair stylist will know how to work with your hair, and you can see how beautiful you will look! 

Have a nice weekend!!

- Karen

Black, White, and Editorial

Hellllo everybody!! When I turned on my computer today, I was looking through pictures that I had saved for inspiration. I came across this photo...

As much as I love looking for bright and interesting colors, I forgot how timeless and classic black and white photographs can be. Why not take black & white photos for engagement shoots as well?

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If you are a bride who loves fashion and wants their photos to look like they came straight out of a high fashion magazine, check out these editorial spreads...

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This picture reminds me of the show My Fair Wedding with David Tutera. In one episode, the bride loved fashion and so David sets up a high fashion photoshoot for the bridesmaids as well as the bride and used those pictures throughout the wedding. I think it will be something fun for the whole bridal party. =)

Have a good Tuesday!!


Love,
Anne

New Year's Eve Party Decor Ideas

Hello everyone! It is almost 2011, and for those planning a New Year's Eve party, Martha Stewart Living had some great ideas!

Gather all your clocks to get into the countdown mood~

Grape skewers can be added to your champagne glasses for a fun and delicious twist~

Colorful noismakers can be set up as a centerpiece, until you and guests are ready to use them when clocks strike 12...

Still need something more?  These DIY streamers are an easy way to add some more decor~

Whatever your plans, we wish you a happy new year!!

-Karen

Please don't stop the music

Happy Monday everyone! Today our post is dedicated to all those who are passionate about music. If you are a musician or just love listening to music all day long, this is for you! This past weekend was a whirlwind for me. Saturday was the album release for my very good friend Esther Park and on Friday I went to Musicians Institute where my boyfriend is attending as a bass player and attended a concert at Music Box in Hollywood. So of course listening to different types of music and standing inside the concert hall I was very inspired. =)


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 At any crafts store, you can purchase a heart shaped hole puncher and add a little twist to your table decor.




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How about these beautiful roses that can double as favors for your guests as well as additional decor on the table settings? Hop on over to Vintage Twee's etsy shop to look at other goodies.



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"Oooh that's our song!!" We had a lot of those moments right? =) If you want to share with your loved ones which songs became "your songs" while dating, how about using music sheets to hold a CD of all your favorite songs?

There are so many other ways to incorporate music throughout your wedding. It is so important to show your personality throughout your wedding and don't be afraid to do so!

Rock on,
Anne

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Hellllo Dusty Rose Readers~
Yes it's the first day of December and I am sooo excited! Is it weird that I am anxious and itching to see what ideas are out there for...gift wrapping? Yes here at Dusty Rose we are more excited about giving presents in pure vintage and girly ways...oh and with LOTS of love. =)


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Don't have time or just don't want to use plain ole gift wrapping paper this year, why not look around your house? 

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How about using vintage sewing patterns?

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Have any tulle? Dusty Rose is a firm believer in using tulle for any occasion. =) Tulle can make your plain wrapping paper pop! Don't you love the sweet 16 favors?

Exciting news! Remember Esther Park, one of my closest friends whom we helped style her album cover for? Well she is having a album release service in La Habra.

I'm sooo excited and happy for her! Hop on over to her facebook to check her out and support her!

Love,
Anne

Wedding favor idea!

Hi everyone~

I went to a friend's wedding this past weekend (Congrats Terry and Eddie!) and received a creative wedding favor that I thought I should share!

A pretty little box was wrapped with a bow,

and inside, there was a lotto scratcher!

Unfortunately, I was not a winner, but I thought this was a great idea!

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Karen