Sunday, May 17, 2009

InStyle Weddings-EDITOR'S PICK

Stylish Summer Accessories
Bold Bracelet

Make a big statement with just one piece. This handcrafted Siman Tu bracelet is bold enough to stand on its own. Fresh water pearl and cubic zircon bracelet, Siman Tu, $770; at Siman Tu Jewelry Gallery, 212-327-4626
Haute Handbag
This stunningly intricate Badgley Mischka pleated silk clutch is the ultimate bridal accessory—especially when set against a sleek wedding gown. Pleated clutch, Badgley Mischka, $345; at Saks, 800-347-9177.
Tiered Necklace
Add a hint of color with this two-tiered necklace from Fragments. The rose gold chain is a departure from the expected, while the white topaz drops are all bridal.14K rose gold necklace, Suzanne Kalan, $1630; at Fragments, 212-334-9588
Sparkling Headband

Forget the tiara!

This dazzling crystal and chiffon headband is the ultimate feminine touch of the season. Encrusted crystal and silk chiffon headwrap, Jennifer Behr, $525; jenniferbehr.com.

Elegant Earrings
These romantic chalcedony tear drop danglers are a sweet, yet stunning
finishing touch. 18k gold earrings, Vibe’s, $1870; at Fragments, 212-334-9588.
Stylish Headband
Looking for an easy way to dress up your wedding hairstyle? Try this asymmetrical headband with cascading clusters of gold, silver, crystal, and pearls.Gold and silver headband, Naugi, $140; naugi.com.
Classic Comb

Whether you’re wearing pearls or diamonds down the aisle, this Regina B. comb is the perfect addition to your bridal repertoire. Pearl and Swarovski comb, Regina B. ltd, $225; ReginaB.com.

Tips for Summer Flowers

Choose hearty flowers
Opt for flowers that will stay fresh throughout the entire day. Look for ones with a waxy texture to ensure staying power. Hawaiian blooms, such as orchids, are a great option (check out cymbidium and dendrobium orchids). Ginger halcyons, birds-of-paradise, tiger lilies, and even roses will champion high temperatures too. Buying local flowers is another way to go; blooms that are in season in your area will more likely survive a long day in a bouquet. Check with your florist to see which ones will work for your venue.

Maintain your blooms
When it comes to wedding flowers, the higher the temperature, the more upkeep they'll require. Have them delivered the day of the wedding and make sure there's a refrigerator on-site to store them before the ceremony starts. Also, be mindful of your flowers during photography sessions. When your photographer isn't snapping away, have a friend or bridesmaid hold your bouquet in a shady spot, or place it in a vase of cool water. If your blooms will be exposed to the summer heat for an extended amount of time, keep a spray water bottle on hand and give your flowers a light misting every hour or so.

Opt for bright and bold colors
For the color of your flowers, check out which flowers will be in bloom around your ceremony and reception site, and consider bold versions of those hues. For an outdoor or semiformal wedding, think violet, hot fuchsia, mango, magenta, and green. Wine colors and deeper shades are appropriate for formal weddings, like dark red roses or deep purple lilies. When it comes to casual weddings, sunflowers are a great option since you only need a few to create a vibrant pop of color.

Choose the right centerpieces
You have plenty of summer centerpiece arrangements to choose from. If you're having a formal ballroom wedding, go for tall vases overflowing with a mix of bold and deep-hued flowers accented with feathers or gems. To create a modern vibe, display monochromatic green, orange, or even yellow blooms in clear Lucite containers. For an outdoor wedding, consider wooden containers filled with colorful, locally grown flowers. During the cocktail hour, daisies in simple Mason jars will perk up the space. Or look into potted centerpieces so guests can take them home as favors.

TIP: Summer brides -- beware of oversized bouquets. A smaller, hand-tied bouquet will hold up in the heat better than a full, cascading one.

FUN FACT:
Summer by the numbers!
13% of weddings take place in June, the second most popular month for weddings.
10% of weddings take place in July, the fifth most popular month.
11.5% of weddings take place in August, which ranks fourth in popularity.

Info found at TheKnot!