Frederick's of Hollywood Blog

Welcome back to Wedding Wednesday! Today we’re talking about options. Namely that today’s brides have so many, they are choosing to break with tradition. From theme weddings to bridal Uggs (that’s another post, for another day), you can find almost anything your heart desires for your big day. Having seen some gorgeous non-white bridal gowns, crazy shoes and quirky oddities around on Pinterest, Etsy and bridal blogs, we decided to put together some of some of our favorites! Take a look below:

Photo via Etsy shop, Little Retreats.

Photo booths are becoming more and more popular at weddings. Whether you have intricate ’20s themed sets or a simple streamer background, it’s all about the props! Featured in Lucky Mag and Bride to Be, Little Retreats custom makes there props when you order. Visit abeautifulmess to see a cute example of a photo booth in action.

Photo via skunkboy creatures.

With a cursory search for custom wedding toppers, we were able to turn up adorable dinosaurs, hilarious bride and groom vignettes and many other previously unknown (to us) options. The above photo is from skunkboy creatures who, in our humble opinion, make some of the cutest we ever seen. Check out the blog where in her own words you’ll find “plenty of handmade, fashion, and rambly goodness”.

Photo via Etsy shop Ouma. 

Handmade, frothy and in a delectable shade of pick, this gown is the epitome of romance. Equal parts ballerina, princess and wedding dress, the layers of tulle and detailed work are sure to make your wedding day unforgettable. They offer many other options and colors, if this particular dress isn’t for you. We especially love this hand-dyed skirt.

What do you think? Should tradition rule the day or should a bride be able to do whatever she pleases?

Nosegay or corsage? Tea-length or full skirt? Do lavender and gray really go together or is it too Golden Girls?

As anyone who has planned a wedding can attest, these are the kinds of thoughts that will keep you up nights. When you’ve hit the wall and making a simple decision is enough to cause a meltdown of epic proportions, it’s time to turn to Pinterest. If you need help organizing your ideas, a fresh boost of creativity or just want to de-stress and look at gorgeous photos, it’s the perfect tool to reset your thoughts. We’ve  put together some of our favorite pins from our very own Wedding Inspiration board and rounded up some top pinners to help you get started. Go ahead. Relax and feel free to indulge in a little daydreaming.

Frederick’s of Hollywood

Style Me Pretty

Martha Stewart Weddings

Scoots Lovely

Share your favorite Pinterest boards in the comments below!

Today we celebrate the birthday of one of the most recognizable actresses on TV, Christina Hendricks! Starting her career as a model at 18, she made numerous guest appearances on TV series like Firefly, before making it big as Mad Men’s pragmatic office manager, Joan Holloway.

Photo via Imdb.com.

Her signature hourglass silhouette has reinvigorated the appreciation for curvy women in Hollywood, and she has been labeled the “new modern ideal Hollywood glamour—full figured, voluptuous; a throwback to the days of Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell and Veronica Lake”.  British designer Vivienne Westwood, chose Hendricks to be the face of her 2011 jewelry line, calling her “the embodiment of beauty”.

Photo via Instyle.com

Christina takes a different approach to the attention, stating, “It just seemed so odd as people had never commented on my body before. Every woman obsesses over her figure, but I was happy, I felt sexy – I never thought about it. I know this sounds naive, but I honestly never expected this kind of attention.” With SAG Awards, Emmy nominations and other accolades pouring in, it seems as though people are paying attention to her hard work and her fabulous looks. Fun fact: Christina is not a natural redhead. She’s a blonde and has been dying her hair since the age of 10! She went red because she always loved Anne of Green Gables.

With wedding season kicking into high gear, chances are if you’re not a bride, you’ll probably be invited to at least one wedding in the coming months. Refinery29 has three hairstyle D.I.Y’s ranging from simple to complex that will help to get you to the party in tip-top condition. Read on for pictures and links and once you’ve found your favorite, get the full step-by-step tutorial here.

Photo via refinery29.com.

A retro updo that channels the classic chignon with a fresh spin, this ‘do strikes us as utterly gorgeous for an evening event. Elegant, polished and relatively simple, this would even work as a bridesmaid’s look for your big day. See the back view here.

Photo via refinery29.com.

This style deserved to be seen from the back! With intricate weaving, braids and incredible texture, this look is begging for a casual reception or beach wedding. We may even steal this for summer weekends when we’re feeling more inspired than a simple ponytail. Head here to see the front and to find out how to recreate this stunning updo.

Photo via refinery29.com.

Sweet, cute and completely charming: There are not enough adjectives to describe how much we love this! It’s pretty universally agreed upon around the office that sometimes having shorter hair can be a drag when it comes to getting gussied up (though having long hair has pitfalls as well). A shaggy bob may be the perfect cut for every day, but we’ve definitely felt the envy that comes from watching our girlfriends throw their hair up in a sleek topknot. Luckily this style is quick and easy, even for the most hair-challenged among us!

What’s your go-to gala hairdo?

Ask 10 brides what the most important part of their big day is going to be and you’ll most likely get 10 different answers. However, one thing we think all brides-to-be, wedding guests and married couples can agree on is: cake! The cake is the centerpiece to your reception, and if you chose wisely, the one thing that will stand out sweetly in everyone’s memory.

Photo via pinkcakebox.com.

In the past, you were generally stuck with the basic options of vanilla or chocolate, fondant or flowers all rendered in a pastel or ivory hue. But nowadays you may order whatever strikes your fancy. Want a cake modeled after the board game you two loved to play? Not a problem! But with so many choices comes an increased risk of being overwhelmed. Here’s some tips to help you figure out the perfect confection you want:

1. Select a style of cake. Now is the time to start hashing out whether you two can agree on chocolate or if one of you is going to insist on red velvet. Don’t forget that there can be tiers of cake and they don’t have to match. This is one of the times that the phrase “pick your battles” comes in handy, so if one of you is uncompromising when it comes to flavor, remember there are ways to work around it.

Photo via goo.gl

2. Taste the cakes. It’s important to meet the bakers to find out if they’re capable. The fun part is going to bakery to bakery and tasting each offering. Seriously? Days of eating cake sounds amazing! Or maybe that’s just us—we aren’t currently planning a wedding right now…

Photo via pinterest.com

3. Cost can be a big issue since wedding cakes are generally priced by the slice + designers labor. It’s best to do one gorgeous creation and have a sheet cake or two to feed the rest of your guests. Especially if you are having a large wedding. Fondant, flowers and other accents are far more expensive than a basic buttercream frosting.

Photo via pinkcakebox.com.

4. Having an outdoor wedding? Consider asking the baker about icing options. Buttercream, though delicious does not hold up to heat. Nor do whipped cream or meringue.

Photo via abeautifulmess.com

5. Costly Confections. If price is truly an issue, get creative! Shy away from traditional toppings and try to include fresh fruit or flowers from the florist. And never rule out the mighty cupcake! Towers of cupcakes take the place of sheet cake in a cute, cost-effective and delicious manner!

Did you have a gorgeous wedding cake? Share photos in the comments below!