Trinidad Weddings' Ultimate Guide To Writing Thank you Notes!

This week, on a visit to my daughter’s school, I happened to be waiting in the reception area for a short while. A bold sign displayed on the notice board caught my eye, “Be a CLASS act, have good manners!” 

It struck me how much this holds true not only in daily life but when it comes to events in general and weddings, in particular. It’s an area often overlooked after the flurry of the honeymoon is over and as newly-weds settle into married life and back into their working lives, post-wedding.

However, proper etiquette dictates that even if you have thanked guests in person, you are still expected to send out a formal note or card. Thank you cards should always be handwritten and should contain a personalised message to your guest.

Your thank you notes should be sent within 6-8 weeks of the date the gift was received. Although it does involve “work” – (sometimes writing hundreds of cards!) it is a gesture that guests will appreciate and remember for years to come.

If you have received a gift from a group, perhaps co-workers or another association, you are required to send a thank you card to each person in the group. Should the group’s members be in excess of 10 persons, you can do a general thank you card to the entire organisation.

Here’s a fool-proof guide to get you started:

1.    Keep a detailed list of gifts received and from whom.

2.    Direct the note to all of the gift-givers of the particular gift; with the names and titles that you are accustomed to addressing them by.

3.    Always mention the gift by name and try as much as possible to avoid referring to it as “the gift”

4.    Mention any special effort that the guest would have made for you e.g. helping you craft a speech, volunteering their time, giving a heartfelt toast or travelling from abroad.

5.    State how you plan to use the gift, particularly if it was a cash gift. You can say that perhaps you are putting the monies toward new appliances or using it for a one-year anniversary vacation.

6.    Only if it is realistic for you, you may also want to mention a future encounter with the gift-givers, for example having them over for dinner or going out for drinks, but this is totally optional and depends on how close you are, to the guests in question.

7.    Thank you cards need not be limited to guests alone. They can also be sent to wedding suppliers who did exceptional jobs, your officiant, persons who organised the bridal shower and bachelor party and your parents!

For more articles, visit: http://www.trinidadweddings.com

Creative Cake Toppers

The tiny plastic, bride and groom figurines, which were popularized in the 1950’s are now a far cry from the cake toppers which are used today. Some people believe that the trend of cake toppers started with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s wedding cake in 1840, upon which, there was a figurine of the goddess Brittania, blessing the newlyweds. Shortly after this, cake toppers began to be mass-produced in the 1890's.

Modern cake toppers now come in a selection of ethnicities and materials, such as: glass, wire, acrylic, resin and porcelain. Flowers, sculptures, and large monogrammed letters are replacing the traditional bride and groom cake toppers.



All embellishments, including the topper on this cake are made of sugar!
Photographed at Lenotre - Paris, France
Photo copyright: Trinidad weddings 2010

Here are some ideas:

Monogram or initial cake toppers in Swarovski crystals - not only do these appear in clear crystals but now can be customized with coloured crystals (for e.g. in pink, red etc.) for a co-ordinated look. Small wooden dowels are usually inserted into the bottom of each letter, to make it ready to be inserted into the cake

Cake jewellery – these typically hang off the top of the cake from wires and are usually in the shape of hearts, birds, stars and butterflies.

Figurines that represent your hobbies - e.g. a groom fishing for his bride or a groom golfing or playing football etc.

Fresh flowers - this option is much more affordable than having sugar or gum paste flowers made and you can personalize it by having some of the same flowers that appear in your bouquet, appear on the top of your cake, or you can have the flowers that appear on your invitations ( e.g. roses, calla lilies) , appear as “live” versions on your cake.

A walk on the wild side – Acrylic toppers in zebra and leopard print

Birds – This year, natural motifs are very popular on cakes. Birds, in particular, especially handmade ones made from wood, porcelain, burlap and polymer clay are being seen.

Fondant figurines – if you have a very skilled cake artist he/she can make customized figurines for you out of fondant icing.

Themed – if you are fan of a particular cartoon or show, you can select toppers to suit for e.g. Disney or Star Trek characters.

Modern, unique wedding ideas for the Trini bride – in 2012 issue of Trinidad Weddings’ Bridal Magazine

Hi TW-ers

We're about to launch the 3rd issue of our Bridal Magazine, the 2012 Collector's Edition TW Wed-Zine!

The launch of our 2012 magazine takes place at Booth D, The Exclusive Wedding Show, during March 24 and 25, 2012 at Movietowne’s Banquet & Conference Centre in Trinidad. Our mag will be sold at an introductory price of TT$25.00 to expo visitors only, before it hits leading retailers, bookshops and pharmacies, from April 2012. This year, with our 3rd magazine, we’ve shared creative ideas and feature articles on real weddings that have interesting wedding themes and details. We have also unveiled local resources and vendors, to help Trinidadian brides with their wedding planning. As always, we wanted to recognize our readers from around the world and bring different cultures together. So, in this issue, you can see what it would be like to have a wedding in Sri Lanka, and even explore the rich history and details of Syrian weddings in Trinidad and Tobago. We not only wanted to portray the very best of what we have in our local wedding industry but our mission is to be the go-to-source for reporting on the latest happenings and cutting-edge trends in the Caribbean and international bridal scene as well. For example, we give our readers a review of New York’s Bridal Fashion Week and some of the fashion designers' collections that were launched there. It is our hope to show brides modern ideas and inspire them to be unique with their style and with their weddings! Our magazine also highlights the launch of our hand-made Bridal Fashion Accessory Line, Zara Simone. You can see the entire line at http://www.facebook.com/ZaraSimoneAccessories For more, visit our magazine’s Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/wedzine

Bridal Gown Trends 2012

Last year certainly saw its share of celebrity weddings and of course, the most opulent of all - the Royal wedding. This year, the focus will be on all-out elegance, a nod to conservatism and a welcoming of color, volume and texture.

Here’s a look at what’s trending right now on the bridal runways:

Colour – Oscar de la Renta showcased dresses in robin's egg blue and sage green in his Spring 2012 Bridal Collection. Likewise, Vera Wang showed dresses in a taupe, black, charcoal and celadon green. The most popular colour though, seems to be “blush pink.” Both Badgley Mischka and Monique L’huillier showed dresses in that colour, in their collections.

Coverage – This year, brides are embracing dresses with long sleeves, high necklines, cap sleeves and illusion necklines

Seductive Style – Although strapless gowns are die-hard favourites, this year we will see more high slits, corsets, plunging V-neck lines (either back or front) and dramatic off-the-shoulder gowns.

Embellishments – this year gowns will dazzle with sequins, beading, lace appliques and will even get gussied up with the addition of fringe.

The addition of sashes– sashes are still very “on trend” at the moment, giving the perfect touch or unusual element to simple or plain gowns. Sashes are now available in various colours and embellished with feathers, jewels, pearls, crystals and beadwork. The popular colours this year are: black, blush pink, deep purple and champagne or ivory.

Minis! – This year there are more short dresses being seen than ever. They were shown by Marchesa and Maggie Sottero.

Big skirts – The ballgown has returned but has been updated with structure, texture, ruffles, tiered skirts or pockets.

Capes – are replacing shrugs as the “it” cover-up to strapless gowns.

For more photos, please visit our "Wedding Gown Trends 2012" Photo album on our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/trinidadweddings

Centrepiece Trends 2012

This year, modern brides are going for more of an understated elegance regarding their centrepiece decor. They are also embracing the vintage trend and making themes and mementoes of bygone eras (such as the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s) feature prominently on their wedding day.

Here are some of the trends for this year:

1.    The use of succulents/cacti and herbs (think rosemary, mint and basil!) in centerpieces. Other trendy “green” accents are moss and wheat grass.

2.    Tablescapes – the use of multiple arrangements, sometimes in varying heights, in combination with candles and accessories such as: pearls, antique books, frames, birdcages, lanterns, crystals, twigs, birds’ nests, terrariums, bark, feathers, fruit, seashells and photos.

3.    Do-it-yourself (DIY) Flowers – There has been an increase in the “non-flower,” i.e. flowers that are hand-made from fabric, buttons, brooches, paper (tissue, origami or collage) and even pompoms.

4.    Sparkle – brides are embracing glitz in their centrepieces by introducing crystal drops and strands and more metallic accents.

5.    Lampshade Centre pieces – Lampshades are now making an appearance centre-side! Whether it’s made from fabric, or a lampshade created out of fresh flowers, the effect is nothing short of dramatic! (* See last photo in slide show above for a lampshade made out of flowers)
 

6.    Mix and match – Brides are going for more visual interest and choosing to mix different styles, heights or colours of centrepieces, instead of the identical centrepiece on each table.

7.    Floating flowers! – Centrepieces are now hanging from the ceiling! Blooms are now being suspended from lanterns, glass vases or cones. Another alternative are hanging garlands, flower chandeliers and pomanders

The slide show to the top right above, shows some of the centrepieces that I saw at New York’s Bridal Fashion Week in April and October 2011.  

Fabulous Wedding Ideas for 2012

2011 was popularised as the year of “vintage” and “do-it-yourself,” for weddings, however, make way for the return of elegance, romance and sophistication with the coming of 2012.
 

Here are 6 unique and easily implementable ideas for 2012:

Get guests to be interactive! – Offer up a dessert station where you can combine favours and goodies in one. You can have displays of candies, truffles, pastries, doughnuts, cookies, cup cakes and pies; then, provide guests with decorative bags, boxes or tins to take away their favourites. Have someone supervise the buffet station, so they can offer assistance and ensure all guests get a fair share!

Home-spun decorative accents –“Do-it-yourself” accents will still remain popular for weddings this year. Many brides will be looking at doing hand-crafted flowers made of paper, fabric, buttons or feathers to add a more personal touch to their decor. Some brides may even forego the floral bouquet and make their own, out of vintage brooches or feathers.

Orange is it! – The Pantone Colour Institute has named its colour of the year for 2012 as “Tangerine Tango” – a bold, reddish-orange that is sure to be a hit as an accent colour for wedding decor and on wedding cakes, this year. If orange is too bright for you, try the more subtle shade of coral.

Food stations – Inject an element of fun with your food, with an unusual food station, such as a sushi or a “baked potato bar,”where guests can choose their own toppings such as: cheddar cheese, bacon, chives, sour cream etc. You can even try a soup station, an omelette station ( perfect for a brunch wedding!), a burger “bar”( a great choice for the "after-party!") or an ice-cream station!

Royal Style – 2011’s Royal wedding of Kate Middleton to Prince William, will continue to influence weddings into 2012. There will be a resurgence of lace in wedding gowns but in a more modern way, with: lace sleeves, non-traditional lace patterns and the use of lace as an overlay over coloured fabric. Lace and lace motifs or wraps, will also be seen on invitations. The Royal wedding also made the idea of using "flower girls" more popular and encouraged the use of nature-inspired accents - for example, the eight, twenty-foot high trees that were used inside Westminster Abbey.

Cakes – This year, even the cake gets some “bling” - with the advent of metallic cakes in silver and gold. Your cake artist can achieve this look with edible metallic paints and by using shimmer or pearl dust over fondant. Chocolate fondant cakes will also continue to be trendy this year.

The Green Bride!

How many Trini brides seriously consider having a stylish yet eco-friendly wedding? Perhaps not many and that’s unfortunate, moreso because there are so many simple and sustainable ideas out there. It’s also unfortunate because weddings by and large, generate substantial amounts of waste with food, paper goods, packaging, ribbons, favours, wrapping paper, decorations and stationery that are tossed in the trash after the reception or…soon after.

Here are some tips to help you have an environmentally-friendly wedding:

Food

·         Donate leftover food to a shelter or soup kitchen or have boxes available for guests to take some of the eats home with them.

Fashion & Beauty
·         For your dress, use one or a combination of: remnant lace and fabrics, organic cotton, hemp and silk blends or vegetable-dyed fabric.

·         Select organic or mineral products that are not tested on animals, for your makeup

·         Go to the “Bridal Classifieds” page on www.trinidadweddings.com to see if anyone is selling a used or new wedding gown or selling centerpieces they no longer need. See link to it here: http://www.trinidadweddings.com/Shop/BridalClassifieds/tabid/239/Default.aspx

·         Upcycle bridesmaid dresses that won’t be worn again, into decorative throw pillows or window treatments. You can also donate the dresses to someone who will use them.

Invitations & Stationery
·         Use post-consumer recycled paper

·         If you have open seating for the reception, this can reduce your paper needs, with doing away of place cards. Also, you can do one tented programme (printed on both sides) per table, to reduce the need for every guest having a paper programme.

·         Create custom invitations or “thank you” cards by hand or try utilizing hand-painting or stamping on your invitations, to save on printing costs

·         If you want to go entirely paperless, invite guests via e-cards or telephone

Décor & Favours

·         Use organic décor materials like: bamboo, coconut shells, hemp, pressed flowers/leaves, burlap, jute or raffia.

·         Make use of organic or fair trade items, for your food and favours

·         Create a local favour instead of one that’s already pre-packaged and full of unnecessary plastic packaging. Wrap your favour in biodegradable bags or in hand-made paper.

·         For centrepieces, choose containers you can use again in your new home and perhaps fill with fruit that you or your guests can eat!

·         Choose a florist who uses locally-grown flowers.

Reception

·         Have an outdoor wedding to save on day-time electricity costs. The options are endless: a park, at the beach, a private garden, courtyard, ranch or nature reserve.

·         Use cloth napkins as much as possible, versus paper napkins

·         Plan your ceremony and wedding reception in the same place, to save energy costs and emissions from transportation.

Registry

·    If you already own household items, perhaps you can ask guests to contribute to a wildlife conservatory, animal shelter, a recycling initiative or a charitable cause, in lieu of favours/wedding gifts

·    Ask the store that is hosting your bridal registry, not to gift wrap your wedding gifts.

Ideas for a Smashing Wedding Cocktail Hour!

Tiny bites and delectable morsels! Who doesn’t love hors d’oeuvres? And what a better way to “wow” your guests from the very onset of your reception than by having delicious selections in tempting displays? Nothing will guarantee a better conversation starter and get the festive mood going than happy guests dining on munchies! However, choosing hors d’oeuvres can be quite challenging, considering the vast number of options.

Here are some tips to get you started:

(1)    “Let your food talk” - that is, use your hors d’oeuvres as a way to communicate your wedding’s theme or to give meaningful hints about your family heritage, for example – is your mother or grandmother famous for making something? Serve a mini version of it! If you’ve had a double ceremony, featuring two religions, serve up nibbles that reflect those two cultures.

(2)    Create a tasting bar based on the countries you have travelled to. This way, guests get an insight into your romantic journey together and they also get to sample unusual fare.

(3)    Serve foods that are inspired by your location; for example, if you’re giving a garden wedding, foods with fresh, garden influences, lemons and herbs would be lovely; or if it’s a beach wedding, easy seafood dishes such as: ceviche (raw fish marinated in citrus juices and seasoned), accra, crab cakes, mini shrimp cocktails, served in shot glasses or grilled items would be appropriate.

(4)    Try miniature versions of your favourite foods – If you enjoy fast foods, you can certainly have sliders (mini burgers), doubles, aloo pies, tiny shark and bakes, “coo coo” squares, meatballs, mini pizzas, or French fries served in beautiful paper cones to match your décor.

(5)    Have an unusual food station such as sushi or a “baked potato bar,” where guest can choose their own toppings such as: cheddar cheese, bacon, chives, sour cream etc.

(6)    Ensure your drink selections do not clash with your food selections. For example, if you’re going with more Mexican-inspired foods, choose margaritas or if you’re having an Italian-inspired menu, offer up some limoncello. Garden weddings would do well with lemonade and a selection of iced teas. To close your reception, a nice idea if you’ve had an “all-Trini” menu would be to serve some Trini cocoa tea in take-away mugs, which serve as wedding favours.

Go to: http://www.trinidadweddings.com for more great articles!

or join us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/trinidadweddings

Bridal Gown Trends for 2011

2011 is beginning to seem like the year for fashionista brides – from the Royal wedding of Kate Middleton, to the weddings of: model Kate Moss, American actress Reese Witherspoon, British songstress Lily Allen and on August 20^th, American reality-TV star Kim Kardashian, in her stunning Vera Wang creation.

Here’s what’s trending in bridal collections this year:

Texture – gowns will be adorned with fabric flowers and petals, dramatic ruffles, accordion pleating and tiers. The Royal Wedding has also seemed to cause a resurgence of lace and wedding gowns featuring sleeves but in a more modern way; for example, with the use of non-traditional lace patterns, lace as an overlay over coloured fabric or with the strategic placement of lace appliqués to create “illusion” necklines or sleeves. Apart from lace, we are seeing more use of sequins, pleated tulle and metallic embroidery. The layering of fabrics is also popular this year, with many dresses featuring shimmer fabric or satin, under tulle or lace.

Colour – Reese Witherspoon got married this year in a blush-pink Monique L’huillier gown and Kate Moss’ vintage-styled John Galliano gown had accents of gold on the skirt. This year, rosy-hued dresses will be popular as well as pale gold, nude, café or latte-coloured gowns. Dresses will also continue to feature black accents, particularly in the form of sashes, rosettes, cummerbunds and touches of black lace.

Style - Strapless gowns are still “in” but have become more swoon-worthy with sheer or illusion necklines or back views, some which are particularly vintage in style; quite reminiscent of the 1920’s.

The ball gown is also back, featuring voluminous tulle skirts or skirts that seem floaty. layered and ethereal. Corseted bodices are also all the rage for brides who want a more figure-hugging look. Minis and tea-length gowns have also been seen this year. They are perfect for outdoor weddings or for brides who prefer a second dress for partying in, at the reception! Asymmetric, halter and cold-shoulder necklines, which were widely seen in 2010’s bridal collections, continue to be trendy this year; along with popular silhouettes such as the trumpet skirt and the mermaid gowns. Many designers are also featuring tiered and ruffled skirts, this year.

Accents – bodices or sashes encrusted with pearls, sequins, semi-precious stones and crystals that lend an extravagant, estate jewellery feel, are quite “on trend” at the moment. As in 2010, floral underlays and nature-inspired motifs have continued in popularity this year.

The Dapper Groom in 2011

The tuxedo-ed groom is known for wearing a pleated front tux shirt, a tux jacket with a characteristic satin lapel and matching trousers, with the satin stripe down the outside leg.
However, what about the untraditional groom? The one who wants to defy convention or perhaps, just be a bit more casual?

Thankfully, there are other choices, particularly this year!

Here are some:

• Trousers have gotten slimmer as well as jackets, so perhaps try a more custom-fitted suit or tux.
• Follow the recent Royal Wedding trend ( i.e. the requirement for wedding guests!) and sport a "morning suit" - a formal jacket with long tails in either: black, navy, grey or brown, paired with pin-striped trousers
• Select a suit in a shade of grey or navy. Both are the "it" colours for 2011.
• Try a black, charcoal or navy suit and tie
  
• Trade the classic black tux for a tux in unusual colours such as midnight blue or chocolate brown - which were both seen on runways for this year.
• Instead of the traditional pleated tux shirt, select a hidden button shirt in a good-quality fabric for a seamless appearance.
• Use a bow tie with a suit, for a preppy look or try a cravat if you're more daring!
• Choose an embroidered or piped-collar dress shirt (see photo at right)
• Accessorise with lapel pins or unique cuff links
• For beach or destination weddings, grooms can try a linen blazer, cotton shirt and trousers
• Fashion-forward grooms who are having more casual weddings, can try a blazer in a different fabric such as jacquard, velvet or one that incorporates a bit of metallic thread.

Trinidad Weddings' Picks for Top 10 Wedding Songs to choose in 2011

Three years ago, I remember getting a lot of feedback (good and bad) over a blog I had written on my top 10 worst songs to hear at a wedding! The banter was great though! So, I thought I’d write a bit about my top 10 modern/alternative first dance or cake cutting songs for 2011. Here they are:


“Give In to me” – Leighton Meester and Garett Hedlund. If this song was a chocolate truffle, it would literally melt in your mouth. If what you want is a large  dollop of country crooning, you will definitely love Garett’s heavenly voice complemented by Leighton (the actress from Gossip Girl!) ! Link: http://youtu.be/CVrSChJPfhw


“Dance Me to the End of Love” by Madeline Peyroux. For those couples into that jazzy, retro sound, this song’s for you. Madeline’s deep, dusky voice and that perfect piano interlude, is ideal for a sexy first dance song, if that’s what you’re going for. Groove to it here: http://youtu.be/zXgFkhMPTIY


“Nine Million Bicycles” by Katie Melua – an unusual song with lovely lyrics. Perhaps perfect for a non-conformist couple who wants to have a very different sort of wedding song. Link: http://youtu.be/eHQG6-DojVw


“Fly Love” by Jamie Foxx (from the Rio soundtrack) - I have to admit I heard this song with my 5-year old while watching Rio. It might be from a kids’ movie but this song takes the cake for having a romantic, mellow, Latin vibe. Just great for an outdoor wedding! I dare you not to sway to it! : http://youtu.be/wF7k7O6Zz7U

“You & Me” by Dave Matthews Band – This song is ideal for a destination wedding or for merged marriages ( couples who have kids of their own from previous relationships). This song is chock full of “feel-good” Listen and see: http://youtu.be/7f4TItnxVOw

“No more Wishing” by Hayley Taylor – Cello, piano and acoustic guitar blend together for a truly fantastic song with pure lyrics: “I want a love that’s side by side. I want a love that holds me tight. I want a love that feels like a dream but when I wake up he’s still there with me….” Wow, who can say that better?
Link: http://youtu.be/fcphR5Ctrcw


“On Your Arm” by Schuyler Fisk – Simple and loving; a sincere ode to the person at your side! Link: http://youtu.be/a_Z_LZ5GW0s

“Our Kind of Love” by Lady Antebellum – an up-beat song that’s guaranteed to make you, your special someone and a room full of guests, smile! Link: http://youtu.be/QaOKbvpxnTo


“Ever The same” by Rob Thomas – Great for couples who like alternative music. The lyrics are like poetry and Rob Thomas’ voice has the capacity to go deep into your soul: http://youtu.be/fzZHzvhMhtM

“Rest of My Life” by Michelle Featherstone – Beautiful lyrics with a soft rock feel. Hear it here: http://youtu.be/rjHRIdxZbUA

Now, these are just some of my personal picks but I’d love to hear some of yours. What songs are you using? Leave me a couple comments below!

Review of Kate's Gown

Over the past week, I’ve been asked numerous times about what I thought of the new Duchess of Cambridge’s overall look for her wedding. To begin with, even prior to the wedding, I was surprised by Kate’s rumoured choice of Sarah Burton from Alexander McQueen, to design her dress.

Alexander McQueen, whilst he was alive (before his tragic suicide last year) was renowned for his use of theatre and drama, his use of contrasts and heavy fashion influence from controversial issues such as sex, religion and politics. No wonder…since the house of McQueen has designed for the likes of fashion rebels such as Lady Gaga and Naomi Campbell!

In fact, in Sarah Burton’s debut collection from Paris Fashion Week just last October, she showed an interesting blend of bondage-like apparel, lacing, dresses and skirts with exaggerated hips, feather work, fur trim, Japanese printed silk, corn stalks and copious amounts of pleated organza; all meshed together with impeccable tailoring.

Items fit for a Princess on her wedding day? Probably not!

So now…you can understand fully, my surprise that conservative Kate, chose Sarah Burton in the first place!

Kate actually got her first inkling about Sarah Burton through her friend and fashion editor, Sarah Buys, who wed Prince William's stepbrother, Tom Parker Bowles in 2005. Sarah’s dress was a £10,000 silk, strapless gown, created by Sarah Burton. I have to be honest and say I didn’t love Sarah’s dress and so, I didn’t know quite what to expect for Kate’s.

However, the moment I saw the dress, I loved it for its romanticism and modernism – a hard combination to come by. It was evident that the shape of the dress harkened back to 1950’s styling. The satin gazar fabric on the ivory and white dress, was accented with hand-cut English lace and French Chantilly lace. The lace appliqués on the dress represented flowers such as: roses, thistles, daffodils and shamrocks, which were all hand-placed onto the dress.

The lace itself was hand-made by the Royal School of Needlework using a technique called Carrickmacross (a type of needle lace which was first made in Carrickmacross, Ireland). I feel perhaps that this was Kate’s homage to the late Diana since Diana herself used a piece of Carrickmacross lace, which had once belonged to Queen Mary, in the centre panel of her own wedding gown, as her “something old.”

Although I thought Kate’s deep V-neckline, sweetheart bodice and long, lace sleeves were stunning; I thought the lace on the full skirt, made the gown look out-dated and overly traditional.

I would have loved to see Kate be a little more fashion-forward there, especially since McQueen is known for dramatic skirts. It was evident to me that Sarah Burton showed fashion restraint, obviously knowing that a skirt that pushed the envelope too far would not fit in with the personality and style of her client or with such a historical event watched by 2 billion people!

However, the silhouette of Kate’s gown did feature a large skirt and padding at the hips, which is quite typical of Alexander McQueen’s style. At the back of the dress, there were 58 gazar and organza covered buttons.

Kate wore a Cartier tiara which was loaned to her by the Queen and a veil made of ivory silk tulle. I thought the veil went perfectly with the dress since it was not decorated, gathered or too voluminous and so, I thought it echoed the streamlined nature of the dress’ shape.

On her ears, she wore Victorian-styled, tear drop earrings, which were a gift from her parents. The earrings were custom-made to match the tiara. Her shoes were also hand-made by the team at Alexander McQueen and were made of ivory duchesse satin, with lace embroidery.

In terms of comparisons, Elizabeth Taylor had a somewhat similar lace placement as Kate’s with the gown she wore to wed her first husband Conrad Hilton. Moreover, though, Kate’s dress closely resembled Grace Kelly’s gown, worn to her marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco.

Grace Kelly’s gown had similar long lace sleeves and a V-neck line, although her neckline was more demure than Kate’s. Although some people have noted that Kate’s dress resembled Queen Elizabeth’s dress in 1947, I don’t share this opinion; since the Queen’s dress was ivory, embroidered with images of spring flowers, encrusted with pearls and crystals and featured a scalloped neckline. It was an ornate statement, completely unlike the understated elegance of Kate’s dress.

Overall, what I most admired was that Kate wore the dress and the dress didn’t wear her. She was completely self-assured in it and radiant. That inner beauty, really...is what fashion is supposed to promote!

Please share your thoughts....

William and Catherine- The Big Day!

Written by Guest Blogger: TrinidadWeddings-United Kingdom Correspondent, Shalini Maharaj McGregor


I've just returned from being on-location in London to bring to you more details from the much anticipated wedding between Prince William and Catherine Middleton! The day began with an announcement from Buckingham Palace that Prince William had been made Duke of Cambridge prior to the wedding. This meant that on being married to William, Catherine became Duchess of Cambridge.

The Bride and Bridesmaids:

The dress was a crowd pleaser! Sarah Burton, Head Designer for the Alexander McQueen label was finally revealed as the designer, confirming earlier reports from Trinidad Weddings.com that we thought this would be the case!

Catherine’s dress was very demure and elegant. English and Chantilly lace was used to cover the shoulders and the bodice fit very close on the body which looked amazing on the bride’s slender figure. The train was two meters by seventy centimetres. As is typical for McQueen designs, emphasis is placed on the back as well as the front of the dress, therefore organza-covered buttons fastened by Rouleau loops and a bustle effect were used.

Interesting fact: Workers embroidering the train and tulle of the dress washed their hands every thirty minutes and changed the needles every three hours to keep it in pristine condition!

It is reported that the bride’s sister Phillipa Middleton also wore a dress designed by Sarah Burton. The young bridesmaids' dresses were handmade by bespoke children's wear designer Nicki McFarlane and featured large box pleats and sashes which were tied into bows at the back. They wore ivy and lily of the valley hair wreaths which were inspired by the headdress worn by the bride’s mother at her wedding in 1981.

All bouquets including Kate's, were simple and included lily-of-the valley, sweet William and hyacinth. Each bridesmaid had her name embroidered onto the lining of her dress as a memento.

Notable outfits

Princes William and Harry looked dashing in their uniforms. William wore a scarlet uniform and blue sash while Harry was dressed predominantly in navy with gold piping. The Queen looked lovely in a primrose yellow outfit.

Both she and the bride’s mother wore morning coats over dresses and it is believed that the coats will be removed once inside the palace for the reception. Carole Middleton paid a tribute to Princess Diana by wearing a Catherine Walker creation which was touching as Catherine Walker has been one of the late Princess Diana’s designers.

Victoria Beckham wore a navy dress from her own collection which camouflaged her pregnancy. Phillip Treacy designed many of the hats and fascinators worn including those worn by Victoria Beckham and the Duchess of Cornwall. Wife of the Prime Minister Samantha Cameron rounded off the notables who wore British labels, by wearing a sea-green Burberry dress and jewelled hairband.

Trends:

Many of the women wore nude coloured shoes to balance off their dramatic hats and outfits which were in vivid colours. This also had the effect of elongating their legs – examples are the Duchess of Cornwall, Carole Middleton and the Queen.

Most female guests wore chic ensembles which were on the knee or slightly below the knee. Where hats were worn, they were firmly anchored, yet in most cases did not obstruct the view of the wearer's face.

The most notable trend was the wearing of the fascinators which in most cases were anchored from the centre of the wearer’s head and not on the side. Examples include Victoria Beckham, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and Tamara Palmer Tomkinson.

The men all looked elegant in morning coats, with medals being displayed if the wearer had merited such an honour on a previous occasion.

To get a feel as to the crowds and the experience on the streets of London- check out my Royal Wedding Album on Trinidad Weddings: https://picasaweb.google.com/talk2lini/WilliamCatherineSWedding?authkey=Gv1sRgCKnVloL5nO2NUw&feat=email#

Grab that Clutch!

To clutch or not to clutch – that… my girls is the question! After all, do you really need a hand bag on your wedding day? Or will your maid of honour take all and sundry for you? (since you’d rather be holding your champagne glass for the night!)

On the other hand, “pro-clutchers” will be thinking that they should definitely take their glam look full throttle and pose the day away holding that fab clutch. I think I tend to agree with the latter, especially if you’re a fearless bride who is opting to wear colour on her dress, with her jewellery or add a pop of it with a cute pair of coloured pumps or hair accessory.

The trends I’ve seen in bridal clutches and handbags are largely frame bags (i.e. those with the metal frame that clasps shut at the top) and minaudieres (hard-cased bags that are usually embellished or in a luxurious fabric. These are held by the hand or can be used with a chain or strap that’s attached inside).

In terms of the styling of the bags, I’ve mostly seen:

• Graphically printed bags – with motifs such as: cherry blossom, peonies, roses, ferns, peacock feathers, orchids and dandelions.

• Metallic bags

• Bags featuring sparkling details such as crystals, pearls and jeweled accents

• Ruffles and three-dimensional, hand-made flowers on bags

• Bags in neutral or nude shades.

Last night I flew in from New York on the heels of Bridal Market Week 2011. At the Wedding Channel’s Couture Show in Manhattan, I saw some amazing handbags by famous Hungarian-born handbag designer, Judith Leiber.

Her bags are just the sort of decadent arm candy coveted by the likes of celebrities such as: Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian, Heidi Klum, Keri Hilson, and Kelly Osbourne; and were a familiar sight on the red carpets of the 2011 Grammy and Academy Awards.

And…if you can cast your mind back, Leiber’s pink cupcake minaudiere was famously worn by “Carrie” in the Sex and the City movie. Have a look at the slideshow above to see some of what I saw of her bridal collection!

Wedding Ideas and Trends – in 2011 issue of Trinidad Weddings’ Bridal Magazine

The launch of the 2011 issue of the Collector’s Edition Wedding Magazine, published by our website, www.trinidadweddings.com will happen at Booth D, The Wonderful Wedding Show, during March 26th and 27, 2011 at Movietowne’s Banquet & Conference Centre, Trinidad.

It will be sold at an introductory price of TT$35.00 and from April 2011, will be sold online on the www.trinidadweddings.com website (through safe & secure credit card purchase!). This year, with our 2nd magazine, we’ve shared the creative ideas we’ve seen out and about at weddings and unveiled local resources and vendors, to help Caribbean brides with their wedding planning.

We also wanted to recognize our readers from around the world and bring different cultures together! That’s why, in this issue, you can see what it would be like to have an exotic wedding in Thailand through the eyes of a gorgeous Trini bride who wed there.

You can even explore the rich history and beautiful details of Chinese weddings in Trinidad and Tobago and get inspired by a couple who had an all-out “Trini-styled” wedding extravaganza, with local touches everywhere!


And, we’ve got the scoop on bridal beauty, fitness and fashion secrets from some of Trinidad & Tobago’s renowned beauties and celebrities!


Like the 2010 issue, this 2011 magazine is infused with top-quality “Trini” content and images, wrapped up with international flair. Through our magazine, we not only wanted to portray the very best of what we have in our local wedding industry but our mission is to be the “go-to-source” for reporting on the latest happenings in the Caribbean and international bridal scene as well. This is why, I’ve done a bit of globe-trotting this past year, in order to give our readers a review of “The International Paris Bridal Fair,” so they can glimpse French bridal glamour at its best.


The magazine is a Collector’s item - a Limited Edition, so there are only limited copies in print. After the launch, magazines will be available at leading retailers, bookshops and pharmacies in Trinidad and Tobago, such as RIK, Superpharm, Kappa Drugs and more.


Go to our website: http://www.trinidadweddings.com/
Facebook Group: Search for “TW Wed-Zine” Fan page
Twitter: Follow my tweets at: www.twitter.com/simone_TW
Advertising enquiries for the magazine’s 2012 issue: ezine@trinidadweddings.com

Tobago – it is Truly Romantic!

I’ve just returned from a week in beautiful Tobago at the “Tobago, Truly Romantic - A Weddings and Honeymoons Symposium.” The weather was glorious but I was far too busy - so my swimsuit sadly, never made it out of my carry-on!

Anyway, there, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with wedding industry professionals from the USA, publishers of leading American bridal magazines, friendly hoteliers and vendors from Tobago and also vendors from Trinidad, like those from our TW vendor network: Shelly Fossick (photographer), Anthea Walcott (florist) and Emerald Designs Limited (event planners).


It really warms my heart that the Department of Tourism in Tobago is taking Tobago’s role in the “romance market” so seriously and hopefully, through its efforts, it will give Tobago a fighting chance to be known and appreciated for its obvious appeal as a destination wedding and honeymoon option (versus the much more heavily-promoted Caribbean island destinations.)


While there, I couldn’t help but be inspired by Tobago’s natural beauty and culture and so, here are some thoughts on how to incorporate some of  Tobago's essence into your wedding:


1. One day, I had a terrific lunch at a charmingly rustic place called “Shore Things” – it’s a combination of an art and craft store and a restaurant. Everything is freshly made – from the breads to the ice cream ( I’ll get to that in a second!). I had shrimp crepes with a salad, accompanied by home-made vinaigrettes: honey mustard and a heavenly balsamic concoction.

So, why not incorporate crepes into your wedding menu? It could be an interactive appetizer. Think about it…a crepe station with different fillings – savoury ( like cream of mushroom or chicken) or sweet like chocolate-filled crepes! You could also make your own vinaigrettes as wedding favours for your guests or serve them a home-made flavoured ice cream? I had passion fruit-mango ice cream and it was delish!

At another restaurant called "Surf n Turf", I had a very tasty shrimp and vegetable tempura - that's another great idea for a wedding appetizer!


2. Just like the “Shore Things” menu – you can use coloured burlap, twine, shells or twigs on your own invitations if you’re going for an island-feel or if you want an eco-twist.


3. Skip expensive crystal and glass receptacles for your centrepiece and opt for centrepieces done in a whole coconut shell or in a large conch shell. They’re unique and will definitely be a conversation-starter for your guests.

(The 2 centrepieces in the photo slide show were done for the event by Emerald Designs Limited. Photo of the coconut shell arrangement kindly provided by Emerald Designs Limited. Photo of the conch shell arrangement was taken by my phone's camera, so I apologise for the fuzziness!)


4. For entertainment, treat your guests to a re-enactment of an Ole Time Tobago wedding. I got to see one up front at this event and it immediately got all the participants smiling, clapping and ready to chip along to the violin and tambrin!

(The photos of the Tobago wedding were kindly provided by Tobago photographer, Celeste Hart.)


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