DESTINATION WEDDING/HONEYMOON SUPER JEWELRY DEAL ALERT!

Planning a destination wedding or tropical honeymoon getaway? Stay tuned, the Deal Diva Bridal Guide has sent their staff on the road to scope out the the most luxurious and adventurous destination wedding/honeymoon hot spots at the the best price points we could find-- and we're ready to let you in on our spectacular discoveries!

But first, we just got this amazing jewelry deal alert and didn't want you to miss out on a great buy. Think bridesmaid gifts or just grab one for yourself!

Find this 7-strand, Lapis Torsade necklace featuring 5-6mm, cultured freshwater pearls and sterling silver clasp reduced from $150 to $39.95 over at Ross-Simons-we think it's a  perfect match for a destination beach wedding or honeymoon overlooking an azure blue sea!

What jewelry accessories will you wear for your beachy wedding or on your honeymoon?

  

PROJECT RUNWAY WINNER, CHLOE DAO, CREATING ELEGANT AND AFFORDABLE BRIDAL GOWNS

So, I'm a huge fan of Little Couple, Big World, and on a  recent show, Jen (Dr. Arnold)  needed a fabulous gown for an award ceremony. Intelligent woman that Jen is, the decision to go couture was made. Living in Houston,Texas gave Dr. Arnold easy access to the new fashion darling of formal wear, Project Runway winner, Chloe Dao. Watching in awe as Ms. Dao draped and designed  an exquisite, silk-chiffon, figure-flattering gown on Jen's 3 foot 10 inch frame inspired me to do a little more digging to see if this gifted designer offered brides her talented services as well. She does. We found this in the Houston-Chronicle and wanted to share with you. Let us know your thoughts! 

Project Runway winner and Houston-based clothing designer Chloe Dao has created bridesmaid dresses for the weddings of each of her married sisters. (The Laos-born Dao is one of eight daughters born to her immigrant parents, hence the name for her Rice Village clothing boutique, Lot 8.)

Until now, however, she hasn't designed one of their wedding gowns. When the next call comes, Dao said she'll be ready, having just launched a bridal collection she debuted along with her regular line last April.

The 39-year-old designer, who wowed Project Runway judges in 2006 with her tailoring skills, said the time was right to launch a side wedding business. She saw "continuous interest" from customers who asked if her label's party dresses and gowns could be made in white for their special days. Others asked for custom-made wedding dresses.

Gowns range in price from $1,100 to $3,400, incorporating Italian fabrics like silk organza, tulle and rich lace. With most dresses selling for under $2,000, Dao said her price point is reasonable considering what the materials cost. "They are fabrics you don't normally see (in wedding dresses). Even we didn't realize how ridiculously expensive they were."She calls her simple silhouettes clean and modern. "They are not poofy; there's pretty much no beading."Some of the dresses incorporate intricate draping and artistic floral detailing.

LET US KNOW IF YOU'D LIKE TO SEE MORE OF CHLOE'S COLLECTION ALONG WITH HER

BRIDESMAID/COCKTAIL DESIGNS.

HOT WEDDING TRENDS AT COOL PRICES

Trendy weddings are all about the details, so we spent a little time surfing the web and Facebook this weekend and came up with some high style finds at low style prices. Let us know what you like!

Planning a destination wedding or beach-theme--grab this great bucket hat and sarong combo on clearance for $2.98 each over at Wedding Star

photos courtesy of Big Apple Florist

For stunning, understated elegance in your  floral arrangements, keep it simple with one type of bloom such as these pictured. Save money by choosing roses (always plentiful and inexpensive) or, just find out what's in season for big savings. We found cheap vases, containers and floral supplies at the Dollar Tree.

If you're a fan of "Amazing Cakes" you're already familiar with Cake Alchemy.  But what you might not know is that these talented gals also offer a budget collection of dreamy and delicious cakes at affordable prices. (Black and White wedings seem to be making a  comeback--so we chose these to show you.)

Don't leave your cupcakes naked on the table, dress them up in cute, vintage wrappers--we found these on Etsy. And do surround your treats with retro finds (pictures, plates, linens, teacups etc.) from flea markets or grandma's attic for extra adorableness.

Don't leave your cocktails naked either! Carry your color scheme through to your signature drinks with color-coordinated rock candy swizzle sticks at only .59 each at Economy Candy

Forget tequila shots, these frosting shots will get your party started ! (Any baker should be able to accommodate this new trend on the wedding circuit scene--or DIY.)

Love, love this silk dupioni bridesmaid dress for around $239 at L'Atelier (ask for the "Kimberly")--and not just beautiful, this frock is functional too-- with pockets!

BONUS DEAL: Through August 31st, Deal Diva Bridal Guide readers can use the code: AUG20 and receive an extra 20% off!

And the cupcake craze continues, but you may want to keep the kiddies away from these Pomegranate and Vodka-Cosmo cupcakes. Photo courtesy of Good Taste Photography.

Personalized lollipops from Accent The Party, only $2.25 each. This website (one of the better favor sites) has a wide variety of color choices. We also loved their cupcake wrappers. Check em' out.

Vintage wrap, imported Italian paper wedding invites by Designs By Ann Margaret, now offering 15% off all of their  handpainted and affordable designs.

Tell us what fabulous finds you've come across for a trendy wedding!

ATTENTION PREPPY BRIDES! LILLY PULITZER INTRODUCES BRIDAL GOWNS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

Thought you might like a sneak peek at Lilly Pulitzer's  (the queen of preppy) upcoming tailored bridal collection set  to debut sometime in late 2010 priced at $1200-$4000. I don't see any major shades of pink and green yet, but don't let that stop you from carrying her signature colors through your wedding theme (think palm trees and pelicans). For more info go to Lilly Pulitzer.

Here is what Lilly is saying:


Lilly Pulitzer® is a brand dedicated to lifting people’s spirits and in turn our consumers include us in the best times of their lives. We see Lilly captured in these special moments from vacations to parties, holiday cards to family reunions. But the occasion we hear and see most is weddings. For years we have been wardrobing bridesmaids, flower girls, groomsmen, guests and most recently invitations and décor. But until now, the girl who wanted a Lilly wedding could rarely be seen in it herself on that special day.

We are excited to share a sneak peek of some of the pieces in the first Lilly Pulitzer®bridal collection. The collection was produced in tandem with our licensee partner Designer Bride who simultaneously launched beautiful collections for David Meister, Angel Sanchez and Carmen Marc Volvo, all with a focus on designer gowns at more accessible price points for this market.

The Lilly Pulitzer® entry offering features 12 unique gowns incorporating some of the same charming details of our ready to wear apparel, everything from Lilly Lace or grosgrain to colorful hints of pink and print. Silhouettes range from traditional full-length strapless gowns in silk organza, charmeuse or lace to fun flirty short cocktail lengths with tiered petal and tulip skirts or again in signature lace. The collection will be available beginning in late 2010 in upscale specialty bridal boutiques and select department stores nationwide. Price points range from about $1200-$4000 at retail. These special designs will be the icing on the cake for these memorable moments as we continue to inspire others to Lead a Colorful Life ® …even in wedding white!

IT IS EASY BEING A GREEN BRIDE--AND MONEY-SAVING TOO!

All wonderful parties must come to an end, and that includes weddings too (though the fun marriage part is  just beginning). Hopefully you took some $$$ saving advice from the Deal Diva Bridal Guide! But no matter how you cut the wedding cake, money was spent and bills need to be paid--however, you can still recoup some expenses even after (and maybe before?) the honeymoon's over. How? Just say yes to selling the dress!

Okay, calm down, you've got hundreds of picture proofs and a fabulous wedding album.  Are you really going to wear your wedding gown again? Or pass it down to your daughter who probably won't be interested? Forget it, instead, go green, recycle, be a good samaritan and make some money in the process (most re-sales net around half of what you paid) to pay off those bills, or start that nest egg!

Where to start? Check out online consignment stores and re-sale sites such as: Once Wed, Preowned Wedding Dresses, Wore It Once and our current favorite, Encore Bridal where we found some unexpected and amazing designer gowns for re-sale--have a look!

Pnina Tornai at Encore Bridal

and

Elizabeth Filmore (below)

If you decide to go the thrifty bride route, you may want to consider putting the dress up for sale  even before you walk down the aisle. According to the New York Times, brides have an advantage this way because the styles are still current and other brides can try on the same dress in stores. Just keep in mind, no red wine for you at the wedding. But if you should have a wardrobe stain mishap, consider a professional wedding gown cleaner. And if you're going wedding cleaning, you better go Wang' s way! According to Vera Wang, " the only establishment I can trust to maintain, renew and preserve my bridal collection is Madame Paulette." We don't think they ever met a stain they couldn't get out. Who else commissions their services? The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Reem Acra, Christian Dior, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyonce--well you get the idea.

BONUS!!!!  Right now  MADAME PAULETTE is offering Deal Diva Bridal Guide readers  $100.00 off their wedding gown cleaning bill with code: 422012729!

Let us know what you decide to do with your bridal gown after the wedding! And send us pictures so we can further preserve your memories here at DDBG!

BRIDES AND DISCOUNTED SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL JEWELRY--A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN!

We're getting this post up fast cause you only have 3 days to snag these spectacular Swarovski necklaces, rings, earrings and more at deep discounts and they're selling fast over at Rue La La. So here you go...

WHAT WE LOVE:

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL  HOT DROP EARRINGS (LEFT) WERE $160, NOW $69.

PRINCESS NECKLACE (RIGHT) WAS $220, NOW $59 (HURRY, ONLY 6 LEFT!).

DROP LINK EARRINGS BELOW WERE $135, NOW $59

CRYSTAL AND PEARL CLUSTER RING WAS $150, NOW $69

What are you waiting for? Grab em' before some other bride does!

Let us know how you do!

TO VEIL OR NOT TO VEIL? WHAT BRIDAL HEADPIECE WILL CHELSEA CLINTON CHOOSE FOR HER WALK DOWN THE AISLE ON JULY 31ST?

According to the New York Times, the Chelsea Clinton/Marc Mezvinsky wedding is  veiled in secrecy with vendors refusing to divulge details and guests being kept in the dark until one week prior to the event. So the speculation game is on! Rumor has it that the wedding will take place at the Astor Courts in Rhinebeck, New York with 400 guests in attendance. Okay, sounds nice, but more importantly, inquiring minds need to know, what will she wear? Though the New York Times indicates the dress designer as "reportedly Oscar de la Renta," the DDBG bettors are leaning toward, as Anthony Marantino advised Charlotte in Sex And The City, "You want wedding you go Wang." We think she'll go classic chic in Vera Wang (with Oscar and Monique Lhuillier as close runners up).

But which direction is she headed when it comes to the headpiece? This season offered a variety of options from single silk flower barrettes to Boho Chic birdcage bridal veils taking brides from the demure to the dramatic. But staffers at the Deal Diva Bridal Guide are guessing that Chelsea will go for a modern, refined finish--perhaps a side jeweled clip and single, full-length veil for the ceremony.

Whatever she chooses, price probably won't be a deal breaker, but it could be for you. So we've uncovered the latest bridal headpiece trends for 2010 and 2011 (some seen on the red carpet) at the lowest price points for your impending nuptials!

What do you love and which do you think Chelsea might choose?

We found this designer bridal headband with jeweled bow and feather sprays and biots for $63 at Bridies Baubles (free shipping and 10% off all orders in July).

Bella Tiara features this Edward Berger, Swarovski crystal headband and side ornamentation on sale from $194 to $129.

We love this Laetcia, 100% silk organza flower and Ostrich feather fascinator with Swarovski crystal accent found at the Belles and Crystals store on Etsy for only $88.

Favored by Gossip Girl's "Blair," this Swarovski crystal- loaded, Victorian-esque brooch and silk-satin headband can be found at Jennifer Behr for $182.

This very modern, retro chic designed by  Malis Henderson looks like a potential DIY to save you some bucks, if you're handy.

This beautiful Austrian Swarovski, machine-cut crystal comb on sale from $250 to $150 at Sposabella Lace can be paired with any veil for a modern, refined,  bridal headpiece.

Another great retro-chic look inspired by Taylor Swift's vintage halo headband encrusted with crystals, silver-metallic threads and clear glass beads can be found on Etsy. (Yes, you can also 'merchandise' it up with the veil of your choice.)

Bridies Baubles longer birdcage veil with feather fascinator only $45!

White jeweled Delphinium flower hair accent clip at Daisy Days reduced to $35.

Or perhaps you'd like to go the Gilda Radner route and throw a petticoat over your head? That would take care of the 'something old'.

Tell us your faves and what you think Chelsea will wear!