Saturday, June 4, 2011

PUPPY LOVE

Ciao Bellas! As the old saying goes, "Dog is a Man's Best Friend"; so why not let him stand by you for your vows? If anything, it's the perfect way to inject light humor into a day that is filled with inevitable nerves.

With dogs so often being viewed as a member of the family, this trend is truly taking off amongst lovable pet owners tying the knot.

We adore the way these pets have been included and will show you just how to pull it off for your big day...none of which involve your single sister escorting Fido down the aisle...that's just cruel!


We love these non-traditional, fancy dog outfits!


Adorn the collar with synthetic flowers to match your 'maids
(ask the girls to save the extra fabric from their alterations to make into rosettes)
OR
Style your dog after the ring bearer with this DIY ring box collar
(we suggest having a human attendant carry the rings, so that Spike doesn't loose them; although it's never a guarantee that the Best Man will hold on to them either!)



Can't you just see this on a yellow lab in Martha's Vineyard?

A few tips to help you pull of this trend successfully!
  1. Does your venue allow pets? 
  2. Consider how poochie will make his debut. Does he need an escort or can he go it alone?
  3. Offer your dog a treat or toy that will distract him throughout the ceremony
  4. Who will look after poochie before and after the ceremony?
Can't have your furry friend particpate in the wedding festivities? Here are a few alternatives!

~ In lieu of a favor, make a donation to your local Human  Society or favorite dog rescue league

~ Include your dog in your Engagement Photos and display them at the reception


{image credits: Project Wedding; Our Formal Dog; Leash and Paws; Blush Paperie; Elizabeth Messina; Birds in Chandeliers; Etsy.com/pecanpiepuppies; Martha Stewart Weddings, Robert Hock, Our labor of Love; Nicole Cassano}

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Department Store Bliss

Ciao Bellas! Today's entry was inspired by a dear friend and Bella Cosa BRIDE-TO-BE, Anna.

Anna embodies the calm, care-free bridal style; so it's no surprise that her dress shoping experience was just that! Anna manged to find a BCBGMaxAzria designer gown for under $400 (for day-of "wow" effect, the dress is not posted today)!

This dress could easily fool the average eye for that of a high-end, multi-thousand dollar gown. Kudos to Anna and Mother of the Bride, Myra for finding such a bargain in a fabulous wedding dress!

Planning a wedding on a budget?
Want to wear multiple gowns the Big Day?
Spending less on your dress to spend more on your favorite band?

You too can find a bargain in a fabulous gown by looking in the right places...Department Stores!

Check out some of Bella Cosa's favorites for wedding dresses that won't break the budget.

Nicole Miller Strapless Gown w/ Cascading Asymmetric Ruffles
$1,100 at Bloomingdale's
Note the similarity to this Dior gown on Eva Mendes for 2009 Golden Globe Awards
Take a page out of Eva's style book and pair your gown with colorful jewelry!



This romantic, whimsical gown was made for a beach wedding!
BCBGMAXZARIA Strapless Ruched Center Gown
$398 at Bloomingdale's



  The backside of this Nicole Miller dress is our favorite detail, along w/ the refreshing departure from strapless!
$750 at Bloomingdale's
 
Of course, saving the best for last...for the bride that envisions herself as a Princess...
JS Collections 'Duchess' Gown
$698 at Nordstrom



Thought you recognized that JS Collections Dress? It is stunningly similar to Kate Middleton's wedding dress.
Now if only you can find a Lady in Waiting like Pippa!
image courtesy of Getty Images

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

The Girl Behind the Plan...

Ciao Bellas and welcome to the blog site created by Bella Cosa Events! With this being our first blog entry, it's only fitting that we give you a chance to get to know Meredith Sorkin, Creative Founder & Chief Planner of Bella Cosa Events.

Our planning style is directly adapted from Meredith and her inspirations, so take a peek to see how Meredith "filled in the blanks" on her dream event this summer....

SUMMER SETTING

If I could plan any party this season it would be a summer soiree theme, where guests would sip grapefruit cocktails  and nibble on fresh sushi & watermelon salad.

image courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

image courtesy of Modu-Systems

image courtesy of Eating Out Loud
As the hostess, I would wear a peach colored Maxi Dress by Max Azria with chunky jewelry .

image courtesy of Max Azria via Bloomingdales

image courtesy of Anthropologie; Forever Darling Necklace
The event would begin at sunset, under the soft glow of lanterns with shabby chic decor in the palettes of beige with pale pastel accents.


image courtesy of Bella Southern Decor Design
  
image courtesy of La Sweet Settings
image courtesy of sTori Book Weddings via Heavenly Blooms



Tables would be decorated with pink & white peonies and peaches in bell jars; candles would scatter the yard. The mood would be celebratory and light  with a musical mix of folk revival with pop-jazz.

image courtesy of Cottage Living
image courtesy of besthealthsecrets.com

image courtesy of jasfitz via sfgirlbybay


This is my idea of the perfect Summer Soiree - what's yours?