After "YES," Before "I DO" and Everything In Between

The Bridal Party     is thrilled to announce its fan page on FACEBOOK !  So far, we have 16 fans...and counting.  As we do here on After "YES," Before "I DO" & Everything In Between , on the fan page we'll post tips, information and exciting news as well as share ideas. We'd love for you to become a fan, so stop in soon.

I finally received my sample ballot in the mail and such feelings of both excitement and calm came over me. Just five days to go until the election and the only thing I urge you all to do, no matter who your choice is or how long the lines are ... please VOTE!

Yesterday, I received an email from an MTV producer alerting me that MTV wants a front row seat on your special day!  Their documentary series, Engaged & Underage , is casting for young couples to share their stories and experiences leading up to their wedding.  If you are already engaged, between the ages of 18-22 and getting married in 2008 or January 2009, then MTV wants to hear from you! TO APPLY FOR THE SHOW, DOWNLOAD A CASTING QUESTIONNAIRE AT: http://www.mtv.com/ontv/castingcall/index.jhtml?castingId=1509138  OR EMAIL MTV TO OBTAIN A QUESTIONNAIRE AT: engagedandunderage@mtvstaff.com . Include when and where you are getting married and why this is important to you.  Don't forget to also include your name, phone number, email address and a digital photo of you and your future spouse, if possible. GOOD LUCK!

Although traditionally considered a summer salad, I recently fell in love and prepared a marvelous Broccoli Salad that I thought I'd share. If you love broccoli, this recipe is for you. If you're not a fan of broccoli, this recipe is for you. It's the perfect complement to any bridal / baby shower or engagement party even. The broccoli pairs beautifully with the toasted walnuts, bacon, cranberries, and onion. A little sweet, a little tart ... delicious! Ingredients 5-6 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 pound of florets) 6 to 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 1/2 cup chopped red onion 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons apple-cider vinegar 1/4 cup sugar Salt and freshly ground black pepper Method 1: Bring a large pot of water, salted with a teaspoon of salt, to a boil. Add the broccoli florets. Cook 1-2 minutes, depending on how crunchy you want the broccoli. 1 minute will turn the broccoli bright green, and leave it still pretty crunchy. 2 minutes wil

Your After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between blog archive reminder has arrived! Take a look back at what we were discussing this week, one year ago. Top 20 "Most Expensive" Celebrity Weddings DIY Cupcake Cake Flowergirls Off-White (bold and vibrant options for your littlelest attendants) Bridesmaid Giftables (9 fabulous ideas for your BMs) The 2007 Honeymoon Guide (last year's phenomenal list from Daily Candy - Travel) Inspiration Board: Scrolls of Blue Bring Paper To Life (Poseprints! Use our coupon code " bridalparty " and receive 5% off )

A little over a month ago we mentioned the facelift TheBridalParty.net was receiving. And finally (drumroll please), it is complete! We worked very closely with Onyx Code and are so pleased with the very beautiful result. Onyx Code patiently and diligently brought our vision to life. A little flash, a little pizzazz, lots of inspiring photos of our work and so much more. Stop by and pay a visit whenever you like.

I saw this video on Good Morning America and it has got to be every bride's nightmare! Just in case you haven't seen it ...

While browsing Brides.com , I came across one of the cutest features i've seen in a long time, their astrology guide for brides. The AstroTwins , identical twin sisters Tali and Ophira Edut (professional astrologers) head up this section of the site and offer lots of advice for wedding planning. Not everyone believes in astrology, but it can be lots of fun to read from time to time. So, take a break from the stress of planning and check out your Bridescope . Here are a few excerpts from their cosmic wedding planner section for each sign: ARIES , 3/21 - 4/19 Your Bridal Style: Trendsetting, attention-grabbing, exciting, bold What's Important to You: Looking and feeling your best Being one-of-a-kind and adventurous The walk down the aisle—your big solo moment Asserting your independence, even as you join forces Wedding Mantra: "Through my union, I become more of myself." TAURUS , 4/20 - 5/20 Your Bridal Style: Sophisticated, classic, tasteful, elegant, timeless What'

I don't usually jump on a soapbox when blogging, but this has been on my mind so I've decided to share. Often, I come across posts from my fellow wedding consultants where they shake a finger at those who fail to take our business seriously as a BUSINESS and not a hobby. Many are frustrated by the idea that a bride who planned her own wedding should automatically assume she can become a professional in the field. Many are also frustrated by ill-prepared wedding consultants giving those of us who have honed our creativity, studied and worked hard a bad name by providing shoddy service and dropping the ball. Why? Because this is serious business and there is really little room for error when you're dealing with a client's once-in-a-lifetime event. A hired planner must be ready...there are no test-runs. However, some of the same consultants who complain are, in my opinion, enabling the behavior they claim to disapprove of. How? By offering "how to be a wedding planner

Dear Rashana, I don't even know where to start. I am newly engaged and am now having to plan a wedding. I have never been one of those people who wanted to look like a barbie doll following a lot of traditions. I am very traditional in a non-traditional way. I just don't know where to begin. We will be on a budget...I am guessing $10K. Staying on budget is very important. I want a small wedding party (just my sister as maid of honor)...I want everything to be chic, simple, and eclectic...I'd like the ceremony and reception to be held at the same place...the DJ and cake are very important. If you've ever seen the show Girlfriends, I want the wedding Joan would have, but on a budget. How much should I expect to pay for a venue? How much is too much for catering? I really don't like the look of hotel weddings, so what are my options? Confused in Houston * * * * * * * * * * Dear Confused in Houston , Congratulations on your engagement! Although I work primarily with b

We just received word that the McCaffrey International Trunk Show is going on now through October 19th at Kleinfeld Bridal .  Next to Oscar de la Renta and Romona Keveza, McCaffrey is my absolute favorite designer of bridal gowns.  Not many design houses can even begin to compare.  And the gowns featured during this exclusive event have never been viewed by the public. Brides, you won't want to miss this one!  Appointments are limited, so book now to ensure availability.  Call (646) 633-4300.

Introducing Wedding 2.0  from Bluefly! Whether you're "in it" or just "invited," Bluefly has created a special section dedicated to helping you find the perfect wedding ensemble.  Everything from gowns to men's suits to shoes to handbags are at your fingertips, up to 40% off regular prices.  Check it out .

Lately, there has been quite a bit of tagging on my favorite blogs...and just when I was starting to feel left out, Jane from Delight Your Senses tagged me!  Thanks, Jane. Here goes ... Four things I did today: 1. Sat in meetings for 1/2 the day 2. Prepared spaghetti for dinner 3. Gave birthday gift ideas for someone's girlfriend 4. Watched The Real Housewives of Atlanta for the first time Four things on my to-do list: 1. Final details meeting with November 1st bride 2. Check my mailbox 3. Order menu cards for November 28th bride 4. Try on my Halloween costume Four of my guiltiest pleasures: 1. McDonald's 2. Reality TV 3. Gossip & fashion blogs 4. Shopping! Four random facts about me: 1. I skipped the 7th grade and graduated highschool at 16 2. I am surrounded by folks named William and/or Keith (my husband's first and middle names are William and Keith; my father's name is Keith; my father-in-law's name is William; my

For their wedding, Baltimore Ravens Daniel Wilcox and Shauna Chin had a larger-than-life fairytale book created for their ceremony (pictured above).  Can't say I've ever seen anything like that before.  I'm sure their guests were in awe.  Overall, they pulled out all the stops ... the couple married on the 50-yard line, the bride wore a couture Pnina Tornai gown and the guest list topped 300.  Seems they did most everything BIG . Here are a few additional photos courtesy of Essence magazine:

This month I found a favor that's quite traditional...but with a personalized twist.  Our F l AVOR of the Month for October 2008 is ... The Personalized Hershey Kiss from Beau-Coup Hershey’s has been making chocolate candy since 1907.  For couples looking for the classic American treat to pass out on their wedding day, look no further.  You are even able to choose full-size bars or miniatures if you like.  Plus, Beau-Coup guarantees exquisite printing so your favors will look classy and professional. (photo courtesy of Brides.com)

Your After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between blog archive reminder has arrived!  Take a look back at what we were discussing this week, one year ago. The Bride's Guide from Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine Pink Cake Box (one of my favorite specialty bakeries) The Writing On The Wall  (Wonderful Wedding Graffiti) Event Livening Linens Inspiration Board: PINK My Evening with "Mr. Fabulous" (Preston Bailey) Inspiration Board: Clean, Simple, Sweet