Saint Louis Bride Magazine

Bouquet of the Week

2011-10-10T13:40:00.007-05:00

Rose with plumes bouquet by Lucky You Productions.

Photo: Chris Croy Photography

Bouquet of the Week

2011-10-03T10:15:00.003-05:00

Cute as a Button
Sweet hand-tied bouquet with button adornments by Thorn Studio.

Photo: Under Grace Photography

Bouquet of the Week

2011-09-22T14:54:00.004-05:00

It's been awhile, but this rainy St. Louis day calls for some pretty flowers!

Fall bouquet of roses, calla lilies and orchids was created by The Special Event Florist Tina Barrera.

Photo by: Clary Photo

Must-have iPhone apps for wedding planning

2011-01-24T11:15:00.007-06:00

Are you planning a wedding? Do you own an iPhone? Well, here’s how you can use it to your advantage to help you plan a fantastic event. We gathered a couple apps that may be helpful to you.

First off -- let's talk about my favorite -- and the one I use constantly.

Evernote is a free amazing app that syncs to your iPhone, your online account and your desktop program. No matter what computer or phone you are on, you can save any email, picture, vendor information that you find useful and retrieve it from anywhere. It acts like a digital notebook to save all your inspiration for your special day.

iWedding Deluxe is not a free app but well worth the $7.99 price tag. If you check out the features, you will be as impressed as I am. It includes checklists, notes, budgets and everything is customizable. You can track your RSVPs, add meal options, you can even organize your vendors’ information to find their contact information easily.

If you find the iWedding Deluxe app too overwhelming, My Wedding might be a better fit for you. It is a simpler app, priced at $3.99 that provides you with a reasonable amount of to-do lists. You will realize right away that the features of this app are pretty basic, but it still allows you to handle your RSVPs, and track your budget.

iBridalGown is priced at $3.99 and could be of great help during dress shopping. Designed by a bridal salon owner, it can help you narrow your search down to the perfect dress. While shopping, you can save information on every dress you try, including location of the salon, pictures of you in the dress and any detail you wish to save.

To complement the pure wedding planning applications, there are a couple fun ones that you will find very useful as well.

Let’s start with Wedding Scan, a very smart wedding registry app that enables couples to register at different stores and it then uploads the items on their online account. I find this concept to be genius and we love that this app is only $0.99!

And let’s not forget the YouTube free app. It is not a wedding app per-se, however, it can be very helpful and allows you to listen to songs you might be considering for your dances, tosses and cake cutting. You Tube will also allow you to listen to different versions of a song so you can pick the perfect one for your day.

Are you using one of these? Are you using them all? How do you like them? We’d love to hear from you so please leave us a comment!

Yara Holt owns and operates Plume Events, a full-service wedding and event coordination company. Known for her enthusiasm, an emphasis on service, a strict attention to detail, as well as strong work ethics, Yara is committed to making a bride's special day unique. Growing up in Europe, Yara’s unique background gave her the perfect blend of creativity, flexibility, and organizational skills. Yara specializes in modern urban weddings.

Be Contract Savvy

2010-04-29T09:50:00.004-05:00

What to Know Before You Sign on the Dotted Line

Contracts can be confusing and sometimes they are an overwhelming jumble of jargon. But a service contract with a caterer, reception hall, wedding liaison, florist or whomever is meant to protect your rights as much as those of the pros. Don't agree to a contract that is too vague. Lack of specificity leaves room for vendors to make changes or tack on extra costs.

Everything should appear on paper, including:
~ Dates of Service
~ Times (including set-up and clean-up times, if applicable)
~ Locations
~ Prices - Plus Taxes and Gratuities
~ Payment Plan
~ Delivery Schedule
~ Number and Names of Professionals
~ Expected Attire of Professionals
~ Refund and Cancellation Policies
~ Any Overtime Fees

The contract must also specify any vendor-specific details. For example, a videographer's contract should specify that she'll have back-up equipment on hand in case of malfunctioning; a florist's should name the specific flowers he'll use.

Also make sure that any details or extras discussed during meetings are noted in the contract. If you photographer says he'll throw in an extra portrait for your parents, get it in writing. Don't take anything for granted. Ask questions, and if you feel something has been left out, have the vendor write it in. Both parties should initial the change.

Don't be pressured into signing on the spot. Vendors should let you take a contract home and fine-tooth-comb it. Pinpoint any unfamiliar terms and get them clarified to your satisfaction and, if possible, have a third party give it a glance. A wedding coordinator or attorney is ideal, but anyone who has recently planned a wedding can eyeball it. Then be sure to keep in touch with the vendor after you've signed and put down a deposit. Follow up on contract details as the wedding date nears, and call vendors to confirm services one to two weeks before the big day.

Protect Yourself with Clear Contracts
~ Never sign a contract until you understand every word, and are confident that it covers.
~ All relevant details. Before you sign, think through all possible (or at least likely) conflicts and crises and make sure they're addressed.
~ Contracts exist to protect both you and the wedding professional equally. If any vendor refuses to provide or sign a contract, walk away.
~ Remember, even the best contract can't prevent problems from happening, but they can give you legal recourse to at least recover financial losses.

Carolyn Burke - Wedding Liaison has been in the event planning industry for 10 years. She is a wedding planner and an event location specialist with resources on 425+ event venues in the area with more than 900 photographs.

Gown Purchasing Timeline

2010-04-22T10:37:00.002-05:00

When it comes to buying your wedding gown or your attendants' special occasion dresses, an easy rule of thumb is to purchase when you find it. If you wait too long to begin your search, you may run in to extra charges for rush delivery. All special occasion gowns are made to order and are not sitting in a warehouse awaiting your purchase.

Here is an easy guide for your attire purchases:

Wedding Gowns

Begin your search 12 to 9 months prior to your wedding day

Purchase at least 6 months prior

Bridesmaids Dresses

Begin searching after you find your gown - approximately 9 months out; make sure the bridesmaids' dresses compliment yours, not the other way around

Purchase them about 7 months prior to the wedding

Your bridesmaids will appreciate not having to pay for a ton of things at the last minute.

Mothers Gowns

Begin the search 9 months prior to the wedding

Purchase 6-7 months prior - this will leave the moms a few months to lose any weight if need be

Flower Girl Dresses

Begin searching 6 months out

Purchase 5 months before the wedding

Make sure you select a size that will accommodate a sudden growth spurt

Jamie Sherman is the manager of Blushing Bride, a bridal salon in Shiloh, Illinois.

Live Music at the Reception

2010-04-15T11:42:00.006-05:00

Planning a wedding is a major undertaking for anyone and there are myriad details that need to be addressed. You quickly learn that it’s never too soon to begin thinking about the details and planning for the music is a significant part of the process. Most individuals have never coordinated music for a large event such as a wedding reception and aren’t familiar with all of the features that an experienced band can provide to make the reception a success.

Having experienced musicians working for you is like having an on site wedding coordinator to make sure all of your details are addressed during the reception. When you provide specific details, the entertainers you hire can be much more than simply a source of music. They can perform emcee and additional functions such as:

* Introducing the wedding party
* Announcing toasts and present the person to deliver the blessing
* Coordinating with the caterer regarding instructions for the serving of meals
* Synchronizing with photographers and videographers to ensure great pictures from the reception
* Announce special events such as the Bride & Groom first dance and all other special dances
* Coordinating the cutting of the cake
* Orchestrating the tossing of the garter and/or bouquet
* Highlighting the newlywed's departure to begin their new life together

As far as selecting the band, we’re very lucky in St. Louis because we have several great options so have fun doing your research. Some questions to consider might be:

What is your musical vision for the reception? Your tastes might lean toward jazz, swing, pop, Motown, rock, country, hip hop, R&B, or all of these styles? If you select a band that can only play a few of these styles “authentically” then you’ll likely lose your guests early in the reception. Selecting a band with a diverse capability will ensure that all of your guests hear something they enjoy and they will want to stay all evening. Simply put, consider your guests' anticipated musical interests in addition to your own.

Is what you hear on the demo CD representative of a live performance? Ask if the vocalists and musicians are going to be the ones that you’re hiring. Ask if all the instruments you hear on the CD are going to be part of the band at the reception. For example, if you like the sounds of Motown, R & B, and swing music then the band needs to have a great horn section. Some bands have a group of vocalists and musicians that play in different combinations so you don’t want to be disappointed if the band that shows up isn’t what you expected. You should also make sure the band is capable of playing any special ethnic material, e.g., traditional Jewish songs, if that’s something you will need.

Does the band have a male and female vocalist? The repertoire of songs expands a great deal when there is both a male and female singer and songs can be done more authentically when you have a male and female vocalist. As good as a vocalist may be, it can get tiresome to hear the same voice the entire evening.

Is your friend’s suggestion right for your wedding vision? It can be helpful to learn of bands that friends had at their weddings, but don’t let someone else’s insistence be the reason you choose a band. It may be a great band, but not the right one for you. Try to be open-minded when you start your search.

Finally, does the band have liability insurance to protect you (and them) if something unexpected should happen?

Some venues require their vendors have insurance so it's best to check this ahead of time to avoid any future issues.

Tim Callihan is a member of the Federation of Musicians and manager of The Spectrum Band in St. Louis.

What to Know When Hiring a Wedding Consultant

2010-04-08T11:01:00.010-05:00

For some, wedding planning can be time consuming, stressful and difficult. Hiring a wedding consultant is the best way to have your ideal event without going through the stressful motions of planning. A knowledgeable, experienced consultant can eliminate the search from hundreds of vendors down to a few that fit your exact needs, come up with cost-saving solutions to implement key elements and serve as a mediator and problem solver between you and your vendors. However, it can also add to stress if the consultant you’ve hired is inexperienced, disorganized and has a lack of knowledge about the local wedding market. When hiring a consultant, here are some things you should look for (and please note that, with everything, there are exceptions to these indications):

Credentials:
Did you know that consultants and planners can have certifications? Not to say that completing a training program means that a consultant is experienced, but these certifications offer valuable insight to consultants they may not have learned otherwise. This includes contract negotiations, dealing with problem situations, solving issues between vendors, etc. If a consultant indicates they have any type of certification, ask what was involved in obtaining their certification. Some require only a payment, while others require four or more months of classes, quizzes and projects.

In addition to certifications, there are awards for wedding and event companies. Some of these awards are only open to vendors within the award’s professional society, but others are open to any company. As with certifications, ask the consultant what was involved with entering and winning their award. Ask to see pictures of the event itself. Both of these will allow you to judge the caliber of work involved.

Consultants can also be recognized in magazines, newspapers and professional publications. These consultants have proven themselves to have at least some knowledge of the industry for their words to have been written within the publications, or are trusted enough for their insight to be judged valuable for a paying public. Has the consultant been on committees for community events or has he/she been a featured guest or speaker in planning-related events?

Size of Business:
Rhere are great consultants that are self-employed, however there are also those that are in business without having proper experience. Having multiple consultants on staff may indicate a long list of current clients and events, thus a successful, reputable business.

Portfolio:
A consultant with experience will have at least one portfolio to show you, as well as samples of past event invitations, favors, décor, etc. This not only ensures that their style matches your own, but also allows you to see the scale and diversity of experience a consultant has to offer.

Advertisements:
A successful business will have a budget to spend on advertising. Look not only at the appearance of the advertisement (Is it professional, cohesive, organized, and appealing?), but also the location (Does it exist in a place with other well-known vendors and a good target market or is it in a publication open to anyone with a bad viewing market?). There are wonderful small businesses without the budget for advertisements and large businesses without the need for advertisements, but in general, a good advertisement means a company is willing to invest profit to reach their target market.

In addition, check out the consultant’s website and business cards/pamphlets. As with advertising, are they cohesive and well organized? Do they provide you with enough information to get a good first impression? Does their style appear to be one that matches your personality or the style of the event you plan to throw? These are all good indications of whether or not the consultant will be a good match for you.

Payment Schedule:
How consultants charge clients may seem like it should be all the same, but it can be very different. Some consultants charge a flat rate which requires a deposit and one or more later payments. Keep in mind that a deposit is necessary, as this ensures that the consultant will have business on a given day and can refuse future potential clients also interested in that date. Consultants also do a good amount of research during the first phases of planning and usually will not be compensated until much later in the process.

Other consultants charge a percentage of your budget. For example, if a client has a budget of $20,000 for a party, a consultant can charge up to 10%, resulting in a fee of $2,000. Some charge this way because larger, more expensive events tend to require more time, research, additional staff, and more work in general. There are trustworthy and knowledgeable vendors who charge this way but be wary that the more you spend, the more the consultant charges. If the consultant you intend to hire works on a percentage scale, try asking that a cap be put on the consultant’s fee upfront. This ensures you will not go severely over-budget and the consultant works in your interest. Again, keep in mind that more expensive events usually require more work. Be fair and honest in letting your consultant know your budget upfront.

First Impressions:
Always meet with a consultant in person before signing a contract (and ALWAYS require a contract for you to sign – to protect yourself from anyone taking your money without clear expectations and ensure the consultant has set tasks and a date on which to work). When meeting with them, does he or she dress professionally and appropriately for the setting in which you are meeting? Does their style match your own? Were they timely, attentive and able to answer all of your questions with reasonable answers? Did they have samples and information for you to take with you? Do your research on the company prior to meeting with them so you can make the most of your time with the consultant by asking questions and listing your expectations for budget and timelines.

Workspace:
Keep in mind that most consultants do not have an office outside of their home, as they usually attend meetings at the venue of their vendors. Ask if the consultant has a dedicated workspace in their home away from distractions, with necessary supplies and methods of communication (phone, computer with internet access, etc.).

Finally, look for a consulting company that fits your style as well as your budget. If your budget for planning is lower than that of a consultant you would like to interview, let them know your budget and ask if a custom package can be created to suit your needs. Remember that consultants are usually able to save you time and money, so you may end up saving more by spending more initially. Saving you hours of research and negations may be worth the extra cost! If you have a very limited budget, try asking if they have a consultant that works best for your situation and/or one with more experience with smaller-budget events. After looking at these different areas, you should be able to conclude if a potential consultant is a good match for you.

Good luck and happy hiring!

Erin Hofmeister has been an Event Manager and Design Consultant with Alred Wedding Consultants since 2004. She specializes in creating award-winning, detail-rich weddings and incorporating couples' personalities into their special day.

Vera Wang Trunk Show This Weekend

2009-11-19T14:50:00.004-06:00

See the latest bridal and bridesmaid collections from Vera Wang at Berrybridge, 9904 Clayton Road in Ladue from November 19-21. Please call for an appointment- 314.997.1439

Bellissima Couture Trunk Show ~ November 6 & 7

2009-11-05T14:54:00.004-06:00

See Bellissima Couture's new bridal collection this Friday and Saturday -- November 6 & 7 -- at Simply Elegant Bridal, 1004 Olive Street, Downtown. Please call to schedule an appointment 314-241-8201.

Watters Trunk Show This Weekend -- October 1-3

2009-09-30T13:12:00.002-05:00

See Watters' new bridal collection this weekend -- October 1-3 -- at Blushing Bride, 1941 Frank Scott Parkway East in Shiloh, Il. Please call 618-628-7800 to schedule an appointment.

Saint Louis Bride Bouquet Networking Lunch at The Lindell Pavilion on September 23rd

2009-09-24T15:21:00.007-05:00

Fun was had by all who attending the Saint Louis Bride networking lunch. Guests enjoyed a fantastic lunch by Catering St. Louis and a dreamy mini wedding cake from Truffe's among thirty beautiful bouquets by local floral designers.

Photographs of the flowers, which were installed by Exclusive Events, were taken prior to the luncheon and will be featured in the spring/summer issue of Saint Louis Bride which will be published in January.

Special thanks to:

Catering St. Louis
Truffe's
Exclusive Events
Warwick Photography
Calligraphics

The Florists:
Petals Galore
Caroline Kelsey
Distinctive Designs
Focus on Design
Don DeFoe's
Mel Worley Floral Artist
A Floral Gallery
RW Designs
Sisters Flowers
Wildflowers
Fleurish
Botanicals
Blossoms
Bozzay Florist
Lucky You Productions
Bloomin' Buckets
Thorn Studio LLC
Becky Huffman Floral Designer
Belli Fiori
Scott Hepper, Diane Breckenridge
Dale Rohman
Festive Atmospheres
Meleana's
Elegant Celebrations
Ladue Florist
Blooms
Luluthia Floral Design
Diehl Florist
Artistry

More photos of this can be seen in our album on Facebook -- http://www.facebook.com/stl.bride

Jim Hjelm Occasions Trunk Show

2009-08-27T14:42:00.002-05:00

See Jim Hjelm's bridesmaid collection this weekend -- August 28 & 29 -- at The Ultimate Bride, 1512 S. Brentwood Blvd. Please call 314-961-9997 to schedule an appointment.

Saint Louis Bride's Fall/Winter Issue Launch Party

2009-07-09T14:31:00.003-05:00

Fun was had by all who attended SLB's fall/winter issue launch party in the Zodiac Room at the Chase Park Plaza.

Visit us on Facebook to see the entire photo album.

Bouquet of the Week

2009-06-22T13:42:00.000-05:00

Artistry designed this beautiful hand-tied bouquet of roses and ranunculus.

Photo by: L Photographie

Mix and Mingle this Wednesday Evening

2009-05-26T10:04:00.003-05:00

ten.ten.ten Wedding Gala is holding a cocktail soirée on May 27th 2009, 5:30pm at Genovese Jewelers.

The soiree will feature a bridal fashion show and offer the opportunity for engaged couples to meet and greet the area's top wedding professionals. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and music will be provided. One couple will be chosen as a top ten finalist for Ten.Ten.Ten Wedding.

Go to tententenwedding for all the details.

Bouquet of the Week

2009-04-29T13:40:00.003-05:00

Floral designer Rachel Roman Speh designed this hand-tied spring bouquet of white lilac, freesia, and tulips accented with green hanging amaranthus.

Photograph by Megan Thiele.

Chatfields Featured on KSDK

2009-04-28T10:19:00.004-05:00

Congrats to owner Debbie Welcher of Chatfields Boutique whose unique bridal salon was recently featured on KSDK.

See video by clicking HERE.

Chatfields Boutique is located at 2149 Barrett Station Road in Des Peres and can be contacted at 314.965.6565.

ten.ten.ten Wedding -- Win the Wedding of Your Dreams

2009-04-28T09:46:00.004-05:00

Throw your wedding budget out the window! One lucky couple is going to have the wedding of their dreams… free!

Several of St. Louis’ top wedding professionals have been itching for the chance to work as a team, to corroborate their talents, creativity, and expertise in executing the most unprecedented and show stopping wedding St. Louis has ever seen.

Together, they have formed ten.ten.ten Wedding. ten.ten.ten Wedding is a contest for engaged couples to compete to win an all-inclusive wedding on October 10, 2010, estimated at $100,000. The ten.ten.ten Wedding will include products and services from an extensive list of exclusive professionals -- planner, photographer, videographer, attire, catering, flowers and so much more!

Now, they are in search of an engaged couple, full of passion and inspiration, to partner with this elite group of professionals in capturing your vision of the perfect wedding.

This is not just a contest or a giveaway. This will be the wedding gala of the year, with you and your groom taking center stage. No corners will be cut, no detail left unturned. The ten.ten.ten Wedding professionals will execute every aspect of your wedding with unbridled creativity and discriminating taste.

Interested couples can enter the contest by going to www.tententenwedding.com to download an application. The application must be submitted by May 29th, 2009, along with a video on why they should be chosen to receive the grand prize wedding. The panel of sponsor professionals will select the top ten most creative entries for the semi-finals to be revealed on July 1, 2009. The top ten couples will be interviewed by the panel and voted on by the public through www.tententenwedding.com to be narrowed down to the top-three finalists. The top three couples will receive an engagement photo session by Browers Photography and a love-story video by Switzerfilm.

Over 6000 man-hours are going into the pre-production and selection process alone. A committee of 6 founding companies was created to launch and market the idea. “We are very proud of the sponsors for donating their time and expertise for this contest,“ says Sabrina Torti, Proposing Dreams, founder of ten.ten.ten Wedding. “These vendors are the best of the best in the industry and will give 100% when it comes to planning this monumental event for one lucky couple.”

For more information, online applications and the complete list of sponsors for ten.ten.ten Wedding, visit www.tententenwedding.com and www.tententenblog.com.

St. Louis Area Wedding Photographer Holds Contest for Free Wedding

2009-04-27T13:01:00.003-05:00

Maplewood, MO – April 23, 2009 – In our current economic climate, some people are cutting costs wherever possible. Unfortunately, if you are getting married, skimping is not a good choice when it comes to your pictures. High quality professional photography comes at a premium that should not be sacrificed due to a tightening of budgets. Great wedding photography will give a lifetime of reliving the memories.

In an effort to ease the burden, David J. Cerven (owner of Studio Altius, a photography studio located in Maplewood), has announced that Studio Altius Weddings is holding a contest to award a full wedding photography package of up to $10,000 to one deserving couple. From April 15 through August 31, 2009, couples may enter to win. All participating couples will receive a free engagement photoshoot and have a profile that will appear on the Studio Altius Blog and on Studio Altius Weddings Facebook page. The public will then vote throughout the month of September for the couple they feel is most deserving of the free wedding photography package.

Studio Altius Weddings specializes in fully customizable wedding photography. They have 15 photographers, 2 digital artists, a beautiful studio, and completely customized product options in order to make sure brides receive exactly what they want. Besides great wedding day coverage, Studio Altius is known best for its popular Studio Bridal Photoshoots. These are fashion-style photoshoots where the bride comes to the studio with her dress before the wedding with her finished “trial-run” hair and make-up. It is a great opportunity for brides to get some beautiful images without the rush of the wedding day.

You're Invited to Dine Out with Saint Louis Bride

2009-04-22T15:03:00.001-05:00

Bouquet of the Week

2009-04-22T11:32:00.002-05:00

The blue delphinum bouquet by Wildflowers.

Photo by David Lancaster

Marisa Trunk Show This Weekend

2009-04-17T14:03:00.003-05:00

Marisa at The Ultimate Bride, 1512 S. Brentwood Blvd. Please call 314-961-9997 to schedule an appointment.

Bouquet of the Week

2009-04-15T12:05:00.004-05:00

This rustic bouquet by Petals & Bells (St. Paul, MO) includes hydrangeas, roses, calla lilies and hypericum berries.

Photo by Metropolitan Picture Company

Bouquet of the Week

2009-04-08T08:00:00.003-05:00

This bouquet by Fleurish is composed of ivory cymbidium orchid blooms, ranunculus and roses, pink & ivory spray roses, peach & green hypericum berries and green lady's mantle foliage all nestled in green hydrangea, collared with galax leaves and with an ivory
satin ribbon wrapped handle.

Photo by Lance Omar Thurman

TLC's New "Say Yes to the Dress" Website

2009-04-06T13:42:00.003-05:00

TLC.com has rolled out a brand new web site for the hit show SAY YES TO THE DRESS, featuring all new applications, tips, videos, and quizzes. Essentially, every bride-to-be’s dream come true while searching for the perfect dress!

To start off the bridal fun, a new "Virtual Bridal Boutique" application has been launched, where visitors can customize an avatar and try on wedding dresses that tailor to their specific body type.

Also included for the new season are webisodes featuring more brides searching for the perfect dress. New webisodes from this current season will be added to the site every week.

In addition, the pros from SAY YES TO THE DRESS--including Randy and Nicole--will be answering audio questions from brides and providing their expertise in video interviews.

More importantly, in this economy, couples are trying to utilize cost-effective means for planning a wedding, and the dress is no exception. The new site offers helpful tips for brides as they embark on their journey of finding their picture perfect dress. We tapped experts to explain how you don’t have to break the bank to have your dream wedding.

Later on in Season 3, the website will also be rolling out an updated Bridal Style Quiz to help brides discover their personal style, a Wedding Fashion Timeline, exploring bridal fashion from medieval times through present day, and The Journey of a Dress, tracing what happens from the time a dress comes through Kleinfeld’s doors to when it leaves in the hands of a blushing bride-to-be.

About TLC TLC's innovative docu-series and reality-based programming include favorites Jon & Kate Plus 8, Little People, Big World, What Not to Wear, 18 Kids and Counting, and LA Ink. TLC defined home design with Trading Spaces and continues to renovate the genre. TLC's daytime lineup includes the Emmy Award-winning A Baby Story. The channel is available in more than 97 million homes in the US, nearly 8 million homes in Canada and through the website at www.tlc.com. TLC is part of Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries.

Trunk Show This Weekend at New Bridal Salon

2009-04-02T15:16:00.004-05:00

Town and Country Bridal Boutique has opened their second location in Plaza Frontenac. The new salon will carry Amsale, Christos, LaFleur by Anne Barge, Lea-Ann Belter, Melissa Sweet, Priscilla of Boston and Reem Acra.

This weekend, April 3, 4 and 5th, there will be an Amsale and Christos Trunk Show. Call 314-991-5400 for an appointment.

Bouquet of the Week

2009-04-01T15:07:00.001-05:00

This hand-tied bouquet of peonies and ranunculas was created by RW Designs.

Photograph by Susan Jackson Photography.

The "bouquet of the week" will be featured each Wednesday. Email editor Nancy Slade (nancy.slade@morris.com) at Saint Louis Bride Magazine for submission guidelines.

Bouquet of the Week

2009-03-25T13:10:00.003-05:00

This bouquet by Wildflowers features astilbe, Pee Gee hydrangea, Vendella roses, kale cabbage and Kangaroo Paws hand-tied in an ivory satin ribbon.

Photograph by Stevie Photography.

The "bouquet of the week" will be featured each Wednesday. Email editor Nancy Slade (nancy.slade@morris.com) at Saint Louis Bride Magazine for submission guidelines.

Alred Wedding Consultants Receives Two Nods at Annual Louie Awards

2009-03-19T11:02:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Shelli Alred and the crew at Alred Wedding Consultants ~ recipients of two Louie awards at the St. Louis ISES annual recognition dinner last Friday evening.

Alred Wedding Consultants received the award for "Best Wedding - budget under $200 per person" for the "Craig-Hofmeister" wedding of January 12, 2008:

Alred Wedding Consultants received the award for "Best Wedding - budget $200+ per person" for the "Tebbe/Sauska" wedding of August 6, 2008:

Saint Louis Bride is now on Facebook!

2009-03-18T15:22:00.002-05:00

Be sure to check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/people/Stl-Bride/1523644336.

Local Stationer Featured in InStyle Magazine

2009-03-12T11:24:00.004-05:00

The new InStyle Weddings Magazine features the wedding sketches of artist Penelope Anne Altmann - the artist behind the unique illustrations of St. Louis-based stationer, Dreamlines. Saint Louis Bride Magazine featured the Dreamlines gown sketch in the spring/summer 2008 issue.

If you are looking for an awesome way to immortalize your gown as art, visit their website at www.mydreamlines.com or call 314-647-0670.

Jim Hjelm Bridal Trunk Show

2009-03-11T11:40:00.002-05:00

See Jim Hjelm's new bridal collection this weekend -- March 13-15 -- at The Ultimate Bride, 1512 S. Brentwood Blvd. Please call 314-961-9997 to schedule an appointment.

Welcome to Saint Louis Bride Magazine's New Blog

2009-03-11T10:52:00.000-05:00

We are excited to have our new place on the web! The goal for our blog is to keep you up-to-date with the latest wedding trends and expert advice. If you haven’t already, please be sure to pick up a copy of our new spring/summer issue.

SLB is available at on most newsstands and bookstores, including: Dierberg’s, Schnucks, Shop-n-Save, Straub’s, Borders, World News, Left Bank Books and Barnes and Noble.