McWeddings: Something different (and easy on the budget, too)

Couples would usually go all out on their weddings. I remember during our wedding preps, I was very particular about the venue, the attire, and the food. Especially the food. For the buffet meal alone, we spent around US$1500. That's not including the charge for the venue, dresses, photography, and everything else.

Some people would pull out all the stops and splurge more or less US$22,000 for everything. But there are still some brides- and grooms-to-be who choose to be a bit more on the frugal side, cutting down costs here and there.

Fortunately, for couples-to-wed in Hong Kong, McDonald's is out to help them have a unique and memorable wedding without overspending. McWeddings is the food chain's newest venture which is sure to attract future brides and grooms who are on a fairly tight budget.

A milkshake toast for the bride and groom!

For just around US$1,280, they can avail of the wedding package which is inclusive of McDonald's treats that are transformed into wedding wonders: food and drinks for 50 people, and a cake made of stacked Apple Pies. Invitations, decor, and gifts for guests are also included in the package. The crew takes the extra mile to make this occasion special for the couple as they come in dressed in black suits, just as ushers and waiters in a hotel would.

Yes, McDonald's is not just a venue for kiddie parties anymore. With McWeddings, they've broadened the reach of the clientele -- and eventually helping out couples on a budget create a fun, magical and special wedding day.

Photo credit: The New York Times website

Walking down the aisle: a few tips for brides

I guess one of the most exciting yet nerve-wracking part for the bride is the actual day itself, when she has to walk down the aisle to meet the groom. When I was a bride-to-be some years ago, my fear was actually tripping on the carpet halfway to the altar. And the church had a pretty long aisle -- it seemed like miles for me. Good thing that didn't happen, or else that would be so embarrassing.

It was also a good thing that I got a few tips from other brides and brides-to-be about how to stay poised and pretty while walking towards the altar. Here are some of the advices they gave me:

1. Make sure the dress is just the right length for you. This was one of the things that stuck to me early in the wedding preps. I've heard stories of ladies having a hard time walking because they stepped on their skirt, or they had to hold their bouquet and dress with one hand to prevent them from tripping. So in order to avoid mishaps while walking, better have your dress altered to your height.

2. Do the "kick-step." This was one trick I learned from another bride who was advised by her wedding coordinator on how to walk in her wedding gown. When you're about to make a step, instead of just moving your foot forward, try to kick the front of your skirt so that you won't step on it. But don't do a high kick. Just kick lightly so that your movements still look fluid.

3. Put the bouquet to your belly level. I've seen some brides holding their wedding bouquet too high that it covers their chest. If the gown had pretty details on the bodice, it would be a shame not to show it, right? Holding it just at the level of your stomach also makes you look more relaxed in pictures.

4. Walk slowly. I remember my photographer telling me, during the first few steps along the aisle, that I was walking too fast. He told me to slow down and move to the beat (my wedding march song was the canon from Pachelbel). The wedding is your big day and you must savor every minute of it. Besides, it looks a bit awkward when the bride seems to be in a bit of a hurry, don't you think?

5. Smile. Great for the photos and videos. Well I guess if you're a bit on the emotional side, that would be a bit hard (I've seen brides cry during their bridal marches). But you know, this is the most wonderful day, that single moment where everything just feels like heaven. So show those pearly whites. Smile as you pass by your guests, your friends, and your family. And of course, when you meet your groom. This also goes to the groom, the parents, and the members of the bridal party. The happiness that comes from your smile will surely radiate all around the place.

So brides, remember these tips and you'll really shine during your wedding.

Photo from blog owner's wedding.

The Royal Wedding Invitation for Will and Kate's much-awaited union

A simple white invitation card with a gold emblem on top. Straightforward text printed in black. That's how the wedding invitation of Prince William and Kate Middleton looks like. From the looks of it, you can say that the Wedding of the Year would probably have a simple but meaningful ceremony. I'd like that for them. Two high-profile personalities don't need to have all the hoopla, don't you think?

Around 1,800 to 1,900 invites (UsMagazine and AllVoices released different numbers) have been sent out for the biggest event in Britain that will happen this April. Of course, royalty from neighboring countries will be invited. Don't know who the other guests will be. But it's definitely not me. Hahaha!

We're starting to see more details on the upcoming Royal Wedding. I'll sure be posting those updates here soon.

Photo credit: AllVoices.com

Amanda Wakeley Bridal Lookbook

Looking for a wedding dress that's sexy and has a lot of pizazz? Then browse through the Amanda Wakeley Bridal Lookbook and you just might find the gown that you're looking for.

Divided into 3 categories -- Morocco, Rahjastan, and Desert -- each dress features designs that show some skin yet are still tasteful for a destination or beach wedding. Here are some of the dresses from the collection:

1st row: Looks from the Morocco collection.
2nd row: Dresses from the Rahjastan collection.
3rd row: Selections from the Desert collection.

The first pic on the middle row is for the more adventurous bride, with its bare back design. But if you're a bit shy showing some skin, there are other designs that give you a bit of cover-up without compromising sexiness.

Amanda Wakeley also has other wedding gowns you may want to check out. Take a look at its website today. Who knows, the perfect wedding dress for you might just be there.

Unique bridals from BHLDN

Last February 14, BHLDN launched its online store that features one-of-a-kind wedding dresses, shoes and accessories. Catering to brides who want to stand out, each dress from BHLDN is sure to captivate anyone. See for yourself:

Top row, from left: Pinwheel Tea Dress, Tiered Tulip Gown, Pleated Fantasy Gown, Ethereal Monarch Gown, Eyelet Medley Sheath.
Bottom row, from left: Zinnia Gown, Tulle Era Dress, Floral Artwork Dress, Trumpeted Pavot Gown, Greenbow Lace Gown.

These are just some of the gowns and dresses featured on their website. You can view more gorgeous creations here.

If you're thinking of going vintage or anthropologie-style or just want to have a unique wedding dress that will surely make your guests (and groom) go "ooh" and "ahh," drop by BHLDN and for sure, there's something that you'll fall in love with.

Inspiration Board: Honeysuckle

For my first board after a very long time, I chose to focus on Pantone's Color of the Year for 2011: Honeysuckle.

It's like pink, but a darker tone, though less darker than fuchsia. Not as bright as magenta and less of the bluish tone. Pantone describes it as "courageous, confident, vital." And brides opting for this color are going for the more non-traditional route -- choosing a bold color that pretty much stands out from the rest.

Looking for photos with this color was pretty challenging, as it wasn't really pink nor fuchsia. And definitely not red. So I chose colors that were pretty close to honeysuckle and paired it with white/ ivory. Hope you like it:

Sources: My Wedding Planning Guide, Project Wedding, Wedding Cakes Pictures, Etsy, Bill Levkoff, Party Starters, Justin Alexander, The Knot.

Back to Inspire!

After how many months of not posting anything here, Inspired Weddings is raring for a comeback!

Yes folks, the past 4 months gave me quite a headache, no thanks to someone/ something erroneously reporting that this blog was a spam. Good thing there were a few kind folks over at the Google Help forum who helped me step by step into getting this blog back.

And now that I can access this blog once again, I aim to give you more wedding inspirations in the days to come. Though I can't promise you to blog everyday, since work has taken over much of my time. But what I can tell you is that you'll soon see more new wedding-related stuff here.

Do check this blog out in the coming days. Hopefully, I've already gotten a hand with my Photoshop alternative by then...