Wedding dress inspirations from the Oscars 2011 looks

Yes, the Oscar fever isn't waning -- and it's here in this blog!

I'm sure aside from anticipating who the winners are (or were, since it's been days after the awards night), people's attention was also on the red carpet, looking at what the stars wore that night. And just like last year, I'm posting amazing dresses on this year's Oscars and wedding gowns that echo the same vibe of what these actresses wore.

Best Actress winner and expectant mom Natalie Portman came in an off-shoulder, empire-waisted purple dress from Rodarte. If you want the same off-shoulder neckline, you can go for Ian Stuart's Costa Rica.

Decolletage -- meaning a really low, revealing, plunging neckline -- became the word of the night as Mila Kunis strutted her stuff on the red carpet wearing an Elie Saab creation. If you're going for the same sexy look, the Clio dress from Jenny Packham will sure make you sizzle as you walk down the aisle.

As one of the hosts for this year's Academy Awards, young style icon Anne Hathaway changed her wardrobe 8 times. Among all of them, the white strapless dress with black beading from the Givenchy Haute Couture caught my attention. The details surely accentuated her lovely figure. You can also get the same effect with this gown from the Demetrios Ultra Sophisticates collection, which also features beading that flatters your waistline.

Fourteen-year-old Hailee Steinfeld made a mark not only for her stellar performance in True Grit but also for donning this beautiful (and age-appropriate) blush-colored Marchesa dress. If, for your wedding day, you want to wear a tea-length dress similar to this, you can choose this style from Sincerity Bridal, which also features the same flowy look.

Helen Mirren looked stunningly regal in her gray Vivienne Westwood dress with 3/4 sleeves. For brides who want to veer away from the usual strapless wedding dress, this Justin Alexander dress with long sleeves exudes the same resplendent look.

I'll be posting more Oscar looks next, so watch out for more. :)

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