AisleDash http://www.aisledash.com AisleDash http://www.aisledash.com/media/feed_logo.gif AisleDash http://www.aisledash.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Wedding favors with a conscience: Saving the planet one guest at a timehttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/06/wedding-favors-with-a-conscience-saving-the-planet-one-guest-a/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/06/wedding-favors-with-a-conscience-saving-the-planet-one-guest-a/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/03/06/wedding-favors-with-a-conscience-saving-the-planet-one-guest-a/#commentsFiled under: ,

"If you love your planet, if you love your children, you have to see this film." - An Inconvenient Truth

A bride-to-be, attempting to do whatever she can to help the earth-in-crisis, realizes that the thing to do would be to "encourage everyone [we] know to watch this movie". She explains how her and her groom decided they wanted to give "An Inconvenient Truth" DVD as the gift to each of their wedding guests. What a caring, timely and truly thoughtful gesture. But here's where they encountered a rather opposite-of-convenient reality - at $30 a pop, and with 300 guests, that's over $9000 for wedding favors.

Continue reading Wedding favors with a conscience: Saving the planet one guest at a time

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]]>al-gorean-inconvenient-truthclimate-crisiseco-friendlyenvironmentenvironmental-crisiswedding-favorsEden MintyThu, 06 Mar 2008 09:00:00 ESTWill you be a "Sexy Little Bride"? Victoria's Secret thinks sohttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/28/will-you-be-a-sexy-little-bride-victorias-secret-thinks-so/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/28/will-you-be-a-sexy-little-bride-victorias-secret-thinks-so/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/28/will-you-be-a-sexy-little-bride-victorias-secret-thinks-so/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A marabou garter. A "v-string" with bling and veil. And best of all, a cute little hoodie, with bows on the sleeves and "Sexy Little Bride" emblazoned across the back. I mean, come on ... if you've gotta be a bride (oh, the torture) you might as well be a sexy one, no?

Who doesn't love Victoria's Secret? Admit it, males and females alike can be found drooling through the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show ... we females just try to pass ours off as the "Didn't you just see Justin Timberlake bringing the sexy back?" effect. Ya. We know.

Well, how delightful to discover the following little nook in the VS online shopping extravaganza website: Sexy Little Things(R) Bridal. Blink and you'll miss it, but it's there. And what a delicious little treasure trove of items ... the kitschy bling-i-fied kind, but oh-so-cute. No typical lace and baby-blue here. Nuh-uh. The blue is called "Cayman Blue" and it adorns various items as bows, and sashes, and marabou ... oh my! And the added touch to the standard bride tank? Little bows at the nape of the neck. How impossibly adorable, and feminine ... you sexy little thing ...


Gallery: Victoria's Secret Bridal

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]]>bachelorette-partybridal-fashionbridal-lingerielingerievictoria's-secretvictoria-secretvictorias-secretEden MintyThu, 28 Feb 2008 10:31:00 ESTMarry me, or else! A proposed ultimatumhttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/24/marry-me-or-else-a-proposed-ultimatum/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/24/marry-me-or-else-a-proposed-ultimatum/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/24/marry-me-or-else-a-proposed-ultimatum/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Oooh, nice chopping block!" I purred, fogging the window of a high end kitchen store. Turning to seek a nod from my beloved, he was ... on bended knee! Gawking at the ring that I had picked out, nestled in its blue velvet box, the first thought that scampered through my mind was "Aw, you didn't have to!"

What is THAT?! Whatever it is, don't let it happen to you. It shames me, but I'll admit that I might have over the course of the three years previous to this event, mentioned a couple times, a few times even, that it would serve him well to ... um ... propose. Right. Try EVERYDAY for three straight years. That's over 1000 days ... 24,000 hours ... 1,440,000 minutes ... you get the picture.

Truth be told, though I never actually laid down the gauntlet, the boy didn't stand a chance against my incessant whining. I recently heard one story that ended in an engagement after nine (count 'em) NINE years. That's a lot of whining. So, it begs the question, what really constitutes an ultimatum? A clear cut case of "marry me or I'm out" or a more thinly veiled "if you don't propose I'm going to make your life miserable for the next nine years"?

At what point do you fish or cut bait, and yet maintain the integrity of the relationship you supposedly share? And, at what point does the girl buck tradition and [gasp] ask him?

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]]>engagement-ultimatummarriage-ultimatumrelationship-ultimatumultimatumsEden MintySun, 24 Feb 2008 18:00:00 ESTEasy does it: Keep wedding planning Real Simplehttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/21/easy-does-it-keep-it-real-simple/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/21/easy-does-it-keep-it-real-simple/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/21/easy-does-it-keep-it-real-simple/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We all love Martha Stewart, don't we? Yes, a big cheer for Martha and her infinite ability for taking DIY to a whole new extra-complicated level. Especially when it comes to wedding favors and hand-tied ranunculus bouquets.

But the folks over at Real Simple have thankfully taken it down a notch. The Time Inc. publication embraces a philosophy of paring down the extras, cutting out the needless, and streamlining to gorgeous simplicity, while still existing on a plain of fashionable coolness. And they've taken this way of living and poured it into a lovely concise volume entitled Real Simple Weddings.

Available at your newsstand for a mere $12.95, it's unimaginable that you could really need much more than this esthetically, economically and effortlessly pleasing guide. Divided into easy to digest sections, Your Plan, Your Ceremony, Your Reception, and further drilled down into the simply necessary items, Attire, Timeline, Food, etc. Each chapter is nicely laid out with "Getting Started", section specific ideas, "10 Common Questions" and the handy sidebars of "Save Stress" and "Save Money".

Really, who could ask for anything more ... say "I do" to the Simple way.

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]]>real-simplereal-simple-weddingswedding-bookswedding-magazineswedding-planningwedding-publicationsEden MintyThu, 21 Feb 2008 12:31:00 EST"Marry Him!": Lori Gottlieb presents a case for settlinghttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/14/marry-him-lori-gottlieb-presents-a-case-for-settling/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/14/marry-him-lori-gottlieb-presents-a-case-for-settling/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/14/marry-him-lori-gottlieb-presents-a-case-for-settling/#commentsFiled under: ,

Marry Him! By Lori Gottlieb - www.theatlantic.com, March 2008

I am 35, and reluctantly-happily (yes, they do go together) single, and going on 36. Needless to say, the mere title of this article in TheAtlantic.com caused the blood to pool in my temples, and forced me to jut out my chin with a defiant glint in my eye. Yes, I write about weddings. No, I don't for one minute believe in settling for the sake of getting married. So, we read on ...

Wow. Let's start with this one:
"Ask any soul-baring 40-year-old single heterosexual woman what she most longs for in life", and Gottlieb informs us that the unequivocal answer is "what she really wants is a husband (and, by extension, a child)." She later goes on to point out that if we say otherwise we're either "in denial" or "lying". Don't EVEN get me started. Seriously? All we want is the peace and security of the blandness of settling with a passion-fest-free "partnership formed to run a very small, mundane, and often boring nonprofit business"? No offence, Gottlieb, but we're begging to differ ...

Continue reading "Marry Him!": Lori Gottlieb presents a case for settling

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]]>atlantic-monthlylori-gottliebpassionsettlingsoul-matetrue-loveEden MintyThu, 14 Feb 2008 10:15:00 ESTBook Review: Shopaholic Ties the Knothttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/10/book-review-shopaholic-ties-the-knot/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/10/book-review-shopaholic-ties-the-knot/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/10/book-review-shopaholic-ties-the-knot/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I admit it ... I'm a closet Becky Bloomwood fan. I've watched in awe as she stumbled through the initial "confessions" and how she blithely "took Manhattan" with irreverence and lack of budget. In her Shopaholic books, Sophie Kinsella has brought us a character who, albeit not as endearingly naive as Bridget Jones, does provide a certain element of "ooooh, I've SO done that ... look away, it won't be pretty!"

In the third installment, we find Becky with her feet now planted in Manhattan, as a personal shopper for Barneys New York and happily cohabiting with her beloved Luke. Sidebar: I really don't want to say it, but I can't see a guy as "perfect" as all that putting up with Ms. Bloomwood's constant state of irresponsibility and unbridled materialism ... but no matter ...

Continue reading Book Review: Shopaholic Ties the Knot

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]]>Becky-BloomwoodBook-reviewShopaholicShopaholic-Ties-the-KnotSophie-KinsellaEden MintySun, 10 Feb 2008 16:00:00 ESTA Hummer for your wedding day?http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/09/a-hummer-for-your-wedding-day/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/09/a-hummer-for-your-wedding-day/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/09/a-hummer-for-your-wedding-day/#commentsFiled under: ,

Maybe it's just me. In fact in a lot of cases I know it's just me, but showing up at my wedding day in a shiny white TANK, just isn't ... I don't know ... my idea of "romantic". Unless there will be a 21-gun salute ...

The popularity of the white stretch Hummer for wedding transportation seems to be exploding, at least north of the border. At one Toronto-based limo company, the quantity of H2 Hummer Limos doubles that of the traditional Lincoln-style stretch ... and at a significantly higher cost. And if you're going to go all out, might as well make the Hummer the cornerstone of the entire day, as this couple did.

I like a nice car as much as the next girl, but I don't really get it. Okay, I do get that you can fit a whole pile of people in there. And depending on where you rent, your Hummer H2 Stretch can have neat features like seventeen flat-screen displays (for what exactly?), floor lights and I even heard of one that had a casino. But then again, don't ask me ... my groom and I walked (hand-in-hand) back to our hotel. I guess I have simpler tastes. To each their own.

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]]>hummer-limoshummer-limousineshummerslimousineswedding-transportationEden MintySat, 09 Feb 2008 17:00:00 ESTCelebrity baby-on-board: Is pregnancy the new engagement ring?http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/01/celebrity-baby-on-board-is-pregnancy-the-new-engagement-ring/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/01/celebrity-baby-on-board-is-pregnancy-the-new-engagement-ring/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/02/01/celebrity-baby-on-board-is-pregnancy-the-new-engagement-ring/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've been on Hollywood bump watch for at least the past two years. Is she? Isn't she? Is she ... ? Heaven forbid the lady have one too many Big Macs(R). Next thing you know the sesame-seed bun is declared "in the oven" and, should she be unmarried, the speculations on paternity begin. And it is this latter situation that seems more prevalent than ever.

Out-of-wedlock pregnancies amongst the Perez-i-fied, seem to be as trendy as the latest Marc Jacobs handbag. For decades and even centuries, more marital arrangements than we care to admit have occurred, um, under the gun, so to speak. Quite commonplace among us common folk, to slip up and step up, or even stack the deck in our favor.

But is it possible that the Elite and Super-Elite are actually employing the coercion tactic of "you knocked me up, and therefore ... [insert wagging of left ring-finger]"? Or are these stars simply foregoing the traditional let's-see-how-well-we-can-fool-the-paparazzi wedding followed by the equally traditional 72-hour marriage? Forget the buckets of KFC and bedazzled "Mrs" bikinis, let's skip right to the bris...

Nicole and Joel, Jessica and Cash, Halle and Gabriel to name but a few. Which comes first, the fried chicken? Or the fertilized egg?

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]]>baby-watchbump-watchcelebrity-pregancycelebrity-relationshipsexpire-images:2009-1-31halle-berryjessica-albajoel-maddennicole-ritchiepregnancyEden MintyFri, 01 Feb 2008 11:45:00 ESTRain on your wedding day: Good luck, or just ... ironic?http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/25/rain-on-your-wedding-day-good-luck-or-just-ironic/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/25/rain-on-your-wedding-day-good-luck-or-just-ironic/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/25/rain-on-your-wedding-day-good-luck-or-just-ironic/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Irony - noun - Incongruity between the actual result of a sequence of events and the normal or expected result"*

Yes, It's true. No matter where you marry, the skies may just decide to open up and dump their heavenly blessing upon you, sometimes lots of it, soaking your Vera Wang, and creating the terrifying potential of a frizz inducing situation. Maybe that is something that will happen, but do we have to give it a reason for happening? When bad stuff happens to good people, we feel compelled to say that the misfortune MUST somehow provide "good luck" - spilling wine during a toast, putting your dress on inside out, when a bird takes a crap on your head ... but really, people, it is just a bird taking a crap on your head (just pray THAT doesn't happen on the big day) and please, try to put the dress on right-side out!

Leading up to a wedding day, we all run around in a tizzy, obsessively checking the weather every 5 minutes in case there's an update, or a turnaround. I once spent an entire lunch hour discussing with a future bride her theory on the fact that since it was raining the days previous, meant that all the rain had been "used up" and there would be none on the day in question. And, what do you think happened? Let's just say I started to wonder if Noah might actually make an appearance at the church. But a lovely girl, lovely wedding, lovely family ... I see no luck, good or bad, and definitely no irony.

However, "ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife"?** Now THAT'S ironic! Which just goes to show, take the time to register!

* Definition from www.m-w.com
** Lyric from Ironic - Alanis Morrisette

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]]>rainweatherwedding-day-rainwedding-luckwedding-weatherEden MintyFri, 25 Jan 2008 14:00:00 ESTTo do it, or not to do it? A question of consummationhttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/25/to-do-it-or-not-to-do-it-a-question-of-consummation/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/25/to-do-it-or-not-to-do-it-a-question-of-consummation/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/25/to-do-it-or-not-to-do-it-a-question-of-consummation/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Okay, a show of hands, if you please. How many of you out there actually consummated the marriage on your wedding night? And by night, I mean while it was still dark out.

Though I didn't find any hard stats, based on what I know of the weddings I've been involved in (including my own) I would surmise that only about half of newlyweds are able to muster the energy to, how shall I put this delicately ... make whoopee? Put the pedal to the metal? Do the horizontal tango? And strangely enough, in a lot of cases it's the guy who pleads "Not tonight, honey, I've got a headache*." (*Headache - otherwise known as "My buddies made me do too many Jagermeister shots")

As a friend of mine once pointed out, there are very few times in a young adult's life where EVERYBODY in the room knows you're going to get laid that night. Where even your little 90-year-old great granny is jabbing you in the ribs, winking, and giggling something about "a big stud". And perhaps that's where it loses the glisten? Pressure to perform? A little, um, deflating picturing your 90-year-old great granny jabbing you in the ribs? And let's be honest, for most of us, it's simply a case of "been there, done that, and I'm bone tired ... can it wait until morning?"

And definitely, yes it can. And it may not rock your world, but that's okay. Just remember, no matter when you "do it", or how you "do it", you're now getting it on with a married person! How sexy is that?!

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]]>marriage-consummationmarriage-sexsexwedding-nightwedding-night-sexEden MintyFri, 25 Jan 2008 11:45:00 ESTA Plaza wedding, if you pleasehttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/15/a-plaza-wedding-if-you-please/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/15/a-plaza-wedding-if-you-please/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/15/a-plaza-wedding-if-you-please/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I've only ever entered The Plaza Hotel to use the rest rooms. But I'll never forget my first time. Climbing the stairs taking in the ornate black canopy, past tea-takers at the Palm Court, making a bee-line beneath the painting of Eloise and down a plushy concourse corridor. And all without being accused of trespassing. If using the rest room could be thrilling as all that, I could but dream of engraving "request the honor of your presence, three o'clock in the afternoon, The Plaza Hotel, New York City, New York" on an invitation.

The Plaza closed its doors in 2004 for massive renovations, which threatened to alter that iconic corner of Manhattan forever. Preservationists stepped in, however, to maintain the Plaza's status as a flagship hotel, and to restore and embrace the elegance and prestige of a Plaza event.

From the looks of the floor plan the Terrace Room is no longer. Though "restored to it's legendary opulence", the Grand Ballroom reclaims its territory as THE place to host a party in New York ... and potentially, the universe. I especially like the Bridal Suite, on the same floor as the Ballroom. A room created exclusively for the use of bridal preparations. Originally scheduled to reopen in the fall of 2007, the hotel is now slated to be open by March 1, 2008.

So, yes, I'll take my tea, and then my wedding, at the Plaza, if you please. Then perhaps I'll take my breakfast at a little shop down the street I like to call ... Tiffany.

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]]>New-YorkNew-York-Weddingsplaza-hotelthe-plazaEden MintyTue, 15 Jan 2008 17:45:00 ESTBeauty Countdown: Prepping the 'dohttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/15/beauty-countdown-prepping-the-do/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/15/beauty-countdown-prepping-the-do/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/15/beauty-countdown-prepping-the-do/#commentsFiled under:

About that New Year's resolution ...
Why exactly did I choose to put myself through a carb-restricting muscle-aching pore-attacking bridal countdown, when I'm not exactly getting married? Because I dared ask myself, if I WAS to be walking down the aisle at an (as of yet) imaginary spring wedding, what would I need to do to become oh-so-esthetically pleasing both with a sense of vigor and urgency?

First item up for bids, my coif, or lack thereof: long, naturally unruly (aka curly) and drastically out of shape. See, I don't have the greatest track record with hairstylists. My tangled mop is assessed and suspiciously surveyed, as though they've just been handed a snapping turtle; not exactly sure what to do with it, and entirely unconvinced that it won't bite back.

And so it goes. Friday I excitedly plunked myself in the stylist's chair, step one of "moi, part deux". Suffice it to say it all went wrong from the outset. "Just do your thing!" I fatefully told the stylist. I learned quickly that clarity is a good thing. Fancying myself leaving the salon that evening, with my best haircut ever, I felt the world opening up to me like a ... like a ... riiiight, I flinched my way out of there, hair elastic in hand, attempting to contain a sticky product-drenched "Rachel" ... if Rachel were a poodle.

As Item One, in my bridal beauty countdown:
DO assess the style and condition of your hair, and take measures to repair the situation. But, I beg you ... pre-wedding, WAY pre-wedding, with enough time for grow-out (1/2 inch per month). DO spend the time to find yourself a stylist you can trust with your mane. Twenty years into this, I'm still looking. Sigh. Stay tuned as I open the box of mahogany hair dye ...

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]]>beauty-salonbridal-beautybridal-countdownhairstylesalonstylistsEden MintyTue, 15 Jan 2008 13:15:00 ESTCarrie and Big sitting in a tree ... ?http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/09/carrie-and-big-sitting-in-a-tree/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/09/carrie-and-big-sitting-in-a-tree/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/09/carrie-and-big-sitting-in-a-tree/#commentsFiled under: ,

Spoilers abound. Pics have been posted just about everywhere. Speculations have led to assumptions a plenty.

Will the every-woman heroine and the man, that for six years women loved to hate (and love), really take the plunge? This May 2008, in theaters everywhere, will Carrie REALLY pledge her troth to Mr. Big? Like, seriously ... am I the only one not exactly thrilled by this potential plot-line?

A more devoted Sex and the City fan, you will never (and I mean NEVER) find. S&TC is my happy place. Everyone who knows me knows it. Everyone who loves me has grown to accept it. Don't even bother playing the trivia game with me, you'll run screaming from the room. You might even cry. But despite my undying devotion, by the time Season 6 rolled around, I wasn't exactly loving the idea of Carrie giving Big yet another chance ... at the mere drop of, oh, six diamonds (give or take). Just my opinion, of course, but since when did running up a few flights of Parisian hotel stairs erase six years of, um, rather boorish behavior? Just like that ...

Don't get me wrong, when the motion picture that almost didn't happen hits the big screen this spring, I will be the first one in line (and I do mean the FIRST). And I will accept whatever outcome they choose to throw at me. But will Ms. Bradshaw be tossing a bouquet? I may be the only one who doesn't believe she will.

Until then ... may the Manolos be with you.

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]]>carrie-bradshawcelebrity-weddingsmovie-weddingsmr-bigsex-and-the-citysex-and-the-city-movieEden MintyWed, 09 Jan 2008 17:00:00 ESTNew Year, New You: A bridal makeoverhttp://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/08/new-year-new-you-a-bridal-countdown-makeover/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/08/new-year-new-you-a-bridal-countdown-makeover/http://www.aisledash.com/2008/01/08/new-year-new-you-a-bridal-countdown-makeover/#commentsFiled under:

Okay, so I'm not the first one to mention it today, but having developed a pre-holidays addiction to frozen chocolate eclairs, followed in close succession by shortbreads and brownies and turkey, oh my! ... I've developed a nice little extra inch (or three) on my waistline, and a case of bad skin that makes me wonder if I've somehow turned fourteen again, in the middle of the night. Not to mention my hair has never felt more like the crunchy stuffing that belongs in a horsehair pillow, and my caffeine intake has hit an all-time high (helloooo rebound headaches when that 5th cup goes neglected on Saturdays).

So ... it's time to shake it up ... and shake it off ... and while I'm at it, fix the zits and madwoman-of-the-mountain hairdo. Where better to find the ultimate detox, degrease and deprogramming plan, than in the land of bride-dom? When else are you more motivated to shed the muffin-tops and cultivate glowing resplendent beauty oozing from every microscopic pore?

Stay tuned my beauties, as I take on my very own bridal beauty bootcamp to find out what works and what doesn't for the good of all bride-kind ( ... and my ever elevating glucose tolerance). And believe me when I say, I wouldn't do this for just anybody.

First thing tomorrow, I start ... I promise ... I do.

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]]>bridal-bootcampdietfitnessmakeoverEden MintyTue, 08 Jan 2008 11:45:00 ESTGiving the gift of attendancehttp://www.aisledash.com/2007/12/11/giving-the-gift-of-attendance/http://www.aisledash.com/2007/12/11/giving-the-gift-of-attendance/http://www.aisledash.com/2007/12/11/giving-the-gift-of-attendance/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A few years ago I was almost engaged for a second time. We had the wedding planned, but the engagement itself was still a rather looming question mark. No matter, I will always honor the decisions we'd made around that particular "big day" for this reason:

We had chosen a wedding venue based on the needs, and love, of his mother.

My ex's mother has Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and is unable to walk, or even sit. For us, making it possible for her to attend her son's celebration was the most important thing. Suddenly, linen decisions and wine pairings became a distant consideration to finding a venue that would comfortably accommodate. Colors and floral choices, pish posh. The theme of our wedding would be the joy of sharing.

When planning your special day, be sure to consider what would make your day even more special for your guests. "Your" day should simply add to what "your" guests mean to you. If it's going to be difficult for someone to attend your wedding, be it physically, financially or otherwise, do what you can to help them be there. Share the love you have for your friends and family, with the rest of your friends and family. It is a gift that will last a lifetime.

Peace.

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]]>familylovemotherMSMultiple-Sclerosiswedding-challengesEden MintyTue, 11 Dec 2007 18:30:00 ESTYou want to wear what? Guiding mom in the right directionhttp://www.aisledash.com/2007/12/10/you-want-to-wear-what-guiding-mom-in-the-right-direction/http://www.aisledash.com/2007/12/10/you-want-to-wear-what-guiding-mom-in-the-right-direction/http://www.aisledash.com/2007/12/10/you-want-to-wear-what-guiding-mom-in-the-right-direction/#commentsFiled under:

My mother was very determined about her mother-of-the-bride garb. No lace. No beading. And heaven forbid no little jacket nor crocheted bolero. In fact, I do believe we spent more time hunting for her dress than we did for mine. But she was stunning. Emerald green, stylishly off-the-shoulder, with ruching that swept down across the front and met with crescent shaped sparkly brooch on one hip.

I defer to both Susan and Kristen's posts on the very same topic, both on choosing age appropriate yet non-frumpy attire for the MOBs and MOGs. But what do you do when said mother has got her heart set on a lilac crepe potato sack? Other side of the coin, she missed the prom and figures this is her second chance at recreating a strapless taffeta horror. Or, (shudder) it's been her life long dream to walk the red carpet at the Oscars, the sparklier the better. How do you gently guide mom in the right direction?

Channel your best Stacey and Clinton. Go with her to the store and encourage her try on a few choices of her own, on the condition that she also tries on your choices. Have a mini-audience for the reveals, including someone (besides you) that she trusts. When she hears the "ooohs" and "aaaahs" as she exits the dressing room (in a dress that's right for her) she'll get it. She may even see it for herself. If you're feeling brazen, throw in a "Shutttt UPPP!!" to reinforce the point.

If all else fails, call Rachel Zoe ... it's your wedding after all, what's another gazillion dollars?

Gallery: Mother-of-the Bride dresses

Classic suit for the classic mom.What would Helen Mirren say?Festive attire for the MOB.Pants? Yes.

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]]>dressesfashionmother-of-the-bridemother-of-the-groomstylistsEden MintyMon, 10 Dec 2007 17:00:00 ESTTea for two ... and a few guests!http://www.aisledash.com/2007/12/10/tea-for-two-and-a-few-guests/http://www.aisledash.com/2007/12/10/tea-for-two-and-a-few-guests/http://www.aisledash.com/2007/12/10/tea-for-two-and-a-few-guests/#commentsFiled under: , ,

An afternoon ceremony, followed by two to three hours worth of cocktails (and/or waiting) while the happy couple are off to some picturesque locale for photos, followed by a three course dinner, followed by dancing, followed by cake cutting and bouquet throwing ... and the deal is done. This is what we typically find at a non-destination wedding.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

However, what about shaking things up and getting wild and crazy at ... Afternoon Tea? Cost-saving and oh so dignified. Often featured at the bridal shower, how absolutely delicious to bring it into the "day" itself. What could be better, or more romantic, than an early afternoon ceremony followed by finger sandwiches, fluffy scones, thick Devonshire cream and delicate cakes? Serve champagne punch and pots and pots of the queen's favorite beverage. Send everyone off by five o'clock with a pretty little tin of wedding tea.

Then tell those that are interested to meet you at the local pub later that night for a few "sociables". I can't think of a more charming way to spend the day. I am sure the Duchess of Bedford would have approved ... and the Duke as well!

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]]>afternoon-teafavorsreceptionteatraditionEden MintyMon, 10 Dec 2007 11:45:00 ESTThe question of the ring: Choosing your own blinghttp://www.aisledash.com/2007/12/03/the-question-of-the-ring-choosing-your-own-bling/http://www.aisledash.com/2007/12/03/the-question-of-the-ring-choosing-your-own-bling/http://www.aisledash.com/2007/12/03/the-question-of-the-ring-choosing-your-own-bling/#commentsFiled under: , ,

More and more, women are playing a bigger part in their own engagements. I'm not sure how welcome this is to future grooms, but it seems to be the wave of the day. Despite iconic literature on a man's need to do the hunting, and chasing, AND choosing (see: He's Just Not That Into You), women everywhere are laying down the ultimatums and picking out the baubles.

Is it okay to have a ring designed online and send the blueprints to your unsuspecting cuddle-bug? Is waiting for him to pop the big question a thing of the past? How do the guys feel about this shift in the playing field? Or have women always held all the cards? Gone are the days of wondering what might show up in that little blue box. We now live in a world of "Thou shalt purchase me a one point five carat princess cut with tapered baguettes ... one on each side ... white gold please, not yellow ... ick!"

More than one of my friends has gone this route. "It's all picked out, honey, all you have to do is go in and pay for it!" She flashes a huge smile, plants a kiss on his cheek ... as beads of sweat spring to his forehead. And where once there was harmony and love that ran-neth over, herald the entrance of the tense and torturous wait for the sparkler to actually show up ... tick ... tock. She'll know WHAT to expect, she just won't know when.

Gallery: Colored Diamonds

Canary Diamond Engagement RingCanary Diamond Engagement Ring 2Champagne Diamond Engagement RingBlue Diamond Engagement RingAntique Blue Diamond Engagement Ring

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]]>blingbridezillacolored-diamondsdiamond-ringsdiamondsengagement-ringsproposalsultimatumsEden MintyMon, 03 Dec 2007 13:15:00 ESTNot very bride-y: When you're missing the "bride gene"http://www.aisledash.com/2007/12/03/not-very-bride-y-when-you-re-missing-the-bride-gene/http://www.aisledash.com/2007/12/03/not-very-bride-y-when-you-re-missing-the-bride-gene/http://www.aisledash.com/2007/12/03/not-very-bride-y-when-you-re-missing-the-bride-gene/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Surprisingly, not all human beings bearing an XX chromosome come out of the womb ready to plan a sit-down dinner for approximately 100 guests, with nicely coordinating shades of favorite hues, and (oh ya) a groom.

At the age of nine, I told my childhood pal that I just KNEW I wanted to get married. She stared at me blankly: "How can you know that?" I stared blankly right back: "You mean you DON'T??" An exchange that I can only speculate initiated the years of philosophical differences that were to follow. Ironically, I remain no longer betrothed. And she? Married, and I can only assume blissfully. Having stumbled upon her photos on Facebook, I discovered she and her boyfriend had eloped to New York City, and a happier looking couple I've yet to see. He clad a dapper dark suit and dark shirt sans "requisite" tie. She wearing a stunning girlie white-ish dress with curling black vines on the skirt, a black sash, a black cardigan and flats. Seated on his lap on a sunny fall day, on a bench in Central Park, the sweetness in their kiss made my heart hurt.

Another one of my very best friends has been married for a very long time. She confessed to me a few years back that the wedding itself was a painful endeavor akin to having a root canal. She reluctantly wore the white dress and managed to smile her way through the photos. But it does beg the question: What does a bride do when not innately ... bride-y?

Get married anyway. Run away and buck tradition. Or put on the white dress, smile and look forward to the years ahead with your best friend. The white dress is transitory. The happiness that follows is not.

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]]>bride-geneelopinghappy-marriagenon-traditional-weddingsreluctant-brideEden MintyMon, 03 Dec 2007 11:00:00 ESTBridezilla: Coming to you live, for one day only!http://www.aisledash.com/2007/11/21/bridezilla-coming-to-you-live-for-one-day-only/http://www.aisledash.com/2007/11/21/bridezilla-coming-to-you-live-for-one-day-only/http://www.aisledash.com/2007/11/21/bridezilla-coming-to-you-live-for-one-day-only/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I feel for my ex-husband. A lovely gent who never did, nor even wished, any soul an ounce of harm. The boy saves the lives of spiders for goodness sakes. Surely the question posed of: "Which gift bags did you say to use for the groomsmen's gifts?" deserved a more reasonable response than the ear-splintering shriek of a female macaque?

We brides can certainly keep up with a vat of battery acid on speed when it comes to expressing our ... um ... desires. But be wary of the "tricky" bridezilla syndrome to which I fell victim. Oh yes, I kept my control-freaky, acrimonious and potentially rageful self well hidden until the very VERY last second. A mere twenty-four hours for him to wrestle with: "Er, who am I marrying exactly?"

Best let the entire bridal personality all hang out, I reckon, from day one of planning. Give him ample warning of what he's signing up for. Or to avoid lizard-like behaviour altogether, TRY to remember it's just one day. One day that begins the rest of your life with the man you love.

And give him a break should he deign to ask about the gift bags.

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]]>behaviourbride-behaviourbridezillagiftsgroomgroomsmenEden MintyWed, 21 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST