People.com is constantly adding new ways for me to procrastinate. StarTracks started it all. It's what I do in the morning time. I look at Britney's new hat, Jessica's new hair, Mary Kate's same old leggings, and I drink my coffee. It's just my way. After my coffee and StarTracks, I'm ready to tackle the blogs. After the blogs, I do my real work. Which I love.
But I digress.
People.com has introduced a new and no doubt highly entertaining website called People's Real Life Weddings. People (you and me, not famous people) are invited to submit and lament about horrendous bridesmaid's dresses from yesteryear. If nothing else, it will provide you with ample reason not to DIY on the bridesmaids dresses. It will also make you thankful that the 80's are behind us.

Keeping it brief this morning, right to Samantha:


Last weekend we had the pre-wedding party, it was so lovely. The weather was glorious! Having my friends and family together was the most wonderful experience. Everyone was very laid back; we ate, made almond biscotti, sat under the umbrella on the patio, relished the shade on the porch, lounged in the hammock, chatted in the Adirondack chairs and picnicked on the lawn. Here are some photos I took along with a lovely family portrait my friend/photographer extraordinaire Chad. The ones of me on the patio and on the lawn (peach dress) were taken by my photographer friend Erin. I was sad when the day was over but some of my family stayed on and we had a lovely dinner and started perusing childhood photos for the slideshow, it turns out that me and Dave went to the same day camp at the same time (weird coincidence!). It was a meaningful and memorable day that meant the world to Dave and me.

Looking for jewelry that's a little more exotic, but not too over the top? Check out Isharya, especially the earring selection. They have everything from real diamond stunners to some less expensive (still gorgeous) styles I've shown here.

Every week Xochitl (pronounced so-cheel), our resident wediquette expert and owner of Always a Bridesmaid Wedding Consulting, answers an etiquette question submitted* by one of our readers. So, (without further ado):

Q: After sending out save the date cards, a few people already responded saying they can't come to the wedding. Do I still send them an invitation? Seems rude not to, seems like another push for a present to send it. Help! --Sarah

A: Great question! While it does seem like a bit of pressure for a gift, I think that may just be the courteous bride in you who doesn't want to seem greedy. Even if people say that they can't make it after receiving a save the date we always like to encourage brides to send the formal invite anyway. First, because the truth is, plans change over the course of six months! If these guests rated the A-list for your wedding, if something came up and they were able to make it, wouldn't you hate for them to feel that they'd been "un-invited" or unsure if they were still welcome? But we also encourage invitations because they would probably appreciate knowing that you wanted them to feel included and appreciated. Receiving a wedding invitation is a special thing.
We like to advise our brides to add a personal note with these invitations so that you avoid confusion and alleviate pressure. Sometimes it's nothing more than a small enclosure that says something like: "We know you won't be able to join us, but should plans change, we would love to have you with us."
To just visit the gift issue one more time, it's also not uncommon for brides and grooms to start receiving gifts upon sending out save the dates! Some will be gifts with notes of regrets, but still others will be "engagement" gifts- especially if your Save the Date has information directing them to a website with registry info. So keep that in mind when you send our your first big "mailing" and know that even if you don't post it anywhere, you might want to let your parents know where you are registered. --Xochitl of Always a Bridesmaid


*If you've got a question for our expert, submit it by clicking "submit your question" in the right hand column, under "wediquette".

More great cakes! Even if you're not in the market for an extravagant 4 tier wonder, you must admit these are gorgeous! I think the "thing" that makes these so special is that they achieve the coveted combo of unique and elegant. It doesn't hurt that they're incredibly detailed, and I'm a sucker for details. All by Jim Smeal of Charleston, South Carolina.

Where can I get a cute cover up for the church/temple/weather you ask? Ah, the $65,000 question! How to cover the shoulders, how to cover the shoulders... (those are finger drumming ellipses). Saeyoung Vu Couture is a great place to start the search. I love the little bolero style shrugs for a more casual event with a retro vibe, and the full length sleeves for a more formal affair. Don't forget to check out the ties and sashes while you're there!

Ann Wood has just come out with her long awaited bird wedding cake toppers!
I thought I'd jump on this one fast, because Ann's birds tend not to last for too long. If you see something you like, scoop it up. I think last time I checked, there was two boy/girl couples left, and one each boy/boy, girl/girl. Get em while they're hot!

I love the beautiful handbags at Moo Roo (as do many noteworthy celebrities). While they are beautiful, they're extravagantly priced... usually. Not today! Loads of their bags are on sale, and when I say sale? I mean some have gone from $900 to $195, like that little cutie in the bottom right corner (perfect for a formal black and white affair). Most are more than 50% off.
Gotta love a sale!

Hi everyone! Samantha sent me this post on Saturday, I'm sorry it's a little delayed. I've been away all weekend. Here's Sam!


Sunday is the pre-wedding party my aunts and uncles are throwing us at my parent’s house. I promise pictures next week. I’m really looking forward to it. It should be a lovely day full of games, cookie baking and lots of lounging in the sun. I’ll keep this weeks post brief. I would like to wear a hair accessory for the wedding. I happen to have long curly dark brown hair so I’m not doing an up do; I’m going to leave my hair loose and flowing. I might like to clip up the sides with a flower clip though and I keep wavering between buying a fake one or just getting a gardenia and bobby pinning it in. I love natural flowers but is it going to wilt in a minute or fall off if I bop around? The fake ones I’m seeing are fun but they look really unnatural and I don’t know if that’s my look. I love the vintage Billy Holiday thing with a flower on one side. Any tips and suggestions are welcome. I would love some input. Thanks!
*The ones above are from Jennifer Behr, and Nicole Kidman, respectively.

I'm pleased to announce that I'm teaming up with Xochitl Gonzalez, of Always a Bridesmaid Wedding Consulting to bring you a new weekly, (or semi-weekly) post about wediquette, entitled "Wediquette, Shmediquette" (I came up with that all by myself).
Anyway... in each "Wediquette, Shmediquette" post Xochitl will answer a question submitted by you. That's right, you. All you have to do is click on "submit question" over there in right hand sidebar under "wediquette". Each week (or so) Xochitl will choose one of your questions and address it. What qualifies Xochitl (pronounced So-cheel) to answer your very sensitive etiquette questions you might ask? Well, it just so happens she's a fantastic, (and certified) Wedding Planner and a tireless wedding coach and she has 7 years of experience in events. She's also recently married herself! You can check out her wedding consulting website here, or visit her blog here. Don't forget to submit your questions. The juicier the better. I want to be entertained!