Inspired by: Betty Draper, Mad Men

It’s no secret that I am into all things retro, especially when it comes to fashion. It’s also no secret that retro fashion has seen a long-overdue resurrection thanks to the immense popularity of AMC’s hit drama Mad Men. After perusing a gallery of fashions worn by the likes of January Jones and the deliciously curvaceous Christina Hendricks, I got to thinking: what would the main mavens of Mad Men wear on their wedding day? After scouring through a few (hundred) dresses, I think I may have the answers. Let’s start this brief series with…

Betty Draper: This chic desperate housewife is all about looking preened and polished despite her tumultuous marriage to Don Draper. If/When she finally leaves the scoundrel for Prince Charming, I imagine that she would wear a classic ballgown, one with clean lines that accentuates her slim waist.

January Jones as Betty Draper

“Madison”, Vineyard Collection by Priscilla of Boston

Style No. JH0558 by Jim Hjelm Bridal

Style No. OB5652 by Tara Keely

Amy Atlas Dessert Buffet

I saw this Valentine’s Day-themed dessert buffet done by the talented Amy Atlas on Hostess with the Mostess’ blog and I just had to share it! The pink color scheme, French macaroons, and overall lovely presentation could serve as some inspiration for a dessert buffet for your bridal shower or wedding. What’s not to love?

Too sweet for words! Click here to see the rest of Amy Atlas' creation.

Talk Shop: Zazzle

Zazzle.com is known for the ultimate customization of various things, including apparel, coffee mugs, and posters. However, they also have a wide range of wedding invitations designed by various vendors with a wide range of styles from kitschy to elegant. Furthermore, with each invite you are able to choose your paper type (including linen, recycled and metallic varieties), font, and personalize your message.

But, what if a vendor doesn’t have an invitation that suits you? No worries! You also have the option of creating your own invites from scratch (as long as you sign up for a free account). With the photo uploading tool, a library of background colors, and over 300 fonts to choose from, the possibilities can stretch as far as you imagination.

The best part of Zazzle products is definitely the price. 50 DIY invitations (envelopes included) can be had for only $36 plus shipping, while most vendors mark up the price only a bit more than that.

So, if your a bride on a budget and still desire ultimate cusomization, then Zazzle is a great option for your wedding stationary.

Click here to shop (or create) Zazzle.

Talk Shop: Dress Code Formal

Dress Code Formal is yet another chic, inexpensive argument against the dreaded ugly bridesmaid’s dress. With dresses ranging from sizes 0 to 28 and costing about $150 or less (shipping included), this online retailer offers modern silhouettes that can be worn long after the wedding bells stop ringing. Furthermore, their styles are available in white for the bride looking for a much cheaper alternative. Furthermore, DCF offers an assortment of accessories and jewelry to further accent their fabulous pieces.

Click here to shop Dress Code Formal.

Real Simple Presents: 10 Tips for Mom

Mothers of the bride and the groom tend to get bad press during the wedding planning process. Oftentimes, they are seen as pushy, inconsiderate, and on a constant crusade to out-do the in-laws. But, in most cases, they just want to be heard. How does Mom go about voicing her concerns without being depicted as a monster? Well, Real Simple has provided ten tips for moms on both sides to get what they want-the favor of their sons and daughters and a few traditions observed on the big day.

Click here to read the article.

Real Simple Presents: Wedding Lingo Cheat Sheet

“Call the MOH and the BM to make sure the BP is ready to go, please.”

“God, my FSIL can be so difficult!”

“Are all the OOTG settled?”

…Um, pardon?

Unless you’re a wedding planner (or, a wedding enthusiast), chances are some of these acronyms make little to no sense at all. So, Real Simple has compiled a list of commonly used wedding jargon to help you shorthand some of your emails and messages. Make sure your wedding party and your parents read this too, so that no one is lost when you ask the BM to keep an eye on your FH during the bachelor party.

Click here to read the article.

The List

One of the first things that should be taken care of as you plan your wedding is…that damned guest list.

Often times, a feeling of dread and worry comes forth when tackling this all-important task. How many people are coming? Who should be invited? Will my mother-in-law hate me (even more) if I balk at inviting her long-lost cousin from Estonia?

Yes, these are some of the many worries that appear when it comes to getting your guest list together. So, to alleviate some of the stress, here is my personal advice.

Good Things Come In Small Packages: There is no rule that says everyone needs to be invited to everything, even if it is your wedding day. Feel free to hold an intimate celebration involving only ten people if you wish. Sure, your families may be upset about the small invite list, but remind them that they can always see Cousin Bob at the family reunion. As for your friends, they will eventually quit their whining and find something productive to do with their Saturday evening.

Family Affairs: Naturally, immediate family (mom, dad, brothers and sisters…and, step-parents) get an automatic invitation…for the most part. If your parents had a nasty divorce and are unable to act civil, or if your step-mom is a colossal pain in the butt, think carefully and tread softly. Secondary family members such as uncles, aunts, and cousins get an invite depending on their personal importance to you . Although super-distant family members are often cut from the guest list, feel free to invite your mother’s uncle’s cousin twice-removed if he is a crucial part of your life instead of your father whom you haven’t spoken to for 15 years. Also, don’t let any family members bully you into inviting other family members whom you don’t know or simply don’t like.

Friends ‘Til the End?: Chances are, you have amassed a large network of friends over the years. So, who gets the invite: your bestie from elementary school  whom you haven’t seen for 2 years or your former (awesome) college room-mate who you had drinks with last week? A good rule of thumb is the following: if you haven’t spoken to them within the past six months…they get B-listed (more on that later). Don’t feel obligated to invite them since they were a part of your life at some point in your distant past. Rather, invite the people who are a part of your life now.

ABC: Another way to escape guest list woes is by prioritizing. This can be achieved my making an A-List (people who will definitely get an invite come hell or high water) a B-list (people you would love to have come, but it won’t be the end of the world if they don’t) and possibly a C-list (people you will invite solely on principle or in case of an emergency). As people on the A-list decline, choose a person from the B-list, and if people on the B-list decline, choose from the highly optional C-list. Or, just skip the C-list altogether-a smaller guest list could help save money on the budget. It may sound harsh, but it works.

Talk Shop: Anna Elyse

Anna Elyse prides itself on chic simplicity. The designs are broken up into several skirt silhouettes and lengths which are them paired with a wide variety of necklines and colors (including white for brides seeking a simpler, more affordable dress). Or, coordinating styles are available so that everyone from your maid of honor to your flower girl will fit the theme and the style of your wedding party. In all, the dresses from Anna Elyse will be useful long after the cake is cut.

Click here to shop Anna Elyse.

Talk Shop: Get Married Invitations

Get Married (now showing on WETV Saturdays at 9:30 AM) is more than a television show and wedding website. It also sells wedding day essentials. Their invitations are definitely worth a look with designs ranging from classic to funky and super-affordable price tags.

Click here to shop invitations from Get Married.

Inspiration Board 43: Sweet Surrender

Photos taken from TheKnot.com