February 2012 Archives @ Erin McLean Events | Raleigh Wedding Planner, Chapel Hill Wedding PlannerErin McLean Events | Raleigh Wedding Planner, Chapel Hill Wedding Planner

Wedding Gown Wednesday!
February 29

E! News host Giuliana Rancic looked stunning on the 2012 Oscar red carpet in a white fit-to-flare gown (left) by Lebanese designer Tony Ward. This Marchesa (right) embodies the same spirit with its embellished illusion neckline, cap sleeves and trumpet skirt.

If you loved Lopez’s graphic look but want to avoid chesty mishaps of your own, opt for Ines di Santo’s more forgiving take on the style from the Fall 2012 collection. The gown achieves the same vampy vibe as Murad’s design—which is fashioned from nude-colored silk tulle embellished with transparent crystal beading—while employing a more narrow cut and an illusion panel to keep the look wedding-appropriate.

Actress and TV host Maria Menounos was spot on when she showed up at the Oscars wearing this ethereal seafoam-green A-line gown. From behind, the dress also featured a sexy back, one of our favorite gown trends of the season. This Reem Acra creation (right), from the designer’s Fall 2012 bridal collection, has a similar look and feel with its romantic draping, sweetheart neckline, and crisscrossed chiffon bodice.

I just cant resist the Oscars!! Thanks to Brides.com for matching these gorgeous gowns!

xoxo,

Posted in Uncategorized, Wedding Gown Wednesday | 2 Comments »

Happy Leap Day!!
February 29

Happy Leap Year!!

I wanted to find out more info about today.

The tradition of a woman proposing on a leap year has been attributed to various historical figures. One, although much disputed, was St Bridget in the 5th Century. She is said to have complained to St Patrick that women had to wait too long for their suitors to propose. St Patrick then supposedly gave women a single day in a leap year to pop the question – the last day of the shortest month. Another popular story is that Queen Margaret of Scotland brought in a law setting fines for men who turned down marriage proposals put by women on a leap year. Skeptics have pointed out that Margaret was five years old at the time and living far away in Norway. The saying is not said to have become commonplace until the 19th Century.

It is believed that the right of every woman to propose on this day goes back to the times when the leap year day was not recognized by English law. It was believed that if the day had no legal status, it was acceptable to break with tradition.

Are any of you ladies planning on embracing this tradition???

xoxo,

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Happy Tuesday Shoesday!
February 28

So I love these shoes! I put together a matching outfit, all found from J Crew.

Happy Tuesday Shoesday!!

xoxo,

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DIY Friday! Textured Votive holders!
February 24

Happy DIY Friday! Candles always add a great ambiance to any event! We thought we would make something different than clear votive holders. So we added some pretty paper for a softer light!

All you need is:

-Votive holders

-paint brush (we used a sponge brush)

-Mod Podge

-Paper or Fabric

-Scissors

Trace the sides of the votive and cut out pieces that match each side. You should have 4 evenly cut pieces.

Brush on some mod podge on the first few sides.

Place on the paper and smooth out the air bubbles. Continue until you have all sides done.

Let it dry and you can start using it! One side note, we wanted to find a way to smooth out the corners after we were finished. It looks like you could lightly sand down the edges after it is completely dry!

Happy DIY Friday!!

xoxo,

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Wedding Tip Thursday!
February 23

Some may say it all starts with the dress! I know for many brides this is all too true. After all, the dress can dictate the total feel and look of the wedding. Although most budgeting trends suggest 10% of your wedding budget to go toward your attire, it can go way over and above that percentage for the fashionista bride. Here’s a little known tip – if you find a dress you absolutely love (it could be online, in a magazine or even one that you try on at a bridal boutique), take the time to do some research. Find the main design house and contact them to ask if they are having a sample sale or trunk sale anytime soon and if so, you can specifically ask if they have the dress you want (usually the dress will have a name or a design number) in your size. If you’re lucky and they have it in stock, ask if you can order it over the phone and they should be able ship it to you! Obviously, the purchase would be final and the garment would be “as is” but the design house can tell you the condition of the gown. It may seem like a long shot but you just never know…and with a little research, you could get the dress of your dreams for a fraction of the cost!

Happy Planning!

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Wedding Gown Wednesday!
February 22

I love Amsale. I think the gowns are classic but also young and fresh. This Nadine is so adorable! It has pockets!!I would love to pair this with a gorgeous bouquet of peonies and fringe tulips!

Happy Wedding Gown Wednesday, I hope you are having an inspiring day!!

xoxo,

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Tuesday Shoesday!!!
February 22

Amazing Phillip Tracey’s!!

These are art!

xoxo,

Posted in Tuesday Shoesday, Uncategorized | No Comments »

DIY Friday! Monogram Wall Hanging
February 17

Happy DIY Friday! We love coming up with fun ways to create meaningful pieces for your home! We made a monogram wall hanging that is so simple and can be customized in so many ways! This would be great as a signature board!

All you need is:
-A blank monogram letter (ours came from AC Moore)

-Stencils (we used sticky removable ones from AC Moore)

-Acrylic paint in the color of your choice

-sponge brushes and painters tape

We wanted to add some depth so we painted the edges black. We covered the top edges with painters tape and got painting!

Carefully peel off the tape and begin to stencil. The stencils we used were sticky which helped to line them up.

Keep going until you are all full! We loved how this turned out like an old newspaper!

Let it dry and then you can hang it up! We love to add touches like this and the house key from here to our picture walls!

Happy DIY Friday!!

xoxo,

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Wedding Tip Thursday!
February 16

We love our family!

But what about working with family? Well, maybe it can be a little tricky…more than tricky, actually. I usually recommend avoiding using family as vendors for your wedding plans. However, sometimes it is unavoidable or just makes sense to use a family member. If you choose to use family, please, please, please only do so if they are a professional baker, florist, photographer, etc. Don’t compromise your dream wedding to give a family member “a chance” or “experience”. If you have a professional vendor in the family that you use, remember to keep it just that – professional! Ask them to treat you like any other client – schedule meetings, ask for a contract, request a proposal outlining their responsibilities and costs. In turn you should pay them a deposit, sign the contract, clearly state your vision and expectations, over communicate and then pay them in full and on time. The key is to remove any “understood” agreements or assumptions. If you keep things professional, it will keep them professional!