As a bride is planning her wedding, there are numerous ideas running through her mind.  The gown, the reception hall, the color scheme, and those infamous bridesmaid dresses.  Here at Branches, we have seen so many beautiful bridesmaids’ dresses.  We can only assume the brides thought about their wedding party collectively and with reason.  Picking a bridesmaid dress is really important for a beach wedding because it’s outside and the weather can change at any moment; but with these helpful tips, picking a bridesmaid dress might be easier!

Source: News by Company

It has become a running joke in our culture that a bridesmaid dress is one of the ugliest garments you will ever be caught dead in, in public.  Usually a bridesmaid dress ends up going to Goodwill, in the garbage, or stuck in the back of a closet for years—gladly forgotten.  Many brides will try to convince their bridesmaids that the dress can be used for a cocktail dress after the wedding and that they will be able to wear it again, but unfortunately this is rarely the case.

If you are a bride to be, take pity on your bridesmaids and think outside the box when selecting the usually hated bridesmaid dress.  Try to select something that actually can be worn as a cocktail dress in the future—and proudly!  Typically you don’t expect to wear your wedding dress again but that is for a reason.  You probably want to save your bridal gown a keepsake memory or even perhaps to hand down to your own daughter.  While your bridesmaids love you, I don’t think they plan on holding onto their bridesmaid dress forever as a reminder of your wedding.  A photo will suffice.

One way to make sure that you choose a bridesmaid dress that won’t end up in the garbage is to look to designer dresses.  This will let you know you are choosing something stylish not only for your wedding, but also for your bridesmaids to want to wear again.  You or your bridesmaids may not be able to afford the true designer dress but that doesn’t mean you can’t go shopping for cocktail dresses that look very close in style to the ones the top designers make.  Typically this is going to get you much better results than choosing a pseudo cocktail dress from a bridesmaids catalog.

Some designers that do specialize in bridal wear are now much more conscious that women don’t want to put their bridesmaids in a cliché dress that just makes them look ridiculous.  Some of the designer collections to check out include Pronovias, Aire Barcelona, JLM Couture, and La Sposa.

One last important tip when choosing the perfect bridesmaid dress is to sit down and actually talk with your bridesmaids!  You may find that something you thought would be just perfect actually makes the women that are going to have to wear it cringe!  You may also find that that little inexpensive cocktail dress you fell in love with is also loved by all your bridesmaids and that the dress looks amazing on each and every one of them!

Ultimately every decision of your big deal is yours to make but you also don’t want to make other people completely miserable just to follow your orders.  There is almost always a compromise and especially between close friends.  If you didn’t trust and respect your bridesmaids’ opinions, you wouldn’t have chosen them to be your bridesmaids.  So whether you choose a cute little cocktail dress or a flowy casual summer dress, make sure it is a bridesmaid dress that not only you will love.

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BRIDES Magazine & Checkerboard Launch ‘BRIDES Fine Wedding Papers’ Stationery Collection

When bride’s start planning their wedding they think of their reception hall first as that’s where most of the time will be spent. But, there are other details that are just as important, if not more important, than just where your ceremony and reception will be. Invitations are just one of the great ways to tell your guests what they can expect from your wedding. The joining of BRIDES and Checkerboard is great news for all of us!

Source: businesswire.com

Now Every Couple Can Have a BRIDES Editor Help Choose the Invitation That’s Perfect for Them

WEST BOYLSTON, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, BRIDES magazine, the undisputed authority in the bridal market, and Checkerboard, one of the leading personalized fine stationery designers and manufacturers, introduced an exclusive line of personalized wedding invitations and accessories called ‘BRIDES Fine Wedding Papers’. Available at independent stationers nationwide and online, the collection, along with a dealer locator, can be seen at bridesfineweddingpapers.

“This collection will captivate couples who know that expressing the spirit of their wedding celebration begins with the invitation,” said BRIDES editor in chief Millie Martini Bratten. “The Checkerboard designers expertly translated the BRIDES style into a truly special collection that offers a balance of formal and fun, unexpected and traditional.”

Like the magazine, BRIDES Fine Wedding Papers by Checkerboard was designed to inspire every bride to embrace her distinctive style. Whether her taste is whimsical or romantic, graphic or classic, she can relate to the designs in the collection and make them her own.

The collection takes full advantage Checkerboard’s vast array of papers, inks and ribbons to give the couple an unprecedented ability to create the perfect invitation just the way they want it. By adding additional layers, changing a current layer to match their color scheme, or using the envelope liner as a distinguishing item, couples can add just the right design element to their ensemble through color, pattern or texture and truly make the invitation their own.

The BRIDES Fine Wedding Papers album was expressly designed to redefine the invitation selection process so the couple can enjoy an experience similar to the one they get while reading and interacting with BRIDES magazine’s visually distinctive, informative, and engaging editorial. Each invitation suite is positioned side by side in the album with “inspiration boards” featuring real wedding photography and editorial captions to help couples understand the look and feel of the invitation. Many of the nation’s top wedding photographers, whose work is regularly seen in BRIDES magazine, are featured in the album, including Mel Barlow, Suzy Clement, Terry Gruber Photographers, Corbin Gurkin, Tinywater Photography and Michèle M. Waite.

“This unique assortment of exclusive personalized wedding stationery truly celebrates the bride’s personal style and individuality,” said Micah Chase, president, Checkerboard. “This is the perfect ‘match’ between BRIDES magazine — which knows brides best, and Checkerboard — which knows stationery best. And the results are truly breathtaking. BRIDES Fine Wedding Papers is more than a collection of exceptional wedding stationery, it is a source of inspiration for the perfect wedding knowing it all begins with the invitation.”

For the full article click here.

Here at Branches we love these great tips on finding a wedding dress for less. A lot of brides are coming in to our central jersey catering hall with a budget that can’t stretch for the perfect dress. Many of these bride-to-be’s have chosen dresses they didn’t like as much as another one, but purchased it anyway because of the price. These tips are so helpful when trying to find the one dress that will be perfect on your wedding day whether it’s a jersey shore wedding or in a lavish ballroom!

Source: sctimes.com

NEW YORK — A bride-to-be who doesn’t have the funds, or the stomach, to spend thousands of dollars on a dress she’ll wear once doesn’t have to pass up Italian silk for plain polyester.

If you’re willing, you can find a gorgeous gown for much less than the $1,505 the average bride spends.

Here are six tips:

Hit sample sales: At the sales where designers unload excess merchandise, you’ll find gowns discounted up to 75 percent. Most sales happen in early fall and spring, but you should e-mail your favorite designers and the bridal salons that stock them to ask about planned events, says Heather Levine, fashion editor for wedding-planning site TheKnot.com.

Just be prepared to dig through racks of less-than-perfect merchandise.

Buy off the rack: Buy ready-made from retailers such as J. Crew, Ann Taylor, Nordstrom and White House Black Market. They offer high-quality dresses for one-tenth the price of an Oscar de la Renta. Anthropologie, beloved by women who favor vintage-inspired chic, debuted its wedding collection in February.

Embrace secondhand: Brides have found vintage gowns at consignment stores for generations. Find once-worn dresses online at sites such as PreownedWeddingDresses.com, OnceWed.com and RecycledBride.com or on Craigslist, eBay or regional parenting websites.

Just beware, says the Knot’s Levine, that a dress marked size 8 may have had 3 inches taken off its waistline or be otherwise altered.

Relive prom: Early spring is a good time to shop the prom section at department stores and discounters. For a casual or outdoor wedding, a bride could wear a bridesmaid dress in white, ivory or champagne.

Rent: Consider doing what grooms do. Borrow. RenttheRunway.com let you wear a designer dress for 90 percent less than it would cost to own.

Get it custom made: If you feel you must have a dream dress that’s outside your price range, consider having a replica made in a less-expensive fabric and without some detailing.

Source: sctimes.com

For a traditional wedding the wedding cake is a must have, but as more and more weddings are taking a less formal turn brides and grooms have gotten more creative with their dessert of choice. Cupcakes have started becoming the main focus at wedding receptions whether stacked in tiers or individually decorated. Now the folks at cakeshooters.com have started a new trend for wedding cakes that we love at Jersey Shore weddings!

Source: brides.com

If you’re looking for a unique alternative to the traditional wedding cake, but are over the whole cupcake craze, then check out CakeShooters. These treats are designed like push-up pops (remember those?) and are filled with cake and icings in a variety of flavors, including, Sprinkles Signature, yellow raspberry swirl, piña colada, and OMG (raspberry swirl with chocolate buttercream). Couples can customize the packaging with their names and wedding logo; plus, the desserts are available in vegan and gluten-free varieties. CakeShooters start at $3 each/$36 for a baker’s dozen; the company is based in Winter Park, FL, but they ship nationwide. To see all of the flavors and order CakeShooters online, visit their website. —Mary Beth Somich, Editorial Intern, Brides Florida

Source: brides.com

A lot of money and hard work goes into the preparations of planning a wedding. From booking the florist, photographer, DJ or band to finding the perfect ceremony and reception hall, and getting the invitations even the smallest of weddings can become a large ordeal. NJ Consumer Affairs has offered up some tips on how to avoid walking into a wedding day scam.

Source: newjerseynewsroom.com

How to prevent a dream wedding from becoming a nightmare

Planning a wedding can be fun and exciting, but it can also be a monumental task. Hiring a photographer, booking a reception hall, arranging for entertainment, making hotel arrangements for overnight guests – these may all be elements in making the day a success.

With wedding season approaching, the state Division of Consumer Affairs is offering a two-page brochure, “Planning Your Wedding: Tips to Avoid Scams”.

“At the Division of Consumer Affairs, our top priority is to empower New Jersey consumers,” state Acting Consumer Affairs Director Thomas R. Calcagni said. “Couples put enormous amounts of time and effort into planning the perfect wedding. Consumer Affairs is reminding them to take precautions to help ensure they create a day they’ll remember as one of the best in their lives – a memory that will not be marred by shoddy services or outright fraud.”

Calcagni said these tips are included in the brochure:

Contact the Division of Consumer Affairs to find out whether any potential vendor – such as a photographer, videographer, DH, band or caterer – has a history of consumer complaints, or has been cited for violating any consumer protection laws.

Take the time to carefully review every contract before signing. Note the terms of cancellation.

Remember that paying by credit card, as opposed to cash or other means, can generally help you resolve any future disputes.

Beware of wedding scams, such as phony exhibitions. Before paying to attend a bridal show, try to verify that the event is real by checking the organizer’s credentials or checking with the owners of the venue.

Before buying engagement or wedding rings, conduct your own research to learn about precious gem quality and ring settings. This will help you find the best deal to match your budget and your style.

Before buying a wedding gown, learn whether the seller is following Federal Trade Commission requirements on providing information about the garment’s fiber content and country of origin.

For more information, view the full Consumer Brief.

More information designed to help consumers protect themselves is offered free of charge at the State Division of Consumer Affairs NCPW website at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov.

Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file a complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website, www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov, or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.

Source: newjerseynewsroom.com

We’ve got a slew of new events going on in the next couple of months at Branches! If you’re planning your wedding or just looking for something fun to do make sure to check out all of our upcoming events.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 7:00pm: Summers Winery Wine & Food Sampler

One of California’s most highly-rated wineries is coming to Branches Catering!
We’ll be hosting a walk-around tasting with substantial appetizers and short plates led by Barbara Longué.
$42 per person plus 18% service and tax.
You can also purchase your favorite wines by the bottle after dinner and take them home with you at special savings!
To RSVP call 732.542.7790
To view full menu click here.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011: Branches Spring Bridal Showcase

Join us at Branches for our Spring Bridal Show! There will be lots of activities including:

• Runway Fashion Show
• Live Entertainment
• Prizes
• Sample Signature Dishes
• Receive Excellent Coupons
• Discounts and more!

Click to view the flyer.
Free Admission just register here!

Holiday Brunches at Branches!

Saturday, April 16th, 2011: Breakfast with the Easter BunnySunday, April 24th, 2011: Easter Brunch

Sunday, May 8th, 2011: Mother’s Day Brunch

For more information an all of these events and more view our upcoming events.

At Branches we love this timeless classic color palette of Wine, Mauve and Blush! The colors look great outdoors, like out in our waterfall garden, and also indoors, say… in our beautiful ballroom! Either way the colors are no comparison to the beauty of the bride at her wedding ceremony and reception.

Source: The Knot

Check out the hottest vintage wedding color combos that we’re obsessed with right now.

Perfect match for Branches Catering

Good for: Vintage garden weddings

Tips for pulling it off: Dress up this feminine color palette with crystal or pearl details, or dress it down with rustic fabrics like burlap and faded handkerchiefs.

Clockwise from top left: Marie Labbancz Photography, Antonis Achilleos, Jen Kroll Photography, Leigh Miller Photography, Justin and Mary Marantz, Dan & Anne Almasy, Simon Yao Studio

For the full article click here.