Today we continue with our blog series, Personalize Your Wedding.  A monogram is a graphic motif that combines two or more letters to form one symbol. Historically, monograms have been used by royalty to signify their lineage and connections. They have been also used by master craftsmen as a signature to identify their work.  Today we use monograms to identify clothing, towels, luggage and more. In the wedding world, monograms are a fantastic way to personalize your wedding.  Proper etiquette follows that a bride’s or groom’s  initials used as a individual monogram are appropriate for products and stationery used prior to the marriage.  A couple’s “married monogram”, however,  should not be used until the reception.  That said, there are a variety of creative and fun ways to showcase a monogram, whether it be your personal  initials or your marriage monogram, throughout the wedding day.  A wonderful source for beautifully crafted, custom products which may be monogrammed is Filigree Monograms Designs. The online store carries a diverse assortment of items perfect for wedding day decor and personal gift giving.  The planners at Uniquely Yours have some personal favorites including the following:

Wedding Dress Label

Wedding Table Runner – Great for cake table, gift table, sweets buffet

Dupioni Silk Tote Bags

Bouquet Ribbon

Want to see more?  Go to www.filigreemonograms.com for inspiration and more ideas for using your monogram.

Images Source:  Filigree Monograms Designs

Lucky is the bride who can get a special deal on the items she requires for her big day.  Accessories and incidentals – what the Uniquely Yours team calls “The Little Things”- can quickly add up in cost.  We always recommend checking multiple sources for items before purchase, and to buy quality so you can be sure you are getting the best for your hard earned money.  With the holidays upon us, and “Black Friday” this week, it is a great time to save money on accessories, specifically shoes and jewelry.  You can find beautiful, and dare we say affordable, baubles to grace your ears and neckline at most major department stores. And the savings on beautiful evening shoes that can very well serve as fashionable bridal shoes, can’t be beat. Don’t forget the variety of pins and brooches available this time of year which you may want to integrate into your bouquet/bouquet wrap or perhaps attach to a sash on your gown. Here are a few of our favorites found browsing department stores online.

Shoes

Badgley Mischka “Tai” Ruffle Pumps – Bloomingdales

These would be perfect paired with a gown befitting a late spring or early summer wedding.

Stuart Weitzman “Frontpage” Double Platform Pumps – Bloomingdales

These beauties embody all that is the current rage for purple.

Nina “Urika” Evening Sandal – Macy’s

All that glitters… sophisticated style.

Nina “Clova” Evening Pumps – Macy’s

Put a little sparkle and sass into your walk down the aisle.

Stuart Weitzman “Jumbo” Evening Slingbacks – Bloomingdales

These scarlet ladies are perfect for making a dramatic statement – a must for fabulous shoe detail shots!

Stuart Weitzman “Gigi” Satin Peep Toe Pumps – Bloomingdales

A nod to tradition with a twist. Love the gathered ruffle trim.

Brooches

Liz Claiborne Cluster Pin – Dillard’s

Simple style that sparkles

Liz Claiborne New York Flower Pin – Dillard’s

This beauty would be perfect for a fall bouquet or autumn hued sash.

Assorted Jewelry

Elizabeth Cole Vintage Crystal Earrings – Neiman Marcus

Slane and Slane Pearl Stud Earrings – Neiman Marcus

ABS By Allen Schwartz Stretch Ball Bracelet – Neiman Marcus

Carolee Crystal Floral Necklace – Dillard’s

Crystal Collection Flower Link Bracelet – Dillard’s

ABS By Allen Schwartz Multi-Chain Necklace – Neiman Marcus

At Uniquely Yours, our planning team stresses the importance of staying true to your personal taste and style as you plan your wedding.  When it comes to selecting your wedding bands, consider the importance of the pieces in terms of daily wear and how they are a very visible extension of your unique style and your commitment to each other.  While searching and researching local jewelry resources and storefronts,  many couples find themselves frustrated with the lack of options available for their wedding bands and even more frustrated and turned off by the costs of custom designed pieces.  That said, we are happy to share another resource for beautiful, unique engagement rings and wedding bands.  Object Fetish offers some of the most creative, beautiful, and yet affordable  jewelry options we have seen in quite awhile.  Their website, www.objectfetish.com, features a diverse selection of rings, many under $1000.

A few of our favorites include:

Blind Love    Cups

Concave

More than just a resource for rings, Object Fetish artisans also create a variety of bejeweled items that you may want to gift your wedding party members.  From rings to pendants, bracelets, and brooches,  you are sure to find something beautifully out of the ordinary!