Shoe Pick of the Week: Astor by Benjamin Adams

This glamorous strappy sandal is one of our site's most popular styles. Adorned with an abundance of sparkling Swarovski crystals, Astor by Benjamin Adams is handcrafted by Paradox London using fine duchesse silk, soft kid leather lining, and the highest quality leather sole. Available in both white and ivory, this 3-1/2 inch versatile shoe is sure to be an eye-catcher. Perfect for weddings, proms, or any upcoming holiday celebrations.

Not sure what style to choose for your next event? Let Wedding Party Shoes be your personal shopper! Give us a call at 1-877-933-6878 or send us an email at cs@weddingpartyshoes.com and tell us what you're looking for. One of personal shoppers will help you find that perfect style.

Top 10 Wedding Trends

According to The Wedding Report, here are this month's top 10 wedding trends according to consumers and vendors:

1. Couples are looking for ways to cut costs
2. Untrained/inexperienced photographers are proliferating
3. Bold colors are trendy
4. Brides are using the internet to research and purchase products and services (this one is our favorite!)
5. Buffet dinners are common
6. Morning and early-afternoon weddings are gaining in popularity
7. Couples prefer all-inclusive wedding packages
8. Winter weddings are popular
9. Destination weddings have gotten closer to home
10. Gay weddings are increasing in California

If you are a bride or bridal party member searching for wedding shoes, handbags, invitations or accessories, please visit Wedding Party Shoes for more information or call us at 1-877-933-6878.

Enter Our "Show Off Your Bridal Shoes" Contest and Win Cash!

A couple of weeks ago, one of our brides sent us a great testimonial and gorgeous picture of her wedding shoes:

"As promised, here is a picture of me with my shoes, they matched perfectly with my dress ....I loved them and so did everyone else! and I even managed to wear them until at least 11:00pm! I got so many compliments on them..and the best thing is that I know I can wear them again!

I really appreciate all your help and patience, and for processing my order so quickly. Your prices are amazing, compared to the retail stores that I checked with the exact same shoes, and your customer service was fantastic. Thank you for the beautiful shoes and for being a part of my special day. I would definitely recommend Wedding Party Shoes.com to my friends and family!" - Sabrina, Canada

We were so happy to hear that our customers loved our shoes enough to send in a picture to show off their fancy footwear. So we have decided to let other brides and bridesmaids show off their shoes in our First Annual "Show Off Your Bridal Shoes" Contest.

All you have to do is send in a digital photo of you wearing your shoes with your wedding/bridesmaid dress or a unique arrangement of your bridal shoes. Contest is open to brides, bridesmaids, photographers, or anyone else who knows how to use a camera. The shoes do not have to be purchased from Wedding Party Shoes. Please, no offensive photos as we are a family-owned business.

Entries should be sent to cs@weddingpartyshoes.com by October 31, 2008 (Halloween). Please keep the files under 50KB and make sure that you have the rights to any files that you submit. Include your name, email address, and a brief description of the shoes in the photo (designer name/style, etc.). You can also include the story behind the photo. The top 3 photos as decided by Wedding Party Shoes staff will be posted online and readers will be allowed to vote on their favorite submission.

The photo that receives the most votes will win $100 (cash or gift certificate of your choice), 2nd place will win $50, and 3rd place will win $25. Winners will be announced on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2008.

All other entrants will receive a free subscription to our monthly newsletter which contains valuable wedding tips, articles and discount coupons. Some photographs may also appear on our website at http://weddingpartyshoes.com.

If you do not have a digital photo but would still like to make a submission, please contact us for our snail mail address.

Good luck to everyone. We look forward to seeing your gorgeous footwear and hearing your interesting stories!

"Wedding Day" Now Casting

New DreamWorks/Mark Burnett docu-reality series casting deserving Southern California couples for dream wedding!!!

If you know of a deserving couple planning or trying to plan a 2008 or 2009 wedding, they want to hear about it!

They are looking for: Teachers, Social Workers, Firefighters, Police, Volunteers, Foster Parents, Single Adoptive Parents, Cancer Survivors, Heroes, and Inspirational People who have overcome tragedy with trimph!

Did you have to postpone your wedding due to natural disaster, accident or illness? They want to hear from you as well.

The following link will provide instructions on how to apply:

http://www.realitywanted.com/call/2972-wedding-day-now-casting

HURRY DEADLINE IS AUGUST 8TH, 2008!

Name Change Kit for Brides

In the past, the name changing process was a time consuming, organizational nightmare.

The Ultimate Name Change Packet™ is designed for the new bride who is ready to relax after all that wedding planning. The packet includes the information, government documents, and forms you need to change your name. It makes the name changing process as easy as saying "I do!™"

With this packet, you can easily change from your maiden name to your married name on your driver's license, Social Security card, IRS, passport, financial institutions, voter registration, insurance companies and more. All the forms and information are provided. Just complete the forms and distribute as required.

Full kit is only $22.95 and includes:

• Step by Step Guide
• Social Security Form
• US Passport Form
• Motor Vehicle Information or Forms by State
• Voter Registration Form
• Checklist
• Record Keeper
• Letter Templates for Banks, Credit Cards, etc.

Purchase your name change kit today at Wedding Party Shoes and experience hassle-free online shopping!

Formal Gowns at Bargain Prices!

If you live in the Des Moines area, you've got to check out Ever After Bridal. New or nearly new bridal gowns, prom dresses, and other formal gowns can be had for below-retail prices. Sizes range from 2-30, although the selection of plus-size gowns is limited, and prices for prom and bridesmaid dresses range from $25 - $350. Bridal gowns start at $100 with the most expensive one listed for $800.

In addition, Ever After Bridal has veils and jewelry on consignment.

You can visit Ever After Bridal on the web at www.eabridalboutique.com. The physical location is 513 Elm St., West Des Moines, and the phone number is 277-1886.

Visit our new Kate Aspen Shop for Unique Wedding Favors!

We're thrilled to be a KateAspenShops.com retailer! Kate Aspen believes it's the little things—a favor, a gesture, a simple thought put into action—that speak volumes in all the special occasions of our lives. At Kate Aspen, there truly is something for every kind of bride, every personality, every type of occasion. We guarantee you will be delighted!

Be sure to check out the new Pink Ribbon Collection, the first in a series of limited edition favors designed to benefit women's health-focused charities. When brides purchase Pink Ribbon Favors, Kate Aspen will donate 10% of the net proceeds to the Young Survival Coalition and Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation.

Shoe Pick of the Week: Scarlet by Benjamin Adams

The simple styling of the Scarlet by Benjamin Adams has catapulted this shoe to the top of the best-seller list this season. The peep-toe platform is accented with Swarovski crystals and features a statuesque 4-inch tapered heel so that brides will glide down the aisle in style! Available in White or Ivory Duchesse Silk.

As with all Benjamin Adams shoes, Scarlet is handcrafted by Paradox London using the finest duchesse silk, stunning Swarovski crystals, soft kid leather lining and the highest quality leather soles.

Register to Win Kate Aspen Wedding Favors

At Kate Aspen, there's a wedding favor for every kind of bride. Whether you're a traditional, modern, whimsical, romantic, sophisticated or princess bride, you're sure to find the perfect favor for you and your guests at www.kateaspen.com. Now you can log onto www.kateaspen.com/mb and register to win a wedding full of favors! While you're there, take the "Unveil Your Bridal Style" quiz and get a free catalog. Registration ends March 31, 2008.

Shop for the new 2008 Kate Aspen favors at Wedding Party Shoes.

Maggie by Special Occasions

This stunning silk silhouette pump with Swarovski details is perfect for a spring wedding or prom. Cut-out designs on the heel give this 3 1/4" peep-toe shoe extra charm. Available in white, light ivory, or black silk with fine leather soles, this shoe is not recommended for dyeing. Sizes range from 5-10, 11 in Medium widths and 6 1/2 - 10, 11 in Wide widths.

Maggie is part of the Special Occasions collection by Saugus Shoes. You can purchase Maggie and other styles by Saugus Shoes by visiting Wedding Party Shoes/Saugus Shoes.

Free Wedding Planning Checklist

by Jennifer McCleary

Well, the big day is approaching and there is so much to do. Set the date, reserve the church, hire a band, get a dress, find a caterer, a photographer, a florist…the list goes on and on. For many new brides planning a wedding can seem like an overwhelming task. Don’t let it keep you from having the best day of your life, however, just follow my advice.

You are wondering how you will know what you need or where to find stuff. Well, take a deep breath and relax. It is going to be okay. Follow this free wedding planning checklist and you will be planning the wedding of your dreams in no time!

Places to Book:

Rehearsal dinner hall, Church or ceremony venue, and Reception location

Services to Book:

Pastor or officiate, Photographer, Caterer, Florist, Cake decorator, Band and or D.J., Wedding Coordinator, Pianist, and Vocal Performers

Things to Buy:

Wedding dress and accessories, Bridesmaids’ dresses and accessories, Flower girl dress and basket, Ring bearer pillow, Wedding party gifts, and Decorations

Things to order/rent:

Grooms tuxedo, Groomsmen tuxedos, Ring bearer tuxedo, Invitations, Programs, Favors, Thank you cards

There are a lot of things to think about when planning your wedding. This list just covers the bear basics. This is a really good starting place however to help you think about what you want and what you need.

For a more in-depth checklist visit http://www.we-review-for-you.com/rweddingplanning.html

Jennifer is a full time teacher and has been planning parties and events on the side for years. If you found this article useful, check out Jennifer’s other party/event planning tips at http://www.we-review-for-you.com. You can also visit all of Jennifer’s other articles on a variety of topics.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_McLeary

Let Wedding Party Shoes help with your shopping list for bridal shoes, handbags and wedding accessories. January is the biggest wedding planning month of the year, and new styles for 2008 are now being added. Visit us today, and be sure to check back often for updates to our online catalog.

Unique Wedding Cake Toppers for a Unique Wedding Cake

While many couples today will choose a traditional wedding, often following in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents, a growing number of couples are electing to depart from tradition and frequently adopting less formal and more "fun" weddings.

Whichever route you choose however one thing that you are sure to want is at least something in your wedding that sets it apart and that will make it truly memorable for your guests. In many cases you'll find that this is not an easy thing to accomplish in terms of the civil or religious ceremony itself, but your wedding reception and, in particular your wedding cake, will provide the perfect vehicle.

Many couples are already moving away from the traditional white wedding cake and opting for cakes of various flavors, colors and shapes although, in most cases, cakes continue to be tiered to provide the height that is really essential if the cake is to command the centre of attention as far as the reception decorations are concerned. But why have just one cake?

How about individual miniature cakes which will not only impress your guests in terms of the imagination and work that went into making them, but will also make them feel that extra bit special at the thought that you had a cake specially made for them. This option has the added virtue of allowing you to offer a range of different flavors if you wish to provide for the variety of tastes amongst your guests and miniature cakes can still be arranged on stands into a tier to emulate the classical tiered wedding cake.

If you're feeling really bold, how about dispensing with cake altogether. We're all familiar with the elaborate displays that we see in the stores, especially around the holidays, with towers of chocolate chips cookies or gingerbread men and, while gingerbread men might not be quite appropriate, with a little imagination it's not too hard to think of a variety of sweet treats that would make a stunning display at your wedding.

And why stop there? Once you've created your spire of eye catching desserts why not mix in other sweets or even fruit and provide your guests with a variety of dipping bowls alongside the display so that they can coat their chosen sweet of piece of fruit in bitter dark, smooth milk or even white chocolate for that perfect after dinner treat.

These ideas in themselves can provide you with a memorable and quite unique "wedding cake" but, for that final touch how about a unique wedding cake topper?

Toppers come in all shapes and sized these days and are not only designed to crown your cake but also to give you the opportunity to make a very personal statement and to provide a talking point for your guests. There is a huge range of wedding cake toppers available today in just about every price range, from mass produced plastic toppers to exquisite and unique wedding cake toppers that can be hand crafted from a range of materials including crystal and semi-precious stones. What better way can there be to express your love for each other and to display that love to your assembled guests than by symbolizing that love in a unique wedding cake topper.

For more on unique wedding cake toppers please visit Talking Weddings today.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert:Donald_Saunders

Click wedding cake toppers to view our selection of both traditional and contemporary designs. We're sure you'll find a style to fit any theme and budget.

Shoe Pick of the Week: Blondell by Benjamin Adams

The classic pump gets a new twist with a chic round toe and beautiful auroa boraellis Swarovski crystals across the vamp. Sporting a statuesque 3 3/8" heel, Blondell is available in White or Ivory (shown in White).

Blondell, like all Benjamin Adams styles, is hand crafted by Paradox London using the finest duchesse silk, soft kid leather lining and the highest quality leather soles.

The Benjamin Adams line of bridal shoes was introduced to the US markets in the fall of 2007 by Paradox London, the recognized market leader in the UK for bridal footwear. The appearance in today's top bridal magazines along with its unique styling and quality craftsmanship has put Benjamin Adams at the top of the list for this season's most sought after bridal shoes.

Visit Benjamin Adams bridal shoes for more details.

Benjamin Adams by Paradox London now available

Wedding Party Shoes is proud to announce its association with Paradox London, a recognized market leader in the UK for bridal footwear. The Benjamin Adams line was introduced to the US market this past fall (along with Pink and Little Miss Pink which we will be offering shortly).

The Benjamin Adams line of bridal footwear is handcrafted using the finest duchess silk (available in white or ivory), features white or ivory duchess silk, stunning Swarovski crystals, soft kid leather lining, and the highest quality leather soles.

Heel heights range from the low-heeled 1" Powell pump to the 4" Scarlet peep-toe platform pump. Prices range from $169 to $599 for the most luxurious shoe in the Benjamin Adams collection which is the Lopez, shown above. Abundantly covered with Swarovski crystals, this high-heeled slingback is available in ivory duchesse silk only.

As with all purchases at Wedding Party Shoes, shipping is free within the US. Please contact us for international shipping rates.

Please visit Benjamin Adams Shoes to see the entire line or visit Wedding Party Shoes to view our entire catalog.