Inside Weddings

Inside Weddings - Discoveries - The Insider's Guide to What's New and Interesting

Ghost Story

Where to seat your guests has just become a whole lot clearer. Roberta Karsch for Resource One, a leader in one-of-a-kind event decor, is the first US company to rent the Louis Ghost Chair, designed by creative genius Philippe Starck for Kartell. Offered in three translucent colors – clear, black and amber/orange – they marry the classicism of the Louis XV silhouette with a thoroughly modern composition. Robust, resistant to scratches and okay for outdoor use, these chairs redefine the idea of elegance while withstanding the party elements. Up their glamour quotient even more with custom monogrammed sashes designed specifically for the chair. Chair, $50; sashes start at $25. Available on both coasts with wider access on the way. To rent, call 818-343-3451 or visit resourceone.info.

 

Silk flowers have been all the rage. Pin ‘em to your dress or weave them into an up-do and you have “instant spring.” For a twist that’s perfect for fall, grab some of Michelle Roy’s vintage velvet leaves. With four sizes and five colors to choose from, they’ll customize your bridesmaids’ frocks and lend themselves to more appearances (unlike the dress). From $40 each. For retailers, visit michelleroydesigns.com.


Kristy Choo, pastry chef and owner of Venice, CA’s JIN Patisserie, has created edible works of art worthy of your wedding masterpiece. JIN’s hip chocolates, infused with flavors like lychee, roasted sesame and mango basil, come in favor friendly containers (we love the celadon paper boxes). Her custom small cakes are almost too pretty to eat. The chocolate, tangerine butter cake and earl grey apricot fillings will test your guests’ willpower. One recent bride even stacked 200 of them as her wedding cake. Chocolates from $3.50, cakes from $10 (min 20). 310-399-8801 or visit jinpatisserie.com; National shipping available.
     

What’s white like your dress, shaped like the ring on your finger and a perfect reflection of your new sense of unity? The ONE Campaign wristband. Worn in support of the organization’s fight against global AIDS and poverty, it’s a fashion statement that speaks volumes, particularly to your guests. While some favors barely last the car ride home, a donation is a gift that keeps on giving. $1 per wristband, sold in packs of 10 to 2500. Order at one.org. 		 


You’ve mastered the art of the day-tonight look so it’s time for a handbag that can keep up. MARKA, a gorgeous line of luxurious bags, has a gal’s versatile lifestyle in mind. From work to play and every wedding appointment in between, these finely crafted bags are built for the busy bride. Take the quilted leather Denyn Sleeve: it’s a purse (makeup mirror, detachable clutch) and a briefcase (protective laptop holder) camouflaged in one roomy bag. And each gem in the collection is named for one of the designers’ ex-boyfriends. Denyn Sleeve, $595. Shop at markaonline.com or call 866-779-3115 for retailers.



Say it with a smile (or with chocolate)… and we mean, with chocolate. Of course, chocolateTalk’s milk and dark chocolate bars come molded with standard sentiments like “I Do!” and “Thanks!” but, they can also be customized to leave your own clever impression. These scrumptious treats come in a choice of stylish packaging and are accented with a personalized gift tag. Just one look (or bite), and the chocolate won’t be the only thing talkin’. Starting at $2.95 each for 75 bars.Visit chocolatetalkyourway.com or 800-344-1499.


Any former bride will tell ya, no matter how “sensible” your choice of bridal footwear, your feet will still suffer after a long day in the spotlight. Prep your tootsies for the big event with PJ Salvage slippers. Wear the thongs to your pre-wedding pedi or pose for “getting ready” photos in the polka dot clogs. They’re so cute and comfy, you might even be tempted to forgo your Manolos. Thongs, $22; clogs, $28. For retailers, visit pjsalvage.com or call 800-445-6001.

 


Hitting the links is a good way to bond with your beloved and an even better way to support women’s health. Wilson Golf’s HOPE Package Set includes everything you need to get golfing – a driver, #3, #5, #7 woods, irons, a pitching wedge, a sand wedge, putter, golf bag and three headcovers. Each item sports the signature pink ribbon of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation which receives a portion of each HOPE purchase. Even for beginners, it’s a hole in one. Set, $169.99. For retailers that carry HOPE visit wilsongolf.com or call 773-714-6400.

  
 


Narrowing choices and weighing opinions… it’s a full time job this dress shopping business. Just ask Julie Sabatino, owner of The Stylish Bride in NYC, who’s made it her mission to pilot brides to their perfect look. Equal parts fashion stylist, industry insider and best friend, Julie’s now making her unbiased advice and privileged access available to nationwide clients with her New York Experience. What begins with a phone consultation develops into a shopping trip in Manhattan with VIP appointments at some of the city’s 50+ salons. In addition to the value of her informed opinions, Julie offers a comprehensive yet targeted look at the current collections that, in her words, “gives brides the confidence that they made the right decision.” For more info contact 212-579-7169 or visit thestylishbride.com.


Artfully presented in flower-topped, readyto- give containers, seeds and bulbs from BloemBox are wonderful for cultivating gratitude. Guests will adore the tins of loose seeds and the boxes of tissue paper seed ribbons that are all ready for planting. On the outside, they’re undeniably cute gifts, but inside, they contain the makings of something much more beautiful: life. Bulb kits and sachets available, too. As shown, from $15; prices start at $5; for more information, visit bloembox.com or call 707-895-3500.


Next time you feel the need to inhale a pint of chocolate ice cream, consider this less caloric form of therapy instead: the new Chocolate BLISS spa treatment exclusively offered by the Hotel Oceana Santa Barbara. The 90 minute combo includes a tantalizing body exfoliation using their Chocolate Sugar Scrub followed by a luxurious full body Chocolate Crème massage. Hotel packages that include treatments, overnight stays and special gifts are perfect for bachelorette weekends…or a date with your fiancé. You can bring dessert! Packages from $290. For reservations call 800-965-9776 or visit hoteloceanasantabarbara.com.