AN IKEA WEDDING

Inspired by the wedding of Swedish Crown Princess Victoria (wed in Stockholm on June 19 2010) Ikea partnered with stylist Lo Bjurulf and photographer Denise Grünstein and created an ad campaign to highlight Ikea's newest products. Below is "Paper & Fold" and "French Romance", two of six fantastic table settings featured in the campaign. Yes, this is really Ikea. Check out the link below to view the rest - "Harvest", "Artsy", "Folklore", and "Wood On Wood". The clever and creative styling will surely inspire!

Paper & Fold

French Romance

Photo Credits: Agent Bauer

WEDDING DRESS WEDNESDAY

While Wedding Dress Wednesday usually consists of an image of a favourite wedding gown we've recently fallen in love with along with the bio of it's designer, we've decided to switch things up a bit this Wednesday and tell you all about a wedding dress sample sale instead.

We recently featured the stunning Rivini "Savia" gown designed by the one and only Rita Vinieris. We also let you in on the latest bridal boutique to open its doors in Carleton Place, Ashton Station Bridal, which exclusively carries the Rivini line.

Have you always wanted a Rivini gown? Well good news ladies, Ashton Station Bridal will be having a Rivini Sample Sale from July 10th to August 7th 2010. With over 150 styles to choose from, you'll save up to 70% on as-is size 8 sample wedding gowns! Ashton Station Bridal is an appointment only boutique so be sure to call ahead. Appointments can be booked by phone 613-240-7616 or email info@ashtonstationbridal.ca Happy shopping!!

VIVA LA BABY!!

Before the rumours start flying, Viva didn't just have a baby. And while we know that many wedding coordinators also plan events, we've had to regretfully decline these requests in the past as Viva la wedding is and will always be only about weddings... except this once. When your BFF is expecting, who can resist the urge to throw her a baby shower to show her just how happy you are for her and how much she is loved?

Prior to the wedding season kicking into high gear, Viva (along with the help of a couple of our favourite wedding vendors) planned a little celebration in honour of a precious baby girl who was getting ready to enter the world.

Here are a few detail shots taken by the wonderful Melissa Johnston. Thanks to Flowers Talk for all the beautiful flowers and the Manzanita wishing tree, The Candy Store for providing the cotton candy and pink rock candy on a stick as well as the raspberry and lemon coconut macarons, and to Little Cakes who baked the delicious pink lemonade and vanilla cupcakes of course!

Melissa Johnston is also responsible for little Rachel's newborn shoot!

VIVA'S BOOK CLUB - WILLIAMS-SONOMA BRIDE & GROOM ENTERTAINING

The perfect shower gift for the couple just starting out as well as the couple who has everything, this lovely and stylish book features twelve celebratory party menus plus dozens of practical tips for the many occasions newlyweds will encounter during their first years of marriage.

Williams-Sonoma Bride & Groom Entertaining - Recipes for Celebrating Together offers guidance on every type of occasion with delicious recipes and detailed workplans for cocktail and dinner parties, outdoor entertaining, special celebrations and holidays.

THIS MONTH'S VIVA LA WEDDING Q&A

Q - My fiance and I have been living together for two years and already have all the towels, kitchenware and bedding we need but my mom still insists that we register. Besides the standard department stores that carry the typical items we already own, what else is there?

A - What was once unheard of, more and more couples are now choosing to live together before marriage. Excited to set up their home, a shopping spree to the nearest department store soon follows their move in date. As their wedding approaches and guests start to inquire about where the future bride and groom have registered, couples who now have a fully stocked home struggle to find items to register for. If you're one of these couples you'll be happy to read our next post. Boy do we have a solution for you!

THE NOT SO TRADITIONAL WEDDING REGISTRY

More and more couples are now marrying later in life which means many of them live together and may have even started their own family by the time their wedding day arrives. With all the staples needed to set up a new home already bought and paid for, a traditional wedding registry just won’t do.

Still wanting to give their guests options when it comes to a wedding gift, couples in this situation used to find themselves scratching their head not knowing where to turn. For all you couples out there that find yourselves in this predicament, please don’t fret, we have a solution for you!

Wedding Republic to the rescue! Wedding Republic allows you to create a gift registry that is uniquely yours. Here's how it works:

WR is essentially a cash registry however, by selecting and creating a list of gifts your guests get to see what their money is going towards unlike the traditional cash in the envelope approach. Not only is it easy and convenient for both you and your guests, nothing is off limits. By using a cash registry you can ask for anything... camping gear, money towards your honeymoon, donations to a charity close to your heart, or dinner out at your favourite local restaurant. And it gets better.

WR's Puzzle Piece feature allows you to register for more expensive gifts and break them apart into a puzzle. Guests can then buy a piece of the puzzle making big ticket items more accessible and allowing them to chip in on the same gift without knowing or even having to coordinate with each other. Check out this sample registry to see what we're talking about.

Sound like this might be just the thing you were looking for to solve your registry woes? Head on over to Wedding Republic and start creating your registry today. We told you we had a solution!

THE TRADITIONAL WEDDING REGISTRY

Is moving into a new home the next step in celebrating the beginning of your life together as husband and wife? If so, unlike many couples now marrying later in life who already live together and have had the time to set up their home prior to getting married, you’re starting from scratch.

When it comes to selecting items for your registry it's easy to get tempted into including non-essential gadgets and appliances only to find they end up collecting dust in your cupboards months after the big day. Like a great pair of jeans or that little black dress in your wardrobe, it's important to have a solid base for your registry. Created by Weddingbells, here's a list of 10 essential items that will never go out of style.

1. Fine China - Traditionally fine china has always been at the centre of any wedding registry. While you may be hesitant to include it for fear it's too expensive or you'll never use it, it is something you'll have forever and could even pass on to your children one day. Fine china comes in both bone and porcelain and tends to be more expensive than everyday china. It's a worthwhile investment that will make home entertaining a treat.

2. Stemware - Including stemware on your registry is a must. You can register for both crystal stemware and casual stemware, depending on how you plan to entertain. It's important to include white and red wineglasses, as well as champagne flutes and beverage glasses. Also consider the style of your china to be sure everything co-ordinates. Ideally, you want to register for at least as many glasses as settings.

3. Bed Linens - Considering we spend a third of our lives sleeping, it makes perfect sense to include plush and cozy bed linens you can both enjoy on your registry. Be sure to include at least one set of quality cotton white sheets. When looking at the thread count of Egyptian cotton, the higher the number, the lighter and softer it feels.

4. Everyday Dinnerware - Also referred to as everyday china, some couples may choose to register for everyday dinnerware in addition to or instead of fine china. It's more affordable for your guests, with many standard five-piece place settings starting at $30. White is a great basic if you're starting to build a collection, and don't feel like bone china or porcelain is off limits, especially if you're only going for one set of dinnerware.

5. Pots & Pans - Now is the time to upgrade to the quality you wish you had. Since quality does matter, don't be afraid to include name brands like Calphalon, Le Creuset and All-Clad. Be sure to register for some pieces separately (open stock), so you can accommodate guests with a variety of budgets.

6. Knives - Every kitchen needs a good set of knives. Higher quality knives have high carbon, stainless steel blades, sharpen easily and also resist rust. The basics to consider include a chef's knife, utility knife, paring knife, serrated knife and carving knife. Be sure to test each knife in your hands. It should be comfortable and well balanced.

7. Bath Towels - Like bed linens are basics for the bedroom, bath towels are basics for the bathroom. Look for 100% cotton towels, which are the most absorbent. Consider registering for three sets per person, also taking into account additional sets for guests.

8. Everyday Flatware - After you've chosen your dinnerware, ensure that your flatware matches the number of settings. A traditional setting includes a dinner knife and fork, teaspoon, tablespoon and salad fork. When choosing material, stainless steel is a great everyday option because it doesn't rust, tarnish or chip.

9. Bakeware - Every newlywed nest needs bakeware. Even if you're not a big-time baker, you'll want to include cookie sheets, muffin tins, a cooling rack or two and a casserole dish. Aluminum bakeware is a sturdy option and many also have non-stick coatings, which will help make cleanup easier.

10. Mixing Bowls - No matter what you're preparing in the kitchen, mixing bowls come in handy. Look for a set of bowls that are available in a handful of sizes and can be stored within each other. Glass bowls are the most versatile because they can be heated on the stove or in the microwave, while stainless steel are light and won't chip or break.

While The Bay and Sears have always been the “go to” places when it comes to the classic wedding registry, we couldn’t end this post without including one of our faves.

Located at 471 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, Zone offers bridal registry services for the fashion forward couple looking to add a little style to their home. Whether it’s the Oxford Bench, the Bella Serving Plate, the Trapeze Wall Frame or the Sonnet Pendant Lamp – from furniture to lighting to kitchen and bathroom accent pieces there is something chic and unique for everyone!

Photo Credits: Luster Studios