Save the Date trailers found on YouTube

In the spirit of the 83rd Academy Awards being held tonight, we've looked on YouTube for some great Save the Date trailers. Some of these are really well made and funny. Which of these is your favorite?

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5 year old needs a job before getting married

This five year old girl has her priorities straight! Little miss independent needs her job to feel special before she finds her man! Happy Friday!

Venue Review: the Signature Room at 95th

Scallop Station (Amanda's Favorite)

Table Design Purple and Gold

Table Design #2

Table Design # 3

In the interest of due diligence, Amanda and Melia recently hoofed it over to the Signature Room at 95th to check out their bridal showcase. That's right, we braved sleet, snow, rain and bitter cold to bring you the details on what could be your wedding venue, so read on and enjoy!

When we arrived, the warm and cozy ambiance was a welcome respite from the nasty weather outside. The Signature's private event rooms are located just off of their dining area on the 95th floor with a sweeping south and west facing view of downtown Chicago. The Meetinghouse had done a lovely job of poshing up the joint with a varied array of lounge furniture, highboys, and table arrangements designed to appeal to a wide array of tastes, and to allow one to picture a myriad of possibilities for that special day. As we browsed and noshed, here are a few questions we asked ourselves, imagining, of course, that our readers would want to know:

Q: What was your initial reaction upon walking in the room?

MJ: My initial reaction was of relief - couches!! I had been on my feet all day! Just kidding. I was excited to see the level of detail that The Meetinghouse had implemented, I really felt like I was at a wedding or reception. It was beautiful and welcoming.

AG: It had great ambiance. And for a little while a great view of the city 95 floors up (until the clouds rolled in.) Loved the table designs by Meetinghouse and one was even a little bold with purple table cloth and gold chairs but it actually worked well!

Q: What stood out the most about the room decor?

MJ: I'm fascinated with lighting design. There were a couple of neat little gadgets that projected a starry pattern on the ceiling and some wall washes in a couple of different soft colors, all coming from discreetly placed fixtures.

AG: I loved the lighting as well. Lighting is so important at weddings! It creates mood and ambiance, so I think they did a great job with lighting the space.

Q: How was the food executed?

MJ: I thought the passed hors d'oeuvres were tasty but nothing out of the ordinary. I was really blown away by the chef hosted food stations. The food was delicious and the chefs were incredibly personable.

AG: I love the ideas of doing stations at weddings. I was most impressed by the scallop station. The sea scallops were fresh and cooked just right and served with 3 amazing sauce choices: teriyaki, red beet sauce and truffle sauce. I like the idea of a scallop station at a wedding now! I also loved the various grilled cheese options at the grilled cheese station and doing a crepe bar was a cool idea as well.

Q: What was your favorite dish?

MJ: My favorite was the chef hosted grilled cheese station. I loved the flavor, variety (standard through gourmet) and that there was a tomato chutney available as a side to really give you the feel of comfort food.

AG: Going with the scallops for this one. It just wasn't anything that I've seen before. I really liked it!

Q: Did the food being served reflect the menu available for a wedding reception?

MJ: I think the food served represented a nice array of appetizer and late night snack options (the grilled cheese station) and a scallop station representing one of the higher end options. Some of the menu items in the prix fixe dinners are listed as seasonal which I think is great.

AG: I think it showcased some great options available if a couple decides to go with a station idea but Signature room definitely has great menu options available for plated dinners.

Q What are a few key points about the menu or venue that a bride might want to know?

MJ: Well, I'm always interested in minimums and add ons, so a few things that I noticed are: tastings are complimentary for 2 persons (with a deposit for your event), there is a standard bartender fee but it is waived if you reach a certain minimum, and a three course minimum applies to all plated lunches and dinners.

AG: Signature Room is a great venue for both a wedding, rehearsal dinner, and bridal luncheons, and after wedding brunch. Wedding packages typically includes Hor d'oueurves, dinner, champagne celebration, hosted bar, wines with dinner, cake, coffee/tea, dance floor, candles, bud vases with flowers. One great thing about the menu is that their are a good amount of menu selections available and enhancements you can add on for appetizers to a sweet buffet. Also love the ability to make late night foods for your guests.

Q: Was the staff professional, welcoming and knowledgeable/ would you feel comfortable with the staff members you met tonight servings guests at your special event?

MJ: The staff was very professional, knowledgeable and personable. They interacted well with the guests and I would feel comfortable with the staff I saw tonight working on my event.

AG: All of the staff were great! Great chefs and very attentive staff.

Q: Do you think the price point is reasonable and/or justified?

MJ: At first glance (and this is my only issue with the menu layout) it seemed like the menu is incredibly pricy, but after further scrutiny (and a phone call to double check) I realized that the entree price ($122/pp - $156/pp not including tax and gratuity) actually reflects the entire package - five course dinner, four hour bar with champagne toast, wedding cake or plated dessert, dance floor, and small bud vases with fresh flowers. Seems like a pretty great deal to me! I do wish the menu was a little clearer about that though.

AG: Yes I think there a lot of options available. $122 as a start which includes all of the above Melia mentioned is a pretty good deal!

Q: What stood out the most?

MJ: I thought the Meetinghouse really transformed the room into a beautiful venue. Seeing a private event space that stands empty full of beautiful table set ups and intrigueing lighting design really gives meaning to the phrase "A picture is worth a thousand words".

AG: I also agree with Melia here. The ambiance of the space really stood out. If you were coming to this space on its own, although its a great view you have to use a little more imagination to visualize a transformation. Being there for this event made it much more realistic.

Q: In a few words, sum up why you like the Signature Room

MJ: I love the ambiance. The private rooms - which can be used as one large room that seats up to 150 or broken up into smaller rooms - are elegant and inviting at the same time. There isn't that feeling of "lost" that you get when you walk into a huge hall with 4 story high ceilings, but you don't feel like you're in someone's living room, either.

AG: Ambiance, food, decor, and service! The Signature Room is a top notch Chicago restaurant and destination. I would definitely recommend checking out this venue from everything to your big day or other wedding events!

If you think the Signature Room at 95th might be for you, follow our link or call (312)-280-0465. You can find The Meetinghouse information at this link or calling (630)-941-0600.

Budget-Friendly Bridesmaid Dresses

During the past two weddings I have attended as a bridesmaid, I spent over $400 on satin dresses that I have no intentions to ever wear again. In addition to each dress, I had to buy plane tickets, hotel rooms and rental cars. While I had a blast at both weddings, I wish that the brides had considered dress prices when they chose the gowns for bridesmaids. Instead of putting your wedding party into debt and forcing them to wear something they will never wear again, try choosing something that your bridesmaids either (a) can truly wear again or (b) will not force them to take out a loan just to stand next to you on your special day. Here are a few ways to save your favorite girls a few bucks on your special day:

* Explore the color wheel. Usually, brides have their bridesmaids wear the same color, but it can also be beautiful to have a rainbow of colors standing at the alter. Your redheaded friend will appreciate when she doesn't have to add another bright pink dress to her wardrobe, and your pale, freckled pal won't have to suffer another champagne-colored frock washing out her complexion.

* Mix up shapes. If you want to pick a single color for your bridal party, think about giving your friends a few options on style. Last year, I watched a bustier bridesmaid squeeze into a very tight bodice that forced her to hold her breath all night. Instead of forcing every shape into one dress style, give bridesmaids the option to choose a style and cut that fits their bodies best. If the dresses fit well, your bridesmaids may be more likely to wear them a second time, so they will be a little less bitter about the price.

* Opt for a shorter dress and avoid too many layers. I've spent nearly $100 to alter each of the bridesmaids dresses in my closet. I'm either too short, too curvy or too small to wear most long dresses right out of the box. For every inch and every layer on the dress, it seems the prices go up. If you aim for simpler, short or tea-length dresses, you will save your bridesmaids some serious cash and trips to the seamstress.

* Skip the bridal boutique. Many boutiques and tailors prorate dress prices for weddings, but retail stores, such as J. Crew, Target, Overstock, and Nordstrom carry budget-friendly options for bridesmaids.

* Rent dresses. The fellas have been doing it for decades, and companies like Rent the Runway and Wear Today Gone Tomorrow have gorgeous options for under $100 each.

Royal Wedding Invites Released

The wedding of the year is definitely the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29th. Today their wedding invites were released which puts us on the topic of unique and affordable wedding invites.

Read below for some great suggestions for your wedding invites!

1) The Josie invite from The Green Kangaroo and at $2.25 each from 100-199, is a great deal! The Green Kangaroo also offers great DIY kits

2) We absolutely love Wedding Paper Divas. With invitations starting at $1.54 per invite with a lot of styles and options available it's a great site. Check out this Style Standout invite and be sure to check out all of their wedding invites!

3.) We like this Smart Conversation invite from Minted.com . They also have a 10% sale going on right now on all invitations with code WEDFEB10 (Exp 2/22)

4.) This Paisley invite fromt The American Wedding is super affordable and cute!

5.) We also love this Budding Red Layered Invitation from InvitationBox.com. Invitation Box has a great variety of beautiful invitations for the budget wedding! They also have a sale going on until 2/28 with the code LOVELY you can save 10% off orders of $25 or more.

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Bling for the Bride! (and Bridesmaids, if you're feeling generous)

What would a wedding be without a few shiny baubles to add that extra special glow to your extra special day? Every bride wants that little (or big!) added detail that perfects her look and makes her feel like for one shining moment, all is right with the universe. You already have a gorgeous ring, now what? I have always been one to lean towards something a little vintage, a little unique. That doesn't mean you have to; one important thing every bride needs to keep in mind is that she IS unique, and she absolutely should not settle for anything less than perfect. After all, your fiancée slaved over finding the perfect ring, you searched for months for the perfect dress - so don't stop there!

Sites like Etsy, Artfire, and The Find are amazing sites with unique (re: couture) designers with a wide range of styles. We found everything a bride could possibly want, including belts, combs and earrings.

Bridal belts are one of the most popular ways to accessorize and glam up your gown (find the gorgeous little number pictured below at Nyjole Jewellry)

We also recommend KirstenKeuhnDesigns on Etsy.

This designer's handmade creations are vintage inspired, glamorous and feminine. Prices range anywhere from $25 - $485, with plenty of options in between. If you're feeling buttoned into a hole by a uniquely colored gown, you can loosen up and breathe a sigh of relief - many of these designs offer the option to choose the ribbon color of your choice, and all of them offer extra inches as an affordable add on.

Should you choose to go with something like the chic option of a birdcage, or skip the veil entirely, you'll probably be interested in a piece like a comb or a tiara. If you're feeling adventurous and still missing your something blue, chances are this Vintage Blue Clip will make you feel preen worthy.

Or, if you're feeling a little more traditional, perhaps a sweet and simple princess tiara is what you need to complete your sweet and sultry 'do.

Whichever look you choose, you can be sure that you feel beautiful, unique, and that you don't break the bank!

Any bridezilla worth her salt knows that in order to atone for having the perfect fiancée, the perfect dress, the perfect ring, the perfect accessories, and STILL being a (tad?) overbearing in the weeks before the wedding, she must procure a suitable thank your for her ladies in waiting. All will be forgiven for a reasonable fee - just check out Bourdage Pearls for freshwaters pearls in all sizes, shapes and colors. The proprietors are wonderfully versed in Chinese freshwater pearls and will work with your taste and your price point to pick out the perfect gifts or bridesmaids accessories.

After all, whoever said "diamonds are a girls best friend" clearly didn't have the proper entourage.

Wedding Dress from Nordstrom Rack?!

While just perusing the Nordstrom Rack website, I just saw several viable wedding dress options for really affordable prices. This is definitely a website every budget bride should check out!

Here's an ABS by Allen Schwartz Ruffle Trim Satin Gown on sale for $159.97 marked down from $428. Perfect for a beach wedding in my opinion!

Here's a beautiful Sue Wong Drop Waist Embellished Lace Gown only $229.97 marked down from $598.00.

Here's another Sue Wong gown with an embroidered V-Neck. We love the detail on this dress. Originally $498.00 marked down to $179.97

We love this Aidan Mattox Beaded Strapless Chiffon Gown for a garden wedding. Dress is marked down from $470.00 down to $179.97

Dresses are not available in all sizes but we recommend brides book Nordstrom Rack's website, looks like they get affordable dress options in!

-Posted by Amanda

photos from Nordstrom Rack website

New Wedding Boutique: Behold, BHLDN!

While I love living in big cities and surrounding myself with modern architecture and design, my Southern roots have always drawn me toward tradition, antiques and lace when it comes to weddings. As a little girl, I spent hours digging through my great-grandmother’s wooden trunk, trying on mink stoles, lace gloves, veiled hats and little white frocks, and for my graduation, I donned a 19th century garden party dress and a wreath of flowers in my hair. One thing I learned while wearing that dress, however, is that antique gowns are VERY fragile and prone to mishaps. (My mother had to re-sew the hem of my dress as I was standing in line for my graduation processional after my heel barely brushed it while making my way up the staircase.) A ripped gown is NOT something you want to deal with on your wedding day. Luckily, companies like Anthropologie allow me to get my lace and floral fix without the fear of having my 100-year old dress unravel at the seams.

That is why I am really excited about BHLDN, which will launch this Valentine’s Day. BHLDN is a wedding brand and online boutique inspired by Anthropologie that will feature gowns, dresses, shoes, jewelry and accessories for brides to be. I received a sneak peak of the line today, and I was thrilled by their creamy, white vintage-inspired gowns, muted floral dresses, and dainty lace gloves. I immediately signed up for their newsletter, and I can’t wait to see their bridal lingerie collection and other frills. If you are the type of girl who dreams about garden-style weddings and mint julep-filled receptions, check out BHLDN.

Posted by Kate.


Photographs by Anthropologie. Note: Ciao Bella Events has no affiliation with Anthropologie or BHLDN.

What should you wear to a winter wedding?

The first blog post we will tackle on the Ciao Bella blog is winter weddings. Although they are not the height of wedding season, they can be super beautiful. The challenge is finding something that is stylish, comfortable chic and warm.

I went to a winter wedding two years ago and it was one of the most beautiful weddings I attended and the women guests did a great job with their attire.

Some tips I can give is to find something that’s sparkly. Dresses that have velvet and dark reds and taffetas are perfectly acceptable but try not to go for a dress that looks to chiffony and summery. The best tip I have is to dress for the season. Great colors for a winter wedding include: silver, black/gold, gold, dark red, dark greens, and blues and purples. Stay away from colors that are too bright, and really go for the seasonal colors.

Make sure you dress up that winter wedding outfit with the perfect sparkly accessories. Lots of sparkle will help add to the festiveness to your outfit and brings out the perfect element of sophistication.

For shoes, keep it closed toed, open toed shoes in the winter are very un-chic and who wants their feet getting wet in slush? We recommend a high pump in black, silver or nude color that complements your dress well. Keep in mind too you don’t have to always be so matchy-matchy. Throw on some red pumps if you’re wearing a black dress.

Now to cover this beautiful look, we recommend not wearing your long North Face coat but going for something that will bring the look together. Think velvet shrug, fur coverup, pashminas or long dress coats would look great.

While winter wedding outfits might seem somewhat of a challenge at first with a little dedication and attention to all the details you can put the perfect look together.

Here’s some recommendations for places to hit up to complete your winter wedding look:

Rent the Runway Check out their wedding section. Dress rental is so chic and it doesn’t break the bank

Borrow a Dress Couture

Le Dress The perfect dress store to find a dress for almost any occasion

Or go on an outlet shopping adventure

Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora

Ann Taylor, Elie Tahari, Theory, BCBG Max Azria, MaxMara, Michael Kors

Lighthouse Premium Outlets in Michigan City

BCBG Max Azria, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor

-Posted by Amanda

photos from Rent The Runway