Archives for May 2012

Both Stardust Celebrations and LuLu’s Bridal Boutique will be closed this Monday, May 28, for Memorial Day. In honor of this patriotic holiday, we thought it would be fun to share some basics on a few of the wedding traditions that make a military wedding special.

One of the most obvious things that sets a military wedding apart from a civilian event is the attire. Military grooms and other members of the wedding party wear their uniforms according to the formality of the wedding and seasonal requirements. If the bride is a military officer, she can choose to wear her uniform as well, but she is also free to wear a traditional bridal gown. Also, a boutonniere is never worn with a uniform, and white gloves are necessary for all saber/sword bearers. Military guests have the option of wearing their uniform to the wedding or they may wear civilian attire.

The Arch of Sabers or Swords is a beloved custom of military weddings and definitely one of the most recognizable. Each branch of the military has very specific regulations as to who is allowed to participate and how and where the arch takes place. We most often see the majestic arch just outside of the ceremony site, where the couple will pass through this symbolic pledge of loyalty to them. Sometimes, the final pair of saber bearers will lower their sabers to detain the couple until they kiss. Then, often the last man on the right will give the bride a gentle swat on the backside with his sword while telling her, “Welcome to the (branch of service)!”

You thought working out your seating arrangements was a challenge…imagine trying to work in military guests according to rank! At the ceremony, the bride’s or groom’s commanding officer and spouse may sit near or with the family, or even in the front pew if the parents are not present! It is also customary that flag and general officers be seated just behind the two families. And at the reception, military guests are traditionally shown to their seats according to rank.

Bella Pictures

At a military wedding, you are likely to hear regimental music, including the branch of service’s theme song, and see more patriotic decorations incorporating flags and standards of the bride and/or groom’s unit(s). But the most memorable reception tradition is the cake cutting, truly the highlight of the celebration! The bride and groom will cut the wedding cake with a saber or sword belonging to the groom if he owns one. The bride takes the lead cutting while her groom rests his right hand over hers on the sword’s hilt and wrapping his left arm around her. Picture perfect!

Happy Memorial Day! With grateful hearts, we humbly thank the men and women who have served our country in the military!

By now you surely have heard that Facebook wunderkind Mark Zuckerberg married his longtime girlfriend Dr. Priscilla Chan this weekend in a surprise wedding. Held in the backyard of the couple’s modest Silicone Valley home, the ceremony was a great surprise for the 100 or so guests who thought they were there to celebrate Pricilla’s recent medical school graduation.

And certainly you have also heard the buzz about the bride’s gorgeous Sky Between the Branches wedding gown by the fabulous designer Claire Pettibone, a sexy yet elegant selection for the lovely and slim Priscilla. The new Mrs. Zuckerberg actually bought her Claire Pettibone bridal gown off the rack from a Denver bridal salon under a false name! The beautiful laser-cut floral sheath features a stunning sheer back and matte sequins. While the gown is absolutely gorgeous, there is also something natural and down-to-earth about it, perfect for this low-key bride! Claire Pettibone is known for her unique, vintage-inspired gowns finished with a modern flair. Many of her gowns also feature a definite bohemian vibe!

Lucky for you lovely brides, you can order Sky Between the Branches from our Stardust Bridal Salon! Stardust Celebrations is the exclusive salon for Claire Pettibone bridal gowns in Texas and we carry several Claire Pettibone couture bridal gowns featuring feminine, ethereal and romantic details. Call and schedule your time to come in and try on our gorgeous collection of Claire Pettibone wedding dresses!

photo credits: AP/Facebook

The term “slider” used to conjure up an image of a tiny ham- or cheeseburger that looked pretty much just like its normal-sized counterpart. Thanks to the creativity to several fabulously talented chefs, these tiny burgers have exploded far beyond the typical ground beef fare and have elevated the humble slider to positively gourmet!

White Castle is credited with the origin of the slider.

Caterers and venues are offering a wonderful assortment of tiny sandwiches, and there is truly something for everyone – even vegetarians! Some of the incredible offerings we have seen include: “lighter” versions of sliders such as crab or lobster cake sliders, mini turkey burgers, grilled or fried chicken sliders or Greek sliders with lamb and feta; sliders made of fried green tomatoes, caprese salad or grilled portabella mushrooms – perfect for our non-meat-eating friends; and variations on the traditional beef such as tenderloin sliders, barbecue pulled beef or pork and even sloppy Joes!

These tasty little fellas can be offered as passed hors d’oeuvres, delivered in multiples as a plated entrée or, as we’re seeing more often, served up from a station featuring an assortment of fillers and condiments. The toppings options are endless as well, offering delectable treats such as blue cheese, bacon, truffle oil, flavored aiolis, sautéed mushrooms and onions, tapenades, pestos, special slaws and relishes…oh my! Truly mouth-watering! And of course, passed sliders and fries make a great late-night snack – especially paired with a mini milkshake! They can be just the thing to keep your guests dancing long into the night!

If you are a fan of the tiny sandwich, talk with your wedding planner or caterer about how you can incorporate this fun, nostalgic treat into your wedding day meal plan! Bon appétit!