I’m so excited about Wedding Nouveau’s very first sponsored contest, and you should be too if you’re a style savvy shopper in search of the ultimate selection of customizable, affordable and simply chic favors.  I’m talking about the fine favors and oh-so stylish gifts of Beau-coup Wedding Favors and they’re offering a FREE $50.00 Gift Card to one lucky Wedding Nouveau reader.

Before I tell you how to win, here’s why you need to visit Beau-coup Wedding Favors.

Beau-coup Wedding Favors offers a very wide selection of uniquely cute favors ranging from bridal events to baby showers, birthdays, religious gatherings, and let’s me honest – any reason to engage in a fabulous special occasion.  I often refer to them  for ideas on decor tips and dream palettes. As the host of this event, I can’t enter myself in this contest.  I’m truly envious of whoever the lucky winner will be, as there’s lots to chose from.  It’s like a candy buffet for a very hungry DIY diva.  Here are some of my favorites:

Cake Toppers: Gone are the days of stiff porcelain figurines that bare no resemblance to the couple in looks or personality.  Now you can infuse your cake toppers with elements of whimsy, style and an added personal touch.

(Above: Swarovski Crystal Monogram; Square Glass Photo)

Edible Treats: Not only will you satiate your sweet tooth appetite, but your guests will too.  These are just two of the many different options available.

(Above: Brownie Pops; Personalized Cookies)

Culture & Style: Whether it’s a traditional cultural wedding, or a modern event with flirty details, there are many inspiring ideas when it comes to making a chic statement.

(Above: Wedding Fans; Double Happiness Cake topper)

Eco-Friendly…or as I like to say: Eco-BFF. Make a bold impact on style, not the earth.

(Above: Personalized Wine Bag; Bamboo Coaster)

Crafty Packaging: What I love about creating my own gifts, is the sense of empowerment and emotion that comes from gifting something truly from the heart.  Whether it’s from scratch, or aided by some clever details, you’ll find many DIY accessories on Beau-coup to execute the perfect gift.

(Above: Midori Organdy Ribbon)

Beau-coup Wedding Favors offers 5 top reasons why you should shop at their store….

…and today on Wedding Nouveau, I’m offering 1 more reason to shop at Beau-coup Wedding Favors and it’s worth $50.  There are several ways to win, the more you participate, the better your chances.

Here’s how to enter:

Step 1 - Visit Beau-coup Wedding Favors, and browse through their selection of gorgeous ideas.

Step 2 - Pick your favorites from Beau-coup and come back here to comment, telling us which ones you liked. (Note: Please leave your full name and email address for the drawing.  Email addresses and Last names will not be published.)

Step 3 - Become a Facebook fan of Wedding Nouveau and copy/paste this notice in your updates stating: “I just entered to WIN a $50 Gift Card from Beau-coup Wedding Favors via… http://bit.ly/anEDyg“.  When you’ve done that, come back here and leave a comment saying you’ve posted on facebook.

Step 4 - Join our Tweets on Wedding Nouveau and copy/paste this notice on your updates stating: “WIN a $50 Gift Card from Beau-coup Wedding Favors via… http://bit.ly/anEDyg“.  When you’ve done that, come back here and leave a comment saying you’ve posted on twitter.

Step 5 – Join our Subscriber list to get “first-to-know” updates on future giveaways and tips.  When you’ve done that, come back here and leave a comment saying you’ve joined the subscriber list.

Remember the more steps you follow, the better your chances of winning your dream selection of stylish favors.

All entries must be received by 10pm EST on Wednesday, March 24, 2010.

The winner will be chosen at random on Thursday March 25, 2010.

Happy Shopping:-)

So, if you’re like me then you spend way too much time scouring magazines for the latest trends in fashion, design and art.  I’m always excited when I find publications that offer a new and fresh perspective on style.  Wedding Nouveau is all about celebrating wedding style ideas that dare to dream outside the box, and you’ll get all that and more from my new obsession: South Asian Bride Magazine.

South Asian Bride Magazine is North America’s leading PRINT & DIGITAL bridal publication for South Asian American and intercultural brides.  The Magazine brings readers the latest in the world of wedding fashion, exotic destination weddings and unique ceremonies and celebrations for that special day. They also feature the world’s leading designers, decorators, photographers, beautiful & opulent wedding features and more. SAB is published 4 times a year and is a high end, luxurious and beautifully laid out publication.

South Asian Bride magazine also has a blog in which you can get regular updates on whats new and worth drooling over.  I’ve definitely found lots of inspiration from there.  Take a look at what a few minutes on their site can magically deliver:

(Above: Images via South Asia Bride Magazine)

I’m looking forward to South Asian Fashion week 2010.  As soon as I get more information, I’ll let you know.  I would definitely go and bring back a full report…and that’s the tip of the day.

That’s right, you read correctly.  I’ve got an exciting tip for you this Thursday.

The creative team at Wedding Salon, a nationally recognized event planning boutique will be hosting “The Wedding Bootcamp” in Los Angeles.  Admission costs $15, but you can get complimentary passes here at Wedding Nouveau.

If you’re in Los Angeles this Monday, March 1st do come out to mingle with the experts in the business, ang get tips on how to plan your wedding…as well as free giveaways.  Who doesn’t like that?  All you have to do is register with the promo code: WNLAC and get in for free.

I’ll be there, I hope you will too.

It’s contests like this, that make me wish I were still in the wedding planning stages.  Calling all brides-to-be (and future husbands for that matter)!

Starting today, February 1st and going until March 31st, Crate and Barrel is hosting the Ultimate Wedding Contest for all engaged couples. Win a grand prize of $100,000 towards your wedding, along with the service of expert event planner – Joanne Gartin of Love Luck and Angels.

All you have to do to enter is submit  a photo of you and your fiance, along with a 100 word description of your love story, three details of your  ultimate wedding and your everyday dream day.  Click here to enter.  Do let me know if you’ve submitted your story:-)

Happy Fri-Style Friday.

I received a message this week that fits perfectly for Fri-Style Friday’s close out:  “Don’t be afraid of the problem..and more importantly, don’t be afraid of the solution.”  There are many resources out there to get inspiration and ideas for your big day.

Today’s tip of the day is wrapped up in an charming organza and sage gift box from the savvy decor insiders of Better Homes & Gardens.

Many brides often ask me for dream palette advice but aren’t really sure of their colors.  If you need some ideas on really vibrant and bold color combinations, they’ve got some lovely color ideas.  As a matter of fact, one of their gorgeous bouquets was included in the spring green dream palette yesterday.  Sometimes all you need is that right color palette to kick things off.  But then, I was excited to find that BHG.com offers more than color inspiration.

From photos and videos of wedding flowers (including bridal bouquets, corsages, table  decorations and tips on how to choose a floral designer)…

….to ideas and recipes from classy wedding cakes.  I particularly love this Eiffel tower wedding cake:

(Above: All images via BHG.com)

By the way, you can get the recipe for the Eiffel tower cake,  here.

love, love, LOVE IT!    And that’s the tip of the day.

Spicyhugs,

Fri

He’s on everyone’s “Go To” list in the wedding industry for unique, creative and gorgeous style for the perfect wedding event.  I’m talking about David Tutera, leading entertainment expert on event planning and design…and he’s got a new book out: “The Big White Book of Weddings – A How to Guide for the Savvy, Stylish Bride” coming to a bookstore near you.  You don’t have to wait to get the Tutera experience from Barnes & Noble or Amazon.

If you’re in New York City on January 20th, you can spend a lovely evening of cocktails, conversation, book signing and a chance to win a night stay at the hip W hotel, at the Launch party of David’s new book.

…Oh, and did I mention that this event is FREE, so long as you RSVP at nychappeningsrsvp@whotels.com.

Do leave me a comment, if you plan on attending or not.  Unfortunately, I can’t attend due to prior engagements, but I’m not one to withhold juicy insights and opportunities.

And that’s the tip of the day…from Wedding Nouveau.

Spicyhugs,

Fri

So excited about this..

Thanks to Mary of Suffix.Abuse, I’m onto a new exciting tip, that I think you should know about.  I know there are many offers that promote converting your images to art, but this one’s worth noting.   Brought to you by Canvas Pop, this slick and extremely user-friendly approach to DIY photo/art creations is just what Wedding Nouveau is all about.

If you’re like me, then you appreciate DIY ideas that are broken down into very simple and clear steps.  It doesn’t matter whether you’re converting a digital image from your photographer, or a candid shot that a guest took that everyone else missed, you can convert ANYTHING.  A  facebook image, digital art, whatever…ANYTHING is possible.

Step 1: Upload

Step 2: Customize

Step 3: Order and Wait

This would also make for a great surprise gift to your guests, or anyone for that matter.

And that’s your Nouveau tip of the day.

Spicyhugs,

Fri

If you haven’t guessed already, I’m all about color.  Mixing it up figuratively, and literally when it comes to designing and visualizing your wedding day, engagement party, shower or even your bathroom.

If you haven’t heard of Favors by Color. then you have to check them out.  If you’re visually inclined like me, then this site is just for you.  They offer color coded favors that are arranged in such a user-friendly layout.  Cha-Ching!

Click on Image to visit site.

Happy Coloring.