Who's excited about The Great Gatsby hitting theaters near you tomorrow? Any die-hard fans going to the midnight showing? For months (and longer) there's been this undeniable hype and eagerness for the upcoming film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carrie Mulligan. Although the overarching theme is tragic, it's hard to deny the glamour, major fashion shifts and opulence of that time period. It appeals to the rebel in us all, and a theme that translates so seamlessly into weddings.
So, we bring you our eight must-have wedding details to complete your "Great Gatsby" theme.
Art Deco Stationary

Give your guests a foretaste of what's to come with these Art Deco font invitations, RSVP cards and Save-the-Dates from NimbiDesign.

An engaged couple is faced with countless decisions when beginning to plan their wedding: What is the theme? What are the colors? What will the décor entail? Which vendors are going to help us achieve the wedding of our dreams?
Solidifying the right vendors is one of the most important stepping stones to your wedding. If you’ve ever attended a bridal show, you know how overwhelming the sheer number choices for photographers, caterers, venues, wedding planners, bakers, designers, etc. can be. Here are some helpful hints from local expert and events and membership director, Jenna Heilman, of Cypress Club (The Reserve at Lake Travis), to assist you with your vendor selection.

Start with a reputable source
Use your resources, like Texas Wedding Guide, to compile a list of vendors that you are interested in. Don’t be afraid to ask for references; any reputable vendor will be happy to share some of their past clients with you. Then, narrow your list to no more than 3 vendors of each category. You will stress yourself out if you try to meet with every single vendor. More often than not, too many choices can be more damaging than too few.

Ask for a consultation
You need to interview your vendors, just like they need to interview you. Not every vendor is perfect for every bride. Bounce ideas off your vendors, tour the space to discuss the ceremony/reception options and ask for a personalized proposal. No two weddings are alike, so don’t settle for someone else’s template.
Make your own history at the Ball-Eddleman-McFarland House, Fort Worth’s second historic and cultural landmark. This premier example of Queen Anne-style architecture features ornate oak mantles, cornices, coffered ceilings, paneling and parquet flooring. The exterior is red sandstone and marble with a gabled, slate roof featuring elaborate copper accents. This elegant historic mansion and picturesque garden is perfect for engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, receptions, showers or an occasion you would want to be unique and memorable.
Today, we decided to pool together a short list of what we thought were the must-have things you should have at your wedding. Here they are!

A comfy, love seat sofa to make things more cozy and intimate for the newlyweds.

Oh, and don't forget the "cool" kids table. Having a kid-sized table off to the side, laden with Crayons, games and other activities keeps the little ones entertained and less underfoot. Plan to pay one or two people to "oversee" the table. Or you can seat the parents near enough for them to keep an eye on them.

Glow sticks are always fun, for kids and adults alike, and always bring back a myriad of memories. The signage by these glow sticks in Mason jars is adorable.

For all those leftovers at the dessert bar you don't want to throw away or take home. Great little additional wedding favor for your guests. But, be sure your master of ceremonies makes your guests aware of that opportunity to take home goodies.

Cindy Mills, Flirt Boudoir Photography, has some really fun plans in store for 2013, and needs some fabulous models to help her. She'll be holding a casting call for some real women to model for a few projects she is shooting in 2013. The perks for the women chosen is they will receive professional hair and makeup, a professional photoshoot and a 10% discount on any purchases they would like to make. It’s a really good deal. Flirt Boudoir Photography is looking for three to six women, who must meet these requirements:
- You must be able to do a shoot sometime in March, April or May in the Dallas area.
- You must be over 21.
- You must be willing to sign a full model release
All you have to do to apply is:
1. Fill out the Application Form
2. Send 2-3 photos of yourself (headshot & full-length) to Cindy at castingcall@flirt-boudoir.com
3.”Like” the Facebook page
Deadline to apply is Feb. 28.

On March 10, noon to 5p.m., bring yourself and your bridal party with you to preview fashion shows, register for fantastic prizes, sample music from disc jockeys, musical performers, sample culinary delicacies, see photographers portfolios, and network with some of the best in the industry.
This Upscale Bridal Show Will Feature:
- Over 100 Wedding Businesses with everything to plan your Perfect Wedding
- Fashion Shows
We are delighted to once again present Texas-based wedding planner and superstar, Donnie Brown, Donnie Brown Weddings and Events, in another of his monthly contributing columns. You may know him from the popular TV show, “Whose Wedding is it Anyway?”
Well-known for his direct and vivacious personality, he is sure to keep us in stitches with his humorous opinions and sometimes, unbelievable tales from his experiences as a planner over the years. In addition, he will keep readers up-to-date on the latest bridal trends and “must haves.”
Here, in his next column, Donnie gives brides hard and fast rules to help them eliminate from the plethora of colors and cuts of gowns.
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{Photo via jlmcouture.com / Gown design by Lazaro}
Wedding gown necklines are broken down into several categories: off the shoulder, spaghetti strap, halter, scoop, strapless, sweetheart, jewel (which has a rounded appearance) and the less-frequent V-neck. Waist styles are Basque, dropped waist, empire waist, princess cut and natural. For bodice styles you will find corset, empire, halter, midriff, asymmetrical, princess-line, surplice and tank. Now with all those options, here are a few guidelines on how to best select your gown’s style and shade for your big day!

Fresh, light and pleasing to the eyes, mint is the color of spring! We've already seen brides pairing it with ivory, soft pinks, yellows and gold tones. There are so many styles, lengths and cuts for bridesmaid dresses.
You can embellish your own white gown with mint accent pieces like this bracelet.

Here's an example of a bride who did her tablescape colors with soft pink and mint. We think it gives off a very ethereal and romantic ambiance.

Don't forget that accent pieces include making a big statement with your fabulous shoes. Check out the gold heels on this pair. Or if you love the color that much and are wanting to go really bold, don mint green yourself. This Vera Wang mint-colored affair is stunning.

{Photo courtesy of Cypress Club}
More and more brides want to do something a little different for their wedding. A trend that keeps on growing is destination weddings. The thought of leaving the day-to-day bustle of everyday life is very appealing, especially for the biggest celebration of your life! But, sometimes, the logistics (friends and family taking off of work, finding a time that works for everyone, asking people to spend their money on a trip/airfare, etc.) can make the planning process a bit difficult.
Good News! You can do your dream destination wedding within 30 miles of Austin city limits on the south shores of Lake Travis. You and your guests are sure to enjoy the accommodations at the Cypress Club.

{Photo courtesy of Cypress Club}
The Cypress Club is the perfect place to plan your wedding. Not only do we offer one of the most breathtaking settings to host your wedding and reception with pristine Lake Travis shorelines, manicured grounds, guest seating under a grove of oak trees and customized rental packages, but we are also unveiling our brand new overnight accommodations, “The Cabins.”
Our private luxury cabins, available to rent May 1, 2013, will feature 1- and 2- bedroom upscale bungalows complete with private decks, outdoor showers and fireplace in the bathroom. With outdoor teak furniture, Zen-like landscaping, light & earthy décor, these cabins provide a serene place for relaxation.

{Photo by Shy Laurel Photograph}
Join Rancho Mirando for an open house celebration, January 27, 2-6 p.m., as they present their newly completed and stunning Event Pavilion designed by AIA award-winning architect Mark Canada. Enjoy appetizers, cocktails, cake tasting and more!

{Photo courtesy of Rancho Mirando}