Bridal Swag: Oscars 2014

Sunday's Oscars was full of anticipation and newbies that took our breathe away...can we say Lupita Nyong'o, and not just that she's an Oscar winner, but that powder blue dress on her was gorg! I have to admit that I rather watch the Red Carpet than the actual award show. It's much more entertaining! This year's Oscars did not disappoint in style ideas. Gather some inspiration.

~Stay Sweet



1.  Powder Blue

Prada & Blumarine

2.  Fancy Cape

Versace & Monique Lhuillier

4.  Applique

Giorgio Armani & Elie Saab

5.  Spring Florals

Monique Lhuillier & Georges Hobeika

6. Pale Pink

Gabriela Cadena & Georges Hobeika (re-ocurring trend from last year)

7.  Lace Peplum

Givenchy & Marchesa

8. Intricate Details

Naeem Khan & Naeem Khan (Is there really any other comparison? I think not!)

Images via: Prada, Blumarine // Versace, Lhuillier // Armani, Saab // Lhuillier, Hobeika // Cadena, Hobeika //

Givenchy, Marchesa // Khan, Khan

Vera Wang Goes Red

The bridal gown world got quite the shock for the second year in a row from iconic fashion designer Vera Wang. The designer's nude & black colored wedding gowns graced the runway last season - and she has turned it up a notch with bold red dresses dominating the runway this year.

via BridalGuide

With this new collection, which took the bridal world by storm this past week in the press, the designer pays homage to her heritage. In China, brides wear the color red to reflect love, romance and joy. The color red is also used the day of the wedding in the decorations of the bride & groom's homes, and even in the gift boxes/envelopes given out at the wedding. And although the color may be bold, Vera's subtle elegant details still shine through in the designs.

This new collection of 15 gowns celebrates the color of love and passion. A definite stray from the traditional white and ivory gowns that made her one of the go-to designers for future brides.

Vera says of the new collection, "Beautiful dream. The symbolism of Red. Boldly romantic, charming, protective, grand, seductive, sexy. From dahlia to scarlet, crimson and vermillion. A celebration of love."

"Vera always likes to wow and show a somewhat rebellious, anti-traditionalist approach in her shows, and I think that definitely came through," said Brittany Robins, Bridal Guide's Assistant Fashion & Beauty Editor. "She never ceases to amaze!"

Need more ideas on how to incorporate red into your special day? Check out our Pinterest boards & custom stationary at our Etsy Shop here.

Top Trends of 2012

With the start of a new year, comes the start of new trends! So what will be popping up all over the wedding world this year? Take a look:

Trend #1: Rustic Glam Barn Weddings - imagine the perfect combination of exposed wood, lace, whimsical flowers with the perfect ambient lighting to set the stage for your big day. Brides are now jumping at the chance to glam up a little farmland to say their I Do's. And the ladies here at DIYva Designs are huge fans of this trend too!

via Tried and True Weddings

Trend #2: Long Sleeved Wedding Dresses - Kate Middleton really is to thank for this trend. After her royal wedding to Prince William, brides everywhere wanted to bring back this trend. Her dress was designed by Sarah Burton, Creative Director for Alexander McQueen - giving a nod to Grace Kelly's 1956 wedding dress.

via Wedding Inspirasi

Trend #3: Water Color Invitations - It seems couples tying the knot are trying more and more to incorporate little creative details into their overall wedding designs. And one way to add a little artistic touch? Include some custom watercolors to your stationery line! Our very own Sugar loves to take the traditional wedding invitation and adding a little pop of personality to it.

via Sealed.

To see more examples of trend setting invitations, check out our Etsy shop here!

Say Yes to THIS Dress!

A few weeks ago, a friend and I were catching up over drinks and chatting about what we have going on. Of course I mentioned DIYva Designs, and all of our recent events and endeavors which inevitably brought up the subject of weddings, and so on and so forth... (such is my life). My friend mentioned that one of her friends had recently tied the knot and had helped design her own wedding dress. Of course I was intrigued and immediately needed to know more!

Turns out, the bride has a designer friend, Frank Tropiani, who is a New York based artist and helped her bring her vision into fruition. The best part of this project, is that the cape the bride wore, was made from her mother's wedding dress! I am such a sap and love the idea of adding sentiment to any event! So the dress was something new and the cape was the something old/borrowed!

Although the story is heartwarming, the sheer amazingness of this dress was what made me want to share! I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I did!

Isn't it FAB?!