Wedding Advice – Here Comes the Blog

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A woman’s wedding is truly the most special and remembered day of her life.  You may find yourself concentrating on the guests, the venue, the details- but don’t forget to pamper yourself a big for the big day!  Of course, once you find the wedding dress of your dreams most of the searching is over for your total look.  But don’t forget, the wedding jewelry you wear during your ceremony and your party can be the difference between a plain bride and an absolutely dazzling fairytale bride.

Beyond the diamond engagement rings, wedding jewelry is lusted over by brides to be.  Depending on your personal style and the wedding dress you’re wearing, you can find the perfect combination of wedding jewelry to fit your exquisite look.

If you have a sophisticated and refined taste in fashion, you may want to opt for simple stud earrings and a pendant necklace to compliment your engagement rings dazzle and the beauty of your dress.  An understated look with a little sparkle can really go a long way in your look and the overall bridal feeling.

For the lady with a bit more extravagant taste, it may be a great idea to consider a pair of diamond dangle earrings.  If you are wearing your hair in an updo, dangle earrings will draw attention to your glowing face and your feminine neckline.  Moreover, you can match a beautiful necklace with the earrings easily and create a regal bridal look.

If the regal look interests you, it’s a great idea to wear the ever popular tiara!  Tiaras are making a comeback in a big way this bridal season and they’re absolutely gorgeous on any bride!   Tiaras come in a range of large and small sizes so you can wear one with the idea of looking like a princess, or just add a bit of sparkle to your updo.  Reminiscent of the queen and the beautiful traditions that equate the bride to royalty, you can be sure a tiara will lighten your step on the big day.

Regardless of the wedding jewelry you wear, paying attention to detail will assure you the most magnificent and special wedding you could ever have dreamed.

In the build up to your wedding day, you’ll probably be frantically making those last-minute preparations and adjustments: making sure the caterers are prepared, the flowers are going to arrive on schedule and all the guests know the way to the church. But ultimately, however much time you spend agonizing and fretting over the event, you can’t control every aspect of it. Even if you’ve endlessly rehearsed your wedding dance, the lead singer of your band could still lose his voice the night before. Even if you scour the calendar against various weather reports from the last decade to find the most probable sun-filled day, it still might pour with rain. Something as large and unpredictable as a wedding is impossible to control.

I’m not saying that things will go catastrophically wrong – they probably won’t. But the important thing to remember if they do is not to panic – just smile and carry on enjoying your day. If nothing else, these moments will at least be memorable, and you’ll be able to laugh about them in years to come.

Here are a few catastrophes that might crop up and how to deal with them if they do:

The dress gets ruined...

Muddy ground, energetic dancing, glasses of red wine in everyone’s hands – the probability of a ruined dress is quite high. Improvisation is the key here – be ready to whack a brooch over the stain and have safety pins handy for any tearing. And if all else fails, just remember that you’re only going to wear the outfit once, so you may as well mark it with a few characterful relics of the day! Then when you take it out of its cupboard, you’ll have some amusing anecdotes to share (although you'll likely want to get it cleaned right after the wedding for good measures!)

The speeches are too inappropriate…

Wedding speeches are a tricky matter. Tradition dictates that they will raise a few eyebrows and some blushes from the happy couple. However, you never really know what to expect, or how far someone will go. If a speech is made and it’s so inappropriate that the laughter stops, people start to whisper and the guy your sister’s dating has to leave the room, don’t worry about it. Just remember – it’s not you who’s making a fool of yourself up there. But you might want to read through the speeches with a red pen beforehand if you’re really worried.

You trip while walking down the aisle…

Bride-appropriate stilettos may not be the best footwear for walking gracefully down the length of the church with a long and cumbersome garment on. But if you trip up during the slow progress towards your groom, don’t worry. It’s quite easy to hide a fall when you keep up a distracting smile and lean heavily on your father!

The weather’s miserable…

This is one of the biggest worries for betrothed couples – an overcast day. Even Alanis Morissette adds ‘rain on your wedding day’ to her list of ‘ironic’ and unfair occurrences. But just remember that it’s your mutual love that you’re celebrating and the day should glow brightly, even if it’s pouring with rain. Plus, you can make any weather romantic – the peace of snowfall, the excitement of rain, the stirring of the wind. It doesn’t have to be sunny for a perfect day.

Couples who find love shouldn’t worry about things going wrong on the big day. Slip-ups will make great anecdotes, and as long as you love each other, that’s all that really matters. Just relax, calm down and definitely don’t panic.

Fall weddings are always beautiful. The changing leaves, pure blue skies and wonderful sun sets create beautiful backgrounds for your perfect day. The air is crisp but not too cold to wear the dress of your dreams. This season’s wedding dresses have been far from ordinary and they have included details like feathers, ruffles and lace that create beautiful shapes and will certainly make you an unforgettable bride.

Short wedding dresses are wonderful for fall weddings as the ground can sometimes be rainy, leafy and muddy while the grass is often covered with a soft layer of dew. Short dresses will not result in traumatic ruining of your beautiful trains and will liberate your thoughts of any damage to your dress. These styles are also very modern and elegant, and allow you to wear shoes that you really love.

Wear bright colored shoes that perhaps match your groom’s ensemble and you two will look stunning. Choose styles with creative necklines and asymmetrical figures in order to look as trendy and chic as possible.

Show off your legs in these beautiful styles and look your best for your wedding day!

Your wedding day is probably a day that you have imagined and dreamed of since before you met your fiancé.  The emotion and excitement are probably overflowing in your heart and mind.  You have found and chosen each other and decided that you want to spend the rest of your lives together.  When it is time to make it official, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the things you want to say to the love of your life and the feelings you want to describe to everyone at your wedding.  If you choose to write your own vows, while you may feel no shortage of emotions, thoughts and words, there are a few do's and don’ts to bear in mind.

Do clear things with the institution that will marry you

If you are getting married in a church, Catholic and Episcopal congregations may require that you include the traditional vows.

Do plan your vows with your fiancé

While you may want to surprise each other on the big day, it is important to make sure you are both on the same page so one of you doesn’t bring the audience to tears while the other starts cracking jokes.

Do brainstorm together

Sit down and reminisce about how you felt when you first met and started dating.

Do make an outline

Once you have your thoughts and emotions out in the open, make a plan and organize them.  You need structure so that no one gets lost during the ceremony.

Do practice

You should practice but not just with each other – it is best to find people you trust to give you honest opinions on how it sounds to someone other than the two of you.

Don’t forget the two of you are individuals

Your wedding vows should complement each other but they don’t have to be the same.

Don’t use clichés

It is wonderful if a movie or song capture the way you two feel about each other and how it felt to find love, but this is your chance to be original. This is your wedding and your love.  Speak from the heart and use your own words.

Don’t make promises you can’t keep

Your future spouse is not going to forget what you say, so you’d better not say anything you won’t be able to stick to for the rest of your life together.

Don’t put on a show for your audience

Your vows are to each other.  Yes, you will have an audience, but the most important members are the two of you.

Don’t be sloppy

Your vows should be natural and from the heart, but don’t forget to go through and edit. No vows are perfect, but you want them to be as wonderful as possible.

Guest blogger: Marisa Taylor Photography

I had the special opportunity of photographing the wedding of Jessica and Kyle on August 14, 2010.  Jessica and Kyle were married in a intimate ceremony at Canal Front Park located in Lewes, DE.  They were surrounded by their closest family and friends.  The decor was gorgeous. Lots of pinks, peaches, and blues with touches of the beach added in.  Jessica looked amazing in her wedding gown. After the ceremony, a boat passed by and all the sailors screamed their congratulations to the newly wedded couple, it was pretty awesome I must admit.

The interesting part of the day was the time set aside for the formal pictures.  Myself, Jessica and Kyle headed to the beaches of Rehoboth for their formal pictures.  I, have actually never been to the beach before, so it was quite an experience.  Especially when I had to step into the water to get their shots.

The reception was a blast to shoot, I definitely felt like part of the family while there.  It was amazing seeing Jessica and Kyle together, they are very much in love and you can feel it.  The highlight of the evening was the slideshow produced by their parents that was shown at the reception.  At the end of the slideshow, there was not a dry eye in the house!

Congratulations once again to Jessica and Kyle!

Best,

Marisa

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Marisa Taylor is a professional wedding photographer located in the Newark, DE area. Her passion for beautiful photography shows in each and every photo she takes. Visit her website at www.MarisaTaylorPhotography.com to see more of her work.

Wondering how to choose the perfect bridesmaids dresses online? Read on.

So let’s say you may be limited on the amount time you can dedicate to finding your perfect bridal party dresses. Let’s face it; you are already swamped with finding the perfect one for you!  That’s why we want to help you find exactly what you’re looking for! The key to finding your perfect dress online is patience and organization. Here are a few things to keep in mind while you embark on this expedition.

1. Do your Research!

Read about the latest Trends! See which styles you like the best, and narrow your search that way. Pick out the length of the dresses you desire, the cut and neckline, and what fabrics you are most drawn to. A classic but modern cut like a one shouldered bridesmaids dress will look elegant and poised no matter what your wedding theme is. Fabrics like satin can look very romantic while cotton is more casual and fun. It’s also important to stay within your budget so narrow your searches depending on prices.

2. Keep Track of your Searches

Throughout your search to “saying yes to the dresses,” you must be organized in keeping record of potential dresses you find online. You don’t want to look back the next day and find it impossible to retrieve what you thought could have been “the one.” Keep a journal with names of websites and specific pages.  An option would be to start a Google document when you sign up for a Gmail account, and have the ability to access your document from your cell phone, office, or any device with internet service.

3. Shop by Color

You most likely have your color theme picked out by now, and you are carrying samples with you at all times. Or at least you should! You never know when you’ll find the perfect table set, flowers, or even bridesmaid dresses! And you’ll be happy to have your colors with you!

Search for colors that are complementary to your wedding colors only. This makes it a lot easier, as it narrows your search immensely.  A great example is David’s Bridal’s website that gives you a vast assortment of colors to choose from when you’re shopping for your bridesmaids’ perfect dress.

4. Locate the nearest store

Once you find what you’re looking for, contact a local consultant and plan out the fitting by organizing one day of fittings and laughter with your girls instead of spending days on searching around town. Make it fun and pick three different possible styles your favorite ladies can choose from. A consultant from your store of choice should be able to make plans with you so that finding your dresses runs as smoothly as possible.

See! It’s as easy as One, Two, and Three! ... And Four Enjoy your big day stress free with the most stylish bridesmaids at your side!

UPDATED 9-21-2010

If you're on the West Coast and Chicago: Spa week was SEPTEMBER 13-19. However, there was so much interest and calls made to the salons that some of the spas on the West coast have decided to extend Spa Week for their customers! Check out the details and see salons in you neck of the woods here: SpaWeek.com

If you're in the East Coast, Midwest and Toronto: Spa week is OCTOBER 11-17. Yesterday was the first day you could BOOK your $50 appointments for Spa Week.

So what is Spa Week?

Spa Week was created and founded by Cheryl Reid, who hails from successful careers within the luxury spa industry and publishing spheres. Joining Spa Week again for the Fall 2010 Event, sponsors include Dove Deodorant: Title Sponsor; Allure Magazine: National Media Sponsor; Bare Escentuals: Exclusive Cosmetic Sponsor; Dole: Exclusive Food Sponsor; Rioja: Exclusive Wine Sponsor; The Wedding Channel; Exclusive Wedding Sponsor; Daily Front Row: Exclusive Fashion Sponsor; and ISPA: Exclusive Spa Association Partner.

Since 2004, the signature $50 price point has afforded consumers nationwide the ability to try different treatment types at different spas, putting an end to the old myth that the spa lifestyle can only be afforded by the rich and famous.

What should I look into having done during Spa Week?

• A massage to soothe the pre-nup nerves
• A facial to get your skin in perfect condition and bring out your head-over-heels-in-love glow
• A body scrub to make your body its softest for your first married moments
• A mani-pedi that will indulge your extremities while taking care of business
• A luxury hair appointment to get your locks looking their best as the big day approaches

Check out www.spaweek.com for more details and to see what local salon and spas are participating near you.

Location, location, location – the word that will be constantly on your mind in the early stages of planning a wedding. Venue choice is probably the most important decision you’ll make about your wedding day – apart from deciding to tie the knot in the first place. These days, the possibilities are endless. The Marriage Act of 1994 changed the face of wedding locations, allowing ceremonies to be performed in buildings other than churches and registry offices.

Since then, almost every stately home, hotel or any place that has the commodities for a wedding can become ‘approved premises’ with a licence to marry. Civil ceremonies now make up 68% of marriages, only 32% of couples getting hitched in a traditional church. So, you could walk around a city and eye up the appealing buildings or stop to enquire at a beautiful country manor house – nearly everywhere is a potential spot for the big day.

So, how can you begin to narrow down this seemingly endless list of options? Well, knowing what kind of wedding you want is the place to start: small or large, expensive or budget, traditional or whacky – all of these concepts will affect the location. With this in mind, here are the five basic categories that wedding venues appear under. Choosing one of these will rule out at least four-fifths of the possibilities!

Traditional

There are still 32% out there taking the traditional route down the aisle. With many beautiful churches in the UK – grand and quaint, rural and urban – there will be one to suit whatever budget you’ve worked out. Maybe this is the way you’ve always imagined the wedding, ever since you started dating. There is something comforting in the familiarity of this setting - a building where you’ll know the same ceremony has been performed many times over the centuries. The only drawback is you will then need to choose another location for the reception!

Historical

Although churches could also be classed as historical, there is something intrinsically romantic about an old castle or tumbled-down mansion. Usually in the middle of the countryside with extensive grounds, these places will add an extra interest for your guests, with secret corners and gardens to explore. The architecture will also be fascinating – in the only way century-old buildings can be.

Personal Locations

It’s always worth considering locations that mean something special to you as a couple. People find love in shopping centres, parks and all sorts of everyday places. But if you can think of somewhere that is significant to your relationship, why not see if they can host your wedding? It will make a great story during the speeches.

Exotic

Ever popular is the far-away holiday wedding. This is a rather expensive option, and you might be a bit scarce on guests because the travel is such an expense. But the south of France or the Mediterranean can actually be extremely cheap to fly to from the UK and there are many absolutely gorgeous locations there. Saying your vows on warm sand while the sun sets over a calm ocean is a pretty unforgettable image.

Unusual

If none of the above locations are wacky enough for you, there are plenty of completely bizarre places to get hitched. In mid-air, under water – if you’re going for a truly unique celebration, it’s amazing what possibilities you can find. It will certainly be a memorable day this way – for you and everyone else.

Whether in an ancient village church or a Hawaiian beach hut, make sure you choose the right place that suits you both!

In three weeks, I’m changing my name. I’m going to work hard to walk without tripping over my yards of muslin, recite my favourite love poem from memory, and agree to be taken care of and take care of my boyfriend. In three weeks, my life is going to change. It’s an exciting prospect, but right now, my head is crammed with lists, seating charts, menus and a missing band. In short, I am a textbook case of a bride-to-be.

My fiancé and I wanted a romantic summer wedding and are trying to pull it off with just six months of planning. It shouldn't be exceptionally challenging, but we’re both media professionals with erratic work hours. We do have an arsenal of family members to help us along, but last night, as our band cancelled, our menu changed (for the sixteenth time) and our guest list threatened to expand even more, we realised that sometimes even help in numbers isn’t necessarily a good thing. In an unexpected gesture of good faith, and hoping the resulting karma will bring us a swing band in time for the big day, I’ve decided to list the ten great ways this wedding has come together. Perhaps it will help a bride tomorrow, and hopefully by the time I finish, the menu will have finally been fixed.

Updated: July 30, 2010

Want to have a glamorous hollywood style wedding with someone else footing the bill? Here is your opportunity!  WeddingChannel.com and Us Weekly have launched their 3rd annual dream wedding contest.   Top A-list wedding experts will help the winning couple plan their entire wedding along with WeddingChannel.com.  Then the winner will be profiled in Us Weekly magazine with all kinds of photographs and of course all the wedding details.  This is a huge contest with millions of votes cast each year so get on the bandwagon and submit your contest application today!

Here are the details:

Today to July 29: Enter the contest at www.usmagazine.com/wedding

Today to August 3: Enter the contest at www.usmagazine.com/wedding

August 6 to August 13: 10 couples will be announced online, and America votes for their favorite couple

August 17 to October: The Dream Wedding winning couple is announced online and the wedding planning begins!

Don't forget to let all your engaged friends know about the contest too!