Happy Love Holiday, Valentine!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!  Instead of your red and pink inspiration for this "LOVE" holiday, I changed it up a bit with various shades of purple.  Enjoy!!!

Until next time...Happy Valentine's Day and WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.visualphotos.com; www.marydann.com; www.weddingbee.com; www.kimfashionjewelry.com; www.nars.com; www.etsy.com; www.weddingsbycolor.com; www.spiralstudio.com; www.callalily.com; www.karentran.com; www.melissajillphotography.com; www.trevorlewegphotography.com; www.charlottegearyphotography.com; www.krissys-creations.com) 

Wedding Night Excitement

Most couples are expecting fireworks once they depart the reception as husband and wife and walk into their wedding night suite.  Well it isn't promised for all and actually, over half of newlyweds do not engage in "activities" on wedding night.  Tired...I guess :)

But don't forget that your wedding night should be apart of your wedding planning, although your wedding planner might not be 100% involved.  Consider packing a "goodie" bag with some of the following items and have your planner or a friend set up these items for you inside your wedding suite:

Champagne w/ flutes

Edible items such as fruit and chocolates

Rose petals

Candles and a lighter

Bubble Bath and fragrant wash

Lotion

A private note for your Husband

...and a sexy piece of lingerie from your bridal shower

I cannot guarantee sparks, but your efforts will be noted and certainly remembered.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: michaelsegalweddings.com)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

Today's "I Found It, You Pin It" can only be deemed the WOW Factor moment of the reception!  Can you imagine the amazement walking into the reception space and seeing the wedding cake suspended by crystal chains?!?!?!  I'm 100% in love with the pin it pic for February 10th!!!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit:  www.bellethemagazine.com)

The Cost of Being a Bridesmaid

Brides have so much fun with the creation of ideas on how to ask their family and friends, "Will You Be My Bridesmaid"?  But I'm suggestion you also go a step further and give the ladies an approximate budget.  This kind gesture will alleviate you from hearing later on down the line..."I didn't know I had to pay for all this!"  Although being selected to be apart of your friends big day is truly an honor, you don't want to ask your bridesmaids to tap into their 401k if you don't have to :)

Bridesmaid Budgeter
(from www.The Knot.com/Chicago)

Average Costs

Engagement Gift - $25-$75

Bridal Shower - $100-$500

Shower Gift (if you are not contributing to the shower) - $25-$75

Bachelorette Party - $50-$500

Dress and Alterations - $200-$400

Shoes and Jewelry - $75-$200

Hair - $50-$200

Make-up - $50-$150

Wedding Gift - $50-$150...
...although I feel that being apart of the wedding party is gift enough!

Travel Expenses - $200-$1,000

Of course, not all of these costs will apply for each bridesmaid because every bride's request is different.  But if for nothing else, you will still need to pay for your attire, alterations, shoes and accessories and possibly make-up.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.vsphoto.com)

Capture More Than Just Wedding Day

I have a bride who's soon-to-be mother-in-law is going to be unable to make it to see her son marry the woman of his dreams.  And as a gift to her groom, she plans on hiring a videographer to capture the day so that his mother can see all the festivities.  Her heartfelt story got me to thinking about how can couples personalize the videos more so than just capturing the ceremony and reception moments.

Save The Date trailer:

Instead of using a paper or magnet Save the Date, consider asking your videographer to create a 30 second trailer that could be e-mailed to your invited guests.

Proposal Story:

Ask your videographer to capture your proposal story on film.  You both could share that special day individually or together, and top it off with a funny Q&A segment.

Well Wishes:

During the reception, allow your guests to say some happy (and funny) words to you on camera.

Clips of the celebratory events before and after the wedding day
(engagement party, rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, post-wedding day brunch):

Don't just stop with the ceremony and reception, ask the videographer to capture all of the wedding events leading up to and after your special day.

And if the videographer and photographer are not from the same company, make sure to introduce them.  Having some of your engagement photos and wedding day photos intertwined within the video can truly be divine!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: http://blog.theheartbandits.com/category/marriage-proposal-idea-2/)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

Today's beautiful "I Found It, You Pin It" find is a stunner for sure!  I'm so interested in finding out what the designer used in the vase.  They look like spinning tops, but maybe it's some kind of shell.  Either or...I'm excited about this find for Friday, February 3rd.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: http://seaglasslvr.tumblr.com)

Beautiful Bride Countdown

 

As you move forward with planning your wedding, don't forget about your wedding day look.  I'm not speaking of your gown and accessories, but about your hair and make-up for the big day.  Even for the most beautiful bride, and you all will be on your BIG day, the regime should begin months in advance to avoid the horrified scream in the mirror when your eye shadow is blue and your hair looks like it did in the 80's :)  Consider the timeline below when scheduling your beauty appointments:

8-12 months before the BIG Day
Consult a trainer or create a workout plan
Discuss skin concerns w/ doctor or dermatologist
Going for a new cut or color, this is the perfect time to try it out

5-7 months before the BIG day
Begin skincare regime
Play around with veils and headpieces


3-4 months before the BIG Day
Book your initial hair trial appointment
Book your make-up trial appointment
Begin maintenance on your hands and feet

1-2 months before the BIG Day
Have your hair appointment with your headpiece and jewelery
Get teeth cleaned and start whitening treatment
Select your wedding day nail color
Increase your workout regime
Finalize your make-up look 


1-2 weeks before the BIG Day
Schedule final hair maintenance appointments (relaxer, color touch-up, and/or trim)
Have a hydrating facial
Schedule a full body massage
Pack your wedding day beauty bag
Confirm location times with hair stylist and make-up artist for wedding day

Day before the BIG day
Have a manicure and pedicure
RELAX!!!


Until next time...WEDologize!


(photo credit: www.wedding-beauty.com)