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  • Get Down and Get Funky – How to Have the Best Morning With Your Bridesmaids 

    How to Have the Best Morning With Your Bridesmaids 

    The sun is up, the birds are chirping, and it is time to get the best day of your life started. The morning of your wedding is all about getting pampered. Getting ready is an extra party before the real one begins and will set the mood for the entire day. Here are some tips on How to Have the Best Morning With Your Bridesmaids. Let the fun begin! 

    Twinning

    You are never too old to match with your friends like you did at a slumber party when you were six. Whether it may be the classic satin robe and slippers, a comfortable sweatshirt, or cute flannels, what is more fun than matching? This does not have to be expensive either. Amazon has an excellent selection to choose from that will look amazing on all your besties. 

    Mimosa Bar

    Time to kick back and pop the champagne. The best way to get the day started is with some drinks and snacks. Let you and your friends relax with a mimosa while eating some fresh fruit and croissants. Who knows the next time you will be able to get your hands on food so you might as well fill up when you can. 

    Decorations

    A quick way to dress up the room is with some balloons, banners, glasses, and any other cute décor you can find. Look for fun personalized decorations on Etsy. It is your day; nothing is ever too much. 

    Music

    Throw on all your favorite songs to sing and dance to, there is no one there to judge. Remember to have someone to make a playlist to really get the day started. Besides, sometimes hair and makeup start at 7:00 AM so you want some pump-up music to stay awake.  

    Hair and Makeup

    Having a glam squad to do your hair and makeup is necessary on the day of your wedding. No need to add extra stress by putting all that on yourself. Take the day off and have a drink while everyone else does the work for you. I am sure your girls will enjoy the royal treatment as well. This is another great way on How to Have the Best Morning With Your Bridesmaids. Let the fun begin! 

    Photo Op

    Have your photographer join you in getting ready to capture your moments together with your girls. Document cheer to your new beginning with the mimosas or a dance party in your slippers and robes. Add a few disposable cameras to the room as well for some old-fashioned fun.  

    Extras

    A few extra items to remember to bring could help save the day and prevent any tears. Make sure to throw a sewing kit, cosmetic tape, and safety pins in your bag. Even some extra shoes, hair accessories, and jewelry just in case. Always be prepared, you never know where your luck may be.

  • Traditional Groom Responsibilities to Plan the Wedding

    Traditional Groom Responsibilities to Plan the Wedding

    In order to build a solid foundation for your marriage, treat your engagement as a practice round for lifelong partnership, and make everything involving your wedding a joint effort. Although the process will ultimately be a collaboration, there are certain traditional groom responsibilities to plan the Wedding.

    No matter what the grooms level of interest in wedding planning, the early stages are when he should be the most involved. The most important aspects of the wedding should be joint decisions that accommodate both of your needs and preferences regarding your family and friends. Some major things you’ll want to compromise on together are:

    Wedding budget

    How much do you have to spend, and where are the funds coming from?

    When it comes to who pays for what, the bride’s family has traditionally covered the wedding, while the groom’s family has covered the rehearsal dinner. However, anything goes in modern times. As couples marry later, they may opt to take on a bulk of the costs themselves, or they may receive contributions from their parents that can be spent however they choose: on the wedding or on a down payment on a house. Regardless of if you’re a bride or groom, it’s your job to handle communications regarding any contributions received from your side of the family.

    Your Guest List

    Who are your must-haves on both sides, and who makes second-tier? Knowing your starting number determines your venue, which determines so many other aspects of your wedding, so it’s crucial to start with a good figure in mind.

    Wedding Venue

    Your venue impacts so many other aspects of your wedding (your date, maximum guest count, catering, ambiance, etc.) so it’s crucial to pick the one you both like.

    Overall Vibe & Atmosphere

    Out in the country, or smack dab in the city? Casual and relaxed, or formal and fancy? Selecting a wedding style that reflects both of your personalities will ensure you’ll both be excited to plan it.

    From here, have an honest conversation about what details matter most to each of you. If you won’t be working with a wedding planner, divide and conquer the responsibilities. Tradition typically has the groom take point on the bar and the music, but they are by no means confined to those categories. More spiritual than your significant other? Take charge of finding your officiant. Really into food? Offer to schedule tastings with caterers. When it comes to aspects of the wedding you don’t care about as much, let your groom’s opinion take precedence, especially if it’s something important to them. The same is true if the groom is taking the lead on wedding planning overall. Go to the appointments, do a lot of listening, and give your feedback and support when necessary.

    Choosing & Coordinating the Groomsman

    There are certain traditional groom responsibilities to plan the Wedding and to work with his groomsmen. The first step is selecting them. Pick people you’re still in close contact with. If you haven’t seen each other in a while, there’s no rule they have to be in your wedding just because you were in theirs. Your final group should also include people you’ll be close with in the future, like your spouse’s siblings for example. No matter who you ask, you’ll want to do the asking thoughtfully. Politely let them know this is a big commitment and there are costs involved. Asking six to eight months before your wedding is a good time frame at a dinner with drinks and small personal token gift.

  • Ways to Ensure Your Wedding Guests Have an Awesome Time

    Ways to Ensure Your Wedding Guests Have an Awesome Time

    A stunning venue and gorgeous centerpieces are some of the first things that come to mind when thinking of a beautiful wedding. But the picture-perfect décor doesn’t ensure an epic party on its own. Try the following simple but effective tips on ways to ensure your wedding guests have an awesome time. These tips will have your guests raving about your wedding for many years to come.

    Don’t Let Your Friends and Family Speeches Take Forever

    Many fun events have been detailed by long boring speeches. To keep the party popping, ask your speech givers to keep their toasts short and sweet.

    Hire a Great Band or DJ

    After all, music can, in fact, make or break a party.  Look for a high energy performer that will follow your lead on what music your family and friends like. Be careful not to choose an over the top annoying personality to be your MC. A great mix of music for your family as well as your friends discussed ahead of time with your entertainer will have everyone up on their feet until it’s time to go home. Seamless song transitions and the ability to read the crowd is where  top a notch entertainment company comes into play.

    Ask for Song Requests

    Asking your guests to request a song via the invitation response will ensure everyone will have a great time and dance the night away. Give this list of songs to your DJ. That way, if the dance floor thins out, the DJ can play songs off of the request list. This pretty much ensures that the person who requested the song will get up and dance and encourage others to do so as well.

    Remember to Thank Your Guests

    It’s important to break the ice and talk to your guests to let them know how much you personally appreciate them coming to share in and enjoy this fun celebration. Make it simple and short. Encourage them to have a great time and that you expect to see them on the dance floor on this joyous celebration.

    Keep Guests in the Loop with Your Wedding Day Timeline

    Usually the best weddings are the ones that are organized and follow a timeline. When the events of the day unfold in a timely and organized manner, your day will have a smooth easy flow. The bridal party and guests are not just left standing around wondering what’s next. They will know where they should go or what they should be doing.

    Throw in an Element of Surprise

    Surprise your guests with something special or unexpected at your wedding. You could secretly organize a “Flash Mob” of select family and friends sitting all around the ballroom. They can suddenly assemble on the dance floor and bust out into an organized dance. Or the bride and groom could perform a secretly practiced & choreographed dance routine for their first dance. That will really start off your reception with a ‘wow’ factor. This will have everyone recording, sharing on social media, and talking about it all night.

    Opt for a Short Ceremony

    If possible, try to keep your ceremony simple and short in length. A long, drawn-out ceremony takes away your guest energy level from the onset. Sometimes it is hard to be recovered for the reception.

    Provide Transportation

    If you’re hosting a destination wedding or your wedding is in a remote location, provide transportation for your guests from their hotel to your wedding and back. This way people don’t have to worry about driving home intoxicated, which guarantees that they can party a little harder.

    Allow Your Guests Plenty of Free Time

    This is particularly important if you have a destination wedding or a bunch of guests in from out of town. Many of your guests probably haven’t seen each other in a while.  Give them a chance to catch up before the real party gets going. Back to back activities after a long trip will run them into the ground and have them lacking energy for your reception. Let them have some time and space to explore your venue and they’ll be refreshed and excited at all of your reception events.

  • Small Wedding Ideas for an Intimate Affair

    Small Wedding Ideas for an Intimate Affair

    Have a smaller percentage of your guest list, but keep the whole the celebration. Have you been overwhelmed by the thought of gathering 200 plus of your “closest” family & friends together for your wedding day? You can have a reception with just your closest family & friends. But still with all of the things that will make your wedding feel like your personalizes wedding. Incorporate specific preferred options like entertainment, invitations, dinner, white dress, cake, and any other detail important to both of you. Shrinking it down to a cozy, intimate size guarantees you’ll love where your money goes and have tons of memories with “every” single guest. With an intimate wedding there are planning changes to make, details to consider, and a larger budget to work with now with less invited guests. Here are a few small Wedding ideas for an intimate affair.

    Keep the Guest List Short

    A small wedding is only small if the guest list is as small as possible. Not sure how to cut it down? One handy suggested tip is to look through your text messages and calls, and only invite those you’ve spoken with in the last three months. We speak more often to those who matter most. Another suggestion is would you take this person out for an expensive intimate dinner? Or would you have this person and their guest into your home for an intimate dinner or as a weekend house guest? Thinking about how close your relationships are will help ensure you are truly comfortable with those you surround yourselves with on your intimate wedding day. Of course, other people will want to know you’ve tied the knot. Make a list of those who will want to know the big news, and send out a wedding announcement after the fact.

    Alternative Venues Choices

    Fewer people on the guest list means you open up your choices to a multitude of different venues when choosing a nontraditional venue. Restaurants are at the top of the list. They’re unique spaces that have everything you need in one place. Just make sure you love everything (the style, the menu, and the existing décor) as being able to change it is less likely. Also recommended are hotel suites, many of which have beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces as well as galleries, gardens, wine bars, and nightclubs. You can have it in an intimate affair in a place that is meaningful to the couple. Family homes can pose many challenges for events with a large guest list, but work well with a smaller group.

    Rethink Traditional Options

    If you’re still in love with the idea of a space that’s more of an expected wedding venue like a hotel ballroom, museum room, or a dining room at a country club rethink it.

    The challenge with a traditional venue is making sure it feels full with an intimate amount of guests and not like a lot of guests didn’t show. Design comes into place here in making a large space feel intimate as you have the opportunity to get really creative with seating and table layouts, as well as adding things like a lounge or creative bars and food stations. Consider an extra-large round table for 20 to fill more space, or mix up how the venue is usually used by having the ceremony where others might have dinner and vice versa. With a smaller group, you can think outside the box about where you host each part of the celebration. Also, when you’re looking at venues, keep the size of your celebration in mind. Privacy is of the utmost importance, especially with a small guest list. Before you book anything, make sure the venue won’t have another wedding at the same time as yours. You really want to feel like you have the place to yourselves.

    Traditional venues are full of unexpected spaces that are perfect for smaller celebrations. Consider areas that are often overlooked, like the library of a large historic estate for example.

    Know What You Need

    Every wedding, no matter the size, will need entertainment, food, a bar, staff, rentals, and some décor. Keep those options in mind as you’re making plans.

    Even tho it’s more intimate, it’s a great idea to hire a wedding planner. Even if it’s only for a day of coordinator since you have more of a budget to work with. To have someone there to facilitate the flow of the day. You can enjoy it instead of worrying about whether alcohol or food is running low. Top priority service for any wedding is important but with an intimate celebration, the service should be over-the-top excellent.

    Skip What Isn’t Important

    As you’re determining the details, decide what is important to you and your partner and skip the things that don’t matter. Many couples choose to skip some of the traditional dancing and other formalities at a small wedding. Know your crowd and replace it with an activity everyone will enjoy. Or keep it in the timeline if your loved ones love to dance. Of course, if you do love dancing, keep the DJ set up or band’s size in mind so not to overwhelm your intimate wedding space. Be sure to hire a simple DJ/MC team or smaller group of musicians. That way you can have the formality of special dances and other formalities without it being over the top.

    You can easily skip some of the typical add-ons that couples try to get into their budgets.  For example, there’s no need for a photo booth, printed ceremony programs, or wedding favors. You will be spending much more one-on-one time with each guest, so some of those extras aren’t worth the cost.

    Splurge Wisely

    Your budget will go further with fewer guests, so use those extra funds to really enhance the evening. You can hire live musicians like violinists for your ceremony and a jazz trio to play for cocktails. A top notch photographer is also a great investment. With fewer people at your tables your guests will really relax. That will create an intimate atmosphere. Hire a trusted photographer who will capture the laughter, the tears, and the clinking glasses, etc. since those are the moments you’ll treasure most. You can also upgrade the dinner menu. Make it an indulgent seven-course meal, complete with a choice of fine wines and spirits. Valley says. With an intimate group, you can really personalize every detail of your menu.

  • Ways to Honor Your Dad at Your Wedding

    Ways to Honor Your Dad at Your Wedding

    Your wedding day is a great opportunity to give recognition to those who gave you unconditional love and support along your journey, from your first steps as a toddler to your ceremony. On the day you say “I do,” consider these ways to honor your dad at your Wedding. These tips from our friends at  brides.com will create special moments for your father, stepfather or father figure. Aside from having them walk you down the aisle. You wouldn’t be who you are today without them.

    A Special Dance

    Most weddings have the traditional father-daughter dance but you can take it a step further. If dad is not much of a dancer you can possibly spend some quality time together by attending dance lessons prior to the special dance. Either to learn to dance a little better or maybe even surprise everyone with a choreographed routine. Or you can surprise him with a sentimental song you both have a connection to.

    A Daddy-Daughter First Look

    First looks with your soon-to-be spouses have become a popular way to share a special moment together privately prior to walking down the aisle. So why not consider having a separate first look with your dad? He’ll probably be nervous pacing the halls waiting to see his little girl all dolled up for her big day anyway. By setting aside a few minutes for a pre ceremony moment with him you’ll not only create a memory that will last a lifetime, but it’s also a great photo op!

    An Unexpected Shout-Out

    Many times fathers of the bride will read a speech at the rehearsal dinner or a welcome speech at the wedding itself sharing memories and words of wisdom to his little girl. You can change it up a bit by instead giving him a special shout-out. You and your fiancé may want to take a moment to thank all of your parents, or anyone who made your special day possible and memorable just a minute or two of time to verbalize your love and appreciation could mean the world to him and the other parents.

    A Photo Surprise

    This may take just a little bit of planning, but it’s a fun and creative way to make dad feel special after the wedding. Coordinating with your photographer, create a sign or prop that says something sentimental like “I’ll always be your little girl”, “I loved you first”, or even something short like ”Thanks, Dad!” You can possibly pose  with your dad and while he is not looking you can hold the sign up. Like this when your photos come in he is given the sweetest surprise picture he will cherish forever.

    Ask Dad to Officiate

    What an honor to be asked to officiate your daughters wedding. It may take some preparation to become qualified but you can get ordained in a few minutes online. He would probably consider it the ultimate compliment to be asked to be the person who makes your marriage real. Dad will have the opportunity to share loving words and special moments with your guests while making your union official. You can work with dad to create the a special & personal ceremony. You will give him the honor to be a very special part of your wedding day.

    Something Borrowed from Dad

    Typically brides will borrow an item from their mom or a past bride to count as their something borrowed. But what father wouldn’t feel special if, you asked him to help out. Maybe you’d like to borrow one of dad’s handkerchiefs, or sew a cut-out heart from one of his old dress shirts into the lining of your dress. Or you can add a borrowed cufflink into the wrapped stem of your bridal bouquet. Think outside of the box, and there’s plenty of cute ways to incorporate your dad into the tradition.

  • How to Host Your Wedding at Your Home

    How to Host Your Wedding at Your Home

    There are many ideas on how to host your wedding at your home. A sense of familiarity, undeniable charm, and personal sentiments make for a day that’s original. Invite your guests into a space that holds some of your most cherished memories as a child, an adult, or both. Nothing says love like a wedding with a home sweet home welcome mat. Since residences are rarely suited for events and large gatherings, private homes need considerable attention when it comes to finalizing logistics like lighting, parking, and additional rentals.

    Depending on the size of your home and your guest list it’s important to consider factors like catering, landscape design, ceremony setup, and décor. For larger homes built with a significant number of hosting rooms, the need for an outdoor tent might not be as necessary. But for a more intimate setting, the use of a backyard tent might be a good idea for added space. The balance between wanting to highlight the unique features of your home and adapting the space to your unique personal preferences is important. That is something that needs to be planned out with all you vendors. Here are some tips from brides.com for hosting your own successful private wedding at home.

    Reserve Dressing Rooms

    Eliminate the need for transportation. Organize all of your wedding prep as well as your wedding party’s within rooms of your home. Just like any other location, it is so important that the getting ready area has ample lighting (natural is always best). With a good space for the hair and makeup team to set up, mirrors, and access to outlets.

    Utilize the Entire Property

    Make sure to embrace all indoor and outdoor space and elements of your home. Create a flow throughout your home by hosting different events in a variety of different areas. A ceremony in the garden followed by cocktails poolside is a great way to keep the flow of movement. Then transition guests to a tented space or inside your home into large room or rooms for dinner.

    Have a Weather Plan

    Be flexible and ready for a plan B in case of rain or inclement weather. Depending on the formality of your reception, choose a tent or tents that are as casual or refined as your day-of style and décor.

    Get Creative With the Uniqueness of Your Surroundings

    Embracing the uniqueness of your home’s surroundings is a great way to make sure your wedding day vision is unique & comes to life. Envision a ceremony backdrop in the back or front yard.  Next to a custom groomed tree or vine filled wall or fence or possibly a side wall of your home made of brick with a fireplace, to name a few ideas.

    Have a Strategy for the Catering

    Continuing these tips on how to host your wedding at your home includes catering. Caterers will stress the importance of bringing in the right equipment. This will put on a top notch celebration in such an intimate setting.  From their perspective, working in someone’s home requires a few extra steps. Checking for a water source, power source, and other lighting needs. It also means bringing in all of the required equipment for cooking and serving your guests high quality, fresh, and delicious cuisine.

    Don’t Skimp on Entertainment Space

    You want your guests to have a great time! So keep in mind the importance of a dance floor area when allocating space in your home for your reception. Setting up a dance floor in a spacious outdoor tent is a great consideration. This will ensure there’s plenty of space for dancing as well as your DJ or bad entertainment and their equipment. This area can also be a focal point for all your guests to witness your formalities.  These include your introduction, first dance, toast, cake cutting, etc.

    Adapt the Space to Your Needs

    Make it easy for your guests, and yourself, by adapting your space to fit all of your event’s hosting needs. Bring in power generators, restroom trailers, additional lounge seating, additional tenting, tables & chairs etc. The last thing you want to worry about is adding additional stress on your home. That includes not being able to properly accommodate all your guests with seating, restrooms, and coverage for inclement weather.

    Emphasize the Intimacy of Your at Home Wedding

    A perk of having a wedding in your own home is the intimacy that comes with it. Your entertainment should most definitely highlight the intimacy and coordinate all other elements throughout your event to keep guests informed & engaged on formalities & special moments. From the table layout of your reception to the personalization of your rehearsal dinner menu, each event is an opportunity to reflect the familiarity of your home venue choice.

    Surprise your Guests a Grand Exit

    Ending the night with a spectacular send-off. This is one of the best ways to cap-off your celebration. Just because you found a way on how to host your wedding at your home doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice this special moment. Keep in mind to leave space open either in the front, or the back of your home with no parked cars, etc to guarantee a seamless & special send-off experience.

     

     

  • Maid of Honor Responsibilities to Help the Bride

    Maid of Honor Responsibilities to Help the Bride

    Maid of honor responsibilities to help the bride aren’t quite what they used to be. Your choice will need to be on her toes in a very different way. The maid of honor is in charge of the bachelorette party and bridal shower. She also leads the rest of the bridesmaids throughout the planning process and on the day-of. A bride will traditionally appoint a sister, female relative, or best friend as the maid of honor. It is a privilege reserved for the closest person to her. Here are some of her roles.

    Ensure Bride enjoys Events leading up to Wedding

    Brides have a lot to do while at their wedding. While your maid of honor should be your go-to source for an extra set of hands, it’s more important she ensures you enjoy every moment of your engagement leading up to the wedding. From getting mani-pedis to a full-blown girls’ night out, your MOH is first and foremost your best friend. That’s the role she should take most seriously during the planning process.

    Shopping Consultant

    Brides usually make an event of wedding dress shopping so your maid of honor should be at the top of your guest list to help you. She should be from fitting room to fitting room, as you try on way more wedding dresses than you ever intended. She should be willing to give her honest opinions and constructive criticism.

    Point Person

    Brides usually don’t have time for wedding guests bugging them about such details as what time the ceremony starts and where you’re registered. Brides.com suggests give all the information to your maid of honor, so she can be your guests’ point person. When questions arise she can take pressure off you and point them in the right direction.

    Bridesmaid Wrangler

    Your maid of honor is also your bridesmaids’ go-to. She can try to keep the peace between any conflicting personalities in the group because the last thing you need is to be mediating fights between them. You need someone to delegate & assign tasks concerning any pre-wedding events. She will be available to answer any questions the bridesmaids may have about where and when they should be on the wedding day.

    Party Planner for Pre Wedding events

    Maids of honor lead the way when it comes to planning the bridal shower and bachelorette party. From reaching out to family members and bridesmaids to help with the details of planning to keeping everyone’s budgets in mind, maids of honor become expert party planners during the wedding process.

    Your Record Keeper

    If you’re opening gifts at your bridal shower, your maid of honor should keep track of who gave you what. This is another one of those maid of honor responsibilities to help the bride that will give you an easier time writing those thank-you notes later.

    Timeline Tracker Helper

    While you might have a planner or coordinator who will take the helm when it comes to your wedding day timeline, it’s worth sharing with your maid of honor as well. She’ll be able to watch the time in the bridal suite, making sure hair and makeup appointments are moving along, and let you know when it’s almost time to get in your dress.

    Another Maid of Honor Responsibilities to Help the Bride, Food Provider

    A hungry bride can get cranky and uptight, especially when the reception is many hours away. Your MOH should check in periodically to see if you or the rest of bridal need something to snack on while the bridesmaids are getting ready or before the bride leaves the bridal suite for your ceremony or reception. You may be too excited to think about food so if she can provide a quick healthy light snack it will help you fend off hunger pains for you and the bridal party.

    Social Media Point Person

    You should spend the morning of your wedding relaxing and staying as unplugged as possible, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be documented. Give your maid of honor your phone so she can get behind-the-scenes shots of the champagne toasts, happy tears, and the moment you slip on your dress. Let her know if you want these moments to be private or if you’re all about Instagram, you could also ask your MOH to post to your accounts throughout the day. Don’t forget to give her your hashtag.

    Bathroom Companion

    This isn’t the most glamorous task, but you’ll appreciate it: a little help from your MOH getting the dress, heels, and hair into the ladies room for a final go before the ceremony begins. It’s a moment full of laughter and some tricky maneuvers, which no one will forget. It gives new meaning to BFF.

    Toast Maker

    Some brides opt to have only family members give speeches at their receptions. Others forgo speeches entirely. But your maid of honor should always be game to deliver a speech—and not embarrass you during it.

    Dance Partner

    You’ve made it to the reception, when hopefully all the planning stress has melted away and you’re finally married. Celebrate on the ballroom floor and grab your MOH for plenty of boogying to your favorite jams. As much as you’ll want to get down with your new spouse, don’t forget your main dance floor partner through the years. Selfies are welcome.
  • Ways to De-Stress on Your Wedding Day

    Ways to De-Stress on Your Wedding Day

    The morning of your wedding day is supposed to be a time of excitement & jubilation. But with cameras in your face, bridesmaids running in and out of your bedroom or hotel suite, and a future  mother-in-law criticizing your hair and makeup choices, the entire day can start off feeling more like a stressful occasion. Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed and consider trying one of the Ways to De-Stress on Your Wedding Day.

    Just Let It Out

    Sometimes just finding somewhere quiet to sit like on the floor, a pillow, or on a chair and just take a few deep breaths through your nose and then let out a few big sighs. As you exhale, open your mouth and sigh your breath out, relaxing your mouth and your jaw as you do so. So so a few times and each time let the sighs be a little louder.

    Eat Breakfast, Even If You’re Not Hungry

    It’s a long day, so you might have too many butterflies in your stomach to even consider eating breakfast. It’s essential to have something healthy in your body to prepare you for your big day ahead. Food really does impact your behavior and emotions. Even a simple snack will help to put you into a more positive, stress-free state with extra energy to get you through the day.

    Turn to Aromatherapy

    When you add essential oils to slow and deep breathing, it helps stress just melts away. You can do this while you get your hair or makeup done. Pick one of your favorite essential oil scents such as lavender, Roman chamomile, orange, or rose for maximum stress relief. You can choose a calming roll-on oil blend and apply it to the palms of your hands. Rub them together to warm, cup your hands over your nose and mouth, and take a deep breath. Hold your breath for a count of three, then release slowly. You can also use a dropper bottle in the shower. Just drop a few drops of, for example,  lavender on the shower floor. Turn on very hot water for a few seconds and adjust to the appropriate temperature. This turn into an aromatherapeutic session. Do this before you go into hair and makeup and you’ll feel relaxed and ready for your big day.

    Do Stretching Exercises

    Stretching before getting ready will do wonders for your stress levels. Slow down and take some time for yourself is exactly what you need before you start your big day. A nice relaxed stretching session will increase blood circulation and allow your muscles to relax and get endorphin filled blood to your brain. This will elevate your mood. You’re also likely to breathe deeper while stretching, which will lower your heart rate, stabilize your blood pressure, and lessen any anxiety you may feel! Even a quick 10-minute stretch will help you be more present and enjoy the magical day you’ve planned.

    Massage Your Face

    Stress can have a visible reaction on your face. When you’re stressed out, the sympathetic nervous system increases the heart rate, changes the salt balance in the body, and even affects your posture. Our friends at bride.com say, shoulders rotate forward, which tightens your upper chest muscle, and decreases circulation and the flow of lymph drainage to your face. This can make your face look puffy. Since you don’t want to walk down the aisle with a puffy face, try a few at-home face massages. It will instantly reduce swelling. Though this can be done with your normal skincare products. Place your palm in the middle of your eyebrows and apply pressure. Hold for five seconds, then release pressure in an upward motion up to the hairline. Repeat this motion two more times, once in the middle of the forehead and once at the hairline. Then do the same at your temples. Use both palms to apply pressure on both temples for five seconds, and repeat two to three times. To help contour your cheeks and reduce swelling use your thumb, find the pressure point located right under the highest point of the middle of your cheek. With both thumbs, apply even pressure upward and into the cheekbone then hold for a few seconds. Lastly, place your hands under your ears and gently glide down to your neck to further drain the lymphs and release tightness and stress. Also consider a simple 30 minute full body message by a professional masseuse to start your day relaxed & stress relieved.

    Release Good Vibes from the Get Go

    One of the best ways to relax on the morning of your wedding and ensure you’ll have a good day is to simply manifest it. Start off by setting some intentions and expressing gratitude for the wonderful day ahead to create positive vibes. The entire day will be a whirlwind so possibly get your hands on a crystal and keep it on you the day of your wedding. Find crystals that give a calming effect and is known for helping relax the mind. You can even tuck it into your bra.  Crystals like amethyst, lithium quartz, and lepidolite all have a good reputation for reducing anxiety, calming frayed nerves, and releasing tension.

  • Things You Should Practice Before Your Big Day

    Things You Should Practice Before Your Big Day

    Practice makes perfect. Your wedding day is no different. You’ve got to put in the work to ensure everything falls into place. From scheduling a hair and makeup trial to learning how to bustle your wedding dress, here are some things you should practice before your big day.

    Your First Dance

    You should always consider taking dance lessons especially if they have two left feet. Having formal lessons under your belt before the wedding can alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with dancing in front of a large crowd. Plus, it’s always good to get the basics down.

    Vows and Speeches

    Even if you’ve written down notes and will have them with you at the wedding, it’s still a good idea to practice reciting your vows or saying your speech out loud a few times so you get comfortable with it.

    Your Hair and Makeup

    A hair and makeup trial is definitely a must. It’s important to make sure that your stylist knows what you want and can successfully do it for you. You don’t want to be upset & heartbroken as a bride if you’re not feeling 100 percent comfortable and amazing on your wedding day.

    Posing for the Camera

    Couples should do an engagement photo session in order to not only help them get comfortable with the photographer but with each other in front of the camera as well. For most couples their weddings is really the first time a they will be professionally photographed together, so it will make everyone much more relaxed if you get a little practice session in first.

    Walking Down the Aisle

    Another item to add to your things you should practice before your big day is pacing. You will be nervous on your wedding day especially before your ceremony so many wedding planners encourage couples to practice their walk down the aisle. Having butterflies on your wedding day is completely normal and being able to walk down the isle confidently and comfortably at your ceremony will allow you to be more present to what’s going on and will bode well for pictures and videos also.

    Bustling Your Dress

    If you have a wedding planner, they can usually quickly figure out how to bustle your wedding dress without any instruction. However, it’s definitely a good thing for you, your mom, and your maid of honor to have down just in case to avoid delays in formalities and festivities at your wedding.

    Walking in Your Wedding Shoes

    Another great thing to consider from our friends at brides.com is always practice wearing and walking in your wedding shoes. You’ll want to break them in and ensure they don’t give you blisters which will put a damper on your celebrations. You also want to gracefully walk down the isle and then into your ballroom on introductions.

    Ending Conversations Gracefully

    As you greet your guests, you’ll find that everyone will want to hold a conversation with you. If you let them go on too long it’ll take your night away. Practice phrases and sentences that warmly and concisely express your gratitude for your guests’ presence and then a polite closure that helps you move on to the next table. Something like, “I am so happy you could be here! Thank you for coming. Please, enjoy your dinner and the bar is over there when you’re ready for a refill.” This makes you a gracious host and happy bride as well.

  • Winter Weddings

    ADVANTAGES TO HAVING A WINTER WEDDING

    Contrary to some misconceptions, there are advantages to having a winter wedding. Summer weddings can be amazing but there are some downsides to consider.  An extremely hot day could make a hot mess of a bride’s beautifully done hairstyle and makeup. With hectic summer schedules and vacations a good portion of your guests might have to RSVP ‘no’ to your warm-weathered reception.  That will affect your list of guests you want to share in your special day. With a  winter wedding, you can avoid those pitfalls. You also get some beautiful snowy wedding photos, holiday-themed wedding decorations, and more.  Being a winter bride or groom can lead to a special wedding day and have advantages. From less stress over heat & humidity to better venue rates, check out these advantages to having a winter wedding from our friends at brides.com to a winter wedding.

    LESS STRESS

    -With winter weddings there is a lack of stress about the outdoor elements since they typically take place inside. The risk of rain and wind can make the planning extremely stressful and costly if you need to add a tent. Also, guests can be exposed to heat and cold at outdoor weddings which can make them very uncomfortable. By taking Mother Nature out of the mix means less stress for you, your vendors, and your family & friends.

    MORE VENUE DATES AND BETTER RATES

    -Most locations and vendors book up quickly during the spring, summer, & fall months and come with a heftier price tag.  The same venues and vendors are available for a lower price during the colder months. Because the winter months aren’t as busy as others, they’ll also be able to focus more of their attention on your wedding reception. That will give you better service. Fall is tough for vendors and venues because they’re juggling so many events along with more brides, families, vendors, and logistics.

    FREE DECORATIONS AS A BONUS

    -There are several benefits to a wedding celebration during the winter during the holidays. One is that any venue you select will be already be decorated for the holiday season.  That adds a more celebratory feel to your wedding day. It also is at no extra cost to you and fares well with pictures and the holiday spirit.

    CHEAPER TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATIONS

    -Travel and hotel stays are at peak pricing in the summer when school is out and families take vacations. Winter weddings allow your guests to take advantage of off-season pricing for their travel and accommodation options. This bodes even more so if it’s a destination wedding. This is a plus for all your guests as certain honeymoon destinations will have preferable winter pricing as well.

    BEST TIME FOR A BLACK TIE WEDDING RECEPTION

    -If you’re planning a formal black tie wedding, you’ll hear much less complaining from your guests in black tie attire when it’s cold outside. Tuxedos weren’t meant for the heat of outdoor summer ceremonies and cocktail hour. They are the perfect choice for indoor winter weddings, as are gowns covered in sequins.

    SUMMER HEAT CAN AFFECT YOUR OVERALL MOOD

    -Some people don’t deal well in the summer heat. It makes them irritated, cranky, and a sweaty mess. When it comes to weather, you can always add layers to combat the cold, but in the hotter months, well, you can’t exactly take off your clothes. So if you’re stressed about being hot and sweaty for your wedding photos, then a winter wedding is the way to go.

    BEAUTIFUL SNOWY WEDDING PHOTOS

    If you’re blessed with a sprinkling of snow on or before your big day, you can snap some stunning snowy wedding photos that will rival any sun-drenched summer pictures.