Beautiful Bride - 10 tips on looking your best!

Your look on the day of your wedding will be memorialized in your wedding photos forever. Therefore, it is so important to plan your "bridal look" well in advance of the big day. And it is so important that you stay true to yourself and not create a look that people don't identify you with. If you are a person that does not wear a lot of make-up on a daily basis then you don't need to look like a rodeo clown on your wedding day. In fact, even if you do wear a lot of make-up, consider toning it down a bit and consult with a make-up artist to create a clean,classic look that will transcend decades and I guarantee that you will love the result. Consider these tips when you are planning your wedding day make-up:

1. Consult with a professional make-up artist. Find someone reputable and make sure you see their work and it is cohesive with what you are envisioning for your bridal look.

2. Make several appointments with your esthetician the months leading up to your big day to prepare your skin. A good three months prior should do the trick unless you have more serious skin issues such as acne, rosacea, etc.

3. Use makeup that will withstand the day and eliminate several trips to the restroom to freshen up - you don't want to spend the day worrying about your make-up! The day goes by fast as it is, no need to worry about such things.

Mascara - Use waterproof mascara!

Lipstick - work with your make-up artist to find a shade that is neutral and still packs a little punch of color. Don't forget to use lipstick liner so that your lipstick doesn't feather and it will help it last longer.

Eyes- you have several options for eyes. Some brides like a dramatic look - and eyes really can be played up nicely for this effect. Or you can go with a more natural, fresh, and youthful look. Check out these two very different and very beautiful styles...

Dramatic eyes as seen here from Josie Miller.



A more natural wedding day look as seen here by South Beach Mobile Make-Up Studio.



Foundation and Powder - I am in love with some of the more natural and organic products available today that will not clog pores or harm your skin (after all you've spent months getting facials to purify your skin of the toxins in some today's beauty products!). Here are a few that fit the beauty bill and are actually good for your skin!

Origins Liquid Foundation with SPF 15 - from Organic Wear Make-Up

Physicians Formula - Mineral Wear Talc Free Bronzing Veil. This ultra lightweight powder is the finishing touch to your makeup and absorbs shine. The handy dandy brush distributes the powder and makes life sooo much easier! We love it!

4. Get your brows done! - This can be done several days before the wedding so that any puffiness or redness is long gone before the wedding day. Make sure you go to a pro who knows how to correctly sculpt your brows, this may even be the esthetician you've been seeing!

5. Have a spa day - and treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure! Try and avoid bright bold colors an try and use more natural hues or a french manicure. This is a fun thing to do the day before the wedding with all your bridesmaids!

6. Use a good moisturizer and make sure your skin has that perfect glow and radiance. Some wonderful products to start using long before the wedding day to ensure beautiful skin are:

Miessence certified organics intensive body cream.

Organic Pomegranate Nourishing Body Cream by 100% Pure

7. Find a hair style that fits you and your veil. The veil plays a big part in how your hair will be styled on your wedding day. Take into consideration if you will be wearing your veil all day long or just for the ceremony. Some other options if you are going sans veil are fun and beautiful things such...

flowers



jeweled combs



Headbands



8. Beauty is not just for brides! The groom and the men involved in the wedding may enjoy the pampering of a massage, a facial and even a pedicure! Share in the enjoyment of the days leading up the wedding by having a couples spa day!

9. Drink LOTS of water!!! Make sure your getting your eight glasses a day and this will help with the radiance of your skin and you will feel full so the need to snack on junk food will diminish considerably!

10. EXERCISE! This will help with your stress level and clear your head as well as benefiting your body. try and get into a routine of 30 minutes of exercise a day or join a local gym and invest in a couple of personal training sessions to maximize your workouts to your specific needs.

All of these things as attainable and if done in the timely manner that they should (start six months before the wedding at least), you should be in great shape for the wedding and your photos will be just as amazing as you have dreamed. Good luck and if you have any great before and after photos to share with us, we would love to see them!

Why Hire a Wedding Planner?

This is a question that I hear more often than not. I came across this great article that really hits the nail on the head as far as the why factor is concerned. I couldn't have said it any different, so check it out here.

Now that being said, I couldn't agree more with the article, BUT there is also the issue of finding the RIGHT wedding planner. A wedding planner WILL free up your time, negotiate the best prices, let you relax and enjoy your special day, but you must have a great working relationship with your planner. I would say that most of the brides Liz and I have worked with in the past have become somewhat close to us - maybe even friends... We get cards and updates, e-mails and photos of new babies, etc. Bottom line is they need to TRUST us, and feel comfortable with us taking care of the details and carry out the vision that they have created for their day.

So, when selecting a planner, and you really should if you can somehow manage it into your budget, make sure you select the right planner, and not just the one that may be the least expensive, or have the most experience, or "seems like" the logical choice because your best friend hired them. They have to really "get you" and what you want for your day.

99% of the time if you hire a planner with great referrals from friends and family, most likely they will be great with you too. But if you are stressing out before your wedding because your not sure the wedding planner has the details under control or isn't executing your ideas correctly, re-evaluate why you hired them and communicate with your planner, or even change planners. A hassle? yes. Will you lose your deposit? probably, Is it worth it - definitely.

You only get to do this once...Why hire a planner? Because you NEED one, and they are their to HELP you.

The Budget Bride - 5 Money Saving Tips!

Just like so many of us these days, brides are on a serious BUDGET! And sticking to the budget is definitely a chore. As I meet with more and more brides there is one theme that is always the same. Brides are on a budget and they just don't wanna sacrifice ANY part of the wedding that they have dreamed of. So, here is a little advice on how to cut costs without cutting out the style.

#1 - Almost half of your budget is going to be in reception expenses. This largely includes food. To cut your costs, the first thing to do is cut the guest list. Sit down with your fiance,your Mom, or planner and go through the list one by one. Aunt Mary stays, but Moms co-worker is out. Also, cut out the "and guest" language on the invites. Sorry singles, your flame of the week is not invited!

#2 - The designer gown. We ALL want the latest Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, or Reem Acra gown. This CAN be possible. Try checking out sites like Once Wed, where you can find a used DESIGNER gown (worn once of course!) for a fraction of what it would retail for.I found a once worn Vera Wang for $1,650.00 that had an original retail price of $5,000.00. Seriously people, check it out! The photo below is a Vera Wang dress going for $950.00!



#3 - Centerpieces - The BEST way to cut back on your floral budget for your centerpieces is to use as many candles as possible. Not only is it an elegant way to dress up your table, but it provides the most flattering light for your guests and looks amazing in photos! Pair candles of different sizes with small floral arrangements, and you have a match made in centerpiece heaven. Check out Save on Crafts for great prices on glassware, candles and other decor.



#4 - Your save the dates, invites, programs, place cards, and menus. Can we say DIY? That is the most practical way to do it - yourself! If you have a fancy computer program like photoshop - USE IT! These paper goodies could turn out better than you had hoped. Use your favorite engagement photo and keep it simple, chic and stylish. Make sure to solicit the help of your Maid of Honor and wedding party to help you assemble the goods. Here's a sample of a DIY Save the Date that is oh so cute created by the Budget Savvy Bride.



#5 - Don't slash your photography budget! Instead, interview with A LOT of photographers and find the one that is right for you and has the best packages for the price. A budget bride should always look for an engagement photo session that is included in the package price as well as coverage from the ceremony through the reception. Be careful though, because pre-wedding photos (getting ready shots) can be extra and you'll have to decide whether that is worth it. Finally - purchase the photo CD or better yet, the package that includes it. This may be a little pricey if not included, but worth every penny! You can then order whatever photos you want from any online printer! If your a local Vero Beachian, I suggest Angela Tappen Photography. Not because she is budget at all, but because she offers packages that are nearly "all inclusive" for realistic prices and her work is AMAZING!

Happy Planning!

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda...Wedding Day Mistakes

So my partner Liz found this great article on MSN this morning about all the things brides would have done differently while planning their wedding.

http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/articletkt.aspx?cp-documentid=9707767&GT1=32023

I have to say - I just about agree with every one of them, especially the DIY invitations. Certainly DIY projects for your wedding can be the most cost efficient and special as you put all that hard work into them, but you do not realize how much TIME these projects will consume. I suggest to every bride, if you don't have at least 10-12 hours a week to plan your wedding not to mention the extra hours needed for your DIY projects, solicit the help of your bridal party or wedding planner - you will save your sanity.