The rules of wedding etiquette are constantly changing, making it
difficult for modern brides, grooms and guests to find up-to-date and
correct information. That's why we launched #MannersMondays,
a series in which we ask our followers on Twitter and Facebook to
submit their most burning etiquette-related questions. Then, with the
help of our team of etiquette experts, we get you the right answers to
your biggest Big Day dilemmas. Check out this week's question below!
If you are traveling to someone's wedding from another state -- or if
it's a destination wedding -- are you obligated to give them the same
gift you would if the wedding was in your area?
Amber Harrison -- Wedding Papers Divas' resident etiquette expert -- is here to help us answer this week's question. Here's what she had to say:
Regardless of the location of the wedding, the amount you spend on a
gift is entirely up to you. You should only spend what feels comfortable
for your budget. In the case of a destination wedding, where you will
likely be spending a significant amount on travel, accommodations and
more, it is understandable that the budget you have set aside for a gift
may be slightly smaller. Sometimes restricted budgets can actually
encourage creativity that may inspire incredibly personal or meaningful
gift ideas.
Remember, you have been invited to be a part of their big day for a
reason. As a treasured friend or beloved family member, your support and
presence will be appreciated and remembered regardless of the
extravagance of the gift.
If one thing is for sure it’s that there was no shortage of stunning
weddings featured on GWS this year! There were celebrations of all
different styles and we loved how they each showcased how creative Green
Wedding Shoes couples really are :) To kick off our week of rounding up
the best-of-the-best of 2015, we’re excited to share the Top 10 Most
Popular Weddings from the past 12 months! These weddings were the most
viewed, shared and commented on – both here and on our Pinterest, Facebook + Instagram!
Our GWS team feels so lucky to get to share the amazing work of
creative brides + grooms and talented wedding artists every day. We saw
eclectic warehouse weddings, romantic outdoor nuptials, lots of
stunning elopements + plenty of perfect backyard affairs. 2015 was
filled with so much beauty that it makes us pretty excited to see what’s
in store for 2016!
Starting at #10 and counting down to the #1 most popular wedding on GWS in 2015…
As far as surreal locations go, the middle of the Pacific Ocean is one of the tops! You loved this Intimate Sandbar Wedding in Hawaii as much as we did and it comes in at #8 on our list!
photography: Geoff Duncan // venue: Ceremony at Kane’ohe Bay Sandbar and Reception at Place in Paradise in Kailua, Hawaii
This gorgeous bride wore one of our most pinned wedding dresses of all time, but that’s not the only reason her Modern Chic Brooklyn Wedding made our list. There were lots of sweet moments + gorgeous details, too!
photography: Phil Chester // venue: 26 Bridge Brooklyn, New York // day of coordination + florals: The Dedicated New Yorker
2. An Epic Star Wars Themed Wedding
With the recent release of the latest Star Wars film, this bride + groom’s Star Wars Inspired Wedding is sure to inspire other couples who are just as crazy about the beloved franchise!
photography: Cacá Santoro Photography // venue: loftSeven Los Angeles, California // event planner: Stephanie Estes Events
1. A Gorgeous Chateau Wedding in France
It was really no surprise that this Laid Back French Chateau Wedding made #1 on our list! Between the backdrop, the bride’s dress + all the sweet details, it was hard not to fall in love!
In just a bit we’ll be sharing a super festive New Year’s Eve
editorial, and stay tuned throughout the week for more fun round-ups,
including the best bouquets, engagement sessions + cakes of 2015!
It’s almost a New Year. That’s means a new YOU! What’s your New
Year’s resolution going to be? I love the idea of the New Year because
you get to bring it in with the ones that mean the most and January 1st
just feels like a new, clean slate! You get to start over and set goals
for yourself to make a better you.
It seems that a lot of people never accomplish their New Year’s
resolution and their resolution happens to be the same every year. Let’s
make 2016 different. Be a new kind of you this year with these easy
tips! Let’s begin shall we:
1.Create habit. Set your goals for this year and
create habit. Focus on your goals everyday, big or small. At the
beginning, it’s kind of hard to have your goals in the back of your head
everyday. Write your goal(s) on a sticky note and put on your bathroom
mirror so that you are reminded everyday. Another idea, is to write it
in your planner.
2. Keep a positive mind. Keep an “I can and I will”
attitude. If you keep negative thoughts in your mind, negativity will
follow. I’ve gone through one heck of a 2015 and there are times when I
felt like I wanted to quit. You have to keep trying hard to move
forward. Take your battles and use them at motivation to do better and
keep going, even stronger than before. When you’re faced with a new
battle, sit back and breathe for a minute and see how big of a deal it
really is. As my mom says, “don’t sweat the small stuff.” Moms are always right..
3. Get Organized. Create lists, planners, binders
and get rid of your mess and clutter. Starting with your home is best. A
rule in my house is if you haven’t used it in 6 months, toss it.
Organize your closet, bedroom, and office/desk. Organizing your bills
and important paperwork is a great way to take a load off. Grabbing a
planner (if you don’t have one, Target and Hobby Lobby planners seem to
be my favorite!) is a way to make me feel like I have my stuff together
and makes me feel less stressed. Put your energy into something fun!
4. Find a new hobby. This will get your mind off of
things and let you enjoy you-time. Hobbies give you time where you
can decompress, forget your struggles, or unwind after a long week. A
few hobbies that I recently have found that I enjoy are painting and
kayaking!
5. Make your own path. Whatever your goal is for the
New Year, make it your own. Don’t follow the crowd. Ignore the
negativity of “you can’t do that” and “that’s dumb” and do what makes
YOU happy. Follow the road less travelled and enjoy your own experiences
to share with others. Life is a journey, enjoy it the way you want to.
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
6. Plan a trip. There is nothing more exciting than
experiencing something that you never have before. Your trip doesn’t
have to be super elaborate, it could simply just be a place you’ve never
gone before. Take the time of your busy year and plan a weekend or
weeklong trip where you see the world. Go ride a train or subway for the
first time. Go sit in a free talk show like Live! With Kelly and Michael. Planning a trip will have you looking forward to something and keep you motivated.
We could start off by listing all the reasons a New Year's Eve wedding
is an awesome idea, but you probably already know them, particularly if
you've ever been a guest at one: think open bar, set plans and no
standing in long lines or getting body checked by strangers all night.
It's the one night of the year everybody, including your parents, are
looking to party, and for a party, for that matter. With New Year's Eve
falling on a Saturday in 2016, we suspect a bunch of brides and grooms
will be saving the date.
So for the sake of you and your guests, please don't drop the ball on
planning! Go big or go home with these epic New Year's Eve wedding
ideas.
1. Set up a modern champagne bar
Spice up your typical wedding toast with a champagne bar featuring an array of modern bubbly cocktails in honor of the new year, recommends celebrity caterer and CEO of Elegant Affairs,
Andrea Correale. "Bring in a professional mixologist to really make a
splash." You can also never go wrong with a big, great gatsby inspired
champagne tower, notes Erica Taylor, co-founder of Tinsel & Twine.
2. Have a themed wedding It's not cheesy
if it's on NYE, right? For couples that want to have some fun, an era
specific wedding, such as a roaring twenties theme, will tie in with New
Year's nicely and add an extra layer of excitement for guests, advises
event producer Marc Wilson, owner of Weddings by MWD Lifestyles.
3. Send guests home with a grand "New Year, New You" gift bag
Cheers to new beginnings and not just marriage! Jessica Janik, founder of The Invisible Bridesmaid, strongly believes that if you're going to throw a NYE wedding, everything better be over the top — your favors and welcome bags
included — since you're essentially dictating how your guests will
spend the holiday. Treat them to a curated gift box full of goodies to
kick off the new year right. Some ideas Janik loves are massage gift
cards, meal delivery service, a healthy cookbook, nutrition supplements
or even certificates to boutique workout centers, such as Barry's
Bootcamp and Pure Barre. Beauty products are a no-brainer too,
particularly after a night of partying.
4. Create a New Year's resolution guest book
Complete with a photo booth! As planning pro Cynthia Pesce of The Inn at New Hyde Park
points out, it's a great way to capitalize on the NYE wedding theme,
plus it gives you something to keep in touch with friends and family
about. Photo booths
generally print out two copies of each photo so people can stick one in
the guest book next to their resolution and hang onto the other as a
fun memento, she says. As for props: Berets, pearls, feathers,
masquerade masks, NYE party hats and boas are perfect.
5. Do a midnight ball, balloon or confetti drop
Turn your wedding into Times Square on New Year's Eve by DIYing your own
live ball drop, covered in crystals of course, suggests invitation
designer Danielle Behar.
"Ask your videographer to capture any midnight kisses on camera too."
If you can't do the ball drop, wedding planner Amy Shey Jacobs,
President of Chandelier Events, says she'd absolutely end the night with a dance floor confetti drop or a balloon drop if confetti were banned at your venue.
While your proposal is undoubtedly a memorable moment, it can be surprisingly difficult to actually
remember how it went down! Between the shock and excitement (um, is
this real life!?), the whole thing will happen in a flash, leaving you
wondering what was really said and done and desperately searching for
details as you recount the story to eager friends and family ("And then
I... Uh, wait...").
Whether you're popping the question or expecting a proposal ('tis the
season...), make the memory last with one of these five ideas:
Photo byGina & Ryan PhotographyonInspired by This1. Hire a photographer.
Photos make amazing keepsakes because they capture your joy (and
shock!) in such an intimate moment. Plus, you can use them later for
your engagement party invites, save the dates, wedding website, and so
much more.
These days, there are photographers who specialize in just proposals.
The pros are good at laying low so your partner doesn't expect a thing —
in fact, some will stay in hiding the whole time so you can later
surprise your new fiance with the special snapshots! We've also heard
stories of couples or families going on what they think will be a
ordinary photo shoot that turns into something special.
Not sure you want to splurge on a photographer? (Save that dough for hiring a wedding photographer,)
and ask a talented friend to snap a few pictures in hiding. Or, if
you're planning a more public proposal, take a chance on a passerby. Ask
them to snap what seems like a regular old photo, then surprise
everyone by getting down on one knee.
Photo byPlanning for DudesonSociety Bride2. Catch it on video.
A picture's worth a thousand words, but why not take it to the next
level with a video? A video makes sure you capture every word (you've
been practicing your proposal speech, right?), and you'll never forget
the sweet exchange. Just like pro photographers, skilled videographers
can stay out of the way so your unsuspecting love won't know the
proposal is coming. 3. Snap a selfie.
Proposals are super personal and intimate, and lots of couples would
prefer to be alone — with no photographers or friends and family around
to capture the moment. If that's you, don't worry! We LOVE proposal selfies
(share them on Insta with #soloverly). Be sure to get both of you in
the photo — and the ring! We wouldn't judge you for bringing a selfie
stick...
Photo byNathan FiskeonHow He Asked4. Save a souvenir.
Whether you get engaged on an exotic Tahitian vacation, at your
favorite local pizza joint, or on your own couch over Chinese take-out,
you can remember the special location by saving some memorabilia. So get
creative! Take a jar full of sand from the beach and use it in your
unity sand ceremony on the wedding, write your names and the date on a
napkin to frame, or crack open those cookies and keep the fortunes
somewhere safe. 5. Write it down. You know how those special moments that you think
you'll remember slowly start to fade away over time? Do NOT let your
proposal be one of them! The day it happens (or the day after) write
down everything you can remember — what you said, what your partner
said, both of your reactions, what you did right after. It could be a
Facebook update, a blog post, or just an entry in your personal journal.
You'll cherish your writing years later!
Photo: Getty Images
Few couples marry within days of a surprise proposal. Fewer still actually go the Five-Year Engagement route.
It's somewhere in-between that most couples find their sweet spot, but
how exactly do you know where you should fall in a six month to two-year
time frame?
Unfortunately, says Bela Gandhi, relationship expert and founder of Smart Dating Academy, there's no one-size-fits all answer to the question of how long you should wait before you tie the knot.
"There are so many factors that play into a wedding date selection,"
she says. "For example, crazy work projects that offer no breaks,
medical or law school commitments, or wanting to wed in the church
they've dreamed of for years only to find out it isn't available until
2019."
Before you select a date
and determine just how long your engagement will be, Gandhi suggests
asking yourself how long you need so that you won't feel a paralyzing
amount of wedding planning stress.
She also recommends taking into account your family and guests: How
long will they need to prepare for your wedding and other related
festivities? Finally, hiring a wedding planner
could help shorten your engagement period significantly, Gandhi points
out, so it's smart to know whether one fits into your budget before you
begin.
There are also advantages and disadvantages to weigh on how long you
wait. "The advantages of a short time frame are that you start running
and you get it done," explains Gandhi. "I have plenty of clients who are
in their late 30s and don't want to spend one or two years waiting."
But with a shortened engagement could come additional stress, she warns,
in a time during which you might simply want to soak up your engagement.
If you're leaning toward waiting longer, consider that you will
probably have your pick of wedding vendors, which is a plus. "But the
downside," Gandhi warns, "is having too much time to obsess about the details, and that can lead to stress and arguments."
Is she a princess-cut, cushion-cut, or round-cut type of girl? Would she
rather have rose gold or white gold? Talk about information overload
for a guy who's (probably) never spent this much money on one piece of
jewelry before! To help, wedding jewelers Garrick Courtney and Simoni
Shah, Co-founders of Cosh NYC, and Jade Battad, diamond and jewelry consultant for Adiamor, weigh in on how to shop for a ring she'll love without blowing your cover.
Photography by: Sang An
Stalk her social media accounts
"Women
tweet, post, and pin the things they like, so check out your
girlfriend's social media accounts for posts, pictures, and retweets
that will give you clues into the styles she likes," Courtney and Shah
say. She may have already pinned a dream engagement ring on her
Pinterest's wedding board, or she probably has liked a few of her
friends' rings on Instagram.
Ask one of her friends or family members for advice
If
you feel you can trust someone to keep your secret under wraps, ask her
sister, mom, or best friend for ring advice. "They may already have an
idea of what she would like … or can get her to talk about a celebrity's
engagement ring," Battad says. Her best friend will know how to get
information out of her without it seeming fishy.
Capitalize on her obsession with celebrities
Does your lady spend Sunday night watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians?
Does she crack up at Chrissy Teigen's tweets everyday? Whoever her
celebrity girl crush is, pay attention! "Instead of rolling your eyes
while she gossips about the Kardashians, listen in—you may get some
great tips on the engagement ring styles she loves and hates," Courtney
and Shah recommend. After all, who wouldn't want a cushion cut set
between two diamond eternity bands like Chrissy Teigen's?
Get information with an Oscar-worthy performance
You
can still ask about engagement ring styles in a non-direct way. "If
someone you both know got engaged, mention the ring and see what she has
to say about it … does she like it or does she prefer something else?"
says Battad.
Find a reason to take her through the jewelry department
Ask
your lady to go to the mall with you to pick out a new winter coat or
shop for a birthday gift your sister. "Head to the mall or a big
department store … just make sure your plans walk you right past the
fine jewelry counter," Courtney and Shah say. Take note of what colors,
diamond shapes, and styles she pays attention to.
Let her personality pick the shape
Is she in love with one-of-a-kind vintage furniture and all-things Brigitte Bardot?
Or is she the type to fangirl over Rihanna's latest look? "More
traditional ladies tend to choose round brilliant cuts, while those who
fancy themselves trendsetters opt for less traditional fancy-shaped
pieces like ovals, cushions, and even heart shaped diamonds," explain
Courtney and Shah.
There's a well known but little discussed fear among couples who live together before they tie the knot: That nothing
will change. And while your world may not turn quite upside down, there
are definitely still changes that happen before and after "I do." Here,
four women reveal what really changed for them after marriage.
"We were just really happy," says one married woman. "The excitement of having tied the knot stayed in our apartment
for a long time. For example, when we just lived together and one of us
got home from work, it was normal for the other to just nod as we sat
on the couch and didn't get up. When we were first married, however, we
would leap up and hug each other as soon as we walked through the door."
"There was a feeling that we were really, truly partners," says another woman. "When you live together, sure, you pay bills
jointly, you don't swap out the sofa without talking to the other
person first, etc. But when you get married, you're not just coexisting
together. You're in it together — and that's a weighty thing."
"My husband was good at keeping his, uh, 'man tendencies' to
himself when we just lived together, but once we got married, it was as
if my husband threw in the good manners
towel — and not into the hamper!" says one married woman. "All bets
were off once he 'had' me. He farted under the covers. I found his dirty
socks in trails to the bedroom. He burped. A lot. Let's just say
reality hit a little too hard!"
"Not much changed for us personally," admitted another woman, "but
how people regarded us was ever so slightly different. You can tell that
people take your relationship way more seriously when you're married,
versus just 'shacking up,' as our parents liked to say!"
We all live busy lives, and for most of us, there isn't enough time
to do everything that we need to do in a given day. Marriages often take
a hit in order to cover the rest of the bases.
We take a lot of
things for granted in our marriages because we have been together and
have a lot of history. We assume that our spouses know how we truly feel
about them, but there are some things we all need to hear from time to
time. Here's a list of 12 things that your spouse needs to hear from you more often:
1. "I love you."
Sometimes we think that because we've said "I love you" a few times, we
don't need to keep saying it. However, it's important to let your spouse
know on a regular basis that they're loved and adored and that you want
to always be by their side! 2. "I enjoy being with you."
What a joy it is to hear your spouse say that they really enjoy being with you no matter how long you've been together! 3. "Your opinion is important to me/your feelings are important to me."
It's so important to one's self esteem to know that what you think and
feel matters to someone else, especially the person you're closest to. 4. "You look great!"
It feels good to know that your spouse is paying attention to how you look. It makes you want to look your best. 5. "I'm so glad I married you."
When you say this to your spouse, you're saying, "Out of everyone else
in the world I choose you today and always. Our relationship was and is a
choice! We choose each other in the good and the bad, in the joys and
the sorrows of life." 6. "What do you want to do?"
It's important for us to not just assume we know what our spouse wants
to do or where they want to go. We need to ask questions and let them
respond and possibly sacrifice what we want to do for what the other
wants to do. If something is important to your spouse, but not as
important to you, learn to give to your spouse in that area. 7. "I can't wait to be with you."
This says, "I love being with you and miss you when we are not together.
I think about you throughout my day and look forward to being at home
with you." 8. "Our relationship is the most important one I have on this earth."
Hearing these words is encouraging, relationship building, and can help a
spouse to hang in there and not feel disheartened when life is getting
in the way of spending the kind of time together we desire. 9. "Please and thank you."
Manners are a must in our closest relationships, even more so than in
public. If we are able to express please and thank you to strangers,
there is no excuse for not expressing those sentiments to our spouses
and children. We must not take each other for granted and become
complacent in our relationships. 10. "I'm sorry; please forgive me."
We must admit when we have made a mistake, hurt our spouse's feelings,
done something that has hurt or disappointed them. Sometimes all it
takes is a sincere apology for us to right a wrong. Stubbornness and
unwillingness to admit we might have caused a problem creates distance
in our relationships. Harboring bitterness and carrying grudges creates
even more distance. We may feel justified in our hurt and our anger, but
having a spirit that's unwilling to approach the problem and resolve
the issue will push us apart and chip away at our love for one another. 11. "I appreciate it when you ... "
It's very important to express appreciation toward our spouses. Instead
of finding fault all the time and nagging at one another about the
things we don't like, we need to express appreciation for what they do
that's helpful. Nagging is discouraging and creates resentment and
anger, which leads to more negative interaction. The more appreciative
we are, the more likely our spouses will continue to do the things we
appreciate. It's always easier to respond to positive input with
positive behavior. When we feel appreciated, we tend to want to do even
more to meet the needs of our spouses. The more we're able to express
appreciation to our spouses, the more satisfied and content we are in
our relationships. 12. "It meant more to me than you will ever know when you... "
When your spouse has done something for you that's meaningful, it's good
manners to let them know. It can also touch their heart to know that
the effort was worthwhile. This response reinforces the meaningful
behavior.
All of us like to hear these words from our spouses
often. We need to work on expressing them to our spouses regularly. If
you haven't been in the habit of speaking words of encouragement and
love to your spouse, you can begin now with taking just one of these and
putting it into practice. This article originally appeared on YourTango.
Believe
it or not, we’re rounding out 2015 and will soon be celebrating the New
Year. Where has the time gone? With 2016 right around the corner, we
thought we’d take a look at some of the trends you’ll see in wedding
fashion next year. Brides.com, Fashionista.com, and SalLauretta.com
recently released their spring collections. Here are some of the
upcoming trends for brides and grooms: Gown Bodices:
-Plunging necklines. Bridal fashion has been pushing limits on skin
exposure for years, so it wasn’t terribly surprising to see a number of
deep V-necked gowns on the runways.
-Illusion bodices. As brides get more comfortable with showing their
figures, designers get bolder in their fashions. Some wedding gowns
include only enough fabric to cover the vital areas. If you’re
considering a gown like this, you may want to consider a nude
under-layer that matches your skin tone.
-Keyhole necklines. For those brides who don’t want to take the daring
plunge, keyhole necklines are a nice option. They cover more, but open
up along the breastbone to show a little skin.
Gown Bottoms:
-Overskirts. For brides who want a streamlined silhouette but the
flow of a ballgown, overskirts are the way to go. They can also be
removed for a second look during the reception.
Sheer skirts. Right in line with the overskirts are sheer skirts. This continues the trend of showing more skin.
-Thigh-high slits. If you don’t have a sheer skirt but you want to show
some leg, a thigh-high slit in your skirt might be for you.
-Tiered skirts. Layers are a big trend for 2016, so tiered skirts were a shoe-in for designers.
Gown Details:
-3-D floral appliqués. You’ve seen gowns with 3-D flowers on them, right? In 2016, those gowns will be hotter than ever.
-Feathers. Don’t think “chicken” when we say feathers. Think light,
airy, wispy feather accents that highlight the bodice or skirt. Perfect
for spring!
-Wave details. Designers were inspired by the ocean for 2016. Many
prints include wave designs, and a number of skirts were cut to flow
like waves.
Gown Styles:
-Pants. Perhaps the hottest trend for 2016 is wedding pantsuits instead of gowns for brides. Definitely bucking tradition!
-Mini-dresses. Gown designers have decided that brides need a LWD
(Little White Dress) to match their LBD. A number of styles involve
miniskirts, and they’re deemed suitable for either a second reception
dress or for the entire event.
-Long sleeves. We’re not talking chaste long sleeves here. Inspired
largely by Kate Middleton, wedding fashion has been incorporating more
and more long-sleeved styles. The sleeves are usually gossamer and lacy,
though…more delicate than purposeful.
Men’s Fashion Trends:
-Slim cuts. While pants are getting a bit fuller in the leg next year, the overall suit style will be slim.
-Pant cuffs. Pant cuffs are still popular, but Sal Lauretta cautions against men choosing this style if they’re not very tall.
-Color and Materials. Plaid prints and bold colors are trendy, as are wool (for cool months) and linen (for warmer months).
This time of year holds an extra special place in my heart, as it wasn’t
too long ago that my now-husband dropped to one knee by the beautiful
Christmas tree and asked me a super special question. To this
day, when the holidays roll around, I flash back to that sweet memory.
Eager for a magical Christmas moment of your own? Here are the reasons
why it’s officially the season for perfect proposals!
The Perfect Gift
It’s hard to think of any Christmas gift that could compare to the
magic of an engagement ring. My own ring is, without a doubt, my
favorite gift ever, and it’s not a bad way to start a little sparkly
tradition, now is it?
Family + Friends In Abundance
With friends and family guaranteed to be nearby to toast with
champagne and hugs all around, the holidays are a perfect time to invite
loved ones in on all the celebratory action.
Holiday Glow
We’re already all glowing with festive feelings aplenty and a proposal is the perfect way to tap into all that amazing energy.
Beautiful Surroundings
Everywhere and everything looks better during the holidays, decked
out in beautiful lights, festive wreaths and more. Your post-proposal
pics are going to look fab no matter what!
Special Spots Galore
With all the shining surroundings, special spots to pop the question
are for the picking! From the sparkling Christmas tree to the romantic
mistletoe, your man will have no lack in locations to choose from to
drop to one knee!
Christmas Gets Even Better
The holidays are the happiest time of the year, but did you know
there is a way to make them even better? Oh yes, the right hand ring
finger holds the key!
Great Story
The Night Before Christmas may get all the glory but let’s get real, your new sparkly surprise is going to be the story that you and your loved ones really remember for years to come.
Fresh Starts
What better way to start the new year than with a shiny new
sparkler and exciting plans ahead for you and your partner! Perfect
motivation and inspiration!
Smart Timing
Getting engaged at start of the new year gives you just enough time
to still plan a summer wedding if you’d like! Don’t want to feel any
rush? No worries, my year and a half engagement was the perfect timing
for us!
Special Sales
And let’s not forget the logistical side as well; holidays may one of
the best times to take advantage of special deals and sales with
jewelers! We love romantic and resourceful gentlemen!
It's time to face the facts when it comes to peak bridal beauty performance! We've mapped out all of your pre-wedding beauty rituals, in accordance to your wedding day, to ensure stress-free satisfaction when walking down the aisle.
6 Months Before
If you're planning on cutting your windswept locks into a flirty bob, or
going from brunette to platinum blonde, this is the time to do it! Any hair modifications/experimentations should start six months prior to the big day to avoid any non-reversible damages.
Use this time to make appointments to see your dermatologist to
discuss a personal cleansing and moisturizing program for supple wedding
day skin.
Take extra long walks on the beach with your hubby-to-be if you want
to shed a few pounds before slipping into your lace Vera Wang. Developing an exercise routine six months before your big day will ensure a healthy way to lose, or maintain, your goal weight.
4-5 Months Before
Make consultations with both your wedding day hair and makeup teams to
go over exactly what you envision while walking down the aisle. Knowing
you and your stylists are on the same page when it comes to wedding day
style will ensure a stress free "getting ready" party with your bridal squad.
2-3 Months Before
Begin the process of booking all of your day-of appointments (hair,
makeup, etc.) and write everything down in a personal planner or
calendar. Staying organized is always in a bride's favor!
Beach wedding? Play around with your favorite self-tanners and decide which ones bring out your natural glow and not make you unusually orange.
1-2 Months Before
Round up all of the beauty products, and extra accessories you will need
to complete your wedding day look. Whether you've opted for a classic
red lip, or a feather hair clip, you don't want to miss the boat when it comes to your favorites selling out.
Go through a trial run with your makeup artist to seal-the-deal on
your bridal look. Every bride needs an excuse to sit back, relax, and
get pampered!
2 Weeks Before
Make a mental note to consistently drink water throughout the day to maintain clear, hydrated and glowing skin.Exfoliate and moisturize everything from your elbows to your feet daily from this date on. Confirm all of your big day beauty appointments for some extra stress-free satisfaction.
1 Week Before
Book your final wax before your celebration. Anything from your
eyebrows, legs, and everywhere in between can be scheduled at this point
to allow enough time for your skin to heal.
Facials should be scheduled one week before your big day. Any allergic reaction, or unexpected skin outcome, can be maintained in time to walk down the aisle.
1 Day Before
Pamper yourself with a mani/pedi and lots of beauty sleep.
Continue to drink lots of water to maintain optimal hydration from the inside out.
Wedding Day
Don't forget to eat something healthy! The excitement of the day can
sometimes be overwhelming and cause you to forget this very important
guideline. Lots of champagne on an empty stomach leads to a flushed face and an early night!
Most importantly, don't forget to celebrate, live in the moment, and have fun!
Make sure you feel your best on your big day by skipping these foods that cause bloating and other unwanted wedding crashers.
Photography by: Bryan Gardner
Wedding dress, check. Shoes, check. Makeup for
touch-ups, check. Tissues, check. The one thing most brides forget to
include on their wedding-day checklist? Something to eat! In all of the
hustle and excitement of getting married, it's easy to forget to bring
snacks to munch on while prepping for your big day. And though comfort
foods may seem the logical choice to calm those last-minute nerves, the
last time we checked nausea, bloating, and gas were not on your guest
list. Quell those hunger pangs with anything other than these
treacherous 10:
An insulin spike isn't on
today's menu… Save yourself for your cake, and grab some fruit instead.
One caveat: Bananas and grapes are both high in sugar," says Brad
Davidson, author of The Stark Naked 21-Day Metabolic Reset, fitness expert, and nutritionist. Better, low-fructose bets include berries, kiwi, and citrus.
2. Cheese
That cheese platter may seem
appetizing, but it can cause some not-so nice side effects. "Cheese
contains a heavy burden of hard-to-digest fat making it more likely for
you to experience nausea, bloating, and fatigue," says Davidson.
3. Caffeine
We all love a cup of
freshly-brewed coffee, but on your big day it may leave you feeling
jittery and anxious. If you have to stay focused, grab a small cup of
Joe or brew some herbal tea to calm your nerves.
4. Granola
Processed-granola bars can
contain as much sugar as a candy bar, (and without the energy boost you
hoped for). Instead, make a homemade trail mix filled with
protein-packed nuts and seeds to keep you feeling full.
5. Alcohol
Cheers! You should enjoy
Champagne and decadent cocktails, but hold out until the reception.
"Beer and carbonated beverages release carbon dioxide in the stomach,
which will result in bloating and belching", says Angela Onsgard,
Miraval Resort's resident nutritionist.
6. Spices
Beat the heat, and save the
spices for another day! "Eating spicy food may result in acid reflux or
heartburn. It can also contribute to bad breath," says Onsgard. And
that's not what you need for your first kiss as husband and wife!
7. Carbonated Beverages
Bubbly drinks
may seem harmless, but they can irritate your stomach. "Choose still
water or tea to prevent bloating," recommends Onsgard.
8. Cruciferous Veggies
Cruciferous
veggies such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, and bok choy are healthy, but
can stir up more than butterflies in your belly. "Be careful not to eat
too many raw vegetables in the couple of days prior to, and on your big
day, as the extra load of fiber can make you gassy if your digestive
enzyme levels are low," says Davidson, who suggests steaming your
veggies to "to reduce the stress on your digestive system."
9. Fried Foods
Rather than reaching for
fatigue-causing greasy foods, choose a salad with an oil-based dressing
to bolster your energy. "Avocados, coconut oil, and olive oil are a
safe bet to keep your blood sugar stable for long periods of time.
Yawning at the alter is not allowed," says Davidson.
10. Carbohydrates
What do dried fruit,
bread, crackers, and potato chips all have in common? An unhealthy
amount of carbs. "Many carbohydrate foods, especially those containing
high amounts of fiber, can result in gas production during digestion,"
says Onsgard. Instead, Onsgard suggests eating "easy to digest grains"
such as buckwheat, rice, quinoa, and millet, to increase digestibility
and reduce bloating.
Photo: Getty Images
Your little girl is all grown up — now she's engaged and planning
her wedding! As the mother of the bride, you'll wear a number of
different hats — confidante, friend, sounding board, voice of reason,
and sometimes banker. Although, this is an exciting time it can be
overwhelmingly stressful, so the trick is figuring out which hat your
daughter wants you to wear at a given time — remembering when she's
acting irrational, that your job is to stay collected.
Brides can be sensitive creatures, and comments that might not
normally bother her, may light a fuse. You know what triggers your
daughter, but it's wrong to push her buttons when she's already feeling
emotionally-charged.
It's easy to lose your temper when your adult daughter is being
completely unreasonable, but try your best not to use any of the
following five phrases:
1. "Don't be such a Bridezilla."
Unless you're on a reality TV show, this is the ultimate insult to a bride.
Nobody wants to be thought of as a high-strung, demanding, and selfish
bride. Choose your words wisely when confronting your emotional
daughter about her behavior.
2. "I don't know why you didn't just elope."
Ouch! Although you may be trying to say that you feel left out of the
decision-making process — the bride is hearing you say that you didn't
care if you were present to see her exchange vows. This isn't nice to
say to someone who has taken the time to involve family, friends and has
chosen to include her loved ones on her marriage day.
3. "Fine. Do what you like and pay for it yourself."
If you've offered to pay
for something, accept that you're going to have to compromise to make
sure your daughter achieves the vision she wants — while you get the
quality and price you're comfortable with. Threatening to withhold funds
you've already promised will only stress her out and make things more
acrimonious between you two.
4. "Your father will never agree to that."
Try not to drag her father into the disagreement unless you absolutely
have to. If you do — have him tell your daughter what he thinks — rather
than you play messenger. You're her mother and you don't need to hide behind her father to put your foot down. If you're the one who disagrees with her, own it.
5. "The world does not revolve around you because you're getting married."
Theoretically, she knows that already, but depending on how
self-involved she is — and how crazy her life has gotten since she got
engaged — it may truly feel like she is the center of the universe. When
you say this to her, you're telling her that you're not on her team,
even though you really are. Try to use supportive phrases even when
you're being the voice of reason.
Setting
aside part of your wedding budget for useless favors that guests will
throw out as soon as they get home just isn't worth it. (We're looking
at you, picture frames inscribed with the couple's names and wedding
date.)
Instead, give your guests something they'll actually want to eat, drink or keep. Below are 24 fun and useful favor ideas that they're guaranteed to love.
