6 Fall Wedding Ideas We Love, Love, Love

Fall is a beautiful time of year and a fantastic season to plan a wedding. Fall weddings present an opportunity to pay homage to the season and to play with color—it's about natural textures, bold hues, glamorous touches, and a few other accents that say (but don't scream) "fall."
If you need a little style inspiration to create an elegant, warm fall wedding theme, here are some of our favorite fall wedding ideas...

1. Natural Textures and Bold Hues

In the fall, wedding décor is all about mixing natural textures with bold hues. That means tablecloths and napkins in tactile, visually-intriguing materials—quilted or ruched silk, velvet, linen—in subdued neutrals mixed with surprise pops of bright color—sangria, magenta, cobalt blue or royal blue.
In addition to using bold hues to offset the fall foliage, using a wood slice as a centerpiece is a stunning and unique option to the classic centerpieces. The wood adds to the fall theme for a wedding of that season.
One of our favorite fall wedding ideas is to use color to create the feeling of autumn without having to incorporate leaves or pumpkins. Chocolate brown, blackberry purple or deep red (or even lighter, neutral shades like cream or gold) are great fall wedding colors for bridesmaid dresses. Chocolate brown suits for the groom and groomsmen create the same autumnal feel without being too blatant. Another fall wedding idea is to use hemp, twine, brown Kraft paper or hessian fabric within your decorations. Wrapping wine bottles, the silverware, and napkins with hemp or twine, or using the Kraft paper, hessian and twine for your fall wedding invitations is a more subtle way of integrating autumn into your rustic fall wedding.
                                                                         Photo Credit: weddingdecor247.com

2. Metallic Details

The fall season may be all about color—the warm reds, russets and yellows of the changing leaves, the bright orange of pumpkins and the deep browns of conkers—but metallic accents continue to be big. Adding a touch of gold and silver or bronze and pewter copper to the traditional fall colors creates a chic color scheme! Glass vases with pops of bronze or copper, gold and silver leaf wedding accessories, or even metallic napkin rings in gold or silver are a clever way to work in seasonal accents.
                                                                         Photo Credit: weddingandeventnews.com

3. Fall Foliage

Add a seasonal touch to your ceremony by hanging flowers in mason jars, or, using shafts of wheat or even pumpkins to line the length of the aisle. Replacing petals with fall leaves and adding candle lanterns is a great way to add coziness to your wedding and to highlight the fact that it's a fall wedding.
If the weather is a little chilly and you have to stay indoors for the reception, you can still incorporate the beautiful natural elements of the season in your wedding by decorating the venue with potted plants displaying their most electric fall colors.
                                                                         Photo Credit: creative-weddingideas.com

4. Incorporate the Bounty of the Fall Harvest 

Pumpkins are one of those versatile fall wedding ideas to integrate into your wedding. Not only can they be used as part of the décor, they're also an excellent option for chilling wines and other beverages. Another fall wedding idea is serving hot beverages—apple cider, cocoa or gourmet coffee—to your guests at the end of the night. It's a great way to keep them warm and to bring the comfort of fall into your wedding day.
These awesome options incorporate the bounty of the fall harvest in your wedding:

• Apple cider - This can be served either hot or cold (depending on the temperature). Having a hard cider on tap for your guests would also be a great option.

                                                                         Photo Credit: greenweddingshoes.com

• Wheat - Wheat can be incorporated in your fall wedding in several ways. Wheat bundles can be used as centerpieces; wheat grain (instead of rice) to shower the bride and groom; and wheat as part of your fall wedding flowers—bouquets and boutonnieres—creates a vintage, rustic theme.

                                                                         Photo Credit: weddbook.com

• Caramel apples - This classic treat is the quintessential fall indulgence. The apples can be rolled in chocolate pieces, nuts, or whatever else you can think of, packaged individually and tied with twine or a ribbon that matches your wedding colors. Guests can grab this delicious treat as they exit.

                                                                         Photo Credit: thebridelink.com

•  Apples - Fall and apples are the perfect pair, whether red or green apples! They're great for a fall wedding and can be used in several ways: from centerpieces to escort cards, from cake toppers to place settings. Everybody has a type of apple they love, so they're sure to be crowd-pleasers.

 5. Fall Wedding Reception Lighting

Lighting plays a huge role in your wedding décor and it can affect the way everything looks. Lighting can also change the mood for different portions of the party. Start with bright and upbeat lighting for cocktails, pink and purple sunset tones on the walls and ceiling for dinner, and then switch to something more dramatic—deep blue with white "stars"—when it's time to start the dance party. Classy chandeliers also add glamour to any space, from a Swarovski crystal modern piece to a vintage chandelier filled with candles.
Another way to incorporate the fall season indoors is to use gobo lighting with warm amber light to create a branch pattern on the dance floor or the ceiling of a tent. It will give the effect of the early evening sun streaming through the trees.
                                                                         Photo Credit: theknot.com

6. Embrace the Night Sky and Add Warmth with Light & Food 

The fall season has clear blue skies and pitch black nights, so bring the outside in and have your ceremony under the stars by choosing an open-roof venue equipped with space heaters, or a closed venue with big windows. Soft fairy lights and plenty of candles will create a romantic, twinkling atmosphere. Have an open fire, pile it high with logs, fir cones and herbs to give the rooms that fall aroma and to create cozy corners.
To add more cozy comforts and to infuse the fall flavors into your wedding menu, serve rich, intensely-flavored seasonal foods such as squash bisque served in little pumpkins or butternut squash soup as starters; filet, cornish hens, or salmon for the entrée; and apple tarts, brownies with coffee ice cream, fig cheesecake, or pie à la mode for dessert.
                                                                         Photo Credit: thepinkbride.com

Bonus: Feather Bridal Hair Accessories

Feathers are trendy and are a great way to change up your fall wedding reception hairstyle — especially if you're skipping the veil. Chic bridal headpieces adorned with simple, airy plumage offer a soft, whimsical look to any wedding hairstyle. And pairing your feathered hair accessory with a jeweled hair clip adds a little something extra.

26 Creative Gifts to Bring to Any Winter Wedding When the Registry Is Done

Winter wedding couples are the ballsy ones. The ones who see the forecast for December and think, “20 degrees be damned!” They’re the couple that says “I do” amidst a well-planned fall meteor shower, then serves peppermint hot cocoa and mini pies for cocktail hour. And guess what? We love them for it. So don’t be gifting this bold duo the same registry staples you gift a summer or spring couple. Try giving from the warmth of your heart with one of these thoughtful gifts.

1. Custom Wood Art ($30): Created using pine panels, this cozy, homemade art piece can be customized to the state and heart placement of your choosing.

2. Love You Pint Glass ($8/each on SALE): Nothing says it better than… saying it on a pint glass. While the booze warms their bodies, these glasses will warm their hearts.

3. Diamond Glass Set ($34, set of two): Who says you can’t have diamonds even after you exchange rings? These cocktail glasses are an interesting twist on the classic shape and immediately up your friends’ future holiday party game.

4. Custom Mugs ($20-23): Department store mugs will never compare to having a sweet, scripted reminder of your wedding day. The best news about these mugs is that the image is applied through a special heat process, so it won’t fade.

5. Heart Pillow Cover ($39 on sale): Not only is this sparkly pillow a festive addition to any newlyweds’ home, it also has a sweet benefit: 50 percent of the purchase price goes directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

6. Monogrammed Stockings ($49-149): A couple’s first “family” stockings are often overlooked on any registry. Label these jingle velvet stockings with the couple’s shared last name or individual first names. If you really want score some brownie points, pack each stocking with personalized little goodies for each of the newlyweds.

7. Heirloom Alpaca Blanket ($85-240): Keep cuddling to a maximum for years to come, with this cotton or alpaca/cotton-blended blanket. Made in the USA, these blankets aren’t just comfy and warm, they also feature a fabric tag that can be personalized with the recipients’ names, wedding details and any special message you wish to share. Plus, for every blanket purchased, Swell Forever makes a donation to their adoption fund. It comes with so many gifting wins.

8. Bonnie + Clyde Freakers ($20): While it could easily be given post-ceremony, we recommend surprising the couple with these freakers early, so they can party in style all night long.

9. Mini Donut Maker: ($36): Yes, we know nothing goes better with a cup of joe than a warm donut, but battling the cold/crowds/traffic just isn’t in the cards for a pair of newly-married lovebirds. Make it easy on them by bringing the bakery to their house with this adorable mini donut maker.

10. Storage Baskets ($18/basket): What wedding guest is thinking about laundry and organizing junk on The Big Day? You, that’s who! Make every day a good day with these 100-percent braided seagrass baskets.

11. Jardin Des Plantes Vase ($24-28): Designed by South African artist Ruan Hoffmann, this “modern interpretation of delftware” creates an eye-catching centerpiece on any table.

12. Ring Dish ($13): It may take some time to adjust to wearing a wedding band, or a wedding band and an engagement ring. If your friends’ fingers ever get tired of lifting that much bling, this sweet porcelain dish will be a thoughtful addition to any dresser.

13. Customizable Cookie Stamp: ($15): Anyone can customize stationary, but customizing Christmas cookies is next level. No other cookie stands a chance this holiday season.

14. Gold Leaf Cocktail Glasses ($56/set of 4): Sure, getting married is a celebration worthy of gold-leaf bubbles, but the holidays are also right around the corner, and simple glassware just ain’t gonna cut it.

15. Oven Mit ($12): This floral-inspired oven mitt is a sweet nod to spring. It’s a pretty reminder for when the couple gets cabin fever.

16. Custom Address Stamp ($44): Both a practical and pretty need, custom address stamps are one of those gifts that are appreciated for their thoughtful simplicity.

17. Beer Brewing Kit + Class ($19/class, or $50/class + kit): Not every couple likes DIY projects, but when alcohol is involved, most couples make an exception. Gift this with strict instructions to create a “family brew,” and, of course, share samples when completed.

18. Hug/Kiss Pillow Cover ($25): Stray from the usual “His” and “Hers” by gifting these two pillow covers, which are a sweet reminder before any couple lays their head down for the day.

19. Nesting Doll Scented Candles ($18-29): These sweet-smelling forest animals are a rustic version of the classic Russian dolls. If the warmth of the flickering light doesn’t say cozy romance, the nesting part surely will.

20. Marble Rolling Pin ($20): So marble is definitely having a moment, and who are you to ignore a trend? This practical kitchen utensil will be getting a lot of use (and compliments) around the holiday season.

21. USA Cities Print ($68): Customized to fit the couple’s wedding place or home state, these graphic city prints will ensure those love birds tackle that gallery wall early on.

22. 2016 Travel the World Calendar ($16): Most newlyweds want to travel the globe with each other. Though this may seem like a practical gift, it’s also a daily reminder to them to get out and see the world.

23. Apron ($13): This apron motif does double duty: It’s holiday-ish and a sweet wish for two newlyweds.

24. Potholder ($6): The devil may be in the details, but dammit if those details aren’t insanely appreciated when you’re passing on positive vibes via everyday items.

25. Homemade Gin Kit ($50): This DIY kit is super simple, so it won’t take any time out of the honeymoon. Instead, it gives the couple a reason to indulge in a tasty drink together, on the daily.

26. Lomo’instant Camera ($119): Capture moments from the honeymoon, wedding and life together with this #tbt-style camera.

How to Create a Unique Wedding Hashtag

With the ever growing popularity of Instagram it is no surprise that many couples are creating hashtags for their wedding guests to use on the big day. Doing so allows the attendees to not just watch, but be part of your big day.

Recently I attended my best friends wedding in Charlotte, North Carolina. I watched as the wedding photographer and her partner were running around taking pictures all over the place to ensure the right moments were captured on camera. However it was no surprise to me that everyone else was doing the same, except in a less hasty way.

Camera phones were out, flashes were off (thank goodness!) and the day was being photographed from every point-of-view. As the wedding day continued everyone was uploading their images to all the social media platforms. By midnight my best friend had TONS of photos to look at. All because there was a hashtag for all the guests to reference.

But the real question is, how do you create a wedding hashtag? One that everyone will be able to type in – whether tipsy or not – and one that has not been used before. Simple.

1. Use your names. Sure there may be several Jim and Johns out there, but using your name is just the first part of the equation.
2. Throw in a wedding word. It’s obviously your wedding day, so why not use a word that identifies it. Words like: Hitch, Wed, Tie the Knot, I Do, Wedding, etc.
3. Alliterations are fun. And simple to remember. Using something like #HarrisonsGetHitched or #WildWilsonWedding.
4. Spruce it up with a Rhyme. Consider your names and if they rhyme with any wedding related words. Is your new last name going to be Stewart? Shorten it a bit and go with #StewPartyof2.
5. We love to be punny. Think about using an idiom or a common phrase in your hashtag. You can switch out a specific word with your name to get the punny in there. Take a look at the idiom shop for more ideas.
6. Keep it sweet. Sure you could use something like #StephanieMarriesDanielCrowder as your hashtag, but its better to keep your hashtag short and sweet. Doing so will eliminate any guests from making any grammatical errors when entering it in. This doesn’t mean you can’t use your names. But consider doing #StephWedsDan16 instead.
7. Go to the source. Once you’ve come up with the perfect hashtag, log in to Instagram and check it. This will confirm that your creative genius is all yours!
8. Spread the word. One thing to keep in mind once you’ve selected your perfect wedding hashtag, make it known to your guests. Add it to your wedding invitations, on your wedding website, and place signs around your venues.

If it gets down to the wire and nothing has popped in to your heard. Don’t worry! You can use a hashtag generator for quick and easy help.

Still need more help? Take a look at some of these great wedding hashtags that we’ve come across recently:

– #MichailaGetsOReillyed
– #GreatKnightKisses
– #HappilyEverHarrison
– #TellerIDo

Hot Beauty Looks For All Your Wedding Events

Inspiration alert! Check out these on-trend beauty ideas—perfect for your shower, bachelorette party and rehearsal dinner—plus how to get the look (and make it last).

1. Try a Fresh, Romantic Look for Your Bridal Shower

   
   For an afternoon event, you'll want lighter makeup that's feminine, dewy and has major staying power—after all, that pile of gifts is going to take some time to open! Start with Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin—it has a light, comfortable feel and shine-free coverage that lasts all day. For a “your-lips-only-better" look, try a long-lasting matte, rosy shade like Ultimate Suede lipstick in Socialite. And don't forget your eyes: Line your upper lids with black liner and brush on a coat or two of mascara to complete the natural look.
   Revlon 1.ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in Socialite 2. ColorStay Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin 3. ColorStay Eye Liner in Black

2. Go Flirty and Fun for Your Bachelorette Party

   
   Your bachelorette bash is the event for you (and your makeup) to have a blast! Take a risk with a ferocious cat eye in shimmering neutral tones. Use a shadow that'll last all day to define the eye with dark brown, then highlight it with a lighter taupe. (We like Revlon ColorStay 16-Hour Eye Shadow in Adventurous.) Keep the rest of your face neutral—including a nude lip—to avoid going over-the-top. Hint: Make sure to pick a long-lasting, satin finish foundation like ColorStay Makeup so you can dance the night away knowing that your skin looks flawless.
   
   Revlon 1. ColorStay Makeup for Normal/Dry Skin 2. ColorStay 16-Hour Eye Shadow in Adventurous 3. ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick in Buffest Beige
   

3. Channel Hollywood Glamour for Your Rehearsal Dinner

   
   Entertaining family, friends and your entire wedding party—um, no pressure, right? A daring scarlet lip will give you that super-sophisticated, polished vibe—and with Revlon ColorStay Overtime Lipcolor, you can count on it to stay put through hours of eating, drinking and mingling. To avoid competing with that classic red lipstick, keep your eye makeup minimal (you know, that no-makeup makeup look?) with barely there shadow and mascara. But don't forget your nails: A matching red mani is always a do, especially when you finish with Gel Envy Diamond Top Coat for a sparkling shine.
   
   Revlon 1. ColorStay Overtime Lipcolor in Unending Red 2. ColorStay Under Eye Concealer 3. ColorStay Gel Envy Nail Enamel in Queen of Hearts 4. ColorStay Gel Envy Diamond Top Coat

Crowd-Pleasing Late-Night Wedding Snacks: The Comfort Foods Edition

Photo: onelove photography
 
Serving late-night snacks at a wedding reception is becoming more popular — not to mention the guests love it! One of our favorite menu trends? Delicious comfort foods (often served in bite-size portions!). Here are our favorite ways to serve them and keep everyone dancing until dawn.

Pizza: After burning some serious calories on the dance floor, your guests will definitely be up for a slice.

Photo: Ava Moore Photography
 

Chicken and Waffle Bites: Invite guests to help themselves to mini chicken-and-waffle sandwiches from a self-serve display.

Photo: Fresh.Local.Good.
 

Cheese and Grits: Your caterer can serve up mini portions of this Southern favorite, loaded up with toppings like bacon bits and scallions.

Photo: Laura Gordon Photography
 

Pulled Pork Sliders: How cool is this — a platter of pulled pork sandwiches with your choice of barbecue sauce.

Photo: Michael Howard
 

Mini Grilled-Cheese Sandwiches: Have waiters pass out bite-size grilled cheese sandwiches to late-night revelers on the dance floor.

Photo: Jessica Burke Photography
 

Corn Dogs: Before the night is over, guests can grab corn dogs to go and enjoy on their ride home.

25 Ways to Wow Your Guests

If you want your guests to rave about your wedding — and what bride doesn't? — the options are practically endless. Get inspired by these inventive tips.

1. Make the cocktail hour interactive by setting up a wine, champagne or liquor tasting. A beverage expert or a sommelier can offer guests a sampling of libations and a little lesson on flavors.

Photo Credit: D. Park Photography
 
2. Hire dance instructors to teach guests how to swing, merengue, boot-scoot or polka. There's no better way to get everybody on the dance floor!

3. Have a favorite celebrity? Hire an impersonator to liven up the cocktail hour by performing, mingling with guests and posing for photos with them, suggests Sherri Williams, of Williams-Sossen Events, in New York City and Philadelphia.

4. Let your wedding's season inspire you. In the fall, have guests bob for apples. During winter, they can paint holiday ornaments to take home. For spring, create a maypole with colorful streamers. In the summer, they can help themselves to an ice-cream sundae bar.

Photo Credit: He and She Photography on Inspired By This via Lover.ly
 
5. While guests are enjoying their meal, bring in some entertainment. You can arrange for a dance performance that reflects your heritage — Irish step, salsa or belly dancers, for example.

6. Instead of a traditional guest book, ask everyone to sign the matte around a photo of the two of you. Or they could write on a surfboard, baseballs, white cowboy boots — whatever suits you and your groom.

7. Hire a magician to puzzle and delight the crowd, a tarot card reader to do readings or a palm reader to tell fortunes. "Guests will talk about the experience for hours afterward," says Maxine Andrew, of Instead of You Events, in San Francisco.

8. Keep your youngest guests smiling, too, urges Amy Nichols, of Amy Nichols Special Events, in San Francisco. In a separate area, have a puppeteer perform — or arrange to show a kids' movie. Hire a responsible teen to keep watch.

Photo Credit: Alana Aston Photography on Polka Dot Bride via Lover.ly
 
9. Include local delicacies on your wedding menu, like tasty crabs if you're in Maryland or spicy chicken wings in Buffalo, New York, says Nichols.

10. Hire a cigar roller to hand-roll a custom blend of tobacco just for your guests. (Great for outdoor weddings — and the guys will love the masculine touch!)

Photo Credit: Abby Jiu on Snippet and Ink via Lover.ly
11. After the cake-cutting, have waiters serve the slices to an energizing tune like "Cut the Cake," by Average White Band, or "Sugar Sugar," by the Archies — this is sure to keep the mood celebratory, says Steve Kemble, of Steve Kemble Event Design, in Dallas.

Photo Credit: Casey Fatchett Photography
12. Offer a specialty after-dinner coffee bar, complete with baristas concocting cappuccino and other espresso drinks. Delicious toppings, like chocolate shavings and cinnamon, add to the fun.

13. "Have a local artist on hand to create a painting of the ceremony or reception room as the event unfolds," says Randie Pellegrini, of Cordially Invited, in Los Angeles. By the end of the night, you will have a masterpiece you can hang in your newlywed home.

14. Hire a caricaturist to render on-the-spot drawings of guests (which they can take home, of course), suggests Geneene Thornton, of Celebrations Event Planning, in San Diego, or have a face painter available to make up kids and adults alike.
15. For an old-fashioned carnival vibe, serve nostalgic sweets from an ice-cream or cotton-candy cart.

16. Have a photo of yourself and your groom blown up and made into a jigsaw puzzle, suggests Williams. Display the pieces on a table and let guests assemble a work of art, piece by piece, by the end of the evening's festivities.

Photo Credit: Bella Puzzles Too
17. Rent a photo booth, so guests can make funny faces for the camera — photos are the ultimate personalized favor. Guests will enjoy taking them home for their own scrapbooks.

Photo Credit: Dottie Photography on Bridal Musings via Lover.ly
18. Love dress-up? Have a waiter place a trunk full of costumes and silly props on the dance floor. Guests can try on hats, boas and oversize sunglasses, and "play" faux guitars.

19. Create a cozy corner for conversation by setting up a few sofas, chairs and coffee tables in a separate area, away from the dance floor. Enhance the mood with dim lighting, soft pillows and light jazz — either from live musicians or a recording.

Photo Credit: David Schwartz Photography
20. Surprise the crowd with a special pick-me-up. While guests are grooving, have waiters fan out across the dance floor with trays of lemonade, mini ice-cream cones or Popsicles.

21. Appeal to the inner child in everyone by setting up a bar with candy, cookies or other tiny treats. Display the sweets in bowls or jars with scoops. Provide cute bags, and monogrammed stickers to seal them up. Presto! Every guest has a sweet take-home gift.

22. Burn CDs of the songs you'll be playing at your wedding. Ask the parking valets to put the discs in guests' car stereos, and to leave a note from the two of you on the front seat. On the way home, guests can replay all the fantastic musical memories of the day.

23. End the reception with a bang: Stage a glorious outdoor fireworks show — and have them in your wedding colors, of course. "Nothing could be more fabulous," enthuses Kemble.

Photo Credit: Simone and Martin Photography on Inspired By This via Lover.ly
24. Throw an after-party at a nearby club or someone's home. Have the DJ make an announcement at the end of your reception, or simply spread the word through a few chatty friends. Provide munchies and beverages, and be sure that everyone has a safe ride home.

25. Set up a casino-themed after-party, complete with gaming tables and card dealers, says Williams. Looking for other after-party themes? Pellegrini suggests setting up a disco, blues club or piano bar to keep things hopping. With fab ideas like these, your party will be unforgettable.

Photo courtesy of Palermo Bakery

7 People Not to Take Wedding-Dress Shopping

Your Bossy Friend

In the salon, it's a good bet your pushy friend will ignore your preferences and will tell the bridal shop consultants which silhouttes are "best" for you. (Hey, she binge-watched Say Yes to the Dress, so now she's an expert!) Better to go shopping with someone who's more concerned with your opinion than her own—and someone who will allow the consultants to do their job!

Your High-Maintenance Sister

Guaranteed the drama will start even before you step foot in the salon. A likely scenario: She texts you that a 4:30 p.m. Friday appointment would work better for her than a 2:00 p.m. Saturday so could you reschedule? When you refuse, she calls you selfish and inconsiderate. Be polite but don't back down—the salon visit isn't about her, it's about you!

A Slew of Bridesmaids

Don't pull a Taylor Swift and travel with a #squad. Limit your group to three people: Pick friends and family who have an open mind, who know you well and whose opinion you value. Still have too many to choose from? Pretend you're on Project Runway: Who would you want as a judge?

Your Conservative MIL

This sweet but traditional woman doesn't understand your style sense: You love sparkle and glamour and are obsessed with finding a dress with crystals, beads, and faux gems. She's been trying to convince you that a spare look would be more sophisticated. But she doesn't get that it wouldn't be you. Next!

Your Flower Girl

She's superexcited about you wearing a "princess" gown and wants to see you play dress up at the salon. As tempting as it may be to bring her, don't. She's a child, and kids tend to get bored, cranky, and restless when they've got to sit still for over an hour. Promise her ice cream and a photo of the dress later!

Your Groom

Even if you share everything with your guy, keep your dress under wraps until the wedding day. Trust us, the look on his face the moment he first sees you as a bride is worth the wait.

Your Jealous Cousin

As kids, you had it all figured out: You'd have a double wedding! Two cousins, two brides! Well, life didn't work out as planned, and cuz hasn't had a serious boyfriend in years. She's made snippy behind-your-back remarks about your wedding date ("Who gets married July 4th weekend?"), your venue ("Tacky interior!"), even your groom ("That beard!"). Do her—and yourself—a favor and leave her off your shopping list.

9 Signs You're Ready to Move In Together

Moving in with your partner is pretty major. And that’s why it’s so important to only make the big move when you’re confident you can weather the good and the bad that comes with the (shared) territory.

Think you’re prepared to take the plunge? Look for these nine signs that you’re ready to move in together.

 

 

Photo by Adrienne Gunde on Bridal Musings via Lover.ly

 

1. You already have a drawer at his or her place… and it’s overflowing. Might as well move all your other stuff there, too, right?

 

2. You’re comfortable spending time apart. No matter how much you love spending time with your partner, everyone needs some alone time, and it’s harder to come by when you share a place. Make sure you two are able to get some me-time and are comfortable setting boundaries.

 

3. Your pets get along. They’ll have to live together, too! Have a trial sleepover to see how they get along, and once everybody's ready, try giving them some alone time.

 

4. You’ve talked about the future. While you definitely don’t need to be engaged or married to live together, talking about the future with your partner shouldn’t make either one of you squeamish. After all, you’re locked in for the length of your lease, at the very least! It’s good to discuss if you want to eventually tie the knot, how long you want to live in the same place, and other somewhat long-term plans.

 

5. You know how to fight fair. Every couple quarrels from time to time, and when you live in close quarters, it may happen a little more frequently. Make sure you know how to fight fair so that you don’t mind eating breakfast with your “enemy” the next morning.

 

6. You have separate friends and hobbies. Because you’re going to want to get away and vent about your new roommate at some point.

 

7. Your financials are out in the open. It’s not romantic, but it’s a fact that moving in together means handling at least some finances together. Secrets are not an option when you have to pay for food, furniture, utilities and rent. You should both be honest about expenses, debt, loans and spending habits so you’re both on the same page.

 

8. Your partner loves the chores you hate. You can’t stand vacuuming, but she doesn’t mind? Clearly you were made to live together! We’re mostly kidding, but you should have an idea of how you’ll divvy up chores. If you make dinner together and both help do the dishes, you’ve got a keeper.

 

9. The whole bathroom thing isn’t awkward. Yeah, we said it. You shouldn’t feel weird doing your bathroom business with your partner in the next room. If you do, it’s going to be a pretty uncomfortable living situation. Hey, it's the truth!

 

The most important piece of advice is to trust your gut. There’s no hard-and-fast rules that dictate when you’re ready to share a space. It comes down to how you feel and what you want.

8 Things Every Bride Forgets To Do Before Her Hair And Makeup Trial

Linda DiProperzio
October 15, 2015

You have the dream dress and the right accessories, but none of that matters if your hair and makeup isn’t perfect at the main event. To make sure your look is beyond beautiful, make sure you don’t forget about these eight crucial steps.

1. Give yourself enough time. You’ll likely have to go for two to three trials before you find the right hair & makeup pros or even the best bridal look for your big day. So don’t forget to start making appointments at least three months before the wedding.

2. Prep your hair. Before you go for a hair trial, wash and blow dry your hair the night before–you can even do it two nights in advance if your hair isn’t on the oily side. Hair that hasn’t been washed the same day is actually easier to style.

3. Groom your brows. If you haven’t paid that much attention to your brows, start doing so ASAP. If shaped correctly, they “complete” your face. Ideally, you will have been going for a professional shaping well before your first makeup trial so that you have time to grow in certain spots if needed.

4. Bring your veil. If you’re wearing a veil or any type of accessory in your hair, be sure to bring it with you during your hair trials. It is an essential part of your wedding day look, so you can’t make a final decision about your hair without it.

5. See an esthetician. Just like your brows, you want to pay attention to your skin well before the wedding day. Whether it’s waxing certain areas or getting a monthly facial to get your skin looking its best, start those beauty regimes before you go to makeup trials.

6. Bring your best photo inspiration. You’re probably looking at tons of photos for hair and makeup inspo. Try to narrow it down to three to five faves before you start your trials. Looking at so many different styles can be overwhelming for you–and the stylists–and focusing on just a few looks will help your makeup and hair pros figure out what you really want and create a style just for you.

7. Take a photo of your dress. Your hair and makeup pros probably won’t get to see you in your dress until the big day, but it will help them immensely to see a photo of your dress beforehand so they can consult on the best styles and looks that go with your gown. So have one of your bridesmaids snap a photo of you (front and back) in your dress at a fitting that you can bring along with you to the trials.

8. Wear white. Whether you’re wearing white, ivory, blush or another color, wear a shirt in that same hue during the trials.

For more wedding advice, check out mistakes brides make when planning a casual wedding and 6 things you need to do before putting on your wedding gown.