Planning Your Memorable Wedding
April 29, 2009
You have finally said, “Yes.” This is the start of your life as a couple. And prior to that much-awaited big day, you, both the bride and groom have so many decisions to make and wedding-related tasks to complete.
Preparing for your wedding day need not be stressful. On the other had, it should be fun and memorable. And to do this, start off by putting together a wedding timetable.
A short list of wedding-related tasks as well as a rough estimate of when the activities should be done follows. It presents tips and guidelines to keep you organized and help you think of all the matters that you must take into consideration in the course of planning for your big day. Of course, these are mere suggestions. All activities and schedule are still up to the couple to decide on depending on their priorities.
At the Time of the Engagement
- You must tell your parents the happy news as soon as possible that is if they don’t already know. If you were having an engagement party, it would be good to keep your close friends and relatives in the know, too.
- An organizer would be best to have in handy. This will help you keep track of all the appointments, payments and other wedding-related activities that you must attend to.
- Have your engagement photo taken. This would be nice to have as a keepsake of this wonderful occasion.
6 to 12 Months In Advance Before the Big Day
- The couple should have already picked and decided on the wedding date. Do the reservation for the venue where the ceremony and reception is to be held.
- Set an appointment with the wedding officiant.
- Establish a budget for the wedding, and try as much as possible to stick to it.
- Prepare a wedding guest list. You wouldn’t want to leave somebody uninvited unintentionally.
- Look around for a photographer, florists, musicians, and a caterer. Obtain estimates for these services.
- Register at the bridal gift registry.
- Pick a wedding dress and accessories to go with it. If you are having a seamstress make you one, this is the time to have it arranged. Several fittings may be required for this.
- For the bride, select your bridesmaids. Set a date for ordering dresses for them.
4 to 6 Months In Advance Before the Big Day
- Have the invitations, stationeries, and thank you notes ordered.
- The photographer, florist, musician, and caterer should have already been chosen. Go over details with each of these services to make sure that everything is as agreed upon.
- For the groom, select attire.
- Honeymoon reservations should be made already at this point.
- Confirm the delivery of the bridal gown.
2 Months In Advance Before the Big Day
- Plan your rehearsal dinner.
- If you are having out-of-town attendants, arrange for their lodging.
- Make an appointment with your chosen photographer for the shooting of the bridal portrait.
- Order the wedding cake.
1 Month In Advance Before the Big Day
- The couple should decide on a wedding band set.
- Mail the invitations.
- Check the apparel for the wedding party.
- The couple attends showers.
2 Weeks Before the Wedding.
- It is time to apply for marriage license and attend to other legal matters, especially for the bride - name and address changes on bank accounts and other official documents.
- Plan a wedding hairstyle and make-up with your stylist.
- Check with the caterer and the reception venue for last minute changes.
1 Week Before the Wedding
- Do your honeymoon packing.
- Wrap gifts for the groom and attendants.
- Schedule the wedding rehearsal.
- Remind the wedding party of the exact time and place for the occasion.
On Wedding Day
- Take breakfast! Fainting on the aisle wouldn’t be cool.
- Have your hair and make-up done.
- Shake off all your wedding details worries and enjoy your day.
Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Hair Style
September 26, 2008
Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day. After all, this will be the most important day of her life. This is where she and her groom will pronounce their vow of love for each before their family, relatives and friends. This is so important that even a very good-looking girl wants to look better, or something different from how she looks every day.
Choosing how you should look during a wedding can be very risky. If you were not advised by a professional, this is not the time to try on new make up and hairstyle trends - unless you wanted to end up as one with the worst wedding fashion.
So, to be on the safe side, it is better to enlist the help of a professional stylist to do your makeup and hairstyle.
Here are some tips to help you on what look you will be having on your wedding day.
* Choose natural-looking makeup, as you don’t want to look heavily painted especially when people come to wish you well. However, you should also make sure that even if you are wearing natural-looking makeup, this still looks well when your picture is taken.
* Get a facial to help eliminate the stress in preparing for the wedding and to cleanse your skin, in preparation for the big day.
* Make sure that you have enough time to prepare your hair. Usually, you may need about six weeks before the wedding to make minor changes to your hair. If you will be changing your hairstyle, hair color, or length, you may need up to six months.
* Make an appointment with a hairdresser recommended by your family and friends, or with your own hairdresser. It is better to bring pictures of the dress, headpiece and the hairstyles that you would like to try. Also, discuss with the hairdresser what will be the appropriate color, texture and the style.
* If you are thinking of having your hair permed or relaxed, ask the hairstylist if he or she thinks this will not damage your hair. Damaged hair will not look good and will be difficult to style. If you wanted to try this, make sure that you still have enough time to experiment and to undo it if it doesn’t look good.
* If you are thinking of dyeing your hair, consider if the color will compliment your skin color and the color of your eyes. It is better to ask the help and suggestions of a professional for this. When dyeing, use a temporary dye first.
* Your hairstyle should go well with the cut of your gown. If you have a simple gown, choose an uncomplicated hairstyle. Choose a hairstyle that will be comfortable and will not be difficult to maintain since you will have a lot of things to take care of on the wedding day.
* If you have short hair, you may add highlights to enhance the richness. You may also have hair treatments or try products that will add shine. You can also try a multi-textured look. Flowers also look good on short hair.
* If you have a long hair, it is suggested that you wear your hair up for an elegant look and to minimize the need for maintaining it, since you will be busy the whole day.
Now that you have these tips, you have more information when your hairstylist starts making suggestions on how to make you look great on your wedding day.
7 Steps in Planning the Perfect Wedding Hairstyle
September 12, 2008
In China, the typical hairstyle of a married woman is tied up in a bun. Such style is done in most Chinese brides in a ritual: a woman who has had a successful family life, is asked to help in dressing up the bride’s hair. While setting the brides hair up, the good luck woman speaks of good fortune for the bride and her upcoming married life.
In the US, preparing the brides hairstyle is also becoming a ritual, as it plays an important part in her overall look. Much preparation has to go into the brides dress, and so should her crowning glory, the hair. Follow this simple guide on how to plan for the perfect wedding hairstyle.
Weeks before your wedding day choose a hairdresser that will make your do at the wedding. Find a hairdresser that is recommended by someone you know and trust; someone that they had a good experience with.
1. Establish a good rapport with the hairdresser. You should be comfortable in discussing with him or her on the style and look you want. Some hairdressers insist on some do that they dreamed would be made for them. Be firm in telling him or her what you want and dont want.
2. Discuss in length the shape of your face in relation to the hairstyle that he or she proposes. Try the following styles:
-Up dos signify elegance and this is what most brides want.
-Tired of the bun? Achieve the same polished look with braids instead. From cornrows to French twists, there are numerous interesting ways to set your hair in place.
-Letting your hair down, especially of the mid-length can emanate romance. Flip the edges out for a little retro look.
-Short hair can be spruced up with color highlights or shiny curls.
3. Ask to schedule a practice session to mock-up the intended hair do for your wedding day. You may need to pay extra for this mock-up session, but its worth the buck to ensure you look lovely during your wedding.
4. Part of the mock-up is for you to carry the hairstyle. Check side and rear views for how the hairstyle looks and make sure it is made to your liking. You are the center of attention on the wedding day, so you should be beautiful 360 degrees!
5. Walk around the salon with your hairstyle. Try to bob your head abit or do other head movements that you think will happen on wedding day. Make sure your hairstyle withstands all the head activity and that you and your scalp will be comfortable for hours.
6. Now, traditionally, they say it is bad luck to try on your wedding dress before the wedding day. But you need to be sure that your hairstyle matches the gown. Dont worry; you can still approximate the look by using other dresses. Look for a dress that has the same collar style as your wedding dress. Then put on something that approximates the same lines of your wedding gown. View yourself on the mirror, and imagine yourself in white does the hairstyle match?
7. On the eve of the wedding, get a head massage, on second thought, get a whole body massage! This relaxes your body, opens your pores and freshens up your skin.
Gets yourself ready for your momentous event: plan for your wedding day hairstyle and achieve the perfect wedding day look!