{Vendor Tip} De-stressing Make Up tip #8

De-stressing Makeup Tip #8

More than half the battle… of looking great in any makeup is the condition of the skin underneath! We know this, yet keeping up a good skin care routine often goes the way of other good intentions sacrificed to life’s busy realities. Drinking lots of water, minimizing junk/rich foods, taking makeup off EVERY night, exfoliating, cleansing, toning, patting on moisturizer so it lightly and evenly absorbs –
where’s the time for this?

How about factoring it into your current routine by making a few easy additions?
It will take some discipline, but you can do it!... especially between now and your wedding. (21 days will make it a habit, so you will be doing yourself a lifetime favor.)

ROUTINE: You take a shower every morning. Put your cleanser (not a bar soap) in the shower and use it on your face. Set one or two specific days that you use an exfoliating scrub before the cleanser. Maybe Monday and Thursday—reach for the scrub (get a good one with rounded “polishing” grains) and use circular motions for 1 minute to freshen and remove excess dead skin cells. Then use the facial cleanser. You will be amazed how rejuvenating it is!

ROUTINE: You put on makeup. Put a container of cotton pads and your toner right by the mirror, so you start by prepping your skin for success J with the toner. Your moisturizer sitting right there comes next. Now your makeup will glide on so much better, promise!

ROUTINE: You keep a coffee mug on your desk and refill it through the day.
Get a 32 oz. nalgene bottle of water and make it your goal to drink the whole thing by the end of the day. You will notice you won’t need as much coffee and you will feel healthier and more hydrated. ( I’m not even going to mention the dehydrating effects of caffeine.)

ROUTINE: You grab lunch and a soda. You know what to do by now… I’m sure you’ve got the idea!

Barbara Hill
www.bridalartistryDC.com

Wedding Planner vs. (Day of/Month of) Coordinator

Although I've explained way back when, as to why i went the route of finding a wedding planner (Click here), I wanted to explore the idea of Wedding Planner vs. (Day of/Month of) Coordinator.  I realized that initially i used the terms interchangeably, but I realize now... after doing some coordinating myself, that there is a difference.

The term Wedding Planner I think assumes assistance in planning the wedding.  Not only will the person help with the planning, but on the day of, s/he will do the coordinating as well.  The Wedding Planner helps find vendors, helps research ideas, assists with DIY projects, gives the bride ideas, and anything else the bride needs in planning her big day... the wedding planner will help.  But the wedding planner does much more as the date nears.

However, b/c many brides have their own vision of their big day... they easily dismiss the idea of a wedding planner.

"I don't need a planner, i can plan it myself"

"Why should i spend money on something i can do myself?"

"I want to plan... its my wedding, its my day... i don't want to let someone else do it"

"etc"

However, I'm here to tell ya, the planner can go 150% into planning for the brides who don't want to think about lifting a finger let alone lift a finger... or they can go 100% and just assist with great ideas for planning and helping to guide the bride in certain directions, getting discounts - but not necessarily doing the planning herself. This is possible. My Wedding planner/coordinator (Paola) gives me great vendor leads that i research, that i negotiate with and that I work with. I get discounts b/c of Paola, but i get the satisfaction of making contact and creating contracts. Especially with long distance planning - it has been a perfect relationship!!!

A Day of or Month of coordinator in my mind are usually interchangeable.  Assisting in my own Day of duties, i know for sure that I can't start even contemplating doing "day of" without making contact with a bride at least 30 days before (if not earlier). A coordinator is the executor.  S/he takes all the planning that the bride & groom has done and executes it. She ensures that the event goes over flawlessly (or at least seem flawless) so that the bride can sit back and enjoy the masterpiece she has put together. The bride has gathered all the various characters for her wonderfully scripted play... but b/c she's the star of the show, she finds a coordinator to be the director... and trust me, this helps the bride & groom play their part of the star of the show without telling all the stagehands what they should be doing...

Some people think its something unnecessary... perhaps it is, if you have friends and family you can trust who can handle the various aspects of the day and make executive decisions according to your previously expressed desires... but it is a nice thing to have so all your guests can sit back and enjoy... and moreover, so that you and your new hubby can sit back and enjoy.

Both a planner and coordinator are not mandatory for a beautiful day... With or without, your day will be beautiful b/c... well its your day! I'm very risk adverse, so for me its kinda like insurance... a calming feeling comes over me knowing my ideas, my plans, my vision will be executed the way I want...

Have you decided on a planner? A coordinator? Or just using some friends and family to help out? What made you decide one way or another?

Fundraiser 4 TonyBoy

Please visit a blog we created for TonyBoy and feel free to forward this information on!!!

This is my Sister In Law's nephew. 

Stand By Me

“Tonyboy”

 On June 19th, 2009, Tonyboy was excited to be celebrating his 13th birthday when tragedy occurred.  During a visit to a friend’s house, he was “accidentally” shot in the head, changing his life forever.  Since the shooting, Tonyboy has been in a coma, fighting for his young life.  If you know Tonyboy, you know that he has a beautiful, infectious smile that can light up a room.  Tonyboy has such an incredible love for fishing & camping that you can’t help but smile while watching him. 

With your thoughts, prayers & warm wishes, Tonyboy continues to get better everyday.  His will to Live & Courage to keep fighting gives us all strength.  Although we know that times are tough, we are reaching out to the community to help ensure that he is able to get the proper rehabilitation & medical attention that will be necessary for his recovery.

On behalf of Tonyboy & his family, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Has Money got you down?

Not to put a damper on all the joys of wedding planning, but lately i've been feeling really stressed and tired. A lot of frustration coming from the economic situation and feeling a bit helpless. With the wedding six months away, i feel the purse strings tightening... and then i realize, wow... am i really one to complain? Then the guilt hits... and I realize, I'm still a lot better off than many people and have so much to be thankful for... yet i'd also like my moment of self pity where the stresses of money and family and life just come down on me like a ton of bricks...

Again... not to put a damper on all the joys of wedding planning (b/c it can be so much fun and full of happiness), but i just need to embrace reality for a second before i push it to the back of my head and feign like everything will be ok...

Excuse this temporary change of our regularly scheduled broadcast... me and my happy butt will be back tomorrow feeling a lot better :)

Thanks for understanding!

To Gocco or not to Gocco

I  came across a posting regarding DIY invitations and the GOCCO. Interested i kept reading on, and now i'm wondering - do i have it in me to GOCCO?

Check out Miss Lovebird's Final product

but am i creative enough and artistically enough inclined to do this right?

Probably not, but i can still admire those that do!

Check out

The teaser photo i posted from the Downtown DC Wedding on Weddzilla Blog from Ciao Bella Photos!

Best Real Wedding Blog Press Release

A Downtown DC Wedding

A colleague turned friend will be getting married today... as she says "i do"... I will leave you with a few fun pics from her bridal shower and bachelorette party that we had earlier this month... I'm very excited to be doing her "day of" and can't wait to share how wonderful her day is with ya soon! :)

The beautiful Bride at her bridal shower - pre Cake cutting

  

Bride at her bachelorette with DC's finest! 

 

Congratulations Janelle... i'm so super excited to be part of this big day!

Weekly Updates

Beau Coup Giveaway!

Ian Villacerean Photography

offering a special package for destination weddings (out of Chicago) of 2009 and 2010s if booked this year.
SPECIAL PACKAGE - $150
8 Hour Coverage
Online Proof Gallery
High Resolution Proof Disc
Engagement Session (if possible)
It is only $150 + Airfare. The couples are to provide the airfare, accommodations and signed release for future publishing. That's it! :-) You may email me or call at 847-454-6590.

USE VOYAGE.TV to help find facilities for your big day 
(or even help pick out your honey moon destination!)

Voyage.tv allows you to book your complete trip once you've watched and reviewed videos about all aspects of your hotel (e.g. rooms, facilities, design etc.) as well as restaurant, cultural visits, spas, shopping and many other activities at your destination, to avoid any disappointment or bad surprises for you and your guests.

Watch videos from Bermuda here: www.voyage.tv/bermuda-signature_programs.html

Here is a recap of all the things Voyage.tv offers:

- View HD videos as you research for a trip on various topics like spa, culture, food, activities and highlife

- Watch videos of all the hotels: visit of the rooms, facilities and services at a glance

- Read through the city guide with insider tips and advices from Voyage's resident editors

- Share content via SNS platform

- Book your trips around the world

- Benefit from the "25 Weekly Offers" for the various destinations

Currently, the focus of Voyage.tv is on Caribbean and Bermuda, with Vegas, Mexico, Hawaii, New York and Europe coming very soon.

Unique Flower Baskets

The Wedding Outlet offers a wide selection of flower baskets for your flower girl. Our categories include personalized flower baskets, small, medium and large flower baskets, unique flower baskets, and many colored baskets too!

There is no better way to grab the attention of your guests then having your flower girl carry one of these distinct baskets. Each so whimsical in their design, your sure to find a style that compliments your wedding theme. Add a hint of color with brightly colored silk flower petals.

(Top Left to Bottom Right)

Basic Baskets, Manhattan Flower Basket, Heart Flower Basket, Satin Flower Basket, Square Flower Basket, Tote Basket

Don’t forget to get your little lady a special gift as a thank you for participating in your wedding day. Choose from a great selection of t-shirts & hats, jewelry, tote bags, special keepsakes and more.

(Right to Left)
Flower Girl Bead Bracelet, Flower Girl Dress Up Tote, Silver Bracelet Gift Set

Also, The Wedding Outlet now ships to over 200 countries...

The Wedding Dress Series {Finale}

I'm not going to post any pictures since I don't know who will come upon this blog (mostly FH). And i'll preface this by saying... the dress looks so different on me than it does on the model... (in a good way).

I won't even describe it b/c FH really wants it to be a surprise.

FH - STAY AWAY!!!

So here is the link... ONLY CLiCK If you want to seen an image of my dress.

Enzoani Dakota Light Ivory
Enzoani Diana Belt (To wear during reception)

The dress was purchased at La Belle Boutique in NJ. Although i did try on the dress elsewhere, since FH is from NJ (and we're there often), I ordered it from this store.  They have been in business for a long time and Virginia (owner) was very nice. It also helped that the total price was about 800+ cheaper here than other stores; including the Diana Belt, any and all alterations and bustle... NO SALES TAX IN NJ on clothing too. :) Shopping around definitely helps, and can save more than just a pretty penny!

What about the dress made it different than the series of BEAUTIFUL dresses i fell in love with before?

1. It was lace. I love lace. I find it romantic, traditional, classic yet very unique.
2. Mermaid style - I had a booty. WOOHOOO.  Definitely made me feel bootylicious (Biggest concern, hopping up that 1.5 ft step at the ceremony site)
3. Sweetheart neckline - made my upper body seem smaller than it is. Minimized my problem area. HELLO - what can be better than that
4. I LOVED the way i felt in it. I tried it on twice at two different stores. I stared at it for countless hours. Since i was able to photograph myself in it at the first store, I was able to really have a good idea of not only how i felt in it but how i looked - that was definite incentive to buy this one over any other dress (STORES SHOULD LET YOU TAKE PHOTOS!)
5. Finding the dress for less than what i budgeted for (2500) and then for the great price i found it for by shopping around sealed the deal.
6. I do intend to wear it again. Stay tuned.. i'll be hosting a "wear your wedding dress after your wedding day" Party!!!

Stay tuned for veil talk :)

The Wedding Dress Series {Lessons Learned}

Before I unveil the dress i did pick, I wanted to go through some of the lessons I learned about dress shopping.  Giving a little background about myself and my self perception... the short story is this... i LOATHE showing my arms... I've always been top heavy, big arms, back fat, short neck, round shoulders, short limbs... and that in essence keeps me always covered on top.  So translate that into wedding dress shopping. It was straight fear. I waited about a year before i would even put a wedding dress on and had my mom come with me (flying from Cali) to be my moral support... she'd tell me straight and i wouldn't be hurt b/c i'm used to her telling me to diet LOL...

Ok, so with this background... here are the things I learned...

1. Your first dress experience should be somewhere that you get slightly pampered and catered to.  Go somewhere where the sales girl knows her stuff and knows body types - that TOTALLY HELPS!
2. Go to a lot of places... it's ok to shop around. Don't feel bad if you hit up a ton of stores - its totally fine.
3. The dress should flatter you in just the right places - and with so many dresses out there, go with a dress that works with the way your body is made... you will look gorgeous.
4. Look at price. Does it matter to you? Is the dress your splurge area? Would you rather go discount? Buy a dress that doesn't make you nervous to spend "that" much on it. Whether its discount, David's, nice salon, Kleinfeld's or Filene's... there is no wrong dress, when its YOUR dress.
5. Feel free to shop around. Different stores HAVE different premiums. Keep that in mind! Not all stores charge the same. It's ok to love a dress but not buy it at the first place you try it on. If you can find it for cheaper or to include better service... take it. The stores should cater to you, you are worth EVERY penny
6. If the Salon or the people who work there don't make you feel good about yourself (make you feel bad for wanting to spend less), I'd bounce. If they make you feel like they aren't genuine, I'd bounce... Go somewhere you trust and like. Just like any other vendor you book... a wedding salon will have to order your dress on time, get your alterations most likely and be someone you deal with again... follow your gut.
7. Do think about your future. Don't go with fads or trends ... UNLESS that reflects you... Are you trendy? (that's not a bad thing) or are you classic? Are you romantic? Are you wild? What best reflects who you are ...
8. Listen to those around you about if they do or don't like the dress, but ultimately remember, its about whether or not you love you IN that dress.
9. Take your time. Don't feel pressured, but also - make sure you are AWARE of the time restrictions that ordering a dress may take...
10. LOVE YOU in that dress. The way it makes YOU feel is the most important thing... so always remember that no matter what... there is NO WRONG DRESS... as long as you love yourself in that dress and you are happy!

The reason there are SO many dresses out there is because there are so many different unique and beautiful brides out there...

Any other brides/wives out there have wedding dress advice?

The Wedding Dress Series {Part 7}

Finally, we hit up a few stores in California... there were a few dresses that we liked in CA, but unfortunately, one store refused to write down the design and style for me... so from what i can remember, let me present the one dress i tried on, that I loved ... that i remembered the name of

 

Alvina Valenta

This dress is gorgeous. Different. Even with the straps and dual colors which i didn't think was my thing... but it totally was gorgeous!!! I loved it. 

I wish i could share the other two i really loved from this store. and i'm sad i can't recall exactly what they were...

So up to this point: Which dress was your favorite?

The Wedding Dress Series {Part 6}

These are the three more dresses that made finalist but that I did not end up going with...

 

Paloma Blanca Letitia

Oh, this dress was dreamy. the Lace. The emphasis on the waste... the scalloped trim. Simply Stunning.

Maggie Sottero's Paigely

I JUST LOVED THIS DRESS. It had pizazz. Assymetrical, lace overlay, sparklies,  and sweetheart neckline. We were going to add more tulle underneath so that it looked more like a mermaid and tighten/tuck the back... It was gorgeous. 

This dress was a super duper close 2nd. My mom was in love... in love I Tell you. The store we went to told me it was a special design and they couldn't send me a pic. but eventually the following pics hit all the mags in the last 3-4 months. 

 Allure Bridal 8605

Lace overlay just at the bottom, beautiful adornment at the waste to cinch it,  sweetheart neckline with an almost crumb catcher type top... we loved it. The only thing we didn't love was that the corset under was a little too thick and long and that the sewn line of the fabric ran down the dress very obviously.

But what my mom loved was this:

The back was simply stunning. Buttons all along the center of the back, the beautiful train with the lace overlay and a "V" back... just so gorgeous.

 

Due to the misinformation i was given, i didn't feel the need to return to this particular dress shop in NoVA... thus, ultimately i was led to a few shops in CA... (stay tuned, we're almost done!)

Origins of a Bridal Party

The wedding party

"the original duty of a "Best Man" was to serve as armed backup for the groom in case he had to resort to kidnapping his intended bride away from disapproving parents. The "best" part of that title refers to his skill with a sword, should the need arise. (You wouldn't want to take the "just okay" member of your weapon-wielding posse with you to steal yourself a wife, would you?)

The best man stands guard next to the groom right up through the exchange of vows (and later, outside the newlyweds' bedroom door), just in case anyone should attack or if a non-acquiescent bride should try to make a run for it.

It's said that feisty groups like the Huns, Goths and Visigoths took so many brides by force that they kept a cache of weapons stored beneath the floorboards of churches for convenience. Modern-day best men are more likely to store an emergency six-pack at the ceremony for convenience, but the title remains an apt one...

Historically, that dress you'll never wear again was actually selected with the purpose of tricking the eye of evil spirits and jealous ex-lovers (spicy!). Brides' faithful attendants were instructed to wear a dress similar to that of the bride so that during their group stroll to the church it would be hard for any ill-willed spirits or former boy-toys to spot the bride and curse/kidnap/throw rocks at her. (Ditto for the boys in matching penguin suits, saving the groom from a similar fate.)

SO is getting married so bad that evil spirits try take over your body? I'm starting to get concerned!

Love Her Hair

I love Mrs. Caramel's Hair in her trial run that she posted in her "Last Minute Hair Trial Blog" (Click the blog for more pictures)...

Week's Update

Wanna win free shot glasses?

Join this facebook group page to win!

Interested in photography? Have a photo to share? 

Enter this contest where you upload a wedding photo by August 16th to win either a great new camera or flat screen tv... Each week the theme changes, this week is wedding and then change weekly to ‘Great American Roadtrip’, then to ‘Vacations for Two’ and finally to ‘Food Creations’.  You can enter once daily for four weeks, and every week one winner will be selected. If you’re interested in participating click HERE!

Check out Prairie NY today for Bridal party dresses... see their blog or their 2009 collection! It's some really cute and original stuff!

Live in DC area? Need dance lessons? There is a Dance workshop on August 24th at the Montclair Country Club... contact Susan LeBron of The Social Dancer (352-359-0975) If you are interested!

The Wedding Dress Series {Part 5}

This particular visit happened at a cute little store in Central NJ called Cinderella Bridal. My FSIL had found her dress here, so we had high hopes that I would also find something... And funny enough, we did find something, just not for me... The dress that made my top two, ended up finding a home with the girl who was also trying on a dress in the dressing room. She saw me try it on, and then she tried it on, and she looked FABULOUS!

 

Private Label by G (Image courtesy of Best bridal Prices)

The dress was very beautiful on. It had just enough adornment and sparkle...there was lace and the side rouching... The one thing i did not like was the corset back and that is because it is so hard to tie. But other than that - the dress was beautiful.

Casablanca (Image courtesy of Best Bridal Prices)

This dress was simple yet very pretty. the rouching was slimming... but for me. it was a little too simple. Although i did love it on

OMG... so far that's 9 dresses right? Are we done yet? LOL

Annapolis Wedding Teaser Photos

Check them out on weddzilla blog... just a few ... but he'll be sending me more soon! Thanks to Thomas Graves for being an amazing photographer and super on the ball about sending me some teaser images!

The Wedding Dress Series {Part 4}

This was my dress trip to David's. And I know many of you may bash David's and others may like it... i found that the experience depends on your sales person... and that particular day, Our sales person was awesome.

I walked away liking one dress:

Oleg Cassini at David's Bridal

Overall, the dress was exactly what i wanted. Modified Sweetheart, fitted through the waist, and flare at the bottom... i love lace and i love a bit of adornment... However, b/c i couldn't try on the right size... and all i could do was exchange if i didn't like the dress... i had a hard time saying I'd commit....

The Wedding Dress Series {Part 3}

So my next step was another awesome Salon in Georgetown - Carine's Atelier.

The top two contenders at this salon were:

Monique Lhullier Clementine

This dress was so beautiful. I felt like a princess. The drapery falling from top to bottom also elongated me to make me appear taller than i am (since i've got such short legs). I was opting to wear this without the bolero, but it was a nice option

Melissa Sweet Saffron

OH, I loved this dress. The lace overlay and the mermaid style dress was so flattering. It was simply stunning and so soft and light...

So, are you noticing a pattern yet??? Yup, that's it... i love too many dresses & this is only dress store #3, there were many many more....

Which one of these two do you like? What about of the overall six dresses?

The Wedding Dress Series {Part 2}

Terri Lynn Bridal Contenders:

Cymbeline Paris

Gorgeous mermaid style dress with lace and a bunch of tulle... i really love the dress without the neck adornment. I loved the lace and how modern the dress was.

Paloma Picasa #3860

This dress is gorgeous. Simply Gorgeous. But for me... It is beautiful, but i didn't feel that it make me feel like me...

Vote for Kota

He made it to round 2... isn't his puppy pic so cute?

The Wedding Dress Series {Part 1}

Although this isn't the actual start of the wedding dress search series (see my various shopping experiences that i've posted about thus far - Hitched Salon, Terri Lynn's Bridal, Carrine's Atelier, Filene's and David's Bridal and also my post about Ulla-Maija Designs), Now that I have ordered my dress ... I can start to share the various dresses that I fell in love with along the way to find "my perfect" dress.

One thing i learned through this process of dress shopping is this: There are sooooo many dresses out there. The reason? Because there are so many different tastes and different body types. I think the most important thing is how the bride feels in the dress. And this is so personal. Going through the various salons I went to and the dresses that I've tried on - the only reason I ended up with the dress I chose was not b/c something was "wrong" with any of the other dresses, but rather... I loved all these dresses, but i had to choose the one that made me feel the happiest!

So after my first dress shopping experience at the amazing Hitched Salon in Georgetown... the first two contendors on this journey were:

 

Ulla Maija Anouk

A beautiful stunning dress that just draped perfectly. The material was just gorgeous and I felt beautiful in this dress

 

Ulla Maija Cendrillon

A little more romantic and flowey, but i loved the way it cinched my waist. 

Beautiful Wedding in Annapolis

For a very very dear friend of mine... Expect a wedding review shortly...

Bride's Train is 1.2 miles LONG!

Did y'all see this... it's a sweet gesture, but man, that's a long train... Here's the view, they say it took "guests more than three hours to roll out" (Click here for the article)

 

Aerial image from USA Today's post

Check out My Post at Truly Engaging

Be sure to check out my post at Truly Engaging about my Wedding Save the Dates!!! :)

7 month Countdown

Today is The 7 month mark.

Today i sent out 90% of our beautiful STD's... have you seen them?

Today... I ordered my wedding dress!!!!!!!!!

More to come... stay tuned!

Brideline's Post: Cost of being your friend!

I just had to share this awesome post by the ladies at Bridelines Blog! If you haven't been there, the site is awesome and helps wedding planning not just for brides but for bridal party and guests. It also helps to keep brides in check when sometimes the thought of "My big Day" may cross boundaries into "My Bridezilla Day" - which is something we (as brides) want to avoid.

I think after reading this, you realize that as a bride, there are certain things you can do (or not do) to help your bridal party out.

The Cost of Being Your Best Friend

Whoever said that watching your best friend marry the man of her dreams is “priceless” was definitely not a bridesmaid.

A bridesmaid’s role is to be the emotional rock for the bride and along with that, bridesmaids are expected to attend every wedding event, irrespective of cost.

Brides...we know your big day has been planned since age 6 when the only important bank was your piggy bank, but times have changed and your friends are not recession proof. In case you haven’t thought about bridesmaid's costs (of course you haven’t, you are too busy worrying about squeezing that money out of your father’s wallet for the dress/flowers/tablecloths of your dreams), we are here to share the financial burdens your best friends will endure.

Engagement Gift: $50
Brideliners say: In a recession, if you don’t have party, don’t expect tons of gifts. As your best friends, we will get you a thoughtful gift. Wine tasting? Scuba lessons? Dance lessons?

Dress: $300
Brideliners say: Please choose a color and cut we can wear again. No, not the color that has been your favorite since you were playing with Barbies. That color is for your flowers. The color of the bridesmaid dress is a color we can wear again…of course unless you pay!

Alterations: $80
Brideliners say: Choose a dress that comes in “typical store” sizes. Less alterations the better.

Shoes: $70
Brideliners say: Pick a solid color and a simple style/fabric we might already have in our closet. If the dress is long and you won’t see the shoe…who cares, let us wear flip flops!

Strapless bra/Spanx or Other Contraptions: $40
Brideliners say: Making us buy a contraption created to hide side fat, fix lopsided boobs or show cleavage is an added cost that we may never wear again. It might make us feel self-conscious or maybe we our proud of our not-so-perfect curves! Find a dress where these aren’t necessary!

Bridal Shower Gift: $50
Brideliners say: This is part of the wedding rules – we know, we know.

Destination Bachelorette Party:
Flight to Mexico, Miami, etc: $300
Dinner 2 nights: $160
Drinks at a club 2 nights: $100
Decorations and Bridal Games: $20
Brideliners say: We love you and we love dancing on bars, but ouch…our poor bank accounts!

Home Town Bach Party: $150
Brideliners say: Reasonable for a dinner and a fun night out with the girls.

Hair: $80
Brideliners say: Brides, make sure your bridesmaids don’t feel pressured to get their hair done. We all want to have pretty curls when we are walking down the aisle, but sometimes we just can't afford it.

Make-up/Eye Lashes: $70
Brideliners say: Same as above. We don’t want to be the only bridesmaid without the eye-lashes or pretty lip gloss. An idea is to treat us by paying for makeup (or a wedding day hair style) for our bridesmaid gift! We will greatly appreciate it.

Spray Tanning: $40
Brideliners say: Some of us are pale. Get over it!

Wedding Gift: $250
Brideliners say: Without a plus 1, maybe $100, but since you’re our best friend, we upped the amount. Also, because when its our turn, you will give us the same back!

**These costs don’t include travel money for out-of-town weddings, costs for contributing to bridal showers as well as other extras.**

Now, there are no strict obligations to pay all these costs, but as your bridesmaids, it is expected that we participate in all events. Many bridezillas get angry at their bridesmaids for not attending every single thing and the last thing we want to do is get on your bad side during this process. Ultimately of course, it is not about the cost, but sharing these special times with your best friend.

However brides…just stop and think about it next time you are debating asking your bridesmaids to buy special shoes/jewelry or get a spray tan, it costs over $1,000 to be your best friend.

Quick Delivery Save the Dates

They arrived on Friday... yeah. Seriously. THAT QUICKLY!

Talk about service....

 

  

Now to start addressing them and getting them to their new homes :)

Monday, Funday!

Check out my post on Weddzilla about our SS Weddzilla Sail Away Day!!!

JCPenney Registry Review

As most of my readers know, I live our nation's capital Washington, DC.  Many people in this area don't have cars and survive mostly on public transportation. Although, i'm a city-girl by definition, i definitely feel more like a country girl stuck in the city. I'm originally from Orange County, CA (suburbs of LA) which is a little more city than country but definitely not as urban as Los Angeles. I then lived in Bloomington, Indiana for three years and absolutely loved it. I should have known i'm a country girl at heart b/c even my college and grad school years were spent in a small area east of LA called the Claremont Colleges... I loved the quaint village type feeling of Claremont but didn't know it was more than that. Then when i got to Bloomington, I realized... "I LOVE quiet, laid back, relaxed and quaint...." I do... Alas, now... I live in the city or the "district" as FH calls it. We have a car and visit his family at least once a month in NJ. So we do get out of the city and i get that open air feeling...

So i'm sure you are thinking what does this have to do with weddings and registries?  Remember back when I first approached the registry issue and my wedding? Well, seeing as lately, I've had a hard time leaving my condo for anything but grocery shopping and dog walking (even my gym is in my building)... and I've been spending so much time on the internet, I thought, "I'd love to see how "city-life" and "country-life" friendly the JCPenney Registry is."  So from start up to purchase, I'm exploring the JCPenney registry all through the wonders of the World Wide Web.  And JCPenney is helping me, since they are giving me some funds to even try the check out process. Both extremes of "city-life" and "country-life" can make going to "the mall" an arduous task ... or even buying big items. So online shopping can prove essential for any couple who face this problem.

1. Creating the Registry online (Create a Registry)
Super simple. This was the simplest task from merely filling out the proper information in the form. Took 5 minutes. Was Easy to do - even for the internet challenged since it takes you through a step by step process.

2. Adding items to the Registry
The actual process of adding items is very easy. Picking out things I want on my registry - VERY Difficult. There was a lot of variety and things to choose from - houseware to shoes, flatware to jewelry... i mean JCPenney's has it all, so what's off limit?

3. Editing the Registry (Update your registry)
This was not difficult. You just had to enter your information, enter your password and you can edit quantity, items, add/delete items... Very user friendly

4. Finding someone's registry
Finding someone's registry is super easy. Click on gifts and registries. Then simply put in their name. Then if there is more than one choice, you look at date and/or location to figure out which registry is the one you are looking for. It easily states which items are on the registry, how many wanted, price and also if any were purchased!

5. Purchasing off someone's registry
It's as simple as adding it to cart. You can add coupons and use free shipping. You can pay with credit card and even gift cards... it's UBER EASY!

Overall, I'd have to say... for anybody who's like FH (he hates malls, department stores and shopping period), or if you are city-city girl with no car, or no easy access to a mall OR a country country girl where hitting up the local mall may take more effort than you are willing to give... that doesn't mean you can't create, edit, access, and/or purchase off a registry at JCPenney's...

and a few other perks:
* FREE wedding organizer (up to a $40 value) – great for those on a tight budget that can’t afford a wedding planner!
* FREE wedding Website and planning tools on OurWeddingDay.com/JCPenney ($100 for brides not registered with JCPenney)
* FREE 8x10 engagement portrait with JCPenney Portrait Studio (photographers can charge anywhere from $150 upwards for an engagement photo)
* 50% off gown preservation package at BridalKare (I know people that have paid up to $300 for their wedding gown to be cleaned and persevered!)

Now for the hard part... I wonder how long it'll take for those santoku knives to get here! :)