Wedding Comfort – Why Shouldn’t You Be Comfortable On Your Wedding Day?

Weddings, are, of course, a magical time of joy and beauty.   They are also a time of mind-numbing fear and anxiety – not that the decision could be wrong, but that something could GO wrong.  Will the flowers be right?  Will the flower girl throw a tantrum?  Will the best man get schnockered and talk about that weekend in Thailand with your groom-to-be?  There is an awful lot to think about.

One thing you shouldn’t have to think about is how YOU feel on your special day.  Sure, it is the most important day of your life.  Of course, it is the day you want to look more beautiful than any other day.  The thing is, it’s also a very long day, and you should take certain precautions so that nothing distracts you from being your radiant, beautiful, happy self.   Here are some practical suggestions that other people might be too tactful to share with you.

photo by Inchka

The Shoes.  You shoes should certainly be the shoes of your dreams.  Princess Shoes.  Fairy Princess Shoes.  Shoes that make your feet feel light as air.  Shoes that do not cause permanent toe damage.  Shoes that won’t make you snap at your elderly relatives.  There is a line between comfort and fashion.  We all know that.  Trust me when I tell you that you will enjoy your special day so much more if your feet aren’t killing you.  Just say no to foot torture devices.

photo by Susan_1981

Allow me to mention the subject of your unmentionables.  Of course you want to be pretty from head to toe on your wedding day.   Of course you should wear underwear that makes you feel pretty.  You should not wear underwear that will cause you to dance prematurely up the aisle.  I doubt very seriously that you want a shot of you picking a wedgie in your photo album.  Nor do you want your maid of honor’s duty to include reattaching your stocking to your garter.  Have a test run of your wedding skivvies – if not the actual pieces then very similar or identical – so that you can be sure it will be comfy and stay put during your nuptials.

Follow these words of advice, from me, Wedding Gal’s trusted and beloved Cousin Betty.  I’ve been to too many weddings (and a part of too many weddings) to steer you wrong.

Comfort includes your wedding ring, right?

What Not To Do The Night Before Your Wedding

Out here in Internetland you’ll find all sorts of advice on how to prepare for your wedding.  What beauty regimen to follow, what rules of conduct are important, and even how to mentally and physically prepare yourself for the big day.  What people don’t want to cover is what NOT to do the night or day before your wedding.  My cousin, Wedding Gal, doesn’t want you to think about such unpleasant things the day before you walk down the aisle.  Aren’t you lucky I hijack her blog every now and again?

Rule #1:  Don’t.  I repeat DO NOT get your eyebrows waxed or attempt to wax your own eyebrows the day before your wedding.  Don’t do it.  I’m serious.

photo by ladybug_3777

Do this, and any other drastic hair removal, a good week before the big day.  If you have a straggler or two, remove them CAREFULLY with tweezers.  If you forget altogether (like I did), for all that is sacred and holy LET YOUR BROWS BE BUSHY.  Do not try to tweeze off a few months worth of eyebrow growth the day before the wedding and DON’T wax or even go to a salon to get waxed.  Trust me, a few stray eyebrow hairs beats the heck out of burned eyelids, bumpy forehead, or, in extreme cases, the loss of a part of your eyebrow.

Same goes for leg waxing, bikini waxing, getting a haircut, changing your hair color, getting a spray tan, getting a facial, exfoliating vigorously, and any type of plastic surgery.  Don’t go all crazy and end up looking like a freakazoid in your wedding pictures.  You’ll thank me for this one day.

Rule #2:  Don’t get plastered.  Don’t get drizzunk.  Don’t get hammered.  Trust me.

photo by chairman moneko

It’s natural to feel nervous about your big day.  A lot of folks calm their nerves with a drink or two.  A drink or two is just fine.  A drink or twelve is not.  Not only does getting drunk the night before your wedding lead to things like drunk dialing, vomiting, bad decisions and hangovers, it also dehydrates your body, making you look all bloated and puffy the next day.  So even if you think you can keep your head about you, think about how your head will look the next day with puffy, bloodshot eyes and bad breath.  Don’t do it.

Rule #3:  Don’t sleep with the best man, your friend from high school, your ex boyfriend, your second cousin (ew!) or anybody you don’t plan to walk down the aisle with the next day.

photo by Pere Nadal

It happens all the time in movies.  It’s the person’s “last night of freedom” and they decide to have a “final hurrah” before the big day.  Notice that in movies it never works out in the favor of the people who are getting married.  There’s a reason for that.  If you’re inclined to do it with somebody else, you shouldn’t be getting married.  No matter how badly you broke Rule #2.  Keep it in your pants until the honeymoon.

There.  Don’t you feel better now that you have some guidelines?  Here are a few more.  Also do not:

• Eat Taco Bell
• Borrow a large sum of money (it’s bad to start a marriage with debt)
• Gamble your honeymoon money away
• Decide to confess all your dirty secrets to your fiance (you should have done that months ago, yo)
• Go do “Amateur Night” at the local strip joint
• Do hallucinogenic drugs
• Kill anybody
• Drag race
• Skydive
• Swim with sharks

Common sense is key in any situation.  If you don’t have any of your own, you can borrow mine.  If you have any doubt about what you should or should not do before your wedding, leave a comment and I’ll answer it.  Hey, I’m a people person!

And don’t wait to get the ring the night before, see the engagement ring experts at DanforthDiamond.com.

Creative Wedding Favors

The wedding favours were little figurines that were boxed as matching pairs. Chad found an amusing way of playing with these little bubble bottoms; using them to head butt each other. We found 2 minutes of pleasure in this.

To a new bride and groom, wedding guests are special. Each guest has been painstakingly selected based on love, friendship, family dynamics and ‘other reasons’ that maybe only the marrying couple is aware of. For the invited guests, a memento or two can be a nice reminder of that special day.

Matchbook covers, candies, as well as other traditional items have been offered in the past; and brides often spend hours and hours poring over magazines and then selecting large quantities of these trinkets…usually out of exasperation, and then quickly start placing orders without a moment’s hesitation. Why? Well…because it is expected of them. Many of the items, although cute…can be quite useless; and many end up in boxes and junk drawers. Over the last few years, the selections have changed considerably, and there are quite a number of different types of wedding favors to choose from these days.

For example: Wine stoppers, small digital clocks, personalized golf balls, miniature manicure sets, sewing kits, coasters, and book marks can be wonderful alternatives to candy and salt shakers. These items can be selected based on budget, and then personalized and packaged in ways that fit in beautifully with the wedding’s theme and personalities of the bride and groom.

Many of these gifts, although high-tech, can be surprisingly inexpensive. Mercifully, items of more practical use can now be given to the honored guests. Please keep in mind: Wedding favors are usually different than bridal shower favors, in that they are less “frou-frou”, and have a much broader guest appeal. This ultimately requires that a wedding couple recognize the difference between them; and make their selections accordingly. And so, if enough thought is given to choosing of your special wedding favors; your guests can be both…grateful , as well as delighted!

Article from DanforthDiamond, providing wedding rings and eco-friendly jewelry. Source for wedding favors.

Photo by Sifu Renka

“I Do” or Don’t Wear a Wedding Veil

Wedding veils are a hot topic these days. Brides of your mother’s time can remember the moment when their groom would lift their veil to reveal their face for the first time as a married woman to have that kiss as man and wife. Some contemporary brides are choosing to say “I don’t” when it comes to a wedding veil. Others are adding wedding veils to their bridal ensemble to look more beautiful than ever.

Brides who wear wedding veils can count on them for a dramatic look. This is one of the biggest arguments bride-to-be’s make when it comes to staying contemporary and selecting a wedding veil. These brides will say their wedding veil is a true showstopper look and going without it makes their bridal ensemble look “incomplete.”

But brides who choose to go without a veil can often get a stunning look with other accessories. A rhinestone or gemstone tiara for example, glitters and shines and is an ideal accent. A headdress created from fresh flowers is a beautiful look that doesn’t have to be limited to Spring or Summer weddings. Talk to your florist about creating a lovely Winter or Fall themed bridal headdress. Wraps such as faux or real fur are another attention grabber at a wedding that can make guests completely forget you are veil-less.

For many contemporary brides the choice to wear a veil is not simply about fashion – it is a traditional choice. These brides remember being little girls playing “bride” with their pillowcases and looking at Mommy’s picture in her wedding dress with her lovely veil. The veil to them means “bride” in every sense of the word. To not have a veil would be missing out on something very special. This bride puts on her wedding veil with her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother in her heart on her wedding day.

But other brides don’t like some of the old wedding traditions and want to be seen as a completely contemporary bride. They see wearing a wedding veil as putting themselves in a traditional mold they long to break out of. This contemporary bride may not even wear a classic white wedding dress or have a unique wedding bouquet of wildflowers or other flowers not usually seen. The contemporary bride of today has many more choices than her mother or grandmother. She chooses to exercise these choices in every way – especially when it comes to her wedding veil.

Many know that the wedding veil traditionally covers the bride’s face. This custom comes from the times when many couples did not actually meet until their wedding day. As hard or unusual as this may seem to so many of us, these weddings happened all the time. Some wonder if the wedding veil was meant to mask the bride – it was more meant to reveal her face to her husband as a new bride at that very moment – just to his eyes.

Whether you choose to keep the wedding veil or to go veil-less, know that you will be a beautiful bride on your wedding day!

Photo by aprillynn77

Wedding White

White is white…right?  Wrong!  Any woman in search of that perfect wedding gown will be the first to tell you that she has discovered otherwise.  After waltzing into her local bridal shop;  and being faced with row upon row of gorgeous white wedding dresses, many a bride, has been shocked to discover that there are countless shades of white…There are : creamy whites, eggshell whites, brilliant whites, white whites,  blue whites; as well as other hues of white that she may never have dreamed of! For many, this has been a rude awakening, and an unexpected ‘punch’!

With all of these shades of white around, how do you decide which is the right one for you?   A good place to start would be with your own skin tone.  The shade you select, should be one that is best for you.  First of all, you will need to know whether your skin tone is either cool, warm or olive.  Experts tell us that if your skin tone is ‘cool’, bright white is often the right choice; as its blue undertone very easily complements this particular skin type.   If your skin tone is ‘warm’,  because of its creaminess, a soft, ivory shade may be the one for you.  Olive toned skin requires a  not-so-stark ’white’ that is on the deeper end of the spectrum.  Ecru and antique white can often show off a skin tone of this type to its best advantage.

While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to selecting the gown of your choice, it is nice to know that there are resources available to assist you in choosing one that will help you to look your best on your very special day.

Additional Source: EisemanColorBlog.com

Bad Daughter/Dad Wedding Dance Songs

photo by by Corrie…

Okay, y’all.  Let’s have a little talk about the first dance with your dad.  Call it the Father/Daughter Dance, the Daddy/Daughter Dance, The Give The Bride Away Dance, whatever.  There are songs that are just PERFECT for this particular part of the most special day of your life, and then there are songs that you should absolutely, no matter what, stay away from.

Obviously, if you have a special song that you used to dance to with your daddy – your little socked feet atop his shiny shoes – by all means pick that one.  We’ll assume since it’s a song you danced to when you were a wee thing that it’s most likely family-appropriate.  It doesn’t necessarily have to have anything to do with dads, daughters, or dancing, but if it’s special to you and your Pops, that’s all that matters.  If you’re stumped, go with a song about a good relationship between a dad and a daughter, like “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder or “Gracie” by Ben Folds Five.

Here is a short list I’ve compiled of songs you shouldn’t under any circumstances dance with your dad to at your wedding:

Father Figure by George Michael
I Want Your Sex by George Michael
Actually, stay away from almost every song by George Michael
White Wedding by Billy Idol
Let’s Get It On by Marvin Gaye
Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye
Come to think of it, stay away from Marvin Gaye, too.  His dad did shoot him to death, after all.  Bad mojo.
Squeezebox by The Who
Gold Digger by Kanye West (who would undoubtedly jump out from behind the curtains and tell you that the girl who got married there before you danced with her dad better)
Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen
Like a Virgin by Madonna
Justify My Love by Madonna
Brickhouse by The Commodores
You Sexy Thing by Hot Chocolate
Private Dancer by Tina Turner
Thank Heaven for Little Girls by Maurice Chevalier (trust me, it’s creepy)
Papa Can You Hear Me by Babs (from Yentil – sad song, don’t do it)
Tears In Heaven (about death, dig?  don’t do it)
AND
Push It by Salt n’ Pepa

If you can think of more no-no songs, post a comment below.  If you want to fight for one of these tunes, do the same!

Why Wedding Reception Invitations?

Wedding invitations and wedding speeches are important part of the planning, however they can have different style and type just like fall wedding invitations.
Why are wedding reception invitations different from the wedding invitations as such? The arrangement doesn’t suit everybody due to the higher costs that it involves. It seems that if the wedding ceremony and the party occur in the same place, wedding reception invitations are not necessary. On the other hand, if the party is held somewhere else, then separate cards are sent.

Wedding reception invitations give guests a good idea about where they need to go, and they are normally mailed together with the wedding invitations but on separate cards. Moreover, it is also necessary to add a response card in the envelope so that the guests may confirm their participation. Such a detail is very important given the fact that you need to make arrangements with the caterers for the party, and you have to know how much food and drink to order.

In special cases, the ceremony is organized in a very quiet and simple mode, while the reception takes place at a later time when all the friends and family members join the couple. Wedding reception invitations are meant to provide all the necessary details. Consequently, you will send more wedding reception invitations than wedding invitations.

Then, it is good to know that the wedding and the reception invitations have to follow the same decorative line although they are designed in a different way. Use common elements for uniformity, but also distinctive patterns to allow a differentiation between the two types of invitations. You can use the same envelope for mailing but with different pockets, and, for the reception, you should not forget to add the response card too.

Do not overlook costs: you will pay more when you have separate wedding reception invitations because the number of items will be double. There are ways to cope with the money challenge if you buy discounted cards or if you choose the do-it-yourself solution, printing all the cards starting from distinct free templates. When the budget is very tight, be as inventive as you can to keep costs minimum and to achieve good aesthetic effects and a positive feedback from your guests.

Pearls: The Ideal Wedding Gemstone

Many brides put on their mother’s or grandmother’s pearl necklace for their wedding, thinking this is a sweet sentiment. But the meaning behind pearl necklaces is just as thoughtful and special to a bride-to-be. We’d like to share it with you now – so you understand exactly why women for centuries have chosen pearls as their wedding jewelry of choice giving them as much importance as their engagement rings.

Most of you surely have noticed the pearl, lustrous, white and smooth. They have been considered precious by men and women for centuries – some might even say as valuable as diamonds. Pearls represent innocence and purity, ideal for a bride to wear for her wedding day. The most popular color for pearls is white. Pearls have a beautiful, shining luster to compliment a bride’s love light in her eyes and her traditional white wedding dress. The radiant glow of the pearl easily reflects back the bride’s natural beauty. These natural gems are an ideal choice for brides of all ages and personal tastes and styles. What if the bride isn’t wearing white? Not to worry….pearls are available in a variety of colors now from deep purple, soft pink, gold and even black. The very fussiest of brides can be soothed and pleased with a feminine, pretty pearl necklace to suit her wedding day dress.

Pearls are also available in many different styles of jewelry, from necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. Go for a truly luxuriant look with a three-strand choker on your wedding day. Or tiny seed pearls in seven or eight strands for a feminine look. Or a classic single strand pearl necklace in white or ivory. These pearl jewelry styles easily compliment many wedding dress looks.

To obtain pearls, one needs to find them from oyster shells. Some have said that pearls were created from raindrops falling from the heavens. Very romantic thoughts indeed! But we have to admit there is certainly something romantic about the very act of finding pearls. You have to search to find just the “right” oyster and not every oyster will have that pearl. Just like finding your lovely bride – pearls are selective and special. The perfect way to show the woman you love that you’ve found someone you truly want to keep forever.

The pearl is a romantic gem and often is given as a token of love. For many years the pearl was considered to be the most valuable of gemstones. To give or receive pearls showed the value of a relationship. One’s bride is valuable and precious indeed.

So as you put on your pearl necklace like your grandmother and her grandmother before her, remember the romantic pearl’s history. This sweet sentimental gem is honored to be with you on your wedding day!

Source: http://crystal-cure.com/pearl.html

Upgrade your honeymoon: Get free perks on your honeymoon

After the hectic pace of wedding planning and the actual event itself, it’s no wonder that newly married couples are eager to take time for just the two of them on their honeymoons. Many newlyweds look forward to splurging on a bit of luxury, relaxation and T.L.C., but the budget isn’t always there to pay for V.I.P. treatment. Getting free upgrades and perks on your honeymoon is not guaranteed, but hopefully with these tips, brides and grooms can score a few getaway extras.

Find honeymoon-friendly service providers
When honeymoon planning, research to find out what accommodations in your preferred area (and airlines that service those cities) have either a history of treating honeymooners or a dedication to providing high-quality customer service. Use travel review websites, speak to your friends and family or chat with a travel agent.

Show your loyalty
Airlines, hotels and restaurants like to get repeat customers by developing loyalty through frequent flyer programs and membership systems. If you don’t already belong to them, you should sign up (they’re usually free). The hospitality industry is geared toward pleasing individuals that show an interest in becoming long-term customers, and members of their programs tend to get front-of-the-line service. Always remember to reference your relevant membership numbers when completing your honeymoon bookings.

Bring it up at booking
Mention your trip is a honeymoon as you make your reservations. Many online booking forms have a field that asks if you have any special requests. This would be the place to make one. If there is anything specific you would like for your romantic getaway (i.e.: a certain view from your hotel room, a spa treatment at the resort), say so. It’s your best bet to make these requests early.

Use your charm
When a couple is genuinely happy and enjoying each other’s company, people will ask if they’re celebrating a special occasion. It is natural for you to mentioning that you are on your honeymoon. It’s a great opportunity for brides and grooms who aren’t very comfortable asking for free upgrades to bring up the subject.

Try to be positive and not pushy when you do ask about potential upgrades. Show that you do understand the limitations and that you can handle the rejection without giving any attitude. Often if you’ve been courteous, non-demanding and friendly with hospitality staff, they’ll try to give you the next best thing to an upgrade during your vacation or trip. While it might not be a first-class ticket, some free bubbly, a welcome package or some other perk are certainly better than nothing at all.

Make sure you bring proof… Better yet, wear it..!
It is common practise, especially for hotels to make sure that people asking for honeymoon upgrades, are actually honeymooners by asking for proof. Remember to bring a copy of your wedding license with you just in case it’s requested.

Some couples have had luck in getting honeymoon perks without having to outright ask by wearing “Bride”, “Groom” or “Newlywed” hats or T-shirts. Observant airline attendants have been known to bring complimentary champagne or wine to honeymooners when they notice they’re onboard. This is perfect for people that aren’t confident in making special requests – you can let your gear do all your talking for you.

Asking the right people
Besides letting people know about your newlywed status at the time of booking your trip, the following individuals can also provide some sway on your stay when you mention you’re honeymooning:

• Airport ticket agent:  If a class upgrade isn’t possible, see if you can get better seats (window or roomier emergency aisle) within the same section. However, don’t press the issue – the ticket agent likely has a long line to deal with and not much room to wiggle in.

• Gate agent: The gate agent at the airport has the most influence when it comes to moving passengers from economy to business or first class. When you arrive at your gate, ask the agent if there’s any room on your flight for some seat shuffling. Be kind, understanding, patient and flexible. If you’re lucky, they’ll call you over just before boarding to give you some good news.

• Airline attendant: After everyone’s boarded, ask if it would be possible for you and your new husband to enjoy any unoccupied first-class seats. Due to regulations, this isn’t always possible, but if you’ve asked nicely (and handled the rejection well!), you’ll often find that airline attendants can give you a little something extra (like a congratulatory drink!).

• Hotel front desk: When you booked your trip, the hotel or resort should have noted your honeymoon status and hopefully already put an upgrade request in place. In any case, when you arrive, do mention it to front desk. The check-in attendants can see if there are last-minute upgrades that can be arranged. Mention the things that interest you such as a beach view, a larger suite, late checkout, free excursions or a complimentary breakfast and so on. If they know what would make you happy, if it is available, and if you’ve been pleasant, they’re usually all too glad to make it so.

• Waiter/ Waitress: if you mention that you are on your honeymoon, a free dessert, a bottle of wine or champagne could be on the house. When you leave, don’t forget to thank your waiter or waitress and leave a nice tip if you are honeymooning in North America!).

Be thankful
If you receive special service on your honeymoon, be sure to thank those who give it to you – during and after your trip. Positive, grateful remarks stand out among hospitality staff and you may be surprised how many of those get logged officially. You could get the royal treatment on your return visit if you are lucky!

Make sure you do enjoy your honeymoon regardless of the perks and upgrades you may or may not get. It’s your first vacation as husband and wife and should be treasured.

Click here more more artilces on Honeymoon Destinations in NZ

All You Need to Know about Picking Top Wedding Dance Songs

There are a lot of aspects to plan when it comes to your wedding, but the reception is one of the most important. Dancing is perhaps going to be a big part of your reception. After all, the cake has been cut, the ceremony is over, and it’s time that everyone gets the possibility to party. Of course, you’ll want to pick some awesome wedding dance songs to dance to during this part of the reception.

When it comes to wedding dance songs, you’ll want to choose a tune for the first dance with the groom. You also require a song for the father and daughter dance as well as a appropriate song for the dance between mom and son. These are all vital dances, but when they are finished, you may be wondering what you should play for your guests to dance to.

If you are going to select wedding dance songs, there are a number of different aspects that you need to hold in mind when picking the most appropriate songs to keep the party going. First of all, you should make sure that you pick out a lot of different music so the older guests as well as the younger guests will find something that they prefer. When you choose out a variety of different songs, everyone will probably find something to their taste.

You surely want to avoid songs about ex-partners, having your heart broken, or going with a breakup. Make sure that you do not pick out wedding dance songs that anyone will find offensive as well. You do not want to upset them, but you do want to select out some fun songs so everyone will get out there and have fun dancing.

Some brides are a little afraid of selecting cheesy wedding dance songs. Well, that’s all right. It’s your wedding, and it is totally all right to go with songs that may be a bit on the sappy side. Nobody will have a problem with these songs. Just don’t make them all cheesy.

It’s a great idea to pick some wedding dance songs that really make you get up and dance. You see, the tunes that no one can hear and sit still. There are a variety of great songs out there that are sure to get everyone dancing. Some examples are “Straight Up,” by Paula Abdul, “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins, “Crazy in Love” by Beyonce, “Get the Party Started” by Pink, and “Walk Like an Egyptian” by the Bangles.

For the older guests, you’ll want a few older wedding dance songs. Songs such as “Be My Baby” by the Ronettes, “Come Fly with Me” by Frank Sinatra, and “Twist” by Chubby Checker. Some cheesy and fun songs are perfect too, such as “Shake Your Booty,” “Who Let the Dogs Out,” “It’s Raining Men,” and “Whip It.”

As you can see, there are a lot of fantastic wedding dance songs out there that you can use at your wedding reception. Just ensure you pick music you like and pick music that will make your guests have a wonderful time out there on the dance floor.

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