Have A Disaster Plan: Wedding Insurance

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What if it happened to you? What if every bride’s worst nightmare happened…and something in your wedding went completely haywire? Your dress somehow got a coffee spill on it…your venue double booked you…the bridesmaids dresses you got from China only got as far as the Pacific Ocean…

As women…we need a plan! I came across this wonderful thing called ‘Wedding Insurance’. At first I thought it was ridiculous…but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense to me. I get travel insurance just flying from one city to another…so why wouldn’t I get wedding insurance for one of the most important days of my life?

This wedding insurance company has a video that really explains it well;

So if you’re a bridezilla, or simply a worrier…look into wedding insurance as it will make you feel a whole lot better on that special day.

Last Single Walk: Down The Aisle

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This gallery contains 7 photos.

Walking down the aisle towards your soon-to-be-husband is one of the most magical moments that a woman will ever experience. This magical moment is for many women, that moment, where they just want everything to be ‘perfect’. To see HIM … Continue reading →

The Ins and Outs of Your Guest List

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~Karen~

Your wedding should be memorable. A memorable wedding is dependent on the wonderful, influential, and close people you invite. While people make your wedding exciting and intimate, creating a guest list carefully is vital to enhancing your experience. This is a guide on how to handle guest lists!

Tip #1: To create an estimate of the number of guests you should invite, base this number on your budget. You are paying for their meals which can be the most expensive part of your wedding. Each meal adds up and a few people here and there is just more costly for you. Unless your budget is one that allows for space, be careful on inviting too many people.

Tip #2: Create three lists and then another three. (Don’t panic!)  Once you decide the number of people, divide that by three. Parents, your groom and yourself should each get a third of the list. Once all three of your lists are created, create the Must-Invite List, Could-Invite List, and Maybe-Invite List.  Your ‘must’ invite list should include close family and friends. Your ‘could’ invite list are your friends and other influential people… while your ‘maybe’ invite list might consist of distant relatives for example. Your ‘could’/ ‘maybe’ list will come to life once you start getting replies about attendance. The more people who can’t make it on your top two  categories, the more likely you are to invite the ‘maybe’s’.  To make it easier, think of it as a Celebrity List. Try the A-list, B-list or C-list categories. You’re ‘A-listers’ are your must-have guests of course! Expect between 10-30% of your invites to not be able to make it to your wedding.

Tip #3: The problem with inviting co-workers is once you invite one person, you feel obligated to invite everyone else. Even if there are people you simply socialise with, other employees will see that and see that as a way of positioning yourself away from the team environment.

Tip #4: Children are wonderful but you cannot help their meltdowns or tantrums. Unfortunately, children are also an addition to your budget. When sending out invites, your guests will understand your desire to leave children at home. If you do choose to have children at your wedding, try to include some games/ music centred around children during the reception and try to plan around every age group. Brides who are considerate to all their guests will be remembered as wonderful party planners!

Tip #5: Talk to your fiancé about this one. Inviting ex-boyfriends and ex-girlfriends might not be a feasible idea. It could end up bringing up old feelings and emotions of jealousy. This is just another form of consideration for your fiancé, who this day should be all about.

Tip #6: Alcoholics at your wedding? We all have people in our lives who don’t know their limits and who tend to become belligerent at events. Take into consideration the guests who are sometimes intolerable and remember that your day should be special and not ruined by anyone. Use your risk-management skills! Talk to those people beforehand if you decide to invite them because it would be the bride’s budget that has to take care of broken chairs or glassware.

Tip #7: Use online guest tools. Don’t let your mind spin with all those names and regrets. Keep  track of everything with these tools and stay stress free!

Wedding Guest Lists

Wedding Planner

Free Wedding Website

Silhouettes

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~Karen~

Ladies, when shopping keep in mind silhouettes. These are the shapes of the wedding dress you are looking for.

Ball Gown
The ball gown is your Princess dream dress characterized by a tighter upper body and a full skirt. Ball gowns tend to have corset types on top with a large amount of fabric to create the skirt.
Pros: Can hide large hips and legs
Cons: Dancing might be hard ladies!

Empire Gown
Empire gowns are reminiscent of neo-classical times. Characterized by a high waistline, the dress tucks in right under the bust, bringing attention to the chest and emphasizing it more. The bottom skirt is  non-fitting  and flows over the hips down the floor.
Pros: Makes pear shapes look slimmer, hides belly and thighs quite well/ Adds length to the body
Cons: Emphasizes your bust so try to avoid this if you are trying to minimize appearance of chest size

A-Line or Princess Gown
A-line dresses are characterized by an unmarked waistline with vertical seams which flow down your body. These seams flare out into an A shape.
Pros: Flattering to figures which are heavier in the middle, most suitable for all types, hides hips, emphasizes waist
Cons: Narrow hips that want to be emphasized might need to wear a hooped petticoat

Sheath Gown
The sheath gown has lines which follow the lines of your body. The dress is one of the most form fitting for brides looking for an elongating look. The hem of this dress is not flared out.
Pros: Makes shorter brides look taller, Tall/Slim Brides look elegant
Cons: Brides looking to cover flaws might need to wear Spanx for this one!

Mermaid Gown
Mermaid gowns contour the curves of your body and flow out at the knees. They are trumpet-like in figure and are quickly gaining style.
Pros: Makes petite women look taller and tall/ slim shapes have added curves and femininity
Cons: Looking to hide anything? Probably not your cup of tea, it is considered one of the most “unforgiving” wedding dresses

Generally the A-line and empire type suit most body types whereas the mermaid and sheath dresses are for women who are a little bit more comfortable with their body type.

Terms to Know
Shopping for a dress can be hard. Here are some fabric terms you should become familiar with and used to hearing.

Satin
This is a popular fabric for brides because it exudes elegance and formality. It can be touched up with some lace and has such a great sheen. For the most luxurious satin, go for a Duchesse Satin which doesn’t wrinkle as much as Acetate Satins or Silk Satins. The most common satin is polyester satin which is less expensive but beware of thin polyester satins which are more prone to being shiny, this can give off a less luxurious and cheaper look. Dresses that are draped down your hips are great with satin.

Silk Taffeta
Silk Taffeta is a great, “crisp, full bodied fabric” which usually looks more textured and adds a bit more weight to your dress. It is described as “ornate and elegant” with a strong shine to it. This type of fabric will make that rustling noise as you walk and adds a great formality to your wedding event. Taffeta is commonly used in ruffles and detail in your wedding dress.

Silk Shantung & Silk Dupionis
These two silks differ in the weight of the yarn used as well as the expenses of having one. Silk Shantung uses the heavier yarn and has a “higher luster” and “radiance” than that of Silk Dupionis. The Silk Shantung is weaved with the ribbed effect and is considered a rough silk due to the slubs which are  woven into the material. However this silk is still fine to the touch and does not feel rough. Silk dupioni resists wrinkles well has a high shimmer effect. The benefits of this silk lay in the fact that it takes dye well, it can be creased to create a formal look and you can use both sides of it. However, this silk does not take stretching well and tends to unravel.

Organza
Looking for a fabric that takes detail well? Organza is your best bet, making anything from bead work to lace feel light. Organza can also add body and structure as well.

Chiffon
Chiffon is soft, sheer and seemingly transparent fabric. This fabric usually needs to be lined with another fabric to give it substance but chiffon is a timeless fabric and adds a wonderful romanticism.

Tulle
Tulle is very light and is typically used in bridal veils and to create a lightweight effect. The fabric originates from either nylon or lace and is also used to create full-bodied skirts.

Velvet
Velvet has come into the light now ladies! This is the fabric most commonly used in the colder months. It has the potential to create intricate, soft patterns on a dress and provides a luxurious, soft feel.

Crepe
Crepe has a heavier, elegant drape. It is usually lined with silk and has a matte texture to it.

Lace
Lace is soft and romantic. It creates a decorative, detailed feel. You can choose from several different laces which can border a dress or even create a bodice.

How To Shop For A Wedding Dress

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~ Karen ~

The day of your wedding is coming up…and you have no idea what dress you would possibly want…
Here are some things to take into account as your day comes up:

First, you should make sure you start shopping for your dress 6 months in advance. Manufacturing the dress can take up to 4 months and tailoring or altering will take up to 2 months. Start looking at magazines and make a collage of pictures you find interesting. It will make it easier for your dress consultant to find something for you if you have an idea of what you want. She will bring you many dresses and you might think to yourself, “No way!”… But the truth is some dresses you put on will look better on you than on the hanger. Don’t be afraid to play dress up, you could be very surprised! On my favorite show, “Say Yes to the Dress,” a good percentage of the girls end up getting dresses they would have never even considered, had their consultant not convinced them.

Budgeting is crucial. Brides tend to stay within 10 percent of their bridal budget for their gown and usually the dress is 10-15% of the total wedding cost (including the extra money you would have to pay forward for things like alterations, steaming and pressing). If your dream dress is not within your priced budget, don’t stress out! Many bridal boutiques hold trade shows where you can get your dress for a discounted price that day. You can also sign up for bridal newsletters and promotions via email to find out when sales are generally occurring.
Next is my favourite part. Are you confused about what would look good on you? You might see yourself in a certain dress but realistically it might not flatter you as well as it should. Just remember that you should look stunning on your wedding day! Here’s a simple guide;

From my own experience, I always imagined myself in a ball gown type of dress… but I couldn’t have been more wrong! I am busty with a smaller waist and proportional hips. I thought a ball gown would make me look like a princess, but it only turned out making me look much heavier. I am also very petite so I got lost in the dress and the flat line going across my chest made me look even bigger.  (My sister had a bridal shoot in Vietnam and I got to try on a few dresses.) I absolutely detested the pictures and nothing could have been more unflattering. So here we go! Please remember that this is all just helpful advice, your dream dress should be what you want. This is just a guide to helping you look your best!

Pear Shapes
You are: Slimmer on the top and full on the bottom. You tend to have smaller breasts and fuller hips.
You want: Typically, A-formations or Empirical gowns with a V neckline that would accentuate your figure the best. These dresses give you flowing lines which are important in balancing out your shape. Try to go for fabrics that don’t cling like taffeta and duchess satin, or if it is more casual than go for an eyelet lace or raw silk. Halter dresses will draw the attention upward for you as well.
Try to Avoid: Clingy bottoms-they will make you look bottom heavy.

Tall
You are: Taller than your average bride, long legs and arms.
You want: Simple, floor sweeping hems-something appropriate to your height. For example; long sleeves that go past your wrists so it doesn’t look like the dress belongs on someone smaller. I believe taller types can pull off almost anything like halter type, ball gown, mermaid, Grecian and empire waist types.
Try to Avoid: Be wary of anything too elaborate that would make you look too girlish.

Inverted Triangle
You are: Top heavy or usually with broader shoulders and slim/narrow hips and slim legs.
You want: Sheath, Empire, Ball gown, A-line with a halter, one shoulder or strapless. The trick is not to cover your shoulders…we want to bring them out and avoid making them look larger than they are. You can go for a ball gown or a dress with flowy lines and anything with a textured bottom. These aspects will aid in balancing out your figure.
Try to Avoid: Covering your Shoulders.

Busty
You are: Well endowed in your chest.
You want: Try a sweetheart line which will flatter your chest. A straight line will make you appear to have a bigger bust which will actually add weight to your appearance. Dresses with less dramatic fabric on top would suit you. Avoid satin or silk as they will call attention to your bust. Go for flattering A-line or ball gown styles to balance out your figure.
Try to Avoid: Avoid straight lines going across your bust, and too much material up top.

Plus Size
You are: Carrying some more weight usually around the middle.
You want: An empire or gradual A line because it would play up your shape. Go for simple elegance. A V-neck line is extremely flattering and adds an elegant touch. It adds more vertical lines making you look slimmer.
Try to Avoid: Loose dresses that add pounds. Make sure the seam does not start at the seam. It’s too much like a maternity dress. Avoid frills and ruffles, they will add more weight.

Apple
You are: Bottom, hips and torso are full…mainly defined by a fuller waist
You want: Vertical lines, not horizontal. High waistlines with skirts that flow away from your body like an empire gown or ball gown. A dress that cinches in your waist and flows out will flatter your smallest area. The sweetheart neckline would suit your curvy figure while a V neckline would add more vertical lines.
Try to Avoid: Trumpet dresses that flare out where you carry the most weight.

Slim/ Boyish
You are: Narrow body shape with slim hips and smaller chest.
You want: Go for a volume-like a ball gown with an emphasised bodice to add more curves. Dresses with ruching give you more femininity and detail. Halter styles will give the impression you have a fuller chest as well.
Try to Avoid: Over clingy fabric.

Petite
You are: Short and have smaller proportions.
You want: An A-line dress will make you look taller with a waist line that sits above your natural waist, giving more length to your legs.
Try to Avoid: Dropped waist. It will make you look shorter. Ball gowns make your legs disappear and appear shorter, be weary! Avoid calf length dresses as well. Limit the detail on you dress…i.e. huge bows which will make you appear even smaller.

Hourglass
You are: Bust and Booty Blessed with a smaller waist.
You want: Glamour! Go for a sheath dress which will fall in all the right places. A sheath dress is for the daring and comfortable with their figure. It will hug your curves and give you that old glamour look. Others include the mermaid dress which will move along all the lines of your body.
Try to Avoid: Ball-gowns as they don’t work for larger hour glass figures, they add more weight.

Ladies & Gentlemen…

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~ Diné ~

Public speaking. Don’t we all just love it!

When it comes to making speeches at weddings, most people try to avoid it because they hate speaking in front of a large crowd. Unfortunately, some people aren’t so lucky as they are expected to give a speech. If you are apart of the bridal party, you might just be one of those ‘lucky ones’, chosen to get up there and make a toast. The joys of speech making.

So who is generally expected to say a word or two at weddings?

  • The Best Man
  • Parents of the Groom/Bride
  • The Maid of Honour
  • The Groom
  • Not expected, but becoming more popular: The Bride

Speeches at weddings are tricky as people expect you to come up with something sentimental or funny. They want tear-jerkers, whether it is through crying or laughing. Here are a few tips of what to do, and what NOT to do;

What to do:

  1. Keep it short
  2. Add a funny story
  3. Be sentimental
  4. Practise!!!
  5. Look at the guests…eye contact is the key!

What NOT to do:

  1. Get drunk
  2. Mention past relationships
  3. Use inappropriate language
  4. Take a joke too far
  5. Reveal information that might cause trouble between the couple

If you try to be funny, but no one laughs…don’t panic! Tell the guests that they were ‘meant’ to laugh because you intended that part to be funny; and just refuse to go on until you get a response from them. It’s sure to work!

Don’t stress, the couple will appreciate your efforts regardless of whether your speech is a success or a failure. As long as you mention how adorable they are, and you wish them well for the future-you should be sweet!

Happy speech making!

Stop & Smell the Roses

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~ Diné ~

There are many floral arrangements that need to be considered for a wedding. Here are some tips as to where flowers are needed throughout the ceremony and the reception.

Bridal Party

  • Bridal bouquet
  • Bride’s hair
  • Mothers’/grandmothers’ corsages
  • Bridesmaids’ bouquets
  • Bridesmaids’ hair
  • Flower girl’s hair & bouquet/basket
  • Groom, groomsmen’s, pageboy’s, fathers’/grandfathers’ buttonholes

Ceremony flowers

If you are holding your wedding at a church;

  • place flowers at the entrance, altar and main aisle
  • decorate pew ends with flowers or other decor
  • if your budget allows it: decorate the church doors, window sills and the ‘signing the register’ table

If you are holding your wedding on location;

  • create an ‘aisle’ by sprinkling rose petals between two columns of chairs
  • flowers placed in trimmed trees/in other greenery

Reception Flowers

At the reception, flowers can be used on the back of chairs, as table arrangements or as decoration on candelabras.

Flowers for table arrangements;

  • should be high enough or low enough that the guests can see each other and comfortably carry on a conversation
  • bridal table generally has long, low floral arrangements

Flowers for chairs and candelabras;

  • candelabras draped with flowers create an elegant look
  • back of chairs can be decorated with flowers

Flowers, flowers and more flowers!

A Piece of Cake

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~ Diné ~

Shape~Colour~Style~Flavour

Those are the first things that must be considered when choosing your wedding cake.

When you are thinking of ideas for your cake, use your wedding theme or flowers as inspiration. You can incorporate bits from your wedding onto your wedding cake in a variety of ways. The style and the colour of your cake will generally correspond with the wedding theme. A few ways that you can do this include:

  • Icing colour on the cake the same colour as the bridesmaids dresses
  • Lace pattern on bridal gown replicated onto the icing of the cake
  • Using the same flowers on the cake as that of the bridal bouquet

  If you aren’t sure about what type of cake you want, look at cake books such as Modern Wedding Cakes or browse the internet. Pinterest is also a site that has many pins with beautiful wedding cakes. Consider the use of wedding magazines or even a cake portfolio in a cake shop or ice cream store.

When choosing the flavour of the cake, there are endless possibilities. The first and most obvious flavour is to go with the traditional fruit cake. Although traditional, less and less people are opting for this flavour, as many simply prefer the chocolate mud cakes, ice cream cakes or coffee walnut mud cakes. Most cake designers can even cater for requirements such as gluten free, dairy free and nut free cakes. So don’t let an allergy stop you from choosing your dream wedding cake flavour!

The shape of your cake can vary from a square to a love heart. Whatever your heart desires, and your budget allows, can be made into a cake these days. The most classic shapes used, are the squares and the circles, layered on top of each other. Many couples have chosen to use cupcakes instead of a cake, both for the unique factor, and the simplicity factor of serving it to the guests.

If you simply remember, Shape~Colour~Style~Flavour, it will be a piece of cake!