Wedding Hair Trial

Should I really splurge on a wedding hair trial?…YES! You want everything to be perfect, and that includes your hair! While doing a hair trial might feel like an indulgence, it’s actually a crucial step. The hair trial lets you know what you’re getting, and on your wedding day you may be too anxious or astounded to explain exactly what you really want. It’s also a chance to give your hairdo a test run: Head out on the town for a few hours afterwards to see if your ‘do holds up to normal wear. It beats discovering on the dance floor at your reception that those bobby pins won’t hold!

A trial may cost as much as an actual wedding day hair style
Although it seems crazy to pay for a hair ‘do’ that won’t actually be photographed, I highly suggest going for a trial run a couple weeks before the big day! Check with your salon and hairdresser because some salons will charge just as much for the trail as they will for the actual day.

Bring anything you might want in your hair to the trial.
Before you go to your trial research as many styles as possible so you can decide exactly the look you are expecting on your wedding day. Make sure you bring all of your hair accessories too, you may learn, that your sparkly that you thought would look perfect is far from it. Better to figure that out at the trial than on your wedding day.

However long it takes the stylist to do your wedding hairstyle at the trial is about how long it’ll take on your wedding day.
Make sure you jot down and confirm with your stylist exactly how long the trail will take. When getting ready on your wedding day leave the same amount of time to guarantee you don’t have to race to the alter.

Pay attention post-trial to your hair.
I’ve got naturally straight hair that doesn’t hold curls very well. Make sure you pay attention to your ‘do’ and alert your stylist of this so you can prepare in advance. Sometimes your stylist may have to use an entire can of hairspray to guarantee your hair lasts all night!

Photo Credit:Pinterst

Heather,

Xo

 

DIY: The Perfect Match

Brighten up your wedding tables with some custom matchboxes! They are the “perfect match” to any wedding style! Stay tuned for more designs to come!

Materials:
Matchboxes
Computer Paper
Ruler
Scissors
Glue Stick
Computer
Printer

Step 1: Using Microsoft Word, InDesign, Photoshop or Publisher, design the front and back images to create a template. This will take trial and error depending on the size of the matchboxes.

Step 2: After the images are printed, use a ruler and scissors to cut out the strips (leave a little more room width-wise to make sure there’s enough paper to cover the original matchbox cover).

Step 3: Using the glue stick apply adhesive to the cover, and place over the matchbox. Press firmly and set aside to dry!

Heather,

Xo

 

Flower Girls

The flower girl(s) is known for being one of the most adorable elements of the entire processional, and makes her(s) debut right before the bride.  Having a flower girl is not mandatory; however, it is a great way to make your favorite little cutie feel special.  Flower girls are usually members of the Bride or Groom’s extended family, but may also be daughters of close friends too.

The flower girl walks down the aisle tossing petals before the bride.  Her dress resembles that of the bride, and will be similar in color to the bridesmaids.   Here is a description of her role and some tips to help make her job laid-back and stress-free:

• The adorable little girl that you choose to be your flower girl is usually aged between three and eight. She follows the ring      bearer and traditionally holds a wicker basket full of petals. It is not uncommon now for her to hold a smaller bouquet, candies or confetti.
• I love the idea of having two flower girls so that they can progress together, side by side. Accompanying one another will give them additional self-assurance and allow them to have fun together.
• If possible, arrange to have the flower girl attend the bridal shower so they will identify faces prior to the wedding. Seeing  friendly, familiar faces on the big day will help to comfort any nervousness.
• It is vital to inform the flower girl(s) in advance of the importance of her role.  The parents should follow up with multiple rehearsals.
• Seat the flower girl’s parents toward the front of the ceremony so she can focus on them and be encouraged by their      smiles of encouragement. The very young flower girl should sit with her parents after she walks.  If your ceremony is short your flower girl(s) may stand with the bridal party at the altar.

 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Heather,

Xo

DIY Glitter Table Numbers

DIY glitter table numbers are a fun and easy way to add a beautiful finishing touch to any wedding table! There is nothing better than adding your own personal flare to your wedding, and I can help you with this simple and cost efficient DIY guide!

What you need:

1. Wooden numbers
2. Glitter (any color of your choice!)
3. Tacky Glue
4. Wooden base blocks
5. Acrylic Paint
6. Paint Brushes
7. Hot glue gun and glue

1. Start by covering your wooden base evenly with acrylic paint (the choice of color is up to you!) Make sure you go over the base a couple of times so there is a solid layer of paint.

2. Cover your number in tacky glue and sprinkle the glitter on every side and edge, making sure you are covering every area.

 

3. Once everything is dry (about 2-3 hours), stick the bottom of the number to the wooden base using   a   thick layer of hot glue.

And there you have it!

Heather,

Xo

Spring 2014 Color Palette

Color news! Pantone have recently revealed their spring 2014 color report and I cannot wait to see what types of trends this brings to the wedding industry!  Designers have combined soft pastels with brights to generate a vibrant equilibrium!

Spring marks the start of our very busy wedding season so keep an eye out for our go-to spring color palette!

“This season, consumers are looking for a state of thoughtful, emotional and artistic equilibrium,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “While this need for stability is reflected in the composition of the palette, the inherent versatility of the individual colors allows for experimentation with new looks and color combinations.”

For over 20 years, Pantone have examined the designers of New York Fashion Week to bring you the season’s most central color trends.

Keep your eyes open for these beauties this season!

Photo Credit: Pantone.com

Heather,

Xo

Choosing Your Florist

The floral arrangements designed for your wedding can make or break the entire look of your event.  Not only do flowers offer color, decoration, and a romantic sensation, but they also symbolize a variety of different things…soon to be covered in my next blog!

Flowers can help transform a formally unadorned space into a stunning personality-filled one.  These days, many florists who concentrate in weddings do not just create the bouquet; they apprehend and implement the design of your reception, altar, and centerpieces.

Most brides are often challenged with the question of how to find a florist they can afford and trust, but before you start looking, here are some tips on how to choose the perfect florist:

Photo Credit: Pinterest

1. Before you start looking for a florist start collecting some photos with floral decorations like you vision for your wedding
2. Discuss your finances and floral budget clearly so you know what you and your florist are working with
3. Research the reviews of florists in your area and schedule an appointment to meet with them
4. Ask for recommendations from your wedding planner or married friends

Heather,

Xo

Your Wedding Emergency Toolkit

As I get closer and closer to my first official debut, I thought I would take the time to create an emergency checklist for all of those frantic planners out there!  There is nothing worse than lining up your bridal party right before the processional and having to deal with a button falling off of a jacket, or a piece of hair that fell loose.  I think it’s important to always be prepared for the worst, to save you desperately looking for something at crunch time!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Here are some things that you should always carry with you at the wedding:

• Tape
• Scissors
• Lighter
• Sewing kit
• Band-Aids
• Lint roller
• Super glue
• Hair ties
• Hair clips
• Bobby pins
• Hair spray
• Sun screen
• Lotion
• Gum
• Sanitizer
• Phone charger
• Chap stick
• Lip gloss
• Nail file
• Dust rag
• Windex
• Tampons
• Advil
• Hair brush
• Nail polish remover
• Deodorant

Heather,

Xo

The Role of the Ring Bearer

Ring bearers may be the most sweetest and charming, aww-inducing part of the processional, yet it’s not to be forgotten their huge responsibility! Right before the bride walks down the aisle, the ring bearer(s) will make their debut.  A ring bearer is usually a boy aged 4-8 years old and can be from either side of the bride or grooms family.

The ring bearer is one of the last to walk down the aisle, and will carry the rings (usually tied to a pillow or box).  Some couples choose not to give the ring bearer the real rings as at 6 years-old they tend to be a little boisterous and rough, so usually the rings are fake.  However, if you do choose to let your little rascal hold the actual rings, make sure you give them to him right before his unveiling to prevent him from losing them.

Whoever you chose for your special day, make sure you include your ring bearer at your rehearsal so he gets plenty of practice beforehand.

What they wear

Here are an assortment of styles for these cute little dudes:

Heather,

Xo

Matron of Honor

The Matron of Honor (MOH) has a HUGE role in planning the wedding, and let’s face it, keeping the bride completely sane!  When you are selecting the person that is going to be your MOH, you should naturally choose a person who is closest to you – a sister or close girlfriend. This person will offer you the support, love and guidance in the months leading up to the big event, and will be the go-to helping hand on the day of the wedding.

The MOH not only has to fluff the train on the wedding day, coordinate the bachelorette party and bridal shower, and rehearse her treasured speech on the day of the event, but she also has a huge list of other responsibilities too!

Here is a pre-wedding to-do list for all you lucky Matron of Honors!

• Plan the bridal shower and bachelorette party
• Spread the word of the wedding – help the bride track down RSVP’s and let others know where she is registered
• Help with dress shopping- this includes helping the bride find her perfect gown, and help with selecting the perfect bridesmaid dresses
• Be the brides go-to woman
• Prepare a few words to share with guests during the toasts
• Lend a helpful ear
• Attend all pre-wedding parties
• Keep a record of gifts received at various parties and showers
• Make sure all bridesmaids get their hair and makeup done and arrive at the ceremony on time
• Hold the brides bouquet and fluff her train during the ceremony
• Keep the bride smiling – MOST IMPORTANT!
• Sign the marriage license as a witness
• Check in with the bride frequently during the wedding

Heather,

Xo

CALM DOWN BRIDEZILLAS!!

I felt I needed to touch on this subject today because I witnessed a situation that really saddened me –BRIDEZILLAS! Many of you have been in this situation: you have been asked to be part of your best friend’s wedding, or you are helping out a member of the family prepare for her big day and you are excited!…then all of a sudden you get an email “to-do” list, and then are suddenly being bossed around by your so called loved one!

First things first: CALM DOWN BRIDEZILLAS!! Your friends and family are only trying to help you (and not to mention are probably the ones paying for it) and although this is your special day and you deserve to have everything, don’t turn into a queen bee! Nothing can ruin a fairytale wedding or destroy friendships more than a bride who is running around like a tyrant!

How do you combat these diva difficulties or destructive power trips without pulling out your hair? This list below should help keep a smile on your face!

1. Smile and keep your head up – Remember this person you once knew and loved will return once the wedding is over. Try to do what she wants, and hopefully one day she will return the favor.

2. Listen – Many normal brides turn into bridezilla’s because of the stress and expectations of flawlessness. Offering a shoulder to cry on can help decrease the buildup of torment that makes her lash out at you.

3. Stand your ground – You are all probably thinking the same – “That bride is nuts”, but before you explode try to calmly tell her how you feel, you deserve to be treated with respect too!

4. Do NOT empathize with other bridesmaids – You don’t want messages to get back to the bride. Try venting to someone who is not in the wedding! Backstabbing can cause a hostile atmosphere and tension at the wedding!

“Keeping a feminine approach is vital – men hate bossy females.” – Ida Lupino

Heather,

Xo