FEELING LIKE A RUNAWAY BRIDE?
How to Reduce Stress While Preparing for Your Big DayBy Christopher Rollings & Marion Russo, PhD
Getting married is a major life step and a wonderful time in your life. Planning your wedding is fun, exciting, time-consuming, and stressful. Of course you want your wedding day to be memorable and meaningful. Wanting your wedding day to be special is fine. But expecting or demanding your wedding to be perfect will create a lot of stress and tension for everyone involved. Stress and anxiety are created by holding onto unrealistic expectations about how you think things should be as opposed to how they really can be. Some stress and anxiety is normal and healthy. This is a big event and there is so much involved. The key is to learn how to manage the stress, prioritize, and keep focused on what really matters.Here are positive ways you can reduce the stress and enjoy yourself more:
Plan thoroughly.
Talk with recently married friends about their wedding planning experiences.
Go to reputable websites for ideas and to learn from other brides. Do your research.
Enlist as much reliable help as possible. Don't try to control everything.
Delegate. Involve family and friends in your planning and in getting things done.
Have a realistic budget and stick to it. Worries about rising costs and growing guest lists can be minimized when you choose to have the wedding you can afford.
Accept that things don't always turn out the way you envision them. You can't make everything go perfectly. People make mistakes.
But then again isn't that sort of like life? Despite your best intentions, things don't always go according to plan. When you accept that you can't control everything, you might find some beautiful, unexpected surprises along the way. It's natural to worry and be concerned that everything looks great and everyone has a great time at your wedding. Just don't sacrifice form for content. Don't compromise substance for appearances. Family and friends can disappoint you. Goods and services from your wedding vendors can fail to meet your expectations. Bear in mind that people, as a general rule, are doing the best they can do at any given moment in time. Clearly communicate your realistic expectations and needs to others and accept that, despite the best intentions, things will sometimes fall short. So prioritize, communicate, spend wisely and make your wedding day as beautiful as possible. Stay focused on what really matters the most. You are marrying the person you love. It's the "why" you are celebrating that's more important than the "what" is happening that day. Remain focused on what really matters. Do the best you can do. Let the rest go and have fun.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
The Do's and Dont's of Wedding Weight Loss
The Do's and Don'ts of Wedding Weight Loss
Losing Weight Before the Wedding,......The wedding cake, the flowers, the rings ... the personal trainer? For some brides- and grooms-to-be, getting in shape for the big day is an important part of wedding planning.
But could they be setting themselves up for failure? Not only do last-ditch dieting efforts usually fail, but new research shows that married people tend to gain more weight over the years than singles or people who are widowed or divorced.
Still, saying "I do" doesn't have to lead to a lifetime of excess poundage.
Just as getting married is a major lifestyle change, so is successful weight loss, experts say. It's natural for brides and grooms to want to look their best for their wedding day, and going about it the right way can make the difference between living healthier, or heavier, ever after.
Losing Weight Before the Wedding
"I wanted to look nicer for the wedding, mostly for the pictures," says newlywed Donna Eck-David, who was married on April 3, 2004. She tried watching what she ate and avoiding the cafeteria at work for months before the big day. But she finally resorted to drinking a dieter's tea containing laxatives a few weeks before the wedding, to speed up her weight-loss efforts.
Eventually, Eck-David says, she lost about 5-8 pounds before the ceremony -- then gained most of it back during the weeklong honeymoon cruise.
Resorting to drastic measures like fad diets or pills for quick weight loss before a wedding may not only be dangerous, but can also set you up for a future of yo-yo dieting rather than permanent weight loss.
Planning a wedding can be a big job for future brides (and grooms), says Nelda Mercer, RD. If they're not getting proper nutrition, they may feel faint or suffer other health consequences.
"It's not a good thing to stress the body at an already stressful time," says Mercer. "It's best to plan ahead, join a health club, exercise, get a personal trainer if needed, and see a nutritionist or registered dietitian to set up not only a well-balanced diet, but a lifestyle change."
Personal trainer Sue Fleming says many women see their wedding day as the most important day of their lives and want to look their best. "It's the time where a lot of women finally decide to incorporate a fitness program because of that goal," says Fleming, author of the book Buff Brides.
Wedding dresses today are sleeker and more revealing than in years past, says Fleming, which means that the shoulders, back, and arms are usually top areas of concern for her clients.
Fleming recommends starting a bridal "boot camp" at least six months before the wedding that includes a balance of cardiovascular and strength training for about an hour a day, three to four days per week. Procrastinating brides and grooms who have less than six months to work with should plan on spending more time in the gym.
"The less time you have, the more time you have to dedicate to working out," says Fleming. Fleming says it's normal for brides-to-be to experience a slight weight gain after starting an exercise program, as they build lean muscle mass. But that's what will give them the kind of muscle tone they'll want to show off in a strapless wedding dress.
Experts say a weight-loss goal of about a pound a week is reasonable. For those with weddings many months away, Mercer recommends setting short-term goals -- like a couple pounds per month, rather than just 20 pounds before the wedding. This will allow them to enjoy short-term successes and not get discouraged.
For brides- and grooms-to-be who want to achieve sensible and lasting weight loss before their weddings, Mercer has this dietary advice:
- Eat smaller portions.
- Identify sources of empty calories in your diet, such as high-fat and high-sugar snacks, and limit them.
- Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. They're powerhouses of nutrition and can fill you up on fewer calories.
- Choose leaner, lower-fat meat and dairy products.
- Eat your calories, don't drink them. Engagement is a time for celebrations and parties, so choose your beverages wisely. Alcoholic beverages generally have at least 100 calories or more.
Once future brides and grooms set their minds to a weight-loss and fitness plan, Fleming says, they are usually successful. Many pick up healthy habits that last a lifetime.
"It is amazing to me how focused and motivated they become during this frantic, crazy, panicked period in their lives, and it's the one thing that they stick to," says Fleming. "If you need to use the wedding day to get you started, that's OK, but most people continue to work out, feel great, and look back at the pictures and say, 'Wow, I can do this.'"
Heavier Ever After?
Once a couple says their "I do's," they may be at risk for a honeymoon holdover effect. Research shows that newlyweds gain weight at a faster rate then their single peers.
"Married people are heavier than people who have never been married," says researcher Jeffery Sobal, PhD, associate professor of nutritional sciences at Cornell University. "They are also somewhat heavier than people who have been previously married, divorced, separated, and widowed.
"Recently married people eat about half or more of their meals together," he says. "So marriage really is a huge influence on what you eat, its caloric value, nutrient composition, and all of those things."
What seems to happen, Sobal says, is that newlyweds eat more regularly, and more formally, than they did in their single days.
"The fact that you have dinner together is seen as one of the wonderful thing about marriage. You've got an eating partner," Sobal tells WebMD. "Those meals are usually more formal and consist of multiple courses."
Sobal says his research has shown that when you control for other variables, like age and having children, the "marriage effect" seems to go away to some extent in women while it persists in men.
"It suggests that there is something about being married that makes men slightly, but not hugely, heavier," says Sobal. He says more long-term studies will be needed to determine the exact nature of this marriage effect on weight.
Say "I Don't" to Post-Wedding Weight Gain
"You're never as thin as when you get married because it's all leading up to the big day," says newlywed Bonnie Lee of Mamaroneck, N.Y.
But in the two years since they exchanged vows, Lee says, she and her husband, Wayne, have managed to maintain a healthy lifestyle, despite constant temptation from the homework she did while studying at the French Culinary Institute in New York. Lee recently completed the culinary arts program at the cooking school and says her training has helped, rather than hindered, their efforts to maintain trim, post-wedding waistlines.
"One of things that we love about our marriage is that we both cook together," says Lee. In their single days, she and her husband used to eat out a lot more, grabbing a pizza or burger here or there.
"One thing I've learned about restaurants after working in them is that they don't measure the amount of oil they use," says Lee. "The food is saturated in oil, and you don't even know it."
Instead of eating out and risking fat overload, she puts together quick, easy meals that incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables, like stir-fries and salads.
"Cooking doesn't require a lot of time once you learn to cook efficiently," Lee tells WebMD. "The best and most inexpensive ingredients are usually those that are freshest and are in season." Mercer agrees, and adds that her own husband lost 20 pounds after they got married more than two decades ago and never gained it back. But even if you're not married to a registered dietitian, having a spousal support system can make it easier to stick to a healthy lifestyle.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Fitness Tips for Brides
New!
Feature
3-Month Wedding Prep Fitness Plan for Brides
The countdown is on! You're just a few months away from a more fit, healthier you. Check out Style Network fitness expert Cindy Whitmarsh's 3-month plan to success! (And look for her on the new reality special Fat Free Fiances premiering Dec. 6th at 9pm)
Congrats on your engagement, bride! Chances are you're feeling some seriously mixed emotions right now. You're overwhelmed with excitement as you begin planning your dream wedding, but you're also terrified that you won't have time to get as fit as you'd like to before the big day arrives. Don't fret; it’s definitely not too late. You can start a healthy fitness plan as close as three months away from your wedding day and still achieve your fitness goals. (We're not kidding!) We caught up with Cindy Whitmarsh, a fitness coach with more than 14 years of experience in fitness and nutrition. Cindy is the resident expert on The Style Network's new reality show Fat Free Fiance, which premieres December 6. On the show, she'll be helping two couples achieve their combined weight loss goals just in time for their wedding day.
As president of Cindy Whitmarsh Fitness, Cindy knows her stuff and she's willing to share some of her secrets on how to get the body you want in the healthiest way possible. Follows these guidelines and you're sure to be in better shape when you head to the altar:
For the final four weeks you'll want to reduce your calorie intake to speed up your weight loss.
Nutrition Guidelines- Keep sodium under 800 milligrams a day.
- Limit yourself to a healthy low-carb diet plan and avoid overloading your plate.
- Drink 90 to 128 ounces of water a day!
Cardio
Perform cardio for 45 minutes, 6 days a week.
Weight-Training
Follow the weight-training plan from month three, two days a week. Add a core-training workout to your plan for two days a week.
Things to Keep in Mind as You Do This:
- Check with your physician before starting any weight-loss program
- Stay hydrated. If you feel hungry, it might be that you are dehydrated and your body is telling you by making you feel hungry.
- Make sure to never skip meals or snacks. You don't want to starve your body.
- Fiber helps to keep you more satiated. If a meal isn't satisfying you, add some green leafy vegetables.
- Never skip breakfast. It helps your body burn calories more efficiently.
- Make sure to bake, broil and steam your food instead of fry.
- Make sure to include protein when you’re eating carbohydrates to keep your blood sugar levels balanced.
- Put your fork down between bites and chew your food thoroughly. Most people eat so fast they don't notice when they’re full.
- Plan ahead. Make sure your healthy snacks are readily available and your lunch is packed so that you don't get in a situation that makes you reach for something that’s not on your healthy eating plan.
- Keep a positive attitude. You can and will reach your goals if you put your mind to it!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
His Batchelor Party
His Bachelor Party
by Jen
There’s a new syndicated show out called "Stag: A Test of Love". On this show, men take camera crews along on their bachelor parties, and then their fiancées watch the tapes.
Do I need to tell you not to watch this show? Good. But just in case someone bangs you on the head with a ball peen hammer or something, here’s a quick reminder: Do not watch this show!
It will bring every irrational fear you ever had about bachelor parties screaming to the front of your brain. And even though you know they’re irrational, there they will be.
And, really, the bachelor party is something that most brides already worry about plenty. (Seriously: You don’t need to worry about the stuff on Stag. For the show to work, it needs 1) grooms who are sleazy and dumb enough to commit acts of skankitude with a camera crew right there and 2) brides who are dumb enough to watch the tapes in front of that same camera crew, whose very presence indicates that the tapes must be pretty bad. Neither of you is dumb, so you don’t have to worry about Stag.
But it is pretty normal to be anxious about your fiancé’s bachelor party.
Some ladies are lucky enough to be engaged to guys who are completely turned off by the traditional puke-and-strippers bachelor party and get to send their young men off to paintball games or fishing weekends or cigar-and-cognac evenings.
Others, not so much. You may have a guy who’s not into sleazy bachelor parties, but doesn’t want to disappoint his can’t-wait-to-go-wild buddies. Or you may have a guy who’s looking forward to a crazy bachelor party as a rite of passage of sorts.
And everyone has heard a horror story that a friend heard about a cousin of a friend of a friend.
It can make even the most laid-back bride freak out a little bit.
It’s definitely a topic where it might be a good idea to talk about expectations, but that has to happen delicately. If your groom feels like you’re trying to control him, he might go wilder than he was originally planning just to prove his independence. He won’t want to establish a pattern of you telling him what he can and can’t do throughout your marriage. That may be the furthest thing from your mind, but that kind of doesn’t matter – this is so close to the wedding that it’s an automatically touchy area. Plus, he’s going to be spending the evening with fifteen guys who are constantly making jokes about him being whipped.
And think about it: you don’t want to be ordered around either. Let’s say you and the girls are planning a quilting bee for your bachelorette party. Your fiancé sweeps in and forbids you to see any male whose shirt isn’t buttoned up to at least his clavicle. Wouldn’t you run out and do body shots off of pretend doctors and cowboys just to prove a point?
So any boundaries the two of you set for your nights out have to be a mutual decision, and he really does need to have an equal say.
But before you do any talking, you need to sit down with yourself. First off, the bottom line: You have to trust him. If you really can’t trust your fiancé to have an evening with the boys and not sleep with someone else, what are you doing marrying him? Either cancel that cake order right now or do whatever you have to do to make sure your brain wrestles that green-eyed monster into submission.
Now that you’ve conquered the green, you have to wade through some grey areas. There are some big, wide, mushy ones between having sex and completely innocent. Take a hard look at what you really are and aren’t OK with. And then flip those roles around to make sure that any rules you want to apply to your gander will be good for you too, goose.
(And, while you’re doing all this thinking, what are you expecting from your bachelorette party? How [[crazy]] do you want things to get, and why? Are you just blowing off some steam with the girls? Are you hoping for a first stripper encounter? Some kind of last sexual hurrah? The more clearly you can wrap your head around your own feelings, the easier it will be to see your groom’s point of view, and to talk about both your parties calmly and fairly.)
Everyone’s boundaries are going to be different. I know one bride who happily sent her groom off with a kiss and a gentle “Look all you want – just don’t touch.” I know another who wouldn’t mind if her groom got an intimate lap dance from a stranger, but would lose her mind if he gave a closemouthed peck to a certain ex.
Are you OK with anything as long as you never have to know about it? OK with anything as long as you do know about it? Think it out, take a break, and then think it out again. Hey, look at how complex you are! That’s one of the reasons why your groom finds you fascinating.
Once you have your head clear, you may or may not still want to talk things out with Le Groom. If you do, get yourself to a point where you can talk about what you want and don’t want and even what you’re afraid of while staying completely calm. If the topic gets you upset, it’s a good idea to practice the conversation in your head. Imagine it going well, and imagine yourself staying completely calm, warm, and happy.
For real: No crying. Even if this is making you anxious. Crying will make your guy either drop what he really wants to comfort you or feel like you’re trying to manipulate him. Or both. And the idea here is to get an honest take on his thoughts so the two of you can figure out what you’re both OK with. So practice, smile, and stay calm like the confident and together chick you are.
When you’re ready to have The Talk, the one thing you shouldn’t do is announce that you need to have a talk. This will – at best – make your hunk curl up into a little armadillo ball.
And don’t try to launch the talk while he is watching something, doing his taxes, or using a circular saw. Trust me.
Your best bet is to do something mindless together – ideally something shoulder-to-shoulder. (Sitting and looking deeply into each other’s eyes may make him feel on the spot. Side-by-side reassures him that this talk is no big deal, and can help him feel more comfortable telling you what he really thinks.) Playing a not-too-strenuous video game is perfect, but walking the dog together is great too.
And now is when you become a blend of several different tricky things: Open, honest, fair, receptive, and calm. You can do this. Besides, the guy you’re talking with is pretty awesome, remember? He loves you and he’s already into the idea of just being with you for the rest of his life. This is just one night you’re talking about. So let him know what’s up with you, and then do plenty of listening. You’ll probably like what you hear.
Every guy is different. You know your groom best. You can probably start this conversation better than I can. When in doubt, go with direct but non-confrontational. Frame it in terms of the two of you coming up with something together so he doesn’t feel forced or constrained, and, again, lots of listening.
As much as I’ve built up this conversation, it’s probably going to be easier than you think. You and your hunkazoid have similar values or you wouldn’t be talking bachelor parties in the first place.
Good luck, have fun, and think twice before sucking tequila out of the navel of a pretend lumberjack.
by Jen
There’s a new syndicated show out called "Stag: A Test of Love". On this show, men take camera crews along on their bachelor parties, and then their fiancées watch the tapes.
Do I need to tell you not to watch this show? Good. But just in case someone bangs you on the head with a ball peen hammer or something, here’s a quick reminder: Do not watch this show!
It will bring every irrational fear you ever had about bachelor parties screaming to the front of your brain. And even though you know they’re irrational, there they will be.
And, really, the bachelor party is something that most brides already worry about plenty. (Seriously: You don’t need to worry about the stuff on Stag. For the show to work, it needs 1) grooms who are sleazy and dumb enough to commit acts of skankitude with a camera crew right there and 2) brides who are dumb enough to watch the tapes in front of that same camera crew, whose very presence indicates that the tapes must be pretty bad. Neither of you is dumb, so you don’t have to worry about Stag.
But it is pretty normal to be anxious about your fiancé’s bachelor party.
Some ladies are lucky enough to be engaged to guys who are completely turned off by the traditional puke-and-strippers bachelor party and get to send their young men off to paintball games or fishing weekends or cigar-and-cognac evenings.
Others, not so much. You may have a guy who’s not into sleazy bachelor parties, but doesn’t want to disappoint his can’t-wait-to-go-wild buddies. Or you may have a guy who’s looking forward to a crazy bachelor party as a rite of passage of sorts.
And everyone has heard a horror story that a friend heard about a cousin of a friend of a friend.
It can make even the most laid-back bride freak out a little bit.
It’s definitely a topic where it might be a good idea to talk about expectations, but that has to happen delicately. If your groom feels like you’re trying to control him, he might go wilder than he was originally planning just to prove his independence. He won’t want to establish a pattern of you telling him what he can and can’t do throughout your marriage. That may be the furthest thing from your mind, but that kind of doesn’t matter – this is so close to the wedding that it’s an automatically touchy area. Plus, he’s going to be spending the evening with fifteen guys who are constantly making jokes about him being whipped.
And think about it: you don’t want to be ordered around either. Let’s say you and the girls are planning a quilting bee for your bachelorette party. Your fiancé sweeps in and forbids you to see any male whose shirt isn’t buttoned up to at least his clavicle. Wouldn’t you run out and do body shots off of pretend doctors and cowboys just to prove a point?
So any boundaries the two of you set for your nights out have to be a mutual decision, and he really does need to have an equal say.
But before you do any talking, you need to sit down with yourself. First off, the bottom line: You have to trust him. If you really can’t trust your fiancé to have an evening with the boys and not sleep with someone else, what are you doing marrying him? Either cancel that cake order right now or do whatever you have to do to make sure your brain wrestles that green-eyed monster into submission.
Now that you’ve conquered the green, you have to wade through some grey areas. There are some big, wide, mushy ones between having sex and completely innocent. Take a hard look at what you really are and aren’t OK with. And then flip those roles around to make sure that any rules you want to apply to your gander will be good for you too, goose.
(And, while you’re doing all this thinking, what are you expecting from your bachelorette party? How [[crazy]] do you want things to get, and why? Are you just blowing off some steam with the girls? Are you hoping for a first stripper encounter? Some kind of last sexual hurrah? The more clearly you can wrap your head around your own feelings, the easier it will be to see your groom’s point of view, and to talk about both your parties calmly and fairly.)
Everyone’s boundaries are going to be different. I know one bride who happily sent her groom off with a kiss and a gentle “Look all you want – just don’t touch.” I know another who wouldn’t mind if her groom got an intimate lap dance from a stranger, but would lose her mind if he gave a closemouthed peck to a certain ex.
Are you OK with anything as long as you never have to know about it? OK with anything as long as you do know about it? Think it out, take a break, and then think it out again. Hey, look at how complex you are! That’s one of the reasons why your groom finds you fascinating.
Once you have your head clear, you may or may not still want to talk things out with Le Groom. If you do, get yourself to a point where you can talk about what you want and don’t want and even what you’re afraid of while staying completely calm. If the topic gets you upset, it’s a good idea to practice the conversation in your head. Imagine it going well, and imagine yourself staying completely calm, warm, and happy.
For real: No crying. Even if this is making you anxious. Crying will make your guy either drop what he really wants to comfort you or feel like you’re trying to manipulate him. Or both. And the idea here is to get an honest take on his thoughts so the two of you can figure out what you’re both OK with. So practice, smile, and stay calm like the confident and together chick you are.
When you’re ready to have The Talk, the one thing you shouldn’t do is announce that you need to have a talk. This will – at best – make your hunk curl up into a little armadillo ball.
And don’t try to launch the talk while he is watching something, doing his taxes, or using a circular saw. Trust me.
Your best bet is to do something mindless together – ideally something shoulder-to-shoulder. (Sitting and looking deeply into each other’s eyes may make him feel on the spot. Side-by-side reassures him that this talk is no big deal, and can help him feel more comfortable telling you what he really thinks.) Playing a not-too-strenuous video game is perfect, but walking the dog together is great too.
And now is when you become a blend of several different tricky things: Open, honest, fair, receptive, and calm. You can do this. Besides, the guy you’re talking with is pretty awesome, remember? He loves you and he’s already into the idea of just being with you for the rest of his life. This is just one night you’re talking about. So let him know what’s up with you, and then do plenty of listening. You’ll probably like what you hear.
Every guy is different. You know your groom best. You can probably start this conversation better than I can. When in doubt, go with direct but non-confrontational. Frame it in terms of the two of you coming up with something together so he doesn’t feel forced or constrained, and, again, lots of listening.
As much as I’ve built up this conversation, it’s probably going to be easier than you think. You and your hunkazoid have similar values or you wouldn’t be talking bachelor parties in the first place.
Good luck, have fun, and think twice before sucking tequila out of the navel of a pretend lumberjack.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Merry Christmas!!
Thanks to all of our new readers on this imemoryfilms wedding blog! Your emails have been fun and great to read. Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas, and hopefully your 2009 will be the best ever.
Dont forget to check out our website at: www.imemoryfilms.com
Sherri Kelly
Dont forget to check out our website at: www.imemoryfilms.com
Sherri Kelly
Sunday, December 21, 2008
How To Choose A Wedding Dress
How to Choose a Wedding Dress
Congratulations on your engagement! One of the first things you probably picture when envisioning your wedding is the dress. But before you start shopping for a wedding dress, it's a good idea to know what you're looking for.
Do your research. Before you even begin to look around, research gowns. You should always have a bit of knowledge about dresses (and know some of the lingo) before you even set foot into a bridal shop. There are also many bridal magazines that will provide a ton of information, including Brides, Modern Bride, Bridal Guide, WeddingBells, etc. All of these magazines have websites, where you can find quick information without paying for the magazine.
Decide on a silhouette. Wedding dresses are made in several different silhouettes. Before considering anything else, know which type of gown will flatter your figure the best. Look at photos of each type. You can browse wedding website message boards and member profiles for photos of real women wearing gowns, rather than relying on professional photos of models wearing them.
Ball gowns have very full skirts and generally will look beautiful on any body type, unless the bride is very short and small. In this case, it may be overwhelming to her small frame. Ball gowns generally either have crinolines built in or a slip you must wear to support the shape of the gown. Be advised that this extra fabric can be heavy and bulky and will require extra care to wear.
A-lines usually have a fitted bodice with a skirt that flares gently from the waist to form an "A" shape. They generally work for everyone as well, and are a terrific choice for someone who would like to hide lower body flaws, but does not want a ball gown. A-lines are not as full as ball gowns.
Sheaths flatter women with slim, balanced figures. They shouldn't be worn by brides who dislike their figures. This gown will not hide any flaws. If you think your thighs or butt are too big, you'll be miserable in this type of dress. Don't try to pull it off because you found a gown you love in this style. You don't want to risk being uncomfortable or self conscious on your wedding day, or regretting your choice every time you look at wedding photos.
Empire waist gowns have a skirt that falls from just below the breasts. Although usually listed with various waistline types and not always considered a type of silhouette, they are a wonderful choice for a casual, non-formal wedding, or weddings in a tropical climate. They're usually made of light, flowing fabric. They're also excellent for pregnant brides, because they provide extra room in the waist, making them a comfortable choice. They also won't draw as much attention to the belly as a dress with a lower waistline would.
A Cinderella-esque dress?Envision your wedding. Picture yourself on your wedding day. What are you wearing? What silhouette is your gown? What fabric? Is it embroidered or beaded? What color is it? With so many choices for the dress, it can be overwhelming to look through hundreds or thousands of them. Some brides have said that after looking through racks and racks of dresses, they all begin to look the same. So before you even set out to try them on, envision your wedding day and how your dress looks, and jot down a list of things that describe the dress of your daydreams. You don't have to know all the wedding dress terms. Just write down a description of the gown you're envisioning. Example list: "princessy, satin, some shade of white but not pure white, spaghetti straps."
Consider the circumstances. A wide variety of factors can affect what makes a particular dress appropriate to the occasion.
Formal ceremonies usually call for floor length gowns and long trains, while informal ceremonies (especially destination weddings) are a terrific place to wear a shorter gown without a train at all (or a "sweep" train, which just barely brushes the floor). Another example: in some cases, strapless gowns are considered inappropriate for very formal ceremonies.
If you're getting married in the winter, you may not want to be a very light, thin fabric unless you plan to be inside the entire time. If you're having a beach wedding in the middle of July, you may not want to wear a heavy fabric like duchess satin.
While the most traditional ceremonies will call for a white gown, in many cases, wedding dresses don't have to be pure white anymore! Many women choose dress colors that best complement their skin tones, ranging from diamond white to ivory to champagne to actual colors (pink, blue, red). Pick the color you feel most beautiful in.
Decide on a budget. When deciding on your budget, you don't need to set a very specific price. Just make it a general range, such as $1000 - $1500, or even $1000 - $2000. You can always break this rule later if you're able to and really want to, but it helps to have a general range. Some experts suggest devoting 10% of the overall wedding budget to the bride's attire. Just be sure to remember that "attire" includes not just the gown itself, but the other stuff: veil, shoes, slip, jewelry, gloves, etc. All of these things are optional, of course (except for the slip, which is usually necessary to keep the dress from going between your legs when you walk). But you'll have to factor in the price of whatever items you decide to wear with your gown.
[edit] Tips
Just remember that in the end, it's your wedding, and you CAN do what you want. However, if you decide to wear a mini-skirt short, strapless, backless dress to your super religious ceremony, you may end up coming back to share your lessons learned by writing a wikiHow article on "How To Keep Your Super Religious Parents From Cutting Off Their Monetary Contributions To Your Wedding!"
If you feel your most beautiful in a dress, then buy it! No matter what style of wedding you are having or how long before your wedding you are shopping, if you feel beautiful in it you will shine on the day.
When you actually go to a store, unlike other clothing stores, wedding gown stores will not often have the dresses in your size. You may be making a decision based on a dress which is too large or too small. This is where deciding on a silhouette beforehand can help you. If you know that empire waists are flattering to your figure, it's easier to take the plunge when you're standing in a dress 4 sizes too big with huge clips in the back and trying to imagine how the correct size will look.
Wedding dresses are typically sold by designer and style number, even for the less expensive types, so note which designers you like and the style numbers - this can help you find similar styles that may be more affordable than the exact dress you want.
Another option to consider is renting a dress. This can be a far more affordable way to get yourself a fantastic dress (for the day). The other bonus is not having to clean, store, or ever deal with it again.
If you are lucky enough to have a master seamstress as a good friend and enough time, you have many more options. The first is to make it from scratch. This can be quite costly with certain fabrics being as expensive as a dress itself. Another option is to severely modify a dress. A size 10 wedding dress may be able to be transformed to an 18 by certain combinations of sizes and capabilities. These dresses can be bought at sales for less than fabric.
If finances are really an issue, there may be dresses available through charity organizations.
Congratulations on your engagement! One of the first things you probably picture when envisioning your wedding is the dress. But before you start shopping for a wedding dress, it's a good idea to know what you're looking for.
Do your research. Before you even begin to look around, research gowns. You should always have a bit of knowledge about dresses (and know some of the lingo) before you even set foot into a bridal shop. There are also many bridal magazines that will provide a ton of information, including Brides, Modern Bride, Bridal Guide, WeddingBells, etc. All of these magazines have websites, where you can find quick information without paying for the magazine.
Decide on a silhouette. Wedding dresses are made in several different silhouettes. Before considering anything else, know which type of gown will flatter your figure the best. Look at photos of each type. You can browse wedding website message boards and member profiles for photos of real women wearing gowns, rather than relying on professional photos of models wearing them.
Ball gowns have very full skirts and generally will look beautiful on any body type, unless the bride is very short and small. In this case, it may be overwhelming to her small frame. Ball gowns generally either have crinolines built in or a slip you must wear to support the shape of the gown. Be advised that this extra fabric can be heavy and bulky and will require extra care to wear.
A-lines usually have a fitted bodice with a skirt that flares gently from the waist to form an "A" shape. They generally work for everyone as well, and are a terrific choice for someone who would like to hide lower body flaws, but does not want a ball gown. A-lines are not as full as ball gowns.
Sheaths flatter women with slim, balanced figures. They shouldn't be worn by brides who dislike their figures. This gown will not hide any flaws. If you think your thighs or butt are too big, you'll be miserable in this type of dress. Don't try to pull it off because you found a gown you love in this style. You don't want to risk being uncomfortable or self conscious on your wedding day, or regretting your choice every time you look at wedding photos.
Empire waist gowns have a skirt that falls from just below the breasts. Although usually listed with various waistline types and not always considered a type of silhouette, they are a wonderful choice for a casual, non-formal wedding, or weddings in a tropical climate. They're usually made of light, flowing fabric. They're also excellent for pregnant brides, because they provide extra room in the waist, making them a comfortable choice. They also won't draw as much attention to the belly as a dress with a lower waistline would.
A Cinderella-esque dress?Envision your wedding. Picture yourself on your wedding day. What are you wearing? What silhouette is your gown? What fabric? Is it embroidered or beaded? What color is it? With so many choices for the dress, it can be overwhelming to look through hundreds or thousands of them. Some brides have said that after looking through racks and racks of dresses, they all begin to look the same. So before you even set out to try them on, envision your wedding day and how your dress looks, and jot down a list of things that describe the dress of your daydreams. You don't have to know all the wedding dress terms. Just write down a description of the gown you're envisioning. Example list: "princessy, satin, some shade of white but not pure white, spaghetti straps."
Consider the circumstances. A wide variety of factors can affect what makes a particular dress appropriate to the occasion.
Formal ceremonies usually call for floor length gowns and long trains, while informal ceremonies (especially destination weddings) are a terrific place to wear a shorter gown without a train at all (or a "sweep" train, which just barely brushes the floor). Another example: in some cases, strapless gowns are considered inappropriate for very formal ceremonies.
If you're getting married in the winter, you may not want to be a very light, thin fabric unless you plan to be inside the entire time. If you're having a beach wedding in the middle of July, you may not want to wear a heavy fabric like duchess satin.
While the most traditional ceremonies will call for a white gown, in many cases, wedding dresses don't have to be pure white anymore! Many women choose dress colors that best complement their skin tones, ranging from diamond white to ivory to champagne to actual colors (pink, blue, red). Pick the color you feel most beautiful in.
Decide on a budget. When deciding on your budget, you don't need to set a very specific price. Just make it a general range, such as $1000 - $1500, or even $1000 - $2000. You can always break this rule later if you're able to and really want to, but it helps to have a general range. Some experts suggest devoting 10% of the overall wedding budget to the bride's attire. Just be sure to remember that "attire" includes not just the gown itself, but the other stuff: veil, shoes, slip, jewelry, gloves, etc. All of these things are optional, of course (except for the slip, which is usually necessary to keep the dress from going between your legs when you walk). But you'll have to factor in the price of whatever items you decide to wear with your gown.
[edit] Tips
Just remember that in the end, it's your wedding, and you CAN do what you want. However, if you decide to wear a mini-skirt short, strapless, backless dress to your super religious ceremony, you may end up coming back to share your lessons learned by writing a wikiHow article on "How To Keep Your Super Religious Parents From Cutting Off Their Monetary Contributions To Your Wedding!"
If you feel your most beautiful in a dress, then buy it! No matter what style of wedding you are having or how long before your wedding you are shopping, if you feel beautiful in it you will shine on the day.
When you actually go to a store, unlike other clothing stores, wedding gown stores will not often have the dresses in your size. You may be making a decision based on a dress which is too large or too small. This is where deciding on a silhouette beforehand can help you. If you know that empire waists are flattering to your figure, it's easier to take the plunge when you're standing in a dress 4 sizes too big with huge clips in the back and trying to imagine how the correct size will look.
Wedding dresses are typically sold by designer and style number, even for the less expensive types, so note which designers you like and the style numbers - this can help you find similar styles that may be more affordable than the exact dress you want.
Another option to consider is renting a dress. This can be a far more affordable way to get yourself a fantastic dress (for the day). The other bonus is not having to clean, store, or ever deal with it again.
If you are lucky enough to have a master seamstress as a good friend and enough time, you have many more options. The first is to make it from scratch. This can be quite costly with certain fabrics being as expensive as a dress itself. Another option is to severely modify a dress. A size 10 wedding dress may be able to be transformed to an 18 by certain combinations of sizes and capabilities. These dresses can be bought at sales for less than fabric.
If finances are really an issue, there may be dresses available through charity organizations.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Cool Wedding Favors
Need A Unique Save-The-Date? Try A Magnetic Wedding Favor
Posted in Brides, imemoryfilms.blogspot.com, Love and Romance, Marriage, Wedding Planning, Weddings, Women, wedding favors on 12/12/2008 10:29 am by KarenSave-the-date magnets have become the latest and greatest way to announce your wedding date, especially for those anticipating a lot of out-of-town guests. It’s not a paper announcement or email that might get easily discarded or misplaced. It’s stuck right there on the fridge in plain view to make sure that no one forgets your wedding day. But we’d like to take it one step further. Instead of sending a regular save-the-date notice, why not send a magnetic wedding favor?
One of these cuties is sure to get their attention, and there’s a 99.9% chance it won’t get thrown away. Your guests will appreciate the unique announcement and the gift. Take this snowflake ornament for example. Sure, it would make a fabulous winter wedding favor. But it can be so much more! Instead of placing a photo in the frame, include your wedding date announcement for a unique alternative to the save-the-date notice. It can be hung on their Christmas tree or placed on the fridge because it also has a magnet on the back. People typically keep refrigerator magnets for years, and this one is definitely a keeper.
And here’s another wedding favor that would make an excellent save-the-date announcement. The open heart of this place card holder picture frame can easily display the names and wedding date of the bride and groom. The magnetic back makes it a cinch to affix it to the refrigerator or file cabinet, keeping family and friends aware of your wedding date. Afterwards, you can send your favorite wedding photo to your guests to place inside the mini frame as a keepsake wedding favor. Whether they were able to attend the wedding or not, everyone will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Yes, that’s the good thing about wedding favors from My Wedding Favors. They’re so versatile, you can use them as unique wedding favors, place card holders, picture frames and now even as a save-the-date announcement. Pure genius!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Reception Trends
Are There Any Recent Reception Trends?
Here’s what hip brides everywhere are incorporating into their receptions:
Hot HuesWhile there’s nothing wrong with white china and clear glassware, more and more trendy couples are choosing vibrant tabletop designs for their wedding receptions. Glassware comes tinted in every shade imaginable, as does china. If you want to add just a hint of color, pair classic plates and glassware with tinted chargers, vases and votives. And remember, colors need not precisely match. Choosing hues of the same family is another way to add a little custom color to your palate.
The Boho WeddingPart old country and part new world, the romantic Bohemian wedding expresses a love for global style and eclectic accessories. Using an exotic palette of warm colors that includes reds, pinks, oranges and golds, dress your reception table with luxurious fabrics, gleaming brass and silver metal chargers and serve-ware, flickering lanterns, and of course, lots of candles. Start your reception by serving an international array of hors d’oeuvres: salty Spanish-style patatas fritas, tender skewers of chicken and beef satay from Thailand, and crisp fritters, or pakoras, from India.
The Zen AffairThe Zen wedding celebrates simplicity, tranquility and harmony. Choose soothing, natural colors for your palette, like soft greens and blues, and calming neutrals like grays, sands, and creams. Accentuate your tables with simple centerpieces in low bowls like floating camellias, orchids, or magnolias over a bed of smooth river rock; create a Zen garden with stones and sand in a bento box; or repeat lush squares of moss or wheat grass in lacquered boxes. For hors d’oeuvres, serve rolled sushi and teriyaki skewers on wooden sushi blocks, along with a choice of hot and cold sake and Japanese beers.
The Monogrammed TableEvent planners know a well-placed monogram adds instant style to whatever it embellishes. We’ve seen monograms grace reception tables in a variety of places: on china patterns, napkin rings, guest favors, and more. Easy and inexpensive monogram ideas include printing your design on the menus or etching it onto glass votives and vases.
Here’s what hip brides everywhere are incorporating into their receptions:
Hot HuesWhile there’s nothing wrong with white china and clear glassware, more and more trendy couples are choosing vibrant tabletop designs for their wedding receptions. Glassware comes tinted in every shade imaginable, as does china. If you want to add just a hint of color, pair classic plates and glassware with tinted chargers, vases and votives. And remember, colors need not precisely match. Choosing hues of the same family is another way to add a little custom color to your palate.
The Boho WeddingPart old country and part new world, the romantic Bohemian wedding expresses a love for global style and eclectic accessories. Using an exotic palette of warm colors that includes reds, pinks, oranges and golds, dress your reception table with luxurious fabrics, gleaming brass and silver metal chargers and serve-ware, flickering lanterns, and of course, lots of candles. Start your reception by serving an international array of hors d’oeuvres: salty Spanish-style patatas fritas, tender skewers of chicken and beef satay from Thailand, and crisp fritters, or pakoras, from India.
The Zen AffairThe Zen wedding celebrates simplicity, tranquility and harmony. Choose soothing, natural colors for your palette, like soft greens and blues, and calming neutrals like grays, sands, and creams. Accentuate your tables with simple centerpieces in low bowls like floating camellias, orchids, or magnolias over a bed of smooth river rock; create a Zen garden with stones and sand in a bento box; or repeat lush squares of moss or wheat grass in lacquered boxes. For hors d’oeuvres, serve rolled sushi and teriyaki skewers on wooden sushi blocks, along with a choice of hot and cold sake and Japanese beers.
The Monogrammed TableEvent planners know a well-placed monogram adds instant style to whatever it embellishes. We’ve seen monograms grace reception tables in a variety of places: on china patterns, napkin rings, guest favors, and more. Easy and inexpensive monogram ideas include printing your design on the menus or etching it onto glass votives and vases.
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