WEDDING MUSIC 101 by iMemoryfilms

Tips and Questions for Choosing a Wedding Band

“The wedding was great, but the band sucked!”

iMemoryfilms presents a great article about wedding music by Alexandra Shimizu, of www.pro-ent.com.
iMemoryfilms asks you,......how often have you felt that way about a wedding that you have attended?  Or, how many events do you attend where the crowd leaves before the party is over?  Music can make or break any event, so why settle for banal when brilliant is within reach. But how can you guarantee the party of a lifetime?  Having a large selection of top talent to choose from with sufficient information including DVD’s and MP3’s can help you select a band or ensemble that will bring your event to life.  When you are planning live entertainment for any special event, you’ll want enough choices so that you can tailor the talent both to your tastes and the budget. You wouldn’t believe the number of large special events where talent is a side issue; a favorite cousin’s garage band is hired 9-midnight and the crowd is thin by 10:00 pm.

Whatever event you are producing, it is important to know what you want to accomplish.  Is there a theme to consider or a specific sound you want to hear? Or, are you open to several genres? Do you want the crowd to be able to talk (and hear) during the event?  Do you cherish a pounding horn section?  What is the age range of the participants? What time of day is the event scheduled?  Afternoon weddings generally don’t need dance bands.  Small ensembles work perfectly well.

There are only a limited number of Saturday’s available, so popular bands and ensembles are often booked up to a year in advance.  Every band or ensemble should have a music list and CD available for you to review.  This will be helpful in deciding.  You may want to ask if they are playing somewhere that would be appropriate for you to see them.

The formality, facility, and size of your event will determine the type of music that is appropriate.  Inquire whether the venue can accommodate dancing and has the area necessary for the musicians to set-up and perform. Be specific about getting the space and electrical requirements from the band so that you can accurately relay the information to your contact person at the facility.

When you make all the final arrangements with your facility, be sure to ask if they have any specified time cut-offs for music.  Some facilities require that music be stopped as early as 10 pm.

Music  flows  better at an event if the first hour or so allows for introductions, mingling and talking and is generally background.  At some point, the band can pick up the pace for dancing.  It is a good idea to have a liason between the bride and groom and the band. This person can instruct the band when it is time to play the ”first dance” song. Many times the band leader will act as Master of ceremonies, announce the cake cutting, throwing of the bouquet, and the garter toss.  The best man often is chosen as the liason, since he will be close at hand to coordinate the order of events with the bride, groom and parents.  This will help the day to flow smoothly for the bride and groom.

Be sure to ask about breaks.  One band that we know of took such a long break in the middle of the event that the guests started to leave.  One guest said, “it was never the same after that.”  Most bands have recorded music to play during the breaks, so make sure there is no downtime.  Also, check with the band to see if food should be provided to them.  Food and beverage is often provided to the band during long events, but it doesn’t necessarily mean a formal dinner.  This definitely should be added to the total for the caterer.

Here are some questions to ask you band before you decide to hire:

• Have you performed at weddings?  Do you have references?
• When do you arrive and how much set-up time do you need?
• How many people are in your group?
• Do you handle requests?
• When do you take breaks?  Do you provide music during the breaks?
• Have you played at my venue?
• Do you bring your own equipment?  If so, what?
• Can I hear a demo with some of the music you will be performing at my wedding (or event)?
• What do you wear?  Do I have choices in your attire?

These are a few ideas on hiring a band on your own.  There is, however, another option.  That is to talk with an experienced talent buyer who knows all of the top talent in town and the history and reputation of each group. He or she can also provide all of the demos, photos and information available on each band and can often negotiate a better price than you could get on your own. That way, you are guaranteed to have the most outstanding event possible.

iMemoryfilms

www.imemoryfilms.com

310.938.8490

info@imemoryfilms.com

For more info on wedding planning including wedding videography visit us at www.imemoryfilms.com. You can also visit our blog at www.imemoryfilms.blogspot.com

Wedding Palnning 101: Do-it-yourself wedding favors

So You Want To Make Your Own Wedding Favors? Here is some wedding planning magic by Kristie McDaniel the author of the E-Book: Do Yourself A Favor: Easy and Affordable Wedding Favors You Can Make Yourself! It's on sale at www.doyourselfafavor.net iMemoryfilms says; YES! you can, and they can be beautiful and unique with your own personal touch. I notice that a lot of brides are trying to find ideas to make their own original wedding favors. I know that you want something that your guests will love that gets them into the joy of the day! Lets start with some important tips for getting started with your search for the perfect favor to make. First you have to start early. I know that wedding planning usually begins about 18 months before the wedding. Do not leave your wedding favor as a last minute detail. Think about what you want to make and then shop around for the best prices. You can find the best prices at craft stores after holidays like Valentine's Day, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. Also, you can go to your local party stores, and find materials that you can use for your favors. They usually have very good sales after the holidays. Always be on the lookout for the materials you need because you might just find them for next to nothing at any store. Next you need to find something that you can make yourself. There are a lot of good ideas, but some of them are not for everyone. For instance, I can't sew so I stay away from projects that require me to sew more than a simple stitch. Try to pick something that will be easy for almost anyone to put together because you will probably have an assembly line of helpers, especially since most weddings have more than 100 guests. Well here are some of the steps to creating that wedding favor you and your guests will love! First, you will need to answer a few questions: What is something unique about you, the Bride? What is your favorite hobby? What is something that you and your fiancé love to do? What message do you want to convey to your guest? What is the mood of your wedding, like formal, party time, or family get together? Is there a theme to your reception? Is your wedding during a holiday like Christmas or Thanksgiving? Do you want the guest to keep the favor or just eat it? When you answer these questions, you'll be able to come up with a lot of ideas for favors that you might want to have. While answering the questions, don't restrict yourself to the traditional. I've recently seen request on many message boards for very unique favors like military favors, bowling favors, and especially destination wedding favors. For example, if you are an avid stamp collector, then develop your favor around this interest. The next step is to develop a miniature representation of your theme or hobby. For example for the Christmas wedding, you could find tiny pine trees and decorate them with candies and ribbon as ornaments. Make sure you make the favor as simple as possible, so it is easy to assemble. This is especially important for large weddings. The final step is to go to the craft store and look around for materials to make your idea. For example, with the stamp collector, that person could get some card stack or post cards and print out a Stamp with the happy couple, a message for guests and the price in the corner like an actual stamp. They could attach these cards to envelope or tulle with candy. There are so many things in the craft store that will inspire ideas in the creative bride. You can even start with this step and just look around and see what you can find. There are so many miniature materials that you can develop into beautiful craft ideas. Also, don't just go to the wedding aisle of the craft store, look around the whole store. Wedding favors can be made with just about anything. Popsicle sticks, Forsterä, WoodsiesÒ, and plastic spoons are just a few materials that you can use. If you plan on making your own favors and you want something unique then take time to develop your idea and make it personal to you! You will save money and you will definitely love the outcome! Wedding planning info presented by imemoryfilms www.imemoryfilms.com 818.760.9490 info@imemoryfilms.com For more wedding info, ideas and creative planning, see our blog at www.imemoryfilms.blogspot.com. You can check out our wedding filming pricing and filming options for your wedding day at, www.imemoryfilms.com

iMemoryfilms Wedding Planning Guide: Walking in your Wedding gown 101

Wedding Planning: Walking Well in Your Wedding Gown iMemoryfilms presents some useful wedding planning tips from, Sara L. Ambarian. Sara is a author/creative consultant, & custom bridal designer. You can visit her website at: www.frazmtn.com/~ambarian/ Walking attractively and well in a wedding dress depends on a combination of a number of factors: the style of the dress, width of the skirt, number and size of petticoats or other undergarments, the height of heels on your shoes, your comfort level in walking in that height heel, the floor/ground surface you will be walking on, and more. There is no magic equation for this, but here are some considerations which should help you find a fairly comfortable wedding day walk. ~ Choose a reasonably low heel, one that you are comfortable walking in. And "break your shoes in" a bit by walking around the house in them before the wedding-- but not when cooking or cleaning or doing other potentially soiling activities. ~ If you never wear heels of any kind, if you expect to do a lot of dancing or walking distances, or if heels are very uncomfortable for you, consider your options-- bridal sneakers, flat sandals, ballet slippers, Isotoner slippers, etc. For many brides, their shoes are never seen unless they *want* them seen, but all of the options above can be decorated (by the bride, if she wants to try it) to have an appropriate, if funky, bridal flair. ~ Wear your petticoat and/or other unusual undergarment around the house to get used to how they feel and move. ~ Practice nice posture. Snug-fitting bras and shapers and tight-waisted petticoats all encourage you to stand straight, unlike our normal everyday clothing. Allow these garments to remind you to stand, straight and tall, for the increased impression of beauty and confidence this gives any bride. ~ Have your gown hemmed to the proper height. Some boutiques hem gowns so they touch the floor. Unless you will be wearing an actual *rigid hoop* petticoat, this is not a good idea. For confidence walking, reducing soil, etc., a full-skirted gown should be hemmed at least 1/2", but preferably more like 3/4" to 1" above the floor. My clients occasionally quarrel with me on this subject, afraid that it will "look funny", but I've never had a client sorry after their wedding that they had the additional room above "hard floor" level. Remember, you may well have to walk over plush carpet, grass, gravel, or any of a number of other surfaces. ~ Proper hem height off the floor also gives you a little extra room for imperfect postures. When your hem is measured and marked, the seamstress will ask you to stand straight, with equal weight on both legs, and look directly, level-ly, in front of you. Pay attention to these requests and do your best to comply with them. It will give you the most attractive and accurate hem. However, when you are moving in the dress later, remember that the hem was cut for you standing straight and looking ahead. When you look down, your hem will dip down in front, and this is when many brides step on their skirts. Try to lift your skirt gently with your hands when you need to look down to navigate steps or other activities, to counteract this natural dip-- and the tendency to tread on your skirt. ~ Last-- try to relax about wearing your gown, and don't 'fight' it. A full-skirted gown has a certain natural swing and movement. Some brides take to this naturally; some find it a bit disconcerting, and almost "artificially girly". But if your feet don't hurt, your hem isn't too long, you are used to your undergarments, you relax and enjoy yourself, and you feel really beautiful in your gown... chances are, you'll wear your gown quite well!! Very best wishes to you from Sara and iMemoryfilms! Fro more ideas, wedding planning tips, and wedding videography info, visit us at www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com, or you can visit our websaite at, www.imemoryfilms.com www.imemoryfilms.com Info@iMemoryfilms.com 818.760.9490

Bridal Beauty Alert--Great Hair!!

Awesome Tips for Hair Care By Celebrity Hair Care Guru, Chaz Dean

Beautiful hair is a requirement for your wedding. The good news is that with the right planning your hair will look great for your wedding, and the rest of your life. Sound impossible? Well its not. Just follow these 8 simple rules and you'll look great and you'll feel great about the way you look.

Rule number 1:

Do not do anything drastic the week of your wedding like dying your hair a new color or trying a brand new cut and style. Rushed decisions are rarely good ones especially when you are already nervous and excited. Plus, you will need more than a couple of days to correct a disaster. Your wedding pictures are something you should love and cherish not hide because your hair looked bad!

Rule number 2:

Do plan early! The week you choose your wedding gown is the best time to start planning you hairstyle. Your 1st step is to have someone take a picture of you in the gown. If you're having your gown made just slip into a similar one so you have a visual representation of its style and fit. Look at the pictures and decide what style or image you want to convey i.e. Renaissance romantic, Hollywood glamour, modern and edgy etc. Then decide which hair style best captures that look. Take the time to thumb through magazines and get a feel for what other people are doing. Once you've settled on 2-4 hair styles take the pictures to your stylist and discuss which would best suit your hair type. Then try a couple. Have someone at the salon take a picture of you in each of the styles. You will know the right style when you see it!

If you are having an out of town wedding, you should take pictures of your finished style as well as pictures of the styling process like curling, teasing and blow drying. This way your new hairstylist will see exactly what you want your hair to look like, and know what they need to do to get it there

Rule number 3:

If you are going to experiment with color do it at the same time you decide on the style of your hair. The right highlights, low lights or 3-4 color hair weaves can look spectacular and really light up a face. The wrong color can be a disaster. Finding out what works and what doesn't early, gives you plenty of time to correct the color and even try another option without damaging your hair! Make sure that you have your stylist use a low volume, low amonia product. At Chaz Dean Studios we only use Majirel by Loreal to insure the best color and protect the hair from damage.

Rule number 4:

Drink plenty of water and load up on vitamins. Within 6-8 weeks you will see a wonderful change in your hair! The big bonus is that you will feel great and your skin will look and feel softer and more supple. Water also helps wash away toxins produced by stress that can rob you of energy and leave your hair and skin looking dry and dull. I recommend 8 ounces of water every hour throughout the day. The most important vitamins to add to your diet are zinc (found in beans), vitamin A (found in dark green vegetables) and (B6 found in eggs.) If you have dry thinning hair some herbalists also recommend black-current oil (try 500 milligrams twice a day.) For a fast fix you can also purchase quality hair and skin vitamins from any good vitamin or organic grocery store.

Rule number 5:

Don't over cleanse you hair! Yes I know it sounds dramatic but its true. Most commercial shampoos and have harsh detergents that strip your hair leaving it dull and lifeless. The commercial conditioners that stop the frizzes end up robbing your hair of volume. We haven't used shampoo at Chaz Dean studios for over 8 years and all my clients' look great. We use Wen, a cleansing conditioner with Rosemary, Mint and eucalyptus. Since it doesn't have any detergents it doesn't lather, or leave a residue. You just get clean gorgeous hair. It also deep conditions, nourishes the scalp and actually helps your hair grow faster, feel thicker, have more volume.

Rule number 6:

Do any maintenance color or retouching 2-3 weeks before your wedding day. This will leave you plenty of time to counteract any extra dryness or damage. As before, I highly recommend using Majirel by Loreal to insure the best color and minimize damage.

Rule number 7:

Deep condition your hair one week before your wedding. You can use Wen or an herbal based deep conditioning treatment. This treatment will revitalize your hair leaving it vibrant, shiny, full of volume, and luxuriously soft. Simply massage the product into your hair, cover with a plastic shower cap and sit under a dryer for one hour. If you don't own a dryer, just leave the product in for an additional hour or so. Do not deep condition your hair the day before your wedding. The deep conditioning will make it hard for your hair to hold any style or curl for any extended time. I also recommend doing this treatment every 4-6 weeks as part of your regular hair maintenance routine.

Rule number 8:

Use your hair cleansing product the day before not the day of your wedding. This is especially important for women with straight, fine or thin hair. This will insure that neither you nor your hairstylist will have to deal with fly away ends hours before your wedding. Your hair will also be easier to style and be able to hold a style longer. However, if you have incredibly thick and curly hair like my client Julianna Margulies, I recommend that you do condition the day before and the day of your wedding!

Remember, you are beautiful and this is your special day. Be prepared for a ton of compliments, and enjoy your gorgeous hair!

By celebrity hair specialist Chaz Dean
ewonderfullife.com

www.imemoryfilms.com

818.760.9490

info@imemoryfilms.com

For info on our award winning wedding videography, visit us at, www.imemoryfilms.com

For more wedding tipis, ideas, and info, visit us at, www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com

Newlywed Tips-Picking a House You'll Both Love!

A "must-read" article by Michelle O' Connor of San Diego weddings.

If Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus, how can they agree when it comes to buying their first home? With most men preferring high energy sporting events to Celine Dion concerts, and most women preferring love stories over “Die Hard” it isn’t difficult to see that men and women can be headed in different directions when it comes to selecting a home.

Men and women look at homes in totally different ways - women tend to consider the emotional aspects of a house, while men are inclined to think of a home as an extension of their personalities/ hobbies.

What Women Want
When women shop for homes they look at things such as, do they like the wall paper in their bedroom, is the carpet the right color, does it “feel” good here, can I see myself cooking in the kitchen, are there enough bedrooms for future family and/or visitors etc….

Men Prefer…
Men, on the other hand, want to know if a space will work for their music room, can they see themselves watching Football in the living room, is there enough room for a boat in the garage… Most importantly, men want to know if they are getting a good deal.

Working Together
So how can people with such different perspectives come together to make a purchase that pleases both? Here are some ways for newlyweds to successfully navigate the home-buying process.

First have a good idea of what you both want before you go in to talk to a real estate agent. Take time to discuss what’s important to each of you and decide together what amenities are necessary and fit your price range. Decide on your price range first and get pre-approved for a mortgage to insure you can buy the house you want once you find it. It can be very disappointing and frustrating to spend lots of time locating your dream home only to find out you can’t afford it.

Be up front with your real estate agent as to what your priorities are how set you are on price range. Insist on only viewing homes that fall into the price range you have established. Keep from being wishy washy in order save time for both the real estate agent and yourself and from giving your agent any room to deviate from your original plan.

Disagreements
If there is any disagreement, excuse yourselves to talk privately. One person may not recognize the risk of buying a home outside of your price range, or may really love the kitchen while you hate the living room. Don’t discuss it in public; go home and work it out.

Final Decision
Once you decide on your home, make sure the numbers add up. This is where couples can help each other. In many cases, women are the ones who read the small print, while men tend to dwell on big picture items like warranties and inspections.

Be patient. Make sure you have talked over any concerns and that all of your questions have been answered. Allow time for both of you to examine the home. View homes during the week, when agents are less busy and can give you’re their full attention.

If couples discuss their priorities and price range in advance, take the time to gather all the necessary information, and locate a good real estate agent and make the decision together. The odds are pretty good that everybody will be happy with the new surroundings.

By Michelle O’Connor – San Diego Weddings

www.imemoryfilms.com

info@imemoryfilms.com

818.760.9490

For more wedding tips, ideas, and info,...please visit us at www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com.com

5 Things Your Wedding Photographer Must Offer!

Some useful info for brides from, Paul Kaliher
SMS Design Wedding Photography and Videography

You're getting married, right? Congratulations! You want your wedding day to be as perfect and beautiful as you've always dreamed. However, if you choose the wrong photographer, your day may be a lot less than perfect, and you may not be satisfied with the images your photographer captures. Bummer. So, how do you choose the right photographer?

Here's how. Make sure your wedding photographer offers you these five things. Then you can relax and feel confident the love, special moments and important details of your wedding day will be captured in beautiful images for a lifetime of memories.

1. Do you like the photographer's work?
Look at a fairly good selection of the photographers wedding images, not just a few photos on a web site. It's best if you can see at least an album or two and a proof book of a complete wedding. The albums probably represent the best of the photographer's work, and the proof book shows all the typical images he or she captures during a wedding day. How do the images look to you? Are they pleasing to look at? Does the lighting and the color look good to you? Is the photographer's style what you are looking for? Most of our bridal couples are looking for a mix of photojournalistic images and classic posed traditional ones. Make sure your photographer is capable of, and comfortable with, taking the style of images you want for your wedding. If you don't like the photographer's work, there is no need to consider them further. Also, make sure the work you see was done by the photographer who will photograph your wedding. Some studios will show you a lot of good work from various photographers, but will not guarantee you will get the photographer whose work you like the best. Sometimes, a husband and wife team like ours is the best way to be sure the photographer's work you see is the work you will get.
2. Do you like the photographer's personality and mannerisms?
Is the photographer confident, easy going and not a nervous ninny? Does the photographer have a good sense of humor? Remember, the photographer will be present through most of your wedding day, interacting with you, your wedding party, your family, and your guests. A demanding, inflexible, and uptight photographer can make your day unpleasant. I know you don't want that! Make sure you and your spouse-to-be get along well with the photographer you choose. If the photographer is going to have a second photographer help at your wedding, meet the assistant photographer and make sure you feel comfortable with them also. To get to know your photographer before you choose them, it is really important you meet with them personally. If it is physically impossible to meet with the photographer, you should make sure some of their testimonials from previous clients make you feel comfortable with the photographer's personality.
3. Does the photographer have a strong sense of professional commitment to photographing your wedding and a professional work ethic?
Does the photographer use professional cameras, lenses and flash systems? Does he or she have at least some lenses that will produce good images in low light situations (f2.8 aperture)? Does the photographer use a soft box over the flash and keep the flash above the lens on both horizontal and vertical photos to minimize shadows in their images? Does he or she always bring a complete set of backup equipment, or bring a second photographer with another set of equipment, to every wedding? How will the photographer and their assistant be dressed on your wedding day? Ask them. Hopefully, they will professional enough to arrive dressed in a tux, suit, or dressy dress. Although, if your photographer is a man and he says he's coming in a dressy dress, you might worry a little about that :-). You should get the feeling that your photographer is dedicated to making sure your wedding day is wonderful, and that all of the love, emotions and important details will be captured in images you will be able to enjoy for the rest of your life.
4. Does your photographer have the experience to anticipate all the good things that will happen on your wedding day, and the experience to deal with the bad things that could happen also?
An experienced photographer will have photographed enough weddings to anticipate and capture special moments during your day, and the important details that may easily be missed by a "newbie". An experienced photographer also knows that things do go wrong sometimes and will be able to anticipate and deal with them, often without you even knowing that something went wrong. That's why a complete set of backup equipment is necessary. My little kit of duct tape, extra cables, pen knife with scissors, and band-aids has been a life saver several times.
5. Does your photographer offer you the right value?
Not the right price, but, the right value. If your photographer doesn't have all of the above four characteristics, it may not matter what their prices are. If the photographer has all four, that's a big part of the value they offer you. In this case, the price should be less important. Just make sure your photographer will provide what is really important to you and is upfront with you about costs for everything you want. Someone who offers a "low" price up front may sound attractive. But, things change when you find they charge extra for every location stop, for the digital image files, for a studio set up at the reception, and so on. A photographer who charges twice as much, but includes almost everything, can often be a better value for you.

So, there you have it. Choose your wedding photographer based on the above five factors, and you will go a long way toward having the wedding of your dreams. Good luck and congratulations again.

Paul Kaliher
SMS Design Wedding Photography and Videography
630-416-6843


www.imemoryfilms.com

info@imemoryfilms.com

818.760.9490


For more info, tips, and ideas for weddings, visit us at: www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com

Personalizing Your Wedding 101

Injecting your big day with a little creativity to personalize your wedding can be one of the most rewarding activities you undertake throughout the planning stages. Start by elaborating on your mutual interests or focus on the things that brought you together. If you met in a coffee shop, serve up some home-brewed, gourmet coffee during the reception or as unique wedding favors. If you were engaged while on a skiing trip in Colorado, decorate your reception tables with snowflake-themed elements. Though you have a lot of choices to make in the coming months, making your wedding day your own should be a special collaboration between you and your new partner.

Customizing your wedding day will always link your special day with you and your soon-to-be in your guests' minds. Though there are many things that happen behind the scenes, many of your choices will be dictated by your theme, color selection, and wedding date or place. Engaging your guests on your wedding day with relevant activities, dress code requests, menu selections, and unique wedding favors ensures that your families and friends will be talking about your wedding for years to come!

Select Customized, Unique Wedding Favors. The wedding favors you select are important because it's the memento your guests take home. Choosing a favor with utility in mind guarantees your guests will use the favor long after your wedding day. Coasters, candles, wine bottle stoppers, luggage tags, and personality boxes are all popular with the savvy bride who mixes and matches unique wedding favors to suit her guests' needs and interests.

Your own unique wedding favors can all be decorated with your colors or themes, tying your day together flawlessly. The decision to personalize wedding favors is always a big hit with crowds, with items that include photo albums, sticky notes and notepads. Personalize your wedding using favors such as tasteful crystal flutes, ribbons, luxurious fabrics, and boxes.
Choose a Theme Based on Your Interests. A theme is an excellent way to personalize your wedding and a fun way for guests to participate. Though they range from the eccentric – fantasy and sci-fi – to the elegant – seasonal and destination, a theme, complete with food, decorations, colors, and unique wedding favors, makes your wedding day a cohesive event that guests will long remember.

Say you and your new partner are big fans of bungee jumping; personalize your wedding by taking it to an extreme level – do a jump just after your first kiss as husband and wife. Or, for a more traditional touch, wear your grandmother's lovely silk wedding dress from the '40s and throw a big, vintage wedding bash complete with a live swing band.

A destination event is another idea that brides are using to personalize the wedding day. It's more like a vacation within a wedding, which gives your guests an opportunity to get away, see a new place, and attend your big day. Many couples decide to exchange vows in tropical climates, though this is by no means a requisite. Though destination weddings are a bit pricier than their traditional counterparts, it's an exciting adventure for both you and your guests. If you're short on money, turn your ceremony and reception into an homage to a destination or locale you both love. Serve inventive cocktails, unique wedding favors, and require everyone to show up in Hawaiian attire.

Use Colors, Flowers, and Food to Great Effect. Personalize your wedding by designing the menu with both of your favorites in mind, treating guests to a smorgasbord of decadent appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts. For the main, anticipated dessert, some brides have elected to personalize the wedding cake by serving flavorful cupcakes with the couples' new monogram. You can also decorate the cake with unusual wedding toppers, bake with new flavors, or add colorful, vibrant frosting options.
If you are throwing a beach-themed wedding, for instance, your colors will consist of rich caramels, honeys, blues, and baby yellows. You can use these hues on the decorations at both your wedding and reception – drape chairs with silky honey fabric, place unique wedding favors in the shape of seashells strategically by the plate settings, and top your reception tables with sky blue table covers.

The colors you use to personalize your wedding will underscore your theme if used effectively, and flowers, too, can be useful if placed appropriately and will continue to echo your theme throughout the night. Though the most popular flower choices remain calla lilies, gardenias, and hydrangeas, all of which you can order to match your colors and theme, many other flowers, such as roses, birds of paradise, tulips, and hibiscus, will capture the romance and style of your wedding day as well.
Don't Be Afraid to Get Creative. Remember that, after all, it is your day. This is your time to plan an event your guests will never forget and a prime opportunity to let your personality and interests shine through. Use your creativity to select unique wedding favors, rich, vibrant colors, and exotic decorations. Don't be afraid to personalize your wedding by mixing the old traditions of the bride and groom's families with your new ideas. Though the day may be hectic for you, with your own blend of personalization and sophistication, it will be a day that you and your soon-to-be will never forget.

Cherie Johnson
Creative Bride

www.imemoryfilms.com
info@imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490

How to Buy The "Perfect" Wedding Dress

How to Buy The "Perfect" Wedding Dress

Buying your wedding dress is one of the most important parts of wedding planning. Why? Because your dress will be the centerpiece of the wedding. Still, there's no need to stress out about dress shopping or to turn into a roaring Bridezilla if a dress doesn't fit right. The right dress is out there waiting for you, and these simple steps will help you to find it. Good luck and, more importantly, have fun!
Step 1: Getting Started

Buy a dress that suits your wedding budget, location and season. (Creative Commons photo by Jennifer Stone)
Before you shop for your wedding dress, gather the information and tools that you will need. Here are some suggestions:
Subscribe to Bridal Magazines
Not only will this give you plenty of time to browse through each month's wedding fashion tips (and daydream about how to implement them), but it will also save you money on newsstand prices. Some popular bridal magazines are:
Brides
Bridal Guide
Martha Stewart Weddings
Modern Bride


Register for Online Wedding Sites
Sign up for free online memberships to wedding planning sites like The Knot, Brides.com and WeddingChannel.com, which provide shopping tips and searchable wedding dress galleries.
Consult Your Wedding Plan
Before you begin shopping for a wedding dress, you should already have made the following wedding planning decisions:


Set the Date:
How Long Do You Have to Plan?
The length of your engagement dictates your shopping schedule. Chances are good that you'll spend a lot of time searching for your dress and then even more waiting on delivery and alterations. So, make time management a priority.
The Knot has a helpful gown-buying checklist that offers a step-by-step shopping plan. The check-list focuses on brides who have nine months to a year to shop, but its tips are helpful even for those on a tighter schedule.
Should You Dress Seasonally?
If you're having a winter wedding, for example, wear a sleeved gown made from heavy material.
Created a Wedding Budget: How Much Do you Have to Spend?
It is recommended that you spend about 10% of your total wedding budget on the dress.
Typically, wedding dresses cost between $500 and $6000. Don't worry if you're on a tighter budget, though; there are plenty of ways to find the perfect dress at the right price.
Picked a Location: What Type of Dress Should You Wear?
The setting can determine what type of bridal wear will be appropriate and comfortable; knowing you're planning a tropical beach wedding influences your dress options.


Step 2: Consult Your Feelings
Before you shop for your wedding dress, travel forward in time to think about how you will want to feel at your wedding. This will save time and energy, allowing you to focus on styles that suit your mood and tastes.
What's Your Fantasy?
Is it a fairy tale wedding and you're wearing a long, classic dress with a veil and a train?
Is it a simple, beach ceremony and you're barefoot in a short dress with flowers in your hair?
Is it a modern wedding with simple, elegant decor and you're wearing a sharp dress with no frills?
How Do You Normally Dress?
If you don't wear off-the-shoulder dresses, you probably won't want a wedding dress in that style.
If you like to wear short dresses, don't weigh yourself down with a long train.
If you're a glamour girl on the street, kick your ceremony up a notch with couture style.
If, like Ellen DeGeneres or Diane Keaton, you're the type of woman who wears pants a lot, be true to yourself and wear a white pant suit.


Step 3: Do Your Research

Research will help you to skip through the maze of dresses, allowing you to quickly find the right fit at the right price. (Creative Commons photo by Tom)
Before you start shopping, you need to know a few basic things about cost, design and wedding fashion shop talk. This will help you to understand what wedding dress styles suit your body type and to successfully communicate with bridal retailers:
Wedding Dress Styles
There are five basic wedding dress styles. Some designers and boutiques will call them by different names or have variations on the cut, but the basic five are:
A-Line or Princess: Fitted in the body, then flows out toward the ground.
Ball Gown: Fitted in the body with a full skirt.
Mermaid: Contours the body from the chest to knee, then flows to hem.
Sheath or Column: Straight, form-fitted from the shoulders to the hem.
Empire: Raised waist line sits below the bust. Dress flows down to hem.
Dress Style and Body Type
Different dress styles suit different body types.
A sheath dress, which hugs every curve, would not flatter a full-figured woman.
A ballgown, which bells at the bottom, might overwhelm a petite woman's figure.
Check out this handy Custom Fit Tool, which matches dress styles to body types.
For more details on matching body type to dress style, check out tips from Beaucoup.
Click on the "next page" text beneath each section to move to the next page.
Neckline Styles
The are many different neckline styles. Some will flatter your physique and others will not.
Women with broad shoulders or large arms should wear a portrait neckline, not off-the-shoulder.
A strapless neckline does not suit small-breasted women, but the jewel or "t-shirt" cut is ideal.
The Fabric
There are several different types of fabric. A general knowledge of fabric and its pricing will help you to understand the value of dresses you are considering.
Wedding Dress Prices
Now that you know the basics about wedding dress styles and have given some thought to what dresses will look best on you, it's time to think about finding dresses in your price range.
The Knot shows wedding dress prices in its online gallery.
When calculating your wedding dress price, factor in tax, shipping and alteration expenses.
Don't forget to budget for shoes and accessories such as veils, tiaras, jewelry and gloves.
Your wedding is a cherished occasion, so why waste your time longing for a hand-beaded Vera Wang dress with ruched lace trim that you can't have? Find designers and retailers within your price range and stick to them.
View Online Wedding Dress Galleries
Many wedding websites offer online wedding dress galleries, where you can view tens of designers and retailers' current bridal lines. Before you set foot in a bridal shop (where salespeople tend to hurry and pressure you) it's a great idea to spend time researching styles and designers in your price range. This will save you time and money. Click below to view these sites' online galleries:
Brides.com
The Knot
WeddingChannel.com
Onewed.com
Mary's Bridal
David's Bridal
Note: Does your fiancé have a favorite dress or look for you? Give it a moment's thought. It's a good idea to look great for your partner on the day that you unite your lives forever.



Step 4: Visit Local Boutiques to Try Dresses On

Shopping for a wedding dress is fun if you're prepared. (Creative Commons photo by _e.t)
You've done your homework. You know how to talk the talk, you have a good idea about what kind of dress you want and you've got a price range. Now, you're ready to visit the bridal boutiques.
Find Great Bridal Shops
Look up local bridal shops, chain stores and outlets in a directory.
Ask friends what bridal shops they recommend.
Call bridal shops to ask what lines and price ranges they carry.
Visit shops for 15-20 minutes to get a feel for the store.
Make appointments with salespeople at shops that fit your style and budget.
You Need to Bring
Here's a list of things to bring when you shop for a wedding dress:
A trusted friend or relative (keep shopping party to two or three and do not bring your competitive sister).
Appropriate undergarments: underwear, strapless bra or bustier, pantyhose or a slip.
Shoes similar in height to what you plan to wear at your wedding
A notebook to record important dress details and notes on your shopping experience.
The designer and style numbers for the dresses that you like.
Your feelings about and style ideas for each dress.
Details about your shopping experience: were the salespeople helpful? What shop has the best stock for your tastes.
If stores permit, bring a camera to compare dresses and to see how the dress photographs.
Shopping in a Bridal Salon
Tell your salesperson your budget, your ideal cut and neckline options and designer preferences.
Try on dresses that your salesperson brings out and get friends' opinions.
If your salesperson recommends a dress or cut, give it a try. They're the experts.
Take notes on designers, dresses, styles and sizes as you go. You may try on hundreds of dresses. Make sure you have an organized list, detailing every dress you like.
If your salesperson brings dresses that are over your budget, consider working with someone else.
When the dress comes out, and it will, keep your cool. Do not let the salesperson know how excited you are about the dress, or it will kill negotiations.
Once you've found the dress, write down information on that dress and leave the store.
Search for the dress online and call other bridal shops to get prices for it.
If you had a helpful salesperson, call that salon to negotiate a price for the dress.
Note: Skip a day or two of work to visit bridal boutiques during the week. You will avert weekend crowds and get more attention from salespeople.



Step 5: Order or Buy Your Dress

Depending on how you choose to obtain your wedding dress—you might buy it at a bridal salon, scoop it up at a sample sale, or find it online—the ordering process will vary. Whatever method you use, you need to have that dress in your possession and ready for fitting no less than 6 weeks before your wedding.
Tips for ordering your dress from a designer or bridal shop:
Request a contract that includes:
Name of designer, style number, size and measurements.
The date that the dress will be ready by.
Amount you've paid and the amount that you owe. Do not pay more than a 50% deposit and pay it on a credit card in case you have price disputes.
If applicable, what fittings and accessories are included.
Tips for ordering your dress online:
Ordering a dress online is a great way to browse a full selection, avoid the hassle of salespeople when shopping and, often, to save money. However, there are certain things that you need to consider when ordering online.
Have your measurements taken so that you know what size you are.
Visit bridal salons to try on different styles and sizes before you place your order.
When you find a dress online, check the designer's website to make sure that the site is an authorized dealer of that line.
If you've ordered your dress, you will have to wait anywhere from 2 weeks to four months to receive it. If you bought it off the rack, you're ready to move on to the next step: Get Your Fitting.
Note: Purchase your dress with a credit card. This way, you are secure if you lose your receipt and you can contest payment for problematic items or services.



Step 6: Get a Fitting

So, you've invested a good deal of thought and money in your wedding dress. You've waited patiently for it to arrive. Now, it's time to make sure that it fits perfectly.
If you bought your dress at a bridal shop, consider going back to the same place to get your fitting, especially if you have alterations built into your contract.
Otherwise, find a reliable seamstress.
If you're planning to lose weight for your wedding, do so before your fitting.
When you go to your fitting, bring:
Trustworthy friends
Accessories you will wear with the dress
Your contract to keep alterations terms clear
When you try on the dress, The Knot recommends assessing the fit as follows:
Length: The dress should touch the tops of your shoes.
Movement: You should be comfortable lifting your arms and moving.
Problems: The gown shouldn't bunch, wrinkle or pull when you move.
Schedule fittings as necessary:
Schedule a fitting as soon as you can after the dress arrives at the shop.
Bring your maid of honor to a fitting so that she knows all the details about your dress and train.
Pick up your dress.



How to Save Money on a Wedding Dress

Keep costs down by keeping perspective: at the end of the day, the dress will probably be tattered and stained. (Creative Commons photo by Bea)
As you conduct research on wedding dresses, you will find that you can easily procure a beautiful wedding dress for well under a thousand dollars. If your budget still doesn't allow for that, or if you're trying to find a designer dress for lower than retail prices, these tips are for you.
Keep it in perspective. You're only wearing this dress once, so don't waste your time and energy longing for expensive designer dresses.
Focus on the cut, not the lacework or beading. It's the shape of the dress that flatters, not the ornamentation.
If you find a to-die-for style on a dress you can't afford, hire a seamstress to recreate the dress in a cheaper fabric. You can find good tips for hiring a seamstress on lovetoknow.com.
Call local bridal shops and designer boutiques to ask when they have sample sales. These sales usually happen during the wedding off season, between November and April. If sample sales are happening in your area, read these shopping tips before you go.
You can save by shopping online at websites like David's Bridal and House of Brides, where you can to look through a variety of wedding dresses, from simple summer dresses to couture, in an affordable price range.
Because so many brides overspend on their dresses, it should be easy to find many used dresses to choose from. Visit local consignment shops or search online at sites like preownedweddingdresses.com and Craigslist.
Rent a dress: Call local boutiques to ask if they offer this money-saving option.
If a close friend or family member doesn't mind, borrow her wedding dress.
She must be within two dress sizes of you.
Hire a seamstress to alter the dress to suit your personal style.



Resources for How to Buy a Wedding Dress
The Knot: Gown-Buying Checklist
About.com: What Do Wedding Dresses Cost?
Brides.com: Find Your Style Wedding Dresses
Offbeatbride.com: Brides in pants (September 26, 2007)
The Knot: Beach Weddings
About.com: A Winter Wedding
The Knot: Find a Perfect Winter Gown
The Knot: Gown Search: What Do Those Little Dollar Signs Mean?
SoYouWanna.com: SoYouWanna Buy a Wedding Gown
WeddingSolutions.com: Wedding Dress Styles
lovetoknow: How to Buy a Wedding Dress
Brides.com: Wedding Dress Gallery
WeddingChannel.com: Wedding Dresses
The Knot: Wedding Gowns
The Knot: Your Gown: Neckline Glossary
The Knot: Shopping 101: 15 Must-read Gown Shopping Tips >
The Knot: Find the Right Fit for You
The Knot: Accessories and Jewelry
The Knot: getting in shape
Brides.com Accessories Guide
Onewed.com Designer Bridal Shoes
The Knot: Veil Glossary
The Knot: Under-the-Dress Essentials
WeddingChannel.com Jewelry
Frugalbride.com: A Designer's Guide to Acquiring Your Dream Gown
Frugalbride.com: Wedding Gown Shopping Tips
Superweddings.com: Plan a Spectacular but Cheap Wedding
New York Magazine: Sample-Sale Sleuthing (Winter 2007)
lovetoknow.com Wedding Dress Alterations: Interview with a Seamstress
lovetoknow.com: Cheap Wedding Dresses
Brides.com: Custom Fit Tool
Beaucoup Wedding Favors: Wedding Dress Bargain Hunting Tips
Beaucoup Wedding Favors: Fittings and Alterations - Wedding Dresses
Beaucoup Wedding Favors: Your Figure Defined
Beaucoup Wedding Favors: Wedding Dress, Bridal Gown Shopping Etiquette
wikiHow: How to Plan a Wedding in 6 Months
The Knot: city-by-city guides
wikiHow: How to Shop for a Wedding Dress
wikiHow: How to Choose a Wedding Dress
Garden and Hearth: Wedding Planning for the Budget Bride