Crying at The Wedding
April 20, 2006 by Lesley-Ann Graham
Filed under Wedding Tips
It is quite normal for there to be tears at the wedding. It is a moving experience that can touch even the most jaded hearts. The more magical the wedding, the faster the hankies come out.
Actually, everyone cries at weddings. There have been times where the bride sobs her way to the altar. The groom may be so awed by the sight of his intended that he’ll shed a few tears too.
Expect that the bride’s parents will shed some tears as they watch their beloved daughter marry her chosen mate. They are seeing the culmination of years of care blossom into the radiant bride standing at the altar. Some may feel a great reluctance to let go of their child, but know that they cannot hold her back. If you can’t imagine it, watch the movie “Father of the Bride” starring Steve Martin.
Of course, there may also be some sad tears from the crowd. Weddings for the single people can be a goal and watching someone else at the altar makes them misty eyed with longing. The guests, the ones who are married, may be remembering their own nuptials and are reliving their special moment as they watch the happy couple say their vows.
If you think you are likely to have lots of waterworks …I mean guests, crying at the wedding, why not have some tissue prepared in packages matching your theme. That would be a thoughtful gift that your guests will apreciate and remember. Just don’t forget to have some ready for you and your fiance/e, just in case you get overcome by your happiness as well.
Wedding Night 101
April 19, 2006 by Lesley-Ann Graham
Filed under Wedding Tips
The wedding night is a very special time. Even if you and your fiance/e have been living together for years, this night is a marker in your relationship and deserves to be prepared for as carefully as the wedding ceremony and reception. Take the time to make it memorable for both of you.
Wherever it is that you will spend the night, tradition says that the groom must carry the bride over the threshold. Superstition says this is to prevent bad luck from happening if the bride stumbles, but no one ever says what happens if she should fall (should the groom collapse from the unaccustomed weight). In ancient times, this may also have been to prevent the reluctant bride from escaping her new spouse. Fortunately, there have been very few of those cases in modern times.
Most hotels give special packages for newlyweds. They will normally give you a suite, not just a standard room. They can also have chilled champagne and delicious strawberries, as well as other amenities, ready in your room awaiting your arrival. If you have special requests, such as having flower petals strewn on the bed, these can be handled by their guest services coordinator as well.
Both of you may be excited but a little tired from your reception. It’s always a great idea to unwind before anything else. Why not have a soak in the tub- alone or together as you prefer- may just do the trick. Your bride is bound to have a special piece of lingerie specially chosen just for this occasion, which she’ll don just as soon as she’s ready. The rest is up to you.
Avoid Creating A Stink
April 18, 2006 by Lesley-Ann Graham
Filed under Wedding Tips
Ever had the experience of walking into a room and felt faint from the smell? Just imagine, you will be in a suit or a gown, which is warmer than most of your outfits. There may be some dancing which will make people sweat. Add to it the smell of hundreds of colognes or perfumes and it can be overwhelming experience.
This rule applies to everyone present at your event, not just the wedding party: tone down the perfume. The target is to smell fresh and clean, not to overwhelm the guests with your smell. It is best if they can only detect your cologne if they are about ten inches away from you.Clue: If people can smell you from across the room, you put on too much cologne. If they can smell you coming long before they see you, yes, you’ve put on too much. If the empty elevator smells like you, you definitely reek! Keep in mind:
- It pays to find a perfume that truly suits your body chemistry.
- Put the cologne or perfume on your pulse points using just a dab or two. No need to spray the way they do in commercials - we all know those are exaggerations.
- It’s best to put it on your skin not on your clothes. Some scents will stain your gown and that’s something to avoid. Worse, when your cologne evaporates it will leave only the smell of the alcohol
- Choose a scent that blends well with your soap - it will be more appealing to your new spouse and guests; in fact, check if your favorite manufacturer created a complete line of grooming products. It’s a sure bet that their soap, cologne and any lotion or aftershave will match each other and blend to make you smell beautiful not overpowering.
Pucker Up : Wedding Day Lipsticks
April 17, 2006 by Lesley-Ann Graham
Filed under Health & Beauty
On one’s wedding day, the bride is expected to look gorgeous. Whether it is a natural beauty or with nature’s help, she must be radiant. While happiness and excitement does make one glow, it won’t keep the lipstick even after all the kissing you’ll be doing.
Imagine kissing your groom, the two hundred or more guests and then eating your wedding meal. Don’t forget that you’ll also be having that slice of wedding cake. How will you keep your lips looking luscious in all the pictures?
- Choose a more natural shade of lipstick. A lipstick in a pink or brown shade will show less unevenness than a darker tone.
- When you apply your lipstick, blot it with a tissue after. You don’t really want to be leaving a brand on everybody, right?
- Use a lipbrush to apply your lipstick. This will make your application more even, and the color will stay longer.
- Choose your lipliner well. A good choice is one that is just a shade darker than your lipstick. Blending it into the lipstick is important to avoid the ghastly sight of a ring on your mouth without any color.
- Retouch when you can. Carry your lipstick in your wedding pouch (some designers will create one for your hanky and lipstick) or ask your maid of honor to bring it for you. A good time to replenish the tint is before you form the line at the reception and of course, after eating.
- Use a long lasting lipstick or have a make-up sealant. This will keep your lips colorful and hopefully smudge free til the reception is over
Hair, Glorious Hair : Wedding Day Hairstyling
April 16, 2006 by Lesley-Ann Graham
Filed under Health & Beauty
It has been called the crowning glory of a woman. It can make the difference between looking like a demure maiden or a mischievous nymph. It can even make one look like a throwback to the 60’s.
The preparation for your wedding day look, yes even for your hair, begins as early as six months before the actual date. Much like your gown, quite a bit of thought and planning goes into making your tresses look magazine cover beautiful. Of course, only if you want to take the time; only if you’re not planning to just get your hair pushed into a bun and stuck with pins any which way.
Don’t worry. Getting your hair perfect for the occasion is quite easy. All you need to do is follow a few simple steps:
- Choose a professional hairstylist you can trust. Don’t let yourself get carried away by the name of the salon or how the place looks. You need to find someone whose hands and artistry you trust. Preferably who is more concerned with your looks than how much you will spend in his shop.
- Discuss with your stylist the kind of look you want for your wedding. This includes showing him any sketches of your gown if you’ve chosen one.
- Follow your stylist’s advice. They may recommend treatments and conditioning, as well as some coloring work be done. Trust that they are trying to make your hair look its best and not just make an extra buck. Trust your own judgment after all you chose him!
- Don’t forget to have a trial run. This should be done about a month before your wedding day. That will still give sufficient time should any adjustments or changes be necessary.

