Tips On Choosing Your Gown

One of the most fun things to do when preparing for your wedding is choosing your wedding gown. You get to try on a lot of dresses and find one that is perfect for you. You can even have it made especially for you - there is nothing like having a dress that is truly and completely yours, design, style and all.

Of course, whether you have it made to order or choose one that is ready made, the hunt can be exciting. It can also be tiring, frustrating and a very long process. But there are ways to make sure that the hunt never becomes too tedious.

• Bring someone with you when you go looking for the perfect dress. It’s always more fun to do things with your best friend or your siblings or your mom. Ask someone you enjoy shopping with to go with you as you window shop. Make a day of it. They’ll be great company and they can help you by giving you a different point of view. If you decide to try on some dresses, they can provide an appreciative audience or a necessary critic. They’ll help make sure you have a blast and leave the ill-suited looking ones on the rack.
• Attend bridal fashion shows. If you want to be up to date and gowned in the latest styles, the runway is definitely someplace you should go. One of the best things about a bridal fashion show is that you can see how the dress will move when you wear it. You’ll be able to see if the train is difficult to manage or a skirt too hard to maneuver in without having to try it on yet. You can also get some ideas for your hair and make-up based on what the models are wearing. Just make sure to have a camera handy (if the show allows it) or a pen and pad for quick sketches and notes.
• Why not have your very own bridal fashion show? Go ahead and try on all the gowns you are interested in. There is no other way to find your dream piece and playing to a supportive audience is always more fun than trying on just one or two in the dressing room.
• You can now check out runway fashions from the comfort of your home. There are websites where you can watch the bridal fashion shows on demand. You can catch the latest trends from some of the biggest names in wedding fashion such as Vera Wang and Moica Lhuillier without ever leaving the comfort of your home.
• Compile pictures of dresses you like. Many brides have a vague picture in their head of what their dream dress actually looks like. Sometimes, you like the skirt of one dress to go with the top of another. Add the embellishment on the third and the train of a fourth and you get your dream gown. It is a lot easier for your seamstress to make your dress if she has pictures to base on rather than just your description so go ahead and put together the ones you like. It will help ensure you get the gown you really want.

Picking A Theme For Your Wedding

It seems silly when someone tells you to pick a theme. Some brides feel like they are being asked to play dress up. In some cases, this can be true. It doesn’t necessarily require everyone to be in costume though.

It is not necessary to have a theme. You can have a great wedding without having to think up one. Most brides though find it a useful tool. They use the theme for coordinating the look of their wedding. The theme tells your dress designer the style of the gown that you are looking for. It tells your wedding coordinator the kind of decorations and ambiance you want at your wedding and/or reception.

A theme injects a bit of fun into your wedding. It can add some excitement, especially for the women. Let’s face it, women love to dress for the occasion, and given the opportunity, time and money, you bet they will dress to the nines.

A theme also adds some entertainment. Think about it. We all watch shows like the Oscars or the Emmy Awards. Sometimes we watch to see who won. Most of the time, we watch to see who is wearing what. Fashion on the red carpet is what attracts many women to these shows, not the awards themselves. That is why a theme is useful for your wedding. It allows your guests to show of their best look in accordance with your theme. The rest of your guests get to enjoy looking at a room filled with beautifully dressed women, wondering why they didn’t think of that same style.

A theme can help spark creativity. For example, you can opt to have a Cinderella theme. Your dress would be full skirted with a tight bodice, and of course gloves. Depending on which version of Cinderella you choose, you might want a glass slipper or a wooden slipper placed on your feet - yes, both can be bought or custom made for you but do make sure that they are comfortable or you may be in for a tortured night. While pumpkin shaped carriages are hard to come by, carriages in general drawn by four horses can be rented. Who knows, You might even find someone who has the perfect pumpkin shaped one for your wedding.

Instead of tossing the bouquet, why not simply ask the single men to fit the glass slipper on the right lady. This is one way you can practice your matchmaking skills since you can rig it so that the shoe fits the lady of your choice. You will need to find Prince Charming before you get to the lucky lady. Then you can have glass slippers for your wedding favors.

This is just one of the many themes you can have. It is really up to you and your groom to decide what look and feel they want to have at their wedding. The theme just helps to add a little spice, color and imagination to an event that you truly want to be memorable.

Don’t be afraid to be unconventional. What may be unconventional now may become a family tradition later. Who knows?

Cool Wedding Items

It is amazing how creative people can be. There are so many ideas available on how to make your wedding totally your own. The only reason that you and anyone you know would have identical weddings would therefore be by choice.

It is always fun to discover items that are perfect for your wedding. It is like finding treasure every time. Sometimes you wonder why no one thought of it before because it makes perfect sense to you that such an item be used.

For example, everyone knows that the bridal car is going to get a makeover. The groomsmen are bound going to attach a big “Just Married” sign with strings of cans and shoes attached to the back bumper. It is fun; but for some people who are very private, it is too showy. The great news is, you really don’t have to put up with it. Talk to your groomsmen and ask them to forego the noisemakers. Instead of having a big placard attached, get one of those little caution signs that attach to the back windshield. There is one that says “Newlyweds On Board”. You can leave that sign up until you feel that you are now an old married couple.

If you and the groomsmen are environmentalist, you’ll want to save the trees and minimize the amount of paper or wood you’ll use. Rather than having a placard, get a wedding glass marker instead and write the “Just Married” announcement on the rear windshield instead. Just make sure that the one you get has erasable ink or your going to owe someone a new windshield.

Don’t use shoe polish. Aside from the fact that it really isn’t good for the car, it just makes a mess. Aside from using a wedding glass marker, you can just purchase some wedding window clings. These stickers are really easy to attach to the car, will make less of a mess and will definitely get the point across. They even have signs like “mother of the bride” and “Together Forever”.

Have you decided what to give as a wedding favor? If you like cars and a shot of whisky every now and then, why not give “big shot wedding favors“. These make for really interesting thank you gifts for your guests. If you don’t want to buy them, these are easy to make and the materials can be found at a regular toy store and department store.

Can’t decide what in the world you can use for something blue? Here’s a pretty option: get an anklet. Nobody will see your anklet since it is covered by your gown. You can have an anklet that has a blue pendant or choose one that has more than one blue stone or crystal attached. These are really beautiful to look at and are really comfortable as well. They also add effect if you do expose your dainty ankle accidentally.

There are more cool ideas out there so keep your eyes open. There is sure to be a match to what you need out there. Just keep your mind open to possibilities.

Six Steps To The Wedding Body You Want

Okay, brides and grooms, it is time to get in shape. The time to start improving one’s figure for optimum fitness begins the moment you say yes to getting married. The sooner you get started, the better your results can be - and with less difficulty too.

Getting in the shape you want starts with a major act of will. You have to decide what kind of changes you want. None of the lackluster “I wish I was” ideas. You need to have steely resolve that you are going to make it happen, doing everything you should, and everything you can to achieve your dream body. This is often not easy for most people simply because they are easily tempted and easily distracted.

If you are serious about getting your body in better shape, here are some things that you should do for yourself. These steps make your transformation more than just a one time thing. It can keep you in shape for the rest of your life - if you let it.

The first thing you need to do is find yourself a coach. Most people insist that they can do it on their own but the truth is, left to our own devices we get lazy and find hundreds of excuses not to do what you know you need to, if you really want to slim down. Coaching is effective because you have someone who is an expert in their field showing you the proper techniques to help you achieve your goal. He or she can help you tailor a system that will suit you perfectly. Some gyms employ not just an exercise trainor, they’ll also have nutritionists to help you with your diet. They’ll be there to make sure that you have the full guidance you need, when you need it the most.

You also need to have a very clear reason to change your shape. Simply saying I want to look great isn’t enough. If your reasons are clear, you won’t be tempted as much because you know exactly what is on the line. For example, it could be because you want your wedding pictures to show a slim and fit bride without camera tricks. It can be because you want to be able to fit into a bikini during your honeymoon without any unsightly rolls of fat. It might be because some old friends are coming to your wedding and you want them to see that you haven’t let yourself go in spite of the fact that you are no longer teenagers.

Visualization is an important technique that you can use to make your goal happen. In your mind, see yourself with the body you want. You are walking down the aisle in your beautiful dress and your groom is amazed at your radiance. He easily sweeps you off your feet when the time comes to carry you over the threshhold. Some people draw themselves wearing their dream outfit so that they can see for themselves that it is achievable.

You have to choose a method that you will know will work for you. For example, choosing to go on the Atkins diet or South Beach diet can feel like torture for those who love to eat carbohydrates. Some never make it past the first week because they can’t stand being without their comfort foods. If you can’t give up the food, then find a workout that you do like and will achieve your results. If you don’t want to lift weights, go ahead and attend dance classes instead. The method you should use is the one that you will stick to and you know for a fact definitely achieves results.

A habit isn’t formed overnight. This is true of exercise and food as well. If you really want results, commit to 21 sessions of exercise and 21 days of your new diet. You’ll find it gets easier. On the 21st day, commit to another hundred even if that goes beyond your wedding. You’ll be amazed at how automatic it will be to practice good eating habits and exercise, even if you are on your honeymoon already because of it.

Once you’ve made up your mind, don’t wait. Take action immediately. The best time to start is when you are all fired up and momentum will do the rest.

The Perfect Wedding: Timing And Music

No matter what kind of event, program or party you plan to have, timing is everything. If you want a seemingly flawlessly executed wedding, then you need to get everything flowing. The best way to get a smooth flow is to set the rhythm.

Sounding a bit musical? That’s because music is often the guide used by many couples to achieve that perfect timing. It is really easy to do. First off, you know exactly how much time you want to allocate for your reception. Most songs last anywhere between 2 to 4 minutes. You can set a specific number to fill in each section of your event; then it’s a matter of sorting out your music.

Here are the categories that you will usually split your music into:

• Cocktails musicThis is the music that will play in the background while your guests are waiting for you to join them. This is the kind of music that is usually unobtrusive yet happy. It is light and not loud since most of your guests will be mingling at this point. This is usually about 30 minutes long so set up about 15 songs. You can always cut a playlist short if cocktails are over before the songs have all been played.
• Entrance MusicIf you are going to make a grand entrance, then you should have the music to go with it. Typically The Wedding March by Mendelssohn is used but any song that has a triumphant feel will do. If you are having your entourage parade in before you, set a different song for their entrance from yours.
• Dining MusicMusic can enhance any meal. It keeps your guests entertained even as they wait for the food to be served. They can hum along or even sing along to tunes that they like. Usually what plays are standards or other light love songs.Most meals last about 30 minutes to an hour - depending on how many courses you choose. Your waiters can be cued to serve certain dishes based on what song is playing or being sung. That will definitely keep things hopping along.
• Program musicWhen the meal is almost done, that’s the cue for you to stand up and cut the cake. You and your groom are expected to serve each other the first slice and for some, that includes smearing a bit of icing on each other. Choose a song that is light, sweet and maybe funny to match the mood.This is usually followed by the toasts, which cap off the meal. The music you choose for this portion are usually soft instrumentals since you want your speakers to be heard without them having to shout. There are many songs to choose from for this.This is usually followed by the first dance so naturally the song playing at this point is the one that you have decided is your song for each other. This is naturally followed by the father/daughter - mother/son dance then by any other special dances you have set so the playlist follows the order of dances.

  For couples who want a bouquet and garter toss during the program, this is usually where it is placed. Usually songs used here match the style that you choose for tossing the bouquet or garter. It can be a simple drum roll if you like or a favorite song if you prefer.

• Dance musicOnce all of that is done, it is time to get down and boogie! You can let your band or DJ take control at this point, just give them some pointers on what you want played.
• Exit MusicYou should know when it is time to go and so should your guests. Have your band or DJ standing by for your signal to play the song for when you run out to your getaway car or make your grand exit.

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