Bridal Boutique
Source: Brides
Setting up your wedding registry is such a fun and exciting process. When else can you go on essentially a free shopping spree? It’s all too easy, though, to get caught up in the process and scan until the sun sets without thinking of perhaps the most important question—when will you actually use all this stuff? [Read more…] about 8 Wedding Registry Items You’ll Actually Use—Every Single Day!
Source: Brides.com
Once you and your spouse have sealed your newlywed status with a kiss and exited the ceremony surrounded by your nearest and dearest, you’ll both probably be floating on a level that surpasses cloud nine. So, what’s the best way for you and your S.O. to keep the euphoric spirit alive and celebrate your marriage before the reception kicks off? A creative wedding getaway, of course. Not only does your getaway method of transportation ensure some much-needed alone time with your partner, but it also makes for the perfect photo op and a unique way to personalize your big day.
While a chic getaway car may be the first thing that comes to mind (take a cue from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle), think outside the box with our roundup of nine original exit ideas, guaranteed to make your wedding all the more memorable. From vintage vehicles to faux taxi cabs to a boat, there’s no shortage of picture-perfect transit options to get you from Point A to Point B hassle-free. No matter how you and your partner choose to ride off into married life after your ceremony, each of these creative wedding getaway ideas beat a limo any day. Now all you need is a great recessional tune to pave the way for your grand exit.
Vintage Convertible
For this Spanish wedding, the couple rode from their ceremony to the banquet reception in true style—on board a historic convertible.
Golf Cart
Take your getaway transportation one step further with a massive palm accent and coconuts in place of tin cans, both of which are especially appropriate for tropical weddings.
Land Rover
For another take on a vintage four-wheeler, this Italian couple (and their dog!) drove an old-fashioned Land Rover through the mountains to the bride’s childhood home for the wedding reception.
Motorcycle
Adventurous couples, this one’s for you—ride off into the sunset on board a a mini motorcycle. Just make sure the bride’s train doesn’t get stained!
Read the rest here.
Source: Brides
The Beauty Shots You Can’t Forget to Take on Your Wedding Day
It goes without saying that wedding photography is one of the most important aspects of any wedding day. These photos will last a lifetime after all, and you’ll want your photographer to capture every oh-so-special moment—from seeing your partner for the first time to making your grand entrance as a couple at the reception. And when it comes to beauty, there are a few shots that you’ll definitely want your photographer to snap, too, that put the focus on your flawless manicure or let your perfectly imperfect updo shine.
We spoke with NYC-based wedding and lifestyle photographer Jenny Fu about the essential hair, makeup, and manicure shots that your wedding photographer should have on his or her “must-take” list, plus the tips you need to know to nail every shot.
Below, the wedding photography tips you need to take the best bridal beauty photos on your big day, straight from one of Brides Best Wedding Photographers of 2018.
Hair
Capture your vibrant highlights or a beautiful updo with an outdoor hair photo, says Jenny. “Bridal hair photos look great when shot with natural light—you can see the texture of the braids or curls.” Ask your photographer to shoot from various angles so that you’ll have tons of options, too.
“I love capturing a gorgeous profile view of the bride because you are able to see all of the detail in the hair and the bride’s beautiful face,” adds Jenny. “Ask your photographer to take these detailed shots early on in the day, before it gets too messy.” We recommend getting these outdoor hair photos right before your first look or ceremony.
Makeup
When it comes to showing off your wedding makeup, “Great portrait shots are all about angles,” Jenny explains. “Everyone knows that the perfect selfie angle is from the top down, and the same theory works when it comes to bridal photography.” Jenny says that she usually has her brides gaze down at a 45-degree angle over their shoulders to capture the perfect portrait.
It’s also important to capture those getting-ready moments before the wedding, so add a few close-ups of your in-progress makeup and hair to your “must-take” photo list. And before the big day, Jenny recommends to practice taking selfies on your phone, in order to learn which angles work for you and later communicate that to your photographer.
Manicure
Whether you go for wedding nail art or opt to keep your nails neutral, Jenny says to make sure your fingernails are groomed and ready for their close-up, whether you want to show off that manicure in a spotlight shot or not. Read the rest here.
Source: Martha Stewart Weddings
One of the biggest decisions a couple has to make is choosing between an indoor and outdoor wedding venue. Whether you two see yourselves getting married in a lush backyard garden or exquisite ballroom, you should first consider the advantages and disadvantages of each setting. Here, find out the pros and cons of indoor and outdoor celebrations, then determine which is right for your day.
If you’ve always dreamed of a ceremony in your house of worship or a reception at the country club your family has frequented for years, this one will be a no-brainer. But if you’re not particularly religious or never really saw yourself as a ballroom bride, choosing an indoor celebration might not come as naturally to you. If you’re a Type A bride, or just someone who considers control over aspect of the day one of the most important requirements, you’ll like lean towards an indoor ceremony. Still not sure? Check out the major pros and cons below.
With indoor weddings, there’s no need to worry about unpredictable weather patterns. Undesirable temperatures or rainy forecasts can’t put a damper on the festivities, and guests will be comfortable all night long.
While you can change the décor of your venue, you can’t change its size. Space constraints and safety restrictions may limit your guest count—especially if you’re planning a seated dinner. If you’re worried about the logistics, ask potential venues about the maximum capacity before booking. You can also save space by having a cocktail reception.
The décor options are seemingly endless with an indoor venue, as long as you follow the venue’s regulations. Blank walls and ceilings can be the perfect backdrops to display cute decorations, and you don’t need to worry about the wind knocking over your centerpieces or blowing our your reception candles.
Of course, filling a blank indoor space with décor and flowers comes with a hefty price tag. Make sure to plan accordingly, so you can design the wedding of your dreams while adhering to your budget.
With all of your guests confined to one room, your festivities will feel cozy and intimate. Plus, you don’t need to worry about external distractions (like car horns) interrupting your ceremony or the reception toasts.
Do you feel absolutely at home in nature? Have you always dreamed of a barefoot backyard bash, or swapping vows with a meadow as your backdrop? Then you’re probably just the type of bride for an outdoor wedding. But remember, you can’t control the weather, and outdoor celebrations are often logistically more challenging, especially if the property you’ve chosen isn’t a tried-and-true wedding venue.
Natural landscapes make beautiful settings for wedding ceremonies and create breathtaking photographs. Couples that choose outdoor weddings also save on design costs, since the scenery provides visual interest without much added décor.
Read the rest here.
[Read more…] about How to Choose Between an Indoor and Outdoor Wedding
Source: Martha Stewart Weddings
After getting engaged, a bride sets out to plan the absolute biggest event of her life. Between creating a guest list, searching for the perfect venue, booking vendors, and solidifying the details, the process can be entirely overwhelming. While there are no official rules on the first steps of the wedding-planning process, a bride can benefit by being well-prepared. To get a solid start on your wedding planning, refer to these eight mistakes that newly engaged brides often make—and learn how to avoid them.
Immediately Posting to Social Media
Moments after the proposal, some brides take to Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter to share the news—or show off the new bling on her finger. But before announcing your engagement to the world, spend some time enjoying the precious moment with your new fiancé. You may only experience this post-engagement bliss once in your lifetime, so don’t let a screen become more important than creating memories.
Not Planning the Announcement
Another downside of social media announcements: They could stir up some hurt feelings among your family and friends. After getting engaged, take some time to determine the best way to spread the news. Your closest connections (like your immediate family and best friends) deserve a phone call or an in-person visit. But there’s nothing stopping you from telling everyone via phone call, either. Do whatever is necessary to keep the peace and prevent upsetting anyone.
Rushing into Preparations
After getting engaged, you may be tempted to devote all of your free time to perusing wedding websites and flipping through bridal magazines. But doing too much too fast can lead to stress and anxiety. Take a step back and create a wedding-planning timeline to guide you through the process. Don’t overload yourself with preparations in the first few weeks of being engaged, or you’ll quickly experience planning fatigue.
Not Talking About the Budget
Most aspects of wedding planning are loads of fun, like posing for adorable engagement photos, trying on gowns, and taste-testing cake flavors. Unfortunately, though, you also have to face some tedious tasks like budget planning. Talking about your financial situation is stressful and inconvenient, but it’s also highly important, since your budget impacts every decision you’ll make during the planning process. You can’t choose a venue, make a guest list, or book a caterer without knowing how much money you can dish out. Make sure to discuss your budget soon after getting engaged, so you don’t wind up pinching pennies down the road.
Setting Your Mind To One Date—or One Venue
Some newly engaged brides have a specific venue or wedding date in mind, and they may not be willing to compromise. But setting your heart on particular details of your big day won’t always work in your favor. What if you find your dream venue, but your planned wedding date is already booked? Or what if you’re absolutely set on getting married in June, but you can’t find a venue to accommodate you? Make a list of backup dates and venues, just in case your first choice falls through. Also, don’t be afraid to compromise—you’ll make amazing memories at your wedding no matter when or where you tie the knot!
Neglecting to Book Your Vendors Correctly
As a newly engaged bride, you’ll be faced with an overwhelming amount of decisions. Everything from the DJ to the main course entrée is up to the discretion of you and your fiancé. Before going on a vendor booking binge, though, make sure your timeline is accurate. Secure your venue before booking anything else, since other vendors need to know a firm date and time for your ceremony. Imagine dropping a hefty nonrefundable security deposit on a catering company for a particular day, only to realize that your dream venue is booked until the next weekend.
Not Thinking Through Invites
Never send out your save-the-date cards before booking your venue. You’ll risk ruining travel plans if the date and time of your ceremony happen to change during the planning process. Also, the size of the venue will determine how many guests you can invite. What if you send out 240 save-the-dates before realizing your venue can only house 150 people?
Not Asking for Help
When planning your wedding, don’t rely solely on yourself, your fiancé, and online research. Friends and family members are probably eager to help, and the extra hands will make the entire process less stressful. Plus, if you know any newlyweds, they could offer valuable advice and insight about planning a wedding since they’ve just pulled one off!
If you’re still feeling entirely overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional wedding planner. Remember that getting married is supposed to be a fun experience, not an anxiety-inducing burden!