Monday, January 26, 2015

Weddings Made Easy

GET SMART ABOUT STATIONERY

Lilah Paper

Wedding invitations can be expensive: custom designs and letterpress printing are just the beginning. But you don't have to settle for less quality to save. Here’s how to get it all without breaking the budget.

SHOP AROUND While stationery stores are a great place to see a wide selection of invitations, there are other options. Office supply stores including Staples, Walmart and other discount outlets plus online websites like Wedding Paper Divas are just a few of the alternatives available. Remember to order samples so that you can see the quality and printing before purchase.

Staples

NO RECEPTION CARD If your ceremony and reception will be held at the same site/venue, there is little need for an additional card. Instead, have your reception time and place printed at the bottom of the invitation instead of on a separate card. You’ll not only save on cost of the paper but additional postage too.
 Wedding Paper Divas

PROOFREAD A no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people find errors on their invitations. Get your bridesmaids and friends to help check for extra assurance. Be sure all the details are included: names, date, time, location and response card info.

A PACKAGE DEAL Look for stationers who offer discounts when ordering the entire wedding stationery ensemble all at once: save-the-dates, invitations, place cards, thank you cards, etc. If you don’t see a reduction...just ask!

Wedding Paper Divas
Wedding Paper Divas

STAMP OF APPROVAL Some people think if invites weigh an ounce, they can use a regular first-class stamp. Not true! Most invitations weigh more than an ounce. And according to the U.S. Post Office website, you'll incur an additional surcharge on anything over one ounce. There are other considerations as well including if the envelope is oversized or square, contains rigid items such as wood/metal, or has clasps, buttons, or similar closures. Be sure to check with your local post office beforehand.

PRINTING TECHNIQUES An engraved wedding invitation is the ultimate—but also pricey! Thankfully there are alternatives that are equally satisfying and less costly ways to announce your wedding. Thermography will give the same raised look and feel while laser printing is perfectly acceptable for a more casual wedding.

Lilah
THE LITTLE EXTRAS Although invitations with bows, multiple layers of papers and other intricate embellishments are popular today, these little extras will add to the final cost. In addition, there might be hidden assembly fees—or extra work for you. Opt for a simple invitation printed on high-quality paper.

Wedding Paper Divas

WHAT’S ON THE MENU? If you’re holding the reception at a hotel/restaurant, have them create menu cards as part of the deal. It’s usually not a problem, and it will save you an extra expense.

MORE IS BETTER Forgot to invite a college pal? It doesn't hurt to order a few extra invitations to have on hand. Sure it will cost you a little extra now, but save you rush charges later.

By Patricia Canole
For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com

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Friday, January 23, 2015

Planning: Winter Weddings

Winter Wedding Inspirations


INVITES Play up the hues and textures of this time of year by adding elegant velvet embellishments to invitations, place cards, and menus.
Marshay Invitation Boutique







FLOWERS For centerpieces, combine wintry flowers like garland and gardenias with pine cones, holly sprays and other seasonal fauna. A more dramatic statement might be long faux snow-covered white branches placed in large urns which will soar over tables. 


DÉCOR Winter calls for jeweled tones of garnet red, emerald green, and royal purple: contrast these bold colors with stark white. Instead of standard linens, choose a quilted silk tablecloth with a trim to keep the look warm and chic. For a more festive holiday feel, hang swags of pine garland studded with white roses and berries on doorways. They will look and smell sensational. Finally, cast a cozy glow over the room by placing votive candles holders or arranging pillar candles of varying heights on your tables.

Francesca Events
















MENU Make traditional drinks like eggnog an elegant choice for the cocktail hour by decorating the tray with holly and berries. Or, welcome guests with warmed pomegranate toddies and chai lattes with Appleton rum.  For dinner, serve hot, hearty appetizers like warm medallions of brie on a bed of winter greens, followed by filet mignon and sautéed root vegetables.

DESSERT Have the wait staff pass a selection of small sweets with rich flavors like chocolate mousse with whipped cream, cream-filled pastries, praline with Nutella ganache or caramel cherries with chocolate buttercream. For your wedding cake think blood orange or gooseberry preserve fillings. By the way, take advantage of the cool climate to top your cake with buttercream frosting, which is a lot less expensive than fondant and is hard to work with in warmer temperatures.


Sylvia Weinstock

 By Patricia Canole
For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com

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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Planning: The Bridal Shower

Yet Another Way To Build Up The Excitement. Plus, A Great Opportunity To Start Stocking Your New Home.




WHEN
One­-to-­two months before the wedding.

WHO HOSTS The bride’s sister, best friend, or the entire wedding party—even mom—can host this affair. Best of all, more than one shower is not uncommon. Many times a relative or friend will offer to host a themed shower while co­workers will surprise you with an office party. A modern­-day touch is the co-­ed celebration where both bride and groom are honored. Make sure one or two of the hosts is keeping track of who gave you want, so you can mail handwritten personalized thank-­you notes within a couple of weeks of the shower.

PRE­PARTY TO DO’S Get ready for all eyes to be on you. You will be “showered” with gifts and are expected to open them in front of the crowd as they ooh and aah. Think about what you’ll wear. As the guest of honor, you want a look that’s slightly dressier than your guests.

THEME & DÉCOR An afternoon tea is a sweet treat—tiered plates of dainty food, simple floral arrangements, lacy linens and fine china (mix and match cups and saucers for flair!). Or how about a lunch with a theme that relates to one of your hobbies. A brunch or evening cocktails are easy to do —and start the party with a class or seminar.


VENUE This party can take place in someone’s home, at a tea shop or in restaurant or hotel. Just make sure the space is cozy and secluded.

GUEST LIST Invitees include bridesmaids, sisters and the two moms. Also include friends of both mothers, all female relatives, and the bride’s girlfriends. Every woman invited to the wedding does not have to be asked to the shower. 

 By Patricia Canole
For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com
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Friday, January 16, 2015

Planning: APPmazing!

A New App to the Rescue

It seems wedding apps are taking over the app store world, making a search for an all-rounder a bit too confusing for most couples-to-be. Recently I tried Trello, a new online/mobile tool you can use to create lists, make plans, jot down ideas and inspiration, too. In a matter of minutes, I got to enjoy the ease in creating boards with checklists of duties for bridesmaids and even starting a map of seating assignments at the reception. Here, a few of the ways Trello can make it all happen.



1. Create Your Timeline


2. Segment each list on your board in order of urgency and list important dates, locations and vendor details. You’ll have everything you need to take care of in one central place.  















3. Create a board to configure your seating arrangements for the reception. You can even add special details about your guests and note if they have food allergies. It’s so easy to stay up-to-date with your bridesmaids from where to get their dresses, lists of what they need to complete, important details about bachelorette party/bridal showers, and more. Your bridal party will be in constant contact with one another and have access to any and all information they need to know in one organized place.














4. Once the wedding is over, you can easily lose track of things and items you need to take care of such as sending out thank you notes or finalizing any outstanding bills.













By Patricia Canole
For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com
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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Planning: Fast Fixes for Wedding Day Mishaps

DRESS TOO BIG? DON’T WORRY. HERE’S THE SCOOP ON DEALING WITH BIG­ DAY DISASTERS.



THE DRESS DOESN’T FIT Your amazing wedding dress, which you spent so much time selecting and being fitted, is too big (worries equal skipped meals). What’s a bride to do? 



Quick FixIf your gown is falling off (especially in the bust) experts suggest using fabric tape to adhere the dress to your skin. And a satin sash to cinch your waist can also solve the problem.

THE CAKE TOPPLES Believe it or not, a cake collapse is pretty common! It might happen because the confection is too heavy for the stand or close to the dance floor.




Quick FixLuckily, it’s fairly easy to repair the damage. Have your fast­acting planner or caterer piece the cake back to its original form. Then spread frosting over the affected area. If it still looks iffy, take flowers from table centerpieces and artfully arrange them. Dim the lights for the cake cutting and no one will even notice.


MAKEUP MESS No matter how big or small, a last-­minute stain can whip any bride into a frenzy. 

Quick Fix Apply a little club soda to the spot, then sprinkle some talc or salt to soak it up. Let dry. If the spot remains, touch it up with white chalk.


BLOWN AWAY You thought you just needed to worry about your veil getting lipstick smudges in the breeze? 
Courtesy of Meadowood- Napa Valley
Quick FixIf your reception is of the outdoor variety, note that many tents can handle rain better than wind. Tents do blow over. Even if it’s built like a log cabin, your tent might not be able to withstand intense wind. If you wake up to blustery weather on your wedding day, consult the venue manager or rental company about whether you should risk it. Is there an on­site indoor facility available? If you decide to go ahead, make sure the tent pro sticks around for the entire reception (even it means an additional fee).


FRESH BREATH Mints might spruce up matters—but only temporarily.



Quick FixNothing kills bad breath better than eating an apple. It attacks odor from your stomach and keeps breath fresh for the day.


PUFFY EYES Concerned you may wake up with red, puffy eyes on the morning of your wedding? 




Quick FixThe night before prop pillows to raise your head: This helps drain fluid from the blood vessels around the eyes. Still red and swollen after you awaken the next day? Then place cold, wet tea bags on each lid to relieve swollen tissue.


AN ATTENDANT FEELS QUEASY An empty stomach or a night-­before celebration could all cause any groomsman or bridesmaid to faint during the ceremony. 




Quick Fix - Briefly stop the proceedings, bring the person a chair and glass of juice, and then resume the ceremony. To ward off such mid­ ceremony mishaps, advise your attendants to eat something before-hand. Another tip is not to have them lock their knees when standing for long periods of time. Instead roll gently back and forth on the balls of the feet. It’s a trick that the guards at Buckingham Palace use and keeps the blood circulating. 



By Patricia Canole
For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates!

Monday, January 12, 2015

Beauty & Fashion: Color of the Year

2015 Color of the Year - Marsala


Pantone’s color experts recently named Marsala the color of the year for 2015.






















At For the Bride, we love this hue—a red-­brown color that evokes the richness of fine wine. We’re forecasting Marsala will be the hot hue for weddings too!

Marsala for Fashion
The full­bodied qualities of Marsala makes an elegant statement when used on its own or as a compelling accent paired with other colors. The shade combines dramatically with neutrals, including warmer taupes and grays. It’s perfect as a base color and can be complimented with blush and ivory any time of year. Or for a spring/summer vibe match the color of the year with bright golden yellows and oranges. For a fall/winter weddings, Marsala does well teal blues and vibrant greens.

Marsala for Beauty













A versatile color for beauty, Marsala is a sophisticated shade that’s flattering against many skin tones. The hue pairs exquisitely with mixes of peachy pinks - an incredible amount of options for lips and cheeks. Be sure to add a hint of bronze. And to complete your bridal look, use Marsala as a go-to finishing touch for nails.

Here, some inspiration for including this fabulous hue as part of your wedding.
Bride & Blossom Floral Decor


Deborah Lippman - Jazz Standard
Estee Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lip


After Six - Style 6697
Bride & Blossom Floral Decor

Laura Grier - Beautiful Day Photography







By Patricia Canole
For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates!

Sunday, January 4, 2015

NEW YEAR...NEW YOU!


Our Top Resolutions For The Newly Engaged.




The New Year brings a feeling of fresh starts and new beginnings. And for you newly engaged, January is the most popular month to begin wedding plans. If 2015 has you saying “I do” you might consider some of these resolutions. 

Here’s to becoming a better version of you!!


RESOLUTION 1: SHAPE UP

Kick off the year with a new workout regiment and be sure you reach your goal—whether it’s to drop a dress size, get a toned body or both! Walking down the aisle will feel so much better if you’re fit and trim.


RESOLUTION 2: GET CREATIVE

DIY elements are a fun way to make your wedding more personal. Try something simple: table numbers, favors, and ceremony programs are a good place to start!


RESOLUTION 3: ADD BALANCE TO YOUR LIFE

Make 2015 a balanced year by spending equal amounts of time on work, wedding planning, and some downtime too. A day at the spa is a wonderful way of making sure that you get time for yourself (a rare luxury, we know).


RESOLUTION 4: ENJOY THE JOURNEY

The period of your engagement is an exciting time in your life. Banish the negative and work towards staying calm and stress­free by enjoying each other. Take a few moments in each day and spend it with your soon to be spouse without talking or doing wedding related items.


RESOLUTION 5: SET A BUDGET

Financial conversations can be difficult, but is very necessary. It's not only important, but should be one of the first steps in the planning process. It will save you a lot of heartache in the end. Once you have set a budget, stick to it the best you can!


RESOLUTION 6: DON’T USE SOCIAL MEDIA AS YOUR JOURNAL

Yes, planning your wedding is exciting, but it doesn’t mean you have to tell everyone every detail. If you want to share your wedding details, you should start a blog instead, and those wish can keep themselves up-­to-­date on your wedding plans. No need to broadcast your reception woes to the world on Facebook or Twitter.


RESOLUTION 7: CELEBRATE YOUR FRIENDSHIPS

You'll be asking friends and family to spend time and money to be a part of your wedding. Reciprocate by making the time to be with them and showing how much they mean to you. Send an email to an out-­of-­town friend, pick up a small trinket for someone you frequently see, or just spend a lunch date listening to friends—rather than rambling on about wedding plans.


RESOLUTION 8: STAY POSITIVE

Sometimes it’s easy to get bogged down in the little details. Will it rain? Will there be enough vegetarian canapés to go around? What if there isn’t enough wine? You need to not be pessimistic or think of the worst outcome, just try to look at the bright side of life. It will be the happiest day of your life, even if it rains, and you have to go with plan B. Some things are out of your control, and you just have to accept that.


RESOLUTION 9: EAT WELL

Today’s world has us so busy we don't have time to think about eating properly. Set aside a little time to plan in advance. This resolution may lead to a healthier bride and may do more for you than any other fitness type goal.


The best to you on your engagement! Stay tuned for more inspiration and advice throughout the year—and we wish you lots of happiness in the process!

By Patricia Canole