How To Choose the Color of Your Wedding Gown

Have you ever wondered how models look beautiful in anything? One of their secrets is wearing clothing in colors that compliment their skin tone. When selecting the color of your wedding dress, take into consideration tradition as well as the color wheel.

Certain colors make skin appear healthier and glowing. To find out which colors will look best with your skin tone, visit http://www.colormebeautiful.com/seasons/index.html.

Prior to the Victorian Era, bride’s dresses were created in a favorite color as the bride was expected to wear her dress on special occasions for years to come. Today, colorful wedding dresses are returning to fashion in the United States among brides who wish to set themselves apart and personalize their wedding.

A symbol of purity and hope, white wedding dresses began to capture the imagination of brides when Queen Victoria wore one at her wedding to Prince Albert back in 1840. Since that time, white wedding dresses have come to symbolize the American bride and remain the most popular gown color in the United States.

In other parts of the world, colorful wedding gowns are traditional. In China, wedding dresses are red to symbolize good fortune and joy. For more information about Chinese wedding dresses visit http://www.wedlok.com/lasvegaswedding/wedding_dresses/brides_lucky_charm_the_red_chinese_wedding_dress-110363.html

As red, blue and green wedding dresses grow in popularity, it is important to select a color that you will love for a lifetime. Actress Sarah Jessica Parker says she regrets choosing a black wedding dress for her wedding to Matthew Broderick. To read Sarah Jessica Parkers thoughts on her gown choice, visit http://www.celebritybabyscoop.com/2009/02/19/sarah-jessica-parkers-wedding-day-regret/

While the wedding will only last for a day, the pictures will remain for a lifetime. Choose a gown that will make you smile, even on your golden anniversary.

How To Include a Dog in Your Wedding Ceremony

Dog participation in wedding ceremonies is one of the fastest growing bridal trends of the twenty-first century. There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to include a dog.

The dog’s personality
How will your dog react when placed in an unusual setting surrounded by strangers? The dog may bark, jump on guests and/or upstage the bride. To circumvent bad behavior, assign a member of the bridal party to dog detail. Have them escort the dog down the aisle and have an escape plan mapped out if the dog should need to exit the venue during the ceremony.

Will the dog have fun
While some dogs have a sociable temperament, others are easily scared. Imagine the experience from your dog’s point of view. Will he have fun or would he be happier at home or in a familiar environment?

Venue constraints
If the wedding ceremony and reception are to be held at the same location, check with the onsite coordinator to be sure that it will be okay for an animal to be on premises. If food will be served nearby, it may be a health code violation. Also, many religious venues prohibit dogs.

Guest feelings
Dog lovers may find it hard to believe, but not everyone loves pets. Some people are truly afraid of them; whereas, others suffer from allergies. To alleviate fears, keep the dog on a leash at all times and away from wedding guests. This will also help to keep the dog calm and on it’s best behavior. To decrease the discomfort of allergy sufferers, have the dog washed and groomed the day prior to the wedding.

What do you want guests to remember
While dog participation in wedding ceremonies is becoming more frequent, it is still a new concept and will be talked about by guests afterward. What do you want guests to remember about your wedding ceremony? If they are talking about your dog, they may not remember to comment on the beautiful décor, romantic vows or beautiful wedding dress.

During the reception
While dogs may be welcome during the wedding ceremony, reception venues are unable to allow dogs onsite when serving food. Consider where the dog will be able to stay during the reception and whether one of your guests will miss the reception because they are catering to the dog’s comfort.

While it’s natural to want to include the entire family in your wedding celebration, special thought must be given to pros and cons of inviting a dog to participate. Like children, they can add whimsy to the event which may be the hallmark of your special day.

How To Look Fabulous in Wedding Photos

For decades models have known that there are secret tips for taking great photos. Now you can employ the same know-how to ensure that every wedding picture is a masterpiece.

How to make your legs look thin
When wearing a wedding dress that shows your legs, make your legs look longer and leaner by placing all your weight onto your back foot. When you place weight onto your legs they naturally flex and widen to support it. By transitioning weight to the back leg your front leg will appear slimmer.
Stand with your front foot facing the camera directly and place your back foot at a 45 degree angle behind it. If possible, place all of your weight onto the back leg and make your front foot so light that your toes are barely touching the ground.

How to make your face look leaner
Keep your shoulders down to make your face look leaner and eliminate the look of a double-chin. It works like magic!
Also, encourage the photographer to take all the photos from slightly above you. This will naturally make your face appear thinner. Any photos taken from face-level or below will make you look heavier. To make this process easier, take the photographer’s height into consideration when selecting the photographer for your wedding. If they are taller than you, they’ll typically take photos from slightly above your face-level.

It hurts to be beautiful
Models know that Grandma’s favorite old saying is true. Look through magazines and analyze the poses that models have often held for hours while attempting to take the perfect shot. Notice that many of them require the model to hold her body at awkward and uncomfortable angles. While it may not feel good to make your body look beautiful on camera, the end results will be worth it!

Practice makes perfect
Models don’t look instantly fabulous on camera. Like any art, it takes a lot of practice. Look through bridal magazines and tear out photos of models in poses that you’d like to emulate. Then try to recreate the pose while standing in front of a full length mirror. Practice until you can copy the pose without having to refer to the picture.

When you’ve mastered a handful of poses, have a friend take digital photos. While they might not be perfect the first time, there are often only a few minor adjustments before you look like a supermodel in every shot.

How to Plan a Wedding in Two Weeks

Whirlwind weddings can be extremely romantic. They can also be challenging. Planning a wedding on short notice requires a sequential planning process and swift decision making skills. The first step is to;

Apply for a marriage license
Many states require a waiting period of a few days between when a couple applies for a marriage license and when they are legally able wed. To view the requirements for Washington State and where you can go to obtain a license, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/courts/marriage/Applyingforamarriagelicense.aspx

Find an officiant
Couples who would like to say their vows in front of a Judge at the county Court House may sign up for a wedding ceremony time when applying for their marriage license.

To say vows in a non-government setting, couples will need to find an officiant. To find an officiant in your area, visit http://wedding.theknot.com
Alternatively, online certification programs are available for friends or family members who interested in performing the ceremony.

When booking the Officiant, find out which day(s) and time(s) they are available to perform the ceremony. This will help in researching the availability of wedding venues.

Determine the guest count
To research space availability of wedding and reception venues, you’ll need to have a rough idea of the guest count. Typically the bride, groom, bride’s parents and groom’s parents each submit a guest list to the bride with the names of family and friends they’d like to invite. It is then up to the bride and groom to decide how many total guests they can financially accommodate.

Reserve a venue
Religious institutions often require pre-marital counseling and a longer wait period before the wedding ceremony is performed. Non-religious venues generally don’t have these restrictions. For a list of venues in your area, visit ‘Reception + Ceremony Sites’ at http://wedding.theknot.com

Select the menu
When reserving the venue, your contact will let you know if you are required to use an in-house caterer, choose from a list of preferred caterers or if you may select an outside caterer that is not affiliated with the venue. If the venue places restrictions on whom you may use, they can generally supply you with Menus.

Also, ask the Caterer if they can provide the cake.

Shotgun weddings are often on limited budgets. Etiquette requires that, at a minimum, you provide guests with cake, fruit punch and coffee/tea as a thank you for attending the wedding and providing a gift. For more information on How To Choose the Perfect Menu visit http://www.examiner.com/x-5470-Seattle-Weddings-Examiner~y2009m5d29-How-to-choose-the-perfect-menu

Invite guests
As soon as you know the wedding location and times, call to notify guests of the details. If the venue requires a specific menu count (For example, how many guests are eating chicken vs. steak), be sure to ask guests their preference when receiving their RSVP.

After inviting guests to the event, consider following up with an email or letter that reconfirms the wedding details (including the start time and location) and includes directions.

Decide whether you’d like to include;
Photography/Videography – This is the most common element that last minute weddings decide to omit… and then regret later. Think about how you’ll feel in 25 years and plan accordingly. I highly recommend investing in quality photography. Other than the groom and the ring, it is the one thing you will keep after the wedding day.
Special attire –
· Brides often decide they want to buy a wedding dress at the last minute. Anticipate whether you’ll want one and begin looking as soon as possible.
· Tuxes may be rented with a few days notice.
· Purchase wedding rings.

Flowers – Do you want the bride to carry a bouquet and the groom to wear a boutonnière?Both may be ordered on short notice from a local florist. If you do not have time, consider picking up a loose bouquet at a local grocery store or outdoor market. Alternatively, the bride may carry a bible down the aisle.
Also consider whether you’d like to provide corsages and boutonnières for the bridal party and family.

Transportation – Are you comfortable driving yourself to and from the wedding site or would you prefer a chauffeured vehicle?
Wedding favors – It’s often time consuming to purchase and prepare wedding favors. Opt for a favor that is not labor intensive.
While shopping for favors, decide if you’d like to have a guest book and purchase it at the same time (remember pens).

Furniture – Let the venue know how you’d like the furniture to be set up for your wedding and reception (be sure to have them schedule guest book and gift tables).

Music – Decide whether you’d like music when you walk down the aisle or during the reception.Your venue(s) may own CD players and appropriate music that they’ll allow you to use for a nominal fee.

Honeymoon – Decide where you’ll stay for the wedding night and make the appropriate reservation.

Planning a wedding on short notice is possible! Managing the logistics will keep the bridal couple so busy that the entire experience flies by. As you are planning to be together for a lifetime, weigh whether the benefit of a swift engagement outweighs having the romantic experience of planning a wedding at your leisure.

Understanding the Mother of the Bride

Every bride dreams of her wedding day. While she is brainstorming ideas it’s easy to forget that there is one person who has been imagining her wedding day even longer, the Mother of the Bride.

If parents express that they are interested in helping plan the wedding or that they’d like to contribute to a specific task, its best to think long-term.
How will it impact your relationship with that individual if you tell your Step Mom that she can’t bake the wedding cake?
Is there another similar task that you could substitute it with (say, baking the groom’s cake) that will keep her happy, avoid offending her and still allow you to have your dream wedding?

Consider also that weddings are emotional days. While the Mother of the Bride may be eager to say she’ll help set out place cards two months prior to the wedding, on the day of the event she will be too busy and frazzled.

Do not assign the Mother of the Bride any tasks that must be completed within two weeks of the wedding. While she’ll be eager to take on tasks, the reality is that she will become stressed as the wedding date approaches.

Throughout the planning process the Mother of the Bride may recommend her opinion or try to influence your plans. When confronted with a difference of opinion, remember that she has a dream for your wedding as well. Think of the situation from her viewpoint and consider how you want her to feel when she looks back on your special day in the years to come.

Remember that parents get emotionally wrapped up in their children’s weddings and are easily hurt – sometimes for years.
Focus on preserving and strengthening your relationship with the Mother of the Bride and then brainstorm ways to make her happy while still getting the day that you want.

Wedding Coordinator? Top 10 reasons to say 'I Do'

1. Prevent Accidents on Your Wedding Day
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To purchase a DesignDayz Wedding Emergency Kit call 425-941-2655 or visit DesignDayz Store.
2. You Save Money
Hoping your wedding stays under budget? DesignDayz Wedding Coordinators will recommend ways to curb expenses while helping to prevent costly mistakes.
3. You Save Time
The average wedding takes more than 250 hours to plan. By streamlining the event planning process, your DesignDayz Wedding Coordinator will ensure efficient use of your time while navigating the path to the alter.
4. You Reduce Stress
Engagement is an emotional time as you face the life changes ahead. Enjoy peace of mind throughout the planning process by having your wedding questions answered immediately.
Wedding Coordinators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help at;
Free Bridal Hotline
425-458-4411
5. Reflect Your Personal Style
With knowledge of the latest trends & styles, DesignDayz Wedding Coordinators make sure your wedding reflects your personal style; whether that’s a homespun country wedding or a society page event. Watch as your vision unfolds!
6. You Increase Quality
Vendors can make or break your wedding day. DesignDayz makes your vision a reality by directing you toward the best vendors while keeping within your wedding’s theme and budget.
7. You Maintain Family Unity
When family dynamics are strained, a Wedding Coordinator can ease tensions by acting as a mediator. As a neutral third party, your DesignDayz Wedding Coordinator will recommend solutions while maintaining the bride’s vision. All DesignDayz Wedding Coordinators have a B.A. in Psychology & experience in Counseling.
8. You'll Be Organized
Your wedding day Agenda is instrumental to ensure that everything remains on schedule & flows smoothly. Your DesignDayz Wedding Coordinator will work with the bridal party & vendors to communicate & produce your wedding wishes.
9. You'll Remember The Details
While you’re busy entertaining guests & participating in wedding festivities, your Wedding Coordinator will work behind-the-scenes to ensure that every detail is remembered; like the tickets for your honeymoon.
10. You Can Focus On Being The Bride
Don’t work on your wedding day! You’ve spent a lifetime dreaming of your wedding... Ensure that you’re able to attend it! With a DesignDayz Wedding Coordinator troubleshooting & managing staff, you can focus on being the bride.

Arrive at Happily Ever After with a smile!
Call DesignDayz at 425-941-2655 to place a hold on your wedding day today.