Five Tips for the Groom

Celebrating with the band of brothers known as your groomsmen is the second best part of getting married! You’ve probably already mentally chosen certain friends to stand with you on your wedding day, plus maybe a future in law or relative has been thrown into the mix. Assuming everyone survives the bachelor party, these tips will help you and your buds make it to the altar and through the reception with minimal potential for disasters!

1. Depend on one guy to keep everyone on task. Usually, this job belongs to the best man, but maybe your best man lives out of town, or isn’t best suited for getting things done. Approach the friend with the best leadership skills that doesn’t mind stepping up and reminding the others to get fitted, pick up their tuxes, and buy shoes. This will take some stress off of you and keep you from looking like a groomzilla!

2. Have the photographer capture some flirty pics of your bride with your groomsmen. It will be the last time she can take photos with a bunch of studs!

3. Ask someone to have an emergency toast prepared. In case the best man somehow bombs the delicate balance of a hilarious, yet sentimental toast, you can cue the back up to do damage control and end things on a fabulous note. Your guests will appreciate it, as this important toast often sets the tone for the beginning of the reception party!

4. Each groomsman should have at least an extra $100 cash in pocket. This tip cannot be stressed enough, because when you need something spontaneously, cash is king! Do you need extra tip money to award extraordinary service? Check. Picking up last minute beverages for the impromptu post-wedding hotel party? Check. Need cab money to send a friend or family member home who’s had too much to drink? Check. In desperate need of a Red bull? Check. BridalParty065The possibilities to save the day are endless, and it gives the groomsmen a chance to be the hero! As the saying goes, ‘better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it’.

5. Finally, be realistic about the groomsmen gifts. If you get them something they will actually use, they will love you for it! Personal size cooler totes are a great gift for men who love camping, playing sports, being outdoors, or just drinking beer. So, basically almost any guy will appreciate this gift. Pack it in advance with each friend’s favorite snacks and beverages.

Treat these guys well and they will treat you great back. Not just on your wedding day, but years down the road when you and your family need to lean on them for support. Cheers!

Falling in Love with Five Fall Trends

Fall can be an ideal time to have a wedding—with its rich hues, beautiful changing foliage, and cooler temperatures for outdoor celebrations, many brides are choosing autumnal wedding dates over the more traditional wedding summer months. Fall bridal runway shows gave us a peek into what styles we can expect to see this fall, and with its mix of whimsy, elegance, and quirky sophistication, we can confidently say that you will fall for these fall trends!

Gowns

Fall is ushering in a return to the long, elegant, and intricately embroidered gown. Draping and beautiful backs were huge on the runway for fall—after all, the back of your gown is what the majority of your friends and family will see during the ceremony. Detailed beading, vintage cuts, and capped sleeves give gowns this season a roaring twenties vibe.

 

BHLDN_Ortensia_Gown

www.bhldn.com

www.bhldn.com

Colors

Color palettes are following this trend of elegant sophistication, with ceremonies and wedding receptions sticking to warm neutrals with pops of jewel tones. Pantone predictions for fall colors offer up beautiful examples of these rich hues than can be incorporated into your bridesmaids dresses and décor. If you choose to have an outdoor wedding, keeping to neutral beiges and creams will allow the changing fall foliage to act as the focal point.

pantone-2013-fall-colors

Décor and Food

As previously mentioned, choosing an outdoor wedding allows you to capitalize on the cooler temperatures and gorgeous changing colors of the season. A big trend for fall outdoor weddings will be bringing classic sophistication to the outdoors. Think chandeliers hanging from branches, elegant sit down dinners, and lush furniture pieces and sitting areas under lit trees. Locally grown food is still a dominating trend, so your sit down dinner should feature hearty and filling fall food from the region.

http://michaelandannacosta.com/

http://michaelandannacosta.com/

Flowers

Even though peonies won’t be in season in fall, they seem to be popping up everywhere in terms of fall trends. Wildflowers also make for beautiful fall flower arrangements and bouquets. Decadently decorated tables mimic the style of the embellished wedding gowns we saw on the runway, so don’t be shy with your use of flowers and centerpieces. Your neutral color palette will help these rich and deep hues pop, and the lush flowers will make your reception look like a gorgeous secret garden!

http://www.erickelleyphotography.com/

http://www.erickelleyphotography.com/

Wedding Favors

Going along with the locally sourced food, wedding favors from the region are always an appreciated gift. Autumnal flower seeds wrapped in burlap will ensure that your guests will have a beautifully blooming reminder of your wedding day. Maple syrup, local jam, or individual mini pumpkin and apple pies make yummy treats that your guests can enjoy at home.

wedding favor

Five Trendy Products for Transitioning into Fall

Happy Labor Day! The summer is finally winding down, and that means putting the corals and punchy pinks aside in favor of more ethereal tones. It’s not cool enough yet for cranberry tones, but it is perfect for these cool trending products. Bridal Hot List will help you look fabulous at your next bridal shower or bachelorette party!

Fuschia! Try to go for tones that are more of a blue-based pink. I personally love fuchsia, but it’s perfect for moving from summer to fall for a few reasons. The pink tone is still summery and fun and playful, but not beachy anymore. It’s closer to a fuller red lip without being as dramatic or heavy. It still says romantic while still being sweet. I love these fuchsia tones from Inglot ($12, select department stores) because they go on creamy and have a great color pay off.

A cool toned highlighter is very complimentary to skin tones and can be just the thing you need while shedding your summer shade.  Dab a little over your foundation around the apples of your eyes to keep your face looking refreshed. The sun may not be outside as long, but that won’t stop a glamorous girl from glowing! After all, a girl’s gotta glow at a wedding.

Speaking of cheek products, use a light coral tone over your foundation to keep your skin looking refreshed. You may not be as tan, but you should want to keep your skin from looking dull. Coralista by Benefit ($28, beauty specialty stores) is a universally complimentary coral tone with a touch of sun-kissed shimmer.

With the drop in temperature, it’s smart to prepare your skin! Start using a primer that is lightweight but still a little moisturizing (temperature changes tend to dry out skin).  I like spray primers because they go on incredibly light and evenly across. This primer from ($14, Victoria’s Secret) manages to be both moisturizing but also keeps oil from eating through foundation. Plus, it doubles as a setting spray to keep your makeup in line.

A good champagne-toned creamy eyeshadow is appropriate any day of the year, regardless of season. I love this one (R.S.V.P by Benefit, $19 beauty specialty stores) because it still has some summer tones without being loud. You can also pack on eyeshadow on top and use it as a colorful primer. This color photographs well and makes eyes of all color sparkle. This would be perfect for either bachelorette parties or even the big day!

 

Seven Travel Tips for the Traveling Bride and Groom

We love destination weddings and honeymoons. There is something fun and exciting about packing your bags, and traveling to a new place to enjoy your special day, or relaxing days as husband and wife. So if  you a destination bride,  planning your honeymoon, or perhaps you are a travel newbie,  you will want to read on.  Whatever the case, we have seven amazing travel tips for every type of traveler.  It’s important you plan ahead, so you know you will have enough time for all the fun things you want to do, so take these tips to heart, and learn how you can do just that. Share this with your guests and bridal party!

  1. When traveling by air, you need to plan ahead. Many of the major airports are situated in and around big cities, so you need to plan ahead to avoid any delays, especially during heavily congested periods like rush hour. You should have your suitcase packed the day before you leave, so on the day of your trip you are totally ready to go. Complete and execute all of your plans well in advance of your flight. It feels terrible to miss your flight.
  2. Be aware that in some foreign cities many criminals will pose as policemen. Do not let anyone have your passport unless you are sure they are legitimate. If they state you must go to an office, offer to walk the distance with them. Do not get into a vehicle with strangers at home or abroad.
  3. If you have to drive a distance to the port to get on a cruise,drive there the night before and stay at a hotel that has free parking. You may want to contact the hotel administration about potential deals that they offer on parking even if it doesn’t look like any are available.
  4. Keep close track of your belongings while traveling, especially important things like money and identification. If you’ve got a purse, keep it tucked under your arm neatly. Do not use bags with zippers that provide easy access to people near you that could easily take your stuff. Always consider these things before purchasing your travel bags.
  5. Always remember to wear light, comfy shoes for air travel – shoes which you can slip off easily. They will have to be taken off when you reach the security checkpoint. It is important to be comfortable. You are not going to have to do as much walking as you will sitting in most cases, so the heavy-duty support isn’t really that necessary. Sandals and flip-flops are best for traveling.
  6. You will be able to observe incredible animals and plants. Deserts are a special kind of place that everyone should get to experience at some point in their lives.
  7. Start by subscribing to e-newsletters from the major airlines. The airlines use these newsletters to give you opportunities for deals that are not available elsewhere. Even though these e-newsletters can contribute to the congestion in your inbox, the money they can save you is well worth it.

Hopefully you now have a lot of very useful ideas on how to successfully compile a fascinating travel itinerary. One that you and your guests can really enjoy!  Happy traveling!

Top Seven Tips on Getting Wedding Ready

On this lovely Saturday morning, we  are thinking about all those brides who are getting ready for their big day. Some of them are in the process right now: getting their hair and make-up done, sharing some laughs with their gals, and maybe looking over her vows. It is a wonderful time in a bride’s life. That is for sure! Getting wedding ready is not just for the day of, there are some things a bride can do to get prepped. Here are seven beauty tips on getting wedding ready:

  1. If you notice that your nail polish is becoming thick in the bottle or sticky, just add some acetone, or nail polish remover, into the bottle. After only adding a tiny bit, seal up the top and shake thoroughly. By doing this, you will have enough nail polish for a few more applications.
  2. Air dry your hair often so it doesn’t suffer from heat damage. You hair can be seriously damaged by too much heat from your hair dryer, a curling iron or straightening iron. Put your hairdryer on the lowest setting to avoid damage to your hair. By doing this, your hair will stay soft for years to come.
  3. If you blow dry your hair you should use a “hot spray” before you start. You can find this in generic stores like Wal-Mart or Target. It’s used to prevent split ends and help your hair dry quicker. It also keeps your hair from drying out, and is often scented!
  4. Make your skin look more vibrant by using a moisturizer with a warm gold or pink undertone. This glowing tone can be achieved with a subtle application that emphasizes the cheeks and brow. Do not apply it anywhere else on your face. Using too much will give you a fake, shiny appearance.
  5. You have to consume eight glasses of water every day for your skin to look great. When you skin is dehydrated, the stress will make it look wrinkled, dry and dull. Reduce the chances of this happening by drinking a minimum of eight glasses of water per day. Use lemon or cranberry juice to flavor your water if you dislike plain water. Your skin is going to be grateful you drank lots of water.
  6. Be sure to exercise moderately every day. Daily exercise will help your body to stay looking young, fit, and healthy. It is definitely essential for personal beauty. You should be up and active for at least fifteen minutes a day. You can work physical activity into daily routines like walking or even vacuuming.
  7. To fix a damaged fingernail, get a teabag and cut a small piece from it. Empty all of the leaves from the bag. Then, cut a small patch from the teabag making sure your patch will cover the tear. Then you should put the piece of teabag on the torn nail and put some clear top coat on it.

Which tip was the most helpful for you? Please share with us, as we love to hear from you!

Eight Maid of Honor Must Haves

Being maid of honor is no easy task. You’re going to be juggling tons of tasks, keeping track of the whole event, and doing it all in heels. After all, the blushing bride needs her right hand lady to keep her glowing! The wedding day is going to be a busy one, so it pays to be prepared. Keeping a survival stash in your bridal bag could save your skin, and maybe even a wedding photo or two.

Mints

These seriously have the potential to save the day. The bride is about to have the most public, photographed, and remembered kiss of her life, so her breath situation is high priority. Altoids come in little tins, so they won’t explode in your purse. Mentos are incredibly refreshing and give the chewy-ness of gum without the unattractive smacking noises.

Lighters

Lighters are a tool, not just something you’ll need if the bride needs to sneak a cigarette. If you catch any frayed strings or anything, a quick pass over with a lighter can typically fix that. Candles go out? No worries, the maid of honor is here to save the day. If the groom and groomsmen are doing cigars to celebrate, you become their go-to girl. You get bonus points for getting one that works with your outfit, or even painting one to match your outfit.

Makeup Removing Q-Tips

Even if you’re not maid of honor, these lil guys are a lifesaver. You crack them at one end, and it releases makeup remover to the tips. These are perfect for touch ups, smudges, smears, and anything else you can think of. They are a little hard to find, but I love the Almay oil-free makeup eraser sticks ($5-$6 for a box of 24, drugstores). A wedding is a beautiful and emotional day, so the maid of honor needs to be prepared for any potential makeup smearing.

Rollerball Perfume

It’s a good idea to have a rollerball in your purse ready to dab on wrists just in case. If your bride has a hair stylist worrying about hair and a makeup artist worrying about makeup, perfume can go overlooked. Stash her favorite scent in your purse just in case. I love Daisy by Marc Jacobs ($22, Sephora & department stores) because it’s light, fresh, and romantic.

Blister Block

Yes, it works. Rub this miracle stick ($4-$5, drugstores and pharmacies) on your heels and dance the night away without worrying about blisters. If the bride isn’t usually in heels, this will save her life. Keep it on hand even if the bride is a stiletto queen- one of your fellow bridesmaids may need a little heel help.

Floss

Not to sound like your dentist (or your mother!) but flossing is important. No one wants to look back on wedding photos and be haunted by food in your teeth. Toothpicks may crack and break in your purse, and you can find minty floss that will leave your mouth feeling extra clean. Plus, it looks a little more chic in your purse than tons of toothpicks.

Midol

Come on ladies, you know why you need to keep a few of these stashed. I like the ones that come in the tabs, not the bottle. Keeping a few tabs in your purse, or even your wallet is much more discreet than toting around a rattly bottle. You never know when cramps or a headache may strike, so it’s great to have a few handy.

For Outdoor Weddings: Nasal Spray

Blushing beauties, you get one bonus tip for all my maids of honor sweating it out under the sun. If you’re heading to a wedding outside, in a field, or generally around pollen, it can be for the better to bring nasal spray. You may look a little dorky for a second, but it’s better than constantly blowing your nose or struggling with your allergies.

Seven Groom-Friendly Grooming Rituals

Brides and bridesmaids have a lot of help and support in getting glammed up for the big day. Particularly, we’ve got you covered whether it be nail polish, hair, lip looks, or even simple ways to stay cool in the heat. Here at Bridal Hot List, we love what’s trending in the beauty, fashion, and style aspect of weddings, but we’re also here to help. That means you, grooms and groomsmen! A wedding isn’t a time for just the bride to look her best; grooms and groomsmen should also be looking especially handsome. Beauty routines may be intimidating for some men, but we’ve got quite a few groom-friendly grooming rituals that are sure to leave all men looking handsome.

Nasal Strips

Nasal strips are one of the easiest, most low-maintenance things that a man can do to look great and feel fresh. Most work in the same way- wet your nose, stick them on there, and leave them alone for a few minutes. Once they come off, you’ll be ripping off all those unsightly blackheads and your guy’s nose will feel especially clean. This doesn’t feel super girly and leaves a groom feeling fresh. My favorite man-approved nasal strip is the Deep Cleaning Pore Strips by Biore ($6-$7, drugstores).

Deep Conditioning

Many guys tend to either neglect their hair or abuse it. Either way, a good deep condition can help them realize what their hair potential could be. Going to a salon may be too intimidating (or expensive) for some, but doing an at home deep condition is an easy, private affair. I like the Aussie Three Minute Miracle deep conditioning treatment ($3-$4, drugstores). Have your guy shampoo his hair first, then apply this liberally while the hair is still wet. It says three minutes, but I would leave it on for longer (20-30 minutes, if you can!). Wash it out afterwards and his strands will be silky soft to the touch. Just be prepared for a major boost of confidence, and the constant request to touch his hair.

Face Masques

If your guy liked the nasal strip, the next step you can take is a face masque. This may feel particularly girly, but the payoff is excellent. I’ve found that the Queen Helene peel off masque ($3.50, drugstores) is pretty guy-friendly, particularly because there’s a scene in American Psycho where Christian Bale’s character uses one. It goes on a little thick, but then hardens to a plastic-like consistency that is fun to pull off. The masque will leave the skin tight and and soft to the touch, and they are fun to do.

Teeth Whitening

This may not be a fun one to do, but it is necessary. I like the Crest 3D White Strips ($35-$40, drugstores) because they’re easy and very convenient. I started noticing a difference after about a week, and white teeth are a major essential to a good looking groom.

Undereye Treatments

Eye treatments are great to start if you have a few weeks to go before the wedding. The results don’t show up overnight, so you have to remind him to be patient. I like the Garnier Nutritioniste Eye Roller ($10, drugstores) because it goes on very easy and is gentle but still effective. Start having him work it into his nightly routine by keeping it next to his toothbrush. It feels very fresh going on and is a great low maintenance way to combat dark undereye circles.

Lip Conditioning

Lip balm is something that I’ve noticed more male interest in over the last few years. Jack Black makes an exceptional lip balm ($7.50, specialty beauty stores) targeted at men that provides excellent hydration. They come in several flavors and even have some SPF worked in. Some men may be resistant to lip balm, but reminding a groom or groomsmen how important soft, kissable lips are may sway them. Slathering on the lip balm before bed is a guaranteed way to wake up with soft, luscious lips.

Manly Mani/Pedi

When it gets down to the last days before the wedding, you may want to seriously consider a mani/pedi. Yes, this has the potential to be the most intimidating for men, but with high risk comes high reward. Good looking, well manicured hands are particularly important for the groom. There could very well be a lot of pictures of his hands and rings, so you want to make sure they look their best. A lot of men associate manicures with nail polish, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Many men get manis and pedis with no polish, but just to have their nails groomed professionally. For the man that is a little more weary on the subject, offer to go to a salon a little out of your neighborhood. A small chance of being seen may sway him. If your guy is still a little shy, remind him that there is a foot rub involved with the pedi. A nice spa chair and a good foot rub is usually an easier sell for men.

Author’s Note: A special thanks to the handsome Tom McLaughlin for modeling for Bridal Hot List! You’re looking even more dashing, thanks to these groom-friendly tips!

 

Five Tips On Creating A Guest List

Putting together the guest list for your wedding can be the headache you never saw coming, but it doesn’t have to be. The guest list is on the list of the most important things pertaining to your wedding. I mean, what’s a wedding without people to watch you walk down the aisle in your beautiful gown? Let me help you make this a little easier with these five tips on creating a wedding guest list.

Budget- Before you can even begin to put a list together, you must know your budget. Without a budget, there is no way for you and your partner to create a good guest list. Creating a list without first budgeting, means you’ll be recreating the list later.

Share The Responsibility- You don’t have to do this alone. Decide, with your partner, how many guests is ideal to the both of you. When that is decided, you both can create separate lists. Once you have your lists completed,  you can look over both lists together.  Chances are, you’re going to eliminate people from both lists for one reason or another. Sitting down and creating a list together has been known to cause issues, which is why doing it at the same time but separately is great way to go.

No Parents Allowed- Keep your parents as far away from your list as possible. Moms get excited when they hear the word wedding. Some forget that it’s not their wedding, but rather yours. Allowing parents to get involved also means you will end up inviting family members you haven’t spoken to since you were a kid. You also don’t want to see more of your parents’ friends than you see of your own. Of course it’s ok to invite some of their friends, but keep them away from your list.

Categories- Creating lists broken up into three different categories is always great. The first one is must have.  This list is filled with close friends and family that you are going to invite no matter what. The second one is the maybe, probably, yes. This one consists of friends and family you want at the wedding but might not necessarily make the cut. Then there is the I don’t know list. This list may consist of  distant family members, and people you haven’t seen in a while but wouldn’t mind seeing. Once the three lists have been created, you can then get out your trusty red pen and start the process of elimination.

Inviting Kids- It is so important to decide whether or not children are going to be allowed at the wedding. Allowing children means more people. Your guest list can quickly go from fifty to seventy-five. Excluding children also cuts your list down due to the fact that some new mothers might not be ready to be apart with their little one. Think this through and make the right decision for you.

I know, this seems like a lot of work, and it is. However, you should think about it like this: the sooner you finish your guest list, the sooner you can get married to the one you love. In the end, it’ll all be worth it.

Five tips to help you plan ahead for Contingencies

Freak rainstorm

Freak rainstorm

The invitations are out. The dress is fitted. The butterflies are making their way to your stomach.

In the days before your wedding, there are so many indescribable emotions, but fear of a major disaster will not be one of them, because BHL helped you identify potential wedding day pitfalls and five tips to prepare for them!

Problem #1- Inclement Weather. The most obvious problem that comes to mind is rain or extreme wind on your wedding day at your outdoor venue. It could be in the middle of the desert in July, but trust us, it could happen and it has happened. Never underestimate Mother Nature! If you have planned your wedding to be primarily outdoors, be certain there is an indoor venue on standby or easy-up tents available.

Problem #2– A member of the bridal party is MIA. Your bridal party has a life outside of your wedding, and sometimes situations arise. Maybe they have to attend a funeral instead, came down with the stomach flu, or missed their flight. Don’t take it personally, and besides, no one in the audience is going to really know that person is missing. The show must go on. If you want to keep your bridal party numbers equal, ask a cousin or a co-worker to join your team!

Problem #3– The bride or groom has an emergency. Again, things have a way of coming up at the last minute, so take a moment to think of hiccups tailored to your own life. Have a back up inhaler or allergy medicine if you need such items. Do you wear contacts? Have an extra set handy as well as contact solution. Sometimes limos are late, vintage cars break down, or the horse for the carriage gets spooked. Have a backup transportation plan, just in case!

Problem #4– A vendor is MIA. Keep an open line of communication with your vendors. If you have trouble getting a hold of them in the beginning phase of business, then you probably want to find another vendor. Have a few different modes of contact for them and their assistants. Share these contacts with your Maid of Honor or wedding planner so if something is late or missing, someone else will take care of it and you don’t have to stress.

Problem #5– Your Dress got Ruined! Oh no!! Aunt Rose spilled red wine on your dress when she went in for a hug! Savvy brides have an extra, likely less elaborate dress and shoes on backup just for situations like these. Maybe it’s a cocktail dress and sparkly Tom’s shoes, or a slick white satin pantsuit. You can quickly and discreetly change out – not only will no one be the wiser, but you’ll look simply fabulous in a second ensemble!

Yes, it is hard to be prepared for random disasters that may never happen, but for every major planning decision you make, imagine how it could go wrong. Brainstorm with your bridal team on ideas to creatively work around any contingencies. At first, it may be anxiety inducing, but at the end of the exercise, you should feel confident and ready to face whatever comes your way.

In the end, the only thing that matters is that you and your honey are hitched. The disasters make great stories, but are avoidable for the most part. Be sure your bases are covered so you can enjoy your day as smoothly and carefree as possible.

Seven Questions to Ask your Wedding Makeup Artist

The process of actually getting and booking your makeup artist is a bigger task than you may realize, but we got you covered. Now that you’ve narrowed down your choices to the artist of your dreams, both of you need to be prepared. Here’s a few things that you’re going to want to go over during your test runs.

“How long will you be around?”

You need to agree on how much time your artist will be committing to you. If you feel that you may need extra touch ups between the ceremony and the reception, it is essential to communicate this to your artist. Your artist may even suggest staying later to assist in touch ups during photo opportunities, or changing your look before the reception. Be sure to factor this in with your pricing as well.

“How long will you need to set up and apply my look?”

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the clock during your trial run for this. Your artist will need at least a few minutes to unpack all their supplies and find the best light to work with. Factor this in with all of your planning! Your wedding day will be a hectic one and it pays to plan ahead. Have someone there to let your makeup artist set up and get ready for you so your time isn’t wasted waiting around.

“Will you be available for my bridesmaids?”

If your bridesmaids want to get their makeup done as well, you want to make sure your artist is up for it and prepared. Some artists will charge purely on hourly, and some will charge based on the amount of product/work put into a look. They may only be comfortable doing makeup on one person, so keep that in mind.

“Do you suggest any skin treatments before the wedding?”

Many artists that I know recommend that a bride go bare-faced the day before their wedding (save for sunscreen, of course). This prevents any build up of product, and leaves your face extra clear for your wedding look. Some may also suggest doing a peel or an exfoliating treatment prior to your wedding. Pick your artist’s brain for any suggestions to ensure your newlywed glow.

“What products will you be using on me?”

It’s good to have an idea of what you’re wearing and how your skin takes it. If you have more sensitive skin, stick to hypoallergenic brands or brands that are more organic. You should be clear if you have any allergies or known skin sensitivities. If you’re not sure about a product,  you may want to pick it up and test it for a few days at your leisure. Also, if you’ll be wearing false eyelashes you may want to pick up some more heavy duty makeup remover. Lash glue is not fun to take off.

“Will my lips stay on through dinner?”

Your artist is going to be honest with you. If your lips look amazing in photos but slide right off after your first sip of champagne, this is something you need to know. When you have the perfect lip shade for the big day, you are going to want to keep an eye out for touch ups. This shouldn’t make you feel pressured to change your perfect shade in favor of one that won’t budge. It’s your day, wear what you love and what makes you feel good, even if it’s more high maintenance. If your artist sticks around through the ceremony and reception, have them keep this as one of their top priorities. If they are relieved of their duties more quickly, stash your touch up products with a bridesmaid. Ask one of your girls to be dedicated to keeping you look fabulous all night long.

“Do I need to bring anything?”

If you wear a special foundation that is hard to find or even discontinued, your artist may need that to work with. Your artist may even ask that you pick out the false lashes that you wear for the big day and bring those along. Most freelancers are fairly prepared and have a well-equipt makeup kit, but there’s a chance they may need your help too.