Four Tips on Planning a Memorable Wedding

July 24, 2013 1 Comment

Wedding Wednesday is here and we have some amazing wedding day tips to share.  When the advice from your friends and parents just isn’t what you’re looking for when planning a wedding, you need another source you can turn to for inspiration. So when you’re ready to have a great wedding, use the tips in today’s Wedding Wednesday  to guide you.

  • When sending out your wedding invitations, remember that it is your day, so avoid any person or combination of people that will ruin it in any way for you. It may be an insult to someone not to be invited, but if having them at your wedding will cause even the slightest of issues for you or your future spouse, it is really in your best interest to keep them off your guest list.

 

  • Have an unexpected twist at your wedding to make it more memorable. If you are planning to have your wedding during the summer, consider having a winter related theme. If your wedding is planned for the winter, you could try a beach theme. Guests will remember that your wedding theme was different from the actual season.

 

  • If you’ve been asked to photograph a wedding but are new to the job, your most important task it to create a shot list. Ask the couple what kind of photographs they would like you to take and then make a checklist to guide you through the wedding and ease your stress level.

 

  • Make sure that the groom has appropriate socks for the wedding! Socks are such a small item that they may seem insignificant, but when he realizes that all his good socks are in the wash he may end up scrambling to buy a new pair at the last minute. Save him the hassle by picking him up a pair of “wedding socks” and keeping them aside for the big day.

As you can see from these fabulous tips, a wedding doesn’t have to be a complicated or stressful thing. You can use some practical advice, streamline the process, hit every note, and ultimately pull off a simplistic wedding that you can truly make you proud.

 

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Five Sun Safe Must Haves for Summer Weddings

July 22, 2013 Leave a Comment

We’re knee deep in the summer season and that means we’re knee deep in the heat. Outdoor weddings are fun, but now with the weather so hot here are a few products you may want to consider picking up.

Load Up on Sunscreen

Being outside should always warrant sunscreen, but be sure you’re packing it on for weddings. It’s something that’s easy to forget in the rush of things, but is incredibly important. A wedding is a day you want to remember, and you don’t want to remember it as the day you got a horrible sunburn! Pick something non-scented and not greasy, so it doesn’t affect your outfit or perfume. If you know you’ll be dancing, pick up a sport sunscreen like this one from Coppertone ($7-$9, drugstores). It covers both UVA and UVB rays and is water and sweat resistant.

SPF Everywhere

Remember that SPF counts everywhere! Having a sunburn on your lips is a nightmare. The Maybelline Baby Lips ($4-$6, drugstores) line are all SPF 20, and offer a light tint on your lips. They stay moisturized and help block out any sun damage. I also love the Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm ($7.50, beauty specialty stores). It’s an incredibly moisturizing line and makes lips feel pillowy soft. The SPF 25 doesn’t hurt, either!

Seriously, Everywhere

I like to use a leave-in conditioner in my hair to keep it from drying out, particularly when the air is more dry. Neutrogena’s Triple Moisture Leave-In Cream ($8-$10, drugstores) has a UV Shield, which helps protect your hair from sun damage. Your hair won’t get a sunburn, but it may get damaged or dry out in the heat. Dab a little in your hair and work it out to the ends before you style.

A Flawless, Sun Safe Face

Laura Mercier is known for their tinted moisturizers ($42, beauty specialty stores) year round, but the SPF 20 really helps out in the summer. The tinted moisturizers offer fantastic hydration as well as light coverage. Plus they offer a wide range of shades to accommodate all complexions.

Full Coverage and Sun Safe

If you’re looking for a foundation with more coverage, the MAC Matchmaster Foundation ($33, MAC counters) is for you. It offers SPF 15 and a wide range of shades. I find that it goes on moe matte to absorb any oiliness you may encounter. It goes on light but covers blemishes and redness very well.

In addition to wearing more products with SPF, just remember…

Ditch The Soda

Yes, soda is bad for you, but carbonation in general can throw off your fashion game plan completely. Skip any bubbly sodas the day before and the day of to avoid any unwanted bloat. If you need something sweet, stick to juice or a flavored water. Being bloated and in the heat is no fun at all. Plus, you’ll absolutely avoid any accidental burping.

Opt for Water

Going hand in hand with ditching soda, stick to water until the reception. It keeps your teeth from getting stained, it’ll keep you hydrated all day long, and if it does happen to spill, it’s not a major crisis. Yes, it’s fine to have a glass of wine (or two) but be sure to pair your glass with some water to avoid becoming sloppy. You don’t ever want to be that girl.

 

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5 Tips On Registering For Wedding Gifts

July 21, 2013 Leave a Comment

Combining your things with your new husband or wife is one of the most difficult things to do when your tastes are polar opposites. If your style is Old Country, and he’s into the Roaring Twenties, merging those two very different styles is going to be challenging. That’s the great thing about the wedding registry, you and your fiancé get to choose pieces for your new home. The pieces that you choose together, will help you merge the items that you’re bringing from your single home to your new marital home. However, there is a method to this madness. So, here are five tips on registering for wedding gifts:

Be Considerate- When that little scanning gun is placed in your hand, there is this overwhelming feeling of excitement that comes over you. This is the moment, you get scan things that you don’t have to pay for, and you float around the store and scan everything. The problem with this is, your friends may not be able to afford everything that’s on your list. You may also scan things you can’t really use. The best thing you can do while creating your registry, is be considerate. Think about your friends, and what they can afford, and choose your items with them in mind. Remember, this isn’t your money, just your style.

The Talk- Speaking of style, the items you choose for your marital home will represent both you and your future husband/wife. Before walking into the store, you and your partner should discuss what you want your home to look like. You need a general idea of what is needed in the home. A list is always good to organize your thoughts. Ladies, this is also a great time to get rid of your fiancé’s ugly blender or toaster that doesn’t fit into your beautiful kitchen.

Ask Questions- Look into the rules of the company that you register with. A lot of companies have a perk that gives you a discount on all of the items that are not purchased by your friends. It’s a great way to get everything on your registry, even if you have to buy it yourself.

Include Him- Often times the men hand over this responsibility to the bride and her maid of honor. Try to include the groom, he will be living in this house also. However, if he chooses not to participate, that’s ok too. This ladies, is your time to register for whatever you want.

A Timely Matter- Do not wait until the last minute to register. If you rush, it will show. When looking at a registry, you can tell just how much time was put into it. If you don’t care about your registry, those who shop for you won’t care either. Can you just imagine opening a gift that consists of a leopard shower curtain, and a fire fly soap dispenser? A badly done registry will only lead to a long day of returns for you.

 

 

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The Perfect Groom’s Gift

July 19, 2013 1 Comment

It’s not always easy to find the perfect gift for a man, and that’s mostly because they are not likely to go around dropping hints as to what they want.  So when it’s time to shop for a wedding gift for your future husband, it is up to you to search your memories and use your powers of deduction to come up with something spectacular. Here are a five great ideas to help you choose the perfect gift.

A Little Something Special. It’s natural for us women to appreciate the small details in life.  Show your groom that you want your wedding celebration to be a fun, light-hearted experience by surprising him and his groomsmen with a bottle of his favorite alcohol before the wedding.  Make it a bottle he doesn’t have often and can enjoy a pre-wedding toast with his friends.  Only give him one bottle to share, enough for one drink each…just to be safe.

Something for the wedding. The night before the wedding present the groom with something to rock on the wedding day. Give him a watch that you’ve had engraved with a message from your heart. Not only will it be personalized from you but it will symbolize the start of a new time in your lives.

Another great option for the wedding day is a pair of awesome cuff links.  You can have them personalized with his initials or you can go outside of the box and get him something that will really represent his personality.  Check out these handmade sterling silver cuff links by King Baby Studio.   He’ll appreciate adding this little bit of personalzation to his tux.

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Something for the Honeymoon. The honeymoon is the perfect opportunity to show your new husband just how much you really know him by arranging a special excursion for the two of you. If your husband likes hiking, snorkeling, touring, dining, etc. take the time to plan a special event just for him.  This is perfect if he enjoys the outdoors and will be a memorable bonding experience for the two of you.

Something for the House. After the wedding and honeymoon festivities have subsided, you and your husband will begin building your life as newlyweds. To help kick start the process, give him something for the house. Tools are great for the inevitable home improvements or if your man is into landscaping, surprise him with the necessary tools, and maybe even a starter plant/tree that will grow along with your relationship.

Something for life. Here is your chance to give him something really special, something he will treasure for years to come. Think back on your time as a couple and create a memory book for him with pictures of events that lead up to your wedding day. Give it to him the night before your wedding so he has something that will make him even more excited to take the next step with you.

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Three Tips for Flower Girls and Ring Bearers

July 16, 2013 Leave a Comment

Incorporating a beloved child or children into your wedding ceremony adds both sentiment and a whimsical touch to your special day. For a blended family becoming united as one, this tradition can be of major significance, as your kids will be there to witness and celebrate the establishment of your new family. Bridal Hot List has three simple tips for making the little ones of your bridal party feel included and confident in their duty.

#1- Practice makes perfect. You want to be sure the young ones are well prepared for what to expect,  and when and where they should go. Remember, this is probably the first wedding they’ve ever attended, let alone been a part of the ceremonial procession. If possible, have them visit the ceremony site several times so they are familiar with the surroundings. They can pick a certain spot on the floor where they want to stand. It is a good idea to let them know how long they can expect to stand at that spot. Give them physical cues, like start walking at the sound of the steel drums, or after Aunt Julie passes the first row of chairs with bows. The rehearsal itself can be a chaotic time, so having the little ones pre-rehearsed will get everyone to dinner and drinks faster and it also sets a good example for the adults!

#2- Include some kid-friendly fun. If there won’t be other kids their age at the wedding, let them invite a friend or two so they can enjoy themselves at the reception. Set up their own table with some kid-friendly activities and snacks. If their ceremony clothing is rented, formal, or elaborate, have them bring a change of clothes and comfy shoes so they can tear up the dance floor with the adults and just be kids!

#3- Embrace the hiccups. The best moments happen when a child says or does something funny, misguided, or super touching without even realizing it. These are the moments that create the fond memories of your wedding that everyone talks about. This can also work as great blackmail when that little flower girl or ring bearer grows up and the time comes for their own wedding! Have the cameras ready and rolling to capture their moment in the spotlight as well as intimate moments with the bride and/or groom. Lastly, don’t forget they deserve a bridal party gift too!

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Three Fun Summer Wedding Ideas

July 14, 2013 1 Comment

Good Morning lovelies, Sunday morning is looking oh so gorgeous today. Hot, but still gorgeous. It is Summer, and that means barbecues, cold drinks, and days at the pool or beach. I am loving summer. What I like even more than summer, are summer weddings. Summer weddings and all the fun that you can have. Here are some fun summer wedding ideas for you and your guests. Ready to jump into some fun goodness? I know I am.

  • Beach BBQ: Treat your guests to a lovely day at the beach and enjoy some burgers, hot dogs, lemonade, and some sweet watermelon. Why not replace this with the traditional rehearsal dinner. Who says you have to have your rehearsal dinner at a fancy restaurant  If you are more of the beach gal and beach guy, why not be at a place which you are most happy? Enjoy the beach, the sun, the soft sand on your feet, and some relaxing too.  One word of caution is to make sure not to get too much sun, or wear that sunblock, so you are not a tomato on your wedding day. You want to make sure you are looking fresh and photo ready. Yes, go ahead and head to the beach, but just make sure to take care of that skin! 
  • Cool off: With gorgeous outdoor weddings comes the summer heat, so it is time to cool off your guests with something cold and delicious. At the ceremony, have a drink station serving cold lemonade, ice tea, or cucumber immersed water. Something besides water can attract your guests to a cold treat without being too boring.  You may not want to serve alcoholic drinks during this time, save that for after the “I Do’s”. Your ceremony is special and the most important part, so you probably want it to be as romantic and sweet as can be.
  • Smoothie/Juice Bar: If you are opt to a more healthier treat for your guests, then try a smoothie/Juice Bar at your summer wedding. There are ice cream bars, s’mores stations, and candy bars, which are oh so amazing and so delicious. However if you are more on the healthier side and your guests may be too, go for the Smoothie/Juice Bar. You can even have a signature juice which can be served to your guests, and make it more personal and fun.  Why not take wheat grass shots? Get energized and ready to party and have a great time!

 

 

 

 

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Five Trending Eyeliner Shades for Bachelorette Parties

July 13, 2013 Leave a Comment

One of the most fun perks of being in the bridal party (aside from the wedding, of course!) is a good girl’s night. A bachelorette party or night on the town is one of the best places to try out a new look. Here’s my guide to ditching the standard black eyeliner in favor of a fun trendy shade.

Stila Eyeliner in Lionfish ($20, beauty supply stores)

Stila’s eyeliners always go on smooth and have a great color payoff. Lionfish is an unbasic brown that is warm and a little glamorous. It’s the perfect shade for those of you looking to break out of a classic routine without being overwhelming. This shade is complimentary to every skin tone and will transition well into the fall. The gold tones give skin a subtle glow, which is perfect for summer.  Keep an eye out for this new staple shade, it’ll be your new favorite liner.

Covergirl Liquiline Blast in Silver Spark ($6-$7, drugstores)

 

A silvery-grey can help break any girl out of a dark eyeliner habit. The grey is neutral like black, but isn’t nearly as dramatic.  This shade in particular is smooth and smudgable, making it perfect for beginners or advanced glamour girls. Silver Spark is very complimentary to cooler skin tones and eye colors. The formula wears for a long time, but won’t be a pain to remove at the end of the night.  This low maintenance liner also transitions well from day to night.

Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in LSD ($19, beauty supply stores)

It’s almost impossible to talk about trendy eyeliners without mentioning Urban Decay’s line of liners. They recently rebooted their entire brand and rolled out a bunch of new shades in their famous 24/7 eyeliners. One of the breakout shades is LSD, a blue-toned shimmery liner. Don’t be intimidated by the blue though, this shade is fun, trendy, and surprisingly complimentary to many skin tones. LSD was initially introduced as a limited edition shade, but is now a part of the permanent line.  Thin application along the lash line gives a subtle sparkle, but packed on it creates a wide-eyed sultry look.

M.A.C. Pearlglide Eyeliner in Black Line ($16, M.A.C. counters)

Earthy tones are on the rise this summer, and this liner is one of the best ways to wear it! The Pearlglide formula is one of my personal favorites because of how smooth and soft it is. If you are more comfortable with black liner, this dark earthy shade may be your new go-to. The khaki green tone in this liner is very complimentary to warm skin tones and have the ability to bring a sparkle to green and brown eyes. Going lightly and tight on your eyes warms your face for a romantic look.

Covergirl Ink It! in Golden Ink ($5-$7, drugstores)

There’s no harm in going a little glam for girl’s night! Open up your eyes with a touch of gold, like this one from Covergirl. You can pair this with any of the other liners listed, and keep the gold on your inner corners. Small pops of color have been popping up everywhere, with gold leading the pack. This formula is incredibly well pigmented, so a little bit goes a long way. If you’re going super glam, use this liner as a shadow pencil for a golden glowy look.

Which of these shades are your favorite? Leave a comment down below saying which shade you’ll be keeping an eye out for!

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A Guide to Wedding Cake Size and Servings

July 12, 2013 1 Comment

At BHL, we are totally head over heels in love with everything wedding. You can say that we are kind of obsessed.  We are constantly surrounded by  beautiful soirées, gorgeous blooms,  stunning gowns, sweet engagement sessions, elegant styles, adorable couples, and more! Included in this lovely mix of wedding details, we are also a huge fan of wedding cakes. Yep, the wedding cake, which can be the jaw dropping gorgeous detail of the reception. Whether they are tall and extravagant, short and simple, we love them every which way. As much as the design, the style, and intricate details catch our eyes, and we kind of want to never cut into that beautiful sweetness, we are very interested in the logistical details of it all. How much cake will you need for your guests for your wedding day? Lets face it, weddings come with a price, and sometimes a huge price tag, which means you may have to look closely at every detail of the budget. Well, actually it is a good idea to create a budget and determine how much you like to spend for each item. But, more on that later! Getting back to cakes! Wedding cakes that is.  We thought it would be helpful to share this fun infographic on wedding cake sizes and servings. So, looking at your guest list, and those attending your wedding reception, you can determine how much cake you really need. Now, sometimes, you may just want to get a huge cake and “wow” your guests, and just have leftovers. Which is totally fine. However, if you are trying to save on some bucks, then take a look and see how much cake you like to serve to your guests. Ready to dig in and eat some cake? I know we are! We love ourselves some cake.

 

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Simple DIY Wedding Tips

July 11, 2013 Leave a Comment

Although you will be excited about planning your upcoming wedding, try and keep things in perspective so that the costs don’t get out of hand. You can have a beautiful and inexpensive wedding if you carefully plan a budget and stick to it. The advice in this article will help you to keep within your wedding budget, while still having an unforgettable day.

Purchasing your wedding gown on the internet can be a budget saver, cutting down your costs by hundreds of dollars. Make sure to order early so you have time for alterations if any need to be made. It is also important to realize that alterations can cost quite a bit of money. Make sure the costs are included in your budget.

It is obvious that that most important aspect to think about in a marriage is the one whom you will marry. Never rush into this decision that will change your life. Give this person’s habits a great deal of consideration.

If you’re one of the many people who don’t want to spend upward of a thousand dollars on a fat-and-sugar-laden wedding cake, check with local bakeries for lighter, individual-sized wedding pastry suggestions. Many bakeries offer beautiful cupcakes with a variety of healthy fillings.

Brides who want a look of luxury can embellish their wedding bouquets with something that sparkles, like rhinestones, Swarovski crystals, or even a tiny bit of diamonds. For example, incorporate vintage brooches, Swarovski crystals or costume jewelry into the design. For a consistent look, all of the stones should coordinate in terms of cut, color, and size.

It might be a friend or a family member. All that’s needed is someone who can happily carry your gear during the ceremony and photo sessions. They can also be of assistance in rounding everyone up for the group photographs, and this will make sure no one is left out.

Find out if the lights at your reception venue are the type that can be dimmed. You may not think this detail is important; however, consider the effect of low lights on parts of your reception. For example, you may want to dim the lights for your first dance or other important dances and brighten them when you want everyone to participate in dancing. Be sure to ask the if the venue has this feature before you commit to it.

A beautiful wedding on a budget is possible if you plan carefully and have realistic expectations. It is possible to have your dream wedding and keep your wallet full by choosing to follow the advice from this article.

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Tips for a Perfect Wedding Day

July 8, 2013 Leave a Comment
Planning a wedding can be intricate and overwhelming, whether it be for a loved one, or for you. The selected tips in this article can help you shed new light on options you may have not thought of, and help you to organize the perfect wedding.
Understand that religious faith will influence both what your wedding looks like and your relationship going forward. It may help to discuss this with your families so that they understand how you plan on handling dual faiths in your marriage.
When wedding planning, think about what alcohol you want to serve, how you want to serve it, and try to be cost efficient. Just letting people drink all they want can really add up, especially if the reception lasts a long time. The venue representative will be able to advise you of the various alcohol service options available.
When you decide who you want to give the speeches during the reception, ask them to read them to you so you know they are appropriate. If there are going to be different generations there, you don’t want to offend anyone.
The photos taken during your wedding are important as you’ll look at these a lot of times during your lifetime. It pays to spend the extra cash to hire a wedding photographer in order to reduce the chance of some amateur screwing up your wedding photos.
The most important part of marriage is the person you plan on marrying. Do not make a hasty decision. See your partner as she really is–the good and the bad. Think not only about the reasons you love her, but all her bad habits and quirks that might irritate you after months or years together.
Your vows are very important for a very momentous occasion so make sure you take time to write them to perfection. It’s important to understand that a marriage is a strong commitment that takes both of you making sacrifices. Of course, the most important thing for vows to convey is your love for your partner.
For any stylish and fashion forward bride, there is always the option to add some flare to a bouquet with a splash of diamonds, rhinestones or Swarovski crystals. This is easy to do at home; you can just use some heat-fixed crystals or adhesives, some costume jewelry or even attach a heirloom piece. To ensure that it coordinates with the rest of your ensemble, be consistent in terms of sparkling colors, cut, and size of the stones.
Midday is your best bet for planning a wedding reception. People drink less during this time and you will not spend as much on alcohol. By having a lunch reception, the costs for food will also normally be less expensive. This could allow you to put the money saved towards other services required for your wedding.
Now that you know the fundamentals of wedding planning, you can apply the ideas presented here to manifest a personalized experience. Applying these tips can make your wedding planning hassle free, and give your guests, and yourself, an experience you will treasure forever.
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