It’s all about the Dress

Choosing the Right Dress to Wear on Your Wedding Day!

You Found the Right Guy, and You’ve Set a Date. In selecting your bridal gown, keep in mind the time of year and the formality of your wedding. Weather is also a good thing to consider. In cold weather, it is smart to have long sleeves. Looking at bridal magazines will let you compare the various styles and colors. If you see a gown you like, call boutiques in town to see if they carry that line. Always try on a gown before ordering. You can rarely see, buy and take home the exact size and color gown that you want. It needs to be ordered from the dress manufacturer by the Bridal Shop. It is sewn after you order it. Because other bride’s orders are ahead of yours, you can understand the necessity of ordering your gown early. It’s wise to have your order in at least 7 to 8 months before your Wedding Day. Don’t delay looking at what is out there. It’s very seldom that a dress will be a perfect fit and be the right length. There will be a cost for alterations and pressing. No matter your shape, there is a Perfect Wedding Dress for You! A good rule of thumb for brides with problem areas is to try to draw attention away from them. Accentuate your own good features, as well as the great features of the dress, such as an exquisite neckline. A sexy low-cut back is great on all brides or fancy ornate sleeves. 1. If you are tall and want to appear shorter, you can wear a bouffant skirt or a dress that is tight-fitting and flares out on the bottom. (The mermaid effect) A sash or different color at the waist is also a good selection. 2. If You would Like to Look Taller – A general rule about designs is that you wear a dress that is a closer fit to your figure rather than a Cinderella-type dress. If it is a straight line to the floor, it adds length to your stature. Well-Rounded Figured Brides – A V neck, keyhole, or open neckline with a straight skirt achieve contrast in all the right places. A vertical line is also great for slimming. Anything that is going up and down whether it is stitching, stays or a pattern is a good choice. Many designers are putting stays or ribs in wedding dresses for that very reason. A large gal needs to be careful about strapless gowns. Be sure that you can put your arms up when you are dancing, throwing the bouquet, or posing for pictures, without coming out of your dress. A little strap is safer than none. Valuable Tips for the Slender Bride – Keep an open mind when it comes to your best choice. Strapless dresses are not the best style for everyone. A dress with straps that go behind the neck gives you more coverage and so is very flattering. If you are small in the waist, you will love a style with draped material moving in a pattern that is horizontal. It adds pounds and is very stylish. For you Short Waisted Brides – Enjoy the Basque waistline because it falls a bit below your actual waist giving your body the appearance of a perfect hourglass figure. You will sometimes notice that the lowered waist comes to a point in the middle. A Long Line Push-Up Bra – Is a wise purchase for a lot of brides. At least try one on before you decide on your undergarments. You don’t want a gap in the front between you and your dress and it will add fullness where you may need it. Be open to trying different shapes and styles that you would not expect to wear you may be pleasantly surprised! Many designers are now offering more than a basic strapless gown. Be open to the idea of a dress with sleeves. There are beautiful and stylish jackets available. Whether you’ve got super lanky limbs or a bit of a jiggle, arm yourself with a standout sleeve! Sleeves add pounds to your frame and take pounds away. If you are not pleased with what you see to purchase, consider having a jacket or dress made for you. There are a lot of advantages in having a dress designed and made just for you. You can pick the fabric and the design of your choice. You don’t need to spend a lot of time shopping and there is no charge for alterations because the gown is perfectly fit to your figure!! If you are dieting, remember that losing weight on the scale does not necessarily mean losing inches. It’s difficult to lose 10 or more pounds of fat. If you are between sizes, order the larger one. The seamstress can take it in but making it larger is more difficult. It is always easier to downsize. Be sure the Bridal Shop indicates on your order form when the gown should arrive. To have time for fittings and alterations, it should be delivered At Least five to six weeks before the wedding. Keep in mind that you will not be the only bride from your bridal shop getting married on your Wedding Day. Choosing your Wedding Dress Color – It’s popular to have a wedding dress that is not stark white and there are many beautiful hues to pick from. How do you pick the right color for you? The color of your eyes and skin may give you a clue as to what color will be the most complimentary. Usually, ladies with blue or brown eyes look best in champagne, ivory, and white dresses. Green & aqua blue eyes usually indicate a little more yellow in the skin & eyes and so gold & beige colors look magnificent. Be very careful about color. Put the dress under your chin and look at yourself in the mirror. Do you have rosy cheeks or did your skin take on a green or sallow look? An untrained eye may find it difficult to tell. When you go to try on dresses, be sure to take your mother or a valued friend.

If it makes you feel Beautiful and Gives you confidence, it Must be the Right Style and the Perfect Wedding Dress for you!

The post ALL ABOUT THE DRESS appeared first on Wedding Extravaganza Magazine.

I am currently looking for Real Weddings layouts & Romantic Proposals write-ups. You must be Newlyweds!

Logistics: 2-3 page layout, of your wedding day photographs, including honorable mentions for the Wedding Venue, Photographer, Wedding Dress Boutique, Florist and Bakery!

I need the Mr & Mrs name at the top and the date and location of your wedding, with pictures in 300 dpi or higher.

I need to hear about your Romantic Proposals in 1-2 pages, including pictures, the name of the location, the date you got engaged, and the maiden name of the

Bride-to-be with her fiance’s name, on the top of the article. DM me Alma 435-494-9426, when you clicked Bridal Registration at the top of the home page.

Currently looking for Newlyweds! Engaged Couples will sign up too, but they have a drawing on Jan 1, 2023 at 2pm MST, because there will be many who are signing up

for these free gifts, that I will draw names for, in the 2023 Edition!

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Compromise is the name of the game!

Couples want a Beautiful Wedding for Less Money!

On Friday, September 17, 2010, Elizabeth Collins married Kevin Jones. After the ceremony, the sixty guests retired to a location where they had a full sit-down evening meal complemented with wine and beer. All this cost $1,500 less than it would on a Saturday. They had a cash bar. (Liquor was paid for by the guests). They had looked around and been successful in finding ways to save on their wedding.

Rather than a full-length wedding dress, Elizabeth decided on a lovely $200 ivory dress with spaghetti straps. For a splendid effect, she put orchids in her hair.

She had made centerpieces using a piece of round wood that she drilled holes into for candles. She painted the wood green with greenery on top of it. (Painting it the color of the tablecloth can also work well). The candles for each table were ivory and all different heights. The greenery was inexpensive with single flowers placed on top.

“We thought about what was really important to us,” said Collins. “What wasn’t, we did for cheaper – or we didn’t do it” The final bill was $7,000. Elizabeth & Kevin had their two best friends stand up with them. They saved the hidden cost of gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Don’t be afraid to serve a less expensive meal or have none. Hors D’ oeuvres with a champagne toast and wedding cake are very acceptable for an afternoon wedding. It will be much more affordable than an evening reception. You can save thousands of dollars by choosing Saturday afternoon over Saturday evening. A Sunday wedding may save you as much as 30%!

Food and Drinks usually account for the largest chunk of costs. Wedding professionals say their clients are buying less expensive meals than in the past. “As silly as it sounds, go with the chicken,” says Daniel Briones, NACE president and Director of Catering at the Four Seasons Philadelphia. The price will be $26 per person compared with $40 for steak.

The wedding dress is a special thing for most gals. They have waited a long time for the perfect guy and now it is time to shop for a dress. Yes, you can buy a wedding dress on E-bay but expect that the alterations maybe $200 or more. There is always a risk when something is bought without seeing it first.

It’s nice when you have a salesgirl who can tell you the exact cost of alterations on your gown of choice off the rack. You will know exactly what you are getting and the total cost. There are no surprises, and you have the added advantage of trying it on.

To save money, you might consider renting a dress. There are lovely dresses for a third of the cost of purchasing. Ask at the bridal store if they would consider renting. They may be willing to do it with your credit card. The concept may be new to them, and they are taking a risk.

Be sure to use our Budgeting Worksheets. A pencil will allow you to adjust your expenses.

If you follow the (Worksheet) Budgeting Guide, on the Home Page,

it will be very helpful,

and ease the stress of Planning for Your Special Wedding Day!

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Heartfelt, Witty, Inspired, or Poetic, however, you want your Wedding Toast to be Remembered!

The words will not automatically roll off your tongue without prior thought.  Taking time to think about it will pay big dividends on the Wedding Day!  Think about what you want to share with friends and family.  Evaluate why you want to speak.

 When you are planning what to say, take time to acknowledge those who made the wedding possible.  Remember to mention your parents, in-laws, and those family members who traveled a distance to be there in attendance.  Don’t spend time at the reception thanking your best friends and members of the bridal party.  Those special thanks are best done in a more private setting such as the Rehearsal Dinner or Bridesmaid’s Luncheon.  You can quickly thank your friends at the wedding reception, but the wedding day toasts should be centered on the parents and grandparents.

Express what the day has meant to you. Try not to be gushy and over intimate because it can make your guests uncomfortable.  Stay positive and convey real feelings.  The Wedding Toast is not the place for inside jokes or embarrassing personal information to be broadcast.  Be tasteful and respectful.  Don’t use slang or foul language.

The last thing you want to have happened is for boredom to set in, so it shouldn’t be too long.  Two or three minutes should be enough time for a toast.  If you are worried about your choice of words, try your little speech out on a friend first.

A short story about how you met or a moment from each of your childhoods that destined you to find one another is charming.  Sharing special moments that brought the happy couple together helps bring the wedding guests a little bit closer in heart to the newlyweds.

Once your toast is composed, you should review a few fine points before delivering your toast on the big day.  Please be clear-headed – No more than 1 or 2 drinks before the toast.  Don’t mention past relationships, marriages or how long you lived together before you got married.  The purpose of the toast is to honor the 2 people who have chosen to cleave only unto each other.

Be sure everyone has been poured a toasting beverage first.  It’s smart to have a wireless microphone from your DJ. or Master of Ceremonies.  The DJ or Best Man can announce the toast and ask everyone to stand after liquids have been poured.

The Best Man is the first to toast, followed by parents of the Bride & Groom, the Maid or Matron of Honor, and then anyone else who cares to toast.  Speak loud enough for everyone in the room to hear you.  Don’t talk too fast.  By previous preparation, you won’t be too nervous.  Make eye contact with the Bride & Groom during the toast.  Be careful not to turn your back on the guests.

Each person who speaks should be individually announced so that everyone knows who is expressing their feelings.  Have him or her introduced to the guests such as The father of the bride Mr. Henry Pulsipher would like to convey a few words at this time.  It may take a little preparation to get the right pronunciation of the names.  A written list is not uncommon.

Special Toasting Glasses are often purchased by the bride and groom and then kept as mementos.  They are sometimes put into a special glassed case or shadow box with preserved flowers from the bride’s bouquet.  The wedding invitation can also be put with glasses or flowers.  

Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare it! 

We Know You Will Enjoy these Memories from This Special Day for Years to Come!

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Having financial guidelines and limits will give the two of you, a feeling of confidence, and it will keep the stress under control.  It’s very helpful to know you have enough money for everything.

Please look at our (Worksheet) Budgeting section in the Planning & Ideas section of our Home Page. Try to get a total amount of money including credit cards and money from a family that you intend on spending for your wedding.  Divide your money up using our guidelines.

It used to be that the bride’s parents paid for the whole shebang.  Currently, couples are older when they marry and sometimes pay for part or all of the costs. 

The modern guidelines, if you care to follow them, still dictate that the bride’s parents pay for the Wedding Ceremony and Reception.  The groom’s parents host and pay for the cost of the Rehearsal Dinner.  The bride is traditionally the groom’s financial responsibility once the “I Do’s” have been said and so he pays for the Honeymoon.

The cost of a wedding in 2017 on average couples spends between $19,323 to $36,000. Whoever has the money can allow you to pay for it.  This might include grandparents if they want to help.  Without a plan, couples tend to spend way overboard in one area and cry real tears towards the end of the engagement when the funds are gone.  Flowers seem to be one of the budgeting surprises.  The cost may be way over what you allowed for.  Don’t be afraid to violate your budget.  It isn’t a crime but be aware of it and adjust the money.  Don’t hide your head in the sand and be sorry later.    

Budgeting is a real training ground for future marital finances but, be careful and tactful: it can also become a great battleground. The important thing is that the two of you agree about the total budget and how the money will be spent.

Make a rule to start with; no arguing about money.  No finger-pointing about who spent too much on what. Talk to your fiancé constantly about your expectations and involve him as much as he is willing to do. Do take his advice.  Be sure that he knows how important his input is to you. Be careful with credit cards; they are also money!  The biggest cause of divorce is money problems, so be sure you are not over your head.     

Go to the bank and open a checking account into which all wedding funds go, and from which all charges are paid.  

Have a checkbook with duplicates.  Be sure you write hard enough to read the 2^nd page. If you are using a debit card, be sure to tally all costs as you go because it’s easy to overspend with a Debit card.  Keep all contracts & receipts together in a three-ring binder along with bank statements. Be sure to read the Worksheet Budgeting! 

If you are careful, you will be successful in keeping within your budget

and be on your way to a successful marriage!

The post HOW TO BUDGET FOR YOUR WEDDING! appeared first on Wedding Extravaganza Magazine.

Planning the Perfect Reception

There are a few things you should keep in mind

while planning your reception!

 It will alleviate stress and worry if you take budgeting seriously.  Whether you are spending $10,000 or $100,000, budgeting is important.  Be sure to use our Calendar Countdown (Worksheets) or you will be overwhelmed. 

Ceremony – If you have a specific church location in mind, you may want to secure that date ASAP.  There are only 52 Saturdays in the year and believe me, they fill up very fast ALL OVER the country.  Your Wedding Reception location should be booked immediately after the church.  Try to have the reception follow closely in time to the ceremony or provide entertainment to keep the guests from being bored.

Cost – When considering the cost of different locations, consider the room rental fee, food, beverages, parking, gratuity, setup charges, and cost of the rental equipment needed.  Be sure you know what is included for the cost and that it is in writing.  If you are planning an outdoor reception, be sure to have a backup in case of wind or rain.  Some hotels are known for double booking.  A bride may see and reserve an elegant and beautiful room, only to find out later that the hotel took the liberty to book a more profitable event in the room she had reserved and moved her reception over to a small or less elegant room.  Be sure to get your room name and reception hours in writing.  

If there’s an expensive item that you really want to include, such as sushi or caviar, have it passed during the cocktail hour instead of serving it as a menu course or at a station.  Passing trays of sushi or caviar, topped toast points give your wedding a luxe feel, but the controlled quantity will cost you less. Consider a Thursday night wedding, especially in the summer.  It’s a great time for a party and vendors tend to offer reduced prices then.  Because they fall in between meals, midafternoon receptions typically have lighter fare and are less expensive.  If you choose, you can have a cocktail hour with Hors D’ Oeuvres followed by the Wedding Cake.  You might want to indicate this on the invitations. 

Bridesmaids – Very soon after you announce your wedding, you will be thinking about who you desire in the Wedding Party.  Choose with care those that you believe will be helpful and cooperative.  Be sure they can be there for you and make your job easier.  Be upfront with them before the final selection. It’s an honor for them to be chosen but also a commitment.

Alcohol – Depending on the brand of alcohol served, the price for liquor varies greatly.  There are several options for serving alcoholic beverages to your guests: It’s popular to have an open bar for the first hour, followed by a cash bar for the remainder of the evening where guests pay for their own drinks. An option is to host beer, wine, and soft drinks and have only mixed drinks available on a cash basis.  You should plan on 1 drink per person per hour at the reception.  Be sure that food also accompanies liquor.  Some Reception locations charge an extra fee for bartending and setting up the bar.  In order to purchase and serve alcohol for your reception, a Caterer is required to have A Liquor License.  In some instances, you can provide your own alcohol.  Alcohol is sometimes replaced by sparkling beverages or nonalcoholic punches, so this may not be a problem for you at your location. For evening receptions Hors D’ Oeuvres are often served during the first hour. Consider serving them “Buffet Style “.  It will be less costly for you and your guests will eat less than if constantly being offered food by waiters.

There’s a wide price range between caterers for the same food.  Most facilities have predetermined menus for you to choose from.  Food selection, as well as price, maybe a consideration in deciding upon the reception location.  Take time to look at 2 or 3 locations.  Many banquet halls in Vegas provide a place for the ceremony as well as do hotels.  The cost for a sit-down meal is higher because of the number of servers who must be employed.  If offering a buffet meal, have the catering staff serve the food on the guest’s plates.  Chicken and Beef are the most popular choices. Be sure to ask the caterer what their specialty is.  The new trend is to make a website that your guests can log on to. 

You can provide up-to-the-moment info regarding accommodations, and where you are registered.  Be careful that your wedding doesn’t take on the appearance of an upcoming production. Miss Manners said, “It is useful to

have a map with directions to the reception & rehearsal dinner.”  It does not take the place of personally sent invitations. Concentrate on being helpful and you won’t go wrong.

Receiving Line – You and your new husband will arrive later than the guests because you will take photos at the ceremony location.  When you first enter the filled reception hall, go immediately and form the line so that you can greet your guests.  It is important that you talk to everyone who comes to the reception to thank them for coming to be part of your celebration.  For guests of more than fifty, a receiving line is an easy way to do that. 

DJ – Music at your Reception – Music is very important. A harpist, pianist, or string quartet, while Hors D’ oeuvres are served, is a beautiful touch.  By this time, you will know what kind of entertainment you want to have.  If you’re DJ or Band does not perform as Master of Ceremonies, you will need to hire someone to do that.  They help the reception to flow easily without lulls.  Because musicians are required to take breaks by their union, it’s a good idea to hire a Disc Jockey to fill in for your band.

Ice Sculptures – Ice Sculptures for your buffet table or standing alone, add an Artistic and Elegant touch.  The cost is very affordable and well worth consideration.  A work of art with a beverage flowing through it is unique or a bar made of carved ice. Guests will love it!

Wedding Cake – The pricing for a wedding cake can be a lump sum for the whole thing or sold by the slice.  When it is per slice, it is more expensive but worth it.  They are works of art made from sugar.  Some reception locations in Las Vegas will not allow you to bring in a cake from someplace else.  Be sure to ask about that and other services before the booking, so that you won’t be surprised later.

Grooms Cake – It is a charming older idea that has begun to resurface in many parts of the country.  It is traditionally smaller than the “Brides Cake” and often chocolate.  The flavor is of course up to your fiancé. It can reflect is a hobby or favorite sport.  They are sometimes served at the Rehearsal Dinner.

RSVP’S – On the back of the RSVP cards write the # of guests that you are inviting to attend. Example: # of guests 4.  This way you will have some control.  Be sure to number your RSVP cards on the back just in case someone sends it back without their names.  (It wouldn’t be the first time that happened.)  You will know who it came from.  Carefully note the returned RSVPs with the number of persons coming for each entry.  One invitation maybe 3 to 5 people.  You will need the total number of guests to your Caterer 21 Days before the event and so don’t delay ordering and sending your Invitations.  Take the time to put stamps on the RSVP cards. You will get them back more promptly.  Have your friends call 14 days before your reception for those who haven’t responded.  If you have carefully compiled the guest list with phone numbers, then calling will be a snap.  The Final List of guests needs to go to the Caterer 7 days before your reception.

Remember the members of the band, other entertainers and the DJ’!

Photographers, etc. also get fed at the reception.  Include them in the Final List to the caterer 7 days before your event.  Some locations will give you a reduced price for hired professionals who are present at your reception.

Photography – Don’t forget to tell your photographer what pictures you want to be captured at the event.  Please check out our (Worksheet) Photos Not to Be Missed Article can be very helpful in your planning.  What people do you want to be photographed?  You would hate to have important loved family members left out and there may not be another chance to photograph them.  Perhaps you could give the Best Man a list of VIPs for the photographer to include.  He will know everyone better than the Photographer and make the photographer’s job a little easier.  Having a photographer capture a picture of everyone for each table is a good idea.  The guests will love it if you and your fiancée are behind the table as the picture is taken.  They will want to purchase the picture.  You can hire LV Photo Party and have your guests go to their booth for fun photos.  You go home with a special book of pictures captured of your friends and relatives.

The Money Dance – Don’t forget to read the Article the Money Dance and also don’t forget to read my new article about, The Money Box!  The money box will be a fun craft for you and your fiancé to do.  These are still very popular at weddings and fun for the guests.  Tell them to line up behind the Best Man and Maid of Honor for their turn to dance with money in hand.  The money can be gathered there as they go dancing or pinned on the groom and stuffed into the bride’s purse.  You can also have a money box where money and checks are given throughout the reception.

The Gift Attendant – Is responsible to watch over the gifts during the reception so that no one walks away with them.  This is especially important at a public location such as a hotel or outside garden where other people will be walking past. Hiring someone is a good idea.  Your friends and family want to enjoy the reception not babysit your presents.  Be sure cards are firmly attached to unopened gifts.  Have scotch tape available where the gifts are laid.  You should specify the exact gifts given when you send out, you’re thank you notes.  Designate individuals to pack and take home the gifts from the reception.  A van or 2 is usually best. Remember you will be leaving on a Honeymoon.  Designate someone to return all rental items including tuxedos.  They will need your contract with the items listed.  Deposits may need to be picked up.

Your Maid of Honor – The list of Maid of Honor duties and responsibilities is QUITE extensive – On the internet, you will find a lot of helpful information.  A list of duties that are required of your maid of honor, be sure you choose someone who is physically capable of the tasks at hand.  She will need the help of your Brides Attendants.  

Your Best Man – Will be a very busy guy at the reception.  He also takes care of the Get Away Vehicle, whether it is a hot-air balloon, a decorated limo, or a car loaded with honeymoon luggage.  Flowers are always a great surprise on the vehicle. Caution him regarding any paints used.  Be sure they are easily washable!!! 

Do have lots of fun at your reception and enjoy this special time.

When you are getting ready and looking in the mirror, take time to smile and reflect on your love for that special guy. 

It will be a Fun and a Joyous occasion!

The post PLANNING THE PERFECT RECEPTION! appeared first on Wedding Extravaganza Magazine.