Choosing Your Beauty Team

Most brides not only envision their wedding dress but also how they will look on their special day. From up do's to veil or no veil, there are many details to work out on the beauty end. That is why it is so important to bring in professionals to help you not only decide on your look but to provide their services on the day of your nuptials. Here are some tips on finding the right beauty experts for you!

• Schedule consultations and trial runs with both hair stylists and makeup artists. Make a Pinterest page to share, or bring pictures of looks you like.

• Be clear on what you want. If you don't like wearing a lot of makeup or want a glamorous up do, make sure to communicate that with each vendor. A professional stylist will want you to feel comfortable and beautiful on your day!

• Check references and reviews. An experienced hair stylist and makeup artist will be happy to show you their portfolio and share comments from happy customers.

• It is important to have a contract that states what services you will be receiving, who will receive them and the amount of time you have contracted the vendors for.

Unique Reception Layout

When you want your reception to stand out from the rest, choosing a unique reception layout is a great way to do just that. One thing to keep in mind is the comfort of your guest. Do they have enough room to move? Does the table lay out work with the venue? Does the layout give easy access to the servers? Your planner and your venue point of contact can work with you to make sure your vision is brought to life.

U-shaped Layout

X-Shaped Layout

One Long King's Table

The Do's & Don'ts of a Planning a Small Backyard Wedding

During a discussion between you and your fiance, one of you mention having a backyard wedding. There are many things to consider before making that final decision.

1. Hiring a planner is a must when planning a backyard ceremony/reception. There are many details that need to be handled and an experienced planner can make sure that everything runs smoothly during the planning process as well as the day of the event. A planner can also guide you in selecting the right vendors and to help keep cost down.

2. Whether moving everyone inside in case of bad weather or renting a tent, having a plan B in place is a must.

3. Where will your guest park? Do you have the space to accommodate parking for 50-200 guests? Consider off site parking and renting shuttles to bring guest back and forth to wedding.

4. Renting port a potties is mandatory when inviting a large number of guests. One bathroom per 50 guests is usually best. 

5. The cake should be kept in a cool place or refrigerator especially on warm days and not left outside during the ceremony. It should be kept inside until right before the cake cutting. 

6. Heat can be very uncomfortable for guests and damaging to your food. Consider shaded areas and/or tents for cocktail hour and serve cool refreshing drinks and appetizers.  

7. Make sure to provide enough lighting if the ceremony and reception are held in the evening hours.

Unique Registry Ideas

If you are couple getting closer to your wedding date, you might be thinking of a gift registry. And if you are a couple who already have a coffee maker, dishes or enough hand towels and would like to have a more interesting or unique registry, here are a few ideas!

Charity

We have seen an increase in the amount of couples who ask guests to donate to their favorite charity in lieu of gifts. The couple simply includes the information on their invitation.

Etsy

For the couples who like unique, handmade gifts and would like to support small business, go to the place where you can find it all. Couples can simply make an account and click away!

Gift Cards

If you and your fiance don't want to lug gifts home after your wedding night or if you are not having a bridal shower, couples can opt to ask for gifts cards instead of an actual gift.