The Natural Bride - To Straighten or not To Straighten?

With more and more women deciding to wear their hair in their natural state (myself included) this is the question that I am sure will come up in the planning process.  As a bride you spend a good amount of time thinking about how you envision yourself looking on your wedding day.  You find the dress you want and the accessories to match.  You also have an idea of how you want your makeup to look as well.  The only thing now is to decide "How should I wear my hair?"

In reading different blogs and websites, this is a popular topic it seems.  You would think the natural response would be to leave it in it's natural state. However, I see it is not that simple. The opinion of others can cause your decision to be a tad bit difficult.  One the one hand, you want to show off your curls, but you have people saying you should straighten your hair for you wedding. If you straighten your hair does that mean you are trying to hide? Are you not showing your pride for your natural locks? If you wear your hair natural and free does that make you less elegant? Does it take away from your bridal beauty?

Whatever decision you make, make sure that is what YOU want and no one else.  The only people that matters are you and the person you will be joined to. If he loves your hair in it's curly, afroed state then wear it big and proud. If you want to straighten it to get the look you desire, go for it. No matter what you do, it is yours and his day and that is what it's about.

                              

The Tuxedo vs. The Suit

We have realized that while sitting and writing about how the bride can shop to find her perfect dress for that special day, there is another person that seems to get neglected. It is automatically assumed that with the groom they will go to the tuxedo shop and work it out for him and his groomsmen.  As I was thinking about this, I started to question, "Why should any of them get a tuxedo?"

When women go and shop for their bridal gown or their bridesmaid dress, more times than not, it is a purchase to buy and keep forever. Very seldom to you hear about women renting their wedding/bridesmaid dresses (although I know it does happen). So, why is it that more men don't go to a suit shop instead of a tuxedo shop?  Think about it, men will go to a shop and rent a tux for $100 or more, especially if they want a good quality one.  They end up with something that may not fit quite right, and in the end, their $100 gets returned back to the place they rented it from. So, maybe men should start considering taking that money and going to get a tailored suit for their special occasion. There are some very good reasons why this may be something for you to consider. I tell you, there is nothing like a man who can wear a tailored suit. On the opposite side, there are also reasons why a tux may be the choice for you.

                                          

 The Tuxedo Rental

In first looking at renting a tuxedo, the above picture is an obvious reason.  If you are planning to match the color of your wife to be, then then tuxedo is the way to go if White or Ivory are your choices.  This is mainly because I highly doubt, you will wear it ever again.  Another reason why renting maybe be more for you is because it is more or less a one stop shop. Along with the tux of your choice, you also get your shirt, buttons, and cuff links. Even though your accessories are an added expense, you also get your vest, tie, and shoes. The upside to this is you don't have to shop around.  The downside is this is what can drive up the price of your rental. The color choices for your tux rental is also limited.  Usually you choose from Black, White, Ivory, and sometimes Gray. When you get into the Gray, and possibly the Dark Brown, your style choices are few and far between as oppose to the traditional black tuxedo. Asking for the the colors that are not "the norm" could also increase the price of your rental.  Also, the thing to consider is that your rental has to get back to the store on time otherwise, there is an additional expense you incur. So, in hindsight you are spending a lot of money for something you will not keep.  Now if you are the couple that are trying to reduce costs, this option may take a large portion with really nothing to show for it in the end, except for the beautiful pictures you will take.

 

    The Tailored Suit

This is an option that couples probably don't consider, but maybe it may warrant a discussion.  Although it is very possible, you will be spending more money than you would for renting, there are more benefits in the long run. The first benefit is when purchasing a suit instead of renting, you can have the suit tailored . By going to a Men's clothing store (such as Men's Warehouse or Macy's) and purchasing a suit from their rack selection, the Groom and his Groomsmen will then be able to have the suit jacket and pants tailored to fit them in a way a regular tuxedo cannot. Also, there is a better color selection for a suit as it is shown in the above picture.  If you are going to an island for your ceremony, maybe a khaki suite will work well with the blue tones you are planning for the décor. It also gives you an opportunity to pick accessories that work for you like your shirt and tie. You will also be able to shop for shoes to compliment your suit as well.  In the end, yes you spend more than your traditional tuxedo rental, but the silver lining is that on the day after your wedding, you can pack up your suit and take it home with you because it is yours to wear again and again.

Which ever option you decide to choose, make sure it is the best decision for you, and that you are happy with your choice.  Either way, that Groom and his Groomsmen will be looking sharp.

The All In One Registry

Whether you are getting married or having a new bundle of joy, the one common element is that there will probably be a registry to make.  I don't know about you, but that's one of the fun parts of having such a special event.  Going to the stores and using that little gun to scan all the things you'd like to see.  If you are like most couples you will probably go to a couple (sometimes three) different stores just to make sure you have every inch of your home or nursery covered.

Now here comes the tricky part, when you send out your invitations, how many of those little pieces of paper to do you plan on inserting to let me people know you have a registry.  Well, with one new website I discovered the answer is one. With the option below, you will be able to registery at almost any store of your choice, but they are all combined at one place

MyRegistry.com

MyRegistry.com is a website where you can combine all of your registries into one convenient place. This website uses what they call the sync and display feature. They right now do not all stores listed, but Target is one that is on their list. For your out of town guests, this works ideally for them in the event they cannot come to your special day, but would like to send you a gift. Not only does the registry partner with different stores, they also have their one stores where you can pick gifts as well such as their Baby Store. One thing I have learned os there are different stores in different cities. So, if you've always wanted something from IKEA, you could possibly get it.

Take a look at the below video for more and then check out the site to start your own registry.

The Undergarment Breakdown

Every women wants to make sure they look perfect on their wedding day. She wants to make sure every hair is in place, her makeup is flawless and that she has the perfect manicure to show off her wedding set. Of course the main attraction will be the gown that will make her guests and new husband told their breath just a little as the doors open and she's walking down the aisle.

Now, one other thing that is just as important as the dress is what is worn underneath it. We all know there has been talk about undergarments as far as being a part of your "everyday" wardrobe. For this special day, you want to make sure that everything is in it's proper place. What woman doesn't want her waist tight and her boobs looking amazing? Whether you decide you only need a strapless bra or the whole long lined, bone in, ensemble, here are a few tips that will help you decide which undergarment will be right for you.

According to an article published by Brides Magazine, don't worry about your undergarments until after your first dress fitting. This comes after you've put on multiple options and decided which dress you want to get married in. Traditionally, most dress shops will have a bra that you can use when initially trying on gowns. What this does will someone put your body in a way that will resemble how you will look that day. It tells you determine which dress style looks best on your frame and how they fit. Once you've had your first fitting in the gown you've chosen, then you can then search for the undergarment that will be your own.

Step 1: Decide What Type

Once you have found your gown and initial fitting, decide what type of undergarments you need. Traditionally, most brides buy the strapless, long-lined bra.

This bra is what is used at bridal shops when women come in to try on their dress and since that works, you can just roll with it and more times than not, you should be able to purchase it at the boutique wear your get your gown from and the most common design. There are of course variations to the design and it just depends on what your preferences are.

Once you've decided on your top garment you also need to decide on your bottom garment and there is a variety of those as well whether you do a regular panty, boy shorts or a thong, you want to make sure that it's comfortable because nothing would be worse than getting the dreaded wedgie on your day and can do nothing about it. There will be brides who may decide that they will want to firm their lower body based off the fit of their gown. This would be the case for those brides who has chosen a dress that my fit close to the body and who may also not need to wear a bra. If that is the case then buying a pair of Spanx or other lower garments would be all you'd need. These come in varieties as well. you can get the high waisted brief or you can get the version that comes down to the knees for added foundation.

Step 2: Decide What To Pay

Like with anything else, you have to have a budget. Undergarments can go from very cheap to very expensive depending on brand. It would be very easy to spend a couple of hundreds on just the garments you will wear under your dress. That doesn't even include the wedding night underwear or anything you'd buy for your honeymoon. The bra alone could cost you $60 or more. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get the quality you want. Look at a lot of different options at different price points and decide what you'd be willing to spend. You are already going to be spending a big portion of your attire budget on the actual gown and any alternations needed, so keep that in mind.

Step 3: Time To Shop

Now that you've decided it's time to go shop. You won't be able to try on the bottom half of your undergarments, but you can most definitely try on different option for your bra. Just like you needed time to try on gowns before deciding, take a day to do the same for you underwear. You will want to go in a put it and see how you feel Ask yourself questions to determine if it's best for you. Is the boning too tight? Can you breathe? Is this something you'd be comfortable wearing all day? You have to remember that you gown, depending on the style, will be big with possible crinoline slip and will require you to have to maneuver a little differently than you ordinarily would. You don't want to add to it be also being uncomfortable. Once you've decided on your garments, make sure you wear them going forward to any other fittings you will have. Your garment choice may be different than what you wore initially, so there may be other adjustments to your dress.

If you follow these 3 steps, I believe that you should be able to successfully find what will work for you. Remember the saying, you get what you pay for. Spend whatever is in your budget. As long as you feel like you could do it for the long haul with all the standing, sitting and dancing you will be doing, you will come out a winner. The most important thing is when you step into that dress, you know you will be a vision of beauty as you walk down the aisle.

The Social Connection

Hey Guys!

Really quick we just wanted to do a quick post to make sure we provide you ways to stay connected with us. Aside from this blog, we are also on other platforms as well where you can connect with us as well and see what we're up to and what we are talking about. Most of the times it is all things wedding and event, but you never know what we might through out there. We sometimes offer motivational quotes for our fellow entrepreneurs and tend to throw in a little funny from time to time. Make sure you click on each of the pictures and it will take you directly to our platforms so you can like and follow us.

Sports Fanatic Elegance

Traditionally when weddings are planned they usually focus the vision of the bride and have nothing to do with the groom. A lot of the time, you hardly see anything the represents him aside from a possible groom's cake or a garter that is specially made. What if you were able to change that? We all know grooms rarely care for the details with the exception of what they're going to eat, and what they're going to wear. There is a way you can show how important your mate is in the planning and show an extension of what he likes and 9 times out of 10, it's sports. By letting his favorite sports team have a presence in your wedding you will truly show that it is about the both of you. Now before you get all skeptical and close off the idea, let me reassure you, there will be no footballs everywhere or basketball centerpieces - no terrible towels or cheese head wedges will be a part of the decor.

Once you've picked the date and time, one of the next things you decide on is the color scheme. These combination of colors can come from a lot of different inspirations that a woman might see. Whether it's the Tiffany blue boxes with a rich chocolate brown, or maybe a tropical feel is more your speed with bright colors and accents. There is a way you can incorporate your love for your mate and his love for the game. Whether it's his favorite football team (Go Chiefs!) or his old college alma mater, you can make the craziest color combinations translate into a very elegant setting to exchange vows and party the night away. The below examples will hopefully give you an idea on how you can merge sports and its colors into one magnificent display.

The Kansas City Chiefs
Of course we have to represent for the home team first. Now, this team is the owner of Red and Gold. This combination actually isn't that hard to translate considering around the Christmas season you see these two colors together quite a bit.

The Green Bay Packers

This color combination could pose somewhat of a challenge with its Green, Gold and White, but you could actually pull off something great. If you pick a main focus color that is more traditional, you can use the other as accents through out.

The New York Knicks

For the New Yorkers, your die hard Knicks fan would appreciate you taking their blue and orange color scheme and incorporating them into your day. It actually can be done very tastefully while at the same time offering a unique color pairing.

The Florida Marlins

I picked this team because of the combination of the teal with the black and gray. This is not so much a different combination, but it's one that you don't see a lot. These together can translate into a Spring like backdrop. Especially if you make teal the focus or main color element and accent with the gray over the black.



Wichita State Shockers

Rounding out the inspiration is this university which represents with its yellow and black. This color combo could be quite bright (Steelers fans could agree also) However, you can add the elegance to this one by the use of a damask or floral print. This will bring an element of softness to your overall look. Using this against crisp white linen will also help provide a very elegant element to your space.

As you can see, there are ways you can incorporate your mate's love into your big day. Whether he shows it or not, he will be extremely pleased with your color choices and thinking of him.

The Plus Size Dilemma

So, your honey asked you to be his wife. You (and your planners) have been working hard to plan your wedding but there is one part to the process that you are nervous to dive into - the wedding dress.  It's hard enough going from shop to shop looking at dresses that eventually seems to blur together.  You, however, have an added challenge.  You are a plus size beauty and that seems to just add to the journey.  You question could there possibly be a dress out there for you that will make you feel like the princess you always wanted to be, or a dress that will also show off those curves that you are oh so proud of.  With the below 5 tips, you should be able to find that dress you envision yourself walking down the aisle in.

1. Embrace Your Body

First things first, Love the skin you're in! Far too many go on these crash and extreme diets in order to look "super skinny" on their wedding day. I can understand using your nuptials as a way to motivate yourself to get healthier. More power to you, however, you don't want to look back on your pictures a year from your wedding and not recognize the woman in them. Stay true to who you are at the size that you are, and embrace it. Set realistic goals for yourself if you choose to hit the bridal boot camp without losing the identity that is you.  Now, if you are a plus size beauty who is not making a big deal about your sexy size 20 frame, be happy with that decision and K.I.M (keep it moving)

   2.   Know What Works For You

This is key when shopping for clothes, so it is not different when shopping for your wedding gown.  If you are a naturally top heavy woman, then a strapless dress may not be the best choice for you. If you want to draw a little attention to the area, then perhaps a sweetheart neckline might be the one.  If you are voluptuous on the bottom half, a ballgown may not be the right fit. If you want to show off hips that may not be as defined as others, try a trumpet skirt and A-line gowns are flattering on just about any body type. Also, know how much sparkle you want. You want to stand out, but let's not go for disco ball. If sparkle is not your style and you want simplicity, find unique elements in a dress that suit you. It could be ruching around the waist or a scalloped hem. It all depends on your style and taste.

   3.    Start Your Search Earlier Than Advised

Being a plus size bride present unique situations.  The main one being the availability of the dresses.  Many articles will tell you, which I have found to be accurate, that not very many bridal salons carry sample size gowns over a size 12.  Although the dress you have your eye may come bigger, actually being able to try it on probably will not be an option for you.  If you can find a place that either specialize in larger sizes or carry designers whose focus is dresses for the fuller frame, you are in for a bit of a ordeal.  There's no need to worry though; starting early will help keep you on track to wedding time. Some say to start shopping at lease 6 months ahead of time for your gown.  For the plus size beauties I would say allow yourself 9 months if that is possible. This would help when ordering your dress as well as any necessary alternations that may need to be done to the gown. Now, more so these days women are planning entire weddings for 6 months, if not less, from the time of engagement.  If you fall into this category, time is truly of the essence, and yes, it can be done.

  4.    Be Prepared

As with anything, this is very important. Start searching the Internet for dress ideas. Have a certain designer in mind? Check out their website to see what they offer the plus size bride. Print out pictures to use as reference. One sure way to cut down time is to call the salons before you go. Say you saw this Vera Wang creation that you absolutely love, and guess what, they have the size 16 you need. Make sure you utilize the store locator to see if there are stores in your area.  If there is one, call the store to see if they have that specific style number or styles that may be close.  By doing this, it will eliminate the tedious task of doing going from shop to shop trying to find something. Once you have chosen your store of choice, go in focused. You will see a lot of dresses, but don't become so distracted that you spend time putting on dresses that are not in your budget or fit your style type.

  5.   Be Comfortable

No matter what garment you wear, you want to make sure that you are comfortable. Make sure that your alternations are not too tight. You want your dress to fit you like a glove, but you also want to be able to sit comfortably and more importantly breathe. Remember that foundation is key, so take the time to shop for quality undergarments as this will also help you with your fit as well as comfort.  If you are wearing a strapless down, make sure that it fits tight enough so that you are not pulling at it all night.  Wedding gowns can be a heavy thing to wear in itself with your crinoline slip so don't add to it by a dress that does not fit properly.

Hopefully these few tips will help aid in the dress shopping adventure. Most importantly it will help you to pick the gown that makes you feel confident and as you walk down to meet your soon to be husband that all your dress will reflect how you wanted to feel at that moment.