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.

Unplugging Your Wedding Ceremony

In the era of social media, what we've seen more and more are people who are really quick to record and post all sorts of things on social media whether it's Facebook, Twitter and the ever popular YouTube. One of the things that has become more popular being publicized are weddings as they happen. This can affect many aspects of your ceremony and could potentially ruin a happy time in your life.

Now don't get me wrong, we're not saying people shouldn't capture your moment. People will want to remember your day for themselves later on. However, if you as the couple, do not set some guidelines, it can get out of control.

We read one story from a photographer who had an experience at a wedding where a lot of the shots taken during the ceremony were ruined because guests kept stepping in front of her trying to get shots and recording video. In the long run that will affect couples because it will reduce the number of photos that can be used. That is something that we know no one wants to happen and it causes frustration for the vendors that are hired for the sole purpose of capturing the moments. There was another instance where a bridesmaid took a photo of the bride and posted it on Facebook before the ceremony, well the groom was on Facebook scrolling through his feed to kill time and saw the picture. Well, so much for the first look as his bride is coming down the aisle. Another aspect of this all is as a bride and groom, do you really want the internet to see your ceremony and your dress before you want it to? You should be the ones to put out the first images of your ceremony.

There are ways that you can politely tell your guests that you would prefer them not to take pictures of your ceremony while at the same time letting them know at the reception, take as many pictures and post them. These examples can provide some guidance.

Create a Sign

As your guests enter the venue, display a sign that lets them know your request for them to not take photos and video during your ceremony. There are clever ways that it can be said and so that people will know you truly want them to just sit and enjoy the ceremony.

Make an Announcement

In the event that your guests don't see the sign, have your officiant make an announcement prior to the beginning of the ceremony. That way your guests cannot say they didn't know if you happen to see a photo on social media after you've taken steps to prevent it. It can also be mentioned that although you'd like to keep photos out of the ceremony that they are more than welcome to take pictures at the reception. Most times during receptions people are seated at their tables so it won't inhibit the photographer's view.

Create a Reception Hashtag

Make a sign for each one of our guests that lets them know now that you're at the reception, have fun taking pictures and capturing those fun moments. It can be a simple card that you lay at each place setting to let them know snap away and event give them an avenue to collect them such as #JonesWedding for Twitter, Instagram and any other outlet traditionally used. Most times during receptions people are seated at their tables so it won't inhibit the photographer's view, but I'd still make it clear for guests to stand clear of the professional as they are trying to get those memorable shots.

These things could be very helpful if you decide this is the avenue you want to take for your ceremony. If you don't mind people posting to Facebook and other social media outlets as it's happening then that is great. This if for those who have considered incorporating this into your ceremony in order to make it intimate and somewhat private for the time being. At the reception, prepare to say "cheese" and smile a lot because I'm pretty sure your guests will make up for what they couldn't take pictures of earlier.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure that you are having the day YOU want to have.

Independent Planner Vs. On-Site Venue Planner

There have been many times where we've talked to a bride and asked the question "So have you thought about hiring a wedding planner?" and the answer we have gotten on more than one occasion has been "The venue has a coordinator on site." when brides see that information, they will automatically think they don't need a wedding planner because of that fact. Although it is a benefit, there is a big difference between hiring a planning company as oppose to just utilizing the venue planner. Now, we're not just saying that because we are a planning company. We really want brides to be informed on the difference based off planning experience with clients who had on-site planners for their wedding.

On-Site Venue Planners

The main objective for these individuals is to make sure that everything runs smooth and on-time at the venue. They are there to ensure that your vendors arrive and set up on time. As their title suggests, they are there for the venue, not necessarily the family or wedding party. Here's a short list of some of their responsibilities:

• Make sure that everything agreed upon in the venue contract is fulfilled
• Creates an event time line for vendors and setup to ensure all venue workers are on task and on schedule
• Serve as the main venue contact for all questions that may come up in regards to the event
• Directs venue staff on duties and assignments
• Creates final bill for venue client

Now, notice there is nothing on this list that states that your on-site planner does anything in regards to something that may come up with the bridal party. These planners focus on the presentation of the venue. Any situations that may arise with the bride, groom or anyone else are not addressed with them. There really is no personal attention given to the people involved on the wedding day. If your makeup artist is running late, they will not take of that. One of the groomsman lost a cufflink, they don't handle that either. Again, they're main planning focus is ensuring what you asked for as far as the look of your event is exactly what you're paying for.

Independent Planners

Now, our jobs are a little more comprehensive. When you decide to hire a wedding planning company, the services you received are geared toward you and your bridal party. Our goal is to help make your planning process go smoother in all aspects of the planning and we are there to be your personal assistant on the actual day of the wedding. Here's a short list of some of our responsibilities:

• Facilitate the wedding rehearsal
• Create a time line of the day's events
• On-site troubleshooters
• Help with the guest list
• Aid in setting a budget for planning
• Tend to all parties on the day of the wedding to ensure all needs are met

Now as you can see with this list a lot of what we do focuses on the couple, and not so much on the venue. In the event there is no on-site help, we would also step in to plan that area as well. We look at the day from an overall perspective and not just at one particular area. There will be times where the duties of both types of planners will overlap. The On-site planner may also have the job duties of facilitating rehearsals and both planners may work together to get the floor plan together. aside from things like that, these two will go in opposite directions.

What we have shared with you will hopefully guide you into making a decision that everyone will be happy with. We wanted to give you something to think about. When your venue states they have an on-site planner, make sure you ask the question of what all does that include. You may find that you will need to also hire a company to fill in those gaps.

What The Plaid?!

Since we are coming to the end of the year (oh my gosh!) now is the time to start looking at what could be trends for the 2018 wedding season. In looking at different articles, there is a surprising one to me. During the winter month plaid is something that is traditionally known for that time of year in clothing. Who would've thought this pattern would move over to the wedding industry?

The fun thing about this trend is that despite it being a plaid pattern, there is still a variety of colors that come in plaid and it doesn't have to be the "traditional" red, blue and white. Not to mention they could be used in a variety of places. Below are a couple of examples of where plaid can live.

Table Settings

Here is one place where you can put plaid fabric and it seem to be "over the top". It could be something as simple as a napkin or a table runner, or you can cover the entire table with a plain tablecloth and then using solid napkins for balance.

  

Invitations

If you just want to add a hint of this pattern, why not send it to your guests? With the variety of shades, along with the plaid, you can pick solid variations and use them throughout the rest of the planning.

Bridal Fashion

If you are that bold couple that likes to make a statement, then this option would be for you. Incorporate your plaid in the wardrobe. From the bow tie to actually bridesmaids dresses. You can go as subtle or as bold as you want. 

However you choose to incorporate this bold fabric choice for your big day, make sure you do it in at way that makes YOU happy and enjoy the moment you see it all come together.

- Danielle

Let's All Wear White

For years, it has been the custom that the ONLY person in a wedding that is destined to wear a white anything is the Bride. It was a color that was strictly forbidden for everyone else from the wedding party to the guests. However, I have noticed over the recent years that this seems to be changing. The first noticeable one was when grooms opted for the white tuxedo to compliment their brides. With the recent weddings of celebrities Solange Knowles and her newlywed mom, Tina Knowles, it appears that a possible trend is emerging, at least among those who are considered the "elite". Not only is the bride in white, but so is everybody else.

With women choosing not to wear the traditional white wedding gown, it leads me to think about would a bride want her entire wedding from wedding party to guests to wear white? Of course we have all heard of the "All White" parties that take place throughout the country. Event here in Kansas City we have one every September. 

If you do decide to follow in these celebrity footsteps and have a white wedding, follow the list below to make sure it turns out the way you want it.

• Make sure you make it clear on your invitation that you want your guests to wear white. What you don't want to happen is to have guests showing up in other colors because it was not clearly stated.

• If you plan on created a wedding website, make sure you include it there as well as part of your "Guest Information" section. 

• When picking the bridesmaids dresses, make sure they looks like bridesmaids dresses and not wedding gowns. Many of your favorite styles will probably come in white so you just have to pick which one you think will look the best. If you plan to wear white as well, save the gown look for yourself.

• Work together with your groom and male attendants to make sure they chooses a white tuxedo they would be comfortable wearing that that would compliment your dress as well as your bridesmaids. 

• Believe it or not, there are multiple shades of white as well. Try to be as consistent with your color palette as you can

Let us know if  you would consider taking it a step further and having an "All White" wedding?

Moving On Up!

It's official!! We are now a part of the Kansas City Perfect Wedding Guide family. We are so excited for all that's to come with our new relationship with them. Click the picture below to see our listing. Contact us when you're ready for us to help you plan your big day!

It's Been 10 Years..Let's Do It Again!

One idea that has been gaining steam have been vow renewals. People have been doing them for the past few years we've been in business. Matter of fact, one of our first clients was a couple renewing their vows.

There are a lot of different angles you can take with these ceremonies. It truly depends on how big or how small you want it to be. You can have just a little family gathering in your backyard with your family and closest friends. Your "bridesmaids and groomsmen" could be your children, siblings or best friend. Or you can decide to have an all out wedding. People usually choose this option if when they initially got married it was very simple. Maybe they went to the courthouse and got married by the Justice of the Peace, or one day you decided you'd like to be married in your Pastor's office. Whatever option that is chosen it can be something amazing and special that can help you reaffirm your commitment to your significant other.

There a couple of websites I've come across that can be very helpful in deciding what type of event you would like to have. One that I liked in particular is "I Do Still". This website a wide range of information to help give you ideas from attire to what the husband can do to help plan. Find out more information by clicking the picture below.

Once you've decided the type of event you want to have, make sure you call us so that we can help plan out the perfect event for you and your family and friends. You can see more about us by clicking the picture below. Whatever year it is in your marriage that you decide you'd like to say your vows again, We can help make is special for you.

Walking The Aisle

One aspect of your wedding that may not get as much planning time as some other things in the ceremony is the aisle. The place where you are taking that journey from leaving the single life behind and becoming one with your soon to be spouse. Of course you have the traditional aisle runner, but have you thought about how simple or elaborate you'd like it to look? There are a bunch of options that you can use as far as decor items. With this post, we're just going to offer some aisle inspiration whether it be pictures, words, or rose petals. Hopefully one of these ideas will jump out at you.

One thing to consider would be to tie off your aisle. This is something that is also done by couples. The purpose of doing that is to prevent guests from using the center aisle. It will also give you the opportunity to lay out your runner ahead of time as oppose to using part of the ceremony to do so. You can use a piece of ribbon, some rope or even a sign to block off the area so that you aisle remains untouched.

Whatever option you choose, make sure that it's something you're happy with and shows your personality.

Do We Have To?

When planning a wedding, tradition will always come into play at different times in the process as well as when the actual days arrive. These "traditions" seem to have because unspoken rules as to the things you HAVE to do. I'm sure there comes a time though where you think to yourself "do I really have to do this?" or "Is that really necessary?" By getting rid of a couple of these things, could possibly save you time and save your budget.

Take a look at this list and see if any of these things you've though about nixing all together.

Pick a Seat Not a Side

This is something that I think more couples are adopting. Tradition tells you that the brides friends and family sits on the left side and the groom's friends and family sit on the right side. The history behind this dates back hundreds of years stating that this was because the groom needed his sword arm free in case someone came and tried to kidnap the bride or take her dowry. 

Long gone are those days so the tradition of picking sides can absolutely be done away with. A wedding is an event where two families become one. Why not start that at the ceremony?

Be Gone Wedding Favors

How many times have you gone to a wedding reception and saw the little bag of mints and peanuts in front of your place setting? Or maybe it was a personalized candle or chocolate bar? After the reception, what ended up happening to those items? Did you even remember to take them off the table? In essence it was money that was spent that maybe could've been used for some other purpose. One resolution to this is if you want to give a favor, why not take that money and give to a charity you both love and support. Whether it be Susan G. Komen (one of our favorites) or a program that helps wounded veterans, pick something where the contribution will be worth while, and you won't have to be cleaning up unclaimed favors at the end of the night.

The Bouquet & Garter Battle

So all know that at receptions there's a moment where everything pauses and attention is drawn to all the singles in the room. That one song plays (usually Single Ladies by Beyonce) and the DJ starts calling out all the unmarried women to the flower for the ceremonial bouquet toss. Seems like each time it's like pulling teeth to get women to join in although you do have that one or two that this is the moment they have been waiting for. The count begins and the bride throws behind her and then what happens - a whole of pushing and possibly a tumble or two just to get this bouquet which tradition tells us signifies she will be the next one to marry.

Let's not forget when it's the men's turn. It's even worse trying to get them to come up. Yeah, it's cute watching the groom be a little risqué  when he takes on the task of removing the garter, but then it is downhill after that. If you can convince any of them to come up, they will usually stand with their hands in their pockets and when they see it flying they watch it hit the floor.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love watching this all unfold (notice the key word watching) and this tradition still goes strong with some added variations. The cost of a "toss" bouquet can actually be very variable depending upon what other type of flowers you plan to have. If you hope to have real flowers, the florist will probably mention a toss bouquet. You actually could make your own, it's up to you. If you are a couple who is trying to keep the party going, this might be something you can pass over all together and it might actually not be missed. 

Receiving the People

I think this is a tradition that has also pretty much gone a way - the receiving line. Traditionally after the ceremony, the wedding party would stand outside and great all their guests as they head over to the reception. Of course you would like to greet everyone that has decided to share your day with you. I think in order for this to be effective, your wedding must be on time to the second and we all know 9 times out of 10 that doesn't happen. What seems to be happening these days is that the bride and groom will go around to each table at the reception following their meal. That way they will have a time where they can mingle and take pictures with everyone there. This seems to be effective and won't cut into pictures that may need to be taken after the ceremony.

I'm sure there are other little things that are traditionally done that could be overlooked. Ultimately, your wedding day is about you and your significant other. The bottom line is you want to have a day that you will enjoy and these things don't necessarily have tone done in order to enjoy it.

Does It HAVE To Be White?

We all know that one of, if not THE most, important item that a woman purchases for her wedding is her gown. Many have dreamt about it and looked through magazines for years trying to figure out what gown they will choose for themselves. In years past it wasn't just the style, but the color. White or Ivory have been the two choices for years if not centuries. Over the past few years though, it seems that brides have been playing around with color for their wedding gowns in both subtle and not so subtle ways.

Although many brides will still stick to the "traditional" colors, I've noticed more champagne or blush colored creations and some more bold as a vibrant red. Some are incorporating this color as a sash on a traditional white dress while others are buying the whole dress in a color they believe makes a statement. They are throwing caution to the wind and going for it. 

Let us know your thoughts on wearing a colored wedding gown.