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Having trouble affording your ideal reception? Try these thrifty alternatives. 1. Minimize your catering bill. √ Individual meals can get costly, so try a family-style meal instead. Each table will be given platters of food instead of individually plated meals and guests can serve themselves as much as they like. In traditional Russian weddings, tables are given multiple plates of meat and other side dishes as well as a bottle of vodka so that guests can serve themselves throughout the meal. If supplying vodka for each guest is not a family tradition, then a ‘family style’ meal can be less expensive than an individually prepared and served dinner for each of your guests. 2. Minimize your bar tab √ Offer one or two signature cocktails or types of wine instead of a fully stocked bar. You can even skip a floral arrangement on the bar and instead personalize the area by writing the name of your drinks on a mini chalkboard. Personalize your signature drinks by choosing a colored drink to match your theme or rename your signature cocktails with names such as White Weddingtini, Something Blue, True Love, or try naming your drinks after the newlyweds with names like Blushing Bride or the Groom’s Gimlet. √ Look for a venue that does not have a liquor license such as a home, barn, loft, museum or city center where you can bring your own libations thereby cutting out any of the restaurant venue’s pricing ‘add-ons’. Discuss your options with your wedding planner, caterer or favorite liquor store when it comes to choosing the amount you want to spend and the estimated amount to include at your reception. Many liquor stores will deliver and even set up all the extras such as limes, lemons, sodas, and ice and some may allow you to return unused bottles. 3. Minimize your venue costs. √ Look for a venue that specializes in weddings. Venues that don’t specialize exclusively in weddingsmay have more requirements or minimums for various arrangements, so you will have to pay fees for things such as cake cutting, or a corkage fee for champagne toasts. √ Host an afternoon reception for just close family and friends invited to your ceremony. Later in the evening host an “after-party” in place of a private reception and invite friends and family to a karaoke bar, a bowling alley or even a roller rink. Order some pizzas and pitchers of beer and let the rest of the night be a fun, less formal celebration. √ Host a brunch reception in place of a dinner reception. Brunch menus and venues tend to be less expensive than dinner menus and rentals for a Friday or Saturday evening and a liquor tab will be significantly less since most people don’t typically hit the Scotch before noon. You could offer mimosas and Bloody Mary’s as your cocktails, but you won’t need to offer a full bar. 4. Maximize your decor. √ Try a monochromatic look and order the same color or same type of flower in bulk. Usually the more you order of a single flower, the lower the price. Use a battery operated light and place it under your arrangement, or use a submersable light that can be placed in your vase. The lighting will create a focus and make your arrangements stand out. Some venues offer small mirrors for your guests tables. By placing your arrangements on the...
read moreA Musical Mind Many studies show that performing and listening to music actually can improve your memory, your language and math skills, as well as your basic motor functions. As a fun pre-wedding activity, take a weekly dance or music lesson with your partner. Learning to play the piano or the guitar, mastering the tango or the cha-cha, or even practicing a duet you may like to perform at your wedding will not only be a terrific bonding experience for you as a couple, but it also will wow your guests on your Big Day. Not to mention, you’ll be building your mental powers in the...
read moreWhen it comes to preparing for your honeymoon, be sure to pack the right stuff. Here are a few things to consider before zipping up your luggage.√ Climate It may seem obvious to pack according to the climate and the weather forecast of your honeymoon destination, but there are a few catches. Resorts in cold places typically have steam rooms, saunas, pools, Jacuzzis and fireplaces, not to mention the heat cranked up, so you should pack a swimsuit and a few lighter layers for when you’re indoors. On the other hand, the warmer a desert climate is during the day, the colder it can get at night, and the wind chill from a body of water can easily make temperatures drop at night, so you should pack a jacket and a few heavier layers for nighttime. Traveling to Europe, men should pack a sports coat, and women should pack a shawl or sweater no matter what the forecast. Lastly, don’t forget to pack appropriate footwear. Bring a comfortable pair and a dress pair, and pick neutral colors that can match all your outfits. √ Trip Length The general rule of thumb is to pack as many outfits as days you’ll be away plus three. You may spill on a white shirt, feel too full to wear that tight-fitting dress or end up needing a fancier outfit for a restaurant you discover while you’re there. Whatever the reason may be, you should pack a few backup outfits just in case. √ Activities Pack for comfort if you think you’ll be out and about. Pack for style if you expect to go on lots of romantic dates while you’re away. Pack for whatever activities you think you may be doing. Realistically, you may plan to spend much of your time relaxing and decompressing from all thewedding planning, but you still should think about all the activities you and your partner might encounter. √ Luggage Feel free to register for your honeymoon luggage. When you register for luggage, check that the store has a solid return policy in case any pieces break or get damaged while you’re on vacation. Consider packing one large suitcase for the both of you and taking separate carry-ons. The large suitcase should have a band around it so you can buckle your carry-ons for easier carrying. Pack a soft bag like a duffle in case you make additional purchases while on your trip. Select suitcases that have keys, with locks approved by the TSA so they won’t have to break the locks at security. Bring a laundry bag and a few large sealable plastic bags for any spills, mud, sand, or other messes on clothes or shoes. Test your suitcase at home: Fill your luggage and make sure that it doesn’t tip over when full and that the handle doesn’t break from the weight and pressure. (And that you actually can lift it.) √ Packing Formula Stick with a formula to maximize your luggage space and minimize the weight of your bags. Pack clothes of the same color scheme so that you can easily mix and match. Make a list of must-pack items or even lay out your clothes a month before you leave. This is a great time to try on all your clothes and to see if any pieces need mending...
read moreQ. How can we show our appreciation to our service providers after our wedding? A. Sometime after your wedding, send some copies of your wedding photos to your venue, vendors, such as your florist, wedding planner, reception manager. They’ll want to see how beautiful you and all the arrangements looked, especially those they contributed to, and they’ll probably like to include quality photos in their portfolio for future couples. Vendors will not only appreciate the consideration, but your wedding pictures could inspire brides-to-be for years to come....
read moreIt’s the day you’ve been waiting for and everything is going smoothly. You’re excited to walk down the aisle and marry the man of your dreams. But it’s the middle of a heat wave and you’re boiling. Your makeup is in danger of melting off your face. How do you prevent looking the wrong kind of hot? Whether you are using a makeup artist or doing your own makeup, invest in waterproof products. Waterproof mascara is a weeping bride’s best friend, and products made with silicone are best for hot weather. Witch hazel toner is also a good oil-stopping product to use before your makeup application. If you don’t need a heavy foundation, opt for a tinted moisturizer to give your skin an even tone and lightly powder to finish. Many brands make an oil-absorbing powder that can be applied on top or under your makeup. Have your maid-of-honor keep a stash of oil absorbing sheets for touchups. Witch hazel toner is also a good oil-stopping product to use before your makeup application. Unless you’re set on having long flowing locks, choose a hairstyle that keeps your hair off your face and neck. Long, heavy hair can add 10 degrees to your body temperature. Try a hairstyle with interwoven braids or a low bun and add a few flowers to complete the look. Be aware of pulling out pieces of hair to curl if your hair is prone to frizz. There is nothing elegant about the effects of humidity on the pieces of hair framing your face. For a bride on- the-go a good, quick fix is a dry shampoo spray. It helps to get rid of that pesky moisture clinging to your hair and may even restore some of the volume taken by the heat and humidity. Don’t be embarrassed to dust some talc powder with baking soda on, especially in sweaty areas. Baking soda is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and the powder can prevent skin irritations. If you’re wearing a strapless dress, powdered armpits could be unsightly, but for your feet, back, bra-line or other covered places, a bit of baby powder could go a long way. Dust the inside of your shoes to cut down on swollen piggies. For your underarms, deodorants just curb odor, not moisture; a deodorant and antiperspirant combo tackles both, so use both. For the best results, apply antiperspirant before bed when your calm and cool so it has the best chance of actually absorbing into your skin -which has to happen for it to work- and then reapply it in the morning with deodorant. For excessive sweating (largely determined by your genetics), talk with your dermatologist about laser hair removal to prevent odor and lessen sweating or small injections of Botox which can temporarily paralyze your sweat glands to keep you from over-sweating on your Big Day. If needles and laser guns give you the willies, look for an over the counter prescription antiperspirant. A spray antiperspirant can be used anywhere that sweats surfaces on your skin, but watch for skin irritations especially if you have sensitive skin. Most importantly, keep yourself well hydrated, especially if you plan on popping champagne at your reception. Alcohol dehydrates you, which is the last thing you need in the sweltering heat. Keep water close by;...
read moreA 7 day plan to Motivate you into Action Have you ever contemplated the BIGGER picture of the life you want to live. So many people that I meet, hold themselves back from stepping into this question for FEAR of not knowing or seeing the HOW. This is your time to take 100% responsibility for how you want to live your one precious life that you have been gifted. Become a MAESTRO of your life. Everything that you have in your life this very moment is the result of the choices that you have made throughout your journey. Becoming a MAESTRO of your life, means becoming aware of your ability to create your life. This is your 7 day plan to regain control of your life. Monday: Clear the Path Let go of the past, people, negative circumstances and energy that no longer serves you. Clear your mind and give yourself permission to move yourself forward. See these past experiences as the greatest teachers of your life that served a greater purpose then release it. Send these people love and light, smile and wish then well with no regrets. Tuesday: Fixate on the End Prize Blaze a trail for your new life by focusing ONLY on that which you wish to receive. See and feel what you want. This week, act as if you have already received it. Wednesday: Still your Mind High levels of peak performance need to be balanced with periods of deep renewal. Sit in complete stillness every morning for 30 minutes upon waking up. On Wednesday, include an additional 30 minutes of stillness before going to bed. Thursday: Affirm your way to Success Make a list of 7 affirmations and live one of them every day. Start every affirmation with the words: I AM…then list what you are intending to receive. On Thursday, share your list of 7 affirmations with those closest to you. Friday: Live with Gratitude As you drift off to sleep, review all of the things that you are grateful for. You can do this in your mind or read them out loud. Review every moment and declare to the universe your gratitude for all of the special gifts from the day. Upon waking up every morning, declare to the universe all of the things that you are about to create today. You are creating your day in advance. Be grateful for the MAESTRO that you have become. Saturday: Collaborate with Others Don’t do it alone, no one is ever alone. Share your intention with others. We can only help you when we know your intention. We live in a new social world that rewards collaborative energy. The world is waiting to life you up. Sunday: Take Action Today Make 7 calls, email 7 people and send out 7 thank you cards. Go after that opportunity with persistence, passion and with the intention of receiving it. You are a MAESTRO and you are creating your...
read moreAnyone can press play on an iPod and let shuffle take over, but it takes the skill of a professional DJ to choose songs that heighten the energy of a room and keep it going. A pro should be able to assess the crowd at any party and play songs that entertain everyone. When it comes to spinning for your wedding, a professional DJ should know your guest list. What’s the general age of your guests? Will there will be more parents and older adults, more friends and family around your age or lots of kids? Will your guests range from 9 months to 90 years old? If you have a wider age range, ask your DJ to start with songs that appeal to the older crowd who might like to leave early, like classic oldies and slow-dance staples, then end the night with more fist-pumping, fast-paced dance songs for the younger crowd. A professional DJ will want to know all about your favorite songs, favorite bands and favorite genres. He or she should know if you want to hear typical wedding songs, if you have any specific requests (like your first dance song) or if there are any songs to be avoided (like “Macarena”). It’s yourwedding, and you should enjoy your reception music, so don’t hesitate to give your DJ a detailed list of likes and dislikes. Most people don’t hire a professional DJ to simply follow a set playlist. Part of a pro’s appeal is that he or she can pleasantly surprise you. A pro will have a keen ear for music, a sixth sense for party vibes and the ability to read the room, knowing when to pump things up and when to slow things down, adding songs that may turn out to be your new favorites and keeping your guests entertained with music that isn’t just from the typical Top 40 selection. You may want to do a bit of extra research to find hot up-and-coming DJ’s in your area or take a few after-hours trips to local clubs and DJ performances. Even if you aren’t in a large metropolitan area, the important thing is that you allow yourself a broader search field. You want your wedding to be utterly unique, so give it the edge it deserves and let a professional handle your music. Items to Consider discussing with your DJ Ask how many years of experience your dj has, what events they typically specialize in, and how much experience they have with weddings. Ask your dj if you can visit one of their performances, whether at a club, another wedding or consider hiring your dj for a smaller informal party, like your engagement party or a summer soiree. Ask your dj what their usual crowd demographic is, ensuring they’re comfortable catering to different age groups. Let your dj know the general age range of your guests so that he or she can fit in songs that every age group will enjoy. Ask your dj what types of bands and music genres they like to play, and make a list of your favorite bands and genres. Your dj should have a similar taste as you and your spouse-to-be, ensuring your dj plays the type of music you envision for you and your guests. If there are certain songs you absolutely want to hear, or certain...
read moreMusic, particularly music attached to positive associations, is stored in the part of your brain known as the hippocampus, which handles long-term memory. Listening to a specific song, like your first dance at your reception, will stimulate the hippocampus and trigger memories associated with your wedding, your partner and the early days of your romance. Positive memory associations can strengthen your marriage throughout the years, so it could be a romantic gesture to listen to your first dance song on your...
read moreQ. What’s an easy beauty regimen I should follow before my Wedding DayA. One of the best beauty regimens is to avoid foods and drinks that could stain your teeth. That includes anything acidic, like blueberries, cherries, red beets, red wine, black coffee and soda. To get your teeth extra white before the Big Day, schedule a professional whitening service at your dentist’s office. If that’s out of the budget, try Crest White Strips or a home whitening kit. Make sure to start your teeth whitening regime about six weeks before walking down the aisle. On the Big Day, stick to white wine or champagne to keep your pearly whites looking bright for...
read moreBrides who want to keep their shoes crisp and unworn until their Wedding Day may be extremelydisappointed if they experience discomfort shortly after slipping them on. Be sure to break yours in, well ahead of time. In most cases, shoes become more comfortable the more you wear them since they stretch and form to your feet. The same will be true of your wedding heels once you break them in. To protect your fancy footwear from dirt and keep them looking new for the Big Day, only wear your shoes around the house as you break them in. This also will help you determine whether it’ll be realistic to keep them on all day long or if you need to plan for some backup...
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