Read part 1 here.
Music
When it comes to a wedding you need to keep in mind that at the end of the day it is a party.
It is actually the biggest & most important party in your life so do you know what that means? Fun! Dancing & laughing!
With wedding music & entertainment you can go two ways: band or DJ (or even both actually). A band will probably set a different tone depending on their style & genre, but make sure you’re not too extreme (not all guests have the same music tastes and you wouldn’t want them to get bored or worse leave, right?).
I know all your men are into rock and Metallica, but I reckon it’ll be too much to pull for an all night’er.
So make sure the band is pretty decent and eclectic, or just super famous. Ha! (then nobody will care anymore).
If however you want to please most of your guests and have a dance party guaranteed, go for a DJ. They will know how to make the crowd dance they heels off, arms in the air and have an unforgettable time. For a special entertainment moment you can throw in a band you love (for an hour or two performance) and that way everyone’s happy.
Photography
Ah... make it a night to remember and have fun! After all that’s what it’s all about – the great memories. Which brings me to one of the most important pieces in a wedding: the photos!
Make sure you choose a professional photographer whom you have chemistry with, who knows your style, has the same tastes, shares the same ideas.
If you’re a super crazy rebel fun couple you will probably not get what you want from a photographer who’s your opposite. Sure the photos have to look good (it goes without saying, technique wise) but they need to capture your personalities & the party mood.
Plus he/she have to have a good eye for spotting the right moments to photograph.
All in all, look for the person rather than the agency.
If you hit it off, view their portfolios & ask for references.
It is very important to let them know you ideas, vison and expectations of the event, how you'd like the photos to be, what is the vibe you want to transpose. Ask them to do the 'Trash The Dress” part for a discount, and see what other services they can provide: photo albums, covers, DVDs, video.
And also how long will they shoot during the event (from the time you put your makeup on, until the last guest, or just the ceremony and the party).
Basically you need to tell them everything and talk them through your ideas. And then... seal the deal.
The Wedding Dress & Outfits
Oh I can almost get chills & hear wedding bells now. When it comes to the dress do not settle for less, and do not compromise.
Princess, A-line, Greek style, mermaid, trumpet, large, slim-fit, ruffled, simple, embellished, lace, beads, long, short, strapless, backless... Literally the sky is the limit.
You’d think it was easy to pick the dress, once you know the style you want, but there are so many shops, it’s overwhelming. Online is another way to go (prepare for millions of options, mind you) just make sure the reviews are real & they do returns.
The tricky part about the dress is that
besides looking fabulous it needs to feel
comfortable. Yeah right.
My tip on this one: go for a simple, easy to wear dress, that looks rather classic with a twist, or subtly sexy, elegant, edgy (depending on your style). You will have this moment in your memory and the guests' memory (not to mention all those photos) forever. Wouldn't you rather have you grand-kids say how beautiful you looked, rather than laugh their pants off at that dress, that 20 years ago was a summer hit?
So go for timeless elegance & beauty. I love a super long, white, mermaid, strapless dress with subtle lace & few beads for extra glamor.
Shoes need to be high but comfortable. A heel is a must, and if you cannot handle one for the whole night, just kick your shoes off. Or switch them for ballet pumps or sneakers for some edge.
If you have bridesmaids, talk to them, ask them what they'd like, don't impose and demand styles and looks they're not comfortable with.
Basically they should all agree on only one thing: same dress design & style or same color (if all have different opinions).
My girls are all going for the same color & fabric just three different dress designs.
Then come the boys. You husband must wear a tuxedo. Now if he chooses to wear a waistcoat, black, blue or white shirt I think it's really up to him. Cut him some slack girl!
His best men should all be wearing tuxedos and same color shirts. Of course you may have specific requests for guests as well (remember Kim Kardashian's wedding when guests were all required to wear only black or white) or for your family.
For instance I've asked my father & father-in-law to stick to tuxedos and my mother and mother-in-law to long gowns. After all my wedding will be red carpet glamor meets simplicity!
Jewelery is a must but again delicate, simple not too opulent. This for me is a huge sacrifice, as I am such a statement pieces kind of girl, but I figure I need to keep it simple. Besides a pair of sparkling studs (not those tiny ones though) with a thin necklace & bracelet will do.
Wedding Invitations | Makeup & Hair
Announce your guests the wedding date a few months in advance, so they do not have something else planned, especially if it’s summer time, and everyone will book their holidays. So make sure you send your invites via email or Post Office and write on them the necessary info: your names, date, venue, location, RSVP date & contact.
Regarding the design of the invites keep it simple and rather classic so they can be easily matched with the menu on the tables and the seating cards.
And when it comes to makeup & hair we all want to look our best, yet at what cost? Do not experiment with lipstick colors, eye-shadows, haircuts/styles/colors that day! Do not over do it. A bride needs to be simple & beautiful not caked on makeup.
If you go for red lips, keep the rest simple. If you go for smoky eyes, opt for nude lips.
You might want to go for false lashes for a bit of drama (choose a medium size, don’t go over the top).
They will definitely better define and enhance your eyes and look amazing in photos.
Hair must be clean & healthy. You can either go for a bun (high, Spanish, low, loose) or let your hair down (natural luscious waves look amazing). Don't overdo it on hairspray & products, you want your hair to move with you, right?
A couple of weeks to the wedding have a final check of everything and delegate! You've got friends & family and I am sure your bridesmaids, best-men or parents would not mind keeping an eye on things in between the delicious food, great music and tequila shots.
I have chosen to have fun and refuse to turn into one of those desperate hysterical bridezillas.
Whatever happens, it's a party and the tone should be just that, of guests having fun & feeling relaxed.
I know everyone will give you plenty of advice and seem to know better than you what it is that you like.
Just take a deep breath... step aside and let them talk forever for all you care. It is you who is getting married and it is your night. Make it special & true to yourself. It has to be genuine, to reflect your styles & personalities so that both you & your friends will make it a night to remember.
And besides, the wedding is just a party where you have to look fabulous, feel good & dance away your emotions... it's the marriage that holds the biggest importance and lasts a lifetime! Or so they say, right?
xoxo
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