Updo? Fishtailed? Beachy Waves?

What is your ideal wedding day "do"? Here is a tip from Style Onsite on how to pick that perfect look.  Take note: Style Onsite does onsite hair and makeup in the Chicagoland area!! A very conveneint service to have! For more ideas on great looks for your special day check out their blog at Style Onsite.

From Style Onsite/Weddings...

Consulting with your hairstylist is key!!

It is so important that you and your hairdresser see the same vision. Think about these questions before you go in for your trial and express this to your hairdresser

What is the style of your wedding dress?
Do I normally wear my hair up or down?
How do I feel most comfortable ?
What is the location of my wedding ? Outdoor or indoor? Summer or fall ?

    

Peeks at the "First Look"

Today, I had a bride ask me "What are some good ideas for the 'first look'?" My suggestion would be to definitely take advantage of the venue or photo site your at.  Use doorways, corners, furniture and make it fun!  As a wedding gift, write a sentimental note to one another and exchange them right before you see each other.  What a great and emotional start to a "first look"!  How about make it a surprise for the both of you by using blindfolds or have something cute obstructing the view?

Simply Stating...Whatever you do - this "first look" will be a look to remember forever.

 

Photo credits: 1. lover.ly, 2. justbeefashion.blogspot.com, 3. girlywedding.com, 4. wilderness.blogspot.com, 5. jessicashepard.com, 6. jetfeteblog.com, 7. jillianzamoraphoto.blogspot.com, 8. blog.blubungalow.com



 



Yummy...Favors!

Thinking about what kind of favors to do? Think food! No one will leave behind something they can eat. Another alternative: have a dessert bar with to-go boxes. They can have dessert and take it home too!

Simply stating...guests will love the sweet treats!

On a Budget?

Here are a few ideas on areas you can cut costs:
-have a Friday or Sunday wedding
-have an outdoor wedding, during the day
-use flowers that are in season
-multi-purpose flower arrangements
-offer an edible favor (it may not be cheaper initially but more guests will take them vs leaving them on the table for you to take home)
-give enough planning time (this way all the costs won't be knocking at your door at the same time)
-hire an event planner (they will know how to spend your budget wisely and/or negotiate)

Simply Stating...if your on a budget there are ways to tackle the expenses.

We're Engaged! Now what?

Congrats on the new engagement! Once all the excitement settles down, what comes next? Here's some guidance: 1) Please, please, please pick a date before you start searching! This will force you to be more decisive and sound more serious when you start talking to vendors. If you go to any bridal show, this will be first question out of every vendor's mouth (they need to know if they can even accommodate you). 2) Have an idea of how many guests you want to invite. This plays a large role in your budget. It can be the deciding factor on whether to shop for a $95 meal versus a $55 meal. 3) ALWAYS HAVE A BUDGET IN MIND. You do NOT want to overspend. It is not worth going into debt for one day. If you are not paying for this event, consider who is. There are plenty of suggestions on how much someone should spend on certain areas. If your curious, send me an email. Hiring an event planner will keep the budget a priority and may offer solutions for cutting costs or extra expenses that may come up. Simply Stating...always be prepared!

Where To Put Those Wedding Cards?

Here are just a few ideas on what you can do on the gift table for those wedding cards.

There's the very popular and pretty way of using the birdcage:

 

            save-on-crafts.com                                         overstock.com    


You could use the same idea but in a different shape:

 
                   onepassionplace.com                          lighthouseeventdecor.com


What if we match the colors of the wedding or replicate the cake?


                    thisnext.com                                        weddingbycolor.com                           

Let's get crafty! So creative:

  

                weddingwindow.com                                    morgannhilldesigns.blogspot.com

                   

         https://www.facebook.com/#!/behucke 

                    bridalmusings.com

I am loving this idea! A suitcase...what?! So vintage:

 

               bubbyandbean.com                        http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/creative-card-box

http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/09/18/wedding-card-holder/

Here are some other great ideas!  Hat boxes, vases, tree stumps, etc:

 

                 weddingbycolor.com                                           kiokreations.com

  

                   savvysugar.com                                            weddingwindow.com

 

           theperfectcardbox.com                             blog.bridalexpochicago.com\\

Simply Stating...there are so many ways to think out of the card box!

Garden Weddings 2013

I was interviewed today about what I think may be the 2013 wedding trends! I think the organic/garden/rustic theme will continue into the next year.  Here's why:

-I think we have had several movie influences to renew this theme such as the newest Twilight and the Snow White inspired movies this year.

http://floresdelsol.blogspot.com/2011/11/twilight-wedding-flowers.html

-The dresses for 2013 will be more A-line and lacey.  This has become more prevalent on the runways due to Kate Middleton's wedding dress and Bella's in the latest Twilight saga.  This type of dress fits in perfectly for a garden wedding- feminine and whimsical!

http://www.firstqueen.net/2011/05/lace-wedding-dresses/

-The tables can be decorated with props such as jars, books, candles, fruit, etc. This can cut the cost of large floral centerpieces.  Flowers can be added in small vases. Budget friendly florals could be flowers that are in season or from the garden. 
   
http://sedonaweddingblog.com/tag/green/


 http://imbueyouido.com/create-the-look/table-setting-inspiration-for-intimate-weddings.php

- More and more weddings are being held in one location.  Renting a space outside may be cheaper to those who may be on a budget.  Why not use the outside theme to your advantage?

http://www.smartbrideboutique.com/blog/wedding-advice-choosing-your-wedding-day-vision/20101221/555

- DIY will also be a theme because we are still in a budget-conscious economy and this is a smart way to cutting costs.  It is very easy to have an organic/country/rustic wedding and incorporate these beautiful aspects into invites, programs, and decor.
   
http://3oclockwalk.blogspot.com/2010/04/wedding-rustic-invites.html
       
   
 http://countrygirlwedding.tumblr.com/post/5426413362/diy-rustic-invitations

Check out my board on Pinterest to get even more inspired! http://pinterest.com/simplyazure/garden-weddings-2013/

Simply Stating...Think Country Chic, Rustic Romance, or Rugged Fantasy for 2013!