WE tv Showcase Highlights

Hello lovely brides,

If you follow us on Twitter or Facebook you know that on Saturday, July 24th we were lucky enough to co-host the WE tv Wedding Show at Oakbrook Center. Despite the strong storms the night before we had a great turnout.

Mark Ingram came to give Brides advice on selecting their gowns:



We organized tablescapes around three main themes, Bliss, Love and Romance:
















BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

HD Beauty – Up Close and “Pore”sonal

Today, Adel Domingo, Event Architect with Oliveaire will be sharing some beauty tips with all of you lovely ladies. Take it away Adel...

If fluorescent lights were not enough, all of a sudden up comes high definition technology. Now, instead of just seeing a hundred pores, we can see a million pores and specks on our faces. I can understand why a director would like to show an action film or sports action in “high-def.” The details are unbelievable to look at. The clarity and the movement are so flawless.


A reporter or actor, male or female, cannot just go in front of the camera without putting on makeup. The shine on their faces, or even bald heads, could blind us when we watch them if not for makeup. I guess they also have to be pleasant to look at as they deliver the bad news or their lines. Let’s be honest now, as an audience, we critique their images like there is no tomorrow. We are as harsh and strong as the studio lighting that is focused on them. I guess it’s the fact they cannot hear us thru the screen, or that they’re celebrities, or it’s our own insecurities. But I digress.

The digital cameras and video cameras used in the wedding industry today are fast and clear. As a bride you may be a little worried, if you are aware of high definition, or just being in the spot light. Even the term high definition is intimidating.


Photo credit to R.E.M. Photography

How do you deal with it? Just make it easy on yourself and consult with a makeup artist that has experience applying makeup for print ads or commercials. Ask questions. Ask them to do a makeup trial on you, and then have somebody photograph or videotape you with a high quality digital camera. If the artist is good, he or she will know how to match your skin tone and type, whether they should use an air brush technique, a mattifier to minimize pores, use mineral powder or pressed foundation, just to name a few choices. The application of the lipstick is also important. However, one of the “must do’s” is to use a concealer. Using a concealer brush instead of your hands or a sponge is much better because you have better control on the coverage. The makeup artist has the tools, and the supplies, to tackle the job. He/she will make you look beautiful, and most importantly, make it last for hours of crying, dancing, and hugging.


Why go thru all of this? Because you want to look flawless on your wedding day. However, remember that flawless doesn’t mean some Hollywood definition of perfection. Sometimes those flaws are what make you beautiful and perfect. The lines that appear when you smile, that mole, the freckles, those little things about you add to why your fiancé fell in love with you. So do yourself a favor, don’t hide everything. HD should capture your tears, the flow of your gown, that first kiss as husband and wife, and the real you.

Adel

Hope you enjoyed the tips!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olviia

p.s. If you are in the area be sure to join us at the WE tv Wedding Show at Oakbrook Center this Saturday, July 24th from 12 - 6 p.m.

Vendor Agreements, do you need them?

When entering into an agreement with wedding professionals, as in any business relationship, where there is an exchange of monies for products or services, expectations must be clearly defined. Weddings are costly. Brides and Grooms spend thousands of dollars to make their big day perfect. They all rely on surrounding themselves with people that they feel can deliver that to them. Before entering into a relationship with such person or company, here are some tips on what to expect.

Agreements or contracts must include:
- Full company name, address and phone number of the vendor
- Names of the bride and groom
- Date and time of the wedding and reception (if you don’t have this information at the time of signing, it should be noted that the information will be added at a later date)
- Services or products being provided should be specified, with as much detail in writing as possible (For example, on a floral contract, instead of “ ten centerpieces,” a better idea would be to have “ ten centerpiece arrangements with white miniature Calla lilies, red roses, and seasonal greenery, sized in a pilsner vase with submerged orchids”)

For Services:
- Set- up time, start, finish, and break-down time should be listed
- Name of the person or persons who will be performing the service
- Any electrical or special requirement of the venue
- Additional charges for night pick up or above ground ballrooms
- Any delivery of products after the wedding (such as photographers or video) should be listed, with a date by which you will receive the product



Regarding prices and payments:
- The refundable amount (& conditions) should be listed, with the charges as detailed as possible
- Each item should be priced separately, unless it is part of a particular package
- In the case of packages, content should be listed in detail
- If there is the possibility of adding on services at a later date, those prices should be listed so that you have the pricing guaranteed—particularly the pricing for photos and albums when contracting a photographer
- Set-up fees should be included in the contract. If they are not listed separately, it should be clear that the price includes set-up and break-down

Taxable products or services:
- All applicable taxes should be listed
- All rental taxes should be listed
- Required gratuities should be listed, and if they are not required but encouraged, this information should be included

Special requests:
- Should be noted somewhere in the contract (such as no “Hokey-Pokey” played by the DJ, or Vegetarian meals provided by the caterer upon request)
- Parking or travel fees
- Overtime fees
- Restrictions on lifting and moving of equipment, products, furniture, etc. must be clear



Payments:
- Schedule should be listed in detail, including the acceptable forms of payment, and applicable penalties (for example, if a personal check is returned)
- Due date of such payment(s) must be included
- Final payment date and amount must be listed
- Charges, including any penalties for making changes after the final order is placed, must be clearly stated

Policies:
- Cancellation policies should be included in the contract, with specifics regarding cancellation by either party
- The deposit requirement and refund policy must be clear
- If there are other relevant policies that the vendor follows, they should also be included in the contract

You should be presented with an original copy of the contract, with two sets of original signatures - yours (or the person responsible for paying) and a legal representative of the vendor. In order to make the contract binding, you will need to present compensation at the time of the signing.

If the contract lacks any of these items, don’t hesitate to request corrections, additions or verification of details. It is in everyone’s best interest to have everything listed in advance. If the vendor hesitates to provide you with a detailed contract, perhaps you should consider a different vendor.

If expectations change, make sure to record the changes in writing. This will protect you, and validate accepted changes by the vendor. After all, it is your one and only day. Surrounding yourself with an event team that understands your vision, and enhances your wedding experience, that is the right team for you.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia