Always a Bridesmaid, how to win an award as “Best Supporting Bridesmaid”

Whether it’s your sister, grade school friend or college roommate, some important woman (or man) in your life has invited you to be a part of their bridal party. If you’ve ever been part of a wedding party you know this role comes with fun times, and responsibility.

Here are my top 5 tips on how to best support your bride to be:


1. Start Saving – There is no getting around it, standing up in a wedding is going to cost some money (dress, shoes, showers, etc.). If you say yes to being in a wedding, you are saying yes to the cost of being in the wedding as well. Be realistic about your budget, and if you have any concerns talk to the bride to be before accepting the role. Once you’re on board, spend with a smile. This is someone you love, and she would do (or has done) the same for you.

2. Offer an Opinion – when asked to do so. Respect the decisions the bride feels confidence in making on her own, and offer honest opinions when she asks for them (also remember that she may not take ALL of your suggestions)

3. Lend a Helping Hand – A bride’s to do list is never-ending, or so it seems. As her big day approaches reach out to her, see what you can do. It may be tying ribbons, sorting through contracts to make a contact info. sheet, or going out for a glass (ok, bottle) of wine to de-stress. The bride might not want to ask for help, since you’ve done so much already, but she will appreciate you offering more than you know.

4. Run Interference – Unfortunately there are always going to be people involved in a wedding who cause a bit of trouble. We all have the complaining cousin, opinionated sister-in-law or friend who forgets this day is not about them. Be a buffer between the troublemaker and bride. She has enough to worry about. You may end up with a headache from listening to all that complaining, but someday karma will send the favor back to you.

5. Have Fun – Be her right hand (and left, when necessary), through her wedding day prep, ceremony and all of the formal activities. When it comes time for the reception, kick back and have fun. The bride will most likely be most relaxed during this time, and will take away many happy memories of her guests celebrating the love between her and her new husband.

Abide by all of these guidelines and you are sure to win “Best Supporting Bridesmaid” in our book!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

What to Wear: The Mom Edition

Today Event Architect Adel Domingo is going to help the moms (of the bride and groom) prepare to search for their wedding day attire. She offers some great tips, and personal experience. Take it away Adel...

What kind of dress do you wear?


photo courtesy of theknot.com

From my personal experience, picking out my dress was an easy one. It was pure luck and great timing. I didn’t know what style I was and it turned out to be a combination of modern and elegant and I narrowed down three dresses within 45 minutes. What was truly important for me is to getting my future daughter-in-law’s approval and that my dress was ultra-comfortable and I got both.

What is your style – modern, glamorous, classic, romantic, elegant, over-the-top, or are you not even sure? If you do choose a dress, it is highly advisable not to choose anything that can be considered over-the-top. Even if your son or daughter is a rock star or Lady Gaga, your dress should be just at least one level simpler. Your dress should not look similar to the bride’s, or the other Mom’s dress for obvious reasons, but you also do not want to clash with the bride’s vision. There are thousands of dresses to choose from so the following tips may help you narrow down your choices:

Modern – look for clean lines with a unique neckline, color should be unique and accessories do not have to match the dress. Your dress should be easily worn again at a modern art museum gala or even another wedding with simpler jewelry and accessories.

Glamorous – a toned down version of going to the Oscars is the look for you. Do not show too much skin, but explore dresses with one shoulder strap or a halter top. You need not borrow your diamonds from Tiffany or Harry Winston, but diamonds, or similar gems, should make great accessories. Again, this can be worn again at a posh event where you can lose the jacket or shawl.

Classic – this style of dress is a simple style but can be in a striking color like salmon or teal. A suit or non-trendy dress will suffice with pearls and low heels or sandals. This outfit can be worn again at a fundraiser, luncheon or a holiday party by just changing the accessories.


Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Romantic – Silk, chiffon and ruffles are good features to look for and you want to pull out that old broach or the earrings your hubby gave you for your first anniversary to add as sentiments. This can be worn again at a fundraising event or wedding anniversary party.

Elegant – A mixture or taffeta, silk and lace might be involved, a jacket or shawl to cover the arms, pearls and diamonds are the perfect jewelry. The skirt or bottom half may be a simple cut but the jacket or top may be slightly off the shoulder. Like the other dresses, this can worn again at special occasions with a slight change of jewelry or jackets.


photo courtesy of theknot.com

If you don’t know what style looks best on you, and you have no experience being the Mom of the Groom or Bride, do what a bride does. Make an appointment at a bridal salon and try on several gowns of style and color. Do you need to buy one as soon as possible? Yes, if the wedding is less than six months away and need to be ordered. If you are shopping at a department store, you can buy it right then and there.

If you decide to wear a shorter dress, make sure it is knee-length or below. Since your feet will show more, make sure to wear a visually appealing pair of shoes. It is also not unusual these days to have a second pair to change into for comfort after a few dances.

You can still apply the above styles even for casual beach or outdoor weddings. You may replace the material with cotton, silk or gauzy, colorful textures but keep the elegance of the event in mind.

This is one of the most important days of your child’s life and you should look beautiful. You want to look “presentable” but in your own style and personality. What is the big deal about the Mom’s dress? Your dress is just as important as the bridal parties’ wardrobe, and other than the bride and groom, the parents’ role is highly respected when their children are taking this huge step in their lives. This is not her basketball game or his track meet you’re going to, this is THE day.


Final Tip (and it's an important one):
The final tip is once you have narrowed down your choices to a few dresses, ask the bride to help you choose. It will make her feel respected and if it happens to be your future daughter-in-law, she will definitely appreciate it. If it’s your daughter, she will appreciate any time she has with you before she officially leaves your home, and that her opinion matters. If it’s your son, just show your final set of choices by showing him photos even if he has an opinion or not. He will still appreciate your enthusiasm and participation on his important day.

Thanks Adel!

What do you think, brides will you share this list with your mom? Do you have an idea of what she should wear?

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

Orchid Resorts & Escapes: Beautifully Unexpected Honeymoons

Planning the perfect wedding has been all encompassing, you are so looking forward to the honeymoon, but where will you go? You can always rely on the all time favorites such as Hawaii, the Caribbean or Mexico, but we want to introduce you to some secrets that are out there. We turned to our friends at Orchid Resorts & Escapes to provide us some insight on unique honeymoon locations. Their small boutique properties are a unique place for a romantic hideaway, simply a place to breathe and relax.
Contact Oliveaire for reservation information, and get special perks just for our readers

Here are our top seven lesser known places, sure to make many future top 10 lists:

Deer Valley Chalet – Deer Valley, Utah
For those winter wedding and ski enthusiasts this is a must see. Located within a private gated community just moments from Park City, Deer Valley Chalet, is one of the most dynamic properties in ski country. Snuggle in and enjoy the awe inspiring scenery, as expansive windows offer up panoramic views of the lake, mountains and forest.
Receive a complimentary bottle of champagne, stay five nights and get the sixth night free

Golden Bear Lodge – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Each of the Golden Bear Lodge’s guest rooms and suites come complete with chic furnishings, marble bathrooms, and impressive ocean views of the sparkling Caribbean. At the Golden Bear Lodge the hours will pass in a haze of relaxation and peace, making you seriously consider missing your flight back home.
Receive complimentary full breakfast served in your suite along with fresh squeezed juice and flowers, complimentary room upgrade at check-in (based on availability) and 3 p.m. late check-out (based on availability).

Gran Hotel Son Net – Mallorca Spain
Located atop a gently sloping tree-clad hill overlooking the village of Puigpunyent, guests of the hotel are afforded beautiful views of the surrounding pine valleys and Tramuntana mountain range. The hotel features include two outdoor pools, private terraces, Zen Zone Beauty Center, rose gardens, and citrus orchards. The Oleum Restaurant will tempt you with exclusive wines and innovative Mallorcan dishes made from locally sourced seasonal ingredients.
Receive a complimentary poolside cabana for your entire stay which includes a personalized pool concierge experience with fresh towels, fruit skewers and sorbets served during the day. In addition, and based on availability, guests will receive early check-in, late check-out and an upgrade to the next room category.

Hidden Pond – Kennebunkport, Maine
Unique cottage features include screened porches, fireplaces, quietly lavish décor, luxurious bathrooms, linens and amenities, and outdoor showers under the canopy of the forest. Escape to the comfort of our spa nestled up amongst the treetops or keep you feet firmly planted on the ground and explore our organic farm, there is something for everyone.
Receive a Maine inspired basket of local treats and specialties; wildflower honey, homemade blueberry jam, maple syrup, maine blueberry soda, farm stand cheese and assorted crackers, Bartlett’s raspberry wine.

Kamalame Cay – Andros Island, Bahamas
Kamalame Cay is a 96-acre private island hideaway with three miles of sugar soft sandy beaches. This barrier island is accessible only by private ferry or seaplane. A handful of gracefully decorated private villas dot this island escape and face a rhythmic ocean surf that will lull you into an attitude that requires only bare feet, suntan lotion, and a cocktail, making Kamalame Cay the perfect place for romance.
Receive a bottle of house champagne and a $100 resort credit – to be used on the property including the spa, fishing or snorkeling!

Sivory Punta Cana – Dominican Republic
Set along the shores of a private beach which stretches as far as the eye can see, this boutique resort is the ideal place to enjoy the tropical paradise of the Domincan Republic. When you visit the Sivory expect to bask in an oasis of exclusive pleasures where your worries, stress and the wedding planning grind are all banished to the horizon.

Villa Feltrinelli – Gargnano, ItalyVilla Feltrinelli, is situated along the shores of Lake Garda, a grand hotel boasting an atmosphere of casual elegance, high style, and historical importance. Outside the majestic villa lies a magnificent swimming pool, where guests can sit back and take in the splendid views over the mountains of northern Italy. All in all, when history and luxury combine with style and serenity, beautiful moments abound.
Receive a complimentary 30-minute sunset cruise on a private boat including a bottle of Italian sparkling wine.

So whether you like the traditional favorites or prefer the unique; whatever you choose make sure to have the time of your new (married) life!!!!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

Beauty Trends for 2011

Today Katie Gutierrez is going to share some beauty trends for 2011 that you can use for your wedding, and beyond...

Beauty trends come and go, and they can change within a blink of the eye. It is always interesting to see what comes back into style. Whether you decide to use these trends on your special day or not, it’s always fun to try something new, maybe give them a shot on your honeymoon!


Make up

LIPS – Luscious OR Nude?
FRESH for 2011= Juicy Orange Lips: Don’t think you can pull off FULL ORANGE LIPS; you can tone down that orange with reds and pinks to create a variety of looks. Based on your complexion another great color is FUCHSIA.

Prefer to be Nude? Try Cream, Taupe or Camel lips to present an elegant and glamorous look.

Another great trend to make those lips succulent is adding not just a touch, but a ton of GLOSS.

EYES
While lips can still present both sides of the spectrum, eyes are all BRIGHT for 2011. Fluorescent shades, bright colorful shades! In order to use this look on a regular basis try focusing the color just along the lash line, both upper and lower. Blues and greens are in for 2011. To add some sparkle try a little glitter.

Long lashes are a must to complete a bold eye. There are special eye liners that go right to the root of the lashes to craft the image of longer lashes. Also check out lengthening mascara or even fake eyelashes. After these simple tips you’ll be able capture immediate attention by just batting those baby blues a few times.


Face

You want that young clean look? Go for pink blush. Pinks create that young and fresh look. Also try gold and shimmery blush for a softer look.

Hair

70’s looks are making their way back. Buns, big, bouncy, feathered hair, who would have thought? These looks are great ,when you add a little spin to them. Add hair clips to create parts. Buns are easy and stylish once again. Try a high bun or a tousled bun at the nape of your neck. Pin pieces back to showcase your face. Capture that imperfectly perfect looks!


Statement Accessories
Today all accessories it shares one common theme - the bigger the better.

Hair accessories: Headbands that are flirty, feathery and embellished are in this year. This adds a dimension to your hairstyle. It creates a flawless look even if you just got out of bed. Hair accessories can be worn with any style and outfit. It can be used to pull together the polished look, or even used to create that dramatic appeal. It adds femininity, drama and a bit of romance. Hair clips! Use one or more to add sophistication and a theatrical appeal to the simplest look.

Bib style and layered textured necklaces add a striking appeal to your outfit. It is eye catching, and adds instant chic to your look.

Big bangles…lots of them – again, adding a wow factor. Big is bold. They are a great inexpensive accessory.

Belts are no longer to just hold pants up! Kimono style belts, sash style belts and belts with huge decorative pieces add that special touch to your style.

As you notice – 2011 trends are BIG, BOLD, and DRAMATIC and shout style. Try to move out of your comfort zone and be BOLD.

Choosing a Centerpiece

Your flowers will be a sizeable investment on your wedding day. Your guests will admire your flowers at the ceremony, but most of all at the reception. Your reception centerpiece can capture your guests’ attention, with interesting details and beautifully placed flowers. Here are some thoughts on designing trendy and creative centerpiece that will captivate your guests:

Collection of Vases

A popular design, as well as budget friendly. Using a collection of cylinder or square vases of varying heights will give the table dimension. A monochromatic color palette will give you a sleek contemporary look.

Wrapped Vases

If colored vases are not offered by your florist, choose to wrap them in eye-catching fabrics. A thick border ribbon, crystal ropes or layering with shimmer paper stock will highlight texture in an otherwise flat vase.

Sparkle

Nothing sets the mood like candles. Setting pillar candles in a mosaic candle holder, or floating candles in crystal dishes, can accessorize your table. If possible, use colored votive holders that will match your event color palette.

Potted Plants and Herbs

Beautiful and earth friendly. This aromatic display of greens can easily be incorporated into any design. The best part is that the guests can take them home to enjoy and reminisce about your wedding day.

Illumination

As it is at any event, the lights in the room will be dimmed. This is most certainly going to give you romantic ambiance. But it is a deterrent to your centerpiece. Add an illumination box that can uplight your centerpiece, from the bottom up. If your budget allows, definitely pin spot, at a minimum, your high centerpieces. After all, it is the crown jewel of the evening.


Your personal touch will brand your centerpiece. Exquisite details will certainly keep your guests raving about your flowers. We hope you will take more chances with your centerpieces, we are always inspired by out of the box design ideas.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

The Cost of a Cake

The sky is truly the limit when it comes to designing your wedding cake. Gone are the days when you had white frosting on white cake with white filling. Bakeries are doing amazing things with flavors and décor when it comes to wedding cakes. Like everything other detail of your wedding day, you need to budget for the cost of your wedding cake.


Once you have booked your reception venue, ask if your cake is included. Some hotels will include a cake, baked either in house (less likely) or from a specific bakery that they work with (more likely). You should still have complete control over the style and flavor of your cake, but be sure to ask, there may be restrictions based on the size of your wedding.


Have your heart set on getting your cake from your favorite local bakery, which is not the same baker the hotel uses? Ask if you can add something to your bar or a few upgraded hors d'oeuvres in its place.

Cutting fees: Be sure to ask if your cake will be sliced for guests to take home, or served as dessert. If you would like the protocol switched you may be asked to pay a small fee (typically about $1/person) for them to do so. If you are bringing in a cake from an outside bakery you may incur a similar fee for the hotel cut your cake.


The actual cost of a cake has many variables, including your choice of cake flavor, filling flavor and frosting. Plan on paying anywhere from $4 - $15/person depending on your selections. Cake flavors range from your standard yellow or chocolate to black forest, carrot or banana. Filling choices include fresh fruit, ganache or cannoli, and that’s just a start. Fondant frosting will cost more than butter cream, and the cost will change based on your décor choices.


The best part of ordering a cake (in my humble opinion) is that you get to go taste test a few. Be sure to taste the flavors of cake and filling that you order, so that there will be no surprises on your wedding day. Bring along any photos of cakes that you like, and plan to look through the collection of photos at the bakery to make your wedding cake selections.

Enjoy this sweet task!

Special thanks to our friend Igor at The Baking Institute for providing us photos, flavor options and cake inspiration.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

Wednomics - Part 1

Wednomics
Putting together a wedding budget

We all know that those with a large budget have many avenues to put together the wedding of their dreams. For those of us who don’t have a pot of gold to tap into, we need to be resourceful about where we allocate our dollars.

It is worth spending some time after you get engaged prioritizing the various elements of your big day. Do not use a cookie cutter template for putting together your day, make your day about YOU!

Over the next couple of weeks we are going to put together a few scenarios as a guideline for your planning.

This week we are going to look at a couple with a $10,000 budget, who would like to invite 100 guests to their wedding. Below you will find two sample budgets, with a few parameters for each. These are based on conservative market prices in the suburban Chicago area.

Scenario 1:
For our 1st couple, décor and partying are paramount.

Ceremony at a suburban public park:
Permits - $100
Officiant - $250
Chairs (100 chairs at $2.50 each) - $250*
Personal flowers - $500*
Assuming 4 attendants on each side, 4 parents and 2 grandparents
Ceremony total: $1,100

Cocktail Reception at a banquet hall:
Heavy appetizers for 100 people at $20/person - $2,000*^
Open bar for 100 people for 4 hours - $2,800*^
DJ for 4 hours - $800
Centerpieces (10 dining tables, candles on 10 highboys) - $1,000*
Wedding cake - $600*
Reception Total: $7,200
*Tax – 10% ($715)
^Service Charge – 18% ($720)
Grand total: $9,735


Scenario 2:
For our second couple it is important for them to serve their guests a sit-down meal. They will be having their ceremony and reception at a country club. Their wedding will be held on a Friday evening to further reduce the cost.


Officiant - $250
Personal flowers - $500*
Assuming 4 attendants on each side, 4 parents and 2 grandparents
Passed Hors d’ouevres $8/person - $800 *^
Main course of chicken piccata $25.50/person - $2,550*^
House Bar package for 100 people for 4 hours - $2,500*^
Wedding cake - $600*^
DJ for 4 hours - $800
Total: $8,000

*Tax – 10% ($695)
^Service Charge – 18% ($1,161)
Grand Total: $9,856

As you can see, the costs add up quickly. It's important to be realistic about what you can afford, and what your expectations are accordingly.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia