Wedding Accessories

One of the most overlooked bridal accessories is the bridal tiara. Most brides-to-be picture themselves wearing a veil and not a tiara on their wedding days. What they don't know is that when they are choosing their wedding accessories (e.g., bridal jewelry sets, wedding shoes, and bridal hairstyles) they don't have to limit themselves! You can wear a veil that clips into a bridal tiara. That way, if you're so inclined, you can wear a traditional wedding veil to your wedding ceremony and remove it before the wedding reception so it isn't in the way.

How do you choose your wedding tiara? Here are some tips to get you started:

The tiara should flatter your face by framing it, not draw attention to dominant aspects of your face's shape. When you choose your tiara, follow these simple guidelines:

For a round face, select a tiara that has height and will draw the eye upward, giving the illusion that your face is longer.

For a long face, use a tiara that is flat and sits close to the top of your head. It should also extend over the sides of your head to draw the eye horizontally, rather than vertically. This will make a long, thin face appear fuller.

For an oval face, try a headpiece that either sits on the forehead, or an ornamentation that sits on the back of your head to make your face appear less oval.

For a full face, wear a tiara that has height and forms a "V' shape to draw the eye up for the illusion of length and out for the illusion of a thinner face.

Your hairstyle will also dictate how "heavy" a tiara you will wear. Short hairstyles look best with a light tiara that has subtle ornamentation, while a large amount of hair can carry a bigger tiara that is amply encrusted with gemstones.


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Wedding Glossary Pt. IV

Like we said, knowing your stuff when planning a wedding is incredibly important. What you don't know can hurt you in this case because unscrupulous wedding vendors will look for any way to scam a bride or groom who isn't up on the common wedding jargon. You can protect yourself from most wedding scams by educating yourself -- knowing how much things cost, the way vendors handle bills, and the common vocabulary wedding professionals use.

Here is part IV of our comprehensive wedding glossary. Stay tuned for the rest, which will appear in upcoming entries!

Father of the Bride
Dad used to pay for everything, but these days brides and grooms are footing more of the bill. He will still typically escort the bride down the aisle, but he may not... it depends on the bride.

Favors
These are small, inexpensive gifts that are frequently given to all guests at a wedding reception as a thank you for attendance. They can also to serve as a souvenir.

Fiancé
This is the title of the groom or husband-to-be between the engagement and the wedding.

Fiancée
This is the title of the bride between her engagement to her betrothed and the wedding day.

Finger Tip (veil)
One of the most popular lengths of veil, which as the name suggests, extends to the fingertips.

Fish Bowl
A reception centerpiece in which flowers are arranged together in an ornate or otherwise low and broad glass bowl.

Flower Girls or Flower Children
These are small children (usually girls) who pave the way down the aisle for the bride by holding a pomander or scattering flower petals from a small basket. (See Pomander).

Flyaway (veil)
This is a many layered veil that will barely brush the shoulder.

Fondant
This is a sweet icing made from sugar, syrup, and gelatin that has supple qualities that enable a layer to be draped over the wedding cake like fabric. It is then used as the base for other elaborate decorations and designs. 3D cake decor (bows, birds, etc.) is also frequently made of fondant.

Fountain (veil)
This is the name of a veil style in which part is gathered up atop the bride's head and the remainder is set loose to fall around her face. A fountain veil will reach to either the shoulder or the elbow, depending on preference.

Ganache
This is a mixture of chocolate and cream, used either to fill or garnish a wedding cake.

Garlands
These are flower and/or green leaves twirled into ropes or loops that can be hung from doorways, stairs, and railings. A garland may also be worn by the bride as a headpiece. (See Wreath).

Groom's Cake
A smaller, second cake that may or may not be included in the wedding ceremony. If it is, then it may be served at the rehearsal dinner instead of at the reception. Groom's cakes are often more whimsical than traditional wedding cakes and can reflect the interests of the groom.

Bridal Weight Loss Tips

Feeling flabby? Here are eight great bridal weight loss tips that will help you shape up before you don your wedding dress:

1. Work out with your future husband or wife. Pumping iron alone can be boring -- it's way more fun when you have a partner. This way, you'll both look your best on your wedding day.

2. Stop eating so much sugar. Even if you're not big on desserts or sweets, incidental sugars like the sugar in your morning coffee can add up fast.

3. Lift weights! We promise you won't bulk up and look like Aaaaahnold. You will, however, get firm and tight.

4. Walking is exercise, too. You don't have to break a sweat and do hundreds of reps to lose a little weight or tighten your butt before the wedding. Just make an effort to walk instead of driving a couple of times a week.

5. Forget dieting -- depriving yourself isn't going to help your wedding planning stress levels. Just drink plenty of water and eat plenty of healthy foods. This is great for your skin, too!

6. Start a fitness journal. This can be anything from a food diary to a motivational collection of workouts from magazines. Whatever helps you make working out and eating right a part of your life!

7. Set reasonably pre-wedding fitness goals. Don't buy a wedding gown that's three sizes too small or starve yourself. Plan on making life changes, not taking temporary drastic action.

8. Play! Exercise doesn't have to be boring. Join a soccer team, take a dance class, or run around with your nieces and nephews. It all burns calories and gets those muscles pumping!


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The Morning Banana Diet

When it comes to bridal beauty, moderation is key whether you're talking about cosmetics, skin care, or...yup, fitness and weight loss. Yes, some brides buy a wedding gown that's two sizes too small or go on crash diets runway models might admire, hoping they'll lose weight before the big day, but that's not a healthy attitude. Remember, your intended asked you to marry him/her -- or said yes when you proposed -- at the size you are now. If you want to buff up before the big day, that's one thing, but your wedding shouldn't be an excuse to engage in unhealthy weight loss behaviors.

One diet that brides-to-be have recently gotten excited about is the Morning Banana Diet.

The main feature of the Morning Banana Diet is the recommendation of eating two bananas, with room temperature water, for breakfast. While the dramatic popularity of the Morning Banana Diet has been fueled by anecdotal evidence of many Japanese who've lost weight by following the regimen, decades of nutrition research validate the idea that increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables in general, and bananas in particular, can help support healthy, sustainable weight loss.

Sounds faddy, right? I'd be inclined to agree if it were not for the fact that the point of the diet is to get calories into those people who would otherwise skip breakfast. Skipping breakfast, as you may know, is a real metabolism killer, while having even a small snack in the morning helps you burn calories all day long.

The Morning Banana Diet recommends that bananas be eaten for breakfast, which could provide a metabolic boost for chronic breakfast-skippers. Research shows that breakfast-eaters burn an extra 200 to 300 calories a day. A healthy morning start may also cut down on total daily calorie intake: A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women who ate breakfast consumed about 100 fewer calories a day.

If you feel the need to diet before you tie the knot, do it sensibly. Stay away from things like the ever-popular cabbage soup diet and those nasty shakes, and exercise in moderation. You could do worse than to have a few pieces of fruit in the morning, along with a sensible lunch and dinner.


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DIY Wedding Hair

DIY is here to stay when it comes to wedding planning. With the economy in the tank and couples paying for more of their own weddings, brides- and grooms-to-be are looking for ways to economize. Sometimes that means cutting your guest list, sometimes that means choosing simpler wedding favors, and sometimes it means doing whatever you can yourself.

I am not good with hair -- after 29 years on this earth, I am only just now learning to style my hair. Doing my own wedding hair? There wasn't a chance in heck I was going to risk it. Some ladies, however, are born with the beauty gene, and they are the ones who should consider doing their own wedding hair. Not sure if that's you? We've put together a handy guide that will help you decide whether DIY wedding hair is right for you and then help you stay sane when doing it.

• Practice, practice, practice. Do not wing it. No matter how skilled you are, there is always room for improvement. Schedule plenty of test runs.
  
• Be prepared. Time your practice session, and make a list of all of the tools and products you will need. Buy everything ahead of time so you can be sure you won't run out.
  
• Put everything you will need in a basket, and hide it away to bring out fresh and ready for your special day. If you have roommates, tell them your basket is off limits.
  
• Schedule time for a shower, and give yourself enough time to dry your hair. Rushing leads to mistakes and STRESS.
  
• Make sure there is a mirror and a counter or table to work from where you'll be getting ready. If you don't think you'll have enough light, bring a plug-in makeup mirror.
  
• Make sure there are proper outlets -- if not bring a power bar and extension cord.
  
• Don't be ashamed to ask for help, especially if your hair style is elaborate. Even having an extra set of hands to hold pieces while you work can be helpful.
• If you don't want to do your bridesmaids' hair, let them know ahead of time.
  
• Put on all of your pretty under things, and cover up with a button down shirt or robe. When you're done, you can just slip right into your gown without mussing up your 'do.
  

Click to learn more about bridal hairstyles and bridal beauty

Bridal Footwear

Bridal stiletto boots? Clear plastic bridal stripper shoes? Leopard print bridal sneakers? If you're thinking that the only wedding shoe options out there are dyeable white pumps, then you haven't been doing your research! Whether you want flats or high, high heels, there's something out there for everyone. Here are some of the common choices that brides-to-be consider before settling on their bridal footwear:

Wedding pumps
The most popular choice, bridal pumps range from plain to elaborate, with everything from basic heels to pointy, strappy, sparkly heels. If this is the option that appeals to you most, you'll have plenty to choose from because everyone from no-name brands to high-end designers carry their own white pumps.

Wedding flats
Your options are limited here if white is your preference. Most of the wedding flats are modified ballet shoes. If, however, you aren't averse to the idea of wearing sequins, black velvet, electric purple silk, or some other unique shoe, the sky is the limit. Any shoe store should be able to give you an idea of what's out there, and don't forget to check out online shoe stores as well!

Wedding boots
We're not talking specifically about white cowboy boots, though that's certainly one option. Wedding boots can be anything from western-style lace-up boots that look vintage but aren't to funky modern boots that just happen to come in white. If you're okay with black soles, you'll have even more boots to choose from.

Wedding flip flops
Talk about comfy! Bridal flip flops range from casual to formal, though they usually don't stand up to the black tie test. These are a great option for whimsical, fun brides-to-be who are more interested in having a good time than impressing anyone with shoes they probably won't see anyway. Our favorites -- Tracey Asai flip flops -- are one of the few wedding flip flops that look as good as they feel!

Wedding sneakers
Sneakers (or trainers as they're called in some places) are one of the most comfortable options, but also one of the least formal options. The brides-to-be who go the sneaker route are usually either sure that no one is going to see their shoes or actively trying to make a statement. We've seen pictures of entire bridal parties in Converse sneakers or other cool shoes, and they always look fab.

Good luck choosing your bridal shoes, and remember, it's your day, so wear whatever shoes you want!


Click to shop for stunning wedding flip flops or to learn more about choosing wedding shoes

Wedding Flip Flops

Choosing bridesmaids dresses isn't always easy, especially when you have girlfriends who come in all shapes or sizes. A tall, voluptuous girl isn't necessarily going to want to wear the same dress as a short, skinny girl. That's not even taking girls who are squarely average into account -- everything should look good on them, but the reality is that they often have the toughest time shopping!

Do your gals a favor -- choose a fabric and a color and then let them choose their own dresses. If that sounds too risky, specify a designer or a retailer, and set some ground rules. You might ask your attendants to buy their dresses from Aria in chocolate taffeta, but leave the cut up to them. You can also specify "no strapless" or "floor length" without taking away too many choices.

When it comes to shoes for your best girlfriends do them a favor and make sure their bridesmaid gift bags include a pair of wedding flip flops. We're not talking about the flimsy kind you can get at the drug store! There are gorgeous formal flip flops out there from designers like Tracey Asai.

The base of her flat or wedge bridesmaid flip flops are imported from South America and will last way beyond your wedding day. There are metallic antique gold or silver flip flops, as well as black, brown, and natural flip flops. You can also customize your gals' flip flops to match your wedding colors. Here are two pairs that we really love:


Basketweave metallic wedges are as comfy as they are cute -- plus, at less than $40, they're a real steal! You can customize the base color and the ribbon color, so your gals' shoes match your wedding color scheme.


Diamonds and ribbons lend these flip flops a touch of class that takes them from day into night. Like the pair above, these are also customizable, so don't worry if black isn't your thing.

The best part of letting your bridesmaids wear flip flops all day long? They'll still be dancing at the end of the night!

Click to shop for comfy bridal flip flops or to learn more about bridesmaids

Wedding Shoes

Even if you've been picturing your wedding gown in your mind for years and years, there's a good chance you've never given any thought to your wedding shoes. A quick scan of the footwear that comes up when I search for bridal footwear shows me plenty of pumps and some shoes that border on stilettos! It would appear that comfort is generally less important that elegance when it comes to bridal footwear, but it doesn't have to be that way!

Personally, I wore flats that I knew would be comfortable, but I had a pair of wedding flip flops at the ready in case my flats started to hurt my feet. Even if you don't feel comfortable wearing flip flops in your house of worship or during your ceremony, you can still change into a pair once you get to your reception. Heck, if you're planning to wear a gown with a hemline that just sweeps the floor, no one will ever even know you've changed your shoes.

Need even more reasons to have a pair of back-up flip flops?

• A blister can't ruin your first dance
• You'll enjoy your reception more if you're comfortable
• Bridal flip flops can be just as beautiful as the finest wedding heels
• Everyone who notices your shoes will admire your cleverness
• You'll be the envy of all the women who wore pumps that pinch
• Your guests can admire your beautiful pedicure
• Foot odor? Not a problem!
• You'll be all set for your post-wedding afterparty
• You can keep wearing them forever!
  

My favorite bridal flip flops come from -- in case you haven't guessed from previous posts -- Tracey Asai. I definitely recommend that you check out her selection, which includes flip flops for bridesmaids and for black tie occasions. Even if you've already picked out your wedding shoes, I'd definitely recommend that you choose a back-up pair of flip-flops to wear under your gown.

Click to shop for cute bridal flip flops or to learn more about wedding shoes

Bridal Hair Styles Pt. II

(Looking for Bridal Hair Styles Pt. I?)

In our last post about bridal hair styles, we discussed how to prepare your hair and how to choose the best hairstyle for your big day. In today's post, we're going to talk a little about the dos that will compliment your hair as it exists right now.

What's in a Face?
Everything! You wouldn't presume that every hairstyle looks good on you normally, so don't assume that you can rock every updo and long, layered look just because you're the bride. Your bridal hairstyle needs to look good on you -- it doesn't matter how good it looks on the model in the pages of a magazine. Since you can't really change much about your face, get a custom wedding hairstyle that matches your look and compliments the shape of your head. If your face is round or oval then you will want to stay away from volume. Instead, pin up your hair so it does not add to the width. Alternatively, if your face is long and thin then hairstyles with more volume will suit you best. You can try soft curls that frame your face.

Styles for Short Hair
Not being able to wear a chic updo may be slightly disappointing, but there is plenty you can do with even the shortest of hair! Try curls if your hair is long enough. What you can't do with hair, you can do with hairclips, hairpins, flowers or a sparkling wedding tiara. The Egyptian princess look is very in! Highlights and layers will give your do a more modern look. For a simple classic look that will compliment a vintage or vintage-look gown, take a side part and gel it down before blowing out the back for a little volume.

Styles for Medium Hair
If your hair is in that in-between length and pin straight, try simple layers. For height, try a whip updo or a modified French twist...just make sure you use enough hairspray to keep everything in place! For an outdoor wedding, opt for loose curls that are sprayed in place to frame your lovely visage. If you don't have enough hair for a proper updo, curl your hair and pile it on top of your hair to give the illusion of lots and lots of volume. If you like a regal, elegant look, a half-up, half-down style might just be what you're looking for. Tiaras look wonderful on medium-length hair.

Styles for Long Hair
Honestly, there is nothing you cannot do if you have long hair and a good stylist. Whether you want your hair all the way up and big or flowing down your back, there is nothing to stop you. Keep your tiaras small if you have very thick hair, because you can't help but have a lot of body. For a semi formal wedding, try a French twist with loose curls that trail from the bottom. If you prefer the windblown look, then flowing curls that are loosely pinned might be a good choice. If you have a truly talented stylist and a flair for all things retro, then try a cool beehive. It looks especially classy if you have a very simple strapless dress. The classic high bun works well with a long veil and/or a tiara. Simple waves will give you a young and carefree look, while spring curls pinned up with clips is perfect for an outdoor wedding.

Accessories Galore
Don't choose your hair accessories until you've picked a hairstyle, unless you're so charmed by a certain style of tiara or veil that you're going to base your look on it. For instance, if your veil is going to be long and simple, you can wear a very complicated hair do without looking overdone. Tiaras look good if well placed and firmly held -- your stylist can help you pin it on so it stays in place for hours and hours. Try setting yours in a bed of soft curls. Don't forget that jewels, fresh flowers and beads can finish your look if veils aren't your thing.

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Bridal Hair Styles Pt. I

Whether or not you choose to wear a veil or a tiara on your wedding day, you're probably still going to have to choose a hairstyle. Yes, some brides do walk down the aisle with their long locks blowing in the breeze, but it's likely that even they had help from a qualified stylist! In the end, your hairdo will be just as important as your dress, makeup and accessories because your face is one of the first things you will notice in your wedding photos.

So how do you choose one 'do among the many bridal hair styles out there? Here are some tips to help you narrow down the range of choices.

Consider the Season
Summer is the perfect time to sweep your lovely locks high up on your head. It will keep you feeling cool and this hairstyle looks elegant with a backless dress. If you attend any autumn weddings, you can see brides with lots of bouncy curls that frame the face. Long and wavy hairstyles are ideal for colder weather. Almost any hairstyle looks good in spring. Try a smoother cut which leans to one side for a modern, chic look.

Preparation Is Key
When it comes time to think about wedding planning, it's also time to think about caring for your hair. Wash your hair regularly but don't go overboard. You don't want it to go limp or get an oil buildup. Surprisingly, exercise and diet can have a positive effect on your hair if you eat healthily and work out regularly. Schedule a few salon visits in the weeks and months leading up to your wedding to get a deep conditioning treatment and a trim. But beware! Don't cut your hair in the month before your wedding. If you want to color your hair, do it two weeks before, and opt for a professional job even if you're used to doing it yourself.

Wedding Hairstyles and Wedding Dresses
Think carefully about your wedding gown when choosing your wedding hairstyle. They should compliment each other, not clash. Once you know what kind of wedding gown you'll be buying (strapless, a-line, lace, etc.) you can start test-running hairdos. Remember your neckline -- high hair and low necklines look great together. Another important factor is jewelry. If you're going to wear showy gems or heavy gold pieces, you won't want your shoulder length curls to hide those baubles. Long jewelry looks best when framed by a bare neck and shoulders.

Overall, choose your hairstyle carefully and remember to be confident no matter what you decide to wear. Even if you break a few rules, you're going to look absolutely gorgeous!

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Bridal Flip Flops

If you'd rather keep your wedding shoes on than kick them off when it comes time to hit the reception dance floor, then bridal flip flops might be just what you've been searching for. Pumps can pinch and even flats can leave your dogs barking, but flip flops are comfortable from sun up to sun down. Worried about compromising your chic wedding day look? Don't! Wedding flip flops are practically invisible under most wedding gowns.

The problem with many -- if not most -- flip flops is that they are just too casual for anything other than a beach wedding. Even the wedding flip flops that claim to be classy enough to wear to the most upscale weddings are often nothing more than plain old rubber flip flops with rhinestones and faux flowers glued on with flimsy adhesives. Our verdict? Not classy!

That doesn't mean there are no elegant wedding flip flops out there. Tracey Asai Designs makes beautiful wedding flip flops using luxe fabrics like ivory moire taffeta and grosgrain ribbons. Each flip flop set is embellished with brooches, bows, and marabou for a finished, feminine look.

Below, you'll find three sets of wedding flip flops that we absolutely adore:



Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something...flip flop? Why not? It's an easy way to complete your ensemble! Your guests will love getting a teeny peak of color when you kick up your heels on the dance floor.



How about a simple Pearly Mum flip flop made from satin cording with daisy pearl center? These go perfectly with heavily embellished gowns that don't need any competition from wedding jewelry sets or bridal shoes.


For an understated flip flop, try this flip flop embellished with handmade silk taffeta roses. This pair would work especially well in a flower-themed wedding.

Enjoy, and remember that wedding footwear doesn't have to be uncomfortable!


Click to shop for elegant wedding flip flops or to learn more about choosing wedding shoes

Bridal Beauty Eyes Checklist

When it comes to bridal beauty, "the eyes have it." Regardless of the kind of jewelry or veil you've chosen to wear, it's your eyes that are really going to POP in photographs. It makes sense if you think about it...those will cry with happiness when you say your vows. They'll light up with happiness when you see your new spouse. And they will speak volumes when you greet your guests.

There's a great bridal beauty checklist over at Smart Wedding Planning that outlines a whole lot of tips and tricks geared toward brides who want to use cosmetics wisely. Here are just a few things you can do to make sure your eyes are as gorgeous as they can possibly be:

• Hire an experienced makeup artist who has worked with many brides through many weddings. Ask them to do a test run before the wedding.
  
• Use OTC eye drops if your eyes look tired or red. A cold compress can help you beat puffiness.
  
• Sleep well prior to the special day -- you'll look AND feel better.
• Banish dark circles beneath your eyes with Vitamin K cream.
• Apply an off-white matte eye shadow so that your lids will not appear too shiny or oily.
• Especially at the eye corners, blend the eye shadow well as cameras highlight the makeup lines. You don't want your makeup to be too obvious!
• Your brows should be well defined -- use a pencil that matches your hair color to fill in any sparse spots.
• Apply a minimum of two layers of mascara after using an eyelash curler on both sides.

Remember that the fresh and natural look is still hot, so don't overdo it when applying your makeup. Instead of looking like Tammy Fae, you'll glow with that unique blush only brides have!