Prepping for your big event!

Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed by wedding plans? Take some of the focus off those details and put it on yourself. Yes, planning weddings and other events gets a bit crazy and we feel neglected- so change that. Putting that focus back on you is a great way to tame those bridezilla flare ups! We make charts and to do lists for our events but let’s make one for us! Take some time and sit down and figure out how you want to look on your wedding day! Do you want to be more tone? Put it on your list! Would you like more jewelry? Put it on your list! Then for every item you take off your master to do list- treat yourself to something off of your To Me List!

Let’s talk about your hair first! It is important to know the condition of your hair at all times, but when it comes to your special day you want to be able to look your best. Talk to your stylist about deep conditioning, highlights, trims and all of that. Start this process at least 60 days before your wedding. Do not make any drastic changes to your look during those 60 days. It is important not to get buyer’s remorse during this time. Just maintain the look you have. You want to make sure you do a trial run so that you know what you are getting the day of your wedding. Also let’s not neglect those grooms- get the guys in for haircuts! We want them looking fabulous as well.

Skin Care is essential during this time too. Make sure you are following your skin care regimen. I also want to insert in here that if you are tanning make sure you speak with your salon about the overall look you are trying to achieve- nothing is worse than showing up to your wedding looking like a Dorito! You want to make sure you have no tan lines visible, that your skin looks great and that YOU GLOW!

Ladies, where does that ring go? You know everyone is going to be asking to see the set now that it is complete. Set up a time for a nice manicure and pedicure. You can bring your bridal party with you or just have some me time. You will feel great afterwards and be ready to face anything. Some places will even allow you to have a nice glass of wine while you get this done! Feel polished and refreshed!

Need to get tone? There are some great programs out there for brides and grooms who want to look fierce and fit for their weddings. You can check out a local Bridal Boot Camp program or even check out ZUMBA! These classes not only get you in shape but also give you a great way to release some stress. If you are looking for just a stress buster try out yoga or Pilates for a low impact workout. The key here is not busting butt in the last two months before your wedding to lose 80 lbs its to make you feel good. So do not stress out about goal weights. Also make sure that you speak with your seamstress about any alterations that need to be done due to your toning!

The last two months before a wedding can be stressful so make sure to take time for you too. It’s not going to do you any good to have planned a beautiful wedding and then show up frazzled. So, take some time and make your YOU list. Do things for you and take time to enjoy this process. If you need a list of local businesses that I recommend for these services please let me know!

My FAVORite things!

This month I want to talk to you about favors. This is a great way to give guests a momento from your big day. I want to give you some ideas of things you could do and some local places you can get them. Some of these things may suprise you!

First let's talk sweets!
Candy bars are all the rage right now and a great way to keep all your guests happy (even the little ones). The idea is that you and your groom pick out candies that you really like. Then you set them up (nicely) on a table. I like to use fishbowls or other glass pieces (might be a good time to showcase some antique or hierloom pieces) and then at the end of the table you have favor bags with your wedding date information on it- or a cute saying.
Sometimes you get lucky and the person making your cake can also make other items. Cookies? Yes Mam! Lollipops? You betcha! Locally (Presque Isle, Maine) you can contact Tori at Creative Occasions! She does great work and is a pleasure to work with!
Recently, I found a little gem in the area. Robin's Chocolate sauce. This is a great product, fair trade, and certified organic! Not to mention it is made right in Limestone! Now, I have tried this chocolate and I am telling you it is yummy! Also Robin's offers cellophane bags and ribbons (in your wedding colors) to make the favors look a bit more finished. For more information find Robin's Chocolate Sauce on facebook!

Now let's talk about some eco friendly options!
Seed paper- this stuff is super cool. It is paper that has seeds in it. Your guests can plant these pieces of paper and lovely flowers will grow!
Glasses- you can have your name put onto the glasses and then they can use it for the toast! Then, they take it home and can use it!

Finally I want to mention something that I think is amazing to do...
Donations. Instead of having favors for people- set envelopes out for people to make a donation to a cause that is near and dear to you both.

I hope this helps you out! Feel free to comment with some of your FAVORite things!

What Happens right before Happily Ever After?!

Some of my brides are calling me and saying- why didn't the wedding magazines tell me that it was ok for me to freak out?! Why do I feel like an emotional train wreck? Why do I need to carry a foam bat with me whenever I talk to my in-laws to be about my wedding?

Well let me tell you, before Cinderella and Prince Charming got into the carriage and rode off into the sunset, Cinderella had bald spots from planning the wedding. I am going to let you in on a little secret- it's going to be ok. You are not being a bride-zilla and its fine to have a bit of a freak out- because let's face it- this day is important to you.

I am here with you- at one point all of us married women were brides and we all had our little moments. Here are a few tips to get you through this time.

1) Stop feeling like you are not being normal. Allow yourself to say "I am freaking the freak out and it is ok." You are not the only bride to be overwhelmed or to feel like you do not know what to do next. So just go with it!
2) When you realize that you are freaking out- walk away. You do NOT need to make this decision RIGHT NOW. Chances are if you make the decision during a panic- you will regret it. I do not want you to do that. I want you to LOVE all aspects of your wedding- not just settle.
3) Get moving! Dance to the hits of your childhood- it will make you feel better. Turn on your Wii and put in Wii Sports and beat the crap out of something. Do anything to get your blood flowing and to get your mind off of the stress.
4) TURN OFF YOUR PHONE. Chances are the people who were with your during your little episode will want to check on you. This is nice but you need time to get your act together. Call them back- they will understand.
5) Scream. Just go somewhere private and let it out. Stomp and throw a fit- its fine... then walk away composed- leave it behind and move on.

So how do we keep from getting to this point? You need to be realistic and know that not everything is going to go as planned- unless you are planning in cupcakeville. Life happens and things will not go amazingly every day. Surround yourself with people who can calm you down and just remember its ok to be a bit of a spaz sometimes. This is a big day and you want it to be perfect- Don't worry, it will be!