The Online Helper

Do Not Give Up On Your Dream Wedding
Even in the Current Economy
Learn How to Plan and Budget It

Does the cost of having the wedding of your dreams frighten you? With the rise of oil prices and in view of the current economy, many brides and groom are afraid that having the wedding of their dreams is out of the question. Is it? No! You can have your dream wedding for a fraction of the price you thought it would cost, as long as the bride and groom plan together, set and adhere to a realistic fixed budget, use good organizational skills, ingenuity, and flexibility, hone your negotiating skills, and enlist the help of friends and family. Many components go into planning a wedding day. Many details need to be completed and intertwined to create not only a wedding but a dream wedding as the bride and groom pictured it. Today, about 70% of the marrying couples pay for their own weddings so, setting a realistic wedding budget and sticking to it is a must if you are to keep the cost of your wedding within your budget. There are many options to choose from and many ways to save. So keep on reading.

Now, get creative and examine your options.

SEARCH THE INTERNET

Search the Internet thoroughly and you can save time and money. The World Wide Web Provides you with information and resources for making purchases on-line. Many wedding web sites provide links to wedding related businesses that could be your answer to quality products and services. A-wedding Day offers you a series of wedding planning articles that concentrate on how to choose and work with wedding vendors, professionals and service providers, a wedding resource directory, a wedding planning checklist and a discount bridal mall where you save on wedding gifts and accessories.

SET YOUR PRIORITIES AND YOUR BUDGET

As you plan your wedding create three categories:
1- Must have

2- Optional

3- Nice to have.

Base your decisions on availability, on your budget and on your ingenuity. Once you decide what your priorities are, use your ingenuity and creativity. Involve yourselves, your friends and your families in at least some of the preparations. Loved ones will appreciate the opportunity to contribute to your happy day, have fun and save you money. Choose vendors and service providers who can assure that your priorities will be met and that yours will be the wedding you dreamed of. Before you do, read the series of wedding planning articles devoted to choosing and working with wedding vendors, professionals and service providers.

When you negotiate with vendors and service providers, be firm. Stick to what you decided you want and to what you budgeted for. Do not let them talk you into anything you neither budgeted for, nor want. But by the same token, be flexible enough to spend more or substitute, if you cannot find exactly what you considered a priority, within your budget. Be sure you are familiar with all changes, return and / or cancellation policies before you sign any contract or finalize any arrangement. Having to buy something twice, or having to pay additional fees for changes can and does add up. Always keep documentation of every contract and receipt in a safe place and pay special attention to deadlines for returning items. Whether you are looking for a service provider, wedding accessories or wedding supplies, always comparison shop. Interview at lease 3 service providers before you select the one who will accommodate you best.Look for discount malls on and off the Internet. Shop for bargains and clearance sales. If you are careful, you can save a lot of money. Do not get confused between inexpensive and cheap. If you purchase at a discount mall, you'll generally receive the same merchandise you would at a more expensive shop and be able to return or exchange items. However, when shopping for reduced priced and clearance items, check to make sure that they are not of inferior quality since most closeout or special sale items indicate Final Sale and can not be returned or exchanged.

WEDDING CONSULTANTS AND WEDDING PROFESSIONALS CAN SAVE YOU MONEY

Here too, base your decision on your budget. If your budget permits, engage a wedding consultant to help you with tasks as small as locating trusted vendors and service providers, to tasks as large as organizing your entire wedding event from A-Z. Wedding consultants work with local vendors and service providers, who like the referrals generated by them. As a fair trade, they often have special arrangements for reduced rates which when added up will save you money. Yet, the least you engage outsiders and the more you enlist friends and family and do yourself, the more money you save. It is not only a wonderful feeling of great satisfaction to plan your own wedding, it is also a lot of fun.

WEDDING STATIONERY

You'll probably want to send engagement announcements, save the day, invitations etc... If you are willing to depart from the traditional printed invitations you can save not only money but time and anxiety. Create your own wedding stationery and invitation right on your computer and print it on blanks. You can purchase all your wedding stationery needs including papers used by professional printers, and print your own wedding invitations and stationery. If you have a good printer, your stationery and invitation will look just as professional as the expensive ones ordered from printers. So, get creative and design your own invitation and stationery. Do you have a wedding theme? Do you want to insert a photo? Go ahead, incorporate them.

WEDDING ACCESSORIES FOR CEREMONY AND RECEPTION

Following are the basic wedding accessories: ring pillow, champagne flutes, cake serving set, guest book, pen, garter, a unity candle set. Additional accessories most brides add are a flower girl basket, a bridal purse, a keep sake cake top and a photo album. As most brides opt for coordinating accessories, complete collections are available. You can purchase your collections in an online discount mall and save anywhere from 10 to 25 percent, or you can have others purchase your desired accessories as gifts. Your friends and family will most probably celebrate your engagement and up-coming wedding with engagement parties and bridal showers and of course gift giving holidays. Most guests need some guidance regarding appropriate gifts but few consider items for the wedding. This is why bridal registries are so helpful. So if you let the hosts of your wedding celebrations know what you want, not only will they be able to coordinate it but they will assure the guests that their gifts are wanted and will be highly appreciated. A win win.

CEREMONY SITE

The only decorations expected in the ceremony site or sanctuary, are 2 standing flower bouquets. Use flowers that are plentiful and inexpensive. Today, many supermarkets, even Costco and Sams Club sell wonderful fresh and silk flowers and bouquets at a very reasonable price. You may wish to add pew bows. If you make your own you'll save a lot of money. Making the bows is easy and fun and all you need is wide ribbon, scissors and a little time. You can make your ceremony special by lighting a unity candle and if you have children, involving them in the ceremony. You can buy unity candles in stores, you can order custom designed candles from artisans who will create personalized candles just for you, or you can create your own.

ATTIRE

Wedding gown

Wedding gowns are very expensive but there are many options you may exercise to get what you want and save money. Do you have a friend or a family member who sews? Engage them and in return give them the honor of serving as an attendant at your wedding party. If you shop for a gown, before you decide to have it custom made, go to department stores and check their sale corner. Occasionally, Department stores have wedding gowns on clearance and you can buy a gown at a fraction of its original price and save a "ton" of money. Another option is buying a sample gown which was used for a fashion show or a display. If you still can not find just that special gown, and you need to purchase one, consider a simple gown off the rack. Or comb the wedding ads and auction sites on and off the web. You'll probably be able to buy a gown that was used only once or even a brand new one for peanuts. To save even more, you may considered a white "prom" or a bridesmaid dress.

Bridesmaids dresses

Today it is customary for the bridesmaids to purchase their own dresses shoes and accessories. Since they intend to gift their maid of honor and bridesmaids, most brides provide the bridesmaids with custom jewelry that coordinate well with their gowns or dresses. The jewelry does not have to be expensive but does need to be of good quality and look good.

Groom and grooms men

Depending on your wedding motif, the groom and grooms men can wear a dark suit and white shirt they probably own. Gift them with matching ties for uniformity. If your wedding calls for tuxedos, have the men in the wedding party rent the tuxedos, shoes and accessories. Here too it is customary for the groomsmen to pay for the rental of their attire. Many rental places will furnish the groom's attire for free if all the men from the wedding party rent at the same time as one package. A saving for you.

FLOWERS

You can save money on your flower arrangements if you are willing to be 'original' and creative. If any of your guests create flower arrangements even as a hobby, ask them to do the flower arrangements. If you can not find a capable guest, you'll need to purchase the bridal bouquet and the flowers for the altar at a reputable florist. But, consider giving the bridesmaids mixed seasonal flowers. They are available in supermarkets and Even at Costco and Sams Club, at a fraction of the price charged by a florist. Ask your bridesmaids to insert their bouquets in vases to serve as centerpieces for the reception tables. Your bridesmaids will oblige with pleasure knowing that after the reception they will take home not only their flowers but the vases as well. The flowers will not keep forever, but the vases will become keepsake mementos of your wedding and, you'll save money.

WEDDING RECEPTION SITE

The reception is the most expensive part of your wedding. But, you can plan it within your budget and have a memorable event. You must be very particular when choosing the site. It must be appropriate and fit in with your reception plan. It does not have to be a traditional hall. How about having your wedding in a historical home, a park, a museum, fair grounds, public gardens, on the beach, etc... You also need to know if it supplies you with all your furniture and dining needs. If not, you must calculate rental fees. When choosing a wedding site, choose slow period and either a Friday evening or a Sunday afternoon and you'll be able to negotiate the best deals.

FOOD

If you invite some good cooks to your wedding, you may ask them to prepare their favorite recipes for your wedding reception. Also, if you invite some good bakers, ask if they could prepare sweets and desserts or maybe even your wedding cake. You'll save money and they will feel honored for being asked. In fact they'll be delighted to serve too. If you have your reception catered, you must consider the number of guests, the time of day and the manner in which food will be served. Will it be refreshments only? dessert only? light snack? a sit-down? a buffet? will you serve alcohol? If bar tenders will serve alcohol will it be an open bar? will you or the guests pay for the drinks? There is an enormous difference in price between a light brunch, for example, and a five course sit-down catered dinner. Following are some suggestions you may check out to fit your budget. Have a brunch or an early lunch and you need to serve fruit and vegetables, salads, eggs, cheeses, pastries, coffee, tea and cold drinks buffet style. Have a late lunch and you'll need to add some meats and poultry. You may still serve it buffet style, or as a sit-down meal. A sit-down dinner is by far your most expensive choice.

DRINKS

Purchase the drinks yourself, at a location that will accept the return of un-opened cans and bottles.

MUSIC

When it comes to music, you'll need to decide what fits in with your personalities when choosing whether to use instrumental music, a band or a disc jockey. Check out the local colleges and universities and find out if they have a music department. If so, inquire if there are students in the music program who will be able to perform at your wedding. We thank Meredith from Phoenix, AZ who sent us the following information about how she is saving money on wedding music while helping the local high school band in their fund raising efforts. She writes:I am getting married and paying for it myself. So, I have had to cut costs like you wouldn't imaging! One thing that was very important to me and my fiance is music. We both were in band and choir in high school and love music to this day. Unfortunately, having a string quartet was entirely too expensive and forget the live band or even a DJ at our reception, so i had an idea. I was in jazz band in high school and we were very good, winning all kinds of awards and stuff. High school bands are always looking for fund raisers and so we approached my old high school jazz band about playing at our reception. We worked out a great deal for paying them but significantly lower than getting a professional band. AND, the school usually has uniforms already - just request that as part of the package. Thank you for you web site it has been very helpful. Meredith from Phoenix, AZ. Do not overlook your guests. If you invited singers, let them sing. Have them sing a solo or as a group during the ceremony And / or at the reception.

PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS

When it comes to photographers and videographers, choose your professionals very carefully. Your wedding day will come and go and the photos and video will serve as mementos and memories of your big day. Viewing them you shall re-live it and be able to share it with your kids and theirs building a family history. Before hiring a photographer or a videographer compare prices and references. Choose the very best that are within your budget. Even if you need to choose a smaller package. Here is where you want the very best. Go for it. Just like personalized wedding gifts and accessories, photos and videos will become treasured keep sakes to share with and hand down your children. However, consider placing disposable cameras on each table at your reception so your guest will take pictures too. These pictures will usually be real and spontaneous and reflect your wedding as seen by your guests.

MISC.

Ask friends to serve as your drivers and save. Instead of a limo, rent a luxury car and have a friend drive. Ask friends to

* help decorate the reception room,
* be the disc jockey,
* help with the seating, etc... Good friends and family will be honored and you'll save money and know that your wedding needs were fulfilled with love and care.



Nily Glaser, the CEO of A-wedding Day A-wedding Day


She writes important articles, and has presented workshops for wedding professionals all over the USA. Her web site is very popular for its discount wedding gifts, bridal accessories, print your own invitations, favors and the very unique items offered including the exclusive line of wedding Accessories By Nily.
http://www.a-weddingday.com



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nily_Glaser

Save 50-70% off Clearance at AmericanBridal.com!

Designer Wedding Dresses, Bridal Gowns, Cheap Wedding Dresses
You can afford to have the Wedding Dress of Your Dreams. Bridal's Bay can help you afford that Designer Wedding Dress for your special day.

2010 Hot Style Special Occasion Dresses with Hundreds of Customers' Review. Buy It Now!

Don't Let Bad Hair Ruin Your Special Day!
Do What The Red-Carpet Stars Do!

Hairdo Clip-in hair extensions from HairUWear, created by celebrity stylist Ken Paves, are the very same styles Jessica Simpson wears every day.

From red carpet events to magazine covers or a paparazzi filled trip to the supermarket, Ken's unique ability to bring out every woman's individual beauty has

A list celebrities relying on him for their world class looks and now he brings the same expertise to you.

He's made it so easy; you just clip these hair extensions in and go.
Jessica Simpson changes her hair in minutes and looks fabulous, now you can too.
Change your hair as often as you change your mind with Hairdo Clip-in Hair Extensions!

Visit Hairdo
CLICK

Serious about wearing that perfect dress? Having a hard time affording it?
Then you'll want to visit Light In The Box. They offer beautiful and affordable dresses for weddings, formal, proms, and other events.

How to Locate the Best Wedding Dresses on a Budget
by Brian Garvin & Jeff West

With an economic downturn affecting the entire globe, most brides today are trying to find ways to cut back on the cost of their wedding. If you are trying to have a wedding on a budget, you probably want to find a dress that won't break the budget you've carefully planned out. The good news is that there are various ways that you can find a beautiful wedding gown without spending a lot of money. Here are a few tips and ideas to help you locate the best wedding dresses on a budget.

Choose a Simple Dress

One thing to remember when looking for the best wedding dresses on a budget is that choosing a simple dress can help you save a lot of money. When you are trying to find dresses that are reasonably priced, look at the simple options. All that lace, tulle, and beading is going to cost you. Go with something a bit simpler and dress it up with great accessories to save big.

Avoid the Bridal Showrooms

Another thing to remember if you want the best wedding dresses without breaking the bank, is to avoid the bridal showrooms. Many of those showrooms have high prices on wedding dresses, and you'll end up paying quite a bit more than you would if you purchased your dress somewhere else. While looking in the showrooms is fine, this is probably not the best place to buy if you are on a tight budget for your wedding.

Look for Sales and Clearance Prices

Take the time to look for sales and clearance prices. Often you can get some great wedding gowns made by top designers if you take the time to look for sales on them. End of season clearances can help you to save big time as well.

Consider Going Used

Instead of purchasing brand new dresses, look for a used wedding dress. Some of the best wedding dresses you'll find out there are used. After all, brides only wear them for a day. Often you can find some vintage wedding dresses that are incredibly beautiful. It will definitely take care of the "something old" on your wedding day.

Buy Online

Probably one of the best tips for finding the best wedding dresses is to buy online. It's easy to find some great deals online on wedding dresses. Figure out what type of dress you want and then get online to look for the perfect dress. No doubt you'll find some great options available for prices that you can actually afford. Both brand new and used dresses are available, and just about any style and size can be found on the web as well. You can shop from home and you'll have the biggest selection possible when you look for the perfect wedding dress online.

Even if you are on a tight budget for your wedding, the dress of your dreams can still be found. With these tips, you should be able to easily find a wonderful dress that will fit into your budget. You'll be happy with the price, and you'll love the way you look when your wedding day rolls around.

About the Author
Let Brian Garvin and Jeff West teach you more about Discount Wedding Dresses and the Best Wedding Dresses on our website today.

Free Shipping & Up to 50% Off for All Health and Beauty. Save Big Now!

CLICK

Low From $8.59 with Free Shipping for Bluetooth Headsets. Check It Now!

Free Shipping on Mp3/4 Player with Low Price from $7.75, Buy It Now!

Casual and Practical Bridesmaid Beach Dress

The grainy sand, the salty breeze of the sea, the breathtaking view of sunsets and sunrises; these things will forever make beach weddings the most romantic wedding theme. In addition to these nature views, the casual and laidback style demanded by beach weddings make them an absolute favorite.

In addition to the relaxed, casual and laidback feel, beach weddings are generally translated into solemn, exclusive and romantic events. Look at the pictures taken from this wedding theme. In addition to the lovely bride and groom, the bridesmaids are seen relaxed and at ease. Thanks to the comfortable and elegant selections of bridesmaid beach dresses, the trend of wearing casual yet elegantly flattering bridesmaid dresses has begun.

Take a look at the pictures taken from a beach wedding. Everyone is smiling, everyone is at easy and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. Now compare that picture to the uptight faces of the bridesmaids and groomsmen that are confined in long gowns and constricting tux. One thing about beach weddings is that it makes everyone at easy and more comfortable to bear with and appreciate the entire wedding ceremony, especially the bridesmaids.

While beach dresses resemble sundresses, you can give them an elegant twist or formal cut to look fit for a wedding. When beach weddings somewhat give women the perfect occasion to bare their skin without looking out of place. With the right cut and the right accessory, a backless or strapless beach dress will look fit for a beach wedding. It only makes people wonder, how on earth can a simple, sleek and flowing dress look so elegant?

Anything goes with beach dresses, which is a good thing because you wouldn't find hard time finding the one that would suit your wedding theme. You can go from simple cuts, flowing knee-length ensembles that does not require the fuss on trains and accessories. With a majestic nature scene at the backdrop, all you have to care about is to be comfortable and bear with the ceremony like you mean it.

Beach dresses are known to show some skin. For something that is appropriate to an event that is held by the beach, there's no point fussing over this detail. Beach weddings are one fine occasion where women can show some skin without looking inappropriate. Anything that looks and seems confining is is a bad idea for a bridesmaid dresses. When long sleeves, long gowns and heavy wraps look out of place in a beach wedding while backless and halter dresses look proper, sensual yet elegant.

Another point about beach dresses for bridesmaids is that they look good on any shape or size of women. Tall or petite, slim to full-figured, beach dresses will celebrate your figure with its youthful and flirty vibe. It is highly manageable and comfortable as it is usually made from cotton, silk or rayon. This should keep your girls comfortable and confident about their looks, which sure add to the joy of your wedding day.

A beach party could be the focal point of your wedding day. So when you already have given your dear girl friends a pretty beach dress, why not give them a pair of bikini clothing to complete their romantic beach wedding experience. This pair could be the greatest gift that a bride can give to her bridesmaids. Now that is something that is hard to beat.


About the Author
Learn more about swimwear clothing. Stop by David Wittlinger's site where you can find out all about bikini women's fashion and what looks great on you.

.
What To Consider When Shopping For
That Perfect Formal Dress

by yao sam

Are you looking for a wedding dress or a bridesmaid dress? Or perhaps a prom dress or an evening dress? At certain points in our lives, we find ourselves in need of a formal dress. And, with the holidays quickly approaching, there are usually plenty of occasions to wear a beautiful party dress. It's never too early to start looking! Some types of dresses can be worn for more than one type of occasion, so if you choose carefully you may be able to purchase a dress or two and wear them to multiple events, stretching your dollar in the process.

When shopping for any formal dress, an important thing to consider is the materials they are made of. Most formal gowns are silk, satin, taffeta, chiffon, or lace. Many gowns have glittery effects made by rhinestones, crystals and sequins. Read up on the fabrics and materials so you can make an educated decision on what to get.

Wedding dresses tend to be worn one time and then cleaned and stored for safekeeping. Some family traditions are such that a daughter might want to wear her mother's wedding dress for her own wedding. Depending on the type of wedding dress you choose, you might be able to adjust the dress so that you may wear it again to other events. Most wedding dresses are white, ivory or soft shades of yellows or pinks. Since brides traditionally wear white, more and more often you see brides wearing a bold red, blue, green, pink or purple sash to add some color to her attire. These colors as usually repeated throughout the wedding party's attire and flowers.

Bridesmaid's dresses are often chosen in a style similar as the bride's wedding dress or something that will complement the style. Bridesmaid's dresses are often in bright, bold colors or pastels and coordinate with flowers, men's ties, the bride's sash, or the overall theme of the wedding. Bridesmaid's dresses can often be worn again as a prom dress, a formal, or as a party dress for many events, depending on how you accessorize. With the proper shoes, jewelry and wrap, the correct bridesmaid's dress can get you through many occasions throughout the year.

Many prom dresses can be worn again, depending on the style and formality of the dress, of course. A floor length dress can be shortened to tea length or cocktail length and with proper accessories, the dress can be worn for many occasions. Kept long, a prom dress might be worn to other formal parties throughout the year, especially at the Holidays or at presentations.

Evening dresses are probably the most elegant of all formal dresses. They are usually a sleeker, more form-fitting dress than other types of formal dresses. Strapless, halter, and spaghetti straps are common for evening or party dresses. Plunging necklines, open backs, shimmery, glittery, curve-accentuating lines describe the overall appearance of an evening dress, and only you can decide how revealing you wish to be.

No matter what you're looking for, if your special occasion calls for a wedding dress, a bridesmaid's dress, a prom dress or an evening dress, it pays to do plenty of research and then go looking for what is best suited for your needs and your body type.

About the Author
To learn more about subjects like Formal Dress please visit the web site at: http://www.shopindream.com

New Wireless In-Ear Earphones from Sennheiser! Limited Availability!

Do You Take This Woman?

What Is A Crochet Wedding Dress?
By : ghoul1314

To order a crochet wedding dress, you have to understand that the wedding dress must be ordered well in advance of the wedding because adequate time must be given for the dress to be finished by the wedding date.
To order a crochet wedding dress, you have to understand that the wedding dress must be ordered well in advance of the wedding because adequate time must be given for the dress to be finished by the wedding date. The length of time that it takes to make your dress will depend on how many workers will be creating your dress.

Pre-Order Dresses Well In Advance Of Wedding

You may also order dresses that are already made such as an antique crochet wedding dress or through outlets that offer pre-made crochet wedding dresses. It is this handcrafted aspect of this wedding dress that adds much value to it as a family heirloom. Many crochet wedding dresses are passed through the family and are prized possessions.

Accessories

You can accessorize your crochet wedding dress with a crocheted headpiece with a crocheted veil, which should be created from lightweight thread to avoid a veil that is too heavy. Organza or tulles also look nice for veils that have been worked with crochet around the edges. You can accessorize in the style that were originally worn with the antique Irish crochet wedding dress or you can accessorize your dress with whatever suits your personal style and the design of the dress. If you do not plan to wear a veil, why not wear roses or other flowers in your hair. Instead of natural flowers, you could wear crocheted, crystal or pearl flowers shaped accessories in your hair. Although, crocheted fabrics can be very dainty despite being hand worked, the fabric still has a bit of bulk that must be matched with the accessories you choose to match your wedding dress.

Dress Styles

Your crochet wedding dress can be in any style that you want for a wedding dress provided that if you want to have a full skirt, your under skirting will have to be stiff enough to hold the crochet fabric out. Wedding crochet dresses were at the top of their game when Irish crocheting skills were in demand during the late 1800s. A few specimens of the antique Irish crocheted wedding dresses that were made during that time still exist and can be viewed in some museums.

Your choice of a crochet wedding dress is a choice of great traditions and new styling. The great thing about crocheted dresses is that you can create a dress that can fit you perfectly and can be customized down to the tiniest detail.

Please wait for more articles from me.Thanks!!You can find Wedding Dresses at our site http://www.shinebride.com
Article Tags:Bridal Gowns,
Category : Weddings

Hyper-Caffeinated Coffee?
Yes!
Best tasting cup of coffee?
You better believe it!
http://www.shockcoffee.com
ShockCoffee.com

Wedding Day Makeup Tips And Advice
by: Donna Kelly

Your wedding day is going to be one of the most memorable days of your life. You want to look and feel the beautiful, radiant bride with your makeup enhancing your natural beauty. Your every blush, smile and kiss will be recorded on film so your bridal makeup needs to be picture perfect and look flawless all through your big day. This guide to wedding makeup will take the stress out planning your wedding makeup.

Wedding makeup advice: Prepare your skin for your wedding day

Unfortunately many women wait until they are only a few months away from their wedding day before they even begin to give any thought to skin care. Start early and take care of your skin now. You will need to work out your skin type to help you establish a proper skin care regime. This, combined with good eating habits, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep and regular exercise will ensure that your skin will be radiant on your big day.

For help understanding your skin type and how to develop a quick and easy skin care routine please read Donna's article; Great looking skin - A simple 4 step skin care guide.

Wedding makeup tip: Beware facials !

Unless you have facials on a regular basis DO NOT get one the week before your wedding day. Facials can pull impurities to the surface, and you do not want to break out the week of your wedding. To also help avoid blotches and blemishes do not make any major changes in your skin care routine during the few weeks before your wedding. The weeks before your wedding is not the time to experiment with your skin care. If you regularly get facials have your last regular facial a good week before the wedding.

Wedding makeup tip: Pimples and acne.

If you do have a breakout, do not pick. Do not do anything that can irritate or redden or enlarge the problem. Use pure Aloe Vera to treat any bumps or breakouts. It is a wonderful healer.

Wedding makeup tip: Keep away from too much sun.

Don't get too much sun before your wedding. Sunburns, peeling skin and tan lines can sabotage your special day.

Wedding makeup advice: Use a professional makeup artist or do it yourself ?

If you are confident in applying your own makeup there is no reason you can't do your own wedding makeup. If you are not so confident with your makeup abilities your wedding makeup is not the time to experiment - you want to look your absolute best on the day and your wedding photos will be your lifetime mementos of your special day. If you are unsure of your makeup abilities, or just want the peace of mind of not having to worry about your makeup, use a professional.

Either way read on - I'm sure you will find the following tips and advice useful.

Wedding makeup advice: Things to consider when planning your wedding makeup.

You will want your makeup to be appropriate for the time of day, the venue (indoors or outdoors) and complement the style of your wedding dress so once you have confirmed the arrangements for your wedding day, and you have decided the style of your wedding dress, you can start to think about the style of makeup you prefer. Things to consider include;

Night time or day time wedding ?

Night time weddings are typically more formal than day time weddings. For a night time wedding consider a more sophisticated makeup look. For a day time wedding makeup tends to be more natural.

Indoors or outdoors wedding ?

Outside lighting is stronger so your makeup should to be softer and more natural than makeup for an indoor wedding.

The lighting.

Different lighting requires different makeup styles. Night time lighting tends to dull makeup so a stronger makeup look is preferable. Natural and day time lighting is more generous to makeup so, again, consider a more natural makeup look.

The colour of your dress.

Ivory and off white tend to make the skin look softer and can therefore support a more glamorous makeup style. White tends to look strong and washes out most faces so consider using softer colours to enhance the face.

The style of your dress.

The stronger the neckline of your dress the more sophisticated the hair and makeup style will need to be match the dress's style. A neckline that cuts deep and is off the shoulders will look great with a hair up hair style so that the line of the neck and shoulders is shown off. Consider also the length of the dress, the shorter the dress the more simple the hair and makeup should be. Remember you are creating an entire picture, do not wear a beautiful dress and stylish heels and then wear your hair and makeup like you do when you wear your jeans. Don't sell yourself short on such a memorable day.

Wedding makeup tip: Give yourself plenty of time to organise your makeup.

Before you meet with a makeup artist, or purchase any makeup, take some time to go through bridal magazines and pull out makeup styles that you really like and some you don't like. Armed with your bridal magazine cut outs and a picture of your wedding dress book an appointment with your makeup artist for a trial run or a consultation at your cosmetics counter. Don't do this at the last minute. Make sure you have a good couple of weeks up your sleeve so you have time for a couple of sessions if you don't settle on a preferred style and colours first time up. Once you have your makeup look sorted make sure the makeup artist or beauty consultant writes everything out, and notes any makeup items you may not have that you need to purchase. If you are doing your own makeup have a couple of dry runs well before your big day so you have the makeup style and look perfected well ahead of time.

Wedding makeup tip: Be yourself

You want to look sensational but remember you want to look like yourself and feel comfortable with your appearance. You can look great and stay within your comfort zone. You want your husband to be to recognise you when you walk down the aisle.

Plan ahead and give yourself time to find the makeup look that you love and feels comfortable.

Wedding makeup advice: Purchasing or selecting your makeup.

Now you have settled on your makeup style here are some tips and advice on your specific makeup requirements:

Foundation: Sort out your foundation well ahead of time.

The key to successful wedding makeup is perfect looking skin. Make sure that your foundation matches your skin tone exactly and doesn't look mask like. Give yourself plenty of time to experiment and find the perfect foundation for you.

For help selecting your foundation please Donna's article; Choosing and applying foundation - A simple step by step guide.

Wedding makeup tip: Highlight one facial feature

You know your best facial feature; your plump rosy lips, your beautiful eyes or your lovely check bones. Your makeup should highlight your chosen feature. Don't try and highlight more than one feature, it will look "too much". If you use a bold red lipstick to highlight your beautiful lips go low key with your eye makeup. Conversely if you choose a stunning smoky eye look choose a more subtle lipstick or lip gloss.

Wedding makeup tip: Watch out for "seemed a good idea at the time".

Watch out for fads; in 20 years time hot pink lipstick will date your wedding photos. You want to look as classic as possible so that your photo memories are timeless.

Blush: Become a truly blushing bride by choosing a warm flattering cheek colour in a pinky peach or rose or, if you tend to get flushed, a brownish tone. Experiment and find the blush colour that suits your skin tone. Use a powder based blush, they will usually last longer than cream blushers. To apply blush, start at the hairline by the middle of your ear, blend forward to the front of the cheek, and then back to the hairline and upwards. For a perfect application find a blush brush that is the size of the apple of your cheek. After the initial application dust the blush with some loose powder and then apply a touch more blush to the front of the cheek.

Lipstick or Lip Gloss: You will be doing a lot of kissing on your wedding day so you will need a lip colour that will last. Use a matte or longwearing lipstick or lip gloss because you don't want to be constantly touching up your makeup during the day.

Be sure to use a colour that complements your hair and eye colour and use a lip liner in the same colour family as your lipstick or lip gloss. Don't use a lip liner much darker than your lipstick or lip gloss. This technique looks harsh and very unnatural in pictures.

Purchase the lipstick or lip gloss and lip liner to keep in your purse for the whole day.

Wedding makeup tip: Smallish lips

If your lips are naturally small the lighter the lip colour the fuller the lips will seem.

Wedding makeup tip: Makeup remover.

Be sure to have makeup remover ready for any accidents. As you know makeup doesn't just wipe off, especially not off a beautiful white wedding gown. Makeup wipes are a convenient way to keep makeup remover handy.

Eye shadow: For help selecting and applying your eye shadow please read Donna's article; Beautiful eyes made easy.

If you are considering smokey eyes please Donna's article; A step by step guide to sexy smokey eye makeup.

Wedding makeup tip: Eyebrows.

Properly groomed and shaped eyebrows help enhance and add expression to the face. Have your eyebrows groomed but do this a week before the wedding in case you get a few red bumps after plucking or waxing. Fill in your eyebrows, if needed, with an eyebrow pencil shade that's slightly lighter than your eyebrows. Brush through with an eyebrow brush or a clean toothbrush for a more natural look.

Mascara: For extra lush looking eyelashes use an eyelash curler before applying your mascara. Prepare for those tears of happiness by using a good waterproof mascara. Apply two coats, let the first coat dry before applying the second coat.

When you purchase your waterproof mascara make sure that you have an eye makeup remover that also takes off waterproof mascara.

Finishing Touches: When you have finished applying your makeup you may want to apply a little more blush, and then finish with a final brush of loose powder.

Have a beautiful day !!


About The Author
Donna Kelly is a trained makeup artist with her own beauty business. As both a business woman and a mom with 2 children Donna understands the time pressures on women today and through this, and other articles, has endeavoured to take the complexity out of looking great with some "busy women friendly" beauty tips and advice. If you would like to read more of Donna's articles check out her website: http://www.coloursandscents.co.nz.

YOU MUST BE 18 OR OLDER TO CLICK ON THE GREEN SMOKE AD

A Deeper Look at the Traditional Wedding Veil

by: Lisa Parker

In western societies such as the United States, women have traditionally worn wedding veils for hundreds of years. Many years ago, most women wore their hair long; unlike the shorter hairstyles many women have today. Long hair was once thought of as symbol of a woman’s virginity before marriage. Many think of the traditional white wedding veil in the same fashion regardless of the length of the woman’s hair.

Wedding veils were used before the traditional wedding gown and was included in the standard wedding attire in the 1900s. No one seems to have a definitive answer as to exactly when wedding veils came about though. There also is a great deal of mystique and lore surrounding the origins of the veil and the different Christian and secular meanings behind it.

There are religious faiths that require the wearing of wedding veils. This practice follows traditions practiced in biblical times, but not all religions have this requirement and not everyone has the same viewpoints on how religion plays into the wearing of wedding veils.

Many people choose to mix religion, traditions, and new concepts into their weddings. There is a trend towards giving the bride greater liberty to express herself and her personality during the process of choosing wedding invitations, decorations, and food selections. Picking out a style of wedding dress and choosing the apparel that the bridal party wears also falls under this current trend.

Many women choose to wear wedding veils because there is a long held belief that it is bad luck for the groom to see his bride before the exchanging of vows. Another thought process surrounding wedding veils is that concealing a bride behind a veil is for hiding her exquisite beauty from her man until he has earned the right to bask in her beauty by marrying her. Brides have traditionally worn white to symbolize virginity and other virtuous traits a woman possesses. The rules have been relaxed on this over the years; however, brides today wear gowns and veils in a variety of colors from lively to more subdued styles.

It is traditional for a groom to lift his bride’s veil after exchanging vows with one another. This is to symbolize a man taking possession of his bride although most people in modern societies do not think of it in that way anymore. Instead, it is thought of as the bride and groom becoming one union, rather than a woman becoming her husband’s property. However, some people persist in believing the roots of these older traditions.

In some African countries, men wear veils all the time starting around the age of 25 to ward off evil spirits. In contrast, many African women do not typically wear veils for weddings. Muslim women wear headscarves. Japanese women wear headdresses, headscarves, or head wraps. Nuns wear head coverings called wimples.

There are many types of veils that all have different meanings. However, they are sometimes confused with the traditional wedding veil. A wedding veil is said to be a symbol of modesty and innocence, and veils worn by dancers are said to be symbolic of sexuality.

Shopping for bridal attire including wedding veils is made simpler thanks to the wide world web, which offers up a wide selection in styles, sizes, lengths, colors, and prices to fit every bride’s budget and tastes. You can get ideas from comparing different styles and prices without leaving your house. Browsing wedding veils online also allows you to experiment with color options. Ordering wedding apparel, accessories, gifts, invitations, and other wedding related items online can save a lot of time, emotional episodes, and money. It is recommended to check the internet because most online retailers also have a brick and mortal store, which has the same products. You can find the veils that you like online then purchase it at the store depending on when you need it.

It is not mandatory to wear a veil at your wedding, but many brides choose to because the veil is so ingrained into the traditional setting of a wedding. You can wear a veil even if your wedding is more modern than traditional. There is no rule against mixing some older traditions with the new ones you may create with your wedding. It might be interesting to know some of the meanings behind the wearing of the traditional wedding veil. However, your focus should be on savoring every possible moment of this glorious event in your life.


About The Author
Lisa Parker is a freelance writer who writes about weddings, usually focusing on a specific aspect of a wedding such as wedding veils.
The author invites you to visit: http://www.davidsbridal.com

PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, eBillme, Amazon Payments, JCB, Diner's Club & Amazon Gift Cards

Copyright ® 2010 The Online Helper.com All rights reserved.