Bridal Buzz

Photography by Dallas Classic Photography.

Thanks to Stephen Cox of Dallas Classic Photography for answering this week’s reader question:

Can you give me some tips on the best way to pose in my wedding photos so I’ll look my best? I know it’s important to keep your chin down but what else? Thanks!

Brides and grooms often get nervous when thinking about how they will look in their wedding photos. Following these simple tips will help you put your best foot (or face) forward:

• Be natural. There’s no need to overdo it on makeup, tanning or teeth whitening. You should try to look your best but, by all means, make sure you still appear natural and not like a mannequin.
• Stay hydrated a couple of weeks before your wedding. Your skin will look better, you will feel better, and believe it or not, that will show in photos.
• Practice your poses. We strongly encourage you to have a pre-wedding session (either a bridal portrait session or engagement session) so that you become accustomed to being photographed professionally. Most people are not used to being followed around for eight hours and, if you are not comfortable, it will show in your images. Celebrities look good because they are used to being photographed. Try to get in touch with your inner movie star for your big day.
• As far as posing, it is best to lead with one shoulder and never be square toward the camera. Place your weight on your back leg and don’t let your arms hang at your sides, do something with them! Stand up straight with your chest out (but not too far!), neck lengthened and shoulders back. It sounds like a lot, but you will find that it is very natural once you get in position.

Gorgeous wedding photos are a combination of good photography and inner beauty being presented outwardly. When you are comfortable, and celebrating the love between you and your man, your photos will show a romantic emotion that is original only to you.

Cake by Lauren Kitchens of Fancy Cakes by Lauren.

Thanks to Lauren Kitchens, owner of Fancy Cakes by Lauren, for answering this week’s reader question:

I have an appointment with a wedding cake company coming up. What are the important questions to ask them?

By the time you meet with prospective bakers, most of the design elements of your wedding and reception should be decided. This will make the job much easier with your baker. Designing the cake is the easiest thing to do once your decor is locked down.

Ask to see their wedding cake portfolio and find out if they are willing to get creative and customize a cake to compliment your reception, instead of just offering a design from their catalogue.

Make sure you feel comfortable with their customer service.

Ask what they recommend for the amount of servings needed for the wedding cake and the groom’s cake based on the number of guests you have. Keep in mind that serving a heavy meal and alcohol will lessen your need for a lot of cake.

If you are working with a commercial bakery who is known in the wedding industry then questions like”when do you bake your cakes, or how do you put your cakes together” simply serve to waste your time.

Get into the design process with the baker. If you don’t like the direction they are going then ask them to switch gears and try again. The more creative you can get with the baker, the better your cake will be. And you, as well as the baker, will be proud of the cake in the end.

Photo courtesy of Ben Garrett.

Thanks to Prashe Shah, Owner and President of Prashe, for answering this week’s reader question:

“I am not of Indian descent but love the bright colors and festive décor of Indian weddings. How can I tap into that look without having it look like an Indian wedding?

Indian design elements will add glamour and regal elegance to your wedding and are sure to dazzle your guests. Accomplishing this can be as easy as projecting scrollwork patterns or designs on your walls, incorporating bright colors and crystals into florals and centerpieces, or adding a paisley design with gold writing to invitations, place cards and cakes. Instead of traditional white, set jewel toned linens (like fuchsia, rich reds, orange and gold) on your tables. Or, use neutral linens with a little shimmer or embellishment in deep gold and amber tones. Throw pillows made out of vintage saris will provide an ethnic flair as well.

You can also have a lot of fun with your makeup. Indian brides always play up their eyes with dramatic dark liner and a colorful eye shadow palette to give them a royal look. We work a lot with the Mac team at NorthPark and the Dallas Galleria. Henna is a wonderful Hindu tradition to incorporate and really makes for beautiful photographs.

We also encourage all-American brides to mix their modern white wedding gown with dazzling ethnic jewelry like dramatic chandelier earrings and bangles with colorful stones or gold with diamonds.

For the most adventurous brides-to-be, consider a bridal gown made of ornate fabric. Silk brocades or even jewel-tone fabrics with embellishments like Swarovski crystals, pearl embroidery, paisley and  gold beadwork will do the trick.

Lastly, follow the Indian tradition for party favors. Make up a box of Indian sweet and savory snacks along with fruit for your guests. You can use mirrored or beaded boxes or make pouches out of sari fabric.

Thanks to wardrobe consultant, Debby Jett Albright of Fashionomics for answering this week’s reader question:

My wedding colors are a rainbow of pastels – pink, blue, yellow, etc. I like the idea of having my bridesmaids each wear a different color dress but am not sure how to pull it off. Should they all wear varying shades of the same color or can they each wear a completely different color?

Congratulations and have fun planning your wedding. Just remember that this is your big day and you are the star! Pastel colors are a beautiful option, and it’s a wonderful idea to incorporate them into your bridal party.

You have three options here, and it truly depends on the look you are going for. Whatever you choose will be fabulous because it will reflect your personality and sense of style.

Lindsay Hartley preps a bride for her big day. Photo courtesy of Heather Essian Portrait Arts.

Thanks to makeup artist, Lindsay Hartley, for answering this week’s reader question:

I’m having a formal nighttime wedding with a 1920’s/art deco theme. How can I wear my make-up to reflect that era but still keep it wedding-appropriate?

The 1920′s were full of good times and glamour. Here’s how to get the look without overdoing it.

Face:

1. Exfoliate skin to create a smooth canvas for foundation. Planet Beach Contempo Spa has an amazing Polish, an all natural exfoliate with menthol that refreshes the skin.
2. Cleanse face to remove shine. Cetaphil is a good gentle cleanser.
3. Apply a makeup primer. I recommend Too Faced Primed and Poreless Face Primer. It smoothes fine lines and wrinkles and will help your makeup last throughout the evening.
4. Apply a foundation.  To achieve the clean fresh bridal glow, my go-to foundation and powder is the Smashbox High Definition collection.
5. Apply blush to your cheekbones. First use a cream blush and then add a powder blush on top of the cream to hold in color. My favorite cream and powder blush is by NARS in the color Orgasm.

Eyebrows: The brows of the 1920s were very high, thin and usually drawn in with a pencil. For a more natural look, choose a powder shadow, apply it with a brush, and use a wax to seal it and tame stray hairs. Try using the Too Faced Brow Envy Shaping & Defining Kit.

Eyes: The eye makeup of the 1920s was generally very dark; smudged black liner and grey eye shadows were used, the “smokey eye” of today. To give a modern bridal twist to the art deco eye, go light on the eye shadow and instead create emphasis with liner and lashes. For a defined winged cat eye, use a liquid liner. Smashbox has an easy to use limitless waterproof liquid liner pen. For a little glamor, apply false lashes, preferably a style that flare’s on the ends. Try Ardell strip lashes in style Babies. Coat top and bottom lashes with a black mascara. My pick is Dior’s DiorShow Black Out Waterproof Mascara.

Lips: Lipstick in the twenties was applied as a “Cupid’s Bow” to the upper lip and the lower lip was exaggerated a bit. The width of both lips was de-emphasized. For a modern twist, apply liner to the natural shape of your lips, fill in the entire top and bottom lip with the liner to help your color stay, then add a cream lipstick—think deep red, rose, raspberry or medium red. Welcome to the Roaring 20’s!

One of the Magnolia's wedding receptions.

Thanks to Jessica Smith, Catering Manager for The Magnolia Hotel for answering this week’s reader question:

What kinds of things should we consider when choosing a wedding venue?

The location of the wedding celebration is usually one of the most important items on a bride’s list. Often, it sets the tone for many of the other decisions that will be made. With such a large number of venues in the area to consider, how in the world will you be able to narrow them down to just one? Never fear – by taking some time to consider the following points, you will surely find the right fit for your big day!!

Number of Guests
Of course you can’t know exactly how many guests will check the “yes” box on the RSVP, but be realistic about the number you anticipate. It’s very risky to choose a location too small based on the hope that a lot of people won’t be able to attend.

Style
Historic, vintage, modern, industrial, country, urban – our city has it all. If you can dream it, there’s bound to be a venue that fits the style. If you’re not sure what you want there are a plethora of magazines and websites that will help you gather inspiration and get ideas. Pinterest, is a great tool to keep track of awesome pictures you see on BridalBuzz and throughout the internet to create picture boards that help bundle your ideas together!!

Location
If your ceremony will take place at a church, do you want the reception to be nearby? Or, will you need a location that offers both? What about a hotel location that can also house your guests throughout the weekend? Downtown, suburbs, or away from it all? Answering these questions will narrow down your options.

Services Offered
Are you the DIY bride, the “I just want to show up” bride, or something in between? The answer to that question can make a difference in which venue will suit you best. What services, staffing, equipment, and décor will you need them to provide, and what will you have to get from other resources?

The Container Store's Olescia Hanson.

Thanks to Olescia Hanson, spokesperson for The Container Store, for answering this week’s reader question:

What’s the 411 on a wedding registry? I have no idea where to begin. Help!

Getting registered is an exciting time in the wedding process.  Start the process by consolidating the two households, make a list of items you both don’t have or would like to upgrade to.  Don’t worry about making your registry too large – it won’t make you look greedy instead it offers a variety of solutions and price points for your guests to choose from.  Also, remember to think long term when registering, so if you’re currently in an apartment think about what you’ll need in five years from now when you have a family or move into a house.

Keep in mind that this should be a team effort so encourage your husband to be part of the process. Divide the registry into sections like closet, laundry,  trash, shelving, kitchen, bath, hooks, travel, garage, office. Then the fun begins – start shopping!

These pretty Vera Wang Save the Date cards are available Paper & Chocolate.

Thanks to Vicki Peterson from Paper & Chocolate for answering this week’s reader question:

Is it necessary to send Save the Date reminders to my wedding guests? If so, how far in advance should I send them?

“Save the Date reminders are a relatively new addition to the wedding stationery wardrobe. They are not a necessity but it is a nice courtesy for those who need to make travel or work arrangements. Before sending, make sure that the date and locations are final. Keep the card simple but informative and include your website.

Keep in mind that everyone who receives a Save the Date card must receive an invitation so if you are unsure of your guest list, only send the card to those you are certain you want at your wedding. Save the Date cards are generally mailed four to six months prior to the wedding – but remember that they are optional so don’t let them create additional stress.”

Thanks to Alex Stein, Owner/Certified Wedding Planner of DFW Events by Alex for answering today’s reader question:

How should I schedule and organize my reception? Is there an order to plan the first dance, father-daughter and/or mother-son dances, cake cutting, toasts, bouquet toss, and garter toss?

These days many couples are steering away from traditional conventions and adding more individuality to their reception plans, especially if the couple is not accepting any financial assistance from parents or other family members. While there is flexibility as to how a reception can be organized and ordered, it’s important to be practical. When creating your reception timeline, consider the following:

Branching Out Floral and Event Design's silver brooch cone holder with freesia.

Thanks to Debby Jewesson, owner of Branching Out Floral and Event Design, for answering this week’s question:

What are some current options for flowers to honor the mothers and grandmothers?

Long gone are the days of giant wrist pieces and lapel corsages. Mothers and grandmothers want smaller and more contemporary floral accessories to complement their wedding day attire. Asking their preference is always nice, and showing interest in utilizing their favorite bloom will make their day. Here are a few updated ideas you can share with them:

The more traditional and most popular option is still the corsage, either on the wrist or lapel. Both can be created with a mix of floral from your wedding palette, but for a modern twist, a single large bloom, such as a cymbidium orchid, can be very stylish. There are also some really fun wristlet band options available now: pearl, diamond and even colored rhinestones for the glam momma! Whatever you choose, have your florist hide the green floral tape with a wrap of satin ribbon for an elegant finish.

The petite cone brooch is the perfect solution for traditional gals who want something very small and lightweight. This piece, typically silver in color, has just enough space for a few sturdy stems. Try freesia or spray roses for the classic bride or baby’s breath for a wedding in the country. Added bonus: it also serves as a keepsake from the big day!

Carrying flowers has become quite trendy for moms and grandmas over the past decade. Typically, a single sturdy stem tied with a simple ribbon (think rose or mini calla) or a small gathering of flowers is all that’s needed. Most floral designers refer to this small bundle of flowers as a “nosegay” or “tussie mussie,” referring to tiny floral bundles held under nose when walking through the smelly streets of 19^th century London. Sweeter to smell roses than the nasty sewage! With this little bit of trivia under your garter belt, you’ll have bragging rights over your other engaged friends.

For the modern mom, have your florist deck out an inexpensive clutch handbag with blooms from your wedding palette. Whether the entire piece is covered in hydrangea florettes or simply accented with an artful display of gloriosa lilies and orchids, she can carry around her lipstick and tissues at the same time.