#BridalBeauty – AVPEvents Blog

10 awful mistakes brides make

Published on September 1, 2016May 3, 2018 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

No wedding day is completely perfect (unless it is) and there are bound to be some flubs or forgotten details. Here are 10 common mistakes brides make leading up to and on their wedding day:

Don’t carve out enough time for hair and makeup

It is imperative that you consider how large your bridal party is, this should include your mother and mother in law and any flower girls you may have. If you have more than 4 ladies to do hair and makeup for, you should consider hiring two makeup artists and two hair stylists. Make sure they have both met, have pictures of the makeup and hair looks so they can get everyone done on time!

Drink the night before

Try to refrain from excessive drinking the night before the wedding. Alcohol can make you puffy the next day, if you are sensitive you may even get a mild headache. Trade in a cocktail or glass of wine with some sparkling water and lemon, you’ll thank us.

Rule out a wedding planner

Even if you have managed to plan everything yourself, the week before your wedding is the most stressful. If you had hired a planner for the week of you could have been spending time with your family and friends. Instead, you are left running around keeping track of final payments to vendors, confirming floral deliveries, giving directions…need I continue? Hire a planner.

Don’t account for hidden costs

This is a big one that gets overlooked far too often. Tipping your vendors is a must unless it’s already included in their contract. Also ensuring they are fed at dinner time if they are present is also important. Marriage license is another hidden cost, postage for “Thank you” cards, meals on wedding day and then there is the “other” category. This is for when the power goes out and you have to buy 200 candles, or the groom forgets to pack his shoes and needs to hail a cab!

Take time with parents

The day of your wedding you are the center of attention and everyone wants to say a word or give a hug. Don’t forget to take a few quiet moments with your parents outside of pictures. It will be a welcome break from the hustle and bustle and it will give you some one on one time with them, they will appreciate it.

6. You forget to eat

Yes, we know you need to fit into your wedding dress as snug as a bug the day of, however, we don’t need a dramatic Scarlett O’Hara fainting moment because you didn’t eat anything. A light breakfast with a few carbs for energy is suffice, lots of water and some snacks while getting ready and during pictures.

Sunless tanning

Have some practice sessions please! I can’t stress this enough. Sunless tanning can work if you find the right place to go. Be sure to go for a shade that isn’t so far off your natural skin tone, aim for a pre- wedding glow. If you overdo it or go too dark…you will be in your bathroom 2 days before your wedding with half a cup of lemon juice, a quarter cup of sugar…and a loofah sponge.

Don’t feed vendors

Your vendors work hard and rightly so; this is what they do! However, if you have hired a band to entertain your guests, a planner running around behind the scenes, a photographer or videographer- they need to eat. This is customary and likely in the contract you signed when you hired them. Perhaps not what the guests are eating but feed them with something!

Skimp on bridal party gifts

Take into consideration your bridal party (guys too) have spend a ton of money over the past year or so helping you plan your wedding. From wedding gifts, bachelor/bachelorette parties, outfits, dinners, to helping you solve problems, they’ve done so much. Be sure to budget a decent amount (consider how large your bridal party is) so they can feel the love and appreciation you have for all they have done.

Mistreat Single friends

I’ve been one of the single gals at a table, where I don’t know anyone and most of the people I am sitting with are couples. Thankfully I have an outgoing personality and I can talk to anyone but not all your guests are going to find this situation ideal. To ease the pressure or even nerves, try to put them with at least one person at the same table that they know. Please, please have mercy!

How to choose your bridal shoes

Published on December 4, 2015 by AVPEvents1 Comment

Let’s be honest, wedding shoes are a big deal to every bride for different reasons. From flip flops, to cowboy boots, pumps to runners- each bride is unique. However, there are other key elements that come into play when a bride chooses her wedding shoes, here are some of them.

Less is more

Some brides don’t feel the need to go all out on their shoes because they feel the dress will either cover it up or that the dress itself is enough. This is fair; for the most part it’s true, no one will really be looking at your feet, especially if your dress is floor length. A cute kitten heel will do the trick in this scenario!

Location

There is absolutely no point in wearing and ruining gorgeous heels if you are standing on a sandy beach in Acapulco. You will either be bare foot with some sweet ankle adornments or in pretty white flip flops so you are prepared for the grains of sand and dust.

Time of Year

Spring and fall outdoor weddings can be tricky in terms of predicting the weather, three days before it could indicate sunny skies and the day off its soggy. Why not have some fun with it and rock rain boots? The photographer will have a blast shooting those bridal party boot pictures!

Height

It’s real love when you don’t want to be taller than your groom. These thoughtful and self-sacrificing brides, who deep down might love heels, may be sweet and opt for lovely flats. The right flat can look just as pretty as a heel. Just be sure you find out the fabric and if they stretch so you can get the right size.

Personality

So back to my high school friend who wore runners to her wedding (not the Julia Roberts runaway type) did it in only a way that emphasized their couple style. They BOTH rocked running shoes since she married a band rock star so it was only fitting- plus I never saw her wear even a wedge in high school!

Wedding Theme

If your style is country rustic, designer stilettos won’t be your go too since they will sink in the grass. Some brides have proudly chosen to don cowboy boots to match the scenery and theme of their outdoor, country wedding. It’s a fun way to say “surprise” underneath your beautiful dress and it will certainly work in your favor when you start line dancing in the barn!

Too much…huh?

I feel like this would be me. I will never pass up an opportunity to wear amazing heels. In fact I’d buy them months in advance just so I could wear them around while doing the dishes and stretching them out so I could wear them for the entire wedding! Some brides don’t care and want it all and go all out with the heel height, glitz, glam and bling- Pnina Tornai style!

Images: pninatornai.com; weddingwindow.com; bridalmusings.com

How to find the perfect bridal gown to fit your body type

Published on December 1, 2015December 1, 2015 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

Every soon-to-be bride wants to look like a princess on the big day so knowing your body type is crucial. It’s important to keep in mind that you want a dress that will accentuate or conceal certain areas so that not only do you look great but you feel just as great. Here are some tips on how to find a dress that flatters your figure, no matter your shape!

Body Types

The Hourglass

If you have the hourglass shape that means your shoulder and hips are relatively the same size and you have a defined waist. The best bridal gown silhouettes for this body type would be:

Ball Gown- The structured bodice will accentuate your waist and create an ultra feminine look.
Mermaid/ Trumpet- Fitted more so from the top to upper or mid thigh will highlight your jaw dropping curves.
Sheath-With a streamlined shape, this style will be sure to emphasize everything equally and in a modest way.

The Triangle

If your hips are wider than your shoulders, these are the go to dress shapes for you:

A-Line- As implied in the name, the “A” aspect of the dress angles gently away from the body to hide your hips slightly.
Ball Gown- Similar to the A-Line, you want to choose a ball gown that has a natural waist and a skirt that flow away from the hips so as not to draw undue attention to your hips.
Short Dresses- You have some flexibility here since it can either be a flowing sheath or a fitted bodice, a shorter hemline can help show off all the right areas.

The Inverted Triangle

This body type as suggested is when your shoulders are wider than you hips; the following are best suited for this figure:

Mermaid/Trumpet- will help to give you a little more in the hip area to balance out those strong and shapely shoulders.
Short Dresses- Paired with some fabulous heels, a shorter hemline will draw attention to your lower half (and legs) which will in turn level out your top half.
Ball Gown- Essentially this dress type seems to work for every figure thus far, but the ball gown here in this instance again can help you “fake” what you don’t have on the bottom.

The Rectangle

Women with shoulders, waist and hips being equal can choose from these options of dresses that will help to “create”:

Short Dresses- You can basically “create” curves with a fitted bodice or flowing sheath paired with the shorter hemline.
A-Line- Again, can “create” that hourglass waistline if it cinches slightly and then flows outward.
Sheath- If you aim for a more bias-cut in a very soft fabric that flows, it will also “create” curves in the right areas.

The Round and Curvy

Women who have a fuller, rounder figure do best to focus on the fit of the dress:

Ball gown- Although, avoid this if you are bit on the shorter side, you don’t want to appear as a cream puff!
Empire waist- Quite fitted in the bust area then flares out beautifully
Goddess/One shoulder- Another option that stay snug under the bust and flows out skimming the body nicely.

Tip: Asymmetrical ruching in the right areas can help give the appearance of a narrower waist if that is your goal.

7 Spring/Summer Bridal Trends for 2016

Published on October 20, 2015October 24, 2015 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

Seems like yesterday when we were fawning over spring trends for this year and now here we are again spilling the goods on the 2016 Spring trends!

Feathers

A fabulous accent to any wedding dress traditional or contemporary.

Carolina Herrera- Harpers Bazaar

2. Suits

A modern twist on tradition and you have a sexy statement bridal suit…do you dare?

Naeem Khan- Brides.com

3. Plunging necklines

When aren’t plunging necklines in?

Reem Acra- Harpers Bazaar

4. Blue Hues

Color is still trending from this year; shades of blue are at the top of the runway list of 2016 trends.

Naeem Khan-recentbridal.com

5. Little Bla…err White Dress?

Perfect to change into post nuptial or if you are doing a more low key city hall type of “I do”…we do!

Oscar De La Renta-Harpers Bazaar

6. 3D Florals

Pearls and Swarovski crystals were all the embellishments in 2015, move over, here come the flowers!

Angel Sanchez-tulleandchantilly.com

7. Overlay Skirts

Nothing says “belle of the ball” than a gorgeous overlay skirt…pass the tiara please!

Galia Lahav- tulleandchantilly.com

2015 Fall Wedding Color Schemes

Published on October 8, 2015October 24, 2015 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

With fall comes change and 2015 wedding color schemes don’t disappoint! Shades of blue are a staple wedding color and always will be, the popularity of frostier colors has increased as well as gorgeous hues of wine and burgundy and varied tones of creams.

We took three of our favorite schemes from Elegant Wedding Invites to show you!

2015 trends: Navy blue and blush Table Settings, Bridesmaids and Chair Mandy Mayberry via RuffledFans Harwell Photography via Style Me Pretty

2015 trends: Pink, Khaki, nude and grey.

Gown-via Claire Pettibone/Invitations & Cake-L Hewitt Photography via Style Me Pretty/Table Settings-Buffy Dekmar via Elizabeth Anne Designs

2015 trends: Sangria, lavender and silver Bridesmaids Aga Jones Photography via Wedding Chicks Shoes via Lover.ly

A Few Pros and Cons to Fall Weddings

Published on October 7, 2015October 24, 2015 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

Typically, most couples opt to have their wedding in late spring or the summer months; however, fall weddings are growing in popularity as well. Here are some great reasons to tie the knot in fall and some reasons to consider not tying the know in fall!

Pro:

Outdoor fall weddings produce breathtaking photos. If you have chosen a garden or a large backyard or courtyard as your venue, you will be sure to capture the stunning colors of the changing leaves. A lovely background indeed that everyone will just love and relish!

Con:

For those who suffer from seasonal allergies (or year round allergies like yours truly), outdoor fall weddings can be a nightmare if you aren’t prepared. Whether you are the bride, a part of the bridal party or a guest, most of us are aware of our allergies so be sure to take the appropriate meds, carry eye drops and tissues.

Pro:

If you are the type that doesn’t like the idea of blazing heat and melting makeup that can result of choosing to have your wedding in July or August, behold the cooler temperatures of fall. This can be a blessing for our dear groom and groomsmen who are wearing suits, or any poor guy for that matter!

Con:

Fall not only brings cooler temperatures but also unpredictable weather in general. The week before your wedding the forecast may change from sunny and moderate temperatures to windy and rain. It’s difficult to prepare for since we can’t control the weather- unless we’ve opted to have the wedding indoors. However, if the plan was to take photos outside and the weather puts a damper on that, have a back-up plan in advance.

Pro:

There is nothing like getting to fully enjoy your summer with friends and family and not having to worry about traveling to 8 weddings in 2.5 months and spending shocking amounts of money for travel, wardrobe and gifts. Having a fall wedding leaves room for vacations, family time, relaxing time and much more.

Con:

You may not realize it at the time, but there are some important secular holidays from September to December. Labor Day and Yom Kippur are in September and Canadian Thanksgiving is in October. The American Thanksgiving falls at the end of November and Hanukkah in the beginning of December. While planning you may end up losing a few attendees depending on which weekend your wedding is on.

4 Tricks to help you conquer your wedding shoes

Published on August 18, 2015August 18, 2015 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

Whether you are a bride who likes to keep it simple or if you are the type to go over the top: bridal shoes are one of the most important bridal accessories…ever! Not only do they have to be a great height, the right shade of white (or whatever color your dress will be) but they also have to be comfortable. Here’s how to find and master your shoes for the big day!

Shop in the a.m.

As someone who was in business retail management for years, try to shop in the morning. Several reasons, the stores are much quieter which means more one on one with the sales associate = better customer service. Another reason is that your feet won’t be swollen like they are at the end of the day; you will have a better idea as to the proper fit minus the excess water! Lastly, stock comes in for the most part in the mornings, if you have been waiting to try a particular size they didn’t have the last time you were there, it may have come in.

Find the right height

It’s imperative that the shoes you choose to wear for your wedding day are a reasonable height. This is obvious for many reasons. I tell my girlfriends all the time that if I am spending top dollar for and shoes…I’m wearing them all night! You will be standing for the majority of the day, walking down the aisle, pictures will take at least 2 hours and dancing after dinner. You don’t want sore feet and if you have to take your shoes off at all during the night, good luck getting them back on! Find a height that is comfortable and realistic for you!

Know your shoe material

If you are wearing anything that is synthetic do not bank on it stretching, so if it pinches now, it will always pinch. Patent leathers, fabric and other synthetic materials unless stretched in the store for a good 30 minutes, will not stretch to fit the shape of your foot. However, if the shoes are leather inside and out, it will still take some time but get breaking them in now! Which brings me to my next point…

Break them in early

It’s a good idea as soon as you get them, start wearing them around them around the house! Make dinner in them, watch a movie in them, bathe the kids in them! Just wear them so they mold to your foot (if they don’t need to be stretched) this will help you get used to wearing them for longer periods of time.

If all else fails, then be sure to grab a cute pair of flats for you to switch into if you know for sure you won’t be able to last in them for the duration of the day!

Photo credits: mavenbride.com; hitched-events.com

4 ways to help you achieve perfect wedding day hair

Published on August 10, 2015August 10, 2015 by AVPEvents1 Comment

For some of us (myself included), our hair is our best attribute. So having perfect hair on your wedding day is a huge deal. It’s a good idea to start thinking about what you want to do with your hair after you have gotten the dress. Here are some tips to help you out!

Start researching

One helpful hint here is that it might be a good idea to get the dress or least have an idea of the sort of dress you want. I say this because depending on the neckline, you want your bridal hairstyle to compliment the neckline, not be over the top. Do some research, Google your favorite celebs hairstyles, have the girls over and go through some magazine and get some ideas. Keep the ones you really love and then start looking for a stylist, if you don’t already have one.

Schedule a consultation

Even if you don’t know exactly what you want to do, this will allow you to develop confidence and trust in your stylist. Tell them what you absolutely won’t do, details about the dress, particularly the neckline and perhaps even then theme. This way they will be able to help come up with ideas if you don’t have any. If you do know exactly what you want, bring pictures with you so you can show her. She can try a few things while you sitting there and this will enable you both to communicate.

Color your hair in advance

If you plan to spruce up your color be sure to do it at least a week before so it has time to settle and not look drastic. At the same token, if you are planning to do something completely different than what you have, do it a month ahead of time. This way if corrections or adjustments need to be made you will have the time, at the same time; it will give you a chance to get used to it. The most important factor here is being sure you have enough time to make changes if needed.

Have Day 2 Hair on your wedding day

If you want your hair to be easier to style then don’t wash your hair the morning of your appointment, wash it the night before. Sounds strange but for the most part the day you wash, your hair is super soft and shiny but won’t keep a curling iron curl after an hour! If your hair is naturally curly like mine, chances are day 2 hair is better than day 1 here are the products I use.

Hopefully you will find these tips useful in achieving your flawless bridal hairstyle that will have everyone pea green with envy!

Do these 5 things and you will survive your wedding day!

Published on July 30, 2015August 29, 2015 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

Getting your hair done at 7am, makeup at 9:30am, nails at 10:45am…wait did you drink your coffee yet? Can’t forget to call the best man and make sure all the guys are up and ready; did someone pick up the bouquets yet? In fact, where is your phone, someone find your cell phone stat! As if you don’t have a wedding to get ready for!? Well during all of the chaos there are 5 things that you or your maid of honor need to make sure you do today…besides get married.

Now I’m not saying stuff your face full of carbs, end up bloated and not able to fit into your wedding dress, nor do I mean to devour a bunch of salty snacks to make you retain water. But since you are center of attention and will be hearing your name all day, it will be very easy to forget to eat. Now if you have an afternoon wedding, have some fruits, veggies and maybe some nuts after all of your appointments. These foods will sustain you, give you energy but won’t make you “over the top” full. Also be sure to have a water bottle kicking around. It might also be a good idea to ask your planner to have a food tray of some sort set up in the bridal suite so that after the ceremony and pictures you can all nibble here and there. It’s a long wait to dinner and we don’t need the bride or bridal party members fainting Scarlett O’Hara style.

Breathe

So many things are about to happen all at once, 5 people talking all at once, 3 cell phones going off, crying ring bearer and someone shut that dog up! Weddings are exciting for everyone but keep in mind there will be moments of pandemonium. You need to take a step back, or step outside your hotel room, lock yourself in the bathroom for a few minutes- and breathe. Slow deep breaths from your belly (the diaphragm) will ensure oxygen goes to every part of your body. When you breathe, your tummy should expand outward (like when you practiced your fake pregnant belly in front of the mirror- we know you did). Keeping calm will prevent dizzy spells, hot flashes and sweating…this is a good day!

Have a quiet moment with your parent(s)

Let’s face it, Dad walks you down the aisle, mom gives her tear jerker Oscar-winning speech, father daughter dance and that is pretty much all you will see of your parents. If you have a lot of guests, you and your partner will be working the room all night. It will be hard to steal a few minutes away with your parents since you will be in high demand. A good time for this might be 15 minutes before the ceremony, ask you MOH to clear the room so your parents can come in and impart their words of wisdom in private. This way they will be happy and not feel hurt that they didn’t get as much time with you on your big day as they had hoped.

Minimize checking your social media

If you can help it… Yes you want everyone who couldn’t make it or who lived out of country to be updated on who fought over the bouquet toss but this is your day…live it fully. To be constantly checking your phone or social media will be annoying to those who want your attention and distasteful to those who know nothing about social media i.e. your grandparents! Post everything the next day if it’s that important but if you have friends or family who have traveled far to come for your big day, that merits appreciation.

Bring extra shoes

This should be common sense but it can be something forgotten in all the hoopla and wedding day prep. The ceremony and perfect poising are now over which means the 4 inch heels you’ve had your feet jammed into all day and have been complimented on- are coming off! Not that we think a cute pair of running shoes will prompt you to runaway Julia Roberts style but if you truly want to enjoy your reception, fist pump to Rihanna, then flats are a must!

Feature Article in The Wedding Planner Magazine- Summer 2015 issue

Published on June 24, 2015June 24, 2015 by AVPEventsLeave a comment

I was so happy when I was asked to write an article for the magazine I currently work for. I really enjoyed writing this and am thankful for the opportunity! I’d like to applaud all of my amazingly talented and hard working colleagues who put so much time and dedication into this publication. Please go to our website and see all of their incredible work. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram I hope you enjoy! AV.

Click article to read.