On matching the veil to your hairstyle:

Updo

• If you want a longer veil with your updo, be sure that it is a tighter style with less volume, so it can hold the heavier veil.
• For a detailed updo you want to show off, consider a veil that pins just below the gathered hair.
• The French Twist is easily the most versatile updo, and can work with nearly any type of veil.

Flowing Locks

• The veil should be longer than the length of your hair.
• Shorter veils generally go well with curly, volumized hair, and longer veils generally go well with more straight, sleek styles.

Short Hairstyles

• Consider going sans-veil and use clips, feathers, a headband, or a tiara.
• Shorter veils tend to work better for those with short hair, as longer veils tend to overwhelm.

On matching the veil to your facial shape:

Round Shapes

• Look for a veil that frames the sides of your face, and try a hairstyle that does the same. These will help to narrow your face.
• Tiaras and high updos will help elongate your face.

Oval Shapes

• Since your face is symmetrical, any veil style will work great!
• If your oval face is a bit longer, try your hair down or in a low updo, as a high updo will enlongate your face.

Heart Shapes

• Veils that are pinned in the back will stay away from your face, so it isn’t made to look too full.

Square Shapes

• Soften up your face with a romantic, flowing hairstyle and a longer veil.

On matching the veil to your dress:

Elbow Length Veil

• Since they hit right at the waist, these veils are great for dresses with detailing at the waist.
• They end before the skirt begins, so they go well with a fuller skirt.

Fingertip Length Veil

• Works with nearly any full-length dress!

Cathedral Length Veil

• This is a very formal style, so keep the style of your wedding and dress in mind when choosing a cathedral veil.

Other tips for choosing a veil:

• Keep it in balance. The veil is meant to be an accessory, not the main event! So, be sure it does not have more detailing than your dress does. (***Exception: If your dress is very simple, a more extravagant veil may work well.)
• Veils with blushers (the part that covers your face) work well with traditional, formal gowns.
• If you are unable to find just the right matching colors for your dress and veil, allow your veil to be a bit lighter than your dress, rather than the other way around.

By Amanda Glandon of Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs, serving Central Illinois. More information you can use at Simple Elegance Events & Wedding Designs.

You can make your wedding the wedding you dreamed of  but let’s be realistic  though there is only so much money to go around and not everyone has an unlimited budget to work with.  In fact I think what makes a great planner is one that can keep you in budget and yet help you create a day to remember.  Sure it’s a breeze with a $100,000 budget but what if you only have $10,000 to spend!  So, what about the real people in the world?   Could you pull off a “Fairy Wedding” on a shoestring!

Well you may not have a huge budget but you do have dreams!  So, how can you make your dreams come true?  Things cost money let’s face it and the more the detail the more the money.

1. The first thing to do is set a realistic BUDGET.   NOTE : I SAID REALISTIC BUDGET.  You can’t say I only want to spend $10,000 but I want 300 people, plated dinner,  uplighting and a photobooth..NOT!

• Let’s not panic.  Just look at the bottom dollar and figure out what you can afford.  You can get an idea of costs by checking local websites and get an average cost of things.  For example the average cost per plate at hotel venues or caterers.  Check out the latest Wedding fashions online and look at the cost of the dresses.  (Here is a little secret if you go to our Blogs from December of 2010 http://www.aweddingtodreamof.com/2010/12/wedding-thirty-days-lets-break-down/ you will find a month work of valuable information.  Actually that month was titled, “Plan a Wedding in Thirty Days.”  You can get a great idea of costs but be sure to check for any current increases.  Hey here is another little secret we are going to be doing the same thing this December!  So watch for “Plan a Wedding in Thirty Days 2011.”)
• Here is a helpful link to give you an idea of how to allocate your funds http://www.hooverwebdesign.com/30000-wedding-budget-worksheet.html
• Here is another little tip this is a great spreadsheet to keep track of what you spend.  http://www.vertex42.com/ExcelTemplates/wedding-budget.html

2.  Set Priorities

• List the items and vendors you need.  That you absolutely NEED.  Like food, Dress, photography, reception venue, ….

• Of those things:  What are the three most important to you?   Is it photography?  The Food?  the Decor?  Pick three things focus on those three first.  This is where your fingers do the walking.  Start doing your homework and compare prices.  Ask questions: What are your Packages (things are cheaper when they are bundled together.)  Are there any other fees like over charges.  Make sure you understand completely what is included and what is not included.  Make sure of the bottom dollar.  Once you have the most important done start on the next three and so on until you are done.  Keep track.
• How can you take that $350 bouquet that you have to have and make it affordable.  Ask your florist what flowers can you substitute for a similar look.  Do you want rhinestones?  Can you provide them?  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Numbers!  Numbers!  Numbers!  The more the number of people the more the number of DOLLARS.  Your guest list will be the key to keeping expenses down.  It would be great to have everyone you know and love at the wedding but if you are on a tight budget you cannot invite everyone.  This is where things can get a bit sticky with family.   One way to keep a lid on things  is to set limits, each side will have so many people they can invite.  If they want to invite more that is fine but they will have to help with the costs.

3.  Set up Payment Plans

• Once you book with a vendor set up your payment plan.  Will it be monthly?  It is so much easier to pay a little at a time then be faced with huge bills the week of the wedding.  Remember many vendors require payment the week or more before the wedding.  No payment, no vendor!

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all have a “Fairy Wedding’?  Well they may not feature your wedding on WE TV but it will be your day.  It can be gorgeous.  It can be unique.  It can be affordable.  Be realistic, plan, and be willing to make adjustments.

So, you’re nearing your wedding and the test run of your hairstyle; you’ve picked the hair stylists, now it’s time to pick the style. Below are a few tips to make sure you pick the right ‘do’ for your big day!

When you start planning your wedding, consider how you will want your hair. This gives you time to grow it out if you want to have longer hair or fix anything that you want to change before hand, such as color or cut. Although you still have time to decide what type of hairstyle you would like, it’s a good idea to consider it early so you have the time to make changes.

Obviously, consult with the hairdresser you will be working with. They have experience and will be able to tell you what works and what doesn’t with your type of hair. The first tip is to pick a hairstyle that will compliment your dress, without competing with it. You don’t want your hair to be overwhelming your entire look!

Make sure that whatever headpiece you will be wearing, whether it’s a veil, tiara, flower, etc., will be able to stay in your hair for as long as you need it to. If you have thin hair, wide tooth combs are not going to hold it on, so make sure the store replaces it with smaller combs or bobby pins. Thick hair can hold them on better, so barrettes, combs, or bobby pins will all work. Also, if you are wearing a veil or headpiece that you will be removing, make sure your hairstyle works with and without it, so you are happy with the hairstyle during the ceremony and at the reception.

Look for pictures of different styles with your hair length to get some ideas of what can be done with short, medium, and long length hair. There are so many different options, from up ‘dos to flowing curls to side ponytails; pick something that fits your wedding and your personality- because it’s your day!

The most important tip is to pick a style you are comfortable with, that represents you, your personality, and how you want to look on your wedding day. If you don’t like the first style your hairstylist does- tell them! They are there to work with you to create the best day possible, so make sure you are happy with how you look on your big day!

Want to use this information in your Blog? You can but you must include this statement: Written By: Nichole Hayes Senior Planner of Simple Elegance where it is more than just a wedding, it’s your memory. Visit us at www.aweddingtodreamof.com So you’re getting married, keep it in perspective. Enjoy the Moment!

OK you went to the Bridal Show.  You were malled by vendors.  You saw so many dresses you cannot even remember which one you liked. You ate way more cake than you should have.  Your head is still spinning and the show was last weekend!  AHHHHH!  Do you feel overwhelmed?   I thought Bridal Shows were suppose to help.  Well just stop for a moment and catch your breath.  I am sure you have a bag full of STUFF!  Great go get it.  You probably took all kinds of cards and brochures.  Now is the time to go through that STUFF and see what will work for you.

Think back on the day, when you got to the show what vendors appealed to you and why?  Who made you feel comfortable?  Who gave you information you could really use?  Were there any booths that just made you stop and look.  Pull those cards or brochures out, check their Websites, Facebook, and Twitter.  Don’t make this more complicated than it has to be.  Don’t assume prices.  Call and talk to these vendors see if they are a good fit.  Yes, I said a good fit.  Don’t just pick your wedding vendor on price.  I know price is a factor but you have to make sure you feel comfortable with these people.  Duh, you are asking these people to be part of one of the most important days of your life.  You better be able to relate to them and they better be able to relate to you.  Call them, make an appointment for a consultation.  Your first consultation is usually complimentary with most vendors anyway.

OK, so you make the appointment, now what?  Be prepared for the appointment.  If you are going to see a florist have an idea of the flowers you like or don’t like.  If you are going to a DJ think about what mood you want to create for your reception.  Will that DJ work for your guests, is he clubish, conservative, hip hop????  It is OK to think like this you have to find vendors that fit you and your guest.  Yes, I said guests too!  Are you meeting with a planner?  How much control or you want or not want?  Do you want the whole nine yards of planning or are you just interested in the day of?  What about Decor who is going to set up and tear down?

Here are a few questions and things to think about when you meet with a wedding vendor:

Questions to ask:

1. Can I see samples of your work?  Most vendors will have pictures, video, or Like Eldon at “Forget Me Not Flowers”, He will bring out the whole cooler of flowers for you (don’t ask him to do that I am exaggerating.  He will go to the cooler and show you the types of flowers though within reason.)
2. Are their reviews that I can read?  You can usually get reviews of vendors online at Weddingwire.com or Theknot.com.  Most vendors will even give you a copy of recent reviews.
3. What will work with my budget?  Talk to the vendor about your budget see what will work.  Please be realistic, remember these people make their living at this.  Yes they pay their electric bill, gas, and mortgage….just like you do with the money you make from going to work.  So be fair!

Things to think about:

1. How did you feel during and after the appointment?  Yes this is important.  Were you comfortable?  Did you gain valuable information that will help you the day of your wedding?
2. Did you feel pressured?  If you were pressured this may be a red flag.
3. Did you talk about Budget?  How will they work into your budget?

Well, you have alot to think about and so much to plan.  I realize there is much to do but like we tell all of our Brides, “So, you’re getting married.  Keep it in perspective and Enjoy the Moment!”  So get out there and have fun!

Want to use this information in your Blog? You can but you must include this statement: Written By: Margaret Moore Senior Planner of Simple Elegance where it is more than just a wedding, it’s your memory. Visit us at www.aweddingtodreamof.com So you’re getting married, keep it in perspective. Enjoy the Moment!

Photography: beyond the well | WEDDINGS
Ceremony: Evelyn Chapel, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Illinois
Reception: Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center, Bloomington, Illinois
Floral Design: Shari’s Happily Ever After
DJ/Entertainment: Dynamic Sound

You have always dreamed of your wedding being in a beautiful garden, or down by the lake everthing is perfect.   NOT.  I hate to break it to you, there is a fifty/ fifty chance it will rain.  It may or it may not, so dream of the perfect wedding but have a back up plan just in case.  Better safe than Sorry!

Four things to do!

1. Find an alternative at the location of your outdoor event.  Where is the ceremony/reception going to be held?  Outdoor at your farm?  Outdoor at a local Park?  Outdoor where?  Look around the environment that you want your outdoor wedding.  Is there a covered pavilion?  If it were to rain can you put a tent up?  Is there an outbuilding you can use if it rains?  Trying to find or create an alternative at the original location will save you time, energy, money and a great deal of stress.  Do not leave this to chance!  

               O.K.  What if you might need a tent.  You cannot just wait until the last minute for a tent.  Call around and ask if tents are available for that date.  Shellie at Let’s Party Rentals has always had our back in a pinch.  You now have to make a decision, do you rent a tent?  A rental center cannot just hold a tent for you, if they can rent it out they have to this is their livelihood.  So talk to them about what is available, then decide.  What can I say you might have to spend a little more to make sure your outdoor wedding takes place. 

     2.  What about the temperature?  Summer is hot, spring and fall can be anything.  Setting up air conditioning for a tent can be quite costly but it can be done.  Tips for hot weather:  The time of day you plan the ceremony will help.  Do Not, I said DO NOT plan the ceremony in the heat of the day!  Temperatures start to drop later in the afternoon, consider having your ceremony after 4 pm.  The days are longer and there will be plenty of light.   Large fans that can be rented or purchased and strategically placed which will help with the air flow.  Tips for Cold Weather:  If you see that temperatures are going to drop that week difinitely rent outdoor heaters!  Let’s Party has these, it is worth the cost of having at least two of these! 

    3.  Bugs!  Mosquitoes, flies, little black things that bite in the fall…..   You can fog the area earlier in the day and it will help.  Citronella torches will not only add a nice warm glow but will help with the mosquitoes in the evening.  We have put out baskets of Mosquito wipes for guests, they are nice little towelettes that you can find at Target, Wal-mart….  CAUTION: If you know you have pregnant guests Deet can be absorbed and toxic for the baby!  Take this into consideration.

     4.  Make sure you have at least one person you can rely on that can jump in if the weather turns on you!  You have no idea the times our team is running every which way and we always have a back up plan!  It gets crazy at times so plan ahead and take the time to ask someone to help.  Someone who is not in the wedding, not your Mom but someone you can trust that will take charge and get things done!

 An outdoor wedding can be beautiful and with a few extra planning steps you can avoid insanity that day if the weather turns sour. 

So you’re getting married, keep it in perspective and enjoy the moment.

Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs serving Central Illinois. Want to use this article in your E-zine or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement: Event Planning entrepreneur Margaret Moore with Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs publishes information you can use at http://www.aweddingtodreamof.com/blog

It is a lovely November afternoon in Chicago.   You’re driving home from work and you hear on the radio, “Extra Alarm Fire today in Oak Lawn’s Eva’s Bridal Shoppe leaves brides scrambling after hundreds of wedding dresses were destroyed when the longtime bridal shop went up in flames.”  Here is a link to the news video  ABC Local News Video>
Can this honestly be happening?  Your wedding is in two weeks, they have your dress….  Things do happen so what do you do?

As in most things, you get what you pay for.  I know times are tough and we all need to save money.  You can find all sorts of deals on the internet and most of the time that is great but what if something goes wrong?  An 800 number is not always your best bet for help.  You will have some major purchases for this wedding, so it is best to choose well known, established, full-service shops.  Brides will generally get better service from a “small,” local shop than from most bridal warehouses.   Why?  Because they have a vested interest in you as a customer, their reputation.  This situation in Oak Lawn was a terrible tragedy, not only for the brides but for the owners and employees of this very well know shoppe.   This reputable Bridal shoppe set up a hotline for brides and because of their 45 years in business and excellent relationships with all of their designers they worked hard at replacing dresses and making sure the weddings went on. 

Chances are your dress will not go up in flames but things happen.  You have to invest your money into purchases from businesses that are invested in you!  I will say it over and over again a wedding vendor that is invested in their business is invested in you.  To protect yourself choose vendors based not only on price but reputation.  You can check with the better business bureau, ask people what their experience was like.  Do not just base your purchase on price!  Hindsight is 20/20 so prepare ahead of time so you can minimize anything that comes up.  Make sure you understand the contract when you sign it!  I will say it again, MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR CONTRACT WHEN YOU SIGN IT!    If you need to add something to the contract write it in and tell your vendor you feel more comfortable with that adjustment, as long as it is reasonable they should not have a problem with it.  If they do, maybe you should go elsewhere.

If disaster does strike the first thing to do is contact your vendor.  Communication is the key to success in all things.   Whether is is their fault or your fault communicating with your vendor is the only way to resolve the matter.  Go back to your contract and see what you have committed to and what they have committed to.   This will be easy because your made sure you understood the contract before you signed it, right?  You may need to compromise to make it work or if all else fails there is litigation, yikes.  I cannot stress enough the importance of trying to resolve the issue by communicating.  If you are not able to discuss things in a calm manner it would be better to have someone else do it for you.  You get more bees with honey than you do with vinegar!

Just a bit of advice!  Good planning is the key, so prepare ahead of time and hire reputable vendors.

So you’re getting married, keep it in perspective and enjoy the moment!

Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs serving Central Illinois. Want to use this article in your E-zine or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement: Event Planning entrepreneur Margaret Moore with Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs publishes information you can use at http://www.aweddingtodreamof.com/blog