How to Choose the Perfect Headpiece and Veil for Your Facial and Body Features

All brides want to be beautiful on their wedding day, and often it is easy for them to picture themselves in a wedding gown. But once something is placed upon the head, the whole perception of self-image is altered. A well-designed veil will accent or de-emphasize certain facial or body features if chosen thoughtfully, as well as match the bride's personality, reflect the gown's features, and conform to the formality of the wedding and reception.

The headpiece should be ornate enough for the gown and not look like an afterthought. It is a very condensed area and therefore may be more heavily beaded than the gown. Many brides have been misinformed and feel that if their gown very ornate they should opt for a very small, simple, and inexpensive headpiece, when they should be concerned that the overall effect is a balanced one. The area framing the face is not a very good area to skimp on since it is the most viewed area of the bride both in person and in photography.

If it is possible to find or design a headpiece with some of the gown's prominent features a finished look will result. Be sure to use the same or very similar types of materials in your headpiece. It is ok, however, if the pattern itself varies. If in doubt, stick to an entirely beaded or floral headpiece to avoid conflict.

Try to keep the styling of the headpiece in sync with your gown as well. Modern and contemporary gowns look great with beaded combs, tiaras, back pieces, asymmetricals, and forehead pieces. Traditional gowns fare well with beaded combs, tiaras, floral bandeaus, asymmetricals, hats and wreaths. Very formal gowns almost require a tiara, pillbox, Juliet cap, mantilla, or crown.

In general, the best veil lengths are the waist-length and gown-length veils. These hit natural stopping points, and do not interfere with the gown's lines. Formal weddings almost beg for long veils (at least 6" past the train); and the illusion is very sheer so your gown will not be hidden underneath the veil at all. Detachable veils help to make these much more practical and comfortable. Fingertip veils tend to be the least flattering of all to both the bride and the gown.

A well-designed headpiece will accent or de-emphasize certain facial features if chosen thoughtfully. For example, a wreath or halo effect will round and shorten a face. Pointed tiaras, which are taller in the center than the sides, will slim a face.

As a general rule of thumb, any headpiece, which is tall and/or narrow, will slim and lengthen a face. Subsequently, a low and/or wide headpiece may shorten or widen a face. Therefore, if the bride wishes to de-emphasize a round face, she should avoid a round headpiece such as a wreath.

Keep in mind that the veiling may also alter your appearance. Long veils will lengthen and slim a body while shorter veils may emphasize the waist and hip area. Edged veils also tend to call attention to their ending areas, especially a waist-length veils which ends in the midsection. Probably to best way to get the full effect is to stand about 10 feet from the mirror and be sure that you are creating the image you have long dreamed of.

Below are some tips to help in the selection process:

1. To assure a uniform look, try to bring out your favorite features on your wedding gown.

2. You have spent a great deal of time on your gown, but how many pictures will actually show that train? And how many will show your face? Don't skimp here!

3. The correct veil length should generally hit at the waist or at least 6 inches past the train to avoid conflict with the lines of the gown. The train was designed to have long, flowing lines, and a fingertip veil will typically disrupt the lines creating a choppy, disharmonized look.

4. Try to find detachable veils if you would like a lighter look for the reception without messing up your wedding day hairstyle.

5. If you desire to slim or lengthen your face, try to implement long, slim lines in your headpiece and veiling. For example, try pointed tiaras or combs higher in the center than the sides.

6. For a long, thin face choose a more round looking ensemble. Wider, shorter tiaras and combs, brim hats, wreaths, and the like are often quite flattering.
7. A gown-length veil will also help to slim your figure! Think streamlined! Fingertip veils accent your hips!!

8. Stand back from the mirror to get the overall effect with both the gown and veil on. Don't tip your head down and look up at the mirror, because that is not how everyone else will see you.

9. Consider having your headpiece and veil custom designed by a professional bridal milliner who will measure the correct veil length on you. Many upscale salons will offer this or will measure and have their suppliers create exactly what will make your guests say, "What a beautiful bride!" rather than, "What a beautiful gown/veil!"

Wedding Flowers

The selection process of your wedding flowers will usually begin with a discussion of the Bride's bouquet. You will have a choice of several basic styles. These are cascade, crescent, contemporary, nosegay, hand tied bouquet and arm or presentation style. You can better prepare for your first meeting with your florist if you bring the following;

? A list of those in your wedding party that will need flowers.

? A list of what flowers you will want at the ceremony.

? A list of what flowers will be needed at the reception, including table count, size and shape.

? Color/fabric swatches and pictures of your dress and bridesmaids dresses, if you have them.

? Feel free to also bring pictures of flowers that you like.

Your florist will also have pictures of flowers, bouquets and arrangements to help determine exactly what will create the wedding of your dreams. If your wedding has a "theme", let your florist know before the consultation, as they can prepare suggestions to fit the style of your wedding. After style, the next thing to consider is if there are any specific flowers you want.

Keep in mind that some flowers are not in season year round. The flowers that will give the best presentation are those in their season prime. Make sure you let your florist know if your ceremony and/or reception will be held outdoors. Certain flowers do not hold up in hot/humid conditions. Consider color, shape, and fragrance when selecting your bouquet flowers. A note of advice on color choice, avoid all white flowers, they do not photograph well.

It is important that you are upfront with your florist about your budget. Not just for your bouquet but for all of your flowers. Be realistic. You may want a $200 bridal bouquet, but if you only have $400 for a flower budget, you will not have enough left for 3 bridesmaids bouquets, 2 corsages, 3 boutonnieres and 15 centerpieces for your reception. Choose similar flowers to be used throughout your wedding. Using 20 different kinds of flowers will quickly increase the cost. Your florist can balance your needs with your budget. They can offer alternatives. Exotic flowers such as Orchids are very pretty, but they are more expensive. Consider more affordable flowers if you are on a budget. Don't plan your wedding near big flower holidays, such as Valentine's Day, Easter and Mother's Day. If you do, expect to pay more for your flowers. Not because the florist's want to charge you more, but due to the fact that the wholesalers charge more during these busy holidays based on growing and demand.

Once you have chosen your Bouquet you have selected the "center" of your wedding flowers. The other pieces can be used to incorporate your bouquet flowers throughout your entire wedding. The following is an example list of the flowers you may need for your "Special Day"...

? Bride's Bouquet
? Toss Bouquet for Bride to Throw
? Maid of Honor Bouquet
? Bridesmaids Bouquets? Grooms Boutonniere
? Boutonnieres for Best Man and other male attendants in the wedding
? Boutonnieres for Father of Bride and Groom
? Corsages for Mothers/Grandmothers and/or Guests of Honor
? Boutonniere for Ring Bearer
? Flower Basket (with petals?) or small bouquet for flower girl*
? Ceremony Arrangements (can serve double duty at your reception perhaps at your buffet)
? Vase at Guest Book Table
? Centerpieces for Reception Tables (make sure you get an accurate count)
? Centerpiece for Head Table (usually larger than other centerpieces)
? Flowers or Petals for Cake Table (Flowers for Cake if necessary)

*If you are considering petals for the aisle at your ceremony, make sure your accomodations allow them. Also remember that roses with color petals will stain the carpet if stepped on. White petals are recommended for carpeted areas.

A very important detail is to make sure your florist knows exactly when and where your flowers will need to be delivered. They will also need to know ahead of time if you will need them to set up the flowers. If you have someone else handling set up, make sure your florist knows who they are and how to reach them. You will probably want your flowers to arrive at least an hour before you need them. Make sure you have somewhere safe and cool to keep them until you use them. Always leave your florist a phone number of someone you trust (preferrably with a cel phone) that can handle any last minute decisions regarding your flowers.

Finally, when it comes to your wedding flowers, don't skimp! I have heard many sad stories about bride's trying "do-it-yourself" flowers or having a friend design them, only to end up with bouquets falling apart minutes before the wedding! Don't risk it! Experienced florists process and design your wedding flowers for optimum presentation and performance. Your flowers are one of the most important elements of your wedding! You want them to be beautiful. They compliment you, your wedding party, your wedding photos and provide an elegant atmosphere for you and your guests on your special day!

How to Plan a Cheap Wedding Ceremony

There's no doubt about it, weddings can be expensive. The average cost of a wedding today is $20,000 - $25,000, and weddings are estimated to be a $25.3 billion industry. But don't worry if your budget cannot stretch for the most expensive custom-made gown, elegant invitation cards, or the top photographer, it doesn't mean that your wedding will be any less unique or special than anyone else's.

You just need a bit of guidance and a few tips to help you achieve the dream of your big day. Here are a few suggestions with tips on how to save on some of the more expensive aspects of a wedding.

Wedding Gowns

Do you really need a hand-made wedding dress with beads and diamantes? This is where the big cost is and there are several options in cutting the cost. Why not opt for a second-hand wedding dress? It's probably only been worn once anyway and you can get a once expensive dress for half the price. Consider buying an evening gown/cocktail dress from a department store or look into renting your wedding dress for the day.

The Reception

This is where the cost of a wedding can get out of hand. The wedding reception is normally the biggest expense, but one of the easiest to cut down on costs. Statistics show that an average of 189 guests attend a wedding, this is a lot. Try and keep your guest list to a minimum, do you really need to invite family members who you have never seen for years? Instead of a three-course meal why not opt for a hot and cold buffet (even cater for yourself)? Instead of holding the reception in an expensive hotel suite or wedding reception, why not consider having it at someone's home or a club, or even book a restaurant. Keep an open bar to a minimal and only serve beer, wine and soft drinks.

Photography

The obvious choice is to shop around for the best rates, but consider hiring a photographer for the ceremony only and ask a family member or friend to take snap photos of the reception. Or you could go one step further and ask them to take the photographs for the whole day and not bother with the expense of a photographer at all.

Invitations / Stationery

If you're on a budget and looking for cheaper wedding stationery items, then you might like to consider print-at-home http://www.1st-for-greeting-cards.com/invitation-cards.html There are many online stationer's that will offer this service free of charge. You pay for the paper and envelopes, then use their software to print directly from your own PC. With sophisticated customization tools you'll be able to enter your own text and preview it before you print so as not to make any costly mistakes. Alternatively, you can buy software and do-it-yourself from your PC.

Miscellaneous

Flowers can be another great expense, but also an unnecessary one. Why not buy wholesale flowers, or pick flowers from your garden (or a friends or relatives). Buy plain gold or white gold wedding bands as these are the cheapest. Get a friend to make your wedding cake for you and opt for a smaller tier cake and it doesn't have to be a fruit cake - try a sponge, chocolate or carrot cake! Make your favors and center-peices yourself. Accessories for these can be found at little outlet stores or online. Lastly, instead of a limousine why not rent a car or borrow a luxury car from a friend or relative?

Summary

Weddings are expensive if you want them to be. But if you want to keep money aside for a deposit on a house or a honeymoon to remember, then there are many cost cutting ideas. All you need is a little imagination, and some help from friends and family and you too can have a luxury wedding with all the trimmings.

How to Plan Your Wedding and Honeymoon

1. Weddings typically can cost you anywhere around $15,000 or more. The big question is: who foots the bill?

The 21st century has heralded a shift in the way these costs are handled. We have moved away from the days when the family of the bride would pay all costs associated with the wedding ceremony . Today it may come down to who can afford it or, who can qualify for the personal loan from the lending institution.
Weddings may, in most cases, be a one time special event deserving of all the pomp and pageantry associated with the memorable day. However, there are ways to cut costs and still maximize the moment. Careful planning and budgeting are key to getting the most out of this experience at a reduced cost.
What should go into a wedding plan? When is too much, too much?

There are many things which makes a wedding a wedding. The old adage, "Something New, Something used and something blue, is a reliable guide to save.

Knowing what you need and how much it cost compared to your allotted budget for each item is essential. Your check list should include: Bride Gown and accessories, Groom's wedding attire, wedding rings, flowers, wedding cake, wedding site, reception site, photography/video services, limousine, ceremony fees, decorations, licence, honeymoon/travel, music/entertainment services, invitations, wedding consulting fees, beverage/drinks and type of wedding.

Generally, all of these items should be carefully itemized and an actual cost should be obtained from the service providers. Your budget fro each service or product should be include to help guide you and/or your wedding consultants. From this list you can determine things like the size of your guest list, bridal party and reception, cake and amount you can actually allocate to each specific area.

A good example is: if you are purchasing a wedding gown and accessories which can easily run into $1,500 or more and your budget is $600, you can opt to rent a gown and accessory which typically at the high end is around $400.

Knowing where you would like to host your wedding and the type of wedding you want is also very essential. Many people typically choose a traditional wedding (religious). These can go into many different cultures i.e. African, Jewish, Islamic, Irish etc. Different types of weddings typically carry varying price tags depending on the culture and how complex the ceremony or extravagant it is.

Honeymoons can be a another costly expense. Honeymoons can extend from that drive to another state to the extended Bahamas vacation or Carribean cruise. Many companies are now incorporating wedding and honeymoon packages in their vacation packages. This has its upside and downside. Marriage laws also vary from country to country.

June typically is noted as the wedding month. So, expect costs to be higher. However travel this and hotel charges during this time of the year to many destinations including the Bahamas may be less expensive.
If you know your budget then it may be beneficial to allow a wedding consulting firm to handle the arrangements. Statistics show that couples are so tired and stressed after the wedding 705 do not have sex on the first night of the honeymoon.

Hiring wedding consultant doesn't mean you lose control of your ceremony. It just saves you the hassle and stress of coordinating and implementing each individual activity and duty.

Your honey moon can be like any other vacation as far as proper planning is concerned. In order to save money, you must know what you want to do? Where you want to go? What you want to see? Consult with travel consultants in the country or area you plan to visit. Research well. Your trip does not have to be robotic or mechanical, but it can be cost effective and well organized.

TIPS

Below are a few cost saving tips for your special day:
Trim your guest list
Reduce the number of attendance in your bridal party and reception
Budget your honeymoon well
Choose the kind of wedding you like but can afford
Research: at least 6 months in advance
Book in advance: try the internet
Stay near home: try a friends remote cottage, town house or timeshare
Shorten your vacation stay
Travel and wed in the off season
Go on a Cruise: They are usually all inclusive

A Honeymoon Like No Other

When it comes to choosing a honeymoon destination it's usually sandy beaches and blue waters here, a historical sight there, or a luxurious pampering from morning till night somewhere else.

The other day, though, looking through the various web sites, I came across a honeymoon destination which must surely be the most unique of them all.

It's available only four months out of every year, and then it disappears from existence. Eight months later it's back again. For four months again.

The Ice Hotel of Quebec, Canada, welcomes guests only from January to April. The rest of the year the hotel ceases to exist because its whole structure is made from 400 tons of ice, and 12,000 tons of snow and needs the winter snows to bring it to life. A work of art in itself, it takes five weeks to erect, has impressive 18 foot ceilings, and walls adorned with original paintings made out of ice. It never repeats itself, so every stay is bound to amaze.

The hotel includes an ice chapel in which the couple can pledge their troth, a cinema in which to while away an hour or two, and an exhibition room with ice exhibits such as paintings, statues, and furniture all made out of snow and ice.

Apart from the fact that the materials used in the building of the hotel aren't the usual brick and mortar, you can still sit around a real fire, though when snuggling into bed you'll probably find a deer pelt and a sleeping bag made for two. And when toasting each other with champagne, you'll be doing it with ice goblets instead of just the usual crystal.

For something to do there's dog-sledding and all the other snow-oriented sports, as well as hot-air ballooning. At night you can visit the night club where your drink will never run out of ice.

Needless to say, being a hotel completely made of ice, it is a bit chilly, so if you and your partner decide to exchange your wedding vows at the ice hotel, you might like to rent a fur cape or coat so that you can be warm as well as good-looking. And don't be worried about missing out on your wedding photographs or flowers, or limousines. The hotel might be made of ice, but it has a warm heart. You'll be provided with all the things you would normally expect on your wedding day. Just ask.

Planning the Music for Your Wedding Ceremony

It's safe to say that out of all the events for which you will gather your friends and family to celebrate your marriage, the wedding ceremony itself will be the most meaningful and, hopefully, memorable. In the United States, music plays many vital roles in the wedding ceremony, from providing flow and ambiance to highlighting the deeper emotional meaning. Many former brides and grooms remember the songs played at their weddings for the rest of their lives, and they can relive that romantic day when hearing those songs again.

Since music is so important to your wedding ceremony, I always advise hiring one or more live, experienced, professional musicians to handle it. Qualified, well-researched musicians will be able to tailor the music in real time to fit what is going on in your ceremony, which will help one part flow effortlessly into the next. Also, you'll find it truly ties together all of the visual and verbal elements, from the flowers to the vows, with timeless style and class.

For the music, most American wedding ceremonies have six major parts, each with their own special requirements:

1. The prelude

2. The wedding party's processional

3. The bride's processional

4. The interlude

5. The recessional
6. The postlude

If you do not want to choose individual songs for your ceremony, experienced wedding musicians will be able to play appropriate songs in the right places. But picking out your own music can be more meaningful and satisfying. The first decision you should make that will guide you in your choices is whether you want your music to be traditional and classic or lesser-known but unique. The professional wedding musicians you hire should have a supply of music from both categories in their repertoire.

The Prelude

The purpose of the prelude music is to welcome guests as they are being seated before the ceremony. It also should give a cheerful yet subdued atmosphere, setting the stage for the solemnity of the event. The prelude generally begins 15 to 20 minutes before the ceremony start time, and it often involves quite a few songs. Because of this, it's best to give the musician(s) an idea of the genre of music you want and leave the individual song choices up to their discretion. Since the prelude sets the tone for the rest of the ceremony, it's a good idea to base your genre choice on the type of music you will be using later in the ceremony. Popular genre choices include Classical, Love Songs, Jazz, and Broadway, and these genres can be mixed together within the prelude to suit your taste. Each of these genres has sub-categories (Baroque or Romantic Classical music, old or new love songs, etc.), but it's safe to leave those choices up to the musicians unless you have strong feelings one way or another.

The Wedding Party's Processional

The wedding party's processional marks the official beginning of the ceremony. It should have a slow but flowing feel, ushering the beautiful bridesmaids and other members of the wedding party down the aisle. Perhaps the classic example here is Canon in D by Pachelbel, but you should listen to various musical selections to find a song that strikes a chord with you.

The Bride's Processional

The bride's processional can be an incredible moment, as memorable to everyone involved as the vows or any other part of the ceremony. You should choose a very special song here. If you go with Classical music, the obvious traditional choice is Wagner's Bridal Chorus ("Here Comes the Bride"). But any Classical piece that strikes you as particularly beautiful or meaningful can be used here. If you're going with jazz, pop, or Broadway, use a song with beautiful music as well as lyrics that are meaningful to you. Even if you don't have a singer at your wedding, the lyrics to a popular song will still play in everyone's minds when they hear the melody.

The Interlude

The interlude can actually be many different moments in the ceremony, my very loose definition being any time there are no words being spoken for a minute or more. For most ceremonies, the interlude is the unity candle, memorial candle, or rose presentation. These are moments of quiet reflection, and the music you choose should encourage this mood. A popular and appropriate unity candle choice is The Wedding Song, partly because the lyrics mention the word "union." Sweet Classical favorites include Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach, Ave Maria by Schubert, and Meditation from Thais by Massenet.

The Recessional

At last, time to celebrate! The wedding officiant's pronouncement of husband and wife is followed by enthusiastic applause and joyous recessional music as the happy couple leads the way back up the aisle. The song you choose should be bright and upbeat, inviting everyone to celebrate your union. The top traditional choice for the recessional is Mendelssohn's Wedding March. A close second and third are Beethoven's Ode to Joy and Clarke's Trumpet Voluntary. But any song with a joyous feel that speaks to you will work well in this spot.

The Postlude

The postlude sets a pleasant atmosphere as guests are leaving. It can last between 10 and 30 minutes, so it's best to treat the postlude like the prelude and simply give the musicians an idea of what you want. Experienced wedding musicians will play postlude music that is refined but upbeat, adding the finishing touch to your beautiful ceremony.

The best starting point for specific ceremony music ideas is the repertoire list on the website (or in paper form) of the musicians you are hiring. The songs listed there are usually ones that the musicians are requested to play frequently and that the musicians know very well. Talk with your musicians as far in advance of the ceremony as possible about your musical selections. This way, if you have a special request that is not in the musicians' repertoire, they may be able to accommodate it.

Lastly, have fun with the process of choosing your music! You can make listening to possible ceremony music a wonderful opportunity to slow down in the midst of your hectic planning and reflect on the love that you and your partner feel for each other. Music has the power to express this beautiful sentiment to all of your friends and family during your wedding ceremony, so take advantage of it!

Why Hire A Wedding Designer?

As couples begin thinking about their wedding, they are often confused over how much to spend, where to obtain specialized services, and how to choose vendors. These worries often mount as quickly as the cost of the wedding. After the euphoria wears off and the reality settles in, it's shocking to discover how much preparation is involved. Couples are faced with decisions about everything from invitation wording to planning their honeymoon. Couples often find they want experienced professional help.

Not long ago, a wedding designer was thought of as a luxury, only used by the wealthy. Now a designer is an essential element of a well-planned affair. It is no longer "trendy" to engage someone to handle the details. Being experienced in negotiating contracts with caterers, florists, photographers, and other suppliers, the wedding designer saves you valuable time and money. The designer can take advantage of discounts not available to private parties and avoid costly mistakes, while turning your dreams into reality.

The average wedding can take more than two hundred and fifty hours to plan. With today's hectic lifestyles, you may not have time to compare all the options, making sure you get the best deal, and making sure all the details are in place.

Designers are not here to make decisions for you, but to guide and assist you in making informed decisions. Our training, knowledge, and experience will turn your dreams and expectations into reality. We want you to host a beautiful and distinctive event with no worries. Remember you should enjoy your wedding and remember it always as one of the greatest events of your life.

2004, All Rights Reserved, Sasha Souza Events, Do not reproduce without permission from author.
Sasha Souza Events was first established in 1995 and specializes in full service wedding and event design. Today, Sasha Souza Events is an Master Bridal Consultant, distinguished member of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC).

In 2004, Sasha Souza was honored by Modern Bride Magazine as one of the top 25 trendsetters in the wedding industry... being included with top industry pros such as Colin Cowie Lifestyle, Preston Bailey Event Design, Ron Ben-Israel Cakes & Jane Packard Flowers. She was also asked by Antonia van der Meer, the editor of Modern Bride Magazine, to take on a role in the prestigious Modern Bride Advisory Panel. Being considered among the top event design & coordination companies in the nation is a great honor and Sasha Souza always strives to create unique, fun and interesting events for the guests to experience.
In 2005, Sasha Souza will be the chair & host of the Special Event show wedding luncheon in Miami Beach, Florida which is sponsored by Special Events Magazine and Primedia Event Services.

Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies - Keeping Your Guest Comfortable

According to a survey conducted in 2003 by Bride's magazine, 15% of all couples choose an outdoor wedding, and that trend is growing. But with a all of the beauty and simplicity that an outdoor wedding brings, it also brings added anxiety from the force known as Mother Nature. Inevitably, the question on everyone's mind will be: What is the weather going to do?

So you plan contingency plans for everything. If it may rain the day before, have flat shoes ready for yourself and all of your bridesmaids. If it may rain the day of, have emergency tents ready to put up. But how do you prepare for heat and possibly humidity?

Heat is a tricky issue to deal with. Bringing in electrical fans may not be an option (depending on the ceremony site electricity may not be available), and if it is, is it really a viable option. With fans comes an unwanted dcor element, not to mention loud noise that may cause background noise on your wedding video!
Now you're asking yourself, what am I going to do? The answer is simple, and very cost effective. Incorporate a heat relieving solution into your ceremony by making hand fans out of your ceremony programs.

Step 1: Design and print your programs so that your ceremony information and events are evenly distributed on 2 sheets of paper, or, in a pinch, use your already printed programs and do the cutting yourself.

Step 2: Go to your local craft store to find a craft stick. The craft stick will become the handle for your fan. Craft sticks usually come in a plain wood color, however, you can match the color of the stick to your wedding theme with a simple visit to your local hardware store to buy spray paint that is complementary to your ceremony.

Step 3: Place your program pages back to back, with the craft stick sticking out from the bottom, and glue everything together. We recommend using a glue stick so the glue does not damage the program paper or alter its appearance.

Step 4: Decorate! After the glue has dried decorate the fans with satin ribbon, glitter, stickers or pre made bows. To add an extra special touch, use personalized ribbon that has your names and wedding date printed on it.

Voila! Your guests will each have their own personal NOISELESS fans to beat the heat, and you, will not have to compromise the beauty of your dcor.