If we're honest, from the moment "The Big Question" is asked we begin to plan our wedding. Some of us start planning long before … but regardless of when you begin to plan out your special day, you want everything to be perfect and uniquely yours. From selecting the perfect coif to match your dream dress and from pre-wedding day beauty prep to finding the ideal wedding party gift, this writer has curated some tips to help you keep your day relaxed, magical and special.
Now that you've found the perfect dress, you've got to figure out the perfect coif. Turning to Marlene Montanez of Glitz & Grammar, Marlene offers her expertise for hairstyles that will really show off that gorgeous gown. "When I started dress shopping for my wedding, one question that came up again and again as I tried on dresses was, 'How will you be styling your hair?'" shares Marlene. "To be honest, the question always caught me off guard because I knew there was only one answer … It depends on the dress!"
Marlene continues with some rather logical advice. "Your entire wedding look, including your jewelry, veil and wedding hairstyle, should absolutely match with the wedding dress you pick!" If you're freaked out, don't be, because Marlene and Latest-Hairstyles have shared some amazing tips for coordinating your hairstyle to your wedding dress with ease.
- Backless Dress - Backless wedding dresses are very on trend. And opting to go this route, you'll likely want to show off that sexy back! Consider an updo for your wedding day hairstyle, or an ultra-glamorous low side pony with curls, to give your back the spotlight.
- One-Shoulder Gown - A one-shoulder gown is great for showing off fabulous arms and a little skin, so don't have your hair covering that up! A half-up half-down wedding hairstyle is a great way to balance off this asymmetrical look.
- Strapless/Sweetheart Dress - Strapless and sweetheart-neck dresses are still some of the most popular wedding dress styles. The good news is, they not only flatter just about every figure, they work with just about any hairstyle, too! If you are having a [religious] ceremony or concerned about showing too much skin, consider a long hairstyle instead of a half-up or formal updo.
- Casual/Beachy Dresses - If you are having a beach wedding or a more casual affair, embrace the relaxed vibe with a non-fussy look. Long hair styled in beachy waves or even loose braids and half-up half-down looks are perfect for beach weddings.
Now that you have your hairstyle figured out, what about pre-day skin prep? Or gifts for the wedding party? Or what to do if one of the million possible mishaps occurs? Well, this writer can't give the answers to everything, but she can certainly pass along a little advice.
Obviously you'll want to put your best face forward; so pre-day skincare is a must. Merlot Skin Care, featured on The TODAY show with Kathie Lee and Hoda, is a family-owned and operated brand with its products made in the USA. That aside, the entire Merlot Skin Care line is cruelty-free and incorporates the healing benefits of natural red grape seed antioxidants, which are gentle and effective. Regardless of what skincare line your choose, you need to begin a solid skincare regimen a least two-weeks before your big day.
Next, you can't forget amazing gifts for your wedding party. Atelier Cologne offers gorgeous Coffret Voyage gifts sets that are perfect for both the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Atelier Cologne's latest offering is a unisex fragrance, Grand Néroli Cologne Absolue. The Coffret Voyage gift set ($85) includes a 30 ml Cologne Absolue and its own handcrafted leather travel case, a soap and a selection of 4 postcards samples in a Venetian blue gift box. If you're looking to make your wedding really unique, match Cologne Absolue with a personalized leather travel case and use them as place cards for your wedding guests!
Lastly, you'll want a back up for all the things that may go awry (Maid of Honor, This one's for you!). From Pinch Provisions, which actually has an entire page dedicated to "wedding emergency" kits, The Bridetastic ($75) Kit is the McLaren (sans the price tag) of emergency kits. Boasting 101 wedding day essentials, The Bridetastic Kit has four removable compartments -- beauty, fashion, personal care, and bridal -- that are neatly organized and contain absolutely every item one can think of to solve the worst wedding day emergency.
Hopefully, we've offered you some great ideas to make your wedding day as beautiful as your love. The companies referenced within are simply a location point and while each gifting suggestion is perfect, in and off itself, it isn't necessary to go over your wedding budget in order for your wedding to be special. After all is said and done, let your wedding be about you and your betrothed!
