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Bride’s Bootcamp – Calves

Why White — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:22:29 +0000

Plié Squat with Calf Raise

Sometimes with all the focus on stubborn thighs, our lower legs (our calves) are forgotten. But they are just as important! Besides, a toned pair of calves looks absolutely fantastic with a tea length wedding dress, especially when accentuated with a pair of heels!

To get toned calves, try this challenging but very effective exercise. It’s a compound exercise, which means you get the benefit of several workout moves in one. Work your inner thighs, butt, AND calves at the same time!

Position yourself for a plié squat. Keeping your butt back, abs in tight, and head looking forward, sink into a squat. As you reach the bottom of your squat, lift up onto the balls of your feet. Hold, then lower your feet back down and return to your squat start position.

Perform 10-15 reps. Rest. Repeat two more times.

Make this move more challenging by holding a dumbbell.

How to select the perfect DJ for your wedding reception!

Why White — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:52:48 +0000

Hiring the right DJ for your wedding can determine whether your event is a huge hit or not.

One of the first things you should do when searching for a DJ is to get references from family, friends, coworkers, and even the reception hall where you are holding your event. People who have gone through this experience and who you know and trust are your best resources, so ask around. Once you have your recommendations, it is time to begin the interview process.

You should interview 3 to 5 DJs for your big day. Ask if you can see videos from any previous weddings they have done so you can see a quick sample of their work. However, keep in mind that they will likely show you their best work, but at least you will be able to see their style to determine if it is right for your reception. If so, take it one step further. Ask if they have any gigs coming up that you would be able to stop by at, maybe at a different event.

If you like their style and decide to pursue the interview further, here are some important questions you should ask your potential DJ:

How many years of experience do you have?
Are you familiar with our venue?
Are you going to be the DJ we get if we hire you, or will it be one of your partners?
Are there overtime or other fees we should know about?
What attire will you wear?
Will you play CDs we provide?
Where will you set up your equipment?
Do you require a meal?
Do you have song request forms for us to fill out?
What problems have you encountered at other weddings? How did you solve them?
Are you insured or a member of any professional associations?

A DJ's talent should be more than just getting the crowd pumped up or making announcements at the right time. They should know everything that is going on during your wedding. Therefore, it is important to follow these tips when hiring your wedding DJ.

Budget Saver – Invitations

Why White — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:16:27 +0000

Photo Credit: Flickr/y-a-n

With invitations, you are already spending hundreds of dollars just to let friends know your wedding date and invite them to your wedding. And you haven’t even gotten to your actual wedding yet! Save some much needed cash with DIY invitations! And get the chance to create them exactly how you like.

Several options are open for you to use when creating your own invitations.

Do you have a close friend or family member who is talented at design? Have him create your invitations on the computer and then print them out. This could be his wedding gift to you.

If you are into stamping, drawing, embossing, or other creative card work, why not make your own invitations from scratch?! This could be a very time consuming project if you have many guests to invite, but the invitations will be extremely special. Enlist a creative friend to help or start working on your invitations early enough to get them all out in time. If you have a smaller guest list, this would be a very feasible option.

Print invitations online. This isn’t quite as creative as making them yourself, but you can still pick colors, font, wording, etc. Check out DIY invitation websites, such as Invitation Kits Direct, where you can print off invitations for under a dollar a piece! Or Formal Invitations for invitation templates and ideas how to embellish. (Note: if you are using vellum, be sure to give the ink plenty of time to dry after printing the wording out)

Send out wedding postcards. Though postcards are simple, they can be elegant or playful, depending on the design of the card. Include your engagement picture for an added touch. Postcards are extremely economical. They are cheaper to mail and you cut back on the cost of envelopes. Because postcards don’t have much space for details, be sure to include your wedding website. Then on your website, give the extra details which usually go on all the extra paper included in invitations, such as the location, maps, gift registries, RSVP, etc. This drastically cuts down on paper and postage costs!

While save-the-date cards are growing in popularity right now, consider skipping them. You will be saving money and another wedding detail to figure out. If you want to send out announcements before your invitations, consider using email or ecards.

Gorgeous Wedding Dresses for a Black Tie Affair.

Why White — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 06:29:20 +0000

Photo Credit: romanticgowns.com

For brides who desire a truly elegant wedding, a black tie affair is the perfect option. Black tie is a style of evening wear for special occasions, with wedding receptions being at the top of the list. The significance of black tie attire originated in the Victorian era. People wore such attire as a symbol of leaving the dirtiness of riding to special events on horseback behind them. Once the automobile was invented , black tie apparel evolved into a clothing style mostly reserved for social occasions that embodied being neat, clean, and attractive.

Photo Credit: romanticgowns.com

Needless to say, black tie affairs are very formal events immersed in tradition. These events can be any size, from private and intimate to large and extravagant. They may be held in a private ballroom, a cathedral, or even a castle.

One of the reasons brides choose to have a black tie wedding is for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to wear a fabulous, full-length gown that is accessorized to the nines.

Photo Credit: romanticgowns.com

The look of the bride will be a key element in setting the stage for a black tie affair. If you are planning such an event for your upcoming wedding, there are some important tips to keep in mind when you begin shopping for that perfect dress. The most important guideline to follow is that your gown should be extremely elegant. The ideal silhouettes for a black tie wedding are either slim, intricately detailed sheaths or very full ballgowns. You should also be looking for lavish fabrics such as alencon lace or duchess satin. Dresses with very long trains are also perfect for this type of ceremony.

You should also take the time to choose gorgeous accessories that accent and complete your classic look, such as Swarovski crystals that will sparkle all night long. Your jewelry should complement the neckline and details of your gown. Attention to details like these will polish the look of your elegant black tie wedding.

Wedding Dress For Your Vintage Wedding!

Why White — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:29:15 +0000

Is a vintage wedding in your future? If you are looking to add special elements to your big day, having a vintage affair is a great way to do so. Many brides are inspired by vintage weddings because they are appealing and charming. While it may be more challenging to plan a genuine vintage wedding as opposed to a more modern affair, there are numerous websites and sources of invaluable information available on the internet and elsewhere if it is something you are considering.

Photo Credit: romanticgowns.com

Of course, one of the most important aspects of planning a vintage wedding, as with any wedding, is finding the perfect gown. Whether you are looking for a classic vintage gown from the Victorian era, a retro-inspired frock from the 1970s, or simply a more modern dress that is vintage-inspired, the right dress will be a gorgeous focal point for your old-school affair. Vintage dresses are available in various styles, colors, and fabrics such as handmade lace, silk chiffon, and organza.

Photo Credit: romanticgowns.com

Vintage wedding gowns feature exquisite workmanship and beautiful details, typically for a fraction of the price of comparable, more modern wedding dresses. However, it is important to avoid wedding gowns that have stains or need repairs. Take time to stretch the fabric of a vintage gown, examine it thoroughly, and make note of any stains, tears, or weakening of fabric. Stains that have been sitting for many years may be nearly impossible to get out. Also, vintage fabrics are tough to match with modern ones, so it will most likely be difficult to patch or repair a damaged gown. However, if you find a dress you love that is in need of repairs, a skilled seamstress may be able to fix it, as long as you are prepared to pay up to a few hundred dollars.

Photo Credit: tiffanyrose.com

You may even be lucky enough to find the perfect vintage dress in the closet of your mother, grandmother, or other family member. If the gown is not as fashionable as you’d like, specialty dressmakers can breathe new life into old vintage, dresses without compromising an inch of their charm. Vintage gowns can be restored, adapted to modern trends, and personalized with the addition of intricate details.

Whatever style you have in mind, one thing is for certain: a vintage wedding dress is the perfect answer for brides who want to wear something completely original for their big day.

How to Pull Off a Unique Color Scheme

Why White — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:21:41 +0000

Just like all of the other aspects of a wedding, the right color scheme reflects the style and personalities of the bride and groom. Choose a color scheme that is not only a reflection of yourselves, but also of your big day.

You may simply use a favorite color as inspiration, or you might pick colors which harmonize with your seasonal palette. Another great way to choose wedding colors is based on what kind of “feeling” or theme you want your wedding to emanate.

Let’s start with the easiest one – your favorite color. In order to make a huge impact on your big day, implement your chosen color as much as possible. From the flowers to the bridesmaid dresses to the food, make sure all of your guests don’t have a doubt as to which hue makes you the happiest. After you decide on your favorite color (which shouldn’t take much thought), choose an accent color that complements it. For example, let’s say your favorite color is green. A great complementary color would be brown. While it might not sound like the prettiest color combination, green and brown are natural earth tones that are especially pretty for an outdoor garden ceremony in the spring or summer.

The next method to choosing a color palette is to base it around what season your wedding will be in. Spring weddings are the most popular, so let’s use that as an example. There are so many options, from pastels to bright colors, which tend to work well together no matter which ones you choose. Let’s say you prefer bright colors, but don’t want your choices to be too overpowering. There are ways you can add pops of neon color that make a big impact but do not distract from the elegance of your big day. If you can’t choose just one, why not have a whole rainbow?

The last method is to choose colors that pop into your head when you think about the theme or vibe you would like your wedding to have. For instance, say you want to have a classic vintage wedding with a twist. Instead of choosing the ever popular powder pink, go for a peach shade instead. Add some gray accents, and you have a gorgeous vintage affair with a unique and modern twist.

Find the perfect beach dress for your destination wedding!

Why White — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 07:07:10 +0000

There are not many places in the world that are as romantic as a gorgeous beach. Destination weddings – where a couple flies to a beautiful tropical island to say their “I Do’s” against a stunning ocean backdrop – are gaining in popularity. If you are thinking about having a wedding with an ocean view, you will need to find the perfect beach wedding dress.

Photo Credit: romanticgowns.com

Because destination weddings are usually less formal than church weddings, beach brides typically choose dresses that are more appropriate for the environment – but just as beautiful. Sleek, casual, and informal dresses look elegant and classy for beach weddings. Poofy headpieces, full formal skirts, and glitzy beading are not required. Many brides feel these styles are too over the top for an oceanside affair. Of course, your day will not be any less glamorous or special than church weddings. You will simply just want to go with a different style of dress.

Photo Credit: romanticgowns.com

One of the best things about beach wedding dresses is that they typically take much less time to order than more formal dresses. In many cases, they can even be purchased off the rack. Alterations, if required at all, are generally very minimal.

Because simple, casual dresses are ideal for beach weddings, brides may save hundreds of dollars by choosing more informal dress options. Stylish dresses do not have to cost a lot of money. Keep an eye out for style elements such as light materials, floral detailing, and colored accents that fit your wedding.

Photo Credit: romanticgowns.com

Informal wedding dresses can sometimes be found in traditional wedding specialty shops. However, you might have better luck finding your perfect beach dress by exploring other places. During the warmer months of spring and summer, you most likely will find a variety of suitable dresses in department stores and clothing boutiques. If you are searching for a dress during fall or winter, it may be more helpful to take your search online.

If a beautiful beach ceremony is your dream wedding spot, an elegant, casual affair is ideal. With the perfect dress and the perfect husband, the only other detail left to wish for is the perfect sunset.

Budget Saver – Homemade Favors!

Why White — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 08:59:34 +0000

How many times have you left a wedding and dumped your favor in the trash after getting home? Don’t let your wedding favors fall into the same cheesy category. Get creative and make up your own favors which are both meaningful and useful. Ones guests will truly appreciate and remember. Plus, you will be saving some money yourself.

Some of the cheapest and most useable favors are edible. Food is fun, and it’s hard to go wrong with a creative treat!

- Bottled water: Put your engagement picture with your wedding date on bottled water. This is especially a hit if your wedding is on a hot summer day!

Photo Credit: Anna_174

- Carmel/candy-covered apples: What’s more tantalizing than carmel-coated apples?! Easy—and fun!—to make. Push a popsicle stick into a apple and roll in hot caramel. Leave apples caramelized, or roll them in graham crackers, sprinkles, your favorite candies, nuts…the list goes on! Gently wrap in cellophane.

- Chocolate covered coffee beans: A coffee connoisseur? Share your love of coffee with your guests. Plus, coffee beans are cheap to purchase.

- Chocolate dipped biscotti: You can bake biscotti a month in advance and freeze until the wedding. Pull them out in time to thaw, wrap them up, or set them out in jars for guests to munch on on their way out.

Photo Credit: tnswedding

- Cookie bar: Bake up bunches of your favorite cookie recipes, place in labeled baskets (or jars), and provide guests with their own snack bags to pick three or four cookies to take home. Definite hit! (Hint: To make baking easier, make cookies with similar ingredients, i.e., chocolate chip, oatmeal. Bake ahead of time and freeze.)

- Hugs and kisses candy: Wrap a few hugs and kisses candy and tie with a note saying, “Hugs and kisses from (your names).”

Photo Credit: Segars1106

- Rock candy: Easy to make, colorful, and tasty—plus very creative!

- Wedding mints: If you’re making your own mints, wrap several in cellophane with a coordinating ribbon, and place them at each guest’s plate (or hand them out as guests walk into the reception room)

Creative Edible Favor Ideas

Why White — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:23:54 +0000

Choosing the perfect favors can be one of the most fun things to do when it comes to wedding planning. Using favors to enhance their wedding theme while at the same time giving small tokens of appreciation to their guests is something many brides really enjoy doing. Of course, having wedding favors is optional. Some brides choose to forego the stereotypical cheesy wedding favor altogether. If you’d love to have favors at your upcoming nuptials but would like to avoid the snickering of your friends, consider making unique, unexpected edible favors.

First of all, if you think your only options when it comes to edible favors are the standard white Jordan almonds in the tulle bag, think again. There is an endless array of creative ideas out there just waiting for you to make them your own.

Jars of jam or honey – Choose adorable little jars that are easy to decorate. Bonus points if you make your own preserves.
Candy buffet - This idea is awesome for several reasons. First, it’s easy – and whatever makes your life simpler while wedding planning is usually a welcome thing. Second, guests love it. Third, if done right, it can be visually stunning. Buy jelly beans, rock candy, M&M’s, salt water taffy, lollipops, chocolate kisses, etc., in your wedding colors (or a rainbow of colors!), and set them out in pretty dishes. Provide bags for guests to fill with their favorite candies, and that’s it – you’re done.
Personalized cupcakes – Who doesn’t love cupcakes? This is an especially easy option if you're already serving cupcakes rather than a wedding cake. They are easy to personalize with your initials, wedding date, pictures, or anything else you can think of. Have extra cupcakes made and put out small, decorative take-home boxes so guests can take home their own cupcake.
Fortune cookies with custom fortunes – Not only delicious, but also interactive! (Note: Check out these origami fortune cookies if you would like a non-edible option. Not as palatable, but oh-so-pretty!)
Home-brewed wedding beer – No explanation necessary.

It’s hard to go wrong with edible favors because they are delicious and appeal to everyone. Sending your guests home with a little reminder of how truly sweet your big day was is a great way to end the evening.

Bride’s Bootcamp Pt 11 – Jumping Rope

Why White — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 08:56:25 +0000

Photo Credit: kindallmarie

With your cramped wedding schedule, you need a quick calorie-burning cardio! Jumping rope will burn about 170 calories in just 15 minutes and tone up your thighs and calves! And, with only needing a two-foot clearance above your head, you can jump rope inside, making it a good exercise when the weather is not so perfect.

To find the right height of your jump rope for you, stand on it and measure it up to your armpits. Shorten your jump rope as you get more advanced. Can’t quite get the hang of jumping rope? Mix up practicing with the rope and then miming it. Consistent practice will make you a talented jump roper—just stick with it!

When jumping rope, keep good posture. Look straight ahead. And keep your knees slightly bent to relieve pressure on your joints.

To keep from getting bored, try different jumping techniques.

alternate feet (running in place)
both feet together
alternate one leg at a time
double unders (turn the rope twice in one jump)
run while jumping
high knees
butt kicks
side straddle (alternate wide and small stances)
side to side

Jump to music to keep up the pace.

For a cardio and strength workout, alternate between jumping rope for five-ten minutes and your favorite previous Bride’s Boot Camp toning exercises.