Manic Monday: Compromising

Manic Monday by Alyssa Aiola

One of the most stressful aspects of wedding planning can be when you and your fiancé are on completely separate pages with wedding details and both have different ideas on what the day should be like. After discussing some of the details that you have disagreed on, the next step is learning how to find a balance and a happy medium for the both of you. Maybe you always imagined your wedding in a church while he wants to run to the courthouse or where to even have the wedding his town or yours? The surprising thing is the incredible variety of subjects over which disagreements can arise and how common this actually is. If the decisions are not handled properly it cannot only put a damper on your big day, but also on your marriage. The best way to handle disputes like this is to compromise. As long as you both understand in advance that you wont always see eye to eye on things and you both fight fair, there is no reason why any single dispute or even a long series of disagreements should rock the boat . Here are a few ground rules every couple should set in order to prevent huge blowups on tedious wedding details.

How to Compromise: Before you start overwhelming yourself with who wants what, sit down with your fiancé and start making a list of importance. As far as the ceremony and reception are concerned write down the top 3 things that are important to you. After comparing your lists of importance you will be able to start compromising. If he wants a small wedding but you want a big one, you can always hold a small ceremony with a big after party. Or, if he wants a destination wedding and you want to be home, simply have the ceremony out of town and the reception in your hometown.

World Outside of the Wedding: Now that you are engaged it seems all you can talk about with anyone is wedding details. It is important to set aside time to spend time with your fiancé and remind each other why you are doing this in the first place. Wedding planning can drive couples crazy and you need to learn when to turn the planning on and off so you don’t sabotage your engagement.

Pick One Topic to Fight On: With any type of argument whether it be big or small can have a snowball affect leading into other arguments and disputes. If you start a debate on who wants to have a 5 piece band versus a disk jockey, it is against the rules to turn the discussion into how one person is a tightwad while the other is a spendthrift. It is also not permissible to turn the conversation into how if you didn’t spend all your money on the expensive engraved invitations, you would be able to afford a 5 piece band. Focus on one problem at a time and don’t carry one problem onto the next.

You Both Still Win: Whether your final agreement comes to your groom wearing a rainbow tuxedo or your getting your food catered from the school cafeteria, your both still getting married.  At the end of the day the main goal is just to celebrate two people celebrating a new chapter of life together and regardless of the details that will be accomplished.

It is important to remember that this is the person you are planning on spending the rest of your life with and learning to compromise and communicate now will be a vital task in your relationship. With that in mind take a few deep breaths and learn to give and take, you will be able to find a solution you are both happy with!  Having problems coming to an agreement on your wedding details?! Reply to us and let us know, we will help you see eye to eye!

Manic Monday: Help From Your Maid of Honor

Manic Monday: By Alyssa Aiola

With the stress of your wedding day approaching it is understandable to have a few meltdowns and panic attacks, but that’s where you maid of honor should step it and take control!  Your maid of honor has multiple duties and automatic responsibilities the second she agrees to the commitment.  Besides just being the go- to person when it comes to guidance and getting a fresh perspective, it is also an extreme compliment to know you can put trust in someone on the biggest day of your life.   You never want to make your maid of honor feel like you are being a bridezilla, but you shouldn’t feel afraid to ask for some help! Below we have created an appropriate list of duties your MOH should feel compelled to take on so you have a seamless and stress-less wedding day.

Duties Pre Wedding

• Help search for the venue
• Help with invitation prep
• Help plan seating chart
• Go Bridal dress shopping/bridesmaids dress shopping
• Monitor all aspects of the bridesmaid’s dresses from fittings to deliveries
• Stay in control and in contact with all bridesmaids through the process
• Help create registry and spread the word about it
• Host the bridal shower
• Create a list of all gifts received
• Host the bachelorette party
• Be a guest at the rehearsal dinner

Duties on your Wedding Day

• Become an automatic therapist for any wedding day jitters
• Help bride get dressed
• Avoid any type of wardrobe malfunctions between the dress and veil
• Make sure photographer is following directions
• Observe that all deliveries and flower arrangements are prim and proper
• Safely hold grooms ring
• Create a toast to both the bride and groom ( after the best man)

Just by having someone else take on a few of these responsibilities you will feel a huge weight lifted off your shoulders. Remember that every bride has a different individual and unique relationship with their maid of honor and it is important to cherish it and avoid conflict, no matter how stressful things get.  Enjoy the biggest and best night of your life with your MOH and bridesmaids by your side.

Dealing with Vendors

Manic Mondays by Jennifer Diehl

Vendors play a huge role in your wedding! The flowers, the music, the food, the make-up and more! Hiring the right team of vendors is critical to planning your dream wedding. One of the most stressful parts of your wedding can be choosing the right vendor for you, along with your wedding ideas and your budget, so we want to make sure that you’re prepared.

How do I go about choosing a vendor?

Do some research; it’s always good to go into your first meeting with some knowledge of the company. Look at vendor reviews; this is where you’ll really find the truth. Ask people that you know if they’ve heard of them or worked with them before. Be sure to ask questions, and get all the details in writing.

What do I do if my vendors bail last minute?

Don’t stress out, if you have a wedding planner they will have a back-up plan, so you won’t have to worry! If you didn’t go with a wedding planner, then one of your bridesmaids should step up and try and solve the problem! Running to the local florist or supermarket and buying as many flowers as possible, if your florist is M.I.A. (We at Private Receptions have dealt with this situation) If your photographer or videographer is a no-show find someone with a professional camera and appoint them to capture the action.

It’s your wedding, who’s in charge?

It’s important to find a vendor who you trust and who understands your vision for the wedding. While you should trust your professionals, don’t let your vendors take over, you make the final decisions. Listen to their suggestions, because they may have some good advice but don’t let them change your overall vision of your day.

How do I know what to tip my vendors?

In most cases tipping a vendor is optional, but is definitely recommended especially if the service was good! Here is a quick guide to tipping each vendor.

Your Wedding Planner- The average couple will tip their Wedding Planner up to $500 or a give them a very nice gift. Send them a picture from your honeymoon and a Thank you note as well!

Hair Stylist & Make-up Artist- It is expected that you tip 15-20 percent just as you would in a hair salon.

The Photographer & Videographer- They don’t always need a tip, but if their service was great $50-$200 is standard.

With any vendor, the most appreciated gift would be a testimonial letter complimenting their services.

Vendors come together to make your wedding day go beyond your expectations, so make sure you trust them and get along with them. And if you’ve hired a wedding planner, they’ll make sure you don’t have to stress about anything!

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Relax With Yoga

Manic Mondays by Jennifer Diehl

Planning your wedding can be extremely overwhelming, there are not enough hours in the day to complete your to-do list. Kill two birds with one stone! Yoga is the perfect way for you to relieve some of that wedding stress, while also toning your body! Yoga can help you build muscle, develop strength and balance, improve flexibility and most importantly release tension, and induce relaxation! It takes very little effort and is perfect for a Bride-to-be!

If you decide to take on Yoga by yourself, you can purchase a Yoga mat at Sports Authority for as little as $45!

Throw on some comfortable clothes and follow a few of these easy Yoga positions!

• Bound Ankle Pose helps to open up your hips, and relieve inner thigh muscle tension

• Childs Pose is a very calming pose, which can put you into a deep relaxation

• Plank Pose helps to build arm and abdomen strength

• Side Plank Pose helps to build arm and shoulder strength while toning side abs

• Warrior II Pose helps to build leg strength and open your hips

• Dolphin Pose is a pose that calms the brain and helps relieve stress

Those are just a few of the hundreds of yoga poses used to strengthen, tone, and relax.

If you want the help of a professional here are a few great places to check out!

• Pure Yoga is a well-known Yoga studio in NYC where you can take a variety of different Yoga classes, or even enjoy a private one-on-one Yoga lesson.

• Yoga for Weddings is a company that aims to keep you relaxed and renewed for your big day! They have four great Yoga instructors in New York to fit your specific Yoga needs.

• Reflections Yoga is a NYC company that offers a large variety of classes and workshops to get you relaxed and toned.

Yoga is just one of the great ways to get rid of some of that wedding stress! It’s never to late to start!

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Email Invitations: The Do’s and Dont’s

Manic Mondays by Jennifer Diehl

In a time where people are shopping, ordering dinner, and paying bills online; is it acceptable to send out invitations online?  The answer can get a bit sticky.  For a girls night out; yes!  A super bowl party; Sure!  A dinner party; why not?  For your wedding invitation?  Not recommended.  Yes, you might think that it’s a “green” alternative, but there are plenty of stationers with recycled paper options.  There are also some etiquette taboos involved:

• Not everyone has an email account, or checks it regularly. (Trust, me it’s true!)
• It’s very easy for you to misspell their email address, then they will never get it!
• Your email can fall right into their spam folder, and never be seen.
• Emailing wedding invitations is not very personal.  Your wedding invites should convey your colors and theme of the wedding as well as the couples personal style.  This is more difficult to do with a e-vite where you’re often limited to their selections
• Wedding invitations are often hung on refrigerators, and saved in scrap book for memories; you can’t quite do that with an online invitation.

Paper is still the better solution, but if you DO decide on E-vites here are a few tips to follow!

• Be sure to double check that you have the accurate email address!
• Make sure you include all of the important information (who is hosting, where, when, and RSVP details).
• Proofread before you send it!
• Be prepared to follow up by phone if you don’t receive a RSVP
• Check with your family members to see if they’re comfortable with this solution…especially if they’re paying for the wedding!

Sending an E-vite can definitely save you money and time, and get you a quick RSVP. (Well, sometimes)  An online wedding invitation can also allow you to link to your wedding website for directions and other pertinent details.  The downside is, not everyone (your Great Aunt) will understand what to do with an e-vite.  Whether its print or online the only important thing is you that you keep it stress free!

 

A Helpful Guide to Writing Your Own Vows

Manic Monday by Jennifer Diehl

Writing your own vows can be not only fun but very intimate! This is something you’ll remember forever. It’s an opportunity for you to express your inner most feelings towards the man you love… So where do you start?!

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Here are a few great tips for writing your own vows and a little direction on where to start.

Some questions you should ask yourself:
– When and where did you first meet?
– At what point did you fall in love? Describe the feelings you felt!
– What have you learned from one another?
– What qualities make your love unique?

Tips:
•Be sincere-these words should come directly from your heart!
•Keep it short and to the point- your vows should only be two or three minutes long, you don’t want to bore your guests with your entire love story.
•Avoid clichés- people have heard these before so many times… It’s not original! Remember be sincere, and make it your own!

If the inspiration isn’t coming to you, try taking the traditional “to have and hold” vows and change some of the wording to make them your own.

Whatever route you choose, as long as you’re speaking from the heart, your love for each other will shine through.

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Ready, Set, Relax!

Manic Mondays by Jennifer Diehl

When planning a wedding it’s easy to lose sight of the real reason behind it all: your love for each other. After all, most of us don’t get married just because we want to throw an elaborate, glittering affair…unless our name starts with a “K” and ends with “ardashian”.  It’s completely normal to get caught up in the flowers, dresses (omg!), and invitations, but the most important thing is to take a step back and remember that this about the two of you and your future together.

Visit an old hangout
If you’ve ever reminissed about the place where you had your first date, or your first kiss, you’re familiar with that rush of nostalgic happiness. Why not re-visit those places where it all began? Nothing can make you un-stress more than revisiting the places that have special meaning to you. Bring back that feeling of freshness and excitement!

Do something you both love
Having a common interest or passion for something will keep your relationship strong! Make time for those things that you love to do, and do them together! It could be going to a baseball game, watching a Twilight marathon cuddled up on the couch, going out for some of your favorite food, or going to see your favorite band. Times like these bring the two of you closer while enjoying yourself and quality time together.

Enjoy a couples massage
What could be more relaxing than a pair of hands working out your kinks while your future hubby is right beside you? A romantic couples massage is the ultimate way to spend peaceful and relaxing time with your fiancé. You can easily put all the wedding planning stress out of your mind and enjoy each other’s company.  Bonus: that knot in your neck will be vanquished!

Planning a wedding is both exciting and scary, but when you begin to feel overwhelmed take a deep breath, remember how you feel about each other…and then call your planner if you need to vent! 😉

 

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How To: Avoid Beauty Blunders

Manic Mondays By Lauren Cooper

Beauty Blunders and How to Avoid Them

Melting or Fading Foundation

I get so frustrated when I put makeup on in the morning and by the time I come home, it looks like I haven’t even bothered.  In the summer it’s difficult to keep makeup from sweating off but sometimes the heat isn’t the cause.  Keep your look from slipping and sliding by using a primer without oil or silicone.  (Plus, it’ll clog your pores faster) Try Lorac’s aquaPRIME Oil Free Makeup Primer.  It’s water based so it goes on smoothly but don’t try to use it as a moisturizer.  You still need to hydrate before you put on the primer.

In-Grown Hairs

First, ouch.  If you’re treating yourself to a wax before your wedding but you’re worried about getting in-grown hairs, you’re not alone.  The best way to prevent them is to apply Prince Reigns’ Ingrown Hair Serum right after the wax.  It cools some of the burn you might feel and won’t clog your pores, causing more ingrown hairs.

Happy Feet

So your dance lessons have paid off but your feet are, well, less than enthused.  Restore your feet to a smooth, callous free state with Essie’s Exfoliating Scrub. After you shower, rub on a thick lotion and slip into cotton socks.  It’ll keep your feet super soft. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a relaxing pedicure a few days before the big day.  🙂  We want those little piggies smiling for the camera when you’re showing off your new shoes.

The Big Zit

This is probably my biggest wedding day fear.  Picture it, you wake up the day before your wedding with a whopper.  Don’t panic!  Stress will only make it worse.  Instead of immediately reaching for acne creams, try an antibiotic cream to ease the infection.  Acne creams will suck the moisture out of your skin, making it flaky and hard to cover up.  Try Neosporin in a cream, not ointment form.

To keep your body under control before the wedding, stick to your normal routine as much as possible.  Take walks, stay moving, it will keep the stress at bay.  Stick to a healthy diet and you’ll be the beautiful bride you’ve always wanted to be.

How To: Royal Invitations

Manic Monday By Lauren Cooper

By now you may have seen the invitations to the wedding of the decade.  (I’m talking Kate Middleton and Prince William).  If you haven’t you can check them out here, but I must say, I expected so much more from such a beautiful and stylish royal couple.  The wedding invitations set the tone entire tone for your wedding.  It’s how your guests know how to dress (black tie, or casual?), hints at what your wedding colors are (so your guests don’t match the bridesmaids)  and gives a reflection about the couple’s overall style.  I get none of this from the royal invite.  Greatly disappointed.  For those brides searching for the perfect invitation, check out some of my favorite stationary providers.

Ceci New York

Now, this screams royalty.  Ceci uses thick, creamy cardstock for her invitations that can be letterpressed or digitally printed.  (Letterpress is when the wording and graphic are imprinted into the paper, creating a more textured and dramatic look)  Designs are elaborate and chic without being gaudy. In fact, a few of the Private Receptions brides have chosen Ceci’s fabulous stationary for their own weddings.  While, the price is on the steeper side, you won’t be disappointed.  Ceci designers are even willing to work with you to create a custom design and matching accessories.  (Bellybands, pocket invites, etc.)  Royal Wedding Worthy? Yes!

Ceci New York

Wedding Paper Divas

I can’t get enough of this site.  They offer exclusive designs from some of the top stationary designers and are amenable to a variety of customized options.  Here you can find everything from the stylishly simple, to rich and elegant designs.  They even provide a line of eco-friendly invites, made from recycled paper for those brides going green.  Their three different collections cater to a variety of tastes and, more importantly, budgets. So if you’re splurging on, say, a fab band, you don’t have to stress over stationary.

Twig & Fig

Born out of Cali, this stationer features couture invitations oozing elegance.  Completely based on your vision, the designers at Twig & Fig work with you to create the perfect wedding invitation.  They feature a variety of luxurious papers and invitation accessories to suite your every whim.  Want a belly band of ribbon with a charm attached?  No problem!  A wax seal to elegantly close the invites?  They have that, too.  Stop in at one of their New York store locations or call to make your own invite suited for royalty.

Want to see what some hot designers thought up for the real Royal Wedding?  Click here.

The Necklines Have It!

Manic Mondays By Lauren Cooper

Just as there are different silhouettes for the dress of your dreams, there are just as many necklines to choose from.  The most popular, of course, is the strapless, but don’t we all want to stand out?  If you’re stuck on your look, check out these neckline options.

Photo credits clockwise from left Vera Wang, Jim Hjelm, Allure Bridals, Alvina Valenta, Maggie Sottero

Off the shoulder
There is something classic yet sexy about this neckline.  This style is great for women of all sizes and really highlights your arms and collarbones.  If you’re self conscience about your upper arms, I’d try a portrait neckline instead.

Portrait
Very similar to off the should but a bit closer to a boat neck.  This neckline sits right on the tip of your shoulders and covers a bit more of your arms.  Again, this is great for different sized women.  It’s also great for smaller busted women, because you can easily allude to a larger bustline with some extra cush in the dress and show off your great shoulders.

V Neck
This cut can be modest or sexy and is definitely a bold choice, as not many bridal gowns are v-neck.  Beware though, this style is best on B or C cupped women.

Strapless/Sweetheart
While V Neck is reserved for medium sizes, Strapless and Sweetheart are most flattering on women with more decolletage.  😉 Sweetheart necklines often have gauzy material that rises over the heart shape of the neckline, and really gives the torso a longer, leaner line.

Scoop Neck
This is actually one of my favorites.  It flatters everyone and is a little out of the ordinary. Often times the scoop in the front will continue in the back, which can be modest or it can plunge which is super fun and sexy.

Regardless of what you feel will look best on you, don’t forget to go shopping with an open mind.  You never know what might look great unless you try it on.  Happy shopping!