Tenero

When Not to Skimp: Wedding Costs and Why They Are What They Are

I know. The word "wedding" immediately adds a 100% mark up on everything from dresses to favors to food. But what are the vital things that really do cost that much? I was reading this great blog on Huffington Post Weddings that gave on tips on 10 Things You Never Say to Your Stationer. **pssst! Read it, it really is that important! There are other things that you should look out for. Cause you know the saying, "you get what you paid for!" 

1. A floral bouquet and arrangements should be the same price across the board. Sure, you may need to shop around for the best price. But don't think that buying bushels of flowers yourself is the same as paying a professional to do it. Unless you have the know-how and tools to do it right, you don't want to risk having wilted flowers half way through your day. A florist knows best! Photo: Zen Art, $175, Floral Art LA

2. You've heard that all the big department store brands make the same formula eye shadow for drug store prices. But one area of make up that you should never mess with is foundation - especially on your wedding day.

Professional photos capture every detail and your skin shouldn't be skimped on. A number of things could go wrong from choosing the wrong shade, to getting cakey, cheap results or just melting off your face under the sun or lights. Make sure to talk to someone that knows about each foundation's formula and which one's the best for your skin type. Photo: Chanel at Neiman Marcus

3. Which brings us to the photographer. If you think that paying someone's cousin to take photos for $200 is good enough, then go for it. But event photography is one of the hardest jobs out there. In order to light people evenly, there has to be the right amount of light timed with the proper exposure (my husband's a photographer).

Sit down with your partner and make a list of what you can't live without in a photographer. Do you really need him or her to offer a book or do you want all the rights of usage? You'll pay extra for that. But once you narrow down what you can't live without, you can shop for photographers from there. This is one area you don't want to skimp on if you can help it. 

For everything else, there's always wiggle room and every situation is different. Just don't forget to keep your eye on the big prize - a great day of celebration. Dancing and food are all that really matter to the guests (or so I've heard time and time again). Good luck!

 

Vintage Stamps: How to Make an Impression on Your Invitations

The moment it arrives in the mail, I'm examining the paper, the liner, everything. I loooove receiving a celebratory piece of snail mail and nothing tops a wedding invitation. I painstakingly addressed mine in white ink on navy envelopes. It looked so dashing and just slightly different enough to stand out from the rest. I coordinated with art-themed stamps. But had I had more time, I would've opted for coordinating ones. It's a little bit of effort (and math) to use older ones but the charm makes it all worth it. 

Verde Studio based out of Pennsylvania specializes in vintage stamps no longer in production. Here are some of the amazing results. 

Love, Kisses  |  Pink, Love  |   Roses  |  Wildflowers  |  Circus

Aren't these incredible? Almost makes me wish I still had my stamp collection...

 

Best Man: A Bachelor's Weekend

I know. This can be a touchy subject. And there is the age-old cliché of what a bachelor party is supposed to be. I like to think that we as humans (women included) have moved past these benchmarks a la "The Hangover".

When my husband was at the helm of his best friend's wedding along with the groom's brother, the two of them brainstormed for something unforgettable. Since it was such a varied group of men getting together, it was agreed that they all liked to...drink. Photo: CyniCritics 

That said, he didn't want it to be all about just getting sloshed. So he devised a two page list much like a scavenger hunt of all the Chicago's best food and drink establishments. It was a hit and they traveled all over town to mark off items as they went along. Here are some other ideas that I've heard along the way. 

A Sporting Good Weekend - Throw in some good ol' competition and a baseball/basketball/football weekend is always a great time. If you can go for the splurge, a box is an even better way for the menfolk to bond. Photo: Britannica Blog

The Spa - Yes, you read that right. Don't scoff. I've never met a man that didn't loooove getting a pedicure. After you've dragged them there the first time, that is. Many men want to get pampered but may not have the courage to go on their own. Grooms are just as stressed as the bride but don't always get to unwind. As the best man, treat him (and yourself) to some spa services. 

The Great Outdoors - Camping, where everything from starting a fire to setting up sleeping, takes more time and effort is an unforgettable bachelor event. Whether you rough it with backpacking or just pitch a tent next to the car, the groom will appreciate this slow pace compared with the frenzy of the wedding. Photo: Tiffany Lane Handmade

If you know of some great bachelor ideas, share them with us! xo

MOH Post: Plan a Bachelorette Party that's NOT a "Bachelorette Party"

I realized a while back that a lot of these posts involve the Maid of Honor. Not only does she have to know all the plans that the bride is making, she’s just as invested in seeing the day off without a hitch. Today's post is especially written for the Maid of Honor. 

My bachelorette party was, shall we say, over-the-top. I had no expectations of the typical paraphernalia or naughty items, but somehow my  MOH and girlfriends still filled the bills and then some. In actuality, it was one of the most incredible and hilarious times we’ve ever had together and I’ll never forget it. She even invited my fiancé at the end of the evening – such a  nice surprise!

These days, the champagne limo and raucous dancing are still fun. But many brides-to-be are looking for something more low key and possibly even more memorable than a night out on the town. If you’re an MOH looking for something outside-the-box, here are some examples:

A (muddy) Spa Getaway – A spa day is typical and expected pampering for the big day. But what about jumping into hot springs or a mud cave? Before my wedding a couple friends and I headed to Glen Ivy Spa tucked in the Santa Ana Mountains, (just 60 miles west of Los Angeles), to delve into the mud springs (which is incredible for your skin). You enter into the red clay and rub it on your entire body including your face. It draws toxins and dirt out of your skin naturally and when you wash it off in the outdoor cave showers, it sloughs off dead skin. If you can get out there, a day to lounge around the spa and use the springs is just $46 Monday through Thursday, $59 Friday, weekends and holidays. 

Such resorts also offer massage and facials as well as healthy dinners and snacks – a real treat to detox and relax. You could do this at home too with stations set up all over the house. See my post on DIY treatments that are affordable and rewarding. Photo: Glen Ivy

Cooking lesson and wine sampling – If you’re a foodie like I am, then cooking is an enjoyable pastime. Whether you bring in a chef to cook the meals or learn next to them, having a day to prepare your own meals is a fantastic setting to reconnect with your bridesmaids. This is especially true if they’ve traveled to see you and otherwise won’t get your full attention at the wedding.

Talk to the chef in advance about your likes, dislikes and allergies. Also consider healthy options that won’t go out of your usual eating habits or calorie count. You don’t want to over induldge after you’ve been working so hard for your wedding day. Photo: Designer-Daily

A crafty evening – DIY has been a huge trend for a while but it no longer has to look DIY. **Refined and classic is really trendy right now!** If your dream votives are out of reach, you can find a way to make them with the help of your friends. Plan an evening of glue-guns and crepe paper but don’t forget a theme or color scheme.

Throw some craft paper down for tablecloth and draw on placemats with names for table settings. Serve simple finger foods like vegetable crudité and parmesan meatballs. Reach for easy one-hand foods to eat while you craft the night away. And don’t forget to award the ladies for all their hard work with their own goodie bags. Cheers! Craft paper via Amazon, $26.49

 

How-To: Accessorizing Jewelry with Your Dress

I love all kinds of jewelry. From low to high, they can transform your look so much. You know you need accessories for the wedding day but how many pieces and what kind? It all depends on the style of the dress. 

1. Crystal and pearl drop necklace, $64 |  2. Pearl necklace with antique detail, $41 | 3. Chain link bracelet, $106

Strapless

If you’re going with a strapless bodice, I always opt for larger earrings and no necklace or small stud earrings with an eye-catching necklace. These can be real statement pieces to break up the lack of fabric on your upper body. Ruched strapless gown, David's Bridal, $199

Long sleeves

For the bride that wants a classic Kate Middleton gown, pair lace and long sleeves with small droplet earrings or the must-have pearl necklace. You don’t want to distract from the intricate detailing in your dress. Via People

Short hemline

For the modern bride that’s thinking short and flirtatious, you can really focus on non-traditional accessories like a hairpiece, multiple stacked bracelets and bold earrings. 2012 Spring Fashion preview via Martha Stewart Weddings 

What ever your style, remember that balance and not over doing it are key to looking elegant on your day. What did you wear to your engagement party, wedding and honeymoon? Share your stories and photos with us!

Hair Maintenance: How to Grow it Out for the Wedding

My hair grows like weeds.  In the last five years I’ve gone from elbow length locks to a pixie cut back to long layers and short again. But I knew for my wedding three years ago that I wanted to wear my hair up, which meant accelerating hair growth. Ok, how do you do that?

I took multivitamins and got regular trims. Even though it may seem counter productive, getting your hair trimmed half an inch every 6-8 weeks allows your hair to look healthy and encourages strong hair instead of brittle, breaking locks. After all, your hair is made up of protein like your nails so you have to nurture it the same way.

Another great tip, (and we're not sure if it works for hair growth but we're not going to argue this one), is a good head massage. Lather up in the shower and massage your head or have your fiancé rub your head using slow, constant pressure. Can you say, aaahhhh...

My favorite shampoo and conditioner is Redken Real Control. It made my hair feel, well, like hair. It actually would swing when I tossed my hair. (Believe me, I don’t do that too often).

I knew that I wanted a soft, romantic side bun adorned with something understated but glamorous. I carefully tousled my hair with mousse and air-dried it making sure not to over handle, causing the mousse to flake. Then I pulled it to one side at the nape of my neck and twisted into a loose bun. I inserted bobby pins on all sides letting a few pieces come out. I sprayed with hairspray and voila!

The next day I wore my hair down for the family brunch. I had a soft headband but I'd love a 

What's your hair-do and how're you achieving it? Send me some photos! xo

**The Water Lily hairclip is perfect for that. In white or ivory, it’s the perfect complement to waves or a sideswept updo and a keepsake for later.**