Planning & Inspiration

Next In Wedding Tech?

iPad wedding album by Darkershadesofbrown Photography

iPad wedding album by Darkershadesofbrown Photography

As the world waits for Apple’s announcement on September 9th, one thing is certain: whatever mobile, wearable, stylish gadget is introduced, tech-savvy brides will be among the first adopters.

It’s amazing to think about all the ways technology has been integrated into wedding planning and celebrations. Apps and online tools now streamline and enhance the planning process in ways the previous generation never imagined. Photos taken with smart phones and shared over social media channels are now so expected that couples who don’t want guests to share mention that request on their wedding websites. Read More

Planning & Inspiration

Michelle Phan's Best Wedding Makeup Videos

Michelle-Phan-Book-CoverMichelle Phan’s makeup, beauty and style tutorials made her one of YouTube’s biggest stars and have inspired millions worldwide. Phan’s first book, Make Up, is available for pre-order now and will hit shelves October 21st.

How-to wedding makeup videos are wonderful, even if you’re set on enlisting a professional makeup artist. One of my favorites from Phan, “Natural Beauty Wedding Look,” features interesting tips that I find myself using when I need to polish my look for an event after working all day. Her simple techniques, thoughtfully organized tutorials, and lovely presence keep viewers coming back.

In this next wedding makeup how-to, Phan kicks up the color and glamour for a red-carpet ready look. As she says, “Every bride is a star on her wedding day. Read More

Planning & Inspiration

Creative Ways to Use Estimote Stickers for Weddings

Image: Estimote.

Image: Estimote.

A new tool could help streamline the details of your most important events. Estimote Stickers allow your cell phone and other devices to track and interact with everyday objects. These colorful, miniature beacons sense movement, distance and temperature by sending radio signals with Bluetooth through Apple iBeacon. A step beyond wearable technology, this is nearable technology or “Nearables.”

As soon as I read that kits of ten stickers are available for pre-order I started to think about how they could be used by brides and wedding planners. Centerpiece vases, cake boxes, and gown bags came to mind immediately. Knowing exactly where everything is and when vital components arrive, without so much as sending a text, could ease minds in the hours leading up to the ceremony. Read More

Planning & Inspiration

Wedding Etiquette: MOG

“There she is, the woman you will, in a manner of speaking, soon be committing your life to.” No, this is not a thought fluttering around inside the Groom’s head as he gazes mesmerized at his soon-to-be-Bride. This is your own self talking to YOU Miss Bride, while you are looking right at the MOG.

motherOfGroom
Ok, so what is the MOG? Well, the MOG stands for the Mother-of-the-Groom. I am going to resist the urge to make any jokes about getting mobbed by the MOG during your wedding planning, as well as the actual ceremony and reception. Ok, maybe that was one little joke. I just could not resist!

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Planning & Inspiration

Pop! Balloon Magic for Your Wedding Design

When you think of the different kinds of parties you have been to in the Tri-State Area (or even elsewhere), you may associate balloons with carnivals, clowns, and peewee birthday parties, certainly not weddings. You wouldn’t be wrong, but you would be missing out on what balloons can do for the more grown-up affairs. With the right design, placement, and color scheme, balloons bring elegance, charm and sophistication. It is true! Here are four creative ways to add a majestic air to your wedding, with these festive, ethereal orbs.

  • For Sophistication, it is all about color. Or, even, absence of color. Stick with lighter, more pastel colors or whites and clears. Our brains register paler and fainter hues as calming, whereas brighter hues register as more exciting, but in the case of balloons, more carnival-like. This is especially true for pale pinks versus bright reds. The only exception to this may be blues, however. The brain sees most blues as calming, so if you opt for solely darker or more vivid blues, be aware that these tones can drag the mood down.  Here is a great way to work with white balloons for sophistication, straight from the gallery of high-end balloon designer Balloon Artistry:
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Planning & Inspiration

Bridesmaids 2.0

While those who we might choose as our bridesmaids at our weddings may not change with the seasons, the trending wedding apparel we see for bridesmaids is always transforming. The choices are dazzling and endless. For that reason, narrowing down how you make your choices, and being aware of what your bridesmaids may want and need, is a decision that requires some extra consideration.

Ruching

Ruched Red Taffeta Red Layed Strapless Short Bridesmaid Dress-0

Firstly, you want your bridesmaids to feel beautiful in what they are wearing.  The dresses should be flattering and comfortable. No amount of makeup or jewelry can complete a look more than confidence and appeal. One stylistic element that works on just about everyone is ruching. Ruching’s diagonal pattern brings the focus of the eye inward, creating a stream-lined silhouette.

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