Bridal Veils

Some of you will have the debate in your wedding planning on if you are going to wear a veil or not. For me this was never a question I was going to wear a veil with a blusher its something that just meant wedding to me, and my look would not be complete without it. In my search for the right one I got overwhelmed with the choices. So I found a great resource that has most types listed and a good explanation of them.

Blusher Veil: or a two tier veil
This is the short veil worn over the bride’s face. It usually falls just below the collarbone and above the bust. The blusher veil tends to measure between 24 to 26 inches from the top of the headpiece to the hem of the veil. When measuring for the veil the hairstyle of the bride should be taken into consideration. The blusher veil was designed to demonstrate a bride’s innocence and modesty, so it continues to be a popular choice for most first-time brides. However, even second and third-time brides choose to wear a blusher veil. Because it hides the face, it adds to the drama of the ceremony. Traditionally it was held that the groom would lift the blusher veil to kiss the bride at the end of the ceremony. However, today many fathers choose to lift the blusher veil to kiss their daughters prior to “giving them away” to be married at the altar.
Fly-Away Veil
The fly-away veil is multi-layered, and it just brushes the shoulders. It is a less formal bridal veil that should be worn with a less formal gown. However, it can be paired with a formal gown that has a lot of detailing down the back.
Birdcage Veil
More common for older brides, the birdcage veil extends to just over the chin. It tends to be made of Russian veiling (a wide-open weave of netting). This type of veil tends to go very well with cocktail dresses or dinner suits often worn at civil ceremonies.
Elbow-Length Veil
Just as it sounds, this veil extends down to the elbow. It can be single or multi-layered. With the multi-layers they are cut to the same length or 1 to 2 inches apart with two to three layers.
Fingertip Veil
The fingertip veil is the most commonly worn style, because it is the most flattering to any bride and gown. The veil extends to the bride’s fingertips and can be worn through the ceremony and reception with ease.

Ballet Length Veil
The ballet length veil extends down to the ankles, but never touches the ground. It is flattering for women wearing a sheath gown or a gown without a train.
Chapel Length Veil
The chapel length veil is best worn with a gown that has a chapel length train. This veil extends 6 to 12 inches beyond the train of the gown. Since this veil make it difficult to move around easily, it is best removed before the reception.

Semi-Cathedral Veil
Best worn with veils that have a cathedral length train, this veil extends about 6 to 12 inches beyond the end of the train of the gown. Since this veil extends beyond the gown, the veil is best detached before the reception.
Cathedral Veil
Again, this veil is best worn with the train that shares its name, and it should also extend 6 to 12 inches beyond the end of the train of the gown. Also, this veil should be removed before the reception.

and another that is popular now is the Mantilla veil. Here is a link to the history that I found.

Mantilla Veil

The mantilla is most often associated with Spain, where it was originally made popular by Queen Isabel II in the mid-1800s. After Isabel's reign, mantillas became less popular, except in Andalusia where women wore them during Holy Week, meetings with the Pope, and other religious events. This, perhaps, influenced use of the mantilla veil in Catholic and other weddings today.

Picking a date.

First off did you know that next to Valentines day, the most popular holiday to get engaged is Christmas? Third is New years Eve. So here on the end of Christmas and the start of the New Year I thought I would talk about picking a date. So your dear, sweet wonderful, boyfriend, is now your fiance. Congratulations. But what is next. The biggest question you will hear when showing off that beautiful ring is when is the wedding? So before you jump the gun and start telling everyone a date lets consider somethings.

1. Where is your wedding going to be? Is it inside, outside, in the North or the South? you don't want to pick a date in June in Texas with a mid-afternoon outdoor wedding. Its just traditionally too hot. No one wants their guest to remember their wedding for the heat stroke they got.

2. Make sure your venue is available. If getting married at a certain place is high on your list make sure its not booked already.

3. Make sure the most important people can be there on your big day. If your parents have another commitment that they can not change you will want to see about changing your plans before you tell everyone your plans.

4. Consider holidays. This can be to your advantage or disadvantage so think about it first. A holiday weekend wedding may allow more of your guest the freedom to come, but at the same time prices might be higher for hotels and availability for your vendors might be more of a challenge. I recommend if you want a holiday wedding give yourself at least eighteen to twenty four months to plan the wedding.

5. Consider big events in town. For Austin where I do most my weddings, you have to deal with South by Southwest music and film festivals, ACL music fest, as well as many others. Check this out before setting a date.

In taking a few minutes to really plan your wedding date and not just pick the first thing that comes to you. It will make the rest of your planning so much easier and stress free.

Happy Planning.

Emily and Jordan 12/20/08

Saturday Emily and Jordan had an elegant Victorian winter wedding. We had a great time working with this couple and am honored that they let us be a part of their day.
Here are some of the details:
Church- St. Davids Episcopal this was such a beautiful church and the coordinator, Roxanne, was wonderful. She worked so hard and we were right on time.
Reception-Caswell House this was a great venue. beautiful home. It was decorated all up for Christmas and was beautiful. The caretaker also stepped in as the bartender and did a fabulous job.
Flowers- Eden's Echo- Wow she did a wonderful job at capturing an elegant Christmas wedding without it being cheesy. I look forward to working with her again in a few months.
Photographer-Lisa Woods now and then photography-I finally had the opportunity to work with the fabulous Lisa Woods. I have heard so much about her and finally had the chance to work with her. I can't wait to see the photo's. I see why people are so relaxed around her.
DJ-Byrne Rock- once again he kept the floor packed and the music rocked. He is so much fun to work with. I look forward to a next wedding.
Caterer-Johnny Carrino's- Fabulous. The food was great and the service was amazing. They went above and beyond and were prepared for anything.
Cakes- The Cake Pan. I liked these cakes a lot. The brides cake was Italian cream and so yummy. The grooms cake was a light moist chocolate with raspberry filling and it looked like a runway. They sculpted an airplane for the top of it. It looked great even had lights on the runway.

Photos by Lisa Woods click here for more photos on Lisa's Blog

Exciting times

I have been busy with this move and ignoring my blog and so sorry for that. I wanted to let you know the fun and exiting things going on with the company.

Last week I spent a morning filming spots for expertvideo.com it was a lot of fun. I filmed thirty one to three minute spots on various wedding topics. I will let you all know when they are posted.

They called me back and wanted me to do some Christmas stuff but with the more I just did not have a chance.

I also got a call from the producers of Bridzilla's looking for dificult brides. I was glad to be called. I don't have any difficult brides and I like to think that none of my brides would ever be on that show.

My husband is waiting for me to have my own wedding planning show. I told him he was dreaming but he likes to think big.

Hit and Miss

I wanted to apologize to all for being so hit or miss on the blog and emails this last week. Also I wanted to say it may be this way through the weekend. We are planning on getting in to our new place by the end of this weekend. I wanted to be moved and settled by the time of our next wedding next weekend so I can concentrate on it.
Also we wanted to be in place by Christmas and have our first Christmas in the new house.
I am so excited that I have found so much of my wedding items that I forgot I had. I really can't want for everyone to be able to use them.
I am in the process of returning calls and such. Be patient with me and know that after this my life will be back to normal.
Oh and I spent all morning yesterday morning filming how to videos as a wedding expert for expertvillage.com I am thrilled to be asked to do this and I think it went really well. We shot over 30 segments. It will be awhile before they are edited and up online. I was thrilled to work with the local film group Make Productions. They were so easy to work with.
Well have a great week and I will try to be back to wedding blogging very soon.

Wedding Workout.

I know that shortly after the thrill and excitement of the proposal wore off I had more than just wedding planning on my mind. My weight. I was overweight and knew that I was never going to be a size 2 bride, but I wanted to look my best on my wedding day. I crash dieted and got on the exercise bike nightly. I have bad knees and other workouts were not going to work for me. Well I dropped the weight to a place I was happy with on the big day, but felt like dirt. The crash diets and excessive exercise really got to my body and I was tired and worn out. I can say that most of that weight was added back on within six months of my wedding and that was depressing.

So what is a girl to do? Start as early as possible so you have time. Weight loss works best when its done slow and over time. Weight loss also needs to be a change in the way of life not just a diet. If you can consult with your doctor, or a nutritionist for the best changes in your life. In my life portion control was best. Eat what I like but less of it. I also limited foods that were fried and high in fat (the holidays are an exception but again only in moderation).

No diet change will be enough. Our bodies were made to move. We need exercise. Even if not tyring to loose weight its good for us. Well you need to create a simple workout that you can keep up with and enjoy. You can always step it up later but start simple.

I have found that what works for me is water aerobics. You don't realize how much you are doing or burning because you are not sweating. The water keeps you cool. At the same time you build muscle and burn fat. It is lean muscle and you don't bulk up. I have been attending a class now for three months and can say I honestly have seen some great results. For example I weigh myself on Monday's only. So this Monday I hit the scale looking for the damage after thanksgiving. I was down three pounds. I did make sure I have three workouts in before the meal but didn't do anything Thursday-Sunday and expected the worst.

I move better now and have great energy and am enjoying life so much more. My knees don't hurt so bad when I run with the kids and am thinking of trying some other non-water workouts but will only step it up a little.

That said good luck make smart choices and remember your fiance asked you to marry him not expecting you to shrink before the wedding. He loves you even with the curves.

What diets work for you? What workouts do you enjoy?

Moving.

My family will be moving this month into a new house. I am a little overwhelmed with the amount of stuff I have in this house. We are lucky and can make it a slow move, but still we will get to the point that it has to be done. One thing that will be coming is a photo inventory of decoration items that I have for you my brides to use at no additional cost. With the move I am getting it all in one place instead of in various corners of the house. I have found bags of things I have picked up at craft sales that I forgot I had, so I can pass that on to you. Thanks to several of my generous past brides my collection is growing with each passing wedding. So be watching for the items soon. Just to let you know a few things I have

I have 12 brown and white large gingham checked table runners (as seen in photo)

I have 17 small square vases (3x3 inch I think)

I have many other clear glass vases in various shapes and sizes

I have 6 tall tin buckets (used for floral centerpieces) (as seen in photo)

I have small, medium, and large mason jars used for candles. (as seen in photo)

I have a silver/pewter serving tray (oval platter style)

I have a large cut crystal punch bowl (I have a few cups for this but not many might be enough for a small shower)

I still have to inventory overlays and table cloths and ribbons and thanks.

Michaels Crafts Deals

Michaels ad is also concentrating on Christmas deals but I wanted to give you the link to see what they are offering as well. Check it out here

Hobby Lobby deals

I would have to say its a weak sale week for Hobby Lobby as far as Bridal uses go. That does not mean there is not some good deals there. They have a lot of Christmas deals. To see full add click here.

Some items you might be interested in are as follows:

1.99 a yard for organza fabrics. Great for arches, overlays, runners, sashes, etc.

50% off Jewelery Making supplies. If you are planning on making any jewelery for yourself or wedding party.

50% off ribbon by the roll

50% off floral stems, dried naturals, swags, flowering and green bushes.

50% off scapbooking. Good time to get pages for table numbers and such.