Wednesday, November 28, 2012

DIY Bridal Hairstyles



Don’t have 200 dollars to spend at a salon on your hair for your wedding day? Then don’t! There are many elegant and easy wedding hair styles you can do on your own.  Of course, the last thing you need on your big day is more stress, so frugal brides should focus on simple styles that will hold up through the ceremony and reception.
Check your bathroom, most of the materials you will need for the perfect wedding day look you probably already have! They include:
·        -1” curling iron or rod
·       -  Metal Double prong hair clips
·       -  Hair spray
For a full head of long flowing curls on your wedding day, follow these easy steps:
1.       Starting at the root, begin to curl hair, twisting the hair, and adding more until the entire iron is covered with hair.
2.       Gather the curled section and pin with metal clip.
3.        Continue to do this to the bottom section, moving up through the entire head, until the head is completely set. Rotate sections around your part, curl the front away from the face, to achieve a softer, modern look.
4.        Let hair set for 20 minutes, spray lightly with hair spray.
5.        Start releasing the hair from the bottom up, keeping the curl intact as you go and spray hair, lightly, after all the curls have been released.
6.       Gently, with your fingers, pull through the end of the hair to soften and release the curl.

What's the Deal with the "First Look?"



It is getting more and more popular for the bride and groom to-be to have a sneak peak of each other before the actual ceremony. This is completely nontraditional, but that’s what is so fun about it! What generally happens is the groom will be standing in a certain area with his back to the bride and she will come up behind him and surprise him. There is a photographer standing nearby to capture every moment.


So, I’m sure you’re wondering, “How do I find out if this is for me?” There are several ways:

  1. If your wedding reception and ceremony are at the same venue – This will allow you and your guests to flow right from the ceremony into the reception without that awkward waiting time until pictures are done being taken. You can still choose to take several pictures with your husband after the ceremony, but it can be a more limited amount.
  2. You are getting married after daylight saving’s time – The sun sets sooner after daylight saving’s time ends, so it will be important to the photographer to have a significant amount of light left in order to get the best pictures possible. If your ceremony is planned around the sunset then, chances are, you will not have very much time between the ceremony and reception to capture your pictures before the sun goes down.

I’m guessing that one of the first things that comes to your mind is, “Will it still be as emotional when I actually walk down the aisle?” The answer is YES! Many brides have decided to do a “first look” and have claimed that it does not put a damper on your big moment walking down the aisle. One bride even said that her husband started crying even more than earlier that day. The “first look” isn’t designed to take anything away from your time to shine; it is designed to give you and your husband to-be a chance to experience the beauty of each other in an intimate setting without all eyes being on you.

Top 10 Things to Remember the Morning of Your Wedding



1) Make a schedule – Have your maid of honor help you figure out a schedule for the entire day so that you will be sure to stay on track. It is easy to let things linger on or rush through the events that should require more time.

2) Eat breakfast – I know that you will be worried about eating anything before putting on your beautiful dress, but it is important to have some nourishment in your body to start the day off. It will be difficult to eat dinner at your own wedding – because of nerves, people wanting to chat, etc. – so, try your best to at least have a small breakfast.

3) Reception viewing – Take time to sneak a peak of the decorated reception area because, chances are, it will be hard to enjoy all of the little details when are actually at the reception.

4) Pop a pill – Take a Tylenol to start your day! I know this sounds a bit strange, but it works. By the middle of the day you will be feeling tired, worn out and achy and you would have wished you had some extra strength medicine to keep you going.

5) Keep hydrated – Drink plenty of water! Do not neglect this. We want you feeling at your best on your big day and we don’t want dehydration to get in the way of that.

6) Perfect isn’t reality – I know it’s hard to think about something going wrong, but start your day with a positive attitude and mindset. Something may not go just the way that you envisioned it, but that is okay! You are surrounded by those you love and try to focus on the bigger picture.

7) Write a letter – Take time to write a letter to your groom before the ceremony. Tell him how excited you are that this day has finally arrived and that you cannot wait to get the show on the road!

8) Say thank you – Say a big thank you to your bridal party. Chances are, they have done a lot to help you get to your big day smoothly. They have been there since day one and it will mean so much to them if you take a minute to show your appreciation.

9) Delegate – Don’t feel like it is your responsibility to get all of the last minute details completed on the morning of your wedding day. Delegate those jobs to the wedding coordinator, bridesmaids or mother. They will be glad to help.

10) Breathe – Take a minute and just – breathe. It will all be okay. You have spent so much time and energy planning this wedding and it is going to be a glorious day. You are getting married to the man of your dreams and are surrounded by family and friends who love you. What could be better?

Monday, November 26, 2012

Tis the Season



The holiday season is officially underway, my jeans are feeling the effects of Thanksgiving feasts, my family and I dominated Black Friday sales, and right now I am being serenaded by Michael Buble's Christmas album. I am slightly overwhelmed at all there is to do in the next month, but i'm so excited for Christmas and the various holiday weddings I will attend or see pictures of!

I don't know about you all but this is one of my favorite times at Something Blue. We loved preparing our fall issue, getting to set up barn receptions, and the list could go on and on. You can check all of that stuff out in our latest issue, which we are working on putting up in a working PDF version online too! Get excited!

Like I was saying, fall is great, but i'm all about winter weddings. There is something different about them, they almost feel magical in a way. It may be the hopeless romantic mixed with the Floridian in me, but the snow falling, cranberry centerpieces, the winter greenery and twinkly lights; ah, it's too much! We've been pinning away for our winter wedding ideas, so if your big day is coming up in a few short weeks make sure to check that out for some quick DIY ideas!

I am going to work on some new crafts and recipes for you guys to try this winter, whether it be for your wedding or your new home and first holiday as a MRS (how exciting!) So keep checking back for those quick tips, and feel free to Tweet, Pin, and Facebook us!

As always, we would love to see your engagement and wedding pictures so post them on our Facebook page and share any tips or questions you may have.

Love you all and happy planning!

-Lindsey