Makeup for the Picture Perfect Bride

What girl doesn’t love makeup? I sat down with makeup artist, Sabra Mizzell of Willow Salon in Charleston, SC, to find out what makeup you should be wearing on your wedding day! 

Now we know every bride wants to look picture perfect on their wedding day, but did you know that a certain type of makeup and application can make your photographs even more fabulous?! If any of you are believers in beauty tips from the stars, you have probably heard of silicone-based airbrush makeup. Silicone-based airbrush makeup was originally created for film, and has been a favorite of brides ever since. Sabra recommends airbrush makeup to all of her brides because it is simply “tear-proof, sweat-proof, and photographs like a dream!” For all you ladies with sensitive skin, good news- it is hypoallergenic and provides great coverage! Sabra’s go to airbrush makeup is created by Temptu, a favorite brand of runway shows, television, celebrities, and all her beautiful brides. 

For the brides who prefer a standard application of makeup, there are a few things you should know. Standard application uses a medium coverage foundation, which normally contains SPF. The SPF causes light to reflect, creating a white cast over your face. To photograph flawlessly on your wedding day, it is important to apply a foundation that is SPF-free. SPF-free foundation is recommended because it absorbs light, creating a natural glow - making you a picture perfect bride.

You can read more about “Tips to Avoid the White Cast of Sunscreen” on Beautylish.com. 

Photography by Rick Dean Photography LLC

Engagement Party Gift Etiquette

 Engagement Party Gift Etiquette

Engagement parties are weird. Okay, so they’re actually pretty normal but what I mean is, the gift etiquette is often unknown or undisclosed, leaving guests confused as to what is most appropriate. Plus, couples probably don’t feel comfortable asking for specific gifts or price ranges; it often feels awkward.

In order to determine an adequate gift budget, reflect on the circumstances of the wedding, as well as the circumstances of your friendship. Also consider the couple and their relationship, and use that information to your advantage.

For Couples

You’ll be receiving plenty of gifts closer to the wedding, and your guests aren’t loaded, so mentioning that gifts are “completely optional and unexpected” is a great way to show you appreciate their kindness.  

Couples who would like gifts at the engagement party can mention their registry on the invitation, as a polite way to send the message “ a gift is appropriate at this party”.

Whatever you decide, don’t leave it unsaid. That’s when nobody knows what is going on, and one person spends half as much as someone else does.

For Guests

If you’re in the wedding party, you can help with the party. Maybe make a dish, buy drinks, or offer to clean up after guests leave. You can pair this with a small gift, as the couple knows you’re already spending a lot on going to their wedding, let alone the wedding shower and wedding gifts up ahead.

If you’re a guest, getting an average gift at a modest price is appropriate. It’s more important to get something that shows you know and care for the couple than to give an expensive gift. Many guests give two smaller gifts, one at the engagement party, and one at the reception. Couples are often so happy to see their guests that they’re not focused on what you spend on them.

Fun and Silly Wedding Ideas: Witty invitations, photos, and more!

Wedding News: Humorous invitation goes viral, even passes royal baby!

A Chicago couple held a memorable and fun ceremony, by jesting with their guests. Doing something a bit “out there” can be a memorable experience for everyone; this couple took full advantage of their collective wit and charm. They did it by teasing their guests with a bit of humor before the ceremony.

Attendees of the Kerr/Sabina wedding received a rather unique invitation in the mail. When asked for their RSVP guests were encouraged to select from a few witty and creative responses. Attending guests could select comical options like “I’m in your wedding party, idiot! Wait, is this optional?” or “Two Words: Free Booze”. Guests who were unable to attend the ceremony were prompted by a playful guilt trip stating, “I’m lame, on a scale of 1-10, my lameness would be in the 9.5 to 9.8 range”.

(read more here)

Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with your wedding invitations, photography, music, and stationary!

Katie Kerr, bride, told abcnews that she just wanted to have some fun with her invitations, and so she did. It all depends on the couple, but if you’re the type that likes to tease and banter, you may want to take a page out of the Kerr/Sabina book of wit.

Obviously, with the invitation gone viral, copying these exact options would put your invitations at about a 9.9 on the lame scale, but mimicking the idea in your own way could be a lot of fun! Even if your invitations don’t suddenly go more viral than the birth of the royal baby, you’ll still make your guests chuckle and smile for your special day.

A few ideas you can use to make your own include…

I will attend:

_I plan to object

_My presence is your present

_It depends on the bridesmaid dress you picked

_I’m only going for the cake/booze/pretty bridesmaids (circle one)

_I’m too polite to say no

I cannot make it because:

_A slight jab at the guest for not coming, but nothing overly mean

_Joke about a well-known fact about the bride or groom

_Celebrating alone (for those who live far and can’t make it)

_Other:__________________________________________

 

A Note on Wedding Invitation Etiquette

Once you're engaged, you have a lot of (fun) work to do to plan your wedding. From choosing the date and your bridal party, and finding a florist, venue, and caterer, the decisions you'll need to make may seem never-ending! Once you have decided on when and where you'll be strutting down the aisle and popping open the champagne, it is time to think about the invitations. While the colors and design are important in tying into the overall look of your big day, equally important is the wedding invitation etiquette.

Below is an infographic on Wedding Invitation Etiquette. With tips about the host line, request line, reception information, the insert and the rsvp line, this resource is a great tool to use when finalizing your wedding invitations.

(Source: Simply Bridal)