Steampunk Fashion: I Do Moments

I Do Moments

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Hi friends! Let’s face it. With the rising popularity of Instagram, Facebook and the like social media is here to stay and now has an official role in weddings – if you’re comfortable with it. If you’re okay with your wedding photos being shared publicly, the best way to organize all of this is to create a wedding hashtag. Here are some tips:

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Make sure it’s unique. Type your hashtag options into Instagram and see if they’ve been used before. It’s much harder to keep track of your photos if your hashtag is already in use! Inside jokes or puns, amalgams of your names (ala #Bennifer), or including the year or date of your wedding are some easy ways to set your hashtag apart.

Use it early in the game. Get the ball rolling by using your hashtag when you post any sneak peeks of your wedding décor or wedding planning. Be sure to make good use of the hashtag at any events leading up to the big day — like the bachelorette party and bridal shower.

Publicize it! Your save the dates and wedding website are both appropriate places to show off your wedding hashtag. To share with guests on the day of, include some cute signage with your hashtag at the bar, near the guestbook and/or by the photo booth (if you have one). Cocktail napkins with your wedding hashtag are also a really cute detail.

Exercise caution. Instagram can be all fun and games until someone gets hurt! Kidding. But do tell your wedding party and close friends and family to refrain from posting photos of the bride before she walks down the aisle. This is especially key for anyone who will be in the dressing room with her. The dress is supposed to be a surprise!

A wedding hashtag is a great way to easily see some wedding photos before you get the professional shots from your photographer. Enjoy!

xox,

Mindy

Header image via (and printable sign available from) Etsy/AModernSoiree

8 questions to ask your wedding photographer

Hi friends! Your wedding photos will last a lifetime, so choosing a good photographer that meets your needs is pretty darn essential. You’ll want to make sure you get some recommendations, check out portfolios and, of course, meet your potential photographer in person (personality is critical!). Besides the obvious topics around cost, availability, etc., h...

What style of photography do you prefer? Some photographers don’t love doing those posed portraits and prefer a more artistic photography style. Make sure your photographer loves the style you prefer.

How many hours are included in your package and what’s your rate for extra hours? It’s best to know what overtime charges are, especially if you really want the photographer to capture things at the end of your itinerary – like your exit.

How many weddings do you book per day? If he’s obligated to another event on your wedding day, get all the details on where he’ll be coming from and what the backup plan is.

What happens if you’re sick or can’t make it? On a similar note, ensure there’s some sort of plan in place in case of any last minute emergences where your photographer can’t make it.

Do you bring your own lighting? Ask whether he will use the available lighting or if he plans to bring his own. Just make sure any equipment isn’t too obtrusive or distracting from your décor.

How will I get my photos? Some photographers will post photos on their own password-protected sites while others will deliver physical proofs.

Who owns the copyright to the photos? If the photographer owns the copyright (which is pretty typical) and grants you certain usage, this means you’ll have to order prints through the photographer. Be prepared for that extra cost!

Will you be posting my wedding photos on your website or social media? This is important to address if privacy is a concern.

Above all, make sure you and your bride partner mesh well with your photographer. You’ll get better shots if you’re comfortable and relaxed, after all!

xox,

Mindy

Header image by Simone Photography

Hi friends! Destination weddings can be the experience of a lifetime – both for you and your guests. But given the foreign location and varied costs, it can be a little more difficult to create a budget for a wedding abroad. Here are a few sneaky costs you should account for:

The planning trip(s). You and your partner should plan to make at least one t...

The planning trip(s). You and your partner should plan to make at least one trip to your destination to scout out locations, vendors and more.

Excess baggage. If you’re bringing a lot of wedding-related items with you, you’ll likely exceed the standard baggage allowance. Watch out for those baggage surcharges…or try to spread some items among close family or members of the wedding party.

Shipping costs. You may decide to ship some items ahead of time to your wedding site – especially if the rental selection is limited. Account for these shipping costs plus the cost of duty if your wedding is out of country.

Phone bills! Double check your cell phone plan, not just for roaming charges when you’re traveling for the wedding but also for all those out of country phone calls to your wedding planner (if you have one) and any vendors.

Lodging and accommodations before the big day. You’ll need to travel to your wedding location several days in advance to take care of any last-minute items so be sure to budget for hotel and meal costs during this time.

Now if you want to save a few bucks, consider celebrating your honeymoon at the same destination location. Even if you decide to move to a different hotel or resort, you’ll save on airfare.

xox,

Mindy

Header image by Ira Lippke Studios

Hi friends! Wedding websites have become a staple in the wedding process these days, but many couples ask me what the purpose of a website is when you’re already sending out an invitation with the 411 on your big day. There’s actually a lot of crucial information your guests need that usually isn’t included on the invitation. Unless you want to spend the days leading up to your wedding fielding countless questions via phone calls, texts and emails, use a wedding website to efficiently communicate some of these details.

Here’s what you should consider including:

The itinerary. You’ll include the basic date and time on your invitation, but now’s your chance to get more detailed.

Travel & accommodations. Out-of-town guests will appreciate details on the closest airport, recommended modes of transportation and hotel suggestions (especially if you have a room block with a reduced rate). Any nuances about traffic are also helpful here.

Directions to the ceremony, reception and any other related events. Include specific information for those that are driving or taking public transportation (if that’s an option). If you’re providing any shuttles, include that info as well.

Local attractions and activities. Another detail that’s great for those out-of-towners. Provide some suggestions for fun restaurants, museums, or other local activities they can do on their downtime.

Registry information. It’s considered improper to make any reference to gifts on your invitation, so your wedding website is the perfect place for this. Don’t forget to include a link!

Attire guidelines. Women, especially, will appreciate these specifics! In addition to noting whether the event is formal, casual or something in between, include details about the weather and location. Guests will want to know if the festivities will be outdoors or if the ceremony will be on the beach so they can select proper attire.

Your wedding hashtag. Only if you’re comfortable with your photos ending up on social media, of course. If you’re planning an unplugged ceremony and/or reception, your website is a good place to note that – in addition to including signage at the wedding.

Your love story. Have fun with your website! Post at least one photo of you as a couple (a great chance to put those engagement photos to use) and consider including some fun details about how you met, the proposal, or even some fun facts. It keeps the website more personal and gets guests excited about the big day.

If you’re uncomfortable with the world having access to all this information, most wedding websites have a password protection option. Just remember to relay that password to your guests – your save the dates are a great place for this.

xox,

Mindy

Header image via Flickr/Amancay Maahs

Involving Pets in Your Wedding: All the Logistics

Hi friends! This week, a fun story has been trending about these bridesmaids who ditched bouquets to hold puppies down the aisle. So adorable! I’ve had lots of couples lately who want to involve their furry friends (usually a puppy or dog) into their big day. It can be really cute, but there are a number of logistics involved. If you’re thinking about in...

Consider your pet’s temperament. Is he a calm fellow or does he tend to get really excited and difficult to wrangle around lots of people and commotion? You likely won’t be able to change his behavior in time for the wedding, so if he’s an energetic little guy you may want to avoid incorporating him into the actual ceremony. Have him around for the reception (if it’s outdoors) or just for some cute photo opps.

Check with your venue. Before making any big plans, check on your venue’s pet policy. Outdoor venues are usually more likely to be flexible with pets, for obvious reasons. Some may require an extra fee or deposit.

Assign a “babysitter.” You will not have time to look after your furry friend – it’s your wedding day after all! Assign a trusted friend, family member, or member of the wedding party to be in charge of your pet. Make sure it’s someone your pet is comfortable with (and vice versa). This person can make sure he’s fed, pottied and exercised while you’re being pulled in about million different directions.

Have treats on hand. This will be a stressful and exciting day for your pup! Ensure his “babysitter” has some of his favorite treats or toys to reward the little guy at the appropriate times.

Arrange for overnight accommodations. You likely would’ve needed to do this anyway. Many hotels (if you’re staying in one) aren’t pet friendly and your wedding night is best kept a human-only affair. Make sure someone’s available to take your pet home that night or transport him to his pre-arranged accommodations.

If this sounds a little too much for you to take on, incorporate your pet into your engagement photos! An adorable picture of you as a couple with your pooch (or any other pet) would look fantastic on your save the date.

xox,

Mindy

Having an “off-site” wedding? Read this first.

Hello friends! Weddings are considered “offsite” if the space doesn’t have a commercial kitchen or basics like tables, linens, dinnerware, etc. Think outdoor and indoor places like beaches, parks, urban lofts, open fields and more. Off-site weddings are some of my favorites because you really get to bring it all in and get super creative. But there are...

Make sure it’s within your budget. You really need to bring in everything from tables and chairs to chandeliers and lighting so while the venue rental itself may be cheaper, these other expenses add up!

Don’t forget about the nitty gritty. Depending on your location, you may need things like flooring, portable toilets and generators. You’ll also need to arrange for ample parking.

So, a one-day rental may not cut it. If the setup is extensive, you may need to rent the site for additional days to cover setup and break down. Check if the site is available before/after your big day and be sure to ask about any additional fees.

Permits! Don’t forget about this small, but very essential detail. If your location holds weddings and events often, they’ll likely know about the process. Otherwise, do your research – every city is different. On a similar note, check on insurance requirements. Sometimes the rental fee will cover insurance, otherwise you’ll need to purchase extra.

Inquire about any and all restrictions. Some areas may have noise ordinances and others may only let you work from a list of approved vendors. Read all the fine print and ask plenty of questions.

Make sure you have a place to get ready. If there aren’t designated rooms at your venue for the bride, groom and wedding party to get dressed and primped and you don’t live close by, consider booking a few rooms at a nearby hotel.

I know it may seem like a lot, but don’t get discouraged! Off-site weddings can be insanely gorgeous and with a little foresight and planning, you can have the event of your dreams.

xox,

Mindy

Header image by Ira Lippke Studios .

Cool video: 100 years of wedding cake trends

Hi friends! Wedding trends come and go (and then come back again!) so it’s always fun to look back at how certain aspects of weddings have changed over the years. Mode just released a video that shows you 100 years of wedding cake trends in under three minutes.

Check out the fun video with the cakes designed by Gabrielle Feuersinger:

I can tell y...

Check out the fun video with the cakes designed by Gabrielle Feuersinger:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iurRGE2Y5e8&w=560&h=315]

I can tell you from experience that cakes in the 1980s were certainly as over the top as they showed! I must admit, though, I was surprised by the 2016 cake. I’ve been seeing more rustic chic style or even naked cakes in today’s weddings. But I think the point is that wedding cakes today have become ways for couples to really showcase their personalities, whether that’s a simple white creation or a color explosion as shown above.

Which cake was your favorite? I actually loved the sheer elegance and simplicity of the 1916 cake.

xox,
Mindy

How to Involve Your Groom in Wedding Planning

Hello friends! Weddings are often touted as the bride’s “big day.” But what about your lovely groom? A wedding is supposed to celebrate you both as a couple, after all! So how do you make sure your groom is represented in your nuptials…and get him involved in a little bit of the planning action? Read on…

Give him choices. This is especially hel...

Give him choices. This is especially helpful when you’re stumped. Narrow down your top picks for, say, the wedding theme or location and ask for his opinion. It’s much easier to get him to voice an opinion if he has options!

Have him weigh in on the menu. Is there a certain family recipe of his that can be included? Does he have a favorite snack or dessert that can be served? Make sure he’s represented in the food.

…and the booze. In fact, consider putting him in charge of the bar. He can select his favorite liquors and perhaps come up with some crowd-pleasing signature cocktails.

Let him manage his groomsmen. This is one aspect of the wedding you can stay out of as much as possible. Shopping for attire, the groomsmen gifts, their lodging, etc. should all be left up to your groom. Just make sure their attire is in line with the vibe of your big day – you don’t want the groomsmen showing up in tuxes to your casual beach wedding!

Put him in charge of the honeymoon. You can certainly give your input, but have him take the lead on travel, hotels, restaurants, picking activities and more. Chances are, he’ll have a blast planning the vacation of a lifetime! And you can focus your firepower on the big day.

In general, play to your fiancé’s strengths. Is he a great organizer? Have him help out with the seating chart. Does he have fantastic penmanship? Looks like he’s lending a hand addressing the invites and writing thank-you notes. Just be sure to involve him in some way with the planning process. You’re gonna need all the help you can get!

xox,

Mindy

Header image courtesy of Flickr/xlibber

Hi friends! Wedding favors are an age-old tradition that act as a way of thanking your guests for celebrating this new chapter in your life. While they’re certainly a nice gesture, I’ve seen way too many couples go way too bonkers over them! In fact, if your budget is just way too tight or you find yourself losing sleep over them, just nix them altogethe...

Make it edible, drinkable or useful. Think a sweet snack your guests can nibble on during the ride home or a mini bottle of liquor they can enjoy during the event – not something that will end up in the junk drawer as soon as they get home.

Reflect your personality. The best favors are those that reflect you as a couple or some aspect of your relationship, history or wedding. Give out a specialty food that’s related to the location or seasonality of the shin-dig (little packets of hot chocolate for a winter wedding, for example). Or give out your grandmother’s legendary cookie recipe along with a sampling of the sweet treat.

But avoid stamping it with your name and wedding date. Unless it’s of the edible or drinkable variety (meaning, it’s ultimately disposable), most guests don’t want a long-term keepsake that has your name and wedding date on it. Things like candles and picture frames branded with your name won’t make it on the living room mantle and will likely end up in that dreaded junk drawer.

Most of all, keep it simple and don’t stress! The favors are certainly not the end all, be all of your big day.

xox,

Mindy

Header image by Amy & Stuart photography .

The Most Popular Wedding Songs of 2016 (According to Spotify)

Hi friends! This week, Spotify released a list of the most popular wedding songs so far this year – both for the first dance and for the reception. While these lists are always fun to see, remember that the music is ultimately up to you, as the couple despite what is deemed “popular.”

First up, the first dance song! You should choose a song that you...

First up, the first dance song! You should choose a song that you really love and has special meaning to you. Here are Spotify’s picks for the five most popular tunes:

“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
“At Last” by Etta James
“You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
“All of Me” by John Legend
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri

Things obviously get a little more upbeat for the wedding reception. While you should choose music according to your preferences, be sure to include a few tracks that have a broad appeal (especially since multiple generations will likely be at your soiree). That’s what gets the party going! These are the most popular reception songs, according to Spotify:

“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
“I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas
“Marry You” by Bruno Mars
“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
“Hey Ya!” by OutKast

I’d say Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” and DNCE’s “Cake by the Ocean” have also got people movin’ and groovin’ lately.

Are you ready to hit the dance floor yet?

xox,

Mindy

Header image by SDK Photography

Hi friends! Wedding season is here, which means many of you have likely started getting some gorgeous wedding invitations. One common guest conundrum is an invitation to your boss’s wedding. It may sound like a tricky situation to navigate, but it really isn’t! Here’s my take:

Attendance. The first question – should you even go? The short answer ...

Attendance. The first question – should you even go? The short answer is yes, if you’re available. Remember that the couple spent a lot of time finalizing their guest list, so your boss clearly considers your attendance meaningful even if you don’t consider yourselves particularly close. If you can swing it, go celebrate the next chapter in your boss’s life. You might even have some fun!

The Gift. As with all weddings some sort of gift is usually mandatory, even for your boss. If a group of co-workers is attending the celebration, consider pitching in for a larger group gift. Otherwise, pick something off the registry in a price range you’re comfortable with.

Your Behavior. So how should you act at your boss’s wedding? In general, keep an eye on your booze intake (don’t be that guest) but do participate in the festivities. As you would at any wedding, be an involved, excited guest!

As for everything else? Pretty much the same as if you’re attending any other wedding. Just be honored that you were invited and have a fun time! Easy peezy!

xox,

Mindy

Header image courtesy of Flickr/Erica Berman .

Hi friends! Your vendors are such an important part of your big day—they’re the ones that’ll help bring your vision to life, after all. Building your team of wedding professionals can sometimes feel overwhelming, so here are some steps you can take to make the process a little easier:

Set your budget – This is one of the most important factors fo...

Set your budget – This is one of the most important factors for choosing your wedding vendors. Once you have an overall budget set, you’ll want to vet different vendors and scope out some of their packages. The next step? Prioritize your wish list. If lush, extravagant florals are really important to you then you might need to cut back on the catering or linens, for example.

Do your research – You have a lot of resources available to you here! Check recommendations and referrals from former brides, your wedding planner (if you have one), your venue (if you’ve selected it) and, of course, the internet. You should also ask potential vendors for a portfolio of work or samples.

Check dates – This may seem like an obvious one, but I’ve seen too many couples fall in love with a vendor only to realize they’re not available for their wedding day. Before the conversation goes too far, check availability!

Meet in person – Whenever possible, try to set up at least one face-to-face meeting versus just a phone call with a potential vendor before committing. It’s really essential to feel out the vibe and how well you mesh together.

Review the contract – Don’t sign on the dotted line before carefully reading over the contract and ensuring all the details are correct. Pay special attention to pricing, location, cancellation policies and any fees that weren’t discussed. If you talked about any special requests, make sure it’s in writing.

Once an agreement is in place, be sure to have an open line of communication with your vendors throughout the planning process.

xox,

Mindy

Header image via Pinterest .

A Bride’s Weight Loss Journey (via Wedding Chicks)

Hi friends! Working with brides and grooms is such a special experience. Right now I’m having a total blast working with one of my brides Alex Powers – the creator of I Can, I Will, I DO, a blog and video series that takes you through her fitness journey as she prepares to head to the altar.

Alex has such an infectious personality and I’m so proud o...

Hi friends! Working with brides and grooms is such a special experience. Right now I’m having a total blast working with one of my brides Alex Powers – the creator of I Can, I Will, I DO , a blog and video series that takes you through her fitness journey as she prepares to head to the altar.

Alex has such an infectious personality and I’m so proud of all her hard work. This week, the Wedding Chicks blog also took notice of the fabulous Alex and did a fantastic piece on her. Check it out here !

With our own tagline, “WE CAN, WE WILL, WE DO!” Alex and I are planning her dreamy destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas in November. This bride is so much fun, the wedding is sure to be a fiesta for the ages!

Head over to Alex’s blog and follow her inspiring fitness journey for yourself!

xox,

Mindy

Hello friends! Brides spend a lot of time making sure they look and feel their best for their wedding day. But let’s not forget about the grooms! While the prep work and day-of grooming is not as extensive as the bride’s, it’s just as important.

So, grooms, here’s your guide to ensuring you look great on the big day.

Your Face: OK, let’s just...

So, grooms, here’s your guide to ensuring you look great on the big day.

Your Face: OK, let’s just start with the nitty gritty here. A day or two before the wedding, check if your ear and nose hairs need trimming. Take a look at your eyebrows too. If they’re a little wild, a small comb should do the trick.

Your Skin: Once you’re engaged, make sure you’re cleansing and moisturizing daily. Consider getting a facial a few weeks before the wedding – your skin will feel refreshed and rejuvenated. If you have blackheads, use some pore strips a few days before the big day.

Your Beard: If you’re sporting some facial hair, make sure your beard is neatly trimmed on the day of. If you’re opting to go clean shaven, get a professional straight-edge razor shave from a barber on the morning of or night before the wedding (this is also a fun group activity with your groomsmen). But if you have particularly sensitive skin, I suggest doing a trial run of that shave a month or two prior to ensure you don’t have any surprise skin reactions.

Your Hair: Yes, you’ll want a great haircut for your wedding day! But schedule this about a week before the wedding so your hair has some time to settle.

Your Smile: Are your pearly whites white enough? If not, start using whitening strips a month or two before the wedding, or schedule a professional whitening session with your dentist.

Your Hands: At the very least, make sure your nails are neatly trimmed – think about all the close-up photos of your hands and your wedding rings! What I would really recommend is getting a manicure the week of the wedding. Not only is it relaxing, but your hands and nails will look fantastic. And, don’t worry, no nail polish required!

Of course, consult a professional before doing anything drastic. And, most importantly, RELAX and enjoy the day! A genuine smile will look best in your photos.

xox,

Mindy

Header image courtesy of Flickr/Jeremy Brooks

5 Ways to Alleviate Wedding Planning Stress

Hello friends! Wedding planning stress can take a toll…trust me I know! Between guest lists, vendor coordination and all those emotions, it’s certainly a lot to handle. That’s why it’s so important to take some time to relax and stay sane! Here are some great ways to do that:

Hydrate. Sounds simple, but this is seriously so important to keep you ...

Hydrate. Sounds simple, but this is seriously so important to keep you going…especially on those days where you’re going a mile a minute! I personally love alkaline water (like Penta) for the extra boost but plain old H2O will certainly do the trick. Be especially conscious of drinking plenty of water the days and weeks leading up the big day.

Treat yourself. This will mean something different for everyone. For me, it’s some minor retail therapy and spending time with my darling grandbaby. While so much of your time and money is being devoted to the wedding, don’t be afraid to get a little something extra for yourself. There’s so much you can do even on a budget. So go ahead, order your favorite takeout or have that extra glass of wine. You deserve it!

Plan a wedding-free date. This one is not only important for yourself, but for your relationship. In the midst of all the wedding planning, plan at least one day where you and your fiancé can enjoy yourselves without any mention of the wedding. Seriously – wedding talk is completely off the table! Give yourselves a break and rekindle your romance a little.

Color. Yes…adults can color! And it’s super therapeutic. Color Me Married (pictured above) is an adult coloring book that’s wedding themed. So you can fantasize about some beautiful bouquets, cakes, dresses, etc. AND de-stress at the same time. So fun, right? (List price: $16.00; grab it here on Amazon)

Exercise. I know, sometimes exercise is the last thing you want to do when you’re ultra-stressed but what better way to release some of that tension than a great workout? Go for a run with your favorite music or take a kickboxing class. You’ll be fit for the wedding and you’ll feel great. Discuss any new exercise regimens with your doctor first, of course.

I know it can be difficult, but try to put your mind at ease and your big day will be simply magical.

xox,

Mindy

Header image courtesy of Flickr/Andre Hengst .

Hi friends! Once you’ve exchanged “I Do’s” and you’re back from honeymoon paradise, all you have left to do is enjoy wedded bliss, right? Well…unfortunately you’ve still got a few tasks ahead of you. But don’t worry! Get them done in a timely manner and it’ll be a breeze.

Mail in your marriage license. Once it’s signed and sealed don�...

Mail in your marriage license. Once it’s signed and sealed don’t forget to mail that baby in! Or hand deliver to the appropriate office. Check the requirements for your particular state, of course. And be sure to request a few copies. Trust me, you’ll need ‘em.

Change your name. If one (or both!) of you will be changing your last name, get started right after the honeymoon! I know so many couples who, even years later, are still putting off the seemingly daunting task. If you’re in a pinch, a service like MissNowMrs will help with all the lengthy paperwork.

Deal with bank accounts and health insurance. Hopefully you had the conversation about how to handle your finances long before the big day. If you’ve decided to combine accounts, set up a new account or add each other’s names to your respective accounts, get to it! Also, look at your health insurance. Now that you’re married, you have a limited window where you can add each other to your employer’s health insurance before open enrollment begins.

Preserve the gown. Your precious wedding dress will need some TLC after the wedding. Have it professionally cleaned and then store it somewhere away from direct sunlight, dampness or extreme temperatures. Or you can sell it!

Make your wedding album. If you’re DIY-ing versus getting one from your photographer, start early. This is another one that I see so many couples put off for years. Do it while the excitement is still fresh. It’s also a great way to relive all those memories!

Write those thank you cards. And get your partner to help! Thank you cards should ideally be sent no more than three months after the wedding. Pro tip: start writing them as soon as gifts begin arriving.

The key to all of this is to NOT procrastinate. And try to have some fun with it! Perhaps it’s a time to break open some of that leftover champagne, for instance.

xox,

Mindy

Header photo by Amy & Stuart Photography

Hello friends! Every bride wants to look and feel her best on her wedding day, which is why your makeup artist is an essential member of your wedding team. Do some online research and ask friends in the area for recommendations. Once you have a list of makeup artists to vet, set up a couple consultations. This is where you can discuss your look, their fees, ...

Here are some questions you should be sure to ask:

Do you work with brides often? Working with brides is very different from working on shoots, editorials, etc. Not only is the makeup style different, but emotions run high and your makeup artist will need to adapt.

What look do you think will work best for me? You should always have some sort of vision for yourself, but getting your makeup artist’s opinion will help you feel out how in sync you are.

Do you have experience working with my skin type? It’s helpful if your makeup artist knows how to navigate particularly oily skin, or a certain skin condition.

Do you charge by the hour or by the job? Hourly charges can be tricky, especially because the schedule tends to shift on the day-of, no matter how tight of a ship you run. Be sure to ask about any extra fees, such as traveling on location.

What types of techniques do you use and do you charge extra for these? Some makeup artists, for example, may charge a separate fee for airbrushing, false eyelashes and other extras.

Will I need to provide my own makeup and supplies? Your makeup artist will usually have her own arsenal of makeup and brushes but some require you bring your own. Factor this into your final cost – specialty makeup isn’t cheap!

How can we handle touch-ups? If she can’t stick around to help or if the fee is out of your budget, ask if she’ll teach you how to touch up on your own.

Do you have any other commitments on my wedding day? Many makeup artists will have multiple events in a day. This isn’t a deal breaker, just be sure to plan for it in your schedule.

What’s your contingency plan if you get sick or suddenly can’t make it? This, unfortunately, does happen from time to time! Ask if she’ll have a backup person to send.

You may also have a makeup trial scheduled during your consultation and you’ll need to do some separate prep for that…something I’ll go over in a future post!

xox,

Mindy

Header image courtesy of Flickr/EventPhotosNYC

Think Twice About These Dates for your Wedding

Hi friends! One of the biggest decisions surrounding your wedding is often the date. You have to think about family, travel, work obligations, the season and so much more. But what about holidays and other cultural phenomena? We all know the major ones like Christmas, Thanksgiving, July 4th, etc. but here are a few other dates you may want to think twice abo...

Hi friends! One of the biggest decisions surrounding your wedding is often the date. You have to think about family, travel, work obligations, the season and so much more. But what about holidays and other cultural phenomena? We all know the major ones like Christmas, Thanksgiving, July 4^th, etc. but here are a few other dates you may want to think twice about.

These dates aren’t off limits, of course, but you may have to deal with increased fees for certain services, some guests being unable to attend, or other obstacles.

Chinese New Year (January/February) – Check for any local events that might make things a little more difficult.

Super Bowl Sunday (Early February) – Expect your sports fanatic guests to be a little grouchy about this one.

Valentine’s Day (February 14) – Flower prices skyrocket during this time.

Oscar Night (Late February) – An important night for movie buffs. If you’re in the LA/Hollywood area, beware of traffic.

March Madness (Late March/Early April) – Basketball fans wait all year for this!

April Fools’ Day (April 1) – Fees and schedules might not be an issue, but you may have to deal with guests expecting some sort of prank. Not to mention, your anniversary will always be on April Fools’ Day!

The Weekend before Tax Day (April 15) – If you do hold your wedding at this time, a friendly reminder about taxes to your procrastinator friends might be a good idea. And keep in mind that guests in the accounting industry may have work obligations.

Mother’s Day (Early/Mid-May) – You mom friends may not want to give up this occasion. And keep your anniversary in mind if you plan to become a mom yourself!

Father’s Day (Mid/Late-June) – See above.

September 11 – It’s a somber occasion to celebrate a wedding.

Halloween (October 31) – You definitely have the opportunity to have some fun with this one, but if you have a lot of guests with small children, know that this is an important holiday for them.

It’s nearly impossible to choose a wedding date that works for every single person on your guest list. Just be sure to do some diligence before settling on the big day. No matter what, you’ll make it work somehow!

xox,

Mindy

Header image courtesy of Flickr/Natasha Mileshina

Choosing a (Non-Traditional) Wedding Officiant

Hi friends! A budding trend these days is recruiting a less traditional officiant for your wedding. Instead of having a local judge, priest, rabbi or other religiously-affiliated person perform the ceremony, many couples will ask a family member or close friend to do the honors. Actress Allison Williams, for example, revealed on Jimmy Fallon that Tom Hanks a...

Well, we can’t all get Tom Hanks but if you’re considering going the non-traditional route in terms of your wedding officiant, here are a few things to remember:

Check the legalities. I can’t stress this enough, but every country, state and even county has different rules and regulations for getting legally married. You can often have your chosen officiant get ordained online by the Universal Life Church, but check the local laws; some areas don’t recognize the Universal Life Church.

Make sure you have a strong connection. The person leading the ceremony should know and understand you as a couple. If you have a connection, the ceremony will feel warm and more personal.

Ensure he or she is comfortable with the arrangement. While you may be over the moon at the possibility of your cousin or college roommate leading the ceremony, be sure he or she is totally OK with taking on the responsibility. They need to be comfortable with public speaking and willing to put in the time and effort to write and practice the ceremony speech.

Discuss details like tone and pace. In this respect, working with your wedding officiant is like working with any other wedding vendor. You should make sure you discuss your vision for the ceremony, the tone your officiant should use (do you want it to feel humorous, serious or a bit of both?), and what you’re comfortable with being mentioned.

Having a special person in your life lead your wedding ceremony is the perfect way to make that moment feel more personal and engaging.

xox,

Mindy

Header photo by Ira Lippke Studios .

Hi friends! Choosing your wedding party can be tricky business. Not only do you have to think about who you want standing next to you on one of the biggest days of your life, but you also have your loved ones’ feelings to consider. If you’re feeling confused, here are a few questions you can ask yourself:

Will I feel supported by this person on my bi...

Will I feel supported by this person on my big day? This is probably the most important question you should ask yourself about a potential bridesmaid or groomsman. This person needs to be genuinely happy for you and supportive of your new union.

Is he/she a responsible person? Not to make this sound like a job interview, but the truth is your wedding party needs to be responsible enough to be there when you need them and be on time. You’ll be leaning on them for certain tasks and you should be able to trust that they will get done.

Will we be friends in 10 years? Ideally, you want your wedding party to be composed of family or lifelong friends. Think about whether this person will really be in your life for a long period of time.

Do my parents know him or her? This may seem silly, but whether your parents know this person is generally a pretty good indicator of how strong the friendship is. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule!

Will my relationship be over with this person if I don’t choose them? Finally, you need to think about how much this might jeopardize your relationship. Unless this person will cause real stress or harm, it’s sometimes just a better choice to include someone in your wedding party to avoid ending a valuable relationship.

Remember that there are no hard and fast rules for wedding parties. I know many couples who decided not to pick a maid of honor or best man and have everyone in their wedding party hold equal rank. I also know many who’ve decided to forego the wedding party altogether and find another creative way to involve loved ones. At the end of the day, do what’s best for you and your situation…and have fun!!

xox,

Mindy

Header image courtesy of Etsy/thefavorbox ; item available starting at $18

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