Y7 Magazine Jan 2019

The Wedding Issue

Y7 MAGAZINE A Lifestyle Magazine

January 2019 Vol.3

THIS ISSUE: • Bridal Hairstyles • Reception Centerpieces • Bridal Gowns • Wedding Cakes

BRIDAL BOUQUETS

All rights reserved. Copyright held by HSF Media Inc. 2018. No reproduction, copying or pasting without expressed consent from HSF Media Inc. For permission or writing oppurtunities please contact: submissions@ ya7elweenmagazine.com Magazine Founder: Dr. Hassan A Farhat MD Co-Founder: April Khan Chief Content Manager: Dinah Rashid Senior Arts Director: Saood Mukhtar

Table of Contents The 2019 Wedding Cake Trends for Ever Sweet Tooth – Jonah Watson 5 Questions You Should be Prepared to Answer When Meeting Your Partner’s Family for the First Time – April Khan 20 Secrets to a Fun Wedding Reception – Madison Shead The Best Wedding Dress Silhouette for Your Body Type – Madison Shead and Nancy Shead 25 Way to Save on a Wedding – Y7 Staff How to Choose a Wedding Venue – No, Really – Y7 Staff Wedding Centerpiece Trends – Y7 Staff Beautiful Bridal Bouquets – Y7 Staff The Perfect Bridal Beauty Prep – Kristen Dean Bridal Hairstyles 2019 – Y7 Staff 6 Steps for Booking Wedding Transportation – Y7 Staff

The 2019 Wedding Cake Trends for Every Sweet Tooth Jonah Watson See ya, naked cakes. Geometric shapes, copper details, and the return of fondant are just

some of the 2019 wedding cake trends you’ll find on dessert tables next year.

Double Knot Photography

No matter your style or budget, your wedding cake is a prime opportunity to tap into your creative side and enhance your wedding decor. That’s where these 2019 wedding cake trends come in! The latest 2019 wedding trends offer a little bit of something for everyone, from traditional buttercream cakes (with a twist) to elaborate fondant masterpieces and ultra-modern confections. Browse the wedding cake trends of 2019 below to find out which one is a fit for your big day!

Behold, the wedding cake trends 2019 couples will totally adore.

Black Fondant Cakes Inspired by the moody decor trend, wedding cakes are getting a gothic-style makeover for 2019 with the help of black fondant. It’s one of the best 2019 wedding cake trends if you’re getting married in fall or winter, and it’s sure to be something that your guests haven’t seen a thousand times over! At first, this dramatic look might seem too edgy for your wedding day, but the black fondant is easily toned down with the addition of softer details, such as fresh flowers, pastel colors, gold leaf, or drip icing. Check out another version of this wedding cake trend 2019 couples will love in the video below.

Structural White Cakes In a stark contrast to black wedding cakes, white wedding cakes — specifically those made with fondant icing — will also be a trend to watch in 2019. This monochromatic theme is

anything but boring. In fact, the trend focuses on structured wedding cakes that are decorated with very intricate elements, such as molded flowers and piped lacework. We’re *unofficially* calling this the marble statue cake trend, because the end result reminds us of a sculpture that was hand-carved from a block of stone. The overall look has Old World wedding vibes that is excellent for a traditional yet romantic aesthetic.

Copper Details Wedding decor trends and wedding cake trends often go hand in hand, and 2019 is no different. Copper details are expected to be one of the biggest 2019 wedding trends, so it’s safe to say that this metallic hue will also be making an appearance on wedding cakes and dessert tables throughout the next year. Copper’s rosy color elicits a more industrial feel compared to other metallic tones, such as gold and silver, making it ideal for trendsetting couples.

Hexagonal Cakes Round cakes are always a go-to option, but hexagonal tiers are on our radar to be one of the most popular wedding cake trends 2019 couples will love. This trend bridges the gap between modern and elegant styles, since the fondant, which is typically used on traditional wedding cakes, creates a sleek finish. The hexagonal shape is eye-catching enough on its own, but you can take this trend a step further by adding metallic details, marbled patterns, or floral accents for even more pizzazz.

Brushstroke Cakes If you’re looking for 2019 wedding cake trends that are completely out of the box, don’t miss this one! Brushstroke cakes, which resemble an artist’s paint palette, are one of the best non-traditional wedding cake trends for 2019. The method consists of melting chocolate on wax paper and using a paintbrush to create pieces that are placed onto a fondant cake once they harden. These art-inspired creations were tailor-made for the ‘gram — expect to see your

guests snapping and sharing their own photos of your cake all night long.

Fruit as Garnish Going back to basics is our final 2019 wedding cake trend. It’s hard to go wrong with a simple buttercream cake, and we love seeing how cake bakers put their own trendy spin on this wedding staple every year. In 2019, fresh fruit will take the place of flowers and greenery as the most popular garnish for buttercream cakes. Figs, berries, cherries, and miniature apples are just some of the fruits du jour that will adorn buttercream wedding cakes throughout the coming months.

5 Questions You Should Be Prepared to Answer When Meeting Your Partner’s Family for the First Time April Khan

Meeting your partner’s family for the first time is a big deal. Here are the questions you should be ready to answer to start things off on the right foot.

One of the most nerve-wracking relationship milestones—meeting your partner’s family for the first time—is mostly stressful due to fear of the unknown. What will they be like? What will they think of you? And what will you all talk about? The first two are easy—they’ll probably be like your partner, since he or she comes from them, and they’ll probably love you, since he or she loves you. As for the third, well, rest assured, they usually stick to mostly the same questions. After all, they only need to know a few things to know that you’ll take good care of their beloved family member.

So, take a deep breath, let go of the nerves, and read over these questions to prepare for meeting your partner’s family. You got this!

How did you two meet?

Maybe some of them will know the answer, but nevertheless, they’ll still want to know the story from you. This is your chance to have the floor and be a storyteller, and trust me, everyone will be rapt with attention, so don’t hold back! Unlike your jaded friends who are probably sick of hearing about your meet-cute at this point, your partner’s family will love hearing about how the two of you found love in a hopeless place (planet Earth). So, come ready to tell your how-we-met story (maybe a couple of times), edit out the awkward parts, and enjoy your attentive audience.

What do you do?

Don’t freak out at this question. At first blush, it may seem like they’re asking to figure out if you’re good enough for your partner, but they’re really asking because they want to learn more about you, your passions, and how you spend your days. Sadly but truly, in our society,

a huge part of our identities comes from our careers, so it’s only natural this question would come up from people who may someday become your extended family. So, yeah, be proud and don’t hold back. This is a time when you can’t talk about yourself too much, and no matter what you do, your audience will be fascinated.

What do you love about [name]?

If there’s one thing a family could do forever, it’s gushing about their loved ones. So, when a newbie (you) comes into the family dating one of their own, they’re going to ask you to spill about all the reasons you love your partner. Then they’ll pile on their own reasons. Be prepared to share why your partner is so special to you and reasons why you guys are great together when meeting your partner’s family. They will want to know you’re the real deal and in it for the long haul, rather than just a fling, so the more specific and honest you can be, the better—now is not the time to play it safe with generic responses. This isn’t necessarily a test, but your partner’s fam will be looking to see how well you know him or her, and if you appreciate all of his or her unique qualities as much as they do.

What’s your family like?

Just as you’re probably feeling very exposed and under a microscope meeting your partner’s family, chances are, they’re feeling that same heat meeting you. Even if you’re not being judgmental at all, they may feel like you’re there comparing notes between your partner’s family and your own. Families come with a lot of baggage, and everyone’s fully aware that theirs aren’t perfect. So by asking you about yours, they may simply be trying to deflect some of that insecurity they’re feeling—while also wanting to learn more about you and where you come from. Do your best to be truthful and lighthearted, and try not to make comparative statements between your two families. The ultimate goal is that your families become friends, and this very first conversation is what sows the seeds for that!

What are your plans for the future?

Your partner’s family probably won’t waste too much time getting down to the nitty gritty: Are you around for the long haul? Are you two going to get married? Where will you

live? What about kids—will you have them? When? Intense questions about your future will be flying fast, so be ready to answer them, or deflect if you want. You definitely don’t have to answer these, because it’s no one’s business but yours and your partner’s! But you also don’t want to be blindsided by these big ones, so you and your partner should powwow beforehand to get your answers (or non-answers) straight. That way you don’t have to panic and promise ten grandchildren on the fly.

20 Secrets to a Fun Wedding Reception

Madison Shead

Okay, they’re not really secrets—just awesome ideas we encourage you to steal.

While your wedding ceremony is both special and crucial (it’s when you’ll actually get married!), the reception is probably what you and your guests are most looking forward to—who doesn’t want to eat, drink and dance? The best celebrations incorporate personal, fun and unique touches to keep guests smiling and talking about it long after the last dance.

1. Arrange Seating Thoughtfully It sounds obvious, but don’t discount the importance of a solid seating arrangement. Place guests with people they’ll know and get along with. It might seem like a great idea to play matchmaker, or force your guests to sit with strangers to make new friends—but at the end of the day, they’re there for you, and to catch up with their own farflung pals. Put another way, a well-thought-out seating chart leads to great conversation, which leads to a great dance party, which leads to an unforgettable night. So seat your tween cousins with other kids their age and let your college friends sit together.

2. Hand Out Awesome Favors Wedding favors should be the cherry on top of a fabulous reception. Let your guests know how much you appreciate having them there by offering a take-home treat (think: doughnuts, hot cocoa mix and marshmallows, a bag of your favorite coffee beans or jars of local honey), a cute succulent plant or a pair of sunglasses branded with your initials and wedding date.

3. Keep Toasts Short and Sweet Wedding toasts are all about quality over quantity, so ask anyone who’s speaking to make sure their toasts are no more than two minutes. If they have any longer anecdotes, they can feel free to share at the rehearsal dinner.

4. Have a Plan for Kids

To keep the little ones entertained throughout the night (and to give their parents

an opportunity to hit the dance floor), give them their own designated area. In a separate room, arrange for a babysitter to set up and oversee movies, games, crafts or a kid-centric dance party. You can also set up a few tables topped with coloring books, crayons, games and small toys.

5. Shake Things Up for Your First Dance All eyes will be on you during your first dance—it’s the perfect opportunity to wow your guests with a fun surprise. Start with a romantic dance to “At Last,” or other classic first dance song, then suddenly switch gears to a energetic Latin dance or break it down to Bruno Mars.

6. Offer an Interactive Food Station (or Two) Great food makes for a great celebration, but offering dishes that everyone can customize to their liking is even better. Interactive food stations, from a macand-cheese bar to a sushi-rolling setup, where guests can create their own ideal bites will leave you with happy, well-fed friends ready to have a good time.

7. Rethink Dinner Instead of a typical three-course menu of salad, entrée and dessert, stretch out dinner over four or five smaller courses (but don’t stretch it too much if you’re still hoping to get everyone on the dance floor). Plan small surprises between dishes, like a short toast from your hilarious aunt, a sweet poem from a lifelong friend or a professional performance, like a vocalist or dancer. It’ll give your guests the experience of a fun night out, complete with dinner and a show.

8. Change Into Something Comfortable Let’s put it this way: You won’t have a good time at your reception if you can’t take two steps without snagging your train, right? So after the first dance, brides can swap the veil and bustle for a fabulous little white dress or jumpsuit, and grooms can change to a more relaxed suit. If you and your new spouse are comfortable enough to move freely, you›ll dance more, chat more, laugh more and

eat more cake—that›ll rub off on your guests.

9. Plan Surprise Entertainment Sometimes the best parts of a reception are what guests don’t see coming. Surprise your loved ones with unexpected entertainment during the cocktail hour or reception, like a magician, mariachi band, aerialists or a salsa dancer.

10. Make Sure Your Band Has Great Break Music Everyone’s been to that wedding before: Just when the dance floor starts heating up, the band takes a break—and the party seems to as well. To make sure this doesn›t happen at your wedding, ask potential bands how they plan to handle breaks before you hire them. Some bands will rest in shifts and split off into a smaller two- or three-piece band, while others will turn on filler music. If yours is planning on the latter, ask whether you can provide the playlist, or at least check and approve their picks before the party.

11. Find a DJ Who Gets You Okay, this is a little more obvious, but we have to mention it because music is a major reception fun factor, and has a lot to do with how long your guests will stay. The last thing you want to see is your dance floor clear out when the DJ plays obsure songs that are hard to dance to. Talk to your DJ about your donot-play list upfront.

12. Play Music Everyone Can Dance to Whether you’ve hired a band or a DJ, if you want to keep the dance floor packed, plan a playlist that will please the whole crowd, not just you two. You may love obscure indie rock, but now isn’t the time to show off your discerning taste in music.

Sure, mix in a few of your favorites, but don’t leave out the past and present hits, otherwise you risk an empty dance floor.

13. Have a Lounge Area

If your site and budget allow, set up comfortable lounge chairs and couches in your reception space. Instead of having your guests sit around the same tables all night, even after dinner’s over, a change of environment will promote conversation, give your energetic dancers a resting area and keep your nondancing guests entertained. It’s also an elegant and comfortable way to let elderly guests relax and chat while others take to the dance floor. Look into renting or borrowing couches, chairs and other furniture to create stylish, cozy vignettes complete with pillows, flowers and votive candles in your wedding colors.

14. Hire a Day-of Coordinator You may have a ton of fun ideas lined up for your reception, but no matter how organized you are it’s much more difficult than you’d think to keep each of those plans and moving parts in check. If you already have an event planner, you’re all set. If not, look into booking a day-of coordinator to oversee the details (trust us, it’s worth it). Check out the different types of planners you can hire 15. Roll Out a Tasting Station A full bar is a must-have for a great reception, but take it up a notch with an interactive drink experience. A wine, beer or whiskey tasting lets guests sample different drinks and learn a few tasting notes. A hand-rolled cigar station also fits the bill, as does a make-your-own margarita bar—who could say no to that?

16. Create a Nice Flow Within the Space One of the less obvious keys to a succesful celebration is movement. The best parties encourage lots of dancing, with mini breaks for mingling and snacking. For maximum dimension and circulation, divide your reception into distinct areas for dancing, drinks and chatting, and coffee and cake. Arrange a few cocktail tables near the bar, offer outdoor seating or set up a table of desserts or late-night bites.

17. Serve Good Food

It doesn’t get more 101 than this. Ask yourself what you’d want to eat, both as a wedding guest and in general. Love spaghetti bolognese, dim sum or tacos? Chances are your caterer can find elegant, creative ways to serve it to a large crowd. Another option is to skip the sit-down dinner altogether and pass hearty, satisfying hors d›oeuvres with cocktails.

18. Don’t Let Your Guests Get Hungry Want a guaranteed all-night crowd? Arrange for the catering staff to bring out latenight food like French fries, pizza or doughnuts after midnight (or before, if you just can’t wait). Offer a DIY coffee bar complete with flavored syrups and toppings to keep them on their feet. If you stick with low-key favorites, your friends will never want to leave.

19. Plan a Fun Surprise Here’s a secret for you: Keep guests celebrating by planning a surprise for the end of the night that everyone can look forward to. You and your new spouse can perform a song with the band for the last dance or prep a memorable reception getaway like a fireworks send-off.

20. Host a Welcome Dinner Okay, this tip isn’t technically for your reception, but it’ll make the reception more fun. A casual event where all your guests can meet and mingle the day before the wedding means everyone will have already gotten to know each other, and old friends will have had a chance to catch up, so when reception rolls around, your guests can skip the pleasantries and get right down to celebrating.

The Best Wedding Dress Silhouette for Your Body Type Madison Shead and Nancy Shead

We know, there are almost too many dress options out there—but the fastest way to finding your dream dress is figuring out what works for your shape.

For the record, we think you should wear any wedding dress you feel your absolute best in. But if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed with all the options out there (we know, there are so many gorgeous gowns to choose from), we›re here to guide the way.

You can start with thinking about what type of dress silhouette will flatter your body type best. Find the major silhouettes below—and we’ll leave it to you to decide which type you want to strut your stuff in on your wedding day.

1.

Ball Gown

The number one distinguishing trait of a ball gown is its very full skirt. The silhouette also has a fitted bodice and is cinched at the natural waist.

You’ll love it if: You have a boyish figure, since the fullness of the dress will make you look curvier. It’s also great for pear-shaped brides, since it defines the waist and the skirt skims over the hips. If you’re busty, you’ll love how much it balances you out.

You could hate it if: You’re a petite bride. You may feel “swallowed up” by a super-voluminous dress like this one.

2.

Dropped Waist

This silhouette is exactly what you’d imagine—it drops and flares out slightly below the waistline around your hip area.

You’ll love it if: You want to flaunt your torso, since it hugs your waist and hips.

You could hate it if: You have an athletic figure—you might find you look a little boxy if you don’t have a lot of curves.

3.

Sheath

Sometimes known as a column dress, the sheath silhouette is a formfitting style that follows the body’s natural line and doesn’t flare out.

You’ll love it if: You’re petite, since this slim shape adds length. This silhouette also looks great on brides with slender figures.

You could hate it if: You’re pear shaped, or extra curvy. You risk looking a little unbalanced.

4.

Trumpet

Not to be confused with mermaid, a trumpet silhouette will have a straight-lined skirt that subtly flares from the knee toward the hem in a trumpet shape.

You’ll love it if: You’re on the curvier side and looking for a formfitting dress that’s still easy to move in.

You could hate it if: You’re not comfortable with flaunting your curves. Also, be careful if you have a rounder-shaped torso—this silhouette may not flatter you.

5.

Empire

This silhouette is known for its fitted bodice and waistline that hits right above the natural waist, with a loosely fitted skirt that skims the body.

You’ll love it if: You’re petite. Since the style hits below the bustline and skims over your waist and hips, you’ll look instantly longer and leaner.

You could hate it if: You’re ultra curvy. This silhouette could overemphasize a large chest or full hips.

6.

A-Line

As its name implies, this cut is narrow at the top and extends out along the body in the shape of—you guessed it—an A. You’ll love it if: You’re, well, anyone! This silhouette works for every body

type. There’s a reason it’s one of the most popular skirt silhouettes—it’s super-flattering on almost everyone and allows tons of movement on the dance floor and beyond.

You could hate it if: You’re looking for something super sexy. The loose-fitting skirt is appealing for lots of reasons, but not because it hugs your curves.

7.

Mermaid

The mermaid silhouette is defined by a slim, tapered, curve-hugging skirt that follows the line of the hips and thighs, and flares out around the knee.

You’ll love it if: You have an hourglass figure and want to show off your curves.

You could hate it if: You already know you don’t want something tight—this style is pretty constricting.

25 Ways to Save on a Wedding Y7 Staff Trimming your guest list by just 10 to 20 people can save you $1,000 on food, alcohol and rentals.

First comes love, then comes marriage and then paying for the wedding. Guess what? There’s a reason no one writes fairy tales about the latter.

You don’t need to break the bank to make your day memorable, though. We’ve rounded up more than two dozen ways you can save on your wedding.

Note: Average cost figures are from The Knot’s annual Real Weddings Study. The amounts listed are the average amounts spent on each category nationwide, according to the survey.»

Average cost: $408 1. GO PAPERLESS You can send electronic invitations for free with Joy, a wedding website that also lets you manage your guest list (including those tricky plus-ones) and track RSVPs. Not ready to go fully paperless?

Emailing your save-the-date reminders will still help you save on stationery and postage.

2. PRINT YOUR OWN Wedding invitations are easy to do-it-yourself. Tap a design-savvy friend or buy a downloadable template on a site such as Etsy. Then print them at home or at your neighborhood FedEx or another store. Either way, you’ll save a couple of hundred dollars over going with a professionally printed invitation suite.

The dress Average cost: $1,509 3. CHECK OUT DEPARTMENT STORES Brides aren’t finding dresses at just the bridal shop these days. You can pick up a white dress in the prom or party dress section of any department store. The popularity of colored dresses makes formal gowns a nice substitute, too.

4. CONSIDER BRIDAL CONSIGNMENT A secondhand wedding dress isn’t for everyone, but it’s a budget-friendly option for brides willing to think outside the box. Look for bridal shops that specialize in pre-owned wedding gowns, or check out websites like Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed or Wore It Once, which have tens of thousands of once-worn and never-worn wedding dresses. You can also sell your dress via these sites

after the wedding.

5. SHOP SAMPLE GOWNS Most wedding dresses are made to order, but brides can score a discount by buying a sample gown (what you try on in the store). The downside: The detailing on sample gowns can get worn from frequent handling, and the available sizes are often limited. Bridal salons typically carry samples in sizes 8 to 12, which translates to sizes 6 to 10 in street clothes. But some discount bridal shops primarily sell sample gowns and tend to have a wider size selection.

6. BORROW ACCESSORIES There’s more to your wedding attire than the dress (think jewelry, a veil and shoes). Save on your accessories by using family heirlooms. Not only will you save money, you’ll also cover your “something old” and “something borrowed.”

The venue Average cost: $15,163 7. PICK AN OFF-PEAK DATE Not all wedding dates are created equal. Find out which ones are most popular by looking up WeddingWire’s wedding date calendar. If there’s more demand for a given date, you’ll usually pay a higher price for a venue. You could score a discount for choosing a less popular month, such as January or February.

8. SKIP THE SATURDAY WEDDING Saturday is a popular day for weddings, but it’s also generally the most expensive day to get married. You can likely reserve your venue at a lower price if you hold your wedding on a Sunday, or even a weeknight.

9. TRY A NONTRADITIONAL VENUE A restaurant. A brewery. A vacation house. All these options are potential wedding venues. Picking a spot that doesn’t usually cater to weddings can help you save money — and give your nuptials a unique feel.

Restaurants, for example, typically don’t charge a venue fee. Instead, you pay for the food (and maybe the booze). Pick one with stellar decor and you can shave that cost off your budget, as well.

Make sure the venue is equipped to handle a large event, and don’t forget to factor in rental fees for things such as tents, lighting or bathrooms, if necessary.

If a cost seems unreasonable, respectfully request to have it removed.

10. NEGOTIATE UNEXPEC TED COSTS Lots of unexpected expenses can pop up during planning, including cake-cutting and corkage fees or power for your DJ and a photo booth. You don’t have to accept them unquestioningly. If a cost seems unreasonable, respectfully request to have it removed.

11. USE THE VENUE’S RESOURCES Ask each venue what’s included in the rental fee. Some will include items such as tables, chairs or linens, which can translate into hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in savings. Beware of upcharges for higher-quality items. If you opt for a DIY venue or a backyard wedding, you’ll likely have to buy or rent everything from flatware to serving dishes to lighting.

Flowers and decor Average cost: $2,379 12. ASK ABOUT EXCESS INVENTORY Some floral designers have warehouses with excess inventory they’re willing to give away or lend for free. Once you’ve placed an order, ask about expanding your options.

13. BORROW FROM OTHER NEWLY WEDS Ask recently married friends if you can borrow centerpieces or other items left over from their events. Craigslist and Facebook groups are also a great resource to find (and later sell) low-cost wedding decor.

14. SCOUT OUT DECORATIONS AT CRAFT STORES Look for wedding decorations — especially light-up decor — in places such as craft stores. They have “more than glue guns and glitter,” says Sharon Naylor, author of dozens of wedding books, including “1,001 Ways to Save Money … and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding.” The Dollar Store is also a great place to score low-cost wedding decor.

15. STICK TO IN-SEASON BLOOMS You may have your heart set on a particular pink flower to accent your bridesmaids’ bouquets, but consider settling for a different shade or variety. Local blooms that are in season at the time of your wedding are generally less expensive. Also, “local flowers tend to look fresher because they didn’t have to travel for days,” says Stephanie Cain, a lifestyle expert and former editor at The Knot.

16. GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR FLOWERS A larger flower, such as a hydrangea, naturally looks fuller and takes up more space with fewer stems, Cain says. And you can repurpose ceremony flowers for the reception instead of buying more. For instance, use a ceremony arch to adorn your sweetheart table at the reception.

Catering Average cost: $70 per guest 17. PRICE OUT MULTIPLE MEAL OPTIONS Seated, plated dinners tend to be the most expensive option for catering. So ask each potential caterer about alternatives, including buffets, family-style stations or heavy hors d’oeuvres.

18. SIMPLIFY YOUR DRINK OPTIONS An open bar stocked with liquor, mixers, beer and wine can be pricey. Consider sticking to beer and wine to save money while still keeping your guests, um, hydrated. Scaling back options will also help scale back the costs.

Want something more fun? Pick a signature drink to serve just during cocktail hour. You can even ask the bartender to serve them in smaller glasses.

“Most people will go and try the signature drink, take a sip, put it down and go back to their regular drink,” Naylor says.

Cake Average cost: $540 19. GO FOR A SHORTER CAKE The more tiers on your cake, the more it’ll cost you. Cain suggests sticking to two tiers and having sheet cakes to serve. The cake you cut for your pictures doesn’t have to feed all of your guests.

20. DRESS UP A STORE-BOUGHT CAKE Don’t overlook grocery store bakeries. Their cakes can be delicious, beautiful and affordable. Pick a simple design and dress it up with a few flowers — your guests won’t know the difference (nor would they care).

21. PICK A NONTRADITIONAL DESSERT There’s no rule that says you have to serve cake at your wedding. If you’re indifferent about cake, serve pie or ice cream. Or cookies from your favorite bakery. Picking something you and your partner love will make the day feel extra special, and will likely save you money in the process.

Guests and the rest 22. LIMIT PLUS-ONES

Instead of giving all guests older than 18 a plus-one option, limit it to couples you socialize with regularly, Naylor says. To avoid awkward questions, explain how you’re determining the guest list.

23. KEEP THINGS INTIMATE The guest list is often a point of contention. All vested parties — you, your partner, your respective parents — have friends and family you want to invite. But keeping your guest list small can help you save on all aspects of your wedding. Can’t swing an intimate affair? Trimming your guest list by just 10 to 20 people can save you $1,000 on food, alcohol and rentals.

24. CHOOSE A CHARITABLE FAVOR Don’t want to buy a favor for each wedding guest? Make a charitable donation on behalf of all your guests, says Anne Chertoff, a trend expert for WeddingWire. That way, you can determine the amount that you’re comfortable spending, donate to a cause you care about and maybe even write off the contribution on your taxes.

25. LIMIT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER’S HOURS Save money by shaving off some of the time your photographer and videographer are present, Naylor and Cain suggest. You’ll likely want them there for the ceremony, but you might not need footage of the end-of-reception dancing.

The bottom line: Devote the biggest parts of your budget to the areas that are most important to you and be willing to compromise on the rest. “Anybody — whether they have a $10,000 budget or a $500,000 budget — is still working on a budget,” Cain says.

How to Choose a Wedding Venue ---No, Really Y7 Staff and Diamond Wholesaler Picking a wedding venue is a big deal. It’s expensive. It sets the tone. It’s the “meat” in the wedding sandwich, if you will. It’s also an incredibly overwhelming process. How can you possibly find a venue that A) you can afford, B) you actually like, C) is convenient for your guests, and D) isn’t already booked? (Hint: it is possible.)

FIRST: Before you make any venue decisions, you need to make a draft budget. Don’t sign a contract with a venue, regardless of the price, only to realize down the line that you have no money left for that DJ you’ve been coveting.

SECOND: Prep yourself with a venue research spreadsheet—a place to track all of your research on wedding venue ideas, so that you can organize it and then review it without losing your mind. Also figure out if you’re more of an all-inclusive couple or looking for a la carte options. This will help you narrow down your options further.

We talked with Katie Wannen of The Plannery about the challenges of researching venues:

The most frustrating part of finding a venue is the initial research. Much like the college application process, venues and their websites are all completely different. They offer a variety of information in various places, and sometimes they don’t offer any information at all, which is even more fun. Try not to get too frustrated by this. If you can’t find answers on a venue’s site, use the spreadsheet to track what info you still need and reach out with your questions via email.

Often venues are stingy with info online, but if approached, they have a marketing packet ready to share that has a lot of the initial information you are looking for.

Katie suggests including the following columns in your research spreadsheet for wedding venue ideas: •

Name of Venue

•

Location

Capacity: Make sure the capacity fits your event. If you are doing a cocktail party rather than a sit-down meal, the space can likely fit more people.

•

•

Availability: If it matters to you.

•

Type: Such as hotel, outdoor, historical, restaurant.

Layout: Note if it has space for all aspects of your wedding (ceremony, cocktails, reception).

Sometimes this isn’t clear till a site visit.

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Rates: Enter the rough info available online. In a later column as you narrow things down, I recommend you create a “My Cost” line (see below).

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Website: You can easily go back and remind yourself with photos on the venue’s site.

Restrictions: Does the website list any major restrictions, such as a definite end time, that would affect your decision?

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Parking/Transportation: Make any notes regarding free parking, public transit access, or other transportation considerations.

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Facility Extras: List here any items included with the venue: A/V equipment, chairs, tables, linens, etc.

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Caterer: See if they have restrictions on catering, such as an in-house caterer or a preferred list of caterers you are required to work with.

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DOWNLOAD THE APW VENUE GUIDE SPREADSHEET Your Cost: Once you’ve done your initial online research and have a healthy list of places you’re interested in, we recommend going back to the venues you like the most and giving yourself a VERY rough sense of what this venue will cost you. Things to consider: What it will cost for your size and timing of the event (for example, will you need to pay for an extra hour)? What extras are included (chairs and tables means cheaper rental costs down the line, free parking means no transportation needed)?

Please note this line item could just LIST these factors all in one place—you don’t need to necessarily know the monetary value (yet). For now, a list will let you do a quick rundown and remember, “Hey, this cheap venue is awesome, but I need to provide transportation, all rentals, and use a restricted expensive caterer, while this other more expensive venue has a lot of items included— hence, the costs probably balance out.”

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You can also use that draft budget of yours and create different versions of the budget for each venue you’re considering. There you can get more detailed and add in actual venue costs, rental costs, etc., for each venue. This will give you a hard look at how different the venues really are and can help you make that final decision.

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ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS TO PICK A WEDDING VENUE 1.

Can I afford this venue? (See what we did there? We mentioned budget again. ’Cause it’s important.) Don’t torture yourself and keep a $12,000 venue on your list when you can really only afford $4,000. It’s just going to break your soul and waste your time.

2.

Is this venue available on the date (or month, or time of year) that I want? Some venues have online calendars, others you can email for rough availability. And always double check their availability at the site visit.

3.

Does this venue’s capacity fit my estimated guest list? Like, really? Sometimes venues stretch what’s possible in order to make themselves more attractive to all couples. One way to discreetly figure this out is to ask at the site visit: “What number of guests is most successful in this space?” Just because you can fit 150 people into a room, doesn’t mean you should.

4.

Does this venue’s layout/available space fit my needs? For example, if you’re doing ceremony, cocktails, and reception all in one venue, does it have three separate spaces for all of those events? If not, do they recommend a “flip?” The typical “flip” is changing the ceremony space into the reception space during cocktail hour, when guests are in another area. Flips are a great way to make a venue work for you. However, make sure they are done at the venue often, and ask how they are done: Where are the reception tables and decor stored? Will it require renting pipe and drape (a faux fabric wall to hide these items from guests)? Does it require a space that is weather dependent (such as an outdoor space)? This is where you can recognize potential hidden costs and hidden issues. It’s also important to talk through the flow of the ceremony if you’re having one there. Where is the couple kept prior to processional? Are there multiple places if they don’t want to see each other beforehand? Where do people process from? Is there a typical ceremony layout or “altar?”

5.

Consider location. Are you okay with needing to provide transportation for guests from a hotel to your remote venue? Does the centrally located venue allow for guests to get themselves there via walking or public transportation? If everyone is driving, is there ample parking (paid or unpaid)?

Again, transportation can be a fairly big line item on your budget if you’re bussing or shuttling people to and fro.

6.

Does this venue have any catering restrictions? Sometimes a venue makes you use one exclusive caterer (who is usually really expensive—and therefore means this venue pushes your bud�get too far). Other times you were dreaming of having your favorite Mexican restaurant cater your wedding, but this venue won’t allow non-traditional caterers—or they will, but at an additional cost.

7.

Does this venue fit your general vibe? This is a hard one to nail down, as it’s usually a gut feeling and completely depends on the type of wedding you’re hoping to have. If you’re looking for a casual barbecue wedding, a historic, marble-laden hall isn’t the best fit. Or a black tie barn wedding might not make those guests in stilettos and gowns very happy. I do recommend you stay open to possibilities until you do a site visit. I’ve had lots of clients think they want one thing, only to visit a venue and then switch gears altogether. This is also where you should consider decor. Is the venue naturally beautiful and impressive, so it doesn’t require additional lighting or pizzazz? Or is it a blank slate that will need uplighting to warm it up, and additional decor? Take a close look at those marketing photos the venue shows you online—often they have a TON of uplighting and draping to decorate the space. Make sure you’ve either made room in your budget for that, or that you prefer the space as-is.

8.

And finally, if you’re going the all-inclusive route, what does that really mean for you and your budget? Between the wedding industry’s emphasis on personal weddings and the indie wedding industry’s focus on unique weddings, it can be hard to take the idea of the all-inclusive venue seriously. “A wedding factory? Where there are six weddings a day and they’re all done the same way? Why would I ever consider it?” But as Meg writes in the #APWplanner, “For some very good reasons, actually. All-inclusive venues like Wedgewood span from banquet hall complexes to resorts. And unlike more traditional wedding venues, you generally pick a package you’d like, talk to the preselected vendors about your preferred cake flavors, menu, and flowers, and then show up in some hot outfits.”

Now that you’ve done your preliminary research and completed your superstar spreadsheet, you’re all ready to narrow your options and do some site visits! Click here for a detailed look at site visits—what they are, when to do them, and most importantly, the list of questions you should come prepared to ask.

Wedding Centerpiece Trends

When it comes to brightening up your venue and really showing off your theme, table centerpieces are the way to go. There are a few evergreens that never go out of style, yet there are a handful that are new to the roster. Let’s look at some of the new trends in wedding centerpieces for 2019!

Which was your favorite?

Beautiful Bridal Bouquets

The most important thing in your hand on your wedding day (besides your ring and the grooms grip) is your bouquet.

If you’re getting married this Spring you may want a little peak into this year’s floral trend!

THE PERFECT BRIDAL BEAUTY PREP Kristen Dean Online beauty gurus reveal how to revamp your skin care routine to get flawless, radiant skin so you look your best on the big day.

No matter what your wedding style – traditional or modern, glamorous or simple – the one thing that all brides want on their big day is to look their best, and that means having flawless, radiant skin. With only a few months left to go until you’re the center of attention, now is the perfect time to get started.

“Beautiful skin is the canvas for beautiful makeup, so I find that it’s the most important beauty priority,” says online beauty guru and makeup artist Rae of The Raeviewer, who has helped many brides achieve their perfect wedding day glow.

In addition to planning the guest list, the flowers and the dress, you should also be planning your skin care in advance. Rae recommends thinking about your face at least three months before your wedding date.

With help from Rae and Hong Kong-based beauty vlogger Bren Lui, who recently got married and credits SK-II for giving her flawless skin on her wedding day, we put together the ultimate bridal skincare countdown to the big day.

Three Months to Go

Revamp your skin care routine. When the wedding is only a few months away, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but now is the time to stay diligent and add a couple new products for an extra boost of radiance. Following your facial cleanser and toner with a beauty essence is a great way to keep your skin hydrated and renewed. The SK-II Facial Treatment Essencereplenishes skin’s moisture and helps with skin surface texture, giving you a soft and smooth complexion for your big day. Remember to look for skin care products with moisture-boosting, firming and brightening benefits and switch up your routine between morning and night. An SPF 30+ is important to apply for the daytime, and a hydrating eye cream is perfect for before bed. Now is the time to begin your journey toward radiant skin that will dazzle in all your wedding photos.

Workout regularly. Exercising will keep your energy up as you prepare for your big day, and it’s a great opportunity to clear your mind and de-stress. Schedule time for cardio or resistance training several times a week during the month leading up to your wedding. Plus, all of the endorphins you’re building up will do wonders for your skin!

Eat clean. Be mindful of your diet so your body stays in peak condition. Avoid junk foods, sugar and alcohol to help your skin glow. Rae also adds that it’s important to avoid MSG and excess salt,

which will cause bloating and water retention.

One Month to Go

Use daily masks. Rae insists that brides use the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask every night for a month before the wedding.

“It’s a commitment, but there’s a reason why dedicated brides do it – because it works,” Rae says.

Facial masks help to immerse skin in moisture and make it camera-ready all around! This best-seller instantly softens and smooths skin, leaving you with a visibly radiant complexion.

Don’t neglect the skin on your neck. Photos won’t just capture your face; your neck is going to be front and center, too, especially if you plan to wear a strapless or low-cut dress. Be sure to give your décolletage the lux treatment with a rich moisturizer and spot treat any problem areas.

Five Days to Go

Fill up on water. You’ve heard it before, but it always rings true. Your skin looks better when you drink up! Rae recommends brides drink more water in the week before the wedding – at least eight cups every day – to keep the skin hydrated and looking radiant.

Get some rest. While stress might be high, your beauty rest is exceptionally important this week!

Aim to get at least eight hours of sleep to help prevent dark circles. Double up on your eye cream morning and night. Also, be sure to apply your eye cream before your concealer to smooth out the area for easy application.

Stay disciplined. There may be last-minute emergencies for the wedding, but stick to your daily and nightly skin care routines – it will be worth the commitment!

“Do not make excuses and stray from your skin care routine,” Rae insists. “There’s a lot of time and work involved, but it will pay off.”

Most importantly, savor this time! You only get to be the bride once, so soak up every moment.

Bridal Hairstyles 2019

6 Great Tips for Booking Wedding Transportation Dejai Singh When I first got engaged, I immediately bought a humongous binder (which I still own) containing worksheets on how to help novice brides like myself plan their wedding with organized glee. I filled out many of the pages and felt like I had just passed a final exam — until I got to the transportation section.

How do I get my guests from Point A to Point B and map out our itinerary? Who do we include, who do we not include and where on Earth are we all going?! The whole concept was starting to sound more like a lecture from my algebra teacher (a class that I failed in school).

So I did what any obsessive-compulsive bride in my situation would do: I Googled as much info as I could find until finally, I developed a game plan. If you’re anything like me and are overwhelmed by the logistics of transporting yourself (and your bridal party) to and fro on the wedding day, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some basic guidelines for tackling all of your transportation conundums.

1. Timeline

While you don’t need to know every little detail of your wedding day down to the second, you will have to map out how the bulk of your day will be spent and where. For example, where are you getting your hair and makeup done? Are you having a “first look” or taking bridal party portraits at a different venue? These are all factors that may impact your transportation. If you need help gauging how much time you’ll need for those all-important shutterbug moments, ask your photographer. Be sure to include some cushioning to your schedule in case of any last-minute emergencies, such as a bridal party member or vendor showing up late.

Once you’ve established a basic timeline, it’s time to start researching rental companies. Ideally, you should start your search about four to six months before the big day, but you can certainly book well in advance.

Bonus tip: If your wedding will take place during prom season (early April to mid-June) or on/around a major holiday such as New Year›s Eve, start your transportation search early, since rental companies may be inundated with bookings during that time.

2. Budget

Your finances have dictated everything from the centerpieces you’ve chosen to the dress that you’ll rock down the aisle, and wedding-day transportation is no exception. Consider the cost per hour, price of mileage and the distance involved from one point to another when booking your contract. Most companies will charge a minimum of three to four hours ($50 to $300 per hour depending on where you live and which vehicle you’ve rented).

Bonus tip: Ask to see the limo (or other vehicle) in person to verify that it has enough room for your bridal

party to fit comfortably inside! If you’re getting married in the summertime, you’ll also want to ensure that the air conditioning works.

3. The Fine Print

Now that you’ve established what your transportation needs are and have a better idea of what they’ll cost, let’s get down to business! Get a written agreement that includes the following terms of service: total cost, deposits required, refund and gratuity policies, arrival and departure locations, pick-up/drop-off times, the exact models of the vehicles you’ve requested and the overtime rate per hour. This will give you extra peace of mind!

When you’re ready to sign on the dotted line, it’s important to ask about “all-inclusive pricing,” which should always include the total fare, but may not always include taxes.

Bonus tip: Don’t forget to verify that your driver is licensed and insured! You can contact your local Public Utilities Commission for more information. (Live in California? Contact 1-800-894-9444 or visit cpuc. ca.gov and click on «Transportation.»)

4. Prepare Yourself

You know that itinerary you’ve been obsessing over like a busy little bee? Fax or email it to your transportation company, along with all of the necessary directions, including alternate routes in case of an untimely traffic jam. It’s also a great idea to give the itinerary to your bridal party, along with any necessary numbers they may need to have handy.

Bonus tip: And whatever you do, don’t call the bride! Make sure that either your MOH or wedding planner (if you hired one) has all of the receipts/contracts and any contact numbers they may need. It’s also wise to let your transportation company know to contact them in case they need an answer or there’s an issue on the wedding day (e.g. the original car you wanted breaks down, so they need to send another one).

5. Get Creative

One of my favorite details at weddings is always the form of transportation. If limos aren’t your style or you want to splurge on something special for both you and your groom, then think wedding trolleys, school buses (perfect for teachers!) or even a horse-drawn carriage for the ultimate fairytale moment.

Bonus tip: If you want to surprise your groom on your wedding day, rent his favorite car for his transportation to the ceremony!

6. Go the Extra Mile

If you’re providing transportation for out-of-town guests, factor in that some of your loved ones may wish to leave the party at 11 p.m. and not celebrate until 2 a.m. If your budget is tight and you can’t afford two separate return transportation opportunities, ask a family friend if they wouldn’t mind carpooling. It’s always a nice gesture to thank your loved ones with a small gift for their time.

One thing my fiancé and I were considering when booking our venue was that our bridal party would need return transportation; otherwise talk to family members, MOH or your event planner if you hired one and ask for alternative recommendations. It’s thoughtful to think of your bridal party’s needs after they have celebrated your love all day (and night!).

Bonus tip: When researching nearby hotels, ask if they offer free shuttles to transport hotel guests back to their room at the end of the wedding. Also, it’s always a smart idea to provide guests with a list of taxi services if they happen to have had one too many drinks and are feeling a little bit tipsy!

«We Pass the years as though they were ages... they dwell in us as if they were days.»

Dr. H Farhat MD.