WEDDING PLANNER
2014 Wedding Colour Trends
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wedding theme is not just about a name or location. It can go as deep as what is placed in the vows and what the guests are expected to bring as gifts. One thing that always helps bring a theme to life is the colour choice. The right colours can take your outfits and decor to the next level and in 2014 there are some colour trends you should be hip to. One colour combination that is popular this year is the combination of coral and peach. It is the perfect blend of soft, yet eye-popping and it oozes romance with a touch of spice. These are the sort of colors that always put people in a good mood and this palette is one of our main picks because of it. Outdoor weddings have become extremely popular of late and green living is just as popular. As such, the colour green as part of weddings is another
popular choice this year. Mint has been one of the favourites since 2013. However, other more traditional palettes of avocado remain popular as well. Purple and pink have long been wedding staples. Pink is said to represent unconditional love, understanding, and nurturing. The more powerful pur-
ple, is all about luxury, passion, wealth and devotion. Not only will your colours look good, but they will stand out in terms of their meanings as well. For weddings later down in the year (Boxing Day for instance), a more monochromatic finish is common. Contrary to popular belief, this sort of col-
our scheme is not restricted to black and white. Instead, one central theme colour is chosen, and only darker and lighter shades of the same colour are used in the palette. The monochrome finish works well in nature-themed colour schemes based on a russet red or sage green.
Three Overlooked Bridal Makeup Tips
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ridal makeup is a big thing. Even women who don’t usually wear makeup put some on when they are tying the knot. However, achieving the right makeup look is an art. Here are three secrets to that art which can be very helpful. It’s no secret that most of the makeup we use locally was produced abroad for a foreign target market. Therefore, it is unlikely the manufacturers would have taken your specific island needs into account all the time. Instead, you need to look for what suits you. In warmer climates like ours, you need to consider using as many oil-free
products as possible. This goes for everything from primer, to moisturizer, foundation and more. In our humid climate it would also be wise to keep oilfree blotting sheets on hand. While the first tip reminds you to take natural humidity and climate into account, be careful about using products with SPF. While we advocate SPF use on a normal day, it doesn’t bode well for you wedding day. Products that contain SPF can photograph weird because of the zinc oxide found in many moisturizers and foundations. So, while you have a great mirror finish, you instead look paler than Casper’s diaper in
photographs. Instead leave the SPF to your Honeymoon while you are on the beach or by the pool. The process of getting a bride ready can take hours. Plus, there is transit time and additional final hassles. With that said, you should note that the day is going to be a long one as it goes all the way past “I do” to dancing at the reception. Use products that will minimize the need for touchups. Tricks such as using a stain as opposed to a gloss or a lipstick and using powder eye shadow instead of a cream highlighter will work to your benefit since these products will last longer. JUNE 2014 ABSTRACT bridal 1
WEDDING PLANNER
Achieve the princess finish with a flowing train which is made to look separate from the original dress design
Elegant, flowing but resolutely simple; this dress places the detail on the arms with pure, unobstructed fabric forming the rest of the finish.This look is both classic and classy.
Four Fine Wedding Dress Styles To Choose From Ladies usually place heavy emphasis on their dresses and with good reason. The wedding dress is one of the most-talked about aspects of any wedding. Deciding what dress to choose can be difficult, but here are some options to consider.
The corset-top keeps your hardearned figure on full blast while elegant ruffles balance out the dress. You may not be veil worthy, but you can still rock an accessory to your head for added effect.
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Off white with a hit of pink is this dress inspired by Modern Asian bridal couture.
WEDDING PLANNER
Planning The Perfect Beach Wedding
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he sound of the ocean, the grains of sand between your toes, the cool breeze brushing against your skin and your soul mate waiting for you at the end of the aisle are just some of the things you can experience if having a beach wedding. However like most things, if not well thought out, they can turn into a total disaster. Here are some tips when planning the ultimate beach wedding!
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Guest List – It is important to decide on this from the beginning, as it will help guide other important factors such as location and budget. Beach weddings are usually small and intimate and while planning a larger wedding is not impossible, those with fewer guests tend to have a bit more flexibility.
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No need for artificial additions– The beach setting is already gorgeous and does not need many decorative pieces. “A beach wedding can be about shells and starfish, but it can also take inspiration from the harmonious color palette of sand, dune grasses, stones and water,” says Karen Bussen of Simple Stunning in New York. Another piece of advice, add some color. To make your setup really pop, Sasha Souza of Sasha Souza Events suggests, “Choose colors that contrast the sand and the surf rather than blend in, like corals, greens and other vibrant tones.” 4
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Scout various locations – An excellent and efficient way of doing this would be to create a table to compare and contrast the locations. Keep in mind if its not easily accessible, some of your guests may not be able to attend.
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Do your research – Make sure to find out about permits, license, noise ordinance and any other fees that will need to be paid to the relevant authorities. The registrar's office should be contacted for specific rules regarding planning a beach wedding in Trinidad & Tobago. They will also provide information regarding marriage licenses and marriage certificates. The contact information for this is: Trinidad Registrar General's Office Registrar House 72 - 74 South Quay, Port of Spain Tel: 868 623 7163 Tobago Warden's Office Inland Revenue Building Sangster's Hill Scarborough Tel: 868 639 2410.
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Plan for the environment – Analyze the environment. The imagery it provides may be beautiful but a lot of things can work against you in this type of setting. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore may be known for its soothing effects but think about how your guests will feel if they can’t hear the
couple making their vows. Renting a small PA system may be the solution. The breeze is also another factor to think about. Keep in mind that anything that can blow away will! Kelly McWilliams of Weddings by Socialites in Cape Coral, Florida says “if you’re using ceremony programs, weigh them down with shells, tie them to chairs with ribbon or print them on fans, which perform double duty. Also if you envision a perfectly petal-lined aisle, do not toss them until the absolute last moment, right before the guests arrive.” Lastly, don’t forget about the not so loving bugs: Mosquitoes! Providing odorless repellent for your guest is a good idea; just make sure it’s a brand that won’t stain. Another suggestion is to include citronella candles in your décor.
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Restrooms – If the ceremony is held at a hotel or beach resort, be sure to inform all guests of the exact location of the bathrooms. If it takes place on a private/public beach, consider renting portable toilets.
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Dress the part – Big dresses are not ideal for a beach wedding “you may be able to get down the aisle in a full dress and long train but walking on the beach and taking photos won’t be easy. If a large dress is a must, make sure it can bustle easily” says Paulette Davis of Bahamas Wedding Planner. Experts advise that brides
should choose a lightweight fabric like chiffon or charmeuse so the gown flows in the ocean breeze.” Forget about the heels! No bride wants to be remembered as the ‘bride that fell in sand on her wedding day!’ To prevent that nightmare from happening, consider wearing flat-sole sandals, espadrilles or wedges… shoes that won’t sink into the sand.
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Seats – Tara Guerard destination wedding planner recommends wooden benches, folding chairs and waterproof ottomans, as they are heavy enough to withstand the ocean breeze.
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Time of the Day – when picturing their beach wedding, many brides dream of saying "I do" just as the sun sets in the background. Mornings are wonderful as well especially if using a public beach. The beaches tend to be empty at that time and the lighting is perfect for photography. Not to mention, it is also the coolest time of the day.
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Have a backup plan – Since the weather can be unpredictable, celebritywedding planner Colin Cowie recommends “to keep the party on the beach, have a canopy or tent ready or find a space indoors where everything can take place.”
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Have Fun – After all it’s your wedding you’re planning NOT your funeral!
ENGAGEMENTS
Wedding Announcement Tips
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hen a couple is about to be wed, at least one of the two of them feels like they want the entire world to know. Therefore, from the moment of the engagement the next step is the announcement. Usually, this involves an excited bride or groom calling and texting friends and family to tell them the news. However, there is also the formal, traditional engagement announcement method. Here are some tips for an engagement announcement. The first tip is to remember to be sensitive. In today’s day and age, blended families make for a myriad of family ties and complications. If this is your second marriage, you don’t need a newspaper ad, engagement cards and a big deal on Facebook. Be empathetic to
those who may take the news hard (e.g. An ex-spouse). In that case, a face to face would be the best bet. Take into consideration and kids that may be involved. Handle it with tact. The engagement is just the beginning. Don’t make things uncomfortable from the get-go. Be the bigger person. Now that you know the importance of showing respect, there is the consideration of the method of announcement you will choose. Spreading the news at a party is one of the ways it can be done. Obviously the type of party should be considered. A regular club night with friends is a bad idea. However, a party setting gives you the opportunity to see the joy on everyone's faces when they learn you are engaged. Just make sure that you don't invite anyone to the party who won't
be invited to the wedding. Most of all ensure that it is your party and not someone else’s. This is a big announcement and you don’t want to upstage anyone on their birthday or special day. Now that you know a bit about the etiquette of engagement announcements, here is a bit about what should be included in the announcement whether it is a formal, published one or verbal. Typically they mention career details about the two betrothed; their parents' names and places of residence, and educational credentials (space permitting). Obviously, it should only include what you'd like the world to know. Information on the actual wedding date does not need to be included. A generalized date can be inserted to avoid the "So when's the big day?" questions later.
Choosing A Male Wedding Ring/Band
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edding and engagement rings are commonly associated with the bride, but both sexes wear bands and even male engagement rings have recently become popular. With that said, here are some considerations for male wedding rings. Wear and Tear Ready We know that women are as active as men these days, but without trying to sound too sexist, the facts are that men’s rings will generally take more of a beating than a woman’s. This will definitely be the case for guys who work in blue collar jobs such as mechanics or handymen. If that is the case then be wary of rings that have protruding parts. Also, ensure that the fit is perfect, because it can easily be lost if it slips off during work. Then, not only 6
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will some big bucks have gone down the drain, but your wife will certainly make you feel worse than you thought she would when she sees your hand bare. Personality A ring needs to reflect its wearer. Classic wedding rings are often plain bands, but modern styles are more varied and can include diamond wedding rings or sap-
phire wedding rings, which are becoming very popular for men. For those with a more fashion forward style, precious gemstone bands may be the perfect way to express your creative streak whilst also choosing a ring that complements that of the bride, particularly at a time when diamond and sapphire wedding rings and engagement rings are becoming increasingly popular.
Compatibility Just like the bride and groom themselves, the couple's rings should go together. That doesn't mean they have to be perfect matches, but they should look good together. Things to consider include metal choice, level of intricacy, stone selection, width, and whether or not to engrave. The idea is not necessarily to purchase the men's version of the bride's ring. The rings simply need to look appropriate next to each other.
dÉcor
Wonderful Wedding Décor
Giant centerpieces may not be functional, but they are becoming more and more popular. 8
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dÉcor
Purple has long been a staple in wedding dĂŠcor.This table setting is not over-thetop, but it is effective JUNE 2014
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dÉcor
This white table setting signifies the purity of the love bond being celebrated 10
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dÉcor
Bold hues of orange are modern favourites.This colour scheme works especially well outdoors.
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dÉcor
Even if it is small and intimate your reception can still portray bold extravagance 12
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MONEY MATTERS
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s the head of a family, you will have a lot on your plate. That should not lead you to neglect finances. These tips will help you keep your family on track. Make savings automatic This should be your top priority, especially if you don’t have a solid emergency fund yet. Make it the first bill you pay each payday, by having a set amount automatically transferred from your checking account to your savings (try an online savings account). Don’t even think about this transaction — just make sure it happens, each and every payday. Control your impulses This is a big problem for many of us. Impulse spending, on eating out and shopping and online purchases, is a big drain on our finances, the biggest budget breaker for many, and a sure way to be in dire financial straits. Evaluate expenses for frugal living If you’ve never tracked your expenses, try doing it for one month. Then evaluate how you’re spending your money,
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Family Finance Tips and see what you can cut out or reduce. Decide if each expense is absolutely necessary, and then eliminate the unnecessary. Invest in your future. If you’re young, you probably don’t think about retirement much. But it’s important. Even if you think you can always plan for retirement later, do it now. The growth of your investments over time will be amazing if you start in your 20s. Do a little research, but whatever you do, start now! Secure Your Family The first step is to save for an emergency fund, so that if anything happens, you’ve got the money. If you have a spouse and/or dependents, you should definitely get life insurance and make a will — as soon as possible! Also research other insurance, such as homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
putting as much as you can into it, even if it’s just $40-50 extra. When that amount is paid off, celebrate! Then take the total amount you were paying and add that to the minimum payment of the next largest debt. Continue this process, with your extra amount snowballing as you go along, until you pay off all your debts. This could take several years, but it’s a very rewarding process, and very necessary.
Avoid Debt If you’ve got credit cards, personal loans, or other such debt, you need to start a debt elimination plan. List out your debts and arrange them in order from smallest balance at the top to the largest at the bottom. Then focus on the debt at the top,
Use the envelope system This is a simple system to keep track of how much money you have for spending. Let’s say you set aside three amounts in your budget each payday — one for gas, one for groceries, one for eating out. Withdraw those amounts on payday, and put
them in three separate envelopes. That way, you can easily track how much you have left for each of these expenses, and when you run out of money, you know it immediately. You don’t overspend in these categories. If you regularly run out too fast, you may need to rethink your budget. Pay bills immediately One good habit is to pay bills as soon as they come in. Also, as much as possible, try to get your bills to be paid through automatic deduction. For those that can’t, use your bank’s online check system to make regular automatic payments. This way, all of your regular expenses in your budget are taken care of. Educate yourself Look to grow your net worth. Do whatever you can to improve your net worth, either by reducing your debt, increasing your savings, or increasing your income, or all of the above. Look for new ways to make money, or to get paid more for what you do. Over the course of months, if you calculate your net worth each month, you’ll see it grow. And that feels great.
cakes
Creative Cakes Pretty in pink is this combination of square and round cakes stacked atop each other with well-placed fabric accents
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cakes
A bit of blue ribbon and decorative flowers goes a long way in taking this cake to the next level
This cake sports an elaborate design with a soft and slightly unusual colour that would make any bride proud
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While this may not be the traditional wedding cake, it is no less a beautiful invention
A variety of floral accents as well as red ribbon and figurines give this six-tiered cake dramatic effect
cakes
A traditional white cake with a cascading floral arrangement
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cakes
This cake has that sentimental homemade “baked by granny� appeal
This simple iced delight with several smaller cakes at the base has become a fun popular option in recent times
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Why go for big and gaudy when several small cakes can offer the same effect?
It looks simple from afar, but this beautiful cake has lots of intricate details
BRIDAL Beauty
The Colours of Love
Photography: Marlon Rouse Makeup: Leasel Rovedas Editing: Richard Lyder Models: Shanes Acosta, Deanna Albert, Krystle Khan, Terez Lord, Valini Mangaroo 20
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Shades of pink on the lips and eyes are the perfect complement for this bride’s complexion
BRIDAL Beauty
Bold lip colour works well to finish this ravishing red bridal number
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BRIDAL Beauty
Embrace the power of pink. This look is demure, yet passionate and all round beautiful
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BRIDAL Beauty
Makeup doesn’t need to be overpowering. The right colour blend can be the difference between queen and clown JUNE 2014
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BRIDAL Beauty
Simple, earthy and ultimately effective is this makeup choice 24
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BRIDAL Beauty
The blue shadow makes this all about the eyes, while seamless contouring helps to provide the natural look many a bride would die for JUNE 2014
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LOVE & MARRIAGE
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Are You an Insecure Girlfriend?
n this issue of Abstract Bridal we have decided to treat you to an AB Quiz. We have all heard about female paranoia ruining relationships and we know that insecurity issues abound in many a relationship. We are not saying that men cannot be insecure as well, but we have space for only one quiz. Therefore, we decided to go with the female insecurity test first because… well… ladies first. 1. Your boyfriend hasn't called you since a week. A. He must be busy with something. B. Has he dumped me or what? 2. If both of you go out for a romantic dinner, and he eyes another pretty girl, you A. Don't really worry about it. B. Do something to catch his attention asap. 3. Another girl asks your guy for a dance in a party, you A. Let him go for some time. B. Angrily stare at the girl and take your guy away.
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4. You get a not so expensive gift on your Birthday from him. A. He must be facing a cash crunch, I guess. B. Time to worry. Last year, he spent so much on me. 5. He calls and asks you to meet him soon. He has something important to tell you. A. Let’s see what he has to say. B. Does he want to dump me?
If you answered ‘B’ to these questions, it shows that you definitely have insecurity issues. You cannot stand to think of your man with anyone else and you constantly question the motive behind his every action. By answering ‘B’, you reveal a level of hastiness that shows you are not comfortable with not being in control of what goes on in your relationship.
HAPPY HONEYMOON
Exploring Honeymoon Mistakes
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oneymoons are the perfect way to cap off an excellent wedding and also the perfect way to kick-start a marriage. That’s why this period should not be overlooked. Honeymoons are important so couples should be careful about how they approach planning their honeymoon. Here are some common honeymoon related mistakes people make. Thinking It Will Signal the Start of All Things Perfect Your honeymoon may be a little more stressful then you think. Traveling to a different country, being in a new environment or eating strange food can all contribute to tension and may not be as relaxing as you imagined. Many couples are shocked to realize that they may argue or snap at each other during their honeymoon travels. They might even think, “Is there something wrong with our relationship? Think of this trip as an emotional detox and let yourselves unwind slowly. Avoid the mistake of expecting that this trip
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will determine the rest of your lives together. Give it a few days before you really settle into a routine of true relaxation and easy companionship. If you don’t stress about it, you will eventually hit your stride and get into the vacation groove together. Leaving Too Soon After the Wedding The idea of being whisked away to the airport directly from your wedding reception can be quite romantic. However, there is something unnerving about it as well. Hanging over your head
will be the semantics of all that needs to be worked out such as stowing your luggage and passport in a safe place, assigning someone to take all of your wedding presents home and finding a place in the airport to change out of your wedding attire. Not to mention, you will likely be exhausted after your own wedding. Who really wants to catch a flight (especially a long one) after such a stressful day? It would be wise to take a couple days first to gather yourselves and make sure everything is prepared for your absence. Lugging around Too Much Luggage Immigration and Airport Authorities personnel can be a nightmare. They will make you pretty much strip every chance they get and if you are travelling on a crowded flight it can be especially frustrating and time sapping. With that said, the last thing you want to do is make things worse by lugging around lots of luggage. The art of luggage-packing is something every couple should master. There are
a lot of safety and security checkins at airports, even at hotels for travelers. Pay attention to the amount of stuff you pack and how you pack it. Packing too many things or tightly shoving them in the wrong way can lead to loss of items and damage to them. Carry-on bags are always helpful. Going Solo On the Planning Many women think about their wedding day and even honeymoon from early childhood. They’ve dreamt about it so much that they practically already experienced it. Men do not operate like that. To most men, getting married is a way of showing the women of their dreams their unending commitment… nothing more. That doesn’t mean the guy should be left out of the planning altogether. Get the guy involved about the details. Planning your dream honeymoon without consulting him will result in a trip you’ll love, but he won’t. You want your honeymoon to be as memorable for your beloved as it will be for you.
Dare To Be...
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