Bloom Issue 20

Bloom September Special Wedding

TOP 7

WEDDING PLANNING TIPS

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

EXCLUSIVE BRIDAL EXPERIENCE

INTERVIEW

RUBEUS IMPERIAL ALEXANDRITE COLLECTION

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Top 7 Wedding Planning Tipsfor the Modern Day Bride

The modern day bride is ambitious, aggressive and knows exactly what she wants. But when it comes to wedding planning, even the toughest cookies tend to crumble under pressure. After all, if being the bride wasn’t hard enough, planning an entire wedding of your dreams is a daunting task of its own. But things aren’t too bad, especially with a little professional expertise. This wedding season, we’re counting down the top 7 wedding planning tips for the modern day bride. From handling those sleepless nights to what to do in helpless situations- we’re covering it all! So brace yourselves ladies, as we prepare you for fabulous wedding planning without losing your mind.

There’s no need to go bananas when you’re following a timeline Keep your mind at absolute ease as you figure out your schedule for the big day ahead. Remember, jotting down everything that needs to be done in its respective timeframe can save you from all that unnecessary stress, dark circles, and fine lines too. Above all, keep reminding yourself to stick to it.

Avoid getting wrapped up in small details It’s so easy for brides to get caught up in the littlest of details. And believe us; many of them don’t even matter. Be careful of zoning in on things that aren’t a priority because you’ll just end up wasting time. Remember, big details come first and when you’re left with time on your hands, take a glance at the smaller things.

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Establish the best organizational system that you’re comfortable in If you’re one of those brides that can’t seem to stop thinking about her wedding day, then why not come up with a system that enables you to keep things in one place. This will give your mind a much needed break from the entire planning process. Write down things as you remember them and place that to-do list in a safe place. You can now enjoy all the planning and live in the greatness of the moment.

Stop controlling everything As much as a control freak you may be, it’s so important to let things go when planning your own wedding. Trust the people around you and know that you can’t have your finger on everything and everyone at all times. Send out an email to your bridal squad and immediate family at least 2 weeks before the big day. This should comprise of a designated

timeline of their duties. Leave that competition at the door

While most brides tend to be competitive, it’s essential to understand that

your wedding isn’t a competition. There’s simply no need to compare the venue, your dress, the theme or even the décor with that of those near and dear to you. This moment is especially reserved for the two of you so make it worthwhile.

Your team is your power One of the biggest reasons why the wedding day is so expensive is because there are plenty of people around to help. Vendors are hired for a reason and that is related to bringing your wedding dream to life. Trust in them and believe that they will fulfill their responsibilities to the core.

Sit down and take a breather As difficult as this may sound, it’s so important to breathe and rest every once in a while. There’s nothing worthwhile if you’re not feeling great during the process. No matter how many bills seem to be piling up or if things aren’t going according to plan, smile, breathe and remember why you began it all in the first place.

WATCHES & JEWELLERY31

OSCAR DE LA RENTA Exclusive Bridal Experience

Oscar de la Renta is elevating its bridal offering with six demi-couture gowns in the Spring Summer 2020 collection. A first for the luxury brand, the addition of demi-couture is a response to the high demand for Oscar de la Renta in the bridal market. The new collection offers a higher level of customization and exclusive service. By Farouk CHEKOUFI

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How to Plan a Wedding

Your partner finally went down on one knee and popped the question you have been waiting for. And your answer was yes. So, what happens next?... Well, first take time to celebrate your engagement. Once, the celebrations are over; you can officially start planning your wedding. After, the initial shock of your engagement wears off most brides are left asking, “How do I plan a wedding…”

Planning a wedding is not a walk in the park. And, figuring out where to start can be a daunting experience for any bride. So, here are four tips you can use that will make the experience easier. Set a budget The most critical determinant of success in any wedding is your budget. Your budget is the driving factor for every decision you make when planning your wedding. This is why the first step of planning a wedding is setting a budget. In truth, this is not the most fun task; but it has to be handled first.

So, before you start falling in love with a dress or a venue, sit down with your fiancée and family members and come up with a budget. Once you have a budget; divide it according to service or vendor. Also, make sure you stick to the budget completely.

Find your wedding vision Before you can book a venue, try on wedding dresses, or sample wedding cake; it is essential to have a clear idea of what you want. Therefore, start by imagining the vibe and style you want for your wedding. As you do this make sure you consider the following;

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38• Is the wedding going to be small or big?

• Do you want it indoors or out?

• Is the décor going to be rustic, romantic, modern, classic, vintage, or glamorous?

• What type of cake do you want? These questions help you find your wedding vision. Make sure you use social media, magazines, and other sources to find venues and décor that fits your ideal vision. Plan your guest list The next step is planning your guest list. Most brides do not consider this a priority until the last few weeks. However, planning your guest list in advance gives you a clue on the venue size you require. This helps you narrow down on venues that fit your guest list. Also, it is essential to remember that the more

guests you have, the higher your budget. So, make sure you follow your budget as well since it does dictate the number of your guests. Narrow down your wedding dates Setting a date for your wedding will not happen until you book your wedding venue. But, it is essential to narrow down on potential dates before you look at prospective venues. First, make sure you think about the season that your wedding should be held. Next, pick a day that is convenient for you and your guests. Once you consider holidays, work schedules, and other factors; it becomes easy to select a venue. And, your prospective dates come in handy when choosing a venue. Remember, your fiancée is also part of the wedding process. Therefore, as a bride, make sure you turn to your fiancée for help. It can be fun for both of you execute the plan together.

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