2 I Do Wedding Planner Friday, January 17, 2014
Negotiation know-how How to get the best deals on wedding services Many engaged couples have grandiose visions of their wedding days. While such visions typically come to fruition, they often do so only after heavy negotiations with the various vendors necessary to turn a dream wedding into a reality. Negotiating prices with wedding vendors is something bridesand grooms-to-be may not anticipate, but the process of negotia-
tion is paramount for couples who hope to plan their dream weddings without ruining their budgets. Though vendors vary considerably with regard to their willingness to negotiate, the following are a few tips for couples hoping to get the best deals possible on their wedding services. * Prepare, prepare, prepare. Couples who blindly enter negotiations with wedding venues and
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vendors are far less likely to get a good deal. When working with any wedding vendor, whether it's a wedding venue representative, a local florist or a deejay, couples should know what the going rate for the vendor's services are. Couples who find a venue they like should receive quotes from similar venues before negotiating a rate with the venue they most prefer. Arming oneself with quotes from competitors increases the chances of receiving a more couple-friendly quote from the venue liked best, as that venue won't want to lose business, especially to one of its chief competitors. In addition to pricing, estimates from other venues can vary based on what they include. Even if a favorite venue does not come down much on its original quote, they may be willing to add extra services, such as an open bar or an extra hour during the reception, free of charge to match a competitor's offer. But they cannot match such offers if couples don't first do their homework and solicit estimates from their competitors. * Avoid making demands. Coming off as too demanding when negotiating prices with wedding vendors may not produce the results couples are hoping for. Much like couples don't want to receive "take it or leave it" offers, vendors don't want to be given demands they have to meet in order to book a wedding. The right tone can go a long way with wedding vendors, who are typically more willing to work with
couples who treat them nicely than couples who enter the negotiation process full of demands. Vendors often like it when couples know what they want, but couples are not doing themselves any favors when they express those desires as demands. * Don't be afraid to ask for more. Making demands and asking for more are not the same thing. When negotiating with wedding vendors, there's no harm in asking for more. For example, the worst a deejay can do when asked to play an extra hour at no additional charge is deny that request. Reception venues often have the most wiggle room, so don't be afraid to ask for free coffee with dessert or valet parking. Vendors are often open to suggestion and willing to honor requests, but it's not their responsibility to make such offers. * Make sure all contracts are itemized, and read them thoroughly before signing on the dotted line. The negotiation process is often tedious, and contracts should reflect that. When hiring a wedding vendor, make sure the contract is itemized, spelling out in intimate detail just what was negotiated and how much each item costs. Couples may even notice items in the contract that can be removed, saving them a few dollars as a result. Be especially mindful of extra fees that can add up. For example, some venues try to make up for lower rates couples negotiated by tacking on fees for cutting the cake or
other minute details. These fees will be in the contract, and it's up to couples to have them removed before they sign and the contract becomes official. * Remember there are two parties involved in the negotiation process. Vendors are not the only ones who might need to bend a little at the negotiating table. Couples might have to be flexible in order to make their dream weddings a reality. Some vendors charge considerably less during certain times of the year than they do during peak wedding season. If couples are finding it impossible to afford the wedding of their dreams during peak wedding season, they should consider tying the knot during a less popular time of year, when venues and vendors can offer them more competitive rates. Brides- and grooms-to-be cannot expect vendors to bend over backward for couples who aren't willing to make any concessions themselves, so couples might have to make certain sacrifices at the negotiating table when planning their weddings. Negotiation plays a significant role in wedding planning. Couples who take the process of negotiation seriously often find the best deals without having to make too many concessions.
Friday, January 17, 2014
I Do Wedding Planner 3
Choosing the right wedding reception favors Planning a perfect wedding is no small undertaking. From scheduling venues and hiring vendors to tasting menus, lots of decisions must be made when planning a wedding. But when the pieces fall into place, the entire day can be magical. One of the final components of weddings are the favors guests will take home with them as mementos of the festivities. Though favors don't require immediate attention, that does not mean couples should wait until the last minute to made decisions regarding their wedding favors. Brides- and grooms-to-be should not underestimate the importance of handing out wedding favors, a tradition with a rich history. A wedding favor is considered a symbol of good will to guests, and there are many different wedding favors on the market. Finding the right one can take a little work. It is usually a good idea to find something that suits the theme of the wedding and is both long-lasting and practical. Try to avoid anything that is too kitschy. A couple's budget should be considered when choosing wedding favors. A couple may want to give their guests lavish gifts but should only do so if their budget allows. It may be challenging for couples to find favors that fit the theme of their wedding, as well as their own personalities and budgets. But it can be done. The following are some favor-finding guidelines. Be creative Wedding favors can be just about anything, so there's no need to stick to Jordan almonds or wine bottle stoppers. The more creative couples are, the more re-
Did you know?
Symbolic gestures are commonplace during wedding ceremonies. The exchange of rings, stomping on a glass and lighting of candles are each among the various traditions associated with different faiths. Couples who would like to try something a bit different can opt for pouring sand. Choose two different colored sands and decorative vessels that can hold the sand until a special time in the ceremony. You also will need another large, clear container that will contain the sand once it is poured. A glass vase or heart-shaped vessel works well. To symbolize the joining of two lives together, both the bride and groom can take one of the colors of sand and begin pouring them together into the larger container. The ribbons of sand will join and meld together, much as the couple's separate lives will now become one. The finished sand art can be kept on a mantle as a remembrance of the wedding day for years to come.
ceptive their guests will likely be. For example, for an autumntheme wedding, fill mason jars with the ingredients for a spiced cake and give the recipe directions on a tag. For a summer wedding, gift guests with a sun and surf survival bag, full of sunblock, a beach towel and sunglasses. Complete the theme Some weddings follow a particular theme from start to finish, and wedding favors should stick with that theme. Couples who will showcase their love of travel on their wedding days may want to give guests keychains or purse holders that feature popular landmarks around the world. Those who are admitted beach bums may want to present a small fishbowl with sand and a goldfish inside, reminiscent of days at the seashore. Go traditional Couples who opt for univer-
sally appealing favors can lean toward some popular options, such as silver cake servers, candlestick holders, decorative photo frames, or engraved keepsake boxes. Aim for favors that have utility. Otherwise, favors may end up collecting dust on someone's shelf. Food and beverage gifts are fun Food favors mean guests can enjoy their gifts and not have to worry about finding space inside their homes to display trinkets. Food favors can be lavishly decorated cookies, fine chocolates, petit fours, small bottles of champagne or cupcakes decorated like the wedding cake. Favors are often integral to wedding celebrations. Selecting a favor that will be appreciated and fit with the wedding is often a fun and stress-free part of planning a wedding.
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4 I Do Wedding Planner Friday, January 17, 2014
Explore unique cake flavor combinations A wedding cake is the piece de resistance of the wedding ceremony. Guests anxiously await the unveiling of the cake near the end
of the festivities. Modern cakes are showpieces grander in scale than in years past. As bakers and confectioners hone their skills
with fondant, buttercream and gum paste even further, the results are often impressive, aweinspiring cake designs.
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While the look of a wedding cake is certainly important, cakes should not only look good, but taste good as well. Vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream frosting was once the gold standard. But today's couples are being more adventurous with their wedding cakes and winning rave reviews from guests along the way. The vast scope of wedding cake flavor choices available to brides and grooms is astonishing. Options may range from the traditional to something adventurous and daring. Keeping in mind that couples will need to please the masses, finding a compromise between plain vanilla and a mocha-chile-coconut surprise is essential. Otherwise, they risk an unpopular flavor and a lot of wasted, expensive cake. Some couples shy away from more adventurous cakes because they fear something chocolately or not white in color will not be well suited to a wedding reception. Such couples should keep in mind that any flavor of cake can be hidden beneath layers of pearly white fondant or royal icing. Therefore, the sky is the limit with regard to flavor combinations. Those who might want to veer from tradition can consider these clever cake combinations. * Lemon cake with vanilla buttercream: Lemons are tart, juicy and refreshing, helping to cleanse the palate after a rich meal. Lemon cake, with its summery feel, is tailor-made for summer weddings. The flavor is popular enough to appeal to many, but just a little different to add an unexpected zip of flavor. * Chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and mocha filling: True chocoholics will be hardpressed to resist such a decadent flavor profile. Chocolate can be sweet and satisfying and a welcome change from the vanilla cakes commonly served. For tra-
ditionalists, the cake can be covered with a white chocolate ganache. Or couples can ask that the cake be adorned with white sugar roses for an eye-appealing contrast. Chocolate cakes covered with autumn hued flowers go over well at fall weddings. * Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting: Red velvet cake was once a regionally specific staple, but now has grown steadily in popularity across the country. Red velvet has quickly become the new classic, as its vibrant red coloring offers a shock of something different, while the flavor is mild for those who are not comfortable taking risks. The richness and creaminess of cream cheese is irresistible. * White cake with chocolate mousse: Couples who want a bit of chocolate but do not want to be overwhelmed can select a white cake that is filled with light and rich chocolate mousse. It's the perfect blend of vanilla and chocolate for guests who enjoy both. * Variety tiers: Those who cannot settle on just one flavor can have different flavors on each tier of their cakes. This gives guest some flavorful variety and enables them to pick their favorite flavor combination. Brides- and grooms-to-be who have specific flavors in mind can ask their bakers to include two cupcakes with the wedding cake. Then the couple can enjoy their own mini cakes while the rest of the guests enjoy a more classic cake. In addition, an assortment of cupcakes in lieu of one cake can give guests the opportunity to sample several different flavors. Cakes are a part of many special events, but few cakes are fawned over as much as wedding cakes. Couples can spice things up by choosing a nontraditional flavor combination.
Friday, January 17, 2014
I Do Wedding Planner 5
Choose a wedding date wisely
Valentine's Day can be popular for weddings, but couples can expect stiff competition for venues due to that popularity. Many couples find themselves bombarded with questions the moment they become engaged, and perhaps no questions is more common than, "When is the wedding?"
Although a number of couples would prefer to bask in the excitement of their engagement, some couples feel pressured to rush into picking a wedding date. Choosing a wedding date without
giving it much consideration may make things more difficult down the road. Rather than jumping head first into any decisions, couples should give thought to any and all dates and decide if there are certain times of the year they want to tie the knot or avoid. Season When thinking about potential wedding dates, it helps to have a place to start. Some couples find it helpful to start with a particular season and then narrow it down from there. Decide if you prefer the lush greenery of summer or the amazing color spectrum of an autumn afternoon. Perhaps you envision arriving at the ceremony with a snow-packed landscape amid twinkling holiday lights? Think about the season when you feel most happy and then determine if that time of year is doable. Month Certain months may seem perfect, but not for busy professionals or those with limited vacation time at their disposal. For example, early spring may not be good for accountants tallying year-end numbers. Teachers may feel most comfortable tying the knot in the summer when they already have days off. If you run a pool business or a lawn maintenance company, then the summer might not be so good. Keep these factors in mind. Holidays Some people would like to tie their wedding day to a particular holiday. Valentine's Day is popular for weddings thanks to the ro-
you may want to avoid 12/14/15. Easter, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Halloween,
Rememberence Day/Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Boxing Day.
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may be tired from late-night festivities. Couples should anticipate some guests not making it to their weddings when those weddings are not on Saturdays. Religious constraints Couples having religious ceremonies should consult with their houses of worship as to which dates are acceptable. Some will not have weddings on days of religious observation. It is wise to consult with a church, synagogue or mosque before booking any other components of the wedding so that you are certain your chosen day is acceptable. Any available dates Your wedding date may be dictated by your caterer or wedding hall. If you have a particular venue in mind, you may be limited by their availability. This is a concession you will need to make if your heart is set on this particular location. Planning a wedding can be exciting. But the ball cannot get rolling until couples first choose the day they will tie the knot.
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Wedding dates to avoid Some couples are excited by the prospect of hosting their weddings during holiday weekends. After all, having off on a Friday or a Monday provides an extra day for recovery or planning the wedding. But holiday weekends might not be embraced by potential guests. Travel costs and accommodations could be higher around holiday weekends, and some people have family traditions or other plans they may not want to miss during a holiday weekend. In terms of obstacles for couples, reception sites and vendors may charge higher fees to book a holiday weekend wedding, or they may be full on the dates you request. Looking ahead to 2015, here are the prominent holidays and when they occur, so you can plan accordingly. Quirky numerical dates tend to attract a lot of people who want a memorable date. July 7, 2007 was quite a popular date because it was "777," or lucky 7s. In 2015,
mantic sentiments synonymous with the holiday, while some couples prefer Halloween or Christmas weddings. Holiday weddings can be exciting, but they also produce significant obstacles that couples who choose to get married during other times of year don't have to worry about. Guests may not want to travel or spend time away from their families to attend a holiday wedding. Having a wedding during a holiday may mean competing for vendors and reception spaces. Prices on everything from food to flowers to airline tickets could be higher as vendors cash in on customer demand. Day of the week It's less expensive for couples to get married on Fridays and Sundays than Saturday afternoons or evenings. Couples may think that the money saved will be well worth it, but they also should think about how this decision may affect their guests. A Friday wedding requires people to take off from work or school. Sunday weddings may be slightly more convenient, but those who have to get back to work on Monday
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6 I Do Wedding Planner Friday, January 17, 2014
Brides look for 'something blue' - and more - in jewelry As weddings become more and more personalized to the bride's own tastes, blue and other colors have been making their way into the bridal picture, both in decor and in jewelry. "In addition to our wide selection of pearl and crystal jewelry for brides, we have seen increased interest in sapphire and other colors like topaz for brides," according to Jill Maier, Vice President of Design at CAROLEE. As the "jewelry destination for brides," CAROLEE has for decades had its finger on the pulse of what brides want. Sapphire blue stones are now a staple in their bridal collection, with stones set in silver and gold tone metal. Topaz stones set in gold have become popular, and rose gold metal is another color option
that brides have gravitated to. These trends also influence jewelry for bridesmaids and every member of the bridal party. While color is making news in bridal circles, pearls will always play a lead role in the world of bridal jewelry. Classic styles like single and double row chokers, often mixed with crystal, are truly classic and always appropriate for brides. But there are now many modern twists, both in design and in ways brides choose to wear pearls. Modern brides often personalize their pearls by wearing bolder, longer styles, by mixing and layering different millimeters and by twisting, tying or knotting them. The variations are endless with a 72" white pearl rope -- a staple for any bride -- as well as any
post-wedding wardrobe. Crystal styles -- teardrop earrings and necklaces, delicate Y necklaces, chokers and bracelets in floral designs -- are also beautiful and popular choices among brides. They, too, can be layered, mixed and matched with pearls. The bottom line is that brides are more than ever expressing their personal style in every aspect of their weddings. Jewelry selection is a wonderful way to do this because it is a focal point that frames the face and will live forever in glorious photos of the memorable day. The CAROLEE Bridal Collection is available in fine department stores and at www.carolee.com. Like all of the company's jewelry, each piece comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Save-the-date card etiquette
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Many couples find that tradition reigns supreme when planning a weddings. Certain traditions, such as fathers walking their daughters down the aisle and grooms sharing a dance with their mothers at the reception, are moments to cherish. Though such traditions have withstood the test of time, couples still have some opportunities to embrace relatively recent traditions. One such recent tradition is the save-the-date card, a precursor to wedding invitations that simply lets guests know when the wedding is so they can clear their calendars and be there on a couple's big day. While save-the-date cards are best kept simple, there are a few rules couples should follow before sending their cards out to loved ones. * Finalize the guest list before sending save-the-date cards. Couples must finalize their guest lists before sending their save-
the-date cards. Doing so avoids the potentially messy situation that would no doubt arise if a person were to receive a save-thedate card but then not make the final guest list. Trimming the guest list often comes down to finances, so couples also want to agree on their budget before sending out their save-the-date cards. Once the guest list has been finalized, couples can send out their save-the-date cards as soon as possible. * Confirm addresses. Couples should confirm their loved ones' addresses before mailing any save-the-date cards. This can be easily accomplished by sending mass emails to friends and family members or contacting individuals via private messages sent on social media sites. Postage to send save-the-date cards can be costly, especially for couples with large guest lists. Confirming addresses can save couples money
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on potentially wasted postage should the cards be returned because they were sent to the wrong address. In addition, confirming addresses ensures everyone gets their cards and no one feels left out when relatives receive cards and they don't because a couple did not have their correct address. * Keep things appropriate. Save-the-date cards need not be as formal as wedding invitations, but they should still be appropriate. Guests often keep save-thedate cards on their refrigerators, where people of all ages can see the cards. So while cards can be light-hearted, they should still be family-friendly. For example, photos of the bride- and groom-to-be decked out in swimsuits should be avoided. * Don't overdo it with information. Save-the-date cards don't need to include as much information as the more formal invitations, which tend to include information about the ceremony, reception, hotel, directions, and other relevant wedding details. A save-the-date card only needs to include the date of the wedding, including the month, day and year so guests are not confused if the cards are going out well in advance of the wedding day. Couples can include a link to their wedding Web site on the backs of their save-the-date cards, which makes it easier for guests to learn more details about the wedding without inundating them with information too early.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Tips when toasting the bride and groom Toasting the bride and groom at a wedding reception is a responsibility that typically falls on the shoulders of the bride's father as well as the best man and the maid of honor. Though it is an honor to give a wedding toast, it also can be nerve-wracking, as no one wants to give a toast that's memorable for all the wrong reasons. While the best toasts are often those that veer off the beaten path, coming from the heart rather than from a how-to guide found on the Internet, there is a certain formula men and women can follow to ensure their toasts cover all of the appropriate bases without offending the bridal party or fellow guests. * Acknowledge the guests. Families are more geographically diverse than ever before, so more and more weddings host guests who come from far and wide to celebrate with happy couples on their wedding days. It's customary for men and women making wedding toasts to acknowledge the guests, thanking them for being there. This is often a great way for best men and maids of honor to break the ice and calm their nerves, especially at larger weddings where they may only
know a small percentage of the guests. When thanking the guests, be sure to thank the parents of the bride and groom as well. * Explain your relationship to the bride and/or groom. Best men and maids of honor should devote a portion of their toasts to explaining their personal relationships with the bride and/or groom. Introduce yourself and explain how you met the bride or groom. Oftentimes, such stories have a comical twist that can further calm your nerves. * Aim for a jovial toast. Wedding toasts are typically given at the wedding reception, when guests and the bridal party are ready to celebrate. Such an atmosphere lends itself to a jovial toast wherein best men and maids of honor focus on happy times with the bride and groom. Tell a funny anecdote that illustrates the special bond you have with the bride or groom. When choosing a story to tell, remember to keep things appropriate for guests of all ages, including young children. * Steer clear of alcohol before giving your toast. Many people overindulge in alcohol at wedding receptions, but best men and
How to calm those last-minute jitters Brides- and grooms-to-be are often nervous when the day they will tie the knot finally arrives. The realization that months and months of planning and anticipation are finally about to come to a head often inspires some jitters in the days leading up to the wedding. But the following are a few ways couples can calm those nerves in the hours leading up to the moment they have devoted so much time and effort to planning since becoming engaged. * Get a good night's rest. Couples should prioritize a good night's sleep the night before they are set to walk down the aisle. Make your last night as an unmarried couple an early night so you will look your best and have plenty of energy on your big day, which will no doubt start early and end late. A good night's sleep can go a long way toward ensuring you're in a good mood as you handle a full slate of responsibilities on your wedding day. * Spend time with family and friends. Chances are your closest friends and family members are playing significant roles in your wedding, and spending time with them is a great way to keep your nerves in check while having a fun time before, during and after the ceremony. * Don't be afraid to delegate responsibilities. In spite of months of planning, couples will still have
a to-do list come their wedding days. If such a list is overwhelming, brides- and grooms-to-be should not be afraid to delegate some of the tasks on their lists. Bridesmaids and groomsmen can no doubt handle any outstanding tasks that don't require any input from the bride or groom. * Relax as the ceremony draws nearer. As the start time for the ceremony approaches, couples about to tie the knot should take time to sit down and relax. Once their hair and makeup is finished, brides-to-be should sit down and exhale or arrange for the photographer to snap some fun prewedding photos with their bridesmaids. Grooms-to-be can do the same with their groomsmen, sharing a few last-minute jokes to ensure everyone is relaxed and ready to go before taking their places.
maids of honor should avoid consuming alcohol until after they have toasted the bride and groom. Horror stories about drunken, inappropriate wedding toasts may seem more like an urban legend than a legitimate possibility, but the tendency for alcohol to lower people's inhibitions makes it dangerous for men and women to consume it before giving their toasts. * Give your best wishes to the bride and groom before raising your glass. Raising your glass to toast the bride and groom is often the last step before your toasting duties officially end. But before you raise your glass, remember to offer your best wishes to both the bride and groom. Once those sentiments have been expressed, ask the guests to raise their glasses and toast the newlyweds. Toasting happy couples at their wedding receptions can be stressful for best men and maids of honor who are unaccustomed to speaking in front of large groups of people. But following a certain formula and speaking from the heart will ensure such toasts go off without a hitch.
Did you know?
According to TheKnot.com, a Web site catering to couples planning their weddings, roses reign supreme among wedding flowers. Long considered a symbol of love, roses often play an integral role on wedding days as well as holidays like Valentine's Day or special events like a couple's wedding anniversary. Couples embrace roses on their wedding days not only to symbolize their love for one another, but also because roses are a versatile flower available in numerous solid colors and many bicolor varieties. Tulips are another popular wedding flower. Also grown in a wide range of colors, tulips are often less expensive than roses, though rare varieties of tulips will cost bridesand grooms-to-be a significant amount of money. Though less versatile than roses and tulips with regards to their color, calla lily flowers are another popular choice for weddings. Lily of the valley, hydrangeas, the peony, and ranunculus are also popular wedding flowers.
I Do Wedding Planner 7
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8 I Do Wedding Planner Friday, January 17, 2014
Makeup tips for brides and bridesmaids Few events are more photographed than weddings. Needless to say, wedding participants, from brides and grooms to the couples' parents, hope to look their best for the celebrations. Women often find that well applied cosmetics can enhance their beauty and help ensure they are picture-perfect. The key to wedding makeup is finding a balance between application that will come across well in person and will look good in
photographs. Professional makeup artists may understand just how heavy a hand to use to apply makeup, but the novice doit-yourselfer may need some instruction to master wedding day makeup. Very often the key to wedding makeup is simplicity. Brides want their best features enhanced and have the makeup add to their beauty rather than outshine it. Brides want guests to notice their faces and gowns and not their
1608 Broadway Mattoon, IL
(217) 234-4277 Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios have been independently owned and operated since 1931.
makeup. Here are some other tips brides can employ in an effort to put their best faces forward. * Begin preparations a few days prior to the wedding. If you will be enhancing your skin color with a spray-tan, do so at least two days prior to the wedding. By the third day the color will set and appear more natural. The same idea applies to your brows. Tweezing, waxing and threading can create irritation and redness. Have your brows professionally shaped a few days before the wedding and then do a minor touch-up with your tweezer the night before. This allows your skin to recover and redness to dissipate. * Start out with well hydrated and moisturized skin. Apply a few layers of moisturizer, preferably one with an SPF if you will be spending time out in the sun. When the moisturizer is completely absorbed and dry, use a skin priming product that will help keep your foundation locked into place. * Match your foundation color to your natural skin color. When these colors don't match, your face may look like it is a separate shade from your neck and decolletage. If you will be tanning, then find a shade that matches the tanned color. A foundation that has slightly yellow undertones will even out redness on the face and look better in photos. Apply the foundation thoroughly with a sponge or brush and be sure to blend it well at your neckline. Set the foundation with a matte powder. * Apply concealer to red spots
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or undereye circles after the foundation. Aim for a creamy, emollient concealer for under the eyes. A peach color that will contrast with the purple and blue tones of your eyelids. Putting on the concealer after the foundation means you will probably need less and won't look like you're caked with product. * Use an eyebrow pencil or powder to fill in your brows. This is a must for your wedding day and can really help to frame your eyes. Use small, light flicks of the pencil rather than long strokes to make the color blend naturally. Use a brush to blend in further. Always go a shade or two lighter than your natural color. Finish with a gel that will set the hairs into place. * Complement your lips and eyes. Many brides like to play up their eyes on their wedding days. If you are going for a dramatic eye, opt for a more neutral lip, and vice versa. Otherwise, you may look like you're wearing stage makeup. Neutral colors look best for weddings and will not appear dated in photos. Stick to subtle browns and taupes for universal flattery on most eye colors. Use a light hand to apply a neutral shade of light shadow all over the lid. Apply a medium brown to the crease of the eye and a darker brown to the very outer corner, and blend thoroughly. A very light shade of shadow can be used directly under the browline and toward the inside of the eye to make eyes appear wide and bright. Stick with matte shades of eye shadow, with the exception of one pearlescent shade that is lightly dusted right in the center of the lid from
the lashline to the crease. This will add just a touch of luster to catch the light and make eyes sparkle. * Apply liner before mascara, and blend it with a brush. Push the liner into the lashline to make lashes appear thicker. Use mascara to lengthen lashes. Place a makeup sponge behind your lashes when applying mascara so you don't risk hitting your lids with the mascara wand. If you will be using false lashes, apply them now. Err on the shorter side for fake lashes, and cut them as needed to fit your eye. Lashes that are too long or full may appear cartoonish and can be uncomfortable to wear. Connect your lashes together with the false ones with another application of mascara. Waterproof mascara will hold up through tears of joy. * Be subtle with blush. Use subtle blush in a peach-pink color to achieve that blushing bride appearance. Smile and apply the blush only to the apples of your cheeks. * Choose a long-lasting lip color that will hold up through kisses and smiles. Lip stains work very well, as they provide that hint of color but wear well during the day. Another helpful tip is to perform a practice run prior to the wedding, taking some photographs to see how the makeup looks in pictures. Cameras and flashes can wash out makeup, so sometimes you need to apply just a little bit more than usual for it to show up on film. Also, certain makeup products will reflect light more. Don't forget to stock up on oil-blotting papers to touch up your face during the day.