To Do Before I Do by Leah Pellegrino

TO DO Issue 23

A Brides Guide to the Do's & Don'ts of Wedding Planning.

September 2018 $15 US

a letter from the editor Hey lovelies! Congratulations on your engagement, how exciting! I hope that this publication helps you as much as possible to make your special day more fun than stressful. Weddings are suppose to be fun, so why can't wedding planning be fun. Listen, none of us are professionals here. Just women who have been through the game and want to pass on our knowledge to help other girls out. There are so many things on our wedding checklist like finding your dress, getting a cake, honeymoons and so much more. One girl can't do all this on her own and she shouldn't! That's why we are so happy you decided to let us on your journey. From me to you, I sincerely hope your wedding is all you dreamed it would be. Please feel free to reach out to us on our website for any specific questions and we will help as much as possible. Remember to send pictures too! After the honeymoon is over of cours e ;). Sincerely, Editor in Chief Leah Pellegrino

Leah Pellegrino

our writers

Emily Lawrenson

San Francisco, CA

Alyssa Adoni

Boston, Massachusetts

Gabi Stahley

Seattle, Washington

CONTENTS 04

12—10 months

A brief introduction on how to prep for your wedding a year from the date with information on how to pick your guest list.

9—6 months

The busiest part of the wedding prep season. Includes information on choosing a cake, picking your perfect dress, and more.

5—2 months

This ones for the guys. Help your man out by finding him the perfect suit.

1 month

The most important part, bachelor/bachelorette parties.

2 weeks

Let the countdown begin.

Days Before

Coming down to the wire, lets get everything in order.

Days Of

You made it!

12—10 months

9—6 months

5—2 months

1 month

2 weeks

Days Before

Day Of

Who are we invitin g? What’s a party without guests? One of the hardest (but most important) parts of planning your wedding is creating the guest list. It’s a little more complicated, though, than simply making a list of everyone you’d like to celebrate with. There are people you’ll have to invite, others you really want to skip, and those who may or may not make

the cut, depending on your venue’s capacity. So how do you decide who does—and doesn’t—get an invitation to your wedding? Here are six guidelines to help you and your families figure it out.

12— 10 months

Have you talked to this person in the past year? NO

YES

Do you have a close personal/family connection with them?

Do you spend time with them outside of work? YES

FRIEND

Is it someone you would normally buy dinner for? YES

FAMILY

Do they know your partners name?

YES

ELIMINATED

Will they make your wedding more fun? YES

Will they make your wedding more fun?

YES

Would your parents want them there? YES

INVITED

Are your parents paying for the wedding? YES

12â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 10 months

ELIMINATED

Things to Consider When Picking a Wedding Cake

Choose a cake after your major wedding styles decisions.

You’ll want a cake that’s compatible with the look of your venue, the season, your wedding gown, the flower arrangements and the menu. Arrive at your cake consultation prepared—you don’t need to have a complete sketch in hand,

Have a budget in mind.

Wedding cake is usually priced by the slice. The cost can vary, but it generally ranges from $3 to $30 a slice (and beyond). It’s easy to be wooed by blood orange filling and a multiflavor cake when you’re making decisions with a sugar buzz, but having a handle on your budget—and knowing what will affect it—will allow you to prioritize your choices.

For instance, more flavors equals more money; the more complicated the flavor, the bigger the price tag; handmade sugar flowers will add dollars to every slice; and fondant icing is generally more expensive than butter cream.

Match the cake height to your space.

Generally, three tiers will serve 50 to 100, and you’ll likely need five layers for 200 or more guests. Your cake should fit the space too—if your reception is in a grand ballroom,

but knowledge of basic terms will make it easier on everyone. And if you’re looking for a custom design, bring along inspiration, like a swatch of lace from your dress or a picture of your wedding china.

consider increasing the cake’s stature with columns between the tiers, or opting for a faux Styrofoam layer (no one will know!) to add height.

Choose the flavor you want (not what you think everyone else wants).

Besides being a showpiece, your cake should taste amazing too. When you meet with your prospective bakers, taste lots of flavors. Don’t be afraid to stray from vanilla and chocolate.

And don’t forget to sample fillings too—many bakers are working with complex flavorings, like guava and mango or hazelnut and mocha.

9— 6 months

Get the facts on frosting.

Butter cream or fondant? Butter cream is often much more delicious. But if you love the smooth, almost surreal-like look of fondant, consider frosting the cake in butter cream first and then adding a layer of fondant over the entire confection. Whatever type of icing you choose, stick to colors your guests will want to eat. If your wedding hues are blue and green, then go for a white cake with subtle green-frosted accents.

Consider the weather.

If you’re having an outdoor wedding in a hot climate, stay away from whipped cream, meringue and butter cream (they melt). Ask your baker about summer icing options or opt for a fondant-covered cake, which holds up much better against the heat.

Budget for extra details.

When it comes to decoration, adornment costs run the gamut. The most inexpensive option is fresh fruits or flowers that, in some instances, can be applied by your florist for a minimal fee. On the high end are delicate gum-paste or sugar-paste flowers, which are constructed by hand, one petal at a time. But here’s the bottom line: All add-ons—including marzipan fruits, chocolate-molded flowers and lace points—will raise the rate. (For the record, we think it’s worth the cost.)

9— 6 months

Don’t forget to top it off.

There are many beautiful and unique ways to top your cake. If you have an heirloom piece—especially a fine porcelain antique— work with your baker to integrate it into the cake’s design. It can double as your “something old.” Other alternatives include a bouquet of sugar flowers, a cascade of icing ribbons or even a sugar block carved to reveal your new monogram. Look to your locale as well. A cluster of coral can look stunning for a beachside celebration, or try a fondant snowflake for a winter wedding. Or don’t use one at all.

Have a detailed delivery plan

Cake delivery takes coordination (and usually a refrigerated van), so give yourself peace of mind and opt to have your cake delivered. Complex cakes may not necessarily arrive in final form, so allow time and space for assembly. And make sure that once the masterpiece is delivered, it has a place at the venue (especially if it requires refrigeration). Bottom line: Discuss all the delivery details with your baker before signing the contract.

Give your cake the spotlight.

Your cake will likely be on display before it’s cut and consumed. You should have a designated, well-lit table that allows the best presentation possible. A round table is perfect for circular cakes, but a linear design may call for a rectangular table. Drape the table with sumptuous fabrics and decorate it with motifs, colors and flowers to match the cake and your wedding style.

Eat your cake (seriously!).

Couples often don’t get a chance to eat their own wedding cake (besides the bite you feed each other). Ask your caterer to save some extra for you. Share it with your new spouse postwedding for a late-night snack or as postwedding brunch dessert.

9— 6 months

Skip the freezer burn.

Even if you take the most painstaking packaging measures, eating the top tier of your cake on your first anniversary sounds far better than it tastes. Think about indulging on your two-week or one-month anniversary, and treat yourself to a fresh cake in the same flavor when you’ve hit the one-year mark. If you must adhere to tradition, tightly wrap the cake in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight baggie.

Traditional: Simple & Elegant One of the most popular wedding cake shape. The round traditional shape is often found to be decorated with white piped detailing and flower decoration.

Square: Modern & Stylish The second most popular cake shape. Angled shapes look more contemporary and cleaner than a round wedding cake.

Shapes Although some wedding traditions have changed in recent years, the cake continues to be part of many weddings. The happy couple will share their first official sweet bite as husband and wife.

The cutting of a wedding cake is a crucial moment at the reception, and it is considered rude for any guests to leave before the first slice has been shared. Given the amount of time and effort that goes into creating a wedding cake design, everyone should stay for this grandiose moment!

9â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 6 months

Scalloped: Traditional

Pillow: Luxurious

Topsy Turvy: Funky & Unique

Heart: Fun & Youthful

“The most dangerous food is wedding cake” 9— 6 months

—everyone

10"

12"

14"

Pieces of cake per inches

6–8": 40 pieces

6–12": 64 pieces

6–10": 55 pieces

6-14": 72 pieces

9— 6 months

Glossary Brush up on your cake terms †

†

Applique:

A mixture of gelatin and sugar, it is used to create intricate shapes like fruits, seashells, figures and flowers.

A sugar paste this is rolled out into a design and applied to fondant icing.

†

Beading: Beading is small pearl shapes that are piped around the edge of a cake.

†

Dragée: Dragée are a colorful form of confectionery with a hard outer shell used for decorating. Examples would be silver coated balls or jordan almonds.

Petal Dust: The cake designer will use this decorating dust with an artists brush to add color to icing or gum paste.

A form of pipping that has no clear pattern, but creates a squiggly or lace effect.

†

Layer: Process where the cake is split and filled with either fruit or icing. Do not confuse this with tier.

†

Cornelli:

Gum Paste:

Pipping: Icing is used to create 3D designs on a cake by using a pipping bag. There are different types of pipping tips to achieve different looks.

† Draping: A mixture of gum paste and fondant is used to drape over a fondant covered cake with the effect of fabric.

† Ganache: A mixture of cream and dark chocolate used as filling or icing.

†

Genoise: Classic French sponge cake that is much dryer than North American sponge cake and typically has layers of fruit filling soaked in liquor.

9— 6 months

Finding Your Perfect Wedding Dress a guide for styles to satisfy any bride By: Hillary Hoffower

When it comes to wedding planning, there’s nothing quite as panic-inducing for a bride as being unable to find her dream wedding dress. With endless options to choose from, the most overwhelming part of choosing a gown is narrowing down the style that best suits you. Without an idea of what you’re looking for, the quest to say yes can result in endless frustration and trying on 100 gowns across a dozen salons—a serious bridal fashion nightmare. So we’ve turned to Jacquelyn Ward and Ana Maes of Our Story Bridal for a bit of guidance. As the founders of NYC’s first luxury consignment bridal boutique for designer wedding dresses, they know a thing or two about nailing down your perfect bridal style—and why it’s helpful that you do. “It’s best to have an idea of what you’re looking for before you start the search,” says Ward. “It makes the process less overwhelming, and you will be more confident in your decision-making.”

“At Our Story Bridal, we are off-the-rack, which means buying that exact dress; this is great for brides on a short timeline or who want to avoid any risks when their dress finally comes in five months later,” adds Maes, who explains that because of this, brides should make an appointment with them when they're ready to buy and when they have a sense of what they might like. “If they’re not ready to say yes, then their dream dress might be snapped up by another bride.” Needless to say, both Ward and Maes have a few tips up their sleeves on snagging the magically right dress for you.

9— 6 months

5 Easy Steps:

1 2 3

Pinterest Is Your Friend Yes, the amount of wedding dresses on Pinterest can at first seem intimidating, but in reality it’s the perfect place to source some inspiration. “Do a bit of research before you start the big hunt so that you can get a sense of what is available and what your eye is drawn to in terms of shape, details, and fabric textures,” says Ward. “Maybe it is an open back or

Mood Matters It’s important to set the mood and feel of your wedding before you start dress shopping. You don’t want your bridal style clashing with your wedding style! “This includes choosing the venue, deciding whether you want a daytime or nighttime wedding, and the time of year,” says Maes. “Do you want to be a boho goddess in a garden setting or a glam princess in a ballroom? These

Think Shape “It’s best to try on a few silhouettes at your first appointment so that you can choose one that feels the most like you and fits your personal style,” says Ward. “Maybe it is the dreamy princess shape or the sexy fit-and-flare. You won't know until you try it on!”She suggests paying close attention to how the dress fits your body type and whether it’s accentuating your best features and

The Perfect ! s es r D e it h W e Littl

the timeless sweetheart neckline or elaborate beading. Browsing online (even for an hour) can help you start focusing so that you’re not totally overwhelmed when you first step into a store with countless choices.” Make a secret board and pin all the dresses you really love, then look for patterns and similarities among all your picks. And make sure you come into the salon with the app on your smartphone, ready to show your stylist your board. “It really helps us when a bride comes in with pictures so that we can get inspiration from her and help guide her search,” explains Ward.

factors will affect your purchasing decision! Having a good idea of the vibe will help you choose the perfect dress that matches not only your personal style but also the backdrop.”Doing this will make narrowing your dress choices down that much easier, whether you’re searching solely for a strapless gown for a July wedding or an airy chiffon A-line for beach nuptials. Plus, finding a gown in tune with your personal style and vibe will make you that much more comfortable on your big day.

de-emphwasizing your insecurities. “If you have always loved your narrow waist but are not a big fan of your hips, then an A-line shape might be the best fit for you,” she adds. “There are no golden rules for this. You know you have the right shape when you feel confident and beautiful!” And that’s exactly how you’ll want to feel on your wedding day.

9— 6 months

4 5

Color Makes a Difference Another element that will get you feeling confident and beautiful is the color of your dress. Just as silhouette enhances your shape, the hues of the fabric can do the same for your coloring.“Dresses these days vary greatly in terms of color, from a brighter white to a creamy ivory to even bold pink,” points out Maes. “The right color can nicely accentuate and complement your

Be You Remember, your dress needs to represent you. Begin by putting your best foot forward during shopping. “If you feel your best in curls and makeup or clear lip gloss and flats, then go for it,” says Ward. “Buying your dream dress is an emotional decision, so you should shop feeling like the best version of you. This way, you can truly assess how you feel in the gowns.” It will also help you picture how you’ll look in the dress on the big day.

skin tone. For example, whiter dresses may wash out those with fair skin, so those brides might look for something with a warmer ivory tone. Be sure to try on multiple shades of white or even color to see what looks and photographs best on you. Also, look at it in both natural light (if the salon has a window) and in indoor lighting, as the lighting will change how the dress color looks.”

Once you’re at the salon, stay true to yourself by considering what fashion you lean toward on a daily basis. If you favor clean lines and solids, look for a minimalist gown, or if you love quirky, retro styles, beeline for vintageinspired designs. Listen to your inner style and voice, which can also mean limiting the opinions. Ward suggests confining the entourage to one or two trusted pals or family members with great taste. “Of course, you want someone to point out that puffy sleeves are a thing of the past, but you also want to not be overwhelmed,” she says. “In the end, it is your gown, so stick to your gut and feelings.”

BALLGOWN

allgown wedding dresses are classic princess style, featuring a nipped in waist with a very large and voluminous skirt. The skirt usually features plenty of underskirts and tulle below to keep the shape, so can be quite heavy.

If you're going to wear a ballgown make sure you have a great corset on top to help you support the dress, and also to give you a good bust (if you need any help, or control it if you don't!). The ballgown is like the hourglass in overdrive so looking flat on top will make it look unbalanced. Petite ladies should avoid ballgowns in general, as the skirts are so huge they will make you look smaller and can overwhelm you. Ballgowns are great for mid-height or taller brides who can carry all the volume in the skirt.

Kim Kardashian Wedding #1

Sofia Vergara

9â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 6 months

Jennifer (Jwoww) Farley

SHEATH

heath dresses are for the tall, slim and willowy, essentially because they're the most unforgiving of all wedding dress styles. Usually made of clinging silk or satin. If you're not a supermodel there are ways to cheat - great underwear to even out any bits you're not comfortable with, and high shoes will add height and give you a great posture. The other thing is that in the last couple of seasons more column wedding dresses are coming in stiffer more sculpted fabrics, or like the dress above from Christian Lacroix, an underskirt covered in a flowing overlay is a great camouflage.

Jamie Lynn Spears

Gabrielle Union

9â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 6 months

Ashley Tisdale

MERMAID

ne style, lots of versions and even more names, fishtail or mermaid wedding gowns are a very feminine and sexy shape, clingy to all the curves with a big kick out of fabric at the hem, usually with a train to give a wider arc of fabric on the floor. The kick out can be sharp and voluminous or soft and sweeping. If you've a great bum - this could be the look for you! If going for a mermaid style dress make sure you get a great fit - nothing should sag or bulge. There are, of course, also short dresses, but they're such a diverse bunch we will do a specific post on them in a week or two.

Fergie

Khloe Kardashian

9â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 6 months

Kim Kardashian Wedding #2

EMPIRE & Aâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;LINE

mpire line dresses gather just under the bust and fall gently over the hips. These are perfect for ladies who don't love their tums, bum or legs. They are very flattering and feminine. Recently empire dresses have been adding in more volume in the skirt adding to the camouflage effect. Ethereal, pretty and very elegant. But brides with really large busts should probably avoid empire lines dresses. There's a thin line between ballgowns and A- Line dresses, it's really about how big the skirt is. An A-Line skirt has a lot less volume than a ballgown but still gives that classic princess dress shape. A-Line gowns are great for all body types, and give a classic hourglass shape. Like a ball gown a corset or some structure in the bodice is imperative.

Lauren Conrad

Ronda Rousey

9â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 6 months

Kate Upton

SWEATHEART

BOATNECK

JEWEL

ASYMMETRIC

STRAIGHTACROSS

HALTER

OFF THE SHOULDER

HIGHNECK

9â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 6 months

Expert Tips for Flawless Skin on Your Wedding Day

Every bride wants flawless glowing wedding-day skin. Of course, your makeup artist can work her magic before your walk down the aisle, but what about your getting-ready photos? One of the most fun parts of your special day is spending the morning getting glam with your bridesmaids— and having a photographer there to capture every moment. Think frameworthy shots of you and your girls popping champagne in your silk robes. If the thought of being photographed au naturel leaves you cringing, it's probably time to get serious about a pre-wedding skincare routine. To get you started, we asked Cindy Kim, co-founder of Peach & Lily and Silver Mirror in NYC, to share her tips for getting a wedding-ready complexion. So when your big day arrives, you'll look and feel gorgeous in your own skin (yes, even sans makeup). Get on the skincare bandwagon early! Every bride can achieve beautiful wedding-day skin. "Step one is to get an early start on addressing any major skin concerns you may have—whether it's acne, hyperpigmentation or fine lines—ideally at least six months in advance," says Kim. The best approach? Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist or aesthetician who can help design a month-by-month regimen to help you reach your skin goals. Invest in professional facials "Facials can be expensive, but making an upfront investment in professional treatments may mean that you can wear less makeup on your wedding day," Kim points out. These services provide a level of deep cleansing and exfoliation that isn't achievable at home—with the added bonus of getting to regularly check in with a skin expert. Factors like stress, hormones, and diet can affect your skin. Your aesthetician will be able to make the necessary tweaks to your treatments and at-home regimen to help you reach your complexion goals.

You already know that superfoods like kale, cacao, and blueberries do your body good, but did you know they can do wonders for your skin? What you eat directly affects your hormones and inflammatory skin conditions like acne. "Doing your best to eat clean and lead a healthy lifestyle will not only increase your energy and keep your body strong, but it will also keep you and your skin happy too," says Kim. Get your facial massage on A facial massager, like the Hansderma Skincool Ice Roller, is a great (and affordable) tool to incorporate into your skincare routine, especially in the days leading up to your wedding—and even the morning of. "Just like working out, massage improves blood and lymph circulation, which means it enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, increases collagen production, and decreases the amount of fluid retention in your face," Kim says.

Get serious about your at-home skincare routine That said, you can't just book a professional facial every-so-often, neglect your skin the rest of time, and expect great results. "Taking care of your skin properly every day is the most important contributing factor to achieving healthy skin," says Kim. Look for cleansers, serums, and creams that are targeted to your skin's needs and goals—and be diligent about sticking to your routine day and night. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate This sounds simple, but it's the one we tend to overlook the most. "Staying hydrated (inside and out) is going to help your skin stay plump and smooth," Kim advises, "which means a more youthful complexion and makeup that glides on effortlessly on wedding day," Pro tips: Drink plenty of water and look for products with hyaluronic acid, which holds 1,000 times its weight in water, like Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel.

5—2 months

HOW TO WEAR

YOUR SUIT So the first thing you’ll probably consider when you start thinking about your wedding day attire, is suits.

While you may decide to have a made-tomeasure suit, other options include rental or off-the-rack.

Of course suits change vastly with fashion, boxy jackets and loose fix trousers have now been replaced with slim fits and short lengths. Though of course, that doesn’t suit every shape, so talk to your tailor or store assistant about the best fit for your build.

If you’re opting for tops and tails or a formal tuxedo, renting might be the more economical option, whereas if you go for a navy or grey suit you’re likely to wear again, why not splash out and buy the suit of your dreams?

5 —2 months

1 2 3

Your flat hand should slip easily into your suit under the lapels when the top (or middle) button is fastened. If you put a fist in, the suit should pull at the button. The top button of a two-button suit — or the middle button of a three-button suit — should not fall below your navel.

With your arms at your sides, your knuckles should be even with the bottom of your jacket.

Jacket sleeves should fall where the base of your thumb meets your wrist.

6 7

5—2 months

Shoulder pads end with your shoulders.

Between a quarter and a half inch of shirt cuff should be visible.

One inch of break from the end of the pants to your shoes.

TOP OPTIONS A modern look for style savvy grooms, opting for separates on your wedding day is a great way to set yourself apart. Start with the blazer and look for a sports coat or jacket you really love, then pair with contrasting pants. Checks, stripes, and clashing or complimentary colors all work well, you can go bold or choose something a little more subtle. You don’t have to limit it to a jacket and slacks either, you can choose jeans, chinos or shorts for the bottom and shirts, waistcoats or cardigans for your top half. This is one to play around with, so have a scout around Pinterest, and look to your favorite male celebrities (David Gandy, Eddie Redmayne, and Bradley Cooper all have awesome style) for inspiration.

Suit up. 26

5—2 months 5 —2 months

Addressing audacity with dressing – The first piece of advice we would like to give you is to be specific about your choices when it comes to your styling. The more suits you see, the more you are to get confused. So don’t spend much time on searching for the best as you might end up liking many! Make sure the color of your goes well with the bride’s outfit as well which will gel well on the wedding day. So shop for something which matches with the event and most importantly which you believe you could pull it off and enhance your personality. Secondly we would suggest you to not spend lavishly and focus on spending smart. High price tags doesn’t always guarantee grandeur in your attire. So it is recommended to shop sensibly and make sure it fits you perfectly in the first place. In case of slight changes in fit, getting it stitched by a tailor isn’t a very bad option after all. Choose your preference in for say a vented hem, notched lapel, single breasted or double breasted, with or without button closures, with a tie or without a tie or simply with a bow tie.

5—2 months

move on the dancefloor, opt for double side vents to give you more room. Three button jackets look great on taller men. Short men should opt for a deeper V in their jacket to elongate their torso.

SHIRTS Choose to look effortlessly handsome with an open collar and no tie, go for a hipster look with a buttoned-up starch shirt, or pick a peter pan collar for a quirkier style.

Research various jacket cuts to choose your style, Drape Cut works great for sharp, modern grooms, Continental is a little more classic. As for your sleeves, opt for shorter and more fitted, showing a little cuff is a stylish, dapper and modern look.

And of course, it doesn’t have to be white, try a black tie on a black shirt, opt for a ditsy floral print, or maybe some stripes or polka dots? Pro tip: Don’t leave it until the day of your wedding to try on your shirt, make sure it’s neatly pressed, well fit and not too see-through. Have a back-up shirt to stay fresh on a hot day or if you’re prone to working up a sweat on the dancefloor!

PANTS As with blazers, slim fitted slacks, are the most current, and flattering. You don’t need to opt for a tight skinny fit, but do choose trousers with as little excess fabric as possible. Showing a little ankle action is really cool right now but not everyone can pull it off. Generally speaking, your trousers should sit nicely just above your shoes, rather than bunch up around your ankles.

SEPARATES A modern look for style savvy grooms, opting for separates on your wedding day is a great way to set yourself apart. Start with the blazer and look for a sports coat or jacket you really love, then pair with contrasting pants. Checks, stripes, and clashing or complimentary colors all work well, you can go bold or choose something a little more subtle.

BLAZERS Think about your vents (the opening at the back of your blazer), if you want to have a slimmer look, opt for a ventless jacket, but if you want to bust a

You don’t have to limit it to a jacket and slacks either, you can choose jeans, chinos or shorts for the bottom and shirts, waistcoats or cardigans for your top half.

5—2 months 5 —2 months

TIES When it comes to ties, the options are endless, you can go for silk, wool or tweed, opt for a bright hue, a pin stripe or a co-ordinating colour to your shirt, your jacket, or even the bridesmaids. We love a skinny tie for a cool, modern look.

Casual threads are becoming increasingly popular for grooms as couples plan rustic, informal weddings.

While jeans, chinos, plaid shirts, or Converse trainers all look cool, pair them with more formal touches like blazers, suspenders, or bow ties, for a contrasted casual look.

Pro Tip: Check with your other half if you’re going casual, you don’t want them to feel over-dressed on their own wedding day!

Best Bachelorette/ Bachelor Party Destinations By: Huffington Post

Mention the words “bachelor party,” and images of wild parties and scenes from “The Hangover” probably come to mind. But debauchery isn’t the only thing that goes hand in hand with the groom’s last night of freedom. Bachelor parties also can come with a big price tag — as do bachelorette parties. GOBankingRates found in a recent survey that the biggest expense for both groomsmen and bridesmaids is the bachelor or bachelorette party. Groomsmen are especially big spenders, though. The average amount they reported spending on a bachelor party is $681.13; whereas, bridesmaids spend $437.31, on average.

KEY Average airfare

Average hotel price for 2 nights

Average cost of beer

1 month

When planning a bachelor or bachelorette party, keep these costs in mind. And if you want to party in a big city, pick a destination that’s fun — but also affordable. To help you out, GOBankingRates surveyed various cities to see which ones offered the best combination of fun activities in a safe environment at affordable prices.

Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas is the quintessential bachelor party destination — there’s gambling, golf, buffets, gentleman's clubs and more gambling. There’s plenty for bachelorettes to do, too: spas, shopping, fine dining, dancing and all-male revues.

$158

$237

And it helps that Vegas can be pretty affordable — as long as you don’t spend too much at the black jack tables. The average hotel price and airfare is lower than most destinations in the rankings. But pricey beers pull Las Vegas down in the rankings.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina It might not be the first city you think of when you hear “bachelor party,” but you might be surprised by how much fun a bachelor or bachelorette party can be in Myrtle Beach. There are some resorts in this beach city, and if the bride or groom enjoys water sports, you could spend a day jet skiing, kayaking, scuba diving, and more. As an added bonus: beer is cheap in this city, and hotel rooms are affordable as well. Just watch out for flight costs in and out of nearby Charleston.

$158

$237

1 month

Denver, Colorado $311

$181

$4 The second-safest city in the rankings, Denver also boasts one of the lowest average hotel rates. The Mile-High City offers brewery tours, museums and plenty of outdoor adventures to stay busy during the day. At night, bachelors and bachelorettes can sip cocktails in cool lounges, dance at a nightclub, stomp their boots at a country bar or watch a burlesque show.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico This Mexican city is known for its beaches, nightlife and as a hot spring break destination for college students. But, it’s also an affordable party destination for bachelors and bachelorettes. In fact, it’s the only place on this list where you can stay two nights for less than $100. Plus, the average price of beer is less than $2.

$359

$75

Because Cabo San Lucas is a tourist hot spot and part of a generally safe area of Mexico, it’s not as risky to visit as many other parts of Mexico.

1 month

Montreal, Quebec Montreal has the second-lowest average hotel price in this ranking, but flights to this Canadian city can be a little more pricey than to other destinations. This city, which is full of â&#x20AC;&#x153;old-world charm,â&#x20AC;? has a strong restaurant scene â&#x20AC;&#x201D; perfect if your bachelor or bachelorette is a foodie. The city also plays host to numerous types of festivals throughout the year, and nightlife is abundant.

$146

$343 $5

Atlantic City, New Jersey Airfare to Atlantic City is cheaper than any other destination in this rankings. And, this city has plenty of bars, clubs and, of course, casinos that make it a fun bachelor or bachelorette party destination.

$146

$343 $5

1 month

Wedding Manicure Dos & Don'ts By: Amanda Elser

Picking your wedding day nail polish is only half the battle when it comes to getting a perfect bridal manicure. There are going to be a lot of people looking at your hands to catch a glimpse of that pretty new ring, so do yourself a favor and follow these dos and don'ts to prevent any major blunders. Do Test Multiple Shades

You try on more than one dress (most of the time), why shouldn't you try on more than one polish? Certain shades look better on different skin tones—for example, if you have an olive skin tone you should test drive a poppy red polish with blue undertones instead of pink for a flattering shade.

Do Buy More Than One Bottle

Once you've found your perfect shade stock up. One for the salon, one for your wedding day emergency kit and one to pack in your honeymoon bag. When you need to fix a chipped nail fast, you'll be happy you spent the extra cash.

Don't Get a Gel Manicure More Than a Few Days in Advance

Gel manicures were the best thing to happen to bridal nails since Essie Ballet Slipper. Instant dry time and chip-free for weeks—it's literally a dream come true. But after a few days, gel manicures start to lose their luster. Get them done only one or two days before your wedding to avoid any wear and tear.

Do Maintain Your Nails at Home

Nail technicians are good, but they're not miracle workers. You can't come to your appointment with chewed-up fingernails and destroyed cuticles and expect Instagram-worthy nails in an hour. If you know you're an avid nail biter, make a conscious effort to kick the habit in the months leading up to your wedding. Also, avoid peeling broken nails and picking at hangnails—that's how infections start.

Do Bring Your Own Bottle to the Salon

Even if the color you picked is a salon staple, it's always good idea to come prepared with your own bottle of polish just in case your color isn't there or the bottle they have is old.

Don't Try Nail Art if You've Never Tried it Before

We're all for a fun nail design, but if you're not usually a "glitter and appliqué" kind of girl, your wedding day isn't the time to experiment with nail art.

Don't Forget Hand Cream

It's amazing what moisturizing your hands can do for your pictures. Massage cream into your cuticles and knuckles before your photographer takes close-ups of your bouquet or ring for instantly younger looking hands.

2 weeks

This is one of my favorite moments of the wedding day. The moment when the bride, fully dressed in her gown, sits down to read her wedding day letter from her soon-to-be-groom. And when the groom, alone for possibly the first time all morning, sits down to read his letter from his bride. It’s almost as if time stops for just a minute as they soak in the final words they’ll read from one another before they see each other for the first time. These words hold a lot of weight. They often remind you of where you’ve been, the journey you’ve been on together. They’re full of anticipation that’s built up to this moment when you finally get to say “I do”. And they foreshadow all of the “I can’t wait until” that have yet to come in your future together. After shooting almost 100 weddings together over the past four years of business, I’ve learned a lot of practical things about how a wedding day flows. No matter how much you plan ahead, there are just certain things about how a wedding day “works” that you can’t really understand, until you’ve experienced it for yourself. I’ve found that the more practical things that a bride or groom can know ahead of time and plan for, the more relaxed they are on the day of their wedding! We’ve found that an area of uncertainty many of our brides & grooms share stem from writing

notes to be exchanged. See, for us audio is one of the biggest driving forces in our films. Capturing, good, clean, genuine audio is always our goal. The hardest part often doesn’t lie in the technical side of capturing the audio, we’re experts at that by now. The difficulties lie more so in capturing something that depicts the two of you and your relationship through words. Genuine, authentic words that push the story of your film forward. Words that captivate the truest essence of the love you share and portrays your unique story in a keepsake, timeless fashion. For some, letter writing is not their gift and that’s totally fine! The truth is, it doesn’t have to be! Your letter can be anything that you want it to be. Our biggest hope is that whatever you write is true and genuine to who you are!! Our couples often ask us for inspiration when writing their wedding day letters. This topic “wedding day letter writing” is one of the number one “keyword” searches associated with our blog. And 9 times out of 10, people are reading our Words to the Bride series in search of wedding day letter writing inspiration!! That series just feels so old to me and it’s not even 100% directed towards actual letter writing. So finally, after all these years, I’m sitting down to hash it out for you!! All the inspiration you’d ever need when writing that special note to your future spouse on your wedding day! Here we go!

Day's Before

"I never realized that I could love anyone as much as I love you."

Dear James,

even years ago, I never realized what an incredible journey we were starting together. I never would have believed that the sixteen year old boy with shaggy hair and a goofy smile would grow into the strong, hardworking, and loving man that will be waiting for me at the altar.

I never dreamed that I would find someone who challenged me to see the world in the way that you do; a man who makes me laugh and love with abandon, a man who even after years together still gives me butterflies when he walks through the door. I didn’t believe that I could find a man who would remind me every single day to dream bigger, to work harder, to open my heart to the possibilities of this beautiful life. I never realized that I could love anyone as much as I love you. I love your quirky humor, your obsession with space, trains, and science. I adore your crystal blue eyes, the warmth of your hands, the way you sing in the kitchen. I love those mornings when you bring me coffee in bed, the way you treat our dogs as if they are children, the way you listen to my crazy ideas and catch me when I fall… Often literally. I love you not only for who you are, but for who you inspire me to be. Seven years of joyous success and heartbreaking loss, of moving from Maryland to Philadelphia and back again, of graduating from high school and then from college. Seven years of growing up, but never growing apart. Of conquering all that life put in our way, day by day, we grew together. Huey, you are the reason that I fight so incredibly hard to be the best person that I can be. You give me a reason to make every single day even better than the last. You have shown me what it means to live and love, to give of my heart fully, to wake up every morning with the hope of helping others. Tomorrow is the day we will reminisce about as our hair turns grey and the wrinkles crowd the spaces on our cheeks. With grace and wisdom, I know I will look back on this day as the beginning of a journey – challenging at times, but an incredible journey nonetheless. And even as my memories fade, as the moments of my younger life seem farther behind me, I promise to never forget this day, our wedding day. I promise to inspire you the way you have always inspired me, to lift you up when you falter, to bring you coffee in bed and kiss your cheeks when they are stained with the tears of hardship and the tears of happiness. I promise to be the best friend, the secret keeper, the laugher-till-you-cryer that you have come to love over these past seven years. You are my everything and I can’t wait to call you my husband. With Love, Hugs, Kisses… And the promise of a lifetime together. Your Future Wife, The *Almost* Mrs. Natalie Hayes

Natalie Franke, 27 Sanfrancisco, California

Day's Before

EMERGENCY WEDDING DAY KIT (OVERALL)

By: Kate Horodyski

a. tissues: you never know when you might cry b. toothpaste & toothbrush: fresh breathe is a must c. pain killers: don't let a headache ruin your big day d. deodorant: stress sweat e. sunscreen: always need some

f. hand sanitizer: lots of people, lots of germs g. bandaid: blisters, paper cuts, you name it h. safety pin: things rip i. nail clippers: hang nails are a bitch j. comb: last minute touch ups

Before 5Day's â&#x20AC;&#x201D;2 months

Almost there!

GROOM:

BRIDE:

k. cologne: last minute spritz l. extra socks: just good to be prepared m. shoe polish: shiny shoes look great in pictures n. razor: last minute shaving o. perfume: last minute spritz

p. tampons & pads: you never know q. lipstick: to reapply through the night r. flats: no one likes to dance in heels s. double sided tape: in case of a nip slip

Day's Before

Best Wishes Congratulations on making it to your big day! Even though today might be stressful, take a step back and remember that this is suppose to be one of the best days of your life. So accept that things will go wrong and embrace the inperfections. All that matters is that you are in love.

From all of us here at "To Do Before I Do", congratulations and we hope you have an amazing life together.

Don't forget to send us your wedding pictures on our website and tag your pictures on social media with the hashtag #ToDoBeforeIDo

Sources:

† https://www.huffingtonpost.com/gobankingrates/10-hottest-bachelor-and-b_b_9909240.html † https://www.brides.com/story/how-to-find-the-perfect-wedding-dress † https://www.brides.com/wedding-ideas † https://www.glamour.com/gallery/the-dos-and-donts-of-choosing-your-wedding-dress † https://www.brides.com/gallery/wedding-dress-shopping-tips † https://www.theknot.com/content/our-top-wedding-cake-tips † https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/226698/selecting-wedding-cake † https://www.theknot.com/groom-groomsmen † http://www.mywedding.com/wedding-ideas/grooms-attire/ † http://smartgroom.com/grooms-suit/ † https://www.theknot.com/content/the-brides-emergency-kit † http://nataliefranke.com/2013/05/a-letter-to-my-love/ † https://www.brides.com/story/writing-note-to-groom-on-wedding-day † https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-day-manicure-dos-and-donts † https://www.airfarewatchdog.com/blog/39901566/top-10-bachelor-bachelorette-party-destinations/

Wedding planning is stressful, we get it! Let us help take some of the stress and pressure off of you. Our team of writers either have been through the wedding process or are experts in the area, so they know what they are talking about! In this issue, we give our brides month by month checklist of what you should be doing when. We break it down into smaller tasks so the idea of pllaning your wedding doesn't seem so daunting. For more information visit www.ToDoBeforeIDo.com