5 Ways To Look Ten Pounds Thinner On Your Wedding Day

Five tricks for a longer, leaner you — minus the dieting.

I haven’t met a bride yet who doesn’t want to look her absolute best on her wedding day. It’s just so hard to keep to a regular workout routine. Fortunately there’s an article over on the TheKnot that gives a few shortcuts you might want to try out.

 

Flatter Your Figure

Though alterations will ensure your dress fits, choosing a wedding gown that shows off your best assets (and camouflages your less-than-fab spots) will make sure it flatters. Trying to hide your hips? Go with a romantic empire waist gown or a strapless, full-skirted style. Want to suck it all in? A corseted ball gown is a great option to show off your bust, whittle your waist, and hide hips and thighs. And if you want to show off your curves (or create some), try a mermaid-style gown. A good bet for every body type: an A-line silhouette, which fits at the bust and waist with a skirt that gently flares out from the hips.

Get a Good Support System

Undergarments that fit well are key to a sleek silhouette. To avoid the dreaded bra bulge and create the right amount of cleavage (nothing that will scandalize the grandmas!), get a professional bra fitting to be sure you’re wearing the right size. Then, buy a few bras — check the store’s policy, but you can generally return them with the tags — so you can try them on with your gown and find exactly the right one.

If any part of the lower half of your gown is fitted, invest in some good shapewear. Our favorites are made by Spanx — they’re lightweight, breathable, and come in tons of colors and styles. They’re also available in different materials, so you can find garments that won’t cling to your gown’s fabric but will still nip and tuck you in all the right places.

Stand Up for Yourself

Proper posture can make a big difference in how you look — and don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you have to stand at attention all day long. A couple of simple tips can keep you upright and looking svelte. First, keep your shoulders back. If you find your shoulders slouching forward (totally natural if you’re tired or nervous!), shrug them up toward your ears a couple of times to loosen yourself up and shift your shoulders back.

Second, try to keep your back straight. Again, the secret is in your shoulders — you should feel like there’s a straight line dropping from them to your hips. If one starts to get ahead of the other, shift yourself and realign. Remember, it’s not about standing still all the time — that’s actually more likely to make you slouch! Instead, shift your weight as it feels comfortable to do so, keeping the position of your shoulders and hips in mind from time to time.

Give Your Height a Boost

We’re not going to lie and say they’re comfortable, but wearing heels is one of the simplest ways to appear thinner. Think about it: Say you’re normally five feet, four inches and you weigh 140 pounds. Put on a pair of two-inch heels and suddenly you’re five feet, six inches — but you still weigh 140 pounds! It’s not just about having longer legs; heels instantly trick the eye into reapportioning your weight over a taller frame. Worried about foot fatigue? Skip the spindly stilettos and go for something with more support, like a wedge heel, and don’t push it too high — no more than three inches.

Strike the Right Pose

Your wedding photos are how you’ll remember your wedding day, so ensure you’ll remember that you looked fabulous! Keep your shoulders back, and flatter your jaw line by pushing your chin forward. If you can, keep your body slightly turned — you’ll look slimmer than if you’re facing straight at the camera. The most ideal look is to tilt your shoulders toward the photographer with your hips on an angle, which makes your waist and hips look instantly narrower.

Especially key for brides? Hold your arms slightly away from your body rather than pressing them against your sides. It can be tough (especially if you’ve been holding that bouquet all day!) but it makes a huge difference. While it seems like a lot to keep track of, don’t forget that you can practice! With all of those prewedding parties, you’re going to have your picture taken pretty often — take advantage so that on your wedding day you can give ’em your best shots.

Read more: How to Look 10 Pounds Thinner On Your Wedding Day

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American Gangster Themed Wedding

I  came across this vintage styled wedding over at the Boho wedding blog.  They’re based in the UK and profile unique, unusual and alternative weddings in the UK.

This one is a throwback to the 50’s and proves it’s possible to have a wedding truly unique without spending a ton cash.  The bride gives an interview of how they did it.  I love the  really vivid red color for their look.

To read more about the details visit Boho here

 

 

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Tips For Choosing Your Wedding Vows

You should take your time when deciding on your wedding vows and personalize them to suit you and your partner and don’t be influenced by what other people expect you to do.

This is one of the most important parts of the wedding because it is after the recital of your vows that you will be officially married.

More and more people are becoming very creative with their wedding vows and this adds a personal touch that represents what you and your partner believe your marriage means to the both of you.

It is a chance for you to both express your true thoughts on why you are getting married and what it will mean for you in the future.

Here are the typical wedding vows…

“I [your name] take you [your partners name] for my lawful [wife/husband] to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part”

Many people use these traditional vows as the foundation that they will modify to suit their needs by adding personalized touches where they like.

Some people find the traditional vows a bit too formal and the wording no longer appropriate to get the true meaning of their care for one another across. If that’s the way you feel then changing them is the right solution for you.

These words are more important than all the wedding speeches combined so it is well worth spending as much time as necessary to come up with something that is really special.

Get ideas from books and poetry and songs. Bounce ideas off one another and you will soon know when you have hit the perfect combination that will lead you into your married life.

Just remember to never stop having fun because that’s what it’s all about – getting the most happiness in your life by sharing it with someone you love.

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Movie Trailer Turns Into Marriage Proposal

Gina goes out on a girls night to the movies where she thinks she’s going to see “Think Like a Man.”  They conveniently arrive after the previews have begun playing.  She doesn’t realize it but she’s about to watch an engagement trailer made for her by boyfriend Aris.  After the second preview the engagement trailer comes on and is followed by a live proposal in front of family and close friends.

While this proposal idea may not be unique it’s most definitely their own!

Congratulations Gina and Aris!

Mimosa Cupcakes

These were posted for a Mother’s day idea but you could just as easily snag the idea for a bridal shower or wedding. I saw this posted over on the SheKnows website..Yum!

Make the most of any celebration with these mini, mimosa-flavored cupcakes. Serve them up in tall flutes and top with a garnish made from orange-peels.

These Momosa Cupcakes are a definite “must try” for me.

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Vintage Inspired Lace Wedding Cakes

Wanted to share with those planning their weddings some of the wedding cake trends I am seeing today. Many of these mimic the bride’s lace on the cake or even use an applique of the lace (good way to save money on the cake!) – show your baker your dress or a piece of lace and let them be inspired by it with a lace pattern on your cake.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sweetest-Thing-Cakes/74905017574
The Sweetest Thing Cakes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 If only I were able to go back in time I think I would want this as the style of my wedding…intimate, detailed inspired, and a touch of vintage…love, love, love it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click images for direct link

{Blunders to Steer Clear Of} Offering to Cover Wedding Related Expenses

We’re back today with a continuation of our series on: Blunders to Steer Clear of After Getting Engaged.

Today we evaluate a mistake that is huge.  Staying within your wedding budget is difficult enough.  If a bridesmaid agrees to be in your bridal party make sure you don’t assume she understands what her responsibilities are.

This may be her first time participating in a wedding.  She may accept your invitation if she is under the impression that you are covering her costs.Creative way to ask your BFF to be in your wedding. (if you have not seen these you need to check them out.) Put your own spin on asking your girlfriends the oh-so important question. Will you Be My Bridesmaid?

Don’t Go There

Don’t offer to pay for something you can’t afford. You may have the very best motives but you have your own budget to consider. Being asked to be a part of the wedding party is an honor.  Be clear about your expectations and her level of commitment. Lay out what her responsibilities are as your bridesmaid.

Money talks are a somewhat complicated subject to address.  Talk to her and be honest.  Let her know she’s one of your top choices but you understand if she has other commitments that make it difficult for her to take part.

While you may not be obligated to pay, you should be considerate of how your decisions will affect your bridal party. At the very least, make their financial obligations clear as soon as possible and try to make choices that don’t place too much burden on them.

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{Blunders to Steer Clear Of} Are You Leaving Him Out?

A continuation of our series: Blunders To Steer Clear Of After Getting Engaged

Mistake #3 – Leaving  Your Groom Out of the Planning Process

Get Your Groom Involved in the Wedding Planning

The days of solo wedding planning are behind us.  Not only are mothers and daughters concerned with the wedding plans but so are many of modern-day grooms.  Don’t assume he doesn’t want to help. Get him involved.  Don’t leave him out.   After all, it’s important for both of you to feel connected to this process.

If you’re one of the fortunate brides whose groom wants to be involved in every decision then consider yourself lucky.  Give him his list and treat yourself to a day at the spa.

If you’d like more input then consider these tips.

Let Him Choose

Right at the very start of the planning stages, find out which parts of the planning he wants to be in charge of.   This will allow him to choose what interests him (like finding the right DJ over selecting wedding favors).

 

 

 

Narrow Down His Choices

Yes, I’ll say it.  Men have short attention spans.  Once you’ve narrowed it down give him a short list of options for each stage of the planning process.  Get his opinion from these lists.  Keep your wedding planning conversations with him brief. An hour of debating lavender and gray or hot pink and teal will have his eyes glazing over.

 

 

 His Ideas Count

You wanted him involved, so be prepared when he gives you an honest opinion. Let him know his suggestions matter and are important to you.   Marriage requires compromise.  Be willing to listen and don’t reject his opinions.

 

 

 

Good Negotiator?

Let him take on some of the vendors.  Let him choose the ones that appeal to him.  He may be interested in finding the right DJ, even setting up wedding day transportation. Ask him to work out the prices with vendors, and see what kinds of “extras” he can manage to get included in your packages.

 

 

Honeymoon Planning

Your guy probably already has a plan for your honeymoon.  Almost all grooms are eager to have a direct say in this part of the wedding planning.  So, make a few suggestions but let him come up with options for that too. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make it easy for him to participate. In wedding planning, no task is unimportant.  Keep things organized in a way both of you can easily make decisions.

You never know, maybe he’ll even blow your socks off by throwing you a few wedding planning tips.

 

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What to Think About When Deciding on Wine For Your Wedding Reception

Wine has long been offered at wedding receptions ever since the start of time.  Nonetheless, sampling as well as picking out your wine for your own personal wedding and reception is surely a significant as well as tricky task. While organizing a wedding and reception or just about any important significant celebration, paying attention to the particulars tends to make the main difference in just how unforgettable your  “special ” moment will be to you as well as your family and friends.

Deciding on your wine is without a doubt an essential element-a detail that shouldn’t be neglected.  Tastings with caterers as well bakers for your wedding cake are all done well in advance to select what will be served, why then would you not pair the wines ahead of time, as well?  Don’t risk it, decide early on.  There are also many other things to consider when buying and selecting the wine to serve at your wedding reception.

 

Your Guests

Exactly what wines do you really enjoy?  Think about your family and friends?  Do they like red, white, sparkling, or a dessert wine?  Will the attendees like 1 or 2 truly impressive glasses of wine to drink while they mingle.  Or perhaps, it might be wines are not really important to any of your guests?

 

Time of Day

Will you be having an evening or an afternoon ceremony?   Many people may possibly consume a little bit less during a daytime wedding compared to an evening ceremony. (drink more than a glass of wine in the afternoon, and you may be ready to go to bed even though the party is not nearly over)

 

Menu

Think about the food you are serving.  Are you trying to pair the wine with the food?   A beef entrée will probably be best paired with a red.   A chicken or pasta entrée will probably be best paired with a white.

 

Time of Year

Is the wedding reception planned for the middle of the summer months or the winter season?  That could very well matter to just what you select and offer your guests-are you trying to warm them up or cool them off?

 

What’s Your Budget?

Given that a lot of people don’t expect to have a limitless budget allowed to shell out on vino, you’ll definitely want to think about the price tag.  There could possibly be room to make a deal on the wine purchase up-front in a package deal.  As you are planning to shell out hard-earned cash on a wedding, you might possibly make a deal on your purchase when you’re planning to bring in a particular wine.  It’s worth a try!

 

 

Glasses

Wine and cheese tasting @ Strewn Winery

Amazingly, pouring wines into a wine glass designed for that specific wine type can certainly make a difference in the taste as well.  Quite a few wedding reception venues might not have varied wine glasses intended for different kinds of wines, however it’s well worth inquiring.  If not, that will definitely be an expense to consider as well.

 

What to Serve for the Toast?

Probably one of the most unforgettable memories from a wedding reception is definitely the toast.   The most expensive bubbly is Champagne, but that does not necessarily mean it is the best. You don’t have to serve Champagne for the toast.  What about it’s cheaper or just as cheery cousins, sparkling wines.  They offer a serious bang for the buck and it’s every bit as festive as Champagne and hey, if you’re worried your guests will feel slighted, pour it in another room and come out bearing a festive tray of pre-filled glasses.  Chances are they’ll never know the difference and if they do judge you – well, that’s just bad manners on their part.

 

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