Maintaining a healthy glow for the wedding day can be difficult among the chaos of planning and organizing your wedding. Fortunately, there are many different options that are available for brides to acquire a perfect, glowing complexion for the wedding day!

Preparation: Before experimenting with any tanning option, it’s vital to clean your skin and start with a fresh canvas. Purchase a body scrub ( or make your own) and lather your skin with it, being sure to work the solution down into your skin. Rinse thoroughly and use a gentle cleanser if desired. Follow up by sealing moisture in with a body cream. Repeat this process about three times a week, for one week before starting to tan.

Time: Determine how much time you have to accomplish your tan. If you have three weeks, then you will have plenty of time to play around with different options. If you want your tan to be visible within one week, your options will be more limited.

Tan Towels: For instant results and literally no wait time, Tan Towels are a great option. The process: exfoliate skin, thoroughly apply the wipe, rinse hands, redress, stay dry (refrain from liquids and lotions for 4-6 hours). Tan Towels have no cancer risk, making them a foolproof, totally safe option for tanning. Products start at $10.00

Fake Bake: For a lotion textured tanner, Fake Bake is notorious for producing real results with tanning lotion. Process: Exfoliate/ use Body Polish to remove dead skin, Coat skin with Instant Self Tanning Lotion, Follow up with Skin Smoothie Oil (leaves skin soft and silky!). Fake Bake is guaranteed not to streak, stain your clothes, or leave an orange tint on the skin. Products start at $10.00

Spray Tan: For a quick, even tan that requires no effort on your part try a spray tan. Simply visit a spray tanning salon (often hair salons will have a spray tanning booth in the salon), and get a quick spray down of self tanner! The formula dries almost instantly, and the results are extremely effective. Like most tans, spray tans will usually require 2-3 visits before the color truly starts to show.

Just like planning for the wedding programs, wedding favors, and first dance, planning for your bridal tan is important to! Map out how long you have, then explore one or more of these safe, effective methods.

Kathryn Elise

Why, hello! I'm Elise and it's lovely to meet you. I am a southern brunette who enjoys steaming hot cups of tea, long, chilly, bike rides, and writing about almost anything. I am obsessive about anything "wedding". I feel a strong sisterhood-like bond with all brides-to-be, and could literally sit and talk to another engaged stranger for hours! My dear fiancé´ endures my constant wedding chatter, and occasionally even gives me a nod or eyebrow raise :). I am thoroughly looking forward to knowing you better; please feel free to jump into the site and share your ideas! xox Kathryn Elise

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Pale pink and black make for a sweet, structured combination. Merge your dainty innocence with his structure and sturdiness of black for a lovely, perfectly balanced color scheme.

Hair Accessories: Contrast a smooth up-do with a flouncy flower or hair pin. Peachy feathers and shiny jewels make for a classic yet modern hair style. Jeweled headbands and ribbons are a other nice options as well.

Strappy Sandals: Black shoes were made to pop against fragile pink. Let a pair of shiny black sandals peek out beneath a pale dress for added dimension.

Maid Dresses: Deck out your maids in subtle, fluttery dresses. Because the pink is very bold and confidant, consider settling on a shorter dress instead of  a longer one. Also, use a contrasting color for your maids shoes, rather than a pair that just blends in with the dress, even if that means a pair of nude sling backs!

Flowers: Soft peonies, tulips or cherry blossoms would be precious arranged in glass vases throughout the ceremony venue. For added sweetness, give your flower girl loose peony petals to drop down the aisle!

Favors: Elegant asian wedding favors would be flawless when paired with homemade macaroons or chocolate covered cherries! Your wedding favors may also help with the decor. Position them in key places, where they will sit on display until the night ends, and they are dispersed .

Bold Lashes: Contrast a pale pink lip with luscious black eyelashes. Their flirtyness will add just enough drama, without being too overly theatrical.

Pale Pink Lip: Soften up your makeup with a pale pink lipstick that offers moisture and color. (just make sure it’s smooch-proof!)

Contrast Blooms: Add some texture to your light pink florals with a few stems of dark hued flowers. The colors will complement each other nicely and look insanely gorgeous in your wedding pictures!

Black Satin: Don a satin black garter under your dress for nice contribution to your theme colors.

Kathryn Elise

Why, hello! I'm Elise and it's lovely to meet you. I am a southern brunette who enjoys steaming hot cups of tea, long, chilly, bike rides, and writing about almost anything. I am obsessive about anything "wedding". I feel a strong sisterhood-like bond with all brides-to-be, and could literally sit and talk to another engaged stranger for hours! My dear fiancé´ endures my constant wedding chatter, and occasionally even gives me a nod or eyebrow raise :). I am thoroughly looking forward to knowing you better; please feel free to jump into the site and share your ideas! xox Kathryn Elise

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Ballet flats often get a bad rap. Sky – high stilettos are an immediate confidence booster for most women, and even Christian Louboutin once referred to his shoes as “artwork for the feet”. Five -inch heels weren’t made for walking seven blocks or standing in one spot for an hour’s worth of pictures. Heels are beautiful for the wedding day, but they can be painful! Avoid miserable blisters, achy feet and a sore, wobbly walk by switching to ballet flats. Maybe not as breathtaking, but still classy and beautiful, ballet flats offer your feet total comfort, while looking sweet underneath your wedding dress. Here are a few gorgeous ballet flat options:

Bold: Add a little pop of color to your wedding ensemble! Bright blue, Daring red, or a Cheery yellow would look playful! J. Crew offers a wide selection of pretty, colorful flats that offer comfort and utmost style.

Sequins: Sequined shoes are typically much fancier than others, but that’s not the case with these Tom’s bridal shoes! If your style is casual and laid back, take a peek at Tom’s trendy flats. Made for all day wear, these shoes would keep your feet super comfortable and happy, meanwhile providing great traction – no worries about slipping during the first dance!

Portable: For the bride who isn’t ready to give up her stilettos just yet, having a spare pair of ballet flats is essential! Always have a backup pair of shoes at the wedding venue, just incase your feet do blister and you end up hobbling around. These portable shoes-in-a-bag are just the right size to throw in your Maid of Honor’s purse!

Designer: For the name brand conscious bride, top label ballet flats are the way to go! Several designers offer a small selection of flats and a large selection of heels and stilettos. Tory Burch is recognized around the globe, and offers a colorful selection pretty flats! The “Reva” flat is a wildly popular style, and is fancy enough to go with any wedding dress. Classy white, a peppy pink, and a demure gray are among the pretty colors to choose from.

From choosing the perfect wedding favors, to selecting the ideal pair of wedding shoes, each part of your wedding planning journey should be an exciting step!

Kathryn Elise

Why, hello! I'm Elise and it's lovely to meet you. I am a southern brunette who enjoys steaming hot cups of tea, long, chilly, bike rides, and writing about almost anything. I am obsessive about anything "wedding". I feel a strong sisterhood-like bond with all brides-to-be, and could literally sit and talk to another engaged stranger for hours! My dear fiancé´ endures my constant wedding chatter, and occasionally even gives me a nod or eyebrow raise :). I am thoroughly looking forward to knowing you better; please feel free to jump into the site and share your ideas! xox Kathryn Elise

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The wedding hair styles for long hair are literally countless. There are so many beautiful options and styles to try! Obviously, up-do’s are super elegant and classy, but if you’re looking to switch things up a bit and wear your hair down, you might consider waves! For beach and casual weddings, wavy hair is an effortless, gorgeous style! There are tons of tutorials that give easy steps to creating perfect wavy hair. Here are a few of the top tutorials:

Katie , being a total trendsetter and makeup/hair authority, offers an easy, brief tutorial on creating gorgeous, luscious waves! Her tutorial step-by-stop instruction, a foolproof way to create perfect looking waves. Watch her tutorial on youtube, then check out her site and view all her impressive photos of her beautiful hair!

Emily:  Well known for her fashion advice and home decor tips, Emily Schuman is also notorious for her awesome hair secrets. On her blog, she offers a great tutorial on creating sweet, beachy waves. Her guide consists of easy to follow directions and coordinating pictures to keep you on track!

Kendi: Queen of styling everyday clothes into gorgeous ensembles, Kendi gives a behind the scenes peek at how she  styles her hair so flawlessly. Soft, loveable waves that are full of body, without being too voluminous. Find her nifty tutorial on her lovely site.

Lauren : Avidly popular for her reality television career, fashion lines: Paper Crown, and LC for Kohl’s, and consistently impeccable beauty tips, Lauren gives a fun video tutorial on every day waves. To simplify the process, Lauren tells you how to complete the waves, while she shows you on the screen, and the words flash across!

Whether you are looking for sweet wedding favors, choosing the right song for the first dance, or deciding on a hair style, your choices should reflect your personality and style . Wavy styles are extra lovely because they can easily be switched into an up-do, or thrown back into a cute pony tail! Think effortless chic. (Plus, on your wedding night, your new hubby will be thankful that he isn’t stuck trying to find those bobby pins hidden in your hair from that complicated hairstyle!).

Kathryn Elise

Why, hello! I'm Elise and it's lovely to meet you. I am a southern brunette who enjoys steaming hot cups of tea, long, chilly, bike rides, and writing about almost anything. I am obsessive about anything "wedding". I feel a strong sisterhood-like bond with all brides-to-be, and could literally sit and talk to another engaged stranger for hours! My dear fiancé´ endures my constant wedding chatter, and occasionally even gives me a nod or eyebrow raise :). I am thoroughly looking forward to knowing you better; please feel free to jump into the site and share your ideas! xox Kathryn Elise

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Princess inspired weddings are often the most noteworthy. Elaborate details and feminine touches add just enough sparkle without looking like a replica Cinderella. While the wedding day is primarily about the bride, the marriage is about the couple themselves. Make tiny alterations in your decoration scheme to show your new hubby that his taste is important too! Moderation is key to pulling off a chic, glamorous wedding! Balance out the overly feminine details (like glittered banners, or frosted table accents) with simple, masculine designs. Here are a few examples of how to keep your wedding sweetly feminine, yet masculine enough!

Feminine Details:

Banner: For the reception, hang a glittered banner either on the wall, over the door frame, or between the bride and groom’s chairs. You could purchase a premade banner, like this one that spells LOVE, or make your own using both of your names or initials. The banner isn’t intended to be the staple of the decorations, but instead to be a lovely accent!

Curtain: Almost the same idea as the banner, except much longer! Hang the curtain above the door frame for a magical experience when entering and exiting the reception venue .

Tassel Garland: A mix between the curtain and banner, this garland is a tasteful, glamorous piece that can easily be adjusted to fit your décor scheme.By alternating glittered fabrics with subtly toned ones, your garland could be used as home decor long after the wedding day is over.

Fancy Photo Booth Props: Spice up the photo booth with some shimmery props to pose with! Order yours, or make your own with a little cardstock, glitter spray, and creativity! Your guests will appreciate your fun ideas, and the pictures will turn out incredible!

Masculine Details:

Decide what your themes will be for the wedding. If your style slants more towards a rustic vibe, then you’ll know to incorporate browns and ‘nature’ into the decorations (especially table settings). If rustic style doesn’t describe your style at all, simply incorporate fruits and subtle colors into your scheme, to prevent it from becoming too feminine and flowery.

Burlap Table Runner: Use thick fabrics like Burlap to give your tables a stable, rustic feel. The sturdiness of the burlap contrasts nicely with glimmering confetti and romantic table lighting.

Chair Decor: Adorn your guests’ chairs with masculine, earthy decorations. Pops of greenery will add instant freshness!

Wedding Favors: Balance the masculine and feminine accents with personalized wedding favors. Let the bride choose a dainty tin of mints, and wrap the tin in scruffy twine for a lovely combination of rough and sweet!

Kathryn Elise

Why, hello! I'm Elise and it's lovely to meet you. I am a southern brunette who enjoys steaming hot cups of tea, long, chilly, bike rides, and writing about almost anything. I am obsessive about anything "wedding". I feel a strong sisterhood-like bond with all brides-to-be, and could literally sit and talk to another engaged stranger for hours! My dear fiancé´ endures my constant wedding chatter, and occasionally even gives me a nod or eyebrow raise :). I am thoroughly looking forward to knowing you better; please feel free to jump into the site and share your ideas! xox Kathryn Elise

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Bachelorette parties are well known for their crazy antics, but who really wants to wake up hung-over, raccoon eyed, and holding your late night secrets from your new husband? Vouch for a calmer, classier bachelorette party that is equally as enjoyable & exciting!

Invites: Get your girls all vamped up for the party by sending them fancy invitations. Purchase girly designed cards, send Evites, or print your own. Stuff the invitations with colorful confetti for an extra special touch!

Dress Code: Pick a fun dress code, and inform all of your guests. Over-the-top glamorous, dainty tea party, country cowgirl, Man Men themed,  it’s up to you! Before the bachelorette party begins, assemble colorful veils for each guest. Use brightly colored tool and stick on sequins for awesome hair accessories!

Food: For a more affordable alternative to expensive restaurants, cater in from your favorite pizza or pasta restaurant. Indulge your guests with homemade cupcakes frosted with the bride’s favorite color icing. Other easy snacks: Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Strawberries and Yogurt, and thinly chopped veggies. Offer a mix of healthy foods and indulgent foods so that the guests can fill up on healthy carbohydrates, but still have a few treats!

Games: Spice up the evening with free, hilarious entertainment. Feeling adventurous? Plan a Bachelorette Scavenger hunt & split your girls up into teams. Reward the winning team with a special prize!  Other bachelorette party activity  options:

* Bachelorette Questionnaire

* Chick Flick Marathon

* Dress Up the Bride

* Truth or Dare

Favors: Surprise your girls with precious bachelorette party favors. These Towel Cupcakes look just like tiny cupcakes, but function as soft towels. Bonus? They come in custom colors and come with a personal message from you!

Kathryn Elise

Why, hello! I'm Elise and it's lovely to meet you. I am a southern brunette who enjoys steaming hot cups of tea, long, chilly, bike rides, and writing about almost anything. I am obsessive about anything "wedding". I feel a strong sisterhood-like bond with all brides-to-be, and could literally sit and talk to another engaged stranger for hours! My dear fiancé´ endures my constant wedding chatter, and occasionally even gives me a nod or eyebrow raise :). I am thoroughly looking forward to knowing you better; please feel free to jump into the site and share your ideas! xox Kathryn Elise

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If there’s one thing the 2012 Golden Globes proved, it’s that vintage is the new modern! Actresses and singers graced the red carpet in dresses that evoked old Hollywood glam, and few rocked the look better than singer Mary J Blige and actress Evan Rachel Wood, who both donned gorgeous feathers on their gowns (and both topped my best dressed list!). But this homage to the Roaring 20’s has actually been a trend in weddings for some time, and I think it’s a safe bet that it isn’t flying away anytime soon.

One reason brides have been flocking to the feather trend is that there are so many fab ways to incorporate feathers into your wedding look, literally from head to toe. Princess Kate made fascinators one of the hottest “IT” trends over the past year, and fascinators featuring feathers are a gorgeous way to top off your look with a glam touch. Vintage bridal gowns were one of the top trends gracing the runways for 2012, with your fave designers like Carolina Herrera and Monique Lhuillier adorning their dresses with elegant white feather embellishments. Feather earrings, feather purses, hey, even feathers on shoes! You pretty much can’t go wrong adding this trend to any part of your bridal look – just make sure you don’t wear feathers everywhere – a little goes a long way.

Another reason brides love bringing feathers into the wedding is that it adds an element of surprise and glamour to the décor. Peacock feathers are one of my favorite wedding inspirations, with the colors adding an elegant yet still edgy look to your day. Think bright blues and greens and deep purples. The feather design can be brought into all your paper goods, from the invites to the place cards and even your menus. Or you can add a feather design to a few elements and then play off the rich colors, using linens or favor boxes in the beautiful blues and greens.

Feathers also make a great alternative to flowers. I know what you’re thinking – a wedding without flowers? That’s like peanut butter without the jelly! Believe it or not, feathers as a bouquet, the boutonnière and even the centerpieces add an instant OMG factor to any wedding. Just imagine walking into a room with large white feathers shooting out from tall glass vases on the tables – your guests will feel like they’re walking right into a bygone era of speakeasies and flapper girls (minus the prohibition!).

So for all you brides looking for that element that just screams vintage chic, feathers are a simple and gorgeous way to bring some of that old Hollywood glam into your wedding.

Carolyn

Carolyn is a crossword puzzle tackling, pun-pandering, story-telling word-nerd who loves writing about anything and everything girly, including weddings! Carolyn has been writing about weddings for TV, magazines and online for over 6 years, and has endless helpful advice and inspirational ideas to help make your wedding all about you.

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Photographs are one of the precious ways to remember your wedding day. Even after choosing the finest photographer in your area, you may still fret about your shots coming out just right. To ease your mind and ensure that you get the photographs you want, make a list of poses or shots that you want the photographer to capture. For even more clarity, present your photographer with sample photos that you would like to recreate.

Up Close Smooching Shot: Obviously, kissing shots are very common among wedding snapshots. But, typically photographs are taken from a distance, with the bridal gown and veil in the shot. Have your photographer zoom in extra close for a steamy, sweet shot of you and your significant other giving each other a smooch.

Celebration Shot: Among the serious, heart-felt photos, it’s fun to mix it up a bit with a few crazy, celebratory shots! Position your bridal party in a semi circle and have the entire group jump on cue, creating a carefree, joyous picture. For a nice contrast, face your groom/ kiss your groom while the rest of the bridal party jumps for joy.

Umbrellas: If your wedding colors are muted or dark, spice things up with bright, neon umbrellas. Give each pair in the bridal party a fun umbrella to pose with! For even more impact, have each of the bridesmaids slip on brightly colored rain-boots.

The bride and her dress: Photographing the dress by itself is a popular trend, but rarely do photographers capture the bride admiring the dress on the hanger. The result is a dreamy snapshot inside the bride’s mind. Have the photographer capture the excitement in the bride’s eyes, as she gazes at her dress and treasures her special moment!

Masculine Shot of the Groom + his men: It’s no secret that most men would prefer to skip out on the photography portion of the wedding day, if they could. Throw in a few shots that they will be proud of. Ask the photographer to shoot them in an exceptionally masculine way. Manly gestures, rustic backdrops, or even sports themed props add a touch his roughness to the sweetness of your big day!

Wedding Dress details: Your dress will no doubt be photographed all day long, but rarely will you find shots close enough to see the details. Have your photographer concentrate on the pretty, distinct details of your dress. Also, if you are wearing a tiara or veil, ask them to take close ups of your whole ensemble, so you can remember everything head to toe.

Confetti: For a really fun shot, give your guests celebratory wedding poppers to blast off as you and your new hubby exit the reception! Tiny specks of confetti twirling in the air around you will make for magical photos!

Kathryn Elise

Why, hello! I'm Elise and it's lovely to meet you. I am a southern brunette who enjoys steaming hot cups of tea, long, chilly, bike rides, and writing about almost anything. I am obsessive about anything "wedding". I feel a strong sisterhood-like bond with all brides-to-be, and could literally sit and talk to another engaged stranger for hours! My dear fiancé´ endures my constant wedding chatter, and occasionally even gives me a nod or eyebrow raise :). I am thoroughly looking forward to knowing you better; please feel free to jump into the site and share your ideas! xox Kathryn Elise

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If your dream wedding consists of you, your fiancé, and lots of sand, then Hawaii just might be your perfect location! Beautiful, clear waters, and long stretches of warm sand put most other wedding backdrops to shame! Exchange your vows on a private, secluded beach where your guests will absorb the beauty of the island, and the romantic ceremony in front of them. Here are some ideas for a sweet, Hawaiian wedding:

Flowers: Hawaiian flowers are so beautiful; they are very distinctive in their design, and coveted by florists everywhere. Decorate your beachside ceremony with flourishing arrangements and loose flower petals for a rich, luscious style. Wearing flowers is very common in Hawaii, so feel free to adorn your hair with freshly picked flowers!

Dress: Destination wedding dresses can be in a category all to their own. Slinky, sexy and loose are often chosen for beach/ destination weddings. Since most destination weddings are not held in a church type of setting, more casual dresses are accepted and often preferred! Excess fabric looks gorgeous waving in the breeze, and a looser cut around the bottom of the dress is ideal for walking in the sand. Of course, choose a dress that you feel comfortable in!

Shoes: If you are getting married on the beach, you might consider just going barefoot on your big day! Get a really nice pedicure and paint your toenails a cheerful color to make them appear more festive! If the thought of not wearing any shoes makes you shudder, consider “barefoot sandals” or sandals without bottoms. The top of the sandal looks like a thong or jeweled flip- flop, but the bottom in nonexistent. This is a great option to dress up, without worrying about getting sand in your shoes.

Guest Attire: if you’ve invited a small number of guests to attend your destination wedding, don’t require them to dress in their best formal wear. Keep in mind that they too will be sitting/standing in the warm sunshine! You could request that they wear a certain color, or simply ask them to dress casually (khaki pants and a colored shirt), if you want them to appear as your family, and not as tourists .

Favors: Treat your guests to a pretty wedding favor that will also keep them cool.  Greet them with Asian Wedding Favors that they can use during the ceremony and afterwards to keep themselves cool and comfortable!

Kathryn Elise

Why, hello! I'm Elise and it's lovely to meet you. I am a southern brunette who enjoys steaming hot cups of tea, long, chilly, bike rides, and writing about almost anything. I am obsessive about anything "wedding". I feel a strong sisterhood-like bond with all brides-to-be, and could literally sit and talk to another engaged stranger for hours! My dear fiancé´ endures my constant wedding chatter, and occasionally even gives me a nod or eyebrow raise :). I am thoroughly looking forward to knowing you better; please feel free to jump into the site and share your ideas! xox Kathryn Elise

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Vera Wang is well known for her crisp designs and seamless silhouettes. Vera’s latest bridal line is composed of frilly organza, tiered layers, and structured bows. White by Vera Wang can be found at David’s Bridal stores, and online at the David’s Bridal website.

Full and Glamorous:

Perfect for the bride looking for her princess dream dress. Loads of poufy tulle, and flowy organza are bound to make any bride feel unbelievably special. These dresses simply demand attention. Designed to woo every person in the audience, especially the groom, these bold shapes are innocent, yet sassy enough to fit the personalities of many brides.

Fitted and Sleek:

The ultimate style for bride’s looking to show off their figures. Forgiving, gentle fabrics that hug in all the right places, structured in fitted designs that emphasize a tiny waist. These dresses are surprisingly slimming, and make a bride look more trim and toned than ever before.

Belts:

Belts are an easy, creative way to add pizzazz to your wedding gown. If you feel that your wedding gown could use a little color and sparkle; experiment with belts! Colorful tulle, jeweled satin, and textured fabrics can totally transform the look of your wedding gown. White by Vera Wang’s belts are beyond classy, and so polished!

Shoes:

Wedding shoes are a fun way to express your personal style and personality. White by Vera Wang’s shoes are subtle in their colors, but bold in their style. Glitter coated heels, and ribbon tied flats are just a couple of the dainty, beautiful shoe designs.

Hair Accessories:

Dress up your wedding hair ‘do with a decorated brooch or hair clip. Tuck sparkly clips into your up-do’s for a regal, winsome look.

Take a cue from Vera’s elegant line, and send your guests home with classy candle favors they will love and enjoy.

Which of Vera’s pieces is your favorite? I still find the slender silhouette in the center of the banner to be so dreamy and captivating!

Kathryn Elise

Why, hello! I'm Elise and it's lovely to meet you. I am a southern brunette who enjoys steaming hot cups of tea, long, chilly, bike rides, and writing about almost anything. I am obsessive about anything "wedding". I feel a strong sisterhood-like bond with all brides-to-be, and could literally sit and talk to another engaged stranger for hours! My dear fiancé´ endures my constant wedding chatter, and occasionally even gives me a nod or eyebrow raise :). I am thoroughly looking forward to knowing you better; please feel free to jump into the site and share your ideas! xox Kathryn Elise

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