IrisD Bridal Blog

Everyone likes to follow the latest fashion trends, and each bride wants to look their best. Special care is taken when selecting the wedding dress, shoes, bridal jewelry and the veil. The wedding veil plays an important role in the whole wedding attire.  The veil should go not only with the dress, but also the jewelry, and the hair style.

A beaded veil is a great style of veil for brides wanting to look classy, yet unique. After having decided on the kind of veil you want, you should decide on the length. You can choose from a variety of lengths depending on the kind of dress you are wearing. The materials that the veil is made in are also varied, from chiffon to silk and organza. As the beaded veil is very light and fragile, tiny beads stitched at the bottom of the veil is better choice than stitching heavy beads, as it will make the veil heavier and pull the veil down. While selecting the beads you use for the veil, always try to match the beads used on your dress.

Making sure you have a veil that fits in perfectly with the wedding look you desire is extremely important, so make sure you select only the best veil. Try and buy directly from a vendor as that way you will have more control over the veil’s design and be sure to get exactly what you want.

Day of wedding is the most precious day for a woman, aside wedding dress and veil, bridal jewelry is an indispensable accessory that enhances the grace of the bride. Bridal jewelry includes tiara, necklace earring set, bracelet and various headpieces, bride can choose their jewelry from a variety of different materials and gemstones to meet their personal preference. These days, the most popular bridal jewelry material includes Swarovski crystals, pearls, rhinestone, sterling silver or plated silver or gold.

Most of these wedding jewelry can be used later either for special occasions or every day depending on the particular piece. And in any case, it is important for bride to understand how to care for these jewelry so that bridal jewelry can last for a long time and may be can be even used as a heritage piece later.

 It is a good idea to keep all your beloved gems out of pools and hot tubs -and off the beach. Chlorine and heat can discolor the metal and erode the finish on gold and platinum items. Chlorine and salt can alter the color of porous gemstones such as pearls, opals, and emeralds. For those brides who are going to do a destination wedding or honeymoon on sunny beach, sand can scratch stones and soft metals such as 24-karat gold. If you do take a dip with your baubles (or sweat or get sunscreen on them), rinse them immediately afterward with warm water from the tap. When you get home, gently scrub them with a soft toothbrush dipped in warm water and a few drops of dish soap.

Take good care of your wedding jewelry will make sure that your most cherished moments are well preserved and can be used and shared generations after generations.

You have the ring.  The dream of your big day has begun.  Next, most brides-to-be begin shopping for their perfect wedding dress.  At first, it may seem a little overwhelming with so many choices of styles and different stores. 

There are 5 simple things to keep in mind to make the most of your dress shopping experience.

First:  Educate Yourself

Look at bridal magazines such as Brides and search The knot and other online wedding sites for possible styles.  It is good to have an idea of what you may/may not like when you visit a store.

Second:  Make Appointments

By making an appointment, you will receive more dedicated time and attention.  Try to avoid the busiest times of the day.  Standard appointments last approximately 1 and a half hours to give brides the comfortable opportunity to try on a selection of dresses.

Third:  Be Open Minded

Bridal consultants may suggest different styles for you to try on.  You may be surprised at how beautiful and flattering a bridal gown may look on you rather than just on the hanger.

Fourth:  Take Some Essentials With You

1.  Undergarments such as a strapless bra.

2.  Try to wear neutral color panties.  You want to feel comfortable trying your dress on in front of other people without the worry of prints showing through.

3.  Pictures of wedding dresses you like. Examples give consultants a visual idea of your personal style.

4.  Someone to support you.  One to three people is ideal.  Too many people can make your experience chaotic instead of magical.

Fifth:  You’re a Princess

Remember above all, you are shopping for YOUR big day.  You deserve to be treated and look like a princess.  Make sure feel comfortable with your purchase and know you look your very best.  Never settle.  Bridal stores like IrisD Bridal can customize your dress and design it to fit your unique style.  Some may may also offer accessories such as wedding veils, tiaras, and bridal jewelry that coordinate with your dress.  Be sure to ask if such options are available.

Time is ticking on finding the perfect wedding venue. No one said this would be an easy task. On another thought, you really may have no clue what to do when it comes to scouting out a venue and figuring out the next steps. I’m here to tell you that this is your first step after the engagement because your entire wedding hinges on the location of your ceremony and reception (of course, this is easier when both at same location). The venue sets the tone and allows you to select colors, styles, and food choices that fit your preferences.

Close To Home

Choosing a venue close to home saves time and money. This allows you to closely monitor all the special details and take tours of the venue open houses. This is a great way to select local vendors and have a green, eco-friendly wedding. Arizona also provides gorgeous sunsets and many fine venues that range from reception only sites to full-service resorts. Some venues require your vendor choices be selected from a preapproved list. This may help you find ease at “shopping” at once but may limit your favorite photographer that you can’t live without.

Stateside Selections

In all its beautiful colors and landscape, Arizona does miss the unmistakable beachside views that you yearn to see in your pictures. You may find wish to for a beach wedding soaking up the rays on the beach. Take a weekend trip six months or more prior to wedding to meet with potential vendors. Contact area venues for their vendor recommendations as this will be a current referral (vendor lists are seldom updated online).

Tropical or International Calling Card

The economy is not the only factor driving this exciting romance getaway. Your friends and family play a large part in attendance on your day. Determine if your friends and family will need a passport and/or visa for your destination wedding. I strongly recommend using a travel planner for booking hotel and flights. The Swine Flu was a big roadblock for weddings and honeymooners in 2009 causing resort closures all over. Be prepared for any unexplained natural or biomedical disaster and renovations that may leave you stranded. Destination weddings can truly be a breathtaking and magical experience for you and your guests when planned out.

Copyright © 2009 – Valerie Bolitho. Valerie Bolitho is the owner of Blueprint Affairs, Wedding & Event Planning. As a wedding planner, she can assist with everything from day-of-event coordination to full wedding planning. With attention to detail and never settling for anything short of your vision, Blueprint Affairs strives for excellence and will truly make your event one to remember. At Blueprint Affairs, Your Vision is Our Blueprint. Visit them online at www.blueprintaffairs.com

Staying involved in the small details can be difficult. There are so many other things that you want to worry about such as where you get married and what food will be served. Working with a wedding planner will ensure that you have this detail completed on your checklist.

The most important thing to never forget on your day is the marriage license. This is a quick checklist to know what to do and where to go, which seems so stressful. For those of you new to this process, listen up because it’s actually quite simple.

Marriage License Process:

1. Determine if you want a Traditional or Covenant Marriage (see Covenant Marriage link below)
2. Gather proper identification for both parties such as driver’s license.
3. Both parties must be present at appointment. (see locations by county #5)
4. Both parties must be 18 yrs old or older (If younger, the minor is required to bring a parent/guardian along with minor’s birth certificate)
5. Bring fee in acceptable form designated by county.

Three Larger Counties

i.      Maricopa County

ii.      Pinal County

iii.      Pima County

1. Mail in your signed marriage license after your wedding ceremony (be sure to request 2 copies)
2. Wait 4-6 weeks to receive the official license from the state before changing your name.

Note: Marriage license is valid immediately and up to one year. No blood tests are required.

Other Links:

Covenant Marriage – What is it? Do I want this?

Marriage License Research

Written by: Valerie Bolitho | Blueprint Affairs || Wedding & Event Planning.  Call 623-215-8657 for a free initial consultation.  Check out our website for more planning tips at  www.blueprintaffairs.com www.blueprintaffairs.blogspot.com

Play up your best feature: Every girl has a self ranking list of body parts, from most favorite to least favorite. You should definitely keep that in mind when you shop for your wedding gown. For example, if you are proud of your back, get a wedding dress that exposes your beautiful back, if you are proud of your overall figure, try a mermaid shape dress.

Find a good role model: The models on wedding magazine may not always be a good source for your wedding day look inspirations, instead, find a friend or a celebrity that matches your personality, style and body figure. Try to draw inspiration from them, see what works on them, what doesn’t.

Develop your own sense of style and step up a notch: For the wedding attire, I always tell brides to challenge themselves to go beyond, just a little bit, what they can normally accept. However, it is still critical to stay within the boundary. For example, if a bride normally likes plain, simple dress, then for the wedding day, she may want to add some sparkles on the wedding gown or the wedding veil. However, a fully beaded gown or veils with tons of Swarovski crystals will not work for her.

Express yourself with wedding accessories: Wedding day is the day to jewel yourself up. Make sure tiara, necklace earring set and bracelet are all coordinated. They don’t need to be from the same set, but they do need to be the same material and color tone. Some brides also make sure the bridesmaids jewelry match to the bride jewelry. This is particularly a good idea if the bridesmaids dresses are coordinated with the bridal gown.

Let the real you shine through: Don’t freak over so-called imperfections. The hair on the side of your face or above your lip? Those five extra pounds? Trust me, no one will ever notice these things unless you make it obvious. Let the real you shine through, your personality, your joy, that’s what people will see. Remember: “Happiness is infectious”.

Ironing shirts may not be everyone’s favorite activity. However, it is still important to learn the techniques and steps to ensure maximum efficiency and best outcome. For the groom and groom party member, follow these steps to get a wrinkle free shirt.

Step1: Working with a damp shirt, start at the collar, ironing the underside from ends to center. Repeat on front.

Step2: Iron the inside of a cuff, then the inside of the cuff placket and the lower inside portion of the sleeve, above the cuff. Iron the outside of the cuff. Repeat on other sleeve.

Step3: Hook one shoulder over the wide end of the board, and iron from the yoke (where the collar meets the shoulder) to the center of the shirt’s back. Repeat on the other shoulder.

Step4: Lay one sleeve on the board, and iron from shoulder to cuff; then iron the other side. Repeat on other sleeve.

Step5 Iron the reverse side of the placket, and then the front and back panels of the shirt. Finally touch up the collar if necessary.

Mantilla Bridal Veil

Traditionally made of Chantilly or Blonda lace, the mantilla veil, with its delicate appearance and intricate design, will surely add an air of sleek sophistication and classic, old world elegance to any bride’s trousseau. As you’ve no doubt learned throughout the process of planning your wedding is that the choices available to you are limitless. Choosing the right design to go with the dress of your dreams will guarantee that you will be the perfect picture of a beautifully blushing bride on your wedding day.

Steps:

1. Arm yourself with information. In the realm of mantilla bridal veils alone, the options available to you are wide and varied. With so many designs to choose from, it’s very easy to get overwhelmed. Having a rough idea of what you want your veil to look like will definitely make things a little easier for you.
2. Choose a veil shape. There are three main veil shapes you can choose from: Circular, square, and tiered. While mantilla wedding veils are generally single tiered, and are almost always circular in shape, both the circular and square veils are versatile, and can be draped over the head in order for you to have the appearance of a front and back tier.
3. Choose the fabric. While mantilla veils were traditionally made entirely out of lace, and embellished with a lace edge, there are many other options available in this day and age. Today, the most commonly used fabric is the bridal illusion tulle for veils, while the more flexible silk tulle and gauze gives you a slightly ethereal look. These fabrics are similarly available in different colors—white, off white, ivory, among others.
4. Choose the edge finish. You can opt to have a plain lace edge finish for your mantilla veil, but depending on how intricate and elaborate your wedding gown is, you can also opt for beaded lace trims using a variety of accents such as pearls, Swarovski crystal, rhinestones, and etc.

Tips

1. Go for contrasts—if your gown is intricately designed, opt for a veil that doesn’t have too many embellishments. On the other hand, if your gown doesn’t have too many things going on, then you can opt to get a more elaborate veil to set it off perfectly. Remember that embellished or not, mantilla veils are striking and dramatic, so it’s important to choose a design that complements the general look and feel of your bridal gown, not compete with it.
2. If you find that despite all the choices available to you, you still can’t find one that completely suits your needs, you can ask your bridal shop to custom-design a bridal veil for you.  Bridal shops like IrisD Bridal offer custom design services. With over 50 different lace samples, you can surely find the perfect veil to go with your perfect dress.
3. It’s a tradition for every bride to find something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Choose an old lace fabric from your parents or grandparents and get it customized to be incorporated into your wedding veil. This is just a sweet way to pay tribute to your family.