Keeping Kids Happy at a Wedding

I enjoyed the post originally posted by the blog "Before the Big Day" on how to keep kids happy at a wedding.

For weddings that I plan, I offer the couple the service of providing kids activity kits which are given to the children at the reception. While guests are enjoying their meals, the kids are busy entertaining themselves with all of their brand new goodies. It is definitely well worth the investment!

10 Rules to Keep Your Bridesmaids Happy

There are times when planning a wedding can be a strain on your relationships with your Bridesmaids, so here are Ten Rules to Keep Your Bridesmaids Happy.

Rule #1: Keep costs down.

When choosing a dress and accessories for your bridesmaids to wear, be considerate of the cost of the dress and whether the dress is affordable for the ladies you have chosen.

Rule #2: Pick out a flattering dress.

Consider a dress that is flattering to the body types of your bridesmaids.

Rule #3: Communicate (with Specificity).

If you expect your bridesmaids to tackle certain tasks, be specific. Communicate your wishes in advance and explain what you’d like them to do. F

Rule #4: Select a neutral-toned shoe.

Do you know what color shoes your bridesmaids want to wear? The color shoes she already has. In her closet. Let your bridesmaids use their best judgment with a shoe that’s comfortable for them (and probably is already a favorite pair in their closet). For example, every girl has a pair of black heels (or flats). Keep it simple and tell ‘em to wear any shoe in a color that works with the dress. They’ll be so happy you did.

Rule #5: Nix any wedding talk on girls’ night.

You may have cake tiers and wedding hairstyles on your mind 24/7, but your bridesmaids are likely not obsessing over your big day. So, keep the wedding chatter to a minimum whenever possible – and, nix any and all wedding talk on girls’ night (unless they ask first). It’ll keep you focused on having fun (and keep you sane, too).

Rule #6: Give her a gift she’ll love to use / wear.

A bridesmaid gift is a token of your appreciation and a way to say thank you for being there for you. Giving a gift is a customary way to say thanks and means most when the gift has meaning or is custom-suited to her individual style. 

Rule #7: Have food available on the day of the wedding.

Some weddings begin at the crack of dawn with mimosas and hair appointments and last well into the night. Keep your bridesmaids happy by keeping them energized with food and drink available throughout the day. Typically for weddings, I will provide the wedding party with sandwich wheels from Publix along with fruit platters.

Rule #8: Give her a wedding-day itinerary ahead of time.

For the wedding festivities, have a plan in writing to keep the timeline organized. Let bridesmaids know where the rehearsal will be held, when, and what is planned afterward (such as dinner or brunch), along with the wedding time and location, a map, and cell phone numbers in case she needs to get in touch with you or a vendor.

Rule #9: Say thank you. Many, many times.

Simple as that.

Rule #10: Never, ever, ever be a bridezilla…

… because lunatic isn’t a shade that looks good on anyone. Also, being happy is contagious and a happy bride equals happy bridesmaids.

- – -

Wedding Registries

 

http://rusticweddingchic.com/the-abcs-of-wedding-registry

Check out this article from REAL SIMPLE on how to get through the obstacle course, that is the wedding registry process.

1. Do: Set up your registry early.
“From the moment you announce your engagement, friends and family will want to send gifts,” says Karena Bullock Bailey, a New York City-based wedding and special events planner.

2. Don’t: Register at just one location.
Two to three is ideal. If possible, at least one of them should have a brick and mortar store in the areas where many of your guests live―just because you dig the convenience of the web doesn’t mean that Nana feels the same. “The in-store option definitely makes certain guests more comfortable,” confirms Anna Post, author of Do I Have to Wear White?.

3. Do: Register for a wide range of gifts at various price points.
People prefer choosing from a large selection: If you have, say, 100 invited guests, you’ll need a minimum of 125 registry items. Registering at one kitchen store, one home goods store, and one department store should cover all the bases. “About a third of your items should be under $50, a third from $50-$150, and the rest $150 and up,” says Bailey. As for the high end? Know your audience: “For one couple, having gifts that max out at $200 would be too much―for another, it’s $1,000-plus,” says Post. “If you’re questioning whether it’s appropriate, others probably will, too.”

4. Don’t: Reference your registry info on any stationery, such as your save the date or invitation.
You can, however, include the URL for your wedding website―which should contain the details of where you’re registered―on those printed materials. “It’s perfectly acceptable to tell someone where you’re registered if they ask what kind of gift you’d like, but mentioning gifts in any way on your invitations is in very poor taste,” says Sue Fox, author of Etiquette for Dummies.

5: Request nontraditional items if they reflect you as a couple.
“I have friends who registered at REI―their list included a tent and a canoe, which was perfectly acceptable because they’re outdoor enthusiasts,” says Fox. Wine registries for budding oenophiles and honeymoon registries―where guests can, say, pay for your breakfast in bed while you’re in Fiji―are becoming increasingly popular.

6. Don’t: Eliminate all time-honored items.
There are limits: Feelings are still very mixed on items such as gadgets and electronics, which don’t fit the old-fashioned criteria as nest-building necessities. “It’s tough to justify something that will be outdated in two years,” notes Bailey. (Note: Any personal items, such as beauty products or clothing, are strictly off-limits.) To avoid ruffling any feathers, throw in at least a handful of traditional items to appease the old-school types who simply won’t be satisfied attending unless it’s with a blender in hand.

7. Do: Wait to use the presents that arrive before the wedding.
“Heaven forbid, should the event not take place for whatever reason, the rule of thumb is that all the gifts must be returned,” says Post. Lightly scratched service for twelve, anyone?

8. Don’t: Ask for money outright.
If cash is what you’re after, the only polite choice is to not register anywhere and pray that your guests get the message. Family and friends―not you and your betrothed―can delicately spread the word. “They should use euphemisms for money like, “I know they would love help with a contribution toward the home they’re hoping to buy,” says Post. Just brace yourself for some unwanted salad tongs amid the checks you’ll receive.

9. Do: Write thoughtful, prompt thank-you notes; e-mails and calls don’t count.
Within six weeks of receiving the gift, write a note that references the specific object and how or why you will enjoy using it. Adds Fox, “Once you start receiving gifts, keep a log noting what you received, from whom, when―plus the date that you sent out the note. It’ll ensure that nothing gets overlooked.” It also makes for a handy reference tool the next time you’re scheduled to see Aunt Tilda and can’t remember if she got you the gravy boat or the juicer.

Eight Things Most Brides Forget To Do

If you have a wedding planner, more than likely she will make sure you are on top of these items, but if not, here you go:

1. Be sure to know how you are going to exit your reception, where you will be going, and how your belongings will get there (i.e. overnight bag - have someone drop off your bag before the ceremony).

2. Choose someone to take your wedding items (guest sign- in book, toasting flutes, cake cutting set, unity candle, etc.) and gifts home after the reception. Typically, I have the Mother of Bride be responsible for signing off on all wedding items. The strapping young groomsmen are then asked to load her vehicle with all of these items.

3. Know how you want your escort and place cards laid out. Where and how will you place your menu card at each place setting along with wedding favors. These are clear instructions that you will have to give to the designated person assigned to set everything up.

4. Be sure to decorate other areas of your ceremony and reception space. Commonly neglected areas include guest sign in table, altar table, bar, and restrooms.

5. Be sure to purchase gifts for your wedding party. It does not need to be anything elaborate, but something thoughtful is appreciated. One of my brides gave each of her bridesmaids a gift bag with the book "The 5 Love Languages" (a must read) and lip gloss in the color she wanted each of the girls to wear on wedding day. There were other miscellaneous items included, but she had a story to tell behind each item in the gift bag.

 

http://onehitchedlane.com/2013/01/18/groomsmen-gift-box/

6. Figure out your day after plans. If you’re leaving for your honeymoon straight from your hotel, make advance arrangements for a car service to take you from the hotel to the airport, and be sure you bring any luggage you want with you on your trip (and a passport if you need it). If you’re not going on your honeymoon right away, then you need to know where you’re going the morning after your wedding (to your new—or old—home, or your parents’ house?) and how you’re going to get there. Park your car at the hotel before your wedding if you’re allowed, or ask a friend to come pick you up and bring you where you want to go the next day. 

7. Be sure to bring your marriage certificate. Better yet, remember to apply for the marriage certificate.  You can get the certificate no earlier than 60 days before the date of your wedding.

8. Be sure to confirm your vendors at least one week before the wedding with what they are bringing, what services they are contracted to provide, and what time they plan to show up. It is key to get the contact information of the employee who will be servicing your wedding on the day of. Most offices are close on the weekend, so you will need the mobile number for that vendor in the event of an emergency.

Happy Planning!

Speach Pointers for Best Man

Here are some ideas for the Best Man when giving his toast:

•    Story relating to his friendship with the groom
•    Congratulations to the happy couple
•    Story relating to the bride
•    Comment on how great the bridesmaids were today
•    Toast the couple
•    Comments/advice for the happy couple or the groom or the bride

Choosing Your Wedding Venue

1. Budget: First and foremost come up with a budget. This will be the dollar figure that you can not under any circumstance exceed. You can use a budget calculator to see how you will allocate your budget, or allow your wedding planner to do this for you. I have seen couples choose a venue that takes up more than half their budget and their left wondering how to pay for everything else in the wedding. You must choose a venue according to your budget.

2. Put together a guest list.:You don't want to choose a venue that is too large or too small to accommodate your guests. A general rule of thumb is that 20% of the people you invite will decline.

3.  What the cost includes: If you have $10,000 to spend and the venue charges $200 per person, you won’t be able to invite many guests. When it comes to the venue, you want to get the most for your money. Gather sample contracts from each site you visit and use them in considering your options. What, exactly, is included in their wedding package? Cake cutting, champagne toast, gratuities? Get a breakdown of everything in writing before you sign.

4. Season: Consider the time of the year and what the weather will be like. If you choose an outdoor venue, pick a time of the year when you and your guests will not suffer in the cold or heat.

5. Theme: Have a general idea of the theme, color scheme and/or tone of your wedding before choosing a venue. If you’re throwing a nautical-themed wedding, a harbor is probably a better location than a ski resort. If your theme is “rustic chic” a renovated barn is a better bet than a banquet hall.

5. Non Traditional Location: Your childhood backyard may seem like the perfect place to get married, but if you have to bring in everything from silverware to food to generators for the band, it may not be worth it. A tented wedding is romantic, but very pricey. This is an important point if you are considering a wedding in a barn, a field or some other rustic venue that doesn’t have facilities. There are such things as luxury porta-potties these days, but they can be pricey.

6. Transportation/Parking: If the ceremony and reception are taking place at different ends of town (or state), transportation is a factor. If you have to bus people from the hotel to the church and then the reception, this will add on to your budget. Keep this in mind when choosing your venue.
If you’re having a formal wedding, the venue should have valet parking available, as well as luxury passenger vans for guests without cars. If the wedding is more informal, guests can certainly park themselves in a nearby lot or field. Make sure there is ample and convenient parking at the venue. Even better, it should be free.

7. View: Look for a great view, there may be great photo ops right outside your venue.

8. Plan B: If your “dream” venue is booked or out of your price range, ain’t no shame in looking elsewhere. Choose a venue that makes the most logistical and financial sense. With the money saved, you can deck it out with gorgeous decor and a top shelf bar! No one will notice that this was your second choice venue.

9. Wedding halls/Event Centers: Your friends may snub their noses at traditional wedding halls, calling them cookie-cutter, but always take a look. A wedding is a party, and if the event center is giving you a good deal and it’s one location for ceremony, cocktail hour and reception, it just might trump that over-priced country club you’ve been dreaming about since you were a little girl.

How to Change Your Name After Marriage

Below, you will find a step-by-step guide to changing your name without all the hassles that everyone seems to talk about.

1. Marriage Licenses - First, make sure you have multiple certified copies (I recommend 3) of your marriage license.
2. Social Security Card - First update your Social Security Card.  To apply for a new Social Security Card, complete the form listed below and mail it to your local Social Security Office (found here).
• Social Security Card Application
3. Passport - Next, update your passport (if you have one). Visit the site listed below, gather the items needed (confirm that you are completing the correct forms) and mail them in as directed.
• Passport Name Change
4. DMV - Then, change your name with the DMV.  Contact your local DMV to find out what the paperwork requirements are, but I would recommend bringing every form of identification that you can find (birth certificate, marriage license, old license, passport, etc.
5. Everything Else -   Most of the other changes you will need to make can be taken care of by completing this process.
1. Add all of your accounts to this Excel Spreadsheet.
2. Open this Word Document.
3. Edit all of the information that is highlighted to personalize the template.
4. If you know how to use mail merge, the document is all set up for that using the Spreadsheet above.  If not, you can copy and paste the information into the Word document and print individual letters for each of your accounts.
5. The letter can be updated to include other information that may need to be changed.
6. Include a photocopy of your marriage license with each letter (do NOT send your certified copies unless it is specifically requested).
7. Mail the letters and you're all set.

Items that may be handled (some of these items may require additional information) in #5 include (but are not limited to):

• Employer information
• Credit Card Accounts
• Financial Accounts
• Mailing Address
• Utility Companies
• Homeowner/Rental information
• Attorneys
• Medical accounts
• Voter Registration
• Schools
• Insurance accounts
• Subscriptions

Credit for post: http://jayhawkgirlskitchen.blogspot.com/2012/08/tackling-biggest-hassle-of-getting.html

Key West Luxury Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos

It's time for a Vacay!!!

Get you family and friends together and get ready to go to the all new Beaches property in Turks and Caicos. The Key West Village Beaches property there combines the laid back lifestyle that this island paradise is known for with the Beaches/Sandals Luxury-Included amenities and impeccable service. The charm and casual elegance, along with the magnificent views of white sand beaches and azure waters, make this the perfect destination to relax and let all your worries slip away.

Be sure to contact your "Go to Girl" to book your vacation - arlene@designsbycornelia.com or call (407) 674-7921.

Fun Things For Guest To Do At Your Wedding Reception

Have a station set up at your cocktail hour or reception dinner where guests can choose a card with a question and and write their answer, such as "What should we name our kids? What is the most romantic place we should visit? What is the best marriage advice you have ever received? What is your favorite memory of us? Where do you see us in 25 years? When did you know we were meant for each other?"

 You can also have a fancy notebook where there is a different question listed on the top of each page. You can create a cute little sign for the table inviting guests to take a moment to answer one of the questions.

Questions You Should Ask Before Marriage

Tonight, sit down with your fiancé and discuss the questions below. These questions will spark a conversation that can set a really solid foundation for your marriage. Your answers will not necessarily mean that you should or should not be together, but will open the lines of communication for you and your future spouse to openly and honestly discuss what is expected in a marriage and what is truly important to the both of you. So take a moment to sit back, relax, perhaps sip on a glass of wine and openly and honestly discuss your answers.

Honestly these questions are great for those who may not even be considering marriage at the moment but find themselves head over heels in love. These questions can really help you decide whether you are in the right relationship for "you".

These questions were originally found on the following blog:

 http://www.lovethegrows.com/2012/11/questions-you-should-ask-before-marriage.html

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE VERSION OF THESE QUESTIONS


Sex/Romance/Love

If we eliminated physical attraction from our relationship, what would be left?

What is the best way for me to show that I love you?

If I put on weight, will it affect our sexual relationship? How?

Is it important for you to know that I'm a virgin? Why or why not?

What do I do that causes you to question my love?

What turns you off sexually?

How would our relationship be affected if for medical reasons we could not have children?

Do you think being in love means: (1) Never having to say you're sorry, (2) Always having to say you're sorry, (3) Knowing when to say you're sorry, or (4) Being the first to say I'm sorry?

The Past

Which childhood experiences influence your behavior and attitude the most?

Could any feelings of affection and romance be revived if you met a previous boyfriend/girlfriend even though you feel strongly committed to me?

Is there anything in your past I should be aware of?

What did you dislike the most about your previous partners?

If your past boyfriends/girlfriends listed your most negative characteristics, what would they be?

Do you keep letters and memorabilia from past relationships? Why or why not?

Are you comfortable continuing this relationship if there are things in my past that I am not willing to share with you?

Have you ever been involved in any criminal activities? What were they?

Did your mother or father abuse each other or you in any way- sexually, emotionally, or physically?

Have you ever been able to overcome a bad habit? What was it?

Have you ever been violent in past relationships?

Trust

Have there been times when you were uncomfortable with the way I behaved with the opposite sex? If so, when and what did I do?

What do I do now or what could I do in the future that would make you mistrust me?

Would you be comfortable transferring all your money into my bank account?

Who comes first, your spouse or your children?

Is trust automatic until something occurs that takes it away, or does it evolve over time?

Do you trust me with money?

Is it permissible for us to open each other's mail?

The Future

How are we different? Could this be a source of future conflict? Do our differences complement each other?

Do you anticipate maintaining your single lifestyle after we are married? That is, will you spend just as much time with your friends, family and work colleagues? Why or why not?

How did your family resolve conflicts when you were growing up? Do you approve or disapprove of that method? what will you change or not change to resolve conflicts in your future family?

Is there anything about marriage that frightens you?

Would you prefer to live in the city, the country, or by the beach? Why?

If I wanted to move away from our families for work, would you support me?

How would it affect you if I travel on my own frequently to (1) visit family, (2) earn income, (3) pursue a hobby, or (4) deal with stress?

Suppose we are experiencing trouble in our marriage. In what order will you seek help from the following to resolve our conflicts: (1) divorce lawyer, (2) your parents, (3) a brother or sister (4) a marriage counselor, (5) me, (6) a church leader? Why?

How will you support my hobbies?

How do you feel about having our parents come to live with us if the need arises?

Is there anything you would regret not being able to do or accomplish if you married me?

How will we schedule holidays with our families?

Children
Do you want children?

If we are unable to have children, should we adopt?

Do you anticipate raising our children (1) the same way you were raised (2) completely differently from the way you were raised (3) a mixture of both?

How long would you like to wait before having children?

Other than formal schooling, what types of education will our children get and how will they receive them?

When we have children, who will change the diapers, heat the bottles, prepare the meals, do the housework, bathe the child, get up in the middle of the night when a child is crying, take the child to the doctor, buy clothing, and dress the child?

What types of discipline would you implement to correct a child's or a teenager's behavior? Were these practices you experiences or are they new ones you have developed on your own?

Annoyances

If I had bad breath or body odor or wear dirty clothes, will you tell me? Should I tell you? Why or why not? How should we do it?

What is nagging? Do I nag? How does it make you feel?

DO you approve without reservation of the way I dress?

What does my family do that annoys you?

Would it bother you if I made body noises all the time, like passing gas or burping?

Is there anything you do in your line of work that I would disapprove of or that would hurt me?

Do you believe that you should stick with a marriage if you are unhappy all the time?

When do you need space away from me?

Communication

Whenever we have difficult feelings about each other, should we (1) remain silent, (2) say something as soon as the difficult feelings arise, (3) wait a certain amount of time before raising the issue, or (4) do something else? If so, what?
If you always say you are going to do something but never do it, what is the most effective way to bring this problem to your attention?
What did you admire about the way your mother and father treated each other?
What is the best way for me to communicate difficult feelings about you so that you are not offended?
Who should know bout the arguments we have?
What makes you not want to talk to me?
Do you feel you could communicate with me under any circumstance and about any subject?

Finance
What justifies going into debt?
What are all your current personal debts?
Do you feel stress when facing financial problems? How do you deal with that stress?
How often do you use credit cards, and what do you buy with them?
How should we prepare for a financial emergency?
Do you feel that lack of money is a good reason not to have children?
When our child is born, will he or she go to daycare or will one of us stay home to take care of the child? Who will it be?
Will we have a budget?
Who will pay the bills?
How do you feel about helping me pay my debts?
What are your feelings about saving money?
Do you prefer separate bank accounts or assets in different names? Why?

Miscellaneous
How would you rank all the priorities in your life: work, school, family, spouse, friends, hobbies, and chuch? Does your ranking reflect the amount of time you spend on each?
Are you closer to your mother or father? Why?
Do you prefer a set daily work schedule or flexible work activities and timetables?
What do you fear?
What influence, if any, do you believe my family should have on our relationship?
Do you believe that our parents should know our financial condition, whether good or bad, just because they want to? How far should this go?
What are your views on pornography?
How would you react if our son or daughter told us they were gay?
Do you harbor any racial prejudice?
How do you feel about having guns in our home?
Is there anyone close to you who feels we should not get married? Why? Should we discuss this?
What health problems do you have?
Have you ever had any psychological problems?
When you are in a bad mood, how should I deal with it?
Do you like pets?

Speach Pointers for Maid/Matron of Honor

To all of the Maid of Honors out there trying to figure out what to say for your Big Speech at the wedding reception, here are a few ideas:

•    Story relating to her friendship with the bride
•    Congratulations to the happy couple
•    Story relating to the groom
•    Comment on how great the groomsmen were today
•    Toast the couple
•    Comments/advice for the happy couple or the groom or the bride

Sandals La Source Grenada!

Sandals has a new resort, Sandals La Source Grenada, which will be opening for arrivals on December 12, 2013; bookings commence on March 23, 2013.

This will be the penultimate resort in their collection, with rooms and suites never seen before!

A few of the highlights:
o    231 rooms and suites
o    3 villages: Pink Gin Village, Tahiti Village, and Italian Village
o    Just minutes from the airport
o    9 restaurants including a world class steakhouse restaurant – Butch’s Chophouse
o    3 pools plus 2 river pools
o    State of the art fitness center and spa
o    Meeting facilities
o    75 butler suites including millionaires suites, rondovals and skypool suites
o    Romantic soaking tubs in all rooms and suites in the Tahiti and Italian villages

I absolutely cannot wait!!!! Be sure to contact your "Go to Girl" to book your vacation - arlene@designsbycornelia.com or call (407) 674-7921.

Feeding Your Vendors

Per my contract, I do require that my clients provide a vendor meal for all vendors that will be working for at least four hours during the wedding reception.

Many of your vendors will also require this in their contracts. Now mind you, your vendors do not have to receive the same plated meal as your guests.

Be sure to discuss vendor meal options with your caterer or hotel banquet manager, they will go over options with you that are typically at a significantly lower cost than your guest meals.

Another thing to consider is where your vendors will dine. When I coordinate wedding receptions, under no circumstance do the vendors dine with the guests. Find out if there is a small adjacent room equipped with a table and chairs for your vendors to eat. If you have a wedding planner they will coordinate eating times for the vendors to make sure they have adequate time to eat and perform their respective duties.

Happy Planning!!!

Sandals is for Lovers!!!

For couples wanting to experience the Caribbean, Sandals is the way to go. What impresses me most about Sandals properties is how friendly and accommodating the staff is and the fact that everything is ALL INCLUSIVE. And when I say ALL INCLUSIVE, I mean ALL INCLUSIVE. All of your alcoholic beverages are included and all fine dining as well. I ate lobster, and that was included. Even your room comes stocked with champagne, wine, and a few different other cordials. If you finish off a bottle, they replace it!

What a great way to spend your honeymoon! And guess what... all of the honeymoon add-on's are complimentary, you don't even have to be a Designs by Cornelia client. Call me at (407) 674-7921 or e-mail me at arlene@designsbycornelia.com so we can get started.

P.S. You don't have to be married to experience a Sandals vacation. If you and your sweetie want to take a getaway, I have you covered. You can even grab a few friends and have them bring their significant others and plan a group trip to one of the Beaches properties. Designs by Cornelia will take care of all details for you...complimentary.

How to Pee In Your Wedding Dress

Recently I came across the cutest blog post on the Style By Design blog... Enjoy!!!

How to Pee in Your Wedding Dress........Yes. I. Did.

I would say that this is a pretty relevant blog topic.  Especially if you plan on drinking or eating anything within the 8-10 hours that you will be in your dress....

The below directions were taken directly from Project Wedding.  The whole sitting backwards on the toilet thing works...and if you have personal space issues like me, it's definitely a winner because you don't need friends around helping you pee.  So, read and take notes. Don't forget to wash your hands.

On arrival at your venue

• Open the door of the ladies' room and look in. If the floor is not clean, call the venue staff and ask to have it cleaned.
• If the floor is clean, walk into the ladies' room and open the door of the handicapped stall. If the floor of the handicapped stall is not clean, call the venue staff and ask to have it cleaned.

This ensures that you will not later get the train/back of the dress dirty just by having it touch the floor.

When you need to go

• Walk into the handicapped stall. Remove (don't just pull down) your underpants.
• Facing the toilet, pull up the front of your dress to your waist.
• Walk straight forward, so you are straddling the toilet, and sit down that way. The train/back of your dress will now be away from the toilet, so you won't get them wet or dirty.
• Lean forward before peeing. That way, even if you drop the front of the dress onto the seat, you will not pee in its direction.

Special tips for hoop skirts/crinolines

• When lifting your skirt, make sure that you grab all of the hoops together. this can be done by reaching under the bottom flounce and pulling straight up. If you are wearing an under-petticoat, don't forget to grab it too. This can be, and has been, a very bad thing to forget.
• Once you have a good handle on the hoops, swing the whole thing to the rear, as if you are preparing to hula-hoop with your dress. This will move the whole contraption behind you and out of the 'danger zone'. It will also slightly lift a shorter train off the floor which is a plus
• When you are done, drop the hoop straight to the floor and give a little circular hip-shimmy. This will help you to get your dress hem back over the bottom hoop. It is always a good idea to have a friend do a 360 of the hem to make sure nothing is showing that shouldn't be.

And in case no one has told you this yet, never ever under any circumstances step straight backward while in a hoop. You will step on it, and you will fall over, and this will give a free show to anyone standing in front of you. Not directly related, but one of the top tips for wearing a hoop.

 

Preparing For Your Engagement Shoot

Recently I had an opportunity to ask Victoria Angela from Victoria Angela Photography what she considered to be the three most important items to consider when preparing for your engagement photo session... hair/makeup, props and clothes she stated.

VictoriaAngela.com

Victoria Advises:

 When it comes to selecting outfits, stay away from anything with writing on it (Old Navy, Abercrombie) so it doesn't look like an advertisement. White sneakers and thick stripes (not pinstripes) stick out like a sore thumb and tend to be a distraction in your photos. Try to keep your outfit changes to one dressy and one casual so you make the most out of your engagement session.

When it comes to makeup, don't be afraid of fake eyelashes or lash extensions. The long eyelashes will make your eyes pop and it is important to have them done professionally so you won't have to worry about them falling off or applying the wrong kind. Keep clear lip gloss and blotting papers handy for touch-ups. Unless you are planning a themed engagement session, have your hair lightly styled as if you and your fiance are going out for dinner and a movie. You don't want to have an up-do or style that you wouldn't normally have everyday.

VictoriaAngela.com

VictoriaAngela.com

If you are interested in including props such as signs, banners, chalk or even your pet(s), you must inform your photographer ahead of time so you can prep for these photos. Some of the props will take time to set up and others must be watched. If you are including your pet in some photos, it is important to have a friend or family member watch them while you finish the rest of your engagement session.

VictoriaAngela.com

Happy Planning!!!