Monday, December 16, 2013


Wedding Trends for 2013
  
Kate Middleton's impact on weddings:
Lots of lace, sleeves, ball gowns, more traditional settings and details like having flower girls and a white budding bouquet. Lace is even making an appearance on wedding cakes!

Let there be Pockets: Finally, pockets are coming to the forefront. Why wouldn't you want pockets on your wedding gown?

Amount of money being:
For the first time since 2008 the average wedding budget has increased. In 2008 it was $29,334 per wedding. In 2009 the number went down to $28,385 and even further down to $26,984 in 2010. In $27,021 in 2011.

Wedding colors:
Purple is up to 15% from 21% in 2010 and 16% in 2009. Blue and green have been high on the list for a long time at 30% and 24%. So far, lots of pink weddings for 2012.
White is "always," but today gold, red, blush and pinks (even black) are in style. The bold bride uses the colors in her gown, while the not-so-bold bride puts the splash of color on a sash, on the lining of her gown, or in her shoes.

Prints and Bold Colors are stepping forward. Bridesmaids' dresses are popping in bold and beautiful colors, as floral prints on sashes, or on the wedding cake.

Wedding cakes:
(67%) opt for a traditional tiered cakes, but cupcakes are gaining in popularity. They've gone from 13% in 2010 to 17% in 2011. People think they want a wedding cake but by the time they get around to ordering it, they realize it's not going to fit in their budget. Cupcakes are a great cost-savings.

Cheesy Wedding Ending: As an alternative to a traditional wedding cake, brides are selecting a variety of cheeses which can be arranged tiered fashion like a traditional wedding cake would be. The trend is new to the United States, but has been around in the United Kingdom for several years. Cheese is an excellent alternative for guests who don't love sweets. If you don't want to eliminate the wedding cake entirely, a cheese "cake" can accompany a small wedding cake and guests can choose between the two. Food and More Food: Traditional wedding reception far is getting a run for the money by more eclectic, perhaps more eccentric food item and food service. Look for taco trucks, grilled cheese, mac & cheese, BBQ, snow cones and cotton candy. Whatever the favorites of the bridal couple is showing up on the menu.

Location, Location, Location: Brides are taking advantage of all the atypical and somewhat unusual wedding venues. As the economy slumped, farms, museums, historical societies, and estates are realizing that there3's money in wedding receptions, so they're offering fabulous until-now-unseen locations and the brides are loving it!

Summer . . .
is still "wedding season," but not as much as in the past. In 2011, 37% of weddings took place in the summer, down from 41%, while fall increased to 36%.

Formal Versus Informal:
Casual weddings are up. Semiformal remains most common at 65%. Casual up to 16% from 14%. Formal/black tie down to 16% from 18% in 2010 and 20% in 2009. Destination Weekend Weddings are still on the rise.

Bridal Couples Personal Wedding Websites: 69% in 2011, up from 65% in 2010. 58% of brides use their smartphones to share wedding-related pictures. 47% use them to look up vendor information.

2013 Hot Beauty Trends
·  A sparkling nude manicure using the new glittery but matte polish.
·  High, twisted and coiled updo are in. We don't recommend doing it yourself.
·  Black-cherry lipstick takes the place of bright red for a fresh, glamorous vampy look.
·  Gold glitter-gradient nails . . . yes it's all about the glitter gradient, delicate but still very festive.

. . . And last but not least the Pantone Color of the Year . . . Emerald Green
Emerald is an elegant, yet standout color (think emeralds). Tradition associated the color with growth, renewal, prosperity, healing and unity.
Pantone and Sephora are partnering to offer the Sephora + Pantone Universe 2013 Color of the Year beauty collection. Available in March of 2013, the collection will be exclusive to Sephora and feature all things emerald. Incorporate this "in" color into your printed materials, beauty products and more.
 
Want to know more? Visit HudsonValleyWeddings.com's Wedding Guide at  http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide.htm

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

What About an All-White Wedding?


What About an All-White Wedding?  

The white wedding gown is a tradition that dates back to Queen Victoria in the early 1800's. She could not have known that she would be a trend setter for a tradition that would live on long after she was gone. The tradition of the white wedding gown survives to this day as the favorite of modern-day bride, a tradition that some, as Chef Emeril puts it "kick it up a notch" to an all-white wedding. It takes a creative bride, one who is willing to put some extra thought into the details, in order to pull off such a wedding without her disappearing in the crowd.

Let's get the "rules" straight first. Typically, at such a wedding, the bridesmaids and flower girls wear white and the flowers, tablecloths and candles, are white. The only place that there should not be any white is in the attire of the guests and it is for that reason that it's important to include that information in the invitation. The words "All white wedding" may not be sufficient, so No white attire, please" may be a better choice for wording.

There are many ways that a bride can make herself stand out in the sea of white. These are a few suggestions. As to her gown, the bride might select a shade of white other than "pure white." Believe it, or not, there actually are hundreds of shades of white, including bluish diamond white, creamy, yellowed eggshell, "natural" pearl, champagne, and ivory. Another way in which she can set herself apart is by embellishments on her dress of pearls, crystal, or heavy beading. In order to avoid a monotone overload, some hint of contrast color can be added to the mix. The white flowers that are used can be ones with their green stems showing. The use of different fabrics, particularly ones with interesting textures will add a dimension of depth. In the bouquets, a mix of white flowers, as opposed to flowers all of the same variety. Orchids, for example, have a very different "presence" than daisies, or dahlias and, if a satin ribbon, or lace is thrown into the mix, the mission is accomplished!

Adding metallic can be said as not adding another color, but they will add some interest and add interest to, for example, a white tablecloth with a white centerpiece.

Even the menu items carry through the white theme. A creative caterer can make suggestions that might include things like hors d'oeuvres made scallops, yellowtail or crabmeat, vegetables like cauliflower and parsnips and dessert of vanilla ice cream and even white cotton candy. For party favors, boxes of white chocolates can be wrapped in white lace.

Yes, it will take some extra planning and yes, there will probably be a bridesmaid or two who "look terrible" in white, but an all-white wedding can be done and will quite probably be better remembered than most others.
 
For answers to most of your wedding etiquette questions, please visit HudsonValleyWeddings.com's Wedding Guide at

Friday, October 25, 2013

Including a Pet in Your Wedding

Including a Pet in Your Wedding
 
In keeping with the trend for couples to personalize their weddings, some bridal couples include their family pet. This decision should not be taken lightly and preparation is the key. Begin by checking with both your ceremony and reception venues to make certain that pets are allowed. If you're getting married in a house of worship, there's a strong possibility that they have no pets rule. Your reception venue may also disallow patents based on Board of Health regulations.

When and if you have gotten past this hurdle, next up is to be fair to yourself and to your pet you by taking into consideration several issues. We have all been privy to an adorable flower girl who freezes at the end of the isle and refuses to walk. The same thing can happen to your pet, who can become overwhelmed by the number of people around. If your pet is obedient, well-trained and comfortable around lots of people, you should be okay, but if your pet is a jumper or barker, including such a pet can be a mistake. Prepare a bag of treats, toys and comfort items. Then, do yourself a big favor and hire a professional pet sitter to keep an eye on your pet, so you can go about your business. If you're going to dress your pet in wedding "clothing," try them on for size and comfort well before the wedding. Last, but not least, keep in mind that glitches happen and including a pet makes the likelihood greater of things going wrong. Weigh that against your wish and against the comfort of your animal.

HudsonValleyWeddings.com Wedding Guide

Including a Pet in Your Wedding

In keeping with the trend for couples to personalize their weddings, some bridal couples include their family pet. This decision should not be taken lightly and preparation is the key. Begin by checking with both your ceremony and reception venues to make certain that pets are allowed. If you're getting married in a house of worship, there's a strong possibility that they have no pets rule. Your reception venue may also disallow patents based on Board of Health regulations.

When and if you have gotten past this hurdle, next up is to be fair to yourself and to your pet you by taking into consideration several issues. We have all been privy to an adorable flower girl who freezes at the end of the isle and refuses to walk. The same thing can happen to your pet, who can become overwhelmed by the number of people around. If your pet is obedient, well-trained and comfortable around lots of people, you should be okay, but if your pet is a jumper or barker, including such a pet can be a mistake. Prepare a bag of treats, toys and comfort items. Then, do yourself a big favor and hire a professional pet sitter to keep an eye on your pet, so you can go about your business. If you're going to dress your pet in wedding "clothing," try them on for size and comfort well before the wedding. Last, but not least, keep in mind that glitches happen and including a pet makes the likelihood greater of things going wrong. Weigh that against your wish and against the comfort of your animal.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Tips for Getting In and Out of the Limo or Car

No Small Details: Tips for Getting In and Out of the Limo or Car


There she is wearing the most expensive gown she is likely to buy in her lifetime. There it is . . . white, delicate, fragile, weighing in at thirty pounds or more, and, sporting a train that may be ten feet or longer. Add crinoline, tulle and lace and "top" it with more of the same in the form of a veil.
 
Now try getting out of a limousine or car in a ladylike fashion while keeping the gown and veil safe from harm. No easy task, but there are some tips which may help.

Make certain that someone is available where you embark and debark (i.e., get in and out). Have that someone open the door for you. Bunch up as much of the dress as possible, pushing as much of the skirt out in front of yourself. Have someone behind you, lift and hold your train. Make sure that whoever touches your gown is wearing clean, white gloves so that no oil or dirt will mar the gown.

When getting into the vehicle, stand as close to the car as possible (we will assume that the car is freshly washed), turn your back to the door and gently lower yourself onto the seat; feet on the street, while you bend at the waist to make room for your shoulders, head and body. Once you are comfortably in the vehicle, straighten out your upper body, and turn slowly, making sure the person holding your train moves with you. This will help to avoid tearing and/or wrinkling your gown. At one time and in one movement, try to bring your feet up and into the car. By this point, you should be sitting correctly.

Sit back and gather your skirt up onto your lap, leaving your train draped across your skirt and lap. This too will minimize winkles and "de-cease" the possibility that your high heels will catch your dress. You're done for a while, so sit back and relax. Allow everyone else to enter through the opposite door, while watching for oncoming traffic.

Maintain your position. You defeat your efforts if you move over or slide around. Keep your flowers next to you or on the seat across from you, never on your lap. Flowers may be wet.

When you get to your destination, instruct the driver to pull up tightly to the curb. Allow everyone else in the vehicle to get out before you. Ask someone to take your flowers, as they exit. Instruct someone to open the door and wait for you to hand that person your train. Start to exit the vehicle. Turn your feet and your body toward the curb. Put your feet on the ground or the curb and then, head first, followed by shoulders, "lift" yourself out of the car. Then you may let go of your dress, train and skirts. You and your gown have made it!

For information about selecting a limousine company for your wedding, visit HudsonValleyWeddings.com's Wedding Guide article at http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide/transprt.htm

Friday, July 5, 2013

Wedding Trends for 2013

Kate Middleton's impact on weddings:
Lots of lace, sleeves, ball gowns, more traditional settings and details like having flower girls and a
white budding bouquet. Lace is even making an appearance on wedding cakes!

Let there be Pockets: Finally, pockets are coming to the forefront. Why wouldn't you want
pockets on your wedding gown?

Amount of money being:
For the first time since 2008 the average wedding budget has increased. In 2008 it was $29,334
per wedding. In 2009 the number went down to $28,385 and even further down to $26,984 in 2010.
In $27,021 in 2011.

Wedding colors:
Purple is up to 15% from 21% in 2010 and 16% in 2009. Blue and green have been high on the list
for a long time at 30% and 24%. So far, lots of pink weddings for 2012.
White is "always," but today gold, red, blush and pinks (even black) are in style. The bold bride uses
the colors in her gown, while the not-so-bold bride puts the splash of color on a sash, on the lining
of her gown, or in her shoes.

Prints and Bold Colors are stepping forward. Bridesmaids' dresses are popping in bold and
beautiful colors, as floral prints on sashes, or on the wedding cake.

Wedding cakes:
(67%) opt for a traditional tiered cakes, but cupcakes are gaining in popularity. They've gone from
13% in 2010 to 17% in 2011. People think they want a wedding cake but by the time they get around
to ordering it, they realize it's not going to fit in their budget. Cupcakes are a great cost-savings.

Cheesy Wedding Ending: As an alternative to a traditional wedding cake, brides are selecting a
variety of cheeses which can be arranged tiered fashion like a traditional wedding cake would be.
The trend is new to the United States, but has been around in the United Kingdom for several years.
Cheese is an excellent alternative for guests who don't love sweets. If you don't want to eliminate the
wedding cake entirely, a cheese "cake" can accompany a small wedding cake and guests can choose between the two. Food and More Food: Traditional wedding reception far is getting a run for the money by
more eclectic, perhaps more eccentric food item and food service. Look for taco trucks, grilled
cheese, mac & cheese, BBQ, snow cones and cotton candy. Whatever the favorites of the bridal
couple is showing up on the menu.

Location, Location, Location: Brides are taking advantage of all the atypical and somewhat
unusual wedding venues. As the economy slumped, farms, museums, historical societies, and estates
are realizing that there3's money in wedding receptions, so they're offering fabulous until-now-unseen
locations and the brides are loving it!

Summer . . .
is still "wedding season," but not as much as in the past. In 2011, 37% of weddings took place in the
summer, down from 41%, while fall increased to 36%.

Formal Versus Informal:
Casual weddings are up. Semiformal remains most common at 65%. Casual up to 16% from 14%.
Formal/black tie down to 16% from 18% in 2010 and 20% in 2009. Destination Weekend Weddings
are still on the rise.

Bridal Couples Personal Wedding Websites: 69% in 2011, up from 65% in 2010. 58% of
brides use their smartphones to share wedding-related pictures. 47% use them to look up vendor
 information.

2013 Hot Beauty Trends
  • A sparkling nude manicure using the new glittery but matte polish.
  • High, twisted and coiled updo are in. We don't recommend doing it yourself.
  • Black-cherry lipstick takes the place of bright red for a fresh, glamorous vampy look.
  • Gold glitter-gradient nails . . . yes it's all about the glitter gradient, delicate but still very festive.

    . . . And last but not least the Pantone Color of the Year . . . Emerald Green
    Emerald is an elegant, yet standout color (think emeralds). Tradition associated the color with growth,
  • renewal, prosperity, healing and unity.
    Pantone and Sephora are partnering to offer the Sephora + Pantone Universe 2013 Color of the Year
  • beauty collection. Available in March of 2013, the collection will be exclusive to Sephora and
  • feature all things emerald. Incorporate this "in" color into your printed materials, beauty products
  • and more.

  • Thursday, May 23, 2013

    "All Eyes on You . . . Beauty Tips for the Bride"

    No matter what she wears, no matter what makeup she puts on, a woman is never more beautiful and more radiant than she is on her wedding day. Because all eyes are on the bride, beauty and enhancement tips are worth sharing. There are some simple, but essential pointers to keep in mind when getting ready for the special day.

    Begin with the basics. Looking good requires you to feel good. The time between your engagement and your wedding is an ideal time to begin a regular beauty and fitness regimen, which you will hopefully follow long past your special day. Taking the time to exercise, following a simple routine of skin care, developing and following good eating practices and adhering to a program of health maintenance (routine medical and dental checkups) are the best present you can give yourself as you and your future husband begin your lives together. If such a healthy lifestyle and beauty routine are new to you, it's advisable to consult with specialists, from skin care consultants to your family health practitioners. They will help to make certain that you're on the right track and ensure that you help not harm yourself.

    Your wedding day or the days which immediately precede it are not a good time for experimentation or changes, especially drastic ones. A permanent, radically different hair style, cut or color is best done months before the wedding date. Done sufficiently in advance, such new ideas have enough time to be undone, should you choose to do so. Your wedding day is not the time to reinvent your look. It is instead a time to use beauty enhancement to accent your natural beauty and good qualities.

    Consult with your hairdresser about the most flattering hair style that will work best with your wedding veil and will hold, comfortably, throughout your wedding day. At least a month in advance of your wedding make an appointment at your beauty salon. Bring in your wedding veil and have your hairdresser style your hair as you will wear it on your wedding day. You'll need to decide whether or not you'll be wearing your head piece after the ceremony. If you'll be removing your head piece, make sure your hairdo will work with the head piece off and make certain that it is easy to remove. Should you choose to intertwine flowers in your hair, consult with both your hairdresser and florist about flowers that will "wear well." If your hairdresser will be doing your hair at the salon, make an appointment well in advance. If you'll be having your hair done at home, make certain to make those arrangements in a timely manner. If you're doing your own hair for your wedding, make certain that the style you choose is not so complicated that you will not be able to manage on your own. No surprises make for less stress!

    Frizzy hair can be a real problem in humid weather. Don't panic. A trial run before your wedding day will eliminate most surprises, but can't ensure perfect weather. To get hair smooth, simply apply an antihumectant (anti-wetness) product. If the rain or humidity causes your hair to droop, for an emergency fix, use a volumizer spray at the roots.

    Even if you have perfect looking skin, the few days before your wedding are not a good time for a facial. Even good complexions may flare up under the pressures of wedding planning. Deep facial massage and manipulation can cause redness and bumps that may not go away in time for your wedding day. If it's in your budget, ideally it would be wonderful to plan several facials beginning at six months before your wedding and up to ten days before the special day. This kind of scheduling will allow your skin a chance to recover and minimize stress-related eruptions.

    You will also need to decide whether you will have your makeup done professionally on the day of your wedding. If so, it's wise to have a trial-run at least once. If professional makeup on your wedding day doesn't figure in your budget, consider scheduling one or two visits with a makeup artist before your special day.

    If you're comfortable doing your own makeup, the months before your wedding are perfect time to learn all you can about the "look" you will try to achieve. Check out colors and products. Remember that you will be under stress when applying your makeup on your wedding day, so keep it as simple as possible in effort to make duplicating your look relatively easy. Keep in mind that a fair-skinned bride often looks rosier when surrounded by attendants wearing pink. Keep in mind your own skin tones and whether or not you will be more tanned on your wedding day because of the time of year.

    Don't forget your hands when it comes to beauty preparation. If your budget allows, splurge on a manicure. Ragged cuticles or chipped polish are unattractive. If your nails are in generally good condition, a French manicure is most becoming. It's a lovely way to draw attention to your hands and to match your wedding gown, be white, off-white or ivory. If your nails are not in terrific shape there are other options. Today, temporary nails are made to look very natural. Because they really don't last more than seven to ten days, it’s best to have them done as close to the wedding day as possible. Artificial nails can be applied a month or two before the wedding and shaped as your wedding day approaches. It's a good idea for you to take along a nail repair kit, just in case. Go easy on hand lotion on the day of your wedding, because of its oily nature, stains are very difficult to remove from satin or silk.

    Because you'll be on your feet for hours, make certain that your shoes fit comfortably. The look of pain from tight fitting shoes can undo hours of make-up preparation. Be sure to break in your shoes by wearing them around a house before your wedding. Take an extra pair to change into after the ceremony, if necessary. White or off white flats are perfectly acceptable, as are fancy sneakers with funky designs (becoming all the norm these days). You might also, if budget allows, treat yourself to a pedicure, so that your feet are picture perfect. A foot massage is a wonderful way to relax and can be a fabulous adjunct to a facial and/or a pedicure.

    If you wake up the morning of your wedding with a blemish, it's best to let nature take its course. That means taking no extraordinary means of making the blemish disappear (e.g. squeezing it). Beauty experts advise applying a thick, non-oily, waterproof concealer that is highly pigmented and saturation in powder. Place a little on your hand to warm the product and use a lip brush to apply and your finger to smooth. Set the concealer with a dusting of translucent powder.

    Puffy eyes are a problem for many brides. The rehearsal dinner the night before, coupled with the associated stresses makes puffy eyes much the norm for the morning of the wedding day. There's a sure-fire cure, albeit a fairly "shocking" one. Fill it your sink with cold water. Add lots of ice. Splash the ice cold water onto your face for at least 25 minutes (longer if you can stand it). The less-radical solution is to lie down with two slices of cold cucumber, placed one on each eye. There are also, on the market, eye masks which can be frozen and placed over your eyes to reduce puffiness.

    A full-body massage the morning of your ceremony is a delightful way to prepare for the coming day. No one will debate the calming and relaxing effect that a massage will bring. This can be your ultimate treat yourself.

    Of all the enhancements tips you use and no matter what makeup you apply, your true beauty will come from the radiance of your inner glow and happiness shining through. Enjoy the planning. Enjoy the day. Make every aspect of planning your wedding day joyful. That is by far the best beauty trick!

    For more beauty tips and articles visit HudsonValleyWeddings.com's Wedding Guide and look under the "Beauty" heading.

    Engagement Ring Trends For 2013

    More often than not, today’s prospective bride either comes with her fiancĂ© to shop for an engagement ring, or gives him input into what she would like. Many couples agree that a ring that a bride will wear “forever” should be in a style that she likes and fits her lifestyle and so they have no problem shopping together for this once-in-a-lifetime purchase. In order for the groom to stay within his budget, he can visit his local jeweler and explain his monetary parameters. In that way, when he and his bride come in to shop, there won’t be the embarrassment of his having to say “That’s too expensive.”

    Whether you will follow tradition, or shop together, you may be interested to know what’s in style for 2013. Keep in mind that this is just a guide and it’s more important for you to buy what you like than to follow a trend.

    Black Diamond Engagement Rings
    Both sophisticated and glamorous, black diamond engagement rings will be on the favorites list this year. Your jeweler can show you black diamond rings in any number of different styles that include a vintage design, halo design, or a ring that has a very contemporary cut and look. Black diamonds can also be set in a band that includes intricate detailing and engravings. This trend is a popular, non-traditional alternative to a white diamond ring.

    Antique Engagement Rings
    If you like a vintage look and don’t have a family heirloom that can be made to fit, you can opt for a vintage-style engagement ring. Typically such a ring will be more elaborate than a Tiffany setting and often include pave-set diamonds, milgrain detailing, and engraved designs. This type of ring looks best in platinum or white gold and will emulate the appearance of a family heirloom. Vintage engagement rings never fall from favor, so they’re a safe-bet purchase.

    Emerald Cut Engagement Rings
    This classic style continues to be a top seller this year. The emerald cut engagement rings focuses the eye on the singe stone and is usually accompanied a pave diamonds wedding band, or by several bands that support the large diamond in the center. Whether you pick a diamond or other center stone, this setting trend will be a knockout look.

     Princess-cut Diamonds
     This cut continues to be popular. It’s a good choice when working with a tight budget because this cut takes rough diamonds and conserves the carat weight with little shaping required. That means that you get the most out of the stone for the best price point.

    Halo and Double Halo Settings
    This engagement ring style includes a circle of smaller diamonds that encircle the center diamond. This design makes the ring appearance larger than it really is and only upon close examination can the combination of stones be perceived.

    Rings with Intricate Bands
    In this style, the center stone is enhanced with its bands and side view. This style consists of an elaborate, intricate design made with pave diamonds, filigree engraving or a bezel set. These are designed to draw attention to the ring with twists and turns of the carved metal. This style this is especially good for diamonds on the smaller side.

    Color and More Color
    Traditionally a diamond ring is the choice of brides, but modern brides are also considering colored stones in lieu of or in addition to white diamonds. Adding rubies, blue sapphires, canary yellow, cognac and champagne diamonds are becoming a popular choice for the bride who wants to achieve a more modern look.

    Whether you want to stay with tried and true traditional styles or “venture” into new trends, your engagement ring will be your one most important piece of jewelry. It’s important to make this decision carefully and to work with a respected jewelry store where you can see a variety of choices and where you will be confident that you are getting good se3rvicwe, good pricing and support after you have made your purchase.