Engagement Party Planning 101

ou've got the dress sorted, now it's time to think about wedding beauty. We've put together these 20 bridal make-up tips, with a little help from the experts, to make sure you look flawless on your big day.

image: http://marieclaire.media.ipcdigital.co.uk/11116/00008135c/e13d_orh1000w646/Bridal-makup-L.jpg

image: http://marieclaire.media.ipcdigital.co.uk/11116/00008135c/e13d_orh1000w646/Bridal-makup-L.jpg

  

Simply say 'I do' to the following bridal make-up rules and prepare to wow.

Do:

1. 'Make sure you have your trial at least three weeks, but no more than 5 weeks, before your wedding. If you plan on using fake tan for the big day, have a test run before your make-up trial so that your artist can see what colour your skin becomes with the tan,' says M·A·C Senior Artist, Rebecca Butterworth.

2. 'Wear a white t-shirt if you’re having your make-up test in a store so that you can see how the make-up looks against a pale colour and take a picture of yourself in day light (with no flash) to see how it looks before you purchase anything,' says celebrity make-up maestro Caroline Barnes.

3. 'Emphasize your eyes by brightening any darkness under them with corrector and concealer,' says Bobbi Brown.

4.' Bring references to your make-up trial. Start looking for images of make-up that you really like and bring them with you on the day. Try to identify what it is you like about the make-up in the image and take into account that if you have the skin colour of Dita Von Teese then the make-up of Kim Kardashian won't necessarily translate onto you,' says Rebecca from M·A·C.

5. 'Remember that bridal make-up needs to have enough colour to compensate for the whiteness of the dress. There’s a big difference between everyday clothes and a wedding dress, so there should be difference in your make-up, too. Start by making sure your skin looks even and smooth, and then add colour to your cheeks and lips to give them a glow,' says Bobbi Brown.

6. 'Use individual eyelashes – they’re a brilliant way to make your eyes stand out and look far more subtle than a full strip. Go for differing lengths to create a really natural fluttery look and nestle them in between your natural lashes rather than fixing them on top,' says Rebecca.

7. 'Focus on the most important elements of your look, such as beautifully natural-looking skin, softly groomed brows and feathery lashes. If you get these basic factors right the rest of your make-up will fall into place,' says Caroline Barnes.

8. 'Research application methods as they might differ slightly from your everyday make-up routine. For example, if you prefer to line with a shadow, make it last longer by applying it with a slightly damp eyeliner brush,' says Bobbi.

9.' Go pro. The best wedding make-up should last as long as you do so I love M·A·C’s Prolongwear range which includes foundations, concealers, lip and eye products that provide superior wear that will see you through your wedding day and night,' says Rebecca.

10. 'Finish your make-up off with a highlighter shade on the browbone to make the eyes really pop. Go for a light matte shade, and pat onto the outer corner of the brow bone so subtly draw attention to this area of your face,' says Bobbi.

image: http://marieclaire.media.ipcdigital.co.uk/11116/0000782b9/a2ca_orh1000w646/Bridal-make-up-tips-L.jpg

image: http://marieclaire.media.ipcdigital.co.uk/11116/0000782b9/a2ca_orh1000w646/Bridal-make-up-tips-L.jpg

  

Don't: 

1. 'Have your make-up test done anywhere with overhead fluorescent lighting. If you have a professional make-up artist coming to your home, arrange a time when it’s still daylight outside,' says Caroline Barnes.

2. 'Let a make-up artist hijack your look. For a lot of people, their wedding is a time when they can really take pleasure in having someone else do their make-up, but I think there can be a temptation to just indulge in the experience and take on all sorts of suggestions from the make-up artist - someone who may not know you or how you like to look particularly well. I'd advise real caution here; you don't want to surprise your intended at the altar by turning up looking like someone else. Whether you're hiring a make-up artist or doing your own, I generally think that the best bridal make-up is simply the most exquisitely polished version of how the bride usually looks - after all, you want to look beautiful rather than your make-up,” says make-up artist and Lancome UK Make-up Artist Ambassador, Alex Babsky.

3. 'Trowel it on. It’s a total myth that your make-up has to be plastered on for the photographs. Lots of wedding photography is done in natural light, and if you choose a heavy base the make-up will look obvious. In terms of flash, you just need to ensure that your T Zone is matte and that can be achieved with fine translucent powders and blotting powders, not layers of make-up,' says Caroline.

4. 'Go for anything too trend-led. It's worth bearing in mind that you'll have to live with photos from your wedding for the rest of your life, so it's best to avoid statement looks and opt for something more classic; that glittery eyeliner you saw on a Parisian catwalk might look super pretty and modern now, but chances are it'll look tired and dated in twenty years' time. This isn't to say that you'll have to make yourself up in a symphony of beiges though if you're used to a more punchy make-up - vintage wedding dresses in particular can look breathtaking with a classic old Hollywood lipstick colour,' says Alex Babsky.

How to plan a wedding: your 12-month guide

5. 'Be scared of going a bit brighter. Neutral, brown, and pale lip colours can look washed out in photographs, so choose a lipstick that’s one or two shades brighter than what you would normally wear. If you usually wear a neutral hue, it should be worn as a base, with a pink or rose colour on top. If you typically wear dark lipstick, use that as the base, and apply a brighter pink on top to give the colour a lift. Pinks, roses and plums are all great, classic choices for brides,' says Bobbi.

6. 'Just apply make-up to your face. Instead, extend down your neck and over your shoulders if necessary, this will ensure you face is not a different colour or even texture to your body. Everything should look uniform to create the most natural look possible. An easy way to blend uneven skin tones together is to use a light fake tan. Do this the day before your wedding not the night and beware of darkening your skin tone too much as the effect it actually the deaden the look of your complexion,' says Caroline.

7. 'Forget to decide what kind of maintenance you’d prefer for the day. For example, are you happy to check you're looking okay throughout the day, or do you want to just forget about your make-up once it's on? Waterproof mascara is an obvious requisite, but it's also worth considering cream eyeshadows that really set - you can be sure they'll stay where you put them,' says Alex.

8. 'Go too dark on the eyes. Define your eyes by applying colour in the crease, but avoid using a shade that’s too dense, as it can detract from the eyes themselves,' says Bobbi.

9. 'Go too glossy or too matte. It's best to avoid lipsticks at either end of the texture scale; too glossy and they'll only last five minutes whilst too matte and they may leave your lips dry and cakey by the time it's the moment to kiss your groom. A moisturising, satin-y finish lipstick is best for a wedding - this kind of formula will keep your lips looking their best and will wear off the most evenly and naturally; several thin layers, blotted between applications will give the most long-lasting finish,' says Alex.

10. 'Rush. Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour for make-up application on the wedding day,' says Bobbi.

Read more at http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/blogs/cassie-steer/544615/bridal-make-up-tips-the-10-dos-and-don-ts-you-need-to-pay-attention-to.html#vJd6ThlvpcfuZtU6.99

You've got the dress sorted, now it's time to think about wedding beauty. We've put together these 20 bridal make-up tips, with a little help from the experts, to make sure you look flawless on your big day.

image: http://marieclaire.media.ipcdigital.co.uk/11116/00008135c/e13d_orh1000w646/Bridal-makup-L.jpg

image: http://marieclaire.media.ipcdigital.co.uk/11116/00008135c/e13d_orh1000w646/Bridal-makup-L.jpg

  

Simply say 'I do' to the following bridal make-up rules and prepare to wow.

Do:

1. 'Make sure you have your trial at least three weeks, but no more than 5 weeks, before your wedding. If you plan on using fake tan for the big day, have a test run before your make-up trial so that your artist can see what colour your skin becomes with the tan,' says M·A·C Senior Artist, Rebecca Butterworth.

2. 'Wear a white t-shirt if you’re having your make-up test in a store so that you can see how the make-up looks against a pale colour and take a picture of yourself in day light (with no flash) to see how it looks before you purchase anything,' says celebrity make-up maestro Caroline Barnes.

3. 'Emphasize your eyes by brightening any darkness under them with corrector and concealer,' says Bobbi Brown.

4.' Bring references to your make-up trial. Start looking for images of make-up that you really like and bring them with you on the day. Try to identify what it is you like about the make-up in the image and take into account that if you have the skin colour of Dita Von Teese then the make-up of Kim Kardashian won't necessarily translate onto you,' says Rebecca from M·A·C.

5. 'Remember that bridal make-up needs to have enough colour to compensate for the whiteness of the dress. There’s a big difference between everyday clothes and a wedding dress, so there should be difference in your make-up, too. Start by making sure your skin looks even and smooth, and then add colour to your cheeks and lips to give them a glow,' says Bobbi Brown.

6. 'Use individual eyelashes – they’re a brilliant way to make your eyes stand out and look far more subtle than a full strip. Go for differing lengths to create a really natural fluttery look and nestle them in between your natural lashes rather than fixing them on top,' says Rebecca.

7. 'Focus on the most important elements of your look, such as beautifully natural-looking skin, softly groomed brows and feathery lashes. If you get these basic factors right the rest of your make-up will fall into place,' says Caroline Barnes.

8. 'Research application methods as they might differ slightly from your everyday make-up routine. For example, if you prefer to line with a shadow, make it last longer by applying it with a slightly damp eyeliner brush,' says Bobbi.

9.' Go pro. The best wedding make-up should last as long as you do so I love M·A·C’s Prolongwear range which includes foundations, concealers, lip and eye products that provide superior wear that will see you through your wedding day and night,' says Rebecca.

10. 'Finish your make-up off with a highlighter shade on the browbone to make the eyes really pop. Go for a light matte shade, and pat onto the outer corner of the brow bone so subtly draw attention to this area of your face,' says Bobbi.

image: http://marieclaire.media.ipcdigital.co.uk/11116/0000782b9/a2ca_orh1000w646/Bridal-make-up-tips-L.jpg

image: http://marieclaire.media.ipcdigital.co.uk/11116/0000782b9/a2ca_orh1000w646/Bridal-make-up-tips-L.jpg

  

Don't: 

1. 'Have your make-up test done anywhere with overhead fluorescent lighting. If you have a professional make-up artist coming to your home, arrange a time when it’s still daylight outside,' says Caroline Barnes.

2. 'Let a make-up artist hijack your look. For a lot of people, their wedding is a time when they can really take pleasure in having someone else do their make-up, but I think there can be a temptation to just indulge in the experience and take on all sorts of suggestions from the make-up artist - someone who may not know you or how you like to look particularly well. I'd advise real caution here; you don't want to surprise your intended at the altar by turning up looking like someone else. Whether you're hiring a make-up artist or doing your own, I generally think that the best bridal make-up is simply the most exquisitely polished version of how the bride usually looks - after all, you want to look beautiful rather than your make-up,” says make-up artist and Lancome UK Make-up Artist Ambassador, Alex Babsky.

3. 'Trowel it on. It’s a total myth that your make-up has to be plastered on for the photographs. Lots of wedding photography is done in natural light, and if you choose a heavy base the make-up will look obvious. In terms of flash, you just need to ensure that your T Zone is matte and that can be achieved with fine translucent powders and blotting powders, not layers of make-up,' says Caroline.

4. 'Go for anything too trend-led. It's worth bearing in mind that you'll have to live with photos from your wedding for the rest of your life, so it's best to avoid statement looks and opt for something more classic; that glittery eyeliner you saw on a Parisian catwalk might look super pretty and modern now, but chances are it'll look tired and dated in twenty years' time. This isn't to say that you'll have to make yourself up in a symphony of beiges though if you're used to a more punchy make-up - vintage wedding dresses in particular can look breathtaking with a classic old Hollywood lipstick colour,' says Alex Babsky.

How to plan a wedding: your 12-month guide

5. 'Be scared of going a bit brighter. Neutral, brown, and pale lip colours can look washed out in photographs, so choose a lipstick that’s one or two shades brighter than what you would normally wear. If you usually wear a neutral hue, it should be worn as a base, with a pink or rose colour on top. If you typically wear dark lipstick, use that as the base, and apply a brighter pink on top to give the colour a lift. Pinks, roses and plums are all great, classic choices for brides,' says Bobbi.

6. 'Just apply make-up to your face. Instead, extend down your neck and over your shoulders if necessary, this will ensure you face is not a different colour or even texture to your body. Everything should look uniform to create the most natural look possible. An easy way to blend uneven skin tones together is to use a light fake tan. Do this the day before your wedding not the night and beware of darkening your skin tone too much as the effect it actually the deaden the look of your complexion,' says Caroline.

7. 'Forget to decide what kind of maintenance you’d prefer for the day. For example, are you happy to check you're looking okay throughout the day, or do you want to just forget about your make-up once it's on? Waterproof mascara is an obvious requisite, but it's also worth considering cream eyeshadows that really set - you can be sure they'll stay where you put them,' says Alex.

8. 'Go too dark on the eyes. Define your eyes by applying colour in the crease, but avoid using a shade that’s too dense, as it can detract from the eyes themselves,' says Bobbi.

9. 'Go too glossy or too matte. It's best to avoid lipsticks at either end of the texture scale; too glossy and they'll only last five minutes whilst too matte and they may leave your lips dry and cakey by the time it's the moment to kiss your groom. A moisturising, satin-y finish lipstick is best for a wedding - this kind of formula will keep your lips looking their best and will wear off the most evenly and naturally; several thin layers, blotted between applications will give the most long-lasting finish,' says Alex.

10. 'Rush. Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour for make-up application on the wedding day,' says Bobbi.

Read more at http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/blogs/cassie-steer/544615/bridal-make-up-tips-the-10-dos-and-don-ts-you-need-to-pay-attention-to.html#vJd6ThlvpcfuZtU6.99

You don't need an excuse for a celebratory bash—you're engaged! Party on with our engagement party primer.

   

PHOTO BY A SIMPLE PHOTOGRAPHY

The purpose of an engagement party—usually scheduled no later than three months after the big announcement—can be threefold: to share the news of your imminent union with future wedding guests, to introduce your families to each other, and to celebrate the impending, well, celebration. Tradition has it that the bride's parents host the initial gathering, but the groom's parents can then throw their own party, or both sets can come together to host the fete. As you decide, here are five things the hosts should keep in mind:

1. Your Family Should Give You Time to Breathe

An impromptu family gathering the weekend after your partner proposed is the perfect opportunity to break out the vintage champagne, but don't schedule an all-out opulent affair during the first month of your engagement. You both need some time to revel in just being engaged. Plan to have an engagement party two to four months after the question was popped. That gives you the chance to envision your eventual wedding—a crucial element to consider when deciding on the type of event to throw.

2. Find Out the Size of Your Wedding

Everyone who's invited to the engagement party should ultimately be invited to the wedding. Otherwise, guests might wonder what they did at the engagement party to insult you! That said, if you decide to host your own wedding and keep the list small and you want to throw an extravagant engagement party, go for it. Just be sure to let people know that the wedding will be small so no feelings will be hurt when guests aren't invited to the wedding. If you're worried that your friends will think you want to have a big bash solely to garner gifts, include a nice note in the invitation that requests no presents.

3. Consider What Will Make the In-Laws Most Comfortable

Since the engagement party custom was actually designed to help you start building bridges between your families, consider their style. If one of you has a very formal family, an impromptu picnic in the park might not be the most appropriate setting for getting to know one another. Likewise, a five-course sit-down dinner attended by all your friends might be a bit intimidating for them. Settle nerves by including as many people from their side as you can reasonably accommodate.

4. Register for Gifts Beforehand

While guests have not brought presents to this function traditionally, increasing numbers do today, so it's only fair to provide guidance. Register for gifts in the low to middle range—a $500 cappuccino maker is not your typical engagement present. If some guests arrive bearing gifts, just be sure you unwrap them after the party or away from the crowd, so people who came empty-handed won't feel uncomfortable.

5. Remind Yourself That There's Still a Wedding to Throw

Every host wants to plan an unforgettable affair, but you never want to upstage the main event. Try to create a different mood for the engagement party while maintaining your own style. You won't want to force a casual cookout if you (and your guests) favor formal parties, and vice versa. But if your guests are up to it, set apart a black-tie affair with a sit-on-the-floor, buffet-style engagement bash; preview a semiformal daytime wedding with a swanky cocktail party, ties optional; or balance a destination wedding with a home-cooked dinner party.

Etiquette of Asking

21 Poems For Money Trees & Wishing Wells

With so many couples marrying later, living together before saying I do, or simply accumulating household goods along the way, it's little wonder more people are opting for 'wishing wells', 'money trees' or some variation on the theme in place of a traditional bridal registry.

PinterestWedding List Co

After all, there really is no need to stock up on fine china if you won't use it, and who doesn't already have a toaster? However, asking for money isn't easy, no matter how you approach it, so we've prepared a few cleverly crafted wording and poem ideas for your wishing well or money tree - without causing offence.

Etiquette of Asking

Only place gift registry cards or 'money' poems in wedding invitations of guests who won't be offended to receive the card.  If in doubt, leave out, your family and bridal party members can discreetly spread the word.

A diplomatic idea would be to set up a wedding gift registry as well,  so that guests who would rather give you someething other than cash, can do so.  

Witty ways to word your wishing well or money tree from our members:

1. Just Give Cash...

So what do you get
For the Bride and Groom
Whose house needs things
In every room?

When shopping for a present
Please, don’t be rash
As the option is there
To just give cash!

We hope that you don’t find
Our request to be funny
But the decision is yours
To buy a present, or give money

Now you have the choice
Please do not fuss
The most important thing of all
Is that you come celebrate with us!
Submitted by Cindy Fuller

2. What Do You Get The Bride & Groom...

They have their dishes and towels for two,
They have pots and pans and oven mitts too.
So what do you get for the bride & groom
whose house is setup in every room?

Their house needs repairs and some upgrades too,
But you can not register for carpet and glue.
A tree that grows wishes is the way to go,
so lets make it easy for all that know.

An envelope will be provided for those who have room,
To give a monetary wish to the bride and groom.
A money tree will be on display at the reception hall
to attach your wishes, for the couple, with love from all.
Submitted by Belinda Blackburn

3. Quite Complete...

Our home is quite complete now,
we've been together long.
So please consider our request,
and do not take us wrong.

A delicate request it is,
we hope you understand.
Please play along, as it will give
our married life a hand.

The tradition of the wishing well,
is one that's known by all.
Go to the well, toss in a coin
and as the coin does fall.

Make a wish upon that coin,
and careful as you do.
Cause as the well's tradition goes,
your wishes will come true.

So on this special day or ours,
the day that we'll be wed.
Don't hunt for special gifts
but give money is it's stead.

And as you drop the envelope,
with money great and small,
Remember, make your wish
as you watch your money fall.
Submitted by Lisa & Daryl Stack

4. Travelling Once More...

Whilst in a foreign land,
(Brides Name) had many adventures grand,
None of which could ever compare,
To the wonderful love
That she and (Grooms Name) share.

The couple will marry
whilst travelling once more,
And her family shall come
to foreign shore.(Bride) and (Groom)
have considered the options,
as guests bearing gifts,
will come to considerable exertions.
And the airline restrictions
will also apply,
to the bride and the groom
when home they must fly.

In the place of a gift
With traditional style,
A paper gift would
bring many a smile.

A gift of paper has many a meaning,
it may be cash,
or a voucher for their favourite store,
the promise of a special favour,
Whenst the couple return
to settle into their lives
as husband and wife.

Many thanks for your consideration,
in receiving this request,
as surely you will realise
It's definitely for the best.
Submitted by JuicyBear

5. Join Us...

We hope that you will join us,
on this our special day,
To celebrate our union
in a very special way.

To make it easy for you
and avoid a shopping spree
We thought that we would have instead,
a little money tree.

Because we've been together,
for a while now,
We collected all our household things
before we took our vows.

An envelope has been included
for you to bless our tree,
No name is required for each gift,
as anonymity is the key!

So please don't be offended
at our new type of request,
Just telling everyone our wish,
has really put us to the test!
Submitted by Jo-Anne

6. Minimum Fuss...

This is written on a daisy shaped paper pocket:

If you are having trouble finding just the gift for us,
This may prove a solution with a minimum of fuss.
Just pop your gift inside the flower and pin it to our tree,
And make a wish for happiness forever ours to be.
Submitted by Michelle

7. Deposit On Our Giving Tree...

We made a commitment some time ago
that together through life we were destined to go.

We purchased our furniture, linen and bedding,
in the fulfilling years leading up to our wedding.

What else we might need is not easy to foresee,
but what might help us in the future is a deposit on our Giving Tree.
Submitted by Amy

8. Save You Looking...

To save you looking,
shopping and buying,
Here is an idea
we hope you'll like trying!

Come to our wedding
to wish us both well,
And make some use
of our little wishing well.

Just put some money into a card,
Now make a wish....
See, that wasn't hard!

Now that we have saved you all of the fuss,
We hope that you will come
And celebrate with us!
Submitted by Lisa

9. Possessions Are Plentiful...

(Bride) & (Groom)'s worldly possessions are plentiful as such,
on their wedding present list there isn't really much.

Their home is quite complete, as they've been together so long
So please consider our request , but do not take it wrong.

On this special day, the day they'll be wed
There's a register for gifts , or give money instead.

A gilded cage will be on display at the reception hall
To deposit your wishes for the couple with love from all.

An envelope will be provided for those who have room
To bestow a gift upon the bride & groom.

This delicate request, we hope you understand
Please ponder over this, to give their married life a hand.
Anonymous

10. We'd Prefer A Donation...

Because at first we lived in sin
We've got the sheets and a rubbish bin!
A gift from you would be swell
But we'd prefer a donation
to our Wishing Well!
Submitted by Janine

11.Money Chest...

This little rhyme may be sublime
For some of our wedding guests
And what we ask is a difficult task
But we're having two money chests.
Submitted by Emily

12. What To Get...

So what do you get for the bride & groom,
Whose house needs some things in every room?

Some things are large, some things are small,
Some things they just don't really need at all!

For those things small this happy two,
Have supplied a gift registry for you.

For those things large a wish tree's the way,
To say congratulations on the big day.

An envelope will be provided for those who have room,
To give a monetary wish to the bride and groom.

A wish tree will be on display at the reception hall,
To attach your wishes, for the couple, with love from all.
Submitted by Bella

13. Contribute Towards The Bigger Things...

As we are already established, we would appreciate a monetary gift.
It will contribute towards the bigger things we need.
Should you prefer this option a money tree will be provided at the reception.
Submitted by Gracie

14.Filled With Your Love...

Now we are to be Mr & Mrs
We don't need a wedding list of dishes
We have two kettles, two toasters, a microwave
We require a house for which we have to save.
If you would like to give us a monetary gift this would give us a lift
We like to think of it as our "Wishing Well"
Which will be filled with your love, we can tell.
Submitted by Shelley

15. We've Already Bought...

In our house we have the things
that living together normally brings
most household items we've already bought
and because of this reason we thought
A wishing well would be great
(only if guests wish to participate)
A gift of money is placed in an envelope
so in the future we hope
to furnish our home to its very best
and always remember it was due to our guests.
Submitted by Shelley

16. Wishing Well Will Await...

A wishing-well will await
to help build loving nest...
If instead a gift would buy,
ask our Mums - they know best
- and details that can end your quest!
Alison Styles of Styles Of Writing

17. Doesn't Grow On Trees...

Money doesn't grow on trees...
We're sure you get the drift.
It will, however, pave our way
'blooming' as our gift!
Alison Styles of Styles Of Writing

18. Thank You Now...

For adding to our Money Tree,
we'd like to thank you now -
also just for being here
to share our mutual vow...
Alison Styles of Styles Of Writing

19. Money Is Attractive...

Love the joy of choosing gifts?
Wrap the chosen captive?
If thoughts elude in this regard
... money is attractive!
Alison Styles of Styles Of Writing

20. Wish Us Well...

Our household thoughts are not brand new,
We have twice the things we need for two
Since we have our share of appliances and beddingWe're having instead a wishing well weddingBut more important we ask of you Your prayers of love and blessings too?

21. Wish Us Well...second time around

Our household things are not brand new,

We have twice what we need as it's wedding two

Since we have our share of appliances and bedding

We're having instead having a wishing well wedding

But more important we ask of you

Your prayers of love and blessings for our wedding take two.

Planning your Wedding

Top Things to Do First 

Now that you’re engaged, it’s time to get the ball rolling with wedding plans! Though there are many of things to be done along the way, focus on these nine tasks before anything else, and set a strong foundation as you build your dream wedding. Here is your first official checklist to get on the right track.

1. Announce your engagement to family and friends

Before you announce your engagement to the world via social media, update your close family members and friends first. It’s totally un-cool to spill the beans with your manicurist before telling your grandparents.

2. Decide on the wedding budget

Discuss with your families, and figure out how much everyone is willing to contribute. Your budget will influence every decision and purchase you make during the planning process. Without it, you can’t book the perfect venue and vendors for your price point, so be sure to establish your budget before you begin planning.

3. Determine a time frame for your wedding date

First, decide on a date range that works best for you. Consider your preferred time of year, the weather, work schedules and vacation time, as well as any major holidays or family events that may conflict. Just in case your desired date is unavailable, establish a range of dates before you visit venues. Keep in mind that venues can book up fast–some even book up to a year in advance!

4. Draw up your wedding guest list

Since the size of your wedding determines where you’ll hold the event, how much it will cost (prices usually increase by guest), and whether travel will be involved, creating a guest list is one of the first and foremost things to accomplish. While you draft your list, your fiancé and both families should do the same. You can, and likely will, trim the list later. However, the first guest list should serve as your foundation.

5. Choose the theme, color and style for your wedding

Before diving into the details about flowers, the wedding cake, and the dress, imagine the bigger picture and decide what kind of general style you want to create for your wedding. Once you decide on style, theme, and color, it will be easier to select your wedding venue and hire priority vendors.

6. Pick a location

Your wedding venue will become the backdrop to almost all your photos and can influence many decisions you make from your budget and guest list to smaller details like your menu (if you want a venue with in-house catering). Some in-demand venues can book up to one or two years in advance of a popular date. So finding a location should be your starting point, as you won’t have a wedding date until you make a deposit on your ceremony and reception sites. Without a firm wedding date, you can’t hire any of your wedding-related services. Hence, it’s best to pick your location first.

7. Choose your wedding party

Now it’s your turn to pop the question to your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Keep in mind that the earlier you ask for their support, the easier it will be for your love ones to make arrangements. Just give them enough notice to make sure they can attend!

8. Hire a wedding planner to help you prepare your entire event

A wedding planner has insider knowledge of the local wedding market and can help you plan your event from start to finish. Your planner can recommend quality vendors and venues, prepare your wedding day agenda, negotiate contracts, and make the most of your budget and allocate it properly. If something goes wrong during the ceremony or reception, your planner will take care of it for you. So, if you have decided to hire a full-time planner, do that before you book the venue and any other vendors.

9. Begin the Dress Hunt

If you know nothing at all about wedding dresses, at least know this one thing: dresses can take up to 9 months to be produced. In other words, start early! Before you step foot in a bridal salon, familiarize yourself with the Wedding Planning Checklist for Bridal Gowns to learn everything you need to know. As you work with a bridal specialist, learn which silhouettes, fabrics, and other dress details appeal to you the most. Also, keep in mind your venue and wedding season when selecting a dress. For example, a heavy satin ball gown may not be so comfortable at an outdoor wedding in the middle of August.

While this is not a complete list of all the major things to do as you plan your wedding, these are the top things to do first when you get engaged. After you finish this wedding planning checklist, move on to booking your vendors and finalizing other details. While you’re at it, see below for more amazing wedding ideas to get you started!

Choosing your wedding gown for your body shape

While you may have envisioned your dream wedding dress for as long as you can remember, when it comes to actually shopping for the special gown, how do you pick the right wedding dress that will fit and flatter your body type? 

While many brides-to-be can’t wait to begin the hunt for their special dress, the truth of the matter is that sifting through all the lace, trains and tulle isn’t always easy — in fact, it can become quite overwhelming! So, how do you take the guesswork out of finding your wedding dress??

Many girls may have pictured their dream dress ever since they were a little girl, but that vision isn’t always a realistic one — and that’s reflected in Terry’s number one piece of advice to brides. “Stay open minded! Almost every bride ends up choosing a dress that is completely different than what she envisioned, and that’s ok! It’s not until she tries on the dress and knows how she “feels” in the dress that she knows it’s HER wedding dress,” he said. “Try something out of the box, even if you think it doesn’t look great on the hanger…you may be pleasantly surprised!”

Before we break down the body types, let’s talk expert tips — what should every bride bring with her when she goes wedding dress shopping?
Besides an open mind, a realistic budget is crucial. Gowns vary greatly in price so make sure your budget is inclusive of any potential additional fees. For example, any changes the bride may want can range in price from $50 up to $1,000’s. Almost every bride wants to make some additional change to her dress, even if it’s just adding covered buttons or extending the train. Also, if the wedding is less than 6 months away, a rush fee may be necessary. Lastly, alterations are so important! Every dress needs and deserves proper and precise alterations, no matter if it’s an off-the-rack sample or custom creation. Remember, an inexpensive dress can look like it just came off the runway with perfect alterations and vice versa,

Let’s talk trends — what are the hot bridal trends right now?
Though the fit-and-flare is still the number one silhouette and sexy is still in, I am seeing a movement toward a softer, more delicate look,” Terry said. “We are still having a bit of a Bohemian and romantic moment at the same time, though I am seeing a lighter and more diaphanous look overall. This season it’s still important for almost every gown to have back detail, but I think we are going to see much softer laces and tone-on-tone beading in October Bridal Market

Best silhouette for a bride with a smaller bust:
Demi cups can be a bride’s best friend if she has a smaller bust and wants to wear strapless. Otherwise, anything with a plunging V neckline is right on trend.

Best silhouette for an hourglass figure:
Depending on height and proportions, hourglass figures can wear almost anything! Most silhouettes are going to look great because your body is going to bring any dress to life. That said, if the bride is shorter in stature, she may want to consider a more elongating style such as a gown with asymmetrical or vertical elements. Opting for a simple V-neckline or one shoulder rather than a strapless neckline will do the trick. Conversely, a taller bride should go strapless.

Best silhouette for a busty bride:
Just because you are busty doesn’t mean you can’t go strapless! That said, opt for a gown that has boning or a built-in corset. Otherwise, there are many fantastic foundational undergarments on the market that will give you support. Also, make sure you have a great seamstress because the bodice must fit you like a glove. That said, if you are more comfortable with straps, do it! This is not the day to be worrying if you are going to have a wardrobe malfunction. Keep in mind that a strap can be added to almost any dress which keeps your gown selection wide open. However, do keep in mind that a low open back may not be the best style for you if your bust is o’naturale and you require a bra.

Best silhouette for a pear-shaped bride:
If you are pear-shaped focus on accenting your shoulders, bust and waist. Opting for a gown that is A-line with an empire or natural waist is ideal,” he said. “Consider accessorizing with a grosgrain or embellished belt. Also, choose a dress with a very interesting bodice, whether it has rouching detail or artful beading. I would avoid texture or dimension on the skirt and opt for a clean silhouette on the bottom.

Best silhouette for an athletic body-type:
The truth is you could wear almost anything! That said, focus on styles that will soften your look,” Terry said. “Consider a halter if you have wide shoulders, take advantage of your firm build and don a super silky luxurious fabric that skims the body like charmeuse or crepe!

Best silhouette for a petite bride:
Depending on her proportions, a petite girl can wear almost anything, too. Many designers offer “hollow-to-hem” options so that the hem and proportion of dress, especially those with lace or special embellishment on the skirt, are scaled proportionately to the bride. This is true for taller brides as well. Though a sheath may be ideal, being petite doesn’t mean you can’t wear a mermaid.

Best dress for a tall bride:
Congratulations! Almost every bride wants to be tall! If you are comfortable and confident with your height, wear whatever you want…you will look amazing,” he said. “That said, if you don’t want to draw attention to your height opt for a strapless gown, possibly one that has differing fabric or design, from the bodice to the skirt. An example would be a strapless gown with a lace top and crepe, organza or satin skirt.

Best silhouette for an apple shape:

When a bride is apple-shaped opt for a corset or lace-up back. She really wants to create definition around her waist and a lace-up corset does just that! I would chose a sturdier fabric that is rouched for the most support like satin or taffeta. It’s such a beautiful moment when I put these brides in a gown and see their face light up when they catch the first glimpse of themselves in the mirror.