Wedding Make up Tips for the Bride To Be

Here are practical wedding make-up tips to make sure that you’ll look your best on your big day:

Start with glowing skin. The best base for any make-up is a natural, great-looking skin. Prepare your skin weeks before your big day. Cleanse, tone, and moisturize to achieve a beautiful, radiant skin.

Brighten up your eyes with false eyelashes. If you don’t have the perfect lashes, false eyelashes can really complete your look. Make sure that it’s not too thick and it blends well with your natural lashes.

Tweeze your eyebrows. A perfectly shaped brow will make a big difference to your face. To be sure, visit the salon and have a professional do this for you.

Go for the natural look. The simple, natural look is the best look for a bride. This is the time to shine and bring out your real beauty. Focus on your best facial features and use the right make-up to accentuate them while hiding flaws or imperfections.

Use a high-quality foundation and concealer. It’s important to use a high-quality foundation to achieve that natural, flawless blend, prevent your make-up from flaking, and protect your skin against irritations. Use an oil-free liquid foundation especially if you have oily skin. Hide those small flaws on your skin with a concealer.

Use a waterproof mascara. You don’t want a black coal to smudge your eyes and face. Be ready for those teary moments on your BIG day with a waterproof mascara.

Schedule practice sessions. Whether you’re hiring a professional make-up artist or a friend is doing your make-up, practice sessions are a must. It is also a good idea to take photos so you can be sure that you’ll absolutely like how you’d look on your wedding day.

Discount Coupons for Couples

Let's not let the month of October pass without anything from the Wedding Bug. Here are a couple of good deals from reputable and trusted wedding shops online:

Wedding Rings and Jewelry from Major Vault

• Save 5% Off all Loose Diamonds from Oct 30 to Jan 1, 2009. Just enter the code DIAM5 on your checkout.
• Get $15 off on all Diamond Heart Jewelry orders over $100 from Oct 30 to Nov 14. Just enter the code HEART15 on your checkout.
• Enjoy 10% off on all Diamond Jewelry orders from Oct 30 up to Jan 1, 2009 . Just enter the code DIAJEWL10 on your checkout.

Wedding Favors from Elegant Wedding Impressions

• Save $5.00 off on purchases worth $50 and up. This promo started Oct 15 and ends Nov 14, 2008. Just enter the code FREEWEB2 on your checkout.
• Save 10% off on purchases worth $75 and up. This promo started Oct 11 and ends today October 31, 2008. Just enter the code SAVE10 on your checkout.
• Enjoy 5% OFF on purchases worth $100.00. This promo started Oct 11 and continuous on. Just enter the code COUPON871 on your checkout.

Wedding Photo Shots You Wouldn't Want to Miss

When the wedding photos have been released, it is a common situation where the photographer may have failed to take some IMPORTANT shots from the occasion.

In our case, individual shots of my bridesmaids and groomsmen were forgotten. Sometimes a photo of the bride or the groom with each of their families may be forgotten.

Since the wedding is often the perfect time when families get together, it is also perfect opportunity to take the family picture.

If you're planning for the wedding, don't expect your photographer to do everything right. Some photographers give their clients a wish list to fill to make their job easier. But others don't and it is up to you to let your wishes be known.

Therefore, it is recommended to talk with your photographer and discuss the plan for the big day. Don't forget to give your photographer a detailed list of shots that you want to be included in your album.

A written list would help your photographer plan in advance as to which shots could be taken before the wedding or during the reception. More importantly, it would ensure that not a single shot would be missed.

Here is a sample list you'll want to hand over your photographer at least a week before the wedding:

Solo shots of the bride.
Solo shots of the groom.
Shots of the bride and groom together.

The wedded couple with the officiant.
The couple with the chairman and chairman's family.
The couple with the wedding sponsors.
The couple with each wedding sponsor's families.
The couple with the bestman & maid-of-honor.
The couple with the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
The couple with the flower girls.
The bride with her flower girls.
The couple with their ring bearer.
The groom with the ring bearer.
The couple with the whole entourage.
Individual photos of the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

The couple with the bride's parents.
The couple with the bride's legitimate family.
The couple with the bride's extended family.
The couple with the groom's parents.
The couple with the bride's legitimate family.
The couple with the bride's extended family.
Individual photo of the bride with her parents and with the whole family.
Individual photo of the groom with his parents and with the whole family.

The couple with their closest friends
The couple with the bride's co-workers.
The couple with the groom's co-workers.
The couple with the bride's classmates or schoolmates.
The couple with the groom's classmates or schoolmates.
The couple with the other guests.

Remember, a wedding is a once in a lifetime occasion. Make sure that all the important moments in your life are preserved forever.

*Do you have something to add to the list?

15 Ways to Look Great on Your Wedding Photos

30 from your wedding day, everyone may forget about how the food tasted or who officiated the occasion or the kind of dress you wore. Thanks to photographs, memories of that blissful day can last for a lifetime and beyond.

Surely, this isn’t where you want to scrimp on your budget. Splurging for your wedding photos is allowed!Here are 15 tips on how you can look fabulous on your wedding photos:

1. Get enough sleep. Make sure that you’ll get enough sleep before your wedding day. If you’re too stressed or too worn out, it would show on your skin and eyes! So sleep early and get some beauty rest!

2. Wear a dress/suit that you’re comfortable in. If you feel good in your dress, looking good wouldn’t be a problem.

3. Wear the right undergarments. For brides, wearing the right underwear can really give your body the support you need. Invest on a bra with a good lift and the right fit.

4. Hire a professional make-up artist. The right make-up can really make the BIG difference on how you’ll look in photos. Don’t scrimp your budget on this one. Hire a pro and don’t forget to hold trial sessions weeks before the wedding.

5. Avoid complicated hairstyles. You want to make sure that you’ll look great throughout the day but you won’t have time to constantly check yourself in the mirror or get stray hairs off your face. A simple, uncomplicated yet elegant hairstyle would be perfect for the occasion.

6. Prepare your beauty bag. A small pouch can hold all your beauty essentials for the day- oil blotting film, pressed powder, and a lipstick. Your maid-of-honor should keep it handy for you.

7. Make it waterproof. A waterproof mascara is surely a must! Need we say more???

8. Speak with your photographer. Before the wedding day, discuss everything with your photographer. List down all the kinds of shots you want to make sure that none would be missed. A professional photographer should have great suggestions about shots and angles that work best for weddings. Be open and don’t be afraid to voice out your concerns. Be sure to arrange some time where you can have some exclusive shots as a couple.

9. Stop and pose for the camera. Every now and then, stop to look at the camera and take a pose. It doesn’t matter whether you smile or laugh but avoid speaking or moving for at least a few seconds to give your photographer the chance to capture the moment.

10. Relax and enjoy the occasion. This is truly a day of celebration for both of you with your families and friends so just relax, be yourself, and enjoy the day. Don’t be too conscious about the photographer taking shots from all angles. Be spontaneous! A few goofy poses and stolen shots make weddings more fun and memorable!

11. Practice good posture. Nothing looks as bad as slouching in your photos. Always be aware of your posture.

12. Don’t be statue. Don’t just stand straight. Hold your partner, let your hand swing, wave, show your wedding ring - find something graceful to do with your hands.

13. Don't blink. Do you often blink just when the camera is about to be clicked? Ask your photographer to count to three. On three, breathe in to keep your eyes from closing.

14. Let your feelings show. Great photos are all about capturing moments and happiness. So don’t be afraid to smile, laugh, hug, kiss, and show everyone how happy you are.

15. Smile and mean it. Fake smiles are not that great in photos. Yes, you do want to smile on most of your photos but don’t just put it on. Feel it from your guts and let it show on your face!

Your Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding

Planning a destination wedding can be both exciting and tedious. Depending on your chosen destination, you’ll need at least 6 months to a year for preparations.

Remember, a destination wedding can be more expensive than a wedding at home. However, if you plan ahead, you can still have the wedding of your dreams without spending a fortune. Here are some things that should be part of your plan:

Learn basic words in the local language. Are you going to a place where English isn’t the first language? Then learning the basic words of the local language can help you communicate more effectively. Don’t forget to bring a handy English-Local Language dictionary to help you convey your message.

Know locations for emergencies. Before you travel, know about the locations of the doctors and hospitals in the country. There’s no need to wait for an accident to happen before you start researching about this crucial information.

Know the legal requirements for marriage. If you plan to tie the knot in another country, be sure that you are aware of the local marriage laws.

For example, in the Philippines, you need to obtain and file your marriage certificate at least 10 days before the wedding rites. In Mexico, blood tests and x-rays are part of the marriage licensing requirement. Take note that you may need to spend a few days of residency on your desired wedding destination. Know the exact documents that you’ll need to bring with you to secure the license.

Pack smart. Be ready for all possible weather conditions without overloading your suitcases. For example, even if you’re going in a tropical country, don’t forget to bring a jacket and sweater. (It could rain in the afternoon or it could get cold in your hotel room)

First-aid kit. Jot down all important numbers you may need to call on emergencies (relatives, hotel, fire assistance, doctor, etc) Don’t forget to pack medicines that you may need while on your trip. If you are on medication, bring your doctor’s prescription notes in case of a security check.

Avoid Lost Luggage. Although lost luggage are recoverable, it can cause a unnecessary problems on your wedding day. Make sure that you pack your wedding gown, suits and everything that you need to be wearing on your big day in a suitcase or a box that would be kept in your plane’s cabin. Know your airline’s cabin or luggage requirements.

Shop around for possible hotels and resorts in your chosen destination. The earlier you do your search, the more time you’ll have comparing your options. Don’t forget to check out small lodges and inns for lower rates.

Most couples tend to choose peak seasons, but you may consider off-peak or what they call “green” or “wet” seasons in the tropics for bigger discounts.

Consider purchasing your wedding tokens from that place. In some countries, the cost of wedding tokens are incredibly cheaper than it is in the US or Europe. For example, if you’re getting married in the Philippines, Thailand or Malaysia, consider buying your wedding favors from there. Aside from saving your money and luggage space, wedding favors with an Asian-touch would surely be a most memorable token for your guests.

Instead of bringing gifts to your wedding destination, request that your gifts be sent to your home when you get back to avoid expensive shipping costs.

Who Pays for What? Are you planning to shoulder the travel and accommodation expenses of your guests? If yes, be sure about the exact budget you’ll need for your guests. Remember, you can still invite guests to your destination wedding without necessarily paying for their expenses.

If you want to pay for their accommodation only or for their airfare only, include the details in a note enclosed in your wedding invitation. Specify exactly which costs you’ll pay for. This will give your guests the option to accept or decline your invitation.

Make your guests feel welcome. Although it’s not your obligation to pay for your guests’ expenses, it is your responsibility to make their trip as convenient and as enjoyable as possible. Provide them with a list of the most comfortable and budget-friendly accommodations that are nearest to your wedding venue.

Provide them will all the information they will need on planning this trip (itineraries before and on the day of the wedding, climate, local customs, directions, registration and booking procedures, transportation costs, what to expect, etc.)

Don’t forget to arrange a welcome basket waiting for them in their rooms along with a personal note from you and your fiancé to show your gratitude and appreciation.

Send your wedding invitations early. For a destination wedding, it is a must to send out your invites at least three months in advance to give your guests enough time to decide whether they’ll accept or decline and to plan their trip. Don’t forget to include response cards or RSVP note cards!

Ensure provisions for the handicap. Do you expect guests with physical disabilities? If they’re attending your destination wedding, see to it that they will receive the necessary provision and assistance such as their transportation arrangements and rooming arrangements.

Create your wedding website. Setting a personal wedding web site can be a helpful tool for couples who want to have a destination wedding. On your site, post all relevant information involved with your wedding plans (travel and booking information, airlines hotel links, event schedules, gift registry, photos, etc). Free wedding websites are available from WeddingChannel.com and DestinationBride.com. Guests can easily check out your site at any time should they need any information about the wedding.

Hire a wedding planner. It may be best to hire a wedding coordinator who lives in your intended destination. A local wedding planner or wedding consultant can advice you about the legal requirements and the local customs as well as make the necessary preparations ahead of time.

Some hotels and resorts provide a wedding organizer as part of their wedding package. Consider availing a wedding destination package from the same hotel you plan to stay with. If you hired a wedding planner from home, you may need to plan your trip at least two weeks or more in advance to make all the necessary preparations.

Keep in touch. An open communication with your wedding planner will ensure that your expectations would be met. Explain your plans in detail and don’t be afraid to clarify things. Put everything into writing to make sure that everyone’s in the same page. Take advantage of all possible means of communication while you’re still at home (e-mail, instant messengers, fax, voice & video conferencing). Keep all copies of your e-mails and correspondences for reference.

Coordinate with a travel consultant. Traveling for you and for your guests can be a lot easier with the help of a travel consultant. He/She can make all the necessary travel arrangements on your trip to and from your wedding destination. You may also be able to avail of discounted rates if you book flights by group and from the same travel agency.

** MORE TIPS:

Take the non-stop flight. As much as possible, book for a non-stop flight. Changing flight connections can cause delays and other unnecessary hassle.

Carefully read and understand contracts before signing up. Once you’ve made your decision about the wedding venue, it’s important to be clear about the Terms and Conditions. Typically, you’ll need to submit a down payment to assure reservation. Take note that down payments are often non-refundable so you’ll want to be very sure about your decision to hire the place.

Personally visit the place, if possible. If your chosen destination isn’t too far, it’s best to visit the place. If you have a relative or a friend who lives there, you can request them to take a look at the place for you. If this is not an option, read online reviews from other people or couples who have been to the place.

If you want to bypass international legal marriage requirements, you can privately get married in the US and plan a destination wedding celebration afterwards.

Plan the honeymoon. Usually, couples choose a destination wedding so they can spend their honeymoon in their dream place at the same time. Don’t forget to ask the hotel where you’ll be staying or where you’ll be holding the wedding about their honeymoon packages. Most hotels offer a destination wedding plus honeymoon package at a more affordable rate.

Pay with credit card. Generally, paying with your credit card is the safest way to make payments. Credit cards are also cheaper than issuing checks and it eliminates the need for exchanging your money to local currency which can cost you even more.

However, don't forget to check the currency conversion rates if you’re going to use the card abroad. Sending your credit card payment online from your hometown can also save you from the additional currency conversion charges.

Do you have your own wedding destination tips to share? We'd love to know!

Practical Wedding Centerpiece Ideas for the Budget Bride

With a little creativity and imagination, beautiful and unique wedding centerpieces don’t need to be as expensive as hiring a professional wedding decorator. Before planning to decorate your reception on your own, here’s what you need to remember:

Set a budget and stick to it. From the start, set a definite a budget you’re willing to spend on centerpieces and be sure that you won’t go over that. If your estimated cost is over your intended budget, cut back or work your way around it but always stick with your original budget.

Don’t forget to consider the size of your tables. Make sure there’ll be enough room for the food and for your guests to freely move. Also, wedding centerpieces should be small enough or tall enough that your guests can comfortably see each other from across the table.

Choose a theme and focus on that. A beautifully designed table is all about proper coordination. Putting together items that complement each other is the key. Be careful about combining too many ideas into one. It can cause you to lose focus and tables can become overly decorated.

Consider the kids. If you expect many kids to attend your wedding, don’t forget to think about safety. You may want to stay away from using too many candles or lamps as centerpieces.

Get help. Remember, things would be easier if you let your friends and family help you. Assign errands and tasks and don't be afraid ask for assistance.

Now that you’re ready to plan, here are some wedding centerpiece ideas that can inspire you:

The Minimalist

Flowers don’t always have to go on big bunches to be beautiful. You can use one stem of a flower per table or five stems at the most for long banquets. Birds of Paradise, Calla Lilies, Tulips and Anthuriums are especially great for the elegant, minimalist appeal. You can use clear jars or tall glasses to hold these blooms and surround them with a few accents (rose petals, smooth pebbles, or colored stones).

A Bowl of Fruits

Fruits are luscious wedding centerpieces. Fruits in season definitely cost so much less than flowers. Fill large bowls or cylinders with greens and yellows like mangoes, lemons, limes and apples for the summer wedding look.

You can also decorate your table with a platter of juicy, red apples, grapes and different kinds of berries for a gorgeous splash of reds and violets. Another way to decorate with fruits is to slice them in pieces and submerge them in a glass jar with water!

The Happy Bunch

Happy flowers like Gerbera Daisies, Carnation Mums and Chrysanthemums are wonderful wedding centerpieces. They’re bright, chunky petals come in all colors and shades that never fail to please the eye and bring out a smile to anyone. Best of all, you can buy them at a cheap price especially when in season.

Mr. and Mrs. Pots

Small potted flowers can also make great centerpieces and wedding souvenirs at the same time. You can sponge-paint the pots with your motif and wrap an organza tied with a sash for that perfect wedding look.

The Asian, Rustic Appeal

Bamboo shoots planted in pebbles, lighted candles and rose petals floating in a bowl of water, wooden bowls, lemons and herbs make up the rustic, Asian appeal.

The Glow of Romance

Pillar candles and small candles can be found in thrift stores and craft stores at cheap prices. Candles can really add a romantic glow and elegance to any table. You can also visit flea markets or yard sales to look for candle holders, lamps and lanterns.

Wine Bottles

Vintage wine bottles or champagne bottles can also be used as vases. If you or someone in the family or a friend has a collection of wine bottles, these can make unique accents to some of the tables.

More tips:

*To create a big foliage centerpiece, you can also combine silk flowers with real flowers and no one would be able to tell the difference.

*Here are other things you can use to accent your wedding centerpieces: ferns, twigs, leaves, herbs, fish bowls, mason jars, gift boxes, walnuts, wine bottles, vegetables.

*Photographs as wedding centerpieces are nostalgic and heart-warming and they can definitely brighten up the conversations on the table. Buy small photo frames from thrift stores and fill them with the bride and groom’s memories from their childhood until the day they’ve met.

*Clear drinking glasses or champagne glasses can be filled with jelly beans or crystal candies half-way through to hold one long stem of flower. Place them on a long table about 8-12 inches apart from each other to create sweet and delightful centerpieces.

What's your own creative wedding centerpiece idea?

Home Wedding Ideas for the Budget Bride

A home wedding is a perfect budget-saver. At the same time, you get to exchange vows in a place that is meaningful to you and your fiancé.

If you or your parents live by the lakeside, the beach or in a cottage by the mountains, you can turn your home into a breathtaking destination wedding without going on trip.

Yet, even a backyard wedding can be both romantic and magical as long as has been prepared for the big day. In order to be a success, here are some things to consider:
Continue reading. . .

Would You Like A South American Destination Wedding?

In response to Aleta’s comment, I’ve researched three of the most popular honeymoon and wedding destinations in Central and South America.

Costa Rica. Located in Central America, Costa Rica boasts of two beautiful coastlines (the Pacific and Atlantic or the Carribean) and has been a favourite destination for marrying couples and honeymooners. Beaches, rainforests, leatherback sea turtles, waterfalls and volcanic mud massages are the highlights of the place.

Traditional Costa Rican weddings usually has the groom wearing an embroidered shirt made by his bride and the bride wearing a black dress and comes with a live band playing steel drums or Reggae music.

You may consider choosing a hotel or a resort or hire a wedding planner from Costa Rica to help you with your wedding arrangements.

Peak seasons (dry season) are from December to April.Incidentally, these months are also filled with local holidays so you’ll want to make early reservations if you plan to wed on these dates.

May to December are known as “wet” or “green” season with fewer tourists in the place which is your chance to grab discounts from hotels and car rental operators.

Here is a list of possible hotels and resorts to check out: (Please right-click to open the link in a new window)

New Hilton Papagayo Resort (Guanacaste, Costa Rica)
The Four Seasons Resort
The Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas (Tamarindo, Costa Rica)
Sueño del Mar bed and breakfast
Paradisus Playa Conchal
The Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort (near Arenal Volcano)
The Arenal Observatory Lodge
La Mansion Inn
Tropico Latino
Tortuga Lodge (The Caribbean Coast)
Samasati Nature
Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge

Belize. Found in northeast Central America, Belize is also considered as a romantic getaway for a honeymoon or wedding with waterfalls, fresh water springs, rainforests, mud massages and for the more adventurous couples- cave explorations.

The months of December to April are Peak Seasons so it’s best to book early. June to August months are Off-peak or rainy season when low travel package rates abound.

Here’s a list of Belize hotels that you can check on:

Hidden Valley Inn (Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve)
Maruba Resort Jungle Spa (famous for its Mood Mud Massages)
Ian Anderson's Caves Branch
Mountain Pine Ridge
Capricorn Resort (Ambergris Caye)
Kitty's Place (Placencia Peninsula)
Turtle Inn and Blancaneaux Lodge This one is owned by Francis Ford Coppola. I LOVE the design and layout of their website!

Ecuador.This South American country is located in the Andes mountain range and is home to the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon rainforest.

If you want a dream wedding in the “highlands”, Ecuador is the place to go for a trully exotic, ecological, destination wedding. Here is a list of possible inns and lodges that you can consider:

Hacienda Pinsaqui (Otavalo, Ecuador)
Contact info: (+593 6) 2946 116 / 2946 117 info@haciendapinsaqui .com

Casa Mojanda (Otavalo, Ecuador)
Contact info: info@casamojanda.com

San Jorge Eco-Lodge (Quito, Ecuador)
Contact info: (877) 565-2596 Toll Free USA & Canada

Hosteria La Barquita (Manabi, Ecuador)
Contact info: 593-4-2780-051 info@labarquita-ec.com

Hacienda Cusin (Imbabura, Ecuador)
Contact info: (800) 670-6984 / 593-6-291-8013 hacienda@cusin.com.ec

Make the Best of A Hot Summer Wedding

The summer season is a wonderful time for a wedding. The best thing about it is that you can bet it won’t rain on your wedding day.

No wonder, outdoor weddings are popular during summer. Why not! Getting married amidst a green, lush garden or a peaceful, white-sand beach is indeed, a very romantic setting.

If you live in the South Americas or in a tropical country like the Philippines, a summer wedding can be too hot to handle. Even if you live Baguio, (where the climate is cool most of the year) the months of March, April and May can still be hot or humid. How can you keep your wedding cool despite the hot summer weather? Here are some tips:

Get married early morning or late afternoon. During hot summer months, you’ll want to avoid the time of the day when the sun is at its strongest. Thus, early morning or late afternoon is most ideal. Imagine exchanging vows by the beach under a breathtaking sunrise or a glorious sunset.

Light up the place with lanterns. If it’s going to be a late afternoon wedding by a garden or a backyard, light up the place as the sun sets with hanging lanterns or glass lamps.

Beat the heat with a refreshing menu. For your wedding menu, sea foods, barbecues, or grills are the most sumptuous choices. For early morning wedding, think breakfast! Don’t forget to serve fresh vegetable salads (avocadoes, cucumbers, greens), and platters of fresh fruits like melon, honey dew, berries, peaches, pears, ripe mangoes and watermelon for a refreshing treat.

A simple sorbet with fresh fruits is a delicious, cool summer dessert. Must-have Beverages! Lemonade, iced-tea with honey, piñacolada, martini and margarita are ideal thirst-quenchers.

Celebrate summer with flowers. Another great thing about summer weddings is that flowers are cheaper this season. Liven up your venue with fresh summer flowers such as daisies, chrysanthemums, gerberas, zinnias, carnation, mums, calla lilies, hydrangea, anthuriums, etc. Even orchids, tulips and roses cost less during summer.

Decorate with fruits or vegetables. Summer is a bountiful time of the year and you’ll want to take advantage of the season by using fresh fruits or veggies not only in your menu but for decorations as well.

Fruits in season are inexpensive, beautiful and refreshing to look at. For example, fill a large glass or vase with green mangoes or yellow lemons and use them as centerpieces.

Go sleeveless or strapless. Most wedding gowns in the market are either sleeveless or strapless which are perfect for summer weddings. Avoid gowns with very long trains or made out of heavy fabric. If it’s going to be a beach wedding or a garden wedding, consider choosing a simple yet elegantly-designed, slip-on gown.

Wear light make up. You don’t want melting make-up on your face in this hot weather so it’s best to keep it light. Wear a high quality oil-free liquid foundation with sunscreen protection.

Use colors that complement your skin and bring out your best features. To keep make up from smudging, use oil-control films to blot away oil and perspiration off your face. Don't forget a rich moisture lipstick with SPF to keep your lips from drying.

Choose colors that soothe the eye. For your motif, stay away from colors that reflect the sun. Bright colors will certainly look beautiful in your wedding pictures but bright doesn’t have to be so intense as to hurt the eyes.

For my own wedding, I chose a bright but cool tinge of blue which is cool to the eyes but still bright enough to stand out in the photos. You may also choose 2 different colors or 2 different shades of the same color for your bridesmaids and maid-of-honor.

Cocktails dresses for your bridesmaids. Cocktail dresses that are shorter in length, (ankle or knee-length) are great for summer weddings. Not only do they look great in photos, they’re also comfortable to wear and cheaper than very formal bridesmaids gowns.

Make your own bouquets. Rather than paying for floral arrangements, save your budget by making your own bouquets. Making bouquets don’t have to be complicated. Let flowers show their natural beauty.

Simply tie up your choice of flowers with a sash and voila! your bouquet is ready. Combine different flowers in one bouquet, or go with only one color or one type of flower. Each of your bridesmaids can carry a different type of flower while your maid-of-honor can carry only one stalk of a large flower. Of course, as the bride, you should carry the most beautiful bouquet of all.

Summer wedding favors. For a beach wedding, paper weights, candles, and ornaments accented or made out of seashells and sand make memorable wedding souvenirs. For a garden wedding, you can give away potted flowers or seeds embedded in colourful papers or notecards. Paper or wooden fans and straw hats are also ideal summer wedding favors.

Offer cold towelletes to your guests. At your wedding reception, pass on a tray of cold towellettes soaked in scented water (just add a few drops of lavender oil or rosemary oil to a basin of cold water) to help your guests cool down.

Keep the sun out. Sometimes, it rains even in summer. But even if it won’t rain, you can keep the sun out by putting up a tent where your guests are shielded from the sun’s hot glare!

Water! Make sure that chilled (not ice-cold) drinking water is easily within reach. You can set up at least 2 or more water dispensers where guests can just help themselves with whenever they're thirsty.

Do you have a cool summer wedding tip to add to this list? Do Share!

I just signed up for SocialSpark! Have You?

If you're a blogger, you may already be familiar about Social Spark, the latest social networking and media marketing community on the web. If you're new to blogging, you'll be glad to know that aside from being able to share your thoughts to the world, blogging is also another way to earn extra money.

From my experience, blogging has helped me get more from my writings. I currently maintain 4 active blogs and I try my best to keep them updated when I'm not working. This is my newest blog and although none of my posts on this blog have been paid by an advertiser, I really enjoy writing and researching these articles.

Recently, I haven't been able to update all my blogs as much I as I want to except for the Weddingbug. And although it's my newest blog, it's also the most the most updated one, and as of yet is the only one out of my four blogs that was approved by Customer Love (Social Spark's quality control team). You need about 20 consecutive daily posts in the past 90 days to qualify.

I've joined a couple of paid to blog sites before but in terms of flexibility and options, I think Social Spark exceeds them all. What I like about SocialSpark is that it's not just about paid blogging, it helps you get the exposure you need for your blog. I've been registered with Social Spark for more than a month now. Unfortunately, I haven't been spending time with it that much so my list of friends isn't that impressive. I think if you spend at least 30 minutes checking out fellow bloggers in this community, it will make a big difference in your blog's traffic and exposure.

There are 3 different opportunities offered in the Social Spark marketplace that you can choose from and these are Sponsored Post, Blog Sponsorship and the Spark. Both the Sponsored Post and Blog Sponsorship opportunities would require you to make a review about the advertiser or the sponsor. The difference with these two ops is the pay.

With a Sponsored Post, you are paid on the 30th day since your post was submitted with the specified price when you took the opportunity. If you choose Blog Sponsorship, the pay is made on a per day basis, which means you are paid a certain amount each day throughout sponsorship period or for the entire time that the sponsorship runs on your blog. The price per day can either drop or increase depending on the demand in the market. Payment is sent through Pay Pal which is really the most convenient way of getting paid compared to checks.

What about the Spark? A Spark is a non-monetary opportunity so you're not paid money to do the post. However, taking opportunities in exchange for Sparks is a great way to build new friends, build links, get more subscribers, and win freebies from advertisers. If you're on a rut, checking out the Sparks is also an effective strategy to find an interesting topic for your audience.

The pay range for the ops are realistic and reasonable ranging from as low as $1.00, $5.00 and up. But there's more! SocialSpark encourages its bloggers to create 100% Audit-able In-Post Disclosure, write reviews with 100% Transparency, express 100% Real Opinions, and to make posts 100% Search Engine Friendly,

There's also the chance to win the bonus prize for the highest quality review or post on certain opportunities. For example, writing this post can win me the $100.00 bonus if this happens to be the best review about SocialSpark out of all entries. But of course, that is not guaranteed so you just have to do your best out of every post opportunity you take.

Because this is an all-about wedding blog, I'm waiting for more review opportunities that are related to weddings. Hopefully, there would be more wedding-related themes in the future so I can review online shops or merchants that offer wedding products or services.

Have you ever thought about monetizing your blog? Which paid to blog sites have you already joined? Would you be willing to try out Social Spark? If you're already a SocialSpark member, what can you say about it? Would you recommend it? If you ask me, I can honestly say, it's definitely worth it!

Would You Like to Be a June Bride

June is a popular month for weddings. Ever wondered why June came to be the "wedding month"? If you're planning to tie the knot, what month would you choose? Would you be a June Bride too?

June Bride History

The month of June was named after the the goddess, Juno. In Roman Mythology, Juno is a powerful and beautiful goddess- "the goddess of marriage", "the queen of sex", "the queen of the gods" and the wife of Jupiter. In Greek mythology, her counterpart is goddess Hera, the wife of Zeus.

In ancient Rome, women celebrate the "Matronalia"- an annual festival in honor of Juno. In lieu of these beliefs, many people in Rome choose to get married in June, with the blessing of Juno, "the patron of marriage".

In modern times, June became popular because many couples tied the knot immediately after June graduation. These days however, couples choose their wedding month based on different factors- the availability of the venue, the weather, financial readiness, and convenience. Some bride and grooms choose a meaningful month for them.

Surveys conducted in 2005 and 2006 in the US by the Association for Wedding Professionals International (AFWPI)- an international research organization that specializes on weddings reveal that August, September and July are the months where the most weddings took place while January, April and February were the least favorite months for a wedding. Surprisingly, June ranks only 5th in both the 2005 and 2006 annual surveys. Here is the complete list:

2005 2006
1. August - 370,000 August - 388,000
2. September - 364,000 September - 375,000
3. July - 369,000 July - 369,000
4. October - 358,000 October - 367,000
5. June - 351,000 June - 359,000
6. March - 350,000 March - 357,000
7. May - 347,000 May - 356,000
8. December - 347,000 December - 355,000
9. November - 339,000 November - 352,000
10. January - 332,000 January - 340,000
11. April - 332,000 April - 330,000
12. February - 310,000 February - 320,000

We got married on a March - not for any sentimental reasons. I would have liked to get married on a February month but we we didn't have much time left for preparations and we didn't want to wait until the next year.

What month did you tie the knot? Why did you chose that month for your wedding? If you were getting married, what month would you choose?

Related Post: Choosing the Right Day for Your Wedding

Practical Wedding Token Ideas

Wedding tokens or wedding favors are items given away to guests as a sign of appreciation or thanks for attending the wedding. Although it isn't obligatory to give away tokens, guests often look forward for something they can take home with them to remind them of that special day. Here in the Philippines, the giving away of favors or tokens are often expected and is considered as one of the highlights of a wedding.

On our wedding, we gave away two kinds of tokens from Papemelroti. One is a paper box that contains love quotes and the other is a ceramic figure of a bride and groom in Filipiniana costume.

I absolutely love our wedding tokens and our guests were delighted as well. We ordered it about 3 weeks before our wedding day and we were thankful that they were finished on time.

What I liked about them is that they were not the usual bride and groom figures that are common to weddings. At Divisoria, wedding tokens with bride and groom figures in various designs range from P40 to P50, depending on the size and design.

If you want something nice and different, you can find wedding tokens from Papemelroti at around these prices as well. They offer 10% offer for bulk orders (50 pcs. and up).

For big weddings, purchasing wedding tokens for all your guests can be very expensive. Making your own wedding favors would save you a lot and you can even personalize it. However, it's important to make sure that you have enough time to make them. Don't forget to ask help from your family and friends if you do decide to make your own wedding favors!

Here are some wedding favor ideas and tips that won't break your budget:

Stay simple. Remember that wedding favors don't really have to be expensive and elaborate. Even the simplest things can mean a lot! A small note-card that bears your personal message with your wedding date would do. If you want to make it extra special, you just have to be a little more creative and artistic with your approach.

Bookmarks with your wedding song printed on them can serve as wedding tokens as well. Print your wedding song on a specialty board paper, print your personal message on a parchment paper, onion skin or any transparent paper, punch a hole on top of both papers and tie them together with a colored ribbon.

Your ushers and usherrettes can distribute these bookmarks to each of your guests as they arrive on your venue. That's what we did and our guests have kept those bookmarks as one of our wedding souvenirs.

You can also buy organza cloth sold by the yard, cut them into squares that are big enough to put in your wedding tokens. Stitch both sides and use a ribbon or a lace to finish the wrap. It will make anything you put in it, more adorable and extra special.

What to put in those small organza bags? Mini chocolates, cookies, mint candies, jelly-beans or any of your favorite goodiess can be wonderful edible wedding favors. You can buy a whole bag of chocolate chips or cookies in groceries or bake your own and design it just the way you want it.

Candles can also be used as wedding favors. Buy plain white or colored mini candles in bulk from supermarkets or craft stores and wrap a colored ribbon or lace around each. Next, print your "thank you" message on a scented piece of specialty paper, cut them up in small squares and insert them on each of your candles.

For your most special guests, you can give them or send them something extra special after the wedding. After your wedding photos have been printed, send them a copy of their picture taken with the married couple! Even the simplest picture frame would make any wedding picture beautiful and worth keeping.

These wedding token ideas are budget-friendly and practical. Do you have your own practical wedding token idea? Share it by posting a comment.

Stumble It!

On Finding the Perfect Wedding Gown

Every bride wants to be most beautiful for her wedding day. And one of the biggest decisions a bride would make is choosing her wedding gown.

If you have the time, consider ordering a customized wedding gown made just for you. Ideally, 6 months should be enough until the fitting is made perfect. Obviously, if you want to go to a designer, you'll need to be willing to splurge on your gown.

But if you're on a budget, it doesn't mean your wedding gown won't be perfect. All it takes is a little patience and creativity on your part. When we were looking for my wedding gown, most of the shops at Tutuban Mall were willing to accept orders for as little as 2-3 weeks.

Unfortunately, we didn't have that much time and it would be a hassle to travel to and from Divisoria just to take fittings. If you're in the Philippines, I think ordering from those shops at Divisoria is worth the try.

While looking for my maid of honor's gown we found a boutique somewhere in Glorietta that also accepts wedding gown orders. I forgot the name but it is a small boutique that sells gorgeous gowns.

I found my dream wedding gown displayed on one of their mannequins sold for only P8,000. The sales lady told us, they can finish the exact same style within a month but by that time, we only have 2 weeks to go and I had already bought my gown from somewhere else.

If you're on a budget, what are your other options? Here are the options I considered before buying my wedding gown.

Borrow. Do you have a friend or a relative who got married? Maybe you can borrow her wedding gown.

2nd hand wedding gowns. I've also looked into eBay for possible second hand gowns from the Philippines but most that were posted were from the US. However, the shipping costs would still be expensive so it wasn't an option for me. Still, if you live in the US, why not?

Buy a bridesmaid gown. Bridesmaids gowns are cheaper than wedding gowns. Although simpler and less elaborate, consider wearing a bridesmaid gown especially if you're planning on a simple ceremony. Remember, a bridesmaid gown can be both elegant and beautiful and it can save you hundreds of dollars.

Buy a ready-to-wear wedding gown. This is the option we've chosen. Those wedding gown retail shops from Divisoria are definitely worth the visit. You'll find beautiful wedding gowns there at the most affordable and reasonable prices. You'll need to be patient enough to walk from one shop to the next and try fitting one gown to another. The sales ladies are very accommodating so that shouldn't be a problem.

Warning: Watch out for pickpockets when shopping at Divisoria and Baclaran. Don't forget to ask for discounts. If you won't ask, no seller would volunteer to give it. If you don't believe in fitting because of premonitions, go for gowns with adjustable laces. Adjustable wedding gowns are great just in case you gain or lose a few pounds before your wedding.

More Wedding Gown Tips:

Choose a wedding gown you're comfortable with. No matter how beautiful your wedding gown is, if you're not comfortable or confident in it, it won't look as good. Check the texture of the gown and make sure that it's not irritating on your skin. Choose a gown that you can wear all day (even if you plan to change). Don't choose a style if you don't feel good in it.

Choose a wedding gown that complements your body shape. Brides have different body types and shapes. Choose a style that hides your flaws and accents your best features.

Choose a wedding gown that is appropriate for your venue. If it's going to be a garden wedding or a beach wedding, avoid gowns made with heavy materials or with very long trains.

Don't buy expensive shoes. The shoes you'll wear under your wedding gown should not be expensive at all. Shoes sold at specialty wedding shops tend to be expensive. But there are so many beautifully designed shoes on the malls that don't cost a lot! Those are the shoes you should be looking for. Choose a design that you know you can still wear after the wedding so it won't have to just sit on the shelves.

Do you have your own tips to add? Please share it by leaving a comment. Thanks!