Archive for November, 2008

Planning your honeymoon can be as simple as 1-2-3, if you are smart and do things in an organized fashion. Read on for some tips for planning your dream honeymoon.

-You can book your trip directly by way of the Internet or through a travel agent, regardless of whether you need to book plane fare or a trip on a cruise.

-When booking your trip make sure that you make it known that this is your honeymoon. This could mean that you will be granted a discount, will be upgraded or that you will get an extra of one sort or another.

-A visa is required to enter another country. Make sure you find out what other type of documentation you require before you book your honeymoon. If you already have a passport, make sure that it is current and will not expire while you are enjoying time with your new spouse!

-While the Internet can provide you with plenty of information to help plan your trip, it never hurts to buy a travel book such as Frommer’s or Fodor’s. Travel books can provide you with lots of valuable insights such as listings for various accommodations, points of interest and options for transportation.

-Knowing how to dress for the various places you plan to go on your honeymoon makes a difference. You do not want to be overdressed or underdressed for dinner after all!

-If you plan to change your name to your husband’s after you get married, then either book your honeymoon under his name or book it under your maiden name. You don’t want any confusion or problems to result if you book it under Mr. and Mrs. Ross. You will need to book the honeymoon before your wedding and your identification will reflect your maiden name as you will not have had the opportunity to change it just yet.

-If you plan to travel to another country for your honeymoon, familiarize yourself with the customs of the country in question before you go.

-Do not forget to do the obvious- take time off work to get married, and go on your honeymoon!

-Do you have travel medical insurance? Find out if the extended medical coverage through your workplace is enough. If it is not, consider buying some more. You can do this through your bank or through the travel agent.

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The expression “go big or go home” does not apply to everything. This is particularly the case when it comes to your makeup and skincare routine on your wedding day. Read on for some scenarios to avoid as you prepare for your big day …

Appearance Enhancers

You want to look as good as you possibly can to wed your beloved but you do not want to go overboard with appearance enhancers too close to the wedding date. Professional teeth bleaching is a gradual process that needs to be undertaken in the weeks (or even a months) preceding the wedding. If you want a slight tan, go to a tanning bed well in advance of the wedding. The same is true if you wish to have a facial done or any type of facial rejuvenation. Do not do anything drastic too close to the wedding as it can spell disaster for your appearance. The stress you already are experiencing can serve to worsen the problem considerably. This is also true in terms of trying new skincare products, hair products or a new brand of makeup. This is not the time to experiment because some experiments can go terribly wrong!

Makeup Overkill

If you are not really a makeup person, then allow yourself to be talked into wearing just a little to give you the bridal glow. If you do wear makeup on a regular basis, then do not make the mistake of putting on too much. Your pretty face is going to be on display, and the last thing you want is to look like your face is ready to do battle!

In the same way, do not force anyone else to wear makeup if they rarely do. Let everyone choose for herself.

Trendy is not Bridal

Trends are fine but not for your wedding day. You should aim for a classic and neutral look that never goes out of style. Put away the flashy eye shadows, the glitter gel and the blue mascara. Choose matte colors, and blend them well.

Bridal Party Makeup

Be considerate of the differences in the appearances of the ladies in your bridal party. Allow them to choose makeup colors that complement their looks. Do not get caught up in matching shades of lipstick to dress colors and the like. Celebrate everyone’s individuality, and work with them to find color schemes that are harmonizing, not hazardous to their looks.

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All brides want to look beautiful on their wedding day. You deserve the very best after all. Read on for some makeup tips to help make that so.

-Your bridal makeup should not overwhelm or underwhelm you. You need to find a balance between too much and too little. Remember your pretty features should stand out, not the makeup colors you use.

-If you generally wear very little in the way of makeup, change that for your wedding day. Aim for skin that looks flawless and glowing with vitality.

-Before you put foundation on your face apply what is known as a “primer” or a transparent gel. What this does is it creates a barrier between your face and the makeup. This allows for the longevity of your makeup and colors that will last throughout the day. The gel is also good for another reason- it prevents makeup from finding its way deep into your pores.

-Choose a concealer that is slightly lighter than your foundation. The concealer is particularly important to disguise any under eye circles you may have. Make sure you blend the concealer towards your nose using downward strokes. Blend both your concealer and foundation well. You don’t want to be able to tell where either one ends.

-Neutrals are the best choice for wedding day makeup colors. They look the most natural. Save the wild, bright colors for another occasion. In particular, morning weddings require the most natural makeup while evening weddings allow you to go with slightly darker makeup shades if you prefer.

-Eye definition is important, therefore your eyeliner should be soft, not harsh. Line eyes softly with smudgeable powder liner.

-Curl your eyelashes with an eyelash curler. Then carefully apply two to three coats of waterproof mascara. Soft black or brownish black shades are best for your wedding day.

-Light peach eye shadow works well as an eyelid base. Choose neutral colors for your eye shadow. Stay away from blue or green shades, as they will look dated in your photos when you look back. Bright colors are a no-no, as is gray.

-Line your lips but do so with a natural color.

-Brush your lipstick on if possible and dot the middle of your bottom lip with a touch of gloss. This makes for a dewy and romantic look.

-Avoid very pale shades for your lips as they will give you a washed out look.

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It is not uncommon for a bride or groom (or both) to suffer cold feet before the big day arrives. Also sometimes referred to as pre-wedding jitters or second thoughts, cold feet often revolve around uncertainty and fear. Some people suddenly question the decision they are making and find themselves lacking courage and confidence.

It is perfectly normal to find yourself at a point where you are stressed out, restless, anxious and unsure. Often cold feet are simply a culmination of all of the tension that builds up in preparing for a wedding.

Be aware that a case of cold feet can be a good thing. It provides you with the golden opportunity to take a serious look at your relationship and ask yourself what marriage means to you.

Individual Cold Feet and Relationship Cold Feet

Cold feet can be broken down into two types- individual cold feet and relationship cold feet. How can you tell the difference between the two? If you are dealing with insecurities and fears related to marriage in a general way, such as worrying about loss of independence once you become a married woman or hoping that you will make a good wife, then you are suffering from individual cold feet. Relationship cold feet on the other hand is when you have specific fears about marrying your partner.

How to Cope

It is necessary for you to dig deep into your psyche and explore the reasons behind your fears and insecurities. Certain fears may be “deal breakers” and will signal to you that getting married at the moment is not a good idea. On the other hand, some worries are smaller issues that you simply need to talk out with a family member or friend. Recognizing the existence of cold feet is important, but you must not overreact to it and make it larger than life.

If it is the groom who is suffering from a case of cold feet, then encourage him to write a list of the fears and insecurities that assail him. Doing this can bring the situation into sharper focus and can provide perspective when it is needed most.

Amid the craziness of planning for the wedding, make sure the two of you spend quality time together that DOES NOT involve talk of the upcoming nuptials at all. Enjoy a drive in the country or a simple walk in the park.

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