The Atlanta Bride» How Tos, Tips & Advice Archives – The Atlanta Bride

Siri Interview on Martha Stewart!

Meghan — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:06:54 +0000

Check out this interview of helpful tips from the Martha Stewart Bride’s Guide interview with Beverly Siri-Borelli! Find Siri dresses for Mother’s, Bridesmaids, and all social occations, here at Bel Fiore Bridal!

SCB: What is the most popular MOB style dress or shape of dress? Why do you think women are loving this shape?

BSB: Knee-length dresses are selling best for MOBs. As for shape, our most popular style was the Zeta-Jones dress (on the rack at Bel Fiore!), a straight, A-line, or pleated skirted dress with a three-quarter sleeve. The name speaks for itself: it’s chic, sophisticated, and classic — a universal wish for most women. Plus, she can wear it again for another event. (Even moms are practical these days.)

SCB: Should an MOB’s dress color match that of the bridesmaids?

BSB: They should have their own special look separate from the bridesmaids at the wedding, but opt for something that complements the bridal party’s colors. A darker or lighter shade of the bridesmaids’ dresses (a deeper lavender with lilac maids or teal for the mother of the bride to go with ocean blue bridesmaids), or the second accent color in the wedding could possibly work nicely in the pictures (ocean with sand accent for the maids and a sand tone for the mother). It’s important that the tones all blend well together.

SCB: What new trends are you seeing in both bridesmaids dresses and MOB ensembles?

BSB: Short is in. Bridesmaids want hems to fall above the knee, and mothers like them just at or below the knee. And fitted, straight skirt strapless dresses with clean waists are popular for the maids now — with or without a detachable sash. As for colors, I’ve been seeing lots of jewel tones, such as iris, emerald, and sapphire.

For the MOBs, suit separates are loosing popularity and fitted dresses, topped with a shrug or jacket, are gaining it. Mothers in most parts of the country don’t want to scream color, though, so they prefer deeper muted colors (pine, teal, plum, and bordeaux) or neutrals such as pewter, champagne, and oyster.

From Bride’s Guide reader, Jessica: My wedding is planned for next July at a country club in NJ. I am considering a wine color for my bridesmaids to wear. Should they wear tea length dresses?

BSB: It’s the time of day, not the venue, that dictates the attire. What time of day is your wedding? If it’s in the afternoon, tea length is most appropriate. If the wedding is in the evening, then either tea length or gown length is appropriate; however, if you choose tea length but want a formal affair, the style and fabric should be dressier, like organza or moiré, not just a sundress. A one-shoulder dress or off-the-shoulder retro-glamour style is a nice cocktail look. As for flowers, black roses are stunning, but if they want more color, then a combination of reds, oranges, and a touch of yellow will make a beautiful bouquet.

From Bride’s Guide reader, Michelle: My wedding is next year in September. Where does a junior bridesmaid walk during the processional? Can she walk down the aisle by herself?

BSB: If she doesn’t have a partner she should walk after the bridesmaids and before the flower girls. If she does, they can walk down before the bridesmaids.

Happy Planning!

Wedding Day Makeup – Make it last!

Rachel — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:35:08 +0000

Hello, Atlanta Brides!

Every bride-to-be wants to be sure their makeup stays in one place on her wedding day. Between heat, tears, rain, and lots of hugging, it’s easy for your makeup to smear and smudge and be gone before you even say “I DO”. To help prepare you for the big day we have asked Alexa, of The Glam Fairy, to provide her top 10 tips for making sure your makeup lasts, and is photo-ready.

(Guest Blogger: The Glam Fairy)

My Top Ten Makeup Tricks for your wedding day are as follows:

1. You want a great primer with a silicone base. Silicone fills in fine lines, wrinkles, pock marks, and blocks the sebaceous glands from producing oil so using that as an anchor underneath all the makeup makes sure it stays put all day.

2. Foundation: The biggest mistake that brides make on their special day is using a foundation that is not light responsive, meaning it is not absorbing and deflecting light in a way that makes you look great for photos. You need a foundation that mimics the way light bounces on your regular skin so you always want to make sure your makeup artist or you do a test shot to make sure your foundation doesn’t drop any lighter than your normal skin shade.

3. Neutral shades for eyeshadow. No bright colors because you want your look to be timeless and elegant… so no matter how natural or dramatic you go keep it neutral!

4. Use water resistant mascara paired with fake lashes. Lashes come in all different cuts and styles so don’t think its automatic drag-queen if you wear lashes!

5. Use a little bit more bronzer and blush than you would normally think, because it wears off throughout the day!

6. Make sure your eyeliner is waterproof. I like M·A·C’s Powerpoint Pencil, it’s amazing! You have about 60 seconds of playtime until it sets and then it’s virtually waterproof and budgeproof.

7. Radiant glow… the skin should always have a nice fresh glow. Products like M·A·C Strobe Fluid and M·A·C Mineralize Skin Finish, placed directly on the cheekbone give off a great cheek highlight

8. Prep the skin with a great moisturizer. I like La Mer. Keeping the skin in tip top condition is key.

9. De-puff and cover dark circles. Fast Response Eye Cream from M·A·C is a great product to use the entire morning of your wedding. It is pure caffeine so it immediately de-puffs and has a pigment that deflects light from dark circles so its my personal favorite.

10. Seal it. Get a sealing spray to set everything and make it stay all day long. I love Motives 10 Years Younger Spray, Model in a Bottle, Makeup Forever Mist and Fix, and M·A·C Fix Plus spray. It basically sets all your work and keeps everything from moving.

Alexa Prisco is the owner of “The Glam Fairy”, an on location bridal glamour service specializing in makeup and hair for brides. Her business and personality have been nationally recognized with her new hit show “Jerseylicious” on the Style Network.

Thank you to www.WeddingWire.com for this blog

How Much Alcohol Do I Need?

Meghan — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:24:35 +0000

While thinking about our guests and how much alcohol we’ll need, I got completely lost. How would we ever be sure that we have enough, but not go overboard and have too much? I decided to Google it, like a lot of wedding planning questions I have, and I found this “Wedding Wine and Liquor Calculator” from RealSimple.com.
It’s great! Depending on your number of guests and time of day, you can get a pretty accurate idea of how much beer, wine, champagne, and liquor to buy.

Here is the link to their calculator.

Another rule is to have enough alcohol for each guest to have one drink per hour.

Knowing our family and friends that will be attending, we may grab a little extra, just incase!

10 Ways to Save on Flowers

Meghan — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:02:00 +0000

10 Ways to Save on Flowers

1. Stay seasonal: In season flowers that are available locally in your area will be most affordable.

2. Choose simpler centerpieces: They’ll require fewer flowers and less labor than ornate arrangements.

3. Marry in a space that’s already decorated, like a garden or a nursery.

4. Use flowering branches: For an alter arrangement, group bundles or cherry, dogwood, and apple blossoms in urns. You’ll pay less than half the cost of big flower arrangements.

5. Share the cost of decorating: The bride marrying right before or after you at your house of worship may be interested in going halfsies on ceremony arrangements, if you’ve got similar tastes.

6. Use fewer flowers and more greens: A few fluffy blooms will go a long way.

7. Cluster budget blooms: Mass together one variety in one color (such as white chrysanthemums or yellow carnations) for a lush look.

8. Let them work double duty: Use the ceremony flowers to decorate the reception entryway.

9. Avoid major holidays: Costs tend to skyrocket around the big flower-giving celebrations – Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Mother’s Day.

10. Have fewer attendants: You’ll need fewer personal flowers.

Thank you to “Brides” for the help!

Gowns Taking Longer to Arrive – Ordering Times Prolonged!

Meghan — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 16:45:46 +0000

Due to China’s labor shortage, many of our bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and other items are taking increasingly longer to arrive once they are ordered. The typical time frame has be extended to up to 7 or 8 months for many bridal gowns to be ordered, made, shipped, and arrive here at our store.

Out of concern for our brides, we wanted to share this information with you to help you while you’re planning. To avoid additional rush fees, a dress being unavailable, and possible rising costs, begin shopping for your dress 9 to 12 months before your wedding date. Also, since many of your decisions you will make for your wedding are based on your gown, it is never too soon to choose “the one!”

If your time frame doesn’t allow for a 4 to 8 month ordering time, call and talk to one of our consultants today – we have other options available as well!

I’ve included part of the article from The New York Times’ “Defying Global Slump, China Has Labor Shortage” below. Click here for the entire article.

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GUANGZHOU, China — Just a year after laying off millions of factory workers, China is facing an increasingly acute labor shortage.

Some manufacturers, already weeks behind schedule because they can’t find enough workers, are closing down production lines and considering raising prices. Such increases would most likely drive up the prices American consumers pay for all sorts of Chinese-made goods. Rising wages could also lead to greater inflation in China. In the past, inflation has sown social unrest.

The immediate cause of the shortage is that millions of migrant workers who traveled home for the long lunar New Year earlier this month are not returning to the coast. Thanks to a half-trillion-dollar government stimulus program, jobs are being created in the interior. But many economists say the recent global downturn also obscured a longer-term trend: China has drained its once vast reserves of unemployed workers in rural areas and is running out of fresh laborers for its factories.

The dearth of returning migrants set off a desperate scramble this week to recruit the workers who did step off long-haul buses and trains returning from the interior. At a government-run employment center in downtown Guangzhou, employers seeking workers outnumbered job-hunters Thursday afternoon. Outside, Liang Huoqiao, a 22-year-old plastics worker, joined a small group of men and women studying a 40-foot-wide list of companies seeking workers. “You can walk into any factory and get a job,” he said.

The official China Daily newspaper said on Thursday that surveys of employers showed that one in 12 migrant workers was not expected to return here to Guangdong Province. Cities farther north along China’s coast are also running low on labor; Wenzhou alone posted a shortage of up to one million workers. Higher wages could ease labor shortages by prompting factories to reduce their work forces.

But many factories already pay well above the minimum wage. They are wary of further pay increases because it is not certain they can pass the increased costs on to their customers — in particular, strapped importers in the United States and the European Union.

Rising wages suggest the re-emergence of a worker shortage that was becoming evident before the financial crisis. A government survey three years ago of 2,749 villages in 17 provinces found that in 74 percent of them, there was no one left behind who was fit to go work in city factories — the labor pool was dry.

Mass layoffs in late 2008 and early 2009 because of the global financial crisis temporarily masked the developing shortage of industrial workers. But two powerful trends were still working to reduce the supply of young people headed for factories.

Far more jobs are available these days in China’s interior. Government projects like rail and highway construction have absorbed millions of workers, particularly after Beijing allocated nearly $600 billion to economic stimulus spending in 2009 and 2010. Consumer spending is also rising briskly; auto sales more than doubled last month from a year before, and this has created many jobs in retailing, restaurants, hotels and other inland businesses.

Even before the holiday, companies were struggling to find the employees needed to keep assembly lines running. It remains to be seen if Chinese factories will learn from their hiring difficulties now and be less quick to lay off workers during the next global downturn.

The current system “is not stable, it’s not healthy,” said Han Dongfang, the director of the China Labor Bulletin, a Hong Kong-based group that advocates collective bargaining.

Hilda Wang contributed reporting.

Charitable Donations as Wedding Favors

Meghan — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 19:24:00 +0000

You may have found the cutest ideas as favors to give your wedding guests, but Austan and I had a hard time finding the best gift to give that would reflect our relationship, personalities, and the appreciation of our guests. Although we do carry some pretty cute favors (check out these arodable Adirondack Chair Place Card and Photo Frame that would be perfect for any beach wedding!) here at the store, I didn’t think any of them were just quite right for us.

While waiting in line to get the stamps for our Save the Dates, I saw the cutest little Animal Rescue 44 Cent stamps! And that got me thinking… What if we made a donation to an local Animal Rescue Shelter on behalf of each guest that attended? Austan and I are both animal lovers (we spoil our 2 dogs to death!) and this would be a great way help out a local rescue! By providing a place card at each seat, our guests can be happy that their attendance to our event has contributed to a great cause.

If this interests you, here are some tips for finding your pefect charity:

*Search online to find out what charities are out there. Follow through by doing a background check to make sure the organization is reputable.

*You can make the donation as personal as you’d like. If you choose to, make your donation in honor of someone.

*Some guests may be wanting a traditional favor, so be prepared. Mentioning your donation during the toasts may be a good way to express why you chose this route.

*Remember, it’s your wedding! You are spending the money, so choose what’s most important to you and your fiance.

So to my doggies (below), Jake and Duke, this is for you and all of your buddies who need homes!

Have any other great ideas for wedding favors?

Celebrating Weddings Around the World

Rachel — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:17:17 +0000

Atlanta is a city of many cultures and many of our brides celebrate in different ways. Here are a few of the ways other cultures celebrate their nuptials. Bel Fiore Bridal loves to accommodate unique and special weddings.

1. Chinese Wedding Tea CeremonyTea is the national drink of China, and plays a very important part in all aspects of this nation’s heritage and tradition. Serving tea is considered a sign of respect, as is the manner in which it is served. For a wedding, the tea usually includes Lotus seeds and two red dates because the Chinese believe these items help produce children, therefore ensuring many grandchildren.Before the groom arrives on the wedding day, the bride serves tea to her parents at home, holding the teacup with both hands. This is a sign of respect and and thankfulness. Traditionally, the newlyweds then serve tea after the wedding ceremony, holding the teacups with both hands and inviting the groom’s elders to drink.

Generally, the bride kneels on the left side and the groom on the right side while the people being served sit in chairs. They serve the tea in order, starting with the groom’s parents and then proceeding from the oldest family member to the youngest. In return, it is customary to present the bride and groom with lucky red envelopes (“lai see,” or “lucky”) stuffed with money or jewelry.

2. Traditional Coin Exchange (Hispanic Weddings)

The Hispanic culture is also steeped in tradition, and Latin-American weddings are usually an inspiring mix of religious dignity and festive dancing and celebration. One Hispanic wedding tradition that has withstood the test of time is the presentation of thirteen gold coins from the groom to his bride.

The giving of these gold coins, also called arras, originated in Spain. They are given during the wedding ceremony as a pledge by the groom to always support and trust his bride. By accepting the coins, the bride symbolically accepts her groom’s trust and support and will return it in equal measure.

In keeping with the Catholic tradition, the number thirteen is used to symbolize Christ and histwelve apostles. These coins, blessed by the priest as a part of the wedding ceremony, become a part of the bride and groom’s family heirlooms.

3. The Mehendi Celebration (Indian Weddings)

Much like in the Chinese and Hispanic cultures, Indian Weddings are filled with tradition. Often spanning days, Indian weddings are filled with sacred and sanctified rituals. While specific wedding customs do vary by region within India, the occasion of Mehendi is considered one of the most important pre-wedding customs across all regions.

Most often held at the bride’s home on the day before the wedding, the Mehendi celebration involves a professional henna designer or skilled relative applying designs to the bride’s hands and feet. This henna motif symbolizes adoration of the bride as well as her transformation from a girl to a woman. The intricate designs of the bridal henna are done in a way to include but hide the groom’s name. One fun element of Mehendi occurs when the groom tries to find his name in the designs.

A Mehendi celebration is usually a festive event with dancing and singing. The bride usually dresses in light-color clothes with light jewelry. After the Mehendi ritual has been completed, she is not supposed to step out of the house until the wedding day. It is believed that the darker and deeper the henna stains, the more the bride’s husband and future family will love her and the more auspicious her future will be.

Any tips you can give?

The Art of Thanking!

Meghan — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 20:43:04 +0000

Tips for the proper Thank You:

Send a note within two weeks of receiving the gift.

Four or five sentences will suffice.

Try to personalize each note.

Divide the writing duties with your new hubby.

Group them to make the writing more manageable.

Send out remaining thank you’s within three months of your wedding date.

Check out my older post: 10 Tips for Writing Thank-Yous. Any other tips you have?

Reduce Wedding Stress – Four Easy Methods!

Meghan — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:54:56 +0000

Reduce Wedding Stress – Four Easy Methods!

How do you fight the inevitable stress that comes with planning a wedding? Read on…

As a bride-to-be, you’re bombarded with a growing pile of tasks demanding your attention, and the resulting stress can overpower what’s supposed to be a joyous time in your life. Instead, emerge from the pile of fabric swatches, font styles, and contracts and… just… breathe. During your engagement, step away from wedding planning, and take time to enjoy yourself as a fabulous single woman. Sure, kicking your heels up and relaxing as your task list expands exponentially may sound impossible. In reality, allowing yourself some time to rejuvenate will not only reduce wedding stress, it will ultimately make your wedding planning more efficient. Have you ever tried going for a morning run without a good night’s sleep the night before? The same applies to wedding planning.

Here are four easy methods to reduce wedding stress:

Reclaim your life and yourself: What activities comprised your free time before wedding planning seized your soul? Reading? Jogging? Shopping? Crafts? Don’t let those activities slip; take that time to yourself and enjoy the relaxation that comes with doing something that you enjoy. Even if just for a few hours a week, it will make a world of difference.

Reconnect with friends and loved ones: Has it been weeks or months since you spoke with your best friend or sister (NOT about the wedding)? Losing contact is easy when you’re busy or believe loved ones are out of touch with your life. Take some time to reconnect with your closest friends; ask them about their lives. Keep them up to date on your wedding planning – but also discuss other aspects of your life. You are a multi-faceted person, after all.

Cater to someone else for a change: Yes, this is one of the few times in your life when the attention is solely focused on you and your life decisions, and you should enjoy your time in the spotlight. That said, don’t get caught up in the selfishness of being a bride. Do something unexpected for someone else. Take a break from wedding planning and cook a dinner for a friend, serve a meal at your local soup kitchen, babysit for a couple who could use a break…You will be surprised how good (and relaxed) you will feel by making others feel appreciated.

Spend quality time with your fiance: It’s sadly ironic that in the planning of a new life together, couples often struggle to find quality time with one another in the present. The best way to begin a marriage on the right foot is to avoid neglecting your relationship now. Building a life as one should always be your top priority (remember: it IS the reason behind the big party!), so enjoy romantic evenings together and try not to talk about the wedding. Focus on your relationship and your future beyond the wedding day.

Above all else, don’t lose sight of what’s important and don’t lose sight of yourself. Keeping this in mind will reduce wedding stress – we promise! Savor every moment of your engagement, and arrive at your wedding positively radiant.

Thanks to Elegala.com for these great tips!

Liz Fields Bridesmaids Dresses – Here in Atlanta!

Meghan — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:34:20 +0000

Liz Fields posted a nice little blog about Bel Fiore and my wedding planning!

Check it out:

http://blog.lizfields.com/2010/06/who-is-wearing-liz-fields-meghan-conlon/

Schedule your appointment today to see their selection of dresses!

We’ve dressed Bridesmaids and Mothers in their dresses, so they’ve got great styles for your entire wedding party.

Now available at Bel Fiore Bridal – A special discount on your Bridesmaid Dresses with the purchase of your Bridal Gown! Contact your consultant for details!