Surprise!! It’s a Wedding!

Most brides are so excited to share wedding planning with their friends and family that it is hard to imagine keeping the whole thing a secret until the last minute. But, this is exactly what some couples do when a surprise wedding is in store for their guests. 

The legality is that only the guests can be surprised at a wedding since both parties being married need to have a valid marriage license in order to have the union recognized by the state.

Surprising your guests may seem like a great, fun idea. However, there are some guests who will not be pleased to be left  out of the planning process. Parents, siblings, and close friends may not find it amusing and much older guests who have weak hearts probably don’t  find a surprise as much fun as they used to.

Try to incorporate another celebration. Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan told their guests they were coming for a graduation party, only to find out it was really their wedding. Surprise!

Keep the whole affair low key. Guests will feel they would have liked to dress up a little more unless it is a casual, relaxed atmosphere.

Make sure you tell your guests there will be some sort of special entertainment at a certain time. Party guests often arrive late… you don’t want them to miss out!

 Have a DJ or Emcee announce what is about to happen and then give some time for the guests to digest the news, chat and laugh.

People want surprise weddings for many different reasons. It can be a way of holding the reins over what happens, it may be a way to keep the costs down, for others they just don’t want any fuss; and well, some people just like to stage a big surprise. As a guest, it is your job to honor this and not to judge, to be happy for them and not make it about you.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo

 

Pregnancy and Weddings…Before or After?

It hasn’t been that long ago that when a woman found herself in a ‘family way’, the wedding date was moved up and the due date was a mystery. By ‘not that long ago’, I mean in my lifetime. Thankfully that practice is nearly outdated, for about a dozen really good reasons… mostly because nobody cares if you are pregnant or not. Now, the problem is not that you have to get married, but if you want to get married… then should you do it before or after the baby is born? It’s time to think about diy homemade pregnancy test.

There are some advantages to getting married while you are pregnant; namely your hair and skin will probably be more radiant than ever and you will most likely have what is commonly referred to as a ‘glow’. It will show up in the pictures and you will love looking at photos of yourself all pregnant and beautiful!   I was 6 months pregnant when my husband and I exchanged vows. That’s just how it worked out for us. There was  no shotgun, no lying about the due date and no surprises. We were adults and did what we wanted. If I had waited, I may not have ever wanted to do a wedding of any sort because once the baby was born, I was too busy with my glorious son to worry about place cards and table settings and floral arrangements. You may feel the same way!

For others, waiting until the baby is born to have a wedding is the right choice for several reasons; You can fit into a more traditional wedding gown after some or all of the baby weight comes off, you can plan your dream wedding and not worry about morning sickness, swollen feet or being exhausted during the process, you don’t have to worry about hormones and mood swings during this stressful time when you are already stressed out about being pregnant in the first place!!!

Either way, before or after, the choice is up to you. No need to fudge on dates or make excuses because, when it comes to love and marriage – the truth shall set you free!!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

 

Avoid Makeup Mishaps!

Whether you have decided to go full out glam or opt for a natural look, there is nothing that can spoil your wedding photos quicker than poorly applied or ill-conceived makeup. Countless wedding horror stories plague the internet  and makeup is ALWAYS  at the top of the list.

Most women agree that makeup is an essential part of getting dressed in the morning. But everyday makeup will not last for an event as exhausting as your wedding. In order to have a flawless look you will need to start planning early.

Hire a professional.  The best way to find a professional that you like is to see some of their work. If you really want a smoky eye and there is not one example of this in their portfolio, you may have to keep searching. Make sure your makeup professional can handle your skin color as well. Have they ever worked on African American or Middle Eastern skin tones? If not, keep searching. Just because your favorite cousin went to beauty school does not mean she can handle your wedding makeup. Find someone you are comfortable with who does the kind of work you like.

Schedule a trail makeup session to make sure you don’t leave the chair looking like a circus clown. Take an objective friend and a camera with you so you can see how you look on film, not just in person. Sometimes makeup that looks severe in person shows up fantastic on camera and vice verse.

Always have a backup plan for the day of your event in case of a serious emergency. What if…… your makeup artist has a personal emergency (ruptured appendix or worse) and cannot fulfill their obligations? How would you handle it? Make sure you have all of the products used in your makeup trial. Ask if they have a back up person who you could call in case something unfortunate happens. Make sure at least one of your attendants can be trusted with a makeup brush.

And last but not least, keep some products in your purse for touch ups. Your lipstick will be almost gone after dinner, you will robably have to re-touch your mascara so it is imperative that you keep those items close by.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Wedding Speeches & Toasts

As the best man or maid of honor, you are expected to give a short speech or toast at the wedding reception which sounds easy enough for some but, is terrifying for others. Follow these simple steps to the best wedding speech ever.

Hello – Introduce yourself. Whether it is “Hi”, “Hello” or  “My name is___”, introducing yourself and your relationship to the bride or groom in a manner that is consistent with the content of the speech will set the tone for the next step.

Opener – Lead with your best line. If it is humor – bring out the big guns first, if it is romance, let it out. Whatever you lead with will begin the journey that will make the listeners want to follow or not.

Story – The toast or speech should have a beginning, middle and end. The opening line will start the story, you can weave around various points but you should circle back as you prepare to finish.

Romance – Share something about the early stages of their relationship. Perhaps how they met, their first date or the first time they met each other’s parents. You are toasting the couple, not just the bride or groom.

KISS – Keep It Short & Sweet. 3 minutes is about the right amount of time before you lose their attention.

Off- Limits – Avoid anything too lowbrow like mentioning exes, talking about their sexual habits or family disagreements.

Last but, not least; Practice, Practice, Practice! You may not want to read the speech from the cards you have prepared but have them with you in case you draw a blank so, if you have practiced enough it will be second nature when it is time to deliver.

Being true to yourself and your realtionship with the couple will make a lasting impression, one that will leave guests talking about your speech long after the reception has ended.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Having Trouble With Bridesmaid Shoes?

All women love pretty shoes. Maybe not sky-high heels, maybe not stilettos, maybe not even a dress shoe. I can name 5  women that are crazy for Uggs and others that can’t wait for summer to wear sandals. The fact is that finding a shoe that all of your bridesmaids will like or even be able to wear is difficult. Never fear, there are many solutions but first there are some points to consider:

Are the shoes going to be seen? If the dress is long, no one will notice different shoes. If the dress is short, you will have to ‘step’ in and make sure that everyone wears the same color or style… or that they are somehow co-ordinated to suit your wishes and the style of your wedding. This is your call. With a short dress, you have the opportunity to use the shoes as a statement piece, something to spice up a LBD (little black dress) or give a pop of color!. Of course if the color selection gets to be too much, you could always go with gold or silver.

 

 

Where is the wedding?  Outdoor and indoor weddings have different shoe requirements. Also if the ceremony is outdoor and the reception is indoor, make sure the shoe can transition comfortably. For an outdoor setting a wedge heel will guarantee your shoes don’t poke holes in the turf, if your wedding is on the beach, you can opt for no shoe at all  and if your wedding is a  lavish affair in a luxurious location – the shoes should be formal, no matter the heel height.

 

What time of year is it? For a winter event, I would stay away from summery sandals and cork wedges. Pumps with either open or closed toe work nicely, so do mary janes, or ankle straps. For something completely unique – how about boots? (Cowboy boots do seem to be the trend with this choice)

 

For me personally, I would pick the shoe first and find a dress, location and time of year that matches.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Mother’s Day Merriment

If you are counting, there are only 364 days left until Mothers Day. Mothers Day is a time for reflection, a time to celebrate the role your mother has played in your life,  a time for celebration. Its also a perfect time to look at the mother’s role on your wedding day.

The mother of the bride is the second most stressed and scrutinized woman of the day. A great mom shoulders the responsibility of not only making sure that her daughter’s needs are fulfilled but also making sure that every single detail is executed with medical precision without being a ‘stage mother’. She has to be in the spotlight and yet invisible. Very tough. Remember – it’s always the mom’s fault, and she knows it. “Your daughter’s wedding was __________ (insert good or bad comment here)” will either haunt or comfort  her for the rest of her life.

The mother of the groom has an equally tough job considering the ramifications of being too involved versus being apathetic. The groom’s mother is supposed to also be supportive, invisible and never, never, never undermine the bride.She  DOES NOT offer too much advice or ask too many questions or even attempt to change one single detail of the wedding without her future daughter-in-law’s expressed premission. That’s  a tightrope I am not looking forward to walking!

A Mother’s checklist: ( mother of bride OR groom)

-Offer to pay for whatever you can

-Always let the mother of the bride select her gown first. ALWAYS.

-Always let the bride make the decisions. This is not your wedding!

-Be available for fittings, tastings or samplings of any kind.

-Don’t get offended if you aren’t asked to do something.

-Never criticize the bride to the groom (especially if he is your son).

-Communication is critical.

-Be open to new possiblities, maybe their way is the best way!

-Remember that this is not your wedding.

-Always be supportive, be ready to handle the tears and drama.

– Know when to back off.

Most importantly, as a mother you have to understand that this is the beginning of letting go. If handled properly, you will gain more than you could ever imagine. If it things ever get heated, ask yourself which would you rather have, a few minutes of “Me Time”  or a lifetime of being loved?

Happy Mother’s Day to all!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

 

Beware of Brides on a Crash Diet

Crash dieting can cause an array of negative physical side effects, such as lethargy, extreme hunger, body aches, decreased bone density, a dampened immune system and reduced metabolism, which often leads to re-gaining weight later.  More importantly, it can cause you to be irritable, overly stressed, depressed  and have impaired decision making skills and places a lot of stress on your heart.  None of this sounds like the person you want to be – especially during the wedding planning process, does it?

I never understood why all of the major diet and exercise plans tell you to consult a physician before starting any weight loss plan. Then, I turned 50. Now it makes perfect sense. Your doctor can tell you if the weight loss plan you have selected is safe and that potentially dangerous medications are not being used with weight loss. Also patients with certain medical illnesses such as kidney disease may need to avoid certain diet plans such as diets that recommend high protein intake.  Patients with high blood pressure or heart disease should avoid diets high in salt. I know that sounds confusing but, all you need to know is  that it is important to talk to your doctor. He or she will provide much needed support.

Fad diets, extreme workouts, severe dietary restrictions are all ways that we torture ourselves when we want to lose a quick 20 lbs and although it may work short -term, the long term effects are brutal.  Few people can keep up this pace for their entire life and once the workouts and  food deprivation end, the weight comes back on… with a vengeance. Your best bet is to make small changes in your life, diet and exercise. Making small changes, one at a time, gives your body and mind time to adjust to each change and tend to lead to a more successful life plan. According to a study by the USDA, young adults who perpetually diet are 300% more likely to be obese later in life.

Starting out slow with a diet and exercies plan may not yield the quickest reults but it will be the most beneficial in the long run. If all else fails and you have no willpower for a diet and  no time or money for a personal trainer, try these few things and you may be surprised at the outcome:

– Drink as much water as possible.  

-Walk whenever  you can. Walk to work, to the store, anywhere.

-Eat several times a day. Sound hard? Not really. Just cut your meal in half. Eat 1/2 now and eat the other 1/2 in two hours, do this for every  meal. Your stomach is about the size of your fist – eating more than that is unneccessary.

-Eat breakfast every day, even just a  good cereal and a banana will help.

Most importantly, DO NOT deprive yourself f the things you love. It leads to rebound eating and subsequent weight gain. Just eat smaller portions.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Wedding Shoes – The Sky’s the Limit!

Today’s brides know they don’t have to wear the same boring white bridal pumps or have them dyed off -white to match their gown. In addition, the bridesmaids don’t have to wear the same shoes,  either.

Shoes are a fashion statement all their own. The wrong shoe can destroy a gorgeous outift. The right shoe can bring a boring ensemble to life and steal the show. As long as we are talking about it;  it is never a good idea to let your shoe  be either something borrowed or something old. The shoes you choose for your wedding day should be comfortable, stylish and new… and yours.

Comfortable AND stylish? How is that possible? I’m glad you asked! If you never follow any other advice – this is the ONLY shoe advice you will ever need and it works for every occasion. Buy shoes that fit and are comfortable on your foot. The end.

Do not buy shoes a size bigger thinking your feet will swell. They will be uncomfortable and leave blisters.

Do not buy shoes that are too high or low for you to walk in gracefully. You might fall.

DO wear the shoes around the house. Scuff the soles on the sidewalk, wear them while doing some work around the house (inside) and break them in properly before you take the biggest step of your life in ill-fitting shoes and risk having sore feet to prove it.

If you never wear high heels, do not wear high heels for your wedding. Find a lower profile heel to wear that looks good on your foot and fits comfortably.  Try Kitten heels. Kitten heels are small, slender heel no more than 2″. The placement of the heel is directly in the center of the back of the foot so they provide excellent support for larger boned women and allow less pressure to be placed on the ball of the foot. Walk around the shoe store, if you are still wobbly – then don’t buy them and proceed directly to flats. Flats are exactly what they sound like – flat shoes with no heel or a heel less than 1/2 “. They are also sometimes called Ballerina slippers but, they aren’t.

If a medium heel is wearable for you but, you just can’t find a comfortable fit – consider a wedge. The wedge shoe provides tons of support for feet that must endure a wedding marathon. Also great for outdoor events because if the wide base, unless you would like to aerate the yard with your stilettos.  

If you have found a pair of shoes that you love, the heel is a little high and  and must have these shoes, buy them. Then buy a second pair of shoe for the reception.. lower heels or flats. Do not wear birkenstocks or Uggs or crocs. I will find you. Which brings me to my next point – do not take your shoes off at the reception. My absolute worst nightmare is seeing bridesmaids and female guests ditch their shoes at a reception and hit the dance floor in bare (sometimes still stocking-clad) feet! I understand that wearing 3 or 4 inch heels for several hours can be torture on a woman’s feet.  I understand that at the end of the night you just want to take your shoes off and give your arches and instep a break. The end of the night, however, is after you are back home or in your hotel room. The reception is still part of the wedding and I am begging you to keep your shoes on. If the shoe doesn’t fit, you must not quit…. there are attractive, comfortable options to baring your soles.

Are you ready for the fun part? If you can wear heels, high heels, the higher the better, then you are a lucky woman. Shoes today are glamorous, sexy, higher than ever and still comfortable. The platform shoes are towering up to 4 1/2 ‘ but are still wearable, seriously. I can go into instep ratio and all kinds of other things but, basically there are no rules.  Flowers, feathers, jewels, buckles -whatever you like, there is a shoe out there just for you!

Don’t rule out color ! Ever since Sarah Jessica Parker donned those famous blue Manolo Blahniks as Carrie Bradshaw in the movie version of Sex in the City, brides from near and far embraced the idea of mixing it up with all kinds of color on their feet.

Whats your style? Conservative, classic or funky? Bridal Expo has dozens of accessory salons who specialize in bridal and bridesmaid footwear, call 847-428-3320 today to get tickets to a show in your area. Take a moment to visit some of our vendors’ websites and you most definitely  find the perfect fit!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

The Must-Have Color for 2012? …… Tangerine Tango!

The Pantone Institute has issued their trend report for 2012 and the must-have color for all things beautiful is Tangerine Tango. Pantone is an American company that has been producing standardized color matching systems since 1963 for fashion, art, graphic design and commercial use. If you are wondering how this is relevant, think of it like this; you go to a store to buy a blouse and the ‘blue’ one really pops out at you. You are afraid to buy it because you will never find anything to match and you will be stuck wearing this blouse with a black skirt until you tire of it. Not to worry, since Pantone’s inception, they have provided color matching to designers who refer to this system to create their new lines. So, that ‘blue’ blouse is really ‘ocean blue’ and you will literally be in a sea of it at every department store. Each color and even multi-colored prints are matched, jewelry is matched and every designer has consulted Pantone to create their collection based on this color  which is found on a fan-out card system just like the ones at the paint store.  Before the Pantone system, grey was grey and blue was blue, you had to match it yourself and Good Luck! You carried a blouse around looking for a print that had even the lightest hint of that color and the search could last longer than the blouse.

Now, thanks to Pantone, every floral designer will have access to Tangerine Tango Ribbon, bridesmaid designers  have Tangerine Tango fabric, accessories will be created to compliment Tangerine Tango. Invitation desingers using Adobe have access to the same Tangerine Tango  in their palette and if you opt for dyed to match shoes, all you have to do is tell the shoe professional “Tangerine Tango” and you will almost certainly be assured a match. Although you may not want to be in Tangerine up to your eyeballs, you will have the option.

So why Tangerine Tango #17-1463?  Tangerine Tango is a spirited reddish orange, which provides the boost needed to recharge and move forward in Spring. Traditionally an Autumnal hue, tangerine has become a year round winner since it is both exotic and friendly, sophisticated and seductive. According to  Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “ Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.” The bonus is that Tangerine compliments so many colors; hot pink, lime, yellow, brown! It is hard not to get excited about a color this dynamic.

 

Without further adieu, we present Tangerine Tango in all it’s glory:

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

American Music Awards Fashion Highs and Lows

 

 

Last night the stars hit the red carpet in their Sunday best for the 2011 American Music Awards. No one was hatched out of an egg, no one ran across the stage naked and no one interrupted any one of Taylor Swift’s acceptance speeches.

The American Music Awards is the ‘casual Friday” of awards ceremonies. Most of the nominees and attendees wear shorter, less formal gowns.  I have always felt that this is where they dress to suit their personality, not the event. This is also what makes it so interesting to watch!

Most Perfect:

Selina Gomez – Although this look is slightly mature for a teenager, sheshi wore t Georgio Armani gown perfectly; slinky, shimmery, fitted and somewhat revealing. Her hair and accessories perfectly matched the gown’s style and the overall look is stunning. A+

 

Oddest fit:

Justin Beiber must have the tiniest neck in the world because every photo of him in a suit, the shirts are so baggy around the neck he looks like he is swimming in the tie. I can’t seem to get a read on this young musician’s style just yet since he seems to be all over the map.

Most Improved:
Nicki Minaj has a unique style that is still evolving. Although it may not be your taste, it is definitely moving in the right direction.

Worst Fit:

Christina Aguilera used to be a smaller size so she probably doesn’t understand the fit problems of a slightly larger woman. If you are anything over a size 4 – do not wear a bandage dress. I read at least two reports she might be expecting again. I doubt it – those dresses are just not very forgiving. The shoes are adorable, though.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most Blah:

Jennifer Hudson looks great in any size. She was gorgeous as a heavier woman and looks even more stunning with her new svelte figure. BUT, her dress was just blah. It wasn’t hideous or ill-fitting, although I would have loved to see the waist cut a little lower… it was just blah.  I thought the shoes were too dark and a little clunky for the micro mini and her lipstick color was both sharp and flat at the same time.

 

 

 

 

 

Most Sparkly:

Kelly Clarkson has an amazing voice, regardless of her size. But this take off of the cartoon character Jessica Rabbit is all wrong. Too all-oversparkly, not a good cut and just  looks like Christmas ornament.  On the bright side, the top half of the dress is fitted beautifully and her hair looks fabulous!

 

Most Dramatic:
Jennifer Lopez had several looks, each one more stunning than the next. Although J. Lo solidified her place in fashion history a long time ago, she still WOWs the audience every time with her dramatic and daring gowns. Which one do you like best?

 

 

 

Most Ghastly-

Adam Lambert looks like a wax figure of himself. I get the edgy hair and eyeliner, I understand the odd outfits ( I grew up on Elton John) But when your pancake makeup looks like it was done by a mortician, it is time to re-think things a bit. Plus, I think the pants are a bit tight in the front seam, by the zipper. Seriously?

 

Who were your favorites from last night’s American Music Awards

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago