Category Archives: Avoid Wedding Disasters

Horror Stories – Wedding Style

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For most people, planning any event  can bring on nightmares of showing up in your underwear and all kinds of other things that probably won’t happen.  When planning a wedding, this can easily be magnified by the size of the event and level of stress you are able to handle. And if your imagination is vivid enough you will imagine fires being set by candles, gobs of food staining your bridal gown, the groom passing out, and some other equally horrific events. The truth is that some of your worst nightmares can come true if you don’t plan ahead.

ZOMBIE BRIDE – Not getting enough sleep, dirnking too much alcohol or caffeine or Red Bull can temporarily affect the way you look. To avoid dark circles, use the days leading up to your wedding to relax and implement healthier eating.

TEXAS CHAINSAW BRIDE – This is not the day to do a complete makeover. You want to look like a very pretty version of yourself, not a over-processed, over made-up, over-the-top version of yourself. If you look into the mirror and don’t think you look like yourself, you might want to tone it down a bit – leave the big hair to the Texas beauty pageants.

JACK O’ LANTERN BRIDE – Spray tans and self tans can turn out the be the wrong color for your skin and there is very little you can do to fix it at the last minute. Don’t experiment with a new bronzer on the day of your wedding, either. Orange is perfect for Pumpkins but not so much for bridal photos.

BRIDE OF DRACULA  – What makes a great photo? A great smile! Even Dracula knows that yellow teeth can ruin the best outfit. 

DISAPPEARING BRIDE – To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late. Plan ahead, traffic and construction can give you a migraine on the day of your event!

No matter what your worst nightmare may be, planning ahead and attending one of our Luxury  Bridal Expos will help you avoid the horrors of wedding planning.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

 

 

 

Kids and Weddings – Yes or No?

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The best part about your wedding is having everyone you love in one place at one time. Aunts, uncles, cousins, best friends and (may times) their significant others. People with whom you have shared experiences, and looking forward to adding this to your list of fond memories. Then, the subject of kids comes up. The subject of children at weddings is a buzzkill for almost everyone …with or without children.

People with children don’t understand why you don’t want their little darlings around, why they have to exclude their children (part of the family) from a family gathering. They do not always want to leave their children out of the celebration and if there is travel involved, how long do they have to make arrangements for their children’s well-being? They consider it a huge inconvenience and some parents will be resentful.

But, some people with children don’t always want to travel with them or take them to a fancy event. They would like to have a night out without worrying about who ate their vegetables and making sure someone uses the right spoon. No highchairs, no temper tantrums, no whining…just a night out with your spouse and a glass (or two) of chardonnay.

People without children would often prefer you leave them at home, find a sitter and be done with it. They haven’t bonded with children, they don’t need or want the worry of children ruining their event with bad behavior,  out of control, touching things that don’t need to be touched. They are not as enamored with your children as you are.

Buzzkill.

Points to consider:

Kids are fun. they dance and laugh and eat cake. They will be all dressed up and probably not eat too much, anyway.

If you are paying $100 per person for dinner, how can you justify spending this much one someone who would probably rather eat McNuggets?

Kids are noisy – what if they can’t keep quiet during the ceremony?

Kids are messy. They will probably have filthy hands and want to touch the wedding gown or other things that don’t need to  be touched.

There is also the age thing: What is the cut off? There is a big difference between a 17 yr old and a 4 yr old.

The simple fact is that if you don’t want children at your wedding, state it on the invitation and make sure you are prepared for the fallout. If you are allowing children at your wedding, state it on the invitation and be prepared for the fallout. Either way you are not going to make everyone happy.

Make your decision (as a couple) and move on, you have nothing to explain and no explaining will make a difference, anway. It is your wedding.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

Finding the Right Fragrance For You

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Finding the perfect scent can be  overwhelming considering the thousands of fragrances available. Many women just stick to what they know and wear the same fragrance for  years. If it is a scent that you truly love, it is understandable… but, if you are thinking about starting fresh, your wedding day is the perfect day to break out a new scent! 

Tips for finding the right scent :

Never try on more than one scent at a time, it is a guaranteed headache for you and everyone around you.

Talk with the fragrance expert behind the counter. Their knowledge may surprise you and come in very handy.

Use your nose, not your mind. The name of a scent may not sound like something you want to wear and may be exactly what you like.

Wear a scent for 24 hours before deciding if you like it. It may start out okay but, then react with your body chemistry in a negative manner.

An additional tip for your wedding (specifically) is to take into consideration the fragrance of the floral arrangements. You never want to clash with your flowers.

After you have chosen the perect scent, remember to us it sparingly. The rule is that people should only be able to smell your fragrance if they are  close enough to hug you, anything more than that and you have gone too far.

Dousing yourself in perfume is no only a major etiquette faux pas, it can make people very sick.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

The Big Splurge – Is It Worth it?

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Everybody is guilty of “Monday Morning Quarterbacking” from time to time. What you should have said to someone, what you should have worn, something as simple as what you should have eaten for lunch. With weddings, there is a lot of this since it is a big event in your life and looking back, there are many things that brides and grooms would do differently. So when it comes to a big splurge, ask your self this “Is it  worth it?”

Worth It

Hair and makeup –  Hands down, brides agree this is one area where they are pleased to have spent a few extra dollars.

Music – Adding 2 extra pieces to an orchestra or band can make a noticeable difference, or if you choose a DJ, make sure to hire a professional. Music is the pulse of the event.

Wedding Planner – Even if you go with the simplest service and just hire a ‘day of’ planner, you will be happy that (for once) someone else is worrying about all the details and not you.

Food – Paying a little extra ‘per plate’ to get better food is a no-brainer. Great food = happy guests, happy guests=worth it.

Photo/Video – No one ever says they got too many pictures at their wedding, or the pictures were too good.  Plus a great video will provide you with years of entertainment and happiness.

 

Not Worth It

Extra Appetizers – Too much food during the cocktail hour will result in the guests not eating the delightful dinner that lies ahead. Keep it to a minimum.

Extravagant Favors – One area where the extra money does not pay off. Many people will leave the favors and then, what are you going to do with all the extras? Most couples suggest something simple and thoughtful or nothing at all.

Extras – Adding toiletries in the bathroom to match your wedding colors, extravagant place cards, really pricey garter or other non-essentials. You will never reap the rewards from these odds and ends. Again, make an impact with the things that are the most meaningful.

 

Of course, these are just opinions from past brides and grooms. Maybe favors are your big splurge and you have decided that it is worth it. If it is, do it right and make sure it is done in a way that will leave you with nothing to regret Monday morning except an empty bank account.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

The Wedding Kiss – Too Much or Not Enough?

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Not long ago there was a video that  went viral showing a couple who shared their first kiss as a married couple and it was gross. I mean “Get a room and lock the door” gross. I couldn’t help but think of how awkward I would have felt with my husband’s tongue down my throat while my entire family was watching!

Which brings up a good question: How much is too much? For me, that was kiss was it! But, in reality there are a hundred degrees between a peck on the cheek and a big, sloppy, drooling kiss.

A wedding kiss should be whatever you want it to be…. no matter what I think.

Last year everyone critcized the young royals due to the lack of passion in their wedding kiss. It left us wanting more… not much but, a little more. You have to remember they are British and they were on TV and they were probably nervous and in reality had probably kissed about a million times before. That whole ‘virgin’ thing is obsolete now, right?

About 30% of couples practice their first kiss so it doesn’t get out of hand. But, this also includes those occasions where the groom is planning to dip the bride and doesn’t want her to fall into a heap on the ground. I think having a discussion about your preference is a great idea but, practicing seems a bit contrived and the dip itself is only cool if its impromptu.

If you prefer a more modest kiss, don’t let anyone try to talk you into anything more. If you really want to lock lips in a deep kiss, go for it. For most of us,  a meaningful (3 second or less) soflty closed mouth  kiss  is quite enough. Here is a hint: if you can see tongues in your wedding pictures or if it looks like one of you is eating the other one’s face – maybe you went a bit too far.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

Slow Down!!

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Planning a wedding can take a lot out of you. Add work, family, holidays, pets, family,  household chores, errands, financial stress, (did I mention family) and you have what could turn into a complete meltdown. I mentioned family more than once because family causes not only a great deal of happiness, and a lot of stress. It is easy to get caught up in constantly going from one project to another at such a fast pace that you sometimes forget what you are doing.

As a couple, you need to remember what is important that made you want to be married. Not the wedding, not the flowers, not the dress but, each other! Take one day in the middle of all of the fuss and stress and drama to just SLOW DOWN and enjoy life.

To fully enjoy a ‘slow down’ day here are some tips:

-Unplug your cell phone, put away your laptops, take a time out from technology. No facebook, no skype.

-Visit a local tourist attraction that you have always wanted to see but never had time.

– Do something outside your comfort zone. Ziplining, paintball, bowling, go for PBX electric skateboards, whatever it is that you don’t usually do, do it. Segway through the city?

– Turn the day into a movie marathon. Rent a bunch of movies you have been longing to see but, never have time. Popcorn, snacks, cuddle up on the sofa and enjoy!

– A day of relaxation and pampering for both of you. Get a massage facial, manicure and pedicure.

-Spend the day in the garden, if you have one. If you don’t – find an Arboretum near you and plan your future garden or just enjoy the beauty of nature.

There are dozens of things you can do to slow down. The important thing is to make a commitment to taking this day to yourself and don’t let anything interrupt you. The wedding planning and decision making can wait one day.

-Penny Frulla

 

 

Wedding Tattoos – Tired or Tasteful?

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Like it or not, tattoos are on the rise!  Once reserved for the few who dared, tattoos have become the latest must have for everyone from proud parents to teachers.  Although this is hardly  surprising news, it is surprising that  there are so many people opting to display their tattoos proudly where they were once frowned upon.

Couples Tattoos – Having a tattoo of one another’s name is hardly enough. Couples are having wedding bands, portraits, or half of a verse tattooed, with the other half of the verse  tattooed on the other person. They are being labeled adorable by some, reckless by others. Of course they can always be modified…. just ask Angelina Jolie.

White Ink Tattoos – For those who prefer a more subtle approach you can select a white ink tattoo. Rather than pure white, the tattoo shows up translucent so on lighter skin it is not as visible but on darker skin is quite striking. You can thank Lindsay Lohan for starting this trend!

 

 

It takes a minimum of two weeks for a tattoo to heal completely and some sources suggest a month as an appropriate healing period. If you plan to have a  tattoo before your wedding, make sure you do it well in advance of the wedding.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

What’s In Your Purse?

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Carrying a purse or clutch on your wedding day may seem like an inconvenience but, many brides will regret  not carrying one for two simple reasons : Breath mints and touch-ups. You don’t need to carry a backpack or a large shoulder sling but, a small handbag is a must, allowing you to carry the most *essential items- the things that you will truly miss if they are not readily available.  *Not to be confused with an emergency kit which includes band-aids, static guard, hosiery, aspirin, etc.

What to carry in your wedding purse:

Mints – Not gum. Something to freshen your breath before the receiving line and after dinner. Your guests will thank you.

Lips – Lipstick, liner or gloss to perk up your pucker after so much cheek kissing. Not all lipsticks or gloss will last all night, and after dinner you will still need to look good for pictures.

Mascara – A must for your  eyes after shedding a few tears during the ceremony. Adding a few strokes of mascara will do wonders to brighten your appearance.

Visine – Another must-have for a very emotional event, or if you have allergies. 

Compact – With a mirror and a little pressed powder to a) see your face if you can’t run to the bathroom for touch-ups and b) blot your face so you won’t be shiny in photos.

Tissue – Kleenex or handkerchief, you will need something to dab your eyes at some point….or ( God forbid) blow your nose.

Body Mist – Nothing too overpowering, just something to add a nice scent when you hug or dance. The only people who should smell this are the ones you are embracing.

Who should carry your purse has been a subject of debate for a long time. Whether it is your  mother or maid of honor, you need to put someone in charge of making sure ‘no purse gets left behind’, especially since most brides don’t carry a purse during the ceremony, receiving line, pictures, or dancing. Place it next to your plate and forget about it… until you need it. Rest assured, no matter what your needs are, there is a purse out there that is just right for you.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

Worst Wedding Photos… EVER!

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Although a picture may be worth a thousand words, these example of bad wedding photography left me speechless. I am not talking about photos of the worst weddings or gowns or bad examples of themes…. I am talking about the actual photography. The pictures where a trained, professional photographer should never dare to go.

Why is the bride superimposed in the center of a rose? It may sound quaint and possibly romantic when described but, the end result is tacky and forced.

Perfectly posed looking out the window and yet, the photographer failed to notice the workmen in the background. Lets hope there was a re-take. Even still, the lighting is all wrong, along with just about everything else

One more time,  pay attention to what is going on in the background.

I’m not sure I understand the significance of the tiny groom in the shoe.Maybe someone was trying to be clever. Trying to be clever and unique is a bad idea unless you are a skilled professional.

How about a tiny little bride sitting in the groom’s hand. Even worse, there is water squirting up into her nether regions….. I don’t get it.

This man has the choice of two brides, a tiny bride and a regular sized one. Why are there two brides?

Adding ethereal backgrounds is lazy… and weird.

and why are there a bunch of roses in between the bride and groom?

 

and the winner is…………….. (drumroll, please)

A bride, superimposed on a bunch of roses, looking at herself in various poses. Is this narcissism at it’s worst (look at me) or perhaps a bad photographer who talked this woman into a photo she didn’t quite understand. I’m with her, I have no idea what this is about.

Okay, just one more…. seriously?

When you book your wedding photographer, make sure you have a clear understanding of what to expect and  their specialty.  Talk to their past clients, look through their photo albums, and if any of these photos show up, run as fast as you can!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Seating Charts Made Easy

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You are constantly being told this is your wedding and you should do things the way you want. In most cases, this is true but, when it comes to where to seat your guests, taking advice from others might be in your best interest. Use these ten simple tips to make your seating planning a breeze!

#1) Get a floor plan from the venue with the tables the way they will be arranged at your event. Make sure this floor plans hows how many seats are at each table.

#2) Don’t do anything in permanent marker, things might need to be re-arranged later. Tiny post-its or push pins is definitely the way to go.

#3) Ask both mothers or older relatives ( one from each side) to sit in on the seating plans. They will know the intricacies of some of the more difficult relationships better than you, especially if it is distant cousins or their friends.

#4) Don’t make the final seating plan until you have your final count. Moving things around too much will confuse you and you will be more likely to make mistakes.

#5) Use different color post-its for his family, your family, friends, co – workers, etc.

#6) Always start with the bridal party, then immediate family, then other family members, then relatives, then friends.

#7) Be aware of people with extremely strict political or religious beliefs whenever possible. The last thing you want is a heated debate over a touch topic.

#8) Keep a few extra seats on hand in case a guests unexpectedly shows up. this happens all the time!

#9) Try to seat all of the single people at one table. The guests who are single and choose not to bring a date will be able to mingle and meet new people.

#10) There is tons of software available for wedding seating charts – shop around and find one that works for you. But, always have a paper copy in case you lose your files.

The best tool you have when planning the seating for your wedding is common sense. That, and a sense of humor will make the whole planning process fun and easy!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago