Tag Archives: luxury runway shows chicago 2012

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 That whole ‘virgin’ thing is obsolete now, right?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

 

Top Five Wedding Trends for 2012

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Although 2012 is far from over, it’s fun to look back over the last 9 months and see what trends really took hold and which ones are just about  to hit, and hit big!

Metallic Details – Adding a ‘Midas Touch’ to just about anything makes it look more elegant and special. Candles, Cakes, Flowers, gowns… you name it and I can find a photo of something with a spark of silver or a glimmer of gold.

Metallic detailsOld Hollywood-inspired wedding details

Pops of Metallic

Mini Pies –The perfect combination of crust and filling in a slightly larger than bite-sized portion will have your guests drooling, and asking one another “How cute is that?”

Mini pies are this year's cupcakes (Photography by crissiemcdowell.com)Adorable mini tartsMini Fall wedding desserts

Mini- Everything! – Not just the pies but, just about everything can be mini-sized, from the cocktails to the appetizers!

Mini Patrón + Mini Tacos = Mini Perfection.Tiny BitesMini wedding cakesMini = amazing! Individual champagne servings

Personal Touches –   Whether it is a cake that looks like a Gustav Klimt painting, hand detailed table numbers or unique place card holders, couples are making their wedding more personal by incorporating their taste instead of opting for ‘cookie cutter’ weddings. Its all in the details…

Gold! This opulent caramel cake was inspired by Gustav Kimt's paintings. The gilded look was made by pressing edible gold leaf onto fondant.Table Number detailsIncorporating family or cultural traditions, such as a black-eyed pea tossLocal Wedding Favors

Lighting – Statement lighting at the wedding and reception, using various forms of light to create the right mood. Flickering rope lights, overhead lanterns, candles, all forms of lighting can be used in addition to the lighting already offered by the venue to transform a space from casual to cozy or vice versa.

Statement lighting

Although very cute, the ‘mini-sized’ trend will probably come and go but, the personal touches are definitely going to be around for a very long time.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

The Great Pantyhose Debate

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Is it just me or does anyone else think the pantyhose industry is hanging on by a very thin lycra thread?? Pantyhose were all but abandoned by women in the mid-1990’s when Princess Diana showed up to an event (mid-divorce) in a  knee-length cocktail dress with a bare leg. Her fans went wild! The queen frowned, Prince Charles hardly noticed and women around the world breathed a collective sigh of relief.

I will admit, I love pantyhose. But, every situation is unique and I can tell you that there are many occasions when I am adamantly opposed to stockings of any kind…hint:  Summer 2012 was a HOT ONE!! Therefore, I can take either side of the pantyhose debate.

Situations where pantyhose or tights or stockings might be preferred : many job interviews, some offices, probably in court, maybe a funeral,possibly to meet the Queen and always if it is very cold outside.

Situations where they are not neccessary: Some job interviews, with a longer skirt, in the summer months, with open toe sandals, to meet the first lady (who rarely wears them) and never when it is 100 degrees outside.

Although there are those of us  who swear the pantyhose days’ are numbered, some say that sales are up nearly 40% from last year. This is due  (in large part) to the current Princess, Catherine, who wouldn’t be caught dead without her super sheer, nude stockings.

Kate Middleton's sheer tights

The only rule for weddings is this: If one bridesmaid wears them, everyone must wear them. For guests, it is up to each individual to decide. Iron this out early and decide if you are comfortable without, go without. But, make sure your shoes are comfortable enough to avoid blistering. On the other hand, if you feel under-dressed, wear them. To avoid looking outdated,  look for something as close to the color of your skin as possible to achieve the perfect ‘nude’  look and whatever you do – avoid suntan pantyhose at all costs (or you may be mistaken for a Hooters waitress)!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

 
 
 

 
 
 
   
   
 
 
    
 
 

 

 

Wedding Budget – The Breakdown

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Being on a budget of any kind is tough. Don’t let anyone fool you – EVERYONE is on a budget and whether it is smaller or larger in dollar value, there is an amount that everyone must stay within. The budget for your wedding is no different, it is just a little trickier.

Decide on the total dollar value you are able to spend on your wedding, and divide the finances as follows, using your preferred wedding budget template. Using a template or specific program is a must – and there are dozens available on the internet!

Remember that taxes and tips are included in the total amount:

40 Percent – Estimate to spend 40 percent of a budget on the reception venue. This includes food, beverages, staffing, taxes and tip. 

10 Percent – Ambiance. Flowers, lighting, decorations will add up quickly.

10 Percent – Music for reception; band, DJ or both.

10 Percent – Photography for the entire event. If you plan a photobooth, include it in this category.

10 Percent – Attire. Brides entire ensemble (headpiece, veil accessories, shoes), groom’s entire ensemble – head to toe.

3 Percent – Favors and gifts for guests, including all attendants’ gifts.

3 Percent – Ceremony. This includes marriage license, ceremony flowers, officiant fee,  musicians (different from reception music). This is it’s own category!

3 Percent – Invitations, save-the-date cards, table markers, guest book, place cards, gift card holder, pen that guests will use to sign the guest book, programs… are all included in this category.

3 Percent – Sweets. Cake, sweet table, individual cakes or desserts.

1 Percent – Transportation costs, bus, limousine, however you plan to get your party from point A to point B (here’s to find out more).

The last 7 percent is for ICE. No, not frozen water… In Case of Emergency. Use this money if something suddenly happens and the cost of one of your categories increases. You fell in love with  gown slightly out of your price range, there is an unexpected surcharge or corkage fee or cutting fee. Having an emergency fund  will save you a lot of aggravation.

It is important to remember that every couple’s budget may vary depending on their vendor preferences and that each couple may have different priorities when it comes to their wedding. You can set yours accordingly, borrowing a percent from one category to make up in an other.

However, there is only 100% so, make sure your figures add up!!!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

How to Spend your Wedding Budget article photo

 

 

First, Second and Third Weddings…Is There a Difference?

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With the recent gossip ( I won’t call it news) that Britney Spears is experiencing a slight case of cold feet in regard to her second (actually third) wedding, it seems like a good time to consider previous weddings. In this case, it is when one party has been married before and the other has not.

Tradition dictates that the second wedding should be less formal than your first but, lets say it’s your second wedding and  your fiance’s first trip to the altar. No matter what the circumstances were that led to the demise of the first marriage, it has nothing to do with this union. Whether it was a mutual split, or a nasty divorce, the outcome of that marriage is not to be considered when planning this wedding.

However, there are some teeny, tiny rules of etiquette you may want to consider:

If you or your partner have been married multiple times, you may want to consider a low-key affair. Realistically, how many grand scale weddings do you need? Opt for a destination wedding or something with just close friends and family.

If this is the first marriage for one of you and not for the other, make sure that you don’t miss out on the feeling that you had a wedding. Sometimes brides or grooms regret not having some sort of event to share with their friends and family. Do not ever deny your intended the joy of declaring their love for you in front of family and friends simply because you have ‘been there, done that.” Instead, explain to t hem honestly what you are feeling and work together to make it sepcial and unique.

Having a traditional bridal shower with gifts and games for a repeat bride might seem redundant. Instead, try a spa shower with manicures, pedicures and facials for only the nearest and dearest friends.

As for gifts, this is uncharted territory but, I will go on a  limb and say that anyone who has been married once or twice before probably doesn’t need very many household items. If they are registered, follow the registry exactly and do not stray from the list. Many couples are choosing a cash registry which lets them use the funds for whatever they want.

Exes. Ugh… the dreaded question of whether to invite the ex. If you have a pleasant relationship, if you have children and a pleasant relationship, you get it, right? Never invite anyone who might cause turmoil. If you and your fiance have both been married twice before, that is 4 exes and their dates that might cause a scene… 8 people who could cause potential drama. That is, unless you are all on very good terms. I can’t imagine.

The bottom line – don’t avoid having a wedding just because you already had one. But, be respectful of the situation and modify things when necessary. It is considered uncouth to host a lavish wedding when you have been down the aisle repeatedly. But, that never stopped Elizabeth Taylor or Tom Cruise, who seems to get more and more lavish with each trip down the aisle!!!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

tom cruise katie holmes wedding

 

How To Have A Great Wedding – According to Children

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A hot debate is almost guaranteed when the topic is children and weddings. Should you invite them? Should you have them in the wedding? The arguments are endless!  What no one ever considers is what the children actually think a wedding is all about. For a few laughs, I have compiled a short list of children’s quotes on weddings and marriage, including my own 10 and 12 year old’s views on the whole affair, along with some of their friend’s responses.

When should you get married?  “No person really decides before they grow up who they’re going to marry. God decides it all way before and you get to find out later who you are stuck with.” (Kirsten, age 10) Now, that’s a revelation!

What does a groom do on his wedding day? “Take a shower and put on a nice suit so I can be the best man.” (Evan, age 11) I guess the groom is the best man, after all!

What does the bride do on her wedding day? “Kiss the groom, eat cake and then put your dress on.” (Olivia, age 8 ) In that order?

What is a wedding? “Weddings are mostly when the bride walks up to the husband, they have a piano player and they say stuff about if you want to get married or not. If you say “I do” and the bride says “I do” then you are married and it’s all over.” (Frankie, age 10) Sometimes thats exactly right.

How do you plan a wedding? “You pick a best man and a flower girl and go to church.” (Jacob, age 12) Interesting… no bride?

What is the best part about having a wedding? “Everybody smells good and there is enough cake for everyone.” (Alan, age 7)  Cake is definitely a bonus.

How do you decide who you will invite to your wedding? “The groom, my kids and both of our teachers.” (Pam, age 9) Don’t forget your classmates!

Follow the advice of these kids and you are guaranteed to have a great wedding!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

 

Honeymoon – Now or Later?

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According to industry statistics, an estimated 38% of couples honeymoon immediately after the wedding, about 27% honeymoon within 3 months and the remaining 35% opt for no honeymoon at all. No honeymoon? Hard to believe but,  destination weddings add up to a whopping 19%, which leaves a small percentage of couples who are either unable or unwilling to get away.

Now – The best reason to get away immediately after the wedding is to decompress and relax. Stress has been building since the engagement and with all of the preparations and details under your belt, disappearing with your new bride or groom is about the best thing you can do if it is at all possible. The Thank You cards can wait until you get back. Or better yet … take them with you and send them with an exotic postmark.

Later – There are many reasons that couples may choose to delay their honeymoon; unable to get time off from their job or other commitment, illness in the family, or perhaps weather concerns. Be careful, waiting more than three months after the wedding causes most couples to focus on other matters that need their financial attention, like using their honeymoon fund for a new car or  a down-payment on a house.

Destination – The upside of a destination wedding is the built-in honeymoon. It is a much smaller, more intimate gathering and you will only be able to invite your closest friends and family. The down side is that only about 50% of your invitees will be able to make it.

Whether you honeymoon now, or later or choose no honeymoon at all,  a really great idea is to spend your first night as a married couple in a luxurious hotel, making sure they know you are newlyweds so you can bask in the glory of the honeymoon suite!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

 

Managing Your Finances – Together

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Many couples today are paying for their own wedding, which makes it no great surprise that they would start their new life together in debt. Debt is that nasty four letter word that no one likes, we all fear and is hard to dig yourself out of unless you are prepared.

Not surprisingly, it is how you handle the debt that determines whether you will be a) successful at removing it and b) your marriage can weather the debt storm. According to financial guru, Suze Orman, money issues play a significant role in 90 percent of divorces.

Tips on managing debt  from Suze Orman:

Budget – The purpose of a budget is to control your spending. Think of it as a diet for your bank account; you cannot charge more than you make or your debt will weigh you down.  Be honest with each other about spending and never go over budget without giving the other person a heads up.

Joint accounts – Having a joint account to pay household bills is a good idea. But, each person should have their own separate account as well.

Equal Contribution – Each person should contribute the same percent of their income to the household. If you make $100,000 per year and your spouse makes $50,000 per year, your contribution will be double. Percent is the key word. If you don’t make equal money, you can’t contribute the exact same dollar amount.

Control – You should always be allowed to control your own money. If your spouse insists that you relinquish all of your money into a joint account and you have to ask for money, this is a recipe for disaster.

In most relationships, there is one person who is a spender and one is a saver. If you can combine your strengths and weaknesses for the greater good, this is a terrific combination. If you are both spenders, you should seek financial guidance early in your relationship so you don’t become a statistic.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Jewelry For The Groom

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When you think of jewelry for the groom, you usually think of cuff links,  and a wedding band. But, for modern men there is so much more to offer …..

Nearly 40% of all men have at least one pierced ear and 28% have both ears pierced. Although they may not be interested in a pair of dangling sparklers, your wedding is the perfect occasion for a nice diamond stud.

A handsome watch does more than just tell time. It tells people you have style and class and that you care about being on time.

As with any piece of jewelry, a bracelet is a form of self expression. Large sturdy links of gold or platinum or a cuff  with clean, masculine lines, bracelets are not just for women anymore!

Looking for something a little more expressive than standard studs on your tuxedo shirt? Consider button covers. Available in many shapes, sizes, monogrammed, precious and  semi-precious stones, there is something for everyone.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Chairs – Not Just For Covering!

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For some time, chairs have been a vital part of the wedding and reception decor. Now, more than ever, brides are opting to rent beautiful chairs rather than cover up old ones with fabric, ribbon, bows, etc. Yes, you can use chair covers quite effectively and dramatically, the point is that there are so many less-fussy, original and creative chair choices in 2012, you can get just about anything you want!

Chiavari Chairs – Pronounced “kee-ah’-vah-ree” , these chairs are named after the coastal Italian town of Chiavari from which the design of the chair originates. Designed in 1807 by craftsman Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi, these chairs have become a staple at special events all over the world. What makes it so special? Design, construction and comfort. The famous chair has even been re-imagined by modern designer, Gio Ponti. Available in several colors including gold, silver, black, white and even clear lucite, these chairs are used everywhere from weddings to the White House, Grandma’s kitchen to the Grammy Awards. With this chair you will need no tulle, bows or covers, just make sure you rent the pads, too or your guests might not be as comfortable as they would like.

Wooden Folding Chairs – A beautiful white, black or wooden folding chair will make an outdoor ceremony look even better with just a touch of color. The simple fact that there is uniformity and clean lines give the overall look impact and style.

Aluminum Chairs – Having your reception in a loft or art gallery requires a special kind of chair. You will want something that speaks to the venue; chic, modern and  stylish. Consider brushed aluminum chairs, there are even some very nice options in the folding chair family that offer a casual, elegant look.

 

If you decide to rent chairs for the wedding and/or reception – always make sure you know what you are renting before you sign anything. Go to the company and touch the chairs, look at the quality, make sure it is not a copy or substitute. Cutting corners on something as simple as the chairs may seem like a good idea at first, until your guests are faced with looking at one of these:

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago