Great Ideas Welcomed!!

Have a great idea, wedding, or tip?

Feel free to e-mail us at: lovelydayweddings@gmail.com

Please, include the following in your submissions:

• Your name / Your fiancé’s name / Date and Location of the Event.
 
• 10-30 professional images that you feel showcase the feel of  your wedding day.
 
• We love to hear about about your favorite moments of your big day.
 
• Please list all applicable vendors. We must have a photography credit to consider your wedding for publication.
 
• Submissions can include:
• Style
• DIY projects
• Bridal showers
• Photography
• Themes
• Color palettes
• Accessories
• Bridal gowns
• Bridal parties
• Cultural traditions

We hope to hear from you soon,

 Have a lovely day,
M. M.

 

 

Let the Planning Begin!!

 

Timeline for planning your wedding

Time to get organized!

Planning a wedding, working full-time, maintaining a relationship and (having some me time!) can become overwhelming and stressful for most brides.  Therefore, the ideal timeline for planning a wedding is usually around one year.  This doesn't mean that a wedding can't be planned in a shorter period of time, it just means that you will need to be more flexible with your wedding vision and budget.  Weddings can be planned in a month, if need be, but once wedding vendors are aware that you are under a strict deadline, they are less likely to negotiate prices, and the services they are providing may be limited due to availability.

 

Once, you and your fiance decide on the type of wedding ceremony (religious, non-religious, inter-faith) you would like, and the estimated number of guests you want to invite.  You will find that other items off your to-do-list tie in naturally, the key is not to get overwhelmed, and try to do everything at once!  Create a weekly checklist of wedding tasks to accomplish, and just focus on those items each week.  This way you are getting things done, while having time to focus on other responsibilities and priorities.

 

 

 

Here is a wedding to-do list:

• Decide on the vision for your wedding (colors, theme, size, formal/informal) and budget
• Dates that work for the bride/groom and their families
• Location (local/destination)

• Reserve ceremony space and officiant
• Decide which cultural traditions will be observed

• Research reception spaces in your area
• (Try using www.theknot.com, www.weddingchannel.com, www.weddingwire.com )
• Consider:
• Wedding size, theme, style, indoor/outdoor, and budget

• Reserve your reception space

 

• Compile guest list/send out save-the-date cards

• Decide on whom you would like to include in your wedding party
• Make sure they are available on that date, and willing to participate in the wedding
• (Being a bridesmaid can be quiet a financial commitment, some friends may not be able to commit for that reason) 

• Start shopping for wedding gown/bridesmaids dresses

• Reserve entertainment for your reception
• Reserve ceremony musicians (if necessary)

• Research and order invitations

• Research and reserve a photographer/videographer

• Remind the groom to reserve his tuxedo rental/Purchase his suit
• The groom should help the groomsmen purchase/rent their suits/tuxedos

• Reserve wedding day transportation

• Plan the rehearsal dinner

• Plan and reserve honeymoon travel plans

•  Search for an apartment or a home
• Beginning a marriage in a new place, helps establish the beginning of a new chapter in the couple's lives

 

• Purchase wedding favors/accessories

• Guest book
• Candles
• Flower girl baskets
• Bubbles/rice (for send-off)
• Wedding programs
• Runner
• Bridal party gifts

• Create a rough timeline for the wedding day, and share with your wedding vendors
• Confirm all wedding orders with vendors (at least 2 weeks before the wedding)

• Assign wedding day tasks to bridesmaids/family/wedding coordinator 
• If, family/friends or a wedding coordinator is available to take care of last minute details, then try to utilize them, so you can enjoy your big day!

• Enjoy your wedding day!!!

• Send Thank you notes
• Typically, you have up to 6 months after the wedding to send them out

 Hopefully, this wedding list is helpful in getting your wedding planning started and organized. 

 Have a lovely day,

 

M.M.

Photo Credits:

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/myeye/458651355/">MyEyeSees</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a>

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thingsarebetterwithaparrott/6637028933/">Sarah Parrott</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">cc</a>

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/notmargaret/3519291659/">notmargaret</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a>

http://www.flickr.com/photos/colonnade/2320010846/">colonnade</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a>

http://www.flickr.com/photos/totcupcakes/5213174625/">totcupcakes</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a>

http://www.flickr.com/photos/surrealis_uk/3659808455/">surrealis_uk</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Hot Trends for 2013!!

Runway Trends Crossing in to Bridal
Romantic Pastels, Ravishing Reds, and Textures Galore!

Here are some of the runway looks that will be rocking bridal fashions this season:



• Sheer, airy fabrics

• Lots of texture everywhere!! Beading, layers, flowers, petals, ruffles . . . Oh my!

• Classic Valentino red is all over the red carpet and runways

• Lace, lace and more lace!!

• Black and white tuxedo inspired gowns

• Silver and gold embroidery and floral appliqués

Giambattista Valli Spring Couture 2013

Christophe Josse Spring Couture 2013

Zuhair Murad Spring Couture 2013



Sneak Peak of things to come!

The fall 2013 runways are showing signs of a changing tide!! 

It looks like minimalism might be making a comback in a big way!  Dresses are simpler with less to no detail, and the focus is more on the draping and manipulation of the fabrics.

Hope you enjoyed this trip down the runway,

Have a lovely day,

M.M.

Photo Credits:
Brazil Models: http://skylines.io/pictures/BrazilModels_-paris-haute-couture-s-s-2013-viviorth_real-on-the-runway-for-zuhair-murad-c037df91-3c2d-459b-b585-6adc652d15bd

Delortae Agency: http://skylines.io/pictures/DelortaeAgency-elie-saab-spring-2013-4dagirlz-luxury-authentic-delortaeagency-designer-fashion-fashionweek-runway-c81f4ddc-571b-4168-9c0a-1a7bb5a6e342

http://instagram.com/p/U1JmjvCeSF/
Stylavie: http://twitter.com/Stylavie/status/294019853977804800/photo/1
http://skylines.io/pictures/2Cute2beShy-valentino-spring-couture-2013-runway-fashion-highend-valentino-chic-92806017-fd04-4b62-a7f0-b141916b7647
http://skylines.io/pictures/iLoveYouGagaloo-sobs-christophe-josse-s-s-2013-couture-runway-details-3822a479-1aaa-4a8c-8f92-ce7ac0d568d1

*This blogger is not the creator nor takes credit for the photography included in this blog.  These images are not owned or claimed by this blog.  These images are provided through http://skylines.io/. and the respective parties.  The links above are provided in order to comply with Creative Commons Lincensing Regulations.

Color Color Color!!

Color Inspiration

“Color is my daylong obsession, joy, and torment.” ~Claude Monet

Photo Credit: Ben Ying Photography http://www.benyingphotography.com/

 

 

Picking the colors of your wedding is one of the more enjoyable aspects of planning a wedding or an event.  The colors set the tone of the event, and sometimes brides use them to compliment a theme or feeling that they want to express in their special day.  Don't know what I'm talking about?  Pay close attention next time you attend a wedding, and you'll notice that most hosts try to coordinate flowers, favors, candles, tablecloths, and streamers, etc.  Brides usually pick their favorite colors, or colors that compliment the season of the event, the reception hall, or have a special meaning to the couple (Ex. their Alma Mater.)  Over the years, runway trends heavily influenced weddings, so every year there is usually an "it" color that you'll see being used by many brides.  All though, there are some colors that are considered classic wedding colors, and are used year after year.  The most popular wedding colors by far are: purple and blue.  Why?  These two colors are universally flattering, no matter what your skin tone is, and there are so many wedding items for sale in these colors.  Not to mention, no matter what season you are getting married in, these colors can be used, depending on the accent color you choose to use alongside them.

 

Not sure where to start in choosing a color scheme for your event? 

Here are some tips:

• When is your event being held?

• Here are some suggestions:
• Summer & Spring:
• Bright, cheerful colors (orange, yellow, red, green, blue, aqua, pink)
• Winter & Fall:
• Muted colors, deep, rich, royal colors (maroon, charcoal gray, black, emerald green, burnt orange, deep purple, soft pinks, silver gray, navy blue, gold, chocolate brown)
   

• What are some of your favorite colors?

 

• Are there any culturally significant colors?

• For example, in some Asian cultures, the color red is considered good luck!
• Some Indian cultures see the color white as a color of mourning
• Middle Eastern cultures tend to see the color black as a color of mourning
• European cultures used to view the color purple as a color that signifies royalty
• Many of these cultural views of color have changed over time, and in some cases become obsolete.  Today, it depends on how traditional the bride, groom, and their families want the event to be.

• What are the colors of your event space?

• This is important to consider for the pictures

• How formal/informal/elaborately decorated is your event space?

• This is something most brides forget to consider, but if your event space is filled with color, gold-gilded accents, or lots of artwork; then, it is best to keep your color scheme simple, basic, and elegant, to showcase your space. 
• You don't want busy, colorful floral centerpieces and bright accents to compete with the beauty of the space.  Too many competing factors distract the eye, and create an overwhelming effect.

• Your color scheme should complement the theme or feel of your event space

• Modern: Monochromatic floral arrangements of the same flower make a great modern impact, and can be very budget friendly!  Also, floral sculptures can create a central focus in the space 
• Romantic: lush, softly-colored florals that look like they have been picked from a garden surrounded with lots of candlelight and petals
• Traditional: Usually, one bold color with an accent color.  For example, blue and white.  Floral arrangements can be high or low accompanied by petals, crystals, or glass beads
•  Bohemian: Bright, deep colors, plus eclectic accents or collected antiques
• Glitz and Glamor: a growing trend is all-white weddings with different shade of whites and ivory with silver or gold accents, and lots of sparkle!

Don't forget, at the end of the day, it's YOUR wedding, so have fun, and pick the colors that make YOU and YOUR PARTNER happiest!!

 

 Have a lovely Day!

M.M.

Love is in the Air!!

New Year, New Ring??!

So, the holidays are over, everyone has either packed up their Christmas tree and holiday decor (or is pretending to not see it sitting there in the corner, because they know they're procrastinating!) 

Just sayin'! 

 

The holidays are not only the time of year to be merry and spend time with family and friends, but they are also "Engagement Season."  Seriously, how many engagement announcements/posts have you seen on Facebook, Twitter, etc. In the past two months?   The holidays have a way of helping people take stock of their lives, assess their relationships, and show their loved ones how much they care about them.  I love hearing stories of friends' proposals, especially the "ring in a gift box under the Christmas tree" story. . . Not wholly original, but gets me every time!

 

If, you're one of the lucky ladies that was engaged over the holidays, congratulations!!! You are officially a bride!!  Take a couple of weeks to bask in the glow of your ring, love, and attention from friends and family.  After, you recant your love story to friends and family, the next question is guaranteed to be: "When is the wedding?" 

 

For that question, may I offer the suggestion of the simple reply:"We are enjoying our engagement right now, but we will start planning the wedding in the coming year." 

This response is polite, informative, and general enough to allow you time to plan as you please.

After you've enjoyed your newly-engaged glow, there are some major decisions that you need to talk over with your partner. 

Here is a list of post-proposal decisions:

• Do you want to have an Engagement Party?
• How informal/formal do you want it?
• What is your budget for the party and other wedding related events?

• Do you want to send out an Engagement Announcement/Save-the Date?

• When do you want/able to get married?
• Consider work, familial, financial obligations

• What is your wedding budget?
• Who will be paying for this wedding?

• Where will the wedding/reception be held?

• How many people (roughly) do you anticipate inviting to the wedding? 
• *Very important to discuss with your partner, because it affects all other wedding related decisions

I know, it may seem a little overwhelming at first, but as you discuss these general outlines for your wedding with your partner, you will begin to have a clearer idea of what both of you want for the big day.

Have a Lovely Day!
M.M.

 

Our delicious cake for the Engagement Party!! 

(The Bakery took the liberty of adding flowers to my design)

         (Can you spot where one of our little guests couldn't resist having a taste of the cake before the party?)

Hello Lovelies!!

Hey There!

Thank you for stopping by!  This blog is for the wedding obsessed or wedding clueless who would like to get some inspiration, ideas, and tips on wedding planning.  I have loved weddings since the first wedding I attended as a flower girl.  Even, before I was in a relationship, I could not resist picking up a wedding magazine here and there and catching up on the latest in wedding fashions and ideas.  I got married a couple of months ago, and after an extensive two years of wedding planning, I thought I would never want to see another wedding related thing EVER!  But, friends and family who enjoyed our wedding called, texted and messaged for advice, tips, and ideas for their events, and that got the ball rolling on this blog.  I hope you enjoy reading it, as much as I love writing it.  Also, feel free to share your opinions, ideas, comments and WEDDINGS!!!

Have a lovely day!
M.M.

     One of my favorite moments of our wedding day!

 

    credits:
     Photography:  http://www.jasonkaczorowski.com/