How to avoid becoming a Bridezilla

Alright, now I have a bone to pick... ladies, why do some of you get SO obsessed with your weddings as to go to the point of turning into a total and utter Bridezilla?!?

Does it really matter if the the napkin shades are off a tad? Do you need to bring out the attitude just because you spotted one dirty glass? I'm not sure I will ever understand the fascination behind the obsession, but here are a few tips to avoid terrorizing everyone involved in your bridal party...

• Don't be a control freak. Yes you want to get what you pay for, but be realistic. Some things will always be out of your control and last minute - don't let these things get to you and ruin your day as well as others.
  
  

• Remember what the day is really about. It's not about the cake having the perfect amount of flowers, the dress upstaging everyone else's or any of the material things surrounding you. It is about you committing to someone else for the rest of your life and promising to always be there for them. Start being the significant other that can handle reality from day one.
  
  

• Leave your ego at the door please. Yes, this day is about you... no, you are not God. Just because you will be the center of attention does not give you the right to step on other people or belittle them. Keep your head grounded no many how many wishes, congrats and compliments you may receive. Being humble is strongly underrated.
  
  

Hope these tips and tricks help you walk down the aisle with class and grace on your big day... nobody wants to be the bride everyone remembered as



BRIDEZILLA.... (ahhhhhhhhh!)



xox



Fashionista 514

Something Blue

Now I was never one to dream about my wedding when I was a little girl. Never one to fantasize about the dress, plan out who I would invite or ponder bridesmaids... but there are four particular things that I am going to be very particular about when the day does come...

Wedding dresses I don't care much for. I see them mostly as an impractical splurge that could have been well spent elsewhere. I figure I would still do the wedding dress thing with something vintage or easy to wear after for a party or special event (It must shine again)! But the shoes... oh... the shoes... now they must have the blue soles and be Louboutin. This is a must, not a want... an actual wedding NEED!

Brides from all around have been shedding tears because Louboutin no longer releases the blue soled beauties it once did... but I have a little secret to tip you all off on...


If you order your shoes through their boutiques, you can put in a custom order for any shoe style you want! Yes ladies, you heard right - they will make your order specially for YOU! Now, if that is not the ultimate in indulgences... I really don't know what is! Just think of how amazingly this would add to your wardrobe (think jeans and a beautiful blouse)...

Second on my list of marriage "must haves" is the ring. Aye, for the fashionista something that is a permanent staple in her look must do her justice! My ring must be freakin' spectacular (my babe has been forewarned and knows the rules of my game) :P.

It is a reminder (when times are tough) of the love you have for each other and the sacrifice of salary he made to have you by his side for the rest of eternity (I think it's amazingly romantic).

Third and fourth on the docket for my nuptual necessities are the party itself. It must be only our closest friends and family, ridiculously small and at a glamorous, very Parisian restaurant. A very "steak frite"type of surrounding! No set menu, just lots of champagne, good food and even greater company :).

The most important to me though, above any material satisfaction is the vows. They must be from the heart and shared in private. For my actual ceremony I am a strong believer that a couple's love is nobody else's business but their own. When I confess my love to my future husband it will be in complete privacy (with the exception of whoever will actually be marrying us). A secret promise only meant for the two of us to know.

What are your marriage "must-haves"?

xox

Fashionista 514

Getting the Most out of a Bridal Show

(image from the 2009 Bridal Boudoir Affair)

We're often asked how to "tackle" a bridal show. It's very overwhelming for most brides as there is just so much to see, eat, try and do! Here are a few key steps that will help you make the most of a bridal show.


1. Buy your tickets for the show in advance! Shows usually offer early birds, coupons and promotions before the show, unfortunately at the door... there is no deal!

2. Don't drag your man to the show - that is unless he wants to go! A bridal show is very, how do you say, targeted to women. Although it's great to have your finance with you, if he doesn't want to go... don't drag him!

3.Bring a camera! This is a little trick we tell all our brides! If you see an idea or are inspired by the set-up, it's easier to show your planner what you want when you have pictures to accompany them!

(image from the 2009 Bridal Boudoir Affair)

4 . Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be standing almost the entire day, so you want to make sure you're comfortable.

5. Bring a pen and a pad of paper. Taking notes will help you remember what you talked about and who you spoke with. If you get a vendors business card mark a "happy face" or "sad face" if you liked or disliked the vendor - or rate the vendor with a score, from 1-10. It's a easy little trick that will help you remember who you liked!

6. Bring 1 or 2 people, but you definitely don't need to bring the entire bridal party. Having a few key people is important, but too many can make for a crowded and overwhelming experience.

(image from the 2009 Bridal Boudoir Affair)

7. Arrive early! Most of the crowds arrive mid-day. Being there early will give you more time with vendors.

8. Don't buy on the spot, but make an appointment shortly after the show. It's easy to get caught up in the moment, but sometimes those "impulse buys" will haunt you. Make an appointment with the vendor after the show.

9. Leave room for snacking, but don't go to a show starving! There are always treats, desserts, drinks and snacks at a show, but there are rarely any meals. If you tend to get hungry, bring an energy bar!

(image from the 2009 Bridal Boudoir Affair)

10. Have Fun!!! This is a once in a lifetime experience for you, enjoy the show and relax!