Nothing is more of a mood killer than getting hot and heavy with your new hubby, only to have him run his hand across your body and straight over an outcropping of stubble. For years women have been plucking, shaving, waxing, and tweezing only to have that pesky hair return faster and thicker than before! Thankfully, one of the newest and more technologically advanced techniques on the market today is laser hair removal. Now brides-to-be can say good-bye to their daily hair removal routines once and for all in preparation for their big day.
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective means of ridding your hair from literally any location that hair grows with the most popular areas being the legs, underarms, bikini line, and Brazilian (everything from front to back in your private region). The laser works by targeting the melanin (pigmentation) in the hair follicle and uses heat to completely destroy the root of the hair, preventing any future growth. Because of this, the most ideal candidates for this treatment are those with lighter skin tones and darker hair (so the laser doesn’t accidently target the melanin in the skin), although there are newer lasers on the market that can treat clients with all different skin tones as well. For better results, it is advisable to not have tanned skin when going in for laser treatments. Keep in mind that the laser will not work on everyone. Blonde, grey, or white hairs cannot be treated as they lack pigmentation. Since the root of the hair is destroyed, the results of laser hair removal are extremely long-lasting, though experts do not like to use the term “permanent” as the technology has not been around long enough to do accurate studies.
Plan to start your treatments several months prior to your wedding or honeymoon as you will need multiple treatments in order to achieve success. Hair grows in 3 different cycles and each hair will be in one of these 3 phases at any given time. The laser only effectively destroys the hair during one of these phases so it is necessary to have on average 6-8 treatments. Sessions are scheduled approximately 4-6 weeks apart in order to allow hair to cycle. After your laser treatment, you will see hairs beginning to fall out within the first couple weeks and significantly less and less hair will return with every session.
There are a few temporary side effects such are redness, soreness, and itchiness that may be experienced immediately after treatment but it will usually go away within a matter of hours. In very rare cases, improperly set lasers can lead to minor burns or hypopigmentation (leaving lightened splotches of skin that may take month to disappear). The importance of finding a skilled and certified laser technician and being honest when answering their questions about your ethnic background (to determine skin tone) cannot be stressed enough. The knowledge of the person performing the procedure can make the difference between a pleasurable experience and a not so good one. It definitely pays to do your research.
Many women have experienced great success with this hair removal method and some have even found it to be addictive. After all, who doesn’t want to be soft, sexy, and smooth for your big day, your honeymoon, and for the rest of your happily ever after?
Written by Sheena Irwin @ http://www.foreverlaserhairremoval.com
Do you want to get married surrounded by nature in all of its glory? If you do, you’re not alone. Many women enjoy planning outdoor weddings that take advantage of spring and summer’s balmy beauty.
Whether you’re considering a casual beach wedding or an outdoor wedding festival with all of the bells and whistles, we can help you to prepare properly and get the results you want.
Here are some tips and tricks for planning the ideal outdoor wedding celebration:
Have A Plan B
Mother Nature is unpredictable – you’ll need a Plan B to make things work at your wedding. If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, you must make sure all of your wedding flowers, decor, and seating can be moved inside quickly. Lightweight chairs, trellises, and floral arrangements will be the best choices for an outdoor wedding.
Make sure the building you choose for your Plan B is comfortable, clean, and prepared for the event. Without a Plan B, you may be subjected to sudden downpours or gusts of wind that will ruin your white wedding dress andyour wedding photos. An onset of bad weather will cause your guests, who are also dressed for a special occasion, to feel uncomfortable – and cold. No matter what the weather forecasts predict for your wedding day, be certain to have a backup plan.
A pretty indoor powder room is a must – this room should have optional heat and be well-stocked with decorative soaps, lotions, and a good, well-lit mirror. The comfort of your wedding guests should be priority one, no matter where you are.
Many photographers are versatile – however, you should definitely look for a photographic artist that specializes in working outdoors. To get wedding photos you’ll treasure forever, explain to a photographer exactly where the wedding will take place – also let them know your backup plan, and what type of lighting will be available indoors. Look at sample photos – does the photographer create the poignant, dreamy feel you want for your wedding photos. Pictures should be crisp, vibrant, but still romantic. Your bridal dress and bridal jewelry should be in the spotlight.
The skill of your photographer will have a great impact on whether or not you enjoy looking at your outdoor wedding photos. Ask a potential wedding photographer what tools and tricks he or she will use to get perfect results. Shop around and be sure to take any advice about doing your hair and makeup to get premium results while posing outside in your wedding gown.
You may want to find some nice props – such as a vintage garden bench or trellises. Your photographer may have some props he or she can bring along to get a variety of fun effects. Ask the wedding photographer to experiment with different backdrops that expose the beauty of your chosen locale.
Create an Atmosphere
Are you planning a wedding at a resort in the mountains? Time your ceremony to take advantage of the splendor that is all around you. There will be peak times each day (such as late afternoon or sunset) when the background will be at its most stunning. If you’re at the beach, consider the tides and plan accordingly. Once you’ve set a time for your wedding, add some fun elements to your wedding decor.
Wedding flowers that echo that environment should be chosen – wildflowers will work well for fields, parks, and mountain areas. Classic roses will be ideal for an ornamental garden or manicured park. If you’re in the country, rustic wooden chairs may work well for guest seating – daisies and grosgrain ribbons can be tied on for a touch of homespun beauty. Creating a mood and a special atmosphere can be easy when you know exactly what sort of ambiance you want to create.
Choose The Menu Carefully
When dining outdoors, certain foods and beverages can amp up the mood. Roasting meats will smell heavenly, and they are always easy to prepare outside. Side dishes can be served family-style at each table or stored in chafing dishes, buffet style. Fresh salads with homemade vinaigrette will add lightness to a heavier meat entree – these two dishes will give a menu proper balance.
Crisp, white wine, and cold champagne can be lovely on a warm spring or summer day. Seafood can spoil easily, as can side dishes with eggs or mayonnaise. Consider your refrigeration needs when you decide on a menu – the last thing you want is guests becoming ill from food spoilage. To make things pretty, line up picnic tables and cover them in white table linens – add good flatware and glasses, as well as floral centerpieces. You must still create a luxurious feel, even if your wedding feast is an old-fashioned barbecue.
Add spring or summer beauty to wedding cakes by choosing styles adorned with bright, cheerful flowers…
With these tips, you can begin to plan an exciting and memorable outdoor wedding. Once you’ve found a bridal boutique and chosen bridal rings and wedding dress, you can use their style and details to decide on the right mood and atmosphere for your outdoor wedding. Wedding dresses and wedding veils should be chosen with the climate and background in mind. Your bridesmaids dresses should also be comfortable and appropriate for the time of year and expected temperature.
Last week, we looked at some lovely bridal styles for the first six zodiac signs…this week, we’ll check out beauty and fashion tips for Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, & Pisces. If you love fun, lighthearted horoscopes, you’ll enjoy learning more about your Sun Sign and how you can use it to look beautiful at your wedding.
Libra – Your wedding day will be very important to you – for romantic Libra, having a partner is truly one of the most important things in life. Your style is refined, a little delicate, and generally quite feminine (at least for special occasions). For you, choosing the right bridal gown, bridal rings, and wedding accessories will be a pleasure – however, you can be indecisive – making a final choice can actually be very difficult for you. When selecting a white wedding dress, remember that you are the type of woman who seeks out elegance – Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady may be a fashion icon of yours (post-makeover by Henry Higgins, of course!). Seek out a little Hepburn-inspired beauty by choosing a stylish wedding gown that is embellished and adorned with a host of glamorous details. You’ll be less inclined to overdo with makeup – in general, Libra ladies have clear skin, regular features, and plenty of natural beauty. The colors of Saint Valentine are magical for you – use cherry-red or sweetheart-pink blush and lipstick to add a little vibrant color to your face. Libra women may get too creative with up-dos and artistic hairstyles – remember, sometimes simplicity really is more beautiful. Celeb Libras – Gwen Stefani, Sarah Ferguson (Fergie, ex-Duchess Of York)
Scorpio – Passionate, sexy Scorpio women run on desire and ambition – and they are generally very loyal people. For you, your wedding day will represent a deep tie with your partner – one that you treasure and respect. Looking beautiful on your wedding may be easier for you than for many other women – you have natural confidence and the sort of presence that can be quite regal. To make the most of your attributes at your wedding, consider adding a touch of burgundy or deep ruby red to your wedding outfit. A bouquet of rich, red roses, and a necklace featuring glittering garnets can be lovely choices for you. Rich reds and burgundies are your magic colors – they capture your essence beautifully, and they will work very well with a snow white wedding dress. You may not want to be the typical traditional bride – some Scorpio women are quite low-key, but others are very daring with regard to their wardrobes. Whether you want to experiment with ultra-modern styles, corseted bridal gowns, or tried-and-true, traditional wedding dresses and veils, you will ultimately want a wedding gown that feels like “you”. After all, you want to wear the dress – the dress shouldn’t wear you! Your hair doesn’t have to be very fancy – but do consider a style that isn’t too severe. Adding softness to your distinct features with a feminine hairstyle and the right makeup will work wonders for you. Treat yourself to a spa day before you marry – soak, steam, and polish in a luxe environment. Go for a pretty manicure in your magic color – OPI‘s Chick Flick Cherry will be perfect for you! Celeb Scorpios – Demi Moore, Katy Perry, Vivien Leigh (Gone With The Wind)
Sagittarius – Blunt, outgoing, sporty and free-spirited, you love to party with friends and family. For you, a wedding will be a spiritual celebration that is also filled with fun, music, dancing, and great food. You may want to avoid too much formality at your wedding – the breezy “destination wedding” was created with Sag in mind! Many Sag brides-to-be would rather get married on the beach, with their toes in the sand…the outdoors energize this Sun Sign. For Sag ladies, bridal gowns should be glamorous, but comfortable. Body-conscious styles will appeal to you – you’re not usually very shy, and you do like to show off your figure. Wearing your hair down will be a great choice at your wedding – Sag women look beautiful with loose waves or long, sleek blowouts. Be careful not to overdo your makeup – occasionally, a Sag bride-to-be will wear far too much makeup! In most cases, the Sag woman just doesn’t need a lot of paint anyway. A touch of bronzer, a glossy, warm pink lipstick, such as Estee Lauder’s Pure Color Lipstick in Pink Parfait, and a little mascara can be more than enough. Eating well and exercising before your wedding will ensure you look your best – exercise and moderation are of great benefit to your sign, which can be an excessive one. Celeb Sag Ladies – Christina Aguilera, Christina Applegate, Teri Hatcher.
Capricorn – You are an organized, capable lady – you believe in social decorum, even if you are sometimes a little more rebellious behind closed doors. For you, a wedding is an opportunity to value family traditions and rituals – your heritage will be also be celebrated as you walk down the aisle. Family is very important to you – you will want your loved ones to feel comfortable at your ceremony and reception – you’ll follow all of the “rules” to make this happen! Picking out a filmy, romantic veil, a subtle, sophisticated wedding dress, and all the right wedding accessories will be fun for you – after all, you are quietly very romantic. Many Cap women are blessed with lovely bone structure – they can be stunning brides who are beautiful in a way that is very timeless. Make the most of your lovely nose, cheekbones, lips and eyes, by pulling back your hair and putting the focus on your stunning face. Simple hair will look wonderful on you – makeup can be subtle – in fact, you prefer to be understated. Earth tones and dark shades are often popular with this Sun Sign – however, they will not work for your wedding. Embrace your femininity by choosing makeup that is natural, but still rosy and feminine – a little Benetint on your cheeks and lips, a touch of clear lip gloss, and perhaps a bit of black eyeliner and mascara on your top lashes only will give you classic beauty that is still festive. A slip dress with simple lines may be very appealing to you, but it should be conservative – you will not want to show too much skin on your wedding day. Celeb Capricorns – January Jones (Mad Men), Kate Moss, Christy Turlington
Aquarius – Innovative and analytical, you seek out new information, experiences, and ideas every day. Your bold approach to life can occasionally lead you down some unusual pathways! Aquarius women usually grow up feeling “different”, then begin to embrace their individuality as they get older. For you, being “yourself” is key – you will enjoy originality in wedding design, hairstyles, bridal rings, and makeup. However, the Sun is weak in your sign – your self-image may be a tad shaky now and then. For Aquarius brides-to-be, it’s important to find perfect wedding dresses and accessories – anything that boosts your confidence and makes you feel beautiful will be worth the investment. You’ll go for modern, high-fashion details, or else seek out a romantic princess look that is inspired by your dreams and ideals. Whatever you choose should include a headpiece, tiara, or veil that draws attention to your eyes – they will always be your best feature. In general, Aquarius women look best with their hair down and full – chances are, you already have a distinct hairstyle that is unique. Pure, bright colors will flatter you – add a touch of cobalt blue or violet to your makeup, bridal rings, necklace, earrings, and wedding bouquet. For a touch of modern glamor, add a line of long-wearing gel eyeliner to your top lashes – Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner in Denim Blue will be perfect.
Pisces – The Pisces bride-to-be is totally feminine – she’ll look best in classic designs that work with an hourglass figure and soft, womanly features. Many Pisces women have lovely, jewel-like eyes, and they look wonderful in good jewelry that features shimmering gemstones. Bridal rings, earrings that catch the light, and glam pendants were made for this type of bride. For the Pisces woman, a wedding is a joining of two souls – she may be more interested in this deep commitment than in the details and planning phase of her wedding. However, she will always want to look beautiful on her big day. Lavender, soft violet, and sea-green are magical colors for the changeable, intuitive Pisces woman – nothing should be too bright or modern. This type of bride may want a bridal gown with vintage details – anything “old Hollywood” or fairytale-inspired will appeal to her. A lace dress may be very appealing for the Pisces bride – it will capture her feminine spirit perfectly. Earrings with aquamarines, pearls, or amethysts will draw attention to her eyes. Lips should be deep rose (try Clinique lipstick in Raspberry Glacé), or pale pink – eyes should be played up with smoky plum liner. Hair should be soft, and not too sculpted. Gentle tendrils, ringlets, or soft waves will look perfect. The Pisces bride should carry a bouquet of wildflowers… Celeb Pisces – Elizabeth Taylor, Carrie Underwood, Rihanna
Classic beauty never goes out of style – if you’ve always longed for a traditional wedding with all of the bells and whistles, you’ll need a wedding gown that is truly timeless.
Traditional brides keep it classy – nothing is too flashy, bodices don’t dip too low for good taste, and wedding shoes, veils, and accessories are simple and elegant.
If you’re looking for tips on becoming the most classic, lovely bride you can be, you’ll enjoy our quick guide to timeless beauty for today’s traditional brides:
Rituals And Traditions Will Add Meaning To Your Wedding
Today, traditional brides always choose white bridal gowns – this ritual began in Victorian England, and it was instituted by Queen Victoria, who believed in the purity and angelic symbolism of pure white.
Other early 19th century rituals were also taken into account before brides-to-be selected their wedding dresses – for example, it was considered unlucky to marry in a gown you made yourself. The truly traditional bride will always choose a bridal dress created by someone else…
If you dream of a very traditional wedding day, the charming custom of wearing “something old and something new, something borrowed, something blue” should also be a part of your wedding rituals.
Something old symbolizes your old life as a single woman…and something new illustrates your journey into a new life as a married woman.
Something borrowed echoes the influences of your friends and family…something blue is derived from ancient Jewish wedding traditions…this soothing color is believed to be a symbol of faithfulness in love…
English brides in the Victorian Age also put a silver coin (sixpence) in their shoe…this tradition was believed to bring good luck and material success to the new couple after their wedding…
Traditional Beauty Is Simple And Feminine…Never Overdone…
Creating traditional beauty in your wedding ensemble can be as simple as wearing a circlet of wildflowers in your hair…brides in the Emerald Isle followed this ritual for centuries.
If you prefer a classic veil, you may enjoy knowing that it is symbolic of chastity! The first wedding veils worn in ancient Greek ceremonies were yellow – in Rome, they were red!
Simple makeup and soft, touchable hair are the hallmarks of the classic bride – whether you hair is worn up or down – both styles are quite traditional – it should be classic and feminine.
Don`t wear too much powder – keep your skin youthful and dewy with a great moisturizer…blotting papers are a cute, and very traditional, way of cutting shine without adding more powder!
Look at works of art from online gallery tours – women of previous centuries were always captured while showing off flowing curls, luminous skin, and natural beauty.
A fake spray tan may look great at the beach, but it won’t really evoke classic beauty at your wedding. It’s all about making the most of your natural hair texture and your God-given coloring!
Embrace your own beauty with a classic wedding gown, elegant veil, and dainty wedding bands.
Other Fun Wedding Traditions To Enjoy
Today, many brides also follow the ritual of not being seen by their groom-to-be before the wedding – being spotted by your future husband before you walk down the aisle is thought to be bad luck.
In certain cultures, a ritual bath is practiced by brides before they are dressed in their wedding gowns – this cleansing ceremony is believed to purify the bride-to-be before her marriage.
Plan Your Trousseau
This fun tradition is French in origin – the word trousseau mean “bundle”. Your trousseau is a special set of clothing and accessories, designed to be worn on your honeymoon. If you’re interested in wedding rituals, you’ll truly enjoy filling a trunk or suitcase with a “bundle” of new items! This may not be as wonderful as finding perfect wedding dresses, but it can still be very fulfilling! Traditionally, the bundle may also include some new items for the home…
We hope you’ve enjoyed this look at traditional bridal rituals. Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life…if you value the rituals of the past, add in some of them to your own wedding day. You’ll connect with history and symbolism as you prepare to start a whole new chapter in your life!
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