Chalkboards are springing up everywhere. Once limited to the school environment, these are now found in hotels, houses and any other place you can think of. There is a rustic and playful touch to it, which makes it an interesting addition to any venue.
Chalkboards are the perfect choice to add a cheerful, DIY touch to your wedding too. You can use it for anything, from the wedding programs, to seating charts, place cards and even more. Not only is it one of the most inexpensive choices, it also allows you to add a personal touch to your wedding and switch it up or down, should your preferences change along the way. It is reusable, versatile and allows you to get creative. Let us explore more on how you can incorporate this interesting element into your wedding day décor, and make the most of it.
Chalkboard welcome sign and wedding program
Perfect for a shabby, chic wedding ceremony, display your welcome sign on a big chalkboard in a distressed wood frame. Handwritten displays have an endearing charm, and your guests will feel warmly welcomed to the party and feel at ease immediately, when they set sights on this welcome sign.
Chalkboard direction signs
If your venue is big, and your guests are likely to lose their way between the various locations on-site, consider using chalkboard signs to direct them to where each function is to be held. They are unobtrusive, yet noticeable, so will be the perfect addition to your décor.
Chalkboard Seating chart
Display the seating arrangements at your wedding using chalkboard. Apart from having a big board with the entire seating arrangement displayed, you can also mark the table numbers and use smaller boards as place card holders. There is an added advantage to this. Should any last minute changes in plan erupt, you can easily change it on your chalkboard. It will be minimal fuss, and easy to implement.
Chalkboard buffet dish labels
Individual mini-chalkboard display boards can be used to display the dish names at your wedding reception buffet. The same can also be employed at your dessert buffet. Choose the frame according to the rest of your décor, and you will have an interesting display element that will contribute to the overall effect of the arrangement.
Chalkboards on beverage jars
This is a great idea that has become very popular at weddings these days. Beverage jars have mini-chalkboards stuck to them, allowing the guests to write their names down when they pick their drinks. This way, the jars will not get mixed up, even after the guests return to take a sip after a round on the dance floor.
Random sayings and poems
If you are choosing chalkboard displays, you might as well go all the way. Put up a few interesting quotes and poems at random places. It will amuse the guests immensely.
Do you have any more ideas of how to use chalkboards at your wedding? If so, do let us know by adding it to the comments below. For more trends and wedding related tips and advice, continue visiting us on Best for Bride.
Bad hair days are a given evil in our daily lives. So, imagine how your wedding look would go for a toss if your hair decided to act up on the most important day of your life?
You need to look perfect at your wedding, and your hair plays an important role in perfecting your overall bridal look. So, you cannot afford to sit back and just hope it will be alright. So, what do you do?
Fear not, for we are here with help. Follow this list of DO’s and DON’Ts and rest assured, you will be able to tame your mane and sport the fantastic wedding day hair you always dreamed of.
# THE BRIDAL HAIR DO’S
Start pampering and caring for your hair months in advance
Invest time and effort into your hair, if you want it to look great in time for your wedding day. Just as you start with a skin care regimen and plan a workout to get in shape six to eight months in advance,
set aside time to care for your hair. Only then will it be able to heal, grow and glow. Simple steps like replacing your old comb with a good quality brush, disentangling knots with care and never brushing wet hair, will make a huge difference over time. Give your hair extra TLC by applying an extra nourishing hair mask suitable for your hair type, once a week. Find more practical tips on how to take care of your hair in this article at the Feminine women website.
Avoid choosing or parting your hair in a way that makes you look entirely different from how you normally are. If you do, your guests will be figuring out why you look so different, instead of focusing on how beautiful you look in your bridal attire. The best option is to go with a variation of the hairstyle in which you always look pretty. Also pay close attention to the neckline of your dress, when choosing your hairstyle. You should wear your hair up or let it down, depending on what style complements the neckline of your dress. Here are some ideas
Side-swept chignons go well with strapless gowns, single-shoulder gowns, bateau necklines and illusion style dresses
Top knots and high buns are good choices with high necklines
Braided hairstyles are pretty with sweetheart necklines and lace gowns
Retro styles and loose hairdos are the choices for modern glamorous gowns with plunging V-necklines or halter straps
Have a test run before the actual day and nail the perfect hairstyle in advance
Collect pictures of hairstyles that you would like to try before you book your appointment with the hairstylist. You can then discuss all your ideas with her. Make sure you do this well ahead of your wedding day. Be open to her suggestions. Discuss any specific ideas you have, and where pictures are available, use them to help convey a better idea of how you want to look. Once you reach a consensus on the style to try, book a trial where you get to see how it actually looks. If you aren’t satisfied with how this hairstyle looks, you still have time to explore other options. Some articles suggest you attempt three different hairstyles for your wedding day, to settle on the best one. You could schedule your trial appointment for the same day as your bridal dress fitting session, as this will allow you to get a good idea of how the two work together.
Allow enough time for your hair appointment on your wedding day
You will get a fair idea of how long it will take you to style your wedding hairdo at your trial. When planning your wedding day schedule, make sure you add an extra half-hour, just to be safe. You never know what unexpected hiccups can crop up on the day. So, prepare for it in advance, and all will be well. On this note, don’t forget to cross-check and reconfirm your appointment the day before the wedding, so your hairstylist doesn’t forget.
If you will be changing dresses after the wedding, and also changing your hairdo to go with it, make sure you will have sufficient time for it. Choose styling products that will make this easy. Also, make a list and stash everything you need to get dressed into your tote well in advance, so you don’t forget anything at the last minute.
Wear a button-down dress while styling your hair on your wedding day
In the normal scenario, you will wear your wedding gown after you finish your hair and makeup. Choosing a front-open or button-down dress for your hair appointment will allow you to change into your wedding dress without disturbing your hairstyle. Or, if you are doing your hair by yourself at home, a bathrobe works well too. In either case, you should be able to easily get out without having to touch your hairstyle or ruining it.
#THE BRIDAL HAIR DONT’S
Experiment with a new cut or colour too close to the wedding date
As I mentioned earlier, you should be preparing for your wedding day a few months ahead of the wedding. The ideal time to start planning is as soon as you buy your wedding dress. If you plan to try a drastically different haircut or colour your hair a brand new shade, make sure you do it as early as possible, so you have time to grow out of it if it isn’t something you like. The best thing to do is to get the look well in advance, and simply trim, touch up and maintain it during the days leading up to the wedding. This way, you will not be in for any nasty surprises in the hair department, on your big day.
Use heat or curling and straightening irons unless absolutely necessary, till your wedding day
Limit the use of heat and hair styling products, as these can take a toll on the natural bounce and beauty of your tresses. Your hair will have to deal with a lot of stress from curling, crimping, setting and straightening on the wedding day itself. So, minimize the damage by subjecting your hair to minimum hair treatments prior to the wedding. We perfectly understand how you will find it necessary to turn on the heat, to look perfect for all those pre-wedding photo opportunities. After all, you want to look great not just on your wedding day, but in all the pictures that make their way into your collection of wedding memories. But too much heat damage will have you stressing over your hair after you tie the knot. So, take it easy with the chemicals and heat. Don’t forget to use a heat-resistant spray and give your hair the nourishment it requires, so it can cope. Also, do your bit by drinking plenty of water and eating a well-balanced diet that will have your hair in top shape to bear this external damage.
Forget about hair accessories when planning your wedding day hairstyle
When you attend your trial hair appointment, make sure you have all your hair accessories for the day with you. This should include your veil, hair pins, combs, clips, hair extensions, flowers and anything else that you intend to wear in your hair, on an actual day. The veil is very important, as where it is placed will greatly impact your overall look. There are stunning hairstyles that work well with veils. So, if you will be wearing a veil, discuss your options with your hairdresser. Similarly, placing hair accessories like headbands at different positions on your crown can alter your look drastically. Sort this out at your trial appointment, rather than wait till your wedding day to find out. Look at pictures you find in magazines and on the internet for inspiration, and also listen to your stylist’s suggestions. Once you nail the final look, take pictures of this hairstyle from all angles, and save it for your reference. This will help clear up any confusion on your wedding day, should it happen. You also don’t want to choose a look that will seem dated five years from now. Go with classic and elegant styles and choose hair accessories that will stand the test of time. Check out this article on how to choose the best headpieces for your wedding day for some ideas to plan your wedding day look.
Overdo it; simple can also be stylish
The more you worry about how you will look on your wedding day, the more difficult it will be to find the perfect look. It isn’t necessary to have an elaborate or very complicated hairstyle to look glamorous on your wedding day. Simply polishing up your regular style, or adding a dose of bling with a gorgeous ornament, is all that is sometimes needed to create that impact. To do this easily, we suggest you try to recollect a few occasions when you looked best, and how you wore your hair at the time. Start with something similar and work out a hairstyle with your stylist, so you can enhance it even further. Comfort is also key. If you think you’ll be fiddling with your hair at the altar if you leave it down, go for a style that takes the hair away from your face instead. There are hundreds of great hairstyles that can help you achieve the look you want to while feeling comfortable as well. All you have to do is to figure out which of them will be apt for you.
Forget to pack hairspray and other touch-up essentials into your emergency kit, to keep your curls in place throughout the day
It is not just when you walk down the aisle that you ought to look great, it is all through the day. This means you may have to touch up your hair once in a while. Make sure you stash away all the necessary tools for this, in your bridal emergency kit. This includes your hairbrush, a fine comb, hairspray and bobby pins. Make sure you touch up at regular intervals, so you look fresh and your hair is intact in all your wedding pictures. Also, it is only sensible to plan your hairstyle such that it is suitable for the venue and weather. If your ceremony is held outdoors in a breezy location, allowing your locks to naturally fall may not be the best idea. So, think of all these factors when deciding on your hairstyle. If you will be changing your hairstyle after the ceremony, for the reception, practice, practice, practice! Only then will it be quick and easy to change from the first style to the second, on the day. Choose suitable styling products so this is easy to achieve.
Finally, remember that your wedding day is not all about how you look, but also about how you feel. Everything you wear or dress up in should only complement the happiness you feel in your soul on the day you marry the man you love. Keep this vision in mind, and everything will be sorted out by itself.
At Best for Bride, we are here to help you realize your vision for the perfect wedding day. Beginning with your wedding dress to your ceremony décor, invitations, wedding cake, party favours, jewelry and accessories, we have everything you require for your big day. For an unbeatable collection of beautiful hair accessories, tiaras and veils, visit us today and make your pick. You can also choose to rent your wedding jewelry and hair accessories from us, at a fraction of their original cost. Book your appointment or drop in at your nearest Best for Bride store, and see your wedding dreams come to reality in no time.
For more wedding tips and advice keep visiting us at Best for Bride.
Is it obligatory to tip every vendor at your wedding? Or is it alright to assume that the vendor charges cover their services and you needn’t add gratuities into your already-stretched wedding budget?
Wedding tipping is a tricky area, with no set rules on what is right and what isn’t. More often than not, it is up to the couple to decide whether they want to tip a vendor or not. If you aren’t really sure of what to do, this guide will help you recognize who you should tip and who you can skip.
Ground and set-up staff
These people do most of the hard work, like moving or setting up equipment and furniture at the venue. So, they deserve a tip for their efforts. You can budget roughly $10 per person. This list also includes anyone who delivers gifts or the important items from your baker, florist etc.
At your reception venue, unless you have taken an all-inclusive package, you will have to pay the staff in charge of serving wine or cutting cake, separately. In both cases, it is common practice to tip these attendants, and you can put aside roughly 15% of the food expenses for this purpose. To avoid double-tipping, check your contract for whether it includes service charges and make your decision accordingly.
Hair and Makeup
Similar to when you visit a beauty salon, these staff expect a tip for their service. How much you pay will depend on how well you think they performed the job.
Florist and Baker
It isn’t usually necessary to tip your florist or baker, as their rates normally include gratuity. One way to know whether it would be appropriate to tip the person you are dealing with is to read your contract. If it includes service charges, you do not have to tip again. Another thing to remember is that you needn’t tip a vendor who owns the service, but it is right to tip employees.
Wedding planner
It is optional to tip your wedding planner, but you can always do so if you appreciate the effort the team put in, to make your wedding a success. You can also show your appreciation by giving them a nice gift instead of cash. Don’t forget to send a thank you note to your wedding planner if you loved what they did, and make sure you do this soon after the wedding. A good review and photos for their portfolio would be nice too.
Photographers and Musicians
It is optional in both cases, but if you are happy with their service or if they exceed your expectations, don’t hesitate to tip them. Again, if the photographer is the owner of the business, you can always skip it. For the musicians, if they did a splendid job and kept the evening alive and active, you can tip them.
Apart from the customary tips, you should appreciate anyone who has made a special effort to do the job well. Don’t think of the rules if you think they did a splendid job, and also send out a thank-you note afterwards. In a business where customer satisfaction decides a vendor’s business prospects, it will be well-appreciated if you can provide them a good online review or recommend them to your engaged friends
To obtain more wedding advice and tips, and also find everything you need for your wedding, visit us at Best for Bride.
What does your wedding actually signify? Isn’t it all about the moment of being declared man and wife; of feeling excited and overjoyed in the midst of those who really love you?
Do you think that this would be better realized when you have a small and intimate wedding, where all those who attend have your best interests at heart and really mean a lot to you. This doesn’t mean that you have to limit your budget.. It is just that you can use your money better and not have to cut down on anything you wanted because it stretches your wedding budget. If you have been thinking along these lines, this post is one that will be very useful for you. So, let us get into the details of how to plan a small wedding, and do it well.
The guest list
A small wedding can be as small as you wish. The number could be 20, 50 or 100; it is up to you to decide. All you have to remember is that you should be inviting only those who personally mean a lot to you (and your families, if they are sharing the expenses).
The venue
Depending on the number of guests, choose a venue where you will be seated in such a way that everyone can mingle and meet the others. With a smaller wedding party, you can make the most of your budget by opting for a luxurious or picturesque wedding venue, instead of a huge banquet hall. For very small gatherings, you could even have one in your own backyard or garden, provided you are able to deck it up and arrange it well.
Splurge on what is most important
If you always wanted a designer wedding dress with all the works, a small wedding allows you to indulge yourself. Comments on how great you look will sound more meaningful and heartfelt, when they come from your dear and near ones, than from someone who barely recognize them. A small event also allows you to throw a lavish spread of delicious food, get better wedding favors and decorate your venue to perfection. Fix your priorities, and spend your money accordingly. If you want to hire the services of a wedding planner, the fact that you are having a small wedding shouldn’t hinder it. There are many wedding planners who specialize in small events, you just have to find them.
Handling protests
There will certainly be a few people who feel let down by your decision. Tell them this was because you were having a very small wedding, which in fact is true. You can always have a party after the wedding, when you can invite them. Keep it casual, but use it as a chance to introduce yourselves as a couple to the rest of the world. But do so, only if you really want it.
Whether you have a big wedding or a small one, don’t forget that the most important thing is that you enjoy it. For more wedding tips, advice or for all your wedding shopping needs, visit us at Best for Bride.
Recent Posts: The Best Bridal Store - Your source for everything you want to know about weddings
