10 Things To Do Once You Are Engaged

First, a Congratulations is in order! This is not only a special and unique time in one’s life; it is also a somewhat hectic and whirlwind process. However, do not worry! The lovely interns here at Paisley Events are here to help you so that even in the moments after you say yes and the ring is slipped on to your finger it can be as stress-free as possible. You should be able to just relax and enjoy this special time and not worry about all the planning and let that to-do list get out of control.

Therefore here is a list of the top 10 things you should do as soon as you get engaged.

1. Get A Manicure

You have this new sparking, absolutely stunning accessory adorning your left hand now, and its guaranteed to attract a lot of attention here in the near future. Whether it is from the attention of all of those around (“Oh, let me see that ring!”) or the numerous pictures to be taken in the near future, it is important that your hand looks just as nice. You would not want to embarrass yourself with chipped, and unpolished nails. Therefore you should get a manicure, regardless if it is from a professional or an at-home polish, to make sure that your hands and nails are in tip-top shape.

2. Settle On A Budget

You need to decide upon a budget and rather early on. Whether it’s you, your fiancé, his parents or yours, it needs to not only be discussed, but finalized to the last cent in order to maintain positive relations with everyone. No one wants to feel pressured or uneasy with all the planning, and having a clear, set budget is one way of decreasing potential tension that is sure to ensue.

3. Sign Up For Sale Alerts

There are so many details that go in to a wedding, from the accessories to the honeymoon packages. However it is important to keep in mind that all things go on sale! So make sure that you sign up for any alerts that might be of use so that you can save as much money as possible.

4. Insure Your Ring

Make Sure You Do This! God forbid anything ever happen to that now precious accessory, but accidents do happen and because of that this is a necessity! If your fiancé has not done it already, make sure this is done immediately. The jeweler where it was purchased should refer you to certified insurers. Also, make sure to ask the jeweler for an appraisal slip because this will be used to determine its value. Your fiancé spent a lot of time and money picking out the perfect ring; therefore you shouldn’t risk any potential damages or loosing it. I cannot stress this enough, make sure you get your ring insured!

5. Sign Up For Pinterest

As you can probably tell from most of the other posts, Pinterest is a huge source of inspiration! It has pictures and ideas from everything from food and fitness to wedding and décor. It is by far the biggest resource for wedding ideas. Everything from your dream dress, to DIY favors, to mouth-watering cakes and everything in between can be found. It is by far a great tool and can be considered a brides best friend!

6. Have ‘The Money Talk’ With Your Fiancé

The wedding budget conversation is not the only money centered conversation necessary. You are creating a family now and you two will also need to hash out all the logistics that come along with merging bank accounts. The saying “what’s yours is mine” is not as simple as it sounds.

7. Sign Up For Trunk Show Alerts

Everyone dreams up their perfect dress for their wedding day. Whether it’s princess-like ball gown or a sleek and elegant evening gown, your checkbook will thank you for signing up for local trunk shows. By following your local bridal boutique on Facebook and referring to a regional bridal magazine for a list of the designer trunk shows in your area, you will be able to go, see and touch all the most recent designer gowns – straight off the runway.

8. Choose A Diet Plan & Start It

It is common for brides to want to look their absolute best on their wedding day. Not only do they want to look great in all the pictures that will forever be timeless reminders of the day that they said “I do”, they also want to feel their absolute best. To do this however, many plan to lose weight. Keep in mind; the worst thing to do is to wait until the last minute and crash diet. Therefore you should start as soon as possible. If you plan on dieting you need to pick an appropriate and well-fitting plan and make sure to stick with it! This is the best way to not only achieve your ultimate goal, but to look and feel your best.

9. Pick A Location

The location – city and venue – is the most important decision you will make in the wedding planning process. Everyone will have an opinion about where you should get married and where the reception should be held. Therefore it is important to get this discussion started as soon as possible.

10. Hire A Planner

It does not matter how great of a planner you are or that you are extremely Type-A and organized. The wedding planning process is hectic and a job in itself. Very few people have the time and patience necessary for such a grueling process. Which is why you should leave it to the professionals, like those here at Paisley Events! J You want your wedding day to be relaxing and stress-free. Without a planner you are almost guaranteed to be stressed and worried about all the details on your big day instead of focusing on the more important things at hand. Hiring a professional who does this for a living, allows them to worry about the details not only throughout the planning process, but on the day of as well. Trust me, it will be money well spent!

I hope this helps and makes the beginning stages of the engagement and wedding planning process as easy as possible! Once again, Congratulations! This is a very special time so make sure you stop and enjoy the moment!

xox Lauren

Inviting Disney Characters

I came across this the other day while I was on Pinterest, and I thought it was an absolutely adorable idea. Growing up watching Disney Princess movies and other various Disney related shows, it would be an understatement to say that I was and still am a huge Walt Disney fan. Something about each princess finding their Prince Charming and all those catchy songs sold me on the collection early on. Therefore when I came across this I found it to be a great idea and I just had to share with the other Disney fans out there!

Apparently, if you send Mickey and Minnie and/or Cinderella and Prince Charming a wedding invitation they will each send back their own response.

Mickey and Minnie send back an autographed photo and a “just married” button.

Cinderella and Prince Charming send back an autographed congratulatory certificate.

Here are their addresses if there are any readers who are interested J

Mickey and Minnie Mouse

The Walt Disney Company

500 South Buena Vista Street

Burbank, California

91521

AND

Cinderella and Prince Charming

P.O. Box 1000

Lake Buena Vista, Florida

32830

What do you guys think of this? Would you send these classic Disney figures a wedding invitation?

xox Lauren

Proper Attire

This week I decided to do a post not only relevant to those of you planning a wedding, but also for those readers out there who have ever been invited to an event and not known or completely understood, the required dress code.

We all know those words “black tie” or “black tie optional” can be extremely daunting. What should you wear? What will everyone else be wearing? And of course, everyone’s greatest fear – not wanting to look out of place. Well do not worry! You can sleep soundly tonight. I have compiled an extensive list of all the different types of dress codes so that you can be prepared for an event of any type, regardless of the dress code.

White Tie

Probably the least likely to appear, however nonetheless important, are the words “White Tie”. As the most official dress code of them all, White Tie is often used for events such as Charity Balls, Royal Events, Nobel Prize Award Ceremonies, State Dinners, Debutante Balls and Academy Awards Ceremonies.

Women: - Evening Gowns (ankle or floor length) should be worn

-       Shoes should match the gown

-       Jewelry should be appropriate (all your fancy diamonds are the perfect choice!)

-       Clutch bag

-       Gloves are optional but should be either white or coordinated to gown and should be Opera length

Men: - Black Tailcoat with matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid

-       White Vest and Shirt with piqué wing-collared with stiff front

-       White bowtie

-       Gloves should be white or gray

-       Studs and Cufflinks should both be white

-       Finally black dress socks and patent shoes

Black Tie

Usually used for an evening event after 6:00pm. Although Black tie is less formal than White Tie, it is more formal than informal or Business Casual. Events that would call for such dress could range from a particularly fancy wedding or event to other formal social gatherings or galas.

Women: - Dresses vary from Short Cocktail length to long, and elegant Evening Gowns (can vary in color)

-       Shoes should match your dress

-       Jewelry should match/ compliment the dress/ outfit

-       Purse should be minimal – Clutch or small bag would suffice

Men: - Black tuxedo jacket with matching trousers

-       Formal white pique or pleated front shirt

-       Black bow tie

-       Black cummerbund to match tie or a waistcoat

-       Suspenders are optional

-       Black patent leather shoes and black dress socks

-       White pocket handkerchief

Black Tie Optional

When an invitation says “Black Tie Optional” it means that the host of the event is giving their guests the option of wearing a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie. Although the invitation does say “optional” it is usually a clue as to the formality of the event.

Women: -Dresses vary from Short Cocktail length to long, and elegant Evening Gowns (can vary in color)

-       Shoes should match your dress

-       Jewelry should match/ compliment the dress/ outfit

-       Purse should be minimal – Clutch or small bag would suffice

Men: - A tuxedo

OR

-       Dark Suit with a white shirt and a conservative dark color tie

Creative Black Tie

Although not commonly used, “Creative Black Tie” is another way of saying “Black Tie Optional”. By phrasing it “Creative Black Tie” it allows for trendy interpretations for the classic formal wear.

Women: - Dresses vary from Short Cocktail length to long, and elegant Evening Gowns (can vary in color)

-       Shoes should match your dress

-       Jewelry should match/ compliment the dress/ outfit

-       Purse should be minimal – Clutch or small bag would suffice

-       Don’t be afraid to get Creative!

Men: - Tuxedo combined with color

-       Black shirt, colorful bowtie and cummerbund

-       Any other creative yet formal combination you can think of

Semiformal

As you can probably tell from the title, Semiformal means that the event is less formal than all of the other, previous examples. It means that the dress is more casual and laid back. However, this does not mean that you can pull out your blue jeans and old t-shirt.

Women: - Cocktail dresses

-       Matching appropriate shoes

-       Jewelry should match/ compliment your outfit

-       Purse should again be minimal

Men: - Dark business suit

-       Optional matching vest

-       White shirt

-       Conservative tie

Dressy Casual/ Business Casual

One of the most casual types of events one can attend. Again however, this does not mean that jeans are acceptable.

Women: - Nice Cocktail length dress or Sundress

-       Matching appropriate shoes

-       Purse should be small

Men: - Seasonal sport coat or blazer

-       Slacks or khakis

-       Open-collared shirt

Beach Casual

As you can most likely infer from the title, it usually applies when there is a beach somehow involved. Everyone knows beach weddings or events held near the water are usually casual and laid back. The beach is meant to be relaxing and therefore the style is representative of that same feeling.

Women: - Sundresses in light or bright colors

-       Sandals

-       Minimal Jewelry

-       Purse should be small

Men: - Khakis or Shorts (cargo or Bermuda)

-       Knit or Polo shirt

-       Optional Sports Jacket or sweater

I hope this helps and clears up any confusion you might have! Remember though that if you have any questions it is best to contact the host or hostess and ask what kind of attire is expected so there are not any awkward situations once you arrive. What do you think of all these different styles?

xox Lauren

Bridesmaid's Gifts

He’s popped the question, now it’s your turn! How are you going to ask and honor those ladies who are closest to you, you ask? Well look no further! Deciding whom you want in your bridal party is a very daunting task. How many is too many? Will Great Aunt Susie’s daughter have her feelings hurt if she is not asked to stand up there beside you?

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Before you let all the what if’s take over, step back and remember one thing. It’s YOUR day. Not your sisters, not your mom’s, not your aunt’s, cousin’s, grandma’s, best friend’s, etc. You, and only you can decide upon those most important ladies. There is no such thing, as too many bridesmaids so it’s perfectly fine if you only want 1 and its perfectly acceptable if you want 10. Whatever will make you happy on your big day!

Another important part about choosing your bridal party will come towards the end of all the hectic planning, when it comes time to purchase bridal party gifts. Traditionally, the bride and groom will buy little gifts, or tokens of their appreciation for those who have stood by them during the whole planning process and who have accepted their offer to stand up there beside them on the most important day of their lives. What kinds of gifts should I get you ask? Well again, look no further!

There are plenty of options and ways to show your appreciation to those you have decided matter most. Anything from simple jewelry, to a weekend getaway has been done. Therefore the sky is the limit! Just remember to keep it within the budget J

After spending some time on Pinterest, I have found some cute ideas that could potentially be of interest. After being a bridesmaid myself, I know that these little tokens of appreciation really do go a long way, and are a fantastic way for the bride to once again thank the girls for everything they have done in the months leading up to the wedding and to let them know how much help they have truly been.

So remember! It does not matter how many you decide you want in your bridal party, its whatever makes you feel comfortable. And when it comes to deciding what gifts to buy those special individuals the sky is the limit (as long as its within the budget!) So take a look at some of the ideas I found and get those creative juices flowing!

xox Lauren

Honeymoon Destinations

It seems that recently I have a major case of wanderlust. I find myself daydreaming about all kinds of various exciting places and wanting to be anywhere but here. Therefore I thought it might be the perfect opportunity to discuss the oh so looked forward to trip after months of stressful planning (or not if you higher the right planner like those here at Paisley Events J). Planning a honeymoon getaway is the perfect way to start off your new life as a married couple!

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The first step is deciding what kind of honeymoon is best suited to you and your new spouse’s interests. Are you the type of couple who love adventures and a week of sightseeing and exploring is right up your alley? Or are you two the type who would just want to spend a week laying on the beach, soaking up the rays and drinking piña coladas? Either way, know that there is a fabulous honeymoon destination for you.

Here is a list of some of the most popular destinations just to get your creative juices flowing. However, if none of these places seem like the right fit and you feel like being spontaneous, you can always grab a globe, spin it, close your eyes and pick a random place!

Mexico

With places like Acapulco, Cozumel, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Riviera Maya, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a great honeymoon destination for couples of all types! Whether you want to relax on the beach with the sand between your toes or enjoy in exploration of Mexico’s vibrant nightlife, there are endless possibilities when you choose to go across the border.

Las Vegas

Maybe you chose to elope in Vegas, maybe you didn’t, but no one said you can’t celebrate your first vacation as a married couple in Sin City. With all the exciting and action-packed events available it definitely makes this location a top destination. Whether you want fun in the sun, world-class spa services, once in a lifetime shows or even a nightlife like no other, Las Vegas has it all!

Canada

If the sun and sand are not your thing, do not fret! The wide array of vacation possibilities available in Canada can guarantee that everyone has the vacation of a lifetime. Whether you want to explore the ski slopes, go horseback riding, whitewater rafting, hiking, or just take in the romantic, idyllic lakes, Canada is definitely an ideal location.

Walt Disney resorts

What better way to begin your new life with your prince charming than at one of the famous Walt Disney resorts. With a variety of packages available to newlyweds, you can be sure that there is something to fit all of your desires. Remember Disney is the most magical place on earth!

Europe

Oh the possibilities! Whether you’ve dreamed about romantic strolls through Paris, sipping wine in Italy, exploring Spanish architecture, having crumpets and tea in London or touring the tulips in Amsterdam, Europe is your place. With so much to see and so much to do, the only problem with deciding on Europe as your ideal honeymoon destination is where to go?

Hawaii/ Caribbean

Beaches galore! This is definitely not a place for those who don’t love the sound of the ocean and the salty kisses. With almost year-round picture perfect weather Hawaii/ the Caribbean is a hard place to pass up. Whether you want to curl up on the beach with that book you know you’ve been dying to read, swim and snorkel with hundreds of exotic fish, or even take a romantic horseback ride along the ocean there are so many ways to enjoy all that is Hawaii as well as the Caribbean.

Just one last thing to remember! The honeymoon is meant to be a fun and exciting way to begin your new journey together, so make sure it is something that you both will enjoy and cherish for the rest of your lives!

xox Lauren 

Royal Wedding Effect

With all the excitement and press coverage of not only the Queens Diamond Jubilee, but also the London summer Olympics this year; one cannot help to look at the English Royal family, who is an ever-reigning symbol of elegance, class, and tradition. However, within the past couple of years the royal family has seen a bit of a youthful rejuvenation. According to many this is because of two words. Kate Middleton. A woman not only embodying all that the royal family stands for, but also providing it with a fresh face and relevance to the younger generations. Millions of viewers set their alarm clocks early that morning of April 29^th 2011 (myself included) to watch this everyday girl marry her prince charming (literally).

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Now you are all probably wondering what on earth does Kate Middleton and the royal wedding have to do with my own wedding planning or special day? Well the effects of that historic morning can be seen in many great recent trends. Everything from the lace, to the use of trees in the ceremony, to even the resurface of white bridesmaids dresses can be tied back to that particular day in what I am going to call – the royal wedding effect.

Lace has always been a classic, go-to material when planning a wedding. However, it seems that within the past year lace and all the ways it can be incorporated have skyrocketed. Everything from the gown, to the invitations, to even the slightest décor detail lace seems to have found a place. Personally, I love the lace wedding gown trend. I find it to be the perfect combination of class and elegance, all the while maintaining a fashionable and girly sense. So many more lace gowns have gained popularity and it can be pinpointed back to the one woman who has graced the pages of so many of the best-dressed lists.

Another trend is the tree lined wedding ceremony and the use of lily of the valley flowers. Again, brought in to popularity from the royal wedding, it has become an excellent way to bring the outdoors inside. Want to have your ceremony in a church or another place of worship but still want to have fresh and outdoorsy elements? No worries, with the incorporation of trees indoors and a lily of the valley bouquet it allows for all your dreams to come true!

Although an ancient British tradition, white bridesmaids dresses are gaining popularity here in America now too all thanks to Pippa Middleton. Although we are seeing the trends in various different styles and designs, there is no denying that the white bridesmaid dress trend is definitely alive and well among American brides nowadays.

Long veils and tiaras have always been a favorite among brides. Ever since the bride was a little girl she has been dreaming about her wedding day, hoping to for one day feel like a princess. There is no better way to do that and have that princess-like feeling than wearing a sparkling jeweled tiara and a long and elegant veil. It is an extremely elegant trend that again is one of my favorites.

Finally, and maybe the most interesting trend that has resulted as part of the royal wedding effect, the increase in the usage of the horse and carriage. Again, playing in to the fantasy that all girls have of the princess for a day, the horse and carriage ride with their “prince charming” is a must. Not only is it a very romantic way to begin your new lives together, it is also the perfect princess-like ending to your fairytale wedding. It is interesting however because Kate Middleton did not even arrive to her own fairytale affair in a horse and carriage, instead opting for an arrival at Westminster in Queen Elizabeth’s Rolls Royce Phantom. Although arguably just as nice, American brides are opting for the wedding related horse and carriage rentals to create the finishing touch to their perfect day.

What do you think of all the royal wedding inspired trends? Did you wake up early to watch Prince William and Kate Middleton say “I Do”? Would you incorporate any of these ideas in to your own fairy tale wedding?

xoxo Lauren 

Asked to be the Maid of Honor, Now What??

Are you the Maid of Honor in a friend of family member's wedding? Congratulations, it's a huge honor!

Lucky for the bride, they tend to have a big support system to help plan and make sure their special day goes off without a hitch. While she may have present and future family members by her side to help her, her number one person is her Maid or Matron of Honor. If this is your pleasurable duty in someone's wedding, there are many tasks that you need to be ready to deal with. While it may seem like a lot of duties, you will never realize how important your help is and how thankful the bride is that you are there for her. The duties that you as the Maid of Honor will have will be for both pre-wedding activities and wedding day activities.

Pre-wedding Duties:

• Scout wedding locations.
• Select invitations and help with invitation prep.
• Explore floral options and other decorative choices.
• Help the bride shop for her wedding dress and choose bridesmaids' dresses.
• Oversee delivery of the dresses, monitor fittings and assist with other wardrobe functions.
• Encourage the bride to register for gifts, spread the word about where the bride is registered and answer any gift questions that may arise.
• Help with honeymoon planning.
• Help with seating chart details.
• Attend the cake tasting and make recommendations.
• Attend the catering meetings or tastings and make recommendations.
• Host the bridal shower.
• Host the bachelorette party.
• Maintain timetables and be of general assistance to keep things moving forward.
• Attend the rehearsal dinner.
• Keep a list of gifts received.

Day of Wedding Duties:

• Help the bride dress and deal with her hair, jewelry and the unavoidable wedding day jitters.
• Check the last minute details, like instructions for the photographer and deliveries to the hall.
• Act as a messenger between the bride and groom (and various and sundry family members).
• Handle dress and veil issues. Maneuverability could be important here, even in the restroom, so this is an important and sometimes unexpected duty involving lifting, fluffing, arranging and rearranging.
• Hold and protect the groom's ring.
• Hold the bride's bouquet for the duration of the wedding ceremony.
• Witness the marriage license signing.
• Be part of the receiving line at the reception or act as a greeter.
• Toast the bride and groom.
• Participate in the first dance at a formal reception (partnered with the best man). 

Even if the bride turns into a bit of a bridezilla on her wedding day, it is your job to be the level-headed support systems she will need!

Happy Planning!

Emily