Budget Planning with Special Details Added

Fete Des Fleurs Floral Design created an elaborate fresh floral covering for the mantel in the Great Room of Arlington Hall for Katie and Preston's Wedding Reception. Beautiful mix of hydrangeas and candles accented the display. Decorating the mantels was an important detail requested by the bride; therefore, it was included in their floral budget.

Photography: http://www.politophotography.com/

Florist:www.fetedesfleurs.com

Tips:

To set up your wedding budget:

1. Gather information either on your own or through a planner- and estimate cost in regards to your  

   ceremony and reception  location.  You will need to have in mind your estimated guests.

2. Begin by setting  up an Excel program with the following list of services that will make up your wedding

     budget.

    *Keep in mind the reception is usually 50% of your total wedding budget, with floral and photography

      being the next in line of highest cost.

Ceremony (Church or site of choice), Reception ( including site fee, catering, beverages, rentals), Wedding Attire for the Bride ( accessories, veil, undergarments, shoes, alterations), Make Up Artist/Hair Stylist- 3 sessions,Ceremony Musicians, Reception Musicians, Wedding Planner/Event Decorator, Lighting Professional -Reception, Officiant for Ceremony, Invitations + other paper items ( Save the Date, Programs, Napkins), Florist, Baker, Photographer, Videographer, Guest Accommodations (Wedding Party),  Attendant Gifts, Hostess Gifts, Engagement/Wedding Announcement, Bridal Bouquet Preservation, Vendor

 Tips, Valet, Groom's gift,  Miscellaneous Calligrapher, Transportation ( wedding party/guests), Security,  adding 10% of total cost for additional items

  

     

Hair and Make up Session-How to Prepare

Tricia had her make up completed at the church, wearing a button down shirt during the preparation. If bridal party will be having similar services, obtain from the hair stylist and make up artist how they wish for them to arrive. Example: hair not washed on wedding day and all make up removed prior to services.  Some attendants are requested to bring their own water proof mascara and if touch ups- to come with foundation and eyes completed.

Tips:

1. Many brides wish to offer at least one of the services to their bridal party, allowing her attendants to pay for the other service. Such as the bridal family paying for all touch ups or full make up, then allowing the attendants to sign up early and prepay for hair services.

  * No matter how many services are needed, the bride will need to provide a set list of services to be needed for the wedding day- allowing them to obtain the correct number of assistants and be aware of  the time needed to complete your services.  Work closely with your photographer as to the time you will need to be dressed for pre-ceremony pictures.

Photographer: http://www.regovisualarts.com/

Reception Location: The City Club of Dallas

Touching up make up- prior to pre-ceremony pictures

Tricia is putting on her final touches for her wedding day.  Many brides are choosing to have eye lashes added in a few areas to give a fuller look. It is best to  request this service from your professional make up artist.   

 Tips:

1. Waterproof mascara is usually the best for you and your wedding party for the wedding day.

2. Do try on your make up in advance of your wedding- during the practice- to make sure their is not negative reaction.

3. Skin blotters are a good item to have around for blotting oil without taking off the foundation.

4. Once you have your dress  on- try to keep your hands away from the front of the dress- to keep off any make up or oil from your skin to get on your dress.

5. Main reason to use a make up artist: You want your make up to last for several hours and they are skilled and experienced in offering the right make up that will keep you looking fresh for your wedding day and photography

 * I always request that the make up artist leave the lipstick she used with the bride, then have it on hand for after ceremony pictures and throughout the evening for touch ups between guest greeting and eating. May request to new spouse to keep it in his pocket- as first duty as husband

Preparation for the big day - Bridal hair & make-up

Wedding Day Preparation for Taylor and Negin.

Taylor chose The Stoneleigh Hotel for her wedding guest and her location for hair and make up in a suite for she and her bridal party.

Hair and Make up by Melissa Lyons and Kelly Schina.

Photography by Neal Hacker with VIM Studios

http://www.vimstudio.com/
Tip:

1.When starting the process of selecting the right make up artist and hair stylist for your wedding, begin by obtaining referrals from other brides and professional vendors. Personality and flexibility are very important, as they will be with you on your wedding day.

2. I suggest contacting at least three stylist to obtain their availabilty and pricing.

3. To receive a good estimate- provide a list of who will be needing hair and make up services( full or touch ups, updo's or blown dry- down) to the vendor you contact keeping in mine- as the bride, you will want  three sessions-a practice, bridal portrait and wedding day services. Be sure and offer this service to mother of the bride and mother of the groom.

$ Budget Savy Bride:
-Visit or contact local make up counters- make up of your choice- to obtain a list of artist who offer their services for wedding day.This allows you to have a complimentary practice, bridal portrait session at the counter, then pay only for on location for the wedding day.
-For hair and make up trial runs- make the appointments prior to wedding showers or parties-great way to be pampered for your wonderful event.

Negin chose to have her hair and make up completed at The Westin Galleria- location of her ceremony and reception.

Hair and Make up Artist:

Photographer: Kim Skiles

Loose side curls compliment the bride's face and detailed veil

  Lindsey's soft curls draping with pulled back style, showed the beautiful bride, her make up and edging on her elegant veil.

Tips:

1. When veil is being placed on the bride's head, make sure it is secured with hair pins- matching the bride's hair.

2. If the pins or comb are too tight, have them loosen, as not to be so tight they cause a head ache.

3. Request someone in the bridal party to watch the veil or head piece being placed, so they will be able to removed it carefully as an option after the ceremony.

  * Place veil back in a box or on a hanger- giving it directly to the bride's mom or aunt for safe keeping during the reception.

Photographer: http://www.krauzianimage.com/

Reception Location:

The Tribute Golf Club   Frisco, Texas

Loose Hair Style for One Bride with other Bride choosing her hair to be pulled back with a twist

Tori chose to have her hair loose and flowing. It gave her an extremely pretty, romantic look for her wedding.
A small tiara enhanced her floor length veil. The veil was removed after the ceremony, with the tiara remaining for the reception.

Photography: http://www.janemaus.net/
Reception Location: The Warwick Melrose Hotel

Tips:
1.If you are planning to wear your hair loose, consult with your  
   stylist who will give you direction  and advise on how to control
   your locks and create the best style for your hair texture.
  * Remember weather and products  will play a large part in how
      your hair keeps it's look throughout the wedding day
2. You may wish to retain your hair stylist or an assistant  for the
     entire day- if you are concerned about it staying in placed.
     Keeping them on hand is an option at least until after the veil is
     removed following return to the altar photography. Also good time to place in fresh flowers.
                                                                  

Laura chose to have her hair style pulled back with a
bun like twist.

Photographer: http://www.sengbush.com/
Reception Location: The Rosewood Crescent Court

Make up-Flawless for the perfect bride

Natalie chose a make up artist by contacting a local Neiman Marcus for a list of their make up artist on site that offer wedding day make up services. Referrals were then requested and  pricing.  She then  set up an appointment for a practice session.

Tips: Questions to ask when interviewing a make up artist and suggestions

 *Prior to the meeting- tear out of magazines bridal make up- eyes and lips that you feel is the look you

    prefer for the wedding day.  Keep in mine- the bridal portrait will require heavier make up- because of

    indoor lighting or outdoor lighting

1. Do you have experience working with brides?

2. Ask about her philosophy- what does she think a bride should look like on her wedding day?

3. What type of make up do you use, or do I provide my own?

4. Do I need to purchase make up from you?

5. Will you provide the brushes and other items?

6. What if something happens and you cannot  make it at the last minute-do you have a professional back

     up?

7. What do you think will look best on me and natural?

8. How do you charge-by the hour or on the job?

9. Will I be your only wedding that day- if I have several needing services?

10. What is your charge for coming on location? Do you have an assistant?

11. If we have pre-ceremony pictures outdoors- will you be able to stay for touch ups prior the ceremony?

The French Braid with a Twist

Beautiful Natalie chose to have her full head of hair-twisted and curled into a type of Chignon.

The French braid is a simple, romantic style that works well with straight or wavy thick hair such as hers.

You can make the braid as loose or as tight as you like.

Tip:

1. When contacting a hair stylist for your wedding- be sure and inquire as to type of styles they can offer.

     Make sure they are able to provide a variety of styles- from chignon, up do's or loose. Keeping in mind

     your wedding party will chose a variety of styles.

2. Preview through your bridal magazines- only conscentrating on hair styles - tearing out ones you would

    like for the stylist to practice. Be sure and go on line to hair stylist and print out styles that you feel will

    compliment you and your dress.

3. For the practice- provide a picture of your dress- to show the neckline, plus your veil and any hair

    accessories. Plan plenty of time at the practice- allowing for the stylist to try different styles.

Photographer:  http://www.avesphotographicdesign.com/

Reception Location: The Colonial Country Club  Ft. Worth, Texas

The Chignon-Elegant style for a traditional bride enhanced by floral

Katie's veil was removed before her first dance, to allow she and her father to show their latest dance moves!!

Her style allowed her to be worry free during the reception- with a long lasting style and great hold.

Tip:

A Chignon that sits low on the nape of the neck is easy to wear with a tiara. You can also accessorize a chignon with a bun wrap, or use combs-emblesshed with jewels or tiny pearls.

For a fresher look, less formal style, let the ends stick out a bit.

Photography by Andrea Polito http://www.politophotography.com/

Reception: Arlington Hall at Lee Park 

Aisle Focal Point- at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church- Dallas, Texas

Trica and Ray wanted a WOW! when the their guest entered the church.  Every pew on the center aisle was adorn with incredible spring flowers.

Photographer Rego captured the moment beautifully. http://www.regovisualarts.com/

Altar Decor at Park Cities Baptist

Full flower arrangements in shades of white adorning  the altar.  Iron candle stands  on each side, completed with complimenting flowers in  various shades of pink and white.

Lush Flowers Adorn the Church Altar

Carefully chosen to compliment the ceremony at Park Cities Baptist Church.
A touch of pink to accent the bridal party attire.

Tip:
Coordinate with the florist and reception site for a transfer of the altar arrangements to be transferred after the ceremony to the reception site; preferably a ballroom where the guest will not be entering until the bride and groom arrive. Not appropriate for the flowers to be carried in through the arriving guest.
Pew decor may also be transferred and placed on the head table chairs for the bride, groom and parents.

Pre-ceremony photos can be fun!!!
Photographer Larry Sengbush captured the moment with Catherine.

Tip:
On Wedding day-plan time for yourself, void of parties or
activities. Arrive refreshed in time to the ceremony to allow for hair/make up services. Then plenty of time for pre-
ceremony photos. Request only wedding party and immediate
family to join you in your bridal room.

Church Pews- Inviting for the Guest

An elegant beginning to Catherine and David's wedding at Park Cities Baptist Church.

Tip:

Pew decor-does not have to be on every pew- but suggested for the first two or three on each side or every other one- to be captured on photos.

Beautiful gown captured by
the photographer upon arrival
of the bride

Tip:
Purchase several satin
hangers to be used for this
photo moment- of bridal gown
and attendant attire.
Complimenting the dresses
and softens the surroundings.