Tag Archives: Richmond VA

Receiving Lines at Weddings – Yes or No?

by
Photo Courtesy of Adair Soderholm Photography, and The Knot

Receiving lines have always been a much-debated addition to ceremonies and receptions, but they have been proven to be very useful. Whenever people come to your wedding you want to make sure they feel important. Receiving lines give guests the pleasure of physically congratulating you and your family without feeling like they are intruding while you are trying to enjoy yourself at the reception. I typically advise couples to only include immediate family members since wedding guests are looking to congratulate the happy couple and their parents, not the entire bridal party. As always, it is completely up to the couple.

The order of receiving lines is as follows:
Mother of the Bride
Father of the Bride (optional)
Bride
Groom
Mother of the Groom
Father of the Groom (optional)
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen (optional)

Wedding Candy Bars – When Cake Isn’t Enough!

by

I love candy bars at weddings and events because they can be a standalone alternative to a cake or they can be a great addition. As an alternative, you could go all out and have a wide assortment of candies and desserts, including hard candies, chocolate and even brownies, blondies, lemon bars, etc. The options are infinite!

I have also seen couples do a candy bar with old-school, throw-back candies that were popular when they were growing up. This is a fun idea, especially if you are having a themed wedding because you can incorporate candies and sweets from that theme or a specific era. You can also use candy bars to incorporate certain colors and designs that match your wedding color or theme. Candy bars can also be used as a favor or parting gift for your guests as an addition to a wedding cake.

Save Money by Doing Your Own Wedding Makeup

by

A great way to trim your wedding budget is to do your own makeup. Plus, who knows your makeup style better than you? Check out these great tips for applying your own makeup:

  • Get a makeover. Venture to your local department store and enjoy a free makeover at one of the many makeup counters. When you find what you like, pay close attention to their methods so you can duplicate them later. Ask questions as they are applying the products. If you tell them what you are doing they may be more willing to offer advice.
  • Buy quality cosmetics. Buy all of the same cosmetics that were used in your makeover. Make sure they are good, long-lasting products. And don’t forget the waterproof mascara.
  • Practice, practice, practice! The only way to improve your makeup artistry is to practice regularly. Once you get in the groove you’ll have no problem on the actual day of your wedding.
  • Enlist the help of a friend. Do you have a friend whose makeup always looks flawless? Ask her for help. Invite her over prior to the wedding to help you during one of your practice runs. She can lend her expertise on the day of the wedding as well. I did this and it worked out perfectly; my friend was wonderful.
  • Take your time. Give yourself plenty of time on the day of the wedding. This way, in case you do make a mistake, you’ll have plenty of time to correct it and start again.
  • Use a little more than usual, but not too much. You’ll want to wear a little more makeup than usual for the sake of your wedding photos, but you don’t want to look unnatural or unlike yourself.