LDS Brides: On Your Wedding Day (Temple)

Yay! The day you have been waiting for (for what seemed like eternity) is finally here. Congratulations. You're getting married today in the right place, at the right time, to the right person.

This post is to help you remember everything you need to take to the temple. First off, they will have you, your groom and your mother or (whoever is your escort) arrive to the temple an hour before your scheduled sealing time to check in, show you the brides room and all that good stuff.  I recommend getting there even a before that depending on how busy the temple is so you don't feel rushed. If it's a busy day you will need time to find a parking spot and have plenty of time to change. You'll be surprised how long it takes when you don't want to mess up your hair and makeup. You will also be assigned a temple worker to show you around the brides room, where to put everything and will take you up the sealing time when it is time to meet your groom. On my wedding day my mom wanted just a few minutes alone with me and the lady wouldn't even let that happen so hopefully your temple worker will leave your side for a minute so you can have a little time alone with your mom if you choose so. I also got all the way in the elevator before realized I completely forgot Ty's wedding ring. So we had to go run all the way back to the dressing room to grab that.

Here is a list I have compiled of everything you will need to take to the temple.

• Temple Recommend (Make sure your parents have there's. My dad realized he forgot his and we had to go all the way back to get it as we were already running late.)
• Groom's ring (If you are having a ring ceremony at the temple remember this. Put it in your pocket right when you put on your temple dress.)
• Marriage License
• Wedding Dress, accessories, wedding shoes, wedding day kit etc.
• Most importantly: HAVE THE BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE! :)

20 Interesting Wedding Traditions And Superstitions

As I was watching Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici's wedding last Sunday with my friend, I mentioned how it looks like it's going to rain. She responded," I hope it does, that means good luck." I asked, "Really? I have never heard that before." She answered, "Yes! You should look it up and write about it on your blog." So sure enough I looked it up and am now blogging about it and other superstitions and traditions to make sure you have luck on your day!

A lot of these traditions and superstitions I found from theKnot.com as well as from Martha Stewart.

• 1. Rain on your wedding day is considered good luck according to Hindu tradition.
• 2. Saturday is the unluckiest wedding day, according to English folklore. Funny- it's the most popular day of the week to marry!
• 3. The groom carries the bride across the threshold to bravely protect her from evil spirits lurking below.
• 4. In Holland, a pine tree is planted outside the newlyweds' home as a symbol of fertility and luck.
• 5. Engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart.
• 6. In the symbolic language of jewels, a sapphire in a wedding ring means marital happiness
• 7. A pearl engagement ring is said to be bad luck because its shape echoes that of a tear.
• 8. Aquamarine represents marital harmony and is said to ensure a long, happy marriage.
• 9. Ancient Greeks and Romans thought the veil protected the bride from evil spirits. Brides have worn veils ever since.
• 10. Brides carry or wear "something old" on their wedding day to symbolize continuity with the past.
• 11. The "something blue" in a bridal ensemble symbolizes purity, fidelity, and love.
• 12. In Egypt, the bride's family traditionally does all the cooking for a week after the wedding, so the couple can…relax.-Wish this was the case in America!
• 13. The tradition of a wedding cake comes from ancient Rome, where revelers broke a loaf of bread over a bride's head for fertility's sake.
• 14. The custom of tiered cakes emerged from a game where the bride and groom attempted to kiss over an ever-higher cake without knocking it over.
• 15. Seeing Each Other Before The Wedding-This superstition dates back to the time of arranged marriages, when people believed that if the couple saw each other before the ceremony, it would give them a chance to change their minds about the wedding. Today, however, many couples choose to meet up and even have portrait sessions before saying their "I dos."
• 16. Knives as Wedding Gifts-According to folklore, a knife signifies a broken relationship and is bad luck to give as a wedding gift. If knives are on your registry, just give the gift giver a penny. That way it's a purchase, not a gift.
• 17. A Spider On Your Wedding Dress-Finding an eight-legged creature on your gorgeous gown might seem like a wedding-day nightmare, but English lore claims that finding a spider in your wedding dress is a good omen.
• 18. Ringing Bells-Bells are traditionally chimed at Irish weddings to keep evil spirits away and to ensure a harmonious family life. Some Irish brides even carry small bells in their bouquets as a reminder of their sacred wedding vows, and they are a common gift for newlyweds.
• 19. Breaking Glass-In Italy, many newlyweds smash a vase or glass at their wedding, and they put a lot of muscle into it, too. The tradition says that however many pieces the glassware breaks into will symbolize how many years they'll be happily married. Some of you may remember this from the movie When In Rome when actress Kristen Bell can't break the glass at her sister's wedding. 
• 20. Crying on Your Wedding Day-It is supposed to be good luck for the bride to cry on her wedding day because it symbolizes that she has shed all her tears and will not have any to shed during her marriage. So go ahead and get teary-eyed. Just be sure to wear some waterproof mascara. 

Now you are all informed on where all these fun wedding traditions started and how to ensure you have good luck on your wedding day. 

4 Hair & Makeup Trends For 2014

Here is what 2014 is forecasting for the hottest wedding makeup and hairstyle trends:

1. Boho Braids: Wedding braids have been talked about for a while now but they are going to be HUGE for 2014. Braids are not just a casual hairstyle anymore they are becoming more glamorous and dressy. Brides are going to be feeling a lot different about braids this year whether it's a simple braid or a bunch of small braids put into an up-do.  

2. Cat-Eyes: Cat-eye makeup has been fashionable for a while now and has become quite popular amongst brides. It gives brides a retro look and classic look while looking AMAZING in photos.

3. Pretty Pink Lips: Notice-me-berry and baby-pink lips are a 2014 spring look for this year. Pink is going to be the statement look for brides. These colors aren't as bold as the red and go perfectly with all flowers, themes and tones. The nude lip is also trendy and stunning and will give a more simple, natural look for brides.

4. Hair Pieces: The vintage hairpieces have been loved by brides. They are a bit limited as to matching with your dress, theme and style but they are becoming more and more recognized and trendy for all brides. I personally love them and think they are very romantic and elegant.

Yay for hair and makeup trends for 2014 :)

Bridesmaids Gifts

As a bridesmaid you help and do a lot for the bride and for the wedding. As a bride you should definitely be thinking about what you are going to give each of your bridesmaids. It doesn't have to be big but it should be meaningful and show your appreciation for all their help. As a bridesmaid you do do a lot and it's nice to know that the bride appreciates what you do. Depending on your budget you should set a small amount of money aside to use for bridesmaids gifts and maybe the groom wants to do so something small for his groomsmen as well.

Most brides have their bridesmaids buy their own dresses. The bridesmaids help plan the showers, and help with all the wedding day festivities prior to and during the actual day. I had a good friend tell me that she was a bridesmaid in another wedding where she was in charge of all the wedding favors. She made over 300 sugar cookies for her friend's wedding which took over six hours! Now I would say that is above and beyond a bridesmaids duties. Being a bridesmaid takes time, money etc. and so as a bride respect your bridesmaids and get them something. They didn't have to be a bridesmaids you asked them and they accepted because they love you. Now depending how much the dress and shoes they had to buy you should make sure you give them a good gift for that. If you bought their outfits, shoes etc. then you can probably get by with getting them something smaller like some lotion, a giftcard, jewelry etc. The possibilities are endless! So don't worry about what to get them. Remember it's the thought that counts! It's nice to write them a nice letter of appreciation as well. 

No matter what your budget it is PLEASE do them a favor and get them something, or they might just not like you anymore and never talk to you again ;) haha. Just kidding (kinda). 

Here are some cute ideas for bridesmaids gifts...

Wedding Day Emergency Kit

How many times do you go on a trip and forget something that you wish you had? That happens to me ALL the time and my husband can attest to that. Your wedding day is not one of those times you want or can forget something. So here is a list of must-haves to pack before your day so your day will run as smooth as possible, hopefully without any hiccups). This list was compiled from my own list, as well as StyleMePretty, MarthaStewartWeddings and TheKnot 

If I were planning your wedding which ( I should be) :) I would have most of these items for you as part of your wedding planning package. I will let you know the things you will need to have before your big day.

Brides:

• Lipstick/gloss
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray
• Water bottle
• Makeup
• Breath mints
• Nylons (Extra pair)
• Clear nail polish (for ripped nylons for you, bridesmaids etc.)
• Pain reliever
• Tide To-Go pen
• Razor
• Toothbrush/paste/floss/mouthwash
• Hand Sanitizer
• Tampons
• Chapstick
• Bandaids
• Kleenex
• Deodorant
• Tweezers
• Lotion
• Make up remover
• Q-Tips
• Small mirror
• Spare underwear (just in case)
• Earring backs
• Heel protectors for walking in grass in heels
• Chalk (for stain disguise)
• Dryer sheets (to fix static)
• Lint roller
• Eye drops
• Corsage pins
• Mini sewing kit (needles, thread, buttons, safety pins)
• Hem tape
• Lighter (for ribbon or hem that starts to fray)
• Small scissors
• Smelling salts (in case someone faints)
• Straws (for brides drinks so she doesn't mess up lipstick)
• Brush/comb
• Perfume
• Nail file
• Krazy glue
• Blister treatment
• Granola bar (you never know when you're going to get hungry)
• Nail clippers
• Pens
• Antacid
• Nail polish in the shade you are wearing

This is pretty much everything you may or may not need. You can never be too prepared.

Experiencing 'Cold Feet'?

We have all heard of the expression 'Cold Feet' when getting married. We have seen it on tons of wedding movies. Unfortunately no one really talks about how to mentally prepare for your wedding day and avoiding cold feet. Getting married is a big step in your life and as a wedding planner, not only do I plan the wedding, but I am also here to bring you that comfort and assurance you may need. My hopes is after reading this post that you bride and you groom will feel relieved and much better about taking the step into marriage. 


The Wedding Knot says, "Got cold feet? Are you experiencing a chilling fear as you realize that you're about to spend the rest of your life with the same person? Don't worry, it happens. Most of the time, this freak-out period just means you're suffering from a case of pre-wedding jitters." So take it from a famous source and understand that almost everyone has these feelings. It's common. Below is a list to help you determine whether it's "Cold Feet" or something more.


Is this how you feel?

•               They're getting on your nerves. I can't express to you how many times Ty and I both got on each other's nerves the whole time we were engaged and planning the wedding. It is totally normal. I have had friends approach me and ask if it is just them. It happens almost with everyone who gets married. Think about it. You are both stressed, busy, not getting much sleep, and it's building up. Now that the wedding planning is winding down so should it and it will. 

•               Your'e freaking out because you're noticing changes in yourself. You're not eating, not sleeping, you're sweating all the time, panicking and then you start to question whether or not you're making the right decision. Stop right there and don't let it go any further. This is also very common amongst brides and will settle down once the wedding day rolls around. As girls we like to think and over-analyze everything. You know what I'm talking about and this is what is happening in this case.

•               More issues are arising about living together and what each of you wants in your future home. For example, you want a dog and he hates them or he is a pack rat and has too much stuff and you want him to get rid of it. Merging two lives together is not a breeze. These reasons are not worth thinking twice about. It will all work out in the end and you both will be happy.

There are several other issues similar to this that you may be experiencing and if that is the case than don't worry, it's just the pre-wedding jitters. If the issues are more serious than these like: abuse, drug/alcohol addiction, betrayal then you should talk with a family member or seek professional help and postpone or call of the wedding. 

Marrying your best friend and sweetheart is the greatest day of your life. Say goodbye to the cold feet and pre-wedding jitters!