Boys and Girls Marriage Company

Wedding Question: Do I Tip My Hairdresser for the Trial Run?

June 21, 2009

I’m going to see the stylist who is doing my hair for my wedding.  He’s doing a trial run so that I can see what it will look like for the big day. When I go for the wedding hair trial run, should I tip him?

photo from http://celebhairstyle.wordpress.com/2008/06/27/wedding-hairstyles/

This question also applies if you’re doing a trial run for your makeup! There are two schools of thought on this:

1. Yes. Tip them because they’re doing a job that you would ordinarily tip for if it were any other day. But also tip them because you want to make sure that they do the same, great, wonderful job on your wedding day!
2. No. Don’t tip them now because you’re tipping them on your wedding day! The trial run is for them to sell you on their services and if they do a great job, you’ll give them a bigger tip at the wedding.

I know, that’s not helpful. So here’s my answer: YES. Always tip. You want them to do a good job on your wedding day. You want to show that you appreciate their work. You would tip if it were your wedding day — and if you were planning to tip bigger on your wedding day because of the trial, why not make the stylist feel good (and appreciated!) by tipping them at the trial run too.

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How to Get Married and Be Charitable

June 17, 2009

In the course of my blog, I have made suggestions here and there about things that you can do that will give back to the community and the globe. It turns out that there are quite a few ways that you can give back during the wedding planning process. Here’s a list… But please don’t be intimidated! Even doing one thing on the list helps….

• Go Green: See our list of 50 Green Wedding Tips that range from creating green invitations to ensuring that leftover food doesn’t get wasted. The list also includes using seasonal flowers — which, thank goodness, we just explained in another blog that details which flowers are in season when (according to the color flowers you want!).
• Ask others to give:
  • If you don’t really need more STUFF in the house, ask guests to give to a charity of their choice.  Here’s a list of all charities, written by the Better Business Bureau.
  • Or set up a scholarship fund at the university/college/grad school you went to and have people donate to that fund. I read an article recently about a couple that met in college and they set up a scholarship fund. They asked their guests to donate to the scholarship fund — or any charity — in lieu of giving them a gift. Sweet, right? If you do want to set up a scholarship, here’s an article about how to do it.
• Give back: In lieu of favors, give to a charity! The reality is that people want to remember your wedding day, but they dont need to have a trinket to do that. One of the most memorable favors I “received” was a card sitting on my plate that said that in lieu of favors, the bride and groom had donated to the American Cancer Society. Instead of spending the money on the cards at each place setting, donate that money and have the DJ announce the favor/donation.

Do you have other ideas of ways to give back to the world during your wedding? Share ‘em!

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Share your wedding with embeddable photo slideshows!

June 15, 2009

Since so many people have their own wedding websites, we at The Wedding Lens created a special photo slideshow “widget” that you can “embed” on practically any webpage. What does that mean? You get to have a slideshow of all your photos on your website … and it looks like this:

It’s easy to do:

1. Go to your album and click on the “Share” tab and then the ”Embeddable Widgets” tab.
2. Pick which size you want – narrow (160 pixels wide) or medium (300 pixels wide). Then copy the code. How? In most browsers, just clicking on the code will copy it otherwise, select all and then right click your mouse and then click the “Copy” option.
3. Go to your website or blog and edit the page in HTML. Paste the code that you just copied from our site whereever you want it to show up on your page.  If you’re using a blog, make sure you go into HTML edit mode to paste the code. We’ve found that the best place to put the widget is usually the front page or the sidebar.

Voila! You now have a slideshow of your photos from The Wedding Lens on your own site!

Things to know about the widgets:

• The widgets automatically update each evening with any changes to your photos for the lifetime of your album.
• You can have the photo slideshow widgets regardless of whether you have a free or premium photo album –  so create an account today if you haven’t yet!
• If you don’t have any photos yet (’cause it’s before the wedding), the widget will show your album welcome image along with a wedding countdown timer.
• Because it’s an image, it works on almost all popular publishing sites (wordpress.com, blogspot.com, myspace.com, etc.).

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Cool Looking Cakes!

June 11, 2009

I’ve been perusing some photos on the web and have found some of the coolest looking cakes! I thought you’d appreciate them too.

I like this one because the colors match the wedding color theme: blue and brown/black! It looks so great and I’m guessing there was chocolate under there, so they really couldn’t go wrong!

photo from The Wedding Lens

This next cake is… um… awesome! It’s Nintendo! It fits the personality of the couple and it’s cool looking too! And, from what I understand, it tasted AWESOME.

photo from deadling

This one is along the same lines — a castle! It’s so cool looking and elegant.

photo by A.M. Kuchling

And here’s a “simple” white cake — with a dash of pink, and stairs, and… wow…. How cool is this?!

photo by avlxyz

Actually, I thought I was going to stop earlier, but I had to include this great cake. This is the tallest elegant, white cake I have seen!

picture by MaoMan

Want your guests to share their photos with you?? Get ‘em all in ONE album on The Wedding Lens!

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Which Flowers are in Season for a Wedding

June 4, 2009

One of the most green things you can do for your wedding  is use flowers and food that are in season and local.  To help you out, I decided to create this guide for what flowers are available when. Unlike other guides, I decided to organize this based on the time of the year and the COLOR of the flower — just because that’s how I think!

photo from The Wedding Lens

Year Round Flowers

• White: Baby’s breath, Bachelor’s button, Calla lily, Carnations, Delphinium, Gardenia, Gladiolus, Lily of the Valley, Orchid, Rose, Scaboisa
• Red: Bachelor’s button, Carnations, Roses
• Orange: Carnations, Roses
• Yellow: Carnations, Roses
• Blue: Bachelor’s button, Carnations, Delphinium, Eucalyptus, Roses
• Purple: Delphinium, Orchid, Roses, Scaboisa
• Pink: Bachelor’s button, Heather, Lily of the Valley, Orchid, Roses
• Silver: Eucalyptus

Summer Flowers

• White: Chrysanthemum, Freesia, Gerber Daisy, Hydrangea, Iris, Larkspur, Lily-asiatic, Lily-oriental, Lisianthus, Monte Casino Asters, Queen Anne’s Lace, Snapdragons, Stephanotis, Stock, Tuberose, Yarrow
• Red: Gerber Daisy, Zinnia
• Orange: Alstromeria, Chrysanthemum, Gerber Daisy, Lily-asiatic, Snapdragons, Zinnia
• Yellow: Alstromeria, Chrysanthemum, Freesia, Gerber Daisy, Lily-asiatic, Snapdragons, Solidaster, Sunflower, Yarrow
• Blue: Forget-me-not, Freesia, Hydrangea, Iris, Larkspur
• Green: Bells of Ireland
• Purple: English lavender, Freesia, Hydrangea, Iris, Larkspur, Liatris, Lisianthus, Matsumoto Asters, Monte Casino Asters, Statice
• Pink: Alstromeria, Crysanthemum, Freesia, Gerber Daisy, Hydrangea, Larkspur, Lily-asiatic, Lily-oriental, Lisianthus, Matsumoto Asters, Snapdragons, Yarrow, Zinnia
• Cream: Alstromeria

Fall Flowers

• White: Aster, Crysanthemum, Dahlia
• Red: Marigold, Zinnia
• Orange: Crysanthemum, Dahlia, Marigold, Zinnia
• Yellow: Crysanthemum, Dahlia, Marigold
• Green: Dried leaves
• Purple: Statice
• Pink: Aster, Crysanthemum, Zinnia

Winter Flowers

• White: Amaryllis, Anenome, Camellias, Casa Blanca Lily, Cosmos, Jasmine, Narcissus, Poinsettia, Ranunculus, Star Gazer Lily, Star of Bethlehem, Sweetpea, Tulip, Waxflower
• Red: Amaryllis, Anenome, Holly (w red berries), Poinsettia, Ranunculus, Sweetpea, Tulip
• Orange: Ranunculus
• Yellow: Daffodil, Narcissus, Ranunculus, Tulip
• Green: Bells of Ireland, Holly
• Blue: Anenome, Forget-me-nots
• Purple: Sweetpea, Tulip
• Pink: Anenome, Camellias, Cosmos, Ranunculus, Star Gazer Lily, Sweetpea, Tulip, Waxflower
• Brown: Cosmos

Spring Flowers

• White: Anenome, Casa Blanca lily, Delphinium, Hyacinth, Lilacs, Narcissus, Peony, Ranunculus, Star Gazer Lily, Sweetpea, Tulip, Waxflower
• Red: Anenome, Ranunculus, Sweetpea, Tulip
• Orange: Ranunculus
• Yellow: Daffodil, Ranunculus, Tulip
• Green: Bells of Ireland
• Blue: Anenome, Delphinium
• Purple: Hyacinth, Lilacs, Sweetpea, Tulip, Waxflower
• Pink: Anenome, Boronia, Hyacinth, Peony, Ranunculus, Star Gazer Lily, Tulip

Did I miss any?? Let me know!

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How to Pick an Engagement Ring

May 31, 2009

So you’re looking to propose and you want to find the perfect ring. Here’s everything you need to think about!

photo from The Wedding Lens

The first thing is that there are three parts to the ring: the diamond/gemstone, the setting, and the band. You know what the diamond/gemstone is, I hope. The setting is that top part that the gemstone goes into. The setting sits on top of the band. The band is JUST the round part of the ring. Got it?

Okay, here are the tips:

1. Determine your budget. It seems simple, but you really need to go into the shopping process with an amount in mind. If you want a diamond ring, it can range from $500 to hundreds of thousands of dollars. But you should also consider picking a ring that isn’t a diamond! It can be less expensive but also be the perfect ring for the person you’re buying for.
2. Figure out her ring size. I know, how on earth….? I’m not sure either, especially if she doesn’t usually wear rings. If she does, then you could try taking one or, as one site suggests, make an imprint in a bar of soap and then trace it.
3. Consider buying the setting & the diamond separately. This will allow you to check out the diamond to make sure you can assess its quality (more below) and it allows you to see the bands details.
4. Select a band type. Gold (also known as yellow gold), white gold, silver, platinum. Platinum is the most expensive option, but it is hypoallergenic, never loses its luster, and won’t change the appearance of your diamond’s color. White gold is less expensive than the platinum & not as durable, but it is shinier.
5. Setting. There are different settings that you can select for the diamond/gemstone to sit in. If you are buying a solitaire ring, the prong or claw setting is recommended. It cradles the diamond and allows the most light to pass through the stone. Other popular settings include channel, bar, and bezel.
6. Cut. Diamonds can be cut into many different shapes: pear, oval, heart, round, emerald, and princess, and many others. Some of those shapes make the diamond look brighter and shinier, but as you might imagine – those cost more. Some cuts, like Princess and pear, make the diamond look brighter and shinier; they’re also more expensive.  Round & emerald are alternatives that cost less.
7. Carat. The carat is the unit of measure used to weigh the diamond. When selecting a diamond, consider purchasing a slightly smaller diamond than you wanted to; 1.9 carats costs significantly less than 2 carats.
8. Clarity. You want to pick the ring with the most clarity that you can.  Diamonds are scored based on their clarity.  FL and IF are top of the line grades on the GIA clarity scale. VVS1 and VVS2 are also very good. VS1 and VS2 are diamonds with some small flaws. S1 and S2 to I1 – I3 are diamonds with very low clarity. If there are many imperfections in the diamond, the clarity score of the diamond can be low.
9. Color. Select a ring with the clearest color. If they’re not clear, they’re yellow — and that can look weird. Diamonds are rated by the GIA from D – Z, with D – F being colorless, G – J being near colorless, K – M with a slight yellow color, N – R with light yellow color, and S – Z with distinct yellow color.

If you’re having trouble figuring out what your future fiance(e) might like, go shopping together! Presumably you’ve talked about getting married, so going ring shopping is just a step in the process. The engagement itself can still be a surprise!

By the way, once you’re done shopping for the ring, may I suggest that you look into engagement ring insurance. You’d hate for something to happen to the ring (or that it gets lost) and not have insurance to get it replaced, right? Especially after you put in all that work!

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Top Five Things Most People Forget On Their Wedding Day

May 21, 2009

You think you’ve remembered everything… you’ve even consulted my previous list of things to do when planning your own wedding. But you’re still going to forget some things. Here are the top 5 things you might forget (until now!)

photo from The Wedding Lens

1. Things to remember: Safety pins, hair pins, tissues, matches (for a candle lighting, if you have one), bandaids for your feet (and/or a change of shoes)
2. Before the wedding, get your money together. You’ll need to pay the caterer, florist, DJ — and maybe others. Make sure you get those payments together (along with any tips) and give it to someone who will be in charge of paying everyone that day.
3. During the wedding, get someone you trust to take care of your personals — ID, camera, makeup, etc.
4. During the wedding, be sure to EAT.  I know you won’t, even with this warning, so ask the caterer to pack a box for after the wedding so that you & your new husband/wife can eat!
5. After the wedding, you’ll need help! Get someone to take the flowers home or donate them to a local hospital. Ask a friend to take your dress to the cleaners. Have a groomsman return your tux/suit or take it to the cleaners. Tell the caterer what to do with leftover food (hint: donate!)

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Engagement Story: Randy & Caroline

May 11, 2009

We loved this jaw-dropping engagement story and we think you will too! Randy tells the story from his view:

“So I’ll admit it. I’m terrified of skydiving. It’s no coincidence that it took almost 2 years for my  sweet girlfriend, who I would do anything for, to get me to upstate New York to skydive at skydive the ranch.

This trip was a little different though. In addition to two parachutes, two instructors and two flourscent yellow jumpsuits, I brought two bright yellow tarps each the size of a basketball court. Why the tarps? Earlier in the week I had taken the tarps to a playground in Brooklyn to spraypaint them with a wedding proposal that she would see from the sky (and hopefully be able to land on!)

It had seemed a simple idea but I figured a few things along the way. In no particular order.

1. Weather forecasting is not quite a science, by the end of the week I could count on rain if the forecast was for sun.
2. A yellow tarp the size of basketball courts is heavy. 60 lbs each. I need to work out.
3. Related to #2, I’m getting old. I’ve never been so sore from trying to fold and smush yellow tarps back into a car.
4. Only 50% of elementary school kids understand the word “engagement.”
5. I really love my fiancee. It’s true that work isn’t work when you don’t consider it work. We’re perfect for each other.

So the big day we headed up to skydive and as we headed up in the plane my fiancee’s brother (thanks William!) lugged the 60lbs tarps out onto the landing field. I landed first and rushed to grab the ring from William. As I was doing this, my fiancee was in the sky and her tandem instructor was pointing out the sign which had the spraypainted proposal (and ” yes, no, and maybe” just for kicks — hoping she’d land on the “yes!”).

When she landed (teary eyed and sniffling) we hugged and kissed, I said that I had “fallen” in love with her and took a knee and popped the question of questions.

And she said yes! We couldn’t be happier.”

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Engagement Announcements

May 2, 2009

Saying “I do” is a blessed affair, a time when two individuals express their love for each other in the company of family and friends. Before the actual wedding takes place there is the engagement process which can be just as exciting as the big day! As soon as you get engaged, you want to share your joy with those who are close to you. However, there are several do’s and don’ts involved in engagement announcements:

Do Tell Close Family Members and Friends Immediately

The moment you become engaged is magical and thrilling and cannot be repeated. After the initial shock wears off, those who have recently become engaged want to share their news with loved ones. You should tell your parents, siblings and best friends that you are engaged right away. They can then share the excitement with you during this special time!

Do Not Call Everyone You Know

While you should tell of your engagement to those you are close to, you should limit the amount of people you inform. It would take a lot of effort and time to call everyone about your current relationship status. Also, no one knows the exact guest list of their wedding the minute they get engaged. It would be rude to call someone about your engagement if you do not plan on inviting them to the wedding.

Do Send Engagement Announcements in An Appropriate Manner

As mentioned above, calling everyone you know about your recent engagement is a time consuming and inappropriate idea. A better way to let your news be heard is through engagement announcements. These simple cards are a great way to easily inform your family and friends that you plan on getting married. Engagement announcements offer you the opportunity to express your happiness and prepare your loved ones for an upcoming event that you would like them to attend. There are several varieties of announcements with traditional and contemporary styles. Each announcement can also be personalized to match your style and taste!

Do Have an Engagement Party

Another way of announcing your engagement is by hosting a party! Engagement parties allow you to get together with family and friends and inform them of your happy decision at the same time. Plus, its another reason to celebrate with the ones you love!

Jaime Smith is a writer for American Greetings Interactive brands.  AGI brands include American Greetings (ecards,) PhotoWorks (photocards,) Webshots (photosharing,) Blue Mountain (greeting cards,) Egreetings (free ecards) and Kiwee (free html codes.)  She writes on family, love, holidays, friendship and more.  Her content can be found on brand websites, articles, blogs and press releases.

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Choosing the drinks!

April 21, 2009

Most people know that there’s a whole process for figuring out the food and catering at the wedding – mostly taste tests. One of the food-related areas that does NOT require taste testing (unless you’d like?) is selecting the alcohol for the wedding.

photo from The Wedding Lens

There are a few ways that the couple can go: wine, wine & beer, hard alcohol, or no alcohol. And any combination thereabouts. Oh! And the champagne!

If your venue provides options, then you can weigh the taste + cost value yourself. Obviously you have to work within your budget — and it is unlikely that a venue that already provides wines will have bad ones available as options.  If the venue does not provide the alcohol, and you have a favorite wine, beer or hard alcohol that you want to have (and it’s within your budget) – go for it!

If you are at a loss about where to start, I have a few suggestions:

Selecing the wine & champagne: Go to a wine shop in your area. Many times the people who work there are very knowledgeable and can give you tips on what you might want, given what you are having as food and what your budget is. And sometimes you can get a discount that way!

Note on champagne: “Champagne” is only from France, and therefore expensive. There are sparkling wines from California that are equivalent to champagne — but from California, instead of France. Those are a bit cheaper since they’re not imported.

Selecting the beer: Local wine shops may also sell beer, but they might not be able to help you with what works best. Since people don’t think about paring beer with food, you should go with what you like and what you can afford. If you don’t know anything about beer, you should ask your friends and family members who might be more knowledgeable.

Selecting the hard alcohol: Usually people have preferences about what kinds of hard alcohol they like — rum, vodka, tequila, scotch. Perhaps start with a list of the ones you prefer and the brands you prefer and then cut from the list until it is within your price range. (Incidentally, one blog says that selecing the booze is a great way to get the groom involved in the planning because he’s naturally going to have preferences!

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