Best Bridal Shows By Bouche Productions

LINDA DIPROPERZIO

The hardest, most important part of your wedding day is over–you said ‘I do.’ Congrats! But before you send your cares to wind and move on to the reception to get the party started, there are a few extra important things that need to happen before you start dancing the night away.

One of the things we hear from recent brides over and over again was how fast everything unfolded and all the things they forgot to do. So consider this your warning: after you walk down the aisle as husband and wife, make time to check these must-dos off your wedding day to-do list.

Retouch your makeup. You kissed your groom and maybe even shed a tear or two swapping your vows, so you’re definitely in need of a little retouching before moving on. Bring along a small purse that you can keep in the car (or have a friend or family member hold on it) that has everything you need--oil blotting papers, concealer, lip gloss, etc.--to make sure you look picture perfect all day.

Spend alone time with groom. You’re finally husband and wife, and there’s nothing rude about sneaking away for a few minutes for some alone time. It will give him time to gush over how gorgeous you look and for the both of you to reflect on the ceremony. In fact, in Jewish tradition, couples spend alone time in another room to signify their new status as husband and wife.

Eat something! One big bridal complaint: Many don’t get to sample the delicious food at their own wedding! You spent so much time agonizing over the menu, you deserve to enjoy it along with your guests. And since you’ll likely be drinking during the party, it’s best to do so on a full stomach anyway.

Slip into comfortable shoes. If you plan to take outdoor photos, you don’t want your heels sinking into the grass. Or at the very least, you’ll want to be able to dance during the reception. (Despite what Carrie Bradshaw might say, your feet will hurt once you spend a few hours in heels). Be sure to bring a pair of flats so you never have to go barefoot during the event (unless you’re getting hitched on the beach!).

Put your engagement ring back on. During the ceremony, you’ll want to leave your ring finger on your left hand free so your groom can slip on your wedding band. You can simply move your engagement ring to your right hand or have someone hold it for you until after your vows, when you can slip it back on for the reception. Remember: The band is usually worn closest to your heart on your left hand.

Tacos and Margaritas in Mini Patron Bottles Favorite dishes shrunk down to bite-size canapés accompanied by mini sips will delight your guests during cocktail hour. Some miniature pairing ideas to consider: taco crostinis with margaritas in Patron nips, sliders with mini mugs of craft beers, grilled cheese finger sandwiches with Bloody Mary shooters, and tuna tartare cones with sake cups. Think about shrinking your dessert too with a late-night serving of cookie chippers and shots of flavored milk.

Seafood Raw Bar Cocktail Hour Food While the Roaring Twenties have had a major influence on recent wedding style, the theme has finally made its way onto dinner plates too. “The Great Gatsby period is inspiring champagne towers, seafood bars and ice carvings at weddings," says Carl Hedin of Abigail Kirsch Catering in New York City. Spruce up your reception with a mobile oyster shucking station, bottle sabering ceremony, strolling champagne diva, wine served in three-liter Jeroboams or small plates passed around by waiters in white gloves. Want more of a '60s Mad Men vibe? Classic cocktails are also having a resurgence. “Bourbon used to be just for men—now it's enjoyed by all," Hedin says. “We're seeing elevated consumption of it at all our events." For an updated signature drink, he suggests reinventing bourbon classics like a Manhattan with a cherry brandy infusion or an old-fashioned with burnt-sugar bourbon, charred lemon and a honey rim.

Scotch and Cigar Bar In addition to your standard beer, wine and mixed drinks setup, couples are now also having second bars known as satellite bars, designated for a specific spirit or your signature drink of choice. “We recently created a bespoke martini bar where we offered four different styles of gin and vodka, eight different types of vermouth and 10 tinctures to add flavors like lemongrass, coconut, olive oil, and sea salt and black pepper," says Ben Scorah, cofounder of Road Soda, a craft cocktail bar on wheels that travels the country for weddings and events. The bartenders can stir or shake the martinis to each guest's preference, serve the drinks in frozen vintage cocktail glasses and garnish with fresh citrus peels, cured olives and dehydrated fruit slices. For a gin bar, consider setting up a variety of colored tonic waters, juniper berry–infused ice cubes and garnishes such as muddled cucumber and fresh herbs. Or set up frozen shot glasses, wedges of lime and freshly made margarita mixers for a tequila table.

If wine is more your speed, set up a wine tasting spread that will allow guests to sample wines by region, a specific varietal or by the year of significance to you as a couple. Love beer? Bring in a bar with built-in, self-serve taps featuring local craft brews. Not only are designated bars a great way to personalize your wedding with your favorite libation, they'll also make for a fun display when you add colored glassware, graphic menus, monogrammed napkins and elaborate garnish bowls to the mix.

Rice and Plantain Hindu Dish If you're planning on including cultural traditions in your ceremony, have them extend to the menu as well. Even if the two cuisines aren't enjoyed together traditionally, see if your caterer can “marry" the cultures through food and come up with a few fusion dishes. “I once had a groom from New England and bride who was Indian, who wanted to include dishes from both of their backgrounds," Sheppard says. “We had a New England–style cocktail hour with lobster rolls, oysters and Del's lemonade, followed by a more traditional Indian dinner featuring tandoori salmon, vegetable tagine and lemon rice pilaf.

"You can also include dishes of significance by serving items you've tried at a restaurant on your first date or a dessert that you had after your engagement. Explain the significance in your menus and don't forget about your signature cocktail too. “Sometimes couples have a connection to ingredients," Scorah says. “We recently did a wedding where the bride's father was a part-time beekeeper and honey maker, so we used his honey as an ingredient in the signature cocktail."

Ring for champagne bell A make-your-own food station is a great icebreaker that allows guests to strike up a conversation while waiting in line. Take the idea up a notch with a cart wheeled by a chef to guests during cocktail hour. Hedin suggests a fondue cart with warm cheddar ale and balsamic gorgonzola pots served with charcuterie, pickled vegetables, fruit and assorted bread options. Or, try a taco and margarita cart with a duo of miniature crispy tacos served in bamboo boats with cabbage salad, avocado sauce, salsa and a selection of hot sauces.

Want something even more interactive? Have a “press for champagne" framed doorbell sign that guests can ring to request a waiter to hand them a glass of bubbly. You can also give hors d'oeuvres the white-glove treatment with a curtained wall hiding a waitstaff behind it. Guests can press a button to see gloved hands appear with appetizers! Maxey says that even dessert has become more of an experience. “We've done a plated dessert tasting after a five-course plated dinner," she says. “One of the courses was a play on cake but with only a few bites and all the best parts."

Creative Cakes While classic wedding cakes are delicious, you don't have to stick to tradition. “Couples are becoming more open to modern and daring designs and shying away from the really traditional looks," says Stevi Auble, owner of Hey There, Cupcake! bakery in San Diego. “We've been using a lot of black and mixed metallic designs, which are both quite stunning for wedding cakes." Consider a colorful creation or having several mismatched, small-tiered cakes instead. It makes for a decadent display, giving the cake designer multiple canvases to create on, and also allows for multiple flavors and cake fillings. When it comes to cake design, shapes, patterns and textures have been inspiring the look. “We're definitely finding a lot of inspiration in couples' invitation suites and stationery, but are also pulling it from prints or textures found on linens and wallpaper," Auble says.

On the opposite end of the cake spectrum, some couples are opting for more minimally designed cakes. “This was the year of the peekaboo cake, which is not fully naked nor fully frosted," says Tiffany MacIsaac of Buttercream Bakeshop that serves Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland. “It's perfect with fresh flowers or fruit, available at a great price point and photographs like a dream!"

Dessert Play Some couples are leaning away from cake altogether in favor of dessert tables. Think: pretty displays of pies, cereal treats, ice cream and cookies. “Hand-painted, custom sugar cookies are a lot more popular this year," MacIsaac says. “They can feature anything from watercolor peaches for a couple celebrating their family in the South to cherry blossoms that speak to the time of year."

Provide guests with a different point of view with unique dessert installations, like a doughnut wall, cake pop croquembouche, floating candy bars or an upside-down cake hanging from the ceiling—or re-create a classic dessert in an entirely new way for your guests. “We recently came up with a deconstructed French macaron that everyone's going crazy for," Auble says. “It reveals the flavor profile of a traditional macaron by exposing the filling and embellishing with a number of garnishes that complement the flavor—all served up on an open-faced macaron shell." Your dessert may be the last bite your guests have at your wedding, so make it memorable and reflective of you as a couple.

Ariel Meadow Stallings (offbeatbride)

So there you are at the altar, gazing into the eyes of your beloved, saying your vows. You turn to sneak a glance at your wedding guests, all your favorite beloved friends and family… and are greeted by a sea of down-turned faces staring at their LCD screens.

When your photos come back from your wedding photographer, all your guest shots include your favorite people staring at their favorite devices. People are smiling, but they're all staring at little screens.

Welcome to the era of the over-documented wedding, where, even if you've hired someone to take photos, every guest has a camera and an iPhone and is tweeting the whole event. They're there with you, but are they really present?

Be nice, turn off your device As a web nerd who spends the majority of my life plugged into my laptop and smartphone, even I think it's critical to take a few moments to be truly present. Smell the air, look around, feel the texture of the world around us. A wedding ceremony is exactly the kind of fleeting, important moment when it's especially valuable to really be present, rather than relating to the world through a small LCD screen. When you discourage devices at your wedding, you encourage your guests to look up and drink in the world. Let's call it "in-the-moment matrimony."

As a web nerd who spends the majority of my life plugged in, even I think it's critical to take a few moments to be truly present. While many churches have no camera policies, I'm hearing more and more from nontraditional secular couples that they're considering an unplugged wedding — at the very least, asking guests to turn off their devices during the ceremony.

Now, let's acknowledge that a fully plugged-in, hyper-documented wedding makes perfect sense for some couples. Micro-budget brides sometimes skip professional photography, opting to rely on guest photographs — so of course guest cameras make perfect sense in that context. If you're a digerati who announced your engagement via Facebook, had an iPad-wielding officiant, read your vows off an iPhone, and live-streamed your ceremony, then there's no reason you should unplug your wedding. I'm certainly not here to dictate that anyone needs to have less tech at their wedding.

With each wedding we’re a part of, we always learn something new and make a mental note (or actual note) so we don’t forget for next time. It’s usually minor things – like unwrap the tin of Altoids from the plastic before placing it in the groomsmen pews at church – but when we first started out, they were sometimes slightly more important things. We always found a quick solution, but it never hurts to have it taken care of in advance.

Last year, we compiled a Rental Checklist of just about everything you could possibly need for your tented or backyard wedding. But here are the top eight items that are usually forgotten – in one way or another.

1 Garbage Cans and Liners If you’re wedding is taking place in a tent, backyard, etc. chances are very high that you’re bringing in your own caterer. While some may provide garbage cans and liners for you, many do not. We recommend at least 1-2 cans for out in the area where guests are (more if you’re using disposable cups, plates or cutlery) and another 1-2 for where the caterers are cooking and prepping food. It should go without saying that it’s also best to have a whole box of large liners available too. We like to place 4-5 in the bottom of each can before applying the first liner so it’s easy access as the day goes on.

2 Water If you’re supplying drinks for your bar, you’ll want to make sure you don’t forget bottled drinking water for guests. Not everyone drinks soda and having some ice cold water (especially on a hot day outside) will be very important in keeping everyone hydrated and having a good time. If you’re also having iced water served in a goblet with dinner, be sure to provide your caterers or bartenders (whomever is responsible for dinner drinks) with gallons of drinking water for service, which are more economical than bottles.

3 Ice Ice is a tricky item because you can’t exactly buy it months in advance. This is best tasked to your caterer or bartender (usually for a fee) but can also be taken care of by a helpful friend or family member. Just make sure they purchase enough ice for any cocktails, buckets for chilling drinks, water, soda, dinner service, etc.

A good and safe “rule of thumb” for how much ice to buy is 1.5lbs per guest. Up that to 2.5lbs+ per guest if you’re using it to also chill bottles in buckets. Also figure a crazy-hot day will cause the ice to melt faster, but in most cases the above rule should apply.

4 Napkins Chances are you’re not going to forget napkins. But when you’re determining how many to order, make sure to order 10-15% more in case of any spills. Caterers and bartenders will often use a few, too (especially for bread baskets). It’s safe to say that it’s best to order extra of most linens, table clothes included.

5 Dessertware When it comes to cutlery, same as napkins, you’ll want to order a few extra forks, spoons, and knives. They are often dropped or misplaced by a guest and they’ll naturally request a new one. BUT, the part that is most often forgotten is ordering enough forks and spoons to get you through all of your courses including dessert. In a traditional meal, you’ll need a salad fork, dinner fork, and another salad fork for dessert (No, people won’t use the same fork. Some may but most won’t think about letting the server clean it up with their dinner plate). If you’re serving coffee or ice cream, don’t forget to order additional spoons. You’ll also need plates for dessert (cake or otherwise) and cups/saucers for coffee.

6 Lighting Most rental companies will ask you about this but don’t forget to figure lighting for areas that aren’t necessarily under the main tent. This includes the caterers tent, bathroom area, parking area, smoking area, ceremony spot, and any pathways that guests may need to take. Also, if you’re renting a portable restroom, make sure to find out if there is a light INSIDE the bathroom. No one likes to do their business in the dark. Especially the person who has to go after them.

7 Power Whether your property has sufficient power or if you need to rent a generator, be sure to provide enough power and extension cords for your caterer, band or DJ, lighting, heating, cooling, etc.

A Vintage Typewriter Guestbook has Smart Written all Over it!

Raise the guestbook experience a notch with typewritten messages! Ideal for weddings, bar mitzvahs and other life-cycle events, this is a fun way for guests to record their words of congratulations and wisdom while overcoming the problem of illegible handwriting. Guests of all ages will enjoy this "old" technology as a way to express their sentiments.

Use beautiful colored cards or a scroll of paper that is peachy-pink or an icy blue to coordinate with the event theme. At the end of the evening, tie the cards or paper scroll with a ribbon for a unique lifelong keepsake of messages that will be treasured for years to come.

We at Bouche JUST love this idea and “Philadelphia Vintage Typewriters” now has a beautiful selection of typewriters from many different eras for purchase OR rent. Visit Bryan Kravitz at PhillyTypewriterRepair.com. Truly unique!

-Contributed by Susan Gull

Despite not having the happiest of endings, we all fell in love with Leonardo Dicaprio and Kate Winslet on their doomed voyage on the Titanic. The decadence of the ship alongside the dramatic beauty of the ocean provides the ideal backdrop for the ultimate love story and it is unsurprising that a reported 10% of newly-weds seek to emulate this romance by going on a honeymoon cruise. However many couples now seem to be taking this a step further by actually getting married at sea too and let's face it, what could be more romantic than tying the knot in the middle of the ocean or on a secluded Caribbean beach? Aside from the idyllic setting, there are many benefits of having a cruise wedding; hassle free organization, discounted fares and excess baggage allowance are just a few of the perks that a bride and groom can expect on-board their wedding cruise. But there are also a few logistical issues that may arise too. If you are thinking of booking a cruise wedding, here are some things that you should consider before setting sail.

Legalities

It may not sound terribly romantic but remember that marriage is a legal contract and has to be carried out in a registered setting or by someone with the authority to marry you. Legalizing a wedding at sea or in a foreign port can be complicated so research this in advance with your travel agent or cruise provider to see where and what they can offer you in terms of a 'legal' wedding. Some couples like to be married by the captain but if this is your preference then you are limited to only a few cruise liners. Some liners may advise (or even insist) getting married onshore before departure – this offers you the opportunity to have an official clergyman carry out the ceremony and guests who won't be travelling can also attend before you set sail.

Weather

Considering the weather is important in planning a cruise wedding, particularly if you have your heart set on a particular port. If you are hoping to get married on a beach in somewhere that has a predictable hurricane season such as the Carribbean or Asia you may want to opt for sunnier months. It is also worth bearing in mind that weather conditions such as high winds or tidal waves can occasionally prevent liners from tendering, meaning that stop-offs in certain ports have to be cancelled. The tides surrounding the Cayman Isles for example can become very rough during certain months. Considering all of this, planning your stop offs wisely and having a contingency plan in place is definitely a good move. 

Guests

It is very important for most couples to have their nearest and dearest with them to celebrate their big day. But whereas on land they are able to pack up and go home once the wedding is over, on a cruise you should be prepared for your guests to be part of the honeymoon too. This is not a bad thing but it means that scheduling in alone time with your new spouse can be tricky. Do you really want your new mother-in-law to be dining with you every evening on your honeymoon? If you have strong feelings about this then consider getting hitched in port and allowing guests to disembark before you sail off into the sunset as a married couple.

Planning

Be aware that most wedding cruise packages come with a wedding planner to help you co-ordinate the day. This can be helpful but you should know that the planners often have to work within tight restrictions placed upon them by the cruise liner so if you have specific ideas for a theme that are slightly out of the ordinary or if you are planning a particularly large wedding, you may need to discuss this prior to booking to ensure that it is within the cruise's capabilities. A cruise wedding is generally a smaller and more simpler affair which many couples prefer.

Extras

Your best man is the one guy who you can count on to stand with you when all others will not.  He is unwavering in his loyalty to you.  That being said he will not stand by and not voice his opinion.  He’ll offer the facts, let you know what he thinks and then NO MATTER WHAT you decide he will stand by you. In short, if your life was a zombie film, he’s the guy you want to have watching your back.

Always pick a guy you know will stand by you.  This may offend or upset other friends but try to incorporate them into the wedding party or the wedding in some other way.  Real friends will understand why a certain person will be chosen to be your Best Man.  Treat him well, when picking wedding party gifts, get your best man a little something extra.  He deserves it.

You’ve Chosen Him Before You’ve Chosen Her

Usually you know exactly who your best man will be even before you have asked or even chosen the girl you want to marry.  Yup, the bond can be that strong. 

Best Man Etiquette

Make sure he knows he is YOUR BEST MAN.  Ask him to stand by you in private.  You can ask the wedding party as a whole, but ask you BM in private.  Here are some things that will make him stand apart from the rest of your bridal party:

The wedding reception photo booth has experienced immense growth in popularity since arriving on the scene not long ago. Before the special event photo booth was born, all we could muster when hearing the name was what we know of carnivals, old-fashioned diners, and movie theater foyers. But thanks to the staggering technological advances in the last 10 years among the digital photography industry, the ability to have on-demand photo strips as wedding favors and guest book fillers is only a few clicks away.

Having a photo booth at your reception creates quite a phenomena at times. Lines of guests dressing up in costumed attire, smiling as they squeeze into the booth, and laughing and staggering as they fall out, has made the photo booth a go-to centerpiece for many modern weddings. 

But what exactly makes a great photo booth a great photo booth? How can our brides know they are getting a good one? The technical elements of a photo booth include a camera, lighting, and printing; all run by a central computer. With the interior of every booth simply providing different shades of the same color, the best advice we could pull to educate our brides was this: When interviewing a photo booth company, you want to find out a little about the guts of their booth.

Ask the following questions:

1) Does your booth use a Digital SLR camera, or a point and shoot type camera? Without getting too technical, we’ll let you know that the SLR cameras generally provide a much better image quality than point and shoot cameras.

2) Do you use an off camera flash or photography strobe for lighting, or do you utilize a continuous light source.  The continuous light source allows for motion blur and can leave the image feeling rather washed out.  Spring for a booth with good camera lighting.

3) What type of printer do you use?  There are basically two options: a type of inkjet photo printer, or a Dye-Sub (or dye-sublimation) printer.  Inkjet printers will generally take longer to spit out images, and the ink on the images will then have to dry.  They can be smudged, smeared, and get ink on your fingers and clothes if they are still wet.  Dy-Sub printers are usually very fast event printers built for speed, large print capacities, and great print quality.  They are typically a lot more expensive to own and operate, but a good photo booth will see the benefits outweighing the costs.

Once the wedding is over, the brand new Mr and Mrs are given the opportunity to jet off to a far flung destination to enjoy some alone time and really start off their marriage in style. Your honeymoon gives you the chance to unwind after all the stress and drama of organizing a wedding and spend some real quality time with the person you love. It’s also likely to be the most romantic and decadent vacation you ever take. Not sure where to spend your once in a lifetime honeymoon vacation? Here are some of the most popular and truly beautiful honeymoon destinations in the world for 2014:

You Can in Cancun

Honeymooners have been choosing the white sandy beaches of Cancun for their dream vacations for decades, and it’s easy to see why. Vast expanses of beautiful beaches and clear blue waters make the place truly look like paradise. Cancun is the home of luxury all-inclusive resorts, making it easy to simply book your vacation and then relax and unwind when you arrive. Cancun is also conveniently located for visiting the most famous and important Mayan ruins, such as Chichen Itza, making it the perfect place to take your honeymoon if you also have an interest in history. Visit the ruins, enjoy a traditional Mayan steam bath and then unwind on the beach after you’ve exhausted yourself with long days of sightseeing.

Head to Kauai

The Hawaiian island of Kauai was chosen as the third most popular honeymoon destination by US News, no doubt due to its proximity and the ease of travelling to Hawaii from the United States. Kauai is an incredibly romantic and picturesque island offering plenty to do for honeymooners. You can choose either a luxurious private villa or a five star resort offering every amenity you can imagine. And for the most adventurous couples the island offers plenty of opportunity for exploration and sightseeing off the beaten track. If you’re looking to try something a little different then why not combine your wedding and your honeymoon by travelling to Kauai on a cruise liner and getting married in the middle of your journey, surrounded by crystal clear blue ocean? Having a wedding at sea is a romantic notion that you could make a reality, and the best thing is, your honeymoon will start before you’re even married!

Experience Paradise in the Maldives

If a honeymoon is meant to be the celebration of love in a secluded island paradise then there is no better place in the world to take a honeymoon than the Maldives. The Maldives truly are an island paradise. There are several adult only resorts and private bungalow complexes on the island, making this the perfect destination if you want to enjoy plenty of romantic alone time. The Maldives aren’t the dream destination if you’re looking to be exploring and having active adventures, but if you want long dinners under the stars, swimming in warm seas, and watching the sun set from the beautiful setting of a small fishing boat then there is no more remarkable and wonderful place to visit.                  

Beautiful Bali               

Beautiful weather is here, and its impossible not to think of spending as much time outdoors as possible...and this includes your wedding day! Considering an outdoor wedding ceremony may be perfect for your special day!

1. Beautiful weather -  While beautiful weather on your wedding day makes the day even more special and memorable no matter if you have it indoors or outdoors, having the ceremony outdoors allows you as a couple to take full advantage of what nature has to offer!

2. Space –  A lot of the time, outdoor wedding ceremonies can have extended space.  There is more opportunities to move around and enjoy the great outdoors.

3. No Indoor Limitations –  Having the wedding ceremony outdoors allows the couple to get creative with how they want the ceremony to look and feel. You aren’t restricted to the look of the venue, church or synagogue. Having the wedding ceremony outdoors frees the couple from limitations.

4. Timeless Pictures - Just think of the beautiful pictures with an outdoor wedding ceremony! It’s not to say that indoor wedding ceremonies doesn’t lend itself to beautiful pictures, but having an outdoor wedding ceremony just captures so many more opportunities and the lighting is perfect! You can catch that beautiful sunset.. just in time!

1. Don’t let money kill the fun. Be Honest about your budget. Communicate with one another your ideas on how much for costs.

  2. Accept that her taste rules.    3. Meld your planning styles. Use her wisdom in ways you may not have thought of before.

Choosing Your Wedding Party

by RealSimple.com

Maid of Honor

Whom to choose: Sisters trump friends, but otherwise go for your oldest and most loyal pal―the one who knows when to tell you what you want to hear and when to be brutally honest. Job description: As chief ringleader, the MOH plans the shower and the bachelorette party and is also responsible for keeping the bridesmaid machine running smoothly by staying on top of fittings and other tasks the bride has delegated. May be asked to make a toast at the rehearsal dinner. Gets bonus points for bringing safety pins to the bridal dressing area. Caveat: Since organizing and motivating are key duties of the MOH, choose your lovable but scatterbrained best friend only if you’re prepared to do a lot of the heavy lifting yourself.

Bridesmaids

Whom to choose: Fun friends who will still be in your life long after you’ve thrown out that last chunk of frozen wedding cake. Negative, needy dramatic types need not apply. Once again, sisters and close cousins beat out friends for bridesmaid status. Don’t forget your fiancé’s sister. Job description: As members of Team Bride, bridesmaids participate in all pre-wedding events. They are also required to smile while purchasing their dresses, no matter what those dresses look like; dance enthusiastically to “Shout” at the reception; run errands; attend any tastings, site visits, or meetings that the bride asks them to; and stay until the end of the reception. Caveat: Out-of-town bridesmaids get a pass on most parties, but they still must send a gift for the shower.

Flower Girl

Here’s What Really Happens at a Boudoir Photo Shoot

Our friends over at PhillyMag wrote a great article on what to expect during your Boudoir Photoshoot. This is a question many of our brides have: will I be comfortable or not with the idea? Find out about Carrie's experience.

  From where I sit as a bridal editor, I usually know instantly what I think of a “trend” in the industry when I see one.

Long-sleeved wedding dresses, for instance—the kind that have been truly having a moment since Ms. Middleton walked down the royal aisle in one over a year ago? I think they are lovely, chic, sexy and elegant in the most perfectly bridal way, and I looove that girls are wearing them right now. Morning-after photography, for instance—where your photog shows back up the morning after your wedding to ostensibly photograph you and your groom in the throes of brushed-teeth and posed (read: fake) morning-after passion? Gross. And weird. And also gross.

But there’s one that’s been consistently on the rise for quite some time, now, and I couldn’t ever really pinpoint how I felt about it. It’s boudoir photography, the kind in which you—the bride, in this context—partake in a professional photo shoot in which you are in your pretty underthings, and then give the resulting pictures to your groom as a wedding present.

But I think I’ve figured out now why I couldn’t decide how I felt about it before—and how I feel about it now. And that’s because I tried it.

There are a good many photographers in the Philadelphia area who are doing or who will do boudoir photography. And so we went. And since it is our journalistic duty as magazine editors to sometimes guinea-pig ourselves in strangely intimate ways and report back to you, our dear readers, on the grisly details, that is what I’m going to do. Especially because after this, I honestly think every bride out there ought to at least consider trying this out.

(Oh, and perhaps a quick word on prep: No, this is not something you should, like, starve yourself for, or anything. Seriously! This is not some front-on, in-broad-daylight Maxim shoot, and you shouldn’t think of it that way. 

The first thing I will tell you is that the studio is warm. 76 degrees! I looked at the thermostat while I was sitting in the makeup chair. Not the first thing you were wondering, perhaps? Well, I tell you what—as a constantly freezing person, it is one of the main things I was wondering. There’s not enough La Perla in the world to fix a face that says I’m naked and so freezing I could just about die, so it was on my mind. Taken care of.

The second thing I will tell you is that yes, there is champagne.

And yes, an on-site professional makeup artist and lash application (because false eyelashes are non-negotiable in this situation, please), and hair is also available for an add-on if you aren’t confident in your ability to tousle your own bedroom curls.

You’ll narrow down what you’re wearing—they should be a great help with that, as they have experience knowing what sorts of things shoot well and look flattering and which ones you’ll wish you had maybe just skipped—you’ll strap on the most fabulous pair of shoes you own, you’ll flip your hair over once or twice, toss back the last of the champagne, and step onto set.

And here is perhaps where the biggest Oh, thank God crosses your mind, because here is where, before every single pose you do, whichever lady is shooting you at that moment literally shows you your pose by physically getting into it themselves, God bless them. Like: lean on your arm here, move up your legs here, arch your back here, cock your head this way, look over that way. Because if not for that, what in the heck would you do, do you think? Something girly and mischievous kicks in for sure once you’re in your lace and on set, but whatever that something is, it can’t really be labeled a lingerie-posing instinct. This takes so much of the uncertainty out of it.

You’ll do a variety of poses—there’s a bed, some pretty chaises and a (gulp) window sill that serve as the basics, but there are some more options, depending on what package you choose—in a minimum of two outfits, and before you know it, the ladies will have their camera cards full of images of you that you won’t actually recognize as you.

And here is the bottom line: Doing this is fun—like, stupid fun—and you will undoubtedly, at the very least, have a small handful of photos you love. Personally, I recommend doing it with a few girlfriends, if that’s feasible, and your thing—if this strikes you as the type of thing you’d rather go alone, you’ll still have a blast—as it turns the whole thing into this really great day with your girlfriends, in addition to being a pretty kick-ass gift for your groom. It’s just fun to do this thing that you would never normally do, feel like you would never normally feel, and, it’s probably safe to say, look a way that you’ve never looked before. It kinda ends up being a gift for you, too.

Just make sure you take a good hard look into the boudoir work of any photographer you’re considering doing this with, because I think that’s why I was so unsure of this trend before: There’s some bad stuff out there. I’ve seen it, and it has scared me. Deeply. But if you’re with a photographer who really knows what they’re doing—specifically with this type of thing—then you really can’t lose.

So does it still sound scary? As a gesture of solidarity—or for those of you who I’ve heard say, “Picture or it didn’t happen”—I am including the face-only corner of one of my shots. And if you’re wondering what the reaction might have been from the few who have seen them? Well, three of my girlfriends—all of whom were drop-jawed at just the idea that I was doing this—all separately had the exact same, immediate thing to say: “Ohmygod. I’m totally doing this.”

In an effort to create a once-in-a-lifetime event that is remembered by all in attendance, many couples will admit to going a tad overboard with their weddings. From ultra-stretch limousines to bachelor/bachelorette parties in Las Vegas to course after course of food and beverages, some weddings are a lesson in excess.

When the party has winded down, conscious couples can ensure that some of the excesses of the wedding get re-purposed for good use. And that begins with the food.

Many wedding caterers, in an effort to ensure no guest goes without their fair share of food, grossly overestimate the amount of food needed for the reception. That means there may be plenty of appetizers and main courses leftover, all of which couples have paid for. There are a number of ways that food can be saved and given to others.

* Create classy take-home-packages. People have become much less averse to taking home food they cannot finish from restaurants. As portion sizes continue to grow, taking a portion home to enjoy later is both cost-conscious and a healthy idea. While a wedding may be a formal event, it shouldn’t preclude guests from feeling comfortable taking home any uneaten food, particularly if they like the food.

  Provide the reception center with decorative to-go boxes or containers that can be used to package any food guests want to take home with them. Small, handled paper or fabric tote bags will make the leftovers that much more portable.

* Donate leftover food. Neighborhood food banks may be willing to accept food donations from your wedding. Although many deal with only nonperishable foods, some will pick up both. Before the wedding you can inquire within certain organizations to find out which specialize in what area of food collection.

  Feeding America (feedingamerica.org) has an extensive list of food banks and food-rescue programs available online. Some organizations can pick up food and deliver it within the same day to a soup kitchen. If you cannot find an organization to help, you may actually be able to donate your food to livestock. Some farms and recreational farmers will feed pigs leftover food. This is a way to ensure food will not go to waste.

* Help reduce waste. You can speak with your wedding caterer about cutting down on the amount of food without making it overtly noticeable to guests. First, consider a sit-down dinner where portions are carefully measured rather than buffet where amounts are estimated.

  Also, removing extra courses such as dessert or breakfast bars can further keep down the amount of extra food as well as the cost.

* Take it home. If you will not be traveling to your honeymoon directly after the wedding reception, you can have the catering staff package the food and you can bring it home. Keep your freezer empty and put the food inside. When you return from your honeymoon you will have plenty of dinners already pre-made so you can enjoy life as newlyweds. Otherwise, you can invite friends over to view honeymoon photos and serve the food as refreshments.

* Recycle flowers. Food may not be the only item leftover at the end of the night. Guests who may not have taken home favors or centerpieces will leave behind many beautiful items that would normally end up in the trash. Flowers and gifts can be donated to a hospital or senior center to brighten the atmosphere.

  Be sure to keep just a few favors available for people who send gifts in the mail since they weren’t able to attend the festivities.

During the wedding planning process, I think children of divorce get the raw end of the deal. They didn't ask for their parents to split up and their natural instinct is to love both of them. Therefore, adding even more pressure to an already new phase of life -- their impending marriage -- can be strenuous for all involved.

I once worked with a bride I'll call Tracey who brought her divorced parents and her sisters with her to my salon for her gown appointment. Her parents had been divorced since she was 12 and they did not get along very well, to say the least. Neither her mother nor her father could put their own feelings aside. In fact, they spat remarks at each other over the course of the entire appointment. I was in awe of Tracey and her sisters for the way they were able to take their parents' outbursts in stride.

Of course, not all divorced couples conduct themselves like Tracey's parents did. And, even if parents are no longer married, they can still come together to help plan their daughter's (or son's) special day. Where there is a will, there is a way, after all!

The problem is that even when it comes to planning a happy occasion like a wedding, it can be very difficult to take feelings and treat them like inanimate objects -- you can't just put them in a drawer or lock them away for a period of time.

I find that separating most of the planning into categories of strength, skill or funding is a good way to draw the lines in the sand. Make decisions regarding who does what with whom and stick to it. Maybe Mom goes dress shopping with a budget agreed upon in advance and splits the cost with Dad. Then, maybe Dad goes back to see the final choice during a fitting. Brides can work out a system with their parents for every aspect of the wedding, not just the dress: Dad pays for the music, but Mom is invited as a courtesy to hear the potential bands, or Mom comes along to pick out flowers and décor, while Dad signs off on what you choose.

In short, if either parent has a preference when it comes to some of the items, then that parent should take on those tasks. If parents can come together and tolerate each other, then they can unite on some fronts. Either way, the person paying for the specific item(s) should be courteously involved.

When it comes to the actual wedding, I suggest that brides give each parent individual honors and involvement -- go over the plans for each wedding-related event and pick out opportunities to make these events special. Perhaps you can make a toast to Dad during the rehearsal dinner, and thank Mom at the bridal shower. And take the time to create individual special memories: Have a mom/daughter, father/daughter lunch or, if the wedding is out of town, perhaps a golf day with Dad and a spa day with Mom.

Above all, once a decision has been made between a bride's parents to behave themselves in a fashion conducive to the best interests of their beloved child, it's important that they stick to it -- no matter how difficult that may be.

-Renee Strauss

1. Special Treatment

Because of the close relationships that travel agents have with suppliers, they are able to let the resort’s know of your arrival, they do the confirming of your reservations, ask for special attention, and try to arrange opportunities for extra amenities or possible upgrades. When you book it yourself you get no extra special service, no extra amenities, and no chance of upgrades. Also, if the hotel you booked gets oversold, the first people bumped are people that book through an online travel agency, as those agencies actually pay a fraction of what that room is worth and re-sell it you at full price.

2. Problem Resolution 

If you experience any issues along the way, you can pick up the phone and get a resolution without being on your own verses spending hours and weeks on the Internet, getting conflicting reviews. 

3. Payment Options

Travel agents usually only require a small deposit to confirm your trip, and you can make payments up until the final payment. Online booking requires you pay in full at the time you book the reservation.

 4. Personal Experience

Most travel agents actually visit many of the resorts they sell. They stay informed of new resort information, frequently view site and property inspections, and also equip you with information for your specific trip. With online brochures or websites, photos may have been altered. You have no idea of what you can expect, because the travel site has never actually been there. Many of the people in the call centers have no idea where you live, or know to tell you what to avoid at the airports, or even how to get there.

5. Pricing

Travel agents are able to get special discounted rates is not available to the public. You will not find these wholesale prices on the websites and the agent can help you compare prices and resort options. They can even create a vacation package for you, combining tours and excursions with airfare and traveling to complete your honeymoon experience.

When choosing your wedding colors simplicity is key. Pick three to four colors total to keep your bouquets and centrepieces from looking too messy. If you prefer an undone look, opt for a few slightly varied shades of the same colour. This will add depth without looking too chaotic. Or, for an especially striking look, go monochromatic with a bold shade like vivid purple or creamy white. The idea is to keep the look tailored for maximum impact.