Vintage or Used Crap?

Wedding blogs, magazines, and inspiration boards are all the rave with so called “vintage or vintage inspired” wedding day looks.  I have to wonder, are we really inspired by treasured memories or duped into helping someone unload used crap? 

Well, let’s see; generally speaking, vintage withstands the test of time, typically 20 years or longer.  I would also like to add that vintage symbolizes a time in one’s life where meaning and purpose has established the overall life lessons that makes us who we are today—sounds better right? 

If you are forced to carry your grandmother’s dirty old hanky on your wedding day simply because she wiped away her tears—touching, but crap; however; if you carry grandma’s hanky that she used on her wedding day, and later used the same hanky to wave good-bye to her husband as he went off to war—that’s vintage.  Your vintage look must tell a story.  What is the story behind your vintage wedding day look?



Monique

Professional Touch Affairs LLC

*Pic inspired by vintage and lace

Happy Mothers Day! Shall We Dance?

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching and it’s only befitting that I blog about the bride-to-be and mother of the bride—I mean this is a wedding blog right?

Well, I want to highlight a special wedding reception dance that is returning to the scene in BIG Way, and that is the Mother-Daughter dance. For some, mom has been playing the role of both mother and father, figuratively speaking. Why not honor your mother and show her how appreciative you are by sharing the dance floor and giving her the spotlight to show off those moves that she thinks that she still got or that cougarlicious dress that she is wearing. Now, the dance doesn’t have to be too serious or intimate — KNOWONE WANTS TO BELLY RUB WITH THEIR MOTHER —A-W-K-W-A-R-D. Pick a song that’s up-tempo and fun.

Here are our Top 3 picks:

Isn’t She Lovely –Stevie Wonder

Blessed- Jill Scott

MaMa-Spice Girls

What’s yours?

Monique

Image by HD Video Memories

Hot Hair Trend Alert!

 

2013 will bring exciting and unexpected beauty trends to the wedding industry this year.  One such beauty trend that will take center stage is braided hairstyles.  Yes, braids are hot this year!  Regardless of the hair texture, braids that are tastefully worn can make quite a statement on the big day.  Take a look at these images.

 





Images provided by Stylish Eve and Louiseville wedding blog

Trash The Dress Craze

One of the most popular trends in wedding photography is “Trash The Dress” where brides can take unique photos while saying bye-bye to the wedding gown.

As you can see, some of the pictures can be dynamic while others are downright ridiculous. Photographers who want that one last wow picture will foam at the mouth at a bride's willingness to take these daring shots. We all have a desire to be Top Model for a day, but I have to ask, is it really worth it? Wouldn't it be better to donate that dress to a bride who can't afford a nice dress? I mean some of these gowns average thousands of dollars. I'm not knocking "Trash The Dress"; I actually love the concept, but I think a wedding gown could be put to better use. What do you think?

 

Dynamic

 

 

Ridiculous

 

 

 



 

 





Fall Wedding Fashion Trend

Fall Fashion Week is the time to see what's hot in Fall attire.  It's no secret that today's wedding looks are inspired by the fashion industry. Let's take a look at one hot trend of incorporating Shawls into our wardrobe this season, and see how we can take it from the runway to the wedding aisle.

 

 





 

 



Bad Weather Woes

You spend countless hours planning this fabulous event and BOOM! — the inevitable happens. You have 80% rain chances all day accompanied by dangerous lightening, hail and maybe a tornado here or there. What happens next? You start to panic because you neglected to hire a professional planner to help you with your bad weather plan—just kidding. During a disaster is not the time to create your bad weather plan. So, while you are planning your event, ask yourself the following questions:


Is my event venue in a low-lying area prone to flooding? Your guests will be ticked-off if they leave your event and have to retrieve their vehicles from Sea World.

What is the venue’s back-up plan if the facility loses power? Generators I hope!

What will be the back-up plan if you have to cancel and notify all 300 close friends and family? Common sense would keep them away but you always have the ride-or-die crew who just want to party.

What’s the weather like in your locality during the time of year that you will have your event?

Stay safe!

Monique

Hot Hair Trend For Your Wedding Day

What’s hot for 2012 wedding hair? Yep, you guessed it…LONG HAIR!  The sultry yet playful Rapunzel look has made its way back in wedding fashion for this season.  Although fashion experts our salivating over this look; do what works for you and that lovely face.  If you want to pull off the long-haired look and you’re missing a little something called HAIR! Find a stylist who specializes in hair miracles and acquire the best hair that money can buy.  Besides, there’s a stark difference between looking like the hot dish of the season coming down the aisle, to Cousin “Itt” from the Addams Family.  Happy Sewing!

Sultry

Lovely

Hot Mess!

Google Images

Monique

The Oscars And Your Wedding Day

Oscar night is probably the most exciting yet stress moments for nominees hoping to stand on stage with that gleaming golden figure which confirms that hard work and dedication will eventually pay-off.  Oscar winners are often deprived of that once in a lifetime experience of “living in the moment” because they are often cued to hurry-up and make their acceptance speeches.  Sadly, many brides are also deprived of the feeling of “living in the moment” because they are too preoccupied with wanting everything to be perfect.  Brides, please don’t cheat yourself out of the once in a lifetime feeling of marrying your true love.  Hire professionals and keep in mind the true purpose of your wedding day.  If you hire professionals, everything else will fall into place.  Call us today to discuss how we can help you "live in the moment" on your special day.  (757) 538-1968.

Monique

 

Spooky Nuptials

Viva Las Vegas is monopolizing on fear and matrimony.  Get this— a popular Vegas chapel is offering Horror-Themed ceremonies complete with blood, guts, vampires, and dismembered body parts just in time for Halloween— how romantic.  Personally, I prefer old school horror with creepy choral music and demonic behavior.  I ask you, are they taking the whole personalized wedding concept too far?  Does this concept take away from the seriousness of the nuptials? Does this give you ideas for your upcoming day?



http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-halloween-weddings-20111027,0,1003789.story

Your Guests, Their Experience

Recently, I took a much needed vacation to a luxurious hotel and spa.  What I remember most about my visit wasn’t the breathtaking scenery or impeccable food but the overall experience.  Great customer service began from the entrance to the exit.  I remember the warm smile from the doorman, the consistent use of my name by the front desk receptionist, and immediate access to technology making my check-in and check-out flow smoothly.  This is what you want to create for your wedding guests—not just a beautiful memory but an unforgettable EXPERIENCE.  If you have an outdoor ceremony on a hot day; have cool drinks or mini fans available to keep your guests cool.  If the wedding occurs on a rainy day; have extra hostesses armed with oversized umbrellas to assist your guests who forgot to check the forecast.  These little things can turn your event from a distant memory to the experience of a lifetime.

Monique

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=851">Image

Too Much!

12 Bridesmaids; 12 groomsmen; 5 flower girls and a partridge in a pear tree. Okay, is this a wedding or a theatrical performance? This is the question that you should ask when selecting your bridal party members. Your wedding day will be one of the most important days of your life. Do you really want your special day to be overshadowed by an entourage—I don’t think so. When choosing your bridal party members, limit your selection to those who truly play a significant role in your life before and after the wedding. It’s doubtful that your cousin’s friend’s niece will play such a significant role that she should be a part of your wedding day. Remember, it’s okay to say no—it’s your day.  


Monique

Pic via www.freedigitalphotos.netimagesview_photog.phpphotogid=809

Blogging Hiatus

Hello,

In an effort to bring you the quality content that you deserve, Wedding Conversations will take a temporary hiatus from the blogosphere until the Fall. We look forward to bringing you insightful information and fun conversations in the very near future. 

Au revoir,

Monique

Tech Savvy Bride-to-Be

Searching for the perfect wedding gown can be a royal pain for the busy bride-to-be.  Try this great app for the iphone; iBridalGown.  This app not only helps you find local bridal salons but you can manage all of your wedding gown details just like a pro.  Of course there's is a nominal fee to download but it's worth it.  See for yourself at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ibridalgown-wedding-dress/id301995951?mt=8

Monique

Feather Love

I'm in love with love which is probably why I chose this profession.  So in honor of the upcoming Valentine's Day holiday, here are a few sexy and unique ideas for your wedding bouquet.

pic via emplume.com

pic via emplume.com

This look will definitely set you apart from the rest.  If you want something special to really leave a lasting impression, this will do the trick.

Monique

Fashion Inspired

Need a little inspiration for a personalized look on your wedding day? Well event designers turn to the fashion industry to forecast the hottest design trends as inspiration for ceremony and reception decor.  Everything from fabric texture to color inspired by the fashion industry will grace wedding reception tables worldwide.  Take a look at these spring 2011 trends.

Great combination for colorful bold looks!

Lace is still a favorite in wedding decor.

Animal print table linen coupled with a hot solid color for the edgy bride and groom...hot!

Adorable prints are still in order for a festive look.

 Sheer overlay and solid linen.... timeless.



If you're stuck on ways to create a fabulous look for your wedding decor, please feel free to contact us today!



Pics via Imaxtree.com (Elle)

Monique

Your Budget and You

Discussing your wedding budget with your wedding pros can be a bit awkward but it's essential that you're honest about what you can realistically afford.  When asked what the total budget will be for a wedding I often receive the response "I won't know until I start to price different things (i.e. florist, cakes)". WRONG! The bottom line is it doesn't matter what things will costs if you know you don't have the budget anyway.  Save yourself a little time and discuss your finances before meeting with your wedding pros; stick to your budget and hire a good wedding planner.  A good wedding planner will not recommend services that are beyond your reach.

Monique

Photo via http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1408

Pick a Seat

Undecided about seating arrangements for your sit-down dinner reception? Well let me offer a few suggestions. You have a couple of options here: open and pre-assigned seating. Open seating allows guests the flexibility to select their own companions and sit where they choose. With pre-assigned seating, guests are assigned to a specific table and/or seat. You can use a unique seating chart and table numbers or names that tie in to your overall theme. Regardless of your selection; do your guests a favor, have a hostess or assistant who is familiar with the room layout and table numbers direct your guests to their assigned area. There's nothing worse than forcing your guests to go on a scavenger hunt for their assigned table.

Monique

Photo via  http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=987

Father/Daughter Two-Step

Ahhh!! The father/daughter dance….so lovely. Okay, enough already. The father/daughter dance is not only special to the bride but sentimental to dear old dad. Why not make this moment all about him. Yeah, we get it, this is your day or no way but dad is letting go of his “little girl” so let him shine if only for a moment. Besides, you’re just going to cry all over his tux anyway. Find out what dad’s favorite dance tune is and surprise him with it for the father/daughter dance at the reception. It’s fun, it’s memorable, and your guests will love it! Just be sure to check out the lyrics beforehand. You don’t want to hear some Rod Stewart, “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy” lyrics playing in the background while you’re dancing with your father—not a good look. Shake a tail feather!

Monique

Should I purchase Flowers Online?

In these tough economic times, I get asked this question a lot.  Ordering flowers online can be a nail-biting experience especially if you don't know a whole heck of a lot about flowers.  Well, allow me to make this process easy for you.  First, start by selecting the type of flowers that you want for your event.  I know that there are so many lovely buds to choose from but narrow down your choices to those that you REALLY want with your budget in mind.  Second, start researching online floral companies.  Some are actually registered with the Better Business Bureau for online businesses.  Once you've narrowed down your choices, start comparing the company's guarantee and delivery policies for the best options.  Finally, pre-order the flowers that you would like to have for your wedding.  You will not only get a first-hand look at the quality of the flowers but the timeliness of the delivery.  By all means, have a back-up florist on stand-by just in case. 

Simply Monique,

Back to Business

Yep! we're back! Took a little break to re-organize and re-energize but we are ready to bring you short bursts of energy with our straight talk blog posts on everything weddings and events.  Beginning Monday, July 19th, we will be posting to the blog twice a week; Mondays and Wednesdays. So stay tuned.

 Monique