Engagement Rings

A recent study done by home insurance firm, Liverpool Victoria, grooms-to-be used to spend about 3 months' salary on a ring  but today, 2/3's of that number are spending about 3 weeks' salary. So while in 2007 men were spending $8,000 on his fiancé's ring, they're now spending about $2,000. The study also found that more than 50% of surveyed women had absolutely no idea how much their ring cost- but figured about a months' salary. 40% of surveyed men refused to tell how much they spent and 3% confessed to lying about how much they spent- spending less than they said they did.

Wedding Details

 

 

This gorgeous wedding is so captivating because of the details.  When designing your wedding, remember to pay attention to detail.  It's not the most fun part of planning, but it will pay off in a huge way.  Remember, every element of your wedding should have a purpose and should lend itself to the overall wedding design.
Photos: http://www.flourishstudiophotography.com/blog/?p=2748

All You Need to Know About Wedding Tipping

Although it is not obligatory to tip, it is customary to show gratitude to those who helped make your wedding a success.  Here are a few guidelines to help you know how much to tip various vendors.

One thing to remember, you do not need to tip owners.  If a photographer owns a studio, or a hairstylist owns a salon, you do not need to tip.  Same goes for bands not chosen from an agency.

Hairstylists/ Makeup artists, who are not owners:  15%-20% of total bill if you go to a salon; tips are at your discretion if they come to you.

Ceremony Musicians:  $20-$25 each should be offered by the best man.

Bartenders:  10% of the liquor bill to be split among the bar staff.

Officiant:  While city officials cannot accept tips, a reasonable tip for clergy members is $75-$100.

Delivery People:  These tips are to be offered on the spot.  Somewhere between $5-$25 depending on time and work that was put in to the items (cakes, flowers, etc.).

Waitstaff:  If gratuity is not included in the total bill, 15%-20% of the bill is a decent tip to be split among the waiters.

Photo: http://www.whatitcosts.com/img/wedding-tipping3.gif

Bridal Expo

 

Join us at the July Expo for great wedding ideas and savings!

Jubilation Events will have a walk-through booth will several tablescapes set up for you to admire.  Each table will have a different color and a different theme.

Come ready to make an appointment with us!  Or get more information on Blush Brides, I Do Redo, and future events!

The Expo is Saturday, July 30 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. & Sunday, July 31 from 12 noon- 4 p.m at Century II.

We look forward to seeing you!

Summer Party: Sundae Best

There are countless benefits to throwing a summer ice cream party--including getting to say, "I'm having an ice cream social!" in your most wholesome Leave It To Beaver voice.  When it comes to this event, you can make your party as casual or as elaborate as you wish!  Even the most elaborate ice cream party is pretty easy to put on.

The simpler the ice cream choices, the crazier you can get with the toppings.  Of course, you will have the typical hot fudge, marshmallow sauce, caramel, and strawberry sauce.  But don't be afraid to have some fun with it!  Add fresh fruit bowls, granola, various candy bar pieces, and even some broken up pretzels and nuts.

And before inviting the whole neighborhood, think about how many people you can realistically host.
Be sure you have enough for everybody!
Count on each person eating three 1/2 cup scoops.  That will make 1 1/2 cups per person.

Happy scooping!














Pictures:  http://www.eatdrinkchic.com/assets/content//DIY_ice-cream_parlour_buffet_big.jpg; http://cdn.blisstree.com/files/2008/06/930066-77389052.jpg

Saving Face

Whether you're a wedding guest or the one saying I do, there are makeup Do's and Don'ts that must be followed.  Wearing too much to a simple ceremony will leave people with the impression that you are trying too hard.  But not wearing enough makeup to a formal wedding will leave you looking like the Miss Havisham homebody who never gets out.
With that, some guidelines:

The Laid-Back Wedding:   If this is a casual affair, you can usually get away with more and showing individual style is accepted in this setting.  So if you like to play with your make-up, now is the time!  So bright colors, a poppy shade on the cheeks or lips, or a jewel-toned eyeliner are all fun, fresh options.

The Outdoor Affair:  Invited to nuptials on the hottest day of the year?  Be sure you have SPF and that your foundation won't get cakey.  Go for a tinted moisturizer and brush a light powder on top to avoid a shiny face in the sunlight.  Skip the lipstick.  And to give your eyes a wide-eyed look, curl your lashes.

After Hours Soiree:  A late, formal wedding involves dressing to the nines.  Remove the day's make-up buildup and give your face a fresh glow.  Apply a luminizer on the cheekbones and a facial highlighter on the brow.  Create a dramatic eye with a fat eyeliner pencil and a thick coat of mascara.  Or, if applying that much on your eyes is too much for you, keep your eyes neutral and play up the lips with a fun coral color.

Time-Crunched Commute:  Just woke up from a "short nap" with only five minutes to get ready and a thirty minute drive?  Jump in your car and go.  At the first stop sign, sweep a bronzer on your cheeks.  At the next red light, apply a rosy shade on your eyes.  This will warm up and freshen your face.  Hit your eyelashes with a curler at the next stop you make.  It is quicker and less messy than trying to fumble around with mascara.  Finally, while walking from your car, put on a tinted gloss or lip color.

Wedding Trends: Late Night Snacks

After the dancing, drinking, and delighting, as your wedding celebration is coming to a close, nothing will please your guests more than a thoughtful nightcap.

Rather than sending them home with more alcohol or an impersonal gift, send them off with a midnight snack!

If you prefer something a little more filling, go for a bagel and cream cheese, grilled cheese and tomato soup shooters, mini-chicken tacos, or a hot dog cart!



Photos courtesy of: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/winter-good-things-for-weddings?xsc=eml_dwd_2010_09_27&#slide_23, http://www.brillianteventplanning.com