Wedding 101
Wedding Guest Etiquette
When your friends or family get married, there are all kinds of wedding etiquette and rules that govern their behavior. But did you know there are rules for wedding guests too? To ensure that you don't inadvertantly commit a faux pas or do anything mistaken at a loved one's wedding, follow these simple rules:
1) Don't be late! If a wedding invitation says that the ceremony will begin at 5, be sure to arrive there by 4:45 so as to give yourself time to find a seat and get settled. You wouldn't want to interrupt the processional.
2) You don't need to bring a gift with you to the wedding. In fact, you have up until a year after the wedding to give a gift. Bringing a gift with you means that someone in the wedding party will have to worry about how to get it home.
3) If you are unable to attend the wedding, it is customary to still send a wedding gift.
4) Don't bring a date unless your invitation specifically says their name or "+ Guest" Remember that the cost for each person attending a wedding is generally high, so bringing unexpected guests is very impolite. This includes your children or other relatives!
5) Many ceremonies have parts where the congregation alternately stands and sits. The program or officiant may tell you when to do so; if not, follow the lead of others around you. If you are physically unable to stand, remain quietly seated.
6) RSVP promptly. The couple will be making many decisions based on the number of people who will be there. Additionally, if you must cancel after you have accepted, do so as soon as possible.
7) While a wedding is a time to enjoy yourself, no one appreciates a drunk guest embarrassing themselves. Drink alcohol in moderation.
8) Above all, enjoy yourself, and tell the happy couple that you are so pleased for them.
SOURCE: http://weddings.about.com/cs/weddingguests/a/GuestEtiquette.htm
Makeup Tips for Weddings
Take into consideration the following when deciding on your makeup and hair:
1) Time of day the ceremony is taking place. Night-time weddings are obviously more formal and warrant a more sophisticated look. Daytime weddings tend to be more natural.
2) In or outdoors. Outside lighting is strong and so the makeup needs to be soft and natural. Also, again with formality, outdoor weddings tend to be less formal .
3) The lighting. Different lighting warrants different makeup. Nighttime lighting tends to show less and so a stronger makeup is needed, day lighting again goes more natural. Candlelight shows more gold on the skin and so shimmer and gloss can be utilized to soften the face. Also for the reception, what is the lighting like? Florescent lighting tends to wash out the face and give things a green tone.
4) The color of your dress. Ivory and off-white tend to make the skin look softer and so can take a more glamorous makeup. White tends to look strong and washes out most faces. It is important that the face is well blended so as to not look stark, but soft color is needed.
5) The neckline of your dress, the length, the sleeves. The stronger the neckline, the more sophisticated the hair & makeup should be. For example, a neckline that cuts deep and is off the shoulders needs to have the hair up so that the line of the neck and shoulders is shown off. The shorter the dress, the more simple the hair and makeup should be. The more simple the dress, the more simple the hair and makeup.
6) You are creating an entire picture...do not put on the ornate dress and heels and then wear your hair and makeup like you do when you have on jeans. Don't sell yourself short on such a memorable day.
7) Do not be afraid to wear a red lip. Remember that there are different reds for different skins.
8) Do not over-do. One feature should be emphasized at a time. If you do the red lip and the super made-up eyes, you will look like you have on too much makeup.
9) Unless you have facials on a regular basis, DO NOT get one the week before your wedding. They can pull impurities to the surface, and you do not want to break out the week of. Also, do not make any major changes in skincare the few weeks before, for the same reason.
10) Sounds crazy, but if at all possible, try not to set your wedding date during that time of the month.
11) If you get a breakout, do not pick. Do not do anything that can irritate or redden or enlarge the problem. Use pure aloe vera to treat and heal any bumps or breakouts. It is a wonderful healer.
12) The most important part of your wedding makeup, besides waterproof mascara, is a perfect looking skin. Learn how to get coverage without looking mask-like. And make sure that your foundation matches your skin exactly.
13) If you don't wear foundation normally, unless your skin is absolutely perfect, it is a good idea to have one for this day.
14) When you purchase your waterproof mascara, make sure that you have an eye makeup remover that also takes off waterproof mascara. You do not want to be stuck in Aruba with week old mascara that you cannot get off, or rip off half of your lashes trying to remove it.
15) Remember, you want to look like yourself. You want your prospective spouse to recognize you when you walk down the aisle. And, you also want to look and feel very beautiful. Pamper, priss, and preen, it is your day.
16) In 20 years that hot pink lipstick and big hoop earrings will date your wedding photos. You want to look as classic as possible so that your photo memories are timeless.
