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Fans & Parasols

Summer months and tropical climates are ideal for weddings, but when the sun is beating down upon you, wouldn’t a nice fan or parasol come in handy? wedding favors to save the day! Try hand fans made from colored silk or classic sandalwood fans, which can even be personalized! Or, for an inexpensive way to keep your guests cool, consider wedding parasols made from light weight paper and available in just about every color!

Eco-friendly Favors

Just because it’s your day doesn’t mean you need to be thoughtless of others! I love the idea of eco-friendly favors, which remind your guests to safeguard our planet.  Earth-friendly gifts may contain organic ingredients, incorporate recycled components, renewable resources, or biodegradable papers. They are a wonderful way to thank your guests for sharing in your wedding, while making a difference in the world.

Edible Favors

Who doesn’t like going home with a treat? There are so many choices you’ll fee like a kid in a candy store again! Hershey chocolates, personalized cookies, mints in pretty little tins, honey pots, lemonade mix, mini gumball slot machines… This way, the party doesn’t end when the guests leave!

Practical Favors

Looking for clever wedding favors that earn their keep? Give your guests a thank-you gift that they can actually use, such as kitchen accessories, pens, coasters, luxurious bath items, bottle stoppers, luggage tags, bookmarks, salt-n-pepper shakers, compact mirrors, and more… all designed with a “wedding” spin. Check out all these great, practical favors at affordable prices!

Hundreds more beautiful, affordable wedding favors at American Bridal.com… “Where Smart Brides & Grooms Shop & Save on Wedding Favors!”

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Red invitations with gold calligraphy, via The Knot.

Red, floor-length dress, $280, Lazaro. For your bridesmaids… or the daring bride! (via Brides.com)

Crystal vases topped with red, silk lampshades, and filled with water, glass marbles, water-activated LED lights, and a single ruby gerbera daisy (via The Knot).

Earrings, $45, Kenneth Jay Lane, 877-953-5264. (via Brides.com)

Bouquet of gloriosa lilies, red hypericum berries, red ranunculuses, and Safari Sunset (via The Knot).

Dress, $286, Ivy & Aster. (via Brides.com)

Red Sling-back shoes via The Knot.

Satin Sash with Beaded Embellishment by David’s Bridal

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Hair

A hair style that keeps your hair off your neck and out of your face might be the best option. It’s also very flattering to the face and neck. To keep hair sleek and avoid frizz, use a smoothing serum to damp hair before drying it. Avoid avoid alcohol-based gels which can dry your hair out.

For a sun-kissed look try highlighting your hair in a style called baliage, which is French for “strands of color.”  Strand of hair are hand painted, which results in a more natural look that’s easier to maintain than traditional highlights.

Face

You’ll want to use sheer, long-lasting cosmetics that won’t fade or drip. Layering your makeup will help it to last longer, for example use an eyeliner pencil, followed by a liquid liner. Use an eye shadow primer and then your eyeshadow.  For cheeks, apply a cream blush and then a similar shade of powder. And for lips, use a stain and then lipstick or gloss.

For blemishes or uneven skin tones, apply makeup with a foundation brush only where you need it, and follow up with a dusting of powder for a matte finish.

Body

Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water in the days before your wedding.  Cut back on alcohol and spicy foods. When you shower, use a moisturizing cleanser and finish off with a fast-absorbing dry oil instead of a heavy moisturizing cream, which can cause you to perspire.

You can also use a moisture-absorbing powder on your body to keep perspiration in check. And of course a powerful antiperspirant is key for underarms– and feet, where it will keep your shoes from slipping off!

Try to time your day so you won’t be rushing around. If you do start to feel overheated, run your wrists under cold water and take a long drink of water.

Attire

I do understand that not everyone agrees with me. Obviously not everyone agrees with me, because there are quite a lot of short dresses making it onto the runways today! And some, I admit, are pretty darling.  So if you’re got a beach wedding planned or just want to slip into something easier to dance in (after you’ve had your fun in the ball gown!), here are some delightful little dresses to consider!

All photos from Martha Stewart Wedding.

Matthew Christopher

Modern Trousseau

Matthew Christopher

Monique Lhuillier

Simone Carvalli

Ines di Santo

Aria

Matthew Christopher

Simone Carvalli

See more short dresses at Martha Stewart Wedding!

Here are some pictures, compliments of Manolo:

This is from The Knot:

Photos below from my eco chic wedding.com

Martha Stwart provides this pretty photo:

These are from Pamela’s Parasols:

Feature image from Wedding-Lane

feature image from Manolo via  Watters

Here are some of their secret weapons to help you get sexy for the season!

Plan toward your Goal

Chris Gaines of Equinox Fitness in Palo Alto, California offers these key steps:

1. Set a goal: Get specific about what your goals are, write them down and make a firm commitment to achieve them. (For example: Loose 10 lbs in the next 6 weeks)
2. Set a plan: By creating “stepping stones” or short-term goals, we give ourselves the opportunity to celebrate minor victories, which help us stay motivated. (For example: I will aim for 1.5-2 lbs a week.)
3. Practice time management: It is critical that we set aside the appropriate amount of time in each day to accomplish daily goals and schedule it in like an appointment with the same urgency and priority as a dress fitting. (For example: I will go running in the morning twice a week, work out at the gym 3 afternoons a week, and go swimming twice a week.)
4. Reward yourself: Set specific rewards for your accomplishments, such as spa treatments or favorite treats, when you achieve a short term goal. This way you will have incentives to look forward to. (for example: After every 2 lbs lost I will celebrate with a girl’s night out at the movies!)

Don’t Starve– Diet Smart

“Every bride wants to look her very best on her wedding day, but when they pursue drastic weight loss at any price they traditionally end up walking down the aisle with lackluster energy and a haggard look,” says Oz Garcia, PhD. “The best diet is eating frequent healthy small meals and snacks throughout the day consisting of fruits and vegetables of every color, fish and lean protein.”

If you omit carbs completely, you will lose weight initially because carbohydrates make you retain water. However, a carbs-free diet often backfires because it increases your desire for carbohydrate-rich food and it’s quite hard to stay on track. Instead, Oz Garcia advises that you replace breads, pasta and potatoes with one small serving a day of basmati rice, millet, squash or sweet potatoes, which are digested more slowly and are therefore more filling. Brett Hoebel suggests the following substitutes: agave (for white sugar), whole grain (for white flour), brown rice (for white rice), almond milk (for white cow milk), Celtic sea salt (for white salt).” Alcohol is also filled with empty calories and should be avoided.

One glass of raw vegetalbe juice a day has also been show to help dieters loose weight, according to celebrity trainer Marco Borges “Besides the weight loss, juicing will also significantly increase your Vitamin C intake along with many other important vitamins, minerals and micronutrients.  Juicing also reduces your appetite and you’re much more likely to meet the recommended three to five servings of vegetables daily. Increased energy, stabilized insulin levels, improved immune response and too many more benefits to ignore.”

A 3-Part Workout

Here’s a 3-step routine, designed byPJ Stahl, an elite personal trainer in Los Angeles:

1. At each workout, start with strength training exercises. This will kick-start your workout by burning a large amount of calories and will get your body tight and toned for your wedding day.

2. Move as many joints as possible: During your strength training workout, do multi-joint exercises, which work more muscles and burn more calories than the traditional isolated exercises.

3. Finish with cardio. Even if it is only 10 minutes (20-40 minutes is ideal), cardio exercise will burn additional calories and decrease your percentage of body fat.

Partner with your Partner

“When you have someone to help motivate you or someone else relying on you to make good on the evening jog or workout class, you are much more likely to stick to your goals,” says Peter Park, trainer to cycling champion Lance Armstrong. If you can grab your fiancé as your workout buddy, that’s great! Otherwise, ask your maid of honor or a good friend, and setup a few workouts a week. It not only forces you to stay focused, but  exercising with a buddy is a lot more fun that doing it alone!

image from effortless movement

Gray is taking over for brown, stealing center stage as the new neutral of choice. Lest you think of gray as drab and dreary, wedding stylists assure us us that it is THE hip, sophisticated foil for brighter colors. It’s versatile, yet classic. Showcase you trendsetting tendencies by incorporating silver in shimmering fabrics, sparkling jewelry, and luminous makeup.

Which leads us to the next hot wedding color trend: fresh, bright, tropical colors, such as turquoise, tangerine, royal purple, or yellow. Pink is always popular, but this season’s hue is bold, hot pink. Designer Reem Acra, in a recent interview (via about weddings), explains that her inspiration for the 2009 bridal collection was “Color, a lot of color. A lot of blues, greens, and lavender.”

Pair grey or silver with a bright, contrasting color to make the most of this current color trend.

• For a subdued, classic look: Use the bright colors in your accessories and other details. For example, a simple gray bridesmaid dress is the perfect backdrop for a bright sash or tropical bouquet. Gray tableclothes will set off eye-catching centerpieces and a colorful wedding cake.
• For an exuberant, modern look: Let loose and have fun! Use just one bright color, with one of two contrasting hues that are more subdued. For example, turquoise bridesmaid’s gowns would look lovely with a silver sash and white bouquets. Or, if you choose magenta, imagine bold pink tablecloths with soft pink roses in silver urns.

Turquoise, yellow, and gray wedding inspiration board and invitation from wedding inspiration blog. (Click here for photo credits)

Pink and Gray wedding inspiration board from perfect bound. Bridesmaid photo from  Priscilla of Boston via itsajaimething.com.

Green and Grey wedding inspiration board from snippet and ink. Wedding cake from sweet retreat.

Lemon and Gray inspiration board from my beach wedding in mauritius. Bouquet from branching out events.

Orange and Grey inspiration board from with–this–ring. Dress from David’s Bridal.

The Faire Garden blog has pictures of the most beautiful garden wedding! I can catch the scent of those flowers all the way from here! And not just flowers… don’t you wish you could offer your guests treats like this… straight off the vine!

Even if you don’t have a gorgeous 5 acres of lush gardens at your disposal, the garden theme is transplantable.  Take a cue from this WedSmack collage, and you can make any venue bloom with backyard charm.

Invitations

It’s a whiff of spring in your mailbox! Who wouldn’t want to join you in your garden celebration? Whether your invitation says English tea party or Palm Beach tropics, your guests will reply “YES!” with a flourish!

Colors & Accents

Your palette is as unlimited as the variety and shades of Mother Nature herself! Pastels work particularly well to create that garden theme. Try pairing a delicate green with pinks, yellows, or creams. To really make your wedding bloom, add garden accents like butterflies, baskets, terracotta and outdoor figurines… and of course lots & lots of flowers!

Tables & Centerpieces

Truly Wedding blog suggests using large round tables with light-colored umbrellas. For centerpieces, you can includes both flowers and fruits, nestled in something like a fruit basket or a straw hat.

Or you can grace your tables with this handsome prince, a bargain at only $6.95 each, from OurGreatDeals. (The froggie couple is unfortunately *out of stock* but I had to include them because they are just so adorable!  Wouldn’t they make a great wedding table centerpiece?)  Pretty birdhouses add a touch of whimsy ($24.99 for a set of 3 at Terry’s village) and butterfly yard stakes will add charm to your table decor ($14.97 for a set of 3).

Wedding Favors

For whimsicle, try little butterfly baskets with packets of wildflower seeds ($17.95 for a set of 12) or gerber daisy boxes filled with candy ($2.50 each).

For a more elegant look, try butterfly-decorated crystal candleholders ($1.95 each) or wine bottle stoppers ($2.50).

Bride and Bridesmaids

The garden bride does not have to pass up a brocaded gown with a trailing train, if that’s what she has her heart set on. But many bride who are getting married outdoors choose shorter dresses with a simpler dresses. This bride wore a formal dress for the ceremony and changed into something lighter for dancing:

The groom and his groomsmen can wear light colored suits in linen, beige, grey or green. The bridesmaids can wear shorter dresses in light airy fabrics.  I love these pink floral patterned dresses, they are so elegant yet girly! Apple green is also a great choice, pastoral and pretty.

Do yourselves a favor and skip the stilettos, which can easily sink into the ground. Instead wear ballet flats or chunky heels.

Trend: Dynamic Colors

Think sophisticated brights. Sticking with just two hues (or two plus an accent color) will keep your space unified. Rather than splashing color all over your reception space, use one dynamic color for a strong statement — think all-pink centerpieces or bold orange table linens. This holds especially true for your centerpieces: Instead of multicolored centerpieces, alternate single-color floral arrangements for a pulled-together look.

Trend: Upscale Picnic Food

Summer is the season for barbecuing, so consider serving a grilled entree for instant seasonal style.  Stay on the lighter side with chicken or fish. Bringing in fruity flavors will add even more seasonal flair — think chili-lime rubbed chicken breasts or grilled tilapia topped with mango salsa.  Upscale picnic-style fare is both a low-maintenance and high-style way to go. One example menu we love: coconut-fried chicken served with dipping sauces, red bliss potato salad, and mandarin orange and mesclun salad with raspberry vinaigrette.

Trend: New Themes

Think of your favorite summer hangouts when planning your theme. Rather than just any beach, bring in elements specific to the beach you remember as a kid. If it was a cabin in the woods, go for a wilderness theme. Another idea is to honor your honeymoon destination. If you’re having a garden wedding but honeymooning in Hawaii, add orchids to your bouquets or fill the bottoms of your centerpiece vases with black lava rocks.

Trend: Unexpected Invitations

Use colors in a new and unexpected way on your invites by reversing the typical invitation color scheme. For example, rather than using fuchsia lettering on a cream-colored invite, opt for cream print on fuchsia paper. Or mix it up — do the cream-colored invite with fuchsia writing, and then a bright pink reply card with a cream-colored font. Consider the material of your invite as well.

One hot-off-the-press idea: Get fabric-printed invites, programs, and escort cards for a laid-back look perfect for summer.

Trend: Wine Smoothies

Wine smoothies are cold, frosty, and pack less of an alcoholic punch than margaritas. Perfect for your cocktail hour and as a signature drink for the evening, ask your caterer about serving one of these concoctions. A wine smoothie consists of a fruity wine, like rose, blended with ice and fruits of your choice. Garnished with a couple of berries or fruit slices, it makes for a refreshing and unexpected signature sip.

Trend: Natural Centerpieces

Cut citrus fruit is a tried-and-true favorite for summertime centerpieces, but other options out there are more unexpected and just as visually appealing. Have your florist use hollowed-out watermelons as a centerpiece container for a casual look that’s fun and seasonal. Another option is to go natural and green with your containers. Incorporate wooden vases or pedestals with grass or moss to give centerpieces a textured, natural feel.

Trend: Beyond Wedding Cake

White wedding cakes are popular for every season, and of course, chocolate always reigns for groom’s cakes. But with cake bakers nowadays offering so many delectable flavors and fillings, why not try a seasonal selection?  Think fresh strawberries and whipped cream filling for a strawberry shortcake-style wedding cake, or a citrus-infused filling like Key lime, lemon, or orange vanilla buttercream that honors a summertime fruit.

A big-hit idea we love: Hire an ice cream truck to arrive at the end of the night offering summertime favorites — the perfect nostalgic, late-night snack for your guests.

Trend: Eco-Friendly Favors

Why not give back to the planet while you give to your guests? Eco-friendly favors are bigger than ever, particularly if you’re taking advantage of natural beauty and marrying outdoors. One idea: Give guests locally grown herbs planted in recyclable glass jars or tin cans. Dressed up with ribbon or paper in your wedding colors, they’re gorgeous and good for the earth. Beyond plants, you might also consider donating to a local charity for a wedding favor idea that never goes out of season.