When it comes to wedding day makeup ideas, you do not want to consider looks that you use when you are ready for a night out on the town. Your wedding look should be subtle, light, and not too overpowering. On the other hand, do not make the mistake of changing your entire look completely and changing your style. There are several different looks you can achieve on your wedding day. Always have a trial period with your make up artist when deciding on what look you want to have. We recommend looking through magazines and photos to get an idea of what you would like to achieve for your wedding day. Also bring a swatch of your wedding dress and accessory colors. This will help the makeup artist do exactly what you want to look like. For example, if you have settle earthy green colors we suggest an earthy brown tone for your makeup complex and vice versa. The pastels and earthy colors will look great with a soft look using light greens, browns and tans.

Here are some examples of 2011 wedding makeup trend looks.

A Pop of Red

This look uses a pop of red color for the lips, bronzed cheeks, and matte eyes. You can make the bold, bright lipstick last by filling in the lips with a neutral-colored lip liner. Then apply lipstick with a lip brush, blot with a tissue, add a bit of powder, reapply, and blot again. This look is a neutral one but adds a pop of zest with the red lipstick. This look would fit a bride with a white dress with some embellishments on it.

Dramatic and Fierce

Another great look that is not dull but not too heavy is a dramatic plum eye with wine colored lips and loose chignon. A tip to make this look last is to mix a powder shadow with an eye shadow transformer (a clear liquid that turns powder into liquid eyeliner), then use a brush to apply it along the top and bottom lash line. This is a great look for a more fierce and bold stylish bride.

Mod Classic

Another popular 2011 look for makeup is the thick black eyeliner with a nude lip and eye. This look will not use an eye shadow other than a neutral one. You can use false eyelashes with this look to accentuate the black liner. This will contrast well with the dark eyes but everything else is neutral. Eyelashes will let the eyes pop and look great in photos.

Soft and Smoky

Another wedding trend makeup look is a mild smoky eye with soft pink cheeks. If you want a more delicate smoky eye you can use grays rather than blacks. These color combinations would work well with a soft pink lip color to match the cheeks.

Bold in Pink

Another way to add to this look is doing adding intense black eyeliner then a bright pink lip color to match. To make your eyes pop even more a silver shadow on the inner corner of your eye lid will do the trick. Tip: Bringing dark eyeliner in the crease of your eye will make them look smaller. The silver color in the crease will make them look bigger and sparkle.

More bridal beauty ideas:

Wedding Hair Style Trends
Bridal Hair and Makeup Trials

- Stylish Blogger

All images via thebridalbeauty.com

Choosing a hairstyle for your wedding day sounds easy but there are many options to choose from which can make this decision tricky. Start with looking at your dress and deciding whether you want an up-do, hair down, or half up- half down. You do not have to stick to what you are used to doing with your hair. This is your day to show your beauty and you want to look your best. Something to avoid is taking a huge risk and completely changing your look or style into something you are not. This might scare your husband a bit!

Here are some popular 2011 wedding hair styles and choices to choose from.

Accessorize Your Hair

We have been seeing a lot of hair accessories in the past few years that add that extra style to your hair do. One way to accent the up-do would be adding a ribbon headband or a “peonie”, flower. These are silk hand-curled feathers that add a whimsical look to your hair style. This will add a soft touch without overdoing your look.

Glam it Up

Another fashion hair trend for 2011 is the modern take on old Hollywood glamour. This is a glamorous look with a modern day twist. To achieve this look one side must be looser. To recreate the look, spray wet hair with volumizing spray gel, then part hair to one side and blow dry with a round brush, rolling hair away from the face. Set hair in small velcro rollers, and after hair cools, remove the rollers and gently brush. Apply a small amount of styling lotion and comb hair back with your fingers. Pull hair into a ponytail and use the tail of a comb to loosen and lift at the crown. Then tuck the bottom of the ponytail up and under, then pin in place.

Another glamorous but modernized look is the vintage finger waves. This up-do would look gorgeous on a bride who wants to bring a “modern vintage” edge to her wedding day look. It is a loose but dressy look. This one is also an up-do but not so tight and pulled back.

Side-Braid It

Keeping with the up-do but loose look there is the side braid. This one must be done right or else it would look sloppy. it is a casual but glamorous look called the Bohemian side braid.

Loosen Those Curls

Lastly, a wedding hair style for those who love to have their hair down would be this loose curls look on one side of your head. This will be great with a dress that is tube top or shows a lot of shoulders. These are loose curls but wavy/straightened hair on top. To achieve this look you can blow-dry your hair straight on top with a round brush, applying a “froth” at the roots, and set it with big electric rollers.

All these looks are glamorous but modernized for 2011 and any one you choose make sure it fits well with your dress and look you are going for! Make sure to print out a picture of what you are trying to achieve and follow the steps to make it turn out perfect!

- Stylish Blogger

All images via thebridalbeauty.com

As a newly engaged woman, consider buying your new fiancé something nice to show your appreciation for the dedication and commitment he just made by asking you to be his wife (and lets not forget the beautiful new ring on your finger!). Although a lifetime with you is the best gift possible, any guy would appreciate a small token to let him know you understand the amount of time, thought, and money that he put in to finding the perfect ring and planning the perfect proposal.

Although guys appreciate the cute stuff we women inevitably do for them like scrapbooks, pictures, collages; chances are you have already given him a couple of these throughout your relationship and there will be so many more of these to come, especially throughout the wedding process. Try to keep him, his interests, and his personality in mind to pick out something he will truly appreciate.

Here are some ideas you may not have thought of.

A Sexy Picture

Boudoir Photography is a trendy new gift many women are getting for their men, using a trained Boudoir Photographer (you can look for a female one to make it more comfortable). Although it may be a little more risqué and something you wouldn’t want to mention to your future mother-in-law, what could be better than giving your man super sexy pictures of you looking amazing? Make a Diva’s day of it–get your hair and make up done extra sexy, pick out your favorite lingerie and let your inner model shine. This in the perfect time in your life to do this since you are already trying to look your best for your upcoming wedding!

An Activity of His Choice

If your future husband has been hinting at an activity or sport he has wanted to do, such as skiing or rock climbing, thank him by indulging in his whim! Even if the activity is not something you particularly enjoy, sharing his interests will show him that you know it’s important to him. Or if you think he would enjoy it more with his buddies, call up his best man and arrange an a boys outing for him. He’ll love you for being so thoughtful and selfless!

Arm Bling

If you want to choose a more classy, traditional gift, a nice watch is a man’s equivalent of a fancy ring. You can have your engagement date engraved on the back or a special message to remind him of this special time in your life. Watches have a range of prices and styles to cater to any budget, so you can find the perfect one.

Yes, A Video Game

Although it may seem like a small and childish gift, it is the gesture behind this gift that is priceless. Men know that there is nothing more grown up than getting married, starting your life together, and giving your old habits like video games a backseat to wedding planning. Giving him his favorite new video game is a way to say “it’s okay to still be yourself”. And when he needs a break from wedding planning in the upcoming months (which he most certainly will), he can play the video game and be reminded of his thoughtful future wife.

Feed Him

The old saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” works for any occasion, including engagement. Think of a new dish he has wanted to try and you have not had the time to make, and then create a beautiful, elaborate dinner out of it. Or you can always go with his favorite, traditional meal and remind him of one of the reasons he is marrying you, for your amazing cooking skills! Give him a glass of his favorite beer or wine to go with the meal and he may just want to buy you another ring!

Although most men who recently proposed do not expect a gift, it is a special gesture of love and appreciation that a woman can do. The couple will get many gifts during the engagement and wedding process from other people, but this is a time for the couple to give something special to each other. Don’t stress too much on finding the perfect gift for your fiancé, just have fun with it and keep him in mind. He will surely appreciate whatever you give him, even if it’s just a heartfelt thank you and kiss.

-Been There Bride Blogger

image 1 via bridestobeny.com

image 2 via devilstowerlodge.com

image 3 via wearecinemaniax.wordpress.com

Summer wedding season is in full swing! Blue skies, lush green scenery, and of course the gorgeous weather! While summer is undeniably a beautiful time to get married, keep in mind that outdoor ceremonies and receptions that take place in direct sunlight can be very uncomfortable for guests. Providing your guests with one (or more) of these simple gifts can keep them happy and focused on your special day. These gifts can double as wedding favors and make great DIY projects.

Water Bottles

During most ceremonies, there is a water station set up for guests. Many guests do not want to get up in the middle of the ceremony and disturb the guests around them. Make your guests more comfortable by having water bottles served to them halfway through the ceremony. This can be done by a wait staff or by ushers or special guests. Personalize the water bottles with your name and date to make a great wedding favor!

Umbrellas/Parasols

This gift is very useful but on the pricier end, especially if you want to personalize it or get better quality products. These can be used through the ceremony or other outdoor events that may be in the sun such as cocktail hour or waiting for the Bharat. Parasols make a great wedding favor because they are very practical. Beware of leaving a container of parasols for guests to grab themselves, some guests like them so much they may take a couple extra leaving other guests without one!

Fans

Make this a DIY project by purchasing generic fans and having your bridesmaids come over and make personalized tags for each fan. Or you can put a picture and a date right on the fan. Many people include the program on the fan.

Keeping guests comfortable is always an important thing to keep in mind. Predicting the temperature and amount of sunlight your guests will be exposed to will direct you in picking out the perfect type of gift you can give your guests to help them enjoy your special day!

-Been There Bride Blogger

Image 1 via favorideas.com

Image 2 via destinationweddingfavors.com

Image 3 via americanbridal.com

When planning your wedding, throw in details that show off both you and your significant other’s personalities. It’s your day and people are celebrating your love for one another with you so why not show them what makes the two of you “you”? It can be anything from what you wear on your wedding day to the colors and design you pick for your wedding linens. Country singers Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton definitely did it their way by adding each of their personalities into their wedding details.

A Country-fied Wedding

Miranda and Blake got married on May 14th at the 125-acre Don Strange Ranch in San Antonio, Texas. The couple stated that they wanted their wedding to reflect their personalities of being old-fashioned, laid back, and fun. They had many unforgettable accents for their special day. At the Don Strange Ranch, the couple chose to exchange their vows in a lantern lit barn. They both stood on a cowhide rug underneath an arch made of antlers, and Lambert wore her mother’s wedding dress with custom-made cowboy boots to fit her style. Being a country girl, she said that wearing anything other than boots on her wedding day just wouldn’t feel right. Miranda wore her mother’s wedding dress as a good luck charm as her parents have been married for thirty three years.

Their reception hall was decked out with hunting and fishing gear to reflect Blake Shelton’s favorite hobby. Blake Shelton and his family are big on fishing and hunting so he thought it would be a good way to include something that he is passionate about. Other intimate details that reflected the couple’s personalities were included in their wedding cake. They picked a brown cake that was made to look like worn leather and for the icing they chose hot pink because it’s one of Miranda Lambert’s favorite colors.

Your Wedding, Your Style

With the bride and groom both being country singers, the choice of music for the wedding was quite easy. But Miranda decided she didn’t want to walk down the aisle to the traditional wedding song like every other bride so instead she threw in something that showed a huge piece of who they are, and also represented their love for country music. Miranda walked down the aisle to her bridesmaid, Ashley Monroe (who is also a fellow country singer), singing “Makin Plans”. This song came out in 2009 and Miranda Lambert wrote it for Blake Shelton herself. The song is so touching that even her own lyrics made her cry during her walk down the aisle. This idea was something that showed her personality as well as her feelings for Blake.

Putting your personalities into your wedding details is easy and is an innovative way to add a unique twist to the ceremony and reception. For Miranda and Blake, it was a country-style wedding, but for you, it can be anything. Even if it’s just by including your favorite colors on your save-the-dates or showing off a favorite hobby you share with your significant other ; make it something that represents the two of you. It’s your wedding so go crazy and make everything your style!

- The Trendy Blogger

Image 1, 2 & 3  via Us Weekly

If  you want to see another amazing celebrity wedding, check out Kate Middleton and Prince William’s royal affair!

The following article is a continuation of our last guest blogger post by AAcreation: The Art of Wedding Video Editing, On-Site Coverage. These two articles will help your understand the process of video editing and ensure that you have all the best information when booking your wedding videographer and preparing for your final wedding video edit.

Continuing from our last article, we’d like to re-emphasize that video editing is both a technical and artistic process. The off-site work where we log, load and edit the massive amount of footage is where all the behind-the-scenes magic happens. So, on average 10 hours of footage (including on and off-site) takes approximately 50-60 hours to produce, here’s why…

Off-Site Video Editing After Event

First, we log and load the video footage onto our computers – ten hours of footage takes ten hours to digitize onto the computer plus it takes an additional two hours to format the video files into our video editing software and prepare the files for first pass editing.

First Pass Video Editing
First pass video editing is where we sync footage together from both Camera 1 and Camera 2, while removing all the bad footage. This process requires the longest amount of time since every hour of footage takes us at least two hours of edit time. So, ten hours of footage takes approximately 20 hours to edit, set-up and clean. In the end, the original amount of 5 hours of footage is cut down to 2.5 hours of usable footage.

Next we e-mail the clients as we simultaneously set-up our excel file to find out their song preferences and video editing style, typical questions include…

• Should we use original audio or songs?
• Who picks the songs – the couple or the editors?
• Is the video length going to be quick and short or detailed and long?
• Should we keep original audio for key moments like Speeches, Performances and Free dancing? This is followed by us searching for the songs in our database, having the clients e-mail us the .mp3 files, or we ask our DJ contacts to provide us with a song list.

If we (the editors) pick the songs, then we can move forward and keep the editing process flowing. However, if the clients pick the songs, (based on experience) we sometimes have to wait up to 3 months on average depending on the client. If we both work together it takes approximately 1 month to put together a song list and get it approved.

Second Pass Video Editing
Second pass video editing involves tuning all the good footage and editing it to match the lyrics and beats of the songs. This process requires approximately ten hours. Most weddings have eight to ten songs, and each song takes about one hour to edit.

Third Pass Video Editing
This stage of video editing involves polishing and marks the completion of 90% of the video editing process. Here, we add all the graphics, effects, and titles while tying the whole project together. This can take a total of five hours. It is a must that the video is previewed numerous times in order to ensure there are no blank spots or faulty audio.

We are now able to set-up a preview meeting with the client, where we discuss the video and note feedback, which usually takes around three hours. After that, an additional one to two hours are spent to make any updates the client has requested and to prepare the project for exporting. Exporting the video footage and setting it up to create a DVD occupies the computers for approximately 10 to 18 hours, during which time they cannot be used for any other function.

This is followed by DVD production where we transfer the DVD footage into another program which makes the menu, chapters, and puts everything together to be burnt into a DVD. Each DVD takes 20 to 30 minutes to make. Most weddings have three DVDs each for both the ceremony and the reception. So, a total of 3 hours is spent burning DVDs. The final step is to watch the video one more time and make sure there are no technical errors that have been implemented while converting into the DVD format. If we have spelled something wrong or if the CPU had a glitch while rendering and exporting the project then we have to re-export the entire project.

In the end, its takes 50 to 60 hours to edit and perfect each and every minute of detail of a 10 hour project. However, we understand how this video will become an important part of your journey together. With that, we promise to try our very best to capture every emotion, reaction, and important memory of family, friends, and most importantly the couple.

Norwalk Doubletree Indian Gujarati Wedding Video Highlights – Rashmi & Chirag from AAcreation on Vimeo.

Rashmi and Chirag’s Indian Wedding Ceremony and Reception was held at the Norwalk Doubletree in Norwalk California. We shot pictures and video for both of her events. The highlights video was shot with a Sony HDV video camera, Canon 7D and two cameramen.

Planning Elegance would like to thank Saher Khan of AAcreation, for providing our readers and clients with such a detailed and educational article about the entire process of wedding video editing.

Today’s guest blogger is Saher Khan from AAcreation. This company strongly believes in the importance of capturing your special day to tell a story through their photography and videography. Ahmed and Mehreen Ahad created this company to specialize in capturing the different South Asian Cultures through their photography and videography.

Video editing is both a technical and artistic process that involves the selection and combination of shots into sequences, which are eventually compiled into a finished motion picture. It is an art of storytelling. Referred to by some as an ‘invisible art’ the editor works with layers of images, storytelling, actors’ performances and audio (dialogue and music) to ensure that the viewer is so engaged that he/she doesn’t even notice the work of the editor. This however is not an easy process. The editor has to decide on which elements to retain, delete, or combine from various sources in order for them to come together in a logical, organized and visually pleasing manner. On-site work including pre-shoot, actual coverage and post-production usually require a smaller percentage of work in comparison to off-site work where we log, load and edit the massive amount of footage. So, on average 10 hours of footage (including on and off-site) takes approximately 50-60 hours to produce.

Below is an sample timeline demonstrating how much time is required in producing and editing an average South Asian wedding event.

On-Site Wedding Day Video Coverage

Pre-Shoot (Before Wedding Ceremony)

• The previous night, we spend approximately four hours charging the equipment, loading all the gear, cleaning the lenses, and labeling tapes
• At the event, we arrive 2 hours ahead of time in order to setup the lighting and audio equipment

Ready, Set, Action! (Wedding Ceremony)

• We spend one hour filming the bride while she is getting ready, while simultaneously the second camera spends 30 minutes with the groom while he is getting ready
• 30 minutes are spent getting detailed shots of the location including both the inside and the outside of the venue
• Next we spend approximately 30 minutes focusing on the family and guests as they arrive
• This is followed by the Baraat (Groom’s Procession in a South Asian Wedding), which is covered for the next 30 minutes
• The coverage of a South Asian ceremony ranges from one to three hours
• After the ceremony, we spend a little time capturing key moments during family pictures

Post-Production (After Wedding Ceremony)

• Taking down and packing up the gear

Total time required: 6-7 hours

Pre-Shoot (Before Wedding Reception):

• Before the event, we spend 2 hours to setup, and handle all the details

Ready, Set, Action! (Wedding Reception):

• We spend 30 minutes covering the set-up of the reception hall and the social hour or cocktail hour
• The next 30 minutes are spent on the arrival of the guests
• The reception program and entertainment requires approximately two hours of coverage
• This is followed by one hour of planned and free dancing

Post-Production:

• Taking down and packing up the gear

Total time required: 5-6 hours

Our next article will be published on Thursday, June 23rd and will feature Part 2 of this article with The Art of Off-Site Wedding Video Editing details from AAcreation. Keep up to date with our blog for new wedding ideas, trends & tips! Also, don’t forget to check out How to Get Perfect Pictures on your Wedding Day.

Choosing your wedding dress can be one of the most overwhelming tasks during wedding planing – with all the different options from color to style and design. Wedding dresses can range from sleek and simple to grand and elaborate, depending on your personal taste and the statement you want to make on your special wedding day. You want to choose the wedding dress style that looks best on you and fits you perfectly because this is the first and last image you’re your groom will see on your wedding day and you want to take his breath away! Deciding on which style you choose can break down the decision process much easier and faster. There are five popular basic wedding dress types. You can choose from an A-line/Princess style, Empire, Column, Ball Gown, or Mermaid/Fishtail.

The A-line/Princess cut shapes the upper body and flows out at the bottom. This is a classic and appropriate style for any wedding scenery. This dress many body shapes and can be worn in different lengths. The princess style provides elongated lines that create a slimming effect because your eye focuses on the long smooth fabric.

The next style is the Empire bridal gown. This dress is defined by the raised waistline that accentuates the breasts. This can also fit well on most body types, but is more appealing on a smaller breasted bride. This dress can be designed with jewels and embellishments on the waistline. This dress also works well with pregnant brides thanks to all the fabric on the stomach area and below.

The Column type wedding dress is a classic wedding dress style. This one has a narrow shape that flows straight down from the neckline. This dress tends to hug your body and show off your curves. This dress will work well with a lean figure short or tall. This can also restrict movement because it is so tight throughout.

The most traditional style wedding dress is the Ball Gown. This one is a more formal and elegant look. It is the typical fairytale wedding that many brides dream of and look antique in. Trains are perfect with the ball gown since the substantial structure of the skirt can balance the weight of a train. This style can accommodate most body types, but the ball gown is better for slender or pear-shaped figures because the full skirt helps to accentuate the waist and hide the lower body. If you have a large bust, this style will help to create the hourglass look.

A more recent wedding dress style that has picked up much popularity is the mermaid style wedding dress. This dress contours the body from the chest to the knee. This is a sexy look because it highlights the curves of the bride’s figure. This is a dress that a confident bride can wear to pull off and there are various skirt types available for this dress. The mermaid cut is not for everyone. This daring design is best worn by slender figures, both short and tall. Since the mermaid dress is made to hug the body and show every curve, it is not well suited for those brides with full figures.

These five different dress styles are all gorgeous looks and any body type and figure can choose one of these , but being knowledgable about the different choices helps you choose what wedding dresds fits best for your bridal body type!! It is best to pick a wedding dress that fits your body shape the best and the one that you will feel most confident in wearing. You can still choose different options from the style you choose in length and decorations.

- The Stylish Blogger

Image 1 via Lucero Photography

Other Images via Wedding Solutions

A really fun  and exciting theme that you can get creative with is Moroccan Nights!  Whether it’s for a corporate event, holiday party, birthday, music party, or wedding reception – this theme can be integrated into food, decor, attire, and music.  Let us inspire you with a past Planning Elegance Moroccan Themed Sangeet Party…

Coordination & Vision by Planning Elegance
Images by Harvard Photography
Decor & Rentals by Sheer Romance
Lighting by 3D Sounds
Venue & Accommodations by Long Beach Hilton

If you’ve been a bride, or are soon to be one, then you have surely had someone tell you “Make sure you enjoy your wedding day, because it will go by so fast”. And sure enough, you plan for months, the day comes and goes, and before you know it, you are looking at your wedding pictures and videos trying to remember what it felt like.

Although the wedding outfits, the food, the décor and the guests are vital to any wedding, what truly makes lasting memories for the couple is how the bride and groom shared their wedding day together. Often though, this is lost in the day because of all the rush and fuss going on around them.

One of the best things any couple can do is plan ahead and pick a time in the wedding where just the two of them (no cameras, no family, no vendors) can connect, even just for a moment, to take in the day, the joyous feelings and of course, the love between the two of them. Here are some ideas to create that moment.

• During Dinner: When everyone is enjoying their dinner, and the photographer and videographer are filming the guests, this is the perfect time to sneak away with your spouse for a private moment. Walk around the hotel and enjoy the beautiful venue you have chosen, take a quick walk outside and enjoy the starry night hand-in-hand. Don’t stay away too long though, the great food, and table-visiting await you.
• During Photo Shoots: There is likely a brief period during the wedding photo shoot where the photographers will take pictures of the bridal party individually, or the venue and you may not be needed. Take this time to re-connect with your loved one about how much you are both enjoying being with each other on this day. If it suites you both, write vows to say to just each other privately during this time.
• During the Drive Time: If you are holding your event in multiple locations, then plan on being alone with your bride/groom during this time. Enjoy the quiet peace of the ride together and talk about how much fun you are having and how special the day has already been.

• During Dancing: Although you don’t want to miss out on too much of the fun and letting loose, sneak away for 5-10 minutes. Listen to the music from afar with your new spouse and laugh as everyone else gets crazy on the dance floor.
• During a Special Song: Ask the DJ to play a special song of yours at some point through the night. Meet at the desert table and enjoy your favorite desert together while the song is playing. Or meet in the photo booth you rented and take some cute pictures together.

Although the idea of spending quality time alone with your partner during your wedding sounds very simple to do, it requires careful planning. The bride and the groom are the celebrities that day and everyone wants to congratulate and take pictures with them. If you don’t make specific plans to take a moment together, you may end the night realizing you hardly remember seeing each other!

Don’t forget that you will have many pictures to remember what the event looked like, but no picture or video can remind you of those special moments that only you and your spouse know about.

- Been-There-Bride Blogger

Image 1 via Lucero Photography

Image 2 via Josef Isayo Photography

Image 3 via AJ Studios

Working in the Wedding Industry is definitely very fulfilling, and amazing to be a part of. Being able to help couples start the beginning of their lives together is a feeling that is most enduring to engage with. Being a wedding planner in California also allows you to participate in events that are not part of the traditional Wedding Industry. Recently, we had the amazing opportunity to work with the CW’s 90210 Production Team and the experience was so much fun from beginning to end. From sitting in on production meetings to guiding the cast and crew on filming days, I was very fortunate to be a part of the 90210 team for several weeks.

Tune in this coming Monday, May 16, 2011 at 8:00pm (PST) to watch how Planning Elegance contributed to the Season Four Finale of 90210’s Indian wedding.

Planning Elegance’s Involvement

Planning Elegance was approached by one of the producers of 90210. We were asked to play the role of technical advisor to the 90210 production team in some of the South Asian Hindu Ceremony aspects of the season finale. We jumped on the opportunity and decided to fit the 90210 meeting and filming schedule into our schedule by collaborating as a team.

I was personally involved in the entire process. Using my strong background in wedding planning and coordination, I was easily able to give the directors, producers, and writers of the show advice and direction on certain South Asian traditions and cultures. Hired as a Technical Advisor, I participated in production meetings, director meetings, as well as filming days to help guide the directors to reach their goal of creating an authentic Indian Wedding – attention to detail is what they strove for.

Planning Elegance Team Member – Mili Shah

As the Co-Owner and Southern California Office Manager of Planning Elegance, I was given this opportunity to help promote the business, and share my experiences. Because I am very detail-oriented and motivate, I was able to input my unique ideas, years of experience, and friendly personality into my involvement with 90210.

Planning Elegance was established to cater to different religions and cultures, therefore I was able to use my professional experiences to advise the 90210 team. Planning Elegance would like to thank the 90210 Crew and Cast for having us be involved in such a great experience!

Tune in this coming Monday, May 16, 2011 at 8:00pm (PST) to watch how Planning Elegance contributed to the Season Four Finale of 90210’s Indian wedding.

Image 1 via CW TV

Images 2, 3, & 5 via TV Overmind

Prince William, who is soon to be the King of England, met Kate Middleton while in college together. They both attended the University of St. Andrews and began dating while in school. After many years of dating, Prince William proposed and they were married on Friday, April 29, 2011 at the Westminster Abbey.

Pre-Wedding Details and The Proposal

Kate Middleton, being Prince William’s former classmate and long time girlfriend, is 28 years old and is working as a fashion buyer. After being with Prince William for quite some time the tabloids started giving her the nickname “Waity Katie”. The nickname was referred to Kate waiting on the proposal from William. While the couple was vacationing together in Kenya, Prince William took Kate on a helicopter ride to a secluded lake on Mount Kenya and asked for her hand in marriage. The beautiful engagment ring that William gave to her was the same ring that Prince Charles gave to Princess Diana in 1981. The ring was made to look almost exactly like the original, and is made out of 18 carat white gold with an oval shaped saphire surronded by 14 diamonds that is worth about $45,000.

After the couple became engaged, Britain went crazy with producing souvenirs for the couple such as mugs, coins, and playing cards for the royal wedding. Word traveled fast and not everyone was pleased with what they heard. The Bishop of Willesden stated that the royal couple is costing them too much money and believes that the press will catch up with them and that their marriage would only last seven years. Others also believed that the royal wedding would be coming out of their taxes. Other than the few who were not so thrilled the rest of Britain was getting ready for the big event of a royal marrying a commoner.

The Royal Wedding

The Royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton was held at Westminster Abbey in London. This is where William’s grandmother was married as well as where she was crowned Queen. Another special importance to this venue was that William’s mother was placed to rest there in 1997. The British government announced the royal wedding would be a public holiday so that the citizens could watch the marrying of the couple. On the day of the wedding, Kate was driven past London’s most famous sites in a private car. The Archbishop of Canterbury was the one to marry the couple who rode in a horse and carriage from The Westminster Abbey to the Buckingham Palace. The wedding started at 6am and was live on the internet for everyone to tune in and see. This decision was made by William and Kate to include the rest of the world with their special day. When they arrived at the Buckingham Place they enjoyed a kiss on the balcony in which William’s parents did 30 years ago. This year would have been his parent’s 30 year anniversarry with Princess Diana being 50 years old. For the reception, it was held at the Buckingham palace the night of the wedding that was held and hosted by Prince Charles.

The total price of their wedding was assumed to be $18 million with another $30 million for security that was paid by tax holders. The wedding was paid for equally by the royal family along with Kate’s parents. Their wedding held great importance with them being married in the same place as William’s parents as well as it being the same year of their anniversarry.

Kate Middleton’s wedding gown was held secret for months before the wedding, but her dress was found to be traditional with a modern twist to it. Critics stated that the choice of dress the Queen of England chose was to encourage copy cat creations by many people. Kate Middleton now holds the title of Princess Catherine but if William is made duke she will become a dutchess. Her title is held through her marriage and when William takes the throne she will become Queen Catherine, which would be the sixth in history of the British monarchy.

After the wedding ended the couple was seen leaving in a helicopter to spend the next couple days in Britain in a secluded place and there honeymoon will be post-poned. Rumors have it that their honeymoon is going to be in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia where they will celebrate their new life together as a royal married couple.

Image 1, 3 & 4 via UK Telegraph

Image 2 via Super Gorge

Today’s guest blogger is Jennifer Reid aka Mrs. Foodie Registry, who is from The Foodie Registry. This company is based on two simple ideas: first, most couples already own many of the items found on a traditional registry and secondly, people love good food. Put that together and what do you get? A restaurant gift registry. For foodies. A Foodie Registry.

Traditional wedding registry etiquette is often unspoken of, which is why it seems to generate a lot of debate, as well as confusion. Here we offer some simple Do’s and Don’ts for the modern bride who is navigating the tricky waters of wedding registry etiquette.

DO provide a variety of options for guests. Diversity is golden! That includes a variety of price points (consider the gift budgets of your guests) as well as a variety of items and registries.

DON’T wait until the last minute to register. Registering for your wedding gifts 6 months in advance of the wedding date is generally a good time frame to give guests to choose and purchase their gift. Just make sure to check your registries regularly, as sometimes items get discontinued.

DO register online. Online wedding registries are infinitely more convenient for both guests and receivers. Even if older guests prefer a brick and mortar registry, the vast majority of your guests will prefer to purchase their gift online. Online registries offer flexibility for more traditional-minded guests, and convenience for everyone else.

DON’T include your registries on your invitations. While we’re not ones who advocate following tradition to a tee, we think this rule of etiquette has good reason behind it. You don’t want to take any emphasis away from the primary purpose of the invitation – to ask that your friends and loved ones be present at one of the most specials moments in your life. Instead, include the web address for your wedding webpage, which we highly encourage you to create.

DO make your wedding registry easily accessible. Word of mouth may be the traditional way of letting guests know where you are registered, but in the modern, busy era of instant communication, it is a bit impractical. The best way to let your guests know where you’re registered, of course, is to link to your registries on your wedding webpage.

DON’T be afraid to register for what you want. Now we’re not saying go register for that Porsche you’ve always dreamed of having, but often times, couples feel pressured to register for items that they think are “appropriate” to ask for, even if they don’t need or particularly want those items. These days you’re not limited to traditional houseware items and registries – and in fact, many modern couples who are marrying later or who lived together prior, are eschewing unnecessary housewares in exchange for non-traditional items that reflect their interests. This can be anything from registering for camping gear to rock climbing classes to a dinner at an upscale restaurant.

Finally, DO what’s best for you – it’s your special day – and DON’T worry too much about following rules and etiquette. Modern weddings are less about following tradition, and more about following your heart.

Planning Elegance would like to thank Mrs. Foodie Registry, for providing our readers and clients with such a unique article on a great idea for wedding gifts!

Image 1 via Classic Candy Buffet

Image 2 via Fancy Pants Weddings

The long standing tradition of a cute little bride and groom statue on top of a gorgeous wedding cake still continues on today. Through the years, many variations of the traditional cake toppers have taken place and many couples have come up with their own unique twist on what to put on top of their fabulous wedding cakes. Below we have laid out some popular and unique ideas for your wedding cake topper.

Bobble Head Cake Topper

A popular new option is the bobble head dolls of the bride and groom. This is much more personal than a generic couple topper since these bobble heads actually look like the bride and groom. However, this option is a lot more expensive. You can also buy generic bobble heads with a spot for a picture on the face; this is a much cheaper way to go.



Monogram Cake Topper

A classy new trend is monogram letters of the couple. Initials of the bride and groom’s first name or the new last name of the couple are the most popular options. Depending on your budget, you can always add a little (or a lot!) of bling to really make it stand out.

Hobby Cake Topper

A fun trend is to pick a favorite activity of the bride or groom and find a wedding topper to match that. A favorite sports team, a certain pet, or a favorite alcohol are all great examples that’s can be made into a wedding topper.

The wedding cake topper (or whatever wedding dessert you may be choosing) is a relatively inexpensive way to make your wedding more personal and unique. If you are a having a very traditional wedding but want something to stand out as “totally us” in the wedding, the cake topper is the perfect way to do this. Many couples will save their cake topper as their favorite souvenir from the wedding.

- Been-there-Bride Blogger

Image 1 via The Caldwells Photography

Image 2 via Ali Express

Image 3 via Bonanza

Today’s guest blogger is Simran Chawla, who is the author and creator of the book Indian Weddings.  This book is a mix of approachable text and scintillating photography to serve as a great a visual guide to Indian American weddings today!

A critical part of Indian culture, Indian weddings — defined by rich cultural traditions, song and dance, and, like all weddings, fun and love — are becoming more and more a part of American culture. The weddings of the more than 2.5 million Indian Americans are increasingly an occasion not only for families and friends to celebrate but for cultures to meet and embrace.

Following in the footsteps of tradition, Indian American couples are marking their impressions on an inherited culture. The new book Indian Weddings is a visual guide to Indian American weddings today. Resources include bridal beauty and shopping tips, creating a wedding budget, and wedding schedules to help anyone who is planning an Indian wedding. But beyond that, this book will inspire couples to recreate the beauty of the rich Indian culture that is famous worldwide for its wedding celebrations.

At the heart of it all, under the weighted layers of color and custom, whether the essence of Indian weddings reflects tradition or trend, there’s no doubt that today’s ceremonies pay tribute to family and illuminate a cultural respect for relationships.  Families come together because everyone has a role to play, whether it’s the sister of the groom or the brother of the bride’s mother.

While they are a celebration of sacred commitment, joining two lives and merging two families, they are also a time to reunite, bringing relatives that are scattered all over the world to come together again as a family.

Planning Elegance would like to thank Simran Chawla, the author and creator or Indian Weddings Book for providing our readers and clients with a great resource for inspiration about Indian Weddings!

The Indian Weddings Book is on sale now!

Marriage is one of the most intimate and valued unions a couple can enter into.  It is legally binding and taken very seriously.  While getting engaged is one of the most exciting times for any couple, it is also a great opportunity to make sure you and your spouse-to-be have talked about all the major issues that may come up.

Although there are a million questions and situations that can arise in the future, having a couple big ones already discussed and agreed upon will surely ensure that you are both on the same page right now.  Here are some questions to think about on 3 of the most important topics any married couple will encounter

Children and Family

1. Do you want children? If so, how many?
2. Do you want to own any pets? If so, what kind?
3. When our parents get older, how will we take care of them?
4. If families live close by, how often will be seeing them?
5. If our families live far away, how often will we go visit them?

Home and Location

1. Do we want to own a home or rent?
2. Where do we want to raise a family?
3. Where do we see yourself retiring?
4. What type of home do we want to live in?
5. How will we take care of the home and divide up the chores?

Jobs and Finances

1. Are we both happy in our careers or do we have other future plans?
2. What if one of us gets laid off, what will be our options?
3. Is a wedding budget necessary/important to us and what are the expenses we should allocate for (new car, student loans, vacation, family)?
4. How much have you been saving and how much do you hope to continue saving?
5. What current bank and credit cards do you use and should we combine accounts?

Hopefully reading this, you know many (or all!) of the answers already.  However, if you don’t, now is a great time to start with a couple questions and see where the discussion leads you both.  As intimidating as many of these topics are, they are necessary.  Remember that communication and honesty are the basis of any good relationship, legal or not!

Image 1 via AAcreation Photography

Image 2 via Inside Real Estate

The history of brides carrying bouquets began in ancient times when women carried aromatic bunches of garlic, herbs and spices to ward of evil. In ancient Greece and Rome, the bride and groom wore a garland around their necks symbolizing new life, hope and fertility. Currently brides pick their flowers by their choice of colors and shapes that suite their personality and their own unique style and taste.

Deciding on your bridal bouquet you want to put into consideration the style of your gown. If your dress is very detailed, you might want to consider a simpler bouquet of just one color or one type of color. If your dress is on the simpler side, you might opt for a variety of blooms in different colors and consider a different shape for the bouquet. Below are different types of bouquets that today’s brides are choosing for their weddings.

Cascade Bouquet

The Cascade bouquet is a large tear drop shaped arrangement where the flowers gracefully flow downwards.

Composite Bouquet

The Composite bouquet is a flower constructed of many real petals of the same flower which is wired together to look like one large flower.

Crescent Bouquet

The crescent bouquet is shaped as a crescent designed to be gracefully carried in one arm. This is also known as an arm bouquet.

Hand-Tied Bouquet

A hand-tied bouquet is a cluster of flowers tied together with ribbon. This is the most popular design requested by brides. The possibilities for this design are endless.

You want your bridal bouquet it to be significantly different from your bridesmaids to set yourself apart. Often, some of the same flowers are used in both the bride’s and attendants bouquets, but the tones may be different.

Here’s a helpful tip on how to carry your bouquet elegantly down the aisle, first you want to relax your shoulders and drop your hands to your side, raise your hands to your hip bones and keep your elbows close to your body.

-DIY Blogger

Image 1 via: Flowerful Events
Image 2 via: Cross Pollination
Image 3 via: Tres Chic
Image 4 via: Century City Flower Market
Image 5 via: Bridorama

Spring is a popular time for weddings, especially with the weather getting warmer and flowers in season. With Spring 2011 coming up there’s many new ideas and trends that can help you with planning your own spring wedding.

Spring Colors and Flowers

Almost any color will do when it comes to a spring wedding. For the 2011 Spring we are expecting to see more vibrant colors that match well with the sunny outdoors. Colors such as an apple green or bright blue would go great with an outdoor ceremony. Even colors like a bright yellow or pink would nicely compliment a spring color theme. When deciding on colors, you might want to stay away from the deep colors such as dark red and blue because they might not go as well with the theme of a spring wedding. After choosing your wedding colors it makes it easier to compliment it with bold and bright flowers to make a beautiful wedding ceremony.

What’s great about having your wedding in spring is that so many types of flowers are in season and match great with spring wedding colors. Some spring flowers are lilies, cherry blossoms, bird of paradise, roses, tulips, and more. All these types of flowers would go great with any bright color. Whether its your bouqet, your bridesmaid’s flowers, or flowers a long the aisle go with what you enjoy most. Go with a flower that you think is unique to you and that you think goes well with your wedding color. You can’t go too wrong with matching flowers to your wedding color. Spring brings a burst of colors and flowers so don’t be afraid to take advantage of  it. Add some flowers to the bridesmaid’s hair or maybe even to yours!

The Advantages of Spring Time

Spring time comes with the perfect wedding weather. It allows you to choose almost any venue to have your wedding and reception because whether you decide to have it indoors or outdoors the weather is perfect for both. Spring time for weddings brings an optimistic views for almost anything. Since the weather is so nice you can have the wedding outdoors, choose a dress that is light and comfortable fitting, and add lots of colors and decor. For venues, you can decide anywhere from an intimate backyard wedding to a wedding right on the beach with the ocean breeze. Anywhere you decide can make for a beautiful wedding in the spring with just a little bit of color, some fresh flowers, and the outdoors.

The year 2011 is going to be a great year for weddings especially in the spring. It’s a time of renewal and brings a lot of great ideas to incorporate into your wedding. A tip for planning your own wedding whether it’s for this spring or next make sure to take advantage of every possibility. Have your wedding ceremony or reception outdoors and enjoy the beautiful, sunny weather. Add bright colors to the wedding with decor, bridesmaid’s dresses, or hair styles, and make your wedding an eye-catching and unique wedding from the rest.

-Trendy Blogger

Image 1 via: Chez Wedd
Image 2 via: Associated Content
Image 3 via: Sapphire Event Group

Bridal hair and make up is one of the most fun parts of a wedding for any bride.  However, with so many options and prices, it can often be frustrating to find the right people you trust to do such an important job. To ensure you find the right person, do your research ahead of time.  Ask for references from past brides, or ask your current salon if they do bridal hair/makeup, or can recommend anyone.  Facebook is a great forum to post a message asking for recommendations and get responses from people you may not regularly talk to.  Yelp and other review sites can also be a great resource if you want to check on a salon.  Once you have found a couple possibilities, schedule trials as soon as possible.

Bridal Hair & Make-up Trials

Hair and Make up trials are the most important thing a bride can do to ensure she looks the way she dreamed of for her wedding.  Trials can range between $50-$150 and can be done at the salon, the home of the artist, or at your home depending on the artist.  You can do as many trials as you want with various artists, but just remember each trial will add to the budget.  Some artists will discount the charge of the trial if you sign a contract with them for your wedding.  Here are a couple tips to remember for the trial:

• Bring a picture or thread sample of your wedding outfit, dress or gown so they appropriately chose colors.
• Give them as much detail as you can about your wedding (time of day, look you are going for, how your outfit will be worn, veils and Indian bridal bindis you may wear and how many events you need them for)
• Talk to them about your skin and hair before hand so they know what products will work best on you.
• Plan a time when you have at 2-3 hours to spend with them so they are not rushed.
• Bring a trustworthy friend with you to give their honest opinions.
• Know ahead of time what you like and don’t like.  If you want airbrushed make up, make sure the artist does that.  If you want hair extensions, make sure the hairstylist has some available for the trial.
• If you liked the trial of an artist, consider using them for your engagement photo session or engagement party as one more “test” to ensure you like their work
• Bring pictures of what you would like your hair and make up to look like.
• The key is no surprises on the wedding day. You want to leave the trial feeling as pretty as you would imagine yourself on.

Other Options

If you are working with a small budget and prefer to do your own make up, consider going to a make up counter and asking them for help well before the wedding day.  They will show you how to put on the make up and what colors work best.  Usually you just have to buy one product after this, which can range anywhere from $20-$50.

If you prefer a trusted friend who is a good with make up or hair, do a trial ahead of time and don’t be afraid to change your mind on them or ask for something different.

Enjoy getting pampered during these trials, take your time, and have fun. A bride looking and feeling beautiful on her wedding is the key to great pictures, lasting memories, and a happy groom.

-Been-there-Bride Blogger

Image 1 via: Couture Beauty Team
Image 2 via: Fashion Lady
Image 3 via: Designer Hairstyle
Image 4 via: Lucero Photography

Adding light elements to an event can completely transform and enhance your wedding reception hall. Many of my brides get a little nervous when I say “lighting” because they immediately think it is going to cost a fortune. I highly recommend speaking to your planner to help you find a great lighting vendor that is willing to work with your budget, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

Here’s the different kinds of lighting options that can consider for having at your wedding.

Ambient Lighting

This is the main light used in a room. It can be natural with the sun shining in and filling a room, or artificial. Ambient lighting should be soft to the eye and flattering.

Gobos

Gobos are stencils that go over a light to project a certain image. Most couples like to shine their names or their personalized monograms over the dance floor or onto a wall.

Pin Spots

These are narrow beams of light that is directed towards things that you want to highlight or showcase. Usually they are pointed at the centerpieces or the cake, or if the couple has a sweetheart table, pin spots can be directed towards them.

Up-lights

These are lights that in canisters placed on the ground that shine light upwards. They come in all sorts of colors and can be lit in many different colors that can coordinate with your wedding color scheme.

Washes

This kind of lighting is used to cover a large area. You can do a lighting wash over the dance floor, on the ceilings, on blank walls, or the entire room. There are a ton of different options on what you can do with washes, from colors, to patterns, to images you literally can paint the room with this lighting option.

When picking a lighting vendor, make sure they have experience doing weddings. They should have the proper equipment that stays out of the way of guests keeping it safe so no one trips on wires or gets burned by hot lights. They should also allocate enough time for installing the lights in your space.

Lighting can make your wedding look spectacular, transforming your ceremony space or reception space into something magical.

-DIY Blogger
Image 1 via: Marry Me NY
Image 2 via: Wedding Lighting Samples
Image 3 via: Wedding Dish
Image 4 via: Hit It Music
Image 5 via: Cartersville
Image 6 via: QC Weddings