Passport

Don’t forget your passport. If you do not have one make sure you give yourself at least 2 months to get one. You will need to go to a local store that will take a passport picture such as Costco, Kinkos, Police Stations, or the post office. Once you get those you will need to fill out and send in all the paperwork at a local police station or post office. The amount of time it takes for your paperwork to process can take a long time so make sure to give the whole process about 2 months to be on the safe side!

Clothing

Make sure to pack all of the essentials, but also check the weather conditions for the place you are traveling to and bring some extras in case you need to adjust for the conditions. Also, bring clothes for the various activities you might do like hiking or sightseeing. Try not to wait until the last minute to pack because you might forget something that is very important! Make sure all of you travel documents, license, travelers’ checks or money before you leave.

Preparing Your House or Animals

Make sure before you leave for your honeymoon that everything is taken care for any animals, children, or any valuables. Also have everything in order if someone is watching your house. Make sure everything is worked out for someone to watch your pet, unless you are using a kennel, and that everything is arranged for a babysitter if you have children. Make sure to set any alarms on your house or vehicle or any other property! It is always good to inform your neighbors and relatives of your travel plans in case someone is snooping around the house while you are gone. The last thing you want to do is come back from a relaxing weekend to a stressful mess!

Making a Check List

These are just a few of the main things you need to think of when you are about to go on your honeymoon, but it is always good to make a check list as well! Also make sure to double check all of your flight and hotel reservations. It is always best to book some activities before especially if they cost money because there could be an early bird discount or the activities could be booked! It may all sound like a lot to do before you go away but double checking yourself and making sure everything is taken care of is well worth the stress before your honeymoon instead of having to deal with it afterward!

But most importantly, remember to enjoy your Honeymoon as it only comes once!

Image 1 via Leaders We Deserve

Image 2 via Maplewood Teen

Image 3 via Alta Luggage

Image 4 via My News Builder
Image 5 via Shop a Service

A Sweet Design

A Sweet Design is a custom cake studio owned by Joeleen Medina. They are located in Granada Hills and are open for walk-ins from the hours of 10 am to 4 pm and are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. They make a wide variety of different types of wedding cakes to choose from and are known to create a cake that will “make a statement” on your wedding day. They also won the 2008 and 2009 first place winners for Best Cakes in the Los Angeles Area.

Cake & Art

Cake & Art is an edible art experience! They are located on Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood and have been featured in magazines pages in Time, Newsweek, Vanity Fair, People, and Instyle. Each cake created there is a distinct masterpiece. You can get your typical classic wedding cake or create a cake to add to the theme of your wedding. Their cake flavors include white, chocolate, carrot, lemon, and red velvet.

Porto’s Bakery

Porto’s Bakery is a family owned business that is located in Glendale and has been making cakes for over 35 years. The company is known to “have made quality the cornerstone of their efforts” because to them each customer is an addition to their family. They have expert decorators to create your imagined wedding cake.

Cakes by the Pound

Cakes by the Pound is located in Alhambra and owned by Mendy K. Pound. It is a licensed cake studio that specializes in custom designed edible works of art. Each cake is made from scratch and have a European style to them. They strive to make your cake one that will reflect your personality and style even down to the cake stand.

Nancy Kay’s Confections

Nancy Kay’s Confections are contemporary classic gourmet wedding cakes located in Santa Monica Blvd. for appointments only. They were the winner of the 2010 Best of Weddings, Bride’s Choice Awards, and Best Wedding Cakes. They are known for the most attentive customer service and will sit down with you for a private consultant to ensure that your cake design will be what you hoped for.

Everyone wants their wedding to stand out and your wedding cake is a big factor in your wedding day. Make your dream wedding cake come true and visit one of the best locations who will strive to make the perfect creation of your wedding cake.

Image 1 via Cake and Art
Image 2 via Cake and Art
Image 3 via Nancy Kay’s Confections

Halter Wedding Dresses

For dresses that have a halter or go up around the neck, it looks better to have an all around up-do. Having all of your hair up can lengthen the neck and help make you look taller. When your hair is down with this particular style of dress, it can some times make you look shorter and can take away from you or your dress!

Strapless Wedding Dresses

For dresses that are strapless, almost any type of hair style will work, however hair styles with your hair down or somewhat down can really add to the dress. When wearing a strapless dress, you want to try and avoid wearing your hair too tightly for example in a tight bun or pony tail. However this is observed with A-line dresses or Cinderella style. If the dress is form fitting and slender, a tight up-do can look very classic or stylish.

When it comes to picking your hairstyle, it is all about the look of the hair with the dress. Everything should look proportionate. If your hair is pulled back tight and your dress is Cinderella style dress, it could make everything above the shoulders look very small; however, with a form fitting dress, it can make everything look very sleek and thin. Today’s brides are really using the loose curl look or a nice loose bun with a large flower. Classic looks never really go out of style no matter what dress you wear.

The Good and the Bad of Wedding Hair Styles

The whole idea of the “bigger the hair, the better you’ll look” is not always the way to go. Sometimes when you do a hairstyle that is higher or bigger, it can make your face look longer, it can take away from your dress or face, and can also make you look a lot taller than your groom depending on your height! Your theme also plays apart in your hairstyle. For example, if you are having a wedding on the beach, it is always good to keep in mind the weather conditions (depending on the site). If it is windy, it could be better to wear your hair back; however. for a beach type wedding, wearing your hair down with loose curls is always a good look! For a wedding that is outdoors in a forest type setting, a great look is always a nice up-do with some loose curls hanging down.

All of these ideas are just ideas, in the end it is all about what you like and what you think makes you look beautiful because in the end it is your one and only wedding day!

Image 1 via 3 BP Blogspot

Image 2 via Etsy

Image 3 via Geoff White Photography

Image 4 via Geoff White Photography

Image 5 via Wedding Fever

Image 6 via  Hair Style Inc.

Image 7 via Stylish Events

Nothing is more exciting than finding that perfect wedding band for you and your husband. Shopping for your wedding band can take quite a bit of your time. There’s so much to look for and you have an endless amount of choices. Your wedding band should be the one ring that had caught your eye and stood out to you the most. It’s a ring that will be placed on your hand for life to signify your love for each other. Your ring should resemble your style and personality as well as the two of you as a couple. When shopping for your wedding bands, you should make sure that you have set a budget, start looking at rings early, and be knowledgeable about your purchase.

1.  Set a Budget for your Wedding Bands

Setting a budget is a must when shopping for your wedding bands. You don’t want to go too overboard to find that perfect wedding ring. Plan ahead with each other on how much you both agree on spending and then go from there. A budget can help a lot when shopping because most likely you will stay in your price range. Also remember that the more you spend the less that goes towards your wedding. Rings don’t have to be pricey and large. A simple ring or even one that fits your style can be more rewarding in the end, afterall, you do have to wear it everyday!

2.  Start Looking for Wedding Bands Early

It’s always good to get a jump start on finding your wedding bands. It gives you more time to make your decision and to find the rings you both are going to love. You never want to rush when looking for your wedding bands because you might find something different that you like or you may not be pleased with your selection after you have had your ring for a few years. Your wedding band is something that will stay with you forever and it needs to be something that will always “be in”. Shopping ahead of time gives you the advantage of finding the perfect rings to fit your style. Give yourselves at least a few months to be able to revisit each jewelry store where you had found rings that you liked. You may find a ring that you love but you should always double check that it is the ring that you absolutely need to have. Keep in mind, that if you are planning to engrave your wedding rings, groomsmen gifts, or any other gifts - it can take up to one month, so you will need to plan ahead.

3.  Learn About Wedding Rings

When shopping you need to be sure that your purchase will be a wise one that you won’t regret it. You should always check for form, sizing, and quality. When trying on rings you should find one that is going to be comfortable for you. You don’t want a ring that is going to irritate your finger while wearing it or one that is going to fall off. Always add in to consideration your occupation and if that will get in the way. If you work with your hands a lot you want to be certain that your ring will not slide off your finger. Once you have found a ring that you are happy with make sure to check the quality. A wedding band should always have two marks on the inside, one will be the manufacturer’s trademark and the second will be the quality mark. If you are searching for something with a diamond, learn about the 4 C’s of shopping for a diamond.

These three tips will be most helpful when shopping for your wedding bands. It can be a long task, but in the end you want to be happy with what you decide. Nothing is more important than being smart with your decision. Your wedding bands are a symbol of your love and you should love the rings that you wear. What you choose should be jewelry that is timeless and high quality that will stay with you forever. Find your perfect wedding bands by setting a limit, getting a head start, and being smart with your choice.

You shouldn’t fit to your wedding band, your wedding band should fit to you.

Image 1 via Lynd’s Photography

Image 2 via Diamond Wedding Rings

“Although our office consists of wedding coordinators, photographers, DJs, and Decorators - we are happy to recommend and help you contact any additional vendors to meet your needs.  We look forward to bringing your wedding vision to reality!”

- The Shaadi Vendors Team

What some guests from the Grand Opening had to say…

“This was a great way for all of us vendors to get together and catch-up during the off-season.  We are so busy on event days that we never get to talk.” - Wedding Decorator

“This was such a cool way to get to know my wedding vendors in a casual place.  At bridal shows, everyone is trying to sell you something, but here we were eating and having fun together.” - Bride

“Great Job last night! I’m so happy for you all. What a great team!  I love your office, what an awesome meeting space.” - Vendor

“It’s nice to see how the vendors come together and are friendly with each other.  It gives me piece of mind that on the day-of they will vibe very well.” - Mother of a Bride

“Thank you SO much for inviting us to participate in the Open House last night. We had a great time and felt it was a very fruitful time.” - Vendor

This Grand Opening was fun for all ages and literally kept people entertained for hours.  Big thanks to all the vendors, brides, and families that came out to support and grow this unique partnership leading into the future.  The biggest thanks to the people that made this happen:

Cartoon Slinger - The Very Popular Caricaturist
Classic Candy Buffet - Bright & Colorful Candy Buffet
Karen’s Katerers - Beautiful and Delicious Food
Mila Photography - Fun Photobooth
Pacific Bakery - Mouth-Watering Desserts

A small reel of some of the fun photobooth pictures that we took.  To see all the fun photos that Michelle took at the party, click here.  Stay in touch with www.ShaadiVendors.com for more vendor education events and other fun bridal events as well - stay in the loop of the wedding community!

Lawrence Hall of Science, Berkeley

This venue is a beautiful venue for a wedding. The view looks out over Berkeley as well as San Francisco. It is a beautiful place for pictures as well as just a daily stroll through the park. It is rather hard to get to, but well worth it. During the winter months and possible the morning or late evening times you may find it to be rather foggy, which could make the view hard to see. This park is well worth the trip! For the venue you can have a sit down dinner for 150, buffet and casual seating 300 and cocktail and appetizers for 500. The building is huge, the parking is plentiful, and the space is amazing!

Legion of Art Museum

The Legion of Honor is a beautiful museum in San Francisco with an impressive display of ancient European art with a great view overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. This venue is a beautiful building that looks like it belongs in Europe. The view is amazing and venue is located right next to a beautiful golf course. Parking is not a problem and there is a beautiful fountain in front of the building. As for having a wedding there the rooms are big enough for large events. If you wanted to have the ceremony looking over the Golden Gate Bridge it would be rather small, however, there is enough space for some great pictures! If you are looking for a great drive, a great photo opportunity, and a beautiful place for wedding, this is a venue you should consider!

Muir Woods/Muir Beach

Both the woods and the beach would make a great place for a ceremony. If you are a beach lover or a forest lover both parks give you the best of both. The large redwoods of the forest and all the greenery makes this place very mystical yet romantic. When the sun comes through the trees it sets the most amazing mood. There is a great little bridge for wonderful pictures and ceremony. There isn’t a reception site; however, depending on how lavish you would like your wedding to be there is space for a small outdoor reception in the picnic area. Muir Beach offers a long stretch of beach for a wedding ceremony. There are also great fields overlooking the ocean for a ceremony or small outdoor reception. This park is absolutely beautiful on a sunny day! It is great for hikes and great for pictures! However since it is the beach the weather can be very overcast or cloudy depending on the month!

Tilden Park

Tilden is one of many parks that offers great views and wonderful scenery. This park offers great hiking and a wonderful place for a ceremony and/or reception. Through the park you can make reservations for your ceremony or reception. This is a park that should really be seen in person because of its magnificent views!

Image 1 via Sweet Smile
Image 2 via Da Travel Magazine
Image 3 via Hawthrone Photography
Image 4 via Hawthrone Photography
Image 5 via Allegro Photography

As 21st century families are getting more sophisticated and diverse, the conventional wedding invitation styles, themes and designs are becoming outdated. Today’s modern brides are looking for new wedding invitation designs and are responsible for developing some really amazing new trends. We have noticed an increase in personalized colors, decorations, custom modifications and new styles that are making brides dreams into invitation set realities.

1) Embrace the Multi-Cultural

Be proud of your heritage and celebrate it by integrating it into your wedding invitation design. If your wedding is going to have any special cultural celebrations or ceremonies, think about incorporating these themes into your invitation set.

2) Exciting New Fonts

Do not feel compelled to choose the ordinary fonts that most wedding invitations use. Any professional designer will have thousands of unique fonts available, so don’t feel embarrassed about asking for something non-traditional.

3) Think Colors Colors Colors

Using different color combinations in your invitation is a great way to break from the old style of black text on white paper. There are endless varieties of paper and color combos, so feel free to mix and match as you see fit. Think about the season, the color themes of your wedding, what flowers you will be using or the colors of your bridesmaid dresses. Any of these colors will integrate wonderfully into your wedding invitation set.

4) Forget The Conventional Sizes and Shapes

While I appreciate the typical 5” x 7” invitation size, modern brides are mixing the format up a bit. Think about custom designing your own invitation style to make a never before seen shape or size. The impact these non-traditional invitations have on their guests is extraordinary.

5) Use New Materials

One of the best ways to ensure your wedding invitation sets you apart from the crowd? Mix it up with some creative non-conventional flare decorations! DIY savvy brides are spicing up their invitation designs with extra materials that are traditionally not found on wedding invitations.

Whatever type of wedding invitation design you want, the most important thing is that you are happy, it reflects your personality and wedding ceremony, while at the same time properly setting the tone for your wedding guests. Do what makes you the most comfortable, but at the same time do not be afraid to explore, ask your printer about their customizable options and think creatively!

Big Decisions

Make sure to ask their opinion on the larger decisions such as venue and food selection. Include them in deciding on what alcohol to serve. Try and find their interests within the wedding planning, even if you add a few things that they like to the agenda. Ask their opinion on the wedding favors because they might have a say on what to give to the guests as well. Talk about the colors for your wedding and which color they want to do or match for what they are going to wear.

The Little Things

Another great way to include your partner is to surprise them with their own cake that really describes who they are. Having them help with picking out the favors you give to your guests, that way they can really feel like it was a group effort. When it comes to picking your first dance another great way to share the duties is to have each of you pick out a song that reminds you of the other person. This gives you and your partner a chance to be involved as well as a nice way to know how your partner is reminded of you.

The Whole Package

A wedding is a fun time to show your close friends and family how much you love each other. Therefore, both people involved should have an opinion of how the wedding should go or look. Little things like choosing the car or limo, the cake, or colors for the wedding are all great ways to involve your partner in the wedding planning process.

Image 2 via Aksandu

Image 1 via Engagement Advisor

Image 3 via Limos Online

First of all we would like to give a big thank you to Planning Elegance for allowing us to blog for their readers!

You might be wondering what Sugar and Fluff is really all about. We started this company with a goal: to offer brides a whole new experience to wedding design, by incorporating different elements that are seen in everyday use but in a new way. We constantly like to challenge our clients to step out of the box and try something new!

Part of our mantra is to incorporate the bland and make it into something special. What’s so great about that is you tend to use overlooked items and form them into something beautiful for the eye to see. Often times events tend to lose their luster b/c people think that to flashy and gaudy is all grandeur. That isn’t necessarily true. Event “connoisseurs” take bold stated centerpieces and drown them with tacky embellishments and cliché ideas.

At Sugar & Fluff, we constantly challenge ourselves to think ahead and take beautiful centerpieces and themes even further. Always in the bride’s direction and approval, of course :).

Some examples include our Bollywood table scape. We tried to portray the essence of the culture by using the Taj Mahal as inspiration. Our three Votive centerpieces reflected the antiquity of the white walls and the intricate design through the lighted ruffled orbs, which became the focal point of our table. Because it was so detailed, we tried to soften the statement piece with soft colors of white and buttercream, complimented with sage organza with detailed geometric design, glowing frosted candle holders that held simple bundles of fresh tuberose and invitations based off of vintage bollywood posters. The color palette filled with light pastels along with the simplicity of the elements around the centerpiece helped compliment our centerpieces.

Our Steampunk shoot was a subtle homage to the creative fantasy of Steampunk culture, based off the industrial era in England and takes place in the early nineteen hundreds in terms of costume and interior design. It is complimented by highly detailed engineering and hard-metal architectural fixtures. Thus, our goal was to compliment the hard, tarnished metal and gadgets with the light and beautiful floral elements.

Always be on the lookout for inspiration. You never know if it’s lurking right outside your front door!

Sincerely,
The Sugar and Fluff Design Team

Some services we provide:

Event Consultation
Invitation and Print Products
Graphic Design
Web Design

www.sugarandfluff.com
info@sugarandfluff.com
Follow us on our sugar and fluff blog! Click here!

Planning Elegance would like to thank Sugar & Fluff for opening our eyes and minds to more unique and out-of-the-box designs for invitations, wedding decor, web design, and more…

The Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by over 500,000 newlyweds. Being a recipient of this award means we are in the top 5 percent of all wedding professionals in the WeddingWire Community!

A complete list of this year’s winners is now available here - this can help you find other wedding vendors and see which ones Planning Elegance has worked with before. For more information on how to contact Planning Elegance, read more reviews, or to schedule a free consultation contact us today!

We would like to thank all of our past clients that have rated & nominated us for this prestigious award. Any other clients that feel inclined to write us a review and get a free gift card from Wedding Wire - thank you as well for your trust in our services. Executing Elegant Events!

Read all of our Wedding Coordination Reviews at