Baby Names
April 19, 2008
One of my favorite things to do is to think of names I like. And since babies are on my mind a lot lately, I am sure there will be much more to come on this topic! For now here is a list of the most popluar baby names.
It is always a little bit of a disapointment when I see a name I love on this list!
Boy’s Girl’s
1 Jacob Emily
2 Michael Emma
3 Joshua Madison
4 Ethan Isabella
5 Matthew Ava
6 Daniel Abigail
7 Christopher Olivia
8 Andrew Hannah
9 Anthony Sophia
10 William Samantha
11 Joseph Elizabeth
12 Alexander Ashley
13 David Mia
14 Ryan Alexis
15 Noah Sarah
16 James Natalie
17 Nicholas Grace
18 Tyler Chloe
19 Logan Alyssa
20 John Brianna
21 Christian Ella
22 Jonathan Taylor
23 Nathan Anna
24 Benjamin Lauren
25 Samuel Hailey
26 Dylan Kayla
27 Brandon Addison
28 Gabriel Victoria
29 Elijah Jasmine
30 Aiden Savannah
31 Angel Julia
32 Jose Jessica
33 Zachary Lily
34 Caleb Sydney
35 Jack Morgan
36 Jackson Katherine
37 Kevin Destiny
38 Gavin Lillian
39 Mason Alexa
40 Isaiah Alexandra
41 Austin Kaitlyn
42 Evan Kaylee
43 Luke Nevaeh
44 Aidan Brooke
45 Justin Makayla
46 Jordan Allison
47 Robert Maria
48 Isaac Angelina
49 Landon Rachel
50 Jayden Gabriella
Does the thought of the Spa make you nervous?
April 7, 2008
Not me, that is for sure! But for some, not knowing the proper spa etiquette can make the thought of the spa, less then relaxing. Here are some tips to help get over that and enjoy yourself!
1.Book in advance - Most spas don’t accept walk-ins. Pregnant, allergies, medical conditions,or any other special needs, this is the time to speak up so the spa can be fully prepared to accommodate you upon your arrival. This is also the time to request a Male or Female therapist.
2. Know the spa’s cancellation policy, most spas have a 24-hour cancellation policy, but find out just in case. If you violate their policy, the spa is legally permissible to charge you for a partial or full amount of the treatment. That is no fun!
3. To get the most out of your R&R, arrive at the spa 15 minutes early. This will give you time to unwind and clear your mind before beginning your treatment. Who wants to be running around stressed about relaxing.
4. Wear or bring casual clothes to wear after your treatment. Sometimes you may walk in from work or a hectic day, feeling stiff and stressed, but you’ll leave feeling refreshed and revitalized, so bring something comfortable to wear post-treatment.
5. Wear as little jewelry as possible. Most spas will not accept responsibility for items that are lost or stolen, so leave all unnecessary valuables at home. Know that even a locker with a padlock is not a guarantee against theft. This way here you are not worrying about your things instead of relaxing!
6. Speak Up! Is the pressure OK? Is the water too hot or cold? Are you comfortable? Remember, your therapist isn’t a mind reader.
7. Limit consumption of food, Try not to eat for at least an hour before the treatment
8. Avoid consumption of alcohol on the day of the treatment. Alcohol dehydrates you. A spa treatment often releases toxins from the body, so be sure to drink plenty of water before and after your treatment to keep yourself properly hydrated. This also comes into play if you plan on using spa facilities such as a steam room, sauna, whirlpool, or exercise facilities.
9. Turn off your cell phone at the spa, need I say more?
10. Tax and gratuity are not included in the cost of the service. Standard gratuity is 15-20% of the ORIGINAL spa treatment cost. While you are not required to tip, it is common courtesy and a great way to show your therapist that they did an exceptional job. It can be a good idea to bring cash for tips too, this way here you know even if someone else is footing the bill, your therapist will still get a tip.
Necessary Evil
April 3, 2008
It happens to me all the time. I know what I want to wear, I am getting dressed, in a rush, go to put on a pair of nylons or stockings, and realize the last pair of nylons in the drawer have a run in them. Now I have to go find a pair of pants. Talk about making a morning more difficult. So here are some tips to help make life as a women who has to wear hosiery a little easier!
2. When you get them home stick them in the freezer. Freezing your pantyhose before you wear them for the first time helps to extend their lifetime tremendously. First wet them, squeeze out excess water, place in a freezer bag and freeze for at least 24 hours.
3. Then wash your hose before your initial use. When washing, place in a lingerie bag. Always remember to use a mild detergent in cold water on a gentle cycle. Don’t forget to add the fabric softener! This is important as adding a fabric softener helps to preserve there shape.
4. Never place your hosiery in the dryer. This will definitely shorten the life span of your hosiery. Always hang to dry.
5. If your climate is mild and you can get away with it, wear high stockings instead of full stockings. Less material lessens the chance of creating a run and they are more comfortable.
6. If you are between sizes, buy the next size up instead of the smaller size.
7. Keep your toenails trimmed and filed. Regularly file your toenails to make sure there is no chance of sharp corners.
8. Keep a pair of cotton mini gloves in your pantyhose draw if you find yourself creating the run and snags while putting on your hosiery
9. Keep clear nail polish on hand. If you do get a small hole in an inconspicuous spot, dab a little clear nail polish around the hole to keep it from running further. Hairspray can be a quick fix to, but not nearly as effective.
10. Especially if you have pets, put your hosiery on last thing before you leave. If you are going to wear them around the house, wear slippers
Got Wedding Stress? - Our 26 Tips!
March 24, 2008
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Work, family, health, money, as if life is not stressful enough, now you are planning a wedding on top of it all! Here are our favorite tips A-Z to help deal with wedding stress.
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A
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Attitude - Keep a positive attitude about your wedding. Keep the focus off perfection.
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B
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Breakfast - Your mom always told you that breakfast is the most important meal of the day!
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C
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Cry - A good cry during periods of stress can be a healthy way to bring relief to your anxiety, and it might prevent a headache or other physical consequences of “bottling” things up
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D
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Delegate! Too much too do, get others to do some of it.
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E
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Exercise - participate in a sport or engage in fun activity.
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F
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Friends- Make a lunch date, or pick up the phone and call a friend
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G
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GPS - go local! Enjoy the scenery!
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H
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Hydrate - Drink H2O
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I
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Imagine - Take a visual vacation. Close your eyes and picture your self on a beach in
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J
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Journal - Start a diary. Writing your day down helps distance yourself emotionally.
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K
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Know your limits. It’s okay to say no!
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L
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Lavender - Next body wash, shampoo or perfume that you buy think about lavender. Lavender is calming, subtle and will help you sleep!
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M
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Massage!
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N
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nuts - almonds, low in calorie, full of vitamins. It is just possible almonds maybe the perfect food!
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O
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Oatmeal - releases serotonin
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P
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Play with your pets - take them for an extra walk, or just let them cheer you up!
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Q
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Quiet Time - Schedule a time-out
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R
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Read - take time for a great book
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S
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Stretch - Muscles tighten during the course of the day, and when we feel stressed out, the process accelerates. Stretching loosens muscles and encourages deep breathing.
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Tea - Drink Black Tea, and a lot of it! 4 cups a day
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U
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Underwear - Remember this trick, if you are feeling anxious about being the center of attention, imagine everyone in their underwear!
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V
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Visualize! - Imagine your life together, think about your goals.
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Warm
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X
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X-Rated! Everyone knows Sex is a good stress reliever! Sex increases levels of endorphins, those mood-boosting chemicals in the brain, and it’s one of the best total-body relaxers around
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Y
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Yoga - So many benefits to yoga, I wouldn’t know where to begin
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zzzzzzzzzzzz’s Get the rest you need!
Common Wedding Songs
March 9, 2008
Song list provide by Curtis Knight Entertainment an interesting read on Curtis’s blog is “Wedding Music DJ Choices”
Wedding Dances
Here is a list of some popular choices for Special Wedding Dances.
The Grand Entrance happens when we line you and your wedding party up outside the main ballroom, then introduce you into the room.
(This usually takes place between cocktail hour and dinner)
SONG ARTIST / SOURCE
ABC Monday Night Football
Axel F Theme Beverly Hills Cops
Beautiful Day U2
Fox Football Theme
Get Ready For This 2 Unlimited
Here Comes The Bride Disco Remix
Let’s Get It Started Black Eyed Peas
Let’s Get Ready To Rumble Jock Jams
Love and Marriage Frank Sinatra
Oh Yeah Yello
Peter Gunn Deodato
Rocky Theme Standard
Star Wars Theme (Disco Mix) Cantina Band
Tonight Show Theme Standard
SONG ARTIST / SOURCE
All My Life KCi & JoJo
Amazed Lonestar
At Last Etta James
Beautiful In My Eyes
Joshua Kadison
Can’t Help Falling In Love Elvis Presley
Could I Have This Dance Anne Murray
Endless Love Lionel Ritchie & Diana Ross
Forever and For Always Shania Twain
From This Moment On Shania Twain & Bryan White
Grow Old With Me Mary Chapin Carpenter
Have I Told You Lately Van Morrison
Have I Told You Lately Rod Stewart
I Could Not Ask For More Edwin McCain
I Cross My Heart George Strait
I Love You Climax Blues Band
If I Ain’t Got You Alicia Keys
Into The Mystic Van Morrison
It’s Your Love Faith Hill & Tim McGraw
My Best Friend Tim McGraw
Power Of Love Celine Dion
Taking You Home Don Henley
The Way You Look Tonight Frank Sinatra
The Way You Look Tonight Harry Connick Jr.
To Make You Feel My Love Garth Brooks
True Companion Marc Cohn
We’ve Got Tonight Bob Seger
When I Said I Do Clint Black & Lisa Hartman
When You Say Nothing At All Ronan Keaton
When You Say Nothing At All Alison Kraus
You Had Me From Hello Kenny Chesney
SONG ARTIST / SOURCE
Bride Cuts The Cake Traditional
Cut The Cake Average White Band
Grow Old With You Adam Sandler
Hit Me With Your Best Shot Pat Benatar
How Sweet It Is James Taylor
I Can’t Help Myself The Four Tops
Recipe For Love Harry Connick Jr.
Sugar Sugar The Archies
When I’m Sixty-Four The Beatles
SONG ARTIST / SOURCE
A Song For My Daughter Mikki
Because You Loved Me Celine Dion
Butterfly Kisses Bob Carlisle
Daddy’s Hand Holly Dunn
Daddy’s Little Girl Al Martino
In My Daughter’s Eyes Martina McBride
My Father’s Eyes Eric Clapton
Times Of Your Life Paul Anka
Unforgettable Nat ‘King’ Cole & Natalie Cole
Wind Beneath My Wings Bette Midler
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life Stevie Wonder
SONG ARTIST / SOURCE
A Song For Mama Boys II Men
A Song For My Son Mikki
Sunrise, Sunset Bobby Vinton
Through The Years Kenny Rogers
Times Of Your Life Paul Anka
Unforgettable Nat ‘King’ Cole & Natalie Cole
Wind Beneath My Wings Bette Midler
What A Wonderful World Louis Armstrong
How Not to Become a Bridezilla
March 5, 2008
How Not to Become a BridezillaBy Brandy Sprague You have been dreaming about this moment since you were a little girl. This will be the most memorable day of your entire life. Everything must be absolutely perfect for your perfect day. You’ve replayed Charles and Diana’s wedding over and over again in your head and you already know what you would have done differently.
If any of these thoughts have gone through your head, then you have the potential to become a Bridezilla. Bridezilla is a recently coined term to describe what happens when brides loose perspective on reality and become difficult, irrational, and overly irritating. The result of this behavior can cause family disagreements, sever friendships, and in severe cases, can end the bride and groom’s relationship.
Even the nicest of people can turn into a Bridezilla, so I have listed some helpful hints on how NOT to become one. For the sake of your family, friends, caterers, band, DJ, wedding planner, random people on the street and, most importantly, your future spouse, please read the following tips: 1) Please remove the word “perfect” from your vocabulary for the entire span of the wedding planning process. Nothing in the world is perfect and nothing will ever be perfect. Striving for perfection in a wedding is like searching for Big Foot - you might see or hear tales about the “perfect” wedding, but it doesn’t exist. If you look for perfection, you will be disappointed. Instead, use words such as “happy”, “fun”, and “memorable”.
2) Wedding planning can ultimately result in 9-12 months of having your impending nuptials consume every waking thought. Therefore, it is easy to forget that the rest of the world is not also consumed with your wedding (well, except maybe your mother). But, let me assure you, the rest of the world is NOT consumed with your wedding. This means that there is a wedding saturation point for all parties involved - including the bride - so follow the guidelines below: a. Every week, plan one evening with your fiancé that has one strict rule - No Wedding Talk. Go out to the movies, visit the museum, enjoy a new restaurant, or even stay in, order pizza and watch a movie. Remind yourselves why you wanted to get married in the first place.b. Once a month, plan a night out with your friends (including members of the bridal party if possible) and enforce the “No Wedding Talk” rule. Instead, dish on the latest gossip, and spend an evening focusing on catching up on other people’s lives. 3) Repeat this mantra “This is our wedding” over and over again. This mantra has a double meaning.a. “This is our wedding” means it is not just your wedding. Yes, maybe your fiancé’s idea of a centerpiece includes daisies in a beer bottle, but it is important to incorporate ideas from both camps. A wedding should be a reflection of the couple and a celebration of their personalities. Even if that compromise means having pigs in a blanket served along with your petit fours.b. “This is our wedding” means it is not your mother’s, mother-in-law’s, sister’s, friend’s, or wedding planner’s wedding. If you want an intimate affair in
Wedding Favors - Fresh, Fun and Fabulous Ideas
March 5, 2008
Wedding Favors - Fresh, Fun and Fabulous Ideas
By Brandy SpragueYou have a junk drawer filled with useless trinkets labeled with “Congratulations Kathy & Eric” and “John and Sarah Forever:
His and HersIf you plan on having a smaller, intimate affair, consider “His & Her” gifts. For Her: Give her tootsies a rest by offering flip flops or slippers for dancing. Are you having an outdoor wedding? Lay pashmina wraps on the back of the ladies’ chairs to protect them from the chilly night air. For a tropical wedding, include exotic flowers with hairpins for the ladies to put in their hair. For HimWhen asked what men would want for a wedding favor, two answers reined supreme: alcohol and sports. Golf aficionados will enjoy personalized tees or golf balls. If the groom is a baseball fanatic, give everyone a package of baseball cards. For adult-only weddings, try shot glasses, wine cork screws, cool coasters, pilsner glasses or beer openers. For FunReceptions can often be filled with awkward moments as people are assigned to sit with perfect strangers for a span of three to four hours. Ease the pain by providing fun favors that can help initiate conversation other than “so how do you know the happy couple”. Think back to your childhood and give everyone a fun old-fashioned game such as tic-tac-toe, a ball & rubber paddle, mind games, decks of cards, marbles, dominoes and jacks. Mad Libs, trivia cards, or fun little books also make a good gift. Encourage conversation by creating a mini scavenger hunt for each table to locate their favors. Holiday/Theme WeddingsIf your wedding occurs near a major holiday, incorporate your favors with the holiday theme. In keeping with the theme, often times favors tend to double as table decorations as well. For Christmas, give everyone a beautiful ornament. For New Year’s Eve weddings, include a tastefully wrapped party popper & noisemakers. Mardi Gras weddings should include fancy masks or glass beads for each guest.
20 things to remember to pack before your wedding
February 29, 2008
Today I was going through some old documents looking for something else, and came across this, which I thought might be good information for the magazineI wish I did this way in advance. I didn’t have one, and I was scrambling around the day before my wedding trying to pack!
1. Important phone numbers 2. Copies of directions to the reception 3. Prescription medicines4. Extra pair of nylons or pantyhose5. Comfortable shoes6. Clear nail polish (works well for stopping runs in nylons or pantyhose)7. Small sewing kit with scissors and masking tape or hem tape8. Baby powder (absorbs sweat, also a stain remover)9. Tampons and feminine napkins, and deodorant10. Black socks for the ushers or groomsmen 11. Over the counter pain reliever and antacids, Band-aids12. Toothbrush and toothpaste and mints13. Camera batteries and miscellaneous cords and adapters
14. An iron, (I really needed this!)15. Hairspray, hair brush, comb small mirror and makeup16. Bobby pins, hair clips, hair ties17. Safety pins 18. Extra contact lenses and cleaner19. Stain stick or stain remover
20. Snacks and drinks
Inside Answers to all your Wedding Music Questions
February 29, 2008
We asked Curtis Knight from, Curtis Knight Entertainment in Billerica Ma, to help us answer our questions! Curtis owns one of the largest DJ/Entertainment companies in the United States. CKE is a solid company with a well-proven track record and a stable future. They average more than 1,200 events per year and have had more then 5,000 previous brides. His highly trained DJs have helped to make thousands of brides and Grooms happy, and their Wedding Days a smashing success! Coming up next, he will be sharing with us his knowledge about what songs are commonly played at weddings.
Here are his answers to our questions:
1. How long before the wedding should a couple book their DJ?
A year to a year and a half before the date, if possible. The good DJ’s are requested and frequently get booked early, and many clients call us as much as 2 or more years before their event. In contrast, we frequently have a client call us for the first time on the day before their wedding and ask if we have a DJ available to do a wedding “tomorrow”. With 42 DJ’s on the roster we have a DJ available 99.9 % of the time.
2. Do you need to speak to the event coordinator at the event location or see the location in advance?
No. We have been in the business long enough to know our way around. When we arrive at the location, we take a quick look at where to set up and have a 3 minute chat with the coordinator, to be sure we are on the same page, and then we are ready to go. It really is that simple.
3. What time should the DJ arrive?
On the day of your event, unless we are given information that impacts our set up, we arrive one hour before music has to be playing. It takes us about 20 - 30 minutes to load in and set up. We allow the extra time, just in case there is a long access route to get from the curb to where the event is, i.e., a zillion stairs, elevators, etc.
4. Where should a DJ set up?
At the exact edge of the dance floor or dance area. If you stick your DJ far away, in a corner or back against the wall, it directly impacts the connection that the DJ is able to make with your friends and family or co-workers. The closer to the guests your DJ is, the more of an impact the DJ presentation will have. This is a very important detail that often goes overlooked.
5. What does my DJ need to do his/her job?
We need one electrical outlet to plug into, and a 6’ or 8’ banquet style table to set the equipment on. Two tables is optimum for us, but it rarely happens. For an added touch of class, you can make sure that a table cloth and skirt are provided, if applicable and desired.
6. How should a DJ proceed at a wedding? (We love Curtis’s answer to this question)
you would like to see and then we’re are as involved or reserved as you like. If you simply turn us loose, we read your friends, family, co-workers and feel the mood, and play the right music with the right amount of interaction - Never over the top or obnoxious.
7. Do we need a DJ that will act as an emcee / master of ceremonies?
It is best to find someone that can provide that, if that is what you want. Every Curtis Knight Entertainment DJ is trained to play great music and to act as an emcee to the degree that you wish. You tell us how involved you want the DJ to be. We will be happy to run the entire event and control the flow, or stay in the background and simply play good music., Just let us know what you would like to see.
8. Should I make arrangements to feed my DJ?
We sure think so. Your DJ and your location / food make or break your event. The DJ plays a big part in how your event is enjoyed by your friends and family. It just makes sense to feed the DJ. If you tell us in advance that the DJ will not be fed, we are grateful. This way we can send a lunch with the DJ. It’s a small price to pay, to make the DJ “feel the love”. They will do their best job whether they are fed or not
9. What are the benefits of having 2 DJ’s?
Picture a DJ standing in the middle of the dance floor making announcements, or playing a game, or having a bride throw her bouquet. As the segment progresses, song after song will play, seamlessly - one right into the next. The music is being controlled by the other DJ, that is running the equipment, while the emcee is free to travel through the room, without having to worry about running back to the equipment to change songs or turn mics up and down for toasts, etc. If you can easily afford the 2 DJ price, it’s a nice thing to have, but if you are watching your budget, it is not necessary (maybe 3 or 4 out of 1500+ clients per year choose a 2 DJ package).
10. How many hours are typically needed for a wedding?
A wedding reception should last 5 hours if cocktail hour is one of those hours. If the ceremony is to take place “on site, add one hour for a total of 6 hours. It’s always better to “get in, make your mark, and get out” before your guests get restless, bored, uncomfortable, etc. “Always leave ‘em wanting more !” There are exceptions, but these are basic guidelines.
11. Should I book more time than I anticipate needing, just in case?
We think not. Shorter is almost always better than longer when it comes to the length of an event. Our overtime ( $50 / half hour per DJ ~ $100 / hour per DJ ) costs the same in advance as it does on the day of your event. So we recommend that you commit to an appropriate amount of time, and then add over time in increments of ½ hour, if you want the celebration to continue. We are happy to stay as long as you like, and we have often done events where they continue celebrating for as much as 4 hours of overtime.
12. How involved should I be in planning my event?
There are a few schools of thought. Here are two: 1) You can make all of the schedules and lists, pick all of the music, and be the hands manager of every detail of your upcoming celebration, in advance, and on the “day of”…or 2) You can tell us that you “don’t want to deal” with all of the details, and we are happy to handle the lion’s share of the music selection, making announcements, handling the flow of segments and events, so you can just sit back and enjoy your happy celebration. You can also fall somewhere in the middle, and specify certain things that you want, and leave the rest to us. At most of the events we do, we delicately and sensitively handle nearly every aspect of the presentation of the event.
13. Should I pick the music for my event?
The best DJ’s on the planet will tell you that they do not proceed with a predetermined play list. They read the crowd, and then they experiment and change directions many, many times, throughout an event. For someone to try and set the play list in advance, is very risky. We have an expression: “If you pick your music in advance, your friends and family will not dance.” We feel it is best to give us a list of music that you would like to hear, if it fits the mood. Of course, if you want to pick every song, we are happy to accommodate you.
14. How many songs will my DJ play?
The DJ speed limit is 15 songs per hour. Four hours = 60 ish songs. Five hours = 75 ish songs. Also, of interest, the party / dancing / fun segment of most wedding receptions is the final 2 hours. Two hours = 30 - 35 songs.
15. Can we ask a DJ to play CD’s that my friends, family and I bring?
Yes, if that is what you want. We make sure you have approved it, before we agree to play anything that is handed to us. This way, if there is any questionable content on the CD, it has been approved by you, in advance.
16. Should we allow our dj to accept song requests?
At KNE we are happy to, but…requests can wipe out a dance floor quickly, and sometimes you can never get your dance floor raging again, after you have lost it with a dud song. A good DJ knows when a request is going to make your friends and family sit down. If you tell us to handle requests the way we think best, we will tell people who request questionable songs that we will play it later on in the event, if possible, when there is a lull in the dance floor. This way, we do not risk slowing down the great celebration that you have orchestrated. If you tell us to take all requests and play them immediately, as they are asked for, we will do it without question. We just want to be sure that you know what can happen.
17. Should I have Karaoke at my event?
Karaoke can be a great segment, with beautiful voices, loving dedications and boundless love in the room… or a disaster, with drunk idiots, singing out of tune and using profanity over the mic. And you usually will not know which way it is going to go till your event is over. When you interrupt a dance floor to begin Karaoke performances, many people wince and want to go home. It can also be very entertaining and add a live element that will be remembered fondly for years. If you do decide to have Karaoke, our collection and presentation is superior in every way. Weigh this decision carefully, and ask for more input if you like. We are here to help.
18. Am I supposed to tip my DJ?
Some do. Some don’t. The DJ does not expect to be tipped. By our rough guestimate, about 30 - 40 percent of our esteemed clients choose to tip. It does not mean you are cheap if you don’t. If you choose to tip, the most frequent tip we get is $50, and there is the occasional $100. Again, it is not expected.
19. Why do dj’s charge so much more for weddings, then other events?
Great question. When we provide a DJ for a party, the client calls, we send a quote, they call back, give us a deposit, and we send a DJ to the event. Done. If the event is a wedding. We 1) spend a lot of time on the phone, taking volumes of notes about the wedding day, and every aspect - from song selection to presentation and more. Also we 2 ) set up one or more meetings for the bride and groom and the DJ that will serve them, so they can go over the details, item by item, face to face. 3) If the bride and groom have song requests that are not on our published song list, we spend hours and hours ( and hours and more hours ) finding all of the music they want and preparing it in a logical cataloged order, on CD, in preparation for the big celebration ! A LOT more service and preparation goes into the wedding experience that requires a higher ticket price.
2o. Why is their such a wide range of pricing in the DJ business?
Great question. You can pay as little as $200 for your DJ or $6500 as one of our colleagues in New York does. It comes down to each company owner. We charge a price that helps us grow our business, but is not unreasonably high. Often we are asked to explain why 2 companies in our area charge more than twice what we charge. We are asked what they will get from the higher priced DJ company that they will not get from us. I am never sure what to say, so I just shrug and smile.
How to have beautiful Wedding Day Hair
February 22, 2008
Washing your hair should be the “last” thing you do on your wedding day! Have you ever noticed that second-day hair always looks, styles, and maintains its shape better? Well there is a reason for it. When you cleanse your hair you strip it of all its natural oils and those oils are what gives hair its shine and ability to hold a style. Freshly shampooed hair requires lots of gel, mousse, or hair spray to obtain any shape other than its natural one. I suggest brides wash and style their hair for the rehearsal dinner (if yours is the night before your wedding) and then just leave it be until the next day when your hair designer arrives to make you wedding day beautiful. Your natural oils will mix overnight with the product you used while you sleep, I call this Rehearsal Dinner Hair, and give your hair designer a manipulatable base upon which she can create a wedding day hair style that won’t look like a hairspray helmet.
There are two ways in which brides approach scheduling trial runs. If the bride knows the hair/makeup company’s reputation personally, through a referral, message board or even just from speaking with them on the phone or email and she is comfortable booking them, she should schedule her consult at the 3-6 week mark out from her wedding. This way her skin tone, hair length and color are almost as they will be on the wedding day giving her a complete picture of her bridal look. If the bride has hesitation on just booking a company then she should schedule a consult asap. I term this the Try-It-Before-You-Buy-It Trial Run. Great companies are booked 8-12 months out so, to get one of them for your wedding you need to have the practice trial done as soon as you can so if you end up loving that company you can book them before your date is taken.
Hair cuts and colors should be done on the following schedule to ensure your hair is perfect for your wedding day. If you do an all-over color (your roots show up in 4-6 weeks and your hair dresser paints or brushes color on your roots) you should schedule your last color appointment 2-4 days before your wedding. Depending on how grey you are, how dark the color is and how fast your hair grows you could have roots showing in as little as 5 days so the closer to your wedding you do it the less likely it will be to see any roots. For brides who foil their hair, this should be done no less than one week before the wedding. This allows the hair to settle down and mix in. When planning hair cuts, look to the designer whom you will be working with on your wedding day to give you instruction not your regular hairdresser. Everyone who works with hair has their own technique and requirements for obtaining the same style - and since it will be your designer with you on your wedding day, your hair should be cut to her specifications.
Finding a wedding day hair and/or makeup company has become a difficult task lately. When you look at magazines and wedding websites for vendors you find 20 or 30 different vendors all clamoring that they are the “It” company or you find that there are lots of “companies” who are really just a one person operation, and even more self proclaimed “artists” who don’t possess any formal training at all. How do you sort through it all? First you spend some time and view the companies websites and pick the ones that appeal to you to investigate further (you can tell a lot about a company by how their website is designed and portrayed). Is the website professional looking, how long has the company been in business, do they have references you can actually talk to, and are there photographs of real wedding for you to view? The next step should be to contact the company either on the phone or email. How long does it take them to respond (keep in mind Friday - Sunday they are potentially at weddings and not able to work on office tasks and Monday is typically their weekend), is the communication professional and timely? Pay attention to the tone they set with communication: is it a hard sell or do they simply offer you the information you request and then let you make the next move? From here you can ask around on the message boards, talk to your photographer (this person really knows who is great and who to stay away from from experience), ask your friends who they used and don’t forget your venue’s preferred vendor list (vendors don’t just put their recommendation on anyone since their reputation is on the line- oh, but be-careful, those magazine-like vendor listings some venues pass out are a pay-to-be-in-it advertising deal). The one thing you should never base your decision on is price. This is one area where you absolutely do get what you pay for. Vendors who are priced well below the normal range are buyer beware and alternatively, if a company charges well above the norm and is still in business, there is a reason for it. If you have budgetary concerns, find the company you want to work with and let people know you would love a gift certificate to that company as a shower gift.
Hair and Make-up was done by Jacki at Wedding Tresses
Wedding Tresses
Jacki Norrie
Studio 781.585.0600
Dresses are Ann Taylor dresses