WEDDING PLANNER: HOW 2 WORK LONG DISTANCE WITH YOUR WEDDING PLANNER

Are you planning a destination wedding long distance? If so, you know the challenges you fact communicating via phone, email or fax with your wedding planner and planning an event at a hotel you may not have seen.

When you are working long distance with a bride, what does your initial consultation with her include? What questions will you have for her to help give you a better idea of her wedding wishes? First and foremost, I like to speak with the bride in depth over the phone, getting to know her on a personal basis. This rapport building stage may progress over several phone calls and e-mails. In addition to certainly asking her what her wedding day vision may be, I want to know more about she and the groom and their likes and dislikes. How did you meet? How did he propose? Where did she or he go to school? Are you big sports fans? I also want to share information with her about myself and that I am a recent bride. I want her to feel comfortable talking with me and trusting me. Planning a wedding can be difficult, planning a wedding from afar can be even more so. It is important that the bride "connects" with her wedding consultant so that she can rely on their dedication and knowledge as she prepares for her "Big Day!". Once rapport is established, it is important for me to share with the bride my thoughts on whether or not our venue meets her needs. Does our package realistically meet her budget requirements? Does our setting meet her wedding day vision? If so, I would suggest that she and the groom arrange for a trip to visit the site, as well as other sites before proceeding. How can brides best work with you long distance? (Photos of decorations? Detailed descriptions?) The Internet and e-mail are wonderful tools. Reception locations should offer updated customized web pages for viewing. Wedding consultants often have digital pictures on hand of recent weddings and catering events. They should be able to provide you with a list of references, previous brides who have planned a long distance wedding at their location. In today's fast paced world, it is best to communicate with your reception consultant via e-mail. Your consultant should always reply to your questions promptly. A bride and groom may also want to coordinate periodic conference calls with the bride, groom, wedding consultant, and other key players eliminating the chance of miscommunication. For which destination brides is a pre-wedding site inspection a good idea? If at all possible, I would suggest that every bride and groom conduct a pre-wedding site inspection. I find that most of the brides and grooms that I work with who are planning their wedding from afar, have ties to the immediate area. Should the bride and/or groom not be able to make a trip to the location before signing a contract, arrange for a family member or close family friend to check out the location. How can a bride who is arranging a pre-wedding site inspection make the best use of her time when she does come to visit the property? At what point in her plans would it be most beneficial to her to make that trip? A bride should arrange at least two pre-wedding site inspection trips. She should be organized with a wedding binder suitable for collecting brochures, business cards, and magazine clippings, and come prepared with detailed lists of questions. The first trip should take place after the "gathering and collecting of information" stage and prior to signing a contract. It would be helpful to select a weekend to visit multiple top choices for both ceremony and reception sites. The booking of these two sites go hand in hand. Be sure to phone the contacts at each location to make sure that they, or a colleague, will be able to meet with you. No sense flying 1000 miles with hopes of viewing a Grand Ballroom, only to find that the wedding consultant is not able to meet with you personally. Obtain as much local vendor information as possible during this trip. Best case scenario, your consultant or function coordinator will also be able to guide you with additional vendor recommendations throughout your planning process. Approximately four to five months prior to your wedding you will want to schedule a return trip. It would be ideal if your trip could coincide with a wedding reception taking place at your venue. This would be an ideal opportunity for you to view their operation in full swing.

Some of the tasks that you will want to accomplish during this hectic visit include:

1. Your tasting
2. Meeting with florist to make all floral selections
3. Meeting with Bakery to select wedding cake
4. Hair/Make-up Trial
5. Rehearsal Dinner and Post-Wedding Brunch site exploration/selection Depending on the length of your engagement, the number of your pre-wedding site trips will vary.

Certainly take advantage of more trips if possible. You will want to become well educated about the marriage license requirements of the state in which you are marrying. Another trip within two months of your wedding date may be required in order for you to obtain a marriage license. Lastly, be sure to take time off the week before your wedding and be sure to arrive to your destination well in advance of your wedding day!
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WORST DRESSED of 2008

The Vogue editor is known for playing it safe in impeccable Chanel suits topped off with her trademark sleek bob. But when she does get it wrong, she does it in style!



MARY-KATE AND ASHLEY OLSEN Stylish siblings award: These two have not only set up two formidable fashion labels (The Row and Elizabeth and James), their own personal style runs from vintage paired with designer, thrift store and couture.



MADONNA 'I'm sorry but you've lost the plot' award: Oh dear, here's one for the style therapist. A public divorce is manifested as one of Madonna's biggest style mistakes to date. Those green feathers! Those fishnets! Those ankle straps! All so wrong!

WEDDING JEWELRY TIPS

Wedding jewelry is an important part of adding individuality to the bridal ensemble. Pearl jewelry has always been the jewelry of choice for the special day because it is elegant and classic. Also, wedding jewelry doesn't have to be only worn on your wedding day. Pearl jewelry can be worn for years following your wedding. Pearls are versatile and popular so there are no limits to showing off your gorgeous jewelry.

When choosing jewelry for your wedding, it is important to consider the neckline and detail of the dress. The design of the dress will determine whether your wedding jewelry should be simple or more elaborate. Open necklines give you more room to work with different necklaces. If you have a high neck dress, it is best to accent the dress with earrings and a bracelet.

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TIPS & ADVICES FROM GlamourJewellery.com

BRIDAL PARTY
Do I have to select the same dress for each bridesmaid?

The choice is up to you. Some brides like the tradition of matching bridesmaid dresses. Increasingly popular is the modern look of mix and match dresses and/or separates. Not only will you create a chic bridal party look, but your bridesmaids will be happy! To maintain a coordinated wedding look, we suggest that the bride choose the color (or two complementary colors) and let each bridesmaid choose the dress or skirt and top combination that she likes best. Another option is to let your bridesmaids personalize their look with sashes, ribbons or other coordinated accessories.

Does my mom's dress have to match my bridesmaids?

Your mother, as well as your groom's mother, can select from a variety of special occasion dresses that coordinate with your bridesmaid style. They do not need to be a perfect match, however we suggest choosing a similar formality and complementary color scheme.

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TIPS & ADVICE FROM GlamourJewellery.com

Sleeveless gown for a fall or winter wedding.

Year round, today's most popular styles include strapless and sleeveless gowns. If you are planning a cold weather wedding, it’s likely that most of your day will be spent indoors. And with the help of the season's hottest accessories, you can also stay fashionably warm for your outdoor travels, events, or photo ops. Our designers suggest adding a satin or faux fur wrap, bolero jacket, or glamorous gloves. Then you have the option of removing the outerwear at your reception, creating a whole new look!

What if white wedding gown doesn’t flatter my skin tone?

Today there are many alternatives to the traditional white wedding gown. Elegant bridal gowns are available in a range of beautiful hues, from ivory to champagne to light gold. If you really have your heart set on white, choose a white gown that features a touch of color. You'll look great in your favorite color, while also looking fashionable in the hottest bridal trend. Get the look of the season with a gown featuring beautiful color embroidery or trim, or select your favorite white gown and add a colorful ribbon or sash. Complete your wedding look by coordinating your accent color with your accessories, bridal party, and groomsmen attire.

What are the best gown styles for full figured brides?

Your options are virtually endless. Show off your curves in a sexy corset bodice and flowing pick-up skirt, add a color sash to a sleek silhouette for a modern chic look, or go for sheer elegance with a gown that boasts brilliant beading and lace. The most important consideration is the fit and construction. If you select a strapless or sleeveless gown and would like additional coverage, add a wrap or bolero jacket.

Can I wear white for my second wedding?

This is your day to wear whatever style and color gown you want. Rest assured that while white was once reserved for first-time brides, the modern interpretation is that white is a symbol of celebration. Furthermore, there are many color options available today. The latest bridal trend may be perfect for you: gowns featuring colorful embroidery or trim, or the addition of a color ribbon or sash. It will be easy to carry the look throughout your wedding with color-coordinating accessories and bridal party fashions.

When to start shopping for a gown?

It is never too early to start looking for your bridal gown. Many brides start shopping right after they get engaged (some even earlier!). It is a good idea to plan ahead (six months to one year) in order to allow time for ordering (if necessary) and alterations.

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PEARL TREATMENT

Pearl Treatment

Pearls are very soft and need special treatment. They never should be tossed on top of or next to other gems in a jewellery box. Store them in a jewellery pouch.

Some women's skin is more acid than others. If a pearl necklace is regularly worn, as it should be, some of the pearls will constantly be in close contact with the woman's skin on her neck at the shoulder line.

Pearl pendants do not always have such constant contact with a woman's skin. The pearls in the necklace will gradually absorb acid from the skin and the acid will slowly eat into the spherical pearl. Over time the pearl will not only lose its luster, but will become barrel-shaped. You can slow this process by wiping the pearls with a soft cloth after wearing them.

Besides being soft, pearls are easily damaged by chemicals like perfume, vinegar, hair spray and lemon juice. Heat can turn pearls brown or dry them out and make them crack. Dry air can also damage pearls. Most safe deposit vaults have very dry air and can damage pearls.

When taking off a pearl ring, grasp the shank, or metal part, rather than the pearl. This will prevent the pearl from loosening and coming into contact with skin oil on your hand.
Because of their delicate nature, special treatment must be taken when cleaning:

• Do not wear pearls when their string is wet. Wet strings stretch and attract dirt, which is hard to remove.
• Do not hang pearls to dry.
• Take your pearls off when applying cosmetics, hair spray, and perfume, or when showering or swimming.
• Only use jewellery cleaners labelled as safe for pearls.
• Avoid wearing pearls with rough fabrics like Shetland wool.
• Have your pearls restrung once a year if you wear them often.
• Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.
• Never steam-clean pearls.
• Never use (or expose pearls) to dish or wash detergents, bleaches, powdered cleansers, baking soda, or ammonia-based cleaners (like Windex).
• Never use toothbrushes, scouring pads or abrasive materials to clean pearls.

Cleaning Pearls

After you wore pearls, just wipe them off with a soft cloth or chamois, which may be dry or damp. You can even use a drop of olive oil on the cloth to help maintain their luster.
If pearls have not been kept clean and are very dirty, they can be cleaned by your jeweller or they can be cleaned by using special pearl cleaner. Be careful using other types of jewellery cleaner or soap. Some liquid soap, can damage pearls. Pay attention to the areas around the drill holes where dirt may tend to collect. After washing your pearls, lay them flat in a moist kitchen towel to dry. When the towel is dry, your pearls should be dry. About every six months have a jewellery professional verify that the pearls on your jeweller are securely mounted or that the string is still good.

Colour

Choose the colour that:
1. Flatters your skin:

• White pearl colour is the most popular one. It can flatter the widest range of skin tones;
• Cream and gold pearl colours are believed to suit dark and olive skins. They can highlight the skin tone.

2. Coordinates your clothing:

• White pearls look great on black or dark clothing;
• Coloured pearls look great on white clothing.
  Cleaning your Swarovski Crystals
  
  Swarovski Crystals Treatments
  
  Swarovski recommends that you polish your Swarovski crystal regularly with the Swarovski polishing cloth. If soiled, use a soft brush to wash your crystal in lukewarm water containing a small amount of a mild detergent. Then rinse under running water. Dry with a soft, lint-free towel and finish with the Swarovski polishing cloth. To help you clean and care for your crystal, Swarovski has produced the Swarovski Cleaning Kit. The kit includes a natural bristle brush with a Plexiglass handle, pure cotton polishing cloth, cotton gloves and a small bag of crystals for decorative purposes. When handling your crystal, it is recommended that you wear the Swarovski Gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints. This will help maintain the brilliance of your Swarovski crystal.
  
  Swarovski Jewellery
  
  Swarovski Jewelry is fashion jewelry, and as such, it is either gold or rhodium plated, and a certain amount of wear and tear will occur over time. Swarovski's plating standards are very high and under normal circumstances your Swarovski Jewelry will have a very long life. To ensure the lasting beauty of your Swarovski Jewelry, do not use sonic cleaners, boiling water or commercial jewelry cleaners. Jewelry cleaners usually contain ammonia or alcohol which can have a damaging effect on the plating.
  
  Swarovski recommends that you occasionally polish each piece with a soft lint-free cloth. If your jewelry is very dirty, wash your jewelry using warm water, a mild dish detergent and a soft bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water prior to drying with a soft lint-free cloth. Please note: Do not wash the Swarovski simulated pearls. These should be buffed with a soft dry cloth.
  
  Also, it is a good idea to put your Swarovski Jewelry on after applying perfume, hand cream or hair spray. Never wear your jewelry in the bath, in bed, doing dishes or when exercising. This can cause unreasonable stress and wear and tear. Store your jewelry in the soft pouch or box provided by Swarovski to prevent scratching. Chains and necklaces will retain their shine and glitter best if they are hung up when not being worn. Do not store your Swarovski Jewelry in areas of excessive heat or sun exposure.

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INTERVIEW WITH JEWELLERY ARTIST Veronika Melnyk

A: What first inspired you to become a jewellery designer, Veronika? Were you always an artist, and how did you learn how to do what you do?

Veronika: My main influence came to me from nature itself.

A: Where did you grow up? Did this influence your design vision?

Veronika: I grew up in Ukraine. The East meets West influence was quite obvious in my early collections. Now I’m learning towards styles that involve luxurious gemstone designs that you can wear every day, simple styles that won’t overwhelm the woman who wears them.

A: What cities, neighborhoods inspires you?

Veronika: San Francisco and Quebec City.

A: What about them appeals to you (atmosphere, attitude, people, stores)?

Veronika: Sophisticated cities like San Francisco for its vibrancy in colours and Quebec City for its diversity in styles. I’m definitely a city girl!

A: Name a few of your favorite stores or places NY, Chicago, San Francisco or elsewhere?

Veronika: The Mission - is a neighborhood in San Francisco; Ocean drive in Miami.

A: What inspires your jewellery design? How do you stay inspired and motivated?

Veronika: New beads! Aren’t we all motivated by new beads? But otherwise I will see something out my window that will inspire me – the scenery here in Toronto is awe inspiring. Or I will just start putting beads side by side and inspiration will strike. I feel like I’m really affected by all of the things I do, see, hear and say. I notice jewellery other people wear – the shapes of buildings and furniture – the beauty of people and animals.

A: You are a painter and a jewellery designer. Which is your favorite to express yourself?

Veronika: I’d probably say jewellery design, that make people feel more beautiful, but I love all of the work I do and I consider that to be a real gift. In general, I’m not limiting myself to one career. One of the biggest themes of my life is the fact that the skills I learn carry over from one thing to another. As a painter I taught myself to see the world, the objects around me, in a totally different light. I let go of the common definitions of things for a while, and I think it has affected other areas of my thinking.

A: What is your website address?

Veronika: http://www.glamourjewellery.com

WEDDING JEWELLERY GUIDE

CASUAL OR FORMAL?

The first consideration in selecting your wedding jewellery is deciding whether your wedding will be casual or formal.Casual weddings do not always mean casual jewellery, but the jewellery tends to be more simple. For formal weddings, we recommend something more spectacular which enhances your traditional bridal ensemble and makes you feel stunning on your special day.

NECKLINE

Consider your wedding gown's neckline when deciding what type of jewellery to wear. Most gowns have a low or open neckline. This is perfect for accenting with an extravagant necklace and simple earrings. However, if your wedding gown has a high or closed neckline or the gown has a heavily beaded neckline or straps, forego the necklace and wear a striking pair of earrings instead. This is especially relevant if your hair is in an updo.

COLOUR THEME of YOUR WEDDING

Using a colour theme allows your wedding to have a distinctive and individual look and enhances the overall glamour of the occasion. For example, if your wedding colour theme is pink, bring it out in the bridal ensemble by adding a touch of the soft pink tone using pink crystals or pearls to your necklace or earrings.

SOMETHING NEW & SOMETHING BLUE

Every bride needs "Something new, something old, something borrowed and something blue." Add the "something blue" and "something new" by using soft light blue crystals in your jewellery. The delicate hues of these stones will give you a look that is unique and light.

PEARL COLOUR

True natural pearls are a beautiful, warm, off-white colour, not the bright white of the faux pearls that are widely available in bridal boutiques and they provide a stunning accent to any wedding dress. Faux or glass pearls are a less expensive option, but one boutique's "white" or "ivory" will be different from another's.

For a unique jewellery option, use coloured pearls. From delicate, champagne, gold, pink, to a rich gold or purple, pearls can provide a stunning accent to a wedding dress or to any bridal party. Coloured pearls combined with clear or coloured crystals make a striking combination.

A VOTE FOR PEARLS

The key to wearing chunky pearls or beads is not to over-accessorize the rest of the outfit. If you have on a major belt, stay away from a big necklace, and don’t wear a huge earring with the huge necklace. Choose your statement and wear it.

Do not reserve pearls only for cocktail dresses or suites. While that’s a classic look, pearls look more youthful when paired with a T-shirt.

Pearls work for every budget because, as lovely as the very expensive Tahitian pearls are.

They can be great looking and acceptable whether you are a liberal or a conservative.

Women with small features should wear small-scale beads – maybe multiple strands – while women with larger features can wear the larger beads.

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