Back with a bang**

Hello all my lovely people!!

I haven't posted anything in forever, i know... but through my lazynessness... ;) i have discovered a fair amount of doohickies that will help with us weddingly challenged  peeps :)
Brace yourselves...
I finally went to my first wedding expo... and WOW!! what an overwhelming experience... Luckily i had my wonderful bridesmaids to fall back on after a day of viewing more photographers, venues, decor and flower and cake vendors that any soon to be bride can take!!! I stayed for a fashion show... where i found my dream dress!

Have a look see:

I also signed up for a million and one competitions and mailing lists to get more info about pretty much everything i could... (Quick tip: supply everyone with a email address you create just for your wedding things, you could always delete the mailbox after the wedding or use it as a suppliers list for other brides to be...)

In the process of signing up for a mailing list I came across a wedding venue that i knew was WAY out of my budget range... I even gave them the wrong email address cause i didn't want to depress myself with the prices... Luckily i did manage to give them the right cellphone number and early the next week received a call from them, asking when i was available to come and view the venue.

Thinking it would all be a massive joke, i set up an appointment for the Saturday morning with my mom and sister, (not even my Fiancé because i knew the venue will be ridiculously expensive)

Note: I got all my info from other people who didn't even know what they were talking about. 

Welcome to Avianto...

A wedding venue that fits perfectly into my budget... and is exactly what I'm looking for...

So basically, i found a venue and dress that i am absolutely in love with since i last blogged... Im back with a bang!!!

I promise i won't keep you in the dark for so long again... as the excitement of being engaged to the man i love has officially taken over me once more :D**

Venues **

So after taking a much need break from the planning, I have recently started looking at venues that suit my specific style, vision and budget. Of course i haven't actually been to any of them as i am waiting to share this experience with my maid of honors and as the one is still in Cape town, the other has now gone to Europe on vacation.

Although... in two weeks i will be going with a friend who is also tying the knot to view the venue she has provisionally booked for her big day. She recently gave me all the old bridal books she bought and borrowed to plan her wedding. So I've gone through 2 packs of sticky notes and i have all new inspiration!!

I have to say, finding a venue for your perfect day might be the most difficult thing i have done... there are millions of venues that suit my style (outside wedding) but the prices...!! So someone from my SelGroup actually mentioned that it might be easier to rent out a piece of a friends farm and have the wedding there. Not a bad idea at all, but this actually gives you a lot more work than you think...
You have to find your own furniture, decor, caterer, florist etc etc... there is no option of a venue which includes these things for you... and it might even be that it is more expensive to hire / buy everything you need than paying a venue fee. So if you do choose to go this route, make sure you do all the necessary research before... I certainly will...

A short post i know... but i leave you with a few of my favorite ideas for wedding photos, something to think about especially if you are already looking at a setting for your special day! 

Sharing :)

This morning I spoke to a friend of mine about wedding stuff. I have to say I've been afraid to share anything with my friends who are also tying the knot in the near future, Ive heard so many stories about friends stealing each others ideas and shortly becoming enemies thereafter. But people are completely wrong about this, I find that friends who are also engaged (and have a few months more experience in planning than you do) could serve as a great mentor, sharing ideas and talking budget and just general wedding do's and don't's this morning actually gave me renewed inspiration! (Thanks Kriek**)

I've been taking it slow lately concerning everything wedding, Im Waiting for my Maid of Honor to come back home from Cape Town!(My little lioness) Ive chosen a few options for wedding songs in the mean time. Basically there are 3 main songs I'm Looking at:
-The First dance song
-The Father daughter dance song
-And the mother daughter dance song (Some brides might think this is not traditional, but because my mum is such a huge part of my life, I think she deserves the chance to dance with the bride)

Here are my options:
First dance song:
-"Cant help falling in love" by Ingrid Michaelson
-"Lucky" by Jason Mraz
Father daughter dance:
-"The Prayer" by Celine Dion
Mother daughter dance:
-"Close to you" by The Carpenters

Ive chosen these songs because they all have personal meaning to the people they are related to. 
Also... and here is some exciting news...
I finally got my ring back last night after waiting for almost two weeks for it to be resized...
YAY!!!**

The Dress **

The most important thing at your wedding -by far- will be what you will be what the bride is wearing on the day! Here are some tips and some of my favorite pick's:

If you are Busty:
Petite, plus or average size, you've got a full bust. 
Dress dos: Accentuate the positive with an uplifting foundation garment, like a good bra, or a corset. Or minimize your curves by balancing your top with a full skirt.
Dress don'ts: Be careful that your dress isn't too revealing -- you want the focus to be on your face. And don't forget to move around in your gown during fittings to make sure everything stays in place. 

If you are Broad:

You're built like a swimmer, with wide-set shoulders. 
Dress dos: Highlight your toned shoulders with a halter neckline, or go for drama in a gown with long sleeves worn off the shoulder. Select a dress with a bodice that highlights your waistline to offset your shoulders and create an hourglass shape.
Dress don'ts: Trying to conceal your shoulders is not recommended, as it sometimes produces the opposite effect. Stay away from cap sleeves, which can add width to the shoulder area.

If you are Pear-Shaped:
Though small on top, you round off toward the bottom.
Dress dos: A dropped-waist style or a strapless ball gown will cover your bottom half and put more emphasis on the top. An off-the-shoulder neckline will keep the attention on your upper body, and an A-line gown is always a flattering choice.
Dress don'ts: A sheath can be unflattering, and a V-neck will draw the eyes downward. 

If you are Full-Figured

You're voluptuous, with a well-endowed bust and curvy hips.
Dress dos: Try a mermaid- or trumpet-style gown, which will have a slimming effect. A high-waisted A-line dress with a low neckline also complements curves.
Dress don'ts: A slim sheath or slinky bias cut will cling and may accent any extra inches; also avoid spaghetti straps because they won't provide the support you need.

If you are Short or tall, you have a boyish waistline. 
Dress dos: Empire-waist gowns are made with you in mind. And a ball gown with a basque waistline, which is a V-shaped dip in the front, will give your waist a nipped-in look for more shape.
Dress don'ts: Steer clear of sheaths and dropped-waist styles, which will make you appear boxier.

If you are Petite
You're tiny.
Dress dos: The key word here is elongation. It's best to keep it simple. A column-like sheath or an A-line dress works best: These will keep the eye moving and create the illusion of height.
Dress don'ts: Almost all silhouettes will flatter your figure, though a big ball gown or a dress with lots of voluminous fabric may look overwhelming on your small frame.

If you are Tall
You're five foot ten or taller. 
Dress dos: Taller women look great in everything from sheaths to A-line styles and full ball gowns. A long veil is great for you because you can carry it off.
Dress don'ts: Skip gowns with high necklines because they'll draw the eye upward and create more length. And avoid updos and headpieces that add too much extra height.

If you are Bony
Short or tall, you're not a fleshy woman. 
Dress dos: Bateau necklines and sleeveless gowns are flattering options for you. A ball gown is a very feminine shape that will balance out your overall silhouette and visually create curves. Try one with a dramatic cutout back.
Dress don'ts: If you're concerned your collarbone is too bony, stay away from portrait, off-the-shoulder or halter necklines. And if you're flat-chested, avoid a bodice with pre-designed cups.

If you happen to be Pregnant
You've got a baby bump, anywhere from four to nine months along!
Dress dos: Buying a gown while pregnant can be tricky, since you can't predict how big you'll be come the wedding day. An Empire waist is your best bet for its loose structure and relaxed silhouette. For the mom-to-be who wants to show off her belly, a soft, clinging sheath in a stretchy fabric makes a proud statement.
Dress don'ts: Avoid anything that's too constricting or uncomfortable, including tight bodices and ball gowns, which will emphasize your middle.

If you have Arm Issues
You're self-conscious about your arms, whether they're heavy, jiggly or too skinny. 
Dress dos: Choose long or three-quarter-length sleeves in a sheer illusion fabric, or add a bolero to your look, which can be removed whenever you like!
Dress don'ts: Steer clear of off-the-shoulder styles and cap sleeves, which will highlight the upper arms.

Even though certain styles work best on certain body types, don't let the "rules” narrow your search too much. It helps to try on all different kinds of dresses and then decide what shape and style you look and feel best in.

Of course all of this is gripped of TheKnot, Please visit the website for amazing advise and ideas on your wedding!!**

My vision for Bridesmaids :D

This definitely gets the "Love It" stamp :)

Bridesmaids **

Deciding who your Bridesmaids will be might be one of the most difficult decisions you will make throughout the entire wedding. It might terrify you to commit to someone who you would want to stand next to you at your wedding, I mean lets all be realistic, it doesn't matter how strong the friendship is... anything could happen in a year, and what if they turn into the bridesmaid from hell and try to take over the entire wedding. Etiquette suggests that you have one Bridesmaid for every 50 guests attending, you might want more if you need more help organizing everything due to a busy schedule, 12 however is the limit.
By reading some of the advice on TheKnot I've come to find the perfect girls for my bridal party:
Maid of Honor #1 (Yes it is okay to have two) -The Best friend
Maid of Honor #2 -The Sister
Bridesmaid #1 - The Close Friend from School
Bridesmaid #2 - The Close Friend from School
Bridesmaid #3 - The Close Friend from University
Bridesmaid #4 - The family pet (Might be weird but the groomsmen will have a dog bringing in the rings) (See pictures)

TheKnot Also has some awesome advise on what a Bridesmaids duties are, duties of the Maid of Honor, Things to avoid saying to your bridesmaids and what to do when you feel like you might be losing a friend.

What's Next...

Your LookBook might take a while to complete and it will definitely slow down the process of planning (In a good way of course!!) Thats why it might be a good idea to set up a planning check list.
Start by adding the most important things to do in the first +12 months before your big day. This will include things like talking budget with your new Fiancé (I can't help but smile when i say that) and your family if they are contributing at all, Finding insurance for your new Bling, and interviewing wedding coordinators -should you choose to get in some outside help. 
*9-11 months: start looking at having your engagement party (if you haven't already done this), checking out venues for your ceremony/reception and choose the lucky girls and boys who will be part of your Bridal party. Its also important to settle on wedding colors by now.
*6-8 months: decide on your various vendors (cake, florist, ceremony music etc.) and make final appointments with them to make sure they get everything exactly right on your perfect day. Also have some engagement photos taken, not all couples like doing this but they make the coolest "save the date" cards. Most important of all you need to decide on and buy the dress of your dreams so that the fittings can begin! (Pressure much...?)
*4-5 month: book and pay deposits with all vendors, sort out your groom and groomsmen, start booking what you need for your honeymoon, and address those invitations!! 
*2-3 months: A good time to be shopping for your guest favors, finalize wedding documents and get everything you need for the "under the dress essentials" (Nudge, Nudge, Wink, Wink) (which you will need to be wearing on your first dress fitting to make sure nothing shines through or pops out...) Also work on your vows and send out those invites :D 
*6 Weeks: make sure all your bridesmaids and groomsmen are on top of their outfits and the details of the ceremony and reception. Have your dress fitting to make sure everything is still in place, make hair and make-up trial appointments to experiment with different looks for your big day. It's also time to have your bachelor and bachelorettes! Go out, Have fun, and don't be to naughty!!
*3-4 weeks: decide on a guestbook (remember to be creative), work on getting your marriage license and changing your name (if you decide to do so), pick up your wedding dress and work out a "Day-of" schedule. 
*2-1 week :CONFIRM, CONFIRM, CONFIRM!!! Make sure every one knows where to go and what to do on your wedding day including your vendors! 
*Day Before: Rehearse, Review and Relax.
*Day-of: Remember to thank your parents, and smile and enjoy your magical day!
*After the Wedding: Make sure all bills have been paid in full, upload your wedding pics and enjoy this new life you have started together!

If you need any more information or to find a more complete form of this checklist, visit TheKnot (They also have amazing pics for your LookBook)
And remember to give your almost Hubby a kiss every chance you get!! **