Mondays with Mindy: Bridal Buyer Beware

No matter the time of year of a wedding, back-up plans are crucial for certain aspects of a wedding. For example, weather. Even if the wedding is in the middle of June, if your wedding is scheduled to be outside, please have a "plan B" for the slight chance it could storm. You'd be surprised at the number of people who do not have a just-in-case-it-rains plan!

But here's something I never even considered. When talking with a friend of mine last week (her wedding is on February 2, 2013!) she told me she was planning to be creative with silk flowers instead of fresh flowers. So she went to a few craft stores and looked at the silk flower section and chose the exact flowers she wanted, beautiful hydrangeas. However, when she went back to the store to make her purchases, the flowers were no longer there. When asking an employee about the situation, she was informed that hydrangeas are a seasonal item! It makes sense for a florist but the notion never crossed my mind about a craft store not having certain silk flowers! This lead me to think if other crafty DYI items that may be seasonal. Shells, leaves, apples, pumpkins, peacock feathers, and so many more items could be off the shelves when you actually go to make the purchases.

The moral of the story is make sure you ask questions, be prepared, and plan out even the smaller details of your wedding. Have a back-up plan so you're prepared for any hiccups along the way. No matter how big or small the issue, it's better to have options than to be stuck with nothing or something undesirable on the most important day in your life. Throughout my years of working in the wedding industry I've learned that although the pressure these days of having the "perfect" wedding is becoming greater and greater, try to remember what the day is about. You are marrying the person you want to be with and that is a privilege! But if something goes awry no matter how big or small the detail, it's better to at least be mentally prepared, if not physically prepared, for the possibility of something happening outside your plan.

XO Mindy

Inspiration: Hair Styles

Loving this outline from our friends at Simply Bridal!

This guide was created with the intention of helping brides pick their hairstyle, but we’ve found that it can be used by any girl, anytime! It doesn’t matter if it’s your big wedding day or just a normal everyday day. Every girl is thinking the same question when they wake up, what shall I do with my hair today? Braids? Twist? Bun? Take a look at our little guide to help you with your decision.

Real Wedding: Kelly

Product of the Week: Eyebrow Threading

 Threading is a hair removal technique that uses 100% cotton thread. The cotton thread is twisted and rolled along the surface of the skin entwining the hairs in the thread which are then lifted quickly from the follicle. It is more precise than waxing and allows for defined lines.

The technique is rather inexpensive because it does not require costly chemical ingredients. Messy waxes and creams are avoided altogether. For women who would like to pursue a more natural beauty regimen, hair threading is a good choice.

As opposed to waxing, the top layers of skin are not peeled or traumatized in the process making threading gentler on the skin. Threading is highly recommended and an excellent option for those who use Retin-A, Accutane, or similar products.

 Above you can see a picture of a threading client. As you can see there is no redness and leaves no evidence of hair removal procedures.

Waxing can sometimes burn and cause blisters if the wax is too hot. It can also cause breakouts.

Cheers to threading and perfectly shaped brows!

xoxo, 

Lindsay

Photo credit: Google.com

Real Wedding: Kristin

My bridesmaids and I had a blast working with Julie on my wedding day!  She was amazing during the trial so I knew she would be even better on the big day and she did not disappoint.  My bridesmaids and I were so satisfied with Julie's work and our hair stayed put all day.  Julie did a truly amazing job on me and my girls, I couldn't have been more satisfied.  Ashley and her team are so much fun to work with and I would recommend them to anyone and everyone!

Mondays with Mindy: Budget Savvy Wedding Ideas

In celebration of Cyber Monday, here are a few ways to save big on your wedding day.

1.) Cut your floral budget down dramatically by featuring non-floral items such as rocks, candles, crystals, lanterns  etc. 

2.) Serving family-style meals instead of a plated service. This will cut down on the number of servers needed. Also, this option is sure to get your guests engaging with one another.

3.) Save up to thousands of dollars on wedding invitations by creating your own. If you have the smallest amount of creativity and some time, simple but elegant invitations might be the way to go.

4.) Instead of renting fancy linens try creating custom table coverings using fun textured fabrics. Textiles such as burlap or muslin are natural earthy choices and can literally be cut by your own sheers. No need for sewing!

5.) Instead of the ever popular bridesmaids' bouquet, ask them to carry quirkier items such as lanterns, pinwheels, button or broach bouquets, or get inspired by the time of year. Wheat for the fall can be extremely stylish and even subtle Christmas ornaments can bring in a seasonal touch without going overboard.

Whatever your budget, finding ways to make your wedding your own is key. And if those personalizations can save you a few bucks in the process, why not??

XOXO Mindy

Dream Team: Thankful

 Natasha

1. Beaches.

2. Sunny days.

3. Sweat pants.

4. Hot cocoa.

5. Puppies.






Beth

1. Marrying the man of my dreams this summer.

2. My faith in God and the good in other people.

3. Being able to play with makeup for a living.

4. The sweetest dog.

5. Netflix.

 Sami

1. Thankful I am a part of the Up Do's For I Do's team!

2. Memories.

3. Music.

4. Thankful for positive people!

5. Freedom.

Steffani

1. My family.

2. My boyfriend.

3. My best friend.

4. For my job with Up-Do's For I Do's.

5. My google calender- without this I would not know where to be!

Lisa

1. My little growing baby that I cannot wait to welcome into this world!!!

2. My career with Up-Do's for I Do's. I have never been so lucky and blessed to have a job that I love so much!

3. The fact that I live with my mom and sister and get to wake up to their beautiful faces every single day.

4. My best friend finally being able to rest in peace up in Heaven. I love you Jacqueline. Rest easy beautiful angel!

5. The love that my Boyfriend and I have for each other. It is unlike anything I could have ever dreamed of. I love you Tim!

Sara

1. I'm thankful to live in a nation that allows women to express themselves. This gives me the opportunity to do the job I enjoy and love. And to work with amazing colleagues and mentors.

2. I'm thankful for the team of doctors that have literally changed my life this year. They have made me well, again.

3. I'm thankful for the new home my husband and I recently bought.

4. Music can change your mood, define your feelings and pull people together. I'm thankful for music and for the joy it brings into my life.

5. I'm thankful for my daughter and husband. They have brought true joy to my life and I couldn't ask for anything more!

Serena

1. I am thankful for the advancements in technology, because my boyfriend and I wouldn't be able to bear the burden of a long distance relationship without it.

2. Fall afternoons when the sun and the wind have the perfect combination, and you can sit outside comfortably with a book for hours. (A mini-vacation in my world) :)

3. Chocolate- there are just those times when a girl needs it!

4.  Hurricane Sandy made her path all up the eastern coast. My family lives from Florida all the way up to Vermont. I am extremely thankful that although she made it far, everyone I love was safe and unharmed.

5. The O's season baby! So happy that we made it as far as we did! Let's go O's!

Leann

1. Zebra Print.

2. Waterproof Mascara.

3. Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha.

4. I-Phone Facetime.

5.  Spray Tanning.

Kelly

1. I am thankful to finally be graduating from Anne Arundel Community College.

2. Thankful to have received my make-up artist certificate from Von Lee Academy.

3. Blessed to have an amazing job with the amazing ladies at Up Do’s.

4. So thankful that my new puppy, who was stepped on and injured before we got her, is healthy and incredibly cute.

5. I am mostly thankful for all the opportunities I have had this year and all the great people I’ve been able to meet.

Stephanie

1. Dry Shampoo-Enough said :)

2. Cooking-I love food!

3. My talents as a hairstylist-I'm so grateful that I can make money doing what I love!

4. My iPhone-technology has made my life so much easier and organized.

5. Being able to make people feel beautiful- such an awesome feeling!

Lindsay

1. My dog Titan.

2. My Keurig.

3. My iPhone.

4. My bathtub.

5. My faith.

Mindy

1. A job that is fun, entertaining, and challenging

2. A warm house to come home to.

3. My dogs. Even though they test my patience at least once a day, nothing is better than seeing their faces after a long day!

4. Lots of upcoming events and trips on my calendar.

5. The Baltimore Ravens. Even though I moved to VA, Purple runs through my veins!

Ashley

1.  I have an army of people that help me daily. I wouldn't be able to do what I do without the many important key people in my life ~ Mindy, Lindsay, Mom, Dad, Husband, Jan, Tom, Joanna + fam, Crystal and so many others.

2. My monkeys. The two adorable children that hang from pantry shelves, climb over the back of the couch, that create a mess and pretend it is a fort. I love them. They have made my life so rich and have taught me so much about our world.

3. Prince Charming. The man that took me out for pasta for our first date, proposed to me by our Christmas Tree, stood by my side while our daughters were born and the person that has promised to be with me through thick and thin. I am blessed to have such a loving, committed, funny, handsome, hardworking, strong and perfect man to share my life with. He is also my babies daddy.

4. Talent. I can not cook. I can not sew. I can not do math. Calculator anyone? I can barely use correct grammar and punctuation (holla for spell check!) but I can do hair.  I love going to "work" and I absolutely love what I do. I am even more honored to work with the best of the best in our industry and am thankful I get to call them co-workers. Love our Up-Do's team.

5. Risks. I am thankful that there is an option to take risks, that life isn't dull and it can be as creative and bright as you make it out to be. I have learned that sometimes risks involve big consequences but they can also end in big rewards. I try each day to expand my personal and professional goals. I am thankful I have the opportunity to do that.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our friends, readers, clients, brides and family!