1.  Finished seams:  Check out the inside of the gown.  Are the edges of the seam unraveling? High quality gowns always have finished seams.

2.  Lining/Built-in petticoats: Is the dress lined?  Dresses that are lined have more body and may let you skip the purchase of an additional slip.

3.  Sewn-on beads:  Here’s a good way to separate the quality gowns from the cheap ones-check  to see if beading and detailing is glued on or sewn on to the dress. Better gowns have sewn on beading, never glued.

4.  Scratchy details:  When you try on a dress, gauge how comfortable the garment is.  Scratchy necklines, sleeves, seams and other details are tell-tale signs of cheap construction.  A dress should feel smooth and soft on the inside.

1.  Make two cold compresses.  Place a handful of ice in a bag. Wrap the bag in a cloth napkin or other fabric.  Repeat for the other eye.

2.  Sit up straight.  Keep your head elevated above your heart-do not lie down before applying the compresses.

3.  Apply compresses.  Hold the compresses on the eyes for 10 minutes.

4.  Check under the eyes.  If the bags remain continue to step 5.

5.  Steep two tea bags in warm (not boiling) water for two minutes.  Black tea is most effective, but any variety of non-herbal tea will suffice. Tannic acid, which reduces swelling, is not present in herbal teas.

6.  Place the tea bags in ice water to cool.

7.   Apply tea bags to eyes.  Squeeze out the excess liquid, then place and hold one tea bag over each closed eye for 5-10 minutes.

8.  Check under the eyes.  The bags should be noticeably smaller or have disappeared altogether.  Place a small amount of under eye concealer that is one shade lighter than your foundation if the lids are recessed or one shade darker if they are puffy.

Pimple

1.  Apply a warm compress.  Soak a hand towel, in hot water, then hold it against the pimple for at least 1 minute.

2.  Assess.  Check the pimple.  If it has a small white area at the center, it has come to a head.  It may be popped to relieve pressure and lessen swelling.  fF there is no visible head go to step 4.

3.  Pop the pimple. 

4.  Apply makeup.

Rash

1.  Apply ice.  If the rash is itchy, place ice in a bag, wrap it in a napkin and place on the rash.  Wait 10-15 minutes.

2.  If redness or swelling persist, apply 5-10 drops of redness relieving eye drops to the affected area.  Spread evenly.

3.  Cover.  If any redness remains apply  a small amount of light green matte eye shadow to the rash.

4.  Conceal with gloves , a scarf or jewelry.

Register for wedding ceremony and reception components.  Instead of a bridal registry for china, crystal, and silver, register for floral arrangements, the band, limousine service, and each course of meal.

Hold a raffle.  Offer the guests a chance to buy tickets to buy the wedding dress, a ride in the limo, or a chance to join the honeymoon.

Wash guest’s cars.  Hire a student at a low hourly rate to sell expensive car washes to the guests as they attend the ceremony and reception.

Sell your belongings on Internet auction sites.  Check to see which items you have registered for have been bought, or estimate which items you are sure to receive, and sell them online.  The buyer will send payment, and after the wedding you send the sold item.

Procure sponsors.  Strike a deal with a local company.  Agree to place its logo on the invitation, wedding dress, tuxedo, or cake.  Have the band leader announce each song with “This song has been brought to you by the good people of  (name of company)”.

Pass on most of the traditional events possibly even tossing the bouquet and garter during the open dancing.  Rather than stop the dancing for the formal cake cutting,  opt to cut the cake” under the radar” with no fanfare while the photographer and videographer capture the private dessert exchange.  Treat the guests to their own individual cupcakes.

How long is your photographer contracted to stay at your reception?  If your photographers contracted service time ends much earlier than your reception, you may not have anyone available to capture some of your special moments on film.  If the photographer begins pressuring your entertainment to “speed things up” so he can finish on time per his contract, this can lead to an agenda that feels rushed.  If you prefer not to pay to have your photgrapher stay until the reception ends, at least schedule for him to stay until all of your festivities have been completed without having to rush.  But if you can afford to hire a photographer who will stay until your reception ends, I would highly recommend it.  Many fun and unexpected moments occur during the last hour of dancing at a reception that were never captured by the photographer or videographer.  This can be especially disappointing if you have a festive sendoff planned and no one is there to professionally capture those moments on film.

2.  Centerpieces:  Rather than shell out for a a grand table arrangement on the head table, place the brides and bridesmaids bouquets in Mason jars.  On the other tables, place small groups of dahlias in canning glasses.

3.  Dessert Buffet:  Bake your own cupcakes, Rice Krispie Treats and Mexican Wedding Cookies.

4.  Photo Booth:  Save a grundle of money by creating your own photo booth with a camera, a printer, red drapes, and a wooden frame.

Your love is truly one of a kind.  Create a wedding that’s just as special by incorporating personal touches into your big day.  From favors and gifts to accessories and decor. 

1.  Beautiful blossoms: Sshowcase bridesmaid blooms in style with personalized Flower Bouquet Reception Vases.  Your bridesmaids will treasure their precious floral arrangement holders long after your special day.

2.  Style for the aisle:  Create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind walkway for your wedding debut.  With an elegant monogram design, the stylish personalized runner is a ceremony must have.

3.  Pretty in pearls:  For sweet sophistication at its finest, slip on a charming bracelet or necklace. 

4.  Sole Mates: Fall in love with darling personalized flip flops.  A true reception essential, the bride and bridesmaids can soothe their soles as they dance the night away  in pretty and stylish rhinestone sandals.

2.  Think through the entire event a few weeks before the wedding from the guests point of view.  Every minor detail shoud be covered.

3.  Make sure you have a few extra seats and dinner setups for any surprise guests who show up.

4.  Buy a fancy umbrella that you wouldn’t mind being seen standing under just in case it’s raining when you’re taking outdoor photos.

5.  Before you send out the invitations, recruit a friend to drive the MapQuest or venue-provided directions to make sure they really work.

6.  Include floral tape and corsage pins in your emergency kit.

7.  Pack a pair of neutral sandals in your day-of bag in case a broken heel or a blister makes your shoes unwearable.

8.  For an at home wedding, have a plumber and an electrician do routine maintenance a few days before to help ensure lights don’t blow and toilets don’t overflow.

9.   Alphabetize your table cards by last name.

10.  Pretend the wedding is at least two days before it really is.  Finish everything including paying balances and putting gratuities aside in envelopes.  This way you will have a few days to just rest and enjoy your upcoming special day.