The 9th annual Boston Winter Ball is approaching and it has really got me thinking. What style trends should the ladies be embracing in this new year? Boston isn’t known for its keen sense of fashion, so I feel personally responsible for making sure the hairstyles I create are on point!

Styles are constantly evolving and what may be in one day is out the next. It is important that the proper due diligence be done when unearthing the perfect styles. Below I have compiled several different options representative of what I believe will be the perfect 2017 hairstyling trends!

The High Pony

Slicked, textured, curled or straight, this look prevails. The high ponytail encompasses both elegance and simplicity. You can sport this day to day, to a black tie event, or even to a wedding. Get those hair ties ready because this look isn’t leaving anytime soon!

“Cher Hair”

This trend is certainly not new and made quite an impression in the early 2000’s. This sleek look isn’t for everyone but, when it suits you, boy is it hot! This style can be worn day to day as well as to special events.

Super Sleek

2016 was full of a lot of “lived-in” texture, but styles are slowly evolving into sleeker, more refined looks. Runways are featuring this sleek wet hair look, whether it be up or down. This high fashion look is great for black tie events.

Flat Waves

Personally, this is one of my favorite looks and it made a large appearance in 2016. These waves can be worn up or down and never fail to give an ultra sexy feel. You have to love this look due to its versatility and ease. This look is becoming the predominant theme in modern weddings.

Braids

Braids on braids on braids. 2017 loves braids! Have no fear; your braids do not need to be perfect. In fact, messiness should be embraced! Braids aren’t a new trend but we are seeing them more and more, whether as a Mohawk braid, a side braid, fishtails, braid crown, you name it! Braids can be worn for any occasion and often serve as a great option for next day hair.

The five style trends above will be sweeping this year by storm. Try them yourself, or consult a professional! Not every trend works for every person, so find what looks best on you and rock it!

Your wedding was magical, the honeymoon was euphoric, and the over looming responsibility of thank you cards is now torturous. The party is over and it’s time to thank your loved ones for their generous gifts. Where do you begin? Lucky for you, I am in the same boat and have come up with an easy and effective game plan.

Create/ Organize Lists

Depending on the size of your wedding, you may have anywhere from 50-200+ wedding thank you cards to write out. Make it easy on yourself and get several lists going. One of these should contain an itemized inventory of gifts that were sent to you. Most companies, such as Bloomingdales, will give you a print-out showing the gift and sender. Your second list should contain an itemization of cash/check gifts. You will create this spreadsheet yourself, preferably in Excel to keep it nice and organized. It especially helpful to compare these two side by side with the attendance roll of everyone invited to the wedding. I found it most helpful to condense my lists, using my wedding-attendee roll to mark off whether they gave money/gift or not. This method allowed me to be positive as to who did or did not attend, whether they gave a gift, and how to correctly word their thank you. The last thing you would want to do is to thank Sally for coming to your wedding and for her awesome gift, only to realize that Sally never made it to your wedding! Stay very, very organized.

Establish Thank you Templates

Let’s face it. If you are writing more than 100+ thank you cards, you are going to want a formula of some sort. This does not make you any less grateful; in fact it just makes you smart. A template will ensure your point comes across clearly while ensuring your time is managed efficiently. Below I have attached sample wedding templates that I found super helpful. These are outsourced from “Apracticalwedding.com:”

Template for when you receive cash gifts:

“Dear Preston and Cristina,

Thank you so much for attending our wedding! We had the best time, and were so happy you were there. We are so appreciative of your generous gift, and look forward to [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][adding it to our new car fund, using it to put a down payment on a house, adding it to our honeymoon fund, etc]. Thank you again for joining in the celebration of our marriage.

With gratitude,
Lorelai and Luke”

Template for when you receive non-cash gifts:

“Dear Lexie and Mark,

Thank you for coming to our wedding! It truly would not have been the same without all of our family and friends there. We were so happy to receive [the gift], and we look forward to [options: using it for years to come, having it brighten our home for years to come, cherishing it as a beautiful wedding memento, make toast with it, etc].

With gratitude,
Jesse and Cèline”

Template for attendance only:

“Dear Anthony and Stanford,

Thank you so much for attending our wedding! It was such a delight to see you after all these years. We wanted to take a moment to send you the warmest well wishes and let you know how happy we were to see you there.
With gratitude,

Rory and Logan”

Template for when they send a gift but could not attend the wedding:

“Dear Britney and Christina,

We are so sorry you weren’t able to make it to our wedding. It was a wonderful day, and you were missed. We wanted to make sure we let you know how much we love your gift, and we thank you for sending it.

With gratitude,
Justin and JC”

I found it very helpful to write thank cards to my closest friends first before delving into a more generic template. This got my thoughts flowing and allowed me to loosen up. Check off each person as you go to make sure no one is forgotten. Also, remember that the templates are there as a guide; you don’t have to write each thank you verbatim. This would only make your thank you writing task that much more daunting.

Addresses and Postage

You’ve finally completed all of your thank you acknowledgements and now have come to the realization that you have to write out every name and address as well as your return information! Yup, I did too. There are a few ways to go about addressing the people you are thanking. You can print out labels, you can handwrite, or you can hire a calligrapher. I went the handwritten route, but it is completely your preference. For my husband and my return information we had a stamp made. This tool saved time as well as my sanity. Once you have completed addressing your envelopes, you simply have to stamp!

I hope this blog was helpful to you! Wedding tasks that seem easy to accomplish can sometimes end up becoming gruesome to execute. What do I say? How do I do this effectively? How do I do this in the most efficient way? At the end of the day, saying thank you isn’t the hard part; the writing of hundreds of thank you cards is. [/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

When it comes to planning a wedding there are so many decisions! One of the first and most important choices you will make is your wedding theme.

 

Year to year wedding trends change, but a classic black and white wedding exudes simplicity with a timeless, elegant feel. In fact, it can be executed in a multitude of ways!

You are probably thinking to yourself, “Why would I choose black and white?” Well, a black and white color scheme reflects sophistication and is fun, contemporary and clean.

In fact, this is a theme that has been around for years and never really left.

I predict this trend will come back in a really big, great way! The manipulation of black and white can be used in invitations, dress code, table décor, photos, flowers, or all of the above.

Planning a black and white wedding can be fun, but it is important to do it tastefully.

When going for this look keep it simple and chic by skipping accent colors aside from shimmer.

If you’re insistent on some sort of color pop, red is the most complimentary and can be incorporated through roses in the table arrangements.

As millennials living in a selfie-obsessed, narcissistic world, we can’t help but wonder how those Instagram models achieve their flawless look. Or how celebrities always manage to have perfect, glowing skin. Is it airbrush makeup? Is it traditional makeup? Both methods are commonly used but what makes them different?

Airbrush Makeup:

Airbrush makeup is a light-weight makeup that is applied through an air gun. It is designed to deliver a thin layer of makeup through a consistent, fine mist. How is this done? A thin, airbrush-intended foundation is put into the airbrush gun chamber. This foundation solution can consist of one or many colors. Pulling the trigger will release a light mist of makeup from the gun. The gun is moved in circular or sweeping motions along the face to slowly build a perfect complexion.

Traditional Makeup:

Traditional makeup comes in a cream, liquid, or powder form that is applied by fingers, sponges or brushes. This form of makeup is the most accessible and comes in the widest variety of pigments and brands. It is extremely versatile and can range from very sheer to very intense coverage. How is this used? This form of makeup can be used in any situation at any given time without restrictions.

Pros of Airbrush Makeup:

Airbrush makeup is amazing because you can custom blend your foundations to create a person’s exact skin tone. The drops of foundation that are placed in the chamber can be completely customized to each individual. For example, you may choose four drops of “sand” and two drops of “beige” to achieve the exact tone you desire. Another benefit of airbrush makeup is that it is a much finer product than traditional foundation. The pixilated spray from the airbrush gun actually mimics the way a camera would capture your face. Airbrush is also, in many cases, waterproof. This is especially advantageous if you sweat heavily or know you will be emotional. This also prevents transfer of makeup onto your clothing, which is always a plus.

Pros of Traditional Makeup:

Traditional foundation is great because it has very rich coverage. You are able to better blend the product into your skin, which is great for skin types with texture issues. This is quite difficult to achieve with a machine. Using traditional methods also allows you to be more detailed, relying on the skill of the artist instead of a machine. Coverage is also more flexible. This is important because you can actually manipulate the viscosity of the makeup through a hands-on technique. Another plus is many brands are now offering formulas that are silicone based. This allows the makeup to be water resistant while giving you more resilience against wear.

Cons of Airbrush Makeup:

Airbrush makeup is known for its clean, skin perfecting finish. However, like most things, it has its cons as well. For those with vellus hair, airbrush can leave an unwanted finish. Traditional makeup adheres to pores whereas airbrush adheres to smooth, moisturized skin. Skin with hair can leave someone looking like a fuzzy peach. Airbrush is also not ideal for those with acne, scarring, wrinkles, dry skin or fine lines. Airbrush delivers an even flow of product and, in these cases, traditional foundation would be more suitable. The downfall is that it really only works on skin that is in pretty good shape, and it should never be applied heavily.

Cons of Traditional Makeup:

Traditional makeup requires a good makeup artist to achieve satisfactory results. The consistency of foundation is usually much thicker and this can lead to a cakey look. Also, traditional makeup is not always waterproof, which can lead to a lack of durability or transference to clothing. Often, SPF is an ingredient in this type of makeup and can cause your face to look white or ghostly in pictures.

Each type of makeup has its pros and cons. The key is to make your decision based upon which makeup is best for YOUR skin type. Consulting a professional is your best option. Every person will have their own preferences, but this knowledge should aid you in making the best decision for your makeup needs!

I truly enjoy writing these Lady Luxe Blogs because a majority of them stem from firsthand experiences. Being a bride to be has allowed me to figure out the “how tos” of the wedding process and then simplify and share with you. As a bride, your nuptials are often your first debut in the wedding world. Everything seems overwhelming and new because it is! Just as you are nearing the final month of the planning process, you will find that you have to conquer yet another task that you know little to nothing about. The seating chart! For some of you, this may come easy, whereas others may be mystified. As someone who was more unsure than not, I will gladly break it down for you!

First, how many people are attending your wedding? For the sake of explanation, I am going to pretend you have 120 people coming. With 120 in attendance you will want to decide how many people will be seated at each table. Before you simply throw a number out there, examine your reception space. Based on the square footage of your venue, you may opt for more or less table—depending upon square footage. For example, if your reception room is approximately 5,000 square feet with 120 people, you may opt for tables of 8 to 10.  This will allow the room to look full but not overcrowded.

Another important tidbit to keep in mind is that the more tables you have, the more floral arrangements you will need. It is important to make sure you are staying within your budget. The layout is yet another important factor to consider. Is there a giant statue in the middle of the room? Or, is the room an open layout? Factors such as these may change how many tables you want. Your final table number count should derive from your layout, square footage, and budget.

Once you have decided on the amount of guests at each table, you will ultimately want to decide the optimal seating arrangement. I found this task to be rather daunting at first and decided to start with our family. I Googled “best ways to seat family,” only to really find that the traditional method is to either to do a head table or to seat the parents, grandparents, and officiant together. In our case, our grandparents will not be in attendance and we do not have a close relationship with our officiant. So, I decided to write down both of our immediate families and see how we could best seat everyone. We decided early on that we would do tables of 10. Due to my fiancé’s family being larger, we were unable to fit immediate family all at one table. We decided instead to seat all of our brothers, sisters and significant others at one table, our aunts and uncles at another table, and our parents, god- parents and closest friends at their own table. There is no science in deciding how family should be seated; it is strictly preference and what works best.

Next, “Where do I seat the rest of my guests?” Rather than becoming overwhelmed by this task, do yourself a favor and start jotting down the names of people and friends you know would like to sit together. Simplify things by putting each set of parents in charge of grouping their guests as you take care of yours. Do your best to make as much sense as you can in grouping, but understand this will never be perfect. We’ve all attended one wedding or another where we haven’t known who we are sitting next to and guess what? That’s perfectly fine! Do your best to sit guests next to friends and family and to those whom you think they may get along with best.

Ok, so now you have your groups of people together but can’t decide exactly where they should be placed throughout the room. As rule of thumb, bridesmaids, groomsmen and family are typically closest to the bride and groom. Unless you are doing a head table, you will want to place them in the tables nearest you. If you have elderly guests attending, try to avoid seating them right next to the band or DJ. Also, seat guests in a way that will promote dancing. Lets face it, some people will be the life of the party and others not so much. Sit guests in a way that will encourage them to let loose and have fun!

I hope this helps you in your seating chart process. Understand this is an art, not a science! Consult friends and family who have also had to plan seating and ask them for their help. Best of luck!

Many girls may view this as a rhetorical question. However, there are two possible answers. Yes or no. Despite the apparent ease in answering this question, we must truly examine what is being asked of us. Since the beginning of time brides have been asking friends and relatives to stand by them on their special day. Having a bride ask you to be a part of their wedding party is truly an honor. With that being said, do you know what you are signing up for? The responsibility of a bridesmaid can be high in cost, time, and emotion.

Let’s talk costs. The first expenditure we commonly associate with becoming a bridesmaid is the bridesmaid’s dress. The average cost of a bridesmaid’s dress is $150 prior to alterations. It is possible that the bride may purchase the dress, but that is not customary. Along with the dress also comes the responsibility of jewelry and shoes. Some brides are lax when it comes to accessories, and others not so much. It is important to factor in that this may be an additional cost, ranging from $50 to $150+. Lets also not forget hair and makeup. Depending on the location of the wedding, hair and makeup can cost anywhere from $100 to $300. Once again, some bridesmaids may expect this while others may not.

What’s a wedding without a bachelorette party? While this may be one of your favorite parts of the experience, it may come with a high price tag. Bachelorette parties consist of an array of different options. The bride may propose a local dinner, a local weekend getaway, or a destination getaway. Be prepared financially. As a friend or relative of the bride, be open and honest about finances if you are concerned about costs. Not everyone can afford the costs of a bachelorette party but its up to you to decide whether to squirrel away funds or to respectfully bow out. Fortunately, attending the bachelorette party isn’t mandatory, but it is a grand gesture.

The bridal shower is an extremely important component of the wedding process. Typically, the bridesmaids, the bride or groom’s mother, or a family relative hosts the shower. This is a cost you will want to potentially account for. Expenses such as venue, meals/catering, décor, gifts, etc should be considered. The average cost of a bridal shower at someone’s home or a mid-range priced restaurant is anywhere from $15 to $40 a person. A more elaborate shower can cost anywhere from $40 to $150+. On top of these expenses you will want to factor in the cost of your shower gift.

Lastly, accommodation and gift costs. Depending on where the wedding is taking place, you may need overnight lodging. A hotel may cost you anywhere from $75 to $300+ a night. If you are attending a destination wedding you will want to do your homework and account for whether you will need a rental car, hotel, and flight. A gift is also a necessity when attending a wedding. As a bridesmaid and close friend, the average spent on a wedding gift is $75 to $150+.

At the end of the day, being a bridesmaid is far from inexpensive! Not only do you need to account for the expenses I have mentioned above, but also the time you will spend planning and emotionally being there for your dear friend/relative. It is only fair to plan and put proper thought into whether you are able to fulfill the duties of a bridesmaid. There is nothing worse than being ill prepared and eventually upsetting the future bride as well as yourself. No matter your decision, if handled properly, your bride-to-be will understand and appreciate you wanting the best for her. We are all human, and at then end of the day all we can do is our best.