Planning the Perfect Honeymoon
by Robinson Travel
Phone: 310-379-2495
Website: www.robinsontravel.com

Perfect honeymoons don’t just happen…good advice and careful planning with a creative travel agent can make your dream honeymoon a reality.

Here are some helpful hints to get you started:

1)  Begin making your travel arrangements at least 6 months before your wedding.  Remember, this is no ordinary vacation and you’d probably like to give yourself the best possible chance of getting everything you want in your Honeymoon.

2)  Talk it over with your fiancée.  Do you both have the same interest in destination, activities, modes of transportation, etc…?
Discuss such things as:

• Do you both want sun, water and sand?
• Do you both want sports activities to be available?
• Do you want lots of things to do or just a lot of relaxation?
• Do you want to travel around or stay in one place?
• Do you want a place with lively nightlife?
• Do you like an atmosphere that is sophisticated and cosmopolitan or informal and laid back?

3)  Decide if you both will make your plans together or just one will make the arrangements and decisions.

4)  Determine your approximate budget.  Ask how we can help you set up a honeymoon registry.

5)  If you plan to travel outside the US you will need passports.  We can give you information and forms to apply for passports.  Most honeymoon destinations do not require visas but if you should require one, we can assist with obtaining one.
 
6)  Use a travel agency, like Robinson Travel, with knowledge and experience in booking honeymoon destinations around the world.  Planning a honeymoon with someone who knows the best destinations, options and extras can be great fun!  Our honeymoon specialists are experts at working with you to find not only the best destination for you, but also to find those little “extras” that will make this trip particularly special.

Let us guide you through the details to ensure a “hassle-free” experience.  Then you can relax and enjoy your wedding day, knowing that every effort has been made to give you your dream honeymoon…a honeymoon of romance, excitement and relaxation.

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10 Facts To Know When Booking Your DJ
Article compiled by the LA Chapter of the American Disc Jockey Association
Provided by: Anthony Barthel
Sounds Like Fun Multimedia
Phone: (888) 238-6357
Website: www.soundslikefundj.com


1. Studies have shown that a big portion of the success of a wedding reception rests heavily on the shoulders of the disc jockey. While the common perception is that the DJ is there only to play music, today’s highly trained DJ professionals take on the role of event manager first and music programmer second.

2. According to statistics published in St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine in 2003, brides said that their highest priority during the planning phase of their reception was their attire, followed closely by the reception site and caterer. Reception entertainment was one of the lowest of their priorities. Yet, the day after the wedding 78 percent of those surveyed indicated that they would have made entertainment their highest priority if they had it to do over again.
 
3. In a variety of surveys by such organizations as USA Today, the National Bridal Service and The Knot, 81 percent of the guests indicated that they remembered the entertainment the most at a wedding reception.
 
4. A wedding reception is a one-time live performance that requires the skillful experience of a master of ceremonies to manage. Like the Academy Awards, a reception should be a mixture of artful timing, rehearsed audience involvement and the live performance of the stars (that’s the bride, groom and their guests) for a complete success.

5. Today’s DJ professional will carefully help plan the formalities of the event to the client’s satisfaction, then fulfill their wishes without the host having to worry about the details thereby  allowing them to enjoy the day in the spotlight.
 
6. While not a wedding coordinator, today’s premier disc jockey professionals do incorporate your wishes in a carefully orchestrated plan where they pace your reception for maximum success. Rather than just show-up and play music, the DJ takes the burden of timing and coordination off the bride’s shoulders allowing her to relax and enjoy the big day.

7. As part of the hiring process, couples should ensure that any DJ has the ability to work as part of a team to maximize the results from each professional. Since music is such an obvious part of a DJ’s role, the DJ should be able to provide a wide variety of appropriate music for through a premium sound system that incorporates a complete back-up solution for peace of mind.

8. A DJ should also be completely insured for liability. A membership in a professional organization such as the American Disc Jockey Association also shows that your DJ respects his or her profession through national affiliations with professional organizations. Lastly, all the details of your reception should be provided in writing so there is absolute understanding by both yourself and your DJ professional.
Like an experienced pilot, your DJ should have a written checklist to show you that they go through before your event so that there is no room for error.

9. Several national organizations have suggested that the average price for a trained, professional DJ across the country is $1,200 for four hours of performance time. Those who seek above-average levels of service or a reception greater than four hours could expect to pay more. Since $1,200 is the average brides-to-be should remain cautious of those charging less than this – particularly if the price is well below this.

10. Shop carefully when choosing a professional disc jockey entertainer to be a part of your very special day. As one bride once said, you carefully choose from amongst your friends and family who will be part of your wedding day. You don’t want the person you like the least to be the one in charge of the microphone and sound system.

(These statistics were published in St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine in 2003. Sources include: Simmons, 2001; USA Today, 2002; National Bridal Service, 2001; The Knot, 2002; Brides Magazine, 2001.)

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Is Botox or Restylane For You?
by Aesthetic Genesis, A Medical Corporation at Elegance Salon
3516 Highland Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Phone: (310) 546-5610
Website: www.aestheticgenesis.com

Botox®:
It took years to develop those unwanted lines; it takes 10 minutes to do something about it! Smooth out the past with Botox®. Botox® is a safe, non-surgical, and effective procedure that reduces or eliminates lines and wrinkles. It is derived from a purified protein and it works by temporarily blocking the impulses from the nerve to the facial muscles thereby relaxing them. The result is that the pull of the underlying facial muscles relax causing the skin to flatten. The outcome is a smooth, unwrinkled look which lasts up to 4 months.

Restylane®:
Looking for immediate gratification in looking younger or simply fuller lips? Restylane may take you there! As we age, we lose volume in our tissue, which can be temporarily restored with Restylane®. Restylane® is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Restylane is made of non-animal-based hyaluroic acid, a natural substance that already exists in the human body, eliminating the need for allergy testing prior to treatment. Restylane is injected directly into the skin in by an ultra fine needle, resulting in minimal discomfort. The average treatment results last 5-9 months.

Please call for a complimentary consultation!

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Wedding Dining Etiquette
by Margaret Develey, Director of Catering
The Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach & Marina Hotel
Phone: 310-318-7782

There are a lot of little details that the bride will have to coordinate when finalizing the details of her wedding reception. One of the most important ones is the seating arrangements of the "parents' table."

Making sure that proper seating protocol is followed is a must during a wedding reception. If you decide to go with a "parents' table" the seating should be as follows: the mother of the bride, would have the father of the groom sitting to her right. The father of the bride, or whoever is accompanying the mother of the bride, would sit across the table having the mother of the groom to his right. The seat to the left of the bride's mother is usually reserved for the person who performed the wedding ceremony. The mother of the groom has the bride's grandfather (or other male relative) on her right side and the seating arrangements go on alternating family members or close family friends.

For everyone who participates, in a wedding reception, it is important to know what part of the place setting belongs to them and what belongs to the people sitting to their left and to their right. As a rule of thumb, all glassware for a place setting, are to the right of that place setting. The bread and butter plate is always on the left of a place setting. Any utensils on top of the place setting are to be used for the dessert.

The napkin can be in a lot of different locations and knowing which one is yours is vital, as it could leave someone on the table without a napkin. Usually napkins are placed in the center of the place setting, but you can also find them next to the forks in the left of the place setting, in the wineglass or the coffee cup if this is set on the table. Another place where the napkin can be found is on the bread and butter plate. Observe the place setting before using the silverware, glassware and napkin.

A very important part of both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding reception is toasting.
Usually the best man will begin the toasts and the other people can also give toasts.

A toast is a very special honor for the person receiving it. Throughout the course of the meal people will start toasting the wedding couple. The person giving the toast stands. The couple that is being toasted remains seated hold their glasses, but they do not raise them or bring them to their lips to drink. One does not drink a toast to oneself. It is appropriate for the person who was toasted to rise and respond to the toast, to which he/she may drink. Other guests may then propose toasts.

Becoming aware of all these little details will take the guesswork out the day of the special event and will let everyone enjoy the celebration

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Beach Wedding Do's and Don'ts
by Mary Dann, Mary Dann Wedding and Party Coordinators
Phone: 310-545-1827
and Holly Lefevre, Everything But The Groom
Phone: 310-640-8856

Many couples are enticed and thrilled by the prospect of an ocean front wedding, and you can't get much closer to that dream than by having your wedding ceremony on the sand. What better way to say "I Do" in Southern California? But before you send out you the invitations think about what it really takes to pull off a surf and sand wedding celebration.

Planning for Your Sea Side Celebration

• Casual or Formal: Getting married on the beach is really best suited for a casual affair. For a more formal affair, select an ocean front home or special event venue with an ocean view.
• Find the perfect sand space: Call the Parks and Recreation Department or Special Events Department in the city you wish to get married. These offices will be able to discuss what is necessary for a sand wedding in their particular city.
• Watch out for those special events: Ask the Parks and Recreation, Special Events Department, and/or Chamber of Commerce about other public events taking place. The beach is host to many volleyball tournaments, surf competitions, and street fairs.
• Check into restrictions: Do you need a permit or is the beach available on a first come first serve basis? Can chairs be set out? Ask these and other questions before you proceed with the planning.
• Call again: Before invitations are ordered (3-4 months prior to wedding) call the city again to reconfirm rules, regulations, and schedule of public activities.
• Have a back up plan: Rain, wind, or an unexpected (public) special event scheduled can upset your plans. Ask your reception site if they have back-up space.
• Crowds and Uninvited Guests: You will attract passerby's who like to be distant witnesses to your special wedding celebration. Also, try not to plan a sand wedding on a holiday weekend.
• Be clear on the invitations: Indicate your wedding site on your invitation. Make it clear to your guests that the ceremony takes place on the sand.
• Parking: Secure a parking lot and/or hire a shuttle service for guest transportation.

"Do's and Don'ts" - Helpful Hints from the Experts

DO: Be aware of special needs of older or disabled guests
DO: Provide some chairs for family and older guests (10-12 chairs is adequate)
DO: Consider using a pedi-cab to get these guests from the hotel/parking lot to the sand
DO: Acoustical guitars, flutes, and other "portable" instruments work for beach ceremonies or have a friend operate a (battery operated) CD player
DO: Keep the dÈcor simple...Pre-decorated arches and aisle markers and a few chairs for older guests and/or family
DO: Hold off bringing out dÈcor until 30 minutes prior or have a friend watch over your items
DO: Use a pedi-cab to get you from the hotel to the sand
DO: Hire a Wedding Coordinator
DO: Stake out your spot with towels & sheets to reserve your space in the sand
DO: Have water with plastic glasses and emergency kit available to your guests
DO: Have a basket of towels available, post-ceremony for wiping off feet
DO: Think about golf umbrellas for shade (especially on hot days)
DO: Use walkie-talkies and cellular phones for Strand to sand communication
DO: Have the photographer/videographer bring a sand wagon to carry and secure their equipment
DO: Have a person to secure all the shoes that are left on The Strand (sidewalk that lines the beach throughout the South Bay).

DON'T: Keep guests waiting without seats in the sun. Start the ceremony on time
DON'T: Hire a keyboardist, harpist, or DJ's to provide music or sound for the ceremony
DON'T: Use candles (i.e. a unity candle)
DON'T: Use a (fabric) aisle runner
DON'T: Plan a ceremony longer than 20 minutes

DO: RELAX, TAKE IN THAT FRESH SEA AIR, AND ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF THIS AMAZING DAY!
 

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From The Mouths Of Brides
(Secrets from those who have been there, done that!)

by: Cynthia Adkins
A Legendary Affair
505 N. Sepulveda Bl.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 372-5200

Since 1996, A Legendary Affair - Wedding & Party Planning Showroom has provided a complimentary planning service for brides and grooms. We have assisted over 3000 couples ... so as you can imagine, we have heard lots of funny stories, great ideas and words of advise from those who have "been there, done that"! Here are some helpful hints from brides...

QUESTION: What was the most unique thing you did at/for your wedding?

ANSWERS:

*The frosting on my cake was chocolate. It looked awesome, because it was
dark chocolate with white tulips. I received so many compliments because the guests loved that is was different.

* Our reception was at a Historic Library, so we designed our place cards to resemble old fashioned library cards. The crossed out names of those who had supposedly checked out the book were famous people with similar interests as each guest!

*We had a wall at the reception that we covered with pictures of us from babies to present. We included pictures of us with most of the wedding guests too, so everyone really got a big kick out of looking for themselves.

* We delivered customized gift baskets to various hotels for our out-of-town guests. Gift baskets included champagne with a customized label that had a picture and note from the bride and groom, cashews, cookies, and the weekend wedding itinerary.

* Our photographer incorporated digital photos of the ceremony into our photo slide presentation that was shown at the reception just a few hours later. Guests were very impressed!

QUESTION: What is one thing you would have done differently?

ANSWERS:

* I would have hired a professional videographer instead of having our nephew do it.

* We should have hired a wedding coordinator. Everything turned out fine, but I had to think too much at the reception.

* I would have been much more specific with my photographer about exactly what I wanted. I also would have put someone in charge to make sure that he did what I wanted and that there were no mistakes.

* I would have waited longer before selecting my bridal party. Relationships really shifted over the course of the year. Certain friends were not as supportive as I expected, while others that I didn't include as bridesmaids, became very important to me.

QUESTION: What is one good idea you would like to pass on?

ANSWERS:

*I used a lipstick sealer over my lipstick that worked like a charm. I highly recommend using something like this because it allowed my lipstick to last all evening without having to reapply my lipstick once.

* We provided the DJ with a list of selected music and CD's to play at the reception to ensure that all of our favorite songs would be played.

* Get a massage the day before the wedding!

* Only hire vendors that are referred by friends, family, a bridal consultant, a referral service and/or a respected professional. I found that doing this not only simplified the search process, but it provided me with a sense of security. Because of this, I had a great deal of faith in everyone we hired, which made the process more enjoyable and the day run smoothly.

*One of the best things I did was to use the Formal Response RSVP Service. I received so many positive comments about the personalized service and additional information that was provided. It was very convenient for my guests to RSVP to an 800 number and a total time-saver for me!

QUESTION: What was the funniest/most memorable thing that happened during your celebration?

ANSWERS:

*I entered the ceremony from a high flight of stairs, scared I was going to trip. I saw my groom from afar. He was crying....then I got emotional....the walk seemed forever. As soon as I reached him we both said "HI"! Since the microphone was on, it came out pretty loud and everyone laughed.

* We had a church wedding and our flower girl was not allowed to toss petals. Instead, she carried a basket with a flower arrangement. As she was walking, she became very confused because she KNEW that flower girls were supposed to throw petals. She decided to yank the heads off of the flowers and wail them into the pews! It was hilarious! We were very glad that we hired a videographer, or I would have missed it!

*I had two ring bearers, my nephew and my husbands nephew. After we were married and walked down the aisle, the boys came together and my nephew asked my husbands nephew if he wanted to hold hands as they walked back. It couldn't have been any cuter, two 3 year olds in tuxedos, holding hands at the recessional. It was perfect.

*We had our ceremony on a public beach in Malibu. Just after the ceremony got started a group of surfers in a car drove by and one of them leaned out of the window and yelled "Don't do it!" That was hilarious. Everyone cracked up. It really put a fun spin on the wedding & reception, and it is something everyone still talks about.

QUESTION: What words of wisdom can you share with future brides?

ANSWERS:

* Remember that the day is truly yours; your parents or in-laws may be offering to pay for the expenses, but if they feel that this also buys them control over decisions you're not comfortable with, you may want to think twice about whether you are willing to accept the consequence that comes with accepting the money. Involving them in decisions rather than feeling obligated to make them for you will allow you to be more true to yourself and your desires (which reduces stress) and gives them a sense of partaking in the day.

*Recognize that after all of your planning and work, that there is a limit to how much you can do. After finalizing details with each of your vendors, try to let it go, knowing that calling to over check, plan, organize, etc. not only stresses you out but takes you away from the real meaning of the day. If the florist is late or the table isn't set perfectly, you will probably be the only one that notices. Most likely, you will be so consumed in the emotion of the day that these details become minor, if not merely something funny to talk about later.

*Once the music starts for you to walk down the aisle, forget everything, remember you are there to marry the most wonderful man, and have a good time. There is nothing you can do at that point. Just enjoy yourself and don't worry about talking to every single guest, as it's almost impossible to have a meaningful conversation with everyone. So, dance your heart out and remember the day. You deserve it, because you know what kind of hard work it took to make your day perfect!

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Do You Need A Wedding Consultant?
by Holly LeFevre, Everything But The Groom
(Partially excerpted from How To I Do)
Phone: 310-640-8856

With so many of today's engaged couples holding down full time jobs and maintaining a complex social schedule, a wedding consultant is no longer a luxury, but a practical necessity. Couples with budgets both large and modest can benefit from the services of a professional wedding consultant.

The professional wedding consultant is a planner, an organizer, a financial advisor, and a negotiator. Her knowledge and expertise will guide you through your planning, from selecting a reception venue to arranging your get-away transportation.

What exactly can a wedding consultant do for me? you may still wonder. Following are some of the benefits of hiring a wedding consultant.

• Expert advice and knowledge in all aspects of wedding planning, etiquette, and budgeting.
• A consultant will be able to direct you to other reputable, quality wedding professionals.
• A consultant will offer suggestions and advice to help you throw a fabulous wedding, while staying within the reality of your budget. She will coordinate and confirm all of the details involved in your wedding celebration.
• Most importantly, she will be your eyes and ears on your wedding day, allowing you to relax, enjoy, and revel in what this day is truly for - marrying the one you love!

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"Wedding Day Glow" Insurance
by Ardyce Allen, Wedding Day Make-up & Skin Care by Ardyce
326 Avenue I - Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Phone: (310) 791-1991

3 to 6 months prior

Book your Initial Facial and Consultation

Your facialist will evaluate your skin condition, life style, and skin care products and will personally design a maintenance regimen for you to follow according to your goals. Continue wit professional facial treatments every 4-6 weeks.

3 months prior

Custom Brow Design

Your facialist will shape your brows to perfectly frame your face and accentuate your own natural beauty. Maintain every 3 weeks.

Lash Tint/Lash Perm

Start tinting the lashes in advance to ensure deep, dark color that is cry-proof, and will last through your honeymoon! Maintain every 3 weeks.

Wedding Day Make-up Preview

Trial run to discuss and apply the perfect colors to accentuate your own beauty. Book wedding date to insure availability.

2 weeks prior

Sunless Body Bronze and Skin Polish

This process exfoliates and smoothes your skin, adding a sunless glow from head to toe. Maintain daily with home product until wedding day.

Final facial before the wedding day

5 days prior

Bikini Wax

Final Brow Design, Lash Tint, and Beauty enhancements before the big day!

Call Ardyce now at (310) 791-1991 to insure that you will NATURALLY look your best on your most memorable day!

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What is a Couturiere and How Do I Know if I Need One?
by Claudine of Bridal Perfections
Phone: (310) 540-1654.

You've looked and looked for your wedding dress, and nothing is what you had in mind. Or perhaps you never had anything in mind, but what's in the stores definitely is not your style. Or perhaps you'd like to wear your grandmother's beaded dress, but she was not the svelte size 6 you are, and the beading is damaged.

So you've decided to have your dress made or the heirloom refurbished.

What you need now is a gifted couturiere to translate what is in your head or hanging in your heirloom closet into the wedding dress of your dreams. Unlike a dressmaker, a couturiere owns her atelier (her shop), designs the gowns and makes the dress herself. A gifted couturiere will help you in numerous ways, creating the special dress you'll wear on this very special day.

For those of you who had never considered having a dress designed and made, we have a few reasons you might choose a couturiere:

You can't find what you're looking for. Your couturiere should be able to listen to your desires and translate the conversations into sketches of what you want. She will then work with you to find the right fabrics for your design and shades of each fabric to be used. With a fine couturiere, you don't have to know a lot about fabrics. She knows and can show you about the best fabric choices for your needs. She should create a sample of the dress in muslin (a working version, so to speak), giving you a chance to make modifications to the overall design prior to working with the dress material.

We're not all models. (and even models have special design needs) An able couturiere will discuss with you what physical traits you wish to highlight and which you might prefer to hide. Wondrous design tricks can "accentuate the positive" and make you comfortable in your wedding dress. She will also make design modifications for any special needs you may have, from specific religious considerations to season and time-of-day needs.

Your heirloom needs an overhaul. A talented couturiere can repair and even redesign your heirloom articles. When choosing someone to work on these treasured pieces, be sure to inquire if she has experience in working with museum quality heirlooms and if she has the resources to match the condition of the original garment. She should be able to assess the condition of the fabric have an excellent knowledge of design and alterations in order to reconstruct the gown. With these qualities your couturiere will bring your heirloom back to life.

Don't let the French words scare you...a courtier dress can be surprisingly affordable. Depending on the fabrics, design and detail you choose, you can control the price as well as the look. When comparing to bridal salon couture dresses with equal workmanship - and then adding alterations- a truly quality dress won't be a bargain, but will be valued at much more than you paid for it.

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