Photo Op

Engagement pictures are great to have for your memory books, for a wedding announcement in the newspaper, to have on display at your wedding or even just to update old pictures of yourselves. For pictures, have your hair, makeup and nails done. Getting your hair and makeup done for the engagement photo session is a great pre-wedding dress rehearsal. You can have your makeup artist and hairstylist create a look that will be similar to your wedding day look. This will give you the opportunity to see what they can do, and also to see if you like the look you have chosen. To look your best in the photos, you and your hubby-to-be should plan on wearing classic looking and neutral colored clothing that doesn’t have prints. Relax during your photo session because your disposition will be displayed on film. Most importantly, relax and enjoy yourselves!

Bridal Shows

A bridal show is a great way to kick of the wedding planning process. Bridal shows are held year round in major metropolitan cities. Bridal shows are a great wedding planning source where you can find a variety of professional vendors all under one roof. You can gather information from different vendors and then compare prices, packages and options. This is also the place to be to see the latest in wedding trends and styles. Pick up free samples and vendor information at the different booths, then watch a fashion show displaying the beautiful gowns. Use the bridal show to spend some time with your mom, friends, bridesmaids or even the groom to-be. Head to a bridal show today and let the wedding planning begin!

Tend to Disorderly Beauty Problems

Now that you are getting married, it is time to take care of those pesky beauty details. Whether it be crooked teeth, toenail fungus, unflattering eyebrows or an acne problem that has stayed way too long, it's time to get rid of it! See your dentist or an orthodontist so they can fit you with a retainer or give you a teeth whitening session. If you have feet problems, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist so you can wear a pair of fabulous new shoes on your wedding day. Excess body hair can be easily taken care of with an experienced esthetician who can wax it away. Even if you have a skin disorder such as acne, rosacea or facial scarring, a dermatologist can help you fix whatever you need. Rid yourself of your beauty problems once and for all and walk down that aisle with complete confidence.

Select a Gem

If your man has proposed, but you get to choose the gem, use these tips to guide you to the perfect ring. Remember the 4 C’s of choosing a diamond:

1. Clarity. This is the clearness or purity of the ring. Stones often have inclusions, which are flaws, so the clarity describes how flawed they are. The clarity scale reads from flawless to I3, which means that the diamond has very obvious flaws and inclusions.

2. Color. This describes the amount of color that your stone contains. The color range reads from D, which is colorless to Z. Diamonds range from colorless to light yellow. Then there are colored diamonds as well.

3. Cut. The cut is the proportions, finish, symmetry, and polish of the diamond. A fine or premium cut gives the most sparkle to a stone. Popular cuts or shapes include: Princess, round, cushion, pear and marquis cuts.

4. Carat. This is the weight of the stone. One carat is equal to 0.20 grams. The bigger the carat the bigger the stone.

Be sure to have your ring properly sized so that it will be perfectly displayed on your finger. And remember to keep the 4 C’s in mind when purchasing your engagement ring.

Bachelorette Party

The bachelorette party is always a good time, but not without a little controversy. Give your maid of honor and bridesmaids ideas on how you want your bachelorette party to go. Remember that a bachelorette party needn’t be a raunchy celebration with strippers and alcohol if that’s not what you want. A sophisticated dinner out with your gal pals is a great alternative. Whatever your bachelorette party wishes are, share them with the party planner. Then you can ensure that you will be able to relax and enjoy your party.

Glittery, Glistening Ring

Your engagement ring should continue to shine, no matter the weather or the wear. Keep your engagement ring sparkling with these tips:

• Take your ring in for deep cleanings every so often. Many jewelers offer this as a complimentary service.
• Buy ring cleaner and soak your ring in it weekly.
• Take your ring off before you engage in any vigorous activities such as workouts, weightlifting or sports.
• Don’t wear your engagement ring while cleaning the house. Harsh chemicals can have a negative effect on the metal.
• Before gardening, take your ring off. Trapped dirt and soil will make your ring look dull.
• Remove your ring when applying lotion. The lotion will cloud the stones in your ring and reduce its sparkle.
• Have your ring professionally inspected once a year. Doing this on your anniversary every year will be an easy date to remember.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your ring will keep the stones gleaming.

Get Organized Girl

An organized bride to be is a happy bride to be. An easy way to do this is to simply use a personal organizer to keep track of all your wedding appointments and responsibilities. Just remember to enter any new information as you get it. If you already have a personal organizer for work, spend a few extra dollars and get an organizer just for your wedding planning. Keep the organizer handy so that you can glance in it each day to see what your upcoming appointments and activities will be. Keeping track of everyday things might seem overwhelming at first, but it will keep you sane.

Bridesmaid Aid

Part of becoming a bride is having a bridal shower. Typically the maid of honor, along with the bridesmaids or family and friends, will throw a party for the bride. Help your bridesmaids out and offer suggestions on what you would like for the party. Themed parties are extremely popular and can be tailored to your favorite interests. If you and your fiancé are into NASCAR, you can suggest that your maid of honor throw a ‘race to the alter’ themed bridal shower. Or if you love the color pink, but your hubby to-be will never allow it in the wedding, the bridal shower is the perfect place to show off your favorite color. Remember that this is a party that is thrown in your honor, and the style and theme should reflect you.

Relax With Your Future Husband

After a long day of work and wedding planning, you and your guy can come home feeling a little stressed and tense. Unwind with these tricks meant for two.

• Exercise together. Taking a brisk walk around the block after dinner will help deplete negative energy and will also help to lose some weight before the wedding.
• Give each other a massage. This is a good way to relax and unwind after a tough day.
• Take a bubble bath together.
  
• Indulge in a couples massage or simply relax in a whirlpool Jacuzzi.
• Learn relaxing yoga moves. Doing yoga together can help your well being and fitness levels on top of bringing you two closer than you already are!

These tips will not only help you both to relax, but they will help you to connect to each other during this wonderful, yet stressful time.

Beautiful Hands

With a new ring on your finger, you want to make sure your hands look perfect. Getting regular manicures will ensure that your ring (and ring-finger) always look its best! In addition to consistent manicures, take care of any age or sun spots and wrinkles that can make your hands look older than they should.

To get rid of dark spots caused by aging or sun damage, use products with 2% hydroquinone or 2% kojic acid in them. These ingredients work well on their own or together to quickly reduce or get rid of the look of dark spots. You should see results within two months of using these products. For wrinkles, use an anti-aging hand cream to firm up the skin on your hands. Anti-aging hand creams that include vitamins, antioxidants and sunscreen will work best to beat the signs of wrinkles on your hands. Keep up this routine to have beautiful hands by the wedding.