Golf

Hawaii has many beautiful, fun golf courses perfect for both men and women. What could be a more unique experience than teeing off with nothing ahead of you but the green of the course and the blue of the ocean? If your guests are divided, why not let them relax at the golf course’s bar or shop nearby? Many courses even have souvenir shops so everyone remains in one area, no matter what their interest.

Surf Lessons

Appeal to the more adventurous in your group by setting up a time for surf lessons. Surf instructors are on hand in most areas for fun, personal lessons. Instead of just lying on the beach, get out there and make some memories you’ll never forget. Not only will everyone get to enjoy the water, but surfing can make a great competition to see who does the best.

Scuba Diving

If your guests would rather spend time under water than on it, why not schedule a scuba diving lesson and tour? Hawaii has many locations of clear blue water perfect for scuba diving. You never know what you might see. A more relaxing alternative to surfing, but still something your guests will always remember.

Spa

Speaking of relaxing, why not schedule a day at the spa for everyone to relax before or wind down after the festivities? As a top tourist destination, Hawaii has some of the best spas that offer a wide variety of products and services, including many you may not have heard of yet. This is also a great alternative for guests who may not enjoy some of the more active events in this post.

Horseback Riding

One of the best ways to truly see the beauty around you is a horseback ride. Hawaii offers stunning tours, either guided or unguided, over beaches and through wooded trails. Every island on Hawaii provides a new trail to explore. Not only are horseback rides a relaxing experience, but they offer the chance for a picnic lunch before heading back.

For more ideas, consider checking out local tours and attractions. Most of this information is available at your hotel or by asking hotel employees.

(Photo courtesy of San Francisco’s Alison Bank of FirstComesLoveWeddings.com

While all of these celebrity destination wedding dresses are well known for being expensive, it doesn’t mean you can’t mimic the style yourself in a much more budget friendly fashion. To get started, consider the following tips.

Just because these dresses are made only once, it doesn’t mean similar dresses aren’t out there for you. The key is trying to find your desired design. You should start by getting several photos of the full celebrity wedding gown. Next, visit both online and offline wedding boutiques to see what they currently have available. Either take photos of or bookmark the ones you like for later comparisons to see which are closet to what you want.

To narrow down your search, consider searching online for the celebrity name along with the name of the designer. Add the phrase “similar wedding dresses” to see similar styles to the celebrity wedding dress you’re interested in. You can also call local boutiques in advance to inquire about specific styles. This reduces the leg work and ensures you only look at stores with the best possible matches.

DIY Wedding Dresses

If you like parts of several celebrity destination wedding dresses, why not try creating your very own design? First, contact a professional bridal dressmaker in your area. Show them the pictures of any celebrity destination wedding dresses you want incorporated into your own dress. Choosing a professional dressmaker will ensure you receive an upfront cost estimation and time frame for the dress’s completion.

When choosing a dressmaker, remember it is important to actually meet them. There are potentially hundreds, if not thousands of dressmakers to choose from. Add this to just as many different celebrity destination wedding dresses and you have quite the decision ahead of you. Take your time to choose the exact style you want first. Then research your dressmaker options carefully. Ask for references and ensure they are willing to create your dream dress, not what they think you should want. You deserve the destination dress you’ve always dreamed of. Choose the right dressmaker and you’re set.

The rustic chic and vintage themes that dominated 2011 will still be popular this year. Not only are they both classic themes, they’re extremely versatile making them perfect for special, personalized touches on every aspect of the wedding. Basically, brides are looking for more versatility in their themes.

Wedding Trends In Accessories

Brides still want practical elements, but want to make them unique. The main trend seems to be creative alternatives to the basic guest book for a more memorable keepsake when their special day is over.

Accessory Trends For Destination Weddings

More brides are wanting to add a Unity Sand Ceremony to destination weddings. The purpose is to turn what is often a short, impersonal ceremony into something special and personal. The wedding trend is choosing personalizing accessories which fit easily in a suitcase. Some popular items to add a personal flair include favor tags, water bottle labels and tote bags.

The Affect Of Location On Accessories

Most wedding accessories are designed to work perfectly with all venues, no matter whether they are held indoors or outside. Beach weddings do have a few unique popular accessories which include parasols, hand fans, sandals, pashminas and sunglasses. Welcome bags filled with mints, water bottle and sunscreen are also common for beach locations.

Wedding Accessory Trend Changes – Budgets

Many brides are cutting wedding costs with DIY projects. Instead of cute little trinkets as guest favors, brides are looking for useful gifts such as edible favors, herbs, jars and bottle stoppers.

Couples are personalizing their wedding further by placing their names on a variety of items in their weddings. Brides cut costs by going with digitally printed stationery. More neutral themes along with outdoor accessories help create a romantic, intimate look.

Influences On Wedding Accessory Trends

Brides carefully research their theme using a variety of media trends such as blogs, celebrities, TV shows and even their friends’ weddings. This year will likely see plenty of Kate Middleton copycats heading down the aisle. Overall, brides have their dream wedding planned out before they’re even teens. All they have left to do is make a few tweaks based on current fads.

Cake Topper Wedding Trends

Once the tradition was a simple bride and groom cake topper. Now brides want far more personality on their cakes. The wedding trend is something that reflects current hairstyles and fashions that are unconventional and completely different. One popular example is a topper where the bride is actually pinching the groom’s behind.

The Scoop On Headpieces And Tiaras

While tiaras are losing popularity this year with brides, feathers and floral headpieces are on the rise. Brides are also likely to be seen wearing hair jewelry and chic headbands this season.

The vendors:
Photography by Shang Chen Photography
Assisted by Kyle Peng Photography
Venue, catering, and cake: The Signature Room at the Hancock Tower, Chicago, IL
Bride’s dress: Mori Lee Blu, purchased at Kay’s Bridals, Simi Valley, CA
Rings: Bostonian Jewelers, Boston, MA
Makeup and hair: Anita Arsova, VIP Chicago Brides, Chicago, IL
Invitations / paper: Down to Earth Paperworks, St. Louis, MO

If you need an extra push in order to burn optimal amounts of fat and gain muscle, bridal bootcamp is the way to go. It provides that extra “kick in the pants” we all need to get going and finally lose those extra pounds and gain muscle, and it’s a great way to get in the best shape of your life. Its personalized, group training is a great, new opportunity for those of you who need motivation to get into shape by providing a group of fitness professionals and like minded people with your same goals there to back you up. You’ll be much more likely to stick to your guns when it comes to exercising when you take part in the bridal bootcamp training.

Unlike the 1 on 1 personal training that is offered by personal trainers in typical fitness and exercise programs, the Bootcamp group training is a lot more fun, which makes it easier for people to stick to the program. It is also a more affordable option when compared to personal trainer alternatives which makes perfect sense. When you have one or two personal trainers tackle a group of 10 to 20 people at a time, instead of paying one person just to train yourself, the fee is divided up, making it al lot less expensive but just as effective as 1 on 1 training alternative.

Bridal Bootcamp Fitness focuses on a varied workout regimen, where each day the workouts are different and are designed with a unique purpose in mind, working out a targeted area. One day you’ll be maximizing weight loss, the other you’ll be doing cardio and improving your general health, the next sculpting your body by gaining muscle and getting toned. It works with most schedules as well because there are usually 4 to 5 different group sessions available per day, making it easy to find a set that will accommodate you.

Top Level Fitness Bootcamp group metabolic resistance training is a great way to get fitness advice from expert coaches without having to spend a lot of money yourself. Best if all, by working with a group with the same goals, you’ll be able to stay motivated and stick to your fitness and weight loss regimen. Bootcamp offers you all kinds of non-conventional body weight exercises as well. You’ll be utilizing resistance bands, kettle bells, medicine balls, punching bags and much more. There are multiple packages for you to sign up for and you can try them all out to see if they work for you. They usually have 4 to 5 workouts a week and start at $99 a month. If for some reason the program isn’t up your alley, you can get your money back within the first trial period, so there really is no reason not to try it out at least once. Group bridal bootcamp training has taken the fitness world by storm and it’s an affordable and manageable alternative to the many more difficult, monotonous, workout regimens.

Visit one of Top Level Fitness locations in the Chicago Area:

Lincoln Park Bridal Bootcamp

1535 N Dayton St
Chicago, IL 60642

Bucktown Bridal Bootcamp

1859 N Elston Ave
Chicago, IL 60642

Naperville Bridal Bootcamp

1701 Quincy Ave
Naperville, IL 60540

All of us teamed up and coordinated creative shoot that embodied – South Asian & Traditional Spring/Summer 2012 bridal look, as well as “red carpet” bridemaid look that took place at the Dana Hotel & Spa – Vertigo Sky Lounge in Chicago.

VIP Chicago Brides Spring/Summer Bridal Look 2012

We had the privilege to get together with talented local wedding vendors, for an incredible wedding photoshoot to create the best bridal trend that you would love to see.

Produced by Anita Arsova
Bridal Gowns – Laurel Bridal, Chicago
Hair & Makeup – Vip Chicago Brides Professional Beauty Team
BMG Models: Stevie Finedore & Rachel Phillips
Models: Linute Pupyte Survilaite & Monica Johnson
Assistant/Stylist: Kara Lozanovski
Videographer: Chicago Fashion Connect
Photographer: Emily Gualdoni
Location: Dana’s Hotel & Spa – Vertigo Sky Lounge

It’s all about inspiring you to express your personal style! Take a look:

Groom Suits Fit

The most important aspect in choosing a groom’s suit for his wedding day is ensuring the fit of the suit is picture perfect. There are several ways to tell if the fit is appropriate; starting at the shoes, they should be a little bit roomy as opposed to too tight. No one wants to get married in shoes that make their feet hurt. The next aspect of fit is how the bow tie fits; the bow tie should fit snugly against his neck, but not choking him! The suit pants should fit comfortably; have him sit on a chair and they should feel comfortable, even when sitting. The pants hem should be right above his shoe tops, ensuring the hem covers 1/3 of shoe. The vest should be able to be buttoned across his chest. The buttons of the vest should line up with his jackets buttons. And, the waistband of the vest should slightly overlap the pant waistband. The button down shirt of the groom’s suit should fit comfortable around the neck, shoulders and back, the sleeves of the shirt should show outside of the jacket about 1/3 of the way out. Finally, the jacket should fit comfortable around the shoulders and back and have him sit in the jacket buttoned and unbuttoned as well to ensure it fits properly when sitting.

Suit Styles For Grooms

Chicago Brides are a stylish bunch and it is important that the groom’s are just as stylish and fabulous. The style of the groom’s suit should reflect style, class and elegance. The style of the groom’s suit should reflect the time and venue of the wedding. An evening wedding is all about the glitz and glamour. The suit should be a tuxedo jacket, bow tie and black trousers. A vest should definitely be worn during the evening as well as cuff links and shiny black shoes. A wedding on the beach should reflect comfort and relaxation, while staying chic. A groom’s suit can even be khaki pants and a linen shirt complete with flip flops! Yes, this is allowed in a casual setting like the beach. For a daytime wedding, the groom’s suit should look semi-formal; complete with a button down shirt, long black tie and black trousers, complete with a black suit jacket and black shoes.

Groom Makeup

Groom Touchup Makeup is becoming a trend among groom’s all over the country. Groom’s touchup makeup does not consist of a full makeover, but a touchup that conceals imperfections. A touch of translucent powder to cut down on shine, some concealer makeup over dark under eye circles or blemishes and a little lip balm, makes a noticeable difference in wedding photos and makes the groom look even more handsome.

A groom’s hair style can make or break his entire appearance. Make sure the groom is wearing a hair style that is freshly cut and cleaned up. His sideburns should appear tidy, as well as the hair around his neck and his hairline. His hair style should reflect a more formal and dressy look. If his hair is long, he should put some mousse or pomade in his fingers and touch the tips. If his hair is on the shorter side, he can either part his hair to the side or slick it back. The hair style look should be sexy, but neat.

Wedding Arch

For some, this is one of the most important wedding accessories. It signifies the union of a man and a woman under one roof (the arch). It is an important tradition to many, and the symbolism is wonderful. There are many styles of wedding arches, as well as many different color schemes. Most brides like the main color to be white, but it is a matter of choice.

Wedding Isle Runner

Wedding accessories almost always include the very symbolic wedding isle runner. It symbolizes the new path that the bride and groom will take together, and the path of the bride to the groom. Some couples forego this wedding accessory, but at VIP Chicago Brides, we think it is a wonderful tradition.

Candles and Holders

Wedding accessories are not complete without the candles. One of the main candles used in ceremonies is the Unity candle. It is a beautiful tradition and many have come to expect them at weddings. There may be other candles included in the wedding décor as well. There are many wonderful candle holders with cherubs, doves, and a host of other decorations on them suitable for a wedding.

Wedding Cake Topper

The wedding cake is one of the major attractions at the wedding reception. Choose the cake topper that best matches the wedding theme.

Wedding Favors

These are very important accessories for weddings. Whatever the bride chooses as the wedding favors will be the memento which will help the guests remember the beauty of the wedding. It isn’t always easy to choose the wedding favors, so try to find one that is uniquely yours.

Having hair and makeup done flawlessly is important on the big day, and brides want to look absolute best. Along with the church decorations, don’t forget the most important wedding accessories; that special hair accessory or special piece of jewelry to compliment the dress.

Your wedding theme

You do not want flowers that will crash with the theme of your wedding. This means that you have to choose the ones that match well. The wedding theme will entail the different arrangements and colors that you will use.

The time of the year or season

Season of the year is crucial because it determines which flowers are present at your local wedding florist. Flowers that are available during the summer may not be available during autumn or spring. For example, the different flowers that may be available in the different seasons are:

• Summer – sweet peas, roses, blooms, lilies and sunflowers
• Autumn – snowberry, euphoria, orchids, oak leaf, dahlia, calla lilly and amaryllis.
• Spring – broom, lilac, muscari, daffodils, hayacinths and tulips.

Personal preferences

Your local wedding florist can help you in getting the kind of flowers you need. The different wedding participants may require different flower types. For example the bouquets for the bridesmaids can have different variations or even contrast with the bride’s bouquet. For the groom, you can choose flowers that will make him stand out. Other arrangements include the table flowers, and those surrounding the cake. To make the arrangements special what you can do is to try different patterns. You can do this using cheap foliage from the wedding florist.

The dresses that will be worn on that day

Flowers meant for the bride will have to match well with her dress, the groom, maids and those for the flower girls also have to be compatible and the same applies for all the other people involved in the wedding.

Allergies and consistency of the particular flowers

Your wedding will be filled by all kinds of people and therefore you need to consider their allergies to particular flowers. This is especially true for those who will be handling the flowers such as flower girls, maids, groom and of course the bride.

Photography and video recording

Perhaps this is one thing many people may ignore when doing a wedding. Wedding photography and video taking can go a long way if your wedding florist delivers the right kind of flowers and in the proper arrangement or mixture. This is especially important for brides since memories of a wedding are kept in the pictures taken or the videos of that day. Flowers that will portray well and match properly even on photography should be preferred.

TOP 5 FIRST DANCE SONGS

1. At Last – Etta James
2. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
3. Marry Me – Train
4. You and Me – Dave Matthews Band
5. All My Life – K-Ci & JoJo tied with Lucky – Jason Mraz, The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra and Then – Brad Paisley

TOP 5 FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCE SONGS

1. I Loved Her First – Heartland
2. Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
3. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
4. Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman
5. My Girl – The Temptations tied with Unforgettable – Natalie Cole

TOP 5 ‘DO NOT PLAY’ SONGS

1. Chicken Dance
2. Electric Slide
3. Macarena
4. YMCA
5. Cotton Eye Joe

TOP SONGS FROM 2011 FOR 2012 WEDDINGS

1. Marry You – Bruno Mars
2. Just a Kiss – Lady Antebellum
3. Love You Like a Love Song –Selena Gomez
4. Countdown – Beyoncé
5. We Found Love – Rihanna