Wedding Hairstyles

Whether you have short, medium, or long hair you have probably spent a lot of time thinking about how you would like to wear your hair on your wedding day.  If you plan on having a professional hairstylist or a friend do your hair, you should try to narrow it down to a couple different styles. Set up a trial with this person so that you can test out the different styles, and so that the stylist can get used to working with your hair.  If you have curly or extremely fine hair, the stylist will need to prepare by having the right products and pins etc to make sure everything goes smoothly on your big day.

Plan on bringing a veil even if it isn't the veil you will be wearing on your wedding day.  This gives you the opportunity to see the different options you have with your veil and see what feels the most comfortable and secure.

If you are considering using hair extensions, the trial would be a good chance for the stylist to determine the length and how many extensions they will need to complete your look.  Sally's Beauty Supply has an affordable selection of hair extensions of many different colors.

When considering if you should wear your hair up or down, make sure to think about the time of year if you are going to be outside.  If its the middle of August and its hot outside, you might not to have your hair down because you may get overheated. If its fall weather and there is a possibilty of wind you may want to have your hair secured in an up-do to avoid your hair being in your face for your wedding photos. 

You can add accessories like hair pins, clips, feathers or rhinestones to add a little drama to your ensemble, it's your day afterall!

The Bridal Shower... Let the Games Begin!!

As a bride-to-be, the Bridal Shower is pretty exciting because it means you are getting pretty close to the big day and your friends and family want to help you prepare for your new life with your hubby-to-be.   There are endless ways to celebrate this fun day, and chances are your Bridesmaids or Maid of Honor are pretty excited to get to plan this for you so let them make all of the plans! Bridesmaids/Maids of Honor - if you are here because you are getting the ball rolling in planning this event you are in the right place.  Lets get some pointers out there to make sure you have your bases covered.

♥ Set the Date (which means you have to make sure the bride and her family members can make it) so give yourself a lot of time for planning and for collecting all of the addresses for the invitations. Shoot for having the invitations out at least 4 weeks in advance. ♥ Choose a location - do you have a large family room or outdoor area at your home? If not try to network with other friends or family members of the bride to find a spot that works for you and the number of guests you think will be attending.  See our list of venues both big and small to find a location that can accommodate you. ♥ Delegate! We all have a life outside of being an awesome bridesmaid or maid of honor so don't try to take it all on by yourself.  Ask the other girls in the bridal party or family members to pitch in to ensure everything goes smoothly. ♥ Decor - Consider a theme, colors & patterns, flowers or other decorations.  Although you do not have to stick to the brides wedding colors, it is nice for everyone to get a sneek peek before her big day.  Incorporate interactive decor something that will create chatter to break the ice, such as large feathers, a wishing tree, a scrapbook with supplies for guests, a candy buffet etc. ♥ Food - Depending on how many guests are expected to attend you should consider selecting snacks and foods that will appease the entire group, so try to give options.  Veggie, Fruit, or Meat/cheese platters go over pretty well.   If the event is near the lunch or dinner hour make sure to provide a sufficient amount of food because your guests will come hungry! For a large group, catering is often your best bet because they can make sure that all of the food is prepared accordingly and kept at the right temperatures.  The last thing you want to do is slave away in the kitchen and miss all of the kodak moments.  Don't forget the sweets, it wouldn't be a party without cake, cupcakes or candy. ♥ Entertainment/Games - Keep your guests entertained and keep your bride happy! If the games and entertainment flows smoothly the entire event will be a hit. Offer game prizes to get people into the games, they dont have to be expensive but anything from a candle, perfume, picture frame, gift certificate etc. Now before you start planning anything too spicy just make sure everything is age appropriate so that no one is offended or feels uncomfortable (save that for the bachelorette party!) ♥ Gifts - help your bride keep track of all of the gifts that she recieves to ensure that she has no problems writing thank-you cards to all of her guests. ♥ Have Fun and know that all of your hardwork means the world to the bride, so enjoy the party!

*For some Bridal Shower game ideas check out this post with a list of fun games!

To veil..or not to veil...

When you picture a bride, do you think of a woman in a white dress with a veil and a bouquet of flowers?  

Although there are many different variations of wedding traditions among different cultures, It is fair to say that most people still associate a bride with a flowing white veil.

Traditional, but not a mandatory accessory these days because times have changed; but where did this tradition come from anyway?

We have consistently found evidence of veils being worn as early on in Europe as the time of the Crusades. At a time of arranged marriages, the groom would often be seeing his bride for the first time when he lifted her veil.

Veils were used as a symbol of virginity and purity for brides given to their mates. Through the years the veil styles have changed somewhat dramatically.

Veils come in many different lengths, from single up to three tiers (layers) and can be anywhere from short blusher veils to floor length or cathedral length which is up to 120 inches long.

In addition to a veil many brides also wear a headpiece such as a tiara, headband or clips.  Depending on the hairstyle you choose for your wedding day, you have a lot of options for how you want to wear your veil if you decide to wear one.

For more helpful info on veils, or custom veils online checkout http://www.veilubridal.com/.

Tell us what you think about this topic by taking our poll!

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On the road to 'I Do' Lisa and Justin

Lisa and Justin are one those fun couples that are always up for an adventure and they are definitely the life of the party.  That’s why we know their wedding will be no exception, and we know the couple will be dancing the night away. Did we mention that the groom can do the worm? Just ask him and he will show you! Justin literally proposed to Lisa under a waterfall in Burney Falls and of course she said yes! So after 5 years of dating, this couple is on their way down the altar.   They have set their date to August 13, 2011 and will be getting married in Chico, CA.

The ceremony will be held outdoors at the beautiful private Miller Mansion in Chico, followed by the reception at the nearby Arroyo Room, flowers will be arranged by Chico Florists.

Her bridal party will be wearing black tea-length Alfred Angelo gowns with pink accents,  and the groomsmen will be wearing black tux’s with a pink accent to follow her theme.

We will be highlighting Lisa’s progress in her wedding plans so check back for updates!

Update: Lisa's Bridal Shower had a black and pink theme with zebra print & feather accents.

Her cake was made by Christy's Creations, and matched her theme perfectly.

Lisa and her sister Kelly who is her Maid of Honor, each with a Star Gazer Lily which is Lisa's Wedding Flower.

*Update* Lisa had her Bachelorette Party in San Francisco, CA the weekend before her wedding and The Holiday Inn on the Wharf was the perfect spot! With a light up Bachelorette Sash, a very cute little white dress from Forever 21 and her entourage of ladies, Lisa was ready to hit the town. Ruby Skye was the destination for Saturday night, and this club exceeded expectations, look out Las Vegas!

My baby sister got married...

Veronica was reluctant to start out with a feature of her own wedding...mostly because she hates being the center of attention...welllllll....since I'm the one doing the typing today... I say we start with a feature on my beautiful little sister and her beautiful wedding. Veronica became Mrs. Enns on October 10th, 2010 in Chico. It was a gorgeous day and a gorgeous ceremony. Here is a little video slideshow I put together...

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryQp9qWrEAU]

Just so all of you ladies (and gents) out there know that we know what you're going through. Planning a beautiful wedding is hard work...but so worth it in the end....and we hope that we can help!

-Alisha

Congratulations!

If you are here you must be getting married! (or your best friend/sister/roomate is!) Here at The 530Bride we want to give all our Northern California brides (and grooms/bridesmaids...etc.etc...) a place to go for all your style and wedding planning needs when it comes to a 530 wedding!

We will be giving you style, beauty and health advice and information as well as connections to local vendors and venues.

Visit our About Us page to learn all about the genious behind the scenes (lol) and for contact information. We welcome any and all input as well as requests from brides who would like to be featured as well as vendors who would like to be listed!

Stay tuned for our big website launch which will be featuring fabulous giveaway packages...

Veronica and Danny 10-10-10

Veronica was reluctant to start out with a feature of her own wedding…mostly because she hates being the center of attention…welllllll….since I’m the one doing the typing today… I say we start with a feature on my beautiful little sister and her beautiful wedding. Veronica became Mrs. Enns on October 10th, 2010 in Chico. It was a gorgeous day and a gorgeous ceremony.