Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Wedding on a budget

We all know weddings can be expensive and nowadays people can't afford to be splashing out on extravagant weddings. This doesn't mean you cannot have the wedding of your dreams!

Below are ways to save on your special day:

1. Consider a week day wedding: Off peak days can save you a lot of money. Venues may offer the room for a considerably lower price compared to a weekend wedding.

2. Accessorize: A classic style dress can be dressed up with an amazing necklace instead of spending a fortune on embellishments on the dress.

3. Keep it simple with flowers: Choose flowers that are in season and pick locally to save on costs.

4. Limit your guest list: It can be hard but the most effective way to save is to cut down on your guest list. Consider the following: If it is €200 ahead cutting 10 guests will save you €2000!

5. Pretty in white: A white palette is most affordable. Most white flowers are inexpensive and using white table cloths instead of linen can save a lot.

6. Have your cake and eat it too: Most caterers suggest serving additional cakes for guests along with the wedding cake. Still to one cake it will save a lot of money and hassle!

7. Set your budget early on: When you begin planning your wedding choose the areas you want to spend the most on and stick to them. Prioritize items that you need over things you would just like to have.

8. Keep track of the little things: Things like stamps for RSVP cards and ribbons for favors can seem so small that you can just brush them aside but remember like any costs they all add up so keep track of them and be careful not to go too overboard.
9. Skip hidden gems: The most stylish wedding band at the moment is the infinity band. To cut the costs more get diamonds half way around the ring- sure you only see the top anyways!

10. Print smart: Have different shades of ink on your invitations may match your wedding colour scheme but it adds to your printing costs. Keep the invitations simple to avoid high printing costs.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Shape up for the big day!



EVERY bride and groom wants to look their best on what is said to be the happiest day of their lives- Their wedding day!

Here are some tips on how to ensure you are looking great on the day!

Track your food: As the saying goes you are what you eat! To help keep track of what foods you are consuming there are programmes available to help you loose weight. Unislim is just one of the many dieting programmes out there.
The programme is not restricting and allows you to eat a range of foods.With Unislim you have a list of free fruit & veg, free protien (lean beef, chicken etc) a list of carbohydrates of which you are allowed five a day, other proteins which you are allowed one a day. You are allowed two "yums" a day to use as your treat, two Jaffa cakes or a packet of low fat crisps would be an example of two "yums". The more exercise you do the more "yums" you build up and so you don’t have to cut yummy treats out altogether.  Follow the link to find out more about their classes and programmes. http://www.unislim.com/

Don't skip breakfast: The most important meal of the day. Studies show that people who eat breakfast consume fewer total calories during the day then people who skip breakfast. Eating a healthy breakfast kick starts your metabolism and you are more likely to make healthier choices throughout the day.

Drink lots of water:  Help to maintain the balance of body fluids and keep your body hydrated by drinking 2 liters of water everyday. Keep a bottle of water on your desk in work or in your handbag. Try drinking water instead of fizzy drinks to help with weight loss.

Catch some zzz's: Not get enough sleep can hinder your weight loss efforts and lead to more cravings and poor choices. It can be difficult with a hectic lifestyle but aim for at least 7-8 hours a night for a healthier lifestyle.

For the ladies: Curves is a gym especially designed for women. There are no mirrors, no make up and no men in curves! With both aerobic exercise for weight loss and strength training for toned muscles, a Curves workout provides an exercise plan that can burn up to 500 calories in just 30 minutes. Curves has a friendly atmosphere where you can work out and have fun at the same time! Click on the link provided to find a Curves near you and learn how you can change your life in just 30 minutes 3 times a week! http://www.curves.ie/

Zumba time: The dance craze that is Zumba has taken the country by storm over the last few years. Zumba is a Latin inspired, easy to follow, calorie burning and fun dance form. This high paced dance will have you working up a sweat in no time but you will have great fun while doing it! Follow the link provided to find a Zumba class near you! http://www.zumba.com/en-US/ 

Yoga and Pilates: If you are more into non-aerobic form of exercise then Yoga or Pilates could be the answer for you. Yoga and Pilates both improve muscular and postural strength. Yoga is based on 3 main structures– exercise, breathing and meditation. Pilates is a method of exercising that lengthens and stretches all the major muscle groups. Follow the link provided to Yoga Dublin Studios who provide classes in both yoga and Pilates. http://www.yogadublin.com/

Bikram Yoga: Bikram yoga or "hot yoga" has become very popular. Bikram yoga consists of 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises and sessions run for exactly 90 minutes. It is practiced in a room heated to 40.6°C with a humidity of 40%.  Bikram systematically moves fresh, oxygenated blood to one hundred percent of your body, to each organ, restoring all systems to healthy working order. Click on the link to find out more about Bikram Yoga
 http://www.bikramyoga.ie/Welcome.html 

Keep the focus: Before you order that take away or hit the snooze button instead of going to the gym remind yourself of your goals for your wedding day. Remind yourself that all your hard work will pay off and you will feel happier and healthier if you stick to your food and exercise plan.

Wedding Trends 2013

It's a new year so it's time for some new trends! The following are some popular trends emerging for weddings in 2013. We hope these ideas spark an interest for your special day.

1. Introduce the fun factor!

In 2013 couples will be focussing more on the fun factor. This means fun food stations, creative stations and photobooths!


Fun food stations can include jars of "old school" sweets



Creative tables can include leaving paper and pens for your guests to write you personal messages.


Photobooths are a great way to engage with your guests and can leave lasting fun memories for everyone!


2. Twenties back in style!
With shows such as Downtown Abbey taking over our TV screens the 1920's vintage style is one to watch out for in 2013.




3. Fabulous florals

This spring pastel colours are popular along with soft shades of yellow with a mix of greys giving a romantic feel and look. The "just picked from the garden look" is also popular for centre pieces.


4. DIY style!

There is a move towards a DIY style in relation to attire such as handmade bridal dresses and accessesories. Shows such as Project Runway have sparked an interest in home made accessories such as head pieces to add a more personal touch to the wedding.




5. Weddings go viral!

There may be someone who unfortunately cannot make your special day but don't fret the power of technology will allow them to watch the wedding live online. This is becoming popular with so many people living abroad or even elderly people who cannot travel for the wedding.

6. Late night munchies!

Food trucks are becoming popular and 2013 may see more and more food company trucks making appearances at weddings. They are convenient for that late night snack you have earned after dancing the night away!

Photo Source: wedding-resource.com

7. The Boho trend
The boho trend has taken the wedding industry by storm and we feel it is going to continue well into 2013. The relaxed "hippie" style wedding can be achieved by the following factors:
      1.)  Floral Headbands and head pieces
       2.)    Flowy Wedding Dress designs
3.)    Mix & Match flowers and centerpieces colours and designs
4.)   Nature inspiration- photos taken outside in gardens


8. Bridesmaids dresses

Sorbet Pastel colours are hugely popular giving a softer look to bridesmaids dresses





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