Be Wise!

Whether you're a professional money manager or someone who has trouble balancing her own check book, managing wedding-planning finances is uncharted territory. Not only are you paying for services you're not likely to have experience with, but you're also prone to getting caught up in the fantasy and excitement that drives the bridal business.

After all, you're setting out to buy the wedding of your dreams and it's hard to put a price on fantasy. Try not to be fooled by all the romance and trimmings, a beautiful wedding can be had for nay price.

While most wedding professionals know their reputations depend on honest practices, there are also a few less than scrupulous ones out there. That's why it's important to understand how to protect your wedding dollars before you make your first purchase.

Wedding Photos - Courtesy of Great Wall Studio

Wedding Gown

Every bride wants to look gorgeous on her big day, one of the most important decisions she will make is what dress to wear. While choices were once limited to traditional white ball gowns, that is no longer the case. Today, many dresses are available in everything from ivory to peach, green to red. Styles have changed too, so that you may select a gown that's sophisticated, sexy or even traditional according to different culture.

Since the bride's dress sets the tone for the entire wedding party, you will want to select your own attire first. Most ready made wedding gowns are available at bridal salons but you may want a custom-made wedding gown and this may take up to three months for delivery, plus extra time for alterations. It's wise to start looking for a dress five to eight months before your weddings.

Take your time by visiting different bridal salons and in your area. This will give you a better idea of the styles, fabrics and range of costs available. Do keep in mind the season of your wedding. Though many fabrics may be worn year round, some are heavier than others. Silk charmeuse, chiffon and organza are light and flowing. Satin and tulle can be worn for all seasons.

If you love old gown your mother wore on her wedding day, by all means wear it.

Brides - Requesting Assistance

Ask a trusted friend to be your wedding coordinator. This will help take off some steam.Always let those close set to you know that you love them. Find something that relaxes you. It could be cross-stitching your wedding favors while you sit in front of the telly which is a good substitute to bingeing on potato chips to keep your hands busy.

Limit your alcohol intake. Go easy on the late nights, disco sessions and the second-hand smoke that comes with them. Your skin and body will thank you for it. Try getting the requisite six to eight hours of sleep a day. Your body and skin repairs itself while you sleep. being well rested builds your immune system, making you less susceptible to stress.

If you feel all wound up, go for a massage. No time? A 30-minute foot reflexology session during your lunch break or after work can do wonders.

Unveil the Glowing Beauty1

If you don't already have a regular beauty regime, it's time to get one. Find a good skincare line and stick to it. Cleanse moisturize and tone twice a day. Start going for facials once a month.It's distressing too! Start taking care of your hands by applying a hand cream every night and go for regular manicures. Everyone is going to ooh and ahh at you engagement ring right up to the day of your wedding.

In the shower, exfoliate with a scrub or washcloth. pay attention to your back and décolletage whether or not you're planning to wear a gown that bares these parts. If you want to do justice to your sexy gown. Don't neglect your calves and your feet especially if you think you are going to show them off in those exquisite Jimmy Choos.

Invest in creams specially formulated of the neck and eye regions to kept you swan-like and doe-eyed. Pick up some good make up habits. Like removing your make up before you go to bed. Or washing out your makeup brushes more regularly.

You might not want to deliberately go out and get a tan. If you must, besides watching out for the aging UV rays, wear a bandeau top to eliminate any strap marks. Now's a good time to try to quit smoking. Cigarettes- thinning skin and wrinkles. If you know something gives you a rash or an allergic reaction (say your friend's dog) stay away for it! You want to look beautiful for yourself and the world.

Learn how to take deep breaths or take up yoga.

Brides - Beautify yourself

Start growing your hair long enough to be pulled into a chignon on your wedding day. There's good reason too. It keeps you from having to brush the strands out of your face when you busy shaking hands with hundreds of people. Long hair also gives your hair stylish more scope to work with and it helps leave your options. You You can always cut it later if you change your mind.

Start looking around for a hair and makeup artist. it's less of a coordination hassle if you can get one person to do both jobs. Speak to married friends for recommendations. See if you like the way their wedding photos turned out. But you'll have to work fast especially if you're planning to hold your wedding on an auspicious date because the best stylists get booked up faster than a date with an eight in it.

Get a trial with your shortlisted stylist. Ideally, your stylist should be someone you feel comfortable with and one who understands your skin and your needs. His reputation for turning up on time is also a good sign.

Brides - Eat Right!

Avoid crash and faddish diets. Instead, start eating sensibly. Have three balanced meals a day. making time for breakfast. It's the most important meal to kick-start the day. Try not to eat dinner later than 8.30pm to avoid gastric pangs.

Skip the soft drinks if you can it's the main culprit behind a bloated stomach. Instead, drink six to eight glasses of water a day. it's the secret to good skin. You're less likely to retain water or feel less tired if yo are drinking enough water. Your body will also need more water if you exercising regularly.

Cut the salt. You're less likely to have water retention this way. Reduce snacking in between meals. Rather snacking in between meals. Rather than totally restrict yourself, which will get you into a spiral of craving and guilt, moderation may be more effective.

Bride-To-Be -part2

Join a gym. A trainer will be able to advise you on exercise routines and nutrition and also help you chart your progress. Of course, you can join the best gym in the country but it's not use if you don't use is.

If gyms bore you,pick up a new sport. You'll not only be working towards a fitter you, you're also have a new accomplishment under your belt. Do be careful, though - blue black bruises aren't becoming on a bride!.

If you hate to work up a sweat, go swimming!. To avoid getting odd tan lines, especially if you plan n wearing a low-cut dress, swim in the evenings after work.

The Bride-To-Be - part 1

Beauty planner for brides-to-be is very important event in your life. The start of your engagement is a good time to say 'I do" to some healthy habits, which you might want to keep way beyond your wedding day.

Looking stunning on your big day is something that brides-to-be need to prepare 6 - 12 months before the big day. Here are some time-line guide to help you work towards it.

If you've been a couch potato for far too long, start off with a brisk walk in the park or waterfront on Sunday mornings or evenings with your fiance. If you have a dog, it will enjoy the fresh air too!. Slowly increase your pace to a slow joy as your endurance increases.

If you don't have a regular exercise routine, its never too early to start. Exercise not only reduces your health problems, it increases your stamina and energy, which help improve your posture and make you feel better about yourself.

Set realistic goals for your routine because disillusionment can prevent you from reaching your goal. To see visible results, you'll have to exercise at least three to four times a week, working out for a minimum of 45 minutes to one hour each time.

If you can't make time to work out regularly, you can get fit in other ways, like waling up the stairs to your office instead of taking the lift or walking to the bus stop instead of taking a cab.