Damsel in Dress Distress 

There seem to be so many more options for weddings dresses these days, besides the classic long, white dress.  What are some of the different options I have?

Everyone seems to be designing wedding dresses these days, whether it’s a celebrity or the woman doodling on her napkin next to you in Starbucks.  This is good news for you because the options are never-ending.  You’re bound to find something that will suit your taste, whether it’s more modern or more classic. 

If you want to try something modern and unique, go short.  This is hard for many women to do because it just doesn’t seem right for a wedding because long has always been the go-to.  But short wedding dresses are popping up all over the place, and before you know it, wearing one might not be so original.  If you do decide short is the way to go, try making different aspects of your ensemble more classic.  Try a longer veil or a timeless necklace and bracelet pair.  Also, feel free to play around with your hairstyle…these little things can balance the short dress and compliment it well. 

Lace is eternal, and today, it’s at the height of its popularity.  Many dresses are just trimmed with lace here and there, but why not go for a bold lace statement.  Lace sleeves are being seen everywhere…from the runway to on the racks of Forever 21.  They are stunning, timeless, and unique, plus a light material, so you can’t go wrong!  Your husband-to-be will love it just as much as you…CYE guarantees it!

You also don’t have to go totally modern, or all classic.  Why not try a combination of both?  Some longer dresses are now shapelier up top and then widen out at the knee, for an almost mermaid-like look.  It’s timeless, yet modern.    

Themes: Simple & Sweet

I want my wedding to be memorable, and I think one way I could do this would be with a theme.  I don’t want it to be over the top, though, so what themes should I consider?

Start small.  If you think about it, you’re wedding probably already has a few themes that you have yet to notice, like the color scheme.  Whether you’re a think pink kind of girl, or a many shades of blue girl, you can go off of that scheme.  Those hues of blue could lead your straight to a beachy, by the sea themed wedding.  Go a different direction by deciding if you want a classic or more modern wedding.  Maybe even vintage?! 

Also consider the location of your wedding.  If it’s outdoors, the themes are never-ending.  Whether the theme revolves around flowers everywhere, or something more wooded and rustic, you can play your wedding up or down.   Don’t worry about going over the top, though.  Yes, a whole Star Wars themed wedding will most likely be over the top, but if you think simple and sweet, you are bound for success.  

Don’t be afraid to draw themes from a few different places as well.  It may be colors (the linens), vacations spots (the flowers), and your favorite movie (the bridesmaids’ dresses) all in one.  Inspiration from everywhere and everything you love will make it unique to you.     

The Guest List: How to keep your small wedding from turning into your big, fat Greek wedding 

I don’t want my wedding to be too small or too big.  How do I decide who is worth inviting, and who would be offended if they didn’t receive an invite?

Your wedding guest list can be rather tricky, especially if you know you don’t want a huge wedding.   When you do know you want a big wedding, you don’t stop to think that maybe your preschool best friend probably could care less about what you’re doing with your life twenty-some years later.  It takes careful consideration about who you should weed out and who it would mean a lot to if they scored an invite to your big day.  So the first step towards the perfect guest list is to sit down with your fiancé and write down everyone who you could think of possibly inviting.  This will make it easier for your brain to focus on each guest.  It’s also easiest to start with your friends because there are your close friends and then there are your acquaintances.  If you haven’t spoken about something important to someone, who you once considered a pretty good friend, in the past year, it’s probably safe to say you shouldn’t be sending them an invite.  Trust us, the invites will add up fast, and before you know it your small wedding will turn into your big, fat greek wedding. 

When it comes to family, your parents should be your go-to.  Mom and dad will be sure to help you decide whether your twice-removed cousin, who you last saw when you were ten, should be invited or not.  But remember, mom might be more likely to say “Yes, of course invite your great aunt you meant once when you were 3!” than she would about someone on your dad’s side because she doesn’t want to offend anyone from her side.  People will understand, though; the economy still isn’t at its best and more importantly, the ones who are closest to you should be spending your special day with you. 

To help you feel more organized, have a Plan A guest list and Plan B.  If someone from the Plan A list cannot make it, send an invite to someone on the Plan B list.  Also, to be able to include more people on your Plan A list, don’t invite children.  Three children could equal three coworkers who you actually see on a daily basis.  As goes with children, don’t feel the need to include a “plus one” on your single best friend’s invite if she doesn’t have a boyfriend.  Not only will it will subtract one from your guest list, but also, your best friend won’t feel pressured to scramble for a date.       

Family Feud


I love my family to death, but they can be a nightmare sometimes.  I’m afraid this will cause drama on my wedding day this summer.  How can I prevent sticky situations without turning into the evil daughter?

There is wedding stress….and then there is mom stress... which we all know can be a completely different story.  On your wedding day, it might feel like your 16 again fighting with your mom about taking a car ride with the boy-next-door.  She might be the controlling type, too, and want everything to be just like it was on her wedding day.  So before the drama even begins, take your mom aside and remind her it’s your day.  Also, remind her that of course you need and would love her help, but only with things you ask for.  You’ll be stressing out enough for the both of you when your maid of honor is running late…very late, so avoid the unneeded anxiety with the ones your love. 

Another problem area may be someone like your sister or cousin.  When she starts complaining about how unnatural your up-do is, tell her you can handle your hair, and direct her to focusing on the other bridesmaids’ hair styles.  If you give her a few other tasks, she will leave you alone with some moments to breathe. 

Dads are usually able to keep their cool during events like this, but when the show is running late, he may get a little testy.  If you aren’t already aware, your dad may be sure to remind you every five minutes that you are getting closer and closer to the walk down the aisle; you’ll be ready to pull your veil right out.  Think how he might be feeling, though.  He is most likely a little nervous for his big debut, and also, his little girl is officially all grown up.  Remember that your family is going to be uptight because of the wedding stress, but also, because they aren’t quite ready to let you go.  Just be happy you have your loving family to support you, and your big day will run quite smoothly!