Bridesmaids: 10 Ways Bridesmaids Can Help the Bride

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There's more to being a bridesmaid than parading down the aisle in pink taffeta. Celebrate your friend and her groom by helping her out and adding some extra fun to this often stressful, but very special time. Here are some of our best ideas, to inspire you to go above and beyond your bridesmaid(wedding dress 2012) duties.

Take responsibility for the gift baskets or bags for out-of-town guests' hotel rooms. Include a welcome letter, maps, relevant phone numbers, snacks, postcards, city souvenirs, and suggestions for fun activities.

Ask the bride when she expects the wedding invitations to be ready and plan an informal gathering. Ask each bridesmaid to bring something to eat, turn on the stereo, and divide the duties of writing addresses, stuffing envelopes, and putting on stamps. Not only will you have fun, but you'll also be helping the bride finish a very tedious job!

Offer to supply wedding favors or escort cards for the rehearsal dinner. If it's a more casual affair, offer to make simple centerpieces.

Ward off prewedding jitters by creating a distraction -- get tickets to a play or dance performance, one that you know she'd be dying to see if she weren't so busy planning the wedding.

Ask what she's drinking at the reception and keep her cup full. Brides seldom make it through the crowd to the bar (just be sure her cup doesn't run over).

Collect disposable reception-table cameras at the end of the night and get them developed.

Offer to be the end-of-the-party, final once-over girl -- collect the cake topper and toasting flutes, make sure Grandma is escorted to her car, etc.

Take her gown to the cleaners after the wedding. Get her gown preserved for when she returns from the honeymoon.

Pack a honeymoon "in case you forget" bag: Include a disposable camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, moisturizer, saline, and other toiletries a harried bride might forget to pack.

Stock the couple's kitchen with food for their return. The worst trip is the one to the grocery store the night you return from paradise. Help them avoid reality for just one more day.

Bachelor Parties: The Groom's Роле

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Are you dreading (or maybe craving) a night of lap dances and tequila shots? Do you trust your best man to plan the perfect stag night, or would you like the chance to throw in your two cents about your bachelor party preferences? How about the guest list -- do you have a say on who's coming to your bash?

Set Your Limits
There really aren't any hard-and-fast rules about planning the bachelor party. After all, we're talking about an event that could take you anywhere, from a swanky steak dinner to a sweaty lap dance. With that kind of range, it's hard to create fixed precedents, so if you want to have a say, go right ahead. If you know your best buddies are planning a event that you can't deal with (for fear that your fiance wouldn't walk down that aisle with you afterwards), tell them before your party crashes and burns. Likewise, if you've always longed for one last wild night before marriage, let your best man know what's on your mind.
If you know your best buddies are planning a event that you can't deal with, tell them before your party crashes and burns.

Let it Ride
But make sure you're not too involved. Do you really want to have to deal with organizing your own party? The details (hiring the limo, making reservations) can be a hassle. Let your best man and brother-in-law know your thoughts about the event itself, then sit back and let them do the dirty work. One caveat: You can adopt a laissez-faire attitude, but make sure you're still the one who draws up the guest list.

Tame Tensions
For your last bash as a bachelor, you'll want to avoid inviting anyone who might kill your buzz. This includes testy relatives you barely know, that frat brother who was relentless during hazing, and any other annoying acquaintance you've always politely endured for the sake of the crowd. In other words, your bachelor party is too important to sacrifice for the sake of being P.C. Likewise, make sure there's no one missing from the list -- coworker, squash buddy, bookie -- that you just couldn't party without.

Attendants: A Glossary of Who's Who in the Wedding Party

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Who knew planning a wedding would be akin to staging a major Broadway production? To help out with your co-directorial debut, we've prepared a cross-section of the wedding day cast of characters. (Keep in mind that most roles can be played by either gender, and by as many people as you want.)


Best Man
This guy acts as groom's valet (personal aide and advisor) through all stages of wedding planning. He's a fashion consultant, bachelor-party master of ceremonies, and commander-in-chief of the groomsmen brigade. His duties include (but aren't limited to): getting the groom to the ceremony on time; giving the wedding officiant his/her fee after the ceremony; signing the couple's marriage license; and holding the bride's wedding ring at the altar. He also is famous for his toasting skills and dancing savoir faire.


Bridesmaids
Trustworthy gal pals and female family members who form the bride's entourage (and ostensibly work well together). They are a support team for the maid of honor, helping with pre-wedding tasks when asked (addressing invites, making bridal shower favors, planning the bachelorette party, and more). Bridesmaids are often expected to hit the dance floor running and play surrogate hostesses to guests.

Candle Lighter
In some Christian ceremonies, pre-teens aged nine to 12 light candles at the altar just before the mother of the bride (see below) is seated. Candle lighters may dress like the wedding(flora dress) party or not. Your choice.
Father of the Bride
In traditional wedding circles, this guy fronts most of the cash -- that's no small feat. In addition, brides' dads have picked up additional to-dos along the way. Dad's chores might include airport duty, coordinating maps/directions to the wedding site, scouting potential wedding reception venues, doling out tips to wedding day staff, and a variety of toasting and hosting tasks.
Father of the Groom
He used to get away with fading into the woodwork, but nowadays he's suited up for action. In terms of cost contribution, the groom's dad traditionally pays for a few major items, notably the rehearsal dinner. He might also fulfill numerous dancing, toasting, and "manly" obligations (i.e., escort elderly women, move tables, address problematic service). It's nice, too, if he checks in with the bride's dad occasionally to offer moral support.

Flower Girl/Child
Wee ones aged three through eight who walk down the aisle before the bride, scattering flower petals from a basket (or carrying a pomander). Little ladies are the norm, but cute little boys can fill this role, too. Most flower children sit with their parents after completing their stroll.

Groomsmen
A posse of male family and friends who assist the groom in planning and preparing for the big day. Their chief responsibility? To help the best man plan and pay for the bachelor party and to support the groom. It's also common to have groomsmen do double duty as ushers, leaving their posts in time to process with the rest of the bridal party. They also get to decorate the getaway car, dance with dateless ladies at the reception, and act as a resource for confused guests.

Hattabin
A Muslim term for male family or friends who help prepare the groom for and participate in the wedding. Among Moroccan Muslims, it's common for the hattabin to propose to the bride on the groom's behalf.

Honor Attendants
The best man (see above) and the maid of honor (see below) are considered honor attendants. They may prefer to go by this title, forgoing gender-specific references. An honor attendant may also be known as "best person."

Huppah Carriers
In Jewish weddings, individuals close to the bride and groom (usually family members or close friends) may hold up the huppah poles during the ceremony. They are often part of the shushavim (see below).
Junior Bridesmaids/Junior Groomsmen/Junior Ushers
These are young members of the wedding party (aged 9-16). They'll attend all major functions (excluding X-rated bachelorette parties) and fulfill the same responsibilities as senior squad members. Junior bridesmaids can wear less-sexy versions of the bridesmaid dresses (if the dresses are risque); Junior groomsmen may don a tux like the big guys.


Koumbaro/Koumbara
The Koumbaro is the Eastern Orthodox groom's best man. (The Koumbara is the female version.) Traditionally, the koumbaros was the groom's godfather, but today any close male relative or friend can do the job. In traditional Greek weddings, the koumbaro's role is highly symbolic, and his duties are many. For example, during the crowning ceremony, he must place the crowns on the bride's and groom's heads, then switch the crowns back and forth three times, uniting and binding the two lovebirds.

Maid/Matron/Man of Honor
The bride's right-hand for the duration of the planning process -- she's there to supply a second pair of eyes and provide emotional support as needed. In general, the maid of honor heads up the bridal shower and handles numerous wedding day details, which might include toasting the bride and groom, signing the marriage license, adjusting the bride's train at the altar, holding her bouquet during vows, and collecting gift envelopes at the reception. She also should help the bride get dressed, taking care to frequently remind her that she looks beautiful. She is the last bridesmaid to walk down the aisle before the bride, holding the groom's wedding band on her thumb.

Mother of the Bride
The mother of the bride may serve as wedding planner, guest list moderator, traditional reception hostess, fashion critic, and cheerleader. Other possible duties include researching family and ethnic wedding traditions, attending the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner, and dancing the night away at the reception. The nature of the bride's mother's role is entirely up to the bride.

Mother of the Groom
The groom's mom can assume any of the bride's mom's responsibilities, if she's up for it. Dole out to-dos diplomatically to prevent conflicts. She attends the bridal shower, and is escorted down the aisle during the prelude. Her shining moment? The mother/son dance.

Officiant
The cleric or city official who performs the marriage ceremony. Examples include a priest, a rabbi, a minister, or a justice of the peace.

Pages
Young boys (or girls) aged six through nine who carry the bride's extra-long wedding gown train (think of Lady Di's wedding) as she walks down the aisle. Also known as "train bearers."

Ring Bearer
A young boy (or girl) aged four through eight, who walks down the aisle just before the flower girl (if there is one), carrying a small decorative pillow with two wedding bands tied to it (usually fakes, in case they are lost).

Shushavim
A Jewish term describing anyone close to the bride and groom who helps them plan and prepare for marriage. In many Jewish weddings, there is no traditional wedding party, but certain members of the shushavim (a mom, a sister, a best friend) might perform similar tasks.

Train Bearer
(see Pages)
Ushers
Males (or females) who escort guests to their seats before the ceremony. Ushers are often employed in addition to groomsmen -- this way you can involve other important guys in the big day, including pre-teen relatives who may not have been up for planning a lascivious bachelor party.

Vratimi
Basically, they're Greek groomsmen. In traditional Eastern Orthodox weddings, the vratimi is a pack of the groom's male friends who help the koumbaro carry out his traditional role and perform various rituals.

VIEs
Very important extras who act as readers, singers, poets, or party aides. A VIE can also serve as guest book captain (makes sure all guests sign), tradition bearer (walks down the aisle toting a family heirloom or heritage symbol), or etiquette guru (fields all guest questions that begin with, "Is it okay if...").

Shape Up: Aerobics Basics

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Why is aerobics so good for the body?
The biggest benefit of aerobic exercise is weight loss and a healthy, strong heart. Brides looking to shed pounds and slim down on their big day should engage in aerobic exercise several days a week. However, it's impossible to see muscle definition with excess fat on top of it. For brides who want to look toned and sculpted on their big day, the key is to combine aerobic exercise with weight training.

What constitutes an aerobic workout?
It can simply be walking or jogging on a treadmill, riding a bike, or taking a group fitness class like spin or step. That said, it's beneficial to challenge your body with an intense spin class, a high-energy step class, or a boxing class. Tip: It's important to vary your aerobic exercise to avoid reaching a plateau or getting bored with your workout. You'll be more motivated to continue your aerobic routine if you're having fun and seeing results.
definition zone
Aerobics = The term "aerobics" refers to continual cardiovascular movement that's fueled by oxygen. Put simply, it's a cardio workout that burns calories and gets the heart pumping. The recommended time for aerobic exercise is about 45 minutes.


How can I get fast results?
Vary your workouts -- this will keep you from losing interest, and the more you vary your routine, the better your results will be. It's also important to eat one hour prior to aerobic activity. You need fuel to last a full 45 minutes and get the most out of that time. Many brides want to see results fast and try to eat less and work out more. But if you don't have the energy to get through your workout, you won't see any progress. Finally, it's important to get a good night's sleep and to rest for at least one day a week for your body to repair itself.


Any tips for getting started with an aerobics routine?
First, always check with your doctor before beginning any fitness regimen. When beginning an aerobic exercise plan, it's important to start slowly. Start with 20 minutes of aerobic activity and gradually increase to 45-minute sessions over a two-week period. It can also be helpful to alternate with a walking program when just starting out. Many brides want to see results right away, but be careful not to overdo it because you'll be less likely to stick with it over a long period of time if you get burnt out.

Shape Up: Acupuncture Basics

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What is acupuncture?
A licensed practitioner uses sterilized, stainless steel needles to cause an immune response in the body to reduce stress and treat an array of illnesses.
What are the different types of acupuncture? What's the most common?
There's Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Five Element, and Japanese-style acupuncture. Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture is very common and dates back 2,500 years; it's the oldest continually practiced medicine in the world. TCM treatments include and incorporate acupuncture, Chinese herbal therapy, dietary therapy, and breathing exercises.
Acupuncture is great for bringing down stress and anxiety, increasing energy, and aiding in better sleep.


What are the benefits of acupuncture?
Acupuncture is great for bringing down stress and anxiety, increasing energy, and aiding in better sleep -- perfect for a weary bride or groom. Besides being a great stress-reducer, acupuncture is also used to successfully treat a number of ailments, including gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory problems, and dermatological disorders.


Does acupuncture hurt?
The feeling caused by acupuncture needles varies from person to person, but it's common to feel some cramping,(bridal gowns online shop) heaviness, distention, or a sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected area. This feeling is referred to as bu tong, or painless, and is considered part of acupuncture's healing effect.


What are some good resources for finding a good acupuncturist?
Check out PsychologyToday.com, AcuFinder.com, or CitySearch.com for recommendations and reviews on acupuncturists in your area. When you do find one, be sure to ask which ailments the acupuncturist works with regularly and then check his or her background at NCCAOM.org.


Any tips for getting the most out of acupuncture?
Be open-minded and honest with your acupuncturist. The key to successful treatments is pinpointing stress and ailments. And ask questions! If you don't see or feel results, tell your acupuncturist so that adjustments can be made. Also, keep in mind that acupuncture isn't magic, and it's not a feel-good pill. It takes the patient and practitioner working together to heal the body and the mind, which means breaking bad habits and striving to live a life that's healthier and happier.

Bridal Beauty: Bridal Beauty Insider Tips

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"More hair spray is not necessarily better. Too much of it can weigh down the hair and give it a dull finish. Sometimes, if hair is too oily, the hair spray can make it look whitish or cloudy."
-- Kristin Ariniello, Makeup and Hair Artist, Portland, OR

"If you’re doing your own makeup, it is a good idea to schedule a makeup lesson with a licensed professional to teach you everything you need to know about bridal makeup and makeup in general. This will give you confidence and knowledge that will last way past your wedding day."
-- Kirsten Brusse, Joli Visage, Providence, RI

"If you’re concealing a tattoo, learn to do it the right way with the right products. Go to a professional makeup artist first and have her teach you the right steps to conceal a tattoo and the correct products to buy for your skin tone."
 -- Lyndsey Yeager, Glossa Professional Makeup Artist, Cincinatti, OH and Covington, KY

"Don’t neglect your eyebrows, but don’t do them yourself. Your brows frame your face, so let a professional take care of your brows. It’s also a good idea to get them done days before so there’s no redness."
 -- MiMi Johnson, P3 Lab, Atlanta, GA

"Avoid makeup overkill. Want Angelina's lips, J. Lo's skin, and Jessica's eyes? Beauty inspirations are wonderful, but make sure all the elements will work together -- there may be a reason you aren't finding all of those accentuated features in one photo!"
-- Jeni Hoover, Jeni Hoover Hair and Make-up, Austin, TX

"Wear the correct shade of foundation. The best way to figure this out is in 'natural' daylight. Never make a decision about foundation unless you’ve applied it to your jawline first and looked at it in daylight. The color should blend and look like it disappeared."
-- Dierdre Mahon, DeeVa Beauty, LLC, Nutley, NJ

"When shimmer is applied just the right way, it adds to the beautiful, natural glow you already have. However, when too much shimmer is used, it can make your face look sweaty or oily -- especially in wedding photographs. To keep it looking natural, apply the shimmer to only one place. Also, just give it a light dust to avoid the sweaty look!"
-- Christy Lavallee, Makeup Artistry by Christy, Sturbridge, MA

"Waterproof, waterproof, waterproof. Many women make the mistake on assuming that they won’t cry on their wedding day when, in actuality, they always do. Use waterproof foundation, primer, eyeliner, and mascara. We don't want makeup running down the face from either tears or too many dances
-- Allison Sammel, Elegant Beauty, Danbury, CT

"Controversial, I know, but I recommend no SPF be worn on the wedding day. Additional sunscreen will cast an ashy or ghostly affect when flash photography is used. I’ve always practiced this, and will until I get further data that says otherwise."
-- Kelly Wisniewski, Make-Up Artist, Phoenix, AZ

"Although it looks beautiful in person, mineral-based makeup is not ideal for photographs. It looks as if your skin is oily on film."
-- Daneene Jensen, Hair and Makeup Artist, Hilltown, PA

Bridal Beauty: 20 Great Makeup Tips

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Waterproof It
Choose a mascara that's waterproof; it lasts longer and withstands tears. If you really don't like the look or feel, use one coat of regular mascara, then follow up with a light coat of waterproof mascara.


Bonus Tip: If your veil needs to be removed after the ceremony, make sure your hairdresser shows your mom or maid of honor how to do it without mussing your 'do.
On the Line
Charcoal, navy, or mahogany are your best options for eyeliner. Black or brown may look too severe, especially if your weddinggowns for debut will be held during the daytime and/or outdoors.

Lighten Up
Use a white shadow as a highlighter on your brow bone if you have light skin; a warmer light peach or vanilla shade will suit deeper complexions.

Give Them Shape
Do contour your eyes, but avoid using color that's too dense (it can detract from your eyes themselves).

Shade Your Brows
Define your brows with a pencil or shadow that matches your hair color.

Get the Red Out
Pop an eye drop if your eyes look red or tired, but stick with a brand you've used before to avoid unwelcome surprises (irritation or worse!).

Sweet Cheeks
Don't forget your blush! A pop of color on your cheeks is like an instant facelift. For fairer skin, a pink tone will work; those with deeper skin tones can choose a rosier hue.

Zap a Zit
If you have a blemish or breakout just before your wedding day, keep your hands away from your face -- the spot will heal more neatly if you leave it alone. In the case of a sudden monstrous pimple, see your dermatologist and ask for an cortisone injection that will shrink it instantly.

Blend, Blend, Blend
Blend well all over, especially at the corners of your eyes, since cameras pick up visible makeup lines.

Get a Good View
For your makeup application, natural light is best. If possible, set up an application table near a window. If there's no natural light available, use a superbright lamp -- halogens work best.

Sit Up
If you're getting ready at a hotel, ask for a high bar stool so you can be at eye level with your makeup artist. If you can't get a stool, simply prop yourself up on pillows.

Even It Out
Use bronzing powder on your chest and neck if you need to even out your skin tone -- it will make your skin more luminous and ensure that your face doesn't look too different from your body.

Watch That Gown
Don't, however, use foundation on your decolletage -- it can stain your dress.

Carry Protection
Use a moisturizer that includes SPF 30 or higher, especially if you are getting married outdoors! You may be getting more sun than you think you are, and you will definitely look pinker in pictures.

Brighten Up
Choose a lip color that's a bit bright. Pale nude or brown lip hues can make you appear washed out in photos, particularly since you'll be wearing white. If you normally wear a neutral hue, wear it as your base with a pink or rose color on top. If you normally wear dark lipstick, use that as your base and apply a lighter sheer pink on top to give you a lift.

Keep It With You
Even if you mix various lip colors when applying your makeup, be sure to have one great lipstick to carry with you for touchups.

Greet 'Em With a Grin
You can have the softest lips and the perfect lipstick, but if your teeth are yellow, you won't want to flash a smile. There are lots of safe, reliable over-the-counter teeth-whitening systems, which all whiten teeth by a few shades.

Prepare the Area
When you're getting your hair styled, a low counter with a mirror -- like a vanity table -- will work best. Check to see that your chair has a low back, so your wedding hair stylist will have easy access to your head. And make sure there are electrical outlets nearby for appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, and electric rollers. For extra insurance, bring a few extension cords.

Turn On the Heat
If your wedding is early, or if time is of the essence, plug in your rollers, curling iron, or straightening iron before your stylist arrives to save time.

Refresh Your Tresses
Head to a local spa and have a professional scalp massage (which not only feels good, but stimulates the hair follicles and adds body) and deep conditioning treatment the week before your wedding.