I'M GOING TO BE A BRIDESMAID!

I have some exciting news to share... I've been asked to be a bridesmaid in November along with 7 others, that's right SEVEN,  big wedding! I've been a bridesmaid twice in the past (admittedly both quite a while back) and also work at a hotel part time which hosts 2/3 weddings every weekend so feel like I understand the general running of the typical wedding day so hopefully this will help me out in November. As it's been a while- I better dust off my best aisle walk and polish up on small talk for the big day. This wedding is going to be very big, very busy and very beautiful.

The date is November 19th and I'm praying for snow, imagine the perfect white wedding! It is a church marriage then onto a 200+ room hotel for the reception and evening-do. By far the most nerve racking part for me will be in the church, I am the first to walk down the aisle along with the only flower girl so all eyes will be focused our way. This I am not excited about and any of you who know me will know I'm one of the most naturally clumsy people going. Here's hoping I don't trip in front of a church full of people who will either:
A. be in my life forever and remind me endlessly of my embarrassment with photos and videos
or
B. have never met me and be presented with this moment as their first impression...

Anyway, lets not dwell on the horror that could become all too real on the day, but instead think up a helpful and handy list all bridesmaids should read prior to the wedding planning beginning (I love lists).

All Things Bridesmaids Should Know, Have and Do

1. Help to dress shop - for bridesmaids dresses and bridal gowns! Attending shopping trips for dress hunting, appointments for alterations and final fittings closer to the date can be tiring and time consuming but are very important dates for the diary you need to allow for.

2. Try and remember guests names and make small talk with them (drunk or not!) You are a representative of the bride and as she will be busy 99.9% of the day, help her out by giving guests attention, strangers included.

3. That takes me onto this point: try and stay as sober as possible not to humiliate yourself, the bride or anyone else, but also drink enough so that you dance all night and fill up the dance floor constantly.

4. Be prepared to help with the final details, colour scheme, flowers, decor, timings etc. This may be long winded but the bride will value and appreciate the time and effort you make.

5. Toilet duty! Hold the bride's dress and stand in the toilet with her - no complaining...

6. The bride is bound to be a bundle of nerves both leading up to and on the big day. You and any other members of the bridal party are there for support and you must remind her she is making the right decision and running off and leaving him at the alter isn't the best plan (not always anyway).

7. Carry tissues, lipstick, concealer and gum with you. You never know when things could get emotional and you need to be able to clean yourself up quickly as photos will be being taken from all angles, all day. You will also be meeting a lot of people so keep your manners in check and make the bride thankful she chose you, use gum and even hand sanitizer if you're going to be the social butterfly for the day by getting round as many guests as possible.

8. Gifting the new happy couple is important as a bridesmaid in wishing them all the best and setting them in good stead for their future. You could take the easy option and offer to pay for something towards the wedding as a token gesture and early gift or you could be like me and make everything 10x more difficult for yourself by leaving those opportunities to pass you by and be stuck thinking up different ideas to top the 'regular' guests presents. Oh the wedding politics!

9. Both the bride and bridesmaids need to discuss the hair, make up and nails for the day. Obviously all the bridesmaids can't be totally different, but never the less should still be sporting their own style within reason. This is where the bride comes in, she has to A-OK every detail as of course its her big day. Also, as a bridesmaid, be financially ready for this! I know a lot of brides now pay for most of the treatments bridesmaids have as part of the 'package deal' but if not, get saving. Hair, make up, nails and tanning isn't cheap, especially if you are having trial runs prior to the day.

10. This is the biggest and best yet: the HEN-DO/BRIDAL SHOWER/BACHELORETTE party!! You and the other bridesmaids must organise and host the most outstanding celebration of the bride's final moments of 'single' life that she will remember and cherish forever. Think themes, costumes, location, invites, surprises, cocktails, clubs etc. etc. We have actually already planned, paid for and prepared for this (OCTOBER 7th-9th) but I will be writing a whole separate blog post on this afterwards!!

Have you ever been a bridesmaid? Are you going to be? Do you have any helpful advice? Let me know!


Until next time, Toni. xo

The Perfect Red Lip

 

As party season is just around the corner and Christmas is in sight it's time to pull out the red lippy and with long days shopping and late nights out you need a trusty one to see you through. I have the answer. L'OREAL's 'Color Riche' collection holds some beautiful colours but one of my favourites by far is 'Blake's Pure Red'.

 

The colour is deep and powerful with a matte smooth finish on the lip, this is perfect for any occasion night or day. Matching with Christmas jumpers and dresses, there is every excuse to pull out a bold, bright and beautiful red.

 

Not only is the product itself beautiful to wear and look at, so is the packaging, a matte black animal print touched with gold detailing and print, this is an essential for your make up collection this year. The quality of the product is a steal at only £6.99 from your local drugstore. The level of pigment and staying power is something only dreams are made of and I've never quite had anything like it. The product doesn't bleed off the lip or smudge and loose the shape. It has held strong through all tests of eating, drinking, talking and even heavy rain - you could say it's a super lipstick.

 

This is a must buy for yourself or any fellow make up and lipstick lovers this Christmas with seasonal colours matching the deep red pigment perfectly. This has been my favourite red lipstick I've ever tried and potentially the best lipstick find this year. You simply must try it.

 

Until next time, Toni. xo

Bourjois Buys

Bourjois is an unfamiliar high street brand to me and to be honest I've always just walked past the stand whenever I've been in a drugstore. However, a few weeks back my friend introduced me to one of their lipsticks which I ended up going out to buy just days later!

The lipstick was from the 'Rouge Edition' range and was in the colour '18/Violine Strass'. I actually saw the product in my friend's make up bag and was drawn to the packaging, but I was instantly put off by the deep colouring with purple undertones. I've never been brave when it comes to my lip colour and often stick to nudes or understated pinks so this was a big jump for me to take. However, my friend encouraged (basically forced) me to try it and my goodness am I glad she did! 

Although not at all similar to my usual picks and far from my comfort zone; I loved how it felt and looked on my lips and I suddenly found my comfort zone expanding to make room for this unexpected, new love for colour. The lipstick has a matte, yet slightly smoother finish (making it easy to smudge and move around throughout the day) so I find it best to wear with a base of lip liner or even powder to set it in place. 

As the colour is fairly dark I'm saving it for autumn and winter seasons: my favourite time of year! I'm already excited to pair this colour to dark and warm clothing colours and textures as well as big chunky knit wear. 

  Onto eyebrows now which aren't really a big priority for me, and up until a few years ago I did nothing with them! Now, I fill them in lightly and just keep them neat, so as I was already at the Bourjois stand something I also picked up was the Bourjois 'Sourcil Precision' eyebrow pencil in the colour '07 Noisette'. 

I have mixed feelings about this pencil, although the colour is a well matched, build-able and easily applied product the lasting power isn't the best. I find that half way through the day it has faded and even smudged sometimes. 

I am going to continue using the product and using it alone, as well as along side my previous favourites, however I don't think I will repurchase and will continue my search for the best eyebrow pencil for me. 

Be brave with make up choices and try things you never normally would - you never know, your comfort zone may change - you might even learn a thing or two about different undiscovered products! 

Until next time, Toni. xo

Prom, Prom, Prom.

Friday 3rd July 2015 : The Big Day

This year I was on the prom committee and although I didn't exactly enjoy every minute, the results of the night made it all worth while. I think it's safe to say everyone enjoyed the night - including myself! 

As prom is a popular topic around this time of year and people tend to get a competitive side when it comes to other proms compared to their own, I've decided to share pictures of the night and my experience! 

The venue's entrance 

Inside the room

Table decor

Class of 2010-2015 

 

Until next time, Toni. xo