PROM/WEDDING/QUINCENERA

Want to look perfect on your wedding day? Here are five easy tips for wedding day beauty.

1. Use waterproof eye makeup. Most brides cry at their weddings. Even if you don't think you're the crying type, with so many waterproof products out there, why take a chance?

2. Use a long-lasting lipstick. When they first came out, most were dry and not suitable for a day-filled with close-ups and endless congratulatory kisses. But the new generation wised up with separate color and moisturizer. Apply the color once at the beginning of the day, and remoisturize a couple of times to keep lips luscious and picture-perfect.

3. Employ a "spot checker". This could be your maid of honor or another person whose makeup style is similar to your own (your mother is another good candidate.) Ask them to keep an eye on you and let you know if you need a touch-up. They might also do you the favor of stashing your lipstick in their purse for easy access.

4. Stash backups Stake out the bathrooms or changing facility at the venue. Stash an emergency kit including the power to beat down shiny noses, clear nail polish to repair stocking runs, a hairbrush, hairspray, lipstick, and a sewing kit, along with anything else you think you or your bridesmaids might need.

5. Do a test run. Make sure you test out beauty products several times? you wouldn't want to find out the morning of your wedding that you're allergic!

Relax! A relaxed bride is a beautiful bride. A wedding succeeds as long as you end up married at the end of the day. Everything else is just gravy.

Is it really tough to shop for the wedding dress of your dreams? It can be, but if you plan ahead, then chances are you will end up with the perfect dress. There are thousands of different styles of wedding dresses. From the bell-shaped traditional with lace and train to your modern form-fitting gown made of satin and decorated sequins. No matter what you decide to get, you eventually have to visit some type of wedding dealer.

Selecting your gown
Before even visiting the salon of your choice, you MUST have already had a clear vision of what your wedding theme is. Once there, don’t hesitate to let the salon know what you have planned to spend. Bring in clippings from magazines of gowns that you like. This will help the salon see if they have those styles or something similar. Also, acknowledge that some salons give free consultations. Take advantage of all the advice you receive. Consultants can help you find the dress of your dream based on your age and body type.

Cost
Don’t spend money on a gown that is way out of your price range. Wedding gowns can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Take your time when selecting your gown. If it helps, sleep on your decision and decide on a different day. You don’t want to rush into anything that can lead to regret. Don’t spend all your saved money on the gown itself. You should save a little for accessories and any alterations that may need to be done. Buying your wedding dress and accessories should be about five percent of your wedding budget.

Getting fitted for your dress
When being fitted for your wedding dress, you should bring your mother or the maid of honor with you. These people can provide moral support for you if you are having doubts. You should plan on six months to decide on and fit your gown. It normally takes at least three months before your order to be placed and your gown to be made by the manufacturer. You should plan on having a total of three fittings. First, is when your gown arrives. The second is to correct mistakes or alterations that may be needed. The third is to make sure that your gown is perfect!

One of the biggest decisions you will face as the big day approaches is the DRESS. The process of shopping for a wedding dress can be a fabulous adventure, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming--particularly because a bride-to-be often starts shopping for her dress before many other details of her wedding are determined. You might have had a clear mental picture of the dress for you since you were five years old. On the other hand, you may have no idea what you are going to wear or feel strange about the idea of wearing white. The important thing is to relax, and remember that there are as many different kinds of dresses out there as there are different kinds of brides.

Take a few minutes to think about what you want. It will be helpful when you enter the maze of dresses out there to know what your budget is, any details that are essential (i.e. I won't feel like a bride without a full skirt or if I don't have a cathedral length train, I don't wanna get married at all), and an idea of how traditional you want your dress to be. after all, if a teal pantsuit would work best for you, it's probably not worth your time to sort through racks of fluency white dresses.

Give yourself ample time to plan- generally, the rule of thumb is that you need to order your gown at least six months before your wedding. So you should ideally start shopping for your gown for nine months or more before your wedding. (If you don't have this much time, it is okay, just budget for some rush charges).

On your wedding day, you'll want to look great, but you'll also want to be comfortable- it will be hard to pose for all those pictures, dance, laugh, and more if you're tugging your dress up or have boning jutting into your ribs. First- consider which dress is most appropriate for your day? for example- consider a shorter tea-length or cocktail-length dress for a beach wedding. If you're the kinda gal who likes to dance with her hands in the air and anticipates doing the limbo, perhaps a strapless dress is not the one for you.

Think about your body type and what kinds of dresses generally look good on you. If a friend is making your wedding dress, ensure that you have agreed on a fitting schedule and chances to make adjustments. If you've purchased your dress at a sample sale, or discount outlet, you should budget money for taking the dress to a good tailor. Most designers will ask for three fittings, and will closely tailor your dress to fit you.

If money is an issue, remember that the most expensive kind of dress is not necessarily the best kind. Many brides find a bridesmaids dress in white or off-white that works perfectly, and is hundreds of dollars cheaper. There are thousands of dresses to be had at sample sales, thrift stores, and eBay. Consider taking pictures from magazines to a friend who sews or seamstress and getting a price quote. If you choose to make your own dress, don't delay. The sooner you finish it, the sooner you'll be able to attend to the many other details of your wedding.

Most of all, remember- this is your wedding day. Wear whatever makes you comfortable and feels like you. And have fun shopping for your dress. It should be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Silhouettes Options
A-Line
The A-line is good for brides with large sizes and figures.  An A-line dress is made with vertical seams flowing from the shoulders into a flared skirt.

Ball Gown
The ball gown is most traditional and characterized by a fitted bodice and a waistline with a full skirt.  This silhouette is good for drawing attention to the waistline -- and hiding full hips.

Empire
The hallmark of the empire style gown is a high waistline (beneath the bustline) leading into a slender and graceful skirt.  It is an attractive option for brides who are with a child.

Sheath

The sheath silhouette follows the line of the body and looks best on brides who commit to full-body fitness.

Mermaid
This silhouette is for those who like to show off their curvy body.  This is trendy in the season and thus showing up in the collection of top designers. 

Neckline shapes options:

The neckline is one of the major factors that determine the shape and style of dress.  Below are major neckline shapes.

Bateau

Bateau is a wide neck shape following the collar bone to the edge of the shoulders.

Halterneck

Halterneck is equipped with straps that join at the back of the neck.  It usually has a low cut back which makes it best worn without a bra.

Jewel

The jewel neckline is round and high cut.  This style is good for anyone wishing to cover up their upper chest/ collar-bone area.
 

Round

The round neckline is U-shaped, which is cut low. This is a style that suits any bride.
 

Strapless

The strapless is a straight or shaped neckline. This style is good for those with broad shoulders.

V-neck

The V-neck is a v-shape at the front, which de-emphasizes the bust line.  This style suits brides with medium-sized breasts.

When a girl of Hispanic heritage turns 15, it becomes a celebration of passage into her womanhood. It’s a very special event for a girl and just like with every special event, comes a special hairstyle. We’re not just talking about curling and leaving it down. Well, you might ask, “What kind of hairstyle can you have for such an event??

A Quinceanera is a very elegant event, which calls for a very elegant type of hairstyle. So you might think of other elegant events that require that kind of style. Well, there are weddings and prom, which usually result in an updo. And if you’re thinking of updo’s then you got it! Quinceanera hairstyles are just like those that you might see at a prom or a wedding. Here are some points to remember when doing your hair for that sweet 15.

• One thing about updo’s is how it accentuates the facial features of a women’s face, unlike most hairstyles these days which wrap around the face and tend to cover the eyes. Which of course cannot be acceptable in a Quincea? ras for it is a time of celebrating and looking elegant.

• If you have a rounder, fuller face, updo hairstyles that work to elongate your facial features are your best bet. A high ponytail that is curled into layers that build upon each other achieves this longer updo quite well.

• If your face is longer and thinner, try updo hairstyles that place more hair behind the head than on top of it. A one-quarter ponytail with some fluffy barrel curls to add waves is a great look for women with longer facial features. The hair on top of the head tends to remain flattered, while the added hair depth behind your head gives your profile a rounder, more symmetrical appearance

Don’t be afraid to try different hairstyles. Remember it’s your big day and it’s on you to feel comfortable and beautiful.

A Quinceanera is more than just any other birthday party. It includes a religious and cultural right of passage for a young lady. There are tons of details that involve in the planning stages or a quinceanera. One of the most important steps, after securing the church is finding a place in which to host the reception party.

To further assist you in the planning of your quinceanera, here is a list of things to keep in mind during your planning.
 

One to Two Years In Advance:

• Set the date

• Book the event site (i.e. church, banquet facility, etc.)

• Book the priest/minister (if applicable)

• Determine your budget

• Choose a theme (this can be anything from a flower, a recent movie release or based on a hobby of the honoree).

• Choose the colors (see below).

• If financial resources allow it, hire an event coordinator who specializes in Quinceaneras.

• Book the church? don’t forget to book a rehearsal so you, your court, and your family can have a walk-through before the big day.

• Assemble a preliminary guest list. Decide on Sponsors? who is paying for what?

• Book the reception site (for a variety of event location options, click here).

• Book caterer, if reception location does not offer on-site catering.

• Book the entertainment for the party: DJ, band and/or mariachis.

• Book transportation for the quinceanera, her court of honor, and family from church to reception.

• Book photographer and/or videographer (be sure and check with the church on their policy about filming in the church).

• Research bakers and select cake for the reception.
   

Nine Months In Advance:

• Begin Planning Ceremony.

• Begin Planning Reception.

• Announce your Quinceanera in the local newspaper.

• Order invitations.

• If you are having your dress made, line up a dressmaker.

• Hire a choreographer or dance instructor to help you with your waltz during the reception.

• Decide if you want a full or half Court of Honor and choose the members.

• Decide on rental equipment needed (if applicable) to reception: tent, chairs, tables, linens, dance floor, staging, etc.

• Secure rental equipment with a local rental company.

• Choose attire of Court of Honor. Choose your Honor Escort.

• Purchase invitations.

• Purchase decorations.

• Purchase party favors.

• Meet with the Priest or Minister to discuss the ceremony and your preferences.
  Four Months In Advance:

• Finalize guest lists.

• Touch bases with all your vendors to go over details: photographers, florists, musicians, caterers, etc.
   

Two Months In Advance:

• Address invitations and announcements.

• Mail them 6-8 weeks prior to the event.

• Make appointments for hair, makeup, and nails.

• If you are not having a dress made, now is the time to purchase your dress. Send invitations.
  One week before:

• Contact guests who have not responded.

• Give final count to a caterer and review final food, beverage, and set up instructions.

• Give the photographer and videographer a list of shots you would like included.

• Give all musicians the lists of music for the ceremony and reception.

• Make a list of all the items you need to take to the church (candles, gifts, rosary, Bible, anything pertinent to the ceremony itself).
   

The Day Of:

• Be sure you eat something prior to the ceremony. This will be a long day and it may be a while until you get to eat at the reception.

• Have hair, makeup, and nails done.

• Have someone keep an emergency kit with an extra pair of pantyhose, clear nail polish (for runs), band-aids, makeup, and a mini sewing kit.

• Take payments for vendors and bring extra cash for tipping as necessary.

• Get your checklist of items needed for the ceremony and reception and make sure you have everything before you leave.

• Relax and have fun!

Getting the right prom date is often the result of careful planning.

Girls typically work harder at getting a prom date than do boys. They seem to know intuitively how to get a prom date: planning months in advance, spending time with the right guy, and hanging out in the right group. These, the most successful methods, work best with advance planning.

Guys need to face their fears: Will you risk rejection by asking the person you are most attracted to or play it safe by asking someone else? For you, how to get a prom date includes deciding what you want and what you are willing to risk. Then, ask-but doesn't wait until prom week.

If you did wait until prom week, you may still find a prom date. If you have a girlfriend or boyfriend, you should already know how to get a prom date-but you should have asked before now. The next easiest approach is to ask a good friend. After that, asking someone in a lower grade is a safe bet for guys, because junior girls often make it a top priority to go to prom with a senior. Asking someone in another school works, too, since it feels risk-free all around.

If prom week is upon you and you are still wondering how to get a prom date, try asking your cousin, or your brother or sister. Admittedly this is the last choice, but it has a long tradition going back to the earliest of proms.

Source from: http://EzineArticles.com/

Preparing for prom night should begin months ahead of time.

Getting a date comes first. Girls without steady boyfriends spend more time finding a date than do the boys. The best strategies involve becoming a part of a particular group and building a particular friendship with prom night in mind.

Boys and girls each have their respective areas to prepare. Sometimes it's difficult just to get the boys to rent their tuxedo, but they also need to arrange for the limousine rental, cover all costs, and make the arrangements for the night such as a group activity or a romantic dinner before.

For girls, preparing for prom night is more intense. Make a to-do list for the prom. Make another just for your hair. Select dress, jewelry, and hairstyle in that order, coordinating everything. If you need a hairstylist, begin asking for recommendations in advance. If you have one already, make a special appointment three months ahead to discuss your prom hairstyle.

Six weeks ahead, book an appointment with your stylist no less than four hours before the limo arrives. Try a complete dress rehearsal with hair, dress, and jewelry a month before your prom. Finally, on the day before collect all your essentials in one place. Does your hairdryer work? Do you need more gel?

These are the essential steps when preparing for prom night. Finally, don't forget that you and your date will exchange corsage and boutonniere. Buy it the day before, keep it refrigerated, and please try not to be nervous when you pin it on.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Pay attention to the details -- interesting necklines, pretty fabrics, sparkly touches -- and your prom dress will dazzle. Here are some of our favorites:

1)Satin gown
Celebrities have been wearing plenty of satins this year, and there's a great reason: it looks fab! Skip skintight styles (they show every bump and undie line in satin) and opt for a full-skirted long gown.

2) Sequined glamour
Sequins, paillettes, and intricate beading add points to the glam factor of any dress: look for understated beaded trim, simple bursts of sequins, or an eye-catching all-over pattern.

3) Vintage goddess
Show your sense of style with a designer-inspired gown: many labels create their own jazzed-up versions of celebrity-chic dresses. Several trendy looks this year include one-shoulder "goddess" gowns.

4) Little black dress
If you plan on sporting your prom dress again, the LBD is a classic. Choose a sleek column dress, flirty shift, or take your cue from Audrey Hepburn with a chic A-line number.

5) Hanky hem prom dress
The hanky hem dress is so unique and adorable, you'll have all eyes on you! It's a great alternative because it's short enough to dance in but long enough to look really dressy.

6) Strapless prom dress
A flash of a collarbone or a glimpse of the shoulders is a great way to show a little skin in a tasteful, elegant way. Avoid chunky necklaces for the full effect of a bare clavicle.

7) Short and spicy prom dress
A short dress? that means calf-length or above? freshens up the normal, sometimes-dated prom style. Look for interesting hems: jagged, asymmetrical, fishtail, retro circle skirt, or even train-bedecked.

8) Ruffled prom dress
From rumba ruffles to a sweet little frill, a little girly goes a long way this prom season.

9) Lace dress
Get that pretty, lingerie look that's so hot with lace. Add a touch -- at the neckline or hem -- or go with allover lace. Keep the jewelry and bag unfussy for the best total look.

10) Prom queen dress
The ideal Cinderella-at-the-ball getup. A bouffant skirt and otherwise simple top combination are for the prom-queens at heart. These gowns require minimal accessories because they are so show-stopping.

Source from Casey
http://fashion.about.com/

A large part of any girl's prom is the prom hairstyle she chooses. The most popular prom hairstyles are subject to change each year. This year feminine, wavy styles are popular, but edgy styles will also fit the bill.

Today's most popular prom hairstyles are luscious curls or waves. Multiple layers around the face, fresh curls, and shoulder-length hair combine into an ideal of the feminine the mirrors the style of leading pop divas. Similar but less finished, soft twists combine those curls with styles that are half up / half down. Bangs are also in, especially large or sultry bangs swept to one side.

In spite of the emphasis on curls, straight hair still has its place among the popular prom hairstyles. Straight hairstyles that are textured or have a sleek mirror-shine are especially popular.

More daring styles include shoulder-length bobs reminiscent of the late '70s; the mullet is also in, combining cropped sections with longer tresses. Also popular is the extremely short cut worn by actress Alyssa Milano.

Always have a fallback style in case your hair refuses your chosen prom hairstyle. The popular French braid is an example of a style that can add class and control to any bad hair day.

The right accessory can make the difference between attractive and stunning. Bejeweled hair sticks or vintage hair combs are popular. Whatever you choose, be certain the hairstyle is consistent with the dress you have chosen, as well as with your jewelry.

Source from: http://EzineArticles.com/

For all you ladies (guys too) out there, prom is one of the most important nights to be remembered in your entire life. When you go to your prom make sure you’ve branded this moment in time in your memories. Make it special. Make this dance count and stand out from all the other dances you’ve been to. This is the last special occasion in high school!

So what are the things that should be done before this night even appears on the announcements? Of course, you have to prepare the basics (dress, tux, boutonniere, dinner, etc.) In order to make this night work it is not that hard to come up with these basic essentials two weeks before the prom, but do you honestly want to wait two weeks before the prom?! NO WAY! Like mentioned earlier, this night is going to be one of the most important nights you will ever have! This will also come once in your lifetime. You ARE going to make this night special!

Here are some steps to take to make this night memorable.
 

4 Months before Your Prom...

• Work out your budget (start saving money if necessary)

• Look around at the various dresses available

3 Months before Your Prom...

• If you don't already, start to maintain your hair and nails.

• Purchase your dress.

• Purchase your prom accessories to co-ordinate with your dress.

• Order your limousine, making sure to record the time, date, and name of the person you talked to.

• Make restaurant reservations, again making sure you record the details of your call.

• Start working out to tone your muscles.

2 Months before Your Prom...

• If your dress needs altering in any way, make sure you make the appointment now (look in the yellow pages under custom tailor).

• Select the undergarments for your dress (and try everything on together to make sure it is right!)

• Purchase your prom shoes. If you are going to have them dyed to match your dress, do this now.

• If you are getting your hair done by a hair salon, make two hair appointments (the first for a trial run, so you know what it looks like, and the second one on prom day).

• Make a manicure appointment.

6 Weeks before Your Prom...

• Purchase the prom tickets.

• If you are doing your own hair, start experimenting to find a style you like.

4 Weeks before Your Prom...

• Start wearing your shoes around the house to break them in (there is nothing worse than wearing new shoes for the first time at a big event!)

• If they haven't met your date already, introduce him to your parents.

• Order make-up that matches your prom dress.

• Start drinking lots of water instead of juice, soft drink, etc.

• If you suffer from acne, you may want to look at the various acne treatments available.

3 Weeks before Your Prom...

• Have your trial hairstyle at the hair salon (if you aren't doing it yourself).

• If you are planning on having a bikini and/or underarm wax, stop shaving.

• Confirm your limousine, restaurant, manicure, and hair appointments.

• If you are going to use it, try out your sunless tanning lotion.

• Make sure your make-up is correct, and that you don't have any allergies. This is also a good time to experiment with your make-up.

• Try on your dress, to make sure that it is still the right fit. Organize any needed alterations.

2 Weeks before Your Prom...

• Purchase those last-minute items - camera film, pantyhose, etc. Make sure you try the pantyhose on with the dress to check the color is correct.

• Get your bikini/underarm wax.

Prom Day!

• Eat a healthy breakfast and lunch.

• Don't wash your hair (updo's last longer with dirty hair).

• Go to your hair, nails, and makeup appointments (as appropriate). Make sure to wear a button-down shirt for your hair appointment!

• Pick up your date's boutonniere and place it in your refrigerator.

• Pack some extra cash in your purse.

• Make sure your parents take some photos of you and your date, in case there are any problems with the professional pictures.

Most importantly, HAVE FUN! It’s your last special occasion of high school, make it memorable!