Doing your own makeup may be something that seems intimidating at first but with a little practice and a few tips you can do your makeup like a pro!

You just got engaged! How exciting! The first matter of business (after some crying and calling all of your friends and family… and maybe some more crying) is to choose a date and get those engagement photos done so you can send out your save the date ASAP, right? Wedding planning is usually a very long process, and it’s important to inject fun into it whenever possible. Invitation stuffing night becomes a girls night in sleepover with corny rom-coms and wine. Your venue tastings should turn into day drinking adventures. And your engagement shoot should be a fun day out you will remember always. Plus fun times render fantastic photos. These couples have fun down pat!

One of the things that is easy to forgo when making budget cuts is lighting and uplighting. Here is some advice; don’t. Lighting is such an easy way to add atmosphere and a romantic feel to your wedding. Lighting is what your eyes are initially drawn to, so it’s important not to skimp on it.

The soft glow of a candles flicker can take a dinner table from drab to ethereal. Twinkling lights make a subpar backyard into a wonderland. Strobes and lasers make a wood floor into a rocking dance floor. All it takes is a little know how, a bit of research and access to electricity to up your lighting ante and really create an atmosphere of romance and wonder.

I already did an article on how to treat your bridesmaids, but what about how to be a good bridesmaid? A lot of bridesmaids accept the roles without knowing how much is entailed and what is generally expected of the position. Here is a breakdown of generally expected responsibilities, and how to knock them out of the ballpark.