Selecting the Perfect Bridesmaid Dress: Top Things You Need to Know

Preparing for your wedding is no easy or quick task; it takes patience, planning and lots of time and support. While you are planning the wedding things might seem chaotic and stressful but it is amazing how on that special day everything just falls into place nicely.

One of the most thought about decisions other than your wedding gown is the gowns your bridesmaids will wear. You want them all to be happy but you also know what you want to see on your wedding day. Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to pick out bridesmaids dresses.

1.     1.  Try to pick a style that will compliment any body type. While this may be a bit trying to accomplish if your bridesmaids feel comfortable in their dresses everyone is bound to have a great time. The last thing you want is to make one bridesmaid feel horrible in her dress. Enlist in the help of your bridesmaids, take them on a trial run of dress shopping and try out as many styles as you can and see which looks best on all the body types. Another idea for this topic is you picking the color and material of the dress you want and then giving your bridesmaids free run to decide which style of dress they want. This can add variation to the wedding line up and it helps ensure everyone is comfortable with the choice.

2.    2.  Start the shopping early enough that you can try different styles and also have plenty of time to order in the dresses should you need to special order. You also want to be sure the dresses are in with enough time for alterations to be done if they are needed as well.

3.     3. Consider your colors, the color scheme you have chosen might not look good with all styles of dresses, so before you go making purchases try to see the color you have chosen on the style of dress you like best.

4.      4. Consider your bridesmaids input and opinions as well; after all they are the ones who have to wear the dresses. It would be the same thing as your mother picking out your wedding gown and just handing it to you saying “here you go.” Depending on how connect your mother and you are that may or may not be a good thing. So, before deciding on the bridesmaid dresses ask what your bridesmaids think first.

5.      5. Don’t forget that your bridesmaids may or may not bring home as much income as you. When selecting bridesmaid’s dresses remember typically the bridesmaid is responsible for purchasing the dress and alterations, so be kind. Don’t pick a dress that is $500 and can only be worn once. Try to find dress styles that can utilized and worn on other occasions that way your girls aren’t spending hundreds of dollars for a dress for one day. I wish wedding gowns were that versatile.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, hopefully these tips can help you while you are on the hunt for the perfect bridesmaids’ dress.

By: Trista Wilson

How to Stay Safe in the Summer Heat

Summer is a time most people look forward to all year, especially through those cold winter months when the snow just seems to never end. While enjoying the summer heat and weather you must keep in mind you also want to be safe, it is very easy for our bodies to become overheated which can lead to serious consequences. Below you will find some tips to help you stay safe while enjoying the summer heat.

1. STAY HYDRATED - You could be drinking any beverage and it will help to keep you hydrated, but the best drink to consume on a hot day is water. Just be careful leaving your plastic water bottle in the sun, the plastic chemicals can leech into your water. Instead, opt for a stainless steel or aluminum reusable bottle.

2. PROTECT YOUR SKIN - While the heat may not be a factor in getting sunburn, you should still take precautions to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Remember even on days that are overcast you get sun exposure, so be sure to lather up often with a high SPF sunscreen.

3. TAKE BREAKS - Be aware of the heat and how your body is reacting to it. If you are spending time outdoors and are partaking in strenuous activities like sports or yard work, be sure to take frequent breaks. While on your break sometime in the shade with a cold drink is highly advised to help cool your body temperature. If your body temperature rises too high you run the risk of heat stroke and other serious consequences. While we are on this topic here are some common signs of heat overexposure you should be on the watch for. Heavy sweating, pale skin, muscle cramps, feeling weak or tired, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and passing out. 

4. DRESS FOR THE WEATHER -  Don’t wear your heavy black wool slacks to a picnic in the park, and opt for lightweight and light colored clothing to help keep your body cool. Throw a sun hat on as well to protect your head from the rays of the sun. This can also be said for children, be sure to dress them the same way you would dress so that you do not end up over dressing them. The typical rule of thumb is if you would wear a t-shirt and shorts than your baby or child needs the same. You could always pack a blanket if you think a young baby would get chilly later.

5. PROTECT YOUR EYES - One of the most important accessories you can have when spending any length of time in the summer sun is a good pair of sunglasses. A good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from sun damage as well. The sun is linked to higher risk of cancer growths, macular degeneration, and even cataracts, so keep those baby blues or greens covered and protected. 

By: Trista Wilson