Beehive

June 23rd, 2006 @ 12:02 pm by Mrs. Bee

In today’s hive, JB wants to know about hair/make-up trials, P wants to know about cocktail receptions, and Nina wants to know about hair extensions.

Please feel free to add your question to the hive!

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42 Responses to “Beehive”

Guest

Regarding hair + makeup trials … how far in advance of the wedding “should” this be done? I’m getting married out of town, and only have a few trips planned to our wedding destination between now and the October wedding. But this is a priority, and not sure when the best time is to do it!

6/23/06 @ 12:26 pm (reply)

Guest

Just found your website and love it already!

I’m really want a late-night cocktail hour with passed appetizers rather than a traditional dit-down meal at the reception. It seems like a classy way to stick with our budget in downtown Chicago. My fiance is kind of traditional and not quite sold on the idea yet. Have you seen any articles or do you have any advice on how to pull off this type of reception successfully?

Thanks!

6/23/06 @ 12:30 pm (reply)

Guest

Mrs. Bee

Hey P,

Here are a few articles that might help:

http://www.ultimatewedding.com/articles/get.php?action=getarticle&articleid=1204

http://www.southshoreweddings.com/topic/157.htm

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/homegarden/2003006081_askmartha20.html

http://www.my-wedding-blog.com/index.php/2006-05-01/cocktail-wedding-reception.html

Cocktail receptions are usually held earlier in the evening (4-7) before dinner. How late of an event were you planning? You also might consider a station with something filling like pasta. =)

Good luck!

6/23/06 @ 12:40 pm (reply)

Guest

Andi

first question - to JB. i am getting married in november, and i am getting my first hair trial at the end of this month. i plan on going at least 1 more time. if you plan on coloring or perming or doing anything to your hair for the wedding, i highly recommend getting it done at least 3 months before the wedding. that way, if you dont like it, you will have time to fix it. also, you will need several trials (2 or 3) because they might still mess it up on the day of the wedding. (i’ve heard horror stories). just make SURE that your stylist knows exactly what you want, because you wont have time to do your hair twice on the day of the wedding. also, make sure that you choose a style of hair that wont fall out by the end of the night - no matter how much hairspray and pins they use, your hair will come down a little.

second question - to P. have you thought about having a lunch reception instead to cut costs? if you are set on having a night time reception, then maybe you could think about having a nice buffet line instead. does your venue allow outside catering? if so, you could have a large buffet line, plus a few carving stations (with chefs) and that might save you a little money. no matter what though - do NOT skimp on the liquor as a money saving tool. you dont have to provide the highest level of alcohol, but a cash bar is a no-no in most cases. good luck!!

6/23/06 @ 12:45 pm (reply)

Guest

Mrs. Bee

JB - If it’s a priority to you, you should get it done asap because it may take you a couple of trials to find someone you like. Plus you’re planning an out of town wedding, so you really have limited opportunities.

(I had horrific hair and make-up day of but had my moh save the day! not booking my trials far in advance = big regret)

6/23/06 @ 12:47 pm (reply)

Guest

Ariel

As for makeup trials… do it like a month before the wedding. Or if you’re cheap like me, I scheduled my E-pics one month before the wedding since I already have to get done up either way.. so I can get a trial without paying extra…^^

For cocktail hour, my opinion is that it should be considerably late then. Because if your wedding is at 6PM.. and the guests don’t get a dinner… they gonna be hungry and cranky. Plus, if they’re really hungry… and they eat a ton of appetizers… that could actually be more expensive!

6/23/06 @ 12:48 pm (reply)

Guest

That should be a sit-down meal, not a “dit-down” meal

Thanks for the advice. I would never skimp on the liquor. The drinking and dancing is important, which is why I am thinking of skipping the meal.

I don’t have a venue, a date, a budget, a plan or anything - I am lost, which is why I am here!

6/23/06 @ 12:51 pm (reply)

Guest

Ariel

Venue is first priority.
Because depending on their rules… your plans may have to change.
Find a venue and then start doing the details!
Don’t panic though! This site is awesome and everyone’s so helpful… you’re in good hands~

6/23/06 @ 12:54 pm (reply)

Guest

Excellent articles! I guess I should add that I was thinking of having the ceremony at the same venue as the reception. It would start around 7:00 and then the cocktails, appetizers and dancing would immediatly follow.

6/23/06 @ 12:55 pm (reply)

10.

Guest

toad

For the first question, my stylist at my regular salon told me the hair and make-up trials should be no more than 3 months before the wedding. I think that’s assuming you won’t need more than a couple trials to find what you want. She said it’s because the stylist and artist may forget what they did exactly that gave you the results you liked. (I didn’t ask, but maybe if you took pictures as the trial progressed to document it, they could recreate the look even if the trial was more than 3 months ahead.) I think she knows what’s she’s talking about as this is a chi chi place (that’s why I’m always a little uncomfy there but I suck it up for a good cut) that does a lot of wedding work.

Disclaimer: Um, I haven’t done any trials yet so I don’t speak from any experience. This is all hearsay.

6/23/06 @ 1:16 pm (reply)

11.

Guest

Nina

I am having a destination wedding and I contacted a hair stylist there. I would love to have my hair 1/2 up, 1/2 down, but I have a problem, short and thin hair. Now what should I do??

The current NYC hairdresser wants to charge me $200+ for hair clip extensions (which is what I need) so the price for an hair-do will go sky-rocket. I went online but cannot find any web-site reliable and trusty-worthy. Supply stores usually sell only pieces to attach.
I was hoping to spend less than $100. Impossible?

The hair stylist in the country where I am getting married suggested me to bring the extension from USA since there I may pay $700+ (?? are they made out of celebrities hair or what???)

Thanks in advance for your help.
YOU GIRLS ROCK!!!

6/23/06 @ 1:52 pm (reply)

12.

Guest

Case

I had my make-up and hair trial a month ago, which would be 3 mos before my big day. Based on what I’ve seen of the stylist’s work, I knew she was the one, and her calendar books quickly. So, I wanted to make sure that I had my trial so that I can book her. She turned out to be perfect. I photographed all the styles so that on the day of, I will have the photos to remind her. Try to get some recommendations on a stylist/artist and start contacting them to find out their availability. The really good ones book quickly, at least they do in NY. Good luck.

6/23/06 @ 1:53 pm (reply)

13.

Guest

shelley

instead of thinking cocktail reception, think of it more as a tapas reception. plenty of food in small portions that can be passed and served at stations. that way, you keep people moving and keep them full. one of my favorite stations at my engagement party was the mashed potato station. servers mixed potatoes with the guest’s choice of toppings (kind of like at those marble slab ice cream places) and then served them in a martini glass - it was the perfect amount to eat while mingling.

i actually had never been to a sit-down dinner reception until a friend of mine got married in baltimore. everyone i’ve ever been to was heavy hors d’oeuvres and no formal seating. that’s just how we do it down south.

6/23/06 @ 2:10 pm (reply)

14.

Guest

Hannah

Hi JB,
My makeup/hair person suggested anywhere after from 6 months to the wedding. She said that trends change and so does your mind. So you want to make it closer to the wedding than not.
Hope that helps.

6/23/06 @ 2:15 pm (reply)

15.

Guest

Katie

P-
I disagree that guests will necessarily show up hungry and cranky at a 6:00 wedding/reception where there’s not a full meal served. Just be sure to note on the invitation, “hors d’ourves reception to follow”, “drinks and dancing to follow,” etc., then the guests should take the cue to have an early dinner before the ceremony. I myself am in a similar situation: we’re not huge “food” people–we love our desserts! So we’re having a dessert reception starting at about 7:00–even though it’s traditionally a time when dinner is being served, guests will have plenty of time to eat beforehand and show up at the reception ready for tons of delicious desserts and drinks!

A note on the drinks–I agree that skimping on the drinks is not the way to go, but if you’d like to keep costs down, consider limiting the variety of drinks rather than quality or quantity–we’re just serving beer, two kinds of wine, punch and coffee–we don’t want to spend the money on a full bar but don’t want guests to be sitting around sober and bored–if you have lots of great wine and beer on hand guests won’t miss having access to mixed drinks–and it’s much more economical than a cash bar!

If your site will allow you to, consider bringing in your own alcohol. We’re on a bit of a budget, but we’re getting our wine from the local Aldi–their Winking Owl chardonnay is actually very, very good–so’s the merlot–and each is under $5 a bottle! A good bartender can serve anything in a way that seems elegant no matter how limited the variety.

6/23/06 @ 2:35 pm (reply)

16.

Guest

hello ladies!
i’ve been sifting through websites upon websites, magazines up magazines, pics upon pics..and i’ll still in search of a mesmerizing lace wedding gown! I would like to find a dress that is both lace and silk (lace top, silk bottom) I saw a beautiful one made by Jenny Lee w/ spaghetti straps…but wanted to see if anyone knew where i could find more pics of such a combination? (or would anyone be willing to post/share pics that they have on file?) thanks so much!!

6/24/06 @ 10:04 pm (reply)

17.

Guest

toad

J. Crew has a pretty french lace shell/silk satin skirt combo that’s $1120 total. http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/multiProduct.jhtml?ids=prod74609571,prod69340571

If you don’t mind a fairly simple two piece set, this is a nice option I think. Hope this is similar to what you want!

6/25/06 @ 3:38 pm (reply)

18.

Guest

Marisa makes a beautiful gown with a alencon lace jacket and silk satin strapless gown underneath. Of course, I’m biased, it’s the gown I’ll wear for my wedding!:

http://www.marisabridals.com/catalog.mv?initseries=15&initstyle=611J&frames=yes

6/26/06 @ 12:35 pm (reply)

19.

Guest

I have a Christos dress for mine that is silk on bottom, lace uptop - strapless, asymetrical waist. The manufacturer’s picture is really bad since you can’t see the shape or look of it! You can also get with or without flower and bow. I am doing no flower (brooch instead), with bow. Different options on the gown.
http://christosbridal.com/vsStyle.php4?id=&style=ch11

They also have a lot of other lace/silk options you might want to check out. Again, some of their pics aren’t the best.

6/26/06 @ 1:06 pm (reply)

20.

Guest

Esther

I got my gown at edguardo bonilla. He has a lot of lace gowns with silk/organza bottoms. They are beautiful!

http://www.edgardobonilla.com/

6/26/06 @ 1:28 pm (reply)

21.

Guest

Christina

Essence of Australia has a dress that looks just like the Marisa dress. I love lace dresses too!

6/26/06 @ 3:41 pm (reply)

22.

Guest

audrey

Are there any brides out there wearing the Pronovias “Joana” from the Dream collection? None of the salons in my area carry it, and I’ve only managed to find 2 pictures of that dress online. I’d love to see the dress actually on someone if you don’t mind sharing the picture!

6/26/06 @ 4:03 pm (reply)

23.

Guest

audrey

Oh, fyi, the Pronovias dress has a lace top too

6/26/06 @ 4:24 pm (reply)

24.

Guest

Yukirei

Umm, this is for KP (hopefully I am responding to the correct post- my first foray in this beehive). My Paloma Blanca is a lace top, it’s strapless but I’m sure they can be added on easily. I love the lace it’s mocha over a champagne overlay (or the otehr way around). Anyway the effect is a vintagey modern look. The bottom is a slim A-line skirt that comes in organza or silk options. Style number is 3565

Another PM style with lace top 3652 (has straps), and there’re a couple more but they’re strapless.

Link http://palomablanca.com/index.html
(sorry it’s not a link to the exact style, it’s one of those Flash things so you’d have to scroll through.)

Mon Cheri has gowns (with straps) like that too, but the skirt is tulle/ more poofy.

Have fun shopping!=)

6/29/06 @ 3:41 am (reply)

25.

Guest

alicia walker

Hi
I have just worn my pronvias joana dress for my wedding it is fab!
you can find photos of it at http://www.bephotographed.co.uk under images at alicia walker & mark jeffrey wedding. I am thinking of selling my dress for �450 if you are interested I only wor it for six hours! its a size ten

7/7/06 @ 11:41 am (reply)

26.

Guest

rawan

reply to audrey.
My joana pronovias dress has arrived from spain, and I’m going for my fitting to make sure it’s perfect next week.
I live in London, but saw the pronovias drss in one of the many bridal magazines.
I always knew this was the dress, from the second I saw it, but when i tried it on, I just knew….no doubt, it was the most stunning dress i’d ever seen

7/25/06 @ 11:25 am (reply)

27.

Guest

rawan

Alicia, you look fab in your dress….tell me, did the sleeves stay in place, or did they keep slipping, because they are placed at quite a tricky angle? plus you flowergirl dresses, where did you get them….the girls look stunning.

7/25/06 @ 11:39 am (reply)

28.

Guest

Goldeaf

I have been searching high and low for a picture of a “real bride” wearing a Pronovias ‘Joana’ dress. No dress shops in my area carry it, but I think it might be MY dress. Responding to alicia walker’s post on 7/7/2006, and rawan’s post on 7/25/2006, do you have pictures? I followed alicia’s link, but there were no images in the album. Thank you!

8/13/06 @ 10:43 pm (reply)

29.

Guest

Audrey

I flew to another state to try on Joana in ivory. I couldn’t take a picture of it at the salon, but I think I am too short for it. I am 5 ft 2, about 125lb. I loved the way it billowed out in the back, and the lace design really is exquisite. However, with the neckline up so high and all the ruching and draping, I looked really petite. I am one of the rare few that do not look good in A-line dresses. Even though the dress is beautiful, it looked like it was wearing me.

My sister and the salesperson really loved it on me and said that I looked very sweet and proper. That is a good thing for a bride-to-be and yet I just didn’t see who I wanted to see in the mirror. The price is amazing though. I found a reputable vendor who can sell it new for less than $700 (shipping included). I ended up trying on Pronovias America and my jaw dropped to the ground at how beautiful it was on me. I was determined not to go the strapless, white, A-line route or even the strapless route at all. But I fell in love with the strapless sweetheart, dropped waisted ballgown.

Pronovias 2007 is out now, with more fabulous designs. I am tempted to get America, but may hold out to try those on before I purchase. The new collection has many options with lacy straps.

8/14/06 @ 1:38 pm (reply)

30.

Guest

Adriana

I am selling my Pronovias America. I bought it for $3200 (Canadian) and will sell it for 50% off after it comes back from the cleaners.

I’m a petite frame - size 4 in street clothers, 5′3 tall and wore 3″ heels.

Anyone interested

8/23/06 @ 2:43 pm (reply)

31.

Guest

Erica

I’m crazy about the Pronovias Joana too! I live in rural NY and it’s hard to get to a place that has one. I’d love to see a photo of it on a real person! Also, I’m wondering about what the two colors look like in different lights…

9/20/06 @ 2:17 pm (reply)

32.

Guest

Audrey

Adriana,

I’m interested in your dress, but I’d like to see pictures of it first. Would you mind posting a few pictures in it on weddingbee? Also, is it the silk dupioni or the froise silk?

TIA!

9/20/06 @ 11:34 pm (reply)

33.

Guest

Adriana

Hello ladies,

The dress is made of the froise silk. In addition, I had the neckline modified from the sweetheart into a straighter one. I also had the bustle permanently pinned…however it can easily be removed if you so wish. Here are a few pictures from one of my last fittings and the wedding day.

http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/acesnik@rogers.com/album?.dir=9d70re2&.src=ph

9/21/06 @ 11:45 am (reply)

34.

Guest

george

Hi Adriana
not sure if you will see this again but i am very interested in the america dress
would love to see it on a real bride tho not the pronovias model
is tehre any chance i could see a pic of it please

11/10/06 @ 7:17 am (reply)

35.

Guest

courtney cox

Hello,
I am wearing the Paloma Blanca #3652 dress (mocha/champagne) in my July wedding that yukirei wore. Do you have suggestions for colors for bridesmaid dresses?
Thanks!!

1/15/07 @ 8:33 pm (reply)

36.

Guest

Sarah Jane

I am desperately seeking the Pronovias dress ‘Syros”. It is from the Manuel Mota 2005 collection but is hard to find. If anyone has this dress, please let me know.

1/23/07 @ 12:45 pm (reply)

37.

Guest

Cara

I am also wearing the Paloma Blanca #3652 dress in my July wedding. I was originally trying to compliment the Mocha sash by going with taupe bridesmaid dresses. But, my dress arrived yesterday and when I tried it and put a taupe bridesmaid dress next to it, it wasn’t enough contrast. So, I think I’m going to switch the bridesmaid dress color to pink dupioni silk.

1/28/07 @ 9:48 am (reply)

38.

Guest

N Meany

Hi,

I live in Ireland and am getting married at Christmas. Just wondering if any of you who are wearing the Paloma Blanca Dress 3652 would be interested in selling it after the wedding, I think its fab.

Thanks

5/9/07 @ 2:42 pm (reply)

39.

Guest

Caitlin

I know I’m about a year late, but if any of the women with the Joana dress by Pronovias has a picture I’d love to see it! I’ve been carrying the magazine copy with me for weeks and haven’t found it locally. I will be flying out of town in Aug to go try it on in Maryland.
Thanks!

7/16/07 @ 7:03 pm (reply)

40.

Guest

Caitlin, I have some pics. Leave an email and I’ll forward them to you. I flew out of state to try it on and was pretty disappointed tho. It looked pretty fussy and cheap in person.

7/16/07 @ 7:22 pm (reply)

41.

Guest

Caitlin

Great! Send them to onedayat_a_time@hotmail.com

7/18/07 @ 10:43 pm (reply)

42.

Guest

Colleen

Hello,
I was wondering if any of the girls wore the Paloma Blanca 3652 to their wedding if you could send me pictures of you in the dress. I am wearing the dress to my May wedding. I think it is really pretty would love to see pictures. Thanks

8/3/07 @ 10:33 am (reply)