Planning for hair and makeup
As you look through bridal magazines for dresses, pay attention to hair and makeup styles and save the pages of those you like. This will help you communicate with your stylists.
Begin looking for a stylist 3-6 month before your big day.
Choose a stylist that you feel comfortable with and th
Contributed by Glam 2 Go Mobile Beauty
of Moonachie, New Jersey — 973-337-2855
Liking Your Wedding Photographer.
Before booking a wedding photographer, go out on a practice photo shoot. It's a great way for the photographer and the bridal couple to get to know each other and to see if their personalities are compatible. If you've enjoyed the shoot and like the photographer's work, book the photographer.
Contributed by Keepsake Studios
of Mt. Holly, New Jersey — 609-267-7415
Getting a NJ Marriage License
Be sure to apply for your New Jersey marriage license at least 2 weeks before the ceremony with your local registrar or county clerk. Some couples forget to even apply for their license. In NJ there is a mandatory 72 hour waiting period after you have applied to receive the marriage license.
Contributed by LCB Wedding Ceremonies
of Bloomsbury, NJ — 908-343-9490
Getting the Best Family Wedding Photographs
Tell your photographer your family secrets; which family members don't get along, who is divorced, etc. Not only will you get all the photographs you would like, but everyone will be included, and no one will be offended.
Contributed by Keepsake Studios
of Mount Holly, New Jersey — 6092677415
Meet with Your Wedding Photographer
Be certain to meet with a prospective photographer before signing any contracts. An effective photographer should have excellent people skills. If personalities clash, it's sure to appear in the photographs. So, to get the best wedding pictures, be sure you and your photographer have a good rapport.
Contributed by Sachi Villareal Photography
of Clifton, New Jersey — 201-647-9533
Race for the Song!
Don't make your wedding music a last thought. Be sure to book your ceremony and reception musicians at least 6 months before the wedding. Weekend dates can get booked quickly - especially during the Spring and Summer months.
Contributed by Jaclyn Duncan Music
of Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648 — 917-400-1658
Discounted Wedding Dresses in NJ and NY
Statistics show that, on average, brides spend 25% of their wedding budget on the dress. So, when visiting bridal salons in NJ and NY areas, add your name to their mailing list. You may get lots of mail, but you'll also get first dibs on trunk show dates with terrific prices.
Contributed by New Jersey Top Wedding Sites
of Wayne, NJ 07470 —
Love Your Wedding Planner!
Don't choose a wedding coordinator, even a day of coordinator, by the price. Interview all perspective wedding planners and choose the one whose personality clicks with yours. The more you feel you are on the same wavelength as your planner the more likely you are to be happy with their service.
Contributed by There For You Events
of Budd Lake, New Jersey — 831-224-3463
iPod vs. Wedding DJ
A DJ, being a live human being, is interactive and can follow the energy and mood of the crowd - playlists do not know what is happening and cannot adapt. If you want your wedding to have life and excitement; hire a DJ. If you are just looking for background/ambient music, maybe a playlist is fine.
Determine what you want your
Contributed by DJ Mystical Michael
of Edison, New Jersey 08817 — 973-908-8147
Discount Wedding Transportation
Weddings are expensive, and you want to get the most for your money, so spend wisely! For most couples transportation is necessary, but there are things you can do to cut costs. Look for limo companies that offer discount travel for weddings and then compare cars, services, packages and options. Don't be afraid to ask for special rates or discounts.
Contributed by Drive - 4U Westfield Car & Limo Service
of Westfield, NJ 07090 — 908-578-3590
Waterproof Bride
For cry-proof wedding day makeup, switch to waterproof formulas of your favorite makeup products, especially mascara. Here are a few products that really stay put! Bourjois Cosmetics: waterproof mascara & effet metallise eyeliner pencil.
Contributed by Princess Bride
of Englewood, New Jersey — (201) 567-3655
Plan Couple Time
Schedule a no (wedding) planning day! It is important that you spend time together as a couple enjoying each other's company. If you can't make it a full day without any planning talk schedule no planning for a half day. See a movie, visit a museum or zoo. Engagements should be fun!
Contributed by
of Scotch Plains, NJ 21160 —
Wedding Day Emergencies - Are You Kidding, Really?
It's your wedding day. Everything has gone exactly right! You're perfection in your gown when you sneeze and pop your zipper. Seriously, it's happened. Assign someone to have an emergency kit for the nightmares you hope you don't have!
Contributed by With This Kiss I Thee Wed
of Mays Landing, New Jersey 08330 — 609-605-8906
