Get the right tan for your wedding day!

We all want to look our best on the big day. Many of us have made pledges to lose weigth, tone up, and then some. No matter what goals you are embarking on, it seems that often tans are included! With the sun not quite out yet, how do you get a little darker tone? While options of high-pressure beds, mystic tans and self-tanner are probably the first to pop into your mind, it's also probable that you have heard horror stories about these options as well! Chances are you or someone you know has been burnt, sticky, stinky, or walked away the colour of a lobster, which is definitely not what you want for your wedding photos! So let's go over a few tips on how to NOT end up that way. k k kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk Au Naturel Of course, a natural tan (as in from the sun) looks the best. So if you're fortunate enough to have the right weather and some free time, get golden this way. Invest in a bandeau top to avoid pesky tan lines. You should still use a low SPF to avoid burning, and be sure to watch how long you're out there for! k k kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk Tanning Salon If you choose to visit your local tanning salon, please do so as safely as possible. Ask an employee if the bulbs have been recently changed. If they have, cut your tanning time in half. Always use a lotion made for indoor beds to help keep your skin hydrated and avoid burning. Buy your own pair of protective eye wear - they're not expensive! k k kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk Self-Tanner Another option is with a self-tanner. Make sure you experiment way ahead of time to find one that doesn't streak or look orange on your skin tone. Exfoliate before applying and go sparingly on the elbows, knees and heels. Shower roughly 8 hours after your last application to rinse off any bronzer that may rubb off on your dress.

Wedding Cake Style Ideas

Here are some fresh ideas, and a few bold statements, that you can make with your wedding cake. These are great new trends that we are seeing lots of now to add a spice of personality to this traditional element of your wedding.



Graphic Sugar Appliques
Big sugar flowers are still lovely, and very popular, however the latest in wedding cake add-ons isn't your typical garden show anymore. More abstract sugar-made designs seem to be bursting from the cakes. A few pretty applique ideas can be seen below, as well as paisley, ruffles, lace cutouts and starbursts are coming to the forefront.

Creative "Stamped" Patterns

For a unique, one-dimensional look, ask your baker to "stamp" a fun pattern onto your cake using a paintbrush or edible dye and a stamp. The bold result creates a very different look. Don't go overboard - you'll want to limit the designs to just a few tiers to keep it from looking too busy.

Chandelier Inspired

Always loved lighting and chandeliers?! Have your wedding cake reflect your interest. You can ask you baker to include chandelier elements on the cake, or even have it set up to look like a chandelier on display.

Fabric Fun

Skip the typical allover buttercream swirls - the new way of texturizing a wedding cake is with fabric-like elements, like all-over white fondant designed to look like eyelet or crocheted lace. You can work in the design of your dress to make the cake look similar in style. Ask your baker to frost delicate lace-like accents around the tiers or to use sugar appliques to create a ruffle look.

Retro Accents and Colours

It really is true that trends come back around, and now we're seeing retro make an appearance on cakes. Go for black-and-white, or even a mint green-frosted cake, softened with a small, black bow on the bottom tier for a funky '50s look. Or get a classic Grace Kelly-inspired style by askign for a white cake banded with champagne ribbon and accented with a sparkly silver brooch. In the same way, throw back to the 1920s with pink and gold-toned frosting and flapper-esque accents, like edible beads and sugar-painted feathers.

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Cake Buffets
There's no rule saying that you are only allowed to have one cake, so order what you want. You can have a trio of coordinated cakes for your cake table, or an assortment to offer guests. This is great if you have specific dietary needs, such as lactose intolerance or gluten free. To get the cakes to match, come up with a design, motif or colour scheme to work with, and ask you baker to vary the design from each cake. It's eye-catching and a great alternative to a stand-alone.

Middle Tier Treatments

Traditionally the focus on the wedding cake is all on top, but this does not need to be the case. Consider moving the cake topper or some decoration elements to the middle cake tier for an entirely new look.

Looking for something permanent?

Wedding tattoos are no new idea, couples have been tattooing rings on their ring finger for a while now. Here are a few new ideas if you like the tattoo idea, but aren't keen on getting a ring...

Song Lyrics or Quote Tattoos
What about getting a phrase from a song on you? If there's a certain song which applies to the relationship, both of you may want to use one of the lyrics or phrases as a tattoo. The lyrics could be from your first dance song at your wedding, or another song that represents your feelings for one another.

Another option is for you to get a tattoo of a quote which is significant to you both. It may be about how you feel about eachother, or a phrase used at your wedding in the ceremony...it's truly up to you.

Sentimental Wedding Tattoos
There are a number of sentimental tattoo ideas which can be great choice. If you share children, you might choose to get an identical tattoo of you son or daughter's name. You may also choose to get a matching tattoo which has a meaning, such as a star if you consider each other to be their shining star. The wedding tattoo may also be representative of how you first met.

Love Symbol Tattoos
Marriage is based on love. It would make sense to consider a wedding tattoo symbolic of love, such as a Chinese symbol for love or marraige. You may find other symbols that remind you of love, such as a heart surrounded by a rose vine. Be creative, even create your own rendition of a symbol to customize it for you and your new partner.