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Planning a wedding can be an exciting but overwhelming process, and that’s where a wedding planner comes in. Hiring a wedding planner can bring a level of expertise, organization, and peace of mind to the wedding planning process, making it a worthwhile investment. Here are just a few reasons why hiring a wedding planner is a great decision. Saves Time and Stress Wedding planners have the experience and resources to plan and execute weddings efficiently. They take care of all the details, leaving you free to focus on the bigger picture and enjoy the planning process. Expertise and Connections Wedding planners have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the wedding industry. They can provide you with insights, suggestions, and creative ideas to make your wedding unique and memorable. Budget Management Wedding planners can help you stay within your budget …

Your wedding reception allows friends and family to celebrate your special day. However, traditional wedding receptions can sometimes become stagnant and repetitive, with guests sitting at their tables and only getting up to dance. A sip-and-stroll party is a great way to break up the monotony and get your guests more engaged in the celebration. Let’s talk about three sip-and-stroll party ideas that can make your wedding reception more interactive and fun. Wine and Cheese Tasting A wine and cheese tasting is a sophisticated and engaging way to entertain your guests. Set up a station with several different wines and cheeses, allowing your guests to taste and compare. Provide some background information on the wines and cheeses to make the experience more educational. Consider offering a variety of wines, such as reds, whites, and sparkling options, to cater to different …

By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher Brides & Weddings The first dance at a wedding is a moment that many couples look forward to. It’s a special moment that signifies the beginning of your new life together. However, the first dance can also be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you’re not a natural dancer. In this article, we’ll explore the art of the first dance and provide some tips to help you make the most of this special moment. Choose the Right Song The first step in planning your first dance is choosing the right song. Consider a song that has meaning for you as a couple or one that fits the theme of your wedding. The song should also be a comfortable tempo that you can dance to without difficulty. Consider taking dance lessons to help you choose the right song …

By Rachel Nohe Picking a honeymoon destination can be both exhilarating and exhausting, and finding a hotel or resort that fulfills the expectations of both you and your future spouse can feel impossible. Not to mention the anxiety that comes from knowing that there may be certain amenities you are missing out on just because you didn’t even know to ask about them. Andrea Savitch, owner and president of Unique Travel Events is here to help and can assist in building just the right honeymoon experience for you by making the planning process less daunting and much more enjoyable. How Unique Travel Events Can Help You For over a decade, Unique Travel Events has been helping couples plan dream vacations, whether for a honeymoon or a silver anniversary getaway. Having personally traveled to 11 different countries just last year, Savitch …

Provided by Tangs Bridal Tangs has announced the inclusion of a new dress line at the Bridal Studio: Pronovias of Barcelona. Since 1922, Pronovias has been the premiere face of bridal gowns across Europe, beginning their international expansion in 1977. Tangs is pleased to include themselves on a short list of North American retailers proudly carrying this luxury staple of European fashion. Tangs has added 12 dresses to their current collection, each one capitalizing on the hottest trends or the greatest classics. If you would like to catch these beautiful gowns and more, schedule an appointment with Tangs today. Call 703-393-8458. The Pickford A 1920s-inpired évassée style in handmade lace is gently fitted over the back and derriere and features a gorgeous chapel train in butter soft tulle. Accessorized with an overskirt, it takes on extra volume for a grand …

Provided by Tangs Bridal So you’ve found the perfect dress –  now, you need the perfect veil to complete that once-in-a-lifetime look! At Tangs, the staff stocks a variety of the most in-fashion veils for brides from all walks of life. While veils come in many shapes and sizes, Tangs carries the two most popular lengths: Fingertip and Cathedral. These two lengths vary based on the maker of veil, with fingertip lengths running between 38-52 inches and a cathedral running between 118-122 inches. Tangs also creates custom veils beyond their premade selection. Besides length, a bride should consider the details on their veil, and the weight of these details. Why? A weighted veil, whether it’s beading, lace, or sequins, prevents a veil from flying up and about during an outdoor event. This means that a Tangs rep will be likely …

Provided by Tangs Bridal Even with meeting 20 brides a day, the owner of Tangs – Tang herself – has managed to find the time to head to Salt Lake City to explore the latest season of wedding dresses. Coming soon to Manassas: the freshest collection of Fall 2022 bridal gowns by Maggie Sottero. Maggie Sottero is an Australian bridal line, founded 20 years ago by namesake Lesley Margaret (Maggie), who adopted the name of Maggie Sottero  in honor of her great-grandmother. Maggie dresses are significant for their ethereal, romantic, and timeless silhouettes. While in Salt Lake City, Tang, along with Vice-President Kenny, were invited to headquarters to see what this year has in store. From dramatic all-red bridal gowns to the cleanest crêpe lines you’ve ever seen, these additions to Tangs will make for an exciting bridal season this …

Provided by Tangs Bridal and Alterations Train fluffing is an art. If you are in a wedding, whether as a bridesmaid, a mother of the bride, or a guest, this is a great tip to help you be of assistance to the bride on their big day. Have the train prepared on a flat surface Grab every layer of the train within both of your hands. The train should be treated as a full circle, so adjust the placement of your hands accordingly — not too far apart, and not in the center Gently toss the train up in a wave-like motion. Let the train grab the air blow, causing the fabric to pillow and balloon as it falls to the ground. Do not throw the train down. Let the fabric settle and adjust accordingly. This should help you in your …

By Lisa Beth Miller Sponsored by Long and Foster Real Estate Although planning a wedding is very time-consuming, engaged couples actually do have other important life tasks to tackle. For many, finding the right home is at the top of the list! We talked to Peggy Burke, an Associate Broker with Long and Foster Real Estate about how couples should navigate through this exciting process. “Wow. Where do I start? Like you don’t have enough things on your plate to think about; now you have to think about what kind of place each of you would like to call home. There are so many choices, with the first being whether to rent or buy.  I suggest talking to a Realtor and to a loan officer recommended by your Realtor.  Then you can see what you can actually afford. Another factor in …

By Lisa Beth Miller Serving a full dinner meal at a wedding reception is a traditional choice, but honestly, it isn’t for every couple! Some want to simplify the reception, or even host it at a time of day when a huge formal meal wouldn’t seem appropriate. For these couples, there are so many fabulous options! Here are some ideas. For the sophisticated couple who wants to mingle all night, consider a cocktail reception. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails can create a perfect party. Have your caterer include tray passed hors d’oeuvres in addition to a few mini-stations (try sushi or an olive bar). Create a bar area that features some signature cocktails in addition to the standard fare. This format allows guests to try lots of different morsels, plus makes socializing all night a breeze. For the romantic couple …

By Lisa Beth Miller Some of the most amazing girl-bonding memories (and pictures) are created while getting ready on the day of the wedding. Many brides arrange to have their hair and makeup done with the bridesmaids in a common location. If this is your plan, be sure the room is prepped properly so that this fabulous beauty-fest is everything you’ve dreamed. Hairstylists and makeup artists will do their best work if they are in a room with good lighting- preferably natural light. There should be an abundance of mirrors, including full length, magnifying, and standard makeup mirrors. If the beautifying is taking place in a hotel or at a venue, request bar stools for your girls to perch upon while they are being made over. Also, be sure there is ample table space for your beauty squad members to …