How to keep your scents light and sensible this summer (BPT) - The seasons affect everything we wear, eat and feel – including the scents we choose. When weather warms, Americans turn to lighter scents in everything from body lotions and perfumes to clothing fabric softeners. “Annual American perfume sales are around $5.2 billion,” notes Sue Phillips, founder and president...
One-of-a-kind ideas for an unforgettable wedding (BPT) - Mark knew he wanted to marry his girlfriend, Stacy, but he didn’t know how to pop the question. The proposal had to be memorable, unique, and meaningful for just the two of them. A cozy picnic on their favorite beach, surrounded by soft sand and cresting waves sounded perfect. Mark just needed that one final det...
Bridal trends transform grandma's china from vintage to vogue (BPT) - New brides are transforming something old into something new. That’s according to the latest bridal tabletop trends. While in recent years brides have been registering for casual dinnerware, lately industry experts are seeing brides returning to fine china. Sales indicate they’re opting for porcelain and bone c...
Tips and trends to create the wedding of your dreams for less (BPT) - When it comes to the big day, you want a wedding that suits you and your fiance perfectly, whether it’s a casual outdoor affair or a formal black-tie event. One thing every couple can agree on is that planning a wedding shouldn’t be stressful. A few insider tips and trends of 2013 will help you plan the wedding...
Relax while planning your wedding with these financial and budgeting tips (BPT) - Planning and organizing a large and complex special event can quickly overwhelm a bride and groom-to-be, especially if the couple has no previous experience or training in large event organization. In addition to all the details of the invite list, the location for all activities for the big day and the special ...
The wedding shoe trend for everyone: pain-free and pretty (BPT) - Sparkles, spangles and color, new or vintage, whatever your preference in wedding shoe styles there’s one trend that every bride should get behind: comfort. “Pretty flats and even tennis shoes have been gaining popularity among brides for several years, and while those styles may not be to everyone’s taste, the...
Honeymoon encore: The big move in (BPT) - It may come as a surprise to young engaged couples, but the excitement of the wedding and honeymoon doesn’t end when it’s all over. In fact, after the honeymoon, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and plan the big move – the joining of two households. It’s a herculean task finding the perfect location with great...
Money and marriage: Tips to achieve financial happiness (BPT) - Fights over finances are a commonly known cause of stress and divorce, and a new survey indicates that while the average couple fights over money five times a year, they discuss finances reasonably fewer than two times a month. Every couple knows there are some topics you just don’t bring up – his mother’s dre...
Five questions to ask before you tie the knot (BPT) - “I’m so lucky I’m marrying my best friend,” is a phrase you often hear in wedding toasts. Now that you’ve found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, make sure you protect each other by considering the bigger financial picture. According to Wedding Paper Divas , 47 percent of engaged couples...
Getting married this summer? Tips for combining all your stuff (BPT) - Wedding day traditions vary ever so slightly from decade to decade based on music, fashion and cultural change. However, today’s newlyweds have a distinct issue that their parents probably didn’t face a quarter century ago – which sectional couch stays, and which one goes? Today’s wedding registries are still c...
Expert skin care tips for glowing skin on your wedding day (BPT) - The ideal dress, the perfect menu, the heartfelt vows – to these add another necessity of your dream wedding: gorgeous, glowing skin. Throughout your entire wedding – from the moment you start walking down the aisle to when you exchange vows to your first dance as man and wife – the focus is on your face. Beauti...