Thursday, December 30, 2010

Book Moment: 1000 Best Wedding Bargains


There is not better book for tips on anything and everything when it comes to wedding planning.  1000 Best Wedding Bargains has planning tips from all topics A-Z. Here’s some tips for controlling the size of the wedding.
       Choose a destination wedding it limits the size to 25 people max!
       The reception may not be the only place that charges on a per-guest basis.
       Have a smaller bridal party
       A smaller guest list gives you the opportunity for more options
       Avoid kids (you’ll be charged for an adult guest)

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Forget The Gym

Here's a few tips on how to shed a few pounds without hitting the gym.

1. Eat first: eat a hard boiled egg before going to that holiday party. It'll curb your appetite by 25%.
2. Wear a ribbon around your waist. if it starts to get too tight...STOP and slow dow a bit.
3. Brown liquors have a higher sugar content, so avoid them.
4. Dancing burns 600 calories per hour.

(information adapted from BRIDES magazine January 2011 issue)

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Brides Magazine January 2011

If you havnt already received it in the mail... Head to the bookstore and pick up the January 2011 issue of BRIDES magazine.

It has a fabulous section about what to do during the first 30 days of Engagement!

Ill be focusing on some of these ideas in some of my blogs to come over the next few weeks, but its well worth purchasing and reading the entire article.

It starts on page 286! Happy reading!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

DJ Options

Wondering about your dj options for the reception? You basically have two options:

1. Hire one - after taking recommendations and doing thorough research.

2. Have a friend play the part and use an itunes playlist.

If choosing the second option make sure you really trust that friend, and be sure you can rely on them to stick to your "must play" and "do not play" lists.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas

Spend today with your family! Weds and More wishes you a very Merry Christmas!

Stay tuned for great after Christmas deals from mark and lia sophia!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Monday, December 20, 2010

Ways for Your Guests to Send You Off

Here's a list of a few different things you can have your guests send your off with :

1. Rice (just make sure it is bird safe)

2. Bubbles

3. Rice Crispies

4. Butterflies

5. Bird Seed

6. Fake Snow

7. Glitter or Sparkles

Just remember to choose things that are bird/animal friendly and biodegradable. And always make sure to check with the ceremony/reception site to see what they're rules are.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Dont Miss Out! January 2011 Lia Sophia Deals!

Hey all, February starts a new catalog for Lia...and you know what that means... January's the REVERSE Save plan with the Current Catalog... BUY ONE GET TWO AT HALF... plus MORE!

Remember... some items are also being discontinued and January is the last month to get those... so Hurry up... HOST A SHOW WITH ME TODAY!


www.wedsandmorebyash.com


Order Mark and Get in time For Christmas!

Forgot some people on that Christmas list? Dont, mark has you covered! Hurry up before its too late.

Shop Now at www.mymarkstore.com/akahler

Deciding on a Date


All of these fabulous tips were take from 1000 Best Wedding Bargains.  It’s a great book filled of 1000 (yes that’s right – 1000) best wedding bargains.
1.     Avoid May to September as this is peak wedding season
2.     Winter has lower prices, and makes for wonderful snowy photos
3.     You are less likely to compete with family and friend’s weddings in off season times
4.     Be wary of holidays – many places choose to charge more just because it’s a holiday
5.     New Year’s Eve/Day and Valentine’s day are the most popular wedding holidays, prices with be much higher and vendors will be hard to find
6.     Avoid super bowl Sunday – it will spike the price of your bar tab.
7.     Holidays can also increase the prices of travel for guests
8.     Choose other days besides Saturday, you’ll be amazed at how much you can save
9.     Save almost 20% by having your reception between 1pm and 5pm on a Saturday
10. Fridays are becoming more popular for weddings, but also allow a savings between 15-20%
11. Have a luncheon or afternoon tea on Sunday as your reception
12. Save 30 to 40% by choosing Thursday nights (best when all friends and family are in town or it’s a holiday weekend)
Information for this blog was take from the following book: 


Wednesday, December 15, 2010

For the Maid of Honor: The Toast to the Couple



As Maid (or Matron) of Honor, one of your most important tasks will be giving one of the toasts to the happy couple.  Usually you will be given a set time limit on how long it can be, so before you start any planning, make sure to check with the bride and groom as to how long you will have.
As you begin to start writing your speech, make sure that you focus on the bride, and include several emotions (make them laugh, make them cry) and funny stories and memories that you have of your time together. Be spontaneous if you choose, but make sure that if you may be even slightly uncomfortable talking in front of people, you bring a hard copy of your notes, and rehearse beforehand. It is totally fine if you read your speech! (don’t let anyone tell you otherwise).
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
       What did the bride tell you about the groom when they first met/first started dating.
       A funny story from growing up together
       How you met the bride, and how long you’ve known her
       An “appropriate” embarrassing story
       A funny habit of the bride the groom will have to “deal” with
       Words of advice to the bride and groom
       Wishes for the newlyweds
Keep your speech short, no longer than 2 minutes and make sure to finish by hugging the bride and groom. Stay relaxed and make sure you have fun!

Monday, December 13, 2010

The Ceremony Aisle


If you’ve chosen a ceremony site that doesn’t have a set “aisle” you may choose to create one… here’s a few ideas of what to use:
       Buckets filled with flowers
       Topiaries wrapped with tulle
       Small potted plants or palms
       Obelisks, urns or columns
       Large seashells
       Tiki-torches
       Garden stakes tied with 1” streamers

Sunday, December 12, 2010

HURRY LAST DAY!



Shop now www.mymarkstore.com/akahler

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

mark. Holiday Gift Event... Don't Miss Out!

How to Save with Gems!


Looking for that perfect engagement or wedding ring...but can't find the right price tag... here's a few cheaper options that get you the same look as the expensive ones!

     Emeralds = green-hued garnet, tourmaline or tsavorite
     Rubies = red garnets
     Diamond = white topaz
       Aquamarines = blue zircon or blue topaz

Ideas were Taken from 1000 Best Wedding Bargains

Friday, December 3, 2010

For the Mother of the Bride

Heres a little story for the Mothers out there!

It was given to me by one of my college roommates mom's as she was preparing for her daughters wedding...

The Dress

Jennifer's wedding day was fast approaching. Nothing could dampen her excitement - not even her parent's nasty divorce. Her mother had found the PERFECT dress to wear and would be the best dressed mother-of-the-bride ever!

A week letter, Jennifer was horrified to learn that her father's new young wife had bought the exact same dress! Jennifer asked her to exchange it, but she refused. "Absolutely not! I look like a million bucks in this dress, and I'm wearing it," she replied.

Jennifer told her mother who graciously said, "Never mind sweetheart. I'll get another dress. After all it's your special day." A few days later, they went shopping and did find another gorgeous dress. When they stopped for lunch, Jennifer asked her mother, "Aren't you going to return the other dress? You really don't have another occasion where you could wear it."

Her mother just smiled and replied, "Of course I do dear. I'm wearing it to he rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding."


Thursday, December 2, 2010

New Design!

I've made some changes to my blog... it looks a little different... ENJOY and make sure to check it out!




 PS... Don't forget to follow me!

Quick and Easy Centerpieces!



All you need are clear vases and some of the following:
              red apples
              pineapples
              grapefruit
              limes
              lemons
              pears
              plums
              bananas
              raspberries
              green apples
              grapes
              tangerines
              star fruit
              blueberries
              strawberries
              oranges
              black berries
              kiwis

Put any of the kinds of fruit listed above into the vase, use one kind or several (whichever is your desire).  Place in the center of your receptions tables...and viola you have a fabulous looking centerpiece.

Use different kinds of vases to make it even more unique!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Book Moment: Wedding Chic Maxims


Remind yourself of this fact when things seem to get out of hand!
Wedding Chic Maxims
“You’re running the show. Don’t get bullied by anybody else. Whatever it is, it’s not that important. There will be life after the wedding (and honeymoon). The wedding is for you and your fiancé – not your geusts. Focus on what you want; don’t obsess about what everyone attending will want or need. The customer is always right. Don’t let vendors tell you it has to be any other way. Enjoy yourself.”

Taken from Wedding Chic by Nina Willdorf

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgivng From Weds and More by Ash

Tidbit of the Day

Hey all...

Here's just a quick little tidbit for the day.

"Get a manicure the morning of your engagement party so your ring finger is ready for ogling over"


Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Lia Sophia - SCS Craft Fair

Great News! Not only will mark. be featured at the SCS craft fair this saturday November 20th, but so will lia sophia!  Come out to Schenectady Christian School in Scotia NY between 10am and 3pm for great prizes, unbelievable hostess benefits and jewelry and makeup you'll NEVER forget!

Just a Few Days Left for 10% Off!

Hey y'all... Just a few more days for 10% off your mark order (now through November 19th). Order by Phone or E-mail today to get this great deal!



Guest Book Alternatives


If you’re sick of the traditional book, here’s a few new and unique options to use as your guest book:
1.     Have your guests autograph river rocks, to display in a glass bowl
2.     Use an album, filled with photo-booth pictures shot during the first hour of the reception. Make it digital and print it out later! Have guests type captions to the pictures they are in.
3.     Have guest sign quilt squares that can be made into a keepsake blanket later on.
4.     Have guests sign a three-liter champagne bottle (called a jeroboam) that you can enjoy drinking on your first anniversary.
5.     A poster-size photo of the reception location, mounted on foam and set on an easel.
6.     A chalkboard to be held up by each guest (with their special message to you) during an individual photo session.
7.     Cards hung from tree branches
8.     A special object meaningful to you and your future spouse (guitar, glove, kayak, etc…)
9.     A long scroll of paper that’s been inserted into a type writer
10. A video – guests can leave you a message from the heart and you can watch it from years to come!


Thursday, November 11, 2010

Website Update...!

I've made a few updates to our website... make sure to check out the almost complete new section for mark. makeup! 

www.wedsandmorebyash.com

Main Task: DECIDE ON A DATE

All of these fabulous tips were take from 1000 Best Wedding Bargains.  It’s a great book filled of 1000 (yes that’s right – 1000) best wedding bargains.
1.     Avoid May to September as this is peak wedding season
2.     Winter has lower prices, and makes for wonderful snowy photos
3.     You are less likely to compete with family and friend’s weddings in off season times
4.     Be wary of holidays – many places choose to charge more just because it’s a holiday
5.     New Year’s Eve/Day and Valentine’s day are the most popular wedding holidays, prices with be much higher and vendors will be hard to find
6.     Avoid super bowl Sunday – it will spike the price of your bar tab.
7.     Holidays can also increase the prices of travel for guests
8.     Choose other days besides Saturday, you’ll be amazed at how much you can save
9.     Save almost 20% by having your reception between 1pm and 5pm on a Saturday
10. Fridays are becoming more popular for weddings, but also allow a savings between 15-20%
11. Have a luncheon or afternoon tea on Sunday as your reception
12. Save 30 to 40% by choosing Thursday nights (best when all friends and family are in town or it’s a holiday weekend)


mark. Celebrate


To order, visit www.mymarkstore.com/akahler or email makeupnjewels@gmail.com

Wedding Formality


There is no better book for tips on anything and everything when it comes to wedding planning.  1000 Best Wedding Bargains has planning tips from all topics A-Z. Here’s some tips for the Formality of the wedding.
       Don’t compete with a friend or family members wedding – it will never turn out the way that you wanted
       Location will tell you the formality
       Have a formal engagement party with fewer people and a more informal reception for all your guests.


Stay Tuned for more tips from “1000 Best Wedding Bargains” by Sharon Naylor.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Black, Red and White Wedding Inspiration

Black, Red and White Wedding Inspiration

Just checked this out from Hot Pink Brides! An awesome new trend!

mark. Introduces Meredith Kahn for mark.


visit www.mymarkstore.com/akahler for more information!

You want Me to Spend $100 on a Dress for my Six Year Old?




Here's a few tips on how to find bargains for the flower girl's dress:

Bridal salons will hike the prices up on flower girl dresses, so a new trend is to shop for a party or first communion dress in white.  Some may be a little too plain for your taste, but adding a bow is simple (and you can find those for around $5.00!) Who wants to pay $100+ for a dress for a 6 year old anyways?

mark. Little Black Dress - Wear it Day or Night!

Hurry before its too late!

makeupnjewels@gmail.com

www.mymarkstore.coma/akahler

Order, by phone or email, before the 19th and get 10% off!

mark. Super Flip Color Kit!

Like what you see????

Visit my ebotique at www.mymarkstore.com/akahler to shop!

OR Email makeupnjewels@gmail.com for more details!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Be Nice to Your Bridesmaids

These fabulous tidbits were taken from 1000 Best Wedding Bargains

Yes, a bridesmaid's job is to stand by you on your big day... and do as you wish (within reason) but these few tips can help make the tension between bride and bridesmaid a little less intense.  Choose a dress they can wear again... many bridesmaids wont mind spending $200+ on the dress if that's the case.  Many brides are also following a new trend... to allow their bridesmaids to choose the style after they have chosen the color.  A popular color is black - and all girls need a black dress!

Book Moment: PARENTS: The Bride's Diplomacy Guide


What The Bride’s Diplomacy Guide says about “Keeping the Peace” when it comes to parents.
1.     Don’t be smug or snotty when approaching your parents with issues of planning the wedding.  It will only set off a series of unwanted events and they will inevitable be hurt.
2.     Don’t even use money as a reason to get your way (or at least don’t make that your main reason). A great quote from the book: “Honor the givers and ignore the digits.”
3.     Let your parents know when you choose something they gave you advice on.
4.     Another quote: “Giving someone he benefit of the doubt is a key to making diplomacy work.”
5.     Make the best of every situation and enjoy the process of planning your wedding – even when the others are negative about the issue.
6.     Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself, if all other diplomatic precautions have been taken.  It will be hard, but sometimes it’s necessary to get everyone to understand.
7.     Choose your words carefully, and complement often.
8.     Be careful and sympathetic when “habits” are in question.  Understand that they are hard to break… You know the old saying “Old habits die hard”
9.     Always keep the right person for the discussion (Remember back when you were in junior high…who would always say yes?)

For More information Please Read “The Bride’s Diplomacy Guide: Solutions to 150 of the Stickiest Dilemmas that Face a Bride to Be” by Sharon Naylor

Monday, November 8, 2010

mark. promos for november 8-19

Is it time to upgrade your makeup bag???

Here's a list of the general time frame that makeup lasts for.  Not sticking to these dates can cause serious skin irritations and even eye infections!

Mascara - should be replaced about every three months
Foundation - should be replaced every year
Concealor - should be replaced every 12 to 18 months
Powder - should be replaced every 18 months
Blush and Bronzer - should be replaced every 18 months
Cream Blush - should be replaced every 12 to 18 months
Eye Shadows - should be replaced every 18 months
Pencil Eye Liners - should be replaced every 18 months
Liquid Eyeliner - should be replaced every 6 months
Lip Stick and Lip Gloss - should be replaced every year
Nail Polish - should be replaced every year
Sponges - should be replaced every month, and be washed after each use
Makeup Brushes - should be replaced every 5 years (if cleaned and properly taken care of)

Is it time you threw out some of your old makeup...

mark. has great deals for this holiday season!

visit www.mymarkstore.com/akahler to shop now!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

lia sophia - share the love of jewelry!



Also visit www.wedsandmorebyash.com and click on the lia Sophia logo for hostess benefits, current promos and product information. 

To take advantage of all the great hostess benefits lia Sophia has to offer email makeupnjewels@gmail.com



 

mark. makeup


Launched in August 2003, mark is the beauty and fashion boutique brand of Avon Products, Inc., targeting young women. Mark’s innovative beauty and fashion products are high quality, offered at affordable prices. Mark products are sold through its own dedicated magalog (part magazine, part catalog), Mark Representatives, online at meetmark.com, and now through mark reps' own e-boutiques.

Visit my ebotique at www.mymarkstore.com/akahler

Also visit www.wedsandmorebyash.com and click on the mark. logo for hostess benefits, current promos  and product information.

To host your own makeup show email makeupnjewels@gmail.com






Weds and More is E-X-P-A-N-D-I-N-G!


Here’s some new and exciting news!

I (CEO of Weds and More) have taken on some new possibilities!  I’m now selling mark. makeup as well as lia sophia jewelry!  Im going to post two separate posts concerning both of these fabulous opportunities!

Please contact me at makeupnjewels@gmail.com with any questions or to order!

With Love 

Monday, November 1, 2010

A Fab Shower Idea!

Here’s an awesome shower idea, becoming popular.  Purchase two candles in each of the following colors: white, green, yellow, pink, cream, red, purple, blue and ones symbolizing 25.  Put them in a pretty basket and wrap to your desire.  Type the following poem up and attach to the basket.  Enjoy the Bride-to-Be’s face as she opens up this treasure!

A basket of candles that come in a pair
In all different colors, for you two to share
The white ones burn first
They are wrapped in white lace
To celebrate your first married night
In your new chosen place.
The green pair is taller, and also much thinner
Burn with the first company
You two have for dinner.
The yellow candles are for after your first fight
Use them to burn while making up all night,
Pink candles set the mood and pave the way
For your first married Valentines Day!
Now, when your first marriage is through
The cream anniversary pair, will light for you two.
Red candles aflame, both your futures are bright
Celebrate promotions you’ve worked toward with all of your  might.
By this time we hope, maybe, just maybe
You can light the purple ones, on the birth of your baby.
And just when you thought you’d put these away
Take the blue ones out for your fifth anniversary day.
Now just one more pair left – for the big two five
The anniversary pair that will keep your love alive.
Congratulations (Brides Name) and (Grooms Name)
On the start of your forever
May the two of you always be happy together
And burn these candles
Just the way we said
But please don’t forget – blow them out before bed!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Dealing with Attendants


When dealing with bridesmaids and groomsmen, you can come across some pretty sticky situations.  How do you deal with those? And what’s the best way to handle them? Rather than going BRIDEZILLA on everyone… choose the diplomatic route. 
Recently I was reading The Brides Diplomacy Guide.  This is a great book to get your hands on if you are dealing with the big crazy issues while in the process of planning your wedding.  It covers all sorts of topics, but the best ones that jumped out are how to deal with bridesmaids and groomsmen in the following areas:
  •        A competing engaged sister or friend
  •        A resentful single bridesmaid
  •        Bridesmaids fighting over groomsmen
  •        What to do when the bridesmaids hate the groom
  •        Dealing with late and irresponsible bridesmaids
  •        When bridesmaids suggest their own desires for your wedding
  •        Drunk party-animal bridal party members
  •        Keeping the peace for the bachelor and bachelorette parties



For more information read The Brides Diplomacy Guide by Sharon Naylor.

Wedding Style Tips


Book Moment:

There is no better book for tips on anything and everything when it comes to wedding planning.  1000 Best Wedding Bargains has planning tips from all topics A-Z. Here’s some tips for the style of the wedding.
  1.        Don’t have a sit down dinner (choose a cocktail party instead)
  2.        Consider a traveling cocktail party (see next blog post for more information on this idea)
  3.        Have just desserts and champagne
  4.        Have a brunch reception
  5.        Choose a casual beach party or a back yard BBQ (this would be for the laid-back bride)
  6.        Look into ethnic associations and cultural clubs
  7.        Have themed parties – and make non-bridal requests (shop party not wedding) – you’ll get much lower prices
  8.        All inclusive destination wedding



Stay Tuned for more tips from “1000 Best Wedding Bargains” by Sharon Naylor.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Dealing With Problem Bridesmaids


In every wedding there's always one bridesmaid hat just doesn't seem to want to cooperate. Whether she's jealous or not here's a few tips on his to deal with her.

Know when to stop talking.

Try several times. The first attempt may not work.

Try to do as much of the planning aspects yourself - being careful who you ask to do things for you. Don't delegate or tell them they have to do something - many will resent you for that.

For more tips on this subject and other areas of being diplomatic as a bride, read The Brides Diplomacy Guide: Solutions To 150 of the Stickiest Dilemmas That Face A Bride-to-Be. By Sharon Naylor.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

What? I Have To Tip Them Too???

Everyone gets confused when its time to give a tip when they go out to dinner. That's no the only time you're expected to tip. Weddings have plenty of people to tip, so here's a general list of tipping percentages you should expect to pay:

Wedding planner - 10-20% of the entire bill for her services

Officient - $75 - $100 as a donation

Ceremony site staff - $20-$30

Organist / ceremony musicians - $20-$50 depending on length

Site manager for reception - 15-20% of bill for reception

Valet - $1 per car

Waiters - $20-$30 each depending on quality of service

Bartenders - 15% of liquor bill

Coat check - $1 per coat

Limousine - 15-20% of transportation bill (be careful in this situation because many already add a generous tip into the bill)

Delivery worker - $10 if just a drop off, $20 if drop off and set up

Tent assemblers or rental agencies - $20 each

Entertainers - $25-$30 each

Beautician and Barber - 15-20% of bill

Clean up crew - $20 each

Babysitter - $30-$40 plus a gift (more if longer than 5 hours or if caring for several children)

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Here's One for the Groom: The Proposal


Who says wedding blogs are for the bride only! If your planning asking the most important question of your life, here's a list of questions to ask yourself if your not quite sure how!

What are her interests?
What activities do you enjoy doing together?
Do you have any common hobbies?
Where/when was your first kiss?
Where/when did you first meet?
Where/when was your first date?
Your favorite song, movie, or place to eat?
Your romantic soot or a specific place you like to talk and bond?
What's her favorite music group?
Would you want your families involved or would you rather a more intimate affair?
Do you have a budget? Do you want it to be extravagant or more creative?
Any talents or skills you'd like to incorporate?
Is this a second marriage? Are there kids to be involved?
Have you talked about marriage?
Have you looked for rings together?
Are you living together?
Is there an anniversary you'd like to propose on? (First date, first kiss, other event)
Is this a long distance relationship?

Just some food for thought as you plan that big proposal!! Comment on what you chose to do?