7 Kickass Bachelorette Party Ideas

It's wedding season! Get ready for billowing white tulle, teary declarations of love, and best of all, bachelorette parties. If your BFF is tying the knot, send her off with these fun bachelorette partygames and ideas

Build a Book

Buy a scrapbook with removable pages, and mail a page to all of the bachelorette's girlfriends. Ask everyone to decorate one side with photos of herself and/or the bride, funny quotes and memories, a letter, mementos of their friendship, etc. On the other side, have them write out their favorite recipe. Wrap it up and give it to her during the party.

 

                                    Dress the Part

Come up with an easy, unique group outfit idea that reflects the bride's personality and ties you all together. For instance, if you have a funny nickname for the bachelorette, design "I <3 [nickname here]" tees for everyone to wear out. If she's super into yoga, buy each of the girls a strand of yoga beads to put on that night.

 

Party Poolside

If you're sticking around your hometown for the party, make it feel more like a girls' getaway by paying a day fee at a luxe nearby hotel that has a cool pool scene. Relax in your bikinis, order frozen cocktails, and get mani-pedis or massages. (Plus, spa treatments often include free access to the pool.)

       

 

          Quiz the Groom

  

A week  or two before the party, have everyone come up with a question about the  bride for her fiancé to answer, and then email them all to him. (Include a mix of sexy stuff—"Where's the craziest place you've ever had sex?"—and funny things, such as "What piece of clothing does she most wish you would throw out?") Take turns reading her the questions, and having her guess his responses. If she answers wrong, she has to take a sip of her drink. When she gets it right, everyone else has to drink.

Hone a Sexy Skill

Sign up for a workshop to learn how to strip, pole-dance, perfect your bj skills, or perform a lap-dance. Just Google "strip workshop bachelorette [your state]" to find options in your area. If the bachelorette isn't exactly the stripper 101 type? Instead, try a class that's really personal to her—surfing, wine-tasting, cheese-making, whatever.

Get Gourmet

Hire a professional chef to prepare a fabulous dinner for the group at home, plus teach you some fancy dishes that will impress future in-laws. Google "in-home cooking class [your state]."

Rent a Party on Wheels

Yeah, the last time you were in a limo was probably prom, but the old-school ride is more fun than you probs give it credit for. Whether you go club-hopping, vineyard-touring, or even just to the beach or out to dinner—cruising with all your girls in a stretchie, music blasting, champagne flowing, will make it feel like a serious celebration.

Read more: Fun Bachelorette Party Ideas - Games and Ideas for Bachelorette Parties - Cosmopolitan

5 Things that Have Made All The Difference

5 Things That Have made all the difference

This article does not only have adorable ideas for a couple that plans to wed, but also great ideas to keep the spark alive for married couples as well. 

Weekly Questions.
These five questions have made all the biggest difference in how a couple love and serve one another throughout the week. Ask questions like: How did you feel loved this week? What do I need to improve on? Once a week spend time alone to communicate these things.

A Small Metal Box.
Make a pact,every time you  make love, put a dollar into a special metal box. Save it for an  extravagant trip to Hawaii. This is also a creative way to pursue intimacy with one another over the years.
 

 Traveling Journal.
Share a notebook with your partner that each of you take a turn to write in. Hide it in an unexpected place for them to find. Overall, this is the best way to give each other verbal words of encouragement. 
 

(try and) Conflict Well.
Conflict is inevitable in a relationship. After an argument share your disappointments and hurt feelings with one another. It is not always easy but is a benefit to the relationship.There is nothing more damaging than holding onto harbored bitterness.
 

Play Together.
If its tossing a Frisbee,  flying a kite, going on a walk, or participating in an Adventure Race, playing together will help find your inner child. Being active together gives you a chance to be romantic together too. 

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Unity Ceremonies

 

Looking to include a unity candle ceremony or similar tradition in your wedding? Gaining in popularity, some of these are recent innovations, while others are cultural traditions that go back hundreds of years.

The Unity Candle:

One of the most common ceremonies. The bride and groom each take a lit candle and simultaneously light a third larger "unity candle." They may blow out their individual lights, or leave them lit, symbolizing that they have not lost their individuality in their unity. Stores are now selling elaborate unity candle setups, including a candleabra that holds the central unity candle higher than the others. You may also have your unity candle personalized with your names and the date, allowing it to be a keepsake from your wedding.

Variations:

All guests are given a candle, and the first guest's is lit. Guests pass the flame until all are lit, and then the bride and groom together light their unity candle. This variation typically includes a proclamation that this ceremony represents the unity of friends and family supporting the couple in their marriage.

 

Rose Ceremony:

A simple unity ceremony where the bride

 and groom exchange roses.

Other variations:

The families exchange roses, the bride and groom exchange roses with their families, the bride and groom exchange roses, then present their mothers with the roses.

 

Breaking Bread Ceremony:

 The bride and groom tear off pieces of bread, and then each eat a piece. Sometimes the bread  is also shared with family and friends. It symbolizes their future as a family together.

 Wine Ceremony: The bride and groom each take a carafe of wine and pour it into a single glass, which they both drink from.  

Water Ceremony:

The couple each pour a different

 colored water into a single glass,

 which they both drink from. Similar

 to the water ceremony is the sand

 ceremony. The bride and

groom both pour different colored

 sand into a glass.

There are many other ceremonies including Garland or Lei Ceremony, Circling, Broom Jumping, or  Lasso Ceremony. Your may have a favorite tradition of your own in your family

Carnival Themed Weddings

  Carnival Themed Weddings!

When it comes to your wedding you want to put your own person unique stamp on it. It is hard to create such an even that both you and your guest will  remember for years to come, down to the littlest details. A carnival themed wedding and reception is hard to pull off but also it is a theme that you must go all in for. If the colorful, bright, and fun carnival theme is the way you would like to go for your special day here are some tips we have picked up to help you pull all this together.

Food:
You want to maintain that kid in a candy store mentality. Create small bags of popcorn that guests can pick up whenever they want. Create a drinking “concession stand” with lemonade, soft drinks and various other drinks that are carnival-like.

• Cotton candy 
• Popcorn
• Funnel Cake
• Corn dogs
• Freshly squeezed lemonade

Décor:
If you can secure a red and white tent, you must! What’s more carnival-like? Great handmade bunting is fun and beautiful for a carnival wedding. Think bright, beautiful colors and fresh patterns. 

Ensembles:

The great thing about a carnival wedding is you can do whatever you want when it comes to ensembles. Keep it more traditional, or go all out with carnival themed costumes. It’s totally up to you – do what you love the most.

Games

Don’t forget the carnival games. Include things like the ring toss or the ball toss to make the carnival even more authentic.

Wedding Timeline (sixteen to eight months before)

Sixteen to Eight Months Before

• Start a Wedding Folder or Binder: Begin leafing through bridal, lifestyle, fashion, gardening, design, and food magazines for inspiration. 
• Work out Your Budget: Determine how much you have to spend, based on your families' contributions and your own. 
• Pick Your Wedding Party: As soon you're engaged, people will start wondering who's in.
• Start the Guest List: Make a head count database to use throughout your planning process, with columns for contact info, RSVPs, gifts, and any other relevant information. (want to keep cost low? it may be brutal, but the best way to do it is to reduce your guest list.)
• Hire a Planner, If Desired: A planner will have relationships with-and insight-vendors.
• Reserve Your date and venues: Decide whether to have separate locations for the ceremony and the reception, factoring in travel time between the two places.
• Book Your Officiant: 
• Research Photographers, Bands, Florists, and Caterers: Keep their contact information in your binder.
• Throw an Engagement party, If You Want: But remember that your invites should be on your wedding guest list as well.
• Hire the Photographer and the Videographer: No need to talk specifics yet, but be sure that the people you hire are open to doing the shots you want.
• Book the Entertainment: Attend gigs of potential acts to see how they perform in front of audiences, than reserve your favorite. 
• Meet Caterers: If your wedding venue doesn't offer its own catering service, look for one now and hire the service this month of early next month. 
• Purchase a dress: You'll need to schedule time for at least three fittings. Veil shopping can be postponed for another two to three months.
• Reserve a block of Hotel Rooms For Out-Of-Town Guests: Pick three hotels at different price points close to the reception venue. 
• Register: Sign up at a minimum of three retailers
• Launch a wedding website: Create your personal page through a free provider such as weddingchannel.com Note the date of the wedding, travel information, accommodations. Than send the link to invitees. 

Eight Months Before

• Hire the photographer and the videographer.  No need to talk specifics yet, but be sure that the people you hire are open to doing the shots that you want.

• Book the entertainment.  Attend gigs of potential acts to see how they perform in front of audiences, then reserve your favorite.
• Meet caterers.  If your wedding venue doesn't offer its own catering service, look for one now and hire the service this month or early next.
• Purchase a dress.  You'll need to schedule time for at least three fittings. Veil shopping can be postponed for another two to three months.
• Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.  Pick three hotels at different price points close to the reception venue.
• Register.  Sign up at a minimum of three retailers.
• Launch a  wedding website.  Create your personal page through a free provider such as weddingchannel.com. Note the date of the wedding, travel information, and accommodations. Then send the link to invitees.

How to Choose Your Wedding Colors

 

What’s the one thing that dictates the wedding decorations, floral arrangements, invitations and just about everything else associated with a wedding? Color! Whether it's bold, bright hues or soft pastels, color plays one of the biggest roles in planning a ceremony and reception (not to mention styling the wedding party!). If you’re a bride who’s in love with color, but you're not quite sure how to find a signature shade and make it work for your big day, we can show you how to choose wedding colors that reflect your personality and creative ways to incorporate them in your venue (without overdoing it!).

Space and seasonality

When deciding on wedding colors, ask yourself two questions (depending on how far along you are in your wedding planning, these questions should be fairly easy to answer). One: what is the time of year your wedding will take place (winter, spring, summer, fall)? The colors of the season are a great guide for finding your wedding colors. Two: What kind of space will be used for the ceremony and reception (indoor/outdoor, church, ballroom, formal, casual?) Some venues are blank spaces—ideal for decorating to your exact specifications. But some spaces have a fixed look that can’t be changed (colored carpet or wallpaper), which could clash with the colors you may have in mind.

Look for inspiration all around you

Browse through our image gallery offering an array of inspiring wedding decorations.
How is your home decorated? What is your favorite shade of lip gloss? What colors do you see most in your closet? Taking inspiration from everyday life is a great way to spotlight your personality in your wedding color choices. Need more help? Visit a bookstore and pick up fashion and home decor magazines. The runway is also a good place to turn to for ideas, as designers are the best sources for relaying the latest trends. In fact, the Pantone Color Institute creates color combinations every season just for designers in the fashion and interiors industry to use with new products. Even our wedding expert, Susan Southerland of Just Marry!, uses a Wedding Planning Color Wheel to help brides match shades when selecting a color scheme.

Where to use color

Now this is where things start to get tricky. You imagine a room full of lush, lavish color, but not at the sake of overdoing it, right? So where do you use your hues? And how much is too much? Here, we've compiled a list of subtle ways to infuse your wedding colors in the ceremony, in your wedding decorations and at the reception venue:

• Your wedding gown and bridal accessories: If you’re wearing a ribbon or sash with your wedding gown, select one with a shade closest to your wedding colors. You can also try a jeweled hairpiece, gloves or another bridal accessory to spotlight your style.

• The wedding party: The groomsmen vests and bridesmaid dresses are a traditional way to display the wedding colors. To really see variety (and break up the monotony), have your maids wear varying dress styles of the same color.

• Wedding stationary: From save-the-date and engagement announcements to the invitation itself, your wedding stationary not only sets the tone and mood for your wedding ceremony and reception, it also informs guests of the wedding colors. If your cardstock is stark white or ecru, embellishments like ribbons, pressed flowers and colored envelopes liners are little ways to use color with your stationary.

• Florals: Just like bridesmaid dresses, flowers are traditional decorative elements to adorn the wedding venue with your selected colors. Instead of mounds of monochromatic arrangements, intersperse complimentary shades to give bouquets and other florals a delicate balance of color.

• Reception decor: Wedding decorations such as centerpieces, table cloths and runners, drapes, lighting and chair covers are great design elements for displaying color.

• Wedding favors: These little treasures are one of the best parts of the wedding reception. Have your “thank you” treats decorated in beautiful packaging like unique boxes or fancy ribbons that play up your color scheme. Your guests will enjoy the presentation just as much as the favors inside.

• Catering: The wedding cake will serve as the piece de resistance of your reception meal (adorned with sugary blossoms and berries). But think of all the other ways catering can showcase your wedding colors—like signature cocktails or a dessert table with colorful petifores and candies. Talk with your pastry chef and caterer to brainstorm creative and unexpected ways to incorporate your colors into the reception meal.

This resource is just a starting off point for helping you choose your wedding colors and ways to use them with your wedding decorations. You can also ask your bridesmaids, family, friends (and don't forget your fiance!) to weigh-in on color combinations they think will work for your wedding. But never feel pressured to choose a palette or scheme just because it’s in style or is deemed the hottest hue of the moment. Pick colors that you love in shades that make you feel beautiful when surrounded by floral and decor reflecting those same tones

The Do's and Don'ts of Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses

  If you’ve done your research, or have been to a few weddings, you probably know that the norm has been up until fairly recently to have your bridesmaids wearing matching bridesmaid’s dresses. However, it’s probably fair to say that not everyone in your bridal party has the same style and or same body type. It is for this reason, that the super considerate bride-to-be would allow her bridesmaids to choose the dress of their choice following a few rules and color schemes of course. If you’d like to learn more about having your bridesmaids sport different dresses, here’s some important do’s and don’t to think about.

Do set a few ground rules. To avoid problems and poor wedding photographs, be very clear when communicating with your bridal party as to what your vision is for their dresses. Do you have certain stores in mind that you would like them to go shopping at? Do you have a specific designer’s clothing line in mind that you would like them to purchase their dress from? If the answer to these questions is yes, then make sure that you tell your bridesmaids their limitations. Make sure that they all try on the dress for you before purchasing it, to gain your approval. Also, have them line up with the dresses on together to help clarify your vision.

Don’t feel bad saying no. You are already being a pretty cool bride-to-be by letting your bridal party have this freedom, don’t feel bad putting your foot down if you don’t like something. This is your big day that you have been dreaming about. Only you, know what that dream looks like. Do not feel bad communicating what you like and don’t like on your bridal party, within reason. If you don’t like a certain dress, ask them politely to pick out something else. Chances are, if you aren’t being a complete bridezilla they will completely understand.
Do your research. Like anything else, it is important to do your research when picking out bridesmaid dresses. Ask photographers what colors photograph well. Look at wedding photographs to gain inspiration. Ask your fiancé what color he likes, because his groomsmen will be incorporating into their outfits as well. Shop around at various stores that are well known for their wedding line. If you are really stuck or just don’t have the time, hire a personal wedding stylist to do most of the work for you.  Most major stores have them, if you are unsure just ask a store manager.
 

Hopefully this brief list of do’s & don’t concerning mismatched bridesmaid’s dresses has given you a bit more inspiration for planning your big day & its wardrobe. Your wedding pictures will last a lifetime, so don’t be afraid to express your vision to your bridesmaid’s before they go shopping.
Being a bridesmaid isn’t cheap, so the more communication the better the end result for everyone. However, your say is ultimately the only one that matters for this occasion. It is not every occasion, that this will be the case so take advantage while you can.

DO YOU DO THE CHICKEN DANCE?

Personalize Your First Dance
Do It with Feeling-It's a romantic moment, but you don't have to pick a classically romantic song. Choose something that has meaning to you, even if it's the Charlie Brown theme.
Choreograph It-Doing the Dancing With the Stars thing can be a great bonding experience. Just keep it brief and fun, and don't get in over your heads.
Don't Dance-If you're not a fan of the spotlight, you can diffuse attention by inviting your friends or the kids to share the dance floor. Or upend the tradition entirely with a slideshow, trivia game, or DJ battle.
Beyond "At Last": 5 Great First-Dance Songs
Classic-"My Dearest Darling" Etta James
Romantic-"Somewhere over the Rainbow" Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Soulful-"I Could Write a Book" Ella Fitzgerald
Fun-"Rainbow Connection" The Muppets
Alternative-"You Said Something" PJ Harvey

Play This Not That

For a five hour reception, you'll need about three hours of dance songs. Here is a list of do's and please don'ts.
Party Pumpers
Anything Michael Jackson, including 'Billie Jean,' 'Bad,' and 'The Way You Make Me Feel.'
"DJ's Got Us Fallen' In Love,' by Usher
'Bad Romance' by Lady Gaga
The older generations will dance to Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Sweet Home Alabama'
Everyone loves 'Don't Stop Believin' by Journey
Party Killers
Anything that's not instantly recognizable.
All indie rock, techno, hard rock, deep hip-hop. Even if it's great, it won't be appreciated by the masses.
Mash-ups. It's one thing to play remixes at a party. At a wedding, people want to hear the majority of the song. Otherwise it interrupts the flow.

Score the Rest of the Reception
Cake Cutting
"Cut the Cake" Average White Band
"Sugar, Sugar" The Archies
Father-Daughter
"Do You Realize?" The Flaming Lips
"My Girl" The Tempations
Mother-Son
"Isn't She Lovely" Stevie Wonder
"With a Girl Like You" The Troggs
Last Dance
"Last Dance" Donna Summer
"Never Can Say Goodbye" Jackson 5

Learn the Chicken Dance
Resistance is futile. Do it for the kids.

8 Rules of Bridal Gown Shopping

Confessions of a Personal Bridal Consultant

Rule #1: Shop 8-12 months before the date!
It's not too early to start! Be aware that it can take 5 months for some gowns to come in...and China is having labor problems. You want to make sure you allow plenty of time for any delays.

Rule #2: Do your homework.
Look at bridal magazines and online at manufacturers. Print pictures of styles that appeal to you. This helps your consultant to have a good starting point. Have at least a general idea of what you are going to pay for a gown. ($1,000 is reasonable. $500 is not.) Be honest with the consultant. Don't try on dresses that are over your budget unless you are willing to go higher. Also have at least a general idea of the kind of venue you will have.

Rule #3: Bring you mother, your best friend or your sister (Or whoevers opinion you value most-but not TOO many)
You can't choose a dress with too many opinions. If there are more people you want to bring, make a second appointment to show them your top 3.

Rule #4: You can't try on every dress in the store. Be realistic!
Seven is a good number (more or less). That requires what we refer to as "reducing the rack". If you try on a taffeta gown and don't like taffeta, eliminate all taffeta gowns. If you try on a ball gown and don't like big dresses, don't choose more ball gowns.

Rule #5: Follow your heart.
There are a lot of beautiful gowns to choose from. Your family and your consultant may have an opinion, but what really counts is how YOU feel in the gown. Do you feel beautiful? Does it express your personality?

Rule #6: Once you found the gown, go ahead and purchase it.
Come prepared to put 1/2 down to order the dress your first visit. What makes a wedding stressful is when you don't make a decision and move on to the next thing on your list. There is an order to the planning process and the dress is one of the first things (and in my biased opinion, the most important).

Rule #7: Be upfront with your consultant.
They usually work on commission. If the price is too high, you just don't love the dress, or you want to shop some more- TELL HER. Consultants usually spend 1-2 hours (or more) of their time helping you, it is courteous to be honest and let them know what you are feeling.

Rule #8: Once you order a gown, it is a final purchase.
Quit looking! Trust your decision.

12 THINGS YOU WON'T MISS

Every bride has to budget- and make compromises. Here are some easy cost cutters your guests won't even notice.


1. PROGRAMS

Go ahead and ditch'em; they'll likely be discarded anyway. Unless the ceremony is unusual or complicated, your guests should be able to follow along during the I Do's.

2. CALLIGRAPHY

If you have pretty handwriting, address the invitation evenlopes yourself. If not use a fancy calligraphy font and your home printer.

3. A PRO MAKEUP JOB

Yes, you can do your own face for your wedding. Wear a light-reflecting foundation (fab for photos) and a long lasting lipstick. Dail up the eye shadow, and finish up with waterproof mascara.
4. EXPENSIVE WEDDING PARTY GIFTS
You can't put a price on sentimentality: Give each girl a framed photo of the two of you together, along with a letter explaining how much she means to you.

5. LIMOUSINES

Instead of renting a ride, turn your own wheels into a showstopping getaway car with streamers, balloons, and a "Just Married" sign.
6. FAVORS

Monogrammed shot glasses may sound fun, but planners say wedding favors are often left behind on reception tables. Focus the funds on giving your friends and family a good time instead.

7. FLORAL CENTERPIECES
Who says flowers are the only route to fablous? Serve food family-style to fill up the tables, or doll them up with objects you own, like votives or vintage books.

8. A TIERED WEDDING CAKE

Skip the architectural confection, and consider serving a dessert buffet in its place: pies, cookies, cupcakes- pick your faves.

9. INDIVIDUAL MENUS
Write out what's being served on an extra-large chalkboard. Be sure to hang it on a wall that's visible to everyone.
10. A GUEST BOOK
Some people get writer's block when trying to think of a witty and heartful note. Save your guests some stress by taking a candid group shot of everyone at the party to serve as a visual keepsake. No one has to do anything but smile and say cheese!
11. SAVE-THE-DATES
Unlike wedding invitations, these snail-mailers are totally optional, so preserve trees and a lot of cash by emailing friends and family your initial wedding deets instead of sending them by post.

12. A SECOND DRESS

You only get to wear a wedding gown once, so why would you change out of your dream dress right after you exchange your vows? Skip shopping for a reception out fit, and buy just one gown that's comfortable enough to wear- and dance in- all night.

5 tips for the perfect proposal

1.SUPRISE HER. Maybe you've been living together. Talked marriage a time or two. Gone ring-shopping. But even if the fact of the proposal won't be a shocker, the when, where, and how should be-so put some thought into them.

2.TALK TO HER FAMILY. If she's really close with her family, feel free to go the old-school route and ask them for their blessing beforehand. Just make sure you fill her parents in no earlier than a week ahead. (Otherwise they could let something slip.)

3.PUT YOUR HEART INTO IT.Think about the moments that lead to this one-your first date, kiss, trip-and work them into your big speech.

4.GET DOWN ON ONE KNEE. It seems a bit old-fashioned, but trust us, girls dig it!

5.SERIOUSLY, BRING A RING. Proposals are about rituals, and slipping something on her finger is a big one. No ring yet? Bring a faux one (a toy, candy), then shop for a real rock together later on.

Addressing Envelopes: The New Rules

Whether you're going old-school or new when making out your invitations, there's a right way to do it.

*Married Couple

What you should write:

-Traditional

"Mr. and Mrs. Ira Ido"

-Acceptable update

"Mary and Ira Ido"

*Married Couple When One is a Doctor

What you should write:

-Traditional

"Dr. and Mrs. Jerome Jekyll" (if he's the doctor)

"Dr. Sally and Mr. Jerome Jekyll" (if she's the doctor)

-Acceptable update

Same as traditional, but "Dr. Sally Scalpel and Mr. Jerome Jekyll" if she hasn't changed her name.

*Married Couple with Different Last Names

What you should write:

-Traditional

"Mr. and Mrs. Ira Ido"

-Acceptable update

"Mr. Mary Married and Mrs. Ira Ido"

*Children Under 18 Invited with Their Parents

What you should write:

-Traditional

"Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kinfolk

Miss Girl Kinfolk

Master Boy Kinfolk"

-Acceptable update

Eliminate the kids' titles. Post cautions against writing "and Family": "You don't always know if a relative lives with them, and you need to be clear about who is and isn't invited."

*Same Sex Couples

What you should write:

-Traditional

Separate invitations, even if they're living together.

-Acceptable update

If they're unmarried but living together, send one invite with their names on separate lines. If they're married, write their names on one line: "Marcus and Ira Ido"

*Widow

What you should write

-Traditional

"Mrs. Leroy Lone"

-Acceptable update

"Mrs. Lisa Lone." Some women continue using their husband's first name.

*Divorced Woman who uses Her Ex's Name

What you should write

-Traditional

"Mrs. Ava LaBelle"

-Acceptable update

"Ms. Ava LaBelle." This title is what separates her from the new Mrs.

*Friend and her Date

What you should write

-Traditional

Separates invite to "Ms. Sarah Single" and-after tracking down his address-"Mr. Hunky Boyfriend."

-Acceptable update

Send one invite to"Ms. Sarah Single," with "Mr. Hunky Boyfriend"on a separate line. (This also applies to an unmarried couple not living together but in a serious relationship.) If she's waffling about whom she'll ask, go with "Ms. Sarah Single and Guest." 

The China Effect

        What's happening in China has a trickle down effect. Of major concern to the bridal industry and ultimately the bride is rising prices for gowns and anticipated delivery delays.

         Due to China's one child rule, the seemingly endless supply of workers is decreasing. And the younger people that do exist aren't necessarily gravitating toward factory work. Rather they want to buy into a more luxurious life style they know is possible via global media. Because Farmers are being subsidized to grow specific in demand crops, workers can stay closer to home and earn the same wages without having to face the environmental conditions in many of China's larger cities. In the past year or two, this has lead to an annual phenomenon of workers not returning after the Chinese New Year.

       Media reports estimate that anywhere from 30 to 70 percent of these workers were expected to defect this year, despite incentives or higher pay being offered to returning workers as well as new workers who are being heavily recruited.

       Regarding new materials, clothing manufactures in China have already faced shortages in such fabrics as cotton and silk, for which they've had to pay premiums. And more recently, they've faced similar issues with polyester as polyester is a petroleum-based product whose cost also escalated.

     If productions capacity is reduced because of skilled labor and materials shortages, which companies will get preferential treatment? Some industry members believe that larger companies will be at the head of the line and smaller companies may be forced out of business. Because such a high percentage of bridal merchandise is being manufactured in China today, these conditions could lead to a major purge of bridal suppliers in the near future.
      It is certain that there will be delays and bridal retailers should encourage brides to order there gowns as soon as possible. If the gown is ordered enough in advance and a problem strikes, there will be time to rectify it.
      The bottom line for brides who are getting married in 2012- order your gown at least 8-12 months before your date. It will elevate a lot of stress for everyone involved.

                                    

Know Before you GO!

*Perfect Timing

You want to start looking for dresses around 9-12 months before your wedding day.

*Be Prepared

Go through bridal magazines and websites, and bring examples of dresses you convet with you to show your consultant.

*Posse, Please
Invite a friend, you mom, or maid of honor-but keep your crew small and finely focused.

*Shop Smart

Start by telling the consultant your budget so she can show you gowns within your range.

*Dish Details

The weddings location, time of day, and year are key to helping your consultant reccomend appropriate styles.

*Staps and Heels
Bring a stapless bra and shoes with a heel- height similar to what you'll wear down the asile.

*Be Open
Try what the consultant suggests. An expert can really show you what will look best on your body.

*Photo Etiquette

Always ask before you snap pics of gowns. Many salons are protective of designs.