Have you ever seen the movie “27 Dresses”? You know, the one with the woman who’s been in 27 weddings and helps her sister plan her own wedding? Well, something you may not know is that this movie was based on a true story….my story!

Okay, not exactly. But I do have friends that ask me if I’ve seen this movie and always tell me, “This movie reminds me so much of you!” In the past 25 years I’ve planned or been a part of many weddings. The reference to this movie started to come up so often that I decided to actually count one night how many weddings I’ve been a part of…I counted just shy of 100 weddings and shower events – and those are the ones I could remember.

Although I’m not an “event planner” by trade, I have a passion for planning events and all things creative.  It all started when I was working as a retail buyer and studying interior design. Event planning was an outlet to practice both. Residing in a small town at the time, word spread quickly and it took off from there.

I’ve helped with every kind of wedding event you can imagine. From formal weddings at extravagant venues to more rustic weddings where I have cut flowers out of someone’s backyard.  I’ve even registered for gifts for a bride and groom before. One weekend, I planned two weddings in the same the hall on the same day with entirely different themes!

I have definitely seen wedding plans go smoothly, but have also had to come up with many alternative plans with short notice as life happens (hence cutting flowers out of someone’s back yard). Here are some things I’ve learned along the way that I often use as advice for brides, too. 

• Very few people attending your event will know the fine details; it’s ok if something doesn’t go as planned; only those very few will know.  

• Shoes…be sure to have a few pairs. I recommend having event shoes that are broken in before your wedding day, comfortable shoes (maybe even slippers) for getting ready and flats for dancing.

• If you do not have a wedding planner, it’s fun to assign a VIP rather than a Bridesmaid to help with your planning.  A VIP’s role is to make sure you have the wedding license, veil (if applicable), an emergency kit (stocked with snacks, tissues, band aids and safety pins), etc.

• Don’t forget your GREAT Mary Kay® products!

• TimeWise® Firming Eye Cream – Excitement can hinder sleep the night before and your eyes may require a little help.
• MaryKay® MakeUp Finishing Spray by Skindinavia – Set your makeup before for photo opportunities.
• Satin Lips® Set – Moisturize your lips to prepare for “the kiss”.  
• Satin Hands® Pampering Set – For hands that look great for pictures but the lotion also helps the ring slide on nicely during the ceremony. 
• Mary Kay® Sun Care Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50* - Great for outside weddings and also for the honeymoon! Whether you’re going skiing or sun bathing in the tropics, it’s always important to wear sunscreen. 
• Mary Kay® Compact Mini filled with your 3 favorite Mineral Eye colors and a Mineral Cheek Color is a great gift for your wedding party.

Now, not only is there Pinterest to give you great tips, the new Mary Kay Brides Instagram account unveils the best beauty secrets and bridal inspiration to help you achieve the perfect look for your wedding day. I am so excited about this!  It will be a great venue to find and share ideas from.  If only I had this when I was planning! 

Tell us your special tips and tricks you have for brides on their special day!

Today’s blog post is from Dawn Kujawa. Dawn is Director, Global Brand Development at Mary Kay Inc. and oversees products covering multiple consumer segments. Dawn has a love of all things creative, travel, the outdoors and people – which she utilizes as inspiration for her work.