Author: Jessica Gomez

7 Tips for Staying on Track with Bridal Fitness

Most people want to get in shape for their wedding, but it can be difficult to make yourself work out when you’re so stressed and busy. Here are some realistic tips to help keep you on track:

1. Start off slow. Don’t expect to work out six days a week when you’re starting from no workouts at all…allow yourself to be a beginner. Try 20 minute workouts three times a week to start, and gradually increase your time and days. Always leave at least one day per week as a rest day.
2. Get a workout buddy. You’re much more likely to make yourself work out if you’re held accountable by another person, plus it makes working out way more fun.
3. Find a workout that you like. Some people prefer hitting weights at the gym, some prefer to run or bike outside, some prefer workout classes such as yoga or pilates, and others prefer to play a sport. There is no “right way” to get or stay fit as long as you’re moving. Anything you enjoy you’ll be much more likely to stay on task with.
4. Keep track of your workouts. Use a calendar to keep track of what days you worked out, how long, and what you did. It’ll help you see when you’ve been slacking, but it’ll also make you feel accomplished when you’re staying on track and increasing the intensity.
5. Set realistic goals. If you’re trying to lose weight, don’t expect to lose it all right away and get frustrated with lack of progress. 1-2 lbs per week weight loss is healthy. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.
6. Get back on the horse. It’s hard to start working out, but even harder to keep working out. If you miss a week (or more) because you’re busy or not feeling well, get right back on track the following week. Don’t let a few missed days lead you to give up.
7. Reward yourself. Set a goal for yourself, and once you’ve reached that goal, show yourself some love for a job well done. Maybe it’s a new pair of jeans, maybe it’s a massage. Treat yourself to something you’ve earned with all of your hard work.

Remember that exercise is a healthy way to deal with stress, which is a perfect outlet for brides-to-be. Never give up- you’ll not only be happy with the results for your body, but for your mind as well. For additional realistic workout and nutrition tips, visit LauraKennett.com.

Holding your wedding at your home or your parents’ home can be an amazing experience. You’re starting a new life in a place you’ve experienced other milestones and incredible times. Backyard weddings are especially great for brides looking for an intimate gathering. Without proper planning, though, it can cause even more anxiety on top of the normal stress of wedding planning. Here are some tips for how to host an at-home wedding:

• Start grooming your lawn now. The earlier you can get weeds pulled, flowers planted, and sod down, the better.
• Check for any permits needed. Most cities require at least one permit to host a gathering taking up tons of parking that will have music and laughter going until the wee hours.
• Have a backup plan for the ceremony. If it starts to rain or the wind is too gusty, have an area inside the house that’s ready to hold your guests.
• You’ll have to rent more items than you would at other venues. Tables, chairs, plates, bowls, silverware, glassware, linens, an altar, a sound system, lighting, a dance floor, and a generator are all necessary rentals for a backyard wedding.
• Have a tent set up for the reception. If it’s a hot day, your guests may need some reprieve from the sun. If it’s raining, a tent will keep you dry. You never know what the weather has in store until the day of the wedding, so you have to be prepared.
• Don’t rid yourself of all vendors. An at-home wedding is a great way to save money, but if you’re trying to DIY most things, you must still hire a caterer and photographer. Do not entrust these huge responsibilities to amateurs. Trust me, it’s money well spent.
• Vendors should visit your home in advance. Each vendor requires different amenities (for example, caterers need fridge and kitchen space), so invite them to check out the ceremony location so they’ll know in advance if they have to bring anything extra.
• You’ll have to rent port-o-potties. Unless your event is going to be held at a mansion with multiple bathrooms, you have to account for the number of guests that will be flushing the toilet, and one can only handle so much. Have one toilet available for every 25 guests. Gussy them up with amenity baskets of hand towels, mints, air fresheners, combs, and body spray.
• Rearrange your furniture. Right now, your home is probably not set up to accommodate a party, so move indoor and outdoor furniture out of the way and make large open spaces where people can gather and your vendors have room to maneuver.
• Hire a housekeeper the last couple of weeks before the wedding. Don’t try to clean the house yourself! You’ll have so much going on that cleaning will be an added area of stress that you really won’t have time for. The cost of a housekeeper for this is worth every penny.
• Don’t forget about your pets. If your dog or cat gets anxious around a big group, you may want to consider boarding them at a daycare for the night. If you’re keeping your dog around to be a part of the day, make sure you have someone in charge of picking up after them!
• Rent a block of rooms at a nearby hotel. Don’t forego this just because you’re getting married at home…otherwise, drunk guests may try to stay the night! Block some rooms as you would for any other venue and create a sign urging your guests to take an Uber when they leave so they don’t drink and drive.
• Let your neighbors know. You don’t have to invite them if you aren’t close with them, but you should let them know in advance to expect some noise. A small gift such as a bottle of wine isn’t necessary but will likely make them more easygoing about it.
• Enlist help. Backyard weddings tend to have a lot of DIY elements. DO NOT try to do everything yourself. You’ll tear your hair out. Your bridesmaids and parents are there to help you, so let them!
• Don’t assume an at-home wedding has to be any less glamorous than any other wedding. Your decor should still be cohesive and can be just as nice as any other wedding. The details are what will set your wedding apart: string lights inside the tent, elegant beverage containers holding your signature drink, personalized favors and decor, food labels for each dish, and a food truck that stops by for a late night snack are small ways to show that a backyard wedding can be the chicest and most personal of them all.

Your engagement ring doesn’t just have monetary value, but sentimental value as well. If something happens to your ring, whether it’s stolen, lost, or your husband accidentally smashes it with a baseball bat like I read on one forum, you need to be covered so you can get it replaced.

Here’s what you need to know about insuring your engagement ring.

• You’ll need an appraisal. A respectable jeweler should provide an appraisal for your ring, but if they don’t, you can research gemologists in your area that provide the service; the cost is relatively low. Appraisals should list the 4 Cs…Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat weight. Your insurance company won’t be able to insure your ring without it.
• Take photos of the ring. Your insurance company may require it, but even if they don’t, you should have photos on hand in case you need to make a claim.
• Insurance is low cost. It costs approximately $10 a year per $1,000 value of the ring. So a ring that costs $5,000 will be about $50 a year, but will be slightly more if your plan does not have a deductible. If you’re using the same company as your homeowner’s insurance, they may attach a rider specifically insuring the ring.
• Ask questions about the policy. Every scenario is not covered by all companies; some may only cover the ring if it’s stolen, not damaged or lost. Ask about situations where the ring wouldn’t be insured, and make sure that they will cover the entire cost of the ring. Choose a plan that has full coverage for any situation.
• You may not need to insure your wedding ring since the price is significantly lower than an engagement ring. Do the math and decide if it’s worth it to you to spend the money to insure it or if you can handle replacing it instead.
• Re-appraise to adjust for inflation. Your ring is likely to go up in value over time, so be sure to get an updated appraisal at least every five years so that if something does happen, you can get the same ring without having to go into your own pocket to cover the higher price tag.

Shit happens…way more than you think it does. Even if you treat your ring like a newborn baby, there’s no guarantee that the center stone won’t fall out or that someone won’t break into your house and steal your valuables. The peace of mind is absolutely worth the small price.