Bridal Beauty Prep 101

Beautiful skin should start long before you say "I do". Guest blogger Mechelle Smith, Spa Manager and Esthetician, recommends starting a year before (or as soon as possible) if you want to obtain that luminous glow every bride strives for on her special day.

SIX MONTHS TO A YEAR BEFORE THE WEDDING

Wedding preparation should begin earlier than you think. Six months to a year before your special day, pick a reputable Spa/Esthetician and schedule a consultation to have your skin analyzed, discuss any concerns, and create a series of treatments to help you achieve your set "skin goals". For optimal results, commit to a home care regime as well. It is recommended to invest in a full skincare system comprised of carefully chosen products by your Esthetician. Remember: If you're not using proper products at home, you are not going to see all the possible results.

THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

Three months before the wedding your Esthetician should make sure that your current home care is still the best for your skin needs. The condition of your skin changes all the time due to hormones, stress, diet, and various things. A check in will let you know if your regime needs to be revised. 

THREE TO FOUR WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING

A few weeks before the big day is NOT the time to do anything aggressive. Think soothing and hydrating. Non-invasive resurfacing treatments are best to avoid unnecessary irritation. A few favorites for this time period would be a Vitamin C Facial, Classic Facial, and the very best...an 80 minute European Style Facial really focusing on cleansing and relaxation. You can never have too many of these services!

ONE WEEK BEFORE

The week leading up to the wedding, consider a Dermaplaning treatment; a gentle resurfacing treatment that removes two to three weeks worth of dead skin as well as peach fuzz. Just perfect for a completely flawless makeup application and perfect photographs on your special day! Ideally, the best way to keep skin healthy and clear is by getting a monthly facial treatment and using appropriate products for your skin type. It's best to get advice on a home care routine from your Esthetician, which will allow you to take the guess work out, thus avoiding drying, irritating or causing overactive sebaceous (oil) production. Following these steps will ensure that you have one less thing to worry about when it comes time to walk down the aisle! 

Dermaplaning, 50 minute/80 minute Pure Results Facials, and Skinceuticals home care products are all my recommendations for your Bridal Skin Prep. Select treatments and products are offered exclusively at The Flowering Almond Spa. Master Esthetician, Maria Arnold, and the rest of the Esthetic Team, Lauren Padmore, Alexis Steele, and Brooke Martin, are all passionate about making every guest relaxed and beautiful! We hope to see you in soon!

Attention All Summer Brides!

Stay Cool, Look Hot:

A guide to your most beautiful summer yet!

Attending an outdoor event, going on a family vacation, or to a music festival soon? Or having a summer wedding!? The weather is perfect for simply time spent outdoors enjoying sand, sun, and so much more. We want you to look your best and avoid some summer blunders like dehydration and sunburn, which are never any fun.  Here are some beauty tips to stay cool, look hot, and have your best and most beautiful summer yet!

1.       Make your own shade

The best way to prevent premature aging is to protect your skin from sun exposure. Finding shade isn’t also easy, so we recommend a chic floppy sun hat and hollywood shades to block those rays! Not only will you look fabulous but your skin will truly thank you!

2.       Stay Hydrated

      Keeping yourself hydrated, especially on those extremely hot days is always a good idea. Water and snacks like cucumber and strawberries are perfect!

3.       Prevention and Self Care

      Whether at the beach, lakeside, or at the pool, treat your skin with an SPF. There are healthy levels of sun exposure so make sure that your skin is protected so that moments spent outside are always about enjoyment and total relaxation.

If you have any fun ways to stay cool and look hot this summer post below! We would love to hear your recommendations to make this summer fabulous!

Plated vs Buffet Reception

One of the first things a couple has to decide on is what kind of food service they will have during their wedding reception. The most debatable question, “should I have a plated sit-down dinner or a buffet?”

The Founders Inn wedding packages offers 5 hour reception which includes a choice of a 4-course plated dinner or a 3-entrée buffet. While there is controversy that one style of service cost more than the other, there is no price difference with The Founders Inn wedding packages.

There are pros and cons for each type of service but keep in mind when choosing your style of dinner,  the dinner service should stay within 1 hour to 1 ½ hours to allow time for your other wedding activities.  

The first option is having a buffet dinner which is recommended for any number of guests with a minimum of 25 people. Guests are invited to the buffet to make their dinner plate. Buffets are always a good option for those picky eaters and as well for those heavy eaters. Buffets are hassle free without having to send menu cards for pre-selected dinners. Please note the buffet is not intended for "all you can eat". The Chef will carefully formulate and portion to each guest serving. In addition, left-over food cannot be packed and removed from the event space keeping in accordance with the health and food state regulations.

The advantage of a plated dinner is that it provides an elegant and upscale dining experience. Unlike the buffet, your guests will be served at their table. While a plated dinner is more formal, it will also require more effort from you. Menu selections must be determined 4 days prior to your wedding day and table place cards must indicate each guest entrée selection. Be prepared to contact guests who have not responded by the RSVP due date to ask for their menu choice. Lastly, beware for the “Chatty Cathy”. This person can prohibit dinner service to continue to the next course as the Founders Inn’s etiquette is to not serve until the entire table is finished.

When making your decision, there is no right or wrong answer. While both dinner styles are different, ultimately, it is your preference as the bride to which style will best reflect you and your dream wedding. Bon Appetit!

Founders Inn and Spa

SHOULD I HAVE A PLATED SIT-DOWN DINNER OR A BUFFET DINNER?

One of the first things a couple has to decide on is what kind of food service they will have during their wedding reception. The most debatable question, “should I have a plated sit-down dinner or a buffet dinner?”

The Founders Inn wedding packages offers 5 hour reception which includes a choice of a 4-course plated dinner or a 3-entrée buffet. While there is controversy that one style of service cost more than the other, there is no price difference with The Founders Inn wedding packages.

There are pros and cons for each type of service but keep in mind when choosing your style of dinner,  the dinner service should stay within 1 hour to 1 ½ hours to allow time for your other wedding activities. 

The first option is having a buffet dinner which is recommended for any number of guests with a minimum of 25 people. Guests are invited to the buffet to make their dinner plate. Buffets are always a good option for those picky eaters and as well for those heavy eaters. Buffets are hassle free without having to send menu cards for pre-selected dinners. Please note the buffet is not intended for "all you can eat". The Chef will carefully formulate and portion to each guest serving. In addition, left-over food cannot be packed and removed from the event space keeping in accordance with the health and food state regulations.

The advantage of a plated dinner is that it provides an elegant and upscale dining experience. Unlike the buffet, your guests will be served at their table. While a plated dinner is more formal, it will also require more effort from you. Menu selections must be determined 4 days prior to your wedding day and table place cards must indicate each guest entrée selection. Be prepared to contact guests who have not responded by the RSVP due date to ask for their menu choice. Lastly, beware for the “Chatty Cathy”. This person can prohibit dinner service as the Founders Inn’s etiquette is to not serve the next course until the entire table is finished.

When making your decision, there is no right or wrong answer. While both dinner styles are different, ultimately, it is your preference as the bride to which style will best reflect you and your dream wedding. Bon Appetit!

Venue Planner versus Wedding Planner

There are a million little details that go into your special day. You cannot be in two places in the same time so hiring a wedding planner will only keep you from catching the dreadful bridezilla virus.

 

It is common to have a venue planner and a wedding planner; however, it is important to recognize the difference between each.

 

At The Founders Inn and Spa, each bride will be assigned an experienced venue planner. The venue planner handles all venue related details, to include food, set up and final invoices.

 

So now you are wondering what’s left for my wedding planner to do? Your hired wedding planner will stay by your side from the beginning to the end. This person will plan the intricate details of your wedding and coordinate your schedule of events throughout the day.

Responsibilities for both the venue and wedding planner will over-lap such as the set-up of your reception and both may be liaisons to your vendors.

 

The bottom line; couples need both a venue planner and a wedding planner. Both planners should coincide to efficiently work together as the goal is to make YOU, the bride, happy. 

 

Happy Planning!!!