Picking your pics....

For the smaller Bridesmaid...

You may be surprised but not every bridesmaid is a jaded socialite, living a life of endless Redbull and vodkas in Night Clubs. Some face a day in school in the morning and still have to do homework in the evening.... wearing the gúna álainn may be a whole new experience!

So why not encourage her to record her own big day?

Without Bigging Up "Something Original" too much, (tel 01-2887236) in the Stillorgan Shopping Centre - they are selling "This is my Day as a Bridesmaid Playbook" which is fabulous - it is a pack with a small photo album, a reusable camera with flash (ok, I accept it IS creating competition for me but I think I can handle it....) and the album allows the owner to document their own day.

The best part is the warning sticker on the outside "Please note, that these packs are not intended for unsupervised use." A message that has me completely baffled.... What can this mean????

Rings'n things... (II)

This is a constructive addition to Aisle-do....

Genevieve and Chris recently decided to cement things properly, put in a corner stone and on a solid foundation for their marriage....

I could now go on about the beaming smiles, stairways to happiness, keystones of success and perhaps make a reference to their guest being floored by the rings...

I'll leave out any mention of snag lists or bright spark comments and level now: Chris's ring has a concrete centre. It was made for him in Paris.

Reluctantly, I think I'll finish this now with one last comment: Oh yeah! It Rocks!!!!

Bubblycious....

Veuve Clicquot, Yellow Label NV| €42.00 Style: Dry White Origin: France - Champagnes & Sparkling Drink with: Smoked Salmon, Aperitif, special occasions

I really think this is nicest Champagne I've had; it has, according to the experts, "Intense, fruity nose, fine mousse, flowery, fresh and lively with great balance and length. Superb aperitif."

I've got to agree with the motto of Madame Clicquot - "One quality - the finest!" and you can actually taste it. The idea remains at the very heart of everything in the company today - like mine! I really recommend "On the Grapevine" in Booterstown, it's very handy to me and tell Bill - Roslyn sent you!

Bridesmaids Fashions (III)

Champagne flutes...

As I was looking at various crystal Champagne glasses the other day in BTs, it struck me that the Waterford Crystal isn't all that expensive and it looks a lot more funky now:

Swarovski
Toasting Flutes €323

I also read some American "Traditional Irish Wedding" rubbish: "The top tier of the wedding cake should be an Irish whiskey cake which is saved for the christening of your first baby. A slice of the cake is saved to be eaten on your first anniversary." Most Cakes I see have a Chocolate Biscuit layer on top!

More American "Traditional Irish Wedding" rubbish: "Many Irish brides favour wildflower wreaths over elaborate veils...and also carry wildflower bouquets. Lavender is a favourite." In all my many weddings - I've NEVER seen that!

Eclipse by Waterford
Toasting Flutes €95

My final contribution of American "Traditional Irish Wedding" rubbish: "It's good luck if it rains on your wedding. That's true! (Of course, in Ireland, it would be a rare day when a little rain didn't fall...)" It makes me cringe with all these old Piseogs and charming Irish superstitions - many of them several months old and invented on East 21st Avenue, off 7 th Street, Polk County, Idaho or somewhere equally traditional and obscure.

Eclipse by Tyrone
Toasting Flutes €75

As to rain - the internet has the last word on this!

De-stress your day!

Simple modifications in posture, habits, thought, and behaviour often go a long way toward reducing feelings of stress and tension. Here are 8 quick and simple things you can do immediately to help keep your stress level under control.
1. Don't get annoyed:
Just let it go - you only have one day! Watch for the next instance in which you find yourself becoming annoyed or angry at something trivial or unimportant, then practice letting go - make a conscious choice not to become angry or upset. Do not allow yourself to waste thought and energy where it isn't deserved.
2. Breathe:
Breathe slowly and deeply. Before reacting to the next stressful occurrence, take three deep breaths and release them slowly. Take a few minutes, try out breathing exercises such as meditation or guided imagery.
3. Slow Down:
When you feel overwhelmed by stress, practice speaking more slowly than usual. You'll find that you think more clearly and react more reasonably to stressful situations. Stressed people tend to speak fast and breathlessly; by slowing down your speech you'll also appear less anxious and more in control of any situation.
4. Complete One Simple To Do:
Jump start an effective time management strategy. Choose one simple thing you have been putting off like looking at the table guest arrangements and do it immediately. Just taking care of one nagging responsibility can be energising.
5. Get Some Fresh Air:
Get outdoors for a brief break. Your grandparents were right about the healing power of fresh air. Don't be deterred by foul weather, even five minutes on a balcony or in the garden can be rejuvenating.
6. Avoid Hunger and Dehydration:
Drink plenty of water and eat small, nutritious snacks. Hunger and dehydration, even before you're aware of them, can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and stress.
7. Do a Quick Posture Check:
Hold your head and shoulders upright and avoid stooping or slumping. Bad posture can lead to muscle tension, pain, and increased stress.
8. Have a laugh!
Yes, it is possible to enjoy yourself when you're stressed - you will find the fun is heightened and the pleasure of a good laugh on your wedding day can't be over "stressed" - if you know what I mean....