Category Archives: Inside Scoop

What Yichud Is All About

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Alison in Inside Scoop, Jewish Traditions, Tales from the Veil

I endearingly called May 25, 2008 The Wedding Olympics. No one was competing for any scores. There was no torch to light and pass. A Beatles medley played in place of national anthems. However, the day was full of events that had us leaping from place to place and it was tiring. We made it through on adrenaline and love, so the long jumps and the synchronized swimmings and badmintons of the day did not feel too exhausting. So as true athletes do (ohmygosh, I just had the audacity to compare my husband and myself to athletes… true ones, even), we basked in our glory and winnings (each other) and enjoyed some nice, quiet alone time after the ceremony, otherwise known as the yichud.

I’ll explain the traditional significance of the yichud, but I’m telling you now, that’s not exactly what we did!

The yichud translates in Hebrew to the word seclusion. Traditionally, unmarried men and women should never be secluded together so, in theory, the wedding day is the first time this ever happens between the bride and groom. This law came about after the rape of King David’s daughter when she was left alone with her half brother. It was then that David and his high court extended this prohibition to all unmarried girls. Typically, the laws of yichud are followed by Orthodox Jews but all Jews may interpret the laws to fit their ceremony or beliefs. In early historical times, the yichud was when the just-married couple would consummate the marriage and witnesses would be there to guarantee privacy and verify that it indeed happened because technically, this was a legal and required act.

Fast forward to 2012. Modern day traditional brides and grooms leave the chuppah and go directly to a private area or room for their yichud. For couples who chose to fast on their wedding day in order to start their life anew, this is when they would also break the fast and exchange gifts. Typically, the bride will bless the groom, saying “May you merit to have a long life, and to unite with me in love from now until eternity. May I merit to dwell with you forever.”

Not every modern Jewish couple chooses to enjoy a yichud after the ceremony, and that’s okay, too! Some just want to get right to the party or have to continue with photographs. My groom and I chose to do a very short and sweet yichud and it was one of the highlights of our day. Those ten minutes marked the first time we got to really talk and rehash our mornings and afternoons when we were apart. And we reminisced about the ceremony and the vows we said to each other and how the weather perfectly cleared up as we left the chuppah to “Here Comes The Sun.” We sat in a garden 50 feet away from our flower-kissed chuppah, hand in hand, excited for the kick ass party that was about to start inside, and gushed about the gold medal event that had just taken place: becoming husband and wife.

Image courtesy of Marlin Munoz

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Hot Weather, Cool Wedding

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Alison in Inside Scoop, Planning

Happy Memorial Day and a big thank you goes out to all those who have served our country. We remember our heroes and wish the best to their families. Most of us have the day off (a Yenta never has a day off. Yenta-ing is a 24/7 gig) and are spending the day with hungry pals around a grill, by the pool, and wearing next to nothing (your 10 seconds away from your mother calling to tell you to put on a jacket). We’re in the throes of spring, but there’s something about Memorial Day that makes us ready for summer! So, with the pending summer weddings and their accompanying summer temps, you’re going to want to do everything you can to keep your guests cool… so they don’t lose their cool.

If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception, your guests will need some relief from the heat. While your wedding coordinator holds the key to power on your special day, she can’t do much about the weather. However, you and your wedding planning team can help your guests stay comfortable as they try to wipe sweat mustaches off their faces in case of impromptu photos.

Leave Chinese fans on each seat so that a breeze — even if it’s a hot breeze — can help move the air on their bodies. You can usually find them in cute colors and styles to match your wedding and can also serve as nice favors. Oriental Trading Company carries all different kinds in bulk. We also like Good Orient‘s selection of light wooden fans. Both styles work well for spreading a little air around.

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Help your guests hydrate themselves with canisters of water, lemonades, iced teas, or juices. Not only does a beverage table to the entrance of your ceremony site make the area appear inviting and hospitable, but will also keep everyone standing and alert instead of passed out from heat stroke! Ushers can help pass out beverages to guests as they are seated in the ceremony area.

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Take it a step further and also have water bottles at each seat. Some guests may pass on the beverage canisters, but once they’re sitting and you’re midway through the seven circles, someone will no doubt start getting thirsty and kick themselves for not getting a drink when they could. Therefore, have mini water bottles ready for such instances tucked under each chair to stay in the shade. What a happy little discovery that will be when thirsty Uncle Murray notices his treasure of H20.

If you anticipate that your wedding will be on a toasty day — July weddings, well, everywhere tend to be that way — you may want to let your guests know that part or all of your wedding day will be outside so that they’ll know how to dress. This information can be relayed on your wedding website if you choose to make one. Also, you can remind friends and family you speak to before the wedding that they should dress lightly.

If your ceremony is in an open space, make sure to ask your venue or rental company about overhead, free-standing umbrellas to cover the area with shade. Your guests will be sitting for 20 or so minutes and will roast under the sun if they don’t have any shade. A little bit of coverage can make such a big difference in the high temperatures, so for the sake of their comfort, coordinating umbrella rentals is a good idea.

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And don’t forget that you need to drink a lot of water on your wedding day!! You are running around, busier than you can imagine, and full of excitement. Make sure you get enough liquids because the last think you need is to accessorize your wedding dress with some IV bags in the emergency room. We don’t need to sound like your Jewish mother, but eat! Drink water! And don’t overdo it with the alcohol, as it won’t help you in the least on a hot day.

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But what if it’s spicy hot on your honeymoon? Oh, well then, by all means, keep turnin’ up the heat!

Ketubah.com Plays: Name That Ketubah!

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Alison in Featured, From the Expert, Inside Scoop, Jewish Traditions

Ketubah.com is probably one of the first places a couple browses while searching for their perfect Ketubah. Ketubah.com has a fabulous selection of all different kinds of art that speaks to many individual tastes and affiliations. You can literally search by color, theme, price range, artist… and the available texts can provide meaning for anything from an anniversary to an interfaith wedding to a orthodox wedding. You can even submit your own text if you have something else up your sleeve. Sizes and paper stock are flexible and you can even have it rush shipped if the Ketubah is a last minute detail you just remembered — oops!

Ketubah.com customers are pleased with their purchases which is always fabulous to know, but what’s even more interesting is learning about the people at Ketubah.com who work so hard to provide these beautiful and meaningful works of art! Who are the pros and what do they think about the Ketubah choices on the site?

Three members of the Ketubah.com staff offered to share some interesting insight on some of their personal favorites about Ketubah selections.

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Kevin, Director of Product Development and Marketing

Q: What is your favorite style of art?
A: My favorite style of art is abstract. I love the work of Jackson Pollack because that kind of vibrancy really speaks to me. The Ketubah design Abstractions by Laya Crust speaks to me in the same way. Although the design is made up of Hebrew lettering, it is so abstract that at first glance it looks like a wonderfully vibrant design.

Q: What colors strike your fancy?
A. I like sedate color palettes. Lots of earthy tones and muted colours. I like the blues, reds, and browns of Abstractions by Laya Crust and Fall Bouquet by Naomi Broudo.

Q: What’s the idea location to hang a Ketubah?
A: Although I don’t currently have a Ketubah, my favorite place would be in the living room. My living room is a place of gathering for family and friends, the place I spend most of my time in the house. Because the Ketubah is not just a work of art but a reminder of our commitment, I’d like to display it where it is most visible to me.

Q: If you could choose a Ketubah for any celebrity, who would it be?
A: I would choose Harmony Colorful by Ruth Rudin for Jesse Eisenberg. He’s pretty quirky and a bit out there and I’d think he’d appreciate the whimsy and retro feel of this design.

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Tani, Marketing Manager and Customer Service
Q: What is your favorite style of art?
A: Impressionism, I like bright and bold colors and outdoor landscapes.

Q: What is your favorite color combo or palette?
A: Turquoise and magenta such as Stained Glass Champagne by Lee Loebman.

Q: What would be the perfect place to hang a Ketubah in the house?
A: In the living room. I think the bright colors would add a nice touch to the décor in addition to reminding my husband and I of our commitment to each other on a regular basis.

Q: If you could recommend a Ketubah for a celebrity, who would it be?
A: I love Seth Rogen! He is hilarious and I would love to find out more about his ketubah style. My recommendation would be Symphony by Adam Rhine.

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Shira, Customer Service Manager

Q: What is your favorite style of art?
A: I love Post-Impressionist art such as Firefly by Judith Joseph.

Q: What is your favorite color combo or palette?
A: Blues and greys such as Take a Bow — Sky by Michelle Rummel.

Q: What is your favorite place to hang a Ketubah in the house?
A: In the living room, so anyone who comes in can admire it.

Q: If you could choose a Ketubah for a celebrity, who would it be?
A: I would choose a Ketubah for Zach Braff. I used to love watching him on “Scrubs.” He is so funny and also down to earth. I know he loves his family and chooses to be near them when he is not abroad. I would choose the Ketubah Seaside by Rachel Deitsch for Braff. It shows both home and water (the ocean he crosses to work in London now) which are the things that are important to him, but at the same time [the piece] is whimsical and fun.

*** This post was sponsored by Ketubah.com, a proud partner of The Wedding Yentas. ***

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From the Expert: Choosing A Makeup Artist

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Alison in Featured, From the Expert, Inside Scoop

We love when awesome wedding vendors spoil us with their words of wisdom! Today is one of those days. Not a bad way to dive into Monday, right? Susie Chhuor of Susie Chhuor Professional Hair and Makeup Team weighs in on something that may be seem foreign to many brides: How do you pick a makeup artist and what can you expect will happen to your face? Read on for more details from Susie about the prettying of your punim!

Your wedding day is quickly approaching, and all the details are in check: venue, flowers, cake, DJ, photographer, dress, invitations, favors, shoes, etc. Hair and makeup are also among the list of important decisions to make, but they are probably one of the last things on your mind. With so many options, choosing the perfect bridal hair and makeup stylist may seem just as daunting and stressful as deciding on all the other details. However, once you have selected the perfect makeup artist, your mind will be at ease knowing that you will look your absolute best for the wedding day. Here, we will simplify the process for you by suggesting a few helpful tips.

There are a few options when it comes to looking for a makeup artist. As one of the more traditional modes, you may want to seek out referrals from friends, family, or other previous brides whom you know. Since they have already seen the makeup artist’s work or have experienced it first hand, they would be rather reliable sources for referrals. Another option, as one of the more popular modes, is simply the Internet. With the various wedding websites these days, researching for makeup artists becomes much easier since you are usually able to view the artist’s portfolio and information made readily available online. Moreover, many sites also allow you to see testimonials and reviews from previous brides. In a way, this too is a form of “referral.” After all, a bride wouldn’t recommend someone if she didn’t believe in the makeup artist’s work.

As you do your research and browsing, remember to consider the following factors:

1. How experienced is the makeup artist? More specifically, is he/she experienced in bridal hair and makeup?

By viewing portfolios, you can sense the makeup artist’s quality of work and experience. The photos should look clean, professional, and cover a wide range of looks. That way, you know that the makeup artist is flexible in his or her style to meet the needs of yours. You should definitely like what you see in the artist’s portfolio. Also, be sure that the makeup artist has pictures of his/her bridal work. Bridal styling is often quite different from other types of makeup in terms of skill, look, and application. The makeup needs to be meticulously done, so that it looks good both in person and on camera. Thus, be sure that your artist has done a fair share of weddings, including cultural and ethnic weddings (if that pertains to you). You can also take into account the number of years of experience, education and training, and previous employment that the makeup artist has on the resume.

2. Does the makeup artist provide hair services as well?

Unless you do not mind having two different people working on you for the wedding day, having a makeup artist who also does hair alleviates some of the stress on the day of. You will not have to worry about scheduling two different stylists or maybe even commuting to two different places. Also, having one artist who provides both services will ensure that your look is cohesive and share the same quality.

3. Where would you like to get ready?

Consider having the makeup artist come to your location whether it’s a hotel, the venue, or at home. With the morning of the wedding day usually being hectic, avoid the stress of traveling to get your hair and makeup done if the artist is available to come to you. Many freelance and local artists offer this convenience as part of their services for a small fee. If you prefer to get ready at a salon or studio, be sure to check it out beforehand to see if you like the atmosphere.

4. Can he/she accommodate your bridal party size?

Many brides who have several people in their bridal party often enjoy the convenience of makeup artists who work with an assistant or team. With additional hands, everyone in the bridal party can be finished within a reasonable time frame. If the artist happens to work alone, plan the details accordingly with him/her to allow for ample time to get ready.

5. How long do you need the makeup artist for?

Think about whether you would like to the artist to be around for the entire day or just for a few hours to get you ready. Having the artist stay with you may cost a little more as he/she will be ready to do frequent touch-ups or look changes throughout the entire event. Some makeup artists have services in which they will come back later in the day to do touch-ups or change your look for an additional fee. If the makeup artist will not be with you for the entire day, ask if a touch-up kit will be provided so that you may have that on hand for later to do your own touch-ups.

6. What types of makeup does the artist offer?

With an array of makeup products and techniques that are out there, find a makeup artist who is able to carry out what you need. For example, you may want a tattoo or scar to be covered up, so be sure that the artist is able to do so. See whether the artist offers airbrush or uses conventional makeup. Learn about the benefits of either option and ask the makeup artist what would be better to suit your particular face skin tone, texture, and color.

7. What is your budget for hair and makeup?

Rates for bridal hair and makeup can vary greatly from artist to artist, so be sure to research thoroughly and make comparisons. Have a range in mind that you are willing to spend; however, do not try to compromise quality work for affordability. You will be looking back your wedding day photos years from now, so you would want to remember how beautiful you looked on your wedding day.

8. Are you comfortable talking to and being around the makeup artist?

Lastly, as an aspect that can easily be overlooked, the person you choose should make you feel relaxed and comfortable. You should be able to easily communicate your visions and concerns to the makeup artist without much hesitation. Since you will be spending a lot of time with your makeup artist on the day of the wedding and maybe on occasions leading up to the event, you will want to choose someone whose personality meshes well with yours. This will make the experience all the more special and fun!

Once you have narrowed down your options after much research and consideration, contact the makeup artist or agency to arrange a consultation and/or trial. At the trial, bring magazine clippings or online printouts for looks that you like and want to try. Feel free to bring a close friend or family member to give you honest opinions. Also, don’t be afraid to voice your thoughts and desires. Good makeup artists will always listen to your suggestions and concerns in effort to create the look that you want. At the end, if you are satisfied with the trial, book soon after to reserve the wedding date.

Good luck and happy searching!

Like what you read? Get in touch with Susie Chhuor Professional Hair and Makeup team today! Become a fan on Facebook or visit the web site for more information.

From The Expert: Vintage Bridesmaids Dresses

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Alison in From the Expert, Inside Scoop

Don’t forget to get your entry in so you can win a fabulous flower hair accessory from Fascinate Me! The giveaway is going on now through May 14th at 11:59 p.m. PST, and you can enter with a comment about your favorite piece on the Fascinate Me Facebook page AND The Wedding Yentas post here for a maximum of two entries! The winner, who will be chosen at random, will be announced May 15th. Read here for all the juicy details!

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It’s so exciting to have an expert in the house! Personally, I’ve always loved antiques and historical items. I may not be a mathematician (when I hear “pi” I think pumpkin and apple), but I do know this: vintage styles + wedding = gorgeous! Today, Mill Crest Vintage is on board to tell us all about creating a vintage look for your bridesmaids. Paula Cooperman, owner of Mill Crest Vintage, has spent three decades hand selecting each piece to add to her amazing collection of vintage bridal wear for both the traditional and non traditional bride. She has an amazing eye for detail and a great passion for finding what makes a woman feel the most beautiful on her wedding day. Offering personal and private bridal consultations in her Lambertville, New Jersey bridal salon, Paula has had the opportunity to work with hundreds of brides, gaining both experience and expertise in what goes into selecting a vintage bridesmaids dresses.

Now that you have found the perfect “dress of your dreams” wedding dress for what may be one of the single most important days in your entire life, how will you dress your ladies in waiting? Oy vey, the bridesmaid dress. A dress, once regarded as the most dreadful of all dresses, that a movie was made in honor of its deep heritage in a long line of matchy-matchy dresses worn by the few especially selected women in our lives, as they surround the gorgeous bride in all of her glory. The days of 27 dresses and coordinating dyed satin shoes are thankfully finding their way out of today’s wedding trends. Nowadays, brides are opting for frocks that are flattering to each individual bridesmaid, without taking away from the cohesive look of the wedding party.

Going with vintage is a wonderful way to unify your bridal party without actually having everyone wearing matching attire. Whether or not your wedding dress is itself vintage, you can easily turn to vintage to create a beautiful and unique look to your bridal party, while still complementing the design of your own dress and the overall theme of your wedding day. Bonus!! Your bridesmaids will thank you for choosing a dress that they will want to wear again and again!

So, how do you choose a collection of vintage bridesmaids dresses that will both coordinate and offer the opportunity for each of your bridesmaids to feel just as special as you intended them to feel? Well, the two most important things you will want to consider: first, the overall style of your wedding day and then, the style of your own dress. Once you have established the look and feel you are going for, then choosing vintage bridesmaids dresses can be based simply on either era, fabric, color, length, or print.

Maybe you are planning an afternoon garden wedding and you have chosen a fabulous tea length vintage wedding dress from the 50s, with luscious layers of tulle and a floral lace embroidered sweetheart neckline, topped off with a floral silk ribbon sash. In this case, you may consider a selection of tea-length bridesmaids dresses from the 50s all in solid tones to complement your flowers, or perhaps you might choose dresses with a delicate floral print that will work with your sash. For a 20s themed wedding, you may consider flapper style dresses with figure flattering cuts and fun fringe for each of your bridesmaids. Having a destination wedding somewhere sandy and warm amongst the swaying palm trees? Vintage tropical sweetheart cocktail dresses from the 80s, in varying colors of gorgeous floral prints, are the perfect choice. Bridesmaids can don these fabulous little vintage pieces, while going barefoot on the beach and can still dance the night away at your reception by throwing on a simple pair of pumps. The possibilities are truly endless.

Even if your wedding dress isn’t vintage, fear not. A vintage bridesmaids dress is still a great option for achieving a cohesive look for your wedding party. Consider fabric choices, such as lace, jersey knit or chiffon in solid tones that work well with the overall colors chosen for the reception. If your dress happens to be floor length, you may want to have all of your bridesmaids dresses come from the same era, but choose dresses that are knee length so as to still be set apart from the bride. If your dress happens to be lace, coordinating lace bridesmaids dresses will be the perfect choice. Chiffon bridesmaids dresses work well with silk bridal gowns, offering a fun way to play with tones and sheen.

You may be thinking “Great! Vintage seems like a cool choice for my bridesmaids, but where to begin?” I may be biased, but we would recommend the bridesmaid collection at Mill Crest Vintage. Not only do we carry one of the largest collection of vintage dresses for both the bride and bridesmaids, we also offer our collection in our online boutique, as well as in our Lambertville, New Jersey bridal salon.

Brides can shop online with confidence, as each vintage bridesmaids dress in our collection has been hand-selected for quality of construction, fabrication, style, and wearability. We also go to great lengths to describe each piece with exquisite detail. A handy measurement guide is available to assist in finding pieces that will fit your lovely bridesmaids – and just in case you fall in love with a dress that isn’t the right fit, we are here to assist! Nearly every good vintage piece can be altered to achieve a customized fit. Our professional seamstress is on hand to offer suggestions to our online customers about how any particular piece can be altered.

For those brides who are near our Lambertville, New Jersey bridal salon and boutique, we invite you to set up a Private Bridal Party Consultation with one of our vintage bridal experts. Alterations are available with our seamstress and vintage shoes and accessories are available to complete the ensemble. For more information or to set up an appointment, please feel free to contact us.

Don’t forget the Mother of the Bride! We’ve got a fabulous selection of vintage Mother of the Bride dresses too!! But that’s a different discussion…

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