The proof is in the make-up!

It’s humid. The temperature is like a furnace inside your bridal gown. Then, the perspiration comes - even though you don’t want it to. Little by little, you feel the beads of foundation trickling down your face. The perspiration drops accelerate and roll into your eyes. You try to wink them away but all you get is a train track of black mascara, eyeliner and blush, all down your face.

Phew…then you wake up. It was only a wedding nightmare after all!

It may seem like a bad dream but the reality is that sometimes even the best makeup doesn’t stand a chance against our tropical climate’s humidity, wind, rain and heat. This is particularly true if you’re having an outdoor or beach wedding. Add bouts of emotion and tears to the humidity factor and you have a recipe for a streaky face and raccoon eyes.

One solution to keep that “blushing bride look,” is to use water-proof makeup - which is made with ingredients that repel water. The first step for face coverage is to ask your makeup artist for water-proof versions of: primer, concealer, foundation, setting powder and lipsticks or lip stains. Primer helps makeup go on evenly and prevents creasing and caking of your foundation.

Waterproof cream-based blushes tend to stay well-pigmented on the skin and last throughout the day. This is in contrast to powder blushes, which may need re-applications.

The eyes are the most critical area, since many brides tend to tear up or be prone to contact lens irritation. Waterproof eyeshadows, gel-based eyeliners and waterproof mascaras are good choices. Be aware though, that not all mascaras are created equal.

“Water-resistant” mascaras may not equal the staying power of water-proof mascaras. Water-resistant mascaras are good for standing up to light perspiration or minimal eye-watering. However, water-proof mascaras can go the distance of lasting throughout a shower or a swim!  If you’re wearing fake eyelash strips, it is also best to use water-proof eyelash glue.

Some make-up artists also recommend using makeup setting sprays. These are products designed to help your make-up become more water and sweat resistant. Liquid sealers are also available and are applied with a wand or brush. They work well to ensure makeup is long-wearing. However, they tend to leave a film or shine and so may not be suitable if you want to use shimmer eyeshadows and blush.

It’s important to note that rubbing can remove almost any type of waterproof makeup. Therefore, it’s best to avoid rubbing your eyes. Your makeup will last longer if you pat your face, especially with blotting papers.

After all, you need a dewy, fresh face and a pretty pucker for your “I do” kiss!

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Food & Drinks for Your Outdoor Wedding

It has often been said that entertaining is an art, but have you ever thought about moving the canvas outside for your wedding? That’s right, perhaps we can look to the vast outdoors for inspiring ideas on how to entertain wedding guests. And there’s no better way to entertain guests than with delicious food!

However, having an outdoor wedding does indeed present a few challenges. Here are some factors to consider and some ideas to go along with them:

Factors to consider:

How food will be served

It is best to avoid serving food items that are too sticky, saucy or sweet when having a self-service buffet; since these tend to attract bees and flies. However, if your hors d’ouevres will be passed on trays by wait staff; you can have a wider selection of food types, since the food will be monitored and brought out in fresh batches.

The time of the day or type of reception
If you’re having a cocktail reception, some choices for appetizers could be: stuffed mushrooms, spring rolls, mini quiches, meatballs with a dipping sauce, shrimp or scallops wrapped in bacon, chicken satays, vegetable crudités, pot stickers, a cheese tray and for dessert, cupcakes and fruit kabobs or chocolate-covered fruit.  Always ensure that dishes containing seafood, mayonnaise and onions are kept at the correct temperature, to avoid the threat of bacteria!

Let your location lead you - for example, if you’re giving a garden wedding, foods incorporating fresh, garden influences such as lemons and herbs would be lovely – for example: grilled vegetables, stuffed tomatoes, wild rice pilaf, pesto pasta salad and lemon-infused chicken. A beach wedding could  feature seafood dishes such as: chowder or bisque, ceviche (raw fish marinated in citrus juices and seasoned), accra, crab cakes, mini shrimp cocktails served in shot glasses or grilled meats.

Theme of your wedding – your food choices will be much easier if you have a specific theme for your wedding. For example, for an Indian-theme, you can try samosas, biryani, tandoori chicken, naan bread, vegetables and an assortment of curries and chutneys. If you’re having a more casual wedding, you could try a “picnic theme” for the wedding and have a selection of: fried chicken, bar-b-qued meats, coleslaw, potato salad and corn on the cob. If you are going with an Italian theme, you can choose stuffed olives, lasagna, eggplant parmesan, caprese salad and top it off with a dessert of tiramisu or panacotta.

Get inspired by your own local favourites - Try miniature versions of your favourite foods, for example, if you enjoy fast foods, you can certainly have sliders (mini burgers), doubles, gyros, aloo pies, tiny shark and bakes, “coo coo” squares, meatballs, mini pizzas, shot glasses of souse or French fries served in beautiful paper cones to match your décor.

Ensure your drink selections do not clash with your food selections. For example, if you’re going with more Mexican-inspired foods, choose margaritas or if you’re having an Italian-inspired menu, serve your guests some limoncello or an assortment of Italian wines. Japanese-inspired weddings could have sake on offer and garden weddings would do well with lemonade, daiquiris and a selection of iced teas. To close your reception, a nice idea if you’ve had an “all-Trini” menu would be to serve some Trini cocoa tea in take-away mugs, which serve as wedding favours.