So, you haven’t found that “perfect” wedding dress?  Don’t stress over it! Here are some helpful hints to make the process a success!

1. Do your hair and makeup.

Before you leave the house, do your hair and makeup a bit more formal than usual.  (It really helps to see the “made-up” version of yourself when you look in the mirror.  We all know how un-flattering those dressing room lights are!)

2. Keep open-minded.

When you get to the bridal boutique listen to the assistant.  She can really help guide you.  Try out dresses that you wouldn’t normally think of and keep an open mind.  Sometimes a professional opinion is worth listening to!

3. Don’t settle.

Feeling frustrated?  Don’t be swayed.  In the end you need to LOVE your dress.  The right one will come along!  If the process gets too overwhelming- take a break.  Take a week off and start again.

Your perfect dress IS out there!

- Michelle Poor

For those interested in additional updates and news, you can now follow YouBetheWeddingPlanner on Twitter: @youbeweddings

Pulse Entertainment from Michael McCarthy on Vimeo.

I met Jim Martin in Providence.

I know this couple who have been together for years and years.  They actually live together now.  She did one of those Facebook quizzes – “When will you get married?”.  The answer startled me when I read her results –it said “never”.  I know that her boyfriend is like the milk to her chocolate cake.  They love to do awesome things together – the same things.  I almost felt like I had to defend her from this mean robot behind the screen – what do you mean NEVER!!  He really loves her!!

Then my little feminist came out and I thought “well, she really doesn’t need to get married – she has a great job, really fun life with a really great guy so who cares about a certificate”.  I made a response comment – “a piece of paper in a town hall drawer would not change your life in the least so don’t worry”.   She replied back – “it still would be nice to hear it though”.   Even my inner feminist melted.    I was lucky, I was asked to be married twice and it is a nice feeling to know that someone wants to be with only you for the rest of your lives.   That was a heavy heart.

It is true, women today are very unlike women of the old days.  We no longer need to marry for the financial security because most of us are independent, educated and make our own money.  Most jobs have great benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans so that isn’t the draw.  It’s not even necessary to be married to have children – that stigma is gone as well.  So, I wondered, why else did people get married – family mergers?  Maybe, but, I haven’t heard of that lately – unless, of course, your name is Trump or Kennedy.  So, if not for security, not for chastity and not for power – in 2010, what is the reason we are still getting married.  Could it truly be that we are marrying – for love?  I hope so.  I really, really hope so.