Feeling overwhelmed is normal the closer you get to your wedding day. It seems like you can’t spare even just a minute to relax since your tasks will pile up if you do.  

This feeling of overwhelmingness that comes with it can become more pronounced weeks before your wedding. When you reach the one-month mark, you will also become more stressed out as you work through your planning and to-do list.

You may even start feeling that a month won’t be enough to pull off the wedding of your dreams.

The 30-Day Wedding Countdown

Creating another checklist for the important things you have to do a month before your wedding can help you stay organized and complete all your tasks before your big day.  

Below are eight vital things you have to prioritize the month prior to your wedding:

1. Double-check your wedding bands.

The ideal time to check and double-check your wedding rings is four weeks before the big day.

If you ordered lab-grown diamond wedding bands because they are more affordable yet look like and are as strong as their mined counterparts, but haven’t received them yet, find out if you will get them on time.

If you already have your wedding rings, check if they fit your and your partner’s fingers. If they don’t, find out how long the jeweler needs to adjust them.  

Also, if you and your partner want to have your wedding bands engraved, check with your jeweler how long it will take them to do this. Make sure you get this done two to three weeks before your big day.

Keep in mind that although your lab-grown diamond wedding bands already look stunning, having them engraved will give them a more personal and romantic touch, making them more valuable pieces of jewelry for you as a couple.

2. Write your vows.

If you are writing your vows, the longer time you have, the better.

Your vows are the mainstay of your wedding. They are your promises to one another. In the future, you might regret how much time you spent stressing on details that may go unnoticed, but you won’t feel sorry sitting down to think about your declarations to your loved one.

If you don’t know where and how to start writing your vows, follow these simple tips:

• Go online to read examples of wedding vows.
• Record your special experiences together that always make you smile or evoke happy emotions and choose one or two that you can add as stories.
• Speak with your partner about the tone.
• Come up with at least two promises.
• Avoid cliches.
• Add a reference to your future together.

Working on your vows for at least a month gives you plenty of time to polish your speech. 

Remember to try to keep it under two minutes. Since you have several weeks to write and rewrite it, you will be able to stick to this limit, yet still, exchange words that are memorable and special with your partner.

3. Take care of all the legal aspects associated with getting married.

Make sure you have everything you need to have a religious or civil wedding, most particularly a marriage license.

Also, you can start working on the process of changing your name (if you plan to). Call, visit, or check your town or city’s courthouse website to find out the process.

Prioritize changing your name on your driver’s license, passport, and other government-issued identification.

Also, find out how you can change your name on your credit and debit cards and your beneficiaries for your investment accounts and insurance plans.

4. Wrap up your wedding guest headcount.

At least three weeks before your big day, go over the list of people you invited and check who have responded that they will attend your wedding.  

Also, call or send a message or email the invitees who missed the deadline and find out if they are going or not.

Once you have the final headcount, give your caterer and venue organizer the number so that they can get everything ready for the event.

If some of your guests are from out of town, help them find suitable accommodations. Try to arrange transportation for them as well, especially if they are flying in.

Lastly, consider assembling gift baskets for your out-of-town guests. You can ask your bridesmaids and friends to help you with this.

5. Finalize everything and check in regularly with your vendors.

With nearly everything set in stone, you can finalize all the details with your vendors.

Aside from giving your final guest count to your caterer and venue organizer, you should:

• Send your wedding playlist to the DJ or band.
• Check with your florist regarding your chosen flowers and their arrangements.
• Create and send a list of key shots you want your photographer to capture during the wedding.
• Go over the pickup times and locations with your transportation service provider, including your limousine chauffeur, if you hired one.

A week before your wedding, consider paying your vendors in full to avoid the hassles of doing this on your special day.

6. Organize your seating chart.

Since you already have the complete guest list, you can now set up the seating chart.

Start with the easy tables, such as your parents, siblings, close relatives and friends, co-employees, etc.

Next, work on your harder-to-place guests, including your single friends and relatives. Try seating them in empty spots at various tables, preferably with one or two people they already know.

7. Double-check everything you’ll wear on your wedding day. 

A week or two before your special day, do your final dress fitting.

Make sure you follow these steps to ensure you look and feel like a princess on your wedding day:

• Wear the undergarments you will use on your wedding day to check if they fit you and won’t distract from your ensemble.
• Wear your wedding shoes during the fitting and break them in by walking in them at home.
• Try on your earrings, necklace, and other jewelry pieces.
• Put on your veil, topper, and other accessories you plan to wear on your wedding.  

8. Organize all beauty appointments.

Lastly, organize your beauty appointments to ensure you look and feel your best on your wedding day.

These include getting a haircut, eyebrow shaping, and hair removal treatment. Don’t forget to get a massage, facial, and other spa treatments to help you relax and get a glowing look.

Also, make sure you have already selected and booked your hair and makeup artists for your wedding day.

With this checklist, you can make the most out of your remaining four weeks of planning and preparation, experience less stress, and have the wedding of your dreams.

Happy Monday, Bombers and Bombshells!

Yesterday, I had the distinct pleasure of hosting an advanced screening of the House of Gucci movie at Magic Johnson Theater in Harlem!

The hotly anticipated film, in theaters on Thanksgiving, stars Lady Gaga, Jared Leton, Adam Driver, Al Pacino, and Salma Hayek-Pinault.  The Ridley Scott directed film follows the story of Patrizia Reggiani, a woman who married into the Gucci family and ultimately murdered her husband and Gucci heir, Maurizio Gucci. The film is chock full of betrayal, decadence, and of course, fashion. 

Aside from the story, the movie shows fashion history, and cameos from characters portraying Anna Wintour, Andre Leon Talley, Tom Ford, and more!

A socially distanced group came to eat popcorn, relax, and indulge in the 2 hour and 30 minute film:

The effervescent Rae Holliday was in the building.

Designer Aisha McShaw popped by in a leather jumpsuit of her design.

Vogue’s Alexis Bennet kept cozy in a teddy bear coat.

This reader came to slay in a high slit gown.

Rowena Husbands and Theresa Oneal popped by.

Designer Larissa Muehleder of the brand Muehleder wore a look by her brand.

And it was a family affair, with my brother Andre Sulmers, who wore a rose printed sweatshirt.

Good times were had!

After the movie, theater goers all indulged in a brunch at Red Rooster in Harlem. The food was delicious, and the energy unmatched!

For my hosting duties, I wore a trenchoat from Meow and Barks Boutique, along with Gucci Accessories: a Belt, Glasses, Earrings, Tights, and Gucci x Balenciaga Knife Pumps!

The screening was the perfect kick off to the Thanksgiving season. Be sure to check it out and let me know what you think!

Images: Sone Jr/ Vizionaire Visuals

Wigs are man-made hairpieces that can be used to disguise baldness, demonstrate aristocratic authority, or stand out as fashion statements in their own right. 

This article aims to make you travel through time to spot wigs and mark its journey from periwig to modern-day human hair, unnoticeable u part wigs:

Wigs in Ancient Egypt civilization

Men and ladies in ancient Egypt wore wigs made of human hair, sheep’s wool, or vegetable fibers, depending on their social rank. Because of the hot environment and to avoid lice, Egyptians shaved their heads. However, that led to the development of wigs that imitated hair while also protecting them from the sun. Wigs became commonplace among Egyptians, denoting a person’s social rank as well as their involvement in society and politics. Women’s wigs were more elegant than men’s wigs because they were embellished with braiding, gold, hair rings, and ivory trinkets.

Wigs in ancient Roman civilization

The Greeks, Romans, Assyrians, and Phoenicians were among the ancient civilizations whose residents wore wigs. Wigs were frequently manufactured for both men and women by the Romans, who used slave hair. Hair from German tribal slaves with blonde hair and slaves from India with black hair were popular choices for Roman wigs.

Wigs in ancient eastern civilizations

During ancient Far Eastern civilizations, such as China, India, and Japan, wigs were only worn by actors and actresses in traditional theatre.

Wigs from the Renaissance era

Due to tough circumstances in the Middle Ages wigs had lost their use. Women were normally expected to cover their heads, fashion was mostly ignored, and beauty was sparse. Then, with the start of the Renaissance (1400-1600), women’s hairstyles regained prominence, and they began to exhibit their hair once more. As fashion and beauty became more significant aspects of society, women’s wigs resurfaced.

Wigs reached to aristocrats in France

Wigs have a long history in France, dating back to the time of Louis Xlll who had gone bald before his time. He began wearing extravagant wigs to hide his baldness. The first autonomous wigmaker’s guild was founded in 1673, according to historical documents. It went on to become a fashion icon and a symbol of power and show in the aristocratic elite. King Louis XIV’s mistress wore her hair in a trademark style known as the la Fontange.

Wigs made their way to Europe.

Wigs had gone well beyond France’s nobles by the conclusion of the Sun King’s reign. Wigs were worn by kings in royal courts across Europe, and they are today an essential part of the European aristocratic wardrobe.

Wigs in the eighteenth century

Expensive wigs with mile-high coiffures and beautifully adorned curls were popular in the 18th century. Wigs with lengthy ringlets that were powdered white were popular.

Queen Elizabeth I of England was another notable queen who was noted for her magnificent wigs. Wigs were so common at the time that almost everyone in the upper crust wore wigs or had elaborate hairstyles. It is unsurprising that by the end of the 18th century, the number of expert wigmakers in France had soared from the fashion capital of Paris to other European capitals and, eventually, to smaller towns.

Wigs made their way to North America

Thousands of journeymen wig makers and craftsmen, in addition to guild master wigmakers, traveled the European countryside clandestinely manufacturing wigs. Wigs eventually lost their exclusivity as a luxury item, a badge of high birth, or a status symbol worn by the privileged few. The bob wig, a shorter, less intricate wig, was particularly fashionable in Colonial America at the turn of the century.

Wigs, Periwigs, and Wigs

The word “wigs” comes from “periwigs,” the name given to the long, curly wigs that were fashionable after Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660.The periwig’s style evolved over the decades.

Young men began to wear their hair in a more natural form around the end of the 18th century. but only for older, more traditional gentlemen and ladies being presented at court.

Meanwhile, gentlemen of fashion in the American colonies carefully followed the newest wig trends in London and Paris. The queue wig / tie-wig was a popular style that can be seen in many ancient colonial pictures. Men began to wear their hair again around 1770.

What happened in the nineteenth century

Enormous hair, big curls, big braids, and big chignons, generally created from other hair, were all the rage in the 1870s. There was no way a lady could attain a trendy hairdo in the 1870s without using more hairpieces.

20th-century wigs

By the end of the nineteenth and the start of the twentieth-century postiches or pre-made small wiglets, curls, and false buns that were incorporated into the hairstyle was popular in both England and France.

The use of postiches did not diminish even as women’s hair grew shorter in the decade between 1910 and 1920, although they did go out of fashion during the 1920s when the “Bob” was the new look that could be acquired without additional hairpieces.

The Wig of Today

Hairstyles, wigs, clothes, shoes, and purses are all subject to change. Synthetic wigs that are trendy and sophisticated are now within everyone’s grasp thanks to modern technology. Wig producers are continually improving the structure, fit, and style of wig caps. Human hair wigs provide the most diversity and style options, whilst synthetic wigs resemble genuine, healthy human hair but are less costly and simpler to maintain.

The wig is now a symbol of femininity for women. Manufacturers of wigs include natural-looking wigs, as well as  for pop or movie stars with fantasy colors, and complex style. Medical wigs that are comfortable and lightweight are available for persons or children who have lost their hair due to medical disorders or treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. Children’s wigs

Cardi B stepped in to host this year’s American Music Awards, where the fashionista commanded the award show in captivating couture looks. Let’s get into her bomb ensembles from the night:

Cardi B graced the red carpet wearing a custom Schiaparelli look including a black crepe jersey column dress, black tulle veil, gold face mask with Swarovski piercings, chandelier earrings, and black gloves with pierced gold nails.

Cardi B wore an Alexandre Vauthier Couture look including a black velvet high-neck gown and feather train headpiece.

Cardi B wore a custom Jean Paul Gaultier neon green look, inspired by a Fall/Winter 2019 Couture look by the brand.

Cardi B wore a Miss Sohee Fall/Winter 2021 Couture Swarovski-crystal embellished look after winning Favorite Hip-Hop Song at the 2021 AMAs.

Cardi B wore a Jean Paul Gaultier Spring/Summer 2012 corset paired with a custom Sarah Sokol fan-like headpiece and custom Laurel Dewitt jet black crystal neckpiece.

Cardi B wore a Jean-Louis Sabaji Fall/Winter 2021 Couture embellished feather look.

Cardi B wore a Schiaparelli Fall/Winter 2021 Couture denim zipped jacket with gold and rhinestone embroidery paired with leather trousers.

Cardi B wore a custom Mélique Street outfit while hosting the 2021 AMAs.

Her looks were styled by Kollin Carter.

Which outfit was your fave?

Photos: Getty

Last night, the 2021 American Music Awards, or AMAs, went down with Cardi B as this year’s host. Major artists like Tyler the Creator, Chlöe Bailey, Jennifer Lopez, Giveon, and much more delivered gripping performances. Not to mention, New Kids on the Block and New Edition gave us quite the throwback moment with their set during the award show. Aside from the evening’s show-stopping musical acts, some artists racked up huge wins for the evening like Megan Thee Stallion who won Favorite Trending Song, Female Hip-Hop Artist, and Hip Hop Album. Drake won this year’s Favorite Male Hip Hop Artist, making this the sixth time in his career to win an AMA award.

With such a big show in place, the stars were out and gracing the red carpet in absolutely stunning looks. Based on your engagements during our red carpet coverage, we rounded up the top 10 best dressed celebrities of the evening:

1. Machine Gun Kelly in Ashton Michael with daughter Casie Baker in Valentino

Machine Gun Kelly was joined by his daughter Casie Baker at the 2021 AMAs. Styled by Adam H. Ballheim, Machine Gun Kelly wore an Ashton Michael wax knit sweater with pearl and chain embellishments, a pearl choker necklace, and black wide leg trousers. Casie wore a Valentino dress with the Tyler Ellis Candy clutch, styled by Amanda Lim.

2. Cardi B in Schiaparelli

Host Cardi B wore a custom Schiaparelli look including a black crepe jersey column dress, black tulle veil, gold face mask with Swarovski piercings, chandelier earrings, and black gloves with pierced gold nails. Her look was styled by Kollin Carter.

3. Halle Bailey in LaQuan Smith

Halle Bailey wore a $425 LaQuan Smith Fall/Winter 2021 chocolate brown velvet lace-up bodysuit and $895 skirt, styled by Nikki Cortez. She finished the look with Stuart Weitzman lace-up sandals.

4. JoJo in Usama Ishtay

JoJo wore a custom Usama Ishtay silver Swarovski crystal chainmail bustier maxi dress with side cutouts, styled by Anna Katsanis.

5. Chloe Bailey in Monsoori

Chlöe Bailey wore a Monsoori black velvet cutout dress with a high slit, styled by Jill Jacobs.

6. Marsai Martin in Missoni

Marsai Martin wore a Missoni Spring/Summer 2022 look, styled by Bryon Javar.

7. Winnie Harlow in Zuhair Murad

Winnie Harlow wore a Zuhair Murad Fall/Winter 2021 Couture multicolored fringe beaded cold-shoulder long-sleeved short dress, styled by Jason Bolden.

8. Coi Leray in Gucci

Coi Leray wore a Gucci by Tom Ford vintage dress with KMO Paris and Saint Laurent jewelry, styled by Morgan Pinney.

9. Olivia Rodrigo in David Koma

Olivia Rodrigo wore David Koma, styled by Chloe and Channel Delgadillo.

10. Niki DeMar in LaQuan Smith

Niki DeMar wore a $515 LaQuan Smith corset bustier in hot orange and $525 low slung mini skirt in fuchsia, styled by Mikiel Benyamin. The look was completed with Fallon jewelry and Jessica Rich heels.

Thoughts?

Photos: Getty / Julian Dakdouk

On Saturday, filming for the 2021 Soul Train Awards commenced where celebrities hit the red carpet in the best award show-ready looks. You already know Fashion Bomb Daily was on the scene for the red carpet fashions, so let’s get into the evening’s best celebrity style moments:

Ashanti wore Christian Siriano and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, styled by Tim B. She will be honored with this year’s Lady of Soul Award.

Jazmine Sullivan wore a $1,490 Herve Leger long puff sleeve mini dress and black heeled sandals to the 2021 Soul Train Awards.

Paula Patton wore a $3,380 Moschino asymmetric leopard-print minidress and pink pumps to the 2021 Soul Train Awards.

21 Savage wore a Jacquemus Fall 2021 look to the 2021 Soul Train Awards, styled by Fatima B.

Yung Bleu wore a $2,695 Balmain reversible monogram jacquard bomber jacket and monogram socks paired with a black turtleneck top, trousers, and sneakers.

JaRule wore a $450 Kith x MLB New York Mets Crosby trench coat paired with a black turtleneck top, beige splattered paint pants, red-tinted sunglasses, and $340 Yeezy NSLTD BT.

KJ Smith wore an Ivy Showroom x Albina Dyla two piece look paired with Giuseppe Zanotti heels, styled by Beeōmbi.

2019 FABYs Executive of the Year and PMM Agency owner Kimberly Blackwell wore a $16,000 Saint Laurent fur coat, black patent leather trousers, and $1,295 Dolce and Gabbana “Sorrento“ sneakers.

Crystal Renee Hayslett wore the $328 Lionne Clothing “Cleopatra” blazer dress paired with stylist Beeōmbi‘s polka-dotted sheer bottoms.

Ari Lennox wore a Jolleson dress and Giuseppe Zanotti heels, styled by Danasia Sutton.

Summer Walker wore LaQuan Smith to the 2021 Soul Train Awards.

Which look was your favorite? The 2021 Soul Train Awards is set to air on BET on Sunday, November 28th at 8pm, hosted by Tisha Campbell-Martin and Tichina Arnold.

Photos: Getty / Quintin McRae Photography

On Saturday, Joseline Hernandez pulled up to Las Vegas, joined by her beau DJ Balistic Beats, for an exclusive live filming event for her show Joseline’s Cabaret Las Vegas. For the live taping, she wore a dazzling, shimmering crystal-adorned dress.

Joseline wore a custom Abella by Blanco single-sleeve silver dress with a crystalized fishnet overlay. She finished the look with a pair of sparkly silver heels and crystal hoop earrings. For hair, she went with a platinum blonde straight style.

Balistic Beats wore a $1,190 Givenchy Intarsia logo cotton sweater paired with black trousers and embellished black shoes.

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Thoughts?

Mary J. Blige held a concert at Barclays Center in Brooklyn where the singer gave fans a show filled with her captivating vocals, signature thigh-high boots, famous dances and much more.

While performing, Mary J. Blige wore a Gucci Fall 2021 look including a crystal-encrusted version of their $4,800 jumbo GG canvas coat, a pair of crystal-embellished monogram shorts, and $2,500 The Hacker Project Knife boots done in collaboration with Balenciaga. Her look was styled by Jason Rembert.

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What say you?

Photos: Michelle Farsi

Karrueche Tran was on the scene at the 2021 GQ Men of the Year Awards. The actress-model graced the red carpet wearing a dazzling red look.

Karrueche wore a Lena Berisha RTW 2021 red ruched mesh dress to GQ’s annual Men of the Year Awards. Styled by Bryon Javar, the red ensemble was rounded off with Stuart Weitzman red satin sandals and jewelry pieces from Le Vian, Candy Ice, and Djula.

Thoughts?

Photos: Getty

Jhené Aiko attended the 2021 GQ Men of the Year Awards where she donned a custom designer black dress for the event.

Jhené Aiko wore a custom Sebastian Gunawan dress which appears with short sleeves in a black sheer material matched with chic embellishments. The captivating gown was accessorized with Christian Louboutin black platform heels and David Yurman jewelry pieces. Her ensemble was styled by Icon Billingsley.

What do you think of her look?

Photos: @createdbyeyes