The moment that every little girl dreams of has finally happened for Kate Middleton! She can now be called Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge. After months of anticipation, audiences around the world watched as the Royal Wedding took place this morning. Princess Catherine surprised everyone as her royal wedding gown fit for a princess was finally revealed.

Source: US Magazine and Celebuzz.com

The Dress: Many had suspected a more modern gown and a turn from tradition. But the now princess opted for a timeless dress that was simple, elegant and absolutely stunning. Her dress, designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen, had a beautiful lace bodice and long lace sleeves with a full skirt. The dress, made of ivory and white satin gazar was covered in a lace applique that was handmade by the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace. Many said the dress was reminiscent of the gown Princess Grace wore on her wedding day in 1956. Although it may have been fun to see her push the envelope a litle bit more it was a wise choice for her to choose something timeless.

Source: EOnline.com

The Veil, Crown and Accessories:

The veil consisted of layers of ivory silk tulle with an embroidered flower trim. Her veil was held in place by a 1936 Cartier 'halo' tiara that was once worn by The Queen mother and presented to the current Queen Elizabeth on her 18th birthday. The diamond drop earrings were designed by Robinson Pelham and given to the bride by her parents as a wedding gift. The princess's wedding shoes were Alexander McQueen. They were hand-made and consisted of ivory duchesse satin with lace hand-embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework.

The Flowers:

Princess Catherine's bouquet, designed by Shane Connolly, was small and simple, yet lovely. It was made of Lily-of-the-Valley, Sweet William, Hyacinth, Ivy and Myrtle.

The Prince:

Prince William, who is commissioned in all three of the British Armed Services, wore a scarlet military uniform with a sash and star signifying his honorary rank of Colonel of the Irish Guards.

Choosing the perfect wedding gown is very exciting, but it can also be a difficult choice to make. Here are some very important tips from Candice Benson MBC, president and founder of The Finishing Touch Weddings and Events on how to choose the dress the right for you:

• Talk to your wedding planner about the best places to find your dress.
  
• Look through magazines and online to find dresses that you like.
  
• Choose a dress that is appropriate for the season and the overall feel of your day.
  
• Be sure to wear the heels that you will actually be wearing on your special day.
  
• Also, be sure to wear the appropriate undergarments you plan to wear on your actual day.
  
• Make sure you go to every dress fitting.
  
• Select a gown preservation service ahead of time, such as Madame Paulette, to ensure your gown is kept protected.
  
• Select a dress the helps to express your personal style.
  
• Choose a dress that makes your feel special and that will andquot;wowandquot; your guests.
  
• Don't rush into making the purchase. Make sure you choose the best dress for you.
  
• Don't let yourself get stressed. Trying on wedding dresses is not something a girl gets to do every day so just enjoy it and have fun!

Expert Wedding Consultant Candice Benson MBC, The Finishing Touch, is available for interviews to discuss all your wedding ideas. Candice has earned the designation of Master Bridal Consultant from the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). She is currently 1 of 59 in the world to hold the title. Candice also serves as New Jersey State Coordinator of the ABC and is also President for the NJ Chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding.

One of the most exciting... and scrumptious parts about planning your wedding is choosing your wedding cake!

Prince William and the future Princess Kate chose Leicestershire-based cake designer Fiona Cairns to make their wedding cake. In British tradition, it will be a multi-tiered fruit cake decorated in cream and white icing with a floral design. In addition, the royal couple has commissioned McVitie's Cake Company to make a chocolate biscuit cake per Prince William's special request for the reception.

Source andamp; Recipe: The Daily Spud

Whatever your tradition may be, your cake choice should be pleasing to your eye and your palate. Candice Benson MBC, president and founder of The Finishing Touch, shares ideas to consider when selecting the perfect cake for your big day!

Choose a reputable cake designer whose creations you like. If you are unsure of bakery to use, you can always ask your wedding consultant who they have worked in the past and which designers are the most talented. You can also peruse websites to see which designer's work you like the best. Or, if you really loved a cake at a prior wedding, just ask the bride who she used. That way you will know firsthand how the bride felt about the cake design from start to finish.

Source: The Studio Photographers for Palermo's Bakery

The cake is the focal point of the reception, so it should capture the theme of your wedding. If you are going to have a simple, elegant wedding you might not want your cake to be extremely loud or ornate. If you are having a fun outdoor wedding you might choose bright summer colors to liven the mood. The cake should match the feel you would like the reception to convey so you and your guests can experience the whole atmosphere!

Source: Abella Studios for A Little Cake (Le Petite Gateau)

Your cake topper says it all! Your parents and grandparents may have had a traditional bride andamp; groom topper chosen to look like them (which is still a cute tradition), but today you can find all kinds of cute bride andamp; groom cake toppers. Some have a sports team theme, others are meant to be funny and reflect the couple's personality. You can also opt to make your wedding flowers or the initial of your new last name your topper. Traditional or contemporary, the topper reflects your style and personality.

Source: The Studio Photographers

Be creative! You can match the theme of your wedding, but be creative while doing it. Your cake could bear the design of beading or stitching on your wedding gown, be frosted in your wedding colors or even match the monogram or design on your invitation. If you would like a traditional all white cake, you can still be unique by asking your cake designer to incorporate special emblems, patterns or flowers to the cake in all white.

Source: The Studio Photographers for Palermo's Bakery

Choose a cake flavor you like! It is your special day, so choose a type of cake you actually enjoy. Yes, your guests will be eating it, but so will you! From coffee to pina colada, there are a wide array of cake flavors out there today. It is your day, so choose one that you will enjoy and never forget.

Expert Wedding Consultant Candice Benson MBC, The Finishing Touch, is available for interviews to discuss all your wedding ideas. Candice has earned the designation of Master Bridal Consultant from the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). She is currently 1 of 59 in the world to hold the title. Candice also serves as New Jersey State Coordinator of the ABC and is also President for the NJ Chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding.

One of the most important things about a honeymoon, other than enjoying wedded bliss, is having a little privacy. After months of publicity and preparation for the Royal Wedding, Prince William and the soon-to-be Princess Kate will likely want nothing more than some peace and quiet together.

Although the couple's honeymoon destination is still being kept under wraps, many Royal Wedding watchers have their own ideas about the honeymoon hotspot. Some have speculated it will be the queenandrsquo;s 50,000-acre estate in Scotland, others the Caribbean isle of Barbuda, and some have even said the Land Down Under.

Wherever the royal honeymoon may be, there are a few important things that Prince William and Kate Middleton should have considered when making their decision.

Candice Benson, president and founder of The Finishing Touch shares essential tips to be considered when choosing the perfect honeymoon destination.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Honeymoon Destination:

andldquo;Think about several locations with your fiance, and weigh the pros and cons of each before deciding on the ideal place for you. Also, if you have never worked with a travel agent before, now is the time to find a great one. Your event consultant will help you to find the right person to assist with the planning.andrdquo;

The best way to learn the ins and outs of a destination is by talking with someone who has already been there. Find out what they liked and didnandrsquo;t like. Ask lots of questions about the best places to stay, tour, eat and swim if it is a tropical location.

Consider the time of year you will be traveling. Will it be hurricane season? What will the weather be like? Will you leave right after your wedding, or will you wait a while so the weather is good at your desired destination?

Think about where you would like to stay. Sandals has great all inclusive resorts and great package prices where you can enjoy a diverse array of cuisines. You may also want to stay where you can plan day excursions with the front desk. A hotel that has social events and nightlife so you can meet other couples may also be ideal.

Choose a location based on your passions and interests. Some places are great for safari adventures, golf, swimming, shopping, food, culture, art and museums. Some popular honeymoon locations that may suit your desires include Tahiti, Fiji, The Caribbean, Southeast Asia, South America, Maldives and Australia.

Wherever you choose to honeymoon, be sure to plan ahead and to carry your necessary travel documents. Most importantly, take lots of pictures, relax and have fun!

For help with any wedding needs, including your honeymoon, please contact us today for a consultation at info@thefinishingtouchevents.com or (973) 525-5884.

Expert Wedding Consultant Candice Benson MBC, The Finishing Touch, is available for interviews to discuss all your wedding ideas. Candice has earned the designation of Master Bridal Consultant from the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). She is currently 1 of 59 in the world to hold the title. Candice also serves as New Jersey State Coordinator of the ABC and is also President for the NJ Chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding.

Imagine opening your mailbox and finding a wedding invitation gilded in gold and die-stamped with the Queenandrsquo;s emblem. In mid-February around 1,900 honored invitees received this royal privilege. Invited guests for the Royal Wedding include Kate's family and friends, members of The Royal Family, government leaders, various charity heads and many other prestigious figures from all around the world.

Gorgeous invitations are the perfect introduction to a fabulous event. They set the tone and formality of the event, create excitement for your guests, and give them an idea of what they can expect.

One of the biggest trends in invitations is customization. Custom designed invitations allow for limitless opportunities to be creative and truly reflect your own personal style. A custom invitation designer can help you create the perfect invitation for your event.

If Candice Benson, founder and president of The Finishing Touch had the honor of helping Kate and William select the ideal invites for her big day, these are some of the tips, trends and designs she would suggest-

When working with a custom invitation designer, the first step is to discuss themes, colors, and motifs. Issues to address include: What kind of look and feel do you want to convey? Do you want your wedding to be romantic, modern, whimsical? You may want to use the season, location, or colors of the bridal partyandrsquo;s attire for inspiration. Is there something special you share as a couple that you want to reflect through your event like a love of the outdoors or a meaningful song or movie? You also want to be sure that the look of the invitations will match the formality of your event.

Next you will need to consider the materials that will go into the invitation. What size and shape would you like the invitations to be? Are you interested in a layered invitation or embellishments? Ribbons, charms, and crystals can be added to give your invitations a little extra andldquo;wow. andldquo; Textured papers and fabric panels are also perfect for creating truly one-of-a-kind invitations. Pocket invitations continue to be a popular choice since they allow for creative design, while providing your guests with a neat package to hold the enclosure cards. For the ultimate presentation, choose a gorgeous silk box invitation that will not only make a big impression on your guests, but will also serve as a beautiful gift they can use in the future.

You will also need to consider what information needs to be communicated. How would you like the wording to appear on the invitation? Would you like it to be very formal or a little more casual? What types of enclosure cards should be included? Reception, response, directions, and accommodations cards are all important to consider so your guests have the information they need.

Consider how many invitations you need to order. Remember that you will need one invitation per couple or single guest. Also be sure to order extras in case of any last minute invitees, and to save some as keepsakes.

Most important, you will need to consider your budget. Be sure to allocate a proper amount of money for invitations. Since they are your guestsandrsquo; first impression of your wedding, you want to be sure that they reflect the fantastic wedding you are planning, and that you do not skimp on them. If your budget is limited, be sure to discuss with your custom invitation designer options to achieve the look you are going for in a more cost effective way. This can be achieved by changing the printing method, subtracting layers, or limiting the amount of enclosure cards.

Candice and the experts at The Finishing Touch will help you create a truly unique invitation suite that will reflect your personal style and vision for your wedding.

Expert Wedding Consultant Candice Benson MBC, The Finishing Touch, is available for interviews to discuss all your wedding ideas. Candice has earned the designation of Master Bridal Consultant from the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). She is currently 1 of 59 in the world to hold the title. Candice also serves as New Jersey State Coordinator of the ABC and is also President for the NJ Chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding.

With just a few days left until the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, we are sure Kate has been following a beauty regimen to keep her hair, skin and nails in top form for the big day. Below Candice offers her suggestions for Kate before her wedding day, and, of course, any bride-to-be can follow this regimen.

Exercise:

As the center of attention on your wedding day, you want to make sure that you are fit and confident in your beautiful gown.

With so many details to think about, finding time to hit the gym may not be at the top of your priority list. But when you think about all the people who will be taking your picture that day, and the moments you will want to treasure in your album for a lifetime, making time to burn calories will become more important.

You should first set realistic goals. Then enlist your fiance or bridesmaids as your workout buddies. Choose something you will enjoy doing over the course of several months like yoga, pilates, belly dancing, swimming or biking. Try to incorporate thirty minutes of activity into your routine at least three times a week.

If you prefer a more rigid structure, join a boot camp or hire a personal trainer and nutritionist. Either way, get moving today, eat healthy and don't forget to have fun! If you have any health conditions, be sure to check with your doctor before starting your exercise plan. Your hard work and discipline will pay off when you "wow" everyone on your wedding day.

Skin Care:

Skin care leading up to your wedding day is very important. Here are some tips to help you get your skin ready for your special day.

1. Sunscreen is an important part of any bride's daily routine. To keep your skin beautiful in pictures, apply daily weeks before you say "I Do."
   
2. Use products to help stabilize your current skin type versus relying cleansers and lotions that are no longer appropriate.
   
3. Leading up to and on your big day, keep your pout beautiful by applying a moisturizing balm with Shea Butter to soften lips and give them a soft, kissable look.
   
4. For ultimate wedding skin, consider a series of monthly facials to unclog pores, reduce fine lines, treat acne and even out skin tone up to six months in advance of your big day.
   
5. Do not experiment with new products and facials for the two weeks before your wedding.

It also never hurts to stay hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water per day. Remember, your skin will be your best accessory.

Hair:

Your hairstyle will play a major role in your overall look on your wedding day. Here are some tips to consider as you finalize your look.

1. Decide on a hairstyle before you choose your veil or headpiece. Play with a few styles before finalizing your look.
   
2. Visit your hairstylist at least six months before the wedding to set up a hair care regimen.
   
3. Touch up your existing hair color two weeks before the wedding. Prepare a hair emergency kit for reception touch ups.
   
4. Think about whether your hairstyle will hold up at an outdoor wedding.
   
5. Match your hairstyle to your gown in degree of formality.
   
6. Consider extensions and hairpieces to add volume for special hairstyles.
   
7. Plan special hairstyles for the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner.
   
8. Get a final trim two weeks before the wedding.
   
9. Wear a buttoned-down shirt to your wedding day hair session.
   
10. Talk to your hairstylist to set a shampooing and conditioning schedule for the days before the wedding.
    
11. Invest in a good haircut. You'll need less styling if you have a good foundation.
    
12. Decide if you will remove your veil after the ceremony. You'll need to adjust your hairstyle accordingly.
    
13. Have your hairdresser practice with your veil and tiara.

Nails:

Start thinking about how you would like your nails to look on your wedding day. Remember, your hands will be photographed during special moments, especially during the ceremony when you exchange your rings and during the reception when you are cutting the cake. Plus, your guests will be excited to see your new wedding ring throughout your day. Start getting weekly manicures about three months before your wedding date to get your nails in tip top shape.

1. Find a manicurist you really like and stick with that person leading up to your wedding. It will be important to find someone you trust so there will be no last minute surprises.
   
2. Determine the color and length you desire for your wedding day nails when you start meeting with your manicurist. You may want them short and square or long and oval. You may want to wear pink polish or get a french manicure. Try different colors on the days that you are getting fitted for your dress to see which look will work best.
   
3. Don't forget to also get a pedicure. You may want to match the color that you are wearing on your fingernails, or go completely bold with a bright hue. Either way, your new hubby will appreciate the time you took to make sure you have soft feet and polished toenails on your wedding night.

Stay tuned for more Royal Wedding posts as we count down to the Royal Wedding on Friday, April 29th!

Expert Wedding Consultant Candice Benson MBC, The Finishing Touch, is available for interviews to discuss all your wedding ideas. Candice has earned the designation of Master Bridal Consultant from the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). She is currently 1 of 59 in the world to hold the title. Candice also serves as New Jersey State Coordinator of the ABC and is also President for the NJ Chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding.