All brides-to-be want to look stunning during their upcoming spring or summer weddings; however, holiday eating and cold weather conditions tend to pile on pounds and inhibit workouts. If you’re susceptible to the dreaded “January Blahs”, there are some ways to make this month more stimulating, invigorating, and beautifying. By planning ahead and adopting a healthier lifestyle, you’ll be ready for your close-up when your wedding day rolls around.

Use this month to become your very best self! Remember that results from dieting and exercise take time – therefore, it’s much better to start a few months in advance of your very special occasion. Of course, the bonus of eating correctly and working out is that you will feel amazing and handle stress much more effectively. There is no downside to taking care of your body – the work you do will always pay off in a big way.

Here are some tips on lifestyle changes that will help you to look fabulous in your white wedding dress…

Eating Correctly Will Slim You Down and Make You Feel Better 

Cutting excess “bad” fats, sugars, and white flours out of your diet is the best way to provoke the kind of weight loss that also makes you feel healthier (rather than tired or deprived) and gives you a glamorous look in fashionable wedding dresses - after all, these empty calories do nothing for you, and they tend to wreak havoc with your metabolism, your complexion, and your moods. Processed foods are always a poor choice – instead, treat yourself to whole grains, lean proteins and sauces in the correct portion sizes. In time, you’ll feel confident enough to begin shopping for wedding dresses Mississauga or wedding dresses in Barrie.

If you’re having trouble losing weight and you’re not a big junk food eater, it’s quite probable that you don’t understand what a typical serving size is. A cup of grains (brown rice, spinach pasta, couscous, etc.), 2/3 cup of topping (such as lean chicken, tofu or tuna), and a tablespoon of sauce or condiment (for example - olive oil, hot sauce, low-fat mayo, or fat-free salad dressing) should form the basis for most meals – then, you should augment with lots of pure water, veggies, and fruit. Imagine a typical Lean Cuisine microwave meal container – this is correctly portioned, and, as you’ve probably noticed, there isn’t a great deal of food on the plastic plate! Salads and fruit will fill you up if you’re still feeling hungry after you consume your “portioned” meal. You should also drink five big glasses of water or herbal tea every day.

Eating smaller portions is tough at first, but your body will soon adjust, and you will definitely lose weight. Cutting out the wrong foods and portioning the right foods is the best strategy for New Year’s weight loss. It takes discipline, to be sure – but you can do it.

Find Joy in Exercise This January

Healthy lifestyle choices don’t have to be a chore – in fact, you set yourself up for defeat when you hate what you’re doing; therefore, exercise that is fun to do should always be the goal. To choose the right activity for your personality and fitness goals, do a little self-analysis…for example, if you’re quiet and bookish, home fitness equipment will be a perfect choice. You can read a great novel while you ride an Exercycle or use and Elliptical machine, and you won’t have to bother fighting the crowds at a gym.

If you’re social and extroverted, fitness classes that feature Zumba exercise may be ideal – Zumba offers a great workout system that tones your body, and all of the action is set to lively Latin and international music. Other great options include swimming at a gym, Pilates, or hiking. Mixing it up is a good strategy – balance indoor and outdoor exercise for the best results. Getting fresh air – even in miserable weather – is very healthy, as long as you’re bundled up…

Reward Your Successes By Choosing the Perfect Wedding Gown and Accessories

In order to stay on track, you need to plan rewards – treating yourself is truly the best way to stay motivated. Instead of focusing on sweet treats or salty potato chips as rewards, why not plan your rewards to make your upcoming wedding even more special? For example, if you lose five pounds, give yourself permission to choose a stunning wedding tiara, wedding shoes, or bridal rings. Since you need these items anyway, choosing them as “milestones” along a New Year fitness program can be great fun. Of course, choosing your bridal dress will be the most important milestone of all…begin looking early in the New Year, so you know exactly what you want when you’re at peak fitness in a month or two. Create a shopping calendar that gels with your fitness goals – and beat the January blahs as you get ready to walk down the aisle.

Happy New Year from Best for Bride!

This New Year, our Best for Bride team will be there to help you find perfect wedding dresses, cheap bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride dresses, and everything else you’ll need to plan the wedding of your dreams. We offer a variety of services, from wedding dresses Toronto to a fully-stocked online bridal store that lets you shop from the comfort of your own home.

Your wedding day is your day to shine…and your wedding photographs should capture your radiance, joy and beauty to perfection. However, now and then, women find themselves disappointed with their wedding pictures, which just don’t seem to flatter as they should. Often, “bad” wedding pictures are the result of improper makeup techniques, the wrong angles, and non-professional photography.

By knowing what to avoid, you’ll have more control over the final product. Whether you’re using a professional photographer (this is recommended) or relying on friends and family to commemorate your special day, you will increase your chances of perfect wedding photographs by following these helpful guidelines…

Know Your Best Angles

Every woman, whether she is voluptuous and Rubenesque or delicate and waifish, will have certain angles that are naturally flattering to her unique natural beauty. To find out your best angles, go through old pictures and select the shots you love and hate – then, look for the angles that do – and don’t – work for you. If you get great shots when your body is turned a certain way, or your head is tilted slightly upwards or downwards, use these poses when your wedding photographer is taking pictures.

Models and actresses always know their best angles – to get more ideas about successful angles and poses, look at red carpet photos from events like the Oscars or Golden Globes - you’ll notice that female celebs often pose carefully (one hip thrust outward, one leg forward) to ensure that their pics are ultra-flattering. Don’t be afraid to practice posing in your white wedding dress - have a friend take some preliminary snaps to test great angles. It may feel silly, but remember – at your wedding, you are the star of the show, and all eyes will be upon you. It’s perfectly ok to practice posing and whatnot as you prepare for your wedding day!

Professional Makeup Tips for Better Wedding Photos

Experienced makeup artists know all of the tricks of the trade, and they always understand how makeup needs to be applied for the camera. Today, many makeup artists rely on high-def makeup powders and bases to get their client’s complexions looking flawless for glamour photography.

While you may not need these pricey HD cosmetics, you will need to consider the way your makeup ”reacts” with the camera’s lens. Basically, the photographer’s lights will drain you, and his or her camera flashes will wash you out – to counteract these influences, use stronger makeup that you would for everyday, or even for a night of clubbing.

You need a good-quality base foundation, lots of powder to create a smooth matte effect, and good definition of eyebrows, eyes, cheekbones, jawline, and lips. While “contour” makeup is definitely out of date, makeup designed for the camera will refine the features in a subtle way. For example, many makeup artists use a darker shade of foundation under the chin to create the illusion of a leaner jawline.

For your wedding photos, you really need a full face of makeup – it’s actually the only way to get a “Hollywood” look – that’s why Hollywood actors and actresses are consistently powdered down by makeup crews between shots. If you hate wearing makeup, consider a light application for your ceremony and reception – then, book a private sitting with your groom (and wedding party, if you like) for some proper glamour photos. At this photo shoot, get your makeup done professionally for the best effect. This way, you can avoid wearing a lot of paint on your big day, and still have a set of great wedding pics that’s you’ll always treasure.

Pale skin needs contrast – ivory complexions will look best with reddish-brown, magenta, or plum lips and cheeks. Golden complexions are warmer, and they don’t need as much contrast – they will be flattered by soft coral pinks, bronzes, and baby pinks. Again, look at celebrity makeup – what works for porcelain skinned actresses, such as January Jones and Evan Rachel Wood, will not work for gorgeous olive or dark-skinned ladies, such as J-lo and Jennifer Hudson.

Hiring a makeup artist who will instinctively know the best makeup shades, finishes and techniques for you may be a worthwhile investment. If you’d rather do your own makeup, invest in some high-quality cosmetics that are known to be popular with professional makeup artists and film crews – MAC, Smashbox, Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown all produce high-end products that actually get results. If you can’t afford such expensive cosmetics, use cheaper drugstore versions, such as Cover Girl or Revlon – you may need to apply more of these products as they are often less pigmented.

Best for Bride is Here to Help

When it comes to planning a wedding, you need capable helpers who offer years of experience and skill…after all, your special day should be one of the happiest days of your life, and the buildup to your wedding should not be stressful or difficult. While choosing the right wedding makeup is important, it’s just one facet of creating the ideal wedding look; to make it all come together at your nuptials, you also need perfect wedding dresses, cheap bridesmaid dresses, and help with wedding invitations, wedding flowers, and more…

Our team of caring specialists are there to help you put together all of the pieces of the puzzle. When you work with Best for Bride, you’ll be treated kindly, respectfully, and fairly. Your happiness as a bride is important to us, and so is the general success of your wedding. Put yourself in our capable hands – let us show you the right plus-size wedding dresses, wedding decor ideas, and wedding cakes. Then, you’ll be ready to relax and enjoy this special time in your life.

Happy Holidays From Best for Bride!

Recently, 55-year old Shannon Tweed finally wed her long-time love, Gene Simmons (of the rock band, Kiss). The wedding, which was televised on Shannon and Gene’s popular reality TV show, Family Jewels, featured a lavish night-time ceremony, which was attended by a host of glittering celebs.

 At her wedding, Shannon (shown above) chose to highlight her more mature beauty with a feminine, off-the-shoulder wedding dress – one that still showed plenty of discreet cleavage!

Brides-to-be come in all shapes and sizes, and they also come in all ages.

If you’re a little older than the typical blushing bride, you may want a more womanly wedding gown that shows off your curves – without letting it all hang out. Finding an appropriate bridal dress that still makes you feel romantic and special will be easier once you know what to look for.

In general, white wedding dresses for more mature brides-to-be will feature lots of supportive design elements, and they may offer a little more coverage than wedding gowns designed mostly for younger women.

However, as Shannon Tweed proved, you need not sacrifice glamor or the “wow factor” to get the grown-up look you really want!

The idea that older women can’t be sexy and stylish is an outdated concept – after all, beauties in their forties, fifties and sixties (Helen Mirren being a shining example) are in better shape than ever before, and they deserve wedding dresses that do justice to their confidence, wisdom, and regal bearing…

Here are some ideal choices for more mature brides-to-be:

An Elegant Neckline and Tons of Drama…

The pretty and elegant neckline on this show-stopping gown is quite similar to Shannon Tweed’s own wedding design. The womanly draped bodice of this spectacular frock is the perfect complement to a mature figure. Below the waist, at mid-thigh level, a profusion of airy ruffles offer all of the fairytale magic you secretly crave.

As you can see, this white wedding dress offers the best of both worlds to more mature brides-to-be. For an appealing silhouette, wear supportive undergarments, such as a long-line shaper that adds sleekness to the waist, hips and thighs - this piece will hold you in place and streamline your figure.

Spanx make lots of great body-wear for special occasions. Of course, you can always choose a few spicier articles of lingerie to change into on your wedding night.

For this look, hair should be whatever you’re comfortable with – Shannon Tweed wore her blond tresses in loose, romantic curls, and she opted for a long veil. Anything goes on your wedding day – just choose a look that makes you feel most comfortable with yourself.

Makeup should be understated and feminine – rosy mauve or soft berry lips will always flatter mature women.  Dark lipstick makes the lips look thinner – however, for some women, this look still works best.

In general, look at your everyday makeup and stay pretty close to what you normally wear. By now, you’ve learned what is right for your features and coloring. However, you should always avoid glittery or shiny makeup that is filled with shimmer – this type of makeup settles in fine lines and exaggerates their appearance.

Pure Old Hollywood Glamour…

Lush, satiny softness and a deep-V neckline will offer more mature brides-to-be a little taste of classic Old Hollywood glamour. The screen sirens of yesteryear knew how to work it, whether they were young or old. These screen sirens, such as Joan Crawford and Lauren Bacall, balanced dramatic penciled brows, strong lips, and elegantly powdered faces with luxurious full-length evening dresses that hugged their curves without being too tight.

The lovely bridal dress shown above is a traditional choice for any mature bride-to-be – it’s beautiful, sweeping hemline will make all your movements into pure poetry…

A professional blowout, followed by a few large hot rollers , can give you soft, groomed waves that recall Hollywood’s Golden Age – this look is probably better without a veil. Be sure to wear a classic lip color, such as plum-brown, reddish-brown, or dark pinkish-brown. A little brown in a lip color adds elegance – it tones things down for a refined look.

Best For Bride is Here to Help

Whether you’re looking for cheap wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses in Barrie, or Bridal shops in Mississauga, Best for Bride is here to help. Our team of caring wedding specialists know how to help you make your wedding dreams come true.

Our expertise is at your fingertips when you need to find fashionable wedding dresses, bridal jewelry, and more. We have everything you need…from exquisite bridal gowns and veils to wedding invitations. We even offer a convenient online bridal store that makes it so easy to find your dream dress - right from the comfort of your own home!

Today, many brides consider the environment while they plan their wedding ceremonies and receptions. Avoiding waste , ordering planet-friendly supplies, and conserving energy at a grand celebration can be tricky, but it’s not impossible.

In fact, planning a “green” wedding can be a wonderful experiment that most guests will really appreciate. There are plenty of ways to ensure that your wedding is as environmentally-conscious as it can be; here are some excellent tips to help you get started:

Choose A Local, Sustainable Menu

Supporting local farmers and local businesses can be an excellent starting point when planning a planet-friendly wedding. After all, so much fuel, energy and packaging is wasted when food products are imported. Choosing local, sustainable ingredients is a perfect way to support your community and protect the environment. Look for fresh produce in season, and choose a menu that celebrates the hard work of local farmers.

Buying food products grown in your locality can be a great way of making sure that everything served at your wedding is as fresh as it can possibly be. While certain types of food, such as wild-farmed salmon, organic beef and chicken, and organic fruits and veggies can cost more, they are free of harmful pesticides, hormones, and other nasty additives. Your guests will taste the difference, and you will support environmentally-conscious local businesses. Make sure your friends and family know that you’ve chosen a fresh, local menu – they’ll love the idea!

Use Recycled Paper For Save-The-Date Notes, Invitations, Place Cards, and Menus

There are plenty of excellent ways to use recycled paper and cardboard to create gorgeous wedding invitations, place cards, and menus. If you’re outsourcing these items from a local designer or printer, be sure to request the materials you want – any reputable printer or artist will be more than happy to comply with your wishes.

To create lovely decorations, invitations, place cards and menus from recycled paper – get creative! Use appliques, ribbon, stencils and rubber stamps to give your work a chic, homespun vibe. A hot glue gun can be a great way to add embellishments to planet-friendly recycled wedding favors and invitations. You might also want to look for envelopes made from recycled materials…

Keep Things Simple And Old-Fashioned

A low-fi, old-school approach to wedding entertainment can give your reception a lot of charm. Instead of a noisy rock band or cheesy, loud wedding singers, consider a folk-rock musician who only needs a single mike, a couple of amps, and an acoustic guitar. Even a string quartet can provide amazingly beautiful music during a wedding ceremony, and they won’t need much “juice” to do it. You may also want to conserve power by planning a simple, outdoor ceremony that takes advantage of bright sunlight. Candlelight can be a romantic, planet-friendly option for your wedding reception. Votives and natural beeswax candles can be fragrant, flattering, and lovely to behold.

Plan A Natural Bridal Look That Reinforces Your “Green” Theme

Looking pretty, natural and fresh-faced will complement your wedding’s healthy, planet-friendly feel. Look for a bridal dress that is simple and not too sexy.

If you love funkier, edgier style, express yourself with an unusual gown, such as the cool bridal dress style shown above. Be yourself by choosing a white wedding dress that really reflects your personal taste and sensibilities.

A pretty laurel of flowers in your hair will be lovely choice – this style has been worn by brides since the Middle Ages. Keep your hairstyle soft and natural – avoid hairspray and a lacquered, fussy look. To highlight your bridal gown and hair, do natural makeup that focuses on soft, neutral earth tones – pinky-brown lip glosses, such as MAC Lust, will add just enough color and shine. Glowing cheeks can be achieved with a simple swipe of peachy blush, such as the popular Nars Orgasm. Foundation should be used sparingly, and it should be designed to create a soft, dewy effect. Almay’s lightweight, sheer bases are a great choice for this kind of look.

Your bridal rings should be carefully chosen to reflect your overall style – in general, the type of woman who wants a “green” wedding won’t need a lot of bling. Subtle Feri jewelry and a small bouquet of wildflowers can be more than enough to set off your natural beauty as you walk down the aisle in your wedding dress. If you’ve overspent setting up your green wedding, consider shopping for cheap bridesmaids dresses to save a little money; online bridal boutiques, such as our Best For Bride wedding emporium, offer high quality designs for a reasonable price.

On her wedding day, Kate Middleton embodied quiet elegance and poise. Dressed in a dazzling white wedding dress created by Sarah Burton (for Alexander McQueen), Kate looked truly regal as she walked down the aisle at Westminster Abbey.

Always stylish and appropriate, the brunette beauty chose to highlight her lovely bone structure and tiny waist with a classic, princess-style bridal dress, tiara and veil. To enjoy some romantic footage of the wedding, visit this link – you’ll notice lots of exciting details about Kate’s wedding makeup, hair, headpiece, veil and gown…The Royal Wedding 2011 – Kate And William

If you enjoyed the Royal Wedding and you would like to emulate Kate’s gorgeous wedding look, you’ll adore our signature, Kate-inspired bridal gown (as shown above). Crafted with a fitted lace overlay, this luxurious design offers the same restrained glamor and delicacy as Kate Middleton’s wedding dress. Attention to detail, lush fabrics, and painstaking craftsmanship are all utilized to create a bridal gown fit for a princess…

Accessorize For Truly Regal Style

Getting the Kate Middleton look is all about combining perfect wedding dresses with the perfect wedding accessories, such as mid-length, opaque veils and subtle tiaras.

While Kate’s tiara is made from genuine diamonds, you can get the same royal effect with our crystal wedding tiara (as shown above) – and it won’t cost hundreds of thousands of dollars! Our costume jewelry is very affordable and beautiful – another bonus of choosing a special headpiece like this is the way it will provide you with a poignant reminder of your wedding day – one you might enjoy passing down to your daughter (or any special bride-to-be) one day…

Many brides find that their wedding tiaras (and bridal gowns) take on great sentimental value over the years…

Hair And Makeup Will Complete Your Princess-Inspired Look

Kate Middleton did her own makeup on her wedding day, but she consulted with a Bobbi Brown makeup artist beforehand. During her makeup lessons with this expert, Kate learned how to apply blush, foundation, eyeliner, and lip color without any outside help – this was done to ensure secrecy on her wedding morning.

By choosing to make up her own face, Kate ran less risk of her wedding gown details (which were closely guarded) being leaked to the press.

If you don’t want to hire a makeup artist at your wedding, mimic Kate by visiting a department store and getting some bridal makeup lessons from a professional. A trained beauty consultant can point out the best shades, formulations, and techniques for you.

You might want to select some special products and keep them to be opened before your wedding. Of course, it’s always good to practice and take some digital photographs of your makeup in the weeks leading up to your wedding.

Kate’s makeup was quite strong, but the shades were generally soft and expertly blended. Three types of pink blush (two different rose tones and a shimmer blush) were layered to create flushed cheeks.

A shadow eyeliner in deep black rimmed her eyes, along with two coats of black mascara. Grey and ivory eyeshadow shades were used – the slate color highlighted the lids and crease, while the pale tone was used on the brow bone.

To finish, Kate used Bobbi Brown lip color in Sandwash Pink, topped with a shimmery clear gloss. Of course, moisturizer, base and translucent powder were used to prepare the face for color cosmetics…

Hair Tips For The Kate Middleton Look

Kate pinned back the front layers of her straight brown hair, letting the rest fall loose around her shoulders. This youthful look can be a great choice for many brides-to-be. Simple, shiny hair without a lot of volume at the crown gives a natural effect that isn’t fussy or overdone.

The overall health of your hair should be a priority as you search for a look that suits your white wedding dress. Glossy, sleek tresses that still have some movement will frame your face as you prepare to don your headpiece, veil, and bridal dress.

If you’re shopping for wedding dresses in Toronto or looking for a bridal store in Barrie, you’re in luck! Best For Bride is there to help you put together the ultimate princess look for your special day. We have a team of caring, sensitive, and experienced specialists standing by to give you the personal service you need.

If you prefer to shop online, you can order a Kate Middleton-inspired bridal gown right from our online bridal store…

Getting married in the hot summer months may require some special beauty tips and tricks – staying fresh and beautiful in your bridal  gown will be easier when you use the right makeup and hair products.

When temperatures climb, it can be difficult to control the effects of humidity – and humidity is known to wreak havoc by melting makeup and creating frizz that ruins wedding hairstyles. However, there’s no need to panic – there are plenty of clever ways to avoid the detrimental effects of summer heat and humidity. Here are some practical ideas to try:

Makeup Tips For Hot Weather

Use A Primer

Adding another layer to your basic foundation may sound counterproductive, but a great primer can smooth your skin and keep your makeup looking great when the temperature climbs. Makeup primers are designed to extend the life of your foundation by giving your complexion a matte, oil-free finish. One of the most popular makeup primers is Smashbox Photo Finish.  These sorts of primers can make your skin look better in your wedding videos and photos – pores will look smaller, and makeup will adhere to the primer, giving your whole look better staying power.

You may also want to look into grabbing some Stila eyeshadow primer designed for the eyelids – if you’re planning on wearing eyeshadow, this product can keep it from smudging.

Go Waterproof

Waterproof mascara is a no-brainer with a pristine white wedding dress and wedding veil – after all, many brides tear up as they say their vows. However, there is more to waterproof makeup than simply a coat of long-lasting mascara. You can also find waterproof (or water-resistant) eye shadows, eyeliners, and lipsticks.

Long-wearing cosmetics, such as Cover Girl’s affordable Outlast lipcolor (it comes with a glossy sealant to combat dryness) will require less touch-ups. One perfect wedding shade of Outlast lipstick is Moonlit Mauve, a cool, rosy pinkish-purple…

Gel blush or powder blush will also be better choices than cream blushes, which tend to smear in the heat. A light dusting of bronzer or peachy blush will warm the skin and add a little glow, without being too heavy or chalky for summertime.

Keep It Minimalist

If you use primer properly, you can do a light, natural makeup that flatters your wedding dress, without worrying about makeup meltdown. In general, you can’t go wrong with gently flushed cheeks, rosy lips, and lightly defined eyes.

Classic wedding makeup shouldn’t be too glittery or shimmery – sparkly makeup can actually make you look older, as it calls attention to fine lines. Keep it classic and don’t overdo it – take some test shots with your camera (in different types of lighting) to gauge your results.

Don’t load on translucent powder – instead, use blotting papers to kill shine – Sephora Collection Matte Blotting Film will work well.

Haircare Tips

Battling humidity can be an issue for many women as they deal with their hair in the hot summer months. When it comes to wedding blowouts or up-dos, humidity can spoil the entire effect. If you want a perfect result, you may need the help of a professional stylist.In general, they will give you the sort of blowout that looks smooth and shiny for hours. However, getting the same results on your own is possible.

If you’re doing your own hair, it may be easier to work with your hair’s own natural texture. Highlight your look with beach-y waves or tousled, romantic curls. Naturally straight hair can get a boost with a little light teasing at the crown. Here are a couple of products that work wonders:

• Joico Humidity Blocker – This moisture-rich finishing spray acts as a barrier between your hair and the environment. This hairspray can be ideal last touch as you prepare to put on your white wedding dress, veil, or tiara.

• Fekkai Advanced Brilliant Glossing Conditioner – Encapsulated olive oil is the secret of this conditioner’s humidity-fighting power. Designed to give you a sleek, shiny look that is soft to the touch, this conditioner will help you fight the effects of drying summer sun and frizz-creating humidity.

If you’re still searching for wedding dresses and wedding accessories at a bridal shop, consider your hot-weather makeup and hair as part of your overall look. Plan out some potential hair and makeup looks that will work with a variety of bridal gowns. Also, think about just how hot it’s going to be on your wedding day – will you be inside or outside (or both) ? Choose a wedding dress that offers comfort, as well as style. If you’re looking for wedding dresses in Toronto, you’re in luck – Best For Bride is right there to help you coordinate a stunning summer look for your wedding day.

Romantic period films, such as Gone With The Wind, celebrate the femininity of full, frothy ball gowns. Scarlett O’Hara’s dresses (as worn by the stunning Vivien Leigh) have gone down in history… from the green-and-white muslin “afternoon” dress she wore to entice Ashley Wilkes at a county barbecue, to the scarlet creation Rhett forced her to wear when she was caught hugging Ashley at her saw mill. Today, these classic gowns even appear on a collection of Gone With The Wind Barbie dolls designed to look just like Scarlett.

If you’re a fan of the film – and Margaret Mitchell’s classic novel – you may be interested in capturing the spirit of Southern-style romance on your own wedding day. Luckily, this is easily achieved with stunning, princess-line bridal gowns that features crinolines, fitted bodices, and lots of embellishments. Here are some easy ways to feel like a true Southern Belle as you walk down the aisle:

Flaunt Your Curves

Scarlett wasn’t known for her subtlety – she believed in making the most of her figure by accenting her tiny waistline. However, you don’t need a 17-inch waist to show off a big, beautiful bridal gown. All you really need is confidence. This sort of style is quite flattering to almost any body type – the full skirt balances the shoulders, giving the whole body a desirable hourglass silhouette. If you’re looking for plus size wedding dresses, you may find this style exceptionally flattering – the classic femininity of the dress shown above is a perfect example…

Accessorize

Adding a faux-fur shawl (such as the one pictured above) or a lacy jacket to your outfit can be a great way to give modern wedding dresses a vintage feel. If you don’t have antique lace or similar items, you can fake it with new designs that have a timeless quality. This sort of fashionable cover-up will be perfect for an outdoor wedding, since weather can change at a moment’s notice. If you want to add style and uniqueness to your wedding photos, this sort of detail can become a memorable one…

Embrace Romance

Wedding romance is about embracing your womanliness with a wedding dress that pulls out all the stops. Scarlett would be proud to wear the filmy, frothy confection shown above. Designed to create a stunning, curvy effect, while also casting a creamy glow over the skin, this bridal gown and over-jacket can be the ideal choice for a Southern-inspired wedding outfit. When you go for wedding dresses this classic and glamorous, you won’t need a lot of other accessories. A tiny cluster of flowers in your hair will be enough to highlight your beauty.

Makeup And Hair Tips

Since you’re unlikely to wear a bonnet or picture hat, like Scarlett did, you’ll need to consider your hairstyle, as well as the right makeup look for these types of bridal dresses. Silky hair in tidy, controlled waves or braids will give you the right effect. Back in Scarlett’s day, hair wasn’t flat ironed or moussed – it was dried naturally and then pinned into place with hairpins. For a decorative effect, choose a jeweled barrette or comb with jet, pearl, or garnet adornments. Keep the volume low at the crown – below the ears, you can experiment with finger curls or other creative extras.

Vivien Leigh’s look was all about reddened lips, sultry eyes, and clean, well-tended skin. Any woman can mimic this effect – you don’t need to be ivory-pale. Simply find a good matte foundation that matches your skin, and apply it only where needed. Dust with a matching powder to remove shine. Some gel blush on the cheeks will give you a glow and resemble the “rouge” of yesteryear. Make sure your eyebrows are expertly groomed, with a nice arch, to get a true Old Hollywood effect. Coat your lips in a layer of rich, ruby red (such as Revlon’s Cherries In The Snow), and then blot with a tissue to remove excess.

Don’t go too crazy with shimmer powders and lip glosses – these modern products won’t really work with Southern-style wedding dresses; a fake tan will also clash with the overall look.

To choose the right bouquet and wedding flowers for your white wedding dress, go for magnolias or pink rosebuds…

Channel your inner goddess with luxurious, perfect wedding dresses that offer a touch of timeless beauty. These bridal dresses are meant to highlight your own natural attributes without overpowering everything that is special about you.

If you’re looking for classical style for your own wedding day look, you’ll love these subtle, refined choices. We’ve also put together some amazing suggestions for goddess-inspired accessories, hair and makeup:

Stunning, Fluid Lines Never Go Out Of Style…

Simplicity can be so lovely…the white wedding dress shown above is a perfect example of the clean lines and fluid elegance found in the best goddess-inspired bridal gowns. This style needs little adornment – in fact, it may look better without a veil or a lot of jewelry. Pretty, high-quality bridal rings and simple wedding flowers will be the ideal complement to this classically feminine style.

Beauty And Makeup Tips -

A soft, wavy hairstyle and rosy makeup will add glamor to your overall look. A lush, velvety cream blush and rich mauve or berry lip color may also be wonderful choices that suit goddess bridal dresses. Simple eye makeup that adds a little definition will also look great – consider a thin line of brown or charcoal liner, only on the top lash line – finish with a coat of lengthening mascara (Lancome’s Definicils mascara in basic black will be perfect).

Moisturize your whole body with a soothing product, such as Body Shop Body Butter, on the morning of your wedding day. Make sure the product has dried on your skin before you put on your delicate bridal dress.

One-Shouldered Styles Capture The Essence Of Goddess-Inspired Beauty…

A one-shouldered bridal gown references classical style that is straight out of Greek and Roman mythology! If you’re looking for drama that is still so appropriate, formal, and sophisticated, you’ll adore wearing the style shown above – its gorgeous full skirt and fitted bodice will help you achieve an enviable hourglass silhouette as you walk down the aisle.

Striking and very grown-up, this womanly design will give you goddess style that thrills your wedding guests…and your groom-to-be!

Accessory Tips – You’ll need a good strapless bra to carry off this look. A long-line strapless bra will hold you in place and give you extra confidence. Wedding shoes in pure ivory satin will balance the strong impact of this wedding gown – unless you are very tall, you should go for 3-inch heels, perhaps in a strappy sandal design.

Draping And Pleating Are Classical…And Lovely To Behold…

Stunning draping and pleating are the key focal points of the goddess-inspired gown shown above. Artistry and painstaking craftsmanship meld with a touch of true sexiness – this bridal dress is definitely designed to flatter the female form.

Show off your curves and natural beauty by choosing this statuesque gown. Silky-soft, lustrous fabric will catch the light and add a glow to your skin, eyes, and hair. If you love fashionable wedding dresses with lush skirts and elegant draping, this gown could be the design you’ve been waiting for…

Beauty Tips

If you’re getting married in the hot summer months, add a touch of “sun” to your forehead, your cheeks, and the bridge of your nose – this is best achieved with a big, fluffy blush brush and a great, high-end bronzer – such as Guerlain’s Terracotta. The rest of your makeup should also be golden and warm – this look will work best if you have olive or yellow undertones.

Go for a 24 karat finish with shimmery eye shadows in gold, bronze, and ivory. Use the lightest shade to highlight the brow bone. Your lip color should be brick-red, soft taupe with golden gloss on top, or coral pink. Choose a warm, woodsy fragrance, such as Estee Lauder Sensuous, to channel your inner goddess…

Deciding on a hairstyle for your wedding can be a hard decision. Every woman wants silky, beautifully-styled hair as she walks down the aisle…however, it can difficult to know whether or not you should wear your hair up or down…or half-up and half-down!

If you’re looking for a little expert guidance regarding the best wedding hairstyles, you’ll enjoy this quick guide to choosing the right look for your big day!

Consider Your Facial Shape -

Many women have their hearts set on a certain wedding hairstyle that may not actually be flattering for them. For example, women with full or round faces may not look their best in a sleek, tight chignon (this is a circular bun gathered at the back of the head or the nape of the neck).

Conversely, women with very thin faces may not be flattered by long, wild curls that seem to overpower their delicate features. Learning to work with your natural facial shape is the perfect way to narrow down your choices and flatter fashionable wedding dresses.

Round Face -

Eternally youthful, the round-faced women is flattered by long layers, parted in the middle…or in a deep side part. A little volume on top, at the crown, can visually add height and length to the face. If you’re planning to wear a filmy wedding veil with your bridal dress, be sure to practice a few hairstyles with a hairdresser or friend – use the veil for each one.

Then, take some digital photos to see how you really appear to other people. In general, the fuller your face is, the more you will benefit from extra length. If your heart is set on wearing your hair up, simply allow some long, layered tendrils to drift down past your cheekbones.

Flower barrettes or sparkly rhinestone accessories could be lovely with your face shape – your facial structure is quite feminine. If you’re skipping the veil, consider a single clip or wedding flowers to add charm to a long blowout. Matching a pretty rhinestone clip to your bridal rings can be a cute way to get a coordinated effect.

Square Face -

Your strong features will look gorgeous when you incorporate lots of volume into your wedding hairstyle. This type of face looks lovely with an up-do – your features are distinct enough to stand alone. Consider a sleek style with a little more looseness up at the top – modern and stylish, this type of wedding hairstyle is smooth near the head, and messier and more deconstructed where the hair is gathered.

You could also add curled sections or braids to the back of the bun for more style. A decorative headband that is placed about an inch above your hairlines can be a stunning look – opt for a satin design or a jeweled band – then, have the stylist tease the hair behind the headband for 1960′s style, Ann Margret-inspired glamor. Go for hourglass-shaped bridal dresses to accent this hairstyle.

Oval Face -

Your classic oval face leaves you all sorts of options for the perfect hairstyle to go with your white wedding dress. Since you have so many options, you should look for other clues to find the right up-do or blowout for you.

If you’re small and slender, you may look best in a short cut that doesn’t overpower your features. Halle Berry has an oval face and often goes for a short, pixie-ish cut that puts the focus on her eyes and cheekbones.

If your build is larger, consider a layered, chin-length cut, perhaps with wispy bangs to add visual impact. You’ll look lovely if you pull half of your hair up at the crown, and then fasten your veil into place. Your bangs will soften your features (since they aren’t pinned back) and the long bottom section of your hair will still hang free, which is very feminine. This classic bridal look will be a great option for anyone with an oval face. If you don’t have bangs, simply gather all of your hair up at the crown, letting the bottom sections hang free.

Find The Right Gown For Your Dream Look

When you put the perfect elements together, your wedding day ensemble will make you feel like you’ve stepped out of a fairytale! You’ll need an unforgettable wedding gown, the right wedding accessories, and ideal hair and makeup. If you’re shopping in Ontario, be sure to look for the best bridal shops in Toronto.

Browsing an online wedding store can be a wonderful way to explore options and get prepared for the most romantic day of your life!

Your voluptuous curves will look truly beautiful when you use our tips and tricks to find perfect plus-size wedding dresses for your body. Having a selection of wonderful choices will give you more options as you plan your wedding ensemble.

We know that finding the white wedding dress you’ve always dreamed of wearing can involve lots of trial and error – if you follow our guidelines right at the start, you’ll streamline the whole process…it’s all about knowing exactly what to look for!

For today’s curvy women, finding lovely and flattering bridal gowns can be easier than ever before. Here are some simple tips you can use to look your very best:

A Deep “V” Neckline Is Classic And Flattering

If you’re looking for the most flattering option for your body type, and you are quite voluptuous up top, you should consider a simple, but luxurious bridal gown with a deep “V” neckline. This design element elongates your body, making it appear a little leaner and sleeker. Of course, this sort of neckline also offers a touch of feminine beauty and even a hint of sexiness.

Strapless gowns can be lovely, but try to stay open to the idea of a little more coverage. If you have your heart set on a strapless gown, there is a beautiful example of that style on this page.

However, if you’re looking for a different silhouette, a deep neckline is highly recommended.  One of the benefits of this style is that it also has sturdy straps that balance your shape and provide a little extra support. Overall, the deep “V” neckline is a tried-and-true way to look beautiful on your wedding day.

Go For Dramatic Details

Simplicity works well for some women – it really depends on your personality, your level of confidence in your own body, and just how formal your wedding will be. If you’re looking for more drama and high-fashion details when shopping for wedding dresses, opt for a strapless A-line bridal gown that flatters without being too conservative.

An A-Line gown will hug your body snugly until it hits the waist or the tops of the hips – then, it will flow past the lower hips and thighs. The classic A-line gown will always flatter the fuller figure – if you’re interested in a strapless design, you should go for this silhouette, rather than a mermaid or sheath shape.

Drama comes from the details – silk flowers, pleats, tulle overlays, crinolines, full skirts, crystals and beading…how far you go is entirely up to you.

The gown shown above is a wonderful balance of a classic, flattering shape and some gorgeous, designer finishing -  pleating and a detachable, asymmetrical strap add a touch of elegance that is so high-fashion!

Avoiding a voluminous veil may also be a good idea. Consider a simple tiara or headpiece in lieu of a long, filmy wedding veil – creating more volume will undermine the impact of a flattering silhouette. If you love veils, choose a very sheer fabric and keep your veil on the short side.

Lace-Up Backs Offer More Comfort And Flexibility

When you’re shopping at the bridal boutique, consider some styles that feature lace-up backs. If you’re buying online, this type of design will offer more flexibility because fit can be adjusted without actual tailoring.

Even if you’re buying your gown at a full-service shop with seamstresses on site, you’ll still enjoy knowing you can gain or lose a few pounds before the wedding and simply correct for the change in weight by tightening or loosening the laces. As a bonus, this sort of lace-up back has a pretty, corset-like appeal – it will look quite dramatic and romantic.

Accessories, Hair And Makeup For The Curvy Woman

Your hairstyle should be something that feels comfortable for you – if you never wear your hair up, your wedding day may not be the right time to start. Look for styles that are soft and not too severe – often, curvy ladies have rounder faces and a youthful look – play this up with half-up, half-down hairstyles, or soft up-dos that still feature soft tendrils around the face.

Your veil should be scaled to your body type – keep it sleek and shoulder length to reduce volume. If you’re wearing a tiara, or flowers in your hair, try to keep these elements elegant and sophisticated. As a rule of thumb, taller women can wear larger-scale bridal rings, pendants, tiaras, headpieces, etc. If you’re petite in height and full-figured, it’s best to keep your jewelry and accessories delicate and smaller in scale.

For makeup, a bolder lipcolor can be the perfect choice. If your face is full or wide, a brighter lip will draw the eye inward, accentuating the features. Look for your favorite lipstick and find an intensified version for your wedding – you can blot to reduce the impact a little. Then, use a soft gloss or balm with a little shimmer to add sparkle and shine to your lips. Without a gloss that mimics the sheen of silk or satin, you may look too subdued.

Focus a little on your eye makeup, too – a simple line of black eyeliner on the upper lashes, along with a coat of mascara (Lancome Definicils mascara is wonderful) can elongate and open the eyes. The rest of your makeup should just be your everyday base, powder, and blush. If your eyebrows are fair, darken them a little – you’ll look more “alive” in your wedding photos – brown eyeshadow or soft pencil can be lightly applied to get the right effect.