Bold, daring and graphical, bridal dresses that mix pure, lustrous white with a touch of stark contrast are guaranteed to dazzle your friends and family.

Designed to evoke the same beauty and elegance as Audrey Hepburn’s unforgettable black-and-white “race day” ensemble in My Fair Lady, black and white wedding gowns add a touch of ladylike, couture-inspired style to any woman’s wedding day look.

Accessorizing the look

To flatter this type of bridal dress, go all out and accessorize with hats or veils that mimic the spirit of your unique black and white wedding gown.  Jewelry with jet stones, marcasite, pearls, diamonds, and onyx will be perfect for luxurious chokers or drop earrings with black and white details – you may even want to find bridal rings that highlight your gown’s stunning and original design!

Hair can be full or sleek – however, it should probably have some vintage elements (such as chignons on the nape of the neck, or up-dos designed with rollers and lots of volume at the crown). Keep makeup ultra-classic for the best results – although these gowns are graphical, their visual impact is still refined and genteel – to keep the look cohesive, use a lip color that provides contrast against your skin – shocking pink, ultraviolet, or cherry red will work well. If paler lips are desired, go for bubblegum pink, and always look for creamier, more pigmented lipsticks – this is not the time for sheer, glossy effects.

With dramatic dresses for wedding like these, extremely subtle makeup will defeat the purpose and fall flat – for example, earth tones will look a little drab. Instead of natural makeup, go for black liquid eyeliner in a cat-eye shape (on the upper lid only), plus highlighter in pure white or silver on the brow bone. Blush should be in a berry shade, blended high into the cheekbones.

Foundation should be demi-matte, and dusted with a fine-milled translucent powder. Ultimately, this look screams luxury – it’s very rich and almost decadent, and it indicates a very high taste level. Women who choose black and white evening dresses and bridal dresses are students of fashion, and they play with the traditional elements of a wedding day look, customizing them with high-fashion touches that are their alone…

Stunning Femininity…With An Edge

 Thin sashes, such as the ribbon design shown on the ruffled white wedding dress above, are designed to cinch the waist and visually slim this part of the body. Dark colors always make things look smaller – therefore, if you want to look leaner on your wedding day, a dark sash can work wonders.

Dark necklaces also make the throat look slimmer and more delicate, as long as they aren’t too tight. To elongate the body in a two-tone wedding gown, pile your hair up, and wear sandals with heels at least three inches high.

Tips For The Canadian Bride-To-Be

Many Canadian brides-to-be search for wedding dresses in Toronto, or hunt for bridesmaid wedding dresses at online boutiques. If you’re planning your wedding, you may want to know that Best For Bride truly offers the best of both worlds. For example, we offer bridal stores in Toronto and Barrie, as well as a fully-stocked online bridal boutique that allows women anywhere in Canada (or the USA) to purchase the wedding dresses of their dreams.

Whichever option you choose, you can rest assured that our team of specialists will be standing by to make your fairytale wedding dreams come true…

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…

Choosing a beautiful bridal dress is just one part of preparing for your special day – you’ll also need to find the perfect wedding accessories to match your bridal gown.

Pretty wedding shoes, tiaras, and bridal jewelry can be ideal ways to add style and originality to your wedding outfit – luckily, there are plenty of wedding accessories to choose from.

In order to help you find the right finishing touches for your wedding ensemble, we’ve selected some wonderful choices for brides-to-be:

Gorgeous Wedding Shoes

The Godiva Satin Pump

The classic pump shown above will work with almost any wedding dress. Designed to add a hint of elegance, this pleated style will also make you appear taller and leaner.

Crafted from sleek white satin, these wedding shoes can also be dyed to match an evening gown or bridesmaid dress. If you’re looking for a classic style that you can wear after your wedding is over, you’ll enjoy the versatility of the Godiva wedding shoe…

The Cilena Sandal

Shorter bridal gowns need wedding shoes with added flair. These modern, sexy sandals are embellished with sparkling crystals that shimmer and catch the light. Styled from pure white satin, these wedge heels will be the perfect way to show off a pre-wedding pedicure.

Be sure to choose a pretty nail polish, such as Essie Ballet Slippers, for your special wedding day! This sort of wedding shoe is perfect for a sleek, stylish wedding gown, such as a sheath or slip dress.

Wedding Tiaras

Feeling special is priority one on your wedding day – why not capture a little of Kate Middleton‘s wedding beauty by choosing a tiara that makes you feel like a princess? Princess Kate wore her tiara with an opaque, creamy veil; consider augmenting your headpiece with a wedding veil to get the same effect…

The tiara shown above is simple and sophisticated…its subtle style will give you a truly regal result. Surprisingly affordable, today’s wedding tiaras offer lots of visual impact for a very reasonable price.

Bridal Rings

Your bridal rings are so important…after all, everyone will be admiring your diamond engagement ring  and wedding band after you walk down the aisle. Give yourself the glamor and beauty you crave by opting for showstopping wedding jewelry that complements your wedding dress.

The stunning Feri Jewelry design shown above combines the glitter of genuine diamonds with a bold, yet feminine setting. Meant to be treasured for a lifetime, this ring is available in pretty rose-gold, or yellow or white gold. A series of beautifully-faceted baguette diamonds add even more bling to this unforgettable wedding ring.

Flower Girls Can Be The Cutest “Accessories” Of All!

What could be more adorable than a cute little flower girl? Dressed in pristine white, a small child can add charm, innocence and fun to your wedding ceremony.

Flower girls look most fetching in fluffy, doll-like dresses adorned with colorful ribbons. Tiny Mary Jane shoes and lacy socks will be ideal accessories for your angelic little helper.

Canadian Brides-To-Be Have So Many Choices…

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 give you all the expertise and guidance you need as you choose your wedding gown and accessories – you can even order online from the comfort of your own home.

Be sure to browse our website for the very best in designer gowns, cheap bridesmaids dresses, and so much more. Whatever you’re looking for is already waiting for you at our wedding boutiques!

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…

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…

If you’re wondering exactly which underpinnings work best with different styles of wedding dresses, we can help. We’ve created a quick guide that will assist you in choosing lingerie that is both lovely to look at and functional:

Strapless Bridal Gowns -

This classic bridal gown look requires some support underneath! To make the most of this traditional silhouette, consider a smooth, long-line strapless bra with an under wire. If you’re well-endowed, you’ll need to be certain that this type of lingerie covers you up completely and gives you the support you need to feel confident as you walk down the aisle. For women with more petite bust lines, there are a variety of wonderful bras in the marketplace – some of these offer a little discreet padding to augment nature! What you choose depends on your desired silhouette at your wedding.

Best Choice – a long-line strapless bra

Plunging Necklines -

Sometimes, wedding dresses will feature low necklines – ones that might expose the fabric of typical bras or corsets. Finding the right style for wedding dresses with plunging necklines can be easier if you make some preparations before you go shopping for your wedding lingerie. Try on your dress and make some notes – indicate where the neckline of your dress ends and where the bra should begin. Take a digital photo of yourself in your gown and bring the camera along with you when you’re buying underwear.

Choose a few styles that might work, and then consider which one offers the most support and the most practical shape for your gown. Since you can’t return lingerie at most stores, you’ll need to get organized – or even take your gown along with you (from your bridal boutique) to try on while you shop. In general, just knowing where the gown ends (from memory or your own notes) will be an excellent way to find the right bra for you.

Best Choice - Pretty plunge bra

Backless -

A corset can be an excellent option for backless bridal gowns. Designed with multiple wires, bones, or special fabrics that hold you in place and give you support, a high-quality corset can streamline your figure and provide the ideal foundation for a backless dress. Backless corsets will usually have a row of strong hook and eye closures at the back of the corset – these will be level with your lower back, giving you a smooth, bare look from there on up.

Suggestions – backless bra bodysuit

Short -

Today, lots of women opt for shorter design that show off their legs. For this type of bridal dress, you may want to go for traditional stockings, garters, and a special, girdle-like pair of underwear, such as Spanx. You can always pick up a flimsier pair of panties in silk or lace to wear once you’ve hit your wedding-night destination. However, even today’s support garment underwear can be surprisingly sexy and appealing. Designers have learned to combine excellent elasticity and support with pleasing cuts and embellishments.

If you’re wearing a short gown, consider your stockings, garters, and other lingerie as integral parts of your outfit – they will affect your entire look. Pale cream, white, champagne, and pale pink are popular tones for all types of wedding lingerie. In general, flesh or nude-toned pieces will always work well, as long as they are opaque. Avoid any wedding lingerie that is see-through, in case of a wardrobe malfunction. If you’re aren’t wearing stocking, make sure your legs are lightly tanned and moisturized. You can still wear a garter for fun, as long as it doesn’t show when you move around.

Suggestions – Spanx panties in nude

The Right Lingerie Will Help You Enjoy Your Wedding

With these tips, you’ll be able to do perfect wedding dresses justice. If you plan ahead, you can put together a set of coordinating lingerie pieces that are romantic to behold – and perfect for your own bridal dress. Look for sales on designer merchandise – go for the best quality you can afford.

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!

If you’re not the old-fashioned type who wants a traditional wedding dress and veil, you’re not alone. Many fashion-conscious brides feel uncomfortable with puffy princess gowns and sparkling tiaras.

If you’re the modern type, you may prefer to wear clean lines or riskier, couture-inspired styles on your special wedding day. These sleek, cutting-edge designs can look wonderful, since they are generally quite body-conscious – without being tight or tacky. Any women can look beautiful in modern designs – they streamline a voluptuous figure with careful tailoring, and they also give a leaner build a runway-ready silhouette…

When you’re at the bridal boutique, look for straighter styles, such as sheath dresses. Experiment with shorter gowns – they can be quite chic and they always send a modern message…

Modern style is about looking fresh and polished. You should not appear to be trying too hard to be feminine or sexy…it’s about easy elegance and confidence! To get the perfect effect, you need to find the ultimate white wedding dress, bridal rings, and other important wedding accessories.

With a modern aesthetic, nothing should be overdone…beading and embellishments are generally scaled-down and subtle…if not absent altogether. For the modern bride-to-be, minimalism and spare, arty design elements can be very appealing..and flattering. Here are some tips on creating a chic, modern vibe at your wedding:

Focus On One Detail – You can still have drama while embracing the modern aesthetic…simply choose one detail of your wedding outfit, and go for stand-out style. A simple hairband with an outsize flower attached (such as the one worn by the model at the top of the page) can add charm and whimsy to a sleek, tea-length bridal dress.

When doing your makeup and hair, it’s also good to focus on one special detail for each. For example, consider a sleek modern up-do, with some interesting style details in the back. Tiny braids woven into the bun or chignon, or a hair-wrapped low ponytail can be lovely. Your creative hair elements should not detract from your overall modern look – they should always be subtle and low-key.

When you do your makeup, focus on eyes or lips, but not both. Modern makeup artists only highlight one feature when they do realistic, wearable makeup for magazines and the runway. A wash of sheer color on the eyes, a faint flush on the cheekbones, and a soft, velvety matte-finish lipstick in a fresh color can be great ways to keep things modern.

If you want to highlight your eyes, consider a thin line of silver-blue eyeliner along the top and bottom lashes. Gwenyth Paltrow, known for her modern style, often pairs this eyeliner look with a sleek dress, flat-ironed hair, and wild shoes (her one bold detail). She generally keeps her lip color soft, using a pale pink lipstick or soft, cool pink gloss (try Chanel Glossimer in Charming). Now and then, she will take the focus off of her eyes and do a vibrant, matte red lip with a neutral eye (shadows in taupe and icy champagne work well for this).

Modern colors are often cool in tone – silver, blue-gray, white and black are always chic and minimalist. Using these colors in your eye makeup can give you a modern effect, as long as the finishes are sheer and eyeliner, mascara, etc. is expertly applied. However, so much depends on your natural coloring…for example, a redhead with a peaches-and-cream complexion will look more modern in warm tones that blend with the tones of her skin and hair…

Diamond Luxury Can Be Also Be Modern And Wearable

Your bridal rings should be chosen with care – you will be wearing them every day! Some women are very active, and they prefer a sleeker, flatter engagement ring/wedding band set that won’t catch on things and get in the way. The stunning piece featured above is a stellar example of a modern wedding band that still offers total luxury. Sleek links, crafted from glam 21k white gold, offer a touch of cool, industrial style, while diamond accents provide subtle, elegant shimmer.

This wearable design is meant to be treasured for a lifetime, and it will go with everything in the modern bride’s wardrobe. In general, white gold and silver are more modern than yellow gold. However, you should feel free to break the fashion rules whenever you like – it’s your wedding and you should always make choices that feel right to you!

Adding modern elements to your reception’s table settings, your wedding invitations and wedding flowers, and even your menu (think fresh and local) will be great ways to reinforce your theme on the big day. Guests will love the chic, fresh vibe!

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.