At BestforBride, we love to show off our inspiring collection of bridal dresses; after all, we’re proud of the workmanship, style and quality of every single piece in our inventory. If you’re shopping around for a lovely gown that fulfills all of your fairytale dreams, you’ll adore these ”dream dresses”…each one is designed to highlight everything that is beautiful about you…

Whether you’re looking for a unique, wild-rose colored confection that makes your complexion glow, or snowy-white fashionable wedding dresses with lush embroidery and luxurious fabric, you’ll really enjoy seeing what’s hot for this season…

Here is our quick guide to the most desirable dream dresses for spring and summer 2012:

Enjoy Old-world Glamour That is Truly Timeless…

This stunning lace gown features some exciting design details that make it so classic and ladylike…if you’re going for timeless elegance on your wedding day, you’ll absolutely love the way this delicate and feminine frock echoes the spirit of the 1940s.

Known as one of fashion’s most glamorous eras, many stylish gowns from this decade featured the same elements that you will find on our stunning ivory dress…soft, draped sleeves, a sheer fishtail shirt, and a fitted bodice all evoke Old Hollywood style that puts the spotlight on you…

To style this unforgettable dream dress, put your hair up (or go for shiny Rita Hayworth-inspired waves), and paint your lips with a womanly and sultry shade of cool, berry-red lipcolor (such as Revlon’s perennial favorite, Cherries in the Snow, or MAC’s Russian Red)…

Rita Hayworth - 1940s

A beaded choker necklace will add even more high-fashion appeal to this subtle and refined look…high heels (satin preferred) are a must…

Rosé Satin Gives Brides-to-be a “Lit from Within” Glow…

If you’re looking for something different that isn’t too far off the beaten path, choosing a silky-soft rosé bridal gown may be the right choice for you! Nothing could be more feminine than perfect wedding dresses crafted from the most flattering color of them all.

You’ll access “lit from within” beauty as soon as your lustrous pale-pink gown touches your skin…pink is known for its ability to make women look younger, fresher, and more alluring…

Look for a strapless style (such as the stunning Alfred Sung gown shown above) that gives you a touch of innocent sensuality, or go for lush glamour with row upon row of chiffon ruffles…whatever style you choose, you’ll feel like a princess as you walk down the aisle…

To accessorize a pale pink wedding gown, skip the veil and go for a runway-ready up do…your makeup should be a couple of shades darker than your gown for the best effect. Soft fuschia lips (try Estee Lauder’s Orchid Passion Pure Color Gloss) and rosy cheeks will be all you need to dazzle your guests (and your groom-to-be) on the big day…

Adding pretty drop earrings in rose quartz, pearl or garnet will also look fabulous…choose strappy sandals and a pretty pedicure as the final finishing touch…

Check Out All of Our Dream Dresses at the Best for Bride Online Boutique

At Best for Bride, we offer bricks-and-mortar shops that provide brides-to-be with wedding dresses in Barrie,  wedding dresses in Toronto, and wedding dresses Mississauga…however, we also offer convenient Internet shopping at our online bridal store.  If you’re looking for a way to order plus size wedding dresses or cheap bridesmaid dresses from the comfort and privacy of your own home, you’ll adore this reliable, professional service…

Expert shipping services, along with the best customer support in the industry, are always the norm at our online boutique…for this reason, many brides-to-be enjoy planning their weddings through our “virtual storefront”…

When you choose us,  you may order wedding invitations, wedding cakes, and wedding favours online…and you’ll still enjoy the same standard of excellent service that we offer in our bricks-and-mortar shops.

At Best for Bride, we are here for our brides-to-be…contact us today to find out more…

Shop Early As Possible – The best way to avoid major panic and last minute problems is to give plenty of time. There is a lot that goes into creating a wedding gown, they are usually custom made and require a few alterations for a perfect fit. Begin shopping at least nine months before the big day and try to allow 12 months. If you have less than six months available then go as simple as possible to avoid any major snags.

The Beginning – The start of the process is simple but is very important to the outcome. First, think about your style and how you want to look. Second, understand what the style of the wedding is going to be. Third, determine your budget for the wedding gown and last learn as much of the “lingo” as you can. This will help you walk into a store and get right down to business!

Hit The Shops – Begin checking out some different shops that meet your needs. Ask your best friends if they have any recommendations and browse online for your area. Narrow the list of shops down as much as possible making sure they have the designers you like and styles you want. Make sure when heading out to begin trying on dresses to be wearing all the accessories such as a strapless bra, slip and pantyhose. Any little item can cause a change in the overall look of a gown.

Zone In – Begin to zone in on what you want, eliminate what you do not. Go back to the stores and keep trying on the gowns and narrowing down the choices. Try to go alone one time so that you can really focus on what you desire without any other influence. Take your time and go back ten times if need be, you likely will not be even close to the most neurotic or indecisive bride the store has dealt with.

Six Months – At this point you need to be ordering the wedding gown. Make sure once ordered carefully to review the receipt for any errors and so no mistakes will occur later. Check basic things such as designer name, style number, size or measurements the salon is sending to the manufacturer, date of delivery is most important. After a month passes from placing the order call and confirm the delivery date.

Six Weeks – six weeks before the wedding it is time for the first fitting. Grab your best friend or family member and all the accessories you will be wearing. Try to bring someone you trust and who will be honest. Schedule another fitting a week or two later and make sure there are no problems such as with any hems or that the gown is uncomfortable in anyway. Try to bring your maid of honor, so she is aware of the gown and can help with areas such as complicated straps or bustling.

Three Weeks – This should be about the time you are ready to pick up your wedding dress. Schedule a day and time that you will come to the salon. Scheduling will allow you one last opportunity to try the dress on and assure everything is perfect. This will be the final chance to make any last minute alterations so make sure you try the gown on again!

Shopping for a wedding gown is every young girls’ dream. Once the reality sets in follow these tips, and you will avoid the dream turning into a nightmare. So long as you are prepared, understand what needs to be done and have a scheduled time frame for the process all problems will be eliminated. The only thing that will be left to do is walk down the aisle in confidence and of course take in all the compliments on how beautiful you look in your perfect wedding gown!

Reedstickets.net Broadway Reviews A site which covers Broadway entertainment such as show reviews, news, history and tips for finding tickets.

The Empire Line Wedding Dress has a short bodice with a narrow skirt usually with a square neckline and sleeves. A very versatile style which creates a flattering elongated effect the Empire cut wedding dress will also appear to lengthen your legs and make you look slimmer and taller. Women with larger builds can wear an Empire line to good effect.

The Empire Style is very versatile and is usually floor length. The height of the waistline is the major feature of the empire line wedding dress and it is the other design elements that change the overall look of the dress. If you are having a winter wedding you could have long bell sleeves, but if you’re planning a beach wedding tiny short sleeves are perfect. Skirt style is important on the empire cut, and the cut and the fabric will depend on the silhouette you want to create.

Lighter fabrics are best for the empire style as they drape and flow to create a romantic effect. Light weight silk tiered so that it gently overlaps in the front, create a romantic gentle effect. An empire style is also perfect for pairing two different fabrics such as a lace bodice with a simple satin skirt.

The empire style is especially suited for you if you have a small bust as it draws attention to the neckline and creates definition. Design detail such as ruching or lace will give you the illusion of a fuller bust.

The traditionally square neckline of the empire dress can also minimise a large bust. While other neckline accentuate breast definition, the square cut modestly covers larger breasts.

Things to Consider:

The design of the empire dress is ideal for covering a multitude of sins as the dress flows from the bust line. An empire dress is also ideal for pregnant brides as the looser skirt can accommodate your growing tummy.

Best Figure Type:

Strangely empire wedding dresses are flattering to the fuller figure as well as those with a smaller bust. If you have a fuller figure avoid ruching or ruffles on the bodice. A good bra and some emphasis on the bodice rather than the skirt will enhance the smaller bust.

Fabrics to use:

Crepe, chiffon, satin, silk velvet all fall beautifully for an empire wedding dress, avoid very thick fabrics such as damask.

Wanda Arnold’s website www.weddingsdresses.tv will help you find your dream wedding dress and buy it online. Helpful tips and information for choosing fabrics and styles. Our video How to Take your Measurements shows you how to take professional standard measurements for your wedding dress. You will find site reviews and links to online Bridal Stores.

If you are buying your wedding dress online you need to take your measurements accurately. You don’t need to be a dress maker to measure yourself but you will need a friend to help. Follow these few easy steps and you will have professional standard measurements in no time.

There are many different size charts available but it’s best to ignore them when ordering your wedding dress online. Watch our FREE video  How to take Your Wedding Dress Measurements for  full step by step video instructions and fill out your Personal Measurement Chart before taking your measurements and ordering your wedding dress.

Don’t worry about the numbers. The worst thing you can do is wear a dress that is too tight. A properly fitting dress is always more flattering than one you squeeze into for the sake of a size label.

1. Get a friend to take the measurements for you, it isn’t possible to do it accurately by yourself.
2. Don’t pull the tape measure too tight- it should rest lightly on your body.
3. Make sure you use inches OR centimetres not a mixture of both.
4. Write each measurement down as you take it
5. Once you have taken your measurements start again and check each one.

TO START MEASUREMENTS

Stand up straight with equal weight on both feet and arms resting easily at sides. Look straight ahead of you.

BUST

If you haven’t got your wedding lingerie yet wear a bra and panties that are similar to the style you will wear. Your bust should be measured at the fullest part while you stand straight with your arms at your sides.

WAIST

Tie a string lightly around your waist it will naturally settle at your waistline. Measure your waist where the string sits.

HIP

Measure 8-10″ below the waist to find the fullest hip. Measure the fullest part of the hip, keeping the tape measure parallel to the floor.

LENGTH

Dress length is taken from the knob at the back of the neck to the bottom of the hem. Back length is from the knob at the back of your neck to the string around your waist. Skirt lengths without waistbands are taken from natural waist at the centre back to the bottom of the hem. Skirt lengths with waistbands are taken from the centre back, starting at the bottom of the waistband to the bottom of the hem.
Wanda Arnold’s website http://weddingsdresses.tv will help you find your dream wedding dress and buy it online. Helpful tips and information for choosing fabrics and styles. Explanations of different wedding dresses to help you choose your perfect wedding gown. Site reviews and links to online Wedding Dress Stores.

The style of your wedding dress will determine which fabric you choose. Choosing the right fabric can be the difference between a fabulous wedding dress that flatters you and a wedding dress that just doesn’t look right. Some wedding dresses look fabulous in one type of fabric but will just not look right in another. If your wedding dress fits well and is made of the right fabric it will look like a million dollars even if it costs a fraction of the price.

The overall appearance of a wedding gown is made up of many factors. The fabric chosen can make a dramatic difference to your wedding dress. Fabrics all have different qualities that effect the drape, and cut of a wedding gown. Some fabrics hug the body, and give a soft silhouette while others may have more body and are suited to a more tailored design.

Silk fabrics are undoubtedly the most desired and cherished for wedding gowns, and have lustre and luxury. Satin, duchesse satin, charmeuse, shantung, chiffon, organza all can be woven from silk but will behave very differently. All of these fabrics can be made of other fibres, such as polyester or nylon and will have similar properties at a more affordable price.

Below is a list of some popular fabric for wedding gowns with some explanations of their qualities.  You can find definitions of the different Wedding Dress Styles here.

Brocade

Softer, lighter than satin.

Surface: Woven Pattern
Fibre: Silk, polyester
Weight: medium, Heavy
Drape: Semi Stiff

Best for: Structured wedding gowns, A Line, Column, Mother of the Bride

Charmeuse Satin

Softer, lighter than satin.

Surface: Semi sheen
Fibre: Silk, polyester
Weight: Light
Drape: Soft

Best for: Unstructured wedding gowns, flowing styles. Empire, Mermaid

Chiffon

Drapey, sheer fabric not as heavy as Georgette.

Surface: Sheer, translucent
Fibre: Silk, rayon, polyester, nylon
Weight: Light
Drape: Soft, fluid

Best for: Overskirts, layered wedding gowns, sheer sleeves. Ballgown, Empire,

Crepe

Slightly wrinkled appearance, heavier than Georgette.

Surface: Textured
Fibre: Silk, acetate, rayon
Weight: Light
Drape: Soft

Best for: Flowing wedding gowns, soft silhouettes. Ballgown, Empire, Mermaid

Damask

Pattern is the same colour as the fabric.

Surface: Dull jacquard design
Fibre: Silk, cotton
Weight: Medium
Drape: Semi stiff

Best for: Bodices, tailored wedding gowns, shrugs, jackets. A Line, Column,

Duchess Satin

A beautiful heavy fabric with lustrous rich finish. Also know as Bridal Satin

Surface: Glossy, very lustrous surface with a dull back
Fibre: Silk or silk/rayon blend
Weight: Medium
Drape: Semi Stiff

Best for: Tailored silhouette, simple formal wedding gowns, excellent base for embellishments. A Line, Ballgown, Column, Mermaid

Dupion

Heavier, stiffer than satin.

Surface: Semi sheen, smooth
Fibre: Silk, polyester
Weight: Medium
Drape: Semistiff

Best for: Structured styles, suits, jackets. A Line, Ballgown, Column,

Georgette

Light and floaty as a top layer it forms a soft silhouette.

Surface: Sheer with a slight crepe finish.
Fibre: Silk or polyester
Weight: Light
Drape: Soft, floaty

Best for: Layered wedding gowns. Ballgown, Empire, Mermaid

Knit Fabric

Comfortable, yet stable enough to hold a tailored shape.

Surface: Matte
Fibre: Various, wool, polyester, rayon, blends
Weight: Medium
Drape: Soft

Best for: Tailored Suits Mother of the Bride outfits

Organza

Crisp, sheer fabric for top layer or inserts

Surface: Sheer, smooth finish
Fibre: Silk, polyester, nylon
Weight: Light
Drape: Crisp

Best for: Layered wedding gowns, veils, trains full layered skirts. Ballgown, Column

Peach Skin

Smooth, finely woven Micro fiber

Surface: Smooth, soft
Fibre: Silk, polyester
Weight: Medium
Drape: Soft

Best for: Mother of the Bride outfits, Empire line, Column

Satin

In between charmeuse and dupion.

Surface: Lustrous, smooth. Matte satin has a dull sheen.
Fibre: Silk, polyester
Weight: Heavy
Drape: Soft

Best for: Almost any wedding gown. A Line, Ballgown, Column, Empire, Mermaid

Shantung

Similar to dupion with a textured surface, may be satin backed.

Surface: Slubbed texture, dull
Fibre: Silk, polyester
Weight: Medium
Drape: Stiff

Best for: Tailored wedding gowns. A Line, Ballgown, Column,

Taffeta

A stiff fabric with good body. Moire is a watermark pattern.

Surface: Either dull or a light sheen, moire finish
Fibre: Silk or polyester
Weight: Light
Drape: Stiff

Best for: Wide skirts, structured silhouette. A Line, Ballgown, Column,

Tulle

Available in different weights for and stiffness.

Surface: Netting
Fibre: Silk, nylon
Weight: Light
Drape: Stiff

Best for: Layered skirts, veils, under shirts, petticoats. Ballgown.

Velvet

Softer than velveteen, luxurious.

Surface: Plush plain under surface
Fibre: Silk, cotton, rayon, acetate
Weight: Heavy
Drape: Soft but luxurious

Best for: Soft silhouette, full skirts. A Line, Ballgown, Column, Mermaid
Wanda Arnold’s website http://weddingsdresses.tv will help you find your dream wedding dress and buy it online. Helpful tips and information for choosing fabrics and styles. Explanations of different wedding dresses to help you choose your perfect wedding gown. Site reviews and links to online Wedding Dress Stores. You can find explanations of wedding dress styles and tips to help you choose the style to suit your figure type on our website. http://weddingsdresses.tv/wedding-gown-figure-types/.

Of course, you will need to be fairly confident that they won´t react with horror at the thought of uniting with you in holy matrimony, and that instead they will fling their arms around you with a joyful shout of ´Yes! Of course I´ll marry you, darling! ´, especially if the proposal is to be made in front of an audience. The humiliation of seeing the look of joy on your prospective mother-in-law´s face as her daughter snorts ´You must be joking! I´m dating you because it might be good for my career´, or ´Oh, did I forget to tell you? I´m immigrating to Outer Mongolia and marrying a Himalayan goat herder´ would crush any man´s interest in marriage forever.

The proposal will be most effective if the recipient has absolutely no idea of what is to come. It would be best not to share the plan with other family members, as they might get so excited that they unwittingly give some indication of what is to come. The prospective bride or groom should also be careful to avoid giving any hints themselves, and would be wise to avoid jewellery shops altogether when in the company of their better half (just in case the latter decides to drop some heavy hints, which would rather ruin the surprise element).

It might, in fact, be best to make the proposal in a quiet moment at some point over the Christmas holiday, not necessarily on the day itself. Maybe the smartest move would be to take your partner away for a romantic Christmas break, the great advantage being the absence of her fearsome mother (assuming her mother isn´t a charming lady who thinks she couldn´t possibly do better than you for a son-in-law). In the setting of a posh country hotel, or the azure Caribbean seas, many women would be lulled into such a happy mood that they would be more receptive to a proposal than if it took place in front of their drunken Uncle Bob. Why take the chance …

But do you really know what you’re supposed to do in exchange for being in a stunning bridesmaid dress? Did the bride express what kind of help she needs from you being one of her bridesmaids? Or are you just expected to walk down the aisle along with the other members of the wedding entourage and sit and stand as the celebrant says so?

The fact is, being a bridesmaid carries a number of responsibilities. While these may not be explicitly expressed (because more often than not a couple only hopes to have a complete roster in the entourage), you are actually saying yes to a number of responsibilities the moment you accepted the invitation and the moment you agreed to be in a theme-styled bridesmaid dress.

Here are a few things that any bridesmaid is expected to do:

Idea Generator and Provider

Yes, while making the plans, you must be able to help the bride think of ideas about wedding dresses, wedding favours and wedding invitations, among others. These things are too girly for the groom to get involved with. This is where the bride could well benefit from your presence. If she requests you to go hop from one place to another for venue scouting, go ahead. Who knows, she might even take your suggestion of a bridesmaid dress design.

Since it is already stressful for the bride to be in the wedding, she may have moments where no ideas will come out from her head. You could then provide her with your suggestions. After all, you are coming from an “outside perspective” and an outsider’s point of view is always helpful.

Companion

When the situation calls for it, you must accompany the bride for fittings and even in registering for wedding gifts. You can even go the extra mile and be in-charge of gathering all the other members of the entourage for fitting and measurement adjustments. After all, you don’t want anyone, especially not you, to be wearing a bridesmaid dress that looks like a hand-me-down.

Fashion Consultant

Of course a bride would hire her own make-up artists but it wouldn’t hurt if you can assist in her dress and makeup. In her effort to look stunning, the bride would always look for confirmation that her makeup looks good on her. Be that source of confirmation.

Usherette

Especially during the reception, usher the couple’s guests in. Lead them to their seats. You are wearing a fabulous bridesmaid dress so put that into good use and be seen.

Sometimes, visitors would request for pictures with the couple, so offer your hand and be the “photographer.”

Being a bridesmaid is more than just wearing a bridesmaid dress. You have some duties to attend to as you are actually a major player in ensuring the success of the wedding ceremony. So do your job cheerfully and “beautifully” — in that stunning bridesmaid dress.

Lovely wedding dresses and evening dresses are available in BestForBride.com. We also offer fabulous bridesmaid dress designs. Visit us today.

Deciding on the best design of bridesmaid dresses is challenging, next to finding your perfect wedding gown. Ideally, as the bride, you dont want to be stressing over this matter.

Modest Wedding Gowns for the Plus Size Bride

Another important feature of online shopping is the availability of modest wedding gowns for the bride-to-be who is on the larger size. Being heavier does not mean she should not and cannot look beautiful on her wedding day. If she chooses the plus size bridal gown carefully, she can look absolutely beautiful because the gown shows off her assets—the key is not being thin but wearing a gown that accentuates your good points. For example, if you have an overly ample chest you want to wear a gown with a higher neckline. Even a slender bride may need to wear a modest gown if she has features that are not perfect or needs to cover tattoos for her wedding day.

Modest wedding gowns may have higher necklines, long sleeves and cover up your shoulders. Most are at least floor length. You may need them to be less revealing because of the religious ceremony or perhaps because you prefer them. You will look amazing, even if you choose a modest look.

You Can Still Look Sexy in Modest Wedding Gowns

Contrary to popular belief, you can still look sexy even though you are wearing a modest wedding gown. There is no need to show all of your assets in order to make yourself look beautiful on your special day—your smile and the way you walk will make you shine and thus allow everyone to see how beautiful you really are. In addition, many modest wedding gowns that have a design to accentuate and enhance the bride’s best features and hide those are imperfect.

Article by Michelle O’Connor, Long Sleeve Wedding Gowns

During the Roman times, the concept of elaborate wedding cake decorations and icings was not yet a reality. For instance, the groom is supposed to eat part of the wedding loaf. He would then break the remaining portion and it must be broken over the bride’s head. This symbolizes the groom’s dominance over the bride. This tradition, however, has long been eradicated possibly because of its chauvinistic implications.

Also, in the olden times, small cakes (more like today’s cupcakes) are stacked to form the wedding cakes. The notion of a white wedding cake is also very popular and was connected to affluence. Because ingredients used to make up the white icing are hard to come by, only those who can afford to travel to other places just to get hold of these cake “materials” can come up with white wedding cakes.

Interestingly, in the 17th century, the idea of sleeping on a piece of cake became very popular. They say that if you put a piece of the wedding cake underneath your pillow, you will dream about your future spouse. In the 18th century, this tradition on wedding cakes evolved into the brides passing tiny cake crumbs through their wedding rings. These crumbs are then placed underneath the pillows.

Later on, the traditional wedding cake slicing that we see today came about. The bride, with the help of the groom, creates two slices, and together, they eat that part of the cake. As this is the first task that that the couple does together, this act symbolizes their never-ending promise of supporting each other for the rest of their married life.

Then came the multi-layered and elaborately designed cakes of many colors that we see today. Wedding cakes are not only white in color; today, the couple can experiment with different colors, usually making it consistent with the theme and the motif of the wedding.

Still, another interesting fact about this tradition is that the couple tries to save the topmost tier of their wedding cakes. They preserve and freeze it for use during their first anniversary. But you don’t get to see this anymore today as the elaborate decorations make the cake more vulnerable.

What proved to be a traditional and simple creation of cakes — or loaves of bread as in the olden times — now became a design extravaganza. Numerous cake and pastry houses specialize on the design of wedding cakes. The internet even has a wide selection of wedding cakes.

In conclusion, just like the wedding ceremony itself, the history and tradition of wedding cakes have come a long way. Some practices have long been eradicated while others survived the test of time and modernity.

If you prefer a traditional wedding, then you’d surely insert some of the practices that survived in the ceremony and at the reception. Otherwise, you can skip these and just go directly to the sole purpose of the occasion. The most important thing however, is that you’ve respected the solemnity of the event and the importance of this sacrament.

BestForBride.com is all about weddings – from wedding favours to designer wedding dresses and wedding cakes. Visit us today.