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March 22, 2011

How To Choose The Perfect Plus-Size Wedding Dress

plus-size bridal gown

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

wedding dress

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

wedding dress

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.

 

March 11, 2011

The Royal Wedding

Who is not talking about the upcoming nuptials of Prince William? Many people across the globe are asking question about which traditions Kate Middleton will want to change and which ones will she keep. He is after all second in line for the throne. Since his birth in 1982 he has been on the world stage with everyone watching his movements and many feel a part of his life because the have watched him grow up.

wedding dresses

We know the bride has chosen to wear the conventional white wedding gown and the honeymoon will be in Scotland. We also know that Prince William will be wearing his military uniform for the event. The guest list has been made public. Victoria and David Beckham were invited to the wedding but President Obama was not.
One question that still looms unanswered is about the rings. The royal family as a long tradition, going back to 1923, of using Clogau gold. This gold is welsh gold and very rare. Princesses Diana stayed with this conventionality but will the royal couple of the new millennium keep the traditions of generations of the royal line. Clogau gold is proud to be of service to the royal family and hope that this tradition will continue.
Princesses Diana did not always stick to tradition. Will her son follow in her footsteps or will Prince William and Kate Middleton stay close to the royal customs. Only time will tell for these two young lovebirds.
The association with the royal family over the years have made Clogau gold one of the most sought after gold in the world. Now with their status as the suppliers of the Royal wedding rings are up in the air. We will have to pay close attention to this couple and their picks and to see what they are going to do next. This is going to be a spectacular event to be sure as the world sits on pins and needles to watch the choices that this young couple will make on the most wonderful day of their young lives.
This content was provided with the assistance of Clogau Gold Jewellery Website.

Filed under: Wedding Planning,Weddings by wedding expert at 12:38 pm

March 8, 2011

How To Find The Best Bridal Look For Your Zodiac Sign – Part 2

wedding dress

Last week, we looked at some lovely bridal styles for the first six zodiac signs…this week, we’ll check out beauty and fashion tips for Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, & Pisces. If you love fun, lighthearted horoscopes, you’ll enjoy learning more about your Sun Sign and how you can use it to look beautiful at your wedding.

Libra – Your wedding day will be very important to you – for romantic Libra, having a partner is truly one of the most important things in life. Your style is refined, a little delicate, and generally quite feminine (at least for special occasions). For you, choosing the right bridal gown, bridal rings, and wedding accessories will be a pleasure – however, you can be indecisive – making a final choice can actually be very difficult for you. When selecting a white wedding dress, remember that you are the type of woman who seeks out elegance – Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady may be a fashion icon of yours (post-makeover by Henry Higgins, of course!). Seek out a little Hepburn-inspired beauty by choosing a stylish wedding gown that is embellished and adorned with a host of glamorous details. You’ll be less inclined to overdo with makeup – in general, Libra ladies have clear skin, regular features, and plenty of  natural beauty. The colors of Saint Valentine are magical for you – use cherry-red or sweetheart-pink blush and lipstick to add a little vibrant color to your face. Libra women may get too creative with up-dos and artistic hairstyles – remember, sometimes simplicity really is more beautiful.  Celeb Libras – Gwen Stefani, Sarah Ferguson (Fergie, ex-Duchess Of York)

Scorpio – Passionate, sexy Scorpio women run on desire and ambition – and they are generally very loyal people. For you, your wedding day will represent a deep tie with your partner – one that you treasure and respect. Looking beautiful on your wedding may be easier for you than for many other women – you have natural confidence and the sort of presence that can be quite regal. To make the most of your attributes at your wedding, consider adding a touch of burgundy or deep ruby red to your wedding outfit. A bouquet of rich, red roses, and a necklace featuring glittering garnets can be lovely choices for you. Rich reds and burgundies are your magic colors – they capture your essence beautifully, and they will work very well with a snow white wedding dress. You may not want to be the typical traditional bride – some Scorpio women are quite low-key, but others are very daring with regard to their wardrobes. Whether you want to experiment with ultra-modern styles, corseted bridal gowns, or tried-and-true, traditional wedding dresses and veils, you will ultimately want a wedding gown that feels like “you”. After all, you want to wear the dress – the dress shouldn’t wear you! Your hair doesn’t have to be very fancy – but do consider a style that isn’t too severe. Adding softness to your distinct features with a feminine hairstyle and the right makeup will work wonders for you. Treat yourself to a spa day before you marry – soak, steam, and polish in a luxe environment. Go for a pretty manicure in your magic color – OPI‘s Chick Flick Cherry will be perfect for you! Celeb Scorpios – Demi Moore, Katy Perry, Vivien Leigh (Gone With The Wind)

Sagittarius – Blunt, outgoing, sporty and free-spirited, you love to party with friends and family. For you, a wedding will be a spiritual celebration that is also filled with fun, music, dancing, and great food. You may want to avoid too much formality at your wedding – the breezy “destination wedding” was created with Sag in mind! Many Sag brides-to-be would rather get married on the beach, with their toes in the sand…the outdoors energize this Sun Sign. For Sag ladies, bridal gowns should be glamorous, but comfortable. Body-conscious styles will appeal to you – you’re not usually very shy, and you do like to show off your figure. Wearing your hair down will be a great choice at your wedding – Sag women look beautiful with loose waves or long, sleek blowouts. Be careful not to overdo your makeup – occasionally, a Sag bride-to-be will wear far too much makeup! In most cases, the Sag woman just doesn’t need a lot of paint anyway. A touch of bronzer, a glossy, warm pink lipstick, such as Estee Lauder’s Pure Color Lipstick in Pink Parfait, and a little mascara can be more than enough. Eating well and exercising before your wedding will ensure you look your best – exercise and moderation are of great benefit to your sign, which can be an excessive one. Celeb Sag Ladies – Christina Aguilera, Christina Applegate, Teri Hatcher.

Capricorn – You are an organized, capable lady – you believe in social decorum, even if you are sometimes a little more rebellious behind closed doors. For you, a wedding is an opportunity to value family traditions and rituals – your heritage will be also be celebrated as you walk down the aisle. Family is very important to you – you will want your loved ones to feel comfortable at your ceremony and reception – you’ll follow all of the “rules” to make this happen! Picking out a filmy, romantic veil, a subtle, sophisticated wedding dress, and all the right wedding accessories will be fun for you – after all, you are quietly very romantic. Many Cap women are blessed with lovely bone structure – they can be stunning brides who are beautiful in a way that is very timeless. Make the most of your lovely nose, cheekbones, lips and eyes, by pulling back your hair and putting the focus on your stunning face. Simple hair will look wonderful on you – makeup can be subtle – in fact, you prefer to be understated. Earth tones and dark shades are often popular with this Sun Sign – however, they will not work for your wedding. Embrace your femininity by choosing makeup that is natural, but still rosy and feminine – a little Benetint on your cheeks and lips, a touch of clear lip gloss, and perhaps a bit of black eyeliner and mascara on your top lashes only will give you classic beauty that is still festive.  A slip dress with simple lines may be very appealing to you, but it should be conservative – you will not want to show too much skin on your wedding day. Celeb Capricorns – January Jones (Mad Men), Kate Moss, Christy Turlington

Aquarius – Innovative and analytical, you seek out new information, experiences, and ideas every day. Your bold approach to life can occasionally lead you down some unusual pathways! Aquarius women usually grow up feeling “different”, then begin to embrace their individuality as they get older. For you, being “yourself” is key – you will enjoy originality in wedding design, hairstyles, bridal rings, and makeup. However, the Sun is weak in your sign – your self-image may be a tad shaky now and then. For Aquarius brides-to-be, it’s important to find perfect wedding dresses and accessories – anything that boosts your confidence and makes you feel beautiful will be worth the investment. You’ll go for modern, high-fashion details, or else seek out a romantic princess look that is inspired by your dreams and ideals. Whatever you choose should include a headpiece, tiara, or veil that draws attention to your eyes – they will always be your best feature. In general, Aquarius women look best with their hair down and full – chances are, you already have a distinct hairstyle that is unique.  Pure, bright colors will flatter you – add a touch of cobalt blue or violet to your makeup, bridal rings, necklace, earrings, and wedding bouquet. For a touch of modern glamor, add a line of long-wearing gel eyeliner to your top lashes – Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner in Denim Blue will be perfect.

Pisces - The Pisces bride-to-be is totally feminine – she’ll look best in classic designs that work with an hourglass figure and soft, womanly features. Many Pisces women have lovely, jewel-like eyes, and they look wonderful in good jewelry that features shimmering gemstones. Bridal rings, earrings that catch the light, and glam pendants were made for this type of bride. For the Pisces woman, a wedding is a joining of two souls – she may be more interested in this deep commitment than in the details and planning phase of her wedding. However, she will always want to look beautiful on her big day. Lavender, soft violet, and sea-green are magical colors for the changeable, intuitive Pisces woman – nothing should be too bright or modern. This type of bride may want a bridal gown with vintage details – anything “old Hollywood” or fairytale-inspired will appeal to her. A lace dress may be very appealing for the Pisces bride – it will capture her feminine spirit perfectly. Earrings with aquamarines, pearls, or amethysts will draw attention to her eyes. Lips should be deep rose (try Clinique lipstick in Raspberry Glacé), or pale pink – eyes should be played up with smoky plum liner. Hair should be soft, and not too sculpted. Gentle tendrils, ringlets, or soft waves will look perfect. The Pisces bride should carry a bouquet of wildflowers… Celeb Pisces – Elizabeth Taylor, Carrie Underwood, Rihanna

February 23, 2011

How To Help Your Groom Choose The Perfect Tuxedo And Accessories

Some men just aren’t into fashion…they may find the task of choosing the perfect tux, tuxedo shirt, cummerbund and boutonniere a little bit daunting! Luckily, as his bride-to-be, you are there to help him select the most flattering combination of colors, fabrics, and styles. You can help him choose a wedding ensemble that makes him feel handsome, pulled-together, and perfectly dressed on the big day. Here are some things to consider when you’re helping your groom-to-be buy or rent the ultimate tuxedo:

His Tuxedo Should Coordinate With Your Own Bridal Gown

Creating an overall theme for your wedding is important – often, this begins with wedding outfits that coordinate. Your white wedding dress will go with many different types of dress suits and tuxes – however, certain styles will look more appropriate with certain bridal gowns. For example, a bridal dress with vintage appeal will look best with a more old-fashioned tuxedo, such as a morning coat and tails. Conversely, if you’re dressing in a modern, trendy wedding dress, you should look for a sleek, polished suit for your groom-to-be.

Considering the design features of your wedding gown, and just how formal it is, will help you find important clues about how your groom should be dressed on your special and romantic wedding day. You don’t want to wear a fabulous, embellished gown and walk down the aisle to a groom who’s dressed too casually. Your ensembles should be coordinated and balanced!

If you’re wearing a colorful sash with your wedding dress, look for ways to bring that color into your groom’s outfit. You can add pops of color to his suiting by choosing a matching cummerbund, bow tie, or boutonniere. Shop around at an online bridal store to get ideas!

Examine His General Coloring

Your handsome groom-to-be will look even more dashing in his tuxedo when it is chosen to highlight his best features and gel with his hair color, eye color, and skin tone. The principle of “seasonal beauty” come into play here. You may have heard about seasonal beauty – it works for women and men. For example, if your groom has dark hair, bright, jewel-like eyes (amber brown, sapphire blue, emerald green, jet black) and a cool skin tone (no orange or yellow undertones), he will probably be a Winter. Winter grooms look best in royal blue, true red, emerald green, and pure white accents. Black will always be a great choice for a Winter man’s tux!

If your groom-to-be is a redhead with freckles, he’ll need the right colors to look great at your wedding. Most redheaded grooms fall into the Spring or Autumn seasons – for them, colors like Kelly green, taupe, honey brown, warm yellow, and deep orange will flatter their coloring. Consider adding touches of these sun-kissed shades to his outfit, or your own bouquet, sash, or bridal rings.

While it’s nice to coordinate, you should beware of choosing tones that fight your own coloring. If you’re a Winter, and he’s a Spring, it’s better to avoid wearing “his” colors in order to coordinate.

The Summer groom will usually have soft blue-gray or pale blue eyes – he may also have brown or ash-blond hair with no golden tones. His skin may be translucent porcelain white or pale beige. This sort of groom will look best in dusty tones, such as dusty rose (British men often wear pale-pink shirts that aren’t too bright, and many British men are summers – Hugh Grant is one famous example!), pale blue, pale cream, and navy. For this type of groom, warm tones like golden yellow will fight their coloring and wash them out. Delicate Summer coloring looks best in subtle pastels that are toned down and refined. Shoot for sophistication by adding touches of blue or pale green to his outfit.

Look At His Body Type

Husky

Some grooms feel self-conscious when they shop for tuxedos or dress suits – they know they don’t have six-pack abs and all the lean definition of male models. If your guy is on the husky side, he’ll need your help to overcome any body issues and to feel like a million bucks in his wedding ensemble.

Great tailoring can make anyone look slimmer and more attractive on their wedding day. Look for dark fabrics without any shine – a matte effect is most slimming for him. Then, consider the cut of a suit. A classic three-piece suit or tuxedo featuring a vest can be an excellent way to make the most of his physique – the vest should be the same color as the jacket and pants. Often, a vest adds a bit of coverage where it is needed – in the midsection! He’ll feel great in a dark vest that takes the focus off his stomach. Consider a three-piece suit with a colorful tie that suits his skin tone. You may want to avoid colorful cummerbunds or frilly shirts if he’s a little heavy or self-conscious about his body.

Normal Build (Average)

Dressing the medium, or average body type doesn’t offer the same challenges as the husky or very slim body – you can be more creative here, as long as your guy is comfortable with that. Instead of focusing on body type and how to flatter, you can concentrate on capturing the essence of his own personal style on your wedding day. Is he casual, or formal? Does he love bright colors, or subdued tones?

Look at his wardrobe choices and find a way to bring a little of his personality into his tuxedo, dress shoes, cummerbund, vest, and shirt. Use color theory to be certain everything you choose will work for him. If you’re shopping for wedding bands, you should know that silver or white gold will flatter Summer of Winter men the most. If he’s warm (Spring or Autumn), he’ll look better in yellow or rose gold.

Slim

Skinny guys can be just as self-conscious as husky guys – they may have grown up feeling too thin or frail-looking. Men with this build often look for bulkier garments that give the illusion of more body weight and size. If you’re guy is thin and you want to find a suit that makes him feel comfortable and confident, there are plenty of options for you. Pleats are kind of unfashionable these days – in general, pleated pants will appeal to an older generation.

No matter how old your groom is, you should avoid pleating – it will make him look even thinner than he already is. Instead, look for modern, flat-front pants for his suit or tux. Look for subtle shoulder pads in suits and jackets – these will add a little definition to his shoulders by making them appear broader. The padding should be expertly sewn, and it shouldn’t be obvious. Don’t buy him a tux shirt or dress shirt that is too fitted – instead, find something a little looser, and go for a white color or pale pastel that makes him look larger.

Planning Ahead Is The Key To Success

With these tips, you can go into a wedding boutique and know exactly what’s right for him. You’ll make it easier for him to narrow down his choices and enjoy his wedding outfit. Taking care of him before the wedding at a great, full-service wedding boutique is just part of being a caring girlfriend. When you put on your gorgeous wedding dress and see him waiting for you at the altar, you’ll know your hard work was well worth the effort.

February 7, 2011

Wedding Tips And Tricks For The Mother Of The Bride

Watching your son or daughter tie the knot will be one of the most poignant and exciting moments of your life! As the proud matriarch of your family, you will want to be at your absolute best on the big day.

To help you get organized, we’ve put together a quick guide of tips and tricks – just for the mother of the bride! With our suggestions, you can be certain of looking wonderful as you enjoy the ceremony and reception:

Choose The Right Colors For Your Own Dress -

Avoiding snowy white or off-white gowns is important – mother of the bride dresses and evening dresses should never compete with the bride’s own white wedding dress.

Pastels are a safe choice, but they may also wash you out! Don’t be afraid to inject a little color into your wedding ensemble! If you do choose a pale pastel for your outfit, try to balance things out with a bright lipstick or gemstone necklace.

You don’t have to match the bridesmaid dresses – you can just stay in same color family if you’re more comfortable with that. Some mothers of the bride actually prefer to choose an evening dress or suit that is in marked contrast to the bridesmaids gowns!

Ask the bride and groom-to-be for advice if you aren’t sure – chances are, they will have a vision in mind for their entire wedding party…

As we age, our skin can lose a little rosiness – stronger jewel tones like golden topaz, sapphire blue,  rich purple or intense magenta can put color near the face, where it is needed.

How you will look is largely dependent on the fit of your dress, and whether its color scheme gels with your hair color, eye color, and skin tone. A brighter jacket with a darker suit or dress underneath can be slimming and very chic.

However, you will always need to match the brightness of your outfit with appropriate makeup. You don’t have to overdo it – or even change your regular makeup very much – just add a touch of vibrant color where it really matters.

Pay Attention To Your Makeup

You will be in the spotlight on the big day! Take care to moisturize well, blot your face with a tissue to remove shine, and then do a careful makeup that highlights your best features. For photographs, a little definition around the eyes, and deeper color on the lips, can be great ways to make the most of your natural beauty.

Lightly filling in the brows with a soft eyeshadow ( it should be one or two shades darker than your hair) or brow pencil can be a great way to look more “awake” in photos!

An age-defying foundation can even out your complexion, creating an ideal base for “party” makeup. You don’t need to put foundation everywhere – leaving it off your forehead and cheeks may look more natural.

Using base on the chin, nose (and around the nose), and under the eyes (if you don’t use concealer) may be more than enough. Powder should be applied lightly with a large brush. Patting powder on with a puff can leave you looking chalky.

If you’re wearing cool colors (icy blue, royal blue, true red, emerald green, pink, lavender), be sure your makeup palette isn’t warm or neutral. Conversely, if you’re wearing warm shades like topaz, cinnamon, or burnt orange, avoid makeup that fights these tones. Knowing your own coloring is the key to looking great at your child’s wedding!

Dress For Your Body Type

Dressing for your body type is the perfect way to look longer, leaner, and more proportional at the wedding. If you’re a curvier type, with fuller breasts and hips, be sure to opt for a style that nips in at the waist! By creating a balanced hour-glass silhouette, you will flatter your natural body type.

When shopping at a bridal boutique, look for an A-line skirt – it can be very attractive on this body type. Avoid anything that is too tight or too clinging – a slightly heavier fabric (stiff silk or satin versus filmy chiffon, for example) will provide the coverage and support you need.

Wear the right undergarments – a good bra with heavier straps can be a great investment. Even modern-day girdles or support garments have come a long way, and they can give you extra confidence when all eyes are on you. Look at Spanx or similar, pantyhose styles…

For slimmer mothers of the bride, sheath dresses or chemises can be lovely choices. In general, any cut that follows the leaner lines of your body, without being too snug, will look appropriate and flattering. Avoid ruffles or other frou-frou details – unless you really love them! Shoot for simple sophistication and clean lines – when shopping at the wedding store, add glamor by choosing fun heels, pretty accessories, and stylish colors.

Get Your Hair Done Professionally

You will invest so much energy in supporting the bride-to-be and groom-to-be – remember to pamper yourself, too! A fresh color and blowout will make you feel more pulled-together as you enjoy your child’s wedding. Don’t experiment too much or get too creative – go to a colorist and stylist you know and trust.

Relax And Have Fun!

Your attitude and sense of inner joy is really what makes you most beautiful on your son or daughter’s wedding day! Once you’ve planned out your wedding outfit, accessories, and jewelry, you will be all set to just relax and enjoy the whole thrilling experience!

Plan ahead and get organized – make beauty appointments well in advance, buy any makeup items, lingerie, and other accessories, and tuck the whole shebang away in a garment bag (and cosmetic case). Being 100 percent ready for the wedding will allow you to relax and really be there for your child as he or she gets married!

Filed under: Beauty,Lingerie,Mother of the Bride,Wedding Planning,Weddings by Olga Pomeransky at 11:04 am

February 2, 2011

How To Be A Truly Traditional Bride

Classic beauty never goes out of style – if you’ve always longed for a traditional wedding with all of the bells and whistles, you’ll need a wedding gown that is truly timeless.

Traditional brides keep it classy – nothing is too flashy, bodices don’t dip too low for good taste, and wedding shoes, veils, and accessories are simple and elegant.

If you’re looking for tips on becoming the most classic, lovely bride you can be, you’ll enjoy our quick guide to timeless beauty for today’s traditional brides:

Rituals And Traditions Will Add Meaning To Your Wedding

Today, traditional brides always choose white bridal gowns – this ritual began in Victorian England, and it was instituted by Queen Victoria, who believed in the purity and angelic symbolism of pure white.

Other early 19th century rituals were also taken into account before brides-to-be selected their wedding dresses – for example, it was considered unlucky to marry in a gown you made yourself. The truly traditional bride will always choose a bridal dress created by someone else…

If you dream of a very traditional wedding day, the charming custom of wearing “something old and something new, something borrowed, something blue” should also be a part of your wedding rituals.

Something old symbolizes your old life as a single woman…and something new illustrates your journey into a new life as a married woman.

Something borrowed echoes the influences of your friends and family…something blue is derived from ancient Jewish wedding traditions…this soothing color is believed to be a symbol of faithfulness in love…

English brides in the Victorian Age also put a silver coin (sixpence) in their shoe…this tradition was believed to bring good luck and material success to the new couple after their wedding…

Traditional Beauty Is Simple And Feminine…Never Overdone…

Creating traditional beauty in your wedding ensemble can be as simple as wearing a circlet of wildflowers in your hair…brides in the Emerald Isle followed this ritual for centuries.

If you prefer a classic veil, you may enjoy knowing that it is symbolic of chastity! The first wedding veils worn in ancient Greek ceremonies were yellow – in Rome, they were red!

Simple makeup and soft, touchable hair are the hallmarks of the classic bride – whether you hair is worn up or down – both styles are quite traditional – it should be classic and feminine. Flushed cheeks (a cheek tint like Benefit`s will work so well!) and rosy lips (without a great deal of eye makeup!), will evoke classic beauty.

Don`t wear too much powder – keep your skin youthful and dewy with a great moisturizer…blotting papers are a cute, and very traditional, way of cutting shine without adding more powder!

Look at works of art from online gallery tours – women of previous centuries were always captured while showing off flowing curls, luminous skin, and natural beauty.

A fake spray tan may look great at the beach, but it won’t really evoke classic beauty at your wedding. It’s all about making the most of your natural hair texture and your God-given coloring!

Embrace your own beauty with a classic wedding gown, elegant veil, and dainty wedding bands.

Other Fun Wedding Traditions To Enjoy

Today, many brides also follow the ritual of not being seen by their groom-to-be before the wedding – being spotted by your future husband before you walk down the aisle is thought to be bad luck.

In certain cultures, a ritual bath is practiced by brides before they are dressed in their wedding gowns – this cleansing ceremony is believed to purify the bride-to-be before her marriage.

Plan Your Trousseau

This fun tradition is French in origin – the word trousseau mean “bundle”. Your trousseau is a special set of clothing and accessories, designed to be worn on your honeymoon. If you’re interested in wedding rituals, you’ll truly enjoy filling a trunk or suitcase with a “bundle” of new items! This may not be as wonderful as finding perfect wedding dresses, but it can still be very fulfilling! Traditionally, the bundle may also include some new items for the home…

We hope you’ve enjoyed this look at traditional bridal rituals. Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life…if you value the rituals of the past, add in some of them to your own wedding day. You’ll connect with history and symbolism as you prepare to start a whole new chapter in your life!

June 21, 2010

If You Can’t Be that Creative with Wedding Favors

If you can be very creative with your wedding dress and wedding motif, you can also get creative wedding favors.

If You Can’t Be that Creative

It takes some spunk to be creative; you take on new ideas and make them into tangible objects. According to Rollo May, American existential psychologist, “creativity is the process of bringing something new into being…” This can be well applied on wedding favors. Admittedly some people have this gift for creativity. Well if you share the same boat, you can borrow these ideas to bail you out of a creativity plateau.

wedding favor

Capitalize on Your Locality’s Specialties

Look around you. What are tourists buying left and right from your shops? Are they buying delicacies or special sweets only available in your region? If your California region has the best peaches order the fruits and have them preserved. Package these in personalized bottles and you’re ready with your creative wedding favors. This is a special treat for out-of-town guests but local guests will equally love the preserved bottled peaches.

If sweets are not your region’s top tourist drawers, how about having a great carver do miniature caricature carving of you and your groom? This won’t be cheap, but this is fun, and something different in the wedding scene. If you are having 25 guests for your wedding, this idea won’t cost you a fortune. Hire an experienced caricature carver or look for this service online and don’t forget to ask for his portfolio.

How about flowering plants? If you are living in Oregon or Seattle, Washington you must have known about the stunning roses, which are the best in the US for their beauty and scent. Scout around for some potted tiny rose bushes. If this is a great idea for you, start making arrangements with the local nursery and have your potted roses readied months before the wedding. Pots of roses in the bud are romantic and irresistible wedding favors. You can plant this yourself if you love gardening.

wedding favors

Keeping the Budget Down

If budget is an issue, water down your plans for your wedding favors. Instead of expensive items, go for something practical that won’t ‘bankrupt’ you. If your guests know that you bake a superb chocolate cake and that the groom dishes up great steak, it’s time to share them your secret recipes. Add more family recipes and have these laminated; tied with a satin ribbon, you give the wedding favors flair.

Chocolates, jelly beans, and mint candies are great edibles to give away to your guests. Personalize these with your initials with custom-made molders. Edibles are inexpensive and if you have a hundred or more guests, you can keep the budget down with edibles.

For their wedding favors, some bridal couples ask the caterer to bake a small wedding cake for the sharing-the-cake ceremony and small cupcakes in special boxes for the guests. This is a concession to an age-old tradition of sharing the wedding bread. The tradition was to share the couple’s happiness and good fortune with the guests as a way of thanking them graciously for witnessing the big day and sharing the fun.

Shopping for wedding favors, bridesmaid dress, and the best of the wedding dresses? Visit BestforBride.com today.

Filed under: Wedding Favors,Wedding Planning,Weddings by wedding expert at 8:10 am

June 19, 2010

Wedding Dresses Secrets You Should Know

How do some brides pull it off with their wedding dresses? Where do they shop for fantastic dresses that do not come with the prices of Balenciaga wedding frocks? If you are getting married this year, the thought might not cross your mind, but it pays to know what to do in advance.

Shop Months Ahead

Planning for the wedding covers hundreds of details for a one-day affair. If you can afford a wedding planner to do the worrying that would be great but if you opt to do the footwork yourselves, be realistic about diving the chores with your groom so you can focus on shopping for a wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, and your trousseau.

wedding gowns

In your excitement, you might make the mistake of hundreds of brides before you. The common mistake brides make is taking too much time deciding on their wedding dresses. Ordering a bridal dress should have a margin for alterations and several fittings before it is finally ready for pick up, which in most cases is about three weeks before the wedding. Bridal shops require that you make an order at least six months before the wedding; this may seem to be too well in advance, which is correct.

In six months time, you start shopping around. When you find one that stands out from the rack of wedding dresses and discover it does not fit, there is time to make extensive alterations. If you find a dress that’s perfect but you want pearls to be added on the bodice, then that’s another time-consuming refurbishing.

Another thing, if you are planning a summer wedding get your order before the summer boom. Bridal stores are up to their neck with alterations by this time and you won’t find a shop willing to take on a rush order for wedding dresses. Unless you have a perfect figure and can fit the regular sizes and you immediately find something gorgeous, there should be no problem. But don’t bet on this.

The Custom Look Without the Expense

You might have set your sights on Oscar de la Renta wedding dresses, which are unfortunately beyond your budget. If you look around, you can find a similar style from a Divina Sposa bridal collection, Mori Lee collection, Jai Bridals, Alfred Sung, and Collector – for the fraction of the price of ritzy designer labels. You might be surprised at the extensive selections, the fabulous fabrics, and designs and best of all, the price for a stunning wedding dress and you can rent your wedding dress!

wedding dresses

Advantage of One-Stop Wedding Shopping

Bridal shops have bridal packages and give away lots of discounts if you buy your wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, mother-of-the-bride’s dress, wedding invitations and wedding cake from them. This saves you time and the stress of dealing with different shops. The bridal shop specialist assigned to you also works closely with you and gives you updates on your wedding stuff. These are a hundred dollars

Ordering Online

Ordering wedding dresses online is a convenience. But be very accurate with your measurements before clicking away. Ask a professional seamstress take your measurement first. Doing the measurement yourself may not be a good idea; mistakes are costly and the dress may need extensive work for a single mistake.

If the bridal shop is within your locality or just an hour’s drive away, visit the shop and try on the wedding gowns and dresses that suit your body shape and skin coloring. This eliminates future problems about fit. Now you know some of the secrets when shopping for your wedding dress.

This shop has the best that wedding dresses, wedding favours, and wedding bouquet flowers Toronto can offer excited brides. Visit BestforBride.com today.

Filed under: Destination Weddings,Wedding Dress,Wedding Planning by wedding expert at 8:02 am

June 15, 2010

Who’s Afraid of Celebrity Bridesmaids and their Bridesmaid Dresses?

What do Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Garner, Cameron Diaz, and Kate Moss have in common? They took real-life bridesmaid roles. Would you want these beauties to be your bridesmaids? Yes and No. Well, although their appearances would hype up your wedding, these beauties would surely steal your thunder.

bridesmaids dress

Celebrities for Your Bridesmaids?

The brides are the stars of weddings and their bridesmaids all decked in stunning bridesmaid dresses are the sideshows. But if your best friend has made it big time as a movie celebrity or fashion model, would you dare to make her your bridesmaid? Ethically, if you have very close ties and have shared life’s ups and downs through the years, definitely there should be no question about it.

You should make your best friend who is now a big celebrity your bridesmaid. She’ll be there if she has the time and if her schedule is tight, her schedules will be rearranged so she can show up and perform her role as bridesmaid and she’ll wear one of those dresses you chose for the lineup. Being a hometown girl, she won’t be demanding what you cannot afford. She knows the drill, and that’s a delight. Definitely having a celebrity for a bridesmaid will be fun.

Celebrity Bridesmaid and Their Dresses

The next tricky question concerns the bridesmaid dresses. If one is a celebrity and has the money to burn, would it be alright to request that she use the same style of dress you have picked for the girls? If she is truly your best friend, she’ll have no issues with the dresses you personally picked out. But being a modern bride, you know by know that brides are no longer strict about the one-of-a-kind bridesmaid dress.

Your celebrity bridesmaid may offer to buy her own dress and she probably might get hers from a noted fashion designer. But the ties of friendship will be tested severely if you insist that everybody follows your orders. Being considerate about bridesmaid dresses – celebrities involved or not – is a gracious gesture. Given the license to choose their frocks, everyone can choose their dress as long as these dresses are in the right shade of green or pink or whatever your wedding color.

bridesmaid dress

Celebrity or not, your best friend has feelings and values your friendship and there’s no way she’ll steal your show; she’ll be ready to wear the bridesmaid dress you have specially chosen for your bridesmaids. Hence, make it a point that you chose stylish dresses everyone will be proud to wear and would want to wear again. If you can’t make up your mind about the dress styles, your celebrity best friend can come to the rescue and give you tips or point the way where the hottest bridesmaid gowns can be found.

Here’s a tip, if she points the way to expensive labels, take a look at the style and ask your bridal specialist if there are similar from less expensive labels. If the expensive dress was priced at $800 you can find a similar style from another label from another designer for only $250! She might even show where look-alikes can be bought at the fraction of the cost of original designs.

If Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Garner, Cameron Diaz, and Kate Moss played bridesmaids, they did it with sincerity. Your celebrity bridesmaid can do the same. So don’t be scared to ask your celebrity best friend to be your bridesmaid.

Let your bridesmaids wow them in their bridesmaid dresses, and if you are looking at wedding dresses and arrangements for blooms and wedding flower, Toronto shops are ready to give you their best. Visit BestforBride.com today.

Filed under: Bridesmaid Dresses,Bridesmaids,Wedding Planning by wedding expert at 10:50 am

June 14, 2010

Wedding Dresses by Mori Lee Fall 2010

Wedding Dresses by Mori Lee Fall 2010

Filed under: Plus size attire,Wedding Dress,Wedding Planning,Weddings by wedding expert at 4:01 pm
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For the perfect wedding favors, wedding favours, wedding cakes, bridesmaid dresses and wedding invitations your guests and fiance cannot refuse, go to BestForBride.com today! And don't forget the wedding dresses and bridal gowns that no groom will ever snub!