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Relaxed Radiance: A Guide to Selecting the Perfect Dress for an Informal Wedding Celebration!

Aren’t you too excited about dressing up in a classic ball gown, with immaculate makeup and a hairstyle with every strand held in place, on your wedding day?

If you answered yes, it is likely that a formal wedding is not for you. Brides with an, easy-going personality cannot always relate to a formal wedding. This is because rules and expectations at formal weddings bind everything. A casual wedding theme at an exciting venue would perhaps appeal better. In this case, you can make and bend the rules. This is more fun and will be more memorable when appropriately planned.

Brides with their hearts set on an informal wedding do not usually want traditional gowns. If this doesn’t reflect the fun and bubbly element of your personality, no rule requires you to wear it. Instead, plenty of dresses are better suited for an informal wedding. This is what you should look at.

Destination wedding dress collections usually feature bold and at times, even daring wedding dress styles. These are good choices for an informal wedding. If not these, you may even find an attractive dress in an evening dress collection. So, look there instead of the traditional wedding dress aisles.

So, how do you shop for your dress when your wedding differs from the rest? Here are some tips from our bridal consultants to help you with this.

1.Identify the venue first

The dress styles that are suitable for an informal backyard wedding will not be good for a wedding on the beach. So, the venue is an important factor to consider when planning your bridal look. Informal wedding venues include beaches and resorts, gardens, backyards and restaurants. Your wedding dress should be appropriate for the venue and comfortable for the weather. Always start your shopping only after you finalize the location of your wedding.

2.Do your research in advance

You shouldn’t skip your dress research because you won’t pick a traditional wedding dress. Informal dresses come in different styles. You have various options, from bridal pantsuits to tea-length dresses and loose sheaths. Unless you know what to wear, dress shopping can drag on and overwhelm you. So, plan your look first. Have an idea of the dress styles that you want to try on. Then find a shop that caters to your needs.

3.Fix your budget

An informal wedding gown can also be expensive. Nonetheless, you should be able to find dresses  in different price ranges. Calculate the maximum amount that you can spend on your dress. This will give you a reference point to base your search on. Also include the cost for alterations and accessories when calculating the price. You will incur additional expenses when shopping for your wedding dress.

4.Be flexible

You may have to think out of the box and be open to looking at more than just bridal dresses to find a dress of your choice. Since your search is for something unusual, shopping for a regular wedding gown may not be as easy. So, be prepared to search in other departments to find what you want.

5.Don’t settle for what is available

Like I mentioned earlier, it isn’t always easy to find a dress that satisfies your preferences for an informal theme. Fortunately, you can always customize an available dress if it isn’t exactly your taste. Explore the possibility of dyeing a dress if everything but the color isn’t right. Or you can even have the dress tailored. This allows you to plan your look to even the smallest detail. If you can find a talented seamstress, this is a practical and easy solution to your need.

6.Get alterations done

A dress doesn’t look right unless it drapes correctly and fits perfectly. So, you should alter your dress to your measurements once you purchase it. If the boutique where you shop doesn’t provide this service, look for a seamstress who has the experience to work with dress styles like yours. It can take anywhere between 3 weeks to 3 months to complete alterations, depending on the complexity of the dress. Make sure you do your shopping early so you have enough time for it and don’t incur rush charges.

7.Choose the right accessories

You can dress up or down with the right choice of accessories. Accessories can help you create the look you want. So, choose jewelry, shoes and other accessories that enhance your look. You can mix and match dress styles and accessories to look modern, vintage, classic or boho-chic. Also, think out of the box and try on accessories like birdcage veils, flower crowns and vintage jewelry to find your unique style statement. Also experiment with color to add a pop of personality to your outfit.

Now, let us look at some of the dresses suitable for informal-style weddings. All these dresses belong to our dress collection at Best for Bride. Enjoy your tour!

Style: Tea length dress with lace appliques

With dainty lace appliques in the bodice this dress is very attractive. Lace appliques are also present in the lower half of the satin and net skirt. The waistline is defined by a pleated waistband, which clearly emphasizes the smallest part of the bride’s waist. The dress also has a gentle sweetheart bodice and layered skirt, exuding youthful charm. The exquisite lace details in the dress make it just right for a garden wedding.

Style: Casual style with High-low hemline skirt

Very simple with delightful, uncluttered details. The simplicity of this dress adds to its appeal, giving it a casual vibe. The bodice features an empire waistline. It is embellished with intricate lace details till here. Soft layers of net flow from the waist to floor length. There are pretty lace appliques in the lower half of the skirt. The tonal strapless bodice features spaghetti straps that support and act as an interesting detail in this area. The high-low hemline makes this dress just right for an informal wedding style.

Style: Fun and flirty A-line dress with hi-low  hemline

 

This dress is bound to take years off age off the bride who wears it. With a lace-bordered hi-low hemline, the dress is casual but fun. Soft scintillating straps support the lace-embellished sweetheart bodice. A crystal-studded waistband defines the natural waistline. This little detail adds a touch of pizzazz to the beautiful dress in white. Exquisite details like the hemline, waistband and pretty lace appliques will ensure the bride stands out from the crowd.

Style:Colored wedding dress with simple details

Here is another dress with all the essential elements for a casual wedding. The ruched bodice and pleated skirt have no fussy embellishments but is very charming. The simple floral detail on the slim waistband complements the simplicity of the dress. This gown is easy to manage in outdoors, and the pale pink color creates a vintage effect.

 

Style: Floor-length gown with illusion back details

This is a stunning beauty from the Mori Lee bridal collection. The 6836 dress is of floor-length, where the details are concentrated in the embellished bodice. With a V-neckline and beaded satin belt, the dress has bridal charm. However, it doesn’t overwhelm with details. The gathered A-line skirt is universally flattering, which makes it suitable for brides of most body types. It also features an amazing illusion back. This dress would be beautiful for a non-traditional wedding in the warmer months.

 

Style: Spaghetti straps on sheath-style wedding dress

If your dream dress drapes closely and shows off your natural curves effectively, here is a dress that satisfies your taste. The 6815 Mori Lee dress has an asymmetrically draped bodice in lush crepe. Thin spaghetti straps compliment the criss-cross detail in the sweetheart bodice. The sheath silhouette courses to full length, gently defining the natural curves and creating a sexy effect. The dress is perfect for a destination wedding. It can be chosen for both indoor and outdoor venues.

Style: Pink beauty for the bride who loves color

Let your love for color reflect in your wedding dress choice. This Sans Pareil gown in soft pink is a picture of magnificence, and yet entirely non-traditional. From the fit-and-flare silhouette to the color, this beautiful dress has many unusual elements. The scintillating threads of crystal along the length of the gown create a spectacular effect. Equally bewitching is the low-cut open-back detail and the deep-dip illusion V-neckline. This is a bold choice for a bride, but one that will stay in your guest’s memories for long.

 

Style:Sexy illusion neckline on non-traditional dress silhouette

You will be remembered as a glamorous bride when you choose this amazing Sophia Tolli gown as your bridal dress. The plunging illusion V-neckline has embellishments that add an air of intrigue. The ruched bodice extends into shoulder straps and is gathered at the natural waistline. The skirt has wispy layers that flutter in the breeze, resembling drifting clouds. The artistic touch of crystal details in the neckline and decolletage are what makes this dress unique. It is a dress that is just right for a beach wedding.

Style: Black and white wedding dress

Be a bride with a difference when you add a touch of black to your wedding day outfit. This dress from the Jasmine designer bridal collection has a trumpet silhouette. From the strapless neckline, the dress follows the natural curves all the way up to the thighs. From here, it opens out into a layered misty skirt. The entire bodice has a ruched criss-cross effect for textural finesse. However, the signature element has to be the black lace appliques that adorn the length of the bodice along the sides. It extends from the bust all the way to the dropped waist, and has a pronounced effect. Classic and sophisticated, yet unusual, this is a dress for the bride who wants to stand out from the rest.

You’ve seen our favorite informal bridal dress picks from our wedding dress collection. One of the other places you should look at is our bridesmaids collection. There are some real beauties in there that will easily pass off as wedding dresses.

One of our customers, Julie Santos, is an example of how bridesmaid dresses can work as wedding dresses. Her pick was a bridesmaid dress from our Jasmine collection. Julie, who was married on the beach, says this was the perfect dress for her big day, and many of her guests couldn’t even believe that the dress she wore wasn’t from a wedding dress collection. Pictures of Julie on her wedding day are available here. 

So, you now know that there are plenty of options in informal wedding dresses. Plus, designers are now on a spree to bring out more unexpected dress styles that fit into the wedding dress category.

To see all the dresses featured in this post up close and also search for more options, check out our bridal dress gallery. And don’t forget to tell us which of these dresses you would choose to wear to your celebration. Or do you have another dress in mind? Do share your comments and ideas in our comments section below.

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Wedding dress selection for Plus Size Brides made easy

via Best for Bride

The average-sized woman has an ocean of choices in wedding dresses, but petite and plus-sized brides have fewer options. Most dresses are designed with the size 8 bride as the model. Fortunately, there are designers who create stunning wedding gowns in sizes up to 24.

You may even find a suitable dress in a collection that isn’t specifically for plus-sizes. All you need to do is look in the right places, and know what your options are. To get you on track, let us take a look at the various patterns that look great on plus-size brides.

Who is a plus-size bride?

The fashion industry places sizes above  size 12 in the plus-size category. Although this number may differ from country to country, the cut-off is somewhere close to this number.

It is good to remember that although you may be a plus-size bride, there are fabulous fashionable gowns that will match your wedding dress dreams, and you needn’t settle for what is available in the plus-size section alone.

Plus-size wedding shopping tips

We recommend that you call the bridal shop before you visit, and inform them that you want to look at gowns in bigger sizes. Although most salons stock gowns in most sizes, this will ensure that you have sufficient choices to try on, when you visit. If you have shortlisted any favorites, inform the bridal boutique so they can make arrangements to have it available when you drop in.

via Best for Bride

Brides come in all sizes and shapes, and no two gowns are alike. Pay particular attention to your body proportions to choose a dress that suits you. If you are large-chested, a higher neckline or dresses with illusion necklines and/or sleeves would offer sufficient coverage. Similarly, a gown with a fitted waist and full skirt will balance out a large bust, and create an hourglass structure.

If you want the classic, elegant look, choose an A-line skirt or ball gown dress. The ball gown will camouflage your middle, if you are well endowed in that area. An empire waist gown which cleverly elevates your waist, or a dress which gathers on one side are other good options. These patterns are slimming and can add the illusion of few extra inches. Cap sleeve gowns look sexy on full figures, and are classic and stylish.

Another must-try dresses are those with corset backs. These draw out your curves beautifully, allowing you to show off your best features.

Trust your bridal consultant when she recommends silhouettes other than what you have in mind. Being in the business for a long time, she knows how a dress will look on your frame. So, don’t write off her suggestion for a dress that doesn’t look attractive on the hanger. Try it out, and you may be pleasantly surprised with the result.

One word of advice, don’t try to hide your ample curves beneath a mass of fabric. Find a dress that allows you to flaunt them; you will feel gorgeous and everyone will agree that you look great. Weddings are all about feeling fantastic, and the best way to do it is by being yourself!

Best for Bride has plenty of fantastic wedding dress choices, and you are bound to find one that suits you. Visit us online, or drop in at our store to find the wedding dress of your dreams.

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Gorgeous Bridal Gowns You’ll Love

wedding gown

At Best for Bride, we’re so proud of our exclusive bridal dresses, and we love sharing their beauty, workmanship, and fine tailoring with our blog followers. If you’re searching for a lovely gown to wear on your special day, you’ll adore these designs, which flatter a range of body types. Whether your body is curvy and lush, a typical hourglass, or a lean, elegant shape, we offer stunning wedding dresses that will do your natural beauty justice.

To offer you the inspiration that you need, we’re showcasing some special, fashionable wedding dresses that are as affordable as they are beautiful. To become the most beautiful bride you can be, choose the style you love the most, and then come and try it on at one of our Ontario wedding boutiques (find our bridal shops in Toronto, in Barrie, or in Mississauga). You may also order your favorite direct from our full-service online bridal store.

A Great Look for Curvy Ladies…

bridal dress

 When it comes to choosing the right wedding gown for a curvy figure, it’s important to embrace your shape, instead of trying to hide it. The right bridal dresses (or plus size wedding dresses) will streamline your curves just a little bit, holding everything in place without being too tight or constricting. At the same time, this sort of fitted design will show off your opulent shape in all of its voluptuous glory.

The beautiful lace wedding gown shown above features an ultra-flattering halter neckline that will give you a Hollywood bombshell quality. In addition, the gown’s supportive bodice will create a pleasing silhouette, without revealing too much. This dress also nips in at the waist to flatter you better. Crafted from lovely lace and sparking embellishments, this type of gown offers glamour that is totally flattering to curvier girls.

To get the look, put your hair up and treat yourself to some dramatic drop earrings, and then paint your lips in a vibrant jewel tone. Ladies with curvier bodies often have wider faces, and brighter lipstick in a complementary shade will create the illusion of a leaner face. Any lip color, from rose-pink to magenta to ruby red, will give you a shot of elegance that will dazzle your wedding guests…and your groom-to-be.

The Perfect Gown for a Classic Hourglass Shape

wedding gown

Women with medium builds often fall into the hourglass category, and they need perfect wedding dresses that highlight the waist, while skimming over the hips. When a gown balances your curves correctly, you’ll make the most of your great natural proportions.

The sexy wedding dress featured above is tailor-made for your body type, and it has a shimmering belt that really emphasizes the beauty of your traditionally feminine shape. The belt sits high on the waist, where you are likely to be thinnest, so it’s completely flattering. Fluid draping that is reminiscent of Greek goddesses and their classical gowns offers visual interest and a flowing, graceful quality.

This strapless bridal gown needs little adornment. Since it’s the perfect blend of modern, edgy style and traditional bridal gown elements, why not play up its sensual look by wearing your hair down and going for a natural, sun-kissed make up look? Add a rhinestone cuff, drop earrings, and high-heeled wedding shoes to accessorize this beautiful white wedding dress.

Sheer Elegance for the Leaner Figure

bridal dress

If you’ve got a lean build, there are so many options for your wedding gown. Any style, from simple slip dress to frothy confection, will work on your body type. However, you should avoid plunging necklines, as you may not have the curves required to hold these gowns in place on the big day. The show-stopping gown pictured above will play up the delicacy of your body, while giving you the fairytale romance that you crave. A fitted bodice creates a little touch of hourglass beauty, while rows of ruffles offer a sense of femininity that is just so much fun to wear.

Flatter your thinner face with wild curls or a full, volumized blowout. Dramatic lips, groomed eyebrows, and blush placed high on your cheekbones will coordinate with the elegance of this look. This gown needs dramatic hair and makeup to keep the look in balance. Accessorize with a fun choker necklace that spotlights your swanlike throat.

If you’re worried about the expense of buying one of our affordable gowns, we do offer a “rent wedding dress” service that will help even the most budget-conscious bride-to-be to wear the gown of her dreams…contact us today to find out more.

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How to Use Color to Express Your Personality at Your Wedding

Every woman has her own distinct personality and style, and it often comes through in the colors that she chooses to wear.

If you’d like to express a touch of your personal style while planning your upcoming wedding, why not use your favorite palette as inspiration while you pick out flowers, centrepieces, wedding favours, wedding invitations, reception tablecloths and more?

Our Best for Bride team is standing by to help you choose just the right wedding decor ideas, and we have the designs that you need to make your fairytale wedding dreams come true…

Since you’re wearing white on the big day (at least, the odds are strongly in favor of you wearing white), express yourself with color by adding a personal touch to every other style element of your wedding.

From your groom-to-be’s bow-tie and cummerbund, to the color of your cheap bridesmaid dresses, you’ll adore the way shots of bright or muted color will add atmosphere and energy to your special day.

Here are some common color choices for wedding decor. Just choose your favorite tones and then begin to plan a cohesive look that is really you…

 Serene Blue…

If you adore blue and the serene, peaceful feelings that it brings, you’re not alone. Most people do choose blue as their favorite color, most likely because it evokes the timeless beauty of summer seas and summer skies…

To accent serene blue wedding accessories, consider complementary cool tones, such as dove-gray, charcoal, navy blue, or pure white.

Blue wedding flowers may not be the best choices, but other pastel blooms arranged in blue glass vases will look elegant, yet fresh, on your reception table. Your wedding bouquet might also feature delicate grosgrain ribbon trim in azure or palest aqua.

Match your decor to your skin tone so you’ll glow all through your ceremony and reception. A palette that sets off your coloring will be very flattering for photo backdrops as well.

If you have a cool skin tone, opt for pale blue or blue-grey; if you’re skin tone is warm, go for blue-green or periwinkle.

Blue is stunning, and it will also look fantastic on wedding invitations and wedding cakes. To add a “something blue” to your white wedding dress, consider a blue silk sash that is narrow and designed to highlight your waist.

Many modern wedding gowns come with colored sashes in a range of hues, so brides-to-be may select their “best” color…if you have baby blues, your blue sash will make them “pop” on your wedding day.

Sunrise Orange…

If you love the glow of golden light, why not pay homage to the stunning coral and orange tones you see at sunrise? The beauty of these warm tones will add vibrant positive energy to any wedding ceremony, as long as they are used correctly.

To get the right look, choose orange accents that have a pink tone, rather than pumpkin-orange or hunter orange tones that look Halloween-esque or garish. Pinky coral tones and pale, golden orange will look beautiful, whether you use them as your palette for wedding flowers, wedding decorations or bridal jewelry.

For example, if sunset or sunrise tones are your favorite colors, why not choose gemstone Feri jewellry or delicate drop earrings adorned with golden topaz or yellow citrine? Adding a touch of color to your bridal look is a great idea, and these warm tones will make women with yellow undertones in their skin look more radiant when they are worn close to the face.

Ladies with pink undertones should probably choose a cool color palette for their bridal necklace, sash, or drop earrings.

Rich, Ruby Red…

Red is such a lush and beautiful color, and it may be used it so many stunning ways. For example, lush crimson, when combined with other rich jewel tones, such as cobalt blue and intense violet, gives a painterly effect that is artsy and sophisticated.

When red is used alone, or with paler pastel hues, it may have a romantic and delicate quality (imagine Valentine hearts, and go from there…).

How you use red is up to you…however, if it is your favorite color, you should definitely use this timeless symbol of romance and passion to express your personality at your wedding…

A lovely bouquet of red roses will be a logical choice; why not paint your lips a lovely ruby shade to match? Blot matte red lipstick with a tissue to dull the effect, so it isn’t too harsh. Then, apply a soft balm so you’re extra kissable. Add ruby drop earrings for the perfect finishing touch. Your wedding invitations and wedding decor may also feature vibrant touches of crimson, scarlet, and cerise…

For help planning the look of your wedding, and expert assistance with finding the white wedding gown of your dreams, please visit our Best for Bride online bridal store today.