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10 cool colors for your winter bridesmaids

Today’s post is on bridesmaids dresses, and is for the bride who has her wedding planned in winter, and seeks inspiration for the colors and patterns suitable for her winter palette.

With your wedding dress, you may have a tough time discerning which fit and style is best for you, but the trouble ends there. We know that it isn’t an easy task. Nevertheless, it is not a task as Herculean as choosing the right color for your winter bridesmaids dresses. There are many factors that affect your choice of bridesmaids dress colors.

  1. It should go with the color palette that you have chosen for your wedding
  2. The color should look good on most, if not all your bridesmaids
  3. As far as possible, you should choose bridesmaids dresses in colors and patterns that can be used again.
  4. Since your bridesmaids will be a major part of the wedding scenery, you should choose their outfits in colors that will contribute to the visual impact of the wedding scene.
  5. You will be sharing space with your bridesmaids in many wedding pictures. So, their dresses should complement your outfit and it should all come together cohesively and look as beautiful as it can possibly be.

Now, we think you know why we say this isn’t easy. We think every bride needs all the inspiration she can get to plan any detail of her wedding. The more options you look at, the more likely you are to have that “Aha!” moment when you know you’ve finally found the right one. So, here are some of the coolest bridesmaids dresses from our latest collections, and we are sure you will find your pick from this splendid list. These beautiful colors are particularly stunning in the winter scene, but you can use them for your wedding any time of the year. So let’s get going!

1.Serene and sexy in gray

A color that is the perfect neutral, this is a fail-safe option for any palette that you may have chosen for your wedding day. For winter weddings, where you want to focus on classic themes, gray is a shade that will do magic in balancing out any color scheme. Not only does it look great with metals like silver and gold, it is also the perfect background for deep, jewel tones and rich shades like navy, green, purples and reds that are perfect for the wintry scene. The biggest advantage of choosing grey for your bridesmaids is that it is one color that allows them to reuse the dress again and again, as it is a color that most women don’t mind wearing.

Here is a stunner from the Alfred Angelo Saphire bridesmaid collection. The 8110L bridesmaid gown features many attractive details including a ruched criss-cross bodice with a wrapped waistline detail and an A-line skirt that flatters almost all body types. The sweetheart neckline of this pretty chiffon gown is supported with embellished straps that add a dose of glamour from their scintillating and sparkling details. Pair this dress with a bouquet of reds, whites or purples, and you have the ideal bridesmaid look for a classic theme wedding.

2.Charismatic and captivating navy

Navy is a regal color, and needs few accessories to look classic and cool. This is a shade that can be carried off by most women, and looks stunning when featured in full-length gowns. Unlike the other blues that are influenced by shades of grey and yellow, this is a sober color that has an almost neutral-like effect. This makes it just right for any color palette, and it can add that balance to a combination, since it can be used in place of black.

Featured here is the 8108L from the Alfred Angelo bridesmaids collection, and it is a dress that is as beautiful as a picture. The halter illusion neckline is accentuated with crystal beading, eliminating the need for an additional necklace. This dress allows your bridesmaids to show off their toned shoulders and arms, making it a beautiful choice for those slender women to look great on your wedding day. From the gathered natural waistline, the fabric flows gently into a floor length pleated A-line skirt that will flatter almost every body type. This is a dress that your bridesmaids will instantly fall in love with, so check it out.

3.Soft but striking salmon

When the rest of the world is bleak and white, small pops of vibrant color can liven up your wedding scene, bringing in gushes of joy and happiness. Add the sprightly happiness of spring into your cool winter wedding, by dressing your bridesmaids in soft but striking salmon colored bridesmaids gowns. These colors look great when paired with grays, blacks, blues and metallics in your wedding palette. The only thing you need to look out for, is the choice of fabric, as it has to be in chiffon or lace for that wispy delicate feminine look.

This bridesmaid dress is the Mori Lee 124 in lace and chiffon, and you can see what a mesmerizing beauty it is. The sleeves and illusion neckline look bewitching, with the finest details etched in lace on the bodice. Separating the skirt, is a waistband fashioned out of chiffon, and from here the soft fabric glides all the way down to full-length. This is a dress with a touch of sophistication, and the pattern, being modest and offering suitable coverage, will ensure that your bridesmaids are warm and cosy on your big day.

4.Captivating champagne

Match your bridesmaids to the winter scene in an elegant and soft color like champagne, and they will look like scintillating divas beside you, on the altar. The lack of color will be a beautiful choice, especially when it features lovely lace work and similar details. Metallic colors have been hot on the wedding scene for several years now, and this is why we think champagne tousled with shimmer in just the right doses can be a trendy choice for your bridesmaids colors. It is also the right choice if you wish to experiment with the mix ‘n’ match look, as champagne goes with almost every other color, creating the right balance necessary when mixing up various styles.

This bridesmaids dress from the Mori Lee Tulle affairs collection, showcases beautiful lace details on a snug sleeveless bodice with a dashing V-neckline. A soft satin waistband separates the bodice from the skirt, and the skirt in itself is a rippling tulle beauty with a texture that contrasts wonderfully with the subtly sparkling bodice. The fact that this dress has two universally flattering features—the V-neckline, and A-line skirt, makes it a great choice for all your bridesmaids, however different they may be in body shape and height. So, if you want one dress for all your girls, you know you have found it already.

5.Merry in berry

Berries, violets and plums are all winter colors, which makes these shades just perfect for your wedding palette. These colors are associated with winter scene, and look magnificent in most indoor settings. The berry color can be acessoried with gold or silver for enhancing it’s charm, and it also works well with neutrals like gray, white and black. Depending on the amount of black in it, the effect can range from serious to soft. It is also a color that looks good on most skin tones. So, your bridesmaids are least likely to complain about your choice of color, when this is what you have in mind.

Here is a chiffon and lace beauty from the Mori Lee Bridesmaid collection. The sweetheart neckline is sexy, as it gently follows the natural curves of the bust. The bodice is embellished with a luxurious spilling of the finest details in lace, further adorned with glitter in just the right doses. This ends at the natural waistline, where it gives rise to a soft exuberance of chiffon, as the texture transforms into one that is simply stunning. The A-line dress style drapes well on most body types, and the dress is slimming in its choice of color and design details. This is a dress that will look beautiful when paired with whites, yellows or reds in bouquets and accessories, and it can be used for both formal and informal ceremonies by choosing the right accessories to dress it up.

6.Pretty in pink

Pink is a color that is eternally a girl’s favorite, and this makes it perfect for a wedding, irrespective of the season that it is held in. Pink can be played up or down, by varying the intensity of white in it. While the softer shades are suitable for the warmer spring and summer months, the darker shades look arresting in the winter scene. It is also a color that can instantly liven up the atmosphere, when everything around is cold and lifeless. Hence it is a perfect color for your pretty bridesmaids to don on your wedding day.

There are many reasons why we love this dress from the After six collection. The single-shoulder drape of the gown gives it a goddess-like appearance, and your bridesmaids will undoubtedly look glamorous in it. The ruched detailing on the bodice and waistline, continue into the skirt, giving it a casual and feminine feel. The fabric is chiffon, which is sheer to the right extent, and this makes it very appealing and pretty, so your girls will feel pampered and stylish when they wear this dress to your big day.

7.Light and lovely lavender

Some colors have the special ability to conjure up whiffs of flowers and fields, and lavender is one of them. This delicate shade of the softest violet is a fantastic color that can add personality to any scene. The soft sheen is luxurious and scintillates with a lovely effect. This is a color that captures the exquisite beauty of winter, and looks stunning with its almost silver-like appearance.

Featured here is a gorgeous bridesmaid dress from the Angelina Faccenda collection from Mori Lee. The sweetheart neckline is supported by sheer straps, and the entire bodice, neckline and straps are adorned by little glittering details that make the dress impressive. The texture of the skirt is entirely different from the bodice, with it flowing softly to full-length, in gentle ripples. The added beauty of this dress is that it also features a keyhole cutout at the back, which makes it a materpiece from not only the front, but from the back as well.

8.Rocking red

Winter is when Christmas and the holidays come, and it is just the right time to use these colors as the inspiration for your big event in life as well. Red as your bridesmaids dress color can instantly make your wedding scenery festive. This is a color that can be mixed with any other, to create dramatically different effects. Red with tropical colors like yellow and orange, transform any scene into a casual and fun-filled ambiance. On the other hand, when paired with black or grays, it has a classic elegance. The only thing to pay attention to, when using red is to keep the palette balanced with plenty of neutrals, as this is a color that can quickly overpower.

This beautiful bridesmaid dress belongs to the Tutto Bene collection at Best for Bride. The halter neckline ends in a V-shaped opening, and continues into a criss-cross ruched bodice with a slender belt that distinctly defines the waistline. The softly pleated A-line skirt continues to glide down towards floor length. The simple design and elegant details complement the rich color of the fabric, and overall this dress is one that will most likely be used many times again by your bridesmaids.

Most of the dresses featured here are available in several shades, and not just the one featured here. Contact our Best for Bride store to learn of the options you can have, if you liked any of the patterns you saw. Also, don’t forget to check out our Bridesmaids dress gallery at Best for Bride to see the thousands of different designs from the various designer collections we carry at our shops. Find all this and anything else you may need for your big wedding day, by checking out our website at Best for Bride.

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Elegance in Every Era: 12 Fashion-Forward and Flattering Dress Styles for the Mother-of-the-Bride!

Shopping for your daughter’s wedding is very exciting. In fact, your daughter’s wedding is an occasion that gives you the opportunity to relive the excitement of shopping for your own wedding dress. This occasion is in fact more fun, since there are fewer rules, but more options. Although you may no longer be 20 years old, you are still fabulous and deserve to look your best on your daughter’s special day.

Nevertheless, there are certain factors to keep in mind when you buy your MOB dress. Let us look at what they are.

  • Every wedding has a color scheme and style. Be considerate and find a dress that works with the colors and the formality of the wedding your daughter has planned.
  • Look glamorous, but don’t upstage the bride with your dress choice. Make sure that your look won’t compete with that of the bride.
  • Although the above rule holds, this doesn’t mean you should dress down for your daughter’s wedding. Dress smart by making a choice that flatters your body type and makes you feel beautiful.
  • Make sure your dress works well with the wedding setting. It should be suitable for the weather at the time of the wedding, convenient to move around in and appropriate if there is a religious or cultural dress code for the event.

For more essential shopping tips for the mother-of-the-bride, we suggest you take a look at this post on the Knot website. 

Now, let’s move to the interesting part—Fashionable dress styles to choose from for your daughter’s wedding.

Every season shines the spotlight on new and evolving trends. Shopping isn’t the same when we cross 50, as our body starts to display signs of ageing. Nonetheless, there are plenty of stunning choices for women your age. All you have to do is keep an open mind. You are bound to find one that ticks all the boxes. Dresses for mature women are just as interesting as those for young ladies. The secret is to find a style that flatters your body type and is fashionable too.

So, first identify your body type. This will help you recognize dress styles that are sure to flatter you. This detailed guide on the 40 Plus Style website provides all the information you need. Check it out!

Then take a look at our list of fashionable and flattering dress styles available for mothers of brides. You are sure to find a hot and happening style that perfectly matches your vision here.

Dresses with sleeves

 

Most of us are reluctant to show off our upper arms, as these often show the signs of ageing. If this problem affects you, we suggest that you choose a gown with half or 3/4th length sleeves that covers up this area. You can further shift focus to another area of your body with a suitable design. We suggest a dress with a dramatic neckline or skirt to show off assets you are proud of. Remember that dresses with sleeves need another wow factor, to look beautiful. So, make sure your dress isn’t drab by choosing one with a statement style element that compensates for the long sleeves.

Fit and flare silhouette

This is a universally flattering silhouette, as the fit and flare suits almost every body type. While simple, it has an elegant finish and can be adapted to any dress length. The silhouette shows off the natural waistline and has a skirt which flows away from the body. This makes it ideal for camouflaging thin or thick hips. Find a fit and flare dress of the length that enhances your body structure. Consider adding an accessory like a belt or sash, if you want to draw attention to your waistline. Choose short dresses if the wedding has an informal tone. Long fit and flare gowns are stunning and the perfect choice for black tie weddings.

Separates

 

This versatile dress style is comfortable and perfectly suited for events in the summer. There is an undeniable sophistication and maturity to this dress style. Hence, it suits older women. Mix and match pieces, or go for a set that flatters you with its colors and details. It is a good idea to choose separates with textures that differ in the upper and lower halves to make it more interesting. With the mix-and-match option, you can easily pick pieces that blend with the theme and also reflect your personal style. Peplum tops are also a fantastic choice that you can pair with pencil skirts or trumpet skirts for a stylish finish.

Draped dress style

The draped style as a trendy introduction to the fashion scene continues to be very popular. Your dress can feature draping in any area. It could be at the neckline, at the waistline or even in the skirt. The best part of this style element is that it instantly highlights the said area. As a result, it can be used to distract from a less attractive area. The draping can be tight and neat, for a formal look. Choose a looser drape for a less formal setting. With such a dress style, it is best to avoid other embellishments in the rest of the dress, or you may end up with a cluttered look.

Column or sheath dress

This silhouette is one of the most flattering for mature women. It has a simple, streamlined look and extends to full-length or features a shorter hemline. The sheath flows naturally, embracing natural curves. The benefit of this style is that it creates the illusion of curves, even while emphasizing a naturally curvy figure. This is a great dress style if you have a straight body structure, since it adds more curves than you actually have. Sheaths are available with lace details, in satin or  chiffon and other breathable fabric. The simple style makes it perfect to pair with statement accessories and jewelry for an elegant look.

Lace dress

Another classic that keeps reinventing itself, the lace dress is a safe bet for the bride’s mother. These come in a stunning range of options in fabric, design and style. Nonetheless, lace has a timeless charm that makes it an unbeatable choice. Either go with an all-over lace dress or choose one with smaller, scattered lace details. For a modern twist, opt for laser-cut lace or 3-dimensional lace details that make it more attractive than traditional lace designs. So, if you want to look your charming, feminine self at your daughter’s wedding, lace it is!

Color blocking

This style allows camouflage of less desirable assets, while accentuating the areas of your body you love. Color blocking can be done vertically, horizontally, or even in geometric or alternating patterns. The style you choose will determine the overall effect you achieve with it. It works on both tall and short women, and you have options in both long and short dresses. Make your color choice wisely, since this will decide the overall effect. Colors close to each other on the wheel have a slimming effect, while contrasting colors have a more dramatic effect.

Empire waistline

This is the perfect style to hide bulges in the waist and stomach area. The empire waistline rests above the natural waistline, with a bodice that cuts just below the bust. Most dresses with this feature have layered voluminous skirts that entirely hide the waist and hips. It creates a statement look, and is just right for a formal effect. Dresses that come with long, flowy fabric skirts are also suitable for outdoor weddings in garden settings or even the beach. The style shifts attention to the neckline and bust, adding more dimension to this area. So, it is a style to consider if you are naturally small-busted.

Bold prints

Best-suited for fun and casual themes, bold prints instantly uplift and make a dress look cheerful. So, let this be your go-to dress style if your daughter has a casual-theme wedding. Choose from geometric prints, stripes, florals or classic designs to find one that matches the theme. With bold prints, you do not need many accessories to complete your look. In fact, we suggest you keep the accessories to a minimum, so it doesn’t look too busy. Just a pair of statement earrings, or a pretty clutch should be sufficient to complete your look.

Rocking red

Red is a color that immediately steals the show, and hence one you should consider wearing. It has a cheerful, energetic vibe that will help you look ultra-stylish. So, choose a shade of red that matches your complexion, and you do not need more to be noticed. Red dresses, whether short or long, are equally attractive. Take care that the cut and fit flatter your natural shape and the silhouette fits snugly along your natural curves. Keep the jewelry and accessories simple, as the color speaks for itself. If you aren’t too sure of wearing the brighter shades of red, settle for maroon or wine red for a subtle effect. You may also want to make sure that the red you choose will go well with the colors in the wedding theme, before you commit to it.

Pastel and neutral combination

Here is another combination that will turn heads your way. Most neutrals combine beautifully with pastel shades to add elegance and sophistication to an outfit. These are age-appropriate combinations that also give you plenty of accessory options. Pair it with a printed clutch, glitzy earrings or a statement necklace and shoes to be a glamorous mother of the bride. The combination goes well with pearl jewelry, and it also works with silver, gold or platinum finishes.

Embellished neckline on long dark silhouette

If there is one detail you should nail when choosing your outfit, it is the neckline. Most women over 50 prefer to avoid deep, low-cut necklines that draw attention to their chest and jaws. So, pick a dress with a high neckline, like a halter or scoop with embellishments in the area. The benefit of this style is that it is simple yet stylish. Embellishments like embroidery, sequins or even crystal and rhinestone details look beautiful against dark colors in the rest of the dress. When such details appear on a full-length gown, adjusting the rest of your look for the formal occasion is easy. You can also find plenty of shorter dresses in our collection with details confined to the neckline alone. These are better suited for semi-formal and casual wedding themes.

Now, tell us which of these styles do you like most?

Do you prefer the glamorous, deep dark colours or classic lace and prints that will never go out of style? Take your time to decide. For it isn’t every day that your daughter gets married. So, plan your look carefully for this special once-in-a-lifetime occasion and make sure everyone remembers how happy and beautiful you looked on this day.

All the dresses featured here are from our Mother-of-the-bride collection at Best for Bride. They are available in a range of sizes and some of the dresses are available in color variants. We suggest you look at the Mother of the bride dress collection here for more details on these dresses. You can also see the rest of our collection here.

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Valentine’s day Wedding Ideas

Valentines day

Valentine’s Day, the official day when love and lovers are celebrated worldwide, is almost here. Could there be a more romantic day for a couple in love to be married on?

This article on History.com discusses the many legends about St. Valentine. One of them suggests that this day is celebrated in memory of a saint who defied Emperor Claudius’ rules that outlawed marriage of young soldiers. He took it upon himself to conduct the weddings of young lovers in secret, thus defying the law. So, you do understand that there is a tale that associates this day with weddings. Nonetheless, it is undeniable that this is one of the most romantic days ever, and you do not need a reason whatsoever, to get married on this special day.

If you are indeed planning, or even considering getting married on Valentine’s day, here are some ideas to perfect your special day. So, here we go.

Continue reading Valentine’s day Wedding Ideas

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Tips to plan a Christmas Wedding

Whether you love the idea of a Christmas-inspired wedding in spring, or want your holidays to be very merry with the added bonus of a wedding at the time, Christmas weddings are a delightful idea. Steeped in tradition, with so many festive elements, there are a few ideas we can borrow from Christmas and rock at your wedding.

With Santa’s visit scheduled in just a few days, this is the best time to take a look at how you can plan a fantastic Christmas wedding! So, bring on the holiday cheer and get ready to be inspired.

Christmas table decorations
Table settings with red napkins, red glass candles, glasses, and a floral centerpiece with small miniature vases of carnations tulips and holly
Image Credit: ProFlowers, via Flickr, [CC BY 2.0]

Let the tables at your wedding be elaborate masterpieces of red, gold, silver and white. Be generous with candles and throw in the seasonal signatures like fir, pine cones and holly. We love the idea of adding cute mini Santa hats and stockings with a scattering of snow for authenticity. Consider mixing in striped straws in red and white, cupcake cases that match the theme. Let the table linen be in red with white or gold accents. Or if you have a colorful centerpiece, opt for stark white table linen, instead.

Bouquets and floral decorations

bridal-bouquet-347032_1280

The logical choice would be to choose a bouquet of red roses and have more of them throughout the décor. However, if you don’t want to limit yourself to reds and greens, you may like to consider colors like plum, purple and berry colors. A bouquet with berries alongside flowers would look fantastic, and perfectly Christmas-y! Add lavish doses of green into your floral décor and bouquets, and it will look more refreshing.

Festive wedding accessories

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A flower crown would be festive and interesting. Or you could add tiny roses into your hairdo, and match the festive atmosphere with bright gold accessories. Add colors like berry or scarlet red into your makeup, or through your accessories to make sure you match the theme that’s going on. Skip the French manicure and do your nails in bright red. You could also consider a contrast waistband or deep red shoes for a pop of color.

Misty cool wedding dress

Choose a wedding dress that is snowy and exudes the holiday feel. Dresses with layers of misty tulle or with frothy ruffles would help you nail it. The other option is to dress yourself up in a vintage lace gown, complete with full sleeves and a high collar.

Bridesmaids in vibrant holiday colors

Experiment with reds, purples, green, silver and gold for your bridesmaids dresses. Marsala, which is the color of the year, would also be a great choice. If your wedding is in the winter, make sure you choose long gowns or find warm footwear, so your girls feel cozy. For dark dress shades, do the bouquets in white for a welcome contrast.

Make your pick from the best bridesmaids dresses and wedding dresses for your holiday wedding from our collection at Best for Bride. Merry Christmas and Happy Shopping!