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Posing with your bridesmaids – how to make sure you have fabulous photos

bridesmaids

You can get some of the best possible wedding photos, when posing with your bridesmaids. Not only do these girls oblige to smile, pose and make the entire experience non-stop fun, they look great too.

After all the effort you’ve put into color co-coordinating their outfits and planning their look to the last detail, it is only worthwhile that you take some time to also think of how you want them in your wedding pictures. This allows you to make the most of the shoot, and avoid classroom style boring photos.

Check out these tips for getting the best wedding pics with your favorite girls, and see which of these can be added to your photography plan.

1.Plan in advance

Bridesmaids under Heather's veil
Image Credit: Blaise Alleyne, via Flickr, [CC BY 2.0]

You will of course have chosen your perfectly matched bridesmaids dresses, and bought the accessories. So, we aren’t bothering with that bit. What we are talking about is planning ahead, so your girls are ready on time, and will look great. Work with your planner (or do it yourself, if you don’t have a planner) to set up a schedule for the morning, and see to it that your girls are dressed on time. If any of the girls have a habit of being late, set up a different schedule for her. In all cases, add plenty of extra time, so there is no chance of not being ready on time. Put one of the super-organized girls in charge, so you needn’t stress, when you should be getting dresses yourself.

2.Have a hair and makeup trial well ahead of time

You do not want any nasty surprises on the big day. So, get your girls to join you on a hair and makeup trial, well ahead of your wedding day. You can make a note of what can be improved, any hiccups that can cause delays, and make changes to the plan accordingly. This will also give you a chance to see how the girls will actually look, rather than just go with a general idea and feel disappointed if you do see what you expected.

3.Share the list of photos you must have, with your photographer

There is plenty of inspiration for unique photo ideas on this board on Pinterest. You are bound to find a few poses that you simply must have. Note them down, and share them with your photographer, so he remembers to capture them on your special day. Also include combination photos with bridesmaids and groomsmen, bridesmaids and groom, with special accessories you’ve ordered for the occasion or fun poses. Make sure you have a healthy mix of orchestrated and action shots, so you do not miss on any of the fun, even while getting everyone in focus.

4.Plan their bouquet positions and other details ahead

Bridesmaids 5
Image Credits: outreachr.com, via Flickr, [CC BY 2.0]

This makes all the difference between good and great photos. Find a comfortable pose for your ladies, where they all hold the bouquets at the right height so their posture is good, and the pictures will look splendid. If there is a special design feature on their dresses, like a keyhole back, or you’ve chosen colorful shoes or umbrellas to complete their look, get these finer details captured on camera.

Visit us at Best for Bride, to choose the best bridesmaid dresses for the biggest event in your life. Browse through our gallery today, and find those that will work best for your wedding.

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A guide to help you get the best deal from your wedding vendors

The first big event that most brides have to plan is their own wedding. So, it is unlikely that they have worked with vendors to discuss such big plans, before.

More wedding plans?Image Credit: Dion Gillard, via Flickr, CC By 2.0

If this is the case with you, we know that you may be worried about making the right decisions and handling everything right. This guide will take you over the points that will help you work with your vendors well, so you can get the best deal possible for your wedding.

Decide what you want before you begin looking at vendors

Having a clear idea of what you want for your wedding, is the best way to start. You and your fiance should first decide what type of wedding you want, the theme you would like, anything specific that you would like to have at your wedding, the style of reception, the location, and all such relevant details, before you even start considering who will do it for you. This will help you start looking for the vendor who will be able to deliver to your expectations, while meeting all the other factors.

Do your research

Talk to other brides who were married recently, to get a fair estimate of what your wedding costs will come to. You can obtain recommendations for vendors this way, and it will also give you a fair idea of whether you have any overheads to consider. Some vendors offer discounts on referrals, and if you are lucky, you may find the vendor you seek at a much lesser price, this way.

Fix your budget

One of the biggest problems brides face is finding vendors within their budget. The way around this is to prepare your budget in advance, so you know the maximum limit you can afford to stretch to, should it be required. First plan your overall budget, and then divide it into the various components. Fix the upper limit for each, and make a firm decision that you will not exceed it, come what may.

Look for vendors within your range

There is only so much you can negotiate with a vendor, so be realistic with your expectations. If a vendor you love is way over your price range, be prepared to look for other options. This vendor may even be able to refer you to someone who can work within your budget. Shop around and you should be able to find the right person for the job. Just make sure you start early and have enough time to research.

Be open-minded about options, and everything will work out

If you have your mind set on working with a particular vendor, but your budget doesn’t allow it, try to work out a solution with the vendor. Some vendors will be open to working on a lower budget if you allow them full freedom to work their magic with what is available within this price. You will have to communicate what is important to you, and they will execute their plan, with that in mind.

At Best for Bride, we can help you with every wedding planning need. Get in touch with us, and we can help you find the right deal for your budget, and plan the dream wedding you always wanted. What are you waiting for, come visit us today!

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Transform Your Look: 5 Stunning Ball Gowns to Make You Feel Like a Princess!

Every young girl dreams of being a princess, and this dream often influences how she sees herself as a bride. There is no denying the fact that a beautiful ball gown helps you look spectacular on your wedding day. This time-tested bridal design continues to inspire designers, and ball gowns are a continuing favorite, even with today’s brides.

Here, we bring you five of the most beautiful gowns from our collection. If you are a bride who always dreamed of being a beautiful princess on your wedding day, take a look at these. You are bound to fall in love with them.

Jasmine F171003 Bridal Spring 2015 collection

Softly scintillating sweetheart bodice with a dropped waist that gives rise to the frothy waves of a layered full-ball gown skirt, this dress is simply splendid. The intricate details on the bodice are charming, with exquisite floral motifs fanning all over the torso. At the natural waist is a thin strand of embellishments, distinguishing it into a narrow waistband that is barely there. A magnificent train completes this gorgeous ball gown.

Mori Lee 5376 Blue Fall 2015 collection

A superb ball gown that twinkles all the way from the neckline to the skirt, this Mori Lee gown is an exquisite masterpiece in tulle. The classic V-neckline is framed by sheer straps that scintillate all the way to the glamorous low-cut V back. Highlighting the waistline is a slender band of silver, defined with beautiful crystal beading, while the skirt is formed of generous layers that cascade into a waterfall of white. This is a dress that is subtly sophisticated, with all the charm that is characteristic of a ball gown.

Alfred Angelo 2508 Bridal collection 2015

Alluring lace details define this beautiful ball gown from the Alfred Angelo collection. The sheer lace yoke plays magic all over a soft sweetheart bodice, to form a modest scoop neckline. This dress is perfect for a traditional wedding, given the decent neckline and sleeveless fashion. Floral motifs cascade down the skirt in thin vertical clusters, that becoming sparse towards the hemline. At the waist, a decorated bow detail gathers the skirt in a contrast waistband, while the pretty back is a low-cut V.

Y21506 Cassidy from Sophia Tolli

An ethereal gown with fabulous detailing, Cassidy from Sophia Tolli is a gown fit for a queen. The details on the bodice are fashioned to represent a heart motif, bordered with beautiful scintillating lines and delicate beading. An elaborate pleated snowy white skirt spreads out from the basque waistline, and it gently flows into a misty chapel length train.

Madison 1442 Couture Spring 2015 collection

Amazing in its details, this Madison couture ball gown is a dream dress for every princess. A sheer yoke with glittering details along the neckline, that ripple along the cloudy white torso and thin at the skirt, this beautiful gown has a chevron band with crystal details at the waistline. The illusion neckline and sleeves make the gown sexy, while supporting the bust and not compromising on style.

If you enjoyed this ball gown round-up, make sure to visit us at Best for Bride, where you can find these gowns and many more.

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5 must-haves at your winter wedding

Winter weddings are a growing trend. As more brides choose to get married in winter, the options available to brides to them are also more. As you go around customizing and adding personal touches to your special day, let us look at the essentials that you shouldn’t forego, so your winter wedding is delightfully complete. Here they are now!

1.A warm and cozy venue

Remember that your wedding guests will be bearing the chills, as they make their way to the venue. So, it is necessary to warm up the hall, well before they arrive, so they can relax and feel comfortable once they are there. Make sure that the hall is well-heated, and there are no drafts entering the room. Keep the ambiance warm and welcoming with soft glowing yellow lights and cozy decorations that immediately make it cheerful. You can also place a few blankets and throws for those guests who really feel cold, to wrap up in.

2.Warm drinks to ward off the chills

Who wouldn’t love a warm cup of cocoa, tea or coffee, when they enter indoors for your wedding. Make arrangements like a coffee or cocoa bar, where your dear ones can enjoy a warm drink before participating in the wedding ceremony.

3.Great lighting

This tip on the Wedding Party Website, is a very important one that all brides have to pay attention to. With the days being short, you do not want a gloomy setup with shadows all over the place. Make sure you pay attention to the quality of lighting, as this will determine the overall ambiance. Rather than choosing bright white lights, warm yellow glows and candle lights are pleasant. Candles also step up the romance, and enhance the holiday cheer.

4.Bring the outdoor elements inside

It is almost impossible to have an outdoor wedding when the cold season is at its peak. Nevertheless, you should add plenty of natural elements to your wedding décor, to add a natural charm to your party. Don’t skimp on flowers or foliage. If you are worried about the steep prices during this season, go with seasonal elements like pine branches, mistletoe and fir, or flowers that are available all-year round. Take inspiration from holiday decorations, and you will come across various elements that are perfect for decorating your wedding venue.

5.Appreciation for all those who made your wedding a success

Everyone from your bridesmaids, to the vendors and your guests have to work extra to make a winter wedding successful. So, you should openly appreciate all the effort they put in to make sure your big day a success. Appreciate and thank them openly for their contribution. Choose thoughtful wedding favors for your guests, and also add a special line or two, thanking them for the trouble they went through to come to your wedding. Similarly, thank your bridesmaids and the rest of the bridal party with gifts that they deserve. Lastly, don’t forget to send thank you cards and provide positive reviews to your wedding vendors.

Have you chosen your wedding dress for your cool, winter wedding yet? If not, come visit our bridal gallery on Best for bride and choose from the lavish collection we have.