Posted on 4 Comments

Add a creative touch to your wedding décor with chalkboards

Chalkboards are springing up everywhere. Once limited to the school environment, these are now found in hotels, houses and any other place you can think of. There is a rustic and playful touch to it, which makes it an interesting addition to any venue.

Chalkboards are the perfect choice to add a cheerful, DIY touch to your wedding too. You can use it for anything, from the wedding programs, to seating charts, place cards and even more. Not only is it one of the most inexpensive choices, it also allows you to add a personal touch to your wedding and switch it up or down, should your preferences change along the way. It is reusable, versatile and allows you to get creative. Let us explore more on how you can incorporate this interesting element into your wedding day décor, and make the most of it.

chalkboard

Chalkboard welcome sign and wedding program

Perfect for a shabby, chic wedding ceremony, display your welcome sign on a big chalkboard in a distressed wood frame. Handwritten displays have an endearing charm, and your guests will feel warmly welcomed to the party and feel at ease immediately, when they set sights on this welcome sign.

Chalkboard direction signs

If your venue is big, and your guests are likely to lose their way between the various locations on-site, consider using chalkboard signs to direct them to where each function is to be held. They are unobtrusive, yet noticeable, so will be the perfect addition to your décor.

Chalkboard Seating chart

Display the seating arrangements at your wedding using chalkboard. Apart from having a big board with the entire seating arrangement displayed, you can also mark the table numbers and use smaller boards as place card holders. There is an added advantage to this. Should any last minute changes in plan erupt, you can easily change it on your chalkboard. It will be minimal fuss, and easy to implement.

Chalkboard buffet dish labels

Individual mini-chalkboard display boards can be used to display the dish names at your wedding reception buffet. The same can also be employed at your dessert buffet. Choose the frame according to the rest of your décor, and you will have an interesting display element that will contribute to the overall effect of the arrangement.

Chalkboards on beverage jars

This is a great idea that has become very popular at weddings these days. Beverage jars have mini-chalkboards stuck to them, allowing the guests to write their names down when they pick their drinks. This way, the jars will not get mixed up, even after the guests return to take a sip after a round on the dance floor.

Random sayings and poems

board-533234_1280

If you are choosing chalkboard displays, you might as well go all the way. Put up a few interesting quotes and poems at random places. It will amuse the guests immensely.

Do you have any more ideas of how to use chalkboards at your wedding? If so, do let us know by adding it to the comments below. For more trends and wedding related tips and advice, continue visiting us on Best for Bride.

Posted on 4 Comments

Greek Goddess inspired wedding fashion

Greek Goddesses have forever been the epitome of elegance and sophistication. Eons after being portrayed in sculpture and art, they continue to inspire designers and dress makers.

The main characteristics that personify the Grecian goddess style of dressing include

  • dreamy, ethereal gowns that cascade down in beautiful ripples
  • light, breathable fabric that is soft and breezy
  • unique design elements like the single shoulder drape that can transform any woman into a model of beauty
  • Romantic designs with elusive elements that add an endearing charm to simplistic fashion

The best part about Goddess inspired gowns is that they are versatile, and can serve as the perfect wedding dress for any type of wedding. Be it summer, winter, fall or spring, these are fabulous choices that help a bride transform into a heavenly beauty. Whether you choose to have a vintage style wedding or a beach soiree, there are Grecian dresses that look just the part.

Let us now take a look at some of our favorite Goddess inspired gowns from our leading designer collections.

Alfred Angelo 2516 Modern Fit bridal gown

This dreamy wedding gown from the Alfred Angelo bridal collection brings together many Grecian outfit features in perfect harmony. The pleated criss-cross bodice ends in a scoop neckline with a delicate cutout at the chest. A scintillating waistband structures the flowing pleats and defines the waist perfectly. The flowing chiffon is delicate and dreamy, and you will be surprised to learn that this is in fact not a wedding gown, but a jumpsuit. Isn’t it the perfect choice for a beach wedding?

Alfred Angelo 2515 draped sweetheart wedding gown

This classic design is Grecian inspired in more than one way. The draped bodice is gathered at the shoulders with slender straps and it elegantly crosses over the bust to end in an embellished waistline. The soft skirt effortlessly glides into layers that end in a splendid chapel length train. Elegant and feminine, it is an amazing dress that is just perfect for your Goddess inspired wedding day look.

Alfred Angelo 2510 single shoulder satin gown

Although a slight deviation from the typical flowing fabric gowns, this one-shouldered satin gown is definitely characterized by the most unique Goddess element—the single shoulder strap. Created in luxurious satin, the neckline is accentuated with a double pleat detail, and at the natural waistline is a crystal belt.

It is not too difficult to complete your Greek Goddess look with the right accessories, makeup and hairstyle. But, to nail the effect, you have to pay close attention to your hairstyle. Easy pinups, finger waves and messy beach hair are all chic and stylish, and these dresses also look great with floral accessories. To check out some of the classic, yet contemporary hairstyles for your big day, take a look at this article on the Fashion Style Mag.

So, did you find a dress in this list, that captured your fancy? We have these and many more contemporary Grecian gowns in our bridal collection at Best for Bride. So, visit us today and make your pick.

Posted on 4 Comments

Tabletop Elegance: Inspiring Ideas for Show-Stopping Wedding Centerpieces!

You may not give much thought to the centerpieces for your wedding reception tables, but they are more important than you think. Your wedding guests will spend a lot of time at their tables, as they have their dinner and chat with each other. So, these centerpieces will be in constant focus. Their arrangement will reflect the tone of the wedding and set the ambiance.

While some venues offer a few custom centerpiece options to choose from, you can also opt for your own design and find one that is suitable for the theme of your party. Let us look at the different factors you should pay attention to when designing your centerpieces, so you can maximize their effect.

Height of the display

decoration-668404_1280

This is an important criterion to pay attention to when choosing your centerpiece designs. A centerpiece that is too tall will obscure the view of the guests who sit across each other, and it will be difficult for them to communicate. So, your centerpiece should be low. You can still create an impact by designing the centerpieces to be unique and with interesting design elements. The only time you can go with higher centerpieces is when the design is elongated but not broad. This way, it will not obstruct the view, and will allow guests to talk to each other comfortably.

Width or size

The centerpiece should be compact and not spread out. It should be proportional to the size of the table, and the arrangement should be neat and attractive. Depending on whether the tables are round or long, choose a centerpiece that has the right proportions. A single centerpiece or a cohesive group that occupies a circle in the center is ideal for round tables. Well-spaced tall arrangements on a table runner through the center will be good for long tables.

Choosing the design elements

candle-584448_1280

Flowers and candles are the popular choices for centerpieces. Apart from these, you can also use balloons, crystals, gemstones, jars, pebbles, shells, fruits or anything else that you can think of. The elements you choose should blend well with the theme. A clear vase with shells at the base and floating candles on top for a beach wedding would be appropriate. You can also make use of seasonal flowers and fruits to add color to the centerpieces, and also get them at a lesser price. Ensure you keep the color palette consistent and don’t go overboard with details. It is always the simpler designs that create more impact.

Choose variations for more visual interest

It isn’t necessary that all your tables are decked up the same way. In fact, it is more attractive if each table was personalized differently. Keep the colors consistent and the designs similar, but make slight variations in the arrangement. This will be more interesting. You could alternate two color combinations for each table, or even change the heights and designs of the centerpieces from one table to another. When you alternate styles, the only thing to remember is all the pieces should be tied together with a few unifying factors and not look too distinct.

For more wedding decor tips and advice, visit us on Best for Bride.

Posted on 3 Comments

Winter wedding table décor inspiration

Now that this is the time for winter weddings, let us look at some of the most interesting décor arrangements that make the most of the cool, holiday season. Here is some inspiration for you from various venues across the world, to give you ideas for your own beautiful wedding.

The all-time favorite white and silver combination

_MG_0615-1

Image Credit: djromanj, via Flickr, [CC BY 2.0]

The festivities of the cold season are enhanced with white and silver strewn all around. Adopt the same combination for your wedding centerpieces, and you will have a classic never-fail favorite, that is both festive and stylish. Tall candles and white roses are favorites, while silver candle holders, platters and ornaments like baubles and stars can add glittering accents. For a better finish, consider throwing in crystal or glass vases, which complement this color palette perfectly.

Seasonal elements like pine cones and fir to add textural dimension

bowl-53488_1280

Winter decorations with the seasonal icons like pine cones and fir branches can add a whimsical and cheerful touch to your table centerpieces. Not only are they romantic, they also have a spell binding fairy tale effect. Little pine cones scattered all over the table, used beside the place settings and if required, decorated with shimmering glitter make beautiful additions to your wintry tablescape.

Red and blue make the best colors for winter

red decor

Red reminds us of Christmas, and deep blue is a color that magnifies the characteristic white of winter. If you want only a little color in your winter wedding, these are the ones to consider. Red and white is a classic Christmas combination. Add a few golden accents, and your centerpieces will be welcoming and warm. Choose to go with blue and white instead, if you prefer more sophistication. Purple and emerald are other beautiful colors that brighten up white and form beautiful color combinations.

Splurge on candles

candles

Scented candles are perfect to set the ambiance you desire. Depending on whether your table setting is long or round, choose a centerpiece that has plenty of candles. The warm glow of a lit candle is romantic, beautiful and cozy; it can brighten up any dreary winter day. So, if you have a snowy wedding, make the most of this décor element to warm your wedding venue. How about adding a few floating tea light candles or even strewing around petals for added elegance?

Magnificence of Crystal and metal

copper

Bring on the bling with bright metallic shimmer, through metal tree centerpieces. Another metal I love is copper, which screams winter. Copper vases and mugs can lift the cold and create a warm and welcoming ambiance. Crystal is another element that generates textural magic and rejuvenates any space with sparkling bursts of color. Hang strings of crystals or use crystal bowls and vases for your centerpieces, and they will make an enchanting décor element.

Tell us, which of these will you be using at your winter wedding? For more inspiration, we suggest you look at this article on Stylemepretty. Also, don’t forget to visit us on Best for Bride for both unusual and interesting décor and centerpieces, and you will find hundreds of ideas to borrow and use.