Category: Wedding Dress

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How To Make Your Bridesmaids Feel Appreciated

“My friends are my estate.”

– Emily Dickinson

Without your loyal and lovely bridesmaids, your wedding would be less wonderful. These caring ladies are there to help you look as beautiful as can be on the big day…they also provide amazing moral support during the months leading up to your wedding.

If you’re given to a little Bridezilla behavior now and then (and aren’t we all?), you’ll have even more reason to value every bridesmaid in your wedding party… why not show these special girlfriends just how much they mean to you?

Avoid The Clichés – Give Your Bridesmaids Something Pretty To Wear At Your Wedding

The best way of showing you care is by helping your bridesmaids avoid the most dreaded cliché – the homely dress, designed to make the bride look so much prettier by comparison. It can be tempting to put your girls in ugly dresses, but it’s really a bad idea on many levels.

After all, you’re a modern, confident woman! You don’t want your bridesmaids dressed in tacky styles they’ll secretly despise. Your wedding will be more pleasant for everyone when you honor your bridesmaids – they don’t need couture pieces straight off of a Paris runway. However, even cheap bridesmaid dresses should offer the best quality, sophistication, and fabric possible.

A brainstorming session, where the bridesmaids come together and give you ideas about what they’d prefer to wear, would be a great “girl’s night” activity. Watch 27 Dresses or The Wedding Singer, have some snacks and drinks, and chat about bridesmaid gowns and fun wedding decor ideas!

Of course, it’s your wedding, not theirs – still, you should always be sensitive about their body issues and opinions. Treat them as you would want to be treated…even if you had to wear something terrible when they walked down the aisle!

Being a gracious, kind bride-to-be is just good karma! It will also ensure that your friends are happy and comfortable in their gowns.

Choose Wisely

If they’re paying for their own outfits, they will be so relieved when you choose modern, pretty dresses that can even be worn again for other occasions. Consider cocktail-length gowns for your bridesmaids – they can add pizazz to your wedding, and they are so classic!

A knee-length sheath is always a flattering choice for almost any woman! A-line skirts are wonderful for curvier bridesmaids – they balance their shapes beautifully. Pay attention to the unique physical characteristics of each woman. It’s possible to find different bridesmaids dresses for each lady, as long as you stay in the same color family. Have fun with it! Don’t be afraid to innovate!

You’ll Always Be The Star On Your Wedding Day…

You will be the focus at your wedding – you are the gorgeous star of the day! Your stunning, snowy white wedding dress, sparkling bridal rings, and glamorous hair and makeup will put the spotlight on you throughout the ceremony and reception.

Your bridesmaids will be there to provide the perfect backdrop – and backup – if they are feeling pretty and appreciated, it will show! Their positive energy will add a lot to your whole wedding experience – make the day special for them as well!

A Fun Gift Idea For Your Bridesmaids

Before or after your ceremony, consider giving each bridesmaid a special present that is fun, personal and even poignant. It’s not about money – it’s about friendship! Here is a lovely gift idea that can be work with almost any budget:

Bridesmaid Survival Kits –

These popular kits often contain boring essentials, such as travel toothbrushes, sewing kits, extra stockings, Chap Stick, and mints. No one really wants everyday basics as a present! Make your own emergency kit – but fill it with fun and glamorous little mini-gifts.

A rhinestone-studded compact mirror or a scented lip plumper will be appreciated by almost any bridesmaid. Bath bombs that fizz and smell delicious are cheap, but they will always be enjoyed – and they’ll help each bridesmaid unwind before or after your wedding celebration. The goal is to give useful items with a little added charm!

Add any fun extras, such as glam nail polish or luxurious body lotion, that you happen to find on sale in the weeks before your ceremony. Wrap the whole kit up in a basket or shiny gift bag – add tissue paper or cellophane, and tie it with lots of colorful ribbons.

Your survival kit should be practical, but also something even Lady Gaga would appreciate! Put in a personal note as well, letting the bridesmaid know how much she means to you!

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Getting Gorgeous – How To Be The Most Beautiful Bride You Can Be

We all have our own kind of beauty…every woman has something special that makes her different and alluring. On your wedding day, you’ll already have a sort of “built-in” radiance – this comes from being in love, and from the excitement of celebrating your wedding day with your groom, friends, and family. After all, a lovely wedding is really one of the most romantic things a woman will experience in her lifetime!

However, despite the magic of the day, many women still work very hard to plan their outfits, hair, makeup, and bridal jewelry – they want to become the most beautiful brides they can be! Luckily, there are lots of tips and tricks you can use to make the most of your natural beauty. The smartest brides opt for colors, shapes, and bridal rings that flatter their own body types and coloring.

Wedding Dress Advice

TV shows like Say Yes To The Dress showcase the drama of choosing the ideal wedding gown. Brides-to-be often melt down under the pressure! It doesn’t have to be like this! By understanding some simple rules about your own body and what flatters it best, you can avoid the stress of trying on dozens of gowns that just don’t measure up! Here is some practical advice on finding the right dress for your figure:

Boyish –

You’ve got the sleek, elegant figure many women envy! Smaller breasts, slim hips, and lean limbs define this type of body. For you, a lot of frills or overtly feminine touches may not work too well. It’s better to play up what nature blessed you with by highlighting your small waist and pretty arms! You can add a little sexiness by opting for a bustier-style bodice that gives the impression of a curvier chest – but why even bother? Instead, go for sleek, minimal style…after all, your figure is the type that fashion designers seek out for their runway models…

Sleeveless will look beautiful on you…think modern when you shop for your wedding dress. Keep it stripped down and minimalist…you’ll look stunning in a simple shape…it can be embellished with sequins, embroidery, or what have you, but the shape itself should follow the lines of your body, without a lot of volume or puffiness…

Take your cue from high fashion – a snug sheath dress or slip dress bridal gown will be the height of elegance. In general, the princess type of gown won’t suit you best – it’s meant for women with more conventional hourglass shapes. Go for sophistication and you’ll dazzle your guests – and your groom – on the big day!

For wedding hair and makeup, polished style is best. A little volume in the hair can add femininity – consider wearing your hair in a half-up, half-down style. Rosy blush will add softness to your facial shape…don’t skip this important step when you do your makeup! For wedding rings, consider something streamlined, with a touch of high-fashion chic! As long they are not fussy or old-fashioned, bold, striking engagement rings will work well with your body type.

Celebrities With Boyish Builds – AnnaLynn McCord (90210), Keira Knightley, Anne Hathaway, Kristen Stewart

Medium Build…The Classic Hourglass…

You’ve got a pretty hourglass figure, with a defined waist, fuller breasts and hips, and curvy thighs. This pleasing shape can be a pleasure to dress – however, you may have a few areas you prefer to cover up. Women with medium builds are often thin in certain places, and a little plump in others…keeping perfect balance is the challenge for this body type.

A feminine, 1950’s silhouette will work beautifully on you…a snug waistline, corset-style bodice, and full skirt will accentuate all the positives, and still bypass your hips and legs. The classic princess wedding dresses you see on the covers of bridal magazines are tailor-made for your girly figure. Embrace your curves and have fun with a pretty wedding gown that highlights your chest and waist!

Strapless may not be the best choice for you – unless the gown has a lot of support, i.e. a built-in bra or corset – you may not have enough support without straps. Sleeveless sheath styles won’t be the best choice for you – they won’t balance your shape the way a princess wedding dress will.

Look for gowns shaped like you – even a sexy mermaid-style gown can work, if the size of your chest and hips are quite balanced. For your hair, consider a pretty up-do that adds height – it shouldn’t be too fussy or overdone. If you’re wearing your hair down, a medieval style center parting can be lovely on you – it will lengthen your face. Your jewelry should be traditional and not too large in scale. You might enjoy a classic solitaire engagement ring with a touch of vintage charm. Makeup should highlight the lips and eyes…

Celebrities With Medium Builds – Catherine Zeta-Jones, Scarlett Johanssen, Britney Spears

Curvy

You’ve got the bombshell curves of a classic pin-up…however, you may feel a little self-conscious, because you don’t fit the size two, fashion model stereotype. The voluptuous bride should learn to enjoy her curvy body when shopping for a wedding gown…let go of the idea that everyone should conform to a certain standard of beauty. In fact, your gorgeous curves can be simply stunning when you find plus-size wedding dresses that put the focus on your full breasts and luminous skin. The trick is to emphasize what is most beautiful about you…

Gowns that lace up in the back are perfect for you…they will allow you to adjust your gown in case of any weight fluctuations. Wedding dresses with built-in support are also a wonderful idea – it’s just easier to find a dress that holds everything in place when you opt for a corseted style. If you feel too constrained in that type of gown, go for a classic silk or satin wedding dress without a lot of embellishment. In general, you don’t need a lot of bells and whistles…your glorious curves are already at center stage…

Your skirt shouldn’t be too full…you really don’t need too much volume. A little bit of fullness will be the best choice to balance your shape…keep the focus of your dress on the bodice for the best effect. Pretty lace or beading around the neckline will draw the eye to your beautiful face.

For hair and makeup, be daring…don’t be afraid of a ruby lip or a little shimmer on the eyes. Really go for it! You may want to wear your hair down – it tends to flatter a rounder face. Your veil should be sheer and not too long for the best effect. Wedding rings should balance your proportions – a bigger gemstone or wider band will look lovely.

Celebrities With Curvy Builds – Oprah Winfrey, Ann Wilson (of the rock band, Heart), Beyonce Knowles, Jessica Simpson

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The Wedding Dress 101 Buying Guide

Shopping for a wedding gown should be a fun, exciting and exhilarating experience for all soon-to-be brides. However, more times than not the experience quickly turns overwhelming. Most women have put much thought into their “dream” dress and have a picture of exactly what they want. The problem is that a wedding dress is a first time purchase knowing what to do and when to do it suddenly becomes daunting. Without experience shopping for any major purchase can become tiresome and with a wedding looming adding to the pressure, fear and anxiety soon panic sets in. Here are some tips to help alleviate the learning curve and eliminate “buyer’s remorse.”

Shop Early As Possible – The best way to avoid major panic and last minute problems is to give plenty of time. There is a lot that goes into creating a wedding gown, they are usually custom made and require a few alterations for a perfect fit. Begin shopping at least nine months before the big day and try to allow 12 months. If you have less than six months available then go as simple as possible to avoid any major snags.

The Beginning – The start of the process is simple but is very important to the outcome. First, think about your style and how you want to look. Second, understand what the style of the wedding is going to be. Third, determine your budget for the wedding gown and last learn as much of the “lingo” as you can. This will help you walk into a store and get right down to business!

Hit The Shops – Begin checking out some different shops that meet your needs. Ask your best friends if they have any recommendations and browse online for your area. Narrow the list of shops down as much as possible making sure they have the designers you like and styles you want. Make sure when heading out to begin trying on dresses to be wearing all the accessories such as a strapless bra, slip and pantyhose. Any little item can cause a change in the overall look of a gown.

Zone In – Begin to zone in on what you want, eliminate what you do not. Go back to the stores and keep trying on the gowns and narrowing down the choices. Try to go alone one time so that you can really focus on what you desire without any other influence. Take your time and go back ten times if need be, you likely will not be even close to the most neurotic or indecisive bride the store has dealt with.

Six Months – At this point you need to be ordering the wedding gown. Make sure once ordered carefully to review the receipt for any errors and so no mistakes will occur later. Check basic things such as designer name, style number, size or measurements the salon is sending to the manufacturer, date of delivery is most important. After a month passes from placing the order call and confirm the delivery date.

Six Weeks – six weeks before the wedding it is time for the first fitting. Grab your best friend or family member and all the accessories you will be wearing. Try to bring someone you trust and who will be honest. Schedule another fitting a week or two later and make sure there are no problems such as with any hems or that the gown is uncomfortable in anyway. Try to bring your maid of honor, so she is aware of the gown and can help with areas such as complicated straps or bustling.

Three Weeks – This should be about the time you are ready to pick up your wedding dress. Schedule a day and time that you will come to the salon. Scheduling will allow you one last opportunity to try the dress on and assure everything is perfect. This will be the final chance to make any last minute alterations so make sure you try the gown on again!

Shopping for a wedding gown is every young girls’ dream. Once the reality sets in follow these tips, and you will avoid the dream turning into a nightmare. So long as you are prepared, understand what needs to be done and have a scheduled time frame for the process all problems will be eliminated. The only thing that will be left to do is walk down the aisle in confidence and of course take in all the compliments on how beautiful you look in your perfect wedding gown!

Reedstickets.net Broadway Reviews A site which covers Broadway entertainment such as show reviews, news, history and tips for finding tickets.

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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.

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