Does your idea of the perfect wedding theme involve drama, glamour and unparalleled romance? If yes, you will love the idea of a night wedding.
Night weddings may be a relatively new thing, but it is certainly gaining popularity. After all, a ceremony under a starry moonlit sky is simply lovely. Not only is it an intimate affair, but it is also a whole new experience that your guests will not easily forget.
Not yet convinced? Here are some factors that are exclusive to nighttime affairs.
The Sunset And Night Hours Create A Magnificent Backdrop
Imagine how beautiful it would be if you had purple skies speckled with scatterings of sparkle from twinkling stars as your backdrop. The beautiful colours of the setting sun and magical sounds will be your background. Need I say more about how dramatic nature is at this time of day?
Every bride usually chooses this dress after much thought and deliberation. Unfortunately, it is often one of the most significant wedding day expenditures. So, isn’t it rather sad that you will wear this dress just once?
So, on the special occasion that is your wedding, it is only fitting that you show it off to the maximum. Also, there is a way to immortalize this dress forever, and that is through your wedding photos. Gorgeous pictures of your beautiful wedding gown, taken from all the right angles, will serve as beautiful souvenirs of your lovely dress. Discuss the options to capture your wedding dress’s full glory with your photographer. Or think up shots that will highlight your dress and share this list with your photographer.
Here are some of our ideas to inspire you to get the best possible shots of your wedding dress.
Your must-have list of wedding dress photos
The classic shot of the dress on the hanger
Give your wedding dress its moment of glory when your photographer captures its magnificence all by itself. Whether your wedding dress is an opulent ball gown or a minimalist sheath, it deserves to be shown off all by itself in your wedding album. All you need is the perfect spot to display it and a beautiful hanger to hold it upright. Choose from silk-draped hangers, fancy vintage hangers and colourful beauties that match the tone of your wedding theme for more impact. Your photographer will do the rest. More ideas here on the Junebugs Wedding blog. Hang it up against a mirror or between two windows in a clean and uncluttered location to capture every detail in its full glory.
Wedding dress with bridal accessories
If you aren’t too fond of the wedding dress on the hanger idea, you can instead have it photographed with the rest of your wedding day accessories. Create the perfect arrangement of your bridal bouquet, shoes, wedding bands and jewelry, and your photographer can shoot it with your wedding dress in the backdrop. Here the focus will be shared on all the items that will complete your transformation into a beautiful bride. Although the wedding gown will not be the center of attention, it will still receive its due attention.
Being zipped or buttoned up
Whether your wedding dress has buttons, zippers, clasps or a corset at the back, have a close-up shot of your wedding dress while it is being put into place. This is usually the last step of wearing your wedding dress. The image of it can bring back memories of the entire process and remind you of the many emotions you went through at the time. So, make sure you have this sentimental image in your album.
The side-shot
When you ask your photographer to get a full-length profile picture, capture your dress from a different perspective. Identify your better side of the face, and show this to the camera. You can even include accessories like the veil and bouquet to enhance the impact of this photograph. Then, look away from the camera and focus your gaze on a distant object to make this a masterpiece photo.
Photos with your bridal party
There will be a lot going on while you get ready. Your bridesmaids will (hopefully) fuss over you as you wear your wedding dress and accessories. Ask your photographer to document the action and excitement of the scene since it will be a memorable picture. Have the image taken when your bridesmaids help you step into your shoes, straighten your train or set the veil. It would be best if your bridesmaids were also dressed in their respective attires at the time to get the full effect.
Full-length portrait
A full-size photograph in your gown will be a great addition to your album. It will capture the same effect that your guests experience when they see you for the first time on your wedding day. Try to have this photo before you wear your veil, so the sheer layers of your cover don’t hide these details. Pick a dramatic setting for the image, which is brightly lit with natural light. If your venue has a spectacular view, make this your backdrop. Else, pose before a portrait or in an outdoor location to get stylish pictures.
Image of the back
Many modern dresses have showstopper back details like beautiful keyhole or illusion designs, stunning fabric button trains or even low-cut daring information. If your dress has any unique modern style elements in the back, ensure it is captured in your wedding photos. For this, have a picture taken as you face away from the camera. This will also draw attention to your hairstyle and any hair accessories you may have specially chosen for the occasion.
Photo of the wedding dress skirt
If your wedding dress has an exciting skirt and train, highlight it in your photographs with a suitable picture. Whether the skirt features tiered details, has a beautiful hemline or has perfect ruffles, show it from the right angle in an image. Try sitting down with your dress spread around you to capture the effect of a full skirt in its glory. For a ball gown skirt or one with ruffles, you can also sit with your feet up and the skirt spread out to display the various details. This idea is perfect for lace dresses.
Image of the fanned-out train.
If the dress has a long train, an image from the back with the train spread out to its full length will showcase its effect. This will also look great if the pictures are taken as you climb a staircase. The impact of the train and skirt will be magnified when taken from above or below and also be unique for the aerial positioning of the shot. For a longer train, get the full impact directly from the back.
With the veil
The veil is often one of the most striking bridal accessories that instantly enhance the bridal look. If your outfit includes a cover, get a picture of yourself in it. Lifting the veil also is a magical moment that makes for a fantastic photo. Ask your photographer to capture the effect of the cover on the dress from different angles and find the one that is most appealing to include in your album.
Zoomed-in image of intricate details
If your dress features intricate beading, lace appliques or embellishments, a close-up shot of these intricate details will capture it well. It is a good idea to look closely at your dress and find out which pieces you love the most. Please share this information with your photographer, so he can do justice to the shot by focusing on that one unique feature of the dress.
Above-the-waist shot
The neckline and waist add definition to a wedding dress. Let these features get their place in the spotlight with a photograph of the bodice. Zoom in on this area and include jewelry like necklaces or earrings for the full effect. An aerial image will also create a unique perspective and make it an exciting picture.
With the groom holding you
There is immense scope to experiment with this shot. You can even showcase the back of your dress in this shot as you face away from the camera. Include your bouquet for a pop of colour and prop that will work well in the setting. Other ideas are to hold hands and walk while the images are captured. Or sit in a strategic position, highlighting your dress’s direct focus.
An outdoor shot
Make the most of the natural lighting to get a beautiful portrait. Choose the golden hour, an hour before or after dawn and dusk, for the best pictures. Since the natural light at these times of the day is most flattering, your images will turn out great. If it is impossible to plan an outdoor shot at these times, make sure you step outdoors for a few pictures when there is plenty of natural light. Or choose a room with a window through which natural light streams in to get photos with similar effects.
Bridesmaids holding the train
Take a look at this picture, and I won’t have to say anything more to convince you. This will be a beautiful and classic picture of your wedding day. As you stride forward, have your bridesmaids pick up your train and hold it visible from all sides. This will enhance the beauty of your dress and create beautiful imagery with the contrast in colour with that of your wedding party.
Photo with your bouquet
This is one picture that cannot go wrong. Let the pure white colour of your dress pop against the bright colours of your bouquet when the image focuses on your dress and the smell in your arms. Unless it is a close-up shot, ensure that this image is taken in a clean backdrop with few other distractions. The bouquet should preferably be the only colourful element in the entire frame to capture the impact with full effect. Such photos are beautiful if there are saturated colours in the bouquet. However, your photographer may also be able to adjust the settings to make this picture unusually attractive.
Bride looking in the mirror
This is another wedding dress shot that is sure to be beautiful. The photograph will focus on the image in the mirror and the real bride with less clarity. Black and white photos of this scene will be stunning, and this is one you should consider. Make sure the mirror is clear, the surface below it uncluttered, and the background clean for the image to look its best.
On the dance floor
This is the chance to have yourself photographed at an angle that emphasizes the beauty of the dress while you dance with your husband. The dance floor, especially if it is a reflective surface, will form a beautiful backdrop when your photographer clicks the image from a low angle. A talented photographer will be able to capture this emotional moment with perfection. It will also be an opportunity to showcase your dress from a different position and highlight its statement features.
Walking away with your husband
This is a very symbolic photo and one that creates a nostalgic image. While the picture will also show off the back of your dress, it will help you relive the unique emotions you felt as you stepped into the new chapter of your life. So, make sure your photographer captures it.
Once you get your hands on your unique wedding dress, you may feel that no number of photos is enough to capture the beauty of the dress. While that is true, including it from all possible angles is the next closest thing you can do. Discuss the specific features of your clothing with your photographer, so he can ensure no detail is missed in the photographs.
For photogenic wedding dresses that are perfect for your special day, visit our bridal gallery at Best for Bride. With a wide range of designer wedding dress collections suitable for any taste, budget and body type, you will have no trouble finding your dream dress at our store. Visit our website today to shortlist your favourites.
Wedding bells are ringing! Love is in the air! Isn’t your engagement one of the most beautiful phases in life? So, you want to remember it fondly.
No bride wants to look back on this phase in her life and regret the memories. Unfortunately, wedding planning is not a walk in the park. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself stressing over the details and slowly turn into the dreaded “Bridezilla!”
Wedding planning often brings out the worst in a woman. It is only normal that you want the perfect wedding in every way. However, this entails spending enormous amounts of money, planning things to the smallest possible detail and getting everyone in your wedding to perform as expected. Definitely not an easy feat! And as you struggle to cope with the zillion details, your stress levels naturally go up and you may lash out in ways you later regret.
The sad part is that you may not realize that you are turning into a bridezilla until you have hurt hearts and strained relationships. However, there are warning signs that tell you of where you are headed. Scrutinize how you’ve been behaving lately. If you notice these red flags, you better stop before it goes too far and the damage cannot be undone!
Everything you say contains “my wedding”
Talking endlessly about your wedding can irritate those you spend time with. Who would like it if even casual inquiries about the wedding end up in monologues on wedding plans, dress shopping and other wedding details. You will sound wedding-obsessed, and it can really make people dread being around you. Whether it is your excitement or apprehension that causes you to talk about the wedding and nothing else, curtail it. Don’t bring up the topic of your wedding unless necessary. If you are asked about it, keep your answer brief and to-the-point. Leave some things to be seen, rather than spill the beans and kill all the fun.
You are certain nothing is going your way
There is often a time in every bride’s life when she believes things are getting nowhere. You may be frustrated with the lack of options or unhappy with what are available. It may seem that nobody, but you, is concerned about the wedding. In this tryst for perfection, it is likely that you will push your well-wishers away. You may also believe nothing is up to your expectations. Before you freak out and drive everyone away, just sit back and analyze what is going on. With a calm and composed mind run through the different options once again. Some of them may not be as bad as you initially thought they were. Be flexible and open-minded and you will see better progress.
You cannot stop adding details
Pinterest and glossy picture-perfect weddings on the internet can agonize a bride who strives for perfection. Every page you turn, every link you click leads to more eye-candy that you must have at your wedding. This can pose a problem! If you continue to add more details to your wedding, your expenses will spiral out of control. You may also lose control over what is more important as you obsess over several small details. So, stay focused and stop before you go overboard. Once you have enough inspiration, close the picture books once and for all. There will always be another detail that you could add, but remember that it isn’t really necessary. Keep your priorities clear and move on to the next task. Procrastination will only delay you and cause frustration.
You barely spend time with your fiancé
Wedding-obsessed brides often forget the most important person in their life—their fiancé. This is a big tragedy, as your engagement is a golden period when you should celebrate your love and commitment to each other. It is the time to connect, bond, plan your life together and dream of a beautiful tomorrow. If the wedding overrides this need to be with each other, it is time you took a break from the wedding tasks. Take time away from all the mad wedding planning and simply enjoy the feeling of being in love. Remember that this chance doesn’t come again. So, make memories while you have time.
Your bridesmaids are uncomfortable in your presence
Your bridesmaids are often your best friends, sisters and cousins. They are the women who you share your biggest joys and sorrows with. If they seem to be on edge, every time they are around you, it is time to take stock of the situation. Analyze if you have become very demanding, irritable or obsessed with the wedding these days. Do your single friends prefer to stay away from you? Is it not because they are jealous, but because they are tired of you bragging on and on about your wedding. Avoid rifts and unpleasant situations as far as is possible. Be considerate and accommodating, and they will be eager to participate in your wedding. Don’t be pushy, as it can spoil the fun in your relationship. After all, you want these girls to stick around you even after you are married.
Take a look at this Huff Post article to avoid overstepping the mark, with your bridesmaids.
Your parents don’t look too excited
It is normal for parents to be emotional when their daughter gets married. After all this transition in status is a big change in their lives too. However, joy will normally overcome the sorrow. If you are always discussing the wedding and not spending any quality time together, it will only distance you further from your parents. Involve them in the wedding planning, welcome their suggestions and appreciate all that they do for you. Also spend time with each other without discussing anything about the wedding, and relive fond memories from the past. Understanding each other at this stage in life will help you remain closer even after your marital status changes forever. It will be immensely helpful if you acknowledge what they are going to, instead of obsessing over the wedding.
Now, if you are worried about family drama ruining your wedding day, here are some tips on how you can avoid it.
You are obsessed with diets, workouts and weight loss regimens
Brides want to look their best on the most special day of their life. However, don’t stretch yourself to the extent where you sacrifice your happiness and health to look great. Dieting, changes to meal plans and new exercise regimes will help you get in shape and look great in time for your wedding. Nonetheless, tackle everything in moderation. Crash diets and extreme exercise regimens will only do harm. With this approach, you put your well-being at stake. Drastic changes to diet and intense workouts can leave you dissatisfied and unhappy. So, think of whether it is really worth it.
Your fiance fell in love with the present you. He doesn’t want to get married to a whole other you! So, stay healthy and happy, and you will look fantastic on your wedding day.
Every waking minute involves wedding planning
Wedding planning can be laborious and time-consuming. However, it shouldn’t be the only thing in your life. If you find yourself constantly struggling with wedding-related tasks and worrying over the planning timeline, re-evaluate your approach. A well-rested and relaxed bride is better equipped to tackle wedding planning challenges than one who is exhausted. So, do your research first and set priorities. Create a realistic timeline for all wedding tasks and also factor in buffer time. This will allow you to approach the tasks in a systematic and organized fashion. Also accept help from those who offer it. More on this below.
You feel you have to do everything yourself
You may feel that nobody is capable of doing the wedding tasks perfectly. If this means you undertake more than what you are capable of, you are in for big trouble. Having a perfect wedding is not about all the things you successfully did, it is more about the joy and happiness you feel on the day. This won’t be possible if you attempt all the tasks yourself. There will be plenty of friends and family members who are eager to help. Delegate responsibilities to them and trust them to do it right. You should also trust your vendors, especially if you chose them after enough research. So, make your decisions with care, and leave the rest of the job to those concerned. It will take a huge load off your shoulders and leave you more time to enjoy yourself as a bride.
Your vendors don’t look enthusiastic
Do your vendors seem to be doing their job only because you paid them? This could be a sign that they don’t consider you a good client. It is likely to be true if you have particularly signed them up for the job through a referral from a friend or contact. If your contact was extremely happy with their service, it is because they are professionals at what they do. So, it may be time to think of whether you’ve been rude towards them. If you’ve been mean in what you said or the emails you sent, this bad attitude will cause them to be less excited about your wedding. Unless you are certain they are incompetent, look at why they aren’t so keen on doing their job.
If you expect your vendors to do their job with full gusto, it is important you treat them well, show respect, be responsive and open to suggestions and concerns.
You aren’t happy with your fiance’s ideas
If you seem to dismiss every idea your fiance comes up with, it is a sure sign you are turning into a bridezilla. Just in case you forgot, it happens to be his wedding too. However, if you think you have the last word in all the wedding decisions and ruthlessly reject all that he has to offer, you’re in grave danger. Your fiance will also have certain expectations for your wedding day. After all, it is a lifetime opportunity for him too. So, it is only right that you accommodate his ideas and suggestions as well. Don’t stress out over how his suggestions go with the theme or match your vision. Give him his fair say and let him have some fun too.
We know it is hard to keep calm and stay sane when your wedding day is approaching. It is only normal to get all wrapped up with your wedding plans and make mistakes along the way. Nonetheless, try to keep it under control or it won’t be any fun going forward. Remember that the wedding is just a day in your life, but you need your relationships for the rest of your entire life. Is it worth the drama?
For all your wedding-related needs, such as your dream wedding dress, bridal party dresses, accessories and more, Best for Bride has the solution. Visit our website today and come one step closer to realizing your wedding vision in the easiest possible way.
“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with a person, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”
This quote is very true for newly engaged couples. Being newly engaged is a lovely phase in everyone’s life. It is perhaps the most romantic part of your love story; a time when nothing can possibly seem to go wrong.
As romantic and exciting as this phase is, remember that this chapter also leads to a bigger, even more exciting and chaotic phase—planning the wedding! However, this stage comes with a fair set of challenges and not all are able to handle it easily. There are some common mistakes that many newly engaged couples make and regret in the coming days. Do you know what they are?
Let us look at this list of what to avoid when you are newly engaged, so that your engagement is memorable for all the right reasons.
1.Not announcing your engagement to the most important people first
You are undoubtedly pretty excited about your engagement. It is only natural that you feel tempted to shout about it from the rooftops. Or, in the modern and more efficient version, share your big news on social media. However, remember that this is no trivial news. So, it is only right to first tell it to those who matter the most to each of you and as a couple. Let the rest of the world wait a little longer to hear. Visit your parents and break the news to them. Or if they are far away, pick up the phone and tell them personally. Next, inform your close friends and family. Once you are done with personally informing all those in your close circle, climb up the roof or login to Facebook and make your big announcement.
2.Revealing too much on social media
Making the big announcement is one thing, flooding everyone’s news feeds on Facebook with your news is another thing altogether. Contain your excitement, at least where sharing your news is concerned. Your friends will be eager to know. However, it can be rather irritating when you overdo the stuff you share on social media. Don’t annoy everyone with your openness and limit the amount of information you share. It isn’t necessary to post every update about your wedding planning online either. This can even be dangerous, as your news will be available to everyone. It will make you vulnerable to scams and cause unnecessary confusion if those you didn’t expect turned up at your celebratory events assuming your discussion or post was akin to an invitation.
3.Asking friends and family to be in your bridal party immediately
Wedding planning can be tortuous once you get into the details. So, it is important to think every decision through. Don’t be tempted to simply invite or ask people you love to be in your bridal party. These decisions are best made after you do your due research. Even if you are sure of who should be in your bridal party, play it safe and wait till you are certain before you ask. It is likely that your wedding will be after quite a while. Relationships can change in the meanwhile, situations may come in the way. So, wait till the time is ripe to make your final decisions in this matter.
4.Rushing to settle on a date
Now that you are engaged, a wedding is definitely on the cards. Though you shouldn’t procrastinate indefinitely, neither should you be hasty with your decisions. Don’t quickly decide on a likely wedding date. Instead take your time with this important decision. Consult each other and think of all the factors that you should account for. You will have to find a date on which your preferred vendors are available, the venue is available and so on.
Most couples don’t really consider or plan for a wedding before they are actually engaged. So, take your time with this important decision and you won’t regret it later. Once you lock down on a date, you have limited options in other areas. So, be sure of your decision before you commit to it. It is also a good idea to run likely dates by your family and friends before making a final decision.
5.Not considering budget
Setting the wedding budget is one of the first and foremost wedding planning tasks. Tackle it as a priority. Every wedding decision you make will cost you money. However, how much you spend on each aspect of the wedding shouldn’t happen along the way, or you can run into debt. Talk about your financial situation with each other and plan a practical budget. If your parents will be contributing, you should find out how much they intend to spend. Once you are aware of the maximum you can afford to spend on your wedding, split it into components for each wedding task.
A proper idea of your wedding budget will also allow you to make choices such as whether you should hire a wedding planner or undertake the task yourself. With a good sense of your financial situation and a practical budget, you can approach your wedding planning in a sensible manner. This is also the time to discuss and understand each of your financial situations and suitably plan your future commitments as a couple.
6.Rushing with the wedding preparations
Most couples end up having time for little else, once they begin wedding planning. However, don’t forget that you are in a new chapter in your life. Savor the moment, for it will never return. This romantic phase in your life deserves to be celebrated, and it is also the time for you and your fiance to bond. The wedding preparations can wait. Once you are engaged, don’t rush into the next stage. Instead enjoy some time together and you will be all set to start planning your wedding with full gusto.
Have an engagement party or celebrate with an intimate affair. You can even have an engagement photo shoot. The additional advantage of this idea is that you can also use this as a selection process for your wedding photographer. However, as this post on the Huff Post mentions, the real reason to have an engagement photo shoot is to document this special time in your life. Make fond memories of your newly-engaged status, and it will be something to hold close to your heart forever.
7.Booking vendors without thinking it through
Most hasty decisions during wedding planning end in regret. You will have to book several vendors for your wedding. However, each of these decisions deserve thought and research. In your hurry, don’t hasten to book a vendor till you are absolutely sure you require this particular service. If you rethink your theme, you may find a better deal if you look further. When you hire the services of a wedding planner, it is likely that he or she will have their own recommended list of vendors. Or they may negotiate on your behalf and snag you a better bargain from the same vendor. So, give it enough thought when you make your decision and book vendors only if you are certain. Also, don’t forget to read the contract thoroughly. Ensure there are no chances of error if you go with a particular vendor choice.
8.Booking your wedding dress shopping appointment before you finalize anything else
It is a known fact that wedding dress shopping takes time. There is also the waiting time after placing your order, till when your dress is ready for delivery. Nonetheless, wedding dress shopping should be done after proper research. You should also wait till you fix the other details of your wedding. The venue, weather at the time of your wedding and wedding theme are important factors to consider when choosing a wedding gown. Unless you know these factors, it is best to wait before you book a wedding dress appointment.
We also suggest that you do sufficient research before you go wedding dress shopping. Or you may drown in the numerous options available, and end up confused and overwhelmed. Instead, create an inspiration board and collect pictures of dresses you love. Also identify the best silhouettes for your body shape. Finally, short list the dress features you love most and only then head off for your dress appointment.
9.Agreeing to all proposals without thinking it through
Once you announce your engagement, your friends or associates may approach you with offers for wedding-related services. This could be a relative or friend who runs a wedding-related business or someone who wishes to be in the bridal party. Don’t ever commit to anyone at this stage, as it can spell disaster in the long run.
It is never a good idea to mix relationships with business, unless you are sure you can speak your mind or are sure the person in question is a pure professional. Gratefully accept all proposals and tell your friends and associates that you will think over it. Never agree to anything without actually thinking it through. You can always say that you have to consult your fiance or consider whether the suggestion fits with the wedding theme you have in mind. Only agree to any proposal for help after you are sure it will work out. Also ensure that you will not strain your relationship with the person by this offer of help.
10.Skipping the all-important long discussion with your fiance
Ideally, you should discuss all your important life decisions prior to the engagement. Nonetheless, it is never too late to discuss your priorities and plans with your fiance, before you proceed with wedding planning. Couples should be clear about a number of factors that will affect their future, before they take the plunge. Finances, family relationships, career goals and even retirement plans are on the horizon and will affect your marriage to a great extent.
Make sure that you discuss each and all these factors. There may be compromises that either of you have to make. You may also have to get your priorities straight, so there is no misunderstanding later. Get it all out in the open, so you can start this new phase in your life in the right way.
11.Going crazy over Pinterest
Pinterest is a valuable tool when planning a wedding. So, you should dedicate a good amount of your time to it, when planning your wedding. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all of your engagement period. You can end up ogling pretty details and obsessing over what you ought to copy to your wedding. However, remember that this is all there only for inspiration. Get the idea, but head out and plan your own unique way to make your wedding remarkable.
Once you complete a wedding-related task, say buying your wedding dress, resist the temptation to revisit Pinterest for the same. It is likely you will find a new dress that appeals more. So, don’t set yourself up for disappointment. Believe that you made the best decision possible and move on to the next task. This is the only way to prevent yourself from a Pinterest-obsession and all the other wedding eye-candy on the internet.
Your engagement period is an exciting time. Nonetheless, it is also full of challenges of every sort. While you have to do most of the decision making yourself, we have the perfect solutions for your wedding day look. Visit us online or in-store, and our team will assist you in finding the perfect wedding dress for your special day.
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