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rust Your Instincts: 10 Telltale Signs That a Wedding Dress Isn’t ‘The One’!

Not all brides are lucky enough to realize it when they come across the right wedding dress. Unless you have a very specific idea about the dress you want to wear, and find one that matches every one of your expectations, wedding shopping may not be so straightforward. With thousands of options and gorgeous wedding dresses that look just as good as the others, don’t be surprised if you are soon lost in a world of tulle and lace.

Here are the factors that you should pay attention to when you go shopping, so you know that when it is best to let go of a particular dress. This list will help you narrow down your choices by eliminating the dresses that will not be right. So, let’s look at when you should say “No” to a wedding dress.

When the dress is way over-budget

We cannot emphasize how important it is first to fix your wedding dress budget, and then go shopping. Wedding dresses can be as expensive as you want them to be. However, there are plenty of gems that are affordable as well. Don’t make the mistake of even trying on a dress that you cannot afford. If you fall in love with it, imagine the disappointment when you realize you cannot have it. And if, for some reason, you end up trying on a dress that is above budget or even think of wearing it just for the fun of it, keep in mind that you will not be buying it. The single reason that it costs more than your budget allows is enough for you to say “No” to it, this time.

Tip: When you calculate your wedding dress budget, don’t forget to account for alteration costs. This can easily add up to a few extra hundreds. So, look for a dress that will still be within your range, after the possible alteration charges that you may incur.

Your entourage is in love with it, though you aren’t

You know how it is when everyone around you seems to think this is the real deal, but you aren’t so sure. In some cases, you may be certain that this is not the dress, but your entourage may compel you to think otherwise. Don’t succumb to such pressure. Remember that no matter what the others think, a dress will simply not be best, unless you feel it yourself. Don’t force yourself to see their point of view and make the mistake of saying yes, because everyone thinks it is the one! We repeat, you do not want to be married in a dress that will leave you regretting the choice, simply because it wasn’t the one that you loved. Check out our previous article on how to choose your entourage wisely, so you minimize your chances of ending up in such a situation.

Some useful Info: Before shopping with your entourage, look at this short article on the Opinionator. Joanna Hershon tells us how she finally made her own dress decision for her wedding despite already having a dress picked out by mom, and how everything fell into place once she did. That’s something you should also consider!

When you are pressed for time

If you have been trying dresses on for the entire appointment and are satisfied almost to a great extent with the one you finally wear, do you take it? No, you shouldn’t!

Remember that your decision may be influenced by the other dresses that you tried on, and that you are running out of time and energy. Don’t make this mistake. Love a dress only because it is a dress you want to be married in, and not something you settled for. If you are saturated with lace, chiffon and organza gowns, stop the ordeal and go home. Come back for another appointment when you will be fresh and energetic. If you are almost certain that a dress is the right one, but not 100% sure, still don’t go for it. Instead go home and sleep over it. If you still find yourself attracted to the dress the next day, then it may be the one after all. Otherwise, you will be glad you didn’t finalize the decision without thinking it through, only to regret it later.

If it is not your style

The right wedding dress would be an extension of your personality and should reflect your taste and personal preferences. However beautiful a dress may be, if you cannot connect with it, it is best you say no. We have seen many brides agree to a certain silhouette just because their mom or friends think it is right and coerce them into agreeing. Other times, brides are tempted to try on the trendiest wedding dresses in the shop. However, a wedding dress is not just about the look. It is about becoming the bride that you always dreamed of being. So, if you have never turned towards a ball gown all your life, don’t do it on your wedding day. Similarly, if the latest trend statement, say a halter neck, isn’t one that you feel comfortable in, stay away from it. Take cues from your current wardrobe and the look you love most on yourself, to decide what your wedding dress should be.

When the dress is too trendy

Fashion is always changing, even in the case of wedding dresses. So, what is in today, may be out tomorrow. We think it is best to experiment with fashion trends in your daily wardrobe, but never with your wedding dress. This is because the pictures of your wedding day will stay with you for a lifetime, long after the trends have changed. So, you don’t want to end up with a dated look, ten years from now. Use trends as a guide to find styles that really appeal to you, and enhance your natural figure and features. As award-winning bridal stylist, Ellie Sanderson tells us in this article on the Huff Post, “You can make a nod to current fashion but don’t take anything to extremes.” Stay safe with fashion trends that are good enough that you can expect them to be around for a while longer. Also, make sure that the dress features actually add to your attractiveness. Then, it won’t be a problem even if the style is no longer a fashion statement when you flip the pages of your wedding album years later.

If the gown doesn’t match your theme

If your wedding is based on a theme, it may not be the best idea to choose a dress that doesn’t match it. For example, an ultra-modern sleek gown may look out of place at a rustic vintage wedding, just as a traditional ball gown would be inappropriate at a beach wedding. So, pick your theme and find a wedding gown that matches it, or do the reverse. Do your homework on the types of silhouettes, fabrics and gown designs that would be best for your chosen wedding theme. Then go shopping and pick a gown that is suitable for the theme, and not just one that you are attracted to at the moment.

When the dress feels uncomfortable

Although you may find yourself look amazing in a dress, you should also feel comfortable in it. Wearing anything you aren’t accustomed to will make you uncomfortable, whether on any other day or your wedding day. So, stick to wearing only a dress that is comfortable and doesn’t make you extra-conscious on your wedding day. Strapless and sweetheart neckline gowns rule the world of wedding gowns, but this design feature isn’t for every bride. It can be not very pleasant if you have to keep pulling up your neckline throughout the day, if you aren’t used to wearing it before. So, if you have never worn a strapless gown yet, or find yourself highly uncomfortable in it, it is best to avoid this on your wedding day. Similarly, other bold wedding dress features, like a fully exposed back or a silhouette that is too clingy may not be suitable for all brides. If you choose a dress that has sleeves, you should be able to lift your arms comfortably. Unless you can alter the design to suit your personal taste and it doesn’t drastically alter the look of the dress, it is better to continue looking.

When you find more flaws than favorites

A few alterations or custom changes are fine, when you choose a gown. But, if you think a dress is alright, but you will have to fix at least five or more things for it to be good enough for your wedding day, it certainly isn’t the right gown. When there is just that one feature that is perfect, but all the rest of the features do not appeal to you, it simply means you will have to spend a lot of time, effort and not to mention money, to fix it. Remember that every alteration costs money, and you may pay a lot of money if you have to make many custom changes. This is usually not worth it. You are better off looking for another gown with the features that you like.

When your mind is still on another dress

Don’t always expect to cry and get all emotional when you come across the right dress. This doesn’t happen to all brides. Sometimes, you may not be sure that you have already found the right dress until you try on more and your mind keeps returning to the previous one. So, if you find yourself torn between two dresses and seem to get nowhere with your decision, don’t try to force yourself to like the one you are wearing. It could be that you are inclined towards the current choice only because of it’s features that are similar to your original choice. Just to make sure, step out of the dress and think objectively about both. Unless the second one has a clear advantage over the first, it may be the first that appeals to you. Either way, it would be a good idea to take your time to decide. Go home, think over it for a day or two, and then return to place your order for the one you actually love.

If the gown doesn’t look great on the body you have now

Many brides anticipate a pre-wedding weight loss, which they expect to successfully happen in the months preceding the wedding. Whether this is possible or not, do not let this factor impact your dress decision. It is always better to choose a dress that looks good on your currently, and also buy it in your current size than take it in a smaller size. If the gown doesn’t flatter you right now, it is possible that it may not look good on you even after you shed the extra pounds. And if you cannot lose the intended weight, it would be an even bigger tragedy. So, if the dress isn’t figure-flattering or attractive on you at your dress appointment, say “no” to it without hesitation.

Wedding dress shopping is exciting but equally daunting. However, knowing your options, finding a talented bridal consultant and looking for what you want will help you find the dress of your dreams with fewer hassles. Brides before you have done it, and so can you.

To enjoy your shopping experience and to make the right choice from the thousands of designs available, trust the talented team at Best for Bride to help you. Book your appointment with us, so we can help you make your wedding dress dream a reality. Our vast inventory of top-class, high-quality designer wedding dresses are sure to impress you. So, what are you waiting for? Come visit us today!

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 1 Comment

Dazzle on Your Day: 10 Show-Stopping Wedding Gowns for the Chic Modern Bride!

Glamour has different interpretations, as it means other things to different people. However, there is always one thing common to all that is glamorous; this style is distinctively evident, loud and impressive.

Not every bride wants a traditional wedding dress on her wedding day. More than a handful of women with a bold streak would love to show off their best features in a dress that does most of the talking. Then, there are also those brides who love the sophistication of subtle glamour. These women see a memorable wedding day look that is glitzy and stunning effect at the same time. These brides do not need hundreds of details in their wedding dresses to achieve their intended result. Just a few exciting dress features chosen carefully can render this glamorous look.

So, whether you want outright drama or prefer a refined touch of splendour, here are some exciting wedding dress features that instantly enhance your glamour quotient.

Scintillating shoe-string straps

Even if strapless gowns are your thing, you should consider dresses with scintillating shoe-string straps to look extra glamorous on your wedding day. The gorgeous sprinkling of glitter on these thin straps makes it mesmerizing and attractive. Also, the sparkling effect draws attention to your shoulders and arms, making it sexier than a strapless neckline. The effect is very impressive when these straps are attached to a dress with a dipped neckline, like a sweetheart or a V-neckline. The best part is that these slender straps will give your dress added support, but their slenderness makes them very stylish.

The Mori Lee 2807 is featured here, with embellished shoestring straps that lead to a soft scalloped sweetheart neckline. This Alencon lace gown would look like just another wedding dress, hadn’t it been for the extra touch of the sparkling shoe-string straps.

Sheath silhouette with V-neckline

The sheath is a simple silhouette, but one that is very powerful in creating a sexy effect. With the column design and fabric draping along your natural curves, the sheath draws attention to the natural figure and the beautiful curves a bride has. When combined with a modest V-neckline, the effect is further enhanced. V-necklines are traditional favourites, but are very stylish and look good on most body types. While it goes well with almost all wedding dress silhouettes, the combination with the sheath is worth special attention. This instantly draws attention to sensual curves and emphasizes femininity. It is naturally slimming, and the bride in this silhouette looks confident and modern.

In this Mori Lee 6811, the bodice with the V-neckline is adorned with clusters of embellished floral twirl designs. This is a dress that looks charming without being overbearing. It is very glamorous and a perfect choice for a confident young bride.

Stylish in satin

The best fabric is satin for sophisticated glamour that is evident but not over-the-top. The silky finish of this fabric has a distinct quality, and it also has a good drape. When satin is used in a fit-and-flare silhouette that snugly fits the natural curves of a bride, it emphasizes her well-toned figure beautifully. So, this is a great option to look glamorous in a red-carpet style on your big day.

Here is an example of how this look comes together. The Mori Lee 2722 in Larissa Satin features a pleated sweetheart bodice with an ornate embellished waistband. While the tiered skirt is flirty and fun, the fitted silhouette is elegant and just perfect for showing off your well-toned natural shape. The luscious satin finish looks sophisticated yet sexy, perfect for a classy look that will not be easily forgotten.

Layers of ruffles in a trumpet skirt

Ruffles are a very feminine feature, however they can be glamorous too, especially when focused in the skirt to create a thick frothy finish. Unlike when they are in the bodice or strewn throughout the skirt, focusing ruffles in a single space make the effect pronounced and the impact is very high.

The Mori Lee 2685 gown creates glamour with this single element—ruffles! Here, the rest of the fit and flare silhouette is simple, with lace in the snug shape all the way down to the hips. However, the laser cut ruffles have a stunning signature, and the differentiation in the skirt with the edge of silver beading makes it very pronounced. The sweetheart neckline also has a matching band of silver beading, and together, they emphasize the contrast of the rich, blooming skirt.

Sparkling cap sleeves

Sometimes, all it takes is one element to make a gown stand out with striking beauty. This can be a motif on the bodice, a different sleeve style or an exquisitely decorated skirt. Sleeves can transform a plain dress into one that dazzles when it is executed with perfection and has a luxurious dose of bling.

In this Mori Lee 5270, the draped dropped waist design, fit, and flare silhouette are attractive. But what makes this gown spectacular is the dazzling cap sleeves that elevate the gown to the next level. The combination with a sweetheart neckline emphasizes the bust and neck area. This is a gown that achieves a glamorous finish without working too hard. Not only does it look charming, it is done tastefully.

Empire waistline with layers of fabric

The empire waistline is one dress feature that instantly draws attention to the upper body. Combined with a sexy neckline, the result is a very attractive gown. While the typical empire waistline gives rise to a billowing skirt that hides the mid-section and waist, it can be exquisite and very stunning if this waistline were combined with a fitted silhouette.

The dress here demonstrates what we mean. The draped empire waistline ends just above the natural waistline. However, the skirt is designed to flow along the body’s natural curves closely. As a result, the dress is very glamorous. Additionally, the layers of fluttering chiffon that fall into ruffles at the center add extra drama. The low-cut neckline decorated with ample crystal beading also makes this dress very alluring, but very classy at the same time.

Fitted princess seams define your shape

There is great finesse associated with princess seams, when it defines the contours of a gown. The simple addition of these seams along the bodice and skirt immediately draw attention to where they are tastefully placed. This is like the easiest way to define your beautiful curves and emphasize your well-toned figure that you achieved with great care.

The dress shows us how this wedding gown feature instantly makes a gown more attractive. Here, the beautiful bodice has elaborate lace, embroidery and beaded details. Additionally, the illusion neckline is impressive. However, our attention is instantly shifted to the neat princess lines defining a soft, almost silky skirt. This single factor makes this dress special and noticeable.

Open cut-out back

You can look and feel glamorous in different ways, and an exposed back is one of the easiest ways to grab such attention. While illusion backs are attractive and dainty, they are not always as glamorous as a cut-out back. This unexpected surprise can make even the traditional silhouette and dress design instantly fashion-forward. It is a perfect choice for the bold bride who is proud of her body.

Take a look at this dress, for example. Here, the dress is simple and even modest from the front, while all the drama lies in the back. The unexpected effect of the cap sleeves closing in to reveal a beautiful cutout that exposes the entire back is all that it takes to make this gown stunning. It is a treat for the onlookers who will spend quite some time staring at you from the back, during the wedding ceremony, and not to mention an excellent choice to show your bold streak without offending the older generation.

Overlay skirt over slim silhouette

Two-in-one wedding dresses have been in the limelight for a while now, allowing the bride to transition from the ceremony look to another one for the reception without much ado. However, these dresses usually featured an overlay skirt that entirely hid the inner silhouette. Now, if it were done differently so that the inner slim silhouette were seen through, wouldn’t it be sexy?

This dress from the Sophia Tolli collection exemplifies what we just discussed. The richly layered overlay skirt gives the dress a ball gown effect, revealing a stunning fit and flare silhouette beneath it. So, the bride can expose her sexy side while being mysteriously modest. How flirty and fun is that? The encrusted waistband further accentuates the natural figure by drawing focus to a slim waistline, while the sweetheart neckline perfectly completes the romantic effect.

Off-the-shoulder straps with fit and flare silhouette

There is a sexy sophistication to exposing your shoulders while leaving traces of a sleeve that could be used to cover it if you choose! This is what an off-the-shoulder neckline achieves. The bold display of your shoulders while adding those straps that barely skim your shoulders makes this design very interesting and fashionable. Add this design factor to a snug-fitting silhouette, like a fit-and-flare design, and the drama is even greater.

The Loraina Y11634 from the Sophia Tolli collection shows us why this design works so well. Try to imagine this dress with a plain strapless neckline or with cap sleeves. You will realize how it wouldn’t work the same way with any of these. It is the simple addition of the off-the-shoulder neckline that makes it chic. The fit and flare silhouette in lace contributes to it even more, making it a masterpiece.

Plunging back

If the back of your dress is done artistically, it is sure to ensure you look glamorous on your wedding day. From beautiful illusion details to cut-outs and daring deep necklines, there are many ways to make the back of your dress stand out. While a fully exposed or daring dip in the back will look too sexy to be considered glamorous, it will be very stylish when you sport a dress with a plunging back that is done just right.

Take a look at this 1347 Angelina Faccenda wedding dress. The back is kept simple with just a deep dip framed by beautiful lace appliques. Although it exposes the entire back, it does so with elegance, making this dress dazzling from all angles. Also, the cap sleeves frame the ornate back most impressively. Not only does it support the bust area, it is sensational in the most classic way.

Your wedding day is a celebration like no other. So, this is the day you should make sure you look as special as you feel. Choosing a glamorous dress will help you stand out from the rest of the crowd and be a bride that everyone will remember long after your wedding. Additionally, with a glamorous dress, you do not have to worry much about choosing accessories that add to your look, as your dress will be attractive enough to make a mark. So, tell us, which of the features we mentioned above would you like to try on your wedding day?

At Best for Bride, our wedding dress collection includes all the dazzling beauties featured here and many more. So, visit our online gallery today and see what is available. For all your wedding day needs, including your bridesmaids dresses, wedding accessories, jewelry and all the services you need, check out our website.

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 2 Comments

10 things your wedding doesn’t really need

Weddings are expensive affairs, and it is not worthwhile to spend money on the so-called “must-haves,” which end up being not so essential after all. It is quite commonplace to get caught in a rush, and tick things off your list as quickly as is possible when planning your wedding. In all this hurry, you may easily overlook what is actually necessary and what can be done without.

So, we suggest you take a break from all that wedding planning for a bit and actually look at that long list you have. A few minutes is all it will take to analyze whether you need to do everything that is in there but definitely does this. This well-spent time will help your budget go further.

We have some tips from our wedding planning experts, who have seen enough weddings to precisely tell us what we can do away with, and still have a fantastic wedding day. So, in no particular order, here is the list!

Save-the-date cards

Save-the-date cards are just another expensive piece of stationery, that you can do without. This is very true if you have a short engagement. Your wedding invitation, on the other hand, is a must-have! Almost everyone has an email or social media account these days. So, just send out an email once you finalize your wedding date, and that should be enough for everyone to mark their calendars. In case there are those who don’t operate online, you can inform them with a personal letter or phone call. Or, if there is little time left till the wedding, just send the invitation as soon as is possible. When you think of the postage and printing charges for a bunch of save-the-dates, don’t you think it is worth spending that money on something else?

Guest books

Your guest book may not cost you a significant amount, but when planning your wedding, every bit counts. It will, in the end, just be a book that will be stashed away and hardly remembered. How many of your guests will do much more than just sign their names into it, and what purpose does that really serve anyway? Now if you were opting for a guest book alternative, like a wish well or a wish box, it would be nicer. You could use this in your new home as a wall or mantel display. This will certainly be more enjoyable than a guest book that will be put away with the rest of the wedding stuff you may never touch again.

A fancy cake-cutting set

When you spend a huge amount on a designer wedding cake, do you think it is necessary to get a fancy cutting set to do the honours? This is an item with a one-time use, but it can be pretty expensive. What is more, your caterer may even have one that you can borrow. Or it may be available at the venue if the place hosts weddings regularly. So, check this option out before you go shopping. Or, you can just ask family and friends. If any of your friends have bought a brand new set for their wedding, they may lend it to you for your cake-cutting ceremony.

A big bridal party

There is no right or wrong number of members in your bridal party. If you have plenty of friends and relatives who must be beside you when you say “I do”, so be it. Otherwise, keep the numbers small, and many, including you, will be relieved. It is expensive for you as well as your bridesmaids when they are at a wedding party. The bridesmaids will have to put aside a considerable amount for their dresses, accessories, hair, makeup and wedding gifts. Similarly, the couple will also feel obliged to buy special wedding party gifts and share some of the bridal party expenses. Instead of all this, if you keep your wedding party small and include just those who are essential, you save everyone a lot of trouble. Not only do the potential bridesmaids candidates just have to worry about getting you one wedding gift, but you can also skip the extras like expensive wedding party gifts. And the lesser the number of women, the lesser the drama! Have a Maid of Honor and a bridesmaid, or even two Co-maids of honour and you should be good to go.

Too many details

An elaborate centrepiece with hundreds of intricate details works just as well as a budget-friendly simple and stylish smaller centrepiece. Similarly, party favours wrapped in cellophane, and then packed into a custom bag and topped with a fancy ribbon will do not different than one packed into a small box. And we don’t even have to get started on how expensive and unnecessary fancy linen is. When there are too many details in a wedding, it loses its charm. Your guests will simply get lost in the several things that they may not remember most of it at the end of the day. So, focus on creating only a few signature elements that stand out from the rest. Stay away from the smaller details that don’t contribute to the bigger picture, and you will save yourself a lot of stress. Instead, devote attention to making your wedding day fun and enjoyable, as that is what will be most memorable.

A band

Let’s face it, a band is very expensive. So, unless you are very particular you must have a group of performing artists at your wedding, skip it altogether. A DJ with a playlist of songs that will entertain the guests at your party can make your party just as interesting. Perhaps even more, if you find the right wedding DJ or band. Also, it will mean a lot less to co-ordinate. Or, if you can manage a good quality sound system, you can create your own list of songs on a CD and have it played at the wedding.

A registry

If you know exactly what you want in your new home, or you are particular about not keeping anything more than you actually need, a wedding registry may be a good idea. However, if you aren’t really sure of what you should have, or what you will find useful in future, skip the registry altogether. Trust me on this, creating a registry when you are unsure of things will only confuse you more. You already have so much going on for your wedding, and planning the registry is one tiring detail that you don’t have to add to it. Not having a registry will give your guests the flexibility to figure out something they think will be useful. Don’t you think the surprise of opening up each gift and discovering what they’ve chosen for you will be real fun? And, if you get lucky, your guests may even skip the idea of getting you a gift and give you cash or gift vouchers instead. That doesn’t sound so bad, does it now?

The latest designer wedding gown

Walking down the aisle as a beautiful vision of white is possible, even if you don’t spend a chunk on a brand new designer wedding gown. There are so many economical options that can still help you realize this dream. Choose a gown from the previous season’s collections, and you may get it at a discount. Or visit the clearance sale section of your wedding shop, to find what captures your fancy. You could even rent your gown or buy one second-hand, and nobody has to know. After all, it is a one-time occasion and not a dress you have to wear every day. If you can get what you want for a fraction of the cost of buying a fresh off-the-runway, designer wedding gown, you must be really smart and practical! Don’t worry about compromising on style or look, when you opt for this route. Check out our special offers page on Best for Bride for some fantastic offers that will definitely transform you into the beautiful bride you always dreamed of being, but without the hefty price tag attached to it.

Wedding programs

Another piece of stationery that you can easily skip is wedding programs. It is common practice to hand out wedding programs before the start of the ceremony, and the paper that goes into making it is usually not cheap. However, have you ever noticed where these programs end up after the ceremony? In the trash, of course. So, why should you spend a fortune on getting them printed if they serve no real purpose? I like this idea on The Every Last Detail blog, to use large signage instead, noting the key participants in the ceremony and order of events. Not only will this detail have a huge visual impact, but it can also be done at a fraction of the cost of printing hundreds of wedding programs. Also, it serves the main purpose of providing the information that your guests actually need, and in a no-fuss, but classy way.

Personalized wedding favors

Cute little trinkets, personalized tins, glasses and photo coasters may all be very attractive, but how many of them will actually serve any purpose for your guests? While you may have to spend a fortune on your wedding favors and pay extra for custom details like adding a photograph or message, will it ever be used or even saved for later? The best favors that wedding guests actually use are edible ones. So, if you must have a wedding favor that will please everyone, consider cookies, candy, preserves or chocolates. You can personalize these with a photo wrapper or printed message wrapper if you want that personal touch in there. If you don’t think this is good enough, the next best options are candle holders and potted plants, that can be established into any home easily. Not all your guests may appreciate displaying photo favors with your picture, so save yourself your hard-earned cash and stick with what will actually be useful for them.

A towering tiered cake

Earlier we mentioned that you do not need a fancy cake cutting set, to cut your designer cake. Now we tell you that you do not even need a fancy towering cake to impress your guests. You can do the same with a smaller couture cake, that will be just as spectacular, sans the size. Firstly, this means you can have a gourmet cake done with excellent details, just for the cake cutting ceremony. Sheet cakes done in the same flavor can be served to the guests at their tables. Not only does this minimize wastage, but there are also no compromises on style either. Or, if you are feeling bold enough, skip the cake altogether and choose an alternate dessert. For options, check out this previous post.

A weekend wedding

Sure, you want everyone to be at your wedding! But, if a weekday ceremony saves you a tonne of cash or helps you get your dream venue which is booked for all weekends, so be it. This article on the Huff Post tells us that guests who want to be at your wedding won’t really mind taking a day off work for it. If you plan the event on a Friday, it would also help them kick-start a long weekend. Nobody will be complaining, I am sure!

So, tell us now, which of these things will you be eliminating from your wedding plans? Or, is there something that you have decided to skip, but we have missed in the list. Do let us know in the comments below.

Best for Bride helps prospective brides and grooms find everything they need for a fantastic wedding. From wedding dresses, dresses for the bridal party and essential wedding services, we have everything bridal under one roof. Check out our website today, to find what you seek, and come one step closer to having the perfect wedding day.

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 5 Comments

What you should do before you meet your wedding cake designer

If you are a bride whose dream wedding vision includes a towering, magnificent and spellbinding masterpiece cake, detailed wedding cake plans are on your list of must-do’s!

Your cake designer is a single person who can bring your perfect wedding cake to life. However, she needs your ideas and inputs to execute the plan to perfection. Although she may have her own suggestions and ideas, it may not meet your expectations unless you provide her the blueprint to plan her cake around. This simply means that you cannot start with a blank slate. You need to first do a list of things before you meet with your cake designer and discuss the cake design. Let us take a look at this list now.

Get inspired

Just like with wedding dresses, there is a whole world of fabulous wedding cakes waiting to be discovered. You will find drool-worthy pages and pages on Pinterest, in bridal magazines, on cake websites as well as on our own wedding cake gallery. Your first step to planning your wedding cake is identifying what you want. Begin by setting up a wedding inspiration board (read all about it on our previous post here), and adding pictures to it. If you find interesting pictures in magazines, collect them too. Begin at random, by just dragging any picture that appeals to you onto your inspiration board. Once you have a number of pictures, edit out the ones that do not seem as interesting as they did initially. As you do this, you should see a pattern emerge, and this will help you identify the factor that appeals to you. It could be the color combinations, style, texture, the decoration used, shape, size, or any other factor. Once you recognize what it is, it will be easier to refine your board and eliminate those that do not feature this factor. This will bring you closer to your final idea of how your wedding cake should be.

Research your options

Once you have narrowed down your choices to just those that would be ideal for your cake design, it is time to research and identify what would work. For this, consider the various details about each of the cakes you’ve shortlisted. Some questions to help you in this direction are

what are the ingredients used in the frosting—fondant, buttercream, etc?
What techniques may be involved in making the design?
Is there any special work involved?
How are the special touches done?
Are the accessories you like ready-made or custom-created by the baker?
Why do you think you like a particular detail?
What would be the features you could eliminate if required?

Match it to your wedding

Your wedding cake, as much as it is an entity on its own, still has to belong to the wedding. For this, you should match it to the wedding theme. This would be in terms of colors, features, style, and size. Where cakes are concerned, your options are numerous. You can have a wedding cake with as many layers as you want, without all the tiers actually being “cake.” Or, you can have a couture cake that is impressive and serves for the cake cutting, while the guests are served with sheet cake slices in the same flavor. This brings down the cost, which is a very important factor in making your final cake decisions.

Determine your Budget

The quantity of cake you need depends on the number of guests at your wedding. Before meeting with your cake designer, you should compile information on the guest count, and calculate your cake budget. This will help you decide on the possible options, so you have enough cake for all your guests, while also meeting your expectations. Once you know the maximum you can afford to spend on a cake, it will also put you in a position to shortlist a suitable cake designer who will do the job for you within your set budget. This also gives you a general idea of the little extras that you can afford to have, without eating into other aspects of your wedding.

Consider aesthetic aspects

The main factor that influences your choice for the cake is how it will finally look. Here are the aesthetic factors that you should consider.

Wedding theme: There are different ways in which you can integrate the cake into the wedding theme. This could be using the colors or similar details that are part of your décor.
Wedding colors: A talented and experienced cake designer should be able to create your cake in any color of your choice. She may also be able to suggest colors that work together, or tell you if something you suggest will not look good when executed. While all colors are possible, it is best to remember that appetizing cakes are usually done in light, breezy colors. So, you may like to stick with the lighter colors in your palette, for your cake.
Shape and Size: This article should help you understand the different cake shapes you can have at your wedding. This includes both traditional and contemporary styles, so you know about all the choices you have. If you have a limited budget, remember that simple shapes like round and square cost less, while the topsy-turvy shape or irregular ones will usually cost more. Where the size of the cake is concerned, you can have a huge-tiered cake, with faux tiers in between as a budget-friendly option. Or, if this is one area where you don’t mind splurging, go with the real thing all the way.
Cake accessories and decorations: You can dress your cake up easily, using suitable accessories and decorations. You have plenty of options, including fresh blooms, sugar flowers, plastic figures, and other accessories. Think of what you would like to have on your cake. Would you prefer elaborate embellishments, ready-made cake decorations, or ones made from fondant or sugar?

Taste options—what should you consider?

Just like with the aesthetics, the taste of your cake is equally important. Do this correctly by paying close attention to the following factors.

Shortlist the flavors you like

You will be overwhelmed with the flavor options available. Avoid confusion by shortlisting a few of your favorites, before you even visit your designer. You can then look at these flavors and anything similar that may suit your palette. Once you narrow down your choices, your cake designer can arrange for the chosen flavors at your tasting session. Although you can always go with a bold and unusual choice, remember that if you stick to common flavors, it will most likely be liked by all. Your cake should also be soft, spongy, and moist.

Discuss your filling choices

The overall taste of the cake will depend on the filling that you choose for it. So, decide whether you want something fruity, creamy, or chocolate. You can make this decision based on your personal preferences, or by looking at what is easily available and budget-friendly.

Choose your icing options

The icing will not only determine the finish of the cake, but also the taste. Some bakers specialize in fondant, while others are experts with buttercream. It is best to choose a vendor who has enough experience in working with the medium you prefer, for best results.

Check with your venue for any restrictions

Some venues have restrictions on what you are allowed to serve at your wedding. Some of them require you to use their in-house bakers itself, while others allow you to bring your own cake designer for an additional fee. Considering health and safety requirements, it may be necessary to go with a licensed professional for your wedding day. So, you should check for this factor with the venue manager in advance, before scouting for a vendor.

How will the cake get to the venue?

Getting your cake to the venue without damage is very important. If your cake designer will not be working onsite, you will have to check for the transport arrangements to get the finished cake to your venue. Will your baker arrange for this, or will you have to make transport arrangements yourself. If it has to be transported, the size of the cake will determine whether it will have to be transported in one piece or, if it will be assembled on-site. An experienced baker will normally have the provision to supply your cake to the reception venue. If this isn’t available, and you have to transport it by yourself, make sure you will be able to do it efficiently. Discuss the details about how it has to be transported as soon as you settle on the design.

The flexibility factor

Cakes in magazines and pictures may not always be easy to replicate. Each baker will have a unique style. As creative artists, they will appreciate a certain level of freedom, so they can contribute in their own way. If you are very particular about replicating certain aspects of a cake, make sure that you look for a cake designer who is equipped and experienced in working on that aspect. Moreover, replicating a picture entirely doesn’t make the design your own. So, we suggest you keep your options available to discuss what can be done to make a cake design that is your own. Also, keep the actual logistics in mind when you choose to go for a cake design you pick from a picture. The replication may look different in color, or the details may differ to a certain extent. Your cake designer will give you a correct idea of the extent to which your ideas are practical, and what changes would give you better results. Be open to such suggestions, and it will be a lot easier for both of you.

Create your list of preferred cake designers

Based on reviews, recommendations, and your own research, you should shortlist the vendors who would be good candidates for your job. Make sure you have more than just one option, in case the person you want is booked already, or you aren’t satisfied with what they have to offer when you actually meet. In all cases, it is advised to first start visiting with vendors you like most. So, if you find a cake designer who you like, you can immediately finalize the deal without having to check on any more vendors.

Discuss your plans with your fiance first

Unless your fiance doesn’t really care about how your wedding cake looks, it is necessary to gather his inputs as well, before you come to a final decision. Before you meet a cake designer, discuss the design together and come to an agreement on what you both like. Both of you should be happy with the design, flavor, and other details.

Once you have a clear idea of all the above-mentioned factors, you are ready to visit your cake designer and discuss your ideas. It is much easier for a cake designer to give you what you want when you have a very clear idea of what you would like. Nevertheless, be open to ideas and suggestions, as your cake designer is an experienced professional, and can give you valuable inputs on making the cake that is just perfect for your big day.

For more inputs and great inspiration for your special day, visit our online cake gallery at Best for Bride. Apart from delicious and great looking cakes, we also offer brides many more wedding services. With an impressive inventory of dresses for the wedding party and an exquisite designer wedding dress collection, we are the one-stop destination for everything a bride needs when planning the event of her lifetime. You can also find wedding stationery, wedding favors, décor accessories, and beautiful accessories on our website. Visit us online today, to see what we can do to complete your wedding day.