Since the age of Pinterest, more brides have resorted to doing something “different” for their wedding day. More often than not, the traditional aspects of a wedding such as a fruit cake for a wedding cake, a white wedding dress and getting married in a church instead of the venue’s chapel, has been tossed aside to make way for new ideas.
The History of the White Wedding Dress
By now, most of you might have heard the story before: Prior to the traditional white wedding dress – 1800’s and back – it was considered an elite privilege to have access to white linen. Pure white linen was extremely expensive at that time and only the riches could afford it.
When a bride was to get married, she would wear whatever fancy dress she had.
It wasn’t until 1840 when Princess Victoria married Prince Alfred of Saxe-Coburg. The dress was a stunning victorian style and rounded off with lace. It became so popular, that brides from that time forward only wore white to their weddings.
Fun fact: Queen Victoria was not the first princess to get married in white. In 1559, Mary, Queen of Scots, also wore white when she had wed Francis Dauphin. However, white was the colour of mourning in France at that time, so the trend did not pick up.
Moving Away from the White Wedding Dress
You have probably seen it all on Pinterest or social media: The controversial brides in their non-white wedding dresses. And you will definitely see more of them in the future, too!
There can be many reasons why a bride chooses not to wear a white wedding dress. The most popular reason is because it is not her first marriage. However, it might be the bride’s personality to choose a controversial dress only because she feels like it. And finally, another reason may be in honor of a loved one who passed away. The bride simply chooses the favorite color, pattern or motive, in memory of that person.
The following is a list of options which you can choose from to move away from the great, white wedding dress craze!
Keeping the White Skirt
The whimsical look of a white tulle skirt, paired with a lace top or a blouse, took the world by storm. Even now, in the alternative fashion industry, two-piece dresses are still all the rage. If you are not completely comfortable to move away from a traditional white gown, then this might be a better option for you.
Off-White Options
If you still want the soft, elegant look of a white dress, but you’re not keen on crisp white gowns, maybe you should opt for off-white dresses or pastel colors. The soft tones still gives it that elegant, wedding look and you will still be comfortable knowing that your dress isn’t white.
Going the Opposite Direction
If you’re keen on mixing things up to a whole new level, then you will be glad to know that black wedding dresses are also a thing. The black wedding dress doesn’t need to shout “gothic theme” from the rooftops. It may also be incorporated into a very elegant, Gatsby theme when paired with gold. Check out this post from The Pretty Blog, for more inspiration.
Bright Colors
You can be bold and go for something bright and colorful on your wedding day. Mix it up by using different materials and textures, or go for plain bright colors. The options are endless!
Floral Dresses
It has been a few years already since floral patterns became a trend in interior design and décor. And with that, came the floral wedding dresses. So much so that The Gilded Gown did a feature about many popular designers who jumped onto the flower wagon. Also, see this post from The Wedding Chicks for a more elegant, clean floral look.
Ruffled & OTT
Over The Top (OTT) wedding dresses also became a thing in recent years. This may or may not have been the origin of the wacky series My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding! Who knows… All we can say is, if you want your day to be truly unforgetable, then wear an unforgetable dress.
Author Bio: The Wedding Club is a blog created for brides who want to plan their own weddings, and also for wedding planners who need some guidance in the industry. Follow us on our social media and visit our blog here
Your wedding day is the one occasion when all eyes will be on you, and you do not want to disappoint. It is easy to imagine yourself as a beautiful bride. However, making it a reality is not just as easy. Good looks don’t happen overnight. Skin care and grooming should be an ongoing task to ensure you are in top form on your wedding day.
Despite your skin and hair being in top shape on your wedding day, you may not look as good as you wanted to, if your makeup isn’t done well. In fact, your choice of makeup can make or break your overall look. Hence it is important to pay close attention to how you dress yourself up on your wedding day.
Here is a list of the most common wedding makeup mistakes that brides commonly make. Stay one step ahead of the game by preparing in advance, so these do not prevent you from looking great on the most important day of your life.
1.Not having a specific idea of how your makeup should be on the day
Rather than go with what you think will be good, or leave things to the discretion of your makeup artist, prepare yourself with a specific idea of how you should look on your wedding day. Nail this look at your makeup trial session.
Before you book your makeup artist, have a trial session where you can see exactly how you will look on your wedding day. Look for inspiration in magazines and off the internet, and take these with you to your appointment, as references. This will give your makeup artist a framework to work with. By checking out how this will be during the trial, you can recognize whether it will work, or if it is better to make changes to your idea.
2.Not finding the perfect foundation color
For those of you brides who will be doing your wedding makeup yourself, your wedding day is not the time to open a brand new bottle of foundation. You should ideally have settled on the shade to wear, at least a few weeks in advance.
Wearing foundation that is darker than your skin tone will give you an artificial, painted look, while wearing one that is a shade or two lighter can make you look all dolled up. Neither will be right. Make sure you find the right shade, as this will be the best way to enhance your looks and cover up natural problem areas and have crystal clear skin on the day. If you can’t find your foundation easily, try to mix up foundation colors till you find the right shade. Just remember that your wedding day shouldn’t be the occasion to first try it out. You should have figured out the right proportions to mix, well in advance. Only then will you avoid making a mistake on the day.
3.Not using waterproof makeup, especially eye makeup
Even if you have to spend extra on waterproof makeup, it is worth every penny. Water resistant eye makeup is an absolute essential for your wedding day. Even if you manage to keep your tears at bay, your eye makeup can get ruined quickly and look far from fresh by the end of the day, if it isn’t waterproof. So, buy mascara, eye liner and eye shadow that can withstand your emotional outbursts on this very special day.
If your wedding is in the warmer months, it is a good idea to invest in good quality waterproof makeup not just for your eyes, but for every part of your face. This way, you do not have to worry about the makeup running when you sweat, and you can retain your freshly made up look all through the evening.
4.Overly blushing bride
Excess use of blush will ruin your wedding day pictures. You may want to stand out from the rest of the crowd, but don’t let it be at the cost of looking too pink. Apply blush only to the apples of your cheeks and blend, blend, blend till they look like they are part of your facial features. Also, it is best to go light with color. Overly pink shades can be an eyesore and look excessively pronounced in your wedding pictures. So, stick to shades that you have used before.
If you use bronzer, blend it into the blush, so it doesn’t stand out distinctly. Make sure that you already have tried it out and made sure that the shade works, and you aren’t experimenting with it on the day of the event.
5. Looking very unnatural
Your wedding day is the right occasion to dress up your best, but this doesn’t mean you should end up looking like someone else altogether. We believe that the best looking brides are those who look like prettier versions of themselves, through the right application of makeup. So, aim for this. Stick with colors that just accentuate your features and add more definition to your natural look. Don’t use unnatural tints, unless absolutely necessary.
Cat eyes and smoky makeup, emerald eye shadow and glitter on your cheek may be fine, but make sure you try it out before the day, to make sure that it looks good and that you can comfortably carry it off. Also remember that smoky eye makeup often doesn’t look too great in photographs. Your photos could end up looking odd with shadows around the eyes, so check the chances of this happening. Tans, browns, natural pinks, cream and taupe are shades that look good in almost every setting. So, focus on this palette, instead of reds, purples and oranges. If you must wear that bright red lipstick on your wedding day, balance it out by keeping the rest of your makeup simple. Too many colorful details can look loud, and you may end up looking overly dressed and unattractive.
6. Overdoing your eye makeup
We just mentioned how smoky eye make up may not be such a great idea for your wedding day. It can easily spread and doesn’t show up as well in photographs. Although the eyes are very important to enhancing your overall wedding day look, do it sensibly so it doesn’t look overly dramatic.
This article on the Huff Post suggests using black only in the mascara, for your eye makeup. Keep the rest of the colors soft, and it will look a lot better. We recommend cream makeup, since it lasts longer and is easier to apply. Powder is fine when applied, but it doesn’t stay as long. Another important factor is to consider the color of your eyes when deciding on your eye makeup. The colors you choose should subtly enhance the natural beauty of your eye color. If you will be using false eyelashes, do not add more than is required, as it can look a little crazy. When filling in your brows, do so with eye shadow that matches the color on your upper eyelid. Follow the natural curve of the brow for the best results.
7.Let the skin glow through
Many brides make the mistake of piling on too much makeup that they end up blocking the natural look of the skin. Use only as much makeup as is necessary, and go easy with the foundation, blush and base makeup. If you have naturally good skin, airbrushing is a good option. This allows your skin to shine through and nothing looks as good as healthy and naturally glowing skin.
Thick layers of makeup also tend to look cakey, and can make you look older in photos. It is essential to balance it all out, and stay with what feels comfortable and doesn’t look too much. Add concealer only where absolutely necessary, and use the foundation appropriately to cover up any flaws. Don’t create a mask over your natural skin. This will look lifeless. Trust your natural beauty to shine through, and use makeup only to enhance it where necessary. You will look lovely and dewy when you do this.
8.Overdoing the lips
When the rest of your makeup is complete, you may feel that your lips look washed out and pale, and you must color it well to make it blend in. Don’t do too much painting, or you will regret it. Just apply the necessary layer of lipstick, don’t be too generous with it. Exfoliate your lips before you apply lipstick, so it looks soft and the lipstick sticks for much longer.
If your lipstick is naturally glossy, or bright, it may be good if you skip the gloss. Too much shine can cause your lips to lose definition, will make it look flat and your lipstick may even spread. Lip stain is always better than lipstick, as it lasts longer. The other problem with lip gloss is that it will come in the way of your kiss and your groom will end up with a matching lip color, which we don’t think could possibly look good!
9.Getting the tan wrong
A healthy tan looks great on a bride, but overdoing it, or using fake tan lotions can ruin the chances of looking good. Some fake tans look good in person, but end up giving an orange look in pictures . When going for tan sessions, we suggest that you do it well in advance. This will save you from any disastrous problems closer to your wedding day.
One likely problem is your skin ending up with streaks from a previous tanning session. You can avoid this problem if you build up your tan over a series of session, instead of in a single intense session closer to the wedding day. This will also prevent you from going overboard with the tan.
10.Not setting the makeup with powder or allowing it time to set
The last step when you apply makeup, should be applying a loose layer of translucent powder over your makeup. Alternately, you can also use a makeup up setting spray. These are the right ways to make sure your makeup stays. If you skip this step, you will find that your makeup fades as time passes, and you will end up looking tired and with soggy makeup by the end of the day.
However, don’t use too much powder to set your lipstick, as this will cause it to fade faster. Instead layer your lipstick with lip stain and line it to keep your lips defined throughout the day. Long-lasting lipstick is a good choice. Also, aim to finish your makeup on schedule, as it takes time for it to settle. If not, you will be caught with it smearing with the smallest move, and repairing it will not be too easy.
That wraps up the list of the different makeup mistakes that can happen, and how you can either avoid them or fix them.
Your wedding day is one of the most special days in your life, and looking perfect is absolutely necessary to remember this day fondly. Although you may be tempted to do all your can to look as great as possible,
Find all that you need to look as amazing as is possible, at the Best for Bride stores. Catering to the bridal community, we bring you everything from wedding dresses, to jewelry, veils, tiaras, shoes and even bouquets. Additionally, we also have a rich collection of dresses for the rest of the bridal party. Shopping at Best for Bride is a breeze. Whether you choose to buy your dresses online or visit us in shop, we guarantee you a memorable and fun-filled experience. So, what are you waiting for? Check out our website, and fix your appointment right away.
Shopping for your daughter’s wedding is very exciting. In fact, your daughter’s wedding is an occasion that gives you the opportunity to relive the excitement of shopping for your own wedding dress. This occasion is in fact more fun, since there are fewer rules, but more options. Although you may no longer be 20 years old, you are still fabulous and deserve to look your best on your daughter’s special day.
Nevertheless, there are certain factors to keep in mind when you buy your MOB dress. Let us look at what they are.
Every wedding has a color scheme and style. Be considerate and find a dress that works with the colors and the formality of the wedding your daughter has planned.
Look glamorous, but don’t upstage the bride with your dress choice. Make sure that your look won’t compete with that of the bride.
Although the above rule holds, this doesn’t mean you should dress down for your daughter’s wedding. Dress smart by making a choice that flatters your body type and makes you feel beautiful.
Make sure your dress works well with the wedding setting. It should be suitable for the weather at the time of the wedding, convenient to move around in and appropriate if there is a religious or cultural dress code for the event.
Now, let’s move to the interesting part—Fashionable dress styles to choose from for your daughter’s wedding.
Every season shines the spotlight on new and evolving trends. Shopping isn’t the same when we cross 50, as our body starts to display signs of ageing. Nonetheless, there are plenty of stunning choices for women your age. All you have to do is keep an open mind. You are bound to find one that ticks all the boxes. Dresses for mature women are just as interesting as those for young ladies. The secret is to find a style that flatters your body type and is fashionable too.
So, first identify your body type. This will help you recognize dress styles that are sure to flatter you. This detailed guide on the 40 Plus Style website provides all the information you need. Check it out!
Then take a look at our list of fashionable and flattering dress styles available for mothers of brides. You are sure to find a hot and happening style that perfectly matches your vision here.
Dresses with sleeves
Most of us are reluctant to show off our upper arms, as these often show the signs of ageing. If this problem affects you, we suggest that you choose a gown with half or 3/4th length sleeves that covers up this area. You can further shift focus to another area of your body with a suitable design. We suggest a dress with a dramatic neckline or skirt to show off assets you are proud of. Remember that dresses with sleeves need another wow factor, to look beautiful. So, make sure your dress isn’t drab by choosing one with a statement style element that compensates for the long sleeves.
Fit and flare silhouette
This is a universally flattering silhouette, as the fit and flare suits almost every body type. While simple, it has an elegant finish and can be adapted to any dress length. The silhouette shows off the natural waistline and has a skirt which flows away from the body. This makes it ideal for camouflaging thin or thick hips. Find a fit and flare dress of the length that enhances your body structure. Consider adding an accessory like a belt or sash, if you want to draw attention to your waistline. Choose short dresses if the wedding has an informal tone. Long fit and flare gowns are stunning and the perfect choice for black tie weddings.
Separates
This versatile dress style is comfortable and perfectly suited for events in the summer. There is an undeniable sophistication and maturity to this dress style. Hence, it suits older women. Mix and match pieces, or go for a set that flatters you with its colors and details. It is a good idea to choose separates with textures that differ in the upper and lower halves to make it more interesting. With the mix-and-match option, you can easily pick pieces that blend with the theme and also reflect your personal style. Peplum tops are also a fantastic choice that you can pair with pencil skirts or trumpet skirts for a stylish finish.
Draped dress style
The draped style as a trendy introduction to the fashion scene continues to be very popular. Your dress can feature draping in any area. It could be at the neckline, at the waistline or even in the skirt. The best part of this style element is that it instantly highlights the said area. As a result, it can be used to distract from a less attractive area. The draping can be tight and neat, for a formal look. Choose a looser drape for a less formal setting. With such a dress style, it is best to avoid other embellishments in the rest of the dress, or you may end up with a cluttered look.
Column or sheath dress
This silhouette is one of the most flattering for mature women. It has a simple, streamlined look and extends to full-length or features a shorter hemline. The sheath flows naturally, embracing natural curves. The benefit of this style is that it creates the illusion of curves, even while emphasizing a naturally curvy figure. This is a great dress style if you have a straight body structure, since it adds more curves than you actually have. Sheaths are available with lace details, in satin or chiffon and other breathable fabric. The simple style makes it perfect to pair with statement accessories and jewelry for an elegant look.
Lace dress
Another classic that keeps reinventing itself, the lace dress is a safe bet for the bride’s mother. These come in a stunning range of options in fabric, design and style. Nonetheless, lace has a timeless charm that makes it an unbeatable choice. Either go with an all-over lace dress or choose one with smaller, scattered lace details. For a modern twist, opt for laser-cut lace or 3-dimensional lace details that make it more attractive than traditional lace designs. So, if you want to look your charming, feminine self at your daughter’s wedding, lace it is!
Color blocking
This style allows camouflage of less desirable assets, while accentuating the areas of your body you love. Color blocking can be done vertically, horizontally, or even in geometric or alternating patterns. The style you choose will determine the overall effect you achieve with it. It works on both tall and short women, and you have options in both long and short dresses. Make your color choice wisely, since this will decide the overall effect. Colors close to each other on the wheel have a slimming effect, while contrasting colors have a more dramatic effect.
Empire waistline
This is the perfect style to hide bulges in the waist and stomach area. The empire waistline rests above the natural waistline, with a bodice that cuts just below the bust. Most dresses with this feature have layered voluminous skirts that entirely hide the waist and hips. It creates a statement look, and is just right for a formal effect. Dresses that come with long, flowy fabric skirts are also suitable for outdoor weddings in garden settings or even the beach. The style shifts attention to the neckline and bust, adding more dimension to this area. So, it is a style to consider if you are naturally small-busted.
Bold prints
Best-suited for fun and casual themes, bold prints instantly uplift and make a dress look cheerful. So, let this be your go-to dress style if your daughter has a casual-theme wedding. Choose from geometric prints, stripes, florals or classic designs to find one that matches the theme. With bold prints, you do not need many accessories to complete your look. In fact, we suggest you keep the accessories to a minimum, so it doesn’t look too busy. Just a pair of statement earrings, or a pretty clutch should be sufficient to complete your look.
Rocking red
Red is a color that immediately steals the show, and hence one you should consider wearing. It has a cheerful, energetic vibe that will help you look ultra-stylish. So, choose a shade of red that matches your complexion, and you do not need more to be noticed. Red dresses, whether short or long, are equally attractive. Take care that the cut and fit flatter your natural shape and the silhouette fits snugly along your natural curves. Keep the jewelry and accessories simple, as the color speaks for itself. If you aren’t too sure of wearing the brighter shades of red, settle for maroon or wine red for a subtle effect. You may also want to make sure that the red you choose will go well with the colors in the wedding theme, before you commit to it.
Pastel and neutral combination
Here is another combination that will turn heads your way. Most neutrals combine beautifully with pastel shades to add elegance and sophistication to an outfit. These are age-appropriate combinations that also give you plenty of accessory options. Pair it with a printed clutch, glitzy earrings or a statement necklace and shoes to be a glamorous mother of the bride. The combination goes well with pearl jewelry, and it also works with silver, gold or platinum finishes.
Embellished neckline on long dark silhouette
If there is one detail you should nail when choosing your outfit, it is the neckline. Most women over 50 prefer to avoid deep, low-cut necklines that draw attention to their chest and jaws. So, pick a dress with a high neckline, like a halter or scoop with embellishments in the area. The benefit of this style is that it is simple yet stylish. Embellishments like embroidery, sequins or even crystal and rhinestone details look beautiful against dark colors in the rest of the dress. When such details appear on a full-length gown, adjusting the rest of your look for the formal occasion is easy. You can also find plenty of shorter dresses in our collection with details confined to the neckline alone. These are better suited for semi-formal and casual wedding themes.
Now, tell us which of these styles do you like most?
Do you prefer the glamorous, deep dark colours or classic lace and prints that will never go out of style? Take your time to decide. For it isn’t every day that your daughter gets married. So, plan your look carefully for this special once-in-a-lifetime occasion and make sure everyone remembers how happy and beautiful you looked on this day.
All the dresses featured here are from our Mother-of-the-bride collection at Best for Bride. They are available in a range of sizes and some of the dresses are available in color variants. We suggest you look at the Mother of the bride dress collection here for more details on these dresses. You can also see the rest of our collection here.
In a previous post, we discussed how patterns like the polka dot can quickly and effectively liven up any wedding scene. Whether patterns form the central wedding theme, or are used as an accent to the main colors, they are a pleasant addition. Some patterns like stripes can be used everywhere, from the wedding cake to the bridesmaids dresses and rest of the décor.
Stripes are an interesting update to any wedding color scheme. When it is done in moderation, this pattern has the ability to add sophistication and make a color combination more attractive. Depending on the colors and width of stripes that are chosen, stripes can make a scene look more serious, casual or contemporary. Small pin stripes and big bold colored stripes have a casual feel, while softly colored stripes have a stylish effect. Hence it is a pattern to consider using at your wedding.
Check out our top ten ideas here, on how you can add this interesting detail into your wedding.
