The Best Bridal Store - Your source for everything you want to know about weddings - Page 207 of 417

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 4 Comments

6 helpful things to know before you start wedding planning

Now that you are newly engaged and finished celebrating your engagement party with your dear folks, are you all set to dive into wedding planning? Just wait a second! There are certain things that you should be aware of, before you start wedding planning. These will help you save a lot of money, as well as make your planning process a lot easier.

Today, let us take a look at a handful of helpful tips to use when planning your wedding. Trust us, it will save you a lot of confusion and regrets later. And, here they are!

1.Booking the venue—what to remember

While factors like matching your wedding theme, the ease of reaching the location and number of people it can accommodate are all relevant factors, there are some things to remember, if you are on a budget. They are:

Peak wedding months are expensive: June to August is peak wedding season, and everything is at a premium cost during this time. Consider getting married earlier in the year, when winter is no longer as severe, and spring is just about to arrive. Or, you can consider early fall for your wedding, as venues often slash their prices this time of the year.

Don’t hesitate to ask for a discount: Don’t assume that the price you receive on your venue is final! Even if it is just falls within your budget, don’t quickly jump at the quote and book the venue right away. Negotiate with the venue manager and find out if there is any possibility of getting it at a lower price. If you are lucky, you may get yourself a better bargain.

Look at alternatives, before visiting your preferred location: This helps in two ways. First, you will know which option you will consider, should your first choice not work out. Secondly, it allows you to know what else is on offer, and make a wise decision based on it. As with anything wedding related, it is a good idea to research and explore your choices before you settle down with what you actually choose for the wedding.

2.Wedding planner—what are the options

Booking a wedding planner will make your wedding planning a lot easier. However, you should know that there are different options, and depending on what you choose, the service you receive and the price you pay will be different. So, let us take a look at what are your options.

Event planners: This is the whole package, where the planner will be involved in every aspect of planning your wedding. They will literally do your job for you, and will be responsible for executing everything at your wedding and making sure there are no hassles on the day. Event planners are quite expensive, as they will be working on your wedding for several months and you have to compensate them for their time and effort.

Part-time planners: This is where you do not outsource the entire wedding planning process, but only selected aspects that you aren’t able to handle yourself. This is more budget-friendly, as you can delegate the tasks that you do not have the time for, and pay only for it. Since you will be doing the greater share of the work, you will find it much cheaper than booking an event planner. If you are naturally organized and want to personally oversee your wedding details, this may be the right option for you.

Day-of coordinator: Even if you are handling everything about your wedding yourself, a day-of coordinator should definitely be considered. This is because you do not want to worry yourself with last-minute details on your wedding day. If you want a stress-free wedding day, a day-of coordinator can take charge of managing the various factors on that day. They will see that everything progresses smoothly and as per plan, leaving you to enjoy your wedding as you should.

Once you choose which of these services meets your needs best, again discuss the charges with the people you consider for the job. Compare the rates for an all-inclusive package with one for customized services, and choose the one that is best for your budget and needs.

3.Before paying for Wedding Entertainment

Choosing between a DJ and a band can be really confusing. You may be under the general impression that a DJ costs much lesser than a band. However, it can be quite expensive to book a good DJ who can actually make your party come alive. There are ways in which you can get a reasonable quote for a band too, and here are some tips for that.

Look for experienced student groups: If there is a music school in your area, you may be in luck. Student groups are usually energetic, exciting and just as efficient as a trained band in creating a lively party atmosphere. The bonus is that they cost much less. So, if you are up for the risk, look around for such a band.

Ask for the breakup charges: Instead of just being shocked by the overall quote from a band, ask them for the breakup costs. If it includes transportation, see if you can arrange a cheaper alternative and save some cash that way. Also, look at the list of musicians and ask if you can downsize to just those who you actually need.

4.Before you go wedding shopping

Wedding dresses are crucial to transforming you into a splendid bride, however they can be quite pricey. Before you step into the shop, do your research and know your options. Here are some ways to make the most of your wedding dress budget.

Consider more than one style: If you keep your options open, it is easier to find a dress that falls within budget. Do your research ahead of time, and identify which styles will look good on you. Then look at dresses in these styles and choose the one that you are satisfied with, both in look and in price.

Look at the clearance and sale section: Many bridal shops like Best for Bride, will always have dresses on discounts and on sale. Before you look at the latest collection, it may be a good idea to see what is available in the sale section. You may find a dress that is quite similar to what you love in the current collection, at a fraction of a price.

Wait for trunk shows: Trunk shows are a bride’s dream-come-true, especially if you are in a standard 8-12 size group. These shows allow you to find the dress of your dreams at a reduced cost. If you are engaged for a year or more, it is likely that you will come across at least one trunk show during this time. So, call up the boutiques in the area and find out whether they have one scheduled in the near future. Put off your wedding shopping session till after wards, so you can take a chance and hope to find your wedding dress at the trunk show.

Save on alterations: When you fix your wedding dress budget, you also have to account for the alteration charges for the dress. It is highly unlikely that you will perfectly fit into a dress you find off-the-rack. So, you will have to pay extra to alter it to fit you. However, you will have to pay less on alterations if you take care of the following factors

find a dress that is closest to your actual size, neither too big nor too small
not make expensive custom changes, like altering the neckline or design feature as any amount of rework will cost more money

Rent your dress: If you really want to make the most of your wedding dress budget, consider renting the dress instead of buying it. At shops like Best for Bride, the rental section has ample choices in different sizes. You can rent the dress along with the accessories for a fraction of the original cost, and not worry about boxing or caring for the dress afterwards and put the money to some other use. Alternately, you can also scour the internet for unused dresses on sales, that usually are a great bargain as they are brand new, but not as expensive as a fresh piece in a shop.

5.Before you take any pictures

Wedding photography is an essential for every wedding, and you can choose from different types and packages based on your preferences and budget. Before you even set out to look for a photographer, consider how you want your wedding photographs to be captured. The different types of wedding photography include:

Traditional: The classic portrait style photographs with group pictures in specified poses.

Casual: Candid photography, where the photographer captures casual and original moments of the day, and shoots from unconventional angles. The photographer aims to recreate the memories of the day, by capturing the wedding with the most relevant and unique pictures that characterize the wedding.

A mix of the two: Here, the photographer uses both casual and posed portraits to completely cover the wedding.

Art-style: Here the focus is on creating one-of-a-kind photographs that transcend into the realm of art. It is anything but traditional.

Depending on your personal taste, you can decide upon the type of photography to have at your wedding, and then find photographers who work with the style you choose. Some tips to help you, before you start shortlisting photographers are as follows.

Compare packages and custom deals: You may not always require all that is included in a photographer’s package. If this is the case, ask if you can have a custom quote based on what you require. This is also useful if you need an extra service from what is included in a package deal.

Discuss how many hours you will need the photographer to cover your wedding: Before you meet with a photographer, be clear on how much time you will need his services for. You must make sure that he will be available for the important events both at the start and the end of the day. If he charges overtime rates for staying beyond certain number of hours, and in case your wedding goes on for longer than anticipated, make sure you know in advance.

6.The food factor

There are many factors that decide the food expenses you will have to incur. Factors to consider when choosing your caterer are as follows.

Choice of menu: Remember that gourmet meals will cost more than standard meals. So, let the choice of cuisine be one of the guiding factors in determining your food budget. The overall presentation and whether the dishes have to be created fresh on-site or can be prepared in advance will also decide the catering cost.

Buffet or plated-style: Buffets and plated meals, both have their own pros and cons. The sensible and budget-friendly option is to have a mix of both styles. This means you can use shared platters for the main meal, while individual portions are served as starters. This will minimize wastage and maximize the value for money.

This brings us to the end of the various factors that will prevent a headache for you, later. Do your research and plan the possible workable options for each of these choices, and you will be able to work it out very easily.

Best for Bride is a wedding shop that brings you the latest and trendiest in wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses and attire for the wedding party. We also have invitations, wedding favors and services like wedding cakes, décor arrangements and florists. Visit our online bridal shop to learn more about all our services, and also find out about the latest offers, discounts and sales we have. Experience the best of bridal shopping with our seasoned bridal consultants who will assist you in finding the dream gown for your big day. For a fun-filled and enjoyable experience, contact us today and book your appointment.

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 4 Comments

Show Your Gratitude: Unique Ways to Make Your Bridesmaids Feel Incredibly Valued!

How To Be a Bridesmaid in a Wedding Party: The General Expectations of a Key Member of the Bridal Party

Written by Nicole Rosen of Bliss Wedding Design & Spectacular Events
Edited by Jeannine Bourque of Bliss Wedding Design & Spectacular Events
http://blissmaui.com/

Just as every gal needs her gal pals, every bride needs her Bride Tribe. Your friends have been by your side and through it all with you, possibly even before the man of your dreams ever entered your life. They are an important part of your past, present, and future — so make sure they know just how much you love and appreciate them. What better way to show your besties how important they are to you than by asking them to be by your side as you plan and celebrate your wedding? Here are some ways to go above and beyond in order to show your bridesmaids just how special they are to you.

Before Your Wedding:

First, you must ask her if she will be your bridesmaid. If your gal pals all live close enough, having them over for a surprise bridal party is a fun way to pop the big question. It can be as casual or Pinterest-worthy as you want it to be, the important thing is that they are all there and able to get excited along with you. Especially if some of your bridesmaids don’t know each other, this is the perfect opportunity for everyone to bond over their shared interest, YOU and your wedding! So buy balloons, cute cards and gifts, then pop the champagne and pop the question!

If your ladies live too far away for a get-together, sending a care package is a sweet way to ask for her hand in bridesmaid. A thoughtfully written card outlining how you met and why she is important to you will mean a lot to her. You can even throw in a few blast-from-the-past photos of you two together to really yank on those nostalgic heartstrings. We know you still have hilarious photos from when you dressed up like roller derby girls for Halloween or from that fantastic trip to Palm Springs, so this is a great time to dig up those memories.

For gift ideas, Etsy has adorable glasses that you can have custom made, so your bridesmaids can spend the next several months leading up to your wedding sipping from a personalized “Bride Tribe” glass while planning on ways to make your day extra special. In addition, supplying your bridesmaids with nail polish they can wear on the big day or jewelry that will go with their dresses are fun ways to get them excited about your wedding day.

During your planning process, make sure to keep her in the loop. Asking for your bridesmaids’ opinions on your dress, the color palette, florals, and other important details will be both helpful to you and a great way to make her feel included. These are your best friends, after all, their opinions are gold!

As for their bridesmaid look, getting their input will make them feel important. Allow their own personalities to shine on the big day and eliminate some of the bridal pressure of decision making. Let’s be honest, when you are planning your wedding, there are a million different decisions to be made, and just as many options, so allowing your bridesmaids to help decide on their dresses, jewelry and/or hairstyle will allow you to check one more thing off of that long and exciting list. Furthermore, by allowing your bridesmaids to have input on their wedding attire, you will be making sure that they feel comfortable and attractive, and nothing is more beautiful than happiness and confidence. For example, you could decide on a color for the bridesmaids’ dresses and let each girl pick her own style of dress. However you decide to incorporate your bridesmaids’ opinions, really listen to them and make sure they all feel self-confident in the decision.

During Your Wedding:

Things can get a bit hectic on the wedding day, so don’t forget to celebrate! Make sure to schedule enough time to primp and prep before your guests arrive. If you and your Bride Tribe decide to have a slumber party the night before the big day, the celebrations can start even sooner! A bottle of bubbly, mani/pedis, Vitamin-C-infused face masks for glowing skin, and fan-favorite chick-flicks are just a few basic ingredients that will guarantee a great night with the gals.

If you opted for the slumber party idea (we highly recommend it, after all, this is the last night before you are a married woman) then a breakfast spread for you and your girls is a must the morning of. With the jam-packed wedding-day schedule starting with hair and makeup and ending with late-night dancing, it is important to fuel up with energy and antioxidant-rich foods like berries, yogurt, green smoothies and savoury breakfast dishes. Skip the high sugary foods like donuts, pancakes and pastries to avoid an early sugar-crash or accidental hangry backlash. After you eat (you will be thanking us later) it is time to get ready. One of our favorite additions to any wedding prep soiree are matching robes. Having everyone wear getting-ready robes is so festive and fashionable and the photographs always turn out adorable.

The morning of is a great opportunity to gift your Bride Tribe. Whether you give them a personalized thank you card, jewelry, a cute hangover kit, or matching yet personalized sunglasses (which are perfect for an outdoor summer wedding), your bridesmaids will love the sentiment.

After Your Wedding:

After the celebrations, thank them again for all their hard work and support during your wedding journey. A framed photo or photo album of your bridal party, bachelorette, and wedding shenanigans will be treasured for days. If you really want to turn up the wow factor, you can plan a spa-inspired post-wedding party. Pamper yourselves at a local spa (our favourite spa for a luxurious bridal soiree here on Maui is Spa Grande at The Grand Wailea Resort) or create a DIY spa at your house. Set up the slide projector and stream photos from your wedding journey, pour yourselves a few drinks, reminisce and relax. Because honestly, after the “I dos” you may not be quite ready to stop celebrating! And why should you stop? They are your bridesmaids and besties for life, so as far as we’re concerned, you never should stop celebrating your friendships!

About Author:

Magic happens where love and Hawaii meet. Drawing on decades of experience, Bliss plans unforgettable events on Maui and throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Our full-service event planning and design services keep your vision and peace of mind at the top of the priority list. From the first time we meet to your island farewell, we are ready to surround you with the spirit of Aloha and a feeling of pure bliss. We believe in treating every couple like family, and we would love to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you and your guests. You found your love. Now let us help you find your Bliss.

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 3 Comments

13 ideas for a green wedding palette

Nature’s own neutral—green, is a beautiful color that soothes and refreshes. Although it is not one of the immediate choices for many couples when they plan their wedding palette, it is a color that can create any effect you desire. Ranging from soft and romantic, to bold and overpowering, green is a color that lends itself to any design in your mind.

Not sure it will work? Just take a look at Mother Nature! There is no color that you can’t find in nature. Doesn’t green add the beautiful background that accentuates all these colors, whatever they are?

Apart from the aesthetics, there is another reason we love green as the main wedding color. It is for what this versatile hue is linked to. Green is the color of life, freshness, growth, harmony and peace. All these virtues are relevant for a happily married life, making it all the more meaningful to include this color in your wedding. It is also the color that is easiest on the eye, and when chosen well, it can make your wedding a stunning masterpiece.

Here are thirteen ideas that you should definitely consider for inspiring your green-color wedding palette.

1.Invitations

Begin your wedding planning by choosing a refreshing green invitation card for your big day. Featured here is a Now and Forever wedding invitation from the Best for Bride wedding invitation collection. The pretty combination of silver with green shimmer, makes it an elegant and attractive card. The bright green bow adds a pop of color to the muted background in the remainder of the card, and inside is a monochromatic green card with black lettering. It is a simple, but stylish choice that will offer your guests a hint of the color that will be in focus on your wedding day.

2.Wedding Cake

The Wedding Cake — Image Credits: Tony Alter, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Isn’t this green cake simply embellished with a scattering of white floral details, delightful? Not only does it look delicious, it forms a pretty picture without too much clutter. The beauty of green is that it allows you to create a simple, but attractive design with a minimum amount of extra elements on it. Soft and unobtrusive, a cake such as this, will be a delightful addition to your reception. As for the flavors, pistachio is the first and most interesting choice that will be perfect for your wedding cake.

3.More green desserts

You do not always have to color your dessert totally green, to have it blend into your wedding palette. You can accomplish the same with the accessories and other essentials that come with the cake. Take this dessert idea for example. Here are some simple, but adorable cupcakes with a smooth layer of frosting. These have been packed into olive green cupcake cases, that form a beautiful combination with the crumb color and the white frosting. Unlike other heavy and luxurious desserts, these cupcakes look appetizing and are easy to enjoy. So, if you are looking for simple dishes to pep up your wedding dessert buffet, that are both budget-friendly and attractive, here is the right idea.

4.Mostly green bouquet While an entirely green bouquet can be fashioned out of leaves and green colors like the cymbidium orchid and chrysanthemum, we prefer the highlighting of green with the right amount of mixing with a lighter color. In this beautiful bouquet, the richness of green is enhanced by the presence of peach and soft pink, with a scattering of white daisies. The green colors in the bouquet are all in a single shade, and this accentuates the effect of the color. The few red berries in the design make it further attractive, as red is a color that compliments green beautifully.

5.Silk green tie

Image Credit: Emilie Rhaupp, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0,

Why not consider choosing a lime green silk tie with tiny polka dots or a similar design for your groom? While a darker shade of green would add a more refined and formal look, a light green tie would easily make it casual and fun. So, consider this accessory for the bridegroom, and there couldn’t be a better way of adding green to his outfit. Now, if you want to add more green to your groom’s look, without making it too overwhelming, you can ask him to wear green socks and it will be that little detail that nobody is going to really notice. And, what about the bride? We’ll look at it next.

6.Dramatic green wedding shoes

A green wedding gown may be stretching it too far. However, you can still have a stylish dose of green in your wedding by choosing a beautiful pair of green wedding shoes. And, we simply love the drama of a colored wedding shoe that pops in and out of sight, during all the dancing at the reception. Here is a pair of brilliant green wedding shoes that a bride custom purchased off Etsy, to go with her emerald engagement ring. At this Las Vegas theme wedding, the accessories were all green, and we think that this shoe is just right for it.

7.Dark green bridesmaids dresses

Green and white make a splendid combination, and this is what you can accomplish by choosing green bridesmaids dresses. You have plenty of shades to choose from, ranging from soft lime green to deep, velvety green and the jewel toned emerald green. For an iridescent effect, green with blue tones are perfect. Not only do they look festive, they are also really dressy.

This bridesmaid dress is the 6731 from the After Six dress collection. The pleated pattern and lightly shirred skirt are beautifully complemented by the overlay bodice. It is trendy, and the loose drape makes it suitable for both young girls and older bridesmaids.

8.Light green bridesmaid dresses

When your palette focuses on lighter or muted shades of green, bridesmaid dresses in mint green or lime green may be good choices. The Alfred Angelo 7378S is an exquisite dress with a strapless bodice and cocktail length skirt. The chiffon bodice drapes over a beautiful lace layer that adds an exquisite touch to the gown. This causes the bodice and the skirt to have entirely different textures, and the effect is simply stunning. Perfect for a casual outdoor wedding, a beach wedding or even a semi-formal wedding, this is a dress your bridesmaids are bound to love.

9.Green beverages and drinks

Chilled water with slices of cucumber floating in it, make the perfect spa refreshment. This is just perfect for a summer wedding, and you will be surprised at the number of guests who will queue up to enjoy this seemingly uncomplicated drink. Gimlets like cucumber gin, fresh lime, mint-flavored drinks and mojitos are also great choices for a wedding in a green color palette. You will be astonished at the wonderful effect a handful of leaves can add to your bar, so don’t hesitate to add them into your decor. Garnishes like olives and green chillies are also suitable for adding a pop of green to your beverage display.

10.Bright table décor

Rather than use a green table runner and place green décor items in clear jars, this couple chose to enhance the effect of green with white flowers in green mason jars and tea light candles in green glass holders. The effect is unusually interesting. The scattering of green confetti on the tables adds an extra charm. What we love most about this setting is that the elements used are budget-friendly and simple, but the impact is strong.

11.Simple green and white china for the food service

For the food service, white china with green rims will be the perfect choice. Since the serving dishes are white, the food will not lack its appetizing colors. All the same, you can easily bring in the green color subtly and make sure it is noticeable, with a choice like this.

12.Green colored food

Not everyone may be super-excited about a menu with plenty of green. After all green vegetables are notorious as health food that is usually unappetizing. When planning your wedding menu, the trick is to not focus on the green. Instead, use it as an accent color in the garnish. Make the food appetizing with other colors like orange, purple and yellow, instead of white. This will make the plate pop with a variety of colors, and instantly look more appealing. The presentation of the dish can also be adapted to make it look attractive. The other option is to balance out the green in the dish with green colored china.

13.Green wedding favors

Gifting wedding favors is customary. So, how do you make it match the color theme of your party? With green as your color, you will have no dearth of options. From potted plants to candle holders, there are ample options for you to consider. These miniature garden shovels with green handles, are from our wedding favors collection and are a great wedding favor for outdoor garden weddings. Whether you use it as a decorative accessory, or gift it with a seed packet to your guests, it makes a unique and practical wedding favor.

Hope the ideas here have inspired you to think creatively and plan your green wedding. To help you a little more, we will also take a look at the various colors that form a befitting combination with green. Whether they are used in equal doses or in varying proportions, these are the colors that will give you a striking impact when combined with green.

Combinations that work with green

Green is a color with a personality by itself. Nevertheless, the beauty of green can be further enhanced by adding colors that complement it. One combination that we are all familiar with is green and red. But this reminds us of a Christmas scene, and so it may not be a great idea to use. There are many other colors that yield beautiful combinations with green. These are colors that are either neutrals or those that come on the opposite side of the color spectrum as green. They include the following.

- - - Dark green and light pink or peach

Moustaches are epic. — Image Credits:Shimelle Laine, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

- - Green and white

0824: bridesmaid — Image Credits: Emilie Rhaupp, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

- Green and brown

- Lime green and orange

wedding bliss — Image Credits: EvelynGiggles, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Green and yellow

A point to remember when mixing colors is that you should balance out the colors in equal combinations of light and dark. You should also be liberal with the addition of details in neutrals, when the green you choose is of a bold shade.While green can be tried and tested with various other colors, the ones mentioned here are classic combinations that simply cannot go wrong. It is a good idea to create an inspiration board and compile pictures of the various combinations that you find interesting,and build your palette from there.

For more wedding planning inspiration, and ideas to plan your wedding, keep visiting us here. Choose Best for Bride as your wedding destination, and you will have to look no further to satisfy every one of your bridal needs. From fantastic wedding dresses in every price range, to bridesmaid dresses, photography, officiants, emergency kits and wedding favors, we have every aspect of your wedding covered. Come visit us today.

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 7 Comments

Seaside Elegance: A Guide to Selecting the Perfect Wedding Gown for Your Beachfront Nuptials!

Wedding season falls between spring and fall for a reason – couples adore the clear, blue skies, warm (and mostly consistent) weather, and that laid-back summer feel that stays with people even if they do have to go to work every day.

Summer is nostalgia and swimming pools and catching fireflies after sunset. It’s ice cream and palm trees and sweet peach tea. It’s such a fun season myself. Vincent and my team here at Pixan Photography came up with more than 100 summer wedding ideas to inspire couples to get married then.

And if there’s one place that embodies summer the most, it’s the beach. Balmy breezes toes in the sand, salt-water skin.

The beach is such a perfect place to be during summertime, many couples figure, ‘why not spend one of the biggest days of our life there too?’

If that sounds like you and you’re planning a beach wedding, you might wonder what kind of gown is best.

Undoubtedly, a beach wedding has all kinds of pluses, but it also comes with its negatives. And sometimes, the pluses can also be negatives, so you should put extra time into choosing a wedding gown that will work wonderfully oceanside.

As a Mexico destination photographer, Pixan Photography shoots many beach weddings…a lot. Along the way, the Pixan team and I have made a few keen observations about the top considerations a bride will have when choosing a beach-ready wedding gown, and I’m ready to spill the beans.

So put on your sunshades, slather on the sunblock, and keep reading for how to choose a wedding gown perfect for a beach wedding.

TYPE OF SAND

One of the first things you’ll want to think about while shopping for a beach wedding dress is what kind of beach you’ll call your own (for the wedding day, of course).

Where is the beach, and what kind of sand does it have?

Coarse sand will not do well for long trains and trailing dresses.
Fine sand is easier to walk through, and there’s not as much worry about rips and tears in the bottom of the dress.

STYLE OF VENUE

Take a good look at your overall venue and select a gown that matches the formality of your venue, decor, and theme.

If you’re splitting time between a ceremony by the sea and a reception indoors and don’t plan to squeeze in a costume change, you’ll want to choose a dress that can transition between the two.

What kind of venue is it?

A simple cabana gives off a different feel than a ballroom with an ocean view.

What is the build of the ceremony space?

A wedding on the beach doesn’t necessarily mean a ceremony in the sand. Some venues own beach real estate and have built their custom structure right on the sand.

If the ceremony space is fully tiled, built on a wooden deck or a raised dock to the water, you’ll have fewer concerns about the style of dress because you won’t be walking on sand, except perhaps in a beach photo shoot.

What is the wedding theme?

The same goes for the decorations and wedding theme. If you’re aiming for a laid-back beach vibe and your reception space is decorated in bright colours and bohemian details, you’ll probably want to steer clear from a more formal, sleek silk wedding gown and go with one that embodies the same laid-back chic feel of your wedding.

How far will you need to travel to reach the venue?

Lastly, think about how far your venue is from home and all the little things that come with having a beach wedding.

Will you have to check your dress at the airport or drive it cross country?
Is it easy to pack and move? Will it wrinkle?
Will it cost a fortune to get to your destination? A dress that is lightweight and fold-friendly is your best bet.

Packing Tip: When travelling with skirts and dresses, you’ll minimize wrinkles and creases if you roll the item rather than fold it. Or, if you’re flying with wedding attire, consider packing it in a garment bag.

FABRIC & DETAILS

Now, let’s talk fabric.

Think light and airy fabrics like organza, chiffon, charmeuse, cotton, and crepe, which all provide breathability and movement, not to mention they’ll dreamily billow in the breeze, which makes for stunning wedding photos.

For more lightweight fabric options, as well as heavier ones, check out The Knot’s epic Dress Fabric Glossary.

You can also attain airflow by choosing a dress with a lace bodice and a skirt with slits.

Be mindful of lace trim, as it can easily pick up debris, like sand and everything that has washed up. If you’ve been drooling over lace or highly detailed elements, consider a dress that features these in the bodice, not in the skirt’s trim.

Keep embellishments to a minimum. The more frills you add to your dress, the heavier it will get. If you want to add sparkle, consider a simple draping neckpiece or a garter belt with a little bling that wraps around your waist.

DESIGN

The overall design of the gown will influence your comfort significantly, so it’s probably a factor you don’t want to ignore.

Although you may have fallen in love with a certain style of dress, it might not serve you well on the beach.

Keep the dress volume in mind. Ideally, you want something lightweight, something you can move in, especially during dancing time.

The heavier a dress is, the harder it will be to walk through the sand. Plus, heavy = hot, and with the possible humidity your area might have, hot, sweaty, and sticky is not something you want to endure.

As for silhouettes, A-lines and shift dresses, and shorter lengths are ideal. Short wedding dresses eliminate straggling sand and other debris you might pick up on the beach.

If your heart is set on length, consider a shorter dress with a longer, lightweight veil to bring in that dramatic trailing effect.

Just as it is important to know what to wear, it’s equally important to know what not to wear. Mermaid (I know, it seems so appropriate, but trust us!) silhouettes, ball gowns, and empire dresses should be avoided.

When comparing bodice types, consider that crop tops with a separate skirt, strapless dresses, halter tops, and backless dresses will do wonders for keeping you cool.

Even though that quarter-sleeve dress you may have your eye on seems like a lovely fit, think about how it will feel when you’re under the summer sun. And let’s not even think about sweat stains. No thanks!

COLOR

This decision might seem as easy and breezy as a day at the beach – white, obviously – but keep in mind that there are various shades of white. Even non-white colours can be beautiful, especially in a tropical setting.

A champagne or ivory dress in the bridal salon might look different once you’re strutting it in front of your home mirror. Different light spectrums will change the colour of your dress, even if just slightly.

Since you’ll most likely be spending a lot of time under blue skies and sunshine, take your potential wedding gown into natural light to see what it looks like to the naked eye and in photographs. Better to be safe than sorry.

And if you have a beach nearby with sand the same tone as where you’ll be wed, bring fabric swatches in shades of white, ivory, champagne or whatever other color you’re considering to compare against the sand. Because sand tends to fall in these same shades of neutral colours, your dress could blend in too much in your beach wedding photos. Finding a shade that contrasts well against the sand will enhance your photos drastically.

DECIDING ON YOUR IDEAL BEACH WEDDING GOWN

To recap what we’ve covered: your beach wedding gown should ideally be lightweight, cool, and easy to move around in; should match the formality of your venue and wedding theme; look great under natural light and against a sandy beach backdrop; and most importantly, look and feel beautiful on you!

With all that in mind, in the end, you have to go with your gut and pick the dress you’re gaga about. This is a day you’ve been dreaming of for years, so you may just throw all caution to the wind and get the dress you’ve been pining over, regardless of the drawbacks.

And, you know what? That’s OK! It’s your day to experience as you wish. Hopefully, these tips will simply give you some insight into considerations that can maximize your comfort and enhance your wedding photos too.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vincent owns Pixan Photography, a team of destination wedding photographers in Mexico who are as passionate about their clients as they are about their work. When he’s not shooting destination weddings, Vincent loves travelling the world with his wife and son.