A bouquet that matches your wedding dress would make a beautiful match, just like you and your partner!
The bridal bouquet is one of the most important accessories for your wedding day. Finding the right bouquet that compliments your wedding dress will help you nail your wedding day look. Just like wedding dresses, you have a stunning variety of bouquet choices, and this is the easy thing. Wedding flowers come in all sizes, shapes, colors and price ranges. So, it isn’t challenging to fashion the perfect bouquet for your budget, taste and wedding theme. The not-so-good news is that there are so many ways in which you can do this that it can sometimes leave you confused.
Fortunately, we are here to help you with some tips that will help you match your wedding bouquet choice to that of your wedding dress.
Restaurant weddings are smart and sensible! It is no wonder that more and more couples choose their favourite restaurants as their wedding reception venue. The interesting thing is that it is not only food-lovers who make this choice. Many couples nowadays prefer a small, intimate and meaningful wedding ceremony and reception instead of a big bash where they hardly know all the guests. Restaurants are a likely choice for such couples as well.
Here are some of the other reasons why restaurant weddings are so attractive.
It is the best option for those who are short on time:
It is an easy go-to solution for a couple who are short on time or aren’t too keen on planning every small detail of their wedding day. So, if you are a bride or groom who has many pressing needs at work or otherwise, and fitting in wedding plans is nearly impossible, a restaurant wedding may be the easiest option available.
Budget-friendly options:
Restaurant weddings cost a lot lesser than weddings at other venues when you want good quality service and food for a smaller number of guests. Hiring a wedding venue, renting or buying all the things for the reception, hiring catering and serving staff, and planning all the décor can be very expensive and take over most of your budget. When you choose a restaurant, the décor is done and there is no need to rent furniture, linens, or tableware. All that’s needed for the service is available and you do not have to hire extra staff.
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!
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.
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