Once you wear your wedding gown on your wedding day, your transformation into a bride is almost complete. There are few things left to do now, before you walk down the aisle. But before you step into your dream wedding dress, there are a couple of things you should first complete. This is what we will look at today. Here is a list of must-do’s before you finally wear your bridal dress, and are ready to walk down the aisle.
Your wedding is a one-time milestone event that will forever be etched in the pages of your memories. However, the wedding scene is one that is a flurry of constant activity. Trends come and go at lightning speed. So, choosing a wedding dress is no easy feat, as with each passing year you have to make this difficult decision from hundreds of new choices. Add to it that most brides have an engagement that lasts a year or more before they tie the knot. So, it is anything but easy to zero in on the dress that you will be as excited to wear on your wedding day, as the first time you tried it on.
Although fashion trends can be used as a guide to what is in vogue at the time of your wedding, the safest option is to pick a dress that is more classic than it is trendy. This way, your dress will always be timeless and you need not worry about your look being dated few months later.
Whether you are a bride who loves classic wedding dress features, or a modern bride who wants to stay away from anything associated with another age, we think you should definitely take a look at the list we have here. We are sure that there is something here for everyone, with interesting updates to traditional classics. So check it out and get ready to be blown away.
Laser cut lace
Brides either love lace, or hate it! There is no other way about it.
Lace dresses have forever been tied to weddings, and it has an unparalleled elegance. Nevertheless, it isn’t equally liked by all. Not all women are smitten by the whimsical charm of floral details that flutter and scatter as a thin layer over a sheath of fabric underneath. One of the reasons for this maybe that the definition of the details on lace are often hazy, and not crisp. However, laser cut lace adds that necessary touch that makes the result very fine and well-defined. Laser cut lace simply means that the details have precision and are very evident. This adds more style to a wedding dress and instantly makes the bride look prettier. This process allows designers to create elaborate works of art, and this is usually found in the necklines, sleeves, back and even hemlines of the skirts. When lace appliques have this finish, the dress has a 3D look, that is simply gorgeous!
The Mori Lee 2821 is a perfect example of the beauty of laser cut lace. The details span the bodice and thin beyond the waistline, only to reappear at the bottom of the skirt and culminate in a scalloped hemline. The thin embellished waistband is removable, but when retained, it emphasizes the femininity of this gown. Take a look at how beautiful the laser cut alencon lace appliques are. Don’t you think this gown is just as fashionable as it is elegant?
You will find more stunning gowns with this feature in the Mori Lee and Angelina Faccenda collection at Best for Bride.
Shoestring straps
If there is one thing that makes everyone around a bride, including her, uncomfortable, it is an ill-fitting strapless gown. The last thing you should have to worry about on your wedding day, is if your bodice will stay put, or cause an embarrassing accident. Nonetheless, many brides aren’t fond of wedding gowns with sleeves and thick straps, and so decide to go with strapless gown despite how uncomfortable it can become. Strapless gowns are a very feminine and romantic choice. However, they aren’t good on brides who are either large-chested or small-chested. A gown with straps is always the better option for these brides.
Shoestring or spaghetti strap gowns are dresses that will rescue you from the dilemma of choosing between a strapless dress and one with sleeves. Sexy, yet supportive, these tiny shoulder straps are all you need for the gown to stay up, and you do not compromise on style in any way. Most gowns that feature shoestring straps also come with amazing low-cut back details, that will wow your wedding guests. So, it is a choice for the fashion-conscious bride; a dress which is modest and glamorous at the same time. It couldn’t get better than this, don’t you think?
We love how the shoulder straps play a major role in balancing out the heavy skirt of this Mori Lee 5416. A strapless or sweetheart bodice would make it look like just another gown, perhaps a tad incomplete even. This simple addition of the spaghetti straps, however, transforms the dress into a romantic and sensual gown. It also draws focus to the shoulders and decolletage, making it the perfect choice for a bride who has worked hard on toning her figure in time for her big day. You may also like to check out the Mori Lee 5411 and 6818 that look just as gorgeous with this feature.
Illusion backs
The illusion trend is one of the best wedding dress features of this century. It goes hand in hand with lace, and is the perfect way to hide those problem areas, or highlight your best features, when chosen properly. What we love most about illusion backs is the drama that comes with it.
It is essentially mysterious, and the surprise of seeing how glamorous a bride looks from the back in an illusion neckline is astounding. Subtly sexy, it has a romantic and delicate finish that can make any bride a ravishing princess. Most designs also feature a strand of fabric buttons that run through the center, and this only accentuates the beautiful effect of this design feature. Although it requires some forethought in deciding how to support your bust, since typical undergarments may not work suitably with these gowns, we think your effort is well-worth the effort. And, it isn’t too complicated. You can either choose a backless bra or have your seamstress add cups to the gown for the necessary support.
The Mori Lee collection is renowned for its fantastic illusion back dresses. It is in fact, quite difficult to pick a favorite, so let’s go with just one of the many gowns we love. The 5011 is a gown that is magical, when viewed from the back. A sheer stretch of fabric wraps around the torso, with a strand of fabric buttons punctuating the center. Tiny wisps of feathery, floral details emanate from the edges, forming a border along the outer edges of the sheer bodice and framing the sheer sleeves. Although it is a dress that completely covers the back, it is a beauty that a modern bride will fall in love with. Check out the front of this gown by visiting this link here, to understand what we mean.
Romantic ruffles
Ruffles are a beautiful feminine feature, and they can be used tastefully, to enhance the appearance of a gown. When placed in the right places and in the right quantity, ruffles can make your curves more pronounced, or downplay any unsightly flaws and bulges. This camouflaging effect is perhaps, one of the reasons that this style element has always been sought after. When ruffles are used in lavish doses, it can even take on the appearance of feathers and transform a gown completely.
Smaller and tighter ruffles have a drastically different effect. The impact of ruffles also varies according to the style of the gown’s skirt. It can look contemporary when added to the flared skirt of a fit and flare silhouette, while it creates a classic finish for an A-line gown.
Since we are talking about timeless trends that will fascinate today’s woman, let us look at the former. The Mori Lee 5409 Venice Lace gown is a befitting example. While the snugly fitting bodice is embellished with elaborate lace details, the skirt has a flourish of ruffles that cascade like a waterfall and pile at the feet. The sweetheart neckline and the placement of the ruffles in such a manner that light bounces off the delicate fabric, renders this gorgeous gown a stylish and sophisticated choice for the confident bride.
Simple sheath
Simplicity is not only the sheath’s beauty factor, it is also it’s unique selling point. A sheath silhouette is one that naturally drapes over a bride’s curves, considerably accentuating her feminine charm. If you look at the general trends that have come and gone over the years, you will find that the sheath is a standard that has always been in the limelight. This is precisely the reason it is a timeless trend. Additionally, it is a no-fuss style that will be loved by both the minimalist bride and the ones who love classics.
Unlike the trumpet and other fit and flare designs, this doesn’t cling to your body, and this makes it very chic. Another unique factor of the sheath or column, is that it can be easily dressed up with the proper use of accessories. So, if you have your heart set on showcasing a unique wedding jewelry set that you have chosen, the sheath wedding dress may be your best option to beautifully compliment it.
The Mori Lee 2809 is a sheath that is a masterpiece of beauty, all by itself. Gently draping over the natural frame of the bride, the dress enhances the beauty of the bride’s original curves and is great on slender frames. Delicate beading decorates the classic V-neckline, and straps and continues into a dramatic low-cut illusion design at the back. This dress also features laser cut lace details, another beautiful feature that we discussed in the beginning of this article. Altogether, it is a dress that is difficult to pass by, and we simply love it for all its interesting details.
Light colors
One trend with staying power, that has always been the forte of the bold and beautiful bride, is the colored wedding dress. We do not however mean the deep, dark colors. Lighter colors can add an interesting update to the white wedding dress, and they are always a fashion statement. This is a way to shine on your big day by wearing something that is unique, but in a different way.
You can also consider this idea if you have a specific color theme, and want the right shade that will allow you to be a part of it. When you choose a color that compliments your complexion, you will also look more beautiful than you possibly would, in a white dress. Colors like peach, blush and baby blue are beautiful choices. The other option is to consider dresses in shades like gold or silver, which are also beautiful alternatives for the traditional white wedding dress. Suitable for both the traditional and modern bride, these dresses add an instant touch of glamour and make the bride look even more glamorous.
The Mori Lee 2789 is a mesmerizing beauty that is featured in light gold here. The rich embroidered details add finesse to the metallic finish of the satin fabric. This dress is so glamorous, that it is almost red carpet-worthy. Adding extra dimension to already luxurious fabric and embroidered details is the illusion neckline with shimmering details that extend into the bodice, and also frame the neckline in the form of a necklace. This dress is a shining example of how a lace dress can be anything, but old style.
Now tell us, which of these trends is your favorite? Or is there any other trend that you consider truly timeless, and we haven’t featured here. If so, do write to us in the comments section below.
Your wedding day is a truly special day, and you deserve to wear the dress that you simply love, whether it is trendy, classic or ultra-modern. To find that special dress of your dreams, check out our Best for Bride wedding catalog to go through our extensive inventory of wedding dresses of every type you can imagine. Come visit us today, and make your dream of looking like a diva on your special day, come true.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
