Today, most weddings are planned around a chosen color scheme. Choosing between colors has been a popular trend for quite some time now. Since there is nothing new other than perhaps find a brand new winning color combination, more and more brides are turning to patterns and print to add a unique touch to their weddings. Patterns and prints bring an extra element of style and sophistication, and this is a surefire way of making an impact, without going to too much trouble.
The best thing about incorporating prints and patterns into your wedding décor is that you have so many options to choose from. Whether you want a classic, elegant wedding theme or a quirky, contemporary style you have plenty of designs to fashion it on. The fun doesn’t end here. By varying the size, dimensions and frequency with which you use prints or patterns in your décor, you can achieve entirely different effects.
Some of the benefits of including prints and patterns into your wedding scheme are:
It is one of the easiest ways to add more texture and interesting colors to your décor
Certain prints are standard representations of themes, and this is an easy way to create the vibe you desire, for your wedding. For example, spring flowers scream garden celebrations, and using this print in your décor can instantly set the right ambiance at your venue
It is easier to mix and match colors around a pattern or print, than when using a single color, which will involve more detailed matching of elements
With pattern and print, a little goes a long way. You can make a powerful statement by using prints and patterns in moderation
Prints allow you to keep your base color simple, while adding accents in a fun way to your wedding theme
There are hundreds of options in prints and patterns to choose from, and it is pretty exciting to explore the options. Depending on the style of wedding you have, you can consider the following options.
Today’s post is on bridesmaids dresses, and is for the bride who has her wedding planned in winter, and seeks inspiration for the colors and patterns suitable for her winter palette.
With your wedding dress, you may have a tough time discerning which fit and style is best for you, but the trouble ends there. We know that it isn’t an easy task. Nevertheless, it is not a task as Herculean as choosing the right color for your winter bridesmaids dresses. There are many factors that affect your choice of bridesmaids dress colors.
It should go with the color palette that you have chosen for your wedding
The color should look good on most, if not all your bridesmaids
As far as possible, you should choose bridesmaids dresses in colors and patterns that can be used again.
Since your bridesmaids will be a major part of the wedding scenery, you should choose their outfits in colors that will contribute to the visual impact of the wedding scene.
You will be sharing space with your bridesmaids in many wedding pictures. So, their dresses should complement your outfit and it should all come together cohesively and look as beautiful as it can possibly be.
Now, we think you know why we say this isn’t easy. We think every bride needs all the inspiration she can get to plan any detail of her wedding. The more options you look at, the more likely you are to have that “Aha!” moment when you know you’ve finally found the right one. So, here are some of the coolest bridesmaids dresses from our latest collections, and we are sure you will find your pick from this splendid list. These beautiful colors are particularly stunning in the winter scene, but you can use them for your wedding any time of the year. So let’s get going!
1.Serene and sexy in gray
A color that is the perfect neutral, this is a fail-safe option for any palette that you may have chosen for your wedding day. For winter weddings, where you want to focus on classic themes, gray is a shade that will do magic in balancing out any color scheme. Not only does it look great with metals like silver and gold, it is also the perfect background for deep, jewel tones and rich shades like navy, green, purples and reds that are perfect for the wintry scene. The biggest advantage of choosing grey for your bridesmaids is that it is one color that allows them to reuse the dress again and again, as it is a color that most women don’t mind wearing.
Here is a stunner from the Alfred Angelo Saphire bridesmaid collection. The 8110L bridesmaid gown features many attractive details including a ruched criss-cross bodice with a wrapped waistline detail and an A-line skirt that flatters almost all body types. The sweetheart neckline of this pretty chiffon gown is supported with embellished straps that add a dose of glamour from their scintillating and sparkling details. Pair this dress with a bouquet of reds, whites or purples, and you have the ideal bridesmaid look for a classic theme wedding.
2.Charismatic and captivating navy
Navy is a regal color, and needs few accessories to look classic and cool. This is a shade that can be carried off by most women, and looks stunning when featured in full-length gowns. Unlike the other blues that are influenced by shades of grey and yellow, this is a sober color that has an almost neutral-like effect. This makes it just right for any color palette, and it can add that balance to a combination, since it can be used in place of black.
Featured here is the 8108L from the Alfred Angelo bridesmaids collection, and it is a dress that is as beautiful as a picture. The halter illusion neckline is accentuated with crystal beading, eliminating the need for an additional necklace. This dress allows your bridesmaids to show off their toned shoulders and arms, making it a beautiful choice for those slender women to look great on your wedding day. From the gathered natural waistline, the fabric flows gently into a floor length pleated A-line skirt that will flatter almost every body type. This is a dress that your bridesmaids will instantly fall in love with, so check it out.
3.Soft but striking salmon
When the rest of the world is bleak and white, small pops of vibrant color can liven up your wedding scene, bringing in gushes of joy and happiness. Add the sprightly happiness of spring into your cool winter wedding, by dressing your bridesmaids in soft but striking salmon colored bridesmaids gowns. These colors look great when paired with grays, blacks, blues and metallics in your wedding palette. The only thing you need to look out for, is the choice of fabric, as it has to be in chiffon or lace for that wispy delicate feminine look.
This bridesmaid dress is the Mori Lee 124 in lace and chiffon, and you can see what a mesmerizing beauty it is. The sleeves and illusion neckline look bewitching, with the finest details etched in lace on the bodice. Separating the skirt, is a waistband fashioned out of chiffon, and from here the soft fabric glides all the way down to full-length. This is a dress with a touch of sophistication, and the pattern, being modest and offering suitable coverage, will ensure that your bridesmaids are warm and cosy on your big day.
4.Captivating champagne
Match your bridesmaids to the winter scene in an elegant and soft color like champagne, and they will look like scintillating divas beside you, on the altar. The lack of color will be a beautiful choice, especially when it features lovely lace work and similar details. Metallic colors have been hot on the wedding scene for several years now, and this is why we think champagne tousled with shimmer in just the right doses can be a trendy choice for your bridesmaids colors. It is also the right choice if you wish to experiment with the mix ‘n’ match look, as champagne goes with almost every other color, creating the right balance necessary when mixing up various styles.
This bridesmaids dress from the Mori Lee Tulle affairs collection, showcases beautiful lace details on a snug sleeveless bodice with a dashing V-neckline. A soft satin waistband separates the bodice from the skirt, and the skirt in itself is a rippling tulle beauty with a texture that contrasts wonderfully with the subtly sparkling bodice. The fact that this dress has two universally flattering features—the V-neckline, and A-line skirt, makes it a great choice for all your bridesmaids, however different they may be in body shape and height. So, if you want one dress for all your girls, you know you have found it already.
5.Merry in berry
Berries, violets and plums are all winter colors, which makes these shades just perfect for your wedding palette. These colors are associated with winter scene, and look magnificent in most indoor settings. The berry color can be acessoried with gold or silver for enhancing it’s charm, and it also works well with neutrals like gray, white and black. Depending on the amount of black in it, the effect can range from serious to soft. It is also a color that looks good on most skin tones. So, your bridesmaids are least likely to complain about your choice of color, when this is what you have in mind.
Here is a chiffon and lace beauty from the Mori Lee Bridesmaid collection. The sweetheart neckline is sexy, as it gently follows the natural curves of the bust. The bodice is embellished with a luxurious spilling of the finest details in lace, further adorned with glitter in just the right doses. This ends at the natural waistline, where it gives rise to a soft exuberance of chiffon, as the texture transforms into one that is simply stunning. The A-line dress style drapes well on most body types, and the dress is slimming in its choice of color and design details. This is a dress that will look beautiful when paired with whites, yellows or reds in bouquets and accessories, and it can be used for both formal and informal ceremonies by choosing the right accessories to dress it up.
6.Pretty in pink
Pink is a color that is eternally a girl’s favorite, and this makes it perfect for a wedding, irrespective of the season that it is held in. Pink can be played up or down, by varying the intensity of white in it. While the softer shades are suitable for the warmer spring and summer months, the darker shades look arresting in the winter scene. It is also a color that can instantly liven up the atmosphere, when everything around is cold and lifeless. Hence it is a perfect color for your pretty bridesmaids to don on your wedding day.
There are many reasons why we love this dress from the After six collection. The single-shoulder drape of the gown gives it a goddess-like appearance, and your bridesmaids will undoubtedly look glamorous in it. The ruched detailing on the bodice and waistline, continue into the skirt, giving it a casual and feminine feel. The fabric is chiffon, which is sheer to the right extent, and this makes it very appealing and pretty, so your girls will feel pampered and stylish when they wear this dress to your big day.
7.Light and lovely lavender
Some colors have the special ability to conjure up whiffs of flowers and fields, and lavender is one of them. This delicate shade of the softest violet is a fantastic color that can add personality to any scene. The soft sheen is luxurious and scintillates with a lovely effect. This is a color that captures the exquisite beauty of winter, and looks stunning with its almost silver-like appearance.
Featured here is a gorgeous bridesmaid dress from the Angelina Faccenda collection from Mori Lee. The sweetheart neckline is supported by sheer straps, and the entire bodice, neckline and straps are adorned by little glittering details that make the dress impressive. The texture of the skirt is entirely different from the bodice, with it flowing softly to full-length, in gentle ripples. The added beauty of this dress is that it also features a keyhole cutout at the back, which makes it a materpiece from not only the front, but from the back as well.
8.Rocking red
Winter is when Christmas and the holidays come, and it is just the right time to use these colors as the inspiration for your big event in life as well. Red as your bridesmaids dress color can instantly make your wedding scenery festive. This is a color that can be mixed with any other, to create dramatically different effects. Red with tropical colors like yellow and orange, transform any scene into a casual and fun-filled ambiance. On the other hand, when paired with black or grays, it has a classic elegance. The only thing to pay attention to, when using red is to keep the palette balanced with plenty of neutrals, as this is a color that can quickly overpower.
This beautiful bridesmaid dress belongs to the Tutto Bene collection at Best for Bride. The halter neckline ends in a V-shaped opening, and continues into a criss-cross ruched bodice with a slender belt that distinctly defines the waistline. The softly pleated A-line skirt continues to glide down towards floor length. The simple design and elegant details complement the rich color of the fabric, and overall this dress is one that will most likely be used many times again by your bridesmaids.
Most of the dresses featured here are available in several shades, and not just the one featured here. Contact our Best for Bride store to learn of the options you can have, if you liked any of the patterns you saw. Also, don’t forget to check out our Bridesmaids dress gallery at Best for Bride to see the thousands of different designs from the various designer collections we carry at our shops. Find all this and anything else you may need for your big wedding day, by checking out our website at Best for Bride.
Nostalgia is the strongest vibe at a well-executed, vintage-inspired wedding! The past is a beautiful place, because it is what our fondest memories are made of. Celebrating the past, as you step into a new chapter in your future, is a wonderful feeling. This is why vintage themes are still so popular.
Borrowing ideas and inspiration from the past decades is easy, as all we have to do is turn the pages of our memories. There will be many things that stand out powerfully, and these are what should feature in our wedding plans, as these are the elements we hold dear to our hearts.
Everything at a wedding starts with the invitations. These little information notes offer a sneak peek into what guests can expect at a wedding. Hence, your vintage wedding should also showcase the most striking elements from the vintage era that have influenced your wedding planning, or base it around your chosen style.
Here are some fantastic ideas for vintage theme wedding invitations, and we are sure that the bride who loves nostalgia will be smitten by most of them. Come, take a look!
Getting engaged is a celebratory event in every couple’s life. It is a historical milestone in your relationship, that makes your commitment to each other binding and official. So, everything about the proposal will be etched in your memories forever. And the engagement ring, being the symbolic icon that seals your relationship status, should be just perfect in every way.
In this day and age, a marriage proposal without an engagement ring is almost unheard of. So, how did this tradition originate? After a little digging, I found all the answer on this article on Psychology Today which explores the origins of this ritual. It so happens that the ring is not just a sentimental icon, but also an economic promise from a man. The exchange of the ring means the man is committed to stay loyal to the woman. This leads to the secondary custom of the woman keeping the ring, even if the man bailed.
Thus history asserts the importance of the engagement ring as a symbol of commitment and trust. Apart from the traditional aspect, there is also the aesthetic factor that makes it important. It is a ring that the lady will wear all her life. It is also an expensive piece of jewelry. Hence, it is natural for any woman to desire a ring that appeals to her and looks flattering on her finger.
If you are at that stage in your relationship where you are ready to propose, and your girlfriend is dropping hints, it is likely that she has a good idea of how her dazzling engagement ring should be. So, it is wise to do your research first and only then buy the ring for this special occasion.
Follow these rules of engagement ring shopping, and you will not go wrong.
1.Set your budget first
This is one area where you shouldn’t be thrifty. Consider the engagement ring to be a lifetime investment, and pay accordingly. Calculate the affordable limit by factoring in your salary and other relevant factors. It is wise to do your research before you step into a store, as you can scan and compare options, re-analyze your priorities and figure out your personal budget before actually meeting a sales person. The budget will also help you narrow down your choices. Since engagement rings come in a variety of styles, sizes and designs, you can avoid confusion by shortlisting the most cost-effective choices.
2.Do your research diligently
Remember that your girlfriend should love the ring, more than anyone else. And women can be rather particular about what they like to wear and what they don’t. So, be serious with your research and identify a ring style that will appeal to her. You could even consult your girl friend to learn what she exactly wants. However, if you want to keep the proposal a surprise, make sure you choose a ring based on her taste. There will be several options in metal, color, stone setting and designs. Each choice will yield entirely different results. So, it can be a daunting task.
If you are serious about getting the perfect engagement ring that will sweep her off her feet, take notes on what she likes and doesn’t like in jewelry. Or rope in a close friend who can help understand her preferences discretely, and go with the clues she gives.
3.Study the basics of ring shopping
Every expensive shopping decision should involve preparation and planning. Only then can you avoid regret. Since most engagement rings feature diamonds, it is a good idea to understand how to determine diamond quality before you embark on shopping.
Diamond quality is determined by the 4 all-important C’s—Carat, color, clarity and cut. These factors are universally used to determine a diamond’s worth. Here is what each of these stand for:
Carat:This refers to the overall weight of diamonds in a piece of jewelry.
Color: Colorless diamonds are most expensive, and the stone becomes progressively yellow or brown as we go down the scale.
Clarity: This factor measures the amount of blemishes or imperfections that are inherent in the stone. The more flawless a stone, the higher its price.
Cut: This depends on how the stone is cut to adjust its shine, hide imperfections and reflect light. The cut has a direct bearing on the appearance and beauty of a diamond.
Each of these C’s further has its own grading scale to determine the final quality level of the stone. So, it is a good idea to understand these standards and what they mean. This will help you establish the value of the diamond you are about to purchase. You can then make a suitable decision that gives you the best deal for your budget. It will also allow you to choose one diamond over another, based on your unique preferences.
When you compare the information available to you and use the Cs to your advantage, you may be able to get a larger diamond or a lower-weight diamond that is radiant and looks more than its actual worth.
4.Never compromise on quality
In the world of fine jewelry, if a deal sounds too good to be true it probably is. Hence, don’t fall for unrealistic claims when it comes to engagement ring shopping. Always shop at accredited and reliable jewelers to ensure you get what you pay for. Established names in the diamond industry are bound to do credible business and are hence less risky. So, visit only known jewelers. There are several international certifications awarded to jewelry organizations that allow you to check for genuineness of the product. Find out whether your chosen piece comes with all the required certifications and guarantees, to ensure it is a quality product. If you intend to get the ring during a sale period, check what the return policy is. If the ring size isn’t correct or you decide to exchange it for another one, you should have enough time after the purchase.
5.Always go shopping with a friend
Just like with wedding dress shopping, engagement ring shopping can become confusing if you aren’t sure of what you want. A second pair of eyes will help you stay objective and steer clear or confusion. So, ask a friend or family member to join you when you visit the shops.
It is a good idea to invite a friend who shares common tastes with your girlfriend, or knows her preferences well enough to help you make the right decision. If your girl friend has a best pal or sister, she should be the right person for the job. Just ensure that this person can keep it a secret, for you do not want them to ruin the surprise of the proposal for you. Or if you would prefer, you could also ask your fiance to join you. Involve your girlfriend in the process, and there is no way you could possibly make a wrong decision.
6.Think of how you can make it unique
Few men make an effort to find a ring that is truly unique. However, when they do this, the proposal becomes very meaningful. Make a statement with a designer engagement ring that is a cut above the common designs we see everywhere. This sounds exciting, but you may be worried about how to go about it. Fortunately, finding such a ring or even having one custom-created is not difficult. Simply seek the services of an expert diamond jeweler like Whiteflash, and choose from breathtaking designer engagement ring collections that are sure to impress. Take this route and surprise your soon-to-be-bride with a special ring that nobody other than her will have.
You can also choose the stone separately, and pick a unique setting for it. This gives you the flexibility to have it set in the metal of your choice. You can also add details like filigree work, engravings or extra side stones for more opulence. This is a great idea if you are an artistic person and your girlfriend is fond of custom pieces. Antique rings are also a good idea, as they come with a romantic history and are usually one-of-a-kind.
7.Make sure you get the size right
Don’t disappoint your girlfriend by choosing the perfect ring, but the wrong size. Although most jewelers offer a resize option, it is always best to get the ring in the right size at the beginning itself. You can always ask your girl friend directly for her ring size. If she doesn’t know, either use a plastic ring sizer to find the size, or have a jeweler measure her finger.
However, if your proposal is a surprise, finding out the ring size without asking may not be easy. Nonetheless, it is likely that her family or friends will have this information already. Check with them to find out, but ensure they don’t break the surprise. Or you could simply grab a ring of hers without her noticing and use it for reference. Just make sure that she wears it on a similar sized finger, to avoid a mistake. If you cannot sneak it away without her noticing, you can always trace the outline of a ring and use that to get the right size. This way, it is less likely for her to notice a ring is missing.
8.Don’t forget to ask about post-purchase care
When you choose the ring, you should also be concerned about how easy it is to maintain and care for. The ring will require regular polishing, cleaning and tightening, as it is constantly subjected to wear and tear. So, discuss these factors with the jeweler before the purchase. Find out whether the stone offers restoration and repair services, or if they can recommend someone for the job. Also ask about the cost for such services. Find out about the frequency at which they recommend polishing. Also inquire if the ring you have chosen needs any special handling or care. Not all women approve of rings that are very delicate and high maintenance. So, it is a practical factor to consider when making your decision.
9.Prepare to wait and get the documentation right
You may not always be able to walk out of a store with the ring you like. The design you like may not be available in the right size, or the jeweler may need time to engrave the ring. If you want a designer ring and have it custom-created from scratch, you should put aside several days for it. Plan for this timeline when you go shopping. Everything depends on your order, and you do not want to make a hasty decision. Plan in advance, do your research, visit the store and get a feel of the entire process before you commit to a choice. If there is a particular date on which you wish to propose, plan sufficient buffer time to get your ring beforehand and not miss it.
Also, ensure that you collect the relevant inspection documents and certifications for the product. This should include the diamond grading report, after-purchase instructions and insurance if any.
Buying an engagement ring is a tedious process. Nevertheless, it is inevitable and fun. It is in fact, the first step in your wedding planning. So, enjoy the process and your fiance will always appreciate the effort you put into making a wise decision.
For more tips on planning your wedding, shopping for your wedding attire and all wedding-related tasks, keep visiting us here on the Best for Bride blog page.
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