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Wedding dress styles for bold and daring brides

Lee Bigtree, Fashion director at Oleg Cassini in her interview with The Knot comments, “ In our current society and culture, pretty much anything goes. If it makes you look and feel your very best, and it’s what you want to say, and you can pull it off, it can work.”

I absolutely agree with her, as we’ve recently been seeing this trend at Best for Bride. It is common for us to have brides ask for the most unusual and unexpected wedding dress styles. The modern woman wants to be unique and special on her wedding day, even while she looks and feels important.

Wedding designers recognize this need of the modern-day bride. So, it is only natural that they have come up with impressively bold and daring collections that cater to this requirement. These powerful dresses undoubtedly appeal to self-assured and confident women who want their strong personality show in their wedding trousseau. We feature many such dresses in our vast inventory of wedding dress collections.

I expect you will find enough inspiration here to plan your bridal look. Let me show you some of the popular bold and daring wedding dresses we carry. And don’t forget to let us know which of these is your favorite in the comments section below.

Wedding dress with colored bodice

There is something remarkably intriguing about a white wedding dress with a colored bodice. Despite the look being mainly white, a simple addition of color will drastically alter the overall effect. Whether the bodice has a muted color or a bright one, there is a definite injection of personality into the bridal look. I think this is an attractive new way to incorporate the colors of your wedding theme into the bridal look. Here is a dress from the Sans Pareil collection that features this effect.

This is the Sans Pareil Dress 935 that features a blush bodice with silver and bead embroidery in the sweetheart bodice. It has a heavily layered ball gown skirt, and features an abundance of textures that with a bodice that beautifully complements it. A definite choice for the bride who wants a non-traditional look without making it too extreme.

Wedding dress with deep-dip neckline

Confidence is the middle name of the modern bride, and what better way to show it off than with a dress with a daring neckline detail. Low-cut V-necklines with or without modesty panels on them have been on the scene for a long time now. However, this choice isn’t for the faint at heart, as not all brides want to invite scandal on their wedding day. Nevertheless, there are brides who can carry it off with style and are long remembered for the sexy-and-stunning bridal day look. This ravishing beauty from the Sophia Tolli collection is a perfect example.

The Y21667 Lucia from the Mon Cheri designer collection has a pleated bodice that extends into shoulder straps and frames a deep and wide V-neckline in the center. Illusion details in crystal and bead embroidery embellish the V-neckline all the way from the collar bones to the waist. Although these details add coverage to the entire area, there is no denying the fact that the exposed neckline is mysterious and creates intrigue. The signature neckline detail makes the pleated chiffon dress truly unique. To take a closer look at this dress, visit this link to our website.

Wedding dresses with sheer midriff

Brides do not usually hesitate to try on or choose dresses with strapless necklines, despite the fact that they expose greater part of the shoulders and neckline. Nevertheless, the trend of showing off the midriff is a newer one and less common. After all, it is not something that everyone can carry off. New designer wear collections however, explore the potential of this look. There are a number of designs with lace and sheer bodices that conceal the bust but leave the midriff to view. Take a look at these beauties from the Sans Pareil collection.

This dress features splendid re-embroidered lace appliques that extend all over the sheer bodice. The lace motifs form a necklace detail at the neckline and extend in a sweetheart bodice fashion up to the waistline. You can notice that there are panels that cover only the bust area beneath it. This evidently draws attention to the sheer midriff area which also has an embellished waistband around it.

Here is another dress from the Sans Pareil collection with similar features.

This Sans Pareil 924 has cap sleeves and a sheer bodice formed out of stunning lace appliques. The bust area has solid fabric cups concealing it. However, the rest of the bodice doesn’t have an underlay layer for the lace. Thus it reveals the midriff area, making this a bold design. With a fit and flare skirt as well, the dress highlights the natural body shape of the bride.

Barely-there bodice with 3-D motifs as embellishments

Taking the sheer bodice effect as step further are wedding dresses with barely-visible bodices. The bodice is usually made with sheer fabric. These dresses often feature beautiful but delicate details in the bodice. The most attractive factor about them is their wispy, barely-there effect. Certainly not suitable for traditional weddings and those held in a house of worship, these dresses are nonetheless arresting and unique in their own right. Here is a sample.

This dress is again from the Sans Pareil collection. Almost fully see-through floral lace in dainty wisps covers the entire bodice of this wedding dress. While solid cups conceal the bust area, the rest of the upper torso is fully exhibited in this bold design. The dress also features a beautiful pink embellished waistband and a gently pleated skirt. It has a striking overall effect. The unusual top balances out the simple details in the skirt. The exquisite bodice design stretches into shoulder straps over a corset in the back.

Full-open back detail

Many a modern bride has the confidence to carry off daring wedding dresses with intriguing features not only in the front, but also in the rear. The safer option is to choose an illusion or sheer neckline. However, nothing compares with the attractive style of a back that opens all the way up to the waistline. It is a perfect dress feature for a bride who wants a wedding dress with a touch of glamour. This Alfred Angelo gown will show you what we mean!

This breathtaking dress is the Alfred Angelo 2547, that features all-over lace and cap sleeves. The fit and flare gown however, has its signature element in the full-open back detail that reveals the well-toned back of the beautiful bride in it. The shoulder straps have lace embellishments. This lace continues along the edges of the back, and frames an almost V-like shape. It adds a touch of elegance to the open-neck design in this part of the dress.

Non-white wedding dress

When we think of a bride, the image that comes to mind is of a lady in a ravishing gown in white. Today’s brides however step away from convention without a qualm, when they embrace colors in their wedding day ensemble. From colored bodices and all-over colored dresses to bridal gowns with colorful prints, embellishments and embroidery, we’ve seen it all. Here are two of our favorites. They are bound to make a statement on your special day.

This flattering feminine pink gown from the Sans Pareil collection is both elegant and enchanting. Shimmering strands of crystal embellishments add shine and sparkle to the entire length of the gown. The fit and flare gown features a dainty sheer neckline and T-shirt sleeves over a deep-cut sweetheart bodice. The deviation from traditional pink is what first captures our eye. However, the soft muted color is both classic and romantic. I think this dress is a spectacular masterpiece that is perfect for a bride.

Princess-like and perfect for the bridal look, here is another muted pink wedding dress from the Sans Pareil collection. And, this is one that is sure to turn heads. The tiered skirt detail adds a special effect to the already elaborate design. Signature lace details in the tier balance out the beautiful lace motifs along the neckline and sleeves of the gown. It has a fitted bodice and a beautiful sheer neckline. Overall, this romantic wedding dress is simply stunning and the perfect choice for the bold bride.

Extravagant ball gown

The ball gown is the traditional wedding dress silhouette. However, it doesn’t really have many takers these days. Often described as meringue-like, many brides feel it is too over-the-top for their liking. The adventurous bride however finds this an interesting dress style to make a statement on her wedding day. With additional features like ruffles, tassels and lace, the elaborate ball gown can look striking and attractive. Here is a dress from the Mori Lee collection that does just this.

The Mori lee 2815 is a dramatic wedding gown in a ball gown silhouette. It has thick and tiered ruffles adding to the overall impact . Frothy waves cascade from the waistline all the way down to full-length, and create a big impression. A stunning embellished bodice with a flourish of crystal embellished details adds further impact to the beautiful design. Although heavy and elaborate, no bride has to worry about being overlooked in a dress with these details.

Caped beauties

Accessories are a must-have for every bride. We have seen brides experiment with various options, from belts and sashes to veils and jewelry. Capes are a recent entry on the scene. These continue to be the accessory-of-choice for the bride who wants a unique look on her special day. This is an accessory that flows down from the shoulders to floor length. The cape magically transforms any dress. Take a look at this dress from the Disney collection.

The snow princess from the movie Frozen is the inspiration behind this dress, the 259 Elsa. The signature icon in this dress is it’s cape attachment. This quickly changes the effect of the dress from good to stunning! The cape attaches to the off-the-shoulder neckline and flutters to full-length. It eliminates the need for a veil, the traditional accessory of choice. Yet, it yields an impact that beats a veil any day. The scattering of golden sparkle along the bodice culminates in an embellished waistband that separates both halves.

Bridal pant suits

The final, but most unconventional bridal dress is the bridal pant suit. This is often chosen by brides who aren’t comfortable in dresses. It is also the choice of dress for mature brides. It is also often spotted at lesbian weddings. Bridal pant suits aren’t technically dresses. Even so, it is a fresh alternative that is just as impressive as a regular wedding dress. Designer wedding bridal suits come in all shapes and sizes. They can be well-tailored, fitted designs or even loose bridal jumpsuits. Accessories like veils and bouquets pair well with this wedding dress style, and often complete the bridal trousseau in style.

The Alfred Angelo 2516 is a bridal pant suit that never fails to impress. The loosely flared divided skirt resembles a dress, with pleated details and a wide hemline. However, it is convenient and comfortable. It is definitely an unexpected take on a bridal pant suit. The dress also features a textured halter-neck bodice that makes it an amazing choice for a casual-theme wedding or a destination event.

All the dresses featured here belong to the bridal dress collection at Best for Bride. Find all of them and many more at our bridal dress inventory here. Now tell us which of these do you think is the best for your wedding day? Or do you think they are all too unconventional for your taste? Let us know your thoughts and comments!

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Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 8 Comments

12 wedding favors perfect for Winter weddings

Wedding favors are one of the things that deserve special attention in weddings. These are the items that your guests will take home from your wedding, and so, you should put in some thought when selecting them. Although there are hundreds of options out there, not all of them equally strike a chord with wedding guests. Unless you make sure that the favors you choose are unique and interesting, it is likely that it will simply be tossed away soon enough or forgotten abut entirely.

Since this is now the season for winter weddings, we think it is only appropriate to look at favors which are great for weddings this time of year. After all, no longer are weddings confined to the warm, sunny months of the year. With more and more couples choosing to tie the knot in the cooler fall and cold, cold winter, everything from wedding dresses to wedding favors need to be defined for these weddings. So, join us, as we take a look at what is hot in wedding favors and make your pick.

1.Cocoa in a cup

Who wouldn’t love to sip on good quality hot cocoa in the cold winter months? Gift your guests a sachet of great quality hot cocoa in a beautiful mug or cup, and it will be a wedding favor that they will definitely use at least once. To make sure that your gift is entirely unique, we suggest choosing an interesting mug or cup for your favor. Either customize it to match the theme of your party, or add your initials or message line to the gift. Otherwise choose a contemporary design, like this beautiful Swish cup and saucer set from Best for Bride, which is bound to impress anyone. The unusual design makes it an attractive display piece that is also practical.

2.Snowflake wine stopper

Snowflakes are one of the most delightful icons of winter, and snowflake designs never cease to impress. With your wedding being during the holiday season, your guests will love this snowflake wine stopper that they can use to cork up their favorite wine bottle. Don’t you think it’ll make an interesting display element, when they place their wine bottle with this interesting stopper on their table? The chrome and aluminum metal plating gives it a sleek and flawless finish, while the rubber gasket makes sure the contents of the bottle are airtight and fresh. Although a small gift, it is one that your guests will undoubtedly appreciate. You can be certain that this beautiful stopper will find its way to your wedding guests feast tables every Christmas.

3.Wedding Carriage Candles

As the days grow shorter and the nights darker, you can never have enough candles to warm your homes. So, this is the perfect time to gift candles as everyone will love them this time of year. And when it is one that is as exquisitely crafted as this Cinderella wedding carriage candle, it will be particularly favored. A beautiful design in white and silver, it is a perfect icon that reminds us of the nostalgic love story of the fairy-tale princess Cinderella and her Prince Charming. This candle favor will be a whimsical gift perfect to be displayed at your guest’s homes during the holiday season. Whether you have a fairy-tale theme castle wedding or a traditional style vintage wedding, this is a perfect wedding favor that will easily match either of them.

4.Winter Finery Chocolate bar

Who doesn’t love chocolate? This beautiful winter finery chocolate bar is nut-free and features a beautiful snowflake design on the cover in the color you choose. Personalized wedding favors have an added charm, and these winter chocolate bars can be customized with the name of the couple as well as their wedding date on them. An additional attraction is that the chocolate wrapper color can be chosen to match the color of your wedding palette, and this makes sure it blends well and adds the perfect punch of color to your dessert buffet. You can also choose to display them at each place setting if you do not have a dessert bar. It is an edible wedding favor that will be enjoyed by your guests and since it is nut-free, it is suitable for almost everyone. The younger guests at your wedding, will be especially thrilled. The wrapper design emphasizes the seasonal element at your wedding, and this in itself will make sure it is noticed.

5.Fancy Popcorn

Perfect for a casual wedding, your guests will love to munch on freshly popped corn at your wedding ceremony. Set up a fresh pop corn machine at your reception venue, and serve flavored and plain pop corn to your guests in these custom-created novelty pop corn cartons. The design is unusually attractive, spicing up the overall look of the tasty treat. If you have young children at your wedding, this is bound to be a favorite with them. A separate section that is set up to entertain kids would be a lot more attractive with the simple addition of a fresh popcorn machine. Why, you can even expect to see the adults queuing up to pick a popcorn carton! After all, popcorn is a perfect snack for any weather, and is specially welcoming in the colder months. If you would rather have your guests save the popcorn for munching on at home, you can have filled cartons wrapped in plastic and sent home, so they can enjoy it on the way back or after they are home from your wedding.

6.Mini-pie packaging kits

If you want your guests to take some sweet indulgence home from your blessed wedding, pack them off with individual mini-pies packed elegantly in these adorable mini-pie packaging kits. Small bite-sized pies that are just perfect for one person, these pies will be the perfect snack to enjoy at home after a long drive in the cold weather. Ask your baker to whip up the delicious pies in the flavors that you love, and share them with the guests who made your wedding day so special. These packaging kits come with the boxes, twines and tags that will allow you to easily assemble your party favors within no time.

7.Mini marmalade or preserve bottles

Holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in good-quality marmalade and preserves. So, you can be certain that a mini jar of tasty preserve will be well appreciated by your winter wedding guests. Serve it up in style in beautiful glass bottles with wire snaps to secure it and keep it airtight. These mini glass bottles from Best for Bride make the ideal choice for this type of wedding favor. You can personalize it to perfectly match the theme of your wedding party with wedding stickers and tags created for your special day. Wrap it up with a silk ribbon or tie a pretty twine around it for the finishing touches. Add a sweet thank you note with your initials and wedding date, and it is all set to be taken home. To order this for your wedding, check out this link. You needn’t look elsewhere for the essential stationary to dress up your gift.

8.Rustic wood pencils

As the weather becomes chilly, everyone dreams of bundling up in front of a roaring fireplace. Too bad that there are few log fires burnt these days. Nevertheless, you can bring forth the memories of piles of logs stacked up to burn and warm the entire house, with the next best thing possible – rustic wood pencils. Perfect little gifts that can be used to play paper games or even sign your guest book with, these unusual looking pencils will definitely be loved by every one of your guests. Their rough and authentic look make them a beautiful addition at any winter wedding, although they are specially suited for a vintage theme or nature-inspired wedding theme. Each pencil has been created from neem and comes pre-sharpened in standard size.

9.Personalized glass globes

The possibilities of personalizing these glass globes to make them unique and well-received wedding favor are endless. Either fill them up with beautiful flowers, feathers, crystals or candles and use them as part of the centerpieces on your reception tables. Otherwise, pack them in plastic wrap for a wonderful takeaway gift. Your guests can either place them on their mantels or tables as a decorative display, or hang them up as an attractive ornament in their home. Either way, it is a gift that is just perfect to be used in their home décor at Christmas time, and will be a regular at their homes once they receive it. Don’t forget to add a short and sweet thank you note on your custom created wedding stationery to complete the effect.

10.Mini lovebird snowglobes

Another ornament that will easily be a part of your your guest’s regular Christmas decorations, these lovebird snow globes are elegant and interesting. A pair of pretty white love birds snuggling together make a meaningful gift for your wedding, and it will also serve your guests well as a paperweight for all times or a festival ornament every year. The beauty of this wedding favor is that the snowy white color is ideal for any winter wedding theme and color palette. And don’t forget the little dose of magic that it will add to your reception tables.

11.Lip balm with custom covers

Chapped lips will no longer be an issue for your guests this winter, with your thoughtful wedding favor in the form of these lip balms. Choose the lip balm cover in the color combination you like, from the available wrapper choices, and customize it further with your initials and wedding date. The chap sticks have an attractive vanilla scented flavor, and will be favored by one and all equally. Just the right size to easily fit into a pocket or purse, your guests will find it practical to carry it around and use at all times.

12.Mason jars packed with goodies

The humble mason jar is one of the most versatile wedding favor carriers you can come across. Whether you choose to fill it with preserves, candy or other goodies, it will look beautiful and be useful to your guests. For your winter wedding, how about filling it with holiday candy or treats? Or for a special pampering touch fill each jar with scented sugar scrub and your guests can indulge in a sweet bath on their next day off. With so many options to choose from, you will not have trouble finding the perfect filler for your wedding theme. Top it off with a sticky cover label in your color theme and add a thank you note to the side, tied on with twine or ribbon, and you have a beautiful and practical favor to gift.

This is only the tip of the iceberg. At Best for Bride, we have hundreds of wedding favors for you to choose from. Browse through the immense variety of options we have, by clicking on this link and you are bound to find every wedding favor you could possibly imagine. What is more, with customization options and all DIY stationery essentials as well, you will have no trouble planning and making your wedding favors come to life. For more wedding tips and advice, keep visiting us at Best for Bride.

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Getting your hair wedding fit – Advice from one of Sydney’s best hairdressers

Advice from one of Sydney’s best hairdressers, Jules Peacocke, Director, Lily Jackson Hair & Makeup, Sydney, Australia

As soon as you’ve set the date of your wedding, deciding on your hair and makeup should be as high on the list of priorities as your wedding dress.

Having dealt with many brides over the course of my career, I am still amazed at how little attention many brides place on the “fitness” of their hair for the big day. Getting your hair “wedding fit” probably takes even longer than getting your body in shape to fit that gorgeous dress you’ve chosen.

Many women are acutely unaware that their hair health is actually severely compromised. It is impossible to create beautiful wedding hairstyles if the hair is damaged, lifeless and is not receiving the right at home care.

So here’s my list of top things to do to make sure your hair is as fit for your wedding as your body or mind is!

Check your hairdresser’s credentials

Not all hairdressers are able to style hair for wedding events. They might be good at colouring, cutting and blow drying but they might not have received the right training to create beautiful up-do’s or editorial looking styles. To check whether you like their style of creating wedding hair, you should arrange to have at least one if not two wedding hair and makeup trials. More on this later.

Check your hairdresser’s availability

There is nothing worse than finding out that your hairdresser is on holidays when you are getting married. Alternatively, your hairdresser might not be willing or able to travel to your hotel or location. So what do you do then?

My recommendation is to seek out the best hairdresser in the area you will be located and start a conversation with them about jointly managing your hair direction with your regular hairdresser.

Do I have my hair done in salon or at the hotel?

It is generally more cost effective to have your hair done in the salon by a hairdresser than having them leave the salon to come to you. You will be paying for travel time for them and any assistants they require. But it’s a matter of personal preference. Being in a salon ensure that all the products and tools are at your stylists disposal but leaving the “safety” of home or the hotel to travel to get their hair done could be the worst thing for some brides.

If you do an internet search for “wedding hair and makeup” you will get pages and pages of results for mobile hair and makeup artists.

Beware! Most of these “artists” are not qualified hairdressers and have only completed one-day hair styling courses, if that. They are generally offering this service part-time on weekends and have regular day jobs like you and I. If they have assistants, it is likely that they are unqualified as well.

The other thing is that from my perspective as a master stylist who has put years into their craft, they generally take shortcuts like using tongs to achieve updo’s. Once you see photo’s of classically designed hair using traditional methods like curl sets and/or pin curls, there is no comparison with tong curls. The resulting hair styles are absolutely stunning, but I am biased.

Using a qualified hairdresser to style your hair on the day is your safest option. If this is not possible, then ensure the best hairdresser you can afford takes charge of the overall colour and cut and arrange to have multiple trials with mobile hair artists to ensure they can create a style that you are happy with.

Get a timetable of who is working on whom and when.

We plan our wedding hair and makeup sessions with military precision and we work backwards from the time the bride needs to leave the salon or commence the process of getting dressed.

Whomever is doing your hair and makeup and potentially your bridal party’s hair and makeup, get a timetable from them and make sure they have allowed sufficient time for each of your wedding party’s hair type, preferred hairstyle, and travel time.

If they are not able to meet your bridesmaids before the event, then it helps the stylist to get some selfies of your friends so they know the hair type they are dealing with. There is nothing worse than the wedding party running behind because someone has very thick long hair that takes longer than average to style.

Getting wedding fit is a journey

Each bride should ask herself:

What am I thinking in terms of hair & makeup? Do I have an idea or am I at a loss?
Where am I now? What is the “true” and current state of my hair?
Where do I want to be? How far from the ideas I am thinking is my hair right now?
How long have I got? Do I have enough time to get from where I am now to where I want to be?

Your wedding hair style

Generally speaking, your wedding dress and potentially wedding theme (if any) will lead the journey to creating your personal style for your wedding day.

I’ve had clients who were getting married in the tropics and were opting for a “beachy theme”. The dress was a simple strapless design in lace. We did hair trials and created a long beach wave look complemented by a simple flower wreath on the head. We took plenty of photo’s and then arranged to have a local hairdresser recreate the style. It could never look the same but my client was happy and that’s what counts the most.

I always say that a “red carpet dress needs red carpet hair”. That doesn’t mean the hairstyle has to be an updo, just that the hairstyle looks absolutely fabulous and complements the fabulous dress and you feel comfortable in it.

Just keep in mind the likely weather conditions on the day and potentially have a Plan B hairstyle. Many styles that look great in photos like the beautiful waves reminiscent of the 30’s, don’t actually hold up that well exposed to movement or any weather condition.

Hair Length: I want or need longer hair

If you need or want longer than 6 inches of extra length and you have 8 months or more, then growing it might be an option. If not, you might want to consider hair extensions or hair pieces depending on the style you are going for. Tape hair extensions can be very cost effective, quick to apply and easy to remove after your big event.

The most important thing is to have the hair extensions or pieces colour matched to your own hair once you have decided on the colour.

Great hair colour and great hair health go hand in hand

Getting great hair colour is strongly dependent on having healthy hair. If your hair health is compromised then you should not be thinking of drastic colour changes (for example going more than 2 shades lighter).

You should be putting your hair through a “fitness” regime of having hair treatments both at home and at the salon, and potentially keratin treatments to help the hair along. As I mentioned previously, it is difficult to style hair that is damaged and lifeless, and get a good result.

Hair Colour:

I know it sound obvious but you should get your colour done about 1 week before your wedding. The number of wedding photo’s I see of women with regrowth is astounding. Not a great look.

Settling on colour.

I could go on for days about the problems and dangers of using boxed colour from the supermarket or drug store. Of course I am biased but there are some real issues. You might like to read this article Super hair colour is not supermarket hair colour.

One thing is certain, if you’ve been using boxed at-home colour for many years, then you should probably keep doing what you’re doing. Trying to lift or change the pigments from these types of colours can be very difficult and results can be variable to say the least even with the most experienced hairdresser.

Depending on whether you’re looking to make a statement with strong creative colour, elegant highlights or beachy balayage, you should be “testing” the colours and looks at least 6 months in advance. Seek out the best hairdresser you can afford and the one that has the best reviews or recommendations. Don’t hesitate to stop people in the street!

Wedding Hair and Makeup Trials

I mentioned earlier that you should at least have one, if not two, wedding hair and makeup trials. I ask my clients to give me at least three and a half hours of their time where we explore and try out different styles and looks. We change things incrementally, take lots of photo’s and discuss the pro’s and con’s. There is often a lot of texting of photo’s to bridesmaids and mothers of the brides too!

It’s a great advantage to be able to go home and try on your wedding dress with your styled hair and makeup.

Don’t be afraid to have a second trial and be forthright about what you liked and didn’t like.

Final words

Despite all my advice regarding forward planning, the most beautiful brides are the relaxed ones. Hopefully my words of advice will help you be sufficiently prepared so that on the day you can sit back and enjoy a glass of champagne while being pampered and getting ready for one of the most special days of your life!

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 5 Comments

Perfect Pairings—Matching your wedding dress style to your venue

Your wedding venue and wedding dress are very important factors, where the wedding theme is concerned. When you choose the right dress for the venue, the cohesive effect makes it all come together. This is beautiful as you will look like you belong there.

The wedding gown should look good. Nevertheless, it is equally important to be comfortable for the chosen venue. The weather and location are both relevant factors to make sure your dress is appropriate for the venue.

Fortunately, there is enough variety in wedding dress styles, to satisfy all these factors. Plan your shopping well, so you will have enough time to explore your options. You can then zero-in on a dress that ticks all the boxes.

Today, we will look at dress suggestions that are suitable for various types of venues. But before that, there are two main rules to keep in mind for an easy and practical dress search. Let me tell you what they are.

#Rule 1: Always go dress shopping after finalizing the venue

Begin your wedding dress shopping after you choose the venue, not before. This is because your dress should be comfortable as well as practical in the chosen setting. If you pick your dress first, there is a bigger risk of the dress not being suitable. This is especially if you have to choose a different venue, which can cause several other factors about the wedding to change. For instance, if the new venue has a staircase, a mermaid-style dress may be inconvenient to get around from one place to another.

#Rule 2: Always shop early

I can never stress enough the importance of shopping in advance. As soon as you have an idea of the type of wedding you want, shortlist venue choices. Next, start the research for your dress. Go shopping soon after you lay down the deposit for your venue. It will take time to narrow down your choices and locate the right boutiques. You should then book appointments.

Your task isn’t complete even after you choose the dress. Afterwards, you have to get your alterations done and buy accessories. All this can take anywhere between six and nine months. So, prepare early to do it right.

Now that you know these important rules, let us move on to the list of dresses we have compiled. Take a look at the different styles our fashion experts at Best for Bride suggest for different wedding venues.

Church wedding or wedding in a house of worship

This is the traditional type of wedding. Thus, it comes with a set of rules that the bride is expected to follow. The wedding is formal in nature. Since the guests realize this, they tend to dress their best when the function is held in a house of worship. Choose a dress with huge impact, to stand out against the crowd. A dress with a long train (chapel length or more) is ideal, as it looks grand in this setting. Traditional accessories like a veil are suitable for this venue.

Many traditional religious venues do not encourage revealing dress styles. So you may have to avoid strapless styles. Check with your chosen venue, in case of doubt. Either choose a dress with cap sleeves or longer sleeves, or add an accessory. You can wear a bolero or jacket for the ceremony over a strapless dress for the reception. Luxurious fabric finishes like satin or elegant classics like lace are suitable for this venue.

Style suggestions:

The Mori Lee 2875 is a cap-sleeve tulle gown with intricate embroidery on the bodice. It also has a luxurious ball gown skirt. The dress easily creates an impact with its elegant details. It features the right placement of beautiful embellishments along the neckline, sleeves and waistline. The modest details and majestic train make it suitable for a church venue.

This vintage-inspired lace wedding dress from the Mori Lee collection is an ideal choice for a formal church wedding. Lace details extend from the neckline along the fitted silhouette to knee-length, and make the gown a classic beauty. The illusion style neckline is modest, but stylish. The snug silhouette shows off the natural curves. This dress is bound to impress with its touch of vintage class.

Ballroom wedding

You have more flexibility when choosing a dress for any indoor venue other than a church. The choice should ultimately be based on the theme and formality of your chosen venue. Nevertheless, elegant and sophisticated dress styles are suitable for most indoor venues. Modern silhouettes and soft, luxurious fabric finishes look good on such occasions. Minimal details on the dress and simple, uncluttered styles are ideal for a modern, stylish look.

Style suggestions:

The 2880 Mori Lee Duchess satin dress is a dress that is ideal for a ballroom wedding. The scattering of intricate and ornate silver beading and embroidery in the bodice contrasts with the pristine white of the rest of the dress. The off-the-shoulder neckline detail adds a chic, modern look. It has a snug fitting silhouette, which makes this a dress just right for an intimate, formal indoor affair.

Next up, is a trumpet gown from the Sophia Tolli collection. It has beautiful details like metallic lace, a tiered skirt with lace trim and gorgeous sweetheart neckline that make it truly divine. The rich details in the bodice and skirt have a sophisticated effect. This renders the dress a perfect choice for an elegant ball room style reception.

Rustic venue like a barn

Venues like barns are intimate, warm and cozy. They are comfortable, with a relaxed and laid-back ambiance. When the dress you select reflects this effect, it will right for the venue of the event. Lace and chiffon are dress finishes that are ideal. Simple relaxed silhouettes that are not too tight or fitted are suitable. The sheath and A-line are examples. Short dress styles also look great. Accessories like the birdcage veil add a unique detail. Too many details and too ornate embellishments or big bold accessories will not compliment this theme.

Style Suggestions:

The 2816 from the Mori Lee collection has all-over Alencon lace details over soft satin. With cap-sleeves and a fit and flare silhouette, this dress has a vintage charm. Thus, it is just right for a barn style wedding. The soft white color of this dress will show up well against the characteristic warm yellow lights at a rustic venue.

The Mori Lee 6816 is another dress that is suitable for a rustic-style wedding. It has embroidered lace appliques on soft net in the bodice. This continues into the chiffon A-line skirt, with scintillating beaded straps that compliment it. The dress has just the right balance of details without being overwhelming or too elaborate.

Beach wedding

There are a number of factors to consider when you pick a dress for a venue like the beach. Airy and breathable light-weight fabrics are best suited for the natural ambiance. A long train is impractical due to the natural turf. Also, most beach wedding locations call for traveling. So, you need a light and minimal maintenance dress for easy of transport. Goddess-like styles are a big hit, as are dresses that do not feature a train. Take a look at our recommendations here.

Style Suggestions

A romantic, airy and light weight wedding dress, the Alfred Angelo 2564 is just right for your beach nuptials. It has just the right amount of details to make a statement. There are silver embellishments along the strapless sweetheart neckline and ruffles in the layered skirt. With a pleated criss-cross bodice and an empire waistline, the dress is remarkable and just right for the natural outdoors.

Modern, fun and flirty, the Mori Lee 6808 is a beautiful dress for a beach wedding. The simple A-line silhouette is embellished with a fully ruffled skirt. I like how this skirt resembles the ocean waves. It has an embellished bodice and a draped waistline, and looks as light as it actually is. The naturally textured look yields well to travel. It is a practical choice for a destination wedding at an exotic location. This Mori Lee masterpiece is definitely a dress to consider for the modern beach bride.

Garden wedding

Garden weddings have a warm, intimate feel. Hence, it is no wonder that this outdoor venue is one of the most romantic venues there is. Garden weddings are best held in spring and summer, when nature creates a glorious palette.

Remember that there are many natural elements to consider in the case of a garden wedding. Your dress should be both practical and comfortable. Fabrics that will not weigh you down are the best, and will let you move about the natural terrain conveniently. Also, delicate wedding dresses with lace and other soft and feminine elements look best in the natural greenery. Avoid heavy ball gowns and thickly layered skirts. Instead opt for soft lace or silky satin. Dresses with short hemlines are also ideal for the casual vibe at a garden wedding.

Style Suggestions

Here is a splendid dress from the Alfred Angelo collection. Designed in an A-line fashion, the 2565T is a net tea length dress. The silhouette and finish make it perfect for a warm spring or summer wedding. The plunging V-neckline with sheer modesty panel adds an element of mystique to the design. A scattering of lace appliques in the bodice and skirt create textural details to the dress. It is both a practical and pretty option for a fun garden wedding.

The 6796 Mori Lee dress in tulle is a delightfully attractive dress, that is buoyant and beautiful. It has light tiers that add drama to the slim ball gown silhouette. The dress is stylish without being overwhelming. Gentle criss-cross pleats in the bodice fashion an attractive sweetheart neckline. The only element of sparkle in the dress is the slender waistband. Airy and dramatic, this dress is just amazing for a garden wedding.

City hall wedding

If you will be saying your “I do’s” at City hall and having a small lunch afterwards, there are few rules to follow when choosing your dress. You can be as fashionable as you like. Or pick a dress that is as modern or as traditional as it gets! The trend, however, is to pick an outfit that is smart but dressy. In short, it should stand out and still make sure you look and feel like a bride! Here are some of our picks for this venue.

Style Suggestions

Here is a smart and minimalist, but interesting dress from the Sans Pareil collection. The 1034 has a sleeveless lace peplum top with frill detail at the waistline. Beneath the lace is a satin sheath that flows to floor length. The short train at the rear adds an essential traditional touch to this beautiful bridal gown.

Color your day with happiness, literally! Here is a colored wedding dress to do so. A dress like this 1007, from the Sans Pareil collection is ideal for a striking bridal look on your big day. With sheer cap sleeves and glittering crystal strands along the sweetheart bodice that thin towards the skirt, this dress is a real dazzler. Although it is different, it is attractive in a bridal way and the perfect outfit for your wedding at City Hall.

So, tell us, which of these wedding venues will you be wed at? And, which style of dress will you choose for your wedding day? Do let us know in the comments section below.

Best for Bride has the ideal range of wedding dresses for every venue and every wedding imaginable. Check out our collection online and shortlist your favorites. From modern and fashionable to classic and timeless, you can find the wedding dress of your dreams in our collection. Additional services like alterations and accessories are also available at Best for Bride, to meet every bridal need. Find out more about our services and collection range by visiting our website here.

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