With weddings come wedding showers, bachelorette parties and rehearsal dinners. And, you have to be a ravishing bride who is the focus of the party, at all these celebrations. While your wedding dress may take months of research, shopping and fittings to perfect, you should also spare some attention to the dresses that you choose for the events leading up to the wedding.
There are certain factors that will help you choose a good bridal shower dress. So, join us as we find out what they are.
Keep it casual but elegant
via Best for Bride
Your bridal shower is a casual event. So, you can choose any dress that is semi-formal to casual, but make sure it is elegant and has some interesting details. Think of it as a dress that reflects your personal style, but is one that can impress. Keep it chic and consider going with the latest trends in color and design that will look good on you. Although you needn’t spend a fortune on it, remember that the money you spend on it is worthwhile as you can use it again in the future.
Dress for the weather and venue
Decide your outfit based on whether your bridal shower will be held indoors or outdoors, and whether it will be warm or cold at the time. For a garden party, floral dresses would be a stunning choice. If it is an indoor event, a monochromatic design, or one with vivid details would look good. Similarly, consider breezy lace dresses and cotton dresses in breathable fabric for summer and spring parties. If the weather is cool, choose satin, silk or wool blends that will keep you warm.
via Best for Bride
Match your dress to the theme
It is likely that your host will inform you of the theme of the party, if there is one, a few weeks in advance. Once you know what it is, choose a dress that will reflect the color palette and party theme. This way, you will look dressed for the part by choosing a matching dress. It also makes your job of shortlisting the right choices easier.
Accessorize to dress up or down
While your dress choice is important, the accessories you choose are also equally significant. If you think your dress is really simple, dress it up with bold statement jewelry and a pair of killer heels. If your dress is a star by itself, keep the accessories simple so it doesn’t steal focus from the dress. All the components should come together beautifully, and make you look fantastic. Try on your dress with the accessories you chose before the actual day, so you can decide whether you should make changes.
As with any other wedding-related outfit, make sure that you choose a silhouette that suits your body shape. This is the best way to look fabulous. It is not about how a dress looks by itself, it is all about how well it looks on you. Go for colors that complement your skin tone and a pattern that shows off your best features and hides any trouble spots.
The earrings you choose for your wedding day play a huge role in determining your wedding day look. The right pair will complement your dress, and enhance your facial features by creating the right impact.
When choosing your earrings, there are a few things to keep in mind. Some earrings look better than others, for a specific type of wedding dress. Let us find out what they are.
Vintage style wedding dresses
Typical traditional wedding dresses have a timeless elegance that is best complemented by vintage style earring designs. Silver and gold earrings in classic designs look good, as do earrings with intricate stone work and floral designs. Natural pearl earrings also work with these dresses, either in the form of drops or studs. Colorful gemstones highlighted with white stones along the borders are another good choice.
These contemporary designs are very stylish, and can be enhanced with matching modern earring designs. It is a good idea to match the stone color on the earrings to the embellishments on the dress. Sparkling stones in different colors work well, but it is best to go for a silver or clear base instead of gold. Similarly, white cultured pearls work better than natural pearls, when worn with modern dress silhouettes.
Heavily embellished ball gowns
Most ball gowns feature intricate detailing on the bodice, and an elaborate skirt. This pattern is usually very dressy, and it isn’t advisable to add too many accessories and clutter the look. Simple stud earrings or long drop earrings that are simple, but elegant are the ideal choice. If the dress features an embellished neckline or a high collar, you can cut the sparkle from your earring to avoid a crowded look. Stud earrings are also a good choice for women who don’t usually wear earrings, but wish to find one to complete their wedding outfit. With studs, you have the flexibility of choosing a size that is appropriate for your face.
Modern fit and glamorous gowns
When your wedding look is glamorous with a fit and flare gown, ruffles in the skirt, an off-the-shoulder neckline or a stylish A-line skirt, your accessories should also accentuate the effect. Long or short statement earrings, with plenty of sparkle can give you a dressy edge. Just remember that the more bling your earring has, you have to balance it out in your necklace, so you don’t look over the top. Stone-studded hoops, crystal detail earrings and tassels are all good ideas for a Hollywood-inspired wedding day look.
Wedding dresses with short hemlines
The shorter hemline is associated with casual weddings, and so classic earring patterns may not look good with them. The two obvious choices that do work, are thin, long earrings and big bling studs. The latter goes well with layered frocks, while the former is a better choice when your dress is fitted all the way.
Have you ever checked out our wedding proposal contest on Best for Bride? If you haven’t already, you should! It is full of exciting stories of wedding proposals done right, and we are certain that you will enjoy reading the innovative and romantic ways in which the singular life-changing question, “Will you marry me?” was presented and accepted by different couples.
As I was going through these stories of love, I thought it’s a good idea to look at what marriage proposals are like today and explore it a little deeper. So, join me as I dig into this subject and let’s have some fun. We also have three of our popular story favourites at the end of this post, so don’t forget to check them out as well.
Some history on the existence of marriage proposals
In many cultures around the world, it used to be and is still customary for the man to ask a woman’s father for her hand in marriage. This has changed in many cultures today, with women being in charge of their destinies and being directly asked for their hand in marriage.
Accepting a proposal is not compulsory. Many couples choose to wait and see if they are indeed agreeable to spending a lifetime together before they agree to get engaged. Nevertheless, a surprise proposal executed beautifully and thoughtfully is a thrill for every prospective bride and one that most women dream of.
This article on Wikipedia tells us how 29 February is the one day that women could propose to their partner, in countries like Scotland and Finland. Although proposals by women are more popular today, it is still considered the prerogative of a man to take this important step.
Proposing on bent knee
The symbolic gesture that has forever been associated with marriage proposals, most men (a whopping 76%) still favour the practice of proposing to their lady love on a bent knee. Although there is no definite history behind this practice, this article on the Love to know blog sheds some insight. It suggests that the gesture exalts the woman, as the man shows his respect to her by lowering himself. It is also comparable to the kneeling of knights when conferred an honour, and accepting a proposal of marriage is a similar honour. The practical reason suggested is that this pose of the man places the ring in an elevated position between the couple, This prevents the blocking of the light falling on the ring, and makes it more attractive. Isn’t that interesting? So, which of these reasons do you buy?
Now, let us look at some interesting trends, numbers and facts concerning marriage proposals. Hopefully, this will give guys (or girls) a better idea of what would work, if they intend to pop their question sometime soon.
Facts, figures and trends
#Simple or showy?
We’ve seen plenty of romantic wedding proposals in sitcoms and movies, so which of these do you think would be the best for your woman? Is it the romantic and intimate style with just the couple there that the two of you would love? Remember the proposal scene in Pride and Prejudice? How romantic was it when Darcy proposed to Elizabeth on the moor at dawn? Is your girlfriend a fan of such scenes, or would she rather prefer the epic Flash Mob proposal on Cougar town, where Jules cannot deny the proposal because of how touching it was? (Despite her already being married, that is!)
Well, it so happens that 50% of women on the Robin Bros annual survey prefer that her partner spend the majority of the funds on the ring, and keep the proposal simple. Despite this, a third of them wouldn’t mind having their engagement broadcast to the rest of the world, instead of keeping it just to themselves. After all, this is the age when reality shows rule us.
#Who should propose?
Traditionally, the man proposed, except in specific cases and on specific days as we saw earlier. Now, things have changed a lot. 37% of brides believe that it is fine to take on the responsibility of the proposal, rather than wait around for their partner to realize when it is time. This explains the new trend of engagement rings for men. In fact, the tradition of proposing on bent knee extends to this scenario too, but with the woman on her knee instead. Many men don’t really mind this type of proposal though, nor do they have any qualms about accepting it.
#When is the ideal time to propose?
Interestingly, women were more of the opinion that they had to wait for a while to make sure they were compatible as a couple, before deciding to get married. A fifth of the women on the Marriage proposal survey by Chillysauce mention that they would like to be proposed to on the anniversary of the day they got together. Men, on the other hand, had no such personal dates as their preference and chose Christmas Eve and Valentine’s day as the more likely dates to pop the question.
#Is it alright to propose on social media?
It is surprising how proposals, which were once considered very personal, are now finding more likes when executed in the public eye. A surprising 40% of women in the UK, on the Chillysauce survey, wouldn’t mind being proposed to over social media. Celebrities like Kelly Rowland and Kristen Bell have leaped to propose via the digital world, and more couples are following suit. However, the survey by Robin Bros in the US suggested something different. Almost the entire population they surveyed deemed techie proposals as inappropriate and unromantic, even when followed by an in-person gesture. So, I think it differs from place to place, and person to person. So, give some thought to it before you make your move.
Now, let us move on from these numbers and get around to a more serious topic. If you are planning to get engaged in the near future, these definite proposal mistakes might be helpful.
Proposal mistakes to avoid
#Popping the question too early
Some women want to get married right away, and then some just aren’t sure. As the survey said, most women like to wait it out and see if the relationship is headed anywhere, before they commit themselves entirely. While guys may be certain that they’ve finally met the woman of their dreams, girls are usually more skeptical. So, our suggestion is to wait till you are past the infatuation stage, you have had your first few arguments and are still certain that this relationship will work. This will save you the trouble of being in an awkward situation if she seems undecided or says no.
#Proposing empty-handed
Marriage proposals and engagement rings are a match made in heaven. One isn’t complete without the other! Proposing without the ring is a big, BIG mistake. So, what do you do if you aren’t sure she’ll like the ring you pick? This article on the Knot suggests choosing one from a store with an exchange policy. Doesn’t that sound good? Or, if you have been engaged for long and both know that a wedding is on the cards, you can take her ring shopping. Our proposal story contest winners in Season 1, Darren and Angela did this. They were together for 6 years before they were engaged to be married. Darren knew her style by taking her out to look at rings in advance, and everything ended out fine in the end. Or, you could always consider proposing to your lady love in a ring store, as Patrick Dempsey did in the movie, Sweet Home Alabama.
#Not personalizing the proposal to suit her personality
Not all women may revel in the idea of being proposed to in front of hundreds of onlookers. Many would prefer being in a park or a meaningful place with just the two of you or a few onlookers you know and would like to have there at the time. Make the moment about her, and your proposal will be more impressive. Many women love being proposed to at the place where you first met. So, if your lady is a real romantic, you may like to consider this option. Also remember that your partner may prefer it if you had it well-planned, instead of just going with the flow and not taking it seriously enough. It is a lifetime commitment, after all, so give it the due importance it deserves.
#Ruining the surprise
You may have painstakingly created the perfect plan for your proposal, but beware of sharing it with too many people. Sure, you can enlist the help of your trusted friends or family, if you want help with executing it. You may even give a hint to her parents when you ask them for their blessings, but don’t share the details. Make sure that it is a secret, and not something that is public knowledge. You do not want your girlfriend hearing about it from someone, and the surprise is spoiled. She may also appreciate it better if she could break the news to everyone afterwards, than learn that they all knew it beforehand and it was a surprise only for her. Wait for the right moment, and give her the joy she deserves when you propose to her. You could even have a meaningful engagement with just the two of you, and then break the news to the rest of your gang with an engagement party.
It’s now time for us to look at some of our favourite proposals from our engagement proposal contest archives.
Proposal Contest Winners
1. Kristen and Jason’s Catch Phrase Proposal
This is one of the most romantic proposals we’ve ever come across. Jason caught Kristen off-guard with his proposal, by leading her to the scenario by playing the board game “Catch Phrase.” When it was Kristen’s turn to guess, Jason’s clues began with “It’s something you do, when you love someone.” Kristen’s first comical guess was to buy them stuff. Her brother who was also playing finally guessed ‘Proposal’, and all of a sudden Jason was on his knee, asking Kristen to marry him. How unique was that? Read all about this wonderful couple who were the season 2 winners of our story contest here.
2. Sean and Paige’s touching cancer to the engagement story
Season 4 proposal story winner Paige was diagnosed with stage 3 lymphoma cancer and was in the hospital recovering from surgery. On the second night of her stay, Sean had all her visitors leave early, and walked in with a bouquet of roses. After showing her that he’d shaved his head so she wouldn’t be alone when she lost hers during therapy, he proposed to her. It was a touching moment, as Paige was too overwhelmed and ended up with her vital signs running berserk. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful proposal.
3. Louie and Rosie’s Pizza Proposal Story
On their fourth anniversary, this couple visited their favourite restaurant in Woodridge. Rosie went on to order her favourite pizza and was upset that it took them more than an hour to get it ready. Just as she was above to give the staff a piece of her mind for the undue delay, her fiance took over and went to meet the team. Surprise, he returned with a heart-shaped pizza with “Will you marry me” written on it. How unexpected, exciting and thoughtful! And here’s the pizza that did the honours.
Isn’t it refreshing to read these stories and appreciate the beautiful thought that went into them? Our proposal story contest pages are full of hundreds of exciting stories like these. Why don’t you visit them here and pick out a few to read when you have some time to spare? Perhaps even add your own story and enter the contest?
Wedding dress shopping is rarely easy. However, it is even more difficult if you are a bride who belongs to either end of the size spectrum. So, if you are either plus-size or skinny, you may have a tougher time shopping for your wedding dress.
When choosing wedding dresses for skinny brides, finding a dress that suits your slender body frame is the challenge. Not all wedding dress styles flatter the natural body shape of really thin women. Choosing a wedding dress according to your body shape will ensure you find a flattering fit that enhances your best features. If you are slender with a straight, boyish structure, there are certain features to look for in a gown so that it looks good on you.
Let us find out what they are.
Factors to look for when choosing wedding dresses for thin brides
The overall bridal look is determined by how the various style elements of a wedding dress come together. Nevertheless, there are certain factors that are known to work well on skinny brides. For instance, textured and thicker fabric is guaranteed to create a fuller figure than fabric that clings. Similarly, a closed neckline is more suitable than a strapless one.
