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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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Insider Insights: 8 Things Bridal Consultants Wish Every Bride Knew Before Dress Shopping!

Bridal consultants are seasoned experts who are the best people to advise and help you with your wedding dress decision. Their years of working in the field enable them to identify what a bride wants and how to get her the right dress that fulfills her vision.

Their job is difficult, as they come across hundreds of different brides: different in their attitudes, preferences, likes and dislikes. Scouring through thousands of wedding dresses to find the one right gown that will make a bride’s wedding dreams come true is no easy feat. Bridal consultants have to consider several factors when suggesting dresses for brides; this includes the budget, fabric, style of wedding, personal preferences and style of the bride, the opinions of her entourage and much more.

Although they will ultimately guide you to the wedding gown of your dreams, a few things can make your wedding shopping more enjoyable. Here is a list of ten things bridal consultants wish their customers would be aware of. These factors will not only allow them to help you find your dress a lot easier but will also help you make the most of your shopping session. Let us find out what they are.

1.Bring along a small group of helpful people

Many brides make the cardinal mistake of inviting too many people to their dress appointments. Well, most of the people you invite would like to have a say in what you wear on your wedding day, and you may be too kind to deny them the opportunity. But we say, just don’t do it! More people mean more opinions, and this can get too confusing. It will only ruin your chances of finding a dress that you truly like.

Our bridal consultants think that you should restrict your entourage to no more than three people, and they should be able to help you make the right decision. If you aren’t certain whether you should invite a certain person, think of whether the person on your mind shares your taste for fashion. Remember that your wedding dress should be an extension of who you are. So, you need people who understand you and know what looks best on you. Well, if someone like your mother or grandmother will be paying for the wedding dress, you may feel obliged to bring her along. Nevertheless, decide where you draw the line on going with what they say is the dress. Also be ready to step and let them know when you cannot accept certain suggestions if you both don’t agree on what is good on you.

2.Do your research first

If you just scroll through our bridal section, you will see the variety in gowns available today. Our store is simply an extension of the same. So, you can easily drown yourself in the hundreds of choices if you do no know what you want. Rather than going in for your session with absolutely no idea in mind, it will be better if you do your research and gather an idea of what you want before you go shopping. You must consider where the wedding will be held, the time of year when it is planned and the style. Additionally, you should also have a general idea of what dress silhouettes will suit you, as well as the necklines you favor and whether you would prefer a sleeveless dress or one with sleeves. This will give you a starting point for the fabric and styles. For example, if you have a beach wedding, you should consider what dresses will be practical and convenient in an outdoor location and start your search with this idea in mind.

Your bridal consultant will be able to help you identify the best style and pattern for your figure, based on the inputs you provide about the wedding you have in mind. Nonetheless, it is much easier if you have a few ideas than just trying on several dresses and then determining what you would like. Our previous articles can guide you in this direction. Check it out here and here.

3.Be open to ideas

Although you should attend your appointment with a general idea of what you want to see in your wedding dress, don’t be too fixated on definite patterns or designs. Remember that what you see in pictures may not translate well, when you wear it. On the other hand, there are also dresses that may not have hanger appeal—they do not look good on the hanger or mannequin—but can transform you into a ravishing bride when you put them on. Your bridal consultant is the best judge on this. They know a dress for how it looks on the hanger and how it will look on you. Since they’ve worked with hundreds of brides before, they will also know what you may choose to overlook but will end up loving when you try it on.

So, go for your wedding dress appointment with an open mind. Allow your bridal consultant to suggest dresses that may not really match the idea in your mind. You never know, but you may be pleasantly surprised with the results. One of our customers Melissa Filice had such an experience. She wasn’t sure when our sales consultant asked her to try on a certain dress, but our consultant was certain this was the dress. She was right! The minute Melissa saw herself in the mirror, she knew she had found the dress. So, just trust your consultant and she is bound to get you what you want.

4.Be honest and open about what you feel

Be honest about your feelings when your consultant asks you for feedback after trying on a dress. It is your feedback and concerns about the dress that will help them direct you towards the right one. You do not have to hold your feelings in if you don’t like what you see, just because your consultant asked you to try on a dress. Through trial and error, you will finally arrive at a dress you love. Your consultant is banking on your opinion. Tell her what you like and what you don’t, about the dresses you try on. Also, don’t feel obliged to agree with the opinions of your entourage. If they think that a dress feature you love isn’t right, think objectively and decide whether you would like to see the same feature on another dress instead. It could be that the same translates into a beautiful feature on another dress, and everyone will actually love it.

When you try on a dress, you will know if it is “The Dress”. If you have your doubts, go with your intuition. Your consultant will mostly ask you to specify what you like about the dress and what you prefer to be different. Depending on your answer, she will seek out another gown that will be one step closer to the dream gown you had in mind. But all this is possible only if you are open and certain about what you want.

5.Wear the right undergarments

Most bridal stores carry undergarments and shapewear to go under the gown. Nevertheless, it is always best that you are prepared for your wedding dress appointment wearing your own innerwear. Since your wedding dress will most likely be white, nude-coloured undergarments are ideal. These will be concealed under the white, allowing you to visualize the dress’s appearance. So, put the pink and yellow undergarments aside and wear a nude bra instead.

Although you needn’t wear shapewear with all gowns, you may prefer to do so. If you already have purchased it, it is a good idea to wear it when you go wedding shopping. This will give you a better idea of how the dress will drape around you when you wear it and help you decide better.

6.Restrain yourself from trying on too many options

Many brides make the mistake of trying on too many dresses and simply confusing themselves in the process. This is especially true if their entourage is very active and takes the initiative in pulling off dresses off the racks to try on. It is not necessary that you should find your dress at your first appointment. Attend your session with this in mind; it will be much easier.

Our bridal consultants suggest that if you reach a point where you are no longer sure of what you want, it is time to stop looking. Go home and sleep over it, and go back for another appointment. You will hopefully have gained some clarity by then. This will save you from making a mistake that you may later regret.

7.Attend your appointment with a relaxed mind and make sure you have fun

Many brides walk in the door all excited, but if they can’t find a dress soon, they begin to panic. We want this to be a fun experience; the only way a bride can enjoy the process is if she relaxes. For this, she should come in with a clear mind and not be worried about anything else during her session. So, our suggestion is that you make your appointment with the bridal salon well ahead of time, and on a day when you are free and have no other tensions. This way you can communicate your vision better, and we will be able to help you find your dress easily. You should have sufficient time to shop around and get your fitting sessions completed on time, if you start gown shopping six to nine months ahead of the wedding.

A bride with a general idea of what she wants and is open to ideas will most likely enjoy the shopping experience. Don’t be pressured into making a choice that you don’t like. Make sure you are certain that the dress you pick deserves to be the one you wear on your wedding day. Once again, remember that your entourage also has a huge role in helping you arrive at a decision. So, invite-only the right people to come along.

8.Always go with your current size

Most of the brides we see are sure they will be two sizes smaller than they currently are, on their wedding day. If you do manage to achieve this target, good for you. But trust us, it isn’t easy getting into a dress that is too small for you, if your workout plans fail to Work Out! Although most bridal gowns are available in all sizes, your best option is to buy one that fits you now. You can always take out extra fabric during your fitting sessions, but it is nearly impossible to add extra inches to a gown. So, don’t take a risk. If you are pretty certain that your dress size will change drastically in the coming months, we suggest that you schedule your alteration sessions closer to the wedding, instead of getting it done right away. This way, you can still achieve the right dress size in time for your wedding.

And don’t be worried if your wedding dress size is greater than the size you normally buy your clothes in. It is only because wedding gowns are sized differently; your actual dress size may correspond to a higher number on this scale.

Now that you have all the expert advice you need, you can begin preparations for your bridal salon appointment and make the most of it. To look at the different wedding gowns we have in-store, we suggest you visit our online bridal gallery at Best for Bride and shortlist your favorites. We can also help you find your bridesmaids dresses, wedding accessories and more, all at our Best for Bride stores. Fix your appointment with us by either calling your nearest shop or by booking it online at this link. Get ready for the experience of your lifetime, as our trusted bridal consultants will make sure that you have the best time possible when you come to us to shop for your dream dress.

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10 Must-know Survival tips for the Winter bride

Cool wedding accessories for the winter bride

I can think of so many reasons why winter weddings are a good idea. They are budget-friendly, romantic, unique and not to mention, festive. With the holiday season bringing on a merry mood, this is the perfect time to be wed and enjoy the fun and jovial spirit in your own special way. Almost everyone gets married in summer or spring, and so winter weddings have an air of mystery and intrigue to them. This rarity of winter weddings makes it more memorable than weddings in the warmer months.

Nevertheless, winter weddings require a lot of planning, perhaps even more than spring or summer weddings. After all, the chances for the unexpected to happen is several times greater. So, here are ten winter wedding survival tips that are bound to help you when you plan your wedding in the cold weather.

1.Prepare for the dark days

We all know that the days are shorter in winter, and it becomes dark very early. The lighting at your venue plays an important role in contributing to the overall impact of your wedding day. Make sure that you are well-equipped for the dark day, by choosing a well-lit venue which is nicely warmed before it becomes dark. This factor is even more important when you think of how your wedding photographs will turn out. Work with your photographer to find out when and how your photos should be taken, so you achieve the desired effect. Make sure that your photographer will be carrying necessary equipment, like a tripod, that will light up the shots even if the venue may have dim lighting. It may also be better if you can have the wedding ceremony early, so you can make the most of the daylight when taking your pictures.

2.Choose a picturesque venue

When choosing your venue, it is necessary to choose a pretty and picturesque one so you can get good shots even if they are taken indoors. Remember that there is little scope for taking outdoor photos during a winter wedding. Although you may be able to capture a few, you will have to take most of your group photos and portraits indoors. So, make sure your venue will cater to this requirement. An attractive venue with plenty of stylish spots with a variety of interesting backdrop elements would be ideal. You can also customize the spaces to contain interesting elements that can add a special touch to your photographs. A venue with a lot of warm accents and whites would be the perfect choice for your winter wedding, as it will be welcoming and fresh. With the whites working against the naturally dark elements of the weather at the time, your photos will also come out much better.

3.Find the right photographer for the job

When choosing your photographer, make sure he has had good practice shooting photos in winter. If his wedding portfolio doesn’t contain many examples, you can ask to look at the other shots he has taken in winter to get a fair idea of his expertise.

Winter weddings are really not the best time to ask your budding photographer friend to do your wedding photography, for one obvious reason—he won’t have the necessary equipment to handle the lighting requirements for good photographs. A camera with a flashlight is certainly not the right choice, as it can leave long shadows that will make your pictures dark and gloomy. A professional would have the necessary equipment to light up the shots appropriately. If you want warm and glowing photos, discuss this idea with him early, so he can plan the shots accordingly.

4.Keep yourself warm, while looking stylish too

As romantic as winter weddings are, there is the definite problem of it getting too cold. Nonetheless, you can always prepare for it, so it doesn’t stand in the way of a fantastic wedding day. Plan your wedding outfit, so it is suitable for the cold weather. Wedding dresses in thick fabrics like velvet or satin will keep you warm. It may also be a good idea to choose a dress with sleeves, so your shoulders and arms aren’t too exposed to the natural elements. If you decide upon a strapless or sleeveless dress, at least get a stole, wrap or bolero to cover up your shoulders when you begin to feel cold. Since you will mostly be taking at least a few outdoor shots, carry a jacket that matches your outfit. It will help you stay warm between photos. To make sure you are entirely comfortable, don’t forget your feet. Either choose closed shoes or else change into a pair of warm boots for your outdoor pictures. Remember that you can find very stylish dress choices, even when your wedding is in winter. Add some extra luster and sparkle to your look by choosing accessories with crystals and bright stones. You can even play with textures by choosing accessories with feather and fur.

5.Make sure your guests are warm and comfortable too

Your guests will also appreciate a little warmth, especially when they come indoors from the bitter cold. Make sure your venue is heated in advance, and you leave some blankets around the seating space, for those who want to cozy up in it. If it has been snowing lately, have the driveway to the venue cleaned and free from ice. Also place a few umbrellas at the venue, just in case it snows or rains at the time. You can consider making arrangements for hot cocoa or coffee for your guests, and this can help them feel warm and settled in no time. Do this and you can be certain that there will be no chattering teeth, and that everyone will be focusing on you during the ceremony, instead of feeling to cold to enjoy it. It doesn’t really hurt to tell your guests that the ceremony is a little earlier than actually planned. This real bride, Robin, on Wedding Wire, tells us how she informed her guests that the wedding would start 30 minutes earlier than the actual plan, just so nobody missed it by arriving late. This also allows them to relax, settle in and be warm by the time the actual function starts.

6.Plan your décor and flowers sensibly

Your venue prices, catering costs and other prices may all come down in winter, but flowers are a definite budget-bomber in the cold winter. Many flowers may even be unavailable or impossible to get in this weather. So, plan your flower choices well in advance, while keeping the weather constraints in mind. It is best to go with what is seasonal, so you can avoid the risk of last-minute cancellations. The holiday favorites like holly, eucalyptus and mistle-toe are do-able options. Consider planning your décor with items that are available all year around. You can work wonders with candles, metal tableware, holiday decorations, branches, twigs, fruits and fabric to create classic wedding decor that will look both festive and welcoming. When choosing candles, throw in some scented ones and your wedding venue will not only look, but also smell great.

7.Make sure your hair and makeup are warm and welcoming

Winter presents a unique set of challenges for every bride, and the last thing you want is to look pale and washed out in an already all-white wedding scene. Both your skin and hair will have to be prepped very well to stay fresh throughout the day. Warm autumnal colors are a favorite in winter, and will warm up your overall look, however white your wedding gown may be. Dress up your eyes and highlight it with defined make-up to look ravishing and to get noticed. This is the time to have smoky eye-makeup done, and use colors like pinks, browns, maroons, blues and purples. Choose a glossy finish for your lips and add a slight touch of shimmer to your makeup. To keep your hair healthy and refreshed, add a serum to your hair before styling it. Also make sure that you feel fresh and glow from the inside, by staying hydrated throughout the day. Moisturize your skin, and make sure you reapply a touch of moisturizing cream to your hands and any exposed skin, any time you are exposed to the chills.

8.Choose your transportation wisely

You obviously aren’t going to choose a horse and carriage for your winter wedding getaway, but the limitations do not end there. Not all vehicles are equipped to travel on icy and slippery roads. So, this may mean that your vintage car choice may not be the best choice, if you want to make it to your venue on time. Although you can always book a classic car and be optimistic that the weather will be favorable, make sure that the car hiring company will be able to provide you with an alternative if it isn’t. Discuss this before you book it, so you don’t have to worry about it on the day if things do not go as per plan. On the day, allow for extra time and start early for the venue. It is better to reach there ahead of time and relax in your chosen vehicle, than run late and start the day off on the wrong note. You can even reel in your guests to be on the safe side, and have your wedding on time by setting the time on your invitations as half-an-hour ahead of the actual planned time.

9.Make the most of what is in-season

From wedding décor, to flowers and menu options, plan your wedding around what is seasonal and locally available. Trust us, it will make wedding planning so much easier. Since you have no guarantee on what hiccups may arise due to unforeseen weather conditions, it is always best to be on the safe side. And winter does have quite an attractive bounty to choose from, so you needn’t be disappointed. Mulled wines and a variety of cocktails can be created easily and will be appreciated by your guests. Go with the holiday staples in fruits, vegetables and meat, but use them in interesting and different ways in your menu, so it is different from a typical Christmas or thanksgiving feast.

10.Be prepared for every worst-case scenario with an insurance

This is actually a possibility for every wedding, whether in spring, summer, fall or winter. Since you will be planning your wedding several months in advance, and nature is unpredictable in every way, there is only so much you can be certain of. Blizzards and snowstorms can entirely topple your well laid-out plans and leave you lost. While you cannot foresee how things will be on the day, or be entirely optimistic, you can certainly plan for the worst-case scenarios. Make sure that you take out a wedding insurance on your wedding, so you will be able to tide over any such last-minute hassles without too much trouble. You can either opt for a whole package deal that covers every aspect of the wedding in one go, or get separate insurances for the different things that you spend most on. This will at least help you financially if you have to postpone your wedding due to unforeseen circumstances.

With a little organization and foresight, your winter wedding will be over in a breeze, and an experience that will be remembered fondly by all those who attend it.

To transform yourself into a pretty winter bride, who will steal the show and the heart of your Prince Charming, you need a dress that will do part of the magic. Visit our bridal gallery at Best for Bride to make your pick from the extensive collection of designer dresses at the most affordable prices. You can also find your bridesmaids dresses, wedding accessories and dresses for the rest of the wedding party at Best for Bride. Apart from that, also check out our décor options, florists and trusted cake vendors who will help you realize your vision of the perfect wedding. Wait no more, click here to see what awaits you at the one-stop bridal destination: Best for Bride.

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8 ways to make the most of your wedding cake budget

Most guests will look forward to enjoying that delicious sweet last course of wedding cake at your reception. Wedding cakes are works of art, created with finesse and customized with unique details of unparalleled beauty. Most wedding cakes today are not only a treat for the taste buds, but are a sensationally striking too. However, these masterpieces of sweet indulgence take time, effort and resources to create. It is no wonder that they are pricey and take up a chunk of your wedding budget.

Fortunately, there are creative ways to have your dream wedding cake without breaking the bank. This is what we will look at today. Read on to find out ten different ways to slice your wedding cake budget, and still get what you want.

#1 Choose a simple cake

It is the time and effort that goes into creating your wedding cake, that translates into a higher cost. Agreed that hand-crafted details look fabulous, but they will cost you accordingly. Fine lace-like details and intricate motifs will cost more than plain designs or those that are easy to do. Almost every design that you want on your cake will have an equally appealing alternative that costs less. Just make sure you ask your baker and find out.

For example, instead of individual sugar flowers that have to be made one-at-a-time, and perfected to the last detail, you can choose flat flowers of a single solid color. This saves your baker several hours of time, and you will get it at a much lesser price. Similarly, consider stencil prints or monograms instead of hand-piped details. Accessories like satin ribbons in a chosen color can instantly dress up a cake, and are easy on the pocket.

#2 Check out the budget-friendly options if you must have sugar flowers

Flowers are a trending favorite, and most brides choose to have at least few flowers or floral motifs on their wedding cake. Sugar flowers resembling real ones are very expensive, as your talented baker has a difficult job perfecting it. Each flower that is a replica of a real model involves several details, and depending on the complexity of the design, can take hours to do. Luckily, you have some equally attractive options to obtain the same effect for far less. Here they are:

Choose real flowers: Check with your florist for seasonal flowers that are non-poisonous and can be used on your wedding cake. It will cost less, and it will look splendid. All it takes is a little planning and organizing to get the flowers on time and set them up right.
Choose flat flowers or painted flowers for a similar effect: Flat flower designs without many layers, or those that are painted on to the cake cost far less than sugar flowers. So, this may be the way to go, to help your budget.
Choose simple designs: If you still want sugar flowers without the outrageous price, choose simple designs like lilies that are easier to make, than roses or orchids.
Keep it to a minimum: To avoid the hefty price tag for decorating your entire cake with it, choose a design with a cluster of flowers on just one tier instead. You could restrict the flowers to just the top tier or use it as a stem along the side of the cake, and decorate the rest with other inexpensive accessories.

#3 Opt for the economical option in frosting

Fondant cakes are a delight, with their clear and remarkably soft texture, but they can be expensive. Fondant is considered the best cake decoration material for creative designs like ruffles and little figurines, with the added advantage that it has a marshmallow taste that almost everyone enjoys. If you choose a complicated design, or want the cake to look smooth and polished with a glazing finish, your baker may ask you to go with fondant. Although fondant gives the cake a refined finish, and it is easier to work with for precise measurements and details, it can cost several times that of butter-cream. This is why—to create a fondant covering for your cake, your baker has to first slather layers of butter-cream on the cake surface. It is to this that the fondant adheres. So, this means that you will be paying for both the butter-cream layer and the fondant topping.

Another factor is that fondant, whether made by the baker himself, or bought, is always costlier than butter-cream icing. The soft butter-cream is usually made from scratch, and is easier to do, and so the lesser price attached to it. Don’t think that you will lose out on taste or look by choosing it. It has been the traditional choice that has never disappointed. It can also be done in different colors, and a skilled cake-maker can design it to look as attractive as a fondant cake. Another budget-friendly option is to go with the current trend of naked cakes. Here, the cake layers are not frosted, and it is sparingly decorated with cream, fruits and berries for a natural, refreshing look.

#4 Make friends with faux tiers or choose a smaller display

If you always wanted a big cake, you can have it without paying for all those extra tiers. After deciding how many tiers are actually needed to serve your guests, you can ask your baker to do some extra tiers that aren’t made of real cake. It will still be iced and decorated to match the design you have chosen for your cake, and nobody will notice the difference. As long as all your guests get a slice, who cares whether the rest of the tiers are real or not. Let it be your own little secret!

The other option is to choose a spectacular, but smaller display cake with one, two or three layers that look great. Couture cakes done on small scale are fantastic, and can look sophisticated and stylish. Keep this for the display at your reception. For the actual cake service, order kitchen cakes that will not be decorated, but will taste exactly like the original. This will be cut and served to the guests. This way, you will have to spend less, but your guests will still get a fantastic dessert. This article on the Bridal Guide website suggests that you can save up to fifty per cent by going this way, than choosing a big cake.

#5 Opt for smaller servings

Have you ever noticed how many of the guests leave a lot of cake behind on their plates, especially if there are other desserts too? Avoid wastage by asking your caterer to size the slices to three-fourth or half the original serving size, and serve it along with the other desserts. You can also have the cake slices placed in a buffet, instead of serving it at the table. This way, only those guests who actually want cake will take it. When you choose to do so, you can place the order for less than the actual head count, as it is pretty certain that not all your guests will want cake. The answer to this reader’s question on the cost of wedding cakes on the Knot suggests that for 300 guests, you can order just 150 slices of cake, and serve all your guests half-slices. Again, if your wedding reception is for 300 guests and you are serving cake in a buffet setting, you can place the order for just 250 guests and it will most likely be enough.

#6 Choose the shape and flavors wisely

The most budget-friendly cake shapes are square and round. Square cakes are easy to section into equal portions without wastage. It is also comparatively easy to make. Most bakers can easily frost square cakes, just like they would with round cakes. So, that shouldn’t be a concern. If you choose any unusual shape for one or more of your cake tiers, you will have to spend more on it. Topsy-turvy cakes are the most expensive of the lot, since it not only takes a lot of effort to create, but there is a lot of wastage in setting up the tiers. So, either go with the square or circular cake and decorate it to meet your vision. Use options like varying the heights of the various tiers to obtain an equally interesting effect. Cakes that are shaped like real-life objects, like cars or books can cost extra. The alternative is to make the cake in a standard shape, and have the picture of the object printed on it in edible ink. It may not look the same, but neither will it be as expensive.

The other thing that can make a difference is the flavor. Standard flavors like vanilla and chocolate are loved by all, and cost much lesser than gourmet choices like carrot or cookies ‘n’ cream. Similarly, sponge cake is cheaper than fruit cake, but delicious. If you must have a premium flavor for your tiered cake, consider doing it for the smaller tiers and choosing standard fare for the larger tiers.

#7 Be creative with your decorations and display

Remember how we suggested ribbon and fresh seasonal flowers for quick, efficient and attractive decoration? There are several other similar options that will help you have a beautiful cake at a budget-friendly price. Here are some of them:

Chocolate covered berries are delicious and look tempting, while the cost is almost insignificant
For a vintage theme, you can use ribbons and a decorative brooch for the cake decoration
Simple criss-cross designs on the cake surface with tiny edible silver dots are inexpensive, yet classic
Instead of fondant figurines, choose plastic figurines as cake toppers, and it will serve as a keepsake for the future as well
Choose inexpensive cake toppers like the butterfly toppers featured in the cake in the picture above, or try your hand at making a cake topper yourself, for a fraction of the cost of doing it in sugar
Instead of a tiered cake, you can have the separate tiers placed using pillars. This is usually much cheaper than a single tiered cake. It is also easy to set up and distribute

You can also cut a few corners with the way you set up your dessert table. Have a dessert station set up and spread the different desserts out for maximum effect. By varying the size and height of each platter, it will look abundant and interesting. Also space the desserts to look as though there is more than you actually have. Many couples splurge on an attractive cake stand, but you can get creative with this as well. If the venue has wedding cake platters and stands, use them creatively. Dress up the table with an attractive table cloth, interesting food labels and an interesting backdrop or buntings, so the focus is not on the cake stand. You can also go with unusual choices like distressed and weathered wooden crates for relevant themes. Just let those creative juices flow, and you will find several ideas that won’t cost you too much.

#8 Book early and get your cake at a better rate

Don’t delay your cake choices till last-minute. Start your search early, and you will most likely be able to snag a bargain or make use of a discount. Check if you can get a better deal if you make a full payment, or if you place your booking early. If your wedding day is after several months, booking your cake early may even allow you to lock the price at the current rate, before any price increase takes effect. It will also be one task off your list, so don’t delay. If there are any bridal shows in town, try to attend them and check out whether there are any cake makers offering attractive offers. Lastly, don’t forget to check if your venue or caterer offers a discount package on the cake, if you order it from them.

Now that you know all about how to get the best from your wedding cake budget, all you need to do, is to get started. Check out our list of cake vendors and their fantastic designs on Best for bride for some valuable inspiration or to place your orders, by clicking on this link.

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