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3 ways to save on your wedding photography

Your wedding photographs are the memories of your wedding that will accompany you for a lifetime, and perhaps even outlive you. So, you don’t want to skimp and get it wrong. Professional wedding photographers are worth their weight in gold, but getting your wedding pictures done by them can actually take a chunk out of your wedding budget. The Knot’s real wedding survey suggests that the average couple spends $2556 on their wedding photography, which is quite a lot of money. Fortunately, there are some ways in which you can make your money go further and get the best possible results for what you can afford. Let us find out what they are.

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Research well and book early

First and foremost, don’t assume that you will get an unreasonably high discount, however early you look. So, start with someone who has rates that you can afford. Take the time to check out photographer portfolios and reviews, and find a photographer whose style you like. Although you may have a limited budget, you can still find the best photographer for that budget provided that you begin your search early and zero in on the right candidate.

Make use of discounts

You must have gone through the wedding photos of your friends. Is there any that you have loved in particular? If you haven’t really given much thought to this, think about it now. This way, you may find a good photographer who gives you a better deal because of the reference your friend provides. It is also likely that photographers offer referral discounts if you get someone else to sign up for their services as well. If you know of any other engaged friends, recommend your photographer to them. If they like him as much as you do, you may even and snag a discount when they sign up for his services.

Look for package deals and stick to the digital version till you can make your album

Many photographers offer package deals, and you can choose the one that fits your budget. Set some time aside to discuss your options, and find out if you can customize the available choices to fit your needs. Don’t worry too much about getting your wedding album ready right after the wedding. The important thing at this point is getting the pictures taken by a good photographer. Once you have the digital prints ready, start working on your wedding album only when you have the budget for it. Else, put it off till when you do. You do not have to worry, as you will always have the pictures to put into the album. Just don’t forget all about it. Make sure that you will get your album ready as soon as you have the necessary amount put aside for it. Share the digital prints with your friends and wedding guests soon after the wedding, so you do not have to postpone the excitement of sharing those memorable moments.

Find more valuable tips and advice to plan your dream wedding and stick to budget by visiting us at Best for Bride.

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All you wanted to know about engagement parties

Your engagement is great news; one that has to be shared and celebrated with your near and dear ones. You could always share the news over social media or telephone, but the traditional way of breaking the news to those who are closest to you is with an engagement party.

Are you unsure about how and when you should plan your engagement party? Here is a round-up of all you have to know, so you can begin planning.

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Who hosts the engagement party?

Traditionally, this was done by the bride’s parents. Nowadays, there is really no set rule on who throws the party. At times it is the bride’s parents, or otherwise the groom’s parents. It isn’t too unusual to find the couple themselves hosting the party these days or even their friends doing it for them.

When is it held?

An engagement party is the occasion to officially announce your engagement. So, the earlier it is planned, the better. It is good to have the engagement party before you get too busy with wedding planning. This allows you to enjoy it fully, without worrying about the wedding. If you want to keep your engagement a surprise, an engagement party is the best occasion to announce this big news to all those who matter to you. Just make sure that the hosts or those who already know don’t spill the beans before the day.

What kind of a party should it be?

There are no set rules here. You could have a formal party, or choose to go with one that is casual and relaxed. Outdoor garden parties are great for celebrating engagements, but you could also have it at a club or in a hotel if you choose to. Traditional engagement parties were notorious for being serious and boring. But with a little creativity you can transform it into a fun-filled event. To get started, check out this article on The Huffington Post.

Who should be invited?

Engagement party etiquette was that only those in the wedding guest list were invited to this function. But, nowadays it is up to the hosts and the couple to decide who attends. You can either have an intimate gathering of your close friends and relatives, or a bigger affair where you invite co-workers, neighbors and associates as well. Couples may even choose to have more than one party for each group, but this depends on whether you have the time and the budget for it.

What do you wear?

via Best for Bride

Your attire for the day should depend on the formality of the event and the venue. For a formal party choose an elegant evening gown that helps you stand out. For a casual outdoor affair, shorter dresses with interesting details would be a good choice. Your fiance should also choose his attire based on the same factors.

Are toasts part of the engagement party?

Yes, it is customary to toast the newly-engaged couple at the party. It can be done by their parents, or whoever hosts the party. The couple may also choose to raise a toast to the host of the party, if they aren’t hosting it themselves.

Now that you know all that you need to, on engagement parties, get ready to plan it. To find a suitable dress for this fantastic evening in your life, check out our collection of dresses for special occasions at Best for Bride.

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The Art of Minimalism: How to Choose the Perfect Minimalistic Wedding Gown

The Art of Minimalism: How to Choose the Perfect Minimalistic Wedding Gown

The minimalist wedding dress is one of the most happening trends on the bridal catwalks this year. Although many women still choose the traditional ball gown will plenty of bling, others prefer simplicity to be their trademark on their wedding day.

The most common embellishments that come to mind when we think of wedding dresses are beads, frills and lace. While they are lovely on a wedding dress, they are not necessary to look or feel bridal.

Our search through the various collections at Best for Bride revealed the following masterpieces. All these dresses have the following things in common; few beads, no frills and no lace, and yet are stunning in their own rights. Let us take a look at them here.

Continue reading The Art of Minimalism: How to Choose the Perfect Minimalistic Wedding Gown
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Pep up your winter wedding look with these warm and stylish wedding accessories

Winter can be so distressing at times! With the dip in temperatures, it often becomes so chilly that your choices in wedding dresses are limited to what is warm and allows you to tolerate the cold. Nevertheless, there is no denying the fact that winter is romantic in its own right. Be optimistic and you can conquer the winter with a fantastic wedding outfit, that is unique, stylish and most of all, comfortable!

Sleeveless and strapless wedding dress may seem a definite no in the cold months, but wait till you see what we have, to dismiss this thought. These great accessories that we have rounded up, will step up your style and allow you to dress in whichever dress you love. Let’s take a look at what they are!

Fur Cap

We are head over heels in love with this amazing fur cap. Doesn’t it scream for attention? We think it’s so stylish, that every winter bride should have one. The Zhivago Pill Box fur hat is one of the most fashionable choices in the market today, and you can choose one in a color that matches the white of your wedding dress, for maximum impact. If you are an ethically conscious bride, there are beautiful faux fur designs that look as good as an original. Pay attention the details when you choose from them, and not even a trained eye will be able to spot the difference.

Fur Cape

Complete your designer wedding look with a fabulous fur cape, and a signature style element like a Mandarin Collar. This one is particularly interesting, as you can easily fasten it to your collar with the fur dangles. Imagine yourself in a spectacular white wedding gown, accentuated with this fur cape. Don’t you feel like a snow queen already?

Snow boots

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You will most definitely be having an indoor wedding in winter. Despite this, we think you should be daring with your footwear choice, to match it to the cool holiday ambiance that is the signature of winter. Cozy snow boots will not only dress up your feet in the most interesting way, it will also look trendy. And, when you choose one in a color that is similar to that featured here, you needn’t look further for your “something blue.”

Scarf

What could more snug than a warm scarf to keep those chills away? White is the typical choice, but why don’t you consider choosing one in a color that matches your wedding palette, and contribute to the décor in your distinctive way? Experiment with various styles while wearing your wedding dress, so you can find the best way to wear it right. Take a look at this video on youtube, for both traditional and unusual styles to wear it.

So, which of these will you be incorporating into your winter wedding? To look at our collection of accessories for the winter bride, all you have to do is click on this link to Best for Bride. Come visit us today, and make your pick.