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How to choose the perfect winter wedding gown

Winter weddings may not be standard fare, but they are unique in their own way. When you decide to get married when it is cold, you are set for adventure and excitement. Unlike a summer or spring wedding, when most wedding dresses work, you have to plan your winter look in detail to stand out as a stunning bride.

After all, there are more challenges to overcome; like staying warm in what you wear. Here we shall look at some factors that will help you feel good, without compromising on style when choosing your wedding gown.

Style with sleeves

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Find a wedding dress with sleeves to stay warm. You can choose from stylish cap-sleeves to three-fourth length sleeves, butterfly sleeves or even full sleeves. While these do not have to be thick fabric, even lace or embellishments on sheer fabric can add a touch of drama to your look, making you a perfect winter princess.

Accessorize appropriately

If you have your heart set on a strapless gown, do not despair. You can pair it with a befiting shrug, stole or wrap, so you do not shiver when exposed to the cold. If you have a snow wedding planned, you will be the epitome of style in such accessories. Your outdoor photographs will be splendid, and undoubtedly frame-worthy when you flaunt your style in a stunning cashmere wrap or warm winter jacket. Pay attention to your footwear; a stunning pair of snow boots will not only keep you cozy, it will also be appropriate for the winter theme you are hosting.

Look lovely in layered skirts

Be a snow princess in luxuriously layered ball gown skirts. The cold weather will make this choice perfect, and you will benefit from the added layers that keep you cosy and snug. Don’t hesitate to choose poufy princess gowns in heavy lace or pretty embellished mermaid skirts, as this is the perfect weather to feel comfortable in these patterns.

Choose luxurious silk, satin and velvet

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These fabrics drape well, but can weigh you down in warm weather. Fortunately, they work to your advantage when you wed in winter. Larissa and Duchess Satin gowns look elegant and sophisticated against the natural backdrop of white. Pair it with a fur wrap and you will be a vision in white.

Embellishments and ruffles for drama

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When the natural background is white, your gown should have some special feature to make it stand out. This is what embellishments achieve. Sparkling details in crystal and metal can help you shine and shimmer through the wedding ceremony. Another superb choice for a winter wedding is a mermaid gown with ruffles in the skirt that imitate the grace and splendor of snow – it will make the perfect complement for the beauty of the landscape outside.

Be bold with color

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When everything around you is white, why not choose a wedding gown in a different color? Stunning gowns in plush dark colors will help you stand out, or you can go for subdued colors like baby blue or blush. Make a statement with patterned fabric or gowns with contrasting colors in classic designs to look delicate and dainty.

Now you know what to look for to look romantically delightful on your winter wedding day. To find the perfect wedding dress for the occasion, or for more wedding tips and advice, check dresses on Best for Bride.

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Fashion for the Daring Bride: Sheer see-through bridal dresses

We thought we had seen them all: puffy, poufy wedding gowns, bridal pant suits, short wedding frocks and mermaid-inspired beauties. But, it looks like the wedding gown is still evolving, and this time in a daring direction. The newest buzz on the spring runways for 2016 are sheer see-through bridal dresses. The New York Bridal Fashion week in 2016 saw designers like Vera Wang, Marchessa and Naeem Khan bringing this idea to life with their designs. Ranging from lace-adorned wedding gowns to huge sheer cutouts, transparent, shimmery silhouettes rocked the catwalks.

Some dresses may be described as downright shocking. Entirely exposed backs and silhouettes were seen on the ramps in may designer collections. In fact, I am certain of finding many a wedding guest frowning at this unconventional choice, should a bride make this her wedding day choice. The Daily Mail aptly calls these wedding dresses as “Barely There.”

Most of these dresses are inappropriate for a formal church wedding, as the bride would feel overly exposed in the skin clinging and revealing silhouettes. However, they wouldn’t be out of place on a beach, or at a chic destination wedding. In fact, these choices would have the younger generation at your party swooning over your wedding dress selection. If you have always been the bold one, who enjoys revealing more than the modest cleavage, this new style which has found the likes of celebrities like Beyonce and Jennier Lopez may be worth a try.

So, what do you say? Is this style for you?

Check out these two-piece dresses we have at Best for Bride, that fit the bill. They may not be just as see-through as the collections of Vera Wang, but are splendid choices that blend sensuality with style.

Lady Almog

This stunner from the My Lady collection features a see-through bodice and a fit and flare skirt. The sexy bodice has a plunging sweetheart neckline. Vertical lines in silky lace spread all over the bodice and have sparkling embellishments to add that extra touch of finesse to the elliptical pattern. This dress is made of two-pieces, and the skirt is a simpler version of the pattern on the bodice. Perfect for a warm summer wedding, your guests will appreciate your choice.

Ladie Abbie

Now, what if you don’t feel like defying tradition entirely? The Lady Abbie dress from the My Lady collection offers you the balance between a shimmery see-through dress and one that isn’t too daring to offend anyone. This two-piece dress has a strapless bodice with pleated layers that wrap onto one side of the torso. The lighter fabric reveals the midriff in a sexy twist. The skirt then cascades down in layers of pristine white ruffles, completing the masterpiece beautifully. Finest Swarowski crystals embellish the bodice of this pretty couture dress, making it a work of art.

So, what do you say? Is this style that is being called the “sexification” of the wedding gown for you?

If it is, visit our My Lady collection at Best for Bride for more dresses that fit this style and find the one you love.

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Have realistic expectations from your wedding planner: 3 things she cannot help you fix

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Do you think that you can hand over the A to Z of your wedding planning to your wedding planner, and sit back and relax till the wedding day? If so, you are in trouble.

While a wedding planner can help you with the planning process, and even reduce the stress associated with the task, she isn’t going to be responsible for everything. After all, it is your wedding, and you should have a role in planning it. A wedding planner can only facilitate your plans and execute them smoothly.

Check out this article on the Huffington Post , where wedding planners share their thoughts on what they wish brides would realize. This will open your eyes to the fact that wedding planners have limitations, and it will be better for both parties if you set reasonable expectations from her.

wedding planner

Having said this, let us come to the three most important things that you are responsible for. Make a mental note of these, do your research and planning on time, and you will make your life (and hers) much easier.

  1. Planning your guest list accurately

The guest list is your decision to make. Unless your wedding planner knows you personally, it is unlikely that she can help you with who should be dropped, or who should be added to your guest list. You should be decisive about the number of people attending, and she will do the bookings and planning for them. While your planner may be able to accommodate a few last-minute changes to plan, she is not a magician who can make arrangements for 50 extra guests, who simply turned up on the day. Similarly, make sure you get those RSVPs on time, and follow up with those who don’t send it. Or else, you will simply lose money on those extra bookings you made, just in case. Your wedding planner cannot do anything about guests not turning up.

  1. Making sure your bridesmaids are where they are and when they should be

While your wedding planner can create a well planned schedule for the day, help to speed things along and fix last-minute hassles, there is no guarantee that she can have your girls ready and in-place, unless they make the effort to do so. So, entrust this task to your maid of honor, and choose your bridesmaids wisely. Make sure they are girls who will be serious with their responsibility of getting their hair and make-up done on time.

  1. Sticking to deadlines

Your wedding planner will put you in touch with the right vendors, caterers, photographers and all other services you require. They will offer options, and also suggest deals with the best value for the money you spend. However, they cannot make your decisions for you. Many wedding tasks are time-sensitive, and unless you inform her of your final decision on time, you run the risk of losing a booking or missing an offer.

Remember that your wedding planner can only help you so much. Have realistic expectations, and follow her instructions. This way, you will be a great client, and she will ensure that your wedding plans progress in the best way that is possible. For more wedding planning tips and advice, visit us on Best for Bride.

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Rustic Wedding Chic

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Rustic wedding chic is the careful use of country accents combined with romantic decor. Imagine white lace over weathered wood or a white candle set on top of pond rocks. Rustic chic is the pairing of the elegant and refined with the simple, down home elements. Here are some tips for creating a rustic chic wedding.

The rustic chic wedding has to have that theme carried throughout the wedding. Adding one rustic chic element to a traditional classic wedding may look out of place. If the wedding has a country or rustic theme, the rustic chic elements should blend beautifully.

Rustic chic accents include organic props which are things found in nature as well as things associated with country living. Nostalgic accents like antiques are popular for rustic weddings.

Barn weddings and receptions are becoming increasingly popular. A barn wedding can be purely country if no elegant elements are added. The barn wedding can be rustic chic with the use of romantic and classical accents. One couple installed chandeliers in a barn and draped white fabric from the ceiling for their rustic chic wedding decor.

Wooden accents are a backbone to rustic chic decor. Worn wooden chairs, cross-sections of logs serving under plates of food, weathered wood walls and tables, and small wooden touches like wooden tags on the centerpieces are examples of ways that rustic wedding can incorporate wood throughout the decor.

Other natural materials like dried flowers, stone, and sand can be used in the rustic theme. Also, materials associated with country living like burlap and mason jars are often used in rustic weddings. People can have different ideas of what should be included as country decor. The choices can be personal such as items reminiscent of memories of living in the country.

You don’t have to go to the extreme of hanging chandeliers in a barn to have an incredible rustic chic wedding. Carry the rustic decor theme to the wedding reception lighting. You can use LED lights in mason jars hung for the ceiling for rustic wedding lighting that creates a romantic glow.

The photo booths at wedding receptions have been way overdone. Many couples are looking for fun alternatives. For a rustic chic wedding, consider creating a photo backdrop with an old fashioned arm chair and some antiques. You might use an antique desk or table to display some of the antiques.

A rustic reception can feature food and drink that reflects the theme. Iced tea and lemonade in glass pitchers may be the perfect drinks to serve. The meal might be something that would be associated with down home cooking rather than something elegant. A common trend among weddings of all styles is to offer milk and cookies towards the end of a lengthy reception. This practice would reflect the down home feel, especially if the glasses reflect country living rather than the champagne flutes used for milk at some weddings.

For more great tips about creating a wedding that suits your style, visit the Best for Bride blog.