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Alternatives to Open Bar Receptions

Not every bride is interested in having an open bar at their reception. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t have a fun alternative. Open bars are expensive and they can easily put your budget over the top. Instead of going for one of these lavish affairs, try out one of these options that are budget friendly. With the dangers that alcohol places on drivers, you will also be keeping your guests safe as well.

Juice Bar

Another fun option is a juice bar. With this, you can offer different types of juices and flavors for your guests to choose from. Offering a sparkling water option to mix with the juices can also be a fun way for guests to enjoy the bar. You can also offer water, coffee, milk and soda as well so that everyone will have something that they enjoy drinking.

Coffee Bar

Coffee is one thing that many people have in common. Instead of serving alcohol, try this option instead. You can offer different types of coffee along with special flavors and things that people can add to their coffee, like special creamers. Don’t forget about the kids that will be attending as well and add a hot chocolate option for them to enjoy.

Punch

Punch has long been a staple for parties and other events. You can easily make a punch that matches the colors of your wedding and display it in a pretty punch bowl. Don’t worry about buying a punch bowl that is large enough for all your guests, because you will be able to rent one from a part supply store. Just make sure that you have plenty to restock he punch bowl as it becomes empty.

Alcohol Options

For those who are still wanting to offer alcoholic beverages at their wedding, but do not want the expense of an open bar, there are many things that you can do. For example, you can only offer champagne when it comes time for the toasts. Another great idea is to only have the bar open during certain times of the reception.

You can also have a limit that your guests can consume from the bar. For example, you can give guests tickets that they can turn in for drinks or only allow alcohol to be served until a certain price is reached. Another option is to have signature drinks to choose from and if your guests want something different, they must pay for it themselves.

Conclusion

There are many options that couples can use to replace an open bar at a wedding. While many couples choose to have an open bar at their weddings, they are definitely not a requirement and you should never feel obligated to offer one to your guests. Instead, you should choose an option that fits with your budget and wedding style.

Don’t forget to check out all the great options that are available at Best for Bride. They offer a wide range of décor items as well as wedding attire for your special day.

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 1 Comment

Vibrant Vows: Dazzling Bridesmaids Dresses to Add a Splash of Color to Your Wedding Day!

If you are a bold and adventurous bride who wants a unique, spectacular wedding, your palette will be most likely be packed with color. To add a fashionable punch to your wedding party, go with bold and bright bridesmaid dresses.

Here we bring you bright and beautiful colors from the Dessy Bridesmaids collection. Each gown makes a statement and is perfect and stylish. Your bridesmaids will undeniably look stunning in them.

Elegant in Emerald

The perfect color for a classic theme wedding, this elaborate emerald masterpiece from the Spring 2013 Dessy collection is a superb choice. The dress that gracefully falls to full length has a one-way draped bodice and a single-tone waistband defining the waist. The pretty ruffle detail at the shoulder is an interesting variation to the multiway dress that is a trending favorite. It looks effortless yet makes a statement. Your bridesmaids will look glamorous in this gown, as they stand beside you on the stage. Pair it with a brightly colored bouquet to achieve a colorful look, or keep it classy with a white bouquet.

Fabulous in Fuchsia

Your bridesmaids will look pretty in pink, and they will particularly love this hot pink shade. This dress from the Dessy Bridesmaids Spring 205 collection has several interesting details, like the ruched bodice draped to one side, the loose pleated detail at the waist, and the tapering strap. This is a gown that your bridesmaids will wear again and again. Perfect for a spring or summer wedding, choose fuchsia as your bridesmaid dress colours if your wedding palette has blue or brown accents. Accessorize with white, and pair it with a bouquet dominated by white for an uncluttered look, or add colours from your palette so they blend well with the rest of the setting.

Delightful daisy

Here is a colour perfect for spring. No other colour is as beautiful as a warm yellow and works beautifully in a garden backdrop. If your wedding theme embraces the colours of the tropics and is to be held outdoors, dress your bridesmaids up in this pretty daisy halter strap gown from the Dessy Bridesmaids Spring 2015 collection. The A-line silhouette is universally flattering and has fabulous details like a ruched bodice that crisscrosses at the bust and a pleated skirt. At the back, the halter straps cross to form a diamond cut-out that will have your maids looking stylish from this angle. Pair it with bright violet or pink bouquets for a fun and lively effect, or go with white and red for a classic effect.

Ravishing Red

Bright colours are not just for the warm months. If you have your heart set on a cool, winter wedding, add a few pops of colour to liven up the white background. Bold and festive colours like red or purple do this well. This Marquis Lace dress from the Dessy Bridesmaids Spring collection is perfect for the job. The jewel neckline, defined waist and scalloped hemline are all fantastic details that allow your bridesmaids to shine through. If your plan includes outdoor activities, keep your bridesmaids warm by adding boots and warm pashminas or wraps to this outfit.

To take a closer look at any of these dresses or to find more bold and bright bridesmaid dresses, visit our collection at Best for Bride.

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 2 Comments

Don’t fall ill on your wedding day! Tips to stay healthy

The best time to realize the saying “Health is Wealth,” is when you are engaged. Falling ill when your wedding day is just around the corner, can be a damper on all the celebrations. Imagine how terrible it would be to stand at the altar and sniffle (ones that aren’t the happy type!), or how difficult it would be to control sneezing while photos are being clicked.

Unfortunately, illness is something that can strike at any time, unless you are determined to keep it at bay. Here are some tips will help you in this direction. Begin practicing them right away and you can avoid falling ill.

Build up your immunity

One of the best ways to avoid falling ill is to strengthen your immunity. Fortunately, this isn’t too difficult to achieve, and the earlier you begin it the sooner you can achieve it. Eat a well-balanced diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water everyday. Get your stomach ready to attack bugs by building up your reserve of good bacteria through having yogurt with live cultures, regularly. You touch a number of surfaces everyday, so wash your hands often and clean them well. Use warm water and soap, or use a hand sanitizer if it isn’t possible to wash your hands at any time.

Sleep well

Sleep is an instant stress-reliever and having a good sleep-cycle will strengthen your body in several ways. However hectic your schedule may be, stick to a regular sleep routine. This will help you unwind and a stress-free body is better equipped to fight off bugs.

Avoid contact with sick people

This is a no-brainer, yet one that many brides seem to forget. When you come to know someone is sick, restrict or avoid contact with them till they are better. Should you have to care for a person suffering from a contagious condition, make sure that you have minimum contact with them and the things they use. Also wash your hands well, and do not touch surfaces that may be infected. When you use public transportation, or spend time in a public space, wash your hands soon after.

Exercise to push those bugs away

Moderate exercise helps your body create more infection-fighting cells, than usual. So, make it a habit. However, don’t overwork your body. Take it steady and practice regularly. You can also consider yoga or meditation, as these can enhance the body’s capabilities of combating stress.

Get a daily dose of herbal help

A number of herbs have been used since ages to fight infections as well as to improve the immune system. These include elderberry, echinacea, turmeric and astragalus. These herbs boost the natural immunity of the body, without causing any side-effects. Consume them daily and you will obtain the protection you require.

Treat a symptom at the onset

Remember that the clock is ticking, and you cannot afford to have a cold, flu or stomach bug at this time. Don’t dismiss any symptom that appears, and begin attacking it with medication, natural remedies and whatever works, from the moment you suspect you will be ill. For colds and flus, take zinc at the onset. For a stomach bug, load up on fluids and take suitable medication right away. Try to get it under control before it spoils your wedding day.

For more wedding tips and advice, visit Best for Bride.

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 1 Comment

A guide to choosing two wedding dresses for the big day

The wedding dress you choose as a bride, plays a remarkable role in determining whether you look sexy and sophisticated or feminine and elegant. Choosing a different gown may change your look entirely.

It is in fact, not easy to determine a single look that will be perfect for your wedding day. In certain cases, it is better to consider two gowns instead of one. Let us look at few reasons why this is a better option than limiting yourself to just one dress.

Two looks for more impact

Your wedding day is the one occasion when you want all eyes to be on you. While you can amaze everyone with your wedding ensemble when you walk down the aisle, this interest may dwindle by the time of the reception. The best way to recreate this impact is by wearing another stunning dress for the reception and you can be certain that your guests will be amazed once again!

For practical purposes

Let us face it, layers of organza or tulle in a ball gown skirt with an elaborate and flowing train look fantastic at a traditional ceremony, but it may get in the way of dancing comfortably during the reception.

Stunning wedding dresses that look classic and elegant may not be practical for a fun and action-packed reception. A bustled train is still heavy, and can impede your chances to jiggle to the fun tunes at the ceremony. This is why more brides are opting for shorter and lighter dresses for the reception. This allows them to move freely and not feel restricted.

To match the ambiance of the venues

You may like to consider two different wedding dresses to match your appearance to the décor and ambiance of the venues where each function will be taking place. If you are getting married outdoors, on the beach or in a garden and then proceed to an indoor venue for the reception, the ambiance of each venue is entirely different. Hence, the light weight romantic wedding dress for the outdoor venue could give way to a more poufy or fashionable wedding dress for the ball room.

When you decide to go for the two-dress look, an obvious question is when do you change dresses? A good idea is to do so during the cocktail hour, or before you cut the cake. This way, you will have sufficient time to photograph for portraits in your ceremonial dress, and your guests won’t miss you as they mingle and meet each other.

If you are pressed for time or cannot afford two entirely different dresses, you can also consider a convertible gown such as the Mori Lee 5316, which incorporates two looks into a single dress.

With the tulle over-skirt, you obtain a classic A-line silhouette for the ceremony, and when you remove the over-skirt you are left with a stylish mermaid gown for the reception.