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Most Popular Wedding Styles

Have you been bombarded with different wedding style trends and were not really clear about what they mean? From vintage to rustic chic, wedding styles that reflect a particular decorating theme are becoming all the rage. However, many of the terms get confusing. What’s the difference between retro and vintage? Is rustic chic and country the same thing? These wedding style definitions may help clear up some of the confusion.

Classical vs. Romantic

While these terms are often confused, there are some distinct differences. Classical weddings are described as timeless. The classical style can be defined as simple elegance. Classical weddings are generally very formal and sophisticated. Romantic style is characterized by flowery or flowing fabrics, lace, and floral accents. Romantic styles can have a storybook feel or be reminiscent of an English garden.

Shabby Chic, Rustic Chic, and Country

The shabby chic style is characterized by including worn, well-used items. This can be furniture with distressed wood. The items may be new but made to have an aged appearance. Country style describes the use of items that are typically thought of to be used in a country setting. The style is simple, down home, rugged, and useful rather than decorative. A country wedding may also be held at an outdoor country venue like a barn or orchard. Accents relating to farm life might be including in a country wedding.

Rustic chic combines the decorative with natural and country items. For example, a weathered wooden table partially covered in lace would be an example of rustic chic. It’s common for those who want to emulate the rustic chic style to combine things like mason jars, dried flowers, worn wood, and burlap with roses, lace, strings of pearls, and draped white fabric.

Retro vs. Vintage

Vintage and retro are two terms that are often used interchangeably. In fact, many businesses such as antique stores may have their own definitions of what is retro and what is vintage. One store classifies everyone made before 1960 as vintage. They call things made in the past but after 1960 retro. Another retailer calls anything before 1950 “antique” and anything made after that is called “vintage.” So, as you can see there are different opinions about the uses of these words.

A Retro wedding might highlight a particular period of time in the past such as a 1960s theme. A vintage wedding could display antiques and old-fashioned dishes. Other wedding styles like rustic chic and classical weddings include vintage or antique accents. The way the bride and groom define their wedding is completely up to them.

I hope you find these definitions helpful in learning about the different wedding styles. For more tips about wedding decor, please browse the Best for Bride blog. There you will find helpful descriptions about reception decor, centerpieces, and wedding themes.

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Funny Wedding Ideas

There is no denying that a wedding is a very serious event. The day is life-changing. The stress building up through the wedding planning process along with trying to make this monumental event be the epitome of perfection can turn the jolliest couple into somber shadows of themselves. It’s time to laugh and remember that weddings can be fun. Yes, really. They can be! Consider these funny wedding ideas to enjoy the day with your guests.

You don’t have to wait for the wedding day to use your sense of humor. You can add a little fun to the RSVP cards. Instead of the standard RSVP, create a mad lib card asking guests to fill in adjectives, adverbs, and exclamations on the card. Don’t forget to include a space for the guest to put how many people will be attending.

There are many ways to create some fun during the ceremony. Instead of having a young girl as a flower girl, include your grandmothers as flower girls. Traditional flower girls or ring bearers can hold signs with a humorous touch. The signs are especially fun if they are written as the children might say such as, “Hurry up! I want cake” or “Last chance to run!” People often include their pets in the ceremony. A dog might have a small sign that says, “My humans are getting married.”

Fun signs can be used in other ways during the ceremony. One couple had a friend hold cue cards during the ceremony to give the audience direction. Keep in mind that such activity is likely to distract the audience from the ceremony. Another option is to have wedding programs that are lighthearted and fun.

While couples love to have romantic photos of the wedding day, some couples also appreciate the funny ones. The bride can stand close to the photographer with the bridal party standing farther away. If the bride holds her dress up a bit and lifts her foot, the resulting image can look like she is getting ready to step on the bridal party. The members of the bridal party can add to the effect by acting if they are afraid of their impending doom. This photo brings new meaning to the word “bridezilla.”

Being funny at the wedding is often the process of not taking ourselves too seriously. One couple decorated their chairs with signs that said “Mr. Right” on his chair and “Mrs. Always Right” on her chair. In addition to having a band or DJ for dance music, why not hire a local comedian for entertainment?

The guests can get involved in creating the humorous touches to the event. They may just need a little help to get the fun started. Some couples create displays that ask for guests’ input such as “What should we name our first child?” or “What marriage advice would you like to share?” Some guests will be very serious with their input while others may approach it with humor. Either way, the finished sign can be fun to read after the wedding.

For some couples, a sense of humor is an important part of their relationship. Sharing laughter at the wedding makes the wedding very personal for them. For more ways to have fun and personalize the wedding experience, browse the Best for Bride blog.

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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.

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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.