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Bridal Manicure : Do’s and Don’ts

As a bride, you have to plan everything from head to toe, to look flawless and fantastic on your wedding day. This includes your nails. From classic French manicures to gloriously glittered nail art, you can have anything you want on your hands. The choice is yours!

To make things easy for the beautiful bride, here is a roundup of all the things you need to consider when preparing for your wedding manicure. Check it out!

Try, try, try; and then try some more

Don’t stick to the age-old French manicure for your wedding, unless it is the only thing that you are satisfied with. Try on multiple colors, designs and even file your nails in various shapes till you zero-in on the one look that suits you best. If you want to play it safe with a single color that goes with your wedding dress, make sure you test various shades to locate the perfect match that suits your skin tone.

If you will be changing outfits for the ceremony and reception, pick a shade or design that will be suitable for both dresses. Another thing to consider is the color of your wedding bouquet. Your nails should match the colors of the flowers in it.

Don’t skimp on nail polish or nail care products

Shell out a few extra bucks for a better product that will last longer. Also, make sure you get multiple bottles. You will need one for the bridal manicure session, one for your emergency bridal kit and another to go into your honeymoon travel bag. If you are getting your manicure at a salon, make sure you take your bottle along, so you get the entire work completed, even if the salon has run out of your chosen shade.

Should your nail chip at the last moment, having an extra bottle will make sure you are prepared for this emergency. Similarly, make it a point to get good hand and nail care products for your wedding. This includes cuticle oil, hand moisturizers and nail varnish removers.

Get your nails done just in time

This simply has to wait till the last minute. It is recommended that you get a gel manicure just the day before your wedding, so it lasts through your wedding, and will even see you through your honeymoon. Gel manicures do not chip, but that doesn’t mean you can be too safe. Always have that extra bottle handy, should you need it at any time.

Prep for your manicure by taking good care of your hands

Your hands, and nails, will receive personal attention in several wedding photographs. Be prepared to show them off in your wedding bands, holding the bouquet and when cutting the cake. If you want them to look pretty and polished, spare some TLC on your hands. Do not bite or chew your nails. Rub cuticle oil into the nail beds regularly, and use a good hand moisturizer from today, so your hands look supple and smooth in time for the wedding.

Follow these tips, and you will be ready to nail it on your wedding day with fantastic looking hands.

For more wedding tips and all your wedding shopping needs, visit Best for Bride.

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 4 Comments

A guide to wedding dress necklines

Of the various features that you have to choose carefully in your wedding dress, the neckline is an important one. The right neckline should highlight your facial features, flatter your figure and balance out the proportions of your chest with the rest of your body.

Once you are aware of the effect that different necklines create, finding one that suits your body shape and facial features is relatively easy. This is what we will help you with. Let us look at popular wedding dress necklines, and the body shapes they suit best.

Sweetheart neckline

One of the most popular necklines, the sweetheart softly follows the contours of the bust and dips in the center. It is often seen on gowns without straps, and it emphasizes the decolletage and shoulders. This pattern elongates the neck and torso, and creates a classic Cinderella-style look. It is especially suitable for brides with angular faces and sharp jaw features. Consider this neckline if you are medium to large-chested.

Strapless

This neckline cuts across the chest, drawing focus to your shoulders and arms. It looks best on brides with well-toned shoulders and arms, and are medium-chested. Avoid this design if you have a large chest as it further emphasizes your bust proportions. Similarly, if you are small-chested, it doesn’t really help to add any curves to your figure.

Illusion

The illusion neckline is by and large, one of the biggest trends this year. There is a sheer layer of fabric above the original neckline of the bodice, and this layer ends higher up creating a second neckline for the gown. It is stylish, elegant and exciting, with an air of mystery.

Illusion necklines embellished with lace or metallic embroidery add a sophisticated touch to the gown. This second neckline may be clubbed with any bodice, but it looks prettiest with the sweetheart neckline. The style is universally flattering, and it looks good on most brides. It adds a modest touch to a gown, while still allowing you to look sexy and stylish.

Bateau

Also known as the Sabrina, this high neckline stretches across your shoulders, following the natural curve of your collar bones. It offers extra coverage even while looking chic and enhances the proportions of the bust. The bateau looks best on slender brides with narrow shoulders, and it creates the impression of a fuller chest. Avoid this neckline if you have a large bust, as it draws focus to the chest area.

V-neck

This neckline can be deep or high, and this plunge of the V determines whether the gown looks classic or modern. The shape elongates the neck, and exposes the decolletage and collar bones.

A deep cut V-neckline displays cleavage, and works well on gowns with sleeves and has a slimming effect. The pattern looks good on brides who are apple-shaped or have hourglass figures.

Scoop

Any neckline that has a U-shape is called a scoop neck. Like the V-neck, the depth of the scoop may vary, and accordingly create different looks. It generally suits brides with angular facial features, and a high scoop neckline can provide modest coverage to a bride who is large-chested.

At Best for Bride, we have wedding gowns in all styles and silhouettes. Browse through our online gallery to find the dress (and the neckline) that flatters you, and make a great choice for your big day.

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 4 Comments

DIY Reception Centerpieces

One of the best ways to add some flair to your wedding reception is through the centerpieces that you choose for the tables. However, these items can be fairly expensive and can quickly eat into the budget that you have set in place for your ceremony. However, there are many options available that are easy, beautiful and ones that you can create on your own.

1. Candles

One of the easiest options that you can choose is one that includes candles in a simple vase. You can easily create a beautiful look for your wedding reception without spending a lot of money. You can also easily match this design to the design of your wedding and use whatever wedding colors that you like. There are also many options available that will allow you to use something other than flower petals as well.

2. Potted Flowers

For a simple elegance, simply choose some potted flowers to be displayed on your wedding reception tables. This is also another great idea that is customizable depending on your own independent tastes and wedding design. The pot that you choose can be as formal or as casual as you like and you will find that you can easily make a beautiful wedding reception piece by using this idea.

3. Wreath

One of the most popular décor items currently is DIY wreaths. These wreaths may be made from typical material or from ribbon depending on your own favorite design. Even if you are not able to make them on your own, you will find that there are many people who will be more than happy to make them for you. While some may charge for their services, you may also be able to find someone who will only ask that you buy the supplies necessary to create them. Like the other options, this is something that can be customized to meet your needs and the style of your wedding.

Conclusion

You wedding is a special event and you should want to make it as beautiful and personal as possible. The centerpieces that are added to the reception area are an important part of making this a reality.

However, before you break your budget on these expensive items, make sure that you check out your DIY options first. These can help you to save money and can mean that you are using something that is more personal as well. Also, by creating your own pieces, you may find that you are able to recycle them after the wedding and use them for your home.

So, in order to create a wedding reception centerpiece to your liking, be sure to think outside the box and don’t be afraid to be creative. You may find that the perfect piece for your wedding is simply waiting for you to discover and make it.

DIY centerpieces are a great way to save money for your wedding. In order to save more money for your wedding, make sure that you stop by Best for Bride for the many special prices that are available.

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 2 Comments

5 Mistakes to avoid when choosing your bridesmaids dresses

If you thought shopping for your wedding dress was the biggest challenge, here is some news for you! An equally challenging task is choosing your bridesmaids dresses. You have to consider the same details as you did for your wedding dress—fabric, style, budget, practicality, and add a whole new list of considerations such as color, trends, individual preferences and length!

Your bridesmaids dress choice will reflect in your wedding décor and photographs, so choose wisely and make it picture-perfect. Before you go shopping with your pretty girls, know these mistakes that brides usually make, and avoid them.

Making the decision yourself

It is your wedding alright, and your bridesmaids ought to oblige with your choice of bridesmaids dresses. Nonetheless, it is advisable that you ask for their inputs. Rather than ask them for what they would like in a dress, make note of what they do not want to wear. This way, you can avoid choosing a dress that makes any of them feel uncomfortable in.

Not considering the heights of your bridesmaids when determining the length of their dresses

If you prefer short dresses for your bridesmaids, make sure that the look is cohesive by having the hemlines at the same level. However, if your bridesmaids vary greatly in height, it is better that you avoid short dresses altogether. It would be awkward if the tallest bridesmaid had a dress that ended at mid-thigh and the shorter girls have dresses that fall well below knee length.

Choosing dresses that are too simple

It is a wedding after all, and your bridesmaids too have to feel special. When you choose their dresses, make sure that it looks and feels good. Don’t deny your bridesmaids the chance to dress up well and look beautiful on your wedding, by choosing a very simple pattern. If you choose relatively small budget dresses, choose accessories that allow them to stand out from the guests.

Choosing dresses that aren’t universally flattering

Unless all your bridesmaids have the same figure and features, it is not a good idea to go for a style that only suits certain figures. Your bridesmaids should look pretty and be able to carry off their dresses in style. For this, choose dresses that suit all body types, or else choose different styles with a single unifying factor like color or length. This way they will all look beautiful in what they wear. Safe choices and universally flattering patterns include A-line dresses, halter-style dresses and multiway necklines.

Giving in to everyone’s opinion

While you have to involve your bridesmaids in your wedding decisions, remember that it is impossible to please everyone and still have a perfect looking bridal party. Welcome their opinions, but stick with ones that are reasonable. Don’t give in to opinions when you are certain that your wedding theme or style will be compromised by their dress choice. Be reasonable with their preferences, but don’t feel obliged to please.

A good friend will be happy to wear what the bride wants, and as a good friend the bride shouldn’t choose anything hideous or one that makes her favorite girlfriends feel uncomfortable in.

For more wedding tips and advice, and also to choose from a vast collection of beautiful bridesmaids dresses, visit Best for Bride.