For some brides there is no question about who will walk them down the aisle. If your parents are still together and you’ve always been a daddy’s girl, you’re all set. When that’s not the case you might find yourself trying to figure out who the heck is going to fill this role on your wedding day. While many brides these days are independent enough to want to march down that aisle themselves this article isn’t about those brides. It’s about the ones who can’t imagine walking down that aisle alone but for some reason don’t have a clear cut idea of who will do it.
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Sure, tradition states that your dad walks you down the aisle but what if your dad isn’t actually your father? In the case of divorce and remarriage you may have both a father and stepfather who both mean a lot to you. If that’s the case, what do you do? Having both of them walk you down the aisle could be a bit awkward to say the least, but choosing one over the other could cause hurt feelings and tension within the family.
And then there are brides who don’t have the option of having their father walk them down the aisle because he hasn’t even been a part of their life. In my case, this applies, so when I got married the dad who raised me walked me down the aisle, as opposed to my biological father. But, if I hadn’t had that dad to fill the role who would have done it?
This is a question you may be asking yourself if you are planning a wedding and you are in this position. The right decision depends on you and what you want on the happiest day of your life. You could swallow your pride and ask the father that didn’t raise you to walk you down the aisle or you could choose another male family member or friend. No one can tell you what your decision should be as that is a very personal one that you have to decide on your own.
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For brides who are renewing their wedding vows, something I plan to do with my husband within the coming months, there is a whole new opportunity to repeat the experience with whoever walked you down the aisle the first time or choose someone completely different. As I am in a position where my biological father has not been a part of my life, for my vow renewals I am considering asked a beloved relative that I lost contact with for years if he’d be willing to walk me down the aisle in place of the father who is a virtual stranger to me. That may be the right decision for me but you may disagree with me completely. Whoever you choose to walk you down the aisle should be someone who believes in you and your fiancé.
For the answer to any pressing questions you may have about planning your wedding be sure to visit Best For Brides.com where you will find expert wedding tips and advice.
Today, many brides consider the environment while they plan their wedding ceremonies and receptions. Avoiding waste , ordering planet-friendly supplies, and conserving energy at a grand celebration can be tricky, but it’s not impossible.
Planning a “green” wedding can be a remarkable experiment that most guests will really appreciate. There are plenty of ways to ensure that your wedding is as environmentally conscious as it can be; here are some excellent tips to help you get started:
Choose A Local, Sustainable Menu
Supporting local farmers and local businesses can be an excellent starting point when planning a planet-friendly wedding. After all, so much fuel, energy and packaging is wasted when food products are imported. Choosing local, sustainable ingredients is a perfect way to support your community and protect the environment. Look for fresh produce in season, and choose a menu that celebrates the hard work of local farmers.
Buying food products grown in your locality can be a great way of ensuring that everything served at your wedding is as fresh as possible. While certain types of food, such as wild-farmed salmon, organic beef and chicken, and organic fruits and veggies can cost more, they are free of harmful pesticides, hormones, and other nasty additives. Your guests will taste the difference, and you will support environmentally-conscious local businesses. Ensure your friends and family know you’ve chosen a fresh, local menu – they’ll love the idea!
Use Recycled Paper For Save-The-Date Notes, Invitations, Place Cards, and Menus
There are plenty of excellent ways to use recycled paper and cardboard to create gorgeous wedding invitations, place cards, and menus. If you’re outsourcing these items from a local designer or printer, be sure to request the materials you want – any reputable printer or artist will be more than happy to comply with your wishes.
To create lovely decorations, invitations, place cards and menus from recycled paper – get creative! Use appliques, ribbons, stencils and rubber stamps to give your work a chic, homespun vibe. A hot glue gun can be a great way to add embellishments to planet-friendly recycled wedding favors and invitations. You might also want to look for envelopes made from recycled materials…
Keep Things Simple And Old-Fashioned
A low-fi, old-school approach to wedding entertainment can give your reception a lot of charm. Instead of a noisy rock band or cheesy, loud wedding singers, consider a folk-rock musician who only needs a single mike, a couple of amps, and an acoustic guitar. Even a string quartet can provide amazingly beautiful music during a wedding ceremony, and they won’t need much “juice” to do it. You may also want to conserve power by planning a simple, outdoor ceremony with bright sunlight. Candlelight can be a romantic, planet-friendly option for your wedding reception. Votives and natural beeswax candles can be fragrant, flattering, and lovely to behold.
Plan A Natural Bridal Look That Reinforces Your “Green” Theme
Looking pretty, natural and fresh-faced will complement your wedding’s healthy, planet-friendly feel. Look for a bridal dress that is simple and not too sexy.
If you love funkier, edgier style, express yourself with an unusual gown, such as the cool bridal dress style shown above. Be yourself by choosing a white wedding dress that really reflects your personal taste and sensibilities.
A pretty laurel of flowers in your hair will be lovely choice – brides have worn this style since the Middle Ages. Keep your hairstyle soft and natural – avoid hairspray and a lacquered, fussy look. To highlight your bridal gown and hair, do natural makeup focusing on soft, neutral earth tones – pinky-brown lip glosses, such as MAC Lust, will add enough color and shine. Glowing cheeks can be achieved with a simple swipe of peachy blush, such as the popular Nars Orgasm. The foundation should be used sparingly and designed to create a soft, dewy effect. Almay’s lightweight, sheer bases are a great choice for this kind of look.
Your bridal rings should be carefully chosen to reflect your overall style – generally, the type of woman who wants a “green” wedding won’t need a lot of bling. Subtle Feri jewelry and a small bouquet of wildflowers can be enough to set off your natural beauty as you walk down the aisle in your wedding dress. If you’ve overspent setting up your green wedding, consider shopping for cheap bridesmaids dresses to save a little money; online bridal boutiques, such as our Best For Bride wedding emporium, offer high-quality designs for a reasonable price.
Classic beauty never goes out of style – if you’ve always longed for a traditional wedding with all of the bells and whistles, you’ll need a wedding gown that is truly timeless.
Traditional brides keep it classy – nothing is too flashy, bodices don’t dip too low for good taste, and wedding shoes, veils, and accessories are simple and elegant.
If you’re looking for tips on becoming the most classic, lovely bride you can be, you’ll enjoy our quick guide to timeless beauty for today’s traditional brides:
Rituals And Traditions Will Add Meaning To Your Wedding
Today, traditional brides always choose white bridal gowns – this ritual began in Victorian England, and it was instituted by Queen Victoria, who believed in the purity and angelic symbolism of pure white.
Other early 19th century rituals were also taken into account before brides-to-be selected their wedding dresses – for example, it was considered unlucky to marry in a gown you made yourself. The truly traditional bride will always choose a bridal dress created by someone else…
If you dream of a very traditional wedding day, the charming custom of wearing “something old and something new, something borrowed, something blue” should also be a part of your wedding rituals.
Something old symbolizes your old life as a single woman…and something new illustrates your journey into a new life as a married woman.
Something borrowed echoes the influences of your friends and family…something blue is derived from ancient Jewish wedding traditions…this soothing color is believed to be a symbol of faithfulness in love…
English brides in the Victorian Age also put a silver coin (sixpence) in their shoe…this tradition was believed to bring good luck and material success to the new couple after their wedding…
Traditional Beauty Is Simple And Feminine…Never Overdone…
Creating traditional beauty in your wedding ensemble can be as simple as wearing a circlet of wildflowers in your hair…brides in the Emerald Isle followed this ritual for centuries.
If you prefer a classic veil, you may enjoy knowing that it is symbolic of chastity! The first wedding veils worn in ancient Greek ceremonies were yellow – in Rome, they were red!
Simple makeup and soft, touchable hair are the hallmarks of the classic bride – whether you hair is worn up or down – both styles are quite traditional – it should be classic and feminine.
Don`t wear too much powder – keep your skin youthful and dewy with a great moisturizer…blotting papers are a cute, and very traditional, way of cutting shine without adding more powder!
Look at works of art from online gallery tours – women of previous centuries were always captured while showing off flowing curls, luminous skin, and natural beauty.
A fake spray tan may look great at the beach, but it won’t really evoke classic beauty at your wedding. It’s all about making the most of your natural hair texture and your God-given coloring!
Embrace your own beauty with a classic wedding gown, elegant veil, and dainty wedding bands.
Other Fun Wedding Traditions To Enjoy
Today, many brides also follow the ritual of not being seen by their groom-to-be before the wedding – being spotted by your future husband before you walk down the aisle is thought to be bad luck.
In certain cultures, a ritual bath is practiced by brides before they are dressed in their wedding gowns – this cleansing ceremony is believed to purify the bride-to-be before her marriage.
Plan Your Trousseau
This fun tradition is French in origin – the word trousseau mean “bundle”. Your trousseau is a special set of clothing and accessories, designed to be worn on your honeymoon. If you’re interested in wedding rituals, you’ll truly enjoy filling a trunk or suitcase with a “bundle” of new items! This may not be as wonderful as finding perfect wedding dresses, but it can still be very fulfilling! Traditionally, the bundle may also include some new items for the home…
We hope you’ve enjoyed this look at traditional bridal rituals. Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life…if you value the rituals of the past, add in some of them to your own wedding day. You’ll connect with history and symbolism as you prepare to start a whole new chapter in your life!
We all have our own kind of beauty…every woman has something special that makes her different and alluring. On your wedding day, you’ll already have a sort of “built-in” radiance – this comes from being in love, and from the excitement of celebrating your wedding day with your groom, friends, and family. After all, a lovely wedding is really one of the most romantic things a woman will experience in her lifetime!
However, despite the magic of the day, many women still work very hard to plan their outfits, hair, makeup, and bridal jewelry – they want to become the most beautiful brides they can be! Luckily, there are lots of tips and tricks you can use to make the most of your natural beauty. The smartest brides opt for colors, shapes, and bridal rings that flatter their own body types and coloring.
Wedding Dress Advice
TV shows like Say Yes To The Dress showcase the drama of choosing the ideal wedding gown. Brides-to-be often melt down under the pressure! It doesn’t have to be like this! By understanding some simple rules about your own body and what flatters it best, you can avoid the stress of trying on dozens of gowns that just don’t measure up! Here is some practical advice on finding the right dress for your figure:
Boyish –
You’ve got the sleek, elegant figure many women envy! Smaller breasts, slim hips, and lean limbs define this type of body. For you, a lot of frills or overtly feminine touches may not work too well. It’s better to play up what nature blessed you with by highlighting your small waist and pretty arms! You can add a little sexiness by opting for a bustier-style bodice that gives the impression of a curvier chest – but why even bother? Instead, go for sleek, minimal style…after all, your figure is the type that fashion designers seek out for their runway models…
Sleeveless will look beautiful on you…think modern when you shop for your wedding dress. Keep it stripped down and minimalist…you’ll look stunning in a simple shape…it can be embellished with sequins, embroidery, or what have you, but the shape itself should follow the lines of your body, without a lot of volume or puffiness…
Take your cue from high fashion – a snug sheath dress or slip dress bridal gown will be the height of elegance. In general, the princess type of gown won’t suit you best – it’s meant for women with more conventional hourglass shapes. Go for sophistication and you’ll dazzle your guests – and your groom – on the big day!
For wedding hair and makeup, polished style is best. A little volume in the hair can add femininity – consider wearing your hair in a half-up, half-down style. Rosy blush will add softness to your facial shape…don’t skip this important step when you do your makeup! For wedding rings, consider something streamlined, with a touch of high-fashion chic! As long they are not fussy or old-fashioned, bold, striking engagement rings will work well with your body type.
Celebrities With Boyish Builds – AnnaLynn McCord (90210), Keira Knightley, Anne Hathaway, Kristen Stewart
Medium Build…The Classic Hourglass…
You’ve got a pretty hourglass figure, with a defined waist, fuller breasts and hips, and curvy thighs. This pleasing shape can be a pleasure to dress – however, you may have a few areas you prefer to cover up. Women with medium builds are often thin in certain places, and a little plump in others…keeping perfect balance is the challenge for this body type.
A feminine, 1950’s silhouette will work beautifully on you…a snug waistline, corset-style bodice, and full skirt will accentuate all the positives, and still bypass your hips and legs. The classic princess wedding dresses you see on the covers of bridal magazines are tailor-made for your girly figure. Embrace your curves and have fun with a pretty wedding gown that highlights your chest and waist!
Strapless may not be the best choice for you – unless the gown has a lot of support, i.e. a built-in bra or corset – you may not have enough support without straps. Sleeveless sheath styles won’t be the best choice for you – they won’t balance your shape the way a princess wedding dress will.
Look for gowns shaped like you – even a sexy mermaid-style gown can work, if the size of your chest and hips are quite balanced. For your hair, consider a pretty up-do that adds height – it shouldn’t be too fussy or overdone. If you’re wearing your hair down, a medieval style center parting can be lovely on you – it will lengthen your face. Your jewelry should be traditional and not too large in scale. You might enjoy a classic solitaire engagement ring with a touch of vintage charm. Makeup should highlight the lips and eyes…
Celebrities With Medium Builds – Catherine Zeta-Jones, Scarlett Johanssen, Britney Spears
Curvy
You’ve got the bombshell curves of a classic pin-up…however, you may feel a little self-conscious, because you don’t fit the size two, fashion model stereotype. The voluptuous bride should learn to enjoy her curvy body when shopping for a wedding gown…let go of the idea that everyone should conform to a certain standard of beauty. In fact, your gorgeous curves can be simply stunning when you find plus-size wedding dresses that put the focus on your full breasts and luminous skin. The trick is to emphasize what is most beautiful about you…
Gowns that lace up in the back are perfect for you…they will allow you to adjust your gown in case of any weight fluctuations. Wedding dresses with built-in support are also a wonderful idea – it’s just easier to find a dress that holds everything in place when you opt for a corseted style. If you feel too constrained in that type of gown, go for a classic silk or satin wedding dress without a lot of embellishment. In general, you don’t need a lot of bells and whistles…your glorious curves are already at center stage…
Your skirt shouldn’t be too full…you really don’t need too much volume. A little bit of fullness will be the best choice to balance your shape…keep the focus of your dress on the bodice for the best effect. Pretty lace or beading around the neckline will draw the eye to your beautiful face.
For hair and makeup, be daring…don’t be afraid of a ruby lip or a little shimmer on the eyes. Really go for it! You may want to wear your hair down – it tends to flatter a rounder face. Your veil should be sheer and not too long for the best effect. Wedding rings should balance your proportions – a bigger gemstone or wider band will look lovely.
Celebrities With Curvy Builds – Oprah Winfrey, Ann Wilson (of the rock band, Heart), Beyonce Knowles, Jessica Simpson
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