Tag: bridesmaid dress

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12 inspiration ideas for brides who love polka dots

Isn’t it refreshing to see an unconventional wedding palette? Perfect for the casual wedding theme, polka dots are a pattern that can liven up any atmosphere. Whether it is done in just two colors or a variation of several colors, it is always a fun choice that we cannot, but love. And for brides who can’t convince their to-be-husbands that polka dots is the way to go for your wedding, you can still enjoy your love affair with this mesmerizing pattern by having a polka-dot studded bridal shower or engagement party.

So, here is a collection of 10 fantastic polka dot ideas to inspire the quirky bride, whether it is for her wedding or any of the events leading up to it. Get ready to swoon!

1.Fun and festive wedding cake

Choose a contrasting combination of colors for a polka dot wedding cake like that featured in the picture here. Look at how the assorted polka dot colors frame the white frosting elegantly? Matching the polka dot colors on the cake to the design on the ribbon that decorates the cake, instantly adds more style to it. Resembling a gift box, the best part about this cake is that it isn’t too complex to create, but has an unusually interesting overall finish. So, if you are after a budget friendly option, this design is one to consider.

polka dot gift box cake
Image Credits: Suzanne’s Bespoke Bakery, via Flickr

 2.Spotted cupcakes

Dessert buffets may no longer be as popular as they once were, but if you have one at your polka dot theme wedding, these fun spotted cupcakes are a must-have. The design is so simple, yet unusual, and we are sure your baker will be able to whip them up for little to no cost. Despite all this, the impact of the m&m studded cupcakes will be mind-blowing. If you aren’t up for this idea at your wedding, it will certainly work out for your colorful bridal shower on the polka dot theme. What do you say?

polka dot cupcakes

3.Spot this save-the-card

In an interesting twist to the polka dot style, this spot and check polka dot save-the-date photo card will be an instant hit with your guests. This design features emerald and canary ink colors to create the exciting combination featured here. However, you may make your pick from the many colors available to suit your wedding color palette, and you will have a save-the-date that is high on style and impact, and attractive at first sight. Follow up with a matching RSVP card and a wedding invite in the same colors as this invitation card, and find respite for your obsession with polka dots. This save-the-date card can be ordered online from our collection at Best for Bride.

spotted save-the-date

4.Bling invitation card with golden dots

If you are a bride who loves bling, here is a wedding invitation that is a charming representation of dots with plenty of the “bling” factor. While the invitation wording is done on white, it is framed elegantly within a golden polka dot and textured gold border. The best part of this design is that the beautiful golden dots follows through the invitation into the envelope, creating a charming overall effect. With golden lettering as well, this is a rich and luxurious choice that your guests simply cannot miss noticing.

gold invitation

5.Spots on the bride-to-be shower book

Here is an accessory that will blend into a polka dot theme bridal shower seamlessly. This pink and white polka dot bridal shower guest book features a modern bride-to-be illustration that is simply adorable. With the space to hold up to 55 guest signatures, it will easily be enough for all the guests at the shower. It will also be a pretty keepsake that will always remind you of the interesting party you celebrated with your favorite girls.

bridal shower guestbook

6.Spotted china for a delightful brunch

If you are bold enough to side-step the conventional wedding day colors and patterns for polka dots, you would most likely be open to the idea of a wedding brunch instead of the usual reception. Not only is this budget-friendly, there are a whole set of other reasons too, that make the idea attractive. Read all about why you should consider having a wedding brunch, in this previous post of ours. If you like this idea, think of using polka dot china to serve your delicious breakfast menu in. If it is an outdoor wedding brunch, it will simply add oodles of color to the overall setting, and make the party more lively. In case this isn’t possible we have other suggestions to make your tablescape work. Nevertheless, this is an option that you should consider, as it is a definite winner.

polka dot china

7.Dots and spots on napkins

If the idea of the spotted china is out of reach, turn to the next best thing instead. Go all the way with a table cloth decorated with dots, or do it in moderate doses with polka dot table napkins instead. We prefer the latter, as it makes the polka dot effect more elegant and sophisticated. This is also your chance to add some glitter and glamor to your reception tables, but with subtlety. Golden polka dots on a solid color napkin would look classy, while still keeping the fun theme alive at your party.

strawberry thyme lemonade with straw in a tall glass on polka dot napkin
Image Credits: Shari’s Berries, via Flickr

8.Polka dot metal boat as wedding favor

Here is the perfect polka dot favor for those couples who want something that matches a nautical theme. While the groom enjoys his share of fun with a sailing or ocean theme, you can add a soft touch of your own with this as a display accessory at your wedding reception. These quaint blue and white polka dot metal boats can do double duty as both a thematic place setting, and as a favor for the guests to take home after the party. Stuff it with mints or candy and personalize it with a thank you note on the flag, and you have a wonderful favor that your guests will love.

nautical polka dot boat

9.Spotted cellophane bag insert

The simplest way to add dotted details to your favor table is to use polka dot inserts in cellophane bags, like shown here. The simple addition of these economically priced bag inserts can liven up a plain cellophane bag and make it a work of art. With custom options to choose from four different colors, these favor inserts are a perfect addition to any color palette. It can also be your little polka dot detail, if you don’t want polka dots ruling the entire wedding scenery. With such a pretty cover to carry candy off the dessert spread, your guests will love your attention to detail. Whichever color you choose for the spots, this will add a welcome dose of color to your desert table and really make it pop. You can also add a small bit of information and a thank you message on the insert to complete the look. You can also use matching polka dot straws for the beverages at your party. Whether you choose to serve these straws by themselves, or with little flags, their presence will not go unnoticed. This will allow you to mix and match the details, and still achieve a cohesive effect that your guests will not miss.

dot insert

10.Bright and beautiful spotted bridesmaids dresses

Polka dots may not be standard bridesmaid stuff, which is what makes it so much fun. It is an easy, and obvious way of adding your favorite detail into your wedding day and making it totally unique. Your bridesmaids will be happy to buy a dress that they can definitely use again, and you have a world of options to choose from. If you have your mind set on an outdoor spring or summer wedding, bridesmaids dresses such as that shown here will be a pleasant addition to the overall picture. This dress also has a vintage charm with the puff sleeves and bigger and bolder dots on the fabric. With bright colors like pink, turquoise or orange appearing on a white or cream background, the entire atmosphere will resonate with fun and joy. As interesting as this idea is, remember not to take the detail overboard. Balance out the polka dots with suitable addition of a solid color, that blends well into the overall picture. Also remember that it may not be a great idea to go with full-length gowns, as it can look overwhelming. Stick with cocktail length dresses instead. You can also think of matching the bridesmaids accessories to the color of the polka dots.

vintage-woman-635255_640

11.Polka dot manicure

Wearing a polka dot wedding dress may be stretching the theme a little too much. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have any thing dotty on yourself. Surprise your guests with your own unique polka dot detail, through your wedding day manicure. Polka dot nails look fantastic, and having this done will easily make it a fashion statement on your wedding day. The options are endless, as you can choose any possible base color and polka dots in any color, so it blends into your wedding theme. Our favorite combinations include white with black dots and black dots on gold. You can choose to keep it simple with just a border of polkas at the nail base or on the end of the nails. The other option is to keep it uniform and have it all over your nails. You can also try add polka dots of different sizes and in mixed colors, for more impact. It will be a delightful addition, either way. Make sure that you have your manicure done closer to the wedding day, so that your nails look fresh and the dots are details that are obvious and attractive.

12.  Lucky gnome with polka hat

To keep your décor interesting, but not overwhelming, choose décor elements that bring in the effect softly. Accessories and charms like this adorable little procelain gnome featured here, can achieve this effect perfectly. Although the polka dot effect is seen only on his hat, it is still striking and just enough to make it significant in any setting. Place him as part of the centerpieces at your venue, or gift him as a party favor that carries a good wish to the bearer, and it will be a gift that everyone will appreciate. It is possible to customize the message he carries to one that you choose.

polka dot gnome

Hope this has given you enough inspiration to plan your wedding with this ever-trendy and interesting detail.

For more interesting ideas and everything wedding-related, keep dropping in at Best for Bride. Beginning with wedding dresses, accessories and bridal party attires, we bring you all that you need for planning the perfect wedding day. We also bring you interesting ideas, latest trends and fabulous pictures from real weddings to inspire you as you begin to plan the most special day of your life. Join us to explore all that the world of weddings has to offer you.

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13 ideas for a green wedding palette

Nature’s own neutral—green, is a beautiful color that soothes and refreshes. Although it is not one of the immediate choices for many couples when they plan their wedding palette, it is a color that can create any effect you desire. Ranging from soft and romantic, to bold and overpowering, green is a color that lends itself to any design in your mind.

Not sure it will work? Just take a look at Mother Nature! There is no color that you can’t find in nature. Doesn’t green add the beautiful background that accentuates all these colors, whatever they are?

Apart from the aesthetics, there is another reason we love green as the main wedding color. It is for what this versatile hue is linked to. Green is the color of life, freshness, growth, harmony and peace. All these virtues are relevant for a happily married life, making it all the more meaningful to include this color in your wedding. It is also the color that is easiest on the eye, and when chosen well, it can make your wedding a stunning masterpiece.

Here are thirteen ideas that you should definitely consider for inspiring your green-color wedding palette.

1.Invitations

green invitation

Begin your wedding planning by choosing a refreshing green invitation card for your big day. Featured here is a Now and Forever wedding invitation from the Best for Bride wedding invitation collection. The pretty combination of silver with green shimmer, makes it an elegant and attractive card. The bright green bow adds a pop of color to the muted background in the remainder of the card, and inside is a monochromatic green card with black lettering. It is a simple, but stylish choice that will offer your guests a hint of the color that will be in focus on your wedding day.

2.Wedding Cake

The Wedding Cake
Image Credits: Tony Alter, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Isn’t this green cake simply embellished with a scattering of white floral details, delightful? Not only does it look delicious, it forms a pretty picture without too much clutter. The beauty of green is that it allows you to create a simple, but attractive design with a minimum amount of extra elements on it. Soft and unobtrusive, a cake such as this, will be a delightful addition to your reception. As for the flavors, pistachio is the first and most interesting choice that will be perfect for your wedding cake.

3.More green desserts green cupcakes

You do not always have to color your dessert totally green, to have it blend into your wedding palette. You can accomplish the same with the accessories and other essentials that come with the cake. Take this dessert idea for example. Here are some simple, but adorable cupcakes with a smooth layer of frosting. These have been packed into olive green cupcake cases, that form a beautiful combination with the crumb color and the white frosting. Unlike other heavy and luxurious desserts, these cupcakes look appetizing and are easy to enjoy. So, if you are looking for simple dishes to pep up your wedding dessert buffet, that are both budget-friendly and attractive, here is the right idea.

4.Mostly green bouquet green bouquet While an entirely green bouquet can be fashioned out of leaves and green colors like the cymbidium orchid and chrysanthemum, we prefer the highlighting of green with the right amount of mixing with a lighter color. In this beautiful bouquet, the richness of green is enhanced by the presence of peach and soft pink, with a scattering of white daisies. The green colors in the bouquet are all in a single shade, and this accentuates the effect of the color. The few red berries in the design make it further attractive, as red is a color that compliments green beautifully.

5.Silk green tie

IMG_3146
Image Credit: Emilie Rhaupp, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0,

Why not consider choosing a lime green silk tie with tiny polka dots or a similar design for your groom? While a darker shade of green would add a more refined and formal look, a light green tie would easily make it casual and fun. So, consider this accessory for the bridegroom, and there couldn’t be a better way of adding green to his outfit. Now, if you want to add more green to your groom’s look, without making it too overwhelming, you can ask him to wear green socks and it will be that little detail that nobody is going to really notice. And, what about the bride? We’ll look at it next.

6.Dramatic green wedding shoes

A green wedding gown may be stretching it too far. However, you can still have a stylish dose of green in your wedding by choosing a beautiful pair of green wedding shoes. And, we simply love the drama of a colored wedding shoe that pops in and out of sight, during all the dancing at the reception. Here is a pair of brilliant green wedding shoes that a bride custom purchased off Etsy, to go with her emerald engagement ring. At this Las Vegas theme wedding, the accessories were all green, and we think that this shoe is just right for it.

7.Dark green bridesmaids dresses

Green and white make a splendid combination, and this is what you can accomplish by choosing green bridesmaids dresses. You have plenty of shades to choose from, ranging from soft lime green to deep, velvety green and the jewel toned emerald green. For an iridescent effect, green with blue tones are perfect. Not only do they look festive, they are also really dressy.

This bridesmaid dress is the 6731 from the After Six dress collection. The pleated pattern and lightly shirred skirt are beautifully complemented by the overlay bodice. It is trendy, and the loose drape makes it suitable for both young girls and older bridesmaids.

8.Light green bridesmaid dresses

When your palette focuses on lighter or muted shades of green, bridesmaid dresses in mint green or lime green may be good choices. The Alfred Angelo 7378S is an exquisite dress with a strapless bodice and cocktail length skirt. The chiffon bodice drapes over a beautiful lace layer that adds an exquisite touch to the gown. This causes the bodice and the skirt to have entirely different textures, and the effect is simply stunning. Perfect for a casual outdoor wedding, a beach wedding or even a semi-formal wedding, this is a dress your bridesmaids are bound to love.

9.Green beverages and drinks

cucumber water

Chilled water with slices of cucumber floating in it, make the perfect spa refreshment. This is just perfect for a summer wedding, and you will be surprised at the number of guests who will queue up to enjoy this seemingly uncomplicated drink. Gimlets like cucumber gin, fresh lime, mint-flavored drinks and mojitos are also great choices for a wedding in a green color palette. You will be astonished at the wonderful effect a handful of leaves can add to your bar, so don’t hesitate to add them into your decor. Garnishes like olives and green chillies are also suitable for adding a pop of green to your beverage display.

10.Bright table décor

Rather than use a green table runner and place green décor items in clear jars, this couple chose to enhance the effect of green with white flowers in green mason jars and tea light candles in green glass holders. The effect is unusually interesting. The scattering of green confetti on the tables adds an extra charm. What we love most about this setting is that the elements used are budget-friendly and simple, but the impact is strong.

11.Simple green and white china for the food service

green dishes

For the food service, white china with green rims will be the perfect choice. Since the serving dishes are white, the food will not lack its appetizing colors. All the same, you can easily bring in the green color subtly and make sure it is noticeable, with a choice like this.

12.Green colored food green food

Not everyone may be super-excited about a menu with plenty of green. After all green vegetables are notorious as health food that is usually unappetizing. When planning your wedding menu, the trick is to not focus on the green. Instead, use it as an accent color in the garnish. Make the food appetizing with other colors like orange, purple and yellow, instead of white. This will make the plate pop with a variety of colors, and instantly look more appealing. The presentation of the dish can also be adapted to make it look attractive. The other option is to balance out the green in the dish with green colored china.

13.Green wedding favors

green shovel

Gifting wedding favors is customary. So, how do you make it match the color theme of your party? With green as your color, you will have no dearth of options. From potted plants to candle holders, there are ample options for you to consider. These miniature garden shovels with green handles, are from our wedding favors collection and are a great wedding favor for outdoor garden weddings. Whether you use it as a decorative accessory, or gift it with a seed packet to your guests, it makes a unique and practical wedding favor.

Hope the ideas here have inspired you to think creatively and plan your green wedding. To help you a little more, we will also take a look at the various colors that form a befitting combination with green. Whether they are used in equal doses or in varying proportions, these are the colors that will give you a striking impact when combined with green.

Combinations that work with green

Green is a color with a personality by itself. Nevertheless, the beauty of green can be further enhanced by adding colors that complement it. One combination that we are all familiar with is green and red. But this reminds us of a Christmas scene, and so it may not be a great idea to use. There are many other colors that yield beautiful combinations with green. These are colors that are either neutrals or those that come on the opposite side of the color spectrum as green. They include the following.

        • Dark green and light pink or peach
Moustaches are epic.
Image Credits:Shimelle Laine, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0
      •   Green and white
0824: bridesmaid
Image Credits: Emilie Rhaupp, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0
    •   Green and brown

green and brown

    • Lime green and orange
wedding bliss
Image Credits: EvelynGiggles, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0
  •    Green and yellow

green and yellow

A point to remember when mixing colors is that you should balance out the colors in equal combinations of light and dark. You should also be liberal with the addition of details in neutrals, when the green you choose is of a bold shade.While green can be tried and tested with various other colors, the ones mentioned here are classic combinations that simply cannot go wrong.  It is a good idea to create an inspiration board and compile pictures of the various combinations that you find interesting,and build your palette from there.

For more wedding planning inspiration, and ideas to plan your wedding, keep visiting us here. Choose Best for Bride as your wedding destination, and you will have to look no further to satisfy every one of your bridal needs. From fantastic wedding dresses in every price range, to bridesmaid dresses, photography, officiants, emergency kits and wedding favors, we have every aspect of your wedding covered. Come visit us today.

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7 perfect ideas for an environment-friendly wedding

You will already be aware of the fact that weddings use up lots of resources and are least environment-friendly, unless you attempt to make it otherwise. Fortunately, many couples today consider the environmental impact of everything they do, and choose to make wise and eco-friendly choices. The same applies to weddings too, and there are various ways in which you can plan an exciting, but sensible wedding that doesn’t harm the environment any more than is absolutely necessary.

There is a huge misconception that making green choices for your wedding means you have to compromise on style or function, and also that it can end up being very expensive. This is in fact, far from the truth. You can have a fantastic green wedding with as much an impact as any other wedding, if you plan it well. Additionally, there are several advantages of . Let us first look at what they are.

  • Our planet can no longer take the brunt of our demand for paper, water, energy and resources. Every wedding creates huge quantities of garbage and affects the environment in many different ways. A few eco-conscious choices can control this damage to a great extent.
  • When you make green choices and introduce this concept to your friends and family, they will also be intrigued by the options on offer. You can thus not only do your bit, but also promote an environment-conscious move, through your choices.
  • Simple actions like using less paper, making use of seasonally and locally available resources etc, can save you a lot of money and help you plan a budget wedding with huge impact. It is all about exploring the available options and keeping an open mind.

We have discussed some ideas in our previous post on planning a green wedding here. Let’s continue with some more ideas today. So, join in the fun.

1.Eco Jewelry

wedding jewelry

Do you really need that solitaire diamond for your engagement ring, for it to be meaningful? Wouldn’t responsibly and sensibly sourced jewelry and those that make use of recycled or repurposed stones and gems be equally unique? It could actually be extra-special, precisely for this reason! Ethically sourced diamonds are a valuable find that will give you what you want, sans the guilt. Cultured diamonds and other gemstones look equally good as their original counterparts, but with the added advantage that you will be wearing a stone that isn’t tainted by the sad stories behind the mining and extraction of such precious stones. Although these rings are grown chemically in a lab, they possess similar properties to the original stone and so would be just as durable and last as long as an original. The other great option is to use family heirlooms. If you aren’t a fan of the style, you can always have it reworked as it would still be a greener choice than getting a brand new one. Antique jewelers offer you opportunities to find something really special and perhaps with a history to it. So, explore these options to find not only your engagement ring, but also your wedding day jewelry. We found this wonderful article on the Inhabitat page that opens up a world of options in eco-friendly wedding rings. Why don’t you check it out to see the various choices that you can consider for your green wedding jewelry.

2.Reusable bridesmaid dresses

Choosing eco-friendly bridesmaids dresses may not be too easy, as we would be looking at choices in unusual fabrics like hemp or bamboo for it to truly be eco-friendly choices. Although it isn’t impossible to find a dress that fits the needs, it isn’t necessary that you will be able to acquire them as easily as you would if you were to go shopping the usual way. So, what we suggest is to look at this idea from a different perspective. One of the common things most brides do is to choose bridesmaid dresses so they fit the wedding theme perfectly. This can narrow down the choices drastically, as standard bridesmaids dresses aren’t usually preferred for use on another occasion. If you have your mind set on peach or yellow as your bridesmaids dress color, you can easily imagine how many of your bridesmaids will bother using the dress ever again. Fortunately, you can quickly change the picture by making a different choice. We suggest choosing bridesmaid dresses in neutral colors and in universally flattering designs, so they find use more than just once. Colors like black, brown and navy, as suggested in this previous post, are universally appealing colors that aren’t typical bridesmaid material. So, your girls are more likely to find better use for it, and you do the planet a favor by choosing a dress that will be used adequately for the resources that went into creating it.

3.Digital photo albums

wedding photo

One of the budget bombers in a wedding is the photography package that a couple books. Apart from the huge amount that goes into hiring a professional photographer, more money is spent for the rest of the things like photos in frames and the wedding album. Just think of how necessary all this actually is. Do you really need that wedding album or would the pictures on the CD do just as well? The main advantage of digital photography today is that it reduces the need and use of paper, which is a diminishing natural resource. Since you will mostly be sharing your pictures with all your friends and family online, ask yourself if you need more prints than what you will be displaying in your own home? And if you opt out of the wedding album option, you may be able to save a significant amount on the photography cost. Before you go and order your wedding album, wait for a while to make sure you think it is necessary. If you do, you can always have one made from the wedding photos you will anyway have, and perhaps gift it to yourself as an anniversary gift. Article on the Green Bride Guide also suggests asking your potential photographer whether they use green practices such as rechargeable batteries and non-toxic inks, if you are looking for the right person who shares your vision.

4.Artificial bouquets and boutonnieres

flower arrangement

Are you aware of the environmental impact of cut flowers? These flowers are usually grown in greenhouses, using loads of chemicals and transported from abroad to make it to your wedding. Imagine the damage each of the steps in their growth, packing, preserving and shipping cause the environment! Make a green choice by opting for artificial flower bouquets instead. You can recycle material like paper or fabric to create beautiful bouquets. The Its Always Autumn blog provides plenty of tutorials on how you can design beautiful flowers for your customized bouquet. You can also preserve an original flower bouquet, but it is expensive to do so and requires maintenance, and still needn’t look the same as it did. Now, if you simply must have an original flower bouquet, at least consider faux flowers for your bridesmaid bouquets and boutonnieres. Not only will it be a lot easier on your wallet, it will also look stunning if you plan it well in advance and do it well.

5.Reusable décor

bamboo

The most common wedding décor involves lot of flowers and foliage, most of which will be trashed at the end of the day. Make a change by choosing your décor wisely so that it finds further use. Options you can consider are potted plants like succulents and décor accessories like soy candles which can be used again. You can also create interesting table and aisle decorations with faux flowers and artificial foliage. Another interesting option is to deck up your tables with cacti, lucky bamboo or other interesting potted plants which double up as party favors for your wedding guests. This way they will find a home after the ceremony, and will live on as interesting keepsakes from your wedding day. Plants like lucky bamboo and succulents are easy to grow, and even guests with a black thumb will not be able to kill them off, try as much as they might! Take it further by personalizing your décor with natural elements like twigs, cones, acorns and branches that bring the outdoors into your venue. With a little creativity and inspiration, it is possible to craft stunning centerpieces and venue décor that is environment friendly in every way.

6.Reuse a wedding dress

You do not need a brand new wedding dress to be a brand new bride. You can do the same with a second-hand wedding dress or even a rented one. Not only is this the right choice for an environmentally conscious bride, it is also easy on your budget. At stores like Best for Bride, you can find great wedding dress choices from a range of top-notch designer collections on rent, and these will hardly cost you anything for the look you achieve with them. If you click on this link, you can find out all the information you need about renting your wedding gown and even the rest of the accessories to go with it. The other idea is to remove your mother’s or even grandmother’s wedding gown from the attic and give it new life by have it redone in a modern style. If you have ever watched the show “Something borrowed, something new,” you will know that a talented gown designer can transform any old-fashioned wedding gown into the most modern silhouettes, while keeping the original charm still alive. As you breathe new life into an heirloom with a re-purposed wedding gown, not only do you make a conscious choice, you also add more meaning to your wedding day by bringing in memories from another happy marriage. One other thing you may not have considered is that the color of the fabric is an indication of how much bleaching the dress has been put through. Remember that bleaching introduces several toxins into the environment, and you may be better off with a natural organic white color than stark white, if this factor bothers you.

7.Make your menu organic

organic

Every location has its own organic farms, and most vendors will agree to work with organic ingredients to create your wedding menu. You may have to think outside the box to make it work with what is available locally and seasonally, but it is definitely worth the effort. One thing many people associate with organic is bland and boring. But, this is wrong. Almost every fruit, vegetable, meat and dairy product you find on the regular supermarket shelves will also have an organic version. They can all be used in exactly the same way as you would with the inorganic counterpart. So, don’t let this idea limit you in any way. Organic is undoubtedly tastier and there are no dearth of choices in dishes. When the food you serve is free from additives, preservatives and artificial flavors and colors, it will go down well with your guests and you do them a big favor by choosing to serve a healthy hearty meal. Our favorite in the reception menu where organic food is concerned, are naked cakes without elaborate colored frosting. Usually decorated with fruits, berries and flowers, they are a delight as they are natural and delicious in their own way.

We hope we’ve shed some light on the different ways in which you can plan a stunning wedding without compromising on the details, and yet do it in a green and environment friendly manner. At Best for Bride we are constantly exploring everything that is even remotely associated with weddings. So, keep visiting our blog page for the most hot and happening updates in the wedding world. Also, don’t forget to visit our one-stop bridal website for all your wedding needs. We bring you not only wedding dresses, but have an impressive collection of bridesmaids dresses, décor options, cakes, favors, invitation cards, photography packages and much, much more.

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Our favorite trends in evening dresses this year

If you are going shopping to pick an evening dress or two for your social engagements this holiday season, let us prepare you for your shopping experience with what looked to be the most happening and interesting trends this year. We have also lined up some dress suggestions that you can look at, and these are all from our bridesmaid and evening dress collections at Best for Bride. Don’t forget to let us know what you like from these, and whether you do indeed choose any of them.

Colors

Spring and summer 2016 introduced us to the neutral color palette of pink and brown. Subtle versions of pink including dusty pink and peach, that aren’t too loud are perfect colors for evening wear if you don’t want to look too bright or bold. Plus, these neutral colors can be the perfect backdrop for some fun and dressy accessories. So, if you have that perfect bold clutch to show off or a stunning necklace, you know what would look good with it.

Now, if you want to make a stunning appearance, you could always consider bubblegum pink which was hot on the scenes last summer. This can certainly color up the scenery, but it may not really be right if you want a serious and refined look. Here is a bubblegum pink dress from the Alfred Sung evening dress collection. The added details like the up and down hemline add more spunk to the bright and vivid color that it features.

The other cool color (literally cool!) palette this year was deep blue color, and the colors seemed to pop with the iridescent highlights. What a stunning fashion statement! Bright pops of effervescent embellishments against deep dark water colors are undoubtedly a winner, don’t you agree? So, make sure your wardrobe has a perfect blue or green, that will allow you to step in and steal everybody’s attention.

Now, let us tell you exactly what we meant by deep sea colors with iridescent highlights with you this showstopper from the Jadore evening dress collection. What do you think of the scintillating effect of the top?

Our next picks are sunset hues like sunny vermillion and zesty orange which were featured on the catwalks and are always great reminders of spring and the wonderful tropics. Wondering whether it is a good idea for winter? We say go for it, as it will be different. Pair it with some colorful accessories, and you can nail that festive look that is perfect for any celebration. Also remember that deep oranges like clementine and browns are still pretty much in style and you can always turn to these as a safe bet. Since these colors look great on almost any skin tone, you couldn’t possibly go wrong. How refreshing is this sunset orange dress featured in the Social Bridesmaids collection. You can find this and many more attractive sunset hues in this collection at Best for Bride. 

Prints

Oversize prints and florals in either retro-inspired style or small and delicate Garden of Eden designs were all the rage last spring and summer. Equally attractive were color block prints, but remember that this year, color blocking has taken a new dimension with monochrome bold stripes and rainbow colors. Here is a captivating black and white striped gown from the Alfred Sung evening dress collection that is unique and distinct with the style and placement of the stripes on the sateen fabric.

Isn’t it just a fact that bold color combinations can make a huge impact, and why limit yourself to one when you can wreak havoc with many colors at the same time. So, go with color blocking in this years style, and you will be glad you did it.

Graphic prints and oversize motifs in bold statement colors are still hot. So, if you want something that is loud and daring, don’t hesitate to pick out a dress with a loud motif that screams for attention.

Graphic floral prints have been fashioned out of wide lace to make this Jadore evening dress a sensational beauty. You can find this in our evening dress collection, and remember that it is also available in red with the same design, if that is the color you favor.

A tip for your casual wear choices as well. Denim with needlepoint embroidery seems to be back, with both menswear and womenswear collections featuring it a lot. So, take a cue and update your jeans collection with at least one that features it, for a trendy look.

Patterns and Styles

Many interesting and unusual changes have popped up in the style section. Fluidity in structure was the focus this year, with many designers celebrating the natural womanly shape with loose flowing garments. Maxi dresses with loose fits and peasant dresses were an interesting trend. These are perfect for both indoor and outdoor functions. We loved how the dresses were made suitable for both formal and informal occasions through the appropriate use of fabric. While silk was the choice for formal functions, cotton and gauze made similar designs comfortable and good for outdoor and casual events.

Now, here is a fluid full-length dress from the Jadore evening collection in a sheath silhouette that courses along the natural curves of the wearer. We love the delicate and feminine effect from the soft flow of the fabric and how it is further enhanced by the spectacular addition of lace in the right places.

So, if you have a beach wedding to attend this year, it may be a good idea to revisit last year’s maxi trend and choose a dress that will look dressy even while being casual and comfortable.

The other popular dress styles were A-line skirts and asymmetrical hemline dresses that ended between mid-length and calf. Perfect for cocktail parties, these designs are cool and chic, and look good whether they are in prints or plain.

This Mori Lee evening dress features an unusual up and down hemline that makes it both casual and chic, flirty and fun. Perfect for that fun evening out with your girls, don’t you think?

We have also noticed that the neatly pleated style is back on the scene. The refined and clean look that is part of this design seems to appeal greatly to women who want a polished look. Perfect to go with a neat updo or when you want to attend a formal function at work, this is perhaps the dress style that will help you nail the look. Don’t you think this pleated dress from the Jasmine dress collection is worth your attention?

The off-the-shoulder style is still a big hit, and you would definitely look sultry and romantic in a dress that features this style. When the off-the-shoulder style is combined with a long gown it has a sophisticated charm, while it looks stylish and glamorous in a shorter version. Either way, we think that this is a definite style that will continue to be favored for a long time. So don’t hesitate to grab a dress in one of the colors we mentioned previously and look both trendy and beautiful for the occasion you will be attending.

Splendid and sexy, this Mori Lee beauty is a masterpiece for more than just the off-the-shoulder feature on it. The asymmetrically ruched bodice and the scintillating waistband are the other interesting elements that make this dress a total hit.

The other style that is really trending is the Goddess style dress. Don’t you love the one-shoulder dress that has always looked romantic and mysterious? With a dress that focuses on enhancing your natural beauty, while still adding an ethereal charm with delicate and unique features such as a draped bodice or one-shoulder strap, this is a definite winner. Choose a longer version if you want to look formal, or go with a shorter skirt or one with ruffles all along if you would prefer to be playful and effortless in what you wear. Take a look at this dress from the Jasmine evening dress collection.

Accessories

The same colors that we discussed above are the top choices in dress accessories. Brown and muted pinks are subtle colors that look great with almost any dress. They allow you to tone down your overall impact, when your dress is really vibrant. Apart from this, the deep sea hues are also seen dressing up large clutches and also adding extra glamour to earrings, necklaces and shoes with the iridescent effects that we talked about earlier. These effects are exquisite and match an outdoor beach setting, as well as look great at winter holiday parties. Now, if you know your friend has a nautical theme party, you know what you need in the accessories department to get your look just right for the theme.

Metallic Moody Blues Demi Parure Set
Image Credits: Melissa Ingram, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Warm yourself up when you step outside in oversize fluid coats, which were all the rage on the runways last year. Not only are they cozy, they go well with most dresses making it a versatile outer wear choice. Wrap cardigans and sporty culottes were also a fashion statement, however they are appropriate only when the occasion you will be attending has a casual vibe. The other style icons are trucker jackets updated with fringing and embellishments.

Details we loved

When choosing a dress, you needn’t go with the latest trends all the way, just a few statement features are all that is required to help you stand out of the crowd. These are what the details of a dress can achieve with ease. Let us now look at the various details that we loved from the dresses we have been seeing last year.

Ruffles are one of the most attractive features that adds extra personality to any dress. We have seen ruffles come and go, but its been in the main scene most of last year. So, it may be a good idea to stick to ruffles as a fashion element in your dresses. The fun thing about ruffles is how they can be used to change the overall impact of a dress. By adding it in the right locations and adequately, we have seen ruffles dramatically alter the look of a dress from formal and sophisticated to casual and elegant. Ruffles may appear either in the neckline, sleeves, bodice or skirt of the dress. Then again, it can be added in moderation or luxuriously. You can choose this based on whether you want to look fun or serious. Either way it is undoubtedly a very feminine and romantic element, so it is one that you should definitely try.

Have a look at this ruffled dress from the Jadore collection, and you will soon realize how dramatic ruffles can be.

Black and white continue to be eternal favorites, but white this time seems to have taken an entirely distinct effect from what was ever seen before. Antique white, or parchment white is the new color on the scene, and you may like to consider it in moderate doses as part of your attire or in your accessories for a clean and crisp look that also exudes a vintage vibe.

The other notable fashion styles were the presence of eyelet holes on shoulders alongside the cold shoulder or off-the-shoulder style. This use of designs that show off skin in the shoulder area is both chic and youthful. If you want a fun flirty look with lots of spunk, you should definitely consider getting yourself a brightly colored evening dress with exposed shoulders and perhaps sleeves that skim the shoulders or with a number of straps that brace your arms for the perfect look this season.

We think that a dress like the Jadore gown shown here would do the job very well.

Hope you’ve found yourself enough inspiration to go shopping for your evening dresses soon enough. Check out our evening dress collection on Best for Bride for hundreds of more attractive designs and find dresses that will be just perfect for every occasion you have in mind.