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Do’s and Don’ts for beach-bound brides

You are one lucky lady if your nuptials are to be at a beach. Whether it is at a faraway exotic locale or a tropical beach closer to home, this is easily one of the best wedding venues there is. Romance permeates the air, as nature forms a beautiful canvas for your wedding. Your guests will enjoy the holiday experience, even as they frolic and have fun in the sand and sea.

Nonetheless, planning a beach wedding has its own set of challenges. You have to account for various factors that are not present in other venues. The warm and humid environment can cause a fair share of makeup, hair and dress issues for beach brides. Fortunately, you can look gorgeous and plan a successful wedding day with a few helpful tips.

Here is our list of Do’s and Don’ts for the different things you should keep in mind when you are a beach-bound bride.

DO consider the weather at the time of your wedding

The weather at a beach isn’t warm and humid all-year around. Beach weather can also be dry, windy, with showers at various times of the year. Depending on the destination you pick, it is a good idea to do some research on the weather that will be present at the time of your wedding. If the beach will be windy, adjust your outfit, makeup and hairstyle to suit the weather. Consider accessorizing with a stole, wrap or jacket if it gets too cold. Also pick a hairstyle that keeps hair away from your face, and the wind won’t be a problem.

DON’T forget to choose the right fabric

Traditional wedding dress fabrics like organza and silk aren’t the best choices for beach weddings. They can weigh you down, show sweat and become shabby in the sand at a beach. So, it is wise to stay away from these types of fabrics. Instead, choose light and airy fabrics like chiffon for your wedding dress. These blend in beautifully with the setting, are comfortable to wear and convenient to carry. Other fabrics to consider are voile, organza and tulle. For more information on wedding dress fabrics, take a look at this article on the Brides website. Also make sure that the fabric doesn’t wrinkle easily. Your dress will be put through a lot of wear and tear. So, avoid fabrics like cotton and linen that wrinkle easily.

DO pick the right silhouette

The dress silhouette you choose has a huge impact on your overall bridal look. The right silhouette will flatter your best features and help you look gorgeous. When your wedding is at the beach, don’t let the location limit your choices. If you start your search early, you will have time to find a dress that looks great on you while being right for the beach. So, start by identifying the best silhouettes for your body type. Then find a dress that fits the bill. For help on identifying the best wedding dress silhouettes for your body type, visit this article on the Huff Post website. 

DON’T overlook the importance of picking the right white

One of the biggest advantages of an outdoor venue is that your photographer can make the most of natural lighting. This is a wonderful thing. However, it also means that your dress may look different in this light from how you would expect it to look in artificial lighting. Consider this aspect when choosing the shade of white. Eliminate any likely issues by simply ensuring that the dress looks good in natural light, prior to the purchase. Make sure that you pick the right white for your complexion, so it flatters your skin tone. Here is some information on this subject at the Knot website, that may come in handy. 

DO keep the skirt simple

Trust me when I say that it is no fun walking around in a dress that drags in the sand. Intricate details in the hemline and train can easily attract dirt and have sand stuck to it. This can be difficult to clean afterwards. So, keep the skirt of your dress simple and avoid such problems. It will be easier to move around in a light, airy skirt. Additionally, it will also look fresh and clean throughout the day, when the skirt of your dress is simple. If you must have an embellished wedding gown, choose a dress with details in the bodice and waistline for best results.

DON’T forget to look out for the sun

Since your wedding is in the outdoors, it is natural that you will spend hours in the sun. So don’t forget to protect yourself well. Use adequate amount of a broad spectrum sunscreen on all exposed parts of your body, to stay sun-safe. Pick makeup with sun protection for best results. Also account for the effect of the sun when you choose the colors of your makeup. The natural light will emphasize pinks and corals. So, pick them judiciously to sport a natural look. It is best to keep the makeup light, and just emphasize your features for the best result.

DON’T forget about issues associated with transporting your dress

Unless your venue is near to where you stay, you will have to travel with your wedding dress. It isn’t easy to transport a gown that is heavy, has intricate embellishments or is prone to wrinkling. Such factors can damage your dress. So, pick a dress that travels well and you can eliminate likely issues. We suggest that you choose from collections that are specifically tailored for destination weddings. Such gowns will be easy to pack, transport and restore to original condition with minimum effort once you reach the destination.

DON’T overlook the importance of your accessories

 

Most beach brides opt for simple wedding dresses for their beach weddings. However, this doesn’t mean they have to compromise on their bridal look because of the simplicity of the dress. The right choice of accessories will help you look gorgeous. Pick colored gemstone jewelry for a pop of color. Or indulge in extra bling to sparkle on your special day. The best part of choosing jewelry with sparkling stones is that they reflect the natural light and look stunning in the venue you chose. You can also go with pearl, coral or rustic natural stones for an earthy vibe.

DO use waterproof makeup

Waterproof makeup is an absolute must for your beach wedding. It will stay on despite the heat and keep your look fresh. Although you will have to touch-up your makeup at regular intervals throughout the day, waterproof makeup reduces the frequency of this task. It is very important to use waterproof eyeliner, mascara and eye shadow. This will help your eye makeup stay on, even if you shed copious tears of joy. Choose colors like brown, navy and olive instead of black in your eye colors, for a sun-kissed effect.

DO remember that humidity will affect your locks

Hair and humidity don’t always go together. Beaches have high humidity levels, and this can affect how frizzy your hair becomes. Keep this factor in mind when you plan your wedding day hairstyle. If your hair tends to frizz up when the air is moist, keep your hairstyle simple and collected. This will help you look fresh throughout the day. If your tresses aren’t affected by humid environments, feel free to choose any hairstyle that you desire. Avoid too many styling products that will weigh your hair down, as these can ruin your look. A sleek and polished hairstyle may also look out of place in the cool, relaxed environment of a beach. Consider these factors when choosing your hairdo for the day.

DON’T pick the wrong footwear

The uneven nature of the sand and turf at a beach make heels totally unsuitable for the occasion. Even if you have a wooden or cemented walkway for the ceremony, you will be walking in the sand at some time of the day. So, ditch the heels and go barefoot. Adorn your feet with the choicest accessories, like anklets, to dress your feet in style. Or step up your style with bridal flip flops or stylish sandals customized for the occasion.

DON’T overdo the tan

Sun-kissed brides look wonderful. Nonetheless, tan with caution. It is easy to go overboard and this can ruin all your makeup plans. Fake tanning lotions and spray-on tans are a big mistake when your wedding is at the beach. These take on a garish orange hue in pictures, and can make you look funny. So, if you must tan, do it in the safe and recommended way. Build up the faux glow by using the right products and obtaining the color gradually. For a detailed account of the ideal options to consider when your wedding is around the corner, visit this article on the Knot website. 

DO remember to stay hydrated

The salty air in the beach environment can affect your skin texture. So moisturize well before you set out for the beach. It is equally important to stay hydrated on the inside too. Refresh yourself by sipping on water and other liquids throughout your stay at the venue. This will keep your skin looking fresh and compensate for the loss of moisture in the salty environment. If you have oily skin, it is likely that you will find it excessively oily in the natural environment. Make use of the blotting paper in your emergency kit to avoid this. More on what you should pack into this day-of emergency kit is available in this previous post.

DO choose the right flowers

If flowers are a priority in your décor, make sure you pick the right blooms. Unlike other venues, the beach environment doesn’t favor all flowers. You will have to consider the heat and direct sunlight that will affect their life span. Discard the idea of any thin, fragile flowers that wilt quickly. You need hardy blossoms that hold their shape and last fresh for longer. Good choices are orchids and chrysanthemums. Incorporate flowers that can tolerate the environmental condition into your décor and accessories. The other option is to go for artificial flowers made from fabric or paper.

DON’T skip a beautiful head accessory

Your hairstyle and headpiece are the crowning glory of your bridal look. In your attempt to look cool and casual, don’t overlook the importance of picking the right hair accessories to complete your look. Whether it is a nature inspired floral crown, a glittering tiara or a simple head band, make sure you explore your options and pick the one that is right for your setting. And if you love veils, don’t hesitate to wear one for your wedding day. The ideal veil for this setting is one with with a lace trim. The trim will add weight to the veil and help it stay in place, even when the weather is windy.

Although planning a wedding on the beach can seem like a lot of work, it is beautiful when you do it right. Just think of how apt the symbolism of nature is to your marriage. As the sun and the ocean join each other in blissful harmony at your beautiful venue, so do you and your partner come together to celebrate life as husband and wife.

Best for Bride is the perfect place to find your dream dress for a romantic beach wedding. From lightweight chiffon gowns to airy voile dresses and sexy mermaid gowns, we have a vast array of options for you to choose from. Visit us in-store or head over to our online gallery today to see what you love. And book your appointment today, so we can help you choose the dress of your dreams.

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The Bridesmaids Dress Fabric Glossary; In-Depth Guide [Must Read Before Dress Shopping!]

The Bridesmaids Dress Fabric Glossary; In-Depth Guide

There is more to bridesmaids’ dresses than just colour and style. The fabric is an equally important factor. The material you choose has a significant impact on the overall effect of how your bridesmaids will look on your wedding day. For example, the same colour can be entirely different when done in two other fabrics. Similarly, the same dress pattern will drape differently depending on how structured or soft the fabric is.

Just like wedding gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses are available in different fabrics. When you know your options, you can find a dress that is better suited for the formality of your wedding. It is equally helpful to know what you will be getting if you are ordering your dresses online or aren’t attending the shopping session.

This primer on bridesmaids’ dress fabrics will provide you with the information you need to make your decision.

Continue reading The Bridesmaids Dress Fabric Glossary; In-Depth Guide [Must Read Before Dress Shopping!]
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12 Wedding dresses that will make you say WOW!

Your wedding day is the most special day in your life! It is one occasion when you should simply look your best on this big day. Your wedding dress has the power to transform you into the magical princess or fashion diva, that you deserve to be.

Have you ever noticed how some dresses immediately make a statement, with the help of a unique design factor that makes it stand out from the rest? If you would love to have a dress with a beautiful Wow factor that will make it stunning and memorable, here are twelve great dresses to look at. These dresses belong to different designer collections, all of which are available at Best for Bride. Take a look at them and don’t forget to let us know which of these is your favorite.

1.Mori Lee 2791

A dazzling ball gown from the Mori Lee bridal collection, the 2791 is a beautiful gown with a sweetheart neckline and embellished bodice. Diamante and crystal beading adds extra sparkle to the beautiful embroidery on the lace appliques that are strewn throughout the bodice. The softly curved sweetheart neckline is defined by two strands of crystal details that accentuate the beauty of the gentle contours of the gown’s neckline. A similar flourish of details are added at the waist too. The clusters of decorative elements continue into the waistline, and scattered sparkles grow into a richly layered skirt that gently sweeps the floor. At the back of the gown, a strand of fabric covered buttons extend from the neckline to the derriere, and we can also see rich details at the back. This is a gown that looks great on almost every body shape.

2. Jasmine T172008


Regally bewitching, the T172008 wedding dress from the Jasmine collection is a masterpiece of elegant details. Starting with the illusion neckline and lace-embellished cap sleeve details, this dress has elaborate floral appliques all over the length of the gown and ends in a scalloped hemline with lace details. The illusion neckline of sheer fabric frames the sweetheart bodice, and the fit and flare gown flatters body types like the hourglass. The artistically created details that are placed strategically over the gown, so it contrasts against the tulle and has an overall 3-D effect. The beautiful illusion effect in the neck continues to the back, and frames the slender back with beautiful floral appliques at the edges. A strand of fabric buttons punctuates the center of the back of this gown.

3.Jasmine F171009


Sexy with a sophisticated finish, the Jasmine F171009 is a couture gown like no other. The strapless neckline is accentuated with an illusion effect that begins at the straps and continues into three-fourth length sleeves. Skin peeps out through the sheer fabric that decorates the arms, and the pure white details on the outer edges of the sleeves and circling the arms add an enchanting, romantic touch. This is a figure-flattering silhouette with a fit and flare design that is perfect on brides who wish to flaunt their hourglass figure. The magical effect of the neckline and sleeves continues into the back, with a dazzling neckline ending in a keyhole style opening at the back, which is embellished with a scattering of scintillating elements. The bold and elaborate lace applique details cover the back all the way to the hips, from where it cascades into a gentle foam of layers. This is a dress that can make a statement at a wedding, and render a romantic and sexy look to the bride in it.

4.Jasmine 4102


Now, here is a wedding dress that is unusually dramatic by playing up simple elements to extraordinary brilliance. Off-the-shoulder straps dressed up with crystal and diamante details add an exquisite and enchanting effect to the dress. It creates a beautiful effect with the soft and silky criss-cross bodice and the sweetheart bodice it sports. Asymmetrical draping continues along the length of the bodice and into a dropped waist. The highlight, however, is the culmination of the ruched details on one side, and this gives the dress a sophisticated finish. At the back is an illusion neckline, that is done with extraordinary beauty. The embellishments on the shoulder straps continue into the borders of a low cut illusion neckline at the back. The tasteful ruching in the front, continues at the back and ends at the hips, from where it becomes a beautiful skirt completing the beautiful fit and flare effect.

5.Alfred Angelo 2527


Rippling like the waves of the ocean, the skirt of this splendid Alfred Angelo wedding gown is enough to create a stunning statement at your wedding. Created in a fabulous mermaid silhouette, this wedding dress is one that gently follows the natural curves of the bride in a fit and flare fashion, and at the knees opens up into a ruffled skirt which captures the effects of the natural waves of the sea. It is the up and down effect of the skirt layers that adds extra charm to the rippling ruffles. Also adding extra dimension is the decorated sweetheart neckline with a band of shining details defining it. The entire length of the gown from the neckline to the beginning of the skirt is embellished with a scattering of crystals and beads that further add extra beauty. The dress is equally bewitching from the back, with the same effect as in the bodice continuing to the back. Perfect for a beach wedding, this dress is one that reminds us of fairy tales of mermaids and sea castles.

6.Alfred Angelo 2507


Astounding in it’s simplicity, this whimsical and dreamy 2507 wedding gown from the Alfred Angelo wedding collection is the epitome of romance. A tastefully ruched bodice that drapes to one side features a strapless neckline that is gently contoured to almost resemble the sweetheart style. Crystal beaded lace appliques add stunning accents to the soft wisps of tulle, that this gown is made from. These lace appliques begin at the neckline and graze along the length of the bodice and skirt and end in the scalloped hemline that is simply breathtaking. The dress features a corset back, with trimmings of lace along the corset openings and the border of the skirt. It is a dress that has simple details, but packs a punch with it’s beautiful placement of lace.

7. Sophia Tolli Y21440


The Y21440 from the Sophia Tolli wedding dress collection is a mesmerizing beauty in every way. The beautiful Grecian goddess-inspired single strap design is aesthetically enhanced with small but elegant crystal detailing around the arm. The pleated bodice has ruchings that look lovely as it drapes to one side, and ends with a matching brooch at the waistline. The layered ball gown skirt is elaborately done with several layers of fabric. The crystal details at the front continue into a scintillating band at the back, as do the ruchings that join at the center and give rise to the attractive skirt. With an elaborate train, this is a dress that is perfect for a formal wedding ceremony, and it has the power to transform any woman into a stunning bride. This dress also shows us that sparkle isn’t necessary to make a gown look good.

8.Sophia Tolli 221


Glamorous and gaudy, this wedding dress is a dazzling beauty with elaborate details done tastefully. The Queen Anne style neckline is decorated with lace appliques and crystal beads, that also cover the shoulders in enchanting cap sleeves. Sleek and shiny taffeta wraps around the details at the neckline, and falls into gentle pickups along the skirt and train. Each pickup is beautifully embellished with the most captivating stone details, that sparkle along the beautiful skirt and train. At the back, the lace appliques of the Queen Anne neckline join at the back of the neck, and reveals an open back keyhole detail.

9.Angelina Faccenda 1325


A couture gown from the Angelina Faccenda Collection, this 1325 wedding gown in Alencon Lace with crystal embroidery is an elegant work of art. Perfect for the bride who wants only the right balance of stunning details to create a striking effect, this dress features a bold and shiny motif crafted out of elaborate beaded embroidery and crystal work. The fit and flare silhouette in lace is striking by itself, but the addition of these fine embellishments adds further charm and finishing to this masterpiece gown. At the back is an elegant V-shaped neckline that finishes in a strand of silky buttons at the center. The intricate embellishments and fine fabric makes this gown a dress that will wow all your wedding guests.

10. Elegance 8711


Here is an absolutely glamorous stunner from the Elegance Bridal Collection at Best for Bride. This 8711 fit and flare satin gown will cause jaws to drop with it’s grandeur and charm. A scintillating waistband adorns the raised waistline of this dress, beneath a ruched criss-cross bodice fashioned in a sweetheart design. The ruching continues to drape towards one side, all the way down to the knee level where it finishes in a brooch that matches the stylish waistband. Further, the layers of the skirt are made up of loose layers that again continue in the ruched finish of the bodice, but flow towards the ground instead of going to one side. The back of this gown is just as stunning as it’s front. A lace up corset adorns the low-cut back, even as the ruchings and the waistband finish the effect in the back. This is a feminine gown with lashings of amazing factors that make it a an absolute show-stopper.

11.Bridalane 807


As many strapless and modern fit gowns as we have seen, hardly any compare with the finishing of this gown from the Bridalane collection. The shirred bodice extends from the sweetheart neckline to the waistline, where the beautiful ruchings from all sides gather into a stunning floral brooch formed of crystals, sequins and rhinestones. The soft wispy layers of the skirt gently cascade down from the gathered waist to the floor and continues into a magnificent train at the back. The dress features a lace-up corset back, that allows it to easily drape around the bride’s natural curves. This is a delightfully attractive dress that lends itself to most accessories like stoles and necklaces. Although the detail at the waist is not huge, it is one that captures attention instantly.

12. Alfred Angelo Sleeping Beauty


Some dresses are simply too good to be true, and this Alfred Angelo gown from the Disney collection is one that fits the bill. Inspired by the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, this dress is a dress fit for any bride who wants to be a princess on her big day. Featuring an embellished bodice designed with a sweetheart neckline, the dress is designed in an A-line fashion. The skirt here has layers of fabric, with the upper layer softly colored in a light pastel pink and with a beautiful flower detail at the side. It is a seductive dress with a gorgeous finish. Club it with a wispy veil to complete your attire, and this breathtaking beauty with layers of gossamer tulle will amaze your guests on your big day.

This is only a sample of bridal gowns available in our vast collection at Best for Bride. Whether you want a trendy gown that conforms to the latest fashion trends, or you want a timeless masterpiece that will never look dated, Best for Bride has the solution to your needs. Visit our online web store today to take a look at the many designer collections we have in stock. We also have bridesmaids dress collections, dresses for mothers of the brides and many more bridal services, all at our store. Contact us today, and make all your dreams for your lifetime celebration a reality.

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Trends we love: Wedding Dresses for the minimalist bride

Elaborate, embellished gowns and shimmery shiny ones were all seen on the bridal catwalks for Spring 2016. However, it was the minimalist wedding dress style that stood out, and really impressed us. Many design houses focused on simple but refined details in minimalist wedding dresses, offering a welcome choice to the brides who don’t want to be drowned in layers of fabric. Soft, minimalist gowns were the forte of Houghton, Randi Rham and Amsale design houses and many brides have been swooning over the delicate beauties they created for brides this year.

We love minimalist wedding dresses for many reasons, some of which include

  • The straight cuts and simple sheath silhouettes allow a bride to flaunt her naturally sexy figure
  • Sometimes, it is the subtle details and simple embellishments that are more attractive than elaborate and exquisite designs
  • With the focus on few key features, the dress is graceful and the few details are emphasized.
  • It is perfect for the confident modern woman, for whom simplicity means style
  • The natural shape is an update to the traditional wedding dress silhouettes

We have splendid minimalist gowns in our bridal collection at Best for Bride. So, why don’t we head over there now, and take a look at some of our favorite picks from the lot.

Mori Lee 5307 Organza gown

This gown has just the right amount of details. With a simple fit and flare silhouette that snugly drapes over your sensual curves, the embellishments are kept to a minimum and aren’t overwhelming. A soft sweetheart bodice allows you to show off your toned shoulders and collar bones, while light lace motifs add a dainty touch to the dress. The back is simple with a low cut neckline ending in a strand of satin buttons that extend to the derriere. At the natural waist is a small strand of crystal embellishments that add subtle sophistication to the pretty dress.

Mori Lee Voyage 6798 Sleeveless gown

Glamorous, yet minimalist, this gown glides over your natural curves, carving a fresh look. The embellishments are limited to the upper body and are dainty floral lace clusters on delicate chiffon georgette. The striking element of this dress is the shimmering shoulder strap that extends into a lining of glitter along the neckline. The low cut neckline in the back is encrusted with crystal beading to create an enchanting effect.

Mori Lee Voyage 6786 chiffon bridal gown

Elegant and endearing, this beautiful wedding gown is light and breezy. A pleated bodice and softly scintillating waistband are the extraordinary details that add a touch of elegance to this refined wedding gown. The sweetheart bodice dips softly in the center and the skirt extends into a short train at the back. Subtle and soft, this dress is the ideal choice for a minimalist wedding and the clear lines and soft drape will show off your natural curves beautifully.

Do you love the idea of a minimalist wedding dress? If so, do tell us which of these is your favorite. If you would like to explore more options in these wedding dresses, visit us today at Best for Bride. You will certainly find a dress that is minimalist, yet you!