Tag: lighting

Posted on by — 9 Comments

Bigger the better: Beautiful ideas for fairy tale weddings

Fairy tales aren’t just for young children. They offer hope for a magical tomorrow, and isn’t that what every bride wants? A happily ever after, when she begins the new chapter of her life as a wife.

The fascination for fairy tales, princesses, and Prince Charming never goes away for some women. If you are a bride, who has always been in love with fairy tales, you will definitely want a big fairy tale wedding to mark your union with your real-life Prince Charming. After all, you get married only once and you deserve to feel like a royal princess on this special day in your life.

Planning the fairy tale wedding of your dreams isn’t too difficult when you have plenty of ideas to inspire you. Here are some magical fairy tale-inspired ideas for your royal wedding. Take a look and let us know what you will choose from them, for your wedding.

Ideas to inspire your fairy tale wedding

An invitation card that radiates timeless romance

Give your wedding guests a sneak peek of what they can expect at your wedding with a lovely fairy tale theme invitation. Don’t you just love how this “Once upon a time” invitation card ties to the theme? Small details like the header for this invitation are all it takes to have your invitation reflect the style of your wedding. (You can order this invitation at this link.) If your wedding is inspired by any particular story, find an invitation with motifs or colors that are specifically linked to this tale.

Search for the right castle

A royal wedding takes place at a castle, and you need the right setting to feel like a princess on your wedding day. Whether you are in Europe, the USA, Canada or any other part of the world, there are no dearth of castle venues for you to pick from. You can even find lists of suitable venues on the internet, like in this post on the Knot website.  If booking a real castle is out of the question, you can create a similar scene by choosing a suitable venue and dressing it up with the opulent decor. Explore beautiful banquet rooms, hotels, stately mansions and resorts to find the right choice for your budget and theme.

Plenty of flowers

The perfect fairytale wedding will have elaborate floral decor. Fill your venue with plenty of flowers, and they will create the effect of grandeur, not to mention romance. Light pastel colors like pale pink, yellow and white will look stunning in such settings. You can also go with the theme colors of your fairy tale in your floral decor, to match it to the theme. So, golden yellow blooms for a Beauty and Beast wedding or vivid red roses for a Snow White theme wedding would be just perfect. Mix your floral decor with stunning crystal and glass accents for more impact.

Plenty of bling

This is the perfect theme to go big on bling. Whether it is your venue decor, table linen, party favors or even the dress and accessories, make a statement with lavish touches of gold, silver, and other metals. While gold creates an expensive and deluxe ambiance, silver and rose gold have the sophistication and romantic charm. Pair the metallic accents in your decor with saturated colors or neutrals to create a refined look.

Shimmering shoes

Sparkling shoes are an accessory that will make you feel like a princess in no time. Pick a pair of gorgeous heels that is sure to impress any princess. Don’t hesitate to choose one that is gold or silver, as this is the best opportunity to shine and dazzle to the most. As you dance the night away, the occasional peek of your dainty feet from beneath your gown will be very impressive with beautiful shoes adorning it. Or if your favorite fairy tale is Cinderella, find a glass slipper to play the part to perfection.

Gorgeous napkins and coasters

Impress your guests with your attention to detail with small touches like beverage napkins and coasters that tie to the theme flawlessly. These white coasters with beautiful lettering in gold that is meaningful as well can instantly add a flourish to your table settings.

Similarly, take a look at these beverage napkins with the “happily ever after” that is just right for your chosen theme. The fact that the lettering is done in gold further enhances the effect of this essential table decor element.

Beautiful bridal hairstyles

Princess-inspired hairstyles are anything but simple. Whether you choose an elaborate chignon or a dreamy intricately braided hairstyle, don’t forget to top it off with the perfect hair accessories. A flower crown will instantly enhance your look, while you can choose dainty hair bands, pins or combs for a touch of sparkle. If you really want to make a statement, you can even go with a royal tiara that will easily tie to this wedding theme. Remember that all fairy tale heroines have luscious locks. So, aim for that effect when you choose your wedding day hairstyle.

A stunning fairy tale cake

The wedding cake gives you plenty of opportunities to use your creativity and find different elements that match the theme. Either aim for simple elegance with naturally colored elements like flowers, fresh fruits, and berries or go for classic sophistication with a magnificent sculpture. Beautiful accents like sugary pearls, frosted roses, bows, and ribbons are all ways to create an opulent effect. Play up the theme to the maximum with a big cake with plenty of interesting tiers. Also, choose flavors that are classic and luscious for a beautiful effect.

Make your entrance in full-style

How you arrive at your wedding will receive a lot of attention from your guests. So, make a worthy entrance in a horse-drawn carriage, and it will be grand and memorable. It will also be a grand experience for you. Opt for a vintage-style carriage and it will suit the theme perfectly. Also, make sure your charioteer is in full costume, and that the chariot is decorated with flowers and ribbons to complete the effect. For more interesting and unusual ideas for wedding vehicles for all different themes, take a look at this post on the Hitched UK website. 

Use plenty of fairy lights and lanterns to illuminate your venue

Twinkling, little lights will instantly transform any venue. Pretty lanterns are also beautiful decor elements. They will enhance the beauty of your venue and tie to the fairy tale theme. Another benefit of this item is that it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor venues. Whether you choose a woodland theme or a royal castle theme, soft lighting in the location of your choice will transform the space and help you achieve a beautiful effect.

Cute little flower girls

Little girls will love your fairy tale theme just as much as you do. So, why not give them a role to play in your wedding and remember the experience even more fondly. Have your flower girls in pretty princess dresses or lace frocks, and add cute flower crowns or tiaras to their outfit. Dressed in pretty layers of tulle, they will look like fairies right out of your storybook. Not to mention how much they will enjoy the role. You will be their favorite real-life princess and they will be a delightful addition to your wedding scene.

Dramatic lighting

Add an enchanting touch to your reception space with dramatic mood lighting with different colors that wash over the room. Place your light sources strategically, so they enhance the effect of the decor pieces and bounce off sparkling tablescapes. Chandeliers and other crystal accents will also help your venue look opulent and magical. You can consider using images of the moon and stars in your backdrop to create a beautiful effect. For a real fantasy effect, hang lanterns from the ceiling with thin strings so it looks like it is floating in thin air.

A beautiful wedding dress for the princess of the day

No wedding is complete without the perfect wedding dress for the bride. With the entire wedding being a picture of opulence and festivity, your wedding dress should also fit the scene. Choose a dress with statement features that make it fit for a princess. Here are some dresses to consider from our collection at Best for Bride.

Spectacular lace appliques spread throughout the fitted bodice and scatter into the skirt of this lovely Mori Lee wedding gown. The delightful scalloped lace neckline and cap sleeves, as well as the breathtaking illusion details in the back of the dress, will stun your guests. Don’t forget that the dress also features a stunning train. This will add the perfect finishing touches to the beautiful tulle skirt.

Strike the right balance between drama and poise with this stunning dress from the Mori Lee Collection. The strapless neckline with a delicate sweetheart detail continues into a snug-fitting bodice with plenty of intricate embellishments. The skirt of this dress enchants with its several layers of ruffles that cascade to floor length in beautiful waves. The flounced skirt ends in a fabulous train that adds a regal effect to the overall design.

Simple in its details, but exquisite in effect, this Sans Pareil ball gown is the picture of elegance. Smooth satin forms the entire structure of this unblemished beauty. It has an off-the-shoulder embellished neckline and a beautiful chevron band at the waist. The neatly pleated skirt enhances the pristine white of the dress, and it has a breathtakingly beautiful chapel length train. With few other embellishments, the dress will work with almost any choice of accessory.

The perfect dress for a fairy tale princess, this beautiful ball gown from the Sans Pareil collection has shoulder straps formed of intricately woven lace appliques. The sheer neckline stretches from shoulder to shoulder, and the satin waistband also has lace appliques enhancing its beauty. The delicate softly pleated skirt flows to full length. The back features a beautiful corset detail and train, with the silky satin that forms a bow.

Here is a classic gown that is trendy at the same time. This Sans Pareil ball gown is a majestic piece with its crystal studded bodice and sweetheart neckline. It also has a voluminous skirt with three-dimensional floral appliques closer to the hemline. The 3-dimensional details also include butterflies and other beautiful nature motifs that add to the charm of this exquisite dress. The entire train of the dress is also embellished in the same fashion. So the dress is a beauty from every angle.

Full-length lace sleeves over a strapless bodice and a beautifully gathered misty tulle skirt makes this dress an amazing princess gown. Not only is the neckline romantic, the scintillating effect of the shimmering lace layer over the bodice spills into the waistline. The hemline is accented with lace motifs that continues into the court train. The volume of the skirt is equally bewitching. The dazzling all-over details make a dress a grand piece by itself. A tiara is all that you need to complete your bridal look.

Carrying off a fairy tale wedding involves a lot of planning and detail. Nevertheless, it is a wonderful theme that will be loved by all your guests. So, don’t hesitate to give it a try. And for the perfect dress to be that royal princess at your fairytale wedding, look no further than in our bridal dress collection. Click here to be directed to our bridal gallery, and make your pick from the choicest princess gowns there is.

Posted on by — 4 Comments

10 Must-know Survival tips for the Winter bride

Cool wedding accessories for the winter bride

I can think of so many reasons why winter weddings are a good idea. They are budget-friendly, romantic, unique and not to mention, festive. With the holiday season bringing on a merry mood, this is the perfect time to be wed and enjoy the fun and jovial spirit in your own special way. Almost everyone gets married in summer or spring, and so winter weddings have an air of mystery and intrigue to them. This rarity of winter weddings makes it more memorable than weddings in the warmer months.

Nevertheless, winter weddings require a lot of planning, perhaps even more than spring or summer weddings. After all, the chances for the unexpected to happen is several times greater. So, here are ten winter wedding survival tips that are bound to help you when you plan your wedding in the cold weather.

1.Prepare for the dark days

We all know that the days are shorter in winter, and it becomes dark very early. The lighting at your venue plays an important role in contributing to the overall impact of your wedding day. Make sure that you are well-equipped for the dark day, by choosing a well-lit venue which is nicely warmed before it becomes dark. This factor is even more important when you think of how your wedding photographs will turn out. Work with your photographer to find out when and how your photos should be taken, so you achieve the desired effect. Make sure that your photographer will be carrying necessary equipment, like a tripod, that will light up the shots even if the venue may have dim lighting. It may also be better if you can have the wedding ceremony early, so you can make the most of the daylight when taking your pictures.

2.Choose a picturesque venue

When choosing your venue, it is necessary to choose a pretty and picturesque one so you can get good shots even if they are taken indoors. Remember that there is little scope for taking outdoor photos during a winter wedding. Although you may be able to capture a few, you will have to take most of your group photos and portraits indoors. So, make sure your venue will cater to this requirement. An attractive venue with plenty of stylish spots with a variety of interesting backdrop elements would be ideal. You can also customize the spaces to contain interesting elements that can add a special touch to your photographs. A venue with a lot of warm accents and whites would be the perfect choice for your winter wedding, as it will be welcoming and fresh. With the whites working against the naturally dark elements of the weather at the time, your photos will also come out much better.

3.Find the right photographer for the job

When choosing your photographer, make sure he has had good practice shooting photos in winter. If his wedding portfolio doesn’t contain many examples, you can ask to look at the other shots he has taken in winter to get a fair idea of his expertise.

Winter weddings are really not the best time to ask your budding photographer friend to do your wedding photography, for one obvious reason—he won’t have the necessary equipment to handle the lighting requirements for good photographs. A camera with a flashlight is certainly not the right choice, as it can leave long shadows that will make your pictures dark and gloomy. A professional would have the necessary equipment to light up the shots appropriately. If you want warm and glowing photos, discuss this idea with him early, so he can plan the shots accordingly.

4.Keep yourself warm, while looking stylish too

winter bride

As romantic as winter weddings are, there is the definite problem of it getting too cold. Nonetheless, you can always prepare for it, so it doesn’t stand in the way of a fantastic wedding day. Plan your wedding outfit, so it is suitable for the cold weather. Wedding dresses in thick fabrics like velvet or satin will keep you warm. It may also be a good idea to choose a dress with sleeves, so your shoulders and arms aren’t too exposed to the natural elements. If you decide upon a strapless or sleeveless dress, at least get a stole, wrap or bolero to cover up your shoulders when you begin to feel cold. Since you will mostly be taking at least a few outdoor shots, carry a jacket that matches your outfit. It will help you stay warm between photos. To make sure you are entirely comfortable, don’t forget your feet. Either choose closed shoes or else change into a pair of warm boots for your outdoor pictures. Remember that you can find very stylish dress choices, even when your wedding is in winter. Add some extra luster and sparkle to your look by choosing accessories with crystals and bright stones. You can even play with textures by choosing accessories with feather and fur.

5.Make sure your guests are warm and comfortable too

Your guests will also appreciate a little warmth, especially when they come indoors from the bitter cold. Make sure your venue is heated in advance, and you leave some blankets around the seating space, for those who want to cozy up in it. If it has been snowing lately, have the driveway to the venue cleaned and free from ice. Also place a few umbrellas at the venue, just in case it snows or rains at the time. You can consider making arrangements for hot cocoa or coffee for your guests, and this can help them feel warm and settled in no time. Do this and you can be certain that there will be no chattering teeth, and that everyone will be focusing on you during the ceremony, instead of feeling to cold to enjoy it. It doesn’t really hurt to tell your guests that the ceremony is a little earlier than actually planned. This real bride, Robin, on Wedding Wire, tells us how she informed her guests that the wedding would start 30 minutes earlier than the actual plan, just so nobody missed it by arriving late. This also allows them to relax, settle in and be warm by the time the actual function starts.

6.Plan your décor and flowers sensibly

Your venue prices, catering costs and other prices may all come down in winter, but flowers are a definite budget-bomber in the cold winter. Many flowers may even be unavailable or impossible to get in this weather. So, plan your flower choices well in advance, while keeping the weather constraints in mind. It is best to go with what is seasonal, so you can avoid the risk of last-minute cancellations. The holiday favorites like holly, eucalyptus and mistle-toe are do-able options. Consider planning your décor with items that are available all year around. You can work wonders with candles, metal tableware, holiday decorations, branches, twigs, fruits and fabric to create classic wedding decor that will look both festive and welcoming. When choosing candles, throw in some scented ones and your wedding venue will not only look, but also smell great.

7.Make sure your hair and makeup are warm and welcoming

Winter presents a unique set of challenges for every bride, and the last thing you want is to look pale and washed out in an already all-white wedding scene. Both your skin and hair will have to be prepped very well to stay fresh throughout the day. Warm autumnal colors are a favorite in winter, and will warm up your overall look, however white your wedding gown may be. Dress up your eyes and highlight it with defined make-up to look ravishing and to get noticed. This is the time to have smoky eye-makeup done, and use colors like pinks, browns, maroons, blues and purples. Choose a glossy finish for your lips and add a slight touch of shimmer to your makeup. To keep your hair healthy and refreshed, add a serum to your hair before styling it. Also make sure that you feel fresh and glow from the inside, by staying hydrated throughout the day. Moisturize your skin, and make sure you reapply a touch of moisturizing cream to your hands and any exposed skin, any time you are exposed to the chills.

8.Choose your transportation wisely

You obviously aren’t going to choose a horse and carriage for your winter wedding getaway, but the limitations do not end there. Not all vehicles are equipped to travel on icy and slippery roads. So, this may mean that your vintage car choice may not be the best choice, if you want to make it to your venue on time. Although you can always book a classic car and be optimistic that the weather will be favorable, make sure that the car hiring company will be able to provide you with an alternative if it isn’t. Discuss this before you book it, so you don’t have to worry about it on the day if things do not go as per plan. On the day, allow for extra time and start early for the venue. It is better to reach there ahead of time and relax in your chosen vehicle, than run late and start the day off on the wrong note. You can even reel in your guests to be on the safe side, and have your wedding on time by setting the time on your invitations as half-an-hour ahead of the actual planned time.

9.Make the most of what is in-season

dinner

From wedding décor, to flowers and menu options, plan your wedding around what is seasonal and locally available. Trust us, it will make wedding planning so much easier. Since you have no guarantee on what hiccups may arise due to unforeseen weather conditions, it is always best to be on the safe side. And winter does have quite an attractive bounty to choose from, so you needn’t be disappointed. Mulled wines and a variety of cocktails can be created easily and will be appreciated by your guests. Go with the holiday staples in fruits, vegetables and meat, but use them in interesting and different ways in your menu, so it is different from a typical Christmas or thanksgiving feast.

10.Be prepared for every worst-case scenario with an insurance

This is actually a possibility for every wedding, whether in spring, summer, fall or winter. Since you will be planning your wedding several months in advance, and nature is unpredictable in every way, there is only so much you can be certain of. Blizzards and snowstorms can entirely topple your well laid-out plans and leave you lost. While you cannot foresee how things will be on the day, or be entirely optimistic, you can certainly plan for the worst-case scenarios. Make sure that you take out a wedding insurance on your wedding, so you will be able to tide over any such last-minute hassles without too much trouble. You can either opt for a whole package deal that covers every aspect of the wedding in one go, or get separate insurances for the different things that you spend most on. This will at least help you financially if you have to postpone your wedding due to unforeseen circumstances.

With a little organization and foresight, your winter wedding will be over in a breeze, and an experience that will be remembered fondly by all those who attend it.

To transform yourself into a pretty winter bride, who will steal the show and the heart of your Prince Charming, you need a dress that will do part of the magic. Visit our bridal gallery at Best for Bride to make your pick from the extensive collection of designer dresses at the most affordable prices. You can also find your bridesmaids dresses, wedding accessories and dresses for the rest of the wedding party at Best for Bride. Apart from that, also check out our décor options, florists and trusted cake vendors who will help you realize your vision of the perfect wedding. Wait no more, click here to see what awaits you at the one-stop bridal destination: Best for Bride.

Save

Save

Posted on by — 2 Comments

String Lights for Weddings

fairy lights decor

A single strand of little white lights may not give the impression that it can be an amazing wedding lighting option. This affordable lighting can transform a wedding venue or reception in remarkable ways. You can achieve a variety of lighting effects by using string lights in different ways.

String lights can be used to create a wedding ceremony backdrop. A panel of string lights in gradually decreasing lengths forms a backdrop of cascading light. The cascading effect frequently is used on trees around outdoor weddings and the ceilings of tents and rooms used for receptions. For outdoor weddings, the lights are best used for evening or sunset weddings.

These lights are wonderful for complementing other lights. For a fun twist to the cascading string lights, hang them from chandeliers or lanterns. One couple had a backdrop of old-fashioned light bulbs strung together and hanging from the ceiling floor with string lights hanging between them.

Other types of ceremony backgrounds can be enhanced with twinkle lights. The lights can be used to cover the wall behind the couple or around a gazebo or pergola. Arches decorated in lights can be a great touch for an evening outdoor wedding.

Instead of a cascading line of lights or a covered panel, clusters of lights descending from the ceiling can have an interesting effect. Take a couple strands of lights and hang them from the ceiling so that they fall to the floor. Then, wrap the lights loosely in white tulle. This simple lighting has a unique effect. They could be used as part of the reception lighting or for the ceremony.

Random strands of lights across the ceiling can have the appearance of a starry night sky. Some couples use clear tents outdoors and string the lights across the ceiling for added nighttime sparkle. When used against white tents, the lights can be surprisingly elegant.

Twinkle lights can be used like lighted streamers. Consider hanging the ends of a group of string lights placed closely together at one end of the room. Hang the other ends farther apart on the other side of the room. The effect is a spreading, draped light.

The string lights can have practical applications as well. If the reception or areas of the building are dim, carefully placed string lights can help guide guests. For a darkened reception indoors, string lights have been used to show where guests can find coffee refills or lead them to the restrooms. A dimly lit stairwell may get a boost with string lights tied along the underside of the banister.

Some couples have added mason jars to their string lights. The lights might be hung with a portion of the lights hanging inside the mason jar. This gives the illusion that the jars are like light fixtures. String lights also can be used with table runners or centerpieces.

For more wedding lighting and wedding decor ideas, please visit the Best for Bride blog.

Posted on by — 2 Comments

Wedding Photography : Which style is right for you?

Wedding photography is one factor which you can get right, or go terribly wrong with. The pictures taken on the day form a critical part of your wedding memories, and so it is important that they are captured in the way you wish to remember them.

Today, there are various styles of photography to choose from. You can choose to go with a particular style, or a blend of styles, depending on what appeals to you. So, let us first try to understand these styles.

Traditional/Documentary Style photography

This is the tried and tested style of wedding photography that we recognize in our mother’s or even grandmother’s wedding album. The photographer works on capturing the couple and the crowd in set poses which are known to have worked over the years. The group photos are quite similar, with the people in the photographs assigned specific poses and places. Every detail of the wedding is covered in order, from when the bride dresses for the wedding,to the arrival of the couple at the venue, the ceremony and beyond. It is quite formal in nature, and predictable too. Most of the pictures look perfectly timed, are well-lit and done in portrait style. The photographer can be creative with the location and angles from where he shoots, but the options are limited. If you aren’t too adventurous and want a minimum guarantee on what you will receive, this is the style to opt for.

Photojournalism

In this modern style, the photographer works in the background, does his work unobtrusively, and captures the moments as and when they occur. The pictures reveal a story, like you would see in a documentary or magazine. There is less posing, arranging, lighting or timing, and your pictures will look natural and candid. If the photographer is talented, he will be able to capture the actual fun, excitement and emotions at the wedding by getting the best shots at the right time. There is a risk you run with this style if your photographer doesn’t have the necessary expertise. You may end up with an album full of random pictures that do not gel together.

Fine art photography

This is perhaps the most dramatic style, where the photographer experiments with styles, lighting and posing to transform your pictures into pieces of art. One thing is certain, your wedding pictures will be unique. The personal style of the photographer seeps into every picture, the beauty of the background is wrapped into the frame and artistic composition is the ultimate aim. Like in photojournalism, the pictures convey a story, but the methods, medium and effects are entirely different.

A harmonious blend of Traditional and modern

The go-to choice for most couples today, this is a blend of portrait photography with photojournalism. Here, you get the best of both worlds. The photographer not only captures all the classic portraits, but also pays attention to the details of the day in his pictures. You may however, find that your album is pretty similar to the others in his portfolio. If predictability is what you prefer, this is the choice you need.

Hopefully, you now have a clear idea of what style suits your personality. For more wedding advice and tips on planning for your big day, visit us at Best for Bride.