Tag: pastels

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Everything you need to know about planning the Perfect Classic Wedding

If you want a wedding theme that will stand the test of time, and will always be in style—Classic Weddings are the way to go!

Timeless in their elegance, reminiscent of bygone eras, superb in details and executed with perfection, it is no wonder that classic themes are the eternal favorite. Although casual and destination weddings are all trendy, they are no competition for a classic wedding. Formal ceremonies celebrating the matrimonial unification of man and wife with splendor and style, are a joy in itself.

Join us as we explore everything from planning your invitation, menu and wedding dress to identifying the perfect venue and picking your wedding favors for your perfect Classic Wedding.

Wedding invitation and Save-the-date cards

via Best for Bride

A classic wedding is expected to be grand, and you should ensure that your invitations reflect this. Once you choose your color palette, it is time to look at good quality stationery in this color combination. Decide on a design and a layout that is both formal and elegant. A light colored invitation with dark lettering, or a dark base with shiny lettering works best for classic themes. Your invitation sets the tone for your wedding, so use them to provide a sneak peek into what your wedding theme is. The main things to remember when designing your invitations are:

  • The invitation should be uncluttered with clean lines and well-spaced words
  • The font should be elegant, with solid strokes and straight lines and preferably in a single color throughout
  • Classic invitations involve plenty of custom details. Monograms, motifs, calligraphy and lace details are all suitable
  • Letterpress or engraved cards are the best choice
  • Metallic colors like gold, silver and copper add flourish to classic wedding invitations

Choose your wedding invitation words carefully, so they convey the tone of the event you are hosting. A classic invitation usually begins with the name of the host followed by a request line such as “requests your honorable presence”, or a variation of this.

Elegant handwriting creates a favorable first impression, so it is something you should pay attention to. Get your envelopes addressed by someone who has a good handwriting. You can also choose to print them in calligraphy style or have them written by an expert. Also, if there are any add-on cards in your invitation, you can either choose them in the same color as your main card, or add a pop of color by choosing a complementing color.

Wedding venue

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The venue you choose for your wedding has a huge impact on how well you can pull off the classical theme. To make this possible, you need a venue that will yield to your lighting requirements, show off the colors of your palette beautifully and allow you to seat your guests in the best possible manner.

Historic houses, museums and huge banquet halls are all popular venues. You will have to decorate the chosen venue with flowers, candles, lamps and other accessories to render the charming effect you have in mind. Your floral décor should be elegant and involve commanding and regal blooms. If you have the budget for it, consider hiring a flower artist to create unusual and attractive floral motifs that will set your wedding apart. Think of tall centerpieces and exquisite aisle decorations with roses, tulips and orchids for a classic touch. Play with mood lighting; dim candle light is the best choice for adding extra luster and sparkle to your venue, while adding a romantic glow. Candles, glass vases, crystal, copper and gold vessels are other factors that add a unique finish. Aim for elegance, and don’t overdo the glitter as it can do more damage than good. Sheer white fabric can be used throughout your décor, for aisle decorations, as chair backs, table cloths and ceremony backdrops to add a luxuriously romantic touch.

Classic wedding color combinations

color theme

There are a number of options to consider where classic wedding color palettes are concerned. However, your main concern should be how these colors will work together at the venue you have in mind, and with the weather at the time of the wedding. A black and white combination is unquestionably classic, but there is little to innovate here. Mixing metallics like gold, silver and copper with pale, pastel colors or deep dark shades can yield classic color combinations. Some of our favorite combinations like navy with gold and black, white and gold with peach work beautifully because of their balance between dark and light. When you mix colors, make sure that there aren’t too many bold colors. Ideally you shouldn’t exceed more than two bold colors in your palette or it can lose its appeal. When the theme is monochromatic, go with a single intense color and add sophistication to it by clubbing it with white, black or metal. When you choose a combination of colors, you should make sure that the darker shades are well-balanced by sober neutrals like grays and beige.

When planning a classic color combination, remember that it should be easy on the eye. If you already have a certain combination in mind, it may be a good idea to choose the venue based on how well it goes with the colors you want to use. If the venue has wall-to-wall carpets that clash with your colors, or the walls are an unusual color that will work against your palette, you should probably look at another venue.

Wedding dress

Classic elements like silk and lace will best fit the theme of your wedding. Few modern styles, like the illusion neckline, go well to classic themes. So, make sure that your choice of silhouette, fabric, embellishments and accessories work with the theme, and not against it. Lace has a timeless charm, which makes it perfect for a traditional style wedding. Lace dresses can either be entirely made of lace or with lace used only in specific locations, like the neckline, sleeves or hemline. Dresses that have scalloped hemlines look dainty and feminine, and also fit the classic wedding theme. The color you choose should ideally be white, but make sure that the shade you choose flatters your skin tone best. You can also consider gold dresses or white wedding gowns with metallic or crystal embellishments in a different color for an unusual look. The other fabric that is perfect for classic weddings is satin. Make your pick from the available choices like Larissa Satin or Duchess satin, in a silhouette that flatters your body structure.

For a classic wedding theme, you have to choose a traditional silhouette. Elaborate ball-gowns, A-line skirts and fit-and-flare gowns work well. Where necklines are concerned, most necklines work as long as the dress as a whole looks classic. Nevertheless, strapless, halter and spaghetti straps may not be the best choices for this style of wedding. We think that bateau necklines, scoop, V-necklines, illusion and Queen Anne necklines are the best. Wedding dresses with cap-sleeves, three-fourth illusion sleeves and butterfly sleeves are some of the most classic choices.

Another factor to consider is the veil and train. A long veil and at least a chapel train are absolutely essential to nailing a classic bridal look. Complete your bridal look with accessories like pearls and gemstones in your jewelry. Dazzling headpieces like tiaras, headpins or headbands would also add to your overall look. When choosing your bouquet, choose traditional styles like the nosegay or round bouquet with flowers like roses and tulips. Focus on keeping it simple and stunning. You do not have to use all the colors in your color palette, instead pick the most flattering color and work around it.

Bridesmaids, groomsmen and flower girls

Stick with full-length dresses for your bridesmaids in either the main colors or in neutral shades. While you may like to look at dresses that fit the latest trends, make sure that it is a choice that will not look dated ten years later. Also, aim for elegance. The groomsmen should be in tuxedos, and their shirt or tie colors should match the bridesmaid’s dresses. While black is the standard choice for tuxes, you can always go with a different color like navy or brown, as long as it flows with the theme. You can have your flower girl wear a miniature version of your dress. Stick with pearls or classic flower choices to dress up your wedding party. Similarly, make sure that the accessories and hairstyle you ask them to wear to your wedding are not too unusual.

For boutonnieres and bridesmaids bouquets, adhere to the same rules as for the bridal bouquet. It is best to create beautiful flower pieces out of the colors that are easily available, then force the colors into your bouquet or make-do with similar ones.

Ceremony and reception

ceremony

Traditional is always best, when it comes to things like vows. It is easy and practical to use any of the traditional vows with slight variations to suit your taste. Look at this article on traditional wedding vows on About.com to find the one that works for you.  You can go with a professional wedding officiant or a member of your family or friend to preside over the ceremony. If you choose the latter, make sure that the person has the necessary license to solemnize your marriage lawfully.

Classic doesn’t have to mean over-the-top. You can always achieve beauty and sophistication with simplicity. This whimsical and romantic wedding party is inspiring, so don’t forget to dive into all the details.

Live band or DJ, soft and serene music is a must for the wedding reception, as is a plated meal. For your playlist, consider a healthy mix of timeless classics with faster modern numbers. Stick to the traditional tunes for the first dances. Make sure your food options include traditional and contemporary dishes that everyone is bound to enjoy. If you want to personalize your menu, we suggest you add family favorites or choices that are culturally significant to you or your better half. Make sure that everything from the place cards to table linen and chair-backs tie to the theme.

Wedding cake and favors

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Nothing can replace the traditional tiered wedding cake at a classic wedding. Go with the standard round, hexagon or square shape and choose decorations like ribbons, flowers, fruits and beads that are undeniably classic in the effect they create. Soft and melt-in-the-mouth flavors are the best. Some of our favorite wedding cake designs include

  • White tiers with cascades of natural or candied flowers
  • Ombre cakes in pastel or neutral colors with minimum decorations
  • Cakes with alternating tiers of plain frosting and designs like lace or ruffles
  • Metallic cakes
  • Cakes with satin ribbons and classic motifs
  • Nude cakes with fresh fruit and cream

For wedding favors, you must pay attention to the packaging, which goes a long way in adding the finishing touches to your well-thought-out gift. Edible favors like cookies or chocolates, custom wrapped and tagged with beautiful thank you cards, will be appreciated. Customized wine glasses, photo mint tins, compact cases, key chains, succulent pots, photo frames or coasters make splendid gifts. Small touches, such as the addition of an organza bow and a tag that matches the rest of your wedding stationery, are all it takes to render a unique touch.

To pick your perfect wedding dress for the classic wedding theme that you have been dreaming of all along, you must visit our bridal gallery on Best for Bride. Get ready to be amazed by the hundreds of choices awaiting you. Visit our store locations or order your wedding dress online, and be on your way to being the most beautiful bride in town.

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Pantone colors for autumn/winter 2016 and our bridesmaids dresses in these colors

At times, we simply have to turn to the experts for advice. Where it comes to wedding colors, the dizzying variety can easily cause us to swoon. For brides who are lost for choices, what better place to turn to than to the global expert on colors, Pantone, for inspiration on what’s hot and what’s not.

The Pantone color trends for Autumn/Winter 2016 brings us an unusual yet attractive mix of hues and shades from the color spectrum. This year, the theme featured is real and unreal, or absent and present. Mysterious as it sounds, the color palette is surprisingly fresh and perfect to work with.

If you are to get married in the coming months of this year, it is a great place to begin, and we suggest starting with your bridesmaids. After all, nothing highlights the color theme of your wedding, as much as the colors that your wedding party sports.

It is once again time to shuffle through our unbelievably extensive collection of bridesmaids dresses, and find out the our favorites in the most happening colors this year. So, let’s begin.

Beautiful in Black

Gone are the days, when black wasn’t an appropriate color for a wedding. Now, it is the newest “Prestige” color, and one that adds a mysterious vibe to your wedding. Perfect for the indoors, it will stand out and is great for a formal ceremony. As the ultimate neutral, you can pair it with any other color in bouquets and other accessories. And don’t overlook the fact that black is a universal favorite, so this is your go-to choice if you want your girls to use their bridesmaid dress more than once. Plus, black is refined, sophisticated and not to mention, grown-up.

Now let’s take a quick peek at our favorite dresses in black.


 

And for those of you brides who don’t want to go with black all the way, the Alfred Angelo bridesmaids collection brings you some fantastic color block beauties with black on the yoke. Here’s a sample.

Vibrant and White

More and more brides are now defying tradition, as they choose white for their bridesmaids. The modern bride knows that there is more than just one type of white, and it is impossible to confuse the bride with her bridesmaids, when her dress choice is done properly.

If you are a modern bride looking for a challenge, how about getting your bridesmaids to wear white on the most special day in your life? Just make sure that there is at least one factor that visibly sets you apart (ideally the dress hemline, the fabric or finish), and you can play all you want with other colors in your bouquets, accessories and rest of the wedding décor. White bridesmaids will complement any other décor color, and also add that necessary balance, with which you can make the rest of the colors in your palette pop. Also, a great choice if your wedding gown is not white, but a different hue. Take a closer look at the dresses featured below. Now, here are dresses that will be just fine for everyone’s taste, despite being white. Don’t you think?

And, here are these dazzling white beauties from our bridesmaids collections.


 

Glassy and gorgeous green

Unlike the mints and emeralds of the previous years, this year Pantone’s color palette draws our attention to two different types of greens—a cool,glassy green and the other a yellowish olive-like shade. Green is a beautiful color that is usually associated with spring and summer. Nevertheless, when done right, and it can intensify any other color used with it. It’s subtle but striking presence, will make a beautiful addition to your winter or autumn wedding landscape. When choosing this color, pay attention to the skin tone of your bridesmaids. Not all girls can easily sport every type of green. Nevertheless, with these two options that are in trend, you can mix and match options to find dresses that are suitable for every one of your bridesmaids. Take a look at the greens that are bound to make heads turn this year, through the dreamy bridesmaids dresses below.


 

Wow with Yellow

Yellow is a powerful, tropical color that acts like a ray of sunshine in the cold wintry weather scene. This winter, add an extra dose of joy to your winter palette with muted yellows that remind us of the serene skies and refreshing warmth of summer, that is far off. It is a color with a positive vibe to it. Nevertheless, exercise caution when adding yellow to your wedding colors, especially if you have other bold colors in your palette. Although yellow is a color that blends in with most other colors, you should be picky with the shade you choose, as not all yellows work equally well with other color combinations. Now, for some divinely, delightful yellow dresses to add sunny splendor to your wedding palette, check out what we have in store.


 

Warmth with Orange

In a welcome twist from the previously popular clementine, this year the preferred orange takes on a spicy and warm tone that is subtly sophisticated. Infused with cinnamon, camel and caramel, choose dresses with the orange shade barely there to be in line with the trend. The good thing about this twist to the tale is that these oranges blend in better with more color palettes, and do not stand out. This makes it easier to choose dresses that will work the mix ‘n’ match trend well. Plus, these colors are not too bold, and so will complement most skin tones as opposed to the characteristic brightness of the original orange shade. Here are the latest from our collection that give wings to the beautiful color.

 

Pleasantly purple

Purple has been in the limelight for quite some time, and this year is no different. With the color wheel spinning more towards the direction of muted berry colors, purple moves from bright to being a mellow and neutral shade. This is a fantastic color that yields a powerful color palette with neutrals like grey, white and black. It also livens up the atmosphere when combined with yellow, turquoise or green. While the former looks strikingly sophisticated, the latter is a pleasing palette of cheer. One of my favorite things about this color is that it is the one of the few colors that the various shades work together so perfectly, that blending or mixing various purples is a breeze. We have so many perfect purples in our collection, that it took quite a while to find out which of these will make the top list. So, here are our picks. What do you think of them?


 

Brilliant in blue

Blue is the eternal winter favorite, and this color works its way into almost every winter party. If not through the dresses, blue makes its presence felt in the rest of the décor. It could be how the color is synonymous with the cool gray weather of autumn and winter, or how a slight change in the shade can change the entire ambiance. This year’s Pantone’s blues however are submerged in greys and greens to create spell-binding colors that are unique and form excellent combinations with metallic colors. So, if your palette focuses on the metallic trend that is in vogue, check out how these bridesmaids dresses in exciting blues can work for your palette. We have two distinct looks, that are unique in their own way. Which of these will you be adopting at your wedding?


 

Don’t frown on brown

Warm and soft, the brown Pantone spectrum ranges from the rich red wine browns to the tan and spicy nutmeg shades. Brown has an overpowering presence, and it is a color that can work by itself or go well with various other colors in your palette. A dark neutral, that has a serious magnificent personality, it is perfect for a winter wedding where you want to warm up the wintry ambiance with a suitable choice of color. The darker the brown, the more formal the effect. It blends beautifully with muted pastels like peach and dusty pink, and can also work well with creams and milky white. Add a touch of silver as your metallic accent for sophistication, while gold gives it a dazzling dreamy finish.

Take a look a our wonderful brown dresses at Best for Bride, and choose the one that you think is best.


 

Richly regal in red

Red is a tried and tested color, that is effective with an almost explosive effect. Although the spectrum of red includes hues ranging from brightest to the serious and dull brown-reds, the most popular choice for winter and autumn remains cherry reds. These are, after all, synonymous with the holiday season. Nowadays, the combinations with red are unusual, thus breathing more life into this versatile and dramatic color. While red and gold have been the eternal holiday favorites, we can find red and navy, red and cream and red and pastels as the hot and happening combinations. To add fervor, joy and pops of color to your wedding palette, here are the reds that your bridesmaids would love to dress in.


 

Pretty in pastels

Ever since pastels entered the wedding scene, they have been a continuing trend. They are still in style this year, but this time take on bolder and more visible hues, in stark contrast with the muted, barely there look that was the characteristic feature of last year’s color palette. The pleasant thing about pastels is that you can choose any color in a pastel shade, and it will never be too overwhelming. Hence you can blend pastels into your palette, whether you want to mix it with another color or colors, or let it be by itself. The serene and calming composure of these colors work well in the cool weather, and generate a cool, but cosy ambiance. At Best for Bride, you can find bridesmaids dresses in every pastel shade you can possibly imagine. Due to space restrictions, we have narrowed down our choices to those featured here. But, these are just the tip of the iceberg, check out our gallery for many many more dresses in perfect pastels.


The shimmer of metal

Metallics are another trend that we will be revisiting this year. They add instant textural finesse to every outfit, and are a unique standalone element that cannot be compared to any other color. We can expect to see metallics in every color, beside the traditional gold, silver and copper that have been on the scene for sometime now. Whether done entirely or limited to a section of the dress, metallics add a signature style to any bridesmaid dress. This trend is in fact not restricted to our fashion choices for bridesmaids. Many brides are also opting for gold and silver dresses in place of the traditional white. The sheen of a metallic dress is glamorous and this instantly uplifts the style quotient of the entire party. Plus it is an option that blends well with any other color. Need I say more? Here are our favorite metallic bridesmaids dresses for this season.


That brings us to the end of the discussion on Pantone’s colors for autumn and winter 2016. We hope you had fun browsing through the beautiful bridesmaids dresses we featured here.

This and several hundred more options await you at our all our Best for Bride stores. If you have shortlisted any of these designs, or need to see more to make your final decision, continue on to our bridesmaids dress collections here. You will find an inexhaustible variety of designer dresses with every feature you can imagine. Available in a range of sizes, price ranges and from top designer labels in wedding dress collections, you will have no difficulty finding your choice, however specific it may be.  So, have fun picking the dresses for your wedding party from our collection.

For more wedding tips, advice and shopping information, continue visiting us on Best for Bride.

 

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Dress to impress: How to dress for a wedding

Weddings are occasions to shine and look fantastic at. Although it is the bride who will steal the show in her fantastic bridal attire, it doesn’t mean you have to tone down your glamour quotient. As a wedding guest, make sure you dress your best, and get noticed. Here are some fashion tips to help you look fantastic at the next wedding you attend.

Bring on the accessories

via Best for Bride

Step out in style in a fantastic pair of heels, and give everyone the opportunity to look at you from Toe-to-top, for a change! Accessories are a fantastic way to transform a regular dress into something spectacular, and the best part is that it doesn’t have to break the bank. Experiment with statement jewelry, or invest in a killer clutch. Go with the latest trends and buy bold and bright accessories that add instant glamour to your look.

Stay Away from White and Black

When you have a whole color spectrum to choose from, why should you opt for the one color that screams “Bride”? White is the bride’s color, and don’t attempt to steal her thunder by appearing in white. As for black, we have seen enough of short black dresses at every occasion. You can be certain that there’ll be at least three other women in black, so don’t join the queue. The only time you will be excused for wearing black is if you have a super-stylish formal black gown that is so unique, you won’t face competition from anyone.

Bright or light, dress for the weather

via Best for Bride

Choose colors that match the vibe of the season. Also, don’t forget that your dress should be appropriate for the weather at the time. Choose bright, bold prints or cheerful pastel colors for summer and spring. If it is a winter or fall wedding, embrace the beauty of the cooler climate and go for classic, dark tones. This is the chance to bring out your precious silk scarf or stylish stole, and enjoy the attention it gathers.

Make an effort

via Best for Bride

A wedding is a special occasion, and however casual the style is don’t dress in anything you can be seen in on the street. You do not need a new outfit, but keep it formal or semi-formal, dress up in style, wear makeup and try to look good. Also remember that there will be families attending the event, so avoid dresses that are too revealing, too tight or low cut, that it can make you uncomfortable wearing in front of company.

Bring out your style with modern twists on classic dresses

Dressing up for weddings doesn’t have to be boring and always classic. This is your chance to let your personality shine through, with fantastic twists and elements that are your own idea. If your dress looks too plain, add an interesting scarf or pair it with a stylish jacket and you are set to go.

To choose the perfect dress to wear to the next wedding you have to attend, or your own wedding dress, visit us at Best for Bride.

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Wedding Cakes – The favorite trends this year

Your wedding cake is the highlight of your wedding menu. A spectacular wedding cake is a luxury, and one that highlights your personal style and the essence of your wedding décor. The sky is the limit, where options for wedding cakes are concerned, and all you have to do is dream up your vision of sweet charm. Your baker will work hard to make it come true.

Here, we will take a look at the trending favorites in wedding cakes this year.

Adding a touch of personality 

More and more couples choose to personalize every element at their wedding with their own special touch. This extends to their choice for wedding cake colors, toppers and decorations too. With inspiration flowing in from every nook and corner on the internet, it is now possible to craft your wedding cake exactly as you want it with unique ideas.

Wedding cakes can tell your story, and be a reflection of your personalities. Basing the design on the place where you got engaged, your favorite pastime or a cake topper that is a replica of the couple can make your cake truly unique and personal.

Flowers and flavors that match the wedding theme

via Best for Bride

The wedding cake becomes an integral part of the wedding décor, immediately after it is revealed. So couples have been paying close attention to make sure that it reflects the ambiance of the venue, and the tone of the wedding. Formal events have tiered cakes in classic round or square shapes with designs matching the flower arrangements and décor elements, while modern casual weddings usually bring fun to the reception table in the form of whimsical topsy-turvy cakes.

While sugar flowers are regulars on wedding cakes, the trend is towards using huge compositions in edible flowers and fashionable blossoms such as hydrangeas and roses to imbue the tone of the wedding into the cake. The designs are becoming bigger and bolder, and 3D laser cut flowers are also gaining popularity as stylish wedding cake accessories.

Unlike when everyone chose to play it safe with traditional flavors, brides and grooms are now more daring with the flavors they choose. Rich indulgent tastes in ganache and caramel are being experimented with, so the guests really enjoy a unique experience with every bite.

Glittering metal and glamour in lace

via Best for Bride

Continuing from 2014, this year too has cakes adorned with metallic shimmer. Adding bling to the reception buffet are cakes decorated in gold, silver, bronze and copper tones. They inject instant style to any setting and are appropriate for any venue or wedding theme. While golden leaves and blossoms continue to be the classic choice, brides are also opting for metallic shimmers in dahlias, peonies and other edible hand-painted sugar flowers and similar designs.

The trend of matching the cake to the bridal dress, by adding delicate lace designs to it’s surface also continues to be a favorite. While white is the all-time favorite color, pastels and grays appear in patterns to create a pleasant effect.

For more fantastic wedding cake designs, check out our cake gallery at Best for Bride. Sweet indulgence and unbelievable creativity awaits you!