Tag: theme

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Discover Elegance: Our Top Four Enchanting Wedding Themes You’ll Adore!

One of the best things about having a wedding theme is that it gives you the outline to plan your wedding, from the flowers and décor, to stationery and party favors. This makes it easy to combine the various details in a cohesive manner and make everything part of one big picture.

There are hundreds of wedding themes to explore out there, and even a subtle difference in the colors and elements can help you have a wedding that is uniquely yours. Here, we have rounded up four of our favorite wedding themes and added ideas that can make these themes unique. Get ready to be inspired.

1. Nautical celebration

Whether held indoors or outdoors, a nautical theme wedding is refreshing and just like the open ocean, is full of energy. This theme can be adapted for both formal and informal weddings, by simply varying the style details.

Venue: The true nautical celebration should be held in a sandy beach, beside waves of frolicking oceans that are a sailor’s actual home. Or better, have it on a cruise boat if your budget allows it. Alternately, have a ceremony on the beach, and hold the reception indoors. You can consider an indoor venue dressed up with nautical colors and interesting décor elements like a life-size boat or the captain’s deck, for your wedding. To keep the indoor effect real, it is a good idea to employ dim lighting and recreate the beach feel.

Party Boat
Image Credits:Damian Gadal, via Flickr

Best colours: Colors of the ocean—light blue, sea blue and navy work well. Navy and white stripes are another signature combination associated with this theme. You can also choose tropical colours like orange and yellow as accents that add colour to this palette.

Food: A seafood-based food platter is a must-have for this theme. A navy and white striped cake resembling a boat or ship would also be great. Desserts can be fashioned after traditional seafaring elements like starfish, clams, anchors, mussels and oysters.

Attractive dress and décor elements: Ropes may be used throughout the décor for that authentic nautical vibe. Wooden décor with anchor and helm motifs can be used to customize stationery. Also, add a personalized anchor photo backdrop in the center.  The wedding party is expected to dress in a formal and luxurious fabric like satin for style and elegance. The length of the dresses may be varied between calf and full-length gowns. You can also consider short and fun dresses for a casual beach-style ambiance.

anchor backdrop

 

beach trinket box

Take it up a notch with the wedding reception on a cruise ship. A pretty buffet table which resembles a sandy beach and contains oysters and clam-shaped cookies with little pearls within. A striped fabric for the ring pillow and bridesmaids in blue and white striped dresses can complete the effect with stunning beauty.

2. Rustic chic

The rustic chic style blends age-old elements that conjure up nostalgia with modern-day style and is always popular. It is the perfect harmony of what is comfortable with what is glitzy and good-looking.

Venue: Barns, outdoor park venues, ranches and even your backyard could be converted into a rustic chic wedding venue. Since this is all about working with the details and adding signature elements, it is possible to get the ambiance right in almost any venue with plenty of natural elements in it

rustic wedding

Best colours: Antique or parchment white, burlap, grays and wood are the main highlights of this scheme. Combine this with bright or dark accent colours, but in moderation, for the chic effect to be complete. Colours like peach, navy, cherry red, and purple and metals like silver and gold can achieve the desired feel easily.

Food: A naked cake decorated with fresh, ripe berries, flowers or other original ingredients is a must. Wholesome, hearty meals with plenty of organic ingredients, interspersed with attractive and neatly finished gourmet fare can make a rustic chic wedding menu complete. The arrangement is just as important as the taste. Consider using straw, burlap, wood and plenty of glass for the rustic vibe. Also focus on pops of color with fresh flowers, interesting motifs with fabric and a little glitz in the right doses for the chic aspect.

Interesting dress and décor elements: Wine barrels that double up as serving stations, plenty of distressed and reclaimed wooden settings, twigs, wildflowers, candles, and soft glowing lights can make the scene breathtakingly beautiful. Burlap, jute and other natural hardy fabric, as well as generous doses of chalkboard elements, look great and can seamlessly integrate the less rustic-looking elements into the theme. We can also see the bride and bridesmaids sporting plenty of flowers freshly plucked from the garden, as well as these being used in the centrepieces and décor at the venue. Lace wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses are perfect for this wedding theme.

key charm

Take it up a notch with Lace and burlap are a match made in heaven. Ensure your wedding dress has plenty of vintage lace for a stylish but elegant look. Add the chic vibe with small but prominent elements that instantly add extra glamour to the setting. These could be crystal ware or silver candlesticks that will stand out but look fantastic in the arrangement. Mason jars are a design accessory forever associated with this theme. Update this humble accessory by choosing various glass jars in different shapes, sizes and textures for an unusual and unexpected effect.

Classic celebrations

A wedding theme that will never go out of fashion or look dated in any era, the classic wedding theme is an eternal favourite. Following the traditional setup in terms of venue, décor, dressing and style, the classic wedding focuses on traditions and formal practices that haven’t changed even remotely, over the years. This is the style that you can always find plenty of examples for, and everyone is familiar with. However, this doesn’t mean it is boring, as the traditions of these weddings have been passed down from one generation to the next, only because they are truly timeless.

Venue: Classic weddings are best held in banquet halls, hotels or historic venues. The venue should have a magnificent feel, either by itself or because of the choice of accessories used to dress it up. Luxury and style are trademarks of these wedding styles, which should set the tone for your celebration.

classic wedding

Best colours: There are no specific rules about the colours that can make a classic wedding work. Solid, bold colours mixed with plenty of neutrals are usually suitable for classic wedding themes. The idea is to have an interesting palette, but one that isn’t too loud or cluttered. Mixing of metals like gold and silver can add more sophistication to the color palette.

Food: A classic wedding must have a plated meal,as a buffet is definitely off the cards. Depending on your budget, the number of courses may be three or five. Signature dishes may form the menu, but traditional favourites are popular choices at classic weddings. These are also safer choices than gourmet dishes, which everyone may not appreciate. Although the classic tiered cake was a regular at this type of wedding, nowadays, couples opt for more miniature couture cakes instead. This doesn’t hamper the style, though.

Attractive dress and décor elements: Large chandeliers, elaborate centrepieces with luscious blooms and lots of metallic pieces, like candle stands and silverware are expected. The party lighting will be serious and ballroom-style. The wedding party will stick to formal dresses, with the men in tuxes and women in full-length gowns. Bridesmaids may either wear gowns in the signature colors of the chosen color palette or opt for neutral-coloured dresses. Hair and makeup will be formal, with accessories like silver and pearls preferred over coloured gemstones and fabric accessories.

diamond key chain

Take it up a notch with elaborate arrangements like lush carpets and huge flower balls for décor. Nevertheless, classic doesn’t always have to be big and bold. It is also classic when the details at the party are intricate and carved out with careful thought and consideration. Every detail is done with a touch of class, which extends to the flowers and menu presentation. Classic is all about traditions, so planning the ceremony and reception details to showcase the cultural practices in the best light can go a long way in capturing the essence of this theme.

Colorful Garden Wedding

Venue: Another great venue for a romantic wedding, the garden wedding has and continues to be a big hit in spring and summer. More geared towards the casual style, the garden is a fun location that equally appeals to the young and old. With the natural landscape forming a brilliant backdrop, pretty accents can be added with colorful flowers to make this type of wedding really spectacular in every way.

garden venue

Best colours: Almost every colour goes with green as the background. However, for maximum impact, we suggest wonderful pops of vibrant colors like pink, orange, yellow and blue. These liven up the scene and make it fun and exciting. The other colors that look good in the garden scene are the all-time classic white and pastels.

Food: The garden venue is best suited for weddings in the spring and summer and particularly best for those held in the afternoons or early evenings. Skip the traditional dinner for an exciting and hearty brunch buffet or afternoon tea. Not only is this more cost-effective, it also gives you plenty of time to party with your favourite guests after the formal function is over. For desserts, consider fresh fruit assortments and cakes like the Bundt cake, which is a pleasant deviation from the traditional tiered style.

Interesting dress and décor elements: The chosen décor should naturally blend in with the surroundings. Comfortable seating can be arranged with throws and cushions scattered on large garden mats. We also love to see rustic elements like candles in mason jars and flower garlands decorating the venue. Gardens have to have flowers, and this is one area where the couple should ideally splurge. Short chiffon and lace dresses are beautiful on both brides and bridesmaids and are more practical than the long floor-length gowns. The men can opt for light shades like white and grey instead of black for their suits.

mini flower pot

Take it up a notch with impressive decorations at the altar. Don’t worry about going overboard with the floral details, it will only enhance the beauty of your natural landscape. Flower crowns for the bride or for her girls-in-waiting are a perfect accessory for this event. Share the joy with the guests as well by arranging to have extras for them to wear as well.

So, that brings us to the end of our favourite list of hot and happening wedding themes. Which of these is your favourite? Or do you prefer something different? If so, do let us know in the comments section.

For the right wedding dress and dresses for the wedding party, from this list provided, visit us at Best for Bride – your one-stop destination for everything bridal. We are sure we can help make all your bridal dreams a reality. So, join us and realize your vision today.

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10 ideas for a brilliant bridal shower

Isn’t it odd how bridal showers have such a bad reputation? Despite all the effort and hard work that goes into planning one, not everyone is too keen on attending bridal showers. In fact, it isn’t uncommon for these events to end up as the sad prelude to a fantastic wedding. It is no wonder that the memories of the bridal shower are quickly washed away, especially when the wedding has a better chance of being a bit hit.

So, if you are in charge of planning a bridal shower for your bestie, we know you are up for quite a challenge. You will have to think extra-hard to give the girls at the party a fun-filled and exciting time. Since we understand your difficulty, we are here to help you overcome this challenge with a few brilliant ideas. We’ve crawled around the internet and collected what we think were the most impressive ideas. These should be enough to inspire you to plan your own. So, come along and find out what we’ve picked for you today!

#1 Have plenty of bite-sized treats

appetizer

Rather than planning an elaborate buffet or plated meal with lots of details and exquisite dishes, the idea is to keep it simple and stunning. Women love visual details, so you have to choose dishes that are as appetizing to look at, as they are tasty. And the smaller they are, the better they will go down. There is something so sinfully attractive about bite-sized food on neat cocktail sticks that is immensely tempting. The other good thing is that not only are they easy to whip up, they are also incredibly tasty. When you serve a platter of tiny delicious treats that are too small to resist, nobody will refuse trying it and you can be sure that they’ll enjoy the experience. Serve up a variety of items, so there is something that everyone fancies. This way, you’ll have an interesting array of delicacies, and it will be both practical and well-appreciated.

Here we have a link with recipes for not one or two, but twenty-two bite-size appetizers that are sure to be crowd pullers.  Check it out and make your pick from the lot.

#2 Choose a sweet but simple theme

party

Too many details can spoil the overall impact, and you may find yourself unable to bring every aspect together to create a cohesive effect. It is much better to stick to a simple theme, with just a few colors and details to focus on. Whether you aim for classic elegance or casual chic, keep it uncluttered. Make sure that you pick all the colored elements in a specific hue, so they all come together beautifully. Don’t use more than two bold colors, and add in plenty of neutrals like white, brown and gray to balance it out. Another point to remember is to stick with an idea, rather than with a design or motif, as it is easier to execute. For example, you can choose pink and flowers as the main subjects and build your theme around these two factors. It will also be easier to find matching elements that will do the job well. Some pretty impressive themes can be seen at the following links:

#3 Give the dashing bride special attention

tiara

The best way to make a bridal shower special, is to make the bride feel truly special. So, apart from planning a big celebration for her, make sure you also do something special to make her feel very important.

Just like there are special bride and groom chairs for the wedding, designate a special spot for the bride at the party, and decorate it to look very special. You could even set up a special area that is highlighted with signature décor to make it obvious. Give the bride a “bride-to-be” sash, that she will wear throughout the day! She may be shy, but trust us, she is going to love it. You could even give her a tiara or something special (but not looking tacky), for that little extra that sets her apart from the guests. Make sure to have her wear this and the sash with great pomp and show, and it will immediately set her spirits soaring and she will look forward to all that is in store for her.

#4 Have a couture cake

cake

You do not need a huge towering cake for the bridal shower, a small stylish one will do. If you are doing it yourself, keep it simple, but attractive with neat and crisp details that add a stylish touch to it. If you aren’t certain about doing the details in fondant, go with fail-safe choices like ribbons, cake toppers and other accessories that can easily dress up a simple cake. If you are ordering it, make sure it ties to the theme but doesn’t look too cluttered with too many details. Gourmet cakes are all the rage now, with pretty little details and designs being more in the limelight than the flavors. So, splurge on that. When placing the cake on the table, highlight it well, by arranging it between well-balanced, neat arrangements on either side. This article on the Knot shows us how a beautiful bridal shower cake should be. Take a look, we are sure you’ll have a tough time deciding which is the best!

#5 Or replace the single cake with an elaborate arrangement of fancy cupcakes

cupcakes

We found this brilliant idea on Real Simple and instantly fell in love with it. If there is something more impressive than a beautiful cake, it is a batch of many small, but beautiful cakes. Good-looking and delicious cupcakes are not only a delight to look at, they are also practical to serve at a bridal shower. Think of it this way—if you have a gourmet cake, you’ll be stuck with cutting and serving it for quite a while. On the other hand, with a tier of delicious cupcakes, the guests can help themselves to the one they fancy. You can also experiment with a variety of flavors instead of sticking with just one. This way, all the guests are likely to find one that they love without much trouble.

#6 Serve a signature drink that matches the party theme

cocktail-919074_1920

This is your chance to come up with an interesting beverage that will tie beautifully with the theme of the wedding. Since the crowd will be relatively small, it will not be too difficult to have signature cocktails served. You could even display them so they form a beautiful arrangement that will be noticed by the guests. Pay attention to the smaller details, like choosing a beautiful garnish and dressing up the rim with colored sugar crystals, for that luxurious finish. You can make it interesting by matching the color and flavor to the weather, the color and also keeping the bride’s favorite tastes in mind. Also, set up the beverage station separately from the rest of the food arrangement. Consider using custom name tags and interesting décor arrangements that match the theme. If you are unsure about whether it will go down well with all the guests, you can also set up two cocktail drinks of different tastes, so that there is at least one that everyone is bound to choose. From refreshing Grapefruit and mint mojitos to pretty pink lemonades, you will find a range of brilliant bridal shower cocktail recipes on the Martha Stewart website, here.

#7 Have a dress code

Bridesmaids 4
Image Credits: outreachr.com, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Most women love being part of a theme. So, make sure the guests at the bridal shower also have a chance to participate in a theme by providing them a dress code. Keep it simple, so that nobody has trouble finding an outfit that will be suitable. Either go with a color, or give a specific design type like polka dots or stripes somewhere in their outfit, so they have some flexibility in choosing how to incorporate this into their dressing style. The other benefit of having a specific dress theme is that it will unify the party and everyone will naturally be curious to find out how the others have chosen their looks, to fit the suggested theme. It will be an ice-breaker, and can help ensure that your party pictures look very interesting because of this unifying factor. Simple dress color codes that are bound to make it easy for everyone are black, white or silver. It doesn’t even have to be in the dress, you can ask them to incorporate the color or design factor anyway. This may be with an accessory like a clutch or a belt, or else with the dress design or embellishment itself. Or you could ask all the guests to present themselves in a chosen style, like Wild West or vintage 90’s style. This article on the Bridal Guide gives you a quick look at the some color options that look great. Our personal favorite was the red and pink ombre code that was ravishing!

#8 Make it magical with things that shimmer, float and hang from above

lantern

Anything that doesn’t isn’t fitted to the ground has a magical charm to it. So, make the most of this idea, by including décor items that hang freely or are suspended in the air. You can consider lanterns, hanging flower balls and even floating balloons in a chosen color to create this magic. Don’t shy away from the idea even if you are conducting an outdoor event. Place the seating under a tree, and have hanging items like lanterns and candle holders suspended from the branches. If this is not practical, consider using table centerpieces with floating helium balloons that rise above the eye-level for an equally attractive effect. Do glitter in the right doses, and use crystals and stones to add a touch of sparkle, and we are sure the bride will love the element of fantasy associated with the entire setting. Mix this up with displays that are placed low, and the impact will be doubled. So, plan to have your decorations kept both high and low, at various levels, for a stunning effect.

#9 Make the setting fragrant

perfume

Do you often associate certain events or places with lovely smells that you can still remember, when you just think of them? Crucial to setting the ambiance, make sure that your venue not only looks great, but smells awesome too. Choose a signature scent that is bound to be pleasant, and make sure that the guests get a fair whiff of this scent from the minute they are at the party. Guests often pick on a scent sub-consciously and this plays a great role in making the memories of the day interesting. So, give them an olfactory sensation by choosing a scent like vanilla, cinnamon, rose or sandalwood and adding this odor in lavish doses to the venue. You can do this using scented candles, air fresheners and pot pourri. Perfumed spray can be used on the table linen and napkins. Also, choose flowers that complement the main scent and have the bridal party wear a scent that blends well with the overall fragrance. More tips on adding a fragrance to your venue can be found at this page on Easy Weddings.

So, now you are all equipped to plan a bridal shower with a difference. To pick your attire for this big event that you will be hosting for your dear friend or relative, make sure to browse through our online evening dress catalog at Best for Bride.

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A guide to help you get the best deal from your wedding vendors

The first big event that most brides have to plan is their own wedding. So, it is unlikely that they have worked with vendors to discuss such big plans, before.

More wedding plans?Image Credit: Dion Gillard, via Flickr, CC By 2.0

If this is the case with you, we know that you may be worried about making the right decisions and handling everything right. This guide will take you over the points that will help you work with your vendors well, so you can get the best deal possible for your wedding.

Decide what you want before you begin looking at vendors

Having a clear idea of what you want for your wedding, is the best way to start. You and your fiance should first decide what type of wedding you want, the theme you would like, anything specific that you would like to have at your wedding, the style of reception, the location, and all such relevant details, before you even start considering who will do it for you. This will help you start looking for the vendor who will be able to deliver to your expectations, while meeting all the other factors.

Do your research

Talk to other brides who were married recently, to get a fair estimate of what your wedding costs will come to. You can obtain recommendations for vendors this way, and it will also give you a fair idea of whether you have any overheads to consider. Some vendors offer discounts on referrals, and if you are lucky, you may find the vendor you seek at a much lesser price, this way.

Fix your budget

One of the biggest problems brides face is finding vendors within their budget. The way around this is to prepare your budget in advance, so you know the maximum limit you can afford to stretch to, should it be required. First plan your overall budget, and then divide it into the various components. Fix the upper limit for each, and make a firm decision that you will not exceed it, come what may.

Look for vendors within your range

There is only so much you can negotiate with a vendor, so be realistic with your expectations. If a vendor you love is way over your price range, be prepared to look for other options. This vendor may even be able to refer you to someone who can work within your budget. Shop around and you should be able to find the right person for the job. Just make sure you start early and have enough time to research.

Be open-minded about options, and everything will work out

If you have your mind set on working with a particular vendor, but your budget doesn’t allow it, try to work out a solution with the vendor. Some vendors will be open to working on a lower budget if you allow them full freedom to work their magic with what is available within this price. You will have to communicate what is important to you, and they will execute their plan, with that in mind.

At Best for Bride, we can help you with every wedding planning need. Get in touch with us, and we can help you find the right deal for your budget, and plan the dream wedding you always wanted. What are you waiting for, come visit us today!

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How to choose your bridal shower dress

With weddings come wedding showers, bachelorette parties and rehearsal dinners. And, you have to be a ravishing bride who is the focus of the party, at all these celebrations. While your wedding dress may take months of research, shopping and fittings to perfect, you should also spare some attention to the dresses that you choose for the events leading up to the wedding.

There are certain factors that will help you choose a good bridal shower dress. So, join us as we find out what they are.

Keep it casual but elegant

via Best for Bride

 

Your bridal shower is a casual event. So, you can choose any dress that is semi-formal to casual, but make sure it is elegant and has some interesting details. Think of it as a dress that reflects your personal style, but is one that can impress. Keep it chic and consider going with the latest trends in color and design that will look good on you. Although you needn’t spend a fortune on it, remember that the money you spend on it is worthwhile as you can use it again in the future.

Dress for the weather and venue

Decide your outfit based on whether your bridal shower will be held indoors or outdoors, and whether it will be warm or cold at the time. For a garden party, floral dresses would be a stunning choice. If it is an indoor event, a monochromatic design, or one with vivid details would look good. Similarly, consider breezy lace dresses and cotton dresses in breathable fabric for summer and spring parties. If the weather is cool, choose satin, silk or wool blends that will keep you warm.

via Best for Bride

Match your dress to the theme

It is likely that your host will inform you of the theme of the party, if there is one, a few weeks in advance. Once you know what it is, choose a dress that will reflect the color palette and party theme. This way, you will look dressed for the part by choosing a matching dress. It also makes your job of shortlisting the right choices easier.

Accessorize to dress up or down

While your dress choice is important, the accessories you choose are also equally significant. If you think your dress is really simple, dress it up with bold statement jewelry and a pair of killer heels. If your dress is a star by itself, keep the accessories simple so it doesn’t steal focus from the dress. All the components should come together beautifully, and make you look fantastic. Try on your dress with the accessories you chose before the actual day, so you can decide whether you should make changes.

jewelry-618429_1280

As with any other wedding-related outfit, make sure that you choose a silhouette that suits your body shape. This is the best way to look fabulous. It is not about how a dress looks by itself, it is all about how well it looks on you. Go for colors that complement your skin tone and a pattern that shows off your best features and hides any trouble spots.

To find a dress that is perfect for your bridal shower, take some time to visit our splendid selection of dresses for every occasion at Best for Bride.