How young do you think a young bride could be? 20? 18?
Yes, you are right! Whether or not it is a good idea to get married when so young, there are many brides who choose to do so at this age. One of the biggest challenges for many of them is finding the right wedding dress, as not all these brides look old enough to be a bride.
We’ve seen plenty of young brides walk into our boutique and ask us for one thing—a wedding dress that makes them look grown up and sexy! The main concern, however, is that they come shopping with their mothers, who usually believe they are still too young to choose anything other than the traditional ball gown. Trust us when we say that this is the last thing that young girls want to be seen in.
Fortunately, there are plenty of designs that can satisfy both parties, and prevent a power struggle. This is what we will look at today; the various factors in a dress that can make a young girl look grown up, while mom too thinks it is appropriate.
The fit and flare wedding gown, or more particularly the mermaid style dress which fits your curves closely along the torso, and then opens into a wide skirt is considered one of the most sexy silhouettes of all times. While this is a favorite with brides, the typical sweetheart neckline that is usually paired with these gowns may not be appreciated by moms. The solution is to strike a balance between the two.
This Sophia Tolli Y21507 wedding dress looks grown up and sexy with it’s fit and flare silhouette allowing you to flaunt your curves, even while it is modest. It has an illusion V-neckline and lace appliques on the cap sleeves. The layered mermaid skirt is magnificent, without too much pouf. The smart waistband gives more structure and adds elegance.
A-line wedding dresses
The next best thing to an elaborate ball gown skirt is an embellished A-line skirt. This has a sexy appeal, and you will look grown up and womanly in it. A-line wedding dresses are available with various neckline and sleeve options, and you can find one that is the right mix of embellishments and structure for your taste.
This tasteful Jasmine T162064 is a happy mix of a fit and flare gown and an A-line dress. The illusion halter-style neckline over the sweetheart bodice is sophisticated, so it can be easily carried off by young brides. The embellishments are elaborate, but with classic style.
Asymmetrically draped dresses
This style is a safe balance between contemporary and tradition. It looks best on tall women, but it is one that can be sported by short girls too, if they are slender. With pleats that drape towards one side, the best part of this dress is that it usually features dropped waists that reduce the prominence of the layers in the skirt.
The Alfred Angelo 2521 gown will be loved by both the bride and her entourage, as it brings together the classic timeless beauty of silk with a fit and flare silhouette. The dropped waist helps you show off your slender figure, while the skirt has enough layers to add grace to your stride.
The wedding scene is full of sweetheart necklines, sleeveless and strapless gowns. However, not every bride is comfortable in exposing so much skin on her wedding day. There are plenty of women who prefer a more modest choice; one that is both stylish and comfortable. After all, feeling comfortable in what you wear on your wedding day, plays a huge part in boosting your confidence and making you look great. We should also remember that long-sleeve wedding gowns are the apt choice for weddings in fall and winter, when the cool weather can make you feel cold in a strapless gown.
Now, are you thinking that gowns with sleeves are boring? Wait till you see the collection we’ve rounded up. I am sure you will change your mind, once you do. So, what are you waiting for? Join us now.
Jasmine T172002
Ladylike and liberal in detailing, this fantastic Alencon Lace gown from the Jasmine spring couture collection is a work of art. The fit and flare silhouette snugly courses across your sensual curves, allowing you to showcase your splendid figure to the best. Three-fourth lace sleeves add a dainty touch to the pretty dress, and a low cut V-neckline draws attention to your decolletage. The spread of lace on the gown, ends in a fantastic scalloped hemline. Perfect for a formal wedding, you will love the keyhole detail that creates a dramatic finish to the back of this dress.
Jasmine F171009
A dress that takes the illusion trend to a whole new level, this couture gown from the Jasmine Spring collection is a unique statement piece. Featuring a Queen Anne neckline, the dress has sheer sleeves which create a barely-there look. Lace motifs adorn the outer edges of the sleeves, and intricate beading is featured on the inner neck border. The fit and flare silhouette is stunning, and the extravagant detailing on the bodice and skirt thins towards the layers that spread out. The sheer sleeves, at the back, culminate in a keyhole cutout that closes at the neck. The details on the back will amaze your wedding guests, as you show it off during your wedding ceremony.
Mori Lee 2776
End your search for a pretty feminine gown, with this Mori Lee 2776 bridal gown. This is a dress that proves you can look sexy and stunning, even in a fully covered outfit. A high scalloped bateau neckline continues with lace details into fitted three-fourth sleeves. The bodice features a sweetheart neckline, emphasized by the sheer lace overlay. The fit and flare skirt with pretty floral clusters scattered liberally, continues into a magnificent train at the back. The silhouette is slimming and the perfect choice for a traditional wedding, where you want to floor your guests with your classic choice.
Our obsession with the beauty of long-sleeved gowns doesn’t end here. We have various gowns featuring this splendid design detail, in our extensive bridal dress collection at Best for Bride. Visit our shop today, and find out which of these looks best on you.
Many brides come wedding shopping with their mothers. And, it is surprising how many of these mothers want their daughters to choose a traditional wedding dress with lots of pouf, so their daughters look like fairy tale princesses on their wedding day.
It is when the bride doesn’t want this, that the shopping session becomes unpleasant. It is only natural that a bride wants her mother to approve of her wedding dress choice, but doesn’t want to compromise on her style preferences either.
We have witnessed many debates between moms who want elaborate ball gowns, and brides who want their moms to like their dress, without having to choose a heavy gown. Hence, we thought it’s a good idea to feature these fantastic wedding dresses that give you a fairy tale look, sans the pouf. Sound interesting? Then read on!
Mori Lee 2771 Fall 2015 Collection
This is a ball gown with a difference. The dropped waist elongates the torso, and the layered skirt is balanced. The skirt is pleated, which gives it a more defined structure. The delicate beading begins at the sweetheart neckline and continues all the way to the waistline. The back dips into a classic V-neckline. Also available with this dress, is an optional shoulder coverlet created in lace. This makes it all the more versatile, so it is suitable for for both a traditional ceremony and a semi-formal reception.
Jasmine T172010 Couture Spring 2015
How elegant is this ravishing lace ball gown! A welcome variation to the heavy ball gown, the silhouette is perfectly crafted to closely follow your natural curves, and it has just the right amount of bounce in the skirt. The contrast waistband defines your slender waist, and the intricate floral lace motifs make it fit for a princess. The flower clusters thin out towards the skirt in a fascinating design.
Sophia Tolli Y11567 Mon Cheri Spring 2015 Collection
Pouf with a personality, that is what we think this gown is all about. The tiered trumpet skirt is made of layers with jut the right scattering of details along the edges. The sweetheart neckline has an eyelash lace trim, and the dropped waist beautifully enhances the slender figure of the bride. At the back is the traditional corset, that snugly fits your natural curves. Mom will agree that this is a fairy tale dress, even sans the ball gown.
Now, here are a few tips on how you can choose a dramatic wedding gown that is anything but bulky and boring.
Look at fit and flare gowns with a thick skirt. This way, you will have enough layers to create an impact, without it cascading from your waist.
Choose fabrics that are light and airy, and not crisp and sheer. This makes it look elegant.
Dropped and draped waists are slimming and allow you to look fantastic even in a ball gown skirt.
Dresses with vertical embellishments or those with cap sleeves are pretty, without overly spilling out.
To check out more dresses that fit your vision, come visit our bridal gallery on Best for Bride and we can help you choose the dress that mom approves, and you would love to be married in.
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
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
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
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
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
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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