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Womanly Wedding Gowns For Mature Brides-to-be

Recently, 55-year old Shannon Tweed finally wed her long-time love, Gene Simmons (of the rock band, Kiss). The wedding, which was televised on Shannon and Gene’s popular reality TV show, Family Jewels, featured a lavish night-time ceremony, which was attended by a host of glittering celebs.

 At her wedding, Shannon (shown above) chose to highlight her more mature beauty with a feminine, off-the-shoulder wedding dress – one that still showed plenty of discreet cleavage!

Brides-to-be come in all shapes and sizes, and they also come in all ages.

If you’re a little older than the typical blushing bride, you may want a more womanly wedding gown that shows off your curves – without letting it all hang out. Finding an appropriate bridal dress that still makes you feel romantic and special will be easier once you know what to look for.

In general, white wedding dresses for more mature brides-to-be will feature lots of supportive design elements, and they may offer a little more coverage than wedding gowns designed mostly for younger women.

However, as Shannon Tweed proved, you need not sacrifice glamor or the “wow factor” to get the grown-up look you really want!

The idea that older women can’t be sexy and stylish is an outdated concept – after all, beauties in their forties, fifties and sixties (Helen Mirren being a shining example) are in better shape than ever before, and they deserve wedding dresses that do justice to their confidence, wisdom, and regal bearing…

Here are some ideal choices for more mature brides-to-be:

An Elegant Neckline and Tons of Drama…

wedding gown

The pretty and elegant neckline on this show-stopping gown is quite similar to Shannon Tweed’s own wedding design. The womanly draped bodice of this spectacular frock is the perfect complement to a mature figure. Below the waist, at mid-thigh level, a profusion of airy ruffles offer all of the fairytale magic you secretly crave.

As you can see, this white wedding dress offers the best of both worlds to more mature brides-to-be. For an appealing silhouette, wear supportive undergarments, such as a long-line shaper that adds sleekness to the waist, hips and thighs – this piece will hold you in place and streamline your figure.

Spanx make lots of great body-wear for special occasions. Of course, you can always choose a few spicier articles of lingerie to change into on your wedding night.

For this look, hair should be whatever you’re comfortable with – Shannon Tweed wore her blond tresses in loose, romantic curls, and she opted for a long veil. Anything goes on your wedding day – just choose a look that makes you feel most comfortable with yourself.

Makeup should be understated and feminine – rosy mauve or soft berry lips will always flatter mature women.  Dark lipstick makes the lips look thinner – however, for some women, this look still works best.

In general, look at your everyday makeup and stay pretty close to what you normally wear. By now, you’ve learned what is right for your features and coloring. However, you should always avoid glittery or shiny makeup that is filled with shimmer – this type of makeup settles in fine lines and exaggerates their appearance.

Pure Old Hollywood Glamour…

bridal dress

Lush, satiny softness and a deep-V neckline will offer more mature brides-to-be a little taste of classic Old Hollywood glamour. The screen sirens of yesteryear knew how to work it, whether they were young or old. These screen sirens, such as Joan Crawford and Lauren Bacall, balanced dramatic penciled brows, strong lips, and elegantly powdered faces with luxurious full-length evening dresses that hugged their curves without being too tight.

The lovely bridal dress shown above is a traditional choice for any mature bride-to-be – it’s beautiful, sweeping hemline will make all your movements into pure poetry…

A professional blowout, followed by a few large hot rollers , can give you soft, groomed waves that recall Hollywood’s Golden Age – this look is probably better without a veil. Be sure to wear a classic lip color, such as plum-brown, reddish-brown, or dark pinkish-brown. A little brown in a lip color adds elegance – it tones things down for a refined look.

Best For Bride is Here to Help

Whether you’re looking for cheap wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses in Barrie, or Bridal shops in Mississauga, Best for Bride is here to help. Our team of caring wedding specialists know how to help you make your wedding dreams come true.

Our expertise is at your fingertips when you need to find fashionable wedding dresses, bridal jewelry, and more. We have everything you need…from exquisite bridal gowns and veils to wedding invitations. We even offer a convenient online bridal store that makes it so easy to find your dream dress – right from the comfort of your own home!

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Embrace Your Curves: Top Wedding Gown Picks for Full-Figured Brides-to-Be!

plus size wedding gowns

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life – in order to feel special and beautiful during your walk down the aisle, you need to find a gown that flatters your voluptuous curves.

Some of history’s most beautiful women, including Marilyn Monroe and Ava Gardner, were blessed with  curvy hourglass figures that really stopped traffic. Today, actresses such as Christina Hendricks (Mad Men) and Salma Hayek (Ugly Betty) flaunt their assets in formfitting gowns that make the most of their generous proportions.

wiki commons image - public domain

When you choose classic, plus-size wedding dresses designed for your body type, you’ll feel more confident and relaxed as you prepare to be the center of attention. Luckily, many of today’s best bridal gown designers know that every woman isn’t a size 0 – they understand that many women need special tailoring and embellishments created especially for curvy builds.

To help you narrow down some excellent choices for your wedding day, we’ve put together a wonderful short list of high-style wedding gowns that are just your type. Here is a look at some stunning plus size wedding dresses for your special day:

Accentuate Your Sexy Curves With A Dazzling Wedding Gown

plus size wedding dresses

You’ll feel like a goddess when you drape your classic curves in light-as-air chiffon. The dress shown above is a perfect and traditional choice that also offers a touch of true Hollywood glamor.  Subtle embellishments add sparkle to this lovely draped and tucked design.

Styled with a flattering deep-V neckline and substantial straps, this white wedding dress will balance your curves perfectly, and it need little accessorizing. The strong silhouette of this grown-up and womanly gown will give you the confidence you need to shine on your wedding day! A veil or headpiece, such as a crystal tiara, will add chic to this bridal dress; however, you’re still be stunning if you decide to go without. A great pair of strappy sandals or satin pumps and gorgeous bridal rings will really be all you need to make the most of this unforgettable design…

Use Embellishments To Draw The Eye To Your Beautiful Face

plus size bridal dresses

Elegant embellishments on a glam strapless bodice will make you feel like a queen – they’ll also draw the eye upward, adding a glow to your skin, eyes, and hair. Use intricate, feminine beading and embroidery to look your most devastating as you walk down the aisle. With plus size wedding dresses like the one pictured above, you’ll really make the most of your voluptuous figure.

Corset styling offers plenty of support, and this type of wedding gown can be worn with a long-line strapless bra that offers plenty of comfort and shape as it holds everything in place. The hourglass silhouette created by a fitted bodice and full skirt is one of the best designs for plus-size brides – it’s also a traditional and romantic shape that is perfect for this special occasion. Accessorize with a modern, sleek bouquet, high heels, and sexy underpinnings!

This Wedding Gown Is So Flattering, You Won’t Want To Take It Off

plus size wedding dress

Making the most of your curves means finding a design that hugs the body, without being too tight. The daring and dazzling gown shown above fits snugly until it hits the top of your thighs, creating a dramatic, curvy silhouette that is truly stunning. This bridal dress features a lovely and elegant skirt; it isn’t too full, or too puffy. If you prefer more restrained glamor with a hint of old-world elegance, you’ll really appreciate the subtle fishtail design of this pure white wedding dress.

Celebrate Your Beauty – Best For Bride Is Here To Help!

Your curves are beautiful, womanly, and appealing; show them off to their best advantage by choosing a dress that really flatters your body. Hiding behind baggy shapes or old-fashioned design elements isn’t necessary. This is your time to shine, so make the most of it by picking out a bridal dress that fulfills every expectation.

At Best For Bride, our specialists know exactly which styles will work for you. Our bridal shop is filled with perfect wedding dresses for your body type. If you like, you can even order your gown from our online bridal store without leaving the comfort of your own home. We’re here to make sure you get the design of your dreams!

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Eco-Elegant I Do’s: Inspiring Ideas for a Sustainable and Planet-Friendly Wedding!

wedding dress

Today, many brides consider the environment while they plan their wedding ceremonies and receptions. Avoiding waste , ordering planet-friendly supplies, and conserving energy at a grand celebration can be tricky, but it’s not impossible.

Planning a “green” wedding can be a remarkable experiment that most guests will really appreciate. There are plenty of ways to ensure that your wedding is as environmentally conscious as it can be; here are some excellent tips to help you get started:

Choose A Local, Sustainable Menu

Supporting local farmers and local businesses can be an excellent starting point when planning a planet-friendly wedding. After all, so much fuel, energy and packaging is wasted when food products are imported. Choosing local, sustainable ingredients is a perfect way to support your community and protect the environment. Look for fresh produce in season, and choose a menu that celebrates the hard work of local farmers.

Buying food products grown in your locality can be a great way of ensuring that everything served at your wedding is as fresh as possible. While certain types of food, such as wild-farmed salmon, organic beef and chicken, and organic fruits and veggies can cost more, they are free of harmful pesticides, hormones, and other nasty additives. Your guests will taste the difference, and you will support environmentally-conscious local businesses. Ensure your friends and family know you’ve chosen a fresh, local menu – they’ll love the idea!

Use Recycled Paper For Save-The-Date Notes, Invitations, Place Cards, and Menus

There are plenty of excellent ways to use recycled paper and cardboard to create gorgeous wedding invitations, place cards, and menus. If you’re outsourcing these items from a local designer or printer, be sure to request the materials you want – any reputable printer or artist will be more than happy to comply with your wishes.

To create lovely decorations, invitations, place cards and menus from recycled paper – get creative! Use appliques, ribbons, stencils and rubber stamps to give your work a chic, homespun vibe. A hot glue gun can be a great way to add embellishments to planet-friendly recycled wedding favors and invitations. You might also want to look for envelopes made from recycled materials…

Keep Things Simple And Old-Fashioned

A low-fi, old-school approach to wedding entertainment can give your reception a lot of charm. Instead of a noisy rock band or cheesy, loud wedding singers, consider a folk-rock musician who only needs a single mike, a couple of amps, and an acoustic guitar. Even a string quartet can provide amazingly beautiful music during a wedding ceremony, and they won’t need much “juice” to do it. You may also want to conserve power by planning a simple, outdoor ceremony with bright sunlight. Candlelight can be a romantic, planet-friendly option for your wedding reception. Votives and natural beeswax candles can be fragrant, flattering, and lovely to behold.

Plan A Natural Bridal Look That Reinforces Your “Green” Theme

bridal gown

Looking pretty, natural and fresh-faced will complement your wedding’s healthy, planet-friendly feel. Look for a bridal dress that is simple and not too sexy.

If you love funkier, edgier style, express yourself with an unusual gown, such as the cool bridal dress style shown above. Be yourself by choosing a white wedding dress that really reflects your personal taste and sensibilities.

A pretty laurel of flowers in your hair will be lovely choice – brides have worn this style since the Middle Ages. Keep your hairstyle soft and natural – avoid hairspray and a lacquered, fussy look. To highlight your bridal gown and hair, do natural makeup focusing on soft, neutral earth tones – pinky-brown lip glosses, such as MAC Lust, will add enough color and shine. Glowing cheeks can be achieved with a simple swipe of peachy blush, such as the popular Nars Orgasm. The foundation should be used sparingly and designed to create a soft, dewy effect. Almay’s lightweight, sheer bases are a great choice for this kind of look.

Your bridal rings should be carefully chosen to reflect your overall style – generally, the type of woman who wants a “green” wedding won’t need a lot of bling. Subtle Feri jewelry and a small bouquet of wildflowers can be enough to set off your natural beauty as you walk down the aisle in your wedding dress. If you’ve overspent setting up your green wedding, consider shopping for cheap bridesmaids dresses to save a little money; online bridal boutiques, such as our Best For Bride wedding emporium, offer high-quality designs for a reasonable price.

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How To Get The Kate Middleton Look At Your Wedding

wedding dress

On her wedding day, Kate Middleton embodied quiet elegance and poise. Dressed in a dazzling white wedding dress created by Sarah Burton (for Alexander McQueen), Kate looked truly regal as she walked down the aisle at Westminster Abbey.

Always stylish and appropriate, the brunette beauty chose to highlight her lovely bone structure and tiny waist with a classic, princess-style bridal dress, tiara and veil. To enjoy some romantic footage of the wedding, visit this link – you’ll notice lots of exciting details about Kate’s wedding makeup, hair, headpiece, veil and gown…The Royal Wedding 2011 – Kate And William

If you enjoyed the Royal Wedding and you would like to emulate Kate’s gorgeous wedding look, you’ll adore our signature, Kate-inspired bridal gown (as shown above). Crafted with a fitted lace overlay, this luxurious design offers the same restrained glamor and delicacy as Kate Middleton’s wedding dress. Attention to detail, lush fabrics, and painstaking craftsmanship are all utilized to create a bridal gown fit for a princess…

Accessorize For Truly Regal Style

Getting the Kate Middleton look is all about combining perfect wedding dresses with the perfect wedding accessories, such as mid-length, opaque veils and subtle tiaras.

wedding tiara

While Kate’s tiara is made from genuine diamonds, you can get the same royal effect with our crystal wedding tiara (as shown above) – and it won’t cost hundreds of thousands of dollars! Our costume jewelry is very affordable and beautiful – another bonus of choosing a special headpiece like this is the way it will provide you with a poignant reminder of your wedding day – one you might enjoy passing down to your daughter (or any special bride-to-be) one day…

Many brides find that their wedding tiaras (and bridal gowns) take on great sentimental value over the years…

Hair And Makeup Will Complete Your Princess-Inspired Look

Kate Middleton did her own makeup on her wedding day, but she consulted with a Bobbi Brown makeup artist beforehand. During her makeup lessons with this expert, Kate learned how to apply blush, foundation, eyeliner, and lip color without any outside help – this was done to ensure secrecy on her wedding morning.

By choosing to make up her own face, Kate ran less risk of her wedding gown details (which were closely guarded) being leaked to the press.

If you don’t want to hire a makeup artist at your wedding, mimic Kate by visiting a department store and getting some bridal makeup lessons from a professional. A trained beauty consultant can point out the best shades, formulations, and techniques for you.

You might want to select some special products and keep them to be opened before your wedding. Of course, it’s always good to practice and take some digital photographs of your makeup in the weeks leading up to your wedding.

Kate’s makeup was quite strong, but the shades were generally soft and expertly blended. Three types of pink blush (two different rose tones and a shimmer blush) were layered to create flushed cheeks.

A shadow eyeliner in deep black rimmed her eyes, along with two coats of black mascara. Grey and ivory eyeshadow shades were used – the slate color highlighted the lids and crease, while the pale tone was used on the brow bone.

To finish, Kate used Bobbi Brown lip color in Sandwash Pink, topped with a shimmery clear gloss. Of course, moisturizer, base and translucent powder were used to prepare the face for color cosmetics…

Hair Tips For The Kate Middleton Look

Kate pinned back the front layers of her straight brown hair, letting the rest fall loose around her shoulders. This youthful look can be a great choice for many brides-to-be. Simple, shiny hair without a lot of volume at the crown gives a natural effect that isn’t fussy or overdone.

The overall health of your hair should be a priority as you search for a look that suits your white wedding dress. Glossy, sleek tresses that still have some movement will frame your face as you prepare to don your headpiece, veil, and bridal dress.

If you’re shopping for wedding dresses in Toronto or looking for a bridal store in Barrie, you’re in luck! Best For Bride is there to help you put together the ultimate princess look for your special day. We have a team of caring, sensitive, and experienced specialists standing by to give you the personal service you need.

If you prefer to shop online, you can order a Kate Middleton-inspired bridal gown right from our online bridal store