Author: Olga Pomeransky

Olga is manager at Best for Bride since 2005. Currently Best for Bride operates 4 bridal stores in Canada (Toronto, Etobicoke, Hamilton and Barrie). Best for Bride sells wedding, bridesmaids, mob dresses and more. https://www.bestforbride.com/
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Graceful Guidance: Essential Tips and Tricks for the Mother of the Bride to Shine!

Watching your son or daughter tie the knot will be one of your life’s most poignant and exciting moments! As the proud matriarch of your family, you will want to be at your absolute best on the big day.

To help you get organized, we’ve put together a quick guide of tips and tricks – just for the mother of the bride! With our suggestions, you can be certain of looking wonderful as you enjoy the ceremony and reception:

Choose The Right Colors For Your Own Dress –

Avoiding snowy white or off-white gowns is important – mother of the bride dresses and evening dresses should never compete with the bride’s own white wedding dress.

Pastels are a safe choice, but they may also wash you out! Don’t be afraid to inject a little color into your wedding ensemble! If you choose a pale pastel for your outfit, try to balance things with a bright lipstick or gemstone necklace.

You don’t have to match the bridesmaid dresses – you can just stay in the same color family if you’re more comfortable with that. Some mothers of the bride actually prefer to choose an evening dress or suit that is in marked contrast to the bridesmaids gowns!

Ask the bride and groom-to-be for advice if you aren’t sure – chances are, they will have a vision in mind for their entire wedding party…

As we age, our skin can lose a little rosiness – stronger jewel tones like golden topaz, sapphire blue,  rich purple or intense magenta can put color near the face where needed.

How you will look is largely dependent on the fit of your dress, and whether its color scheme gels with your hair color, eye color, and skin tone. A brighter jacket with a darker suit or dress underneath can be slimming and very chic.

However, you will always need to match the brightness of your outfit with appropriate makeup. You don’t have to overdo it – or even change your regular makeup very much – just add a touch of vibrant color where it really matters.

Pay Attention To Your Makeup

You will be in the spotlight on the big day! Take care to moisturize well, blot your face with a tissue to remove shine, and then do a careful makeup that highlights your best features. For photographs, a little definition around the eyes, and deeper color on the lips, can be great ways to make the most of your natural beauty.

Lightly filling in the brows with a soft eyeshadow ( it should be one or two shades darker than your hair) or brow pencil can be a great way to look more “awake” in photos!

An age-defying foundation can even out your complexion, creating an ideal base for “party” makeup. You don’t need to put foundation everywhere – leaving it off your forehead and cheeks may look more natural.

Using base on the chin, nose (and around the nose), and under the eyes (if you don’t use concealer) may be more than enough. Powder should be applied lightly with a large brush. Patting powder on with a puff can leave you looking chalky.

If you’re wearing cool colors (icy blue, royal blue, true red, emerald green, pink, lavender), be sure your makeup palette isn’t warm or neutral. Conversely, avoid makeup that fights these tones if you’re wearing warm shades like topaz, cinnamon, or burnt orange. Knowing your own coloring is the key to looking great at your child’s wedding!

Dress For Your Body Type

Dressing for your body type is the perfect way to look longer, leaner, and more proportional at the wedding. If you’re curvier, with fuller breasts and hips, be sure to opt for a style that nips in at the waist! Creating a balanced hour-glass silhouette will flatter your natural body type.

When shopping at a bridal boutique, look for an A-line skirt – it can be very attractive on this body type. Avoid anything too tight or too clinging – a slightly heavier fabric (stiff silk or satin versus filmy chiffon, for example) will provide the coverage and support you need.

Wear the right undergarments – a good bra with heavier straps can be a great investment. Even modern-day girdles or support garments have come a long way, and they can give you extra confidence when all eyes are on you. Look at Spanx or similar, pantyhose styles…

For slimmer mothers of the bride, sheath dresses or chemises can be lovely choices. In general, any cut that follows the leaner lines of your body, without being too snug, will look appropriate and flattering. Avoid ruffles or other frou-frou details – unless you really love them! Shoot for simple sophistication and clean lines – when shopping at the wedding store, add glamor by choosing fun heels, pretty accessories, and stylish colors.

Get Your Hair Done Professionally

You will invest so much energy in supporting the bride-to-be and groom-to-be – remember to pamper yourself, too! A fresh color and blowout will make you feel more pulled-together as you enjoy your child’s wedding. Don’t experiment too much or get too creative – go to a colorist and stylist you know and trust.

Relax And Have Fun!

Your attitude and sense of inner joy is really what makes you most beautiful on your son or daughter’s wedding day! Once you’ve planned out your wedding outfit, accessories, and jewelry, you will be all set to relax and enjoy the thrilling experience!

Plan ahead and get organized – make beauty appointments well in advance, buy any makeup items, lingerie, and other accessories, and tuck the whole shebang away in a garment bag (and cosmetic case). Being 100 percent ready for the wedding will allow you to relax and really be there for your child as he or she gets married!

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How To Be A Truly Traditional Bride

Classic beauty never goes out of style – if you’ve always longed for a traditional wedding with all of the bells and whistles, you’ll need a wedding gown that is truly timeless.

Traditional brides keep it classy – nothing is too flashy, bodices don’t dip too low for good taste, and wedding shoes, veils, and accessories are simple and elegant.

If you’re looking for tips on becoming the most classic, lovely bride you can be, you’ll enjoy our quick guide to timeless beauty for today’s traditional brides:

Rituals And Traditions Will Add Meaning To Your Wedding

Today, traditional brides always choose white bridal gowns – this ritual began in Victorian England, and it was instituted by Queen Victoria, who believed in the purity and angelic symbolism of pure white.

Other early 19th century rituals were also taken into account before brides-to-be selected their wedding dresses – for example, it was considered unlucky to marry in a gown you made yourself. The truly traditional bride will always choose a bridal dress created by someone else…

If you dream of a very traditional wedding day, the charming custom of wearing “something old and something new, something borrowed, something blue” should also be a part of your wedding rituals.

Something old symbolizes your old life as a single woman…and something new illustrates your journey into a new life as a married woman.

Something borrowed echoes the influences of your friends and family…something blue is derived from ancient Jewish wedding traditions…this soothing color is believed to be a symbol of faithfulness in love…

English brides in the Victorian Age also put a silver coin (sixpence) in their shoe…this tradition was believed to bring good luck and material success to the new couple after their wedding…

Traditional Beauty Is Simple And Feminine…Never Overdone…

Creating traditional beauty in your wedding ensemble can be as simple as wearing a circlet of wildflowers in your hair…brides in the Emerald Isle followed this ritual for centuries.

If you prefer a classic veil, you may enjoy knowing that it is symbolic of chastity! The first wedding veils worn in ancient Greek ceremonies were yellow – in Rome, they were red!

Simple makeup and soft, touchable hair are the hallmarks of the classic bride – whether you hair is worn up or down – both styles are quite traditional – it should be classic and feminine.

Don`t wear too much powder – keep your skin youthful and dewy with a great moisturizer…blotting papers are a cute, and very traditional, way of cutting shine without adding more powder!

Look at works of art from online gallery tours – women of previous centuries were always captured while showing off flowing curls, luminous skin, and natural beauty.

A fake spray tan may look great at the beach, but it won’t really evoke classic beauty at your wedding. It’s all about making the most of your natural hair texture and your God-given coloring!

Embrace your own beauty with a classic wedding gown, elegant veil, and dainty wedding bands.

Other Fun Wedding Traditions To Enjoy

Today, many brides also follow the ritual of not being seen by their groom-to-be before the wedding – being spotted by your future husband before you walk down the aisle is thought to be bad luck.

In certain cultures, a ritual bath is practiced by brides before they are dressed in their wedding gowns – this cleansing ceremony is believed to purify the bride-to-be before her marriage.

Plan Your Trousseau

This fun tradition is French in origin – the word trousseau mean “bundle”. Your trousseau is a special set of clothing and accessories, designed to be worn on your honeymoon. If you’re interested in wedding rituals, you’ll truly enjoy filling a trunk or suitcase with a “bundle” of new items! This may not be as wonderful as finding perfect wedding dresses, but it can still be very fulfilling! Traditionally, the bundle may also include some new items for the home…

We hope you’ve enjoyed this look at traditional bridal rituals. Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life…if you value the rituals of the past, add in some of them to your own wedding day. You’ll connect with history and symbolism as you prepare to start a whole new chapter in your life!

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How To Make Your Bridesmaids Feel Appreciated

“My friends are my estate.”

– Emily Dickinson

Without your loyal and lovely bridesmaids, your wedding would be less wonderful. These caring ladies are there to help you look as beautiful as can be on the big day…they also provide amazing moral support during the months leading up to your wedding.

If you’re given to a little Bridezilla behavior now and then (and aren’t we all?), you’ll have even more reason to value every bridesmaid in your wedding party… why not show these special girlfriends just how much they mean to you?

Avoid The Clichés – Give Your Bridesmaids Something Pretty To Wear At Your Wedding

The best way of showing you care is by helping your bridesmaids avoid the most dreaded cliché – the homely dress, designed to make the bride look so much prettier by comparison. It can be tempting to put your girls in ugly dresses, but it’s really a bad idea on many levels.

After all, you’re a modern, confident woman! You don’t want your bridesmaids dressed in tacky styles they’ll secretly despise. Your wedding will be more pleasant for everyone when you honor your bridesmaids – they don’t need couture pieces straight off of a Paris runway. However, even cheap bridesmaid dresses should offer the best quality, sophistication, and fabric possible.

A brainstorming session, where the bridesmaids come together and give you ideas about what they’d prefer to wear, would be a great “girl’s night” activity. Watch 27 Dresses or The Wedding Singer, have some snacks and drinks, and chat about bridesmaid gowns and fun wedding decor ideas!

Of course, it’s your wedding, not theirs – still, you should always be sensitive about their body issues and opinions. Treat them as you would want to be treated…even if you had to wear something terrible when they walked down the aisle!

Being a gracious, kind bride-to-be is just good karma! It will also ensure that your friends are happy and comfortable in their gowns.

Choose Wisely

If they’re paying for their own outfits, they will be so relieved when you choose modern, pretty dresses that can even be worn again for other occasions. Consider cocktail-length gowns for your bridesmaids – they can add pizazz to your wedding, and they are so classic!

A knee-length sheath is always a flattering choice for almost any woman! A-line skirts are wonderful for curvier bridesmaids – they balance their shapes beautifully. Pay attention to the unique physical characteristics of each woman. It’s possible to find different bridesmaids dresses for each lady, as long as you stay in the same color family. Have fun with it! Don’t be afraid to innovate!

You’ll Always Be The Star On Your Wedding Day…

You will be the focus at your wedding – you are the gorgeous star of the day! Your stunning, snowy white wedding dress, sparkling bridal rings, and glamorous hair and makeup will put the spotlight on you throughout the ceremony and reception.

Your bridesmaids will be there to provide the perfect backdrop – and backup – if they are feeling pretty and appreciated, it will show! Their positive energy will add a lot to your whole wedding experience – make the day special for them as well!

A Fun Gift Idea For Your Bridesmaids

Before or after your ceremony, consider giving each bridesmaid a special present that is fun, personal and even poignant. It’s not about money – it’s about friendship! Here is a lovely gift idea that can be work with almost any budget:

Bridesmaid Survival Kits –

These popular kits often contain boring essentials, such as travel toothbrushes, sewing kits, extra stockings, Chap Stick, and mints. No one really wants everyday basics as a present! Make your own emergency kit – but fill it with fun and glamorous little mini-gifts.

A rhinestone-studded compact mirror or a scented lip plumper will be appreciated by almost any bridesmaid. Bath bombs that fizz and smell delicious are cheap, but they will always be enjoyed – and they’ll help each bridesmaid unwind before or after your wedding celebration. The goal is to give useful items with a little added charm!

Add any fun extras, such as glam nail polish or luxurious body lotion, that you happen to find on sale in the weeks before your ceremony. Wrap the whole kit up in a basket or shiny gift bag – add tissue paper or cellophane, and tie it with lots of colorful ribbons.

Your survival kit should be practical, but also something even Lady Gaga would appreciate! Put in a personal note as well, letting the bridesmaid know how much she means to you!

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Getting Gorgeous – How To Be The Most Beautiful Bride You Can Be

We all have our own kind of beauty…every woman has something special that makes her different and alluring. On your wedding day, you’ll already have a sort of “built-in” radiance – this comes from being in love, and from the excitement of celebrating your wedding day with your groom, friends, and family. After all, a lovely wedding is really one of the most romantic things a woman will experience in her lifetime!

However, despite the magic of the day, many women still work very hard to plan their outfits, hair, makeup, and bridal jewelry – they want to become the most beautiful brides they can be! Luckily, there are lots of tips and tricks you can use to make the most of your natural beauty. The smartest brides opt for colors, shapes, and bridal rings that flatter their own body types and coloring.

Wedding Dress Advice

TV shows like Say Yes To The Dress showcase the drama of choosing the ideal wedding gown. Brides-to-be often melt down under the pressure! It doesn’t have to be like this! By understanding some simple rules about your own body and what flatters it best, you can avoid the stress of trying on dozens of gowns that just don’t measure up! Here is some practical advice on finding the right dress for your figure:

Boyish –

You’ve got the sleek, elegant figure many women envy! Smaller breasts, slim hips, and lean limbs define this type of body. For you, a lot of frills or overtly feminine touches may not work too well. It’s better to play up what nature blessed you with by highlighting your small waist and pretty arms! You can add a little sexiness by opting for a bustier-style bodice that gives the impression of a curvier chest – but why even bother? Instead, go for sleek, minimal style…after all, your figure is the type that fashion designers seek out for their runway models…

Sleeveless will look beautiful on you…think modern when you shop for your wedding dress. Keep it stripped down and minimalist…you’ll look stunning in a simple shape…it can be embellished with sequins, embroidery, or what have you, but the shape itself should follow the lines of your body, without a lot of volume or puffiness…

Take your cue from high fashion – a snug sheath dress or slip dress bridal gown will be the height of elegance. In general, the princess type of gown won’t suit you best – it’s meant for women with more conventional hourglass shapes. Go for sophistication and you’ll dazzle your guests – and your groom – on the big day!

For wedding hair and makeup, polished style is best. A little volume in the hair can add femininity – consider wearing your hair in a half-up, half-down style. Rosy blush will add softness to your facial shape…don’t skip this important step when you do your makeup! For wedding rings, consider something streamlined, with a touch of high-fashion chic! As long they are not fussy or old-fashioned, bold, striking engagement rings will work well with your body type.

Celebrities With Boyish Builds – AnnaLynn McCord (90210), Keira Knightley, Anne Hathaway, Kristen Stewart

Medium Build…The Classic Hourglass…

You’ve got a pretty hourglass figure, with a defined waist, fuller breasts and hips, and curvy thighs. This pleasing shape can be a pleasure to dress – however, you may have a few areas you prefer to cover up. Women with medium builds are often thin in certain places, and a little plump in others…keeping perfect balance is the challenge for this body type.

A feminine, 1950’s silhouette will work beautifully on you…a snug waistline, corset-style bodice, and full skirt will accentuate all the positives, and still bypass your hips and legs. The classic princess wedding dresses you see on the covers of bridal magazines are tailor-made for your girly figure. Embrace your curves and have fun with a pretty wedding gown that highlights your chest and waist!

Strapless may not be the best choice for you – unless the gown has a lot of support, i.e. a built-in bra or corset – you may not have enough support without straps. Sleeveless sheath styles won’t be the best choice for you – they won’t balance your shape the way a princess wedding dress will.

Look for gowns shaped like you – even a sexy mermaid-style gown can work, if the size of your chest and hips are quite balanced. For your hair, consider a pretty up-do that adds height – it shouldn’t be too fussy or overdone. If you’re wearing your hair down, a medieval style center parting can be lovely on you – it will lengthen your face. Your jewelry should be traditional and not too large in scale. You might enjoy a classic solitaire engagement ring with a touch of vintage charm. Makeup should highlight the lips and eyes…

Celebrities With Medium Builds – Catherine Zeta-Jones, Scarlett Johanssen, Britney Spears

Curvy

You’ve got the bombshell curves of a classic pin-up…however, you may feel a little self-conscious, because you don’t fit the size two, fashion model stereotype. The voluptuous bride should learn to enjoy her curvy body when shopping for a wedding gown…let go of the idea that everyone should conform to a certain standard of beauty. In fact, your gorgeous curves can be simply stunning when you find plus-size wedding dresses that put the focus on your full breasts and luminous skin. The trick is to emphasize what is most beautiful about you…

Gowns that lace up in the back are perfect for you…they will allow you to adjust your gown in case of any weight fluctuations. Wedding dresses with built-in support are also a wonderful idea – it’s just easier to find a dress that holds everything in place when you opt for a corseted style. If you feel too constrained in that type of gown, go for a classic silk or satin wedding dress without a lot of embellishment. In general, you don’t need a lot of bells and whistles…your glorious curves are already at center stage…

Your skirt shouldn’t be too full…you really don’t need too much volume. A little bit of fullness will be the best choice to balance your shape…keep the focus of your dress on the bodice for the best effect. Pretty lace or beading around the neckline will draw the eye to your beautiful face.

For hair and makeup, be daring…don’t be afraid of a ruby lip or a little shimmer on the eyes. Really go for it! You may want to wear your hair down – it tends to flatter a rounder face. Your veil should be sheer and not too long for the best effect. Wedding rings should balance your proportions – a bigger gemstone or wider band will look lovely.

Celebrities With Curvy Builds – Oprah Winfrey, Ann Wilson (of the rock band, Heart), Beyonce Knowles, Jessica Simpson