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. http://www.BestForBride.com
Every couple dreams of a wedding day that is unique and creative. Colours play a huge role in enhancing the overall mood and effect of this special day. Unfortunately, choosing the right colours for your wedding isn’t as easy as it seems. Although you may have specific favourite colours, you cannot simply put them together and plan your wedding around them.
Wedding colour pitfalls are pretty standard, and they ruin the wedding ambiance. Fortunately, being aware of the likely mistakes will help you avoid them. Here is our guide to the common mistakes couples make when choosing wedding colours. Use it to steer clear of a visual overdose of colours and mix and match combinations that do not gel together.
Do you remember your wedding day fondly and even yearn for a similar experience once again?
Most couples wait till a milestone anniversary to renew their vows. However, there is no need to wait that long. This article in the Huffington Post tells us that it is never too early nor too late to renew your vows. It also has a list of beautiful readings of exciting variety, from which every couple can find one they love. So take a look, and we are sure you will be enchanted by the very idea of having a vow renewal!
Vow renewals are usually done on a wedding anniversary day, as this date is significant to your relationship. However, if your anniversary is soon approaching, why don’t you think of renewing your vows to each other on this day? You can have a ceremony that is as big or as small as you wish. All that matters is that it is just as unique as your wedding day!
And for an excellent vow renewal that will recreate the magic of your wedding day, there are some things you must have. So, what are they?
Here is our list of the ten things you must-have for an excellent vow renewal.
Your bridesmaids are special women—ones who deserve to be beside you when you say “I Do.” So, why not dress them up in something they actually love?
Of course this should be dresses that compliment your bridal look and are suitable for your theme. After all, your bridesmaids are also a big part of your wedding scenery. How you dress them will affect the way your wedding photos turn out. Does that sound like too many conditions to satisfy?
Do not worry, for it isn’t too difficult to find dresses you like and your bridesmaids will actually look forward to wearing. Today, I will tell you about certain dress features that are popular crowd-pleasers. Consider one or more of these factors in your bridesmaids dress choices, and your bridal party will most likely be a happy lot.
You cannot go wrong with dark neutrals like black
Why do you think every woman has a little black dress in her wardrobe? It is a universal favorite that works well on various occasions. Colors that come close to black in the spectrum also look good on most body types. They also suit women of different ages.
Although most brides no longer have issues including black in the wedding, some still try to avoid it. So, if you are looking for alternatives to black for your wedding that are just as appealing, choose navy, charcoal gray or dark brown.
The dress in this picture is a smart number from the Mori Lee collection. The modified A-line skirt and V-neckline make it naturally slimming. The shimmer of beading on lace and the cinched waistline and sash adds to the dressy effect. It is a dress your girls can all sport, irrespective of their age or shape.
Midi dresses
If you want the bridal party look to complement your style, but look distinct, here is an idea! Dress them up in midi dresses in the same fabric as your wedding gown. This will create a cohesive look, but allow you to stand out from the others.
Don’t be surprised if your bridesmaids aren’t too sure about this choice. For there is a popular misconception that you have to be tall to look good in a midi skirt. Fortunately, this won’t be a problem as long as you manage to get the hemline just right. All you have to do is make sure that the dress ends below the knees and just above the calf muscles, and you are good to go.
Take a look at this ravishing beauty in red from the Alfred Angelo collection. The length is just right to create an illusion of slender, long legs. This is something that your bridesmaids will definitely love for its beautiful details, punchy color and overall style.
Dresses with overlays in the bodice
Many common dress styles like the A-line and fit and flare draw attention to the middle. This can make your girls conscious and unhappy about wearing a fitted style. Dresses with overlays in the bodice are good choices if there are women in your bridal party who aren’t particularly happy with the width of their waistline. Cropped bodices or overlays will appear as separate from the skirt, and help to counter the issue. There is no concern about the waistline not lining up with the waist of the dress. Overlays camouflage this area and look easy. The best part is that they look good on a variety of body types.
Take a look at this dress from the Alfred Angelo collection to see what we mean. The slightly extended bodice overlay shifts attention from the waistline towards the hips and legs. The sequinned design is opulent and perfect for a wedding where your girls should look glitzy and glamorous.
Tapered dresses
Any body type can easily carry off a dress that clings beyond the waist and tapers downwards. The idea is to choose a slim but not tight fitting dress and work with the elements in the top to create a balanced look. Short bridesmaids can dress in tapered dresses with high waists that elongate the torso. Dark solid colored dresses that taper just a bit are right for pear-shaped women. Straight body shapes can wear tapered dresses with more volume in the lower half. So, keep the tapered style feature as the cohesive element in your bridal party look. Then experiment with different colors and bodice designs for an interesting effect.
Here is a bridesmaid dress from the Alfred Angelo collection that features a tapered lower half. The upper textured bodice balances out the lower half, and the thick waistband adds a definition to the overall shape.
The illusion neckline
The illusion neckline is a dress feature that is favored by almost everyone, and rightly so. There is something unusually attractive about an almost transparent neckline as an overlay for the bodice. When embellished with a scattering of tasteful details, it looks even more alluring. For it has an exquisite charm and is very feminine. Let this be the common feature in your bridal party dresses, and we are sure your bridesmaids won’t have a reason to complain. With illusion necklines available in a variety of design styles, it won’t be difficult to pick one that suits the body structure and style of each woman in the group.
How amazing is this Mori Lee bridesmaid gown with a sheer neckline studded with lace embellishments. Although it fully covers the neck and bust area, the sheer effect has a dreamy, whimsical impact. The lace appliques in the bodice continue along cap sleeves that complete the overall look with elegance. A dress like this will bowl over your bridesmaids, and it will only be a matter of time before they use it again after your wedding.
The sheath
One of the most romantic and sexy dress-styles of all times, the sheath is a classic that looks good on most body types. It accentuates natural curves and even creates the illusion of a curvy figure, where there are few curves. It is immensely forgiving that way. Additionally, the sheath camouflages wide waistlines and thick hips when chosen appropriately. So, if your bridesmaids have different body types, go with the sheath silhouette for their bridesmaids dresses. So, you needn’t worry about finding separate dresses that flatter each of them.
This relaxed sheath silhouette features all-over shimmering details that are bound to impress. The sweetheart neckline and feminine structure of the dress instantly add a romantic touch. The soft fit looks comfortable and it balances out the extensive use of embellishments throughout this statement style dress.
Asymmetrical draping in the dress
This is one style that you should consider for your bridesmaids if you want a fashionable look. The fashion world is abuzz with asymmetrical details like ruchings, single straps and more. Asymmetrical draping that concentrates in one area of the dress is appealing. Loosely draped ruchings are casual, while tightly gathered drapes enhance the look for a formal gown. It is possible to choose dresses with different types of asymmetrical drapes to suit different body types. Dropped waists will suit taller women in your group. Smaller and full-figured girls can enjoy a slimming effect with draping that forms a textured bodice and highlights the length of the skirt.
Loosely gathered pleats come together at one side of the waist in this dress from the Mori Lee Bridesmaids collection. The effect of the asymmetrical draping to one side is enhanced by the ruffled layers that extend to full length. The textured look is undeniably feminine and this dress is one that will definitely be used more than just once by your bridesmaids.
Fit and flare dresses
Many women are reluctant to try on fit and flare dresses as the name is often misleading. Since the lower half flares out beyond a point, we often tend to believe that this will enhance an already bulky lower half. Fortunately, it isn’t so.
Finding the right dress that flares out to camouflage or highlight a body feature is the only tricky part. When chosen correctly, fit and flare dresses can create the illusion of curves for a rectangle body type, highlight the beauty of an hourglass figure and camouflage thick or thin thighs and hips by having the flare begin at the right point.
Here is an example. This dress which is also from the Mori Lee collection cinches at the waist, and flares out beyond. The slightly elevated waistline and extensively pleated skirt can easily camouflage a thick waist and shift focus to slender legs. This dress has a very youthful look and is perfect if you want your bridesmaids to look smart and chic.
The Modified A-line
The A-line dress looks great on women with a well-balanced figure. However, it may not look particularly good on bridesmaids who are either top or bottom heavy. However a small modification to the style gives us something that is suitable for almost all women. It is the modified A-line.
This style features a fitted style beyond the waist, and resembles a dropped waistline. It then continues into an A-line pattern from the dropped waistline. The benefit of this feature is that it doesn’t draw attention to the actual waistline, but shifts it to the top and bottom halves. It also has an elegant appeal which is different from the very casual A-line.
Take a look at this beautiful blue dress from the Mori Lee bridesmaids collection. The silhouette snugly fits all the way from the neckline to the waist and slightly beyond. It flares out from the hips, creating the illusion of a fuller figure. The finish in satin makes it dressy and attractive. The modest scoop neckline enhances the effect and makes this a dress that everyone in your bridal party can carry.
Now that we have seen the various dress styles that suit bridesmaids of all body types, tell us which of these features do you like best?
Finally, a word of advice. It isn’t always possible to please everyone, even if you really try to. Consider it a success, if the majority of your bridesmaids are satisfied with your choice. Here is an article on the Brides blog that tells you what to do if a bridesmaid really detests your choice. If a simple tweak or customized detail will help her tide over her discontent, it is best to accommodate it. However, if the root of the problem is something else, simply overlook it and go ahead with your plans.
All the dresses we saw today are available in our bridesmaids dress collections at Best for Bride. These designs are available in different sizes and also a range of colors. Click on the links for each dress for more details on it. Also, don’t forget to explore the various other options we have in our collection. With designer collections like Mori Lee, Alfred Angelo, Dessy bridesmaids and more, you will find a dizzying variety to choose from. Click here to visit our gallery of bridesmaids dresses and enjoy your virtual shopping experience today. Or visit us in-store and we will be happy to assist you find the dress that perfectly matches your expectations and makes your bridesmaids happy.
Wedding planning involves so many details that it can be compared to a big, complex project formed of many smaller ones. Once you begin planning your wedding, you will have to make several decisions and choices. These include plans for a sensible budget, meeting deadlines and getting everything done right. So, it is no surprise that your chances for mistakes along the way are high. While some of these can be rectified quickly, others may cost you dearly in terms of time and money.
Unless you have planned a wedding before, it isn’t going to be easy. However, forewarned is forearmed! Here is a compilation of the biggest mistakes we have seen brides make when planning their wedding. Keep them in mind and you can avoid similar issues.
Not setting the budget first
Never overlook the importance of planning your wedding budget first. Wedding expenses can quickly eat into your bank balance. Unless you have a allocated a fixed amount to each aspect, you can quickly go overboard with your expenses. With a little planning, you can choose the venue, catering and wedding dress so that it stays within budget. Since you have more options in these areas, you have the flexibility of choosing them based on your available funds.
However, smaller aspects can quickly add up to a big amount. This article on The Bridal Guide will help you understand what these costs are. Unfortunately, you cannot be too thrifty with these. Plan the budget before you do anything else, and you will have better control over your wedding decisions. You can allocate funds to the bigger expenses after setting aside the amount for the inevitable smaller expenses.
Not hiring a planner till it is too late
Some brides can stand the stress of wedding planning. While these brides can efficiently handle wedding planning tasks, it isn’t as easy for others. We believe the majority of brides quickly buckle under the pressure and lose sleep over wedding planning. It is sad that the rest of their engagement is usually ruined by all the planning. And in the end, it is likely that these brides end up dissatisfied with the overall experience.
If you belong to the latter group, realize it early and seek the services of a planner. If you are already pressed for time, have a demanding job or simply can’t take the stress of wedding planning, don’t wait till it is too late. Wedding planners are experts at negotiating deals with venue managers and vendors. So, don’t wait till you book the venue or hire vendors to hire your planner.
Becoming overwhelmed with inspiration
The internet is a maze of wedding planning inspiration. There are so many wonderful ideas on the wedding scene that it can become a problem when you have to choose. Pinterest-addicts are usually the first to become overwhelmed and confused with this information overload. Don’t be surprised if you lose sense of time or get side-tracked when searching for ideas.
Instead, understand what will work for your wedding and what you can afford to have. Use ideas you see online as inspiration and incorporate only those that actually make sense. Stop once you find what you were looking for and get on with other tasks.
Not prioritizing the guest experience
Your wedding is not just about the two of you. Remember that many of guests take great pains to come and participate in your big celebration. Appreciate their efforts and make plans to engage them and feel comfortable.
The guest experience is greatly affected by the number of people there. Nobody really enjoys a crowded affair. So, think twice about incorporating everyone you know into the guest list. YOu shouldn’t regret having a mediocre party when you could plan one much better. So, include those who really need to be there at your wedding, and plan a wonderful event that all can enjoy.
Going shopping before you know what you want
Wedding shopping for your dress, favors or even accessories shouldn’t be undertaken without prior research. You may be tempted to just do a trial run. However, there is a good chance of your liking something at that time. You may feel it is right and go ahead with the purchase.
Sadly, such impulse buys may turn out to be a decision you later regret. First plan the important aspects of the wedding like the venue, wedding style and time. Then research your options in each area for what would be appropriate. Look for sensible choices that are suitable for your wedding. Only then should you proceed with wedding shopping.
Sharing insufficient or too much information
It is best to keep your wedding planning details under wraps at least till it is finalized. This will help to avoid confusion if you change your ideas along the way. Reveal only what is necessary. Nevertheless, do not skimp on supplying necessary information to your guests. They will appreciate any additional help you can provide on certain aspects, like how to find their way to the venue.
If there are out-of-town guests, you can share information regarding hotels near the venue. Also don’t forget to provide any other relevant information that will make their trip easier to plan. Do the same with vendors. Share as much information as is necessary to let them do their job well.
Pondering too long over a plan
While it is necessary to take your time to make important decisions, don’t delay your choices for too long. Everything is time-bound and most wedding planning decisions involve related tasks. This is why we suggest you set up a wedding planning timeline right at the beginning. Make your wedding plans as per this timeline, and you will know if you fall behind.
When choosing vendors, make your decisions quickly and efficiently. Good vendors tend to get booked quickly during wedding seasons. If you delay your decision, the vendor you like may get booked by another couple. You may then end up having to look for another service provider.
Worrying too much about the little details
There are many big and small decisions to make in a wedding. Although every one of them is important, you should prioritize each depending on their significance in the wedding. Remember that it is nearly impossible to get every single big and small detail perfect. Be open to accepting small imperfections and compromise where necessary. This will make your life a lot easier and reduce your wedding planning stress.
Spend more time on the more important factors and dedicate time and resources to making these perfect. Don’t obsess over the finer details of the smaller elements. Go with what you think is the best possible option and it will all fall into place.
Not paying enough attention to your vendor contracts
We don’t not even want to mention how risky it is to book a vendor without first signing a contract. Now, when there is a contract, it is important you understand everything on it. If there are gray areas, make sure you clarify your doubts before signing it. Read every single contract from end to end. Check whether it comprehensively covers every relevant aspect.
There should be clauses and Plan B suggestions in case of last minute cancellations or emergencies. Include details on all additional charges in the plan. Also add whatever you think hasn’t been explicitly mentioned. This will help to eliminate cause conflicts later.
Trying to appease everyone
The very word “wedding” is enough to have people flocking to you with ideas, suggestions and offers to help. Deal with this situation cautiously. Family and friends may have good intentions, but don’t let anyone take over your wedding. You shouldn’t have to bow to a choice or move with plans you aren’t convinced about, because someone said so.
Remember that this is your wedding day and you should have the last say. Although you can welcome suggestions and opinions, let everyone know that the final decision will be yours. You do not have to do everything as per tradition, unless you are agreeable to it. On your special day, you should be able to enjoy and not regret it later. Stay away from trying to satisfy everyone. This is simply impossible.
Not letting the small mistakes go
As long as you do not have enough experience at wedding planning, mistakes are bound to happen. You cannot plan everything to the last detail and expect everyone to stick to plan. There may be issues with vendors, guests who cancel at the last minute and bridesmaids who show their true colors. Set yourself up to deal with such disappointments and don’t be too harsh on yourself.
On your wedding day, simply focus on the great things that happen. Don’t mull over mistakes or spoil your mood wishing things happened differently. Enjoy the moment as it will never return. Stress on the things that went wrong and you will be making a big mistake missing out on your actual wedding experience.
Expecting the worst
Things may and do go wrong at weddings. While you can try to avoid them as much as is possible, there is no guarantee everything will progress as per plan. However, this doesn’t mean you should only expect the worst. Research and plan your decisions carefully. This alone will reduce the likelihood of errors. Leave the rest to happen as it will.
Simply worrying about what may or may not go wrong will not help in any way. All that it does is add to your stress and spoil the fun of your engagement. Be optimistic and handle issues with confidence. Believe in your abilities to find a solution to any problem, and you will come up with the best possible solution.
Making plans without thinking it through
Dreaming up a wedding is fun, but doing it right can be tough. Before you set your mind on something different and unique, think it through. Consider the funds you have, the practicality of the situation and all the other aspects that will determine the success of your plan.
If you have a destination wedding in mind, make sure you check the legal aspects before you go ahead with plans. Similarly, when picking your wedding dress, try to first understand what would be practical in your venue. Also set your budget before you go shopping.
You assume your vendors understand you perfectly
Whether it is your makeup and hair artist, or your caterer, give clear-cut descriptions for what you want. Don’t just assume that they have understood or you may be in for a nasty surprise later. Whenever possible, share pictures that depict exactly what you have in mind. Ask them to repeat or illustrate what you shared with them.
If there is any confusion, it is best to get it out of the way as early as possible. While it isn’t a good idea to micromanage your vendors, don’t leave everything to them entirely. Keep tabs on their progress and inspect at the right time to find out if things proceed as per your expectations. Find all you must know about your vendor contracts on this article at the Martha Stewart Website.
Planning a wedding is a momentous task. It is not easy whether you have a year to plan or just few weeks. Unless you hire a wedding planner to handle the lion’s share of tasks, you will have to dedicate considerable time and effort to doing it right. Approach the task in a systematic and organized fashion, and it will be easier to carry out.
While you busy yourself with wedding planning, don’t forget to research and choose the right dress for the occasion. Take a close look at our inventory of wedding dress collections and you should be able to find dresses that meet your expectations. For more details, visit our bridal dress gallery at Best for Bride.
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