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
It is common courtesy to RSVP, whether you will be attending a wedding or not. There is a purpose to it, as it helps the couple make their wedding plans accordingly. However, a last-minute cancellation not only results in money being wasted and seating arrangements threw off but is plain inconsiderate.
As a guest, if you are not sure that you will attend the wedding, it is polite to inform the couple of this. Mention that you will confirm at a later date, and make sure you do. It isn’t right to expect them to accommodate you at the last minute when they have already planned the final details of the wedding. On the same note, it isn’t right to tell them that you will be attending and then just throwing their plans off.
Nothing beats a brand new wedding dress, but we all know how expensive it can be! It may not be possible to find that perfect wedding dress you always wanted, if you are on a limited budget. So, let us think of what is the next best option. You can either buy a second-hand gown, or rent your wedding dress from a reliable wedding store.
Buying your wedding dress second-hand is not a bad idea, as it will have been used just once before. If you are lucky, you may even find a gown that still has the tags on, if the bride who originally bought it later changed her mind after buying it. Either way, one thing is certain; the price will be a lot lesser. Nevertheless, there are a few questions you should ask when taking this route, and here they are.
A once-worn wedding gown can quickly age, if it wasn’t preserved properly. So, it is wise to find out whether the gown has been preserved professionally following the wedding. Although a gown can be priced at less than 50% of the original cost, it isn’t always worth the price, if the gown hasn’t been properly cared for. A well-preserved wedding gown, on the other hand, will be as good as new, and you can be assured that you are getting the best deal for your money.
Are the alterations reversible?
Any bride who buys a wedding gown will have performed minimum alterations, so it fits her exactly. Since it isn’t likely that your measurements will match hers, you may have to further alter the gown to fit you. So, it makes sense to check on what alterations were carried out, and if they are reversible. This article on the Bridebox suggests that you ask for the actual measurements of the second-hand gown, and not the measurements that it originally came with, to understand whether it is the right choice. Remember that it is always better to buy a bigger gown that you can take in.
Always deal with a trusted and reliable seller
The last thing you want is to buy a gown that is a knock-off, when you want to start off your marriage on a perfect note. Avoid this by asking your seller for proof of purchase. This will also allow you to check when the dress was purchased. If it was professionally preserved, ask for receipts of that as well. This will allow you to check whether the gown was preserved immediately after the wedding, and not when the seller decided to put it on the market. Since you will most likely be keeping the gown after your wedding, you must make sure that it received good care from the time it was out of the box.
Exercise caution and pay attention to the details, when you buy a pre-owned wedding dress. This way you can not only realize your dream of wearing the perfect wedding dress, but can do it with satisfaction.
If you would like to rent your wedding dress instead, get in touch with us at Best for Bride, and we can help you out.
The traditional wedding gown is white, and it is an eternal favorite that is difficult to replace. You can always choose a colored gown if you want to defy tradition, but let’s face it, nothing says you are a bride, like a white wedding dress.
Nevertheless, you may wish to look unique on your big day, and create a statement look with something that sets you apart from the hundreds of other brides you see everyday. And, color is the way to do it. Just a few doses of color in the right place will enhance your wedding day look, and here are our suggestions on how to do it right.
Brightly colored shoes
The extent to which your shoes will be on display on your wedding day will depend on the length of your dress. However, there is no denying that a colored shoe adds personality to a wedding outfit. How about choosing a blue shoe, for your something blue? Or, if you have a colorful palette, match your shoe to the colors in your décor, and it will blend in perfectly.
Colored Wedding dress linings
Add a colorful shadow to your white wedding outfit with colored dress linings or an underskirt. This article on the Offbeat bride introduces the idea of colorful bridal petticoats in crinoline for the perfect pop of color in your bridal outfit. This works perfectly with a short hemline, and would add a stunning casual vibe to an informal wedding. Don’t you think it will work great at an outdoor garden wedding? It isn’t overwhelming, but is very interesting.
Bright bridal jewelry
A stylish and sophisticated way to add color to your wedding outfit, bridal jewelry using colored gemstones are both striking and appropriate. You options include: emeralds for green, turquoise for blue, quartz for pink, garnet for brown etc. Or go for bright chunky necklaces and bracelets if your wedding has a colorful theme with bright tropical colors. Accessorize to match the colors in your wedding theme, and you will have just the right accents for your wedding dress. Choose your hairpieces with these colors, and imagine how beautiful your wedding photos will be.
Colored waistbands
Colored satin waistbands were one of the hottest bridal trends on bridal shows for 2015-16. Neutral colored waistbands were featured with pure white wedding dresses, and trust me when I say the effect was stunning! Why don’t you add this simple, but stunning addition to your wedding wardrobe, and make your wedding dress more attractive. Match it to the color of your bouquet, or to the other colors in your wedding palette.
Colorful stole, wrap or jacket
Suitable for cool weather, this is an idea that will allow you to sport the all-white look at your wedding ceremony, and then add an interesting element to your outfit in your wedding photographs. Perfect for strapless and sleeveless dresses, choose your warm wedding accessory in a bright color that goes well with your wedding palette, and you will have a versatile option that keeps you warm while looking great too.
Which of these ideas will you be incorporating into your wedding?
Whether you want a colorful wedding dress, or a gorgeous white dress, check out our collection at Best for Bride. You are bound to find one that you will love.
Many couples prefer not to include children in their wedding reception. It could be the difficult task of keeping them occupied, or the worry that they will cause too much distraction. So, if you have a list that includes these young guests, you are being very considerate.
Having young children attend your party means more planning than before. Nevertheless, many wedding parties involving children have happened without many hiccups, and you can do the same at yours. All you need is to plan some entertainment to keep them engaged throughout the evening; give them great food, and they should enjoy it just as much as the other guests. Here are some ideas to try at your wedding, so the little ones are engaged and have fun.
Plan a play space
You cannot expect children to sit still, and enjoy a serious party like adults do. If you do, they will simply squirm and whine, and spoil the fun of the party. So, plan a separate space for the children, which will be filled with activities to keep them busy. Art-and-craft centers are favorites, where they can entertain themselves. Just make sure that you go with options that aren’t messy, and there is plenty for all of them to indulge in.
Appoint a babysitter and/or hire an entertainer
While most of the parents will manage their tiny tots, at least a few would appreciate the chance to engage in some conversation and enjoy themselves in the other activities at your wedding. This wouldn’t be possible without the help of another responsible adult, who can manage the kids. Consider hiring the services of a babysitter or two, to attend to the children. If there are quite a number of children from different age groups at the wedding, set up an entertainment plan for the kids and hire a professional who can either put up a show or plan games for them. Face painters, clowns, comedian, puppet artists and magicians are always loved.
Plan their menu carefully
If most of the kids are very young, seating them down to a five course meal wouldn’t be a good idea. Rearrange the menu choices and throw in child-friendly food choices, when planning their meal. The service should be such that they will not be forced to wait. Substitute gourmet adult food choices with those that kids love, in their menu. You can also consider sending out a few options, and having parents choose what the set menu. This will eliminate confusion, and they will get what they are most likely to enjoy.
Make arrangements so they can rest and nap
If the guests are really young and your reception is in the evening, they will most likely be tired and sleepy before the evening is over. Take this factor into consideration and make arrangements for them to rest or nap comfortably, should they require it. This will allow their parents to relax and enjoy the evening, without disrupting their child’s schedule.
With a little planning and preparation, you can easily make your wedding party child-friendly. And, don’t forget that kids love gifts. So, choose some awesome party favors. For more wedding tips and advice on planning your lifetime celebration, visit us on Best for Bride.
Recent Posts: The Best Bridal Store - Your source for everything you want to know about weddings
