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
Wedding shopping is an experience that every bride should enjoy. We, at the bridal shop, try our level best to pamper our brides like princesses, from the minute they walk in. Although we do our part to make it a positive experience that you will cherish, you should remember that your bridal entourage has an equally important role in determining how your visit goes. A supportive bridal party can make your wedding shopping exciting, while a group that disapproves or criticizes most of your choices can ruin the day.
It is always refreshing to see an excited and buoyant bride walk in our door, and equally apalling to find her disheartened and confused when her entourage criticizes her choices or tries to take over the appointment. This is why the bride should carefully choose her entourage, and make sure it has the people who will help her make the right decision. Here is how to make sure you take the right people.
Take as few people as you possibly can
When the number of people accompanying you increases, so does the number of opinions. Don’t feel obliged to call all the people you think would like to go. Only ask those who can really help you. Two or three are good enough, as long as they can do the job well.
A good shopping buddy will be encouraging
How many times have we seen people make faces at the bride or say something horrible, when she comes out in a dress that she thinks is right? This is enough to cloud her mind, and make it certain that this isn’t the right one. It is best to avoid those who are too judgemental and make you miserable with their opinions. The last thing you want is to lose your self-esteem and confidence, based on their opinions.
They should be mindful of your budget
Your wedding dress budget should be sorted out before you go shopping, and your buddies should be those who can agree with dresses that fall within it. Don’t take along people who cannot respect your financial limit and force you to try a dress that is over-budget. If you end up liking it, it will only disappoint you that you cannot afford it.
Image Credit: Wonderlane (CC BY 2.0, )via Wikimedia Commons Your shopping companions have previous wedding experience
Renee Strauss, in her article on the Huffington Post mentions that brides can benefit from choosing someone who has been to enough weddings, to help you decide how practical any dress you wear, would be for the type of ceremony you will have. Having been to many weddings, it is likely that she will have a fair idea of how a feature may be helpful, or how it may cause difficulties if you were to wear it. Also, if there are cultural constraints on your wardrobe, this friend would be indispensable in helping you rule out features that won’t work, and those that will be right.
This has hopefully cleared the air on what you should remember when choosing your entourage. For more tips and information on wedding shopping, download our free e-book on What to expect at your Bridal Appointment. Visit us at Best for Bride for all your wedding shopping needs, and we assure you the experience of a lifetime.
Winter is cold, but winter weddings are cool. It isn’t too difficult to come up with a perfect party plan for a winter wedding, and with a little attention, you can make sure that your wedding will find its place in your guests’ memories.
Food is an important part of every wedding, and what you serve during the cocktail hour at your winter wedding kick starts the festive feast you’ve planned ahead. The better you plan your appetizers, the more excited your guests will be to see what is on the menu for the rest of the evening.
Here are some ideas to inspire you when planning your hors d’ouvres for your white wintry wedding.
Bring color to the table
Winter is synonymous with white. Warm up the ambiance with bright tropical colored fruit and vegetables in your appetizers. We are thinking cherry tomatoes, kale, pumpkin, carrots, strawberries, chocolate and salmon. The more colorful your entrees are, the better they will be received. Not all these choices are available in winter, so the idea is to plan well ahead of time. They can then be freshly frozen and used to add those bright pops of color to your winter menu.
Choose proteins that help against the cold
Don’t we all feel more hungry in winter? So, make sure your appetizers are loaded up on proteins like ham, fish, shell fish and meat, which will help your guests withstand the cold better. They are also more filling, and you can indulge your creative juices in determining the shapes and forms in which they come to the table.
Cheese and cheesy treats are a must
Make the most of the various local cheese varieties, and also splurge on few exotic choices. Cheesy treats like cheese pastries and mini-omelets will also be a huge hit. Check out this idea of parmesan and black pepper shortbread cookies on popsugar.com. I am certain these delicious treats will be both practical and appealing.
Explore the flavors of Asia
Spicy, succulent meat and vegetables packed with aromatic spices are the trademark of Asian fare. The best time to indulge in this rich fare is when the weather is cold, and the warmth of the spices make you cozy. Sesame chicken, prawn crackers, chicken tikka, kebabs and satay are all great options that your guests will love. Treat the vegetarians at your party to vegetable versions like samosas, tofu cakes and dumplings, and nobody will be disappointed.
Cocoa and coffee bars
Although there will be drinks flowing during the evening, adding a hot chocolate and coffee bar to your reception will provide your guests the perfect accompaniment for their tasty appetizers. You don’t have to make an elaborate arrangement, just a miniature station with the basic hot drinks will suffice. If there are teenagers and younger children attending the reception, it will be a great option for them as well.
By now, it is likely that you will have found some practical and interesting ideas for your wedding reception. For more advice and tips on how to plan your wedding right, continue visiting us at Best for Bride.
Getting married when you are pregnant doesn’t mean you have to look matronly on your wedding day. There are plenty of choices for expecting women, so they can look fantastic on their big day while they celebrate their journey towards motherhood.
When choosing a wedding dress, the question you should ask yourself is whether you want to hide your bump or flaunt it. Here, we have rounded up some tips to help you choose the right wedding dress in both scenarios. Join us as we discuss them.
Conceal your bump with a gown with a raised waistline
via Best for Bride
A raised waistline is one that lies above your natural waist. In such a design, the focus is shifted to the bust area. You find this in gowns with empire waistlines. When there are several layers of fabric that flow away from the body, it is easy to hide your bump. Another idea is to wear an overlay skirt with an interesting waistband at a height where your bump will be conveniently concealed. Asymmetrical waistlines which drape towards one side of the body instead of at the centre, are also a good option.
Flaunt your figure in an A-line or trumpet gown
via Best for Bride
If you want to show off your new silhouette, you can do so with an A-line gown or trumpet gown that fits you snugly. Go easy with the embellishments and details, as you do not want to look too cluttered. A gown with a satin finish will be slimming, while it still draws attention to your figure. While altering your gown, don’t make it too tight as you will feel and look uncomfortable in it.
Size the gown right
You cannot predict how much you will grow in the months leading up to your wedding. So, choose a dress that allows you to accommodate the changes in your size and shape. As a rule of thumb, add one inch per month for the months remaining up to your wedding date, and then order a dress one size larger than what this corresponds to on the size chart. This means there will be enough fabric to take in, if you do not grow as big. It will also easily fit you, even if you grow bigger than you expect to.
Choose a flattering neckline and sleeves
via Best for Bride
Your overall look will also depend on the neckline and sleeves of your wedding dress. V-necklines elongate your torso and make you look slimmer. Similarly, a strapless or sweatheart bodice allows you to emphasize the slimmest part of your torso—the neck and shoulders. Also choose sleeves that add the illusion of length. Three-fourth sleeves and cap-sleeves are stylish and good options to try.
When choosing your wedding dress, make sure you are comfortable in what you wear. It should allow you to breathe and not stifle your movements. Have it hemmed to the right length, so you do not risk tripping over it. Also pay attention to the shoes you wear. Avoid high heels, instead go for a good looking but comfortable pair of peep-toes or flats.
Your wedding is a big day, and make sure you have fun as you celebrate it with all the people in your life who mean the most to you—including your little bun in the oven! For more wedding tips and advice, visit us on Best for Bride.
Not every soon-to-be bride is a size 6 or 8. In fact, very few are! While most designers cater to most size ranges, it is a known fact that curvy brides have a difficult time finding wedding gowns that they love. Many of them complain of how they have to settle for ones that are available in their size, because they cannot afford to be too choosy.
However, we do not think this is necessary. If you start early and do your planning right, getting married in a wedding dress you love, is definitely possible. Our tips here are specifically intended for plus-size brides, who are on the search for their wedding dress.
First and foremost, any bride who goes shopping for her wedding dress should have a general idea of what she wants. So, let us look at the features in wedding dresses that look best on curvy women.
What to look for when choosing a gown
Knowing what will look best on you will help you narrow down your choices and make shopping a lot easier. The main factors that matter are
Now, let us find the answers to these questions, when you are a plus-size bride.
Silhouette: Dress styles that look best on curvy women include A-line dresses and ball gowns. Empire waist gowns in fabric that won’t cling may also be considered. Silhouettes to be avoided are sheath and fit and flare, unless you have a well-toned stomach and hip area. You can however consider a partial sheath silhouette, if you have an hourglass figure and the bodice is differentiated from the skirt. In such dresses, only the skirt follows your natural curves.
Neckline: The impact created by a neckline will differ from dress to dress. In general, it is best to avoid designs like a high-neck, halter or strapless style that display the bust prominently, thus enhancing enhance the appearance of the cleavage. Instead, a tastefully designed V-neckline, scoop, illusion neckline or sweetheart will serve you better. One-shoulder necklines with ruched bodices are also a good choice for a chic and dramatic look.
Color of gown: There are different types of white, and choosing the right white will help you look slimmer. It is generally best to avoid stark white. Instead, opt for off-white, ivory or diamond white. You can also look at dresses with a hint of pink or blue in them. Black and white wedding gowns are not only fashionable, they can also camouflage trouble areas and emphasize your best features, when chosen appropriately.
Sleeve-length: You can choose sleeveless styles if you think your arms and upper chest look attractive in them. A good choice in sleeves for curvy women is cap-sleeves. Gowns with thick straps that support the bust and make you look more shapely are also suggested. Avoid sleeves that end at the point where your arm is the thickest. Contrary to the general notion, full-sleeves usually make your arms look thicker than they actually are. Three-fourth sleeves that end between the elbow and wrist are a better choice.
Fabric: Certain fabrics are naturally slimming, while others add more bulk to your frame. So, your choice of fabric can influence the way a dress drapes on you. Fabrics with a tight weave like satin and chiffon will drape snugly and look good on the plus-sized bride. Lace is another good choice. Avoid crisp and net-like fabric that is poufy in a wedding dress. Organza is such a fabric. Also when looking at fabrics with natural sheen like silk and satin, make sure that the dress design suits your frame and doesn’t cling to you at the wrong places.
Now, that we know what features to seek in a wedding dress, let us move on to some tips that will help you find the dress of your dreams.
1.Start early
This applies to all brides, plus-size or not. The earlier you start, the more time you have to research dresses, find potential places to shop at, explore options, go shopping and make your mind. We advise you to start at least six months prior to your wedding, so you have plenty of time to find your dress and make it perfect in time for your big day.
It will also allow you plenty of time to shop for accessories, customize your dress to your preferences and alter it to fit perfectly. Brides who set aside time for this task usually do not face the problem of having to settle for what is available in their size. More time will allow you to revisit the shop if required, and try on more dresses that they can pull out of their inventory, if you aren’t satisfied with what you see at your first dress appointment.
2.Find the right place to shop
One of the main reasons for plus-size women being unable to find the dress they want, is that they end up shopping at the wrong place. Not all bridal stores have great inventories. Nevertheless, there are several bridal boutiques, like Best for Bride, that stock a range of designer collections that cater to all sizes. If you are a plus-size bride, all you have to do is locate such a boutique and shop there.
So, start with a boutique that has several designer collections, including plus-size dresses. Before you contact them, it is a good idea to find out the designer collections with dresses that you favor, and make a list of dresses that you want to try out. Once you have this list ready, call the bridal shop you want to visit and find out if they have samples of these dresses in large sizes, or if they can arrange it. If they do, book your appointment and ask them to have the dresses on your list ready on the day you visit.
3.Do not restrict your choices to plus-size collections alone
Most designer collections are available in a range of sizes, and often the larger sizes will be suitable for curvy women too. Although plus-size collections are specifically created for brides like you, it is not necessary that you may always find a dress you love, in these collections. So, shop around and check out other designer collections too. Although adding to a gown isn’t very easy, a capable seamstress will be able to handle the task, if you love a gown that is pretty close to your actual size.
Like I said before, if you have the time to make all the required alterations, it shouldn’t be a problem.
4.Buy a dress that fits the biggest part of your body
A bridal consultant will measure you prior to finalizing your purchase, and we suggest that you choose the dress that fits the biggest part of your body. So, if you are apple-shaped with your bust wider than your hips, choose the dress that fits your bust. If you are pear shaped with larger hips than the bust, choose the dress that fits your hip measurements. Your seamstress will be able to take in the extra fabric at the hips or bust, as is necessary, and make your dress fit perfectly in time for your wedding.
Comfort is a key criterion when choosing a wedding dress. To make sure of this, choose a dress that fits you now. It is best to err on the side of caution. Although you may see yourself losing weight in time for the wedding, it is best to choose a dress that will accommodate you entirely, even if you don’t. Since you will anyway have several fitting sessions till the time of your wedding, you can always take in any extra fabric once you lose weight as you intended. Still not sure? Just think of how uncomfortable it will be to spend several hours in a dress that is too tight? Yes, it can ruin the best day of your life.
5.Choose suitable accessories
If you love the strapless wedding dress for everything, but the strapless part, don’t fret just yet. This is what accessories are there for. You can always pair it with a bolero and Voila! You have every feature you wanted on your dress. You can also add sleeves in the same fabric as the wedding dress, or take out layers from the skirt if it is too poufy for your taste. Alterations such as these are possible at an additional price, and you can have your own version of the designer gown you love.
The same can be achieved with waistbands, brooches, embellishments and veils. A word of caution when you choose to add extra embellishments to your gown! Consider whether you can enhance your wedding look with a single signature element that draws attention to the smallest part of your body. Or are you better off with great jewelry to enhance the look of a simple gown? If you do go with embellishments, make sure the person who does it can match the original quality of the work done by the designer. Moreover, you do not want to end up with a look that is too cluttered.
6.Consider custom-made
If you are simply not satisfied with what is available in any of the places you’ve been to, consider having your own gown custom-made. There are plenty of companies that offer custom gown making services. You may even find it at the bridal boutique that you visit. At Best for Bride, our in-house gown making team is one such example. We help brides who want a specific look for their wedding day, achieve it by creating their own custom wedding gown.
You can discuss your vision with a talented gown designer, match it to features on existing gowns and work with them to create a draft of the design. This can then be fine-tuned to perfectly match your idea. All that is left is to create the gown perfectly fitted to match your exact measurements, and that will be the task for the design team. You should however make sure that the team handling the job is capable of designing a dress as elaborate as a wedding gown, as it requires specialized knowledge. Check out their portfolio of custom-created gowns and you will get a fair idea of how capable they are at it.
7.Enjoy the experience
Don’t let anyone take the fun out of wedding shopping, just because you are a curvy bride. Wedding shopping is supposed to be enjoyable for every bride, and you too deserve it. So, be confident and don’t let terrible customer service or a discouraging friend in your entourage spoil your experience. Find a place where every bride is treated like a princess, and you will love the experience of searching for your wedding dress. Never be coaxed into buying a dress, just because it fits. Make sure that the only reason you buy it is because you love it. Seek advice from your bridal consultant, family and friends who accompany you to your bridal appointment. But, let the final decision be your own.
I recommend that you spend some time on this article on the Offbeat bride blog, where a real bride shares her plus-size wedding dress shopping experience. Her insights are valuable and should be immensely helpful to you
We hope you now have all the information to get on with your wedding dress shopping. Visit our impressive bridal dress collections from leading designers at our bridal gallery on Best for Bride. We feature a stunning variety of wedding dresses of all types and in every size. Browse our bridal collection and you are sure to find several dresses that you love. Book your appointment with us, and come along to try them out. We are committed to making your dreams of dressing up as a beautiful bride in the perfect dress, come true.
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