Category: Bridal Accessories

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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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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

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Unique Accessories for Your Wedding Dress

Your wedding dress will be the center of attention during the wedding ceremonies, and you want to make it as special as you possibly can. There are many ways that this dress can be made, but sometimes the lynchpin is in the accessories to give that wedding dress that more special appeal. You know what they say: the littlest things may actually be the biggest.

bridal dress

Little Things that Mean a Lot

The accessories that you will use on your wedding dress do not have to be big and garish to be noticed. Sometimes subtlety is the name of the game. It really is a good thing to be spectacular on your wedding day, but there is a thin line between being spectacular and ending up as a spectacle.

Glitters and Garlands

There are quite a few ways that you can add to the beauty of your wedding dress, and some of these ways made as part of the dress itself, while others are applied on to the dress. Obviously since the dress is your foundation, choose one that fits you well, not just in terms of physical comfort but one that fits your personality as well. Here are a few ways that you can give your wedding dress a few extra touches:

1. Crystals and seed pearls- these are the most common embellishments that are put on the wedding dress. Good quality crystals and seed pearls will add just the right amount of shimmer and sparkly when the light hits them.

2. Intricate embroidery- gives the gown a “heavier” feel.

bridal gown

3. Different colored cloth- it can be something as big as a waist sash or just piping around the dress. The color is usually the motif of the wedding reception and you can choose to make the colors bold or in pastel.

4. Butterflies- live butterflies can be made to land on the veil or the dress by putting on little dabs of honey. There is no guarantee that they will stay there but the more often than not make it through the walk down the aisle.

5. Fresh flowers- choose flowers that are not too delicate and will last a couple or so hours without water. Orchids and roses are very resilient and ideal for this purpose. Mums and daisies will also give your dress a certain cheerfulness.

You can even place accessory not on the dress but on yourself, like body shimmer or decals. If you want to consider a bit of body paint, just make sure that the kind you put on will not end up on your dress as well.

Add to It, Not Take Away From It

In accessorizing your wedding dress remember that the centerpiece is still you and your dress. Do not put on something that is so distracting that it will be the only thing that people will notice. In the best case scenario, people will love what you put on. In the worst case? People might ask “what on earth was she thinking?”

For your wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses, Toronto only has one reliable source. For these and evening dresses, Toronto recommends BestForBride.com.

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Of Shoes and Evening Dresses

Have you ever heard about the comment: why do women need too many pairs of shoes? Well, the truth is, women are in love with shoes and come hell or high water, they will certainly buy loads of shoes throughout their lifetime. After all, shoes should be matched with outfits, and different occasions call for different styles. Evening dresses, for instance, should need those immaculate Jimmy Choo’s, and not the comfortable Nike’s. Be that as it may, it is rational to say that women certainly need too many pairs of shoes.

evening dress

Women are also about social gatherings – weddings, proms, company parties, important dinners. What comes next after finding the perfect gown is the perfect pair of shoes. Therefore, after choosing one from a handful of wedding dresses, a lady should choose the perfect heels.

So, how exactly should you choose the pair of shoes that’s perfect for your gown? How do you mix and match shoes and evening dresses?

Color

To know which shoes to wear, ask yourself first: do you want to match the color of your dress or would you like contrast? If you want to be all-matching, then choosing your shoes is simple. Gold evening dresses with gold heels, little black dresses with black stilettos.

But if you want to go for contrast, you can always play with colors. Nowadays, you usually see ladies wearing black evening dresses and pairing them with delicious red shoes! That is a sight to behold.

Another option for you is to match the color of your shoes with the color of your handbag.

Style

Choosing the style of your shoes is also sometimes a difficult task. A little guide for you would be to choose a pair that complements the embellishments in your dress. For instance, if yours is one of those evening dresses that are accented with rhinestones, then choose a pair of shoes that have similar decoration.

Also, if your gown is made of flowing, silk material, then strappy sandals are ideal. On the other hand, if it is made of heavy silk, then leather pumps or velvet shoes would fit them perfectly.

Height

How high should you go when it comes to heels? Well, it all depends. First, it depends on the length of your evening dress. A 5-inch stiletto would be ideal if you’re all about sweeping evening gowns. But the same heel height won’t be ideal if your date is not that tall. After all, our society smiles if between a couple, the guy is taller than the woman.

When attending weddings, it might not be a very good idea to wear super high heels – else you risk tripping and ruining the wedding decoration – Toronto or elsewhere.

evening dress

Comfort Above anything else, comfort should be your main gauge when choosing the perfect shoes. Regardless of the beauty of a pair of stilettos, but if you are not comfortable being in it, then you would look scrappy. Uncomfortable shoes would look awkward on you.

Therefore, in matching evening dresses and shoes, make sure to consider comfort. It is the number rule in shoe-selection.

For selections on evening dresses and wedding dresses, visit BestForBride.com. Check them out too if you are looking for options on wedding decoration- Toronto or elsewhere.