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Sun-Kissed Celebrations: 10 Irresistible Reasons Why Summer Weddings Are a Crowd Favorite!

There are two words that are a match made in heaven–they are “June” and “bride.”

Well, weddings can take place any time of the year, even in the coldest of cold winters. (Yes, that is a trend, these days!) But, we don’t hear brides being associated with any other month, as much as with June! So, we have to conclude that June is perhaps the most popular month for weddings, and it goes without saying that this is because summer weddings have and will always be a huge thing.

We love weddings, whichever be the month that they are held in. Whether summer, spring, winter or autumn, a wedding is always a special event. Having said this,we must also say that we have this soft corner for summer weddings, and with good reason too! In fact, we have ten reasons why we, and the rest of the world, think summer weddings are great! Let us look at what they are.

#1 The long days are a dream come true

The longest days of the year are in summer, and this gives you ample time to enjoy our wedding day without worrying about how early the sun will set and it will be best to dismiss the party. With the sun taking its own sweet time to go to sleep, sunset weddings can be held late in the evening. This allows both the wedding party and the guests plenty of time to get dressed and reach the venue. The best thing is that you can plan your ceremony late in the evening, and not trouble your guests with having to leave work early in the day, to make it on time. The same goes for you too. Take your time to perfect your bridal look, for there is plenty of time.

Summer is also the ideal season to plan a non-traditional outdoor morning ceremony. Wedding brunches that are over before the sun gets too warm are a perfect budget option, that is both casual and fun.

#2 Brides have many more dress options

Take a look at our bridal gallery and you will soon observe that most wedding dresses feature sweetheart and strapless necklines. Many wedding designers bring out plenty of dresses that feature sleeveless and strapless necklines, and this has been the trend for a while now. However, it isn’t a great choice for when the weather is cold, as you will be forced to find an option to cover your arms, at least temporarily.

With summer weddings, you don’t have to worry about this at all. With the warm weather, you couldn’t be more comfortable than in a dress without sleeves or straps. And this allows you to choose from a greater range of options, and find the dress that fits your vision perfectly. Since there are countless choices in soft, airy and breathable fabric, you won’t have much trouble finding a dress that keeps you comfortable during the day. More on wedding fabrics and how to choose the right one, in our previous post here.

#3 Summer time is so joyful and full of color

As the sun smiles down and the flowers are in full bloom, there is a certain joy in the atmosphere that is not found in any other weather. Summer is so full of joy, and weddings being a celebration of love and happiness, there couldn’t be a better time for it. Your guests will also be eager to step out of their homes and enjoy your wedding. This is irrespective of whether it is held indoors or outdoors. The longer days make everyone active, and they will be eager to attend your summer wedding than battle the snow and make it to a winter wedding ceremony.

Now, haven’t you noticed how people like to pull out the most colorful clothes to wear during summer? We think that as the weather becomes warmer, there is a general tendency to shift from the light and pale wintry colors to deeper and brighter colors that reach their saturation levels in summer. Soon afterwards, autumn arrives and the color palettes again recede in intensity, moving towards light or neutral tones. So, if you want a bright and cheerful crowd who will liven up your wedding atmosphere and photographs, you simply have to plan your wedding in summer.

#4 Summer bounty makes menu planning easy

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Summer is the season when you have the best of farm produce to spice up your wedding menu. If you go local or with the seasonal variety, you still have so many options. Nature’s bounty is lavish in the warm summer months, with produce like squash, pumpkins and other colorful fruits and vegetables in abundance. Not only does this allow you to plan a spectacular and vibrant wedding menu, it also allows you to do this without costing the bank.

Another thing to remember is that summer weddings allow you to hold a daytime function like a brunch buffet easily. These are cost-effective options where you can serve delicate and light food that will be satisfying and interesting, and it will be much cheaper than a full-course plated dinner. Since the weather will be warm, your guests may not appreciate a heavy meal. This will work in your favor as you can focus on appetizers and drinks, instead of expensive desserts and rich main courses.

#5 It is vacation time anyway

With schools off for summer and many families planning their holidays at this time, it is a lot easier for people to attend your wedding. If you have invited children, their parents will appreciate attending the wedding at this time of year. This is because the children will be free without having to rush through a hasty weekend wedding to get back to school on Monday. Now, if children aren’t attending, it is still easier for the parents to arrange child care for them. Many of them may already have arranged for a babysitter while they are at work, and it makes sense to simply extend the service to your wedding day without much ado.

It is also a known fact that many people choose to go on annual leave during the summer, and with prior notice they can plan to attend your wedding, and adjust their vacation plans accordingly. It also helps your friends or family in university, as they will mostly have their annual break in summer. When you get married in June, it is closer to the holidays, and this allows you more time to leave town and enjoy an extended honeymoon.

#6 Summer gives you plenty of time to plan your wedding

That is, unless you’re just engaged and plan to have your wedding right away! But, barring this circumstances, we think summer weddings are the most practical weddings. If you have a year or whereabouts to plan your wedding, you can take  your time to plan your wedding look, do your dress research and decide on your wedding décor by winter. You can even place your wedding dress order before spring, and still have enough time to get the alterations done. Come spring, you can go shopping for all the other things you need for the wedding, place all your orders and book everything you need. The pleasant spring and summer weather will allow you to easily meet your appointments, and do all your last-minute tasks without worrying about frozen roads, snow or unexpected blizzards.

With so much time on your hands, you could even plan a destination wedding easily. Nevertheless, we always suggest sticking to a wise and well-planned wedding timeline, so everything progresses as per plan. Here is a wedding checklist that can guide you in this direction. Follow it and make sure you are all set for your wedding.

#7 Summer is the season for destination weddings

Like we said earlier, summer is the right time to have a destination wedding. Your choice may be an exotic beach far away from home, or even a venue in the adjacent town. All the same, this is the right time to plan a wedding a little away from home, because you can afford to make the most of the warm sunny weather and travel far for the biggest celebration in your life. Planning time off work is practical in the summer months, and it will also be easy for your chosen guests to attend your wedding as this is the popular vacation time.

Many exotic destinations offer special wedding packages this time of the year. You may be able to book your honeymoon stay at a reduced rate, or club it with the wedding venue costs. Getting married on the beach, where surf and turf meet, with warm salty breezes punctuating the air—it is a fantasy come true for many couples, and summer makes it possible.

#8 Summer is the best season for flowers

If you are a bride who is excited about flowers, summer is the perfect time for you to plan a wedding with plenty of floral details. The most popular wedding flowers–lilies, gardenia and carnations, are in full bloom during summer. This not only makes bulk ordering budget-friendly, but is also is an eco-conscious decision. When you choose to have these flowers in any other season, they are usually shipped to your location from greenhouses in other parts of the world, where they bloom at the given time. This can not only be expensive, but is also very unfriendly on the environment. Summer makes it possible for you to explore the several options in locally available and seasonal flowers, and you will have ample variety to choose from.

This article on the Flowerexpert blog will enlighten you on the several flower breeds that are available in the warm sunny months. Take a look at it, and you will soon realize how right we are when we say you have no dearth of options.  So, if you want your wedding décor to be filled with blooms of different varieties, colors, sizes and designs, you simply must have a summer wedding. And we are sure it’ll be spectacular.

#9 Summer allows you to sport a fresh tan and look beautiful

Most brides would love to look tanned and beautiful on their wedding days. Getting a real tan is close to impossible in the winter, autumn and even spring. You would either have to opt for the services of a tanning salon, use tanning spray or fake tan. But we all know that none of these come close to the real deal.

Fortunately, with summer, you have the perfect situation to do this with the help of mother nature itself. Spend a stress-free afternoon at the beach, or simply rest in your own backyard, and you will have that magical tan before you know it. And, there is no doubt that a bride with a tan looks fantastic in a beautiful white wedding dress. So, make it happen with a summer wedding, beautiful brides!

#10 Summer weddings make small local businesses happy

With more weddings held in summer, couples turn to the various businesses available locally for their various wedding needs. From florists, to bakers, venues, makeup and hairstylists, photographers and transport companies, all the local businesses see their revenues go up in the warm summer, thanks to the wedding clientele they host at the time. Since the demand for vendors is usually highest this time of year, most business owners are happy as they have a better chance of doing good business.

So, it simply means that not only do summer weddings make the couple themselves happy, they also help the local businesses enjoy the best part of the year with more profit and business. With everyone happy, it is a joyous occasion in every way.

So, there you have it—summer is a fantastic time for a wedding, and undoubtedly one of our favorites. If you have your wedding lined up in the warm months this year, don’t forget to visit us at Best for Bride to find all that you need for your dream wedding. From wedding dresses, to dresses for the bridal party, wedding cakes, invitations, party favors and more, we have every wedding aspect covered under one roof.

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Perfect Pairings—Matching your wedding dress style to your venue

Your wedding venue and wedding dress are very important factors, where the wedding theme is concerned. When you choose the right dress for the venue, the cohesive effect makes it all come together. This is beautiful as you will look like you belong there.

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The wedding gown should look good. Nevertheless, it is equally important to be comfortable for the chosen venue. The weather and location are both relevant factors to make sure your dress is appropriate for the venue.

Fortunately, there is enough variety in wedding dress styles, to satisfy all these factors. Plan your shopping well, so you will have enough time to explore your options. You can then zero-in on a dress that ticks all the boxes.

Today, we will look at dress suggestions that are suitable for various types of venues. But before that, there are two main rules to keep in mind for an easy and practical dress search. Let me tell you what they are.

#Rule 1: Always go dress shopping after finalizing the venue

Begin your wedding dress shopping after you choose the venue, not before. This is because your dress should be comfortable as well as practical in the chosen setting. If you pick your dress first, there is a bigger risk of the dress not being suitable. This is especially if you have to choose a different venue, which can cause several other factors about the wedding to change. For instance, if the new venue has a staircase, a mermaid-style dress may be inconvenient to get around from one place to another.

#Rule 2: Always shop early

I can never stress enough the importance of shopping in advance. As soon as you have an idea of the type of wedding you want, shortlist venue choices. Next, start the research for your dress. Go shopping soon after you lay down the deposit for your venue. It will take time to narrow down your choices and locate the right boutiques. You should then book appointments.

Your task isn’t complete even after you choose the dress. Afterwards, you have to get your alterations done and buy accessories. All this can take anywhere between six and nine months. So, prepare early to do it right.

Now that you know these important rules, let us move on to the list of dresses we have compiled. Take a look at the different styles our fashion experts at Best for Bride suggest for different wedding venues.

Church wedding or wedding in a house of worship

This is the traditional type of wedding. Thus, it comes with a set of rules that the bride is expected to follow. The wedding is formal in nature. Since the guests realize this, they tend to dress their best when the function is held in a house of worship. Choose a dress with huge impact, to stand out against the crowd. A dress with a long train (chapel length or more) is ideal, as it looks grand in this setting. Traditional accessories like a veil are suitable for this venue.

Many traditional religious venues do not encourage revealing dress styles. So you may have to avoid strapless styles. Check with your chosen venue, in case of doubt. Either choose a dress with cap sleeves or longer sleeves, or add an accessory. You can wear a bolero or jacket for the ceremony over a strapless dress for the reception. Luxurious fabric finishes like satin or elegant classics like lace are suitable for this venue.

Style suggestions:

The Mori Lee 2875 is a cap-sleeve tulle gown with intricate embroidery on the bodice. It also has a luxurious ball gown skirt. The dress easily creates an impact with its elegant details. It features the right placement of beautiful embellishments along the neckline, sleeves and waistline. The modest details and majestic train make it suitable for a church venue.

This vintage-inspired lace wedding dress from the Mori Lee collection is an ideal choice for a formal church wedding. Lace details extend from the neckline along the fitted silhouette to knee-length, and make the gown a classic beauty. The illusion style neckline is modest, but stylish. The snug silhouette shows off the natural curves. This dress is bound to impress with its touch of vintage class.

 

Ballroom wedding

You have more flexibility when choosing a dress for any indoor venue other than a church. The choice should ultimately be based on the theme and formality of your chosen venue. Nevertheless, elegant and sophisticated dress styles are suitable for most indoor venues. Modern silhouettes and soft, luxurious fabric finishes look good on such occasions. Minimal details on the dress and simple, uncluttered styles are ideal for a modern, stylish look.

Style suggestions:

The 2880 Mori Lee Duchess satin dress is a dress that is ideal for a ballroom wedding. The scattering of intricate and ornate silver beading and embroidery in the bodice contrasts with the pristine white of the rest of the dress. The off-the-shoulder neckline detail adds a chic, modern look. It has a snug fitting silhouette, which makes this a dress just right for an intimate, formal indoor affair.

Next up, is a trumpet gown from the Sophia Tolli collection. It has beautiful details like metallic lace, a tiered skirt with lace trim and gorgeous sweetheart neckline that make it truly divine. The rich details in the bodice and skirt have a sophisticated effect. This renders the dress a perfect choice for an elegant ball room style reception.

Rustic venue like a barn

Venues like barns are intimate, warm and cozy. They are comfortable, with a relaxed and laid-back ambiance. When the dress you select reflects this effect, it will right for the venue of the event. Lace and chiffon are dress finishes that are ideal. Simple relaxed silhouettes that are not too tight or fitted are suitable. The sheath and A-line are examples. Short dress styles also look great. Accessories like the birdcage veil add a unique detail. Too many details and too ornate embellishments or big bold accessories will not compliment this theme.

Style Suggestions:

The 2816 from the Mori Lee collection has all-over Alencon lace details over soft satin. With cap-sleeves and a fit and flare silhouette, this dress has a vintage charm. Thus, it is just right for a barn style wedding. The soft white color of this dress will show up well against the characteristic warm yellow lights at a rustic venue.

The Mori Lee 6816 is another dress that is suitable for a rustic-style wedding. It has embroidered lace appliques on soft net in the bodice. This continues into the chiffon A-line skirt, with scintillating beaded straps that compliment it. The dress has just the right balance of details without being overwhelming or too elaborate.

Beach wedding

There are a number of factors to consider when you pick a dress for a venue like the beach. Airy and breathable light-weight fabrics are best suited for the natural ambiance. A long train is impractical due to the natural turf. Also, most beach wedding locations call for traveling. So, you need a light and minimal maintenance dress for easy of transport. Goddess-like styles are a big hit, as are dresses that do not feature a train. Take a look at our recommendations here.

Style Suggestions

 

A romantic, airy and light weight wedding dress, the Alfred Angelo 2564 is just right for your beach nuptials. It has just the right amount of details to make a statement. There are silver embellishments along the strapless sweetheart neckline and ruffles in the layered skirt. With a pleated criss-cross bodice and an empire waistline, the dress is remarkable and just right for the natural outdoors.

Modern, fun and flirty, the Mori Lee 6808 is a beautiful dress for a beach wedding. The simple A-line silhouette is embellished with a fully ruffled skirt. I like how this skirt resembles the ocean waves. It has an embellished bodice and a draped waistline, and looks as light as it actually is. The naturally textured look yields well to travel. It is a practical choice for a destination wedding at an exotic location. This Mori Lee masterpiece is definitely a dress to consider for the modern beach bride.

Garden wedding

Garden weddings have a warm, intimate feel. Hence, it is no wonder that this outdoor venue is one of the most romantic venues there is. Garden weddings are best held in spring and summer, when nature creates a glorious palette.

Remember that there are many natural elements to consider in the case of a garden wedding. Your dress should be both practical and comfortable. Fabrics that will not weigh you down are the best, and will let you move about the natural terrain conveniently. Also, delicate wedding dresses with lace and other soft and feminine elements look best in the natural greenery. Avoid heavy ball gowns and thickly layered skirts. Instead opt for soft lace or silky satin. Dresses with short hemlines are also ideal for the casual vibe at a garden wedding.

Style Suggestions

Here is a splendid dress from the Alfred Angelo collection. Designed in an A-line fashion, the 2565T is a net tea length dress. The silhouette and finish make it perfect for a warm spring or summer wedding. The plunging V-neckline with sheer modesty panel adds an element of mystique to the design. A scattering of lace appliques in the bodice and skirt create textural details to the dress. It is both a practical and pretty option for a fun garden wedding.

The 6796 Mori Lee dress in tulle is a delightfully attractive dress, that is buoyant and beautiful. It has light tiers that add drama to the slim ball gown silhouette. The dress is stylish without being overwhelming. Gentle criss-cross pleats in the bodice fashion an attractive sweetheart neckline. The only element of sparkle in the dress is the slender waistband. Airy and dramatic, this dress is just amazing for a garden wedding.

City hall wedding

If you will be saying your “I do’s” at City hall and having a small lunch afterwards, there are few rules to follow when choosing your dress. You can be as fashionable as you like. Or pick a dress that is as modern or as traditional as it gets! The trend, however, is to pick an outfit that is smart but dressy. In short, it should stand out and still make sure you look and feel like a bride! Here are some of our picks for this venue.

Style Suggestions

Here is a smart and minimalist, but interesting dress from the Sans Pareil collection. The 1034 has a sleeveless lace peplum top with frill detail at the waistline. Beneath the lace is a satin sheath that flows to floor length. The short train at the rear adds an essential traditional touch to this beautiful bridal gown.

Color your day with happiness, literally! Here is a colored wedding dress to do so. A dress like this 1007, from the Sans Pareil collection is ideal for a striking bridal look on your big day. With sheer cap sleeves and glittering crystal strands along the sweetheart bodice that thin towards the skirt, this dress is a real dazzler. Although it is different, it is attractive in a bridal way and the perfect outfit for your wedding at City Hall.

So, tell us, which of these wedding venues will you be wed at? And, which style of dress will you choose for your wedding day? Do let us know in the comments section below.

Best for Bride has the ideal range of wedding dresses for every venue and every wedding imaginable. Check out our collection online and shortlist your favorites. From modern and fashionable to classic and timeless, you can find the wedding dress of your dreams in our collection. Additional services like alterations and accessories are also available at Best for Bride, to meet every bridal need. Find out more about our services and collection range by visiting our website here.

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Seasonal Splendor: Choosing the Perfect Wedding Dress for Every Time of Year!

Gone are the days when weddings were a spring or summer affair. Now, both smart and romantic brides choose to get married in fall and autumn. Not only does this allow them to avail huge discounts on venue and caterer bookings, but their unique choice also creates great memories. Of course, summer and spring weddings are equally appealing, in their own way.

This is our round-up of dress features that look good and feel right at different times of the year. Check it out and find out what is best for your wedding.

Spring

Spring is the best weather for an outdoor wedding. If you choose the natural ambiance of the outdoors for your wedding, we suggest wedding dresses in cool, breezy fabrics that flow easily. Keep the train short, so it is practical. This is the weather to wear sleeveless and strapless gowns. If your wedding is indoors, the choices are endless. Our favorites remain lace and embellished gowns, but you can go for rich ball gowns or sheath silhouettes too. Fit and flare gowns are also a popular choice in this weather. Make your choice based on the formality of the wedding and the venue.

Summer

Summer is the season for destination and beach weddings. The best dresses for the warm weather are those in light fabric like batiste, chiffon, crepe, and tulle. While sleeveless and strapless are logical choices, cap sleeve gowns and those with three-fourth or butterfly sleeves also look and feel comfortable, if they are in lace or sheer fabric. A simple silhouette such as an A-line gown or sheath would be best for an outdoor wedding. If your wedding is indoors, in a venue with air-conditioning, this shouldn’t be a constraint.

Fall

With the weather becoming cool, yet not too cold, it is time to make sure that your dress is comfortable and warm. If you choose strapless gowns, accessorize with a stole, wrap or bolero, should it get too cold. The ambiance is more sophisticated with beautiful reds and browns in the natural landscape. Match your look to the natural weather then, with satin and silk ball gowns and mermaid dresses.

Winter

More and more brides choose a winter wedding for how budget-friendly it is. With the cool weather comes the need to layer up. This is the time to choose heavy fabrics like velvet and satin for your wedding gown. Heavily layered ball gown skirts and those will elaborate embellishments will look perfect and feel comfortable in this weather. Pay attention to your arms, and make sure that your dress is paired with a cozy fur wrap, pashmina or a stylish jacket if you intend to take pictures outside or have to be outdoors at any time of the day.

The weather shouldn’t be a constraint to dressing up as you always wanted to on your wedding day. Visit our bridal collection at Best for Bride, and you are sure to find the dress of your dreams, from our extensive collection of wedding dresses in every design and material that you can imagine.

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Our guide to the right outfits for a beach wedding

beach wedding

Is a beach wedding a casual or an elegant affair? What will be the appropriate attire to wear on your beach wedding, or to one that you’ve been invited to? These are few questions that both the wedding party and the guests have, when the wedding venue is a beach.

The natural setting has a casual vibe, so formal wear is ruled out completely. But, you should put in a little more effort than you would when dressing up for a regular beach outing, when you have to attend a wedding. The idea is to strike a balance between semi-formal and casual.

So, we decided to simplify the dress code for these weddings. Read on to find out what attire would be suitable for the couple, bridesmaids, groomsmen and the guests at a beach wedding.

The bride

We strongly believe that a bride should wear a wedding dress she loves, whether she gets married on the beach, or in a banquet hall. Unfortunately, not all dresses are practical for sandy shores. A heavy dress is impossible to carry in warm, sunny weather, and you could trip on one with a long train. The functional choice would be a bridal dress in breezy, light fabric. It shouldn’t weigh you down, and shouldn’t restrict your movement. Nor should it feel too warm. Accessorize to dress up a simple dress, or choose one with embellishments in the bodice if you want a dressy gown.

The groom

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Substitute the traditional dark tux with a lighter shade. For a casual wedding, consider a three-piece suit, or spruce up your look with a colored or checkered shirt. Eliminate the tux altogether, if you want a cool, casual vibe and are planning a Boho wedding.

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

For a refreshing look, choose pastel colored dresses in light fabric like chiffon or georgette, for your bridesmaids. Shorter hemlines are appropriate for the beach, and floral accessories are just perfect for the natural ambiance. Three-piece suits in light shades are the trend in groomsmen attires. Stay away from ties and work more towards a semi-formal look to keep it appropriate.

Wedding guests

Guests usually have the toughest time deciding what to wear. The look should be effortless and casual, but not too simple. Although the venue is the beach, it is still a wedding. So, our suggestion is to aim for casual elegance. Summer dresses in light fabric are a winner for women. You can choose a pretty patterned one with simple embellishments, or choose a monochromatic look. Choose natural earthy accessories made from stones and shells, and keep the bling to a minimum, so you don’t look out of place. Male guests can wear slacks and semi-formal shirts. Both groups should stay away from t-shirts and jeans, as this is in no way appropriate wedding wear, however casual the wedding may be.

Now that you know what is the right attire, all you have to do is find it. Look no further than at Best for Bride for the perfect wedding dress, breezy romantic bridesmaids dresses and outfits for wedding guests.