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Mascara Stains And Red Wine – Common Wedding Dress Stains And How To Clean Them

wedding gown care

Your big day has finally arrived, you’ve been planning for your wedding for months now and everything is in place, your guests are on their way and all you need to do is slip into your dream wedding dress that everyone is going to be wowed by!

But… Why is there always a but? What if the unthinkable happens on your and your partner’s special day and you end up spilling something on your dress and staining it? It’s a well-known fact that whenever we wear something white, stains gravitate towards us and there is no exception, not even on your wedding day!

You could be popping on one last coat of mascara before you head to your venue when, whoops! You drop the brush and you have a black streak all down the front of your dress. Maybe it’s raining (which is lucky on your wedding day, by the way) and you have a long train that inevitably ends up covered in mud by the end of your photo shoot. Or, maybe your emotional aunt is giving you a hug at your reception and accidentally spills red wine all down the back of your dress… It doesn’t bear thinking about!

It is important to remember that accidents happen, no matter how well you prepare and if you do end up with a stain on your dress, no matter how small, you mustn’t let it upset you and spoil your special day. None of your guests or your partner would want to see you freak out about something, that in the grand scheme of things is quite trivial.

The best piece of advice we can offer when it comes to stains on your wedding dress is to prepare for the worst, remember there is always a way to resolve a situation and most importantly, stay calm!

Of course, one of the easiest ways to avoid spilling anything down your beautiful white wedding dress is to put in place a few prevention methods. We recommend the following:

  • When getting ready be sure to do your hair and apply all makeup BEFORE putting on your dress. If you need to lift your dress over your head when putting it on, a silk cloth over your face will prevent any of your makeup rubbing off.
  • Don’t eat or drink anything whilst wearing your wedding dress

By following both these stain prevention methods you will reduce your chances of spilling anything down your dress but not eating or drinking on your wedding will not make it much fun… If you decide to ignore this tip (which we strongly recommend you do, if you want to enjoy your wedding day), we suggest putting together a small emergency stain removal kit to deal with any little mishaps as they happen.

Your emergency stain removal kit should include the following:

  • Stain remover wipes
  • Cotton buds
  • White cotton cloths
  • White chalk
  • Baby powder
  • Rubbing alcohol

If you get this dress lifesaver kit ready in advance and give it to your maid of honor to look after on your wedding day, you can be sure you are ready for any stains that come your way.

The next question is, what do I use from my emergency stain remover kit for different types of stains on my dress? As with any clothing, different stains need different treatment and below we have outlined a selection of the most common stains you are likely to end up with on your wedding dress.

Makeup – If during a quick makeup touchup during your wedding day you end up with a drop of foundation or lipstick on your dress, grab a stain remover wipe asap and the stain will be gone before you know it. Nobody will ever know!

Ink-based stains – You’re at your wedding venue, signing the marriage license, when the pen leaks all over your dress! For this, you will need the rubbing alcohol and a couple of white cotton cloths from your emergency stain remover kit. Use one cloth to blot the stain dry and then apply the rubbing alcohol to the other cloth to lightly dab the stain.

Water-based stains – We have already mentioned red wine once but if you do end up with it on your dress, use one cotton cloth to absorb as much of the stain as possible and then soak another cloth (or a cotton bud if it’s only a spot) in warm water before dabbing the area until the stain begins to fade. Remember, red wine is notoriously difficult for getting out so if you can’t remove the entire the stain there and then, pop a bit of white chalk over it to hide the mark for the remainder of the day.

Oil-based stains – Whether it’s a drop of salad dressing or a piece of oily food that ends up in your lap during your wedding breakfast, be sure to sprinkle it with baby powder quickly to soak up the oil. If required a drop of rubbing alcohol on a cotton bud should remove any remaining residue.

Chewing gum – This one is a little more unlikely but if somehow you do end up with gum stuck to your dress, ask someone at your venue to get you some ice cubes and hold it to the gum until it hardens, making it easy to scrape off.

Hopefully, with your emergency stain remover kit to hand and these nuggets of knowledge, you are ready to tackle any disaster stains your wedding dress may encounter.

If you have had to use your trusty white chalk as a last resort cover up option on your big day, you can try any of these stain buster methods at home again to see if they remove it a second-time round.

It is always advised to have your wedding dress professionally cleaned. However, if you are looking to clean it yourself at home, you could try spot cleaning the out layer only or soaking the individual layers in a bath of warm water and detergent for a couple of hours before hanging them out to try.

Depending on your wedding dress material, you might be able to clean it at home but we would always recommend having it professionally cleaned to avoid any irreversible damage. Also, it’s a lot less stressful if you leave it to the professionals!

This is where cleaning facilities and professionals like Love Your Dress come in and take the stress out of removing stains from your wedding dress. It’s important to make sure your beloved dress will be cleaned by a team of experts using modern technologies. That’s the definitive way to get it looking as good as new following your wedding day, helping any unwanted stains vanish and make them a thing of the past.😉

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Bridal pant suits, tiered skirts and other unique wedding dress styles we love

One of the best things about wedding fashion is that it is constantly evolving. Although the traditional layered wedding gown is still popular, bridal dress designers also impress us with unusual and unexpected trends for brides who want something different for their wedding day. The latest trends in wedding dresses are so unusually interesting that I wouldn’t be surprised if many of them would continue to be favorites season after season. Take the 3-D floral trend for instance. It made its appearance several years ago, and still continues to be a big hit. This charming design feature has been played with in different ways, extended to other motifs of nature and even tried out in colors and bigger proportions. And one thing is clear, the trend is here to stay.

There are many more design features that have been bookmarked by many brides and wedding fashion enthusiasts, long before they set their wedding dates. Let us explore this list of the unique and interesting wedding dress styles that are anything but traditional, but impressive enough to stay.

Bridal Pant Suits

With same-sex weddings growing common these days, bridal pant suits which rose to fame in 2014, continue to be favored by many couples. It is not only for lesbian brides, though. Many brides choose them for their practicality and style factor. In fact, the chances are high for any bride who isn’t used to wearing dresses to choose a pantsuit over a poufy wedding dress. And the modern designs are stylish and dressy enough for the bride to look special on her big day. One of the most popular choices is divided skirts, where the pantsuit looks super-chic and very bridal. Well-tailored suits with elegant embellishments are equally attractive. We have also noticed the unusual pairing of the pantsuit with the very feminine veil as the accessory of choice for a “tradition meets modern” bridal statement.

Two-in-one wedding dresses

We have lost track of the number of times we have been asked for dresses that allow a bride to easily transform from a traditional bride at the wedding ceremony to a stylish diva for the wedding reception. Two-in-one wedding dresses are our go-to solution in such situations. Dubbed the two-fer, these dresses feature an overlay skirt over a figure-fitting silhouette like the mermaid. The overlay skirt is often elaborate and richly layered, so it has the appearance of a rich ball gown. This is usually perfect for a traditional wedding ceremony and a princess look for the bride. Post the wedding ceremony, all the bride has to do is take off the overlay skirt, and she has a new look for the reception. Much easier than changing into a whole new gown, don’t you think? Also, it is more economical than spending double on two gowns.

Tiered wedding skirts

Tiered wedding skirts are the happy balance between ball gowns and modern wedding dress styles. They have the drama of the ball gown, but are more sophisticated and look contemporary. Tiers are mostly on A-line and fit and flare silhouettes like the mermaid or trumpet. They are beautiful in every fabric but common in lace, satin and tulle. Tiered skirts are often paired with sweetheart and strapless necklines, adding to the dramatic effect. They may also be embellished with scalloped details at the edges or ruffles. Designers have also tried unusual embellishments like feathers and fringes in tiered wedding skirts. However, these choices are better suited for bold brides than conventional brides.

Muted shades of pink

Ever since blush became a widely sought-after bridesmaid dress color, muted shades of pink have stolen many a bride’s heart. Blush, in particular, is a favorite as it has a delicate, feminine charm. The color is soft, so many brides can safely choose it in their bridal dresses and not deviate too far from traditional white. Another charming factor about this color is that it looks good on most complexions. It is also the perfect base colour for lace details like floral icons and others to pop up against. Blush renders itself beautifully to both modern and vintage wedding dress designs. Whether it is in a ruffled wedding dress skirt or a modern minimalist silhouette, this dainty color, as well as other subtle shades of pink, are big hits in the bridal world. We do not see them disappearing from the scene anytime soon.

Plunging necklines

Definitely a choice for the bold and daring bride, plunging necklines are no longer the fashion statements of celebrities on the red carpet. Plunging V-necklines, daringly low scoops and deep keyhole designs are all hot trends on the bridal fashion scene. The widespread interest in the reinvention of these styles and the number of collections featuring this detail tell us that more and more women are choosing to sport this bold style feature in their wedding dresses. To avert any potential disaster, all that is necessary is to add a sheer modesty piece to the neckline. Nevertheless, after the daringly low-back details that were once a hit on the bridal scene, plunging necklines are a hot and happening thing. Plunging necklines are often featured with straps or sleeveless dresses, adding a finishing touch to the glamorous detail.

Asymmetrical hemlines

Interesting elements like high-low wedding dress hemlines instantly add a touch of drama to the bridal look. This is a feature that has not just gained favor in the general fashion scene, but has influenced wedding fashion as well. High-low hemlines may be used in short or long gowns. It can also be added as a feature that appears over the regular wedding skirt. Asymmetrical hemlines usually involve more fabric to create the flowy effect, and are commonly paired with A-line dress styles, sheaths or fit and flare silhouettes for maximum impact. This is a great choice for casual-theme weddings where the bride wants a dress that isn’t too formal but looks bridal enough.

Off-the-shoulder neckline

A sexy dress feature that allows the bride to show off her well-toned shoulders and collar bones, the off-the-shoulder neckline looks beautiful on wedding gowns. The exposed shoulders and neckline balance out poufy wedding dress skirts. Off-the-shoulder necklines are very feminine, and may be paired with any dress silhouette. It has a princess look when paired with ball gown skirts and A-line dresses, whereas it looks stylish and modern when paired with sheaths and fit and flare silhouettes. The neckline may either feature short sleeves or be combined with long full sleeves for a vintage look. This neckline feature has been added to both lace gowns as well as satin and silk wedding dresses. It may also be paired with a draped bodice or an embellished one in different designs.

Illusion details on sleeves

Illusion necklines were and continue to be a bridal favorite. Although the sleeve length has varied from full-sleeves to strapless styles and those in between, there are always brides who want to look modest and sport wedding dresses with sleeves that cover their arms. Then, brides also want sleeves because their arms are too thick or too skinny to show-off. Illusion sleeve details are a happy middle ground between fully covered and very modest styles and the strapless style that reveals arms all the way from the shoulders to the fingers. Illusion sleeves are usually executed in lace, and have a delicate feminine appeal. This feature is great for formal wedding styles and looks good on both slender and curvy brides. The details may range from intricate lace structures to widely dispersed and scattered details. It can also have embellishments or be simple.

Modern minimalist

Less is more for the modern minimalist bride. Non-fussy, uncluttered wedding gowns do not have to be simple and boring. Instead, they can be stunning and splendid, despite their simplicity. Minimalist wedding dresses allow brides to draw focus to other aspects of their wedding trousseau, like their jewelry and accessories. Sleek and simple modern silhouettes usually focus on enhancing the bride’s natural beauty by drawing attention to her best assets in an obvious way. The most popular silhouettes are fit and flare and column, which either snugly fit the body curves or create the illusion of more curves than the lady possesses. Minimalist dresses may also feature selected embellishments that are vivid and stylish. This is a great pick for the bride who wants her personality to shine through the attire she sports on this important day in her life.

Defined waistlines

More brides today are determined to get in shape and look their best on their wedding days. And when they have great bodies to show off, it is only imperative that they draw attention to the smallest and most attractive of their assets, like a slim waistline. Wedding dresses with emphasized waistlines are just as popular as accessories like bows, sashes and waistbands that define the waistline clearly. This feature is common on not only poufy wedding dresses, but the demarcation of the waistline is even incorporated into fit and flare dresses where there usually is no clear waistline. One of the most exciting factors about defining the waistline specifically is that it gives the dress a youthful appearance. So, although dropped waistlines and empire styles are still sough after by many brides, dresses which highlight slender waists and even draw attention to it are favored by brides who are in good shape in time for their wedding.

Fantastic back details

This is one trend that we cannot get enough of. Every year, wedding designers outdo themselves by presenting us with wedding dresses featuring fantastic back details. The mysterious charm of an ornate back detail is unbeatable, and it is a must-have for every bride on her special day. From fabulous illusion detailing to tasteful lace cut-outs, embellished details, low-cut backs and keyhole designs, details in the back easily impress. It is also an interesting way of showing of your sexy side without worrying about a wardrobe disaster. To highlight back details, the bride must ideally choose a hairstyle that doesn’t cover up the essential details. It may also be hidden when you wear a veil. So, if you choose a dress with a fantastic back, make sure to take off the veil after the ceremony and give it the attention it deserves. Fantastic back details are also stand-out features in bridal and couple portraits. So make sure your photographer pays attention to this detail, if your dress features it.

Over the recent years, many trends have appeared and disappeared. While going with the trend is fun, remember that your wedding dress will be the focal point in your wedding album in future years. It may perhaps even be passed down through generations, and you always want to look classic and timeless in them. We believe that the trends we listed here today are those that will help you look stylish. In short, these are the trends that are bound to be repeated time and again and never go out of fashion.

So, please tell us which of these dress features you like the most. Have you chosen any of them in your wedding dress?

For more wedding dresses and a fantastic selection to make your pick from, check out this link to our wedding dress collections at Best for Bride. From traditional and vintage to modern and contemporary dresses, we have all the dresses you can dream of. Book your appointment with us today, and visit any of our locations in Canada to make your wedding dress dreams come true. And if you are a bride from outside Canada, try our online shopping option for a reliable experience.

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Wedding Dress Shopping Etiquette [2024]: 14 Things You Need to Know Before Your Appointment

Wedding Dress Shopping Etiquette

Wedding dress shopping is an exhilarating experience for a bride. But, as her bridal gown is one of the most expensive dresses she will wear in her life, this can also make her nervous. Fortunately, you will have your entourage and bridal consultants to help you make your dress decision. And, as with everything wedding-related, there are specific etiquette rules that you should stick to when shopping for your wedding dress too. Let us take a look at what they are.

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Tradition Meets Trend: 9 Wedding Gowns that Brilliantly Blend Classic with Contemporary!

Two types of wedding dresses are memorable—those that reinvent classic traditions and others that are strikingly unique. If we look at the former, it so happens that there are many classic dress features that are always look great in a wedding dress. The dress becomes unusually appealing and attractive when these features are incorporated beautifully.

Many designer wedding gown collections today feature dresses with unusual twists on all-time favorite features. Here, we shall look at 10 such design details in some fantastic wedding gowns that blend tradition with modernity,  to look both attractive and beautiful.

1.Deep V-neckline

Powerfully sexy and very bold, the deep V-neckline is a universally flattering feature that looks great on brides of most body types. Since this design feature is usually found on gowns with straps or sleeves, it supports the bust area and thus looks very attractive. Another advantage of the V-neckline is that it is naturally slimming and can create the illusion of a longer upper body.

In the Mori Lee gown featured here, the V-neckline is accentuated with embellishments along its length. This makes the neckline very prominent and draws attention to the decolletage and cleavage. The sleeveless design also allows the bride to show off her arms. The fit and flare design of the gown is another element that creates the illusion of extra height.

2.Off-the-shoulder straps

There is something seductive and extremely attractive about a wedding gown with straps that seem to fall off the shoulder. These gowns have an old-fashioned Hollywood appeal and are incredibly sexy without being in-the-face flashy. It is more attractive than a regular strapless dress as it looks feminine despite exposing the shoulder. This feature on a dress draws attention to the neck, decolletage and shoulders. So, it is a perfect choice for brides who have a well-toned upper body.

The off-the-shoulder neckline is sultry and appealing in the Jasmine bridal dress featured here. The simple crystals embellishment at the corner of the bodice where the straps begin is extremely attractive. This is a definite winner if the bride is a slim beauty who wants to show off her neck, shoulders and decolletage. We also love how the dress seamlessly drapes along the bust, waist and hips, and later flows into a slight fit and flare skirt that cascades to the ground.

3.Embellished sleeves

Long-sleeved gowns were popularly loved in the past, with elaborate puffy shoulders and sequins adorning the sleeves. Though padded shoulders and puffed sleeves may not find favor with the modern bride, the entire idea of long-sleeved wedding gowns isn’t quickly forgotten.

Here is a Mori Lee gown with full sleeves. The beauty of this dress lies in the fact that the sleeves are not your regular state-of-the-art plain sleeves, but are embellished with lace details throughout the length to look very interesting and appealing. With floral appliques spanning the outer edge of the sleeves, the sheer fabric over the rest of the sleeve length creates a beautiful look with skin barely peeping out from within. The dress is a masterpiece in itself, with the soft sweetheart neckline and beautiful floral appliques adding extra charm to the lace dress.

4.Lace

Lace is a timeless and elegant classic wedding dress feature where weddings are concerned. There are few other wedding dress features that are as attractive as lace. The expression of thick and breezy elements that spiral and float in floral designs throughout the length of a dress is very attractive and it is no wonder that it is favored by many brides. Modern designers have honed the exquisite beauty of lace dresses, by adding more features that accentuate the beauty of the floral designs. By including embellishments like crystals, rhinestones and beads and crafting them into illusion neckline designs, lace is given new life so it looks updated and modern.

In this dreamy Sophia Tolli wedding dress, elaborate lace work has been performed perfectly in every section. The sheer neckline over the sweetheart bodice is exquisite as it blends into classic cap sleeves. At the waist is a scintillating chevron band formed of rhinestones and crystal, adding a modern touch to a classic element like lace. The fit and flare silhouette gracefully glides into a scalloped hemline, where the lace details are further perfectly embodied. This is a glamorous gown that is a striking symbol of classic beauty.

5.Sheath silhouette

After the Victorian era of tight corsets that sucked in a woman’s body to fit the look of a perfect hourglass figure, women started embracing their natural curves and accepted loose fitting garments with open arms. The wedding scene was no different, as more and more brides boldly began dressing for their big day in gowns with fluid wedding gowns in sheath silhouettes. These dresses would softly fall over their natural curves and perfectly emphasize their natural body shape. It was an expression of confidence and sensuality, and has continued to be favored by several wedding designers ever since.

The Elsa from the Alfred Angelo Disney collection is inspired by the snow princess in the movie Frozen. Featuring a sheath silhouette embellished with a scattering of snowflake beads, this gown is an elegant and powerful dress that will do wonders for the bride wearing it. The simplicity of the sweetheart neckline contrasts well with the Watteau train that beautifully glides behind like a rippling stream of water. This is a fairy-tale gown that looks like what you could seen in a dream, and any woman who grew up loving storybook princesses would love to embrace the classic silhouette that magnifies her femininity.

6.Empire Waistline

The empire waistline is a raised waistline style that began as part of Neoclassical fashion. This style goes back to the 18th century when it was first seen during the time of the First French Empire. The elevated waistline usually has a circumference that snugly goes around the bust region. It is a flattering style for those who have unsightly curves in the waist and stomach area. Since this pattern camouflages these areas, it hides a bulky waistline while highlighting the bust. The empire silhouette is greatly favored by modern-day brides, and is clubbed with several modern elements to fashion a stylish and contemporary look.

This gown from the petite brides collection at Best for Bride features an empire waistline attached to a fit and flare silhouette. This gives a new look to the gown, as the traditional empire waistline was usually attached to a layered skirt that flared out from the bosom. Here, this modern fit gown uses the empire waistline style by highlighting the elevated waistline with a bow that runs around the circumference of the gown at the bust. This particular feature gives the skirt the illusion of added length, thus making the bride look taller than she actually is. This is one benefit of a design like this.

7.Cap sleeves

Cap sleeves are not only a welcome change from the ever-so-common strapless wedding gown style, there are also very feminine in their appeal. This style is very forgiving for women who wish to hide their shoulders and seek a modest look and style with their wedding dress choice. While it offers the necessary coverage, this classic dress style element also allows you to flaunt the rest of your arms. The modern updates of the cap-sleeve style usually focus on mixing it with illusion necklines for an attractive finish. It looks extremely beautiful when attached to lace gowns.

In this couture wedding gown from the Jasmine collection, the cap sleeve design instantly adds sophistication and style to the design. Since it is done in Venice lace, it is very dainty and feminine, and the scalloped neckline of very fine lace appliques integrates with the sweetheart bodice in an elegant fashion. The neckline and sleeves perfectly complement the gown’s beautiful fit and flare design and are suitable for both the modern bride and the tradition-loving girl.

8.Ball gown

One of the silhouettes that screams wedding is the traditional ball gown. While the original ball gowns were usually done in crispy or silky fabric, the current trend is to use netting and tulle or lace to create fantastic and dramatic silhouettes. The original design usually showcased a skirt with very little to no detailing, and all the embellishments were in the bodice. Designers these days however, spare no detail and the embellishments are seen in the skirts too. The result is dramatic and these gowns easily pack a punch.

This Mori Lee gown is a fine example of what we just discussed. The skirt almost has a 3D effect with the various floral appliques extending all over the bodice and again reappearing along the hemline. The muted color of the base fabric forms an attractive base for the beautiful motifs along the hemline. Adding more womanly appeal to the pattern is the softly sculpted sweetheart bodice that highlights a pair of well-toned arms and decolletage.

9.Plunging backs

Dresses with plunging backs were made for brides who are unable to expose their shoulders, collar bones or cleavage, but have that rebellious streak which makes them want to make one bold statement. Plunging backs are famous again, but this time in a range of options like never before. Those who deem it unfit to wear a low-cut back can still opt for the illusion style back detail dresses that allow them to conceal, yet reveal. With simple lace details or floral appliques forming beautiful pictures in the back, they are bound to enrapture everyone who glances at them from behind during the wedding ceremony. Low-cut plunging backs with embellishments bordering them are also a trending favorite, and these features create an exquisite statement for any wedding dress.

This Jasmine couture wedding gown is a beautiful and delicate work of lace which features an open V-neckline in the front and a deep cut neckline at the rear. The soft lace has an exquisite charm with its intricately woven details that span the entire length of the gown in pretty little clusters that are thicker in the front and thin out in the skirt. Perfect for a formal wedding ceremony, the deep-plunging back is the one striking element that gives this dress a signature finish. Few dresses have the elegance to strike a charismatic effect as this dress does. Alencon lace marries with tulle to form the fantastic details that makes this dress a dream to wear.

Wedding dress trends are a forever evolving scene, with some fashion trends staying longer than the others. Classic design details like those discussed above are the few features that are perpetual favorites. Of course, you may find the occasional bride who doesn’t want lace or can’t imagine dressing up in a full-sleeve wedding gown. But we should remember that these are rare. Most of the features listed here are those that will forever remain etched in our memories as timeless and hence, classic. The list doesn’t end here. As the years progress, more and more designers come up with even more interesting details from the past and breathe new life into them with their designs. So, as long as there will be weddings and those who love history, the classics will continue to be reinvented.

At Best for Bride we are well-stocked with all the designs you can imagine. These range from the attractive timeless classics above to the most modern and trendy designs you can imagine. Come visit our website and have a glimpse of what is on offer. You are certain to find at least a few gowns that you will fall in love with. So, if you are a bride planning to get married in the near future, head over to Best for Bride today. We have you covered with not only wedding dresses, but have everything that you will want for your special day.