Tag: destination

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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

menu

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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The different types of summer weddings and what to wear to each of them

SUMMER WEDDING

With summer soon approaching, it is time to bring out our wedding outfits for weddings in the warm weather. The heat during this time makes choosing a suitable attire somewhat difficult, as we have to find a dress that is formal while still being comfortable. This style guide will run you through the different types of summer weddings that you can expect to attend, and what dress is appropriate for the style of wedding and also suitable for the weather.

Types of summer weddings

Formal weddings held at an indoor venue are standard fare in every weather, and the rules of dressing are the same. The reception is usually held in the evening, and in a classic banquet style hall or country club setting.

Another type of popular wedding style is the semi-formal or cocktail style wedding. This may be held indoors or outdoors, and can either be in the evening or in the afternoon. The wedding venue and theme should ideally determine your choice of attire for this type of wedding.

Casual weddings are a huge hit in summer, with the warm weather adding a natural and informal touch to every occasion, including weddings. These may be held indoors or outdoors. Some weddings may also be held outdoors while the reception is done indoors.

Beach weddings are a summer favorite. Although these come under the category of casual weddings, we think they deserve to be a category on their own since the dress code for beach weddings is somewhat different from all the other kinds of weddings.

Now, let us take a look at some general rules of dressing appropriately for any type of summer wedding.

Rules that apply to all types of summer weddings

We all know that summers can be warm, sometimes uncomfortably so. Nevertheless, you should always dress appropriately for a wedding in summer, however warm it may be. Be considerate of the other people at the party, and do not choose dresses that are skimpy or too revealing. It is likely that even a casual wedding may have elderly people and children attending, and you do not want to be the cause of any unwanted attention. Think of what you wouldn’t like others to wear to your own wedding, this will give you an idea of whether your dress choice is inappropriate for the function.

Jeans, shorts and tank tops are not appropriate attire for any wedding, whatever be the style. This rule applies even if the wedding is held at a beach, in a garden or the couple’s backyard. The same goes for plastic footwear too. After all, it is a wedding. You should at least make an effort to dress for it, and not turn up looking like you dropped in on your way to the store.

Apart from avoiding white (which is supposed to be the bride’s signature color), we also suggest that you avoid a dress in the color that the bridal party will be wearing, provided you know what it will be. There are no problems here, but we don’t think you would be too pleased to be mistaken as one of the bridesmaids after all the painstaking efforts you went through to pick your outfit for the wedding.

It is also a good idea to take the venue into consideration when you plan your makeup for the event. Use waterproof makeup and tone down the colors if it is an outdoor or daytime event. This will help you look fresh and charming. We also suggest that you visit this article on HowStuffWorks for more tips on what you should never, ever wear to a wedding.

Now, let’s move on to the more interesting part of what to wear to each of the weddings we listed above.

Black-tie or formal weddings

The general rules of dressing for formal weddings applies to this style of wedding in the summer as well. Aim for elegant and stylish gowns, and choose accessories that complement the dress. Floor-length gowns are the expected norm. However, you can also opt for a shorter dress as long as it is formal attire, and doesn’t look too informal or casual. Fitted silhouettes and A-line dresses with a signature detail are usually appropriate. Another choice is the Little Black dress, but make sure you dress it up so you look special and not like the ten other women wearing black.

One thing you should remember when choosing your full-length gown, is whether the fabric will be comfortable in the hot weather. Satin or polyester gowns may not be the best choice. You should instead look at cotton, chiffon or other breezy fabrics. Since the event will be held in the evening, you can choose deeper hues for your makeup, and add a few scintillating accessories to enhance your look. Just remember the standard rule: For a gown with plenty of details, keep the accessories simple. On the other hand, choose dressy accessories for a simple dress. The basic idea is to balance out your look, and not look too cluttered. Spend time to do your hair. You may like to keep it away from your face with a chic updo, as it will be both convenient and practical. Add a stunning clutch and pair of killer heels, and you are all set for the wedding.

Semi-formal weddings

This is a tough one to crack. It is difficult to say whether the wedding style leans more towards formal or towards casual, based on the information provided in the invitation. You can judge to a certain extent, based on the venue of the wedding. Nevertheless, it isn’t always straightforward if the wedding is held at a resort or a venue with multiple halls. Another thing to consider is the time of the event. If it is in the morning or afternoon, it is more likely to sway towards casual, while evening parties are usually more formal.

In either case, the best option is to choose a dress that is more formal, than it is casual. Cocktail dresses that end at the knee or slightly above are your best bet. But make sure that it is dressy and gives you a festive look. For daytime affairs, soft breezy fabrics in light pastels or dusty colors are a great choice. You can either choose a knee to calf-length dress or a two-piece dress, depending on what looks good. If it is in the evening, opt for darker colors and don’t hesitate to bring on the bling.

Semi-formal weddings open up a world of options in silhouettes, styles, necklines, sleeve lengths and hemlines. The jury is divided on whether pant-suits are suitable attire for semi-formal events. Since it is standard office attire, we think it’s best you let it go. Choose a dress that is more party-style instead. Go with what is trendy, or you can always pull out your safe and solid companion, the little black dress. A-line, fit and flare, and modern fit dresses are all quite popular now. You can choose an off-the-shoulder neckline, or one with a single shoulder strap for a trendy look. When choosing a sweetheart or strapless dress, add a pashmina or stole to your ensemble for the evening, in case it gets windy. For a semi-formal event, stick with heels or peep-toes for your footwear. Sandals and anything too casual are a definite no!

Casual wedding

Do you think anything goes for a casual summer wedding? Unfortunately no! The original rules of never wearing jeans, shorts, tank tops or flip-flops to any wedding applies here as well. Never, ever pull out your formal full-length gown for this wedding, or you will end up looking overdressed. Instead, patterned dresses, plain frocks in fun breezy fabrics and short dresses that are modest, should be your choice.

Make sure that your choice of dress is suitable for the venue where the wedding is being held. Lace dresses are perfect for garden or outdoor weddings. Sparkle is alright, but do it with style and don’t go overboard with it. Choose fabrics like cotton and chiffon to feel comfortable and look good in. The current trend is to go for ballooning, loose-fitting garments, and if you find one that looks great on your frame, wear it. A skirt and blouse are also suitable for casual weddings.

If you are lost for choices, and are worried whether you will end up looking too casual, choose to wear business casual. That way, you can’t go wrong. Make sure you pack a punch by choosing interesting accessories like dangling hoop earrings or a nice chunky necklace to go with your dress. Footwear can either be wedges, peep toe sandals or kitten heels. You can accessorize with a matching scarf, which can double up as a wrap, when it gets too windy in the evening. For outdoor events, it is best to stick with nude makeup and a simple hair style that keeps your hair off your face. You can comfortably let your hair down if the event is held indoors, and also go with darker make-up colors. Casual style usually means minimal makeup and hair styling. So, just enhance your look, and don’t go decked up for a ball.

Beach wedding

The favorite summer style wedding, beach or destination weddings are huge and happening in today’s wedding world. Since the location is definitely outdoors, there are a number of factors to consider when planning your attire for a beach wedding. Firstly, it is going to be hot and sometimes humid, so your choice of fabric is more important than at any other wedding. You will be spending time on the sand, so your choose comfortable footwear. With limited control over the wind and weather, it is best that you are prepared for it with an appropriate hairstyle and suitable makeup. Nevertheless, beach weddings are lots of fun, and one of the most casual styles. So, experiment with what you will wear, and let your personality shine through your dress choice.

Think of summer on the beach, and tea or knee-length cotton dresses come to mind instantly. Dreamy, flowing fabric and short hemlines are regulars at beach weddings. Bring on bright colors and patterns with Bohemian, Aztec prints or anything that you love. Vintage-inspired striped and polka dot dresses are also appropriate, and even chic. Soft pastels and dusty hues look great on short chiffon dresses. Patterned cotton and lace are also great choices. This is your chance to show off your fresh new tan with a beautiful sleeveless or strapless dress. Halter necklines and ruffles are also pleasant and perfect for beaches.

Maxi dresses are another excellent choice. Just remember that you will be walking in the sand, so stick to a length that is just right. Your accessories should add to your look, and it is best to opt for natural cut stones or chunky earthy colors in your accessories. Large statement earrings and burlap or jute clutches or totes are great as accessories. Keep the makeup to a minimum and fix your hair well with a suitable hairstyle that stays in one place and you do not end up looking disheveled. To walk comfortably, choose flat heels or sandals with a festive touch of color or sparkling embellishments.

Now that we have all the different types of summer weddings covered, you know what you should stock your wardrobe with, to be ready for this warm wedding season. Visit us at Best for Bride for a stunning variety of evening dresses and dresses for special occasions. With varieties for every type of wedding we just saw here, you are bound to find all the dresses you require, for attending every wedding this season. Not only are all the dresses pictured here part of our splendid collection, we have much more to suit your taste. And if you are busy planning your own wedding, check out our different wedding services and find everything you need. For more wedding tips, fashion advice and everything wedding-related, keep visiting us at Best for Bride.

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Things to remember when planning a long-distance wedding

Planning a Beach Wedding - The Ultimate Guide

beach-625580_1280

Long-distance wedding planning isn’t for the faint hearted. The challenges are huge; you may be worried about not being able to inspect everything first-hand and having to guess how it will turn out instead of overseeing it yourself.

Nevertheless, long-distance weddings are the rage, and many couples consider this the ultimate romantic wedding. Travel Weekly reports that one in six couples who got engaged in the past year chose to have a destination wedding.  The good news is that most of the couples who choose destination weddings have loved it and had no regrets. So, if a long distance wedding is what you want, cool down and believe you can pull it off too. We will help you with what you need to do it right. So, here goes.

Find a representative to take over your role

You cannot have everything running smoothly and coordinated without someone to oversee the plans. Enter an on-site coordinator! If you have family or friends staying in the locality, who are willing to help, you are one lucky girl. Otherwise, consider hiring a professional wedding planner. Your wedding planner will research vendors, find locations, bargain on your behalf and help you better than you could do so by yourself. If you have already decided the venue, check if they have a manager or coordinator who can do the rest of the arrangements for you. Make sure that the person you choose for the job is experienced and reliable, as you cannot afford any mistakes.

Let pictures do the talking

You know how impossible it may seem to get your idea across because what you envision translates to something entirely different for another person? This is a major challenge where your bouquets and party décor are concerned. So, take the help of pictures. Snip pictures off magazines, download them online and send them across to your representative with clear instructions on what you want. This will make it a lot easier to convey the idea and get what you want.

Be flexible with the details

There is only so much you can do to perfect something when you aren’t around to oversee it personally. Be flexible with the details and go with whatever has the least room for error. If your vendors have online links with pictures, make use of this option. Do everything well ahead of time, so you do not have to stress over details at the last minute. Trust your on-site representative and believe that whatever you get is the best possible.

Follow up

Just because you aren’t in-town, don’t delegate the task of following up with your vendors to anyone else. Make sure you have contracts with all the vendors, and are clear on the emergency cancellation alternatives. Call up your vendors at regular intervals to find out if everything is going as per plan. If it is possible, plan a trip to the wedding venue before the big day so you know everything is progressing smoothly.

With a little foresight and well-thought out plans, your destination wedding will be a smashing hit. At Best for Bride, we have the perfect collection of wedding dresses that will make you the perfect bride for the day. Check out our wedding dress gallery today and find one that will bring out your best.

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Renewing your Vows – A guide to making it perfect

via pixabay
via pixabay

Mignon McLaughlin said, “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.”

Is there a better way to fall in love all over again, than by renewing your vows and saying “I still do”? It gives you an opportunity to celebrate your love and togetherness in the best way you can imagine.

The rules of a traditional wedding do not confine you on this occasion. Whether you choose to have an elaborate ceremony, celebrate it at an exotic location abroad, or have a party with just your close family and friends, it is entirely up to you. All that matters is that you enjoy the occasion, and renew your promise of continuing on the journey of life together.

Here are some tips to help you plan and make the most, of this special day in your life.

Traditional or contemporary, choose to have fun

Unlike your wedding day, there are no rules to conducting this ceremony. You can choose to have an officiant to preside over it, or  just be creative and find an interesting alternative.

You could exchange your original vows, or even make up new ones that are more apt in your current situation.

Discuss how you would like to celebrate the occasion with your spouse, and plan a ceremony that the two of you would equally enjoy.

Plan the perfect attire

7161There are no rules here. You could always use this opportunity to bring out your wedding gown once again, as long as it fits!

However, wouldn’t it be more fun, to dress up in a dress that’s different from a wedding gown? Think cocktail dresses, evening dresses or even a casual frock for a chic, fun ceremony. Match your attire to the formality of the event. When the bride and the groom complement each other, it is a pleasant sight. This is your chance to look romantic, fashionable and gorgeous, so make the most of it.

Ideas to make it enjoyable

Unless you decide to go all out and have a grand celebration, renewing vows are normally intimate occasions that involve just your close friends and family. Make it more fun by involving them too. Choose an interesting theme and have your children be your bridesmaids and groomsmen. The young children of the family could be flower girls, ushers or accompany the bride down the aisle.

Being married for so long is a real accomplishment, so you can symbolize it by exchanging engraved rings to honor your love. Bring back the memories of your wedding day, by decorating your venue with photographs of your wedding day. Display before and after pictures of yourselves, have a slideshow of the various milestones in your married life and let the guests join you as you remember these fond memories.

This is the day when you are free to enjoy all that you wanted to the first time, but couldn’t. Dance together to favorite tunes, and wiggle to some fun music too. Make the most of this occasion to pause and reflect on what your life together has been all about.

Best for Bride has the perfect choice of dresses that can help you look just as beautiful when you renew your vows, as you did on your wedding day. Visit us online and take a look at what we have to offer.