Posted on 7 Comments

13 Most Important Things To Avoid The Week Before Your Wedding [Don’t Make These Mistakes!]

13 Most Important Things To Avoid The Week Before Your Wedding [Don't Make These Mistakes!]

As the wedding day approaches, brides and grooms will have hundreds of last minute things to tick off their checklists. Now, here is another list for brides to take note of—the Don’ts!

Brides, don’t take them lightly, for some mishaps cannot be undone when you have little time left. So, look out and stay away from making these big mistakes during the days leading up to your wedding.

Continue reading 13 Most Important Things To Avoid The Week Before Your Wedding [Don’t Make These Mistakes!]
Posted on 3 Comments

Beautiful bridesmaids dress styles you simply cannot go wrong with

Bridemaids

Your bridesmaids are special women—ones who deserve to be beside you when you say “I Do.” So, why not dress them up in something they actually love?

Of course this should be dresses that compliment your bridal look and are suitable for your theme. After all, your bridesmaids are also a big part of your wedding scenery. How you dress them will affect the way your wedding photos turn out. Does that sound like too many conditions to satisfy?

Do not worry, for it isn’t too difficult to find dresses you like and your bridesmaids will actually look forward to wearing. Today, I will tell you about certain dress features that are popular crowd-pleasers. Consider one or more of these factors in your bridesmaids dress choices, and your bridal party will most likely be a happy lot.

You cannot go wrong with dark neutrals like black

Why do you think every woman has a little black dress in her wardrobe? It is a universal favorite that works well on various occasions. Colors that come close to black in the spectrum also look good on most body types. They also suit women of different ages.

Although most brides no longer have issues including black in the wedding, some still try to avoid it. So, if you are looking for alternatives to black for your wedding that are just as appealing, choose navy, charcoal gray or dark brown.

The dress in this picture is a smart number from the Mori Lee collection. The modified A-line skirt and V-neckline make it naturally slimming. The shimmer of beading on lace and the cinched waistline and sash adds to the dressy effect. It is a dress your girls can all sport, irrespective of their age or shape.

Midi dresses

If you want the bridal party look to complement your style, but look distinct, here is an idea! Dress them up in midi dresses in the same fabric as your wedding gown. This will create a cohesive look, but allow you to stand out from the others.

Don’t be surprised if your bridesmaids aren’t too sure about this choice. For there is a popular misconception that you have to be tall to look good in a midi skirt. Fortunately, this won’t be a problem as long as you manage to get the hemline just right. All you have to do is make sure that the dress ends below the knees and just above the calf muscles, and you are good to go.

Take a look at this ravishing beauty in red from the Alfred Angelo collection. The length is just right to create an illusion of slender, long legs. This is something that your bridesmaids will definitely love for its beautiful details, punchy color and overall style.

Dresses with overlays in the bodice

Many common dress styles like the A-line and fit and flare draw attention to the middle. This can make your girls conscious and unhappy about wearing a fitted style. Dresses with overlays in the bodice are good choices if there are women in your bridal party who aren’t particularly happy with the width of their waistline. Cropped bodices or overlays will appear as separate from the skirt, and help to counter the issue. There is no concern about the waistline not lining up with the waist of the dress. Overlays camouflage this area and look easy. The best part is that they look good on a variety of body types.

Take a look at this dress from the Alfred Angelo collection to see what we mean. The slightly extended bodice overlay shifts attention from the waistline towards the hips and legs. The sequinned design is opulent and perfect for a wedding where your girls should look glitzy and glamorous.

Tapered dresses

Any body type can easily carry off a dress that clings beyond the waist and tapers downwards. The idea is to choose a slim but not tight fitting dress and work with the elements in the top to create a balanced look. Short bridesmaids can dress in tapered dresses with high waists that elongate the torso. Dark solid colored dresses that taper just a bit are right for pear-shaped women. Straight body shapes can wear tapered dresses with more volume in the lower half. So, keep the tapered style feature as the cohesive element in your bridal party look. Then experiment with different colors and bodice designs for an interesting effect.

 

Here is a bridesmaid dress from the Alfred Angelo collection that features a tapered lower half. The upper textured bodice balances out the lower half, and the thick waistband adds a definition to the overall shape.

The illusion neckline

The illusion neckline is a dress feature that is favored by almost everyone, and rightly so. There is something unusually attractive about an almost transparent neckline as an overlay for the bodice. When embellished with a scattering of tasteful details, it looks even more alluring. For it has an exquisite charm and is very feminine. Let this be the common feature in your bridal party dresses, and we are sure your bridesmaids won’t have a reason to complain. With illusion necklines available in a variety of design styles, it won’t be difficult to pick one that suits the body structure and style of each woman in the group.

 

How amazing is this Mori Lee bridesmaid gown with a sheer neckline studded with lace embellishments. Although it fully covers the neck and bust area, the sheer effect has a dreamy, whimsical impact. The lace appliques in the bodice continue along cap sleeves that complete the overall look with elegance. A dress like this will bowl over your bridesmaids, and it will only be a matter of time before they use it again after your wedding.

The sheath

One of the most romantic and sexy dress-styles of all times, the sheath is a classic that looks good on most body types. It accentuates natural curves and even creates the illusion of a curvy figure, where there are few curves. It is immensely forgiving that way. Additionally, the sheath camouflages wide waistlines and thick hips when chosen appropriately. So, if your bridesmaids have different body types, go with the sheath silhouette for their bridesmaids dresses. So, you needn’t worry about finding separate dresses that flatter each of them.

This relaxed sheath silhouette features all-over shimmering details that are bound to impress. The sweetheart neckline and feminine structure of the dress instantly add a romantic touch. The soft fit looks comfortable and it balances out the extensive use of embellishments throughout this statement style dress.

Asymmetrical draping in the dress

This is one style that you should consider for your bridesmaids if you want a fashionable look. The fashion world is abuzz with asymmetrical details like ruchings, single straps and more. Asymmetrical draping that concentrates in one area of the dress is appealing.  Loosely draped ruchings are casual, while tightly gathered drapes enhance the look for a formal gown. It is possible to choose dresses with different types of asymmetrical drapes to suit different body types. Dropped waists will suit taller women in your group.  Smaller and full-figured girls can enjoy a slimming effect with draping that forms a textured bodice and highlights the length of the skirt.

Loosely gathered pleats come together at one side of the waist in this dress from the Mori Lee Bridesmaids collection. The effect of the asymmetrical draping to one side is enhanced by the ruffled layers that extend to full length. The textured look is undeniably feminine and this dress is one that will definitely be used more than just once by your bridesmaids.

Fit and flare dresses

Many women are reluctant to try on fit and flare dresses as the name is often misleading. Since the lower half flares out beyond a point, we often tend to believe that this will enhance an already bulky lower half. Fortunately, it isn’t so.

Finding the right dress that flares out to camouflage or highlight a body feature is the only tricky part. When chosen correctly, fit and flare dresses can create the illusion of curves for a rectangle body type, highlight the beauty of an hourglass figure and camouflage thick or thin thighs and hips by having the flare begin at the right point.

Here is an example. This dress which is also from the Mori Lee collection cinches at the waist, and flares out beyond. The slightly elevated waistline and extensively pleated skirt can easily camouflage a thick waist and shift focus to slender legs. This dress has a very youthful look and is perfect if you want your bridesmaids to look smart and chic.

The Modified A-line

The A-line dress looks great on women with a well-balanced figure. However, it may not look particularly good on bridesmaids who are either top or bottom heavy. However a small modification to the style gives us something that is suitable for almost all women. It is the modified A-line.

This style features a fitted style beyond the waist, and resembles a dropped waistline. It then continues into an A-line pattern from the dropped waistline. The benefit of this feature is that it doesn’t draw attention to the actual waistline, but shifts it to the top and bottom halves. It also has an elegant appeal which is different from the very casual A-line.

 

Take a look at this beautiful blue dress from the Mori Lee bridesmaids collection. The silhouette snugly fits all the way from the neckline to the waist and slightly beyond. It flares out from the hips, creating the illusion of a fuller figure. The finish in satin makes it dressy and attractive. The modest scoop neckline enhances the effect and makes this a dress that everyone in your bridal party can carry.

Now that we have seen the various dress styles that suit bridesmaids of all body types, tell us which of these features do you like best?

Finally, a word of advice. It isn’t always possible to please everyone, even if you really try to. Consider it a success, if the majority of your bridesmaids are satisfied with your choice. Here is an article on the Brides blog that tells you what to do if a bridesmaid really detests your choice. If a simple tweak or customized detail will help her tide over her discontent, it is best to accommodate it. However, if the root of the problem is something else, simply overlook it and go ahead with your plans.

All the dresses we saw today are available in our bridesmaids dress collections at Best for Bride. These designs are available in different sizes and also a range of colors. Click on the links for each dress for more details on it. Also, don’t forget to explore the various other options we have in our collection. With designer collections like Mori Lee, Alfred Angelo, Dessy bridesmaids and more, you will find a dizzying variety to choose from. Click here to visit our gallery of bridesmaids dresses and enjoy your virtual shopping experience today. Or visit us in-store and we will be happy to assist you find the dress that perfectly matches your expectations and makes your bridesmaids happy.

Posted on 1 Comment

Fashion Advice: Most Flattering Necklines For Your Bridesmaids Dresses

Fashion Advice: Most Flattering Necklines For Your Bridesmaids Dresses

One of the primary focal points of every dress is the neckline. Choosing the right neckline will draw focus to the beauty of the natural facial features of the wearer and enhance the overall appearance of the dress style selected. In addition, it will draw attention to the most attractive features or camouflage the less desirable traits when chosen appropriately.

When choosing bridesmaids’ dresses, choosing a single dress is no longer stylish for your entire bridal party. This is because your girls won’t be the same size or have the same body shape. So instead, we suggest you consider a range of options and mix and match dresses to suit the individual traits of each of the girls in your bridal party.

One good mix and match option is to vary the dress’s neckline while keeping the colours or silhouette constant for the entire group. This gives the group a super-stylish and modern look. It is easy, as most collections offer the same shade for several dresses. So you can find suitable silhouettes and necklines for each of your bridesmaids while keeping the colour uniform.

This guide looks at the most flattering neckline styles for different body types. Use this advice to choose the best neckline styles for your bridesmaid’s dresses. We are sure it will help you come one step closer to making your bridesmaids happy with your dress choices.

Continue reading Fashion Advice: Most Flattering Necklines For Your Bridesmaids Dresses
Posted on 11 Comments

Trends We Love : Classic Features in Modern Wedding Dresses

Bride in her dress with clear skin on her wedding day

The most romantic wedding dresses harmoniously blend timeless elegance with contemporary style. When traditional favorites are reinvented with modern touches, the result is astonishingly attractive. Wedding dresses have evolved in terms of silhouettes, necklines, sleeves and hemlines over the decades. Nevertheless, it isn’t uncommon to see interesting trends from the past being reused in wedding dress fashion now.

With more and more brides opting for vintage style wedding dresses, but updating them to suit their modern taste, one thing we know is that our favorite features will never be lost forever.

Today, we will discuss about how old meets new in the world of wedding dresses. We will visit some of the beautiful designer dresses from our collection at Best for Bride, that bring together contemporary styles with timeless classic features. These dresses will appeal to both the modern bride and the bride who favors classic styles for her wedding. So, take a look and don’t forget to tell us which of these are your favorites when you are done.

Fishtail Gown With V-neckline

The mermaid style fit and flare gown is a current favorite with many modern brides. This silhouette allows them to flaunt their beautiful body shape on their wedding day. The characteristic feature of the mermaid gown is that it clings to the body, and draws attention to every natural curve. So, this silhouette is anything but traditional. When it is paired with strapless necklines, the result is often an ultra-modern and extra stylish gown that only a confident bride would be comfortable in. The V-neckline on the other hand, is a timeless favorite. The length and depth of the V has often varied, and it is possible to both look modest or show off your decolletage and cleavage with a beautifully designed V.

mermaid wedding gown

This is an elegant masterpiece that has both the modern fishtail feature and the timeless V-neckline. With thin straps that support the neckline, and an embellished bodice that scintillates with crystals up to knee-length, it is a statement gown.

Ball Gown With Illusion Neckline

The illusion neckline is a recent entry into the wedding fashion scene, and ever since it made it’s appearance, brides have accepted it with open arms. The thin sheer layer of fabric that barely conceals the skin that lay beneath it, gives rise to breathtaking effects. This is what makes this feature a winner. Many modern designers make the most of illusion details by extending it to beyond the neckline, the  into sleeves and back as well. It is often seen as a combination that is modest and sexy at the same time. Ball gowns, on the other hand, have always been an age-old classic style. At Best for Bride, we often notice how mothers want to see their daughters in elaborate and heavy ball gowns on their wedding day. On most cases, the bride disagrees (sometimes vehemently!) to this idea. We’ve seen many heated debates and tears at such dress selections where opinions clash.

beautiful ball gown wedding dress

While the neckline and illusion cap sleeves are sexy and mysterious, the ball gown is still there, although a little less poufy than in the traditional way. Even so, it will be favored by the older generation. Crystal beaded embroidery adorns the bodice and extends into the skirt in tiny clusters here and there. The illusion layer sits atop a stunning sweetheart neckline, that is bound to be a favorite with the modern woman who wants subtle glamour. This dress is just right for a formal church ceremony, and the best part is that the bride will not feel weighed down in a heavy skirt with more layers than is actually necessary to get the shape right. The beautiful illusion details also continue into the back, with a wide V-cut framing the intricate beading at the back.

Princess Seams and Illusion Neckline

Princess seams were details added to the bodice and skirt of wedding dresses in yester-years, so it looked tailored to the bride’s actual measurements. These rounded seams added definite structure and made the dress look fitted. However, it was often a style that extended continuously from the bodice, all the way to the skirt. Adding an illusion neckline and ornate embroidery details on the bodice can add an innovative touch to this classic element, and make it much more interesting.

Princess Seams and Illusion Neckline

The sheer bateau neckline and sleeves continue into a pretty sweetheart bodice decked with intricately woven lace details. Artistically placed crystal beading enhances the beauty of the gown, by adding sparkle to the waistline and decorating the lace applique above it. The satin skirt, in contrast, is simple but lustrous and luxuriant, as it softly glides down to full-length.

Fit And Flare Dress With Lace Details

Lace is synonymous with vintage, and a favorite with brides of all generations. However, it is not often suitable at modern weddings, and is usually preferred for traditional style weddings. However, lace is an element that can do wonders to the bridal ensemble, when chosen properly. It renders itself suitable for any style of wedding, when used in the right doses and paired with the right features. When lace appliques tastefully adorn a fit and flare gown, it can be stunning and the onlooker will have a hard time deciding whether the dress is more contemporary or classic.

lace vintage wedding gown

Another ravishing beauty from the Mori Lee Spring collection, is a gown that adds a touch of timeless elegance to the most modern design. The fit and flare silhouette is embellished from top to toe with fine Alencon lace appliques, and the embellishments on it extend all the way to the sheer train. The dress has a snugly fitted scalloped sweetheart neckline supported by scintillating shoestring straps. The back features a daring deep cut that gathers into a train of fabric buttons that run all the way down to the derriere. Alencon lace appliques frame the back and are truly mesmerizing.

Fit And Flare Dress With Tiered Skirt

Tiered skirts were a big thing in the 1910’s and they perfectly fit the picture for a vintage-inspired wedding. Fit and flare silhouettes, on the other hand, are a contemporary fashion feature. Combining the two together gives you an unusually appealing combination of old meets new, with no compromise on style or elegance. With the fit and flare silhouette, the upper part of the dress allows a bride to show off the figure she is proud of. The lower part that has the tiered skirt, gives the dress an unexpected twist that can also tie it to a vintage theme.

tiered skirt wedding dress mori lee

This dress features both the elements, and also has elaborate lace details that make it a work of art. The gently scalloped lace details on the hemlines of each of the tiers creates an exquisite overall look for the dress. Additionally, the entire silhouette up to knee length contains beautiful Alencon lace details created with finesse, and the sweetheart neckline makes it glamorous too.

Draped Bodice And A-line Pick Up Skirt

Many fairy tales have featured pick-up skirts, but this feature was always associated with ball gowns. The pick-up style later disappeared from the scene. It has reappeared now, but this time with a modern twist that is more charming and appealing. The characteristic rolling up of the skirt at specific points, which made it look heavy and difficult to manage, is now updated in an A-line silhouette style. This considerably reduces the volume of the skirt, instantly adding a touch of sophistication to it. When the bodice has a ruched style, with gentle pleats coursing over the torso, there is an almost seamless integration of the bodice with the skirt. The effect is stunning.

beautiful pick up skirt wedding

This imarvelouslous dress in a modified A-line silhouette with the pick-up skirt detail being its most spectacular feature. A sparkling waistband defines the end of the bodice, which drapes around the body in gentle pleats. This design instantly adds extra inches to a bride, and is a beautiful gown with its strapless soft scoop neckline and simple, but luxurious details.

Lace Gown With Full-Length Illusion Sleeves

Illusion designs have not only braced the neckline, but we often see them on the back and sleeves too. Although the original illusion styles were relatively simple, with just a thin layer of fabric over the chosen area, lace appliques and motifs are more elaborate today, making them splendid works of art. Most wedding gowns with illusion necklines feature cap sleeves, or are sleeveless. However, illusion full-length sleeves have a breathtaking beauty, as you will soon see. When this feature on the sleeves is combined with the traditional vintage element—lace, in the body of the gown, the dress is happy harmony of old and new.

full length sleeves wedding gown

Beautiful full-length illusion sleeves with exquisite beading along the length of the sleeves almost look like a bolero over the ruched sweetheart neckline and bodice. The entire gown is created in lace over satin with the dress featuring a draped design all the way from the bodice to the end of the skirt.

A-line Silhouette And Plunging Sweetheart Neckline

The A-line dress was one of the first design innovations in wedding gowns, introduced soon after women started shedding corsets and dressing up in garments that embraced their natural body shape. Since then, the appeal of this silhouette has only grown. It still continues to be a favorite among brides, with the simple pattern helping them create a sexier look with the illusion of curves. The strapless bodice, has also been on the scene for a while now, but modified sweetheart necklines with a plunging section in the center are a novelty, that only bold brides are ready to consider. However, when the silhouette with long sleeves is updated with the strapless plunging sweetheart neckline, the result is a gown that is glamorous, interesting and most of all, stunning.

A-line Silhouette And Plunging Sweetheart Neckline wedding gown

This dress from the Sophia Tolli collection shows us how magnificent this combination is. This figure-flattering gown almost snugly fits the torso all the way to the hips, from where it gently flows into a modified A-line skirt. This modest design is contrasted by the plunging sweetheart neckline which goes deep down in the center, albeit with a modesty piece. The dress features a corset-back, but don’t worry about it shrinking you in with it’s tight grip. It is nothing like the corsets women in the Victorian ages wore! Beading and intricate crystal work throughout the length of the gown make it picturesque.

Now tell us, which of these combinations did you like the most? At Best for Bride, you can choose from a wide variety of gowns of different styles. Modern or traditional, classic or contemporary, we have them all. As one of Canada’s most reputed wedding shops, we are here to help you realize your dream vision of dressing up as the most beautiful bride in town, and also having the dream wedding that will forever be remember by your guests. Choose from our extensive wedding gown inventory, by clicking here.