Once you wear your wedding gown on your wedding day, your transformation into a bride is almost complete. There are few things left to do now, before you walk down the aisle. But before you step into your dream wedding dress, there are a couple of things you should first complete. This is what we will look at today. Here is a list of must-do’s before you finally wear your bridal dress, and are ready to walk down the aisle.
Your wedding day is the one occasion when all eyes will be on you, and you do not want to disappoint. It is easy to imagine yourself as a beautiful bride. However, making it a reality is not just as easy. Good looks don’t happen overnight. Skin care and grooming should be an ongoing task to ensure you are in top form on your wedding day.
Despite your skin and hair being in top shape on your wedding day, you may not look as good as you wanted to, if your makeup isn’t done well. In fact, your choice of makeup can make or break your overall look. Hence it is important to pay close attention to how you dress yourself up on your wedding day.
Here is a list of the most common wedding makeup mistakes that brides commonly make. Stay one step ahead of the game by preparing in advance, so these do not prevent you from looking great on the most important day of your life.
1.Not having a specific idea of how your makeup should be on the day
Rather than go with what you think will be good, or leave things to the discretion of your makeup artist, prepare yourself with a specific idea of how you should look on your wedding day. Nail this look at your makeup trial session.
Before you book your makeup artist, have a trial session where you can see exactly how you will look on your wedding day. Look for inspiration in magazines and off the internet, and take these with you to your appointment, as references. This will give your makeup artist a framework to work with. By checking out how this will be during the trial, you can recognize whether it will work, or if it is better to make changes to your idea.
2.Not finding the perfect foundation color
For those of you brides who will be doing your wedding makeup yourself, your wedding day is not the time to open a brand new bottle of foundation. You should ideally have settled on the shade to wear, at least a few weeks in advance.
Wearing foundation that is darker than your skin tone will give you an artificial, painted look, while wearing one that is a shade or two lighter can make you look all dolled up. Neither will be right. Make sure you find the right shade, as this will be the best way to enhance your looks and cover up natural problem areas and have crystal clear skin on the day. If you can’t find your foundation easily, try to mix up foundation colors till you find the right shade. Just remember that your wedding day shouldn’t be the occasion to first try it out. You should have figured out the right proportions to mix, well in advance. Only then will you avoid making a mistake on the day.
3.Not using waterproof makeup, especially eye makeup
Even if you have to spend extra on waterproof makeup, it is worth every penny. Water resistant eye makeup is an absolute essential for your wedding day. Even if you manage to keep your tears at bay, your eye makeup can get ruined quickly and look far from fresh by the end of the day, if it isn’t waterproof. So, buy mascara, eye liner and eye shadow that can withstand your emotional outbursts on this very special day.
If your wedding is in the warmer months, it is a good idea to invest in good quality waterproof makeup not just for your eyes, but for every part of your face. This way, you do not have to worry about the makeup running when you sweat, and you can retain your freshly made up look all through the evening.
4.Overly blushing bride
Excess use of blush will ruin your wedding day pictures. You may want to stand out from the rest of the crowd, but don’t let it be at the cost of looking too pink. Apply blush only to the apples of your cheeks and blend, blend, blend till they look like they are part of your facial features. Also, it is best to go light with color. Overly pink shades can be an eyesore and look excessively pronounced in your wedding pictures. So, stick to shades that you have used before.
If you use bronzer, blend it into the blush, so it doesn’t stand out distinctly. Make sure that you already have tried it out and made sure that the shade works, and you aren’t experimenting with it on the day of the event.
5. Looking very unnatural
Your wedding day is the right occasion to dress up your best, but this doesn’t mean you should end up looking like someone else altogether. We believe that the best looking brides are those who look like prettier versions of themselves, through the right application of makeup. So, aim for this. Stick with colors that just accentuate your features and add more definition to your natural look. Don’t use unnatural tints, unless absolutely necessary.
Cat eyes and smoky makeup, emerald eye shadow and glitter on your cheek may be fine, but make sure you try it out before the day, to make sure that it looks good and that you can comfortably carry it off. Also remember that smoky eye makeup often doesn’t look too great in photographs. Your photos could end up looking odd with shadows around the eyes, so check the chances of this happening. Tans, browns, natural pinks, cream and taupe are shades that look good in almost every setting. So, focus on this palette, instead of reds, purples and oranges. If you must wear that bright red lipstick on your wedding day, balance it out by keeping the rest of your makeup simple. Too many colorful details can look loud, and you may end up looking overly dressed and unattractive.
6. Overdoing your eye makeup
We just mentioned how smoky eye make up may not be such a great idea for your wedding day. It can easily spread and doesn’t show up as well in photographs. Although the eyes are very important to enhancing your overall wedding day look, do it sensibly so it doesn’t look overly dramatic.
This article on the Huff Post suggests using black only in the mascara, for your eye makeup. Keep the rest of the colors soft, and it will look a lot better. We recommend cream makeup, since it lasts longer and is easier to apply. Powder is fine when applied, but it doesn’t stay as long. Another important factor is to consider the color of your eyes when deciding on your eye makeup. The colors you choose should subtly enhance the natural beauty of your eye color. If you will be using false eyelashes, do not add more than is required, as it can look a little crazy. When filling in your brows, do so with eye shadow that matches the color on your upper eyelid. Follow the natural curve of the brow for the best results.
7.Let the skin glow through
Many brides make the mistake of piling on too much makeup that they end up blocking the natural look of the skin. Use only as much makeup as is necessary, and go easy with the foundation, blush and base makeup. If you have naturally good skin, airbrushing is a good option. This allows your skin to shine through and nothing looks as good as healthy and naturally glowing skin.
Thick layers of makeup also tend to look cakey, and can make you look older in photos. It is essential to balance it all out, and stay with what feels comfortable and doesn’t look too much. Add concealer only where absolutely necessary, and use the foundation appropriately to cover up any flaws. Don’t create a mask over your natural skin. This will look lifeless. Trust your natural beauty to shine through, and use makeup only to enhance it where necessary. You will look lovely and dewy when you do this.
8.Overdoing the lips
When the rest of your makeup is complete, you may feel that your lips look washed out and pale, and you must color it well to make it blend in. Don’t do too much painting, or you will regret it. Just apply the necessary layer of lipstick, don’t be too generous with it. Exfoliate your lips before you apply lipstick, so it looks soft and the lipstick sticks for much longer.
If your lipstick is naturally glossy, or bright, it may be good if you skip the gloss. Too much shine can cause your lips to lose definition, will make it look flat and your lipstick may even spread. Lip stain is always better than lipstick, as it lasts longer. The other problem with lip gloss is that it will come in the way of your kiss and your groom will end up with a matching lip color, which we don’t think could possibly look good!
9.Getting the tan wrong
A healthy tan looks great on a bride, but overdoing it, or using fake tan lotions can ruin the chances of looking good. Some fake tans look good in person, but end up giving an orange look in pictures . When going for tan sessions, we suggest that you do it well in advance. This will save you from any disastrous problems closer to your wedding day.
One likely problem is your skin ending up with streaks from a previous tanning session. You can avoid this problem if you build up your tan over a series of session, instead of in a single intense session closer to the wedding day. This will also prevent you from going overboard with the tan.
10.Not setting the makeup with powder or allowing it time to set
The last step when you apply makeup, should be applying a loose layer of translucent powder over your makeup. Alternately, you can also use a makeup up setting spray. These are the right ways to make sure your makeup stays. If you skip this step, you will find that your makeup fades as time passes, and you will end up looking tired and with soggy makeup by the end of the day.
However, don’t use too much powder to set your lipstick, as this will cause it to fade faster. Instead layer your lipstick with lip stain and line it to keep your lips defined throughout the day. Long-lasting lipstick is a good choice. Also, aim to finish your makeup on schedule, as it takes time for it to settle. If not, you will be caught with it smearing with the smallest move, and repairing it will not be too easy.
That wraps up the list of the different makeup mistakes that can happen, and how you can either avoid them or fix them.
Your wedding day is one of the most special days in your life, and looking perfect is absolutely necessary to remember this day fondly. Although you may be tempted to do all your can to look as great as possible,
Find all that you need to look as amazing as is possible, at the Best for Bride stores. Catering to the bridal community, we bring you everything from wedding dresses, to jewelry, veils, tiaras, shoes and even bouquets. Additionally, we also have a rich collection of dresses for the rest of the bridal party. Shopping at Best for Bride is a breeze. Whether you choose to buy your dresses online or visit us in shop, we guarantee you a memorable and fun-filled experience. So, what are you waiting for? Check out our website, and fix your appointment right away.
No guest likes to look out-of-place in a wedding setting. Hence, it is necessary that your outfit is suitable for the wedding style, is stylish and flatters you when you have to attend a wedding. Unfortunately, there is no standard dress code that works for every type of wedding. Changing your choice according to the wedding style, location and time of year is often necessary. This can make your dress selection confusing, and at times, even difficult.
However, you can quickly ascertain whether a certain style of dressing is appropriate for a wedding or not with some attention to details. Use the cues in the wedding invitation to find out more about the wedding. Also consider the weather at the time as a guide to choose your outfit for the occasion.
Let us quickly look at what the phrases on the invitation imply, in terms of what is appropriate to wear to a wedding.
Black Tie: This term denotes a formal event. Black-tie weddings are usually held in the evening. Ideal dress choices would be formal gowns, dressy suits or cocktail length dresses.
White Tie: Usually an extravagant affair with a formal vibe. A full-length dress is a must and your outfit should be stylish and chic.
Semi-formal: This can be anywhere between formal and casual. It is better to choose formal dresses just in case the wedding is more formal than casual.
Dressy casual: Another term that is often used to replace semi-formal. The same dress choices as above are suitable for such an event.
Casual: Simple affair with an informal vibe. Outdoor weddings and the like fit this style. Short and smart dress styles are ideal. You have plenty of options. Nonetheless, jeans, flip flops, T-shirts and casual attire elements are never a good choice, even if it is a casual wedding.
We now have a clear idea of what style of dressing to choose based on the invitation. Here are some do’s and don’ts that apply to all weddings, irrespective of this dress code. Keep these in mind to ensure that you will not be breaking any etiquette norms.
Let us now explore the different outfit options that are ideal for different wedding styles
Formal wedding
If the event mentions black-tie or white tie, the wedding is a formal one.
Likely Venues: Formal weddings are usually held in banquet halls, country clubs and similar locations. It can also be held at historical and heritage sites like castles or museums. The wedding setting will be lavish. The wedding ceremony may be held at a house of worship, like a church.
Dress ideas: Aim to dress elegantly. Choose simple, but smart silhouettes in bold or dark colors for best effect. Formal floors-length gowns are appropriate. You can also choose cocktail or tea length dresses. Always try to choose dresses that flatter your body type. Dresses with crisp, clean lines look smart and flatter most body types. Pay attention to the neckline and sleeves to find one that enhances your best assets. All sleeve lengths are suitable for formal weddings. So, make a suitable choice based on the time of year. For contemporary wedding styles, modern dress styles with a color block feature or trendy prints are good.
Accessories, makeup and style: Statement accessories will amp up your style. Pair your outfit with metallic colors like gold, silver or gemstone jewelry. While wearing accessories, make sure that you balance your look with just the right number of pieces. Avoid wearing one of each piece as this can clutter up your overall look. Choose one or two statement pieces that complement your dress style. If your dress is relatively simple, add a belt or scarf. For more ideas on how to accessorize for a formal look, visit this article on the Leaf. Dress up in red-carpet style with elaborate hairdos and bright shades of makeup that flatter your complexion and face shape for a dressy look.
Casual Wedding type
Although almost any outfit is deemed fit for a casual wedding, it is best to plan your dress based on the actual location where it is held. Let us look at the popular choices and what goes for each of them.
Venue: Beach
Dress Ideas: Dress in a bright summer frock or tea-length dress that looks like it belongs in the setting. Don’t hesitate to experiment with bold tropical prints and fluttering dress styles. Choose light, breathable fabrics like chiffon and cotton for comfort. It isn’t advisable to wear silk or satin in this environment, since they show sweat and can ruin your look. Avoid floor-length dresses that will pick up sand and be difficult to walk in. Off-the-shoulder necklines, strapless dresses and spaghetti-strap tops are all good. Separates and mix and match skirts and tops are also good choices for beach weddings.
Accessories, hair and makeup: Choose simple accessories that work well with the outfit you choose. Avoid metallic and flashy jewelry. Opt for flats or wedges for footwear that is practical in the sand. Avoid flip-flops and sneakers since they look too casual. Embellished sandals look good and work great in the sandy beach. Keep the makeup simple and opt for neutral shades for a natural look. Avoid heavy eye makeup as it may spread in the humid environment. Pick a hairstyle that keeps hair off your face. When at the beach, your hair can fly a lot and obscure your face in photos. So, pick a bun or hairdo that keeps the hair tucked away and this won’t be a problem.
Venue: Farm or garden
Dress Ideas: Being outdoor venues, consider comfort when choosing your outfit. As with a beach venue, pick breathable fabrics like cotton or chiffon. The dress hemline shouldn’t extend beyond floor length. Shorter hemlines will make navigation on the uneven terrain easy. Match your outfit to the setting with the choice of colors, accessories and dressing style. Both printed and plain dress styles are suitable. Dresses with floral prints or in lace look good in farm and garden venues. For outdoor venues, sleeveless and strapless necklines are comfortable. You can also pair the dress with a removable accessory like a jacket or stole, for when the evening gets chilly.
Accessories, hair and makeup: Keep your look simple and uncluttered. Avoid accessories that are too heavy. Instead choose small pieces that complement your dress style and colors. A casual wedding is the right occasion to wear bright and big accessories. Flats or kitten heels are suitable footwear. If you wish to truly stand out, consider pairing your dress with boots. Choose waterproof makeup and aim for a simple, natural look that will look good in the natural ambiance of the setting. Simple, fun hairstyles and hair accessories like flowers will add a beautiful finishing touch to your overall look.
Venue: Indoor venue like loft or restaurant
Dress Ideas: Choosing a fancy dress is a good idea if you are unsure of the venue, or if it is more likely to be held indoors. Wear a smart dress or separates that you would wear to a restaurant or to a dinner with your colleagues. Short, flirty dresses, cocktail dresses or tea-length gowns are also fine, as don’t look formal. Keep the look interesting by choosing colors that flatter your complexion.
Accessories, hair and makeup: Aim to look as though you have put in an effort to look good. For an indoor venue and an event in the evening, pick makeup colors that will look bright in the pictures. You may have a washed-out look if you use nude or natural makeup. Choose colors that not only complement your complexion, but also go well with your dress colors. Balance the details in your dress with the suitable choice of accessories. If your dress has intricate and statement details, avoid too many accessories that clash with it. Alternately, wear bold, bright jewelry if your dress is relatively simple. Pick a hairstyle that will hold throughout the length of the event.
Venue: Country-style or vintage
Dress Ideas: The relaxed ambiance and natural setting of a country-style wedding or a vintage wedding is best complemented by relaxed silhouettes. Simple, but pretty dress details look good too. A-line dresses, sheath silhouettes and fit and flare gowns look and feel comfortable. Lace is a classic favorite for weddings at such venues. You can choose between all-over lace dresses or dresses with lace trims on the neckline, sleeves or hemline. Go for embroidery, sequins or retro-elements and style details that match the setting. Also mix and match tops and skirts for a unique effect. There are plenty of vintage-inspired wedding dress styles in the market today. Find one that flatters your body type and looks perfect in such a setting, if you choose. For ideas on what would work, take a look at this article on the Bustle.
Accessories, hair and makeup: Simple hairstyles like buns, ponytails or braided hairstyles complement the dress types mentioned above. Keep the accessories simple. A string of pearls or a pendant looks good. Pair it with a bracelet or dangling earrings. Studs are also appropriate. For a vintage wedding, consider silver or gold colored accessories. Oversize bracelets or watches, elegant necklaces and earrings are good choices. For vintage theme weddings, try to wear a hairstyle with braids or use a hair accessory that is from that timeline. If the venue is indoors, pair your outfit with colorful footwear that complements your outfit choice.
Finally, let us take a look at three important rules to keep in mind when choosing your outfit. Remember that this applies to any wedding, and can also be extended to any other occasion that you have to dress up for.
1.Always choose the right fit: However expensive or beautiful a dress is, all is lost unless it fits you well. Dresses that flatter your figure and are altered to your exact measurements will help you look smart. So, always make sure that the dress you buy is the right size. Further, have it altered to fit you exactly. A good seamstress can alter a dress to your exact measurements in just one fitting session. Do this and you will look much better when you wear the dress.
2.Elegant and classy is always in: If you are unsure of what to wear to a wedding, always go for an elegant and classy choice. Elegant, simple dress silhouettes and details fit into almost any setting. Choose the color, fabric and design so it is suitable for the weather at the time, the venue and what flatters you.
3.Stick to your style and taste: Irrespective of the style of the wedding, always make sure that you pick a dress that reflects your personality and style. Make sure your dress choice matches your age and is an extension of your everyday style.
To take a closer look at all the dresses featured here and also to see more of our collection of evening dresses and dresses for special occasions, head over to the Best for Bride website by clicking here. This is your one-stop destination for everything related to wedding fashion.
Can we all agree that some hairstyles look better than others, at a particular time of year? Since this is the season for winter weddings, we thought we’d take a look at the best hairstyles that will transform your tresses into bridal perfection.
Celebrity Stylist, Andrew Barton, mentions that hairstyles with your hair up and those that take your hair away from your face are both practical and stylish. The other plus point of such styles, is that it keeps your hair neat and tucked in, and you do not have to worry about frequent touch-ups.
While we are discussing hairstyles, let us also take a look at the best accessories that will complete your bridal look beautifully. So, let’s begin.
Neat Ballerina bun
Pull your hair back from your face and secure it in a tight slick bun. Place the bun at your crown, or slightly lower, depending on what suits your facial features better. Make sure that you have tucked in all those flyaway hairs with hairspray. This kind of bun is neat and looks perfect when you wear a veil with a tiara placed just above the bun. You can also consider decorating the bun with floral accessories. How about a bright oversize bloom that peeps out of the sheer veil, for a brilliant pop of color?
Side swept chignon
Endearing in it’s style and very feminine, the chignon is a perfect hairstyle for winter, when you want to draw focus to your face. Dress up your chignon with braids or curls and it will be impressive. You can add hair accessories like dainty flowers, beads or sparkles to match your wedding dress. The other option is to wear a hair clip or comb with it, if you want a single element that gives you instant bling.
Half-up hairstyle
This is a very versatile hairstyle, where you use secure one half of your hair in a braid, with a clip or another accessory. The remaining hair is left down. This creates a casual look. You can decorate your hair with smaller accessories like hair pins with sparkles or ornaments. You can also weave flowers into the braid, if your hairstyle allows it. Remember to secure your hair neatly with hairspray, when you choose this look. This is particularly important if you have many baby hairs, as they may pop out with time and leave you looking messy otherwise.
Side braid
If you aren’t comfortable with a bun, you may like to secure your hair into a side braid. Pump up the volume of your hair before you do, as it looks best when your tresses have more volume. Opt for a tighter braid if you prefer a neat formal look, or go with a light loose braid for a casual vibe. Tuck in hair pins, where each braid forms the V. You can do your entire hair into a braid, or just the upper half, and secure it with a band, letting the rest fall.
To choose the best veils and other hair accessories for your wedding day, and ensure you nail your bridal look, come visit us at Best for Bride today.
