Destination weddings are a fantastic choice for couples who do not fancy traditional, cookie-cutter weddings. Weddings in far-flung, exotic locales are exciting and allow you to start your marriage in the most romantic way imaginable.
Nevertheless, planning a destination wedding presents a unique set of challenges, and one of them is decorating your venue as you please. You may have to settle for what is available at the venue, and this may not exactly match your vision.
Now, the good news is that you can always enhance your wedding décor with accessories from home, that are light-weight, compact, and easy-to-carry.
Here are some suggestions from the team at Best for Bride in Canada to help you choose wedding decorations that travel well.
Personalized buntings
Buntings are simple, but effective decorations that dress up even the simplest of spaces and add instant cheer. The options are endless; you can have strings of pom-poms for a Boho effect, shimmering polished golden flags for a glam look or rustic burlap flags strung together for a rustic, countryside theme. You can also create a massive impact with reams of bunting that occupy very little luggage space and are weightless.
Add delightful pops of color to your venue with assorted paper lanterns in various shades and shapes that match your wedding theme. Not only do these lanterns fold flat, but they are also light-weight and easy to install. Suspend them from the ceiling using twine and enhance the effect with flickering lights for a pleasant glow. Use them in large numbers to instantly elevate the ambiance and wow your guests. Here are some fantastic décor ideas with paper lanterns on My wedding.
Flickering Fairy lights
Soft, twinkling fairy lights will illuminate and add festive cheer to your wedding venue. These versatile decorations come in all colors and you can use them in many ways to create a magical effect. Add them to your centerpieces, wrap them around trees and bushes at an outdoor venue or hang them like a canopy from the ceiling and create a stunning starry overhead decor. There are more fantastic ideas in this post on Frugal2Fab that incorporate these budget-friendly decorations in many different ways.
Your bridesmaids are the MVPs of your wedding day, the ones who keep you calm before your aisle debut, make sure your dress is perfectly positioned at the altar, and help you with bathroom trips during the reception. To ensure that they know exactly how much they’re appreciated, you’re going to want to pick out some sweet and thoughtful presents that they’ll cherish for a lifetime. The key is to pick items they’ll actually use and that will trigger memories from your wedding for years to come.
● Matching Robes or Tees for Getting Ready —Nothing makes a cuter photo and one you’ll cherish for a lifetime, than you and your girls getting ready on the day of the wedding. Matching satin robes or custom-printed tees will make it extra-special. Tie it all together with a pair of monogrammed slippers for some extra coziness. ● A Candle That Honors Your Friendship —Whether it’s a supremely sweet fragrant love candle or a road trip candle that reminds you of that crazy cross-country trip you took together in college, you can’t go wrong when with the gift of hand-poured aromas. Light the candle throughout all the wedding festivities, such as at the shower and bachelorette party, and then give it as a gift to keep the memory alive when it’s all over. ● Personalized, Matching Makeup Bags —Since you usually give your bridesmaids their gifts on the night of the rehearsal dinner or morning of the wedding, it makes sense to make it something beauty-related. Grab some embroidered makeup bags and stuff them with a few special surprises for a smile-inducing gift. ● A Bottle of Champagne —Obviously you’re going to want to pop a bottle (or four) as you’re getting your hair and makeup done on the big day, but why not use the bubbly as a gift so your girls can enjoy it the next time they’re celebrating something big? You might even consider finishing the bottles with custom labels for the occasion! ● Matching Friendship Necklaces —Remember when you were in third grade and you and your best friend were bonded for life over your half-heart necklaces? This is that all over again but with all your besties, not just one. Get the simple, dainty necklaces with their initials for a personalized but matching option. ● Personalized Note Cards —Everybody wants the opportunity to send a sweet note on their own personal letterhead, and why not? Your bridal party will love opening up a set of custom note cards and envelopes designed in fonts and patterns to match their individual personalities. ● Monogrammed Flats for Post-Photo Dancing —Show what a cool and laid-back bride you are by giving all your girls some comfy, monogrammed ballet flats they can slip into after dinner. Because let’s face it, it’s way better than dancing barefoot (and risking your feet getting crushed) or losing your shoes in the process. You can also surprise them with some flip-flops to ease the pain of wearing heels all day. ● A Box of Custom Chocolates —They say chocolate says, “I love you,” and we think that goes for platonic love, too. There are so many creative chocolatiers out there who make one-of-a-kind candy creations that take gift-giving up a few notches. To get some ideas on chocolate artists who can make you a box like no other, look to Instagram. ● A Self-Care Kit for the Morning After —Acknowledge that being in someone’s wedding can be stressful, time-consuming, and costly. After a full weekend of wedding activities, encourage your girls to rest and recoup with a well-stocked self-care basket complete with bath bombs, aromatic oils to diffuse and face masks.
● A Framed Photo of the Whole Crew —During the bridal shower, bachelorette party or dress shopping outing, make sure to have someone take your photo as a group so you can have it printed and framed as a special gift for the whole crew. You might even consider having it printed on wood, glass or fabric for a special twist. ● A Book About Friendship —We don’t want to be too cheesy, but remember that this is the time in your life that you get to be super sentimental with your besties, so take advantage of it. A card and a book about friendship will really get the emotions flowing, no matter if it’s a book of poems or a literary masterpiece focused on friends. ● A Passport Cover —If it’s a destination wedding or if the vast majority of your crew has traveled to be with you on your big day, it makes sense to make your bridesmaids’ gifts travel-inspired. Monogrammed passport covers or luggage tags are always popular among jet-setting crews. ● A Pair of Personalized Sunglasses —Anything you can give your girls that also doubles as a fun photo prop is a win-win for wedding day fun. Give your girls some bold, personalized sunglasses, preferably in a rainbow of hues, and make sure the photographer snaps some pics of everyone sporting them together. ● A Comfy, Monogrammed Blanket —Everyone appreciates the sentiment of a cozy, restful night in, which is why personalized blankets always make popular presents. This is an awesome option for fall and winter weddings, especially, but works year-round, too.
Pair it With a Handwritten Note We know that your to-do list is longer than it has ever been, and spare time is in short supply, but make sure to write each and every one of your bridesmaids a handwritten note to accompany your gift.
It doesn’t have to be long, emotional or perfectly written, but it should come from the heart and let your best friends know how much you appreciate them. With this formula, you can be sure every member of Team Bride will be grinning from ear-to-ear right next to you on your special day.
Not every bride wants a classic wedding gown. There are many brides who want their wedding dress to be cutting edge and prefer to show off their sensual and rebellious side.
Enter sexy wedding dresses! Perfect for women who believe the ideal wedding attire should reflect their bold taste. In recent years, brides have started embracing glamorous wedding dress styles. This explains the trend of sheer wedding dresses, plunging necklines and bare backs on the runway. This slideshow on the Bridal Guide will give you more details on what these dresses look like.
Lucky for you, whether you want to take it to the extreme with sexy wedding dresses or show of your sensual style with subtlety, there are plenty of ready-made options to choose from. We will look at some of the dresses from our collections at Best for Bride that fit this idea. But before that, here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a sexy wedding dress.
Every bride usually chooses this dress after much thought and deliberation. Unfortunately, it is often one of the most significant wedding day expenditures. So, isn’t it rather sad that you will wear this dress just once?
So, on the special occasion that is your wedding, it is only fitting that you show it off to the maximum. Also, there is a way to immortalize this dress forever, and that is through your wedding photos. Gorgeous pictures of your beautiful wedding gown, taken from all the right angles, will serve as beautiful souvenirs of your lovely dress. Discuss the options to capture your wedding dress’s full glory with your photographer. Or think up shots that will highlight your dress and share this list with your photographer.
Here are some of our ideas to inspire you to get the best possible shots of your wedding dress.
Your must-have list of wedding dress photos
The classic shot of the dress on the hanger
Give your wedding dress its moment of glory when your photographer captures its magnificence all by itself. Whether your wedding dress is an opulent ball gown or a minimalist sheath, it deserves to be shown off all by itself in your wedding album. All you need is the perfect spot to display it and a beautiful hanger to hold it upright. Choose from silk-draped hangers, fancy vintage hangers and colourful beauties that match the tone of your wedding theme for more impact. Your photographer will do the rest. More ideas here on the Junebugs Wedding blog. Hang it up against a mirror or between two windows in a clean and uncluttered location to capture every detail in its full glory.
Wedding dress with bridal accessories
If you aren’t too fond of the wedding dress on the hanger idea, you can instead have it photographed with the rest of your wedding day accessories. Create the perfect arrangement of your bridal bouquet, shoes, wedding bands and jewelry, and your photographer can shoot it with your wedding dress in the backdrop. Here the focus will be shared on all the items that will complete your transformation into a beautiful bride. Although the wedding gown will not be the center of attention, it will still receive its due attention.
Being zipped or buttoned up
Whether your wedding dress has buttons, zippers, clasps or a corset at the back, have a close-up shot of your wedding dress while it is being put into place. This is usually the last step of wearing your wedding dress. The image of it can bring back memories of the entire process and remind you of the many emotions you went through at the time. So, make sure you have this sentimental image in your album.
The side-shot
When you ask your photographer to get a full-length profile picture, capture your dress from a different perspective. Identify your better side of the face, and show this to the camera. You can even include accessories like the veil and bouquet to enhance the impact of this photograph. Then, look away from the camera and focus your gaze on a distant object to make this a masterpiece photo.
Photos with your bridal party
There will be a lot going on while you get ready. Your bridesmaids will (hopefully) fuss over you as you wear your wedding dress and accessories. Ask your photographer to document the action and excitement of the scene since it will be a memorable picture. Have the image taken when your bridesmaids help you step into your shoes, straighten your train or set the veil. It would be best if your bridesmaids were also dressed in their respective attires at the time to get the full effect.
Full-length portrait
A full-size photograph in your gown will be a great addition to your album. It will capture the same effect that your guests experience when they see you for the first time on your wedding day. Try to have this photo before you wear your veil, so the sheer layers of your cover don’t hide these details. Pick a dramatic setting for the image, which is brightly lit with natural light. If your venue has a spectacular view, make this your backdrop. Else, pose before a portrait or in an outdoor location to get stylish pictures.
Image of the back
Many modern dresses have showstopper back details like beautiful keyhole or illusion designs, stunning fabric button trains or even low-cut daring information. If your dress has any unique modern style elements in the back, ensure it is captured in your wedding photos. For this, have a picture taken as you face away from the camera. This will also draw attention to your hairstyle and any hair accessories you may have specially chosen for the occasion.
Photo of the wedding dress skirt
If your wedding dress has an exciting skirt and train, highlight it in your photographs with a suitable picture. Whether the skirt features tiered details, has a beautiful hemline or has perfect ruffles, show it from the right angle in an image. Try sitting down with your dress spread around you to capture the effect of a full skirt in its glory. For a ball gown skirt or one with ruffles, you can also sit with your feet up and the skirt spread out to display the various details. This idea is perfect for lace dresses.
Image of the fanned-out train.
If the dress has a long train, an image from the back with the train spread out to its full length will showcase its effect. This will also look great if the pictures are taken as you climb a staircase. The impact of the train and skirt will be magnified when taken from above or below and also be unique for the aerial positioning of the shot. For a longer train, get the full impact directly from the back.
With the veil
The veil is often one of the most striking bridal accessories that instantly enhance the bridal look. If your outfit includes a cover, get a picture of yourself in it. Lifting the veil also is a magical moment that makes for a fantastic photo. Ask your photographer to capture the effect of the cover on the dress from different angles and find the one that is most appealing to include in your album.
Zoomed-in image of intricate details
If your dress features intricate beading, lace appliques or embellishments, a close-up shot of these intricate details will capture it well. It is a good idea to look closely at your dress and find out which pieces you love the most. Please share this information with your photographer, so he can do justice to the shot by focusing on that one unique feature of the dress.
Above-the-waist shot
The neckline and waist add definition to a wedding dress. Let these features get their place in the spotlight with a photograph of the bodice. Zoom in on this area and include jewelry like necklaces or earrings for the full effect. An aerial image will also create a unique perspective and make it an exciting picture.
With the groom holding you
There is immense scope to experiment with this shot. You can even showcase the back of your dress in this shot as you face away from the camera. Include your bouquet for a pop of colour and prop that will work well in the setting. Other ideas are to hold hands and walk while the images are captured. Or sit in a strategic position, highlighting your dress’s direct focus.
An outdoor shot
Make the most of the natural lighting to get a beautiful portrait. Choose the golden hour, an hour before or after dawn and dusk, for the best pictures. Since the natural light at these times of the day is most flattering, your images will turn out great. If it is impossible to plan an outdoor shot at these times, make sure you step outdoors for a few pictures when there is plenty of natural light. Or choose a room with a window through which natural light streams in to get photos with similar effects.
Bridesmaids holding the train
Take a look at this picture, and I won’t have to say anything more to convince you. This will be a beautiful and classic picture of your wedding day. As you stride forward, have your bridesmaids pick up your train and hold it visible from all sides. This will enhance the beauty of your dress and create beautiful imagery with the contrast in colour with that of your wedding party.
Photo with your bouquet
This is one picture that cannot go wrong. Let the pure white colour of your dress pop against the bright colours of your bouquet when the image focuses on your dress and the smell in your arms. Unless it is a close-up shot, ensure that this image is taken in a clean backdrop with few other distractions. The bouquet should preferably be the only colourful element in the entire frame to capture the impact with full effect. Such photos are beautiful if there are saturated colours in the bouquet. However, your photographer may also be able to adjust the settings to make this picture unusually attractive.
Bride looking in the mirror
This is another wedding dress shot that is sure to be beautiful. The photograph will focus on the image in the mirror and the real bride with less clarity. Black and white photos of this scene will be stunning, and this is one you should consider. Make sure the mirror is clear, the surface below it uncluttered, and the background clean for the image to look its best.
On the dance floor
This is the chance to have yourself photographed at an angle that emphasizes the beauty of the dress while you dance with your husband. The dance floor, especially if it is a reflective surface, will form a beautiful backdrop when your photographer clicks the image from a low angle. A talented photographer will be able to capture this emotional moment with perfection. It will also be an opportunity to showcase your dress from a different position and highlight its statement features.
Walking away with your husband
This is a very symbolic photo and one that creates a nostalgic image. While the picture will also show off the back of your dress, it will help you relive the unique emotions you felt as you stepped into the new chapter of your life. So, make sure your photographer captures it.
Once you get your hands on your unique wedding dress, you may feel that no number of photos is enough to capture the beauty of the dress. While that is true, including it from all possible angles is the next closest thing you can do. Discuss the specific features of your clothing with your photographer, so he can ensure no detail is missed in the photographs.
For photogenic wedding dresses that are perfect for your special day, visit our bridal gallery at Best for Bride. With a wide range of designer wedding dress collections suitable for any taste, budget and body type, you will have no trouble finding your dream dress at our store. Visit our website today to shortlist your favourites.
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