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Beat the January Blahs with Proper Diet and Exercise

wedding dress

All brides-to-be want to look stunning during their upcoming spring or summer weddings; however, holiday eating and cold weather conditions tend to pile on pounds and inhibit workouts. If you’re susceptible to the dreaded “January Blahs”, there are some ways to make this month more stimulating, invigorating, and beautifying. By planning ahead and adopting a healthier lifestyle, you’ll be ready for your close-up when your wedding day rolls around.

Use this month to become your very best self! Remember that results from dieting and exercise take time – therefore, it’s much better to start a few months in advance of your very special occasion. Of course, the bonus of eating correctly and working out is that you will feel amazing and handle stress much more effectively. There is no downside to taking care of your body – the work you do will always pay off in a big way.

Here are some tips on lifestyle changes that will help you look fabulous in your white wedding dress…

Eating Correctly Will Slim You Down and Make You Feel Better 

bridal dress

Cutting excess “bad” fats, sugars, and white flours out of your diet is the best way to provoke the kind of weight loss that also makes you feel healthier (rather than tired or deprived) and gives you a glamorous look in fashionable wedding dresses. After all, these empty calories do nothing for you, and they tend to wreak havoc with your metabolism, your complexion, and your moods. Processed foods are always a poor choice – instead, treat yourself to whole grains, lean proteins and sauces in the correct portion sizes. In time, you’ll feel confident enough to begin shopping for wedding dresses in Mississauga or wedding dresses in Barrie.

If you’re having trouble losing weight and you’re not a big junk food eater, it’s pretty probable that you don’t understand what a typical serving size is. A cup of grains (brown rice, spinach pasta, couscous, etc.), 2/3 cup of topping (such as lean chicken, tofu or tuna), and a tablespoon of sauce or condiment (for example – olive oil, hot sauce, low-fat mayo, or fat-free salad dressing) should form the basis for most meals – then, you should augment with lots of pure water, veggies, and fruit. Next, imagine a typical Lean Cuisine microwave meal container – this is correctly portioned, and, as you’ve probably noticed, there isn’t a great deal of food on the plastic plate! Salads and fruit will fill you up if you’re still feeling hungry after consuming your “portioned” meal. You should also drink five big glasses of water or herbal tea every day.

Eating smaller portions is challenging at first, but your body will soon adjust, and you will definitely lose weight. Cutting out the wrong foods and portioning the right foods is the best strategy for New Year’s weight loss. It takes discipline, to be sure – but you can do it.

If you are planning to lose weight for an important event, why not make your skin look fantastic in the process. Many diets will help you take off some pounds and increase the collagen cells in your body, and you can read this article from Proper Good to learn more.

Find Joy in Exercise This January

 bridal gown

Healthy lifestyle choices don’t have to be a chore – in fact, you set yourself up for defeat when you hate what you’re doing; therefore, exercise that is fun to do should always be the goal. To choose the suitable activity for your personality and fitness goals, do a little self-analysis…for example, if you’re quiet and bookish, home fitness equipment will be a perfect choice. You can read a great novel while you ride an Exercycle or use an Elliptical machine, and you won’t have to bother fighting the crowds at a gym.

If you’re social and extroverted, fitness classes that feature Zumba exercise may be ideal – Zumba offers a great workout system that tones your body. All of the action is set to lively Latin and international music. Other great options include swimming at a gym, Pilates, or hiking. Mixing it up is a good strategy – balance indoor and outdoor exercise for the best results. Getting fresh air – even in miserable weather – is very healthy, as long as you’re bundled up…

Reward Your Successes By Choosing the Perfect Wedding Gown and Accessories

 wedding tiara

In order to stay on track, you need to plan rewards – treating yourself is truly the best way to stay motivated. Instead of focusing on sweet treats or salty potato chips as rewards, why not plan your rewards to make your upcoming wedding even more special? For example, if you lose five pounds, give yourself permission to choose a stunning wedding tiara, wedding shoes, or bridal rings. Since you need these items anyway, choosing them as “milestones” along a New Year fitness program can be great fun. Of course, choosing your bridal dress will be the most important milestone of all…begin looking early in the New Year, so you know exactly what you want when you’re at peak fitness in a month or two. Create a shopping calendar that gels with your fitness goals – and beat the January blahs as you get ready to walk down the aisle.

Happy New Year from Best for Bride!

This New Year, our Best for Bride team will be there to help you find perfect wedding dresses, cheap bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride dresses, and everything else you’ll need to plan the wedding of your dreams. We offer a variety of services, from wedding dresses in Toronto to a fully-stocked online bridal store that lets you shop from the comfort of your own home.

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How to Look Beautiful in Wedding Photographs

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Your wedding day is your day to shine…and your wedding photographs should capture your radiance, joy and beauty to perfection. However, now and then, women find themselves disappointed with their wedding pictures, which just don’t seem to flatter as they should. Often, “bad” wedding pictures are the result of improper makeup techniques, the wrong angles, and non-professional photography.

By knowing what to avoid, you’ll have more control over the final product. Whether you’re using a professional wedding photographer (this is recommended) or relying on friends and family to commemorate your special day, you will increase your chances of perfect wedding photographs by following these helpful guidelines…

Know Your Best Angles

bridal dress

Every woman, whether she is voluptuous and Rubenesque or delicate and waifish, will have certain angles that are naturally flattering to her unique natural beauty. To find out your best angles, go through old pictures and select the shots you love and hate – then, look for the angles that do – and don’t – work for you. If you get great shots when your body is turned a certain way, or your head is tilted slightly upwards or downwards, use these poses when your wedding photographer is taking pictures.

Models and actresses always know their best angles – to get more ideas about successful angles and poses, look at red carpet photos from events like the Oscars or Golden Globes – you’ll notice that female celebs often pose carefully (one hip thrust outward, one leg forward) to ensure that their pics are ultra-flattering. Don’t be afraid to practice posing in your white wedding dress – have a friend take some preliminary snaps to test great angles. It may feel silly, but remember – at your wedding, you are the star of the show, and all eyes will be upon you. It’s perfectly ok to practice posing and whatnot as you prepare for your wedding day!

Professional Makeup Tips for Better Wedding Photos

wedding dresses

Experienced makeup artists know all of the tricks of the trade, and they always understand how makeup needs to be applied for the camera. Today, many makeup artists rely on high-def makeup powders and bases to get their client’s complexions looking flawless for glamour photography.

While you may not need these pricey HD cosmetics, you will need to consider the way your makeup “reacts” with the camera’s lens. Basically, the photographer’s lights will drain you, and his or her camera flashes will wash you out – to counteract these influences, use stronger makeup that you would for everyday, or even for a night of clubbing.

You need a good-quality base foundation, lots of powder to create a smooth matte effect, and good definition of eyebrows, eyes, cheekbones, jawline, and lips. While “contour” makeup is definitely out of date, makeup designed for the camera will refine the features in a subtle way. For example, many makeup artists use a darker shade of foundation under the chin to create the illusion of a leaner jawline.

For your wedding photos, you really need a full face of makeup – it’s actually the only way to get a “Hollywood” look – that’s why Hollywood actors and actresses are consistently powdered down by makeup crews between shots. If you hate wearing makeup, consider a light application for your ceremony and reception – then, book a private sitting with your groom (and wedding party, if you like) for some proper glamour photos. At this photo shoot, get your makeup done professionally for the best effect. This way, you can avoid wearing a lot of paint on your big day, and still have a set of great wedding pics that’s you’ll always treasure.

Pale skin needs contrast – ivory complexions will look best with reddish-brown, magenta, or plum lips and cheeks. Golden complexions are warmer, and they don’t need as much contrast – they will be flattered by soft coral pinks, bronzes, and baby pinks. Again, look at celebrity makeup – what works for porcelain skinned actresses, such as January Jones and Evan Rachel Wood, will not work for gorgeous olive or dark-skinned ladies, such as J-lo and Jennifer Hudson.

Hiring a makeup artist who will instinctively know the best makeup shades, finishes and techniques for you may be a worthwhile investment. If you’d rather do your own makeup, invest in some high-quality cosmetics that are known to be popular with professional makeup artists and film crews – MAC, Smashbox, Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown all produce high-end products that actually get results. If you can’t afford such expensive cosmetics, use cheaper drugstore versions, such as Cover Girl or Revlon – you may need to apply more of these products as they are often less pigmented.

Best for Bride is Here to Help

When it comes to planning a wedding, you need capable helpers who offer years of experience and skill…after all, your special day should be one of the happiest days of your life, and the buildup to your wedding should not be stressful or difficult. While choosing the right wedding makeup is important, it’s just one facet of creating the ideal wedding look; to make it all come together at your nuptials, you also need perfect wedding dresses, cheap bridesmaid dresses, and help with wedding invitations, wedding flowers, and more…

Our team of caring specialists are there to help you put together all of the pieces of the puzzle. When you work with Best for Bride, you’ll be treated kindly, respectfully, and fairly. Your happiness as a bride is important to us, and so is the general success of your wedding. Put yourself in our capable hands – let us show you the right plus-size wedding dresses, wedding decor ideas, and wedding cakes. Then, you’ll be ready to relax and enjoy this special time in your life.

Happy Holidays From Best for Bride!

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Modern-day “Glass Slippers” For Your Wedding Day

If you’re looking for a modern-day “glass slipper” to wear as you walk down the aisle, you’ll need a delicate high heel that is embellished with glittering crystals. The perfect fairytale wedding requires plenty of attention to detail, so you should plan to spend a little time choosing the right footwear for your white wedding dress.

The best wedding shoes will be unforgettable – this is not the time for sensible shoes! However, since you will need to be on your feet for hours, comfort should always factor in. Ultimately, glamour is probably most important, so do be sure to indulge yourself with a fashionable “glass slipper” style design that will evoke all of the romance of Disney’s exquisite animated film, Cinderella.

To help you choose what’s best for your special day, we’ve put together some stunning, shimmering designs that will make you feel like a princess…

Sparkly Choices For A Fairytale Effect

wedding shoes

Icy faux diamonds evoke the lustre of a true glass slipper, and they are very affordable. This feminine sandal is adorned with lush rows of intertwined rhinestones that catch the light; these high heels are designed to show off a professional pedicure to its best advantage.

If you’re planning to perform the “garter” ritual in front of your wedding party, you’ll be proud to show off your sparkling sandals while your new husband removes your silk or lace accessory!

These sandals should always be worn with bare legs (no stockings, please) – this style of wedding shoe also requires moisturized and perfectly waxed (or shaved) legs for the ideal effect. Be sure to choose a fun shade of toenail polish for your wedding day – ballet pink is a favorite with brides-to-be, but any color can work!

Our shimmering sandals are so pretty, you’ll be sure to treasure them after your wedding is over…

Ankle Straps Are Sexy And Flirty…

 wedding sandal

 Ankle straps add a sexy, flirty edge to your wedding outfit – without spoiling the fairytale fantasy. Highlight the lovely lines of your foot and lower leg with shimmering rows of clear gemstones!

Ankle strap sandals also offer a little more security as you walk down the aisle – since these types of high heels are fastened in place, they will minimize the possibility of tripping, or suffering from some other wedding-day “wardrobe malfunction” – you will have less chance of slipping out of this sandal than you would with a mule or slip-on pump…

Princess-Style Bridal Gowns Will Complete The Look

 wedding dress

Best For Bride specializes in helping brides-to-be to make their fairytale dreams come true. To get the whole Cinderella look, choose a gown with a fitted bodice and a full, voluminous skirt. The one-shouldered bridal dress shown above is festooned with gorgeous, silken blossoms and layers and layers of filmy tulle!

Also, be sure that your bridal rings and “glass slipper” wedding shoes coordinate with your overall look. Our bridal shops in Toronto are a great place to begin your hunt for the perfect wedding dress, cheap bridesmaid dresses, wedding cakes, and wedding invitations…plus everything else you need to plan your dream wedding.

We also offer a convenient online bridal store, so you can get the bridal dress you’ve always wanted, right from the comfort of your own home…

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Mimic Hot Celebrity Style On Your Wedding Day

Angelina Jolie

Outrageously gorgeous, bold and spirited, Angelina Jolie is a lightning rod for controversy; however, she also evokes Old Hollywood glamor that (despite her array of edgy tattoos) always feels timeless.

Angelina’s style is classic – if you’ve seen her in her street clothes in paparazzi shots, you’ll know she favors skirts to the knee, fitted trousers, sweater sets, boots and simple pumps, and she keeps accessories to a minimum. However, her beautiful chestnut hair is always perfect (whether worn up or down), and her makeup is consistently flawless.

At night, on the red carpet, Angie unleashes her undeniable sex appeal with a formitting evening dress that tends to display a certain simplicity. With lips and eyes like Angelina Jolie’s, a lot of ruffles or jewels are not necessary, so she keeps it classic, with a touch of postmodern minimalism.

bridal gowns

To get the Angelina Jolie look on your wedding day, choose a sophisticated gown, such as the stunning bridal dress shown above, and wear your hair in soft, controlled waves – after all, Angelina rarely goes in for fussy updos.

Makeup should be subtle, but still dramatic – Angelina always does a cat-eye look by lining her upper eyelid in black eyeliner and extending the line upward, for a winged effect. However, she doesn’t apply eye makeup to her lower lashes. This glam look makes the most of almond-shaped eyes, and it’s very elegant. Angie plays down her famous, full pout with earth-toned, beige-y lipstick – however, once in a while, she’ll choose a bold crimson or orange-red lip color that stands out beautifully against her pale olive skin tone.

Once you’ve found the wedding dress of your dreams, high heels and gorgeous bridal rings will be all you need to capture this hot celebrity look. Be sure to look for wedding dress alterations if you need them, as a perfect fit is really important for this high-end look.

Taylor Swift

bridal dress

Innocence and all-American wholesomeness define the style of natural beauty (and Cover Girl spokesmodel) Taylor Swift. This young singer-songwriter is known for her delicate features, alabaster skin, and curly blond tresses. Lately, Taylor’s been appearing in more grown-up hair and makeup, but her lean, elegant build and angelic face still lend a fresh, feminine, and youthful look to whatever she puts on.

To get a Taylor Swift-style wedding look, go for a deep side part of lush curls, and keep your makeup rosy, dewy, and girly. Flushed cheeks, rose-pink lips, and eyes lined in a little smoky charcoal eyeliner or eyeshadow will work perfectly for this look – avoid earth tones if you also have pale skin, like Taylor’s. Use shimmer powder on the decolletage and arms to add a “stardust” effect that is dazzling under bright lights.

Perfect wedding dresses that mimic the Taylor Swift look include the pretty corseted style shown above – always choose pure white, rather than cream, to highlight the fairytale beauty of this sort of look…

Zooey Deschanel

wedding dress

Indie “It” girl Zooey Deschanel is an actress with a distinctive hipster- vintage look and a love of girly dresses with a Fifties vibe. Her thick, dark mane and bright blue eyes have made her a natural choice for ingénue roles in film and television. Married to a member of alt-rock band Death Cab For Cutie, Zooey is also starring in a new television series, New Girl, this fall…

To get Zooey’s cool retro look, choose a knee-length wedding dress that nips in at the waist – accessorize with thick bangs, a pretty headband, and high heels. Red lips will work well, if you’re pale with dark hair, like Zooey. Whatever makeup you choose, keep it very light and natural, except for the lips, which should contrast with your skin and hair.

Best For Bride Is Here To Help

Looking for mother of the bride dresses, wedding favors, or wedding cakes? Whatever you need, we’re here to help you get exactly what you want. At Best For Bride, we offer full service for brides-to-be, and we know exactly how to make your wedding dreams come true. Visit our Ontario retail outlets, or use our convenient online bridal store to order the dress of your dreams, and plan the ideal wedding!