Tag: white wedding dress

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How To Find The Best Bridal Look For Your Zodiac Sign

Astrology is just for fun…whether or not you believe in the twelve zodiac signs is totally up to you. However, many women do enjoy checking their horoscopes and reading about the characteristics of each Sun Sign. If you love astrology and beauty tips, you’ll also love this quick guide to the best makeup, hairstyles, and wedding gowns for your sign. Today, we’ll focus on the first six signs of the zodiac. Stay tuned for the others next week!

Aries

You’re the zodiac pioneer…you want to set trends and look fabulous while you’re doing it. Your fresh, bold approach to fashion can make you quite fearless. You like to take chances! For your wedding day, you should highlight your face with modern makeup that focuses on your eyes and lips. You’ve got strong features that become very glamorous with the right lipstick and eye makeup. Tone down any ruddiness in your complexion with a tinted moisturizer, then conceal imperfections. A light dusting of translucent powder should be enough to highlight your skin.

Red and white are your “magic colors” – use a  strong red lip color (Lancome Mars is a wonderful red, with copper shimmer ) or bold ruby gloss on your wedding day. If you want a more subtle red, consider a lip stain. Eyes can be highlighted with a touch of silvery-white eyeshadow on the brow bone.

For your white wedding dress, look for modern details like one-shouldered styles, chic embroidery, or glossy, shiny fabrics. You may have the desire for a fairytale wedding – Aries is very romantic! Aries brides often choose wedding dresses with voluminous skirts to get the right effect.

Diamonds are your birthstone – treat yourself to bridal rings that feature this gorgeous stone – you’ll probably want a solitaire..the bigger, the better! Celeb Aries – Lady Gaga (imagine what her wedding gown would look like!)

Taurus –

You’re the Earth Mother of the zodiac. Capable, practical, and nurturing, you can also be quite single-minded and even stubborn. You should bring out the gentler, more feminine aspects of your personality and appearance on your wedding day. This can be achieved by choosing touches of baby pink or pale blue in your makeup, sash, bouquet, or bridal jewelry.

Natural fabrics will appeal to you – you may feel most comfortable in a simple and elegant slip dress made of real silk or satin. You hate anything fake! Your skin is probably quite lovely – many Taurus women have soft and smooth complexions. Use a touch of bronzer, such as Estée Lauder’s Bronze Goddess, to highlight your glowing skin. Natural makeup will be best for you – anything pinky-brown or soft pink will appeal to you.

Necklaces with rose quartz or other semi-precious stones can add a little bohemian beauty to your bridal gown. Your throat is one of your best features, so be sure to choose a special pendant for your big day. A filmy veil may seem romantic – however, many Taurus women choose to keep veils short and quite simple. Wearing your hair down and keeping accessories to a minimum will probably make you feel most comfortable. Celeb Taurus Bride – Jessica Alba

Gemini –

You are a chameleon – you’re fun, social, and always changing with the times. You’ll be the bride who wants to enjoy the latest trends as you marry. You may opt for touches of bright color in your wedding outfit – yellow and green are your magic colors, so perhaps a bouquet featuring these cheery tones could work for you. A sash in a vibrant hue will make you feel more fashionable as you marry.

You’ll love experimenting with different looks before your wedding – look for a well-stocked bridal boutique that offers plenty of options. Take friends along to help you decide. Your hands are always beautiful – compliment them with bridal rings that have a little artistic or sculptural flair. Schedule a manicure and treat yourself to a special nail color for your wedding. You also have pretty lips – Gemini is very kissable! Use a pretty gloss in a fun color like rich plum or berry to play up your mouth.

Many lovely Gemini women, such as actress Annette Bening, look wonderful with short hairstyles. If you’re one of them, you may want to skip a veil and just show off some fresh, stylish highlights. If you have long hair, experiment with high-fashion up-dos that aren’t too old-fashioned. Modern is the way to go for Gemini! Gemini bride-to-be Natalie Portman is sure to dazzle with a chic bridal gown and the coolest accessories.

Cancer –

You’re sweet and sentimental – tradition matters so much to the Cancer bride. You’ll want to wear something borrowed and something blue. You’ll also remember every moment of your romantic wedding day. For you, a traditional wedding gown will always be your first choice. Look for a bridal dress that is very feminine – a classic hourglass silhouette will highlight your chest and waist – and these are often the best features of a Cancer woman’s figure. A fuller skirt, perhaps with a crinoline, will look terrific on you.

You should consider a veil – you’ll love the romantic feeling it brings. For you, makeup should be in sun-kissed pastel tones that are subtle and appealing – gentle coral-pink lipstick, peachy blush (Rose Silk Cheekers blush by Covergirl is wonderful – and cheap!) and shimmery eye shadows in pale gold and cream will flatter. Pearls will make you glow – consider wearing a  classic strand on your big day.

Don’t be too severe with your hair – your soft, childlike beauty is flattered by tousled waves or curls. Cancer brides may cry on the big day – your tears of joy will look much prettier if you remember to wear waterproof mascara! Famous Cancer Brides – the late Princess Diana

Leo –

You’re a regal woman who is blessed with charisma and confidence. You have so many wonderful physical attributes, and you also have the personality to carry off the boldest wedding styles. For you, the challenge may to to tone down your dramatic tendencies when you choose a wedding gown and accessories. Many Leo women enjoy the “costume” element of a wedding – however, they often look best in sleek lines that show off their natural beauty.

Unless your hair is very dark, you should treat yourself to a few golden highlights before your wedding. A suntan will always make you feel more beautiful – whether it comes from Mother Nature, or from a tanning salon or self-tanner. Try not to go too far with tanning – keep it subtle to look more natural at your wedding.

Your gown should be dramatic, with high-fashion details you’re proud of. You will want quality and uniqueness – you don’t want to look like every other bride. Adding a touch of scarlet or golden yellow to your bouquet, bridal jewelry, or makeup will make you feel confident – gold and red are lucky colors for Leo. Lipstick possibility – Russian Red by MAC. Celebrity Leos – the late Jackie Kennedy, Madonna.

Virgo –

Humble and down-to-earth, you are also quite meticulous about details. Planning your wedding may be stressful, as you want to take care of everything yourself. Staying healthy and relaxed as your wedding day approaches is really the most important beauty tip I can give. Don’t be afraid to delegate some tasks to others – even if they won’t do them quite as well as you would.

Your beauty is quite refined – you will look best in sophisticated designs that are elegant and more subdued. You may not want to embrace the over-the-top princess look at your wedding – instead, you’ll want to look pulled-together, womanly, fresh, and immaculately groomed. Look for a gown with simple lines and just a touch of embellishment – you will want fine craftsmanship, and you’ll be willing to pay for the best if your budget allows it. You are interested in art and design – you’ll appreciate hand-beading and unique details, as long as they aren’t too flashy.

Even cheap wedding dresses can be fine choices if you examine seams, fabric, and quality carefully before you buy. Getting a deal is always a thrill for frugal Virgo! You should highlight your eyes when you do your makeup – a subtle eyeliner in soft brown or charcoal grey can add definition without being too harsh looking. Use blush to give your face a softer appearance – your lips will look best in neutral lipstick – Clinique Blushing Nude is very nice. Use a clear gloss to add shine.

Overall, subtlety and attention to detail will work best for you. Anything tacky or too frou-frou will make you unhappy. Your shiny, healthy hair will look glam in a sleek up-do – consider a chignon or half-up, half-down style.  A French manicure will look clean and elegant – your bridal rings will be shown off to their best advantage. Virgo Bride – Faith Hill

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Suited in Style: Guiding Your Groom to the Perfect Tuxedo and Accessory Selection!

Some men just aren’t into fashion…they may find the task of choosing the perfect tux, tuxedo shirt, cummerbund and boutonniere a little bit daunting! Luckily, as his bride-to-be, you are there to help him select the most flattering combination of colors, fabrics, and styles. You can help him choose a wedding ensemble that makes him feel handsome, pulled-together, and perfectly dressed on the big day. Here are some things to consider when you’re helping your groom-to-be buy or rent the ultimate tuxedo:

His Tuxedo Should Coordinate With Your Own Bridal Gown

Creating an overall theme for your wedding is important – often, this begins with wedding outfits that coordinate. Your white wedding dress will go with many different types of dress suits and tuxes – however, certain styles will look more appropriate with certain bridal gowns. For example, a bridal dress with vintage appeal will look best with a more old-fashioned tuxedo, such as a morning coat and tails. Conversely, if you’re dressing in a modern, trendy wedding dress, you should look for a sleek, polished suit for your groom-to-be.

Considering the design features of your wedding gown, and just how formal it is, will help you find important clues about how your groom should be dressed on your special and romantic wedding day. You don’t want to wear a fabulous, embellished gown and walk down the aisle to a groom who’s dressed too casually. Your ensembles should be coordinated and balanced!

If you’re wearing a colorful sash with your wedding dress, look for ways to bring that color into your groom’s outfit. You can add pops of color to his suiting by choosing a matching cummerbund, bow tie, or boutonniere. Shop around at an online bridal store to get ideas!

Accessories should also adhere to the theme you’ve chosen for your wedding. Men should have an easy time finding beautiful cotton ties that coordinate with their bridal gown and that of the groomsmen, as well. Further, a beautiful pair of cuff links can also add an extra touch of elegance to their attire.

Examine His General Coloring

Your handsome groom-to-be will look even more dashing in his tuxedo when it is chosen to highlight his best features and gel with his hair color, eye color, and skin tone. The principle of “seasonal beauty” come into play here. You may have heard about seasonal beauty – it works for women and men. For example, if your groom has dark hair, bright, jewel-like eyes (amber brown, sapphire blue, emerald green, jet black) and a cool skin tone (no orange or yellow undertones), he will probably be a Winter. Winter grooms look best in royal blue, true red, emerald green, and pure white accents. Black will always be a great choice for a Winter man’s tux!

If your groom-to-be is a redhead with freckles, he’ll need the right colors to look great at your wedding. Most redheaded grooms fall into the Spring or Autumn seasons – for them, colors like Kelly green, taupe, honey brown, warm yellow, and deep orange will flatter their coloring. Consider adding touches of these sun-kissed shades to his outfit, or your own bouquet, sash, or bridal rings.

While it’s nice to coordinate, you should beware of choosing tones that fight your own coloring. If you’re a Winter, and he’s a Spring, it’s better to avoid wearing “his” colors in order to coordinate.

The Summer groom will usually have soft blue-gray or pale blue eyes – he may also have brown or ash-blond hair with no golden tones. His skin may be translucent porcelain white or pale beige. This sort of groom will look best in dusty tones, such as dusty rose (British men often wear pale-pink shirts that aren’t too bright, and many British men are summers – Hugh Grant is one famous example!), pale blue, pale cream, and navy. For this type of groom, warm tones like golden yellow will fight their coloring and wash them out. Delicate Summer coloring looks best in subtle, toned down and refined pastels. Shoot for sophistication by adding touches of blue or pale green to his outfit.

Look At His Body Type

Husky

Some grooms feel self-conscious when they shop for tuxedos or dress suits – they know they don’t have six-pack abs and all the lean definition of male models. If your guy is on the husky side, he’ll need your help to overcome any body issues and to feel like a million bucks in his wedding ensemble.

Great tailoring can make anyone look slimmer and more attractive on their wedding day. Look for dark fabrics without any shine – a matte effect is most slimming for him. Then, consider the cut of a suit. A classic three-piece suit or tuxedo featuring a vest can be an excellent way to make the most of his physique – the vest should be the same color as the jacket and pants. Often, a vest adds a bit of coverage where it is needed – in the midsection! He’ll feel great in a dark vest that takes the focus off his stomach. Consider a three-piece suit with a colorful tie that suits his skin tone. You may want to avoid colorful cummerbunds or frilly shirts if he’s a little heavy or self-conscious about his body.

Normal Build (Average)

Dressing the medium, or average body type doesn’t offer the same challenges as the husky or very slim body – you can be more creative here, as long as your guy is comfortable with that. Instead of focusing on body type and how to flatter, you can concentrate on capturing the essence of his own personal style on your wedding day. Is he casual, or formal? Does he love bright colors, or subdued tones?

Look at his wardrobe choices and find a way to bring a little of his personality into his tuxedo, dress shoes, cummerbund, vest, and shirt. Use color theory to be certain everything you choose will work for him. If you’re shopping for wedding bands, you should know that silver or white gold will flatter Summer of Winter men the most. If he’s warm (Spring or Autumn), he’ll look better in yellow or rose gold.

Slim

Skinny guys can be just as self-conscious as husky guys – they may have grown up feeling too thin or frail-looking. Men with this build often look for bulkier garments that give the illusion of more body weight and size. If your guy is thin and you want to find a suit that makes him feel comfortable and confident, you have plenty of options. Pleats are unfashionable these days – in general, pleated pants will appeal to an older generation.

No matter how old your groom is, you should avoid pleating – it will make him look even thinner than he already is. Instead, look for modern, flat-front pants for his suit or tux. Look for subtle shoulder pads in suits and jackets – these will add a little definition to his shoulders by making them appear broader. The padding should be expertly sewn, and it shouldn’t be obvious. Don’t buy him a tux shirt or dress shirt that is too fitted – instead, find something a little looser and go for a white color or pale pastel that makes him look larger.

Planning Ahead Is The Key To Success

With these tips, you can go into a wedding boutique and know exactly what’s right for you. You’ll make it easier for him to narrow down his choices and enjoy his wedding outfit. Taking care of him before the wedding at a great, full-service wedding boutique is just part of being a caring girlfriend. When you put on your gorgeous wedding dress and see him waiting for you at the altar, you’ll know your hard work was well worth the effort.

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Graceful Guidance: Essential Tips and Tricks for the Mother of the Bride to Shine!

Watching your son or daughter tie the knot will be one of your life’s most poignant and exciting moments! As the proud matriarch of your family, you will want to be at your absolute best on the big day.

To help you get organized, we’ve put together a quick guide of tips and tricks – just for the mother of the bride! With our suggestions, you can be certain of looking wonderful as you enjoy the ceremony and reception:

Choose The Right Colors For Your Own Dress –

Avoiding snowy white or off-white gowns is important – mother of the bride dresses and evening dresses should never compete with the bride’s own white wedding dress.

Pastels are a safe choice, but they may also wash you out! Don’t be afraid to inject a little color into your wedding ensemble! If you choose a pale pastel for your outfit, try to balance things with a bright lipstick or gemstone necklace.

You don’t have to match the bridesmaid dresses – you can just stay in the same color family if you’re more comfortable with that. Some mothers of the bride actually prefer to choose an evening dress or suit that is in marked contrast to the bridesmaids gowns!

Ask the bride and groom-to-be for advice if you aren’t sure – chances are, they will have a vision in mind for their entire wedding party…

As we age, our skin can lose a little rosiness – stronger jewel tones like golden topaz, sapphire blue,  rich purple or intense magenta can put color near the face where needed.

How you will look is largely dependent on the fit of your dress, and whether its color scheme gels with your hair color, eye color, and skin tone. A brighter jacket with a darker suit or dress underneath can be slimming and very chic.

However, you will always need to match the brightness of your outfit with appropriate makeup. You don’t have to overdo it – or even change your regular makeup very much – just add a touch of vibrant color where it really matters.

Pay Attention To Your Makeup

You will be in the spotlight on the big day! Take care to moisturize well, blot your face with a tissue to remove shine, and then do a careful makeup that highlights your best features. For photographs, a little definition around the eyes, and deeper color on the lips, can be great ways to make the most of your natural beauty.

Lightly filling in the brows with a soft eyeshadow ( it should be one or two shades darker than your hair) or brow pencil can be a great way to look more “awake” in photos!

An age-defying foundation can even out your complexion, creating an ideal base for “party” makeup. You don’t need to put foundation everywhere – leaving it off your forehead and cheeks may look more natural.

Using base on the chin, nose (and around the nose), and under the eyes (if you don’t use concealer) may be more than enough. Powder should be applied lightly with a large brush. Patting powder on with a puff can leave you looking chalky.

If you’re wearing cool colors (icy blue, royal blue, true red, emerald green, pink, lavender), be sure your makeup palette isn’t warm or neutral. Conversely, avoid makeup that fights these tones if you’re wearing warm shades like topaz, cinnamon, or burnt orange. Knowing your own coloring is the key to looking great at your child’s wedding!

Dress For Your Body Type

Dressing for your body type is the perfect way to look longer, leaner, and more proportional at the wedding. If you’re curvier, with fuller breasts and hips, be sure to opt for a style that nips in at the waist! Creating a balanced hour-glass silhouette will flatter your natural body type.

When shopping at a bridal boutique, look for an A-line skirt – it can be very attractive on this body type. Avoid anything too tight or too clinging – a slightly heavier fabric (stiff silk or satin versus filmy chiffon, for example) will provide the coverage and support you need.

Wear the right undergarments – a good bra with heavier straps can be a great investment. Even modern-day girdles or support garments have come a long way, and they can give you extra confidence when all eyes are on you. Look at Spanx or similar, pantyhose styles…

For slimmer mothers of the bride, sheath dresses or chemises can be lovely choices. In general, any cut that follows the leaner lines of your body, without being too snug, will look appropriate and flattering. Avoid ruffles or other frou-frou details – unless you really love them! Shoot for simple sophistication and clean lines – when shopping at the wedding store, add glamor by choosing fun heels, pretty accessories, and stylish colors.

Get Your Hair Done Professionally

You will invest so much energy in supporting the bride-to-be and groom-to-be – remember to pamper yourself, too! A fresh color and blowout will make you feel more pulled-together as you enjoy your child’s wedding. Don’t experiment too much or get too creative – go to a colorist and stylist you know and trust.

Relax And Have Fun!

Your attitude and sense of inner joy is really what makes you most beautiful on your son or daughter’s wedding day! Once you’ve planned out your wedding outfit, accessories, and jewelry, you will be all set to relax and enjoy the thrilling experience!

Plan ahead and get organized – make beauty appointments well in advance, buy any makeup items, lingerie, and other accessories, and tuck the whole shebang away in a garment bag (and cosmetic case). Being 100 percent ready for the wedding will allow you to relax and really be there for your child as he or she gets married!

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How To Make Your Bridesmaids Feel Appreciated

“My friends are my estate.”

– Emily Dickinson

Without your loyal and lovely bridesmaids, your wedding would be less wonderful. These caring ladies are there to help you look as beautiful as can be on the big day…they also provide amazing moral support during the months leading up to your wedding.

If you’re given to a little Bridezilla behavior now and then (and aren’t we all?), you’ll have even more reason to value every bridesmaid in your wedding party… why not show these special girlfriends just how much they mean to you?

Avoid The Clichés – Give Your Bridesmaids Something Pretty To Wear At Your Wedding

The best way of showing you care is by helping your bridesmaids avoid the most dreaded cliché – the homely dress, designed to make the bride look so much prettier by comparison. It can be tempting to put your girls in ugly dresses, but it’s really a bad idea on many levels.

After all, you’re a modern, confident woman! You don’t want your bridesmaids dressed in tacky styles they’ll secretly despise. Your wedding will be more pleasant for everyone when you honor your bridesmaids – they don’t need couture pieces straight off of a Paris runway. However, even cheap bridesmaid dresses should offer the best quality, sophistication, and fabric possible.

A brainstorming session, where the bridesmaids come together and give you ideas about what they’d prefer to wear, would be a great “girl’s night” activity. Watch 27 Dresses or The Wedding Singer, have some snacks and drinks, and chat about bridesmaid gowns and fun wedding decor ideas!

Of course, it’s your wedding, not theirs – still, you should always be sensitive about their body issues and opinions. Treat them as you would want to be treated…even if you had to wear something terrible when they walked down the aisle!

Being a gracious, kind bride-to-be is just good karma! It will also ensure that your friends are happy and comfortable in their gowns.

Choose Wisely

If they’re paying for their own outfits, they will be so relieved when you choose modern, pretty dresses that can even be worn again for other occasions. Consider cocktail-length gowns for your bridesmaids – they can add pizazz to your wedding, and they are so classic!

A knee-length sheath is always a flattering choice for almost any woman! A-line skirts are wonderful for curvier bridesmaids – they balance their shapes beautifully. Pay attention to the unique physical characteristics of each woman. It’s possible to find different bridesmaids dresses for each lady, as long as you stay in the same color family. Have fun with it! Don’t be afraid to innovate!

You’ll Always Be The Star On Your Wedding Day…

You will be the focus at your wedding – you are the gorgeous star of the day! Your stunning, snowy white wedding dress, sparkling bridal rings, and glamorous hair and makeup will put the spotlight on you throughout the ceremony and reception.

Your bridesmaids will be there to provide the perfect backdrop – and backup – if they are feeling pretty and appreciated, it will show! Their positive energy will add a lot to your whole wedding experience – make the day special for them as well!

A Fun Gift Idea For Your Bridesmaids

Before or after your ceremony, consider giving each bridesmaid a special present that is fun, personal and even poignant. It’s not about money – it’s about friendship! Here is a lovely gift idea that can be work with almost any budget:

Bridesmaid Survival Kits –

These popular kits often contain boring essentials, such as travel toothbrushes, sewing kits, extra stockings, Chap Stick, and mints. No one really wants everyday basics as a present! Make your own emergency kit – but fill it with fun and glamorous little mini-gifts.

A rhinestone-studded compact mirror or a scented lip plumper will be appreciated by almost any bridesmaid. Bath bombs that fizz and smell delicious are cheap, but they will always be enjoyed – and they’ll help each bridesmaid unwind before or after your wedding celebration. The goal is to give useful items with a little added charm!

Add any fun extras, such as glam nail polish or luxurious body lotion, that you happen to find on sale in the weeks before your ceremony. Wrap the whole kit up in a basket or shiny gift bag – add tissue paper or cellophane, and tie it with lots of colorful ribbons.

Your survival kit should be practical, but also something even Lady Gaga would appreciate! Put in a personal note as well, letting the bridesmaid know how much she means to you!