Tuesday, June 30, 2009

What to Wear to a Wedding

The wedding invite has arrived. The question now is what to wear to the wedding. The attire will depend on the style of wedding, season and location. So read that card carefully and find the finer details before you hit the mall.

For women

For the ultra formals choose the long gowns. The dress should be elegant and tasteful. A chic cocktail dress can also be worn. Add glamour and glitz with furs and diamonds.

An outdoor wedding be it a garden, beach or a destination wedding is not necessarily an informal one so if the card indicates formal Evening or Black-Tie wedding, go for a cocktail dress, either plain or with embellishments. In case of informal one wear a tea length dress.

For garden weddings pretty floral dresses in pink, blue and yellow are the best. Even a skirt and sweater combination will be perfect. One can wear a nice fitting that goes along with the dress. Go for a light color suit if the occasion demands.

For a beach wedding wear anything that looks cool with bare feet, a flat sandal, or espadrille (if you can’t do without heals).

For hot climate weddings go for bright colors and light fabrics. Wear blues, fuchsia, red, green, turquoise knee length or asymmetrical hem line dresses with spaghetti straps or strapless style. Choose wrinkle free material for the dress.

It is advisable not to wear sequins or black during day time wedding.

For winter weddings, dressy suits are great options. Go for fitted jackets or long flowing tunic with a touch of fur collar or satin stole / ribbon.

Best are strapless gowns, spaghetti straps with V-necklines, or retro-style gowns.

One can also go for black pants and a dressy top/tunic.

In most formal, semi- formal weddings the cocktail dress or a short trendy dress, a classy skirt and blouse or a sun dress goes best with some suitable accessories.

As a rule avoid a white dress which may compete with the bride.

For Men

Non formal Daytime wedding: a nice classic Dress shirt and pants, teamed with a sports jacket.

Informal or semi- formal evening wedding: a suit

A formal Daytime wedding: dark suit and tie

For a formal evening wedding the dress code would be a Tuxedo (if it’s a "black tie" invite) or a dark suit.

Ultra-formal evening / White tie wedding: classic shirt, white tie and vest.

Monday, June 29, 2009

What is the Average cost of wedding dresses?

Your wedding dress will probably be the most expensive clothing you will buy for yourself. And of course, you will just wear it once. You need to look at many factors and get it right. It has to be valuable, flatter your face and figure and yes, it has to fit your budget.

Here are some tips to get it right:

The Early bird gets a bargain

So start shopping early. The best time is right after the engagement. This way you will not feel rushed. You should aim to purchase one about six to eight months before the wedding. You can be selective, attend to the detailing and the embroidery, and what is more, you just might get a beautiful one at a discount since you have plenty of time to hunt down a bargain.

Visualize the most perfect dress

High class bridal salons ask you about your wedding, the decor, the style and then suggest you the best one. Moreover, they offer you a selection of what goes best with your figure and style. Learn the basics and perhaps you can browse the bridal magazines and get one which is good and suited to your wedding party and appearance.

Prices you can expect

Recent market surveys have estimated the average cost of a wedding dress to be $700-$800. Of course designer dresses cost much more. Maggie Sottero offers a wide range and so does Alfred Angelo. The prices start as low as $400 and go up to $1500.

Salons price them much higher. The fabric they use is natural and the detailing is excellent quality. There would be around $2000 and $4000. Brides with a higher amount of spending money can indulge their impeccable taste by buying gowns ranging from $6000 to much higher. In such a situation the tailors work closely with you and you go for fittings so that the gown seems to flow with your body. Its perfect. They are hand stitched and hand embroidered.


Even a very modest estimate would be as follows

Cost of wedding dress $900 to $1500, Cost of alteration extra

The headpiece $200 to $350

Shoes $50

Budget yourself

First of all check your finances and decide how much you can spend on your gown. This will save you time. You will be able to decide which bridal salons are within your budget and which are not. Browse the internet and bridal magazines. You will get a fair idea about the price range and you can be realistic.
The rule of the thumb is that your wedding gown should not cost more than 10% of the expense of your wedding reception.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

What to do with your wedding dress after the wedding

You spent countless hours searching for that perfect wedding dress and had a magical wedding wearing it but now that it is over, the big question arises about what to do with the precious wedding dress. Once dry-cleaned and stored a bride may look for options which tell her exactly how the memorable dress can be used apart from being tucked away as an heirloom.

One option is to trash the dress. Now that the commitment of eternal love has been made, make use of the wedding dress. Roll on the grass, meet the waves of the ocean and do all sort of amazing things wearing the wedding dress. Get yourself clicked by the trashthedress.com photographers or a friend. Preserve those memories of a great wedding and the most romantic honeymoon. Hang the snaps around your home or make an album for generations to see. Have fun.

Those who believe in social causes and charity can make their wedding gown appear on another aisle by donating it to various organizations. There are such organizations across the globe and can be contacted online. One can give it at the non profit bridal wear shops also, where they resell them at discounted rates.

Getting creative is the best way to use the expensive garment. If the wedding dress is a short and trendy one or a cocktail dress one can wear it again with some alterations or even dying them in dark rich colors.

The wedding gown or dress can be turned into christening gowns for children or recycled to make an elegant bridal handbag, purses, handkerchiefs or tissue pouches for some other brides. One can also make absolutely adorable pillows, table cloths etc with it. A more creative way is to use it for new baby’s bed Lenin or blanket cover. A first communion gown for a girl in the family is a creative reuse of the wedding dress.

Get the long gown chopped into a stunning cocktail dress and add embellishments to it if desired. Remove the sleeves and make it a strapless or off shoulder dress for those formal, semi formal and summer parties. A dressy blouse or frock is desirable option.

Use the lace and veil to make small window curtains. Use them as edging on towels or jewelry boxes.

Instead of sealing it in a coffin like box, get creative to use your wedding gown or dress.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

What are the styles of a simple wedding dress

While many brides would love to have a dramatic wedding dress, there are others who are uncomfortable with too many embellishments and would like to opt for a simple wedding dress. The problem these days is that the styles that are in vogue have too much detailing. They call for a whole lot of embellishments, lace, sequins and flounces, which may not be what you as a bride would want. If this is the case you need to go for the classic, simple and elegant sort of wedding dress.

In the current economic slump it makes sense to keep it simple. Many brides prefer to keep their wedding dress simple, not because of any constraints but simply because they see themselves as simple women. Simple does not mean un-trendy but simple does mean devoid of any kind of fuss. The simple wedding dress need not be unfashionable or dowdy. Of course it will not be having detailing. It will avoid layering, flounces, frills, ribbons, beading, crystal work, embroidery or any other fancy stuff. But then, perhaps you would not like to walk down the aisle wearing something that looks like rolls of lace and sequins wrapped around your body. You can achieve a classic, understated and chic effect with the right cut of the dress and the right fabric.

A simple wedding dress can be classy, feminine and elegant. Modern fashion is all-encompassing. Today's bride can choose from a wide range of styles to select the dress that is perfect for her wedding day. A simple style does not have to be dowdy. It can lay stress on the fabric of the garment, the cut and the fall. It can play with texture and color for the perfect look.

The traditional wedding dress has been white in color. Over the years brides have experimented with the white color and used cream, egg-shell, ecru and pearl. However in the recent years, brides have also started using non-traditional colors like purple, pink, and others for their wedding dress. If you do not want to wear white, you have a range of colors to choose from.

If you do not want to spend too much on your wedding dress, you can get yourself a simple gown (a prom dress would also do) and invest the rest of your money on classy jewelery. After all jewelery is a great investment, and the dress is worn only once. The main point to remember here is that the entire ensemble should be balanced. The dress should be simple yet elegant and the jewelery adds the sparkle. So chose your jewelery for the occasion with care.

Select the style and cut of your simple wedding dress carefully. For a tall slim figure a sheath is wonderful. This also complements a petite figure. Simple Silhouette is a style that accentuates the curves and is very elegant. Select a neckline and other details to emphasize the accessories and jewelery.

If you have a perfect hourglass figure, it can be accentuated with a two piece and corset style of dress. It can be very simple, with clean unbroken line, accentuating the waist. The Empire wasted wedding dress is ideal for a bride who has a fuller waist. Again this style does not need any lace or flounces. Even the layering can be minimized or done away with. This can be worn with heavy jewelery that takes away the attention from the body shape.

For a pear shaped figure, the A-line cut is a wonderful way to camouflage the full hips. It is figure hugging at the waist and bust and flows in simple lines over the lower body. Of course, you can browse the design catalog for the best way to style it. It can be with sleeves or with noodle straps. It could also be backless. You will be the best judge of the design suitable for you.

There is a wide array of fabrics to choose from. Select a fabric that is best suited for the style of your dream dress, keeping in mind the fact that you have chosen not to embellish it in any way. Silk is the traditional choice of brides. It is natural, strong and durable and has a shine. Silk today is woven with other materials to give you a wide variety of fabrics like duchess satin, shantung, Carmelle etc. You could also use velvet, Georgette, taffeta or even chiffon for your simple wedding dress. Keep in mind that the design of the dress is simple so the fabric and cut should be perfect to emphasize your beauty.


Bridal Online Store offers the most selection and best prices for wedding dresses and beach wedding dresses.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Winter Wedding Gowns

If a cozy winter wedding is on your wish list, you can plan a grandeur look for yourself. Be aware of the fact however, that a cold season wedding leaves you with lesser options than those in other seasons. Here are some practical tips for choosing memorable winter attire:

What not to wear
While opting for style, it is very important to give due consideration to comfort. You cannot be shivering and carrying that elegant gait at the same time. Therefore, you cannot choose to wear something that does not let your attention get away from it. Light fabrics, uncovered shoulders, and open footwear are not good choices for such an occasion.

Choice of fabric
Winter wedding gowns are usually stitched in heavy fabrics, such as heavy satin, brocade, velvet, and Dutch satin, which add a luxurious touché as well as warmth.

Style
Owing to their heavy fabric, winter wedding dresses call for designs that are more elaborate. A 'fuller ball gown' and 'A-lines' are good choices from the point of view of warmth as well as fabrics. Flowing and larger stitches are more suitable if heavy dress material is being used. In the case of winter wedding dresses, not many options for necklines and shoulder cuts are available, at least in the case of readymade picks. Common styles are quarter to full-length sleeves with plain or puffed designs and full neck, portrait neck, or off-shoulder necklines. However, if you are getting your outfit stitched, you can have greater choice available.

Unconventional designs
Not everyone is pleased to settle with traditional alternatives. For instance, strapless gowns, being in vogue these days, you can choose to have one for your winter wedding. All you need to do is top it up with warm fur cloak, or faux-fur wrap in whites, tinges, or even deep colors like burgundy, plum, and navy. You can also choose other fabric than the heavier types, which will leave you room for experimenting with various other styles. If you choose a lighter material or a sleeker look, you can use cashmere cape, full-length bridal coat in wool, fur, or crushed velvet. If you do not wish to cover that majestic fall of your wedding gown, you can opt for short jackets that fit the bodice.

Accessories
Since most of the winter wedding dresses are fuller in design, a long veil is a part of such winter wedding attire. Sparkling jewelry, red rose bouquet, and laced bridal boots complete that fairy-like look of yours.

Do some advanced research and choose your final wedding dress after consultation with your friends & family and experts. After all, its your special day and you would not like to miss on anything!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Causal Weddings the Latest Trend for Brides

So, you are now engaged to be married. What kind of wedding are you going to have? The latest trend is for couples to go with more causal weddings then full productions. You may have decided that a more causal wedding is what you want to do, though the question is now what?

With young couples's busy schedules, causal weddings are a great idea. With the price a big production wedding can be a strain on new couples getting started in life. Causal wedding allow for a memorable and classy wedding which will still be day to remember.

Invitations

With today's basic graphic computer people can now make classic looking wedding invitations without shelling out the expense. Pick the paper you would like from the store and most basic software packages that comes with your computer has programs for designing invitations and making them personal to you.

Wedding Dress

The latest trend is classy and sexy wedding dresses without long trains. A causal wedding dress still can be just as beautiful with sexy v-necks and open backs. Online allows brides to get wedding dress at low prices.

Bridesmaids Dresses

What to make your bridesmaids love you more than ever. Instead of bright colored dress that they will never wear again nor want to, pick a dress from one of your favorite clothing stores. A classy summer dress can look beautiful and used again.

Flowers

Everyone stills wants flowers at your wedding. It is important to find the right amount of flowers based on the location for your weddings. Many people spend too much time thinking about the flowers which they will never remember in the end.

Reception

The reception is a time for your guest to visit and interact. Often weddings bring people together who haven't seen each other for some time. Most intimate places like a friends or family member's backyard or a personal friend's quite location allows your guest to interact. Many standard locations for weddings place everyone in special seats in a large room and lose the intimacy that your causal wedding can provide.

Music

With everyone having an IPOD or MP3 player, you would be surprised what a DJ your friends and family can be. Set your music player to a set schedule of songs and no one has to worry about the music all night. Working together with friends and family you can compile every song that you would want.


Bridal Online Store has the latest trends in casual wedding dresses and all your wedding dress selections.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Top 6 Ideas to Pick the Perfect Wedding Dress

Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your entire life. The dress that you wear needs to symbolize how important this day is. It is vital that the dress you pick brings out the best in your beauty on your special day.

Everyone wants to look their best on their Wedding Day. Taking the time to find the right dress is essential. One great aspect now you can get great wedding dresses online which allow you to instantly pick all the right features for your perfect bridal gown. Listed below are the Top 6 Items to consider when making your decision on the right wedding dress for you.

Top 6 Decisions on Selecting the Perfect Wedding Dress

Picking the Right Color:

The color you pick is based on the color of your own skin; dark-skinned brunettes look best in ivory or beige wedding dresses, and light-skinned blondes look their best in a white pastel or pure white dress.

Chose the Right Length:

The type of wedding event you're putting on will affect your bridal gown's length. Full-length dresses are designed for formal weddings. At more informal weddings, which are normally smaller in size and production (most on second and greater weddings) the bride can look good in a knee-length gown/skirt. The skirt should cover the knees and drape at least one inch below the top of the kneecap. Ankle-length bridal gown is acceptable too, and it can be very classy, sexy, fashionable, and romantic.

What is the Right Silhouette:

The "silhouette" is known as the shape of the gown and how it fits your body. Common styles include the Princess and A-line, ball gown (mostly commonly called the Cinderella gown), sheaths, a mermaid shape, an empire silhouette, or a two-piece.

How Long Should the Train be:

The best trains are typically long ones, that can be detachable so that it won't get stepped on, ripped, or otherwise ruined during the reception.

Picking the Perfect Mood:

The mood of your bridal gown can be Romantic, Modern, Traditional, or Classic.

Get the Right Size:

Just like with other clothing options, when it comes to choosing a wedding gown, size is important. For brides petite to large, the size of a wedding dress is ordered based on measurements of bust, waist, hips and height. The right size makes every person feel beautiful on their special day.


Bridal Online Store has the highest fashion at the best prices on wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses, and more.