The Savvy Bride - Wedding Planning & Tips » Wedding Dresses

His and Hers Wedding Shoes

Author — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 18:32:48 +0000

About a week before we were to get married my bride and I were sitting on the couch watching one of those funny video television shows and this one just happened to be about weddings. One of the segments was about the different kinds of wedding shoes that some people have used in their wedding and the last part of the segment was a close up of a groom’s wedding shoes as he is kneeling at the altar during the ceremony.

Suddenly you could hear the church start to chuckle and then it started to erupt into a full laugh. The camera closed in on the groom’s wedding shoes and he had HELP written on one shoe and then ME written on the other. The bride never saw what was going on at the ceremony and I was warned that my wedding shoes better not contain any messages of help or anything else on them. In the end I chickened out and she even went so far as to check my wedding shoes by making me show her the bottoms of them as we were walking up the aisle towards the reverend. But it just goes to show you that even wedding shoes can have personality.

The bride is the biggest offender of abusing wedding shoes. As a groom we are stuck wearing our tuxedo shoes all night long and if you have ever worn rented tuxedo shoes then you know that after a while they get very uncomfortable. But as at the reception, after the first dance between bride and groom, if you check the bride’s wedding shoes you will see a pair of white sneakers! Cheaters! Now the sneaker companies are even helping by making special bride sneakers with glitter and designs on them! The unfair treatment starts early these days.

Good for the Goose

I always thought that if the bride was allowed to change out of her wedding shoes at the reception then the groom and his guys should be allowed to wear those shirts with the tuxedo printed on them because that is way more comfortable than the whole tuxedo. But alas life is not like that and when the groom turns into the husband after the “I do” right away the inequity begins and a husband’s torment starts. It just isn’t fair.

Sometimes I think every groom should be able to write HELP ME on the bottom of their tuxedo shoes because if you can’t start asking for help at the wedding then no one is going to listen to you after the reception.

Choosing Wedding Dresses for Your Big Day

Author — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:17:03 +0000

Most brides need a lot of time to choose their wedding dresses. This is because the wedding gown is one of the focal point in a wedding and all brides want to look their best on their wedding day. That is why choosing wedding dresses takes time and a lot of patience. Usually, the bride is accompanied by members of her family or friends when out choosing and trying on wedding dresses. Opinions are usually asked about how it makes her look and what they companions think about the dress.

Things to Consider

One of the primary things the bride has to consider when choosing wedding dresses is the design of the dress and how it suits her. Some designs make women look heavier than they usually are while others emphasize a part of their anatomy that they might not like to be emphasized. Before you go through many other wedding dresses, you should keep in mind a design that you like and that suits you. This is so that you do not get sidetracked by other designs that you think are nice but will not suit your body type.

One more thing to consider when out choosing wedding dresses is your budget. Unless you have an unlimited budget you are better off choosing wedding dresses from off the rack rather than have it designed by a well known designer. Off the rack wedding dresses have many other designs similar to it but you can add embellishments and other decorations to make it uniquely your own. Stay as close to your budget as possible because spending too much on your wedding dress when you need money somewhere else can result to chaos for your wedding budget.

Other things to consider when choosing wedding dresses are the location of your wedding and reception, the climate, the season and the motif of your wedding. The kinds of weddings dresses worn during winter wedding are usually warmer than summer weddings. If you have an outdoor wedding, you might also prefer a wedding dress made from heavier material because of winds which might lift skirts made from lighter materials. If you have a motif for your wedding, it is likely that you want your wedding dress to coordinate with the motif.

Choosing a wedding dress is no easy matter and a lot of time must be spent doing so. If you are having your dress designed by a designer, make sure you both understand each other and the design. Set aside a lot of time in choosing or designing a dress for your wedding.

Spotlight Brides: Look Red Carpet Worthy While Walking Down the Aisle

Jennifer — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:05:34 +0000

This spring, it will be difficult to tell if a bride is walking down the aisle or making her way down the red carpet. After a year-long love affair with the boxy trapeze dress, designers are emphasizing the waist and adding elegant details.

“This focus on the feminine calls for glamorous bridal jewelry fit for a queen,” says Shawn Diddy, Jewelry Television’s trend tracker. Here are some of the looks she’s expecting to be hot in 2008:

*Brides will make a “ready for your close-up” impact in an off-the-shoulder dress. The look from the runways calls for minimal accents — a single, “statement” piece of jewelry such as a pair of dangle earrings that sparkle or a thick, signature bracelet. Wear hair up to really show off your shoulders in that gorgeous dress.

*Pleats, ruffles and tulip tiers abound in light and frothy fabrics. Because of the unusual silhouettes of these trendy dresses, keep hair and jewelry simple. A loose chignon softens your face while a classic pair of diamond stud earrings adds elegance and light to the ensemble.

*A white dress and Grandma’s pearls is what everyone else is wearing, so why not go with this season’s hot pastels? Diaphanous dresses in shades of peach, blush and baby blue are fresh and stylish. Pull your hair back into a soft ponytail to show off sparkling crystal earrings or a necklace in a complementary color.

*Lace is always in, but this season’s unique lace details work especially well with long, flowing hair. Rich, jewel-toned, vintage-look jewelry adds texture to the ensemble.

*Whether the dress is short or long, designers have put the emphasis back on the waist. Nipped-in lines and wide belts or sashes showed all over New York’s runways. Because of the symmetry of the dress, wear your hair parted to the side and add drama with strong platinum jewelry pieces.

“Few brides can spend a fortune on a couture gown and estate diamonds so we recommend Jewelry Television’s Bella Luce Collection,” says Diddy. “Most pieces are platinum plated sterling silver for elegant, affordable, designer-inspired wearability.” For more information on the latest trends in bridal jewelry, visit www.jtv.com or check your local listings for Jewelry Television.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Rocking a New Ring in the New Year?

Jennifer — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 23:59:52 +0000

With a twinkle in her eye and sparkle on her finger, it’s no wonder the bride-to-be has a contagious glow. For the bevy of brides who got engaged during the holiday season, it’s time to begin the exciting, yet sometimes hectic task of planning their special day.

To better understand the preferences and attitudes of today’s brides and offer the most relevant wedding planning advice, the second annual “What’s on Bride’s Minds?” survey was conducted by Leflein Associates, Inc. for David’s Bridal, the nation’s leading bridal authority. Following are some up-to-the-minute planning tips to help each woman achieve her own wedding unique style, without breaking the bank:

Keep an Eye on the Bottom Line
First and foremost, establish a budget. Determine which aspects of the wedding are most important, and scale back on items that are not a top priority. Almost two-thirds of survey respondents said that the wedding dresses they found were too expensive. To keep finances in check without sacrificing quality or style, shop at a store that offers a wide selection of designer looks and matches your budget.

Online Oasis
The Internet is a wonderful planning tool and a great time-saver, so it’s no surprise that 53 percent of brides-to-be ranked wedding Web sites as a top resource for useful wedding planning advice, tips and ideas. Today’s brides shop for a variety of wedding products online; invitations were cited as the most popular item, followed by favors, bridal accessories and jewelry and bridal gowns. Among the top Web sites catering to brides, is davidsbridal.com, which offers more than 4,000 unique wedding related items and services. Check out the new db Online Collections featuring stylish bridal and bridesmaid dresses to suit any size, budget and timeline. Or, use the unique Dress Your Wedding tool to create your own virtual wedding party online.

Consult the Experts
When searching for that dream dress, take advantage of bridal consultants’ advice, as they provide great insight into the gowns’ quality, fit and construction. In fact, more than four out of five brides agreed that their consultant positively affected their shopping experience. In addition to these gown gurus, it’s a good idea to bring along a trusted friend or family member to provide honest feedback.

Time is On Your Side
Sixty-three percent of recently engaged women give themselves less than six months before their wedding to purchase their gown, while 38 percent wait until the final three months. If you are planning on getting married under a tight timetable, visit a bridal shop where you can try on the dress in your own size and take it home that day. David’s Bridal stocks a wide array of affordable bridal gowns ($299 – $1200), including designer collections from Oleg Cassini, Monique Luo and Galina, in sizes 0 to 26W, as well as select styles in petite sizes, so you can tell exactly how your dream dress looks and feels on you.

Obliging Bridesmaids
Searching for the perfect bridesmaid dress? The top issue brides found with dressing their bridal party was agreeing on one style to fit all different body types. Coordination remains in vogue, with almost three-quarters of respondents wanting their bridal party to wear the same color or color scheme, and thirty-four percent planning to have their bridesmaids wear the same dress in the same color. It’s a good idea to select a national retailer that carries a large assortment of bridesmaid styles, in a wide range of sizes and colors, for ease of shopping and to ensure everyone looks and feels their best.

Customization is Key
If you’re looking for ways to personalize your look without paying a hefty custom price tag, you’re not alone. Over 60 percent of brides said they would like to customize their gown to reflect their personality, but 40 percent felt it would be difficult to do so without costing a fortune. To solve this all-too-common dilemma, look for cost-effective solutions for personalizing your wedding dress. Try adding optional sleeves, a colorful sash that matches your wedding color scheme or a sparkling brooch. Don’t forget to ask your consultant about coordinating accessories, such as tiaras, veils, handbags, shoes and jewelry; you can never go wrong by selecting pieces that complement your dress and personal style.

Showcase Your Style
To create a seamless look, visit a one-stop-shop and choose a personalized color scheme that makes it easy to coordinate every aspect of the big day. From save-the-date cards and invitations to ceremony and reception items, right down to the icing on the cake, David’s Bridal offers an amazing assortment of options, available both in-store and online, to create a perfectly coordinated event.

While finding the love of her life is up to the bride, following these simple steps will help ease the wedding-planning process and make it more enjoyable. So when the big day finally arrives, her only responsibility will be to enjoy herself as she dances the night away.

To find the David’s Bridal store near you, call (877) 693-BRIDE or visit www.davidsbridal.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Finding A Beach Wedding Dress For Informal Surroundings

Jennifer — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 12:46:48 +0000

For the bride-to-be planning a less formal wedding on the beach or on a boat, they will not want a dress that drags in the sand, but at the same time they want a beach wedding dress that they can be proud to wear on their wedding day. While some may choose a simple sheath in light materials, possibly the best choice for a beach wedding dress will be one with an empire design.

With the skirt beginning to fall from just below the breasts, the length can be short enough to stay off the sand during the ceremony while giving the impression of a full-length gown. Obviously, the use of a train is out of the question when getting married on the beach, and with an empire style beach wedding dress the bride can still look resplendent in her choice of gowns.

While beach weddings or those less formal affairs taking place in a park or in the backyard can be just as meaningful as a traditional church wedding, it is becoming more popular for couples to be married in their favorite surroundings. Additionally, there may be budgetary constraints place on the couple or their parents and most beach wedding dress options are considerably less expensive that gowns used in more traditional weddings.

Find The Dress That Matches Bride’s Personality

There are many aspects of choosing a beach wedding dress and the attitude of the bride is probably the most important. Obviously they may be a little more free-spirited or even whimsical in choosing a beach wedding to begin with. The type of beach wedding dress she chooses should still allow the class and devotion of the ceremony to shine through yet not be so formal as to appear out of place.

Consider the weather when choosing a gown as many times the heat can be unbearable on the beach. The beach wedding dress should be made of light, flowing fabric to help the bride tolerate the heat of the day, as well as the reception to follow. If the weather turns chilly after the ceremony, a light shawl or jacket can be matched to the dress to make the bride more comfortable.

The important thing about the choice of any gown, even a beach wedding dress is that it is tailored to the bride and is of a style and design that accents the positive aspects of her stature. Before buying any beach wedding dress, take a few minutes a get a picture in mind about how the wedding photos will look a few years down the road. If the imagined image is positive, it is probably the right choice.

Finding a Black Wedding Dress

Jennifer — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 12:48:13 +0000

Although a bit less conventional than other options, there are many brides out there who are interested in finding a black wedding dress, and even though the idea is certainly not as popular as others, it is an option nonetheless.

If you are one of the brides out there who are on the hunt for a black wedding dress, then you should know that there are a few bridal companies in particular that you are going to want to check out.

The Wedding Wardrobe

This is one fabulous option in particular, one which offers not only one black wedding dress but quite a few, with one of their most popular selections being the Xena, which is a dress that features a stunning hand beaded fully boned bodice with a corset styled pully back.

Swarovski crystals in jet black and AB on a plain black silk bodice, there is a narrow A-line skirt with a detachable front drape and a full length detachable train. It was designed as a black wedding dress but is also available in white, ivory, antique ivory, gold, burgundy, red, and black.

Nordstroms

This is another great option if you are looking for a black wedding dress, and they are definitely a recognizable name. They were first established in 1901, and today are considered as being one of the nation’s leading fashion retailers, one which offers a wide variety of high-quality apparel, shoes and accessories for men, women and children at stores across the country.

They offer several different styles of black wedding dresses for you to choose from, and even offer links to other sites offering the same style of dresses on their website, so that if you can’t find anything you like with them, at least you may have better luck with the options they supply you with.

Remember

Of course there are sure to be those people at your wedding who are going to disapprove of your not-so-traditional black dress, but remember that it is your wedding, and so whatever makes you happy is what matters, regardless of what anyone else says.

There is a stigma that goes along with the color black, associating it with grimness and death, but actually black is said to protect one from pain and misfortune, as it is considered to be able to actually deflect vibrations of negative energy. You can wear whatever color you want on your most special day, and just be sure to ignore the naysayers.

Finding the Perfect Casual Wedding Dress

Jennifer — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:02:11 +0000

A casual wedding dress is one that truly has a touch of elegance and class that goes beyond the ordinary dresses you generally see, and it is really no wonder as to why the casual wedding dress is making such a dramatic comeback.

Not only is a casual wedding dress much more comfortable than any other type, but as well it is something that you can wear even after your wedding day, and so you can get more worth for your money because you can wear the dress on more than one occasion, something that you can not generally do with a regular wedding gown.

Finding a Dress

Finding a casual wedding dress is really quite easy, and these types of dresses are usually available right off the rack and there are a number of different designers who specialize in these particular types of garments. These casual wedding dresses are not only beautiful and comfortable but cost-effective as well.

You can easily find a casual wedding dress for half the price of a more traditional one, and better yet, you can buy a dress that is not even a wedding gown at all and use that for your dress if you like. There are many casual wear outfitters around the world that you can shop at, and if anything you will have even more variety and selection by choosing to go this route.

Remember

Just remember if you are going to go casual on your wedding, so should everyone else. You certainly do not want the guests at your wedding to be in extremely fancy attire if you are trying to go for a more casual look, and so make sure this is explained to everyone invited.

You also want to make the wedding setup itself very casual, and so having the ceremony on a beach, for instance, is one great idea. Casual weddings are really great because they take a lot of the pressure off not only the bride and groom but the rest of the wedding parties and even the guests themselves.

It really allows everyone to have a lot more fun and make the best of the occasion, and this is a big reason why so many couples are deciding to take the casual route in this day and age. As long as the two of you are happy and have as much fun as you can on that special day in your lives, that is what really matters more than anything.

Hot Bridal Trends and Tips: There is a “Right” Dress for Everyone

Jennifer — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:04:06 +0000

For many women, engagement signals the start of a dream come true. If you’re one of them, the dress of your dreams is out there. Finding it is the first thing you should do before planning the rest of your wedding.

Like your wedding, you want your dress to be unique. You also want to know the hottest bridal dress fashions. According to expert Michael Shettel, chief bridal designer for Alfred Angelo, “Less is no longer more! Opulence, elegance and glamour are the buzz, so beads, crystals and metallic embroideries add drama and sparkle to this season’s gowns.”

“All eyes will be on you,” says Shettel. “Instead of hiding what you have, show it off. This season is all about curves — curvaceous glamour! Be proud of your body, no matter what your size. Alfred Angelo gowns are designed to flatter any bride.”

Important bridal dress tips from Shettel:

* Mermaid- and trumpet-shaped skirts are this season’s must haves — sultry, alluring and shapely.
* Strapless gowns are hot in Hollywood and more popular than ever. Want an alternative? Pair a strapless gown with a beaded or lace cover-up.
* For more glamorous weddings, elegantly embellished, luxuriously layered and ornately adorned styles are en vogue.
* For this season’s beach, garden or destination weddings, floaty fabrics and short and sassy looks are hot.

Another hot trend in bridal fashion: “Wedding dresses no longer have to be white,” Shettel continues. “Color has exploded! Individualize and customize a satin or lace gown by adding the season’s hot hues. Be bold — accent your gown with a rich jewel tone or a hot tropical fruity color: purples, golds, oranges and reds are this season’s sizzling shades.”

Dream in color

“The bride becomes part of the design process of customizing her dress by adding touches of color,” says Shettel.

A classic white or ivory dress can become unique with a color-accented bodice band, sash or embroidery. Create the look you want in your favorite color. Then get matching bridesmaid dresses and reception decor.

“Use your imagination to personalize and individualize your wedding,” Shettel says.

Finding the right dress

“You will know your dress when you’re in it,” says Shettel. “Shop with an open mind — try on the dress of your dreams, but also step out of the box and try several other silhouettes.”

Try on the dress you never would — it might surprise you. Consider these tips for what looks best on your body shape:

* An empire waistline makes a petite bride look long and statuesque and is also foolproof for hiding a belly.
* A-line styles can disguise heavy hips or a pear-shaped figure.
* Try a style with diagonal (asymmetric) draping. It hides a tummy and minimizes your middle.
* To minimize cleavage, try a halter neckline.

And Shettel can tell you, the wedding dress sets the tone for the entire ceremony. When dress shopping, bring someone along who you trust and who is honest. Give yourself a minimum of six months so you have time for fittings and shopping for undergarments, shoes and jewelry.

“Most importantly — relax and enjoy the big day,” offers Shettel, with a few other bridal tips:

* Delegate. Hand over responsibilities prior to the ceremony (and have a back-up person just in case).
* Although there may be a maid of honor, she may not be the best choice for all responsibilities.
* The bride should focus on the few most important items — but no more than three. * Keep your cool and be patient.
* Remember: Perfection is an illusion. Have a great day – no matter what!

For more information about finding the dress of your dreams log on to www.alfredangelo.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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SIDEBAR:

Bridal 911 Essentials

* Sewing Kit (safety pins, small scissors, needle, thread, tweezers). If one of the guests is a good sewer, ask them to be on call just in case.
* Static cling spray
* Baby wipes
* Tissues
* Lint brush
* Baby powder (Can be used for last minute spills on a white dress.)
* Hairstylist or bobby pins
* Hair spray
* Hair dryer
* Brush/comb
* Small Mirror if dressing/changing area does not have one
* White towel to cover wedding gown in case make up needs to be re-applied while in the dress.
* Small snacks when getting ready — crackers, granola bars, nuts, etc.
* Straws for drinking — they help lipstick last longer.
* First aid kit (mints, antacids, band aids)
* Extra cash
* Cameras for candid photos while preparing and dressing.
* Phone numbers for all members of the wedding party, vendors and the officiant.

What Is A Crochet Wedding Dress?

Jennifer — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 01:27:22 +0000

To order a crochet wedding dress, you have to understand that the wedding dress must be ordered well in advance of the wedding because adequate time must be given for the dress to be finished by the wedding date. The length of time that it takes to make your dress will depend on how many workers will be creating your dress.

Pre-Order Dresses Well In Advance Of Wedding

You may also order dresses that are already made such as an antique crochet wedding dress or through outlets that offer pre-made crochet wedding dresses. It is this handcrafted aspect of this wedding dress that adds much value to it as a family heirloom. Many crochet wedding dresses are passed through the family and are prized possessions.

Accessories

You can accessorize your crochet wedding dress with a crocheted headpiece with a crocheted veil, which should be created from lightweight thread to avoid a veil that is too heavy. Organza or tulles also look nice for veils that have been worked with crochet around the edges. You can accessorize in the style that were originally worn with the antique Irish crochet wedding dress or you can accessorize your dress with whatever suits your personal style and the design of the dress.

If you do not plan to wear a veil, why not wear roses or other flowers in your hair. Instead of natural flowers, you could wear crocheted, crystal or pearl flowers shaped accessories in your hair. Although, crocheted fabrics can be very dainty despite being hand worked, the fabric still has a bit of bulk that must be matched with the accessories you choose to match your wedding dress.

Dress Styles

Your crochet wedding dress can be in any style that you want for a wedding dress provided that if you want to have a full skirt, your under skirting will have to be stiff enough to hold the crochet fabric out. Wedding crochet dresses were at the top of their game when Irish crocheting skills were in demand during the late 1800s. A few specimens of the antique Irish crocheted wedding dresses that were made during that time still exist and can be viewed in some museums.

Your choice of a crochet wedding dress is a choice of great traditions and new styling. The great thing about crocheted dresses is that you can create a dress that can fit you perfectly and can be customized down to the tiniest detail.

Learning How to Design Your Own Wedding Dress

Jennifer — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 01:28:49 +0000

Of course you have lots of different options when it comes to finding wedding dresses, but did you ever think to design your own wedding dress? Most brides would scoff at this idea, especially if they have no previous design or craft skills.

However, you actually do not need any sort of special talent in order to design your own wedding dress, and so if this idea interests you, then you will want to read on to find out more.

How to Design Your Own Wedding Dress

The first step is to find a designer that is going to work with you. The best idea is to make this the first thing you do because then they will be there to help you along every step of the way. You are going to need to start off by telling them what kind of style you are looking for: modern, elegant, classy, sexy, traditional, and so on.

In order to help you out here you may want to visit a few different bridal shops, and bring the designer along with you if you can, so that you can help to determine what styles look best on you and help you to come up with some really great ideas for your own gown.

The next step to design your own wedding dress is to choose a color. Although white is the standard and traditional color, wedding dresses in this day and age are available in every color of the rainbow. Some of the more popular options are pink, purple, burgundy and black, and so speak to your stylist about this as well.

Once you have determined the style and color of your wedding dress, your designer is going to have to take your measurements and have you fitted for the dress so that they can begin working on it.

One of the biggest advantages that you gain when you design your own wedding dress is that you are able to communicate with the creator of the dress every step of the way and you get to actually watch the dress being built, so if at any point there is something that you are not completely satisfied with, you are able to make the appropriate changes.

As well, because you are having the dress custom designed for you, it will fit better than any other pre-made dress in any store, and thus flatter your figure as much as possible.

Remember

There are a few things you will want to take into consideration during this process, one of the most major of all being budget. Because it is your wedding and one of the most special times in your life, it is easy to get carried away. By setting out a budget for yourself you will be able to have something to at least remotely stick to and thus will be less likely to go overboard and spend more than you need to.