World of Wedding

In order to get the best results, it is wise to select your bridesmaids’ dresses at least five months before the wedding ceremony.

In general, the bridesmaids' dresses are ordered through a bridal salon. There are also some brides who like to have them made by a professional tailor.

You will find lots of them at a department store. These dresses will meet your requirements and your bridesmaids will in all probability wear them again to another formal party or wedding.


If you order from a bridal shop your bridesmaids may have to leave a down payment to order the dress. All deals should be made in writing to avoid any complication in the future.

For a bridesmaid who is out of town, ask her to call her local bridal shops to see if they carry the same dress to try on it on there for size. Or, she can tell you her measurements by phone or email. It makes a lot of sense to order all of the dresses together because it will help reduce the chances of slight differences of color.

While selecting bridesmaids’ dresses, make sure that they complement your gown and fit in with the type, decor and color and wedding theme. Irrespective of their figures, all your bridesmaids should look flattering in simple, elegant designs.

Dress length

You should also pay attention to dress length, as the bridesmaids’ dresses for formal or semiformal weddings should be floor-length to tea-length. For an informal daytime wedding, it hardly matters if the dress is short or long. It is, however, a convention that the bridesmaids should not wear short dresses if the bride wears a floor-length dress.

The bridesmaids should also bring the same shoes or heel height as the bride on the wedding day. It is never a bad idea to talk to a few attendants before making the final choice.

It is possible that you would like to let your bridesmaids choose their own dresses. In such a scenario, it is better if the bridesmaids choose the same colors and similar styles even if the dresses are different. Alternatively, each bridesmaid can pick her own favorite color keeping the style uniform.

Otherwise, the bride can choose a particular color and let her bridesmaids choose the shade of that color they would like to wear. If you want to set the maid of honor apart from the other bridesmaids, choose for her a different color, dress or headpiece or just give her a larger bouquet.

When little girls spend their math classes daydreaming of weddings (instead of winning the World Series -- not to say you can't do both), what do they dream of first?

The perfect wedding dress, of course: a gown in white satin with a bustle and sweeping train, the perfect embellishments, and the perfect shoes.

There are few occasions in our modern world where a woman finds herself in a position to wear a no-holds-barred ball gown, much less a crystal tiara, and all too many where she's called on to wear to a neutral suit or uninspiring "biz-caz" combo. No wonder that with so many brides, their wedding plans start with the dress.

Many of these brides are lucky. They may search high and low, braving chilly department stores and pushy bridal shops, but eventually they come face-to-face with The One. They know this is The One because they start crying, or their mother or friends all start crying at once. Suddenly the rest of the planning ... the theme, the tone, the right kind of venues ... it all springs to life.

Other brides aren't as fortunate. They've searched just as hard, working their way through shops across three or four states, but they haven't found The One. Instead, they've found three or four Contenders, all of which are serviceable and nice, but not earth-shattering enough to tell them that now is definitely time to stop the searching and get on with the planning. These brides have it harder.

Even if you're the first kind of bride, buying the dress is such a momentous decision that you run a risk of falling into that wallet-skinning category known as the Two-Dress Bride.

Your wedding gown is arguably the most important garment purchase in your lifetime. No other dress comes with more anticipation – and will be more photographed - than this one. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend like royalty to look like a princess on your wedding day. With these smart dress savomg strategies, you can still walk down the aisle feeling like a million bucks (without having to spend just that).


Something Borrowed
Today, anything retro screams chic. So consider donning your mother’s wedding gown. You’ll not only honor a family legacy, you’ll save a pretty penny too! With vintage lace overlays and crystal embellishments making a comeback, you won’t have to worry about looking dated. With a few simple (and inexpensive) alterations, you can make it your own.

Avoid Added Adornments
Beading, pleating, stitching, embroidering…all of these trimmings add up and are going to cost you extra. Consider a wedding dress that is simply embellished, yet still elegant.

Shop Savvy
Be on the lookout for sample sales, trunk shows, and outlet bargains. Bridal shops are trying to rid their racks of the previous season’s gown styles to make room for new ones in the late-summer/winter months. Get ready to brave the crowds for super savings.

Don't Name Drop
Sure, designer duds are nice – but if you’re on a budget – you may want to skip the sought-after label. The good news is that you won’t have to sacrifice on style. If you find a look you like from a high-end wedding dress designer, you can almost always find something similar by another name in your price range.

Be Honest
Just because your wedding dress budget doesn’t match your elaborate vision doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the look you want. Approach this shopping decision with an open mind. When stepping into a bridal boutique, tell them exactly what you can realistically spend, and let them take care of the rest. They are the experts, and you might be surprised to see what they can come up with—the perfect wedding gown exists at every price point.

Think Outside Traditional Tulle and Lace
There’s no written rule that says your wedding day attire has to be an official bridal gown. The look you are going for is often available through another avenue. For instance, many bridesmaids’ dresses come in white or ivory, offering a less expensive, less fussy alternative to the traditional wedding dress.

When you choose your wedding dress, it is essential that you choose something that suits you rather than eyeing something you fancy. It is a huge misconception that only women with hour-glass figures can look perfect on their wedding day.

The key is to opt for a dress that complements your best features and hides your flaws. You don’t have to reconcile to anything less than your dream dress; you should customize your choice to a dress that suits you the best.


Designer wear

Every dress designer’s claim to fame is the exclusivity they offer. They apply their individualistic style to each wedding dress and help you shine as a unique and radiant bride. Apply your own ideas; get inspired from different sources such as bridal magazines, fashion magazines for the cut or color, designer boutiques or even the neighborhood dress maker.

Be wary of getting carried away by the latest trends in bridal wear or the current style in vogue, for it may not necessarily suit your body type, complexion or personality. If you like something that you see, cut out the picture and show it to your dress stylist as it’s much easier for the stylist to understand what you have in mind.

Customize a style or cut you like to suit your personality and body type. Try it out to check on the fittings to ensure that it flatters your figure and brings out the best features of your body. Make it a point to research and evaluate various options before you zero in on the final look.

Adaptive approach

Before you start shopping for your wedding dress, it is vital to understand your body type. Choose the fabric and style that best complements your personality. Fabrics like chiffon, georgette and silk blend with the body.

• Full figured ladies can opt for a V-neck or scoop neckline as it narrows down an otherwise broad frame by drawing attention vertically.
• Women with a heavy bosom may wear an A-line style gown that creates an overall balance for heavier brides and conceals hips and a tummy.
• Very thin and petite women should stay away from off-the-shoulder dresses as they tend to bring attention to the lack of curves.
• Pear-shaped women, those with wider hips and narrow shoulders can carry off an A-line silhouette very well as it camouflages big hips.

If you decide to buy something from a store or boutique, always make it a point to try it on. Dresses in a coat hanger or your hand look very different from when they are on your body. It makes perfect sense to try it on before you make a purchase.

Show your happiness through vibrant colors

Wearing a white dress on your wedding day is passé. If you are very particular about having a conventional wedding, experiment with different colors and bring life to your momentous day. Choose a shade that brings out the color in your eyes and enhances your complexion; it could be anything from ivory to champagne.

If you are getting married on Valentine’s Day, you can wear red, the color of love. As commonly known, different colors signify different emotions. Red is the color of love and fiery passion. In fact, the Chinese consider red as the traditional color of good luck.

A complete look
As you scout for the perfect wedding dress, do not forget that the right accessories complete the look. Accessories like shoes and jewelry are equally important and need to be coordinated with the dress and occasion. Pearls and diamonds go with almost any color and add a touch of elegance to the entire look.

You can opt for stilettos if you are used to wearing high heels on a daily basis. If not, go for shoes with a wide heel so that it is easy to balance. You do not want to prepare so much in advance and finally fall on your wedding day. Wedges are also in vogue and to a certain extent, easy to balance. High heeled shoes are very stylish except that it can get uncomfortable for long hours.

Choose the perfect wedding dress and stand apart on your special day. Your lovely face will glow with the confidence, happiness and the marital bliss you look forward to.

Weddings are all about personal style. Reflecting the overall trend of breaking away from tradition and steadfast rules, modern brides are choosing wedding gowns that reflect their personality rather than that of their grandmother's.

The only rule for wedding dress style these days is to choose one that suits you, whether that means a gold gown, trouser suit or sundress.

And even if you are more traditional and inclined towards the fairy princess in a white satin ballgown, you need not worry about being perceived as old fashioned or "not with the times." The modern "rule" for wedding dress style is to choose something that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful on your most special day.

The 21st Century Bride -

That said, although certain traditional dress styles are always popular, bridal fashion does follow mainstream fashion to some extent. So if you are looking for something a little more contemporary or "now," consider turning to the catwalks for inspiration.

The currently popular 20s–and floral–style dresses can be easily incorporated into a wedding dress. Accessories, such as belts and chandelier earrings, can also transfer from the catwalks to comprise your wedding look. Try to avoid fashion that will date quickly, however, as you will want to display your wedding photographs for a long time. As a general rule, keep your wedding ensemble fashionably forward, not overly trendy.

Today's Hot Wedding Dress Trends:

Add Some Color -
Using a wedding dress to bring out a colorful personality, modern brides are not afraid to add a splash of color to the traditional white gown. Whether that means adding a colored ribbon or piece of jewelry or foregoing the white wedding dress all together, today's brides find inventive ways to incorporate color into their wedding attire. Particularly popular shades are blue, pink, cappuccino and champagne. Believe it or not, black accents recently dazzled the runways.

Lace Up -
Lace has made a recent comeback, exuding a look of vintage romance that is feminine, yet not overdone. Many brides are enchanted by lace, envisioning a majestic day in a lush green garden.

Magnificent Embroidery -
For an ultra elegant, opulent feel, glamour girls savor wedding gowns adorned with intricate hand-embroidered details. This look warrants grand chandeliers, candlelight and an isle of red roses.

Ultra-Feminine -
As seen on the runway, feminine details are making a big impact. Ribbons, ruffles, flowers, bows and even dainty sleeves are finding their way back onto wedding dresses and taking femininity to a new level. Brides who envision themselves floating along the cobblestones of a historic mansion will love this look

There is no doubt that your wedding dress will be one of the most expensive items in your wedding. In fact, you can save a fortune if you are going to rent the wedding gown. Renting a gown is also considered environmental friendly.

However, renting a wedding gown is not the same as buying a new one because you have to return it after your wedding. In order to prevent unnecessary arguments with the or the wedding dress shop, you should bear the following points in mind.


Place your order as early as possible

Since it will certainly take some time for the alterations of the gown in order to make it fit your body, you should place your order to rent it at least half year before your big day. You may need to place the order even earlier if you are going to do that in the peak seasons.

Check the gown carefully when you pick it

You have to check the wedding dress with the greatest care when you pick it. You need to check if there are dirt and damages on the gown. You will then drop down everything about the dirt and damages on the contract before signing it.

This is very important if money saving is the main reason for you to rent the gown. You will certainly rent an older gown with a lower price. However, there will usually be more dirt and damages on such a gown (since it is an older one). If you do not check all the problems of it carefully and drop notes about that, it can be sure that you will just be arguing with the people from the bridal shop when you return the gown.

Pick the wedding dress yourself

You should not ask others to pick the gown for you. This is because they cannot try the wedding dress for you when they pick it. You should spend the time to pick it yourself. If you find that the gown does not fit when you are trying it, you can ask for alterations right the way. You may not have enough time to bring the gown to the shop again for alternations if you are having others to pick it for you.

Pick the gown a few days before your wedding

You should pick your wedding dress at least a few days before your wedding. If you really find that the wedding dress does not fit, you can still allow the shop a few days to alter the dress for you. Of course you should not pick it too early either since you may become fatter or slimmer (it should be slimmer, I bet) after you pick the gown.

Ask about the penalties if the gown is damaged

You will also need to ask about the penalties if you damage the gown. The penalties will certainly be different for different shops. Dropping down all the penalties may be involved if the gown is damaged will be a crucial step. Otherwise it will just render unnecessary arguments.

Wedding planning and preparation tips:
When planning the guest list, remember that you do not need to invite your co-workers. If there is some one that you work with that you are very close to, that is one thing but inviting 100 people from the office is just a waste of your money on the invitations because only the ones that you are close to will come anyway.



* The first step in wedding planning is deciding how much money you are going to spend and make a budget. When planning your wedding budget allow 25% more for extras that you haven't planned for.

* Order the invitations four months in advance. Invitations should be mailed four to six weeks in advance. Take the invitations to the post office to be weighted for sufficient postage.

* On your wedding day bring along an emergency kit with a needle and thread, safety pins, hairpins, hairspray, nail polish and extra pantyhose.

* Start shopping for a wedding dress six months in advance. You will need several fittings before it is perfect.

* Do your hair and makeup before putting on your wedding dress.

* Plan your honeymoon six months in advance. Make all arrangements and reservations well in advance.

* If your budget is small, share your joy and happiness with only family and your closest friends.

* When selecting a caterer try to sample their food before hiring them. If it is a restaurant, go there to have dinner before you hire them.

* Invitations should always be addressed by pen, preferably a black fountain pen.

* Remember that it is his wedding, too. Some men do not want much to do with the planning but it is not always too. Take his advice too.

* Plan your budget first. The rest you can fit into that budget.

* If you and your fiancée have a disagreement, work it out without involving either set of parents.

* When shopping for your wedding dress, state your price range at the beginning.

* Remember to always send a "Thank you" note for all wedding gifts you receive.
When choosing a wedding date, take your guests into consideration. Avoid family birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Also think about those that will be traveling.

* View his or her photographs to see if you like their style of photography. If you do, book as early as possible.

* Planning a wedding takes a lot of time. If you don't have the time, hire a wedding consultant.

* When you are meeting with a florist for wedding flowers, know what your budget will be and the colors you have chosen.

* Eat something before your wedding. Even though you might not feel hungry, try to swallow just a few bites. You don't want to faint on your big day!

* Make detailed photocopies of your wedding day schedule beginning that morning and continuing until your departure for your honeymoon. Give copies of the schedule to all parents as well as everyone in the wedding party.

* Don't hesitate to ask family and friends to help with preparations. Choose the appropriate task for the person you are asking.