Wedding Clothes

The Right Gown

Chris Morton — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 18:40:36 +0000

Getting Your Wedding Gown to Measure Up

Most brides want to choose the right dress for their wedding. You spend hour after hour looking for the perfect wedding gown, and you probably devote a large amount of your wedding planning to pouring over wedding magazines, visiting bridal shops, and trying on gown after gown. However, there is more to looking perfect in your gown on the wedding day from finding the right person to make your gown to getting the right measurements:

The Store Bought Gown vs. The Custom Made Gown
Getting a custom made gown does not mean you have to spend a fortune. If you have done your wedding planning right, you know exactly how much of your budget you will be able to put toward that gown. If you know a good seamstress that can double as a designer, it is likely you can get a gown custom made. This means you can have greater control over fabrics and design so that the gown fits you to a tee. However, a designer will almost always be a little more expensive than buying a pre-made dress in a retail setting. Plus, you will get to try on a gown to see how it will look rather than choosing a dress from a drawing.

Getting the Right Measurements
Whether you go to a designer or a retail bridal store measurements are an important component of wedding dress shopping and looking good on your wedding day. Before you order your gown you should get measured properly. Since every manufacturer has a different sizing system you should order a dress that is at least two sizes larger than what you wear on the street. The dress shop should know how the manufacturer sizes, and they should be able to guide you toward the proper ordering size. While it may sting the ego for a moment, ordering the larger size will allow for proper alterations.

Getting the Right Size
So, how do you know what size to actually order? Most wedding dressmakers agree that the size that corresponds to the largest measurement is the size to order. Remember, your tailor can always alter the wedding dress if it is too large, but alterations on a too small wedding dress are more costly and difficult.

After The Wedding Dress Is Ordered
When your wedding dress order arrives, it is time to start scheduling your alterations. Some bridal shops and designers include the alterations in the cost of the dress while others charge anywhere from $100 to $500 for all the alterations to the dress. The first fitting should be between 8 to 10 weeks prior to the wedding, and the last fitting should coordinate with the bridal portrait. Your tailor should be able to guide you toward the proper dates depending on your wedding planning schedule.

Choosing Your Wedding Day Shoes

Chris Morton — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 05:32:42 +0000

Many brides think that they have to wear heels under their wedding dress, only to find that they cannot dance comfortably or only feel pain as they walk down the aisle. When you are planning your wedding you should take into account how much time you will spend on your feet. This way you will better plan what you will wear on your feet on your wedding day. Here are some helpful ideas when it comes to wedding attire for your feet:

Heels

Most brides think that they should wear a heel on their wedding day, but consider how your feet feel in those heels. If you are adamant that you need to wear a heel down the aisle, make sure you break in your shoes and can keep them on for at least the length of the ceremony. You may want to avoid stiletto heels if you are walking on uneven terrain or slides if you are going to be kicking up your heels. No one likes to see a bride fall or get hit in the head with a flying shoe.

Flats

If you are not so sure about walking around in heels all day, then flats may be right for you. There are many different styles of flats from ballet slippers to open toed. Just make sure you break in your flats so that they are comfortable to wear throughout the day.

Gym Shoes

Some brides like to get a little wild and go for comfort over beauty. There are many brides now that opt for white gym shoes rather than heels or flats. There are even companies that make “bling” gym shoes that have sequins and jewels added to the shoes to make them look like they are part of the wedding dress.

Combination

Some brides do a combination of shoes for their wedding day. They wear heels down the aisle and change into gym shoes for the reception. If you do choose to wear a combination make sure you discuss the change with the person tailoring your wedding dress. You need to be sure that your dress can handle a change in height so it does not drag on the floor or make you trip on the train.

Mother of the Bride Dresses: They Aren’t So Matronly Anymore

Chris Morton — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 17:41:39 +0000

It used to be that the Mother of the Bride dresses all seemed to look the same except for the color. Many mothers complained that the dresses were made for their grandmothers, and they wished they were young enough to wear what the bridesmaids wore. Yet as wedding planning became a more sophisticated business, so did wedding attire. Now mothers of the bride have many more options than ever before. Here’s how brides can help their mothers to avoid the “matronly” look for their wedding:

Color

Mothers of the Bride do not have to wear the same color as the bridesmaids, but they should be within the color scheme the bride has planned. Still, brides should be aware of what colors look good on their mothers and plan accordingly. The dress should not draw attention away from the bride, but it should still flatter the mother. Also, the color should not clash with the other dresses or tuxedos so that pictures are beautiful rather than garish.

Cut and Fit

It used to be that the Mother of the Bride dresses were all cut to hide a woman’s figure. Now dresses come in all shapes and sizes. Spend some time finding a dress that accentuates the mother’s figure so that she looks her best at the wedding. If you find a beautiful dress that just needs a little work, hire a tailor to nip and tuck the dress in all the right places. Also, the dress should be comfortable. Too many Mothers of the Bride choose beauty over comfort, but remember, the dress will probably be on for eight or more hours that day. Make sure you can move and sit easily and comfortably in the dress.

Coordinate with Others

The Mother of the Bride and the Mother of the Groom should not wear the same color or dress. Therefore, it is important that everyone work together in the wedding planning process to make sure that the dresses are different. If you want to add some continuity between the mothers, try to add it through the accessories. Maybe they can both wear the same necklace or bracelet. Jewelry is a nice gift to give the mothers of the bride and groom, and it avoids both women from wearing the same outfit on your wedding day.

Feel Your Best

If you look in the Mothers of the Bride section at the dress shop and still feel like the dresses are too “old” for you, try looking elsewhere. There is plenty of formal wear available that is perfectly appropriate for you to wear to your daughter’s wedding. Take your ideas of what a mother should wear to the wedding and toss them aside. Remember, you want to be happy for your daughter, not focused on how you look that day.

What You Should Look For In Wedding Shoes

Chris Morton — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:17:46 +0000

Just like your wedding dress, the shoes you wear with the dress should be perfect! Using the following simple tips, you can ensure that your shoes are the perfect pair!

Choosing the right fabric for your shoes

When choosing the right kind of fabric for your wedding shoe, it may help to look at the bottom of your wedding dress. Shinier fabrics work well with satin shoes, and lace goes perfectly with lacey shoes. Silk and satin shoes are the most traditional choice. However, if your dress is non-traditional, your shoes can be non-traditional as well.

Choose the right style of shoes

A basic rule of thumb: Fancy dress, simple shoes/ Simple dress, fancy shoes. If you decide you want your shoes to mirror your dress, your shoes should match the style of your dress and the setting of your wedding. But most importantly, you attire should match your style. Choose your style for your big day!

Go for comfort

Yes, your wedding shoes need to look perfect, but they also need to feel perfect. Remember, you will be spending roughly 10 hours (or more) in your dress and shoes. Make sure they are shoes that will allow you to walk down the isle, pose for photos, and even dance for hours. Many times, the heel determines the comfort of the shoe.

Remember, your dress will be fitted to accommodate the height of the heel on your bridal shoes. If you are not someone who usually wears heels, then your wedding day is probably not the best time to start. You have to be comfortable and confident in the shoes you are wearing. If you would like to add height, but are not comfortable wearing heels, then a platform heel or a kitten heel might be a better choice for you. And don’t forget about flat, ballet slippers. These beautiful satin shoes make for a very comfortable evening.

Details to keep in mind when shopping for wedding shoes

Shop for shoes in the evening, or at the end of the day, when your feet are the largest. Your feet are smaller in the morning (they swell throughout the day), and could become uncomfortable by the end of your wedding day.

Try to take a swatch of the fabric of your dress. You are better off having a swatch of fabric than going from memory. In addition, the lighting varies from shoe store to shoe store.

If you change your mind and go with a different pair of shoes right before the wedding, try to be re-fitted for your gown. Many times, the height of the shoe dictates where the gown falls to the ground. Do not over or underestimate! Leave that to a seamstress!

Choosing the Right Bridal Hairstyle

Chris Morton — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 16:08:33 +0000

It is a month before your wedding, and you are going for your “trial-run” hairdo. All week long, everyone has been asking if you are going to wear an up do, or if you will be wearing your hair long and straight. You don’t even know at this point—you just want everything to work out and look good.

What many brides do not realize is that they have many, many options on their big day. In order to decide on the “right “ hairstyle for your wedding day, you should think about the day itself. If the wedding is outside, an up do might be easier on the bride (depending on her type of hair). If it is an outdoor afternoon wedding, a hat is completely acceptable. Will there be much dancing at the reception? If so, you may want to think about a band or headband to put in your hair during the more casual atmosphere.

For brides with longer hair, a traditional “ up do” is still the most popular bridal hairstyle on her wedding day. Hair ornaments and hair combs decorated with pearls, rhinestones, etc, have become more popular in recent years. Tiaras and headpieces continue to be very popular.

So how do you really decide?

Two months before your wedding, put on your wedding dress and look at yourself in the mirror. Wear your hair (without a lot of hair product in it) in a couple of different styles to give yourself a “real” effect. Put your hair up to give off an elegant, sophisticated look. If you do not like it, try wearing your hair in a sleek, loose style.

If you are still not satisfied, try positioning ornaments in your hair (jeweled pins and combs). They do not have to be expensive, and they can give you an idea of what your hair might look like with theses added features. You can also try to match these decorations with the jewelry you plan to wear during your special day.

How about flowers? Real or silk flowers can add a touch of class (or sass) to any bride on her big day. You may even want to discuss ideas with your florist.

Before you make a final decision on the hairstyle for your big day, you must decide on whether you will choose to wear a veil, headpiece, tiara, or nothing at all. Remember, the decision is up to you, and there is never a wrong decision—it’s your day!

Do’s and Don’ts When Buying your Wedding Dress—Part II

Chris Morton — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 15:44:30 +0000

Well now you’ve done it. You’ve tried on a few dresses. You think you may have found what you want. It seems that this may be the wedding dress-this may just be the one! Before you purchase or order the dress, here are a few things you should do in order to avoid making some classic mistakes.

Do: Try on your dress one more time before you order/buy it

Don’t: Buy your dress from memory

Chances are you have tried on dozens of dresses at this point. Even if you were able to take a digital camera along to remember the dresses you liked, you really should try the dress on one more time. It’s not worth it to have doubts months later. Also, many brides tend to try to lose weight. How long ago did you try on that dress? Does it still fit the same?

Do: Wear comfortable clothes

Don’t: Wear excessive makeup

You will be sliding in and out of your clothes. Do not wear vests with many buttons or boots with laces. You also will want to stay away from excessive makeup and hair products. Have you ever seen a stain on a wedding gown that you were trying on? It was discouraging wasn’t it? Keep your make-up minimal (but still nice), and avoid excessive hair products.

Do: Bring proper shoes for a final try on

Don’t: Wear flats if you plan to wear heels (vice-versa)

If you cannot find the shoes you will be wearing for the big day, try to find shoes that will be close in height to your wedding shoes. It may only seem like a couple of inches, but that can dramatically affect the way a dress hangs to the floor, and how it looks on you. If you don’t have your wedding shoes, the seamstress at the bridal shop can give you advice on how to bring appropriate shoes.

Do: Make sure you are within your budget

Don’t: Overspend on your dress

Unless you do not have a budget, spending too much on your dress can be something you regret! Talk to the bridal shop about your budget range before you purchase your dress. Make sure you are getting a dress you want (for the price you need). Do not convince yourself that you can spend more than you have. Your dress does not have to break the bank! If you are really set on a dress that is not within your budget, think of the things you may have to cut out of your wedding because of the increased cost.

How to Buy Your Wedding Dress—Part I

Chris Morton — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:59:18 +0000

It is that time! You are getting married and it is time to shop for a dress! If you have never accompanied anyone on a dress-hunting extravaganza (or looked yourself), do you know what to do? Most people don’t. Shopping for a dress should be a memorable and fun experience. Do not ruin this fun event by making classic mistakes!

Do: Take someone with you who will give you an honest opinion.

Don’t: Take you whole bridal party, and seven of your cousins, Aunt Wanda, Grandma Lu, and your mother’s best friend Rose.

It is nice to share this experience with someone. Maybe one of your bridesmaids, mother, or close friend can attend (no more than 2 people). Regardless of who you take, it should be someone who you feel comfortable with seeing you partially clothed (they may assist you) and someone who is going to be completely honest about how the dresses look on you. This person can also assist you on the day of the wedding.

Do: Make appointments & know where you are going!

Don’t: Show up to a bridal studio without an appointment and expect the salesperson to help you.

Many bridal studios are appointment only, and may have a limited number of rooms. Let’s face it, we’re not all celebrities. We cannot waltz into a studio and expect to be waited on hand and foot. Phoning ahead first is the way to go! Take the time to learn where the shop is located. Nothing is more irritating than being lost and late to an appointment!

Do: Wear proper undergarments

Don’t: Wear ill-fitting underwear or brassiere

You can stop from embarrassing yourself (and others helping you try on gowns) by wearing the proper undergarments. This includes not wearing undergarments that might be a little too tight. It is worth the investment for you to plan ahead and purchase properly fitting undergarments for this event, ladies.

Do: Try on all styles, trends, colors

Don’t’: Dismiss a style/color/dress/veil because you think you will not like it.

The first thing you should do is try on a variety of styles and colors. You may not like some of them but this will eliminate the style that does not flatter your body, or a style you may just dislike. Veils, tiaras, and hats should be tried on as well. You may be resigned to a particular fashion, but you need to see it on before all decision should be made.

Do: Schedule a few hours (or a block of time) for trying on dresses

Don’t: Be in a rush, hurry, or short yourself on time

Trying on dresses should not be a dreaded event. Set several hours aside to try on dresses. If you have to schedule a day off, do that! You will not enjoy trying on dresses if you are rushed and hurried, while going from dress to dress. You really do need the time to examine fabrics, colors, etc. You should wear each dress for a little while. It may feel fabulous after 3 or 4 minutes, but how does it feel after 20 minutes? Remember, you will be wearing this dress for about 8-10 hours.

To Wear White, Or Not….Its’ your Decision

Chris Morton — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 15:36:09 +0000

At some point in her life, every girl will dream of her wedding dress. For those of us born in the last 50 years, a fairytale wedding (complete with a big, white princess dress) was probably on the top of our list (and may still be). Today, many women are still getting married in what is considered a traditional, white, long, ball gown. This tradition is only a little over 150 years old!

Started by Queen Victoria (in 1840 with her marriage to Albert Saxe), the white wedding gown was worn to signify wealth and class. Believe it or not, virtue had nothing to do with the status of the white dress. Wearing white was a sign you could afford to buy a dress that would never be worn again (white was next to impossible to clean back then).

After the Queen’s wedding, only the wealthy women tried to emulate the queen. Most women continued to have wedding dresses that were a variety of colors, fabrics, and styles. Even during the periods of World War I and II many women did not have extravagant dresses. Over time, the white wedding dress came to symbolize purity of heart and the innocence of childhood. Later attribution suggested that the color white symbolized virginity. It was not until the 1950’s that the white wedding dress became more of the standard as it is today.

An old folklore rhyme summed up the meaning of the color of your wedding dress. Though it is not used much today, the folklore is making the rounds as women are choosing colors for their wedding and the rhyme has even been posted in bridal studios throughout the country.

Married in white, you have chosen all right.

Married in green, ashamed to be seen.

Married in red, you will wish yourself dead.

Married in blue, you will always be true.

Married in yellow, ashamed of your fellow.

Married in black, you will wish yourself back.

Married in pink, your spirits will sink.

There are many shades of white, ivory, champagne, off-white, and every variety of color to match (or be worn on its own). The possibilities are endless!

Whatever you decision is for your wedding dress color, make it just that-your decision.

Colors of a Wedding Dress

Chris Morton — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:25:56 +0000

Are you worried about how each bridesmaid will look in the color you have chosen for the dress? Better yet, are you worried about the color of your flowers? You shouldn’t worry-its your day! Here is a look at the meaning behind the most popular colors you may have chosen for your wedding day.

Classic Black and White

Labeled the ultimate in sophistication, dressing the bridesmaids in black gowns and the groomsmen in black tuxedos has been a popular choice of late. With black gowns, the flowers can be any color that will enhance the look of sophistication. The flowers can also be all white if desired. Table décor can further enhance the theme with gold, silver, or any other solid color.

Yellow/Orange

Considered a “happy” shade, many summer and fall brides choose this color as a theme. As for flowers, there are ranges of yellows, which can be used to contrast the bridal gown. Sunflowers, daisies, zinnias, freesia, dahlias, and butterfly roses offer a variety of yellow-blossomed flowers.

Blue

One of the most popular colors (with the largest variety of shades) is the color blue, which can be used as an intense color, or a soft color. Popular in all seasons, the color blue can add warmth, boldness, and sophistication. Outdoor ceremonies, or ceremonies near a beach work, well with this color,as it plays well off of the water or sky. For your flowers, add blue tones with cornflowers, hydrangea, delphinium, iris, or agapanthus, for a serene look.

Red

A bold color choice, red tends to work best for an elegant evening wedding. The color can also be toned down if the dress contains other colors or is short. Muting the shade of red will stop the “fire engine effect” from happening. Red usually looks best on women with olive or brown skin (women with a lighter complexion can look pale).

Green

Pairing with any other color, greenery from plants or flowers will make the foundation for your color scheme. Light green shades can be found in tulip leaves, ivory, hosta, hydrangea, and orchids. Dark green shades can be found in ivy, leatherleaf ferns, rose leaves, camellia leaves, and magnolia leaves.

Purple

A good alternative to red, purple is both bold and colorful, but doesn't come with red's sexual connotations. Similar to red, purple can make a woman with pale skin look paler, but it can also complement yellowish skin tones. You must be careful when choosing purple shades (some of them can be tacky). Many purple bridesmaids' dresses look elegant, but beware of the flowers. Dark purple flowers can become lost in a dark setting. If going with a darker dress, choose flowers in brighter, lighter shades of purple so they can be seen.

With the variety of dresses and colors available, there are endless combinations for you to choose. And, with careful coordination, you will have a beautiful and colorful wedding celebration!

Choosing the Right Dress for YOU

Chris Morton — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 15:02:12 +0000

Follow these six main tips to know if you are on your way to getting the right dress for you.

The first tip is about color. Most women dream about having the perfect white wedding dress, but does white really look good on everyone? The color you choose should really mirror your own coloring. Lighter or fair-complexion blondes look better in a pure white or white pastel gown. Dark-skinned brunettes look better in ivory or beige. This does not mean that dark–skinned brunettes cannot wear a pure white dress. The idea is to make you aware of the contrast between your coloring and the color of the dress.

The second tip for your dress is to ensure you get the proper length. The kind of ceremony and or reception may affect the length of your gown. Formal weddings are more fitting for a full-length gown. Knee length skirts are appropriate (and more common, for that matter) for second marriages and beyond. Knee length skirts are also appropriate for informal weddings. Knee length skirts should cover the knees and be no shorter than 1 inch below the top of the kneecap.

The third tip is to become aware of the silhouette of the gown—the way it hugs your body, and the overall shape of the gown. You may be familiar with the terms A-line, empire waist, or ball gown. This is one of the most important aspects in finding a dress. Finding the proper silhouette can make your dress the most beautiful or the most awkward. It is very important to work with the proper bridal assistant or sales representative to ensure you are getting a correct fit.

The fourth tip is the size of your dress. You are aware of your current size in clothing. Many women are not happy with the fact that wedding dresses run small, causing the size of their wedding dress to be a couple of sizes larger than their regular size. Do not fret! The size itself does not matter-how it fits (and it should always be a proper fit) is the most important consideration of the dress.

The fifth tip involves the style, or mood, of your dress. The style of your dress can set the mood of your ceremony, reception and honeymoon (wink-wink). Your entrance into the wedding ceremony will set the standard for the mood of the reception. People do respond to how others are dressed. There are four popular styles (or moods) for wedding dresses; modern, classical, romantic and traditional.

The sixth, and last, tip involves the train. Many brides do not realize how heavy and tiring a train can be during the course of a reception. When choosing a long train, make sure it can be detached or pinned up so it will not get torn or dirty during the reception.