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Jul 11, 2012   |  1 comment

Wedding trends for 2012: Wedding Bouquets

Wedding Trends 2012: Wedding Bouquets

It’s time to talk about bouquets!  For the past few wedding seasons we have seen brightly colored bouquets in vibrant shades rather than pastels. Lively hues are more common for both daytime and night time weddings and brides are getting more creative than ever.

Brides create glamorous bouquets by using beads, brooches, jewel pins, pearls and even crystal rhinestones.  This is a fabulous way to incorporate your something old, borrowed, blue or just sentimental by including a piece of jewelry in your bouquet.

With the continuing popularity in beach and garden weddings brides are using elements such as shells, succulents, feathers, berries and pinecones to their bouquets to give it a more natural look. If you are getting married in the winter consider a bouquet made of fir, cedar, berries, wild pines and aspen twigs.
 

Or if you are getting married in a tropical setting consider a bouquet made entirely out of Caribbean leaves like areca palm leaves and galax papyrus.  We are seeing bouquets made entirely out of felt flowers, brooches, candy, buttons, silk butterflies and many other unique items.  Don’t be confined to using just flowers for your bouquet.  Get creative and make your bouquet as individual as you are.

Tips for Choosing Wedding Bouquet

If you’re unsure where to start when picking out flowers for your bouquet, start with a flower that has significance or sentimental value.  Maybe the first flower your fiancé gave you or the flowers that grew in your mother’s garden.  Another example is to mix the bride’s birth flower with the groom’s birth flower.  Keep in mind the season and venue for your wedding and pick something that will not wilt easily.  You will also want to keep your bridesmaid dress color in mind to make sure their matching bouquets don’t clash.  
Another bouquet trend for 2012 is to ditch the handle. You don’t have to carry your flowers tied together with ribbon and lace anymore. Get creative and choose something more personal by attaching the wedding bouquet flowers to a clutch, book, fan or any object that has special meaning to you and your groom.  The ideas and options are endless and you can become your own trendsetter by coming up with something no one has ever done before. Who knows, you might like your bouquet too much to even throw over your shoulder!

Brooch Wedding Bouquets in 2012 

This is hands down my favorite new trend for wedding bouquets.  Not only do they sparkle and shine but they are totally unique and can be heirloom pieces.  The cool thing about this hot new trend is that you can use it to include your family and friends in the process of your wedding bouquets. All you have to do is ask your family and friends to lend you any brooches they have. Incorporating something that has meaning to you will make your wedding day that much more special. Or go out and choose new brooches that you can use again and again.  There are many brooches in the shape of flowers so you can have a bouquet made entirely out of jeweled flowers.

Many wedding gowns have a side brooch as the focal point of the gown and having a brooch bouquet will highlight this.  Most bouquets range anywhere from $275-500, but if you create your own using recycled brooches you won’t have to spend a dime!  You can get a Styrofoam ball and the other materials you need very cheaply at a craft store. Even better, just like photos, your brooch bouquet will last forever and can be a hand-me-down for your daughters and granddaughters. So, if you want something totally unique that will be an heirloom piece, opt for a brooch bouquet. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but these dazzling brooch wedding bouquets are a close second.
 

 

Image sources: fabulous occasions.ca

                            wedding etc.com

                            bridal beauty.com

                            becky male photography.com

                            blog afloral.com 

                            style by design.com

                            

Jul 09, 2012   |  0 comments

How to find cheap photographers for the bride on a budget

 

Finding photographers if your a bride on a budget

When you’re a bride on a budget you know how difficult it can be to plan a wedding. You don’t want to completely empty out the bank so you know you have to look for all the deals and savings you can find. When it comes to your dress you can simply purchase a sample gown or even a pre-owned dress. With invitations there are plenty of websites that offer huge savings and deals on custom designed cards or you can even make your own from kits at craft stores like Michaels. Your wedding day will be one of the biggest days of your life and having high quality photographic memories is a must. But when you’re working with a tight budget what do you do?  You could just have a friend take them but that is pretty risky and they will probably not turn out as you had hoped. When you’re a bride on a budget finding a photographer whose prices are reasonable can be difficult to do. So today we will help you find cheap ways to capture the best day of your life.  The day will go by quickly and the photos will be the memories you keep for a lifetime.

             Choose an off-peak day if your a bride on a budget!

When you book a wedding venue you will save more money by having your wedding on any day but Saturday or during the off-season. The same goes for photographers and videographers. If you book your wedding during the week and not summer time the cost is much cheaper. Photographers are in high demand on Saturdays especially during the summertime which allows them to charge more for their services during these times. Not only that, the bride on a budget will have a better selection of photographers to choose from if she decides to have her wedding during the off-season time.  One of the best ways to find a photographer is to go to a bridal show in your area.  There are always tons of photographers at bridal shows and you will have the opportunity to meet them and see their work first hand.  You need to make sure you like the person that is going to be following you around all day!

The bride on a budget should limit the photographer’s time
 

If you don’t want to pay your photographer an arm and a leg, limit the time he or she will work during the wedding. Generally, photographers and videographers charge by the hour.  A full 10 hour day can cost from $4,000-$10,000! So, all you have to do is simply limit the amount of hours you want them to work. You can hire them just for the ceremony and half the reception, or just the ceremony and supplement these photos with other photos guests have taken. Another great idea is to hire a student photographer who will charge a lot less but still have the experience of a professional.  A great place to look for students is on Craigslist.  But keep in mind, you still won’t be dealing with a professional so make sure you trust the person. This way, the bride on a budget can have the professional photographer take pictures during the wedding ceremony and only an hour of the reception and use the student photographer for the rest of the reception.

Lastly, make sure you have a list of what all is included in the cost so there are no surprises.  How many hours of service and will there be an assistant.  How many edited images does it include and do you get these on a CD, etc.  They should give you a breakdown of everything you get for the price including and images or prints that are included.  You may also want to find out how much it is for extra digital images or prints so you don’t get in a position where you have to pay just as much to get your pictures as you did to have them taken.  And most importantly…………….NEGOTIATE!  Everything is negotiable from your venue to your photographer.  So, if you have a budget, tell them what you can pay and see what they can do for you.  You never know unless you ask.  It’s important to document your wedding on your big day and the bride on a budget can do so by using these tips. Good luck!
 

Jul 06, 2012   |  0 comments

Why We Love Vintage Wedding Dresses

 Why We Love Vintage Wedding Dresses

Wedding gowns from the 2013 bridal collection are almost here! I know I’ve already talked about new wedding gown trends but what about old trends? Old is new and for the 2013 collection you will see beautifully crafted vintage wedding dresses that will amaze you.  There are so many reasons why we love vintage for a wedding day. For one, these dresses are more unique than others and are specially designed to the traditions of the past.  These styles have survived the ages and never really go out of style for a good reason.  They are timeless and always in fashion. Picking out a wedding dress is a long process and can be tough for many brides. However, if you choose a vintage wedding dress you will never look back and regret wearing something that was too trendy.  You used to have to search high and low for vintage wedding dresses and usually have them reconstructed in some way.  But now there are so many designers that are creating new gowns that mimic the past.

How To Choose A Vintage Wedding Dress

These dresses have long been popular in bride land but this year designers have been inspired by the 1920s. This look features a looser fitting sheath gown. Many designers like Vera Wang and Amsale will re-design a look of the past and construct a new gown out of it. If you really want to go vintage and choose a real vintage wedding dress, first figure out which decade suits you best. Let’s keep going with the 1930s which features a more slim and narrow look and is curve revealing. This decade is best for slender, tall, straight and curvy figures. In the 1940s dresses featured puffed shoulders, sweetheart necklines, peplums and full or narrow skirts. This decade suits more curvier, plus size women. Next we have the 1950s which featured a full skirt with crinoline and a fitted waist. This decade is best for pear, curvy and plus size figures. In the 1960s the look was a more slender long A-line skirt with an empire waist. This suits apple, petite and straight figures best. 1970s vintage wedding dresses were peasant/prairie inspired which consisted of loose, flowy, and narrower skirts.

1970s vintage wedding dresses look good on all different shapes and sizes especially taller gals. Last we have the 1980s which is definitely one of my favorites!  These gowns featured big sleeves and high collar necklines, which were made popular after the wedding of Princess Diana. These gowns can also suit a variety of shapes and sizes. So, now that you know the dress shapes and silhouettes by decade the next step is to search for your dress.  Some designers are recreating these looks but you may have to search for a truly vintage gown to get just what you want.  Just remember, these gowns are old and have been worn or preserved, so don’t worry if there is a stain, broken seams or a slight yellowish discoloration, because they can all be remedied and restored!  Consignment stores are not the only place to look because there are many online resources where girls can sell their gowns.  Searching is half the fun!

 

 

Jul 03, 2012   |  0 comments

Cap Sleeves.....The Way To Go For The Bride To Be?


 Cap Sleeves...

What is a cap sleeve exactly? According to Merriam Webster a cap sleeve is a very short sleeve (as on a dress) that hangs over the edge of the shoulder without extending along the underside of the arm. If you’re a bride to be the cap sleeve is what every prospective bride is raving about.  Strapless gowns continue to be popular but more and more brides are looking for an alternative and cap sleeves are very popular.  They are feminine and classy and making a strong appearance on the runways.  They compliment any gown from a lace sheath dress to a full ball gown and can also easily be added to a strapless gown.  So, think outside the box and dare to be different.

Cap Sleeve Trend for the Bride to Be

Since the whole fashion world is so obsessed with vintage style these days it’s no wonder these vintage inspired styles are seen in today’s wedding gowns. If you are a bride to be and love vintage then the cap sleeve is definite for you. It gives such a feminine look and goes great with gowns of all fabrics and styles. More than often cap sleeves usually come in lace, tulle, and in some cases in the barely-there-sheer fabrics.  If you want a softer or lighter look it all depends on the choice of fabric you choose. A cap sleeve is not just a dress with sleeves on it. Instead, it is a cap-shape, which is a little wider than normal shoulder strap size and only covers the shoulder edges.  We are not talking about an off the shoulder type of sleeve, it is a cap shape.  Cap sleeves also allow the bride to be some versatility in the style of the back of the gown.  Key hole backs and deep v back gowns are possible with a cap sleeve and make a dramatic statement.

 

Why Choose Cap Sleeves for the Bride to Be?

Why choose cap sleeves? More and more brides are growing weary of the strapless trend and are looking for something new. Let’s face it; strapless necklines are not universally flattering.  Cap sleeve wedding dresses never fail to accent a bride’s great femininity. It also guarantees additional support so you aren’t pulling your strapless gown up all night.  Cap sleeves still show off and even enhance a bride’s beautiful collar bone.  They are also very good at hiding that under arm skin that can peek out when pinched in a strapless gown.  Brides are digging further into the past for romantic wedding inspirations and cap sleeved wedding dresses are where it’s at.  If you’re a bride who would rather go the conservative route then choose a soft romantic shoulder covering cap sleeve.  Lace gowns with cap sleeves are a perfect choice.  For those of you who don’t like the conservative look rock a short and flirty dress with lace cap sleeves.  The options are endless as you can have a seamstress add a cap sleeve to any gown.  Keep the sleeve a little loose so you can easily raise your arms.  If you are a bride to be and want to enhance your feminine charm and elegance then cap sleeves were designed for you.

 

 

Jun 28, 2012   |  0 comments

Christos Bridal Trends For 2013


Christos Bridal Trends For 2013

Are you ready to see the new Christos bridal trends for 2013? Lace and embellished tulle are definitely going to take over next year.  Not only that, we will also see a lot of illusion necklines and A-line skirts. The best part about these beautiful dresses is that there are no stiff structured gowns. Instead, you will see light, flowing dresses which flatter everyone.  Last season we saw plenty of sexy backs which will actually return in 2013. However, this time you will see a more softened look against the bare skin, which features sheer panels of tulle and re-worked lace. Silhouettes in general have shifted toward more coverage and feature lace and illusion necklines made of embroidered tulle and organza. So, for those of you who just got engaged or have their wedding set for 2013 lucky you!
 

Christos Bridal Trends: Illusion Necklines

Have you ever heard of an illusion neckline with sleeves?  An illusion neckline combines a skin-baring bodice with a sheer fabric overlay which extends from the bust to the collar.  The neckline can be a boat neck, one shoulder, scoop neck with cap sleeves, etc.  These style are very demure and feminine and scream high fashion. I haven’t seen too many of these and can’t wait for the Christos bridal illusion neckline dresses to come out. Illusion necklines were featured prominently on the 2013 bridal runways and these designs have some of the most unique looks ever to hit the bridal industry. Some of these designs feature a carefully draped delicate fabric of tulle, organza or lace with crystal embroidery over sweetheart necklines. In the end, this creates a soft, elegant and romantic bridal look. Illusion necklines include a diverse variety of styles.
 

 Princess Kate led the way in bringing back this traditional style with her sheer lace sleeves and back on her lightweight satin gazar gown.  These styles are reminiscent of the 1950’s and absolutely timeless.  So, if you’re a bride who wants her dress a little more modest, illusion necklines are perfect because they offer coverage while still being slightly sexy and fashion-forward.  Christos bridal illusion gowns are a great alternative to strapless necklines and can help you find the right balance between sexy and sophisticated.


 Christos Bridal Trends: Lace!

 

Lace! Lace! Lace! We just can’t get enough. I don’t think lace has ever gone out of style or ever will. A lace-wedding gown is one of those styles you can wear to your wedding and ten years later you look back at your wedding photos with no regret. Lace gowns are classic and have a timeless look to them. Also, nothing speaks of romance better than a wedding gown made of lace. Christos bridal trends for 2013 feature lighter lace materials with less of the heavy stiff lace like Alencon.  For those of you who want to make a lavish lace fashion statement consider choosing a bridal gown made entirely of lace. If you add a bit of color on the lining like a blush or champagne colored satin the lace detail on the gown will pop up a lot better. From hand-beaded to fluted-skirt to sleeved bodice, lace still has a hold on runways and wedding aisles and will be around for a long time. It’s soft and romantic and everyone falls in love with Christos bridal lace gowns.
 image sources: One Fab Day.com

 

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