Friday, April 2, 2010
Second Wedding Dresses
GONE are the days when the second time bride known as the "encore bride" has to settle for scaled down ceremonies with fewer guests.
With over 45% percent of all weddings today involving one or both partners who have been married before, it's difficult to tell from the attire whether the modern bride is marrying for the first or umpteenth time. In fact, the modern bride who is lucky enough to find love again is trampling on the old traditions. Now their wedding is based on their taste and their budget. With the motto being: "This is the last time, and it's got to be the best."
The "encore bride" is in a different place than when she had her first wedding. They are confident, they have more money to spend, and they know what they want. Their focus is on "simple elegance".
Whether it is your first, second or third wedding the focal point is still the wedding dress. These brides are seeking dresses that are tailored rather than poufy - a sexy, sophisticated look with the emphasis on quality fabrics.
Today's trends in bridal gowns are all about you. Your second wedding gown should reflect your personal style, your fashion sense and what kind of wedding you want to have.
When shopping for that perfect dress it helps to know your body type so you can choose the gown that highlights your best features and downplays the areas you wish you could forget.
Here are some of the latest fashion trends to help get you started:
Trains are fine, but keep them simple, again matching the formality and style of the wedding.
Show some skin: At this year's runway shows, many designers decided to go bare. Creations featured mostly strapless gowns that place the emphasis on the bodice: gently weaved, beaded, or simple with demure jeweled straps.
Body-Conscious: Designers are very body conscious these days, with shape taking precedence. This is good news for any bride: most of these dresses have a slimming effect. The ever-popular A-line (also known as princess) is a long cut that draws the eye downwards, and often has a built-in train. This does not mean that designers have abandoned the classic traditional gowns...the skirts still float but the cut is meant to flatter the body.
Embroidery and Lace: These two mainstays of bridal fashion never go out of style and let's not forget beading. Today's bride wants the opulence in beadwork with many designers choosing crystals over glass beads.
Color: This component of a gown has never been so popular. Brides are actually thinking outside the box these days choosing jewel tone gowns in gold, silver, and a variety of pearl tones. However, second time brides still are confident enough to wear white, after all "white symbolizes commitment and faithfulness" so why not!
Where to Look: Magazines are the traditional way a bride begins her gown search, but why not look for a gown online? Most designers now have WebPages, and a collection of name gowns can be found on a number of websites. And if you're wondering, "Will the gown of my dreams fit me right?" there's help to be found on a multitude of websites which determine your body type and then suggest the dress type that is best for your figure.
Finally Hit the Runways! The latest fashions needn't remain a trade secret. Bridal shows, which feature live runway presentations of the current trends and designers, are an excellent way to view a variety of gowns.
A wedding is a celebration of love so indulge and take your time finding that perfect gown. The number one comment I receive from second time brides is..."this is definitely it, I'm not getting married again".
Gail Young is a co-founder of The Bridal Chalet, an online bridal boutique selling designer style couture and traditional wedding gowns and bridal accessories. A second time bride herself, Gail combines her extensive knowledge of the industry with her passion for designing couture bridal fashion. The Bridal Chalet has a collection of exclusive designer wedding gowns geared to the second time bride – the Sara Houston Collection.
By:Gail Young
With over 45% percent of all weddings today involving one or both partners who have been married before, it's difficult to tell from the attire whether the modern bride is marrying for the first or umpteenth time. In fact, the modern bride who is lucky enough to find love again is trampling on the old traditions. Now their wedding is based on their taste and their budget. With the motto being: "This is the last time, and it's got to be the best."
The "encore bride" is in a different place than when she had her first wedding. They are confident, they have more money to spend, and they know what they want. Their focus is on "simple elegance".
Whether it is your first, second or third wedding the focal point is still the wedding dress. These brides are seeking dresses that are tailored rather than poufy - a sexy, sophisticated look with the emphasis on quality fabrics.
Today's trends in bridal gowns are all about you. Your second wedding gown should reflect your personal style, your fashion sense and what kind of wedding you want to have.
When shopping for that perfect dress it helps to know your body type so you can choose the gown that highlights your best features and downplays the areas you wish you could forget.
Here are some of the latest fashion trends to help get you started:
Trains are fine, but keep them simple, again matching the formality and style of the wedding.
Show some skin: At this year's runway shows, many designers decided to go bare. Creations featured mostly strapless gowns that place the emphasis on the bodice: gently weaved, beaded, or simple with demure jeweled straps.
Body-Conscious: Designers are very body conscious these days, with shape taking precedence. This is good news for any bride: most of these dresses have a slimming effect. The ever-popular A-line (also known as princess) is a long cut that draws the eye downwards, and often has a built-in train. This does not mean that designers have abandoned the classic traditional gowns...the skirts still float but the cut is meant to flatter the body.
Embroidery and Lace: These two mainstays of bridal fashion never go out of style and let's not forget beading. Today's bride wants the opulence in beadwork with many designers choosing crystals over glass beads.
Color: This component of a gown has never been so popular. Brides are actually thinking outside the box these days choosing jewel tone gowns in gold, silver, and a variety of pearl tones. However, second time brides still are confident enough to wear white, after all "white symbolizes commitment and faithfulness" so why not!
Where to Look: Magazines are the traditional way a bride begins her gown search, but why not look for a gown online? Most designers now have WebPages, and a collection of name gowns can be found on a number of websites. And if you're wondering, "Will the gown of my dreams fit me right?" there's help to be found on a multitude of websites which determine your body type and then suggest the dress type that is best for your figure.
Finally Hit the Runways! The latest fashions needn't remain a trade secret. Bridal shows, which feature live runway presentations of the current trends and designers, are an excellent way to view a variety of gowns.
A wedding is a celebration of love so indulge and take your time finding that perfect gown. The number one comment I receive from second time brides is..."this is definitely it, I'm not getting married again".
Gail Young is a co-founder of The Bridal Chalet, an online bridal boutique selling designer style couture and traditional wedding gowns and bridal accessories. A second time bride herself, Gail combines her extensive knowledge of the industry with her passion for designing couture bridal fashion. The Bridal Chalet has a collection of exclusive designer wedding gowns geared to the second time bride – the Sara Houston Collection.
By:Gail Young
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Choosing Maternity Wedding Dresses
7 Top Tips For Choosing Your Maternity Wedding Dress
Tip 1: Your Maternity Wedding Dress Style
So ... here's the BIG question ... "How far along will you be on your wedding day?" If you will still be in the early months of your pregnancy on your wedding day, you may not need maternity wedding dress tips or even a maternity wedding dress. You might just get away with a slightly larger size dress in the style you love already.
Do you have a good dressmaker on hand for last minute alterations? Double check with her that your dress can be altered or let out where needed before you buy or order anything ... because you can't predict how fast your bump will grow or how you will carry your baby. Ball gowns and dresses with a tight bodice are not generally very comfortable or flattering for pregnant brides-to-be because they'll emphasize your expanding middle! Best to steer clear!
Empire line gowns and A-line dresses look fabulous on most pregnant women thanks to their loose structure which creates a beautiful silhouette. "Proper" maternity wedding dresses aren't second best ... they are beautiful! Designers understand the modern pregnant bride's desire to look fabulous and there are some amazing maternity wedding dresses to choose from ... whatever your budget.
2. Where will you be tying the knot?
Brides usually choose a long formal gown for a religious ceremony although long gowns are equally suited for civil celebrations too. If you're planning a small or informal civil or beach maternity wedding, maybe you will prefer a shorter, less structured dress?
There are no hard and fast rules ... it's all about you finding a maternity wedding dress that makes you feel great on your big day!
3. Enhance your beautiful blooming figure!
Traditional brides look for a dress to enhance their natural assets and as a pregnant bride, that's just what you should do too. So, here are some physical considerations before choosing your pregnancy wedding dress
* What shoes will you be comfortable in and how will your chosen dress look with the wedding shoes you plan to wear?
* Do you have a great cleavage ... why not show it off?
* Would you like a strappy or strapless gown? Think about the width of your maternity bra straps ...will you be able to cope with a strapless bra for the day or do you really need a bit more support?
* Do you want to hide your baby bump?
* Are your arms toned and beautiful or would you like to hide them away? Would you be happier with a dress that has sleeves if you've gained weight on your arms in your pregnancy. What about a stylish wrap or bolero jacket?
4. Fabulous Fabrics
You should think as carefully about the fabric of your maternity wedding dress as the style of the dress itself, especially when thinking about the season of your wedding. The same dress in different wedding dress fabrics will look and feel quite different. It will certainly drape quite differently around your body.
5. Think about the colour of your gown!
Traditional western brides have married in white: the colour of maidenhood and purity. Today white is simply considered to be the colour that represents joy. As a pregnant bride, you CAN wear white if you want to ... if you want to inject a little colour, you can do that too!
Natural shades such as champagne, ivory, grey and very light pastels are always popular, but striking reds, blues, pinks and black are very fashionable. It's your wedding ... and as a twenty first century bride ... you really can have exactly the colour scheme you want. And if you love bold colour, but want a traditional coloured maternity wedding dress, why not introduce your chosen colour with your flowers and accessories?
6. Your bridegroom, attendants and guests
Once you've found your dream maternity wedding gown, it's time to think about the other key people who will take part in your maternity wedding!
* What ideas do you have about wedding attire for your husband-to-be, the best man and the ushers?
* How would you like your bridesmaids, flower girls or page boys to look?
As you're working to a tight time budget with a maternity wedding, don't forget to keep it simple ... and accept help when it is offered to you!
7. Preserving Your Maternity Wedding Gown, Once the Big Day is Over!
After you've spent time and thought selecting your maternity wedding gown, you'll probably want to hold on to it for sentimental reasons. If it is properly, professionally cleaned and preserved, your wedding gown can last for years to come. What a wonderful and meaningful keepsake to share with your family in the years ahead!
By Coralie Thornton
Tip 1: Your Maternity Wedding Dress Style
So ... here's the BIG question ... "How far along will you be on your wedding day?" If you will still be in the early months of your pregnancy on your wedding day, you may not need maternity wedding dress tips or even a maternity wedding dress. You might just get away with a slightly larger size dress in the style you love already.
Do you have a good dressmaker on hand for last minute alterations? Double check with her that your dress can be altered or let out where needed before you buy or order anything ... because you can't predict how fast your bump will grow or how you will carry your baby. Ball gowns and dresses with a tight bodice are not generally very comfortable or flattering for pregnant brides-to-be because they'll emphasize your expanding middle! Best to steer clear!
Empire line gowns and A-line dresses look fabulous on most pregnant women thanks to their loose structure which creates a beautiful silhouette. "Proper" maternity wedding dresses aren't second best ... they are beautiful! Designers understand the modern pregnant bride's desire to look fabulous and there are some amazing maternity wedding dresses to choose from ... whatever your budget.
2. Where will you be tying the knot?
Brides usually choose a long formal gown for a religious ceremony although long gowns are equally suited for civil celebrations too. If you're planning a small or informal civil or beach maternity wedding, maybe you will prefer a shorter, less structured dress?
There are no hard and fast rules ... it's all about you finding a maternity wedding dress that makes you feel great on your big day!
3. Enhance your beautiful blooming figure!
Traditional brides look for a dress to enhance their natural assets and as a pregnant bride, that's just what you should do too. So, here are some physical considerations before choosing your pregnancy wedding dress
* What shoes will you be comfortable in and how will your chosen dress look with the wedding shoes you plan to wear?
* Do you have a great cleavage ... why not show it off?
* Would you like a strappy or strapless gown? Think about the width of your maternity bra straps ...will you be able to cope with a strapless bra for the day or do you really need a bit more support?
* Do you want to hide your baby bump?
* Are your arms toned and beautiful or would you like to hide them away? Would you be happier with a dress that has sleeves if you've gained weight on your arms in your pregnancy. What about a stylish wrap or bolero jacket?
4. Fabulous Fabrics
You should think as carefully about the fabric of your maternity wedding dress as the style of the dress itself, especially when thinking about the season of your wedding. The same dress in different wedding dress fabrics will look and feel quite different. It will certainly drape quite differently around your body.
5. Think about the colour of your gown!
Traditional western brides have married in white: the colour of maidenhood and purity. Today white is simply considered to be the colour that represents joy. As a pregnant bride, you CAN wear white if you want to ... if you want to inject a little colour, you can do that too!
Natural shades such as champagne, ivory, grey and very light pastels are always popular, but striking reds, blues, pinks and black are very fashionable. It's your wedding ... and as a twenty first century bride ... you really can have exactly the colour scheme you want. And if you love bold colour, but want a traditional coloured maternity wedding dress, why not introduce your chosen colour with your flowers and accessories?
6. Your bridegroom, attendants and guests
Once you've found your dream maternity wedding gown, it's time to think about the other key people who will take part in your maternity wedding!
* What ideas do you have about wedding attire for your husband-to-be, the best man and the ushers?
* How would you like your bridesmaids, flower girls or page boys to look?
As you're working to a tight time budget with a maternity wedding, don't forget to keep it simple ... and accept help when it is offered to you!
7. Preserving Your Maternity Wedding Gown, Once the Big Day is Over!
After you've spent time and thought selecting your maternity wedding gown, you'll probably want to hold on to it for sentimental reasons. If it is properly, professionally cleaned and preserved, your wedding gown can last for years to come. What a wonderful and meaningful keepsake to share with your family in the years ahead!
By Coralie Thornton
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