Tips For Choosing Pink Wedding Dresses

Author: Sarrah Beaumont

Increasingly, brides are turning to colored wedding dresses on their special day. After all, it is not just Queen Victoria's prerogative to go against the wedding tradition of her day when she walked down the aisle in a white gown, at a time when brides wore color on their special day!



Fortunately for pink-loving brides-to-be, the various shades of pink are the new white in the wedding industry. It helps to have these practical tips when choosing from among many pink wedding dresses just so you can be stylish on your wedding day.



Expand your Pink Horizons



Often, we think of pink as Barbie's color. And when images of Barbie and Teresa in fuchsia pink wedding dresses being married to their equally plastic boyfriends come to mind, you might just cringe at the thought. After all, pink is more commonly associated with cute flower girls and clueless bridesmaids, not the brides themselves!



However, you must realize that pink, like all other combination colors, have many shades and hues to it. You can choose from among them depending on your personal preferences, of course.



Attractive shades of pink include shocking, pink, dark pink and bright pink, all of which can make your dress stand out most becomingly. You can also choose middle shades like carnation pink and cherry blossom pink when you want to tone it down a little. For the lightest shade of pink, go for baby pink and pale pink.



Keep in mind, however, that these are just some of the pink shades to choose from. Other exotic hues include rose pink, shell pink, pearl pink, champagne pink, iridescent pink, blush pink, fuchsia pink and even mauve and magenta.



Always remember to ask for samples of the cloth as you want to be sure that's exactly the pink you are looking for in your final list of pink wedding dresses. And don't let the opinions of others saying that the palest of pinks are the most bride-like of them all. Just so long as you don't appear snotty or trashy, you should be fine.



Complement Your Pink



When you have chosen the right pink wedding dresses (yes, this is assuming you will fall in love with pink that you will have two dresses in the ultra-feminine color), it's time to move on to color complementation. You want your pink dress to be echoed in the wedding entourage's attire and in the wedding motif.



Fortunately, you can match pink quite easily with other colors. After all, it is a combination of white with other colors (think red, rose, magenta and orange) that should make color coordinating an easy task. With that being said, you can complement pink with colors like ivory, champagne, silver, white and black, lavender, chocolate, turquoise, sage green, and even some yellow shades.



Truly, when you walk down the aisle towards your loved one and waltz with him in your pink wedding dresses, you are fulfilling the dreams of countless little girls playing with their Barbie dolls. Come to think of it, you were once a little girl, too, and you are just fulfilling your dreams!

About the Author:
OnlineBridalShop.ca is an online bridal store that offers bridesmaid dresses and wedding dresses in all colors. Visit them now!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Tips For Choosing Pink Wedding Dresses

When Shopping For Vintage Wedding Dresses

Author: Sarrah Beaumont

There is something good to be said about wearing vintage wedding dresses. They are exquisitely made and amazingly designed considering their age, not to mention that you can actually wear your "something old" and show it off!



Still, shopping for vintage wedding dresses can be easier said than done since you have to contend with various issues like stains, rust and missing parts. Not to worry though if you have your heart set on a vintage wedding dress with these tips.



Check Your Measurements



Vintage dresses are often sized differently than the more modern clothes you shop for. As such, you should be armed with a full set of body measurements, your measurements of course, from your arms to your shoulders.



Better yet, buy a corset or a girdle and put it on before fitting on the dresses. This is because most women for whom the dresses were made often wore corsets and girdles to achieve a sculpted look. Besides, it will look good to have curves on your wedding day!



Check for Stains



Some stains are harder to remove than others. If you think that a stain will not come off and it shows in a very visible area, then you probably should just walk away and look for other vintage wedding dresses.



Some tips to help you remove stubborn stains from your dream vintage wedding dresses, which is assuming that it can be removed without going to a dress restoration expert of course.



* Place your dress in a bathtub filled with either lukewarm or cold water mixed with a gentle liquid detergent. Be sure to remove metal and plastic accessories first as these can add to your restoration problems. Soak it for at least 24 hours to loosen stubborn stains and lessen yellowish discolorations.



* Remove stains with a sudsy spray solution and then gently brushing them with a toothbrush. Just don't apply a club soda solution as it will worsen the stains, even make them settle more into the dress.



Whatever you do, avoid rubbing vigorously on the fabric. It can be fragile that any drastic wringing, rubbing, pressing and cleaning performed on it can make it fall apart. And then where would you be? Perhaps, you will be saying goodbye to anything vintage, wedding dresses or not, and that would be a shame.



Check for Missing Parts



Some vintage dresses may be older than your grandmother so checking for missing parts - buttons, embroidery, ribbons, and other stuff - is a must. If you can find a store that sells vintage accessories, it will be better for your restorative efforts.



If you don't have any knowledge of such a store, try looking for possible replacements. Some stores may even carry reproductions of vintage accessories that you can use to cover up the missing parts.



If you have your bridal heart set on vintage wedding dresses but can't find one that meets your requirements in terms of it being able to withstand wear for more than 8 hours, then you can always ask to have it reproduced. There is no shame in that and you can even pass it to your daughter!

About the Author:
OnlineBridalShop.ca sells bridesmaid dresses , mother of the bride dresses and wedding dresses in all colors. Visit them now!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - When Shopping For Vintage Wedding Dresses

5 Things to Say to Your Wedding Dress Maker

Author: Julie Davidson

More and more brides-to-be are turning to wedding dress makers to ensure they look gorgeous on their special day, for many different reasons. Enlisting the help of a higher-end salon for a custom-designed gown will ensure their dress is perfect in style and fit.

Perhaps you've seen a gown that is almost perfect, but you want a different neckline, or a shorter train, or a different fabric. Perhaps you're pregnant, and would like to have a gown that will be able to accommodate your changing body. You'll pay a bit more for these options, but having the perfect wedding dress and feeling beautiful on your special day is worth the expense.

From Conception to Reception: How it Works.

Most wedding dresses aren't custom per se. A wedding dress maker, or designer, will have a line of dress styles from which to choose. After an hour or so long consultation where you decide on a gown style and get measurements taken, a prototype of your gown is made up out of muslin.

The wedding dress maker will use this sample dress to fit the gown to your exact measurements by marking the dress and pinning the fabric in the right spot.

The marked up version then goes back to the shop where they begin to create your wedding dress. When the final version is done, you'll need to have it fitted once again. If there are still alterations to be made, another fitting may need to be arranged.

When selecting a wedding dress maker, be sure to ask the following questions:

1) How long will it take?

Rome wasn't built in a day, and your wedding dress won't be completed in a day, either. Expect a time frame of five to twelve months to create your gown, depending on how many changes you make to the original design. Your fittings will be scheduled within this time frame, with the last fitting taking place about two weeks before your wedding date.

If you're planning on losing weight before your wedding, make sure you tell your wedding dress maker at your consultation so she can take that into consideration. Once the dress is sized and fitted to you, changes can add time to the completion of the dress and take money away from your budget.

If you're in a rush to get married and need a gorgeous gown sooner, most wedding dress makers will accommodate you. Expect to pay 15-25% more for the rush order. You could also consider buying a sample gown that the wedding dress maker has in stock and having them tailor it to your needs. It won't be customized to your tastes, but it's a step above an off-the-rack gown in a department store.

2) How do I pay?

Knowing how much you'll be paying and when will help you settle your budget, if you have one. Schedules of payment may differ between different wedding dress makers, but in all cases expect to pay a deposit at your consultation and the balance when picking up your wedding dress.

Most designers work in thirds of the price of the completed gown - a deposit can be about a 1/3 of the total price. The next installment of 1/3 will be paid at the first fitting, while the balance will be paid at the second fitting.

Which design suits my body shape?

There are lots of little girls who imagine exactly what their dress will look like when they get married. Unfortunately, these girlish dreams often fail to take a short stature or wide hips into consideration.

Different body shapes don't suit every style of dress. Your wedding dress maker will be able to help you choose the style of gown that will help to disguise faults and play up your strongest features so you are a vision of loveliness on your wedding day.

Some thoughts to consider:

Want to look taller?

A high waistline, such as an empire waist, helps to give the illusion of height as well as makes you look thinner.

More looking tall tips:

Detail around the hemline and neckline, such as embroidery or beadwork, draw the eye up and down the dress, making you look taller.

Want more curves?

Heavier fabrics such as satin or velvet help to add curves in all the right places. You can also opt for a wedding dress with a gathered waist, a wider bodice and narrow sleeves.

Want to look thinner?

Besides an empire waist you can try a Princess style gown or an A-line wedding dress.

Want to hide wide hips?

Try a flared or A-line skirt. You'll also want to go for a gown with bodice detail such as embroidery or beading to draw the viewer's eye up and away from your trouble zone.

Sheath, ball gown style, and mermaid style are great choices for a very slender bride.

4) What will I need at the first fitting?

In order to make sure your wedding dress will fit you properly, you need to have your accessories ready. At your consultation you'll want to ask about lingerie and shoes, as your wedding dress maker will be able to suggest styles to choose from. They may also have these items for sale in their shop.

You will need to have already bought your shoes so that the wedding dress maker has an idea of the hemline length. If you need to change your shoes for some reason you'll want to inform the wedding dress maker so they can make the appropriate changes to your wedding dress.

5) How do I care for my wedding dress?

Most wedding dress makers will give you instructions on the care of your wedding gown so it remains pristine and perfect until you walk down the aisle.

Make sure you take your Matron Of Honor or Wedding Consultant with you to your last fitting so they can learn how to fasten your wedding dress to avoid needless fabric accidents like stepping on your train, or a lost button.

You'll also want to follow the directions to preserve it afterwards, so you can hand it down to your daughter for her wedding.

About the Author:

You can find the most beautiful wedding dresses in Australia at Start Local. Wherever you live in Australia, you should make Start Local your first stop. Start Local is Australia's fastest growing local search engine and business directory.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 5 Things to Say to Your Wedding Dress Maker

Selecting music for your wedding reception

Author: Sarah Beldo

The best wedding reception music gets guests into the right frame of mind and keeps the party's momentum going strong.

When choosing the perfect musical backdrop that is sure to inspire scenes worthy of the wedding photo album, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Style of music

This will make a big difference when it comes to who decides to join in the festivities. If you want to be friendly to all generations, make sure you tell the DJ or band to mix current hits with old favorites from previous decades.

You may also want to take your wedding's style into account when deciding on a musical genre. A formal, classy affair may warrant a live band playing swing music or a string quartet, while a relaxed event may call for a hoe-down or a funk band. In any case, choosing the right performers is vital for getting those picture-perfect shots for the wedding album.

Budget

Determining how much you want to spend on reception music may help determine whether you opt for a band (typically more expensive) or a DJ (usually more budget-friendly). Make sure you call prospective performers well in advance and see what they charge based on time of day, day of the week and length of the event.

Location

Think about the potential restrictions of your reception location before making any commitments. How big is the space? Do they have noise limits that must be adhered to? Is there space to dance? Where do you plug in speakers?

Your preferences

You should also consider how involved you would like the band or DJ to be in your big day. Some couples choose to have them set the pace for the entire reception, announcing dance contests and paying tribute to members of the family. Make sure you give clear instructions on preferences for your first dance and any other special dances you want to include. Many couples choose to provide DJs with a specific playlist.

About the Author:

Sarah Beldo is a wedding album and party planning specialist writer for adessoalbums.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Selecting music for your wedding reception

The Perfect Wedding Dress for the Do It Yourself Wedding

Author: Bob Hamilton

You are having a do it yourself wedding, want a wedding gown and you are on a budget. So what do you do? If you love to sew, or are hard to fit, making your own would be the answer. This way you get exactly what you want, and the fit is perfect. Here are some suggestions on how to start:

• If you are new at sewing, buy a pattern. Fabric shops will help talk you through the purchase of materials, and assist when you get stuck.

• Check your closet for a top that would make a good bodice for your dress. It can be a sleeveless tank, a perfectly fitting blouse, a halter top or even a longer tube top. Now you have the pattern for the top of your gown. All you have to do is add whatever length and style skirt you want.

• A favorite, well-fitting dress can be used as your pattern.

• A nightgown can be used as a pattern, but add a wide sash or belt to make it more fitted.

• When the dress is fitting perfectly, you then add your beads, appliqués, sequins, satin buttons, etc.

• A veil can be as simple as a square of netting placed over the head and held in place with a decorative comb, flowers, or tiara.

• Flowers can be handled very simply by tying several long stemmed roses together with a ribbon in the wedding colors and draping it over your arm. Use the same thing for any maid of honor, using fewer flowers.

If this seems overpowering to you or you simply don’t have the sewing skills, time, or desire to make your own gown there are many other options for you to choose from. The following are but a few of the places you can go to for help:

• The internet has hundreds of places where you can buy wholesale, outlet store gowns, last minute sales on discontinued styles, and pre-worn gowns. Visit Outlet Bound at www.outletbound.com to find the places in your area that you might shop.

• Have you considered renting your gown? Rarely does a wedding dress get a second wearing unless you sell or give it to someone else. Check online or in the yellow pages for a rental gown.

• A consignment shop is a good place to go for higher end and even designer dresses at a very much marked down price. They usually are not many seasons old, either.

• Thrift shops often have much older gowns, which are enjoying new popularity again after so many years. Trim is easily removed and even replaced with minimal effort and little cost.

• The want ads are also a good source. Many women run ads to sell their gowns without paying a middleman. Often you get the whole outfit this way, including undergarments and the veil.

• Online again to Craig’s list where you can either check the existing ads in your area, or run your own ad asking for the specific style and size wedding gown you’d like.

• Go to eBay and bid on a dress at their auctions.

As you can see, there are many different ways to get a wedding dress for your do it yourself wedding. By the way, if you have a similarly sized friend or family member who has a wedding dress in her closet, there is nothing wrong with borrowing!

To your beautiful wedding!

About the Author:

Find the finest wedding favor gifts at Best Wedding Favor Gifts.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Perfect Wedding Dress for the Do It Yourself Wedding

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Wedding Dress

Author: John Stronack

Every woman envisions herself as a radiant and beautiful bride on their wedding day. In that regard, choosing the right wedding dress is not just about having the perfect figure. We are all unique and beautiful in our own ways. In this article, we'll try to give you an idea of how to choose the right wedding dress... for you!



The Bottom Line!



It is more important to prioritize on what looks best on you rather than aspiring to look like the models featured in fashion magazines. You should customize your choice to a dress that suits you the best. Don't be blinded by the latest trends or the in-thing for bridal wear. Borrow ideas from different places such as bridal magazines, designer boutiques, or even the local dress designer. Customize your dress to suit your body type, complexion, and personality!




Budget



In your romantic pursuit of a perfect wedding dress, do not forget about mundane aspects like money! Once you have decided on the type of wedding dress that you want, remember to stick to your budget (otherwise, what's the point?). You should assign about 10% of your total wedding expenses to the dress. This number includes the dress as well the accessories that go with it (i.e. veil, shoes, jewelries, and gloves).



There are multiple options available to you in terms of how to find the perfect dress:



• you can buy it from a boutique when a sale is on and get it tailored according to your size/preferences;

• wear a family heirloom;

• rent your dress;

• etc.



Body Type



You can look ravishing on your wedding day no matter what your body type is. First, take a good look at yourself:



Full figured ladies can opt for a V-neck or Scoop neckline. This draws attention vertically, taking some of the concentration off the bust line. To balance out a heavy bosom, also consider an A-line style gown. This line creates an overall balance for heavier brides who want to conceal hips and a tummy. Shoulder-straps are best avoided.



Pear-shaped women (women with wider hips and narrower shoulders) look best in A-Line gowns as well. The gown's A-line silhouette conceals wide hips and also creates balance.



Very thin women with few curves should stay away from off the shoulder dresses (not strapless) as these tend to accentuate the lack of curves.



The hourglass figure is perhaps the easiest frame to dress as it is the most proportionate and any neckline accentuates the figure. There are however a few things to watch out for. An empire waist can drown a curvy figure since the bodice tends to begin higher. The most flattering style for this frame is also an A-line.




Wedding Dress Shapes and Silhouettes



Before you venture out looking for a wedding dress, it is vital you understand the 'bridal jargon'. Have a basic understanding of the basic shapes or silhouettes so that when your dress designer or stylist refers to a particular style, you understand.



A-Line: An A-Line or Princess Shape dress has fitted vertical seams running from the shoulders down to the flared shirt, creating an "A" shape and can be created from a variety of fabrics that include lace, satin, and chiffon.



Empire: A high waistline and seam just underneath the bust.



Ball Gown: It is a traditional wedding dress with a fitted bodice and a floor-length skirt. Usually worn in a more formal setting such as a church.



Sheath: Straight-line, fitted dress from the shoulders to the ankles.



Mermaid: A narrow fitted dress designed to highlight a bride's curves, with the bottom flaring out like that of a mermaid.



Strapless: As the name suggests, it is a wedding dress without any straps.



Length of the Dress



It is important that you choose the right length for your wedding gown. Tall brides can look taller in long gowns, while short brides can look shorter in a long gown. The climate, season, and the time of day are other factors that will determine how comfortable you feel in a long gown on your wedding day. Choose the length of the gown wisely taking into consideration the aforementioned factors.




Colour of the Dress



Gone are the days where the bride would wear only white on her wedding day. Today, women can experiment with other colors. Choose colours that best complement your skin tone; it could be any colour ranging from diamond white to ivory to champagne to actual colors like pink, blue, or red. Pick the color you feel most beautiful in and that brings out the glow in you.



Accessories



It is common knowledge that wearing the right accessories can complement one's look and your wedding is no exception. Once you have dealt with the wedding dress, you should ask a friend or photographer to take a picture of you in that dress. Bring that picture along as you go shopping and choose your accessories accordingly (shoes, jewelries, and even the flower bouquet you will hold during the ceremony).




We hope these tips and ideas will help you find the perfect wedding dress for your special day. Celebrate your wedding in style!

About the Author:
This article was submitted by eWeddingTalk.com, a wedding blog discussing wedding-related matters, including wedding favors & wedding gifts.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/marriage-articles/factors-to-consider-when-choosing-your-wedding-dress-807506.html

Maid Of Honor Speeches - What To Say And How To Say It

Author: Elizabeth James

Being a maid of honor to your friend is the highest form of compliment and loyalty that can be bestowed on any person. But this honor comes with the responsibility of giving a maid of honor speech as this is a primary constituent of any wedding ceremony. The speech of the best man's is likewise vital his focus of attention is the groom so it is the maid of honors duty to keep the bride happy and entertained. Here are some tips that will prove beneficial to any maid of honor when concocting a speech for the eventful day.




It is always better to be prepared beforehand and to organize a speech that will please both the couple and the guests and will linger in their minds long after the years have passed by. To ensure that your maid of honor wedding speech is up to the mark and satisfactory, you can make a draft and read it out to some friend or a family member. Ask them to give you an honest opinion of the speech as it is always preferable to brave criticism earlier rather then in front of the guests. Moreover it is recommended that you memorize your speech to avoid the risk of stuttering or messing it up on the grand day. If your memory is not reliable then you can also carry note cards to assist you in remembering the sequence of the speech and prevent you from stumbling on the words.



Customarily the turn of the maid of honor's speech follows after the best man's speech so it is essential to keep in mind that the guests have already concentrated on one speech and will be sitting through others. It is therefore requisite that you keep your speech short to make it more appealing to the guests and honesty and sincerity should reflect in your speech.



You can make the use of pre-written speeches to give you a lucid idea of how to formulate your speech and what to utter first. Make reference to other people but keep the spotlight on the bride. You can mention the bride's childhood days and pranks she usually indulged in, how you both became friends so as to let the guests understand your relationship with the bride. Do not get too personal or relate something that can be a source of embarrassment to the bride, ruin her day and damage your friendship.



Add something more substantial in your speech like how the couple is well-suited and compliment each other perfectly. You can even compose a short poem that is creative. This will be valued better then a heartfelt and a genuine prose. If you are married yourself then you can even give them some tips of how to maintain marital bliss. Keep the humor alive in your maid of honor wedding speech to obviate the emotion fogging the room and to lighten up the mood. End your speech by congratulating the happy couple and wishing then luck and bliss in their marital life.

About the Author:
Need help FAST with maid of honor speeches? Learn how to write and deliver a speech that will leave them all speechless! Get help writing your maid of honor speech here!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/marriage-articles/maid-of-honor-speeches-what-to-say-and-how-to-say-it-799639.html