Alexa: November 2009

Wedding Dress 2-White Prom

Choosing Your Wedding Dress

If you grew up like I did with a romantic vision of what my wedding should be like, then no matter how many questions there are to ask yourself, you're sure of one thing, it needs to be perfect. Nowadays not everyone appears as concerned about finding the perfect dress, but for most of us - deep inside - it really does matter.
As soon as you begin planning or the big day, choosing your wedding dress becomes an urgent need for most brides. Nobody wants to wait. While dealing with wedding stress and preparations, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to try on different styles and find the one who says "you".

The theme of your wedding will be an important point when selecting that special dress. Are you getting married on the beach? If so, you might choose a light airy style. Have you decided on a formal affair? Then by all means, go all out and wear a white dress covered in silk and lace. Whatever type of occasion your wedding will be, your dress will play one of the most important roles in it!

It's also important to think about the month and season you are getting married in. If you are having a middle of summer wedding, then you probably shouldn't wear a wedding dress with double layers or long sleeves. After all, this is supposed to be the most memorable day of your beginning together. You don't want the biggest memory to be how much you sweated through the whole ceremony!
When choosing a wedding dress, try on comfortable styles. Walk around in them, if kneeling is part of your ceremony, then kneel in the dress. You need to certain that you will be comfortable in your choice. The beauty of the dress is only half of your decision - the other half is looking beautiful, happy and elegant. And you won't look - or be - happy if you are holding your breath so seams do not pop or you're itchy from the lace on your arms.
One mistake that a lot of brides tend to make when choosing a wedding dress is with the size. If you are planning on losing weight before your big day, do not buy a dress the size you think you may be come the wedding day. Instead buy the size you are on the day you choose the dress. It will always be easier to take a dress in if it is too big. It's an awful job trying to add material for a dress that ended up being too small.
With the expense of weddings, some couples try and cut back by making their own flowers, having a family member bake the wedding cake or hiring a friend to take wedding photos. Although it is okay to cut back and still have your dream wedding, don't skimp when choosing your wedding dress. If you cannot afford to hit a wedding boutique and pay their prices, try wedding consignment shops, who offer 'like new' dresses at an affordable price. Remember too that there are many discount wedding dress shops.
Whatever style, color or price range you eventually decide on when choosing your wedding dress, don't forget that it's you your fiancé fell in love with, not your dress. The dress adds to the ambiance of the day, but it isn't the real centerpiece.
After you have chosen your wedding dress hang it in the bag it comes in and don't show it to everybody. Give guests something to look forward to when they see you for the first time walking down the aisle. And unless it is truly unavoidable, don't let your future husband see your dress at all before the wedding. They say it's bad luck and even if that's just a superstition, it certainly does spoil his surprise!

Elena manages

Wedding Dress 1

Choosing The Ideal Wedding Dress

Most brides-to-be start dreaming about the ideal wedding dress long before they are even engaged. Choosing the ideal wedding dress is crucial because it is perhaps the only day that all eyes will be looking at you. A dress that is beautiful whilst remaining tasteful and also flattering to your figure will ensure that you look your best on your wedding day. With so many style, color and fabric options available, choosing the ideal wedding dress can be a daunting task. However, most brides simply know when they have found the ideal wedding dress. From the moment they put on the dress, they instinctively know that this is the ideal wedding dress for them.

The most important thing when searching for the ideal wedding dress is to begin looking at least six months before your wedding date. Finding the ideal dress will most likely take quite some time and once you find the dress, it could take up to four months for the dress to be ordered and shipped to the store. Once the dress arrives in the store you most likely will require several fittings to ensure that the dress fits absolutely perfectly. You should take your time and enjoy looking for your wedding dress so it is crucial that you begin the process in good time to avoid feeling rushed and overwhelmed.

Another useful piece of advice for finding the ideal wedding dress is to try on many different styles of dresses. Even though you may be certain that you want a particular style you may find that the style that looks so appealing in magazines does not suit your body type. You may also find that a style that you would have never have considered before can be flattering to your figure. For this reason it is important to try on a wide variety of styles before dismissing a particular style. The old adage “you won’t know unless you try it,” holds perfectly true for wedding dresses. There have been numerous brides who have found that their ideal wedding dress turned out to be totally different from the one they had envisaged.

Although it may not be what you expect, the color of the wedding dress is an important thing to take into account when choosing the ideal wedding dress. The concensus seems to be that the only acceptable color for a wedding dress is a pure white. However if you keep an open mind, you may find yourself with a wedding dress that is far more flattering to your skin tone than a pure white dress. Wedding dresses come in a wide variety of colors including ivory, cream and even subtle beiges. If you are happy to consider these options it is important to try on dresses in these colors to see how they work with your complexion.

Choosing the ideal wedding dress often requires getting a few second opinions. Having a few close friends or family members that you trust come dress shopping with you can help you find the dress of your dreams. They can offer opinions on each dress that you try on and can also scour the countless racks of dresses available and choose dresses for you to try on. Many brides instantly know that they have chosen the ideal wedding dress the moment they put it on but having trusted friends and family members with you can confirm this feeling. When you first step out of the dressing room and show them the dress you are wearing you may see reassuring confirmation that you have made the perfect choice. The reactions of your assistants will indicate that you have indeed found the perfect dress.

When you have chosen the ideal wedding dress, now is also the time to buy the it. Nothing is more important than your gut feeling and the reactions of the friends and family that accompanied you so if you know you have the ideal dress in your hands, don’t risk losing it by opting to think about it for a few days before you make your purchase. There is always the chance that the last available dress will be sold or that the company will discontinue that particular style so do not allow yourself to miss out on buying the ideal wedding dress by not buying it the moment you realize it is the dress for you.

The wedding dress is one of the most critical elements of a wedding. It is what makes a bride truly stand out and it is important for her to ensure that she has chosen the ideal wedding dress. The minute a bride-to-be steps into a wedding dress she will know instantly whether or not it is the ideal dress. It’s important to trust this gut reaction and act accordingly in choosing the ideal wedding dress.

Karen Wilkinson

Wedding Dress Colections

Are you about to get married? For most women, this is the day that they've been planning for since they were young girls. If you feel the same, then it's understandable why you're out seeking advice, help and support to make your dream wedding a reality.

Let's face it. When it comes to wedding dress, most men just can't seem to understand the importance of picking the perfect wedding dress. True, you're only going to be wearing that gown once in your life, and your groom may still feel the inclination to tie the knot even if you showed up dressed in a potato sack, but you very well know that one of the most important days of your life merits an exceptionally special dress.

Top Tips to Choose the Perfect Wedding Dress

There are so many wedding details that you need to take care of, but it's equally important that you take the time to find the perfect wedding gown for you. To help you out, we've come up with a list of wedding dress tips for how you can look your best on your wedding day.

Tip 1: Is constantly going to your groom for tips getting you down? Find a female friend or relative who will gladly accompany you on your trips to the bridal shop.

Unless your groom is female fashion-savvy, he's not going to be much help when you ask him about the perfect wedding dress collar or neckline for you. Find a female companion or companions that you trust enough for second and third opinions.

Tip 2: Set a budget, and try to follow it.

Wedding dress budgets are hardly ever exact. You may need to spend more or you might end up spending less than you expected. The point is having a budget in mind can help you control the urge to splurge on your very special dress. Try your hardest to follow your dress budget, and pray that you find a great wedding dress bargain that will make your groom proud.

Tip 3: Consider the color of your gown.

You can stick with tradition and go for white, but if you want to add some color to your gown, then by all means, find the perfect color for you. Today, a number of modern brides are choosing colored wedding dresses instead of plain white ones. Stand out in the sea of white-clad brides by going for an eye-popping color.

You may want to take the season into consideration when picking out your wedding dress color, or you can simply go for what flatters your complexion best. Also be prepared for possible adverse reactions from your traditional guests. Console yourself with the thought that it's your wedding, and you can wear blue or even black if you want to.

Tip 4: Find the right wedding dress length.

Yes, wedding gowns can be short or long depending on the type of ceremony you're having and where you're planning on having it. There's a very basic rule when it comes to choosing the perfect wedding dress length, and it's to base your dress length on how formal the ceremony is.

If you're having a formal ceremony, then floor-length is the way to go. If it's an ultra-formal wedding, then you may want to add a cathedral train to your dress. For informal weddings, you can choose the hemline that flatters you best.

Short, or at least shorter wedding dresses are advised for casual and outdoor weddings for practical reasons. You don't want to get mud, twigs, leaves or sand on your floor-length designer wedding dress, right?

Tip 5: Pick the appropriate and the most flattering sleeve-length and style for your dress.

By appropriate, we're merely reminding you that a winter wedding may not be the best time to go for a halter, plunging and backless number unless you're planning on wearing over clothes.

If you're feeling conscious about your arms or your shoulders, then you might want to keep those problem areas covered. There are numerous sleeve styles and sleeve lengths to choose from; simply pick the one that fits the occasion best while making you feel pretty and comfortable in your dress.

Tip 6: Know the importance of finding the right skirt style and dress shape for your body.

Much like wedding dresses, brides come in different shapes and sizes. Take into consideration your physical assets, your overall body shape and your problem areas when making your choice of skirt style and dress shape.

For example, if you're shaped like an inverted triangle, with prominent shoulders and small hips, then a ball gown would balance your proportions creating the perfect silhouette and hourglass figure.

Tip 7: Determining the best neckline for you.

Your wedding gown's neckline can definitely affect your gown's overall appearance. You have numerous neckline options, but it's all a matter of finding the most suitable and flattering neckline for your frame.

Remember, in the same way that you need to take your assets, body shape and problem areas into consideration when picking out dress shapes and skirt styles, you also need to look at these factors when choosing your wedding dress neckline.

If you're planning on showing off your arms, your beautiful shoulders and pronounced collar bones, and you have an ample bosom to pull off the look, then the strapless gown is an excellent neckline choice. If you tend towards the flat side, then you can enhance your bust area with a bateau neckline.

Tip 8: Look for the right fabric.

A pure satin ball gown would not stand on its own without layers of tulle under it or hoops built into the dress. Your choice of fabric could directly affect your gown's overall look. If you tend to be uncomfortable or if you tend to feel itchy when you're wearing crisp and net-like fabrics, then go for the breezy and lightweight ones.

There are so many different fabrics to choose from. A way to familiarize yourself with these fabrics is to ask your wedding planner or the bridal boutique owner to help you distinguish between the different fabric types available.

Tip 9: Decide on whether or not you want or need a wedding train.

A wedding train means extra-fabric and detailing, which translates to paying more for your wedding dress. Unless your wedding is ultra-formal, you're not going to need a train.

If your heart is set on having a train that trails gracefully behind you, then pick your train length based on practicality. Your wedding train can decrease your mobility, making it difficult to maneuver between chairs and tables during the reception. A detachable wedding train is most advisable if you're planning on doing a lot of dancing and walking after the actual wedding ceremony.

Tip 10: Be Wary of wedding gown sizing and necessary alterations.

You'll find out more about this when you actually head to the bridal boutique to be measured.

You may already know your actual size, but don't be too surprised if they tell you that you're a size or two bigger than you thought.

This is not to say that they have faulty sizing charts; it only means that wedding dress boutiques and high street shops have a different way of determining your dress size. Your dress size is based on your body's largest dimension.

If you have prominent hips and a smaller bust area, then your wedding dress size will be based on your hip size.

Once you get your wedding gown, you need to check if alterations need to be made for a perfect fit. Most brides find that alterations are necessary to get the size right. Ask the boutique or shop owner for estimates on how much you're going to have to pay for dress alterations to determine if you're getting a great bargain or a rotten deal.

Tip 11: If you think your dress needs that extra sparkle and glam then go for some decorations and embellishments.

Wedding dress embellishments and decorations have one special purpose, and that's to bring something extra to your gown.

Additional decorations and embellishments are a great way of making your dress even more unique and fashionable.

A basic gown would look great with additional beading and perhaps some embroidery. If you want a more feminine gown, then adding a bow, some ribbons or three-dimensional flowers can give your dress the boost needed to make it an amazing and personalized wedding dress.

Find a great seamstress or wedding dress designer to help you pick out the right detailing for your gown.

Tip 12: Decide if you need over clothes for your wedding gown.

If you're having a winter wedding, and your heart is set on a strapless, A-Line, princess dress, then a great coat or bolero will help you keep warm during the wedding ceremony.Keep in mind that there are also some churches that require brides to wear modest attire for the ceremony. Rayon fringed shawls and floor-length feathered coats are excellent ways of keeping covered during the actual ceremony.On your way to your reception, simply slip out of these over clothes to show the full beauty of your wedding gown.Follow these helpful tips and keep these reminders in mind when dress-shopping, to make your hunt for the perfect wedding dress a more enjoyable and less stressful experience.

Elegant Wedding Hair Cut 7

Elegant Wedding Hair cut 6

Elegant Wedding Hair cut 5

Get Your Prom Dress Before the New Year!

It's barely autumn, and the winter holidays seem to be a long way away. You are getting into a routine of back-to-school: homework, tests, friends, activities, and sports. With the possible exception of college planning, next spring is probably the last thing on your mind. Why should you start thinking about a prom dress when the prom is so far away?

It is not well-known by most prom-goers, that the best selections are found prior to the New Year. Prom dress manufacturers are already shipping dresses to the stores in October for the upcoming prom season. By the time the prom magazines hit the news stands in December, many people will already have placed orders for the most popular dresses. How do they come across these new designs that have yet to be in the magazines? People start searching online. As soon as manufacturer photos become available, it's no surprise to find many internet prom dress retailers adding new styles on their websites in early October.

You might say, "The prom is months away in May! Isn't March enough time to find a prom dress?" If you are not wanting anything in particular, the answer is yes. If you have your heart set on a particular style or color, you may be disappointed if you wait.

Why would they vanish in this way? This is because prom dresses are a very seasonal product. Manufacturers cut a certain number of dresses intended for the following spring season in late summer, and they start shipping them to stores in October. Based on initial sales, the manufacturers will tailor the more popular styles starting in February or March. By then, the stores have pending orders for these styles. Production of more prom dresses stops after this happens. No one wants unsold prom dresses sitting in their warehouses all summer! It is possible that some styles may be suitable for homecoming in fall, but most of the time, even they are not available until at least summer.

Many schools have winter formals in December, January, and February, which is why the most popular dresses could be sold out or on back order that early. Because prom dresses are on the racks early, many of them are purchased for these earlier events. Also keep in mind that prom-dress makers sell worldwide, not just to American consumers. Many online prom dress retailers sell globally, as well. The competition for the most popular dresses is intense.

An additional reason to purchase now, is that prom season is starting earlier on the calendar. Proms may be held as early as February in some parts of the country. Simply because your prom is in April or May doesn't necessarily mean that everyone has so late a prom. There are even some proms that are held as early as mid-December! It's amazing - every April, we end up dealing with disappointed customers who can't find "their" dress, because they don't realize that the prom magazines they are carrying around were published in December (five months ago).

If you wait until the spring to buy a prom dress, you will have to accept whatever style or color remains available. If you are picky or prefer a more popular style, you should consider shopping in November and December. If you are still uncertain on what to wear, begin looking online and through magazines in early October, to compile good dress ideas. When you find the perfect style, don't hesitate. Snatch it up, before your competition does!

For the scoop on finding a prom dress, Nancy Fallat is an insider. She runs Find My Prom Dress and has experienced the agony of many teens not being able to buy their first choice because they waited. Shop early and conveniently as Find My Prom Dress has dresses organized by designer, color, and even style such as

By Nancy Fallat

Elegant Hair Cut 4

Elegant Wedding Hair Cut 3

Elegant Wedding Hair Cut 2

Elegant Wedding Hair cut

Wedding Hair Dos

When getting married, the expense of the day can sometimes go through the roof. Accessories for the bride and bridesmaids alone, can be costly. Hair slides in many designs have become widely popular for weddings today, ranging from simple, to way out dramatic. Having them professionally made to your requirements is an easy option but can be very costly.

Wedding Hair Dos are not what they used to be - what has changed?

Many brides previously used tiaras or a simple flower as their main head piece on their wedding day. This trend though has now changed to more simple wedding accessories.

If you wish to create your own bespoke design here are a few tips, taken from when I designed and made my own for my big day:

First I visualized what I basically wanted them to look like. I wanted to incorporate feathers and colored stones in the design, which kept in line with my wedding theme. Then I went shopping to my local craft shop. I purchased plain plastic comb slides, gold colored thin decorative ribbon, and some decorative amber colored stones which come on a gold wire. All of these items are available in a wide range of color and design. I also bought fine craft feathers in cream and soft gold, enough to achieve the height I wanted in the headpiece.

Firstly, I cut the comb to the size I wanted, glued the first end of ribbon using craft glue to the very edge of the comb, then proceeded to wrap the ribbon through each tooth and around the stem of the comb to cover the revealed plastic. Before you reach the end of the comb place the desired amount of feathers between the entwined ribbon. Make sure you have achieved the final shape desired before gluing down the end of the ribbon to the comb slide. Cut off any access ribbon.

Now, using the wired stones, wrap these around the base of the feathers to achieve the final result. Don't be afraid to play around with this to achieve your desired design. By wrapping the colored stones upon each other a flower shape can be made. Try the comb in your hair to make sure no plastic is showing.

I also purchased a plain childs' hairband and using the same ribbon and stones, created a matching headband for my flower-girl. The stones were also used in my bridesmaid bouquets. It's amazing what you can do with simple craft items!

The simple but elegant design should have you looking like a star of your wedding day.

Wedding Dresses and Bridal Party Attire

The Wedding's Over, What Do I Do with My Dress?

You have dreamed about wearing the most beautiful bridal dress in the world since you were a little girl. Now, that day has come and gone. Looking at your wedding dress, you have to decide what will become of it. There are many options available, depending on financial and personal needs.

If looking to keep your wedding dress, it needs to be professionally cleaned and preserved at the cleaners. This will prevent the dress from yellowing and having a foul odor. It is also a good idea to have a wedding dress cleaned if looking to sell, as most wedding consignment shops will not accept clothing that has not been professionally cleaned.

Consigning a wedding dress may be a good idea if looking to recoup some of the costs involved with the wedding. Online classified listings and auction sites are also another possibility for resale. When selling, factor in the overall commission costs involved with the sale and market first to the site that takes the least.

For women looking to save their wedding dress for the future, many have plans for their dresses. In some cultures, women fashion their child's Christening gown from their wedding train. They may also save it to be passed down from mother to daughter, or be saved as a family heirloom. If looking to celebrate again, a wedding dress can also be used for a renewal of vows or second wedding event.

Bridesmaids are often left with a dress they will never wear again. Thanks in part to a more prom-like or cocktail design, bridesmaid dresses are able to be reused as black-tie formal wear. This may take some altering of the dress' length, but if looking to keep the dress may be worth the expense. Bridesmaid dresses can also be sold to local bridal resale shops. If looking to resell the dress, check with other members of the bridal party and try to sell them as a lot, rather than by individual sales. This will better the chances of a bride selecting your gown for her attendants.

Sometimes, bridesmaids do not want to go through the hassle of selling a dress. It sits in the closet forever until it becomes another retro piece of clothing. Instead of this happening, consider donating it to a good cause. Many organizations accept prom-looking bridal gowns to donate to underprivileged high school students looking for prom attire. A quick search on the Internet using the terms "donate your prom dress" will help you find local non-profit groups in your area.

Whether keeping or selling your wedding dress or bridal party attire, be sure to remember that this was a huge investment and treat it as such. This way it will either command top-dollar or be around for years of memorable enjoyment.