Bridal Attire For Every Occasion

A bride’s ensemble is a key part of her wedding day look, so it’s important to pick something that suits your style and the theme of the event. Whether you’re looking for the classic white gown or something more unexpected, we’ve got a variety of bridal attire to suit all tastes and budgets.

For a more casual look, cotton mini dresses in bold patterns and dusty earth tones are the perfect fit for an outdoor wedding. These dresses will take you from ceremony to line dancing under the stars without sacrificing any comfort. Pair them with a cowboy hat and boots for a complete look.

If you’re looking for a bridal outfit that’s a little more formal, try a floor-length sheath dress with a flattering v-neckline or off-the-shoulder neckline. A sheath silhouette is a timeless option, but you can also go with a sexy fit-and-flare or trumpet shape for a more modern take on the gown.

In the past, brides typically dressed in the finest fabrics their families could afford. Their choice of wedding gown was a symbol of their social standing, and they often embellished the dress with laces and embroideries as well. The gowns evolved over time, from the tubular skirts of the 1860s to the corset waists and leg-o-mutton sleeves of the 1880s. By the 1910s, many brides opted for a Gibson girl silhouette and short skirt with an accompanying long veil.

When it comes to a bridal hairstyle, there are endless options to choose from. A single blossom is a romantic touch, or you can add a floral crown for a boho-chic look. If you want something more glam, try crystal headbands or a fascinator. For a more subtle accessory, you can add a hairpin, clip, comb, or barrettes to your hair.

You don’t have to wear a traditional veil for your special day, but if you do, it’s important to think about how the length and material of the veil will complement your dress and overall look. Consider matching the color of your veil to the flowers in your bouquet, or picking a complementary shade for the tiara you’re wearing on your head.

Traditionally, grooms have worn black tuxedos to black-tie events, but some couples are ditching the rules and choosing to celebrate their love with an outfit as unique as they are. A stylish suit can be worn with a bold tie or patterned bowtie, and you can even choose to have the groom wear a tuxedo jacket instead of a traditional suit jacket.

Bridesmaid Duties

Being a bridesmaid can be fun and exciting, but it’s also a big responsibility. The role comes with financial obligations, time commitments and a lot of behind-the-scenes preparation. From attending dress fittings and bridal showers to helping with DIY projects and running errands, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into before accepting the bride’s invitation.

It may sound obvious, but being a good bridesmaid means staying in close contact with the bride and offering her your help whenever she needs it. The day of the wedding will be hectic and having someone there to answer questions, offer an ear or a shoulder and even fetch her water and food is crucial.

Traditionally, bridesmaids are expected to provide readings during the ceremony or toasts at the reception, but you should always ask the bride what she wants from her bridesmaids before agreeing to anything. The last thing she wants is a bridesmaid drama moment because she didn’t make her feel heard.

As a member of Team Bride, it’s your duty to assist her throughout the wedding planning process and on the day itself. That includes accompanying her to vendor appointments and dress fittings and being available for any day-of errands that come up. The more support you can give the bride, the less stressful it will be for everyone.

On the big day itself, it’s up to you and the rest of the bridal party to ensure that the bride has all her belongings in one place and isn’t left with any important items missing after all that dancing. Keeping her phone, some cash and lip gloss neatly tucked away in a pretty bridal clutch is a great way to ensure she doesn’t leave anything behind.

Another important wedding day duty is standing by her side when she walks down the aisle, saying “I dos” and then smiling at her as she dances the night away with her husband. Having her bridesmaids by her side through these moments makes the bride feel supported, loved and confident, which is exactly what she deserves.

It’s also the responsibility of the bridesmaids to make sure that any gifts received for the couple are put in a safe place and that all pre-wedding events, like engagement parties and bachelorette parties, are well-planned and executed. It’s also their duty to assist the Maid of Honor with any day-of communications with guests, vendors and other members of her bridal party.

Despite the fact that it’s usually the Maid of Honor’s job to do this, it’s still a good idea for bridesmaids to greet guests at all wedding events and encourage them to mingle. This makes the bride feel loved and appreciated by her guests and will create a positive vibe throughout the whole event. In addition, bridesmaids can help keep the peace by resolving any conflicts and ensuring that everyone has a blast at the same time. This will definitely make for a memorable wedding experience for everyone.

Wedding Hairstyles For Every Bride

With a bit of planning, every bride can find the best Wedding hairstyles to complement her dream gown. Whether you want to show off your natural waves or create a romantic updo, there’s a style for every kind of bride. For example, a simple middle part instantly adds modern vibes to a classic updo, as seen on this bride. (Stylist Kristen Byron was behind this sculptural look, which she accented with orchid and wildflower blooms.) Meanwhile, loose strands falling into a side braid can accentuate your face frame in an elegant way. Just like this bride, you can also accentuate your hairstyle with a sparkly hairpiece or tiara to complete your look.

For those with short hair, a sleek bob with a side-swept fringe can look beautiful for a beach or boho celebration. To make this chic and easy-to-create look even more unique, have your stylist incorporate tight ringlets into the top of your strands for an extra dose of texture. This bride did just that at her wedding, and it added a touch of romance and femininity to her whole ensemble.

Those with long locks have more styling options, including a soft wave look that’s ideal for a casual beach wedding. Use a curling iron or hot rollers to create a relaxed look, then sweep the strands back and secure with a hold spray. To keep your strands looking fresh all day, add a bit of texturizing cream to your hairbrush or curling tool before you head out the door.

Another great option for long-haired brides is a high ponytail that’s perfect for a black tie event. This look, which is reminiscent of actress Issa Rae’s iconic green smokey eye and epic green lip combo, is a timeless choice that will still feel on-trend come reception time. To give this hairdo a romantic twist, have your stylist add in a few loose curls for a softer finish.

A fishtail braid is another way to bring a little boho flair to your wedding day look. Whether you wear your strands in a voluminous updo or a low bun, this style will instantly elevate any bridal ensemble. For a more feminine take, have your stylist pin a few flowers into the braid or tuck the floral adornment right in to the base of your chignon, as seen on this gorgeous bride.

For a wedding that calls for a more vintage-inspired look, a slicked-back pixie can feel like a princess reimagined. To make your look even more bridal, have your stylist tease the ends of your strands and add in a few small pearl or crystal hair accessories to further enhance your regal inclination.

If you want to add a bit of whimsy to your down hairstyle, try adding floral accents. Whether you opt for a flower crown or a few small blooms pinned to one side of your face, the resulting look will feel whimsical and romantic. This enchanting touch is a good choice for brides who don’t plan to wear a veil or want a more subtle accessory than a traditional tiara or headpiece.

Wedding Traditions

Weddings have been held for centuries and throughout the years, many traditions have developed. Some are a bit odd, but most are a sweet way to celebrate your special day.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed & Something Blue

It’s customary for brides to carry or wear items that fit into these categories to bring them good luck. The something old symbolizes family and friends, something new represents the couple, something borrowed signifies the bride’s veil or other item from a friend or relative, and the something blue symbolizes the bride’s purity or virginity.

Groom’s Cake

While the traditional white iced wedding cake is still very popular, some couples choose to have a groom’s cake. This is often shaped and decorated to reflect the groom’s interests. Historically, the groom’s cake was made to resemble a weapon or hobby of the groom.

Receiving Line

Traditionally, the host couple and their parents would greet guests as they entered the reception hall. This was done to ensure that every guest was welcomed personally. Often, the bridal party, honor attendants, flower girls and ring bearers would join in to welcome guests as well. Now, more and more couples choose to forgo the receiving line so that they can mingle with their guests and enjoy a more relaxed reception.

Tossing the Bouquet & Garter

Throwing the bouquet and garter is a fun tradition that has been around for years. This is a chance for the single people to find their future spouses. The groom slyly removes the garter from under the bride’s dress and then tosses it to the crowd of waiting single men. Whoever catches it is promised to be the next to get married!

The Ring Bearer

In the past, it was common for young boys to serve as ring bearers at weddings. Today, this is more of a ceremonial role, and can be performed by children or pets.

Waterworks

One thing that’s for sure – every bride loves to cry on her wedding day. But, some cultures take it to a whole new level. In China, brides of the Tujia people tear up for one hour a day starting a month before the wedding. Ten days into it, the bride’s mother starts to cry too and so on until everyone in her immediate family is weeping along with her!

The fourth finger on the left hand & Wedding Ring

Having rings worn on the fourth finger on the left hand is a long-held tradition that dates back to Roman times. It was believed that the fourth finger, also known as the ring finger, connected directly to the heart.

The ring is a symbol of love and commitment that the newlyweds share. It’s important for the ring to be comfortable, so consider having it fitted to your individual needs and preferences. For the best results, a professional jeweler will help you make this decision.

Wedding Planning Tips Every Couple Should Know

Wedding planning is a huge undertaking. It involves making lists, decisions, and meeting deadlines—and it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the innumerable possibilities. That’s why it’s important to start with a clear plan of action. Here are a few wedding planning tips that every couple should know before they begin tackling the task at hand.

Decipher What’s Most Important

It’s vital to sit down with your partner and establish the elements that mean the most to you both on a personal level. This could be anything from wanting an outdoor wedding under the stars to throwing a festival style party with gourmet food vans. Once you’ve figured out what’s at the heart of your big day, it’ll be easier to decide where you want to splurge and where you might need to cut back.

Don’t Be Afraid To Delegate

Delegating tasks is one of the best ways to keep the stress levels down when you’re engaged in wedding planning. It’s also a great way to make sure that all of your friends and family members feel included. Whether it’s helping you to select wedding vendors, creating a guest list, or simply dispersing checks to your caterers and florists, everyone has a skill set that can be useful on the day of your wedding.

Create a Wedding Checklist

As the date gets closer, it’s important to have a solid wedding checklist in place. This will help you stay on track with everything that needs to be done, so that you don’t find yourself feeling like you’re drowning in details. If you’re not the most organized person, this is especially helpful as it gives you a clear idea of what still needs to be done.

Obtain Your Marriage License

This may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s actually one of the most important things to do. Make sure that you’re aware of the marriage license laws in your state and that you’ve gotten it taken care of well in advance of your wedding.

Take Care of Yourself

It can be easy to let your health slip when you’re busy with wedding planning, but it’s crucial that you do so. Not only will it ensure that you have the energy and stamina to finish the planning process, but it’ll also keep your skin looking beautiful and fresh for the big day. Try using high-quality skincare products such as BeautyStat to keep your complexion in top form.

Have a Backup Plan

There are inevitably going to be elements of your wedding that don’t go exactly as planned. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan in place for these, such as a Plan B venue or a back-up song in case of technical difficulties on the day of your wedding.

With a bit of careful and considered planning, your wedding can be an amazing event that reflects your personalities as a couple and celebrates you both individually and together. By sticking to these simple planning tips, you can make your special day a truly unforgettable experience for all of your guests.

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