Mar 24

Most women dream of having an elegant wedding dress for their special day from the time that they are young girls. When it comes time to begin shopping for a dress, however, they may feel overwhelmed by the vast selection of wedding dresses and accessories to choose from. How can you be sure that your dress and accessories are the epitome of elegance?

Finding the perfect wedding dress and the right accessories will depend largely on your individual taste. But by understanding the different styles and options that are available, it will be much easier for you to find elegant wedding dresses and accessories that live up to your childhood dreams.

Wedding Dress Silhouettes

There are a number of different dress silhouettes to choose from. A-line dresses provide a classic silhouette that is timeless and elegant, with a flared skirt and a narrow top. Ball gown style wedding dresses feature a fitted bodice and a large, full skirt that brings to mind fairytales and old-world romance. Empire waists cinch close below the bust to allow for a longer skirt, while dropped waists cinch closer to the hips in to create a longer torso silhouette.

When choosing a silhouette, consider your body shape and be sure to try on as many different styles as possible. Generally, pear-shaped women may want to look for dresses with higher skirts, like the empire waist style. Again, since every woman’s body is different, it’s important to try on a wide variety of silhouettes until you find one that showcases your best features.

Wedding Dress Necklines

In addition to the various wedding dress silhouettes, brides-to-be can also choose from a wide selection of elegant necklines. Off-the-shoulder dresses elegantly showcase the neck and shoulders with a tasteful strap or straps to hold the dress in place, while strapless wedding dresses use a more supportive corset material.

Wedding dresses with full necklines can range from a choker-style to an elegant v-neck design. Depending on the bride’s taste, the neckline can be modest and conservative, or bold and alluring. Keep in mind that lace or scalloping can be added to deep, plunging necklines for a bit more coverage.

Wedding Tiaras, Veils and Other Hair Accessories

After finding the perfect wedding dress, many women choose some form of hair accessory to complete their wedding day look. One of the most common and traditional ways to do this is with a wedding veil, though the full, traditional veil is not as popular as it once was.

When accenting an especially elegant wedding dress, some women choose to wear a tiara that complements the design of the dress instead of a veil. And others wear a stylish hat that matches the color and general design of their wedding dress. It’s important to remember that the hair accessory and the dress should not compete with each other. Think of the dress as the star, and the hair accessory as a supporting character.

Wedding Earrings and Necklaces

Earrings and necklaces can also provide the perfect finishing touches to a wedding dress. Bridal earring and necklace sets can range from simple pieces that color-coordinate with the wedding gown to more elaborate diamond or gemstone sets that bring an entirely new level of elegance to the bride’s overall appearance. While the earrings and necklace often come in a matching set, some women choose to wear only one, or to mix and match jewelry styles to express their unique taste.

Earrings can be small and simple, or large and extravagant. And necklaces can range from simple chains or chokers to large pendants. Again, keep in mind that your jewelry should not overpower your gown. Earrings and necklaces should work together to complement your wedding dress.

Other Wedding Accessories

There are a number of other accessories that can accentuate an elegant wedding dress. Designer
shoes that are created with specific wedding dress style in mind are an excellent option for many brides.

Gloves are another elegant accessory that are popular among many brides. They can range in length from short lace gloves that cover only the hands, to full-length satin gloves that cover most of the arm. Broaches, belts, or sashes can also add small touches of elegance to your wedding day look.

Brides-to-be who are looking for elegant wedding dresses and accessories have so many options. Remember that elegance is in the eye of the beholder. The best way to find an elegant dress and complementary accessories is to keep an open mind and to try lots of different styles and looks. From dress silhouettes and necklines, to hair accessories and shoes, there are lots of ways to make a unique and elegant statement on your wedding day.

Victoria Snead is a freelance writer who writes about fashion, often focusing on one kind of garment such as wedding dresses.

Author: Victoria Snead
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Mar 24

Both bride and groom should be involved in most wedding planning activities. However, the wedding dress or gown and bridal attire purchases are strictly the bride’s domain.

So, here you are, a bride to be with a wedding date and a lot of wedding planning activities to take care of so your dream wedding becomes a reality and your first thought is – your bridal attire.

Shopping for a wedding dress or gown and bridal attire is a lot of fun but can be extremely expensive and rather frustrating.
Guess what! You can reduce both expense and frustration and enjoy the process without sacrificing quality.
To find out how, keep reading.

This is how:

DO SOME HOMEWORK

As soon as your wedding date is confirmed start researching in magazines, on the Internet and by visiting bridal shops and trying on dresses and gowns so that you have at least a general idea of the style of dress or gown you want.

Look for seamstresses who specialize in wedding gowns and dresses and ask for a price range. From $ but no more than $.

As you choose your style, consider the following:

Choose a classic dress or gown. If you opt for a ball gown style be ready to spend more money because the more fabric it takes to make a gown, the more it costs.

Remember that sometimes less is more and opt for no embellishments or with embellishments only on the bodice. Having embellishment on the sleeves, waistline, hemline,and or train, will raise the price of the gown and may actually make the gown over embellished and less elegant.

RETAIL STORES AND SALONS SAMPLE, CLOSEOUT, DISCONTINUED ITEMS AND INVENTORY REDUCTION SALES

Time your gown and wedding attire shopping with samples, closeout, discontinued items and inventory reduction sales.

Bridal stores and salons pay a hefty price for their floor space. They need to make room for the latest new styles.

Take advantage of it and you win! How?

Simply call up the shops and salons in your area and find out if and when they’re having their next sample and inventory reduction sale.

Ask if they will allow you to preview the dresses that will be offered.

Some, especially privately owned stores, will be glad to comply and may even encourage an early purchase. After all, they want to sell the items and reduce their costs and inventories.

Note that samples are usually available in size 6, 8 or 10.

Closeout items come in all sizes.

While you are there, check out about other wedding attire for you and your wedding party.

If you must wait for the sale itself, arrive early and bring a companion.

Wear clothes that’s are easy to slip in and out of. Do not stop to consider every dress you see.

Pick up anything that you think you might like and let your companion hold it.

Once you are done, try the dresses on as quickly as you can as time is short and competition may be great and have your companion look at other brides for more possibilities for you.

She may pick up dresses other brides tried on but did not choose, yet have the exact features you want.

Once you have narrowed your choice to one two or three dresses, unless they fit you perfectly, lucky you!, check out if the store offers alterations the costs and the time frame. If the cost seems too high, contact the seamstresses you have already interviewed.

DEPARTMENT STORES CLEARANCE

Do not stop there. You do not need to wait for a special sale, check all of the clearance racks at the bridal sections in department stores frequently. You’ll be favorably surprised at what you can find.

The only drawback is that what you see is what you get. You purchase any sale item as-is.

Though you can have a gown altered to a smaller size at an additional cost and risk, it cannot be made larger.

You cannot add sleeves to a strapless gown.

The color and designs are set so you may have to compromise.

Also, take into consideration that you may need to dry clean a dress or gown that has been sold as sample, discontinued or inventory reduction sale.

CHECK OUR THE INTERNET

Do not disregard the power of the Internet.

Go to google and search for wedding gown or wedding dress.

Visit as many web sites as time and patience allows.

You’ll come across bridal shops that have web sites and see many designers names their styles, colors and price ranges.

You’ll also come across online only shops.

The online only shops are not saddled with the huge overhead that brick and mortar shops pay and often pass their saving on to their customers by offering lower prices.

It is important that you are aware that for some reason, most wedding gown sizes run small (A small 6, a small 8 etc…) So, unless you are sure of your size and have an alteration seamstress available, you may be better off ordering the next larger size.

If you plan to shop on the internet, be sure to provide the vendor with the following measurements:

  • Size
  • Bust
  • Waist
  • Hip
  • Hollow to Waist
  • and Hollow to Hem. Hollow to Hem is the measurement from the hollow of your neck to the floor, taken while you are wearing the shoes and slip you plan on wear at the wedding.
  • Caveat Emptor – Buyer Beware

    There are many online wedding dresses – gowns retailers on the Internet.

    Some offer actual designer products and others offer replicas or gowns designed to look like, but with moderations, while others have their own designs.

    So before you order a dress or gown, check the web site thoroughly.

    Look for an address, and a phone number and by all means CALL the owner personally and interview him or her.

    Be sure that ALL your questions are answered and that you are COMPLETELY satisfied and comfortable buying from that PERSON. Base your decision on the person not on the web site.

    IMPORTANT! Never store your wedding dress or gown in plastic. Depending on the material used, it may yellow or become gray and never lay it flat as it may crease. Store it in a cloth bag and hang it in a closet free of heat, dust and other impurities.

    SHOES

    You need shoes to go with your wedding dress or gown. But do you really need wedding shoes?

    Think about it. The difference in price between purchasing shoes at a shoe store or at a bridal salon may surprise you.

    Yes, adding the simple term wedding to the description of a pair of shoes may double even triple its price.

    GLOVES, VEILS AND TIARAS

    These items are much less expensive than a dress or gown. Therefore your risk of purchasing them on the Internet is small.

    Yet, you can save a lot of money.

    Look for a pair of gloves you saw offered on the Internet for less than $20.00 in a bridal salon and figure out your savings.

    The same holds true for veils and tiaras.

    Do the math and cash in on the savings.

    Article Copyright © Nily Glaser, All Rights Reserved 2007

    Copyrights © 2007 All Rights Reserved Nily Glaser of A-wedding Day and Gan Publishing

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    To read more of her articles CLICK HERE Her web site is very popular for its discount wedding gifts, bridal accessories, print your own invitations, favors and the very unique items offered including the exclusive line of wedding Accessories By Nily.

    Author: Nily Glaser
    Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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    Mar 8

    Planning a wedding is an expensive affair. The expenses can easily skyrocket if you don’t have a set budget to follow. With all the money you’ll be shelling out, does this mean you should settle for a subpar wedding dress? Our answer: a big, resounding no!

    Picking out the perfect wedding dress is one of the most important wedding-related decisions you have to make. Your wedding is a momentous time in your life and your dress should be equally memorable. Since you’re already spending so much, you may feel disheartened and rather inclined to scrimp on your gown to save money.

    You may already have your heart set on a gorgeous designer wedding dress, but alas, your budget won’t permit it. Well, there’s a way for you to get a designer wedding dress that fits your budget, and it doesn’t involve robbing a boutique!

    Find a Fabulous Designer Wedding Dress for Less

    If your heart is set on going designer, then you can get a great designer wedding dress even with modest finances. The following are some tips and ideas to help you find a fabulous designer wedding dress for less.

    Tip 1: The number one rule when picking a reasonably priced designer wedding dress is to pick one with a simple design.

    Instead of going for a frivolous and unnecessarily extravagant designer wedding dress, opt for a simple and basic wedding dress instead. Remember, the more frills and fabric, the more expensive the gown. A sheath wedding gown or a mermaid wedding dress is more financially advisable than a beaded and ribboned ball gown.

    Tip 2: Pick a wedding dress that fits you well and flatters your body shape.

    You’re bound to look a thousand times better in a simple designer sheath wedding dress that fits well and flatters your figure, than in a frilly ball gown with a heavily beaded royal train. Remember to choose a dress with an excellent fit and that works well with your body shape to avoid spending hundreds of dollars on alterations.

    Tip 3: Keep in mind that less is more.

    Instead of picking a designer wedding dress with an incredible amount of embellishments, choose a gown with few embellishments and decorations. The more intricate the gown, the greater your expenses. A minimalist approach to designer wedding dresses ensures that you get a wonderful designer dress with an excellent price tag.

    If your heart is set on having a designer wedding dress with embellishments, then pick a dress with embellishments where people can see them. What’s the use of having expensive beading on your dress if it’s hidden on the hemline instead of showcased on the bodice?

    Tip 4: Know when to shop.

    Once your man pops that question and you have the engagement ring to prove it, you can start looking for the right designer wedding dress. When designer wedding dress hunting, timing can be everything. The best time to shop for your designer garb is when there’s a sample sale.

    If you shop during this time, you’ll find that most bridal boutiques cut the prices of their lovely designer dresses to get rid of excess inventory. Take advantage of this situation, and stop worrying about fashion trends. Believe us when we tell you that your guests won’t know or mind if your wedding dress was from last season.

    Tip 5: Know where to shop.

    While bridal boutiques allow you to try on their designer wear, you’ll save more money staying at home and buying your designer wedding dress online. There are numerous online dress shops that offer designer wedding dresses at discounted prices. Another advantage of shopping for your designer garment online is that you get to compare prices from different providers.

    If you’re making your purchase online, just make sure you get the right dress size. You may want to get your measurements taken in a bridal boutique or by your seamstress to help you figure out your actual size before you place any online orders.

    Follow these tips to help you locate the perfect designer wedding dress that won’t drain your bank account. Looking gorgeous has never been so affordable!

    All women have been waiting for this memorable day, and to have the grandest wedding you need the best Wedding Tips. To help you with this, please visit fancyweddingattire.com

    Author: Dennis Paguio
    Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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