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5 Most Important Accessories That Complete Your Wedding Look

When Celine Dion got married to René Angélil in 1994, she wore a 7-pound crystal tiara that had to be sewn to her head. Several tabloids pronounced it the “worst celebrity wedding looks ever“. Though her wedding dress was tagged as one of the most gorgeous dresses of all time, the tiara was a big no-no.

Sure your wedding dress may be the showstopper on your D-day, but your wedding look is incomplete without the right accessories. Accessories have the power to make or break any outfit.

When it comes to accessorizing, you have a plethora of options to choose from. But, it is best not to go overboard. However, here are a few accessories that you may want to unfailingly include in your wedding ensemble.

1) Veil

A veil is more than just an extension of your wedding gown. It’s a statement piece in itself, and a wedding dress is complete only after the veil falls beautifully on the bride’s face. Here are the key styles all brides should know of:

• Juliet Veil: Mostly associated with a vintage bride, this veil got a revival after Kate Moss chose to wear it on her wedding day. This 20s-inspired veil has a cap gathering at the top of the bride’s head that holds the veil in place.
• Two-Tier Veil: This veil is held in place with an invisible comb and looks impeccably stunning with a floor length gown.
• Bird Cage/Bandeau Veil: This type of veil is made to frame your face, and it pairs well with short swing dresses.
• Embroidery: You can wear embroidered veils with low-back or backless gowns if you don’t want their details to get lost.
• Mantilla Veil: This is a chapel-length veil with heavy lace embroidery that gives it a Spanish flare. It looks good with both, embellished and simple dresses.

2) Headpiece

If veils are not your thing, you can go for other headpieces like hair combs and fascinators. Check out the different options available to brides:

• Bridal Barrette: Go for this if you plan to let your hair fall on your shoulder. The barrette will clip back your hair and keep your bangs from falling on your face.
• Hair Comb: Brides who want an up-do on their D-day can consider hair combs. These are also great for embellishing a birdcage veil.
• Tiara: You can wear this irrespective of whether you are opting for an up-do, or planning to let your hair loose. A tiara is perfect to complement the princess look. Think Anne Hathaway’s bridal look in the Princess Diaries.
• Fascinator: Fascinators give the ideal finish to the vintage-bride look. You can wear them with almost any hairstyle and also attach it to a birdcage veil.
• Flowers: Keep your hairstyle simple, yet stunning with flowers as your headpiece. You can stick a few flowers in your up-do, or wear a floral tiara as both look great on brides.
• Hair Ribbons: These are meant for brides who go for a braided hairstyle. They look good on both, long and short hair.
• Headbands: These will keep your hair out of your face if you are wearing your hair down. Headbands are also a flattering choice for brides with short hair.

3) Footwear

The last thing you want to worry about on your wedding day is your footwear killing your feet. Choose comfortable shoes so you can enjoy your day to the fullest. If you want to wear heels, make sure they’re comfortable because you will be standing for long hours and you don’t want to be cringing in pain before you have even hit the dance floor.

You can go for kitten heels or stacked heels rather than stilettos. Look for heels with ankle and toes straps for more security. You can also consider adding gel insoles to cushion your feet. Another great advice is to pick a pair of shoes that you are likely to wear again. Choose silver over a pure white pair, as you can wear it later with different dresses on outings and other weddings.

4) Belts and Sashes

Belts and sashes make lovely wedding accessories. Just because your wedding dress doesn’t come with a belt doesn’t mean it won’t look great on it. You can customize your gown by adding a belt that is embellished with matching rhinestones and gems.

Consider a classic satin sash or metallic leather belt for an instant upgrade to your ensemble. Make sure that the belt you choose complements your body type. Brides with a short torso should wear thin belts while those with a longer torso should go for wider belts. If you are slightly heavy at the waist, choose a beaded or heavily embellished belt. Women with a petite body frame can go for a belt with V-shape appliqué.

Tip: Stick to a belt that is no more than three-inches wide if you don’t want it to overpower your gown.

5) Jewelry

The bridal look is incomplete without the right jewelry, but don’t overdo it or it will end up shifting the attention from your wedding gown. Here are a few tips to choose the right jewelry:

• If your dress is strapless, skip the necklace and don an elegant pair of chandelier earrings. Wear clear crystal for a sleek look or add a hint of color with your birthstone or any color from the flowers in your bridal bouquet. Vintage-loving brides can add an art-deco style bracelet or wear a 20s-inspired feather barrette as a headpiece.
• If your gown has a V-neckline, wear a delicate chain with a small pendant or a crystal choker. For a classic look, single or double-stranded pearls are a perfect choice. Finish the look with matching earrings, and a gold or diamond cocktail ring.
• Skip the necklace if you are wearing a halter-neck gown. Instead, focus on your tresses. Wear a headband or a tiara to add panache to your bun. Choose a delicate ring from a plethora of stunning rings to go with this look. Keep it minimalistic and wear delicate diamond studs that will look striking with the up-do. Take inspiration from Meghan Markle’s wedding look. The Duchess of Sussex wore some of the most beautiful accessories – understated stud earrings, a tiara and a simple veil that complemented her messy bun.

Once you have said “yes” to your wedding dress, it is time to look for the right accessories. The essentials mentioned above will add the finishing touches to your bridal look and complete your wedding ensemble. After all, the goal is to look the best and the most beautiful version of yourself on your wedding!

First things to do soon after you are engaged

Your engagement is indeed a special, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Days after the proposal, the bright engagement ring on your finger may still seem surreal and you will be reeling from the excitement of the proposal.

Enjoy every moment of this phase! Nevertheless, there are certain tasks you cannot put aside for later. The wedding planning experts at Best for Bride, Canada tell us what they are.

Inform your family and close friends

The social media announcements can wait. Your family and close friends deserve to know the happy news first. Inform both sets of parents first and then the rest of your family and friends. Do this over the phone or through a private message and they are sure to appreciate it. Once you have informed the people who are closest to you, let the rest of the world know.

Discuss your wedding dreams

Family and friends will want to know all about your wedding plans. Before you speak to them, discuss your wedding day ideas with your fiancé. Try to understand each other’s vision of the perfect wedding and come to a compromise on when and where your wedding will be. This can also help with venue and facilities planning.

Celebrate the big event

Your engagement calls for a celebration, and you get to decide how big or small it is. You can go all out and have a big bash with all your friends and family or keep it small and intimate with just the two of you. Nevertheless, make sure you have a special celebration on this account. This post on the Brides website has valuable advice for newly engaged couples to plan a great engagement party.

Fix a tentative date

Wedding planning is a momentous task. The earlier you start it, the better your chances of having all the wedding details you want. Start with just the wedding date. If not a specific date, at least decide upon the time of year to have your wedding. Everyone you know will also want to know when the wedding is, when you announce your engagement. Therefore, having an idea will allow you to give your well-wishers a little direction.

Work on the budget

Prepare your wedding budget and take the stress out of wedding planning. It may not be possible to figure out the exact distribution of funds at this stage. However, you can find out how much each of you can contribute. This will help you decide how big or small you want your wedding to be. It will also help with research on venue, vendors and other wedding planning aspects. For all the factors to consider when making your wedding budget, visit this post on the Knot website.

Sign up for an engagement photo shoot

As you celebrate this special phase in your life, document memories with stunning engagement photos. A pre-wedding photography session by a professional wedding photographer will help you gear up for actual wedding photography. It will allow you to get comfortable with your photographer’s style of working. Capture some beautiful glimpses into your life at a meaningful spot, in your unique style with this photography session. You can also use these photos in your save-the-date cards, invitations or favors. Check out this post on the Bridal Guide for inspiration on planning your engagement photos.

Begin a wedding planning board

A wedding planning board will help you with research and getting your ideas organized. There are plenty of options to consider. You can create a Pinterest board to compile images of your favorite elements for inspiration. On the other hand, make a folder on your computer with images; excel sheets and to-do lists for overall organization of ideas. Mood boards will help you compile all your ideas in one place and add or remove ideas as your vision develops.

Explore wedding planning apps

Digital tools make wedding planning much easier. There are several mobile applications to organize and simplify every part of the planning from the attire, vendor co-ordination, décor ideas and documentation. The best part of using these tools is that you can do your wedding planning anywhere and at any time. All data will be available in one place, so you can simply pick up from where you last left off. Since each tool is different, it is best to explore your options and find one that suits your style. Learn more about the many options available on this guide on the Brides website.

Start the search for sales and trunk shows

Trunk shows are a terrific way to score brand new designer dresses at bargain prices. Wedding shops host trunk shows once or twice a year. Enquire about the schedule of the next one at the bridal shops near you and plan your wedding dress shopping at that time. Also, subscribe to social media channels and newsletters of bridal boutiques carrying your favorite designer to receive prompt alerts of upcoming trunk shows and discount sales.

Do something fun

Before you dive into detailed wedding planning, take some time to unwind and enjoy your new-found relationship status. Go away for the weekend, have a fancy dinner, or return to the place where you first met to just relax and relive happy memories. Enjoy each other’s company and discuss your goals and future. This will prep you for the tedious wedding planning that lies ahead.

Author Bio: The modern bride’s all-in-one wedding destination, Best for Bride is Canada’s leading wedding dress chain. Apart from wedding dresses, bridal accessories, and wedding day services, they also stock bridal party dress collections and dresses for special occasions. Learn about their extensive collections and services by visiting the Best for Bride website.

5 Non-Traditional Wedding Dress Ideas For Brides Who Don’t Want To Wear White

“Mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, listen. On my wedding, I’m going to wear… wait for it… pink.”

It wouldn’t be surprising to see your whole family, including your dog, glaring at you for saying this. Tradition suggests (enforces, rather) that every bride must wear white on her wedding day. When asked why, people will instinctively say, “white symbolizes purity of the soul.” But history explains that it is Queen Victoria who should be blamed for starting the whole white wedding dress bandwagon. In 1840, the queen wore a momentous white wedding gown. The wedding pictures were widely published and being a trendsetter during her reign, many other brides opted for white too. The norm has stuck ever since.

Most brides choose to follow, while some brides refuse to let tradition dictate their wedding fashion. If you have a solid style statement, here are some ways you can use a non-traditional wedding dress without taking away the “bridal” feel.

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8 Extraordinary Color Combinations For Your Dream Wedding

Coral, teal, and purple – these are just three of the all-time favorite wedding colors. Some blend them with tried and tested partners, like coral and gray, teal and baby pink, and purple and apple green. These are classic wedding colors and combos that have held up over time and yes, brides continue to love ’em.

But why stick to the safe and most used fusions when there are endless color combo possibilities to recognize? Perhaps you haven’t tried mixing and matching emerald and melon with a hint of metallic gold.

If you want to have a unique wedding motif yet you’re running out of ideas, here are some of the rare wedding color combinations to take inspiration from.

1. Purple + Burgundy + Orange

Perfect for: Autumn wedding, vineyard wedding themes

Opting for a fall-inspired wedding? Orange is a no-brainer but you can create a rich intoxicating blend to set the autumnal tone by adding purple and burgundy. The deep, moody details are also perfect for the old-world charm of vineyard weddings.

Aside from incorporating the deep colors into the fabrics, flowers, favors, invitations, and other wedding elements, try to experiment with food. For instance, consider serving creamy tomato soup atop beautiful satin burgundy tablecloth or table runner. You can also place a mix of orange, plum, grapes, and apples on the table.

2. Aqua + Deep Pink + Gold

Perfect for: Summer weddings

Perhaps you have seen the aqua-pink combo before – the fun and feminine color combo that makes you think of unicorns, cotton candies, and everything sweet. But when the preppy colors are styled with metallic and glitzy elements, like gold ribbons, draping, light fixtures, and table centerpieces and dinnerware, the vibe can be elevated into a glam affair.

3. Mint + Coral 

Perfect for: Late-spring, summer wedding

If you want the similar fresh and fun vibe but you want to steer clear of vivid colors, then the mint and coral combination might appeal to you.

For a more elegant and sophisticated setting, play more with mint. Think of mint clothing, invitations, and table setting decors. Then, let the lush floral arrangements and even the sugar blooms on your cake display pops of coral. You can also incorporate coral through small details like your favors or the ribbons.

If you want to go for a laidback chic vibe, choose coral as your lead with mint as your undertone. To elevate it into a more luxe look, infuse metallics like gold, silver, copper, or rose gold.

4. Merlot + Peach + Sage

Perfect for: Rustic and shabby chic wedding themes

Going for an earthy theme without sacrificing elegance? You’ll love this color scheme as it binds perfectly with natural hues and wooden details. Analogous colors go well together, which is why rich merlot and soft peach look cohesive. Having sage as an accent color balances them out and adds freshness into the mix. Sage can easily be incorporated by playing with florals.

The color combo has a down to earth vibe, which is perfect for garden and woodland weddings. Just make sure you balance out natural surroundings with some grandiose elements like chandeliers, candelabras, and elegant dinnerware.

5. Tangerine Tango + Orange + Yellow

Perfect for: Modern summer wedding, beach wedding

Orange symbolizes optimism while yellow symbolizes happiness. The vibrant mix is perfect for cheery, flamboyant couples who want to add a bit of fun into a solemn ceremony. The combo is also perfect for a seaside wedding as the warm tones complement the ocean’s bright turquoise hue. The best tip: let the flowers do the talking.

You just have to balance them out with white and neutral details so your guests won’t be overwhelmed by the vivid colors. Let your vases filled with vibrant fresh flowers and bright table decors sit on a white tablecloth.

6. Navy + Eggplant + Gold

Perfect for: Art deco weddings

Navy and eggplant are colors that scream “majesty” and adding metallic accent hues such as gold or copper make everything just better. The ethereal combo is perfect for grandiose wedding ceremonies, like a Gatsby-themed party adorned with gold chandeliers and dinnerware, and silk eggplant tablecloth, and filled with bubbly champagne and live jazz music.

7. Marsala + Midnight Blue + Silver

Perfect for: Fall and winter weddings

If you’ve always been drawn to berry-kissed, cranberry-esque shades, then the fusion of these bold colors is to die for. The pops of rich colors against the winter’s cold and pale surroundings display a lively contrast. For a more elegant look, you can infuse metallics, like silver accents.

The combo is full of lovely possibilities. They work on white tables and wood tables as well. Since a few varieties come in blue, play around with marsala for your flowers and use midnight blue for the vase and table decors. You can also experiment with food. Apart from red wine, consider offering vibrant cocktails for your signature sip. You can also use fruits with rich hues, like grapes, blueberries, and cranberries.

8. Emerald + Melon

Perfect for: Spring and summer weddings

The emerald-melon combo is an unexpected fusion I can’t help drooling over. Emerald is a rich shade of green that is inspired from the gemstone itself while the color melon is a soft shade of pink that provides depth and balance to the boldness of the jewel tone. The two colors work perfectly together.

These colors can create either a big and elegant statement or a rather low-key and effortless chic vibe. It depends on what tone you’ll emphasize and what should serve as the undertone.

If you’re into a more luxurious setting, then play more with the emerald with the melon undertone. Apart from using it heavily for fabrics, incorporate it into the smallest of details including the bold patterns in your invitations, the linen of your cake table, or the wrap of your bouquet. Try adding melon-colored flowers and apricot deserts to subtly infuse melon.

If you’re going for a chic, low-key setting, let melon dominate the environment and infuse emerald here and there, in your garlands and floral arrangements, aisle decorations, and party favors.

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is one of the enthusiastic writers for Jennifer Regan, a shop in Sydney that caters to women who are looking for the perfect bridal dress to wear as they walk down the aisle. Her articles mainly focus on fashion and beauty, which help soon-to-be-brides prepare for their wedding day.

10 Wedding Veil Ideas To Top Off Your Dream Bridal Look

No wedding accessory says “I can transform you into a ravishing bride” better than a veil.

There’s something magical about this seemingly basic headpiece. Firstly, a veil has the power to turn a girl into a ravishing bride in just a split second. It’s one of the most defining elements of a bridal look. Lose the gloves, lose the sparkly necklace, but a bride is not a bride without her veil.

Secondly, it has the power to make or break your look. It’s more than just an accessory. It is often the last finishing touch that binds everything together.

Lastly, it has the power to evoke emotions. Topping off your head with this thin layer of fabric while wearing your dress is a surefire way to make your mom, sister, and bridesmaids (and even your tough dad and brother) burst out in tears.

With this, choosing the perfect veil shouldn’t come as an afterthought.

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Choosing Bridesmaids Dresses

One of the toughest things about being the bride is planning not only your own apparel (and probably your future husband’s!), but planning at least a basic look for every person involved in the wedding party. This includes everyone from the maid of honor to the best man to the flower girl and ring-bearer. That’s a lot of pressure for one woman to face. Perhaps one of the biggest struggles is just finding a dress that all of your bridesmaids will look great in. It’s likely that the ladies of your bridal party come in all different shapes and sizes, even heights and colors, so it can be very tricky indeed to find a dress, or even style of dress or color, that will be flattering to all of your bridesmaids. Bridesmaids dresses are a key component to your wedding, and of course, you want to make everyone at least decently happy with what they’re going to have to wear, even though it’s your special day. There are several aspects to take into consideration when making your bridesmaids’ dresses selections.Continue reading