Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The Classic Bride

By Laura Firenze

What makes something a classic? It is its timeless style, easy grace, and above all, impeccable good taste. Classic is a word that gets thrown around a lot in the bridal world (second only to "casual elegance", perhaps), but it is an idea that can never be overused and can never appear dated or out of style. Here then, is your guide to the classic bride.

One of the hallmarks of a classic bride is that the gown she wears today will look just as stylish when she looks back at her wedding album in twenty years. Classic styles are meant to last; they are never faddish, trendy, or avant garde. A classic wedding gown may never be the height of fashion at any given moment, but nor will it suddenly be out of style the following year. Classic style is enduring, and not subject to the whims of current trends.

So, what exactly does a classic wedding gown look like? It is white or ivory, created from a fine fabric like pure silk, is very well-crafted, and has a cut that is appropriately demure for a bride, but not necessarily completely covered up. This style of gown may have some subtle embellishments, like a pearl border at the waist or some exquisite lace appliques, but it is not going to be covered with lots of glitz or heavy adornments. The classic bride prefers a fresher and cleaner gown, such as a simple white silk mikado strapless gown with an A-line skirt and a satin band at the top of the bodice.

If there is one thing that absolutely screams "classic bride", it has got to be pearl bridal jewelry. From the traditional strand of pearls, to the cultured pearl bridal earrings, to a simple pearl bracelet, the timeless elegance of pearls is always classic and utterly timeless. The wonderful thing about these special pieces is that their beauty and style will stand the test of time. The pearl bridal earrings that you wear for your own wedding will look just as lovely when your own daughter gets married in thirty years. That is a great reason to invest in quality pieces, because you will find them to have lasting value.

Once a classic bride has found her perfect gown and jewelry, it is time to address some of the other details that make up a wedding. The bridal bouquet is really another accessory, and so it should be designed to complement the rest of the wedding ensemble. Classic wedding flowers include roses, tulips, peonies, ranunculus, and hydrangea. The exotic nature of orchids or the super casual look of wildflowers would make them the wrong choice for a traditional bridal bouquet.

Of course, white is the most traditional color of all for wedding flowers, but a bride need not limit herself quite so strictly. Almost any color of the above flowers would make a perfect bouquet when they are arranged into a round nosegay consisting of a single type of flower. Pink is the most popular color after white, but you could also consider choices like yellow tulips, blue hydrangea, or rich red peonies (so much less cliched than red roses).

The classic bride can finish off her look with a simple veil and a fantastic pair of bridal shoes. Being a young woman with classic taste, you will find it fairly easy to winnow through the accessories that are too gaudy, or that just don't feel quite right. With your beautiful gown, lovely flowers, and perfect accessories, you will look like the picture of timeless elegance on your wedding day.

Laura is interested in wedding planning and wedding trends including jewelry,receptions and gifts. Treat yourself and your bridesmaids to classic pearl bridal earrings.

Friday, July 24, 2009

The Extremely Stylish Vintage Wedding Dress

By Diane Winter

Out of all the things that you want to be perfect for your wedding day, the way that you look is probably at the top of the list. With all the pictures that will be taken, you will want to be able to always look back at them and be proud of how gorgeous you looked. When it comes to choosing a wedding dress, more and more people are taking advantage of wearing a vintage wedding dress on their special day.

The term "vintage" applies to all products that are at least thirty years old. Right now we are finding that the fashion industry is in love with using vintage pieces. So to wear a vintage wedding dress would really show your sense of style off to everyone. The great thing about vintage wedding dresses is that you aren't limited to a certain decade of style. You could go with any era that appeals the most to you and makes you look the most attractive.

If you prefer an elegant and classy look, you will want to check out the 1930's and 1940's vintage wedding dresses. Women of this time were known for their charm and grace. By wearing this style of dress, you can truly show off your femininity. The best way to describe the vintage wedding dresses of this time is that they had beautiful bead work, used satin materials, and included gorgeous embroidery.

If you are burious about what you will find with a 1950's vintage wedding dress, look at pictures of Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Kennedy in their wedding dresses. They show us a sophisticated style. With each decade you will find a different kind of look. Each look gives off a message about who you are inside. So choose your dress wisely since it will be part of memories that you will have forever.

Places to look for vintage wedding dresses include antique shops and vintage stores. Since these stores can be difficult to find, you will have the best luck by searching online specialty shops. The wonderful about wearing a vintage wedding dress is that you don't have to worry about it being in poor condition, since the dress was probably only worn one time. But to make sure that the dress was well-preserved, make sure that you are purchasing from a store that has a good reputation.

Since many times you will find that the vintage wedding dresses have faded to a creamy color, you may be uneasy about getting one. Some people prefer it this way because it gives the dress more character. But if you would prefer it to look the way it did originally, you can request that the seller have the dress whitened for you. Often this can be done without harming the fabric. Before you decide to make the purchase you may also want to talk to the local dry cleaner about the type of fabric used in the dress. They can give you an idea about how well it will hold up and whether it can be cleaned and pressed before you wear it on your big day.

Diane Winter provides information that gives you a lot of tips and ideas on planning your own wedding and how to find the suitable wedding dress. Check out also her website Dream Wedding to find out how to create inspirational wedding speeches.

Monday, July 20, 2009

"Something Old" For the Bride

By Laura Firenze

Every bride who wants to ensure the best possible start to her marriage is familiar with the old saying, "something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue". The new part is easy, but what about the old? Take a look at this list of suggestions that you can use.

The reason behind wearing something old for your wedding is to have a link to your heritage. It is even better if the old item has particular sentimental value to you or to the person from whom you get it. Brides will often start with their families when they are seeking out old items, but if nothing inherited presents itself, it is perfectly fine to seek out a vintage item to add to your wedding ensemble.

The most traditional something old is your mother's wedding gown. Sentimental value aside, many brides initially shudder at the thought of wearing their mom's old wedding dress (especially if she was married in the 1970s!), but do not be so quick to dismiss it out of hand. If your mother is willing, it is often possible to dramatically overhaul a vintage wedding gown to give it a more contemporary flair. Not only will you be fulfilling the "something old" requirement, but you will end up with a one-of-a-kind gown in the process.

If this simply is not your style, another nice idea is to steal a little piece of lace or fabric from your mother's wedding gown to incorporate into your bridal ensemble. A bit of lace could be stitched to the inside of your train, or you could use a larger piece of fabric from your mom's wedding dress to make a little drawstring purse to carry your essentials. Some brides might prefer not to wear their mom's gown, but might be able to work with her veil. Don't forget to ask your grandmother, as well. She may just have a gorgeous handmade Belgian lace veil tucked away in her attic just waiting for you to wear it.

Another popular and sentimental choice for the bride's something old is family jewelry. Many a bride has worn her mother's strand of pearls on her wedding day. When you are planning to wear an antique or vintage piece of jewelry, be sure to have a reputable jeweler inspect it before the big day. It is very common for older pieces to need a little maintenance, like re-stringing a pearl strand. Often brides will choose one heirloom piece of wedding jewelry to wear in combination with a new piece of handcrafted bridal jewelry. You can have a pair of earrings or a necklace handcrafted especially to coordinate with the vintage bridal jewelry to add your own style to your accessories.

Vintage jewelry doesn't always have to be worn on your body to qualify as your "something old". An antique brooch looks wonderful pinned to the ribbon wrapped around the stems of the flowers in your bouquet. If there is not a spectacular heirloom brooch in your family, it is easy enough to track one down in an antique store, flea market, or online. You might even find this detail to be so pretty that you want to find vintage brooches to adorn the bridesmaids' bouquets as well.

Almost anything can count as your "something old", though ideally it would have sentimental meaning or at least be very beautiful. It is wonderful to have this connection to your heritage or to brides from the past. Paying homage to the past is a great way to launch your new future.

Laura helps brides with their wedding plans by offering advice on selecting bridesmaids gifts,reception ideas and other aspects of planning a wedding. Handcrafted bridal jewelry can be custom made to coordinate with your wedding gown, as well as your other bridal accessories.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Choosing a Vintage Wedding Gown

Choosing a Vintage Wedding GownAuthor: TM Lung

Since you will be wearing your wedding gown when you are walking down the aisle, you will need to choose the most perfect dress. In fact, you will have plenty of choices when your wedding dress is concerned. And there are also tons of styles you will find when you visit some bridal shops.



Of all the choices, one thing you may have thought of is to choose a vintage wedding gown. Yet it is certainly one of the choices you should consider.



As a matter of fact, a lot of brides will consider wearing a vintage dress on their big day. This is because these dresses are generally very stylish. Of course these dresses are also unique and beautiful at the same time.



Another plus of using a vintage wedding gown is that it can save you a lot of money. The best situation will be that you will be wearing the dress of you mother when she got married. This will certainly make your wedding gown extremely meaningful. Passing the dress from one generation to another is very common indeed



Even if you are going to put on the dress of your mother, you may still need to spend some money. Your measures will probably be different from your mother. As a result, you may need to spend some money to alter the dress. However, it will not be a large amount of money when you compare it with the notion of purchasing a new one.



You may wonder what you can do if it is not possible for you to take the gown of your mother. In fact, you may still consider purchasing a vintage dress. Again, you will be able to save some money since the price of a vintage gown is usually lower than a new one. Of course the prices of it can still vary according to the style and condition of the dress.



One thing you need to understand is that you may not want to choose a dress which was made before the 40s. This is because the fabric may have deteriorated during these 50 to 60 years. It will be alright for you to put such a gown in a museum but it may not be so suitable for wearing. Of course there can be some exceptions but in most cases you will try to purchase a vintage gown which was made in the 70s.



One last question is how you should shop for the vintage gown. There are some websites which are specialized in selling such items. You may also consider searching for one on Ebay. No matter you are trying to purchase from an online shop or from Ebay, you have to be very careful when you purchase. You have to check the reputation of the shop or the seller before you pay. You will also need to ask clearly about the size of the dress. And it is also very important for you to know the condition of the dress. You will need to ask the shop or seller to take some photos of the dress and send them to you before you pay!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/marriage-articles/choosing-a-vintage-wedding-gown-661973.html

About the Author:



TM Lung designs Chinese Unique Wedding Invitation. He has sites on Wedding Vendors and Wedding Planning Marriage.



Saturday, July 11, 2009

Timeline Of Bridal Dresses In The Twentieth Century



Timeline Of Bridal Dresses In TheAuthor: Robert Thatcher

There are only three principal public occasions in a person's life: baptismal, burial and marriage. Among the three, only marriage allows great honor for the principals. Throughout the tradition, marriages had been considered as the special day for a lady who is about to pledge her matrimonial vows towards the chosen one.



Marriage is Her Big Day more than that of the groom. This is why marriages have always been made special and bridal dresses created as such to fit the festive occasion. This practice of making the bride look magnificent in her bridal dress runs down throughout the history, with widespread influence dating back to medieval times.



Bridal dresses were not always white, in opposition for what have been usually perceived by most people. Bridal dresses before the Victorian era would normally adapt the color of what is trendy and what is available. Shades of lively colors were normally used and pastel colors were also popular. But by mid-1800s, white bridal dresses became the norm when Queen Victoria chose a white bridal dress for her wedding day. The same dress was worn over a black silk dress fifty years later. She also was responsible for setting the fashion of having her bridesmaids carry the train.



1920s



In his decade, revolutionary changes were done with fashion. Up well to 1920s, bridal dresses were created in accordance with what's the norm. The hemlines rose from shoe to above the knee and became more curtailed. But later, many considered the length of the bridal dress inappropriate for church services, thus the replacement of full-length gowns. In this decade too was the dropped waist and shapeless bodice dresses reach its height of popularity.



1930s



The depression in thirties followed the roaring of the twenties. Women changed from the boyish look to the more profound expression of a woman's body. Normally, the bridal dresses in this era hugged the body of the bride. To emphasize the shape of the body, bridal dresses were given boat-shaped collars.



1940s



Fashion in the 1940s almost died down, and the same was true for the white bridal dresses. Clothes rations started in 1941 and continued up to the end of the World War I. A number of brides struggled for silk dresses but most suited themselves for the uniform. Those who were not commissioned in the army wore the same costumes.



1950s



The padded shoulders of the last decade were superseded by the narrow shoulders in the 1950s. However, many brides wanted their dresses adopt the intermediate style. The bridal trains were fashioned after the trains of the Elizabethan era. But another fashion arrived- The New Look outfit. Simply put, the New Look outfit is tailored after the ballerina dresses in terms of length. The dress typically has a jacket bodice with tight sleeves.



1960s



There were not so much changes in the bridal fashion in the 1960s. Ladies still preferred wearing the circular dresses, short veils and tight sleeves only differing on the veils with more bouffant approach. Most women wore coronets and a single rose with the veil gathered together from the flower. In contrast with the extravagant and flowing bridal dresses, bouquets in the 1960s were made simpler. More often than not, tiny flowers in tight posies are used.



1970s



After two decades of tights sleeves, Tudor sleeves were introduced in the seventies. The high-waisted line of the 1960s gradually moved lower to a princess line. Trains diminished too and the cuts of the dresses were made far simpler.



1980s



By this era, the waistlines had returned to their normal position. The dresses were much fuller now and the big bouquets returned back to fashion. This period was marked with more extravagant sleeves, suited after the bridal dress of the Princess of Wales.



1990s



Wide skirts remained popular with the start of the 1990s. However, different fashion icons popularized varieties of skirts. But among the most popular are the super low waists with skirts flared down.



New Century



With the coming of the new century, the norms with wedding have changed too. Themed costumes were much more practiced today and so are the themed bridal dresses.



There is no doubt that bridal dresses remain to be the eternal testimony of a wedding. And the efforts of making the dresses extravagant and special are both to the benefit of the bride's contentment and the ever-changing fashion trends.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/marriage-articles/timeline-of-bridal-dresses-in-the-twentieth-century-18048.html

About the Author:

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides bridal dress resources on www.your-bridal-dress.info.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Vintage Dresses are a Must-have

Author: Priyanka Arora

Vintage dresses would make you stand out in the crowd, and it’s something different and unique from what the other people are wearing. We all know that vintage dresses are making a huge comeback today. And I do not mean tacky vintage which you picture as horrible lace, ruffles and flowers.

The reason why vintage dresses are so huge today is because it gives women a chance to reminisce and go back to the decade which influenced and inspired them the most. Some go for the movie era of the 1930s, or the curvy dresses from the 1950s or perhaps the groovy and trendy trends of the 1970s. You may let your own personality shine with the vintage dress that you picked.

These vintage dresses give you a feminine class that makes you feel like a natural woman. They add sophistication, elegance and glamour which make you very unique from the mass produced ready to wear dresses worn by other women. So if you want to stand out in the crowd, vintage dresses are for you.

These dresses are perfect for a night out at town, partying and dancing the night away or even for a formal occasion with your family. The different vintage styles vary from prom dresses, casual dresses or cocktail dresses.

Even women on their wedding day prefer vintage wedding gowns because they feel stylish and elegant. They are timeless. These vintage dresses will never go out of style. They are classy and timeless, and will forever be in style.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fashion-articles/vintage-dresses-are-a-musthave-475972.html

About the Author:

Online shopping from the most popular online shop where you can buy more than 5000 unique fashion products for men, women, teens & kids shipped to you absolutely free anywhere in the world. SalwarKameezIndia.com offers safe and secure online purchase of indian steel pendant, party wear salwar kameez - made to order and different types of apparels and accessories.

Vintage Dresses - Have You Considered Vintage Dresses?

Author: Elle Jacobs

What attracts people most to vintage dresses is the fact that they want something different from the usual offerings on the high street.

When you think of vintage, it's easy to slip into the attitude that it will be a tacky piece passed down several generations with horrible lace, ruffles or flowers.

Vintage style dresses are far from this stereotype as evidenced by the classic fashion hitting the trends right now. Vintage styles from the previous decades are making a big comeback.

Never before has vintage style been so in - what's old is very much new!

A lot of people enjoy buying vintage clothing because it allows them to wear styles from decades that inspire them most. Some like the movie glamour of the 1930's, curvy styles from the 1950's to the groovy trends of the 1970's. This lets your individuality and personal style shine through rather than being confined to modern trends.

Vintage dresses seem to have that feminine floaty feel making you feel more womanly. They have a unique elegance and charm and are very distinct from modern factory mass produced dresses.

They are perfect for a formal evening occasion or an night out with friends. Styles range from glamorous vintage cocktail dresses to prom dresses to casual day dresses ....

Even vintage wedding dresses have gained popularity amongst brides as they look stunning on and add a touch of classic elegance to the wearer.

Real style never goes out of fashion; vintage clothing will always be timeless.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/vintage-dresses-have-you-considered-vintage-dresses-480916.html

About the Author:

Browse through the latest bargain vintage dresses as well as many more styles and brands at http://www.possessthedress.co.uk and if you have a little one be sure to check out the cute girls vintage dresses

Friday, July 3, 2009

Things to Remember Before Purchasing a Crochet Wedding Dress

By Scott Nichols

Before ordering a crochet wedding dress, you'll have to keep in mind that the dress must be ordered way before the actual wedding because a lot of time is needed for the dress to be finished on time. But for how long? It solely depends on the number of workers who will work on your wedding dress.

Antique crochet wedding dresses can be ordered pre-made already. You can order them from wedding outlets that offer pre-made resses. These dresses are handcrafted, this aspect of the dress adds so much value that it is often considered a precious family heirloom or prized possessions.

Accessories

Accessorizing your crochet wedding dress is your chance to get creative. It's nice to keep almost everything crochet, like a crocheted headpiece with a crocheted veil. You'll need to make sure that the thread is lightweight so it won't be too heavy. If you want a veil made from tulle or organza, try incorporating crochet details around the edges. Try accessorizing the way the Irish originally accessorized a crochet wedding dress. Whatever suits your sense of style will certainly work with your dress.

Some brides prefer not to wear a veil so why don't you try putting a bunch of flowers on your hair. Try substituting those traditional fresh flowers with crocheted, pearl or crystals for a more elegant feel. Crocheted fabrics can be pretty challenging, always make sure that whatever accessory you add goes well with the wedding dress.

Dress Styles

For your crochet wedding dress, you can virtually choose any style that you prefer, just bear in mind that it should sport a full skirt, the lining needs to be stiff enough so that the dress falls gently to the floor. During the late 1800s, these dresses were in great demand because of the exemplary crocheting skills the Irish produced. A few antique Irish crocheted wedding dresses still exists today, they are preserved well and can be seen in some museums.

Your crochet wedding dress is a good opportunity for you to express yourself through tradition and style. One really good thing about crocheted dresses is that you can customize it to fit you perfectly.

CLICK HERE: Crochet Wedding Dress Find SALES on Top Designer Wedding Gowns today!

British Victorian Wedding Gowns UK

By Rafi Michael

With many couples desiring to relive the golden ages by having ethnic and vintage weddings, there has been a revival by designers and wedding planners to reproduce ethnic dresses in the whole of Europe. In the UK, prominent wedding designers are now known to have a collection of antique wedding dresses and have come up with ideas on how to incorporate antique outfits with a traditional fairytale or a modern wedding arrangement in a presentable way.

UK Wedding Dress Styles

There are varieties of bridal designer collections with a UK touch. Wedding dresses from the 16th Century down to the early 20th century have been used in many weddings recently. In the 18th and 19th century weddings, brides wore many colors. It is not until the 20th century that traditional wedding gowns were embroidered in white color. A wedding gown would be passed down the family for generations and preserved for years. Many of these costume collections can be seen in British museum collections, still with their lace and satin in near perfect condition. The art of dress was at a highpoint in the British colonies during the Victorian and Edwardian era that, according to many, has never been equaled. The Victorian obsession with character, morality and grace was due to the ultimate display of the wedding dress. Their magnificence and elegance can be observed in the Cincinnati Art Museum and many websites that offer antique information on British history and traditions.

Corset Styles

In 18th Century English, a new design known as the corset was in use. The dress has an easy shape to wear and looks good on a modern woman due to its boning that releases the pressure off the diaphragm and the waist. The British style corset creates a cleavage that shows off a woman's bust and enhances the overall appearance by compression. The corsets give the illusion of a smaller waist. This is further enhanced by intense decoration of the front with a style plus the incorporation of a new silhouette.

Today, corsets can be cut from original patterns, with or without tabs. Alternatively, they can also be modified to reflect modern styles with waists cut a little lower and even done with elastic inserts for ease and comfort. The wearer has the right of emphasizing bone channels. Having suitable interlinings with adequate boning is the key in any corset design, otherwise the wedding gown will seem to buckle at the waist.

A properly cut English wedding corset has a smooth finish from the neckline all the way down to the base. They can be produced in a wide variety of fabrics and endless ways of decorating them exist. In addition, they come with a combination of sleeve shapes.

Other Contemporary Wedding gowns

Other gowns with medieval overtures are Evelyn and Estella. Evelyn has a laced arm gauntlet with a toning skirt and hanging sleeves, while the Estella has a modern slim fitting fishtail with the elegance and style of a Victorian evening dress. Most of these weddings have undergone minor modifications before their use in modern wedding ceremonies. In any case, their original English classic look is evident and clearly discernible to an observant eye.

Wedding Gowns
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The Beauty of Renaissance Wedding Gowns

By Scott Nichols

A wedding day is always special especially for those who are getting married and for their family and friends. For the bride and groom, this will be the happiest and most memorable day of their life. That is why preparing for the wedding is quite a hard task because they have to make sure that everything is perfect from cakes, flowers, reception, food, decorations, entourage and of course, the bride's wedding dress. Despite the many fads in wedding gowns, some brides still choose the renaissance wedding gowns because of its beauty and classic style. Although renaissance wedding gowns are hard to find, all it takes is determination to find the perfect wedding dress.

What sets the renaissance wedding gown apart from other wedding gown styles is its distinctive look. To give you an idea, these gowns look like the one women wore on King Arthur's court or even Juliet on Romeo and Juliet. But since times have changed, designers have also added some styles in the renaissance wedding gowns but the elements still stay the same. The gowns are mostly made in white or cream white. They are made with an under dress and an over-drape. The dress is tight when it gets closer to the hips and the bodice is also beaded with very detailed designed. The sleeves are free-flowing. It will surely give a princess feel to any bride who wears it.

Obtaining Renaissance Wedding Gowns

Many retailers will make a wide selection of renaissance wedding gowns for brides to choose from. Some large retailers offer many wedding supplies, bridesmaid dresses, wedding gowns but only a few selection of renaissance wedding gowns. Online retailers also have a small selection of renaissance wedding gowns, and they can only show three to four dresses in their catalog online. This is why brides who really like the renaissance clothing will find other means to get their renaissance wedding gown.

Some brides will try going through a costume store and look for a renaissance dress then find a skilled seamstress to transform the costume in to a wedding gown. But the bride has to make sure that the seamstress is very good since one wrong alteration can remove the classic style of the wedding gown. If the alterations are not made right, the renaissance look might not be there anymore. If this is the case, the bride will be disappointed and will not be happy with her wedding gown.

Another good option to go to is find a highly skilled seamstress to do the renaissance wedding gown for you. You can try looking for a renaissance wedding gown picture and show it to the seamstress to give her the look you want. She can transform the dress and add lace and beads as accents. Surely, this option will cost you more money since it is quite an effort for the seamstress. But if the bride really wants this, then it shouldn't be a problem. After all, a wedding day happens almost once in a lifetime.

CLICK HERE: Renaissance Wedding Gowns A Site Full Of Wedding Gowns & Dress Sales Wedding Gown Sales