Posts Tagged ‘weddings’

Stylish Bridesmaid Dresses for Larger Attendants

Friday, October 30th, 2009

For those brides with friends on the bigger size shopping for bridesmaid dresses for larger attendants can be a challenge. A lot of the time ladies with a little more on their bones feel awkward because traditional bridesmaid dresses aren’t made to fit bodies shaped like their own. So when looking for dresses there are some special notes you have to consider so that your friends still look fabulous and feel comfortable.

Avoid strapless looks
Strapless dresses stay up because of the bust pressing into the fabric. However for a larger person who typically has a larger size bust this style will just cut into their chest and make their boobs look squashed and be very uncomfortable. It’s an unflattering look in the bustline and all they’ll be doing all day is adjusting the top half of their dress.

Tea length
Too short and you’re getting scandalous, especially if they have some extra cushioning in their thigh region or cottage cheese flabby thighs and cellulite which they’d be self-conscious about. Too long and you’re just putting them in an A-line tent and taking away any hint of sexuality or true flirty femininity. That’s why a tea length cut is best. It shows off the ankles and calves giving the ladies some curves and definition but still covers up the less desirable areas. Also they don’t have to worry about the dress dragging on the ground or being blown up by the wind, they can be carefree and happy.

Detailed bustlines
Since you’re likely to avoid a dress with any deep V-necks or other revealing necklines as bulging breasts or those in constant danger of falling out isn’t flattering or sexy for a wedding so instead give the bustline a boost with some detailing. Choose a dress with beading or sequins and embroidery to draw attention to this area and keep the eyes focused up, not on a wider waist or overly full hip region.

Stretchable fabrics
Fabrics that don’t stretch or breathe are too form fitting and won’t fit every body type thus you’ll be left with the unflattering bulges and pockets of fat that no one wants. Stretchable fabrics are much more forgiving and will work with every body instead of against it. Rayon and cotton/lycra blends are great because they move with the body as it moves instead of over forcing an unnecessary stretch and simply falling loose. Satin is almost never good for a larger bridesmaid for it is too tough and doesn’t have any “give” to it.

Belted high-waist dresses
Creating a high-waist helps hide a bigger belly and makes for the illusion of a longer body thus thinning it out instantly. Choose a dress with a built-in high waist belt. This is a trendy style which is flattering on most anyone and one that your bridesmaids will be thankful for because of its instant slimming effects. Try to go with a good one or two-inch wide belt, too large will defeat the belt look but too thin will just accentuate the belly bulge instead of hiding it.

Image Source: http://www.zimbio.com/Prom+Dresses/articles/292/Dress+day+Plus+Size+Line+Gown

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How to Avoid Ugly Bridesmaid Dresses

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

We’ve all been there, standing beside a close friend as she says “I do” dressed in an ugly bridesmaid dress wishing we were sitting in the seats hidden away with the rest of the guests. For some reason there is a terrible stigma that goes with the bridesmaid dress. Some people believe a bride chooses a hideous dress because she doesn’t want anyone to outshine her on her most special day. Others contribute it to the simple fact that it’s nearly impossible to find a dress that looks fabulous on every bridesmaid. While you may not choose an outfit that absolutely everyone falls head over heels over it is easy to make sure that you avoid an atrocious dress which no one likes. Here are some ways to make your ladies in waiting happy and stop the flow of unnecessary “I’m not wearing that” tears.

Assess the Ladies’ Bodies
Look over your girls’ bodies. Examine their curves and be honest about what their assets are as well as their areas to hide. No one is perfect and you’re not picking them apart in a mean way, you are just trying to find the best way to highlight everyone and make them all look stunning so don’t feel bad about analyzing your girlfriends’  figures.

Inquire about their Preferences
Ask each girl what she likes and doesn’t like. Be sure to mention that you aren’t sure you’ll be able to make everyone happy but that you want to know how they feel about various styles and what they think looks best on them individually. Even asking them just this once will make them feel more included in the process and happier no matter what you decide on.

Have a Fashion Show Day
Invite all your girls out and go dress shopping. Ask them to all try on a bunch of different dresses so you can see how various styles and cuts look on each lady. Take digital photos if you want to be able to look back at how the styles varied.

Shop on Your Own
Go out shopping on your own without the girls around so you can look at all the styles and make a decision without being influenced by one person more than another. This will help you make sure you choose what is best for everyone, not just your best “best friend” or the lady who happens to tag along that day.

Narrow Down the Selections
If you don’t want to make the final decision then gather everyone and narrow down the options. Have each lady vote on their favorite and then it’s simply a matter of what dress gets the most votes that is chosen. This eliminates you from being to blame in the grand scheme of things because you essentially let them all decide (even though you limited the selection).

Create Options
If you still don’t want to responsible for choosing the dress or simply cannot come to any conclusions then just let the ladies select their own dress. Give them a list of boundaries or some specifications of what the dress should be such as the color or length and then make sure you approve each dress. Avoiding an ugly bridesmaid dress is then in their hands and they can’t complain because they picked it themselves.

Image Source: http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2007/04/20/calling-all-bri/

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Easy Ways To Design The Perfect Bridesmaid Dress

Monday, October 26th, 2009

perfectbridesmaiddressThe perfect bridesmaid dress, it seems like an illusion at times. Most women don’t have the same taste in clothes let alone the same body types and the more attendants you have the more opinions, variations and considerations you have to deal with. This can all lead to a disastrous dilemma for a bride trying to make sense of everything and choose something she and her ladies like. Thus many brides decide to design a dress for their bridesmaids as it is then set in stone and she can select the most number of features possible to highlight everyone’s assets and ensure it’s something she enjoys and approves of as well. Designing the dress is actually quite easy and there are a number of ways it can be done.

Dress Up Time
Take all your ladies out and have them try on a wide variety of dresses with various necklines, lengths, sleeves and even kinds of fabric. Take pictures of each lady in each dress so you can compare what looks good and what doesn’t between everyone.

Cut and Paste
Print the photos you took then cut and paste the elements you like. You’ll basically be making a mosaic Picasso looking bridesmaid dress if you use parts from different girls and dresses. This however will let you see all the elements combined to give you a better idea of what the combination really looks like.

Sketch It Out
Get some good old fashioned paper and pencil and sketch out your design. Use the Picasso cut and paste figure as your base for the drawing if you did that, if not then start from scratch with your ideas and just begin putting the pencil to paper. The sketch doesn’t have to be perfect so don’t beat yourself up over your stick figure design, just get the ideas down.

Online Dress Design
For those who are drawing challenged or just don’t even want to attempt trying to make a realistic looking dress there is such a thing as the internet. Not only is the internet great for researching dresses it’s also perfect for designing the bridesmaid dresses of your dreams. Find a site that lets you create dresses virtually. These sites give you a body to dress then you begin incorporating different elements such as the necklines, sleeves and so on. You can create numerous designs, easily switch things in and out to see how they look and have some fun creating any dress you can imagine. The best part is it’s so easy that anyone can do it and then you just print the diagrams and you have your design before your eyes in minutes. With technology like this there’s no reason you should let anything stop you from designing the perfect bridesmaid dress.

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Discount Bridesmaid Dresses: How to Find a Stunning Dress for Less

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

discountbridesmaiddressSome people say there’s no such thing as a discount bridesmaid dress, well they just don’t know what they’re talking about. While the average price of a bridesmaid dress in the United States is between $120 and $150 that doesn’t mean you can’t find a killer design for $30 because well, it surely can be done. The biggest mistake brides make is assuming that the only acceptable dresses are those found at upscale bridal shops in the newest styles. These are of course sold at what is considered “top of the line prices.” However simply making a little adjustment in your shopping routine can help you and your ladies save lots of money while still looking fabulous at the same time.

End of Season
Shopping for clothing out of season is always the best deal. If your wedding colors are bright orange and yellow you’ll be able to find steals on dresses in these colors at the end of spring and end of summer. You may end up having to shop further ahead of schedule than most but the savings can be worth it. If you happen to be using out of season colors this could work to your benefit though because you can easily get those yellow dresses at the end of summer for your perfect fall wedding.

Smaller Dress Stores
Instead of only browsing the large chain stores try looking through some smaller dress shops. It’s usually best to still stick with stores that have more than one location because you’ll likely need a dress in multiple sizes and you will need to be sure they can get it in various sizes for you, a boutique may not be able to accommodate your needs. These smaller dress store also normally price their attire much lower than the traditional formal bridal and wedding stores so if you can find something on sale in one of these you’re guaranteed a killer deal.

Alterations
If you’re a bride who happens to have a bunch of friends getting married at the same time and you’re all in each other’s weddings you might be able to get away with using some of the same dresses and having some alterations done to make them different from one wedding to the next and then the cost is lowered because you’re only actually buying the dress once and then paying to have it altered for each wedding.

Making them from Scratch
Have the dresses made from scratch. Sketch out your design and have a seamstress or someone you know make the dresses from scratch. You can also find actual dress patterns and then choose the fabric and make them from this. Making your dresses will save you a lot of money however it is also a good deal of work.

Choose Your Own
Let each bridesmaid choose her own dress. Give your ladies their parameters (color, length, fabric, etc.) and then allow them to find something that works well on their particular body so then they’ll be happy and comfortable. Plus letting them do the shopping enables them to find a cute discount bridesmaid dress so they can save some cash as well.

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Choosing the Designer Bridesmaid Dress

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

designerbridesmaiddressDesigner bridesmaid dresses have become just as popular as designer weddings dresses nowadays because bridesmaids and their brides are seeking to make everyone look as stunning as possible to ensure stellar photographs. Since this has become the new “it” thing in wedding planning every fashion designer around seems to have created a line specifically for the style-conscience bridal party. From the runway to the aisle, fashion is taking storm in the wedding industry. But with so many choices how can a bride make such an important decision and be sure it’s the right dress? And why should you choose a designer dress in the first place?

Quality Counts
“You get what you pay for.” quality does count for a good dress and if you want to find a dress that is well made, luxurious and will hold up over time then a designer dress is your thing. Even though they may not be cheap you will be able to keep the, for a long time because the quality of material, design and manufacturing is so it will last unlike some cheaper dresses which might fall apart after just one or two wearings and washings.

Recycle and Reuse
Designer dresses tend to look a little less “bridemaid-like” and thus your ladies will be able to actually wear them again, hopefully without even having to alter them any. This makes it worth spending more on because they can get more for their money and think of the dress as an investment in their wardrobe versus something they’ll just wear that one time for your wedding. Or they can give it to another girlfriend to wear for an event and the dress can essentially be recycled by being passed around.

Name Brands
Some people are really into name brands and showing off their labels. Think “Sex and the City.” You get a designer dress, you want to wear it and show it off, it’s just part of the territory it seems. There is nothing wrong with wanting to wear a designer gown every now and then, so go ahead and let the girls spoil themselves or if you have funding to do so splurge and purchase the dresses for the girls as their gifts, they’ll feel like princesses in their beautiful dresses.

How Do You Know What Designer is Right for You?
It’s simple, look at the designs. One designer’s looks will certainly be more favorable to you than another so just review their portfolio of work and their current lines to see what sparks your interest and seems to coordinate the best with your wedding overall. Remember that there is a style to a wedding in itself and the attire you choose should work with that overall style so as not to stand out and seem out of place. Designer bridesmaid dresses can be a highlight of your wedding if you decide to invest a little time and money into finding just the right dress.

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Beautiful Cold Weather Bridesmaid Dresses

Monday, October 19th, 2009

Most dresses in general are made for warmer weather so for the fall or winter wedding finding attractive cold weather bridesmaid dresses can be a challenge. In cold weather you most certainly need something that will cover the bare shoulders and arms of the girls, at least to some degree. If the wedding is outdoors in the snow you will definitely have to choose a combination with a jacket of some sort or else your entire wedding party will hate you and quite possibly all fall ill. Finding an attractive cold weather bridesmaid dress isn’t impossible, in fact there are lots of options for the discerning bride determined to make her wedding the best it can possibly be and put a smile on her bridesmaids’ faces.

Sweater Dress
The sweater dress is usually thought of as casual but there are some really nice, more formal styles you can find made of higher quality cotton and wool blends. Pair the sweater dress with some thick tights or colored leggings and your ladies will stay warm while still looking fresh, fun and sexy. This work especially well on all body types as the sweater dress itself can be form fitting or fit somewhat loosely hiding less favorable aspects of the body on each individual lady. Pair this with a trendy pair of heeled boots for a fashion forward look.

Turtleneck Styles
Turtleneck style dresses can keep the girls nice and toasty. The sleeve and back cuts can vary so you may end up choosing something backless and adding a covering so that if the reception is indoors they can take off the covering and have a flattering, sexy dress underneath to enjoy as opposed to remaining entirely covered up the entire time.

Petticoat Combination
The petticoat look is ever so darling and entirely classic. Pair a petticoat with a dress or find a matching combination. For the wedding party photos you can try some pictures with coats on and some them off. Plus this allows your bridesmaids to use outfits later as dresses or coats alone as well as the combined effect if they so choose.

Attached Shawl Dress
This is a common style in bridesmaid fashion, the attached (or detached) shawl. Having an attached shawl ensure you won’t lose it and that you can easily wrap it in the same manner from girl to girl as it falls across the dress and shoulders in a very specific manner. Wrap their shoulders and back up for the cold outdoors time and then they can let it hang loose or tie it around their waist (depending on how it’s attached) for a new belted look later.

Gloved Looks
Adding gloves create a new perspective of a dress as well as keeps some little bridesmaids’ arms warmer. Go with long gloves for sleeveless or strapless dresses and short gloves for those with actual sleeves.

Pants Dress
Choose a pants dress. These one piece outfits have a flowing chiffon layer across the bottom that wraps around the tush and opens up in the front. Since the chiffon moves well and covers it looks like the bottom half is a skirting not actual pants because the pants legs are also made of the same chiffon material. This keeps the ladies warmer because they have actual pants but creates the illusion of a formal, full length dress. The top half is entirely up to your choosing then as well. Dressing a bridesmaid for a cold weather wedding isn’t impossible, it just requires a bit of creativity to make her bridesmaid dress stylish and exciting.

Image Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_4532044_pick-bridesmaid-dresses-winter-wedding.html

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Beautiful Bridesmaid Dresses For The Beach Wedding

Saturday, October 17th, 2009

Bridesmaid Dresses for a beach wedding should reflect the casual, cool, simple beauty of the setting while remaining comfortable, stylish and flattering on each lady. A wedding on the beach is stunning; the sunset, the sand between your toes and the crashing waves make for a backdrop unlike any other. Dresses for a beach wedding have some special considerations due to the weather and sand so when shopping for your bridesmaid dresses there are a couple things to keep in mind.

Length
You need to think about the length of the dress you choose because if the wedding is in the sand you don’t want the dresses dragging in the sand and ruining the bottom edges or making it difficult to walk and having the girls trip. For a wedding that takes place on the beach it’s wise to choose a dress that is tea length. This is actually the perfect length because it’s not so long that it drags on the sand and not so short that a shoreline breeze will blow it up and show off their undergarments.

Sleeve coverings
The length of the sleeves or inclusion and exclusion of sleeves is important. Most brides choose dresses with no sleeves or strapless choices for such a setting because it’s casual, stylish and free flowing. However one thing you should consider is including a shawl or covering of some sort because it can be quite cold along the beach with the breeze coming in over the water. So even though the sun may be out shining brightly there’s the chance it could be freezing, at least for part of the day. Help your ladies out and choose something they can wear as a covering over their dress (or at least their shoulders) if the weather turns out to be chilly.

Color
Think about the colors of the terrain and try to choose colors that will blend well but not fade into the background. Pale yellows and faint teals can easily blend too well into the background of many beach settings and make the wedding photos look a little off as your wedding party turns into a bunch of floating heads. However too bright of colors or colors that really don’t mix with the cool beach setting will also look odd. Stick with solid turquoises, oranges, darker yellows, muted reds, muted greens and violet tones.

Embellishments
Minimal embellishments are best as it mimics the relaxed feel of the beach. Think about choosing jewelry or accents on the dress that coincide with the beach such as shells, mini pearls or beading. You don’t need a lot to make your girls and the photos look amazing, they’ll speak for themselves.

Fabric
Satin is a little too stiff for the beach so try to go with a lighter, more breathable and loose fabric such as chiffon. It will move well when the ladies walk and give some dimension with the ocean breeze without being too frilly or “night gown” like. In fact skip the silk slip look altogether, polyester, cotton/lycra blends and chiffon are a beach bunny’s best friends when it comes to bridesmaids bliss.

Image Source: http://weddingdressbridalgown.blogspot.com/

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