You are Cordially Invited...

A well styled wedding doesn't have to do with just the ceremony and the reception. It begins long before that. Wedding invitations are a great indicator to your guests what kind of wedding you will be having. And not just because you add the note that says "black tie event" or "casual dress."

Your invitations should match the theme of your wedding, and correspond with the colors you have chosen. This also gives guests an idea of what to wear, they won't want to match your wedding party and your decorations exactly, but they also don't want to clash and stand out. If you don't tell them, or your invitation doesn't tell them your color story and theme, then you may have that awkward moment when they coincidentally match perfectly or stand out like a sore thumb.

You have many options for types of invitations, and the smaller your wedding the more creative you can get with invitations, they aren't exactly cheap. But that doesn't mean you need to spend a lot of money on them or that you have to go with plain, ugly, or mainstream invitations just because you are on a budget.

The wording you use on your invitations can also tell a lot to your guests. There are options for casual weddings and more formal weddings, spiritual or secular weddings, and choosing the right wording for you is important. Don't think you need to stick with the traditional and boring wording, get creative and personalize it to you, your future spouse and the overall ambiance of your special day.

Below I have uploaded sample invitations I have designed to show different styles and types of wording possible. But remember, there are still many more options!

Happy Planning!
Contact me if you like the designs you see and want your own personalized and totally one-of-a-kind invitations!

The Support System Cont.

Let's talk more about the bridesmaids and maid of honor. They are a main part of your wedding, after all. You want them to look beautiful because you're pictures are going to be around forever, but they shouldn't upstage you.

Your bridesmaids could go with or without accessories, but always keep in mind that less is more. Don't go overboard because you don't want any attention taken away from you and your groom. But you don't want your bridesmaids to fade into the background or look "naked" either.

So when choosing their accessories, keep yours in mind. Always take their accessories a step down from yours, but keep them similar to yours; if it's not necessary to complete the look, then eliminate it.
You don't want them to be too matchy-matchy to you either though, because you should be standing out from them not blending into them.

Let's not forget about some very important little people in the wedding, the ring bearer and the flower girl or girls. The ring bearer is not necessary for every wedding, many people assign his duties to the best man. But if you do have one, try your best to dress him similarly to the groomsmen, who doesn't love a tiny child in grown-up clothes?

As far as flower girls go, I will never suggest matching her dress to the bride's dress, I personally think it's tacky and weird tradition, also many times it's impossible to do correctly.
So my suggestion is to put her in the same color as the bridesmaids or the groomsmen, and give her a fun, comfortable and child-like dress.

Tutu's are very trendy right now, and most little girls love them! You won't have to fight to get her in the dress, you might just have to fight to get her out of it, plus tutu's can usually grow quite a bit with the girl so you don't have to worry about her growing out of the dress before the wedding.

If a tutu isn't formal enough for your wedding theme, then put her in a more cutesy version of the bridesmaids. Having a floral print on a flower girl's dress can be very adorable!

The Support System

One of the most vital parts to a well styled wedding has to do with the bridal party. Not only do they need to coordinate with each other, but they need to be coordinated to the bride too.

There are a few different ways to style your bridesmaids for a wedding, in a beautiful way.
For more formal weddings, brides like to style each bridesmaid exactly the same. This can be boring though, consider that it might be fun to have an aspect of their outfits slightly different from each other in order to express their personality. Possibly different styles of heels or hairstyles and hair accessories.

For more casual weddings, it has been a trend to have the bridesmaids in mismatched, and more casual outfits. But if there is no common element between them, this can look tacky. My advice for something more casual is to make sure the silhouette, length, and the fabrics of the dresses are the same, maybe with all different necklines. They don't have to all be the same shade of a color or even the same color, infact if they don't all match perfectly it can give dimension to your party, but they have to at least look like they belong together. If you let your bridesmaids go wild and pick whatever they want, make sure the dresses are all at least solid colors, ending up with one or two bridesmaids in a printed dress will look tacky, if you are going to go with prints, they must all be in the same print.

Always consider the type of fabric the brides dress is and the silhouette. A well styled wedding won't have drastically different styles between the bride and her bridesmaids; they should coordinate with each other, and always match the theme of the wedding.

The groomsmen are a little more boring. They usually wear a tux or a suit so you don't have much to worry about as far as styling them. They should always have the same tux or suit on, but what's underneath can vary depending on your wedding theme.

Keep in mind that bow ties are the fanciest choice. But ties or vests are not always necessary.
A fun idea for a more casual and fun wedding is having the boys wear graphic tees that match the wedding colors underneath the jackets.

If your wedding has two colors consider having the men in one and the girls in the other. Sometimes a fun twist is to switch the colors of the maid of honor and the best man.

There are many more possibilities with your bridal party. It is definitely an important aspect to making sure your wedding is well coordinated, but you also have many options.


A beautiful floor length style for a formal winter wedding!

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRlXpU8xr9QNHPn5KPaOIe-ruBzr35fCMml-koeqvxi-7BNmuA1oQ

Mismatched bridesmaids dresses done well:

These are the same color and fabric, similar lengths but different styles. They also match well with the style of the brides dress, flowy and light.

http://boards.weddingbee.com/?bb_attachments=1470068&bbat=186403&inline

These dresses are very whimsical and different. They all are in the same style and similar fabrics but all a little bit different. The printed fabric used is seen in all of the dresses, but in a different location. This works for the right wedding theme!

http://italianweddings.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/screen-shot-2012-04-02-at-11-10-37-pm.png

Another play on mismatched dresses. The same dress in different wedding colors, from silver to slate gray, dark blue-green and purple. Very fun idea.

http://www.societybride.com/assets/ombre-bridesmaids-mismatched-dresses.jpg

UnVeiled

Traditionally the bride might wear a veil on her wedding day. But it's not necessary and it doesn't work for everyone or every type of wedding. 

Veils can give a very formal feeling to a wedding. So think about that when your shopping around. 

And don't get stuck on a style or type of veil until you have chosen your dress because it makes a difference. Or if by tradition you are planning on wearing a certain style, then make sure you have that to try on with each dress you consider, because it really does matter.

What if you don't want to wear a veil? There are so many other options you can go with!

Wear flowers in your hair if you are having an outdoor, whimsical, garden wedding... 

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTAtcrzXGvZFCbkpP_eWoGXtKYLWzcCHVETbxWhkZIpwwyWy51x

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSbV9_FHYGIYXyZOT51MHiFH9ynzd2dXYBptc-9uQMV3MJW-HdA

You could use floral jewelry in your hair too if you want to combine glamour and whimsical!

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT2_SiYiSx5aeHuH2Rzm2Xg7gSbZu1Z1eSl8Koa6P1MvNeiErZGTg

A tiara or headband is also a sweet option. And can be very princess like. These are also very beautiful paired with a veil!

http://wedimpression.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/bridal-tiaras-and-headbands-02.jpg

Bird cages are a popular choice too, and are especially beautiful for vintage-like weddings! They can be worn to cover your face, or not!

http://todaysbride.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/birdcage-veil2.jpg

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTmFzCTsYzQ-9VyEo2XGsVI3dhTIyLe7o_q_58qYRSZGzJeMXF9

Like all of your other accessories, consider the over all theme of the wedding and the style of the gown. Because it really does make a difference when it comes to a well styled and well put together wedding!

Happy Planning!

Something Old Something New Something Borrowed Something Blue

You're well on your way to finding the perfect gown! :) You know what silhouettes will most likely work best for you, you have an idea of a neckline and sleeve option you love. Now let's consider accessories!

Always keep in mind your budget, and your theme! Some types of accessories fit better with certain types of themes. i.e. crystal jewelry is a little more modern, while pearls read as vintage and romantic.
But you also need to consider the style, color, and details of the dress.

For example...

With a halter dress, you probably don't need a necklace because there is so much going on around your neck already, but if you can't walk down the isle without one, consider a single pendant necklace.

If you're dress is a one shoulder dress I would suggest no necklace or a long pendant as well.

For strapless gowns, depending on the neckline and detail around the neckline, you could go for a fun statement necklace.

For low backs or backless gowns, consider a necklace with a hanging back detail.

Keep in mind that bracelets are beautiful and can add a little extra bling to those detail photos, but if you wear one, put it on the right hand, you don't want to distract from the most important bling you will be wearing. And consider the type of bracelet it is, and the type of fabric you have on your dress, they may snag.

A fun piece of jewelry to consider instead of a bracelet would be an anklet, and it could be something old, new, borrowed, or blue. And again, could be a very fun detail shot.


Your earrings will depend on the hairstyle you go with (and any hair accessories). Keep in mind if you have a busy necklace and/or bust/neckline, you should probably choose earrings that are a little understated.



An example of a halter dress. No necklace, but fun earrings!

http://halterweddingdresses.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/halter-wedding-dresses1.jpg

This strapless gown has a clean, simple neckline, so a statement necklace works beautifully. This also reads as very modern and high-fashion. 

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSnslLfDXeG6PO7um0vd-RfC2y--VA2MolVz-8FyliSQMjbdZQN

This strapless gown is a little more busy, so a more simple necklace works well. 

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQMCfCQ6kCeU-16dKmI4jfIr8OapaU6UlF2NsCDnxugmubXc25c

With these types of updos and hair accessories, earrings aren't necessary because you don't want too much going on around your face, it will be distracting. But these brides are doing it right with very simple studs. 

http://www.xoedge.com/ImageStage/Objects/0003/0049845/large_image.jpg

http://scmedia.theknot.com/~/media/A65B638DCBCE475A97D04A7A70AD4E34.ashx

And a look at a low back wedding gown, and dressing it up with a little back jewelry.

http://img0.etsystatic.com/005/1/6866491/il_fullxfull.371921192_4v2g.jpg

If your gown has any beaded detail, pay attention to the colors and the content, i.e. pearls, crystals, sequins, etc. and match your jewelry to that detail, they will look like they were made especially for each other and especially for you. 

But make sure your accessories aren't competing with each other for the attention, and especially that they aren't fighting with your beautiful face for attention. You don't want your wedding attire to wear you, you want to wear it. :)

Now that you have plenty to consider and think about, happy planning!

Here Comes The Bride CONT.

Thought I could leave you with just silhouettes to think about? Yeah right. What about necklines, and which ones work with what body type?
There are many choices...
Strapless
Straps
Halter
Sleeves - Cap or Long
Sweetheart
Straight
V
Scoop
Plunging
Square
Bateau
Cowl/Draped
Jewel
Keyhole

The list is almost endless with options. The neckline and sleeve option on your gown is mostly about what you are comfortable wearing, following tradition, religious views, or the specific theme and style you are trying to follow.
If religious or traditional restrictions do not apply, then keep in mind that the type of neckline and sleeve option can make your dress, regardless of silhouette fall into a specific style. And to keep the theme and intended style of your wedding consistent, you should be consistent with every detail.

Strapless gowns are very popular, and if made well, you shouldn't have to worry about pulling them up all night, regardless of your bust size. So if you're busty, unless you just don't like the strapless style or aren't comfortable with your bare shoulders, don't rule it out before trying some.

Halter gowns can emphasize cleavage and also emphasize a lack of it, so keep that in mind too.

If you have broad shoulders, a cap sleeve or long sleeve might help hide them, if you don't want them to stand out. Sometimes strapless gowns show off broad shoulders.

Cowl and draped necklines work best with smaller busts, and are usually only featured on gowns that translate to "destination" or beach wedding gowns.

Sweetheart necklines will show off cleavage, so keep that in mind, but they can also come in modified versions to dip in the front, more or less.

Always remember to keep an open mind, and try the things you aren't sure if you like or not, you may surprise yourself.
Until next time, Happy Planning!

Here Comes The Bride

Now that you know your budget, you know the theme of your wedding, and hopefully have the date and location locked down, you can find your dream dress!

You've probably been pinning gowns day in and day out, adding gowns to your favorites list on your computer, you're maybe even positive what style you are going for, but don't fool yourself. It is okay to be specific on a type of fabric or fabrics you want on the gown, and you probably know what color works best with your skin, but when you go into your first try on appointment, be open to more than just one silhouette of dress.
 The models look good in pretty much all of the gowns, let's be real, but also, let's face it, we aren't all models, and even if you are, you're body isn't necessarily the same type as the model; so what you think looks best based on a picture, may not mean it's the best for you.
And it's okay to know what you hate, and know what you absolutely won't wear, but be open to the ones you just aren't sure about, once you try some on, you may surprise yourself. Trying on multiple styles will help reassure what you thought you loved and it may help you out when the style you thought was for you, didn't really look like you expected it to.

The basic Silhouettes:

Ballgown:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMTeNX8pgs6YKdwujnIJqq9M9_M2A5qiW5jv3asN8yg0CInHRPlqGs-haCwTXfRNfrY4K1ZVnIgmFBNragrMUV05metQs3zMKruyPdAeYuBAJsrv-ZH0HEiZdstspfeuNCvIOByQzvU5o/s1600/Ball+Gown+with+logo.jpg

This silhouette is the most formal and traditional of the silhouettes with a dramatically full skirt and a tight fitting bodice with a natural waist line, sometimes seen as a variation with a little bit of a dropped waistline or a basque waist, which comes to a point in the front. The skirt can come in many variations, from tulle to lace, with pick-ups or tiers. 

This silhouette works with a more traditional or formal wedding (the perfect princess/fairytale look) and helps to make a wider waist look smaller and hide bigger/ heavier bottom halves. 

If you're a short bride, however, this silhouette tends to make you look shorter, while it also shortens the appearance of your torso. 

A-line: 

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jnleAzP6zntmqtJNJbcunkH3mqcwJeOr4o5-nFyANDz5w31XESrRiazxaqKh0x74IsXC7uoyrwqZ4aZGqM2SG6lv-JPwYM8-mEs4o3GTVZoLTXhk0M8DlujFQpwfNIGC5nosbE9oySLK/s1600/A-line+with+logo.jpg

This silhouette features a fitted bodice and gradually flares out past the natural waist, towards the bottom, making an "A" shape, giving this silhouette it's name. It is slightly fitted through the hips. This style is also sometimes called a princess gown. The fullness of the gown can be more or less dramatic depending on the style you want to go for, giving the style the slim a-line variation and the full a-line variation. 

This style, like the ballgown de-emphasizes a wider waist, while hiding a larger bottom. It also adds feminine curves to women who have a straight figure, and helps give shorter brides the appearance of being taller. This silhouette is known as the universally figure-flattering. 

Mermaid:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZ32VddnmER2v2krYuqLfwnelsjpC20znOUQMb9Jqlo397PVkmFLz4SyMYqobrC6pW9pJNc20tD-1spR0UDEdBMuSJlehBgT6TSEAs9R4zrSpEjUO7w4u5uD5i_yeLtOWTOqKbnfiN-_S/s1600/Mermaid+with+logo.jpg

The mermaid gown hugs the curves of the body down to the knees or slightly below, where the skirt then begins to dramatically flare to the floor. Different variations of the mermaid can have the skirt more or less full/flared. This style is very glamorous, high-fashion and sexy. 

This is one of the best dresses for hourglass figures because it highlights feminine curves, while it also adds the appearance of curves to straight figured women.

If you have a straight or wide waist, the mermaid silhouette tends to show that off. It also will accentuate wide hips. 

Similar to the mermaid are the trumpet and fit-and-flare gowns. 

Trumpet gowns begin to flare about mid-thigh and fit-and-flare gowns begin to flare right below the hip. 

Sheath:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaveUrBPtbqtzruW7ESK75a-R59172Fm8XNhuscYiIggjcGsg1JpIzs6OMI1KPJyzL4WywS3VAt07nfua6xnR-f9CqH-IU2kOMxCuq5zAxTMclryzVrBgmsPFingvxvB8B7CbpCP3NDjbG/s1600/Sheath+with+logo.jpg

The last main wedding gown silhouette is the sheath, it is a long, narrow, slim-fitting silhouette, and usually made with lighter weight fabrics. 

It is great for shorter  brides because the long narrow silhouette elongates your body. 

It is most flattering on slimmer and straight figures, and is not very flattering if you have a pear shaped body. They also tend to emphasize a short waist. 

When most people see a sheath gown, destination weddings come to mind. 

A variation of the sheath dress is the empire silhouette; defined by the high waistline, sitting right beneath the bust. Sometimes the skirt of the empire gown is more similar to an a-line gown than the sheath. 

This variation helps to elongate the frame as well while hiding lower body flaws and curves. It is flattering on women with a smaller bust and great for long, short, or wide torsos. It's a perfect style for pear-shaped figures and also helps to hide a baby bump. 

This style does not complement hour-glass figures though. 

Keep this in mind while you're madly pinning those wedding gowns and saving dresses to your favorites bar. 

Next time we will discuss necklines. :) 

Til then, happy planning!