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!

Let's Talk Budget

I bet you're getting excited now. Having chosen your colors, theme, date, etc. But before you go crazy, sit down and rationally figure out your wedding budget. You can't exactly go anywhere without this figured out. It's actually the first thing you need to do before booking or renting or purchasing anything. Find out from your family how much they are willing to help pay for, or even what specifically they will pay for no matter the price, ie. venue, wedding gown, honeymoon, etc. Traditionally the brides parents pay for the majority of the wedding, and the grooms family pays for the rehersal and sometimes the honeymoon. But going traditional may not be right for you and your wedding. So lock down the amount of money family (and maybe friends) will be contributing and then seriously think of how much money you are able and willing to spend on the wedding.

This is your basic breakdown of where your budget goes. 
The Reception: 48% - 50%
The Ceremony: 2% - 3% 
Attire: 8% - 10%
Flowers: 8% - 10%
Entertainment/Music: 8% - 10%
Photography/Videography: 10% - 12%
Stationary: 2% - 3%
Wedding Rings: 2% - 3%
Parking/Transportation: 2% - 3%
Gifts: 2% - 3%
Miscellaneous: 8%
Avoid stress by adding a "Just in Case" Fund: 5%


Read more: Wedding Budget 101TheKnot.com - http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-budget/articles/wedding-budget-ways-to-save-money.aspx#ixzz2JO48dnf5

Try this website to see the average cost of a wedding in your area!

http://www.betsyraye.com/Costestimatorbreakdown.html

Always do your research! Check out multiple possibilities. Make pros and cons lists and compare prices against the overall quality/quantity you get out of services and products. 

Love: A Feeling Completely Bound With Color

So you've chosen your date, you have the venue (or you're in the middle of picking or finding the perfect one), and you know what kind of theme you're going for. Now you can choose your wedding colors!

Usually people will choose one or two colors, but why stop there?! As you may know, it's been a trend to not exactly choose any colors and instead have a wildly colorful wedding (this can be done well, and also, not so well). It all depends on the season, venue, and theme of your wedding, what will work and what won't. But you, by no means, have to or even should stick with one or two colors for your wedding day.

A beautifully styled wedding will have one or two main colors, sometimes three, but there are other colors involved too; those, my friends, are accent colors. It's all about color theory. We can start with the basics.

 

http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/31600000/color-wheel-colors-31651206-500-489.jpg

Blue, red and yellow are the primary colors. When mixed, you get the secondary colors, orange, violet, and green. And similarly you get the tertiary colors, red- orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-violet, and red-violet. 

http://www.drawing-and-coloring.com/images/color-wheel-warm-cool.png

When you split the wheel in half you get the warm colors and cool colors. 

This is helpful to know, because using warm colors as the main colors are great for summer and cool are great for winter weddings. Spring and Autumn may be a mix of theses colors. 

Other than staying with warm or cool colors, you can choose your wedding colors based on the rules of basic color theory. 

Analogous Color:

http://www.colormatters.com/images/images1/ctheory_leaf.gif

Any three colors found next to each other on the color wheel. Usually one of these colors will be the MAIN color. This color scheme is in trend right now with ombre weddings. 

Complementary Color: 

http://www.colormatters.com/images/images1/ctheory_orchid.gif

Two colors that sit directly opposite each other on the color wheel. Red/Green. Blue/Orange. Yellow/Purple etc. This example shows Yellow-Green and Red-Violet. But as the picture shows, you don't need to just stick with the two main shades, you can pull darker and lighter shades of your two main colors to accent. 

Triad Colors:

http://www.tigercolor.com/Images/Triad.gif

A triadic color scheme is colors that are evenly spaced from each other on the color wheel. If a triadic color scheme is chosen, one will be the main color and the others will be accent colors. 

Split Complementary:

http://www.tigercolor.com/Images/SplitComplementary.gif

Split complementary colors uses a base color, and unlike with complementary colors, there are two other colors selected that are adjacent to the direct complementary color of the base color. 

Tetradic Colors: 

http://www.tigercolor.com/Images/Tetrad.gif

A color scheme using four colors, arranged into two complementary pairs. Red/Green with Orange/Blue; Yellow/Purple with Blue/Orange, etc. If using this scheme, again, only one color should be the dominate color. You must also consider the balance of your warm and cool colors. 

Square Colors:

http://www.tigercolor.com/Images/Square.gif

The square color scheme uses four colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel. Again, pay attention to the balance of warm and cool colors and let one of these colors dominate the color scheme.

A real life example, you ask?

My best friend is getting married in September, in Washington, it's that sweet spot between summer and autumn. You get the best of both worlds around here, the weather is normally still warm, not too hot or too cold yet. And the leaves are just beginning to change, so we aren't in full autumn swing yet, but we are just getting past the summer heat and long days of sunshine. The colors she chose are a deep purple, we'll call it eggplant, and dark gray. Instead of sticking with those two, I suggested. Using pale green, a lighter silver, and lighter shades/slightly different hues of eggplant (which falls into a red-violet category). Using a little mix of analogous color and complimentary colors will not only enhance the main colors but will make it easier to find colors to decorate the entire event. When trying to stick to one color, and one shade of that color, matching becomes a bigger task than necessary and the event can look a little bland.  

The mood board I put together for my friend to show her a great way to highlight her two main colors with examples from centerpieces and bouquets. 

Your Wedding Personality

Now that you know the season and hopefully the exact date, and maybe general location of your wedding you can ask yourself the next question...
What's your wedding personality? AKA the theme of your wedding? Knowing this will lead to the planning of colors, specific setting, decor, bridal and bridal party garb, etc. To achieve a well styled wedding, you have to figure out your wedding personality.
Some examples, you ask?

Whimsical?

http://weddingsparrow.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/whimsical-wedding-fl-04.jpg

Country?

http://www.joyfoleyweddings.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/country-wedding-1.jpg

Rock and Roll?

http://www.rocknrollbride.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/LVXSiGHT_004-853x1280.jpg

Fairytale?

http://a4.typepad.com/6a0120a65f64b9970c01774394b29c970d-pi

Vintage?

http://perfect-wedding.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/6f10b_vintage-wedding-dress-ideas.jpg

Obviously there are many more possibilities for wedding themes, but you get the picture. Find out what works for you and your future spouse. Maybe it's a very obvious common interest or hobby that brought you together in the first place, like comicon, or you're weekend hobby is fishing, or square-dancing. And maybe you blend your future spouses interests with yours and you end up with an "I'm a little bit country, you're a little bit rock-and-roll" type wedding theme. Maybe you go with a modern fairytale. The possibilities are pretty much endless. Once you know your wedding personality, you can move on to more planning fun!