Fresh Ideas For the Mother of the Bride
There was a time when being the mother of the bride meant that you would be forced to wear a frumpy pale blue dress with a big corsage that made you look like the Queen Mum. No matter how stylish she was in real life, the fashions designed for the bride’s mom made her look and feel more like the grandmother of the bride. Happily, these days there are fresh and appealing ways that the bride’s mother can look appropriate while feeling fabulous.
One of the biggest changes has been in what clothing is deemed suitable for the mother of the bride. Forget the polyester chiffon nightmare that your mom had to wear; today’s styles are chic and up-to-date. A great trend for mothers of the bride is that some of the better designers of bridesmaid dresses have turned their hands to creating equally stylish options for the other members of the bridal party.
Strapless dresses are one new idea for the mother of the bride. This will of course depend on your comfort level with revealing your arms, but many moms these days are as fitness-oriented as their daughters, with the toned arms to prove it! If you have triceps like Michelle Obama, then by all means, go ahead and show them off with a sleeveless or strapless dress for your daughter’s wedding. If propriety is an issue for a religious ceremony, it is simple enough to add a shrug, shawl, or bolero to wear for the service.
Another new trend for the bride’s mother is to wear accessories that are almost as stunning as what the bride herself has chosen. Of course you would not dream of wearing a tiara to your daughter’s wedding, but a sparkling brooch makes a wonderful accent for an updo or to sweep the hair back from your face. Mothers of the bride are also wearing really fabulous wedding jewelry these days. You do not have to limit yourself to a demure strand of pearls . If you have always loved pearl jewelry, treat yourself to a dramatic strand of black or peacock pearls to wear for the wedding. You can also turn to fabulous sparkling Swarovksi crystal jewelry in rich and sophisticated colors like amber or amethyst.
Traditionally the mother of the bride wore a floral corsage pinned to her dress. There is nothing wrong with this, but you also have other options to consider. One of the freshest ideas is for the mothers of the bride and groom to forgo the corsage and carry a small posey of flowers down the aisle instead. With the rising popularity of strapless dresses for the mother of the bride, wrist corsages have also seen a comeback. If your preference is to keep the mom’s flowers on her dress, a very pretty and modern look is to pin the corsage to a sash or belt around the waist of her dress.
Just as bridesmaids no longer have to wear hoop skirts, poufy sleeves, and pastel hats, the mothers of the bride and groom will find that their time to look stylish has come as well. The current trends in mother of the bride attire give each woman the chance to express her personal style. Not only will you look beautiful for your daughter’s wedding, you will actually be able to wear a dress that reflects your own unique taste (with the bride’s approval, naturally!).
Laura is interested in wedding planning and wedding trends including jewelry,receptions and gifts. Wedding jewelry like black pearls is the perfect accent for a sophisticated mother of the bride ensemble.
What do you think of veils?
I’m not sure that I like veils all that much. It definitely makes the bride look like a REAL bride that you always imagined but…. I don’t know…
What do you think of not wearing a veil?
My hair will be about chest length with extensions for a more full effect. I’m doing a half-up hairstyle with curls in the hair that’s down.
My dress: Davids Bridal —Style T9309 (type in search box)
If I didn’t wear a veil, would a tiara or hairpiece look fine on it’s own? Or does my dress kind of demand that a veil goes with it?
Ten Tacky Things To Avoid At Your Wedding
Sometimes in the midst of planning their wedding, impressionable couples can have a tough time sorting out the good ideas from the bad. Just because you have seen something done at another wedding does not necessarily mean that is is okay to include at your own. Ten tacky things to avoid are:
1. A dollar dance with the bride. I don’t care how many times you have seen this done, it is never acceptable. And no, you should not have a “money tree” either.
2. A cash bar. These people are your guests – you cannot expect them to pay for your reception. You didn’t call them up and ask them to pay for your wedding gown or bridal jewelry, did you? Graciously serve what you can afford. If that means beer and wine instead of French champagne, that is perfectly fine. Or create a signature drink; it is a very stylish way to avoid the expense of a full open bar.
3. Speaking of the wedding gown, be very wary of lace-up or corset backs. Unless they are done extremely well by an expert in corset construction, they just look trashy. Also beware the danger of back fat squishing through the laces – very unsightly, and it can happen to almost anyone, no matter how slim she may be.
4. While we are on the subject of the bridal ensemble, let’s talk about accessories. You will surely want to be fully bejeweled on your wedding day, from your hair on down to your feet. Remember, though, to keep it tasteful, and to balance your bridal jewelry with your other accents. For instance, if you are wearing a grand and opulent tiara, chose a delicate pendant instead of a three inch wide rhinestone choker to adorn your neck. You want your to wear your accessories, not to have them wear you!
5. For the gentlemen – don’t try to get too creative with your black tie. A vest or cumberbund in a color that ties in with the bridesmaids’ dresses is fine, but one covered with cartoon characters crosses the line. And need I even mention that a tuxedo print t-shirt is frightening, not clever?
6. This one is for the guests: the invitation is meant only for those to whom it was addressed. That means that you cannot bring your children or your cousin visiting for the weekend, unless they were specifically invited.
7. Bridesmaid abuse. Please remember that your bridesmaids are not indentured servants. Being close friends of the bride, they are likely to volunteer to help her go gown shopping, assemble favors, etc., but a bride should not demand that for the one year preceding her wedding these women dedicate every spare minute to preparing for her wedding. Nor can you make unreasonable demands regarding the appearance of your friends. If you liked your someone enough to ask her to be in your wedding in the first place, you should like her enough to let her be herself at the wedding.
8. Including registry information with the wedding invitation. Putting the details about a bridal registry on the invitation makes it look like the guest must bring a present in order to be admitted to the reception. While most guests will probably be happy to give the newlyweds a gift to help them start off their new life together, it is not mandatory.
9. And while we are on the subject of gifts, here is one of the tackiest things of all: neglecting to send thank you notes for each and every gift. Handwritten notes, not some generic pre-printed thing left on the tables at the reception, and for heaven’s sake, no e-mails! There is a common misconception that a couple has a year after the wedding to send out thank you notes. This is inaccurate – the year is the time span during which it would be considered proper for a guest to send out a wedding gift. The easiest way to handle thank you notes is to write them within a week of receiving the gift. That way, the excitement of opening the package is still fresh in your mind, and it is much easier to be sincere.
10. This last one is also for the guests: no snickering about whether the bride is “pure” enough to wear white!
Bridget Mora writes about jewelry,weddings and fashion for SilverlandJewelry
Pick out fabulous sterling silver bridal jewelry and really unique bridesmaid gifts for your bridesmaids.
10 Ways to Get Perfect Wedding Hair
There isn’t a female alive that hasn’t had a bad hair day or worse a bad hair cut or style.
That’s why, when the special day rolls around, it’s extremely important to have all the wedding hair well set up and prepared months in advance to ensure that there aren’t any last minute problems that could derail the entire celebration.
It’s a good thing, then, that so many women have experienced such incredible joy and or sadness with regards to this topic that there is an overwhelming amount of firsthand accounts that offer very specific guidelines to keep a bride away from potential hair disasters.
The first thing to remember is to choose a hairstyle well in advance of picking the veil or headpiece.
That will keep a bride from having a style that looks fabulous without the added extras, and then not so good when the tiara is finally wrestled into place.
The accessories and the hair have to work together to form a cohesive look, and one absolutely will not work without the benefit of the other.
Next up you need to visit your selected stylist at least six months in advance of the wedding day.
The longer the bride and the stylist have to work together without the stress of the special day bearing down on them, the more likely they are to come up with a truly original style that the bride will love. This will be in part because there will be time to make mistakes, and recover from them.
The third thing to consider when dealing with wedding hair is to choose more than one look to have the stylist work with so that there are more options to come up with something spectacular, as opposed to the stylist having one hairdo to work with and if it starts to have any problems, there will be nowhere to go with it.
If your reception, or any part of it, is going to be held outside, you will need to make sure your wedding hair takes this into account and that you choose a style that’s a bit more robust.
Hair that will last hours on end may not react the same when the elements get involved and the last thing a new bride wants is for her hair to fall flat or be blown askew right in the middle of one of the most important days of her life.
Be sure to keep the hairstyle, the dress, and the overall theme in sync when contemplating a particular look.
If the wedding is traditional in style and the dress mirrors this distinction, it would not be appropriate to have a whimsical messy bun as it would look out of place with the rest of the plans.
The same can be said if a bride has chosen a beach wedding with a low key dress, and then decides to ask the stylist to give her a tight updo that looks like it belongs in a ballroom far far away.
It’s always worth spending a bit of money in advance so that you get a strong cut that compliments your features because it will mean that your hair will need far less styling when your big day finally arrives.
Saving money by not going this route will only end up sacrificing the ability to have the hair as perfect as it otherwise would have been.
Make sure you wear a button down shirt when getting the hair done before the big occasion. It is ironic that something so simple could make or break a smooth transition for flawless wedding hair, but it is one hundred percent accurate.
If the hair is ready to go and is exactly as it should be, pulling a shirt up and over the head can pull pins out, cause hair to frizz, and curls to loosen.
If a bride is going to remove her veil, tiara, or wedding jewelry after the ceremony, plan ahead of time to make adjustments to the style so that when the accessory is removed, the second half of the day and evening isn’t spent with a lovely hairdo that becomes a disaster.
Last but not least, bring the veil, tiara, or hair jewelry to the hairdresser from the very beginning.
It is important that the hair and the things that will go in it are all at the same place at the same time in order ensure that the styles will be a strong mixture of the image that’s desired.
Hair styles can change in an instant due to the invention of clip on extensions and the like, but if a bride wants to have truly unforgettable wedding hair, she will heed the advice of those that came before her, and use their knowledge to assure success.
For more insider tips to get amazing wedding hair be sure to check out My Lavish Wedding.
Headband/Tiara style help?
I’m planning on getting a pearl necklace and other pearl jewelery for my wedding. I’m looking online at headbands/tiara’s to wear and there’s too many nice ones to choose from! I’m just wondering what people’s opinions are since I’m going to be wearing pearls. Should my headband also have pearls? Or would it look alright to wear a nice silver headband with some light blue jewels in it? Any help is appreciated! Thanks!
How to Wear Your Tiara
Want to look like a princess on your wedding day? With so many tiaras to choose from, it’s hard to limit yourself to just one! The trick is to choose a style that complements your dress, your hairstyle and one that suits your face shape. Here’s how:-
Wearing a veil. If you choose to wear a veil and a tiara you can pin the veil at the top of your head, just behind the tiara. Any details on the tiara such as pearls and crystals should match any decoration on the veil and both should co-ordinate with your dress. This option is best for round face shapes.
Hair Down. If you are wearing your hair down the ideal choice is to wear a crown. These are completely circular in design. Choose a light style and wear centrally on top of your head. These are beautiful accessories and if you choose to wear a crown with your hair up make sure your hair is higher than the crown. The hair-down style with crown is best for oval face shapes.
Hair Up: If you wear your hair up it is wise to choose a petite design that does not sit too high and dominate your face. Choose one that is attached to a comb and can easily slide into your hair, concealing the comb completely. Alternatively choose an Alice Band type tiara to sit low on your head – again the detail on the band should co-ordinate with your dress. This style is best for long face shapes.
Hair Half-Up. Wearing your hair half up is a flexible option that will complement lots of styles. The most suitable is a traditional tiara that reaches a slight peak in the centre. It is usually embellished with pearls, crystals or semi-precious stones. Most tiaras have loops at each end, enabling Kirby grips to slot in and secure it in place. Your hair should conceal the sides and ends of the tiaras. This style of tiara is best for heart-shaped faces.
How to Choose the Perfect Headpiece and Veil for Your Facial and Body Features
All brides want to be beautiful on their wedding day, and often it is easy for them to picture themselves in a wedding gown. But once something is placed upon the head, the whole perception of self-image is altered. A well-designed veil will accent or de-emphasize certain facial or body features if chosen thoughtfully, as well as match the bride’s personality, reflect the gown’s features, and conform to the formality of the wedding and reception.
The headpiece should be ornate enough for the gown and not look like an afterthought. It is a very condensed area and therefore may be more heavily beaded than the gown. Many brides have been misinformed and feel that if their gown very ornate they should opt for a very small, simple, and inexpensive headpiece, when they should be concerned that the overall effect is a balanced one. The area framing the face is not a very good area to skimp on since it is the most viewed area of the bride both in person and in photography.
If it is possible to find or design a headpiece with some of the gown’s prominent features a finished look will result. Be sure to use the same or very similar types of materials in your headpiece. It is ok, however, if the pattern itself varies. If in doubt, stick to an entirely beaded or floral headpiece to avoid conflict.
Try to keep the styling of the headpiece in sync with your gown as well. Modern and contemporary gowns look great with beaded combs, tiaras, back pieces, asymmetricals, and forehead pieces. Traditional gowns fare well with beaded combs, tiaras, floral bandeaus, asymmetricals, hats and wreaths. Very formal gowns almost require a tiara, pillbox, Juliet cap, mantilla, or crown.
In general, the best veil lengths are the waist-length and gown-length veils. These hit natural stopping points, and do not interfere with the gown’s lines. Formal weddings almost beg for long veils (at least 6” past the train); and the illusion is very sheer so your gown will not be hidden underneath the veil at all. Detachable veils help to make these much more practical and comfortable. Fingertip veils tend to be the least flattering of all to both the bride and the gown.
A well-designed headpiece will accent or de-emphasize certain facial features if chosen thoughtfully. For example, a wreath or halo effect will round and shorten a face. Pointed tiaras, which are taller in the center than the sides, will slim a face.
As a general rule of thumb, any headpiece, which is tall and/or narrow, will slim and lengthen a face. Subsequently, a low and/or wide headpiece may shorten or widen a face. Therefore, if the bride wishes to de-emphasize a round face, she should avoid a round headpiece such as a wreath.
Keep in mind that the veiling may also alter your appearance. Long veils will lengthen and slim a body while shorter veils may emphasize the waist and hip area. Edged veils also tend to call attention to their ending areas, especially a waist-length veils which ends in the midsection. Probably to best way to get the full effect is to stand about 10 feet from the mirror and be sure that you are creating the image you have long dreamed of.
Below are some tips to help in the selection process:
1. To assure a uniform look, try to bring out your favorite features on your wedding gown.
2. You have spent a great deal of time on your gown, but how many pictures will actually show that train? And how many will show your face? Don’t skimp here!
3. The correct veil length should generally hit at the waist or at least 6 inches past the train to avoid conflict with the lines of the gown. The train was designed to have long, flowing lines, and a fingertip veil will typically disrupt the lines creating a choppy, disharmonized look.
4. Try to find detachable veils if you would like a lighter look for the reception without messing up your wedding day hairstyle.
5. If you desire to slim or lengthen your face, try to implement long, slim lines in your headpiece and veiling. For example, try pointed tiaras or combs higher in the center than the sides.
6. For a long, thin face choose a more round looking ensemble. Wider, shorter tiaras and combs, brim hats, wreaths, and the like are often quite flattering.
7. A gown-length veil will also help to slim your figure! Think streamlined! Fingertip veils accent your hips!!
8. Stand back from the mirror to get the overall effect with both the gown and veil on. Don’t tip your head down and look up at the mirror, because that is not how everyone else will see you.
9. Consider having your headpiece and veil custom designed by a professional bridal milliner who will measure the correct veil length on you. Many upscale salons will offer this or will measure and have their suppliers create exactly what will make your guests say, “What a beautiful bride!” rather than, “What a beautiful gown/veil!”
Please contact Cheryl for more information by email: aveillady@aol.com; by phone: 919/365-4462; or visit the website: http://www.chantillylaceofwendell.com.
“The Famous Veil Lady from North Carolina”
(according to Bridal Sources Magazine)
Copyright 1993, revised 2004
Cheryl King is the Chief Designer for Cheryl King, Ltd. Her designs can be found at her retail salon, Chantilly Lace of Wendell in Wendell, NC by appointment, as well as in leading bridal salons nationwide. She also has her designs featured in the editorials of bridal magazines. Mrs. King has been designing couture headpieces and veils since 1989, and also used natural pearls, sterling, and gold filled wire. Each piece is lovingly made by hand to your specifications. You may contact her at ckingltd@aol.com, or by phone at 919.365.4462.
What’s your wedding dress budget?
Out of interest, how much are you spending on your wedding dress?
Including the dress, crinolines (if needed), veil and tiara etc.
Are you over budget?
Are you getting the dress you want for the price you can afford?
If so…how?
How to wear Wedding Tiaras
Time for Tiaras (part 1) where Liz Carter and James Davis show us a selection of beautiful Tiaras from Gemondo.com!
Bridal Accessories Which Will Make You Look Your Best on Your Big Day
So you’ve already chosen the perfect wedding dress that you have been dreaming of since you were a little girl. What should be next on your agenda? After working long hours and going through endless fittings, the next thing that you need to take into consideration when planning your perfect wedding ensemble are your bridal accessories. Would you go for a veil, a tiara or would you rather let your wedding dress speak for itself? When it comes to your jewelry bridal accessories, will you go for white diamonds or is a little bit of color fine for you? The task of deciding which wedding accessories and bridal accessories you will go for on your wedding day should be a fun one – so do it with your bridesmaids and have a fun time while you’re at it!
So how can you select which bridal accessories would look perfectly set against the whiteness of your wedding gown? Actually, selecting bridal accessories is a matter of personal preference. However, one of the major decisions that you need to make is whether or not a veil or a covering for your head should be part of your wedding accessories. Traditionally, veils or hats are an essential part of a bride’s wedding accessories – but today, it’s more a question of whether the covering for the head will suit your wedding dress or not. Again, the wedding accessories that you have on should suit your wedding dress and not the other way around. For example, if you have a wedding gown which dips low in the back and you want this to be highlighted, do not go for a long veil which will cover the back of your gown. Instead, opt for a shorter one that will cover the front of your head.
Now, when it comes to the jewelry items which will be part of your wedding accessories – it’s all a matter of personal preference. You may want to wear a family heirloom which can be set against your wedding dress. Or, if you want an all-new jewelry set, shop around for pearl earnings and necklaces or a diamond necklace – the possibilities when it comes to your jewelry bridal accessories are practically endless. You may also want to opt for a tiara instead of a veil. If you do, you can choose one which is made of rhinestones, real diamonds or an elegant semi-precious stone.
The less-is-more fashion maxim will always work when you are in the process of choosing the wedding accessories that will work for you. Always try the accessories that you have chosen while you are wearing the dress – so that you can see whether they complement each other. For example, if you just cannot live without your long diamond earrings, keep the rest of your other wedding accessories to a minimum. Choose one piece which will serve as the highlight of your bridal ensemble – and stick to the basics when it comes to your other bridal accessories. Again, selecting the set of accessories that you will wear to complement your perfect wedding dress on your wedding day is one of the best parts of wedding planning, so have fun with it!
Our site is where you can get information about the wedding accessories that you can wear. If you want to maximize your bridal accessories we are your best resource.