How to save & clean dress after your big day?
By 21 Bridal 2012-02-13 |
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The wedding day is over, and there lies your beautiful dresses that spent your much money on. Rather than placing it on a hanger and shoving it in the back of the closet to yellow, opt for cleaning your gown and displaying it in a nice box. After all, someday your daughter might ask you if she can wear it for her big day.
About Cleaning
The best possible way to thoroughly clean a wedding dress before storing it is to take the dress to a high-quality, professional cleaner that specializes in wedding attire and evening gowns. However, if the gown is still very clean with only a few small stains, there are ways a person can treat or spot-clean the dress at home.
1. Determine which fabric the wedding dress is made of. If the garment is silk, lace or a vintage gown, it's better to have it cleaned by a professional.
2. Inspect the dress thoroughly to locate any stains, including stains from perspirations, foods, liquids and makeup. If the wedding dress is full-length, the hem will most likely have collected dirt.
3. Use a white, dry, absorbent cloth to gentle bolt the satin after applying an appropriate cleaning fluid, as described in the next step. Before applying any liquid or cleaning agent to a stain, test it on a less visible section of fabric to avoid discoloring the dress.
4. Apply hydrogen for wine, sweat and blood stains. Hydrogen peroxide can bleach fabrics, however, so don't let it sit on the fabric for too long if the dress is any color other than white. For ink stains, apply a light spray of hairspray. For oily stains such as makeup or food, apply a dry cleaning solvent or a mixture of soap and water.
5. After blotting up as much of the stain as possible, apply a few drops of white vinegar and blot again. Next, flush the area of fabric with water, blot again and then allow the area to dry.
6. To clean a dirty hem, soak the hemline for a few hours in warm water mixed with detergent, being careful to keep the rest of the dress out of the water. With a toothbrush, gently rub the hemline with the sudsy water to loosen all dirt. Flush thoroughly with water.
7. Don't hang a wedding dress on a hanger to dry after spot cleaning it. Wet fabric is heavy, and the dress could stretch or rip. Instead, place the dress over a clean drying rack. The rack should be plastic coated or vinyl coated, as splinters from a wooden one could tear the dress or rust from a metal one could stain the dress.
About Preserving
If you take as much care in preserving your dress as you did in choosing it, it can be enjoyed as a family heirloom for generations to come.
1. Save the bag your dress came in, or bring along a plastic bag to protect the dress en route to the cleaner.
2. Select a professional dry cleaner, preferably one that specializes in formal gowns. Ask for recommendations from friends and your bridal shop or seamstress.
3. Get the dress to the cleaner as soon as possible after your wedding.
4. Alert the cleaner to any stains - a drop of bubbly, a smudge of lipstick from that first kiss - as well as to any ornaments that were glued rather than sewn on (these pieces are prone to fall off during the cleaning process) and to loose stitches. This information will ensure that your cleaner can give your dress the best care possible.
5. Ask your cleaner for a special acid-free box to store your dress in, and pack it in acid-free tissue paper. You can also hang the dress by the bodice by sewing straps that are a bit shorter than the bodice onto the waist, placing on a padded hanger and wrapping in a clean white cotton sheet.
6. Store the dress in a temperate, dry place, out of direct sunlight.
7. Inspect your dress on each anniversary to check for any discolored areas or missed stains and to allow your dress to "breathe."
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How to clean and preserve wedding dress after wedding?
By 21 Bridal 2012-05-30 |
How to clean and preserve wedding dress is the study of the brides, bought wedding dress, after the wedding, we should carefully kept it in the bottom of suitcase. However, if you entrust it easily on the streets of small laundries, may regret it for life ,As maintenance of wedding dresses is very different with other precious clothing. But as long as to master a few tips ,it is not difficult for our own cleaning and preservation wedding dress.
First,look carefully about the wedding dress material, attached to small beads, and what is particular about a small flash chip when purchasing. Wash dress, wet cleaning is the key, because the small wedding decorations, such as beaded trims, and can not stand the erosion of dry cleaning chemicals, the best method is to mix into a modest wedding, neutral detergent in water , soak for a while, this wine can be washed the banquet, Hun and other stains left behind, more bubbles for a while, even the invisible stains such as perspiration, wine stains can be removed. Wedding wash, dry thoroughly, you can collect up to store in a cool dry place, such as a closet or under the bed, remember, do not hang up the wedding, because, the older the course of time, there are so weighty points wedding will produce vertical force, stretching or even tearing the skirt body.
There are two small problems to be mentioned: First, be sure to wash your hands before collection of wedding gowns, do not glue cosmetics, or over time, there will be a small yellow spot on it; there, the big wedding dress hoop can be reversed up collection, but every year sunning clothes, hoop skirt to restitution, lest it loses its elasticity.
Must be careful not to let Washing articles run into beads, please direct use of a large drum channel can dress flooded water level, washing powder soaked clothes for some time in the mixing click on it and then ironing, need to be careful when hot Oh, do not use too high a temperature.
If the less polluting, use alcohol to wash, if there is oil, it is necessary with detergent.
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Know Something about Cleaning Methods
By 21 Bridal 2012-05-30 |
A big mistake many people make is leaving their dress in the closet for many weeks, months, or even years after the wedding. Stains – even invisible ones that will become darker and more visible with age – begin to set over time, which makes them harder to remove down the road. Age and exposure to sunlight can cause the fabric to weaken and yellow. Bring or ship the dress to a cleaner or preservation company within six weeks after the wedding, writes Kelly Crapser, spokesperson for 7show Bridal gown preservation in an e-mail.
All is not lost, however, even if you have waited longer than six weeks to clean your gown. Jim Parham, president of WedClean in Orlando, Fla., says his company handles thousands of dresses per year and sometimes people send them in after 20 years for restoration. Often, if the fibers of the fabric are still strong enough, Parham and his crew can restore the gown, he says. But it will likely be more affordable and safer to have it cleaned and preserved right after the wedding.
Reputation Counts
Many brides just use the preservation company or cleaner recommended by the bridal shop where they purchased their gown. But you might want to do a little research and ask questions about the reputation and experience of the cleaner. You should send your gown to dry cleaners who have experience with bridal gowns and handle the dresses in house, rather than shipping them somewhere else. Wright warns brides about wholesale companies because few brides who use them can tell if their garment has been cleaned or not because the garment is sealed for eternity and if you open it, your guarantee becomes null. Ask how many wedding dresses the company or cleaner preserves in a given year. Have them explain the process that your dress will go through under their care. Express any concerns that you have.
Know Something about Cleaning Methods
While you don’t have to be an expert in how to clean a wedding gown, you should know a few things about the standard practices. This will help you determine if you want to leave your dress with a particular cleaner or not. Ask if the cleaner uses Perchloroethylene, known as Perc for short. This chemical is sometimes used by dry cleaners, but it’s too abrasive for wedding gowns. It can melt the beading and damage delicate fabrics, says Wright. Also, she adds that you should find out if the cleaner will be using a freshly distilled or virgin solvent for your dress. This is what you want because old solvent often picks up oils from previous garments and causes that “dry cleaner” smell, says Wright. Your gown should have no odor after the preservation process is complete.
Get a Guarantee
Before committing to a wedding gown preservationist, ask if he or she offers guarantees and bridal inspections, suggests Crapser. It’s the only way to protect yourself if the garment comes back and has not actually been cleaned or stored properly. She adds that you should find out if the company or cleaner has a customer service department that can help you and answer your questions throughout the process.
Go with the Flow
Realize that sometimes – rare as it may be – stains are so set into the fabric that there’s not much the cleaner can do without putting the garment at risk of further damage. “Some brides have a great attitude,” says Cathleen Paciello, national account executive at Wedding Gown Preservation Company in Endicott, N.Y. “They say, ‘It’s okay that you couldn’t get out that [stain]. It was part of my day.’” Paciello’s advice to brides is to have fun and let the professional cleaners worry about the stains later. In fact, one wild bride from California jumped into the ocean in her wedding gown and sent the soaking wet dress directly to Wedding Gown Preservation Company. Although Paciello admits that about four people nearly passed out when they opened the box with that moldy dress, they somehow got it cleaned.
Whether you decide to get your dress professionally preserved or not, you should consider properly storing it at home. That means the dress should be placed either under the bed or in a closet free from sunlight and moisture. You should also never leave your wedding gown in the plastic garment bag because it can cause the fabric to yellow. If you take good care of it, your dress will serve as a constant reminder of your glorious wedding day.
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Wedding Gown Preservation Guide
By 21 Bridal 2012-05-30 |
Your wedding gown probably fit you as well as your new spouse does. When you tried it on, it was a dream. Now that the wedding is over, you might not want to part with the perfect dress you wore on your big day. If you want to keep your dress – and keep it in good condition – you’ll have to get it cleaned and preserved, which is the process for cleaning and properly packaging your dress for storage.
“If brides don’t properly care for their dress, it’s almost as if they’re throwing it away,” says Kathy Wright, owner of Heritage Garment Preservation in Benicia, Calif. After all, over time, stains will set, the gown may turn yellow, and the fabric could be damaged.
Wedding gown preservation costs anywhere from $150 to $500, depending on the level of service you require and the type of dress you purchased. Usually, you bring or ship your dress to a wedding gown preservation company or dry cleaner that provides this service. Then, a staff person analyzes the fabric, beading, and other details to determine how to best clean it.
The cleaning process often begins with the hem because it is usually the most soiled. Most professionals scrub the hem by hand and spot treat any stains. The biggest culprits are grass, mud, perspiration and body oils, make-up, and sugar (from wedding cake or wine), say professional cleaners. Some of the most difficult stains to remove, say professionals, are Georgia red clay, self-tanner residue, and Wite-Out, which some brides use to cover up other stains that are already appearing before or during the wedding.
After the dress is cleaned and either steamed or pressed, the cleaners properly fold it and place it in an acid-free archival chest with a display window. Sometimes, accessories, such as veils and garters are cleaned and preserved as well. Then, the package is returned to the owner. Depending on the cleaner you use, the waiting time could be anywhere from three to twelve weeks.
Brides who consider wedding gown preservation either want to keep their dress as an heirloom to be passed down to future generations, or they want to resell it. Some want it as a keepsake for themselves or will eventually make it into a Christening outfit or baby bedding for their children, according to the companies that preserve gowns.
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How to Clean and Store Your Wedding Dress ?
By 21 Bridal 2012-05-30 |
Your wedding gown holds memories and hope that you want to preserve. After you’ve enjoyed your wedding day, take the right steps to keep your gown looking its best for years to come.
When shopping for your gown, be sure to ask the sales consultant how the dress should be cleaned. Look for special instructions for the delicate trim, beads or sequins. The Federal Trade Commission requires that each gown have a care label that you should read.
All gowns should be cleaned before storage. Look for a dry cleaner that specializes in wedding gown preservation. Be sure to point out any stains and point out any loose trim or buttons. Also discuss, if you know, how the trim is attached to the dress. Some designers use an adhesive that could dissolve during the dry cleaning process.
Ask your cleaner to allow you to inspect your dress before it is packed in an acid-free box to help prevent contamination. This will prevent surprises when you open your sealed box. There are horror stories of missing dresses and veils or the wrong dress packed away.
Be sure to store the dress in a cool, dry place – never in a damp basement or hot attic. Check your gown once per year to be sure that no previously-undetected stains or yellowing of the fabric are occurring. It’s best to catch problems early.
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How to Choose Color for the 2010 Wedding Dresses?
By 21 Bridal 2012-05-30 |
If you're planning a wedding in 2010, it's time to do away with the white, pastel greens and lilacs of recent years. 2010 wedding trends are centered around bold and bright hues and few pastel color schemes. From vibrant red wedding gowns to bold turquoise accents, here are some of the top color trends for the 2010 wedding, there is a large range of possibilities for wedding dresses.
1.Select the dress. For dresses, black is still a leading trend for the fashion-forward bride that wants to make a bold statement for the Big Day. This color scheme was popular on the Paris fashion runways in 2008 and has remained in the forefront of wedding dress trends in subsequent years. Black dresses embellished with lace and pearls are an attractive choice for the fashionable bride, but you can also consider black piping or embroidery over the classic white dress for variation.
2.Check the gowns. Red wedding gowns are also a top trend for 2010 weddings, especially for the Spring and Fall months. Look for bright red gowns embellished with large satin sashes and bows, or red gowns with black piping and detailing for a fresh new look.
3.Choose bridesmaid dresses. These get a pop of color for 2010 weddings in pink, bright orange or turquoise shades. The bride looking for a fun and playful addition to the wedding can wear a simple cream colored gown with a colorful sash that matches the bridesmaid dresses. Look for dresses embellished with large petals and oversized bows for a stylish look.
4.Consider bright yellow and peach tones; these are also some of the top color trends for the 2010 wedding season, especially for weddings taking place in the spring and summer. Avoid pastels and go for the bold and bright color palettes in these color families for a fashionable look. These color work particularly well for outdoor weddings, beach weddings and tropical-themed weddings.
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How to Plan Your Wedding ?
By 21 Bridal 2012-05-30 |
Planning your wedding is not an easy task and it can be quite stressful. The key is to stay organized. Here are a few tips to get you started.
1.Set a budget. Very important -- you should plan how much you want to spend on each detail of your wedding, and make sure you don't exceed that amount. In some cases but not all, parents of the bride or groom will offer to pay for specific things.
2.Choose a theme. It doesn't have to be anything really specific, but you want there to be a consistent feeling throughout. Make sure the theme is easy to plan and decorate. Everything should be consistent with the theme.
3.Decide on the size of your wedding. Remember to talk this over with your fiance. A dream wedding for one may not be for the other.
4.Choose your venue. Even church venues can charge fees.
5.Choose your officiant (a pastor, or rabbi for example). If they don't charge a fee outright to perform the ceremony, be courteous to pay a generous gratuity for their time.
6.Attend pre-marriage counseling. (optional) This may take a large time commitment, but is worth it in the long-run. Be honest about your desires and expectations for marriage.
7.Set the date. The factors in choosing a date include the availability of your venue, friends and family. Think about who you must have at your wedding, and try to set the date around them.
8.Send out invitations. Be creative; you can make your own and add a personal touch or go to a professional. Send them as early as feasible, for yours to make schedule arrangements. (If Jewish, make sure to get kippots made)
9.Get the gown. Start looking early, months before the wedding. This way you will have plenty of time to make a selection and take care of fitting. In most religions, it is traditional that the mother of both the groom, and bride comes to find the dress, as well as the maid of honour.
10.Select wedding rings. This is a fun task to do together, and symbolizes your devotion to each other. Most couples get matching rings to show that they complete one another's soul.
11.Find a photographer/videographer. Consider a professional for this special occasion, and make sure that they are reliable so that you don't have to worry about forgetting your wedding, for years to come.
12.Decide what type of food and refreshments you will offer at the reception dinner. Try to find a happy medium between what would please your guests and what you can afford. Weigh the pros and cons of hiring a professional caterer, as it's not cheap, but it's one less thing you'll have to handle personally. Some couples choose to base the menu on the culture of the family, or go for something that most people like. (example: italian)
13.Pick a cake. Before settling on a cake it's best to have a tasting first. Also look into a cake that will match your theme, and please both the bride and groom.
14.Hire Your Entertainment. Decide on a band or DJ. It's not recommended to do it yourself with an iPod; there is more to wedding entertainment than just music, they will keep the flow of the event, make announcements, and plan all your special events with you. Each has it's advantages and limitations (this should not be booked last, because all the good bands & wedding DJs get booked first!) The entertainment is crucial and is what makes a wedding one to remember!
15.Decorations. You can usually hire someone that will decorate your wedding, but it can be expense. Find decorations that match your color scheme. Take a visit of the venue and take pictures of how the area looks. You may want to even measure the dimension of the room or area. This will allow you to plan where you want everything go and if you have enough space.
16.Transportation. If you have multiple venues, plan how you will travel from the ceremony location to the reception location. Some couples may choose to rent a limousine or ride in a classic car. If there will be alcohol at the reception, do you have a safe way for you and your bridal party to get home? You may want to ask a friend or relative to be a designated driver for the night. Also, in some families it is tradition to doctorate the couple’s vehicle, so if you have a nice car you may want to keep it at home in the garage.
17.Hotel Rooms. Many couples will rent a “honeymoon” suite the night of their wedding. Also, you may want to reserve a block of rooms for guests that will be attending your wedding. This will usually ensure they all get the best rate.
18.Wedding programs. As with the invitations, you can you have your programs professionally printed or make your own. It’s not recommended that you print your programs much more than a week in advance in case there are any unexpected changes. (such as changes in ushers or candle lighters) If possible, have your officiant proof read the ceremony potion of the program.
19.Plan Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner. You may want to create a schedule for the bridal party for the day of the wedding, so they know what time they need to be places. (hair appointment, photos, ceremony,etc)
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How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Cake and Wedding Cake Topper ?
By 21 Bridal 2012-05-30 |
Choosing the perfect wedding cake and wedding cake topper for your special day can, at first, seem like a major problem for someone who has no idea where to start in the process. If you keep the following ideas in mind, you can have a far better success in achieving the goal of finding the perfect cake.
First of all, consider these following steps...
1.Consider whether or not you have to adhere to a budget. If you do have to consider keeping in the confines of a monetary limit, set that amount firmly in your thoughts and proceed from there. If not, then you will be more likely to find something that is uniquely made and special, just for you.
2.Try and anticipate just exactly how many this confection has to serve. The bigger the number of guests, the bigger the cake will need to be. Coordinating the wedding cake topper with the cake should happen at the same time. Assume that everyone you have invited has responded positively and will, indeed, be coming to the reception. Once you have this number in mind, you can more accurately figure out the size of the cake you will require to serve your guests.
3.See if anyone you know has any recommendations for any bakery that has served them successfully. Look at the various wedding cake toppers to pick the one that you like best. If not, see if there are any bridal fairs being held in your area (many take place in the first month or so of the year) where you can go and see examples of what local speciality bakeries have to offer.
4.Many of them will have portfolios featuring pictures of their past creations to give you a better idea of what they are capable of producing. If you see anything that particularly impresses you, be sure you get one of their business cards so you can make an appointment to meet with them and discuss your needs at a later time.
5.Make an appointment with the one or two bakeries you like to have a cake tasting. At this tasting the bakery will offer you and any who accompany you (like your prospective mate, wedding planner, etc.) several different examples of the flavors of cakes and fillings that they can offer you.
6.Try to have an idea of what you might prefer, as well as the possible preferences of any guests, especially the members of either family, but be open to new combinations you might be offered. These bakeries have a good idea of how big a cake will be needed to serve the number of guests you are expecting.
7.Discuss what kind of cake you would like to have as well as the wedding cake topper that will look best with it. This includes the shape of the cake, what kinds of colors or special decorations you would like to see. Chances are the cake artist will make detailed sketches of what form the cake would take, including how simple or complicated the decoration would be.
8.If you have a preference for cake topper (like a ceramic or porcelain piece or using fresh flowers that reflect those used for the bridal bouquet or other decorations), now is the time to discuss them. Depending on the ingredients used, the amount of labor that goes into the production, size and the use of non-edible decorations like hanging Austrian crystals, all will affect the cost of the cake. It is not unusual for a relatively modest cake to start at $500, with costs going up to $1500 and over for larger creations.
9.If you follow these guidelines, you will find that you have a greater success in getting the perfect cake and topper just for you.
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How to Choose a Wedding Veil ?
By 21 Bridal 2012-05-30 |
After your wedding gown, a veil is one of the most defining aspects of your bridal appearance. Historically a veil was worn to protect the bride from evil spirits; nowadays it is simply considered a beautiful form of adornment. Today’s bride can choose any type of veil she desires, but it is important to understand that a veil is an accessory, and as such only one part of your overall look. You need to consider how it will work with your dress, face shape, body shape, hairstyle and wedding location.
1.Consider Your Dress. One of the most important considerations is selecting a veil that complements your dress.
2.Assess where the key focal points occur on your dress. For example, do you have an embellished bust panel, or perhaps a back detail you’d like to show off? In this case you need to either select a veil that ends before your point of detail, or choose a longer, sheer style that you can see the detailing through.
3.Consider the style and the level of decoration on your gown. In general, if you have quite a simple dress you can carry off a more elaborate veil. However if your dress is very detailed, a simple veil often looks more flattering. Only the most formal of weddings, such as royal weddings; tend to accommodate the combination of both an elaborate dress and veil.
Wedding gowns fall under several different broad styles and your veil needs to work with this style. There’s the classic style, which is formal, symmetrical and usually elaborate in some way. The romantic style possesses an element of softness and usually incorporates lots of attention to detail. The sophisticated style is an understated look that is free from fussy details and the eclectic look is creative with unexpected touches. All of these factors need to be considered when you choose your veil; length, width, color, tiers, and decoration.
4.Consider the different lengths.
Very short veils such as visor veils do not extend past the chin. Visor veils resemble fascinators worn to horse-racing events. If your bridal gown has a high neck detail, this type of veil can work well. They are a good style to pair with sophisticated or eclectic style wedding gowns.
Shoulder length veils are around 20 inches in length. They are perfectly suited to dresses that have bust,waist, or lower back details. However, they are often too informal for classic, formal dresses.
Elbow length veils are approximately 25 inches long, this veil falls to around the elbow. They can work well with romantic ball gown style dresses, because they end where the fullness in the skirt begins.
Waist length veils are just slightly longer then an elbow length veil at approximately 30 inches. They suit most dress styles that do not feature a train.
Fingertip length veils are one of the most popular lengths, when you stretch your arm out it reaches around your fingertips. They are approximately 36 inches long and also suit the majority of dress styles.
Knee length veils are approximately 45 inches and reaches to around your knees. It looks good with mid calf length wedding dresses.
Floor length veils are often referred to as a ballet length veil, they just brush the floor at around 72 inches. They are well suited to full length gowns that do not have a train.
Chapel length veils are slightly shorter then cathedral length; these veils still drape onto the floor. They are typically around 90 inches long. They are best partnered with dresses that feature a train.
Cathedral length veils are the longest and therefore most formal, these veils are usually around 120 inches long and some extend up to nine feet along the ground. They work best with full length, classic wedding gowns.
5.Consider the Width. Veils typically come in three different widths that create varying degrees of fullness at the sides and top.
54 inch width is the sleekest version, with limited fullness at the top and sides. If you want to show off a dress detail that is covered by your veil, this type is sheer enough to accommodate. This style hangs behind your shoulders, which means it is ideally paired with dresses that feature decorative straps or sleeves.
72 inch width is moderate in height and width. It offers some coverage around the arms, so it is a good match for simple shoestring strap dresses. It tends to have a more romantic feel then the 54 inch.
108 inch width is the widest and has the most fullness on top. It comes around to cover the arms. This style is great if you are wearing a strapless dress and would like some coverage around your arms and shoulders. However, it is likely to look too overdone with a sophisticated wedding dress.
6.Think About the Color. Your veil needs to be a suitable color match to your wedding gown. There are several white and ivory shades, pinks, beige and gold. You can also choose between a regular and a shimmer finish. Shimmer veiling offers a distinct shine, which is especially evident under lighting. In contrast regular veiling is matte in appearance. If you want to ensure an exact match, make sure you can order veil swatches to match to your dress.
7.Figure Out How Many Tiers. You can choose between a one, two and three tier veil. The choice is largely dependent on the style of your dress.
A one tier veil is suited to a sophisticated look, but a romantic dress often benefits from a two or three tier veil. Classic dresses also tend to require at least two tiers. Multiple tier veils suit simple hairstyles because your hairstyle will not be clear to view under the layers.
One of the tiers is typically a blusher. This is the part of the veil that is used to cover the brides face during the start of the ceremony.
Today’s bride is free to choose whether she wants a veil that covers her face or not. It’s a purely personal decision; many brides find the idea of their husband lifting their veil for the first kiss very romantic.
If you want to wear a blusher you need to select a tiered veil that allows you to flip the blusher point over your face, or the back of your head before your first kiss. It is also best to select a veil that reaches at least shoulder length, because a blusher measures around 30 inches in length. A veil that is shorter in the back could look strange. Make sure that your blusher is no longer then 30 inches, because otherwise it might get tangled up in your flowers.
8.Choose what Type of Extras if Any Are You Looking For. A veil can be finished in a wide variety of ways. You should select a finish that works with the style of your dress. If your dress is quite simple, you might like to choose a more decorative edge. Structured dresses tend to look good with thicker ribbon edges. Soft, romantic dresses tend to work well with a simple cut edge. It is also a nice idea to subtly mimic any of the details in your dress.
9.Look at what type of Face Shape Do You Have. A veil frames your face, so your face shape is an important denominator in choosing a veil. Consider the following advice for your face shape:
Round face-a round face is virtually as wide as it is long and looks full in appearance. When choosing a veil look for a style that will help make your face look longer and slimmer. It is preferable for your veil to reach at least shoulder length and for it to have some volume on the top of the head. Avoid veils with too much fullness at the sides of the face.
Square face -a square face is typically wide and angular looking. When choosing a veil look for a style that will soften your face and add length. It is preferable for your veil to reach at least shoulder length and for it to have some volume on the top of the head. Circular and cascading styles can help soften the angular nature of your jaw line.
Oval Face-an oval face shape in slightly longer then it is wide, it is similar in appearance to an egg shape. As this face shape is well balanced, you are free to experiment with different veil styles. However, it is a good idea to avoid going extreme in either volume or width, to help maintain your proportions.
Rectangle face-a rectangle face is longer then it is wide and it tends to appear narrow and angular. When choosing a veil look for a style that has width around the face, but no height at the top of the head.
10.Find out Your Body Type. Your veil has the ability to help correct the proportions of your body shape.
If you have a large bust or stomach, you will benefit from wearing a long veil that extends to fingertip length or below. This is because it will help elongate your upper body.
Pear shaped women tend to suit veils that end at shoulder, elbow, or waist level. These lengths draw attention to your smaller points, rather then the width of your hips.
Full figured women should ideally stick to one tier, narrow width veils, because you don’t want to add an extra volume to your body. Tall women can typically carry off longer veils, but shorter women tend to suit veils that are waist height or above.
11.Know What Kind of Hairstyle You Will be Wearing. Your choice in hairstyle plays a role in determining what sort of veil and headpiece you can carry off.
A heavy head piece, long veil, or multiple tiered veil all require a supportive up-do hairstyle like a bun.
A half up/half down hairstyle will work with moderate weight and length veils.
If you intend on wearing your hair all down, then it is probably best to stick to lightweight or shorter designs.
You also need to consider the placement position on your head. Some hairstyles suit a veil that is attached to the front of your head, but others look good with veil that is attached further towards the back.
If you have short hair you will need to attach the veil towards the front of your head.
However, if you have long hair and want to show off an elaborate up-do you will need to position the veil further back. Wide veils typically need to be worn towards the front of your head and veils that do not have gathers look better worn towards the back of the head. Your veil can be attached with a comb and pins or combined with a tiara, crown or headband. It is a good idea to buy your veil well in advance of your wedding date, so that you can take it along to your hair trial.
12.Know The Location of your Wedding. You also need to give some practical consideration to selecting a veil that is suitable for your wedding location.
A cathedral style veil is the ultimate show stopper if you are having a formal wedding in a large church, with several attendants. However it could be disastrous in another setting.
If you are getting married in a small chapel, then it is best to stick to chapel length or shorter. This is because you won’t have the room to show off a long trailing veil. Cathedral length veils also require frequent assistance from attendants.
If you are getting married in an outdoor ceremony, there are extra considerations to be mindful of. You may have sand, wind or dirt to contend with. If you’d like to keep your veil in pristine condition, it is advisable to choose a knee length veil or shorter. However, many brides are happy to live it up for the day and aren’t worried about trailing their veil behind them in the sand at the beach, or along a dirt path in a garden setting.
Also bear in mind that in windy settings a long veil can be difficult to control. Visor veils can work well in these conditions.
You might also like to consider the climate. For example; in hot, humid weather it is not going to be pleasant to be swathed in full layers that could stick to your skin.
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How to Choose a Wedding Florist?
By 21 Bridal 2012-05-29 |
Choosing a wedding florist is like choosing a hair designer.You have to find someone who knows design, color and has some flair. There are ways to weed out the bad ones! Don't get a quick-fix for the most important party of your life!
1.Visit websites and look for style and an address of a real business. Try and remember someone who does work from their basement may not be in business when you are ready to walk down the aisle. Some are wonderful, too, just be smart about the contract.
2.Attend bridal shows. Look at the floral displays available.
3.Talk to friends for possible referrals.
4.Talk to vendors, photographers, banquet managers, hair stylists, and wedding gown salespeople. They all have had experience with florists, and will be great resources of information.
5.Look at pictures of various florists' work.
6.Come with a BUDGET in mind.
7.Interview at least three florists. Bring the following items with you as you interview each of the florist:
Swatches of fabric for bridesmaids dress, if you have them.Pictures from magazines that have captured your imagination.A picture of the wedding dress.A list with the number of bridesmaids, flower girls, groomsmen, fathers, mothers, and grandparents. This list will determine the number of bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres that are needed.Have an approximate number of tables being used at the reception.Know the number of people in your wedding party and an approximate number of guests.
8.Ask the florist and yourself the following questions:
Do they get you?
Do they get a sense of your style and budget?
How many events do they book per day?
Do you feel comfortable with them?
A good rapport is essential.
9.Keep notes during the consultation, and compare prices and design, but remember, don't compare apples to oranges, meaning don't go to the flower shop that made Aunt Ann's funeral flowers, then go to a wedding florist.
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How to Personalize Your Wedding?
By 21 Bridal 2012-05-29 |
Instead of letting a wedding planner or catering consultant turn your wedding into another cookie cutter event, use your imagination to make the event one-of-a-kind. Creativity can help to make any wedding look like it cost a million dollars.
1.Consider all your invitation options. Don't limit yourself to the conservative engraved variety. How about one that's folded -- origami style -- into a crane? Why not use a delicate blue or shell pink paper stock instead of white? Simple is always better for a bride. Engraved is nice, but a small wedding might use calligraphy -- or even your own personally handwritten invitation. Did you fall in love while on vacation? How about printing the invitation on a postcard from the site of your meeting?
2.Choose interesting mood music. Here Comes the Bride is traditional but boring. No one will call a halt to the proceedings if you choose the Toreador song from Carmen or Love Will Keep Us Together by the Captain & Tennille. Pick a song that has real meaning for you both.
3.Instead of rounding up the usual catering suspects, call on your favorite restaurant and see if they can provide the wedding goodies. And it doesn't have to be a dinner. An early wedding brunch after a sunrise ceremony or an intimate supper following a late afternoon wedding are more glamourous than the usual reception. Pick foods you love, not run of the mill chicken-or-fish. Can you serve chili and beer? Why not? Mushroom risotto and a 100% vegan menu? Absolutely.
4.Make it your celebration. And don't forget dessert. The wedding cake can be the usual bridal delight, or you can let your fantasy take sweet flight...cakes come in virtually any shape, size or configuration. They can be covered with real flowers, or dripping in edible pearls. The happy couple can be displayed in icing, or the cake can pay homage to the hobby that brought you together. It's your choice to make.
5.Don't forget the personalized M&Ms. Yes, it's true. You can pick your own M&M colors and have them monogrammed or printed with your name (short names work best...this is an M&M we're talking about). You get two lines of 8 letters/spaces. Enough for an I Love You, or your wedding date, and a choice of 13 colors, including silver. An 8 oz. bag is 8.50.
6.Have a Special Friend or Family Member Officiate Your Wedding You are not limited to your priest, with the proper preparation anyone of your choosing can legally conduct your wedding ceremony. See information on Becoming Ordained to prepare your choice of an officiant.
7.Consider a theme wedding. It is a perfect opportunity to incorporate your personalities and passions into your special day. If you have always dreamed of royalty for a day, plan a formal wedding. Alternatively, maybe you prefer a different kind of royalty of the glamour of old Hollywood. Be creative - the possibilities are endless.
8.Thrill your grandparents by adding a touch of your personal heritage with some traditional food. For example, a Russian feast may not excite you but you can consider serving some small cups of borscht soup. Whatever your background is, there must be some delicious items that you can incorporate into your menu.
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How to Save Money on Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception?
By 21 Bridal 2012-05-29 |
You are getting married and want a beautiful event, yet you need to stick to a tight budget. This is a problem that faces many brides. Don't worry; there are ways to have your dream wedding without breaking the bank.
1.Prioritize! Make a list of the most important things you want for your wedding and have your fiancé do the same. Are you most committed to having gorgeous flowers, inviting 400 people, hosting the wedding at a particular location, or serving filet mignon and lobster? Knowing your priorities before the planning starts will help you decide what to spend money on, and what you don't mind doing cheaply or doing without.
2.Trim the guest list. This is difficult but sometimes necessary if the cost per guest is going to break your budget. Cross off names on the list of guests who might feel obligated to come to the wedding if they are invited, but would not have their feelings hurt if they are not asked to attend. Think of inviting only relatives with whom you have a close relationship instead of everyone related to you. Invite only the people who are important to you and your parents, rather than everyone you know.
3.Reduce the number of people in your bridal party. You have to buy nice gifts for every member of your bridal party, and that adds up. Plus, traditionally, the entire bridal party plus their dates are invited to the rehearsal dinner. Seven bridesmaids and seven groomsmen, all their dates, ring bearer and flower girls, and their families, plus both sets of parents and all the readers in the ceremony, plus officiant could add up to 40+ people to feed!
4.Have your wedding ceremony and reception held at a hotel, and ask for discounts when family and friends are staying at same hotel. Reserve a block of rooms for your guests several months before the wedding for the best rates. Speak with the appropriate manager when asking for discounts and reserving rooms.
5.Consider having a friend or family member conduct the wedding ceremony. This can save several hundred dollars which your minister may charge. See information on Becoming Ordained to set up your choice of an officiant.
6.Consider a country or small town wedding. Venues, catering, and florists tend to be cheaper in small towns than in large metro areas.
7.Stick to the schedule for your ceremony and reception. Musicians will charge more if asked to perform beyond the time stated in their contract. You will also incur additional limo charges if your event runs longer than planned.
8.If you don't know any musicians yourself, call local college music departments rather then browsing the yellow pages. Students will be cheaper than professionals.
9.Have your ceremony and reception in the same location to simplify things and save you money. There will be no need for limos to take you to the second location. Many churches have halls that are equipped to handle wedding receptions at reasonable fees - especially if you are a member.
10.Ask friends to lend their talents by helping out with such things as invitations, flowers, and programs. Ask a friend with pretty penmanship to address your invitations instead of hiring a calligrapher. If you simplify your flowers and arrangements, perhaps a friend can assemble fresh or silk flowers which will save you hundreds of dollars. Some of the most attractive wedding programs are printed from a home computer and then creatively assembled with colored cardboard, tissue paper, ribbon, etc.
11.Consider having your wedding any day but Saturday. Fridays are also popular wedding days but may cost a lot less than a Saturday event. For even greater savings, choose a weekday evening for your wedding. Schedule the wedding to allow guests time to arrive at the ceremony after the work day has ended. Many guests enjoy weekday weddings as this frees up their weekends for other activities. Choose a date between November and April to avoid higher peak season rates in many areas.
12.Consider having your wedding during the day, such as a weekend brunch or a luncheon on Saturday or Sunday. The cost for the venue will be much lower and the daytime lighting is better for color photography.
13.Consider altering tradition. If you are doing a round of toasts, guests can toast with whatever they are currently drinking instead of you having to purchase champagne for everyone. Instead of a limo, consider a regular vehicle. If you are happy with just serving beer and wine, skip the full bar and save a bundle on liquor. Consider a lovely formal dress that isn't a traditional gown from a bridal shop.
14.Professionally posed and properly lighted photographs are one of the few beautiful keepsakes you'll have from your special day, but getting them doesn't have to break the bank. Choose an EXPERIENCED photographer who will include ALL OF THE IMAGES ON A CD for one low price. Then you can make as many inexpensive copies as you need rather than pay a huge reprint fee to the photogrpaher. (99 cents each at Mpix.com for a 5x7 rather than $15 each from the photographer.) Also, put together a list the group shots you want, make a detailed timeline for the day, and give a copy to everyone on the shot list. Be sure to pad your schedule by 15 minutes so those who run late don't get left out. Also, consider a private pre-wedding encounter for the bride and groom followed by all of the posed photography. Completing everything before your wedding means you can spend the entire remainder of your day enjoying yourself and the company of your guests. (Guests can't stand to be kept waiting between the wedding and the reception.)
15.After looking at the final plan of your wedding, but before paying any deposits, decide where you can simplify the whole process. Consider whether you really need choral singers and a string quartet at the ceremony and a wedding singer and a DJ at the reception. Releasing doves or butterflies or having a candle-lighting ceremony are all wonderful, but may end up costing a lot of money. Simplicity saves money and if done well, your wedding may seem more serene and awe-inspiring.
16.Remember that the wedding is one day at the start of a life-long commitment. Look beyond the wedding day to the goals you will have as newlyweds. If you want to purchase a house in the next few years, keeping that as a priority throughout the wedding planning process will help you to be prudent about how much you spend on that one day.
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How to Choose a Wedding Officiant?
By 21 Bridal 2012-05-29 |
Identifying someone to officiate at your wedding can sometimes be a more daunting task than finding your betrothed - especially if you are not affiliated with a particular house of worship or if you are marrying outside of your faith.
One of the keys is to determine where you are getting married. If you have a certain church in mind, you may have to be a member and/or have an officiant from that church do the ceremony. If you are going to have a destination wedding, you are going to want to find an officiant from that area.
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How to Choose Your Wedding Colors?
By 21 Bridal 2012-05-29 |
1.Use your favorite shade.
You’ve been in love with pale lavender since the first grade, so this is a good place to begin – with what you love. You can tastefully incorporate any color into your wedding decorations by selecting the right hue, and combining it with the right accents.
2.Consider the setting.
Look at the colors used in your venue’s carpeting, drapery and decorations. If the site has strong colors, you’ll need to select a color scheme that complements. If you already have your heart set on a certain color, you may need to select a more neutrally decorated site but this needs to be sorted out very early on or you may miss out on a good location! However, keep an open mind about colors until you've chosen the venue, because the setting may well suggest the color scheme for you.
Older buildings can have very rich, over-patterned curtains and carpets. Check these with care because they can clash badly with your color scheme.If the colors of the venue are very strong and you have your heart set on that venue, consider predominantly white and/or cream for the color scheme as this will be both effective and matching. This will allow you to add a touch here and there of a favorite color without overdoing it, but these splashes of color will tone down any spartan feel of the white theme.For outdoor weddings, look for fresh and light colors that suggest the brilliance of outdoors.
3.Be prepared to have two different/distinct color themes if your church or wedding building and reception venue are very different in tone.
In general, it is probable that you will have more leeway to use colors with the reception than where the wedding ceremony itself is held. However, you can still carry the color theme in clothing and flowers from the place of marriage to the reception, even if you can't decorate the church, town hall, or register office as much as you'd like.
4.Enlist your favorite bloom.
If sunflowers are your thing, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t make it into your décor scheme. Incorporate your predominant flower color – either making it the dominant shade or using it as an accent – and it will all come together.
5.Consult the season.
Decorating is simple when Mother Nature is your guide, so let the natural colors of the season be your inspiration. That doesn’t mean that you’re stuck with prissy pastel decorations during spring or brown and orange during fall/autumn. Just make sure that the wedding colors you choose complement the blooms and foliage that are naturally available during that time of year.
Be wary of combinations that usually go with other celebrations, unless it's the right time of year. For example, red and green is associated with the holiday season. While that would be fine for a winter or holiday season wedding, it would be less suitable for a spring or summer wedding.Pastels are best for warmer weather; otherwise they can appear too cold.When thinking about seasonal colors, think of variations of shades and not just the commonly recognizable colors. For example, for fall/autumn, consider maroon, russet, gold, amber, and ochre as well as the usual brown, orange, and red colors.
6.Remember the bridesmaids' dresses. If you want your bridesmaids decked head to toe in your color, you’ll need to make sure it’s an appealing and flattering shade to wear. You may need to accept variations in the shades to keep each bridesmaid happy, especially if it's a color that one or more of them are not happy to wear.
7.Get the groom and best man involved.
The cummerbund, waistcoat, and tie can all be in the color theme of the wedding. And don't forget the buttonhole.
8.Incorporate color with care.
It is common to have a color palette with up to five main colors for many weddings now but you do need to be careful that the colors don't overwhelm the wedding or create a sense of disjointed themes. Also, exact color matches on everything is overwhelming; instead, go for shade variations on the original colors. Rely on small touches here and there for getting across the wedding color scheme rather than huge bold displays of it, such as the font color on invitations, and little ribbon touches here and there.
Use the color theme on the invitations, the place cards, the ribbons around flower arrangements, the flowers, in the flower girl's hair or waist sash, and on the wedding cake.If the color of flowers you really wanted are not in season, rely on white flowers and use the ribbons and other decorative elements in the color of choice instead. This will still indicate the color theme without losing the beauty of the floral arrangements.
9.Take care with color on the wedding cake.
Aim for simplicity of color with the wedding cake, as brightly colored food is not very appealing. Use a good cake maker who is familiar with color matching, and also consider adding flowers to the cake to reflect the color element.
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How to Choose a Wedding Dress?
By 21 Bridal 2012-05-29 |
1.Do your research.
Before you even begin to look around, research gowns. You should always have a bit of knowledge about dresses (and know some of the lingo) before you even set foot into a bridal shop. There are also many bridal magazines that will provide a ton of information, including Brides, Modern Bride, Bridal Guide, WeddingBells, etc. All of these magazines have websites, where you can find quick information without paying for the magazine.
2.Decide on a silhouette.
Wedding dresses are made in several different silhouettes. Before considering anything else, know which type of gown will flatter your figure the best. Look at photos of each type. You can browse wedding website message boards and member profiles for photos of real women wearing gowns, rather than relying on professional photos of models wearing them.
Ball gowns have very full skirts and generally will look beautiful on any body type, unless the bride is very short and small. In this case, it may be overwhelming to her small frame. Ball gowns generally either have crinolines built in or a slip you must wear to support the shape of the gown. Be advised that this extra fabric can be heavy and bulky and will require extra care to wear.A-lines usually have a fitted bodice with a skirt that flares gently from the waist to form an A shape. They generally work for everyone as well, and are a terrific choice for someone who would like to hide lower body flaws, but does not want a ball gown. A-lines are not as full as ball gowns.Sheaths flatter women with slim, balanced figures. They shouldn't be worn by brides who dislike their figures. This gown will not hide any flaws. If you think your thighs or butt are too big, you'll be miserable in this type of dress. Don't try to pull it off because you found a gown you love in this style. You don't want to risk being uncomfortable or self conscious on your wedding day, or regretting your choice every time you look at wedding photos.Empire waist gowns have a skirt that falls from just below the breasts. Although usually listed with various waistline types and not always considered a type of silhouette, they are a wonderful choice for a casual, non-formal wedding, or weddings in a tropical climate. They're usually made of light, flowing fabric. They're also excellent for pregnant brides, because they provide extra room in the waist, making them a comfortable choice. They also won't draw as much attention to the belly as a dress with a lower waistline would.
3.Envision your wedding.
Picture yourself on your wedding day. What are you wearing? What silhouette is your gown? What fabric? Is it embroidered or beaded? What color is it? With so many choices for the dress, it can be overwhelming to look through hundreds or thousands of them. Some brides have said that after looking through racks and racks of dresses, they all begin to look the same. So before you even set out to try them on, envision your wedding day and how your dress looks, and jot down a list of things that describe the dress of your daydreams. You don't have to know all the wedding dress terms. Just write down a description of the gown you're envisioning. Example list: princessy, satin, some shade of white but not pure white, spaghetti straps.
4.Consider the circumstances.
A wide variety of factors can affect what makes a particular dress appropriate to the occasion.
Formal ceremonies usually call for floor length gowns and long trains, while informal ceremonies (especially destination weddings) are a terrific place to wear a shorter gown without a train at all (or a sweep train, which just barely brushes the floor). Another example: in some cases, strapless gowns are considered inappropriate for very formal ceremonies.If you're getting married in the winter, you may not want to be a very light, thin fabric unless you plan to be inside the entire time. If you're having a beach wedding in the middle of July, you may not want to wear a heavy fabric like duchess satin.While the most traditional ceremonies will call for a white gown, in many cases, wedding dresses don't have to be pure white anymore! Many women choose dress colors that best complement their skin tones, ranging from diamond white to ivory to champagne to actual colors (pink, blue, red). Pick the color you feel most beautiful in.
5.Decide on a budget.
When deciding on your budget, you don't need to set a very specific price. Just make it a general range, such as $1000 - $1500, or even $1000 - $2000. You can always break this rule later if you're able to and really want to, but it helps to have a general range. Some experts suggest devoting 10% of the overall wedding budget to the bride's attire. Just be sure to remember that attire includes not just the gown itself, but the other stuff: veil, shoes, slip, jewelry, gloves, etc. All of these things are optional, of course (except for the slip, which is usually necessary to keep the dress from going between your legs when you walk). But you'll have to factor in the price of whatever items you decide to wear with your gowns.
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