Another trend with weddings has something to do with giving back to the environment or humanity in general. We talked about organic weddings a few posts back – these fall under this trend. Awareness of social and environmental issues has grown over the years. Weddings have not escaped this trend. As such, we are seeing more of environmental weddings, weddings wherein favors and gifts are given to charitable causes and the like. If you are the type to lean towards good causes, then this trend is definitely the one for you.

Going back to clothes and decorations, one of the most popular themes includes the use of embellishments such as embroidery and lace. The more intricate and delicate the décor, the better it is. However, these decorations are not only limited to the bride’s and bridesmaids’ gowns but can also be applied to table cloths, runners, and even to invitations and other decorations used in the wedding. Along these lines, dresses used for weddings tend towards having sleeves. This is because sleeves can be made from lace and other similar materials.

What about entertainment? This is the trend for this year as well. Usually, the cocktail hour is spent for photography sessions and guests milling around. Now, it is made more enjoyable by having live music and other forms of entertainment. Some of the more interesting forms of entertainment that have been used for this purpose are flamenco dancers and other traditional or exotic performances, impersonators, fortune tellers, and even fire eaters.

A note before we end, these are only trends. It does not mean that you have to follow what other people are doing. If you have your own ideas in mind, then put them into reality by all means!

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First trend: glam. Yes indeed, glamorous weddings are in this year. Say goodbye to the simple and quiet wedding. The trend this year is to shout it out to the rest of the world and let everyone know about your wedding. Elegance and sophistication are the themes for this year’s weddings. Then again, this is just a trend and it does not mean that you should follow it. Good for those who have a taste for the glamorous, though!

Second trend: pay particular attention to the back of the wedding dress. Common sense will tell us that most of the time, the wedding guests will be seeing the back of the bride as she will be facing the minister. As such, the trend is for embellished backs. No matter which style you choose for your dress, try to add a little more detail and flair to the back of your gown.

Third trend: go for something that will make a statement. This is in regard to the color theme for the wedding ceremony. From the bride’s gown and the groom’s suit to the flowers and decorations, the trend is to use rich and bold colors such as purple, gold, orange, and the like. Gone are the days of cute and sweet pastels. Of course, you have to choose something that you actually like. More than that, make sure the color of your gown will suit your skin tone as well. Making a statement does not mean that you should not take your aesthetics into consideration as well.

Fourth trend: be square! Being square is a good thing, when it comes to tables that is. Round and rectangular tables for the reception are not the in thing this year, mainly because square tables facilitate interaction among the guests better. More than that, it is easier to plan the layout of the reception area when using square tables. Adding decorations are also better with square tables.

Let us take a look at some more trends in the next post.

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Wedding dress – whether you are getting married in a formal or informal setting, you are likely to have a special dress for the occasion. It doesn’t matter if it is an elaborate gown or a simple dress – you need to be sure that it will arrive in one piece at your destination. As much as possible, take your dress with you. The same thing goes for your groom to be. Do not trust check in facilities of airlines for your clothes. It may be manageable to lose your luggage for a vacation but losing your wedding dress or your husband’s tux is a different story altogether. Check with your airline, the chances are that you can have your dress hung in a coat closet.

Another thing that you must carry with you – and never part with you – is documentation. Birth certificates, divorce papers, marriage license – keep these with you at all times and never check them in. You cannot take the risk of losing these for any reason whatsoever.

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With all that is in the air as spring arrives, it stands to reason that many couples prefer an outdoor wedding during this season. Outdoor weddings are perfect in spring and add an air of laidback casualness to the whole thing. Of course, having an outdoor wedding does not necessarily mean casual – you can still have that elegant outdoor wedding in spring if you wish to do so.

When planning for your outdoor spring wedding, consider the props. When we say props, we mean your decorative pieces. Why not try formal props such as candelabras and urns? While you are at it, try using some arbors draped with simple greens. Avoid overusing garlands and other greenery – this is supposed to be passé. The trick is to simplify with elegant props. This would create the elegant yet laidback effect.

As for your centerpieces for the tables, go for simplicity as well. Try brilliant flowerpots holding a single kind of flower. Tulips are in for the spring – they would be perfect centerpieces. Anemones would do as well. For a more unique twist, why not make use of garden herbs? Potted rosemary, thyme, or other garden herbs would definitely fit in with a spring wedding.

Also bear in mind that spring is the season where life is celebrated. As such, do not hesitate to use rich and vibrant colors in your decorations. When picking out your centerpieces, think of deep red. Think of hot pink or gold. Just imagine the rich profusion of colors on your wedding day, symbolizing your celebration!

Another idea in fashion these days is to incorporate candle light into the wedding. Imagine a romantic outdoor wedding with hundreds of little candles sparkling in the dusk – isn’t that just perfect? Of course, if you want to make use of candle lights for the ambiance, you would have to get married a little late in the afternoon.

Spring wedding gowns for the outdoor ceremony gives you a lot of leeway. It is really up to you. You can opt to wear the traditional white gown or you can have beige, or pink, or whatever color that suits you. The same goes for the style and cut of the gown. Just make sure that your decorations will not clash with your gown color.

Indeed, with spring comes new life. With a wedding ceremony comes a new beginning. So as we greet spring this year, we wish you a perfect spring wedding – one that you would cherish all your life!

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The first thing that you have to consider is to pick a cut that you like and at the same time shows off your shape best. You may want to choose a cut that has a slimming effect as well. The usual maternity dress is normally shaped like a tent – meant to give the mother to be maximum comfort. However, they might not be the best for your wedding. So, for your wedding, you can choose something that would be both comfortable and stylish as well. Much like for plus size women, you can pick out an a-line cut, which would give you enough breathing room (thus comfort as well) and give you that stylish look at the same time. Another style that would show off your shape is the sheath style. This style is in fact perfect for those who are in their first trimester of pregnancy.

Maternity dresses are usually focused on embellishing the upper part. That is, the bust up. My suggestion is that you go for simplicity. Embroidered bodices are all well and good, as long as you don’t overdo it. Another good idea would be to have plunging necklines, or at least a v-neck. These would emphasize your bust and give you a sexier look.

You should also pay some attention to the material or the fabric. The best choice would be material that would fit snugly. The last thing that you would want to happen is for the material to bulge at the oddest places. What kinds of fabrics would be good then? Organza, silk, and georgette are some examples. Of course, you would have to makes sure that the material type is well suited to the style as well.

At this point, you should be well convinced that being pregnant does not mean that you cannot look your best on your wedding day. In fact, you will probably find a lot of help when it comes to making your decisions about your wedding cum maternity dress. Just look online for design ideas, there are a host of them. If you can afford it, you can even go to specialty stores. If you have more cash to spare, look for a tailor or a dressmaker. They would be more than happy to help you look your best for your wedding!

And remember, the important thing is always your comfort. This is even more important with you, as a mother to be. Do not sacrifice your comfort for style. There is no need for that. With the right ideas and assistance, you will surely be able to come up with the perfect wedding-maternity dress.

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First of all, know your size. This is common sense, really. Yet more than the size, you should know your body shape. Not all women with the same size have the same shape. Different shapes need different dress styles to make women look their best. For example, women who tend to be curvy would benefit from an a-line cut. This is due to the fact that this cut would skim over the hips, giving an overall slimming effect. Women who tend to be top heavy would benefit from v-cut tops. In general, avoid cuts that tend to make you look squatter.

Once you have determined the best cut or design for your wedding dress, it is time to find out where to get your dress. In general, you have two options for this. First, you can go to retail or department stores, where they will most likely have a large collection of wedding dresses for you to choose from. More than having a large collection, at these stores, you can actually pick out several dresses that catch your eye and try them on. This is as opposed to buying online and hoping and crossing your fingers that the dress will fit you. Remember, even if the dress is labeled the size you want, it does not always mean that the fit will be as you imagine it. Your second option is to go to a tailor. This is in fact the better option that I would recommend. It may cost you a little bit more but the advantage of having a dress made to fit you beats anything else. I am sure that you can find a suitable dressmaker in your town – or the surrounding towns – who would be able to come up with the perfect dress for you at a reasonable price.

Another thing to bear in mind, do not compromise your comfort for style or price. Remember that you are going to wear that dress on what can be the most important day of your life. You wouldn’t want to be squeamish about wearing that dress, would you? So if you have the slightest doubts about a dress you are considering, you probably should think it over. It is your time to shine, so make you sure that you will!

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Tradition has it that the bride has to wear white. This is to symbolize the purity of the bride at the wedding altar. Though it may not be the idea behind many people’s minds today, we still see a lot of brides wear white on their wedding day. This does not mean, however, that you have to wear a white gown or dress if you do not want to. There is absolutely no law or decree forcing you to do so. In the end, the decision is up to you. What you want is what you should follow.

Where can you find the perfect gown or dress for your wedding? There are many options for today’s bride. The easiest would be to visit your local bridal shops. These shops specialize in weddings and as such will probably be able to assist you with your needs. They will be able to offer their expertise to you. You can either choose dresses or gowns off the rack or have one made especially for you. For the former, one advantage would be the price. Compared to made to order dresses or gowns, the off the rack ones would cost considerably less. You would also have a lot of choices to pick from. However, the advantage of made to order gowns or dresses is that you would have more flexibility regarding the style and design of your gown. This option is perfect for those who have a specific design in mind already. All you have to do is draw it on paper and they will make it for you. Of course, you have to be ready to pay the price, which is considerably more than the ready to wear gown.

Another option would be to look on the Internet. Traditionalists will probably balk at this idea but it quite practical. In today’s society, we can buy everything off the Net – and usually at a cheaper price! More so, we have a wide variety of options when it comes to shopping online. Another advantage of shopping online is the time factor. For people who are pressed for time, shopping online frees up your time for other things. However, you would have to take into consideration that you cannot fit the gown until it is shipped to you. You might have to have it changed or altered and this would also take some time.

As for the groom, the shopping ideas are basically the same – maybe even easier. Getting a tux is perhaps less complicated than buying a wedding gown. Some men even agree to just renting a tux!

It really is up to you, how you want to go about it. The important thing is that you are happy with your choice and that you will look radiant when your day comes.

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On this special day, set aside your other concerns. Let the day be filled with only happy thoughts. This is not the time for petty quarreling over trivial matters. Rather it is s time to celebrate unity, family and a whole lot of love.

What should you do? For one thing, make sure that you choose carefully and wisely. This is one day where you want to hear nothing but praise. It is impossible to please everyone but if you choose the best of everything, it is possible to please most.

Once in a lifetime is a phrase often used to describe weddings. With that thought in mind, why not go ahead and spend a little more than you normally would to have something that isn’t just good, but great for your wedding. You don’t need to go in debt but just uncurl those tight fists a little bit.

For example, you may have to work with a tight budget but that is no reason not to serve the best possible food at your reception within that budget. No one will expect you to put on a lavish unlimited buffet. You can amaze them with great tasting food that doesn’t break your bank.

Yes you can get married in a t-shirt and jeans. No one will gainsay you if you insist. Just think for a moment though; this is a rare occasion. It is one of those moments were you get to dress up. Your future mate may want to get all dressed up - well at least in designer jeans and a great top at least. You may not want to spend a ton on an outfit that you will only wear once but at least pick out something that really brings out your best features and really makes you look great.

One of the nicest things about weddings is the fact that it gives you a chance to say thank you to everyone. Getting to this moment in time took the help of a lot of people. Your wedding is a chance to let them know how much you value their friendship, love and support. Don’t think gratitude ever goes out of fashion. It is one of the most uplifting things you can do on this day for your guests.

The simple truth is, the divorce rate is higher than ever. Yet with every marriage that takes place, hope is born anew in us that there is a chance to indeed attain happiness and a lifetime relationship. Sometimes you find it in the least expected places and it can come when you aren’t looking for it. That is what makes it even more special. All the more reason that you should celebrate and let others share in your joy. Everyone can stand to have more good news and happiness in their lives; and if it isn’t their turn to walk down the aisle, at least they can share in your good fortune and celebrate with you.

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Of course, whether you have it made to order or choose one that is ready made, the hunt can be exciting. It can also be tiring, frustrating and a very long process. But there are ways to make sure that the hunt never becomes too tedious.

• Bring someone with you when you go looking for the perfect dress. It’s always more fun to do things with your best friend or your siblings or your mom. Ask someone you enjoy shopping with to go with you as you window shop. Make a day of it. They’ll be great company and they can help you by giving you a different point of view. If you decide to try on some dresses, they can provide an appreciative audience or a necessary critic. They’ll help make sure you have a blast and leave the ill-suited looking ones on the rack.
• Attend bridal fashion shows. If you want to be up to date and gowned in the latest styles, the runway is definitely someplace you should go. One of the best things about a bridal fashion show is that you can see how the dress will move when you wear it. You’ll be able to see if the train is difficult to manage or a skirt too hard to maneuver in without having to try it on yet. You can also get some ideas for your hair and make-up based on what the models are wearing. Just make sure to have a camera handy (if the show allows it) or a pen and pad for quick sketches and notes.
• Why not have your very own bridal fashion show? Go ahead and try on all the gowns you are interested in. There is no other way to find your dream piece and playing to a supportive audience is always more fun than trying on just one or two in the dressing room.
• You can now check out runway fashions from the comfort of your home. There are websites where you can watch the bridal fashion shows on demand. You can catch the latest trends from some of the biggest names in wedding fashion such as Vera Wang and Moica Lhuillier without ever leaving the comfort of your home.
• Compile pictures of dresses you like. Many brides have a vague picture in their head of what their dream dress actually looks like. Sometimes, you like the skirt of one dress to go with the top of another. Add the embellishment on the third and the train of a fourth and you get your dream gown. It is a lot easier for your seamstress to make your dress if she has pictures to base on rather than just your description so go ahead and put together the ones you like. It will help ensure you get the gown you really want.

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While most brides don’t make their previous wedding the basis of comparison for this second nuptials, it does play a part in their decision making. Consciously or unconsciously, many brides opt to have a wedding that is almost the complete opposite of their first. Brides who had a small, intimate wedding will usually opt for a grander affair this time around. If they had a lot of fluff or add ons during their first wedding, they usually have a more streamlined and simpler look for these nuptials.

Often this is the result of hind sight, learning from the first experience. It could also simply be that they’ve realized that their dream wedding wasn’t the way the first wedding went and this is their chance to make their ideal nuptials and reception take place.

There is also the fact that the bride is a little older than at her first marriage. her tastes have changed. She is probably more sophisticated now. That often means no more frilly pink and more bronze. Forget the wedding dress that makes you look like a debutant and put on a gown to truly accent your beauty in a shade that isn’t white.

Don’t forget the possibility that the bride may be a mom now. Most brides who are also mothers choose to include the children in the planning and decision making. After all, the groom isn’t just getting a wife. He’s actually getting an instant family. In fact many say that it isn’t just the bride who says I do; that the children must accept him as well for the marriage to truly succeed. The children are usually included in the entourage. The clothes of the entourage are chosen with the ages of the kids in mind as well since they will usually be dressed in a style as similar to that of the happy couple as possible. No low necklines, bare back and the like for your nine year old daughter even if she is a junior bridesmaid.

The best part about getting married again is in the fact that you are literally getting a chance to do it over - create the dream wedding that you may not have had the first time around because you couldn’t afford it then or because there were so many other people and factors to consider. There are fewer barricades and you are more sure of yourself which usually translates to a more defined personal style to stamp onto this very special event. As we all know, no matter if it’s your first, your fifth or your tenth, you will always want your wedding to be uniquely you.

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