Florida Weddings & Wedding Planning Advice

Lots of couple these days are deciding on outdoor weddings just to get away from the traditional church wedding. One of the big benefits to outdoor weddings is that they are much less expensive and sometimes cost nothing. These events take some special planning to be sure they go off without a hitch while you are getting hitched. For example, if you are being married in a public place you will most likely have to hold the reception in another location. Weather is also a huge concern, if you live in an area prone to hurricanes like Florida you may want to have a backup plan if you are getting married during hurricane season! Here are some guidelines to keep in mind while planning your big day.

The location you choose is the most crucial part on an outdoor wedding and if you are choosing a true outdoor locale like a beach or lake then you need to be sure that you have shelter available in case of rain. Considering that you plan the event months ahead of time there is no way of knowing what the weather will be like on that particular day. So be sure to have your option B ready in case Mother Nature is being uncooperative. You could also opt for a home wedding around a pool; I have attended weddings like this that are very beautiful.

If you are holding the event at a beach or park check with the city or county government to see if they require any kind of permit. Sometimes you only have to get written permission but other times you may have to have a specific permit. Some other things you need to know are whether you can decorate and bring your own tables and chairs, if you can serve food, have music, etc. If your reception will be at the same place and you will be serving alcohol you need to find out if it is allowed. Many parks and beaches do not allow alcohol to be consumed on their grounds. This will prevent any unpleasant situations on your special day, so take the time to plan it properly.

If you are planning to be married outside you can take advantage of natural beauty which will save you some money on floral arrangements and other decorations. Just be sure that if you are using a public location or one run by local government that you have permission to put up any decorations. Most will allow you to decorate but you have to make sure that you take all of it with you when you leave.

Make sure that you let your guests know ahead of time that the event will be held outside so that they can plan accordingly. You don’t want people coming thinking they are going to be inside and not be clothed properly or otherwise prepared for the elements.

Be prepared for foul weather if you have your mind set on a place like the beach and be sure that everyone in the wedding party has lightweight clothes that will dry easily if you get wet. You should also abort the idea of a fancy long dress with a train because if it rains it will just get wet and muddy. Be prepared and have a fun special day!

1. Book wedding photographer early - The best ones are hard to get and may have bookings over a year in advance. (book 6-12 month prior to wedding)

2. Never order the photographer by phone. Meat him/her and get a first hand impression of the photographer. Remember the personal chemistry between you and the photographer is important in making you feel free and relaxed. This will again show in the pictures.

3. Pick 3-4 interesting photographers in the area you are getting married. Surf their web sites. If you are having a theme wedding check if they have experience doing the theme wedding you are planning. Look for sample pictures made at earlier wedding. Be extra observant on the picture quality. Make sure the sample photos are taken by the same person coming to your wedding. And finally - what is your overall feeling. Do you think the photographers style and personal touch will match your wedding picture ideas?

4. Ask for references and use them. Only through firsthand info from other brides will you get real objective critics.

5. If you have a clear plan on how you want the pictures to be - stick to that plan. Don’t let other people push you into anything else unless you feel their advice is genuinely a better choice.

6. Use the pre meetings at the photographer well. It is here you lay it all out for him/her. Tell him/her your wishes and ideas for the wedding photos. Bee clear on you wishes.

7. Be aware of the different photo styles and expressions common at wedding of today. Would you like it classical and simple (black and white pictures could be a great idea.) or maybe big, fluffy and romantic( go with large to everything and prepare yourself for a rollercoaster.)

8. During the photo session it is important that you relax. Be in the moment and focus on each other. Be playful and daring - Remember it is emotions that make a good wedding picture. Don’t get stuck up in thinking about how you appear and how the pictures are going to look. THAT is the photographer’s job.

9. Sit down with your love one after the wedding and look through the 100 to 150 different pictures taken ( the standard number of pictures photographers take at a wedding session) Look through them several times - put them away and look at them again. Let the Groom pick his favourite picture of the bride and vice versa. Take chances and dare to choose untraditional wedding photos.

10. Have in mind that it is usually not a problem to choose 2 or 3 different pictures styles for the thank you card. This makes it easier to customize the picture cards you send to your family and you know everyone gets a wedding picture that fits them.

About the Author

The author has been fascinated by weddings and beach weddings for many years.

There are few things as romantic as an outdoor wedding witnessing two happy people unite. Have a look at her wedding site http://www.your-florida-beachwedding-guide.com if you too are into romantic weddings.

Did You Like This Article? Bookmark it at Del.icio.us
tags: wedding weddings photography wedding photography

Getting married is truly one of the momentous moments in your life unless you are Liz Taylor! Honeymooning in Maine should be the icing on your momentous occasion.

Honeymooning In the State of Maine

Maine’s slogan is “Vacationland”, and once you have been there you’ll see why. This beautiful New England state offers miles of picturesque shoreline, quaint fishing towns and gorgeous lighthouses. Beautiful in the summer when the beaches are warm and inviting, or in the fall when the trees change color, honeymooning in Maine can be a romantic and unique way to usher in your new life.

Choosing Maine for your honeymoon can be a great alternative to the usual tropical honeymoon spots. If you prefer hiking to sunbathing, and fresh air, clean water and lobster to tropical drinks, Maine is a great choice for your romantic trip. Bar Harbor, Maine, is one town that’s known for its inviting atmosphere and great accommodations. Bar Harbor is an island, and it’s located in “Downeast” Maine, surrounded by the breathtaking views of Acadia National Park. This township is 45 square miles large, giving you plenty of room to explore the beauty of Maine while not feeling overly crowded (the population of Bar Harbor is only 4500!). Easily reachable by car, Bar Harbor is isolated enough to feel like a relaxing spot, but close enough to cities such as Bangor (50 miles away) that flying into the area is easy.

One Bar Harbor destination that’s perfect for honeymooning is Clefstone Manor. Built in 1884 and located on “Millionaire’s Row”, this mansion is one of only a few that survived a devastating fire that took place in 1947. The honeymoon packages here include amenities such as a welcome gift basket and complimentary bottle of champagne, with a three night minimum stay.

Another spot in Bar Harbor that’s perfect for honeymooning is the Bass Cottage Inn. Built in 1885 during the Golden Age of Bar Harbor, this inn offers 10 guest suites complete with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. The “Honeymoon Sweet” package offers fresh flowers, complimentary champagne, king size beds and even a muffin basket packed with delicious baked goods to enjoy before breakfast, with a three night stay minimum (prices vary according to season).

If you’d prefer something a little different for your first trip as man and wife, honeymooning in Maine is a great choice. Explore the beauty of New England’s coastline, swim in the Atlantic Ocean, and hike the mountains of Acadia National Park – all while staying in a town known for its hospitality and charm.

A natural hand tied bouquet is very popular.

This type of bouquet is made by holding the flower and foliage stems in one hand and adding the other stems around in a spiral fashion.

The stems are criss crossed at the one point and bound in position with string.

A ribbon bow with long tails completes the bouquet.

One of the advantages is this type of bouquet can be made the day before hand and the flower stems placed in a container of water.

The same type of flowers can be used together such as roses or a variety of different flowers.

If desired, leaves or pieces of foliage such can be placed around the edges.

MATERIALS

Choose suitable materials - you will need flowers with fairly long stems such as roses, irises, carnations, alstroemeria, freesias, Singapore orchids and lisianthus.

Suitable foliage such as camellia leaves, eucalyptus gum, box, ivy, nandina and leather fern.

If using different coloured flowers make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the bouquet.

A mixed bouquet looks best using three to four varieties of flowers plus foliage.

METHOD

Cut the ends of the stems on a slant and give flowers a long drink.

Remove thorns and strip off the lower foliage from the bottom half of the stems.

It is important to remove thorns as they may prick someone or tear a dress. They can be removed with a rose stripper which can be found at florist suppliers or by running a pair of scissors with the blade open along the stem.

Lay the flowers out on the table.

Start off with the largest flower to form the centre and hold the stem between the thumb and first finger on the left hand about 15-20cm (6-8″) from the base of the flower head.

With the right hand add about 4- 6 clusters of foliage evenly around just below the flower heads to help fill in, criss crossing the stems on an angle and turning the bouquet around as you work.

Secure the stems in position by placing the end of a piece of string and winding it around a couple of times. Do not cut the string.

Holding the bouquet in the same way as before with the thumb facing towards you place 5-6 of the same type of flowers evenly around turning the bouquet around clockwise.

Secure all the stems in place with a couple of twists of string in the same place as before. Continue adding flowers in the next round extending these flowers out slightly further.

Check the finished bouquet side on as this is how it will often be seen, specially in the church.

Keep the bouquet a gentle rounded shape across the top like an upside down saucer.

Criss cross all the stems and give the bouquet a quarter turn clockwise after adding a few stems.

Secure stems in position with string in the same place as before when necessary.

Continue adding flowers and foliage stems turning the bouquet around clockwise until the bouquet is the desired size.

Place wired leaves such as camellia or ivy or pieces of foliage such as leather fern around the edges having the tips extend out about 5-7.5cm (2-3″) past the edges of the flowers.

Secure all the stems together with string winding it firmly around several times in the same place as before, cut the string and tuck the end in.

Cut the ends off the flower and foliage stems so they are about 6-8″(15-20cm) long and all the same level. Spray the bouquet lightly with water.

Finish off the bouquet by tying a piece of wide ribbon around the bouquet to cover the string and tie the ribbon in a shoe lace bow with long tails. Cut the ribbon ends on a slant.

Place the stems in a container of water until just before the wedding.

FOR THE BRIDE ON A BUDGET

Instead of centrepieces the bridesmaids’ bouquets can be placed along the front of the bridal table which can look most effective and will cut down on expenses.

Copyright Fay Chamoun © 2005

About the Author

Fay Chamoun is the principal of Floral art School of Australia and International Floral Design School offers Floral Design Home Study Courses. Learn floral design and floristry for a career or hobby. http://www.floral-art-school.com.au

Did You Like This Article? Bookmark it at Del.icio.us
tags: wedding weddings photography wedding photography

The summer months are some of the most popular times of the year for weddings with so many couples now looking at tropical destinations to hold their event. Aruba, the Bahamas, and Florida are favored wedding spots, with the latter two being among the most prized. Unfortunately, both locations fall smack dab in the middle of hurricane territory thereby increasing the risks that wedding plans could be cancelled in the event a storm hits. Are you considering a tropical wedding? If so, don’t let your choice of venue ruin your day; instead consider taking some important measures to ensure that your wedding plans go forward no matter what the weather conditions may be.

Before you make plans to hold your wedding far from home, especially in an area prone to hurricane activity, there are some things you must consider first:

Location Is Everything. White sugar sand beaches are an attractive and unforgettable place to hold a tropical wedding. Just before sunset you and your betrothed meet together with your guests to exchange vows as the fiery red sun slowly sets to the west. A calm cooling breeze and the whiff of pure ocean air delights you and your wedding party who are enthralled at your choice of setting. Afterwards, you move indoors or over to a nearby outdoor pavilion for a celebration lasting into the early hours of the morning.

That gentle breeze can quickly turn into a gale as the storm clouds roll in and as the surf kicks up. Soon, your outdoor wedding plans are threatened. If you are resolute on holding your wedding during hurricane season, your entire event could be cancelled especially if it is held in an evacuation zone. These evacuation zones, which include the beach and surrounding areas, are always the first to close up when a big storm threatens and the last to re-open when everything calms down. Can you afford the delay? Will your facility even be standing when you return?

Preparation is the Key. Even if your venue is not evacuated, do they have a back up generator on hand should you lose power? Will each of your vendors stick around or will they head out at the first sign of trouble? Remember, their minds could be focused on securing their personal belongings and ensuring the safety of family members first. Who could blame them? However, it is important for you to know if things can continue on as planned despite the adverse weather conditions.

Contingency Plans are Necessary. Out of town guests may have trouble arriving if airports are shut down, roads close, and hotels fill up with people fleeing the impacted area. Fort Lauderdale could be the target, but your Pensacola Beach wedding plans may still be threatened if the area is flooded with evacuees. Make certain that your guests are protected financially in the event that your wedding plans are cancelled or moved elsewhere. Encourage everyone to purchase travel insurance to cover the worst case scenarios.

Of course, by now you may be rethinking your idea of a Florida wedding altogether. Likely, some of the other destinations are appealing, but they could be too pricey in comparison. However, if you choose to get married in Florida during the January to April time period, the chances of an out-of-season hurricane marring your plans are virtually nil. Besides, you and your guests may appreciate the off season get-a-way especially after enduring a long, cold winter!

From the most postal bridal meltdowns to raucous bachelor parties and eye misting “I Do’s,” there’s a lot to love about the wedding film genre. Whether providing entertainment at your rehearsal dinner or spicing up your bridesmaid getaway, Brides.com has ranked the top ten wedding movies for your viewing enjoyment (sorry, popcorn not included).

New York, NY (PRWEB) July 12, 2006 — From the most postal bridal meltdowns to raucous bachelor parties and eye misting “I Do’s,” there’s a lot to love about the wedding film genre. Whether providing entertainment at your rehearsal dinner or spicing up your bridesmaid getaway, Brides.com has ranked the top ten wedding movies for your viewing enjoyment (sorry, popcorn not included).

1) “It Had to Be You.” (1947) The benefit of multiple trips down the altar? Multiple wedding dresses, of course! Despite a chronic case of cold feet, Ginger Roger’s gorgeous wedding gowns are a sight to behold throughout this classic “Runaway Bride” tale — but it is her incredible rock of a wedding ring that might leave you temporarily blinded. In fact, producer Don Hartman attempted to rent the Hope Diamond for Rogers to wear in this film but was unsuccessful. If this movie bride’s sparkler has you seeing stars, design your own gorgeous stone and setting when you check out Brides.com Build-A-Ring.

2) “Wedding Singer.” (1998) Is there such a thing as “church tongue”? These and other important wedding etiquette debacles are tackled in this quirky wedding comedy. A hilarious 80’s throwback, “Wedding Singer” offers excellent cameos of the worst bridesmaids’ dresses ever made, and possibly the best-ever “I Do” kiss between Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. After watching this period film, you’ll be so glad the veil replaced the once-hot wedding headband and that the days of “big hair” are long over. Brides.com offers the latest trends in veils, headpieces and hairstyles so you can find a timeless, classic look for your wedding day.

3) “That Old Feeling.” (1997) For any bride who’s worried her divorced parents might spoil the wedding, this riotous film of feuding folks will run deep. For more advice on how to deal with divorced parents or other in-law issues, check out Brides.com’s Friends, Family and Guests Q&A.

4) “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” (2002) Covering multi-ethnic weddings and interfaith weddings with outrageous aplomb, this gut-busting Greek movie will have your Episcopalian/Lutheran schism feeling oh-so-minor. On a serious note, it’s a lovely look at the lighter side of love. If incorporating traditions important to your and your fiancé’s heritage or faith is proving harder than you thought, look to Brides.com for ideas on blending customs that honor both your families’ culture.

5)“Wedding Crashers.” (2005) Bridesmaids beware! This cautionary tale of cavorting wedding crashers is a great choice for bachelor or bachelorette parties. From cheesy pick-up lines to an excellent guide to wedding toast do’s and don’ts, this popular movie has it all, including a standout performance from Christopher Walken.

6)“Father of the Bride.” (1991) To hire a wedding planner or not to hire a wedding planner? This classic re-make lends amusing perspective to this age-old question. Martin Short’s flamboyant performance as wedding planner to the stars is initially aggravating to bride’s father Steve Martin, but the end result is one of the most elegant wedding ceremonies in cinema history. Extra touches like the swan ice sculptures and the daddy-designed wedding tennis shoes add sentimental sparkle to this heart-warming film.

7)“The Philadelphia Story.” (1940) Grooms, hide your groom clubs! Haughty Katherine Hepburn perfectly portrays hot-headed heiress Tracy Lord as she juggles her three star-studded suitors. Sure, sticking to a wedding budget can be difficult, but this film shows us wealthy brides don’t always have it easy either!

8) “Four Weddings and A Funeral.” (1994) This Oscar-nominated English film is British humor at its best. Droll one-liners about love abound in this film, including the theory that a marriage proposal is not a declaration of love but a desperate icebreaker posed by men who have run out of polite conversation. Also lovable is the way the film embraces the universal hope that weddings will help guests get lucky in love as well.

9) “The Wedding Banquet.” (1993) In this funny and sensitive wedding movie by cinema genius Ang Lee, it’s all about the after-party. From immigration to cultural expectations, this film features an elaborate reception that serves as the backdrop to this comedy of errors.

10) “Everyone Says I Love You.”(1997) This hilarious Woody Allen musical highlights the perils of a thoroughly modern marriage: the ex-husbands, the children from former marriages, and the random convicts who creep into our hearts at inadvertent times. Stand-out scenes include the most botched marriage proposal in history: the groom places the engagement ring in the dessert only to have the bride swallow it! To avoid proposal problems such as these, check out the Brides.com guide to popping the question, no paramedics necessary.

Whether heartwarming or heart wrenching, there’s nothing like snuggling in to a good wedding movie to help beat bridal stress. Before letting wedding worries get the best of you, pop in one of these classics for a quick relaxation fix.

About Brides.com

For “Your #1 Source for Wedding Ideas,” visit www.brides.com, the online home to Brides, Modern Bride and Elegant Bride.

Bookmark - Del.icio.us | Digg | Furl It | Spurl | RawSugar | Simpy | Shadows | Blink It | My Web

Do you need a wedding dress? Buying the perfect dress for your special day is a decision you may have been thinking about since you were old enough to know what a wedding dress was. Your tastes may have changed over the years, but the excitement of the event and finding the perfect dress are probably still foremost in your mind. But, there are so many dresses to choose from-where should you look? How much should you spend? What style do you want? All of these questions are important and you will need to make decisions about all of them. The choice of your wedding dress will influence all of the rest of your decisions about décor, etc. so you should start thinking about it early on in your preparations.

What style of wedding dress do you want? Some brides choose the traditional styles they have imagined since they were little. Other brides want a dress that has a more modern flair. Many brides today are choosing alternative colors to white (although white is still the overwhelming favorite.) You can even choose to wear a vintage wedding dress. The style of dress that you choose should accentuate the good parts of your figure and face so that you can look your most beautiful on your special day.

Where should you shop for your wedding dress? There are many bridal shops and stores and even outlets which have hundreds and possibly thousands of dresses to choose from. If you have a hard-to-find size, this may be the best option for you because they not only will have more wedding dress choices, but they may also have the ability to special order different sizes. They will have both traditional and modern dress styles to choose from. If you choose a vintage dress, you can find one at a consignment or second-hand clothing store, or you can find it online through an auction site. However, remember that sizing has changed over the years, so see if the seller can measure the dress before you purchase it. Make sure that the dress is also in good, clean condition. Also, make sure that any place that you buy a dress has a good return and warranty policy.

If you have a dress custom made, you will probably spend more than if you buy from a store or a vintage dress, but remember you will probably have to pay for alterations on any dress you buy.

Selecting a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you have to make as you complete the preparations for your wedding. This is because it is the role of the wedding photographer to capture the joy and excitement of the day. Once the cake has been eaten, the guests have gone home and the honeymoon is over it is the album of wedding photographs that will always be there to help the happy memories come flooding back.

One problem is there are so many wedding photographers to choose from. All offer a slightly different service and most charge quite different prices too. To try and help you make the right choice for your big day I have put together a selection of tips to point you in the right direction.

1. Insist on meeting the photographer who will be photographing your wedding. Some companies will send a salesman or senior photographer. When making an appointment double check and make sure you will be meeting the photographer who is going to shoot your wedding. After all what will happen if you find out on the day that you don’t like him or her!

2. Ask to see complete wedding albums. If someone has been photographing weddings for even a year or two the chances are that they can scrape together enough shots to produce a good portfolio. Insist on seeing complete albums from recent weddings.

3. Find out exactly what is included in the price. If they tell you that you will get a particular album make sure they show you the album itself. Do not let them show you the best album they have and tell you your one will be similar. Make sure you are satisfied with the one you will be given.

4. Make sure the price they quote includes everything. You do not want to find out later that prints costs more money, you have to pay travel expenses, VAT or other taxes were not included, a CD of images costs more or even that you have to pay the postage. Get a full quotation in writing.

5. Check that they can shoot the style of wedding photographs you want. If you would like a modern reportage style, do not take it for granted that the photographer can do this just because they take good traditional style shots and vice versa.

6. If you have ideas of your own then discuss them with the photographer well ahead of committing yourself to them. This helps you to avoid disappointment later. A good photographer will always be able to incorporate your own ideas into the day.

7. Ask for referrals and check them out. A photographer with a string of happy clients will be only too happy to let other people confirm their abilities.

8. Discuss the back up equipment they use. For example if they do not carry a spare camera and the one they are using breaks down then there will be no pictures!

9. Check to see if they have covered a wedding at the venue before. If they have not, find out if they will visit the venue beforehand. If they do then this should get them a tick in the box as being someone prepared to go the extra mile.

10. Make time to see more than one photographer. Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you make. Choose the wrong one and you cannot rerun the day and try again!

Did You Like This Article? Bookmark it at Del.icio.us
tags: wedding weddings photography wedding photography

Destination weddings to Hawaii, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Maui, Jamaica and more are becoming more and more popular as destination wedding planning online has become easier and easier. The beach is the most popular destination wedding theme these days and many brides want to start their wedding theme off right with a beautiful beach theme wedding invitation.

Many beach wedding invitation sites like BeachWedlockInvitations.com exist to offer hundreds of beach wedding invitations, but beach brides aren’t worried about finding the right beach invitation as much as they are worried about their beach wedding invitation wording.

Every bride wants her wedding to be unique and her wedding invitation is no different. Finding the perfect beach wedding invitation wording is as important as finding the perfect beach wedding invitation itself, so here are 5 beach wedding invitation wording tips.

1. Know yourself and your spouse to be - Your beach invitation wording should reflect you and your future spouses personalities, love and quirkiness … yes, quirkiness. Wedding invitations have been done for millions of years, if you want to be original, you are going to have to capture what makes you and your beach love different than other couples.

2. There is no wrong wording - Certain wedding invitation wording ethics exist, but most people don’t know them and wouldn’t notice if you went according to the rules or not. Besides, more and more brides and grooms are throwing the rules to the wind these days and just writing what they want. Don’t worry about trying to follow all the rules. The reason you’re probably having a beach wedding is because you didn’t want the traditional wedding ceremony anyway, so have your beach wedding invitation reflect the same free flowing spirit that the beach has.

3. Know your audience - Even though we just mentioned that your beach wedding invitation wording should be about you and your future beach spouse by placing your quirkiness in your beach invitation wording, remember who your audience is. If you are sending this invitation to an 80-year-old grandma, you probably don’t want to use profanity or other inappropriate language.

4. Beach phrases - Find a single beach phrase that fits you and your spouse but also suits the beach setting you will be married in. “Once upon a time on a beach …” or “What happens on the beach … stays in our hearts,” are just some examples. More examples can be found at BeachWedlockInvitations.com.

5. Match your wording to your invitation - Simple beach weddings with simple beach themes should have simple beach wedding invitation themes as well. A beach wedding with 10 - 50 people is an intimate setting and the invitations should reflect that. Don’t bog down the wording with a 20 line poem to begin the invitation. A beach wedding with over 500 people can be reason for the 20 line poem.

Good luck with your beach weddings, your beach wedding invitations, and your beach wedding invitation wording. To see the most beach wedding invitations in the world on one Web site go to: BeachWedlockInvitations.com.

Renae C. Judkins is the owner of the largest Web site for beach themed wedding invitations in the world, www.BeachWedlockInvitations.com.

Did You Like This Article? Bookmark it at Del.icio.us
tags: wedding weddings photography wedding photography

Brides.com’s Dress Gallery presents seven steps to finding the perfect wedding dress.

New York (PRWEB) July 2, 2006 — You’ve heard of the four C’s of engagement ring buying, now learn the seven considerations to finding a perfect wedding dress. With these seven elements addressed, brides will have no trouble finding their dream wedding gowns when it comes time to visit the bridal salon. Below, Brides.com’s Dress Gallery has your seven-step guide to what to look for in a wedding gown.

Silhouette. From airy and flowing to figure-hugging and sleek, deciding on a silhouette is the best way to significantly narrow down your wedding dress search. From ball gown to sheath, this Brides.com section teaches you the distinctions between different dress shapes, as well as which silhouettes best compliments different body types. See something you like? Just double click on the term to roll over to dozens of wedding gown in your silhouette of choice.

Length/Hemline. Do you know the difference between knee length and tea length? After you’ve chosen your wedding dress silhouette, length is the next area of importance. The length of your wedding gown should be influenced by how high a bridal heel you are wearing, whether you are getting married inside or outside, and whether your wedding is formal or informal. Tea-length wedding dresses work great for a destination wedding, while full-length is grand for ballroom nuptials. Whether you want to show off your bridal shoes or sculpted gams, learn the pros and cons of various hemlines and dress lines here.

Neckline. Keep it covered or display that gorgeous décolletage? When deciding on a neckline, Brides.com recommends factoring in your wedding theme as well as the guests in attendance. Having a casual bash at a beach house? Go for the super-hot keyhole neckline! Marrying in the family cathedral in front of all your octogenarian aunts? Go for the jewel neckline. Brides.com helps you make an informed decision by decoding terms like “scoop” and “sweetheart” in this useful section.

Sleeve Length. The sleeve length of the gown is often dictated by weather, season, and venue. Some churches even have guidelines against sleeveless dresses! Still, there is a little wiggle room for personal choice, so don’t hesitate to cruise through this section of sleeve lengths to learn the difference between strapless and sleeveless.

Fabric. Popular fabric changes with the season. Spring calls for chiffon and lace while autumn invites velvet and silk. The runway is also a great place to go for fabric inspiration, since there are always a few “in” fabrics favored by designers in a given season. Even if you can’t afford a Carmela Sutera wedding gown, you can still find a similarly lovely silk charmeuse wedding gown to make you feel model-chic. Find out what’s popular now as you check out Brides.com whole spectrum of swaths.

Color. It’s no secret the most modern way to update a wedding gown is adding color. From colored sashes to lace overlays, hues of green, pink, caramel, and blue are glazing dresses like beautiful watercolors. Whether it’s a pinch or a panel, find the best colored gowns for you right here at Brides.com.

Pieces. Bridal separates or a single gorgeous gown? Tough call. One piece gowns are classic but two pieces offer intriguing options: wear the bridal skirt with a more casual top for the reception, or wear the bridal top under a cardigan on the plane to your honeymoon. The choice is yours when you check out Brides.com’s bridal pieces.

Whatever you decide for each element of your wedding dress design, Brides.com’s Wedding Dress Gallery makes it easy to find the dress of your dreams.

About Brides.com

For “Your #1 Source for Wedding Ideas,” visit www.brides.com, the online home to Brides, Modern Bride and Elegant Bride.

###

Bookmark -  Del.icio.us | Digg | Furl It | Spurl | RawSugar | Simpy | Shadows | Blink It | My Web