Over the top, may be, but hey, it’s a wedding and the bride is allowed to indulge herself a bit is she not? This is a growing trend for brides to have two wedding dresses these days. It is her special day, so why not?
Actually most girls do not plan to pick up two dresses for their wedding. What happens is that a bride chooses one that fits in with the style and the ambiance of the event. It is the perfect wedding dress, but perhaps a tad uncomfortable to spend the whole night in. So she picks up another which is just perfect for the ensuing festivities, for dancing at the reception and for going away in. She gets both of them!
The trend these days is to get an informal reception which is more like a disco event. If this is your reception then the formal gown you wore to church just won’t do. The same thing could happen to brides who get married at a beach. A tea length beach dress may be perfect for your outdoor wedding, but you always dream of a formal gown. But you will get exhausted if you continue wearing it for the rest of the festivities. You will need a shorter and lighter dress.
Normally the second wedding dress is light weight, casual but still in the same style and fashion as the wedding gown. However mostly it is a sexier and slinkier version that adds sensuality. A slinky sheath will definitely add oomph, if you could carry it off. A tea length wedding dress can be considered or even a sassy low cut gown. It will really add to your wedding glamor.
Of course you can go the whole hog and get yourself more accessories that go with the second gown. The shoes, the jewelery, the hat and the gloves specially coordinated with the second gown add more class to your wedding. It would be wonderful if the entire ensemble was easy to slip into. It would add to your fun to see the surprise on the face of your guests when you slip away for just a little while and come back dressed in your sexy dress.
Of course you do not have to stop at getting a second bridal dress. It is traditional for the bride and groom to change into their going-away clothes before they leave the reception. Which means that you get to have a third wedding dress if you so choose. Your going away dress needs to be trendy, comfortable and suitable for your long journey if you are exiting to a far away destination for your honeymoon. Of course it has to be pretty too. But it need not be a dress. Going away clothes could be trousers or a simple business suit in a pretty colour.
No, we do not think that this is over the top. It is your wedding and you can indulge yourself. Have fun shopping!
Showing posts with label wedding gowns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wedding gowns. Show all posts
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
What are the Different Types of Wedding Gowns?
There are no stereotypes when it comes to a decision about your dream wedding celebrations. The only thumb rule here is that there is no thumb rule. To make your most cherished event memorable for life, advance planning comes handy. It is not only the logistics of arrangements, but the wedding attires too set the tone of the function. The type, season, and the theme, if any, of the ceremony have a lot of say on the choice of dress for the bride.
Types of weddings gowns
Formal
Formal gowns, especially for the evening weddings, are customarily long flamboyant designs with dazzling tinges and trains. The veils are usually long, often floor-length. The fabrics used are also heavier ones, like satins or brocades. However, while the style of gown remains the same, the fabrics and colors vary in the case of a daytime wedding. Here, the emphasis is on lighter materials, such as taffeta, tulle, shantung etc., with shorter trains and veils.
Semi-formal
Comparatively less elaborate, these gowns focus on the use of plain fabrics like chiffon, with sleeker and less ornate designs. Veils are shorter, mostly fingertip length. There is generally no marked difference between day and evening semi-formal wear, except for your personal choice.
Informal
These are mostly knee length cocktail style outfits or suits. Unlike semi-formal plain style, informal wear can be somewhat adorned or beaded. Wearing a veil with an informal wedding dress is not in practice. If you choose colored attire, the colors are chosen based on the time of wedding.
Designs
There can be just as many designs for wedding gowns, as you may imagine. Nevertheless, the following are the basic types of designs in vogue:
- Empire Gown
It has less distinct waistline to suit the petite built. Empire cut also suits the ‘inverted-pear’ body.
- Ball Gown (Full Skirt)
For full-figures, ball gowns represent the best choice that hides away those extra calories!
- Princess Gown (A-Line)
This style suits most of the body types with its less defined waistline, yet elaborate design.
- Sheath Style
It is among the slender varieties, with a waistline designed to suit the ‘watch-glass’ figures.
- Mermaid Style
Mermaid style is a body hugging design for those blessed with a near-perfect figure.
Necklines & Sleeves
Necklines and sleeves are also dependent upon your body type, especially the structure of your shoulders and hands. The widely, used options include off-shoulder, over-the-shoulder straps, halter-necks, strapless, and asymmetric design. Sleeves can be quarter, half, or fill with plain or puffed designs.
With so many options available, just any bride would be spoilt for choice, but the idea should not be to choose what is most popular or suit others. The idea should be to find what gives you that distinguishing look, while being comfortable, which you deserve on you special day!
Types of weddings gowns
Formal
Formal gowns, especially for the evening weddings, are customarily long flamboyant designs with dazzling tinges and trains. The veils are usually long, often floor-length. The fabrics used are also heavier ones, like satins or brocades. However, while the style of gown remains the same, the fabrics and colors vary in the case of a daytime wedding. Here, the emphasis is on lighter materials, such as taffeta, tulle, shantung etc., with shorter trains and veils.
Semi-formal
Comparatively less elaborate, these gowns focus on the use of plain fabrics like chiffon, with sleeker and less ornate designs. Veils are shorter, mostly fingertip length. There is generally no marked difference between day and evening semi-formal wear, except for your personal choice.
Informal
These are mostly knee length cocktail style outfits or suits. Unlike semi-formal plain style, informal wear can be somewhat adorned or beaded. Wearing a veil with an informal wedding dress is not in practice. If you choose colored attire, the colors are chosen based on the time of wedding.
Designs
There can be just as many designs for wedding gowns, as you may imagine. Nevertheless, the following are the basic types of designs in vogue:
- Empire Gown
It has less distinct waistline to suit the petite built. Empire cut also suits the ‘inverted-pear’ body.
- Ball Gown (Full Skirt)
For full-figures, ball gowns represent the best choice that hides away those extra calories!
- Princess Gown (A-Line)
This style suits most of the body types with its less defined waistline, yet elaborate design.
- Sheath Style
It is among the slender varieties, with a waistline designed to suit the ‘watch-glass’ figures.
- Mermaid Style
Mermaid style is a body hugging design for those blessed with a near-perfect figure.
Necklines & Sleeves
Necklines and sleeves are also dependent upon your body type, especially the structure of your shoulders and hands. The widely, used options include off-shoulder, over-the-shoulder straps, halter-necks, strapless, and asymmetric design. Sleeves can be quarter, half, or fill with plain or puffed designs.
With so many options available, just any bride would be spoilt for choice, but the idea should not be to choose what is most popular or suit others. The idea should be to find what gives you that distinguishing look, while being comfortable, which you deserve on you special day!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Finding the Wedding Dresses Used in Bride Wars with Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway
Bride Wars' costume designer chats about choosing the perfect wedding dresses for Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson.
Natalie Broulette, Jan 05, 2009
Finding a wedding gown can be the most challenging shopping experience of a woman's life, so just imagine choosing two gowns for two A-list actresses. Costume designer Karen Patch was faced with that difficult task on the set of Bride Wars. We chatted with Karen to learn more about choosing those bridal gowns, the look of Bride Wars and dressing Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway.
Natalie Broulette: Can you tell me about working with Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway? How are their characters different, and does that come through in their wardrobes?
Karen Patch: When I began my research into Kate and Anne's characters, I kept in mind something the director Gary Winnick said to me: "Although both girls were lifelong best friends, they were really quite different from one another." I wanted Kate's character, Liv, to look tailored but with a feminine approach -- soft, pretty blouses; pencil skirts; suits that are body-conscious. She plays a young lawyer but she is not in a courtroom. Her look was professional and fashionable, not too serious -- someone who likes clothes. I think her character is confident, doesn't procrastinate and likes being in charge. Anne as Emma on the other hand likes color, patterns, florals and is a bit more experimental and creative. She puts pieces together in her own way and mixes old and new, inexpensive with expensive (gifts from Liv). She wears vintage slips at home with cardigans. There is a reversal over the course of time where Anne's character becomes more assertive and Kate's more vulnerable.
NB: What inspired your costume choices for Anne and Kate?
KP: It always begins with the research and character development. I looked at bridal magazines and spent time in bridal stores watching brides come in with their mothers and try on gowns. Conversations with the director, the actors, production designer, cinematographer regarding color -- all these elements factor into what shapes the final result. I put together inspiration boards and notebooks of color palettes, fabric swatches, sketches and any artwork or books that inspire.
NB: What designers and stores did you use?
KP: For Anne I chose Marc Jacobs, Lavendar Label Vera Wang, Theory, Coach, J.Crew, Prada, Calypso. Jewelry: Helen Ficalora, Wendy Culpepper and Ice. Kate wore Chanel, D&G, Hugo Boss, Tods, Marchesa, Burberry, Stella McCartney, Club Monaco. Jewelry: Tiffany. Many jean and t-shirt lines including Seven, Hudson, William Rast and Rag and Bone.
NB: What were some of the challenges you faced during filming?
KP: Before choosing the wedding gowns, I had to begin at the end. That is, what could I do to distress the gowns over and over? I needed many gowns for the stunts and we were faced with time constraints. Each gown takes weeks to make. They were being made and shipped right up until the last minute.
NB: Tell me about the bridal gowns used in the film. How were those chosen and what designers are they by?
KP: I wanted Kate's character to look like the bride on top of the wedding cake ... all confection, Vera Wang and Tiffany -- every little girl's dream wedding. I wanted Anne's character to be more nostalgic. Her dress was supposed to be her mother's and held sentimental value. Both dresses were made by Vera Wang. Kate's was based on a dress Vera had in the collection for 2009, but I asked for some changes and they were kind enough to accommodate -- different fabric and more layers of bobbinette. It was so big she could barely fit going down the aisle.
Natalie Broulette, Jan 05, 2009
Finding a wedding gown can be the most challenging shopping experience of a woman's life, so just imagine choosing two gowns for two A-list actresses. Costume designer Karen Patch was faced with that difficult task on the set of Bride Wars. We chatted with Karen to learn more about choosing those bridal gowns, the look of Bride Wars and dressing Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway.Natalie Broulette: Can you tell me about working with Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway? How are their characters different, and does that come through in their wardrobes?
Karen Patch: When I began my research into Kate and Anne's characters, I kept in mind something the director Gary Winnick said to me: "Although both girls were lifelong best friends, they were really quite different from one another." I wanted Kate's character, Liv, to look tailored but with a feminine approach -- soft, pretty blouses; pencil skirts; suits that are body-conscious. She plays a young lawyer but she is not in a courtroom. Her look was professional and fashionable, not too serious -- someone who likes clothes. I think her character is confident, doesn't procrastinate and likes being in charge. Anne as Emma on the other hand likes color, patterns, florals and is a bit more experimental and creative. She puts pieces together in her own way and mixes old and new, inexpensive with expensive (gifts from Liv). She wears vintage slips at home with cardigans. There is a reversal over the course of time where Anne's character becomes more assertive and Kate's more vulnerable.
NB: What inspired your costume choices for Anne and Kate?
KP: It always begins with the research and character development. I looked at bridal magazines and spent time in bridal stores watching brides come in with their mothers and try on gowns. Conversations with the director, the actors, production designer, cinematographer regarding color -- all these elements factor into what shapes the final result. I put together inspiration boards and notebooks of color palettes, fabric swatches, sketches and any artwork or books that inspire.
NB: What designers and stores did you use?
KP: For Anne I chose Marc Jacobs, Lavendar Label Vera Wang, Theory, Coach, J.Crew, Prada, Calypso. Jewelry: Helen Ficalora, Wendy Culpepper and Ice. Kate wore Chanel, D&G, Hugo Boss, Tods, Marchesa, Burberry, Stella McCartney, Club Monaco. Jewelry: Tiffany. Many jean and t-shirt lines including Seven, Hudson, William Rast and Rag and Bone.
NB: What were some of the challenges you faced during filming?
KP: Before choosing the wedding gowns, I had to begin at the end. That is, what could I do to distress the gowns over and over? I needed many gowns for the stunts and we were faced with time constraints. Each gown takes weeks to make. They were being made and shipped right up until the last minute.
NB: Tell me about the bridal gowns used in the film. How were those chosen and what designers are they by?
KP: I wanted Kate's character to look like the bride on top of the wedding cake ... all confection, Vera Wang and Tiffany -- every little girl's dream wedding. I wanted Anne's character to be more nostalgic. Her dress was supposed to be her mother's and held sentimental value. Both dresses were made by Vera Wang. Kate's was based on a dress Vera had in the collection for 2009, but I asked for some changes and they were kind enough to accommodate -- different fabric and more layers of bobbinette. It was so big she could barely fit going down the aisle.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Are Chinese Online Wedding Dress Stores a Good Idea
Have you found it a challenge to get the wedding dress of your dreams in today’s economy? Many women are finding it harder and harder to afford the wedding gown they really want. This has led them to looking at lower cost alternatives. Online shopping for wedding dresses has become more popular. With the rise of online bridal gown sales, the introductions of Chinese wedding dress sites have cropped up. If you read the reports during the Olympics about fraud ticket websites then you know that Chinese websites are riddled with fraud.
Top 6 Reasons why not to buy from Chinese wedding gown sites
The first reason is the shipping can take months. You have enough to worry about with planning your wedding then to worry if your dress is going to show up. Knowing your wedding gown is taken care of and safe and secure in hand is one less worry that you don’t need.
Many women have found that the dress they thought they were getting from the photo is not the dress when it arrives. You are now stuck with a dress you didn’t order and not the dress that you have been dreaming about. Many Chinese wedding dress sites steal their photos from legitimate online stores and have no professional photos of their own.
Returns on Chinese made wedding dresses can be a nightmare. If you can get them to take it back it all you will still need to pay the overseas shipping rates. You can almost buy a new dress for what it takes to ship back a wedding dress that had tears, missing items, or the wrong dress all together.
Your wedding dress is a symbol of your new life you are starting. Many wedding gowns made from websites in China are of poor quality. The last thing you want is for your precious gown to fall apart. The extra money it takes to fix up your dress makes it not the bargain you once thought it was.
I have heard real people complain that they never got their dress at all. This is the ultimate in betrayal and a real problem with Chinese wedding gown sites. No part in your dream of a wedding starts with no chance and makes going with Chinese dresses a real risk.
The final issue is the overall language barrier. If you have ever been frustrated by talking to a customer service person from India, imagine communicating the right size and alterations with someone that doesn’t speak anything like you do. The language barrier makes it #1 reason why it is so hard to get the exactly what you want from a Chinese bridal dress shop.
Chinese wedding dress stores online are risky. Your best bet if you need to find an affordable high quality dress in your price range is to chose and American based online wedding store.
Top 6 Reasons why not to buy from Chinese wedding gown sites
The first reason is the shipping can take months. You have enough to worry about with planning your wedding then to worry if your dress is going to show up. Knowing your wedding gown is taken care of and safe and secure in hand is one less worry that you don’t need.
Many women have found that the dress they thought they were getting from the photo is not the dress when it arrives. You are now stuck with a dress you didn’t order and not the dress that you have been dreaming about. Many Chinese wedding dress sites steal their photos from legitimate online stores and have no professional photos of their own.
Returns on Chinese made wedding dresses can be a nightmare. If you can get them to take it back it all you will still need to pay the overseas shipping rates. You can almost buy a new dress for what it takes to ship back a wedding dress that had tears, missing items, or the wrong dress all together.
Your wedding dress is a symbol of your new life you are starting. Many wedding gowns made from websites in China are of poor quality. The last thing you want is for your precious gown to fall apart. The extra money it takes to fix up your dress makes it not the bargain you once thought it was.
I have heard real people complain that they never got their dress at all. This is the ultimate in betrayal and a real problem with Chinese wedding gown sites. No part in your dream of a wedding starts with no chance and makes going with Chinese dresses a real risk.
The final issue is the overall language barrier. If you have ever been frustrated by talking to a customer service person from India, imagine communicating the right size and alterations with someone that doesn’t speak anything like you do. The language barrier makes it #1 reason why it is so hard to get the exactly what you want from a Chinese bridal dress shop.
Chinese wedding dress stores online are risky. Your best bet if you need to find an affordable high quality dress in your price range is to chose and American based online wedding store.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Wedding Dresses: Avoiding Gown Malfunctions
Talk to a single girl about wedding dresses and you're sure to get an earful of must-haves. They talk about fairy princess gowns, expensive brocade, and unique gowns meant only for them. When it's time for them to get their bridal gown, they fall down to earth with a bang.
Gown Malfunction
The thought of slipping or struggling into an ill-fitting wedding dress or tuxedo is everybody's nightmare, worse than fending off Freddy Krueger on Elm Street. Those heavenly wedding dresses and tuxedos you've seen on rows and rows of racks can become disasters if you don't make sure that alterations are carried out to perfection.
This is true if you've hastily ordered a gown on eBay or inherited a wedding gown from your grandmother's heyday. Reputable bridal shops have experienced modistes who will do the alterations and beadwork by hand. Their experience with wedding dresses won't have you ending up with tight chested gowns with tight armholes.
Other bridal dresses disasters including popping buttons, shrunk gowns, improper accessories, inappropriate undergarments, a zipper that won't close, and a tiara that does not look right with the gown. And these are discovered on the wedding day!
Avoiding Gown Disasters
Usually the gown is selected a year or six months before the wedding because several things can happen in-between. It's better to get a gown six months ahead, instead of a year. These helpful tips are products of years of wedding gown disasters handed from one bride to another.
Rules to go by for the perfect wedding gown:
* Don't get pregnant.
* Watch your weight.
* Follow a strict beauty regimen.
When shopping for the gown, don't let your groom, sister, bridesmaids and your mom tag along. Instead, choose one or two friends and your mom to go with to check out the wedding dresses on the rack. You can start the great hunt with a picture or photo cut-out of a wedding gown that has caught your fancy.
Other tips to follow:
* Don't get a gown with a long train if you have no handler. Although it looks romantic and gorgeous, having a long bridal train can be disastrous if you have no handler or someone to attend to the train whenever you move.
* Make sure the gown has the correct hem. During the fitting, bring the shoes with the right height so the hem can be adjusted accordingly.
* Wear the proper brassiere or corset for the perfect fit during the fitting.
* While fitting, choose the right veil, gloves, crinolines, and other wedding accessories at the same shop.
* Choose the right accessories to enhance the look of your gown.
* Fittings should take place 8 weeks before the wedding, and check the zippers and the buttons when the gown is delivered.
* If it can be arranged, have a fitting a week before the wedding.
* Have your bridal photo session and dress rehearsal two days before the wedding.
Remember that the wedding dresses reflect the tastes and personality of the bride, so make your choice, but listen to some comments or advice from the resident designer of the bridal shop. They have something to say to help you avoid those wedding gown disasters.
Wedding dresses make the bride, so do not rush and regret those wedding gown booboos.
Gown Malfunction
The thought of slipping or struggling into an ill-fitting wedding dress or tuxedo is everybody's nightmare, worse than fending off Freddy Krueger on Elm Street. Those heavenly wedding dresses and tuxedos you've seen on rows and rows of racks can become disasters if you don't make sure that alterations are carried out to perfection.
This is true if you've hastily ordered a gown on eBay or inherited a wedding gown from your grandmother's heyday. Reputable bridal shops have experienced modistes who will do the alterations and beadwork by hand. Their experience with wedding dresses won't have you ending up with tight chested gowns with tight armholes.
Other bridal dresses disasters including popping buttons, shrunk gowns, improper accessories, inappropriate undergarments, a zipper that won't close, and a tiara that does not look right with the gown. And these are discovered on the wedding day!
Avoiding Gown Disasters
Usually the gown is selected a year or six months before the wedding because several things can happen in-between. It's better to get a gown six months ahead, instead of a year. These helpful tips are products of years of wedding gown disasters handed from one bride to another.
Rules to go by for the perfect wedding gown:
* Don't get pregnant.
* Watch your weight.
* Follow a strict beauty regimen.
When shopping for the gown, don't let your groom, sister, bridesmaids and your mom tag along. Instead, choose one or two friends and your mom to go with to check out the wedding dresses on the rack. You can start the great hunt with a picture or photo cut-out of a wedding gown that has caught your fancy.
Other tips to follow:
* Don't get a gown with a long train if you have no handler. Although it looks romantic and gorgeous, having a long bridal train can be disastrous if you have no handler or someone to attend to the train whenever you move.
* Make sure the gown has the correct hem. During the fitting, bring the shoes with the right height so the hem can be adjusted accordingly.
* Wear the proper brassiere or corset for the perfect fit during the fitting.
* While fitting, choose the right veil, gloves, crinolines, and other wedding accessories at the same shop.
* Choose the right accessories to enhance the look of your gown.
* Fittings should take place 8 weeks before the wedding, and check the zippers and the buttons when the gown is delivered.
* If it can be arranged, have a fitting a week before the wedding.
* Have your bridal photo session and dress rehearsal two days before the wedding.
Remember that the wedding dresses reflect the tastes and personality of the bride, so make your choice, but listen to some comments or advice from the resident designer of the bridal shop. They have something to say to help you avoid those wedding gown disasters.
Wedding dresses make the bride, so do not rush and regret those wedding gown booboos.
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