Wedding Fashion Files

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2009-05-09T01:26:00.000-07:00

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2009-04-20T12:02:00.000-07:00

We have almost finished our new Wedding Fashion blog, which will offer loads more features and a new, cleaner layout. Pop over and check us out! Just excuse the mess while we 'clean house' and get things just the way we want them.

http://weddingfashionfiles.com/

Make Mine Vintage

2009-04-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

One of the current wedding trends I absolutely adore is the return of vintage dresses and themes to our "oh so modern" society. I think I was born much too late; I am always drawn to clothing, artwork, books, collectibles and everything else vintage. Even my closest friends, who are considerably older than I, tease me that they are part of my admiration for all things vintage. Whether people believe it or not, I'm an old soul in a lot of ways. I suppose this is the reason I am loving this comeback so much.

Today I have managed to get myself tangled in the webs of a site devoted to vintage wedding attire and my severe case of lust for times long passed has taken a turn for the worse. It is too early to determine exactly how much longer I have unless I am treated for this affliction soon (and aggressively). I have not been able to tear myself away from Vintage Wedding all afternoon. As a matter of fact, I am still browsing the site and some of their equally interesting links as I write this.

The clothing on this site ranges from under garments and accessories to dresses, as well as suits for men. Mind you, these are not replicas (unless otherwise noted), but actual vintage items. Some of the gowns and such have never even been worn, while others need minor repair or cleaning. If you are considering going with a vintage theme, it may be worth taking a look.

While replicas may be easier to find and involve less work (in the case of repair, it may be challenging to locate suitable materials, for example), if you are an old soul like me, you really may get a kick out of being married in actual vintage apparel.

I am sure by now it is no secret how I feel. I love the vintage trend; from the attire, to the added touches. Vintage favors, music, decor and anything else you can think of will all add to your vintage wedding theme. I may be biased, but I do not think you can ever have too much of a good thing.....as long as that "thing" is vintage!

Wooden Wedding and Engagement Rings

2009-04-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

I must admit as a lover of all things that glitter and sparkle (I think I was a magpie in a previous life!) I was not sure what to make of wooden wedding and engagement rings. But after looking at wooden jewellery sites on the internet, I have discovered that they are not what I imaged them to be.

I was expecting something quite wide, thick and not very feminine. Yes, there are designs, exactly like in gold and silver rings, that are a wide band style, for those women who can pull off chunkier jewellery or for men. But there are also delicate designs; beautifully carved, some out of two different types of wood and even some with silver inlays. You can also have a diamond set into a design, for those wanting a more unusual engagement ring.

So why would you choose a ring made from wood? For some their choice will be an environmental one, as normally the wood used, is salvaged wood, and the ring is more eco-friendly than a metal one.

But for others it will be because of what this material symbolises. Wood, as we all know comes from trees, and is a living matter. Wood has been on its own life journey. It changes and grows, trees expand and contract, when their environment alters. Which are all of the things that we have to learn to do, in order to build and grow our own relationships.

With the exchanging of wooden rings, you are symbolising the giving of life, your life, to each other, and pledging to grow and shape together in your new life together.

Find wooden rings as sites such as Simply Wood Rings.

The Jesus Peiro 2009 Collection

2009-04-10T08:39:00.000-07:00

A finish that has been compared to haute couture, is how Jesus Peiro wedding dresses have been described. And this reputation is certainly one on which the company, founded in 1988 in Spain, have built on. The Jesus Peiro brand, pride themselves on setting trends and on satisfying today’s discerning bride.

Their 2009 collection offers elegant gowns of extremely high quality, which will certainly give you the 'wow' from your guests that every bride dreams of.

The collection features dresses tailored in a variety of materials, lace features on a number of the designs mirroring the continued love of vintage this season. I have picked out some of my favourites from the collection.

Dress 9027 is a graceful halter neck gown, with small beautifully crafted buttons, running down the back of the dress, which finishes in a flowing skirt. Other than the buttons at the back, the gown is completely unadorned but this simplicity allows each bride to personalise their look with accessories of their choice.

Staying with clean designs, gown 9053 offers the bride an empire style dress, with a strapless neckline and slim ribbon of material on which a diamante brooch is fixed just under the bust. The skirt falls elegantly to the floor with a train at the back.

If you love lace dresses, number 9098 is particularly pretty, it features a full lace halter neck dress, together with layers of net making up the train at the back of the gown.

But my personal favourite is gown 9076, which has high slash neckline but a deep plunging ‘V’ at the back, it is decorated with a sash at the waist again with an unadorned skirt, which finishes in a small train.

If you would like to view their collection for yourself a list of stockists can be found on their website www.jesuspeiro.com

Mow the Lawn

2009-04-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

...usually something you'd ask your other half to do at the weekend? Not anymore!

Check out this kooky new film from Wilkinson Sword featuring a bunch of glamorous girls getting busy mowing their lawns, trimming their bushes and having a general 'tidy up' in their gardens...!

This film has been released to celebrate the launch of the NEW Quattro for Women Bikini razor,, which also helps women have a bit of a 'tidy up', thanks to its unique capabilities to both trim and shave the bikini area. This 2-in-1 beauty innovation boasts a waterproof trimmer at one end and a high tech, four-blade razor at the other.

Click on the link below to see how much fun it can be to have a spruce up when things get a little rough around the edges. It may inspire you to ’mow your lawn ', and it will definitely leave you humming the catchy theme song.

Enjoy! And look out for the cat, who also gets a bit of attention.....

Carrie's wedding dress goes on sale

2009-04-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

One of the most memoriable parts of last years "Sex and the City" movie for most, was that Vivienne Westwood wedding dress.

The internet shopping mecca website, Net-a-Porter have recently added the gown to their Wedding Boutique and it sold out almost instantly. The champagne silk satin dress has a sweetheart neckline and full puff skirt.

So if you too fancy an injection of Carrie Bradshaw on your wedding day, you will have to go on the waiting list and expect to part with about £7000.

Berketex Bride Easter Offer

2009-04-07T06:42:00.000-07:00

If your going to be shopping for your wedding dress over Easter, why not have a look in your nearest Berketex Brides store.

Up until Saturday 11 April Berketex Brides are offering either a free bridesmaid dress with the purchase of a full price Bridal Gown or £200 worth of accessories with the purchase of a full price Bridal Gown.

To find your nearest store and for more information on these offers, visit http://www.berketexbride.com/

Happy shopping!

A pair of Gina Shoes to be won!

2009-04-06T02:57:00.000-07:00

The gorgeous shoe and handbag designers Gina, run competitions for the registered users of their site every 3 months. This time they are giving their users the chance to win a pair of shoes or handbag worth £450.

They've just launched their Spring/Summer 09 collection and they also have a Bridal range to tempt you. So there will be plenty to choose from should you win.

All you have to do is go to www.gina.com , click on the Competitions tab and answer the question. Remember you have to be a registered user, but registering is easy and will only take you a couple of minutes.

Good Luck!
P.S. If one of our readers wins, please let us know what you choose!

4 Ways to Make a Statement with Your Wedding Dress

2009-04-06T02:15:00.000-07:00

Guest Post by Shirley Tan, AmericanBridal.com

When you turn that age where everyone is getting married, you start to notice that most gals turn out to look like the typical cookie-cutter bride in her white ball gown. If you’re the type of girl who wants to stand out and show your individuality on your special day, follow these tips:

Indulge in Color

White is definitely not flattering for all skin tones (especially women with light skin) and it is not the most complimentary color for darker skin tones. The white wedding dress was meant to symbolize virginity and purity, but now that times have changed, dresses should reflect our newfound strength and power with vibrant, bold colors. Choose lively yellows and shocking reds, or if you want to take it down a notch, look for less vibrant colors like maroon and navy blue.

Original Headpieces

There are many veil alternatives on the market today, so no need to go traditional on this one ladies. Place baby’s breath flowers in your up do to create a breathtaking, natural look. For a more romantic look, invest in one medium sized colored silk flower of your choice, I recommend a rose paired with small white flowers, and place it to the side of your swept up hair. If you are a free spirited gal, try placing a large daisy in your hair. Whatever kind of girl you are, there’s always a flower that matches your personality. If you do want to go more towards the traditional side, I recommend buying a veil, sans netting, that drips with ruby and silver balls or crystals.

Accessorize to the Max

If you’ve decided to go the more traditional route with yur dress, then it’s time to glam yourself up with some accessories. A cost effective way to look even more stunning is purchasing a dainty velvet ribbon to tie neatly around your neck; you’ll surely create a statement with this look. Depending on what type of dress you have, buying a long pearl necklace would also look amazing, and add some drama to your ensemble. This look goes especially well with a plain wedding dress that does not flair out at the bottom- think simple. For funkier brides, try a diamond upper arm bracelet to look fabulous.

Shoes Please!

If you have chosen to stick with the standard white wedding dress, then spice it up a bit with some colorful shoes. Who wants to wear white from head to toe. A lot of bridal shoes can be dyed any color you like, so you can be as creative as you want.

No matter what route you decide to take (traditional or non) it’s important to feel like an enhanced version of yourself on your special day. So, if that means going bold, then by all means go daring, you deserve it.

Shirley is the President/CEO of AmericanBridal.com. Her company is a major leader in the wedding favors industry and her website contains many useful resources for brides planning their wedding.

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Hate it : Bandages and Bows

2009-04-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

A bride should be the center of attention on her wedding day; an image of elegance and a sight to behold. Her dress should flatter her figure and highlight her best features. I can not help but wonder what was on the minds of the designers when they concocted some of these "things" I can only call atrocities against both fashion and weddings!

Remember The Sound of Music and Gone with the Wind? Simply because those drapes made good ensembles in the movies, does not mean a bride should look like she ripped her grandmother's curtains down at the last minute to create her wedding dress.

In particular, I can't help but picture a bride in this dress having to swim her way to the Altar with her Little Mermaid tail. I have to say I have no love for what I refer to as The Curtain Mermaid gown.

Not to keep referencing movies, but can you say "Mummy"? This dress may be great for a fancy formal event, but if a bride were to walk down the aisle in this creation, her guests may be wondering if she is happy to be getting married or if she thought she was dressing for preservation in a casket. I am unable to give this a thumbs up in the bridal gown category simply because the dress screams "bandages" from head to toe.

I have to say no to the feather boa look of this Burlesque Dancer get-up. Again, the dress may have it's place in fashion, but it certainly has no place on a bride! I think the seams would reject the idea, but unless the bride is having a very unconventional wedding and arriving beside her groom via pole....these feathers are an emphatic "NO" for a wedding gown.

Some of these dresses will leave the bride standing in the shadow of her beautifully wrapped gifts; or even worse...blending right on in with them. Maybe I'm an old-fashioned girl, but I still think it best to show a touch of class and be sure your guests are gasping at your elegance rather than your lack of fashion sense.

Editor's note:
Don't hold back, tell us what you really think! I have to say that I largely agree here. Brides appear 'all wrapped up', in the 2010 collection previews I have seen so far, with miles of wrapped tulle, chiffon and satin appearing in dresses from all designers. It may not be difficult to get a budget version of these designer gowns. I recommend checking out the Toilet Paper Wedding Gown contest and then grabbing a few hundred rolls of Andrex!

What do you think about the new 'wrap' gowns?

Design Your Own Tartan

2009-04-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

Internet firm Scotweb, will soon be launching a new and exciting product onto the market, "Design Your Own Tartan"

Scotweb's new product will allow you to go online and using their patented technology, design your own tartan pattern in a range of colours. Your designs can then be saved and even shared with others in their online gallery. So you can get the opinion of other members of your wedding party before ordering. Your tartan design can then be made into kilts, skirts, scarves, ties and even household goods.

Before they launch this new product to the general public, Scotweb have given people within the industry a chance to have a go at their new venture. So after having a play around, I must say it is a fairly simple tool to use, although Scotweb do want feedback, so they can keep on improving the system. It was fun playing with different colours, to see which worked best as the base colour and then what other colours complimented it.

So if you fancy combining your two families tartan for your wedding or fancy designing something unique to you, keep an eye on Scotweb's website for the launch.

www.scotweb.co.uk

Flowergirl Dresses

2009-03-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

Are you searching for pretty flower girl dresses or page boy outfits, then Little Eglantine could have what your looking for.

We all know how stylish the French are, well now you can have some of the French style at your own wedding.

Stephanie Staub is a French designer of extremely pretty flower girl dresses and page boy outfits. Her Summer 2009 flower girl collection had some really attractive designs, made from beautiful fabrics. You can choose from embroidered or plain taffeta both in a range of colours.
Stephanie has given us a lot to choose from but I have managed to narrow my favourites down to five:

Firstly "Marie" a pretty blue and white dress with a blue sash which crosses over attractively at the back.

Second there's "Purple Isobel", a white dress with pink and purple flowers and rather sweet "flounce" sleeves.

Next, "Camille" a cream taffeta dress, decorated with different coloured dragonflies.

Then, "Blue Anais" a white dress with blue flowers, whose skirt is made up of two layers, the bottom one is longer than the top and is a co-ordinating blue, giving a two tone effect.

Lastly, "Alexandra", I know we are now meant to be in Spring but I couldn't help mentioning "Alexandra" for those of you who maybe looking for dresses for a Winter wedding. Alexandra is made out of a gorgeous "night blue" taffeta with long sleeves, trimmed with white fur. The bottom of the skirt is also trimmed with white fur. The colour of the dress, along with the adorable white fur trim, make this dress my favourite.

But which one will you choose, decide at www.littleeglantine.com

Gorgeous Pashmina's

2009-03-25T05:37:00.000-07:00

Sunrise Pashmina are a company based in Nepal who produce hand-loomed pashmina shawls using high quality yarn. Their shawls come in a range of colours and you can even choose styles with pretty beading or embroidery on.
So if you fancy treating yourself, bridemaids or female members of your wedding party to one of their gorgeous shawls for your big day, take a look at their website.

www.sunrise-pashmina.com
They are also offering all our readers, a 5% discount on your purchase, when you quote the code 55weddingguide, happy shopping!

Be Your Own Designer

2009-03-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

If you are tired of traipsing through endless bridal boutiques searching for just the right gown for your bridesmaids then StyleShake is set to offer you sweet relief.

Regardless of your bridesmaids size or sense of style, they are sure to have something to suit, since each of their items is designed by you and then tailor made to order.

They offer a range of beautiful fabrics, including organic silk, cotton or linen – forget man made fabrics that get too hot or cause irritation! Each fabric also comes in a variety of colours from pale pastels to the summer’s hot gem shades as well as classic black and the ever popular burgandy.

Choosing from dresses or separates lets you co ordinate your wedding look while still offering bridesmaids an outfit that will both fit and flatter them.

Create various looks to share and compare with your girls, and then be wowed by the low cost of the final outfit!

Offering five star service with free tailoring, inspirational blog articles, and great customer service, we say ‘Well Done!’ to StyleShake.

Design your own bridesmaid dress today.

Bid on Madonna's Tiara

2009-03-10T13:06:00.000-07:00

If you are a big Madonna fan then you have a once in a lifetime opportunity to wear her tiara on your wedding day. The award winning gold and diamond Versace tiara will be auctioned on Bidz.com on the 23rd of March, to raise money for the Aid for AIDS charity.

Opening bid? $699,999

No offence to Madonna or Versace, but I have seen nicer tiaras for a fraction of the price!

A Fantasy Bride

2009-03-04T06:01:00.000-08:00

Rivendell Bridal is the place to go for gorgeous medieval and fantasy bridal gowns. Emily Jane, Rivendell Bridal’s talented designer, hand works each dress so that it is perfectly fitted to the client. Working from her UK design studio and shop, Emily Jane welcomes brides from all over the world who are hoping to create the perfect “castle in the sky” wedding.

Emily Jane is a master dress designer and dress maker. To ensure that each of her creations drapes perfectly, looks great on, and fits like a glove she uses modern couture design techniques for each gown.

Your entire experience at Rivendell Bridal will be like stepping back in time. You will receive expert, personalized service from Emily Jane and her team. Your dress will be made especially for you. Emily Jane will even give brides hair and makeup tips for their big day.

The dresses at Rivendell Bridal evoke the Britain and Ireland of long ago, as well as the grace and beauty of the Elves. With names like Guinevere, Avani, Bespoke, and Celtic Star you will feel like a true princess in a Rivendell gown.

The Guinevere gown is very popular with young brides. This gown is made using cream silk and is elegant in its simplicity. The gown has a fitted bodice outlined in silver and black embroidery, long bell sleeves, and a flowing skirt that sweeps the floor.

Another popular dress is the Titania. This lovely dress has a flouncy skirt built from layers and layers of silk taffeta. The layers are randomly gathered by small bows giving the skirt a flattering bell shape.

Emily Jane also offers other medieval and fantasy style items at Rivendell Bridal. To complement her creations she carries a line of capes, shoes, handbags, bouquets, and tiaras.

One bride accurately described Emily Jane and her experience with Rivendell Bridal as nothing short of a miracle. According to Lisa Randall, “This woman is a miracle worker - from the moment I first spoke to her she just understood what I wanted I can truly say that my dress was perfect even more than I could have ever imagined. Everyone commented on how pretty it was and my new husband loved it! I am so grateful to you, I found the whole dress shop process really painful and dealing with you was a total pleasure.”

www.rivendellbridal.com

Styleboard March 2009 - Green Weddings

2009-03-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

As vintage and romance ensconce the wedding industry, the colour of weddings is being tinged green. Going green can also mean a softer, more natural look for your wedding style with sustainable fabrics, found objects and inspiration from nature.

Credits: (Clockwise from top left)

Eco Chic Weddings by Emily Anderson. This book gives some great advice and tips on how brides can have a beautiful wedding without harming the environment.

Add a touch of natural beauty to your wedding look by weaving some flowers into your hair. Image from Wedding Flowers Idea Blog.

I love this unusual, contemporary Bamboo wedding cake by Lava Cakes.

Stunning, flowing green bridesmaids dress from PromDress4Less. I am a fan of these guys, as they tailor make each gown to your own measurements, but offer all of their designs at amazingly low prices.

Bridal Hair Vine from Chimerique Jewellery. Exquisite hair decoration for brides made with woven silver wire and freshwater pearls.

Feature image:
Stunning silk wrapped posy of green orchids by Chicago Flowers.

Win a Wedding Dress

2009-03-03T01:37:00.000-08:00

Confetti.co.uk have a great wedding competition running at the moment for one lucky bride to win a fabulous designer wedding gown from Constantina Bridal.

The collection, by designer Enzoani is a stunning and eclectic mix of designs with a heavy Vintage influence. The gowns are stacked with details, from layered fabrics to exquisite details, exaggerated silhouettes and stylish draping.

Get full details of how to enter this wedding competition now.

Stylish Wedding Flip Flops

2009-03-02T14:48:00.000-08:00

Finding wedding shoes for a hot, destination wedding at the beach can leave you with some tricky choices. Do you get the cute heels that will leave you with that sinking feeling, or buy the plain white flip flops that seep the glamour factor out of your wedding outift?

Tracey Asai Designs have a nice compromise. Their range of bridal flip flops are both practical and comfortable while being decorated and designed to co ordinate with a traditional bridal look.

I like their stylish and inexpensive flip flops with beaded pearl detail, and might just have to pick up a pair of the Maribou feather flip flops for a touch of playful fifties glamour this summer.

Explore their range of wedding flip flops that are "worthy of being worn under your very expensive, very beautiful wedding gown?"

Personalize T Shirts

2009-02-28T08:49:00.000-08:00

I love these personalised wedding Tees from PWP Online for two reasons. They make a great wedding gift for a bride and groom, and the cute pink and blue 'Just Married' is ideal for honeymooners happy to show off their new status and husband and wife. The T-shirt is also printed with the wedding date, solving the problem of husbands forgetting anniversaries - all a wife has to do is don the T shirt a few days before the important event and hope that her dearest hubby gets the hint.

Or is that hoping too much??

If you are a little more sceptical about the whole nuptial affair, then perhaps you will enjoy this T shirt more.

Visit PWP Online now to see more great wedding gift ideas.

Elegant and timeless: Caroline Castigliano

2009-02-26T14:05:00.000-08:00

Elegant and timeless are words that have been used describe the designs of Caroline Castigliano. This season the words classic, chic, and contemporary can be added to her repertoire as Castigliano adds a touch of whimsy to her stunning designs.

Fitted bodices with flowing skirts in tone on tone white and ivory have always been a Castigliano signature. Added to this classic silhouette for spring are modern details every bride will love. Castigliano has chosen to play with fabric textures and layering to create a truly romantic collection. Unusual bits of contrast such as a slim ribbon of black at the waist or a soft metallic rose on the bodice add a stylish contemporary touch.

When asked how she conceives her designs Castigliano has been quoted as saying, “I imagine a ‘muse’: she may be an actress or celebrity or even a student that I see on the street and I will be inspired by her image – I then start creating gowns that would be amazing specifically for her. Generally the gowns develop from there until in the end they have a personality of their own.”

What makes a Castigliano bridal gown exceptional? They not only look good, they feel good, too! When designing each gown Castigliano considers the form of the dress and the shape of the body. Corsetry is constructed to make the gown fit and fall correctly. Brides will find that each Castigliano boutique works from the inside out when personally fitting gowns. If the corsetry is not correct the dress will not feel or look right.

Castigliano is well known for this exacting fit. Her early career in America as a sportswear designer has given her a unique understanding of the need for comfort and construction. ‘Survival Fit’, an upscale active wear line designed by Castigliano in Miami, Florida was sold in such luminous stores as Saks and Macy’s.

In 1990 Castigliano realized her dream of designing bridal gowns. Returning to the UK she took her knowledge of fit and form and opened her first bridal store in Surrey. Her designs became instantly popular and led to the opening of more stores, now totaling nine.

View her latest designs here.

White Dresses at the Oscars

2009-02-24T12:36:00.000-08:00

White dresses were all the rage at the Oscars this week. Nina Calloway at About.com weddings gives us the run down of who was wearing what from Sarah Jessica Parker to Jennifer Aniston.

Check out her gallery of white dresses at the Oscars.

Love it:
It is hard to pick a winner from so many beautiful and stylish women, but Nancy O Dell really stood out for me, in this amazing, slinky number.

Hate It:
Marion Cotillard's strange fishy Jean Paul Gautier gown came a close second, but Jessica Biel's Prada gown gets my vote for the worst white dress on the red carpet, looking more like a roomy bathrobe wrap than a glamorous Hollywood dress.

My favourite Oscars dress?
The Randi Rahm gown worn by Maria Menounos- imagine it in white for a sumptous, glamorous wedding gown!

2009-02-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

The writer over at Blissful Vows is a blogger after my own heart. They have just featured a look behind the scenes of one of my favourite bridal designers, Jim Hjelm. Although he may not be a household name, he is certainly a darling of the couture and celebrity world, and for good reason. Hjelm designs are always so tasteful and flattering, with a depth of detail that is not often seen in modern day fashions.

My personal favourite from their 2009 range is this low backed sheath design which reflects the current taste for vintage nicely, with a champagne colour and plenty of lace.

Blissful Vows promise to be featuring more from other designers in the near future, so I highly recommend following me over there for a look.

The Perfect Fit: Monique Lhuillier

2009-02-14T15:07:00.000-08:00

The hottest trends in wedding gowns this season are gowns designed by the incomparable Monique Lhuillier. A passionate woman, Lhuillier was born to parents with French, Spanish, and Filipino ancestry. She spent her childhood in the Philippines and travelled extensively with her family. These travels, along with her mother’s great sense of style, were early influences on Lhuillier.

Lhuillier has stated that she always wanted to design clothes. After high school she attended the Fashion Institute of Merchandising and Design and designed her first creations under the tutelage of several famous designer mentors. Once her studies were completed Lhuillier travelled to France to work for a small French design firm.

Lhuillier did not start out to be a wedding gown designer. She has stated in interviews that she only became interested in wedding gowns when she designed her own gown. What an inspiration it must have been. In 1996 she launched her very first wedding gown collection and the world became enchanted with Lhuillier.

Lhuillier has designed dresses for many Hollywood stars and fashion icons. The American singer Pink insisted on a black and ivory Lhuillier gown for her wedding to Carey Hart. She did double duty for singer Brittany Spears when she designed 2 wedding dresses for her wedding to K-Fed. The first, a long Italian silk, was worn during the ceremony. A short lace dress was designed for the reception and Lluillier also designed all the dresses for Brittany’s bridal party.

The list of Lhuillier’s famous clients runs on and on. Ali Landry, the star of Eve, called on Lhuillier to design the perfect romantic gown for her secluded and secret Mexican wedding. Emilie de Ravin From the hit American TV show Lost wore a Lhuillier gown of long and extravagant lace to her small wedding. And Kevin Costner’s bride, Christine Baumgartner, deigned her 2004 gown with Lhuillier.

A Lhuillier gown is a masterpiece. Fashion editor Marge Eli says that a gown designed by Monique Lhuillier will make a bride feel like a princess on her big day. In an article Eli stated, “These gowns, they are not for the faint of heart. It takes a personality to wear a Lhuillier gown or else the gown will wear you!”

A Monique Lhuillier gown is luscious and very feminine. The workmanship employed in making these wedding gowns is impeccable. The fabrics are rich. Eli describes a Lhuillier gown as a, “walk down a garden path in the Tuileries. The dress, it is at once present day and old fashioned. It is a bit like a stroll with old King Louis, no?”

Most of Lhuilliers gowns are very simple and rely on the fabrics and design to give the gown its romantic feel. Almost all of her designs are sleeveless. She also favours tight bodices and full skirts.

The quality of a Lhuillier gown is unquestionable. With prices starting at $2000 you will want this wedding dress to become a family heirloom.

View the 2009 Collection.

Styleboard for February 09

2009-01-29T07:29:00.000-08:00

Inspiration for February has to be filled with roses, hearts and red - all reflecting the passion and romance of Valentine's Day. We have included some Asian hints, since there are still a few sky lanterns lingering on the horizon from Chinese New Year. Touches of gold add glamour to red weddings, and give a feeling of warmth to a wedding that might still be feeling the chill of winter in many parts of Europe.

Credits (clockwise from top left):

Hand tied red and white roses, with gold beads. By Cream and Browns Florist, Spain.
Couture invitation by Lela New York
Red Daisy and green foliage topiary by Cream and Browns Florist, Spain.
Red wedding gown by Maggie Sottero
Fill your wedding with light, even on a dark winter day with colorful paper lanterns, these red ones are from the Paper Lantern Store
Garnet necklace with sterling silver rose clasp detail by Chimerique
Chocolate heart shaped sweets wrapped in red and gold foil, from Chocolatebuttons.co.uk

Central image:
Red wedding in Italy by photographer Carlo Giorgi, Florence

Fashion Tips from the Experts

2009-01-26T08:05:00.000-08:00

Guest post by BestforBride.com

Getting married used to be a simple task - find the right man, ask for your parents' approval, wear mom's wedding dress, and walk down the aisle. Now, it's a little more complicated, and of course, there's no way you're wearing what mom had worn. It's a little outdated. Your wedding dress should feature the latest in wedding gown styles. If you can't find the gown of your dreams, don't fret, that's just the proverbial tip of the iceberg. There's more where that came from.

White? After Labor Day?

To wear white on your wedding day is your right, but it's also your choice. With a wedding dress, the possibilities are endless. White, off-white, or white with trimmings, you can find it if you know where to look. Bear in mind that everyone has different body types, and different tastes. Take the time to look for the wedding dress of your dreams, try it on, and see if it works for you. You don't simply need to imagine if the material will fall the right way, you need to actually see it. Neither should you worry about the fit because alterations can be made at your convenience. The gown you want is waiting for you.

The Total Package

Since you're not walking down that aisle alone, make a stunning entrance and dress your bridesmaids in beautiful bridesmaid dresses. Get rid of the notion that bridesmaids' dresses are horrible fashion statements, and hear the words "exquisite" instead. It can be sweet and simple, classy and elegant, or sexy and stylish. It could be a full gown, a mini dress, or anything in between. It's your choice and they will love you for it. You can also include your bridesmaids in the decision making process to make sure that everyone's happy. After all, you're not the only who should look good on your wedding day.

Now imagine the awed silence as you walk in with your own wedding dress, be it a form-fitting, strapless number from Alfred Sung, a daring corseted gown from the My Lady collection, a wonderful ruffled and girlish Tulipia dress, or an elegant classic from Mori Lee.

The Million Dollar Look

You should have a look to die for, but not necessarily spend a lot for it. There are many shops offering dresses at reasonable prices and discounts. You don't have to make that guesstimate on how much to spend, and you don't have to compromise on the quality, not just for you, but for your whole entourage, no matter what the color motif or the time of day you're having your wedding. It's not going to be easy. But it'll be worth it.

After all, you must only have the best on your wedding day - wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, wedding cakes, wedding invitations, wedding favors, accessories and all!

Tattoo or not Tattoo?

2009-01-21T07:05:00.000-08:00

If you are one of the 20 - 50% of women who regret getting their tattoo, and are wondering how to cover it up or remove it before your wedding day, there is a great article over at The Wedding Guide of Europe.

Did you know that they key to getting a good coverage with make-up is to use red lipstick as a base? That some people resort to skin grafts to remove their tattoos? Or that you can actually buy creams to fade and remove your tattoo safely and easily at home?

If you are worried about a tattoo ruining the look of your wedding day outfit, then check out the article.

How to Fade a Tattoo for a Wedding

Plan Your Honeymoon Pampering

2009-01-19T15:11:00.000-08:00

Guest Post By Shirley Tan, AmericanBridal.com

Here at Wedding Fashion Police we understand that much consideration, planning, and sometimes even dieting goes into choosing the perfect wedding dress. And rightfully so, the wedding dress is more than just a garment, it is an institution! How many young girls (…and not so young girls) spend countless hours daydreaming of their stroll down the aisle? Practically all of them. An episode of the hit sitcom Friends even went so far as to portray Monica as having built a binder with several different “scenarios” to accommodate her budget possibilities. This obsession is not too far from reality.

However, how much planning goes into what you wear the morning after your wedding? Sure some of you may be planning to spend most of your honeymoon in nothing more than a bikini or some lingerie but eventually you will need to cover up.

Picture this: You are rushed onto a plane mere moments after your wedding, only after you are forced to go through the rigorous security checks at the airport (like you could or even would hide a bomb in Manolo Blahnik! Don´t they know how much they cost?). You sit on a plane and await your arrival to your Honeymoon destination, you catch a cab to your hotel, you check in; by now most of your day has been spent en route to your destination and you are absolutely exhausted from traveling. What is the one thing you most likely cannot wait to do that doesn’t involve your new hubby? Wouldn’t you just love to draw a bath and pamper yourself with a Relaxation Spa kit, and after that cuddle up next to your husband in your new luxury fleece monogrammed his/hers bathrobes?

It’s these little creature comforts that help us to take the edge off after years of preparation and anticipation.

Shirley is the President/CEO of AmericanBridal.com. Her company is a major leader in the wedding favors industry and her website contains many useful resources for brides planning their wedding.

Wedding Parasols / Umbrellas

2009-01-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

Hiding from the rain or the sun at a wedding in Europe is a common problem, and bulky, mis-matching umbrellas can ruin the look of wedding photographs.

Fortunately, we found this great article at Here Comes The Guide, with plenty of advice for finding stylish and functional parasols or umbrellas for your wedding, as well as where to find them.

I love it when a site helps couples plan for every eventuality with style!

Read their article here.

Designer Wedding Gowns in Bride Wars

2009-01-15T06:57:00.000-08:00

It didn't get great reviews, but Bride Wars did deliver on the fashion front. With stylist Karen Patch (who also styled Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days) in charge of costumes, and a setting of Manhattan, how could it fail?

The two gowns worn by the brides in the film were by Vera Wang, although they represented polar opposites in terms of bridal fashion: one dress is simple and elegant, in nostalgic ivory tones and classy fabrics, while the other is over-the-top layers of bouffant chiffon.

Film.com has a great interview with Karen Patch, talking about her fashion choices and inspiration for the two brides here.

Style Guide: The 7 Best Celebrity Wedding Dresses

2009-01-14T03:42:00.000-08:00

Guest Post By Sarrah Beaumont

There is always one gorgeous wedding dress that stands out nearly every year, and more often than not, it is always worn by a celebrity. After all, who would best represent glitz and glamour than a true blue celeb? In case you too want to shine as bright as they do on your wedding day, here are some celebrity wedding dresses from recent years that have caused quite a stir – for their aesthetic features as well as monetary value.

1. Renee Zellweger

Although her marriage to country singer Kenney Chesney was short-lived, Renee Zellweger's bamboo twill, ivory-colored, form fitting strapless wedding dress went down in history as one of the best celebrity wedding dresses ever. The wedding dress perfectly complimented their beach-themed wedding. Of course, it does help that Renee has a body to die for.

2. Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock looked absolutely stunning in her Angel Sanchez-designed strapless, antique white lace dress with ruffled bodice. Although her wedding was anything but conventional, Sandra was the very epitome of a blushing bride that day.

3. Melania Trump

You may have heard the rumors that Melania Knauss' wedding dress designed by Christian Dior cost a whooping $100,00! The form-fitting, white strapless dress donned by the third “Mrs. Trump” is almost history-book worth, with its stunning design and 16-foot train that weighed 50 lbs. Imagine walking around in that. Oh well, you shouldn’t be surprised. Expect over the top – and nothing else – from a Trump.

4. Tori Spelling

The late Aaron Spelling’s beloved daughter, Tori Spelling, wore a form fitting wedding dress sprinkled with crystal beads. It was the perfect traditional wedding dress that every woman would surely envy. Of course, the middle-class bride should do away with all the crystals and look for some other substitute to sprinkle her dress with.

5. Britney Spears

Nearly everyone hated everything about Britney Spears and Kevin Federline wedding. The groom, most especially. It came as an awful surprise to the rest of the world. However, Britney’s gorgeous Monique Lhuiller wedding gown saved the occasion. Britney Spears wore a $26,000 wedding dress with a hand sewn train and cathedral length veil.

6. Demi Moore

Demi Moore did not look her age when she became Mr. Ashton Kutcher. Her floor-length gown by by Jeanne Lanvin was sheath-style, topped with jeweled shoulder straps. Her dress was simple, lovely and one of a kind. Just like Demi herself.

7. Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston’s now-defunct marriage to Brad Pitt was a wedding that stirred the media for weeks. No, it was not about the ceremony itself, it was all about the bride and her to-die-for wedding dress. Jennifer’s halter style, white tulle dress, adorned with tiny pearls was designed by Lawrence Steele. It was the perfect wedding dress to define a once-perfect marriage.

You don’t need to splurge too much to get the look of a celeb on your wedding day. If you want to follow these celebrities wedding dresses, make sure to seek your designer’s aid in putting together fabric and materials that aren’t as costly as the real wedding dresses.

About the Author: For the best wedding dresses and wedding favors, go for a bridal shop that has it all.
Visit BestForBride.com today.

Bridal Boob

2009-01-11T06:13:00.000-08:00

The credit crunch seems to have had a terrible affect on this couple's wedding budget, as it doesn't look like they could afford that last (crucial) part of the bride's dress.

Oops!

Bride Wars

2009-01-09T15:33:00.000-08:00

The latest wedding movie, Bride Wars starring Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway as affluent and obsessive brides who end up competiting over their weddings opens in the US today. Click on the image to watch the trailer!

Denim Dresses

2009-01-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

There are plenty of brides who shy away from the traditional white wedding. Theme weddings are becoming more and more popular, with some couples choosing some very unusual themes. I generally love theme weddings because they tend to look great, and have a special atmosphere, especially if the theme chosen represents a shared interest.

If you are your partner share an interest in the wild west, line dancing or wrangling, then how about a denim wedding dress for your western themed wedding? Sat'n Spurs not only have a full selection of denim wedding dresses, but they also have a range of western gifts for your guests, cowboy cake toppers and more touches to help you complete the look.

I have to admit that I am a huge fan of denim, and at the peak of my obsession owned 14 pairs of jeans. This site caters of denim fans of all shapes and sizes, with a dedicated range of dresses for 'Big, Beautiful Brides'. If you are looking to add a more subtle touch of denim to your wedding day, then their denim garter is a great way to sneak a bit of your western passion into a traditional wedding outift.

Maria La Fuente

2009-01-05T03:09:00.000-08:00

Maria La Fuente is the designer behind this gorgeous and exuberant gown. Overflowing with celebrity style, her gowns show her commitment and passion for design, creating unusual gowns that test the boundaries of the wedding dress genre.

Her designs are exquisitely feminine, so it's no suprise that her latest collection 'Mantis' is inspired by the 'color combinations, symmetry and fragile texture' of butterfly wings. La Fuente says that she wanted to create a look of 'risky silhouettes and organic shapes.'

Just one of many European designers who are the fashion secrets of the stars, she has been featured in hundreds of glossy fashion magazines, including several appearances in Vogue. Celebrity fans include Shannon Elizabeth (American Pie), Marla Sokolov (The Practice) and Debra Messing (Will and Grace).

Visit her website or check back with us in February to see her new collection from the Madrid Fashion Week 2009.

Red Shoes for Red Carpet Brides

2009-01-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

January usually sees the start of Oscars hype, and all eyes at The Wedding Fashion Files turn toward the stars and which designers they will be wearing down the red carpet. All of that red has gone to my head, and tainted my vision. Not that I mind of course, as it makes a nice bright addition to the dreary grey landscape of winter.

Many brides choose to add a touch of red to their winter wedding, and this design from Alfred Angelo is one of their best sellers. Although the sash is available in over 30 colors, the deep red outsells them all.

But I do love a bride who dares to be a little bit different, and I love the recent trend of wearing red shoes. The color adds a dash of fun and festivity to a wedding outfit, and says a lot about the bride. You have to be very comfortable with who you are to take such a bold departure from tradition, and in my experience, the brightness of the shoes always matches the brightness of the bride's smile. You won't find a serious, solemn bride wearing these shoes, no sir!

Red shoes are strictly for brides who have learned to love, laugh and learn in life and above all, have fun.

[Image: Jeremy Standley Blog]

Seasons Greetings!

2008-12-24T04:39:00.000-08:00

Be sure to come back next year for more wedding fashion articles, news, and advice!

Be a real Barbie bride

2008-11-17T04:49:00.000-08:00

Barbie is looking great for her age. 2009 will be her 50th birthday, and although her figure has been modified in recent years to reflect the curves of a more modern women, she is still in great shape.

To celebrate the golden event, Vera Wang will be designing a new wedding dress, to be created in miniature for Barbie herself, and also in 'real-life' size.

It's not the first time the designer has been inspired to create for Barbie, having previously designed a mermaid-style wedding gown for the babe. Other well known names such as Reem Acra and Carolina Herrera have also reached for their miniature manequins and teamed up with Barbie creators Mattel to create a collectable doll in the past.

And if the life-size dress isn't quite within your budget, consider snapping up one of the limited edition Barbies. Other versions featuring designer wedding dresses can now fetch over $200!

Celtic Wedding Dresses

2008-11-11T15:12:00.000-08:00

Medieval style weddings have seen a huge rise in popularit over the past two decades, with more and more couples choosing renaissance, celtic or fairytale inspired wedding themes for their ceremony. The main feature of these types of wedding is the style of clothing. By choosing a Celtic wedding dress, brides can abandon the structure of a conventional white wedding gown and opt for a more personal expression of their personality, and beliefs.

Celtic wedding gowns offer a variety of natural, romantic styles with dashes of colour, embroidery and symbolism not seen in most mainstream bridal stores. Corsets and bodices flatter any shape while flowing fabrics forgive problem areas that you may feel self-concious of in the modern trends of strapless, sleeveless wedding gowns.

Consider that most Celtic wedding gowns are custom made to your own specifications, heritage and measurements, and you will be sure to walk down the aisle in a one of a kind creation that perfectly suits you.

Inspiring fashions for prom dresses

2008-10-27T15:02:00.000-07:00

In the current ‘credit crunch’ it makes sense to get the most for your money when choosing bridesmaid’s gowns. While conventional bridesmaid dresses at bridal stores may not lend themselves to wear again in the future, prom dresses may be a stylish and affordable option.

Online retailer, Prom Girl, has a huge line of prom dresses from sexy and slinky to elegant and ethereal. They also boast some of the lowest priced gowns available online, and ship to anywhere in the world. With high quality fabrics, well known designer names and low prices, there is temptation galore at their large website.

Their collection of prom dresses 2009 have some dazzling designs for those who dare to be different, with high-fashion cuts and sexy, low backs.

If bold patterns appeal to your sense of fashion, then their high-end line of designer prom dresses has some sure-fits hits.

Many of their white gowns make great choices for weddings dresses for brides who are looking more for fashion than fairytale.

Editors picks:

Green Wedding Dresses

2008-10-07T13:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, so going for a green wedding dress literally may be too much of a break from tradition for most of us, but Green Union has put together a list of companies that can help you find an environmentally friendly wedding dress.

Choose to re-use, re-make, or reduce and we can save the planet one wedding dress at a time. We choose our favourites from their list. . .

Re-Use

There are three very good reasons for buying a second hand dress. Firstly, you will probably be helping a good cause, as most second hand wedding dresses are sold through specialty shops that donate profits to charity. Our friends over at Green Union give us St Anns Hospice as an example but you can also check out your local Oxfam or other charity shop nearby. Second, you will be cutting down your carbon footprint as no additional energy or materials will be used to create your dress. Last but definately not least, you will probably make a huge savings on your gown by buying second hand from a charity. If you are feeling inspired by these three notions then why not organize your very own wedding gown auction for charity? You will raise money for a good cause and get to see a wide variety of dresses available in your area.

Re-Make

puffy sleeves or yellowed lace putting you off wearing your mum or grandmother's wedding gown? Many wedding dress designers are able to re-work, re-design and re-fit a vintage gown into a brand new creation styled just for you. This is Junky Styling's speciality. We love this flowy combination of fabrics (left) that you wouldn't find in any high street bridal store.

Another plus? Your dress will be completely unique, reflect your own personal style, and be hugely sentimental to you and your family.

Reduce

Do you do enough to reduce your carbon footprint? Your energy consumption? Your waste? Now is your chance to make up for it by choosing a wedding dress that is made of environmentally friendly and sustainable fabrics. Annatarian have built a reputation for creating gowns from sustainable, environmentally friendly fabrics such as organic silk or bamboo. (What, you didn't know that bamboo can make a viscose-like fabric? Well stay tuned to our blog for future posts on more eco-friendly fabrics.) These designs have enough floaty fabric to please any hippy, but are stylish for even the most fashion-conscious bride.

Fan-tastic fashion accessory

2008-09-23T15:51:00.000-07:00

If you are planning a destination wedding in the sun, and are worried about keeping yourself and your guests cool, Boda Boutique has a great new selection of wedding fans that will do just that without putting a kink in your bridal look. The white fans come in affordable paper, fabric or lace to suit all budgets and bridal styles.

Luxury Lace Bridal Fan

Keep cool on your wedding day with this beautiful Spanish fan. Made of wood and lace, this elegant fan won't look out of place next to your gown.

€29,00

Fashionable Flower Fan

Wooden fan with a modern print of pink flowers on the fabric.

€6,50

Sandalwood Fan

These lightweight fans are made of cut-out wood and have pretty sunflowers. They are subtly frangranced with Sandalwood, and each fan comes in it's own organza pouch. Large enough to keep all of your guests cool at a hot wedding in Spain, Cyprus, Italy or Greece.

€3,50

Maggie Sottero

2008-09-20T01:07:00.000-07:00

What I love about Maggie Sottero is that they offer such a wide range of styles, to fit any budget. While other designers focus on the luxury market (that wonderful combo of rich and thin), Maggie gowns offer couture style to brides of all shapes, sizes and means.

The Maggie Sottero collection gowns are undeniably glamorous, with plenty of diamante embellishment, embroidery and ruched fabric. Or, if you are looking for something simpler, the Destinations collection is made up of slinky, streamlined designs ideal for a wedding by the pool, or on the beach. In the Sottero & Midgley collection, the brand has teamed up with designer Kelly Midgley to create a line of dresses that explore exquisite and contemporary fabrics.

The collections also offer more colour choices than most, with dresses available in champagne, ivory, gold, as well as subtle shades such as 'blush' and a silvery 'oyster'.

Maggie Sottero is available at bridal stores throughout the world, and there is a handy store locator on their website.

More Resources:

View all the dresses at MaggieSottero.com

The White Stuff - Finding Accessories for your Wedding

2008-09-16T01:25:00.000-07:00

So you have found your perfect gown, and probably bought a veil in the bridal store too, but I am constantly astonished at how few boutiques stock other accessories such as shoes and bags to complement a wedding gown sale.

Not only is it bad business sense, but it is downright inconvenient for a bride who then has to tour her local shops, or spend hours online searching for a white bag that doesn't resemble a satin gymbag from her school years (á la most feeble online offerings) and the perfect pair of white kitten heels.

Well girls, here at WFF we have done some of the searching for you, and hope that the following can give you at least a place to start:

Wedding Shoes:

For the ultimate in style, check out Hen UK for handmade designer bags to suit any bride. From small and discreet to bold and beautiful.

Why not try artist outlets such as Etsy.com to find a designer who can create you a special, one-off bag to match your dress? Not only will you have an exclusive design, but you will get the warm fuzzies from supporting someone in their trade.

The Accessory Boutique offers a nice range of handbags in the UK, along with a collection of wedding shoes and other accessories. Wedding Mountain in the US has an even larger range of purses and shoes, some of which are dyable so that you can buy matching ones for your bridesmaids.

Shoes

It is a bit easier to find shoes than bags, with plenty of online specialty shops offering shoes for brides. From pumps to kittens to killer, Bellissima Bridal Shoes has one of the largest collections on the web, and we have to thank them for including some thoughtful pedicure goodies on their site too. Oooh, and they also have some nice bags, letting you kill two shipping-costs with one purchase.

Hen UK gets a second nod for their wonderful collection of white shoes for brides. Handmade, all shoes are comfortable and fashionable, something that us girls know from painful experience is not a common combination. They even have an amazing pair of bridal boots for those of you getting married in colder climates.

I have mentioned them before, and I will probably mention them again, but the reason I love Gina shoes so much is simply because they have such a great range of designs for brides. Whether your gown is long or short, voluptous or slinky, traditional white or glittering bronze, there will be a shoe for you.

Pushing the boundaries of fashion - that Thom Browne wedding dress.

2008-09-15T01:53:00.000-07:00

Gender confusion is nothing new to the world of fashion. Chanel practically started riots when they started a trend for tailored suits for women in the 50's, men in the 80's sported more eyeliner than women had ever dared to use, and the 90's saw a general androgynous ambiguity on the catwalks. Yet Thom Browne still managed to cause a bit of a stir at Fashion Week, with his Spring/Summer 09 show featuring plenty of skirt/trouser combos, and even a wedding dress.

The wedding gown outfit worn by a male model that was the finalé to Thom Browne's Spring/Summer tennis themed show, has been one of the most talked about designs of Fashion Week so far. Although there may not be a waiting list to purchase the outfit, my guess would be that enough designers will have taken note of the design for us to see tailored white blazers with black trim filtering into high street stores in time for Spring 09.

In a world where a general malais of 'been-there-bought-the-Tshirt' threatens to dampen creative thinking, (if it has all been done before, why bother?) fashion designers are one breed of artists who continue to inspire us anew.

While Thom Browne's sensationalist collections aren't designed with the average high-street consumer in mind, they challenge us to look past the limits of conventional or current clothing rules to find our own sense of style. And that is what couture fashion is all about.

Rosa Clara

2008-09-14T04:34:00.000-07:00

Rosa Clara is one of the biggest names in European wedding fashion, despite only starting the company in 1995. The brand has over 50 boutique's in Rosa's home country of Spain, with others scattered throughout the rest of Europe, South America and Mexico.

A new venture in New York is set to propel the fashion house into the high-end wedding market in the US.

Founder, Rosa Clara, was inspired to create gowns that changed the world of bridal fashion, and offered women a wider range of styles. Since then, she has revolutionized the wedding dress design industry, raising the bar for designers to come up with elegant yet interesting dresses, combining cutting edge fashion with a nod to the traditional roots that are essential to a wedding.

She has designed dresses for some of the most famous female celebrities in Spain, including Paulina Rubia, and Shaila Durcal.

The 09 collection from the fashion house boasts work by some of the famous designers in the world, such as Christian Lacroix, Karl Lagerfeld and one of my personal favourites, Jesus del Pozo. These designers have continued the company's trend of creating couture dresses for women who lust after something to express their own unique style, without being too flamboyant.

More Resources:

Rosa Clara, official website. (English and Spanish)

View Rosa Clara catwalk images at Wedding Style Magazine

Got that sinking feeling? Avoid it with heel protectors.

2008-09-12T05:46:00.000-07:00

We all know that beautiful high heels come with their drawbacks, one of which is that horrible sensation when you step onto a lawn, a beach, or someone's luxury linoleum flooring and feel your heels slowly sinking into the soft surface. The result- dirty, damaged shoes and holes stabbed into the lawn.

That's why I love the heel protectors sold by companies such as Solemates.com and PrettyPinkToes.co.uk These easy-to-use little gadgets slip onto your heels to stop you from sinking into soft surfaces. Keep your heels out of cracks, cobblestones and gaps in grates and don't worry about breaking or damaging a heel again.

They are also great for preventing damage to wooden floors and lino. Even better, they can easily be decorated with diamante, pearls, crystals and beads to personalise them.

Ideal for garden or beach weddings, or locations with expensive or old flooring. Many venues not even allow stilleto and other high heeled shoes for fear of damage to their flooring - with these little gizmos you can safely wear any shoes you please!

Trash the Dress

2008-09-10T03:19:00.000-07:00

It is often said that women never look more beautiful than when they are in their wedding dress. For most of us, it will be the most expensive dress we ever own and perfectly tailored to our shape. Our wedding day will one of the few times we have our make-up professionally applied, and a stylist will take several hours to coiffe our locks to perfection. All this considered, it seems a shame that we only have one day of photo ops.

While pre-wedding bridal portraits can capture the look, poses are usually basic and traditional, constricted by fear of damaging the dress before the big day.

This is where a Trash the Dress photo shoot comes in.

The idea behind Trash the Dress is to create high-fashion, stunning images, with the bride in the role of top model. Without the worry of damage, stains or tears, the photographer has a no-holds-barred freedom to work with the bride on creative poses in any environment.

Want an urban shoot? Perhaps a beach location? In your favourite spot in the woods? How about that field of wildflowers? Or perhaps you can show off your passion for horses, motorbikes or any other hobby that would create visually interesting images?

Photographers involved in the Trash the Dress idea are highly talented and creative, and enjoy finding ways to create meaningful and beautiful images by thinking 'outside the box'.

So if you don't plan on wearing your wedding dress again (and we hope you don't) and want to get the most out of it before it is stored away forever, give one of the Trash the Dress photographers a call, and throw caution, and your veil, to the wind!

Resources:

Read more about Trash the Dress by award winning Segerius-Bruce Photography

Trash the Dress Website (UK)

Trash the Dress Website (US)

Bridal Jewellery of the Year Award

2008-09-08T00:21:00.000-07:00

Bridal Jewellery of the Year award at the UK Jewellery Awards 2008 was won by Fameo.

The company presented two bridal collections, Tsarina and Imperial. Designer and company director Louise Davies, said that she believed the appeal of the collections were their sense of romance, and "timeless vibrance".

The Tsarina collection features soft pink pearls encapsulated in a network of fine gold with sparkling diamonds. The collection is bound to turn heads, noticeable because of it unique look as well as it's beauty.

Credit cards at the ready girls. . .

As with all exceptional jewellery designs, this collection comes with a luxury pricetag, with prices starting at 385 GBP for a pair of earrings, and reaching 3330 GBP for their necklace.

The more contemporary Imperial collection features baguette cut pink morganite stones and princess cut diamonds in asymetrical patterns. Perhaps the name of one of their pendants 'Shattered Chandelier' best describes the overall look of the collection, with the feminine pink colour of the morganite and traditional classicism of diamonds is offset by the quirky, modern layout of the stones. Prices start at 1255 GBP for their stunning ring, up to 6480 GBP for their 'Shimmering Dance' necklace.

See the collections at www.fameo.co.uk

Pets at Weddings

2008-08-23T04:31:00.000-07:00

Dogs have always been considered mans best friend, but some people take this a step further, and have them as the 'Best Man' at their wedding.

Ok, I admit, I am a bit animal-daft myself. I have a little Westie, and he is my pride and joy. I even have to sheepishly admit to having a few items of clothing in his wardrobe for bad weather. (Well, he might get cold.) However, even if he were well trained enough to trot down the aisle carrying a basket of rose petals in his mouth, or with a ring pillow delicately balanced on his head, I doubt I would offer him a role in a wedding. (Sorry, Sam!)

However, if you are keen on including your pet pooch in your nuptials, there are companies to help you to find just the right accessories to dress up Fido for the occassion.

If you draw the line at a tasteful bowtie, then Darling Pet Boutique in the US has a nice selection of neckwear for dogs of all sizes, while Max and Margot offer a similar selection to the UK.

If you really want to go for the kitsch factor, you can even buy your pets tuxedos and wedding gowns from the previously mentioned suppliers, or from Pet Haven. (US)

And finally, if you want your pets to be able to celebrate their love in their very own wedding celebrations, check out the services offered by companies such as Fine Feathers in the UK, who will arrange and conduct the ceremony, as well as provide flowers and a wedding cake made of dog food!

Additional Resources:

Great article about the best way to include your pet in your wedding.

Designer Dresses for Less

2008-07-31T06:34:00.001-07:00

Hugh Parker has contributed a great article on how to get some popular designer weddings dresses as worn by the stars in celebrity weddings for less.

Read the article here.

Knee-knocking wedding gowns.

2008-07-28T06:10:00.000-07:00

As you scan the gown from the top, you feel a thrill of excitment, and a tingle of awe at the tailored bodice, embroidered trim, satin waistband, flaring tulle and then SUDDENLY...

...the dress is sucked in and trussed up around knee level in a jarring manner that I hope doesn't become the signature look for Autumn 2008. I would hate to see brides throughout 2009 forced into hobbling down the aisle, geisha-esque, in this restricting style. As if trying not to trip up in your shoes wasn't bad enough!

These dresses are an exageration of the Trumpet or Mermaid style wedding gown, which is a close fitting, silhouette dress than flares out slightly towards the bottom of the skirt. Trumpet dresses are destined to be hot favourites for 2009 weddings.

These new variations, however, take the design to the extreme, and give the impression that a perfectly good gowns has been forced into the style, as an afterthought, rather than designed that way from the start.

Still, with so many fabulous creations on the runways this year, I think I will forgive them a few eccentricities!

The Knot Top 50 Dresses for Autumn 2008

2008-07-27T03:46:00.000-07:00

One of the best resources for a bride, The Knot as offered it's top 50 dresses of designers' latest collections. Here are my top 10 favourites from their list. :)

The Knot is an American site, and I find it interesting that none of these dresses show the same Greco-Roman influences that have been so prevalent in the European designer collections.

Dresses chosen are by:
1. Carolina Herrera - I love the detail and unusual patterns in this dress.
2. Monique Lhuillier - I love the rich lace texture
3. Amsale - a simple strapless number with romantic flower motif
4. Anne Barge - an oh-so-sophisticated black and white number
5. Platinum for Priscilla of Boston - this sparkling dress takes assymetry to the max
6. Kirstie Kelly for Disney's Fairytale Weddings - Disney's wedding franchise has become a bit of a guilty pleasure for me recently. More on Disney weddings later!
7. Jim Hjelm - slight ruching, contrasting fabrics, and flower detail add interest to this beautiful dress from one of my favourite designers.
8. Christos - A classic ballgown
9. Vineyard Collection - if floaty is your thing, you will love this beaded halterneck gown.
10. Ines de Santo - another ballgown style dress with ribbon detail and flowers on the bodice.

New look for Boda Boutique

2008-07-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

Boda Boutique online shop supplies wedding favours

and accessories to brides getting married anywhere in Europe. They have just changed their online shop, and although it is not completely re-launched yet, you can get a sneek peak at their new look at the link below.http://bodaboutique.webasyst.net/shop/

They have a nice range of bridal garters, from traditional to contemporary.

If you make a purchase, enter the code: TWG010808 at checkout for a special Wedding Fashion Files discount!

LinkConnector

2008-07-16T01:42:00.000-07:00

Sample post to show that I own this website.

Type rest of the post here

Love it, Hate it

2008-07-12T02:54:00.001-07:00

I was browsing the Nordstrom bridalwear section of their site today, and felt compelled to share my findings. What a mixed bag of styles! I say that in the best possible way, as I adore seeing greater variety in wedding dress shops, and love it when a brides steps away from the cookie-cutter while ballgown to choose something that reflects her own sense of style. That said, I did find a few that made me blow my fashion police whistle.

Loving...

Beautiful Asymetrical Dress

The textile flowers give this dress an Agatha Ruiz feel without her over-the-top colours.

This simple sheath dress has a lace overlay and a subtle train, giving you an authentic but understated wedding gown look.

Hating...

This dress is just too fussy, with gathered folds of fabric, lace peeking out of the bust area as if a bra is trying to escape and a tacky sheen to the fabric.

Going to your wedding as Cleopatra? Really??.

Girls, I implore you, please don't get married in a nightgown!

Visit Nordstrom.com to see all wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses, mother-of-the-bride fashions, and accessories.

Fashion notes from a Sevilla wedding.

2008-07-11T10:21:00.000-07:00

The Wedding Guide Real Life Bride Sarah got married at the end of April and has some beautiful images. I love the vibrant combination of red on white, and I think her daring really paid off to create a beautiful look that really shows her sense of fun. An authentic mantón (Spanish) shawl adds a real Sevilla feel to the overall look.

Her satin and lace dress was by Liv Harris, available from Bride Power and she got creative and added her own touch with an ivory satin ribbon fastened with a decorative brooch, and the swapped in a red satin sash for the evening.

Prezzy Box Voucher

2008-07-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

Our good friends over at Prezzybox have been kind enough to offer all Wedding Fashion Files readers a special discount coupon. Enter WEDDING08 into the code at checkout to get 5 pounds off any order of 20 pounds or more.

I love this silver plated Love Heart.

Van Cleef & Arples

2008-07-05T01:02:00.000-07:00

Creators of some of the most beautiful precious-stone jewellery, Van Cleef & Arpels have just added a range of engagement rings to their bridal collection. The collection offers brides unusual and sometimes whimsical designs, but never loses the focus on the stones.

View the catalogue

View the Van Cleef & Arpels Site

A touch of gold

2008-07-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

Warm up your wedding look with subtle hints of gold. From beige to bling, gold can add a subtle glow or a fabulous dazzle to a plain, all white gown.

Here are some top tips to follow when going for gold:

Dresses in champagne coloured silk are particularly glamourous, and don't have to be confined to a wedding dress.
A beige coloured ribbon or sash can add interest to your wedding dress without clashing with any other colour scheme.
Choose gold accessories such as jewellery and shoes to ramp up the Hollywood factor of your wedding look.
Gold tones look beautiful in candle light so if you are having an evening or celebration, gold will work well in your colour scheme.
Avoid cheap brassy or yellow golds, as these can look tacky. This is one time you don't want to scrimp on the pennies for your accessories.

A breath of fresh air for your wedding dress...

2008-07-01T05:19:00.000-07:00

If you are searching for a kind of bridal style that doesn't involve the popular white duchess satin, princess gowns, or corsetted and sequined bodices, then Temperly of London might just have what you are looking for. Their boutiques offer a collection of bespoke gowns that are ultra-feminine, light and ephereal. Each style is brimming with fun, flowery personality with just a hint of hippy flair that will appeal to any bride having a bohemian, outdoor, or informal wedding. That in no way means that the gowns don't offer the same luxury, elegance and glamour as a traditional white dress, and the fact that the gowns are so unique means that your dress will stand out in the memories of your guests. The collection offers a sense of timelessness; with many designs combining 20´s era tailoring and decadence. Plenty of floaty fabric ensures these romantic dresses are an ideal choice for destination weddings in a sunny climate.

Can't get to London? Fear not, there is a Temperly boutique in New York and Los Angeles, and the collection is also available in some of the most distinguished department stores in the world, such as Neiman Marcus. You can also buy online at net-a-porter.com or Neimanmarcus.com

For more information and to see the full collections, visit Temperly London's website

Beach Wedding Shoes

2008-06-28T07:57:00.001-07:00

If you have been inspired by all of the Greco-Roman dresses on the catwalks this season, or are opting for a sunny beach wedding, then you may well be hunting high and low for some classy sandals to pair with your dress.

This can be a challenge, as many sandals and flip flops are not designed to be worn as formal or evening shoes, and tend to come in over-the-top prints, vibrant colours or cheap materials.

Enter Gina Shoes of London, who has a beautiful range of sparkling leather sandals that are perfect if you are in need of a zero-heel slip on. Whether you want this type of shoe for comfort while you are waltzing around the dance floor, or to be able to feel the sand between your toes throughout your destination dream day, these shoes are bound to fit the bill.

My top picks: (from top to bottom) Aisha, Cael, or Trixie

All shoes available to buy online at http://www.gina.com

Swap your old clothes for a wedding dress

2008-06-25T20:14:00.000-07:00

The latest fashion craze to hit the internet is a clothes swapping site called Big Wardrobe. This site lets users list unwanted items of their wardrobe to be swapped or bought by other users. We've all fallen self-delusional shopping myths such as 'It will fit perfectly after my diet' or 'I will get so much use out of this, even though it doesn't go with the rest of my clothes,' and every one of us has at least one item that we have bought purely because 'it was a bargain.' Now you can swap these mis-purchases with people who will actually wear them, and what's more, they can send you an item of their own unusued wardrobe to fill the gap. There are some good items listed, and when I searched I found a never-worn Maggie Sottero wedding dress, so pop on over and have a rummage.

www.bigwardrobe.com

Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest

2008-06-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

If the current economy has given you a dose of the wedding budget blues, then take heart that there are plenty of creative ways to save money on your big day. Perhaps one of the most extreme is to make your dress out of toilet paper! Each year, Cheap Chic Weddings run a design contest with the challenge of making a wedding dress out of nothing but toilet paper and glue. The results are surprisingly impressive each year. This year's winner out of 564 entries from around the world, was a creation by Katrina Chalifoux of Rockford, Illinois, who's layered frills design has a distinctive flamenco flair. The dress has a textured flower pattern that is made of moulded paper. So if you are feeling creative, and have a few hundred rolls of toilet paper and extra time and patience, you could end up saving yourself hundreds. Just hope that it doesn't rain on your wedding day!

Check out the winners from previous years.

Contact Us

2008-06-23T04:08:00.000-07:00

If you would like to contact us, please email angel (at) theweddingguide.eu

or you can use the form at this link.

About Us

2008-06-23T03:56:00.000-07:00

The Wedding Fashion Files is part of The Wedding Guide, a company bringing information about weddings in Europe to brides from all over the world. This blog was created to highlight top wedding dress designers in Europe, review wedding fashion trends, and bring you the latest from the catwalks of Paris, Madrid, London and beyond.

We bring you the latest European trends in wedding dresses, bridal shoes, wedding fashion, celebrity wedding dresses and much more. We cover articles on bridal jewellery, pearl jewellery for brides, bridal hair slides and ornaments.

We also look at wedding fashion traditions from countries around the world offering an eclectic mix of information for brides wanting something a little bit different for their wedding look.

If you are interested in more information about getting married in Europe, why not visit some of our sister sites?

Boda Boutique
Online Wedding Accessories Shop selling wedding favours, disposable cameras, confetti, sweets, stationery, ring pillows and much more.

The Wedding Guide
Free resource for planning a wedding in Spain and other countries in Europe. Featuring articles and advice from top photographers, florists, wedding planners and other suppliers, as well as a full, searchable directory of wedding venues, reception locations, and wedding vendors for each country.

The Wedding Guide Blog
We highlight our favourite suppliers, news and events from the world of weddings in Europe.

Interested in writing for any of our sites?
If you are a keen writer and are looking for clips to add to your resumé, or work in the wedding industry and would like some free promotion, please write to me with any proposals/ queries. I am not currently paying for contribution, but all articles will be credited to you and can contain links to your own website and/or Adsense account. Paid writing/editing positions may be available in the near future and previous contributors will be considered first.

Pasarela De Novios - Madrid's Bridal Exhibition

2008-06-20T03:16:00.000-07:00

Not to be outdone by it's northern contemporary, Barcelona, Madrid also holds it's own huge wedding fashion-fest each year. Madrid has long been synonymous with European fashion, and while the offerings at Barcelona Bridal Week may be more geared towards a commercial audience, The Pasarela de Novios at the Puerto de Europa Exhibition would not have dissapointed even the most hardcore fashionista.

Highlights:

The collections were shown off well on the circular catwalk, allowing the dresses to be seen from all angles.

Well known Spanish designer, Agatha Ruiz, (for Prada) expressed herself artistically with creations featuring cut out flower and heart motifs. Draped in organza and ribbons and topped off with large bows, her models looked more like wedding presents than brides. I will give her brownie points for designing wedding dresses with pockets though. (It's about time someone did!)

Agustin Torralbo'srich colours and pleated fabrics had a sensual air of oppulence and if any of these dresses were chosen for your bridesmaids you can guarantee that they won't spend the rest of their lives stashed in a hidden wardrobe.

Dresses by Anna Torres were delicate and ephereal, in light fabrics such as muslin, silk and lace, though the collection didn't seem to have a cohesive focus.

Themes from the Barcelona Bridal week, such as feathers and greek styles were taken a step further by native Madrileño Dyos. This was the designer's first foray into designing wedding dreses, and the collection seemed a bit hit or miss, with some designs looking polished and couture, while others just seemed clumsy.

Gracia Galindo's 'champagne' gold dresses offered a welcome variation on the traditional white, while other dresses had a flamenco flair in their front slit skirts and ruffled hems and sleeves.

Isabel Zapardiez showed her flair and passion for tailoring, with some truly stunning and unique cuts.

There were more empire waists and fluid lines from Javier Larrainzar.

Maria Alegre took the feather fashion fad to the extreme, by having some of her models hold live hawks. Even this couldn't distract from her beautiful, bold prints and elaborately embroided gowns.

Martin PerezRippoll threw caution to the wind, and showed skin in short skirts and sheer fabrics.

Although several of Mercedes Alonso's gowns could have had her arrested for colour abuse, her silver and white wedding dresses were some of the nicest from the whole exhibition, with glittering beadwork and lace.

Novissima has been trying to breath life and energy back into it's stale brand, and while the dresses on show were nice they showed no where near the same artisic flair and daring sense of fashion that the other designers possessed.

Petro Valverde displayed dresses that were more structured than most other collections, and offered a refreshing change from the free flowing draped fabrics of the Greco-Roman inspiriation.

That´s all folks! Hopefully the legnth of this post gives you some idea as to why it took me a bit longer than I'd expecting to get it finished. The next few will be bite-sized, I promise!

Barcelona Bridal Week

2008-06-19T09:04:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I'm really late with this post, but I kept getting sidetracked on profiles of some really great Spanish designers. (more to come on that in future posts.)

Barcelona Bridal Week is one of the highlights of the European fashion calendar, and one of the largest features for the wedding industry in the world. Top designers such a Pronovias, Amanda Wakely, and Christian Lacroix show off their latest collections, while new raw talent has the opportunity to introduce fresh ideas to the world of wedding fashion.

Feminine was the key word for most designers this year, with light fabrics and delicate sillouettes trimmed with lots of girly lace, frills, and flowers. Spanish designers Jesus del Pózo and Rosa Clara were both heard saying that their goal was to compliment the female form and create designs that were elegant and sophisticated.

Many collections showed more than a nod to classicism, with greek and roman style gowns that are sure to set the trend for 2009 brides. This should make most brides happy, as the high waistlines, loose, flowing skirts, and gathered fabric that are the hallmarks of this era are pretty universally flattering.

Of course, it wouldn´t be a truly couture fashion show if all of models appeared polished, elegant and conventional, and if high-fashion high-jinx were somewhat absent from many of the designers' simple dresses, it was spilling over in abundance when it came to headwear.

Large, wide-brimmed hats were on show, while over-the-top feather fascinators were all the rage, with Victorio and Luchiano offering a spectacular show of models with white painted faces, red lips, and clusters of huge, white feathers branching out from their hair.

De la Cierva y Nicolás even went so far as to incorporate feathers into one of their wedding gowns, with a suprising subtley. Why the model was also carrying a white teddybear, I'm not sure, but that's one fashion trend I don't see brides adopting for their trip down the aisle.

Swarovski and Pronovias paired up for a truly sparkling display of gowns (by Manuel Mota) jewellery and accessories, featuring elements from Swarovski's Crystalized range of embellishments. There are even a pair of shoes encrusted with crytals for a bride who yearns for a Cinderella style shoe.

With all of this, it is no wonder that Barcelona calls itself the City of Brides.

More about Barcelona Bridal Week.

Loving:
Jesus Piero

I love the subtle glow of this ivory silk, and the modesty of the jacket. This style would be great for an older bride.

Hating:
Any and all stripey dresses!

Just for Fun:
No, I wouldn't wear it down the aisle, but I love the whismsical extravagence of the layers of this dress.

All images barcelonabridalweek

Tipsy Feet

2008-06-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

We love these Sex In The City inspired shoes from Prezzybox They fold up into a neat, teeny bag while you are out for a night on the tiles in your fabulous high heels, and are a welcome relief for your feet at the end of the night. Your three inch torture devices can then be stored in the handy, stylish bag. How clever! We are sure that Carrie and the gang would approve. No more bare feet on concrete for the walk home, silver sandals in hand. We’ve all been there! These fold up shoes are available in three colours to match any outfit (Prada or Primark).

Sex in the City Movie - the Wedding Dress Controversy

2008-06-03T13:48:00.001-07:00

Sex and the City has always had it´s roots in fashion. From Series 1, millions of women tuned in religiously each week to see what quirky trend Carrie would set next, what waiting list Samantha was on for the next must-have bag of the season, and what shoe designer was set to become the next household name. The end of the series created a void in many women´s television schedules that was ironically filled with uniform clad characters working in hospitals or police stations. It seemed we had to return to the glossy magazines for fashion ideas. While these fashion bibles have always been a staple of any good girl’s style education, they remain aloof and impersonal in typical bookish manner. Only TV can give us real, moving, breathing, menstruating, weight-fluctuating, job switching women to give us examples of how we can mesh the random collection of items in our wardrobe into our own individual sense of style. And the SITC girls did it so well.

So it´s no surprise that the launch of the movie has created such a flux of fashion commentary. Reams of paper and billions of kilobytes have already been filled with comments, both bad and good, about what the girls are wearing, with Carrie´s wedding dress causing the most sensation.

Like most of Carrie´s outfits, the Vivienne Westwood creation is pure love-it-or-loath-it fashion. While most people express an overwhelming dislike for the gown, I find it hard to see why. The silk gown is immaculately tailored and does a fabulous job of making Sarah Jessica Parker´s androgynous frame look feminine, and although it does have over-top proportions of buffon layers and highly stylized bodice it is noticeably lacking in any frills, ruffles, sparkles or sequins to push the designer statement over the edge. At the end of the day (or the movie) would you really expect to see Carrie in anything that resembled an off-the-rack, run of the mill gown? Imagining her gliding up the aisle in an elegant silhouette satin number or timeless princess cut gown seems out of character.

Such classic style was better expressed by Charlotte in her Badgley Mischka gown for her wedding to Harry, or her Vera Wang gown when she married Trey.

One of the things we loved most about Carrie was her quirky style, and who better than Queen Viv of the Fashionverse to help her make a bold look on her wedding day.

Stlye Credits:

Carrie´s Sex in The City Wedding Dress: From Vivienne Westwood's Fall 2007 Wake up, Cave Girl!

Official Sex in the City Movie Site

A special wedding

2008-05-27T03:05:00.000-07:00

If you live anywhere that gets the UK Channel 4, then you may have seen the recent episode of ´How to Look Good Naked.´ Episode 7 of Season 4 of this popular show centered around a young woman who had recently beaten breast cancer, however the physical effects of her treatment had left her with little self esteem. Loss of her hair, and one of her breasts had made her feel like she no longer recognized herself in the mirror.

Heartbreakingly, she no longer felt like a beautiful women who could accept her boyfriend´s proposal, and was refusing to get married as she was too embarrassed about her appearance to walk down the aisle.

Enter 'Aunty GOK' with his no-nonsense, daring and fun advice on how to accept our bodies as they are, and learn to love ourselves naked. After intensive coaching, advice and make-over treatments, bride-to-be Kelly appeared on the catwalk looking stunning in an Amanda Wakely wedding dress, full of confidence and finally agreed to the wedding! (Pass the tissues please!)

The moral of the story is, of course, that our beauty is more about how we see ourselves rather than how we believe others see us. Learn to love yourselves girlies, and you´ll shine!

Wedding Dresses by Amanda Wakely and Marks and Spencer
Underwear by Figleaves
Shoes by Faith

Designers Links

2008-05-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

Find the links to the websites of all of my favourite wedding dress designers. I have also included some links to jewellery designers, and accessory brands that I have mentioned on this blog.

Amanda Wakely

Vivienne Westwood

Vera Wang

Badgley Mischka

Petro Valverde

Mercedes Alonso

Maria Alegre

Augustin Torralbo

Gina Shoes

Temperly of London

Short Dresses

2008-05-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

Now, before you panic, by 'short' I don't mean mini skirts, or even anything dramatically above the knee. Three-quarter legnth or mid-calf wedding dresses are appearing in more and more style catalogues and catwalk shows. This could be due to an increase in weddings abroad, and a need for lighter, airier options for those beach weddings. Whatever the reason, the results are surprisingly tempting options for any bride. As well as being cooler, shorter dresses tend to be comfier, easier to move around in, and cheaper.

The outside two dresses are Alfred Angelo, while the middle one is from Vera Wang.

'Ruching' - a bunching of fabric to create a ruffled effect.

2008-05-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

Pronounce it ´ruh-shing´ or with more of a French flair, ´roo-shing´.

I really can’t decide if I love or hate this technique. While it can add texture to the sometimes plain A-line dress, if overdone it veers dangerously towards the dreaded 'meringue'.

Individual gatherings of fabric can be studded with embroidery, flower details or diamante, creating a really stunning and complex overall look, but for many brides it may seem to fussy.

The design pictured is an Alfred Angelo gown.

Who is it for?

Brides who really want that princess wedding and aren't afraid to take the look all the way.

Who is it not for?

Big girls (sorry), this style will do nothing for you.