Tips for Easy Weight Loss » Bridal

Bridal Gown Fabrics Explained

Admin — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:07:57 +0000

Don’t know satin from charmeuse? Stumped by terms like organza and Alencon? Get all of your questions answered right here before you go shopping for a wedding gown. These are bridal gown fabrics explained.

Satin: A very popular heavy material with a sheen. Be aware that while the finest satin is made from silk, not all satins are. Terms like “Italian satin” are a clue that man-made fibers are involved. Satin is best for formal weddings and fall or winter weddings due to its weight and shine. It is often embellished with ornate beading and embroidery, and pairs well with sparkly crystal bridal jewelry.

Organza: A very popular fabric these days, especially after seeing Chelsea Clinton’s feminine Vera Wang organza gown. Organza is a translucent material with no sheen and a crisp hand. Very lightweight, it is perfect for a summer wedding gown. Due to its sheer nature, organza gowns need an opaque lining. One often sees three-dimensional accents like organza petals or flowers stitched onto dresses made of the airy fabric. Lovely with pearl bridal jewelry.

Chiffon: Very similar to organza, except chiffon is a flowy material rather than a crisp one. This is the material of choice for a slender Grecian goddess style column gown. When draped on the bias, chiffon hugs every curve, and when hung straight and gathered, it is floaty and more forgiving. Chiffon is also very popular for bridesmaid dresses.

Tulle: The quintessential 1950s fabric has seen a comeback in popularity over the last couple of seasons. Tulle is a lightweight sheer netting which brings to mind ballerinas. It is an excellent choice for creating a fluffy full skirt that is virtually weightless. Tulle is often combined with other matte fabrics such as organza, and looks lovely with feminine pearl bridal jewelry.

Taffeta: This is the fabric that makes a rustling sound when it moves. Taffeta is a matte, opaque fabric which can vary in weight from tissue taffeta to a more substantial weave. Silk taffeta has a way of catching the air under it in a very appealing way, although the same is not true of synthetic taffetas. A very crisp material, taffeta works as well for the lining of a skirt as it does the outer layers. FYI, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy’s bridal gown was created from silk taffeta.

Charmeuse: A very fluid fabric with an exquisite drape, charmeuse is somewhat similar to the more familiar silk chiffon, except that it is opaque and shiny. A very luxurious fabric, charmeuse can be used as the main material of a body-conscious wedding gown which will move beautifully when the bride walks down the aisle. A colorful charmeuse lining would be gorgeous on the inside of a fur wrap or velvet cape for a winter bride.

Velvet: Strictly a winter fabric, velvet is luxurious and beautiful for a bridal gown. The cropped nap is the ultimate in holiday indulgence. Silk velvet has a much more fluid drape than one might expect from a fairly heavy fabric, especially if a charmeuse lining is used rather than a stiffer taffeta. Many velvets are also made from synthetic materials, and will tend to be less fluid than silk velvet. Cotton velveteen is a similar material with a stiffer hand and a shorter pile which lends itself well to elegant suits and styles like flower girl dresses.

Shantung and Dupioni: Often woven from silk, these are fabrics with minimal sheen. Both shantung and dupioni are noted for their signature slubby texture. Shantung is a little lighter weight and less slubby than dupioni. Dupioni is a stiff fabric which is excellent for holding an A-line shape; due to its weight, it is most often seen in the fall and winter.

Alencon, Chantilly, and Venise: These are classic laces which are used for bridal gowns. Alencon lace can be used for appliques or as whole cloth. Venise lace is even a little heavier than Alencon, and is often used for appliques onto a solid fabric like shantung or may be stitched onto an English net draped over a solid lining. Chantilly lace is lighter weight, and works beautifully for slender lace bridal gowns, as well as for appliques.

Bridal Shower Invitations Vs. Wedding Invitations

Admin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 05:39:28 +0000

A bridal shower is traditionally hosted a few months prior to the wedding as a way for female friends and family to gather and celebrate the bride’s upcoming nuptials with gifts, games, and food. Invitations play a vital role in planning bridal showers and weddings, both functionally and aesthetically.

Bridal Shower Invitation Tips and Ideas

Get creative and have fun when choosing bridal shower invitations, as they are generally more creative and relaxed than wedding invitations. Unless you’re planning a very formal shower, these invitations can be casual, colorful, even amusing to reflect the bride’s personality. Shower invitations don’t need to reflect the wedding invitation at all, so even if the bride expresses concern about deviating, you can assure her that the bridal shower is a completely separate event (invitation-wise).

As long as your bridal shower invitations detail the date, location, time, name of the bride and name of the host(s), then you can choose any design, however creative or restrained, that will complement the bride. If you are applying a theme to the shower, then you should try and incorporate the theme into the invitations, whether it’s through a color scheme, pattern, place, or object. For example, if you are throwing a shower with an ocean theme because the bride loves the beach (or is going to a tropical destination on her honeymoon), consider invitations that either picture a beach scene or are an ocean blue.

There are so many options for bridal shower invitations that you don’t need to break your budget buying the most expensive ones. If you take care choosing the right invitation, whether it’s a budget-friendly printable or fill-in invitation, or more moderately-priced photo invitation with the bride’s smiling face, guests will appreciate the token and the bride will frame it as a keepsake.

Wedding Invitation Tips and Ideas

Although wedding invitations have expanded to include ultra-casual to ultra-formal and everything in-between, you still need to spend more time thinking about your wedding invitations. These invitations will not only represent what type of wedding you’ll have, but will serve as a keepsake that you will want to enjoy later. It’s important to match the tone of your invitation, whether you want modern or traditional, colorful or black and white, to the tone of your wedding.

Once you decide what type of wedding you want, whether it’s a casual afternoon affair, a semi-formal afternoon affair, or black tie evening event, then you can more easily move on to choosing an wedding invitation. Try not to reverse these steps since you risk buying on impulse an invitation that locks you into a certain type of wedding.

Overall, choosing your wedding invitations should be exciting, not stressful. If your favorite color is red and you want red roses or tulips to be abundant, consider extending this to your invitations. You could do something simple like a red foil liner for your envelopes, incorporate a red monogram, or be dramatic with scarlet paper and white lettering.

Whether you choose a subtle or dramatic style for your wedding invitations, as long as they reflect your personality and the tone of your wedding, then you’ll know you’ve made the right choice. However, feel free to be creative in a more casual, fun, and spunky bridal shower invitation!

11 Tips For Beautiful Bridal Hair

Admin — Mon, 17 May 2010 22:05:26 +0000

11 TIPS FOR BEAUTIFUL BRIDAL HAIR

1. Be true to yourself

Don’t choose a hairstyle that makes you feel not yourself.
Brides often get pressured into certain styles because of
“tradition”. If a particular style makes you feel uneasy,
don’t choose it. It does not matter that your mother, best
friend or hairstylist like it – what really matters is YOU.

2. Develop a clear idea

Before going to the stylist, try to develop a good idea of
what type of hairstyle you would like. Cut out the pictures
of your favorite hairstyles from magazines and bring them to
the stylist. If you can’t find any pictures, be prepared to
describe exactly what you want.

3. Do a practice run

Try out the hairstyle in advance, before your wedding day.
Schedule the “practice run” with your stylist. If the
hairstyle that you envisioned does not look as good on you
as you had hoped, you’ll be glad you found that out before
the big day!

4. Is it comfortable?

Walk around with this hairstyle for several hours to make
sure it’s comfortable. The last thing you would want is to
have hair pins hurting you and ruining your fun.

5. Take pictures

At the “practice run”, bring a Polaroid or digital camera to
take instant pictures. Ask the stylist to take pictures from
the back and other angles. The pictures will give you a
better idea how the style would look to others (as opposed
to just looking in the mirror).

6. Does it hold up?

Make sure your hair style does not get completely messed up
several hours later. Try moving around and see if the hair
stays put. You would not want a hair disaster during the
first dance!

7. Matching with your dress

Your hair style should go well with your wedding dress and
headpiece. Classic dresses go best with classic hairstyles.
Non-traditional dresses might look odd with the formal
updos. Buy the dress before you select a hairstyle. Bring
your headpiece and the picture of your dress to the stylist,
so the stylist can evaluate whether it’s a good match.

8. Watch out for chemicals

Don’t have any coloring or chemical treatments done right
before the wedding – these can go wrong, and there won’t be
time to fix them! Do them several weeks in advance.

9. Stay consistent

Don’t make drastic changes. Your wedding day is not the time
to color your hair in a completely different color or cut
off long locks. After all, you would still want people to
recognize you at your own wedding!

10. Beware of the height effect

Be aware that updos will make you look taller. Depending on
your situation, it might work for you or against you. If you
are already taller than the groom or are the same height,
don’t do an updo. If you are short, use the updo to your
advantage.

11. Keep it sensible

Don’t make your hairstyle too flamboyant – it should not
compete with your face and your dress. You would want to
avoid the situation where your hair is the only thing that
jumps out at people when they look at you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melanie Mendelson will help you lose weight fast for your wedding.

Visit her website http://www.DietForBrides.com

Bridal Preparations – Hints & Tips

Admin — Thu, 13 May 2010 18:26:51 +0000

There are many different factors that must be considered and the planning may seem endless but the key is to get it all sorted as soon as possible so that in the immediate run up to the big day you have nothing to worry about but preparing yourself both physically and mentally.

Many brides in particular worry about looking their best when they walk down the aisle and embark on a wild diet and beauty regime often pushing their bodies to the extreme. It is understandable that a bride will want to look her best, but rather than starving themselves or stressing out it is wise to look on the internet and see what products are available to help.

Rather than starving on an absurd diet there are many herbal diet supplements available including water retention tablets such as Adios or Zotrim, both are herbal based and do not carry the same risk as ordinary diet pills that pose serious health risks to users.

Many brides choose to have their makeup professionally done on the day and an additional cosmetic fixer that may help a bride feel more confident is teeth whiteners. There are many available at a range of prices and you can pick up a product tailored to your specific requirements, for example if you are a smoker or over 50 Teeth White Immediate Rapid System will be a product ideal. However, if you choose to whiten your teeth it is best to begin the process as early as possible as the whitening process can vary per product.

Buy herbal diet pills at online pharmacy, Pharmacy at Hand, teeth whitening products from Mimi Beauty, and if you need limo hire for your big day rent from First Class Limo’s.

Bridal Shower Invitations Vs. Wedding Invitations

Admin — Thu, 06 May 2010 06:45:53 +0000

Bridal Shower Invitation Tips and Ideas

Wedding Invitation Tips and Ideas

The Bridal Beauty Countdown – A Step-by-Step Beauty Regimen for Brides

Admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:51:27 +0000

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Seeking that illustrious bridal glow? Of course you are. Few times in your life actually command all to rise from their seats to feast their eyes upon your beauty as you walk into view. For such an occasion, looking “good” just doesn’t cut it. You need to look once-in-a-lifetime fabulous. Feeling the pressure? Fortunately, the one thing you can control on your wedding day is your bridal look. For while that fabled glow won’t just miraculously arrive in time for the big day, careful planning and prep work can ensure your most radiant self walks down that aisle. To avoid last minute beauty blunders – here’s what you need to do now, and what can wait until your final hours of singlehood…

Get Started Now! (or about 6 months out)

1) Get Great Skin – Now’s the time to address any skin problems you’ve tolerated; rid your skin of acne, sun damage, scars or wrinkles. Book an appointment with your dermatologist and discuss treatment options, such as retinol creams, lasers, skin lighteners or chemical peels.

2) Get In Shape – If you haven’t already, start a fitness and nutrition routine that you can live with – and stick with until your wedding day (and beyond!). Need some motivation? Join the bridal boot camp craze. These fitness programs geared towards brides are popping up all over the country.

3) Plan Your Look – As soon as you’ve found “the dress,” decide how you want to wear your hair and makeup for the big day. Start growing your hair if you think you’ll want it longer. Now’s the time to test new looks. If you’re contemplating a drastic cut or color change – do it now – and leave time to get used to your new do, or change it back.

3-6 Months Out

1) Hire Your Pros – If you love your stylist and are getting married locally, make sure he or she is available on your date. Otherwise, start auditioning stylists for the big day. Many hair stylists also offer makeup services and are willing to travel, while others do not.

2) Get a Facial – To ensure positively glowing skin on your wedding day, start a regimen of monthly facials

1 Month Out

1) Make those Whites Pearly – Schedule a teeth cleaning, and if necessary, consider whitening your teeth. Crest white strips are a painless, inexpensive way to whiter teeth. Or if your budget allows, have them professionally whitened.

2) Go for a Trial Run – Schedule your consultation with your hair stylist and makeup artist for about one month prior. You should have your veil and any hair pieces at this time.

3) Fake a Tan – Experiment with tanners, bronzers, lotions, tanning beds etc. Give yourself enough time to ensure the look is natural and to your liking.

4) Banish Cellulite – Be bikini-ready for your honeymoon. Prep your thighs and any problem areas with cellulite cream. One to try – Revlon Sublime Slim. Apply twice daily, and reduce the appearance of cellulite in four weeks.

1-2 Weeks Out

1) Cut and Color – The best time to schedule your final cut and color is 1-2 weeks out – to ensure enough time to fix any last minute color mishaps. Avoid doing anything too drastic.

2) Shape your hair “down there” – Make an appointment to have your bikini line waxed (you don’t want to fumble with razors on your honeymoon), and have any other waxing done now (eyebrows, upper lip, legs). This will allow enough time for any redness to fade.

3) Get your last facial – Again, leave enough time for any acne/redness to fade.

The Day Before

1) Put on the Polish – Get your final manicure and pedicure the day before so nails can thoroughly dry. Get a bottle of your polish from the manicurist for last minute touch-ups.

2) Go Light on Sodium and Curb the Alcohol – Have fun, but don’t go crazy at your rehearsal dinner. Too much salt and alcohol leads to eye puffiness.

3) Pack an Emergency Kit – Include tissues, nail file, breath mints, bobby pins and nail polish. Get pressed powder and lipstick from your makeup artist.

4) Get that Beauty Sleep – Avoid caffeine and exercise before attempting to go to bed. If you just can’t get enough shut-eye, freeze moistened green or white tea bags to put over your eyes the next day. The tannins will help reduce any puffiness.

Day Of

1) Eat Breakfast – Avoid anything to fatty or salty. Instead eat fibrous carbs and lean protein for energy.

2) Drink plenty of Water – Try to drink at least 32 oz in the eight hours leading up to the ceremony.

3) Give Yourself Time – Bride’s typically begin their hair about three hours in advance, followed by makeup.

4) Relax and Smile – You know you look fabulous!

For more articles and advice to help you plan your wedding, visit Elegala.com’s complete Wedding Planning guide.