Dramatic Wedding Flowers

Flowers are one of the most popular wedding decorations, and they have more impact than almost anything else. Of course, flowers are pretty no matter how you use them, but there are some fabulous ways in which wedding flowers can be used beyond the standard centerpieces. Take a look at these ideas for dramatic wedding flowers which will take your wedding to a whole other level.

Chandeliers have become extremely popular for weddings over the last several years. The classic crystal chandelier is certainly beautiful, but flowers can be used to create one-of-a-kind chandeliers which will take your guests’ breath away. This is a great idea for brides who enjoy having things which are custom made for them, such as monograms, bridal jewelry, and wedding gowns.  A stunning design idea is to have a very large circle of roses made to suspend over each table. Have them lit, and they will make stunning chandeliers to illuminate your reception.

Repeated design elements can be a terrific way to make a huge impact on your reception space. One of the most spectacular ways to use wedding flowers is to have them made into pomanders, which are large globes of flowers suspended from ribbons. A mass of pomanders can be hung over any space which you would like to decorate. They also look incredible hung in a vertical row of three or more floral balls. One of the great things about pomanders is that they can be just as beautiful when made from less pricey blossoms like carnations or daisies as from more costly roses.

Floral streamers are another stunning way to decorate your wedding with flowers. For an exotic flair, take white orchid blossoms, and string them on clear monofiliment wire. Make a “curtain” of the floral strands behind the altar to define the space for an outdoor wedding or one in a loft space. A more casual effect can be created by substituting brightly colored gerbera daisies for the more sophisticated orchids. The floral streamers would also look fantastic behind a sweetheart table at the reception or when used to define the bar area. With so many unique ways to use flowers, why stick to the standard wedding flowers?

How to Accessorize Trendy 2010 Wedding Gowns

Use this handy guide to accessorizing a trendy 2010 wedding gown to get you down the aisle in high style…

The one shoulder trend remains tops for 2010. This can be one of the trickier styles to adorn, as the asymmetry makes jewelry selection a bit more challenging.  If it is is a simple style, say a twisted piece of silk charmeuse, then you can pair it with a single strand choker necklace and medium drop earrings. On the other hand, if the one shoulder is adorned with an abundance of shredded organza flowers as many are, rather than layering in a necklace with such a busy neckline, go with bold earrings as your feature jewelry, such as custom Swarovski bridal earrings in a swingy chandelier design.

Because the one shoulder bridal gown has a chic modern elegance about it, a simple veil will tend to be best. A long single layer veil with a plain edge will not fight with the dramatic lines of the gown. A double headband in pearls and crystals is a stylish headpiece which will complement any wedding hairstyle. Strappy high heel silk sandals will ensure that your ensemble is stunning from head to toe.

Without a doubt, the best jewelry for a V-neck gown is a pendant necklace with drop earrings. They do a wonderful job of emphasizing the flattering shape created by the V-neck. You may wish to work with a jewelry store that can create custom bridal jewelry to make sure that your pendant is the perfect length. Elegant shoes like D’orsay pumps or slingbacks will suit the gown beautifully.

If one of the 1950s inspired bridal gowns is your fantasy, accessories will be a snap. Classic pumps with a pert bow on the front will be the ideal shoes. A fluffy waist length veil with a headband or feather flower in the hair (for a more contemporary accent) take care of the top. And in this case, your mother’s classic pearl bridal jewelry will be just right after all. Just add a pair of earrings with some crystals to freshen up the classic style of the necklace, and you will look perfect. Here comes the bride!

Modern Mixed Pattern Wedding Cakes

One of the hippest new trends right now is modern mixed pattern wedding cakes. The mixed pattern wedding cake is a simple enough concept. Rather than having each tier of the cake look the same, couples are opting to do a different design on each layer. The result is fresh, fun, and funky. It looks absolutely contemporary, yet can be used with very retro or classic patterns. The best part of a mixed pattern cake is sitting down with your baker to decide which designs you would like to combine.

A wedding cake with a few different patterns on the tiers will allow you to put your own personal stamp on your reception, much like custom bridal jewelry does for your wedding attire.  In fact, the bride’s attire can be a great inspiration for the cake design. If you were wearing a lace gown, the top and bottom cake tiers could be decorated with a fondant “lace” design to match your dress, and the middle layer could be a crisp stripe design.

Mixed pattern wedding cakes can also draw their inspiration from the wedding colors. Let’s say that you were having a wedding based on one of this year’s hottest colors, turquoise.  If you want to make your cake elegant, choose a turquoise and cherry red damask design mixed with medium width stripes. Or go with a summer tropical flavor, and make one tier a turquoise and fuchsia hibiscus print, one with lime and turquoise surfboards, and a third tier with a turquoise and white graphic wave pattern. The three designs are all funky and unique, yet will still have a nice flow based on one shared color and a common theme.

Preppy gals have long adored combining different patterns in similar color palettes, so a mixed pattern cake is a natural for the preppy bride. Picture a cake created all in pink and green. You can have an argyle tier, a striped tier, and a polka dot tier. Or have one of your favorite Lilly Pulitzer designs used as inspiration for the largest tier, and accent it with a striped middle layer, and a monogrammed top tier. Sheer bliss!

The mixed pattern cake trend is so much fun that it is destined to become a big hit. The possibilities for creativity and personal expression are truly limitless. Why not get in on the fun and design a mixed pattern cake for your wedding this year?

Romantic Wedding Gowns

Weddings are all about love, so why not express that sentiment with a romantic wedding gown? There are certain fabrics, styles, and features which can go a long way to enhance the romantic flavor of a bridal gown. These are some of the most romantic wedding dresses, which are sure to appeal to any bride.

Fabric has a lot to do with creating a romantic effect. Soft and sheer fabrics such as lace, tulle, organza, and chiffon are the essence of femininity. Any gown that appears to float when it moves is a great choice. Very shiny fabrics such as satin, though gorgeous, tend to be more princess like than romantic, so that is something to keep in mind when shopping. Light and airy embellishments will be more dreamy than heavy or bold details.

Some of the most enchanting adornments for bridal gowns include lace, flowers, and fabric petals. Floral details are always romantic and charming, and they can work well on many different styles of gowns. Classic brides will adore lace appliqués which cover the bodice of a gown and drip down gently onto a tulle or organza skirt. Flower petals are another detail which embody the spirit of romance on a tulle or organza gown. An updated version of these petals can be seen in the current collection by Oscar de la Renta, which pairs timeless 1950s silhouettes with unique handmade organza petals. Echo the details on the gown with custom bridal jewelry which is created from keshi pearls, which are also known as petal pearls.

Cascading ruffles are another very romantic accent for a bridal gown. They can also strike a nice balance between romanticism and drama. Look for gowns with an abundance of ruffles in sheer fabrics like organza. Frothy tulle skirts are also very dreamy. Many designers are offering these styles right now, so there are some wonderful options. Don’t overlook the fact that a pastel color can also add charm to a wedding dress. Pale pink, apricot, and champagne all have a timeless romantic effect. Indulge your feminine and romantic nature with one of these dreamy wedding gowns.

Big City Weddings

There are many wonderful places to have a wedding, but none can beat a major metropolis for excitement and drama. The options for venues are nearly endless, meaning that you can have virtually any style of wedding that your heart desires. Here are some ideas for planning fabulous big city weddings.

The first step is to decide on a venue. Most cities offer infinite possibilities. If your vision of a dream wedding includes a grand ballroom, a dramatic wedding gown, and custom bridal jewelry, look into the ballroom of a top notch hotel. They will often be lavishly decorated with gilt details, dazzling crystal chandeliers, and impressive entrances. Imagine yourself pulling up to the most gorgeous hotel in the city, resplendent in your designer bridal gown and stunning custom jewelry – if this makes your heart beat faster, then a grand ballroom wedding is perfect for you.

On the other hand, many people who live in cities like things which are more minimal and edgy. For these couples, a wedding in an urban loft can be ideal. Most lofts which are available for weddings and events are wide open spaces with huge windows. Talk about a blank canvas upon which to paint your dream wedding. Decorate the loft with rented lounge furniture, unusual centerpieces, and custom lighting. Loft spaces lend themselves to weddings with a predominantly younger crowd; the older generation might not get the appeal of a raw space.

Even nature lovers can find plenty to please them in a city wedding venue. Most major cities have breathtaking botanical gardens which can be used for weddings. You can have a totally romantic garden wedding right in the heart of a big city. For many couples this can be the perfect solution, as you will be able to be married surrounded by an abundance of flowers without the hassle of planning a wedding out in the countryside far from your place in the city. There could surely be no better way to celebrate both your love for each other and your native city.

Sophisticated Orange Wedding Bouquets

When planning wedding bouquets, naturally it all starts with the flowers. There are many flowers available in orange, and they will each create their own special mood. Do not think that the only orange flowers available will be autumnal mums or casual gerbera daisies; some of the most glamorous blossoms of all come in stunning shades of orange. To keep the effect really strong, consider creating bouquets entirely out orange flowers, perhaps with a few accents of a secondary color mixed in for more drama. Purple and lime green will create especially nice contrasts against the orange.

Nothing is more exotic and sophisticated than orchids. Gorgeous orange Vanda orchids look absolutely breathtaking wired into showy bouquets. These are the perfect flower for a bride with exquisite taste who wants something eyecatching and unique for her bouquet. If you love the idea of custom bridal jewelry (perhaps even bridal jewelry custom made with a touch of orange?), handcrafted letterpress invitations, and a couture bridal gown, you will adore marvelous Vanda orchids.

If you are looking for a really romantic orange flower for your wedding, think about ruffly parrot tulips. They make a gorgeous bouquet, one that is chic and upscale. At the same time, parrot tulips look like the type of flower that could be seen spilling out of a vase in an Old Masters painting. They are truly beautiful, and are a great bouquet option for any bride who like tulips, but wants to take them to the next level.

No discussion of wedding flowers would be complete without talking about lilies. One of the most popular wedding blossoms, big showy lilies add instant flair to a sophisticated bouquet. Especially dramatic are exotic Gloriosa lilies with their large petals. Ideal for Asian inspired bouquets and centerpieces, orange Gloriosa lilies have an unmatched glamor perfect for the bride who really wants something special for her wedding flowers.

Hit the Road With Your Wedding Gown

Planning a wedding far from your home? Then you will need to know how to select a wedding gown that travels well and what to do to make sure that it arrives at the wedding destination looking great. These are the top tips on how to hit the road with your wedding gown.

Lightweight gowns will be the easiest to carry around, and they also are among the nicest options for destination weddings at the beach. Lighter-than-air fabrics like chiffon and tulle will be much easier to gently fold in a carry on bag if you are flying than a heavy or stiff fabric like satin. Never ever check your wedding gown! It must always be carried aboard the plane, even if you have to stuff it into a tiny duffel bag. That is one reason why a filmy chiffon is preferable to a bulky satin wedding gown with a big crinoline and a long train. If you wish to make a lightweight gown more formal, simply layer on special custom bridal jewelry and an embellished veil.

Another fabric which might not initially come to mind as one that travels well is lace. An all over lace gown will show very few creases and holds its shape very well. Lace wedding dresses can run the range from traditional Alencon to filmy Chantilly, so there is really a style for almost any bride. If you like sparkle, choose a beaded lace. Just be careful when the gown is packed that the beads won’t snag the lace if the dress shifts in the bag en route to your destination.

Travelling by car is significantly easier than by air when your wedding site is within driving distance. The most important thing to remember is to pack your gown into the car last. You don’t want a big suitcase on top of it crushing the bodice! With a little advance planning, you will be able to get your bridal gown to your wedding site in tip top shape.

Design the Custom Bridal Gown of Your Dreams

The bridal gown is one of the centerpieces of any wedding, but what happens if you cannot find the perfect one? Perhaps you are hoping for a unique gown, or one that fits in with your wedding theme, or maybe you are just not a perfect size 6. There are are many good reasons why a bride might decide that she wants to have a dress made especially for her; here is what you need to know to design the wedding gown of your dreams.

When you are interested in designing your own bridal gown, the first step is to do your research. Look through magazines and on the internet to get a sense of what appeals to you. The chances are that you will not come across one gown that has all of the features that you like; if that were the case, you could just order that one and be done with it. At your first custom consultation, you should be prepared to show the seamstress ideas of what you would like. It is perfectly fine to say, “I like the top of this gown, the bottom of that one, and the color of a third gown”. A talented designer will be able to help you see how all of the various parts and pieces can serve as inspiration for one fabulous gown.

Many brides will have tried on a number of wedding dresses before realizing that they would be better off having a gown custom made. This is very useful, as it can give you a good sense of what is flattering to your body and what is not. Don’t worry if you are confused about all of the different options! The seamstress will be able to guide you. She will also be able to make suggestions on how to best highlight your favorite features of your figure and to camouflage any problem areas. Be open to her ideas; you might not come away with the exact bridal gown you initially envisioned, but you may well end up with something even more beautiful.

Once the basic shape and style of your gown has been determined, you will be able to make choices about the fabric, color, and any embellishments. This is a lot of fun! You will get the chance to explore various trims and notions until you find one that you simply love. The options will be wide open, ranging from traditional lace to glamorous crystal beadwork to delicate embroidery. Many brides will opt to have custom bridal jewelry and headpieces designed that play up the most special features in their one-of-a-kind gowns. Designing a custom bridal gown can be one of the best parts of planning your wedding.

Centerpieces for Halloween Weddings

If your wedding is taking place on Halloween, the big day is right around the corner! Along with the usual decorations, you will surely want to have spectacular centerpieces that fit with the theme of your wedding. From the classic to the unexpected, these are some great ideas for Halloween wedding centerpieces.

The most classic way to design a Halloween wedding is to really take the theme of the holiday and run with it. This might mean the bride in a non-traditional red or black dress with custom bridal jewelry, rather than the traditional white gown and demure accessories. If this sounds like your style, then personalized jack o’lanterns would be ideal for your centerpieces. This is no time for the basic face on a pumpkin, however; your wedding decorations call for something intricate and spectacular. Carve each pumpkin with a different spooky scene, such as a graveyard, complete with the initials of the newlyweds on one of the tombstones!

Another idea for jack o’lantern centerpieces is to use three smallish pumpkins and place them on a tiered stand, like the sort typically used for pies. Designs to consider would be the newlyweds’ monogram, Halloween motifs such as black cats and monsters, or even the faces of the bride and groom, if you have a talented enough pumpkin carver (rendering an accurate likeness is actually not as hard as it sounds). At the base of the three tiered stand, place clusters of fall flowers like mums and asters for more color.

Tall black candelabras with dark red taper candles would look magnificent on the dinner tables for a Halloween wedding. Dark red roses like Black Magic or flowers in a deep purple would be the perfect complement to the black candelabras. You can have the flowers dripping off of the candelabras or surrounding them in vases with a Gothic flair. Either way, the results will be impressive. You can be sure that your wedding will be one that no one will ever forget!

Should a Bride Hide Her Tattoos?

Every generation of brides faces unique questions as they prepare for their weddings. When our mothers got married, it was probably something like, “Can I get away with a bridal gown with bare shoulders for a church wedding?”. For a lot of today’s brides, the overwhelming dilemma is what to do about her tattoos; should she show them, hide them, or what? These are some of the considerations to help you decide.

One of the biggest issues in the tattoo dilemma often involves the mother of the bride. Most moms are not interested in seeing body art on their daughters during the wedding ceremony. Sometimes this can present an opportunity for compromise. The bride agrees to cover her ink for the ceremony, but does not hide it for the reception. This can be a good solution, particularly if the wedding ceremony is going to be traditional.

If you decide to hide a tattoo for the ceremony, there are a few ways in which it can be done, depending on where it is. One possibility is to get special tattoo covering makeup. The effectiveness of this tactic will depend on the size and color of the tattoo. This can be an option for tattoos that are in hard to cover places such as hands or arms. Do be aware that makeup can tend to smear, especially after a night on the dance floor.

Tattoos on the back of the shoulder are very popular, and they can be concealed for the ceremony with a shrug worn over the bridal gown. A cool way to hide a tattoo on the wrist or neck is with custom bridal jewelry. An extra wide bracelet created from rows of crystals and pearls will add style to your bridal ensemble as well as hiding a wrist tattoo. If the body art you wish to cover is on the neck, then custom bridal jewelry in the form of a beautiful choker will do the trick.

The decision of whether or not to hide a tattoo for your wedding is an entirely personal one, although family and social pressure will often come into play, as well. Ultimately, each bride has to make the choice that will make her happy, while showing respect for her family and their customs.