Gorgeous Beach Wedding Dresses

The beach is one of the most wonderful places to hold a wedding ceremony. There is nothing quite like the sand under your feet, the ocean breezes, and the smell of the salt air. Such a special wedding calls for an equally special wedding gown. These are some tips on finding a gorgeous beach wedding dress to make you feel amazing on your big day.

Halter necklines are always fantastic by the water. They are not too formal, very flattering, and have a summery appeal which is great for any warm weather wedding ceremony. There are lots of different halter necklines available, from little wispy gowns which suit a fashion forward bride with very little cleavage, to more structured wedding dresses done in midweight fabrics such as silk gazar. Finish it off with beach theme wedding jewelry like crystal starfish dangle earrings.

Strapless gowns are always pretty for a bride, and they are lovely for a beach wedding. A lightweight organza wedding dress with an empire waistline and a slim A-line skirt would be comfortable and beachy. Choose a dress with special details, such as organza streamers in the back which will flutter in the ocean breeze. If the beach you have chosen for your ceremony site tends to be fairly windy, pull your hair back into a casual knot at the nape of your neck and accent it with a few pretty hairpins.

One shoulder bridal gowns are very popular this season, and would be a very stylish option for a beach wedding. Select one in a sheer fabric like organza or chiffon, which will gently float over a solid underlining. A cluster of organza flowers flowing over the shoulder or a large chiffon bow will give your one shoulder wedding dress the perfect amount of detail. When shipping for any style of beach wedding dress, it is a really good idea to try it on in bright sunlight to make sure that it will not be too see-through in the direct sun.

Sophisticated Ballgown Wedding Dresses

Ballgowns are one of the most popular styles of wedding gowns every year. Though many brides love the fairy tale princess look, not every bride who likes a full skirt wants to look like Cinderella on her wedding day. Happily, there are some gorgeous ballgown wedding dresses with a sophisticated style that will suit the bride seeking the perfect balance between chic and elegant.

A great way to get a sophisticated edge in a ballgown is to choose one with an interesting neckline. One of the most dramatic is an illusion neckline with a heavily jeweled band around the neck, which is almost like having jewelry built into the gown. Paired with a simple silk satin skirt, this style is fantastic for a bride who wants a full and formal wedding gown, but does not want to look like a young ingenue. Add a dazzling pair of Swarovski crystal earrings and sweep the hair up into a chic chignon studded with crystal hairpins to keep the effect chic and grown up (avoid a tiara at all costs if you seek to avoid the princess bride look).

A layered skirt can be a dramatic feature on a ballgown wedding dress. Look for lots of flouncy layers in an asymmetrical tulle or organza with a raw edge to achieve a more edgy style. A bridal gown with an origami layered skirt in a crisp fabric like gazar would also be very distinctive. With these very contemporary wedding gowns, unique accessories are a must. A bold feather headpiece tucked into a low bun would hit the perfect note of modern elegance.

Since most of the princess style wedding gowns are strapless, varying the neckline can be an easy way to get away from the fairy tale look in a full skirted dress. Necklines which are plunging without being overly revealing can be very sophisticated. A great design is a spaghetti strap or narrow tank style with a V-neck which plunges into a wide cummberbund sash at the waist of the bridal gown. This type of gown looks especially fantastic in silk taffeta or silk satin. Allow the neckline of the gown and the full gathered skirt to make a statement, without the distraction of a lot of extra embellishment. A classic pair of pearl and Swarovski crystal earrings with a matching pendant necklace add some sparkle to the simplicity of the wedding gown.

Tips on Finding a Budget Wedding Gown

Believe it or not, there are some truly breathtaking wedding gowns available for under $1000, even under $500. In general, it is far better to go with a simpler wedding gown which is well made from a high quality fabric like silk than a heavily embellished one which is cheaply made from poor quality synthetics. The first will look chic and modern, the second will look, well, cheap.

If you have your heart set on a very traditional full wedding gown, but your budget is tight, your best bet is to search creatively for a quality gown, rather than settle for one which is not well made. Sample sales and blow out sales can be a great way for brides to find a dreamy designer wedding gown at an incredible discount. Search the Internet for both local sales at bridal shops and huge discount gown events like the traveling Filene’s Basement “Running of the Brides” sale.

For brides who seek budget wedding gowns with a modern chic sensibility, a great place to shop is J Crew. In their bridal collection, they feature gowns in luxe fabrics like silk chiffon, taffeta, jacquard, and silk tricotine for under $1000 and in some cases under $500. The gowns tend to have slimmer skirts, either column or a small A-line, and are perfect for a beach wedding, a garden wedding, or a city chic affair. The wedding gowns at J Crew include many fashionable designs and details, from the popular goddess look to the asymmetrical style which is in vogue this year.

Many brides will select an ivory or white dress from a bridesmaid line. When choosing an ivory “bridesmaid” dress to wear as a wedding gown, the right accessories will help to make sure that you look like a bride. A long veil, elegant bridal jewelry, and a pretty headpiece will make sure that no one mistakes you for a bridesmaid in an ivory dress. In fact, choosing distinctive and unique accessories like bridal jewelry is one of the fun things about wearing a more simple wedding gown. It allows you to express your personal style, look gorgeous, and find a fabulous wedding gown on a budget – you can’t do much better than that!

Romantic Illusion Neckline Wedding Gowns

Are you looking for a wedding gown which is elegant, romantic, and timeless? Something different than the typical strapless bridal gown? Then take a look at some of the latest illusion neckline wedding gowns, which have a special ladylike charm.

An illusion neckline is one which is created using a sheer fabric, usually either organza or a fine net or tulle. The thing that is so wonderful about a bridal gown with an illusion neckline is that it allows the dress to have real straps without looking too heavy or covered up. For brides who are uncomfortable wearing strapless or who simply want something a bit more modest, a sheer neckline can be the perfect answer. It allows you to have a bit more coverage and structure in the gown, yet does not look too covered up or conservative.

One of the most intriguing things about illusion neckline wedding gowns is that they can also be quite dramatic. The sheer fabric can be used to provide structure over a plunging back or daring low cut bodice. On a gown which would otherwise be very tricky to wear, the stability of the sheer organza or net makes it structurally practical. This is an effect frequently used in the world of figure skating, and it works just as well for a wedding gown. It allows a bride to have fun trying a style which is daring, yet not scandalous!

Oftentimes, an illusion panel will be embellished with light beadwork. It can be absolutely breathtaking to see a sheer fabric which twinkles and sparkles with the glow of many tiny crystals. The effect against the skin which is visible through the illusion material is just gorgeous. Play up the crystal detail with fabulous crystal bridal jewelry to match. The overall effect will be a truly sophisticated and elegant bridal ensemble.

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.

Princess Style Wedding Gowns

What elevates a bridal gown into something so regal that it makes the lucky bride wearing it feel like a princess for a day? The answer is drama! A true princess wedding gown must have outstanding features that make all of your guests’ jaws drop and will leave your groom speechless. In other words, it must have that “wow” factor that will cause everyone in the church to gasp when you take your first step down the aisle. There is more than one special feature that can have this marvelous impact; here is a look at the top details.

Elaborate embellishment is one thing that will set a bridal gown apart. Think about it, when you see a royal wedding, they will always have the finest of everything, including lavish embroidery, exquisite lace, and opulent crystal beading. Sparkle is definitely a plus, as is silver embroidery or silver lace. A true princess style wedding dress has details that just look rich, and that are impressive enough that they will be instantly noticed. Subtlety has its place, to be sure, just not on a royal style bridal gown!

Another fabulous feature to look for in a princess wedding gown is a show-stopping train. Your wedding may well be the only day in your life that you get to wear a dress with a long train on it, so why not go all out? If your ceremony will take place in a grand venue with a long aisle, a cathedral length train will look impressive. Many of the best princess style wedding dresses have trains that are not especially long, but which have amazing details. There is nothing like a mountain of cascading ruffles to give your gown a stately presence when you glide down the aisle.

Once you have found a wedding gown to love, don’t forget to plan your accessories. They will certainly add to the overall impact of the dress you have selected. Every princess needs a crown, after all. Choose a bridal tiara with plenty of sparking crystals. To complement the tiara, glittering Swarovski crystal necklaces will hit the perfect note. When wearing a strapless gown, bold multi-strand necklaces of Swarovski crystal are amazing, or opt for a large crystal drop to highlight a V-neck. Finish it off with a fabulous pair of Swarovski crystal earrings and a bracelet to catch the light when you move. Gorgeous!

Wedding Decorations Inspired by Bridal Gowns

The bridal gown is one of the favorite parts of the wedding for most brides. If you ask brides what they loved most about their weddings (other than the groom!), most will say their wedding dresses and their bridal jewelry sets. Since it is such a special part of the wedding day, it can be really fun to design some wedding decorations that are inspired by the details on your bridal gown. These are some suggestions to get you started.

If you have chosen a bridal gown with special beading, you will surely want to use that as the inspiration for the décor at your wedding. A sweet dresses with seed pearl embellishments worn traditional pearl bridal jewelry sets would lend themselves to one style; if the beading on your gown is done in dazzling Swarovski crystals, you would go another direction entirely for your décor. This is what allows you to really personalize your wedding.

With the sweet gown as your inspiration, think about a white-on-white color scheme featuring lots of tiny pearls. For example, an all white bouquet of peonies and garden roses would look beautiful when tied with a wide white ribbon bow. Trim the edges of the ribbon with a row of tiny stitched pearls. You can even use seed pearls to create subtle monograms on everything from white linen banners to hang on the church doors to a custom chair cover on the bride’s seat at the reception. For the wedding cake, a white buttercream frosting with faux frosting “pearls” would be ideal.

If it is sparkle that made you fall in love with your wedding gown, bring that bling into your wedding design. Go crazy with crystals! Adorn the reception venue with opulent crystal chandeliers, hang teardrop crystals in the centerpieces, and even slip a few twinkling Swarovski crystals onto the ribbons on the wedding favors. As long as all of the crystals you use are top quality, the effect will be elegant and extraordinary, but never tacky. It is a great way to create a unified décor scheme that will tie your whole wedding together beautifully, while highlighting the special features of your wedding gown.

Wedding Splurges You Won’t Regret

Everyone knows that weddings are expensive, and for most brides it is not possible to get everything that they would like to have. However, just as there are some things that it is worth trying to save money on, there are other times when a little splurge is definitely warranted. These are some of the wedding splurges that you won’t regret.

The number one splurge that you won’t regret is your wedding gown. Sure, there are some affordable options out there. And yes, you only wear the dress for one day. However, it happens to be one of the most special days of your life, and certainly the one occasion for which you want to look and feel your absolute best. The perfect wedding dress, the one of your dreams, will truly make you feel like a different person when you put it on. If you find a gown that makes your heart sing, buy it. You will never regret it.

Number two on the list would have to be investing in an outstanding wedding photographer. If you ask frugal brides for one thing that they should have spent more on, chances are it will be the photographer. Hiring a student or letting your uncle be in charge of recording your most precious memories is a decision that you will regret from the first moment that you see your wedding photos, and every time that you look at your wedding album for the rest of your life. It is definitely worth it to invest in a top notch photographer who will take the kind of artistic photos that you will enjoy forever.

Another splurge-worthy wedding item is the bridal jewelry.  In the long run, buying a cheap ring just doesn’t pay. On the other hand, you do not need to invest a fortune into your wedding necklace and earring set. You can have beautiful bridal jewelry custom made from freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals that will not hurt your budget. Custom bridal jewelry can look like a splurge, but actually be an area where you save.

Those are the universal splurges, and then there are those that will depend more on the individual preferences of the bride and groom. If you and your families absolutely love to dance, then a great band might be your best splurge. I once attended a big Irish wedding where the splurge was on two bars instead of one.  Really, your best wedding splurge will be on the one (or two!) things that will mean the most to you. If there is something that will make your day a true dream come true, then go ahead and indulge, just this once.

Wedding Things That I am Over!

If you look at enough pictures of weddings, after a while, you start to see the same things done in the same way over and over again. Sometimes these are ideas that started out as fresh trends only to become so popular that they have lost their unique appeal. In other instances, brides might be doing something in the established way, and it just feels too dated and overdone. This is a list of wedding things that I am over; read along and see if you agree!

Strapless Dresses. Yes I know that they are very flattering and that they also account for 3/4s of the available gown choices these days. And yet it seems like for the last however many years, every bride you see is wearing some variation of a strapless gown. Enough already! The freshest new looks are the one shoulder gowns, often with unique and special couture styling that give them a daring yet elegant appeal. If asymmetry is not your thing, there are also some lovely new gowns with wide set straps that flow into plunging deep v-necks, which is incredibly flattering on most women.

Too Much Jewelry or Not Enough. This may seem like a contradiction, but it seems like many brides have trouble finding that perfect happy medium when it comes to their accessories. You either see brides who are trying to make a minimalist and ultra-modern statement by omitting any ornamentation or brides who pile on so much jewelry that they end up looking like soap opera stars. Neither extreme is good! On the one hand, your wedding is not the time to dress down, so a subtle piece or two of crystal bridal jewelry makes a nice addition to a very simple gown. On the other hand, a very big rhinestone necklace paired with a bold tiara is just way too much. You should pick one stand out accessory, and pair it with a good supporting cast.

Choreographed First Dances. Taking dance lessons so that you don’t feel foolish taking a spin around the dance floor during your spotlight dance is a wonderful idea. Hiring a choreographer and involving an entire cast of “extras”  is just plain tacky. Your guests come to your wedding to join you in celebrating your marriage, not to see a Broadway show. Can we please have a return to the days where the newlyweds did an awkward but honest shuffle around the dance floor to “At Last” or “Unforgettable” and then the floor was opened up to others? Please?

Overly Clever Wedding Cakes. The trend in recent years has been for wedding cakes that are more and more unusual and eye-popping. Neon colors, tilted tiers, lights, sparkles, and cakes costing many, many thousands of dollars have become the norm. There comes a point, however, when you can just get too clever in trying to make your cake unique and it loses the idea of simple beauty that has guided brides for generations. I think that we have reached a tipping point on the trendy cakes, and that it is time for a return to the classics. After several years of over-the-top cake design, more simple desserts will feel like a breath of fresh air.

Embellished Bridal Gown Backs

During your marriage ceremony, most brides and grooms will spend a lot of time with their backs to their guests. Also, imagine the pictures of you and your husband dancing and cutting the wedding cake; these photos are also going to be a time when the back of your wedding gown is front and center. This is why it is so important to find a gown that has a special back detail.

Some of the most spectacular styles feature an illusion (a sheer mesh or organza) top on the bodice of the gown. This sheer fabric usually comes up high on the back, and serves as a background for some truly stunning embroidery and beadwork. It is like wearing a little piece of art on your back. You can be sure that the photographs will be breathtaking.

One of the biggest trends in couture gowns this year is the one shoulder dress. Popular both on the red carpet and the church aisle, this fashion forward trend has been embraced by chic brides from coast to coast. Some of the most fabulous versions have big ruffly silk flowers that flow over the shoulder and down the back of the gown. With this type of neckline, you will want to wear a stand-out pair of earrings, since you can’t pair a necklace with a one shoulder gown. You can have your bridal jewelry custom made to complement the style of your gown.

A final style of dress to consider is one that has the back interest a little lower. Many of these gowns have classic strapless necklines, but have beautiful details on the train. Some of the more popular embellishments include rows of ruffles, organza pleats, or even bows. With so many choices, you are sure to find the perfect bridal gown for your wedding.