For every girl, a romantic and impressive wedding is the one of the most important things in the whole life, and a beautiful and suitable wedding dress is a necessary decoration of a wedding, therefore, the selection of a wedding dress is of great importance and necessity. As a matter of fact, when selecting a wedding dress, such elements as price, color and style are very important, among which the style of a wedding dress is the determinant factor for whether it is a good choice.

In the process of selecting a wedding dress, great attention should be paid to the point that many styles of wedding dress are beautiful and attractive on the models, but whether it is suitable for the future bride can only be known after try them on the body. Generally speaking, the future bride should select her wedding dress according to her individual preference and figure.

For petite future brides, they should present the confidence and decency in the wedding ceremony, and a suitable wedding dress will help. And it is a good idea to choose a wedding dress with an empire waist, which can help lengthen the figure. Besides, the wedding dress with detailed and delicate design on the upper part is also a good choice.

And for the future brides who have an admirable tall and neat figure, almost every style of wedding dress will be appropriate. And the wedding dress with a narrow hem can better present the graceful figure and beauty.

If the future brides are tall and thin, the most important thing is to avoid being leaving the impression of thinness and weakness, therefore, the wedding dress with a stand-up collar, big puff sleeves, shoulder pads, and decorations of lacing will break the impression of thinness and provide a sense of elegance.

For plump and neat future brides who want to look slender in the wedding ceremony, the simple wedding dress with straight cutting can be selected. And the detailed design and decorations on the hem should be avoided in order to prevent the appearance of corpulence. In addition, the wedding dress with plunging neckline can lengthen the figure and help present a good effect.

The wedding ceremony is so important and significant for girls that no one wants to have any regret on the special occasion, so just begin your new life from carefully selecting a beautiful and suitable wedding dress for yourself.

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Planning a wedding is a great deal of fun…and a great deal of expense. It can be all too easy to fall into the trap of justifying every additional cost as something that is needed to create the wedding of your dreams. Here are 5 common wedding budget busters, and how to avoid them.

One: Blowing your budget on a designer bridal gown. This is not to say that you should not splurge on a fabulous wedding gown, just that you need to be realistic when planning how much of your budget can go to your dress and accessories, like veil and bridal jewelry. In other words, if you know that you are the type to fall in love with the most expensive wedding gown in the store, you either need to resist trying on gowns you cannot afford, or set a more realistic budget for your bridal gown, veil, jewelry, and so on. The typical bride spends about 10% of her total wedding budget on her attire; a real clotheshorse, however, might need to set aside closer to 15-20%, and look for other areas of the wedding in which to save. It is fine to splurge on a gown that makes you feel like a princess, as long as you have set aside the funds for it.

Two: Getting fixated on having your wedding in one specific venue. If the moment you become engaged you think to yourself, “My wedding must be at the Ritz-Carlton in Paris or I will simply die!”, you are going to get in over your head fast! It is wiser to decide on your reception budget first and then start looking for venues which will work within it. Do your legwork before visiting sites; look at websites, get recommendations, and call for basic pricing information. There is no point wasting your precious time touring venues which will be out of your price range. To do so is only to set yourself up for disappointment or a totally blown budget.

Three: Trying to replicate a wedding you saw in “Martha Stewart Weddings” or “In Style”. Remember that you are not a celebrity, and neither are your guests; no one expects your wedding to look like the most recent Hollywood bridal extravaganza. Those fantasy weddings you see in the high end bridal magazines are wonderful sources of inspiration, but unless your last name is Trump, forget about trying to recreate one of them. Take them as a starting off point to created a beautiful down to earth wedding that you can actually afford.

Four: Not budgeting for the small stuff. All of those little things can really add up, so be sure when designing your wedding budget that you include everything you will need to pay for. Often overlooked are expenses such as tips and taxes, wedding favors, bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts, bridal gown alterations, wedding day beauty, and transportation. When tallied up, all of the minor costs can really snowball, easily pushing you well over budget. To be truly safe, not only should you make a comprehensive budget, but put aside a small fund for any last minute surprises. That way you will be truly prepared.

Five: The honeymoon. Some couples book an expensive trip assuming that they will end up getting enough cash gifts to cover the costs. This is a risky strategy! It is far better to plan a honeymoon trip that you can afford, and then use any cash you get to enhance it. You can always add on special excursions, fancy dinners, or other extras to your trip once you arrive at your destination. This way you will only spend what you have. And that will make for a much more relaxing honeymoon and start to your new married life!

The crisp and cool autumn season is coming right around the corner and your special day might be included in these short months before the harsh weather of the snowy winter season.

There are many different ways to approach planning your wedding; you could try for a traditional pristine, white wedding with a lot of elegant decorations, or you can have a completely original wedding that fits your personality, the season you’re celebrating your wedding reception in, or any other aspect or theme you can think up.

Incorporating the joys and character of the season in which your event takes place can liven up the party and leave your guests impressed whether you are going for a traditional wedding or one with lots of personality.

Candles are relaxing mementos that your guests will love because they can use them in their own homes. Every time your guests light the beautiful candle they received as a wedding favor they will remember the glow on your face during your intimate wedding ceremony and fun filled reception.

If you are having a wedding in the fall, you should try using some fall themed wedding favors and decorations, like candles, coasters, and place card holders. If you’re having trouble finding some elegant, adaptable fall themed wedding favors, then I’ve provided a few examples of unique candles that will allow your guests to remember your special day whether they light these candles in commemoration of your reception or they just leave them out somewhere in the house to display the beautiful gift you gave them in thanks for attending your beautiful wedding celebration.

”Fall-in-Love” Glass Gel Candles:

These are unique gel candles that come in the earthy colors of autumn foliage. The candles are six inches tall and actually contain fall colored leaves suspended in the gel of the candle. The candles are all offered for presentation in an elegant translucent mesh bag with a bow at the top to add dramatic flair to every table at your wedding reception. These candles will fit into any theme because the colors are softened and seem to glow underneath this wonderful outer covering.

Fall Tea Light Candles:

These tea lights come in a pack of four tied with a sheer ribbon and are sure to capture the romantic ambience of a fall night. Each tea light candle is imprinted with a different leaf outfitted in realistic fall colors. Each set has a “Fall in Love” thank you tag to give your guests a personal thanks for celebrating your wedding reception with you. Your guests will feel like they are in the middle of the fall season no matter what time of year it is when they light these wonderful tea light candles in their own homes and remember all the memories that they have shared with you.

Autumn Elegance Wedding Cake Candle:

This candle is in the shape of a three tier white wedding cake decked out in fall foliage. The candle comes on a porcelain pedestal to give it a real wedding cake look. Your guests will love these perfect wedding favors that accurately represent the mood created at your autumn wedding. The candle is presented in a durable fall themed box and has a “For You” tag to let your guests know how appreciative you are for their presence at your wedding event.

Accessorising Wedding and Bridesmaid’s Dresses

Ten Top Tips

You’ve chosen the wedding and bridesmaid dresses, the venue, the flowers and even the table settings. The band has been booked and the menu tasted. At some point your thoughts will inevitably turn to the finishing touches, and so to what accessories and jewellery will complement your wedding outfit.

The choice can be confusing. White gold or yellow gold? Diamond jewellery or a mix of pearls and diamonds? Can you wear gemstone jewellery for a little colour? Should you keep it simple or opt for a regal look? Our handy 10 Top Tips will help you choose.

(1) Do you prefer white gold or yellow gold?

Naturally the gold colour of your engagement ring and wedding ring will influence your decision here, but it is also worth bearing in mind the style of your dress. Generally, white gold or platinum gives a more contemporary edge, while yellow gold is seen as more traditional. Two tone gold offers the best of both worlds – why not try a pink and white gold pendant instead of the more usual yellow and white, for a slightly more romantic look?

(2) Do you have a preference for diamonds, pearls or gemstones?

Traditional brides may prefer white pearl jewellery, but it’s a misconception that pearls are necessarily old fashioned. Indeed, a white gold pendant featuring a single pearl and accent diamonds can work well with a minimalist, contemporary look.

Diamond jewellery is a popular alternative, and can be the most glamorous option. It’s also a plus point that the choice is vast – you’re sure to find something you like, from a pretty floral diamond pendant to a rubover diamond tennis bracelet or diamond chandelier earrings. Diamonds do of course have the benefit of adding a touch of sparkle to your dress, and most styles are readily wearable in everyday life (for example, diamond stud earrings are one of the staples for every woman’s jewellery box and look great at the office; while a fancy necklace can be worn on nights out).

For something a bit different, it might be worth considering some subtle gemstone jewellery. Even if you’re going to wear white, you could add a single piece of gemstone jewellery, which will go well with other diamond pieces. Indeed there can be positive benefits of adding a touch of colour – a particular gemstone can be used to tie in your own outfit with that of your bridesmaids and wedding colour scheme in general; your birthstone could be worn to add some special hidden meaning to your accessories (or even your husband’s birthstone for an extra romantic idea); or a sapphire or topaz item could take care of your “something blue” worries!

(3) What will your hairstyle be on your wedding day?

You will probably have an idea of how you will wear your hair very early on in the process, either when you choose your dress or even before. Although the actual hairstyle may not be settled on until you have a trial run at the hairdresser’s a week or two before the wedding, all you really need is a general notion of whether you’re more likely to wear it up or down.

If you’re planning to wear your hair completely up, you have the most options open to you in terms of earrings – diamond studs, half hoop earrings or even full blown dangle chandelier earrings will all work (depending of course on your dress neckline etc).

Wearing the hair down doesn’t necessarily prevent you from having long dangly earrings, especially if you’re prone to brushing your hair behind your ear every now and then. However if your hair is long and will be in ringlets or tight curls, it might be easiest to avoid chandelier or other particularly moveable earrings, since they can get caught up in the hair (especially when dancing). Simple stud earrings or French clip half hoop diamond earrings would be a good alternative, with the focus instead on your necklace, pendant or bracelet.

In a way, a half-up and half-down hairdo falls somewhere in the middle of the considerations for a fully up or fully down style. You can show off your ears since it’s unlikely that hair will be falling over them, save for a couple of loose curls. However as this type of style can be the most romantic and graceful, it can look great with minimal diamond stud earrings as well.

(4) What is the style of your wedding dress?

In very broad terms there are four styles of wedding dress (or indeed bridesmaid’s dress), namely:

(a) classic elegant dresses  (e.g. a simple white satin a-line dress nipped in at the waist);

(b) princess style dresses (e.g. boned with netted underskirt);

(c) flowing and romantic dresses (e.g. empire line, perhaps with chiffon or lace); and

(d) figure hugging dresses (e.g. fully fitted with a fishtail).

Jewellery works best when it either subtly accents your dress or acts as a stunning feature against a simple background. It’s best not to, for instance, overpower a traditional lace ornate dress with heavy diamond jewellery when an elegant pearl pendant would look more in keeping with the style of your dress.

Again as a very general guide, dresses falling within category (a) are the simplest to accessorise as they look great with almost any jewellery. For a full on princess effect (category b), chandelier earrings or a fancy diamond necklace are probably the order of the day, since you’re likely to be a fan of sparkles! For dresses in category (c), these team best with pearls or more subtle pieces; and for (d) you can either keep the jewellery to a minimum by wearing smaller or non drop earrings and no necklace or go all out and wear a showstopping piece of jewellery or two.

(5) What neckline will your dress have?

Next to your hairstyle, this may well be the deciding factor for you in choosing your jewellery. Round necklines look beautiful with pearl necklaces or diamond tennis necklaces whereas v-necks emphasise a pendant more.

The easiest to accessorise is a sweetheart neckline, which goes well with almost anything. On the other side of the coin, you may be wearing a high necked dress – the very fact that this isn’t seen much nowadays means that it will be stunning enough on its own, without any necklace needed (though a pair of earrings would look fantastic with it). Modern one shoulder dresses, or those with a halterneck, may not work as well with a line necklace, though again offer the perfect backdrop to a beautiful pair of earrings.

(6) Will your wedding dress have straps or sleeves?

The majority of formal dresses seem to be either strapless or with spaghetti straps, neither of which should pose any problem for your jewellery choices. If however you have a dress with long sleeves, you’ll almost certainly have to forego any bracelet or bangle since this could catch on the fabric of the sleeve. Mid length sleeves (around elbow or three quarter length) are the opposite: since they draw the eye down the arm, a diamond bracelet or gold bangle will add the perfect finishing touch.

(7) What material will your wedding dress be made from?

There are two reasons why this might matter. Firstly, if you intend to wear jewellery over or very near to the material of your wedding dress, you should avoid items which might catch on the fabric. For instance, a diamond chandelier necklace or a particularly fancy pendant can have several dangling parts which move around as you do, whereas a single pearl pendant with little or no claw set diamonds will be smoother against any fabric. So if you have a lace or chiffon dress, it would be easiest to wear the pearl.

Secondly, the fabric of the dress goes a long way towards determining the overall look you’re trying to achieve. So a wedding dress with a lot of lace or chiffon would suit more traditional jewellery, whereas a contemporary ruched satin dress would look great with funkier diamond or gemstone pieces.

(8) Will your dress be embellished?

If there’s already a lot of embellishment on the dress, by way of beading or embroidery, you should take this into account too (you might want to avoid overdoing it, or you may be going for the full on princess effect – either way, accessorise accordingly).

(9) What other accessories will you have?

Probably more than you think! But the most important in terms of complementing the jewellery you’ll have will be the veil (especially in terms of earrings), the handbag (if you have a bangle or bracelet near it) and any hair accessories (tiaras suit the princess look; flowers are more romantic and look fantastic with pearls).

(10) What is your price range?

Not every bride’s budget will stretch to a full wedding jewellery suite with a diamond necklace, tennis bracelet and chandelier earrings. It can be tempting  just to wear the same jewellery as you wear to the office every other day.

Yet it’s worth considering at least one new piece of special jewellery to enhance your wedding dress: not only will you feel like a princess on your big day, but you can wear it on your wedding anniversary the following year. Just remember that one stunning item can transform the whole look, with other pieces taken from your existing jewellery box (or that of a kind relative!).

Find your perfect wedding jewellery at Aspiration Jewellery.

The same frustrations with hair that plague women in daily life often show up during wedding preparations. While you will begrudgingly accept a “bad hair day” every once in a while, you don’t want to have such a day with your wedding hair style. You want everything to be perfect, right? Well, very few things about weddings or life for that matter are perfect. It is better to focus on how you can do your best. When it comes to your wedding hair style, there are some ways that you can attempt to make sure your wedding hair style doesn’t turn into a “bad hair day.”

If you purchase your wedding dress from a bridal shop, the consultants will undoubtedly show you accessories for your hair, such as a tiara, flowers, or headband that complement your dress. Wearing a headdress will influence your wedding hair style. You will need to inform your hairstylist if you intend to wear a headdress. The stylist will want to create a wedding hair style for you that not only accommodates a headdress, but that also stays in place when you remove the headdress.

In addition to what you are wearing, the wedding hair style you choose to wear on your wedding day should first reflect the style of wedding you are planning to create. Are you planning a formal or informal ceremony? A wedding hair style that is dramatic is appropriate for a formal wedding, while a hair style that is more playful and loose is appropriate for an informal ceremony held at a beach, for example.  

Last minute decisions are common during wedding preparations. One thing you don’t want to put at the end of your checklist is what wedding hair style you are going to wear. If you don’t have a hair stylist, find one in advance of your wedding. You don’t want a wedding hair style that is tacky and you definitely don’t want a hair stylist who won’t deliver a special wedding hair style. It is customary for brides and bridesmaids to block off four hours or more before the wedding ceremony to obtain their wedding hair style. Be sure your hairstylist can accommodate this or make other arrangements. It’s a good idea to avoid having the bridesmaids take care of their own wedding hair style. Otherwise, the result could be everyone with a different wedding hair style.  

Although your hairstylist can offer suggestions for your wedding hair style, it is a good idea to give them some idea of what you like. Browse popular bridal magazines and other magazines featuring various hairstyles until you find a wedding hair style that appeals to you.

Usually when women dream of their wedding day, they always dreamed that they would wear romantic wedding dresses. The wedding was very romantic and the bride would want something romantic to wear.

Romantic wedding dresses are always a favorite design for the upper body piece tight to make the body appear more slender with a big skirt. Even the teens also like this dress for their prom event. This design is very good for anyone who would wear and very feminine when worn.

Romantic wedding dresses always seem to look like a fairy tale wedding dress because the swelling of a floor-length skirt. There are even some styles will have the arm mounted on the elbow and arm. There are many designs to choose from with a romantic wedding dress.

Some designs will choose a plain top with a very fancy dress, while some will have a weight or accent beads for a plain skirt. You may be more familiar with this view by looking through books and romantic times you will see how flattering and feminine designs. With the added effect of the cap will bring this dress is more dramatic because many accents and accessories to clothing.

Sometimes it can be seen from above because the rich accent but really, it was incredible. It will also look better if you wear helmets, such as foaming long trailing veil or tiara or veil will be great. Choosing a helmet will really depend on you. A helmet made of flowers will also add romantic style to your overall look.

Romantic wedding dresses can be made from various fabrics such as satin, lace, chiffon, silk, organza and velvet. You can ask the opinion of several experts on the type of fabric designers you can mix and match along with accents such as flowers, beads, embroidery, buttons, ribbons and crystals.

You can add anything you like on your wedding dress to look more special. You can become complicated as possible. To add some romance in your wedding, you can arrange your wedding look like a romantic era. Your guests will definitely enjoy this.

Jewel is what is depicted wearing a bride’s wedding dress in romantic wedding. Romantic wedding dresses suitable for all settings and themes of marriage, but also make the bride look so slim like a princess. Your wedding day will be remembered by both you and your guests.

Each of us is dreaming for an ideal wedding, but since there is no such thing as 100% perfect, we usually make the project as careful and special as it will be able to get. A wedding ceremony won’t be a wedding ceremony if there are no gifts. Gifts symbolize lots of things. There are a few wedding gifts that symbolize passion and romance, while others symbolizes loyalty and authenticity. Gift-giving is one means of sharing a thing that can help commemorate the one-of-a-kind occasion.

If you’re invited to a family group member’s or friend’s wedding any time soon and you are thinking what wedding favor gift wedding day favor would be nice to offer, take into consideration that a wedding ceremony may come once in a lifetime only so putting extra thought and effort on the gifts will really make a common sense. With that in mind, you may search for exceptional wedding gifts. The tricky part, still, is that exceptional gifts are quite challenging to find. Luckily, virtually everyone of us has Access to the internet in your home or work, which we can use when looking for the things we need for a number of occasions.

For getting some best exceptional wedding gifts, you can readily find what your are searching for by only surfing the world wide web. There are numerous sites these days that provide a broad assortment of wedding gifts to pick out from.

Apart from exceptional ideas, you can likewise purchase inexpensive wedding gifts on the Internet as there are several online dealers and distributors that provide various quality wedding gifts at reasonable prices. Still before placing your order, you need to be mindful on the overall security of shopping on the web. Put aside time to compare product and prices, and be aware of the trustworthiness of the e- shop or on the net trader you are purchasing the gifts from. Read feedbacks or suggestions from their clients on their web sites. The good suggestions they have, the more reliable they’re. Or you can merely ask for suggestions from friends and family, as they might have seen buying wedding gifts on some trusted web stores.

If you’re searching for some most exceptional options of wedding gifts to pick out from, consider photo quilts and pillows, or something that has a picture of the happy couple. These are one of the most popular exceptional wedding gifts nowadays and can readily be purchased in a few internet stores. By and large, customizing makes any item exceptional. From the most inexpensive item to the most expensive ones, if you will look at personalizing them, remain confident they become exceptional wedding gifts.

Lastly, when are making a good decision on exceptional wedding gifts, make certain that they are associated to the happy couple. Create a thought on your gift that presents you with really considered them. Personalized your wedding day favor gift as far as possible. Personalized wedding supplies and gifts that include the names or initials, and wedding date of the happy couple can do wonders in the whole celebration. These personalized items, including other wedding accessories and bridal supplies are available on many web-based stores at different prices.

There are several reasons why the venue for wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions are embellished with wedding flowers Minneapolis. Apart from the wedding dresses Minneapolis, another factor that would complete a wedding is the flower arrangement. Imagine what a wedding venue would look like without the flowers. Wedding flowers are placed in wedding receptions for certain reasons, and they usually signify love, passion, beauty, and well wishes for the newlyweds.

Flower decorations for weddings are essential in the celebration not just because of the beauty it exudes and the delicate scent it gives off but also because they serve other important purposes. Its fragrance captures the breath of everyone in the room including the bride who’s wearing one of the most beautiful wedding dresses Minneapolis and the groom in a manly tuxedo. Flowers are used to decorate wedding venues to signify love and devotion the couple has for each other and they are also used to make the area look refreshing, elegant, and romantic. Apart from that, having wedding flowers Minneapolis around is a good way to start the couple’s journey through life with beauty and exquisite fragrance.

Wedding flowers Minneapolis has been used since time immemorial due to the invaluable benefits it could give not just to the venue but also to the entire wedding entourage. Flowers are among wedding essentials since they are used by the bride for her wedding bouquet, the groom’s corsage on his tuxedo, the father of the bride’s accessory on the lapel of his tuxedo, as accent to the wedding dresses Minneapolis of the bride’s maid, maid of honor, and of course, by the pretty little flower girls to shower the aisle where the bride would walk on.

The bridal bouquet, which is held by the bride during the entire wedding ceremony, is an important wedding aspect that should be placed some emphasis on because it accentuates the wedding gown and adds beauty and sophistication to the bride’s overall look. Wedding flowers Minneapolis is also important because they are used to welcome wedding guests especially those who come from other regions.  

Flowers are also used to symbolize well wishes and good luck for the newlyweds. The flowers attached to the wedding dresses Minneapolis usually symbolize different things like orange blossoms for fertility, innocence and purity for lilies, blue violets stand for faithfulness and everlasting love while ivy signifies strength and marital endurance.

There are several wedding flowers Minneapolis that you and your partner could choose from. Usually, the flowers used for weddings are white and pink roses, violets, carnations, orchids, sunflowers, and baby’s breath among others. Specially designed flowers are placed on top of reception tables and on stands and columns to give the venue a breath of life and romance. They are also used to adorn the entrance of the wedding reception and the venue of the wedding ceremony. If the wedding is done in an open area, wedding flowers are also placed in the lawn and outside the venue to signify that there is an important occasion happening inside. Wedding flowers are also essential in designing the wedding car in which the newlyweds would be driven toward their honeymoon destination.

Usually a woman’s wedding suit, unlike a man’s, is worn only the once. The most lavish and indulgent purchase for any girl is generally her wedding dress. Dreams from a young age of the fairytale wedding often centre around the perfect dress. The choices in wedding attire today are great and cater for the often vastly different bridal personalities. Many brides, however, choose to revert to the more traditional theme warranting a more traditional gown for the occasion, such as Lady Diana’s silk, taffeta gown created by the Emmanuals.

White wedding dresses have long been accepted in society as a symbol of purity and innocence although today’s brides often opt for a more flattering ivory hue. During the first part of the last century a white wedding dress, because it couldn’t be washed and reused, was a sign of wealth. Coco Chanel reinforced this idea in the late 1920′s with her short white wedding dress with full veil which inspired the acceptance of the white wedding dress worldwide.

The traditional wedding dress is likely to be a jewel encrusted luxury fabric such as duchesse satin, organza and silk. Wedding dress styles vary from the traditional A-line through to vintage lace styles. The traditional A-line style’s popularity is due to its ability to disguise most imperfections in body shape, an essential requirement if the bride is to look her best.

Accessorising to complement your traditional or modern wedding dresses plays a crucial role in bringing the whole look or theme together. Satin pumps, jewel encrusted veils, sparkling tiaras – the range of accessories is vast and includes blue laced garter for the important ‘something blue’.

Eggshell, ecru and ivory are just some of today’s popular choices of ‘white’. Additionally, in keeping with today’s civil wedding ceremonies, most brides will choose an off-white gown of modern style. Fashion trends often dictate the style chosen by the young modern bride wishing to veer away from the traditional style of ceremony. The modern bride is likely to want a dress designed by people like Vera Wang or Maggie Sottero. Hand sewn embellishments and cutting edge design challenge the more traditional wedding gown.

Whatever the design – modern or traditional – the dress must be compatible with the bride’s personality. Vera Wang’s statement about a woman never being sexier than when she’s comfortable in her clothes is so true for the day of your wedding.

In 1840, the pageantry of the American wedding took off, thanks to England’s Queen Victoria, who quickly captivated onlookers around the world. She had thrown one of the most elaborate weddings the world had ever seen up to that time, and it was only natural for her contemporaries to emulate her. Weddings soon became events for everyone to enjoy and were no longer limited to just the couple and their families. They were extravagant celebrations of love, life, and happiness.

Before Victoria, weddings were simpler affairs. The sweet strains of Lohengrin were soon overpowered by DJs and bands, and beautiful, handmade nose-gays were eclipsed by bursting, colorful bouquets, among other things. For today’s bride, toning down what’s already an over-the-top affair is made appealing with the resurgence of the vintage wedding, a nod to nuptials of the past. Yet, there are multiple avenues to take when considering a vintage wedding theme; fortunately, there are also countless websites and books devoted to the subject.

As with anything, you can take inspiration from the past and carefully intertwine it with modern ambience to create a blend of old and new, or you can host a blowout vintage wedding bash that replicates the past to a T. The choices are endless!

Refining the Vintage Wedding Theme

Dress/Accessories: Finding the perfect dress is the goal of every bride. For those hoping to wear a vintage wedding gown to their ceremony, the search can be somewhat more complicated. If you live in large metropolitan city, there are likely quite a few vintage clothing or consignment stores that you can check out. Online browsing/shopping is always a good alternative, and if you do purchase anything, your local tailor can easily handle most alteration needs.

You can also opt for modern wedding dresses that have vintage vibes, such as mermaid or trumpet styles. Though, of course, when the elegant Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier in 1956, she chose a beautiful, full-skirted gown in ivory. The point here is to stick with flowing, high quality fabrics and classic embellishments that keep with the vintage wedding theme.

As far as shoes, jewelry, and veils, many of these items are also available online, either in their original vintage form or as modern reproductions. Your mother or grandmother may even have some pieces lying around that you can use to round out the vintage wedding theme.

Music: Undoubtedly, there are bands in your area that specialize in old-time hits or, at the very least, jazz standards. Some larger cities might even have mock big bands that can perform at your reception. There are a couple ways you can go about this: consider having the band greet guests on the lawn, in the style of an old garden party, or create a faux bandstand at the front of the reception venue to feature the band in all its glory.

To get guests excited about the wedding theme, before the band comes on, have a victrola or phonograph that you’ve rented or purchased piping music throughout the reception venue. It will set the stage for the coming attractions!

Food: Weddings in the past have traditionally been sit-down dinners, though you don’t have to follow this when planning a vintage wedding. Offerings weren’t nearly as diversified as today, and the usual fare consisted of various meats, salads, and fruits. Occasionally, brides also held pot-lucks, a way to get everyone involved in the festivities.

Selecting your menu can certainly play off these more traditional choices, but you can also mix and match. Pair old favorites with some new choices, and be creative! In terms of the cake, the flavor of choice was always buttercream. Obviously, white cake is still the reigning champ of wedding cakes, but if you decide to go with chocolate, red velvet, or the like, you can have your cake decorated with vintage flair – pearls, beads, feathers, lace, and other trimmings that meld with your wedding theme.

Pictures: As with your music, finding a photographer who specializes in snapping pictures with an ‘old-timey’ feel is not necessarily vital, but a consideration in your search. Certainly, the photographer can take pictures as usual, and revise certain elements when he’s back at his studio. Perhaps you’d like black and white or sepia-toned pictures – that’s doable. Maybe you want a crackled finish – sure. Get to know your photographer and his capabilities! Look at portfolios before hiring anyone, and you’re sure to find a photographer who can carry out your wishes for great ‘vintage’ wedding pictures.

Lighting: The right light is important for any wedding! Regardless of the time of day your reception takes place, the lighting you choose should foster both warmth and invitation. Elaborate chandeliers, candles housed in extravagant candelabras, and other sources of ambient light are ideal for a vintage wedding theme.

Warm up reception tables with centerpieces surrounded by candles, or purchase multiple mini-chandeliers and hang them around the appetizer tables, gift tables, or in the bathrooms. Milk-glass lanterns/lamps were also a popular choice of lighting; they provide a soft glow that’s unequaled.

A New Take on the Classics

A vintage wedding theme allows you and your guests to re-discover the beauty and elegance of the past. However you choose to incorporate these elements into your vintage wedding, just remember — have fun! From birdcage veils and quaint petit-fours to jazz standards and a 1940s getaway vehicle, there are multiple ways to make the ceremony and reception unique to you. Plus, a vintage wedding theme can be a lot of fun for everyone involved! They’re a great way to re-invent the past, learn a little history, and infuse your ceremony and reception with some wonderful, old-fashioned glamour.