Thursday, June 6, 2013

6 Essential Steps To Choosing the Perfect Wedding Gown


With so many designs to choose from, the search for the perfect wedding gown can be overwhelming!  Where do you begin when there are so many considerations ... shape, neckline, fabric, headpiece, jewelry?

Just start with the basics!



1. Consider the season of your nuptials.   If you have a summer wedding, you won't want to be fully covered and melt in the hear. Look for strapless or halter-style wedding gowns to keep your cool. For a winter wedding,  you may need a gown with sleeves, a higher neckline, or a shawl to keep you warm.

2. Consider the wedding venue.  Before shopping for your gown, be sure to find out if there are any restrictions at your ceremony venue. Some churches and synagogues don't allow bare shoulders or deep v-neck gowns. Some require the bride to wear a veil. It's important to know this prior to ordering and putting a deposit down on your gown.

3. Consider the formality of your ceremony.  The bride's attire sets the standard for the formality of the wedding. If you are planning a black tie affair, your gown will need to reflect that in length and style. If it's an outdoor casual wedding, a short gown or more casual style will be perfect.   A wedding on the beach may have you looking at a strapless or halter-style dress. 

4. Determine your  budget.  This is one of the the first questions you will be asked at the bridal salon when selecting gowns to try on.  Resist the temptation to try on a dress that is far above your budget ... you may set yourself up to overspend. Wedding gowns can range from just a few hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars. A great idea is to cut out photos from bridal magazines of gowns you like and take them with you when you shop. The bridal salon may be able to match features from those couture gowns and find something more affordable for you from their collection.

5. Know what flatters your body type.  In short, horizontal lines will make you look wider where vertical lines elongate your shape.  Diagonals cut the width of shoulders and hips. For a shorter brides, an empire waist elongates the lower part of the body.  Checkout one of our recent blog posts, "Choosing the Best Neckline for Your Wedding Gown."



6. Complete the look with embellishments.  Once you've selected your wedding gown you'll be able to embellish with a veil, bridal tiara, gloves, and bridal jewelry. The bridal salon will be able to assist you with the appropriate length veil for for the formality of your gown, as well as the length, style (or absence) of gloves.  The pieces you select will enhance the complete look you want to achieve.

Your wedding day will be one of the most photographed days of your life.  Take your time to ensure you find the absolute perfect gown. Look through the bridal magazines and the designer websites, then cut out or print the gowns that you just love. As you do this, you'll start notice a theme with those you've saved.

When you do head out to try gowns on, take the photos with you ... but be opened minded, as well. The consultants at the salons may have a hidden gem that you'll fall in love with!


~ The WhereBridesGo.com Team
Take 15% off your entire order at WhereBridesGo.com with coupon code WHATBRIDESLOVE, plus get FREE SHIPPING on orders over $100.

Where brides go®  ... for what brides love! For a great selection of affordable bridesmaid gifts, wedding accessories, and wedding cake tops, check out WhereBridesGo.com!  

For more ideas, wedding favors and accessories, check out WhereBridesGo.com! 
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Sunday, June 2, 2013

6 Great Ways to Keep Your Guests Entertained While They Await Your Arrival


The ceremony is complete and the reception is about to begin! You know the drill ... your guests head to the venue while you, your groom, and your wedding party take some time for photographs. The post ceremony photo shoot can easily take 45 minutes to an hour, so it's important to keep your wedding guests entertained while they await your arrival.

Here are 6 great ways to keep your guests not only occupied, but having a blast until your grand entrance!


1. Start with a Cocktail Hour ... but not just any old cocktail hour. Create a signature drink for the event, or have two signature cocktails ... one chosen by the bride and one chosen by the groom. Be creative with your selection.  If you are going to Maui for your honeymoon, serve something tropical. If your first date was at a winery, offer a wine and cheese pairing. The most important part is to let your guests know the story behind your selection. Create small post cards or table cards with your engagement photo and a short narrative to share. A personalized signature cocktail sign  adds a nice decorative touch, as well!

Signature Cocktail Sign
Personalized Signature Cocktail Sign 
2. Place Advice Cards Around the Room ... this is a wonderful way to engage your guests. People love to share advice, especially when it comes to marriage. You and your groom will have a great time reading all the notes from your wedding guests after the event and there's no doubt the notes will become cherished keepsakes in the future.
wedding advice coasters
Wedding Advice Coasters


childrens wedding activity kit
Children's Wedding Activity Kit
3. Provide the children with a small bundle of crayons and wedding coloring books to keep them busy. Considering setting up a "kids" table at the reception venue that has everything on it awaiting their arrival.  Children will also stay entertained for hours with small bottles of wedding bubbles.

4. Show a video collage of you and your groom growing up, combined with photos from your various dates, trips, and engagement period. Include a photo collection displayed at the reception for guests to look at together. Many brides display wedding photos from grandparents and parents. This is always a favorite of friends and family.

5. Have a wedding photo booth. These have become very popular at wedding receptions and are fun for guests of any age.  Provide props and accessories that match your theme. Offer a personalized photo booth background and let your guests pose to create their OWN wedding favors! You'll love looking at all the photos after the wedding, as well. We also suggest you have wedding cameras at the reception.  Your guests will have fun taking pictures from their perspective. Suggest they start taking pictures when they arrive to occupy them.
wedding photo booth backdrop
Personalized Wedding Photo Booth Backdrop

6. Start the party the minute the guests arrive with an entertainer for the first hour.  Bring in a roving magician or have your DJ interact with your guests and MC a trivia game about your courtship.  What a great way to start the fun!

Your post ceremony photo shoot is an important part of capturing your wedding story, so relax and take your time with it. As long as your wedding guests have something to entertain them at the reception venue when they arrive, they will enjoy the evening and they won't be antsy for your arrival.


~ The WhereBridesGo.com Team
Take 15% off your entire order at WhereBridesGo.com with coupon code WHATBRIDESLOVE, plus get FREE SHIPPING on orders over $100.

Where brides go®  ... for what brides love! For a great selection of affordable wedding supplies,wedding accessories, and wedding cake tops, check out WhereBridesGo.com!  

For more ideas, wedding favors and accessories, check out WhereBridesGo.com! 
Connect with WhereBridesGo.com online!