Picking out a wedding dress can be a tough decision, so it’s really no surprise that some brides skip choosing altogether and just wear two dresses! Changing into something fun and flirty for your reception is a great option if you are getting married in a conservative setting but your personal style is a little more bold. But even if it’s “anything goes” for your wedding gown, a wardrobe change can just be a fun way to show off your personal style or help you bust a move on the dance floor (surely, I’m not the only one who can’t imagine getting down to “Party Rock Anthem” in a ballgown, right?).
If you’re thinking of doing a wardrobe change for your reception, here is some dress inspiration:
1. We love this gorgeous pink party dress for a classic wedding reception. The detailing is soft and romantic, but the length and color keeps it young and modern.
2. This dress looks like it was made for dancing! It’s so dramatic and glamorous—those are ostrich feathers, by the way!—but her simple shoes and updo make the whole look very chic.
3. This ruched halter dress would work for almost any wedding reception; you could dress it up with heels or wear it with flat sandals on the beach.
4. The silhouette and sharp black-and-white color combo makes this short dress surprisingly formal. It’s traditional but still whimsical.
5. The simple cut of this dress keeps the dazzling sequins from being overwhelming.
6. This dress looks so comfy! Any dress that gives you enough room to enjoy an extra slice of cake is a good idea.
7. This wedding romper is bold, modern, and sophisticated.
8. Sequins are so fun, but shy brides can ease into them with neutral colors.
9. Floral appliqués were all over the fall runways; this short dress is a romantic way to rock the trend.
10. Rosettes and a swingy skirt in ivory and blush are perfectly innocent — even old-fashioned — which means you can totally get away with that plunging neckline.
Who says you need to spend a fortune to look fab? We’re here to debunk the myth with 12 of our favorites bridal dresses all priced at $500 and under.
1. Since a large vase takes a huge amount of cut flowers, use three to four small vases instead, packed tightly with full-blown blooms. This gives you that lush look, while using relatively few flowers. Intersperse the vases with a few candles in mismatched glass or silver candleholders, or little votive candles.
2. Look for interesting floral containers from unique sources: Ikea, flea markets, garage sales, wholesale floral markets, Etsy, thrift stores or maybe even eBay. Start collecting well in advance so you have plenty of time to select the best pieces at the lowest prices.
3. Use gorgeous, fresh fruit in your centerpieces, such as clusters of grapes, bright oranges, apples, or pomegranates. The fruit takes up space, allowing you to use fewer flowers.
4. Mix just a few large, expensive, full-blown roses in each arrangement of less-expensive blooms to create a lavish look.
5. To add a little glitz to your table, spray paint apples, artichokes or pears (we prefer white for the warm summertime months and gold for the holidays), then place them in a bowl or cylindrical vase, or simply scatter them on their own down the table.
6. Think vegetarian. A handsome wooden bowl overflowing with an assortment of vegetables such as bright red chili peppers, green jalapenos, and a variety of heirloom tomatoes can be precisely what you’re looking for.
7. Or, consider lining a wooden salad bowl with a single tropical leaf, adding some coconuts and half a dozen limes for a beachy, summertime look. Finish it off with a few kiwi fruits cut in half–heaven!
8. Fill up four martini glasses with water, add a sparkling drop of food coloring and a floating candle and place them on each table or on your buffet table.
9. What could be more versatile and resourceful than a green, leafy artichoke? Transform the unassuming vegetable into votive and place card holders.
Here’s how: Cut off the bottom of the artichoke so it’s able to stand up by itself, vertically. Now separate the leaves at the top, open it up, and insert a candle in the middle.
10. Turn a simple Styrofoam cone you’ve wrapped in tinfoil into a stunning topiary, studded with whatever food you want to showcase and serve.
Oscars-Wedding Gown Look
Posted on: February 28, 2013
If you watched this year’s Academy Awards, and thought “Why can’t I wear that gown to my wedding?” our answer is: you can! We found wedding gown look to many of your favorite styles from the red carpet.
Amy Adams
The Best Supporting Actress nominee won raves for her gray Oscar de la Renta ballgown. We loved the lightness and whimsy of her ruffled skirt, similar to this feminine number.
Jessica Chastain
The star of Zero Dark Thirty was a big hit on the red carpet in a shimmering gold Giorgio Armani gown with Art Deco detailing. We thought this geometrically beaded wedding gown hit the same notes as Jessica’s.
Amanda Seyfried
The Les Miserables star went all-out glam in a bold Alexander McQueen gown. The keyhole neckline made a statement – just like on this dramatic bridal style.
Charlize Theron
The Oscar winner wore a Dior gown that could easily double for a wedding gown. It featured one of the hottest wedding dress trends – the peplum! We found a style with the same bold detail.
Jennifer Aniston
The engaged actress wore a clean and classic Valentino ballgown – proving that simple can still be gorgeous. This wedding gown proves that point, as well.
Jennifer Lawrence
The Best Actress winner won raves for her textured Dior gown. It’s totally wedding-worthy, and you can get the same dropped-waist ballgown look with this gown.
Anne Hathaway
While she may have won the Best Supporting Actress award, her Prada gown was not a fan favorite. However, we did think the high neckline was a great detail – and we love how it works on this wedding dress.
Naomi Watts
Naomi Watts looks stunning in a silver asymmetrical Armani Prive. If you want to go metallic for your wedding, this style is totally glam.
Salma Hayek
This star’s Alexander McQueen gown proves that you don’t have to show a lot of skin to look super-sexy.
Sandra Bullock
The Oscar winner’s Elie Saab gown mixed femininity and glamour – as does this wedding gown.
Zahavit Tshuba Wedding Gowns
Posted on: February 22, 2013
From the moment we first laid eyes on Zahabit Tshuba’s dresses, it was instant love. Her gowns are fashion-forward pieces of art that still have all those classic elements that makes a girl look good – crystal beating, sheer fabrics, lace appliques, etc. Zahavit is proud to design wedding dresses for brides of fine taste and insists on fashion cuts and high quality materials that compliment the women’s body. She is based in Israel, – Tel Aviv to be more specific – but can ship her breath-taking gownss all over the world!
It looks like bridal designers are taking the wedding world by storm with their sexy, yet romantic creations. What is your feeling of Zahavit’s collection?
So many designer shows, here are the top 10 gown trends that the BridalMoment editors predict for Spring/Summer 2013!
Trend 1: Jeweled Details
Bling is back in all its dazzling splendor. This season, we saw everything from encrusted sleeves and ornate bodices to all-over beading (with this latter option, prepare for all eyes to be transfixed on you for all 10+ hours of your wedding day). With a slinky sheath, scalloped edges or patterns—shown at Jenny Packham, Ines Di Santo and Reem Acra— it takes on a Great Gatsby-esque effect.
Trend 2: Keyhole Backs
Who knew that a ring of skin could be so seductive? It would be easier for us to name all of the designers that didn’t feature this ubiquitous trend than those who did—that’s how pervasive it was. Sophisticated yet versatile, most keyhole back styles were encircled with lace detailing, but the illusion effect is just as divine (more on that below).
Trend 3: Long Sleeves
Bare arms, begone: The royally-inspired cover-up look first popularized by Kate Middleton two years ago is still going strong. We’re loving both billowy and skintight versions, so please don’t make us choose. But the 2013 sleeved styles didn’t just exude Old-World charm—fresh takes like Temperley London’s tattooed version left a mark on us.
Trend 4: Lace-and-Tulle Combo
Chantilly lace was the go-to fabric this season. Designers such as Vera Wang, Christos and Kenneth Pool ushered us into a dreamworld with ethereal, billowing clouds of tulle anchored by vines of lace. If you’re a romantic at heart, this ballerina-beauty look is for you.
Trend 5: Coquettish Bows
Whether they’re on the front or the back, they add a sweet element to any bridal ensemble. The demure, miniature-sized renditions are the most wearable, but we bow down to those fashionistas who can rock the oversized version, like those shown at Badgley Mischka.
Trend 6: Cascading Peplum
Last season’s structured fit has mellowed out a bit, giving way to a looser style that is more forgiving and figure-flattering on a variety of body types. However, the payoff is still the same: Peplums whittle the waist and give boyish shapes curve appeal.
Trend 7: Illusion Neckline
This season, designers like Pnina Tornai, Ines Di Santo, Marchesa, Reem Acra and more treated us to a disappearing act. Buttons, jewels and lace detailing appeared to magically float down models’ backs and around their shoulders. This feminine look is a great option for brides marrying in spring or summer seeking lightweight coverage.
Trend 8: Golden Girls
Last season, red ruled the runways. This time around, gold was the hue of choice, a perfect option for second weddings or unconventional brides. Romona Keveza’s entire collection was dedicated to Bond girls (Skyfall, the hotly-anticipated 23rd James Bond Flick, is scheduled to hit theaters next month). Theia, Reem Acra, Anna Maier-Ulla Maijer and Lazaro also gave their gowns the Midas touch.
Trend 9: Bold Florals
The newest bouquet of gown styles is less garden variety and more fantastical, with floral appliqués as big as your fist and gathered silhouettes that resemble strewn petals, like those shown at Marchesa. What better way to bring an enchanted garden theme to life? Take baby steps with a floral-embellished veil or a few well-placed buds.
Trend 10: Unadulterated Whimsy
Every bride wants to feel like a goddess on her wedding day. If Bohemian-chic fits your M.O., gowns with butterflies, metallic embroidery, scattered leaves and ombré effects will strike your fancy. Whether you chose to go barefoot like Claire Pettibone’s models is optional.
1. PEACHY KEEN
From naughty nudes to a deep, ripe shade of peach these new hues will warm up any skin tone and transform you into the ultimate blushing bride.
2. THE WAVE
Ruffles, tiers and pleats have morphed into raw-edged, rhythmic waves of fabric.
Delight in their natural ebb and flow as they plunge to new depths of chic.
3. THE THIGH’S THE LIMIT
Designers took scissors to fabric begging an answer to the question. Just how high will you go?
4. HEAD-TO-TOE BEADING
Last season’s minimal-moment gives way to this season’s full-on, all-over beaded brides. Designers cover shimmering sheaths in sparkling sequins, captivating crystals and brilliant bugle beads. Shine like the star you are.
5. A CAPE CRUSADE
Don’t shrug off this trend. The cape forever adds mystery, drama and romance in lace, tulle or a bold flock of feathers.
6. IT’S AN ILLUSION
It’s barely there, almost undetectable. Like a whisper, the fine stretchy net hugs your arms, décolleté, shoulders and back. Delicate enough to disappear, but strong enough to hold magnificent beading, embroidery and appliques. Now you see it. Now you don’t.
7. THE CORSET
Underwear as outerwear, the lingerie look heats up once again. Designers dare you to carve out your curves. Beautify your bust. Whittle your waist. A trim torso is easy with the new bodacious bodices.
8. THE LONG & THE SHORT OF IT
It’s time to play hide n’ seek. Neither short nor long, these dresses balance the best of both worlds.
9. THE COWL
The new drape. Front and back, shallow or deep, the slinky cowl gives a fresh new look to necklines.
10. SHORT STUFF
If you’ve got em’, flaunt em’. Legs that is. Show off your gams of glory in the sharpest, shortest, chicest dresses of the season. Feathers, lace, flowers, flounces, these bridal dresses have it all. Except length, that is.
