The Best Dress for a Beach Wedding

By April Eddleman

If a waterside wedding is in your future, chances are you have a lot of questions about what to wear. Not to worry- we’ve got great advice for couples celebrating in the sand and surf!

One of the great selling points to a beach wedding dress is that it typically doesn’t take as long to order or alter before the wedding. Most wedding dresses can be purchased off the rack, saving you time and money, but not skimping on true beauty. Beach brides want to look elegant while wearing something that will hold up to the elements around them. Avoid heavy beading and other arduous embellishments that will add weight to your wedding dress. Look for light and airy fabrics such as organza and chiffon. Sequins are a weightless way to add glamour to your gown. They’ll catch the sunlight and offer sensational sparkle. A neckline that allows for air will make you more comfortable. Choose a halter, spaghetti strap, or strapless dress for better breathing room. Chic cuts like mermaid and sheath silhouettes add glamour to your gown. Avoid a long train. A lengthy caboose can trap sand and other beach creatures that are better left behind. Cathedral-length veils can also pose a problem in a windy, waterfront environment. Beach breezes can also wreak havoc on a bride’s hair. Opt for an up-do or a romantic, half-swept hair design. Pantyhose can trap heat. Bare legs are best. Shoes are optional. Pumps, heels, and even flats should probably be avoided. Opt for flip-flops with fancy rhinestones or sandals with sparkling glitter. Keep jewelry to a minimum as it can become bulky. Accessorize with florals instead. And a simple bouquet is better than a handful of flowers. Choose one or two blossoms which will look elegant and be easy to carry.

Chances are, heat will be a factor. And you’ll want to avoid a makeup meltdown. There’s a big difference between glowing and greasy. If your skin is dry, hydrate with an oil-free moisturizer. If, however, oily skin is a hindrance, skip the moisturizer and add just a touch of lotion under your eyes. Oil-free, anti-shine foundation is best for those in need of blemish cover. Otherwise, omit the foundation and simply apply a small amount of powder. Any makeup with added SPF is a plus, as it will decrease the amount of sun exposure to your face. Blush is best avoided. Let the rays provide a rosy glow instead. Opt for powdered versus creamy eye shadow. Waterproof mascara and liquid liner will stay in place better. Lipsticks will last longer than glosses. Use a liner to prevent lines from bleeding. Self-tanner is best applied a day or so before the ceremony to avoid any rub-off onto your white dress. Pack an emergency kit for touch-ups. Include a compact, concealer, and blotting tissues. A can of aerosol water can also help to cool you down.

Destination weddings are a trendy and totally fun way to say “I do”. Stick to our tips and you’re trip down the aisle is destined to look breezy and beautiful!

The Best Bridesmaid Dresses

By April Eddleman

When you think bridesmaids, you often think ugly dresses, lame hair, and unflattering jewelry and makeup. But these days brides are beginning to treat their maids a bit better. They’ve discovered that dressing their friends in more fashionable outfits adds beauty and romance to the overall event. The girls will blend better with your background, wedding photos will actually be frame-able, and friendships will be saved. Follow our advice on choosing the best look for bridesmaids.

Start your search early. Six months before your wedding date is best, as it allows you an appropriate amount of time to decide on, order, and fit the dresses. After you’ve found the right dress and placed an order, it will take approximately two to three months for the dress to arrive and an additional four to six weeks for alterations.

You may want to choose your wedding gown before selecting the bridesmaid dresses. This will help you better coordinate the overall look of the bridal party. The length of the bridesmaid dress, as well as the material it will be made of, are key in creating continuity. Some brides like all the maids to look alike, wearing gowns of the same cut and color. Other brides like a little variety. They may mix it up by dressing one girl in a knee-length, strapless gown of solid blue, another in a floor-length, halter gown in blue and white, and yet another in a blue, off-the-shoulder number. Take into account the shape of each of the girls. What looks great on the rack may not fit your friends best. Consider asking your bridesmaids what style of dress they would feel most comfortable in. Remember, mixing styles like strapless, sleeveless, floor, and knee-length can still look uniform. And when the bridesmaids are happy, the bride can feel happier.

If your bridesmaids are scattered about the country, or the globe, and can’t be fitted at the store where you will be purchasing their dresses, ask that they visit their local seamstress or tailor. One can be found at a salon, a department store, or even a dry cleaning establishment. It’s best to have a professional take the measurements to ensure proper proportion. One tip- be aware that both wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses tend to run on the small side, so don’t be offended if you’re normally a size 6 and a seamstress suggests you wear a size 9.

The shoes you choose don’t have to match either. Pick comfort over style. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a lot of barefoot bridesmaids by the end of the evening. Shoes made of satin tend to dye best if you’re looking to pair footwear with the color of the dress. Metallics work great with darker colored dresses. And any shape of shoe is appropriate, from open-toe to mule, and high heel to flat.

One final way to add flair is to incorporate an individual accessory with each of the dresses. These can also serve as gifts for your girls. Simple touches such as scarves, pins, brooches, and other jewelry can spice up any look. Choose a piece to match the personality of each particular girl. If one enjoys nature, a butterfly brooch would enhance beauty. If another is into fashion, a pair of chic earrings can add class. Get creative- it’s a way to thank your bridesmaids for standing by you on your big day!