By Georgina Clatworthy

With the resurgence of the ballgown on the wedding catwalks, fairytale weddings have never been so popular.  So if the princess bride look is your wedding dream then take a look at our showcase of the best gowns available now: 

Hollywood Dreams

Raylia Designs

Demetrios

Alfred Sung

So what makes a wedding dress a Fairytale Wedding Dress?  Typically skirts will be full, very full, the archetypal ballgown.  Usually they are strapless with lace up backs & detailing will include embroidery, crystal beading & jewels.  Skirts will feature layers of tulle, pick-ups, bustles & overlays, with trains no longer than chapel length to add balance to the skirt width & to create a symmetrical silhouette.

Accessorize with opera length gloves, a crystal tiara & full length veil.  You can also add crystal chokers, bracelets & chandelier earrings for the full princess effect!

The typical fairytale gown will be pure white, but ivory, pale pink & even scarlet red are other popular choices.

 By Georgina Clatworthy

It can be a tempting thought to save some money where your wedding shoes are concerned & not give them as much attention as you have to your wedding dress.  But this would be a big mistake.  If anything what you wear on your feet will be more important than the dress you wear.  Consider that you will be on your feet for most of the day – standing at the altar, dancing, greeting your guests, walking around for your photographs & nothing will ruin your day more than sore, blistered feet!

Your wedding shoes are definitely case to spend more.  Cheap un-elegant shoes peeking out from underneath your beautiful silk wedding gown is certainly not the look you are aiming for, but on the other hand you don’t want to be pictured wincing with pain either!

This is why when it comes to wedding shoes, it is the combination of style & comfort that is most desired.  But finding both will mean spending more money.

The best advice for wedding shoes is to buy two pairs – an ultra stylish pair for the ceremony & a second pair which are more comfortable for dancing in at the evening reception.  The only stipulation is that both pairs of shoes have the same heel height as your dress length will be determined by the heel height of your shoes & if your second pair are too low your dress will drag on the ground & potentially make you trip.

Knowing your options will stand you in good stead when it comes to wedding shoes.  Knowing the difference between a ballet pump & a stiletto will help you make a more informed choice about the best style for you. 

Here is a quick guide to the styles of shoe available to you:

• Dyed shoes are usually brilliant white at first & then dyed to a color of your choice. A good option if your dress is not the standard white or ivory.
• Classic pumps are formal shoes with a closed toe & a heel.
• Sling-backs will have a closed toe with a strap that runs around the back of your heel.
• Peeptoe pumps have an open toe – don’t choose these though if you plan to wear hose, it is a big fashion faux pas!
• Sandals are usually high heeled with an open heel – again no hose!
• Mules can have an open or closed toe & have no back.
• Flats are the most comfortable choice, having no heel or a very low heel. Definitely the best choice with a full skirted gown.
• Slipper shoes are flat & soft with minimal support, again a good choice with a full skirted gown.
• Platform shoes have a thick sole & high heel, although comfortable, they tend to be very high.
• Boots are a great choice for a winter wedding or for a more daring look with a short dress!
• Decorated white sneakers will certainly give you the most comfort.

You also need to consider the length of your wedding dress when shopping for your shoes.  When you purchased your dress you should have been advised to bring along a pair of shoes with the approximate heel height you will choose for the day.  This is so the length of your dress can be accurately measured so that you don’t step on it or trip over.

Choosing shoes with intricate decoration can be a nice touch with a simple dress & they will look lovely peeping out from beneath your skirt.  Alternatively, if your skirt is intricately detailed choose plainer, understated shoes to set it off. 

You will need to be prepared to sacrifice some comfort when it comes to your wedding shoes, but there are a range of comfort solutions on the market to help.  Try buying your shoes a half size bigger & inserting a gel pad in them.  Also ask about having the soles abraded to help avoid slippage & to give you a little more traction.

By Georgina Clatworthy

For some brides to be the idea of a traditional white wedding dress is somewhat less appealing than it is to others.  Some may choose a traditional styled gown but choose it in a color which is at the opposite end of the scale, for instance scarlet red, forest green or midnight blue.  But for others even that is unappealing & they want to look for an outfit which is unique to them & less bridal.

If you want to consider wearing a non-bridal wedding dress then here are some suggestions as alternatives:

Bridesmaids Dresses: It may sound obvious but bridesmaid’s dresses can provide the ideal alternative to a wedding dress.  In recent years bridesmaids dresses have undergone a style makeover.  Gone are the frilly apricot monstrosities of the 1980’s & in their place are stylish, elegant & beautiful dresses suitable not only for bridesmaid duties but also for any formal function.

My favorites are those by Lazaro & Jim Hjelm.  Their designs combine chic elegance with a hint of sex appeal!  You will also have a good choice of colors with bridesmaid’s dresses & a range of hem options including length.

As well as dresses many designers also have a range of stylish separates to choose from allowing you to create your own outfit according to your personal style.

Evening Wear: Check out the evening wear ranges at your local department store or dress boutique.  Evening wear can provide stylish alternatives to traditional wedding dresses.  Boutiques can offer the chance to buy one off couture gowns as well which won’t cost you as much as their wedding dress counterparts!

Occasion Wear: These are formal dresses for occasions such as daytime functions, day at the races & the type of dress your female guests may wear.  Many high street boutiques will have a line in occasion wear but you do run the risk of wearing the same dress as one of your guests at your own wedding!

Styles will vary from tea length dresses to smart two piece suits & trouser suits.  Occasion wear ranges often offer up a range of separates allowing you to coordinate your own outfit.

Costume Hire: If you are looking for something to coordinate with a wedding theme then costume hire shops could offer you the best solution.  Whilst there are many wedding dresses available in various styles from throughout history, costume shops can offer you truly authentic outfits, right down to the underwear!

Avoid hiring from a fancy dress shop where the quality of the costumes may not be as good as hiring from a costumiers or a business specializing in costumes for stage & theatre.

That said, there are fancy dress costumes available for $200 + which are very well made & could offer a good alternative for those on a budget.  Check out what is available through costume websites & compare prices with those on the high street.

 By Georgina Clatworthy

Being a city bride can mean her wedding takes on a totally different look to those of her urban or country counterparts.  For a start the city bride may find herself at the cutting edge of city chic, a host of stores & vendors at her fingertips & supreme organizational skills!

Cities move at a fast pace & everything can change in the blink of an eye, the city bride will no doubt have her finger on the pulse of what’s hot & what’s not & a wedding that is bang on trend & uniquely ‘her’ is all that is expected of her! 

For instance, her wedding dress will be a couture creation which may raise a few eyebrows but will definitely leave the guests in a state of awe in its wake.  Or perhaps she will go for something completely different.  Black perhaps or latte?  Maybe a short number or a stunning Oscar worthy creation?

With a host of designers on her doorstep & an ample budget her only decision will be choosing the right designer name for her.

Her reception will be at a venue that is a regular haunt; a trendy wine bar perhaps or a hotel function room with a reputation to match its hefty prices.  There won’t be a long guest list but those that are invited will want for nothing.  From stylish canapés & cocktails to vintage champagne; they will eat & drink the finest available & finish with a slice of wedding cake made by a cake designer to the stars. 

She may handle the wedding planning herself, but leave the finer details in the capable hands of an events manager or wedding planner with celebrity credentials.  The reception will echo with whispers of ‘yes – she got that guy in, you know, the one who did Brittany’s wedding!’  And at the end of the day the guests will walk away with a goody bag filled with designer delights, because she saw it in a magazine & simply had to have the same!

Some may call her materialistic others will call her driven.  For the city bride knows what she wants & where to get it.  There will be no frilly details or whimsical touches (unless they are on trend of course), style, elegance & sophistication are the order of the day; a traditional wedding with a contemporary twist.

She won’t turn bridezilla either.  Nor will she stress about spelling mistakes on the invitations or the champagne being the wrong vintage.  No, for her wedding planning will run with military precision leaving those around her wondering quite how she does it & slight envious that she can!

By Georgina Clatworthy

Now you have your own wedding attire sorted out it is time to turn your attention to your bridesmaids.  It is important that everyone in the bridal party coordinates & matches with your wedding style & colors.

Read on to find out why this may not be as easy as your first think!

Dresses – It is a fact of life that we humans are unique in many ways, which is why you will undoubtedly find that your bridesmaids will vary in terms of size, shape, height & taste.  This can present many brides with a major headache.  Many of us have an image of bridesmaids all looking exactly the same, same dresses, same shoes, same jewelry etc.  But what suits one may not suit another & an unhappy bridesmaid will stick out a mile on the day!  Get your attendants together & go through some magazines, brochures & websites to gauge an idea of how everyone feels about certain styles, colors & shapes, then you can hit the boutiques.  For a formal wedding go for long dresses, whilst for a casual wedding shorter tea length dresses are fine. 

Often the biggest problem can be with the style of the dress.  Not everyone is comfortable in strapless dresses, whilst others may not like tight fitting styles or cocktail length skirts.  Luckily dress designers can provide you with a range of different shapes & styles which are available in just about any color you could wish for.  If color is a problem then you may have to bring two colors into play.  For instance, a blue & brown scheme could see some bridesmaids in blue dresses with brown sashes & the others in brown dresses with blue sashes.

Compromise on both sides is the name of the game here, so give yourselves plenty of time to find the right look.  Try on different shapes & styles to see what works & what doesn’t & always make sure that you have every one of your attendants with you when you visit bridal stores.

Shoes – Another headache! Some like them tall, some like them flat, some like slingbacks, some like pumps!  As with the dresses compromise is the name of the game.  You may strike lucky & they all choose the same style, but if they don’t then you will have to let them choose their own style.  Comfortable shoes are vital, just as they are for yourself.  Your bridesmaids are likely to be wearing them far longer than you are yours, especially if you change shoes later on, so they need to find shoes that fit well & are comfortable.  Check out the Dyeables range of shoes which come in many different styles & can be dyed to match your wedding colors.

Hair Accessories – Choose your attendants hair accessories according to your wedding style.  A casual wedding could call for flowers or simple jeweled hair pins, whilst a more formal wedding could see small beaded tiaras.  The style of your attendants is another problem to consider.  Those with long hairstyles will no doubt have up-do’s allowing for a variety of hair accessories, however, those with short styles may be more restricted.  A lot will depend on the style of the wedding & how you want your bridesmaids to look.  Small tiaras or combs & hair pins or clips can offer the easiest solutions.

Jewelry - It can be nice to present your bridesmaids with jewelry as wedding gift to say thank you from you both.  This then gives you cart blanche to choose matching necklaces, earrings or bracelets.  If your bridesmaids are all dressed similarly but not the same then follow this through with their jewelry for instance, a couple wear pearl necklaces, a couple wear pearl bracelets & a couple wear pearl earrings.  Kitting them all out with matching sets may look too fussy & spoil the effect you are going for, so try to get them wearing matching styles & colors but in different types of jewelry.

Accessories - Depending on the time of year you may want to equip your bridesmaids with wraps, shawls or boleros.  The latter being a nice addition to a formal wedding style.  For a winter wedding, gift them beautiful faux fur wraps to keep them warm.

By Georgina Clatworthy

Wedding planning is an extensive process & one which will see you creating a hundred lists or more!  Aside from booking venues & suppliers, you will also be doing a far amount of shopping, be it on the high street or online or both.

So I have decided to produce a series of handy shopping lists to help you plan your retail excursions & hopefully to ensure nothing is left out!  This first list will focus everything you need to complete your wedding day outfit.

1. Wedding Dress – You may have something in mind already, but if you are not sure where to start then take a look through some bridal magazines to begin with.  Clip together images of those dresses you like the best & take them with you when you visit the bridal salon.
2. Bridal Shoes - Make sure you step out in style with the perfect shoes.  Choose shoes based not only on looks, but also comfort & practicality.  Consider heel sizes & whether or not you will be able to dance in them later, many brides will purchase two pairs – one for the day time & one for the evening party.
3. Tiara - Possibly the most popular choice of bridal headwear, tiara’s come in a range of styles & colors.  Your bridal salon may have a selection to choose from, but you will find more extensive ranges online, along with customizable designs.
4. Veil - If you want to wear a veil then try to purchase one from the same store as your wedding dress so you can try the two on together.  There is a range of styles & lengths to choose from & the store assistant will be able to advise you on the best choice for you.
5. Lingerie - What you wear under your wedding dress is vitally important.  Good lingerie will not only provide support, but will also help with whole look of your wedding dress & provide the perfect silhouette.  Again it would be preferable to try on your lingerie with your wedding dress but this is not always practical!  Take a look at our article How to Choose your Wedding Lingerie for tips on selecting the right style of lingerie to suit the style of your wedding dress.
6. Hair Accessories - Aside from tiaras & crowns there is a wealth of other options for accessorizing you hair do.  Pretty combs, slides & pins are all popular choices, others include alice bands, silk flowers or real flowers attached to combs or made into wreaths.  As with tiaras, you will find great choice online as well as customizable options.  It is a good idea to know what your wedding hairstyle will be before purchasing any hair accessories.
7. Handbag - You will need something to keep all those little essentials in that you may need during the day.  Items like tissues, make-up & your bridal emergency kit will all need to be stashed somewhere.  Choose a bag the coordinates with the style of your dress, for instance a dolly bag would be nice with a less formal gown, perhaps for a beach wedding, whilst a box bag would suit a more formal style.
8. Garter - Many brides go in for the tradition of wearing a garter & tossing it at the reception. 
9. Jewelry - You may already have an idea of your wedding jewelry; many brides like to wear something that is sentimental to them or maybe jewelry given to them by their parents or parents-in-law.  If you are going to buy jewelry specifically for your wedding think about what will suit your wedding dress, the style or theme of your wedding & cost! There are some beautiful costume jewelry pieces available on the high street which won’t break the budget or go online to Ebay & look for inexpensive vintage pieces.
10. Shawls, Wraps & Bolero’s - Many designers have a range of these available as separates to their dress designs.  Usually made from lace, chiffon or tulle they can make a nice accessory to your wedding outfit, especially for a spring or fall wedding when temperatures can be a little on the cool side.  For a winter wedding consider a faux fur wrap or even a velvet cloak.
11. Other Items - Gloves can be a nice accessory to a wedding dress, especially to a winter wedding or maybe a fairytale theme (think opera length gloves with a tulle skirted ballgown).  Petticoats maybe required for the style of dress you want.  They may just be simple net crinoline style petticoats or larger hoped skirts for a full skirted gown.  Make sure you know how to put them on & in the case of a hooped petticoat – how to put it together!  Sashes or belts are available for some styles of wedding dress & can be customize with colors, beading or embroidery.  Even if your dress doesn’t include one, you may want to add one to help coordinate your wedding colors with the other members of the wedding party.

 By Georgina Clatworthy

There are many accessories to compliment your wedding dress & knowing which ones to choose can be something of an art form!  Those accessories which are essential to your wedding outfit are your shoes, your lingerie & your handbag, all of which should be chosen with comfort, practicality & style in mind. 

Here are some top tips to help you decide on the essential bridal accessories you should buy.

Shoes – It is common practice today to purchase two pairs of shoes – one for the ceremony & reception & a second pair for the evening party.  This is because the majority of bridal shoes are built more for style than comfort & unless you have spent a lot of time breaking them in at home, you could find that after a couple of hours your feet begin to ache or become sore.  Comfort aside there is also a practicality issue, with many brides choosing a second pair of shoes simply because they would be easier to dance in!  Remember that you will be in your first pair of shoes for a long time; you could be standing around for long periods, particularly when you have your photographs done & you could be walking about a fair bit too.

Another consideration is the heel height.  With many bridal shoes sporting 3″ heels & upwards, you will need to consider your own height relative to that of your groom.  You don’t want to be towering over him on the day!

You will find a wide choice of styles when it comes to bridal shoes, but the best advice is to stick to a style that you know & that you wear everyday.  Slingbacks or mules can be difficult to become accustomed to if you are not used to wearing them.

Lingerie – Your bridal lingerie is vitally important.  It will help make the most of your shape & the way your wedding dress fits.  The right lingerie will help to tone & lift you in the right places & as a result create the perfect silhouette.  Aswell as bras & chemises, you will also find corsets, basques & bustiers in many bridal ranges.  However, your lingerie needs to be comfortable & shouldn’t suffocate you!  Some brides have fallen in to the trap of choosing a corset which looks fabulous when they are standing but prevents them from sitting comfortably & in some cases even restricts the amount they can eat!

If at all possible try your lingerie on with your wedding dress to find the perfect style for you.  A good idea would be a lingerie party for your bridal shower at home.  You can have great fun choosing your lingerie not only for your wedding day but also for your honeymoon!

Handbags – If you are the type of girl who is known to be never without her handbag then you will definitely have one on your shopping list.  Even if you don’t usually carry one, you should make an exception for your wedding day.  A bridal handbag is a must to carry all the little things that you may need during the day – make-up, tissues & your bridal emergency kit (or part of it at least).

Many of the bridal shoe designers have a range of matching or coordinating handbags alongside their ranges.  You will find many styles to choose from including handheld, box style & dolly bags.  Make sure you get one big enough for your needs but not so big it overwhelms your look.  You don’t need to carry it during the ceremony & it is usual to entrust it to your mother during this time.

 By Georgina Clatworthy

After you have picked out your wedding dress it is time to turn your attention to your wedding accessories.  For many brides the first stop will be with tiaras & other hair accessories.  Choosing the perfect combination of style & coordination can be tricky, especially when you are faced with so much choice.  To help you out here are a few tips to make your choice an easier one!

Color:  Many bridal hair accessories – tiaras, crowns, pins, combs etc will come in clear crystals or those coated with an AB finish, which gives a rainbow appearance.  But many designers offer a range of color choices alongside so that you can customize your hair pieces to match your wedding.

Generally there will only be two choices for the base of the piece – silver or gold, although some designers do use colored wire to wrap around the base piece.  Ask the designer for a color chart if they do not have one readily available & also ask if there are any extra charges for the colors that you want, as some colors or finishes can cost extra.

Think about the color of your dress & the colors that your have chosen for your wedding.  For many brides the AB color finish it perfect as the subtle rainbow colors coordinate perfectly with any color scheme.  Avoid choosing colors which are at odds with your wedding dress.  For instance if your dress is ivory choose ivory beads & crystals rather than pure white which will stand out & look awkward.  If you are having a colored gown i.e not white or ivory, then choose coordinating colors for a unified look.

Some brides will also take into consideration the color of their flowers or the style of any embroidery or beadwork on their dress.  This too can create a more coordinated look.  Talk to the designer about creating the perfect piece for you.

Shape: When deciding on your wedding tiara or other accessories bear in mind your intended hairstyle & stick to your personal style.  Don’t forget to think about the placement & attachment of your veil (if wearing one).

Style:  There is a wide choice of bridal hair accessories & you may want to consider having one type or combine two such as a tiara & hair jewels.  Here is a guide to the styles you will come across:

Coronets & headbands are usually covered with satin, lace or beads.  A coronet is designed to be shorter & will sit high on the crown. A headband will run from ear to ear over the top of the head.

Wedding tiaras & crowns are the most popular choice amongst brides & come in a range of designs from tall to low profiles & elaborate to understated.  They should be worn high on the head & work well with formal & natural hairstyles. 

Hair jewels are a pretty way to accent your hair.  Usually in the form of hairpins, slides or small combs & decorated with crystals & pearls, these pretty hair accessories are perfect for formal, updo hairstyles or for those who want an understated, unfussy look.

Combs are often decorated with pearls, beads, feathers, flowers &/or crystals & make a smaller alternative to the wedding tiara. They have the advantage of being able to be worn on the back, side or front of the head to suit.  Feathered combs & large silk flowers are also popular choices, particularly for destination or perhaps themed weddings.

Other choices include 60’s style pillbox hats, bun wraps & snoods.  Floral wreaths are often a popular choice for bridesmaids & flower girls.  For brides, there are versions in metal with beads & crystals or ask your florist to make one from fresh flowers as an inexpensive alternative to custom made hair accessories.

 & how to avoid becoming one!

 By Georgina Clatworthy

According to Webster the definition of a bridezilla is thus:

Bridezilla\ bride-zil-a n 1 Horrific, bulging-eyed bride prone to screaming spells and spontaneous fits of hysterical rage. Bridezillas are known to drop blows over seating charts, get bug-eyed at the mere mention of carnations and view hurling champagne at their wedding planners as a form of hazing.

Of course there are those who feel that becoming a Bridezilla is the only way in which they will achieve the wedding of their dreams.  High on caffeine, empty on calories, these brides view the world with something akin to rose tinted spectacles when it comes to their wedding. For them every element of their wedding has to be perfection, it has to be exactly as they have envisaged & everything has to be fabulous, right down to the final finishing touches.  These women know exactly what they want & more fool anyone who stands in their way!

But seriously, weddings are stressful enough without screaming fits, tantrums & periods of prolonged sobbing! Weddings are supposed to be a happy affair, a time of love & romance, the union of two souls & the celebration with friends & family.

There are those brides who can approach their wedding planning with relative calm & ease.  Yes they too know what they want & how to get it, but their laid back & casual approach, leaves them more open to compromise & happy to accept that something’s just aren’t possible.

Or perhaps you are the other kind – the type who from the moment you got engaged has become a whirling dervish of wedding plans, flowers, cakes & invitations.  You have probably been planning your wedding since your were a child & at the first sign of something not going right your stress levels hit the roof & stay there.  You can’t sleep, your fiancé knows not to ask – just don’t even go there! You’re a nervous wreck & nothing anyone says is going to appease you.

Time to chill out & relax.

Easier said than done I hear you scream! But it is so important that you keep everything in perspective & take control.  Firstly you need to be organized, wedding planning is impossible without some kind of system to keep it under control.  You need to know what your priorities are, what are the most important elements of your wedding to you both.  How much can afford to spend? Who will be coming? What style or theme of wedding do you want? Where would you like to have it? When would you like to have it?

Make sure you write it all down.  Purchase a notebook or file to keep it all organized & in one place.  Once you have the answers to these questions everything else will follow – quietly & for most, easily.  Your next step then is to grab a calendar & make a timeline.  Note down your wedding date first, then the day on which your invitations should be sent out & the last day on which you need to receive RSVP’s.  These are the important dates, as you progress with your wedding planning you will be able to fill in the other dates, such as appointments, when to purchase your wedding favors, dress fittings & your rehearsal.

Next you need to make sure you allocate some me time – time on your own when you can switch off from all things wedding & think about something completely different (first-borns christening perhaps?!).  You also need to have time alone together, go out for dinner, have a weekend away or simply a romantic meal at home.  Anything as long as all talk of weddings is banned!

Lastly you need to be realistic about your expectations, your budget & what is really important – getting married.  If something you really wanted is not available or you just cannot afford it, then get over it & move on.  The wedding industry is very adaptable & there are always alternatives, talk to experts in the industry, wedding planners & go online to wedding forums, where you can get lots of advice, suggestions & maybe some much needed support as well!

 By Georgina Clatworthy

Whilst many brides want to look their radiant best in an elegant wedding dress, there are those that choose something, well, shall we say – different!

They do say that money can’t buy you style, but these wedding day horrors go far beyond that!  Certainly, in modern times there has been a distinct trend to avoid the hideous meringue fests of the 1980’s but even these dresses would make those look the height of fashion!

Check out the gallery below for some of the world’s worst wedding ensembles!  Click on the image for a bigger view.  Those of a nervous disposition may want to look away!