18 July 2008
Most brides choose one color as their wedding color. The dresses that the bridesmaids wear are traditionally the wedding color. Try to stay away from loud, floral prints for your attendants' gowns. Select a color that appeals to you, and use variations of that color as accents for your decorations and flower arrangements.
If you choose to use two colors, be sure they complement each other. You really don't want the attendants' attire and the decorations to clash. It can get so distracting that no one notices the "lady in white." Remember, this is your day to be the center of attention and nothing should detract from you. Your wedding colors should be considered your background.
Some brides have been known to have "rainbow weddings." This style of bridal party requires each attendant to wear a different color of the same gown. While this is an interesting way to use several colors, it can appear busy and disjointed, especially when it comes to decorating the church or reception hall.
If you choose one color and would to have your maid-of-honor stand out just a bit more than the other bridesmaids, consider ordering her gown in a lighter or darker hue than the rest. Be sure to notify the florist of the color difference in her bouquet as well. A swatch of each fabric should be included with your flower order.
Black and white weddings are very popular right now. This provides a great background for pops of pink and red accents such as flowers and decorations. Pink is lovely for spring and summer weddings, while red makes an excellent accent for fall and winter events. If you select a black gown for your attendants, they will be more likely to use the dress again, especially if you go with a tea or knee length hemline. Black is sleek, sophisticated and a wonderful way to attain a formal look on your big day.
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29 August 2008
Weddings are expensive enough without spending hundreds of dollars on the attire for each member of the wedding party. Especially since this is the only time they might wear it. Here are a few tips to keep the cost down. First of all, try to get all the attire from one location. Many dress shops now rent/sell tuxedos as well. If you agree to get everything from one location, you will often receive some sort of discount. If you simply can not get everything at one place for some reason, then try to get all the dresses from one store and all the tuxedos from another. Most tux shops will offer the groom's tux for free with the rental of a certain number. Similarly, a lot of dress shops now will give a discount on the bride's gown if you agree to get all the bridesmaids and flower girl dresses from the same place. Do not be afraid to shop the clearance racks. Many bridal shops have sales throughout the year. Go to them. You will be amazed by how much you can save. Depending on how many bridesmaids you have, you may not be able to find the same dress in every size you need, but you can always get a few different dresses in the same shade. Do not go all out on tuxedos. Most of them, for the most part, look pretty much the same in a romantically lit sanctuary or reception hall. If you have a choice between two that look close, the only difference being the price, go with the less expensive option. Most people rent tuxes for a wedding, so why spend more money than you have to. A more practical route than tuxedos is sprouting up and becoming ever more popular. Get your groomsmen fitted for a nice tailored suit, instead of a tuxedo. You can shop the sales and clearance racks and normally, for about the same price as renting a tux, your groomsmen will have a sharp-looking suit they can wear again. For jewelry, if you are going to go with real gemstones, again make sure you shop the sales. Crystals instead of gemstones is an even less expensive alternative. You can usually find sales on crystal jewelry around the time of high school formals. Remember to get something that the bridesmaids will wear again. You do not want to spend an excessive amount of money on something they will only wear once. When looking for the flower girl dress, again shop the sales, and remember you do not have to get an actual flower girl dress. You can usually find beautiful dresses around Easter that would be suitable for a spring/summer wedding. For a fall/winter wedding, if you have enough preparation time or you are getting married after the first of the year, some of the best sales happen after Christmas. Most department stores usually sell some sort of dress that would be appropriate for this purpose. Again, keep in mind that this is probably going to be the only time she will wear the dress, as they tend to grow out of them pretty quickly at that age. Lastly, do not misunderstand our meaning when we advise you to shop clearance racks and sales. You are looking for cheap prices, not cheap merchandise. They do not always go hand in hand. Saving money on the same dress or suit you would have spent more money on had you not shopped a sale, is not being cheap, it's actually pretty smart. For instance, The American Wedding carries some "cheap" wedding invitations that are still as high in quality as other items we sell, they simply cost us less to manufacture.
8 October 2008
Very Formal Wedding - Attire: This style of wedding adheres to strict wedding etiquette. The wedding gown should be elegant and traditional, with a long train and veil in a complementary length for the bride. 6-12 bridesmaids wearing floor-length dresses. Mothers of the bridge and groom also wear floor-length dresses. The groom and all the men in the wedding party wear formal attire. If your wedding is scheduled for daytime, cutaways are appropriate. Evening weddings require white tie and tails.
- Stationery: Plain white or ecru invitations with enclosure cards (reception and respond cards) that are engraved, thermograved or letterpressed in black ink. Your wedding stationery should not have any accent colors or decorations (embossed flowers, hearts, etc.). A blind embossed or debossed bevel border is acceptable.
- Ceremony & Reception: The ceremony should take place at high noon, late afternoon or evening, with 200 or more guests invited. The ceremony is followed by a large, lavish reception.
Formal Wedding - Attire: A traditional wedding gown with a chapel or sweep train and a veil for the bride. 2-6 bridesmaids wearing floor- or ankle-length dresses. The mothers of the bride and groom also wear elaborate floor- or ankle-length dresses. The groom and all the men in the wedding party wear formal clothes. Stroller jackets with striped trousers are appropriate for daytime weddings, while evening weddings attire should be black tie.
- Stationery: Your stationery should be the same as for a very formal wedding.
- Ceremony & Reception: The ceremony can take place at any hour of the day, with at least 100 guests. The ceremony is followed by a festive reception.
Semi-Formal Wedding - Attire: A simple floor- or ankle-length dress for the bride with a hat or short veil for the bride. 1-2 bridal attendants wearing ankle-length dresses. The mothers of the bride and groom also wear ankle-length dresses. The groom and all the men in the wedding party wear dark suits.
- Stationery: Invitations with accent colors and designs (flowers, hearts, etc.). They can be printed in raised, letterpressed or matte ink in a color of your choice. Enclosure cards, including map or direction cards are enclosed with the invitations.
- Ceremony: The ceremony can take place at any hour of the day, with fewer than 100 guests. The ceremony is followed by a festive reception.
Informal Wedding - Attire: Informal wedding attire is usually characterized by a suit with a dress that falls just below the knee. The bride has one attendant, usually a maid or matron of honor, wearing a dress that falls just below the knee or a nice pantsuit. The groom and his best man both wear a suit, which can be accented with a colored tie.
- Stationery: A handwritten invitation announcing the location of the ceremony and reception. Send announcements to those who were not invited to your small ceremony.
- Ceremony: The ceremony is held during the daytime. The list is small and only includes relatives and close friends. The reception is usually small, held at a local restaurant or at someone's home.
Please keep in mind that this is just a guideline, not a rule book. You can use your own unique ideas to create the wedding of your dreams. Today's couples are mixing some of the very formal traditions with the semi-formal. The most important thing to remember is to plan a wedding that will make you happy and one that you can look back on with fondness.
18 November 2008
In 1866, Griswold Lorillard, a wealthy tobacco heir, shocked the guests gathered for the annual Autumn Ball of the Tuxedo Park Country Club in Tuxedo, New York, when he arrived to the ball wearing a tail-less black dinner jacket. Mr. Lorillard explained that he had the coat tailor made after a close friend had given him a description of a cut-off coat worn by the Prince of Wales. The style soon caught on and continues to be the most popular style of formal wear for men today. Most of the time tuxedos are rented because members of the bridal party do not all own dark suits. It's often more expensive to insist all the groomsmen purchase a new suit in your wedding color than it would be to simply rent formal wear. Tuxedo shops are generally small, but they are serviced by large tuxedo warehouses. Orders need to be in no later than ten days before the wedding. When the groom and his party go for their fittings, they should allow for plenty of time. Each member needs to try on the entire ensemble and make sure all parts are there. The rental shop usually has a tailor available to make any needed adjustments. Do not wait until the day of the wedding to try on a tuxedo! If it is possible, arrange for your groomsmen to pick up their tuxedos as early as they can on the Thursday before the wedding. Tuxedo shops can be very busy and chaotic on Fridays. If someone ends up needing an alteration, he will be picking up his corrected tuxedo the morning of the wedding. Try to avoid this! Most rental shops request the tuxedo be returned on the first business day after the wedding, usually a Monday. The store clerk will count the tuxedo parts to insure everything has been returned. Sometimes the best man will make arrangements and return all the tuxedos at once. Today, more and more couples are opting for informal weddings. The groom may choose to wear a dark suit, a navy blue blazer with white trousers or perhaps an oxford suit, a handsome time and khaki slacks. The groom's attire needs to coordinate with the formality of the bride's wedding gown. Whatever you decide, your groomsmen should be similarly dressed and wearing a boutonniere.
10 April 2009
The tradition on the wedding veil dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. They were wary of evil spirits and demons, so to ward off these evil spirits the bride would cover herself in brightly colored veils. Others believe wearing the veil stems from the time of arranged marriages. The father of the bride may have feared the groom would not want to marry his daughter if he found her unpleasant looking, so the bride would be heavily veiled and she would not be revealed to the groom until after the ceremony when it was to late for him to back out of the arrangement. Many believe the tradition of the 'unveiling' stems from the Biblical story of Jacob and his two wives, Jacob's father-in-law, Laban, tricked him into marrying Leah instead of his true love, Rachel. Leah was heavily veiled and Jacob did not realize he had married the wrong woman until after the ceremony. Thus the Jewish tradition of Bedeken was born, where the groom lowers the veil before the ceremony and raises it prior to the kiss. This way he knows exactly who he's about to marry. The veil became popular in England during the 1800's as a symbol of modesty and chastity. In the Christian tradition, the veil is lowered by the father before the processional and is raised by the groom prior to the kiss. In some Eastern ceremonies, the bride is veiled throughout the entire ceremony and is not unveiled until after it is over. The wedding veil has evolved over the centuries, and has signified youth, virginity and modesty, Roman brides were married in swathes of brilliant red or yellow, while Viking queens wore metal skullcaps. Many Japanese brides still wear the traditional tsuno-kakushi, a white hood that supposedly hides the horns of jealousy. Veiis made of lace were made popular in the United States by Nelly Curtis, the adopted daughter of George Washington. Legend has it that Major Lawrence Lewis, her father's aid, saw Neily standing behind a filmy lace curtain and he was so taken by her beauty that he asked for her hand in marriage. She then wore a lace veil on her wedding day in order to preserve the effect for her groom.
6 May 2009
Jackets: - Cutaway-Also known as a morning coat, this style is for formal daytime weddings. This coat is short in the front, long in the back, and tapers from the front waist button to a wide back tail. Cutaway jackets are either black or gray and are worn with matching plain or striped pants.
- Full Dress-Also known as tails or tailcoat, this style of jacket is cropped in front, with two tails in the back and a two- to six-button front. This style of jacket is usually worn at ultra-formal evening weddings.
- Mandarin, Nahru, or Mao jacket-This jacket features a stand-up collar with no lapel and is worn with a Mandarin-collared shirt.
- Stroller Coat-A semi-formal suit jacket similar to a tuxedo. This style is typically worn at weddings that take place before four o'clock in the afternoon. It usually comes in black or charcoal gray.
- Tuxedo-This is the most common and classic tux jacket, worn at formal and semi-formal events. This type of jacket offers a number of choices:
•Single Breasted, with a one to four button front.
•Double Breasted, with a two to six button front
•3 lapel choices-peaked, notched or shawl (see below for more lapel information). Lapels: - Notched Lapel-This type of lapel features a triangular indention where it joins the collar. This is considered the least formal lapel style.
- Peaked Lapel-This broad, V-shaped lapel points up and out just below the collar line.
- Shawl Collar-This style features a smooth, rounded lapel with no notch.
Trousers:
If you choose a formal tuxedo, your trousers should match your jacket in style and color. If you'll be in a formal daytime wedding and will wear a stroller or cutaway coat, wear gray or gray pinstriped trousers. Read Part 2
8 May 2009
Shirt Collars: - Crosswyck-This collar style crosses in the front and is fastened with a shiny button.
- Mandarin Collar-Also known as a band collar, this collar stands up around the neck and is the most contemporary-style tuxedo shirt. For those who don't like to wear ties, this is the perfect choice for you!
- Spread Collar-Resembles a standard button-front shirt but with a wide division between the points in front. The wider collar looks great with a Euro or standard necktie tied in a Windsor knot.
- Wing Collar-This is the most formal choice and the collar style most worn with tuxedo jackets. It features a stand up collar with downward points.
Sleeve Cuffs: - French Cuffs, which are folded over and closed with cuff links
- Cuffs that close with a button
- Standard dress-shirt cuffs held together with cuff links
If you are dressing for a formal occasion, formal shirts call for cufflinks. Neckwear: - Ascot - This is a wide, formal tie that is usually patterned, folded over, and fastened with a stickpin or tie tack. It is usually reserved for ultra-formal daytime weddings and worn with a cutaway coat and striped gray trousers.
- Bolo Tie - If you are having a Western-themed wedding, this string tie is just for you! It should not be worn with ultra-formal wear, but with more casual attire.
- Bow Tie - Usually worn with a classic tux. They come in several colors besides basic black. White is reserved for ultra-formal events, while colored ties are suitable for any occasion.
- Euro Tie - This is a cross between the ascot and the regular necktie. It is a long, square-buttoned tie knotted at the neck and worn with a wing or spread collar shirt. The Euro tie offers a more formal look without the fussiness of an ascot.
- Necktie - You can also wear a classic tie with your tux, to create a more casual, yet elegant, wedding look. A silver or blue tie will be dressy enough for a tux.
Accessories: - Cummerbunds - These are pleated swatches of fabric worn around the waist when you're not wearing a vest. They are usually basic black, but you can choose a colored cummerbund to match the bridesmaid dresses or the wedding colors.
- Vests - Also known as waistcoats. They can be in any color, choose a white tie and waistcoat for an ultra-formal evening wedding. A colored waistcoat instead of a cummerbund is also acceptable.
- Cuff Links - These can be used to add a personal touch to your wedding ensemble.
Read Part 1
19 August 2009
When choosing your wedding day hairstyle. keep in mind that it should reflect your personality and style. Coloring your hair can add flattering touches to your overall look, especially in photos. Have your hair cut and colored at least two weeks before the wedding to avoid looking like you just got it cut and colored. You can wear your hair up, down, or just choose the best styles you like from a book. If your hair is long and you wear it pulled back most of the time then an elegant ‘updo would be a good look. You can put knots and rolls into your hairstyle for an added flair. If you wear your long hair down most of the time then try wearing some of it up away from your face and leave the rest to cascade around your shoulders. Let a few tendrils escape to float around your face. These tendrils can be curled for a more romantic look or just left natural. If your hair is medium length it can be curled and dressed up with a sparkly headband, tiara or jeweled hair pins. Some strands can also be tucked behind the ears and secured with a decorative hair comb or clip to hold it back. If you have short hair don’t worry because there is still a lot you can do with your hair. Use a curling iron to give your hair some fullness in the crown area and back. Sweep the hair off to the side and save the curls for the back area. It is also important for the style you choose to hold up through the ceremony and reception. But be careful not to use too much hair spray because it can make your hair look stiff and unnatural. Ask your hairstylist for advice and discuss your hairstyle before the wedding. it is a good idea to have several practice sessions with your hairstylist before the wedding so that you can choose the right hairstyle.
18 September 2009
Most girls dream of wearing a beautiful, long, white gown on their wedding day and they usually do just that. Now, imagine walking into the reception hail and seeing everything illuminated in white as well! Billowing, white, transparent fabric hanging from the ceiling along every wall with soft candlelight on every table will add to the heavenly mood. Centerpieces consisting of one creamy white magnolia bloom floating in a water filled glass container placed on top of a round mirror will reflect the light, and enhance the room even more. Keeping all the decor within your white color scheme will look clean and sleek, but very striking. Infusing your wedding with simple but meaningful details will resonate with your guests. If the reception venue has only dark colored chairs, inquire if they have chair covers in white. If they do not, call your local party rental center. This will be an added expense but well worth the overall effect. Using a touch of silver ribbon here and there will not only tie in the mirrors, but will add a bit more sparkle to the room. Most caterers use white dinnerware, clear glassware and silver, or stainless steel utensils, so the tables will appear uncluttered and very elegant. Wedding cakes decorated with only white icing are very beautiful. Cake toppers do not have to be the traditional couple standing arm in arm. There are several options available at most bakeries, or search the internet for a unique, all in white, modern figurine. Or, continue your magnolia theme and use three flowers gathered together with florist tape as the cake topper. Simple, yet beautiful! Now you may be wondering about the attire for the attendants. The bride should be the only one dressed in white! Your attendants could wear dresses in pale gray, or a very pale blue. The groomsrnen could wear light gray tuxedos. The groom may opt to wear a tuxedo in a darker grey than his groomsrnen. Keep it simple, but remember the details. Charles Mingus said, "Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity."
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