How to Look Beautiful in Wedding Photographs

Your wedding day is your day to shine…and your wedding photographs should capture your radiance, joy and beauty to perfection. However, now and then, women find themselved disappointed with their wedding pictures, which just don’t seem to flatter as they should. Often, “bad” wedding pictures are the result of improper makeup techniques, the wrong angles, and non-professional photography.
By knowing what to avoid, you’ll have more control over the final product. Whether you’re using a professional photographer (this is recommended) or relying on friends and family to commemorate your special day, you will increase your chances of perfect wedding photographs by following these helpful guidelines…
Know Your Best Angles

Every woman, whether she is voluptuous and Rubenesque or delicate and waifish, will have certain angles that are naturally flattering to her unique natural beauty. To find out your best angles, go through old pictures and select the shots you love and hate – then, look for the angles that do – and don’t – work for you. If you get great shots when your body is turned a certain way, or your head is tilted slightly upwards or downwards, use these poses when your wedding photographer is taking pictures.

Models and actresses always know their best angles – to get more ideas about successful angles and poses, look at red carpet photos from events like the Oscars or Golden Globes - you’ll notice that female celebs often pose carefully (one hip thrust outward, one leg forward) to ensure that their pics are ultra-flattering. Don’t be afraid to practice posing in your white wedding dress - have a friend take some preliminary snaps to test great angles. It may feel silly, but remember – at your wedding, you are the star of the show, and all eyes will be upon you. It’s perfectly ok to practice posing and whatnot as you prepare for your wedding day!

Professional Makeup Tips for Better Wedding Photos

Experienced makeup artists know all of the tricks of the trade, and they always understand how makeup needs to be applied for the camera. Today, many makeup artists rely on high-def makeup powders and bases to get their client’s complexions looking flawless for glamour photography.
While you may not need these pricey HD cosmetics, you will need to consider the way your makeup ”reacts” with the camera’s lens. Basically, the photographer’s lights will drain you, and his or her camera flashes will wash you out – to counteract these influences, use stronger makeup that you would for everyday, or even for a night of clubbing.
You need a good-quality base foundation, lots of powder to create a smooth matte effect, and good definition of eyebrows, eyes, cheekbones, jawline, and lips. While “contour” makeup is definitely out of date, makeup designed for the camera will refine the features in a subtle way. For example, many makeup artists use a darker shade of foundation under the chin to create the illusion of a leaner jawline.
For your wedding photos, you really need a full face of makeup – it’s actually the only way to get a “Hollywood” look – that’s why Hollywood actors and actresses are consistently powdered down by makeup crews between shots. If you hate wearing makeup, consider a light application for your ceremony and reception – then, book a private sitting with your groom (and wedding party, if you like) for some proper glamour photos. At this photo shoot, get your makeup done professionally for the best effect. This way, you can avoid wearing a lot of paint on your big day, and still have a set of great wedding pics that’s you’ll always treasure.
Pale skin needs contrast – ivory complexions will look best with reddish-brown, magenta, or plum lips and cheeks. Golden complexions are warmer, and they don’t need as much contrast – they will be flattered by soft coral pinks, bronzes, and baby pinks. Again, look at celebrity makeup – what works for porcelain skinned actresses, such as January Jones and Evan Rachel Wood, will not work for gorgeous olive or dark-skinned ladies, such as J-lo and Jennifer Hudson.
Hiring a makeup artist who will instinctively know the best makeup shades, finishes and techniques for you may be a worthwhile investment. If you’d rather do your own makeup, invest in some high-quality cosmetics that are known to be popular with professional makeup artists and film crews – MAC, Smashbox, Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown all produce high-end products that actually get results. If you can’t afford such expensive cosmetics, use cheaper drugstore versions, such as Cover Girl or Revlon – you may need to apply more of these products as they are often less pigmented.
Best for Bride is Here to Help


When it comes to planning a wedding, you need capable helpers who offer years of experience and skill…after all, your special day should be one of the happiest days of your life, and the buildup to your wedding should not be stressful or difficult. While choosing the right wedding makeup is important, it’s just one facet of creating the ideal wedding look; to make it all come together at your nuptials, you also need perfect wedding dresses, cheap bridesmaid dresses, and help with wedding invitations, wedding flowers, and more…
Our team of caring specialists are there to help you put together all of the pieces of the puzzle. When you work with Best for Bride, you’ll be treated kindly, respectfully, and fairly. Your happiness as a bride is important to us, and so is the general success of your wedding. Put yourself in our capable hands – let us show you the right plus-size wedding dresses, wedding decor ideas, and wedding cakes. Then, you’ll be ready to relax and enjoy this special time in your life.
Happy Holidays From Best for Bride!

Sparkle on New Year’s Eve with a Glamorous Evening Gown

At Best for Bride, we’re well-known for our exquisite collection of snowy-white wedding dresses; however, we also offer a rainbow riot of gorgeous, glamorous evening dresses that work for any special occasion.
If you’re planning to attend a New Year’s Eve party to ring in 2012, why not make the most of your natural beauty by choosing the perfect dress in the ideal cut and color? From sleek and graphic black-and-white, to bold jewel tones that light up your complexion…we truly have it all.
Here are some wonderful choices that will ensure a joyous New Year’s Eve…
Purple Haze…

Simple and luxurious, the flattering lines of the plum-colored gown featured above will make the most of your curves on New Year’s Eve. This knee-length cocktail gown is the perfect backdrop for glittering necklaces, dramatic drop earrings, and chic high heels…so be sure to have fun with it - accessorize to the hilt and make a grand entrance on the night of December 31st!
Lady in Red…

Channel your inner goddess with this luscious, flowing scarlet number. A gorgeous halter neckline shows off your arms and throat, while a nipped-in waistline gives you the perfect hourglass silhouette. Striking and very grown-up, this dramatic red evening dress will make you feel like a queen on New Year’s Eve. This sort of dress doesn’t require a lot of accessories – however, it does require sophisticated makeup (neutral tones always look elegant with a red gown) and the perfect holiday hairstyle. Metallic high heels in a strappy sandal style will add a touch of bold style to your ensemble!
Golden Girl…

 New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to get a little more flamboyant with your personal style. After all, women naturally gravitate towards metallic and sparkly evening dresses during the holidays. If you’re feeling daring, show off your glowing skin with a golden evening dress that really stands out. This gown is strapless, sexy, and sure to stop traffic. Accessorize with nude platform heels that make your legs look endless, and top off your New Year’s party outfit with a choker necklace that calls attention to this sizzling dress’ plunging neckline.

Not for the faint of heart, this beautiful design will add warmth to the skin – to get the perfect hair and makeup look, go for burnished bronze eye shadows, a touch of light bronzer on the forehead, cheekbones, and bridge of the nose – then, add a neutral lip color topped with a dollop of glistening golden lip gloss. Your hair should be soft, silky, and volumized…

Runway Ready…

Black and white is pure chic on New Year’s! If you’re into Paris style runway style that echoes the look of Chanel or Yves Saint Laurent, you’ll love this whimsical style. A pretty strapless bodice features delicate pin-tucks and an elegant bow. Designed to highlight your decolletage, this clever evening gown comes complete with a high-waisted black skirt that is so slimming. Accesorize with a tousled up-do and scarlet lips to keep the whole look stylized and graphical. Nude heels will work – so will basic black, or any subtle, antique metallic. Jewelry is really optional, but drop earrings will look fabulous, as long as they are sleek and sophisticated.

Happy Holidays from Best for Bride!

At Best for Bride, we work year-round to give you the service and professionalism you deserve. Our team of caring specialists are there to help you choose the ideal plus size wedding dresses, cheap bridesmaid dresses, and mother of the bride dresses. We offer wedding gowns in every size and shape, along with a host of wedding services, which include wedding dress alterations, wedding favours, and wedding planning. At this special time of year, we want to wish all of our valued clientele happy holidays – please contact our team if you have any questions about our New Year’s Eve gowns or your own wedding needs.

The Perfect Christmas Gifts for Brides-to-be

Christmas is coming – if you’re considering a few fun gifts you’d like Santa to bring to you, you’re not alone. While no one wants to seem greedy or too acquisitive during the holidays, it’s only natural to want presents that bring happiness and please the senses.

For brides-to-be, certain gift ideas can actually help to make wedding planning (and related stress!) easier to handle. If you’re going to be walking down the aisle in the coming months, consider asking Santa for goodies that will help you to prepare for (and enjoy) your upcoming nuptials!

If you’re not celebrating Christmas, you may still want to check out these fun gift ideas – all are viable gift options for any special occasion during the lead-up to  your own wedding day!

Cutting Machines for Paper Crafts -

Are you interested in making your own place cards, menus, and other cardboard wedding favours? If you are, a cutting machine, such as a Cricut die cast machine, will give you incredible creative “powers”. These laser-cut, die cast cutting machines allow brides-to-be to create incredible layered and artistic effects.
A series of different cartridges are available for different purposes – some fun choices for weddings might include hearts, doves, bells, wedding cakes, or initials. If you’re “crafty”, a cutting machine will undoubtedly thrill you, as it will give you results that are straight out of Martha Stewart Living.
Different types and models of cutting machines are available – from budget to super deluxe. If you’d rather leave wedding invitations and wedding planning to the experts, you might prefer our next suggestion…
Aromatherapy – We’ve all seen Bridezillas in action…these self-obsessed, stressed-out stereotypes are never ladylike, calm, or composed. To avoid the diva label as you plan your wedding, stay as cool as a cucumber with soothing aromatherapy that balances the mind, body and spirit.
Essential oil burners from the Body Shop are one great Christmas gift idea that will give you months of pleasure before you marry. Certain essential oils used in aromatherapy have different effects on the system – for example, lemon or orange energizes and stimulates. To calm your system, opt for lavender (this scent helps you to fall asleep, or just to chill out) or vanilla.
Experimenting with aromatherapy is great fun, and it’s also a wonderful way to manage stress as you prepare to walk down the aisle in your white wedding dress…
Home Fitness Equipment -
If, like many women, you often feel too tired to drag yourself to the gym before or after work, you may be a prime candidate for  home fitness equipment. If you’d rather break a sweat in the comfort and privacy of your own home, and you have the self-discipline to use treadmills, Exercycles, elliptical machines, and other equipment faithfully, you may find that in-house exercise machines have a life-changing effect on your mind and body.
Just 30 minutes of cardio exercise each day will streamline your shape (an hour is even better), and it will also help you to cope with stress. With regular hard exercise, problems are processed more easily – you just don’t “sweat” the small stuff. Do yourself a favour this Christmas – ask Santa to bring you a nice recumbent Exercycle that you can ride while you watch Food TV…by your wedding day, you’ll be in excellent shape, both mentally and physically.
The main advantage of home fitness equipment is the way it saves you the hassle of driving to the gym, parking, packing and unpacking a gym bag, waiting for free machines, showering in a communal setting, etc. However, to get the benefits, you must work out at home several times per week.
Best for Bride Is Here to Help

 

There’s more to planning a wedding than staying fit and de-stressed beforehand – although both of those things help enormously. Most brides-to-be need expert guidance as they search for the prettiest wedding dresses, wedding bands, bridal rings, and wedding invitations. Luckily, our team of experienced and compassionate experts is here to help you every step of the way.

Our bricks-and-mortar bridal boutiques are located in Ontario, Canada, and they are the perfect place to find wedding dresses Toronto and bridesmaid dresses in Mississauga. For brides-to-be in other provinces (or countries!), we offer a convenient online bridal store that allows you to shop from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Contact our team today, and begin this important journey with some professional backup and advice. Happy Holidays from Best for Bride!