Retro-Inspired Wedding Gowns Offer a Touch of Vintage Appeal

Getting inspired by the fashions of other decades can be fun – from the “big shoulder” silhouette of the 1980s, to the delicate embroidered and pleated frocks of the 1940s. If you’re exploring wedding style options, looking at the retro-inspired wedding gowns on this page may give you a little creative energy and help you come up with a cohesive theme – from engagement rings to wedding decor ideas  to your white wedding dress – that will make your wedding day unforgettable…

Inspired by the Eighties

A strong shoulder is one of the most distinctive signatures of 80s-inspired fashion. 80s style icons, such as the devilish Alexis Carrington of Dynasty, (played by the raven-haired actress, Joan Collins) used the strong shoulder silhouette to look sexy and powerful.

Joan Collins as Alexis Carrington (photo by Brian Byrne, via Flikr)

This type of bridal dress look definitely needs the right hair and makeup – a lot of volume at the crown will work well for wedding hair, as it will help to balance the look, and a swipe of blush high on the cheekbones will set off the unique lines of a strong shoulder wedding gown, such as the style shown above.

If you’re a student of fashion through the decades, why not go for high-style Eighties drama as you walk down the aisle? Not for the meek, this sensational, super-glamorous look is sure to highlight your confidence, bravado, and chic. To get the Alexis Carrington look, go for defined eyes, penciled brows, and a true crimson lip, such as Loreal’s classic Drumbeat Red.

Inspired by The Fifties

Fashions featuring retro details or silhouettes will evoke different emotions, depending on which decade they represent; in the case of the Fifties, innocence, candy-box prettiness, and wholesome, healthy beauty will be highlighted in classic gowns with fitted waists and full skirts. Structured bodices are very 1950s, and so are filmy tulle skirts, wide sash belts, and brocade or lace fabrics.

Floral appliques (such as those found on the gown shown above) are also so very 1950s. To highlight your pin-up charm on your wedding day, use hot rollers to build silky volume into your hair, and style your ‘do in loose, sexy waves that are still under control – Marilyn Monroe is a great style icon for this look. Lips can be cherry-red, hot pink, or bright coral – use your coloring to find the best shade. A fresh-scrubbed look with a vibrant, cheery lip color will be the perfect balance of glamour and 1950s innocence.

Forties-Inspired Elegance

Delicate embroidery, feminine shoulder straps, and sleek, fitted style through the bodice are pure 1940s – pleating was also a feature on many evening dresses from that decade. The white wedding dress shown above offers many details than evoke this elegant era…the look is pure sophistication, and it needs few accessories or extra adornments.

To showcase your beauty on your wedding day, while keeping the 1940s theme in mind, go for sensual smoky eyes that are lined and shadowed in charcoal grey. The rest of your makeup should take a backseat – peachy-pink lips and cheeks will provide a neutral backdrop for sultry eye makeup. Finish your look with two coats of high-quality mascara – Lancome’s Definicils is a great choice.

Your Wedding Dress Will Set the Theme…

Once you’ve come up with a retro-inspired wedding dress, your wedding theme can reflect the charm and appeal of that decade or era. A Forties-inspired gown might inspire a romantic, luxurious wedding with elegant foods, cocktails from the 1940s, and delicate wedding favours and wedding invitations. An 80s-style celebration might be brighter and bolder, with a touch of excess and glitz that evokes the over-the-top spirit of the decade. Whatever you do – have fun with it, and enjoy your special day!

Kim Kardashian’s Marriage – What Happened?

Kim Kardashian – Wiki Commons Image – Attribution: © Glenn Francis, www.PacificProDigital.com

The Internet is rife with commentary regarding the wedding (and subsequent divorce filing) of reality TV star Kim Kardashian. This sultry brunette, who rose to fame due to a “leaked” sex tape, wed NBA basketball player Kris Humphries in a lavish ceremony that Kardashian likened to a “royal wedding”. However, after only 72 days of marriage, she dissolved the union by filing for divorce, citing the usual “irreconcilable differences”.

It’s hard to avoid cynicism about this marriage, and many people are convinced that the couple’s relationship was a total sham…one that was scripted by the couple (and Kim’s writers) to create a moneymaking and publicity bonanza. Others feel that Kris became caught up in the whirlwind that is the entire Kardashian family, and that he just couldn’t take the pressure.

Kim, who is the daughter of the late Robert Kardashian (who was a renowned lawyer and, for a time, a member of O.J. Simpson’s defense team) and Kris Jenner (now married to Olympic great Bruce Jenner), is said to be strongly influenced by her family. Kris Humphries, who hails from Minnesota, came from a less-glamorous, more down-to-earth background…in the eyes of some, these two were just too different to make things work…

This couple may have been destined for divorce, but they certainly weren’t destined for the poorhouse. Kim, who accepted free loot galore while planning her wedding, managed to offset all sorts of nuptial expenses, including her snow-white Vera Wang bridal dress. Flowers, food, and decor were given to the bride-to-be at an amazingly deep discount - or for free. In some cases, wedding-related companies may have jumped at the chance to pay Ms. Kardashian and her b-ball groom-to-be for the privilege of outfitting their wedding.

Lucrative endorsements, TV rights valued at ten million dollars, and a ton of free publicity resulted from this televised ceremony and reception…

When mulling over Kim’s (less than) three month’s of marriage, most of the media have expressed outrage and disgust; however, this same media jumps to cover stories on this woman and whatever she promotes – from lip gloss to high heels to handbags. Therefore, this marriage, which may well have been designed simply to boost TV ratings, is simply another mechanism in Kim Kardashian’s vast public relations machine.

For those who believe in Kim, and those who trusted the couple as they expressed their love for one another so often and so publicly, the quick and decisive divorce filing by Kim Kardashian seems quite crass; people ask themselves whether or not Kim and Kris will return their wedding gifts, and how the couple could justify a ten-million dollar wedding in a country beset by economic woes…

They wonder why Kim bailed so fast, and what really went on…

Whether these two were in love at all is really questionable, and it does bring up some interesting thoughts about the nature of marriage. Sometimes, it’s important to strip away all of the glitz and glamour of a planned wedding day and to consider the basic commitment being made. After all, the love and trust between a couple should be built to last. Only after that true love and friendship is rock-solid should the bride and groom-to-be plan a beautiful ceremony with gorgeous gowns and tuxedos and lovely wedding decor.

In the case of Kim and Kris, their marriage was a castle built of sand – while it looked beautiful for a time, it was (most likely) never what it appeared to be…

Honor Your Commitment with Best for Bride

If you’re ready to pledge your love for a lifetime, we’re here to help you enjoy the most beautiful wedding possible. When you work with our caring and experienced team of specialists, you can find ideal wedding dresses, cheap bridesmaid dresses, and mother of the bride dresses.

We are also proud to offer full-service wedding planning, including wedding decor ideas, wedding invitations, wedding cakes, and wedding favors. We even offer a convenient online bridal store so you can order your dream dress right from your home!

At Best for Bride, we love helping couple honor their commitments to one another…contact us today to get started…

Sleek Wedding Gowns For Sophisticated Brides-to-be

Many brides-to-be are looking for sleeker designs that defy the “Disney princess” stereotype; if you’re not wild about voluminous skirts and frou-frou details …you’re definitely not the only one who’s looking for something different!

Plenty of women want more streamlined bridal gowns that hug the body or fall in a simple column; these dresses don’t usually feature an excess of fabric and embellishment. Luckily, there are a range of gorgeous wedding gowns that are incredibly elegant and refined – these bridal dresses are made for women who appreciate the art of understatement.

 In general, sleek gowns will look best when they are accompanied by modern hairstyles, strong makeup, and bold accessories. Examples of famous women who prefer body-conscious, refined evening dresses and bridal gowns include Emily Blunt, Evan Rachel Wood, and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Emily Blunt - Wikipedia Creative Commons Image by Tabercil

Confidence is important when choosing a gown that pushes the envelope and reveals your shape; couture details and high-fashion touches require the right attitude. If you’ve got natural presence, and you’re not afraid of stylized and cutting-edge wedding dresses, you’ll probably adore the modern designs shown on this page…
Simple, But Never Plain…

If you want to wear the dress (rather than the dress wearing you!), a simple, flowing column style, such as the striking gown shown above, may be an ideal choice. Designed to highlight the face and hair, as well as the delicacy of a woman’s shoulders, arms, decolletage and throat, a fluid gown like this one shows ladylike confidence. A chic necklace crafted from sheer ribbon and a sparkling pin will add a touch of high-fashion whimsy to this simple and stunning frock.

Show Your Minimalist Style…

A touch of pretty shimmer adds richness to this luxurious strapless wedding gown. Fitted and sleek, this lustrous satin number is incredibly sexy, without being remotely inappropriate. This gown really does underscore the value of simplicity in design; highly flattering and very low-key, it shows superior quality and beauty, without an ocean of ruffles or tulle…

Wear your hair down for added sensuality…skip the veil to put the spotlight on your flowing tresses and tailored bridal gown. Simple high heels, subtle drop earrings, and a delicate jewelled bracelet will be ideal accessories for this type of design…

Makeup Tips

To make the most of your sleek style, put the emphasis on perfect skin; a luminous complexion is the perfect complement to a sleek and stylized dress. To get the right look, use a primer, such as Smashbox Photo Finish – this sort of cosmetic smooths the skin to prepare it for foundation. A great base, such as Laura Mercier’s Creme Smooth Foundation, will give the skin a beautiful glow.

Follow up with pressed powder blush that matches the undertones in your skin. For minimalist eyes, use eye shadows in neutral tones, such as cream, white, and taupe, and limit mascara to the top lashes only. A groomed eyebrow is very important – lightly pencil in your brows to define them, and then make sure they are shaped properly.

For finishing touches, add a rich and sophisticated lip color – treat yourself to a runway-ready tube of Nars Satin Lipstick in Russian Doll (an elegant burgundy).  Dust your face with translucent powder to set your foundation and blush.

Best for Bride is Here to Help

If you dream of polished sophistication, but need some help to pull the whole look together on your wedding day, we are standing by to give you the assistance you need. We’re wedding specialists, and we offer expertise in every possible area of wedding planning…from wedding favors to mother of the bride dresses, to plus size wedding dresses.

With a little help from Best for Bride, you can customize your look and find the dress you’ve always dreamed of. We even offer a convenient online bridal store so you can order right from your own home. Contact us today to find out more about our wedding decor ideas, our many bricks-and-mortar stores, and everything our experienced and caring staff members offer to brides-to-be…

Womanly Wedding Gowns For Mature Brides-to-be

Recently, 55-year old Shannon Tweed finally wed her long-time love, Gene Simmons (of the rock band, Kiss). The wedding, which was televised on Shannon and Gene’s popular reality TV show, Family Jewels, featured a lavish night-time ceremony, which was attended by a host of glittering celebs.

 At her wedding, Shannon (shown above) chose to highlight her more mature beauty with a feminine, off-the-shoulder wedding dress – one that still showed plenty of discreet cleavage!

Brides-to-be come in all shapes and sizes, and they also come in all ages.

If you’re a little older than the typical blushing bride, you may want a more womanly wedding gown that shows off your curves – without letting it all hang out. Finding an appropriate bridal dress that still makes you feel romantic and special will be easier once you know what to look for.

In general, white wedding dresses for more mature brides-to-be will feature lots of supportive design elements, and they may offer a little more coverage than wedding gowns designed mostly for younger women.

However, as Shannon Tweed proved, you need not sacrifice glamor or the “wow factor” to get the grown-up look you really want!

The idea that older women can’t be sexy and stylish is an outdated concept – after all, beauties in their forties, fifties and sixties (Helen Mirren being a shining example) are in better shape than ever before, and they deserve wedding dresses that do justice to their confidence, wisdom, and regal bearing…

Here are some ideal choices for more mature brides-to-be:

An Elegant Neckline and Tons of Drama…

The pretty and elegant neckline on this show-stopping gown is quite similar to Shannon Tweed’s own wedding design. The womanly draped bodice of this spectacular frock is the perfect complement to a mature figure. Below the waist, at mid-thigh level, a profusion of airy ruffles offer all of the fairytale magic you secretly crave.

As you can see, this white wedding dress offers the best of both worlds to more mature brides-to-be. For an appealing silhouette, wear supportive undergarments, such as a long-line shaper that adds sleekness to the waist, hips and thighs - this piece will hold you in place and streamline your figure.

Spanx make lots of great body-wear for special occasions. Of course, you can always choose a few spicier articles of lingerie to change into on your wedding night.

For this look, hair should be whatever you’re comfortable with – Shannon Tweed wore her blond tresses in loose, romantic curls, and she opted for a long veil. Anything goes on your wedding day – just choose a look that makes you feel most comfortable with yourself.
Makeup should be understated and feminine – rosy mauve or soft berry lips will always flatter mature women.  Dark lipstick makes the lips look thinner – however, for some women, this look still works best.
In general, look at your everyday makeup and stay pretty close to what you normally wear. By now, you’ve learned what is right for your features and coloring. However, you should always avoid glittery or shiny makeup that is filled with shimmer – this type of makeup settles in fine lines and exaggerates their appearance.
Pure Old Hollywood Glamour…

Lush, satiny softness and a deep-V neckline will offer more mature brides-to-be a little taste of classic Old Hollywood glamour. The screen sirens of yesteryear knew how to work it, whether they were young or old. These screen sirens, such as Joan Crawford and Lauren Bacall, balanced dramatic penciled brows, strong lips, and elegantly powdered faces with luxurious full-length evening dresses that hugged their curves without being too tight.
The lovely bridal dress shown above is a traditional choice for any mature bride-to-be – it’s beautiful, sweeping hemline will make all your movements into pure poetry…
A professional blowout, followed by a few large hot rollers , can give you soft, groomed waves that recall Hollywood’s Golden Age – this look is probably better without a veil. Be sure to wear a classic lip color, such as plum-brown, reddish-brown, or dark pinkish-brown. A little brown in a lip color adds elegance – it tones things down for a refined look.
Best For Bride is Here to Help
Whether you’re looking for cheap wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses in Barrie, or Bridal shops in Mississauga, Best for Bride is here to help. Our team of caring wedding specialists know how to help you make your wedding dreams come true.
Our expertise is at your fingertips when you need to find fashionable wedding dresses, bridal jewelry, and more. We have everything you need…from exquisite bridal gowns and veils to wedding invitations. We even offer a convenient online bridal store that makes it so easy to find your dream dress - right from the comfort of your own home!

Modern-day “Glass Slippers” For Your Wedding Day

If you’re looking for a modern-day “glass slipper” to wear as you walk down the aisle, you’ll need a delicate high heel that is embellished with glittering crystals. The perfect fairytale wedding requires plenty of attention to detail, so you should plan to spend a little time choosing the right footwear for your white wedding dress.

The best wedding shoes will be unforgettable – this is not the time for sensible shoes! However, since you will need to be on your feet for hours, comfort should always factor in. Ultimately, glamour is probably most important, so do be sure to indulge yourself with a fashionable “glass slipper” style design that will evoke all of the romance of Disney’s exquisite animated film, Cinderella.

To help you choose what’s best for your special day, we’ve put together some stunning, shimmering designs that will make you feel like a princess…

Sparkly Choices For A Fairytale Effect

Icy faux diamonds evoke the lustre of a true glass slipper, and they are very affordable. This feminine sandal is adorned with lush rows of intertwined rhinestones that catch the light; these high heels are designed to show off a professional pedicure to its best advantage.
If you’re planning to perform the “garter” ritual in front of your wedding party, you’ll be proud to show off your sparkling sandals while your new husband removes your silk or lace accessory!
These sandals should always be worn with bare legs (no stockings, please) – this style of wedding shoe also requires moisturized and perfectly waxed (or shaved) legs for the ideal effect. Be sure to choose a fun shade of toenail polish for your wedding day – ballet pink is a favorite with brides-to-be, but any color can work!
Our shimmering sandals are so pretty, you’ll be sure to treasure them after your wedding is over…
Ankle Straps Are Sexy And Flirty…

 

 Ankle straps add a sexy, flirty edge to your wedding outfit – without spoiling the fairytale fantasy. Highlight the lovely lines of your foot and lower leg with shimmering rows of clear gemstones!
Ankle strap sandals also offer a little more security as you walk down the aisle – since these types of high heels are fastened in place, they will minimize the possibility of tripping, or suffering from some other wedding-day “wardrobe malfunction” – you will have less chance of slipping out of this sandal than you would with a mule or slip-on pump…
Princess-Style Bridal Gowns Will Complete The Look

 

Best For Bride specializes in helping brides-to-be to make their fairytale dreams come true. To get the whole Cinderella look, choose a gown with a fitted bodice and a full, voluminous skirt. The one-shouldered bridal dress shown above is festooned with gorgeous, silken blossoms and layers and layers of filmy tulle!

Also, be sure that your bridal rings and “glass slipper” wedding shoes coordinate with your overall look. Our bridal shops in Toronto are a great place to begin your hunt for the perfect wedding dress, cheap bridesmaid dresses, wedding cakes, and wedding invitations…plus everything else you need to plan your dream wedding.

We also offer a convenient online bridal store, so you can get the bridal dress you’ve always wanted, right from the comfort of your own home…

Mermaid-Inspired Beauty For Your Wedding Day

A mermaid-style, or fishtail wedding gown fits closely all along the torso and legs (to the knee or just above), and then erupts into a frothy profusion of lace, tulle, or taffeta that brings to mind a mermaid’s shimmering tail.
These sorts of gowns are carefully designed to highlight the lovely curves of a woman’s body, and they are often the perfect complement to an hourglass silhouette.
Dramatic and romantic, mermaid-inspired wedding looks are a perfect choice for women who enjoy a touch of fantasy and magic…the best mermaid-style gowns will tend to feature embellishments and appliqués that show off the lines of these perfect wedding dresses.
Hair and Makeup Tips

Certain makeup and hairstyles will naturally suit a fishtail wedding dress…which direction to go in should depend on how simple or ornate your fishtail gown is. For example, if the dress is sparkly or embroidered (as the gown shown above is), a more formal up-do or half-up/half-down style will work well. Makeup should be dramatic, with strong eyes and lips, or a softer palette that still has lots of shimmer and shine.
For simpler mermaid-inspired evening dresses and wedding gowns, long-rippling waves or loose, unstructured braids will look lovely. Simple bridal dresses will benefit from simple makeup with a delicate rosy or berry hue.
Consider the painting at the top of this blog post as the ideal template for a simple mermaid gown’s hair and makeup…you may want to add a laurel of flowers or a beautiful sheer veil to your natural-looking tresses…keep the look delicate and feminine for the best effect…
Here are some exciting mermaid-style wedding dresses you’ll love!
More Gorgeous Fishtail Designs…

Sweeping and glamorous, fishtail wedding dresses in Toronto guarantee that you will make a splash as you walk down the aisle. This gown looks lovely in motion, lending grace and delicacy to your movements…

These sorts of gowns are very fitted, and they require a certain confidence level; however, you’ll be pleased to know that this style looks fabulous on curvier bodies, as well as traditional and balanced hourglass figures.

Lush feminine curves will shine when they are encased in silk, satin or lace that shows them off to perfection. Only the leanest builds will probably not be flattered by this style, unless there is significant bustier fitting in the bodice to create the right proportions.

Lean Canadian brides will be perfect candidates for traditional strapless princess-style wedding dresses Mississauga that flatter their small waistlines and pretty arms…

Magical Beauty…

Beautiful embellishments add tons of visual impact to the gorgeous mermaid-style gown shown above. This stunning design really captures the magical appeal of this type of fairy-tale wedding dress look.

Accessories can be minimal, as the lines of the dress really require little adornment. However, some metallic, strappy sandals or delicate satin pumps are a must. Drop earrings, beautiful gemstone necklaces and Feri jewellry will all add more ethereal beauty to the look – consider pearls, emeralds or aquamarines for a truly ocean-inspired effect!

Dreams Come True at Best For Bride

At Best For Bride, our wedding store is filled with everything you need to realize your wedding dreams…from custom wedding invitations to cheap bridesmaid dresses, to the stunning white wedding dress you’ll always wanted. We offer stores in Barrie, Mississauga, and Toronto, as well as our convenient online bridal boutique, which allows women to make their fantasies a reality…right from the confort of their own homes!

Dreams come true at Best For Bride…our team of caring wedding specialists are there to give you the guidance, expertise and support that you deserve before your special day…

How To Be A Beautiful Autumn Bride

Cool-weather weddings have their own particular charm…for example, the stunning landscapes and the emotions evoked by the beauty of autumn can create the perfect atmosphere for a romantic fall wedding.

If you’re considering tying the knot this autumn, there are some things you should know about wedding decor ideas, wedding dresses, and bridal dress accessories. With our expert guidance, you can look your most beautiful, while also organizing autumn nuptials that fulfill all of your dreams and desires.

Now that the warm days of summer are gone, use the bonfire beauty and turning leaves of autumn to your advantage…get creative to be a truly stunning autumn bride!

Tips For Autumn Brides-To-Be

 

To create the right look for autumn, cover up a little bit by choosing dresses for wedding with matching jackets, such as the gorgeous, fitted combination shown above. Another option is adding a lace shawl, faux-fur cape, or long, dramatic veil to a ballgown-style bridal dress, such as the one displayed at the very top of this blog post.

Covering up adds appropriate elegance that is just right for an autumn wedding, and you’ll stay warm and comfortable throughout the proceedings. Wedding photos taken outdoors will look perfect when you don a little jacket or shawl that covers your shoulders.

Bridesmaid wedding dresses should probably have sleeves, or be worn with little fitted cardigans. Take advantage of the cozy spirit of fall to style your wedding outfits, from your groom-to-be’s tuxedo, to your own wedding ensemble.

Choosing cream over pure white can also be a fine choice for many women…creamier tones work well with the natural palette of the season. However, your natural coloring is the most important variable. If you’re cool complected (pink undertones), pure white is the best choice. Warmer undertones (yellowish) will look stunning in off-white or cream.

Makeup and Hair Tips

Makeup should be elegant and not too sheer – rich cranberry-toned lips (cool complexion), or honey-pink neutrals (warm complexion) with plenty of pigment will look wonderful.

Skin should not be too tanned for a natural autumn effect. Use a dusting of peachy-pink blush (Cover Girl Rose Silk Cheekers Blush is perfect – and very, very cheap!) to cast a glow over dark or pale skin – without adding too much color.

Top your lip color with a satiny gloss for an elegant effect. Hair should be shiny, with lots of low lights, rather than bright, summery highlights. Experiment with looks before your wedding day, and take photographs of potential wedding hair and makeup in typical fall light (muted sunshine, or overcast skies) to see what works best for you.

Looks For Your Wedding Party

Exciting autumn-inspired looks for your wedding party could match this palette for cohesive style. Here’s one wonderful example of a mother of the bride dress with a rich, vibrant autumn palette:

As you can see, burnt orange or cinnamon red aren’t the only mother of the bride dresses options that evoke the spirit of fall. Dark, rich and elegant taffesta with luxurious ruffles is also the perfect complement to an autumn-themed wedding!

For cheap bridesmaid dresses, rich brown is a wonderful look that is so refined – a dress such as the pretty sheath shown below could be accessorized with a cardigan in saffron yellow, cranberry or deep forest green for a custom effect that looks beautiful for autumn. One advantage of this lovely deep brown shade is that it’s so wearable after the wedding is over…

We’re Here To Help

Wedding decor for autumn should feature the right tones and textures…from table linens in deep red to flowers in orange, tobacco-brown, and crimson. If you need help pulling it all together, you’re not alone. However, we’re here to help, so reach out to Best for Bride!

Our team of caring and experienced wedding specialists can help you organize almost every aspect of your autumn wedding. We are here to take the pressure off, and our services are so affordable. In fact, we even offer financing to help brides-to-be find the dresses of their dreams, and wedding decor Toronto to help our clients plan the fairy-tale weddings they’ve always imagined.