Wedding Gowns & Bridal Fashion

Kleinfeld Remains Iconic in the Jewish World.

At a fashion show at Manhattan’s Kleinfeld Bridal late last month, Israeli designer Pnina Tornai showed off her 2008 collection. Inspired by Edith Piaf’s famous love song “La Vie en Rose” (“Life in Pink”), the white wares featured floral accents on Tornai’s signature corset designs. A bejeweled gown with spaghetti straps and a scalloped hem elicited applause, and a silk pantsuit adorned with ribbons and flowers left some folks oohing and aahing. The packed audience included designers, would-be brides and a smattering of seemingly unlikely attendees: Orthodox Jews. According to a Kleinfeld insider, newly engaged female members of the tribe have long been drawn to the store. But in a city where bridal shops abound, how has Kleinfeld managed to become — and, more importantly, remain — so iconic in the Jewish realm?

Simple, co-owner Mara Urshel said. “We are the largest store of this kind in the world. The other stores are mom-and-pop shops, but we are truly a bridal mecca.” The sheer breadth of the locale — it’s 35,000 square feet — surely leads the soon-to-wed to make pilgrimages there, but that’s not all that attracts Jews to this shop.

Urshel, who purchased Kleinfeld in 1999 with a group of investors that included Wayne Rogers (Trapper John on the TV series “MAS*H”), believes that the Jewish community has long been besotted with the store because of its Old World focus on personal attention. “There’s nothing more important than making a bride feel like a princess on her wedding day,” Urshel said.

Kleinfeld even employs a special consultant specifically for the Jewish community. The consultant, Rochel Leah Katz, helps brides choose gowns that can be altered according to their religious needs, including the addition of sleeves and the enhancement of the backs and fronts of dresses to make sure that brides are fully covered. “I work with girls who are religious and therefore need a modest dress,” Katz said. “No strapless allowed.” The majority of Katz’s clients are Orthodox Jews, but she says she has also worked with Mormons and religious Christians in search of gowns with a little more material. And, Urshel added, “Since weddings are often planned so quickly in the [Orthodox] world, our consultant is there to know what the customer needs and work with the vendors on getting everything done as rapidly as possible.”

Kleinfeld, which opened as a fur store in Brooklyn in 1941 and moved to Manhattan in 2005, features more than 1,500 styles of gowns, 28 bridal selection rooms and 17 private fitting rooms. The store is also the subject of TLC’s new reality television show “Say Yes to the Dress,” which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the fraught process of selecting a wedding dress.

“We have a wonderful relationship with the Jewish community,” said Urshel, who professed that Tornai’s designs are particularly popular with Jewish brides (although Katz cautioned that her dresses are sometimes too pricey for Orthodox families with many daughters to marry off). “We can anticipate their needs, and we can fulfill them.”

Source: The Jewish Daily Forward

Many young women can remember their favorite Disney princess who once captured their young imaginations. The spirited and determined Ariel followed her dreams of living on land. Belle, the modest and intellectual beauty, ventured into danger to save her father and ended up befriending, and saving, a beast from his life of solitude and misery.

The kind-hearted Snow White cared for the lonely seven dwarfs and overcame a jealous queen. Cinderella, who lost her father and was forced to live with her evil stepmother and stepsisters, eventually found the life she deserved. And who could forget the lively and beautiful Jasmine who outsmarted an evil sorcerer? The Disney princesses’ stories have never really left our hearts.

April 15, 2007, during Bridal Fashion Week in New York City, the Walt Disney Company officially launched its exclusive Disney Princess bridal fashion line. The Disney Bridal and Maidens gowns, inspired by the Disney princesses, were created by couture designer, Kelly.

Known for her vision, quality, and creation of timeless looks, Kirstie Kelly designs for America’s most fashionable celebrities and socialites. According to Kelly, her goal in designing these dresses was to, “create a look that connects to every girl’s inner princess.” She aimed to develop a line that captures the unique spirit and beauty of each Disney Princess.

Kelly stated that, “Every look takes its inspiration from the silhouette, palette, and icons of each Disney Princess story and interprets the spirit of each young woman. Each of them has a unique, charming, and very individual style that many brides can identify with — and now truly emulate — on their wedding day.” For example, her form-fitted Ariel dress has halter straps and a jewel on the bodice. The fabric is a shimmering silk with a mermaid-like “wave” hem.

The bridal fashion line is an extension of Disney Fairy Tale Weddings, held in the Disney Parks in California and Florida. These dresses are made with organza, chantilly, chiffon, satin and tulle fabrics which are embellished with lace, ribbons, crystals, pearls, embroidery and beads.

The majority of the bridal gowns are white; some have a hint of blue or yellow. The bridesmaids and flower girl dresses, also inspired by Disney princesses, come in a variety of colors, and will contribute to a coordinated look for the wedding.

Prices for Disney bridal gowns range from $1,100 to $3,500, and they are sold at specialty boutiques in North America, Japan and Europe. Currently, the only store in Pennsylvania carrying the line is Bridaltown in Collegeville.

One issue is whether the dresses are worth the price. “The idea is a good one, but I’m not sure if it is worth the price.” Junior Education major Megan Quinn said. A second issue is how much the dresses are actually reminiscent of the princesses. “The dresses are all gorgeous, but I don’t feel the looks of them are representative of the princesses they are named after,” junior Jenna Karkuff said.

Kelly considers her involvement with Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design unique gowns and jewelry that will be cherished for years to come.” You can visit the official Web site, www.disneybridal.com, to take a look at the new dresses, gowns and jewelry for yourself.

Source: the Etownian online

So, you’ve searched high and low for that perfect pair of wedding shoes - the ones that will match your dress exactly - and you’re still drawing a blank. Luckily, there is a solution to your dilemma, and that solution is Artyce Designs, who will custom make your wedding shoes, using crystals, feathers and anything else you need to create the perfect pair of shoes.
With a client list that includes celebrities and fashion editors, you can be sure that the finished shoes will be high in quality - and from just a quick look at the gallery of shoes they’ve made in the past, you can see that they’re big on drama and style, too. Check them out at Artyce Designs.

Source: BridalWave

Most bridal shows are scheduled in the months of January and August. Tickets are usually between $5.00 and $10.00 with a one or two dollar discount if you purchase your tickets online before the event. Prizes may be offered for the first 100, 200 or 500 brides to attend, which usually includes a copy of a major bridal magazine such as Modern Bride, a local bridal guide, a pin that says Bride to Be, as well as tickets for drawings and sweepstakes.

The most recent bridal show I attended started at 11:00 and ended at 5:00. They had a mini bridal fashion show that started at noon and showcased about 20 wedding gowns from one of the exhibitors. The Runway Fashion Show which included more gowns and tuxedos was scheduled for 3:00. The prize drawings were announced at 2pm and 4pm. Having arrived at 11:00, my guests and I had visited all the exhibitors, watched the mini fashion show, and were done by around 12:30. I recommend going to bridal shows later in the day in order to be there for the main events and giveaways. Also, I noticed that there were plenty of free magazines, buttons, and gifts for people arriving after 12:30. Expect to see a multitude of local photographers at any bridal show you attend. You will be a little overwhelmed by their displays, but spend a little time looking through their photo albums, which contain some of their most personal and unusual candid shots. You will have fun sampling wedding cakes from all the local bakeries. Even better, is seeing new trends in wedding cakes. I saw rich, brown layered cakes with gold leaf accents, and bold, bright colors such as magenta, purple and hot pink. Unless you want to be bombarded with phone calls and emails from wedding professionals, be careful about the forms you fill out for the exhibitors. My daughter filled out a form for a free cruise giveaway. She was called after the show and asked for her credit card number over the phone. Remember, that even if you win something, it may be a $500 discount off of a $2,000 photography package. Being able to talk to so many wedding professionals in one place is very beneficial. Looking at companies online, who all claim to be the best at what they do, is impersonal and confusing. The exhibitors are friendly and helpful. You will be able to determine for yourself whether you like the taste and look of their cakes, or the design of their flower arrangements. You may not win a prize, but you will come home with a free magazine, some referrals, and some great new ideas for your wedding. Kathleen Terrana is the owner of Beautiful Bridal specializing in discount tiaras, veils, bridal and bridesmaid jewelry. Visit our site for additional wedding tips, advice and information.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathleen_Terrana http://EzineArticles.com/?What-To-Expect-From-A-Bridal-Show&id=417861

Are you planning on making your own wedding dress or having someone make your dress for you? If so, this will provide you with a few tips on how to choose a pattern for your dress.

Shopping for wedding dress patterns can be just as daunting a task as shopping for a dress off the rack, even more so, if you will be sewing the dress yourself. There are so many things to consider when looking for just the right wedding dress pattern so that you will be the most stunning of brides on your wedding day.

The good news it that since you or someone else will making the dress from scratch, you will have total control over how your wedding dress will look on your most special day. You will have a custom creation that is unique and designed especially for you alone.

Here are some things to consider when shopping for wedding dress patterns.

The first thing to consider is the style of your wedding. Will it be a traditional wedding, or will you being doing something a little more out of the ordinary and have a themed wedding, such as a Celtic wedding? This of course dictates which type of wedding dress pattern you will be looking for.

Another consideration when looking for your wedding dress pattern will be the location of your wedding. Will it be indoors, or outdoors? If you will be having your wedding outdoors, you will want to consider the time of year and season. If it is in the fall or winter you will want to choose a pattern that help keep you warm, if it is spring or summer you will want something that will help keep you cool. The pattern in conjunction with the fabric that you choose will make a big difference as to your comfort on your special day.

You will want your wedding dress to show off your figure to it’s best advantage. Listed below are the 4 basic body types and the goals that you want to keep in mind for yourself based on your body type when choosing your pattern:

Triangle -
your hips are wider than your bust and shoulders. Your goal will be to minimize your lower body and create the illusion of additional upper body width.

Reverse Triangle -
your upper body is wider than your lower body. Your goal will be to emphasize lower body width.

Hourglass -
your bust and hips are larger than your small waist. Your goal will be to create balance.

Rectangle -
your body is long and narrow without a strongly defined waistline. Your goal will be to emphasize width and avoid long vertical lines.

Pick a wedding dress pattern that emphasizes those body features that you want to play up or down.

Since you want your wedding dress to be the most flattering of dresses, there are other things to think about as well, such as the color of the wedding dress.

You want to pick a color that looks the best on you if you are not going with a white or off-white traditional wedding gown. You will want to consider your skin color when picking out your dress color. Your skin color will greatly affect how the gown looks on you. A bride with a lighter skin color has more choices than a bride with a darker skin color.

For brides with a lighter skin color, white or a dress in a darker color will result in a very lovely appearance. Brides with a darker skin color will want to choose their colors while also considering their make up also for the most beautiful appearance. If you have darker skin and do not consider your make up while choosing your fabric and during your fittings, you will not have a true reflection of how you will look on your wedding day.

Since you are making your own dress or having it made, you will be able to embellish it any way you choose. Brides can make fashion statements with fabric. You can range from delicate draping to more dramatic ruffles and fabric flowers. Ruffles, ribbon, ruching, gathering, pleats, fabric flowers, and draping are all special details that you can add to your gown. Just remember to keep your body type in mind when picking your embellishments.

Here are few places where you can start looking for your wedding dress pattern on line.

- Simplicity Patterns has been making patterns for generations. Look them up on the internet and browse through their patterns. They have a large selection of wonderful patterns to choose from.

- Vogue Patterns also offers a stylish selection of bridal patterns. Go to their website and browse through their collection also.

- McCall’s, is another trusted name in sewing patterns. They have a marvelous collection of patterns on their website to go look through.

Searching through all the wedding dress patterns may seem overwhelming at first, but by following the tips presented here you will end up with a stunning dress and you will be the most beautiful of bride’s on your wedding day.

Melinda Barton is an Internationally recognized wedding planner and author of the book Wedding Planning Secrets

She has given several TV and radio appearances and is passionate about helping everyone succeed in their desire to have the best wedding through simple and easy to use wedding planning secrets.

Source:

The second and final day of this years Wedding Expo was marked by exhibitions by different companies who offer various services to those who are planning to tie the knot.

Among the companies represented were those from the financial sector, fashion outlets and legal service providers.

Standard Chartered Bank representative, Mr Dan Haoleba Dikgaka said they attended the Wedding Expo to promote their new and unique product, the Diva Club Account which they launched recently.

He said they felt that since preparations for weddings are often spearheaded by women the Expo provided a good opportunity for them to market their product.

Mr Dikgaka said the account was their own way of giving back to women and appreciating their role in the society in general.

Letshego, also a financial services provider, promoted the various loans that it offers, amongst which are the Executive loan, Letshego loan, Letshego vehicle finance and FlashCash.

Letshegos Sales and Marketing Consultant, Mr Dikeme Maponyane said they also offer legal services to the public at affordable prices.

These products, he said are meant to cushion customers against financial ruin brought about by legal expenses.

Some of the legal protection products they offer are Tshireletso Guard which covers labour, civil and criminal matters, Executive Legal Guard which covers legal expenses accidental death, disability and medical expenses and Badiri Guard covering work-place related matters.

Ms Monana Bogatsu, the Managing Director of Fabulous Functions, an events management and florist company said her company was doing well and that most of her clients were big companies such as Shell Oil Botswana, BP Botswana and Gaborone Sun.

Ms Bogatsu said she advertises in electronic boards and also does door-to-door advertising, pointing out that some of her clients are referrals. I do a pretty good job and what I do advocates for me.

A representative of Lemat Fashions, Ms Thapelo Matale said they attended the Expo to market their business, which specializes in designing outfits for various occasions.

She said business was often slow except during Christmas time when many people hold their weddings.

According to her, everyone can afford to buy from them because they have flexible payment methods and their products are reasonably-priced.

Ms Patricia Mashabane, the Director of Art Cultural Centre, another fashion-design company specializing in German print or leteisi said shortage of material, stiff competition, exorbitant rentals and lack of skilled personnel hamper the day-to-day operation of her company.

An Otse-based charitable organization, Motse wa Badiri Camphill also exhibited some candles and pottery from its candle and pottery workshops.

The organization sources some of the materials used in candle-making from other countries because they are not available locally. Moulds used for shaping the candles are bought in Australia whilst wax is from Malaysia.

According to its representative Ms Lefoko Blake ,the aim of the organization is to help the disabled by equipping them with life skills.

Show attendant, Ms Bosa Botlhokobotsile said she hoped to gain a lot of knowledge as she is preparing for her wedding to be held next year.

She expressed happiness that such an event gives people an opportunity to compare prices and to meet business people She however decried the size of the venue saying it was too small for such an important event.

Source: BOPA

Jewelry designer Simon Ghanimian is a household name and has received accolades from fashion and bridal magazines, but his favorite part of the job is meeting the everyday people who wear his jewelry.

“That’s the best part of it,” Ghanimian said in a telephone interview from his studio in Los Angeles. “When I see the excitement on their faces, it makes me feel better. I like to listen to (the customers).”

He’ll have a chance to do that this week as he attends special showings of his collections — known as the Simon G. line — at Kranich’s Jewelers stores in central Pennsylvania. Ghanimian will be at the store on College Avenue in downtown State College from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at the store in the Galleria Mall in Johnstown from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday; and at the store in the Logan Valley Mall from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

“We’re really excited,” said Michael Kranich Jr., president of Kranich’s Jewelers. “He’s a super nice guy. And local people will get to see a product line from a designer who

doesn’t normally come to an area like this.”

Ghanimian’s visit is “pretty unusual,” said Amanda Gizzi, spokeswoman for the Jewelry Information Center, a nonprofit trade association based in New York City.

“He’s a relatively big name and has wide range of clients,” Gizzi said in a telephone interview. “As far as (jewelry designers’) names go, very few are recognizable, and (Ghanimian) is among those who are. … Once designers get more recognizable, they tend to do less in the way of trunk shows. It’s a great honor to have any designer come to a retail store.”

The lines offer something for everyone, Kranich said, with prices starting at $600, with most falling between $600 and $1,000.

“There are all kinds of different things,” he said. “There are pieces to start out with, very expensive pieces … he makes a lot of different things.”

Kranich said his stores have done business with Ghan-imian for several years and told him they’d like him to visit.

The stores usually have trunk shows, but Ghanimian has never been present for one at a Kranich’s location.

Though Ghanimian is best known for his bridal jewelry, the trunk show will also display the fashion side of his line.

Both his fashion and bridal pieces use combinations of white, yellow and rose gold with white diamonds and colored stones.

“The pink, or rose gold, is a flavor that’s coming back into the market,” Kranich said.

Ghanimian founded his company in 1981, five years after he immigrated to New York City at age 19 from Beirut. He said he specialized in bridal jewelry because it was “recession proof” — something people would buy no matter what the state of the economy — but there’s a personal side to it as well.

“It’s fun to do bridal,” he said. “The customer’ll wear it all their life. When you design the piece, you know they’ll look at in five to 10 years and still love it. There’s more longevity.”

Still, he wanted more interaction with the customers, so he turned to fashion jewelry.

“(With bridal lines), you sell the customer one piece and may not see them again,” he said. “With the fashion side, they can come back for anniversaries, birthdays.”

Customers, in fact, are what Ghanimian lists as his top inspiration.

“I visit with quite a few (customers),” he said. “Customer feedback is very important. We see how they’re liking it and are always coming up with new ideas.”

Source: AltoonaMirror

25 local designers will show off their work at Portland Fashion Week
With one week to go until showtime, Portland designer Elizabeth Dye hasn’t decided if she will be showing wedding dresses. In preparation for her Oct. 22 Portland Fashion Week collaborative fashion show, Dye has been editing her show and touching up finished pieces for the past six weeks.

As a ready-to-wear and custom designer, Dye designs for the best of both worlds, but her decision to include both is not yet decided.

“Haute couture is being made by fewer and fewer designers everyday,” Dye said.

Designing custom-made wedding dresses is Dye’s outlet for extravagant creativity.

She enjoys designing alternative wedding dresses because her customers feel free to indulge their fantasies they wouldn’t normally explore in other areas of their lives, Dye said. But whether a selection of these dresses will walk the runway is undecided as of now.

This should not worry the Elizabeth Dye tribe - she cuts it closer to showtime than most designers because she likes the intensity of pressure that short deadlines bring.

Portland Fashion Week, which runs Friday, Oct. 19 to Wednesday, Oct. 24 features 33 designers, 25 of whom are local.

Dye will show her designs on Monday’s collaborative show titled “The Collections” alongside designers A Broken Spoke, Dayna Pinkham, Emily Ryan, Holly Stalder and Kate Towers, among others.

“Putting together a show is all about discipline,” she said. The trick, Dye explained, is narrowing down ideas for a particular show.

“I will wake up in the middle of the night with an idea or inspiration that is appropriate for fall or spring or good for living on my inspiration board for three years,” she said.

So what will next Monday look like for Dye?

“My rule is I can’t sew on the day of the show,” she said. “It is like a wedding day. I have to make myself eat.”

Sustainable fashion in Portland has been a buzzword in town for several years. Some designers have taken sustainability and applied it to every aspect of their business, but not all Portland designers stick to a strict sustainable diet of minimally processed and dyed fabrics.

“I also consider sustainable fashion to be living and working in the community where you sell your clothes,” Dye said.

Because Dye sells clothes from her own shop on NW 23rd Avenue, she cuts the environmental degradation common in the fashion industry by eliminating transport cost while maintaining that local connection to the community.

Portland designers have the freedom to be flexible within the city’s young industry. What Portland lacks in century-old traditions of textiles and couture is made up for with the value the community places on local talent.

“Portland and Paris fashion week don’t have much in common,” she said, “but that is good thing.”

Source:

Victoria Gooch is dressed in a black, tunic-style pantsuit and heels.

A Mimco cuff adorns her wrist, her hair is perfectly coiffed and her face made up, but not in an over-done way.

The fact that she looks this immaculate would not be so unusual for anyone in the fashion game … except that in her arms is her four-week-old baby boy, Mason, and it’s only 10am.

I’m in awe – and that’s even before I cast my eyes around the store and see some of the stunning pieces Victoria currently has in stock at her Maroochydore boutique, Eve.

Eve Boutique is located in one of Ocean Street’s original buildings. Polished floorboards and French-style boudoir chairs create the ambience of an exclusive dressing room.

Up until two years ago, this space was known as Victoria Ann Bridal. Victoria saw the possibility of widening the boutique’s appeal by incorporating cocktail, evening and racewear to the mix. And it’s a mix that works.

“It’s developed quite beautifully. We’ve got a nice little client base and a wide cross-section of women shop with us,” Victoria says.

“We still carry bridal lines, but we wanted to be a bridal boutique that wasn’t for production line brides.”

When sourcing designs for the boutique, Victoria says she looks for quality, a good cut, and interesting fabrics.

Eve is the only boutique on the Sunshine Coast where you’ll find Wayne Cooper.

“I made an effort to go down and actually meet Wayne and his team and, of course, to find out whether the product would work,” she says.

“There are certainly products that won’t work in here… the pieces that do work are from his formal Wayne Cooper label.”

These dresses sit well alongside other Australian labels such as Matthew Eager, Buonitta, Bang by Messina and Party.

“It’s so important to me to support Australian products. I think the fit is superior, the quality is superior and I think our designers are fabulous.”

A wide range of accessories, bags and shoes is stocked to complement the gorgeous frocks. Victoria is particularly excited about the millinery she has in store for the first time from Melbourne-based Ward & Wylie.

“I was just researching the internet for fascinators and everything I came across was the same old, same old.

“Then I clicked on this tiny link to Ward & Wylie and I clicked on this website and I said, ‘I had to have them’.

“When they arrived, I was just ecstatic. The quality is beautiful, they’re finished beautifully and the tags even refer to them as ‘she’ and ‘her’.

“They are for those who want the hat or fascinator to be the feature of their race day outfit.

“I only bought one of each style. I wanted them to be such that people would fall in love with them, wear them and put them on their dresser, look at them every day and just love them.”

Eve Boutique, 1 Ocean Street, Maroochydore; ph 5443 7472; www.eveboutique.com.au

Source: thedaily.com.au

My daughter is getting married in January. I would like to know what style and length a mother of the bride should wear. What colors are appropriate for a winter wedding? High heels are very painful since I got my leg hurt in a car accident. What choice do I have? Also, where do they have a good selection? Some stores don’t even have a dress department anymore.

– Lindy Sue, Homestead

The mother of the bride is expected to look appropriately festive for what is ostensibly a happy occasion, even if she thinks the groom leaves something to be desired. (And what mother — in her heart of hearts — doesn’t?)

For a traditional wedding, you will want to rely on dressy fabrics, such as silk, taffeta, polyester and brocade, to name a few. At more casual weddings, a breezy chiffon is fine.

The dresses are usually full-length, and often come with matching jackets or boleros. If not, make sure you have a pretty shawl or dressy sweater. If you can’t see yourself in anything other than a suit, make sure it’s memorable — with a metallic tint, sparkly adornment or shiny threads.

For winter weddings, you’ll want something in a more somber color — burgundy, blue, gray, black or just about any other wintry hue. Many mothers of the bride go for champagne or tawny — but for nuptials in January, go for one on the darker end of the spectrum.

This means you cannot shop the summer sales racks or the color will definitely be off.

Bigger, bulkier jewelry is also somewhat expected for the mother of the bride, and there’s nothing wrong with going for the costume variety.

If you don’t own any, start asking friends now because borrowed jewelry can be hard to nail down, especially since you’ll need a particular length and style to match your outfit.

Heel trouble is the easiest thing to remedy. Simply skip the stilettos. There’s no reason why you can’t find stylish flats or dress shoes with baby heels. Go to Saks, go to Shoe Rack, but just find something of relative comfort for eight hours.

Where to shop? Without knowing your budget, it’s hard to advise you. In general, smaller boutiques aren’t likely to carry formal gowns. Department store buyers, however, live to dress people for events like yours.

Got a fashion emergency? Send your questions to Herald fashion and style writer Kathryn Wexler by going to www.MiamiHerald.com and clicking on Tropical Life. Or by snail mail, 1 Herald Plaza, Miami, FL, 33132. Answers will appear online and in the Wednesday Style section.

Source: MiamiHerald

The most romantic weddings take place in small village churches – providing a picture-perfect setting for beautiful bridal gowns, says Hilary Alexander.

Photographs leaked from the set of the Sex and the City movie, currently being filmed, show that Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, Carrie Bradshaw, finally gets her ”Big” wedding.

Her dress, specially designed by our own Vivienne Westwood, is a picture-perfect bridal fantasy of corsetry and crinoline in ivory satin. But glamorous gown aside, the fact that the wedding (whether ”real” or, as has been suggested, part of a dream sequence) takes place in the middle of New York, tarnishes the gloss for me.

I felt the same about Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria’s choice of Paris as the setting for her metropolitan marriage last year – cities simply don’t inspire the imagination or set off beautiful wedding attire in the way that the countryside can.

I have a hopelessly romantic view of the perfect wedding, despite the fact that I have been married twice – on both occasions in a register office.

In my idealised nuptials, however, there is always a stone country church, preferably at least 300 years old and surrounded by meadows, a winding path from the lychgate to the ancient timbered doors, hinged in curlicued iron, and a series of stained glass windows through which the sun streams on to a flagstone floor.

This dream of the perfect country wedding is one that some couples achieve without any trouble, happily avoiding the thunder of traffic as they take their vows, or confetti falling on litter-strewn pavements as they make their first appearance as husband and wife.

Designer Alice Temperley chose the village church in Kingsbury Episcopi, close to her family’s farm in Somerset for her wedding to Lars von Bennigsen, co-founder of her company, in July 2000. She wore one of her own designs.

“It’s just so much more romantic and a little wilder in the country,” says Temperley. “You can have horses and carts, and people feel freer.”

In fact, ancient churches in rural locations have become a fashion pack favourite.

Former supermodel Claudia Schiffer, wearing Valentino, and film producer Matthew Vaughn chose the parish of St George’s, Shimpling, near their Suffolk home, for their wedding in May 2002. Stella McCartney – in an updated version of her mother Linda’s dress – and Alasdhair Willis travelled to the island of Bute, off the west coast of Scotland, for theirs in August 2003.

Fashion stylist Katy England, wearing Alexander McQueen, married Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie in a village church in Staffordshire in July last year, while Savannah Miller, designer sister of actress Sienna, and her eco-builder husband Nick Skinner, wed in Devon. Savannah wore a vintage dress by Jan Marie von Giebelhausen.

Even when the venue is grand, a countryside location is still favoured: Elizabeth Hurley’s Versace dress looked stunning against the splendour of Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire, where she married Arun Nayar in February; England football captain John Terry and Toni Poole, who wore a Steven Hakes creation, held their nuptials at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, while his team-mate Steven Gerrard married Alex Curran, who wore a £60,000 Elie Saab design, at Cliveden in the rolling hills of Buckinghamshire.

Many of the most atmospheric wedding venues are churches, but sadly, for all their picturesque beauty and traditional charm, such ceremonies are in decline. The 40 per cent drop – to just one in four of all weddings – has caused much discussion among representatives of the Church of England.

Four years ago, it began a promotional drive to market 16,000 parish churches as ideal marriage venues. The regulations that prevented a couple from marrying in any church except one in the parish where they lived or worshipped, unless they applied for a special licence, were relaxed by the General Synod in July.

The new rules simply require the bride or groom to provide a demonstrable connection to a chosen country parish church, such as having close relations living and worshipping nearby.

Well-known and particularly pretty parish churches, such as St Michael’s in Betchworth, near Dorking, Surrey – which featured in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral – and St Mary the Virgin in Turville, Bucks – from the television series The Vicar of Dibley – are likely to become increasingly popular.

Couples seeking a more remote, architecturally unusual or particularly deserving church will not baulk at more erudite research, such as Simon Jenkins’s bestseller, England’s Thousand Best Churches, or Sir Roy Strong’s latest work, A Little History of the English Country Church.

Your dream setting is just waiting to be found.

Country Wedding Tips

•Avoid heels if you are going to be anywhere near grass. Consider jewelled flat sandals, satin ballet pumps or even bare feet with flower garlands at the ankles.

•If your dress has a train, make sure someone sweeps the pathway and entrance, otherwise you are likely to end up trailing leaves and twigs all the way to the altar.

•The rules are generally a little more relaxed than they are in the city, so you will probably be able to scatter sequins and petals.

•Choose a more natural bouquet with ivy, smaller rambling roses and even wildflowers to echo the rural atmosphere, rather than a sophisticated spray of lilies.

•The Designer Wedding Show (box office: 0870 190 9098; designerweddingshow.co.uk) is at Battersea Park, London SW11, October 26-28

Source: Telegraph.co.uk

Jewellery (spelled jewelry in American English) refers to ornamental devices worn by persons, typically made with gems and precious metals. Costume jewelry is made from less valuable materials. However, jewelry can and has been made out of almost every kind of material. Examples include bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings, as well as items like hair ornaments or body piercing jewelry. Jewelry, particularly when made with precious materials, is generally considered valuable and desirable. Some cultures have a practice of keeping large amounts of wealth stored in the form of jewelry. Jewelry can also be symbolic, as in the case of Christians wearing a crucifix in the form of jewelry, or, as is the case in many Western cultures, married people wearing a wedding ring. And what can symbolize love and, of course, the wedding ceremony more than a diamond?

Diamonds are graded by four characteristics: cut, carat (weight), clarity, and color. All four of these properties determine how much a diamond is worth.

Cut - What is the proportion of the diamond? Round brilliant diamonds are commonly cut with 58 facets. The better proportioned these facets are on the diamond, the more light will be reflected back to the viewer’s eye. This is extremely important. When cut properly, the diamond will sparkle more. Diamond cuts are measured by the table percentage, so always ask for it. Cut also refers to the shape such as: round, pear, and oval.

Carat - How big is the diamond? Larger diamonds often cost more per carat due to their size. There are 100 points to a carat. Hence a 50 point diamond is 1/2 a carat. (There are 5 carats to a gram.)

Clarity - How clear is the stone? Clarity ranges from flawless (perfect) to I (included). Here is a summary:

Color - Diamond colors generally range from D - X for white and yellow diamonds. D is the whitest. Around S they become “Fancy” yellow Diamonds. One can also find green, pink, red, blue and brown diamonds - though these are usually irradiated.

Diamonds are often treated. If you are concerned about getting true value for your money, know what you are getting. Be sure to read the fine print.

Diamonds with inclusions are sometimes filled with glass to make them appear clearer. An inclusion is an imperfection internal to the diamond. Filler can be damaged by heat, ultrasonic cleaning, and by re-tipping. The filling does not repair the inclusion, it just makes it less visible. They can be painted to offset a yellow tinge. The paint wears off rather quickly.

Finally, now that you have that precious stone, here are some tips as to how to take care of it. Diamonds are often thought to be unshatterable. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Diamonds are brittle: If you hit a diamond hard, they WILL crack or chip if mishandled. Don’t wear your diamond when doing rough work.

Storage: Store diamonds separately. When stored with other jewelry, diamonds may scratch other jewelry (or each other).

Cleaning: The best method for cleaning is a jeweler’s polishing cloth. Many jewelers will clean your diamond ring for free if you are making another purchase in the store.

About The Author
Lisa Arons is a writer at http://Beautiful-Earrings.com where you can find a variety of articles and items including necklaces, rings and bracelets. Visit http://www.beautiful-earrings.com for additional jewelry information and merchandise.

The lush grounds of the Marriott Hotel played host to the city’s first glitzy Asian Wedding show. The sequin-spangled spectacular featured a range of traders showcasing their exotic and vibrant wares.

Beautifully-embroidered saris and luxurious lenghas transformed the hotel, in Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, into a treasure trove of Eastern delights all under one roof.

Would-be brides and bridegrooms were serenaded by live music and were able to get advice and tips from wedding planners, photographers, florists, beauticians and fashion designers.

People looking for last-minute finishing touches to their wedding dos were also inspired by the razzle-dazzle of the free event.

Source: The Evening Telegraph

Planning to marry during the summer months but worried about getting too much sun? Are your bridesmaids sun-averse? Look no further than Bella Umbrella for your solution!

Parasols are fashion-forward and good for more than just decorating fruity drinks. With Bella Umbrella, you have the option to rent vintage umbrellas and parasols or purchase your own. On Bella Umbrella, the bridal parasols are mainly for rent for anywhere from $10 to $20, but there are lots of fun options for sale. Consider this for your bridesmaids in place of a bouquet — how cute would they be sauntering down the aisle and posing with it in front of them?

I guess there are some obstacles, such as if your guests use them, will they block the views of other guests? Will it look silly if everyone holds their parasol differently? Can your maid of honor hold yours and hers while you kiss your groom? If you’re teeny-tiny, could a gust of wind blow you away? I just keep thinking of the photo op this presents, and I think it could be fantastic for the right wedding.

Talento Kanda Uno (32) had her long-awaited wedding in Tokyo yesterday. She married pachinko mogul Nishimura Takuro (37) in a traditional shinto ceremony at Meiji Jingu shrine.

The ceremony was followed by a hugely extravagant reception downtown at the Hotel New Otani. A lucky 777 friends and fellow celebrity guests were invited to the reception and bridal fashion show that is said to have cost ¥600 million (771 actually turned up). Kanda wore a 105-carat diamond and platinum tiara, necklace and earring set that arrived just days before from Antwerp and cost some ¥300 million.

Kanda’s friend Ohguro Maki (37) performed a ballad she had composed specially for the occasion, leaving both the bride and groom in tears. The couple have not yet registered their marriage and plan to do so on October 13, an auspicious taian day on the traditional calendar.

The daughter of a bureaucrat, Kanda entered the world of showbiz in 1992. After many years as a regular on the variety show circuit, recently she has been working more as a fashion designer. Yesterday’s reception featured dozens of her bridal designs. She has never made a secret of her taste for the high life and there was never any doubt that she would marry into money. Nishimura is the founder of the major Nittaku chain of pachinko parlors, with annual sales of ¥200 billion.

Source: JapanZone

“Sometimes it’s harder to commit to the dress than it is to the fiancé.” - Ronnie Rothstein.

Say Yes to the Dress reveals the inner workings of the world’s premier bridal salon, Kleinfeld Bridal. Part fashion show, part bridal story, part family therapy, we uncover the hurdles every staff member faces to make each bride completely satisfied on what may be the single most important day of their lives.

Watch as a team of specialists guide brides through the process of selecting, fitting, altering and delivering each flawless dress in time for the perfect day. It’s not a stress-free endeavor, but somehow by the final fitting Kleinfeld pulls all of the details together. Part docusoap surrounding the shop, but more the fascinating tales of the women who are in search of the most important dress they’ll ever buy.

Gloves for the bride. Elegant, flattering … practical, too, if your beautiful 19th-century stone church is a tad drafty. Glove length is traditionally measured in “buttons”, running from the 2-button “shorty”, which ends at the wrist, to the 21-button full-arm glove, which goes right up to the armpits.

The length most often seen in bridal wear is the “opera” length, to the middle of your upper arm. Tradition dictates that these long gloves are not put on or taken off in public. (Too seductive for polite company, don’t you know.)

Well, this presents the bride with a problem: If you can’t take it off, how do you get the ring on?It’s unlikely to fit over the glove, besides looking just plain goofy. Tradition has an answer to that, too, and it means you can’t use a modern glove of spandex or lycra — you’ll have to go with the old-style lace, kid leather, or satin, complete with mousquetaire.

Mousquetaire: handy little set of buttons, which enable you to open the glove at the wrist, fold the glove back, and free your hand. Still elegant, still flattering, and with accessible fingers! Tradition: it thinks of everything!

Source: Aisledash.com

Because of the growth of the revenue from salin bridal gowns, David’s Bridalshop decided to sale on-line a line of 14 beautiful bridal gowns. The new fashion trend in the area it is recognized in this dresses but also the good price that they have (it starts from $99 up to $ 200).

According to recent studies,online sales of wedding gowns accounted for 5.5% of sales in 2006, with6.5% projected for 2007 - a potential increase of nearly 20% in just oneyear. In response to this growing trend and in an effort to meet the needsand preferences of today’s brides-to-be, David’s Bridal - the nation’sforemost bridal retailer - recently launched the db Online Collection, thecompany’s foray into selling bridal dresses via their website. Theimpressive collection of fourteen beautiful new bridal styles is soldexclusively at www.davidsbridal.com.

With prices starting at $99 and most dresses retailing for under $200,the db Online Collection offers affordable luxury with new trend-drivenstyles, available in either white or ivory. A dress featuring color accentswill be added later this month. The collection offers a multitude ofsilhouettes ranging from A-line to ball gown to sheath, and all styles areavailable in missy sizes (2 - 16) and David’s Bridal Woman sizes (14W -26W). Images and video are shown on both missy and plus size models so allbrides can easily visualize their wedding day look. An online fit andsizing guide helps customers find the perfect style for their body type andpersonality.

As part of the company’s ongoing effort to add value and improve thebridal shopping experience, David’s creative team implemented an innovativeidea for capturing the beautiful movement of the db Online Collectiondresses. The industry leader is among the first to integrate cutting-edge”motion” technology that enables fashion photographs to seamlessly come tolife right on the product pages. Using this unique feature, brides can seehow each dress will move and how it will appear from all angles, withoutthe interference of a pop-up or video player. To further enhance theshopping experience and provide a better feel for the intricate dressdetails, brides are able to zoom into product images to view theembellishments and fabrics. Brides can also “virtually try on” dresses inthe db Online Collection using David’s proprietary Dress Your Wedding tool.

The introduction of the db Online Collection gives brides-to-be theability to select from an even greater assortment of high-quality, elegantstyles for their big day, from the comfort and convenience of their ownhome. Each dress is specially constructed with an easy, flattering fitdesigned to boost confidence in online ordering and ensure the dressesarrive in “ready to wear” condition.

In addition to the launch of the db Online Collection, David’s recentlyadded online product ratings and reviews to the entire David’s Bridalassortment, using their signature “heart” logo in lieu of “stars.”Customers can easily enter their review of products and upload associatedphotos or videos, allowing all website visitors the ability to shareopinions and gain insight from real brides’ experiences.

“The launch of db Online Collection and additional online featuresemphasize David’s Bridal’s commitment to providing an unparalleledselection of beautiful styles, at affordable prices, to best suit brides’shopping habits,” says Robert Huth, President and CEO of David’s Bridal.”The David’s Bridal name promises superior quality and fashion-forwarddesign, as well as the ultimate in shopping convenience. We’re pleased tocontinue to enhance the customer experience for our brides and arecommitted to expanding our online offerings in 2008.”

Every db Online Collection style is available for immediate deliveryand may be returned via mail only (seewww.davidsbridal.com for shippingand return details). Online bridal gown customers are entitled to David’sBridal Rewards savings and are encouraged to visit any of the 280+nationwide David’s Bridal stores to complete their wedding day look withalterations, accessories and bridal party attire. For additionalconvenience, davidsbridal.com also offers coordinating invitations, giftsand favors to further personalize a bride’s big day, as well as links topartner websites that offer gift registry, travel, photography and otherservices.

About David’s Bridal
With more than 50 years of bridal experience, David’s Bridalunderstands the importance of providing brides-to-be with a vast selectionof exquisitely crafted dresses, available at affordable prices. Today, withmore than 280 locations nationwide, David’s Bridal continues to expand itsretail store locations, while maintaining its philosophy of superiorquality, value and service. To locate a store nearby, consumers can call1-877-693-BRIDE or visit www.davidsbridal.com

Source: David’s Bridal

These are good times. When you can literally shop till you drop and yet be eager for more. Trousseau shopping is all about indulgence and why not? So what will it be for the brides-to-be this year? Should you opt for a body-hugging corset or play it safe with a contemporary choli? Does it make sense to hold on to your mother’s jadau jewellery or invest instead in a diamond set? What colour codes to stick to and what shoes to pick…phew, who said shopping was going to be easy! But we prefer you banish the blues and go by this guide-book. We found the answers with our designer frat in the city and here’s a compilation of the top ten must-haves, must-flaunts for the bride-to-be. Go on, get that shopping list ready!

1. VELVET: The soft and silky fabric moves away from cozy razais and makes an appearance on all ensembles formal. Yes, velvet, the fabric that died away on the trend-o-meter some years back is clocking big again. “It’s a rich look that sells well for velvet. I recommend at least, one formal outfit in this fabric a must for every trousseau,” advises Sector 8 based designer Babi Grewal. From suits to sarees to Indo-Westerns, take your pick.

2. KALIDAAR: This trend seems to have come a full circle. Remember the Anaarkali suits that boasted of umpteen ‘kalis’? Well, time to pull it back from the design books. “Kalidaar suits with a tight churidaar are a wise investment,” feels designer Poonam Sood, who runs her store in Sector 22. She also recommends dipping deeper into the colour palette. “For a trousseau, a kalidaar suit can be styled in rich colours with traditional zardozi and even brocade,” adds the designer.

3. CLUTCH: This one’s still retained its hold on the must-have list. “Clutches are classic buys,” says Col (retd) ADS Gill of GADS Leather in Sector 7, that stocks up on a smart collection of the same. “Clutches come in a variety of avatars but I suggest a classic gold or black one for a trousseau. Also, an increasing number of brides are getting potlis matching with their lehenga for the D-day,” adds Col Gill. For more casual wear, big bags are best, and remember metallica is the colour for the year.

4. LINGERIE: Trousseau shopping is incomplete without some super sexy lingerie. From “teddy sets” to “doll” nighties, the trend for cute yet naughty nightwear continues. “Essentials today include seven-piece sleep-ins to net nighties,” mentions Dolly Singh, who runs her lingerie store Attractions and is deluged with young brides asking for colourful innerwear. “Some time back black and gold colours were the only choices, today trousseau should boast of mutli-colour sets,” says Singh and adding, “Satin and lace rule but one must include sensible stuff too like a T-shirt bra.”

5. PHULKARI: It’s a must for every Punjabi bride. Only this traditional ensemble has undergone some changes. “For one, it’s no longer restricted to just an odhni,” is what city-based wedding stylist and designer Honii Sandhu has to tell us. More recently, Sadhu designed a Phulkari lehenga for a bride and has her hands full designing Phulkari outfits. “One Phulkari piece is essential in a trousseau and I feel a bride shouldn’t get all the outfits in her trousseau stitched at once, some are best kept for later,” is Honii’s advice.

6. THE VANITY CASE: Now’s the perfect time to splurge on the best make-up and fragrances. “Brides have to keep the glow intact even after the wedding. So it’s wise to invest in some good make-up essentials like mascara, compact, blush-ons and yes a good mix of lipsticks in a variety of colours,” mentions make-up expert Bhavna. Also since perfumes will leave a dent in the wallet, make sure you select classics that best suit you. Estee Lauder, Davidoff, Chanel and Burberry are good picks.

7. STILETTOS: The six-inch heel is back! Steer clear of platforms and opt instead for some sky-scrapers that are must for a trousseau. The market is brimming with tie-ups, wedges and stilettos and the latest trend is the bejeweled look. So let your toes toe in line too! As for colours, make sure you pack in gold and silver to play safe.

8. SO SARI: Your trousseau will be incomplete with the seven yards. Babi recommends holding on to traditional weaves as brocade and short silks are fast riding up the trend charts. “Colours like beige and cream are also finding their way into a trousseau and there’s nothing like a sheer saree accentuated with small bead work,” is Babi’s suggestion.

9. JEWELS: When it comes to baubles, the bride for the year can forget minimalism. Divya Gurwara, CEO, Bridal Asia and an expert on bridal trends says, “You are the bride and must look every bit it. Nothing works better than kundan. But choose carefully, because some of the stuff available can look tacky. So opt for jadau with polki diamonds. Nath, tikka, jhoomar… go for it all. In fact, these are the only things you should load on.” Time to raid your grand ma’s locker, no?

10. The Cocktail Dress: Forget all black. In fact, a muted gold smock is this year’s answer to last year’s tunic. “Kurtis are passé and smocks, a more elder and subtler version of the frock is this year’s pick,” mentions Prabhdip Brar, head of fashion at NIIFT. Trousseau should pack in a smock highlighted with muted gold, which Brar feels is the which Brar feels is the colour to flaunt. If you are edgy about a short dress, team it up with ciggie pants or tights. Now, wasn’t this easy?

Colour to flaunt. If you are edgy about a short dress, team it up with ciggie pants or tights. Now, wasn’t this easy?

Source: ExpressIndia.com

HE’S used to designing for royalty - both of the Windsor and Hollywood varieties - working with everyone from Princess Diana to Elizabeth Taylor. But, when it comes to demanding customers, David Emanuel says they are nothing compared to the forthright females he met at the Trafford Centre.

“They definitely tell you straight what they think,” he laughs. “Whereas my couture clients might be a little more, let’s say, tactful.”

The women he saw on his recent jaunt up north weren’t multi-millionaires, flashing a gold card and asking for extra sequins on their evening gowns.

In fact, the dressmaker to the stars was here to meet customers at bargain-hunters’ chain Bonmarché.

Yes, it’s possibly one of the last places in the fashion universe you’d expect to find the man behind Princess Diana’s wedding dress.

But it’s where he has chosen to launch his first high street range, lending his name to a new designer collection in 100 Bonmarché stores.

He’s certainly not the first designer to collaborate with the high street, following Stella McCartney for H&M and Giles Deacon at New Look. But why Bonmarché? Nobody would argue it’s at the fashion frontline.

Down-to-earth

“I’ve had other chains approach me but guarded my name fiercely. But the Bonmarché people were very professional and lovely to work with.

“I’d never been in any of the stores when they first asked me so I went round a couple and visited them. I could clearly see it needed something. It’s clear that the customer base was an older lady and there’s nothing wrong with that. These ladies want stylish things but they also want a good price.”

Deal done he started designing a stylish, yet mature, range to add a bit of class to the plain chain. However, despite decades of experience in the fashion industry, he still had a lot to learn about high street prices.

Not too pricey

“Let’s be brutally honest - people are only prepared to spend a certain amount nowadays,” he says. “If a lady wants a one-off piece they come to me and they have to spend a lot of money, that’s understood.

“But on the high street they want a bargain. I could design the most wonderful things but they won’t work if they aren’t the right price. We’ve been careful to keep it between £10 and £70 max.”

However, his new found love of the high street does know some bounds.

While he reckons high street ranges from trained designers are a bonus for fashion-savvy customers, he’s none too pleased about other famous faces, like Kate Moss at Topshop or Lily Allen at New Look, wading in.

“I’m a trained designer, as is Stella McCartney, and we design clothes. It’s the other people who muddy the waters, I don’t have time for that. I’m sorry but you would need to be a trained architect to design a building wouldn’t you?”

No fan of celeb ranges

Of course, he will always be remembered for Diana’s famous wedding dress of taffeta and antique lace, with its 25ft train, which he designed with then-wife Elizabeth.

But for now, he says, he’s happy to be working on something a little less grand.

“Undoubtedly, Diana’s wedding dress was the ultimate highlight. I never realised I would always be linked with it. But I like to move to on the next challenge.

“I’ve been very lucky in my career, it’s a thrill to dress Madonna and Elizabeth Taylor. But they have an open cheque book. Here the challenge is to get the clothes out looking stylish but at a price that’s affordable.”

Source: Manchester Evening News

Moments that highlight many a wedding day is to suffer from nerves. This is not unusual due to the fact that this is the one day in your life when all eyes are upon you. It is the bride that will always will be the centre of attention at the wedding and why not with all the effort put into looking fabulous. Nerves affect many brides mainly due to worry of everything going according to plan. Well if you have planned your wedding day with careful thought then you need not worry.

Before the mention of accessories lets talk on the item we would like to accessorize and that is the wedding gown. Choosing your wedding dress without doubt has to be wonderful experience with so many stunning designs and styles to choose from. We now need to highlight areas that need to be considered when selecting what is going to be the perfect wedding dress.

What you have to keep in mind when choosing your gown, wrong choice - wrong image - wrong you. Different gown styles are not particularly designed with you in mind so all that glitters is not gold meaning, no matter how glamorous some of the gowns are does not mean it is going to be the ideal wedding dress for you. Your shape figure height are important issues that need to be looked into before committing to buy. Take along a member of family or friend to help you pick the dress that will give you the perfect look.

If the wedding dress you see adorned on the mannequin/dummy standing in the bridal shop window catches your eye do not act on impulse. Just because it looks great on the dummy does not necessarily mean it will on you. We can not have you looking like a clown in your gown.

Can dreams come true, yes. You will go to the ball Cinderella. Fairy godmothers do exist armed with needle and cotton to conjure up the dress you may have always dreamed of wearing? All you have to do is to provide the details of the fabric colour and style you would like and with her magic needle you get to walk down the aisle where your prince charming awaits in the gown of your dreams. A good thing by having your wedding dress tailor made is because any alterations to meet the requirements of your comfort level can be done at your own leisure. The seamstress can advise you on certain materials and fabric for your wedding gown.

White/ivory/ beige are favoured colours for a wedding dress. Accessories protrude an air of elegance when worn up against these shades. Neutral/pastel colours are so easy to coordinate with the bridesmaids attire.

Looking through magazines to gather ideas will keep you updated with all the wedding fashion gossip.

No bridal gown on a dummy will ever look as good as the real thing nor do the get to walk down the aisle. So there you have it, choosing the ideal dress you have perfection. Now go knock them dead because today the worlds your (oyster) another lovely shade for the gown.

After hours of research I found this fabulous site and hey what do you know everything you could possibly need is all here to make your wedding day special..Well worth a visit dont just take my word for it http://www.your-wedding-planning-help.com.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kacy_Carr

Jewelry is one of the oldest and most widespread type of accessory. It is made from materials of particular beauty or rarity, providing the person who wears it with elegance and style. Today, women have a lot of accessories to choose from and the Internet is perhaps the best place to find interesting items.

Somewhere around 1890, a daring young man invented an automatic cutting machine and paved the way for crystal jewelry. His name was Daniel Swarovski and up to this day this brand holds one of the biggest collections of crystal sculptures, jewelry and chandeliers. With the passing of time, new techniques were discovered and Swarovski earned a name in the field of luxury crystal jewerly.

The advent of the Internet allowed people to avoid those long, dreadful hours spent shopping. This type of shopping is enjoyed by many people not only because it is time-efficient, but also because of the wide range of products available online. Today, there are plenty of websites providing various Swarovski crystals and introducing the world to high-quality jewelry items.

The history of Swarovski crystals is long and rich in detail. Since its appearance, many generations have worn these priceless objects with delicate and refined features. In order to keep up with the latest trends imposed by the fashion stylists, designers have started to successfully mix classic designs with modern and innovative ideas, resulting in amazing collections and attracting customers worldwide.

There is no doubt that Swarovski crystals available for sale online are extremely popular. Fashion styles have changed over years and these jewelry items have managed to be just as popular no matter what. On the Internet, one can find incredible selections suitable for various occassions including anniversaries or weddings. Wearing Swarovski crystals is a true demonstration of style and the incomparable crystal purity is what mainly draws women to them.

Crystal jewelry has been used as adornment since a couple of centuries ago and Swarovski crystals do not make any exception. The possibility to find exactly what you want online, among all the available Swarovski crystals, increases if a lot of patience is dedicated to Internet searches, but even without a lot of effort, there are still plenty of options out there. Women now have a ton of choices and every item has a special price. The popularity of these crystal beads comes as no surprise; quality jewelry is something everybody wants to have and evey fashion movement includes.

Swarovski crystals are cut in a very special way in order to refract as much light as possible. Also, experts add some sort of chemical coating in order to increase that effect. There are many popular coatings including Aurora Borealis, Volcano and Aurum. All of them serve to the creation of these wonderful pieces of jewelry, famous for their beauty and uniqueness all over the globe.

Regarding the most recent fashion trends, the Internet has given us some insight. Beads are in style now and online there are a lot of Swarovski beads waiting to be bought. They come in all shapes and sizes, being full of color and leading a true revolution in the jewelry industry. The demands are higher and higher, many women considering beads as voguish and sparkling.

Swarovski beads are some of the most beautiful crystal jewelry. They are made of the finest materials and are more than brilliant. Every day, women purchase such products being profoundly interested in their general appearance. They want to do everything they can to improve their looks and beads can really help in that matter.

When Daniel Swarovski created the more than famous brand, he wasn’t aware how long the tradition was going to survive. The beads however have become extremely popular. Online shopping of Swarovski beads has proven to be a great alternative for busy jewelry enthusiasts, offering enticing jewelry pieces.

Jive Jewelry is a Canadian based online jewelry retailer featuring the latest in stunning sterling silver jewelry, sparkling Swarovski crystal jewelry and fabulous bridal jewelry. Jive Jewelry works directly with jewelry manufacturers throughout the world to guarantee great selection, and even better prices.

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Qatar Expo Events Management announced The International Wedding Exhibition & Fashion Show Doha (IWED) 2008, Qatar’s first major wedding event, to be held from 4th to 7th May 2008 in the New Qatar International Exhibition Center.

With more than 100 stands, IWED is open to both wedding professionals and the public. Visitors will discover a vast range of high quality wedding products and services from wedding planners, fashion designers, wedding gift suppliers, flower designers, honeymoon organizers, footwear designers, catering companies, jewelry designers, hair and beauty products & stylists and hotel groups.

Fernando De Guama, Qatar Expo’s Director of Exhibitions and Events commented: ‘IWED is set to become one of the Middle East wedding industry’s leading events. The Qatari wedding industry alone is now worth US$ 400 million each year. Wedding is part of the service industry that is set to grow to meet the growing number of population resulting from the countries development.’

‘IWED will feature the very best international wedding products here in Doha. While there will be a strong focus on European design, notably French and Italian, these will feature alongside the latest ideas from the Middle East. There will be so much going on at IWED you could literally plan your entire wedding in one day,’ stated De Guama.

IWED highlight will be the twice-daily Fashion Show featuring elegant wedding gowns, evening wear designs, brought to you by leading fashion designers from the regional and international markets.

In addition, IWED features seminars presenting the latest hair and make up styles by well known make up artists from Egypt, Lebanon and Qatar.

Source: CNN

Find the perfect engagement ring, wedding bands, wedding day jewelry and jewelry gifts, along with great ideas and advice.

Buy bridal wedding jewelry, including rhinestone and crystal tiaras. Free wedding planner information also available!

Affordable wedding jewelry, wedding accessories, wedding jewelry for bridesmaids and the bridal party and bridesmaid gifts. You will find unique pearl necklaces, diamond and …

Although jewellery has reportedly been a g hit with men over the past years, men wearing excessive jewellery can hardly be called a phenomenon. Wearing earrings, rings, bracelets or necklaces is usu…

In the Muslim wedding tradition, the Muslim brides are given much importance as the Muslim grooms. It is the bride’s family that takes the first step towards the groom’s side to fix the marriage.

Carrie Bradshaw is getting married — or at least that’s what new sneak photos from the set of the Sex and the City movie seem to show. Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays the fashion-obsessed Bradshaw, was snapped yesterday stepping out of a New York apartment in an extravagant Zac Posen wedding dress, before taking a limo to the wedding set.

Joining her were castmates Charlotte (Kristin Davis), Samantha (Kim Cattrall) and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), quashing rumours that Cattrall had not returned to the set since an on-set bust-up last month.

However, there was no sign of Mr Big (Chris Noth) in the wedding scene — despite previous scenes of them together holding hands — sparking speculation over the groom’s identity.

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Chris Noth was spotted on-set last week with Davis, whose character Charlotte will be pregnant in the movie.

But Charlotte may not be the only character who will sport a baby bump.

OK! Magazine reported a witness’s account of a scene where Carrie flanked in a flattering peach dress balancing in towering high heels is walking with her best friend Stanford (Willie Garson) before they run into Bitsy Von Muffling (Julie Halston).

“Carrie Bradshaw pregnant! Mazel Tov! When is it? September? October?” Von Muffling blurts out.

However, the UK magazine reported a subsequent take of the scene revealed a different story.

For the full story, fans will have to wait until the movie hits American screens in May 2008.

Source: ninemsn

White silk, lace, embroidery, petticoats… what does your dream wedding gown look like? Have you found the person who will make it for you?

When you ask around the first name that usually comes up is Vera Wang. This creative and talented artist often went with her mother to fashion shows in Paris. She got frustrated with the lack of fashion in bridal wear and decided to create her own shop. Today she is the hottest name in this industry, dressing such glamorous ladies for their nuptials as Jessica Simpson, Mariah Carey, Vanessa Williams and Sharon Stone.

Another name to watch out for in bridal fashion is Monique Lhuillier. This lady always wanted to be a fashion designer. She attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising but didn’t go into designing wedding gowns until after she designed her own wedding dress and then she decided to get into this business. Today she designs gowns for such celebrities as Britney Spears, Christine Baumgartner (wife of Kevin Costner), Natalie Imbruglia and Charlotte Ross.

Now, you may be saying to yourself that you can’t afford the price tag of these designers. You may be surprised. While it’s true that to ask these designers to make a gown specifically for you would be expensive, you can get their designs off the rack, so to speak in places like Saks Fifth Avenue and Nieman Marcus. You can also check out the online stores for wedding gowns made by these wonderful designers.

Quite a number of brides don’t wish to waste their gowns, sitting in their closets, just mouldering. That would be a shame. Their generosity, your find, an absolute treasure. Check out the bargains to be had from purchasing used wedding gowns created by these very same designers. They are absolutely beautiful and can make you feel absolutely glamorous on your wedding day without breaking your bank.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lesley-Ann_Graham

If you know any little girls you’ll probably know by know that their hair will stay picture perfect for about ten minutes before they’ve had a play with it and undone all your hairdressers good work. A good wash and comb should really suffice and then top off with a pretty hairband. It’s easy to slide into place time and time again. This one features parchment flowers with organza ribbon and beading. £19.99 at Aaryanna Designs.

Source: Bridalwave

If you’re into fashion at all, you’ll probably have noticed that wide headbands have made a real comeback in recent months, and it’s a trend that’s now been adapted for brides by none other than Isaac Mizrahi for Target. This wide satin headband is available in champagne and white and is just $12.99. This will create a pretty, “Alice-in-Wonderland” type of look which is very off-the-moment, and while it’s perhaps not the most glamorous of bridal looks, it’s definitely different, and could be a nice choice for your attendants if you don’t fancy trying it out yourself.

Source: Bridalwave

Spring Fab Bridal Expo is the Cape’s biggest and most upmarket fashion, accessory, beauty and bridal event of the year. Now showcased twice annually due to demand.

Exhibitors
Top Fashion Designers
Co-ordinators
Companies specialising in:
Hair and Make-up
Accessories/Jewellers
Artists
unique bridal Haute Couture
Fashion Boutiques
Designers of invites
Reception Venues
Hiring Services
Flower Art Specialists
Function Designers
Video/Photographers
Magazines and Directories
Wedding Registries
Health/Beauty Services
Honeymoon Destinations
Caterers

Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre
Dates: 27th and 28th October 2007
Times: Saturday 27th : 09h00 - 17h30 Sunday 28th: 09h00 - 17h00
Entrance Fee: R50 Adults, Children under 12 Free
Contact: Carin Brynard
Tel: +27 21 981 4737

Modern weddings are filled with customs and traditions. One of the most celebrated wedding traditions involves the tossing of the wedding garter. The practice of garter-tossing dates back to as early as the mid-fourteenth century. In order to confirm the union was consummated, it was customary for a family member to retrieve a piece of the bride’s clothing, particularly an undergarment. It was believed that the piece of clothing would bring good luck to the person who received it. Through the years the tradition was altered, as the bride was often rushed and had her clothing torn off as guests fought for the coveted prize.

The “garter,” which was a garment used to hold up stockings, became the sought-after item. This tradition evolved as the groom began removing the garter and tossing it to the guests so they would not endanger the bride. Fortunately we still practice this very tradition today. The bride typically wears the garter on her right leg as the groom removes it during the reception. He then tosses the garter to the single men in attendance. The gentleman who catches the garter is the proud recipient of the “good luck” and is said to be the next to be married.

While some brides continue with the traditional garter custom, others will wear two garters: one to be removed at the reception for tossing and the other to be kept as a keepsake of her wedding day.
Many brides decide to make their garters blue so they have “something old, something new, something borrowed and something BLUE.” However, this isn’t entirely necessary. Any bride can still use traditional white garters and even create garters in colors to match their wedding themes. Garters today are even personalized with your names and wedding date to make it a perfect keepsake.

There are an unlimited ways to customize your wedding garter. So when your wedding day is here, continue the customary garter tradition, or start your own!

Source: MyGarter.com

Everyone has heard the age-old saying, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”. These items are supposed to bring a bride good luck and happiness in her marriage. You can incorporate these things into your wedding in many creative ways.

Your wedding dress can serve as any of the four requirements. Many brides wear a new dress, but you could opt for a vintage one if it fits with the style of your wedding. You could also borrow your mother’s dress, or that of another friend or relative. Wedding dresses are not required to be white or ivory any more, so a blue dress is an option if you so desire.

If you love vintage jewelry, it’s a great way to incorporate something old with style. Online auctions are often a good place to find antique earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and even hair accessories. Your local antique store is also a great source for vintage jewels. Just make sure that whatever you choose fits into your wedding’s theme and your dress’s style.

Something new is rarely a big concern on your wedding day. If you are not wearing a new dress, you probably have a new piece of jewelry or pair of shoes. If these are all old or borrowed, go out and buy a pair of pantyhose to serve as something new.

Your borrowed item could be just about anything. Jewelry is popular for this purpose as well, so if your family or friends have any jewelry that you’ve been dying to borrow, now is a good time to ask. If your mother or sister still has her garter, she would likely consider it an honor to lend it to you for your wedding day.

Something blue is often the trickiest thing to come up with. Garters often come in blue, but if you really don’t want a blue garter, don’t wear one just for that. Blue shoes are an option if they will look good with your dress. Hair pins or barrettes would work as well. If blue doesn’t match your clothing or theme at all, you could always wear blue underwear or a piece of jewelry with a small blue stone.

There is another part of the “something old” saying that many people are unaware of. It calls for “a silver sixpence in her shoe”. A sixpence is an old British coin that is no longer minted, so it could be hard to find. You could substitute a dime or old penny. You can also find keepsake sixpence coins at specialty shops. Or if you want to follow the saying to the letter, check with coin shops or online.

The something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue tradition is all about symbolism. It encourages the bride to remember her family, friends, and past while looking forward to her new life with her husband. Finding a way to work each of these things into your wedding attire can be fun and memorable.

Source: Bridalocity

Ballerinas and bridal gowns. Canadian designer Justina McCaffrey regularly pairs the two for her New York runway shows.

McCaffrey, dubbed Canada’s Vera Wang, brought her unconventional fashion show to Edmonton for the first time Sunday for the Bridal Expo at the Shaw Conference Centre.

She says she prefers putting dancers instead of stick-thin models into her dresses because dancers are more healthy looking, more average looking.

“They’re also just better people, more earnest and eager to work for you,” says the designer who still takes the occasional class with the National Ballet.

Her dresses, exclusively available at The Bridal House Couture in Commerce Place, feature high busts and little waists made to flatter the female figure and make her look five pounds lighter, McCaffrey says.

Each style is made of 100 per cent white, ivory or greyish blue silk and features French lace made on 100-year-old looms, freshwater pearls and swarovski crystals.

Because each dress costs between $2,000 and $5,000, they are sometimes marketed as society wedding gowns, but McCaffrey says her desired bride is someone comfortable running through fields and who loves to laugh a lot.

Source: edmontonjournal.com

As the wedding season kickstarts this October, the pioneer in the bridal fair in India ”Bridal Asia” is all set to unveil the wedding extravaganza in its tenth edition.

The three-day wedding fair will begin from October 16 here. In a preview to celebrate the occasion, collections for the wedding season by some of the key participants were showcased at the Grand.

The fair will have the best of exclusive designer bridal wear, semi-formal and pret ensembles, sarees, accessories, jewellery and lifestyle products from the Asian sub-continent, all showcased under one roof.

The USP of the forthcoming show, Bridal Asia CEO Divya Gurwara said, would be the ”upbeat trousseau” presented by the designers, especially created for the ”young and chic brides”.

”Our designers have experimented a lot by mixing the concept of classic Indian bride with new trends,” she said.

Besides a flamboyant couture, the fair promises to provide the buyers with a varied range of exquisite jewellery, accessories and bridal gifts.

The preview got a sneak peek into the newest collection of Ara by designer Riddhima Kapoor, daughter of actors Rishi and Neetu Kapoor, and Devyani Bajoria.

Talking about her bridal range, Ms Kapoor said, ”This year we have kept our bridal trousseau very basic which makes the entire range wearable.” The colour pallette varies from brightest reds to pastel shades and black in sync with the free flowing fabrics like georgettes, lycra, chiffons among other fabrics.

The collection further emphasises on the revival of the traditional Indian embroidery with gota work, mukaesh and sequence designs taking the limelight.

The other designers who presented their collection were Bhairavi Jaikishan and Nalandda Bhandari.

Their collection reflected a perfect melange of modern silhouettes and old world charm with colour pallettes ranging from classic ivory, peach, saffron, sunset yellow to various shades of pink and red.

Calling her collection ”minimalist and simple yet beautiful,” Ms Bhandari caught the eye with her tunic tops and yellow evening dresses.

Balancing the minimalist look promoted by the designers, jewellery and accessory designer Malini Agarwalla’s Malaga conquered the preview with her stunning collection of precious stones studded belts and bags.

”Malaga specialises in handcrafted bags, belts, footwear and fashion jewellery with rich embellishments of jewelled pieces, embroidery, beadwork and zardozi,’’she said.

Source: NewKerala.com

The bride is the center of attraction on her wedding day and it is important for her to look her best on that special occasion. Therefore bridal jewelry, chosen tastefully and worn properly, will surely add complement to her wedding dress and make her look as beautiful as any bride should be.

Jewelry refers to ornaments worn by persons, typically made with gems and precious metals. Jewelries worn symbolize the events, the culture, quality and the temperament of the wearer. For instance jewelry, particularly made with precious materials, is generally considered valuable and desirable and the rest are less expensive and are called costume jewelry. It can also be symbolic, as in the case of Christians wearing a crucifix in the form of jewelry, or, as is the case in many Western cultures, married people wearing a wedding ring. Whatever be the reason or events bridal jewelry needs extra attention.

Bridal jewelry can include old piece of jewelry that had once been owned by his mother, grandmother, or past brides in his family or can be from the collection of new or both can be used judiciously. Antique jewelry that has been passed down to brides in the family from generation to generation would reinforce a sense of family, tradition and continuity in a wedding ceremony. And if the bride prefer to go for the latest jewelry then there are thousands of bridal jewelry stores, both the Internet e-commerce sites and bricks-and-mortar stores, offering a dazzling array of accessories to make the bride shine on her wedding day.

And what can add additional sparkle on the wedding ceremony more than a diamond? Diamonds are ranked by four characteristics: cut, carat (weight), clarity, and color that determine the worth of a diamond. Watch out for the better-proportioned facets that are responsible for the sparkle. Carat is another important characteristic feature of a diamond. A carat means 100 points and 5 carats make a gram. And the last is the clarity. The color of the diamond ranges from D-X for white and yellow diamonds but one can also find green, pink, red, blue and brown diamonds that are usually treated to bring the variety. Not to be duped while making a purchase for the diamond jewelry and get the true value for your money does not overlook the fine print. Diamonds are sometimes filled with glass to camouflage the inclusion and make them appear clearer which can be damaged by heat, ultrasonic cleaning, and by re-tipping. Store your diamond jewelry with precious care because they are brittle and get damaged if handled roughly.

Source: articopia.com