Wedding Gowns & Bridal Fashion

Growth in sales of pashminas for weddings and bridesmaid gifts has increased by at least 40% a year for the last 3 years. Spring 2008 is expected to be the biggest and most colorful yet.

The Pashmina Store, a Texas-based online retailer known for its selection of luxurious two and three-ply wraps, shawls and scarves made from the finest quality Pashmina from Nepal, has set a new trend in bridal fashion with their increasingly popular line of Pashminas. The Pashmina Store line is quickly becoming the trend for keeping the bride warm on her big day, as well as a perfect bridesmaid gift and fashion accessory for the bridesmaids and the mother of the bride and groom.

“Pashminas are definitely growing in popularity for use in weddings and as bridesmaid gifts,” said Nattakitta Rhodes, Vice President of Design for The Pashmina Store. “Our wedding sales have increased by at least 40% a year for the last 3 years running. They are such thoughtful gifts that will be worn and enjoyed for years to come while also reminding everyone of the special day.”

The top selling colors for weddings and bridesmaid gifts tends to be seasonal. The top-selling 2007 Fall colors include the traditional black and natural off-white along with dark chocolate brown, silver gray, cranberry and midnight blue. The Pashmina Store offers over 40 colors and a variety of animal print designs to go with any dress color.

“For weddings and bridesmaid gifts, silver and gold are certainly a popular trend right now,” said Rhodes. “Spring of 2008 is expected to be a colorful season with bright and cheerful tones such as reds, oranges, blues and greens leading the way with silver continuing to grow in popularity.”

Since The Pashmina Store was founded in 2000, it has sold more than 125,000 Pashmina products, including thousands for bridal party gifts and wedding day fashion accessories. The Pashmina Store offers a discount on its products for bridal parties of five or more.

Prices start as low as $29.99 for pashmina silk blend scarves and go to $79.99 for a large, 3 ply, pure pashmina shawl.

About The Pashmina Store
Established in 2003 by Blair Rhodes, The Pashmina Store website was born with the idea of going direct to the consumer to keep prices low and reach as wide an audience as possible. In early 2000, the family visited Nepal, and developed a great appreciation for Pashminas. Seeing firsthand the care and tradition that goes into the making of Pashmina goods, they developed a desire to share them with as many people as possible. Blair’s mother, Charlene, started out doing “Pashmina Parties.” The Pashmina Store offers affordable prices on top quality pashmina and cashmere goods and free standard shipping in the United States.

He wanted to be able to offer a wide variety of handbag designs as he believes that most bridal handbags out there lack of originality. Olivier’s goal in supplying a collection of bridal handbags and other bridal accessories is to accentuate and enhance the beauty of the wedding dress.

Due to the success of his beautifully handmade and personalised ring cushions, Olivier Laudus decided he wanted to be able to offer a unique collection of wedding accessories (wedding ring cushions, bridal jewellery, bridal handbags and tiaras) of the finest quality while still being outstanding value for money.

Olivier introduced a new exclusive collection of bridal handbags early October 2007. He wanted to be able to offer a wide variety of handbag designs as he believes that most bridal handbags out there lack of originality. Olivier’s goal in supplying a collection of bridal handbags and other bridal accessories is to accentuate and enhance the beauty of the wedding dress.

Women love handbags and nowadays they are not just used to carry around items like make up, mobile phones, tissues, hand cream, purses’but have become real fashion statements on which a lot of money can be spent. Handbags come in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes to fit different occasions and with this in mind Olivier‘s bridal handbag collection offers a wide choice of bridal handbag styles. www.olivierlaudus.com

Olivier’s bridal handbags are made of the best quality satin and embellished with diamante, sequins and beautiful pearls. His handbags come in a variety of sizes and shapes but are always an elegant addition to the bridal dress and other accessories. His philosophy is to supply brides with impeccably designed bridal accessories at very reasonable prices and he definitely succeeded in doing this with his new collection of bridal handbags with prices starting at just £29. His ‘Margot- bridal handbag which features diamante flowers on a silver metal frame with an egg shaped diamante studded clasp (which allows easy closure) which will no doubt be featured in many bridal magazines, retails at just £39. A silver snake chain is tucked inside most of his handbags should the bride wish to wear it as a shoulder handbag instead.

The new range of satin bridal handbags and wedding purses is available via Olivier Laudus‘website ( www.olivierlaudus.com ). All items are available from stock and come with a free 7 days return service (Terms and conditions apply).

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.

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

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

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

Veils were traditionally used to hide the bride’s identity, as part of a custom that the bride and groom would be kept utter strangers until they met at the altar. (This also explains the superstition that you’re not allowed to see each other on your actual wedding day.)

Today, veils serve no other purpose than to make you feel beautiful. Of course, it also adds to the wedding’s romance: the magical moment of the bride lifting her veil for her first kiss often inspires tears.

Here are some things to remember as you survey your options:

A blusher is a short veil that’s worn over the face, then flipped back when it’s time for the groom to kiss the bride. It’s usually sewn to a longer veil, or a hat. The fly-away veil just brushes across your shoulders, while the elbow veil (as the name implies) falls in the middle of your arm, approximately 25 inches. The most popular veil, however, is the fingertip. It’s composed of several layers that reach up to the hands.

Because of the return of vintage dresses some types of veils are regaining popularity. There’s the waterfall veil, held in place by a headband, and often made with several layers of tulle. Other options are the mantilla (a Spanish veil that’s draped over the head, usually with a lace border) and a ballet (which kisses the ankles).

When choosing a veil, consider your height. If you’re very petite (under 5′4″) a very long veil will overwhelm your frame. Stick to an elbow veil. If you’re over 5′7″ you can wear a fingertip veil, which look gorgeous on your statuesque body. Also look at the detail of your dress. Your veil should lead the eye to the focal point, such as embroidery or lace.

Lesley-Ann Graham runs WeddingTrix.com - a valuable wedding planning resource with articles, tips and advice to help you plan your perfect wedding. Visit Lesley-Ann’s wedding shop for some of the best wedding bargains on the Internet!

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