6 Tips for Formal Accessorizing

Some people would argue, but I believe there are actually 4 main, visible areas to accessorize: neck, wrists, shoulders, and the waist. Think about all 4 areas while you contemplate your bridesmaid dress, evening gown, prom dress, or other special occasion outfit.
- Theoretically, you can accessorize one or all of these areas, if you do it properly. Do not forget to continue through all the accessorizing tips, to make sure you don’t overdo it.
 
Decide if your dress or outfit of choice is simple, elegant, fancy, flirtatious, embellished? Is it monochromatic or which colors make up your outfit? Where are you going? Take all of these mental notes to make sure you not only choose trendy accessories, but also appropriate accessories.
- Remember, even though feathers may be trendy, they may not be appropriate with your graduation dress.
 
Less is More.
-Once you have put on your matching tennis bracelet, your faux pearl necklace, your costume jewelry or faux gems, take a second and third overall look at your outfit and remember “Less is More”. If you’re not a seasoned accessory-user, you can be certain that removing one item will be beneficial to your overall look.
- I always like to look at myself in the mirror as if I am a stranger and I ask myself “what would I think of that person?” It takes practice, but it works!
 
If you are done with your bracelets, necklaces, and rings, you can move on to your shoes. Shoes should always be comfortable and they should always look elegant. Please leave your clear plastic platforms in the closet!
-If you are wearing stockings, choose neutral or skin-tones for a formal affair. They should be subtle- no fishnets!
-If you need an extra something, you can always create or buy some shoe clips. They are a cheaper alternative to buying new shoes, and really revamp your look.
 
Now we’re ready for a wrap or jacket. This is usually the hardest part for people to get right. If you purchase a bridesmaid dress with exposed shoulders, look for a company that offers a matching shawl. Shawls and wraps are my favorite because they are the most inexpensive and easiest to store. I tend to keep too many shawls because they don’t take up much room in my closet. Just make sure whatever you are using as a cover up, that it matches in texture and color. For example, if you are wearing a light, airy gown, you do not want to wear a leather or heavy satin jacket.
 
Carry a purse or small evening bag. This bag can be matching fabric or beaded and can be used to add a lot of interest to your overall look. Your purse or evening bag should be large enough to hold your keys, lip gloss, cash, and other small personals.

by Lizzette Brodsky
http://www.dresscodeformal.com

How to Wear Veil and Bridal Combs

This latest tip from Bobette Kyle-Wagner describes "How to Wear Veil and Bridal Combs"

For brides who have no previous experience with developing a wedding hairstyle or choosing a headpiece and veil (or deciding to go without), understanding how to attach and adorn the various components can be a challenge. In the twilight zone called wedding planning, the simple concept of a comb, for example, can take several forms.

In your everyday life, a comb is probably something to run through your hair in the morning taming nighttime tangles. Your hairdresser will certainly use that type of comb while creating your wedding hairstyle, but there are two other bridal versions you may need as well: a comb to attach the veil and one to decorate your hair. The choice is yours whether to have both versions, neither, or one to suffice for both uses.

The Veil Comb

When you buy a veil, it often comes attached to a basic comb. This veil comb is purely functional and will not be a visible part of your veil or hairstyle. It simply helps secure the veil to the top or back of your head. The advantage to using this type of comb with your veil is you can remove the veil after the ceremony while leaving your headpiece intact for the reception.

To place this type of comb, push it into your hair -- down if you are wearing your veil in back or toward the back of your head if you are wearing the veil on top -- so the hair covers the teeth and the veil hides the top of the comb. For a more solid base, insert with the comb angled then rotate backwards into place after the comb is in your hair. You can make the comb more secure, if needed, with bobby or hair pins.

These combs can be various widths and lengths and made of wire or plastic. Wire combs cost more than plastic, but are more versatile and can be pinned if necessary (as opposed to plastic, which is thicker and more cumbersome).

The Decorative Bridal Comb

Unlike the plain veil combs, decorative bridal combs are made to be seen. They can be a perfect accent for your veil, or add interest to your hairstyle if you go veil-less or remove the veil for the reception. The range of styles and sizes available make them versatile and can enhance most hairstyles, from classic to ornate. They can be simple, but elegant, depending on how they are decorated, but can also create a less formal look than some other headpieces.

Hair combs can be worn on the top, side, or back of the head. In the back, you can secure a large comb under a bunch of upswept curls, around a French twist, or beneath a low-set bun. On one or both sides, you can wear smaller combs for an elegant style, instead of a larger headpiece. Decorative combs can also be worn on the top to help hold the hair in place or function much as a tiara. In fact, you can even buy tiaras attached to combs instead of built into the typical band.

Tiara Combs

You have heard of tiaras and you have heard of combs, but you may not know that there are also tiara combs. These look like a tiara but hold your hair or veil in place like a comb. These decorative combs are made with the teeth positioned at an angle so the decorated part stands erect when attached to your hair from the front (as opposed to back or side combs, which are made with the decoration attached flat against or parallel to the teeth section).

Combining Veil and Decorative Combs

Some brides prefer to wear the veil and decorative comb as one piece. You can accomplish this by attaching the veil directly to a tiara or other top/back comb instead of to the plain veil comb. This reduces the number of pieces you must deal with when developing a hairstyle for the ceremony, but limits your options for the rest of the day. You will have to remove both your headpiece and veil or keep your veil intact throughout the evening.

Whichever type of combs you use, involve your hair stylist in the decision. He or she will most likely have valuable input into what sizes and types will most create the look you desire, while assuring your hair remains drop-dead gorgeous throughout the day and evening.

By Bobette Kyle-Wagner
http://www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com

Diamond Education

Blue Nile has a wonderful section on Education & Guidance for purchasing diamonds.

Everything you need to know about the 4C's Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight is explained in detail with great explanations and illustrations.

WedAlert also has numerous articles about engagement and wedding rings to help you with this important purchase.

Good luck, and please share your experiences with us here regarding your search for the perfect rings.

Fall Wedding Dresses - 5 Ideas That Fit Your Style and the Season

Fall wedding dresses come in several styles to fit just about any type of bride. If you are having a fall wedding you will want to choose a dress that not only accents your body type but also accents the great season you have chosen for your wedding.

Good advice in any season is to be smart when shopping for your wedding dress. Use all resources available to you including bridal shops, bridal shows, department stores and of course the Internet.

The Internet has become a great source for all stages of selecting fall wedding dresses. Many online stores make shopping for the best price a snap, and you may even be able to locate hard to find styles and sizes.

As you probably already know, fall is a great time to get married. The bright foliage available in many parts of the country makes the perfect backdrop for your wedding.

Below are five tips for finding perfect fall wedding dresses.

The Weather -The location of your wedding may influence the type of dress you choose. Long sleeve gowns or gloves are an option however they are not for everyone.

Stoles or wraps are a good way to ensure you will not be cold on your wedding day. They can keep you warm if the temperature drops in the evening, and if it turns out to be a warm day you can just not wear it.

Unique Colors - Colors such as cream and ivory have become very popular for fall. These colors work well with the colors of the season, like gold, red and orange.

For a more edgy look, black wedding dresses allow you to make a statement. If all black isn't your style, a black sash or belt makes a great accent for a white wedding dress.

Tie in Your Wedding Theme - There are several wedding themes that work really well in the fall, and fall wedding dresses can be used to tie everything together. Fall theme ideas include Halloween, vineyard, apple, pear, princess and harvest.

Gothic, princess and renaissance style dresses can help finish off your theme.

Use Accent Pieces - Accent pieces can be a beautiful addition to an elegant gown, or they can help an average dress up a level. Crystal and silver brocade embellishments or gold beading and accents are a nice touch.

Be careful not to go overboard, however. Some dresses don't need any extra touches, and it is always best to stick to the adage that less is sometimes more.

Don’t Delay - Finding the right dress for you can definitely be challenging. Starting the process early helps to reduce stress, and it can also helps ensure you get your first choice of dress.

A rule of thumb is to start the process at least one year in advance. This ensures enough time for ordering and altering your dress.

By Stephen Badiali
Wedding Ideas Guide