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

Bouquet Jewelry is the Hottest New Wedding Accessory

Bouquet Jewelry is a hot new bridal accessory that is being used to accentuate and personalize bridal bouquets. They are also turning up in bridesmaid’s flowers, boutonnieres, centerpieces, and even customizing the wedding cake. The jewelry is usually inserted into the bouquet by a six inch post, but may also be attached to stems and hand-tied ribbons.

A popular choice is Swarovski crystal monograms using the bride and groom’s initials. They may choose to use the initial for each of their first names as well as the initial for the groom’s last name. Six mm faux diamonds can also be inserted into the center of each flower to give the bouquet a dazzling new look.

Besides monograms, most online companies have the same selection of jewels: pearl clusters, bows, snowflake, bee, frog, dragonfly, starfish, flip flop sandal, palm tree, butterfly and crucifix. The bee only comes in clear crystal and the frog and palm tree come only in peridot crystals. The flip flop sandal comes in blue or pink. Pearls come in pink, yellow, white, blue, green, lavendar, peach, champagne and platinum. The bows come in a wide range of colors with gold or silver plating.

The prices range from $12.00 (snowflake) to $20.00 (dragonfly) each. Some are sold individually while others have a discount if you purchase in groups of ten. The crystal bee sells for $18.00 each and $153.00 for ten. That would be a savings of $27.00. The starfish sells for $13.00 each and $110.00 for ten. That would be a $20.00 discount.

The bouquet jewelry should be chosen to reflect the bride’s personal taste or reflect the theme of the wedding. Starfish, flip flop sandals and palm trees would be perfect for a beach theme wedding. The crystal crucifix would reflect a more solemn and spiritual wedding and could also be used around the holidays.

The bride and groom can continue to use the jewelry long after the wedding for holiday centerpieces and floral arrangements. They should choose the colors carefully, because many online companies advise they are non returnable and non refundable.

Submitted by Kathleen Terrana, the owner of Beautiful Bridal at www.beautiful-bridal.com

Artistic Ideas to Jazz Up Your Wedding Accessories

Blushing fiancés like nothing better than to be blushing brides. It is every little girl’s dream to fall in love with that seemingly perfect man, have the ala-Princess Diana wedding of the century, and settle into a happy and fulfilled married life. But before you get comfortable, you need to prepare for one of the biggest and most memorable events in your life – your wedding. Yes ladies, this is your big chance to be in control and show everyone how much you and your partner love each other – from the ceremony to the reception. And in both opportunities, you naturally want only the finest wedding paraphernalia you can get. Wedding accessories are a fun opportunity to further satisfy an engaged woman’s shopping fantasies. One might even turn into such a perfectionist in her quest for the best wedding accessories. But to help keep that lady from stressing out over the details, here are some wonderful ideas that are easy to find and will surely wow your guests with no effort at all.

To start off, your wedding cake server set can be functional and cute at the same time. At your wedding reception, impress everyone with your eye for detail by wrapping lovely ribbons and lace on your server. Have not got the time for this little art project? Go out and look for a pretty heart shaped or heart detailed server that your guests will all be agog for.

Next on your list is the perfect adornment for your wedding cake. While the cake itself should taste decadent, you also want to have a beautiful cake topper as well. You can personalize your cake topper by having it engraved with you and your groom’s initials, in addition to a symbol of your love. It does not have to be the standard ceramic bride and groom figurines, no! Be different and choose something else – double hearts, or something else that symbolizes your love that guests will recognize and appreciate.

The wedding guestbook also needs some jazzing up, especially since it will contain a lot of beautiful messages from all your guests. If you’ve been bitten by the artistic bug, you can create a collage of you and your husband’s pictures on the front and back of the book. Tech-savvy brides can also use a software which will allow you to design a beautiful cover and have it printed out. There are websites that allow you to do this, and all you have to do is wait for them to ship your customized wedding book!

Submitted by Engraved Gift Creations