Category: Dresses

Second Wedding Dresses; Perfect Party Dresses for the Bride

Posted on by Glendalough Manor

After the ceremony so many brides are changing from their traditional wedding dresses in to short, fun and flirty party dresses.  I love this new trend for so many reasons. One of the biggest reasons is that you can party the night away dancing!  By choosing a second wedding dress you don’t have to stress over choosing a traditional dress for the ceremony that might constrict you from busting those moves later in the evening. You can also be free to greet your guests without the worry that someone will step on that beautiful train you wanted.

My favorite reason to have a dress change is to show off those awesome shoes! If you decide not to change, no one will ever really get to see them!

One of the things that guests talk about most after a wedding is how the bride looked.  Changing in to a second dress is sure to surprise your guests and keep them talking all night long.  There are no set rules to choosing a second wedding dress.  Just choose something that is fun and makes you feel beautiful!

Vintage dresses are always in style and I love these 50’s inspired dresses!

If you really want to make a statement wear a colored dress…you will definitely have all eyes on you in this vintage red dress!

Have fun with the veils and hair accessories! This is a party so make sure your dress and accessories fit the style and type of reception you want to have.

No matter the style or length of your party dress as long as you love it your guests will too!

Sources: www.gozhy.com, www.junebugweddings.com, www.etsy.com, www.weddinginsparasi.com, www.weddingbythebreakers.com, www.loveolio.com, www.ohwhatislove.com

New! Virtually Try On Wedding Dresses, Rings and more!

Posted on by Glendalough Manor

Now trying on a dress, finding an engagement ring, or even a new hairstyle can be done on your couch at home! Let’s face it we are all busy and limited on the time. Why not narrow down your choices by “trying on” things virtually?  You can decide on your top picks before you even arrive!

If you haven’t gotten engaged yet (hopefully that will be your Christmas present..my fingers are crossed for you) or you recently got engaged and need a wedding band, Tacori has an awesome “Try It On” Virtual software you can download for free that allows you to try on wedding rings anywhere.  All you need is a computer and a webcam.  Just print out the ring cutout, place it on your finger and virtually try on different rings.  This tool will help you decide what shape stone you like best (round, oval, etc) or what wedding band will work best with your engagement ring.

Finding a wedding dress can be a bit overwhelming.  With so many necklines and styles you never know what style will work best for your body shape.  Brides has designed a software that allows you to virtually try on wedding gowns from your home.  You can decide to take a picture of yourself (make sure to look up their picture tips before taking your picture) or pick from a group of models with a similar body shape and “try on” dresses.  I love the idea that you can already know what styles look best on you before going to the bridal salons.  Most salons block out a certain amount of time for your appointment and if you don’t know what styles you like you may try on five dresses that don’t flatter your body!

Before:

After:

Brides also offers a way you can create your wedding day look with hair and makeup.  The makeup worked really well…..there are many different shades to choose from and looks very real.  With this tool you can get a very good idea what colors will work best with your skin tone for your wedding day.  You can also “try on” different hair styles and colors.  To me, this wasn’t as realistic as the makeup but still gives you an idea of which hairstyles work best for you.

Before:

After:

I would love to hear your feedback on these fun tools to help you create your wedding look. Both of these sites also allow you to share these through Facebook or Twitter so friends can comment on what they like best (only if you want them to). If nothing else, I promise these virtual sites are lots of fun.  I “tried” on rings and makeup for hours!!

Happy Planning!

Sources: www.tacori.com/tryiton, www.brides.com

 

Top 5 Trends in Wedding Dresses for 2012

Posted on by Glendalough Manor

1. Lace Sleeves

You can thank the Royal wedding for the 2012 trend that some people are calling the ‘Kate Middleton effect’.  There is no doubt that Kate M. looked stunning in her lace sleeved dress and many designers for 2012 are creating similar dresses.  These ball gowns are satin with lace bodices and sleeves with long satin trains (and the best part is many designers are making the train detachable for the reception).  If you are looking to have your own royal wedding this may be the perfect dress for you!

  If you like the idea of lace sleeves for the ceremony but not sure you want sleeves the whole night, designers are also making beautiful lace shrugs that can be worn for the ceremony and taken off for the reception!

2. Illusion necklines:

An Illusion neckline is sheer fabric over a bodice extending up to the neckline.  There are many different styles of illusion necklines and some are using the sheer fabric as straps or over the entire chest up to the neck line and are usually accentuated with embellishments.  If you want to feel classic and modest but sexy at the same time this is a great choice.
The sheer fabric makes you feel covered and modest while still giving a hint of skin….love it!

3. Decorative Belts

If you are a little on the non-traditional side and want some color in your dress but not sure if you want to plunge in to an all color dress, then a decorative belt might be the perfect
touch for you.  These decorative belts come in all different colors and have different embellishments depending on the dress shape and style.   An idea I love is to wear an ivory belt for the ceremony and switch it up by changing in to a different belt or sash with a pop of color for the reception.  It will look like a whole new dress!

4. Color

I know we talked about this in the previous post Color is In: Wedding Trends 2012 but color is everywhere in wedding gowns. If you want to suprise your guests with something they haven’t seen before then a colored ball gown may do the trick!

More and more brides are changing in to different party dresses for the reception and what better way to wow people than to change in to a short colored party dress!

5. Texture:

Designers are using creative fabrics and designs to create volume and texture in wedding gowns for 2012.  Tulle and lace are creating beautiful flowers, layers, and ruffles making a bold statement.

 

Trying on wedding gowns is one of the most fun and exciting times you will have in the wedding planning process.  Have fun with it and make sure to try on every style and trend…you never know what you may end up liking!!  If you want more information on the dresses pictured make sure to contact Etain Bridal Boutique!

Sources: www.etain-llc.com, www.justinalexanderbridal.com, www.allurebridals.com, www.essencedesigns.com, www.matthewchristopher.com, www.sinceritybridal.com, www.jasminebridal.com