Just Wedding Dress
Adelina-Nicoleta Mincior

Adelina-Nicoleta Mincior

My name is Adelina and I am a 21 years old fresh journalism graduate. I have joined the team in December 2010 and still, here I am, writing you tips, tricks and hopefully useful advices on how to make the best of your wedding day! In the meantime, I enjoy reading, writing literature, traveling, staying unmarried and playing the guitar. That would be all, at least for now.


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To many history passionate people, wearing replicas of ancient fashion items appears as romantic and unconventional. In a strong bond with this preference, the trend of purchasing Celtic gowns has become truly popular, not only because of the comfortable dress patterns but also due to the elegant and mysterious touch of femininity that this old era spreads in the air. Since these traits have the capacity to make us turn back into past right at the point where kings were ruling the earth and princes and princesses lived their endless love stories, you can guess why this sort of clothes gains so many fans, especially in our modern days when fairytales are over appreciated.

Celtic clothing features

In those times, clothes were having natural fiber compositions and they were home dyed. Male and female wardrobes were similar and their models looked like the Grecian folded garments, with the difference that the Celtic people loved bright colors and decorations, intricate designs and symbolic representations. The feminine tunics or mantles reached the floor and they were hold with a broche on one shoulder. Their dresses were simple and only rich people could afford to have them made by silk.

Celtic Wedding Dresses (Source: weddingdressescorner.com)

Celtic Wedding Dresses (Source: weddingdressescorner.com)

Some Celtic bridal models

These patterns have mandatory long splay sleeves that can be attached or not and they are normally full -length. Many fabrics including silk, velvet, satin, chiffon, taffeta and various trims that cover the entire bridal bodice are used, with the main purpose of increasing the volume effects. Rich skirts and A-line cuts contain specific decorations assembling with belt-like models on hips and elbows. The wide sleeves are representative for Celtic designs and they may contain long transparent vaporous fabrics. Bodices are usually flared right beyond the belt, which can be made of beads, pieces of ribbon and contrasting wefts. They should also contain colored elements, fit-to-be corsets and bicolor fabrics. Black and red ribbons, golden lace and other chromatic combinations make a delightful contrast as one of the most important features that Celtic wedding dresses can have.

Celtic Wedding Dresses (Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com)

Celtic Wedding Dresses (Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com)

Places where you can shop

One gorgeous website you will be glad to visit is faeriebrides.com, a specialized virtual shop for this sort of custom – made Celtic outfits. Besides great bridal collections, you can also get hair accessories. The prices on dresses may go up to a few thousand dollars, but some detailed photos will make you sure about the gowns’ undisputed quality. Rivendellbridal.com is another thematic bridal shop that will show you astonishing offers. Even if you have to pay more for a special attire, this will be a choice you will never regret.

Nowadays brides have overcome the trend of full fabric wedding gowns and they avoid elaborate prom models just because they cannot accustom wearing them for the big day. They prefer simpler attires that will make them feel comfortable and will allow them to move freely on the dance floor during the reception. Moreover, the newlyweds seem to prefer choosing informal styles in order to celebrate their wedding and they go for casual elements especially in decorative and cloth matters. So here are some characteristics of the dresses suitable for such weddings.

General hints

Informal wedding dresses have a few embellishments and details and usually have a tea-length or above the knee size. Casual elements such as sweep short trains or simple flared skirts are extremely cozy. Princess style crinolines are suitable for events that are more formal. Even colored items have become extremely appreciated, but not all of them have bright shades and you can go for ivory or beige if you like. When we talk about fabrics, informal dresses may contain cotton and light wefts. Usually silk, chiffon and tulle match the best but you cannot entirely exclude the heavy stiff ones. Strapless, spaghetti and one-shoulder models have informal tendencies. Accessories must be also simple and classy. The basic rule of a casual wedding attire is the simple and plain appearance in neutral colors or even bright colors, but in one shade.

Casual Style Wedding Dresses (Source: weddingapparel.com.au)

Casual Style Wedding Dresses (Source: weddingapparel.com.au)

Exotic wedding dresses

Original Hawaiian dresses were inspired by missionaries and had long fluffy sleeves and wide skirts. Modern holoku has today floral imprints and look similar to the strapless modern outfits. In addition, the Korean traditional wedding costume seems very comfortable. The traditional hanbok is made of a silk jeogori for the top and a full wrap skirt called chima, which has a floor length. For many other oriental wedding themes, a sari will be quite spectacular and its fully garnished appearance will please a bride that loves sparkling ornaments. Some tribal wedding dresses contain geometrical patterns and have wide simple cut lines. You may better emphasize this sort of gowns by choosing braided coiffures and floral effects.

Casual Style Wedding Dresses (Source: princessweddingdresses.info)

Casual Style Wedding Dresses (Source: princessweddingdresses.info)

Some casual dress designers

Vera Wang is one of the most famous gown designers. On her official website verawang.com, you will find plenty of inspiration if you are looking for casual bridal attires. Jessica McClintock, Calvin Klein, J. Crew, David’s and Maggie Sottero are other great names of the bridal fashion industry. All you have to do is search their websites and many of their collections will be so attractive that you will not resist the temptation to order the perfect dress.

Once upon a time, getting to see a bride’s ankle was a tragedy. Nowadays, if you cannot see her ankle, there must be a problem. Modern brides however, seem to make a passion from cutting their dresses shorter year after year, thus making us now to speak even about mini-skirt wedding dresses. Only if wearing a short dress would be that simple…

Basics

Women are known for being very severe when it comes to criticizing each other, but they do have troubles with making fair observations about themselves. Brides are even more difficult to talk to, since once they get to a certain conclusion, no one will be able to change their minds. So comes that many brides to be decide wearing a short dress for their wedding day, despite the fact that such a model is not the most fortunate choice to them.

To put things simple, mini dresses look best on petite women with long and thin legs. Nevertheless, if you do not respect this pattern, there is still some hope for you.

Short Wedding Dresses (Source: shortweddingdress.net)

Short Wedding Dresses (Source: shortweddingdress.net)

Rules to follow

The most important thing you need to consider when choosing your short wedding dress would be to set up a balance between shoulders and hips. No one is perfect, so you might want to cover certain body parts, the tummy for example, but you can do it and still have a satisfying dress for your special day.

For those with hourglass bodies, a pencil dress is permitted, because it will emphasize the hips making them look slimmer.

The less fortunate women, with a pear shape or with no significant curves, an A-line model, nipping around the waist and popping out a little lower will make miracles.

And coming back to the less attractive parts, the key is to cover them. You can use more embellishments for the bust if you feel like you could have used a bigger size, some sleeves for your arms or even a cap – sleeve.

If you want to keep it simple, there might be a problem with that… Usually, petite women can afford almost anything, with one condition – big patterns are forbidden since they will only make them look like a sheet. On the opposite situation, full figured brides should go for something with bigger patterns, trying to keep the proportions.

Short Wedding Dresses (Source: geebird.com)

Short Wedding Dresses (Source: geebird.com)

Where to shop from

Short wedding dresses are popular so you can basically look for them anywhere. In addition, more and more famous designers start paying them the deserved attention, seeing the idea of turning a small piece of fabric into something spectacular as a real challenge.

If you are looking to have a wedding dress signed by one of the most famous designers, you must have already made yourself a list. But check it once again and see whether you have forgotten Nicole Miller or not. You might be sorry to skip her from your intense research.

Who is Nicole Miller?

Nicole Miller is one of the few women who strongly believed that businesses and fashion can work hand in hand, and she did a pretty good job while proving it.

This American designer, trained in Paris, opened her first shop on Madison Avenue, back in 1986. She managed to stay on the market since then, making thousands of women to be excited and feel gorgeous on their wedding day. You might just be her next casualty…

Nicole Miller Wedding Dresses (Source: recycledbride.com)

Nicole Miller Wedding Dresses (Source: recycledbride.com)

Miller’s style

Probably the biggest advantage she had while studying the Parisian Couture was the fact that she learned to drape fabrics like no one else. The techniques she nowadays uses have been a part of her signature for a long time.

If you have the interest to spend some time and take a look at her numerous collections, you will discover that her style oscillates somewhere between cocktail dresses and exquisite wedding attires, with flattering dresses and lounge wears in between. Elegance and refinement are a major part of Nicole Miller’s name.

Nicole Miller Wedding Dresses (Source: 228worldbrand.com)

Nicole Miller Wedding Dresses (Source: 228worldbrand.com)

Nicole Miller wedding dresses

If you were to look at her bridal attires, you will discover that the elegance for which she has been so intense praised comes from simplicity. Most of the models are full length, in white or ivory, with details mainly on the bust or at the hem of the dress, a few delicate cuts on the neckline or on the back of the dress and a few very personal drapes of fabric.

If you are wondering where you can find them, begin by surfing her website. Do not be discouraged by all those clothing articles and accessories, and focus instead on Lookbook tag at the Weddings topic or on the Press tag at the Bridal topic.

To make things much easier for you, theknot.com made a small selection with some of the most appreciated creations of Nicole Miller, so you can also start knowing her from there.

Shopping from Nicole Miller

No matter where you are, if you want one of her dresses, you can have it. All you need to do is to create yourself a personal account on the above mentioned website that she owns and set up an appointment or join her mailing list. Things are easy from there.

Someone with an eye for fashion could not have missed Maggie Sottero’s creations so far. As one of the most popular wedding dresses’ designers, she has managed to win the Debi awards six times, the Desert Rose awards nine times, the Diva awards two times, the Dallas Rose awards three times and… you might have either got bored or became even more interested. The point is that her prizes are more numerous than that and you might want to check her creations, regardless you will afford them or not.

Getting to source

The best way for getting to know what a Maggie Sottero bride could receive would be to visit her website. It is probably the only place from where you can get accurate information regarding her collections, answers to some of the most common questions that visitors address, a store locator tool that will help you identify the nearest outlets from where you could purchase your dream wedding dress and even a special section with photographs of the brides she dressed so far. As a bonus, you will also have access to an impressive collection of prom dresses launched under the very same famous signature.

Maggie Sottero Wedding Dresses 2008 (Source: kekopeanstitches.com)

Maggie Sottero Wedding Dresses 2008 (Source: kekopeanstitches.com)

Maggie Sottero collection

This one is a deluxe collection specially designed for women looking to have a luxurious bridal gown. The quality of the fabrics is undisputable, the construction is excellent and the embellishments will wow you with all those flattering stylization figures and Swarovski crystals. There is no better way of making your dream come true than contracting one of the dresses included under this label.

Sottero and Midgley collection

These gowns can all be classified as avant-garde fashion. Organza insertions in crushed metallic shades, exquisite laces, luxurious silks, elegant tulle accessories are all making an art from the whole process. Women with couture preferences and expectations will be more than pleased by what they will find at this section. As always, quality comes first, so there are no reasons to make you worries about it.

Maggie Sottero Wedding Dresses 2008 (Source: chineseweddingdressonline.com)

Maggie Sottero Wedding Dresses 2008 (Source: chineseweddingdressonline.com)

Destinations collection

Things are pretty clear with this last collection. The designer thought to create a special line for special weddings in exotic destinations, but nothing should stop you from choosing a model even for a luxurious garden wedding party or any other location. The main features are all about sleek silhouettes, with soft flowing chiffon layers. Surprisingly or not, the collection also includes all the opposite patterns, with sassy and short skirts, satisfying all the preferences that different women might have.

Women fervently wish special wedding gowns and they have serious difficulties when it comes to choosing them. Some well known fashion designers may provide posh model lines and only patience and time will lead them to the perfect attire matching. Speaking of designers, Calvin Klein has a strong reputation of being a symbol of elegance, extravagance and taste. So why not to choose a unique unconventional cK item? Besides some fully transparent outfits that may seem unusual and embarrassing, one of his creations might astonish you guests by simplicity and incredible details.

About this brand

Calvin Klein is one of the favorite American brands, founded in 1968 by the fashion designer with the same name. However, it became famous one year later, when Klein posed for Vogue magazine’s cover. This company holds a special cK monogram which represents their logo. Their estimated retail sales reached $100 million. By the year 2002, Phillips van Heusen bought this business for about $400 million cash and more than 30 million on license rights. This fashion corporation sells denim wear lines, fragrance, underwear, accessories and women and men casual and business collection items. Thanks to their increased popularity, some simple white dress collections signed Calvin Klein will become a classy inspiration source for those women who want to buy a special wedding dress.

Calvin Klein Wedding Dresses (Source: fashionmagazine-best.com)

Calvin Klein Wedding Dresses (Source: fashionmagazine-best.com)

Some cK models

Well, many of the bridal gown ideas may seem pretty simple and delicate. Baby doll shirt formats, having round necklines and 3D effects which follow the body’s shape will be also simple and elegant. Thin stripes, beads and vague ruffles are only a few of the ornaments they use to embellish bridal attires. Simple A-lines and dramatic cuts increase the cK spectacular appearance. One model may combine a one half – cut sleeve with a shortly – cut one. Many of their skirts are the tea length type. Transparent fabrics and silky touch models are usually used for wedding dresses while empire waist and mermaid patterns are favorite cK cuts because they enlighten the silhouette in a delicate manner. The new 2012 resort will bring you wonderful models to watch.

Calvin Klein Wedding Dress (Source: w-weddinggowns.com)

Calvin Klein Wedding Dress (Source: w-weddinggowns.com)

Store locations and prices

Calvin Klein has many stores all across USA, but also in Canada, Mexico and Australia. On their cK.com website you will find any contact detail you want, including addresses and phone numbers. Some of you might look for estimative prices of their collection articles. You should already know that original cKs are really expensive. Unless you decide to buy from anonymous sites that sell copies of their articles for about 200$, an original dress will cost you a fortune. 

When it comes to wedding dresses, nothing seems to be shocking nowadays. Women all over the world decide to get married in the most special and colorful outfits, not to mention that some of them do it completely naked. Under such circumstances, it looks like choosing a black and red wedding dress is one of the steadiest things you can do.

Why black and red

If you are rather an unconventional bride, willing to give up on the traditional and apparently obsolete bridal white, you should focus on something not too extravagant, nor gaudy. Elegance and style often come from simplicity, so a decent contrast like the one that these two colors make should be more than enough. In addition, this is quite a popular wedding color scheme, which can be easily included on various types of events. The bride could take advantage and integrate into the décor or, on the contrary, get herself a more spectacular appearance if she knows how to successfully combine black with red.

Black With Red Wedding Dresses (Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com)

Black With Red Wedding Dresses (Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com)

What for

Various types of events is a little bit too general, so you might want to know on what specific weddings could a bride show up dressed like that. Red is always perfect for a Valentine’s day wedding theme, while black could be easily used in order to temperate its intensity. If it is a Halloween or a gothic wedding, then there is nothing more adequate than a bloody dress with some fearful black death-accents. On Christmas, red is on top of the bridals’ preferences, but black should be added for a more personalized gown. If you are not very excited about this, try softening the black with some silver and you will be impressed.

All of the above are classic contexts, but you can always choose to surprise your guests with a black and red dress even on a beach wedding or a backyard one.

Black With Red Wedding Dresses (Source: bridalwave.tv)

Black With Red Wedding Dresses (Source: bridalwave.tv)

Basic options

If you have chosen the combination for its simplicity, consider having the dress in one color and the accessories in the other color. If, on the contrary, you want something more spectacular, you should look for some rich embellished dresses, the ball gown type, with lots of ruffles, beads and embroideries. Black lace is always impressive, but it will look great on a red base. Start checking the specialized stores but also those offering cocktail or occasion dresses. If you have the money, you can always go to a designer and ask him or her to create a model especially for you. With the fantasy of a professional and the power of black and red, your success is guaranteed.

Vintage wedding dresses became amazingly popular and many enthusiastic brides benefit from a variety of old baroque models to choose from in order to satisfy their fantasy of having a fairy tale ceremony. Whether you dream for a historical themed ceremony or you want a special bridal attire, a baroque wedding outfit will accomplish both of your wishes. 

About baroque style in fashion

Baroque was an artistic and aesthetic age that started by the beginning of the 17th century and lasted more than one hundred years. When we think of some main characteristics of those times, we cannot cease to admire opulence, exaggerated religious shades of hedonism, great romantic emphasis and three-dimensional forms. That medieval history dominated by cavaliers had the appearance of monarch luxury. A new liberalism trend consisting of large hats, complicate decorations, leather and layered satin and silk skirts had the purpose to offer freedom to move. At the end of that period, a time called late baroque or Rococo brought opulence at higher standards. Waistlines became lower, sleeves had elbow ending trims, pointed corsets reminded of Elizabethan style and overskirts formed small trains at the back of the dress. Necklines had wide cuts and square shapes and were frequently adorned with ribbon bows.

Baroque Wedding Dress (Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com)

Baroque Wedding Dress (Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com)

 Baroque wedding dress models

Golden baroque fabrics such as shrunken brocade or sophisticated and voluminous satin will be a good choice to decorate your wedding gown even when you prefer modern cut fashion items. An extremely short skirt ended up with one long fluffy train will confer you an astonishing look. Colors like creamy sand and light beige will make a perfect match with silver and gold threads and will spread over the rich texture applications on molded waist and ¾ sleeves. The bourgeois comfort will hide extra large crinolines, specific raw finishes, and matte black ornaments. Layered hems, large buttons and jewelry pieces, big flower petals ensure easier depth perception over the skirt’s volume and sumptuousness. The concept of baroque wedding clothes involves enthusiasm and romance.  

Baroque Wedding Dress (Source: uploads-preloved.com)

Baroque Wedding Dress (Source: uploads-preloved.com)

Things to keep in mind

Because wearing an authentic baroque dress is not as simple as you thought would be, try to do some rehearsals to get used with wearing the longer train. This will prevent any embarrassing situations that may occur. Also, keep all the other embellishments as simple as you can. Try to avoid complicated plaits or coiffures, strident make-up effects and give up to unnecessary decorative elements. That is because a baroque outfit is already filled with details and you will have too many trims in the end.

Beach weddings became quite popular nowadays because of their romantic and casual atmosphere. Given the fact that cities are more and more busy and stressful, having profound negative effects to our psychic, what could be more relaxing than a seaside getaway? This is the reason why people quickly pack up their things and go to exotic venues for celebrating their marriage. They put aside most of the formal expectancies and they just enjoy some quiet moments to make their wedding vows. But organizing a wedding is not an easy thing to do. Invitations, flowers, decorative themes, bridal attire, wedding arch, bridesmaids outfits are only a few of the most common dilemmas a wedding organizer will face. Here are some tips for choosing bridesmaids outfits easier:

Common fabrics and models

Lightweight fabrics are pretty fashionable and will provide humidity protection. You may try silk, cotton, crinkle chiffon and generally slinky wefts. The usual heavy organza, duchesse satin, corded lace and silk crepe should be avoided. Bridesmaids’ dresses have to complete the bridal attire in some way, so their length and hem edges should be similar. When the bride wears a short or even a tea-length skirt, her bridesmaids won’t have full length gowns. Most brides usually choose for their bridesmaid strapless and backless tops with spaghetti braces or one shoulder Athenian Goddess cuts. Cocktail lengths and v-lines seem posh and will confer freedom of movement. Asymmetrical bodices and waistbands will highlight the girls’ waists.

Beach Wedding Bridemaids Dresses (Source: blog.bridesmaid.com)

Beach Wedding Bridemaids Dresses (Source: blog.bridesmaid.com)

 Some things you have to consider

Weather can be unpredictable on the seashore even during the sunny warm seasons. You always have to be ready for climatic changes and to have in mind some protective clothing when you do the bridesmaids’ wardrobe shopping. Some extra shawls, boleros or even capes may be necessary. You also have to consider that sandy land will require adequate short heel sandals. Try to avoid as much as possible complicated hemlines and long trains. You should only use dark colors when you plan a late noon marriage. Otherwise, some joyful shades such as beige, soft blue, turquoise, cobalt and even yellow will make perfect match with the beach elements.

Beach Wedding Bridemaids Dresses (Source: beautifulsilverjewelry.com)

Beach Wedding Bridemaids Dresses (Source: beautifulsilverjewelry.com)

 Places you would like to do shopping

Davidsbridal.com, perfect-bridesmaid-dresses.com, dragonorient.com and bestbridalprices.com are only a few of the websites you may find on a rapid Google search. Some prices they ask are really affordable and you have the possibility to choose from a wide range of items and well-known designers. All you have to do is to ask your bridesmaids for a meeting to establish some models they fell comfortable with and to decide which of them best fits with their body shapes.

How many girls do you know have not lost the nights awake trying to imagine how their ball gown is going to look like? Even when they found that perfect dress to wear on their graduation prom, they only had a few seconds of admiration before the party ended. Well, the wedding day is that unique moment of life when you will be the only one under the spotlights. This is why you should go for a splendid ball gown dress in order to amaze your guests with your appearance.

About ball gowns

The custom says that debutants had to wear at their first prom participation a set of opera length white gloves and they were introduced to the fashionable society. Many people think that the purpose of a wedding ceremony is to show to the entire world the new social and marital status of the bride. This is where the old ball ceremonies look like the nowadays wedding ceremonies. This sort of wedding dress represents the most formal silhouettes and a specific cape usually accompanies it. The full-skirted attire is made of luxurious fabrics and has décolleté necklines and exotic trims consisting of delicate embroideries or gemstones.

Ballgown Wedding Dress (Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com)

Ballgown Wedding Dress (Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com)

Silhouettes for ball gowns

Unfortunately, ball gowns are not for every bride. Plump figures usually look better when choosing an empire waist model that perfectly matches with v-lines and halters. Petite brides need a-line dresses to create a slimmer appearance. Large bust women will slim their chest with long bodices and natural waistlines. Princess style cuts will encourage brides with large breasts to stand up in front of their guests. The secret is to avoid ruffled decorative elements. Slim figures will enjoy mould strapless items. The best news it that ball gown dresses seem very forgiving patterns because they hide body imperfections such as short legs, tummies and even full hips. The ‘50s glamour attitude seems to have an important influence in the ball gown dresses’ fashion. The belt waist is one posh idea that this current has offered. Also, keep in mind the mermaid style as a semiformal way of creating glamorous attires.

Ballgown Wedding Dress (Source: wed-ding.co)

Ballgown Wedding Dress (Source: wed-ding.co)

Places to purchase ball gowns dresses

Almost every bridal fashion designer holds some ball gown dresses in his or her collection. An exception could make post-modernist artists who create unique unconventional dresses that defy traditional prom outfits. Benjamin Roberts, Ellis Bridals, Suzanne Ermann, Maggie Sottero, Justin Alexander and Jesus Peiro are only a few of the important names that made a passion for this sort of bridal design.