Invite Designer – Creative Wedding Planning & Ideas

Did you know that brides didn’t always wear white?  In fact, the white wedding dress is a relatively “new” tradition.  Here’s an old poem that mentioned the many colors of wedding dresses:

“Married in white, you will have chosen all right. Married in grey, you will go far away. Married in black, you will wish yourself back. Married in red, you’ll wish yourself dead. Married in blue, you will always be true. Married in pearl, you’ll live in a whirl. Married in green, ashamed to be seen, Married in yellow, ashamed of the fellow. Married in brown, you’ll live out of town. Married in pink, your spirits will sink.”

Sounds like white would be the best choice, huh?

It was actually Queen Victoria who bucked tradition and married in a white dress.  As I mentioned in our previous blog post, Queen Victoria also started a trend with the wedding cake.  Perhaps we should call her the Queen of Modern Weddings.  Before Queen Victoria’s white wedding dress, most brides wore their best dress and didn’t purchase a dress specifically for their special day.  If they came from the wealthier class, they were able to purchase a new dress for their wedding.  Since it wasn’t a wedding dress, per se, they were able to wear this dress at social events after their wedding ceremony.

It was actually unusual and rather brave for Queen Victoria to choose white for a wedding dress because white was a color that symbolized royal mourning.  She was not the first Queen to choose white as her wedding dress, however; Mary, Queen of Scots, wore a white wedding dress. 

So why did Queen Victoria choose white?  Many have suggested since the Victorian era was a bit restricted sexually, white symbolized purity to Queen Victoria.  At the time, though, the color blue symbolized purity.  In actuality, it’s reported that the queen had a lovely piece of white lace she wanted to wear at her wedding, and a white wedding dress best showed it off.    In addition, several years later, the famous fashion designer, Coco Chanel, designed a knee length white wedding dress in the 1920s.  Because of this, white became even more fashionable.  It was “the” color to get married in. 

Today’s bride incorporates her personality and favorite color into her wedding dress.  The latest styles feature shorter dresses in pink, blue, and muted pastels.  Since spring and summer are upon us, these new colors are perfect for the weather and the new seasons.  Fabrics are also going with the flow; sheer fabrics such as chiffon and Swiss Dot silk are showing up.  Gold and silver are also adorning many women who walk down the aisle.

The white wedding dress is a relatively modern tradition, thanks in large part to Queen Victoria.  Thanks in large part to modern brides feeling freer to buck tradition, more colors are walking down the aisle to the Wedding March.

Wedding trends for 2008 are reflecting the personalities of the bride and groom, instead of the traditional white dress and black tux.  As more and more people want their weddings to be something meaningful and personal to them, they’re stepping outside the box and creating their own wedding trends.

Wedding dress trends are seeing a shift from white and cream to yellow.  Yes, believe it or not, yellow is the hot new color for wedding dresses.  And by yellow, I mean anything from mellow buttercup to a bright canary yellow.  Other colors that are popular for wedding dresses are jewel tones and silver.  Many brides and wedding planners are pairing aqua or turquoise with silver, for a beautiful color combination.

The yellow theme is also springing on to the grooms and groomsmen via their ties, vests, and boutonnieres.  Bridesmaids, maids of honor, mothers of the bride and groom also are wearing yellow.

Additionally, decorations for the reception, as well as the cake, are getting splashes of yellow.  Speaking of dessert, the traditional wedding cake is…well…traditional.  More brides are opting for more modern desserts, such as tiers of cupcakes.  Other popular desserts, in lieu of the wedding cake, are sundae and/or candy buffets, paired with chocolate fountains.  This trend of dessert buffets and cupcakes is a welcome change to many guests who may not like the flavor of the wedding cake and/or frosting.  Also, as more people are watching what they eat, they can pick and choose amongst a buffet.  The choice of soft serve yogurt or sugar free ice cream at the sundae buffet is a relief for those who are on a restricted diet.  With such untraditional fare, they can have their cake and eat it, too!

Speaking of color, wedding trends are moving more in the direction of going green.  Of course, by that I mean that many couples are opting to have an environmentally friendly wedding.  Recycled paper can be used for invitations, programs, place card holders, thank you notes, etc.  Organic flowers and food are being used, although going this route may be more expensive.  “Recycling” a wedding dress from a beloved family member is also going green; plus, it’s a sentimental and very personal touch.

Winter has ended, and the high season of weddings has begun.  Spring and summer see the return of color, not only to the earth, but also to wedding gowns.  Look for more colorful wedding trends as the season develops.

All of us have experienced seeing a gorgeous dress displayed in a store window but when we tried it on, it looked anything but gorgeous.  The disappointment could have been due to the way the dress was cut or its color; it worked against our body type or coloring. Wedding dresses are no different and finding the one that will best suit you will take some forethought.  Here are some tips to help you find a wedding dress that will bring out your inner goddess.

If you’re on the thin side, you need to create some curves.  A mermaid style gown, sheath, or A-line dress will help do that.  Stay away from plunging necklines, as this will accentuate your lack of curves.  If you’re also short, stay away from the ballgown style, as this type of billowy gown could overwhelm your frame.

With an hourglass figure, you’re able to wear many different styles.  Strapless gowns look great on you as your bust doesn’t get overshadowed by your bare shoulders.  However, if you’re too self conscious about your bust, a slight scoop neck or high neckline can help minimize it.  Ballgowns with a full skirt also look good on an hourglass figure. 

Big, beautiful women can look fabulous in a wedding gown by choosing one that will accentuate their best features.  An A-line wedding gown helps slim the waist.  Choosing a neckline that draws attention to your bust also slims the waist.  Stay away from an empire waisted gown, as it’ll accentuate your waist rather than minimize it.  Also stay away from bias-cuts, shiny fabrics, horizontal stripes or detailing, puffy sleeves, and ruffles.  A simple gown with minimal intricate detailing is the best bet. 

If you have full hips, an off the shoulder or strapless gown will bring the attention to your upper body.  The ball gown and empire waist style wedding gowns have a fuller skirt that hides wider hips.  It’s best to stay away from a sheath and a form fitting gown – like the mermaid style, as they will draw attention to your hips.  The same can be said for gathered or pleated skirts, and any special design work that is just on the hip area.  Have the detailing on the bodice, which will draw attention away from your hips.  Stay away from bias-cuts or straight cuts and halter neck gowns.

If you’re thick waisted or short waisted, the empire gown is a good choice, especially if you have a smaller bust. In this style, your bust will look bigger, and no one will notice your waist.

A word about the A-line gown, also know as the princess gown:  this type is flattering to almost all body types.  When trying on wedding gowns, include some A-lines to see how they work with your body shape.

Wedding dress styles aren’t the only thing to consider when choosing your dress.  You also need to consider the color.  Fair skinned women should stay away from a stark white gown.  Ivory, cream, or a light blush is a good choice, as well as a silver or a white with bluish tints to it.  In fact, ivory, cream, and light blush suits about any skin tone. 

Olive toned women look best in an ivory or champagne colored wedding gown, while darker complexions look best in a soft white or even a starker shade of white.  

If you’ve had your coloring profiled according to season, here are some tips.  If you’re a Spring, soft whites, creams, or peachy beiges look good on you.  For Summers, soft whites and pastels will be your best choice.  Autumns can wear whites with warm undertones, and Winters look good in bright whites and icy pastels.

Finding a wedding dress to compliment your figure and coloring is not impossible.  In fact, as more women become savvy shoppers, bridal gown designers are offering huge variety to their wedding gowns.  Know what looks best on you and be confident as you stroll into the bridal shops to find your perfect dress.