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Such is the importance of what the bride is wearing on her special day that no bride will not want to feel like a billion dollars!
Planning for what to wear is one of the big aspects to wedding planning and starts pretty much as soon as the beau gets up off his knee. It is actually quite a balance to find a garment that represents what you may have dreamed about as a child together with keeping in fashion that is also both respectful and elegant and makes you feel super special.
Of course, although all eyes will be on the bride she won't be the only one in attendance. There will be the Groom, family and friends. Each will be taking thought about what to wear to the wedding, how it fits in with their role at the wedding and in some cases ensuring they don't appear 'too pretty' to overshadow the bride.
As you can see, lots of things to consider hence why clothing decisions are best started early. Often, these days a photographer will be present so it always makes sense to be remembered for making an effort and looking your best. The other aspect is to consider some backup gear!? By that we mean once you have gotten out of your glad rags you may want to slip into something more practical and comfortable, perhaps a more comfortable style of shoe.
You can also head on over to our shop to view the best and timeless items to wear for all attending the wedding festivities.
It’s not every day that your little girls gets chosen to be a flower girl for the day, so when the momentous occasion arises it’s only fitting to ensure that she is dressed to impress and looking every inch the beautiful princess that she is! Luckily little girls adore dressing up and will be thrilled to not only look as resplendent as the bride but to be treated as royalty, with her very own duties to carry out!
Traditionally the flower girl walks ahead of the bride as she enters the church. She may be required to scatter flower petals down the aisle or just carry a small bouquet, pomander bouquet or kissing ball. During the ceremony, depending on the age of the flower girl, she can either sit with her parents or with the bridesmaids. After the ceremony she again walks ahead of the bridal party out of the church and is photographed as part of the wedding party.
With such a responsibility therefore and with all eyes upon her, you’ll want her to look adorable and with these gorgeous flower girl dresses from Monsoon she’ll be in danger of upstaging the bride and bagging all the attention for herself!
Monsoon Shrugs and Cardigans
You can never predict the British weather, even for a summer wedding, so it’s just as well to be prepared and make sure that she is wrapped up against the cold, especially if she is to stand outside for photos for any length of time. Luckily there are a range of shrugs and cardigans to match and compliment any of the Monsoon flower girl dresses.
Every girl deserves to be spoilt once in a while and with Monsoon you really can afford to spoil her rotten in pretty Flower Girl frocks that will make her look and feel like a million dollars!
Planning a wedding can be very heavy on the budget. Which is why some is trying to see how they can cut some budget on other parts of their wedding without compromising the wedding itself.
So if you are trying to look for very pretty little bridesmaid’s dresses without breaking the bank, then we got some items for you that you can check out from Monsoon.
Macaroon Occasion Bridesmaid Dress with 3D Flowers from Monsoon
A super-girly Macaroon dress has a floral lace bodice and a layered mesh skirt with 3D flower appliques. There’s a ribbon to tie around the waist and the neckline is charmingly scalloped on both the front and back. The gown fastens with a zip on reverse and has a smooth lining to keep her comfortable during your special event. Machine washable for easy care.
A piece of pure elegance. This beautiful occasion gown is crafted from lined eyelash lace with an ombre effect. The skirt flares structurally outwards for added volume and there’s an oversized bow on reverse. On chillier days, team with a pair of our glittery tights and a cropped cardigan. Fully lined and machine washable for easy care.
Monsoon Victoria Ombre lace bridesmaid dress
Click through the pictures to also see ideas for associated accesories to complete the whole ensemble.
Back then, it was the tradition for weddings to have the bridal mothers wear something matronly. Or something beige. It’s always beige for some reason.
Whatever the case, it used to be the norm for the mother of the bride to show up at the wedding wearing something that is definitely not there to make a statement.
Fortunately, that’s in the past and mothers of brides today have many options to choose from and say to the rest of the crowd that their days of being fashionable are far from over. The question is, what’s the best MOB dress out there right now and where to get it? Here’s how:
Some Considerations
Before anything else, you must understand that choosing the dress for the mother of the bride should not be an afterthought. There are a few things that you must remember in order to make the bride’s mother look at her best for that big day. Here are some of them:
Let them Choose
This might sound elementary but do not ever (big emphasis on the ever) choose the dress for the mother. Wedding etiquette dictates that the bride of the mother should get to shop for her own dress, even before the mother of the groom.
But how do you make sure that what she chooses fits the theme of the wedding? Let the bride and her mother shop for their dresses together. This will not only make sure that she picks a dress that matches the theme but its a great bonding experience for both women and with their prospective in laws.
Mind the Length
Length often determines formality. The more of the knees the dress covers, the more formal it would look like. If possible, the length of the MOB dress and the bride’s should match. It does not have to be accurate but just make sure that both of them wear dresses of matching length. This way, the mother does not stand out for all the wrong reasons.
Coordinate with the Maids
A complementation of colors is always ideal in weddings. As such, whatever the mother wears should have a style and color that matches the bride’s entourage as closely as possible.
And fortunately, there are brands out there that have made a name for themselves making dresses for mothers, maids, and brides that complement each other. You’ll learn more about them later on.
Go for Specialty Stores
Looking for a dress at a department store is not recommended these days as their options for mother’s dresses are always limited. Instead, always head on to a dedicated wedding dress shop.
Not only will these shops provide you with more options for dresses, they can also give you all the care and attention you need as they allow their customers to try out every dress that they have to offer. Depending on the budget and theme, of course.
Keep Simplicity in Mind
Although mothers are expected to be fashionable for the wedding, you must remember that they must not upstage their bride daughters. There are a number of wedding dress designers out there that make dresses for bridal mothers that are simpler but elegant.
Comfort First
Always remember that weddings can seem like they take forever to finish. If the mother is not able to move their arms, bend over, or even sit comfortably with the dress of their choice, they are missing out on enjoying from the big day.
Make sure that the mother can breathe comfortably in the dress of their choice by letting them move around while trying the dress. Make them move their limbs and see if they don’t feel restricted doing so.
Black is Not Always Good…..
Yes, black may be stylish but it does not always go with everything. If black is one of the themes of the wedding, then there should be no reason why the mother of the bride should not walk down the aisle wearing that.
But if the color scheme of the wedding does not include dark colors, then it is best to consult with the bride or whoever is in charge of the wedding dresses first.
….But Not White
Contrary to black, white is considered the “safer” color option for mothers. Shades like Ivory, champagne, and pearl white are always great options for mother.
But there is a chance that white could make the mother look boring or out of date, depending on the wedding’s themes. Either way, just make sure to get the opinion of the bride first.
Don’t Go Crazy on the Accessories
As was stated, simpler is always better for the MOBs. When choosing a bride for the mother (or with here), make sure that they don’t go crazy with the sequins, the accessories, and other embellishments. The last thing that should ever happen in a wedding is for the mother to take away all the attention from her daughter.
Communication is the Key
The most important tip for mothers is to always communicate with the bride to be when choosing their dresses. The mother’s opinion and input should matter but the same could be said for the bride’s.
If both women are happy with their choices, then they would feel all the more confident wearing them on the big day. And, of course, the less resentment there is on the wedding, the less problems there would potentially pop up for the rest of the marriage.
The Best Dresses for Bridal Mothers
With these considerations out of the way, what are the best gowns for bridal mothers today? That answer is different from one woman to another. But, with that being said, there are some dresses out there that are considered the most ideal options for mothers on their daughter’s big day. Here are some of them:
Alex Evenings Embellished A-Line Gown
Alex Evenings – Rosette Lace Short Sleeve A-Line Gown
Perfect for MOBs that want to look simple but elegant, this gown from Alex Evenings reaches way past the knees and covers half of the foot. This gown is form fitting at the top and the embellishments, while heavily featured, do not take too much focus away from the dress to make it cheap.
The gown might be a bit too long for some mothers but shortening it is always an option. It is available in multiple colors and is sold at stores like Nordstrom and Dillard’s.
Fenn Wright Manson Llana
Fenn Wright Manson Llana
Sold exclusively at John Lewis & Partners, this short dress comes in a Rose color and is perfect for mothers who want something simple and unassuming for the wedding. It comes with a floral sequinned pattern that covers the entire dress which makes it perfect for summertime weddings.
The design of the dress naturally tends to complement mothers of short and small statures but those that are taller should be able to wear the dress confidently as well. The dress is also made with a light fabric, making movement more comfortable for the mother for the ceremony.
Adrianna Papell Floral-Print Column Gown
Adrianna Papell – Floral-Print Column gown
Available at Macy’s, Amazon, and Anthropologie, this dress is quite popular for its floral pattern all over which gives off a rather metallic gleam. It also comes with a satin ribbon at the waist which is perfect for mothers who want to show off their figures.
A major feature with the dress is the shiny fabric used to make it which gives the colors a distinct glimmer especially on a bright, sunny day. The gown also reaches past the knees and stops before the feet, giving it a long but not trip-prone appeal.
Gina Bacconi Lacey Navy Crepe Coat
Gina Bacconi Lacey Crepe coat
For mothers that want to look formal on the big day, this coat and dress combo is the ideal option. Coming in a distinctly deep, navy shade, this dress by Gina Bacconi covers the arms and to the knees up.
It features a mixture of light sequins and heavy fabric that meets together at the center, forming a lopsided cross shape. The dress is available exclusively at John Lewis and can be adjusted to meet the measurements of the mother.
Adrianna Papell Beaded Blouson Gown
Adrianna Papell Plus Size Beaded Blouson Gown
Available at Bloomingdale’s and Amazon, this gown projects a formal but not over the top image. It comes in a dark blue shade and is adorned with metallic beads way down to the feet.
It comes with a concealed back zip with hook and eye closure, giving the dress a seamless look at all sides while holding everything together for the rest of the big day. The dress can also come in various colors upon order.
Debut-Navy Paint Floral Sparkle Swing Dress
Debut Navy Paint Floral Sparkle Swing dress
This dress is perfect for mothers who, for the lack of a better term, don’t want to feel their age. It is a sleeveless dress that extends just at the knees and comes in deep blue color.
What is immediately distinct with it is the various floral patterns that adorn the dress. It also is made with a light polyester fabric, making movement all the more comfortable during the wedding. This swing dress is available at Debenhams exclusively.
R&M Richards Sleeveless V-Neck Dress and Jacket
R&M Richards Sleeveless Beaded V-Neck Dress and Jacket
For mothers that want to hide a bit of their figure without feeling conscious about it, this dress and jacket combo should be ideal. It comes in a distinctly dark shade of maroon and comes adorned with various beads all over.
The dress is made from a light fabric which gives off a flowing motion every time the mother moves. It is sold exclusively at Macy’s with shipping provided for those that need the dress ASAP.
Sold exclusively at Debenham’s, this dress comes in a bright crimson shade and is perfect for mothers with curved features. The dress is sleeveless and form-fitting but tapers off into a short, flowing skirt below the knees.
The back portion of the lower skirt is longer than the front, giving off a tail-like impression. As such, the dress gives the impression of constant motion even if the Mother of the Bride is just standing or sitting still.
Pisarro Nights Embellished Mesh Gown
Pisarro Nights Embellished Mesh gown
If the Mother of the Bride wants to have an old-timey but still timeless look, this gown might be the best option. It is a sleeveless, sequinned dress that takes cues from high fashion dresses from the roaring 20s.
It is adorned with crystals all over the body, making the mother sparkle whenever she moves. The dress is available at Nordstrom and in various colors. If you are in between sizes, it is best to order one size down since the dress is form fitting.
Maya Delicate Sequin Embellished Kimono Dress
Available exclusively at Next, this dress from Maya takes cues from both Eastern and Western designs. It is knee-high and comes in a deep, blue color.
The fabric used for the dress is polyester, making it light and easy to breathe through. It also comes with a sparkling sequin pattern all throughout the body to give the gown extra flair.
Karen Kane Scalloped Lace Sheath Dress
Karen Kane Scalloped Lace Sheath
For mothers that want to be a bit more, well, daring on their child’s big day, then this gown might have what they are looking for. This gown designed by Karen Kane features a scalloped trim is made with an all-over fabric lace and plunging v-neck.
The dress was designed to accommodate every curve of a woman, giving off a rather flattering look. Available at Nordstrom and Amazon, this dress is available in multiple colors and in petite and regular sizes.
Want That Trend Floral Wrap Midi Dress
Available at Next, this dress is a short, knee-high attire that comes in a salmon color with distinct floral patterns on top. As such, it is the ideal option for mothers that do not want to draw attention to themselves but want to maintain a dignified look for the wedding.
The dress was designed to huge every curve of the mother, highlighting their features. Plus, it comes with a satin belt at the belly to showcase the mother’s figure even more.
Alex Evenings Long Mock Dress
Designed by Alex Evenings, this gown features the brand’s trademark A-Line skirt and comes with a sequined top. It comes primarily in a deep blue color although shops like Macy’s and Amazon do offer other colors.
The gown flows down to the heel which gives the impression of the wearer being taller than they are. The lace top is also made of a material that is neither stiff nor scratchy, keeping the mother as comfortable as possible on a long wedding ceremony.
Frill Sleeve Dress Coat
Frill Sleeve Dress Coat
Sold exclusively at Kaleidoscope, this coat and dress combo is perfect for MOBs that want to look simple and dignified for their daughter’s wedding. The coat comes in a peach or pink shade and is complemented by a v-neck dress with floral patterns.
The major highlight here are the large ruffles on the elbows which are lined by satin. The dress coat can also be complemented by equally simple accessories on the neck and the wrists.
Alex Evenings Long Line Rosette Dress
Alex Evenings Rosette A-Line Gown
Sold at outlets like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Amazon, this dress from Alex Evenings (again) features the brand’s iconic deep blue colors and flowing A-Line skirts. What makes it different from the others, however, is the inclusion of small rosettes and sequined patterns that give off a shapely silhouette for the wearer.
This dress is available also in other colors and comes with a V-neck back. It is recommended to use this dress with Navy heeled sandals, a nude lip, drop earrings, and an updo.
Lace Dress with Peplum Helm
Lace dress with Peplum Helm
Available at Kaleidoscope, this dress comes in a strikingly white shade. It features a semi-sheer lace overlay above a lining, a short sleeve, and a v-back. It also comes with a fastened centered back with a concealed zip, creating a seamless look for the dress.
This dress is best complemented with white high heels and a clutch. This should make the outfit look dignified yet effortless for any special occasion, most importantly a wedding.
JS Collections Soutache Mesh Dress
JS Collections Soutache Mesh gown
Designed by JS Collections, this dress gives off a striking and yet distinct look with its multi-fabric build and patterns. It also comes with a unique trumpet silhouette which makes it ideal for mothers with curved figures.
Sold at outlets like Nordstrom, Anthropologie, and Amazon, the Soutache Mesh Dress is available in other colors. However, it might be slightly larger for some women. As such, it is best to consider sizing down a few weeks before shipping.
Pisarro Nights Embellished Mesh Gown
Pisarro Nights Embellished Mesh gown
Sold exclusively at Nordstrom, this gown features a beaded top and a skirt that moves smoothly whenever the wearer turns around. It comes in a bone white color although other colors are available depending on the time.
The top is made with various sequins and patterns, giving off a simple yet elegant look. It is best complemented with strapped heels and a color-coordinating clutch.
This mesh gown might run large for some body types. As such, it is recommended that one orders one size down weeks before the big day.
Irresistible Off the Shoulder Dress
Catherines of Partick Off the Shoulder dress
As the name would give away, this dress sold exclusively sold at Catherines of Partick features an off-shoulder design, allowing the wearer to reveal more of her figure while keeping things at a dignified level.
The dress was designed with a fitted lattice which hugs the body comfortably. This all ends with a fuller-style skirt that reaches just above the knees. The shirt comes in either turquoise or deep blue.
Veni Infanto Short Fitted Bead Dress and Coat
Veni Infanto Short Fitted Bead Dress and Coat
Sold exclusively by the Catherines of Partick brand, this knee-high dress features a covered sweetheart neckline. It also features several diamond patterns all over the body which makes the dress sparkle.
This is all complemented by a coat with a thicker material which the wearer can take on or off to their liking. This dress is available royal blue shade although a bone white variant is also provided for those who want another color option.
What You Should Ask Your Wedding Dress Provider?
Knowing the best MOB dresses out there is all well and good, but where should you go to get them? Regardless if you head to your nearest specialty store or go to the Internet, you must always make sure that the boutique/store of your choice has what it takes to meet your needs.
And you can do this by asking them a few questions such as:
What’s Your Price Range?
A good wedding dress should set you in between £50.00 and £1,000.00. Regardless of the entire wedding’s budget, you must make sure that you do not overspend on a single item.
Some wedding shops cater for budget-friendly weddings and others towards couples who are a bit on the excessive. Take a look at their product list and you should have a good idea if that store is for you budget-wise.
How Good is Your Shipping?
A wedding store, especially online ones, should be able to send their orders in a timely fashion. A week or four is a good standard, the latter all the more to be expected for those that ship to international shores.
But what about rush orders? Can that store cater clients that need their MOB dresses ASAP? If they can assure that they can get such orders shipped out within a day or two, it’s a telltale sign that that store has awesome customer service.
Do You Allow Adjustments?
Every wedding dress out there was made to fit certain body types but, as we all know, not every woman shares the same exact body type. As such, you need a wedding store that can make the necessary adjustments for your orders depending on the measurements of the one who is about to wear it.
You would be surprised how an accommodation of just a few inches at the belly or at the skirt, shoulders, and everywhere else can go a long way in making the mother of the bride all the more comfortable. And if she is happy with her dress, that would be one less problem for the couple to deal with on their big day.
Being an expectant bride and mother can be momentous experiences on their own or simultaneously. If you are going to walk down the aisle with a baby bump in tow, there are some considerations that you have to keep in mind when looking for maternity wedding dresses.
With that being said, however, there are quite a lot of wedding dresses out there for mothers-to-be to wear on their big day. And below are some of the more notable examples.
Tiffany Rose
5.0
Amelia
Designed by Tiffany Rose, the Amelia gown is all about highlighting your baby bump. It’s jersey made from soft ivory lace hugs your upper body comfortably without making you too hot. It also comes with an elegant design from top to bottom which highlights any figure elegantly.
The Amelia dress comes in both mid length and full length variants. This way, you can pick which style suits you best on your wedding day.
Designed by Tiffany Rose, this wedding gown is made of a light fabric and is quite perfect for summer weddings. It’s design makes it easy to wear and the sleeves contain quite a lot of detail which gives the gown a rather elegant finish.
And if you are worrying about fitting issues, the dress does come with a stretch finish. This makes it easy to adjust to your body figure regardless of the stage of your pregnancy.
Tiffany Rose’s Eden dress is able to find a balance between Elegance and Simplicity. It comes with a stretch lace overlay design and is made from a lace that gives off a shimmering effect whenever the wearer moves.
All of this is then pulled by a satin belt on the west which highlights the wearer’s figure even more.
Worn by Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Madeleine of Sweden
Works well with different hair colours and skin tones
If the wedding is going to be set on a colder month like December or January, then this gown should be ideal for you. It is made from thick yet light lace with a streamlined design. It should conform to your figure while keeping you warm while still keeping everything elegant.
There is also an optional sash which can be placed on the belly to highlight your womb even more but makes it look smaller. And, to top things off, the gown ends on a fishtail-like design, giving the entire dress a flowing appeal.
One of the best gowns to come from the Tiffany Rose collection, the Verona is a gown made from eyelash lace which is then paired with a soft ivory jersey. It’s design is elegant enough but will complement your figure regardless of how well you are into your pregnancy.
And if you need a bit of proof on this gown’s popularity, a copy of it was worn by Julia Stiles on her wedding day. Knowing that the dress you wore has found its way into Hollywood should be enough to put a smile on any lady on their big day; apart from the main event, of course.
This dress comes with a scooped neck and off the shoulder design, giving it a timelessly elegant appeal. It comes with a simpler design all over which makes the gown a great partner for simple accessories.
The gown is made from a light lace material which allows the figure to breathe on a hot day. This makes the gown ideal for summer weddings or any wedding with a nature theme.
Off-the-shoulder sleeves giving a relaxed, grown-up feel
With a design adorned with fluttering lace sleeves, this ivory silk wedding dress looks like it stepped right out of a fairy tale. The gown was designed to make the wearer feel comfortable as they move while still retaining a great level of elegance.
And if you are wondering if this gown fits all stages of pregnancy, it does. It comes with a sash of silk satin which gives the dress a rather form-fitting yet tailored look.
Designed again by Seraphine, this dress keeps everything short yet dignified. It has a shorter hemline which pushes focus on your belly and allows you to move more.
The wedding dress is also designed to be flexible. This means that it will hug your figure comfortably on your wedding without restricting you on your waist.
This wedding gown is perfect for beach weddings and other open air events due to its flowing, elegant design. It’s waist was designed to hug the belly so the wearer can proudly show their figure.
Also, the dress uses a fine silk lace which allows the body to breathe. This should make anyone wearing it feel comfortable as they move.
This gown is designed by Pasduchas, this gown features the right kind of sexy with an off-shoulder design. If you are one that is a bit conscious with your baby bump, this gown should be an option as its design takes focus from your belly to your shoulder.
The gown comes in the traditional ivory white which is perfect for traditional weddings. But, if your wedding is far from traditional, the gown also comes in a bright wine color.
This gown is designed by ASOS, this gown sports embroidered flowers all over. It is then topped with vine patterns which completes the gowns earthy look.
The floral and sequin dress carefully treads the balance between formal and casual due to its sequin details and sleeveless design. As such, it is perfect for a wedding set out in the open air and during summer.
One of France’s best-known wedding gown lines for expectant mothers, the Envie De Fraise Flora line features a simply yet undoubtedly European flair with a sleeveless design and a V-neck. The gown features a knot just above your belly, giving your baby bump the right kind of attention.
And due to its simplicity, the Envie De Fraise flora gown is great when partnered with more elaborate accessories. If you are the one to walk down the aisle wearing a tiara or a jeweled headdress, this gown might be the one for you.
Choosing a maternity wedding gown can be daunting itself. To help alleviate some of the stress from finding the best gown for you, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Mind the Silhouette
First of all, do you want to emphasize the fact that you are pregnant or not? Your answer to this question dictates your options for gowns as there are types out there that either hide or highlight your baby bump.
If you are one that does not want to give too much emphasis on your growing belly, then a gown with an empire waist or a lace overlay is a good option. But if you are not one to shy away from showing your baby bump, it is best to find a dress that comes with a satin mesh or a belt that highlights your belly more.
Size Up
Usually, it will take a few months for you to get your wedding dress once you have ordered it. That means your belly should have grown even bigger by the time that gown arrives on your doorstep.
When looking for a gown for your big day, make sure that it does not hug your belly too tightly as of testing if it fits. The rule of thumb is to add an inch of your belly for each month from that day to your wedding. And, if you are not that confident with math, you can always refer to the store’s sizing chart. They will guide you in picking a dress that will comfortably fit you regardless of how big your belly is going to get.
Know the Fabrics
The materials that make up the gown can determine whether or not you will be comfortable wearing it on your wedding day. Stick to fabrics that can stretch as this will give your figure enough leeway so you won’t feel restricted as you wear it.
Fabrics like thulle and chiffon are lightweight and allow the body to breathe despite the gown hugging the shape of your body. Jersey is also a great material as it can stretch considerably, making wedding dresses made of this material ideal for women on the later stages of their pregnancy.
Simplicity is Always the Best
Even if it is your big day, it would be best to not to go over the top. The reason for this is that you are competing with your belly so having an overly designed dress is going to make you look off. Also, an overly designed dress tend to be cumbersome which will not do you any favors on your wedding.
Instead, look for a dress with a design simple enough that it captures your figure and complements it. This way, the focus is shared between you and your baby bump even as you walk down that aisle.
To Conclude
So which wedding gown works best for you? That is one thing that only you could answer. When looking for the best wedding dress, it would be ideal that you find a balance between Form and Function.
Simply put, that dress should be the kind of attire that can make you look good without making you look uncomfortable. If you can do this, you can make yourself elegant without sacrificing your ability to enjoy your big day.
More than 20,000 wedding gowns are being sold off at knockdown prices.
Why ?
Unfortunately, Berketex Bride went into administration back in November 2018. The business said it has eleven outlets an one in Dublin. Berketex had been serving the wedding market for over 50 years.
All this stock has gone to Auctioneers John Pye where you can buy for pennies on the pound.
Anyone hoping to grab a bargain will have to travel to Port Talbot, South Wales to get their hands on dresses from designers such as Emily Fox, Amy Hamilton, Rosetta Nicolini, Tom Flowers and Christina Sposa at significantly reduced prices.
South Wales (live now): Fridays 12pm – 3pm; Saturdays 10am – 2pm.
Marchington (commencing February 9th): Saturdays 10am – 2pm.
It used to be the case that only certain cultures of our society wore a beard but try walking down the street without seeing at least one. Yes, times have changed and beards are commonplace. With beards actually raising the standard of looking their best no doubt our grooms will want to parade their furry friends on their big day so today we are going to talk about how you might prepare your beard for that wedding.
Firstly note that not everyone can grow the same type of beards. So first thing is to know what suits you.
Like looking for that particular style of wedding suit, preparation begins months in advance for a well-manicured beard.
We suggest the ManCave beard oil is a reasonable product to keep the beard soft and itch-free.
But before anything else, let’s lay out some “ground rules” first.
The Do’s and Don’t’s of Having a Wedding Beard
The key to having a perfect Wedding Beard is just forgetting you have shears and shaving cream, right? Wrong. Growing that perfect beard is going to take a lot of care and a whole lot of common sense. In fact, there are a few things that you have to keep in mind.
Do Mind Your Role
When it comes to beards, just remember that the range of your options is inversely proportionate to your importance in the wedding. If you are a guest, then pretty much anything goes. This is true if you are attending the wedding on your own.
And even if you have your wife or girlfriend with you, your options for beards are going to be considerable. However, keep in mind that you might also be dragged into a lot of photo opportunities. As such, looking your very best will still matter.
However, if you are playing an important role in the wedding like the best man or, better yet, the groom, then how you can style your beard is going to be limited. In fact, you might have to fight it out with your partner and family just to have a beard on your big day.
Either way, it is best that you pick the styles that highlight your best features. Which leads to our next point.
Don’t Make a Drastic Change
Ironically, the rule that brides have to follow with their wedding makeup applies to men and their wedding beards: pick one that reflects YOU, and not you putting on some costume.
If your everyday stubble goes along with almost every formal wear that you have ever worn, then adding a few centimetres of hair on your face is not going to hurt. If you have always looked good with a full-on beard, then trimming it at the edges would work well to your favour.
That being said, a wedding is not the time to do something cool with your beard. If you’re just fine with a regular beard, then showing up on the wedding looking like you’ve just stepped out of the 18th century is going to make heads turn; for all the wrong reasons.
Do Clean Up
Having the perfect wedding beard is actually finding a balance between letting things grow and cleaning up. Think of it like you are making sculpture out of a bush: you’d have to know where and how to trim things to add dimension.
And, of course, you can’t do this without the right tools. There are products out there like Professor Fuzzworthy’s Beard Shampoo and Old Spice’s Sculpting Pomade that are going to give your beard the volume and luster it needs. Plus, these products can help you keep your beard in place when you opt for something stylish.
Investing on a good brush and comb will also do wonders. There are several products out there that do come with a complementary comb or brush made specifically for beards. As such, it would be best that you consider these items.
Don’t Make it a Last-Minute Decision
Growing a beard takes a lot of time. In fact, it would take you more than a month to grow a beautiful patch of beard over your face for the wedding.
Planning to get a beard a few days before the wedding is not going to bode well for you. At the least, you’ll get something pathetic. At worst, you’ll end up with something that looks scraggly and unkempt. And no, even the best growth oils out there like Growther Beard Growth Oil can’t get your face blanketed with enough facial hair in such a short amount of time.
Give yourself at least a week to a full month to grow a beard and then trim and care for it. Not only will you end up with something majestic but you’ll send a signal that you have actually made an effort in making yourself look good to everybody; especially if you have an important role in the wedding.
And while we’re on the issue of last-minute decisions, never ever shave your beard on the night before the wedding. Not only does this mean that you are going to throw out months of work literally down the drain, but you’d end up with a haphazard shaved look. Think of it this way: you can’t expect to remove an entire beard of your face overnight without leaving stubble here and there.
The Best Wedding Beards Today
Now that these concerns are out of the way, let’s get to the part of actually growing your beard. Sure, you can grow your beard however you like but there are some styles out there are more suitable to a wedding. Here are some of them:
Imperial Style
One of the more trending styles today, the Imperial style is traditional enough to give men that “macho” vibe. However, it has an artistic flair to it to give anyone wearing a bird that much-needed class.
Imperial style beards have a standard beard that measures up to an inch in volume along the lower jaw. However, this is then topped with a full moustache that curves upwards at the side.
The imperial style works well if you have short yet styled hair. Also, it works great for men with long faces but are of average height.
Short and Trimmed
This style is quite popular because it is easy to grow and manage. All you have to do is to let
your beard grow for a week and then trim it at the edges just before the wedding day. There are trimming kits readily available online that can give your beard the dimensions it needs. Also, this style is best for men with round-shaped heads.
The Full Beard
For the ultimate of dashing manliness, the Full Beard is your best option. This style is quite straightforward a concept as it simply means you allow your beard to cover your entire face and have it reach as far as your Adam’s Apple.
However, the key to success here is to reduce the “fuzziness” of your beard. That means you have to constantly trim it at the edges especially at the lower sections. This way, your beard takes on a more bulb-like shape by following the contours of your chin.
Also, this is the style that is going to take the longest to prepare. If you don’t have the genes to grow facial hair that fast, it can take months for you to get a full beard. As such, it’s best that you start growing your beard as soon as you get that wedding invitation.
Like the Imperial Style, Full Beards complement equally fashionable hairstyles. In this case, a high and tight haircut goes well for your full beard or even a simple barber’s cut. The point is that your hair should be shorter than your beard if you want to take full advantage of this style.
5 O’clock Shadow
For men that are not genetically predisposed for full-on beards, this is the best (and sometimes only) option. It’s also the fastest style to grow as you can have one just by opting not to shave for a day or 3.
However, the key here is to maintain that thin stubble and prevent it from growing a centimetre further. Again, there are trimming and styling kits online that can help you shave off extra bits of hair. If done right, what you’ll end up with is a quasi-bearded yet still rugged face.
French Style
Another popular beard style, the French is great for men with round faces or those with a less-pronounced chin. To get this style, all you have to do is to grow a full beard and then shave off the unwanted areas. These are the sides at the cheeks and at the lower jaw.
What you will end up is a beard that covers your chin and connects to your moustache. It would be even better if you can maintain a soul patch below your lower lip to give your beard a crown or anchor-like appearance.
If you want to take things a bit further, you can let the beard grow into a medium stubble. This will make the French style even more pronounced by giving your beard extra layers. After that, all you have to do is just trim off the edges and prevent things from growing any further.
In Conclusion
It’s often said that growing a perfect beard is hard. That is not exactly true if you already have the tendency to grow facial fuzz within a few days. The challenge comes in committing to a certain style and maintaining the health and luster of your beard before the big day.
Fortunately, there are products and tools out there that can help you grow, trim, and style our beard. A wedding is a momentous and stylish event, after your face.
In the past it has been customary to walk down the aisle wearing a sweeping white dress and matching elegant veil.
But, in recent years, modern brides have well and truly switched up wedding day style rules, banishing tradition bridal dresses for jumpsuits, capes and colour, as well as ditching veils for flower crowns or bedazzled headbands.
Sabrina Carder writes in the Evening Standard her update on the wedding veil.
Anything that isn’t a veil seems to go. From sleek white fedoras to floppy straw styles, bridal hats are the new ‘it’ wedding accessory in town. And, thanks to Instagram, the new trend has quickly picked up pace.
Emily Ratajkowski first bought the trend to our attention back in February when she married Sebastian Bear-McClard at New York City Hall in a very unconventional outfit.
The ensemble consisted of a £120 mustard suit from high-street shop Zara and a wide-brim black fedora hat adorned with a mini veil.
Furthermore, the model isn’t the only celebrity to take bridal headgear up a notch.
Photo Credit: Evening Standard Limited
Millie Mackintosh opted for a similar bridal ensemble when she recently wed Hugo Taylor.
But, the 29-year-old managed to put a tradition spin on the suit and hat combination, sticking to an all-white colour scheme.
The ‘gram has also been filled with fashion-forward brides rocking the new must-have accessory.
For ultimate inspo check out hat enthusiast, Quigley Goode, who has served up numerous perfect bridal looks featuring extra large panama hats. Tempted? Us too.
Or, if you’re feeling brave, you could make a real show-stopping entrance in an extra large straw hat like Danish model, Emma Leth, who paired a piece of Jacquemus headgear with a see-through wedding dress back in June.
So, if you want to elevate your bridal look this year, you now know how.
The actress Hilary Swank ties the knot with social entrepreneur Philip Schneider in a stunning yet intimate wedding location close to her California home.
Alexandra Macon of Vogue detailed the joys for us.
Hilary wore a white lace and embroidered dress by Ellie Saab Couture for her fairytale ceremony. Mariska Hargitay served as her maid of honour while fellow actor and Supernatural star Misha Collins were amongst the guests.
The gown comprised of 25 meters of Chantilly lace, eight meters of silk chiffon, furthermore six meters of organza silk. It took 150 hours to create with 70 hours of that focused exclusively on embroidery. Seven people made the dress, including three seamstresses, two petites mains, one patternmaker, and above all, the head of the atelier. “I have loved Elie Saab for years and was thrilled he designed my dress,” Hilary says. “I wanted something romantic that felt as timeless as the redwood grove where we were to be married, and he consequently delivered. Designing something that far surpassed my greatest expectations, as a result it was certainly everything I imagined and more.”
Of the setting, most noteworthy, “It was timeless. There is just no other way to describe it.” explained Hilary. The couple said their vows in intimate redwood grove populated with trees that are over 800 years old.
Looking to have a wedding that is truly personal to your being? A good tip is to mull over what resonates with you, whether you want all your brothers and sisters in particular colours, or that as an environmentalist you’d want to press the point home around using recycled or sustainable goods and products.
Whatever it is, jot it down and keep doing this. Oftentimes, the ‘resonation’ comes to you unexpectedly when exercising, or having doing something quite unrelated! Over a time, you’ll have put together a vision of what you truly would like to have on the rare day where you get to call the shots in having that perfect day. Then the rest is simpler to execute, if you have a wedding planner give them the vision, otherwise do it yourself pick up things in advance. Half the fun is in the journey
Ever wonder why brides wear veils on their wedding day. What is the significance of that delicate fabric covering your face? That can only be removed when it is time for the groom to kiss the bride.
Veils came into practice at different points in different cultures, and have seen dips and increases in their popularity. But here are the main reasons and theories behind a bride’s NEED to wear a veil.
Brides wear veils to ward off demons
Wedding veils started being a thing in Roman times, when brides were covered from head to toe in a massive red veil called ‘flammeum’.
Why? Because Romans were scared of evil spirits popping into the ceremony to curse the couple. They thought that making it look like the bride was on fire would scare them off. Makes sense.
Brides wear veils to symbolise their virginity
And their ‘purity’. Agh.
It’s all to do with being covered, and the veil being a thinly veiled (pun intended) reference to the hymen. Veil intact, virginity intact. So you can go right ahead and get wedded.
Brides have their veils lifted as a sign of ownership
Think about it this way: whoever unwraps a present is the owner, right?So through the ages, tradition has stated that the father of the bride must lower the veil on his daughter’s face, in order to ‘gift’ her to her new husband.
More often than not, brides take inspiration for their wedding dresses from catwalks, fairs or movies. They get the inspiration and picture that perfect wedding dress for their dream wedding. Today we focus on the runway and look at how catwalk dresses may play a part on your day.
And here are some more inspiration for all of you who are planning your wedding for the coming summer.
that “macho” vibe. However, it has an artistic flair to it to give anyone wearing a bird that much-needed class.
This style is quite popular because it is easy to grow and manage. All you have to do is to let 
is quite straightforward a concept as it simply means you allow your beard to cover your entire face and have it reach as far as your Adam’s Apple.
