The OurWeddingDay Blog

In a recent wedding, the bride decided to wear high heels for her entire wedding. They were high-quality, leather, designer wedding shoes. Although they were comfortable for a few hours during pictures, by the end of the night, she was in the worst foot pain. It took almost a week for her feet to recover. Here are some tips on choosing comfortable wedding shoes and how to prevent foot pain:

Some brides opt for flat wedding shoes, or shoes that have only a slight kitten heel. These tend to be a lot more comfortable, but remember that you will be on your feet pretty much the entire day, so a certain amount of foot pain is normal and expected.

A lot of bridal salons sell shoes specifically for weddings, but many of them are extremely uncomfortable. Sometimes it is better to go with designer wedding shoes purchased at a department store, or by a brand that you have worn before and know to be fairly comfortable. Remember that you do not have to choose white or ivory shoes to match your dress. You could wear a soft pink, silver, bronze, or even chocolate brown or black depending on the nature of your dress.

If you choose to go with heels, you can have a back-up plan by bringing a pair of flat ballet shoes to dance in. If it makes you a difference between you dancing and you sitting down in pain at your own wedding, then definitely change shoes. Just make sure that you take this into account when you get your dress hemmed, as you do not want it dragging too much (or be tripping over it!).

Read more:

• Selecting Your Wedding Day Shoes
• Beach Wedding Attire: Dress, Shoes, & Hair Ideas
• Trends for Spring Bridal Dresses

One of the major trends the bridal gown industry is moving toward is the soft, sleek, goddess-like silhouette. You are going to be seeing much less unnecessary fabric and beading and a lot more simplicity and understated elegance. For spring bridal dresses, this is especially appropriate, as spring connotes a “light and airy" feel. Here are a few key trends for spring bridal gowns:

Bridal dresses that are one-shoulder, or off the shoulder, are extremely popular. The one-shoulder trend is perfect for brides who do not want to go strapless, (it seems at least 90% of all the brides we see opt for a strapless dress!), but who love that strapless dresses are flattering to the upper body. With a one-shoulder dress, you can have the best of both worlds. Also, it is a classic look that is always in style.

Another trend for spring bridal dresses is the short dress. Depending on how formal your venue is, short wedding dresses can be chic, elegant, and a bit more unique than floor-length gowns. Some brides actually look better in short skirted  wedding gowns than in longer ones; it just depends on your style and body type. Just make sure that to choose a design that flatters you.

Lastly, bridal fashion is moving away from the huge ball gowns. You do want to feel like a princess, but remember: this isn’t prom. Also, less fabric can be more flattering, more elegant, and definitely more in style.

Read more:

• Short Skirted Wedding Gowns
• 2011 Wedding Dress Trends
• The History of the Wedding Dress

The wedding garter toss was one of the first wedding traditions, and is still present at some weddings today. If you’re on the fence about having a wedding garter on your big day, then some research could help guide you toward your final decision. Knowing what a wedding garter set’s
use is, and possibly how to make it on your own could influence your decision.

If you’re a young bride, you many not be aware of the history of the garter toss, since they aren’t as prevalent amongst modern weddings as they used to be. The lace wedding garter used to be one of the most important wedding accessories and a close second to the ubiquitous bridal bouquet. There are a few wedding garter traditions, for example that it has always been worn high up on the bride’s thigh.

If you choose yes, then picking a garter that fits your size and unique style is of the utmost importance. The best way to ensure your wedding garter is exactly what you want is by making it yourself.

How does one make a wedding garter? It’s a moderately difficult task, but you’ll find that it could be worth every ounce of energy you put into it. You will need the following materials to create your very own wedding garter is a 3” wide fabric strip that is about one and a half times the circumference of your leg. You’ll also need some lace trim, elastic, a needle and thread (or a sewing machine), and any other decorative embellishments you want to include on your garter.

• Next, get your thigh measurement. Figure out exactly where on your thigh you want the garter to go, and measure the circumference of your thigh in that spot.
• Turn the fabric strip so that the wrong side is facing outward, then fold it length-wise in half.
• Then sew the edge of the fabric, and then turn the tube of it so that the right side is facing outward.
• Find the seam in the back and center it. Once the seam is flat it will face your leg so that it will be hidden once the garter is on.
• Find your lace strip and sew it onto the bottom edge of the strip.
• Next you’ll need to put the elastic into the tube of the fabric. If the elastic is being stubborn and won’t make it’s way all the way through then pull it out and pin a safety pin to the end of it and push it through.
• Now it’s time to place the garter around your thigh and find a comfortable measurement for the elastic. Once you’ll found the perfect length, mark it and trim it.
• Use either a needle and thread or a sewing machine to sew the two ends of the strip together, creating a circle. Begin with the elastic, and then move to the fabric and then lace.
• The last step is to add any embellishments you would like to your garter. Some popular items include faux flowers, crystals, pearls, and bows.

Read more:

• The Garter Toss
• The History of the Garter Toss
• Origins of the Bridal Garter & Toss

Vintage wedding jewelry has become extremely popular, not only for wedding and engagement rings, but also for the bride’s wedding jewelry and bridesmaids’ accessories. Here are a few things to consider, both when choosing your own vintage ring and other accessories:

Do your research on your seller. There are many ways to purchase vintage wedding rings, such as through online sellers, antique jewelry stores, or estate sales. Before purchasing a ring, you should probably take it to a professional jeweler to confirm its value. (This may not be possible with online sellers, so make sure that you are pay-protected.)

You may not necessarily want an actual antique ring; you may be looking for something that has a vintage look. In this case, decide what type of style you are looking for by browsing antique shops, wedding band shops, and other boutiques that specialize in vintage jewelry.

If you do decide to get an antique ring, have a certified jewelry appraiser look at it to make sure that it is authentic. Only make purchases from reputable sellers.

Consider designing your own ring. This is becoming more and more popular, as brides want completely original designs that no one else has. Also, it makes the ring very special, especially if the groom designs it, or the two of you design it together. Note: you may want to have your jeweler make a wax copy first to make sure you like the ring. You don’t want to go through the whole process of having a ring made, and then not be satisfied with it. A design on paper will look different than the actual ring.

For your bridal accessories, consider both your neckline and your hair style. Crystal wedding jewelry, such as chandelier earrings, looks lovely with an updo. Alternately, a choker-style necklace does not look great with a V-neck dress. Remember that a square or straight neckline (such as a strapless gown) often looks great with a choker. A dress with a scoop neckline is often accentuated with a tiered (or multi-stranded) necklace. A simple pendant looks great with a V-line. Keep in mind that if you are wearing large chandelier earrings, you probably should not wear a necklace at all. You do not want your wedding jewelry to take away from your dress, or, more importantly, to take away from the bride!

You may also want to consider antique hairpieces, especially ones with pearls, crystals, faux diamonds, or vintage-looking fabrics such as tulle. Again, you need to consider your dress and veil before purchasing a hairpiece.

For your bridesmaids, try to choose jewelry that is timeless, something that they could take out and wear again in the future. Make sure that the materials do not look cheap (or leave smudge marks on their necks, which cheap necklaces often do). Look for brass or sterling silver. Again, the same rules regarding necklines apply to your bridesmaids. Choose either a necklace or earrings (unless both are very simple), and make sure that a necklace type corresponds to the neckline of the dress.

When in doubt, choose pearls! Pearls are timeless, classic, and have a decidedly vintage appeal. And they go well with many different colors and fabrics.

Read more:

• Wearing Fake Jewelry on Your Wedding Day
• Classic & Trendy Vintage Wedding Jewelry
• Antique Wedding Jewelry

One of the many perks of being a minimalist is that you get to simplify everything, including your wedding. Weddings can be stressful enough as it is, so having added pressure to buy a big expensive wedding gown can really weigh on you. Use the following ideas while on the search for proper wedding attire that supports to your lifestyle.

Stay away from bulky gowns, for example princess wedding dresses. You’ll find that this style is one of the top wedding trends of 2011, but that doesn’t mean you need to hop on that train. Speaking of trains, stay away from them as well. As a minimalist, one of your goals is likely to have as little fabric and bulkiness for stowing as possible, so stay away from any unnecessary fabric.

Forego any veils or headpieces, and instead opt for a gorgeous hairstyle. Although veils, headpieces, and hair accessories can be beautiful additions to your wedding ensemble, they aren’t necessary and can be costly.

If it’s space you’re most concerned about, then consider a cocktail length wedding gown. This length comes in many different styles, including halter, strapless, one shouldered, and is available in countless different fabrics.

Whichever dress you end up choosing, just make sure you keep it simple—just like your lifestyle!

Read more:

• Minimalist Wedding Planning Sites & Resources
• Planning a Minimalist Wedding
• Minimalist Wedding Flowers

There are countless factors that come into play when choosing your wedding ring. Whether you want to explore custom designed rings or not, what type of metal, and of course, what stone fits your unique personality and style are all questions you’ll need to answer on your journey toward your perfect ring.

First, decide what type of ring you want. Narrowing it down to either vintage, modern, or classic will make your search a whole lot easier once you find yourself online or in stores trying different styles on. Classic diamond wedding rings come in various styles, but tend to be conservative and timeless. Modern rings tend to have bold mountings, open shanks, and unique diamond settings. Vintage style wedding rings typically include micropave diamonds, milgrain details, and halo settings.

The next step—and the most fun—is choosing the diamond shape you want. The most common choices include the following shapes: round, princess, emerald, pear, radiant, oval, heart, or marquise.

What type of metal do you want? You have your pick of platinum, silver, or gold wedding rings. There are other metals to choose from, but the aforementioned three are the most common. 14-karat white or yellow gold is the most coveted metal for wedding rings, due to the fact that it is rich in color and durability. 18 karat gold scratches more easily and is a bit softer than 14-karat gold, however it has a color that’s too rich to resist. Anything below 14 lacks luster and appears dull.

Silver wedding rings are a great option for those of you on a budget. Although silver is soft, it easily tarnishes. Another option is platinum, which is a gorgeous white metal and a common choice for wedding rings.

Other metals to consider include titanium, copper, and steel. The main concern with these metals, is that they can cause discoloration and irritate skin, depending on body chemistry.

The next step in deciding on a ring is choosing the type of wedding band you want. The good news is that bands are designed in countless styles; the bad news is that you might have a hard time deciding! Bands typically come in round, comfort fit, and flat styles. The half-round is the most traditional of all wedding bands. The comfort fit wedding band is the heaviest of all bands, and also the most expensive. The edges are comfortable and round, hence the name. Last but not least, flat wedding bands are the most linear and understated of all bands.

Don’t forget about size! It’s imperative you choose the perfect fit because you don’t want your precious ring slipping off. Your local jeweler has finger sizers that will give an accurate reading on your ring size. Since your fingers vary is size during the week, due to the time of day, water retention, etc. it’s best to have your ring finger re-sized at least three times throughout the duration of one week before landing on a final size.

Read more:

• Top 6 Wedding Ring Questions Answered
• Wedding Ring Etiquette
• How to Preserve & Care For Antique Wedding Rings

Many people tend to think that a beach wedding automatically means they can dress down. Unfortunately, this is not the case. You may not need to dress as fancily as if you were going to a wedding at a high-end hotel, but you still want to look like you are going to a special occasion. Here are a few rules to guide your choice on beach wedding attire:

Go with vibrant colors. Bright reds, purples, corals, and blues are great for beach weddings. More muted colors such as beiges, silvers, mauves blacks and browns may look great for an indoor wedding, but beach weddings demand a bit more color.

When in doubt, got with a floral dress. This does not mean that you can throw on a cotton halter dress that could be mistaken for a beach cover-up. A floral print dress in a nice fabric is both comfortable and elegant. However, make sure that it is long enough (or that you have something underneath) to account for windy days.

For men's beach wedding attire, linen is a great option. Linen pants, shirts, and jackets are great because they are comfortable (without looking too casual).

When it comes to beach wedding shoes, you need them to be practical yet nice. Rubber flip-flops should never be worn. A flat leather sandal is ideal. Do not wear stilettos, or you will draw too much attention to yourself as you try to make your way through the sand.

Read more:

• Beach Wedding Attire: Dress, Shoes, & Hair Suggestions
• Flowing Beach Wedding Dresses
• Sultry Beach Wedding Dresses

Wedding fashion is in a constant flux, which is a very good thing for bride’s looking for the latest and greatest wedding gown styles. The David’s Bridal website updates on a regular basis, giving you up-to-date information on various designer collections, including the White collection by Vera Wang.

One of the most recent White arrivals includes one of the most elegant halter wedding dresses to grace the site. It is a draped charmeuse halter with a net skirt and is only available at the David’s Bridal store. What makes this dress even more appealing is the price!

Another White addition includes a v-neck soft A line gown that is adorned with hand appliquéd lace. If you’re a true romantic, this dress is the one for you!

One of the wedding dress styles that was found front row and center in the bridal fashion world is the classic ball gown. The White collection offers a gorgeous satin-faced organza ball gown that would take any bride’s breath away. If you want to be the belle of the ball, then consider choosing this style wedding gown, and your wish will certainly come true.

Regardless of the wedding gown style you end up choosing, it’s important to keep in mind that your gown should fit your unique style and personality.

Read more:

• White by Vera Wang
• David's Bridal Flower Girl Dresses
• Using David's Bridal's "Figure Flattery"

Whether you’re a makeup pro or not, extra makeup tips are always helpful, especially when your wedding day is right around the corner! Make sure your wedding makeup is flawless by taking note of these tips regarding eye makeup, specifically on your eyelashes. Since you’ll want your wedding style to be perfect, make sure you spend ample time on every little detail, including your bridal makeup.

Mascara 101
If you want gorgeous, thick lashes, then make sure you hold the mascara brush as close as you can to the base of your lashes. Wiggle your brush as you move it toward the ends of your lashes. This will maximize thickness and minimize clumps. Repeat this two times on each set of eyelashes.

Mascara Shades
The big question is—do you go with black or brown mascara? Fortunately there’s black brown mascara that gives you warmth and drama at the same time. If you’re having an evening wedding and want ultra dramatic eyes, then opt for black.

Eyelash Curler Tips
Eyelash curlers were designed to give you that extra lash lift you’ll probably want on your wedding day. Clamp your eyelash curler right at the root of your eyelashes (upper only), and hold for five seconds. Repeat this motion as many times as needed to make sure you’ve curled all of your upper lashes. Make sure you curl your lashes before applying mascara.

Read more:

• Bridal Makeup: Eyeliner Suggestions
• 3 Professional Wedding Makeup Tips
• Top 4 Wedding Makeup Trends

Nicole Richie, Chelsea Clinton, and Carrie Underwood wore multiple wedding reception dresses, so why shouldn’t you? Here are some pros and cons on both sides of the subject.

Why:

• It’s fun to play different roles, and slip into multiple outfit changes, especially when it’s your time to shine.
• Your mother insisted that you wear her wedding gown, so you opt to wear it in the ceremony and then change into a gown of your choosing for the reception.
• You can’t decide! There are so many amazing bridal gowns to choose from, how could you possibly choose just one?
• Your ceremony gown is too difficult to dance in.

Why Not:

• The first reason you should reconsider wearing more than one dress lies in your answer to this question: Why do you think you need multiple bridal dresses? Perhaps the dress you’ve already purchased isn’t the one. Maybe you jumped the gun and bought a dress when you knew in your heart of hearts that your search for the perfect gown was not quite over.
• If your reason is that you simply want the best of both worlds; one in which you are a princess in a full ball gown, and another where you are the sexy seductress in a white cocktail dress, think of your wedding dress this way: How often do you get the opportunity to be the belle of the ball, and prance around in a full length wedding gown? Not often.
• Your wedding gown is expensive, so why not get your money’s worth?

Read more:

• Waering Multiple Wedding Dresses
• Top 10 2010 Wedding Dress Trends
• 2011 Trends: Romantic Ball Gowns & Mini Dresses!