We all know how stressful planning a wedding can be, making wedding planning burnout a very real possibility. Whether you’re trying not to pull out your hair as wedding costs skyrocket or you’re obsessing over every little detail to ensure that everything goes the way you’ve pictured it, feeling overwhelmed is guaranteed to happen if you’re not careful.
Thankfully, this isn’t something new and there are endless resources to help the modern bridal couple looking to keep costs and anxiety low.
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When it comes to finding “the one” and having that movie-magic moment where your bridesmaids break into a sob after just one look of you in the perfect wedding dress, it all comes down to finding the right shape for your body. We’ve turned to the experts for this one, putting our ear close to the ground and listening to the suggestions that dress designers may have for some potential gown stumbling blocks.
You’re fuller in the hip/thigh area:
Choose something you are comfortable in. If you are confident and love your curves, then there are ways to make a fitted dress accentuate all the right areas. If you are more conservative or feel self-conscious, then go with something that cinches in at the waist and naturally flows out from there.
You have larger than average breasts:
Get a fully structured bustier if your bust needs that lift and support, or a daring plunge for those girls stay in place.
You are petite
If you are going for lace, something with smaller patterns would be best. If not, choose something streamlined and gorgeous! Even the princess look can work, if done right.
You don’t look good in classic white or ivory
Nude, toffee and sand shades are hot this season! Oyster is also a wonderful shade that suits a variety of skin tones.
You’re not too keen on exposing a lot of skin
A beautiful, hand-engineered, appliquéd illusion sleeve is the best of both worlds!
ALSO SEE: 10 things to know before going dress shopping
Feature Image: @aglowceleste
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Mr and Mrs seem like given titles for those that choose to walk down the aisle and say ‘I do’. Have you ever wondered where these titles come from? The origin might surprise you.
The titles originally had nothing to do with marital status. Cambridge University historian Dr. Amy Erickson explains that ‘Mrs’ and ‘Miss’ derived from the word ‘mistress’ while ‘Mr’ comes from ‘master’.
“Few people realise that ‘Mistress’ is the root word of both of the abbreviations ‘Mrs,’ and ‘Miss,’ just as Mr is an abbreviation of ‘Master.’ The ways that words derived from Mistress have developed their own meanings is quite fascinating and shifts in these meanings can tell us a lot about the changing status of women in society, at home and in the workplace,” she said
According to author Samuel Johnson, a mistress could be defined as “1. A woman who governs; correlative to subject or servant; 2. A woman skilled in anything; 3. A woman teacher; 4. A woman beloved and courted; 5. A term of contemptuous address; 6. A whore or concubine.”
Back in the mid-18th century, ‘mistress’ didn’t have quite the negative connotations it has today. In those days, a mistress typically referred to a woman of high economic or social capital, rather than a married woman. A woman referred to as Mrs in the 18th century was thus not necessarily married.
Those on the lower scales of society were simply referred to by their names. For example, the lady of the house might have been Mrs Abernathy, while the scullery maid would simply be Anna Black.
Mr and Mrs were on equal standing, and Erickson argues those that held these titles were more like businessmen and women as they governed servants or apprentices, and were quite literally the masters and mistresses of their trades.
It was only in the late 18th century that the use of Mrs became attached to marital status. The title Miss, which was originally a title for young girls, started to be used as a term to refer to an unmarried woman of a high social status, who was often a teacher. These young, socially ambitious single women wanted their own title that would mark their social class but not lump them into a group with the older businesswomen and heads of households that typically held the title of Mrs.
This new term thus shifted the meaning of Mrs to signify a married woman and create a distinction between young and older.
Why the pronunciation of mistress turned to ‘missus’ is unclear. In A Critical Pronouncing Dictionary, and Expositor of the English Language from 1828, author John Walker suggests its a result of colloquialism.
“The same haste and necessity of dispatch, which has corrupted Master into Mister, has, when a title of civility only, contracted Mistress into Missis,” he wrote.
ALSO SEE: Relaxing bachelorette party ideas for the chilled bride
Feature image: Unsplash
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They say red is the colour of love and passion, making it a fitting choice for a wedding day. Bold, dramatic and undeniably romantic, red wedding cakes are perfect for couples wanting to make a statement at their reception. Whether you lean toward deep burgundy florals, vintage piping or modern minimalist designs, there’s a red cake style for every aesthetic.
From romantic rose detailing to sleek contemporary finishes, here are a few romantic red wedding cakes that completely steal the spotlight.
Classic romance with a modern edge
This cake proves that red doesn’t have to feel overpowering. The balance of clean detailing with rich crimson tones creates a sophisticated look that works beautifully for formal evening weddings.
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Bold florals for maximum drama
If your wedding aesthetic leans luxurious and dramatic, a cake like this is the perfect centrepiece. The rich red florals add texture, depth, and a touch of old-world romance.
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Contemporary with a romantic twist
Minimalists, this one is for you. The sleek design keeps things modern, while the red accents bring warmth and passion to the overall look.
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Vintage-inspired elegance
Vintage piping and rich red hues are having a major moment in the wedding world. This cake feels playful, nostalgic and effortlessly chic — ideal for couples embracing a retro-inspired aesthetic.
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A floral lover’s dream
Soft detailing paired with striking red blooms creates a cake that feels both romantic and timeless. It’s the kind of design that photographs beautifully from every angle.
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Rich tones for autumn and winter weddings
Deep reds and darker accents make this style perfect for cooler-season weddings. It feels moody, luxurious and incredibly elegant without losing its romantic charm.
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Soft ombré shades for a romantic finish
If bright red feels too bold, ombré shades are a beautiful alternative. The gradient effect softens the overall look while still bringing in that passionate pop of colour.
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Statement-making and unapologetically bold
For couples who want their cake to double as décor, this striking design delivers. Rich red detailing instantly draws the eye and creates a memorable reception moment.
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Whether you prefer something dramatic and fashion-forward or soft and romantic, red wedding cakes are a beautiful way to add personality to your reception. From deep burgundy florals to vintage-inspired piping, these bold designs prove that red can be both timeless and modern when styled thoughtfully.
If you’re looking to make a statement on your wedding day, a red wedding cake might just be the sweetest way to do it.
SEE MORE: The rectangular wedding cake trend (and why we’re loving it)
The rectangular wedding cake trend (and why we’re loving it)
Featured Image: Pinterest
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