Wedding Gowns Archives | Page 6 of 15

In Advice

The pros and cons of wearing your mother’s wedding dress

May 14, 2020 No Comments

Most, if not all, mothers dream of the day their daughters will walk down the aisle. Often, they also imagine that their little girls will be happy to wear their wedding dresses from decades passed.

While this is an easy ‘yes’ for some brides-to-be, others may be a bit on the fence. Don’t feel bad about it! There is nothing wrong with wanting to be completely original on your special day.

A practice of tradition for some and sentiment for others, wearing your mothers wedding dress can have a lot of meaning behind it. However, you may (like many others) be willing to give up this custom in favour of individuality and self-expression.

To help you weigh up your options, here are some pros and cons of wearing your mother’s wedding dress:

Pros:

– Your mom will be over the moon

This is a beautiful way to honour your mother, and it will definitely make her happier than words can explain. A mother loves to see herself in her daughter.

– Money and time saved

Finding a wedding dress takes a lot of time. It includes several trips to various bridal stores and many fittings too. All of this will vanish if you use your mother’s wedding dress.

You know what else will disappear? The hole in your pocket in the shape of a gown. The money directed towards your dress will dramatically decrease.

– Possibility of alterations

You could alter the dress to keep the pieces of your moms dress that you love, and include parts of a dress that you’d love personally. You could get the best of both worlds.

Cons:

– Less exciting

While shopping may be a big task, it is very exciting. Your girls and your mom, all the special ladies in your life, accompany you to find the dress of your dreams. You may miss out on that experience.

– May make you feel overly cautious

Of course all brides are careful when it comes to their wedding dresses. However, when it’s an heirloom passed down to you, you may feel extra-stiff on your wedding day as you don’t want to spill anything on it or damage it in any way. This could make you a bit uncomfortable on your special day.

– Lack of individuality and orginality

You may feel a bit like it’s not your dress. This will be unpleasant and can put a damper on the day.

Image: Unsplash

In Wedding Gowns

The best looks from Virtual Bridal Fashion Week 2021

May 7, 2020 No Comments

This season’s Bridal Fashion Week was nothing like we’ve seen before. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, designers displayed their new Spring 2021 collections virtually instead of on the runway.

Although many designers opted to skip the season entirely, a few soldiered on to present the looks they’ve worked so hard on these last few months. Here are a few standout looks from this season:

Viktor & Rolf Mariage

Pronovias

Amsale

Reem Acra

Savannah Miller

BHLDN

Feature image: Instagram / Viktor & Rolf Mariage

In Fashion And Grooming

Unusual wedding outfits around the world

May 4, 2020 No Comments

The world is a wild and wonderful place, with more cultures than we can count. With different cultures come different traditions, fashions and ideas. We take a look at the fascinating traditional outfits countries across the globe choose to get married in.

1. Ghana

Ghana, like many African countries love vivid colours for celebrations and each family has its own cloth pattern that features on the bride and groom’s wedding outfits.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBfAuhOJbCk/

2. Mongolia

Traditional Mongolian clothes known as “deel” make part of the wedding outfit. The bride’s deel is of lighter colours and the groom’s is darker colours. The bride typically wears a beaded head piece too.

https://www.instagram.com/p/mklg05Lve0/

3. Kazakhstan

In a traditional Kazakh wedding, brides typically wear a headdress known as a “Saukele” with a long pointed feather arrangement as well as a facial veil.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_t73IOFkzy/

4. Ukraine

The Hutsuls are a sub-culture in the Ukraine that wear colourful outfits with flower-laden head pieces on their big day. Ribbons and beautiful fabrics join together to create a joyful look in both the bride and groom’s outfits.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXoFK7rF3Kx/

5. Thailand

Made of luxurious Thai silk, traditional brides wear a two piece, usually off-shoulder with a flowing design and an iconic bow around the waist.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5jvSpNJW4P/

Image: Instagram

In Fashion

Laid-back dresses for a backyard wedding

April 20, 2020 No Comments

With the coronavirus pandemic, weddings as we know them are put on hold. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t tie the knot.

Creative couples across the globe have decided the downsize their weddings, opting to say their I do’s from the comfort of their homes. If you’re still keen on getting married, you’ll need a dress.

While South Africa is currently under lockdown, there are many clothing retailers that are still allowing people to order and will deliver once the lockdown ends. Online shopping is the best solution at the moment, so get clicking away to find your perfect fit.

Here are some casual options for your paired-down big day:

Flute sleeve lace dress – R499 on Superbalist

Kira Belted Linen Jumpsuit – R1,499.00 on Forever New

Ruched bardot midi dress – R799 on Superbalist

Petite broidere sleeve milkmaid dress – R649 on Superbalist

Poetry Aelia Flower Shift Dress – R1499 on Poetry

Brooke Pom Pom Dress – R999 on Poetry

Revenge Lace Midi Dress White – R699 on Zando

City Goddess London Lace Wedding Maxi Dress – R999 on Zando

Puffed sleeves knit dress – R849 on Mango

Metallic thread midi dress – R1399 on Mango

Feature image: Unsplash

In Planning

Custom wedding dresses: Now may be the perfect time

April 17, 2020 No Comments

There’s a lot of debate about custom wedding dresses versus off-the-rack dresses. Many claim that a custom dress takes much more time and effort. Since we’re in a nationwide lockdown, perhaps now is the perfect time to consider a bespoke gown.

With a custom gown, there are many advantages. Your imput is the most important thing, whereas with off-the-rack gows, you might have to settle for what’s available. The world is your oyster with a tailor-made gown, you can let your imagination run free to come up with exactly what your dream dress looks like. Not only that, you won’t have to spend hours in stores trying on dress after dress.

Since you have two weeks (possibly more) left at home you can get to thinking. Start by searching Instagram and Pinterest to gather some inspiration. From there, you can note which styles are your favourites, what fabrics and colours you like, and other small touches to make your wedding dress truly unique.

You could even spend some time chatting to dressmakers, offering them your ideas to see if they’re able to create something that you’d like. With the technology we have these days, you could have your entire first appointment online, as long as you can take your own measurements.

Of course, with a custom dress you may have to spend a bit more money and have a few more fittings. However, these problems are easily turned into non-issues if you try hard enough.

You may be saving money in other areas of your wedding expenses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. For example, if your guest list is slightly trimmed to ensure that you have a smaller gathering (since we may still have some restrictions after the lockdown ends) then you’ll save money by getting a smaller venue, or by catering for less people. You’ll also save on printing and sending invitations. These savings could be used for your dress, if you’d like.

A bespoke dress ensures a perfect fit, no style limitations and many more up sides, so it’s worth considering. After all, who knows you better than you!

Image: Pexels

In Beauty

How the Japanese kimono made its way to the West

April 14, 2020 No Comments

Originally, “kimono” was the Japanese word for clothing. These days, it refers more specifically to traditional Japanese clothing. Typically in the olden days, color combinations represented either seasonal colours or the political class to which one belonged, according to web-Japan.com.

Traditional kimonos have beautiful floral designs and are made of silk.

In modern times, the Japanese rarely wear kimonos except on special cultural occasions like weddings, funerals, tea ceremonies, or festivals.

As the world turned into a global village over the years, different cultures and fashions were influenced by each other, taking inspiration from the beautiful designs of foreign nations.

It’s not advisable for Westerners to wear traditional Japanese bridal kimonos on their weddings without specific reasons, however taking design inspiration and adapting it to your own style is a great way of celebrating wonderful cultures and learning about customs around the world.

Take a look at these incredible gowns inspired by kimonos, mixing East and West in a splendid way:

Image: Pixabay

In uncategorized

Get the look: Modern-day princess

April 9, 2020 No Comments

If you want to feel like a princess on your wedding day but don’t want to look too dated, fear not. With simple touches, you can upgrade the traditional princess look to match with today’s times.

Mix modern trends with the traditional princess gown shape to give you a fresh yet romantic look. Think back detail, unique necklines and detachable overskirts.

Here are some ideas to inspire you:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-uTp3Tovd3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B97eHBUAQ1O/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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https://www.instagram.com/p/B56N1O0J4Br/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Feature image: Unsplash

In Fashion

Dresses we love: Sequins

April 7, 2020 No Comments

In earlier centuries, these disc-shaped beads were made from shiny metals. Today, sequins are most often made from plastic. They look just as glamorous as ever, though!

We love the sparkle they give, and since we’re back in the 20s, why not reimagine sequins? Especially for evening weddings, sequins can create a beautiful and striking effect.

Take a look at these for some glam-spiration:

Image: Pixabay

In Fashion

Pronovias offers free wedding dresses to healthcare workers

April 7, 2020 No Comments

Across the globe, healthcare workers are working tirelessly to help contain the spread of coronavirus. With all the hard work they are putting in, Spanish luxury bridal group Pronovias wanted to do something to say thank you.

In an effort to recognise all that they do, Pronovias is offering engaged healthcare workers the world over the chance to wear a Pronovias gown, free of charge. Any hospital-employed bride-to-be, from doctor to nurse to janitor, is eligible. This forms part of their Heroes Collection, which is dedicated to all the healthcare workers.

Pronovias Group Artistic Director Alessandra Rinaudo curated the collection, saying, “It is an honor to show my support and raise awareness for all of these women doing their best to overcome this pandemic. Love will conquer all.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B96_VjmIn_i/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“We would like to show our support to all heroes around the world on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic,” wrote Pronovias. “To celebrate their extraordinary and selfless dedication, Pronovias Group is offering wedding dresses to hospital-employed brides-to-be. The Heroes Collection will be available until 31st August 2020 at selected flagships. ? Tag a hero in the comments. #LoveConquersAll *Our stores reopening dates will be in line with local authorities recommendations.”

Participating stores include those in Spain (Barcelona, Madrid -Velázquez, Sevilla), Italy (Rome, Milan), France (Paris, Lyon, Marseille) Portugal (Lisbon), United Kingdom (London), United States (New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston), and Mexico (Mexico City).

Feature image: Instagram / Pronovias

In Emotional

The beautiful meaning behind Bindi Irwin’s wedding dress

April 3, 2020 No Comments

Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell said ‘I do’ in a private ceremony at the Australia Zoo on March 25, attended only by her mother, brother and Steve’s best man. While their big day featured a special tribute to her late father, Steve Irwin, there was another special tribute to her mother, Terri.

Bindi Irwin’s wedding dress was designed to mimic the one her mother wore to marry Crocodile Hunter star Steve Irwin.

“I wanted something very similar because I’ve admired [my mom’s] dress since I was tiny,” Bindi told People Magazine. “When I was about 12 years old, I put on mum’s wedding dress and it was a really, really special… it’s over 50 years old because it’s been in the family for that long.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-cC-eNpDlf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

As the original dress did not fit her and was too old to be altered, the next best solution was to have a new one designed in its image.

The second she saw the dress, Bindi knew it was the one.

“It was just perfect, I said, ‘Oh my goodness, that’s the dress,’ and we all started crying again.”

The dresses sunflower lace print sleeves also reminded Bindi of her father.

“When we would go on projects and drives together, we’d often drive through these huge sunflower fields in the middle of nowhere and we always stopped to take them in,” she explains. “[The dress] was really special and beautiful.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-fylqtpN4d/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Feature image: Instagram / Bindi Irwin