It’s All About the Back

Posted on March 22, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

It’s all about the back … ’bout the back… I don’t think enough brides take the rear view of their dress seriously enough. Your guests just MAY be looking at the back of your dress and hair more than the front — well at the wedding ceremony at least. Think about it…unless you choose to be innovative and face your guests when you say your vows, (your presider would then be one one to have HIS back to the congregation), the focus is on the rear view.

I ADORE the above dress, the one below too…Both are exquisite. Two things to remember: If you choose a dress style with such an intricate rear view, you must have either short hair, or wear your longer hair up. Your veil may need to be modified as well. My veil was so heavy and pure white, it was more opaque then sheer and not much was visible through it. Maggie’s, not the other hand, was as delicate as a spider web’s…

Much thought must be given to you hair as well. The bride below chose a different “rear view.” The emphasis here is her hair, but she has created a blank canvas to showcase it.

The next photo also presents an option for the highlighting your back. This bride opted for her jewelry to hang down behind her. I love this look and think it’s a great coupling for a strapless gown. It integrates a bride’s dress and accessories.

Or…you might favor the next dress which features a bow. This was my choice 🙂 My dress was very tailored/simply. Although I preferred the word, “Elegant” I had a big old bow on the back of my dress. It was feminine, and gave the guests focus. Just more food for thought…not that a bride needs any more confusion…

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Image #1 dressshoppingonline.wordpress.com

Image #2 www.pininterest.com

Image #3 ultimatebrideblog.wordpress.com

Image #4 etsy.com

Image #5 weddingsbylilly.com

Best Wedding Dress For Your Shape

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

We’ve talked about wedding dress styles, but not what’s the best wedding dress for your shape. As my mother always told me, just because something is ‘in fashion’ doesn’t mean it will look good on YOU. And nothing is more important than to purchase a wedding gown that is flattering to your figure. The chart above shows body types and the best look for yours. The chart below takes the analysis to a finer point by …

defining only necklines. This chart doesn’t suggest what would look the best on you, it only gives a reference guide so one can make the best decision. I have never been a fan of the strapless gown, especially in a wedding dresses. But there are the brides who can pull it off… The neckline of my dress was the “Scoop.” Maggie had a modified “Illusion.” And KK, well…you will just have to wait to see. All I will divulge is that it is very flattering, as is the whole gown, and she looks just beautiful in it. Pretty vague, huh? 🙂

The charts are not a perfect science, but they do give you somewhere to start. Decide what your body type is, focus on what is recommended for that type, and when you begin your gown search, concentrate on the styles that are supposed to flatter you. And sometimes…you just HAVE to try them on…even if the experts say it’s your ideal…Hopefully you’ll just have one wedding, so get the dress right too..

What would be my choice today, if I were a young bride again? I think something like the very last picture. It’s slimming, elegant and has a bit of old world charm…but I would have to try it on. And I’m not sure it would be the best for my body type…

Image #1 pininterest

Image #2 pininterest

Image #3 weddingdecorationshq.com

Image #4 www.finafani.com
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Your Grand Departure

Posted on March 19, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

A bride’s Grand Departure…If I had it to do all over again…I would arrange a very romantic, scripted departure from our wedding reception. I would leave about an hour before the band was due to end — almost everyone was still in attendance then. I would have the guests follow us out to our waiting limo and throw birdseed… the environmentally friendly alternative to rice at the time. There are so many other options out there now for rice alternatives. But for Kenny and me, this would have raised a few logistic glitches. We were staying at the hotel were the reception was held… where would the limo take us? 🙂

But then again, we would have missed a few of Kenny’s friends dancing on the tables at the very end of the evening… yes, we had a tasteful, classy affair, but at the end…fun was to be had…

As a bride, you plan so much for your special day, don’t let your wedding end on an uncertain note. Be bold, let everyone know you are on your way to your new life. Make your exit one to remember. See some pictures below for just a few rice throwing alternatives: champagne bottle shaped bubbles, flower petals, colored confetti, sparklers, and even leaves, birdseed and herbs…although I don’t have a picture for that!

I think the flower petals are the most striking, beautiful send-off. And the pictures, well, the one above is just gorgeous. The colored confetti below lends a festive air as well. Think of all the photo ops if you chose either style.

The sparklers are certainly celebratory. As KK and Tyler’s wedding is July 3rd, I think sparklers will be a must!!

1 – theweddingcafe.net

2 – looklovesend.com

3 – discount-wedding-sparklers.blogspot.com

4 – theinnatrsf.com

5 – arkansasbride.com

6 – melissamccrotty.com

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Family Style Wedding Dinner

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

What’s old becomes new again…and this is the case with a family style wedding dinner. In days of old, weddings were not the grand affair they have become today. Two people decided to marry, join their families, create their own. Yes, a celebration took place, and it was a party. But really…no one

betweennapsontheporch.net

cared if bubbles were blown, sparklers flashed, or butterflies released when the bride and groom made their get-a-way. Nor was the emphasis on guest favors, chocolate fountains, or photo booths…photos booths?

www.examiner.com

But weddings, maybe because brides are always looking for a new angle, are constantly morphing. Weddings are circular. I’ve noticed some new trends, that are really not new at all, but from my generation or my mother’s. One example is the “all the rage” rainbow color scheme for the bridesmaid’s dresses. Maybe what’s “IN” for weddings NOW will be in fashion when my grandkids are getting married.

anime.jokowi.us

I LOVE the family style ‘wedding dinner table’. Of course if you have a large guest list, you can’t seat EVERYONE at the same table, but you could try… Instead of 24 tables of 8, just think 5 of 40. If you go this route, consider an outside reception. More room for those LONG tables…

cotedetexas.blogspot.com

You CAN accommodate long family style tables indoors, but an outdoor affair will make the arrangement feel less cramped. And what about the food? How is IT served? Well…just like it sounds…family style. Dishes are placed in any free space in front of guests at the table, and they in turn take their own serving and pass the dish along. Brides who have used this arrangement claim it lends an immediate air of intimacy and camaraderie. I think it just sounds like a party. 🙂

weddinghigh.com

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Mother of the Bride

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Author: Mary P Karnes

It’s All About the Back

Best Wedding Dress For Your Shape

Your Grand Departure

Family Style Wedding Dinner