Another guest post this time from Selene, English isn’t Selenes first language, so please be patient with her. This article has some thoughts about things to consider, when selecting the right wedding outfit.

A bride is the face of a wedding. Literally, very little attention goes to the groom. (Sorry honey!) So, if whether your picking a dress for a model for a photo shoot or a woman that is actually getting married, there are a few things that should be put in mind.

Consider some of these tips when looking for a wedding dress and picking an outfit.

Detailing

Instead of the usual nets and laces, some brides may opt for colors and prints that exude more life and lean more to their traditional preferences. This may include a gown with some custom made embroidery or pattern.  Talk to your designer in case of such an adjustment – then they will know how best to fix it.

Hair

Hair is another part of the outfit. Decide whether you want to go neat and sophisticated or outgoing but beautiful.  Take the messy bun for example. It involves the bride doing a neat messy bun and l have a lock or two on the front hanging out. It is enough to make the groom and the ladies envious .

Have a trial about half a month away from the event. If it is for photography, a week or a couple of days before is acceptable. This helps to clear any doubts that may be there on what to color or type of metal or stone to use. Decisions like these have to be made earlier to avoid wasting time on the scheduled day.

Headwear

Decide on what will be on your head, whether it will be a tiara or just a comb to hold the veil. This way, your search will be narrowed down to just what you require and you will not have to spend hours flipping pages on something you will probably not wear.

Colours

Shun colors that are too light or too dark if you are aiming for elegance too much color makes the bride look unbalanced. The colors should not be drab but with just enough life to bring out sophistication or the look the bride wants without making them look like clowns at an amusement park.

Get creative

You do not have to buy the dress if you can make it. Create or borrow a creative design and create a masterpiece that you do not have to return to the shop after getting married. You can find a famous design a give it a twist here and a redesign it into something new There are a lot of DIY videos and articles online to help you spice up the décor, the design, the shape and the material of the dress. Most are easy to comprehend and who knows, you might get a client or two who require gowns at your wedding. This will save on money and will create something unique just for you.

This is a guest post from Ana. Ana has been my assistant for 8 years and is a hugely important part of the business. In 2019 she has started planning her own wedding. There’s very little she doesn’t know about weddings and it will be an interesting journey, so having her provide her thoughts on the process will be useful. Ana is aiming for a smaller, intimate wedding on a small budget.

Thanks for the introduction Rebecca, this is a little guide on the first things to think about when you start planning a wedding – it’s not something taught in schools and often newly engaged people can struggle to know what the first step is.

1. Make the announcement

Some couples just don’t feel right if anyone knows their big news before their parents and other close family members do. If possible, tell both sets of folks in person. If your parents don’t live nearby, put in a special phone call.

2. Delve into dreams

Sit down with your fiancé and discuss ideas. Think about the style you’d like, whether it’s a beach bash, a sit-down dinner in a ballroom or a ceremony on a mountaintop. Do not talk about money yet.

3. Rough out the timing

While you don’t have to set a firm date at the moment, it’s smart to have an idea of what month or season you want to marry in. Then you’ll know how long you have to get things organized. Because your wedding’s size determines where you’ll hold the party, how much it will cost (prices usually rise per guest) and whether travel will be involved, creating a guest list is one of the most important things to do. So make your list; your fiancé and both families should do the same. You can, and likely will, cut later, but this first number will be your base.

4. Now talk money

 It’s rare these days that the bride’s parents pick up the whole bill, so decide on your bottom line. Find out from both sets of parents if or how much they can contribute.

5. Get organized

 Buy a notebook and separate it into sections for each budget category. This way you can write down the amount you want to spend on the item and then note your expenditures. As you near your limits, you can start to figure out ways to cut costs.

6. Ceremony who and where

 Finding an officiant and a ceremony site can be simple — if, say, you wish to marry in your hometown house of worship. Even if you’re no longer living in the area, you may have family who still are and can help out. Sometimes for the sake of convenience, couples choose a place that’s in between their homes and their parents’. And then there’s the destination of the wedding; just make sure that everyone you really want to join you and your groom can afford to travel and is able to make it.

7. The reception venue

Think again about those wedding dreams, and see how they mesh with reality. Perhaps you envision an outdoor garden. Fine, but what if you can’t find just the right place or the weather is an issue? Maybe there’s a quaint hotel with a pretty courtyard that would suit. Some couples find historic homes in their area to rent. Use local resources to narrow down options: a wedding planner or a recently married friend. Check wedding websites and bridal magazines. Then start scheduling visits.