A bride’s dream dress doesn’t have to be floor-length, lacey and white — it could be a little short, a touch sparkly or just a bit flirty. This season, designers from Zuhair Murad to Honor and Francesca Miranda showcased elopement-worthy mini dresses that are as stunning on the wedding day as they are on Instagram.
A bridal shower is a special celebration that’s meant to help the bride-to-be get ready for her big day. While it can vary widely based on the host’s vision, most feature plenty of food and drinks, time for guests to mingle and bond, and a few fun games. A well-orchestrated bridal shower also requires plenty of behind-the-scenes strategy, so be sure to lay out a quick agenda before the festivities begin.
The word bridal comes from the Old English brydealo, which means “wedding ale.” It’s a nod to the tradition of celebrating a bride with her friends and family before her nuptials. Nowadays, the term is most often used to describe a special drink or menu item that’s designed with the bride-to-be in mind.
When a bride decides to tie the knot, she wants her wedding day look to be as perfect as she is. And it’s not just the gown that matters — it’s the jewelry, shoes and other accessories as well. To make the occasion extra special, these pieces can be personalized with the couple’s initials or a message of love and encouragement.
While a few brides opt for nontraditional looks, many choose to stick with traditional white or ivory gowns on their big day. Some may even add a pop of color in a blush, champagne or sultry black gown. Lauren Conrad, for example, opted for a simple yet glamorous look when she married William Tell in September 2014. The Hills alum wore a Chantilly and Alencon lace wedding dress by Mark Badgley and James Mischka that was embellished with crystals, pearls and baby glass beads.
To find the right wedding gown for you, consider a silhouette that complements your body type and fits like a glove. A sheath silhouette is timeless and flattering, while a mermaid style can add curve-enhancing volume. Lastly, a ballgown offers a romantic and dramatic look that will truly turn heads.
While the bridal veil has long been the finishing touch to a bridal look, more and more brides are choosing to ditch it for a stylish headpiece. Whether it’s a statement headband or delicate hair clip, these accessories can bring a hint of drama and a whole lot of romance to the big day.
Bridal can refer to either the equestrian equipment fitted to a horse’s head or the act of controlling or restraining something. She had to bridle her temper during the heated debate. She bridled her anger by taking a deep breath. She bridled her horses before they ran out of control.