Thursday, February 9, 2012

The Wedding is ALL About The Dress

You spend hours searching for the right dress. Your bridesmaids force a smile as you exit the fitting room and you feel like a princess. You found just the right red dress to match your wedding colors EXACTLY and it is a fairy princess dress. You can never have too much blinding red fabric right?

 No one ever said this is a good idea! Just say No to the big red ballgown. The color in addition to layers and layers of pickups and beading does not give the eye a place to focus. No one can wear this dress, the dress would wear them. It is your big day, not the dress'. Yes the dress is an important part of the day, but it is not THE day. Also, if you are bold enough to wear red on your wedding day you are going to want to boogie all night long! There is NO WAY you can have a good time in this monster of a dress! Also keep in mind the tone of the wedding. You do not want to be sporting a formal, ballgown, bold dress if your guest will be wearing jeans or business casual. Also keep in mind what the groom will be sporting for the event. If he is wearing a sand colored tux this dress is a terrible idea. There are a few options to feed your "red addiction" instead of a full on red dress.

Opt for a bold colored shoe. This looks fantastic in wedding photos. It is also a big surprise for the groom while he removes your garter. This shoe is an absolute statement, guest will be drawn to the red peaking from beneath your dress instead of being overwhelmed by a big dress in a bold color. 



Don't want to hide your signature color under your dress? Try a chic sash to accentuate your waist and give you a fantastic figure. If you are on a dime Etsy.com can be a great source for finding fabulous accessories without breaking the bank in a bridal salon, and chances are you can find someone to make your perfect sash. With a sash you can leave the ties long in the back or have your seamstress add the sash to your dress for a seamless look.





There are other accessories you can use to play up your signature color without it being overdone. You are your own stylist figure out what look works best for you and go with it...but don't overdo it! 


Do: Try a bold red lip, but make sure it is a shade for you. Cooler shades of red for pale skin and warmer shades for darker skin. Pairing it with a red hair accessory that doesn't match exactly is a fantastic way to add more drama. 

DON'T: Go overboard if you choose to go with red lips. You do not want to look scary on your wedding day. You will want a clean look that will photograph flawlessly and will only enhance your natural beauty. 
Fascinators are all the rage in the wake of the Will & Kate wedding. It is a simple way to add some drama to a more simple dress. DO NOT sport a fascinator with a bold dress, it will leave you looking a little clownish. If you want the traditional veil for the ceremony, a fascinator can be a fun accessory to throw on for the reception.

Jewelery is another fun way to play up your colors. The add a subtle touch to your accessories for the day. Every bride needs a little bit of sparkle as a finishing touch. You can go as dressy or as casual as you need but do not go overboard. 


If you must go with a sassy red gown for your big day there are a few things to take into consideration:
           * No overdone red ballgowns that you cannot move in
           * Find something that would make you look just as amazing if it was in white
           * Incorporate coordinating colors in your wedding. (white and red can be a bit boring, try 
              adding in a fun color like turquoise to punch things up)
           * Go lighter on the accessories, showcase yourself 

The Kelly Leigh by Maggie Sottero offers a curve accentuating shape with just enough glitz to bring it into the formal realm. It offers drama with the color alone. No poof or overdone glitz needed. She also offers a large part of her selection in this vibrant 'Ruby.'

Take a look at Nina Dobrev in Donna Karen at the Emmy Awards from 2011. She went with a bold crimson red and paired with with a statement necklace from Neil Lane and a simple but appropriate clutch. Her makeup is simple but makes an impact and she is not overdone. She is wearing this stunning dress, not the other way around. 
 
In conclusion ladies....if you are going to go BIG and bold...make it a red Pnina Tornai! Just about anything she does comes in a beautiful deep red that is sure to make a statement. She does nothing small. So go for it. Just...easy on the red accessories please!


In conclusion...everything in moderation! Unless of course you are having a lavish Indian wedding, then by all means more means more. And of course Asian weddings where red is considered good luck.


Happy planning ladies.