bride.ca

A primer to different wedding dress styles

Sun, 19 Feb 2017 14:44:00 -0700

We aren't exaggerating when we say that wedding dress shopping is one of the most important and challenging wedding planning tasks for a bride. Your wedding dress is the defining factor of your wedding day look and you must choose it carefully.

Most brides are unfamiliar with the confusing world of wedding fashion. Hence, Best for Bride suggests that you do your research before you set foot in a bridal shop.

Join us as we look at the right approach to wedding dress shopping and help you navigate your way to the perfect wedding gown.

Wedding dress silhouettes

"Silhouette" refers to the shape that your body achieves when you wear a certain dress style. It is the defining factor of any dress and hence the perfect starting point to begin your research on wedding dresses.

Here are the typical wedding dress silhouettes you will come across.

Ball gown

Ball gowns have a fitted bodice and a dramatic, voluminous skirt. The skirt looks buoyant and fluffy and is the statement factor of the entire dress. Although ball gowns look great on most body types, avoid it if you are petite or curvy.

A-line

The classic A-line silhouette is fashioned like the letter "A." A-line dresses have a fitted bodice that continues into a full skirt beyond the hips. This style flatters most body types and is a safe choice for all brides.

Trumpet

Trumpet silhouettes are straight all the way down from the bodice to the hips. The flared skirt starts at mid-thigh and extends to full length, forming a trumpet-like shape. This style looks good on slender women but should be avoided by straight body types and brides with fuller figures.

Mermaid

The mermaid silhouette is very similar to the trumpet. However, the skirt flares outwards only at the knees, and hence is more dramatic. It looks amazing on hourglass body types but should be avoided by brides with a bulky mid-sections and hips.

Fit and flare

This wedding dress silhouette has a fitted bodice and a layered skirt that begins at the waistline. The skirt is layered to add bulk to the lower half.

Sheath

This classy and elegant silhouette falls straight, following the natural body curves from top to bottom. It creates the illusion of a curvy figure if you have a straight body type.

Wedding dresses by body type

Now that you are familiar with the different wedding dress silhouettes, the next step is finding dresses that flatter your figure. To do this, you should first identify your body type and extend your search to silhouettes that are recommended for your natural shape.

Here are the different body types and the recommended dress silhouettes for each of them.

Apple

If you are apple-shaped, your upper body comprising of the shoulder and bust will be broader than the lower body. To balance out your figure, the trick is to choose silhouettes that add bulk to your lower half.

Recommended dress styles: A-line dresses and ball gowns

Pear

Pear-shaped women have a thicker waistline and lower body, while the upper body is smaller in comparison. The best silhouettes for this body type will highlight the slender proportions of the upper half while concealing a thicker abdomen area and hips.

Recommended dress styles: Ball gown and A-line dresses

Hourglass

This body type has balanced top and bottom halves and a defined waistline. Hourglass women can carry off most wedding dress silhouettes. However, they look best in dresses that emphasize their slender waistline and show off natural curves.

Recommended dress styles: Mermaid, Fit and flare, sheath

Straight

Women with straight body types have similar proportions in the top and bottom halves and the waistline is not very evident. Choose dresses that create the illusion of curves if you have a straight body type.

Recommended dress styles: Ball gown, sheath and A-line.

So, you are now aware of the type of wedding dress silhouettes that are suitable for your specific body type. Limit your wedding dress search to just these styles and it will turn out to be a lot easier.

Now, moving on to the shopping part, here are some pointers to keep in mind.

Fix your dress budget first and locate boutiques that carry dresses in this price range. Ensure that they have good reviews, so you are guaranteed a good shopping experience.
Although you may have an idea of what you want, it never hurts to try other styles. Trust your bridal consultant and try her suggestions. You may end up loving a dress you never expected to.
Take your time to make your decision. Buy a dress only if you are convinced it is right.

Although wedding dress shopping is challenging, proper planning can take the mystery out of the process. So, it never hurts to be prepared. For more in-depth explanations of wedding dress silhouettes and how to choose them based on body type, visit this detailed guide at Best for Bride and learn all that you need to handle this task with ease.

Winners: Our Very Best Engagement Photos of 2015

Wed, 16 Mar 2016 14:09:00 -0700

It's always exciting to see the incredible talent of Canada's photographers and 2015 has been no exception! Thank you to everyone who participated in voting on Facebook and congratulations to all of this year's finalists! We are highlighting the Top 12 Best Engagement Photos of 2015 and hope you love these amazing photographs as much as we do!

The winning photo! "Mountains for Days" of Hannah and Joey photographed by Luke Liable, of Luke Liable Photography, in Vancouver, BC. Special mention to Luke, who also photographed the Best Wedding Photo of 2015! This is the first time in the history of our contest (which launched in 2009), that one photographer has claimed both top spots. Congratulations, Luke: your artistry and talent is inspiring to us all!

First runner up for best engagement photo of 2015 is awarded to "Our Love Alone", Alecia and Brendon, photographed by Nicole Modde of NC Photography, in Edmonton, AB.

... [ Click for FULL STORY ]

Winners: Our Very Best Wedding Photos of 2015

Wed, 16 Mar 2016 14:00:00 -0700

It's always exciting to see the incredible talent of Canada's photographers and 2015 has been no exception! Thank you to everyone who participated in voting on Facebook and congratulations to all of this year's finalists! We are highlighting the Top 12 Best Wedding Photos of 2015 and hope you love these amazing photographs as much as we do!

The winning photo! "Mountain Embrace", Rebekah and Carson, photographed by Luke Liable, of Luke Liable Photography, in Vancouver, BC. Special mention to Luke, who also photographed the Best Engagement Photo of 2015! This is the first time in the history of our contest (which launched in 2009), that one photographer has claimed both top spots. Congratulations, Luke: your artistry and talent is inspiring to us all!

First runner up for best photo of 2015 is awarded to "Through the Fields", Becca and Josiah, photographed by Adam and Raina of Stick Productions, in Estevan, SK.

... [ Click for FULL STORY ]

16 Dresses You HAVE To Try On in 2016!

Fri, 19 Feb 2016 11:42:00 -0700

The dresses available in 2016 offer brides a perfect mix of on trend and classic; from crop tops paired with tulle skirts and gowns with colorful watercolor prints, to timeless lace ballgowns; there truly is something unique for every bride. We love that while fabulous new trends emerge every year, some tried and true bridal looks seem like they will last forever.

With so many incredible choices out there, you might be wondering where to begin! Well, not to worry, we've got you covered; in no particular order, here is our curated list of the top 16 wedding dresses you HAVE to try on in 2016!

Maggie Sottero 'Luna'

From sweet to sultry, Maggie Sottero's new collection offers something for every bride. 'Luna' has us imagining its delicate scattered lace and tulle skirt floating prettily on a summer's breeze, and we are most certainly mesmerized.

... [ Click for FULL STORY ]

Real Wedding: A Charming Outdoor Wedding at Horseshoe Resort

Fri, 29 Jan 2016 17:16:00 -0700

When a fun couple gets married, they have a fun wedding! Laura and Lucas tied the knot at Horseshoe Resort in Barrie, Ontario on a beautiful summer's day. Their wedding was captured by Jennifer Newberry Photography, who did a wonderful job of telling this vibrant couple's story and capturing the charming nuances of their personalities, which were so thoughtfully infused into the day.

<< click on any of the photos to see more images.>>

We love the drama that a cathdral veil, floating in the wind creates. All photography by Jennifer Newberry Photography.

... [ Click for FULL STORY ]

Styled Shoot: A Wonderland High Tea Reception

Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:52:00 -0700

We will leave it to Christine, of Christine Wills Photography, to introduce this styled shoot set at a private residence in Alberta, since she does it so perfectly!

Imagine Alice grows up into a beautiful, sophisticated young woman and meets her white knight. They tie the knot in the whimsical woods, with a floral inspired outdoor ceremony, then sit down to an elegant high tea reception.

A sweetheart table offers the bride and groom that cozy, "just the two of us", feeling.

... [ Click for FULL STORY ]

Darla & Jeff : A Winter Wedding
Wonderland in the Rockies

Fri, 27 Nov 2015 18:14:00 -0700

This real wedding makes us want to shout from the mountaintops that Jasper, Alberta is one of the prettiest places in the WORLD to host a winter wedding! Darla & Jeff's winter wonderland wedding, captured by Sofia Katherine Photography, boasts some of the prettiest bridal party portraits that we've seen in a long time! But don't take our word for it - see the breathtaking beauty for yourself and be prepared to swoon.

Frozen lakes and snow covered mountaintops offer an incredibly picturesque backdrop and these two lovebirds knew it would certainly be worth getting a bit chilly for!

From the bride:

We loved the idea of having a winter wedding with snowflakes everywhere and there was no better place for that than the beautiful Rocky Mountains. We have a love affair with the Rockies, plus it's where Jeff got down on one knee and popped the question!

Darla wore a Maggie Sottero gown, which she describes as the dress from her dreams:

"It was covered in Swarovski crystals and when I saw it, I thought it sparkled like snow and knew that I had to have it!"

This little guy's name is Charlie and his cuteness factor is just. too. much!

... [ Click for FULL STORY ]

Antonella & Frank: Splendor
at the Venetian Banquet Hall

Mon, 19 Oct 2015 13:32:00 -0700

Elegant, classic, and heartfelt; three words that describe the wedding of Antonella and Frank perfectly. The Ontario couple were married in a beautiful church ceremony and lavish wedding reception at The Venetian Banquet Hall.

<< click on any of the photos to see more images.>>

A windswept veil gets us every time.

Erika Hammer of Ten·2·Ten Photography captured every intimate moment of the couple's day, and shares a few words about their love-filled nuptials.

From Erika:

Behind all the glitz and glamour of a wedding day are two people who are truly in love. Frank and Antonella's wedding day was filled not only with lavish and luxurious details, but also with love for one another and from their families. Having photographed over 100 weddings, I rarely get a chance to see such an incredible outpouring of love.

... [ Click for FULL STORY ]

Beautiful Bridal Fashion for Pakistani Canadian Brides

Thu, 08 Oct 2015 10:06:00 -0700

Today's styled shoot features Eastern bridal looks created by Lyana Gibert of The Art of Beauty in Calgary, Alberta. Lyana brought together a talented team to showcase Pakistani bridal fashion here in Canada and may we just say; she is one talented artist! But don't take our word for it, see for yourself:

<< click on any of the photos to see more images. >>

A bright pop of color on the lip was the perfect choice by The Art of Beauty to compliment the striking dupatta and lehenga

From Lyana: Few cultures have weddings as extravagant as the people of Pakistan do. Not only are their weddings carried out over 4 days with lavish feasts and parties, (including the now very trendy henna (mehndi) party) but we also see some of the most beautiful and vibrant fashion, as well as unique styling for hair and makeup.

A closer look at the beautiful lehenga and dupatta by Bushra Zarrar of La Regalia Couture.

... [ Click for FULL STORY ]

Real Wedding: Ariane & Henry
Classic Elegance at Cecil Green

Wed, 07 Oct 2015 15:07:00 -0700

Ariane and Henry tied the knot at one of Vancouver's much-loved venues, Cecil Green Park House. Situated on the grounds of UBC campus, Cecil Green is simply breathtaking, to say the least.

<< click on any of the photos to see more images. >>

With a picturesque setting like this, is it any wonder that Cecil Green Park House is one of Vancouver's most coveted wedding venues?

Kailey-Michelle, of Kailey Michelle Events, planned a wedding that perfectly showcased the couple's spirit, as well as their vision. Describing themselves as a goofy, spontaneous, movie-loving couple; Ariane & Henry's wedding day had a light-hearted, happy atmosphere that suited the couple perfectly.

From Kailey-Michelle: I first met Ariane through her sister, whose heart was to ease her sister's stress and worry, when it came to both planning her wedding and enjoying the day. If Ariane [and her family] were to savour the day and be fully present to absorb every moment, then she needed someone she could trust to make the magic happen. And the day was exactly that.. magical, filled with sweet sentiment, great food and the most luxurious of settings; like your most elegant dinner party nestled within the walls of history, character and prestige!

Akin to every girl's fairytale, the room dripped with hundreds of fresh cut roses, orchids and strands of pearls. But more striking than the beauty of their wedding day, was the sheer joy these two shared in finally being each others, at last.

Ariane's beaded lace wedding dress fit her perfectly, and her classic bouquet of pink roses by Wedding Design Studio fit the fairytale romance of the day, beautifully.

... [ Click for FULL STORY ]

National Sample Sale: Vancouver Pop-Up (Sept 2015)

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 21:27:00 -0700

book your appointment

The biggest ever bridal sale in Vancouver!
We've curated a selection of 100+ sample designer wedding dresses that would normally retail up to $2400, at prices ranging from $260 - $1400! Sample sizes will range from 2-24, promising that we will have something for everyone. Gowns by ...

Alfred Angelo
Bonny Bridal
Casablanca Bridal
Ella Rosa
Enzoani
Jasmine

Kenneth Winston
Maggie Sottero
Moonlight
Sophia Tolli
St. Patrick
Venus Bridal

... at 50%-off or more!

This two week pop-up event is by appointment only, so be sure to book your consultation soon; you don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to find your dream dress at a just as dream-worthy a price!

details + appointments (click)

Real Wedding: Mary & Robert
Elegance & Opulence at the Montreal Science Centre

Fri, 10 Jul 2015 22:03:00 -0700

The Montreal wedding of Mary & Robert was a beautiful occasion that was both love-filled and opulent. Their incredibule day was captured by Grey Sparrow and expertly planned by Blanc Events, who utterly transformed The Panoramic Hall at the Montreal Science Centre into a magnificent enchanted forest.

Mary & Robert on their wedding day; these two simply radiate with love. Photography by Grey Sparrow.

A word from the bride: "Robert and I both dreamed of getting married in the country, as we both grew up spending our summers there. However, getting 300 people to the country is no easy task. Instead, we thought it would be easier to transform a room at the Science Center in Montreal into an enchanted forest. The color scheme revolved around warmth and greenery, focusing on deep burgundies and dark mauves, as well as introducing tons of wood and muted silvers."

Mary chose to wear Vera Wang's Liesel gown; the intricately beading dropped waist bodice and full layered skirt suited her beautifully. If you are experiencing major shoe envy right now, you are not alone; we LOVE her Jazzy Doll heels by Christian Louboutin.

The couple's ceremony at St. George Greek Orthodox Church was steeped with tradition and love.

The incredible floral design by Fleurs des Jardins can only be described as enchanting; they did an amazing job of bringing the couple's vision to life.

The silver tones throughout the room were a perfect choice by Blanc Events. From the linens and tableware (even the napkin rings!), to the silver chiavari chairs, there was a feeling of finery and opulence everywhere the eye could see.

Hundreds of glowing candles created a beautiful and warm ambience for the evening reception.

The Montreal cityscape and setting sun make for one stunning backdrop. Here's to the happy couple!

The Dream Team

Photographer: Grey Sparrow (Montreal) [a division of davina + daniel]
Videographer: Hello, I Make Films (Montreal). Watch the video here.
Venue: Centre des sciences de Montréal (Montreal)
Caterer: PMG Catering Services (Montreal)
Event Planning & Design: Blanc Events (Montreal)
Floral Design: Fleurs des Jardins (Montreal)
Bridal Fashion: Vera Wang Liesel
Cake Design: Beaux Gateaux (Mont-Royal)
DJ: DJ Eric the Tutor, Montreal

Wedit: An Exciting DIY Twist to Traditional Wedding Video

Wed, 01 Jul 2015 11:00:00 -0700

We all love a great movie and wedding videography has become just that: a full-on cinematic experience full of emotion. Traditionally, couples hire a professional wedding videographer to make sure every special memory is caught on film, but as we recently found out, there are some pretty cool options making the "wedding rounds" these days. One, in particular, caught our attention: Wedit. This is not a new service, but it recently started offering shipping to Canada; so, we just had to share. Check it out!

What is Wedit? How Does it Work?

Wedit is a "do-it-yourself" type of wedding videography service:

Five HD cameras (iPod Touches) are sent to you the week before your wedding.
Distribute them amongst your family and friends and let them capture your wedding from their standpoint.
After the wedding, send the cameras back to Wedit
where everything then gets uploaded into your own password protected area.

Wedit Trailer from Wedit on Vimeo.

... [ Click for FULL STORY ]

Real Wedding: Dustin & Lucy
Wilderness Meets Heritage at the Pacific North Cannery

Tue, 09 Jun 2015 15:20:00 -0700

Dustin & Lucy's northern BC wedding is full of so many unique and special details that we weren't sure where to begin... until we read this beautiful passage from Tyler, of Tyler Meers Photography:

"Lucy and Dustin's wedding was a truly beautiful affair that intertwined not only their deep love for one another, but also their connection to culture and place. Bonds of love, light, and life run powerfully though the event of their union, from the century-old fishing cannery with the family connection that was transformed into an unforgettable reception venue, to the locally sourced and handcrafted items that made their day unique.

Lucy & Dustin along the banks of the Skeena River in beautiful Northern BC. Captured by Tyler Meers Photography.

Dustin & Lucy met and live in the coastal community of Prince Rupert, British Columbia, and wanted their wedding theme to emulate the mountains, streams, and coastline that they love so much. The vision for their wedding was simple: sea-foam meets mossy forest floor. "We tried to keep it as natural and local as possible," says Lucy. With the breath-taking scenery of Prince Rupert and its surrounding areas, natural and local made for one incredible wedding day location.

Lucy is a member of the Nisga'a nation, an indigenous group from the northwest corner of British Columbia. Lucy's connection to her heritage comes through in many of the wedding details that you will see in this story. Add to that, the couple's love for their community and you have an affair brimming with personal touches and beautiful nods to nature.

You may remember Dustin & Lucy as the winners of our 2014 Best Engagement Photo Contest: Winter! You can see their winning photo (also photographed by Tyler Meers Photography) here.

This wedding offers incredible DIY details everywhere the eye can see! For starters, Lacy hand-appliqued lace to her red high heels, elevating them from fashionable to fabulous ;)

The boutonnieres, crafted of cedar bark roses, hydrangeas, and sprigs of Rosemary, were lovingly made by Lucy's bridesmaid.

Lucy handmade tiny cedar-bark rosebud earrings for each of her bridesmaids; their pendants were made from sea glass gathered from the beaches near the cannery and crafted by a Prince Rupert artisan.

The bouquets included cedar-bark roses hand-woven by Lucy, her sisters, and other women in her family.

The groom & groomsmen wore unique ties that had been silkscreened with a Chinook salmon, gifted to them by local artist Kostan Lagace.

Lucy and Dustin look down from the upper floor of the First Nations netloft at the North Pacific Cannery.

From Tyler: "North Pacific Cannery is a National Historic Site and the longest standing cannery on the northwest coast. Situated outside of Port Edward on Cassiar Road, about 25 kilometers from Prince Rupert, the cannery is a collection of wooden, tin-roofed buildings spread along a tidal river bank and connected by a series of boardwalks. To Lucy and Dustin, North Pacific symbolized the heartbeat of coastal life - salmon. Wild salmon are integral to First Nations culture and existence, and many coastal communities would not exist if it were not for this precious food."

The North Pacific Cannery offers a truly amazing wedding venue, with airy high-rafter cielings and picturesque views. Each of the 168 cedar bark roses that were given as wedding favours, were lovingly crafted by Lucy, her sister Nikita, and other members of her family. The roses were made by harvesting strips of red cedar tree bark, drying and cleaning it, then hand-weaving the strips one by one into lovely, unique roses.

From Lucy: "My grandma's moms name was Rose, and I really wanted to incorporate them to honour my Ool'ie."

The couple, as they chase the sun along the banks of the Skeena River.

This duo has style, style, and more style! Dustin sports his custom Kostan Lagace tie and Lucy is radiant in her reception dress.

The Dream Team

Photography: Tyler Meers Photography (Prince Rupert). Second photographer: Punita Moudgill-Milton.
Videography: Noah Guno (Terrace)
Venue: North Pacific Cannery (Port Edward)
Bride's Hair & Makeup Chelsey Lee's Mobile Hair & Make-up
Bridesmaids' Hair & Makeup Leah Woodman (Vernon)
Bridal Boutique: Jonathan's Formal Wear
Reception Dress Designer: Etsy vendor Lace Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: H&M
Groom's Fashion: Fashion Tailoring (Prince Rupert)
Groom & Groomsmen's Ties Kostan Legace of Coastal Fusion Art Prince Rupert)

Styled Shoot: Blushing Bride!
Inspiration in Blush, White, Cream & Gold!

Tue, 02 Jun 2015 15:22:00 -0700

" The vision was to create a romantic and rustic wedding shoot withwhimsical undertones, ideal for the down to earth bride who loves flowers, ruffles, lace and everything pink! "

Story & Photography: Samantha Ong Photography
Floral Designer: Midge Flower Studio, Toronto

The whimsical floral headpiece focused on mini pink roses to frame the bride's lovely face. Her stunning bouquet featured peonies, roses and other soft florals creatingblush-peach-pink-rose palette. The greenery added interest and brought back the rustic outdoors feel to the bouquet wrapped up with white lace and pearl pins.

Empress Paper Crafts, Markham

The stationary included a circular rose-print style menu card with charming font. The invitations were stunning withwhite invitation card dressed up with gold painted doily overlay, elegant font, and a blush pink envelope with rose pattern peek-a-boo interior. The whimsical program cards featured a pictogram wedding party on a rustic cardstock.

Cakes by Shmi, Pickering

The striking two-tier cake sat upon a ruffled edge cake stand. It featured soft blush ruffle layer dusted with a hint of gold on the edges sitting beneath a white pearl beaded layer topped with a flower with delicate pink petals and jewel-like gold center.

... [ Click for FULL STORY ]

bride.ca

A primer to different wedding dress styles

Wedding dress silhouettes

Ball gown

A-line

Trumpet

Mermaid

Fit and flare

Sheath

Wedding dresses by body type

Apple

Pear

Hourglass

Straight

Winners: Our Very Best Engagement Photos of 2015

Winners: Our Very Best Wedding Photos of 2015

16 Dresses You HAVE To Try On in 2016!

Maggie Sottero 'Luna'

Real Wedding: A Charming Outdoor Wedding at Horseshoe Resort

Styled Shoot: A Wonderland High Tea Reception

Darla & Jeff : A Winter Wedding Wonderland in the Rockies

Antonella & Frank: Splendorat the Venetian Banquet Hall

Beautiful Bridal Fashion for Pakistani Canadian Brides

Real Wedding: Ariane & Henry Classic Elegance at Cecil Green

National Sample Sale: Vancouver Pop-Up (Sept 2015)

Real Wedding: Mary & Robert Elegance & Opulence at the Montreal Science Centre

The Dream Team

Wedit: An Exciting DIY Twist to Traditional Wedding Video

What is Wedit? How Does it Work?

Real Wedding: Dustin & Lucy Wilderness Meets Heritage at the Pacific North Cannery

The Dream Team

Styled Shoot: Blushing Bride!Inspiration in Blush, White, Cream & Gold!

Darla & Jeff : A Winter Wedding
Wonderland in the Rockies

Antonella & Frank: Splendor
at the Venetian Banquet Hall

Real Wedding: Ariane & Henry
Classic Elegance at Cecil Green

Real Wedding: Mary & Robert
Elegance & Opulence at the Montreal Science Centre

Real Wedding: Dustin & Lucy
Wilderness Meets Heritage at the Pacific North Cannery

Styled Shoot: Blushing Bride!
Inspiration in Blush, White, Cream & Gold!