Wedding Dress Trends - Top Wedding Dress Styles for the Modern Bride

Reflecting the overall trend of breaking away from tradition and steadfast rules, modern brides are choosing wedding gowns that reflect their personality and vision--not necessarily their grandmother's. The only rule for wedding dress style these days is to choose one that suits you. Whether that means wearing a gold wedding dress, trouser suit or sundress, go with it! And even if you are more traditional and have always envisioned yourself as the fairy princess in the white satin ballgown, you needn't worry about being perceived as old fashioned or "not with the times." The modern "rule" for wedding dress style is to choose something that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful on your day.

That said, although certain traditional dress styles are always popular, bridal fashion does follow mainstream fashion to some extent. So if you are looking for something a little more contemporary or "now," consider turning to the catwalks for inspiration.

The currently popular 20s-and floral-style dresses can be easily incorporated into a wedding dress. Accessories, such as chandelier earrings, can also transfer from the catwalks to comprise your wedding look. Try to avoid fashion that will date quickly, however, as you will want to display your wedding photographs for a long time. As a general rule, keep your wedding ensemble fashionably forward, not overly trendy.

Today's Hot Wedding Dress Trends:

Add Some Color -

Using a wedding dress to bring out a colorful personality, modern brides are not afraid to add a splash of color to the traditional white gown. Whether that means adding a colored ribbon or piece of jewelry or foregoing the white wedding dress all together, today's brides find inventive ways to incorporate color into their wedding attire. Particularly popular shades are blue, pink, cappuccino and champagne.

Lace Up -

Lace has made a recent comeback, exuding a look vintage romance that is feminine, yet not overdone. Many brides are enchanted by lace, envisioning a majestic day in a lush green garden.

Magnificent Embroidery -

For an ultra elegant, opulent feel, glamour girls savor wedding gowns adorned with intricate hand-embroidered details. This look warrants grand chandeliers, candlelight and an isle of red roses.

Ultra-Feminine -

As seen on the runway, feminine details are making a big impact. Ribbons, ruffles, flowers and bows are finding their way back onto wedding dresses and taking femininity to a new level. Brides who envision themselves floating along the cobblestones of a historic mansion will love this look.

Wedding Etiquette - The Bomboniere

Wedding Bombonieres have been around for many years, but in recent decades, they have experienced a fresh surge in popularity. In essence, they're beautifully decorated little boxes of candy that your guests get to take home. There is usually a card attached to the box. Upon that card is generally inscribed the first names of both the bride and the groom along with the date of the wedding ceremony itself. There are a wide variety of choices of materials that the boxes can be made of or decorated with, and these decisions are among those generally made by the bride to be. The preferred confection for the boxes to contain is five sugar coated almonds, and there's a reason for that.

The Sugar Coated Almonds

Almonds have long been recognized as symbols of prosperity. They have been present at weddings since the days of the early Roman Empire. The reason that there are five of these sugar coated almonds in the box is that they represent the five time-honored wishes of wealth, longevity, children, health, and happiness. To get the best tasting product for inclusion in your bomboniere, it's highly recommended that the almonds themselves be of a particular variety known as the "Avola," which is native to the region of Italy surrounding Sicily. Though this is a matter of preference, many people like for the almonds to be whole and peeled. The peeling results in a sweeter taste.

Who should get one?

There are some simple rules of etiquette which govern the distribution of these elegant wedding keepsakes. In general, a good rule of thumb is to give one to each family or couple in attendance. Some people choose to give one to each and every individual guest. This type of decision, along with so many others, is often determined largely by budgetary concerns. Sometimes, those who played a special role in the ceremony itself, such as groomsmen and bridesmaids, receive a slightly more elaborate box than the other guests. Also, anyone who is unable to attend but sends a gift or card should receive one as a thank you.

Other Factors

Though many colors are available for the sugar coated almonds themselves, the most popular color for weddings is, of course, white. Ideally, they should be distributed personally by a host or hostess. Alternatively, they can adorn individual place settings or a reception table. In any event, wedding bombonieres are sure to make one of the most important days of your life just that little extra bit more magical.

Plus Size Wedding Dresses - Simple Tips on Choosing the Most Flattering One

The choices of Plus Size Wedding Dresses are more abundant than ever and you can choose the dress of your dreams very easily!
And if you're a full figured bride, your wedding day is the perfect time to show off those beautiful sexy curves.

Here are a few tips to get you started on choosing the right style for your voluptuous curvaceous and delicious frame:

Choose the Right Silhouette
Remember to choose an A-line or empire waist silhouette. Both of these styles will gently skim your curves rather than cling to them.

Say 'No' to Shiny Satin.
Although satin is a gorgeous fabric, it has a tendency to accentuate every curve or bulge no matter what size you are. Even skinny girls look bigger when they wear a clingy satin dress.

V-Necks Are Perfect!
A v-neck line is great for attracting attention to your face and voluptuous cleavage while drawing attention away from your hip area. If you've got it---flaunt it!
Full Length is Best.

Choose full length gowns as opposed to tea length or short plus size wedding dresses. A short skirt causes more curvaceous women to appear short and stocky while a full length dress will elongate your frame.

Lighten Up on the Beadwork.
Heavy beadwork or a lot of embroidery will cause your dress and you to look bigger and heavier, while a dress with simple lines yet elegant style will lighten your appearance.

In the end, you call the shots! Remember --this is YOUR day to look fabulous, Daaahling! You should always choose exactly what you want. So if you absolutely find a style that you must have then by all means wear it... and not only wear it but-----
Work It Girl!

Final Thoughts on finding an affordable plus size wedding dress(that is really why you're here, right?) There are so many options out there today online that you really can have any style you want and for much less than you can find in bridal boutiques.

If you see the perfect dress but don't think you can get it because you are full figured, think again! You can have that dress custom made to fit you perfectly....and it won't cost you an arm and a leg!

You can find an exquisite affordable plus size wedding gown easily.

It's a good idea to browse through photos of dress styles and once you find what you like, simply send them your measurements and a few photos of the dress. It'll be made specifically for you.

No need to go running all over town trying on dresses that don't fit properly and dealing with pushy sales people. Why deal with all that added stress when you have thousand of other decisions to think about for your wedding day! For some great info on finding affordable plus size wedding dresses, visit my site (see below.)

Espresso Cup Sets - Elegant and Practical Wedding Favors For Your Guests

Espresso cup sets are classic, refined, tasteful and will match your bridal style and the style of your guests homes no matter what design you choose. They never go out of style and whether your guests prefer a strong brew or an afternoon cup of tea espresso cup sets offer something for everyone on your list.

While espresso is widely known worldwide, the popularity of espresso here in the United States has risen steadily over the years due to the many chain coffee retailers now across the country. Espresso, is most commonly thought of as an Italian drink, but it has also risen in popularity across Europe as well. Initially, espresso bars were found in downtown working class areas in the United States but as counter culture and artisan coffees developed, espresso became an up market, or upper class drink.

Whether you are a coffee lover, a couple of Italian heritage, or are looking for a unique and elegant wedding favors for your guests, why not consider giving them an espresso cup set for their homes? Espresso sets are a must for anyone who likes to entertain, however, not every home has them. Espresso cup sets usually consist of two to six, two ounce porcelain or china cups and their matching saucers. Some sets come with a stovetop espresso coffee pot for those who may not have access to professional espresso machine. These elegant wedding favor gift sets are usually packaged with an outstanding presentation box, making your thank you gifts impressive, generous and thoughtful.

If you are looking for the perfect companion to your espresso wedding favors, why not give them something tasty they can enjoy with their coffee? Italian biscotti cookies, personalized in your wedding colors or dipped in chocolate would make a nice touch to your dessert. Other ideas would be chocolate covered cookies, such as oreos or fortune cookies or decadent fudge brownies. Other ideas that can accompany espresso favors could be personalized coffee packets, coffee scoops, coffee scented candles, or demitasse spoons.

While espresso cup sets can be in the more expensive price range, you must remember these favors aren't given to each guests that attends. You should give out one set to each couple and one set to each single guest. A good rule of thumb is, if you invited one hundred guests, and they are all couples, you would only order fifty favors. This will cut down your over all favor costs, while giving the appearance to your guests that you spared no expense for your wedding. Your guests will be stunned by your gesture of thanks.

Wedding Guest Interference With Your Wedding Photographer During a Wedding

As a wedding photographer, I run into a lot of situations that present an obstacle to my taking a really good large group photograph of the wedding party or family portrait. Nowadays at weddings, it seems every wedding guest brings along their own little point and shoot digital camera and wants to capture every moment of the event for themselves. Most of the time I have no problem with them taking pictures around me unless they are standing up directly in front of my camera lens to take a photo of the bride and groom just as they come marching down the aisle.

But very often during the wedding, while I am making the formal group photograph of the wedding party or family portrait, friends or family members with their own little digital camera (or sometime a large digital SLR) want to stand next to me or off to the side to try and get the same photo I am taking at the same time. Usually, we are on a very tight schedule (very often it is normal to be running way behind schedule) as these photos are often taken just before the wedding ceremony is scheduled to begin and it is hard to stop and explain why I do not want them around with their cameras. I try as diplomatically as possible to get them to stop but often they ignore me or act offended.

Later some of these people have told me they think I do not want them taking a photo because I am afraid of losing revenue from print sales or that I am feeling jealous. It is not that. The reason is I want everyone in my photo to be looking in the same direction - at me.

When several cameras are pointing at a group of people posing for a picture, it is natural for some people to look off to the left at one camera, some off to the right at another camera, and the rest will be looking at my lens. When the photograph is printed large enough to really see it, everyone looking off in every direction has a disconcerting effect on the viewer. To these guests off to the side with their own digital cameras, the photo they think they see me making is just a photo of a group of people. The picture I am actually trying to make though, is of a group of pairs of eyeballs and I want to photograph all of them looking directly at my camera. Nothing destroys a good group photo more than if some eyes are looking off left, some off right and some at the lens. A group photo works best when every set of eyes is looking right at the viewer of the photo. Anything else is a reject photo when it comes time for editing.

I always try to politely ask these guests to wait until after I have finished my shot first. And I always make multiple shots to insure that there are no half closed eyes caught as people blink. When I am done they can rush in and take their turn. They should should keep in mind that the bride and groom have hired a professional photographer at great expense to make their wedding photographs to ensure sure their wedding album will end up looking great. If they really need to get their own print of the photo, they should get a copy of of the picture from the wedding couple later or if they really need to make their own version, have the courtesy to wait a little until I have finished making the photo for the bride and groom.

Photography Insurance-Insurance for the Photographer

Part and parcel of establishing your own photographic business is establishing your own legal entity. This means establishing yourself for taxes. This is broader than the scope of this article, because every country has it's own business rules. Also every state in federal countries has different legal rules. The first thing you need to do is register your business according to your local rules, if you are unsure of this either take legal advice or go and see your local town hall and ask them about local legal requirements.

You then need to separate your private finances from your business finances. Even if you pay your bills with a credit card you should have a separate business card.

Once you have set up your business, then you have to ensure that that business is protected, and one of the ways you can do this is to insure yourself against risks to your business. Whilst you should be able to insure an overall business policy for your business you need to make sure that all the liabilities you face both fiscally and legally are covered. We live in a litigative society, and whilst insurance may seem an expense you can do without, it gives you peace of mind. You need to consider insurance for your errors, omissions and liabilities, as well as ensuring your equipment for loss or damage. You also need an insurance against a claim made as a result of an accident, occurring whilst you are conducting a photographic session.

All sorts of simple errors and omissions can occur between taking the photographs and giving the finished image to the customer. Film can get lost either through your fault or the processor's. Images may be lost whilst shipping, or in the postal system. Images may also be lost by private carriers, paying a premium price for services may not be sufficient, do you know whether or not you are covered by their insurance, and if you are what is the limit? Whilst it is possible for images to be lost in Cyberspace you should be able to cover those eventualities yourself, by having back up systems. You may release the images to the incorrect party. As well as this there may be a human delay and you may find yourself in the wrong venue, with no time to correct this.

There are other errors that you can be held responsible for this; your customers may sustain a personal injury whilst they are in your home or studio. It is advisable to protect yourself with liability insurance. If someone trips or falls over a piece of equipment, you can be held responsible for the damage. One of your customers may even trip and sustain and injury outside your house on the steps, but if they are coming to your house for business purposes, the business is often deemed to be liable.

Depending on what type of work you are doing you may need an insurance policy for your models. Supposing you take a model to photograph to an outside location and she or he is struck by lightning, or a stray horse, etc? You will also have to ensure that all your equipment is also covered whilst you are on location, as well as inside your normal working area. If you work internationally on location, it is very important to ensure that everything is covered on an international basis.

When you protect your equipment make sure that remember to insure all of it. This does not include just your camera, lenses, and other obvious pieces, but your computer, fax machine, as well as all your software. If you use all your own dark room, then there is that equipment to insure as well. Even if you are using your house, your office equipment will not be included on a normal domestic policy.

As well as all these things you need to have a type of health insurance that covers you if you are sick, or cannot make an assignment. Also what happens when your car breaks down, and you miss a wedding? All sorts of events can and do occur.

It is also normal for any individuals to cover themselves for loss of income. You need to have an insurance policy for this, not just for your health expenses, but to ensure that over basic bills such as mortgages or repayments are covered.

If you have employees, then the business of insurance becomes more complicated, you need to ensure against their actions against your customer's as well. Supposing they get caught up in a claim for sexual harassment, then you yourself are responsible. Each added little extra thing which you ensure yourself against will probably only add a few extra dollars to your annual bill, and the dollars spent may save a lot of heartache later.

You can ask to extend your private insurance to include a business package, or there are several companies that ensure the professional photographer's needs with a separate package of comprehensive insurance. It may also be necessary to extend your vehicle insurance for the transportation of equipment, or it may be cheaper to include such things as loss of equipment from an unattended vehicle on your business package. It is not advisable to assume that you are covered for liabilities on existing insurance policies; it is always safer to check.

Sending the Wedding Party to the Reception!

I have attended literally hundreds, nearing the thousand mark in weddings. That figure is more than virtually any wedding photographer can dream of, but to me, is something of a daze, as all the weddings mingle in to one, the guests, the bride, the groom, becoming one crazy memory!

When I began photographing weddings in Liverpool (In the North West of England), I never imagined that I would one day have attended so many weddings in such a short space of time (Within 7 years!)

Attending so many weddings has however made me very aware of certain decisions which are paramount to the smooth running of the day...

When the Bride and Groom leave the church (Given that the wedding follows the 'Traditional' path), it is very important that the large group shots follow either immediately after the service or at the reception following a good few drinks. Taking this approach means that 'Uncle Frank' isn't kept waiting too long for the photograph of him with his distant relatives that he really doesn't care about!

Immediately after the service, if the large group photographs are taken then, virtually the whole wedding party will never be bothered again, leaving them the the rest of the day to enjoy the festivities. Alternatively, if the main group is sent away to the reception straight after the service and then only asked to attend for photographs for a few minutes following an hours drinking, then the wedding photographs will impede on their day minimally and everyone will be happy!

It is of huge importance that everyone at the wedding is kept happy. Although very few people will notice this approach, should the wedding photographer keep everyone waiting around by photographing the bride and groom, parents, wedding party etc... followed by the larger group shots at the church, then everyone will notice and only in a negative way!!!

The wedding is about the Bride and Groom. However, the wedding is also about the guests... Never make them wait too long... Some of these people may pass key referrals on to you in years to come!

Much of this knowhow is from weddings I have attended in Manchester and Merseyside in the last few years. Take heed in what I say!