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What Colour Should The Mother Of The Bride Wear? – Ask The Wedding Expert Answer

January 23, 2010 By 5 Comments

Question from Carey:

My son is getting married next month. The colour scheme is purple and turquoise.  What colours would be suitable for me to wear so as not to clash?  Thank you.

Answer from Wedding Expert Angela:

Hi Carey.   If they have chosen an accent colour for the wedding decorations that is used sparingly, this might be a nice colour for you to use as it would tie you into the over-all colour scheme. Basically, you don’t want to be the same colour as the bride or the wedding attendants.  Pretty well any other colour will work, but YOU need to look good in the colour you choose.  No sense choosing a colour that makes you look sickly or washed out—even if it works with the wedding colours.

The complementary colour for purple is yellow, and the complementary colour for turquoise is orange.  So any colour in that range like orange, melon, peach, pale yellow, etc. would work.

Harmonious colours for purple are voilet, lavender, and similar shades, as well as blue—from navy to sky blue.  Harmonious colours for turquoise are blues which we have just covered, as well as greens.

The key thing here is to ensure that the bride shines.  I have a friend who has exquisite but an exotic taste in clothing.  She told me that when her son was getting married, he told her no gold, no sparkles, no animal prints, no big jewellery, and so forth.  Since that was her style, she was in a great dither about what to wear.   We eventually found her a lovely dress that suited her personality, but didn’t take attention away from the bride and the wedding party.

Choose a colour that suits you, and avoid the same colours as the wedding party.  And if you don’t like a lot of colour, neutrals are ALWAYS are appropriate.  For a wedding, stick to grey tones (instead of black); browns can be deep chocolate brown to pale tan colours; and avoid white for this occasion.

Check out this video to learn more about wedding colour choices.

Good luck, and if you have further questions feel free to ask!

Angela Fiebelkorn, Wedding Expert

Filed Under: Ask The Expert, Attire, Colours, Mother of the Groom

Will A Mermaid Style Dress Suit My Body Type? – Ask The Wedding Expert

November 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Question from Taylor:

Hi, I was looking for some advice on a wedding dress. I was looking into more of a trumpet/mermaid type dress, since I like the shape it gives, but the only problem I have is i dont know if one of those types will compliment my body. I am 5’2 and 125 pounds. I have more of an hourglass shape but the problem is my breasts. They are very large (DD) and I was wondering If i’d be able to pull off a trumpet shape. I already know I don’t want to go strapless, but what kind of straps would work best? Thanks for your time.

Answer from Wedding Expert Angela:

Hi Taylor, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  It sounds like a trumpet style dress would look good on  your body type, but there is only one way to know for sure—-try it on.  Trumpet style dresses come with a variety of bodices that include a halter style, square neckline with cap sleeves, and v-neckline with halter or standard bodice.  Some have lace jackets with long sleeves which the bride will wear at the church, and then remove at the reception.

In fact, there is every kind of bodice you can think of.  For example, a strapless square bodice like the Allure Bridals 8301 actually makes a full bust look smaller because of the style of the bodice.  Good support is necessary and you could go strapless if you wanted to.  Many wedding dresses have built in support, while with other styles, good support can be supplied by appropriate undergarments.   Allure Bridals M402 wedding dress is a mermaid style with capped sleeves and a square neckline and the Alfred Angelo 2021 has a nice secure halter bodice.  You can find all these wedding dresses by following this link and clicking through any of the dresses you see.  Then, just type in the styles I’ve mentioned in the search box once you are there.

Being 5′ 2″, you want to ensure that your dress style does not make you look short and squat.  Avoid anything too heavy or busy on the bottom part of the dress.  The overall look should flow from top to bottom giving you a long silhouette.  You might consider an A-line style or Empire style with a fitted bodice with dropped waist (to the thighs).  Not a true mermaid style, but allows you to show off your shape and still get the length.  Allure Bridals 8612 or the Alfred Angelo 1145 with a basque waist gives you shape flattering contours and the length you need from A-line skirt.  Remember, not all A-line skirts are that ‘big and flowy’—you might prefer an a-line skirt with a slender silhouette.

The Alfred Angleo 1151 is a dropped waist with an A-line skirt allowing you to show off great curves, and keep the silhouette pretty simple.  I think for someone 5′ 2″ that skirt is a little too busy, and I would choose something simplier in style.  My sister-in-law is just over 5′ and wore a mermaid style dress at her wedding.  She looked stunning.  I think it will suit you, but try some on and see.  If you order on-line (less expensive than bridal salons) make sure you purchase a dress size based on your largest measurement.  Wedding dress sizing is weird (to say the least) so it is best to ignore it, and go by the measurements.  Parts can always be taken in—as long as it fits the largest part of you.

Have fun shopping, and feel free to email again!

Angela Fiebelkorn, wedding planner

Filed Under: Ask The Expert, Attire, Wedding Dresses

How Can I Make The Bridesmaid Dress Suit Their Body Type? – Ask The Wedding Expert Answer

September 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Question from Kat:

I have chosen the After Six bridesmaid dress 6554 for my wedding.  There is concern for the small chested women in my party that it won’t look good on them because its a halter top.  Is there anything that can be done to the dress so small chested women look good in in it??

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Kat, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  Looking at the dress, I don’t think the halter style is the problem.  What you have is a dress with an empire waist, and a square neckline.  The banding above and below the bust will actually accent the bust.  This can make a big busted woman appear bigger on top—big busted women shouldn’t usually wear square necklines.

Your concern was for the small busted bridesmaid.  The accenting of the bust can look good on the small busted woman, but it really depends upon how small busted she is.  If there is nothing to fill it in, it won’t look good.  The bodice can be taken in, but it still won’t look as good as a style more suited to their body type.  The only way to fill it out more is to use bust enhancing devices which you can purchase, which will fill out the dress more.

The style you have chosen is quite lovely, and unless you have a bridesmaid who is really flat chested, or overly big busted, the style should work.  The best way to know for sure is to try it on.

There are other options.  After Six dresses come in many styles in the same colours, and you could let each bridesmaid choose a style that suits her body type.  This modern trend is very common and still gives your bridal party a cohesive look with the same colour.

Another option is to have the bridesmaids choose their own dress styles and let them choose any shade within a certain colour palette.  For example, one wedding I attended had all the bridesmaids in various shades of purple dresses in a variety of styles.  It looked great.

More and more brides are letting their bridesmaids choose their own dresses within certain parameters (usually colour and length).  It is an option you might consider.  Having a big-busted woman in a dress that doesn’t suit her just doesn’t look good.  Having a small busted woman in a dress that doesn’t suit her also doesn’t look good.

I suggest you ask your bridesmaids what styles they like.  Brides often choose dresses for their bridesmaids that they all hate!  Find out what they suggest, and make a decision that you all can live with.

Good luck, and enjoy!

Angela Fiebelkorn, certified wedding planner

Filed Under: Ask The Expert, Bridesmaid Dresses

What Colour Schemes Work For A Spring Wedding? – Ask The Wedding Expert

July 31, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Question from Rachel:

Hello, I am having trouble thinking of a colour scheme for our wedding in May next year.  The room where the service and reception is taking place has a lot of dark blue and my dress will be ivory with a crystal beaded waistline.  I have 4 bridesmaids 2 with dark hair and features and 1 with blonde hair and very pale skin.  Can you give me any suggestions?

Answer from Wedding Expert Angela:

Hi Rachel, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  You do not say what style of wedding you are having—formal, contemporary, casual.  So, I will answer according to the season.  May is spring, so any of the spring colours would be appropriate—yellows, peach, coral, orange, greens, pinks, violet.  Take your pick! But really, there is no wrong colour for any season when it comes to weddings.  Brown is a very popular summer colour for bridesmaid dresses, is a neutral, and looks lovely with ivory accents which would match your dress.

This video I made on wedding colour ideas might help you decide what colours to put together.  If you are bold, you could try lime-green, pink and blue—they are a great combination for a fresh, spring look.  If you are more concerned with what looks best on your bridesmaid, I suggest you ask them what their best colours are.  I’m sure they know.  Then, the next step would be to go shopping and try on different colours and see what works and what doesn’t.

Every colour has an undertone colour, and that is what you need to consider when trying to ensure your bridal party looks their best.  The only way to do that is to try bridesmaid dresses on and see what works.  Once you find what you like, make a note of the manufacturer and style number.  You can often find the same product cheaper online, as online stores do not have the overhead a physical store has.

Good luck, and if you have further questions, feel free to ask.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Wedding Planner

Filed Under: Ask The Expert, Bridesmaid Dresses, Colours, Spring Tagged With: , , , , , ,

What Should We Wear For A Wedding At The Town Hall? – Ask The Wedding Expert Answer

June 26, 2009 By

Question from Bridgette:

Due to financial circumstances my fiance and I have decided to get married this year at town hall and are getting married again in 2010. We are going all out at the 2010 wedding. My question what should my fiance and I wear at the town wedding? Thank you in advance.

Answer from Wedding Expert Angela:

Hi Bridgette.  I am assuming that although you are getting married at the town hall, you will go out for a nice dinner, and spend the night at a hotel.  So dress up, and enjoy yourselves.  It is your wedding day after all.

In 2010 when you renew your vows and have your “full wedding” that would be the time for the wedding dress and all the accessories.

Good luck, and congratulations.

Angela Fiebelkorn, The Wedding Expert

Filed Under: Ask The Expert, Grooms Attire, Wedding Dresses

How Can I Accent An Ivory Wedding Dress? – Ask The Wedding Expert Answer

June 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Question from Jo:

Hello!  I have purchased an informal ivory wedding dress (which could pass as prom dress).  The dress came with a Black sash tied at the waist. Although the sash is lovely, I think black just takes the “bride” look off the dress (especially as its an informal dress).

Would a Cream Sash complement the ivory colour?  I would prefer a light traditional wedding dress colour for the dress ie- white, cream or champagne, or even a matching ivory Sash?

I would love your advice.  Thank you in advance.

Answer from Wedding Expert Angela:

Hi Jo, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  Ivory is a neutral colour, so any colour will go with it.  Your suggestions all sound fine.  You might also consider going with a metallic colour (silver is typical for weddings), or accenting your dress with the same colour as the bridesmaid dresses.

Any of these choices would work, but I would suggest silver.  It is traditional for weddings, and will give the dress some sparkle.  You can look for a ready-made silver sash, or visit your local fabric shop.  There are many lovely silver/metallic sequin-style materials that you can use to make a sash that suits your taste.  A lovely tiara or headpiece with silver or pearl jewellery can accent your look.

Good luck, and if you have further questions, feel free to comment below.

Angela Fiebelkorn, The Wedding Expert

Filed Under: Ask The Expert, Wedding Dresses Tagged With: , ,

What Style of Wedding Dress Should I Look For? – Ask The Expert Answer

June 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Question from Miriam:

I’ve read the wonderful newspaper The Secret of Dressing Your Body Type and it helped me a lot.  I’ve defined my body type which is pear because my bust is small and my hips are bigger but not very much because I’m bit skinny, but compared to my weight my hips are ok because of my pear shape.  But I’m not sure about the choices of the wedding dressed that you advised for the pear shape because I’m not annoyed with my hips that I would hide them with an empire gown for example because this is the only part that has some good meat in my body.  By the way my weight is 53 and hight is 166 cm.  i’ve always liked the full skirt gowns because they look like princesses gowns, I don’t know if they will suit my body or not??
Please give me advice which would suit me and show me shorter and fatter

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Miriam.  Although you might be slightly  “pear shaped”, from your description you have a more balanced hour-glass shape.  The descriptions are for those with pronounced shapes.  For a moment, forget everything you read about body shapes.  As stated at the end of the document, the goal you are after is for your body to look balanced in the dress or gown you are wearing.  To know whether a dress will work with you or not can only be “analysed” so much—-you need to try on dresses.  If you have a large skirt without the height, your top half might look “lost” in the dress.  A lot depends upon the cut of the dress, so you need to try them on. 

Look for dresses that make your upper and lower torso look balanced.  When you try on the right wedding dress, you will know!

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Wedding Expert

Filed Under: Ask The Expert, Wedding Dresses Tagged With: ,

What Can I Wear Instead Of A Wedding Gown? – Ask The Wedding Expert Answer

May 22, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Question from Lynne:

Hello,  I hope you can give me some ideas as I will be getting married next year to a lovely man.  This is the second time around for us both.  I’m divorced and Paul is a widow. I am a plus size in clothing ( size 28) but I’d like something special for this day. Not a gown though. Can you suggest something.

Answer from Wedding Expert Angela:

Hi Lynne, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  There are many beautiful dresses that you could wear instead of a wedding gown.  Take a look through the many bridesmaids dresses—they come in all shapes and sizes.  You might find the perfect dress there. 

If you didn’t want to go with a dress, you could go with an upscale pant suit.  Stores like Penningtons, Additionelle, Lane Bryant, etc. all have one or two beautiful classy outfits each season that is aimed at the bridal market.  Check them out online or in person.

Good luck, and if you have further questions, feel free to email again.

Angela Fiebelkorn, The Wedding Expert

Filed Under: Ask The Expert, Bridesmaid Dresses, Wedding Dresses Tagged With: , ,

What Wedding Gown I Right For Me? – The Wedding Expert Answer

May 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Question from Liz:

I am 5’5″ and 110 lbs. What kind of dress is right for me? I would like something strapless. I was thinking of a princess or a ball gown type dress.

Answer from Wedding Expert Angela:

Hi Liz, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  It is difficult to advise you without knowing your body shape.  The key element you should be looking for when choosing your wedding dress is that you should look symetrical.  Your upper and lower torso should look balanced.  Without knowing your body shape, or seeing you, I cannot advise you further.  Use your judgement when picking your gown, and if you don’t trust yourself, ask a friend or relative whose fashion sense you admire to come along with you.

If I can answer any other questions, feel free to email again.

Angela Fiebelkorn, The Wedding Expert

Filed Under: Ask The Expert, Wedding Dresses Tagged With: , , ,

How Do I Make A Pink Dress Work With Red Hair? – Ask The Wedding Expert Answer

May 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Question from Sabrina:

I was wondering what I should do about my wedding colors. I mean I wanted a pink and white wedding, but my maid of honor has red hair and pale skin. She said that she’s willing to wear any color pink I want but she just might not look that good in it. So should I incorporate another color into my wedding?  I am planning on having three bridesmaids  including her should I have them all wear the same color dress or can they each wear a different color but same style dress? Sorry if this sounds confusing I just don’t know what to do :(

Answer from Wedding Expert Angela:

Hi Sabrina and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  First let us talk about the bridesmaid dresses.  It is perfectly acceptable to have your bridesmaids wearing different colours AND different styles of bridesmaid dress.  This is a more common European trend than a North American trend, but it is done here also. 

As to colour, well there are many kinds of pink—-from hot pink to the softest, pale pink.  If you can find a pink that works with your MOH’s skin tone, you can have the bridesmaids in another shade of pink.  Pink, lime green and blue go together.  Pink goes with red and purple.  Or you can use multiple shades of pink. 

Those are your basic choices.  Try to find a pink that works with you MOH first, since your desire is for a pink and white wedding.  If you can’t get a good pink colour, I suggest blue as a secondary colour—it works really well with red heads.  Pink and blue are a classic combination, and you can have predominantly pink and white, will smaller hits of blue throughout the flowers and decorations.

Good luck, and if you have any other questions, pleae feel free to email.

Angela Fiebelkorn, The Wedding Expert

Filed Under: Ask The Expert, Bridesmaid Dresses, Colours Tagged With: ,
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