I posted a couple of weeks back about the Oxfam Bridal Show being hosted in Fallon & Byrne and as a treat I thought it would be fun to get dressed up and take our very own Bride-To-Be Liz out to check out some of the vintage and second hand dresses available out there.

In this Episode of our Bride-to-be vBlog, Ciara and Liz head out on to attend the Oxfambridal Extravaganza Fashion Show in Fallon & Byrne in Dublin.

We had a great night and were spoilt with free wine and goody-bags!  Watch the vid we made which captured the experience….

Located on the second floor of Oxfam’s George’s Street store; Oxfambridal, Oxfam Ireland’s dedicated bridal boutique stocks hundreds of gowns from a wide range of designers including Vera Wang, David Brides, Rosetta Nicolini, Amanda Wyatt and White1.

Just came across this, this afternoon via twitter a new way to help the Earthquake victims in Haiti, as only brides can do!

The Wedding Dress Project Fundraiser is collecting and selling “gently used” wedding dresses to raise money for the American Red Cross effort in Haiti.  They will donate 100% of the sales price of each item, less shipping and handling, to the American Red Cross to aid in their Haiti Relief, Recovery, and Rebuilding efforts.

The Wedding Dress Project was created by Mindy Rossignol, a wedding and events planner in New England.

“I wanted to create an alternative to donating money. As a wedding planner I know most of the time, beautiful wedding dresses that have only been worn ONCE are being put in a closet, never to be seen or worn again. So I say, why not do some good with them? I know that couples are trying to save money on their weddings and what better way to do that then to purchase a gorgeous dress at a major discount while giving back to those that desperately need our help!”

Mindy hopes that people will consider using this unique opportunity to not only help the people of Haiti, by donating their Wedding dresses, but also by helping a future Bride get a beautiful wedding dress she can afford.

If you are recently married or have a clean and intact wedding dress please consider sending it to The Wedding Dress Project.  Vintage wedding Dresses dresses, tuxedos, suits, flowergirl dresses are also accepted.  If you are newly engaged, save yourself a substantial amount of money by purchasing one of the amazing dresses.  It will make your special day even more meaningful knowing that your money went to help people in need!

Buying your wedding dress second hand is becoming more and more popular as people are trying to manage the crazy expenses involved in planning a wedding.  Oxfam Bridal in Ireland are probably the most well known group doing it, but you can also buy worn wedding dresses on eBay and in charity shops around the country.

Something to think about surely, when a country like Haiti is going through incredible turmoil.  For more info, check out www.donatemyweddingdress.com

Last Sunday I was invited down to Adare Manor to their wedding fair to check out the property and see what the renowed 5 star property has to offer potential brides.

Let me tell you…ALOT!  It was incredible to see a black carriage being pulled by 2 large black horses with the white feather plumes coming out of the top of their heads!  The Manor itself is really spectacular, and the banqueting hall in particular would be amazing for a wedding ceremony.  For parties up to 90 people they can set the room up with a long extended banquet table - spectacular!

They had invited Wedding Planner to the Stars Tatiana Byron to speak to the brides and grooms to be, about Wedding Trends for 2010.  Diligent as I am, I scribbled notes for you guys so here we go!

A key piece of advice from Tatiana - Approach any decision for your wedding day with one thought in your mind: “How is this going to affect my wedding guests?”  If you always consider your guests then you can’t go too far wrong with your decisions.

Top 10 Trends for 2010

#1 Personalization is key

Suggestions:

• Custom designed monograms for the couple.  This can be used throughout throughout the wedding day from lights on the dance floor, the aisle runner, invitations, cake toppers, menus….the list goes on!
• Custom Wedding Songs.  You tell the story and a musician creates a song, you can use for your first dance, for your wedding “music video” etc.
• Get a characaturist to do a picture of you the couple which can be used on invitations, to display at the wedding etc.  Black Eye Peas singer Fergie did this for her wedding!

#2 Wedding Colours

Suggestions:

• Trend at the moment is anything but traditional, Vibrant colours such as oranges, yellows, hot pinks, greens etc.
• Use colours as a common thread in your wedding - flowers, linens, invitations, table cloths etc.

#3 Themed Weddings

Suggestions:

• French Opulence is popular for 2010.  Think Chateau Versailles.
• Word of caution.  If you are going for a themed wedding, you have to embrace the theme throughout to be true to it and to create the atmosphere you are looking for.  This will inevitably drive up the overall cost of your wedding.

#4 Eco Friendly Chic

“Green Factor” Suggestions:

• Food and Flowers - grown within 100 mile radius, organic farming
• Invitations - sustainable materials eg bamboo, plantable seeds, recycled paper etc.  Katherine Heigl had an Eco Friendly Wedding.
• Favours - homemade organic cookies, organic caramel apples, potted tulips, bamboo coaster & plants…these are a symbol of good luck!

#5 Signature Cocktails

Suggestons:

• Serve your favourite cocktail & name it aafter the happy couple á la “Brangelina”
• Cocktail menus can feature your monogram
• Cocktails can be matched to your colour scheme, eg coloured liquers, sugar crystals on glass etc.

#6 Dessert

Suggestions:

• Cupcake displays very trendy in last year or so
• Dessert Spreads and Candy “Bars”
  • Gourmet chocolates
  • Colourful and towerinig desserts
  • Lollipop gardens
  • mini cupcake towers v popular
• Use your monogram on your cake
• Personalised M&Ms with your initials (only costs about €150)

#7 Entertainment

Suggestions:

• Non Traditional Performances
  • Electric Concert Violinists
  • Cirque style performers
  • Stilt walkers escorting guests
• Trend at the moment for “music videos” in weddings which is basically a 1.5 minute video/photo montage of the couple which can be put to music and shown at the wedding

#8 Bridal Fashion

Trends:

• Bridal Fashion follows runways of Paris and Milan
• Brides showing more skin
• Mini dresses
• Multiple gowns for the evening
• Convertable dresses
• Old Hollywood Glamour, think Grace Kelly
• Romantic/Princess like gowns
• Sheer fabrics & lace
• Mismatched Bridal gowns
• one gown, multiple looks
• Alyssa Milano’s bridesmaids all looked different
• Shop: Sydney, New York OR London; 2Birds Bridesmaid make 1bridesmaids dress for weddings which can be worn in 15 different styles!  Something to suit all shapes and sizes and is sure to please your bridesmaids.

#9 Beauty & Accessories

Trends:

• Hair down with simple headpiece á la Fergie
• Birdcage Veils v popular
• Statement Jewellry - beaded necklaces
• Natural Make up
• Loose cascading curls
• Antique brooches used in hair

#10 New Things!

• Wedding Websites so couples can share their planning process and journey with their family and friends eg. mywedding.com, projectwedding.com
  • Can share updates on hotels, recreation activities, restaurants etc.
  • Involve your guests in your wedding planning process
  • If you are having a “destination wedding” then a wedding website is almost obligatory to keep people informed of the plan for the few days you are expecting them to travel for.
• Blogging about your experience is also a growing trend amongst brides-to-be.
  • Build a Bridal Community
• Honour your heritage.
  • If you have traditions in your family, your wedding is a lovely time to integrate them into your new family!
  • Think about food inspired by your heritage, music etc etc.
• Celebrities are a great source of inspiration.
• Ultimately your wedding is about YOU!
• Follow trends but always add the personal touch.

When I started weddingdates.ie I asked my aunts for their dresses to use in photo shoots/promos etc and I was surprised that a few of them had either given their dresses to charity shops, lost them in a house move or simply had them stashed away in the attic.  My mothers words to me when I asked her to borrow her dress for an Electric Picnic wedding 2 years ago were: “well, I’m never going to wear it again, someone might as well get some use out of it!”  And so I did!! The dress most be the most worn wedding dress ever!

Did my mother ever think her wedding dress would end up like this?!

Why not get some use (and fun!) out of your old wedding dress?!  I previously wrote a post on Trash The Dress suggesting that brides do a second photo shoot after the wedding where they take more risqué shots wearing their dress, maybe at the beach or some other location where you wouldn’t usually see a wedding dress!

Calling all previous brides, brides-to-be or just wannabe-brides to join us on the Sunday of Electric Picnic (Sept 6th, Stradbally, Co. Laois) at 1pm at the Inflatable Church wearing a wedding dress, to participate in a Mass-Wedding, where a large group of us will get decked out and be joined in “unholy matrimony” and most of all HAVE FUN!  We WILL be posting photos on the Facebook Page afterwards never fear!

Irish brides have been flocking to Brown Thomas in the past week to get their enquiries in for the Vera Wang dress that Andrea Corr wore at her wedding to her stockbroker boyfriend Brett Desmond earlier in the month.  The fact that the gown costs close to €11,000 is proof that the dreaded “Recession” has yet been factored into many Irish Brides wedding-budget plans.

Photo Credit: Steve Humphreys

The current collection from Ms Wang, is described as “dresses tinged with colour, all lightness and froth provide a fresh new vision of artful femininity with tiny embellishments of twinkling stars, sparkling leaves, giant delicate cut-blossoms, blankets of frilly petticoats and sashes of pastel hues, or tightly cinched black stretch obis.”  The particular dress Andrea wore is called the Fairytale Princess and features a full skirt and strapless bodice.

Vera Wang gowns are considered the creme-de-la-creme of wedding gowns and are favoured by celebrities tying the knot.

The debate rages as to whether or not veils are a must-have or a no-no for the modern bride.  Personally, I think they finish off the bridal look and can really transform a dress - draw the eye down the back to some detailing for example.

As ever, it is a matter of personal choice but if you ARE thinking a veil is the way to go, then there most definitely is a style to suit everyone - and every dress!!

A new retailer that i just came across is the Veil Collection, who are based in Cork, but are selling Veils online AND have free shipping for the month of July!

Why not check them out at veilcollection.com to browse styles and check out their very competitive prices.  If you are considering buying a veil online, just make sure that you have done your research first.  You need to try on different style and length veils with your dress before hand to make sure they suit.

Let us know what your feeling is on Veils - take our poll:

Trash the Dress is a relatively new concept that many brides-to-be that I’ve met haven’t heard of yet (and most of them seem shocked and horrified at the suggestion!)  “Trash The Dress” began in America (where else?!) and basically involves the bride (and sometimes the groom) in a photoshoot totally different to the posed, perfect photos on their wedding day.

Photo Credit: Artur Lastowski (Poland)

Many trash the dress shoots take place at the beach, with the bride walking into the ocean or splashing and floating in her gorgeous white gown.  But, as with anything - the only limitations to Trash the Dress photoshoots is your imagination!  They can be taken in any setting, urban or rural and are usually more fun when you inject a little of your personality into it!  I’ve seen photos where the bride and groom are wearing converse and sunglasses, holding shooting rifles, going bowling etc etc.  Be creative and you will love the results!

Photo credit: Marcin Labedzki (Poland)

There are some photographers in Ireland who will do Trash The Dress shoots, check out www.trashthedress.ie for more info or watch this TV3 Xpose piece on the photographer and hear from a real bride who has done it! Xpose on Trash the Dress

What Style?
Much of the pressure on the bride to look her best on her wedding day stems from the fact that she knows that everyone’s eyes will remain focused on her from the start of the ceremony until the very end of reception.

Image courtesy of http://www.poshgirlvintage.com

There are so many different styles of wedding dresses that it really does get confusing as to what gown you should choose. First and foremost choose a style that you will be comfortable in as you will be standing, sitting, dancing and partying in it for many hours.

Take into consideration the location and the style of the wedding that you choose.  Is it going to be a grand affair in a large church, a relaxed beach wedding, a simple ceremony in a park or funky themed wedding? The location and “feel” for your wedding will most likely impact on the style of your dress. Do not be restricted by these things though, if you want a pretty fairytale wedding dress and you are going to be married in a registry office, do it!  It is your day to dress up or down but do take into consideration what look your fiancé will love as you walk down the aisle.

I have outlined below the basic wedding dress shapes and how each style will flatter certain body shapes and what styles you should avoid. Keep in mind this is a guide only and you should be open minded and try on the different styles before you dismiss any of them just to be sure.

• Princess or A-Line: The A-Line skirt of the princess dress creates the illusion of a perfect hourglass figure. The bodice is shaped like a “V” with a princess bodice and an A-Line skirt that flares gently from waist down. A-line gowns are recommended for the most body types. It doesn’t matter if you have wide hips or slim hips; the shape of the A-Line skirt provides you a lovely hourglass silhouette.

• Ball Gown: Another dress shape fit for royalty, the ball gown has a fitted bodice with a poufy skirt usually made from layers and layers of tulle supported by a hoop under the skirt. Ball gown type dresses are recommended for women with a fuller figure, pear shaped, and thin. This style is not usually flattering for petites and small busts.

• Sheath: A slimming dress shape, the sheath lightly skims the bride’s figure, creating a lovely, fitted look. Sheath style gown are recommended for thin figured or petit framed women. They may also be considered for some women with an hour glass figure. This style is not recommended for women who are thick or short waisted, full figured, or have a pear shaped body type.

• Mermaid: The mermaid dress shape has a form-fitting bodice with a sheath-like skirt that clings up to the knees, where the skirt then flares gently to create a mermaid silhouette. Mermaid style gowns are recommended for slim and hourglass women with a figure that they want to show off. This style is not recommended for women who are petite, thick or pear shaped.

• Empire: The empire-style wedding dress has a high waistline, usually directly under the bust, with a flowing but not necessarily form-fitting skirt that falls gracefully from the bodice. Empire waist gowns are recommended for women who are petite as it adds the illusion of height. Also for small busts and slim build. This style is not recommended for very tall women or women with wide hips.

• Neckline. The neckline is the most noticeable part of the dress in your wedding photos; the right neckline can create a truly stunning wedding gown.

• Off-The-Shoulder: As the name implies, this neckline sits off or below the shoulders, showcasing a woman’s collarbone and shoulders, while sleeves cover part of the upper arm. This neckline flatters almost all figures.

• Portrait: The Portrait neckline is similar to an off-the-shoulder style but additional fabric covers the shoulders. The portrait neckline is characterized by a wide, soft scoop from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other.

• Sweetheart: Shaped like the top half of a heart, the sweetheart neckline has the ability to accentuate the bust and makes it a great option for fuller-chested women. Some sweetheart necklines are deep and sculpted, while others have a gentle dip at the centre for a contemporary look.

• Sabrina/Bateau: This shape is cut straight across, following the curve of the collarbone to almost the tip of the shoulders, showing less of the chest. This neckline can be paired with sleeves or a sleeveless style.

• Halter: The halter wraps around the back of the neck, creating deep armholes. The halter is often paired with a backless style, creating a very sexy look.

• Scoop: The classic scoop is a U-shaped neckline, and flatters almost all body types. For a sexier look, it can be cut low. The scoop will often continue on the back of the dress.

• Jewel or T-Shirt: Similar to an actual T-shirt, the jewel neckline is round and sits at the base of the throat. This neckline creates a bustier look.

• V-Neck: This neckline dips in the front into a V-shape. Since it de-emphasizes the bustline, this neckline is good for B or C cups.

Once you have decided on your ideal shape it is wise to go and try on some dresses in the bridal shops. Don’t dismiss a shape until you try it on, the above is a guide only. It is your day and you really don’t have to stick to any hard and fast rules. Select something comfortable, flattering and be as outrageous or as conservative as you please, it is your wedding day, no-one else’s!

Most of all, remember- this is your wedding day and your wedding dress. Wear whatever makes you comfortable and makes you feel fabulous and feels like you.

With many thanks to our contributor:
Marie Kennedy
The Ivory Rose Bridal Rooms
Passage West, Co Cork
Tel: 021 4859750
Email: marie@theivoryrose.ie
www.theivoryrose.ie

One of the biggest decisions you will face as the big day approaches is choosing the perfect wedding dress.  Here our expert advisor from Ivory Rose Bridal, gives her Top Tips on shopping for that perfect wedding dress!

Relax and enjoy every moment!

The process of shopping for a wedding dress can be a fabulous adventure, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. You might already have a dream wedding dress style set in your mind or you may have no idea what you are going to wear. The important thing is to relax, and remember that there are as many different kinds of dresses out there as there are different kinds of brides. Remember to enjoy the experience of looking for your dress. And have fun shopping for your dress. It should be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Plan ahead
Take time to think about what you want. It will be helpful when you enter the maze of wedding dresses out there to know what your budget is, any details that are essential (i.e. I must have a full skirt, or my arms must be covered), and an idea of how traditional you want your dress to be. Remember to budget in for dress alterations which are not normally included in the price of the dress; most dresses are standard sizes and need tailoring to fit you perfectly after they have arrived. Decide who you would like to go shopping with you and book your appointments ahead of time for the dates that suit you and your party.

When to start
The general rule of thumb is that you need to order your gown at least six months before your wedding. So you should ideally start shopping for your gown nine months or more before your wedding. Don’t panic if you don’t have enough time, most gowns can be delivered faster but you will need to budget for some rush charges. You can look at any time but try not to look too soon. If you look over 12 months before your wedding you could find you are missing out on the next season dresses that might be arriving soon. Bear in mind that the previous season dresses might get discontinued and might not be there when you re-visit the shop a few months later.

The right style for you
Everybody can look fabulous in a wedding dress. Think about your body type and what kinds of dresses generally look good on you. Take a look at what you regularly wear that makes you feel confident and beautiful, and then look for a wedding dress with similar lines. Although the choice of wedding dresses is vast, there aren’t that many basic shapes. For example, an A line dress could be covered in organza, beads or lace and become three different dresses but the basic shape remains exactly the same. It helps if you decide which one is your ideal shape first and then worry about the details such as beading, fabric etc. Try to be open minded and don’t dismiss a shape before you’ve actually tried it on. Experienced sales assistants can tell you immediately whether a style will flatter you or not so use the appointment as a learning opportunity.

Most of all, remember- this is your wedding day and your wedding dress. Wear whatever makes you comfortable and makes you feel fabulous and feels like you.

Part 2 coming soon – Tips on Dress Styles to suit the varied shapes of real women.

With many thanks to our contributor:
Marie Kennedy
The Ivory Rose Bridal Rooms
Passage West, Co Cork
Tel: 021 4859750
Email: marie@theivoryrose.ie
www.theivoryrose.ie