An Array of Cost-Effective Bridal Accessories

The options to accessorize your wedding day are endless. No matter what your theme, style, location, or season is, there are accessories out there to complement your wedding gown and help you exuberate beauty.

Every girl deserves to look and feel beautiful on her wedding day and not burst her budget to do so. In order to do that, I’ve compiled a quick list of accessory options to help you get started on your search for the perfect details.

Start with a quick look through Bridepower’s website, where you can find some of the best and most-discounted accessories for your wedding day. Just like its designer bridal gowns, Bridepower aims to bring a wide variety of cost-effective accouterments to its brides by carrying accessories from shawls to veils, necklaces to anklets.

Beyond Bridepower, Etsy is another good resource used by many brides to find the wedding accessories they’re searching for. Here is a collection of great accessory finds on Etsy – and they won’t cost you a fortune either!

Garters

If you’re looking for a simple garter with a little bit of detailing, these garters are perfect for you. Pearl and rhinestone appliques adorn the scalloped lace; and for less than $20, you’re sure to be very happy with one of these pieces.

Thinking of using your garter as your something blue? This one is a fun and beautiful way to check that off your list! $32 certainly doesn’t break the bank, either.

Shoes

A great pair of shoes can be the perfect accessory to your bridal gown. However, if you’re wearing lace and want to tie that in, it can sometimes be difficult to find. These shoes have a wonderful, delicate lace pattern. Plus, the wedge heel ensures total comfort for your feet all night.

Gloves

Gloves are slowly beginning to make their way back into bridal fashion. There are so many types, and they all lend a strong retro feel to your look. This pair, with soft mesh and a single lace applique on each, evokes the roaring ‘20s.

A simple, classic pair of gloves can bring Hollywood glam to your bridal look! Their simplicity means they can be your empty canvas, so if you have any sewing in your skillset, you can always add a bit of detail to these gloves and personalize them to better suit your dress.

Subtle beauty and French lace describe this pair, a fingerless glove with Victorian detailing. Delicate and beautiful, they’ll only add splendor to your entire look.

Clutches

In case your gown doesn’t have pockets or a place for easy access to tissues, a bridal clutch can be just what you need to stay prepared for this emotional day. This clutch could be great if paired with a champagne and ivory bridal gown. $55 isn’t a bad price for a bag, either.

Keep those tears at bay with this cute and simple clutch, a great bag that coordinates with any bridal look. If you’re crafty, you can even get out your hot glue gun and consider dressing it up with rhinestones or lace!

For the bling-loving, glamorous bride, this clutch can be donned alongside her just-as-fabulous bridal gown.

Wedding Hangers

You’ve seen these looking through galleries of wedding photos – this hanger is what the bride hangs her gown on, and the photographer snaps photos of it next to the bridesmaids. An adorable and heart-warming idea, they’re also very affordable. This hanger style has a nice, deep-hued wood with an ivory flower for decoration and a price tag of $34. You can find others, like this style, that includes the wedding date. What a great way to display this transition you’re making!

There are many cost-effective accessories available to brides, from designer-inspired to handmade, and always affordable. I strongly believe you don’t have to spend gobs of money to look radiant on your wedding day, and these are just a few of the myriad ways for you to stay within budget!

'Heroes' Star Ali Larter Went Vera Wang for Her Wedding Gown

First, Ali Larter kept us on the edge of our seats in the “Final Destination” thrillers. Then, she wowed us with her dual-role acting abilities in the hit television show “Heroes”. Originally slated to have a career in modeling, Larter changed her mind after taking acting lessons. She lived in Los Angeles for some time, meeting fellow thespians like Hayes MacArthur — the two dated for three years before tying the knot. The couple wed on the grounds of the MacArthur family home in Maine, where she wore her Vera Wang wedding dress.

Larter’s gown came from Vera Wang’s Luxe collection, the gown itself lovingly dubbed Le Notre. Wang’s Luxe line consists of higher-end designs, for which the starting price begins at around $6,000. Le Notre has a fitted A-line shape and crisscross lace designs across the front and back. The gown has small spaghetti straps with a straight-across neckline and lace scallops adorning the top. Larter chose to exhibit her own creative genius into the gown, sculpting the top to be a sweetheart neckline instead of straight-across. The back drops to a more exposed look, and the sweep train just grazes the floor. A very traditional choice for the actress, this gown is no longer available for special order.

The Hottest Hairdos and How to Accessorize Them

One of the most important accessories of your bridal gown is your hairdo. The right ’do could make or break your look. When choosing the best style, you need to consider a few things:

• How it fits with your wedding theme.
• How it goes with your venue.
• How to accessorize it.

There are innumerable hairstyles and many ways to accessorize! Below is a list of the trendiest wedding ’dos, along with cost-effective hair accessories from Bridepower!

The Chignon

Perhaps the most popular of all bridal hair designs, the chignon accomplishes messy, easy romance. Your hair is swept up into an unkempt side bun, low to your neck, with strands of curls falling out. Lots of teasing, hairspray, and bobby pins will be needed for this look. We find that this hairpiece works perfectly when slid right into the gathered hair. The flowers will just sit against the chignon, adding a natural and effortless detail. Birdcage veils are very successful with this hairdo, as well as a hairpin or a brooch.

Half Swept Up

Many brides choose to wear this style because they’re going for a natural, bohemian look with their gown. Curling the hair first, they will brush the curls out into loose beach waves and then tease the roots of the crown. Finally, they sweep the hair in front of the face and pin it up on the back of the head into a half-up, half-down style that speaks romance and whimsy. For accessories, traditional veils like this one slide in neatly onto the crown of the head.

Sleek Side Bun

The sleek side bun is a fantastic choice if you have a minimalistic, clean satin gown. An elegant style, the hair sits close to the head shape with nominal teasing at the crown for lift. You gather the hair into a snug, tight bun on the side of your head, low to the neck (the chignon is a similar look but has a looser, messier appeal). The hair’s overall feel should be one of tidiness; therefore, very few accessories are needed. However, a set of delicate hairpins like these could easily glide right into the bun.

Side Ponytail

Another great look if you want a professional untidiness to your hair, the side ponytail is an option that looks natural and unforced. You can tease the hair however you’d like — the frizzier the ponytail, the more fun your hair will be! With lift in the crown and at the sides, some pieces can trail down by your face to elegantly frame it. Pins are what usually accessorize this look best, whether those pins have flowers or rhinestones attached. Birdcages like this can be easily affixed to the ponytail and offer a vintage vibe to this modern hairdo.

Get Expert Opinion Before Final Decision

There are so many ways to accessorize your bridal hairstyle — sometimes it’s best to consult with your hairdresser before making final decisions. Base the hair off of your setting and your bridal gown, then see what creative ideas your hairdresser can offer. Let your hair be the perfect accent to your day! And getting your hairpieces from Bridepower’s website can help save you a few bucks, too.

Bridal Accessories: Hottest Bridal Shoe Trends

Bridal Shoes

Long gone are the days of the traditional white or ivory bridal shoes. Now, brides have some trendy newer options from which to choose. When looking for the perfect wedding accessories such as; bridal shoe, always considers your personality… you want your shoes to reflect who you are. Also, keep in mind your venue and wedding theme. A few hot trends have stood out recently. What one would be best for you?

Flat Bridal and Jewel Encrusted Shoes

Flat bridal shoes: Many brides are starting to take into consideration two very important factors when choosing a shoe: the height of their fiancé and being comfortable. If you are taller than your groom, flats are a perfect way to try and even the playing field. Also, if you are not a girly girl and heels aren’t your thing, there are tons of gorgeous flat bridal shoes available to ensure you are one comfy bride.

Jewel encrusted: Bling-obsessed brides love the new trend of completely encrusting the plain bridal shoe in sparking rhinestones. All you need is the bead of your choice and a glue gun. It is a great DIY project that really personalizes the shoe and lets the personality shine! However, be careful… be sure the stones you choose won’t snare the bottom of the wedding dress.

Colored and Cowboy Shoes

Colored shoes: A bride that wants to make a statement and really stand out will love the rising popularity of colored wedding shoes. Brides are opting to sport really bold colors such as red, royal blue, orange, bright pink, green and more. Many times the shoes will match the colors of the wedding, but give a contemporary pop to the overall look.

Cowboy boots: Cowboy boots have definitely caught the attention of the country bride, bohemian bride, or the rustic-loving bride. You really have to have the right venue and theme to your wedding to pull off this look. Think of a casual barn wedding or backyard barbeque. The cute factor is beyond trendy! Colors vary, but most brides tend to go for the traditional brownish, worn look.

Wearing No Shoes

No shoes! Doing away with bridal shoes altogether is also a trend that many casual brides are taking. The barefoot bride would be a beach bride, casual outdoors bride, Greek goddess bride, and again, the bohemian bride. Simple wedding dresses are often worn with this look. Keep in mind where you will be walking if you are thinking of going shoe-free.

Choosing the Right Bridal Shoe

Buy Bridal Shoes Online

If you need a special pair of shoes for an upcoming wedding, or even a prom then you're going to want to check out this large selection of bridal shoes that you can find online. Not only does a special...

Tips for Bridal Shoes

Trying to find the perfect shoes for your unique day can be considered problematic. It is high heels or flats? If you are showing your toes or you select a sandal look? Wade via all the colors, styles and...

Shoes for Brides - ideas for bridal shoes.

Helpful ideas and suggestions for selecting the right style of shoe for your wedding day... read more here...

Bridal Tiaras or Bridal Headband? Tips on how to choose!

Bridal hair accessories are as popular now as ever. For centuries, brides have been sporting extravagant head pieces on their wedding day. However, today, we have more options. But one thing remains… tiaras and headbands are and probably always will be the most popular. So, with that said, how do you decide which one is right for you?

Bridal Tiaras

Bridal tiaras are often associated with princess weddings or more formal affairs. They are defined by their peak. Without a peak, it is not a tiara. These days they come in so many shapes, sizes and designs, it can be difficult to choose which is best for you. Below are a few rules you may want to keep in mind.

• The bigger the wedding does NOT always mean the bigger the tiara. If you are having a huge formal affair, feel free to try smaller, more detailed tiaras rather than the taller options. In many cases, the smaller tiaras have more intricate beading. Some tall tiaras would be much too heavy to have as much bling.
• Consider your face shape. If you face is long, you may want to avoid a tiara altogether. It will elongate it even more. If you have a round face, a taller tiara could have a slimming effect.
• Tiaras work with any hairstyle, but be careful if you have really short hair. Go with the smaller tiara as to not overwhelm your look. Half up-dos and down-dos can support any size tiara.

Bridal Headbands

Bridal headbands are by far the most versatile head piece of the two. They are suitable for all wedding types, including formal, semi-formal, or casual affairs. They are designed to fit flat to the head and come in many different styles. Recently, detailed fabric headbands have become super popular. Keep the below tips in mind when shopping for a bridal headband.

• If you are having a formal or semi-formal wedding, don’t be afraid to glam it up with a rhinestone or crystal encrusted headband. They can be even more elegant and regal than a tiara if you choose the right one.
• Headbands are perfect for outdoor or beach weddings. They help keep the hair out of the eyes and look stunning at the same time.
• Bridal headbands work with any hairstyle, and are a great option for the bride with short hair. Be sure and try on different styles, as some seem to be more comfortable than others. And if you opt for the fabric headband, make sure you know how to properly place it in the hair, or better yet, have a professional do it for you. These can easily slide off if not secured correctly.

Find the Best Bridal Tiaras And Other Bridal Hair Accessories

Directions for Making Wedding Tiaras - A tiara can make you feel like a princess for a day, and add the perfect touch to your hairstyle and dress.

Alternatives To A Bride Wearing A Wedding Tiara - Wearing a tiara during the wedding day makes the bride feel like she is a princess, with most little girls aspiring to wear hers with joy and pride.

Tiaras and Other Beautiful Bridal Headpieces - These are customs and traditions, and they are meant to make the bride feel even more special. They make the relevance of the ceremony even more significant.

Celebrity Weddings: Most Popular Wedding Gown Designers to the Stars

In the past few years, it seems the trend in Hollywood is…. Marriage! As with any wedding, the bride wants to find that perfect wedding dress. With an unlimited budget and any wedding gown designer to choose from, which of these creative geniuses came out on top?

Vera Wang: Undeniably the queen of wedding gown designers, celebrities seem to flock to Vera for that one-of-a-kind look that only she can create. Vera is known for her sumptuous fabrics, razor cut lace and organza, pops of color, intricate detailing… but all without the bling factor. Vera lets her fabrics and styles speak for themselves. Over the past few years, she has been the chosen wedding dress designer for Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Ivanka Trump, Alicia Keys, Alyssa Milano, Jennifer Garner, Hilary Duff, Chelsea Clinton and many more. Keep in mind that a custom-made Vera Wang gown can run as high as $50,000!

Monique Lhuillier: Celebrity brides also seem to adore Monique’s special style of wedding gowns. She focuses on femininity with soft fabrics, pink hues, whimsical silhouettes, and gowns that scream romantic bride. You will most definitely see luxurious full skirts for that princess feel with a Monique Lhuillier design. Over the past few years, she has dressed brides such as Reese Witherspoon, Carrie Underwood, Ashlee Simpson, Jewel, America Ferrera, Heidi Montag, and more. Monique’s gowns can run up to $10,000, and custom-made dresses could be double that hefty price tag.

Oscar de la Renta: Many celebrity brides target Oscar de la Renta as their wedding gown designer of choice. His name is synonymous with elegance and sophistication. When it comes to Oscar’s wedding dress designs he combines his signature style and bumps up the wow factor with square shaped necklines, oversized bows, entire gowns made of feathers, bolero jackets, lots of organza, and no shortage of ruffles. If a bride really wants to make jaws drop while making a statement, Oscar de la Renta is the way to go. Oscar has designed gowns for celebrities such as Jenna Bush, Katherine Heigel, Katie Lee, Amanda Peet, and more. Prices range from $6,000 up to $20,000, not counting the added custom-made tag.

Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen: With the much-anticipated royal wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William, women around the world held their breath to see what wedding gown designer Kate would choose, and Sarah Burton it was! Hence, she makes the coveted list hands down. Burton is McQueen’s predecessor and she has done him proud. Sarah combines old-world charm with a slight contemporary touch with hand cut lace, longer sleeves, full skirts, the finest of fabrics, deep necklines and sharp lines. It is rumored that the royal wedding gown cost around $83,000. Now THAT is a celebrity wedding dress!

Celebrity Weddings News

Celebrity brides and their wedding dresses - They are internationally famous, they have star quality, they wore fabulous wedding dresses and as celebrity brides with elegant and fairytale like weddings, they are also trendsetters in the world of wedding dresses.

Celebrity Wedding Dress Memory Lane! - EventNow reports celebrity wedding dress memory lane. With Kim Kardashian’s wedding nuptials just around the corner, we though it will be nice to think about celebrities and their beautiful wedding dresses that they wore on their special day.

In fashion, the brand plays on - Any doubt that there would be life for the Alexander McQueen brand after the death of its founder should have vanished over the last two weeks.

Lace Wedding Gowns: Trend for 2011?

Wedding gowns can be made from so many luxurious fabrics. And since the royal wedding, Kate Middleton has brought a classic back to the forefront of dress design… Lace.

Lace is the most intriguing of all fabrics because of the intricate way it is crafted… holes and gaps deliberately woven into the fabric to create an interesting and soft pattern. Cheaper versions of lace are woven into inexpensive fabric, and the holes are cut out of the fabric later.

Lace comes in hundreds of patterns, weaves, and shades. Knowing the names is helpful, but in the end, go with the look and feel that you like best. Below is a primer on some of the various types of lace.

• Alencon, Needle point: Typically in a floral pattern outlined with heavy threads on a net background. Re-embroidered Alencon means it has been stitched over with pearls, sequins, or other trim.
• Chantilly:Delicate hexagonal mesh with a scrolled and floral pattern, scalloped edges.
• Guipere: Heavy or large directional patterns. No mesh background. Often shiny and heavy. Holds its shape and form.
• Point d’esprit: Fine net with oval or square dots woven in grid-like pattern.
• Schiffli: Lightweight, old fashioned-looking patterns embroidered on English net, which is stronger than the net usually used for lace.
• Venise: Heavy needlepoint without a net background. Usually cotton. Higher relief than Alencon, but more delicate then guipere, with which it is often confused.

In the past, many women stayed away from lace because of the myth that lace tends to look dated and dreary, but the truth is, there are so many different types of lace made out of completely different fibers that lace has become the wave of the wedding gown design future. Although lace may invoke the vintage spirit of previous centuries, there are now numerous stunning patterns with a more contemporary appearance and chic twist.

Helpful facts about lace wedding gowns:

Lace is usually light weight with a sheer or transparent quality to it, so it is regularly used as an overlay with a heavier fabric underneath it. The delicate beauty of lace has resulted in it being used as trimming or added embellishment on wedding dresses.

Brides have the option to go for a gown with all over lace, or choose the simpler alternative of lace detailing on portions of the gown such as the hemline, neckline or waist. Lace adds a unique textured quality to garments unlike any other fabric, it is frequently incorporated into many other bridal accessories such as veils, gloves and wraps. Many modern bridal designers add lace elements to their gowns in an effort to blend past and present trends, resulting in timeless pieces that can be worn for years to come.

Most Beautiful Wedding Dress - One thing that can be challenging for many brides is choosing a beautiful wedding dress. It is sometimes difficult to transform the dress of a bride's dreams to a dress that she will find in a store. However, after doing some research, it will be easy to find that beautiful wedding dress.

Wedding Dress Accessories are necessary - After you have made the decision of choosing your perfect wedding gown, you will have to be on the lookout for the all important bridal accessories.

Simple Lace Wedding Dresses, Do You Like? - When it comes to fabrics in addition to textures, not all the particular brides are fascinated by the same things, irrespective of how hard it is to trust that. For example, not everyone is crazy about simple lace wedding dresses or in relation to lace fabric on the whole.