Wedding Dress For You.3

Wedding Hair Dos

When getting married, the expense of the day can sometimes go through the roof. Accessories for the bride and bridesmaids alone, can be costly. Hair slides in many designs have become widely popular for weddings today, ranging from simple, to way out dramatic. Having them professionally made to your requirements is an easy option but can be very costly.

Wedding Hair Dos are not what they used to be - what has changed?

Many brides previously used tiaras or a simple flower as their main head piece on their wedding day. This trend though has now changed to more simple wedding accessories.

If you wish to create your own bespoke design here are a few tips, taken from when I designed and made my own for my big day:

First I visualized what I basically wanted them to look like. I wanted to incorporate feathers and colored stones in the design, which kept in line with my wedding theme. Then I went shopping to my local craft shop. I purchased plain plastic comb slides, gold colored thin decorative ribbon, and some decorative amber colored stones which come on a gold wire. All of these items are available in a wide range of color and design. I also bought fine craft feathers in cream and soft gold, enough to achieve the height I wanted in the headpiece.

Firstly, I cut the comb to the size I wanted, glued the first end of ribbon using craft glue to the very edge of the comb, then proceeded to wrap the ribbon through each tooth and around the stem of the comb to cover the revealed plastic. Before you reach the end of the comb place the desired amount of feathers between the entwined ribbon. Make sure you have achieved the final shape desired before gluing down the end of the ribbon to the comb slide. Cut off any access ribbon.

Now, using the wired stones, wrap these around the base of the feathers to achieve the final result. Don't be afraid to play around with this to achieve your desired design. By wrapping the colored stones upon each other a flower shape can be made. Try the comb in your hair to make sure no plastic is showing.

I also purchased a plain childs' hairband and using the same ribbon and stones, created a matching headband for my flower-girl. The stones were also used in my bridesmaid bouquets. It's amazing what you can do with simple craft items!

The simple but elegant design should have you looking like a star of your wedding day.

Wedding Dresses and Bridal Party Attire

The Wedding's Over, What Do I Do with My Dress?

You have dreamed about wearing the most beautiful bridal dress in the world since you were a little girl. Now, that day has come and gone. Looking at your wedding dress, you have to decide what will become of it. There are many options available, depending on financial and personal needs.

If looking to keep your wedding dress, it needs to be professionally cleaned and preserved at the cleaners. This will prevent the dress from yellowing and having a foul odor. It is also a good idea to have a wedding dress cleaned if looking to sell, as most wedding consignment shops will not accept clothing that has not been professionally cleaned.

Consigning a wedding dress may be a good idea if looking to recoup some of the costs involved with the wedding. Online classified listings and auction sites are also another possibility for resale. When selling, factor in the overall commission costs involved with the sale and market first to the site that takes the least.

For women looking to save their wedding dress for the future, many have plans for their dresses. In some cultures, women fashion their child's Christening gown from their wedding train. They may also save it to be passed down from mother to daughter, or be saved as a family heirloom. If looking to celebrate again, a wedding dress can also be used for a renewal of vows or second wedding event.

Bridesmaids are often left with a dress they will never wear again. Thanks in part to a more prom-like or cocktail design, bridesmaid dresses are able to be reused as black-tie formal wear. This may take some altering of the dress' length, but if looking to keep the dress may be worth the expense. Bridesmaid dresses can also be sold to local bridal resale shops. If looking to resell the dress, check with other members of the bridal party and try to sell them as a lot, rather than by individual sales. This will better the chances of a bride selecting your gown for her attendants.

Sometimes, bridesmaids do not want to go through the hassle of selling a dress. It sits in the closet forever until it becomes another retro piece of clothing. Instead of this happening, consider donating it to a good cause. Many organizations accept prom-looking bridal gowns to donate to underprivileged high school students looking for prom attire. A quick search on the Internet using the terms "donate your prom dress" will help you find local non-profit groups in your area.

Whether keeping or selling your wedding dress or bridal party attire, be sure to remember that this was a huge investment and treat it as such. This way it will either command top-dollar or be around for years of memorable enjoyment.

Prom Hairstyling

Many girls focus solely on finding the one-of-a-kind dress, the perfect shoes to complement it, and even the perfect guy to go with. However, the little things do mean so much. Even the most beautiful, upscale dress can look absolutely dreadful when you're sporting a bed head! You have spent so much time on your makeup and so much money on your dress and jewelry, don't forget your hair. No matter what sort of hair you have, you'll find a prom hairstyle that works for you! If you plan your hairstyle with a salon stylist before the day of the prom, you can rest assured knowing that your hair will be taken care of.

A walk through history is a superb way to locate great hairstyles. The care free and trendy style of modern short hairstyles comes from the bob style introduced in the 1920s. Alternatively, kick it up a notch. The fantastic and classic looks of the 1930 movie stars would make an excellent and unique prom hairstyle. By combining the look of a dress with a lower hem with hair styled in waves close to the face, you will create an elongated look overall. In order to use this style, your hair has to be at least chin length and parted on the side. If you have long hair, you can still use this hairstyle by doing a French braid at the level of your hairline with a side part; then curl the braids up into a low chignon. To create the waves, you'll need to start with damp hair coated in jojoba-based "hot sauce" to protect the hair, then coax the waves into form using the diffuser of an FHI heat blow dryer and a small-barrel curling iron.

Maybe you've decided you want to be creative with a short, distinctive style. One option is twisting small sections, then bobby pinning it in place, or you could go a step further and spike it out. For slightly longer hair, you can try twisting it into miniature buns and spiking the ends for a truly unique look. A naturally wavy look can complement most face shapes and is rather easy to produce - wash with an intensive conditioner, blow dry it while using a diffuser, then work in a sculpting or styling paste to provide waves and volume. One product that makes this look a snap to finish is Redken's Quick Dry Instant Finish. Leave a few hairs around your face, or pull your bangs off your forehead, or you might want to use a styling product to slick down your bangs. Short hair offers many styling options, including the retro pageboy style that is very popular right now, or even darkening and bleaching different sections for a wild look. A slightly lopsided bob cut is rather hot right now, and the super short Twiggy hair style has become popular for the prom this year, with several stars already sporting the look. Even mullets have made their way back into popular hairstyles, accentuated with asymmetrical cuts. Short hair is in vogue right now, along with natural-looking highlights and rich hair colors like copper or chocolate browns. If you want something different and want longer hair, you might use Unique VIP hair extensions that are actually made from human hair. Celebrities, like Paris Hilton and Jessica Simpson, use extensions on a regular basis and look great in them!

If you want a medium-length hairstyle, the low chignon works perfect for any type of hair and has a looks fantastic. You can find these formal hairstyles at red carpet events, weddings, and in movies. To accomplish this look, you have to gather your hair into a low ponytail. For an even more alluring look, have the ponytail tied slightly off center, just below your ear. Now, take your the ponytail and wrap it in a circle around itself and secure the style with your favorite brand of bobby pins. Don't be afraid to let a few tendrils of hair hang loose, as a bit of messiness can make it look even better. A shine enhancing hairspray will provide the finishing touches for this look, as well as provide adequate hold. Many girls count on a professional for this, which is probably a wise idea. This timeless fashion has been worn by both Katherine Heigl and Jessica Simpson. Flowers, braids, and clips are some options that can be added to a medium length hairstyle for an extra special look. If you absolutely love long hair styles, but your hair hasn't grown out enough, you could try getting extensions.

The decision can be even tougher if you have long hair because there are so many choices. Two popular styles right now are soft, natural looking waves for long hair left down, and curly updos. Some of the most popular celebrity hair styles include those of Angelina Jolie, Eva Longoria, Nicole Kidman, Paris Hilton and Jessica Simpson. Curls that are soft and sensual will look fabulous in updos or hair that is down. You can choose to tease out your hair to a tremendous height and volume for a rock star look. Go with a braid or a classy chignon. Some really well known and gorgeous celebrities have used a straight and sleek look. If you want a big change on prom night, you can change the length of your hair or get highlights.

Here are some tips about prom hairstyles: Number one, don't wait until the last minute! Salon appoints are quickly booked during prom season. You don't want to end up with an emergency on the day of the prom as you try to twist, spray, blow and curl your own hair, only to wind up with a big mess! If you don't plan ahead, you may not be able to get a stylist to help, so make sure to contact your favorite hairdresser and discuss different ideas ahead of time. Do your homework. Keep an eye on celebrity hair styles, watch for styles that will work with your look, and try them out for yourself using an online virtual hairstyling application. Remember to clip magazine photos of styles you'd like to try, which will help the stylist get an idea of exactly what you want done, no matter what you would like to have done to your hair.

By Paige Mastingten

The new Generation of Prom Dresses

Prom season will be here before you know it, so it's important to start shopping for prom dresses now. You don't want to be caught without the perfect dress on your special night, so here's a preview of what's available.
Sherri Hill Dresses

Designer Sherri Hill is known for her stunning evening dresses, pageant dresses, and - of course - prom dresses. Color, texture, and embellishment are the story this season. If you want to be the belle of the ball, look for her stunning ball gown in aqua and turquoise, with an overlay of gold layered tulle. The metallic glitter fabric will catch everyone's eyes, as will the oversize satin sash that cinches your waist.
Formal dresses don't have to be long, and no one knows this better than Sherri Hill. Her sleeveless baby doll mini dress is sassy with sequins covering the sweetheart bodice, and the layers of tulle are wired at the hem for an extra flourish. Available in colors ranging from black/fuchsia to pink/green, these cocktail dresses will definitely turn heads.

Less is always more, but you need to leave something to imagination. Sherri Hill offers a stunning backless gown that features twisted, shirred chiffon crisscrossing the front and back for complete coverage but that never fails to intrigue. Paired with a flowing sequined skirt replete with a train, and available in red, black, gold, or white, you're sure to be a hit.
Jovani Dresses

Prom wouldn't be prom without Jovani. Draw attention with a gorgeous dress that features a sleeveless red lace peek-a-boo bodice accented with beads and sequins, and a flowing skirt with a thigh-high slit in the front. Or opt for a turquoise long gown with sheer crisscross straps accented with beads, a sheer midriff, and a long skirt with a short train. Or even a shimmery mini that will put you in the spotlight.
Jovani is renowned for using prints and patterns, so you can always find the perfect prom dresses to fit your mood. Whether it's black and white polka dots on white with a red sash, a colorful abstract print that will flash as you dance, or a black-on-white print designed to bring out your animal instincts, you'll always be able to match your mood with your sense of style.

Celebrity Prom Dresses
If you like what you see in the movies or on the red carpets, prom is a great excuse to dress like your favorite celebrity. You can find a dress like the one Kate Hudson wore in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," Charlize Theron's knockout gown at the Golden Globes, or Beyonce's show-stopping backless number.
Where to Shop
When it comes to shopping for prom dresses, you can't go wrong if you go online and find a site that specializes in fashionable formalwear. They have the best selection of styles, sizes, and price ranges, and keep you up-to-date with prom news, trends, and tips, so your big night will be one of the best nights of your life.

by Juliet Sadler