Do you want your wedding gown to stand out? An Enlighted Wedding Dress is the answer!

This gorgeous wedding dress was made even more special by the installation of about 300 warm white LEDs throughout the skirt. The lights simulated the effect of candlelight with the gold-tinted color of the LEDs, and with a soft random flickering pattern. The lights were arranged in a random pattern, with the density increasing towards the bottom of the skirt. The batteries were hidden inside the wider part of the skirt, and the lights were turned on by remote control. 
See video at http://www.saltlakebride.com/blog/how-to-make-your-wedding-gown-unique.htm 

 

So as not to be outdone, these are also available for the groom in tuxedos. 

Here is the perfect bride-on-a-budget wedding gown (unless you count your time).

The seventh annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest was held Thursday, July 7, in Boca Raton, Florida. Dresses were judged on beauty, creativity and originality.

Your wedding day has arrived! How do you cover your tattoo?

Your wedding day has arrived and for a variety of reasons, you have decided that you want to cover your tattoo. You have seen the tattoo cover-up kits sold online, but do they really work? What about airbrush make-up? What is the best method for covering a tattoo?

Questions to keep in mind when selecting the best method to cover your tattoo:
·         Is your dress strapless?
·         Will your wedding dress come in contact with the covered area?
·         If someone hugs you, will they come in contact with the covered area?
·         Is the skin texture raised or indented around the tattoo’d area?

Camouflage Make-up & Tattoo Cover-up Kits
There are a variety of corrective and camouflage cosmetics on the market (e.g. Tattoo Camo, Smart Cover, Dermablend, Cinema Secrets, Ben Nye to name a few) that are designed to be smudge-resistant, water-proof, and non-greasy. These types of camouflage make-ups are designed to “cover”, “conceal”, and are often used to create special effects. Camouflage or corrective cosmetics usually have a creamy texture and may require the use of a setting powder depending upon the brand.

OK, let’s be frank. It’s make-up. Yes, there are some brands that I like better than others ( e.g. Tattoo Camo and Cinema Secrets), but bottom line, a cream is being used to cover an area on your skin. Depending upon the oiliness of your skin, perspiration, and humidity, the covered area may smudge or smear. Therefore, if your wedding gown or someone will come in contact with the covered area, I strongly suggest airbrush make-up vs. the use of a camouflage cosmetic to cover your tattoo. If not, Tattoo Camo Tattoo Cover-up Kit or Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundations are your best bet.

Color Matching
One of the biggest challenges I hear when selecting make-up to cover a tattoo is “how do you find the right color?” I suggest choosing two to three different make-up shades that most closely match your skin tone (light, medium, dark). Use a blend of these shades to create your perfect match. Most of us have unevenness in our skin tone, so you will need a combination of these shades to create a tone that appears realistic. Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundations probably offers the broadest range of shades, particularly for people who have a lot of yellow or olive in their skin tone.

Ease of use:
The majority of cream camouflage make-ups offer online video tutorials that will show you how to apply their product. Regardless of the product you choose, always remember to:

1.      wax or shave the area to be covered
2.      unless the product instructions tell you to, do not apply a moisturizer prior to make-up application
3.      choose two to three shades that most closely match your skin tone (light, medium, dark); this will enable you to blend the shades to better match your skin tone.
4.      Use a cosmetic wedge to apply the make-up in thin layers; use a stippling motion, not a stoking motion.

Application will take some practice so be sure to order your products months prior to your wedding; allow plenty of time to practice the technique.

Tattoo Lightener
If you have about seven to ten months and want to lighten your tattoo for optimal cover-up, considering using a product like Tattoo Off. Tattoo Off is designed to lighten your tattoo by penetrating your skin and breaking down the ink over time.

Typically, to achieve optimal tattoo coverage, an alcohol-based or silicone based airbrush make-up is used. My personal favorite airbrush make-up for covering tattoos is Temptu Pro Dura Airbrush Makeup. Dura is widely used for body art, prosthetics, tattoo coloring, and special effects make-up. Temptu Pro Dura Airbrush Make-up combined with the use of their new pro palettes, and matte sealer is a winning combination! This technique will ensure that your tattoo area is covered and can withstand hugging and touching! Airbrush make-up is typically best applied by a skilled make-up artist.

Aesthetic Artistry Airbrush Makeup & Spa Boutique of North Salt Lake, UT offers airbrush make-up services to cover tattoos. For additional information, visit our website at http://www.aestheticartistry.com or contact us at (801) 721-6381 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

There was a recent article on CNN Living titled Brides buck tradition and ditch the white dress. They quote bridal consultant Susan Rogers as saying, “In the last 10 to 15 years, everything went from white to ivory. I think they figured out that everyone really didn’t look good in white. … Nobody orders white anymore. It’s kind of a faux pas.”

Your bridesmaids are your best friends. These tips will help you keep them like that. Many brides go all out with the bridesmaids’ attire, making everyone where the same color, same style, and the same accessories. In these modern times, it is no longer appropriate to do that. Follow these ideas to ensure your bridesmaids will love their dresses.

First of all, no one said they didn’t have to match. In fact, if you tell your bridesmaids to wear whatever they want, you are in for a disaster. The only problem is the extent of matching. For example, there are three different ways to match your bridesmaid dresses in a way that they will have individuality. First, you can have them all wear the same style and let them choose one of your wedding colors (give them swatches so they don’t go overboard). Second, you can choose one or two colors and let them choose the style they want (from the same manufacturer so the colors match). Third, you can let them choose their own style and their own color from a list that you have compiled of “acceptable” dresses.

Second of all, keep your bridesmaids in mind when looking at dresses. Would your tall red-head look as good in that dress as your stocky blond? What about your preppy college friend and your high school “concert buddy”? Different people all have different styles, not to mention different colors and shades that look good with their coloring. Make sure you keep all these ideas in mind when picking out colors and/or styles. The best way to go is to do the third option and let them choose from a designated list. This gives you control over-all, but lets them feel truly independent. You can even let them get their dresses from different designers if you choose a color scheme (like various colors of green) and a style idea (like only dresses with halter tops). This way, they don’t have to buy their dress from the salon down the street from you and have more chance of being able to buy a dress from a store accessible to them.

Third of all, remember their financial situations. If your best friend is still paying her way through college, don’t make her buy a $400 dress- that would just be cruel. Generally, it’s a good idea to keep your dress budget around $200. Definitely try to keep it under $200 so that your bridesmaids will be happy with your decision. Another consideration with money is- will they wear it again? If you don’t think they would ever wear the dress you pick out again, try to keep the price as low as possible. This doesn’t mean if they will wear it that it’s okay to have them spend $350- just be cautious about your decision. If you happen to follow one of the three options for matching the dresses, your bridesmaids are likely to wear them again since they had a say in it. However, it might be better still if you find inexpensive two piece that they can wear separately for every-day occasions. If you do choose an expensive dress that they won’t wear again (ex: if it’s too formal), then it is a good idea if you pitch in with their costs.

One of the main things to remember is that these bridesmaids are in fact your friends and you do not want to sabotage them by making them wear something hideous just to make yourself look better. Make sure all of your bridesmaids are happy with their dress before making them purchase it. This way, you will all be able to have a great day.

Having you bridal gown professionally preserved will protect you investment and ensure that it can be passed down for generations. Ask the professional to walk you through the process and show you a sample of a preserved wedding gown. Find out what is included in the package and what the guarantee covers.

From the time you were a little girl you might have wondered how your wedding dress would look.  Would it be sparkly?  Would it be straight or full?  Would it have a long train?  Now that you’re engaged, it’s time to make that dream a reality!  What you wear on your wedding day will impact your memories more than any other part of your day. 

Start shopping for your gown the moment you know you’re getting married!  You will need your dress for your bridal pictures, and most photographers ask that you have your bridal sitting a month before your wedding. Be aware that delivery for ordered gowns (as opposed to off-the-rack gowns) can take up to 4 months.  Then, once the gown is on-hand, most gowns will need some alterations.  This can add a few more weeks until your gown is ready.

Different bridal shops have positioned themselves to serve different customer agendas.  Some offer services such as exclusive designs or customized gowns, while others specialize in rentals. Look for a store that specializes in meeting your particular needs.  Make a list of the shops nearby and visit as many as needed to find one that meets your criteria.  Find a shop that you feel good about.  Are the display gowns new styles, and well displayed?  Is the shop clean, neat and, organized?  Do you feel that the management is passionate and detail-oriented?  A professional bridal consultant is one who is experienced and will focus on you in a positive, uplifting and friendly way.  She knows how to find and show gowns that will match your personality, flatter your figure, and be appropriate for your venue.  Plan to work with the same consultant on each return visit if you can.  She will become your new best friend!  It is in her best interest to make sure you are well taken-care of so that you will refer your friends to her bridal salon.

Once you find a salon or store that makes you feel special, make arrangements for a try-on session.  Don’t be afraid to fall in-love with a gown.  The Holy Grail experience of shopping every store and trying on every dress can be confusing and detrimental.  You might end up buying the gown you are wearing when you get sick of shopping, and somebody starts pushing your buttons!  Don’t let that happen to you.

Whether your budget is large or small, this is your big day, and you want to enjoy every moment!  Plan to take only one or two trusted individuals when you shop.  They will offer their opinions, but trust your instinct and choose the dress that YOU love.  Leave small children at home since they get bored easily and can be a distraction.  If you already have a veil, shoes or other items, take them with you from the very beginning so that you can coordinate your look.  The right slip and bra will make a big difference.  Select accessories such as your veil, headpiece, jewelry and shoes while you are wearing your gown so that you achieve the most pleasing overall wedding-day outfit possible.  Expect to pay for at least ½ of your gown initially.  Since policies vary from store-to-store, be sure that you read and understand any agreements that you are asked to sign. 

Once you find the perfect gown and accessories, much of the rest of your wedding details will fall into place.  Enjoy your wedding planning

LENGTHS
Ankle Reveals the ankles, slightly shorter than floor length.
Floor Skirt is1/2 to 1 1/2 inches from the floor.
Short Skirt is at knee level or above.
Tea Hemline is several inches above the ankles.

STYLES
A-Line Two vertical seams follow the A shape, starting from the shoulders and falling to the skirt which then flares out.
Ball Gown A tight, fitted bodice and definite waistline with a very full skirt.
Basque Waistline An elongated waist, about two inches below the natural waist, that may dip to a point at the center point.
Bouffant A very, very full skirt, most often accompanied by a hoop slip
Box-Pleated Skirt A natural waist, with deep pleats of parallel fabric folds.
Empire Characterized by a very high waist (right under the bust); the skirt is fairly slim.
Mermaid A very slim-fitting dress that ends in a little fishtail skirt.
Natural Waist The bodice and skirt are joined by a seam at your natural waistline.
Princess A fitted shape defined by vertical seams; has a seamless waist and flares slightly to hem.
Redingcoat Skirt An A-line or sheath with an overskirt, giving the appearance of an open skirt.
Sheath Like the mermaid, this very modern style is form-fitting, usually with a flare at the bottom.
Shirred Waistline A waistline characterized by gathered fabric that creates a horizontal panel at the waist.
Tiered Skirt This features a series of layers or panels that fall in graduated lengths to the floor.

TRAINS
Sweep The shortest train, it extends back 8 to 12 inches after touching the floor.
Chapel Extends 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 feet from the waist.
Semi-Cathedral Extends 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 feet from the waist.
Cathedral Extends 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 feet from the waist.
Extended Cathedral/Monarch Extends 12 feet (or more) from the waist.
Watteau A train attached at your shoulders instead of at the waistline (can be sheer like a veil).  Note: If your dress does not have a detachable train, you will need to bustle it so you can move around freely at the reception. This entails pulling the train up and attaching it to your dress by tiny hooks sewn into the back of the gown and the train.

VEILS
Ballet/Waltz Falls to the ankles; this is also becoming popular, in simple, multiple layers.
Blusher A short veil worn over the face. After the ceremony, it is turned back over the headpiece. The blusher can often be attached to a longer veil or a hat.
Cathedral-Length The longest of veils, generally at least 3 ½ feet in length. Trails behind the bride several feet and attaches to headpiece or waist
Fingertip Several layers of veiling that extend to the fingertips.
Fly-Away Multiple layers of veiling that brush the shoulders; usually worn with informal, ankle-length dresses, but this style is becoming more and more popular with all kinds of gowns.

SLEEVES
Cap The shortest of sleeves, it traditionally covers the shoulder only.
Fitted Very close to the arm, no excess material.
Juliet Fitted A tightly fitted sleeve with a small pouf at the shoulder.
Leg of Mutton Very full at the shoulder, the sleeve remains full until it narrows to become very fitted at the forearm.
Melon An extravagantly rounded sleeve that extends from shoulder to elbow.
Off-the-Shoulder Exactly what it sounds like- the sleeves have a sort of “fallen” look, like they fell off your shoulders
Poet A fitted long sleeve with an outward flare just above the wrists.
Spaghetti Straps Simple straps between 1/8” and 1” wide
Three-Quarter A sleeve that ends between the elbow and middle forearm- can be fitted or loose
Tulip A cap sleeve made of overlapping fabric that curves into a petal like shape over the top of the arm.

NECKLINES
Boat (bateau) Straight across shoulders with a slight dip in front
Band Like a mock turtleneck, this high neckline circles the neck.
Decolletage A revealing, deep, plunging neckline.
Halter A la Marilyn Monroe, the neckline scoops in front and ties behind the neck, leaving your arms bare.
Illusion Yoke Has transparent fabric from the neckline to the bust line.
Jewel A high neckline which follows the natural shape of your shoulders and neck.
Keyhole Back A tear-shaped opening, either small and close to the nape of the neck or larger and dominating the back of a gown.
Queen Anne A high-standing collar with a sweet-heart style cut in front.
Scoop Neck A low, curved neckline cut deep in the back, front, or both.
Square Forms a half-square around the neck.
Strapless Neckline A neckline designed to reveal the shoulders, often designed with a coordinating jacket or wrap.
Sweetheart Heart shaped; there are many variations of this look.