Attire

Wedding Gown Terms: Train Lengths

We all know what a wedding train is! When we were girls, we tied bath towels to our waists and waltzed "down the aisle".  But now you're engaged and it is time ot decided what train length is best for you! There are 6 standard lengths available, each term here represents a length category. Not to be confused with Hem Lengths, a train length is the length from the waist to the hem in the BACK of the gown!

No Train: Well, by definition, this is NOT a train, it is still an option so we will include it here. This is sometimes called a Floor Length Train, but if you are opting for a tea length gown or shorter, it may not even be floor length. Generally, it will be the same length front and back. This type of gown is is perfect for an informal wedding or a garden wedding , and can also be done for a semi-formal wedding if you wish.

Sweeping Train: This is the shortest of the trains and is also called a brush train because it just brushes the floor. Usually, the back hem is only a few inches lower then the front hem. It is perfect for an elegant informal or semi-formal wedding gown. It provides the elegance of a train without to much added fabric in the way.

Chapel Length Train: This is currently the most common train because it has the elegance of a full train but is still not overly cumbersome. A chapel train is generally 1 1/3 yards or 4 feet from the waistline. This is perfect for a semi-formal wedding gown but could be used for a formal or informal wedding gown as well.

Semi-Cathedral Length Train: A semi-cathedral is about half way between a chapel and cathedral length. Perfect for a semi-formal or formal wedding gown.

Cathedral Length Train: This is a popular choice for a formal affair or for that fairy tale look. A cathedral train is generally 2 1/2 yards or 7 1/2 feet from the waistline and is usually used for a formal wedding. These gowns often come with a bustling option or a removable train to allow for better movement on the dance floor.

Royal Train: Remember Princess Di's wedding gown? This is one of those trains this is still out the door when you reach the alter! If you dream is to have a Princess Di train, this is it! Also called a Monarch train, this train generally falls 9 ft from the waist line and is only used for the most formal wedding.

Often, the length of your train is determined either by your tastes or your wedding style. I have listed the most common wedding styles for each train option, but you can choose whatever suits you best. If you do not want a long train for the whole event, you can also consider a sweep train with a long, removable veil for that elegant look at the alter and free movement on the dance floor!

By: Crystal Unrau
Chrys Cross Bridal

Crystal Unrau is a wedding planner and the owner of Chrys Cross Bridal . She specializes in creating dream weddings on a budget and offers discount designer wedding gowns and accessories along with free advice through her website!

Wedding Gown Terms: Hem Lengths

Hem Length is just one a the decisions you will need to make as you make your wedding dress selection! The hem length is the length from the waist to the hem line in front - trains are not included! Now, you are thinking, how many can here be? Floor length and.... what else is there! Well, it may surprise you to know that there are actually 6 common wedding dress hem lengths!

Floor - A floor length wedding gown is pretty much exactly that. It reaches to the floor, and usually just the tips of your shoes will show. This is the most common length for a wedding gown and most likely, you know about this one already!

Tea - A tea length wedding gown falls to about mid-calf, and this is currently the second most popular choice for today's modern bride. This length was popular during the war and depression years, when fabric was scarce. Now, with the growing popularity of beach weddings, casual weddings and garden weddings, tea length gowns have made a comeback!

Intermission - This skirt is also called a Midi Length, and falls between the knee and mid calf area. A tall bride may find that a premade tea length falls to intermission length instead.

Handkerchief Hem - This is similar to a Tea Length, but is made of panels, ending in points at the hem. This gives a jagged, layered v style hemline with the longest points reaching mid-calf.

Street - A street length wedding gown falls just below the knee, slightly shorter then an Intermission length.

Mini - A mini skirt ends above the knee. Wedding gowns with a mini skirt often have removable overskirts as well.

Of course, floor length is still the most common and easiest to find. Tea length gowns are becoming much easier to find with most designers offering a few styles at tea length. Minis are also available, though most will have the overskirt option. If you are interested in a Intermission, handkerchief, street or plain mini, you may need to look in non-traditional locations like a dress boutique or in the prom gown section, but this will also be much more affordable! A Tea Length White Prom Gown will often have a much lower price then a wedding salon would charge as well!

Today's brides are much more willing to take a risk, and so all 6 hem styles are acceptable choices! I suggest trying at least 2 or 3 different options, as most brides are very surprised by what they prefer once they have them on!

By: Crystal Unrau
Chrys Cross Bridal

Crystal Unrau is a wedding planner and the owner of Chrys Cross Bridal . She specializes in creating dream weddings on a budget and offers discount designer wedding gowns and accessories along with free advice through her website!

Selecting A Bridal Gown For Your Body Type

Choosing your bridal gown is one of the most important fashion decisions you will ever make so be sure that it is the right one. It is hard enough to find that perfect gown for your wedding day, but to add to the frustration you must find something that works with your body type so that you will not only look amazing, but feel comfortable in. Brides come in all different shapes and sizes so we must choose a gown accordingly that will be flattering to our specific shape. The following are examples of body shapes and gowns that work according those figures.

Pear shaped - The pear shaped figure is a figure that is smaller at the top and fuller at the bottom, hence in the shape of a pear. (go figure!) A full ball gown is always a great choice with an accented waistline because it will minimize the hips and bring focus to the smaller upper bodice. This can be a gown that has pleats (including box pleats). A pear-shaped bride should stay away from sheath gowns (a gown that is straight up and down) as the fuller bottom will be pronounced in such a style .

Broad Shouldered brides should choose a gown that has spaghetti straps or a scoop neckline which to the eye shortens the width of the shoulders. An elongated bodice with a dropped waist also elongates the bodice and narrows the shoulders. Broad shouldered brides should stay away from oversized sleeves or off the shoulder sleeves with ruffles or accents. Think less is more when it comes to accents on the shoulders.

Short/Petite brides should stay away from gowns that are "too much" meaning gowns with too much fabric that "swallow up the bride." Full ball gowns with many pleats usually do not work well with petite brides. Modified A-line or Princess A-line with natural waistlines gowns are great choices for petite brides. Dropped waistlines tend to make short brides look shorter.

Tall/thin brides look great in sheath gowns which are gowns that are straight up and down. This will show off the figure and make a bride seem thinner than for example a very tall girl in a huge ball gown. Tall/thin brides are usually the only ones that can pull off such a gown so show it off if you can ladies!

Hourglass figure are brides that have curves like an hourglass. An A-line (modified or princess) gown with a dropped waist works the best with hourglass figures. It shows off the figure while accenting the appropriate areas of the body. Also, a sweetheart neckline will accent the bodice if it covers enough of the full bustline.

Thick waisted brides look the best in empire gowns which are gowns that have a high waistline. Empire waistlines are usually right below the bustline and gradually fade to an A-line skirt. Thick waisted brides should stay away from natural waistline gowns that emphasize the waist.

Best of luck gown hunting! Remember always choose something that you feel most comfortable in and never be persuaded to buy something you do not want!

By Geneva Grainger www.BrideCouture.com

<p align="center"><strong>Beautiful Flowers On A Budget</strong> </p>
<p align="left">Flowers  can make the wedding sparkle, but can also cost a fair bit of money!  The best way to save money on your wedding flowers is to buy them in  bulk and arrange them yourself. If the idea of entrusting your floral  design to your own inexperienced hands scares you, here are a few  suggests that mayhelp you save money without the worry! </p>
<p align="left">1.  Silk Flowers - silk flowers can make beautiful wedding bouquets, and  may also be cheaper then real flowers, especially if you want flowers  that are out of season. But the biggest bonus is that you can arrange  and rearrange them in advance, and you have enough time to work at it  until it is perfect! </p>
<p align="left">2.  Find a unprofessional professional! Do you or your fiance have a friend  or family member with floral experience? Ask around! You may find that  someone you know, knows someone who is a retired florist! Or check out  the local Seniors center, they may have suggestions as well! A retired  florist will often offer their services at a much lower cost, and if  they are friends or family, they may be willing to do it for free! </p>
<p align="left">3.  Take a class! Many local colleges and art centers offer flower  arranging  evening classes to help you learn the basics of arranging  flowers for yourself! Local craft stores will often offer similar  classes as well!! </p>
<p align="left">4. Search online - many craft stores have websites with craft projects and ideas, including wedding arrangements! Check out  <a href="http://www.michaels.com/online/departments/interactive_projects/flower_arranging/flower_arranging.htm">Michaels </a> for example! They carry a selction of 20+ bouquets with complete assembly instructions online! </p>
<p align="left">If  none of those ideas are particularly calming, and you would prefer to  have a professional florist do your flowers, there are still ways that  you can save money! Here are a few steps you can take to ensure you get  the best flowers for your money. </p>
<p align="left">1.  Pick flowers that are in season, they are automatically cheaper then  out of season flowers. For example, tulips for a spring wedding would  be much less expensive then tulips in December. If you are unsure what  flowers are inseason, ask your florist for advice. </p>
<p align="left">2.  Pick a bouquet that uses more affordable flowers (carnations, for  example) accented with a few exotic flowers for a beautiful finish!  When looking through my mother’s wedding photos, I found a stunning  photo of her bouquet, which was a cascading bouquet of white carnations  with one goregous stargazer lily in front! It was goregous, and much  more affordable then it woudl have been if she had used roses! </p>
<p align="left">3.  Shop around, get quotes from all the shops in your area, and make sure  they know you are going to be getting quotes from other shops as well.  Often, they will quote you a lower price if they know you are going to  be looking around! </p>
<p align="left">4. Look  into the cost of silk flowers - especially if you want flowers that are  out of seaon. Many retailers, both online and locally, carry exquisite  silk flower designs that are fabulous in appearance and in price! Ask  around and find out if there is a local craftsperson who does  arrangements from their home. Their prices will be lower becuase they  have less overhead to deal with the retail locations. </p>
<p align="left">You  may choose to save money by arranging you flowers yourself, or you may  choose to hire someone to do it for you. Either way, a little planning  and research can save you a lot of money! Crystal Unrau is the owner of  Chrys Cross Bridal and a wedding consultant who specializes in low  budget dream weddings! You can contact Crystal at <a href="mailto:dcakru@mts.net">dcakru@mts.net </a> if you have questions or you can visit her website at Chrys Cross  Bridal for a great selection of designer wedding gowns and accessories  at discounted prices! </p>
<p align="left">Crystal Unrau<br>
  <a href="http://chryscrossbridal.com/" target="_blank">chryscrossbridal.com</a>

<h4 align="center">Selecting A Bridal Gown For Your Body Type </h4>
<p>Choosing  your bridal gown is one of the most important fashion decisions you  will ever make so be sure that it is the right one. It is hard enough  to find that perfect gown for your wedding day, but to add to the  frustration you must find something that works with your body type so  that you will not only look amazing, but feel comfortable in. Brides  come in all different shapes and sizes so we must choose a gown  accordingly that will be flattering to our specific shape. The  following are examples of body shapes and gowns that work according  those figures. </p>
<p><strong>Pear shaped </strong>-  The pear shaped figure is a figure that is smaller at the top and  fuller at the bottom, hence in the shape of a pear. (go figure!) A full  ball gown is always a great choice with an accented waistline because  it will minimize the hips and bring focus to the smaller upper bodice.  This can be a gown that has pleats (including box pleats). A  pear-shaped bride should stay away from sheath gowns (a gown that is  straight up and down) as the fuller bottom will be pronounced in such a  style . </p>
<p><strong>Broad Shouldered </strong> brides should choose a gown that has spaghetti straps or a scoop  neckline which to the eye shortens the width of the shoulders. An  elongated bodice with a dropped waist also elongates the bodice and  narrows the shoulders. Broad shouldered brides should stay away from  oversized sleeves or off the shoulder sleeves with ruffles or accents.  Think less is more when it comes to accents on the shoulders. </p>
<p><strong>Short/Petite </strong> brides should stay away from gowns that are "too much" meaning gowns  with too much fabric that "swallow up the bride." Full ball gowns with  many pleats usually do not work well with petite brides. Modified  A-line or Princess A-line with natural waistlines gowns are great  choices for petite brides. Dropped waistlines tend to make short brides  look shorter. </p>
<p><strong>Tall/thin </strong>brides  look great in sheath gowns which are gowns that are straight up and  down. This will show off the figure and make a bride seem thinner than  for example a very tall girl in a huge ball gown. Tall/thin brides are  usually the only ones that can pull off such a gown so show it off if  you can ladies! </p>
<p><strong>Hourglass figure </strong> are brides that have curves like an hourglass. An A-line (modified or  princess) gown with a dropped waist works the best with hourglass  figures. It shows off the figure while accenting the appropriate areas  of the body. Also, a sweetheart neckline will accent the bodice if it  covers enough of the full bustline. </p>
<p><strong>Thick waisted </strong>brides  look the best in empire gowns which are gowns that have a high  waistline. Empire waistlines are usually right below the bustline and  gradually fade to an A-line skirt. Thick waisted brides should stay  away from natural waistline gowns that emphasize the waist. </p>
<p>Best of luck gown hunting! Remember <strong>always </strong>choose something that <strong>you </strong> feel most comfortable in and never be persuaded to buy something you do not want! </p>
<p>By Geneva Grainger <a href="http://www.bridecouture.com/" target="_blank">www.BrideCouture.com </a></p>

<p align="center">Finding                              the Wedding Dress of Your Dreams At a Price You Can                              Afford</p>
<p>Inspired  by my own search for my wedding dress, I decided to write this article  because it turns out you can get lucky if you research and are patient.  I started looking for my dress a few months before I got married and I  found the dress I loved, but it was $800. My dress was really simple  and this was not in my budget, so I got the company name and the style  number and searched everywhere online and off for this dress. Finally I  found it offline for $499 at a local bridal shop. But them I was  looking for flower girl dresses in a popular department store catalog  and imagine my surprise when I saw my dress for $299. I couldn’t  believe it. I know I lucked out, but maybe with these tips you can too!</p>
<p><strong>1. Be patient.</strong> You can definitely wait to buy your dress. With all these different  companies selling that on dress, you can search to find the best dress.  Unless you’re buying a Vera Wang original, do a little hunting!</p>
<p><strong>2. Write down the designer and style number                                or dress name.</strong> This is important for your research.</p>
<p><strong>3. Research.</strong> Look everywhere online and off for your dress. I found my dress online  for a couple of lower prices before I found the $299 dress. A lot of  online companies offer dresses at rock bottom price. You can find  accessories very cheap online also. Search for "Discount Wedding  Dresses".</p>
<p><strong>4. Look at the wedding dresses from popular                                department stores.</strong> These stores can sell the same dress at lower                              prices because they have the buying power.</p>
<p><strong>5. Have a style in mind, but don’t get stuck                                on one particular dress if you can. </strong>Learn  the style that looks best on you. I say that looks best on you because  originally I wanted one of those poofy Cinderella dresses but I tried  one on and it made my hips look huge (and believe me I don’t need any  help!). So, I tried on different dresses and chose the style that  looked best on me. </p>
<p>Good luck on your search and have fun planning your                              wedding!</p>
<p>By <strong>Kristie McDaniel</strong>, author of                              the E-book, "Do Yourself A Wedding Favor", <br>
  available at <a href="http://www.doyourselfafavor.net/" target="_blank">www.doyourselfafavor.net</a></p>