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You have the dress, the veil, and the lingerie; now the shoes. So, you want to find the perfect blue shoes for your wedding day.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. If you’re trying to pull together these four elements for your wedding ensemble, consider adding blue shoes.

Can a bride wear blue shoes?

The answer is a resounding YES.

Colorful wedding shoes, whether you show them off below a knee-length to tea-length dress or hide them beneath a voluminous gown, can be a striking and memorable addition to your perfect wedding day.

And as a bonus, don’t be surprised if you decide to wear your blue shoes after your wedding day for parties and other occasions, too!

Whether your shoes are being used for your “something blue” or to add a pop of color to your wedding dress, blue wedding shoes are more popular than ever.

If you keep a few important details in mind, you can hone in on your perfect blue wedding shoes with relatively little effort.

Shoe style

First of all, choose the style of shoe. Do you want a high heel? Or, would you rather pick a mid-sized heel for ease of walking and stability?

Perhaps a great pair of flats would better suit your personality or comfort level. Any of these styles are acceptable choices, and this decision is an important one for the bride.

Comfort, of course, is basic and necessary, but you must also consider your walk and stride.

Your wedding day will give you a unique opportunity to make what may be the most beautiful entrance and walk of your lifetime; take advantage of that and wear a type of shoe that you can walk in with grace and confidence.

consider the season

The time of year will also inevitably play a part in what style you ultimately choose for your blue wedding shoes.

If you’re planning a warm-weather wedding, you’ll have plenty of options. Sandals, wedges, and ballet flats are all readily available in shades of blue.

Choose a barely-there T-strap for just a hint of blue or a gladiator style to make the color stand out. If most sandals feel too casual for your wedding, try a small heel or a sleek peep-toe style.

Blue ballet flats are available in leather, patent leather, and fabrics. Go for a solid in your favorite shade, or choose a fun print.

From snakeskin to floral, designers like to experiment with these versatile flats, which gives you lots of blue footwear options for your spring or summer wedding.

In the cooler months, you can choose from various heels and pumps. Designers at all price ranges regularly offer shades ranging from navy to electric blue, so you can be as conservative or eclectic as you like.

If you want truly unique shoes, search online retailers for funky heels with blue-hued prints.

If your wedding is suited to a rockabilly vibe, seek a cool pair of blue suede shoes.

If your dress is long enough to cover your feet, feel free to get comfy with blue suede chukkas or oxfords. Before the reception ends, you’ll be glad you chose one of these comfortable but unconventional options.

a rustic touch of cowgirl fashion

Boots are another fun option for wedding footwear. If your big day will have a Western vibe, choose a rustic pair of beautiful blue boots.

With intricate designs and handcrafted leather, they could become one of your favorite wedding splurges. And consider vintage blue boots as well, as they often have a charm of their own.

What shade of blue is for you?

The next issue is color. You’ve chosen blue, now which shade of blue? Are you matching it with the shade that your bridal party is wearing?

If so, and the bridesmaid dresses have been purchased at a bridal store, that bridal shop may have that particular color available in certain styles of shoes.

If your color varies from that of the bridal party make sure that the shade of blue that you pick works with the overall color palette of your wedding.

The bridal shop may be able to provide the service to dye your chosen shoes or, if your local bridal shop does not offer this service, you may be able to find a local dry cleaner that will do it. There are also several online shops that offer dye treatments for shoes.

Navy, pale blue, royal blue……..these hues are just the start, and you may well have something more specific in mind.

In fact, the dye option is often overlooked and it can save a lot of time and allow you to match a specific shade, regardless of what color you’re looking for. The benefits of dyeable wedding shoes are well worth knowing!

Lighting and shoes

Important considerations when choosing to dye your shoes are lighting and fabric texture. It is important to tell the person doing the dye work about the lighting that you plan for your big day. Will the wedding be outdoors in natural light, or will your venue be indoors with an artificial light source?

There are real differences to the way the colors will appear according to the light source. Be aware that different fabrics absorb color differently and that your shoes may not look exactly like the other objects you are trying to match. Offering a sample of the material or object you are trying to match could be very helpful.

Budget enough time for shoes

Now, don’t hesitate to get the shoes done. Give yourself as much time as possible as this is not a perfect science and you may need that extra bit of time. You’ll need it for such things as your blue bridal bouquet and other accents, no doubt!

A good guideline is to have your shoes picked out and ready to wear for the wedding within a few weeks of purchasing your wedding dress.

Now, you’re ready for that first dress fitting!

More content related to choosing wedding shoes that we like from around the web:

• https://www.paradoxlondon.com/shoes-blog/complete-guide-to-choosing-wedding-shoes/
• https://www.confetti.co.uk/wedding-advice/bridalwear/8-wedding-shoe-tips
• https://www.whowhatwear.com/bridal-shoes-to-match-dress/slide3

Planning a wedding should be enjoyable, but can soon turn into one big headache. There are so many decisions to make and getting it wrong can be expensive. This is where dyeable wedding shoes come in.

Coordinating various elements can be especially challenging. What to do, for example, if you have chosen the dresses for yourself and your bridesmaids and can’t find any shoes to match? If you need something in a wide width, it could get even harder to find something that pleases you.

It starts to feel like putting pieces of a puzzle together that don’t quite fit. Soon, you’ve spent far more time on ‘the shoe question’ than you’d bargained for, and other important decisions are being neglected.

So how does the busy bride resolve all this? Dyeable wedding shoes could well be a great option.

Made of a special type of white satin fabric, they can be dyed to match the theme of your big day and are available to suit all styles and budgets.

The idea of dyeing shoes is a bit novel to many folks, to say the least. Especially when it comes to shoes for such a special occasion.

This short and informative instructional video made to teach staff at bridal boutiques how to dye wedding shoes should demystify things and give you a sense of how the professionals work their magic.

There are many advantages to this stylish and practical choice. Dyeable wedding shoes are:

Versatile

Dyeable wedding shoes are ideal for one of the most important days of your life, when every detail has to be perfect.

For the traditional bride, they can be dyed to match any of the hundreds of shades of white and cream dresses that are available. For the less conventional they can be color matched to any fabric that you wish, so let your imagination run wild.

Either way, it’s your day so make it a reflection of your tastes. You might even let your future spouse have an opinion!             
 

Available

Dyeable wedding shoes are now widely available. Ballet pumps, court shoes, pretty sandals and much more are all out there and can be customized to suit your wedding colors. You are sure to find something that will look gorgeous but can also be worn to dance the night away.

Take a sample of your fabric along to the store at least four weeks before your wedding date so that you will have time to check the quality of the color match. You want to give them plenty of time to get it right.

Affordable

Dyeable wedding shoes come in a range of prices, from cheap to steep. You will find them in top end designer boutiques as well as big box stores and a variety of shops in between. And of course they can also easily be found online.

And when you consider the overall ‘cost performance’ of your bridal shoes, consider that you might well choose to wear them more than once!

When the big day is over they don’t have to be stored away never to be seen again. They can be dyed as many times as you need. Match them to your favorite cocktail dress or summer wedding guest outfit, and every time you wear them you will remember your special day.

They are an investment that can pay for themselves many times over, and the benefits go beyond the financial.
 
Shoe shopping for such a joyous occasion should be a fun day out for you and your friends, so consider dyeable wedding shoes when deciding on accessories for your wedding day.

And if your color of choice happens to be blue, our post about how to choose your perfect blue wedding shoes will give you more tips!

More content related to dyeable wedding shoes that we like from around the web:

• https://nakdesignstudio.com/blogs/beautiful-bliss-blog/what-is-a-dyeable-wedding-shoe
• https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-find-a-store-that-will-dye-shoes/
• http://www.create-enjoy.com/2011/06/wow-i-did-it-i-dyed-my-wedding-shoes.html

Sometimes couples planning a wedding forget the meaning of the word guest. While your wedding is certainly one of the most important days of your life, you still have a responsibility to those you’ve invited to join you for the occasion.

What do wedding guests care about? Simply asking yourself that question is a powerful way to begin the process of really trying to anticipate things that might take even a bit of the shine off your big day for some of your guests.

Here are 10 common wedding guest questions, concerns and complaints along with advice on how to please your guests on your big day and put their minds at ease beforehand.

1. What’s the dress code?

How clear is your dress code? Spare your guests the embarrassment of showing up to your wedding wearing the wrong clothing.

Indicate on the invitation whether the event is upscale or casual. If jeans are appropriate, let people know.

Brides and grooms too often assume that this kind of information will be available to all guests, but they forget about people who are not close to the wedding.

2. Who’s invited?

Literally spell out who is invited on your wedding invitations. If the family is invited, list each one of the children. If single people are allowed to bring a guest, indicate that.

Sometimes people assume that if they are invited to a wedding, their children are invited too.

It’s okay to decide you don’t want children at your wedding, but the invitation should make that clear if it’s important to you. Are your invitations vague or confusing in this regard?

3. Finding their way inside the venue

Don’t assume that once guests reach the venue, they’ll know where various things are inside.

If your wedding venue is large, signs are especially important. Be sure to create signs directing people to the ceremony and clearly stating the location of the restrooms, bar and other areas guests may need to find.

4. The temperature of the venue

Is the wedding venue too hot or cold? Do everything in your power to create a comfortable environment for your guests.

If your wedding is outdoors in the heat of the summer, provide fans and water.

Have blankets and a warm fire in the colder weather. Think twice about a summer venue with no air conditioning. This is especially important to your older guests.

5. A cash bar

You wouldn’t invite your friends to your house and then charge them for drinks. Wedding guests should be no different. If you can’t afford an open bar, offer a signature drink or provide only beer and wine.

If you must have a cash bar, at least let your guests know ahead of time and provide an ATM.

6. Ample seating

Overcrowded venues quickly take the fun out of a wedding reception. Be sure to reserve a space big enough for all of your guests, and arrange to have enough seating for everyone.

It is a mistake to assume that half your guests will be walking around at any given time.

7. Waiting time

You need to provide something for your guests to do for the entire time they are attending your event.

That means that if you are going to take 3 hours for pictures between the ceremony and reception, you need to do something to keep them occupied.

That might consider setting up a room for cocktails and appetizers, making arrangements for tours of a local tourist attraction or even offering horse-drawn carriage rides around the block.

It’s rude to just leave your guests hanging.

8. Guests get hungry

Many wedding complaints concern the food.

Don’t book a caterer without sampling the food available, and make sure you are offering several options for your guests to choose from. Servings should be big enough that people are not leaving the reception hungry.

Guests should also be offered something to eat if there is a delay before dinner is served. No one wants to be left hungry while waiting for a bride and groom to arrive at the reception.

9. Pictures are not allowed

It is understandable that you don’t want your wedding video cluttered with images of people holding up cell phones, but remember the sacrifices that your friends and family made to be with you on your special day. Your relatives want pictures of you at your wedding.

If you can’t handle the thought of them taking pictures during the reception, be sure to provide everyone attending with at least one picture from the ceremony. Do not make them pay the photographer to get pictures of your wedding.

10. Expressions of gratitude

Your guests aren’t your fans, and they aren’t your servants. They took time away from their busy lives to attend your wedding because they care about you, and you should be thankful for that.

It’s imperative that you show that gratitude by thanking everyone for attending.

You don’t have to have a formal reception line, but you should make a point to go around the room and let all of your guests know that their presence was meaningful to you.

As time consuming as thank you notes may be, you must send a thank you note if you accept a present. And it should be signed by hand.

Your wedding is naturally an occasion for you to focus on your love for your spouse-to-be, but don’t forget about the people who are there to support you.

Wedding guests care about one thing above all others, of course-your happiness on your wedding day and the chance to share it with you. Keep your guests’ comfort in mind as you make decisions about your big day, and you will all have wonderful memories of your wedding.

More content related to pleasing your wedding guests that we like from around the web:

• https://www.insider.com/things-wedding-guests-actually-care-about-2017-11
• https://proseccoandpetals.com/venue-and-logistics/choosing-and-booking-wedding-guest-accommodation.html
• http://www.wednet.com/wedding-guests/accomodating-special-wedding-guest-needs/

One way to help balance your wedding budget is to make your own bridal and bridesmaid bouquets. There’s no doubt that real flowers are expensive, but when you consider the cost of hired labor in the creation of wedding bouquets, making your own can save you money.

When you create a DIY wedding bouquet, you will feel proud that you contributed to an important feature of your wedding. A DIY bouquet may seem like a daunting task, but if you follow step-by-step directions, it’s really quite easy.

You will make your bouquets the day before the wedding, so it’s a good idea to practice once or twice ahead of time using inexpensive or artificial flowers.

Choosing your flowers and bouquet style

Do your research by looking through magazines and floral shops to make decisions about what size and style of bouquet you want.

Consider your body type, style and colors of your wedding gown, and the theme colors of your wedding. You will save money by choosing flowers that are in season. Keep in mind, though, that many flowers are grown in greenhouses and are available all year long.

Think about the colors you want. Flowers like roses and hydrangeas come in many colors. There are many options for purchasing fresh flowers such as online wholesale stores, local flower marts, Costco, or a nearby grocery store.

Just look for fresh and sturdy flowers. Don’t forget to purchase greenery and small accent flowers.
 

Gather supplies and flowers

You will need floral snips, floral shears, wire cutters, a sharp knife, pearl straight pins, wire, floral tape and two-sided satin ribbon.

Place your flowers in buckets of water until ready to use. Some suggested flowers to use are roses, peonies, hydrangeas, and calla lilies.

Stephanotis and snowdrops are good for accent flowers. Choose greenery that is vibrant. Israeli ruckus, Italian ruckus or Aspidistra are good choices.
 

Prepare your flowers

Strip all the foliage and thorns off the stems of the flowers. Do the same with your greenery. Take off the outer pedals of the flowers and any other discolored ones.

If you are using any small delicate flower like stephanotis or snowdrops, take your pearl topped pin and push into the center of the flower. This adds elegance.
 

Making the bouquet

Take your larger flowers like hydrangeas and hold the stem with your index finger and your thumb.  Add more flowers with stems angled and evenly distributed.

Add roses, inserting an odd number evenly among the hydrangeas. Then insert one or two varieties of greenery keeping stems at an angle.
 

Final touches to the bouquet

In order to keep your bouquet tightly together, wind some stretchy corsage or stem tape tightly around the stems. Next, wind double- sided satin ribbon starting at the bottom and going up. 

Be sure to cover the tape. With the extra ribbon at the top, tie it off and tuck the end into the ribbon. Trim the stems at the end.
                                                                                                           

How to store until the wedding

To keep your bouquet hydrated and fresh for the following day, put about ½ inch of water into a vase with some paper towels. Store the bouquet in the refrigerator. The next day, trim off stems that are showing at the bottom.

If you practice a couple of times before making the final bouquet, your wedding bouquet will turn out beautiful and you will be proud of yourself.

Simply follow the step-by-step instructions and you will carry a professional looking bouquet at your wedding.

And don’t stop with your bridal bouquet. You can follow the same basic steps for making your own bridesmaid bouquets, too!

More bridal bouquet resources that we like from around the web:

• https://www.theknot.com/content/homemade-bouquets-basics
• https://www.loveandlavender.com/2012/05/how-to-create-your-own-wedding-bouquet/
• https://www.bhg.com/wedding/flowers/how-to-make-your-fresh-flower-bouquet-last-longer-281474979588166/

Choosing a unique wedding favor that hasn’t been overdone can be a challenge for most brides and grooms.

Small, inexpensive picture frames are ideal for creating something unique to the special event. They are easy to personalize without putting the wedding budget into the red zone.

Place Cards

Instead of having separate place cards and favors, combine the two and frame your guests’ names in small picture frames that they can take home and use later. This solves the problem of clutter and running out of valuable table space.

If you have a specific seating arrangement, you may place the frames on the tables before the reception.

Another option is to number the tables, put each guest’s name and number in the frame, and have someone hand them out at the door.

Old Memories

This option will take some advance preparation, so it will work best for a smaller, more intimate wedding and reception.

Go through your old snapshots and find one of the bride or groom with the guest and make a print to put into each picture frame.

Place them on the tables at the reception and let each guest look for his or her picture.

Not only will everyone enjoy the old memories, you’ll have some great conversation starters!

Wedding Snapshots

You’ll need an instant camera and enough film to take individual pictures of all your guests for quick wedding snapshots.

As guests walk into the reception, snap a shot of them with the bride and groom. Have a person stationed at the end of the reception line to insert the instant pictures into frames.

Your guests will have wedding favors that they’ll cherish and keep.

Personalized Picture Frames

If you want to personalize the picture frames and have a little extra room in your budget, you may hire an engraver to etch your guests’ names on each one.

You may save money and space on the frame by having only their initials engraved.

More wedding favor resources that we like from around the web:

• https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/228556/50-great-wedding-favors
• https://www.theknot.com/wedding-favors
• https://apracticalwedding.com/wedding-favors/

Dare I say that bridal shawls and jackets for winters weddings are a hot topic? Bad puns aside, if you’re getting married at a chilly time of year, chances are you’ll need something warm to wrap up in at some point.

Posing for outdoor photos, for instance, could be a challenge in ways you might not anticipate without some thought. You could even feel cold indoors, so add a shawl, cape or jacket to your wedding attire to slip on as needed. Here’s a quick guide to style choices.

Short and chunky

A neat little shrug or bolero will keep the chill off your shoulders and chest. You’ll find a range of these simple wraps at affordable prices, including fluffy, chunky ones in faux fur that offer an attractive contrast to a tapering dress. Choose between soft hues, vibrant colors and snow-ball white. For a slender alternative, try a cut-away, satin bolero or a stretchy, cotton lycra shrug.

Full-length

Prevent shivers and chattering teeth by wrapping up from top to toe. A full-length cloak with deep, swirly folds will look splendid over your wedding gown. Some designs include a hood, fastening under the chin, others tying or buttoning at the waist or having no fastening.  Fabrics vary, with faux fur and fluffy hems trending. You’ll also find elegant, button-up jackets with collars in the wedding catalogs.

Light and floaty

If you’re not expecting to get seriously cold, you might prefer a lighter covering. Silky scarves and shawls make beautiful arm warmers and come in all sorts of shimmering shades, such as champagne, eggshell blue and silver gray, as well as rich, warm colors like plum and honey. Fabrics vary from merino wool and cashmere to fine silk and lace.  For a little more protection from the cool air, consider a thin, floaty jacket, perhaps in elasticated lace, cotton or crocheted wool.

Prices

Prices vary widely, but some of the shorter garments cost no more than a coffee shop lunch, if that, especially those in the cheaper fabrics. Faux fur is a great deal cheaper than real fur, for instance, and a feathery feel can be produced without real feathers. Shop around for affordable prices and best buys in the style of your choice, checking out discount offers and second-hand options, too.

More dressing tricks and accessories for keeping warm

• Wear a warm dress. Choose a long-sleeved dress in a warm fabric, perhaps with a substantial lining or multiple under-layers. Lace, netting or beading over the top will conceal thickness beneath. Some designs include a light extension above the neckline, gathered in prettily at the throat, while others provide a rising neckline, covering the nape of the neck and shoulders. A substantial veil will keep breezes off your back, and thick tights or leggings will insulate your legs and hips.
• Wear gloves.  Slender, white gloves with tapered fingers will look beautiful and will keep your fingers warm and flexible for signing your name in the wedding register and cutting that first slice of cake. A fluffy muff is another stylish option. Browse the beautiful color options.

With your bridal shawl or jacket and other winter weather preparations all in place, you can relax and enjoy your day to the full. As for your fiancé, you’ll just have to hope he’s thought of the weather, too.
 

More bridal shawl and jacket resources that we like from around the web:

• https://www.brides.com/gallery/bridal-parties-bridesmaids-winter-wedding-fashion
• https://www.onefabday.com/bride-and-bridesmaids-cover-up-ideas/
• https://www.easyweddings.com.au/articles/bridal-cover-ups-winter-wedding/

The white gown will always be a bridal tradition. In fact, there was a time not so long ago when it was tough to find a wedding dress in any color other than white or ivory.

Many of today’s brides are rejecting the white wedding gown and embracing color. This trend appeals to all kinds of brides because you can go bold or subtle, depending on your style and preferences.

Here are five great ways you can take advantage of this terrific trend.

Pale Pastels

You can still look bridal in a colored gown when you choose a soft, romantic shade. Search for dresses in baby blue, blush pink, or lavender.

Some of these colors are so light that you hardly notice the tone at all. Your dress may appear white in candlelight, for example, but will reveal the palest pink hue out in the sun.

Ombre

What is ombre? An ombre pattern fades in shades from one color to another or takes one color from dark to light. This pattern can be as bright or as understated as you like, and it can include the whole gown or just the skirt.

Fun, sweet ombre color patterns have invaded the bridal world in everything from stationary to tablecloths.

If you don’t want too much color, you can find ombre pattern dresses in shades of champagne or ivory. These gowns have a very romantic, traditional style but incorporate a barely noticeable color scheme.

Bold Details

You can use an intense, dark color like red, emerald, or teal while maintaining a bridal style. Many modern gowns have coordinating details like a sash or a panel in the back of the dress that brings focus to a gorgeous color.

You can also include a dark color underneath the skirt or in a pattern on the bodice.

Floral

Floral patterns are a significant trend in the bridal industry, and that includes wedding gowns. Choose a, ultra-pale pink-on-white pattern on the whole dress, or opt for a dress with a multitude of colorful flowers decorating the skirt.

Floral patterns can also be textured, creating a unique, touchable look. You will also see florals that include large, 3D style blossoms to accentuate the skirt of the gown.

Metallic

Metallic colors are everywhere, and you’re sure to see them shine over the next several wedding seasons. Make metallic your own with a shimmery dress in a metal-inspired color like silver, gold, copper, or bronze.

Choose a vintage lace gown in a pale copper, or be glamorous in shining silver. Gold or rose gold details are stunning on a white or ivory dress. Whether you use a metallic as an all-over color or in the details, this trend will have you glowing when you walk down the aisle.

Modern brides no longer have to shun color, so use this wonderful trend to find a gown that celebrates your style and fits perfectly into your bridal vision.

More colored wedding gown resources that we like from around the web:

• https://www.brides.com/gallery/colored-wedding-dresses-pictures
• https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/600394/colored-wedding-dresses
• https://www.womangettingmarried.com/10-fun-wedding-dress-colors/

What’s the most popular holiday for kids and adults alike? It just might be Halloween. Many people love Halloween, so it makes sense that brides and grooms would incorporate the holiday into a wedding theme.

Because most of us have such strong associations with this day, once you start thinking about Halloween wedding ideas, it’s likely that you’ll have plenty of possibilities to consider in no time.

Your Halloween themed wedding doesn’t have to be like walking through a haunted house, although it can be if that’s what you want. Whether you are looking for a few spooky details or want to take your guests on a Halloween adventure, here are some options to consider.

Colors

Orange and Black

Simply combining orange and black will quickly bring Halloween flair to your wedding ceremony. Choose just one shade of orange that you love, and use it as an accent on floral arrangement, wedding party dresses or your cake.

Black

Using black as your only wedding color is a spooky and sophisticated way to give a nod to Halloween. Keep it elegant by adding some silver for accents, or have fun with a variety of black fabrics like velvet and lace.

Red-Orange and Brown

Fall colors will suggest the Halloween season without overwhelming your wedding with the holiday. Dress your bridesmaids like a cascade of falling leaves, and use ribbons as accents on tables.

Decorations

Take a page from Halloween itself, and dress up your ceremony space to reflect anything you want it to be.

Elegant Gothic

Turn your wedding reception into a Gothic dinner party by using ornate stemware and silver, formal place settings. Incorporate lots of candles placed in candlesticks of various lengths, and keep the lighting subtle.

This can be stunning in an old church or other vintage building.

Autumn Decor

Fall is a beautiful time of year, and the symbols of autumn can be beautifully romantic at a wedding. Find big, round pumpkins to stack near bales of hay. Serve appetizers or drinks in canning jars, and fill your space with sunflowers and mums.

Make a table decoration with a carved pumpkin, and give guests glittery stick masks to remind them of Halloween.

Haunted

If a Halloween wedding is your dream, turn the whole space into a haunted house. Keep the lighting as low as possible and hang cobwebs in every corner. Place a coffin at the front door with a sign that states you are together until death, or even after.

Place skeletons strategically around the room, posed as party guests. Even hire actors or ask friends to provide jump startles to guests as they enter the ceremony. Leave the reception in a hearse.

Flowers

Bright and Beautiful

Fall is full of amazing color. Choose huge blooms in orange, red and yellow to create show-stopping centerpieces and bouquets for your autumn wedding.

Blood Red Roses

Your elegant, Halloween-themed wedding calls for the romance of roses.

Roses do come in a shade that is almost black, but you can also make a dramatic statement with a bouquet of dark, red roses.

Dried Blooms

If the theme is Halloween, then you might want the flowers to be withered. Carry a bouquet of dried roses, and place dried bunches throughout your decor. Give groomsmen a single dried flower to pin to their pockets.

Attire

Black

For an elegant wedding with Halloween undertones, dress everyone in black. The bridesmaids can wear some version of a little black dress, and groomsmen can wear black suits.

The bride can wear black as well or opt for a white gown with a black sash or belt.

Traditional

You can give a Halloween tone to traditional clothing by choosing colors that relate to the season. Pick a pretty shade of orange for your bridesmaids, and dress groomsmen in brown with accents of the orange color. Dark purples are also pretty that time of year and suggest Halloween.

The bride can wear a traditional white gown or something with an autumn hue. An ivory gown looks lovely with rust-orange accents.

Costumes

The ultimate Halloween wedding will have everyone in costume. You can let everyone wear a costume of choice, or you can keep things more organized by creating a cohesive group. You might have a coven of witches as bridesmaids or groomsmen who are vampires.

You can also dress everyone in traditional wedding attire and then turn them into zombies with great makeup.

Let your guests in on the fun by suggesting they arrive to the wedding in costume or as zombies.

Food

Fresh and Seasonal

Many delicious foods are in season during autumn, and it’s fun to plan a menu around those items. Consider pumpkin soup or grilled squash with baked apples. Serve turkey with a wild mushroom sauce or a comforting meal of cabbage and ham.

Fun Food

Take your Halloween theme to the next level by incorporating crazy snacks with a Halloween influence. Find a caterer with a great imagination, or search the internet for ideas you can make yourself.

Hot dogs wrapped in bread sticks can easily be made into mummies, and a sour cream topped with black olives will add eyes to your tacos.

Use food dye to turn pasta into worms, and pipe cream cheese spider webs across the top of soup.

Create an amazing buffet by serving food inside carved watermelons and pumpkins or placing fresh veggies in and around a skeleton.

Sweets

Candy is a central focus of Halloween, so don’t forget about it. Set up a large candy bar with candy bars and other treats, and let guests fill their own trick-or-treat bags.

Serving freshly made donuts is a wonderful way to end the evening.

You can make your dream Halloween wedding a reality. Decide if you want to subtly incorporate the holiday into a traditional, autumn wedding or if you want your big event to scream Halloween.

Determine if your goal is to throw a huge, haunted party or if you want your wedding to be more sophisticated.

Once you’ve decided on the big picture for your Halloween nuptials, the gory details will fall into place.

The very process of hatching Halloween wedding ideas should be filled with fun, and is certain to get you both in the mood for what’s to come!

More Halloween wedding resources that we like from around the web:

• https://www.brides.com/story/halloween-wedding-style
• https://www.theknot.com/content/halloween-wedding-style-ideas
• https://spookylittlehalloween.com/2018/06/11/40-stunning-halloween-wedding-ideas/

Shopping for a wedding dress is often a stressful experience, and that can be especially true for the plus size bride. Because wedding gowns are typically ordered, you may find yourself choosing the most important dress of your life based on a sample size that doesn’t fit at all. 

Any shopping experience is made better when you prepare yourself. Here are eight strategies to keep in mind when shopping for plus size wedding dresses.

Ask about sample sizes

It’s helpful to know what size samples will be available before you go. Call around to different bridal stores to ask which sample sizes are available.

Wedding dresses tend to run small. If the sample sizes are a 10, you can expect them to fit more like an 8. Consultants know how to add fabric and use clips to fit the sample to your shape, but if there is only one sample size, you may have to choose based on a dress you can’t properly see on your own body.

Some bridal stores do offer larger sample sizes. If you decide not to deal with a shop because of the limited sample sizes, be sure to politely tell them why. When people start asking for bigger sizes, bridal stores will start listening.

Ask about upcharges for plus size dresses

Many bridal salons will have dresses available in larger sizes, but sometimes you’ll be charged extra because you are buying a larger size. This additional fee can be as much as $200 or more.

Bridal salons will tell you that the reason for this is that the dress requires more fabric. But if that were the case, someone who is a size 0 would get a discount.

Not every store charges more for plus sized dresses. Call ahead to find out.

Wear supportive underwear

Try to wear underwear that will work under a bridal gown. Some stores have strapless bras you can wear when you try on dresses, but it’s better if you bring one that fits you perfectly.

It is also helpful to bring some slimming underwear if you think you may choose to wear that under your gown. Some dresses will be structured enough that you don’t need the extra support, but it’s good to have some just in case.

Try on different dress styles

What’s a plus size wedding dress style? The very question is needlessly self limiting. It’s a myth that certain styles are only for particular body shapes. Don’t rule anything out. Consider the color trend in wedding gowns as well. You might be shocked by how amazing you look!

• Try at least one A-line. This is a silhouette you are probably going to be steered toward because it is the most common cut and is flattering on nearly everyone. You may find that you love the slimming effect.

• Try at least one form-fitting style. You might believe that a trumpet or mermaid shape won’t work for you, but you won’t know unless you try. Sometimes these styles push your curves into the just the right places, and you end up with a fabulous look.

• Try on something with ruching. That’s when the fabric is strategically gathered. Some people love it, and some people hate it. You should decide for yourself.

• Try a sweetheart neckline. This is a neckline that features a bit of a dip between your breasts, and it often looks great on people with a larger chest.

• Try a corset bodice. Corsets can suck you in and make your waist look tiny. The style can be very flattering, but be sure you can breathe.

• Try strapless. Some plus sized brides fail to try on strapless gowns because they don’t feel that their arms flatter them, but you might just find that you love the look on you. Don’t forget that there are wraps and jackets available if you still want to cover your arms!

Be sure you can move!

You will probably only wear your wedding dress for just one day, but that day is likely to be a long one. Be sure you choose a dress you will be comfortable in for hours. Make sure you can sit, bend and dance.

This sort of advice seems obvious and is easy to gloss over. But strive to keep in mind that in the course of your dress shopping, you might well be bowled over by dresses that look stunning on you but won’t allow you the comfort and ease of movement that you so deserve on your day. Just step back if you have any doubts and give yourself a chance to find that perfect combination of style and comfort.

Resist choosing a boxy or tent-like dress

When you’re uncomfortable with something about your body, it can be tempting to just cover it up. Don’t do that to yourself. Keep looking until you find a dress that will fit and flatter you beautifully.

Do not endure rude salespeople

If a salesperson mentions that there are not many dresses in the store for your body type or tries to stop you from trying on a particular style, turn and walk away. That store is not worth your time or your money.

Please yourself

Many people are going to give you an opinion on what you should wear to your wedding. Listen to those you trust, and ignore those you don’t.

In the end, choose a dress that makes you happy.

Being a plus sized bride has its challenges, but you deserve a magical experience. Take some time to prepare yourself before you shop, and you will set yourself up for success in finding your perfect wedding dress.

More plus size wedding dress resources that we like from around the web:

• https://www.brides.com/gallery/plus-size-wedding-dresses
• https://www.theknot.com/content/plus-size-wedding-dresses
• https://www.glamour.com/story/plus-size-wedding-dresses

Once the so-called honeymoon stage ends, the reality of married life starts to set in. This is of course a wonderful and deeply fulfilling chapter in its own right!

But it also, like all phases of life and relationships, comes with its particular challenges and in turn, rewards.

It’s common for couples to start noticing seemingly small and inconsequential differences that escaped notice until this point.

Arguments can ensue and personal boundaries often clash. Living with someone else and facing a lifetime of familiarity and routine can begin to take its toll.

Romance and physical attraction can inevitably ebb. This type of stress is common during the first year of marriage and can sometimes be intense enough to cause a separation, or at least thoughts of such things.

One key to successfully crossing this bridge is knowing what you are facing and preventing the problems from escalating, nipping them in the bud.

Here are some things to keep in mind that can address some of the most common newlywed problems and issues:

Set expectations

Engaged couples often put tremendous focus on wedding preparations and guest lists in an attempt to make a perfect experience on what is often billed as the best day of our lives.

What they often fail to discuss, however, are specific roles that each of them will need to take in the course of the relationship.

Arguments begin when there is confusion as to who should pay for the bills, clean the house, cook the meals, do the laundry or take out the garbage. Neglecting to discuss these basic roles often results in conflict and resentment.

It is essential to set expectations before entering into any serious endeavor. Knowing what you are getting into and having a clear understanding of what you need to do will make tasks more bearable.

In marriage, it’s certainly the case that how you do something is just as important as the fact that you do it!

A couple that wants to venture into married life should take the time to negotiate and review the roles that they will be playing. They could make a list of all tasks and divide them in the most equitable way. They could also agree to taking turns and to setting up a household chore schedule.

This advice is easy to dismiss, as it sounds rudimentary and even condescending. But in the course of discussions about issues on this very basic level, it’s often the case that someone’s deeper, core values and beliefs surface.

It’s then that partners can get to know each other better and practice dealing with each other in a spirit of give and take and active listening, when there isn’t anything big at stake and there are no negative emotions.

Dealing with the in-laws

Marriage involves a change in boundaries but it also expands the family to include the relatives of your new spouse. Parents usually have a hard time letting go of their children and sometimes have the tendency to overstep.

They naturally want to stay connected with their son or daughter, but this impulse can sometimes complicate a marriage, especially in those crucial first months and years when patterns of behavior are established and reinforced.

Parental input is healthy and may in fact be a factor in getting your union off to a flying start!

Too much imposition, on the other hand, will make you too dependent, or resentful. You and your spouse need to discuss how much parental input you both see as appropriate.

You need to set specific limits as to what your parents can do and what they can contribute to your marriage. You also need to communicate these boundaries to your parents in various ways as the timing presents itself.

They need to understand that your marriage stands the best chance of flourishing if you and your spouse work together on the major decisions and present a united front.

Marital finances

Money matters and finances are highly sensitive topics. A lack of financial responsibility may lead to overspending and debt. Couples can end up blaming each other for bad financial situations caused by a lack of alignment in terms of budgeting.

It’s not uncommon for financial issues to come up during the wedding planning, of course. It might be tempting for one partner to readily agree to certain spending decisions in the lead up to your big day in the interest of keeping the peace and the flow. And it’s easy to tell yourself that such a special day warrants a splurge and the relaxing of usual limits when it comes to cost.

That being said, it’s also true that a big opportunity exists for open and honest negotiations regarding such things. It’s a chance to practice positive, productive conversation around a touchy topic that can pay big dividends in married life as a precedent for how things are dealt with going forward.

You need to establish boundaries and rules in order to avoid financial problems and the significant stress that this can put on any relationship, no matter how sound it is.

Couples should agree on a specific budget that covers basic necessities, bills, and discretionary expenses. They need to stick to that budget in order to avoid issues and arguments.

If you approach your wedding planning with a set budget in mind, you will find yourself ahead of the game after you get married, because you’ve already had the chance to successfully plan such a momentous, joyous occasion together with these principles in mind.

Your wedding planning has therefore in a sense primed you for coming to a meeting of the minds in regards to the seemingly more mundane but crucial financial choices of all types that are a big part of married life.

Have fun but be responsible

Single life does have its perks! You get to spend all the time you want on the things that you want to do. Once you get married, things will undoubtedly change. Not spending enough time with each other can be a source of disagreements and conflict.

Marriage is all about compromise. You and your spouse need to respect the fact that you each have your own individual needs. You are both unique, and it is this individuality that brought you together in the first place.

Learn to respect personal time but make sure to make time for activities that involve the both of you. It can be wonderfully fulfilling if both of you start enjoying what the other person likes to do.

This doesn’t have to mean actually participating, though it could involve this. It can also mean simply taking the time to truly listen to your partner when they talk about what pulls them, what animates and inspires them.

This of course isn’t that simple, as people get busy and it’s a challenge sometimes to really listen and ask questions that draw someone out and prompt them to convey the passion they have for something.

But in practicing this, the passion in the marriage itself is nurtured. There’s nothing written in stone that says the first year of marriage will be stressful.

It’s after all, a wonderful time that offers countless chances for a couple to build on the memories they’ve already built together and to build a solid foundation for the wonderful road ahead.

Take time to reflect and discuss

Just take some time now on your own and together to reflect on things you’ve experienced together so far, and take the time to consciously learn from that and expand on those lessons.

Setting aside time to talk at regular intervals before and after you’re married about crucial, basic aspects of life together offers a valuable chance to do just that.

It’s far easier to come up with productive, satisfying and mutually rewarding comprises and solutions when you approach things from a desire to address things before they turn into bones of contention and fuel for fights and discord.

There’s much less need for defensiveness when you do this, in contrast to when something has already triggered an argument and you find yourself reacting without thinking.

Let the care, communication and attention to detail that you bring to bear in planning your wedding be a template for how you approach your marriage, and the honeymoon will never end, regardless of what life may bring.

More content related to managing newlywed stress that we like from around the web:

• https://www.verywellmind.com/setting-marital-stage-first-two-years-2300847
• https://www.huffpost.com/entry/7-things-about-marriage-i_b_5523295
• https://stephaniemaywilson.com/2015/06/17/the-truth-about-being-a-newlywed-that-nobody-wants-to-admit-out-loud/