Wedding Gowns 101

Buying a wedding gown can be a very overwhelming affair. In Persian weddings, women generally wear a white gown. Like everything else, this is your day, so if you feel like wearing a red dress or something particular to your taste or style, go right ahead and do it. If you are one of those brides who has to go out and find a dress make sure you go prepared. Here is a little bit of advice from our wedding gown experts.
Read up on the terminology used for gowns and make sure you look through plenty of magazines or other sources of inspiration for your perfect dress. Picture yourself on the day and have a mental image. This will guide you throughout the process as to what you do or do not want to look like. If you are certain of a neckline, a certain skirt length, or shape, write it all down.
Shop early and give yourself plenty of time to try things on. In American and most of Europe wedding gown boutiques typically need plenty of time to customize the dress for you. Remember that the dresses can be quite expensive so make sure you have a budget going in and stick to it.
Bring a friend or a close relative when you go shopping. This will give you an idea of what you look like to others and not just yourself. Think about all the accessories that you will need including the shoes and make sure there is enough in the budget for all those items. Tiaras, lingerie, jewelry and wedding shoes can be quite expensive as well.
Finally, have fun with it. Go to several different wedding stores and even regular ball gown shops (white dress section). Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles that you would not normally consider. Sometimes the best bargains are found at couture shops or evening wear outlets that sell beautiful white or off-white dresses.

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Wedding Tuxedos 101

As the groom, one of the only things you will have to focus on for the wedding will be what you will wear. Spend some time thinking about how you want to look. Persian weddings usually call for a special suit or tuxedo for the big day. You should look your best and the tuxedo is a special enough outfit that will make you stand out and show her that you care.
When thinking about what kind of tuxedo to get, keep a few things in mind. Firstly, do not rent the tuxedo. Chances are you will wear it again and it is always a great addition to any closet. Rented tuxedos also may have a cheap, worn look to them and you don’t want your pictures to be immortalized in that. Make sure you look through a few magazines and pick the style that suits you best. Double-breasted tuxedos are less in fashion these days. Remember that if there is other traditional garment you would prefer to wear, you should feel free to do so. Take someone along with you when shopping. Look for quality stitching, good material, a good tailor. Make sure you feel comfortable, and elegant in your new tuxedo.

Bridal Shoes

When it comes to shoes, we are going to give you advice that everyone gives you. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to dance on your wedding night. There is not a Persian wedding that happens without dancing, so your shoes better be comfortable. You may consider getting two pairs, if you have your heart set on really high high-heels. In this case, be sure your dress is hemmed in such a way that it the length is appropriate for both sets of shoes. Bring your bridal shoes to the salon when hemming the dress and don’t spend too much money on the shoes. If they are too much of a bridal shoe, you will probably never get a chance to wear them again. If you are lucky enough to have an outdoor wedding, consider getting silver or evening sandals that will definitely go with your white dress. You will also be more likely to wear your sandals again with other summer dresses. They are less expensive, very versatile and usually quite comfortable.

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Bridal Jewelry

If there is one place you want to splurge, it is on your jewelry. This is the one investment hat you will have forever and be able to wear forever. Simple jewels such as diamonds will be yours if you are older, if you have gained some weight or if you want to have a casual night out. Our savvy brides spend the most amount of money on their jewelry. Consider a simpler dress and a gorgoues diamond necklace and earrings because you will get your money’s worth. The latest trends are big, elaborate waterfall diamond earrings, which will look great on a clean neckline and an elegant up-do. Don’t be afraid to go over the top or experiment with different styles. If you don’t have the money for real diamonds do consider classy alternatives such as pearls, or stones that are cut like diamonds. Tiaras are one way to jazz up your look, but again, we prefer the simple, traditional, re-usable jewels such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings. It’s your day to shine, and what a great way to do so.

Tiaras and Bridal Accessories

Tiaras are still a very popular accessory for modern brides. When buying a tiara consider the shape, size, and elements that make up your piece. You can mix and match pearls and stones to your dress and have it custom-made. Swaroski also makes beautiful crystal tiaras that are affordable and elegant. If you are an older bride, or are just not into tiaras, feel free to skip it. For an alternative, you can always braid fresh white flowers into your hair.
For your bridal veil, consider a longer version rather than a shorter one. Cathedral length veils are the longest and can be taken off after the ceremony. Other accessories that will add a nice touch include silk gloves, shawls for an evening wedding.

Bridal Hair

Your hair is as important part of your look. When deciding on your style, consider the time of day, the type of dress and the kind of look you want. If you have long hair consider the timeless Updo. You can think about incorporating a detail from your wedding dress into your hair design. Braids and twists can add a beautiful touch to your elegant look. If your dress is floral and full, you may consider leaving your hair down and looking more relaxed. If you are going for a romantic look, consider flowy along your shoulders and back. For medium length hair you have just as may options, even an Updo. For shorter hair, consider a new look by creating a full crown in the back of you head to support your headpiece.
Do experiment with different hairstyles before the wedding. Do go in with your tiara or headpiece for a trial run several days before the wedding. And do not try to look like someone too different. The most important part is that you enhance your own natural look instead of going for a makeover.

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Make-up & Make-up Artists

When choosing the right make-up make sure you have a great base to go on. The first step to looking great is starting with good skin and a healthy glow. Make sure you have a good excercise routine and a healthy lifestyle so that your skin does look its best for the big day. Do take care of the hair on your face in problem areas such as the upper lip, chin, forehead, and sides. Get a professional to clean up your eyebrows and give yourself plenty of time to recover from red spots or marks. Waxing should be done 3-5 days before your wedding so red spots can recover. You may also consider getting permanent removal as is done now with lasers. This is a great solution but should be started at least 9-12 months before your wedding as several sessions are required. Consider whitening your teeth with over-the-counter teeth whiteners that can be applied for a week or so and will give you a beautiful smile.
Next comes the actual makeup that you will use and the look you are going after. If you decide to have a friend do your make up or you want to do it yourself, make sure you practice the look and do not over do the look. You want to look as natural as possible.
If you are going with a professional artist, make sure they pick a good base to match your skin. Yellow-orange undertones tend to look better on olive or tanned skin. For even coverage, look for yellow-orange foundations and tinted moisturizer to match your skin tone. If you are not tanned and want a little glow, use a light bronzer. Apply a bit of color to the apples of your cheeks. Remember the more natural you look, the better. Avoid fuchsias and jewel tones, and keep it rich deep hues in the wine, plum, deep pink, and rose. Play up your eyes with eyeliner, mascara, and light eyeshadow. Adjust according to time of day. Finally, choose a beautiful color for your lips that is shimmery and glossy. Go for a little more sparkle if you are having an evening event.

Dressing the Wedding Party

When thinking about your wedding day, and the style and look of it, your close family and friends will be an important part of it. After you decide how formal or informal your gathering will be, be sure to let them know. It is a good idea to give each person who is in the wedding a good clear guideline for what they should or should not wear. For the men in the wedding party, such as your father, your future father-in law or other brothers of the family, make sure that they are aware of the dress code. It will be easy for them to dress as suits or tuxedos will easily achieve the desired look. If there are colors or themes to consider, make them aware. If you are having bridesmaids, which is not usual in a Persian wedding, you will have to decide whether you want to dress them alike or let them choose their own outfits. If they choose their own outfits, do lay down some rules for the party, such as the colors, skit lengths or cuts that you prefer. If you do decide to pick the outfits for them, make sure the dresses are versatile so that they can wear them again. Be sure to include them in the decision and take into consideration their preferences as well. This day should be a fun one and you don’t want to add stress to the event by being too rigid or uptight about other people’s outfits. Above all, use the dressing process as one that will bring you together as a family or group of friends and get together to celebrate before the big day.

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Top 10 Wedding Dress Tips & Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to get you started before you hit the stores for your wedding gown:

1. Shop during Off-peah hours – If you don’t like crowded stores and want to have someone who will give you their undivided attention, then do shop during the week. Call all the stores you plan to visit ahead of time and get a feel for their level of service, their size and how they like to do things. Making an appointment is also a great idea as you will need lots of time and service for this important decision.

2. Be realistic about the cost of the dress - Wedding gowns range from as low as $200 to over $15,000, so it is important that you have a budget when going into the stores. Less expensive dresses could be simpe white dresses or wedding gowns that may be produced in greater volume. Key factors that affect price are time, workmanship, and the materials used. When allocating your dress budget, don't forget to add in amounts for your shoes, lingerie, jewelry veil, headpiece, or other accessories. Also, remember that almost all gowns need alterations, which will add to the bottom line. Alterations can run between $100 and $300, depending on the salon and tailor used.

3. Save money and look great - One way to keep the cost of the dress low is to avoid very ornate, or hand-sewn beading or lacework. You can always shop for a white dress in the evening gown section or even consider a bridesmaid dress in white. There are plenty of sample sales that go on at boutiques. Having a tailor make your dress can also be cheaper if you purchase the material and can get a good deal on the work. You may want to wear your mom's dress updated or choose a simpler headpiece and veil. Another option for saving money is having the dress made for you. Make sure your trust the tailor in this case and that you follow the project from start to finish. Leaf through bridal magazine and pick a realistic dress that will fit your body size and shape well. Communicate with your tailor and be involved in details, such as material selection, fit and design. Allow plenty of time for adjustments and try the dress on with your shoes and bridal head piece to make sure it all flows well.

4. Stay positive and open-minded – At the bridal salon, stay open minded and try styles that you normally would not consider. Even though certain styles work best on certain body types, don't be afraid to try on all different kinds of dresses, and then to decide which shape and style you look and feel best in. Listen to the sales people and take their advice.

5. Give yourself the gift of time – To be able to try on so many different wedding gowns and get the exact right dress at the right price, you will need the luxury of time. Shop around, go back, make notes, do more research and then decide. Do not feel rushed into making a decision and do not let sales people pressure you into something you are not 100% happy with. Even after you think you've found the perfect wedding gown, sleep on it or bring someone else in for a second opinion. Since most wedding dresses are custom-made, most salons have a no-return policy and are very strict. If you can get any money back, it probably won't be any more than 50 percent of the cost. Once you buy the dress, it is yours to take home, so make sure it’s the right one.

6. Always trust yourself – Listen to your little voice inside your head when making the final decision about your dress. Your gut feeling will probably be the right feeling and if you can picture in this dress, then it is the right dress.

7. The right measurements. After you pick out the gown that your want to wear on your big day, the salon will take your measurements for bust, waist, and hips. Each manufacturer has its own measurement chart, and this is what the store will use to determine your size. A knowledgeable store will know how a particular designer's gown is supposed to fit. Ask to see the sizing chart so you can have a better understanding of the way it works. Be sure they have taken the right measurements from your body and check to see that the right size gets ordered, using your largest measurement on the designers chart as your guide. Wedding dresses tend to run small; don't be alarmed should your final size measurement jump up a number or two. Because the store takes no responsibility for incorrect measurements or sizes, it is best that you doublecheck their work so that you don’t get into trouble later in life.

8. Alterations are normal – Wedding dresses will need alterations to fit precisely to your body. When your gown is altered correctly, you should be able to move comfortable and feel great in your dress. Alterations can include taking in the waist and shortening the hem to abbreviating sleeves. Sometimes bodices are taken in, and lace or beads are added. Beware of too many alterations: you have either picked the wrong dress or you are trying to redesign a dress you have picked. The salon will be very good at guiding you away from these mistake. Trust the professionals.

9. Wedding Dress Fittings – There will be at least two or three fittings, which you'll schedule with the store when you purchase your gown; more may be necessary, so leave ample time before the wedding. Remember to ask for a written alterations estimate when buying your wedding dress, since it's not always included in the cost of your gown. If the store doesn't do its own alterations, ask the salesperson you've been working with to recommend a trusted tailor or a good seamstress. When schedudling your appointments space them out so that the last one falls closer to the wedding date. If there are any issues, the tailor will have time to fix it before your big day.

10. Last minute details - If you are having wedding portraits done before your wedding, schedule to have the dress done by your photo shoot date. Do press the gown afterwards it will look fresh for your wedding. Before ordering, also find out exactly how long it will take for the dress to come in, and ask if you can pay with a credit card -- then make sure you use one. For such a big purchase, you'll want to be able to dispute a payment just in case something goes wrong. Check with your credit card company to find out about their purchase protection plan.

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