July 2008 Archives

Typically, for a wedding, you're going to want elegant hair if you're a part of the ceremony. However, from what I have seen, there's a right way to achieve elegant hair and there's a wrong way. Far too many girls do all the wrong things to get that classy look - but it just comes off as unflattering. Here are some do's and don't to make sure you get an elegant look for the big day:

DON'T feel the need to have your hair a certain way, DO follow your hair's natural tendencies. For instance, if you have curly hair...you don't have to straighten it! And if you naturally have straight hair, don't feel the need to curl it.

DON'T over accessorize your hair, DO go with a clean, natural look.

DON'T overuse product. This will just leave your hair sticky and greasy. DO try to get your look right the first time and use baby powder to soak up any grease in your hair if you end up using too much product.

DON'T choose a hairstyle that won't stay. If it looks like something that's going to fall down the minute you start dancing...don't wear it! DO choose something that will hold up all night long without causing you to worry about it.

DON'T fool around with your hair once the ceremony has started. DO let it flow and smile...this will mask any discrepancies in your hair.

DON'T come to the big day unprepared. DO toss some spare bobby pins, a comb, and some hairspray in your tote bag for the day.

Oh yeah...and DO have a great time!

Most bridesmaids would agree on this point: the bridesmaid dress should, ideally, be reusable. After all, if you're getting a beautiful gown that fits perfectly, why not wear it again?

The problem most former bridesmaids face seems to be HOW to use a bridesmaid dress again. Whether you've just got one dress hanging in your closet or a dozen, you probably wish you wore the dress(es) more frequently.

You already know how to dress this gown up - chances are you did that at the wedding where it was first worn. But do you know how to dress a gown DOWN? This skill could make or break your chances of wearing the dress again. If you're not sure how to dress down your gown, try some of these ideas:

-Get it tailored to be shorter, like a cocktail dress. You can get this done professionally or do it yourself with a sewing machine.

-Use jewelry. Imagine your dress with you wearing pearl or diamond earrings. Now imagine the same dress on you with you wearing chunky, wooden, hemp, or outrageous jewelry. It changes the feel, doesn't it?

-Use hair and makeup. It's one thing to have picture perfect hair and princess-esque makeup on the wedding day. But if you're wanting to wear your dress more casually, try heavier eye make up and bolder hair.

-Reinvent the dress. If you are still having problems dressing it down, try altering it a bit. For example, cutting the dress short and then extending it with a denim skirt sewn on could do the trick. Cutting your straps and then tying them together could also do the trick. Be creative.

There's no reason not to wear your dress again! You just may need to wear it in a new way, that's all!