Shades of White

Monday Musings
by our very own Elen C.

This trend was kick started by Kate Middleton with her wedding dress and has now translated to attendants and bridesmaids.  This trend can be styled in many different ways.  From sophisticated to romantic to 50's and 60's mod style, lace is a great way to add a touch of personal style to your wedding party.

There are many options for adding lace.  You can opt for a full on lace dress.  Different lace patterns can change the feel of a dress from floral and romantic, to geometric and vintage.  These Dessy styles are sure to get used again by your girls.  They are glamorous and classic.  Some also have the option of doing a different colour lining under the lace which amps up the style factor.  Whether you go with a little lace, or a lot of lace, your girls will complement your dress perfectly.

Wedding Wednesdays
by our very own Courtney P.

Where did these traditions come from?

A Wedding ceremony is, of course, where two people are united in marriage.  There are many customs and traditions that are different for each culture, ethnic group or religion.  One tradition that is a part of many of these weddings is the old tradition of:

The Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue!

I have found some origins behind the tradition to share with you all:

1. Something Old

Something old is a link with the bride's own family and the past most commonly with her mother or grandmother.  The saying is said to be symbolic of continuity.

2. Something New

Having something new such as a new fragrance or Bridal Gown is said to bring hope for the Bride's new life ahead.

3. Something Borrowed

Borrowing an item from a happily married friend or loved one is said to pass on the good fortune to the new Bride.

4. Something Blue

In ancient times, Something Blue was a symbol of faithfulness, purity and loyalty.  The couple often wore blue bands on the border of their wedding attire to signify love, modesty and fidelity.  The colour blue was also a popular colour in the late 19th century for wedding gowns.  They said - "Marry in blue, lover be True" making it become a lucky colour to have with you on your wedding day!

Monday Musings
by our very own Elen C.

Let's be honest, not all of us are the simple elegant type.  Some of us have a little rock star in our souls.  These styles are definitely for those brides.  A little glitter and glam can go a long way when it comes to bridesmaids.  Sequins or taffeta are great options to add a little bit of fun and playfulness to your bridal party.  Picture these dresses in the lights and neon of Las Vegas.  Add chunky jewelry and some killer heels and you will be set to rock the wedding!

Wedding Wednesdays
by our very own Courtney P.

For this blog I decided to make the best of this April Month; cold and somewhat dreary looking, and make it fun!

I created a new window display for all to see.  This April's display is done with fun brightly coloured rain boots, umbrellas and beautiful raindrops made of crystals.  Who says you can't have fun with boring weather conditions!?

Always Marry an April Girl

Praise the spells and bless the charms,

I found April in my arms,

April golden, April cloudy,

Gracious, cruel, tender, rowdy;

April soft in flowered languor,

April cold with sudden anger,

Ever changing, ever true -

I love April, I love you.

-Ogden Nash

Monday Musings
by our very own Elen C.

Hi-Low skirts are all over the run-ways and here at Shades of White we are loving this trends to bits!  Some can be soft and romantic, yet others have a slight sassy edge to their styling.  A hi-low can be easy to wear and is a great way to showcase a great pair of shoes!

The hi-low itself can be cut many different ways.  A more fitted mini dress underneath with a sheer skirt over top an incredible bling on the bodice gives it a little more sass, making it a great option for grad.  For bridesmaids try a hi-low with a back of the skirt is only slightly longer than the front, this softer look will definitely compliment any bridal gown.  Chiffon fabrics make for a soft and romantic look, while peau-de-soie and duping type fabrics are a little more structured, giving them a little more of an edgy quality.

No matter what type of Hi-Low you choose, you will be runway ready!

Wedding Wednesdays
by our very own Courtney P.

Thinking of a good old country themed wedding?

Well a few ideas popped into my head knowing the summer months are creeping up, so I thought I would do a little inspiration board!

I have chosen a pastel pallet of a pale pink with some of our newest bridesmaid dresses from Alfred Angelo in soft tulle and chiffon.  The lightweight fabric of the bridesmaid dresses gives a soft touch to a rustic inspired wedding.  Adding some rustic elements such as brown cowboy boots will pair the dresses nicely to the surrounding environment.

This beautiful wedding gown has a stunning use of a soft and romantic design.  Accessorize with an antique crystal belt and dainty earrings is all you will need with this beauty!

All available at Shades of White Bridal Fashions!

Monday Musings
by our very own Elen C.

We all want a dress that looks amazing front to back, so why not add a little spice to the back of your bridesmaids dress?  Added flare can be achieved a few different ways.  Open backs or low backs are elegant and sleek. Whereas the addition of an over-sized bow or cowl-neck adds three dimensional interest and is very on trend with this season.  A corset back gives a great personal fit as well as adding a fashionable, yet timeless touch.  Whether you choose a dress with a corset, bow or cowl, you are sure to be eye catching as you walk down the aisle.

Wedding Wednesdays
by our very own Courtney P. and Elen C.

Classic, Elegant and the equivalent of a man's suit, a charcoal bridesmaids dress is a perfect choice for any wedding.  Easy to pair with many colours, charcoal is versatile, yet not quite the commitment to black.

Depending on which fabric you choose, there are many hues of charcoal available.  Fabrics with a little shimmer will give a more silver appearance; whereas matte chiffon will give a softer look to the charcoal.  Charcoal is also a great way to make your bridal gown pop!  Here we have paired it with a stunning white bridal gown to show how the colour of your bridesmaids can make the colour of your dress stand out even more.  Since Charcoal can be paired with many other colours so easily, this makes finding Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom dresses much easier!  For the Mother of the Bride, we used the same fabric as the bridesmaids to let mom of the bride feel a part of her daughter's party.  Mother of the Groom is shown in a different fabrication but with a coordinating colour to make her feel special as well.

To brighten this look for summer, we suggest colours such as corals, peaches, light greens and white as accent colours.  The addition of these bright colours will give a summery feel to the party.  For Autumn colours, a deep purple and green is a great alternative!