Budget Bride Tip: PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com

Everyone dreams of having the ultimate wedding that includes your dream wedding dress. But with the economy being rough, we’re running into more and more budget brides who are looking to cut costs wherever they can to make their dream wedding come true. Well, we discovered this website, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, that offers brides the option to buy and sell their pre-owned wedding dresses! Now, before you wrinkle your noses at the idea of wearing someone else’s wedding dress, we think you should know that this site has brides who are selling gowns by Vera Wang, Alvina Valenta, Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra, and more! So you’ll get a range of affordable prices, designer couture gowns, accessories, and more from other brides who are looking to give you the option to own your own dream wedding dress!

Go check out PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com to find your own stylish, gently used treasure <3

{Images courtesy of PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com}

Zuhair Murad Bridal Couture

Zuhair Murad is the epitome of Middle Eastern glamour, fashion and design. This Lebanese breakthrough in the International fashion scene has lead Murad to become an icon to his peers and audiences from around the world. His unique creations that define oriental essence and beauty have made their way towards all the major podiums, boutiques, and personalities.

Since debuting his collections in Paris, he has consistently enhanced techniques. The shape and form of his silhouettes can now be compared to those of other well renowned couturiers. It is so evident in watching the beautiful and dazzling silhouettes as they descend the runway. Thanks to his talent for synthesizing the rich colors of his native homeland with the elegance of European women, even bigger things are to be expected of the rising couturier star.

The international media has declared him as ‘the star rocketing designer’ and ‘one of the most promising young designers for the new era’ due to his unique style and creativity which ensure his ongoing successful career. Furthermore during his widely acclaimed ‘Free Spirit’ show in Paris he was conveyed as ‘Tomorrow’s Star’ by reputed leaders in the business.

For more information on designer Zuhair Murad and his amazing Couture Bridal & Evening Collections please visit WWW.ZUHAIRMURAD.COM

Indian Bridal Fashions ~ Something Old and Something New!

What comes to your mind when we say “Indian Wedding”? Bright colors, shimmery fabrics, flowing lehengas, heavy embroidery and stone work, all of them having the typical traditional touch! There was a time when sari was considered to the only dress that could be worn by an Indian woman, on her wedding. However, with time, the traditional mindset moved from saris to lehengas and now, it is slowly, but rapidly, shifting towards an altogether new trend – gowns. Yes, you read that right! Indian brides are now increasingly moving towards the western style ‘gowns’, as their new wedding dress.

The Trend

Western wedding gowns have made a thumping entry into the bridal trousseau in India. These days, the more progressive brides are opting for the sophisticated and chic look over the traditional outfit. Apart from helping them look suave, the gowns also allow them to be different than the others (since lehengas still rule the roost in India, as far as weddings are concerned). However, the adaptation of the western gown is still not total. It is not worn during the wedding rituals; rather the brides choose to wear a gown during the cocktail party or the reception, a part of the pre and post-wedding functions.

Traditional Lehengas Wedding Attire

The Colors

In India, white is considered as an inauspicious color, mainly because it is worn during mourning. Apart from this color, any other shade might be considered for a wedding gown. However, you will see most of the Indian brides going for bright colors, like red, maroon, pink, yellow, silver, golden, green, etc, for their wedding gown. Then, there is the all-time favorite black color, which is the popular choice for the pre-wedding cocktail party. Many of the gowns also have elaborate designs and patterns embroidered on them. Top it off with Swarovski crystals and you have a winner!

The Fabrics

One of the most popular fabrics that Indian brides go for, while choosing their wedding gown, comprises of satin. The bright sheen, smooth feel and flowing look that it offers is what woos most of the brides. Then, there is the option of net and chiffon, both of which are flowing fabrics and surely make a bride look like a princess. You can also go for silk and organza, especially if you are too slim, since both the fabrics will be able to add some weight to your lean structure. The other options for wedding gown fabrics include lace, brocade, taffeta, jacquard, crepe and even silk dupioni.

Traditional Sari Attire

Courtesy of iloveindia.com

International Bridal Report

Throughout the many extravagant and harmonious ethnic celebrations that I have had the privilege to collaborate in,  I cannot get over the beautiful gowns I have seen my colorful brides wear.  It is really interesting for me to experience first had what “traditional” bridal-wear is from culture to culture.

Here are a few samples of the amazing gowns brides from Lebanon are wearing down the isle or will change into as they make their debut as “Mrs. So and So” and become ready to dance the night away with her groom!

I have to thank the Ethnic Brides for giving me such an incredible insight to such festive expressions of bridal fashion.  I specifically love the intricate bead-work and embroidery combined with exquisite fabrics and classy femininity!!

I hope you where inspired to do something more out of the ordinary and maybe you too will change into something more colorful for your very own celebration!!

Wedding Fashion Trends ~ Ethnic Bridal Couture

In many different cultures outside of the US, bridal wear is completely different. The bridal couture houses and designers alike, create elaborate and unique gowns that combine a very innovative fashion design with a very creative artistic application.  I was so blown away by the latest collections, that I felt very enthusiastic to share some of these masterpieces with you!!

Leading designers like Ziad Nakad, Zeina Mrad Haute Couture, Gina K, and Adlene Azar are some of the geniuses behind these fashion forward sensations.  They create the gowns of luxurious fabrics and hand stitch all the finishing details. All in all each piece is unique and unlike many of the bridal gowns seen before!