Citrus. The very word makes you taste a zest and a zing. Gives you energy and vitality.

Layer a delicious mix of oranges, yellows and greens and you can create a visual palette that's refreshing and uplifting. 

Just think about Amal Clooney at Harry and Meghan's wedding - she absolutely nailed a bright yellow dress and hat and looked fantastic. (And she had the perfect arm candy too). 

 

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How to do a citrus wedding theme

• Use lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruits for fun yet inexpensive displays. Makes a change from florals (although you can mix them both up)
• Order whole trays of your chosen fruits from your grocer - and ask for the leaves too
• Fill trugs and vases with piles of perfect, waxy fruits
• Wear a citrus fragrance (we love Jo Malone's grapefruit collection)
• Put your bridesmaids in citrussy colors - which could be brights or muted pastels
• Mix block colors with lemon, green and tangerine florals
• Serve a citrus-based cocktail to guests on arrival
• In winter, choose heavier fabrics in citrus colours and in summer opt for lighter chiffons
• Think about citrus envelopes for your wedding invitations - use paler colors if that works best for you
• Wear pale orange, green or lemon shoes with your gown
• Have your florist put in small fruits (like kumquats) into your wedding bouquet
• Have citrus flavors blended into your wedding cake

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Bella Bridesmaids style BB109 in buttercup

Alfred Sung Style D697 in mohito 

 

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I was absolutely glued to the Royal Wedding yesterday and loved everything about it. Meghan Markle is certainly a role model for many brides-to-be and here's why. 

1. She let her natural beauty shine through and looked like the best ever version of herself. Some brides have a professional makeup artist on their wedding day (who they may not know very well at all) who gives them a whole new look - which makes them look nothing like they do usually. Having your wedding makeup done professionally isn't always a bad thing - but make sure you still look yourself, not like a stranger. Now of course you want to look your most beautiful but you also want to look recognisable - which is exactly how Ms Markle looked. Radiant yet familiar. Something to think of when you're considering your wedding day makeup. 
2. She chose the perfect veil for her dress. Meghan's dress was beautifully simple and allowed for a dramatic cathedral-length veil with embellishments. The dress set off the veil to perfection and vice versa. 
3. She chose the perfect dress. Meghan has a simple classic style and this shone through with the wedding dress she chose. It's not a design that's going to date anytime soon.
4. She walked down the aisle elegantly and with fabulous deportment. Yes, Meghan was an actress, which helps. But she'd obviously walked a few times in her wedding shoes to get the feel of them and walked, with the eyes of the world upon her no less, with confidence and grace and perfect poise. Head up, shoulders back ... perfection.
5. Beautiful flowers. From her low key bouquet to the fantastic flower arrangements on the archways. Meghan chose an all-white theme which was sophisticated and timeless. 
6. Well-rehearsed pageboys and flowergirls. Those pageboys! They did their job fabulously, holding up Meghan's veil as she walked down the aisle. They were confident and well-prepared and knew exactly what their role was. 
7. Meghan looked as through she was enjoying every minute (and we're sure she was). Some brides feel very nervous on their wedding day and forget to smile, and so look tense. Her actress training probably helped, but Meghan looked relaxed and so happy - which made for wonderful wedding photographs. 
8. She had a low key manicure. Meghan opted for a classic pale and neutral manicure which suited her wedding day style absolutely. Make sure you have beautifully manicured hands on your big day but don't decide that that's the day you go for acrylic nails (if you don't usually wear them). 
9. She chose perfect jewellery for her dress. Okay, it helps if Her Majesty The Queen lends you a priceless diamond tiara but Meghan also had a beautiful diamond bracelet on her right hand and some diamond earrings. We might not have her diamond budget or family heirlooms but think about the jewellery you wear on your wedding day and how it will suit your dress and your style of wedding. Don't leave it to be an afterthought. 
10. She married her soulmate, Prince Harry. And looked as though that was the only thing that really mattered.  

 

A post shared by Jess & Mika (@mirandajess) on May 20, 2018 at 10:41am PDT

(Above: Style 6740 in Palomino)

Looking forward to being a bridesmaid soon? 

Here are eight things you need to have in place before the big day - and some of them may surprise you. 

1. Attitude

Let's start with attitude. You need to have the right one. Not just on the day itself but from the moment you agree to being a bridesmaid until you wave the newly weds off. This means being co-operative with the bride and what she may request of you, understanding that there are other bridesmaids and everyone's personality is different.  If there is something you don't agree with, simply talk to the bride or the maid-of-honor calmly about it.  The less drama the bride has leading up to the wedding the better.

2. Appointments booked

Get your hair, nails, make-up, pedicure and dress-fitting appointments in place well beforehand, so you get the time slots you want (and don't miss out on a beauty treatment).  Don't wait until the last minute to pick up your dress from the dress shop, that adds stress for the bride.

3. Bridesmaid emergency kit

What? Don't panic, it's not as dramatic as it sounds. Bridesmaids need this stuff on the wedding day: Tissues, nail polish (and remover), safety pins,  bobby pins, hair clips, hair spray, makeup, pain relievers, panty hose, deodorant, chewing gum, some snacks and most importantly water.  

4. Flats for after the ceremony

We're not just talking about shoes for the wedding, those should be comfortable and be whatever the bride has asked you to wear. However, for afterward (and maybe the dancing) you'll want a pair of bridesmaid flats or flip-flops so you can relax at the party. 

5. A free-ish schedule

The bride shouldn't expect you to be available for absolutely everything wedding-related (or she'll be in danger of being called a 'bridezilla'). However you should be available to her for dress shopping, the bachelorette party, wedding shower and any other details she may want you to handle.

6. A point of view

Your opinion and view on the bridesmaid dresses is important for the bride and other bridesmaids, so don't be afraid to tell her and the other girls what you think about certain styles. If you think that different necklines and lengths would suit better then say so. 

7. Money

You could be spending a lot of money, from the dress, to the events and everything in between. Being a bridesmaid has a cost, so make sure that before you say yes, you have enough to shell out for what is asked of you.

8. Bustle technique

It may be up to you to 'bustle' the wedding dress. So take a bit of time to learn how to do it properly (and have a practise). It's always good to have a back-up in case the chosen bridesmaid can't do it. 

Bridezilla sickness can creep up on you without you even being aware of it. And it can have some devastating effects - like friends not speaking to you, people avoiding you, arguments .... 

As with any illness, prevention is better than cure. So here's how to avoid it and spot the symptoms if you think you might already be affected. 

You're feeling very, very angry. Quite a lot of the time

Happy, what's that? If you find yourself more angry than happy while you are planning your wedding, then you're probably well into the mid-stage of this disease. Take a step back, take a deep breath and try some meditation. 

Demanding? Me?

Are your bridesmaids giving you the side eye? Then you're probably demanding too much. Okay, so they have duties but they don't have to devote their lives to you and your wedding. If you want to keep them as friends, then step back a little and hold off on the demands. 

"I haven't got time"

Don't have time to go to the movies? Walk the dog? Visit your mom and dad? You have other things than wedding planning in your life you know. Make time for them and keep wedding planning in a predefined slot. 

You think your phone is broken

It must be, because your friends, family and suppliers aren't returning your calls or e mails. Right away. Well, here's some news for you. Your phone is working just fine, it's just that they are tired of being given every minute detail. You don't need to send thousands of What's Apps, e-mails or calls to make sure everything is going well. Let people get on with their jobs without endless chasing. 

Your fiancé has a headache

You don't need to share every conversation and every problem that is going on with your wedding to a point where it is creating arguments with your fiancé. Wedding planning shouldn't be a reason to argue, but a time that you two celebrate because it goes beyond the wedding, it's about the two of you. 

 

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Your credit card has stopped working

Take a step back and prioritize what is important on your wedding day and what is less so. If you are on a wedding budget, splurge only on the must-haves, not on everything because of the vision you have created about your wedding day.

Your bridesmaids WILL wear what YOU want. No question.

You want every girl to wear a four inch heel, you expect them to all get their hair and makeup done at the same place, you want a short dress when some of your girls would look better in long ones, simply because it's what you want. No, that's not the way to go. Let them have a say in their shoes and their bridesmaid dress style and maybe go for deliberately mismatched bridesmaid dresses so that all your girls are happy (and feel pretty). 

Your wedding tables are going to be such a focal point at your reception. And you really want them to have the wow factor so that when your guests walk in there's a delighted hush as everyone admires your choices. 

If you're DIY-ing your wedding quite a bit yourself - and even if you're not - it's always handy to have a bit of extra inspiration so that you can discuss table decoration ideas with your wedding planner, stylist, florist, mom, best friend or whoever you want to confide in. 

We've searched around and here are 10 of the best ideas we've seen lately to decorate your wedding tables on a budget.

(Image via Want That Wedding)

1. Greenery and candles

This is a good option if you're on a wedding budget because greenery tends to come in a bit cheaper than flowers. Pick out a burlap table runner (or buy a length of burlap and cut it to fit) and then arrange long trailing fronds of greenery on top, with tealights. Sorted. 

(Image via Want That Wedding)

2. Dramatic table runners

Strike a contrasting note with table cloths or table runners in unexpected designs, like the dramatic monochrome stripes above. (You can soften the look with tealights and simple flowers in vases). If you want to work in your wedding theme this is a good way to do it. Be creative with the fabrics you think about - you could choose runners in sequins or florals. Runners are great for wedding decor because you can buy the fabric yourself and you really don't need that much - it's just to create an effect. Runners draw the eye and if you don't have the budget for large arrangements of flowers on the table then a runner will still provide an attractive focal point. (They tend to work best on long tables rather than rounds).

(Image via Tara Nicole Weddings & Events)

3. Tall vases

This is a very classy look. If you have the budget, a cascade of roses and trailing blooms look amazing and the beauty here is that your guests can still converse freely over the table - their sightline isn't blocked. If you're on more of a budget then you can fill the tall vases with long stemmed lilies or clouds of inexpensive gypsophila.

(Image via Inside Out Magazine on Pinterest)

4. Balloons

Choose oversize balloons in a matt finish (and they have to be filled with helium so they float upwards). Balloons in a color to match your theme can transform a wedding event very simply and easily. Here they pick out the shades of the pale pink roses used on the tables. Which shade would you choose?

(Image via Papery and Cakery on Pinterest)

5. Technicolors

What could be simpler? Choose white blooms (daisies work well, as shown here) and place them in clear glasses filled with different shades of food coloring. There's a rainbow theme going on above but you could really play around with this one, adding more water or more color to create an ombre wedding theme (shades of blue, pink, green) ... 

(Image via Pinterest)

6. Good old Mason Jars

Where would we be without them? Fill them with colored glass beads (available from crafting shops), top up with water and put a lighted tealight on top. For added visual interest tie a raffia bow around. That's a lovely idea for a rustic wedding theme but you could also use gingham fabric, sequin ribbon ....  a really good way of tying your theme together. Literally. And they will look so pretty on your wedding tables.

Classic, elegant, flattering for all skin tones and never dates - look at the burgundy bridesmaid dresses shown above at real weddings by Dessy and we think you'll agree. 

Burgundy (or maybe think of it as claret, merlot or deep red) is a shade that looks good on blondes, brunettes, girls with fair skin and freckles and girls with darker skins. 

Match it with lighter pinks in your bouquets and greens and you've got a really beautiful wedding theme going on. (Take a look at our Burgundy wedding theme ideas here for inspiration). 

Your little flowergirls are going to feel very grown up wearing this shade and if you don't want a block color, then match a Dessy flowergirl dress in white or cream with a burgundy sash. Very sophisticated for a little lady. 

As for your bridesmaids - the hardest part is going to be choosing which style. We're loving the mismatched bridesmaid dresses this bride chose. (Bet her friends loved having individual styles too). 

Sequins are really on trend just now and if you're having an evening wedding and want your bridesmaids in something a little slinky, then these burgundy sequin bridesmaid gowns would look completely fabulous. Choose either strapless, spaghetti strapped or maybe opt for burgundy sequin bridesmaid separates? 

And if one of your friends has announced her pregnancy you'll find burgundy maternity bridesmaid dresses here. They're so flattering and pretty for ladies in waiting!

Sometimes it's hard to decide whether your girls should wear long or short bridesmaid dresses. It really depends on your style of wedding day. If you're getting married earlier in the day and it's hot, then a short dress could be perfect. Short cocktail-style bridesmaid dresses also look sassy at evening weddings if you're having a buffet style event rather than a formal sit down dinner. The best thing to do is look at plenty of different styles and ask your girls what they think. 

We're big fans of dressing your bridesmaids in individual styles because every girl has a different shape and different styles will flatter (and disguise). So some of your girls might be happier wearing a burgundy bridesmaid dress with sleeves whilst others are happy in strapless or spaghetti straps. 

 All burgundy bridesmaid dresses featured here by Dessy - discover the full range here. 

Deciding on who should be your maid of honor is by no means easy. 

There may be several girls in your life who would be ideal. And there may be girls who are hinting that they really want to be asked (but you're not so sure they'd be up to the job.)

Close relationship

You need somebody who knows you well and with whom you have a close friendship - they can be family or a girlfriend. Think about who wants what's best for you and your wedding day and will be honored to be by your side. (This might not be your girlfriend who's the most fun - really you want somebody steady and reliable.)

An organizer

On the other hand, you don't want somebody who is so efficient that they are going to organize you too much (and maybe not listen to your ideas). It's a balance - somebody who is going to be like an executive assistant who works and develops your plans!

A delegator

In turn your chief maid of honor will have to give tasks to other bridesmaids. Deciding who is going to hold the bouquets if your train needs to be carried whilst you walk down the aisle. Who is going to hold your dress when you need to use the bathroom. Who is going to keep an eye on the little flowergirls. 

Reliable

You want somebody you can trust. Somebody who will be there for you, not cancel at the last minute, not turn up hungover and not drink too much at the reception. 

Your choice

It's up to YOU to decide who you want to be your maid of honor. You're probably going to come under a bit of pressure from family and friends to choose somebody in particular. But if you don't think they're right for the job, don't pick them. Choose somebody who feels right for you. Go with your gut instinct on this one. 

Close

It's best not to pick somebody you don't know very well or somebody you haven't known long. Make sure you've had a few experiences with them and heart-to-heart chats and that you know them pretty well. 

A good maid of honor can add greatly to the success and pleasure of your big day. A bad one ... well, you really don't want to go there. So pick carefully. 

It's a tricky one, that's to be sure.

Your BFF, sister, cousin or another close friend is getting married and the atmosphere is infectious. It's so easy to get caught up in the excitement yourself and say 'yes' when she asks you to be a bridesmaid, without thinking it through. 

(And you may be surprised to have been asked anyway.)

Are you ready to be a bridesmaid?

It's actually quite a commitment in many ways, particularly if the bride has asked you to be her chief maid of honor. 

So here's a few things that you need to be thinking about before you agree.  

• Can you afford it? This may (or actually it may) not be first thing you think about when you say yes, but you should take into consideration whether you can afford to be a bridesmaid. Depending on your role in the bridal party, you will be paying for a portion of the bachelorette party, bridal shower gift, a bridesmaid dress, shoes, hair and makeup, gifts for the bride and groom. And any other incidentals that may come up.
• Do you have the time? We all have our own lives even, when someone close to us like a friend and family member is getting married, so you have to stop and think whether you really have the time to devote to the bride and the tasks at hand. Will you need to take time off work or away from home for the necessary appointments and the wedding? While it's hard to predict what happens down the road, if you know you cannot devote the time to being a bridesmaid, you may have to politely say no.
• How close are you to the bride? Before you say “yes” to being a bridesmaid, you may want to consider how close you actually are to the bride. This is important because you will be spending a lot of devoted time and money on her, so it is important to weigh this out before stepping forward as a bridesmaid.
• Do you have the patience  to be a bridesmaid? If the answer is “no” then you may want to consider not saying “yes” to the bride. You will need to be prepared to provide an ear and emotional support when the bride is stressed out. Are you prepared to wear a dress that may be less than flattering for your body type? Because unless the bride is really thoughtful, she may have already decided what you will wear, without taking into account what her maids would prefer. 

What to say if you'd rather not

It's much better to be upfront early on and politely decline the offer, rather than feel frustrated and put upon by the demands being made on you. Your friendship is much more likely to survive if you keep a little distance and your boundaries intact. 

If the bride asks why, you could say that you want to be 100% there for her but work/family/financial/location commitments will make it difficult and you don't want to let her down. 

Explain that while you are thrilled to be asked, you think the bride would be better off asking somebody else. Instead you could ask to be given a particular task that you can manage - for example scouring eBay for vintage brooches for a vintage-styled wedding day. Ask the bride what she needs help with in the wedding planning and take over responsibility for a role you can manage. 

That way you won't fall out and you'll still be a help to the bride and there when she needs you.

Main image via Dessy Facebook page 

There's something about a wedding veil that is so romantic. A veil will soften your whole look, give you a dreaminess and add an air of mystery as you walk down the aisle.  

 

Getting your wedding veil photographs to look beautiful

You're obviously going to want your carefully chosen wedding veil to feature in your photographs - but getting your look right and photographed perfectly is a real art. Here are some key tips for being photographed beautifully in your wedding veil.

Ideas for veil shots

• Cathedral length full veils should really be shown off at their best fully displayed out behind the gown. Just think of Kate Middleton on her wedding day.
• Ask the photographer's assistant to fluff the veil (as if you were shaking a quilt) so the veil flies up and the photographer gets a shot of the veil in the air falling.Getting a bride to spin around whilst holding the veil out lets it spin round, offering a energetic and fluid photograph.
• The bride and groom both under the veil can work but ONLY if the couple are facing and looking at each other. Eyes towards the camera is a big no-no as they can look like they are caught in a fishing net!
• The MUST HAVE shot is the bride's father putting the bride under the veil before setting off down the aisle to meet the groom - and the moment when the groom or father removes the veil from the bride's face and she sees her bridegroom at the altar. Whatever happens it will always be a shot charged with emotion.
• The bride shot from above walking down a staircase, veil trailing behind her.

Veil shots to avoid

• Check when the groom is holding the bride in an embrace that the veil isn't being pushed into an unnatural shape or worse bunching up above her head.

• If it is really, really windy, seriously consider removing the veil for some of the bridal portrait shots. If it is a full veil it will be blowing everywhere and the bride's expression might not be that relaxed.

Polka dots are starting to have a real moment in weddings just now.

You'll see this classic design on everything from shoes, dresses, hosiery, stationery and cakes.

It's the real pattern of choice for couples looking to bring a little more pop into their wedding by having a polka dot theme.

Why polka dots?

Polka dots can be be fun, whimsical and playful when woven through your wedding decor and accessories.

They work well with a variety of color combinations and patterns. Any bright color will do, and if you are looking to do lighter colors for your wedding, those work too!

We've focused here on a classic black and white polka dot colorway, but pastels look fabulous, as do primary colors. 

You can also mix polka dots up with stripes. 

Spot the bridesmaid

Mixing polka dots with block colors is a really stylish way to dress your bridesmaids. Match a black bodice with a polka dot skirt, or the other way around. Dress one of your girls in a polka dot cocktail frock for a vintage look. 

Bridesmaid dresses by Dessy. Left Alfred Sung Style D755FP, right Alfred Sung Style D696FP

Left Junior Bridesmaid JR533CP, right Junior Bridesmaid Style JR544CP 

Here are some other ways you can incorporate polka dots into your wedding day.

This is a great way as the bride to incorporate polka dots as part of your wedding attire. Wear polka dot hose under your wedding dress. Photo featured on WeddingMania.com.

Want to keep things subtle and low key? Polka dots can offer an elegant touch too, as you can see from this table setting. (By the way, we've loving the rose-themed slip covers on the chairs!) Photo by Vick Photography 

If you are looking for some cake inspiration for your spring wedding, let this be it. Polka dots and wedding cake? Um, yeah! Photo by The Girl Tyler Design and Photography



This way to the polka dot themed wedding! Small accents like this are spot on for spring and summer weddings.