Who Traditionally Pays for What in a Wedding Budget?

Who Traditionally Pays for What in a Wedding Budget?

Wedding budgeting is changing, and nowadays, many people have to pay for their weddings. However, a certain contribution level is still expected from the bride or groom’s parents.

In today’s world, there are so many changes from traditional wedding etiquette. What used to be expected and accepted is not necessarily the case anymore. It’s not unusual for people to use their savings rather than their parents’ money to pay for a wedding.

Creating a wedding budget is a very time-consuming task, but early planning can help. It’s essential to have financial conversations at the same time as setting your guest list. If you wish to pay for your wedding, you may want to start looking for wedding budget tips. Knowing the number of guests you will invite, the wedding style, the food, and other details are essential to your budget planning. And knowing who is paying for what will give you an understanding of where you can splurge—and where you may need to cut back.

Read more about who traditionally pays for what in a wedding budget.

Who Pays at a Modern Wedding?

With the cost of weddings rising, many couples are changing how they pay for their weddings. Modern weddings often see the betrothed paying for their own wedding, but many still have some costs covered by the family.

According to one report, most couples today still get help from their parents when paying for the wedding. The same report found that for couples in a heterosexual relationship, the parent of whoever self-identifies as the bride contributes the most money.

The report also found that most of the wedding expenses are still paid by parents, at just over half the cost. The married couple’s age also plays a factor in divvying the wedding budget. Millennial couples spend less on their weddings than older generations. They are also more likely to get serious help from their parents.

The ‘who pays for what’ breakdown is different for LGBTQIA+ couples. They pay 61% of the expenses, while their parents pay 37%.

Couples having their second wedding may pay for the entire thing themselves, which includes 88% of the expenses and parents helping with 10%.

Typically, when a bride and groom can afford to pay for their own wedding, they will. The person who pays for the wedding is often viewed as having a say in many aspects of the wedding. Your parents should have a say in the guest list, the wedding reception venue, and the vendors. Generally, the parents of the bride and groom, who typically foot the bill for the majority of wedding expenses, are listed as hosts on wedding invitations.

Who Pays for What in a Traditional Wedding Budget

Traditionally, the bride’s family pays for the wedding. However, even with the bride’s family paying for most of the day, you might be surprised to find that not all the costs are covered by them. The bride’s family typically pays for the wedding venue and vendors, but there is still plenty more to cover in a wedding budget.

Here is a detailed breakdown of who pays what in a traditional wedding budget:

Parents of the Bride

Even though this rarely applies in modern times, it’s interesting to note how much a bride’s family is traditionally expected to spend on your wedding day. Some you probably know, but some may surprise you:

  • Invitations and stationery
  • Accommodations for bridesmaids
  • The wedding dress
  • Accessories
  • Hair
  • Makeup
  • Wedding planner
  • Photographer
  • Transportation
  • Wedding Decor
  • Flowers
  • Post-wedding luncheon or brunch
  • Wedding cake
  • Bachelorette party
  • Ceremony
  • Reception

Parents of the Groom

Traditionally, the groom’s parents are expected to provide the following:

  • Marriage license
  • Officiant fee
  • Rehearsal dinner (venue, food, drink, decorations, and entertainment)
  • Accommodations/transportation of the groom and the groomsmen

The groom or his family traditionally organized the honeymoon.

Bride

Traditionally, the bride has been responsible for paying for the groom’s wedding-related items. This includes their wedding ring, plus presents for their bridesmaids.

Groom

Historically, the groom would be in charge of buying the bride’s engagement ring and wedding band; however, this dynamic is changing nowadays. The groom also usually pays for his wedding attire (whether he buys or rents), but it’s not unusual for the groom’s family to help. It is typical for the groom to buy gifts for his groomsmen and the bride.

Wedding Party

Typically, the bridal attendants will be responsible for the cost of their shoes and accessories, as well as covering the bride’s cost for the bachelorette party. If necessary, the bridesmaids may also wish to pay for a bridal shower gift, wedding gifts, and accommodations. Depending on the bride’s budget, the wedding party may also be responsible for paying for their own hair and makeup.

The groom’s wedding party often pays for their attire, bachelor party, and wedding accommodations.

Parents of the Flower Girl/Ring Bearer

Traditionally, the flower girl and ring bearer’s attire has been paid for by the bride’s parents. In other cases, the family may be asked to provide a specific dress, hosiery, shoes, or accessories.

Wedding Budget Tips

One of the main steps to ensure your wedding stays within budget is creating the budget first. If you need help finding ways to shrink costs, no matter who is paying, here are some helpful wedding budget tips:

Marry in the Off Season

Depending upon your location, the wedding off-season is a great time to plan your nuptials and is just as romantic and fun as any other time of the year. However, by moving your wedding from October to November, for example, you may be able to knock a few dollars off of many important aspects. Most vendors and venues are not as busy during the off-season and will welcome the business by offering a discount. Don’t forget to ask!

Consider an Earlier Wedding

More and more couples opt for an afternoon wedding or a brunch reception. By choosing to celebrate your wedding earlier in the day, your venue and ceremony location may be able to fit another event and may reward you with a discount. Another cost-saving benefit of hosting an earlier wedding is that you will not have to pay for a formal, sit-down dinner.

Use One Venue

You can save some money by holding your entire wedding in one spot. Not only are you not required to pay for two venues, but using one venue for both your ceremony and reception is convenient for you and your guests.

Consider Non-Traditional Venues

Wedding venues often come with a hefty price tag. Choosing a non-traditional wedding venue for your ceremony or reception can be a way to keep your budget costs down. Try an outdoor locale, a cool lounge, or even your favorite restaurant.

Plan a Destination Wedding

Destination weddings can be a great way to save money. Unlike traditional weddings, the price is usually fixed, and that’s all you’ll need to pay.

Creatively Cut the Guest List

It follows the logic that you’ll need a bigger budget if you have a more extensive guest list at your wedding. If you can cut your guest list, you can also cut your budget. A few things to consider:

  • Keeping your wedding adults-only, as wedding venues often charge adult prices for kids’ meals.
  • Omitting co-workers
  • Strictly inviting close friends

Set Priorities

It’s much easier to stay within budget when you know exactly what needs to be included and what can be pared down. Write a list in order of priority and spend accordingly. You may wish to look to your “negotiables” and adjust the things that don’t require compromise or sacrifice.

If you’re worried about specific people or things, it’s wise to do what’s called ‘saving the non-negotiables.’ This means putting the specific person or item on the top of your list, ensuring they’re at least untouched.

Find a Couture Dress That Fits Your Budget No Matter Who Pays

No matter who is paying for your wedding, finding the perfect couture dress is crucial! Affordable and designer-inspired, Viero wedding dresses are sure to hit the mark. Are you ready to find your dream wedding gown?

Book an appointment with one of our wedding professionals or browse our collections.

The Biggest Wedding Trends of 2023

The Biggest Wedding Trends of 2023

Are you getting married in 2023? Are you wondering what trends are on the horizon? From more personalized guest lists to significant considerations for sustainability, the trends for weddings in 2023 are set to be different from what has come before. From unique color palettes to fresh new ideas for your ceremony and reception, we’ve got you covered.

Keep reading to learn more about the biggest wedding trends for 2023.

Wedding Trends for 2023

Most of 2022 has been spent making up for lost time after the global shutdown due to the COVID pandemic. However, 2023 is shaping up to be a spectacular year.

With more personalized touches, new takes on old traditions, and a push toward sustainability, we’re sure you’ll find the following trends for weddings in 2023 as exciting as we do!

The Eighties Have Returned

The 80s are back in a big way, from music and movies to wedding dresses. Consider incorporating this trend into your wedding day for an extraordinary celebration.

For instance, expect to see wedding gowns in the style of Princess Diana but with an updated, more youthful twist. The revived retro trend has been used throughout fashion design, with many garments taking on puffy sleeves, strong shoulders, and dramatic accessories. There will be more puffy sleeves in wedding dresses and an increased use of romantic details.

Sustainability

How many of us consider how our wedding day will affect our ecological footprint? Some brides have been anxious to preserve the environment while celebrating.

To do this, many couples are trending toward sustainable wedding floristry and incorporating upcycled wedding decor, such as decorating with teacups sourced from friends and family, or locally grown wildflowers, to minimize gas consumption.

Brides might pop their wedding bouquets in as flower arrangements for the top table, or they might use artificial flowers instead of living blooms.

One trend for 2023 will be the eco-friendly menu. Organic, local, and ethically sourced foods will become trendy as a way to reduce potential food wastage. Another option is eco-friendly party favors, such as plantable place cards, potted herbs or plants, or homemade jams and jellies.

Pearls

The emergence of pearls on wedding gowns and accessories accelerated during 2022 and is expected to explode in 2023. Think of pearls adorning a wedding dress and accenting accessories from shoes, veils, necklaces, and earrings. Pearls are an elegant, timeless wedding tradition that fits any wedding style, from retro glam to romantic lakeside.

Brides in Suits

Soon-to-be brides are increasingly choosing to wear a suit on their wedding day. Bridal suits have been the talk of the town since first appearing at bridal week.

Tossing aside traditional white dresses, 2023 is likely to see more personal style shining through, so expect to see more blush, champagne, and ivory along with bridal suits.

Mates of Honor & Groomsmaids

2023 looks to be the year tradition is bucked and more personalized weddings are adopted.

More and more couples are adopting mates of honor instead of maids of honor and groomsmaids instead of groomsmen. You may even catch a few flower boys and ring-bearing girls!

Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that you are celebrating with your best and favorite people— and this is okay – you should have the best time with whomever you choose to share your day with!

Outdoor Weddings

Due to social distancing and restrictions, outdoor weddings were very common between 2020 and 2021, and it’s predicted they will continue to be popular in 2023. Outdoor weddings are open-ended in terms of venue selection and offer a wide range of backdrops and locations.

If the location has a license and offers some protection, it’s worth considering. You can also find great outdoor venues with excellent opportunities for photoshoots. Also, look for traditional indoor venues offering an outdoor option, such as cocktails served on the grounds at a golf course or hors d’oeuvres served on the patio at an art gallery.

Alternative Reception Entertainment

Couples who want their wedding ceremony to be personal are also looking for unique and alternative options for entertainment for their reception. This allows guests to let loose and have fun, doing things they wouldn’t usually do at a wedding.

Couples are looking for more and more fun ways to get their guests involved with the festivities. There’s a lot to choose from, from lawn games to casino tables or music ensembles that cover guests of all tastes. We’ve all seen people who don’t enjoy listening to a DJ, so it makes sense for couples to offer things that guests might enjoy beyond the typical reception offerings.

First Looks

With a tradition as old as marriage, there are only a few moments where you can savor and enjoy a private moment ahead of the wedding.

First looks are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s not hard to understand why. It gives the couple a chance to have a more intimate experience before the more significant festivities of the day.

Bring your photographer with you to capture the moment. You won’t want to share this special moment with anybody else, and you’ll have some great wedding photos to look back on.

Couples are not worried about superstitions and myths and are instead taking steps to enjoy their wedding the way they actually want.

First Dance Alternatives

The first dance can cause much undue stress, especially since many people don’t know how to dance. Aside from taking dance lessons (which is also a fun idea), first dance alternatives are popping up as we near 2023.

From dance-offs between the bridal party and groomsmen to choreographed numbers with the entire wedding party, first dances are a fun and exciting way to kick off the reception and show your personality.

Try inviting all your attendees onto the floor to share in a singalong dance to your favorite song—and take the pressure off you and your future spouse.

Intimate Weddings

Many couples are opting for smaller guest lists, which provide the opportunity for more intimate weddings. Not only does this allow couples to devote more time to their friends and family without fear of missing anyone, but it is also often a cheaper option than a large wedding. It offers the opportunity to splurge on things that may have been kept out of the budget with a larger guest list.

The Color Blue

There are so many unique colors of bridesmaids’ dresses that you can choose. 2022’s most popular color was green, but blue and lavender hues are set to dominate the wedding industry in 2023.

Since the Pantone Color of the Year for 2022 is Very Peri, a lovely purple/blue color, we see this trend moving toward more blues for 2023.

From sky blue to royal and all of the shades in between, your bridesmaids will look on-trend and stylish with any blue hue.

Find a Trendy and Timeless Dress with Viero Bridal

Planning a wedding can be time-consuming, and couples will try to make their wedding unique by incorporating the latest trends. If you’re considering your big day in 2023, check out these trends–we’re sure they’ll spark some ideas.

Are you looking for a wedding dress to make all your dreams come true? Viero Bridal has it all.

When you create an appointment at one of our flagship wedding boutiques, conveniently located in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Miami, our expert wedding consultants can help you find the perfect couture gown for your 2023 wedding.

Book an appointment online, or browse our collections here.

The Best Hairstyles for Your Wedding Dress Neckline

The Best Hairstyles for Your Wedding Dress Neckline

When planning all the details of your wedding, it would be understandable if you didn’t give much thought to your hairstyle. But, your wedding dress, makeup, accessories, and hair will pull your look together on the big day.

Your bridal hairstyle will almost always be dictated by your dress. Some necklines are more suitable for up-dos while others look better with a down-do.

Your wedding hairstylist will know the best hairstyles for any wedding dress and should be the first person you ask for advice, but this guide gives you some idea of what styles might suit you and your style.

Here are a few options for the best hairstyles for your wedding dress neckline:

Best Hair Styles for Your Wedding Dress Neckline

The wedding gown is the critical piece of any bridal look. Everything about your bridal outfit should work well with this focal point. Bridal accessories, makeup, jewelry, and veils go into the bridal look.

When choosing a hairstyle, you should consider the neckline of your dress. Here are some things to consider based on the neckline:

Strapless Dress

Strapless dresses are a wedding classic and universally flattering. They also offer many options for hairstyles, including:

  • Half Updo: Not an updo, but not loose—this style offers the best of both worlds. This is an incredibly popular look that will never go out of style.
  • Accessorized Look: This style of wedding dress has no straps, so you can quickly wear hair accessories to turn your hair into an art form. You can accessorize your hair to suit your wedding style and personal vibe – from a fascinator to a tiara or even something like a crown of flowers.
  • Long, Loose, and Sleek: Some brides find traditional updos difficult and uncomfortable, especially if they feel less confident in style. Strapless gowns are perfect for the bride who wishes for a bridal hairstyle that is face-framing but comfortable.

Off The Shoulder

An off the shoulder gown should be worn with hair that allows the style of the dress to shine; try one of the following:

  • Retro Waves: Harkening to glamorous Hollywood, retro waves pair beautifully with an off the shoulder gown. Retro waves are versatile, too. Brides can choose from sleek and elegant to loose and beachy, making them perfect for any wedding style.
  • Chignon Updo: The chignon, the cousin to the bun, elevates your off-the-shoulder wedding dress. This classic style is a low updo where the hair is tucked and pinned. A chignon shows off the shoulders beautifully while still being elegant and classic.
  • Bohemian Floral Crown: Off the shoulder bridal dresses are perfect for wreaths and floral crowns. They can be combined with retro waves, loose braids, or a chignon to achieve a bohemian chic look.

Sweetheart, V-Neck, or Plunging Neckline

Brides opting for a sweetheart, v-neck, or plunging neckline have many options to choose from when choosing a wedding hairstyle; some of our favorites include:

  • Loose, Braided Updo: An interesting neckline is paired perfectly with a loose, braided updo. This versatile style seasonally suits a summer wedding or early fall wedding. It also is perfect for the beachfront, lakeside, and rustic weddings.
  • Soft Waves: Soft waves are relaxed and romantic and perfect for a destination wedding or for the bride who loves the look of beachy waves.
  • Loose Curls: If you’re not looking for a sculpted curl but still want more definition than soft waves, loose curls might be ideal. Brushing out curls will make them softer and less defined, perfectly paired with a sweetheart, v-neck, or plunging neckline.
  • High Volume Pony: Liven up your bridal style with a high-volume ponytail. This style looks effortless and chic and fits with many different wedding themes.

Asymmetrical Neckline

An asymmetrical neckline is a statement in itself; therefore, your hairstyle should allow it to shine. Consider these styles:

  • Half Up, Half Down: For brides who want to keep their hair out of their eyes and still have it look neat, a half up, half down hairstyle is perfect. You can style this with a loose crown braid, bun, or twist that turns into a loose half-up, half-down style that’s casual but still has an element of elegance.
  • Low Updo: Keep your hair off the neckline of an asymmetrical look by choosing from a sleek or messy low updo. You can try twisted braids, low buns, or an elegant chignon.

Halter or High Neckline

The halter neckline is a great way to make your shoulders look narrower and highlight the bust, while high necklines provide a modest elegance that many brides love. Hairstyles that are perfect for a halter or high neckline are:

  • High Updo: High updo hairstyles have been popular for centuries, and rightfully so! They are timeless and elegant so that you can look romantic or sophisticated. Details make all the difference in your hairstyle, so create a messy top knot bun for an ultra bohemian vibe, or wear sleek and swept back for a more formal look.
  • Party Pony: The party pony is an excellent choice for a halter or high neckline wedding gown, giving a fun and playful appearance with high volume at the top and through the pony. It should also stay in place throughout the reception, which is perfect for dancing.
  • Braided Pony: The braided ponytail offers a fun twist on the low ponytail and a bohemian braid. With hair kept away from the neckline, brides can choose fun earrings and accessories for the hair.
  • Low Updo: Halter and high neckline wedding gowns look best with hair that is held back. A low updo provides an alternative for brides looking for an alternative to the high updo.

Backless Dress

Backless wedding gowns are a showstopper, and your hair should allow your back to be in the spotlight. We love the following hairstyles:

  • High Pony: A clean, trendy high ponytail is never a mistake. It’s also one of the simplest ways to look put-together in seconds and will show off your gown.
  • Fishtail: Fishtail braids are great for any wedding. Whether it’s a formal, black tie wedding or more casual beachfront nuptials, they’ll keep your hair out of your face and ready to dance the night away while showing off the back of your wedding gown.
  • Underbraid: A well-done french braid is a chic hairstyle for long hair. To create a simple, comfortable hairstyle for a backless wedding gown, tuck the end of your braid under to avoid it being in your face or on your shoulders and neck all day.

Find a Couture Wedding Dress with Viero Bridal

Choosing what hairstyle to wear for your wedding day can be difficult. But before you decide, you need to find a wedding gown.

At Viero Bridal, we offer many couture wedding dresses, including ball gowns, mermaid, and A-line dresses. They are all made from high-quality fabrics and designed by some of the industry’s most renowned wedding designers. We also offer custom-designed wedding gowns that fit your specific measurements, so you will be able to find the dress of your dreams.

Ready to find your wedding gown? Visit one of our flagship locations in New York, Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles to see our selection of couture wedding gowns. Contact us to book an appointment today.

How to Choose Your Wedding Colors

How to Choose Your Wedding Colors

You’re engaged! Now comes the wedding planning process. Believe it or not, one of the first things you should focus on is choosing your wedding colors.

When it comes to choosing wedding colors, it can be hard to know what’s best. You might be tempted to choose your favorite color, but you should also ensure that the color has enough shades that work with your preferences and the rest of the theme.

While it is true that there are other factors to consider, the color scheme and color combinations chosen for a wedding are one of the most talked about subjects. For example, consider your wedding season and your event’s level of formality to decide on the perfect color combination for your big day!

To help you out, we’ve put together this little guide to choosing your wedding colors and listed some of the most popular wedding colors for the 2023 wedding season.

What to Think About When Choosing Your Wedding Colors

Once you’ve finalized your wedding color, things like tablecloths and flowers will be much easier to organize. Here is what to think about when picking your wedding colors:

The Time of Year

Your wedding colors should reflect the time of year you’re getting married. It’s common knowledge that colors tend to be associated with different seasons, but seasons are far more nuanced than the winter/summer divide. It’s important to note how you style your wedding palette to match the mood of the time of year.

To illustrate, the typical colors of a spring wedding are soft and fresh, like pastels. On the other hand, summer weddings often have brighter colors and those that resemble tones found in sunsets. Fall and winter wedding colors usually include darker shades, metallics, and neutrals. Using an accent color can allows you to lighten or darken your color palette for different seasons.

The Venue

ClioView some venues before deciding on the final color scheme to get a feel for what colors work best with the venues you are considering. Venues like warehouses or open fields are often blank slates – in other words, any color you choose will work. With these venues, there is no strict guideline of what you have to do, so you can be as creative and use as many or as few decorations as you want to create a truly personal touch.

If you’re considering a design with many decorative features, consider incorporating those details into your color scheme. That might mean considering adding a flower to your centerpieces that match the carpets or finding charger plates that match the lighting. Clever use of colors that match your space can bring out its best features.

Finally, keep in mind that spaces with natural lighting, like outdoor venues or art galleries, are perfect for natural tones, but sleek or modern spaces like hotels or lofts are best with more bold colors.

The Wedding Style

Your choice of wedding colors will affect the environment and ambiance at your wedding. You should consider your personal taste and be sure to choose a palette that complements the theme, feel, and vision for your day. Assessing your wedding style is essential when choosing your wedding colors.

When looking for a fun and energetic environment, it makes sense to include eye-catching colors like pink, turquoise, red or yellow. If you’re looking for something timeless, choose black tie. Basic colors like navy blue, black, ivory, and gold or silver will look gorgeous. Think about what you would like in your wedding decor and atmosphere, and then pick colors accordingly. Get inspired by your dream wedding style, and go from there!

Your Preferences and Skin Tones

Personal preferences are hugely important when choosing wedding colors.

Wedding colors can be tricky. If you’re still unsure where to begin, look at the colors you already surround yourself with and what looks great on your wedding party! Take cues from their skin tone, hair color, and the colors you love in your own home decor and wardrobe.

A great way to develop a color palette that suits you is to create a Pinterest wedding board with images you like. Don’t limit yourself to wedding images, either. Any color scheme you are drawn to will help you narrow down your choice.

Choosing Wedding Colors: Where to Use Them

You can feature your wedding colors in a few places, so consider these when establishing your wedding color palette.

Stationery

Your wedding stationery, such as wedding invitations, thank you notes, and place cards, are often created with your chosen wedding colors.

Wedding Attire

The wedding party is one of the most obvious places your wedding color palette will be featured. Many brides opt to have bridesmaid dresses in a feature color or shades of the same color, while the groom’s party may choose ties or handkerchiefs that will take cues from the color palette. A fun way to display some of your other favorite colors is through your shoes, accessories, or even on your wedding dress!

Flowers

Flowers are a fantastic way to incorporate your wedding colors in an elegant, fun, and fresh way. It also allows you to bring in colors that are not featured as prominently in your wedding attire, wedding decor, or accessories. Bring your color choices to your florist and see what they can come up with—the sky is the limit!

The Cake

Traditionally, wedding cakes have been white, but now many couples choose more elaborate and colorful designs. If you are a traditionalist, you can always add a highlight color as a topper or decoration around the cake.

Linens, Place Settings, and Decor

It may be challenging to coordinate your color scheme across the different elements of your wedding, but one of the best ways you can do this is with your table settings. Table linens in various colors allow you to create a colorful backdrop for your place settings, linen runners, and other tableware.

The Bar

You can choose to serve a signature cocktail that incorporates your wedding color and offer paper straws and napkins that also feature the colors.

The Best Wedding Colors 2023: What’s Trending

With so many colors to choose from, the possibilities of your wedding color combination are endless. But to make things easier, we’ve compiled a handy guide outlining some popular color combinations for 2023 that go well with the different seasons.

For Spring Weddings

Spring weddings mean that the flowers are gorgeous and there’s plenty of romance in the air. Couples who take advantage of this season and get married have a light and airy palette to choose from. Here are some color palettes for spring weddings, ones you can use as inspiration for your wedding day.

  • Lilac, Blush Pink & Vintage Yellow
  • Rose Quartz, Dusty Blue, Light Pink & Cream
  • Royal Blue, Champagne, Cream Rose & Mauve
  • French Blue, Vintage White & Navy
  • Emerald & Silver
  • Sage & Ivory
  • Lemon Yellow, Stormy Gray, & Light Gray

For Summer Weddings

Summer weddings will always be a popular choice, and with good reason! The season has several great trademarks, such as sunny days, fresh greenery, and bright color schemes. Check out these summery color combinations:

  • Marigold Yellow, Navy Blue & Slate Gray
  • Forest Green, White & Gold
  • Petal Pink, Cornflower Blue & Mauve Purple
  • Mint Green, Peach Pink & Watermelon Pink
  • Baby Blue, Buttercream Yellow, Pastel Pink, Lavender
  • Bubblegum Pink, Cotton Candy, Strawberry Red

For Fall Weddings

Coming up with a seasonal wedding theme is much easier if you’re thinking about the already established color schemes that come with autumn. It’s easy to create a cohesive mood and atmosphere by playing with darker tones or those that mimic the changing leaves. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Plum, Gray, Copper & Dusty Rose
  • Rose Gold, Burgundy & Oatmeal Beige
  • Burnt Orange, Cream & Moss Green
  • Crimson Red, Gold, Magenta & Raspberry Red
  • Tan, Peach, Sand

For Winter Weddings

One of our favorite seasons for weddings is winter. We love how it offers a change from the norm with ambiance, decorations, and gowns that would be hard to do in any other season. Get inspiration from these color combinations:

  • Black, White, Taupe Gold & Shimmery Gold
  • Emerald Green, Garnet Red & Snowy White
  • Silver, Ice Blue, Frost White & Metallic Gray
  • All White

Your Wedding Colors

It’s not uncommon for brides to feel confused when choosing wedding colors. That’s why it’s essential to have some guidance in picking the perfect shades you and your partner will love. Choose your wedding colors and tie them together with a wedding gown from Viero Bridal.

With flagship locations in Chicago, New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, one of our bridal consultants can help you find the wedding gown of your dreams. Book an appointment today!

Six Flattering Dresses for Petite Brides

Six Flattering Dresses for Petite Brides

Some might argue that finding the perfect wedding gown is the most crucial task for your wedding day. But finding this ideal fit can be challenging for petite brides.

Like everyone else, petite brides want a wedding dress that highlights their personality and style and makes them feel confident and comfortable.

No matter your body shape or size, your wedding dress should flatter your frame without overwhelming you. Fortunately, many stylish wedding dresses are designed to fit and flatter smaller, short women.

To help create your wedding vision, we’ve compiled a list of the most flattering styles for petite brides.

Shopping Guide for Petite Brides

A key consideration when shopping for your wedding gown is that the fabric choice can affect how comfortable the dress will be. Certain fabrics can make garments feel too heavy or restrict movement, and you may want to avoid wearing dresses with too much material if you want them to be easy to move—and dance in.

This can be difficult on a petite frame. An ornate and elaborate ball gown can be beautiful, but if you’re a short bride, they may overwhelm you rather than enhance your beauty.

Many brides also consider their height when it comes to choosing accessories. For instance, when selecting a veil, you must consider your frame. Chapel-length veils can look stunning but may be overwhelming for someone with a more petite frame.

Every bride is different when it comes to their ideal wedding gown silhouettes. Some prefer lightweight and flowy dresses, while others prefer more fitted, body-hugging features. This is also true of petite brides. It really depends on the bride and how they want to look.

Most bridal gown designers now offer styles for petite brides, which means that petite brides have more choice and are no longer stuck purchasing a gown designed for a taller person and having it tailored to fit. Not only does tailoring compromise the style of the gown, but it can also be costly in the long run.

Knowing your body and what makes you feel comfortable and beautiful is important. Once you’ve found what speaks to you, VIERO Bridal will help you find the perfect dress, or you can even design your own custom-made gown with one of our design consultants.

What Type of Wedding Dress is Most Flattering on Petite Brides?

Most designers offer fit and flare dresses, a-line, and sheath dresses to petite brides because these are typically universally known to be the most flattering. However, every body type is different, so it can be hard to understand what petite styles will suit you or which ones you might want to wear.

Balance and proportion should be the focus when selecting your wedding dress.

When putting on a dress, it is important to ensure that the placement of any embellishments and construction details are consistent across all styles so that the dress appears well-matched.

Here are the six best wedding dresses for petite brides:

Mermaid Wedding Dresses

Mermaid dresses are becoming popular for brides who want to show off their curves. Mermaid styles will work with any wedding theme or style. The mermaid gown works well on all body types and can make a beautiful and bold statement.

Try Ada by Milla Nova

Trumpet Wedding Dresses

If you want to give your wedding gown a bit of drama, wearing trumpet styles will help. The higher waist of this style can make you appear taller, and the hem that flares below your knee will help to provide balance and proportion.

If you want to show off your curves and emphasize your hips and bust, a trumpet silhouette can give you the look you have been searching for. If you want to elongate your legs and balance out all that volume, opt for a skirt with a higher waistline than your natural waist.

Try Ava  from Spring 2023 Collection

Sheath Wedding Dresses

Wedding dresses designed in the sheath or column style are simultaneously classic and trendy. They fall straight from a fitted waist and are more tailored to your body type. Sheath bridal gowns offer an understated elegance, usually constructed with lightweight fabrics that allow the dress to drape beautifully over a bride’s body.

Try Magic  from WONA Concept’s Timeless Collection

A-line Wedding Dresses

A-line style wedding dresses look great on virtually any body type. They create an elongated silhouette and are known to emphasize the curves of women with wide hips and create curves for those with thin frames.

A-line dresses are ideal for petite brides because they hug at your hips, emphasizing the waistline of your body and creating a look similar to the letter “A.” This style of gown widens down to your ankle. The A-line is a versatile wedding dress style that runs from very formal to casual and everything in between.

Try Nia  from the Holiday Collection

Empire Waist Dresses

An empire waist sits just below the bust line and is cut horizontally across the body. Empire waists give a long, lean illusion and come in several skirt styles, lengths, and bodice styles.

There are many benefits to wearing empire waists as opposed to other dresses on the market. They tend to give off an air of elegance while ensuring that your silhouette is sophisticated.

Try Esmin  from Wona Concept’s Diva Collection

Shorter Length Dresses

A tea-length wedding gown can work perfectly for a petite bride. Not only will you be able to show off your legs, but shorter wedding dress styles are also great for dancing and movement. A mini dress or a midi dress can make a real impact.

Short wedding dresses are available in many styles that range from elegant lace and other embellishments to ultra-modern silk with interesting necklines.

Try Beatrice  from La Dolce Vita Collection

Your Perfect Wedding Gown

As we mentioned before, the most important thing to remember when deciding on a bridal gown for your wedding day is that the dress should be perfect for you.

When you’re searching for the perfect wedding dress, VIERO Bridal has a wide variety of options to choose from. Browse through our selection of couture-inspired designer wedding gowns on our website or visit one of our flagship boutiques in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Miami!

From looking glamorous in a modern gown to traditional silhouettes, our team at VIERO Bridal can wedding dress shopping a breeze. Contact us today to book an appointment and make your dream wedding a reality.

8 Unique Ideas For Your Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

8 Unique Ideas For Your Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding rehearsal dinners are a great way to discuss the events of the wedding day, meet and greet important guests, and blow off a little steam before you are married.

Often, brides and grooms hold a nice dinner to keep their guests entertained and informed, and they are also a great way to say thank you for being a part of the upcoming nuptials.

But, there is no one way to do a rehearsal dinner. You may want to skip that traditional sit-down dinner and instead choose a more casual gathering or a cocktail party, even.

At your rehearsal dinner, you’ll be able to relax before the big day and have some fun without any pressure or stress. The following unique wedding rehearsal dinner suggestions are perfect for couples that want to impress without overwhelming effort.

Here are our favorite ways to make your wedding rehearsal dinner unique:

Unique Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Ideas

When planning a wedding ceremony and reception, there are some steps that you must follow—for instance, the vows. But, when it comes to a rehearsal dinner, consider what you and your guests might have fun doing.

A rehearsal dinner or party with everyone engaged, laughing, and enjoying themselves is the perfect event and is not that hard to pull off.

If you and your partner have lots in common, like hobbies, activities, and interests you enjoy together, you can use these as inspiration for your wedding rehearsal dinner.

Reflect on some of your most memorable dates and think about how you can translate those memories into something your guests can experience as the kickoff to their weekend with you.

Because your rehearsal dinner will have a smaller guest list than the wedding, pulling off the perfect theme is easier since there isn’t as much pressure. However, no matter the number of guests you include, there are several ways to create a fun and entertaining event that is just, well, you.

Hold An Experiential Rehearsal Dinner

Forgoing a formal sit-down dinner in favor of something fun can be a welcome change for your wedding rehearsal dinner.

Choose from experiences that range from fun and unique activities like playing lawn or board games, wine tasting, hosting a screening of your favorite movie, a guest chef preparing a special meal, visiting a horse track, or having a portrait artist capture those special to you.

Doing something unexpected for your wedding rehearsal can help set the event’s tone. Unique rehearsals often encourage conversation and create excitement for the big day.

You can opt for making a local hot spot the focal point of your rehearsal. Take advantage of the area if your wedding will be held in a picturesque locale. One great idea is chartering a yacht or sailboat if your wedding locale has a vibrant harbor. This idea is even great for destination weddings, especially when there are great places to explore and help to add to your wedding memories.

Choose A Fun Theme

During the wedding planning process, most brides and grooms look to make wedding events a representation of the couple. Sometimes, avoiding more traditional parts of a wedding ceremony or reception is impossible, but the sky is the limit regarding the wedding rehearsal dinner.

A theme is one of the most critical aspects of your wedding, whether you’re planning a complete do-over or just need a little something to give your big day that special touch. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be themed around you. Just keep it classy and opt for nothing too kitschy to make it memorable.

If you are sports fans, you could have a sports-themed rehearsal by asking guests to wear your favorite team’s colors or a special jersey and enjoy trivia and sports-themed foods and drinks. If your proposal took place in Italy, hold an Italian-themed rehearsal dinner. If you are country people, a BBQ with local corn on the cob and other local produce can be a relaxing way to visit with friends and family before the more formal wedding day.

These are just suggestions–you can choose which ideas would work well for you!

Host A Cocktail Tasting

Hosting a cocktail or beer tasting is fun to mingle with your guests before your wedding day. The options for this type of event are endless; from hosting a cocktail tasting at a chic bar or hiring a mobile bar service that can serve guests, you can have some fun with your cocktails.

You can name the cocktails after things that are important to you or give a nod to special guests or wedding party members with a signature cocktail named in their honor.

This allows guests to get to know one another and visit with people they haven’t seen in a while, and you can set up a fabulous backdrop for them to take amazing photos to add to your wedding weekend memories.

Hire Entertainment

If you know your wedding rehearsal crowd loves to dance or sing along with good music, hiring a local band to entertain during your rehearsal dinner and providing music for dancing afterward can be a great idea.

Guests will appreciate the entertainment, and it gives them a chance to enjoy the company of other guests, gives ‘plus ones’ a welcome distraction, and provides an excellent background for chatting or dancing.

Wherever your wedding venue is, whomever you hire for entertainment can add to your rehearsal dinner theme. For instance, a Jamaican destination wedding might call for a local steel drum band, while a hometown wedding would be perfect for a cover band that plays the best sing-along tunes.

Do Brunch!

Rather than the typical rehearsal dinner, a wedding rehearsal brunch can be unforgettable and allow the wedding party more time to prepare for the wedding.

A brunch event may pose a scheduling problem for some guests, so it will be best to ensure that everyone will be able to attend by providing the details far enough in advance.

There are many benefits to holding your rehearsal party at brunch instead of dinner, such as avoiding the repercussions of overindulging, fun breakfast choices like a waffle or pancake bar and mimosas, and more time for whatever needs doing—visiting, organizing, or even just allowing for some time alone on the night before your wedding.

Throw a Pizza Party

Who doesn’t love pizza? You may want to keep things simple for your wedding rehearsal, and a great way to do that is by serving pizza!

From gourmet wood-fired pizzas from a trendy restaurant or caterer to the local pizza joint’s best pepperoni, the choice is yours, and your guests will love it.

This is a momentous occasion, so find some fun, gourmet options (like palm hearts and sun-dried tomatoes) and as many different cheeses, meats, and other exciting toppings as possible. Offer options for those with food intolerances and a fun dessert (Pizza and Pies has a fun ring to it), and your guests will rave about your rehearsal dinner.

Pizza parties are often associated with children, but adding a handful of elegant decorations to a fabulous venue is the perfect way to bring a pizza party to the wedding rehearsal level. Pizza parties can also be held anywhere, so if your rehearsal dinner is beachside, at the lakefront, in the backyard, or a ballroom, the party fits the theme.

Host a Family-Style Meal

There’s a good chance the guests at your wedding rehearsal dinner are those closest to you. This means it is a great time to have an intimate dinner with your favorite people before celebrating one of the most important days of your life.

The plated meal service is becoming increasingly popular, combining the best of an entire sit-down affair with the best of a buffet. Guests can choose what they want and how much they want without getting up. A family-style dinner, or one served from passed dishes, is a great way to get everyone involved in the conversation and enjoy a meal with friends and family.

There is no waiting time involved with this way of delivering food, so everyone is served simultaneously, can take what they want, and chooses their portion size.

Have a Photographer On Hand

While hiring the perfect wedding photographer to capture your wedding day is an important task, the casual and intimate setting of the rehearsal dinner can lead to some beautiful photos. Hiring a photographer to capture some, or all, of the wedding rehearsal dinner is an excellent idea.

Not only will you be left with fantastic souvenirs of friends and family celebrating you, but tasking the photographer with taking photos of each guest can provide a thoughtful extra to your thank you cards after all is said and done.

Find the Perfect Wedding Gown

Wedding planning can be complex, but selecting the perfect bridal gown for your wedding day doesn’t have to be. At Viero Bridal, we offer a selection of the most elegant and fashionable wedding gowns for brides. Our talented bridal consultants at our flagship locations in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami can help you find the perfect wedding gown.

If you have always dreamed of designing your wedding gown, Viero Bridal offers the option of custom-designed couture-inspired gowns.

Ready to find your dream wedding gown? Schedule an appointment today.

9 Modern Ball Gowns For Your Princess Wedding Fantasies

9 Modern Ball Gowns For Your Princess Wedding Fantasies

Are you looking for a romantic, princess-style wedding to celebrate one of your most cherished dreams? There are tons of different options to create a royally-inspired wedding theme. Creating the perfect princess fantasy is easy, from the reception to the flowers to the decor. And when it comes to your dress, a modern ball gown is the perfect fit for your princess style!

Many modern versions of princess dresses are available as a nod to the traditional ball gown-style wedding dresses of the past. Modern brides can choose from different styles of skirts and bodices, with embellishments, structured or fluid lines, jewels, and more.

When it comes to modern ball gowns, the sky’s the limit. And what’s more, the style is universally flattering, twirl-worthy, and always on trend.

Now, let’s take a look at a few gowns that will turn you into a real-life princess for your wedding day!

What is a Ball Gown Wedding Dress?

Ball gown wedding dresses are one of the most common choices for brides looking for an eye-catching silhouette. Choose a ball gown to give you the perfect fairytale style. They are easier to wear than some other styles of wedding gowns. This dress is flattering to every figure, drawing attention to the beauty of a full skirt while camouflaging the hips and waist.

Although most ball gown wedding dresses skim the floor, more brides opt for different lengths and features, like tea-length and gam-bearing slits. The skirt of a ball gown wedding dress offers the option of wearing heels or flats—whatever you are comfortable in! Anything goes with this traditional wedding dress style.

Many ball dress skirts offer the ability to bustle when you’re dancing. Some skirts have a tiered effect, while others are traditional A-line skirts with extra layers to create more volume.

Generally, your wedding gown should work with your style and create a unique look. This means that if your ideal wedding style is royally-inspired, investing in a flattering ball gown silhouette is perfect for you. Ball gowns come in various hues and styles so that they can be worn casually or more formally, so they fit any venue and theme.

A modern ball gown is an ideal choice if you are thinking of going big with your princess wedding dress fantasy. Dress your fashion style with different accessories and hair, and create a wedding day look you’re sure to be excited about.

The 9 Best Modern Ball Gowns for Your Princess Wedding Fantasies

Lola from Viero Bridal’s Spring Summer 2023 Collection

This gown is romantic and flirty, with elegant sleeves and open-back detail. The gown’s modern twist on the traditional ball gown offers a flowier skirt, which is perfect for the bride who wants to look like royalty without a full skirt.

Helen from Milla Nova’s Royal Collection

The Helen is perfect for you if you want to project the air of true royalty. With jaw-dropping details like a jewel-encrusted bodice with a full, embroidered skirt, you will be channeling your inner princess the second you put this gown on. Helen is perfect for any season, but the full, sheer sleeves and high neckline are incredibly alluring in fall and winter.

Chiara from Viero Bridal’s FALL in LOVE Collection

The Chiara wedding gown features a structured corset-style bodice, a sweetheart neckline, and a head-to-toe sparkle. This is the perfect gown that is versatile enough to captivate at a black tie wedding but also feels perfect at an outdoor event.

EB8645 from Elysian Bridal’s Her Collection

This gown is perfectly pretty and offers a broader strap that allows for regular undergarments. With floral embellishments and sparkling details, this wedding gown will be loved by brides looking for a whimsically royal gown. This is another wedding dress that suits any venue or wedding style and is particularly beautiful in spring or summer to complement the blooms outdoors.

Beatrice from Viero Bridal’s FALL in LOVE Collection

No matter the style or venue of your wedding, this ball gown is a true showstopper. Ethereal and romantic, the Beatrice offers a sparkling bodice topping a full, flowing, and feather-inspired overlay on the skirt.

Magic from Viero Bridal’s Sensation Collection

This wedding dress is the epitome of a modern ball gown. With an unexpected neckline, the Magic offers beauty and sophistication in its simplicity. Brides will love the options for jewelry and accessories when wearing this gown.

Meldi from Milla Nova’s Royal Collection

The Meldi is elegant and refined with a bejeweled, off-the-shoulder bodice and layered skirt. This gown style offers brides many options for hairstyles and accessories, and it photographs beautifully.

Macklein from Wona Concept’s Diva Collection

This dress is perfect for the modern princess because it offers just enough detail and embellishments. The Macklein is stylish and interesting, with stunning sleeve detailing and an avant-garde corset-style bodice. Perfect for the bride who wants to make a statement, this gown will have jaws dropping!

Blisse from Milla Nova’s Simply Milla Collection

Blisse is a stunning satin ball gown with a sweetheart neckline, lace-back closure corset, and straps with elegant bows. This gown also features a pleated skirt with centered buttons, hidden pockets, and a beautiful long train. In addition to its simplicity and modern design, this gown will fulfill your princess fantasies!

Ball Gown Wedding Dresses from Viero Bridal

With luxurious wedding gowns at Viero Bridal, you can bring your fairytale wedding to life. Browse through chic and elegant bridal gowns for the fairest of brides-to-be, sleek models for the modern bride, or bold bridal gowns for statement seekers.

At our flagship boutique locations across the country, you can choose from a range of designer couture-inspired wedding gowns or have one custom designed to suit your princess wedding fantasies.

Our gowns come in different styles and colors, from boho chic to elegant glam to classic vintage. You won’t have any problems finding a dress that perfectly fits you! Viero Bridal offers elegant designer dresses for the most beautiful wedding days to love for a lifetime.

Contact us today to book an appointment at one of our boutiques in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami.

How to Involve Your Future Spouse in Wedding Planning

How to Involve Your Future Spouse in Wedding Planning

Wedding planning is thrilling but can be stressful. You have many decisions to make, and the details can seem overwhelming. Most of the tasks fall on the bride, but involving your spouse in the process can lighten the load.

Planning a wedding can be time-consuming, mainly because you are trying to plan the perfect event. Before making big decisions, it is a good idea to get together with your future spouse to find out what sort of things they have in mind. They may be just as excited as you are but have no idea how they can help.

Creating a unique and fun wedding that screams ’you’ isn’t impossible. One way to do that is by tapping into the uniqueness and creativity that exemplifies you both. This is the best way to keep you both involved, motivated, and happy!

Here are a few ways that you can involve your future spouse in your wedding planning:

Ways to Involve Your Future Spouse in Wedding Planning

Choosing the Date

Choosing the date for your wedding is one of the first decisions you must make. Getting your future spouse involved in this decision is a great idea. They will know of any complications, like their great aunt that can’t handle the heat (so a midsummer wedding won’t work) or their best friend is traveling for a year, so the marriage may need to be on a specific date.

Choosing the date together means you can avoid any scheduling conflict and ensure that you both will feel comfortable and ready to celebrate your nuptials.

Ask for Their Opinion

It’s important to acknowledge that even if you think you are the one doing the bulk of the planning, your partner is likely to have some of their own ideas. Talk to your partner about what they want—it may surprise you!

If you care deeply about your partner’s desires, it’s always better to discuss those wants before making any final decisions. It’s your partner’s wedding too, so don’t just sign off on your idea.

For example, before booking a venue on your own or with your wedding planner, explore the venue options with your future spouse. They may have thoughts about something they want to incorporate into your big day that is impossible at your desired venue, or they may even have an excellent idea for another location.

Go on Dates

Yes, you are already engaged, but sometimes wedding planning gets so hectic that you forget the actual end goal: to get married to your sweetheart. One of the best (and most fun) ways to include your future spouse in wedding planning is to ‘date’ them by incorporating dates into the decision-making. For example, when arranging the tasting for your meal or dessert, make a day of it.

Some people even choose to bring their future spouse dress shopping. There are lots of things you can do to make this a fun, playful, date-like experience.

Help Develop a Budget

Planning a wedding budget can be frustrating, and it can also be hard to figure out your budget without input from your future spouse. In the process of budgeting for a wedding, it often helps to consult your significant other. A marriage is a compromise and also means sharing financial responsibilities and decisions.

One of the most important aspects of planning is finding ways to use your resources appropriately. Before any planning, sit down with your fiancé and talk about what your budget should be. One way to ensure you do not overspend on your wedding is to set aside a specific dollar amount for each aspect of the process, including tips and gratuities, thus cutting down on impulse purchases.

Both you and your partner should agree before spending big bucks on items such as flowers before making any commitments to vendors.

Making the Hard Decisions

Sometimes, wedding planning involves making hard decisions and then relaying the information. Involving your future spouse can relieve some of the pressure these decisions can put on you.

One decision that can be awkward is whether or not children are invited to a wedding. You can nominate your future spouse to make the decision and give that information to anyone who may be affected. Maybe your cousin wants to bring a friend that doesn‘t get along with another (treasured) wedding guest; in that case, your spouse can deliver the message about not being able to attend the wedding. It’s easy to be disappointed by a refusal. And nobody wants to be let down, so having your future spouse take care of these complicated tasks can be helpful.

Furthermore, if you are united on these decisions, it can be easier for people to take. Instead of being a snub of some sort, it is just how the wedding has been planned. It may soften some of the blow.

Have Them Plan a Part of the Wedding Day

Since there are many parts of wedding planning that you will need to manage, it can be easier to share the load by having your future spouse plan a specific aspect of the wedding. You could give your partner the responsibility for something, like mapping out a timeline for the day, planning the honeymoon, or arranging a signature cocktail.

Not only will your future spouse feel involved in the process, but you will also have more time to work on other aspects of your wedding or even relax because the work is done.

Create the Seating Chart Together

Some significant decisions are best made as a team. One of these major decisions is the creation of your seating chart. It can take a lot of research to keep track of tables, types, and arrangements for your wedding reception.

Creating a seating plan with your partner can make it easier to figure out the best way to arrange the tables and who should be sitting near one another. Your partner is familiar with their loved ones on an emotional level and knows which configurations will work best for them.

Remember the Important Things When Wedding Planning

Photo: Kari Bjorn

At the end of the day, your wedding is a special day for you and your future spouse. You can create the wedding of your dreams and include your spouse in important decisions. Our guide can help you with some ideas for keeping your spouse involved in the wedding planning process, and when it comes time to choose your wedding gown, turn to Viero Bridal.

Choosing a gown for your wedding is a very personal decision, and since it is such an essential thing on your big day, most brides want to complete the process away from their future spouse. Of course, it should be perfect for who you and your wedding style. And as mentioned above, if you would prefer to have your spouse join in on the selection process, that’s up to you!

At Viero Bridal, our bridal consultants are experienced and professional—and they’re ready to help you find your dream dress at any of Viero’s locations in New York, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles. Browse our extensive selection of designer bridal gowns or get started on a custom design wedding dress with us today.

Are you ready to look for the dress of your dreams? Contact us for an appointment.

How To Manage Multiple Bridal Looks on Your Wedding Day

How To Manage Multiple Bridal Looks on Your Wedding Day

Wedding dress shopping is an exciting experience, but what happens when you can’t decide on one gown or outfit for your wedding day? Finding the perfect bridal look might mean choosing more than one. No longer viewed as over the top, many brides are wearing multiple bridal looks on their wedding day.

From a ceremony gown to a dance-proof dress to a comfortable bridal romper, brides everywhere are selecting the looks that best express their personality, comfort, and beauty. With more and more brides mixing and matching versions of bridal style on their big day, some have begun to go completely off-the-beaten path.

Choosing the best dress for your wedding is a joy, but many brides choose to wear multiple looks, proving that weddings—and bridal style— are constantly evolving.

Bridal looks often reflect the bride’s wedding ceremony venue or personal style. This is often impractical, especially when the ceremony location is vastly different from the reception and many beautiful wedding dresses are hard to move around in and particularly hard to dance in.

As complicated as it may sound, managing different bridal looks can be simple and it could be just the thing to blow your guests’ minds!

This guide will tell you how.

Why Do Brides Choose Multiple Bridal Looks?

One of the significant reasons brides change their looks throughout the wedding day is how different venues can make a bride’s look either match or feel out of place. Wedding ceremonies inside a church or other places of worship can often require a more conservative or traditional dress.

Options are endless for this—sleeved gowns, modest necklines, and longer-length gowns. Some brides opt instead for add-ons to create a more traditional appearance. These include wedding boleros, veils, and bridal capes.

Another reason for choosing multiple looks is to remain comfortable at every step of the wedding day journey. There are plenty of options at your disposal, and you can change looks throughout the wedding day to give it a different feel.

Some brides prefer to be more formal for their wedding ceremony and casual or chic for the cocktail hour. There are no ‘rules’ for your wedding day looks, so it’s ok to change along the way.

It is your wedding day—have fun!

When to Change Your Wedding Look on Your Wedding Day

Opting to change your wedding look on your big day can mean some juggling. However, it does not need to be stressful. After all, you will have planned your wedding day timeline carefully, with outfit changes in mind.

Keep in mind two things:

  1. You don’t want to miss any special moments
  2. You don’t want to keep your guests waiting

Your wedding photographer may have some ideas about a good time to change your wedding look. One idea is to provide a fun cocktail hour for guests while you change from your ceremony dress into your second look. But don’t spend the entire hour changing. If you are switching venues between the ceremony and reception, find a spot where you can change your outfit beforehand.

A fun way to showcase your new bridal look is to toast your guests when you come back dressed for the after-party. Another option is to change after dinner, while others are still visiting and eating— perfect timing before you hit the dance floor!

Things to Consider When Managing Multiple Bridal Looks

Weddings are typically a big production, so the bride has some influence over how the day is run. Be mindful of this when facing resistance from others over your wedding attire. Your comfort and personality should be prioritized when deciding to wear multiple bridal looks.

You may even want to honor a favorite sports team or a cherished culture in one of your wedding looks. Consider mixing things up with an added pop of color in your hair accessories or jewelry. It’s all about knowing what type of look you’re looking for; that way, when you find it, you can see how it will enhance your wedding look.

Ceremony Style

The ceremony is your chance to shine, so don’t pass up the opportunity to make a statement in front of your guests when all eyes are on you. Of course, you want everything to be perfect. Investing in the ideal wedding gown can make all the difference when exchanging your wedding vows.

You should carefully consider your wedding gown choice for your ceremony. Think about what season the ceremony is taking place in and what type of ceremony you plan to have so that it feels authentic to the meaning of the day, the venue, and your personal style.

Reception Style

As the party is getting started, a change of bridal look at the reception should reflect your style and vibe for your friends and family, so choose your next wedding look with this in mind.

The reception is the time to go avant-garde and fashion-forward if you wore a conservative look for the ceremony. You may even want to try a daring color or funky style or even change up the length of your gown at this time. The reception is often the time when many brides change footwear, too. Opt for more comfortable kicks at this time, so you can dance and socialize the night away without having to take off stuffy stilettos.

The Bottom Line

Modern weddings are about a couple enjoying their unique style. You no longer have to worry much about wedding attire, which is excellent. Be true to yourself and your future spouse, and follow your path. Find out what makes you sparkle, and follow it; there are no rules!

Brides have the final say when deciding what they want to wear on their wedding day. You may wish to switch wedding gowns, but you may also find a dress that you can bustle, a convertible, or something else that will make you feel comfortable all day long!

Whether it be one of our many affordable couture-inspired options or an entirely custom design, Viero Bridal has something for you. Browse our collection online and then make an appointment to come see us at one of your flagship locations in Chicago, New York, Miami, or Los Angeles.

Should I Tip? The Complete Guide to Tipping Wedding Vendors

Should I Tip? The Complete Guide to Tipping Wedding Vendors

As you prepare for your wedding, you must think about many things. From finding the perfect wedding venue to hold the wedding, securing the best date for your big day, hiring a photographer to capture the day’s moments, choosing the flowers and decor to set a dreamy scene, and finding your dream wedding gown—the decisions you make surrounding your wedding are essential.

And many couples wonder whether or not they should be tipping wedding vendors when setting their budget and paying deposits.

Tipping is a tradition in the salon, restaurant, and taxi industries, but it’s also used elsewhere as an act of courtesy. Tipping is a sign of appreciation if someone provides you with a service.

But should you be tipping wedding vendors? And, if so, which ones should be tipped?

Knowing when tips are expected can help you avoid any awkward moments. Here’s a list of who gets a gratuity and how much:

The Complete Guide to Tipping Wedding Vendors

Tipping some vendors for your wedding is expected. An obvious way to tell whether or not tipping is expected is to examine your vendor contracts before the big day rolls around. If there is a gratuity included in the contract, you’re covered.

Otherwise, the following vendors typically appreciate a tip:

Waitstaff and Caterer

A gratuity is often included in the catering bill. If your wedding is at a restaurant, club, or other similar location, it will typically be included, as well. Waitstaff in restaurants do not make enough of a wage to support themselves without tips; in the wedding and event business, they will be compensated for their time. However, you may still wish to tip them, so they know you appreciate their attention. If you want to be generous, $25 is the perfect amount.

Photographer and Videographer

Most wedding photographers who own their businesses aren’t tipped. If you like their work, and they bring a lot of knowledge and insight to your wedding photos, you may wish to tip them. It is customary to tip an assistant $50-$75 (on average) after they have done a fantastic job for you.

Musicians and DJ

Music can set the mood, get people onto the dance floor, and even create memories for a lifetime. Tipping your musician, band, or DJ is essential. If you have a musician supplying music during the ceremony, they also deserve a tip. It’s common to tip musicians $25-$50 (on average) on top of their fee if they didn’t include gratuity in the contract. Along with thanking the band, don’t forget to thank (and tip) the sound engineer for helping make your night enjoyable.

Bartenders

Tipping wedding bartenders usually depends on a couple of things. Tipping is often included in the bill at catered events and parties, and weddings are no exception. If your caterer has bartending service, make sure your contract includes tipping. However, if you hired people to be bartenders on your own, then tip 15 percent of the final bar bill, pre-taxes. It’s worth speaking to the bartenders before your event starts, so there isn’t any confusion- tips from guests should be refused.

Officiant

If your officiant is a clergy member, they typically will not take a personal tip, but a nice gesture is to donate to their house of worship. If your officiant is non-clergy, they will appreciate a tip. The standard for donated and tipped amounts is between $50 and $100.

Hair and Makeup

Having hair and makeup done for your wedding is one of the most fun parts of the day. You get to see the glamming-up process take effect. As you would in a spa or hair salon, 20% of the service cost is a standard tip, but this amount can vary, depending upon what you require. If you’re paying for all of your bridesmaid’s services, you may provide this tip and include a larger tip at the end or ask your bridesmaids to pay only the tip.

Wedding Planner

Your wedding planner is probably a business owner and will likely not be expecting a tip. If you loved their work and felt you needed to show gratitude for their commitment and dedication to making your day perfect, send them a thank-you card or even a gift card that acknowledges how much they meant to you!

Florist and Baker

Like your wedding planner and photographer, the florist and baker are business owners or paid employees and are not expecting a tip either. If the baker delivers your cake to your venue and sets it up, you may want to offer a small tip of $20. If a florist goes above and beyond to deliver, set up, and do anything else unexpected, a tip of $20-50 would be appreciated.

The Best Ways To Tip Wedding Vendors Without Breaking the Bank

Wedding vendors are necessary for the wedding day, but it’s hard to know how much to tip them without breaking the bank.

One of the best things you can do to ensure you’re not stressed out on your wedding day is to include a tip for each service as part of your budget; this will guarantee the smoothest and most seamless experience.

You may also wish to appoint a trusted friend or wedding party member to be responsible for the tips on the wedding day. This can ease a significant burden but ensure that your bills are paid and the vendors are tipped.

One of the best things you can do for wedding vendors who have impressed you is to recommend them to friends and family. Reviewing online and posting photos of their work is a great way to show gratitude for a job well done when tipping isn’t appropriate.

Viero Bridal

When you’re ready to find your dream wedding dress, we have the gown you want at Viero Bridal. Our expert stylists are eager to help you find your perfect fit!

When you are looking for the perfect wedding gown for your big day, Viero Bridal should be top of your list. We offer an array of options in our flagship boutiques in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, and our newest boutique in Miami. If you want a wedding dress that will suit your vision and criteria, come to our store. Our designers can work with you to create custom gowns and make your dream gown a reality.

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