Bridal Trends: 2012

Now let's talk style and upcoming trends for 2012!

Currently the overall trend on the runways screams romance and femininty.

Rich organza fabrics with lots of ruffles, layers, and floral accents are perfect for the bride seeking a dramatic look without being too over the top.

Lace-nothing is as classic and timeless as the lace dress. And I am not talking about a lace dress that looks like your great grandmother's tablecloth.
Current popular lace silhouttes are Slim A-lines, dropped waists, and fit-n-flare styles that make this vintage look a real show stopper.

But mostly the biggest trend and one I am loving the most right now is THE BELT!

Let me just tell you the difference that adding a belt can make to a dress. Not only does this accent piece allow you to customize your dress, but it also is very flattering.

**Remember... LOOKING and FEELING like a more glamourous version of your fantastic self is the main goal when styling your Bridal look.

Now that we have your look finalized let's discuss ideas and color trends for this next year....

For the last several years the rustic/barn theme has been extremely popular and this will continue into 2012.

But according to Carly Roney (Co-Founder and Editor in Chief of the Knot) Black tie Formal will be making a strong come back.

When adding more formal accents to a wedding, the event seems to feel more special and essentially feels more romantic. Formal Bridesmaids attire look very clean next to the solid Black Tux with black vest, cumberbun, and tie. The solid black Bridesmaids Dress is elegant, formal, and really one your Bridesmaids might actually wear again.

In keeping with the formal look we will also see Neutral color palettes reign.

Think Kim Kardashian wedding or the wedding of Prince William and Kate.

Bridesmaids and Flowergirls may also wear white or shades of white. Now for many of you this may seem a little out there and you may want to be the only one in white on your special day so instead you can accent with champagne or light gold colors for a really rich and glamourous look.

Some other great color options we are seeing right now is charcoal gray accented with shades of green, yellow, or pink.

Royal Blue.... this color is very fun to use with shades of green, purple, and turquoise and to accent with peacock feathers.

Hope this new entry helps give you some ideas for your 2012 wedding! Congratulations on your engagement! Happy Wedding Planning!

"Love More, Worry Less...Always & Forever" XoXo

Wedding Planning

When it comes to planning your wedding there are a few key elements that need to be decided on first to kick off the whole wedding planning process and to be the most efficient.

1. Get a Fiance :)

2. Set a date

3. Find a location

4. Find YOUR dress!

These 4 elements are what you really build the rest of the wedding ceremony and reception around...
i.e. cake, invitations, bridesmaids dresses.

TheKnot.com strongly advises brides to purchase their bridal gown no later than 6-9 months prior to their wedding date. However, please do not panic if your upcoming day is sooner than that and you are currently dressless because at Always & Forever we have hundreds of dresses in stock that can be purchased off the rack. We also offer several different payment plans.

Because we want your experience at Always & Forever to be as wonderful as your actual gown... here are a couple of pointers for making the most of your time shopping with us:

1. Make a reservation. A reservation is a window of time slotted for you to work one on one with one of our specialized Bridal consultants to find your wedding look. We do not require a reservation but strongly encourage one.

2. Shipping timeframes. Most bridal designers we work with have a standard shipping timeframe of 4-5 months. This is why we recommend purchasing a Bridal Gown 6-9 months before your wedding. This ensures you have plenty of time for alterations, bridal portraits, and PEACE OF MIND.

However AGAIN don't stress if your date is sooner. At Always and Forever we have hundreds of dresses in stock from sizes 2-28.

Also, a great tip and way to stay up to date with latest bridal trends is to follow us on Facebook, Blogger, Twitter, and YouTube. We work very hard to research and stay up-to-date on everything bridal and are always posting new arrivals, ideas and trends we are seeing out in the industry.

Congratulations!
Remember to enjoy this time, and we wish you all the very best!

Love More, Worry Less..... Always and Forever.

Flower Meanings

What flowers are you looking at for your wedding? This is a fun guide to see if they portray the look and feel of what you are going for.

A
Alstroemeria- Wealth, Prosperity, Fortune.
Amaryllis- Dramatic, Beauty, Or Pride.
Anemone- Anticipation, Expectations, Fragility.
Anthurium- Hospitality.

B
Baby's Breath- Pure heart.
Bachelor's Button- Hope, Devotion, Love, Anticipation.

C
Calla Lily- Growth- Beauty and pride gained in wisdom.
Camellia- Goodluck, loveliness, graciousness.
Carnation- Pride and beauty, devoted love.
Celosia- Silliness.
Chrysanthemum- Excitement, truth, sharing, cheerfulness.

D
Daffodil- Chivalry, regard, joy, devotion.
Daisy- Innocence,simplicity.
Dahlia- Elegance, dignity, good taste.

E
Edelweiss- Daring and noble courage.

F
Freesia- Innocence, trust, friendship, spirited.

G
Gardenia- Joy and purity.
Gerbera- Innocence and gentleness.
Gladiolus- Strength of character, remembrance.

H
Hibiscus- Delicate beauty.
Hyacinth- Game and sports.
Hydrangea- Perseverance.

I
Iris- Faith and wisdom, affection, and inspiration.

J
Jasmine- Grace and elegance, joy and cheerfulness.

L
Lilac- First love, youthful innocence.
Lily
Asiatic Lily- Majesty.
Casablanca - Celebration.
Stargazer- Ambition.
Lisanthus- Calming, faithfulness.

M
Magnolia- Dignity, perseverance, love of nature, splendid beauty.

N
Nasturtium- Patriotism.

O
Orchid- Ancient Meaning: Wealth, love, beauty. Modern Meaning: Rare and delicate beauty.

P
Peony- Romance and prosperity, good fortune.
Poppy- Consolation.

Q
Queen Anne's Lace- Fantasy.

R
Ranunculus- Radiant charm.
Rose: Love, magic, ultimate beauty, and perfection.

S
Snapdragon - Gracious lady.
Stephanotis: Happiness in marriage.
Stock: Bonds of affection, promptness, and lasting beauty.
Sweet Pea: Remember me; blissful pleasure and shyness.
Sunflower: Adoration, homage and devotion.

T
Tulip: Declaration of love, elegance, and grace.

V
Violet: Modesty, faithfulness, and simplicity.

W
Wisteria: Youth and poetry, steadfast.

Y
Yarrow: Healing, good health.

Z
Zinnia:Remembrance, thoughts of friends.

*Happy Wedding Planning!*

Love More, Worry Less... Always & Forever