Behind the Mute Button: January 2010

The Best Wedding Locations in Australia

Every bride and groom wants to get married in a unique and romantic location. Whilst overseas locations can be very exotic they can also be extremely costly and difficult for most guests to attend. Australia has many ideal locations for weddings, whether you fancy a wedding on the beach or in a tropical rainforests why not choose one of the many romantic locations on offer. Here are some suggestions for weddings in Australia.

The North of Queensland is renowned for some of it magical rainforests complete with beautiful waterfalls. So whether its Cairns or Port Douglas you could choose to have your wedding nestled in the rainforest or on the amazing white sandy beaches of the North. Imagine a sunset wedding on the beach in Port Douglas followed by a wedding reception in a marquee. Or for something a little more formal have your reception in one of the many five star resorts Port Douglas has to offer. For your honeymoon you need travel no further as the North of Queensland has all the elements of a romantic honeymoon destination, with the Daintree forest on the one side and the Great Barrier Reef on the other. Your choices of activities are limitless. And if you just want to relax, have a cocktail by the pool.

Why not have a wedding in the Australian outback? What better location than the famous Uluru (Ayers Rock). Imagine Ayers rocks as your backdrop and the magical colours of sunset or sunrise. The photo opportunities would be endless. And every bride would look spectacular with the morning or afternoon sun glistening off her perfect skin. Following the ceremony have a beautiful reception in one of many 5 star resorts nearby.

Getting married in a Botanical garden is another great idea for your wedding location. Australia has many botanical gardens which are perfect to host a wedding. Whether you choose to get married lakeside, or in a butterfly enclosure, by a water sculpture or secluded private garden, there are many choices to suit all tastes. The reception can also be held outdoors on one of many of the landscape gardens or if the weather does not permit then choose from many function rooms the gardens have on offer.

The Zoo is another great location to have your wedding ceremony and reception. Australia has some fantastic Zoos which have spectacular function rooms or beautiful manicured lawns for both an outdoor or indoor ceremony and reception. Not only can your guests soak up the sights and sounds of the surrounding wildlife but also bask in the tranquil garden setting. Imagine the amazing photo opportunities available in this location with the wildlife and animals as your backdrop.

Theme Parks are another unique place to host a wedding ceremony and reception. The Gold Coast has some of the best theme parks in Australia with Movie world, Dream world and SeaWorld as potential venues. Hire out a section of the park or the entire venue for a truly extraordinary experience.

Monkey Mia in Western Australia is a beautiful location to have a unique wedding ceremony. With the Sandy beaches, palm trees and landscaped garden, you could have a ceremony of your dreams. After your wedding have a reception on the manicured lawns watching the magnificent sunsets. For a more formal affair have the wedding reception celebration in your 5 star resort. You and your guests will be entertained with the numerous activities, such as swimming with the dolphins or exploring Shark Bay on one of many tours. At Monkey Mia you will always have something unique to do.

Australia has one of the most diverse and interesting locations in the world to host a wedding followed by a romantic honeymoon. Not only are we beginning to explore all the attractions Australia has to offer but so are international travelers who are choosing to celebrate their weddings and honeymoons in Australia. Surrounded by some of the most magnificent beaches in the world it is the natural destination for a romantic wedding and honeymoon.

Ball Gown Strapless Formal Prom Wedding Dress

Price: $114.99

* Designer ladies dress sizes run smaller than off-the-rack dresses. Buyers must select their size from the size chart.
* Please select your size from OUR own size chart, located next to the original picture posted. Please DO NOT refer to Amazon size chart, by clicking on "See merchant's sizing charts".

Planning a destination wedding in New Orleans is no easy task because of the myriad gorgeous locations to choose from. Fragrant bubbling courtyards, historic parks, grand hotels and churches and even the Mississippi River are the kind of venue options you can expect. There are also intimate locations with old New Orleans charm for a small ceremony as well as accommodations for hundreds of guests.

Here is a sampling of popular New Orleans wedding destinations hot spots:

* City Park

The oldest city park in the country is filled with live oaks draped in moss. History abounds in this botanical wonderland. Enjoy the magnificence of history, picturesque statues and fountains, along with a wide range of sites and facilities to host a picture perfect wedding.

* Audubon Park

Located in the Garden District and sitting pretty on the banks of the Mississippi River, you can have graceful geese and swan swimming in the lagoons as a peaceful backdrop to the bubbling fountains and lush foliage.

* Plaza d'Espana

Spanish tiled benches and fountains decorate this lovely courtyard. Make your wedding a magical day. Feel the blessed spray of the fountain and watch the river traffic pass on by as a perfect backdrop for the wedding.

* Steamboat Natchez

Savor the beauty and the romance of the New Orleans skyline aboard a cruise. The captain of the steamboat can marry you right on the Mississippi. And what's more! Twirl away to happiness to the sounds of smooth jazz.

* Elms Mansion

For an antebellum, old New Orleans themed wedding, this mansion is a popular choice for its architecture and period furnishings. Let the magnificent historic Van Benthuysen-Elms Mansion and the beautifully landscaped garden add that old world charm to your nuptial setting. Lend the European grandeur with a southern charm and make your wedding a memorable affair not just for you, but for your guests as well.

* Royal Garden Terrace

This elegant hotel offers spacious ballrooms and beautiful courtyards for your ceremony. Their rooftop terrace is also a romantic spot to look over the French Quarter and say your "I dos".

* French Market Inn

Built in 1722, the inn offers a charming courtyard with fountains and fragrant gardens and can accommodate up to 65 guests.

There are many other beautiful locations available around the city for your nuptials. Think about what backdrop you want for your special day-the lovely outdoor landscape, the culturally diverse streets and buildings, classic Old South or ornate elegance. A New Orleans destination wedding offers all of these and more.

Valentine Day is an ideal day to have your wedding. It is the day devoted to romance and love. There are many Sussex Wedding venues that have the romantic setting, and the expertise to help you make your romantic wedding a reality. It will be very important to book your site early. Valentine Day is a popular day for weddings and it is highly likely that both East Sussex Wedding venues and West Sussex Wedding venues will be booked well in advance. The additional time you will have by booking early can be used to plan your wedding to put in some extra romantic touches that will make it a memorable day.

Red is the color of Valentine Day and the use of this passionate and romantic color should be a major theme. This can be reflected in your attire. A white dress with red accents and an old fashion style is very romantic. The bridesmaid dresses can be various shades of pink and red as well. Even the groomsman could wear red ties with pink boutonnieres. A color scheme that utilizes red and pink, and lots of red hearts in the decorations will reinforce the romantic theme.

Rose would make the ideal flower for the wedding. Flowers are romantic and you are going to want a lot of them, but roses can be very hard to come by and quite expensive in February. It might be a good idea to explore the possibility of alternate flowers that can also be found in pink and red. Tulips, hydrangea and freesia are a few possibilities.

It is another good idea to get your guests involved in the idea of the romance of the wedding. One idea is to have all married couples stand during the ceremony and reaffirm their love for each other. You can also follow the theme of romantic love by introducing famous couples of the past. One way of doing this is at the reception. Rather than numbering the tables or placing name cards, you can name each table after a romantic couple from history like Romeo and Juliet.

Valentine Day is the day that celebrates lovers and romance. A wedding on this day will make it a special day for you, and there is an additional advantage. In the years to come, you will have a little help remembering the date of your own anniversary.

Someone popped the question! You've set the date. Congratulations. Now what? As a costume designer and image consultant, I have dressed many brides and bridal parties in real life and on TV. While there is usually more drama behind the scenes on the TV show, everyone faces real challenges. Read on for some powerful tips to make your life easier and more fulfilling.

1) Help! Bridal consultants are great, if they understand you. You need to be on the same page. If the consultant is too pushy or not listening to your wants, cut them loose. It is your day and their supposed to help not hinder you.

2) Gowns! If you're going for off-the-rack and they are dirty and stained in the showroom, BEWARE. The salon may not look after your well being either. Get all the extra charges upfront and in writing. Some salons add extra fitting charges. Have your final fitting close to your wedding date,
so the dress can be adjusted for any weight changes. When trying on gowns, wear make up and style your hair. Bring a variety of bras, shapers and appropriate shoes. If you have a picture of your "Dream Dress",and it is just not available, then definitely check into having a dress custom designed and made for you. Oftentimes the price difference is negligible.

3) White? Know your best white. There are lots of different whites, some stark and some creamy. Good rule of thumb: if you have cool skin (blue and pink undertones) white-white, gray-white and blue-white work best. If your skin is warm (peach and yellow undertones), then go with ivory or cream. Try different white dresses on to determine your best color. Have a professional color analysis, if you can't figure this out. NEVER think that changing your makeup will make the dress look better. If the color is wrong it is wrong, period. Trust me, on this! Do not be afraid of a light color, if white does not sing to you. I designed many pastel wedding dresses. I find the trend, fresh, bold, and unconventional. Hey, it is your day, wear the color you like and that makes you sparkle!

4) Fit Figure out your figure. Decide what you want to accentuate and what you want to hide. A gown can hide unwanted bits with the proper undergarments. Remember, you will be wearing it for HOURS so make sure you can maneuver. Think ladies room!

* Junk in the trunk? Look for fuller skirts and corset in your waist. Put the focus on your upper body.

* Do you have the right to bare arms? Maybe you do, or consider a dress with a sheer, hip sleeve.

* Big bust? V necks, keyhole and scoop necklines are best.

* Thin frame? Add gathers and layers and heavier fabrics for bulk

* Full-figured? Consider princess and A lines and avoid ruffles and gathers

* Petite? Be careful not to choose a dress that will make you look like a big cream puff. You will be a little head sticking out of a mass of tulle and lace.

5) Watch your Back Make sure you look great coming and going, because many people will spend more time watching your back than your front. If you choose a simple design, at least make sure the back has some interest with perhaps pretty pearl buttons.

6) Accessories Now that your dress is in the bag, it is time to think about "Successories" because the lasting success of your look depends upon the correct accents.

* Shoes- No sneakers PLEASE! Cute flats and kitten heels, if high heels aren't your friends.

* Jewelry- Pearls always classic, but heirloom pieces, diamonds and colored stones make a statement.

* Cool skin tones-silver based jewelry and white white pearls.

* Warm skin tones-gold based jewelry and creamy pearls.

* Wraps- shawls, shrugs and capes look great with gowns

* Evening bag- silver or gold!

7) Entourage If you want your bridesmaids to remain your friends, consider their age, shapes, and skin tones when choosing color. Coral and teal work on just about everyone, so I suggest starting there. A good way to approach style is to let the girls pick their best silhouette and keep the dresses in the same color. With so many gowns in the stores, you don't even have to use a traditional bridesmaid dress manufacturer. Your friends will be happier too, since most likely they will be able to wear the dress again.

Also, be aware of the fabric you choose. I always try to avoid sweltering in heavy fabrics in the middle of summer or freezing in chiffon in the winter. Remember, to think about accessories including a wrap. Its your day and it is going to be lovely. Once you nail down the details, think about relaxing and letting go of the outcome. Know what you can control and what you cannot. Rain? Oh well. Grab the umbrellas. The wrong flowers? Everyone will remember you and not your bouquets. If you are calm and collected that is what people will remember. If you are hysterical or pouty, that is what they will remember. How do you want to be remembered? Beautiful bride? Or Bridezilla? In the end, it is up to you to make the wedding both magical and memorable!

Destination weddings are in - everyone following bridal trends knows that. But, what makes a destination wedding, such as a beach ceremony by sunset or a theme tropical wedding all the more special is the kind of planning that goes into making it the perfect day for the couple involved and also making the people close to them feel just as special.

For this reason, many families (and some sensitive friends too) are reportedly choosing to sign gift registries as co-presenters in granting the bride and groom with an unforgettable beach holiday package by gifting a stay at the best Bali honeymoon villas as a wedding present, reveal lifestyle magazines. This change in perspective comes by way of more discerning global travelers realizing the need to gift a newly wedded couple the most precious commodity in today's days of hectic and frenzied living. The luxury, comforts and understated elegance of the top-end Bali wedding villa packages on offer currently then, proves to combine all the necessary hotel amenities minus any of the intrusive presence of too many staff members or guests sharing facilities.

Also, typically, only a very intimate circle of family or friends is handpicked for attending a destination wedding because of the cost involved in flying everyone in and arranging for their stay. So, this allows the couple involved to indulge themselves a little more in planning their honeymoon a lot more lavishly than they would have been able to, had they organized a ceremony back home as opposed to a luxury Bali wedding villa.

Therefore, the savings from keeping the guest list limited can be directed towards leasing a more personal and lasting way to make memories, building intimacy and warmth and enjoying being served on hand and foot. That's courtesy the professionally trained, but friendly in-house staff at the Bali honeymoon villas property, the best looking into the personal interests and medical/dietary requirements of guests at the time of booking, so the kitchen is stocked with these vital items before the guests arrive.

With such thoughtfulness going into making the guests enjoy the most cherished time of their lives, it is no surprise that a Bali wedding villa package ranks high on the list of those looking to holiday and honeymoon in style, comfort, luxury and with their own private beach space!

That these offer definitely more elbow room is clear from the features on offer, such as attached private garden and lap pool/sun deck. However, it is advisable to look into certain basic features if wanting the perfect ambiance of a private beach ceremony and post-ceremony celebrations in the venue of choice. As, a Bali wedding villa should grant you not just more space, but more amenities and a place that makes the wedded couple and any guests of theirs, feel more at home than any hotel complex.

After all, what's a romantic escape without the elements of romance? So, look for your type of size and decor of the villas - canopy beds, Jacuzzi bathrooms, chef-on-call etc. - to set the tone for intimacy and fun. The best Bali honey villas, will offer these features and more!

very simple wedding gown with gold links and look beautiful

wedding gown very beautiful to the wearer and looks luxurious

wedding dress design a very detailed and intricate patterns made with attractive color

a pair of Japanese-style wedding dress with a simple color combinations

a pair of military-style wedding gown looked fit

wedding dress is very unique and rich style motifs afrika

sexy wedding dress with a cloth bandage chest

india-style wedding dress

unique wedding dress with patches moyif saws

yellow wedding dress with a short piece of the model to be sexy

black wedding dress

transparent wedding dress is very sexy and elegant for the user

wedding gown with a golden floral motif looks very unique

wedding dress with a black line variations look good

Bridal wedding accessories are one of the most important parts of the wedding preparation for a bride. This is a day when the bride wants to look most beautiful. All the bridesmaids and maid of honour accompany the bride like fairies escorting their queen. But to make the dream come true, you need to be extra careful to plan everything beforehand. From the smallest detail of a hairpin to major important elements like the wedding ring - everything contributes to the orderly presence of the graceful lady of the day.

But before you organize, you need to know about different types of wedding accessories for brides. Without a detailed list of everything you need for the bridal party, you will not be able to make the day perfect. So here is little help and information on wedding accessory for a bride that will help you truly enjoy the most beautiful day of your life.

· Accessories for the brides

The list of wedding accessory for brides is long and full of small and intricate details. It starts from the beautiful bridal gowns, which is considered among one of the most unique wedding accessories for the bride. The fine satin white dress draping the beautiful lady comes decorated with fine lace and silver works. It is accompanied with bridal veils of lace and shiny stone works. The white satin gloves or the lace gloves cover the hands which will be embraced with the eternal ring. The bridal hair accessories include bridal tiara, designers' hair pins and clips.

These wedding accessories also incorporate bridal shoes, which are available from branded designers in a wide range of colors, size and styles. One can access online wedding accessories sites to find suitable bridal wedding accessory quite easily. The wedding jewelry set for the bride is also another important part of the accessories. The smaller elements like garters, handkerchiefs, fashion accessories, purse and bags should not be overlooked either.

The arrangement becomes complete with a ready at hand bridal emergency kit. This kit should be prepared with an additional set of tights and stockings, needles and strings, make - up set, tissues, safety pin and scissors, tampon, flip-flops, comb, hair pins, hairspray, perfume , etc.

· Accessories for the flower girls and for showering

The flower girls carry flower petals in beautiful baskets. So you can go for pink or red rose petals and a set of cute and glamorous flower baskets. You can always go for personalised wedding accessories in case of designing your own custom flower buckets. For the showering tradition you can use confetti, confetti cones, flower petals, bird seeds, bubbles etc.

· Accessories for the ring bearer

Selection of the ring is very important. Choose the ring with all your love, passion and taste for style and elegance. This is a part of the accessories that will remain with you all your life. Also do not forget the ring bearer pillow to carry the ring in a graceful manner. The ring bearer pillow should also be chosen keeping in mind the design and appeal of the ring.

· Accessories for the bridal party

The bridal party accessories include special gifts for the maid of honour, bridesmaid, flower girls and every one accompanying the bride. The wedding accessories for a bride remain incomplete without the expression of her warm appreciation for the bridal party guests. Make a bridal party itinerary to keep everyone aware of the marriage programs taking place and their role in it.

With this basic information you can now plan your purchases and look for affordable wedding accessories. Careful planning and research will help you gather the right bridal wedding accessories that will make your day perfect.

wedding dress designs with batik motifs typical of Indonesia

royal-style wedding gown of white china knick-knacks covered stone

wedding dress with a unique color black dots denan

As a youngster -- or perhaps even as an adult -- have you ever sat dreamily imagining yourself in a fairytale wedding dress, about to marry your very own Prince Charming? And, what colour is the wedding dress? The chances are it's a white one. Millions of girls and women that dream of the perfect marriage have a vision of the perfect white wedding dress in their minds. But why white? Where did this tradition come from?

Women Haven't Always Been Marrying in White

In fact, in the grand scheme of things, the tradition isn't even all that old. The white wedding dress of today is deep-seated tradition, and for many is worn to signify virtue as well as uphold tradition. Millions -- in fact billions -- of women all over the world start thinking about the perfect white wedding gown before they have even found the perfect partner.

Britain is a place that is rife with traditions and legends, so it is little wonder that the tradition of the white wedding dress was started by the English Monarchy. It was the wedding of Queen Victoria that spawned the interest and popularity of white wedding dresses as we know them today.

Queen Victoria married Albert of Saxe in 1840, and wore what would then have been considered a flamboyant white gown. Of course, this did not start the tradition immediately; however, many women saw this as a statement of class and style, and copied the Queen by also getting married in white.

The white wedding dress in those days had nothing to do with being virtuous -- it was all about wealth. Getting married in a white, extravagant gown was a sign that you could afford to buy a dress that you would never be able to wear again because of its style and colour (whites were not easy to clean in those days as they are today!).

Of course, women still continued to be married in various colours and styles of dress -- it was only the vain and the wealthy that insisted on white to follow in the footsteps of the wealthy Monarch. However, during Edwardian times, the white wedding dress once more soared to new heights of popularity, as Coco Chanel unveiled its new knee-length white wedding dress, complete with extravagant train.

Even so, with the depression that followed World War I and the approach of World War II, many women continued to make do with whatever type of dress they could afford, and this went on for decades. Some women would marry in a short white informal wedding dress, which could then be dyed and used as an everyday dress. Again, it was only the fabulously wealthy that could really afford to splurge on an elaborate gown.

However, from the 1950s onwards, as the world watched Hollywood stars, royalty and members of high society get wed in stunning white gowns, the tradition of white became signed and sealed.

Wedding Dresses of Different Colours: A bit of folklore

As with many other things in life, there is much folklore and legend surrounding the various other colours that brides have been known to wed in. One old rhyme seems to sum up these notions:

Married in white, you have chosen all right.

Married in red, you will wish yourself dead.

Married in blue, you will always be true.

Married in yellow, ashamed of your fellow.

Married in black, you will wish yourself back.

Married in pink, your spirits will sink

Of course, most people will think nothing of this poem, apart from the fact that each colour has been coupled with a meaning that just happened to rhyme very well. We all know that there are plenty of people that have married in pinks, blues and every other colour, and have enjoyed a long and happy marriage. And we certainly know that there are plenty of people that have married in white, who have not prospered quite so well.

Ordering Your Wedding Dress Online

Luckily, legend and folklore has given way to individuality in recent years, and brides now enjoy getting married in the colour of their choice. Both celebrities and everyday women have injected their wedding dresses with their own sense of style and personality, and we have seen women marrying in colours ranging from delicate ivory to deepest red and even black.

Royalty and high society still tend to favour the tradition of marrying in white. However, since simply wearing a white wedding gown can no longer mark their stature due to the availability of the white wedding dress, they now do this by infusing the dress with the most expensive silks, pearls and material possible, making it worth a king's ransom by the time it is finished.

Luckily, we don't all have to pay a fortune to look stunning for our wedding day, and there is now so much choice in colour, style, material and design that we can get married looking just the way we want -- and without having to sell all of our worldly possessions to do so!

The Internet is a great source for wedding dresses. You can enjoy excellent value for your money and unrivalled choice, enabling you to achieve just the look and theme that you want for your special day. Whether you want a full-on white gown with all the trimmings, a simple and elegant ivory dress, an informal yet classy wedding dress or something totally unique in a rich, vibrant colour, the Internet will provide you with access to the perfect choice.

You will enjoy access to a wide range of dress styles online, including:

Traditional wedding gowns
Informal wedding dresses
Designer wedding dresses
Coloured wedding gowns
Gothic or medieval style wedding gowns
Short wedding dresses
Long wedding dresses

You can also select from a wide choice of material, so you can feel and look as stunning as you dare, and with the great quality available online you can cherish your special dress for years to come -- perhaps even pass it down to future generations.

wedding dress with a violet looks radiant and glowing

full wedding dress design decorative stone is so elegant

wedding dress is very beautiful and attractive color combination of cloth wrapped in pink and white

Design wedding dress with transparent floral fabric

hite wedding dresses with black color combination

wedding gown with a tight style and more freely

red wedding dress and white color combination perfection

wedding dresses of silk wrapped simple yet memorable luxury

wedding dress wrapped in green cloth with beautiful trinkets

black wedding dress but do not leave the impression of feminine

Behind the Mute Button