Brought to you by The Dress-Directory , Guest Contributor to Elegant Plus Magazine

It’s the time of year when the wedding invitations start coming in from all those wonderful Christmas, New Year and Valentine engagements.  If you aren’t asked to be a bridesmaid or maid-of-honor, it’s up to you to find the perfect dress to flatter your curves.

What You Need to Consider

The first thing to think about is the color.  Many full-figured women like to reach for safe, reliable black for special occasions, afterall there is a reason “the little black dress” is considered a classic, right?  Well, as a wedding guest consider breaking out some color.  In many social circles solid black, along with red and shades of ivory or white, is considered inappropriate and even insulting to the bride.  

Instead, choose colors that brighten your complexion, add sparkle to your eyes, and bring out the natural bloom in your cheeks.    This spring, for the more adventurous, bold colors like cobalt blue, vivid pink, bright orange, sunshine yellow and greens are available in solids, graphic prints and splashy florals.  For the more demure, try sandy neutrals, soft pinks and classic spring pastels.  Remember to keep prints and accessories in proportion. Fuller figures look best in larger prints and accessories, although shorter plus figures need to moderate that rule of thumb to accommodate a more petite stature.

The second thing to take into consideration when choosing your dress is the time of day and location of wedding and reception.  Is it indoors or outdoors? What are the average temperatures and humidity for the region in the spring?  Is the event in the it afternoon or evening?   Those choosing skimpier fashions might want to be sure to include a wrap or opt for a less skin baring style like a jacket dress or church suit for outdoor weddings in an area or climate that can be on the cooler side in the spring.

Finally, the last thing to consider is formality.  Did the invitation indicate a formal or black tie affair?  While most weddings are very formal for the bride, groom and wedding party, wedding guests are usually not expected to dress in full length gowns unless the invitation specifically states so.  Formal weddings and receptions are much more common if scheduled after 6pm in the evening.  Far more common attire is something appropriate for a special dinner out or your Sunday best.

Our Wedding Guest Dress Picks for Spring 2008

Young and Trendy

London Times Spring Green Silk Cap Sleeve Dress; Sizes 14-24W; $129.00; Where to Buy

Choose this pretty and vibrant spring dress in floaty silk chiffon that gently skims your curves without being clingy.  Gathered straps are bra friendly while the empire waist, above the knee styling, and on-trend color add just the right fashion forward pizzazz.  Add a simple bolero (or go bare if you dare), sparkly clutch and metallic strappy heels for a look that might just catch the Best Man’s eye!

Pretty in Pink

 Tiered Chiffon Jacket Dress; Sizes 6-24W; $139; Where to Buy

For the more mature wedding guest who likes modesty, choose this pretty tiered chiffon ensemble with delicate beading, organza ribbon trim and embroidery.  Baby pink is a classic spring favorite that can be spiced up with bolder, deep pink accessories or kept soft and feminine mixed with white.

Dance the Night Away

  Ruffled Surplice Dress; Sizes 6-26W; $99.99; Where to Buy

Kick up your heels and dance the night away in this deep teal green chiffon dress.  Faux wrap styling accentuates your curves while feminine ruffles add a little salsa va-va voom.  Mix in metallic accessories for extra spice. You won’t be short of partners at the reception in this number!

Designer Diva

 Lewis Cho Silk Jacquard Dress; Sizes 14-24W; $298; Where to Buy

Simple, sophisticated designer style is always chic at special events.  Choose this periwinkle jacquard shift dress by Lewis Cho for a subtle look of luxury.  You are sure to appreciate the fine tailoring and extra details like a back tie to keep the look sleek and flattering.

Black-Tie Wedding Guest

 Alyce Designs Black Label Dress 5146, Off the Shoulder Lace and Silk Chiffon; Sizes 4-28W; $398; Where to Buy

Black tie weddings require sophistication and elegance in your attire, and grown up styles are a must.  This gorgeous off the shoulder silk gown in rich navy blue is subtly glamorous.  Remember formalwear frequently must be ordered four to six weeks in advance, so plan ahead.

——————-

About the Author

The Dress Directory is an on-line comparison shopping engine listing dresses organized by occasion (from casual to career to special occasion and formal dresses) and size ranges, offering options for juniors, misses, petites, talls and plus-sizes.

——————-

For more plus-size dresses appropriate for wedding guests, check our sister plus-size shopping website Elegant Plus.

Popularity: 41% [?]

 Location, Location, Location

How To Choose The Perfect Venue For Your Wedding.

by Chris Flitter, guest contributor to Elegant Plus Magazine 

It’s the most important factor in real estate and it should be considered the most important decision to make when planning your ceremony and reception. There are many factors that go into deciding a location and usually cost is the first and foremost. Everyone wants a beautiful setting but the question is can you afford it? Location costs can go anywhere from free at a family or friends residence to $20,000 for a luxury estate. Whether your location is free or costs a bundle there are a few factors you need to consider before signing on the dotted line.

How big is the venue?

 Can the site accommodate a ceremony and reception? Every location will have a maximum capacity. Some separate their capacities by indoor and outdoor events and by ceremonies and receptions. When calling around this should be the first question you ask if you have a large guest list. It could speed up your search immensely if you find out the locations you are calling have a 50 person limit. Usually halls, hotels and larger estates can accommodate the bigger receptions. Wineries, small estates and private residences often have limited space.

What’s included?

One would think with a $10,000 dollar site fee something would be included in that price? Not necessarily and not usually. The more desirable the site the more they can charge. Always ask what’s included. Sometimes sites will include things like tables and chairs, maybe even white linens. This could save you some money on rentals. Venues that are already set up for catering, such as hotels or community halls usually have these basics. Private residences and estates are at the top of the list when it comes to high cost receptions. They usually do not have the space or the desire to keep rentals on hand so you have to bring or rent everything for the event and this could cost you a pretty penny.

What are the restrictions?

When reading through a location contract you will always see a section of restrictions. This is to protect everyone involved. Some may seem silly, others too strict, but they are rarely negotiable. One of my favorite restrictions is “Only water is allowed in the fountain.” This came about because a not-so-sober bride jumped in it with her wedding dress on. Here are some you are likely to see:

• Curfew: Some sites have a curfew because of the residents living nearby. Some will say no music past 10pm others may say no guests past 10pm. Just make sure it works well with your timeline.
• Alcohol: To drink or not to drink, some sites will not allow a full bar. These venues have it written on their insurance rider that guests can not bring outside alcohol onto the premises. Usually wine and beer are okay. Just check if you are considering a full bar.
• No cars on site. If you have a large guest list and the ceremony or reception is at a private residence, up a windy hill, you may see “need transportation” in the contract. This means no cars are allowed to park in front of or around the residence. In this case a shuttle or valet service will be required.

Ask for preferred vendors

 An established site will have a list of vendors they work with often. Some of my clients, in the past, have concern about working with “preferred vendors” because they think it will cost more. Well, it’s quite the contrary. In the long run, if you work with a vendor who knows the location they usually have many smart ways to save you money and time. Plus, it makes your life so much easier if you don’t have to second-guess everything they do. If they know the space, they’ve seen what works and what doesn’t and less things fall through the cracks. Practice makes perfect.

Plan B

 No one likes to think about their wedding day not being perfect but make sure the site is set up for changes from Mother Nature or anything else thrown your way. If any part of your event is outdoors make sure you have a rain plan. Can you rent a tent? Can you move the party inside? What is the last day to cancel? If you do cancel, do you get any of your deposit back? You probably won’t need to act on any of these but just in case you’ll be prepared.

Go with your gut

If you have the fortunate situation that you can’t decide between two or three locations go with what feels right. Imagine yourself walking down the aisle. Try to envision the reception set up. If it’s outside, will there be flowers in bloom? If it’s inside, will it be easy to deck it out. Whatever you choose the venue will set the stage of what’s to come.

_______________

About The Author

Chris Flitter, is the founder of Twist, an event planning company out of the San Francisco Bay Area. She is also a contributing author for SocialCoutureBlog.com . Formally an HGTV producer with over a decade of television experience, Chris followed her dream to start her own event planning business and uses her creativity and attention to detail in every event she produces.

Popularity: 13% [?]

What Am I Going to Wear?! Fashion Help for the Full-Figured Wedding Guest

by Kiyonna, Guest Contributor to Elegant Plus Magazine

Specializing in contemporary fashions for sizes 10-32W, Kiyonna is a leading designer for plus-size women who want to look current and stylish.  Dresses have long been one of their strengths, with silhouettes designed to enhance curvy figure types.  Careful, you might outshine the bride!

____________________________

Looking for more full-figured  ideas for the next wedding to which you received an invitation?  Dresses are the hottest fashion statements of the year, and special events are the perfect way to indulge in the latest trends.  Check out the Elegant Plus Editor’s Pick Dress selections for styles ranging from casual to dressy or check out the complete shopping directory listings for plus-size dresses and special occasion attire.

Has your wedding invitation indicated more formal attire?  Or maybe you are a bridesmaid or the mother of the bride? Check the Elegant Plus Formalwear Directory for more shopping options.

But most importantly……. relax, enjoy the wedding festivities and have fun!  You might think your best accessories are your shoes or jewelry, but in fact it’s your sparkling personality and gorgeous smile!

Popularity: 23% [?]

Down That Aisle in Style!  A Wedding Guide for Full-Figured Women by Chamein Canton

Elegant Plus Magazine is very pleased to announce the publication of the much anticipated bridal guide especially for plus-size women by our wedding columnist, Chamein Canton.  Published through Windriver Publishers in November 2006, this ground-breaking guide  recognizes that most American women today are larger than a size 12, yet most wedding publications focus on the size 6 bride.  

For many reasons the fashion industry has centered itself on the beauty of a minority of women — short and slender — but this is changing. Today women of all shapes and sizes are challenging the world to find them anything but beautiful, and with this confidence comes the desire to make their wedding day — that day of days — the most beautiful of all.

Chamein Canton uses her unique mix of native New York sophistication and a touch of Southern charm (a gift from her mother) combined with her considerable experience in the wedding industry to address the needs of full figured brides around the world. The result is Down that Aisle in Style! – A Wedding Guide for Full Figured Women. Her book focuses on the resources, advice and encouragement (generously mixed with photographs of beautiful full figured women) that will help women around the world plan one of the most important days of their lives — their wedding day.

Inspirational messages used throughout the book have been provided by the following plus size models: Joy Atkinson, BBB Women, Kathleen Bennett, Frances Brincat, Naiesha Brooks, Terreece Clarke, Jasmine Delgado, Valery Foley, Nelle Gilbert, Kelli Herbert, Hansi Holloway, Tonya Jeter, Shanda LaRue, Olga Ramos, Melissa Rios, Lynette Schultz, Stephanie Smith, and Melissa Stamper.

Down That Aisle in Style! is available from Amazon books and many fine booksellers across the USA. Get your copy today!

Popularity: 25% [?]

Finding Inspiration in the Colors of Fall
by Chamein Canton

As summer gives way to fall, I find myself looking forward to the explosion of color autumn brings. Although I am sure quite a few school children would disagree, fall is a time of vibrant renewal, rejuvenation and my favorite time of year.

I’ve always been partial to the fall for its rich colors. Even though it’s a bit off the traditional path I invite you to take advantage of nature’s fall palette for your bridesmaids and dare I say it, the bride.

White is still the most traditional color, however adding a touch of fall mixes things up a bit. I know many of us are familiar with the Pussy Willow and while it’s technically not a fall flower, you do see quite a bit of it in some fall arrangements. If you look closely you’ll see the Pussy Willow has a bit of a silver shimmer, perfect for any sparkling bride. 

Then there array of gold and champagne hues in the many leaves we find on the trees and ground. What about the rich caramel color of your favorite apple pie? Gold and earth tones naturally enhance skin tone. To find the best one for you do the scarf test. In a well lit area (natural light or lit with a regular bulb) drape a scarf or fabric of varying shades around your neck and shoulders. Take care to note how each color makes you look. Some shades will give you a cool reading, while others will add warmth. If you’re not sure what you are, ask a friend to be there for an objective reading. You might be pleasantly surprised at the results.

As for bridesmaids fall offers a number of rich and vibrant colors to choose from. We’ve all seen navy blue and shades of burgundy. How about pumpkin or cranberry? What says autumn better than pumpkins and cranberries? Naturally, I don’t mean to go out and buy safety orange or fire engine red for your bridesmaids, they would never forgive you; or me for that matter. Maybe a chocolate color with a hint of copper would be nice. It’s up to you to explore colors outside the box. Just be a little daring. Just remember they might ask you to be in their wedding one day and bridesmaids never forget.

If you’re a bride to be this fall there is so much to be excited about as you make plans for a future with your special someone. Still I have good news for some of you future brides to be, besides marking the beginning of cooler weather, autumn is also the prelude before the holidays. Most people get engaged during the holidays. So if that isn’t something to be inspired about, I don’t know what is. Happy Fall!

Additional Resources

• Plus-Size Bridal Boutique
• Plus-Size Bridesmaid Dresses
• Recommended Plus Fashion and Style Books

Chamein Canton is the author of the much antipated full-figured wedding guide, You Go Down That Aisle in Style!

Popularity: 10% [?]