Beach Wedding Dress Designers

Olaoluwa Olowu

Every bride dreams of the perfect wedding ceremony. From the dress to the ring, every aspect of the day is expected to be a fantasy come true.

However, the most important part of a wedding – although often underrated – is the location.

For some brides,  the perfect wedding must be in a grand hall with dazzling chandeliers while for others, a quiet wedding in the backyard of their family homes or garden is perfect. Whatever your preference, the location could determine the type of dress.

That being said, keep in mind that whichever place you want your wedding to take place, your wedding dress should be complementary to the location. The location doesn't only influence the dress but also the decoration and the theme.

So if you're planning to have a beach wedding, you sure wouldn’t want an over-the-top wedding dress because it could easily get destroyed by the water and sand.

Not that alone, you also don’t want a dress that won't let you move around freely, after all, you are on the beach!

The good thing is we took the trouble to help you find some gorgeous wedding dresses that are perfect for a beach wedding. Trust they are the ones that scream 'beauty in simplicity'.

Good fabric, a beautiful design and the perfect designer will ensure that your wedding dress will be just as perfect as the ceremony itself.

To serve as guidelines and inspiration, we've highlighted some of the best beach wedding dress designers below.

Elizabeth Fillmore bridal

Elizabeth Fillmore was drawn to the magical aspect of wedding dresses after spending several years designing evening dresses. The Elizabeth Fillmore bridal collection was launched in 1999 as an extension of her evening line.

New York-based Elizabeth Fillmore is known for the whimsical touches in her modern designs. Her designs are a beautiful balance of sophistication, feminity and a touch of the Bohemian style.

There is an overall lightness to her wedding dresses with graceful draping accents that just makes them the perfect dress for a beach wedding.

Stella York

Wedding dresses by designer Stella York are characterized by fun, flirty and fabulous silhouettes. Womanly details like falling tulle, romantic lace and shimmering beading are thoughtfully designed into each and every dress.

Stella York wedding dresses are more than just a designer label. They are a perfect complement to the bride's style and attitude. Browse through the Sarah York bridal collection and find the perfect wedding for your beautiful beach wedding.

Essense of Australia

Find the way key to allure with beautiful lace, stylish contours, and textured tulle wedding gowns from the Essense of Australia designer wedding dress collection.

From plus-size wedding gowns to mermaid moments, each dress from the bridal collection is unique and gorgeous.

Wedding dresses by Essence of Australia create a superior fit which shapes a bride's true beauty while allowing you sink your feet in the beautiful sand without worrying about hard-to-remove stains after your beach wedding.

Martina Liana

The Martina Liana wedding gown collection has grown from the celebrated mind of Chief Creative Officer, Martine Harris, and every cut,  embellishment and consideration of a Martina Liana design is made with one idea in mind.

This is seen in the way the luxurious fabrics flow. When you select a Martina Liana wedding dress for your beach wedding, you wear more than just a wedding dress. You make a statement.

References: 

Glamour:

https://www.glamour.com/gallery/36-of-the-dreamiest-beach-friendly-wedding-dresses

Essence Designs:

https://www.essensedesigns.com/blog/10-best-wedding-dresses-beach-wedding/

Resources: 

Bridal guide:

https://www.bridalguide.com/fashion/wedding-dress-shopping-guide/beach-wedding-dresses

Destination wedding mag:

https://www.destinationweddingmag.com/wedding-dresses

Traditional wedding trends in Nigeria

Olaoluwa Olowu

A Nigerian wedding party can never be mistaken with any other because when we party, we go big all the way.

A wedding ceremony is often a public display of marriage vows but here in Nigeria it goes beyond the vows.

Traditional wedding in Nigeria is a ceremony done indigenously to signify the joining of the bride and groom as well as the acceptance of the union by their parents and family members. 

All traditional Nigerian weddings are characterized by a large wedding reception where the crowd from the wedding ceremony increases.

Other than the large crowd, there are other trends that are peculiar to Nigerian weddings. 

We have put together a list of traditional wedding trends in Nigeria.

1.    ASO OKE

This is a traditionally hand woven thick cloth made from cotton yards and wild silk of different colors. It is worn by the bride and groom at the traditional wedding and may be used as the material for the bride's head gear.

For the bride's garment it usually consists of four parts; The blouse, the wrap around, the head tie and the shoulder sash. 

This even gets better, it comes in rich, vibrant colors with perforated patterns that create beautiful designs.

2.   HEAD GEAR "GÉLÉ" 

It is an important part of the bride's traditional attire. It is made from different materials and may correlate with the color scheme of the bride's outfit. It is tied on the bride's head and comes in different shapes and designs.

In recent times, there have been altercations to the traditional methods of gélé tying. Modern styles and techniques have been introduced to this antique essential of traditional weddings in Nigeria. 

3.   TRADITIONAL BEADS

These are peculiar to each ethnic group in Nigeria. The different groups have their own styles and colors in which their traditional wedding beads are made. 

They are worn by the couple on their hands, necks, feet and sometimes on their heads. They add the final touch to the outfit if the couple. 

Occasionally, the parents of the couple also put on beads. 

4.   ASO EBI

This is a timeless and invaluable trend in Nigerian traditional weddings. It is a uniform attire worn primarily by the couple's family and close friends. It is also made available to interested guests and is expected to be worn at the ceremony and reception. 

'Aso ebi' ranges through all kinds of materials. The material is for the 'Aso Ebi' is usually selected by the female relatives of the couple. The design-styles are usually decided individually or by a group of friends or relatives. Modern styles have been incorporated into Aso Ebi designs.

5.   COLOR SCHEME 

Every traditional wedding ceremony in Nigeria has a color scheme. The decorations and outfits reflect these colors and guests who did not get 'Aso Ebi' are inclined to dress according to the color scheme of the day. The couple may be dressed in colors that are not a part of the color scheme but no matter what they must stand out and look glamorous- after all, it is THEIR day.

6.   ENGAGEMENT LIST 

This is a list consisting of a wide range of items that the groom is expected to bring to the traditional wedding. It is compiled by the bride's family members-mostly male and it is given to the bride after the introduction (if there was an introduction before the engagement).

The items are expected to help ease the bride into the transition from daughter to wife. Some items on the list have traditional and religious significance like kolanut for long life and strength. 

7.   PRE-WEDDING SHOOTS

These are an important trend for traditional weddings in Nigeria. They are photoshoots that are done weeks or months before the wedding day and the pictures are usually used for invitation cards and souvenirs. Pictures from the pre-wedding photoshoots are also used for the wedding photo album.

References: 
Wedding Feferity:

http://www.weddingfeferity.com/tag/traditional-wedding-resources/

The Guardian:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/26/perfect-nigerian-wedding-lagos-top-tips

Resources: 
Pinterest : 

https://www.pinterest.com/nigerianwedding/nigerian-wedding-trends-monotone-aso-oke/

Jiji:

https://blog.jiji.ng/2017/04/nigerian-wedding-beads-traditional-oldies-new-trends/

My Perfect Wedding Games

Olaoluwa Olowu

 Hey there beautiful bride-to-be! We are certain your reception plans are well underway; menu, setting, decor, you definitely have those handled.

You most likely have an excellent band or DJ to provide entertainment alongside a professional master of ceremony, but how about including something different- Wedding reception games!

Playing games at your wedding reception is sure to make your wedding non-forgettable. Your guests participate  in the games and this is sure to amp the fun and act as ice breakers for those who are strangers.

You can play them shortly after your guests have eaten or after your toasts have been raised. 

Interestingly, the game choices are vast depending on the theme of your wedding, guest list and personal preference.

Whether you're having an indoor or outdoor reception, these games will provide harmless fun for you and your guests.

      

1. Tic tac toe 

This is one of the best games for your indoor wedding reception. You can divide your guests into two halves and set up a large tic tac toe board with one half representing 'x' and the other representing 'o' and whichever team wins gets bragging rights.

Plus, an alternative way to play this game at your reception is to give out tic tac toe boards on each table and the winner of the table faces off with the winner of another table – like a mini competition and the last two winners standing play against the couple.

This is a great game to ease the tension among strangers in the reception. 

2. Sack race 

Perfect for an outdoor wedding, this game is sure to make your reception memorable one.

Get your groomsmen and groom into sacks and make them race across the yard or sand depending on your location. This is definitely going to entertain your guests.

Also, make sure your wedding photographer captures their expressions as they all try to win. 

3. Shoe game 

This game is meant to entertain your guests only – you and your groom are the players.

The couple sits backing each other in the center of the room and hold  one leg of each other's shoes. Guests ask some questions about their relationship and plans for married life ranging from cute questions like "who noticed the other first?" to hilarious questions like "who sleeps on the right side of the bed?" and of course, cringeworthy questions like "who leaves the toilet seat up?".

The couple answers by raising the corresponding shoe. 

4. Group shoe game 

You can get your guests, bridesmaids and groomsmen to participate in the shoe game described above. But as opposed to holding up shoes (because there are only two pairs) you can get "bride" and "groom" signs for them to hold up when answering the questions. 

5. Crossword puzzles 

You can have this game for your indoor or outdoor reception.

Create a large crossword board with wedding themed names and you can include names of your guests. You can set up your guests into teams or simply make it open participation for interested guests.

Anyone or team that finds the most words gets a prize.

This is a definite ice breaker and conversation starter.

6. Booklets to fill in.

This is really no playing to this but it is equally entertaining and informative.

Place little booklets on each table for everyone- each of your guests must have a booklet and inside it ask them funny questions about you and your spouse or ask for advice about married life and other helpful information.

To make it more entertaining, read out the funny comments and advice. Remember to keep your guests anonymous while reading. 

7. I spy

This is a classic game that is bound to entertain you and your guests.

You can have the master of ceremony call out the spy items and watch as your guests get into a frenzy to identify the items.

Alternatively you can hand out lists for interested participants and give them disposable cameras to capture their findings, pictures from the game can be printed and pasted on a large photo board.

This is going to make your wedding a fond memory for your guests. 

8. Scrabble 

Get a custom made scrabble board and Tiles with the original design and letters.

This is a perfect game for an outdoor wedding. It is perfect as an ice breaker if you have a large wedding where your guests are likely to be strangers to each other.

It is also great to use for bonding time among your family and friends if you have a small guest list.  

9.  Spin the wheel

Following the standard rules of spinning the wheel, you can make the items related to your wedding theme or have hilarious prices and tasks placed on the wheel.

This is a great game to play if your guest list includes children and teenagers, so you can have innocent fun while getting entertained. 

10. Chess

Chess is a classic game and it's sure to be a hit among the young and old guests at your reception.

You can make it a mini competition between the guests if you're having an indoor wedding or you could make a large chess board for your outdoor reception.

Above all, give your guests a good laugh and make your wedding a memorable one with these wedding reception games that are sure to put the finishing touch to your perfect wedding. 

References:
Ever After Guide:

https://www.everafterguide.net/wedding-reception-games.html

Inked Weddings:

Http://www.inkedweddings.com/10-wedding-reception-game-ideas-that-your-guests-will-love/

Resources: 
Martha Steward Weddings:

https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/312721/good-things-guests

Apartment Therapy:

Http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/wedding-games-ice-breakers-kissmakers-and-more-wedding-inspiration-191110