Top Five Couture Gowns for Mother of the Bride/Groom from Andrea’s Fashions

At BHL, we are in love with brides and their weddings, and can you blame us? When viewing gorgeous images of all the pretty details of their weddings, it has us obsessed.  However, today we are doing a special post. With Mother’s day around the corner, we are taking a moment to view some super gorgeous gowns for the mothers of brides/grooms. We thought that bridal gowns were stunning, and then when we took a look at the gowns that moms can wear, and we fell in love! Moms can also feel and look amazing on their son or daughter’s wedding day too, (not too steal the spotlight for too long though!).  However, mothers are special, and we think they should feel fabulous too. We are in love with a fabulous salon , Andrea’s Fashions  which is located in Beverly Hills, and Orange County, California. This salon does not disappoint. With their jaw dropping gorgeous couture gowns for the moms of the wedding, they offer something for any style. Without further adieu, lets take a peek at the five top stylish and trendy gowns for the mothers. Each unique and made for a mom out there! Moms, this one is for you, so go ahead and spoil yourself. You deserve it!

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  • Organza hand pleated bustier 4 ply silk mermaid skirt. Ice Blue and Charcoal Color. We love this gown! It is simple, yet very sophisticated and chic at the same time.  Look at that belt! Oh my goodness.

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  • Navy Lave dress with a silver organza underlay. Layers of Tulle skirt. This is showstopper for sure! You can almost see all the heads turn for this one. The details are impeccable!

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  • Heavy White gazar dress with black chantilly lace applique. They say the bride is the only one that can wear white, and yes that is true. However, this gown is perfect for the wedding where the bride wants the wedding party and close family to wear white on her wedding day. Remember Kim Kardashians wedding?

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  • Beaded Tulle over print underlay for depth and detail. Obsessed with this super gorgeous gown! It is so romantic and lovely.

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  • Lace and tafetta dress Bustier with fit flare share. Drop torso gown.  We love how this gown is short, and a super sexy. Moms can feel and look sexy, while looking classy. Seriously love this one!

 

Visit Andrea’s Fashions  and see all the amazing gowns they have to offer.

 

Happy Mother’s Day!!

 

Photography by Whatabetty Photography  and Forever Long Photography

Five Tips on Who to Bring to the Bridal Appointment

Selecting your bridal gown is one of the key elements in your whole wedding. In fact, most decorations and themes are centered around the wedding gown itself! So it is important to choose the right one. This decision is so important, that people often want to bring their whole family to help them select one. But with these five tips, you’ll be better equipped to choose the select few to witness your gown selection process.

1. Yourself: This tip of bringing yourself may sound redundant, but it has a point. Remember that your gown choice is ultimately your own and not everyone else’s. Even though you would like to please everyone, it will be impossible to do so. With that being said, bring pictures of gowns you like to the appointment to ensure that you get to try on what you want to try on. Bring an open mind, and resolve in yourself to stand your ground if you end up finding a gown that doesn’t meet everyone’s approval. Bring yourself, your opinion, your likes, and your voice. Remember that you are the most important one on this special day, so don’t let anyone deter you from your vision.

2. Mom: For most girls, it is important for them to bring their mothers along when they try on dresses. It is a very special bonding moment, and you want to be able to share that with her. If you are unable to bring your mom, then bring the closest person to her; the motherly figure that you have in your life. She will greatly appreciate you wanting her to be a part of the occasion, and it will strengthen your relationship.

3. The Buyer: Often times, a good family friend, great aunt, or someone else will offer to purchase the dress for you or to contribute to the overall cost. It is courteous to invite the person who is going to pay for your gown along to your bridal appointment. It will help them to feel a part of the process, and feel more confident in contributing financially.

4. Friend: Shopping in general is always a lot of fun with your girlfriends, and trying on wedding dresses should be the most fun of all. Bring your best friend to the appointment, as she will be honest with you while still having your best interests at heart. Often times your best friend is your maid of honor, so you are still incorporating someone from the bridal party.

5. Limits: Trying on dresses is one of the things that most girls look forward to, and they want to make sure that they enjoy that experience. The bridal appointment can be really fun, as a long as you set limits. Do not feel obligated to invite your whole bridal party, or all of your cousins. Trying on dresses should be an intimate occasion with you and the few people that matter most. Less people will allow for less overwhelming opinions, and the focus will be on you and not on pleasing everyone. You want to walk down the aisle and surprise everyone in attendance, so don’t give too many people the full sneak peek.

Top Three Tips for Shopping for a Bridesmaid Dress

After you’ve bought your bridal gown, the very next step is to look for the bridesmaid dresses to complete your bridal party look. Following these three tips will help make your shopping experience easier for you and all of your bridesmaids.

1. STYLE: When you go into a bridal boutique, ask what the popular dress styles are. Consultants can help you find a dress that flatters a range of body types since bridesmaids always vary in sizes. Chiffon is usually the ideal fabric for a bridesmaid dress, as it flows nicely and gives a soft look. You also want the dress to compliment your gown in minute details. If you have a strapless sweetheart top, then match their dresses with the same neckline. If your gown has lace on it, then pick their dresses with a sheer lace top, or one that has subtle lace appliqués. These little details and tie-ins will make the look flow smoothly together.

2. COLOR: Color options for dresses were originally limited to the bridesmaids. Nowadays, brides too can wear different color gowns such as white, ivory, blush, light gold, alabaster, and so on. With that being said, the color choices for bridesmaids can be difficult. Wait to pick your colors after you’ve bought your dress, so that you can match them accordingly. Also keep in mind that every manufacturer has their own names and shades for their colors. When looking at dresses, ask your consultant for the appropriate color swatches, and ask if they apply to all of the sample dresses. Certain manufacturers only make a few dresses in a certain color or fabric, so it is good to be aware. They will usually change the fabric for an additional fee, so be sure to ask your consultant what your options are so that there aren’t any surprises at checkout.

3. TIME: Believe it or not, bridesmaids dresses may take as long to come in (and sometimes longer) than your wedding dress. Most manufacturers take three to four months to get dresses sent out, but they will also accommodate quick weddings for additional rush fees. It is important to start looking at bridesmaid dresses right after you buy your gown to insure everything will come in on time. You want to avoid rush fees if possible, and you want to allow ample time for your girls to receive alterations if needed. Keep in mind too that most bridal salons won’t place your order until all of your bridesmaids have paid and gotten measured. Be sure that all of your girls are aware of the stores policies to avoid fees or additional stressors.

Five Trending Bridal Shower Looks for Summer

Hey gorgeous gals! Summer has officially kicked off, so it’s time to ditch the leggings and enjoy the sunshine in style. Summer bridal showers are a perfect platform to flaunt fun summer style, and this is your guide for what’s trending right now.

Look #1: Flowy and Free

 

 

The layered maxi skirt has been on the rise lately, and so has this gorgeous mermaid turquoise shade. To work this trend, I suggest pairing with a button up sleeveless blouse. A white top with an embellished collar dresses up a basic, making it a versatile piece in your wardrobe. Plus it is completely functional and comfy in the summer time! Pair it all with a detailed bun and flattering studs to create a look that is polished and still very trendy. If you’re heading to a bridal shower at a restaurant or even somewhere a little more adventurous, this look will be perfect.

Look #2: Down to Earth

 

For a look that is trendy with an earthy flair, keep an eye out for pretty braided accessories and lacy layered dresses. A simple belt at the high waistline is quite flattering around a tummy. Pair with a tailored blazer in a hot summer color, like orange. Just make sure to balance it out with nude heels so the color doesn’t clash with anything else.  If your bridal shower is at a home or is a family based event, this warm look is perfect.

Look #3: Classic Romantic

 

 

That Tiffany’s blue is always going to be perfect for any event bridal-related, hands down. This look particularly is polished and appropriate for any bridal shower. The modest neck line and the boxy cut of the dress hugs curves in the right places without being too tight or inappropriate. Pair with similarly toned creamy heels and a delicate hairpiece for a look that says ‘classic romance’ meets cute and trendy. To give the look a little more personal flair, pair it with a hot clutch. Knuckle rings have been popping up lately, and this clutch is a very flirty way to work that trend.

Look #4: Bohemian Beauty

 

This beautiful deep periwinkle tone is showing up everywhere and will be one of the hottest shades this season. The flattering shade will pull a summer glow out of any skin tone, creating an instant sun-kissed look. I’ve been loving this shade paired with warm browns to balance out the powerful periwinkle. For more casual bridal showers, a brown gladiator flat is both trendy and functional. For hair, I would suggest leaving your hair in loose waves either half up, or with a braided detail. This look is all about something beautiful with details that make it all the more personal.

Look #5: Retro Romantics

 

If you’re heading to a bridal shower that may be a bit more formal (at a country club, etc.), a look along these lines may be perfect for you. The peplum skirt is a trend that has been really taking off this season, and its’shape is both trendy and demure. I love this creamy pink, particularly paired with a lacy peeptoe heel. This look is all very feminine and romantic, but is updated with vintage accessories. The cat eye sunglasses fit seamlessly with the outfit while updating it to have a unique retro-inspired look. Vintage pieces and retro styles have been going strong, and because they are a proven classic any pieces will be instant staples of your wardrobe all year long.

 

Bridesmaid Dresses That Work

The Bridesmaid dress.

If you have been a bridesmaid, you may have had these questions:

What color will the dress be? Will I look pretty? Will I feel comfortable? Will the dress flatter my body?

These questions may cause emotions and bring a total downer to the bridesmaid experience! Bridesmaids should feel happy and comfortable as any other girl attending the wedding. Some brides will choose the dress  without considering how the bridesmaid will feel and look in it. Other brides will choose a dress which best fits each of their bridesmaids. I have had the pleasure to work with this type of bride, check them out below!

Ashely with her bridesmaids on her wedding day at a beautiful golf course in sunny San Diego, CA.   I love the fuchsia color! These dresses look fabulous on these bridesmaids. The color, and style makes these girls look stunning!

Photo by Chay Photo

Melissa and her groom together with their wedding party at a gorgeous villa in Los Angeles, CA.  The black bridesmaid dresses pair perfectly with the classic and chic wedding theme. I absolutely love these dresses! The bridesmaids not only look chic and sophisticated  but comfortable at the same time. Let me tell you, they danced the night away in those dresses! 

Pamela and the groom together with their wedding party at the fabulous Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach, CA.  The plum color one shoulder dress is absolutely gorgeous! The dress makes each of the girls look even more beautiful.

Photo by Zaven