Egypt, Elsewedy review progress on Ain Sokhna phosphate complex    US employment cost index 3.6% up in year to June 2025    Egypt welcomes Canada, Malta's decision to recognise Palestinian state    Pakistan says successfully concluded 'landmark trade deal' with US    Sterling set for sharpest monthly drop since 2022    Egypt, Brazil sign deal to boost pharmaceutical cooperation    Modon Holding posts AED 2.1bn net profit in H1 2025    Egypt's Electricity Ministry says new power cable for Giza area operational    Egypt's Al-Sisi, Italian defence minister discuss Gaza, security cooperation    Egypt's FM discusses Gaza, Nile dam with US senators    Aid airdrops intensify as famine deepens in Gaza amid mounting international criticism    Egypt exports first high-tech potato seeds to Uzbekistan after opening market    Health minister showcases AI's impact on healthcare at Huawei Cloud Summit    On anti-trafficking day, Egypt's PM calls fight a 'moral and humanitarian duty'    Egypt strengthens healthcare partnerships to enhance maternity, multiple sclerosis, and stroke care    Egypt keeps Gaza aid flowing, total tops 533,000 tons: minister    Indian Embassy to launch cultural festival in Assiut, film fest in Cairo    Egyptian aid convoy heads toward Gaza as humanitarian crisis deepens    Culture minister launches national plan to revive film industry, modernise cinematic assets    I won't trade my identity to please market: Douzi    Sisi sends letter to Nigerian president affirming strategic ties    Two militants killed in foiled plot to revive 'Hasm' operations: Interior ministry    Egypt, Somalia discuss closer environmental cooperation    Egypt's EHA, Huawei discuss enhanced digital health    Foreign, housing ministers discuss Egypt's role in African development push    Egypt reveals heritage e-training portal    Three ancient rock-cut tombs discovered in Aswan    Sisi launches new support initiative for families of war, terrorism victims    Egypt expands e-ticketing to 110 heritage sites, adds self-service kiosks at Saqqara    Egypt's Irrigation Minister urges scientific cooperation to tackle water scarcity    Palm Hills Squash Open debuts with 48 international stars, $250,000 prize pool    On Sport to broadcast Pan Arab Golf Championship for Juniors and Ladies in Egypt    Golf Festival in Cairo to mark Arab Golf Federation's 50th anniversary    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Paris Olympic gold '24 medals hit record value    A minute of silence for Egyptian sports    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Belle of the ball
Published in Daily News Egypt on 01 - 07 - 2006

The bridal gown, though central, is only part of the overall look
CAIRO: For all members of the wedding party, what to wear for the "big day preys heavily on their mind. The bride, however, is under an unfair amount of the pressure; she needs her groom and bridesmaids to compliment her look for maximum impact.
The Bride
The style of the bride's dress often sets the ambiance of the wedding. Do you choose a magical gown of white tulle, organza and lace for that fairytale wedding? Or do you opt for simple, elegant tailoring for a more classical wedding? Needless to say, making a choice is a daunting task.
Lamia Khalifa of LUCA Bridal and Evening Wear in Heliopolis, offers brides-to-be advice on seeking out the perfect wedding dress. When making a choice, follow your instincts. "You should always trust your own opinion over anyone else's. It's your day.
The choices seem infinite. There are countless styles, fabrics and, surprisingly, seemingly endless shades of white, off-white and champagne. Khalifa recommends the "timeless look.
"The trend that I am seeing among the more elite designers is a tendency to more classic, sleek look, she explains. "The dresses are elegant, more tailored and with a lot of attention to detail and craftsmanship. In Europe, there is less beading. Stones are very much in. Dresses are embellished with aqiq [semi precious stones] and even turquoise stones threaded on with silver and gold wires.
Lace is always a classic choice, and doesn't necessarily have to look traditional. The guru of wedding dress designers, Vera Wang embellishes the skirt of the gown with a subtle layer of lace.
Khalifa suggests that before you even enter a bridal store, or talk to a tailor, study your existing wardrobe carefully to get an understanding of what styles flatter you and make you feel most comfortable. Then browse through the Internet for ideas and see what styles capture your imagination. She prefers Web sites to expensive magazines, and suggests that you can always use the money you save to pamper yourself with a stress relieving massage instead.
Make your first round of visits alone. Keep an open mind. Try on as many dresses, styles and trends as you can then shortlist just a few.
On your second visit take your mother, or someone you trust equally. Avoid taking a group of friends who will only offer, though well-intended, conflicting opinions. But before you go, Khalifa suggests you make a trip to the hairdresser and maybe get a manicure. After all, no dress will look good on you if you're disheveled after a stint with the workers at the apartment you and your fiancé are preparing, she notes. Also, take a pair of proper, heeled shoes, a hair clip to try different hairdos and some classic accessories to get a clearer idea of what the final look will be.
Searching for that wedding dress is an experience you will always remember, so try to enjoy it. Above all, Khalifa warns, "Never go when you are in a bad mood.
The Groom
Whereas men have a relatively simpler ordeal to go through when choosing their wedding attire, there are a few tips they can follow to ensure that they complement their bride's style.
The groom will have a very difficult time finding a tie to match the exact shade of the bride's gown. By taking a swatch from the gown, he can find a tie that best matches the undertones of the dress. His best bet is to find a tie that is ecru, taupe or even light gray. A more creative approach would be to tailor the groom's tie and handkerchief from the same material as the wedding dress - of course that would ultimately depend on the material.
For the groom's boutonniere, choose a sprig that echoes the bride's flower bouquet or centerpieces in order to maintain the overall effect.
Always a bridesmaid
Today, bridesmaids' dresses have steered away from frou frou ribbons and bows to make way for the simpler, sleeker silhouettes. The latest trend in colors closely resembles those of elegant cocktail dresses found at women s ready-to-wear retailers.
The biggest change from standard bridesmaid offerings is the fabrics. A lot of people got caught up in fancy fabrics, but that can be the killer that makes something difficult to wear again. An easier-to-wear fabric gives more places for the dress to go, says Jenna Lyons Mazeau, senior vice president of women s design at J.Crew, in an interview with the Associated Press.
Another trend in bridal-party fashion is coordinated but not matching outfits. Bridesmaids can choose the styles that look best on them, and then have them in the same fabric and color as everyone else.
The group photo
The key is to find a look that is sophisticated, fashionable but timeless. Though the wedding itself will only last a few hours, the photo will last forever.


Clic here to read the story from its source.