Many brides find that afternoon, rather than evening, weddings work better for them, especially when trying to co-ordinate a church ceremony with a preferred reception site. Many brides find afternoon weddings are cheaper, too. The problem is that afternoon weddings are different from evening weddings; here's some things to consider:

Especially in the summer, weather plays an important factor for your wedding. Outdoor weddings are fun, but too much sun can put a damper on the celebration. Make sure you choose a venue that offers plenty of shade, or you make arrangements for shade with tents, umbrellas, fans, etc.

Alcohol

For early afternoon weddings consider dropping the booze. For a number of reasons, alcohol can be a potential problem. First, there'll be a lot more drinking because of the heat. (That means more drunks with which to deal!) Secondly, alcohol dehydrates! (In the heat people need hydration!) Thirdly, people are driving away from your wedding intoxicated. With liability laws these days the last thing you want to do is start your married life in litigation with an injured guest.

BRIDEMAID'S TIPS

1. Never outshine the bride.

2. If all the bridesmaids will be wearing the same color, keep the silhouettes similar but with slight variations, such as a halter top for one woman; a spaghetti strap for another and a tank for the third.

3. Avoid extreme cleavage, no matter what time the wedding takes place.

4. Remember that metallic silver or taupe fabric shoes will match just about any color bridesmaid dress.

5. Expect to pay for your bridesmaid dress, accessories and any alterations.

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE TIPS

1. Ivory or white for the mother was once forbidden, but no longer. As long as the bride is in agreement, mothers can wear any color at all, including black.

2. Covering the arms is always an issue. A crisp organza jacket is an alternative to the familiar chiffon duster.

3. A trumpet skirt that flares from the knees down is one of the more flattering silhouettes for an evening wedding.

4. Don't wear a fresh flower corsage on your wrist; pin it to your handbag instead.

5. Avoid off-white hose; try to match your nylons to the color of your arms instead.

BRIDES'S FASHION TIPS

1. Don't be afraid of color. Ice blue, pale gold and warm beiges are becoming increasingly popular for bridal dresses.

2. Have fun with your accessories; try multiple strands of stones around your neck or arms.

3. You can't go wrong with a silk organza or silk chiffon wrap - sheer for daytime weddings; embellished for evening.

4. Veils are still a traditional choice for many brides. The newest kinds come with a raw edge for simplicity or are cut on the bias for a less poufy look. For an evening wedding, consider adding crystal appliques for extra sparkle.

5. The trend in wedding shoes is moving from closed-toe pumps to strappy sandals, especially for evening affairs.

Source: sfgate.com
 

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