Today’s post has been written by Olga from Best for Bride, a Canadian bridal dress chain. Brides often ask her for advice on what to wear for their wedding day, so I asked her to write a blog making some suggestions on what to think about for anyone planning a wedding in Central Park. Here is what she said.
An outdoor wedding is always interesting, with nature forming a beautiful canvas for your wedding décor. Although unconventional, getting married in a venue like a park is very popular these days. Central Park, for instance, is a preferred location for weddings all-year round.
When your venue is outdoors there are more factors to consider when planning your bridal look. Your dress and accessories should be comfortable, while your hair and makeup should be appropriate. Here are some tips from the bridal experts at Best for Bride, Canada’s top bridal destination, to help you plan your wedding day look when the venue is outdoors.
Prioritize function over form when choosing your dress
A heavy wedding gown with a long train is impractical and inconvenient when you will be walking on uneven terrain. Similarly, fitted dress silhouettes will stifle your movement. The apt choice would be a light, airy wedding dress in breathable fabric like chiffon or lace. Avoid styles like the trumpet and mermaid as they can be difficult to move in, while ball gowns are heavy. Instead opt for A-line or sheath styles. Dresses with hemlines at the ankle or above also suit the casual and relaxed vibe of a park wedding.
Wear water-proof makeup and a hairstyle that holds
Use waterproof makeup to look fresh for longer. Also pick a hairstyle that will hold. Don’t forget to pack an emergency touch-up kit to use throughout the day. It should contain hair brushes, compact, lipstick, brushes, blotting paper and Q-tips for quick touch-ups. Quickly refresh your hair and makeup at regular intervals and especially before photo shoots to look great throughout the day.
Pick accessories with care
While high heels are fine for an indoor wedding, they aren’t advisable for an outdoor venue. Instead opt for kitten heels, peep-toes or sandals. You can even try unusual options like sneakers or boots for a statement look. Outdoor weddings are the perfect occasion to experiment with unique accessories like floral crowns and wildflower bouquets. Choose lightweight jewelry to avoid a cluttered look.
Dress according to the weather
Spring and summer are the popular seasons for park weddings. Nevertheless, there are couples who decide to tie the knot outdoors in the cold months. Plan your bridal look according to the weather at the time of your wedding. If it will be windy, add an accessory like a stylish jacket, bolero, cape or shrug to your bridal ensemble. Or choose dresses with sleeves to stay warm. For an autumn or winter wedding, dresses made from thicker fabric like velvet or wool blends are best.
Thanks so much for this Olga, this is all great food for thought. Best for Bride is a Canadian bridal dress chain operating from four locations in the country. They feature an extensive collection of wedding dresses; bridesmaids dress collections and dresses for the rest of the bridal party. For more details on the collections they carry and their services, check out the Best for Bride website here.
For more information on planning your own Central Park wedding, visit our website, or “like” us on Facebook for photos and more inspiring stories.