Lounges and tables offer a modern and chic feel, and can easily be dressed up with flowers.

If you’re a daring, out-of-the-box bride, incorporating black and white elements in your dress is an excellent way to keep all eyes on you!

Striped lanterns are nice for an outdoor weddings or even just as decor accents inside for a reception.

The stripe rug would be a great area rug under the sweetheart table or in the lounge area.

pictures courtesy of elbow chocolates, artoflovebymarielennabcz.com, laura eaton photograhpy, ariations.net, Steve Kemble (B&W candy bar), and Z Gallery

Beach Weddings: There are many venues surrounding the Mediterranean Sea that capture the beauty of the water and the exotic locale. The beaches in Lebanon are breathtaking and stay warm from April until October and even sometimes November.

You can also enjoy a beautiful sunset wedding overlooking Al Rousheh a very historical spot in the beaches of Beirut.

Mountain Weddings: The mountains of Lebanon, like Faraya, boast gorgeous views and venues for a wedding and can be used in both the summer and winter months.

For those who envision a white wedding, the mountains of Lebanon are a gorgeous setting and full of natural beauty.

A Different Take: Other venues include: cathedrals, castles, and the gorgeous homes that portray the history, grandeur, and beauty of Lebanon all at once.

Night Weddings: For the couple who wants something a little more fun or a wedding at night, the city of Beirut boasts multiple venue choices.

A venue speaks volumes about a couples taste and style on their wedding day. For a destination wedding, Lebanon is one of the most historical places you can choose that gives you an abundance of choice when it comes to venues from the mountains with snow to the Mediterranean Sea and even castles!

Indian marriages are known for their opulent and vibrant look but in real there is much more than just the gloss and glamour in an Indian wedding ceremony. In fact, the Indian wedding ceremonies are the most ritualistic and serious affair than any other kind of marriage performed any where else in the world. Most of the religions in India regard marriage as more of  a religious ritual than a social or legal affair like that in west. Indian weddings are a perfect blend of traditions, values and celebrations. In India, marriage is not simply regarded as an event, rather it is considered as a soulful affair of the merger of two souls.

Most of the times, an Indian wedding is associated with the Hindu marriage ceremony but it would be surprising for you to know that apart from Hindu marriages, Indianwedding also canopies in itself seven other religion marriages namely Islam, Sikhism,  Zoroastrianism, Jewish, Buddhism, Jain and Christianity. An Indian wedding may   also vary in accordance with the region and community rituals and traditions. Though different kinds of Indian marriages may have different kinds of rituals and traditions, one thing that remains common in all of them is the beautiful display of love, concern, commitment, and emotion.

Picture courtesy of: Jaime Thing 

Zuhair Murad is the epitome of Middle Eastern glamor, fashion and design. This Lebanese breakthrough in the International fashion scene has lead Murad to become an icon to his peers and audiences from around the world. His unique creations that define oriental essence and beauty have made their way towards all the major podiums, boutiques, and personalities.

Since debuting his collections in Paris, he has consistently enhanced techniques. The shape and form of his silhouettes can now be compared to those of other well renowned couturiers. It is so evident in watching the beautiful and dazzling silhouettes as they descend the runway. Thanks to his talent for synthesizing the rich colors of his native homeland with the elegance of European women, even bigger things are to be expected of the rising couturier star.

The international media has declared him as ‘the star rocketing designer’ and ‘one of the most promising young designers for the new era’ due to his unique style and creativity which ensure his ongoing successful career. Furthermore during his widely acclaimed ‘Free Spirit’ show in Paris he was conveyed as ‘Tomorrow’s Star’ by reputed leaders in the business.

For more information on designer Zuhair Murad and his amazing Couture Bridal & Evening Collections please visit WWW.ZUHAIRMURAD.COM

The Trend

Western wedding gowns have made a thumping entry into the bridal trousseau in India. These days, the more progressive brides are opting for the sophisticated and chic look over the traditional outfit. Apart from helping them look suave, the gowns also allow them to be different than the others (since lehengas still rule the roost in India, as far as weddings are concerned). However, the adaptation of the western gown is still not total. It is not worn during the wedding rituals; rather the brides choose to wear a gown during the cocktail party or the reception, a part of the pre and post-wedding functions.

Traditional Lehengas Wedding Attire

The Colors

In India, white is considered as an inauspicious color, mainly because it is worn during mourning. Apart from this color, any other shade might be considered for a wedding gown. However, you will see most of the Indian brides going for bright colors, like red, maroon, pink, yellow, silver, golden, green, etc, for their wedding gown. Then, there is the all-time favorite black color, which is the popular choice for the pre-wedding cocktail party. Many of the gowns also have elaborate designs and patterns embroidered on them. Top it off with Swarovski crystals and you have a winner!

The Fabrics

One of the most popular fabrics that Indian brides go for, while choosing their wedding gown, comprises of satin. The bright sheen, smooth feel and flowing look that it offers is what woos most of the brides. Then, there is the option of net and chiffon, both of which are flowing fabrics and surely make a bride look like a princess. You can also go for silk and organza, especially if you are too slim, since both the fabrics will be able to add some weight to your lean structure. The other options for wedding gown fabrics include lace, brocade, taffeta, jacquard, crepe and even silk dupioni.

Traditional Sari Attire

Courtesy of iloveindia.com

We are so excited to introduce our lovely couple Zeina and Mauth who will be celebrating their big engagement party at the US Grant the end of the month and will have their extravagant wedding next spring in Jordan…We are happy to share some of their pictures from Kristina Chartier Photography

Here are a few samples of the amazing gowns brides from Lebanon are wearing down the isle or will change into as they make their debut as “Mrs. So and So” and become ready to dance the night away with her groom!

I have to thank the Ethnic Brides for giving me such an incredible insight to such festive expressions of bridal fashion.  I specifically love the intricate bead-work and embroidery combined with exquisite fabrics and classy femininity!!

I hope you where inspired to do something more out of the ordinary and maybe you too will change into something more colorful for your very own celebration!!

Leading designers like Ziad Nakad, Zeina Mrad Haute Couture, Gina K, and Adlene Azar are some of the geniuses behind these fashion forward sensations.  They create the gowns of luxurious fabrics and hand stitch all the finishing details. All in all each piece is unique and unlike many of the bridal gowns seen before!