The search for the perfect design

Alhamdulillah, I am now happily engaged to Ahmad Yasir bin Mohd Yusoff :) The event turned out well, and I am thankful that I have great friends and family to help me out at times of need. You people know who you are ;)


Alright, so the nikah date is set for July 17th 2010, which means I have....around 5 months to plan everything. I kind of get into a hyperventilating state when I think about it properly, because it has dawned on me that I haven't planned ANYTHING. The venue has yet to be confirmed, and let's not go into other details. This Saturday, I vow to myself that I will buy a cute notebook and call it my 'wedding organizer'. I will then start bringing it around and scribble down anything wedding- worthy. My plan of action is to scratch out the basic things like venue, caterer, makeup etc first...and then toy with creative ideas later.


In general, I have a vague idea of how I want my nikah to be like..I've been surfing the web for inspiration and I've found that I tend to lean towards vintage-y easy breezy weddings, with a charming feel. I like looking at brides with vintage-looking dresses, messy upswept hair and venues with quirky decorations and special little details. I feel that while most people prefer putting in a lot of effort into the reception, I would love for my nikah to be just as special, if not more - because that's the moment Yasir and I will officially be husband & wife :) And I want to remember that day the most, because I'll be surrounded by my closest friends and family.


Okay, so first things first: my nikah attire. I've been searching high and low for the perfect design for the material I've (or rather, Yasir has) bought for me. It's made of lace netting, with little ruby stones over the white lace. It caught my eye because it looked vintage-inspired, and isn't too bling-bling. I want to stray away from the normal conventional designs there are out there for Malay brides, but still have it simple and definitely not over-the-top. So after extensive searching, this particular design inspired me and definitely shows potential:






Of course, the neckline has to be different for modesty reasons (I'm toying with different types of necklines)...and the sleeves have to be full-length. And I would prefer for the bottom half to not be so stiff, but more flowy. So basically my lace netting material would be at the top half while I keep the lower half plain... something like the bottom half of this dress:






I like how it's slinky and flowy at the same time. It looks slightly too clingy for a nikah, so it will definitely be less form-fitting. I've got different ideas for the waistband too...either to keep it simple like in the first picture, or have it slightly wider and ruched with the small white buttons which i love so much on bridal gowns - they also contribute to the vintage feel.


I have another design in mind, which I can't seem to find online..but it's basically a one-piece as well, where the lace will be used throughout, fitted long sleeves and a boatneck neckline. To give you guys a sort-of picture, take this image.....






....imagine it with a boatneck, long sleeves and with a slightly more fitting skirt and longer (?). If I'm feeling experimental, then a little ruching at the waist. Another picture to give you a better idea of what I'm talking about:



The silhouette of this dress is just about right, except the neckline and a less fuller skirt. Nevermind that Courtney Coz looks like she is in dire need of a hamburger or two, I think this dress is classy and timeless :) Imagine it with full lace and a boatneck you kinda get the picture of the design I have in mind.



As for my veil, I saw this image online and it caught my attention :

I love love love this. Of course mine will be less see-through, but I MUST HAVE THE LACE. Will search high and low for something which comes remotely close to it. But basically, my veil will be trimmed with lace, by hook or by crook of course.

There you have it. I'm a bit more relieved now that I have a slight idea of where my nikah attire is heading. These designs look hassle-free too, which will enable me to move around and have fun. Stay tuned for more wedding ideas (if you can stomach them! ha ha)

sloppy kisses!

xoxoxo