Colorful Creations

Don't forget to check out the shoe line we carry- Colorful Creations. They have some great stuff, and some of their shoes are dyeable.

http://colorfulcreations.com/

Chiffon: The Fabric of 2011?

Chiffon, like most fabrics, has been around since forever. A really new fabric doesn't come along very often. New variants, yes.
And for a while, chiffon was not very popular. It has its downsides- if you snag it, there's not a lot you can do, and because it has a matte finish certain colors just don't work very well. If you're looking for really deep, saturated color, chiffon tends to be softer and lighter most of the time.

But, that said, there are more reasons why it's become so popular. As wedding gowns with ruffles and soft textured details have become all the rage, chiffon has grown in popularity because it's such a great complement to this type of gown as well as many others. Soft, romantic, and with just some simple draping you can have an elegant bridesmaids dress that is simple but not plain. Also, it's light and often more comfortable to wear than a stiff satin or taffeta. It's not the "typical bridesmaids" fabric.

So, for Spring 2011 there will be other fabrics and styles out there of course, but chiffon styles will dominate. For now...

Bridesmaids Questionnaire

After the wedding gown, bridesmaids are the most important clothing choice you'll make for your big day. I suggest taking some time to think things over before you go out shopping, and if you have a large party don't take everyone shopping the first time out. Take one or two bridesmaids with different body types to help you explore the options. Here are some things to ask yourself before and during shopping:

1)Do you prefer to have all your bridesmaids in the same style, or do you prefer the look of different dresses? This is one of the first things you'll want to decide as it will dramatically impact your shopping process. If you want different styles, you'll need to find a line that has a variety of styles that you like in the same color and fabric.

2)How much are you and your maids willing to spend on the dresses? Discuss price range before you start shopping, so that if there are any issues you know and can work out a plan (Example: One bridesmaid can't afford the full price of a dress until she gets her Xmas bonus, you agree to cover the difference for now and she'll pay you back later.)

3)What colors would work well with both the look of your wedding and the various skin tones in your wedding party? Having a color or colors in mind is a good idea, but having a very specific color in mind could drastically limit your choices. Color availability varies by designer, and by fabric within designer, so some dresses will have a lot of options, and other will be more limited.

4) How will the dresses look next to your dress? Do you want them to have a similar look and style, or do you want them to contrast with your dress?

5) What are the things you care most about having in a bridesmaids dress, and what are you flexible on? Make a list of what the top priorities are, and stick to it. It will help you narrow down your options, and make the whole process go more smoothly.

6) Who is the bride? This isn't a trick question- it's one I often want to ask when I hear outspoken friends, mothers, sisters, etc trying to tell brides what they should do or what would be best. At the end of the day, you are the bride, and while you should consider the thoughts and feelings of your bridesmaids, you have the final say.

Non- traditional Bouquet Ideas

Flowers are gorgeous, and there are so many ways to make a unique arrangement that is beautiful and expresses your style.

But what if you are not a bouquet, or a flower person? What if carrying flowers just isn't for you?

Here are a few ideas that I think make great alternatives to a floral bouquet.

1) Carry a special book. It could be a small prayer book that's been in your family, or your favorite poet, or the novel that you and your fiance discussed on your first date. Find something with a beautiful old binding, or have it covered to compliment the look of your wedding.

2) Make a "bouquet" out of something besides flowers. It may still look like flowers, but it will be a unique piece of art. I've seen really beatuful ones made from fabric, and GORGEOUS ones made out of brooches and other old jewelry.

3) Carry a beautiful or funky accessory: a parasol, a clutch or handbag, even a fan. There are so many great vintage treasures out there just waiting to be found and incorporated into your special day. Or you can go sleek and modern too. The options are endless.

4) Carry just a copy of your vows, folded and tied with a ribbon.

5) Carry nothing. You are both offering yourselves, and that is the most important thing.

Whatever it is you decide to do, it's a great idea to either make a note in the program about what you are carrying and why, or if it fits into the ceremony and your story, have the officiant say a few words about it. That way your guests will "get it" and you'll be able to share your uniqueness and creativity with everyone.

The look of silk for the price of... not silk?

I am a silk lover. Dupioni. Shantung. Even silk satin, although I prefer something textured. However, I do not love how much silk costs. It makes me very sad, and somewhat cranky.

However, I have found three great designers that make alternatives to silk that look very much like the real deal. If you know fabric, you will of course know the difference, but what these alternatives offer is an overall look that is similar. A couple of differences: The synthetics tend to be a little stiffer (which can be good if you like a fabric with more body), and don't have the same sheen as the silk. Color options are going to vary of course, in general (like with any more unique fabric) they will be a little more limited than say, a straight up satin.

Here are my faves:
Wtoo Shantung: It's a poly shantung, and there are some very cute short styles ( as well as long) that i like.

Alfred Sung Dupioni: One nice feature of this line, is that pretty much every dress that is available in Peau de Soie is also made in Dupioni (and vice versa) for the same price. They have some great options if you wanted to mix styles.

Jim Hjelm Dupioni: I love Jim Hjelm's color palette, and the dresses tend to be a little more high style.

How do you Decide?

I heard an interesting comment recently about deciding on a wedding gown. The person pointed out that buying a wedding gown is, and is SUPPOSED to be be, an emotional purchase. That doesn't mean everyone will cry, but what it does mean is that you are using different criteria to make the decision than you do most purchases. As you shop, you should pay as much attention to how you feel as what you think. Your brain may tell you that a gown looks good on, but if it doesn't make your heart beat a little faster, then it's probably not the one for you. It may sound a little trite, but I firmly believe that if you really listen to your own inner voice, you will know when you find "the one." Sometimes that voice isn't easy to hear amidst what can be the chaos of dress shopping, but if you narrow it down and just take some time, one dress will stand out from the crowd.
So, allow yourself some emotional space when you shop. Don't try to get in every store and include every friend and family member possible. Choose your stores carefully, and choose your shopping companion(s) even more carefully. Make it easy on yourself, so that you can find a gown that is truly "you."

Website Feedback?

If anyone has feedback about our website, we are always looking to improve, so feel free to share what would make your experience with our website better. We appreciate your input!

Ideas, Ideas, Ideas

Here's a great article from CNN of all places, when they interviewed a planner back in July. There are some great ideas in here: mixing shapes and sizes of tables, creating a lounge space for guests, and most of all MIXING THINGS UP.

Tradition is good, but have fun with it. Don't worry about what the timetable is supposed to be- incorporate the customs you want, leave the ones you don't, and pace things the way it works for you.



http://articles.cnn.com/2010-07-30/living/hot.wedding.trends_1_wedding-extravaganza-nighttime-event-cnn?_s=PM:LIVING

Small Ceremony, Big Reception....does it work?

My fiance and I are having this debate right now. We have a lot of family that are close, but not THAT close who'd be fun to have at the party, and just a few immediate family and close friends. So, could we have most people come to the reception only?

I personally don't see an issue with this, but have been assured by my Mr. to be that this plan would mortally offend some senior family members, so I don't know where we'll end up. Also, I have heard other friends say that they don't think it works. Everyone who comes to the reception should also be invited to the wedding. But I wonder, does a smaller, more intimate cermony make things more meaningful? I had a friend get married recently, who had a family only wedding, and then a huge party afterward, and she felt that the smaller cermony was much more emotional and meaningful. On the other hand, including everyone and having a lot of people present when you make those vows could also be very meaningful ( I should note that in our case we are talking about 220 tops, not like a crowd of 500 or anything!).

So, I remain up in the air about the whole thing, and it may just depend on personality, the families involved, etc. But I'd be interested to know what other people think about this "trend."

Quote of Note

A friend showed me this quote, which I assume is from one of those forwards people are always sending, and which I usually delete. But I thought this was pretty great, and we can all use a little more humor in our lives. So the next time I'm feeling witchy, I can think of myself as "flexible" instead.

Thought for the day:
Women are angels,
And when someone breaks our wings...
We simply continue to fly... on a broomstick....

We are flexible like that!

Who's Afraid of the Big Black Sash?

Apparently nobody. We're seeing it in all the magazines now, and several recently- wed celebrities have worked this look.
It can be bold and a little edgy, or sophisticated and glamorous. Either way, that pop of black at the narrowest part of the waist draws the eye right where you want it, which is part of the reason this trend is so hot. It's something new and different, and also VERY flattering. If only fashion could always be this way....

So, I'm thinking we'll see a lot of black sash options coming out for spring. Also, one of my favorite things is seeing people with custom accessories- so find a gown that you can add a sash to, and then the sky is the limit. You can go with a simple ribbon, or have a friend or relative help make something artsy, whatever. Then you make the trend your own, which makes it extra fabulous.

The Lowdown #2: Bari Jay

Bari Jay is all about glamour. They have simple styles too, but most of their line is a little on the daring side, not your “typical bridesmaid.” If you are looking for long chiffon dresses, they have some very elegant options, also some great short and sassy styles. Overall they tend towards a more formal, evening look.
One downside to the line as a whole is that the fabrics don’t have quite as much variety for color, especially compared with many other bridesmaids lines. That’s not to say that Bari Jay doesn’t offer options, but where another designer might have 60 satin colors they’ll have 30. They do have some colors that can be hard to find- for instance a very mustardy yellow- called “Mustard!,” and also a green called “Forest” that is kind of leafy, not dark, not too bright. I’m a fan!
Recently Bari Jay started what they call their “White” line, which is bridal. We don’t carry it through Netbride, but it’s basically bridesmaids as wedding gowns. Nothing too tremendous. A lot of their other bridesmaids styles can come in white or ivory, but not all. It's a little confusing!
Bari Jay does make junior styles to match some, not all of its bridesmaids dresses. Like most junior maids lines, they modify the styles so that they appropriate for younger girls. The styles they do for juniors tend to be the simpler, more classic ones for obvious reasons.
So, if you are going for an elegant evening look, or want something really interesting (like a one shoulder with one long sleeve), check out Bari Jay!

Give your Bridesmaids a Job Description

Traditions vary, change and evolve, and it is often unclear ( other than some glaringly obvious duties, like stand up at the wedding!) what is expected of a bridesmaid. There are books, magazine articles, and blog posts discussing this, but what it really comes down to is what the bride wants/needs. And that can vary a lot.

So, in order to avoid any confusion, hurt, or frustration, err on the side of giving too much info. If you are having showers, parties, etc, let them know which dates you'd like them to keep free and how you see their role in the event. Give them a breakdown of what you're thinking for the wedding day and days leading up to it. Make clear who is paying for what for any expenses like clothing, shoes, accesories, accomodations, etc. Don't assume that they know your expectations, and also ask them what theirs are. If you are thinking they will have a lot of things to be involved in, and they are thinking they just show up for the wedding, that needs to be clarified.

Who gives a rib…cage?

I do. And so should everyone who has anything to do with ordering gowns in any way.
No designer asks for the ribcage measurement, but the size of women’s ribs can vary even for the same bust measurement. Some designers are notoriously cut narrow through the ribcage area: Jim Hjelm and Mori Lee are definitely in that category.

So, what can YOU do to make sure your rib cage doesn’t cause you any headaches? Here are a few things.

1) Know your body. As you try on dresses, if you notice that things that fit well in other areas are constricting you through the torso, your rib cage is probably relatively large for your frame.
2) If you know you have a large ribcage and/or you are looking at a designer that is cut narrow in that area, you’ll usually see that your waist measurement puts you up a size from your other measurements. Not always, but the waist measurement is usually the best indicator when your ribcage is an issue. So be aware of your waist measurement!
3) Remember that you can always take in, but it’s more difficult, and sometimes impossible, to let a dress out. So don’t take risks, plan to take it in.

The Lowdown #1: Watters, Wtoo, and WaWa

Periodically, I'm going to do a nice long informational blog about different designers we carry. I'll try to keep it brief, but there is a lot to say!

In their own words, Watters gowns are “Sophisticated,” “Gorgeous,” “Fresh,” and “Graceful.” When I think Watters, I think of two things: elegance and style. Their gowns are of an exceptional quality both in terms of fabric and design, and everything they do is done well. Here are some characteristics of each line:

Watters Bridal:
If you are looking for great design, timeless elegance, and you care about fabrics, Watters is your line. Most of their dresses are silk, and they are just stunning. They have a great range of details, from classic lace to modern textured floral elements, but even their more whimsical styles still have class.
While some of their gowns do have quirky details, Watters overall has a more traditional, romantic feel. If you are looking for something very sleek and modern, or sassy and “out there,” they won’t have as many options for you. Also, because of the silk fabrics, their price point tends higher.

Wtoo Bridal:
Wtoo is the lighter side of Watters. Still elegant and classy, their dresses tend to be a little lighter in terms of construction, slightly less formal, and they use alternatives to silk so they are a little less weighty for the budget as well. If you are looking for an over the top, crazy beaded dress, you won’t find it here. If you want something elegant that doesn’t take itself too seriously, check Wtoo out.

Watters and Wtoo Maids:
As far as design goes, these two lines are very similar. They tend towards the elegant but have some fun things as well. The major difference you will find is in the fabrics: Watters has silks, Wtoo doesn’t, so the pricing trends of the wedding gown follow here: Watters tends higher, Wtoo is more reasonable. Most of their shorter dresses also come in floor length, and the lines use some of the same fabrics. So if you want to let your bridemaids do all different styles, there are a lot of different dresses in the same fabric between the two lines.

WaWa:
Watters Flower girls has styles that can work for little ones and also some that work for Junior maids. They use the same fabrics as the bridesmaids lines for the most part, and some of their styles are similar. You won’t find a lot of options for junior bridesmaids here, but they have some very classic satin styles if that’s what you’re looking for. The flower girl dresses work well with the wedding gown lines but aren’t too matchy.

100th Post!

This is my 100th post!
I'd like to thank my mom, for giving me the faith in myself that I could do whatever I put my mind to.... just kidding : )

I may be the only one who's excited, but that's ok. I've learned a lot researching some of these posts, and I like to think that there are brides out there, maybe reading but not responding, who've found some little tidbit useful.

Next week, I will begin doing intros to all the designers we carry, with info that I hope will be helpful in navigating the many many choices that are out there.

Flower Power!

Whether or not you embrace or eschew a wedding veil, a flower in the hair is often the perfect accent to complete your look. Most flower accessories are extremely versatile: you can place them wherever you want, and they will work with almost any hair style. There are a vast variety of different styles out there, so whether your style is classic, out-there, or anywhere in between, you can find something that complements your gown and shows your personality. Above are three different styles by Erica Koesler (my favorite veil/headpiece maker!) to give you taste:

The first style is A-5341. It's cute and sweet and a little bit retro. Next is A-398- it is a gorgeous, softly romantic piece that has just a hint of sparkle. Last is A-418. It's much more dramatic, and guess what? IT COMES IN BLACK!

Check out www.ericakoesler.com for lots of other fabulous options!

Fact or Fiction?: Strapless means it'll Slide Down

Have you ever heard anyone say this: "Oh, you don't want a strapless dress. You'll be pulling it up the whole night!"? I'm sure many people have been to a wedding where this is the case. But, the issue is not the lack of straps but a lack of fit. Let me explain what I mean.

Every woman's body has a curve in at the waist and out at the hip to some degree. Some people have it more than others, but it's there no matter what. So if you get a dress that is fitted at the waist at all, whether it's natural waist or drop, if that dress is fitted properly to your waist, it should not be able to slide down over the hip. The shape of the body won't allow it, unless the dress isn't fitted enough. So make sure you have alterations to make the dress fit perfectly.

There are also a couple of other things to keep in mind as you select a strapless gown:
1) If you are busty, make sure the bodice has adequate depth. Every dress is cut a little differently, so some will work and some will be too shallow. If you get something that doesn't have the right shape in the bust to be able to accommodate your figure, it won't be comfortable even when it's "correctly" fitted.
2) If you are small busted, make sure have to the bodice taken in enough, and know that you may need to sew in cups to fill it out. Most bodices are boned to enhance a woman's shape, some more so than others, so look for things that have a delicate cut.
3) Gowns also have different amounts of structure. Almost all strapless gowns have some type of boning in the bodice- they have to ! But some are more structured than others, so choose accordingly. Make sure the bodice of the dress you choose has enough structure that you feel secure.

So, the strapless=sliding down thing is a fiction, as long as you get your dress fitted. Even the perfect cut for you will most likely need to be altered so that it is also a perfect fit. Be sure to take it to a good, experienced seamstress so that you can enjoy your day worry free!

White or Ivory? ( Or Diamond White or Champagne or Frost, etc.)

The first thing to know about choosing a color for your wedding gown ( and most gowns do come in at least two options, so you will probably have a choice) is that it should be easy. Once you put on a gown, you know whether it flatters you or not, and the same is true of the color. Here are a few things to know though, just to make it even easier : )

1) Every culture is different, but in mainstream American culture now, the color of your dress does not mean anything as far as purity, etc. The choice between white and ivory now is about what is flattering. Champagne tones are quite prevalent as well, for brides of all ages, and they used to be just for the more "mature" bride. So don't worry about what people are going to think about the color- if you look great, that is the most important thing, whether or not everyone gets it.

2)Your true white is actually flattering on very few people. Ladies with darker skin tones wear white the best. Here is a test: Most people try to get a little bit of a tan before their wedding (it looks healthy, right?), but you should not need a tan to look good in your dress. If white washes you out or looks harsh now, it is not going to be much better if you have a tan.

3) I personally think most fabrics look better in ivory. It's richer, and softer, and because it's the most flattering on most people, it's just the best option. For a crisp but still soft look, diamond white is a great alternative as well. In between white and ivory, most people don't know it's not "white" unless you tell them.

So, back to my main point, don't stress it. If you are one of those rare people who looks good in white or ivory, go with what YOU like best, and remember, you are going to be looking at yourself in photographs for years to come, so do what makes you happy! You will be gorgeous!

The look for less: Chelsea Inspired style: Ceremony Dress

The Vera Wang dress Chelsea Clinton wore was very on trend but traditional at the same time. I thought this Impressions dress was a simplified version of this idea. Instead of a really full textured skirt, it has a more fitted one with just a few ruffles. The top is more sweetheart, still has some ruching, and the beaded detail is sewn on, not a separate belt. The style is "Fiorella"

http://www.impressionbridal.com

Vowcabulary: "Eclectigant"

I think "eclectigant" - eclectic + elegant - is a really great word. Because the feel it describes is not just one plus the other, it is a blend of the qulities, just like the word is a blend of their letters.... this may sound silly, but I think it is important!

I think I really did make up a word this time. I hope. I was pretty crushed when "pre-ance" turned out to be already in use. There is very seldom anything new under the sun, so someone somehwhere probably has used it. But when I googled it, nothing came up, and that's good enough for me!

Some Notes on Ceremony Music

The music you choose for your ceremony sets the tone of your wedding just as much as the decor. It should reflect who you are as a couple, but also blend well with the scene you have set. Here are some do's and dont's to help guide your selections.

1)Do: Keep it simple, and keep it classy. Even though everyone wants to stand out and express themselves a bit, you are better off going with a classic love song that fits the mood.

2) Do: Think about instrumentation. If you are planning to use solo piano or guitar accompaniment and have a friend sing, for example, you'll want to make sure the song you choose works well for the people involved. Many popular songs, when they are pared down to just voice and instrumental accompaniment, don't stand up well. Pick something that has a beautiful melody and meaningful lyrics.

3) Don't: Wait until the last minute to plan the music and who you will have perform it. If you are getting married in a house of worship, more than likely they will have someone on staff, or suggestions for who you could have do the music for you. If you plan to hire a professional, they should be booked as far in advance as possible. If you are having friends or family, you need to give them time to prepare so that they are comfortable. Don't put someone on the spot!

4) Do: Include tradition if possible. Your guests will enjoy hearing something familiar, and it will bring back good memories.

5) Don't forget to include the ceremony music in your budget. If you're using a DJ for both ceremony and reception, or just using recorded music, that may be done for you. But even if you're just doing a CD, you may want to have someone who really knows what they are doing do the sound for you- you want things to go smoothly!

Joining the Party of "No"?

Saying "Yes" to a proposal sets off the wedding planning process. There are so many choices to make, options to consider, and it is usually both exhausting and fun to get everything figured out. I feel like after that one resounding "Yes!," my fiance and I turned into "No!" party of two. So many venues, caterers, and ideas to reject. So many things that were just not "us." So many helpful offers that were a little less helpful than intended.... you get the picture. Must every "Yes" preceded by a series of "No. Not that one. Not quite. I don't think so. Uh uh. Well..."? I think being particular is a good thing, but sheesh! Anyone else out there feel like they are having the same party I am? Hopefully it's all the sweeter when you get to "Yes" when there is a trail of "No" behind you.

In Favor of the Fingertip Veil

There's a huge trend right now for short sassy veils, lots of birdcages with fun accessories, feathers, you name it. And this is a good trend- not everyone is into the traditional look, and brides now have so many more options to express themselves than they did even just a few years ago. But I want to revisit an old favorite, the classic veil that is the most popular of all time: the fingertip length veil. I prefer the single layer version, simply edged. It's the perfect touch that says "bride," but doesn't call a lot of attention to itself. And you have the elegant, longer line withouth the weight and hassle of a veil that goes to the floor or more.
By all means try on a variety, but while you're at it, don't skip over the lovely simplicity of a fingertip veil!

Erica Koesler makes some of my favorites. Check out www.ericakoesler.com. The one pictured above is style 608-40.

For the Groom

No one does it better than Martha- here are some words of wisdom straight from her to you about what your most important accessory should look like:

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/best-dressed-for-the-groom

The Look for Less: Alfred Sung Maids as an alternative to Jim Hjelm

Jim Hjelm has a super cute style with a ruffled collar- JH5070, and they have other dresses that are similar. Alfred Sung just recently put up their fall collection, and they have a dress with some similar characteristics that is even more budget friendly, so take a peek. Some might say that there's no comparing the two because of differences in fabric, etc., but I think this Alfred Sung dress give the Jim Hjelm a run for its money : ) There are a couple versions of the Alfred Sung dress, but you could start with D467 and D466. No luck finding pictures other than on the designers websites, sorry, but here are the links for you:

http://www.dessy.com/bridesmaid-dresses/alfredsung/

http://www.jlmcouture.com/Jim-Hjelm-Occasions/Bridesmaid/Fall/2010/Style-5070

More Vowcab: Up the panache with Soutache!

Soutache is a type of trim. It's a narrow, flat braid, often in a herrinbone pattern. You'll see it on veils a lot, and I once had a jacket trimmed with a swirly pattern in soutache.

Vowcab Time: What is a "peplum"?

A peplum is a short overskirt or ruffle attached to the waistline of a jacket, blouse or dress.

Budget Tips

There a bazillion tips and tricks out there to save on little things. Do your own floral arranging. Make your invitations. Get makeup samples. And on and on. Here are a few bigger ideas that believe it or not, not everyone thinks of.

1)Set your budget BEFORE you start planning. You may need to revise it slightly, but you want to decide what you can really afford ahead of time so that you will be prepared to stick to your guns and can rule out things that just won't work. A little tough love at the start of your planning process will save you tears and regrets later when you can't afford things you need because you spent to much on just a few items you wanted. There are all kinds of tools online to help you figure out what percentage of your budget should go where.

2)Decide what your priorities are. You can spend more on your reception if you have fewer guests, or more on the invites if you save big on your caterer. Decide what is the most important and go from there.

3) Discuss expectations ahead of time with everyone involved- parents, wedding party, etc. Get clear who is paying for what from the get-go, and things will be much smoother afterwards even if it is awkward in the beginning.

4)Be proud of your budget! It may not be a million bucks, but everyone involved worked hard for that money. And it is far wiser to be the bride who will not spend $200 more on that cake than she wants to spend even if she gets XYZ for it, than to be that bride with the mile long credit card bill that won't go away. Your wedding is a very special time, but so is the time that comes after it!

As Seen In...

In the June issue of brides, two fabulous dresses from lines we carry can be found on page 80:
"Amanda" by Impressions is dress #1, and Mori Lee style 2517 is dress number #3 in their lineup of dresses to flatter different figure types(both are 1 shoulder styles). Check them out! (Below the Impression is first, Mori Lee second).

www.impressionbridal.com
www.morilee.com

Tips on Sizing

We've got instructions for how to measure on our site, and all the size charts. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind as you are evaluating measurements to help you make the best choice.

1) Don't play the "maybe I won't have to alter it if I order it smaller" game. If you order a dress too small, it is much more difficult to let a dress out than take it in, and there is no guarantee that it can be let out the amount you need. Budget for alterations to the bodice of the dress and through the hip if it is fitted.

2) Try on a sample if possible, or a similar dress from the line you are ordering from. Keep in mind that samples stretch, so you don't want to base your choice solely on the sample, but this can help guide your choice.

3) When in doubt, you are always better going with the larger size. You can always take it in, you can't always let it out.

4) Don't assume that you will be the same size in one desginer as another. They are all different, and some are cut smaller in certain areas than others. Also, don't assume that you will be the same size as someone else in your party who you normally are the same size as.

5)Get your measurements professionally done if possible- it is very important to start with accurate measurements, so help yourself out! If that's not an option, be sure to read the instructions we give.

Tread softly...

You know the Yeats poem about the heavens' embroidered cloths? There's a line that says something like "tread softly, for you tread on my dreams." You come up with some interesting stuff when you search an image to go with that, let me tell you... Anyway, I think I am going to get a shirt that says this, and wear it to work every day. Or make my brides wear it when they have friends and family "helping" them shop. Maybe that could be their take-home gift. I recently listened to a friend rip a bride's favorite, carefully selected dress to shreds verbally, and I couldn't help thinking to myself "Is this really necessary?" Of course people want to share their thoughts, they want the bride to be as beautiful as she can be. But is it necessary to be cruelly blunt? Especially when they know that their friend is ecstatically happy over a dress? I don't think so. This isn't reality TV, no one is impressed, and the bride will is depressed... no one wins. There are ways to express opinions without trampling on what could be the dress of someone's dreams. Thank you for listening, cyberspace....

Inspirations #1

I really liked this slideshow (see the link below) from the Knot. All the ideas are good, but the monogram idea and the fleur de lis were particularly nice. I like the idea of a simple motif as the unifying factor- very elegant and understated.




http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/29164/view.aspx?type=1&id=29164

Look out!

We get a lot of emails asking us to match prices/promotions from other websites- who doesn't shop around these days, and who wants to pay more than they absolutely have to? Some of these are from reputable sources, but there are a TON of websites out there that are just not legit. Many of them are operating out of China. We always say that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If someone is offering you free shipping from China (which is not cheap), and a dress for a fraction of what it would normally cost- not a good idea to go with that company. At best you'll end up with a low quality copy that is not from the designer, at worst, with no dress and no recourse.

Destination Planning Tips

I thought this was such smart and to the point practical advice that I am just putting what I found on Marth Stewart Weddings here.

"There are four factors. Weather: Make sure it's not hurricane season. Dates: Make sure it's not spring break, or flights will be astronomical; also be sure it's not when locals go on holiday -- like August in Europe -- or it will be a ghost town. Language: Are you okay if not everyone can speak English? Travel convenience: Is it just one direct flight, or connecting flights to a boat and then a bus ride? And visit the location beforehand; you'd hate to show up for your wedding only to find out the photo on the website didn't show the big construction site next to your reception. I love Sayulita, Mexico. It's an old fishing village about 45 minutes from Puerta Vallarta, and it has both luxurious and affordable accommodations. I also love Harbour Island in the Bahamas, which is quaint and easy to get to," says Alison Hotchkiss, an events planner.


http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/tips-for-planning-a-destination-wedding

Belts from Private Label by G

Private Label by G is now offering a selection of belt styles that coordinate with their gowns- they can be purchased separately, so you don't HAVE to have one of their gowns to get a belt. They are pictured mostly with the Destiny styles, pretty classic stuff, nothing wild (Private Label tends to be on the traditional side as a rule). They all have a couple of color options- white and ivory for most styles. I am awaiting pricing information from them, but Private Label overall is a little pricier than many lines, so I’m sure the belts will be similar. So if you’re looking for a really inexpensive belt option, this is not it, but if you are looking for something with really pretty, high quality, classic looking beading, they will have some good options.

Their site: www.privatelabel.com
Our site: www.netbride.com

What about those Wrinkles?

Many people have questions about pressing/steaming gowns once they receive them, and the best advice I have is this: if you have to ask how to do it, then you should probably have someone else take care of it! Most people who do alterations will also press/steam the gown for you. If you’re determined to do it yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind (I’m not an expert on garment care, so this is mostly common sense ): There will be information on the tag- so read the tags on the dress very carefully! Often it is easiest to just press the gown, using a cloth to protect the fabric. Some fabrics will get spots if you steam them or get water on them (most taffetas for instance), so be sure to check that out. Also, it helps a lot just to hang the dress up properly, and for most veils all you should need to do is hang it up- any creases will fall out with a little time.

An addition to my "vow-cabulary"

I got really excited last week, because I thought I made up a word: “pre-ancé.” It turns out, this word was already out there. I had never heard it, so I thought I would post about it anyway. Your “pre-ancé” (or “pre-ancée”) is the person you are pre-engaged to. You know it’s going to happen soon, but you’re in that in-between, ring-less phase. It’s a very handy word and describes a relational state that most people find themselves in at least for a while before they’re engaged. I have a friend who helped her man pick out the ring, but they aren’t getting married until she graduates two years from now. So, they’re waiting to get engaged until closer to when they actually want to get married. It makes a lot of sense. However, he’s not just her boyfriend anymore, he definitely qualifies as a pre-ancé.

She Says vs. He Says: What do you do if your Mr. doesn’t think you’ve chosen the right gown?

Is that a good "ooh" or a bad "ooh" this groom is oohing? (I'm pretty sure that's a good "ooh".)










I know few future grooms who are ever shown the dress before the day, and even fewer who would be so bold as to go against what is clearly the bride’s heart’s desire, but an appointment I witnessed parts of the other day made me wonder- how often does it happen that the groom to be has a strong opinion on the dress to be, and he’s not saying “Yes” to the dress?

I mean, it has to happen quite a bit that what the groom envisioned in a bridal ensemble is not in fact what he sees walking down the aisle. Hopefully in the process of planning a wedding together most couples come to an understanding of what the ”vision” is for the day, or in the process leading up to the wedding both sides have embraced the differences in personal style that characterize the one they love, but still. If he didn’t love your dress, and you knew it, what would you do? Do you know of anyone who has been in this situation, either before or on the day of the wedding? In an ideal world, the bride would be confident in her choice and feel gorgeous anyway, and her man would love the way she looked even if the dress was not his fave, but I bet it isn’t always that pretty…

Get Fresh!

Nothing is classier than a fresh flower in the hair for your wedding day. It’s elegant and classic, but can be fun, flirty, or funky too depending on how you execute it. Also, for the more adventurous there are many ways work flowers into your ensemble in a less traditional way. Try adding a chain of tiny blossoms as an accessory with your gown, or even scattering them in your veil. The April issue of Brides has a great spread with some beautiful examples of how this can be done. I especially love the idea of working them in to a necklace. With the current trend for eclectic mixes and layering of necklaces, you could work some blossoms in for an additional bit of texture that is beautiful as well as modern and fun. Of course there is always a downside to working with fresh flowers- potential wilting and mess! Just make sure you have some spare blooms on hand in case you need to do a quick switch out, and choose blooms that are known for their stamina.

This picture is from theknot: http://media.theknot.com/ImageStage/Objects/0003/0027939/alt_image_1.jpg

Customize a Flower girl Dress with US Angels!

US Angels has always had some different flower and sash options, but they’ve introduced their “A Custom Event” line for 2010 that makes it simple and easy. You pick a dress, you pick a sash, you pick a flower. This gives you about a million options. The dresses themselves come in white or ivory for the most part ( style 276 only comes in ivory).

Go here to get started:
http://www.usangels.com/collection_return_usangels_customevent.jsp

Pashminas from Dessy!

The Dessy group now offers gorgeous pashminas in a variety of colors, and they are VERY reasonable. They’re a nice size, about 27” wide by 73” long, and they’re not synthetic either: 60% wool, 40% silk.

Here is the address to see a picture and check out the color options (the Dessy site actually lets you change the color, which is great!) They have tons of other great accessories too.

http://www.dessy.com/accessories/pashmina/

For a quote: http://www.netbride.com/bridal-price-quote.htm

Does anyone else see a wedding dress in this picture?

Maybe it's the lace up back that I know is there even though you just have a front view here. Maybe it's the draping. But I look at this dress and think, gee, that would be cute in ivory! It would be fabulous for an outdoor wedding or laid back affair of some sort. Put some fun accessories with it to jazz it up. Done! And, since a bridesmaids dress, you're not going to spend much at all.

Take a closer look on Bill Levkoff's site, you can change the color to ivory and see the back view!
http://www.billlevkoff.com/#/91/bill-levkoff-bridesmaid-dress-style-530/530/

New from Mori Lee- Quick Delivery Styles!

Mori Lee now offers some of their best-selling styles on a faster delivery schedule at NO EXTRA CHARGE!!!! The color options are limited, but the dresses can be to you, the customer, in about 8 weeks!

Here are the styles and color options:
#230- available in Vintage Black or Teal
#262- available in Black or Peacock
#269- available in Purple or Praline
#229- available in Black or Claret
#735- available in Black, Chocolate, or Royal
#803- available in Purple or Vintage Leaf

Mori Lee also offers a rush cut option on ALL of their Mori Lee Bridesmaids and Affairs for $35 per dress. There is no rush cut available for Ava styles, unfortunately.

Here is the Mori Lee site, you can look up each style by number and check them out!

http://www.morilee.com/

We carry Liz Fields and LoVeLa!

You may have noticed this on our list of designers, but just in case I thought I should announce that Netbride now carries LIz Fields bridesmaids and the LoVeLa wedding gown line.

Check out both lines at www.lizfields.com.

A Shoe for You (the Bride)

Brides need fun shoes. Nobody sees them most of the time, but they're like fun undies- knowing you have them on just makes everything better. Admittedly, you may not have a lot of time to contemplate your undies or shoes on the big day, but I think subconciously it helps to have fab footwear holding you up.

Netbride carries a line called Colorful Creations that has about a bazillion different styles, and they have everything from fun blingy strappy ( like style "Mission"), or their "Brianna Leigh" line that has silks. They have style you can dye, although you'll have to find a place that will dye shoes for you because we don't do that through NB (too messy!). The ones you can dye usually end with the numbers "30."


Here is a link to their site and the sparkly style I mentioned above:
http://colorfulcreations.com/?page=22&product_id=3023


Check it out!

Trends for 2010

Here are some trends for wedding wear in 2010 and designers who exemplify that trend.

1) Soft, romantic textures: think tulle, ruffles, fabric flowers both small and large. Mori Lee 2513 is one fun option.

2) Birdcage veils are still big, and hats are also very hot. Erica Koestler has some great options.

3) Keeping the wedding a little smaller, simpler, and really focusing on the special details. Doing more things yourself - like favors- to make it really personal. If you're doing a simple backyard wedding, Dessy has some great dresses from their Sandals line, and Watters and Wtoo also have some really great things.

Our website has links to all the designers we carry, so check these out!

Two Tips

Happy New Year Everyone!

This week, I would like to share one old tip(as in I knew about it) and one new- both come out of the February edition of Bride's Magazine.

Tip #1: Be sure to take your maid of honor or personal attendent with you to your alterations place at least once so they can learn how to bustle your gown. It will save you time and potential stress to have them practice so that you can make a quick change.

Tip#2: Have an extra pair of shoes on hand for the reception and keep them in the freezer- when your feet start to hurt and swell, the cold shoes will feel AMAZING.