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