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.