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.