Here Comes the Bride...

Ladies, you've found the right guy, he found the right ring, now you must truly find “The One.” Your wedding gown of course! Many brides find selecting their wedding gown the most FUN part of planning their wedding. So, first and foremost, take some time and ENJOY finding your gown, the one that will bring a tears to your eye, and probably mom’s too.

Your dress will set the tone for your wedding so keep that in mind as you hit the racks. As you search here are some helpful hints to know before you hit the store:

Style

All kinds of words are used to describe the shape of a gown. Hopefully this will help you know what you’re looking at.

The Ball gown/Princess shape is traditional, poofy, and what comes to mind when you think of a Princess getting married. There is typically a more fitted bodice but the skirt is big big big. This style is flattering on most and favored by those who want to camouflage their hips.

Empire/Babydoll: This gown will have a “flowing” feel from just below the bust through to the floor. Girls who want to enjoy food on their big day, without worrying about their tummy showing may want to look at this style of gown.

Trumpet/Mermaid/Fit n Flare: This gown is going to be fitted through the body to somewhere between the hips and the knees, and then it will flare out some. Each dress will vary in just how fitted it is and how much volume comes with that flare. This cut can give the look of curves to those with a more athletic build or accentuate the waist of a bride who wants to work her curves.

A-Line: This style is very similar to the Ball Gown or Princess shape, there is a fitted bodice, however there is less volume in the skirt. This is a universally flattering style.

Sheath: This style of gown is pretty fitted throughout the gown from top to bottom. This gown will highlight hips and probably won’t leave a lot of room for enjoying a big meal on your wedding day.

Other things to think about are the style of neckline (strapless, halter, sweetheart, etc.), length of train (if any), and amount of beading and lacework you are comfortable with.

Color:

White, Bright White, Diamond White, Antique White, Off-white, Champagne, Ivory... Who knew there could be so many shades of the color your groom will inevitably call white?

Think about the colors you typically wear because they look best against your skin tone. If you find yourself wearing more cool tones you will most likely find yourself happiest in more of a “white white” gown. If you tend to go warm in your clothing and make-up you will probably want one of the softer versions of white. Many shops will only have a sample gown in one color, but they can order it in a few so try on the sample and look at their swatches.

Party:

I’m not going to dive into Bridesmaid gowns, I’m talking about the entourage of ladies that all want to go dress shopping with you. Remember that every person you bring will have an opinion on what you should be looking for and ultimately buying. Bring a few ladies who are close to you, who will be honest with you, and that’s it. No reason to let all those voices get in your head and sway your decision. You know your style, your body and what you like, you will know your gown.

At the Bridal Gown Salon:

Be open to trying on gowns that are different than what you imagined. You may think you “know” what you want, but you have most likely never seen yourself in an actual wedding gown before. Step outside of your comfort zone and try on something different. It won’t hurt anything and you just might surprise yourself.

Be honest with yourself, and your sales consultant, about your budget. No reason to fall in love with an $8,000 gown if you budget is $1,500.

And finally, as my friends on TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress” would say, think of your dress like your fiancé, once you find “The One” stop looking!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),

Olivia

A New Trend that is Quite Old

   By looking back into the past, brides have been able to have a beautiful and unique wedding that everyone will remember.  A Modern Vintage theme has become very popular over the years and we can definitely see why.  By the use of old antique furniture and dishware, neutral colors with a pop of a brighter color, vintage stationary for invitations, and old frames for a table number or menu holder, vintage weddings become very intimate and is something anyone can appreciate.  Here are some ideas we have found to make any Vintage theme wedding intimate, unique and most of all romantic. 

Colors & Fabrics: When you think of a wedding, you probably do not think of using burlap as one of your primary fabrics… think again.  By combining burlap and lace, a wedding will immediately give off a vintage vibe.  The definition of a vintage wedding is the use of lace, lace, and even more lace.  From the gown, to the table settings, to the bridesmaid’s dresses, the use of neutral tones and lace screams classic chic.  Suggested colors for this theme are peaches, nudes, grays, and always incorporate a pop of color to give it a modern twist. 

Decorations: By using timeless pieces, brides can make their wedding day classic yet fresh and modern.  Make a statement by using old antique furniture and dishware as decorations.  This not only increases the feeling of the theme but can also help the budget.  Use old furniture such as doors for backdrops, or dressers and desks as a place card table.  Using older plates and glassware for table settings, definitely gives off a vintage vibe.  Older frames as menu or table number holders can really add an old-rustic look.  Lighting is also very critical to get this look right.  Dramatic lighting and shadows are necessary and can be shown in a vintage way by the use of mason jars with candles, lights hanging and candlelight just about everywhere.  Look around an antique store or even your grandparent’s house and you just might find something inspiring for your big day. 

By simply adding a few select details, your special day will have a retro feel and will create a day that is truly unique.  Also, do not forget to capture your day with stunning photography that includes stills that are in black and white.  Today’s Vintage themed weddings have a very romantic and intimate vibe with a twist of modern to it.  There is nothing more classic than looking into the past and bringing it out in a modern and unique way.  

BBFN,

Olivia

Here Comes the Bride...

Ladies, you’ve found the right guy, he found the right ring, now you must truly find “The One.” Your wedding gown of course! Many brides find selecting their wedding gown the most FUN part of planning their wedding. So, first and foremost, take some time and ENJOY finding your gown, the one that will bring a tears to your eye, and probably mom’s too.

Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Your dress will set the tone for your wedding so keep that in mind as you hit the racks. As you search here are some helpful hints to know before you hit the store:

Style
All kinds of words are used to describe the shape of a gown. Hopefully this will help you know what you’re looking at.

Ball Gown/Princess: shape is traditional, poofy, and what comes to mind when you think of a Princess getting married. There is typically a more fitted bodice but the skirt is big big big. This style is flattering on most and favored by those who want to camouflage their hips.

Empire/Babydoll: This gown will have a “flowing” feel from just below the bust through to the floor. Girls who want to enjoy food on their big day, without worrying about their tummy showing may want to look at this style of gown.

Trumpet/Mermaid/Fit n Flare: This gown is going to be fitted through the body to somewhere between the hips and the knees, and then it will flare out some. Each dress will vary in just how fitted it is and how much volume comes with that flare. This cut can give the look of curves to those with a more athletic build or accentuate the waist of a bride who wants to work her curves.

Photo Courtesy of theknot.com

A-Line: This style is very similar to the Ball Gown or Princess shape, there is a fitted bodice, however there is less volume in the skirt. This is a universally flattering style.

Sheath: This style of gown is pretty fitted throughout the gown from top to bottom. This gown will highlight hips and probably won’t leave a lot of room for enjoying a big meal on your wedding day.

Other things to think about are the style of neckline (strapless, halter, sweetheart, etc.), length of train (if any), and amount of beading and lacework you are comfortable with.


Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Color:
White, Bright White, Diamond White, Antique White, Off-white, Champagne, Ivory... Who knew there could be so many shades of the color your groom will inevitably call white?

Think about the colors you typically wear because they look best against your skin tone. If you find yourself wearing more cool tones you will most likely find yourself happiest in more of a “white white” gown. If you tend to go warm in your clothing and make-up you will probably want one of the softer versions of white. Many shops will only have a sample gown in one color, but they can order it in a few so try on the sample and look at their swatches.


Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Party:
I’m not going to dive into Bridesmaid gowns, I’m talking about the entourage of ladies that all want to go dress shopping with you. Remember that every person you bring will have an opinion on what you should be looking for and ultimately buying. Bring a few ladies who are close to you, who will be honest with you, and that’s it. No reason to let all those voices get in your head and sway your decision. You know your style, your body and what you like, you will know your gown.

At the Bridal Gown Salon:
Be open to trying on gowns that are different than what you imagined. You may think you “know” what you want, but you have most likely never seen yourself in an actual wedding gown before. Step outside of your comfort zone and try on something different. It won’t hurt anything and you just might surprise yourself.

Be honest with yourself, and your sales consultant, about your budget. No reason to fall in love with an $8,000 gown if you budget is $1,500.

And finally, as my friends on TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress” would say, think of your dress like your fiancé, once you find “The One” stop looking!

BBFN (BRidal Bliss for Now),
Olivia