Bridal Tips & Tricks

Is your best friend (or someone close to you) getting married? Have you become the elected wedding planner? Is your bride clueless? Wedding planning can be overwhelming to a newly engaged bride. There's an endless list of things to do and remember- from details about the venue to picking out flowers that are in season, and of course, choosing the perfect dress. We've put together a quick guide on wedding dress shopping to help you and your bride stay on top of all the planning.

Of course, the first step to all wedding planning should be picking the date. This will let you know how much time you have to order a gown, and will drastically affect the options available to your bride.

Know what to expect at a bridal appointment. Not everyone cries or has that big moment like on Say Yes to the Dress- and that's okay! Most brides try on their top three dresses a couple of times before they know, although there are always those special few who find their gown on the first appointment. Remember that finding a dress is like finding your guy: once you find him, you don't keep shopping around for something better.

Make sure your bride gives herself enough time to plan and enjoy the bridal gown shopping experience. Brides should start look looking about 10 months before the first wear date, and order no later than 8 months before the wear date. (Remember, your wear date may not be the same as the wedding date- bridal portraits are usually prior to the wedding.) Why so much time? Bridal gowns are not like normal off the rack clothes; they can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to make and ship to the store. You also want to make sure you have a cushion for shipping or vendor delays that may occur. Alterations also should be factored in. Most tailors want at least 8 weeks to tailor a wedding gown. While this can be rushed at times, there is only so much that can be done in a shorter time period, which might mean sacrificing a bit on fitting.

Does your bride not have this timeline? If the wedding is in just a few months, there are other options. The first option is to ask your store about rushes. Some designers can rush a gown. At our store, we can get some gowns in as little as 8 weeks. However, remember that alterations can only be rushed so much, and you still need some cushion time for shipping. The second option is to buy a sample off the floor and get alterations made so that the gown will fit your bride. Just remember that less time means less options since not all gowns can be rushed, and not all samples are for sale.

Keep your bride's gown expectation realistic within her budget. Pinterest is a great place for inspiration, but that head to toe crystal gown your bride is lusting over may be a bit out of her budget. Make sure your bride knows that a realistic budget won't get her a couture gown. Details, materials, quality, and brand are all factors that contribute to the cost of the gown.

Prepare your bride for bridal sizes. Bridal sizes are not like street sizes. A bridal sample size is about a 10 or 12- which is a street size 6 or 8. Your bride will be ordering a size much larger than she normal does, and that's totally normal! Remind her that no one else will know the size she is ordering, and that it is only a number on a chart.

These are just some quick tips and tricks for bridal gown shopping. Print it out, pin it, keep it in your planner, or email it to your bride! Do you still have a question? Leave us a comment and we'll be sure to answer, or feel free to call our store.

Gold Glamour

Gold has been trickling back into wedding themes, and I am loving it! We're expecting to receive  gowns with hints of gold perfect for any bride wanting to add that subtle touch of glamour to her look. Of course, you don't have to stop there- cakes, invitations, and floral arrangements are all featuring hints of gold.


Enzoani Blue Gabes

This Enzoani Blue Gabes gown is a tulle A-line skirt with a gold embroidered bodice. The tulle pleating on this sweetheart neckline creates a soft look and the tulle skirt gently cascades to the floor, creating a beautiful silhouette.

Enzoani Blue Gainesville

This mermaid is perfect for the bride who wants a touch of elegance and a bit of fun. The satin pleated bodice highlights your figure, while the peek-a-boo tulle skirt makes for the perfect party dress. Intricate cap sleeves and gold embroidery make this gown particularly unique.

Enzoani Inara

For the bride who wants pure glamour, the Enzoani Inara gown makes a perfect match. This silk draped gown has a classic elegance that makes a statement, while the gold touches highlight the waistline and make the dress something you won't forget.

Essence of Australia D1472

For the bride who wants a ball gown, this Essence of Australia gown will make a statement. The lace bodice adds a unique detail while the all-over gold makes a statement. The sweetheart neckline will flatter any bride wanting a princess look.  




Layered Bake Shop  

Of course, it wouldn't be a wedding without a cake! Add touches of gold to your dessert to bring in some more glitz to your theme. This cake from the Layered Bake Shop has the perfect touch of gold, and a server to match!


Southern Fried Paper

Invitations are a great way to let your guests know what your wedding will feel like. Gold invitations will give your guests a peek at the wedding theme without going overboard on gold. These invitations were created by Southern Fried Paper and feature gold embossed lettering and a gold envelope lining.



Image Source 

Adding a touch of gold to your bouquet is the perfect way to tie your look together. Try tying gold ribbon around the bouquet to add a hint of gold.

 

The Adolphus

 What would a gold wedding be without a gold venue? Gold chairs, chandeliers, and curtains can completely transform your wedding into a glittering day. The Adolphus is a perfect option for brides wanting an elegant venue that fits into a gold theme.
 

Adding hints and subtle touches of gold is the perfect way to add some glamour to your wedding, whether it be in your dress or just a ribbon around your bouquet. Will you be using gold in your wedding? What wedding trends are you loving right now?

Star Telegram Bridal Show

Bonjour everyone!

This was a busy busy weekend! Saturday we were double booked all day and helped a few beautiful brides find their dream gown. Sunday we had the Star Telegram Bridal Show and it went amazing! I want to share with you some of our favorite bridal vendors...

I love my Brides of North Texas girls, Meagan and Lindsey! It's such fun having a booth right across from them. You can pick up this local magazine at our boutique or in other stores, be on the look out for the newest issue!

Still need invitations? Paper Planet does some amazing work, I especially love the vintage style they can do. Look at their cute booth!

Make sure to stop by the Flower Market over on 7th street to see what they can do for you! Their arrangements are breathtaking!

I found these beautiful flowers at the Bumblebee Occasions booth, aren't they gorgeous?! Their booth also included some yummy cupcakes and cake balls; as well as beautiful decor!

I can't forget The Orchard! This is a stunning wedding venue. An absolute MUST to look into for your wedding!

Now, if you missed the show then I hope the vendors I suggested here will help you in your search to create your perfect wedding! Also, here is a sneak peek at my booth, De Ma Fille Bridal :)

One of my favorite Jim Hjelm gowns, style 8218, you can see this all over our website, www.demafille.com... This lace and English netting gown, with a touch of sparkle, had jaws dropping yesterday!

Want to meet my beautiful models??? They all wore our new Martina Liana gowns! First, we have Ashley who wore a stunning new 2013 lace gown. Second, is April who sparkled in this unique gown, featuring a beaded bodice with a Parisian chiffon petal skirt. Last, we have Jule, who is actually a De Ma Fille bride, shining in her glitzy fitted gown.

I have to thank my wonderful mother who helps me during bridal shows and of course at the boutique. Love her so much!!!!

Don't miss out on the next Star Telegram Bridal Show that will be in August at the awesome Gaylord Texan in Grapevine! We hope to see you there!

à bientôt