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.



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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

Sneak Peek At Martina Liana

Bonjour everyone,

Sorry it has been so long since I have blogged, but it has just been so hectic lately. It's becoming that busy bridal season and I couldn't be more happy about that! We have been having trunk shows and bridal shows, plus, I'm getting ready to leave for New York next weekend for Bridal Market :) and planning my extracurricular activites while I'm there!

Remember we will be closed Oct. Friday the 12th and that Saturday the 13th.

So, I just want everyone to know how excited I am to bring on my newest designer line, Martina Liana! I fell in love with their dresses the first moment I saw them and I'm very honored to finally carry this line. I want to give a sneak peek of a few carryovers I have ordered and that should be here next month!

Martina Liana 377- What's not to LOVE!!! The sparkle beading is flawless, kind of antique style.

Style 419 is such a beautiful sparkle lace!

Style 346, what a romantic lace dress!!!

I'm absolutely blown away by these dresses, and they are such a great price as well! Ranging from about $2000-$3000, and since we only require a half down deposit then that just makes it even better.

Want a sneak peek at Spring 2013? I have some full gown images, but here is a bodice preview provided by Bridal Guide....

This gown would be perfect for that Southern girl. Also, it would be just darling with boots. I'm keeping the bottom half a secret until later ;)

Hope everyone has a blessed weekend!

à bientôt

 

 

Matthew McConaughey's Wedding

Bonjour!

Today, I want to look back on the sweet weekend when the nuptials took place between the handsome Matthew McConaughey and beautiful Camila Alves.

They are such a cute couple and have the most adorable little family.  The couple met in 2006 and became engaged in 2011. They became The McConaughey's on June 9 at a private ceremony held at their home in Texas.

Camila wore a gorgeous lace gown with long sleeves by a Brazilian wedding gown designer Ducarmo Catelo Branco. We give thanks to Kate Middleton for bringing this style back!

Now, for the best part, let's take a look at some of their wedding photos so we can focus on the stunning Camila and of course our yummy Texas boy, Matthew!

Personally I can't stop looking at them; espcially our Texas native, hubba hubba...which is now a hubby! Congratulations you two!

à bientôt

Meg Jewelry Trunk Show

Bonjour!

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend ahead! I want to give you all a sneak peek into our jewelry trunk show we have going on this weekend by Meg Jewelry.

This jewelry can be summed up into one word, WOW! Most brides choose a dress that is going to wow everyone, so why not pick jewelry that will do the same? If you are still looking for jewelry for your special day then you need to come in this weekend to get a special deal on these amazing pieces! Moms this goes for you as well!

Here is a little bit of what you will find here from Meg Jewelry...

The model is wearing the Penny necklace, earrings and cuff.

Here are the exquisite Candlelight earrings.

The beautiful Evelyn posts, these are the perfect studs for the bride to even wear after the wedding day and are great for the precious mothers for that BIG day.

Want to make a statement? The Heather necklace would be the ideal piece for you then.

Last is a stunning headpiece called Jeri, and this model is also wearing the Evelyn necklace and Candlelight cuff.

Famous words by the lovely Coco Chanel, "The point of jewelry isn't to make a woman look rich but to adorn her..."  And Meg Jewelry achieves just this!

We are a flagship store for Meg Jewelry, so we will still have most of her jewelry but make sure to come in this weekend to see what we normally don't have and get a great incentive on your purchase.

Hope to see you soon!

à bientôt

New 2012 Fall Designs

Hello everyone! I hope everyone has had a fantastic week so far, mine has been crazy busy! I'm very excited about my designers posting their new Fall 2012 collections. So I would like to give you all a little sneak peek as to which gowns I'm bringing in.

First is this beautiful Jim Hjelm gown, style 8250, a trumpet bridal gown with a strapless pearl and crystal embroidered bodice, natural waist accented with crystal trim, box pleats at back of skirt, chapel train.


Second from Alvina Valenta, style 9258, an ivory French corded lace over rum pink silk faced duchess soft fluted bridal gown with bateau neckline and low V back.



Tara Keely, style 2256, an ivory charmeuse sheath bridal gown with beaded and embroidered net overlay, pleated bodice and beaded belt at natural waist, sweep train.

From Jim Hjelm Blush, style 1254, an ivory strapless crepe fit-to-flare bridal gown with draped sweetheart bodice, sheer tulle overlay with scalloped lace hem and thin satin ribbon bow with lace detailing at natural waist and chapel train.


We have received our newest Marisa gown, style 898, and it is breathtaking with it's Victorian style lace and champagne undertone. Pictured here with one of our Jim Hjelm belts and Meg Jewelry necklaces.


From our newest designer, Essense of Austrailia, style D1368, an organza gown with lace and beading. A unique gown with a detachable illusion sleeve.

There you go, some of our new pieces that will be arriving for Fall. We are having an Essense of Austrailia Trunk Show on July 13th &14th, hurry and make your appointment now before we are booked up! Be the First to See, First to Choose and First to Wear!

à bientôt

Wedding Traditions & Superstitions

Bonjour everyone! I hope you are having a fabulous day! Today has already been so productive on my part, which makes the day start out grand. So I was just searching through The Knot today and I found something called Wedding Tradtions & Superstitions: 50 Wedding Facts &Trivia. Having graduated as a History major, learning about history of weddings always fascinates me! Here are the ones that intrigued me the most:

"25. Queen Victoria started the Western world's white wedding dress trend in 1840 -- before then, brides simply wore their best dress."

"27. Ancient Greeks and Romans thought the veil protected the bride from evil spirits. Brides have worn veils ever since."  Of course here is our beautiful veil by Veil Trends! Perfect for keeping evil spirits away.

"28. On her wedding day, Grace Kelly wore a dress with a bodice made from beautiful 125-year-old lace."   She looked absolutely stunning, so elegant.

Also, these last two explain two traditions almost every bride holds dear to her heart.

"33. Brides carry or wear "something old" on their wedding day to symbolize continuity with the past."

"35. The "something blue" in a bridal ensemble symbolizes purity, fidelity, and love." There are plenty more of interesting facts about weddings!

Read more about different traditions and superstitions at The Knot.

à bientôt

Remembering the Open House

Bonjour! Today is such a gorgeous day outside, perfect for some walking or for laying out at the pool, or BEST OF ALL coming to see my at the boutique and seeing the gorgeous items I have for you! I made a lot of new changes to de ma fille. I changed up the look of the inside, changed the logo and have added on new vendors since August when I took ownership. I never threw a party for buying the boutique and with all these new changes it felt like I finally needed to do something. So I decided to throw a Open House at the end of March. Yes, I know it has been a while since then, but I would really like to share how it went and show off some amazing pictures from that night! First of all, I want to thank the vendors who helped me out in making this night super special: Tami Winn Events, Tracy Autem Photography, Creme de la Creme, City Kitchen Catering, Kate Foley Designs, Rent My Dust Rentals, Taylors Rental and Rent A Frog Valet! Tami Winn helped me plan out the night and had such great ideas! Tracy took the most amazing photos of the boutique and of some of my guests! Kate Foley made the most gorgeous centerpieces for my cocktail tables, beautiful blush and ivory roses. I have to say Jamie from Creme de la Creme makes mouthwatering cupcakes and macroons, I was living off those for the next couple of days and didn't complain about it one bit! We also had sugar cookies, caramel fudge brownies and meringues. The food from City Kitchen was so delicious, I ordered mini croissant sandwiches, stuffed mushrooms and tomoto basil risotto balls! I wanted these beautiful French vintage pink chairs from Rent My Dust and they fit perfectly in the boutique, I was so very happy to be able to have them here. I would definitely recommend using all of these vendors for any wedding or party you might have! I have had so many amazing comments about the open house still to this day. So now I would like to share a small little photo album with you of photos from that night. To see more, please go to 'de ma fille bridal' on Facebook and check out the full photo album there!

Look at that gorgeous vintage pink French chair!

Myself with the wonderful girls from Brides of North Texas, Meagan & Lindsey, as well as the lovely Tami Winn!

Of course I have to share with you some of the people I love, my Dad & Mom and my sweet boyfriend Shaun!

I hope you enjoyed seeing a few pictures from a fantastic night! à bientôt