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From Here Comes The Guide.... Looking for your dress is one of the most exciting parts of your wedding and going to a trunk show can really ratchet up the excitement! According to bridal salon owners recently at a trunk show, "The designer or their representative brings his or her entire collection (yes, in trunks!) and provides personal consultations." Most salons usually only carry a handful of designs by a specific designer; at a trunk show, you'll have a chance to browse all the looks of your favorite designer—sometimes even before they're available in the boutiques. What's more, at many trunk shows you'll work one-on-one with a fashion expert, either the designer's representative or the designer themselves. They'll personally assess your figure and wedding style and recommend the best gowns from their collection. They may suggest custom changes and offer special pricing and incentives on orders placed during the show! Think of a trunk show as your own princess moment. Check out online all the upcoming trunks shows at bridal salons near you. 1. Begin by browsing designer websites to get a sense of which styles appeal to you and fall within your budget.
2. Though trunk shows take place throughout the year, you'll have the widest selection of designers from January–March when these events are more numerous. 3. Trunk shows are by appointment only and fill up fast. So don't wait to reserve your slot (and if you can't keep the appointment, please be courteous and call to cancel.) 4. Bring one or two people with you whom you trust and who know you well. Resist the urge to have a larger entourage accompany you—too many opinions can get confusing. 5. Be prepared to make a purchase in case you find "the dress" in order to take advantage of possible show discounts. But don't feel pressured to make a decision if you aren't 100% convinced. 6. Dresses aren't the only fashion element in a trunk show. Wedding veils, head pieces, wedding jewelry, bridesmaid dresses and shoe designers have trunk shows, too! 7. You can find trunk shows online as well as by looking at a designer's website or contacting your local salons directly. Have a wonderful time with the Trunk Show!   Plan for budget wedding 1. Slim Down Your Guest List
Do not add anyone on your guest list who you could not see yourself getting married without. Be selective when choosing your guest. Chances are that your old college roommate who you haven’t seen or spoken to in eight years is not worth the money that it will take to save him a spot at the wedding. 2. No Fancy Venues A lot of the budget for weddings is for the Venue. It can seem tempting to spring for a fancy ballroom or church for your ceremony and reception. But if your budget is tight, it is probably best to do a ceremony/reception at home or somewhere outdoors like a park or a backyard. That way you have full control over how you decorate your home or backyard. 3. Go Easy on the Bouquet One of the biggest wastes of money is the flowers that many people order for their weddings. Not only will these flowers die very quickly, but they are also very expensive to order. Especially if you buy off-season flowers. If you insist on keeping the real flowers in your wedding, go to your local grocery store and buy fresh cut flowers. You can buy several bunches and make all the Bridal Party needed flower arrangements yourself. If you are open to fake flowers, like the ones from Hobby Lobby, these can be a great opportunity to save money on something you’ll get to keep forever. 4. Off the Rack Dresses While it may have always been your dream to feel like a guest on “Say Yes to the Dress”, it is a lot better for your wallet to find a cheaper, but still beautiful, alternative to your dream ball gown. Think of your venue and pick your dress according to that venue. Shopping off the rack allows you to find a dream gown and only pay for alterations, which can impact your budget GREATLY. Check online places like Pinterest or Etsy. 5. Tell Your Guests to Skip the Gifts Yes, while salt and pepper shakers and new mixers are great, a lot of family members may have more wedding effective talents that they could gift you. For example, if one of your guests is a photographer, ask them to take the pictures while they are enjoying the wedding. You can also ask that your guests to give you money to put towards your wedding and/or honeymoon instead of gifts from a registry. If you go this route you need to add a statement on your invitations telling your guest that money would be appreciated instead of gifts. 6. Stock the Bar Yourself One of the biggest reception expenses is the cost of alcohol at the reception. The best bet for a wedding on a budget is to stock the bar yourself. Sticking to things like beer and wine is a lot cheaper. By doing this it will allow you to hire help in bartending. My Final Thoughts If you are having a wedding, it does not have to cost an arm and a leg in order for the wedding to be special. It is special enough since it is the day that you will be marrying the love of your life, so do not stress about spending all your money to make your wedding perfect. Spend time personalizing your wedding and that in itself will make your wedding special and one of a kind. With these tips on how to throw a great wedding on a budget, you will be able to throw a ceremony and reception that is sure to wow your guests!  From Here Comes The Guide
I paid $220 for my wedding dress. My colleague Angie got hers for $125. Since we were both footing the bill for our own weddings, there was precious little in the budget for our gowns. We both looked lovely, by the way, even without spending two months’ rent on our wedding attire. Here are some of our tried-and-true wedding dress shopping secrets for brides on a budget: Dig through department stores Angie had no problem shopping a sale at Macy’s; though not designed specifically for weddings, her long, white Battenberg lace dress was a lot less pricey! So if pretty-and-white will work for you, check out the formal wear at your favorite department store. Check out bridesmaid dress options I wanted my wedding gown to be sexy and glamorous—and when I tried on a certain raspberry chiffon Watters bridesmaid’s dress, I couldn’t imagine letting my gal-pals steal the spotlight in that red-hot number! Shopping the ‘maids catalogs is a great way to save. Find what you like and then order it in white or ecru (or maybe like me, you’ll decide to walk down the aisle in living color!) Consider consignment Sure, maybe you’ll get lucky and find a once-used Reem Acra silk wedding dress in size 6 on eBay…but what if you don’t? Reputable, quality bridal resale stores offer more options with less risk. They also offer consignment options online! Websites offer new, sample and used wedding dresses at killer prices. Rent and return Nowadays you don't even have to purchase a wedding gown. You can rent one! Online or local rental shops are a great option with tons of bridesmaid dresses and a smaller selection of bridal gowns. You can find lots of dresses with that designer-chic at a deeply discounted price. Seek out sample sales Shopping wedding dress sample sales can yield pretty amazing designer bargains. Sign up for email updates from your favorite local bridal salons so you'll be informed about their upcoming sale events. Some of our best tips? Arrive early (with an appointment, if required!), wear your bridal undergarments, and know your size in advance. (The most common sizes at Sample Sales are 8 and 10, but often these can be altered for a custom fit.) Sale events are great for bargain hunting, but normally don't come with the same personalized attention you'd receive at a one-on-one bridal salon appointment. And be sure to factor in the cost of professional dry cleaning! Happy dress shopping! From Here Comes The Guide
White is white, right? Au contraire! There are many variations to this snowy color, and we've broken down the best wedding whites for each unique skin tone. Many brides go to their first bridal salon with dreams of finding their fairytale wedding gown—and are soon disappointed. They try on gown after gown that looks beautiful on the hanger, but when they slip into them they just don’t live up to the dream. They know something isn’t quite right but they can’t put their finger on it. If this has happened to you, then perhaps the problem isn’t the style or cut of the gown—but the color of the white. Although the traditional choice is a pure white wedding gown, the reality is that few women can wear pure white successfully. Many skin tones look either washed out or sallow next to unrelieved white. There are, however, numerous shades of white and cream that are ideal for wedding gowns and are still quite traditional. Choosing one of these shades can make your skin come alive and your eyes sparkle, where stark white may have given you a tired or sickly appearance. So how do you choose the right shade of white, ivory or cream for you? If you can afford it, talk to a fashion color consultant, who will not only advise you on what shade is appropriate for your gown, but can guide you in all of your fashion choices. If not, take an honest look at your skin tone and let it be your guide. Fair Complexions If you have very fair skin, a warm shade of white with a touch of yellow in it will add some warmth and a glow to your skin. A stark white will only wash you out. Olive Complexions If you have sallow or olive skin, whites with a pink undertone (sometimes called cool whites) will balance things and give you a fresh, dewy look. Shades to consider might be champagne or rum white. You can also wear silk white, which is slightly less stark than pure white. Medium Complexions If you have medium skin that is pinker or has blue undertones, try some of the creamier ivories and whites. These have a rich yellow undertone that will keep you from looking too flushed and red, and will complement your complexion. Dark Complexions If you have a deep skin tone, almost any shade of white will look lovely against your skin. The only exception may be if you have dark skin with olive undertones—in that case, try to steer clear of yellow-ivory shades. What are the Many Shades of White? The names given to colors can be confusing. Here are some of the most commonly used names for white, which are standard in the industry: Stark White or Bright White The purest, starkest white almost glows, and is particularly striking against dark skin. It is also the most difficult shade to wear, as it can drain the color from fair and medium skin tones. Champagne White This is a beautiful white with a slight pink undertone. In photos and low light, it looks nearly white but adds richness to olive or sallow skin. A slightly deeper version of this shade is sometimes called Rum White. Ivory There is a great deal of variation in shades of ivory, which is the most universally flattering hue for brides. Be sure to hold a color swatch of any ivory next to your face to see how it plays against your skin and eye color. Some have creamy, warm undertones while others have a slightly pinker tint. Eggshell is one of the lighter shades of ivory. Candlelight This is a somewhat deeper shade of ivory with a beige-cream undertone. The name refers to the fact that it is meant to appear white under candlelight. It’s especially fitting for evening weddings, when its richness and depth will be set off to best advantage. Ecru The deepest shade of ivory available, ecru borders on tan or beige. The name refers to the unbleached or raw color of linen. If you are looking for something that is less traditional and has some depth, ecru is worth trying out. Beyond White More and more brides today are turning away from traditional whites and ivories, a trend that will continue to grow in the future. After all, the notion that white denotes purity or virginity only started in the 1800s, and has since fallen away—today’s bride can wear any color she likes. Nowadays, the wedding gown signifies joy and celebration, and should reflect the bride’s taste. Pastels are a popular alternative that can perfectly complement the bride’s complexion. Sheerest pinks, icy blues and butter-cream yellows are all elegant choices. A pale gold or shimmering silver gown is also a sophisticated option for an evening wedding, when the most formal of attire is expected. If you are set on a white gown, however, you don’t have to be limited to all-over white. Consider a dress of white lace with a silk or satin underlay in another color for an interesting contrast. Colorful embellishments—sequins, beading or embroidery—also adds luxurious detail. A white gown trimmed at the neckline in a richer tone can bring color to the face while breaking up the starkness of the dress. Whatever color you choose for your wedding dress, if you take into account how it looks against your skin as well as how it works with the style of your gown, you’ll glow on your wedding day! From Here Comes The Guide
A long-neglected segment of the bridal market is finally coming into its own: Plus-Size Wedding Dresses - It's about time! Designers and the wedding industry at large have realized that the average woman may not be model-thin, but she IS fashion savvy—and confident enough to show off her curves! It's great that today's plus-size brides have a variety of on-trend options when shopping for their dream gown, but there are a few considerations unique to her experience. Style Tips: Rethink the strapless. Illusion necklines, cap sleeves that accent the shoulders and collarbone, and spaghetti straps that--oops! fall down coquettishly can be even sexier then the ever-popular strapless dress. Plus, you won't be tugging up your bodice all night long (or risk a wardrobe malfunction during the bouquet toss!). Structure is your friend. Start with a properly structured bodice, and almost anything else will work from there. Well-crafted corsetry lifts and cinches in all the right places, and adds a bit of retro sex appeal. A-line gowns are a fashion classic for a reason—they provide a universally flattering silhouette that slims the waist, without creating the volume of some ball gowns. Feeling a bit more daring? Flaunt your curves with a fit & flare dress or even a more dramatic mermaid style (especially complimentary to balanced full-figure women). Comfort is key. Even though a boned bodice is going to help you look your best, you'll want it to deliver on comfort, too. Gowns of the highest-quality craftsmanship ensure that you'll both look and feel amazing throughout your entire celebration, and not just in front of the bridal shop mirror. It's all in the details. Feminine details like satin ribbons or sparkly belts help define your natural waist, while strategically placed fabric weave, lace, and embroidery move the eye along your body in a way that detracts from perceived imperfections. Beware of bright white. While it's unlikely you'll want to wear a slimming all-black bridal gown (though that would be awfully chic!) Affordable, feminine, fun, and versatile in sizes up to 32W. You'll also find a vast selection of plus-sized bridal dresses at stores ranging from Kleinfeld to David's Bridal to ModCloth! Shopping Tips: When it comes to shopping for a plus-size wedding dress, size matters! It usually comes as a surprise to brides that bridal salons don't typically carry all dresses in all sizes. In fact, the majority of bridal "samples" (the gown you'll try on in the store) are stocked in sizes 8, 10, and 12. To make matters more complicated, bridal gown sizes do not correspond to regular clothing sizes (they're generally smaller), so your best bet is to ignore the number and focus on the fit and feel. Bottom line: You won't necessarily be trying on the actual dress—or even the actual size—at your dress shopping appointment. What's a curvy gal to do? Look for a shop that carries a wider selection of plus sizes. A little advance research can save you from disappointment. Don't just ask if a shop carries a certain designer in a size 22 (many designers will let you ORDER a gown in a larger size). Instead, inquire about the selection of plus-size gown SAMPLES (i.e., "I want to actually try some dresses on, not have the salesgirl hold them up to me in front of the mirror!"). Ask the right questions. If you've filled up your Pinterest board with styles that appeal to you visually, then you'll have a short list of designers that you resonate with. That's useful in a couple of ways: When you contact stores to inquire about their plus-size sample selection, you can dig a little deeper to find out if they carry plus-size samples of, say, Stella York's Boho collection—thus curating your shopping experience. This also communicates your fashion dreams to your consultant, who might then suggest similar gowns that she actually has in the store. Measure for the size you are now. You may be following a nutrition and/or fitness regimen so you can look and feel great on your wedding day, but don't buy your dress expecting to have achieved your goal. It's always easier to take in a gown than to let one out. Shop with the right partner. Bring along a friend or relative whose judgement you trust, and who you can count on to (nicely) tell you the straight scoop. The salesperson may ooh and ahh, but your true bestie will give you their honest thumbs up or down. Don't forget the foundation. Whether it's your most reliable pair of Spanx or your go-to strapless bra, what you wear underneath the gown can drastically change how things look on the outside. Even if you end up purchasing specialty lingerie for the final ensemble, be sure you're dressed for success underneath when you shop. Don't shy away from sample sales. Sample sales are a great way to get a designer gown for less, and they're also the best solution for brides with a short planning timeline. But wait, aren't most samples in bridal sizes 8 to 12? Yes, but the salons that typically stock plus-size samples will include these dazzlers in their blowout sales, too! And it's okay to ask their size range ahead of time. BTW, more and more designer trunk shows that embrace larger sizes are popping up, so keep an eye out for these exclusive opportunities. YOU GO GIRL! I Weddings are a joyous occasion but can quickly get expensive in
a hurry. With DIY wedding crafts you can insert a personal touch and hold the price down as well. Here are a few ideas for wedding crafts to add sparkle and creativity to your big day. It is not hard to create your own wedding veil but so much cheaper. To make this wedding craft, you will need a length of bridal illusion veil material in the desired length. You will also need a comb to attach it to your hair and a hat or headpiece to cover the comb. Sew large running stitches about an inch from the end of the veil and gather it tightly. Now sew the veil to the comb. Top with hat or headpiece. As an alternative, you can decorate a wide-brimmed straw hat with silk flowers, ribbon, and pearls. ~~~~~~~ The bouquets and floral arrangements can also be personally crafted. For a simple outdoor wedding, consider wild flowers. They are free and have a charm all their own. Bouquets can be arranged in large clear vases, with a bow tied elegantly around. You can purchase bouquets from big box stores for considerable cheaper than a florist shop. Buy 2 or 3 bunches, put elastics around top, middle and bottom of bunches and tie a ribbon around and add pearls, lace or a small framed picture of someone not able to attend your wedding ~~~~~~~ Favors for the guests are particularly appropriate wedding crafts. Get your bridal party together for a "Favor Building Party". Choose something that you all can tackle with little easy and expense. Refrigerator magnet are a simple and well-received favor. A really nice idea is to make a magnetic picture frame and include a picture of the couple. You could cut a frame out of craft foam in one of the wedding colors, arrange over the photo, and glue all onto a cardboard backing. Place self-adhesive magnet tape on the back of the cardboard. Decorate the front of the frame with foil heart stickers and a monogram of the couple's last name. ~~~~~~~ Bows for the ends of the pews or rows make simple wedding crafts. Wide velvet ribbons are nice for fall and winter weddings, while satin is more appropriate for spring and summer weddings. Loop some flat lace in with the ribbons. In the center of the completed bow, attach some silk flowers and pearl sprays with a hot glue gun. ~~~~~~~ Preparing for a wedding can be expensive, but with wedding crafts, you can take some of the sting out. Plan early, because it will take a little while to make favors for everyone and all the other little details you will want to take care of. Maybe creating wedding crafts will even relieve some of those wedding jitters. In any event, crafting your own wedding items is a way to have a personal, beautiful, and less expensive wedding. And when in doubt go to Itsy...it's full of DIY projects. Whether you're the DIY kind or you plan to hire an event lighting company, consider ditching the floral arrangements for
the unforgettable glow of wedding lighting. Here are some of our favorite ideas. Tropical Lanterns Create and make an easy, elegant outdoor look with paper lanterns. Think of illuminating each table with the soft hues of two or three lanterns. Plus string lanterns overhead to tie it all together. You can even monogram the lanterns for a personalized tropical statement. Inexpensive Double Duty With so many details to look after and take care of why not make your décor work for you? Wine bottles with fairy lights get the job done as table numbers or centerpieces and added sparkle. Why not extend some wedding lighting to the altar as well. Photographer's Dream Photographers love getting creative with every available lighting. Outdoors, wrap string lights around trees and branches to not only light the way, but also delight the person behind the lens. Little lighting details turn photos into stunning pieces of art. Candles, Candles, Candles Nothing spells romance like a candlelit dinner, right? Forget flowers completely by using various sized candles for your wedding lighting. It could spark love between your guests from across the table. Captured Fairies What's a fairy tale wedding without some fairies? Try placing hurricane candle holders & display cases with fairy lights for an enchantment beyond flowers. Keep Them Looking Up Cascading string lights hung from the ceiling keep eyes up. The best part is you don't need to worry about the height of the centerpieces blocking conversation because it's floating overhead! Couples Name in Lights Who doesn't want to see their name in big, bright marquee lights? A lighted monogram creates a perfect photo-ops while putting your stamp on the entire reception. Most monograms can be rented or purchased — or you can DIY your own. Double Duty Lanterns Galore Light the way to your reception with minimalist elegance and old world charm with lanterns. The are classic, and can do double duty by using them later as centerpieces for a traditional wedding. Light Up Your Tent If your thinking of renting a tent for your wedding reception you will find that many tent companies offer lighting designs of varying degrees to go with the tent rentals. Ambiance is the décor that counts. Keep the party glowing when you immerse the entire reception with lights. An Enchanting Affair Still considering a traditional centerpiece? Tea lights hanging off bare low branches make for a fuller look. From farther away, the lights float in the atmosphere like dancing fairies. Romantic Illuminated Backdrop Put yourself in sheer radiance in the front of the room. A backdrop of tulle and lights behind the head table to create a stunning ambiance that won't obstruct views of the happy couple. This is a perfect DYI project for you and your Peeps. Strung Together A string of lights is an amazing way to add softness and structure to any space. Doesn't matter if you're having an indoor or outdoor wedding, brighten up the ceiling on your affair. |
AuthorIda-May Hanson is a person that loves to serve others. She has even been called an "A" type personality once or twice. Enjoys to craft, design, build and Archives
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