April 16th, 2010
It is easy to do it yourself, and you will be preserving your wedding dress the same way important textiles in museums across the country are stored. If it’s good enough for the most valuable fabrics of our nation’s past, then it’s good enough for you! Just follow these simple guidelines.
Do not take your wedding dress to a dry cleaning service. Dry cleaners would like you to believe that their service is best, but in fact, you can do a better job yourself for less than what they charge.
When your wedding dress is dry cleaned, damaging dry cleaning fluid becomes trapped in the garment fibers. After an extended period of time, especially when sealed in an airtight box, this fluid may seriously degrade the fabric.
If you have a wedding dress that is currently stored in a sealed box, break the seal and let it air out in a closet or room unexposed to direct sunlight.
If you have not yet boxed the wedding dress you are attempting to preserve, decide whether to store it in a box or on a hanger. Heavy dresses should be boxed, as hanging them puts undue stress on the seams and fabric.
Be sure to purchase an acid-free box and tissue for stuffing the bodice and sleeves. Lightweight dresses can be hung on padded hangers and covered with a simple unbleached muslin garment bag that will protect it from dust and light while allowing the dress to breathe. Padded hangers can be made with quilt batting and sewn under a muslin cover.
When boxing up a wedding dress, make sure to place rolled sheets of acid-free tissue inside the folds to prevent creasing.
The bodice, sleeves, and headpiece may be gently stuffed with tissue to lend support and maintain the original shape. Remember to be gentle, and do not to stuff anything too tightly. Too much stuffing can be more damaging than none at all.
In addition, plastic beads, sequins, buttons, trims, and metal fasteners can all emit harmful gases that cannot escape from a sealed box. Trapped chemicals act upon fibers in the dress, breaking them down, changing their color, and in many cases making existing stains more noticeable.
Before attempting any cleaning method, consult a textile conservator first. He or she will be able to provide specific advice for the type of stain, color, and fabric of your textile.
Store your wedding dress in a cool, dry, space with little light. Basements are generally a bad place to keep textiles because of the moisture, and attics are often extremely hot in summer. A guest room closet is ideal.
I get many questions about cedar chests and closets, and although they do keep moths away, they can also create an acidic environment that is harmful to delicate fabrics. So steer clear of cedar!
April 15th, 2010
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Gown Tips
Begin Looking Early!
Even when you buy your dress through us, it is best to allow four to six months for your dress to be delivered to you. Don’t forget all bridal gowns will need to be altered. You’ll also need to allow time to have your Bridal Portrait. For your convenience, we have noted approximate delivery times for the dresses we showcase. Please understand, you and we are at the mercy of the dress manufacturer. 99.9% of the time the manufacturers are able to meet our shipping deadline. But, if you’re going to be cutting it tight on time, go with the dress that has a delivery time well in advance of your deadline. We continually follow-up with the manufacturer to monitor status and head off any potential delays.
If you’re in a rush, select from our selection of “Special Savings” gowns as the designer on the Gown Search. We have a variety of styles, ready to ship. Most of these styles are limited quantities, so if you see “the” gown, don’t wait! All of our Special Savings gowns are brand-new, never worn, never altered, designer original gowns with all the labels and hang-tags intact. These gowns are first-quality. If you’re in a rush or on a budget, you’ll definitely want to take a look!
Magazines–A Great Place to Start
Buy 2 to 3 bridal magazines. You really don’t need more (they are expensive). More than 3 and you’ll just keep seeing the same styles over and over. Tear out pictures of the dresses you like and write on the picture the magazine name and page number it came from! As an authorized retailer of many lines, we can tell you exactly which dress is in their ad. You’ll start to notice you are drawn to certain skirt or bodice styles. Maybe you’re drawn to beadwork or sweetheart necklines.
What’s Your Style?
Okay, so you’ve got a stack of pages torn from magazines. Now what?
Step One: Contact your Church, Synagogue or Mosque
This is very important because deposits and payments for gowns are typically non-refundable! Many religious sites impose certain restrictions on what you and your party may wear. Common examples include no sleeveless gowns or no backless dresses. Check into this first to avoid expensive and devastating delays!
Step Two: Formality
Do you envision a Black Tie wedding or a simple, elegant garden setting? Once you have decided on how formal your day will be you will then be able to begin looking for your gown. Keep these rules of thumb in mind:
|
Formal |
Semi-Formal |
Informal |
| Daytime |
White/Off-white
Long gown, train, long veil.
Gloves are optional. |
White/Off-white/Pastel
Long gown, short or no train, short veil. Gloves optional. |
White/Off-white/Pastel/Soft Pattern
Short or Tea-Length dress, cocktail dress or suit |
| Evening |
White/Off-white
Long gown, train, long veil.
Gloves are optional. |
White/Off-white
Long gown, short or no train, short veil. Gloves optional. |
White/Off-white/Pastel/Soft Pattern/Brights
Long dinner dress or simple gown, short cocktail dress or evening suit |
Step Three: When and Where?
Will you be married at your family church in Chicago in December or at the Garden Club in New Orleans in July? One dress would probably not suit both weddings. Think of the style of your church decorated for Christmas with the cold, Chicago wind blowing off Lake Michigan versus the sultry, hot, humidity of a lazy New Orleans July day. I wouldn’t want to be wearing a long, satin gown with long sleeves in New Orleans in July! Would you?
Fall/Winter try: satin, heavy damasks, heavy taffetas, moiré, heavy lace, velvet, heavy beadwork.
Spring/Summer try: chiffon, tulle skirts, lightweight satins, dotted Swiss, lace.
Step Four: Know Thyself
Be honest. Short, tall, average, slim, heavy, busty or hippy, there is a dress to complement your figure. Most bridal gowns fall into one of five categories:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| A-Line or Princess |
Empire |
Ballgown |
Sheath |
Mermaid or Trumpet |
| Great on almost every figure. |
Helps add height to petites. May also be combined with A-Line skirt. |
Great on busty brides. Often combined with a Basque waist. |
Often have a detachable train. |
Similar to a sheath. Great for showing off your curves! |
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Size Terms
|
|
|
Think Gwyneth Paltrow, think Room with a View, think long vertical lines. Go for a high neckline, empire waist (if you’re slim, try a full-length sheath) with short or no sleeves. No train. Add elbow length gloves and a veil no longer than floor length Try a pouf veil for more height. The long lines will add inches of visual height. |
| Tall
(over 59″) |
Unlike the petite bride, you’ll want to break up your natural vertical. Go horizontal. Look for a drop waist. Maybe a wide belt, ruffles or trim that wraps around your gown. Lower necklines and off-the-shoulder. Fuller sleeves also can help. Try a hat or fantastic veil, but don’t go for a pouf veil. |
| Average Height & Weight
(55″ to 58″) |
Your parents were right when it came to average grades, but thank your lucky stars youre considered average here! Most dress designers style the majority of their lines for you. Look to your Grooms height. You may want to follow the guidelines for Tall or Petite Brides to help balance your height to his. |
| Slim |
You have two options, play it up or visually fill-out. If you want to play it up follow the guidelines for petite or heavy brides. You can visually fill-out by going with a heavier fabric (velvet, damask,), full skirt, slim waist and sleeves. You may consider a blouson bodice as well. |
| Plus-Size |
Generally, add height. Read the guidelines for the Petite Bride. Go for a high waist or A-Line. Run from flouncy ruffles, clingy fabrics and big sleeves. |
| Busty |
You probably have already learned that you don’t look your best in empire, A-Lines or cinched waists. They only add to your bust. Try a V- or high neck. You may even find an attractive keyhole neckline. You may also consider limiting the amount of beadwork on the bodice as it would draw attention to your bust. |
| Hippy |
The most dramatic way to solve this figure flaw is to go Elizabethan. Try a broad collar. Two other ways to solve this are balance or camouflage. To balance, try a hat or big, pouffy sleeves. To camouflage, go with a flared skirt, A-Line or a skirt which obviously requires a lot of petticoat. |
Step Five: Find It
Knowing what you’ve learned, go back through your stack of pictures and throw out all that won’t suit your figure. You’ll quickly notice that most stores rip the tags out of their gowns. Yes, it may be illegal for stores to cut out the tags. The federal government passed the Federal Textile Products Identification Act in 1958 whih makes it illegal to rip the tags out of gowns under certain circumstances. A lot of states also make it illegal under their Deceptive Trade Practices Act(s). But, don’t expect to see a SWAT team rush in if you report them to the Federal Trade Commission or your local police. So, don’t be surprised. They’ve been doing it for years. It’s meant to thwart you from buying from the shop down the street. Remember, bridal shops are there to sell you a big-ticket item your dress! Expect them to be sugary sweet when youre shopping. But watch that attitude change when you ask them the manufacturers name and style number! Dont let them spoil your day. We’re experts in helping brides find the perfect gown. You’re welcome to contact us any time and one of our friendly, expert bridal consultants will help you find the gown that flatters your figure and wedding style the best.
What Size Are You?
The number size in a bridal dress is about as important to its actual size as its color is not at all. You’ve been dieting, eating better and working out. You’ve lost 10 pounds and we actually expect you to order a size 14 gown? If the chart says so, yes we do. Here’s another area we differ from the so-called full-service salons. When you place your order, we show you the size charts from the manufacturer. They’re based on your measurements. If youre right on the edge of two sizes, order the larger. You order your gown to fit your largest measurement size. So if your bust equals a size 14, your waist a size 12 and your hips a 12, you would order the 14. Gown sizes may be, and often are, very different than regular clothing. I’ll tell you the same thing my mother told me when I found out my gown was going to have a “Size 14″ tag in it: “Cut the damn thing out!” Remember, its easier to cut a dress down than to try to lose that last inch, especially with all the goodies at the teas and showers! So how do you take your measurements? We recommend you have the professional seamstress who will alter your gown take your measurements for you. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TAKE YOUR OWN MEASUREMENTS – THEY WILL BE WRONG! Use a vinyl tape-measure; fabric ones tend to stretch over time and your dress will be ordered too small. When you measure, wear shoes with a heel height similar to what you plan to wear on your wedding day, wear a similar bra or bustier and, if you have one laying around, wear a similar petticoat. Your dress manufacturer may not need all these measurements, but it’s good to have them all, just in case. Measure the following:
Common Style Terms
Do you know your ball gown from your princess? What about a basque from a bateau? Sheath from Schiffli? All of the most common style terms are listed in our site, many even have pictures to help. |
April 14th, 2010
Step 1
Make plans to preserve the wedding dress well before the wedding day. Once the wedding day arrives and has passed, it is followed by the absence of the bride on her honeymoon and other chaos such as moves and life changes that come with marriage. Despite the fact that the gown was only worn once and must be pristine, stains from body oil, perspiration and those from food and drink will prevent the gown from aging gracefully by creating permanent stains.
Step 2
Store the dress properly once it has been properly cleaned for preservation. Work with a cleaner who specializes in bridal-gown preservation; this person will be certain to use acid-free tissue paper and boxes to slow the aging process. Store the perfectly-preserved gown in a living area of the bride’s home, not an attic, a basement, a trunk, a drawer, or the garage.
Step 3
Keep the boxed dress untouched unless absolutely necessary.
April 13th, 2010
A toned tummy might be the most annoyed problem for the brides who have destination weddings, however, cannot wear out the perfect appearance in sheath/column wedding dresses. Several knacks are provided to help you fake the tummy invisible.
High-Waist belt or thong. This butt-baring suit leaves no panty lines. It’s perfect for brides who are wearing figure-fitting trumpet, dropped-waist or mermaid wedding gowns. Low-Plunge Bodysuit This suit gives support for women who wear A- to D-cups. And thanks to its low-dipping middle, it won’t peek out underneath keyhole, sweetheart bridal gown or plunging V-necklines wedding dress bridal gown. Thigh Sharpers this micro fiber suit goes from under the bust to the top of the knee. It’s an ideal option for sheer wedding gowns like chiffon sheaths bridal dresses * sheath * column wedding dresses * mermaid wedding gowns * princess * because no thong or panty lines will show.
Some details would overturn the whole impression of your wearing on your princess/A-line wedding gowns, nothing needs to worry, and any wedding dresses can be chosen.
March 30th, 2010
Whether your wedding is on a distant tropical shore (you lucky things) or closer to home, this theme
will work anywhere and really gives a sense of anything goes Here is my take on creating a tropical
wedding scheme that everyone will love.
Colors Go for vibrant fuchsia pink, bright red, orange, lime green and aqua blue for a fiesta style scheme.
This opens up many possibilities for your decorations, accessories and flowers something your florist will love you for.
If you want something a little more subtle then choose a combination of two colors teamed with white.
For instance, try combining fuchsia pink, aqua blue and white; or lime green, aqua blue and white.
Locations As mentioned this scheme can really work anywhere. Beaches perhaps offer the best venue, but gardens,
marquees and open spaces can work equally as well.
This theme doesn’t have to be confined to a summer wedding either. Beat the winter blues by using for a winter wedding;
just find a location with a large room so you have a space that is light and airy opulent ballrooms would be a step too far with this scheme.
March 29th, 2010
Embrace the Traditions that Work for You
Planning a Dallas Fort Worth wedding means embracing the traditional notions of Texas hospitality and etiquette. Expect a wedding in Dallas to be slightly more formal and traditional than weddings on the West Coast. Don’t feel obligated to embrace every tradition. Instead, pick and choose what works for you. Here are a few suggestions:
Do
- Send Save the Date cards. These help your guests plan ahead. If you are inviting guests from out of town and friends and family who need babysitters, give them more than a few weeks to plan.
- Wear something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Let your Maid of Honor help you put together your good luck items. Try borrowing a piece of jewelry for something old and a blue undergarment for something blue.
Don’t
- Avoid stressing out about not seeing your fiancé before the ceremony. Many times, you’ll need to take pictures before the ceremony. Take a special moment to meet up with your fiancé and exchange private words so you still have that moment of surprise when he sees your dress.
- Don’t save your wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary. Pastry chefs explain that unless you use state of the art storage methods, it simply isn’t going to taste good. Find more practical ways to celebrate your first year together.
March 27th, 2010
My name is Susan, now I would like to tell you my unusual wedding experience in a storytelling style, you may doubt that is it in the mood for a horror movie/comedy? Believe it or not, it did happen to me! Whenever I talk about the events that led up to my special day I always say I felt like God was throwing me zingers telling me not to get married.
Back in 2000 when my then-fiancée Jack and I were planning our we had visions of a fairy tale complete with plum pudding and roast goose at the reception. We had champagne tastes on a beer budget, though. In January 2002 we met with the guy who was going to be our deejay but he wound up taking our money and that was all.
I found my wedding dress at a consignment shop for $100. The 1970s-style dress had to be altered a few times and the seamstress took me to small claims court for non-payment because I later didn’t have money to pay her right away.
Only two bridesmaids showed up to my bridesmaids’ luncheon.
The shoes I bought for my wedding were sequined and beautiful like Cinderella’s slippers but wound up being torture for my feet.
Three months before Jack and I were to be married we got in a fight and he kicked me out so I stayed at a friend’s for a week till we made up.
One of my bridesmaids bowed out of the wedding then wanted her money back on her dress at my expense. Later when she got married she asked why I didn’t come to her wedding. Now we’re both divorced. Surprised?
We had to cancel the caterer and the cake due to lack of funds so we wound up having a potluck reception.
We had to cancel the rental of the church because of financial problems so we got married in a gazebo on the beach on what turned out to be a gorgeous but extremely windy day. So windy that the combination of ocean waves and wind made my husband’s vows silent on the videotape. We had to cancel the minister due to money so we used a female friend of mine who happened to be licensed to perform weddings. Since we already had received our printed invitations to mail out I had to write in the new location of the wedding by hand on hundreds of invites.
On the way to the rehearsal dinner Jack and I got in a huge argument and the morning of our wedding he asked me if I had any money he could borrow. My future father-in-law who I met for the first time at the rehearsal dinner barely spoke to me but not because of the fight, just because that’s how he was.
My sister and friend who were my Maids of Honor had to practically chase the end of my long wedding dress as they held it up walking down the “aisle” because of the wind. The singer we hired was forced to sing Capella at the reception because we couldn’t afford the pianist we planned to use. Nothing was so awkward than sitting there with Jack, our guests, and family as she sang right to us with silence in the background.
We were too broke to afford rings so my husband just had to take my engagement ring and put it on my other hand at the altar.
On the way to the wedding two of my bridesmaids, me, and my minister friend riding in the same car got a flat tire but were helped out by some guys who stopped on the highway. Then we got stuck in a parade procession and I was 20 minutes late to the altar so Jack thought I was standing him up.
I walked down the altar and after they played the song accompanying me the next song on the tape which was totally inappropriate for the event started playing and there was no one to turn it off.
We had to have our reception at an alcohol recovery place because we couldn’t afford to rent a reception hall. It just so happened, the building we wound up using was formerly a church.
My male-bashing friend was cracking jokes about my wedding with her entourage she brought with her, all of whom were dressed way too casual for a wedding.
We couldn’t afford a professional photographer so we had to take our own pictures. My husband had to work over time the day before so he was exhausted. My step dad and great uncle had too much to drink so my step dad missed the father/daughter dance.
My cousin, who was in charge of videotaping, accidentally got my tipsy step dad recorded at the end of the tape as he lay in bed arguing with my cousin jokingly. Some kid who I never saw in my life, wrapped up the end of the wedding video by proclaiming, “That’s it!” while dancing a jig.
March 26th, 2010
It becomes a challenge to choose the perfect dress from a rack of evening dresses if you want to impress someone.
Be a Vision of Loveliness
Night is always the most romantic time for love to blossom; now you know why your step is lighter when you step out to enjoy a day and countless weekends at the beach. That’s fine but it can be bore spending days at the beach. Switch your two-piece to one of those irresistible evening dresses that shows off your curves in a different skin. You might be surprised that men can be doubly charmed when their date is dressed to the nines that show off their feminine curves regally.
The length of evening gowns
Trendy evening dresses for today’s younger set can be anything from a tea-length dress or a floor length creation. For cool night nights, tea-length chic is the perfect choice. It’s not too formal yet it gives you the sweet look you want for a night date. Your choice of color should reflect the joie de vivre of night – fruity colors and blues of sky and sea. Wear it with the right accessories and the right hair style; you can surprise everyone with your look – a vision of stylish loveliness.
The floor length long evening dress has more dramatic effect. You can choose to be quirky, provocative and whimsical and ooze with feminine charm every turn. The secret is in the details of the dress. Strapless and haltered tops and plunging necklines are eye-popping styles are best for night evenings for a formal or not too formal function. You bet; you’ll be the belle’s belle of the ball.
The colors of Your elegant Evening Dresses
The color pink is hot; still you can personalize your style. Go girl for candy colors and see your beauty points zoom up the fashion scale. But don’t forget to choose colors that flatter your coloring but take care to choose colors that show well in evening illumination. That’s the secret to choosing colors for your fashions togs. Walk tall with your chin up. Haven’t you notice how those glam girls ramp their designer creations?
The styles of your evening dresses
Show off your assets. If you have it, flaunt it in style. One mistake young misses make is overdoing their flaunting. Cool it. Remind yourself that this is a formal event not a street fest. Choose sheer skirts over tight dresses and pulse-quickening halters, these are more regal looking and with the right frills, you become a picture of night cool.
There’s no stopping you from trying new styles. It might be risky though. Think about it, will your date be impressed with black and brown roses on that chiseled dress? That’s a thought. If you are not confident with risqué designs, stick to the predictable styles. Predictable as these evening dresses go, they transform your entirely to a vision of poetic symmetry.
To decide which of the evening dresses to add to your wardrobe, check out the designer collections from different online fashion shops. You can see for yourself how the dress looks before you order the best one.
I am sure you can find the perfect evening dresses online!
March 24th, 2010
Well, your exquisite wedding gown has been prepared, but that is not enough. A perfect wedding hair matches the perfect wedding gown may make up a perfect bride! The next thing for you to prepare is a good wedding hair. How to choose a right wedding hair suits your wedding gown and your ethos?
Consider the style that makes you feel most confident and let your preference guide you. Wear your hair up if your wedding gowns dresses have neckline or bodice you want to highlight. Long flowing locks create an air of romance and up-do evokes a sleek, sophisticated look. Schedule a pre-wedding hair ” trial” to see how which hairstyles look best with your veil and tiara or other headpiece matching with your couture wedding dresses. If you plan to remove your veil after the ceremony, select a style that allows for a quick and easy transformation.
No matter which hairstyle, the Key to this is to make you comfortable, flowing, and easy or anything to make you the centerpiece. And the hairstyles should look best with your veil and tiara or other headpiece, and you could visit www.weddingdressclub.com to select your favorite tiara and veil.
March 23rd, 2010
Finding cheap and quality wedding dresses is not too difficult. Once you have decided to wear casual dresses out of the churchyard, you are bestowed with flow of options.
Victorian era wedding dresses had a very common color, i.e. white, but now you have navy blues, oranges, reds, yellows, pinks, lavenders, greens, and many more. Choose any one of these wedding dress colors fearlessly commensurate with your mindset and personality. Regarding other design works, you have practically unlimited options. If you are uncomfortable with much exposure, choose gowns with sleeves and forget the topless beauties. If it is a summer evening, your dresses must not make you too hot! Choose them intelligently considering who would be present there and without compromising any of your comforts.
With easy availability of tools and accessories, you yourself can now design your own casual backyard wedding dresses, if you are little creative and too enthusiastic about your marriage (hopefully, you must be!). In an average, a good quality casual wedding dress will cost you around $300-$3000.
