Tip of The Week - Unexpected Dress Deals!

Hey Everyone!

I was browsing the Internet today for a cocktail dress for myself for a girl's night out, and came across so many stores that are now jumping on the bridesmaid and wedding dress bandwagon. Thanks to retailers like JCrew and Ann Taylor who started the trend, many big-name clothing chains are cashing in on this industry.

What does this mean for you? It means fabulous coutoure-esque dresses at bargain prices! It also means for your maids the opportunity to order their dress on-line without having to deal with the hassel of being fitted in a bridal store. Here are some of my personal favorites I came across today! Let me know if any of your have purchased one of these! I'd love to hear your opinions on their quailty and style!

Wedding Gowns

The Limited - I have loved this store since I was 6 years old and shopped at The Limited Too. Don't lie ladies, you also had the matching flower t-shirt, shorts, socks, belt, and of course - the scrunchie! Now that we are grown-ups, they have stepped up their style and created gorgeous wedding dresses any gal would be lucky to wear!

Romantic Wedding Gown - $298

White House Black Market - Another favorite store of mine, it's always my go-to location for the perfect LBD (little black dress). Now they have created a limited edition bridal gown that reminds me of something you would see on the runway, except it's only $498! Now, I will tell you that this look is not for everyone. I can't promise you that in 20 years you will be loving this dress as much as you might a more traditional look, but for all you trendy ladies out there, this is one to check out!

Limited Edition Bridal Gown - $498

JCrew - As I said before, JCrew pioneered the traditional retail clothing outlet crossing over into the bridal market. I must warn you, however, not all their dresses are inexpensive. Some cost as much as $3,000! But, they are beautiful! Here's a gorgeous one I found that would be so perfect for a beach wedding. I can just see the chiffon flowing in the breeze...

Silk Chiffon Arabelle Crinckle Gown - $425

Nordstrom - Nordies has a great selection of special occasion dresses that you can totally rock as a wedding gown, especially if the idea of a train has you tripping (get it? tripping? hahaha). Here are some of my favorites from the department store guru.

Sue Wong Drop Waist Embellished Lace Gown - $598

JS Boutique Beaded Crisscross Matte Jersey Gown - $178

Bridesmaids Dresses

We have already done one feature on inexpensive bridesmaids dresses, so today I am only going to focus on 2 retailers - Target and Forever 21. Never in a million years did I think these two retailers would be able to create cute bridesmaids dresses, but they have, and you will love them!

Target - Who doesn't love this store? If you are like me, every time you go in there for toilet paper, you walk out with $100 worth of items and you have no idea how they got there! I am in love with these two adoreable looks - and even more in love with their prices! Consider pairing them with a fun colored shoe, such as an emerald green for the navy dress or an eggplant purple with the yellow!

Merona Collection Party Dress With Sash in Navy Voyage - $29.99

Mossimo Black Strapless Dress in Yellow - $24.99

Forever 21 - I love finding deals at Forever 21! From their dresses to jewelry, it's a great way to capture what is in style at the moment without spending a fortune! I was surprised, however, to see them create some dresses that are the appropriate length for a bridesmaid. After all, your wedding shouldn't be about who can show the most leg! Save that for the bachelorette party!

Floral Sheen Dress in Charcoal $27.80

Dashing Duo Dress $34.80

Strapless Trophy Dress $34.80

Pleated One Shoulder Dress $32.80

That does it! If you find other dresses that would look great on this list, send them our way and I will post them! Hope everyone is having a fantastic week!

Cheers!

Hannah

Tip of the Week: Wedding Planning Dos and Don'ts

Happy Summer Blog Fans!

It has been a hot (no pun intended!) minute since I had the opportunity to post on our blog! Jessica and I have been busy with helping our brides have the day of their dreams!

I wanted to write today about some general dos and don'ts when it comes to planning your dream wedding. If you follow our suggestions, you are sure to have a stress-free planning experience!

1.) Do Hire A Wedding Planner!
We aren't just saying this because it's how we put food on the table, it actually is a necessary person to involve in your big day. After all, you don't try to cook all the food for your guests do you? Of course not! You hire a caterer! The same is true for the planning process. Your experience will be much more enjoyable if you leave it to the pros to lead you to reputable vendors who will treat you like the queen you are! Additionally, your wedding planner will be there with you on the day of your event to make sure that everyone sticks to their contracts and the day goes off without a hitch! Don't ever fear that hiring a wedding planner means you won't have a hand in the process. We love when our brides want to be a big part of the planning process, but certainly understand if work or distance makes this difficult!

2.) Do Set A Budget
Weddings are expensive, and should be viewed as a major purchase. Just as if you were purchasing a car or house, have an idea in mind beforehand of how much you would like to spend. Talk to your wedding planner about this number at your first meeting. This will help her point you in the direction of vendors who best suit your style and budget. If your parents are paying for some or all of the wedding, make sure they are on the same page as you are with that number. That brings us to our first don't...

3.) Don't Go Over Budget!
As you go through your planning process, you are sure to see ideas that are very appealing and that you think you might have to have. Remember that while this day is one you have been dreaming of for a long time, it's not worth starting your marriage out in debt. If you can't afford it now, set a goal to have it at your vow renewal in 10 years. Those Chiavari chairs will still be around - promise!

4.) Do Demand A Contract From Every Vendor
If you have followed "Do" number 1, your wedding planner will handle this for you! If not, however, make sure you ask each vendor for a contract in writing that you have both signed. You should read the contract in its entirety before signing, and don't feel bad about asking questions if something sounds confusing. It's always better for everyone involved to clear these things up early in the process, rather than the week before your event! Keep each contract until the services has been completely provided. This means for vendors such as photographers and videographers, you will need to hang onto it until you receive your album or DVD. If your photos come with a lifetime guarantee, you will need to keep the contract forever in case you need to replace these precious memories.

5.) Don't Spend Too Much Time Looking At Magazines
The wedding industry is very similar to the fashion industry in the sense that what is "in" conveniently changes about every quarter when the major magazines are published. You will become overwhelmed with ideas, color schemes, etc. and won't know which end is up. Once you have flipped through some and found your inspiration, stick with it! The same is true with your wedding gown. There will always be a new style, a new designer, or a new dress that will look amazing on you. If you get caught up in the "What if there's something better game?" you will never find a dress! After all, if this is how you approached dating, you wouldn't be getting married in the first place!

6.) Do Make This Day About You and Your Husband
A wedding is one day, but a marriage is a life-long commitment. Try to avoid getting caught up in what food to eat, what color linens to have, or where to go on the honeymoon. Remember that you have a lifetime ahead of you with this person, and this day is about celebrating that commitment and your enduring love for one another. Each time you want to roll your eyes at your fiance because he thinks the registry gun is the best part of getting married, remember how you felt the first time he kissed you - now that is something to celebrate!

For more wedding planning advice, call us for a free consultation! We'd love to meet you and make your day an unforgettable Shindig!

Cheers!
Hannah