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Short Wedding Gowns – Beat the Heat!

It’s very hot where we are, which got us thinking about the weight of wedding gowns this time of year and the benefits of a short wedding dress; not to mention it is ideal for brides that get married in tropical temperatures (so you won’t have to feel too hot and sultry underneath the layers of fabric). Maybe it’s not the temperature that’s the issue, but the wedding’s focus is more informal so a short gown would be more appropriate.

The gown shown here is actually very sexy. (The model has a lot to be desired … it is just us or do some of the models for wedding gowns look either unhappy, bored or something!).

Did you know, fashion designer Coco Chanel was the first to introduce the short wedding dress in 1920. Coco designed a knee-length wedding gown with a long white train.

Visit one of our many bridal gown partners to see what’s new in short gowns:

In Dallas – Neiman Marcus, Warren Barron Bridal and Carolina Herrera

In Chicago – Anne Barge Bridal Collection, Carolina Herrera and Elizabeth Fillmore Bridal

Tips when purchasing your wedding gown

Your wedding is nine months away and you decide to start searching for your perfect gown. You walk into a bridal store and start talking to one of the salespeople. They ask you for your wedding date and you tell them. They immediately tell you that you will need nine months in order to special order your wedding gown. Is this true? In most cases, this is not true. The bridal shop is telling you that just so you will panic and place your order that day. This also helps them in stopping you from looking at other bridal shops. Don’t ever be bullied into buying your wedding dress on any given day. You might have found the dress of your dreams but give yourself a little time to think about it. You are making a big purchase for a special day and you need to make sure that this is the dress. Once you buy your gown that is it. Most shops do not allow returns or money back especially on special orders. Once you put money down on a special order, the dress is yours.

What to know

The majority of manufacturers require 8-12 weeks for a special order unless you are making drastic changes to a dress.

Most manufacturers will allow you to lengthen a train, shorten a train, take off some beads, or add beads. If there is something you would love to add/change to your dress just ask the salesperson. Not all manufacturers allow this but some do, so ask. If a bridal shop gives you a delivery date of 6 months or more then I would be very careful.

You have decided on your perfect wedding dress and now it is time to order it. First of all I would pay one one-half of the deposit. If the shop asks for more than that then walk out. You do not want to put more then half down on something you do not yet have in your hands. Also if the wedding is cancelled, you have lost only one-half the cost of the dress because remember deposits on special order dresses are not refundable. Also, I suggest you put your deposit down with a credit card. This way if anything happens like the store closes down or never places your order then you have a way of getting your deposit back. After you place your order and put your half deposit down, make sure you get a receipt. Also make sure that they write down the style number, color, and size down on your copy as well as the store’s copy. This way you have proof of what was supposed to be ordered.

After you place your order, call the store after a few days and get an estimated delivery date. This way you can be sure they ordered it. These are estimated dates not actual dates. No one can give you an actual date. This is the real world and things do happen. Make sure you right this date down on your receipt along with the day and person you spoke with.

Here’s a trick … if you have plenty of time provide a date that is one month before your wedding date. This will help to reassure you that the dress will come in plenty of time before your wedding. If your wedding date is 4 months or less away, then you cannot do this because you will incur rush charges.

How to make sure your dress is new

You’ve found your perfect dress and although the store has the exact size and color in stock you decide you want to order your dress new from the manufacturer instead of the store’s sample. You make your down payment, the dress is ordered and you have an estimated delivery date. The bridal shop calls you to tell you your dress has arrived and you go in to try it on. Before you even try it on you notice makeup stains inside the bodice of your dress and the underskirt looks as though it has been dragged across a dirty floor. Guess what? It’s a sure bet that your dress was never ordered and they are passing off the floor sample as a new dress. At this point you should point out the problems to the shop. Refuse to take the dress and demand they order you a new dress. Never take the dress out of the store and expect to come back later to show them the problems. Once you take a dress out of the store, the dress is yours no matter what.

If your dress came in from the manufacturer stained or dirty you should have no problem requesting a new one. If, in fact, the store never ordered you a new dress and are trying to pass the floor sample on to you, you have every right to demand your money back or if it would satisfy you, to have the store clean it at their expense. Always make sure you go into the store as soon as you can when your special order dress comes in. This includes bridesmaids’ dresses as well. If you go in immediately then you can still get the manufacturer to replace the dress if anything is wrong. Usually most manufacturers give the shop one to two weeks to notify them if something is wrong. After the certain time frame there is nothing you or the bridal shop can do to request a new dress if something is wrong.

So, if possible, plan you wedding 8-12 months in advance so you have plenty of time to select and order the dress of your dreams.

Need advice or guidance, contact one of our StrictlyWeddings.com partners. Gown designed by Elizabeth Fillmore.

Warren Barron in Dallas, Texas brings you Monique Lhuiller

One of today’s most popular wedding dress designers is Monique Lhuiller. At the age of 15, Monique left home to attend the Chateau Mont-Choisi boarding school in Lausanne, Switzerland. It was there that she decided to pursue her dreams of becoming a designer. She attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. In 1996, Monique launched her first bridal collection and in 2001 was awarded the Glamorous Bridal Designer Award, the 2002 Avant Garde Bridal Designer Award and the 2003 Designer of the Year Award from Wedding Dresses Magazine.

With StrictlyWeddings.com partner, Warren Barron, you will find many of her exquisite designer gowns. Stop by or call to schedule an appointment. (Visit our Events calendar for the latest designer trunk shows in the Dallas area).

Treating Common Stains for Wedding Gown Preservation

You may not get around to thinking about preserving your wedding dress until you get back from your honeymoon, but that’s OK. You will get the best results if you will perform some basic pre-stain treatments on your dress before you let your dress sit too long.

Here are some of the common stains that can occur during your wedding and how you can pre-treat them.

Drink stains: Wine, coffee, tea, or carbonated sodas are common. Some of these stains may not be visible at first. If you know of a stain or can see it, first don’t use soap to try and remove it. Instead it is best to use a white vinegar and water mixture (1/3 white vinegar 2/3 water). Spray the mixture on the stained area, allow it to sit for a minute or two and then rub off with a soft cloth. Repeat it needed.

Chocolate: Since chocolate fountains have become so popular this stain is also common. It is best to soak the area in cold water. Use a soft bristled tooth brush to brush the area. Use a small amount of dishwashing soap and repeat. You’re not trying to remove the stain completely just to minimize the damage. You do not have to rinse. Remember you are just pre-treating these stains, it’s the wedding gown preservation company that will finish the job and remove the stains completely.

Dirt stains: Don’t even worry about dirt stains. Dirt, even asphalt stains, can easily be removed by a professional wedding dress preservation company.

When you get back from your honeymoon (unless you did it earlier) check out various wedding gown preservation companies. Compare services offered. Compare prices. Choose a company that will do a complete job, but at a reasonable cost. It should cost you between $149 – $189. Whatever you do, get your dress cleaned and preserved as soon as possible.

Photographs of the 2010 Carolina Herrera Bridal Collection. Call for an appointment to view their exquisite bridal gown collection.

Top Bridal Fashions for 2009

One of the main trends for 2009 is floral details. Almost every designer on the catwalks featured a bridal design with flowers, in all shapes and sizes, from delicate floral embroidered lace to bold Mikado rose petal skirts. “There are few things as feminine and beautiful as a flower. It is the perfect complement to bridal fashion, and a fabulous way to give your dress that extra delicate touch.”

It is hard to imagine wearing a short dress as a wedding gown, but bridal designers are big supporters of the short hemline this year. For the destination wedding, summer nuptial or the bride who wants a bit of edgy style, this look is perfect. “Often brides overlook finding the dress that suits the season of their wedding, the mini dress is perfect for the summer event.”

Visit our StrictlyWeddings.com Partners

Outfitting the Groom for the Special Day

While many brides will spend hours searching for the perfect gown, many do not pay as strict attention to the details of their groom’s attire. However, when shopping for tuxedos in Dallas, Texas, there are plenty of options. Wedding attire ranges from casual to super-formal, giving the groom a wide variety of Dallas, Texas tuxedos – ensuring that he looks his best for the special day.

The tuxedo is often the traditional men’s attire for weddings and other formal occasions. Besides the groom, the groomsmen, father of the bride, father of the groom, and other important male figures in the wedding may also choose to wear a tuxedo.  Depending on your wedding style, the groom’s tuxedo may match the attendants or stand out.  If wearing matching tuxedos, a detail often distinguishes the groom – such as a special handkerchief or boutonnière. Many couple also choose to coordinate the colors of the bridesmaids’ and bride’s dresses to the men’s tuxedos.

The Rainbow of Tuxedo Colors

While many couples still think that the traditional look for a Dallas, Texas tuxedo is to go with black, there are more and more couples choosing to spice up the attire and go with a white or a colored tuxedo.

Since the weather in Dallas, Texas is often warmer, many couples choose outdoor weddings. For this setting, a white tuxedo is completely appropriate. Spring, summer, informal, morning, and afternoon weddings are also socially acceptable occasions to wear a white tuxedo.

Some grooms like to take it a step further and go with a colored tuxedo. For instance, you could choose a color that compliments the bridesmaids’ dresses or the bride’s dress if she is going with something other than white or with a colored accent on her dress. If you are choosing a themed wedding, the groom and the bride may choose a colored tuxedo that goes along with the theme they have chosen.

For the most part, black tuxedos are still the norm in Dallas, Texas for formal and evening weddings.

Sporting the Special Jacket Style

Beyond the color, there are other decisions that must be made on the tuxedo for your Dallas, Texas wedding.  First of all, you must choose the jacket style. There are three basic styles to choose from: the single breasted, the double breasted, and the full dress or tail coat. Unless you are having a highly formal wedding, the single or double breasted is usually appropriate.

Also to be considered in the jacket style is the lapel. Here the choice is up to you and the style that you prefer. The most common styles are notch lapels, which make a V shape, peak lapels, and shawl lapels, which are rounded.

The Perfect Shirt

Beneath the jacket is your tuxedo shirt. It is customary for the tuxedo shirt to match the bride’s gown – for instance, if she chooses a white dress, the shirt should be white, and if she goes with ivory, the shirt should be ivory. Most tuxedo shirts in Dallas, Texas feature a wing or a lay down collar. Wing collars are most often worn with a bow tie, while a lay down collar can be worn with a standard necktie.

Cummerbunds and Vests

The other crucial piece to your Dallas, Texas tuxedo is the vest or cummerbund. Most often these will be chosen to coordinate with the bridesmaids’ dresses to give your wedding party a uniform look.

Other Attire Considerations

When choosing your tuxedo in Dallas, Texas, you will need to decide whether to rent or to buy. If you normally attend formal functions where a tuxedo is appropriate, then buying may be the most affordable option. If your wedding is the one and only time that you will wear a tuxedo, then renting is usually preferred.

While you do not need to register for the tuxedo immediately, you should still do so at least three months prior to the wedding date. This allows the retailer to order your choices and make any alterations necessary.

If you hate shopping, consider checking out tuxedo styles before heading off to the store. That way, you and your bride can decide ahead of time the style you are looking for, minimizing the time needed to try on and consider different styles.

Some formal wear locations will offer special discounts if the entire bridal party orders their tuxedos at the same time. This will not only make the process more affordable for you, but allow you to ensure that the entire party is coordinated and fitted properly.

Finding the Perfect Dress for your Wedding Day

Walking into a wedding dress store in Dallas, Texas can be quite an experience.  With row after row of satin, lace, and ribbons, the idea of shopping for a wedding gown can be quite overwhelming.  Here are some things to consider before going bridal dress shopping in Dallas, Texas to ensure you come out with the perfect dress for your big day. 

 
When to shop

Often, finding a bridal gown in Dallas, Texas is no quick matter, and it is important to allow yourself plenty of time.  Many of the brides-to-be will start gown shopping soon after becoming engaged and before making other wedding plans.  Keep in mind that if you are looking for something truly unique, then you will want to give extra time for ordering and alterations, ensuring that you have the look that you want.

 
Picture the perfect dress first

You can significantly cut down on the amount of time you spend at the Dallas, Texas wedding gown boutique if you go in with a basic idea of what you want.  Do you want white or something colored?  Do you want a long flowing train or a shorter skirt?  Do you want sleeves?  Do you prefer a limited decorations or to go all out with sequins and lace?  Consider going through a few catalogs or fashion magazines to see some of the options available, as well as this season’s bridal trends.  This will help you better direct your salesperson in finding ideal dresses for you to try on.

 
Sleeves – the long and short of it

Since Dallas is warmer most of the year, a good option to go with is a strapless or sleeveless bridal gown.  Dallas, Texas winters can still be cold, however, so a sleeved dress is still an option for a winter wedding.  Or consider going sleeveless, since most of your ceremony will be indoors anyways, and get a coordinating wrap, jacket, or gloves to complete your look and keep you warm.

The rainbow of white colors

White may be the traditional color for a bridal dress in Dallas, Texas, but not everyone looks good in this color.  If white is not your color, you can go with a champagne, gold, or ivory gown.  Another option is to choose one of the popular new styles that feature a flash of color in the sash, embroidery, or trim.  You can even coordinate the colors of your gown with the rest of your bridal party.

Choosing a complimentary veil

While shopping for a wedding gown in Dallas, Texas, you may also want to consider purchasing a veil if you have decided to wear one.  Different styles and lengths can compliment different styles of dresses, so you will want to try them on together to get the full effect.  Many brides compliment their wedding gowns in Dallas, Texas with veils, but some brides are switching to modern tiaras or flowers instead. 

Think about your hairdo

Different hairstyles work better with different bridal gown necklines.  If you imagine wearing your hair up, look for a gown with a spectacular neckline and bodice that will be highlighted by your hairdo.  If you are picturing your hair down, then you may want to find a dress that has beautiful details along the hem and train, instead of business along the bust line. 

Every detail matters – especially the undergarments

Often, your undergarments can make or break your gown.  There are a variety of shape-enhancing bras and slips that can be used to enhance your shape and improve the look of the gown.  Many Dallas, Texas bridal boutiques will offer these items as well so that you can make sure that your undergarments work with the dress.  There is nothing less distracting than bulges or loose straps – be sure to check the intimate details for your perfect wedding ensemble. 

Bustles with ease

If your dream wedding gown includes a long train, and your reception includes a night filled with dancing, the two might not work so well together.  Consider a variety of different bustle options that will allow you to shorten your train for after the ceremony so that you can move around with ease.

Your wedding dress should be a beautiful extension of your style and personality!  When you stay true to what you love – along with what looks great on you – then you will be a shining star down the walkway on your big day.