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Project Runway Alum Heidi Elnora’s 2010 Wedding Gown Designs

Welcome to wedding gown designer and Project Runway alum Heidi Elnora, who has debuted her 2010 Heidi Elnora bridal collection. By mixing old world techniques with modern applications, the designer brings a fresh and clean approach to wedding gown design. Heidi stays close to her roots by having each Heidi Elnora gown hand crafted by garment artisans in Alabama and Georgia. You can see more of the 2010 collection at her web site.

Tips on Wedding Dress Alterations

It’s seldom that the wedding gown a bride has bought will fit her at the very first try. Every bride wants to look breathtakingly beautiful on her day. So it’s essential to take professional help to get that perfectly fitting wedding gown that looks as if it was made for her only! Whether the bridal dress needs only minor adjustment or a major one, in almost every case, wedding dress alterations will be required to some extent. So it is imperative to give as much importance to its alteration, as to its selection itself.

Here are some tips about bridal alterations which you may find useful:

1. Where to go: It is advisable to take the precious wedding gown to somebody who has years of experience in restyling and alteration of bridal gowns. Usually professional bridal alteration shops are the best option since they have the expertise and the experience.
2. Alternation work: There are mainly three types of alterations done – hemming, bodice alterations and shortening of sleeves. Normally alterations of wedding dresses are based on three fittings. Shoes, head dress and the other accessories should be bought well much in advance before going for the wedding dress alterations.
3. Cost: The cost of altering it depends upon the style of the dress and the complexity of work. It is advisable for the bride to get an estimate of the total cost of alteration. Rush services generally cost double.
4. Deadline: The wedding dress should be given for alterations at least 6 or 8 weeks before the wedding since it’s a complex and time consuming work. The deadline has to be there to complete the job.

You can always rely upon newly married friends to give you recommendations to help you choose the best bridal alternations shop. Word of mouth really helps. Alteration of a wedding dress is a work of art, which requires a great deal of detailing and precision. Do your homework!

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.

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.