Bella's Bridal

Choosing Your Bridesmaid Dresses - Part 2

2012-02-27T12:55:00.001-06:00

Choosing your bridesmaid dress can be one of the most difficult parts of your wedding planning experience, especially because other people may not be happy about your choice. Careful consideration must be given to the matter before a decision is made because so many different factors are involved. I've already discussed length, fabric, detail, shape, and style in Part 1. Today, I'd like to talk about your approach.

When considering your overall look for the wedding, there are a few approaches you can take to addressing your bridesmaid dresses.

Copy the Wedding Dress - The idea behind this approach is to choose a bridesmaid dress as similar to the wedding gown as possible. Think of your attendants' dresses as simpler versions of your dress. On the plus side, the bridesmaids dresses definitely won't clash with your own dress. But you may have to sacrifice a little individuality to do it.

Mori Lee Voyage Wedding Gown 6703 with nearly identical bridesmaid style 885

Match the Wedding Dress - The happy medium approach, try to choose something with some elements similar to your wedding gown, without matching your dress exactly. Maybe the bridesmaid dress has the same waist and neckline as your wedding gown, but it's ruched and fitted while your dress is draped and flowy. The idea is to have just enough similarities to tie in with your dress, with just enough differences to let your dress stand apart from them. Like any balancing act, this is probably the hardest approach to use.

Mori Lee Voyage Wedding Gown 6703 with similar bridesmaid style 857 that has the same sweetheart neckline and natural waistline, but no flower appliques, and a halter strap.

Mismatch the Wedding Dress - On the other end of the spectrum, you can also approach your decision by choosing something that is as different from your dress as you can get. On the plus side, this will only serve as a contrast to the wedding dress, making the bride stand out all the more. But be careful, because it's hard to create a unified look with vastly different styles.

Mori Lee Voyage Wedding Dress 6703 with vastly different bridesmaid style 891

Let the Bridesmaids Decide Together - This is simultaneously the easiest and the hardest way to approach this decision. Letting your bridesmaids pick their own dresses has a few distinct advantages. They'll all be relatively happy with the dress, and they won't feel forced into wearing something they don't like. However, it isn't easy to make everyone happy all the time, and sometimes a decision just can't be reached peacefully (especially if some of your bridesmaids tend to butt heads with each other). Too many opinions can make the final decision more difficult than before, especially if your bridesmaids aren't willing to take the decision from your hands.

Let the Bridesmaids Pick their Own - If you let them all pick different gowns, each bridesmaid will have their own unique look and can choose the style that flatters their body the most, without worrying about everyone else. Unfortunately, this takes the most coordination and communication. If you let them pick different dresses, coordination becomes difficult, because certain things must remain the same to keep the look cohesive. Consider choosing a designer's line, a fabric, and a color before letting your girls choose their looks. This will help the look be more cohesive. When choosing this approach, it's best to reserve the right to veto a bridesmaid's choice, so you can be sure that one dress isn't substantially different from the others. Also, be sure you know your priorities, because if more than one girl wants the same dress, and you don't want duplicates, you may be forced to choose who gets what they want, and who has to choose something else.

Mori Lee Wedding Dress 6703 with similar but different bridesmaid styles 894, 896, and 808.

Regardless of which approach you choose, be sure to start early! Bridesmaid dresses take anywhere from 3 - 5 months from the order date before they even leave the factory. Factor in time for alterations, and time to get all your girls in to get sized and pay for their dresses, and you'll be just fine. Take too long, and you'll risk paying rush fees, or not being able to get the dresses in at all.

Choosing Your Bridesmaid Dresses - Part 1

2012-02-20T19:37:00.000-06:00

Choosing your wedding gown is a challenge, but selecting the right bridesmaid dress to go with that dream gown can be just as trying. There are many ways to approach choosing the dress your attendants will wear on your big day. Today, I want to break down the kinds of things that will affect your dress choice.

Length - The most obvious part of the dresses is the length. It doesn't take any knowledge or understanding of fabric or fashion to see the difference between a knee-length dress and a floor-length dress. There aren't any specific rules governing when long dresses should be worn, and when short dresses should be worn. In general, attendants tend to wear long gowns for more formal affairs, and short dresses for more casual or semi-formal events.
Fabric - Even for people who don't know a thing about fabric, the fabric of the dress can still affect how guests perceive the event. Light and summery affairs often see dresses made of chiffon or georgette gowns. Evening affairs with a black-tie dress code see more rich and lush fabrics, like satin. Taffeta plays both sides of the fence and can work at any kind of event.
Details - Beading, lace, waistbands, silhouette, neckline, and other design elements of the garment play a large part in your gown choice. Want something that looks upscale? Go for lace and beaded details. Want something romantic? Go for flower appliques and flowy skirts. Want a modern feel? Go for a sleek cocktail dress with a pencil skirt and sculptural details.
Shape - The shape of your bridesmaids will play a huge roll in your choice. Probably the single largest factor in your decision, remember that happy bridesmaids make for a happy bride. If they like the dress, or at least feel like they look good in it, your girls won't put up a fight, and will generally be more accommodating when it comes time to order the dresses. Keep in mind the shapes (and sizes) of your bridesmaids when you choose your dresses. That sleek fitted dress may look great on a girl that wears a size 2, but a girl in a size 20 may feel differently.
Style - Do you have a general style for the bridesmaids' looks? Will they alternate colors or wear the same color? Will they wear the same dress, or different dresses? Will your maid (or matron) of honor have an extra detail or color to set her apart from the others? This tends to affect your guests' perception of your event more than many brides realize, especially now that all white dresses, or all black dresses, or all monochromatic gowns become more and more popular and trendy.

Ceremony Guidelines - Church Requirements

2012-02-13T13:52:00.000-06:00

Most brides today want a wedding that reflects their unique taste and style. The big day can be customized in hundreds, if not thousands, of ways. However, there are inevitably going to be things that don't work out the way you might hope, or that you can't change to suit your tastes. This is especially true in regards to the venue.

Commercial establishments are often the most flexible, and genuinely want to accommodate your unique requests. Making sure the bride is happy on her wedding day is just good business, and it earns them the referrals and exposure they need to do business on a regular basis.

Public parks and spaces almost always have general operating rules that you have to abide by. A common restriction, especially in public parks, is a limit or prohibition on alcohol on the premises.

Courthouses and government buildings, as well as public buildings with alternative primary uses (like museums, for instance) have set operating hours and policies that must be adhered to.

Many brides don't realize until they're sitting down to book their venue that churches also have certain restrictions. This is especially true because the church's main function is not hosting formal (or casual) events for the general public or for its parishioners or clients. Like any of the sacraments, matrimony is a service offered to their parishioners, and usually needs only a very small donation to reserve your space and date. Unlike the other kinds of venues, churches generally don't serve as venues for weddings with the aim to make money.

That being said, it's not surprising that churches tend to have guidelines, procedures, and requirements for weddings hosted within its grounds. The following list gives some examples of the most commonly seen policies. If you're planning on booking a church for your ceremony (or even your reception), expect to see these policies, or versions of them, come up in your planning experience.

Permanently attached furniture cannot be moved - No matter how badly you may want to change the pew arrangement, you're unlikely to find a church willing to accommodate a request to remove or relocate permanent furnishings.
No existing woodwork may be damaged or defaced - This means that if you have a banner you just must have hung from a particular location, expect some opposition if it requires nailing or tacking it to the existing structure. They use their church for more than just weddings, and they naturally want to preserve it.
Saucers or mats must be placed under all floral arrangements or greenery - Sometimes this is just for flowers resting on the carpets or floors, and sometimes this requirement applies to furniture, hangings, and more. Again, this is about protecting the building, keeping it in good repair.
Musical arrangements, ceremony input, clothing, and decor must be approved by the officiant of wedding coordinator - Whether you're dealing with a conservative or a liberal officiant, it is likely that the rabbi, priest, minister, or church wedding coordinator will have certain restrictions that must be met. A conservative officiant may not allow you to deviate from traditional vows, or may require that the bride cover her shoulders. These restrictions are most often based in the church's religious practices and beliefs.
No photos may be taken during the ceremony - While not as common, there are some churches, temples, and synagogues that don't allow photos taken within the building, or during the ceremony.

These rules and regulations don't apply to every venue, or to every religious structure that one might rent for a wedding ceremony. But many venues do have these requirements, and more. To make sure you have the best wedding planning experience possible, make sure you talk to the coordinator, minister, officiant, or owner of your selected venue. The best way to avoid conflicts when setting up or performing the marriage ceremony is to have a list of their rules, regulations, and guidelines BEFORE you even start planning any of the details.

Haven't been given a set of guidelines from your chosen ceremony venue? Save yourself some stress, and possibly conflict later on, and ask the appropriate personnel for clarification.

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Wedding Timeline: One Month Before

2012-02-08T12:26:00.000-06:00

The best place to start your wedding planning experience is with a timeline, especially if you're doing it without the assistance of a wedding or event planner! Here's a helpful list of things that are best done the month before the wedding. Not there yet? Here's the timeline for 9 to 12 Month Before, for 6 to 9 Months Before, 3 to 6 Months Before, and 2 Months Before.

If your state requires it, get blood test and marriage license.
Have your final dress fitting
Do bridal portraits
Complete shopping for your trousseau if you haven't already
Purchase any accessories you still need for the ceremony (garter, candles, toasting goblets, etc.)
Have your wedding and engagement rings taken to a jeweler to be cleaned (and engraved if desired)
Meet with photographer and give him/her a list of shots that you would like taken
Meet with your entertainers and give them your music list.
Assign friends and family responsibilities, such as rental returns, clean-up, guest transportation, and picking up last minute items.
Continue to write thank-you notes for gifts as soon as you receive them.

This is the time to tie up any loose ends. Last minute decisions, little details, and final communication with the people you have hired to help you on your wedding day. You're almost there, you just have to continue to follow through with your planning, and all the little details will fall into place.

Remember, every wedding is different. This list is a guide, but don't be afraid to deviate from what's listed here. Different places, seasons, and events will need things done on different time frames. This is meant to help you get started, but it may not cover everything you need for your event. If you aren't sure when something needs to be taken care of, ask questions early. After all, it's better to make your arrangements early than to scramble to pull things together at the last minute!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

How to Spread the News

2012-02-06T12:09:00.000-06:00

After the engagement, you'll inevitably work out a guest list for the wedding. Then it's time to order all the parts of your paper trousseau. This is a really important step because invitations, save-the-dates, programs, and thank you cards set the tone for your wedding. The invitation your guests receive give them hints about your wedding ceremony, from the style to the colors chosen, long before the actual event, so they should be chosen carefully.

Your paper trousseau generally consists of these elements:

Save the Dates - Typically sent out 4-6 months before the wedding to some guests, particularly those that will need to be traveling. Be careful though! Once you have sent them a save-the-date, they MUST remain on your guest list!
Invitations - Typically sent out 6-12 weeks before the wedding, these set the tone for your affair. Formal weddings should have formally-worded invitations. Generally speaking, the invitations should include a reply card with a self-stamped, pre-addressed envelope.
Programs - While considered an optional element, programs are a nice touch to have at the ceremony, describing the ceremony and the identity of the participants.
Thank You Cards - These are an absolute necessity when choosing your wedding stationary. Thank you cards are often ordered to match the invitations of the programs, to unify the look of the wedding.

There are some things to keep in mind when choosing your stationary.

Order it all at once - It's best to order all the elements of your paper trousseau at the same time, and from the same place. This will ensure that all the pieces coordinate.
Express individuality - Remember that these items set the tone for your event. Even if you restrict yourself to traditional, formal wording, you should still express some individuality by choosing unique sizes, textures, colors, overlays, and/or ribbon trims.
Give yourself plenty of time - Whether you're making the invitations yourself or not, you should give yourself time to get them all addressed. Maybe you're doing it yourself, or maybe you're hiring a calligrapher, but either way, you need to give yourself the time you need to get it done right.

Leave a comment, shoot us an e-mail, or stop in to see us if you have any questions. Our consultants are happy to help you in any way we can.

Ciao.

Catherine @ Bella's

The Origin of the Wedding Ring

2012-02-01T16:31:00.000-06:00

In modern society, and in almost every religion, rings are exchanged as part of the wedding ceremony. The circular band has come to be known as a symbol for never-ending love, although their origin has nothing to do with the concept of romantic love at all.

The tradition of the ring dates back to Ancient Egypt. It was customary to decorate the bride's wrists, ankles, and fingers with bands made of braided and woven grasses. To the Egyptians, the circle was a symbol for eternity, because it has no beginning or end, but it didn't necessarily stand for eternal love. Even the hole at the center of the circle had significance in Egyptian culture, symbolizing a gateway or door leading to things to come.

The idea of a ring symbolizing eternal love entered the picture in relatively recent history. As late as the 1900's, weddings were arranged. In fact, the engagement process was as important as the wedding itself. Unions were arranged for political, financial, and business-related reasons. Families of brides that were "stolen" (or rather, that married without their parents express permission) would demand reimbursement, as compensation for the loss of what was seen as a working member of the family. The engagement was the first step in what became the "transfer of ownership" from the bride's father to her future husband, and the time was spent negotiating on what was considered a fair "price" for the bride. Even today, arranged marriages still happen, although it happens most often in other cultures.

There isn't any clear origin, but when romantic relationships and marriages of love, rather than marriages of necessity, started to become more common, the symbol of eternity became the symbol of eternal love.

In truth, more and more meaning has been attached to the wedding band as its use has flourished. There is meaning and reason for every aspect of the band, from the material it is made out of, to the location where it is customary to wear it.

Today, rings are not required by law in order for a marriage to be legal, but there was a time when that was the case. In fact, they were required for the marriage to be seen as legal during the 16th century after a ruling by the Council of Trent. Despite the fact that rings aren't required today, a vast majority of couples exchange rings as part of their wedding ceremony, regardless of their culture, faith, and sexuality.

Some traditions, it seems, are worth keeping. No matter how it happened, engagement and wedding rings are associated with love, perhaps in the hope that the couple's love for each other would take on the characteristics of the circle, and capture eternity. It's not hard to see why such a beautiful thought has become so central to today's wedding ceremonies.

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Flawless Foundation - How To Cover Up Any Acne Problems

2012-01-30T12:46:00.001-06:00

Do you have horrible acne, uneven skin, facial scarring, or other problems you want to cover up on your wedding day? Check out this video! This poor girl probably has the worst skin I've seen since early high school, and she bravely bares it all to show us make-up challenged individuals that anything can be covered up!

A very special thanks to the young woman in this tutorial video! I hope this helps all of you special brides out there know that you can feel beautiful on your wedding day, no matter what kind of acne you might be dealing with!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Rules of Etiquette That Shouldn't Be Broken

2012-01-25T12:19:00.000-06:00

Society has changed a lot in the past 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, and more. Tradition, in the bridal world, plays a much smaller part than it used to. But nothing has felt the effect of time more than etiquette. It doesn't seem to matter to brides and their families as much as it used to, but etiquette is so important to starting off your new lives as a married couple and as a single unit on the right foot.

There are certain rules of etiquette that should NEVER be ignored, no matter what reasons you may use to justify it. Keep these things in mind as you go forward with your wedding planning, and you can help ensure that you and your husband start your new life as a family unit of your own with grace, dignity, and class.

The bride might be the boss when it comes to wedding planning, but she can't control what her guests do, how they dress, and what they think is appropriate. A bride should never, under any circumstances, demand a particular behavior or attire from her guests. Friends and family can spread the word that the bride might want everyone to attend wearing black or white to fit her event's theme, but guests don't have to bow to her wishes just because "it's the bride's day."
Sometimes, a couple wants to leave their ceremony with a large number of guests, and then go to celebrate at a dinner or party with just their closes friends and family. There's nothing wrong with celebrating with a small, special group of people in your lives, but you can't do that in lieu of a full reception. The guiding principle here is that a couple should never do anything to show preferences for one guest over another. If you want to celebrate with that smaller group, you can do that after the reception, or the the morning after. If you don't want to pay for a reception for 250 guests, you'll have to cut your guest list to the ceremony down as well.
Information about where you are registered or your gifts preferences should not, under any circumstances, be included in your wedding invitations. It doesn't matter how important you are (or you think you are). This will always be in poor taste. Even a small footnote that says "Cash Gifts Preferred" violates this long-standing rule of wedding etiquette. Instead, put this information on your wedding website, and rely on your friends, family, and bridal party to pass that information along to your guests for you.

It may seem like a small thing to you, but not all of your guests will be as liberal with tradition and etiquette as you might be. This doesn't mean you have to bow down to the expectations of your guests in all things, but some things will always be considered in poor taste. Following these three simple rules of etiquette, and even some of the more traditional, stuffier rules will ensure you start out on the right foot with your future in-laws, and with your new life as a married individual.

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Choosing your Bustles

2012-01-23T18:35:00.004-06:00

Once you have the perfect gown, and say your vows, it's time to party. But how do you pick up that long train to allow you to dance the night away at your reception without all your guests stepping on it? That's where bustling comes in.

Once your dress has been altered to fit like a glove, it's time to choose the bustles that will pick up that long train for the duration of the reception. There are several different kinds of bustles out there, and they don't all work for every dress. Just like your wedding, or your ring, your dress is unique, and requires a unique bustle that will flow with the gown.

It might surprise you to find out that wedding gowns do not come with bustles already sewn into the dress. Because the bustles lift the gown to your hem length, they can't be placed until after the gown has been hemmed to the appropriate length for your height (and your shoes!).

Generally speaking, there are two very basic types of bustles.

First, the over bustle is done by hiding hooks and eyes on the exterior of the gown. The hooks typically are at the waistline, or hidden in beading or on seams lower in the skirt. The eyes are then sew in an arc shape below the hooks. These eyes are brought up to the hooks, lifting the skirt over itself and off the floor.

Second, the under bustle is done by sewing buttons and loops on the underside of the gown's train. They are generally placed in two arcs that are corresponding to each other, one arc above the other. The buttons on one arc are then placed inside the loops in the other arc, essentially lifting the dress underneath itself, creating a pick-up or a bubble in the skirt's train.

So how do you know which will work for you?

Honestly, you won't know until you get into the alterations process. When you are ready to have your gown's bustles placed, you'll need to find a seamstress or tailor that has experience with bridal gowns. A qualified alterations expert will be able to show you several different ways to bustle your unique gown, so you can choose the one that works for you.

Check back in the future, Ladies. I'll try to get some pictures of these bustle types prepared for you, so you can more easily understand what I've tried to explain.

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Setting the Date

2012-01-18T11:04:00.000-06:00

You got engaged, and now you have a wedding to plan, but when should the wedding be? People have all kinds of advice, tips, and hints to help you choose your dress, your flowers, your ring, your venue, and so much more, but rarely do we see advice on choosing the date. here are some things to consider when setting your date.

Scale - Do you want a large wedding, with over 200 guests, and a seated dinner? Or do you want a small private ceremony with only your closest friends and family members? A large wedding at a prestigious hotel inevitably has more potential complications and obstacles to overcome, and may require more time to coordinate than a small wedding at your local church. When choosing a date, keep the scale of the event in mind. A more complex event will need more time to plan.
Timeframe - Most brides need 12 to 18 months to plan their dream wedding. Keep this in mind when setting your date. While planning a wedding can certainly be done in less time, it isn't easy to do, and it isn't recommended. If you want to save yourself some stress, consider setting a date at least 9 months away. A later date can also save you money, because it avoids rush fees. Remember, a wedding dress can take up to 6 months to arrive after you order it, and you'll want time for pictures and alterations after it gets there. Setting your date sooner than that limits your choices of wedding gowns to floor samples or other readily available gowns...and a sooner date can also limit your choices in other aspects of your wedding as well.
Budget - Budget can play a role in choosing your date because things tend to cost more during the busy season, especially from May to September, when the majority of weddings take place. Selecting a date during the off season can often result in a lower cost for venue rentals, and lower the cost to book photographers, videographers, florists, and more. The day of the week also affects the cost, especially for your venue's rental costs. Fridays and Saturdays almost always cost more than weekdays. You could save several thousand dollars by having your wedding on a Friday afternoon or a Sunday morning....or on a weekday evening.
Season - If you want your wedding in a particular season, or with particular food, or particular flowers, be prepared to be flexible with your dates. If you're certain you want tulips for most of your decor, you may want to consider setting a date when tulips are in season. If you want to serve freshly sliced pineapples at cocktail hour, a winter date will up the prices, or prevent it altogether.
Holiday - The holidays are a perfect opportunity to book churches and other venues that are decorated for the event, saving you a bundle. They also work well for many people with a large number of guests traveling to attend. Many people take vacations or get holidays from work during the holidays, making it easier for more people from out-of-town to attend.
Attendance - Is there someone very special to you that you want to attend? Is your mom a teacher? Is your fiance deployed overseas? Be sure to check with the guests that are most important to you and your bridal party. Some dates may not be possible for them. You can't plan your wedding around everyone on your guest list, but there are some people that are definitely worth making allowances for.
Destination - If you choose to have a destination wedding, or have a particular venue in mind, sometimes you have to be more flexible. Maybe you want to get married at a specific venue, but they're already booked for the month you wanted to get married. What's more important? Your date or your location? Once you've made that decision, you can proceed.

Planning a wedding can be an ordeal. There are some decisions that have to be made early, and you have to stick by them. Committing to a date is difficult, but it's important to do it early in the planning process.

I hope that helps you pick the date that's right for you!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Engagement Rings - Gemstone Cuts

2012-01-16T11:47:00.000-06:00

Many women are presented with a ring when they are proposed to, but it is becoming more and more common for women to be involved in picking out their own engagement rings.

When choosing a ring, there are many things that can affect its overall look. Is it a single stone ring, or are there more? Are there only diamonds, or are other precious gems also on the ring? What kind of metal is it made out of of? What settings are used for the stones? Are there any kind of contrasting finishes or engraving on the band?

With so many things to choose from, it can certainly be difficult to make a final choice. Today, I wanted to talk a little about the different cuts that stones are available in.

Img Source

Most people don't realize that the cut and the shape of the stone are not necessarily the same thing. While most cuts are associated with a particular shape, the shape is not exclusive to that one cut. A round stone may have a radiant cut, or it may have a round cut, or a rose cut. Above is a diagram of the most commonly used cuts today, many of which are probably familiar to you.

Each stone is cut with value in mind. The value of the stone depends very much on the cut because it is the cut that affects how brilliant the stone is. The other factor in the stone's value is, of course, the weight, or carat, of the finished gem. Each stone is cut individually to compromise between these two factors. Sometimes, the ideal cut can reduce the carat of the finished stone. A less desirable cut might yield a larger carat stone that has a higher value.

So how do you select the cut that's best for you? Unfortunately, there isn't one right answer to this question. Many things may play into the decision. Generally, there are some things to keep in mind when deciding on the gemstone cut on your engagement or wedding band.

Shape - First, and most obvious to the average consumer, is the shape the stone takes. Some girls are looking for something square or round, and some girls want something that is less common. Since this is the single most obvious feature of your stone, this should come first. It's best to choose something that appeals to you because you'll likely be wearing the ring for the rest of your life. Don't let tradition, expectations, or a desire for a high-end stone, or a low-cost stone affect this choice.
Carat - The largest factor in the cost of a stone, this too can affect the cut you choose. Because the cut has a direct affect on the carat of the stone, one should carefully consider this when purchasing a diamond. A different cut of approximately the same visual size could cost significantly less because of the difference in carat. If there is a particular size or carat you want on your engagement ring, be prepared to possibly sacrifice the cut or shape you want to accommodate your (or his) budget.
Brilliance - The brilliance of the stone is created by the cut. Most gems are faceted, and the cut determines the number and arrangement of those facets. More faces on the stone don't necessarily mean it will be more brilliant, or reflect light more brightly. Some stones, like diamonds, have cuts that are designed specifically to optimize their brilliance. For a diamond, the generally accepted ideal cut is a round brilliant cut with precisely 57 facets. Just make sure that the stone you choose has enough light, enough sparkle, and enough reflectivity for you, and you'll be fine.
Budget - Lastly, budget will affect the cut you choose as well. Your budget will define what can be made available to you, both in carat, cut, and in quality. As with any large purchase you make, your budget should be carefully considered. You should know what you can spend, what you're willing to spend, and how flexible you can be when you walk in to the jeweler's shop.

Since most brides aren't working with the rough stone and having it cut into a specific shape and size, this isn't as difficult a decision as it seems. When choosing a loose stone to have put in a setting, ask to see different cuts in the shape you've selected. One of them will probably appeal to you more than the others. Maybe that cut is more brilliant to you, maybe it shines the way you like, or maybe the specific geometry of that cut appeals to you. It doesn't matter why you choose a particular cut. Maybe you can't explain why you like it. That's okay. The most important thing is that you are happy with your selection, because YOU are the one who will be wearing it for many years to come.

After you know the shape and cut you want, the rest falls in to place. Don't let a salesperson convince you that you're better off with a cut you don't like. You can have that cut, especially if you are flexible about the carat, the quality, the budget, and/or the setting that the stone is in.

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Many thanks to Rocks & Co., which was a fantastic reference for this article.

Funky Fishtail - The Modern Braid

2012-01-11T18:28:00.000-06:00

The stars on the red carpet have been sporting braids in the last few months. A funky modern version of the messy braid that's been popping up everywhere is the Fishtail Braid.

Want a bohemian look for your wedding? Here's a tutorial video for those of you who want to learn how to do it yourself!

Breaking the Budget - When To Do It

2012-01-09T17:41:00.000-06:00

When planning a wedding, or any big event, people often set a budget for themselves to help control costs, and to make sure that what they spend isn't more than they can afford. Inevitably, we often go over that budget. So when is the right time to break the budget? When is that little something extra worth the extra cost?

I recently sold a gown to a bride that was more than she intended to spend. Choosing a gown is a difficult decision to make, even when cost isn't a concern. So how does a bride make a decision when cost is a factor? Here are some things a bride can do to avoid finding herself in love with a dress that she can't afford.

[image source]

If you can't afford it, DON'T TRY IT ON. - This may seem like common sense, but when a bride is trying on gowns, and she spots a dress on another girl that she likes, it is extremely tempting to try that dress on. Remember, when you make a decision to try on something you can't afford, you are risking falling in love with a gown you can't get.... or you're making a decision to be flexible with your budget.
Be realistic about price - Wedding gowns are expensive. Your wedding gown very well may be the most expensive garment you ever purchase. Don't be surprised if you spend more on your wedding gown than you ever have before on a dress. The cost of a wedding gown can range extensively. New gowns can be as low as $99, or as high as $50,000, or even more. Take the time to research the designers you are interested in to get an idea of their usual price range. Most of all, remember that what you want can affect the cost. Beading, lace, and the type and amount of fabric all play a huge role in the cost of your gown. Generally speaking, the more detail you are hoping to have on your dress, the more you should expect to spend. Don't forget, high-end materials, and high-end designers are going to cost more.
Be prepared for unforeseen costs - Your dress budget needs to include many things besides the dress itself. Don't forget to include money in your budget for accessories, alterations, undergarments, and more. The "hidden costs" of the wedding world can really add up fast. The actual cost of your wedding gown is often significantly higher than the cost of just the dress alone.
Don't forget the tax - Some states, like Texas, have sales tax. Every purchase made in these states will have the tax added on to the actual cost of the purchase. When you purchase your gown out of state, do some research to find out if that state has sales tax, how much it is, and if the retailer includes that in the cost of the gown or adds it on at the register. Texas sales tax is approximately 8 cents for every dollar you spend. It doesn't sound like a lot, but when you spend $2000, your tax will be about $165. It may be small relative to the cost of the item, but that doesn't mean it won't impact your budget.

So let's just say you aren't prepared, or you do try that expensive dress on, or maybe your consultant isn't watching prices like she should be. For whatever reason, you fall in love with a dress that isn't in your budget. Should you stretch the budget? When considering purchasing a gown over your budget, there are some questions you can ask yourself to help you make the decision.

How do you feel in the dress? - Believe it or not, choosing your gown isn't just about how you look. It's about how you feel. When you try that dress on, what is your gut telling you? Do you know that it's the dress?
Can you make it work? - Remember that you set a budget for a reason. Before purchasing a gown that is more costly than you planned for, ask yourself if you can make the numbers work. If the gown is less than $200 over, you could probably trim your budget in other places to allow for it. If the gown is $5,000 over, no amount of trimming is going to make that dress fit into a $10,000 budget. Reality can be hard, but sometimes you have to face the cold, hard facts. If there's no way you can afford it, you can't purchase that dress.
Would anyone be willing to help you with the cost? - Sometimes when you fall in love with a gown, the people who love you and are there with you when you shop might be generous enough to kick in some extra money to make that dress possible. Maybe mom and dad are willing to go over budget for their only daughter. Maybe some close friends are willing to help you afford that perfect gown. Maybe an aunt, grandparent, cousin, or sister is willing to lend you the money to purchase it.
Can you get something similar for less? - This is a hard question to ask. What is it about this gown that you love? Is there somewhere else you can get that look for less? Maybe you're in love with that designer or couture gown. Are you in love with a gown by Lazaro, Badgley & Mischka, or Monique Lhullier? Consider purchasing from a line that has similar styles at a lower price point. Just remember, PURCHASING ONLINE IS DANGEROUS. I have discussed this topic on several occasions. Check out these articles to learn more about why we don't recommend purchasing online, and counterfeit gowns.

Every bride, every wedding, and every budget is different. While these questions can help you make a decision, remember that ultimately nobody can make that decision for you. Choosing to go over budget should be a calculated, deliberate, and carefully considered decision. Don't rush it, and don't let your emotions make it for you.

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Prom Fashions at Bella's

2012-01-04T21:02:00.000-06:00

With the new season, I wanted to take a moment to remind all our brides that we also carry prom and formal fashions. We're very excited to be launching our new prom blog! We'll be posting prom gowns on there as we get them in. Also, check out the search function on the prom blog. Type in a color, company, cut, style, or style number to pull up your favorites!

Bridal Myth #1: You'll Know When It's Your Dress

2012-01-02T11:20:00.000-06:00

People will often tell you that you'll know when you find your dress, but it isn't always a clear decision. Brides often wrestle with indecision when choosing their gown.

On the television shows that chronicle wedding gown shopping, they often show brides with their families selecting their dream gown. They cry when they find that one perfect gown... and sometimes they cry when they can't afford it. The fact of the matter is, the reality shows always air that material because it makes for good TV. It isn't an accurate representation of how most brides handle the decision.

Most brides don't cry when they choose their gown. Don't let reality TV convince you otherwise.

More girls are torn between two or more gowns than you might think. With thousands of beautiful gowns available, is it any surprise that so many brides find more than one dress that they love? This happens most often when they have narrowed it down to a few gowns that are significantly different from each other. Choosing a gown then is more than just choosing your dress. It becomes choosing a style for the wedding.

The gown and the reception venue have the largest impact on the feeling of your wedding. Choosing a gown has a huge impact on the look of your wedding. A beautifully beaded, traditional ballgown would look out-of-place in a stylish high-end, modern loft space for a reception. This plays a huge roll in the decision when a bride is torn between more than one gown.

You may not KNOW that it's your dress... but that doesn't mean you won't notice a difference. The right wedding gown will feel different than other gowns you've tried on. You will hopefully see yourself in the gown, instead of the gown on you.

Choosing a wedding dress is difficult, and it's made even more so by the misconceptions we learn from the television shows that feature gown selection. Don't be afraid to choose a gown just because you didn't know for sure. You might not KNOW which dress you want to pick. You might not cry. You might not have an emotional experience. And that's okay.

In fact, that's the more common experience.

Bella's Holiday Hours

2011-12-21T17:29:00.000-06:00

Bella's will be closed from today, Wednesday, December 21st through Sunday, December 25th. We will reopen with special hours on Monday from 10 to 6.

We will be open during regular store hours starting on Tuesday, December 27th.

Please make any arrangements with these dates in mind, especially if you need to pick up your wedding dress in the near future.

Also, I will be out of town for the next week. Since I am the only person at Bella's that is currently writing articles and updating content for this blog, that means you will have to survive until January without our updates.

Sorry.

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment, shoot us an e-mail, or give us a call. Our information is all located under the Contact tab at the top of the page.

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

The Post-Holiday Bridal Rush

2011-12-14T12:54:00.000-06:00

Most people don't know it, but the bridal business has its seasons of low and high traffic. The beginning of the year is the busy season for bridal stores across the country.

The fall and winter are slow seasons, but the moment Christmas passes, the traffic in our store increases exponentially. Companies that we purchase wedding gowns, veils, shoes, bridesmaids, and other accessories from generally receive as much as three times the number of orders during the first few months of the year.

If you plan on getting married in 2012, it's time to get your wedding gown ordered! Starting in January, gown companies will be giving retailers ship dates in June or later. It's best to give yourself two months or more to get your alterations done.

Keep those dates in mind when you start thinking about your upcoming wedding this holiday season!

Ciao,

Catherine@ Bella's

Setting Your Wedding Budget

2011-12-12T13:44:00.000-06:00

Setting your budget is one of the most intimidating parts of wedding planning, but it is also one of the most important aspects.

Traditionally, the bride's parents pay for the vast majority of the wedding expenses. However, it is becoming more and more common for the groom's family to contribute more to the event, and many couples are contributing large portions of the total budget.

Setting your budget will depend on many factors, but the most important of those are the number of guests and the location of the wedding. The single largest influence on your wedding is the number of guests, because this affects the number of invitations and favors, and the size of the venue and the amount of food you will need. The location is a large factor only if you are considering a destination wedding, because of the different costs overseas and the increased cost of transportation.

To set a budget, first get a general idea of the number of guests you hope to invite. Then it's time to talk with your families to come up with a number.

Your total budget typically ends up coming from many sources. Take the amount you have in savings or can save over the time of your engagement, and add to it the contributions that you receive from freinds and family members to get your projected budget.

Don't just stop there. Your projected budget represents an actual number, but sometimes costs can surprise you. Take that into account.

Now you have a Planning Budget to work from. This number will need to be divided approximately into all the different expenses that need to be covered. Below is a pie chart showing an APPROXIMATE breakdown of how money is typically spent for a wedding.

As always, this is only a generic template. Make changes to these numbers based on your own personal needs. If you are planning on a destination wedding, transportation will take up a much larger portion of your budget. If you have a family member doing photos, you may be able to cut some from that section. The examples are endless. Take this starting point, and use it to tailor your budget to meet your own needs.

Let me know if you have any questions, tips, advice, or stories to share about your own wedding budgeting experience.

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Choosing Your Wedding Colors

2011-12-07T10:59:00.000-06:00

Once you choose your main color for your wedding, many people aren't sure how to pair other colors with it. I've been scouring the internet, and I've found some really awesome resources that brides can use to develop a rich, full color scheme for their event.

This site has gowns, but the planning tools are the best part. Unfortunately, you do have to sign up, but it is free, and the tools make it well worth your time. Especially the styleboard tool. Check it out.

http://www.dessy.com/styleboard/

This site is free, doesn't require signing up, and auto-generates color schemes based on a color you select and a general scheme you like.

http://colorschemedesigner.com/

Happy Color Picking!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Kelly Ripa: Bridal Consultant

2011-11-30T13:09:00.000-06:00

Being a bridal consultant is difficult. It is physically strenuous, mentally challenging, and requires excellent people skills and understanding. The challenges of helping brides select wedding gowns could be pages long, and for those curious, I may just talk about it some day. For today, I want to show you all this clip of Kelly Ripa, trying to be a bridal consultant at Kleinfeld's in New York.

Remember to be polite and respectful to your bridal consultants. This isn't an easy job, and we only want to make you happy.

Wishing you a happy holidays!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Ringing in the Season

2011-11-28T18:45:00.000-06:00

With the holidays swiftly approaching, I thought it was the right time to feature some gowns for those upcoming holiday parties. Enjoy!

Style PF5016 from Maggie Sottero's Flirt Homecoming Line

Style A472 from Evenings by Allure

Style PF5011 from Maggie Sottero's Flirt Homecoming Line

Wishing you all a fabulous holiday season!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Lovely in Lace

2011-11-21T15:42:00.000-06:00

Ever since Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, entered into the royal family, lace has been becoming more and more prominent in gown designers' collections. Just because Kate Middleton helped bring lace back into style, you don't have to feel like every lace dress out there now is copying her gown. Here are just some of the fantastic lace adorned gowns in our store, or on their way, from some of our designer lines.

Tracey from the designers at Sottero and Midgley features a detachable strap.

This gorgeous sweet and romantic ballgown is style 1657, from Mori Lee.

This style, 8764, from Allure Bridal features a beautiful lace overlay worn over a charmeuse slip

Bernadette, from Maggie Sottero, features this gorgeous keyhole back.

The front of Bernadette, by Maggie Sottero, is elegant and timeless.

Decadence by Maggie Sottero features a beautiful inset lace panel

JSM1103 from Sottero and Midgley has a vintage look.

Raeleigh from Maggie Sottero can be ordered with a matching cathedral length veil.

An all lace gown doesn't have to say "doily" or "grandma." There are definitely gowns out there that feature beautiful lace and still have a more modern touch. Beading, appliques, sashes, bows, flowers, embroidery, and carefully selected lace can all contribute to a unique gown.

Not wanting to be covered in lace from head to toe? Pick a gown that has an inset lace panel or works another fabric into the gown so you don't feel so overwhelmed with lace. Many gowns have a lace bodice OR a lace skirt, but not both. Don't feel tied to a uniform fabric if it isn't working for you. A dress with a satin bodice can showcase its lace skirt beautifully, making the lace more special than if it were on the entire dress.

What do you think, ladies? Would you wear a lace gown? What styles have caught your eye? Hope to hear your thoughts on the matter!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

The Rules for Shoes

2011-11-16T16:57:00.000-06:00

Tradition is important, but there are a few places where brides are throwing it out the window, and having fun with their choices. One of those places is shoes.

Many brides opt for shoes that match their dress, or blue shoes to be their "something blue," but many girls don't realize that they don't have to stick with boring, safe shoes for their wedding.

The bottom line, there are no rules about what shoes you should wear on your wedding day, so have fun with it!

Here are some fun shoes that recently arrived in our store!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

How to Pick Your Wedding Colors - Part 2

2011-11-14T12:34:00.000-06:00

I've talked about choosing colors for the season previously. Today I'd like to focus on choosing colors for a particular look, instead of for a particular season.

As I said before, many things can influence your choice of color for your wedding, but this is especially true about the overall look you're wanting to achieve for your event.

Whether you want something fun and playful, or rich and elegant, there are certain color combinations that can push your event's decor towards that look and feeling that you're hoping to achieve.

If you want a certain look:

Contemporary - Want a fresh modern look? Try bucking tradition, and going with black and white. Bridesmaids in all white, or all black, give a modern look to your bridal party. Traditionally, white and black are colors that have been considered bad luck or taboo for guests and party members to wear to a wedding. This certainly isn't the case anymore. Working with these two starkly contrasting colors gives any affair a sharp, modern edge. Worried about the lack of color? Pump it up with sparse accents in bright primary colors.

Classic - For a classic look, red, black, and white are great favorites. These three shades have graced many wedding affairs for decades, and it's not hard to see why. This combination is rich, elegant, and easy to work with when selecting decor. Work in soft scrollwork and roses into the decor and wear a traditional dress to really drive the look home.

Elegant - Try crimson, black, and ivory for a richer, and more luxurious look. These colors are perfect for an evening or formal affair. The depth of the crimson and ivory add a sophisticated flair to the classic red, white, and black. Pump it up with little metalic touches of silver (or gold) to really drive home this luxe look.

Rustic - Love that shabby chic, rustic feel? Try switching your neutral from black to brown. Accent with colors that have a hint of grey in them, like a dusty rose, or celadon, and add a rich light shade, like champagne or ivory. Stick mostly to the muted color and light off-white shade, and use the dark neutral as an accent, instead of as a backdrop to give this look a little polish.

Vintage - Nothing says vintage like a light palette of soft blues, light silver, and white. Incorporate classic pieces of dishware, tea sets, lace, and whitewashed, distressed thrift-shop wood frames into your serving dishes or centerpieces to really connect to that vintage feel.

Hope this round of color combinations and suggestions is helpful! What colors are you planning to use at your wedding, ladies? Drop us a note and let us know what combinations worked for you!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Catherine's Creations - Feature your Gown with Custom Illustrations

2011-11-09T18:59:00.001-06:00

I know I said I would talk more about choosing wedding colors today, but I would like to take the time to spotlight a relatively new service we offer at Bella's.

I've been seeing more and more of hand-drawn art showcasing wedding dresses. It's a fantastic way to feature your dress, and preserve your wedding gown in a way that you can display. Lots of girls have their gown heirloomed, but that box just ends up sitting under the bed, or in the back of the closet for years, collecting dust.

These pieces of artwork can really keep that day and moment fresh in your mind, because they can be framed, hung on the wall, displayed on a table or shelf, or featured in a scrapbook of wedding photos.

Bella's is now offering custom hand-painted fashion illustrations to brides that would like to take advantage of this trendy new way of preserving your gown. Each piece is hand drawn, painted with watercolors, inked, and framed.

You can add in details that make it more personal to you. Choose what part of your dress you want to showcase, add your veil or headpiece, include your shoes, bouquet, and jewelry. You can also add in your new initial, the trellis you stood under when you said your vows, your wedding date, or even other members of the bridal party.

These make awesome gifts, beautiful display pieces, and are gorgeous when displayed with your invitations, personalized napkins, or dried bouquet.

Here are some images from the samples worked up for the store. Ask us about them the next time you come in to commission one for yourself.

This ruffled organza gown is called Destiny, by Maggie Sottero.


This bride had her seamstress remove the train, and attached it to make this hi-lo look for her first dance!

It made a gorgeous reception dress once the train was fully removed.

This is Adorae, one of the looks from the designers at Sottero and Midgley

This satin gown with lace inset panel is called Ambrosia by Maggie Sottero

This gorgeous lace style is JSM1103, from Sottero and Midgley

We're really excited to be offering this at Bella's now, but it will only be here for a limited time! (That is, until I find a job in my chosen field after graduation, and sadly have to move on from Bella's)

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

How to Pick Your Wedding Colors

2011-11-07T13:18:00.000-06:00

One of the first things you'll need to know when you start planning your wedding is your choice of colors. Some girls have known what colors they wanted to use for years, and others are completely clueless.

Many things can influence your choice in color, including the season, the look and feel you are going for, your favorite colors, your fiance's favorite colors, the school or college you attended, tradition, what colors look good together, and more.

Here are a few guidelines and considerations that can help you narrow down your choices. When you consider that bridesmaid companies often offer as many as 100 different colors for you to choose from when ordering dresses, choosing the perfect color is no small task.

If you want to match the season:

Spring - This is the season of renewal, rebirth, growth, and fresh starts. To highlight that, go with light and airy pastel colors. Avoid the darker colors that can make your wedding feel heavy and overworked. Any pastel combination can work, but don't be afraid to through in darker neutrals. A sky blue or a light sugar pink can look stunning with chocolate or espresso accents. If you use the dark color lightly and carefully, you're sure to have an airy spring affair.

Summer - This is the season of adventure, fun, and outside outings. Think bright to tie in to the surrounding season. The pastel tones are too airy, and aren't quite fun enough to celebrate the season, while muted, darker tones are still a little too heavy. Just be sure when you select a bright color that you pair it with something a little quieter. You want these colors to complement each other, not fight for attention. Bright yellow may be a beautiful color, but when you pair it with hot pink, or a bright grassy shamrock green, it can get a little overwhelming. Keep that in mind when distributing your colors throughout the decor. Small pops of bright color can go a long way!

Fall - This is the season of cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and (for the sports fans out there) football. For fall, go for rich colors. Saturated colors that are a touch darker can really play off the beautiful red-leaved trees that hallmark the coming of fall. Crimson, aubergine, espresso, burnt orange, ochre, and moss are all colors that come to mind when we think of fall. Unlike the other seasons, these colors can pair together really well, but only if you want a very rich, warm-toned wedding. You can take a brighter take on fall and throw in a bright yellow, or a rich cherry red, to get some pops of fresh color. As always, balance the colors with each other, and you'll have a rich color palette to work from.

Winter - This season is the most versatile. During the winter we think of warm fires and christmas trees, snowmen and icicles, family and food. Go for a winter wonderland look with bright whites, icy blues, and the occasional touches of a light blush pink. Throw in deep rich sapphire blues to ground the bright tones for a truly sparkling affair. Go for a homey, comfortable, rich feeling with dark reds, emerald greens, and other rich warm colors. Play it up with pine cones, poinsettias, and branches and twigs with an added glisten and glimmer (can you say mod podge and glitter?).

More color guidelines are coming soon, ladies! Check back on Wednesday to learn about capturing that certain look with the right color combinations!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

How to Determine the Budget for your Wedding

2011-11-02T14:52:00.000-05:00

Many of our brides are just getting started on wedding planning. While it is a long, difficult, and detail-oriented process, it doesn't have to be totally unmanageable. The best place to start is with your budget.

Your budget can't really be decided just by how much you can spend, or how much you're willing to spend. When you start spending that money on the little things, it's not uncommon to find yourself a little over budget (or a lot over budget) on many of those items. When you consider how many things need to be purchased, a little over on them adds up to a lot over your actual budget.

To help you figure it out, I've put together a list of things to know, think about, or keep in mind, when deciding on your final budget.

1) You need to have an idea of what kind of wedding you want. How many people do you plan to invite? Do you want something small and intimate? Or do you want to throw a big extravagant event? A modest budget for a large reception is significantly larger than a modest budget for a small wedding with just family invited. This will play a large role in the minimum amount of money you can get away with spending.

2) Who is paying for it? It's important to know who is helping you pay for the wedding, and how much they are willing (or able) to spend. Once you know how much everyone has agreed to contribute, MAKE SURE that their financial commitments are CLEAR. You don't want to discover you can't afford a wedding cake because somebody gave you only half of the money you were expecting to receive.

While the bride's parents traditionally handle most of the wedding expenses, but modern society allows for a lot of flexibility in this respect. The average age of marrying couples has risen in the last few years, and these couples are taking on more and more of these expenses for themselves. The groom's family is becoming more financially involved in the budget as well. The bottom line is that the people paying for your wedding should generally be whoever is the most willing and the most able to assume that financial responsibility.

3) Your reception will take up the largest portion of your budget. Check around with local venues to find one in a price range that suites you. If you're dealing with a lower budget, or want to spend that money elsewhere, many churches will provide reception spaces to their members for free, or for a relatively small donation.

4) A reception with a sit-down, served meal is usually the most expensive route. In some cultures, and some families, serving a meal is expected. Buffet options are usually less costly than served meals. If your finances can't support a meal, plan your reception for an hour when people aren't expecting a meal, and provide snacks and light appetizers instead.

5) When selecting a caterer, be sure to check if beverages are included, and if so, what kind of beverages they provide. Some caterers will provide beer, wine, and champagne, while others will charge addition for any kind of alcohol. Most will have an additional charge for an all-out open bar.

6) Decor can be very costly, especially if you hire a designer, but DIY decorations aren't always a cost effective solution either. Do some research to find out what will be the best choice for you, whether it's hiring a designer, renting equipment, or purchasing/making the decor yourself.

7) Don't forget about the tips! It is customary to give tips to many of the people you hire for their services. They can add up to a substantial amount when it's all said and done. Check out our article about how tips add up for more information about it.

Determining your budget can be a trying process, and a wedding planner can be a huge help in this respect. But whether you have some help, or figure it out yourself, the task isn't as impossible as it might seem.

I'll be posting a breakdown of how that budget is typically divided hopefully in the near future, so check back in the next few weeks to find out more about it.

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Fall Into Love - Bella's $99 Starts Today!

2011-10-31T14:43:00.000-05:00

It's that time, Ladies! Bella's $99 Gown Sale starts today, and will run until Saturday, November 12th. Come in and see us for some amazing deals, and not just on wedding gowns! Check out these awesome deals!

Select Sample Wedding Gowns priced at $99!
Select Sample Wedding Gowns at 50% - 75% off!
Select Mother-of-the-Bride dresses at 20% to 50% off!
Select Flower Girl dresses at 50% off!
Close-Out on dye-able shoes - only $10 a pair!
Last Season's Prom Looks - Now 50% off!
Discontinued Quinceneara styles at 50% off!
10% off each bridesmaid dress, when ordering 4 or more!

This sale is only running for two weeks, so come in while you can! Remember to call and schedule an appointment if you want to try on wedding gowns, so that we can have a trained bridal consultant available to help you.

We also have a few new styles in since the last time I updated the Facebook. We have some gorgeous new gowns by Mori Lee, and a new expanded plus-size wedding gown stock!

Can't wait to see you here!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Bella's Policies - Reasons for the Rules

2011-10-26T13:50:00.002-05:00

Like any business, Bella's has some policies that are pretty specific to our needs. While they seem unreasonable to some customers, each policy has been put in place for a reason. We are often asked about some of these policies, and I'd like to take the time to explain why these are in place.

Bella's employees do not give prices over the phone.

Internet shopping has proven to be a bane on local businesses. It's hard to compare to the quick, low-cost, and easily searchable Internet shops. Local businesses have costs to maintain. Rent, maintenance, utilities, inventory costs, personnel, customer service, repairs, and more. We know that we have so much more to offer than the Internet, but the lower prices continually pull customers away.

We don't give prices over the phone because of how many people call to do some comparison shopping. We don't have any problems with finding a great deal, but it's frustrating and incredibly detrimental to business when a customer doesn't even come in to look because the price they heard on the phone was more than the price they saw online.

When looking online, remember that these businesses aren't always authorized dealers, and could be getting their dresses from questionable sources, or flat-out selling knock-offs. We're always happy to give customers an approximate range, so they can at least determine if our products are way outside their price range, but we simply can't afford to enable those who would sacrifice customer service, quality products, and genuine brand names to save a couple bucks.

Bella's does not measure for outside purchases.

When girls are ready to order a dress, they often come to us to get measured professionally. These measurements are then compared to the company's size chart to select the the size they want to order. This is how we do all of our orders. We ALWAYS compare measurements to the size chart, because while every dress is a little different, the size charts are constant and generally accurate.

Many girls come in looking to be measured professionally, so that they can use those measurements to order a dress elsewhere. Bella's cares about each and every customer, but it is still a business. It costs us money every time a girl gets her measurements from our staff and then gives her business to another company.

You might ask then, why don't we just charge a couple bucks to take measurements? Then we could take measurements, and we wouldn't lose all of that business. Here's the reason we don't offer this service. When we take measurements, we are providing customers with the information they need to order a dress.

Selecting a size is a tricky business. You need to take into account measurements, but you also need to consider the cut of the dress, your body's proportions and the fabric of the dress. Measurements alone are not always enough to select the best size for each customer.

Perception also plays a large part in this policy. The professionals working at Bella's are familiar with these dresses, and they know how things should fit. In addition, they often see gowns that are too big, too small, WAY too big, and WAY too small. While a gown may feel or look way too big to the customer, an experienced professional will know the difference between a gown that is excessively large, and a gown that needs only a minor alteration. These are distinctions that are important, but are also hard for customers without day-to-day exposure to alterations, fabric, and formal dress sizing to see for themselves.

Ultimately, between the differences in perception, and the thought and careful selection involved in dress sizing, offering professional measuring is a liability. As a small business, we can't risk putting our name on information that could be used improperly. To protect ourselves, we choose not to offer this service.

Bella's is not a try-on store for other businesses

Unfortunately, we are occasionally visited by customers whose sole intention is to use us and our inventory to help them make a purchase elsewhere. While this is not the case for the vast majority of our clientele, we do still have to deal with this situation.

If we are aware a customer is simply trying on gowns to figure out the size they want to order from another business, or to pick a style that they then plan to purchase online, we will sometimes refuse service. This may seem unfair, but there is a legitimate concern that causes us to do this. We aren't trying to treat some customers differently than others. It is out of necessity that we sometimes have to enforce this policy.

We have to purchase each and every gown in the store. That goes for formal wear, bridesmaids, wedding gowns, and more. While chain stores can share inventory with each other, and can allow this practice of trying on in one place and purchasing in another, a local business can't sustain that. If you try on a bridesmaid dress at an Alfred Angelo store, and order your dress at a different Alfred Angelo store, Alfred Angelo is still getting your business.

This is not the case for small stores like Bella's. Our gowns suffer wear and tear, and risk being damaged every time somebody tries one on. Consider the situation from the store's perspective. Why should we let you try on our dresses, and potentially damage them, if you are going to take your business elsewhere? This is particularly true when the customer then purchases online with a "wholesale" company that is pricing dresses lower than what our store pays for them.

While we understand that it is difficult for bridesmaids to purchase a gown in a different town, we have to protect our inventory from excessive wear and abuse. We are often willing to help or accomodate bridesmaids that purchase with other small businesses. With big chain stores to compete against, we all have to stick together. Even with plans to shop online, we do try to be respectful and cordial to every customer. If you ever go in to a store to figure out the right size, or pick a dress to buy elsewhere, remember that you are using resources that are provided for paying customers. While we may not always say anything, and we may not always refuse service, we are aware that we are being used.

Your business is important to us, and we want to provide you with the best experience we can in the hopes that you will return to us when you need to make a purchase locally. However, we can't financially sustain the business playing the part of dressing rooms for internet shops or large chain stores. We ask that as a customer, you remember that, and respect our personnel and our inventory.

We do want to help each and every customer. But we aren't here for girls to play dress-up. Unfortunately, we do sometimes have to make tough decisions to protect our interests. I just hope you can at least understand WHY we sometimes must refuse service.

We want to do our best to help every woman find her perfect dress in the perfect size. We want to provide you with the best possible experience. These policies do get questioned sometimes, and we have no choice but to apologize for the inconvenience. As little as we may like it, these are policies we have to enforce to stay in business.

As a consultant, I find it particularly hard to tell a customer that I can't tell them that price, and I can't let them try on that dress, and I can't take their measurements. I really do want to help my customers. Not only because I'm an employee, but because I'm a person. I'm a bride as well, and perhaps more than most people, I understand why these policies can be a problem for our clients. But I also understand why we have them, and I respect that. Sometimes we have to do things because we have to, even when we don't want to.

I hope that cleared up some questions, and gave you a little more perspective into the business's side of the fence. We don't have these rules to make things difficult. We have them because we need them.

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Choosing Bridesmaid Dresses - Tips to Help You Get it Done

2011-10-24T16:54:00.000-05:00

Almost every bride has bridesmaids. Choosing their dresses, and getting your order completed and placed with the company can be a real challenge. To help you get through the process, here are some tips that will make life a little easier for you.

Try to choose a style that will flatter all body types. A bridesmaid that feels pretty is a bridesmaid that is happy.
Don't let them do the picking. Believe it or not, it's often easier to select a few styles you're fond of, that you feel works for your event. Let your girls choose from your selections, and you'll save yourself hours of time trying to choose the one perfect gown for all of them.
You can't always please everyone. It's unfortunate, but true. Some girls won't be happy in any dress you choose. Try your best, and most of your girls will be happy, or at least they won't be UNHAPPY, with your selection.
It is not recommended to measure yourself. Have your girls get measured by a professional, to maximize the likelihood that their dresses will fit them. Some bridal shops, and most alteration shops will do this for you for little to no charge.
Sizing is "by the book." These dresses are made according to the manufacturer's size chart. When your girls are choosing a size to order, it's best to go by the measurements to ensure that the gown won't be too small. The samples on the floor can give you an idea of size, but every dress and every company is different. A different silhouette, a different fabric, or even just a sample that is tried on often can throw off the size you try on from the size on the charts.
Companies cut their dresses to specific lengths. If your girls are 5'8" or taller, be prepared for an extra charge to get extra length on the dress. Keep an eye on that dress length, and keep in mind the shoes she's planning to wear, and you can avoid getting a dress that's too short.
Get your order placed in a timely manner. Give your girls a deadline to get their dress order finished. Got some girls that are a little less reliable? Set that date for a week or two before you really need the order done.
Bridesmaid dresses can take anywhere from 3 to 5 months to get in once they have been ordered, and you want to leave time for alterations when they get to you. Plan your order accordingly!

Hope your bridesmaid dresses are a breeze to get ordered!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Fall Into Love - Announcing Bella's Semi-Annual Sale!

2011-10-19T12:25:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry, but I have no tips, tricks, or fashions to show you today, ladies. Today I wanted to announce Bella's upcoming Fall Into Love $99 Gown sale!

The sale will be running this upcoming November. Many of our discounted samples will be dropping down to an amazing $99! Select Sample Gowns will be offered for 30% to 75% off for a limited time only!

Not ready to get married? This sale applies to more than just wedding gowns! Formals from last season will be marked down by 50%. Select quinceneara gowns are marked down to 50%.

We're making room for new stock this upcoming bridal and prom season, so come in and get a great deal while they last!

Choosing Bridesmaid Dresses for Different Body Types

2011-10-17T13:54:00.000-05:00

Selecting a dress for your bridesmaids to wear can be difficult, especially for the bride that keeps her girls' comfort in mind. More than likely, your bridal party will have girls with several different body types. Choosing the style that will work best for all of them can be very challenging.

While some brides choose different dresses for each girl, it is still more common to select one dress style for the entire bridal party. Accommodating several different body shapes may seem daunting, but it's absolutely possible.

Here are some shapes and looks to consider for each distinct body type.

Hourglass - A few lucky girls out there undoubtedly have a perfect hourglass shape. These fortunate bridesmaids are easy to dress, as almost every style will flatter.

Pear - Pear-shaped girls are generally smaller busted, and have wider hips. To flatter a pear shape, you want to bring attention up to her torso, and away from her hips. You can do this a few ways. Consider choosing a dress with some detailing on the bodice, such as beading, or lace. To disguise her curve, go with a dress that has an a-line or a flared skirt.

Apple - Apple-shaped girls are the opposite of pear-shaped girls. They tend to have a larger bust, broader shoulders, and smaller hips. To flatter this shape, you want to balance her proportions. A ballgown or a-line skirt is sure to help balance her broader shoulders. Dresses with a v-neck are sure to make her shoulders look slimmer, as long as they aren't too low cut. It is also generally best to avoid halter straps on these girls, because they tend to make shoulders look broader.

Straight - Straight girls tend to have a more athletic frame. They have very little curve. These girls look best in dresses that can give them the illusion of curve. Dresses with a natural waistline, and an a-line cut will draw attention to the smallest part of their body, making them look curvier than they are. A sweetheart neckline, or cinched waist, can flatter her bust, helping create a desirable proportion.

Petite - For the petite bridesmaid, you can elongate her appearance with a gown that has a high neckline and/or an empire waist. An off-the shoulder neckline is also very flattering on these girls. Most important of all, make sure the style you choose isn't going to be overwhelming on her petite frame. Stay away from a prominent drop waist bodice to prevent throwing off her proportions.

Well-Endowed - For your busty girls,try to avoid any neckline that is too low-cut. Sweetheart necklines can be particularly difficult for them to wear modestly, but the right sweetheart can still be a great choice if it isn't too deep. That being said, these necklines often need more alterations, unless they have a lace-up back to provide the needed support. Also, halter styles can be very heavy and tiresome on their necks/back. One-shoulder looks are a great choice, but be careful, since the side without the strap is often cut lower than a standard strapless gown. Also be wary of any vertical detailing on the bust. Ruching and pleating can distort and bend on a larger bust, making it seem larger than it is, and often creating the so-called "uni-boob" look.

While these are good specifics, there are some general guidelines that can help you choose a style that will work for all your girls.

A-line styles are flattering on almost all figures, and are generally a safe bet.
Asymmetrical ruching is every girl's best friend. The diagonal lines this creates serve to slim and flatter almost every body type.
Long dresses are great for the colder months, and work well when your girls have largely varying heights. By stopping each dress at the floor, the gowns won't stop at different distances from the floor like they would if they were knee or tea length.

Hoping you find the right dress for all your girls!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Wedding Timeline: 2 Months Before

2011-10-12T10:57:00.000-05:00

The best place to start your wedding planning experience is with a timeline, especially if you're doing it without the assistance of a wedding or event planner! Here's a helpful list of things that are best done 3 to 6 months prior to your wedding date. Not there yet? Here's the timeline for 9 to 12 Month Before, 6 to 9 Months Before, and 3 to 6 Months Before.

Address invitations and add correct postage. VERIFY POSTAGE at Post Office.
Send invitations 6 - 8 weeks before the wedding
Confirm all contracts and services with the professionals hired
Plan and book rehearsal dinner.
Finalize honeymoon plans
Purchase (or make) attendants' gifts
Choose person to attend your guest book. Plan its placement.
Begin writing thank-you notes as you receive gifts.
Send your announcement to the newspapers.
Maintain records on gifts received, and send thank-you notes out immediately.

This is the time to get the word out. Communicate with your guests, and your bridal party. Make decisions about some of the more specific details of your wedding. Maintain your pace, and you'll make it through this part easily.

And most importantly, write thank-you notes as soon as you receive gifts! Trust me! You do NOT want to fall behind on that!

Look for Less: Kate Middleton's Wedding Gown

2011-10-10T16:35:00.000-05:00

Dying for your own Kate Middleton dress? Her gown cost over a whopping $400,000. But don't worry, you can steal this look for yourself without shelling out more money than you'd probably spend on a house!

First, let's take a close look at the dress. Images courtesy of Fashionista. Starting at the top, and working our way down....

Kate's tiara, a sparkling example of fine gems polished and cut to perfection. This 1936 piece by Cartier was loaned to her from the Crown Jewels.

The veil, adorned with a lace edge, painstakingly sewn on by hand.

Her ball gown dress had lace sleeves, a high collar with a deep v-neck, and box pleats in the front.

Curious about the back? Take a peak at the beautifully sculpted skirt.

Princess Kate was sporting lace from head to toe, with this fabulous lace adorned shoe.

SO, now the question is, how do I get this look without the breaking the bank? Check out these reasonably priced choices to get this look for your wedding.

The tiara - A replica is available from Belaire Bridal, that is spot on. Ask for style number 6200.

Okay, so it isn't made with diamonds, but it also doesn't cost more than your car.

As for the veil, there is a surprisingly large number of two layer, lace edged veils out there to choose from. I'd show you a few specific ones, but to be honest, you should be able to find something similar at any bridal shop.

The dress itself has had many copies and replicas made, but the one that's probably the closest is by Mori Lee. Style 1701 has it all, the shape, the lace, the train, the sleeves, and even the collar.

Last, but not least, the shoes.

Lace shoes can sometimes be hard to come by, but never fear! Want something specific? Make them yourself! Amanda, over at Carry on...Carry on... has a great tutorial on doing them DIY.

Here's a quick before and after photo, from Amanda's tutorial.

So there you have it ladies. While all of the prices I have for these things vary from store to store, you can definitely get the whole look for less than $2500! This whole ensemble would cost you less than .5% of Kate's dress alone! Talk about savings!

Ciao,

Catherine at Bella's.

Counterfeit Wedding Gown Vendors

2011-10-05T16:51:00.000-05:00

Counterfeit wedding gowns are a common occurrence. In this economy, it's more and more likely that brides will look for alternate sources for their wedding gowns. Gown designers try to shut down the online manufacturers that claim to have their gowns, but it's a losing battle. As soon as they get one sit shut down, they turn around and start another.

It's dangerous to purchase a wedding gown from a company that isn't listed as an authorized dealer on the designer's website. More so now than ever. Why? Because the designers CAN'T keep up with the knock-off producers, they've had to resort to other means. Instead of stopping the companies from selling the knock offs, they've started tracking shipping numbers. This means that while these companies are getting brides' orders and money, the packages are getting stopped in customs.

Ever hear one of those horror stories from girls that order their dress, but it never reaches them? That's the reason why. By stopping those sellers from shipping, it doesn't matter how many times they change their name. They still can't do business in the states.

Let me help you avoid the scammers. The following is a list of sites selling counterfeit gowns that are using copyrighted images without the designers consent:

Hoping you exercise caution when ordering online!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Sultry in Short

2011-10-03T13:21:00.000-05:00

I'd like to take the time to spotlight another fun bridal trend that's become more popular than ever over the last few months. Most brides spend lots of time flipping through magazines, selecting the gowns that interest them. They wonder about what design details they want their gown to have, and what sillhouette to choose for their body type.

Surprisingly, many brides don't even consider wearing a short dress. Granted, they aren't pictured heavily in the magazines, but the trend is definitely growing. Here are some fantastic examples of short wedding dresses!


Santorini, from Sottero and Midgley, also has a long version, Santorini Rose

This flirty style is 940, from Allure Bridals, and takes a page from Kate's book!

Style 951 from Allure Bridals embraces another fun trend: Feathers!

Style 2401 from Allure Bridals features flower appliques and a deep sweetheart neckline.

This unique take on the short wedding gown is style 6707 from Mori Lee

Isadora Ann, from Maggie Sottero, is also available in two floor length versions

With so many beautiful styles, and different takes on short, there's no reason brides shouldn't at least consider trying on a few short dresses. Dare to be different, and take on this bold and flirty style!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Ravishing in Ruffles

2011-09-28T12:47:00.000-05:00

Looking at the runways, and at designer's latest collections, ruffles are clearly becoming a big thing in bridal fashion. I wanted to take a time to share a few styles with you that cover a broad spectrum of styles. From flirty and fun, to elegant and sophisticated, ruffles can fit any wedding style.

Starla from Sottero and Midgley

Style 2408 from Allure Bridal

Antonia from Maggie Sottero

Style C170 from Allure Bridal's Couture Collection

Style C181 from Allure Bridal's Couture Collection

Lucianna from Sottero and Midgley

Miri from Maggie Sottero

Nova from Maggie Sottero

Hoping your wedding is absolutely ravishing in ruffles!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

A Wedding Gown's Journey

2011-09-26T16:00:00.003-05:00

Selecting a gown is often a lengthy and difficult process. Every bride justifiably wants to take the time to find that one perfect gown that will help make her wedding day unforgettable. Despite the large number of people looking for their dream gowns, very little is widely known about the process of designing, making, and selling them.

In my experience as a bridal consultant, I am constantly surprised by how many brides don't realize that these wedding gowns can take as long as six months to reach us after we order them. Often, I am asked why? In the past, I've given a vague answer. They aren't made until you order them. They're made in China, and shipping them here can take a long time... But I started wondering, why do these gowns take months to get to us? True, there is shipping to consider, but surely gown suppliers could put these gowns out faster than that!

I started asking myself questions. How does it all happen? What is involved in the process? How are they made? How many steps does a gown have to go through before it's hanging in a dressing room waiting for the bride to try on their special-order gown for the first time?

So I started doing some research. Of course, the best place to get my questions answered is the same place we get the gowns. I called Maggie Sottero's corporate office. After playing phone tag for a few days, I reached a representative of Maggie Sottero that could help me out.

After a very informative conversation with Suzanne, it became clear that the journey of a wedding gown, from its initial design to the moment you have your dress on for that big day, can be divided into a few stages.

Design
Market
Gown Selection
Ordering
Production
Shipping and Distribution
Delivery and Alterations

Normally, I would break up an article like this into several different posts...but for the sake of completion, and out of respect for the wonderful and helpful people at Maggie Sottero who are patiently waiting to see the finished article, I'm going to take a risk and post this all in one part. I know it's long, but I promise, it's definitely interesting.

Stage 1 - Design

Image Source

Bridal labels produce new collections roughly twice a year. These collections can include as many as one hundred unique styles. In Maggie Sottero's Spring 2012 collection, there are about 70 styles that will be produced. Another label, Sottero and Midgley, is also producing approximately 30 styles.

At Maggie Sottero, they have a team of designers that work on these styles. Sketches and designs are given to an independent pattern-making group that drafts up patterns and makes the first initial samples of each design. But the design process doesn't stop there. Each design is then put through a rigorous review process. Not all of the initial designs make it to the final collection. This is the part of the process where designs are altered and refined to provide a high-quality collection with a vast array of looks and styles.

Stage 2 - Market

Photo from Dallas Market Center

Once the collection has been finalized, bridal companies will premiere the new looks. Typically, they are displayed in fashion shows and presentations, often during the industry "Market" event. Markets are held several times a year in big cities. Retailers from all over the country will attend these markets to select new inventory for the next season. Whether its bridal gowns, bridesmaids, or formal wear for prom, this is the place to look at new products and designs for the upcoming season.

During this point in a gown's life, sales representatives from companies will fly around the country, visiting stores that carry their lines. The company owners will sit down with their representatives and select the styles they want to order for the upcoming bridal season.

This represents a HUGE financial investment from the bridal salons that are selling gowns. To carry a line, typically a salon has to purchase 12 styles for store samples. When you consider the cost of these gowns, even at wholesale prices, this can really add up. At Bella's, we carry 5 different gown companies. Four of them require about 12 gowns be purchased each season. Even if each gown only cost $500 at wholesale prices (they usually cost more), Bella's would have to spend approximately $50,000 each year, just on sample gowns for customers to try on!

Bella's Stock Room

Worse yet, this is for JUST the wedding gowns. Most salons also carry bridesmaids, flower girls, and mother's dresses. It's mind-boggling to consider, but the sample stock alone represents an investment of close to a quarter million dollars, if not more.

Stage 3 - Gown Selection

Bella's spacious dressing rooms

Once the new gowns from each season start trickling into stores, bridal salons will get the new gowns pressed, priced, and on the floor for trying on as soon as possible. Up to this point, vendors, retailers, and designers have been involved with these gowns. Finally, the bride comes into the picture.

No matter what store you choose to purchase your wedding gown from, you're likely to spend some time with a bridal consultant. These experts are there to assist you when trying on gowns, and to help guide you to the dress that works for you. They know the gowns in their store, they know how they look in person, and they know what gowns work for what body types. If you trust your consultant, and are open-minded, you may find yourself falling in love with a gown you weren't expecting to like.

At the salon, you'll get your questions answered. When should I order my wedding gown? What kind of payments are required? What color should I choose? What kind of additional costs can I expect to come up?

After weeks of researching, and hours of trying on gowns, the bride is ready to make her decision and places an order.

Stage 4 - Ordering

The bridal salon takes over from here. The bride places her order. Later that day, or on the next business day if it's a weekend, the staff places all the orders they received. The person in charge of this will call each company they need to order from, one at a time, and place each individual order with their account manager.

After this, the account manager at the vendor company will combine various orders and put in their order with the appropriate factories. These factories are generally located overseas. For instance, Maggie Sottero's factories are located in China.

Once they get the order, the factories can begin producing the bride's gown in her chosen size and color. Truly, these gowns aren't made until you order them.

This may seem like such a small part of the process, but in reality, it's one of the most important steps. Each store has to keep all their orders perfectly organized. Each vendor must then keep these orders and those from other stores organized. Then the factory has to manage all the orders from every account manager at that company. At the end of the ordering process, the sheer volume of information can be truly overwhelming. Can you imagine trying to keep straight hundreds of orders? If one number is out of place, you could potentially ruin one hopeful bride's wedding day!

Stage 5 - Production

Finally, the interesting part! How are these dresses made?

As it turns out, at least at Maggie Sottero, each gown goes through several different stages of production. Each and every gown is cut from the appropriate fabric by hand, carefully following patterns that have been developed for each gown in every size. After the cutting department finishes, the gown's fabric pieces are moved on to a different department, depending on the nature of the gown.

Anything that has beading is hand beaded by highly-skilled workers that work exclusively in the beading department. Anything with lace has the appropriate lace or appliques hand stitched onto the gown. Each element of every single gown is painstakingly crafted to the highest standards, largely without the use of machines. True, sewing machines are used to assemble all the pieces of each gown, but they are operated by human beings that are trained in their use. NOTHING in the process is automated.

When you consider the huge amount of work involved, the volume of orders placed, and the attention to every single detail, the time involved in each order becomes a lot more understandable. These gowns are 100% handmade, and this is reflected in their impeccable quality.

Once gowns are made, they then go through a rigorous inspection process before being assembled into package to be sent back to the corporate office in the United States.

Stage 6 - Shipping and Distribution

The factories ship their completed and inspected gowns are consolidated into packages that ship across seas to the corporate offices. Gowns from Maggie Sottero typically ship by air, but some companies do ship gowns via boat, which can take a significantly longer time.

When gowns arrive at Maggie Sottero's Utah office, several are randomly inspected for quality. Then, they must be organized into shipments to go to the correct bridal salons across the country. This is no small feat when we consider how many orders the company is dealing with on a daily basis.

Some companies, like Maggie Sottero, try to keep certain gowns available in stock. Typically, these are styles that are best-sellers. These gowns are also pushed through factories at a faster rate. A selection of them in various sizes and colors are generally kept at hand at the corporate offices to be shipped out for brides with quick wear dates.

Stage 7 - Delivery and Alterations

Finally, your gown arrives in the store, often with several others that were ordered the same day, or the same week. The story isn't over there.

A package from Sottero and Midgley. This one only contains one gown.

Each and every gown from Maggie Sottero and from Sottero and Midgley comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Some bridal salons fill these out and give them to their brides. Some salons don't do this. Gowns are usually packaged in individual bags, inside out, and folded to fit in the box. The end result of this is a VERY wrinkled gown.

When we open the package, this is what we find...

Complete with a gold embossed seal!

Starting to unfold a dress, it's wrapped in tissue paper to protect the fabric from snagging on the beading.

The gown is wrinkled from it's long journey from China.

.....VERY wrinkled....

From here, they are unpackaged, checked against the store's paperwork to make sure they are the right style, size, and color, and inspected for any damages or flaws. If everything is right, (mistakes and damages are VERY rare) the gowns are pressed. Each gown can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours to press. In some extreme cases, the gown has to be pressed in stages, allowing time to dry in between, taking up to three days total until it is ready for the bride.

The finished, pressed gown.

After hours of work, the gown is as smooth, sleek, and wrinkle-free as it will ever get.

Finally, after everything it has been through, the salon can call the bride and let her know that her dress has arrived. The bride then begins her alterations process, to make sure the gown fits her perfectly, and to have bustles put in for the reception. A process that can take another 2 to 3 months.

Each wedding gown is a beautiful work of art, hand-crafted especially for the brides that order them. The journey of a gown, from it's first conceptual design sketches to its finished product worn down the aisle, is long and arduous. At the end of the day, the time and attention from countless people has been focused on your gown, and only your gown, for hundreds of man-hours. Is it any wonder that they can take 4 to 6 months to arrive at your bridal shop once you place the order?

Certainly, I find myself appreciating each gown we receive, whether it belongs to a bride or goes into our stock, for the work and time and care that has been put into it. Wedding gowns, perhaps more than any other product, are absolutely worthy of the care and attention given to them. It's refreshing and reassuring to know that the care and attention starts at the very beginning of its life, and not just when it reaches the bride's hands.

Thanks for sticking with me!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Wedding Timeline: 3 to 6 Months Before

2011-09-21T11:37:00.000-05:00

The best place to start your wedding planning experience is with a timeline, especially if you're doing it without the assistance of a wedding or event planner! Here's a helpful list of things that are best done 3 to 6 months prior to your wedding date. Not there yet? Here's the timeline for 9 to 12 Month Before, and for 6 to 9 Months Before.

Complete guest list and compile it in alphabetical order - This will make addressing your invitations and thank-you cards MUCH easier!
Select and order invitations and announcements and rest of paper trousseau items.
Select and register your gift preferences in towns of both families.
Check on your wedding dress, and begin alterations. Alterations can take 2 months or longer, and you want to leave in a little bit of wiggle room just in case!
Select and reserve formal wear for men. Don't wait until the last moment to avoid unnecessary stress.
Experiment with Hair Styles - This is a great time to do a hair test, and work together with your hair stylist to finalize your plans for your hair style.
Discuss Service with officiant.
Select Transportation rental, if any, or make arrangements to borrow a family member's car if you prefer.
Order or make favors.
Discuss rehearsal dinner with your fiance.
Shop for lingerie and honeymoon clothes.
Check state requirement for blood tests.
Order wedding rings if not already done.
Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests.
Make reservations for the wedding night hotel.
Make appointment with your hair stylist on the wedding day.

This is the time to follow through on your plans. Most of the big decisions and details should more or less be taken care of at this point. Keep yourself organized, follow through on your plans, and you'll get through these three months without any problems. It might get tedious, but this is when you put all your plans and decisions into action.

Tally Your Tips: How it All Adds Up

2011-09-19T12:59:00.000-05:00

Just about everyone knows what is a customary tip when dining out, but what about other services? Sure, you can guess on some things, or choose not to tip at all....but with your wedding plans, things are a little different.

Many people forget to factor in tips to their budget, only to find themselves inevitabley over-budget on many of their wedding planning purchases and services. So here's a quick break down of who to tip, how much to tip them, and who should pay the tip.

As always, this is a generic, traditional set-up, and may not be right for your event. Remember to keep your wedding plans in mind when making decisions about tipping. Like all generic lists, you will want to customize to your specific needs. And don't forget to award superior service with a superior tip. These professionals you will be working with are hard-workers, and deserve to be recognized when they go above and beyond their duties for your sake!

Keep these tips in mind when setting out your budget, and you'll certainly save yourself some stress later down the line!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Designer Feature: Jordan Fashions

2011-09-14T19:34:00.000-05:00

With the After-Party and the Reception dress becoming more and more popular, it's no surprise that many bridal and bridesmaid lines are coming out with collections. Today, I'd like to take the time to spotlight one of my favorite collections of After-Party dresses. The Little White Dress collection from Jordan Fashions is an awesome place to look for a dress for a rehearsal dinner, after-party, or reception!

Here are just a few of these fabulous dresses. Oh, and the best part? Many of them come in several colors!

Style A171 in White

Style A172 in White

Style A176 in White

Style A271 in Diamond White

Style A274 in Black and Cameo

Style A275 in White

Wishing you find the right cocktail dress for your event!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Wedding Day Survival Kit - Part 3

2011-09-12T12:40:00.000-05:00

You've picked your dress, it's arrived, and alterations are finished. Now the big day is almost here, and you have a gorgeous gown to wear....and protect from damage. Lots of brides try to have a small bag of things to help them get through their wedding day in one piece. But how do you know that your wedding day survival kit has all the bases covered?

While it's impossible to predict everything you will need, you can still try to prepare for the most common problems, accidents, and challenges. I have compiled a list of things to keep with you (or nearby) on your wedding day. The list ended up being quite a bit longer than I was expecting, so I've broken it up into separate articles. Check out part one for the things you might need for Wardrobe Malfunctions. Check out part two for things you might need to handle Make-Up/Hair Mess-Ups!

For Health and Body Issues

Breath Mints - A somewhat obvious must-have. Remember, you'll be kissing your husband for the very first time at the altar. If you're having a receiving line, you'll be in close proximity with the entirety of your attending guests. You'll be shaking hands, giving hugs, and you'll be dancing the night away. Consider keeping a pack of mints nearby, to prevent embarrassing stinky breath, especially after cocktails/food!

Headache Medication - Let's be honest. Planning a wedding can be a real headache. You can bet that headache may be present on the big day, especially if anything goes wrong, or something (or someone) is running late! Keep some headache medicine on hand to help prevent that throbbing headache from developing into something unmanageable!

Stomach Medication - Nothing can ruin your wedding day quite like indigestion. Consider having some stomach medication available to help fight those pre-vow butterflies!
Tampons/Sanitary Napkins - This may seem like an obvious one, but it's definitely easy to lose track of your cycle with so much going on in your life! Make a point to be prepared, and you won't regret it!
Extra Contacts/Solution - You never know when you're going to lose a contact, or when they might get dried out. Play it safe by having an extra pair of contacts and some solution stashed in your bridal suite.

Nail Clipper/File - The last thing you want to deal with on your big deal is a hang nail, or a broken nail. Leave some nail clippers and a nail file in the bridal suite just in case. Clip those in the bud!
Snack Food - In all the excitement, it's easy to forget to eat on your big day. It's extremely important to eat something before your wedding, to prevent fatigue, dizziness, and low blood sugar. It might be a good idea to have a some kind of snack food available while you're getting ready. Remember, food is the fuel that will get you through the day.

While some of the objects in your completed Wedding Day Survival Kit should be at hand for the entire day, some are good to have around just in case, but don't necessarily need to be at arm's reach. Many of these things will probably stay in the Bridal Suite or Dressing Room you use to get ready for your special day. Others will be stashed in your Bridesmaids' purses, or in your future-spouses pockets. Still other items you'll want to keep together in one container, and put a friend or loved one in charge of it.

Of course, I can't cover every mishap, or predict every item you'll need, but this list is a great start. Remember to edit it for your own needs. Not every girl is going to need a extra contacts or feminine products, so leave things out (or add things in) as you see fit.

Worried about other mishaps? Check out Part 1 and Part 2!

Wedding Day Survival Kit - Part 1

Wedding Day Survival Kit - Part 2

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Optimize your Bridal Appointment

2011-09-07T11:34:00.002-05:00

When it's finally time to start looking for a wedding gown, most girls go to a local bridal boutique to get started. What many girls don't realize is how easy it is to make the process harder than it has to be. As a bridal consultant, I encounter it on an almost daily basis. Brides aren't setting themselves up for the best possible session in their chosen bridal salon.

So how do you make sure your time is time well spent? What can you do to help make your appointment more productive? Here are some ways you can optimize your bridal appointment. The more of these things you can do, the more likely you will find your dream wedding dress!

Schedule an appointment - This may seem obvious to some girls, but I assure you it isn't to everyone. If you can schedule an appointment, make sure you do! While a bridal salon will do its best to accommodate walk-in clients, sometimes they just don't have to staff or the space to do it. This is ESPECIALLY important on the weekends, when salons tend to be busier.
Don't bring a crowd - Ideally, your entourage should consist of two, maybe three, people. When you let your group get too large, it is very easy to lose your own voice. The group's opinions, mentality, and attitude can have a surprisingly large influence on a bride's decision. Keep this in mind when you ask people to come with you. You want a small group that is supportive. Honesty is a great thing in your group, but only when it isn't too brutal or too overpoweringly asserted. 9 times out of 10, a bride at odds with her group won't purchase the dress she wants at that appointment, or possibly even at all.
Be honest with your consultant - Your bridal consultant is there to help you find the perfect gown. If you don't tell her what you don't like or hate about a particular gown, she can't filter out any gowns that have those qualities. If there is a gown you've been wanting to try, or a gown you like at another store, let her know! This way she can try to select gowns for you that are similar to what you have liked, or that can compete with what you've found at other stores. It is her job to listen to you, figure out what you want, and find the dress that you'll love. If you don't communicate honestly, and clearly, with your consultant, you will only slow down your dress selection process.
Know your budget - When you step into that shop, it's best to know what you CAN spend, and what you're WILLING to spend. If you can tell your bridal consultant a budget, she will do her best to find a gown for you that meets your financial needs. One of the worst things that can happen is to fall in love with a gown you can't afford. DON'T let that happen to you! Know what you can spend, and remember to take into account the actual cost of a wedding gown!
Keep an open mind - Sometimes, a bridal consultant will select a dress for you that you don't think you will like. Sometimes, she will push you to try on styles you haven't considered. Sometimes, she will choose a gown for you that is totally out of the box for you. Try to keep an open mind. Consultants have seen the gowns in their shop on many different body types. They know what gowns work on certain types, and they know what gowns in their store are the most universally flattering. Be honest with her. Trust her. Be willing to try on something you weren't sure about. The dresses your bridal consultant chooses may surprise you. Worst case scenario? You don't like the dress you tried on, and you move on to something else.
Shop EARLY! - Give yourself the time you need to find the right dress. By having a shorter time frame, you risk paying more for your dress, and significantly limiting what gowns are available to you. REMEMBER when to order your wedding gown! The general rule of thumb is to purchase 8 to 12 months before your wedding date.

Keep these things in mind, and your gown selection process will be much simpler. Don't make your experience more stressful than it needs to be. Just these few easy things will truly optimize your bridal appointment.

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Stunning in Sleeves: Kate's Impact Shows

2011-09-05T17:54:00.000-05:00

As most new brides are aware, Kate Middleton's wedding was this earlier this year. Princess Kate's gown had beautiful lace sleeves, and they have started filtering down to the masses. Sleeves are the big thing this year, and they can be hard to come by. Many designer lines are only just starting to incorporate them in their commercial lines of wedding gowns.

Here are a few great dresses to steal this runway look for yourself!

This off-the-shoulder look from Allure Bridal is style 8714

Plus-size girls can grab a sleeved dress too from Mori Lee's Julietta Line, Style 3058

This style, Bernadette, features a gorgeous keyhole back detail from Maggie Sottero

A beautiful gown that mimics the essence of Kate's gown without being a blatant copy. Shanna is by Sottero and Midgley

A short-sleeve gown that perfectly mirrors Kate's to-die-for neckline from Allure, Style 2455

Want the look for yourself? Check out this version from Mori Lee.

Steal this look for less with a gown that comes with a beautiful embroidered jacket from Mary's Bridal

Another Look-For-Less option from Mary's Bridal, sporting a long-sleeve lace jacket to get the look!

Hope you all find that romantic gown you're dreaming of!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Pretty in Pink: A New Bridal Trend

2011-08-31T11:03:00.000-05:00

Traditionally, wedding gowns have always been white (at least, here in the states). While it's true that some variation in color is acceptable, these almost never range far. There are enough off-white colors out there to make your head spin. Ivory, Vienna Cream, Diamond White, Alabaster, Pearl, Oyster, Almond, Light Gold, and the list goes on.

In the recent seasons, a new color has joined the ranks of off-white gowns. Pink. That's right, ladies. Pink is the fashionable new color to wear on your wedding day. Some great choices in pink bridal fashions have started showing up in designers collections each season. Here are just a few of the fabulous styles that come in a playful pink color.

Style JSM1136 is available in Pearl Rose from Sottero and Midgley

This gown, called Katharine, is another beautiful look from
Sottero and Midgley, shown here in Diamond White over SoftBlush

This classic style is called Victoriana, available in Pearl Rose from Maggie Sottero.

This flirty gown is style number 1654, available Blush in from Mori Lee

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Wedding Day Survival Kit - Part 2

2011-08-29T12:36:00.001-05:00

You've picked your dress, it's arrived, and alterations are finished. Now the big day is almost here, and you have a gorgeous gown to wear....and protect from damage. Lots of brides try to have a small bag of things to help them get through their wedding day in one piece. But how do you know that your wedding day survival kit has all the bases covered?

While it's impossible to predict everything you will need, you can still try to prepare for the most common problems, accidents, and challenges. I have compiled a list of things to keep with you (or nearby) on your wedding day. The list ended up being quite a bit longer than I was expecting, so I've broken it up into separate articles. Check out part one for the things you might need for Wardrobe Malfunctions, or part three for health/body issues.

For Make-Up/Hair Mess Ups

Tattoo Cover Kit - While this obviously doesn't apply to everyone, for the alternative bride that wants to dial things down a notch for their families, this is a must have! This excellent Tattoo Cover Kit by CM Beauty is an excellent choice for your coverage needs. It works wonderfully, doesn't smudge or come off on clothing, and can last up to 100 uses, depending on the size of the tattoo. Best off all, you can mix the "skin" color yourself, garaunteeing a make-up that blends perfectly into your own skin. Plus, these are useful for more than just the wedding. Job interviews, dances, and family events when you might want to cover up are no problem at all!

Available in Fair/Medium, Medium/Dark, and Deep, to
better accomadate all skin tones.

Make-Up - Everyone knows that make-up isn't always as long lasting as you might hope for. Be sure to have your lip gloss and a touch up concealer nearby for those quick touch-ups. And most importantly of all, don't forget the water-proof mascara!

Mirror - A must have for those make-up and hair touch-ups. After all, it's hard to freshen up when you can't see what you're doing! Want to personalize it? Check out Beluga Home Studio on Etsy for a great selection that also can double as a purse hook.

Just unwrap the metal ring around this mirror to convert it to a personalized purse hook!

Tissues - A must have to catch those tears of joy before they fall on your gorgeous wedding gown.

Hair Brush / Hair Spray / Bobby Pins- To tame those flyaways and stubborn stray hairs as the night wears on.

Of course, I can't cover every mishap, or predict every item you'll need, but this list is a great start. Remember to edit it for your own needs. Not every girl is going to need a tattoo cover kit, so leave things out (or add things in) as you see fit.

Worried about other mishaps? Check out these related articles!

Wedding Day Survival Kit - Part 1

Wedding Day Survival Kit - Part 3

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

The Actual Cost of a Wedding Gown

2011-08-24T18:23:00.000-05:00

Many people go into their first appointment at a bridal boutique with a number in mind for how much they want to spend on their wedding gown. This is perfectly fine, but what kind of hidden costs are there to look out for?

There are many costs involving your wedding day attire that can catch you off guard if you don't know to plan for them. Here are some of the additional costs that may come up when you're setting your budget for your wedding dress.

Alterations - Most gowns are not custom made to your measurements. They are a standard size. Most girls have to get their dress altered to fit them like a glove. The cost of alterations can vary extremely, depending on what kind of work needs to be done. Most girls that come into Bella's for their alterations spend between $200 and $300. A hem alone can run as high as $200 if it's a highly decorated hem. Be prepared for the extra cost to make your dress fit you perfectly.
Accessories - Shoes, veils, tiaras, headpieces, and jewelry can add a significant amount to your clothing costs. Unfortunately, I can't give you a range to plan for in your budget, because all of those items have a huge cost range. Many of the veils in our shop run from $150 to $300 depending on the length, layers, and detailing on the piece. Just like gowns, a high-end designer veil can cost thousands of dollars. Bear in mind what you are willing to spend on each item, and remember it when planning your budget.
Heirlooming - After the wedding day, you may want to preserve your gown for the years to come. This is a service that preserves and protects your gown while preventing the fabric from yellowing. Expect to spend between $200 and $300 if you choose to have your gown heirloomed.
Rush Fees - This is something you shouldn't have to worry about if you are on top of your schedule, but it certainly doesn't hurt to prepare for the need to speed things up if necessary. It's always wise to put away a few extra hundred in case. Rushing a wedding gown at Bella's Bridal will cost you $150. Speeding up alterations can cost you as well. If you're running behind, be prepared to spend a little more money to get things finished in time.
Undergarments - Some girls don't have to worry about this, because they choose to go with something simple, inexpensive, or that they may already have laying around the house. However, if you're planning on getting something special to wear under your dress, remember to budget for it!

In the end, the extra costs of a gown can add a significant amount to your total wedding day clothing budget. In rare cases, these can even double your total expenditure. Only by being prepared for these other costs can you be sure to prevent straining your budget. Want to know what these things may cost where you purchase a wedding gown? Ask your bridal consultant! She should be able to give you an idea of what these items and services cost locally.

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

7 Great Guestbook Ideas

2011-08-22T12:08:00.000-05:00

Traditionally, the guestbook is a place for your guests to leave their name and maybe a nice little note for the happy couple. Typically, the guestbook is pretty straightforward. But who said it has to be typical?

Your guestbook is a great place to customize your wedding to your personal tastes. There are lots of fun and creative ways to make your guestbook truly special. Here are just a few ideas you could incorporate into your wedding!

1) Photo Frames - This is a great way to feature your favorite picture of you and your fiance. Have the guests sign the mat, and when the day is over, you'll have a beautiful piece to hang on your walls that captures the memory of your wedding, and your favorite picture as a couple at the same time. Have lots of guests? No problem! Use more than one frame and picture.

2) Rolodex - This is a great option for the organized bride that wants to keep in touch after the wedding. Have your guests fill out their contact information along with their note and file it into a rolodex. The best part? You can customize it to your tastes by choosing (or printing/making) each rolodex page yourself to fit your theme or personal tastes.

Images from R&H Wedding DIY Factory

3) Finger Print Drawing- This guestbook can add a beautiful vintage or nature-inspired touch. Have yours hand-drawn, or print an image yourself. Bleu de Toi is an excellent Etsy shop that sells these blank templates. Have you guests put a fingerprint on the page, and sign by it for a truly unique and beautiful piece to help you remember your special day for years to come. Have an artistic flair? Draw your base image yourself, and save a bit of money!

Trees are a great subject for this one, but don't feel restricted! There are lots of choices out there!

4) Birthday Calendar - Putting together a custom wall calendar is getting easier and easier with new computer programs and new services popping up almost every day that are easy to use and very customizable. Check out USA Printing Online, or your local Staples for some great service options. Feeling crafty? Put together the calendar yourself! Try printing on fun scrap booking papers to make the guestbook blend with the rest of the wedding! Use pictures from your engagement shoot to make the calendar really special and unique to your wedding. Instead of having guests sign a book, ask them to write in their names on their birthday on the calendar!

5) Postcards - Want to give your guests the space to leave you a note? Try postcards! Print them yourselves on card stock, or purchase a selection that you think works with your wedding. Ask guests to write you a note on a postcard. Simply have a friend or family member collect the finished postcards after the wedding and mail them to you throughout the year for a wonderful reminder of the people you love celebrating your marriage.

6) Puzzle - Want something playful and original? Have a wooden puzzle made for your wedding day guestbook. Have guests each sign a puzzle piece, then assemble your puzzle for display after you get home from your honeymoon! Bella Puzzles offers some wonderful options made just for you! Have your puzzle shaped like a tree or something else special to you! Want an image instead? Have your favorite picture placed on the other side of the puzzle pieces!

7) Photo Booth - Have your guests write a note or a congratulations on small speech-bubble chalkboards, and take pictures of them in a photo booth! These make for a great souvenir for them and for you. Plus, a guestbook of pictures is way more interesting than a guestbook of signatures! Don't want to use chalkboards? Use an on-the-spot guestbook to let your guests write notes directly in the scrapbook the photos are placed in! Some places even offer a service where they help assemble the scrapbook as the pictures are being taken! The Majestic Photo Booth Company offers some great options. The downside? Expect to spend more on this option than the others. The upside? Pictures of your closest friends and family, and a scrapbook to last the rest of your life!

Whether you're doing it DIY, or have extra cash to spend on something truly opulent, there are fun and creative ways to do your guestbook for your wedding reception. The guestbook is an opportunity to excite and interest your guests and get them involved in the reception that is so often wasted. Make YOURS stand out with something better than a boring old book!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

What Color Should Mothers Wear?

2011-08-17T14:13:00.000-05:00

This is a question I get all the time while working at Bella's Bridal. A woman comes in and wants me to tell her what color to wear to her daughter's (or son's) wedding. Traditionally, there are certain things that should be kept in mind when selecting the color the Mother of the Bride or the Mother of the Groom will wear, but how much you adhere to will depend on the bride.

Traditionally, the mothers of the wedding shouldn't wear black, white or ivory, red, or any other "flashy" colors. Typically, the Mother of the Bride will wear a color that is inside the color scheme of the wedding, without matching the bridesmaids. The Mother of the Groom often opts for a taupe, chocolate, or tan shade that is a little more subdued.

But honestly? Tradition, in this case, doesn't rule the day. Most mothers will wear a color that they like, that looks good on them, even if it's a color that was previously considered taboo at weddings. Even in the royal wedding, Kate Middleton's mother wore black, a color that is traditionally considered bad luck to wear to weddings.

Here's a breakdown of things to be aware of when selecting a color for your gown:

Avoid white, ivory, or light gold, because those colors are too similar to what the bride will be wearing. Wearing something that similar, or the same as, the color of the bride is considered to be in poor taste.
Bright reds and flashy colors are probably best avoided to prevent competing with the bride for attention, unless that color is already in the wedding scheme.
Black is usually a safe choice now, but is best avoided in summer and spring weddings because it can look heavy next to the lighter colors of the season.
Be aware of what color the bridesmaids are wearing. To avoid blending in too much, it's better to wear a color that isn't already being worn by the bridal party.
Choose a color that looks good on you. In the end, YOU are the one wearing that dress, and you should be comfortable in what you're wearing.

Remember to ask your bride what she's thinking about for you. Some brides don't care what the mothers of the wedding select, but some brides do. Ask her if she has any guidelines or rules she wants followed, and make your decisions from there.

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Wedding Timeline: 6 to 9 Months Before

2011-08-15T11:59:00.001-05:00

The best place to start your wedding planning experience is with a timeline, especially if you're doing it without the assistance of a wedding or event planner! Here's a helpful list of things that are best done 6 to 9 months prior to your wedding date. Not there yet? Here's the timeline for 9 to 12 Month Before. Farther along? Check out 3 to 6 Months Before.

Send your engagement announcement to the newspaper.
Select your florist, and reserve the date.
Select and send save the date cards.
Select and book videographer.
Select and reserve rental equipment for the ceremony and reception.
Select and book reception entertainment, or start putting together your play list if you're hooking an MP3 player up to a speaker system.
Order your wedding gown and attendants' dresses, if you haven't already.
Select bakery for wedding cake, and start talking about the design.
Select travel agent and start planning your honeymoon.
Begin compiling and updating addresses for guest list.
Select and order Mother's attire. These can take just as long as bridesmaid dresses!

This is the time to make reservations and fill in the details. Now that the big questions are answered, and you know the feel you're going for, you can reserve the different services and vendors you need for the selected date. You can start to really emphasize the look you want with your details. Build up your theme by incorporating it in your invitations, floral arrangements, and gowns. This is your opportunity to flesh out your plans to get a truly personalized wedding.

When To Order Your Wedding Gown

2011-08-10T20:52:00.000-05:00

As a Bridal Consultant, I get asked a lot of questions about weddings, particularly when it comes to dresses. I have found that a surprisingly large number of girls come in with no idea that it's too close to their event date to order a gown for them. While the "correct" time frame is often mentioned briefly in planning timelines in just about every bridal magazine, it often escapes a bride's notice.

When you order a wedding gown, it can take 4 to 6 months to ship. Then it still takes a week or two to arrive at the bridal boutique after leaving the distributor. This may seem like a long turnover time, but it's about as short as the gown companies can make it.

Most major bridal companies have their factories in China. When you order a gown, the bridal shop calls in the order to the dress company's state-side offices. The order is then sent on to the factory when your special order gown is made. Like so many quality products, these gowns typically aren't made until you order it. When it is finished, your gown is shipped to the company's offices/warehouses here in the United States. Many dress companies will take the time to re-inspect the gowns here for quality. Then the distributor sends each specific dress to the shop that placed the order. When it arrives, the shop personnel can finally let the bride know that their wedding dress has arrived.

Consider the time it takes for an order to be processed. Then the dress must be made, often with a large amount of handwork involved. After the dress is made, it has to be shipped internationally. After that is inspection, and the gown can be shipped to the store. Only THEN will you be informed that your dress is ready for you to see. While each step in the process only takes a few days or weeks, the time starts to add up.

Gowns can take about 4 to 6 months to get to your bridal shop, but if you ordered 4 months before your wedding, you wouldn't have time to alterations. Most gowns aren't made to specific custom measurements, but rather to a standardized manufacturer's size chart. To make the dress fit you like a glove, alterations have to be done, ensuring a truly magnificent appearance on your wedding day.

The time for alterations can vary significantly between shops, cities, and seamstresses. At our shop, we ask for two months to complete alterations. We do run on the longer side of the spectrum. Dedicated alteration shops can often complete alterations at a faster rate. Still, to play it safe, you want to allow 2 months for alterations.

When you add it all together, and take a conservative estimate, it adds up to 8 months from the day you order to the day your dress is finished and ready to wear on your big day.

Believe it or not, to be SURE you can get your gown in time, altered in time, and ready for your wedding day without incurring any rush fees, it should be ordered at least 8 months before your wedding date!

Remember this when it's time to look for your gown. If you don't leave enough time, you may find yourself restricted to purchasing shop-worn samples. While this is a perfectly fine option, it is MUCH more limiting, especially if you are larger or smaller than the usual sample size.

So order early, and enjoy a stress-free dress shopping experience!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Wedding Day Survival Kit - Part 1

2011-08-08T11:34:00.003-05:00

You've picked your dress, it's arrived, and alterations are finished. Now the big day is almost here, and you have a gorgeous gown to wear....and protect from damage. Lots of brides try to have a small bag of things to help them get through their wedding day in one piece. But how do you know that your wedding day survival kit has all the bases covered?

While it's impossible to predict everything you will need, you can still try to prepare for the most common problems, accidents, and challenges. I have compiled a list of things to keep with you (or nearby) on your wedding day. The list ended up being quite a bit longer than I was expecting, so I've broken it up into separate articles. Each post will cover a type of problem. Today's focus is wardrobe malfunctions.

For Wardrobe Malfunctions

Sewing Kit - In case of a minor rip or tear, or a fabric tack coming loose, needle and thread is a must for your survival kit! Of course, somebody that's competent with needle and thread is good to have around also, but most people can manage a simple repair, even if it isn't as pretty as you'd like! Don't forget a small pair of scissors in the sewing kit! It's essential for cutting off any stray threads, especially if some of the beading on your gown comes loose. Best of all, lots of stores have compact sewing kits available, so you don't have to assemble one yourself!

Double-Sided Tape - An absolute must for last-minute fixes! Double-sided tape can be used to repair a hem quickly, hold the dress against the skin where it may not be laying flat, and hold together two pieces of fabric that aren't flowing together the way they should be. Ideally, you want to find some that is safe for fabrics, hypo-allergenic, and bonds to both skin and fabric.

Safety Pins - The natural companion to double-sided tape! Safety pins can handle any kind of fastening that the double-sided tape can't! For best results, have several different sizes available.

Miss Oops - Miss Oops is an excellent retailer with great products for emergencies. The Rescue Sponge, in particular, is one that should be in EVERY woman's purse, regardless of the occasion. It is a specially-treated dry sponge that can remove deadorant marks, make-up powder, baby powder, dust, and minor dirt when it gets on your gown or other garments. Just take the Miss Oops sponge and rub it briskly on your problem spot, and watch the dirt disappear. And the best part of all? Each sponge can last for months.

Baby Wipes - For more stubborn stains or dirt, baby wipes can be your salvation. I will caution you, when using Baby Wipes on your wedding gown, you MUST BE VERY CAREFUL, and your wipes must be ALOE-FREE. If there's a smudge or spot that your Miss Oops rescue sponge isn't removing, you can try to clean them out with a baby wipe. VERY LIGHTLY dust the spot with the wipe, and blow it dry immediately to avoid any circling. This will often remove spots that a rescue sponge won't. Again, be VERY CAUTIOUS. More delicate satins can easily be damaged by the baby wipe, especially if handled roughly. You can help avoid those problems by putting a touch of liquid dish soap on the wipe, and running it through water to remove the coloring of the soap. Once the wipe is damp, instead of soaking wet, it's ready to be used.

Extra Hose / Nail Polish - While this is definitely a problem of the past, it's not as common anymore. Still, if you're planning on wearing hoisery, make sure you have some extra hose, so you can replace yours if you get an irreparable tear. Of course, a bottle of clear nail polish is also a must-have when you wear hose. Just a quick dab on the ends of a run will stop it in its tracks.

Backup Shoes - This is obviously a rare problem, but one to consider including in your kit. If your shoes have a very thin heel, or are much older, consider including a pair of back-up shoes. If your heel breaks, or the shoe tears somehow, you'll be glad you had something else to slip on! (Even if they aren't as cute as the original choice!)

Static Guard - Thanks to Mary Jo for this suggestion! Static spray can be used to reduce the static in your gown, especially between the many layers in the skirt. Just be careful not to get any on the top side of the more delicate fabrics! This is especially useful if you're getting married somewhere with a dry climate.

Of course, I can't cover every mishap, or predict every item you'll need, but this list is a great start. Remember to edit it for your own needs. Not every girl is going to need extra hose, back-up shoes, or safety pins, so leave things out (or add things in) as you see fit.

Want to know how to handle other mishaps? Check out these related articles!

Wedding Day Survival Kit - Part 2
Wedding Day Survival Kit - Part 3
Ciao

Catherine @ Bella's

Peacock Party: A Trendy New Theme

2011-08-03T11:44:00.001-05:00

The peacock theme has been popping up more and more often for weddings and special events. It's a theme that is is both rich and playful, allowing girls to choose from a variety of colors, or work with several colors at once.

Whether you want your colors to be purples, blues, greens, or browns, the peacock theme works within that color scheme and enhances it by introducing great secondary colors as accents.

Here are some great peacock-themed finds that could help make your wedding truly a rich and luxurious experience!

This fun and fabulous ivory peacock feather hair pin is from this awesome Etsy Shop!

This fun platform heels are from Benjamin Walk, and also come in black.

This hair pin comes in a set of 6 for your bridesmaids at this Etsy Shop.

This charmeuse dress is from Alfred Angelo and comes in a great selection of colors
that simply screams peacock when you mix them all together! This is style 7174.

This is a great theme that can permeate every detail of your wedding, from decor to invitations to clothing and accessories, and you can make it as light and airy or as dark and romantic as you like by using your neutrals! Blacks, whites, silvers, and browns can be used as a background for peacock accents, or as an accent to tone down a peacock background.

We just love how fun and flirty, and how customizable this theme really can be! I know I'm considering it for MY wedding!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's

Is My Maggie a Real Maggie?

2011-08-01T11:14:00.000-05:00

The internet has definitely become almost fully integrated in our day to day lives. Practically anything can be purchased online, often at a reduced price. But how do you know if you are receiving what you paid for? How do you know that your special order Maggie Sottero gown is a genuine Maggie Sottero?

People expect fakes and replicas of sunglasses and purses to pop up online and in stores, but many people don't realize that wedding gowns and prom gowns are also duplicated quite often. A large percentage of these counterfeit products are sold online, where the buyer can't see, touch, and inspect what they're purchasing.

This leaves us with one question. How do I know if it's real?

Unfortunately, there isn't a list of details I can give you to verify your purchase is what the seller claims it is. However, there are some things you can do to ensure that your purchase is what it is supposed to be.

The easiest and most garaunteed way to prevent purchasing a counterfeit gown is to find a store that is an authorized retailer of your desired designer line. Authorized retailers will be listed on your designer's website, usually through a "Find a Store" link or search function. They should all also have a seal displayed somewhere that says they are an Authorized retailer of that line. These seals are often stickers that stores display in the front window.

An authorized retailer is a store or company that purchases their stock gowns directly from a sales representative from the designer company. These retailers must purchase a minimum number of sample gowns to carry that line each season, and can order any gown from that company, even if they don't have it in their store.

Another way to avoid counterfeit gowns is to be wary of prices that are substantially lower than the norm. Most people don't realize that wedding gowns, like cars, often have an MSRP. Some companies go so far as to require their retailers to stay at or above that MSRP. If you see a Maggie Sottero dress from a store that is priced at half of what you have seen before, be VERY cautious! Chances are that gown is either counterfeit or obtained through illegal means.

Of course, this doesn't mean that all discounted gowns are counterfeit. Most stores sell older or discontinued samples at a discounted price to make room for new stock gowns. The best course of action is to be cautious, and know your retailer. If the store is reputable, it is very unlikely that you will encounter counterfeit gowns.

It's not always possible to avoid a counterfeit purchase, but by exercising caution, you can help ensure that your Maggie is a real Maggie.

Wedding Timeline: 9 to 12 Months Before

2011-07-27T13:30:00.001-05:00

Set a wedding date
Decide on a style, theme, or feel for your wedding.
Select your venue and/or ceremony site, and reserve it for the date of the wedding.
Book an officiant to perform the wedding ceremony
Set a tentative budget
Put together a guest list.
Select your attendants
If desired, book a wedding planner
Select your engagement ring (if he hasn't already), and shop for the wedding band to match
Select and book a caterer
Select and book your photographer
Begin compiling names and addresses for your guest list.
Choose a color scheme
Begin shopping for your wedding gown
Reserve any other locations for wedding-related events
Discuss your life post-wedding. Where will you live? Will you both work? What are your plans?
Start picking up wedding magazines, reading blogs, and researching online to get ideas for your special wedding.

This is the time to start brainstorming. Do you want your event to be vintage, classy, and romantic? Or would you prefer a fun and flirty event? Going for rustic or romantic? Doing your wedding DIY or purchasing/commissioning everything you need? These are the big questions you need to start answering to better enable you to make decisions lat on down the line.

Remember, every wedding is different. This list is a guide, but don't be afraid to deviate from what's listed here. Different places, seasons, and events will need things done on different time frames. This is meant to help you get started, but it may not cover everything you need for your event. If you aren't sure when something needs to be taken care of, ask questions early. After all, it's better to make your arrangements early than to scramble to pull things together at the last minute!

Ready to see what's next? Check out the timeline for 9 to 6 Months Before, or 3 to 6 Months Before.

Ciao

Catherine @ Bella's

A Bright New Beginning

2011-07-26T12:52:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Bella's Bridal! For the first post, I wanted to keep it short and simple. This blog belongs to Bella's Bridal, a family-owned bridal boutique located in Lubbock, TX. For the time being, I am the author, designer, and administrator here.

This is where I will update you all on store happenings, whether it's a change in policy or an announcement of new gowns in stock.

This is where I will answer any questions you may have about wedding gowns, bridesmaids, mother of the bride dresses, flower girls, wedding etiquette, and more.

This is where I will post articles about selecting your gown, planning your wedding, and everything bridal.

I hope you all stick around for the ride. I'll be updating with new articles every Monday and Wednesday, and working on the blog's design and layout in the interim.

Visit our website to see what we're all about, or send us an e-mail if you have any questions!

Ciao,

Catherine @ Bella's