Wedding Attire for the Groom

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Wedding Attire for the Groom

Traditional Wedding Attire for Grooms (Source: moss.co.uk)

The groom, his attendants and the fathers may not choose to dress identically, but their attire should complement the bride’s, and reflect the wedding’s formality. Flatter the groom’s build. Add cohesion with ties, cummerbunds or suspenders in the same color as the bridesmaids’ dresses. If all the men are dressing identically, have the groom wear a special boutonniere or distinguishing neckwear.

Questions To Ask
• What formalwear is best with the time and style of my wedding?
• What packages do you offer? What do they include?
• Do you provide alterations as part of the rental fee?
• Are shoes, studs, cummerbund and cufflinks included?
• When should fitting appointments be made?
• Can tuxedos be tried on when they are picked up?
• When can the formal wear be returned?
• How can out-of-town guests communicate measurements?
• How far in advance must I book your services?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?

Easy Steps to the Gown of Your Dreams

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Ahhhh… The Dress. Your wedding gown is probably the most expensive, most scrutinized, most photographed piece of clothing you’ll ever buy. No pressure, right? For many women, shopping for their wedding dress is the highlight of the wedding planning experience, but for some, it can be quite stressful. In the succinct words of one harried bride, “no one tells you how stressful dress shopping can be!” Hopefully the tips shared here will help you have a pleasurable shopping experience.

One: Shop early. Ideally, start 8-12 months before the wedding. If you have less time than this, that’s fine too, but starting as early as possible will make the whole experience less stressful and pressured. Also, in the unlikely event that a problem arises, you will have more time to solve it. Another tip about when to shop: bridal salons are busiest from January through April, and Saturday is their busiest day. If it’s possible for you to shop on a weekday, you’ll probably find it to be a more leisurely, relaxing experience. Be sure to make an appointment, if required, to ensure one-on-one service while you’re there.

Two: Expect great service. Most negative experiences revolve around service. If you’re not happy with the service you’re getting, move on. Also, your idea of great service may be quite different from another bride’s idea. Two brides-to-be had very different reactions to the same bridal salon: one loved the attentive, very involved service, and the other felt it was too confining and restrictive. So it’s not always about good versus bad service, but also about the type of service with which YOU are most comfortable.

Three: Remain open-minded. In one survey, 40% of brides indicated that they ended up with a dress style completely different than what they had planned on buying. It is so important to try on a variety of dress styles, to see how they look on your body type, and to see how you feel in each of them. Be open-minded to the suggestions of your sales consultant – they have a lot of experience to offer! Also, a number of brides have found that when they saw the dress on the hanger, they didn’t care for it, but once they tried it on, it was “The Dress.”

Four: Be clear about your budget. Save yourself time and heartache, and be upfront about what your budget is – not only with yourself, but also with your sales consultant. How stressful to find a dress you love, and discover it’s hundreds of dollars more than you planned to spend. Whatever your budget is, if you keep looking you WILL find a dress you love within it. And don’t forget about accessories and alterations! These two items can add up to a big part of your wedding attire budget.

Five: Bring one or two supportive people with you. A large group of differing opinions can be overwhelming, so it’s best to keep the entourage to a minimum. On the other hand, having a couple supportive, helpful people with you can provide valuable feedback and suggestions. Do whatever works for you, and what feels most comfortable.

Six: Get every detail in writing. Don’t leave the salon without a piece of paper that outlines every single detail, including the color, size, and style ordered, the deposit paid, and the estimated date of arrival. Two to three weeks after you order your dress, call the salon and verify that your dress was ordered, and that the estimated date of arrival has not changed.

The bottom line is, if you’re having a stressful time shopping for your wedding dress, stop what you’re currently doing and make changes: visit a different salon, try a different time of the week, or bring different people with you. Or, just take a breather from shopping for a while! And remember, finding your dress is like finding your soul mate: sometimes they reveal themselves to us quickly and easily, sometimes they are more challenging to find, but we always find them in the end, and it’s always worth the wait.

The Accessories: the Perfect Finishing Touch
Once you’ve found the dress, it’s time to add the details. Below is a checklist of accessories you may need:
- Headpiece and/or veil
- Stockings
- Garter
- Jewelry: necklace, bracelet, earrings
- Evening bag
- Bra or bustiere and panties
- Slip or crinoline
- Shoes
- Wrap or jacket, depending on the season
- Gloves

Wedding Attire for the Bride

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Wedding Attire for the Bride

Photo from: anexcitedbride.wordpress.com

Your wedding day attire will be the most special outfit you’ll ever own, be it an elaborate gown, a simple sophisticated dress or an elegant suit. Before picking out a gown, consider all your options. Will you buy one of the fabulous creations of a well-known designer from a full service bridal salon, wear a family heirloom that could use some redesign, or have your gown custom designed to reflect your personality?

Questions To Ask
• Which designers do you carry?
• Do you have the dress that I want on hand or must I order it?
• Do you offer accessories and shoes as well?
• Can you dye the shoes?
• Do you offer pressing, alterations or bridal slips?
• Can you guarantee a delivery date for my dress?
• When can you offer alterations or fittings for my bridal party?
• Do my bridal attendants have to be here or can they give their measurements by phone?
• Can you make last-minute alterations?
• How far in advance must I order my gown?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?

Choosing Wedding Colors and What It Means

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English: Bridesmaids

Image via Wikipedia

By Rita Cook of Premier Bride

You would think it would be easy to choose the right wedding colors for your big day right? Perhaps you want that periwinkle blue that has been your favorite since you were a little girl. Or what if black is your favorite color, is that appropriate for your wedding color in the middle of August?

The wedding colors that you inevitable decide on will play a big part in setting the mood of your wedding and theme as well. For example, a beach wedding might be perfect with natural colors that complement the sea and sky.

Overall, when you choose your wedding colors you are also choosing the look and feel of the bridesmaid dresses, the flowers, the invitations and even the look of the ceremony and reception. Not an easy task, but overall the decision should be yours and you should enjoy the freedom to make your big day the one you have dreamed of since you were a little girl.

One thing to keep in mind in regards to bridesmaid dresses is the material. The truth is you can get by with almost any color anytime of year as long as the material is right. You don’t want your bridesmaids in wool dresses in Florida, nor should you opt to have the material that of chiffon in the middle of December in Chicago.

Colors do seem to make an impression on people so let’s take a look at the many options to choose from depending on the season.
Spring and Summer:
Periwinkle Blue
Mint Green
Ice Blue
Lilac
Yellow and Gold

Fall and Winter:
Navy Blue
Crepe Red
Deep Dark Red
Black
Tango Red
Deep Blue
Cinnamon
Hunter Green

One of the most important things to remember is that when you mix color you want to make sure they coordinate just right. Some colors are better in the background while perhaps that tango red you have your eye on is apt to stand out for more than the accompanying yellow or gold.

Start with a base color and follow that with lighter and darker shades in the same color family. Another example would be two or three colors that compliment one another easily. Take yellow, yellow and green and then have the additional green tones accent as well.

Depending on the season and how festive you want to be you can have fun with winter, spring, summer and fall. Since many brides choose the summer for their big day let’s start there.

Bright colors are always popular during this most beautiful time of the year. A good idea it to take advantage of all the flowers that are in bloom during the summer months from pink to red to yellow to bright blues and purples. Summer is also a time to enjoy the sun so you could choose yellow or gold for the occasion and add some touches of pastel for a soft touch on invitations and reception accents.
Popular summer colors include teal paired with silver and you could also dye flowers teal to play up the mood and atmosphere. What about red and pink? Roses are the perfect flower for this color scheme.

Many couple choose autumn to say their “I do’s” and this season bespeaks bold colors with a touch of harvest. It’s a time when the leaves are falling from the trees and burnt orange, gold and red are in the air.

It might not be a bad idea to incorporate brown during this time of year and consider matching it with terra cotta or copper or even ivory. Red is always popular during the autumn season and can be matched with deep red roses to keep the mood one of love. For winter think the holidays, snow and cozy fireplaces that make this season one of the most romantic of all. While stark silvers and blues are an option, the color of evergreen also promises the mood will be festive. Flowers can be a combination of pine cones, holly leaves and even snow and ice. Since silver is such a popular winter color matching accents might include burgundy or navy blue. The spring is when everything begins to grow again. Pastel colors are popular during this time of year so think white, pink and even lavender. Flowers that go well with a light color scheme are tulips and peonies. Keep the wedding light and airy like the season and a dreamy feeling will surely abound.

When you do pick the colors for your wedding make sure you can get the bridesmaid dresses in this color as well, even before you begin ordering the other necessities. For flowers, if you must have a certain type then you can work around the flower colors to determine the final color choices. Remember too that the colors you choose, no matter the season, should not clash with the church or banquet facility.

Finally, invitations should reflect the color of your wedding, but can also reflect the season as well. In the winter snowmen or appropriate and in the fall you might think of apples and fallen leaves.

If you are planning a theme wedding think of the location as well as the color. Evening weddings can be a little brighter than day time weddings and for medieval themes go with heavy material and colors to reflect that time period. Overall, the best wedding is the one that you add the special touches to incorporating you and your spouse’s ideas into the biggest event of your life.

Honeymoon Destinations…Our Top Picks

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Accessible only by boat, Portofino is a peaceful resort located in a remote area on

 

 

English: San Pedro Beach in Ambergris Caye, Be...

Image via Wikipedia

 

Ambergris Caye, offering a true escape for couples looking to get lost in each others’ affection. Featuring a picturesque seaside setting, its stunning views, sandy beaches and swaying palm trees set the mood for any romantic occasion.

Portofino boasts 12 luxury accommodations, including beach cabanas and Tree Top suites that offer stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and the Belize Barrier Reef – the second longest in the world. Its restaurant, Le Bistro, is the only place in Ambergris Caye that offers pier dining at night, allowing lovers to gaze upon the glittery night sky while being served by their own personal wait staff. As the resort is located minutes from the busy town of San Pedro, couples looking to venture out for a bit of fun can explore the area’s eclectic array of shops, restaurants, vibrant nightlife and more. Those interested in discovering Belize’s natural beauty can take advantage of Portofino’s snorkeling, diving and fishing excursions, or inland tours to Maya ruins, waterfalls, rainforest jungle and more.

Couples planning destination weddings at Portofino will receive an expert wedding coordinator who will assist with all ceremony details, including photography, location, flowers and more. Honeymoon packages are equally tailored; offering couples their pick of romantic accommodations, candle-lit dinners and private tours of Belize.

For more information, visit www.portofinobelize.com

 

 

 

 

Kitty Chen Couture Trunk Show!

Premier Bride’s Perfect Dress invites you to our upcoming Kitty Chen Couture Trunk Show, scheduled for Saturday, January 14, 2012 until Sunday, January 15, 2012. The show will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will feature new designs and gowns. Most of the gowns being featured are exclusive to this event, so you won’t want to miss it!

“Kitty Chen designs her own unique dresses for weddings, fashion outing and fun. She combines her Eastern origins with Western demands, incorporating progressive designs with top quality materials, drop waistlines, together, with the sculpted bodices, glamorous necklines,drop waistines, floating skirt with the fantastic look every woman dreams fro on her wedding day.

Kitty also has a passion for creating dress designs for formal and fashion situations. Her dresses have her unique ‘chic couture’ by using innovative intelligence and free flowing style that enable her to create dresses with the ‘fashion edge’.” -http://www.kittychencouture.com/

Take a peak at her 2012 line and get expert advice to find your perfect gown! Call us today at (559) 435-8888 to schedule an appointment for this event! See you there!

 

Honeymoon Destinations…Our Top Picks

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Noted as one of Belize’s most romantic resorts, Victoria House on Belize’s Ambergris Caye is an intimate and exclusive retreat set along the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea amongst lush tropical landscapes. Noted as one of Belize’s most romantic resorts,

Victoria House pool

Image by rharrison via Flickromantic resorts, Victoria House on Belize’s Ambergris Caye is an intimate and exclusive retreat set along the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea amongst lush tropical gardens. A fantasy come true for any couple, Victoria House offers romantic seclusion, decadent luxury and a scenic backdrop perfect for weddings, honeymoons and various special occasions.

Victoria House boasts 42 exquisitely romantic accommodations, among which its luxurious villas and charming casitas are the most popular with lovebirds. When not relaxing together in a Mayan hammock, couples can choose from a range of activities at the resort’s Fantasea Dive Shop, including diving and snorkeling excursions, bird watching adventures, cave tubing and more. Plus, with its premier in-house restaurant, Palmilla, couples can awake to a casual and refreshing breakfast complete with locally grown fruit, and watch the sunset while enjoying a romantic candlelit dinner topped off with live jazz music.

Couples planning a wedding at Victoria House are in store for a stress-free trip to paradise, as personal wedding planners assist with all details including the marriage license, minster’s fee, a wedding cake, island bridal bouquet, floral arrangements and more.

For more information, visit www.victoria-house.com

belize

Hidden Valley Inn – one of the few secluded, luxury hotels in Belize is situated on a 7200 acre private nature reserve in the Mountain Pine Ridge area. Offering an intimate setting fit for any occasion, this eco resort boasts picturesque mountain views, sparkling waterfalls and romantic tranquility in an unspoiled natural environment.

Peacefully tucked away in the Mayan Mountains, Hidden Valley Inn features 12 cozy cottages nestled in Belize’s lush rainforest. Among its unparalleled amenities, the property features bedside wood-burning fireplaces, classic claw-foot tubs, and personal rock showers or waterfalls. Couples seeking a change in pace from this haven can choose from an array of private tours to explore Belize, including horseback riding, river canoeing and cave exploring.
Known for its distinctive wedding locations, including Butterfly Falls, a secluded 90-foot waterfall, or Awat Balam – a breathtaking scenic platform, this resort is ideal for couples seeking a unique locale to exchange their vows. Plus, honeymooners can indulge in all-inclusive honeymoon packages that include a picnic lunch at a private waterfall, specialized gift baskets and more.

To learn more, visit www.hiddenvalleyinn.com

Premier Bride Showplace 2012

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Written by: Anne Driscoll for Premier Bride Central Valley

It’s that time of year again- Premier Bride’s Showplace Bridal Show. This year our show is being presented by The Vault and co-presented by Mark Janzen Photography, Limo for You, La Ryan Signature Events, Oh So Swank, and Sweet Dreams Cakery.

Sunday, January 8, 2012
10:00am to 4:00pm
Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center
New Exhibit Hall
Fashion Shows at 11:30am and 2:00pm
Tickets are $8.00 in advance and $10.00 (CASH ONLY) at the door

Premier Bride Showplace is the bridal show that you, a Central Valley bride, will want to attend. Here you will find valuable information to help with all of your wedding planning. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an elegant fashion show featuring beautiful bridal gowns and meet some of the finest wedding professionals in the Fresno area. Premier Bride Showplace is proud to partner with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and you can make a difference! In addition to a percentage of our booth and table sales, we will donate $1.00 for every ticket purchased. As the Valley’s largest bridal show,
we look forward to working together with our brides who attend
to make the donation a good one!

Premier Bride Showplace Tips
You may find that the more time you can save in planning your wedding, the better. Our bridal show can be the one stop shopping experience you need to plan your entire wedding, especially if you go prepared. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of Premier Bride Showplace:

  • Plan In Advance – Make a list of what you will need most and what your budget will allow for each item and service. Be sure to leave some room for the unexpected – you never know when you may see something you’ll want to have that you never thought of.
  • Be Ready To Make Decisions – Bring the major decision-makers to Premier Bride Showplace with you. If you are the major decision-maker, bring someone with you that you can bounce ideas off of. Be ready to book your favorite vendors there at the show. Some exhibitors may even offer day-of-show booking discounts.
  • Dress For The Occasion – Remember to wear comfortable shoes. Need we explain more on this one?
  •  Fashion Forward – Bring a notepad with you to jot down any dresses or tuxes you like during the fashion show. It will be much easier for you to remember which Bridal Salon featured the gowns you like. You’ll also want to be able to take notes when attending the seminars.
  • Above all, have fun! Bridal shows may be useful and informative, but they’re also a blast. You’ll have a great time with your family and friends – planning your perfect day!

For a list of our exhibitors, please click here.

To pre-purchase tickets on-line, please click here.

Related articles

Finding the Perfect Dress!

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When should I order my gown?

In order to avoid any additional costs by having to pay for rush fees we strongly recommend that brides order their gowns 6 to 8 months before their wedding date.  This will give the bride plenty of time for the gown to arrive and also allow enough time for alterations.  Each designer has different production/delivery schedules and sometimes they do run late so it is always best to order in plenty of time for your wedding.  However, if you are on a shorter time line, don’t worry.  We have a great selection of gowns you can purchase off the rack or we can often times accomodate “rush” orders for an additional fee. If you find a gown you like, we can also check with the designer to see if they may already have one in stock to help speed up the delivery time. We will always do our best to ensure that you get the dress of your dreams on time.

"Summer" by Kitty Chen Couture

Do you carry samples in plus sizes?

You bet.  We truly believe that every bride deserves to feel and look her best on her wedding day no matter what.  We also know that with such a large investment being spent on your gown it is important to try it on and see what it looks like.  We proudly carry sample gowns up to a size 30W and often times can order gowns in a larger size if need be.

Gown by Pronovias

Do you accept returns?

Unfortunately due to the fact that each gown is special ordered for our brides we cannot accept returns for any reason unless it is a manufacturer defect.  This policy also applies to shoes, accessories, and veils.  All sales are final.

Do you sell you gowns “off the rack”?

On occasion we do.  It truly depends on the gown in question.  We do have a section in the store where we have significantly discounted the gowns that have been discontinued or that we no longer carry.

Do you have in-house alterations?

We do not have a seamstress that works for the store.  However, there is a very highly regarded seamstress that has an office inside our building that we do recommend.

Do you carry other apparel items besides bridal gowns?

Yes.  We are a full service salon.  We offer bridesmaids, mothers, flowers girls and tuxedos.  We also carry veils/headpieces, jewelry, shoes, purses, and other accessories including flower girl baskets, ring bearer pillows and custom rhinestone t-shirts, hats, and bags.  It changes every week so be sure to come back often.  We are also happy to special order any of the above items for you.

How much do you charge to steam my gown?

Unlike other stores and boutiques in town we do not charge to steam your gown if you bought it from us.  Unfortunately some other stores will tack this on as a hidden charge that can cost you up to an additional $150.00 or more.  If you didn’t buy your gown from us and need it steamed bring it in and we will be happy to quote you a very feasible rate.  We also provide a free garment bag with every bridal gown purchase.

I normally wear a size 8 but it was recommended that I buy my gown in a larger size? Why?

We aren’t sure why the designers size the gowns this way but take heart and know that it is NOT you.  Gowns do run one to two sizes smaller than your street clothes. This is why it is so important to have your measurements taken so that the right size gown is ordered.  This way you won’t have to spend so much money on alterations.  If it makes you feel better, just have the seamstress take the tag out.  This way only you will know.

What are trunk shows?

Trunk shows are a great opportunity for brides to see an expanded collection of a certain designer.  Often times we will host a trunk show featuring a particular designer for one weekend only.  The designer sends us additional gowns that we don’t normally carry for brides to try on during that weekend.  Often great discounts are also offered.  However, it is for one weekend only as we will have to send the gowns to another store the following Monday.  So if a trunk show of one of your favorite designers is being offered then it more than likely will be worth your time to attend.  Appointments are highly recommended for those events.

Do I need an appointment to come in and try on gowns?

Appointments are not necessary but are strongly suggested especially during the weekends.  Our goal is to provide the very best in customer service and scheduling appointments helps us ensure that we have enough staff on hand to assist you.

What type of deposit do you require to order my gown?

We require at least 50% of the sale price of the gown.  If you need to make payments before meeting the 50% requirement we are happy to set you up on a payment plan.  All payments are non-refundable.

Do you price match from the internet?

We will gladly price match any other Fresno area authorized retailer if you find a price lower and not below MSRP.  However, we cannot price match internet pricing.  Often times internet retailers sell below the MSRP which we are not allowed to do.  If we sold below the MSRP and got caught, we risk our ability to sell the gowns and you may not get the gown you ordered.  Please be aware that purchasing over the internet is VERY risky and not recommended.  Many times brides will purchase their gowns and when they arrive they are a very poor copy of the gown they thought they ordered or not the gown at all.  We have a sample of one of those gowns in the store.  If your curious to see what it looks like stop by.  We are happy to show you the difference!

If a retailer offers to sell you the gown for less than MSRP, be very careful.  You may not receive the gown you purchased if they are caught and you will have lost money.  If a deal sounds too good to be true it probably is.

I’m on a tight budget. Will I be able to find a gown?

Of course you will.  We have a great selection of gowns that are all priced between $800-$1000 or you can always browse through our discontinued racks to find an even greater deal.  Just let our bridal consultants know what your price point is and they can easily show what we have to offer.  Don’t let your budget get in way of finding the dress of your dreams.

Do you have someone who can speak spanish?

Yes!  We do have one staff member who speaks spanish.  However, she is only part-time so if you need assistance in spanish please call to make an appointment with Kayza.

Diamond Earring Give-Away!

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Every month we’ll be giving away a pair of diamond earrings from Rogers Jewelry Co.

 

Every new bride who completes a bridal gown consultation will be entered for that month’s giveaway. It’s only open to first time consultations, so if you’re in the market for a bridal gown and you haven’t been by our store yet, be sure to schedule a time with one of our awesome consultants. You’ll have a great chance a winning a pair of these killer diamond studs for yourself!

 

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