WEDDING FLOWERS ADVICE

23 Thursday Feb 2012

Posted by in Baskets, Beauty, Cool Stuff, Floral Design, Trends

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Express yourself.
Don’t limit your bouquets to traditional flowers; use your imagination and consider adding small branches of wild flowers that add bits of color and a touch of simpleness.

Flowers by the season.
Florists are able to order a wide-variety of flowers no matter what the season; however, be prepared to pay for this service if the flowers you have your heart set on are only grown in Holland at certain times of the year.

Sensitivity.
Ask peoplein the bridal party f they have any allergies to certain flowers before placing the order.

Personalize if you can.
Contemporary designs are personalized with blossoms that express the inner you! Whether you choose a freeform bouquet or a small nosegay, choose blooms with your favorite colors and scents.    

Mix it up.
Don’t try to match the flowers with the dresses. Consider contrasting the color theme with varying shades or a dramatically different array of flora, to set off a vibrant stream of positive energy for the day.

A party event.
Make your reception centerpieces the theme of a bridesmaid’s party. Ask everyone to bring a small crystal bowl, mirror and pillar candle the color of the dresses.

Your nose knows.
For a calm and earthy mood, create centerpieces using green plants. Match up fragrant, flowering herbs, such as basil and oregano, with variegated leaves and wild flowers.

Memories that last.
Your bridal bouquet and small mementos can be preserved and made into a decorative piece for your wall or table. Using chemical techniques, the flowers are sealed inside a glass or wooden container. Look into your preservation options prior to the wedding.

Keep it fresh.
Garden-grown flowers are especially meaningful and give the wedding a fresh feeling.  Collaborate the growing season with your florist and don’t try to make the arrangements alone.  Coordinate the timing and possible sources long before your wedding date; arrange to have plants grown in a greenhouse.

The case for baskets.
Think about using colorful, lush hanging baskets for your reception to give it a fun and flourishing feeling.  Consult a nursery grower and accept with vibrantly colored ribbons. Afterwards, you can hang the baskets around your new home!

Head for the tropics.
Floating orchids, water lilies, or roses in small crystal bowls creates a tropical and romantic atmosphere.  Use the same flowers in the bouquets and large centerpieces.

Stretch your budget.
Lengthen your floral budget by asking your florist to use long feathers, branches wrapped with ribbons, and holiday sparklers in the arrangements.

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WEDDING TRANSPORTATION ADVICE

19 Sunday Feb 2012

Posted by in Bridal Gowns, Brides, Carriages, Cool Stuff, Father of the Bride, Gowns, Inspiration, Limosines, Lists, Organizing, Photography, Planning, Transportation, Travel

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Go mobile.
If you want a “gang’s all here!” type of mood for your wedding party, consider renting a Winnebago.  As you move from home-to-church-to-photo-op’s-to-the reception, it has all the amenities:  space, seating, refrigerator, restroom, and room to stretch out and relax.  It could even serve as a mobile hotel room if needed!

A novel idea.
Are you a Rolls Royce couple or a trolley twosome?  Think about novelty transportation and what type of mood you want to convey on your special day.

Fit for a princess.
Make a grand entrance at your reception and look like royalty – arrive in a horse-drawn carriage!

Ride the shuttle.
Sometimes the hotel where your reception is at will provide a shuttle-service to and from the picture setting.  Be sure to check what’s available and ask if there is a cost involved.

Map it out.
Think about the route you will take as you travel from church to reception, and consider possible delays or detours.  Discuss these issues with all members of your bridal party ahead of time and print out maps for each driver.

Test the waters.
Take a test drive in the automobile or limousine you want to cruise in on your big day.

Transport your guests.
If out-of-town guests will be staying at outlying hotels, arrange for shuttle service to the reception and have the optional transportation times noted on a card that is waiting for them at the front-desk.

Make a plan.
After booking your luxury limo for your wedding date, strategically plan out times, stop-off’s and routes.  Consider transporting other guests if you have gaps in times or layovers

Plan ahead.
Need a limo? Know the busy seasons! If your wedding is around the holidays or prom time, be sure to book your transportation well in advance, five to six months before the Big Day.

WEDDING VIDEO ADVICE

16 Thursday Feb 2012

Posted by in Beauty, Bridal Gowns, Brides, Cool Stuff, Father of the Bride, Gowns, Groom, Groomsmen, Photography, Planning, Reception Ideas, Vidoegrapher

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That’s entertainment!
Entertain your guests with a brief, after-dinner creative flick that’s more than just snapshots of you and your honey in diapers. Arrange to have your videographer do tongue-in-cheek interviews with close friends and family.

Comic relief.
Ask your videographer to add some humor by incorporating a “Blooper” section at the end of the video.

You CAN take it with you.
Ask the videographer to make ready an unedited copy of the wedding/reception CD/DVD by the time they leave the reception.You can relive the day right away and patiently wait for the edited version.

Have a backup plan.
Equipment failure is always a possibility – have an extra camcorder and battery on hand, and enlist a willing and knowledgeable close friend to help out if needed.

Silent movies.
Your videographer should have state-of-the-art equipment, but should also have gracious manners.  Hire only a professional who answers your questions courteously and will be able to convey a non-intrusive approach with your wedding guests.

Get everyone in on the action!
Capture your wedding day from different perspectives.  Hire a professional videographer, but arrange to have four or five different people shoot brief scenes throughout the day with other non-professional video equipment.  You’ll be able to see everything you might have missed!

What’s your style?
Do you want a documentary and play-by-play video of your big day, or do you envision a romantic or charmed? Ask to see videographer’s demo tapes and think about a combination of the two.

A work of art.
By digitally enhancing your wedding photos, your videographer can create enchanting movies.  Think about incorporating other unique scenes and make your wedding video a work of art.

Book ‘em now.
The best videographers are booked solid; so as soon as you have your wedding date, arrange for meetings, portfolio reviews, samples, and get the contract in writing at least six month’s prior.

Get a recommendation.
Videography can make your big day last forever. Don’t ask Uncle Joe to take home videos, but instead, ask for expert recommendations from local photography shops and studios.

Keep it raw.
Capture your day on video. If your budget is tight, consider hiring a good videographer to get quality ‘raw footage’ of your day. You can always go back later to create an edited summary set to music, but you can’t ever go back to your wedding day!

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THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS 2012

12 Sunday Feb 2012

Posted by in Awards, Brides, Cool Stuff, Current Events, Inspiration, Thank yous

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“We are proud to announce that Premier Bride’s Perfect Dress has been rated by local brides and voted The Knot Best of Weddings 2012 Pick.”

Premier Bride’s Perfect Dress is pleased to announce they have been selected as a 2012 ­­winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, a special section in The Knot Central California magazine and on www.TheKnot.com, the number-one wedding resource that’s most trusted by brides.

The Knot Best of Weddings 2012 provides a “by brides, for brides” guide to the top wedding professionals across the country, and is a must-have when it comes to selecting the best-of-the-best wedding resources. From New York florists and Seattle bridal salons to DC makeup artists, engaged couples will find detailed feedback on local wedding businesses reviewed by thousands of newlyweds who had great things to say.

“We are proud to announce that Premier Bride’s Perfect Dress has been rated by local brides and voted The Knot Best of Weddings 2012 Pick.” We are truly honored to receive this award and would like to thank all of the brides that rated us so highly! Receiving this award in just our second year of business in truly amazing and we look forward to making other bride’s dreams come true by helping them to find their “Perfect Dress!” Thank you again to our local brides…you’ve definitely made our dreams come true!

# # #

About XO Group Inc.
XO Group Inc. (NYSE: XOXO; www.xogroupinc.com), formerly The Knot Inc., is a global media and technology leader devoted to weddings, pregnancy and everything in between, providing young women with the trusted information, products and advice they need to guide them through the most transformative events of their lives. Our family of premium brands began with the #1 wedding brand, The Knot, and has grown to include WeddingChannel.com, The Nest, The Bump and Ijie.com. XO Group is recognized by the industry for being innovative in all media – from the web to social media and mobile, magazines and books, and video – and our groundbreaking social platforms have ignited passionate communities across the world. XO Group has leveraged its customer loyalty into successful businesses in online sponsorship and advertising, registry services, ecommerce and publishing. The company is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange (XOXO) and is headquartered in New York City.

For more information, please contact weddingreviews@theknot.com.

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WEDDING ETIQUETTE ADVICE

09 Thursday Feb 2012

Posted by in Baskets, Brides, Cool Stuff, Inspiration, Lists, Organizing, Planning, Thank yous

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Just Right
Flower girls and ring bearers should be between four and eight years of age. While a two-year old may be really cute, this tiny person is not predictable. Go for adorable, sentimental, and age appropriate.

Planning to elope.
If you elect to elope, don’t worry about offending anyone. Send out a photo postcard, along with a printed message that conveys the when and where you got married, and then ask for blessings from the recipients. Plan either an elaborate party or have an informal gathering to celebrate.

Should or shouldn’t?
Although bridal registries are a great time-saving system, it is offensive to include registry information with your wedding invitation. Leave that to the people planning your shower.

The time is right.
Although there is a rumor out there that the wedding couple has a year to send “thank-you cards” for gifts, most gift-givers would prefer not more than three month’s time before receiving an acknowledgement for their thoughtfulness.

It matters.
Yes, you are exhausted after the wedding, but don’t skimp on your thank-you’s by pre-printing a verse on a photo card. Your guests invested in your celebration by giving their time, money and thoughtful gifts to you; in return, you must be gracious and write a personalized thank-you note. It’s simple etiquette.

Position of honor (and responsibility).
Your maid or matron of honor and best man are in positions of esteem, but don’t assume that they know what is expected of their roles. Plan to have tactful conversations about the duties you expect them to perform and make it fun and meaningful. Find articles that cover this information rather than verbal instructions.

Set the right tone.
Consider the tone of your voice when dealing with family members who are helping out.  Relationships last longer than the day of your wedding and the words you use will either create a foundation of kindness and thankfulness, or will set up resentment.

Time Management
If your wedding is earlier in the day and there is a long span of time until the reception, don’t feel that it’s necessary to entertain everyone. Plan activities for your bridal party and don’t worry about the other guests; they will find something fun or relaxing to do.

It adds up.
Be careful with monetary expectations for your bridal party. Offering to pay for portions of the showers is a good-will gesture.

What really matters?
Acknowledging your guests and personally greeting them is more important than having an over-the-top event.  Make every effort to show gracious attention to everyone you invite. If the numbers appear too much, cut back.

Kind works and deeds.
on’t be rude to anyone – whether vendors, service people or your bridal party and friends.  You will set the tone for a graceful and loving wedding if you mind your manners. You must set the example.

Last Resort
Think twice about inviting people to just the reception and not the dinner. They will most certainly find out and the hurt feelings aren’t worth the savings.

Fool Proof Plan
Track those gifts and thank you notes. It’s so important to have a fool-proof system to record gifts received and thank you notes sent. With a flood of gifts coming in, and so many notes to write, if you rely solely on memory you’ll become quickly overwhelmed. Thoughts of “did we send Aunt Velma a thank you note yet?” can haunt you.

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Planning Items to Remember

05 Sunday Feb 2012

Posted by in Appetizers, Cocktails, Cool Stuff, Inspiration, Lists, Planning, Reception Ideas

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Keep the Band Fed

Ask your caterer or catering hall to set up a simple cold buffet for the band (sandwiches, salads and cold drinks) that can be accessible to them all night long. This way, they aren’t at the mercy of the kitchen, and your guests are not at the mercy of the band’s stomachs. Everyone is happy, and it should cost you less than feeding them an entire wedding meal (which, if they are doing their job, they will have no time to sit and enjoy…)

Alcohol Know-How

When you’re making arrangements for alcohol at your reception, be sure to nail down the following details. They may seem trivial but the differences can add up to a big bill or big savings:

* Will waiters fill all glasses on the tables or ask each guest first?
* Will glasses be filled all the way, halfway, or 3/4 of the way?
* Will opened bottles be left on the tables or will waiters circulate to refill glasses?

Awesome Appetizers

If you want to save money on your reception costs, consider having an “appetizers only” reception. You can serve a mix of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres. Be careful how many you choose, too many appetizers can get expensive. Also make sure it is clear on the invitation the type of reception you are having. You don’t want your guest expecting a full meal.

Quizzing the Caterer

Hiring a caterer to provide food for your big day? Here are some questions you’ll want to ask:

  • Do you cater full-time?
  • Do you have any formal training?
  • How long have you been a caterer?
  • What is the ratio of staff to guests?
  • What equipment do you provide?
  • Are there extra charges for buffet servers, champagne toast, having you make the cake, cake cutting, bartenders, etc.?
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Essence of Austrailia & Ella Bridals: February 3rd – 5th, 2012

02 Thursday Feb 2012

Posted by in Beauty, Bridal Gowns, Brides, Cool Stuff, Current Events, Designers, Featured Brides, Gowns, Inspiration, Veils

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You’re invited to attend a Preview Event of the Essence of Australia and Ella Bridals new bridal gown collections at Premier Bride’s Perfect Dress, Friday, February 3rd – 5th, 2012. The gowns are available to view one weekend only in your area. You will be the First to See, First to Choose and First to Wear these captivating gowns. To celebrate this event, an Essence of Australia design representative will be in attendance to assist you in selecting your dream gown. If there are specific gowns that you are wishing to try on, please call the store to insure they will be at the event. Special purchasing incentives will apply for this preview event, so please bring someone with you whose opinion you strongly value. Space is limited, so please book your appointment early.”

Call us today at (559) 435-8888 to schedule an appointment for this event! See you there!

About Essense

Essense of Australia has been a worldwide leader in bridal fashion for more than 14 years. With a superb fit and couture finishing, our attention to detail sets our gowns apart from many other designers.

Each gown is painstakingly created by our experienced Australian design team. They travel the world for inspiration to give you the dress of your dreams. With innovative options such as a lace up or zip up back, a bride can customize her gown to reflect her personal aisle style.

The signature of an Essense gown is definitely in the luxurious fabrics and exquisite beading. We use authentic Swarovski Crystals and Diamantes that will give you a magical sparkle. The gown range offers you a diverse selection of styles from glamorous draped Angel Satin to alluring Laces and Satin Chiffon.

Experience the elegance and sophistication of the captivating Essense of Australia collection.

To view Essense sister collections, please visit: martinaliana.com & ellabridals.com

Brides, please contact your local bridal salon listed in our Store Locator to find your dream Essense of Australia bridal gown.

A Glossary of Wedding Gown Styles

29 Sunday Jan 2012

Posted by in Bridal Gowns, Brides, Cool Stuff, Designers, Featured Brides, Gowns, Inspiration, Planning, Trends, Veils

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A Glossary of Wedding Gown Styles
Listed below are the most common wedding dress styles, to give you a head start on the lingo before entering the bridal salon.

Pronovias 2012 Sheath

Ball Gown – Features a fitted natural waist and a full skirt, the style most frequently associated with “wedding gown.”
Basque – Similar to a ball gown, this style features a tight-fitting bodice and dropped waist with V-front above a full skirt.
Empire – Features a cropped bodice and a high waist set just below the bustline.
Princess – Features vertical lines that flow from each shoulder to the hemline, and is similar to the A-line style.
A-line – Is similar to the Princess style, and has a fitted bodice that flares gently outward to the hemline.
Sheath – Has a body-fitted shape that follows a linear form without a waistline and with a straight skirt.
Mermaid – This is a variation of the Sheath, distinguished by a trumpet skirt that extends below the knee.

Keeping Your Dress Clean on Your Wedding Day

Pronovias-A-line-Galaxia

- Use an antiperspirant, not just a deodorant in order to keep your dress clean on your wedding day.
- If your bouquet flowers have stamens that could stain, ask your florist to remove them.
- When touching up your makeup, be certain to drape something across your chest and over your shoulders in case of a dropped tube of lipstick or powder.
- Gather up your long skirt to keep the hem off the ground.
- Have someone make sure the car you are riding in is clean. Cover the seat and floor with a sheet or protective cover.
- Bring a travel iron or steamer and an extension cord to the ceremony and reception.
- Bring your garment bag to transport your gown after you have changed into your traveling clothes.

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Wedding Attire for the Groom

26 Thursday Jan 2012

Posted by in Designers, Father of the Bride, Groom, Groomsmen, Planning, Tuxedos

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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?

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Easy Steps to the Gown of Your Dreams

22 Sunday Jan 2012

Posted by in Bridal Gowns, Brides, Cool Stuff, Designers, Gowns, Inspiration, Planning, Veils

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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

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