Thinking of having a destination wedding? Watch today's episode of From "I Will" to "I Do" to learn what you should be thinking of before you book the trip and all the vendors you'll need to pull off your wedding day, weekend and even week away!
We have some of the industry's biggest names in destination wedding planning including, Erika Hueneke of Destination Weddings & Honeymoons magazine, Mary Bartolucci from Island Style Weddings, Gabriella Risatti of Gabriella New York and Aimee Monihan of Tropical Occasions.
Showing posts with label wedding dress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wedding dress. Show all posts
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Thursday, January 09, 2014
Just Engaged!
Find out what the first tasks to complete on your wedding checklist should be in this week's episode of From "I Will" to "I Do" with our special guests: Jess Levin of Carats & Cake, Hope Weis of Hope Weis Consulting, Terry Hall from Kleinfeld (because we know shopping for your dress is at the top of the list!) and Emily Reifel from CPS Events at The Plaza. Watch the show below or over at Google+:
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Wedding Gown Guidance from Mark Ingram
For the past ten years Mark Ingram has been dressing brides in fabulous gown at his Atelier on the East Side of Manhattan. In honor of the Atelier's 10th anniversary I thought I'd recycle an old post from 2006 with his wedding gown shopping tips, because this advice never goes out of style:
1. It is important to have an actual wedding date and venue. Your sales consultant will help you select a gown that is perfect for your setting.
2. Bring tear sheets, photos and downloaded web images of styles of gowns you wish to try on. Our consultants will make additional style recommendations based on your initial conversation.
3. Before scheduling an appointment, make sure the salons you have selected feature gowns in your price range.
4. In general, limit your shopping companions to the one or two persons whose opinions mean the most.
The Mark Ingram Atelier is located at 110 East 55th Street, 8th Floor. They only work by appointment, so call them at 212-319-6778 to schedule one soon.
Friday, April 13, 2012
How Will I Know When I Find My Wedding Dress?
You know how you knew with the guy? Well it kind of works the same way. You’ll get this feeling that it’s “the one” but there are a few other signs you can look for:
- You don’t want to take it off, ever.
- After you leave the bridal salon you’re still thinking about it.
- You try on other gowns but still want to put this one dress back on.
- Your mom cried.
- Your dad cried.
- You cried.
It’s very important that you’re sure the dress you’re buying is the one you want because it's a very important purchase. Wedding gowns can be expensive and there’s usually a "no returns" policy.
If you still want to try on other wedding gowns even though you found one you like, I suggest you keep looking because once you found "the one" you’ll want to stop.
Monday, March 12, 2012
My Mother-in-Law Keeps Mentioning I Can’t Wear Strapless for the Ceremony, But the Church Hasn’t Said Anything. What Do I Wear?
I would check with both your officant and the wedding manager at the church (person you booked the wedding through) to find out what the policy is. Some houses of worship have strict policies on how much skin you can bare -- shoulders covered, capped sleeves, sleeves to the elbow, sleeves to the wrist. You don’t want to show up on your wedding day and be turned away...it could happen.
If you’d prefer to show more skin than the venue allows, talk to the bridal salon where you bought your dress about cover-up options for the ceremony -- options that can be easily removed for formal photos and the reception.
As for your mother-in-law: If it turns out the church doesn’t have as strict a policy as she does/wishes, it’s your wedding so wear what you want to wear and don't talk about your wedding dress in front of her. On the big day she'll be too busy greeting her guests that she probably won't notice or mention your neckline.
If you’d prefer to show more skin than the venue allows, talk to the bridal salon where you bought your dress about cover-up options for the ceremony -- options that can be easily removed for formal photos and the reception.
As for your mother-in-law: If it turns out the church doesn’t have as strict a policy as she does/wishes, it’s your wedding so wear what you want to wear and don't talk about your wedding dress in front of her. On the big day she'll be too busy greeting her guests that she probably won't notice or mention your neckline.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
My Grandmother Said She’d Buy Me My Wedding Dress and Then Gave Me $200. Can I Tell Her the Dress I Want Costs More?
I think you have to base the answer to your question on what you know about your grandmother. Is she living solely on social security and $200 is a lot for her? Or do you think she’s just not aware that the wedding dress you want costs more?
Grandma was probably married 50+ years ago and may not have gone wedding dress shopping in a long time, and therefore not aware what prices are. Why don’t you invite grandma to go shopping with you and let her see the style of dress you want and the price tag that goes with it.
If she can afford it maybe she’ll give you more money towards the dress, but if she can’t, thank her graciously and pay the balance without telling her.
Above all, make sure grandma knows that you appreciate her gift.
Grandma was probably married 50+ years ago and may not have gone wedding dress shopping in a long time, and therefore not aware what prices are. Why don’t you invite grandma to go shopping with you and let her see the style of dress you want and the price tag that goes with it.
If she can afford it maybe she’ll give you more money towards the dress, but if she can’t, thank her graciously and pay the balance without telling her.
Above all, make sure grandma knows that you appreciate her gift.
Thursday, September 08, 2011
I Saw a Wedding Dress Online But It’s Not Available at My Local Bridal Salon. How Can I See It and Try It On?
Bridal salons will generally buy select pieces of a collection, not the complete one. Find out if your local salon is having a trunk show for the designer of the dress you're interested in.
A trunk show is where the designer and/or a sales representative from the company brings the complete collection to a salon -- that’s every dress for the season and probably a few other best sellers.
Call your salon and ask when the trunk show for a particular designer will be held and make an appointment. Trunk shows book up fast so be sure to make an appointment as soon as you learn the dates.
If you missed the trunk show dates for the season visit the designer’s website and look for another trunk show near you and schedule an appointment for that one. You can either purchase the dress .at that salon or see if your local salon can order it for you and this way you won't have to travel far for alterations, which you may have two to four of.
And remember, a trunk show usually offers a discount on the purchase of a gown, it's usually 10% off.
A trunk show is where the designer and/or a sales representative from the company brings the complete collection to a salon -- that’s every dress for the season and probably a few other best sellers.
Call your salon and ask when the trunk show for a particular designer will be held and make an appointment. Trunk shows book up fast so be sure to make an appointment as soon as you learn the dates.
If you missed the trunk show dates for the season visit the designer’s website and look for another trunk show near you and schedule an appointment for that one. You can either purchase the dress .at that salon or see if your local salon can order it for you and this way you won't have to travel far for alterations, which you may have two to four of.
And remember, a trunk show usually offers a discount on the purchase of a gown, it's usually 10% off.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Be Your Own Best Editor -- Vera Wang
Martha Stewart Weddings Fall issue just hit stands and the issue celebrates iconic wedding gown designers -- Reem Acra, Amsale, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang among them.
During the photo shoot they filmed interviews with some of the designers who shared their advice for brides still shopping for their wedding dress. Here's what they had to say:
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
My Mom Doesn’t Think I Should Wear a White Wedding Gown Since My Fiance and I Live Together. Is She Right?
Long gone are the days when a white wedding dress confirmed a bride’s virginity. It’s perfectly acceptable for a bride to wear white regardless of her virginity status -- I’ve seen second-time brides with children in white dresses.
You can explain to your mom that her way of thinking is an old-fashioned and out-dated policy, but I would explain it to her in a nice way so you don’t make her feel old fashioned and out dated.
And since we’re on the topic of wedding gown colors, today’s brides can wear any color dress -- white, ivory, pink, blue, red or black. You can also choose to add a splash of color to a white or ivory dress if an all-over colored dress is too much for you.
You can explain to your mom that her way of thinking is an old-fashioned and out-dated policy, but I would explain it to her in a nice way so you don’t make her feel old fashioned and out dated.
And since we’re on the topic of wedding gown colors, today’s brides can wear any color dress -- white, ivory, pink, blue, red or black. You can also choose to add a splash of color to a white or ivory dress if an all-over colored dress is too much for you.
Friday, July 01, 2011
My Wedding Dress is Very Difficult to Get In and Out of, What Do I Do If I Have to Go to the Bathroom?
At your final fitting you should bring a close friend or relative with you to learn how to get you in and out of your dress as well as how to bustle your train. This person should not be your mom. Have them practice several times to ensure that they know how to do it, especially if your dress has more than just a zipper.
As for the bathroom, I’ve scene this scenario several times. In the event that you can’t use the restroom on your own bring the person who knows your dress with you. Think of her as your bathroom buddy.
She will either get you out of the dress in time to use the loo or hold up your skirt if need be. Remember this is supposed to be one of your closest friends.
And the reason I don’t suggest your mom is she is probably in a very elegant dress and it is not wise for her to be getting on her hands and knees to bustle your train. Though if she’ll just have to hold your skirt I’m sure she’d be honored to be your bathroom buddy.
As for the bathroom, I’ve scene this scenario several times. In the event that you can’t use the restroom on your own bring the person who knows your dress with you. Think of her as your bathroom buddy.
She will either get you out of the dress in time to use the loo or hold up your skirt if need be. Remember this is supposed to be one of your closest friends.
And the reason I don’t suggest your mom is she is probably in a very elegant dress and it is not wise for her to be getting on her hands and knees to bustle your train. Though if she’ll just have to hold your skirt I’m sure she’d be honored to be your bathroom buddy.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Do I Have to Wear a White Wedding Dress?
Whether this is your first marriage or fifth you can wear white to your wedding. First time brides will usually wear white or ivory because it's traditional, but they don’t have to. Bridal designers have created colored wedding dresses ranging from pale pink to celadon green to charcoal grey. Each bride has to decide for herself what she feels comfortable in.
If an all-over colored dress is too daring for you, choose a white or ivory dress with color adornments -- a sash, beading, embroidery, etc…
Or if you are planning on wearing two wedding dresses, choose a white or ivory dress for the ceremony and a colorful one for the reception.
Whatever style wedding dress you choose make sure that you feel beautiful in it.
If an all-over colored dress is too daring for you, choose a white or ivory dress with color adornments -- a sash, beading, embroidery, etc…
Or if you are planning on wearing two wedding dresses, choose a white or ivory dress for the ceremony and a colorful one for the reception.
Whatever style wedding dress you choose make sure that you feel beautiful in it.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Keeping Your Wedding Dress a Secret
While you probably won't go to the lengths Kate Middleton has to keep her wedding dress a secret, and the media won't be making educated guesses on who your wedding dress designer is, you may still want to keep the designer and design of your wedding dress a secret. And as the bride you have that right. So how do you keep the information under wraps:
1 - Don't bring anyone with you, except for maybe mom and sis, you visit bridal salons or for your fittings. And if you feel the need to bring some bridesmaids keep the one with a big mouth at home.
2 - Don't have a picture of it in an easy to find place. If you have a wedding organizer you may want to find another place for the dress information if there's a chance your groom may go looking for other wedding details, like a vendor's phone number.
3 - Don't make comments about other dresses you see on TV, in the movies on celebrities or on brides whose weddings you're a guest at. Your comment may lead to what you do and don't like for your own wedding dress.
1 - Don't bring anyone with you, except for maybe mom and sis, you visit bridal salons or for your fittings. And if you feel the need to bring some bridesmaids keep the one with a big mouth at home.
2 - Don't have a picture of it in an easy to find place. If you have a wedding organizer you may want to find another place for the dress information if there's a chance your groom may go looking for other wedding details, like a vendor's phone number.
3 - Don't make comments about other dresses you see on TV, in the movies on celebrities or on brides whose weddings you're a guest at. Your comment may lead to what you do and don't like for your own wedding dress.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wedding Dresses at a Discount
I'm sure you've heard by now that Vera Wang just launched White by Vera Wang at David's Bridal. Urban Outfitters, Inc. just launched BHLDN. Both join a long list of designers and retailers (Ann Taylor, J. Crew, Black House|White Market) selling wedding dresses for a few hundred and no more than $1500.
I've heard too many stories of women buying discounted wedding dresses at sample sales because the price was right, not because the dress was right.
If you buy a wedding dress - even for a few hundred dollars - but you're heart's not in it you may find yourself buying another dress and losing the cost of the first dress because the store won't take it back and you can't sell it.
When planning a wedding, on any budget, a few hundred dollars is a lot of money. So whether you're shopping for a wedding dress off the rack, at David's Bridal, at a sample sale or at a bridal salon, make sure the dress you're buying is really the one you want.
I've heard too many stories of women buying discounted wedding dresses at sample sales because the price was right, not because the dress was right.
If you buy a wedding dress - even for a few hundred dollars - but you're heart's not in it you may find yourself buying another dress and losing the cost of the first dress because the store won't take it back and you can't sell it.
When planning a wedding, on any budget, a few hundred dollars is a lot of money. So whether you're shopping for a wedding dress off the rack, at David's Bridal, at a sample sale or at a bridal salon, make sure the dress you're buying is really the one you want.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
If You Get Engaged On Christmas Eve or Christmas...
Don't forget to call the insurance company, if your fiance hasn't already, to add your engagement ring to your homeowner's policy.
With all the excitement of getting engaged making sure your ring is insured is probably not at the top of your list but it's important that this gets taken care of right away.
The January issues of bridal magazines are hitting stands this weekend if they're not already available so pick up a few and start tearing out pages for ideas. Visit wedding websites and blogs and bookmark your favorite pages.
Don't think you need to plan everything in the next few days and weeks. Take your time and enjoy your engagement. There will be lots of fun bridal events to attend and parties to celebrate your upcoming wedding.
And as for your wedding dress, check your local bridal salons trunk show schedule to see which designers will be popping by with their latest collections. You may want to wait until salons get the Spring 2011 dresses in before making your appointment because you'll have more to look through and try on. They should arrive between January and early March. The Fall 2010 and even Spring 2010 dresses will still be on the floor so you won't miss anything if you wait.
With all the excitement of getting engaged making sure your ring is insured is probably not at the top of your list but it's important that this gets taken care of right away.
The January issues of bridal magazines are hitting stands this weekend if they're not already available so pick up a few and start tearing out pages for ideas. Visit wedding websites and blogs and bookmark your favorite pages.
Don't think you need to plan everything in the next few days and weeks. Take your time and enjoy your engagement. There will be lots of fun bridal events to attend and parties to celebrate your upcoming wedding.
And as for your wedding dress, check your local bridal salons trunk show schedule to see which designers will be popping by with their latest collections. You may want to wait until salons get the Spring 2011 dresses in before making your appointment because you'll have more to look through and try on. They should arrive between January and early March. The Fall 2010 and even Spring 2010 dresses will still be on the floor so you won't miss anything if you wait.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Vera Wang's 20th Anniversary
In honor of Vera Wang's 20th anniversary Vera's blog editors asked a few editors to write what they think of Vera's impact on the bridal industry. You can read my post at verawang.com/veraunveiled. There's a photo of me and Dave on our wedding day - my mom's comment was that Dave looks so young, but I look the same - thanks mom!
The editors also pulled together a gallery of images of a variety of Vera Wang wedding dress designs over the years.
Today was the Fall 2011 Vera Wang bridal show - the pics are live on aisledash.com - but here's a link to a post on the Vera blog on the hairstyles in the show.
It's crazy to imagine having the limited option of wedding dress designs before Vera Wang hit the market in 1990. I'm just glad that while designers have been inspired by past fashion trends they have all neglected to include the 1980s in their collections.
The editors also pulled together a gallery of images of a variety of Vera Wang wedding dress designs over the years.
Today was the Fall 2011 Vera Wang bridal show - the pics are live on aisledash.com - but here's a link to a post on the Vera blog on the hairstyles in the show.
It's crazy to imagine having the limited option of wedding dress designs before Vera Wang hit the market in 1990. I'm just glad that while designers have been inspired by past fashion trends they have all neglected to include the 1980s in their collections.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Bridal Market Starts This Week
Starting on Wednesday wedding dress designers and bridal accessory designers will show buyers and editors their latest designs. While wedding websites and blogs will feature the images from bridal market in a matter of hours consumers will not be able to purchase or order the items until 2011 - probably January at the earliest but most likely late February/early March.
Keep this in mind when browsing the Spring 2011 designer runway galleries. If you are shopping for your wedding dress remember that you probably need to purchase your wedding dress six months before your wedding day, which will allow three months to manufacture the dress and then three months for your fitting. And the more detail on your wedding dress the more time needed to make it.
Keep this in mind when browsing the Spring 2011 designer runway galleries. If you are shopping for your wedding dress remember that you probably need to purchase your wedding dress six months before your wedding day, which will allow three months to manufacture the dress and then three months for your fitting. And the more detail on your wedding dress the more time needed to make it.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
A Second Wedding Dress: Do You Really Need Two?
There was an article in the New York Times last week about the trend in buying a second wedding dress. The story noted a number of recent celeb brides - Chelsea Clinton, Carrie Underwood - that changed into a second dress for the reception or at least for part of the reception.
Now I'm a firm believer in doing whatever you want and I know it's good for the economy but I really don't like this trend.
The wedding dress is probably the most important "outfit" you'll ever buy and possibly the most expensive, so why only wear it for a few hours?
I believe that there really is just one dress out there for each bride - just like the guy and ring. I do realize that people do get divorced but at this stage you are set on spending the rest of your life with this one guy.
It may not be the first dress you try on and it may not be the 100th but trust me it's out there. You can wear a slim fitting or minidress to any event but for your wedding buy your dream wedding dress and wear it for the whole day. If you can't dance in it and dancing is important to you then buy a dress that you can dance in.
The person who alters your wedding dress should be able to make sure that you can walk dance breathe and hug people in it.
I'm sorry and I know a lot of you may disagree with me on this but I just think it's a waste of money and if you feel the need to buy a second wedding dress then maybe the reason is because the first one is not THE one. Trust me, it's worth the wait!
Now I'm a firm believer in doing whatever you want and I know it's good for the economy but I really don't like this trend.
The wedding dress is probably the most important "outfit" you'll ever buy and possibly the most expensive, so why only wear it for a few hours?
I believe that there really is just one dress out there for each bride - just like the guy and ring. I do realize that people do get divorced but at this stage you are set on spending the rest of your life with this one guy.
It may not be the first dress you try on and it may not be the 100th but trust me it's out there. You can wear a slim fitting or minidress to any event but for your wedding buy your dream wedding dress and wear it for the whole day. If you can't dance in it and dancing is important to you then buy a dress that you can dance in.
The person who alters your wedding dress should be able to make sure that you can walk dance breathe and hug people in it.
I'm sorry and I know a lot of you may disagree with me on this but I just think it's a waste of money and if you feel the need to buy a second wedding dress then maybe the reason is because the first one is not THE one. Trust me, it's worth the wait!
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