April 14th 2010
You've dreamt about walking down that aisle since you were a little girl, and now the big day is approaching. Whether you're choosing a dress off the rack or having one made just for you, follow these tips and make your dream come true.
Instructions
1. Start your search six to nine months ahead. Special orders can take four to six months, plus time for alterations.
2. Keep your file of photographs of dresses you like from bridal magazines, advertisements and boutique promotions handy when you shop.
3. Choose a style appropriate for the ceremony. For a formal evening wedding, a floor-length dress in ivory, white, cream or champagne, often worn with gloves and a train, is an elegant choice. Semiformal dresses can be also be pastels, a floorbrushing (ballerina) length, with a short veil and no train. At a less-formal or second wedding, the bride may choose a long or short dress, or even a two-piece suit. A short veil may be very stylish paired with a classic pillbox hat.
4. Flatter your figure with a dress that suits you. Take a trusted, honest sister or friend who has your best interests at heart for feedback. Try one of each basic shape--princess, ball gown, sheath and empire waist--to see which flatters you most. Check that you can walk, turn, sit and bend comfortably, as well as lift your arms and hug loved ones without splitting a seam. Comfort and confidence are vital on this day of days.
5. Shop at bridal boutiques or department stores for a wide array of styles. Try on a few designer gowns first so you recognize the quality, then choose a dress based on your budget.
6. Set a budget. Off-the-rack dresses can be found for $250 and up. Jessica McClintock has a large selection of moderately priced gowns. A simple custom-made dress can be had for as little as $750, and can go as high as $10,000 for a Vera Wang, with many dresses in the lower third of that range.
7. Ask when bridal stores are next having a sample sale. Be on the lookout for warehouse sales on discontinued styles, samples and overstocks.
8. Make the deposit with a credit card. Get an itemized receipt spelling out every detail (manufacturer's and design name, number, price, color and size) and stating that the deal is canceled if your dress isn't ready by a specified date.
9. Budget for alterations, which can run $300 or more. Ask if pressing is included and if they'll store your dress until the big day. Also ask for recommendations for cleaning and storing the dress.
Other hints that are helpful as well
Scout local thrift shops for excellent buys.
Bridal gowns have been worn only once, so providing they've been professionally cleaned, there's no problem.
Designer castoffs cost more, but you could find a real steal for under $100.
Look for quality: beads sewn on rather than glued, satin that doesn't feel so thin it might tear, a built-in petticoat or slip, and gloriously soft lace and detailing.
French lace is best; the cheap stuff is stiff.
What type of Gown did you wear, was their a special story behind the gown, Did you find your gown on the first visit or how long did it take you? Who went with you to see your gown.
Article written at www.ehow.com
April 13, 2010
The Week - End Wedding
Weekend weddings seem to be standard practice, and with most people's schedule's it is usually the only way they can be held to insure that everyone can attend. However, I have found that with smaller weddings it IS possible to hold a mid-week wedding. Don't get me wrong, I am not suggesting that you hold your wedding on a Monday or a Tuesday and Wednesday might be pushing it, but Thursday or Friday is a defiante possibility.
There are many benefits to having your wedding on one of this "off" days. Quite often the wedding vendors, halls, chapels, lodging, etc. are not as busy or as booked. This gives you an opportunity to negotiate lower rates on the things that you need for your wedding.Granted some rates are carved in stone, but that stone is getting a little softer in this slow economy.
To really make this happen you have to do all of your homework. Plan your wedding as if you were having a weekend wedding, then look at how you can modify it to accomodate the "off" day. Most things will stay the same, the biggest thing you will want to look at is the time of day. When you are holding it on a weekday you may want to plan the ceremony for late afternoon or early evening, be sure to account for the dinner hour!
Once you have everything planned out, contact the facility where you plan to have the ceremony and the reception to see if they can accomodate you. Once you have the wedding location taken care of, you can work on florist, transportation and so on. To negotiate lower rates for your wedding services, make sure that you know what the vendors weekend rate is and negotiate from there. Depending on the vendor you may be able to reduce your bill by anywhere from 10-20%.
Days are filling fast for weddings contact Ladybugz Creations 90 days prior to your wedding and get up to 300 dollars off your planning for your even and if you book deocr thru Ladybugz Creations as well you get an extra 10% off your decor fee.
