David’s Bridal or Local Bridal Salon?
With brides looking for ways to have a beautiful wedding on a budget, more of them are considering shopping at discount retailers like David’s Bridal instead of their local bridal salon. After all, the idea of getting your wedding gown for only $99 sounds pretty good! But of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to most things in life; to help you sort it all out, here is what you need to know about the differences between shopping at a bridal warehouse versus a smaller bridal salon.
Certainly the number one reason to shop at a place like David’s Bridal is price. There is no doubt that they will have some of the lowest prices in town. However, that is not to say that you will get the best value for your money. They are not selling top quality gowns like you would find in a local bridal shop. When shopping at a wedding warehouse store, you are not getting the same gown for less, you are getting a totally different type of dress. This may be just fine for some brides, but for others it will not be.
Of course, there is one advantage to mass produced gowns, which is that there will be a full size range available in the store. Plus size brides in particular appreciate being able to try on the wedding gowns in their own size. Designer bridal salons only carry one sample size in each style, and it can require a lot of imagination to picture how the gown would look when it does not come close to fitting you. However, with that said, all made to order gowns can be ordered in every size, and a good consultant will know which gowns will look best when they fit properly.
One of the intangibles is the level of service that you will get at a small local salon as compared to a mass merchandiser. At a discount bridal warehouse, you may be able to get help, but many brides end up in a self service situation, which can be a very challenging way to shop for a bridal gown. In the end, it all comes down to what you want in terms of a wedding gown and a gown shopping experience. If you want to be pampered, and have a personal consultant who will help you with everything from picking out your gown to suggesting styles of bridesmaid jewelry gifts, a bridal salon is for you. Brides who are perfectly comfortable picking out their own gowns may be happy with a bridal warehouse which has a large number of dresses in stock. And then there is the matter of finding the right balance between quality and budget, which is a decision that each bride has to make for herself.
Filed under Bridesmaid Gifts, Bridesmaid Jewelry, Uncategorized | Tags: bridal gown, bridesmaid jewelry gifts, David's Bridal, wedding dress shopping, wedding gown | Comment (0)Creative Places to Shop for Bridal Gowns
When shopping for bridal gowns, most brides will usually go traditional bridal salons. When you want a classic wedding dress, this is a great option, but for brides looking for a more simple gown, a bridal shop may not be your only choice. These are some ideas on creative places to shop for bridal gowns.
Many of the newest bridal gowns on the runways are inspired by vintage fashion. If this appeals to you, why not go right to the source? It is possible to find stunning wedding gowns at vintage or antique shops for a fraction of the cost of a new vintage inspired gown. When shopping for vintage, it is important to be educated about what you are looking at. Inspect the gowns carefully for damage, dry rot (often seen in lace), or embellishments that are glued on instead of stitched on (common in the 1970s, and a very big problem when it comes to cleaning and alterations). Find out if the vintage shop will let you buy a gown on approval to take to your seamstress to see if it can be altered to fit you properly.
Women today love the ease of shopping online, and many will use the internet as a starting point when seeking out a wedding dress and bridal jewelry. You will often find very nice bridal accessories, such as crystal jewelry, veils, and shoes available online, but be cautious about buying a wedding gown sight unseen. The best source for internet gowns is a well-known retailer that has a special occasion collection, like J Crew. They offer chic streamlined styles for the modern bride, as well as easy return policies, in case you don’t love the dress when it arrives. Unlike some of the so-called “discount” online gown retailers, when you go with a well-known clothing company, you will know that they are reputable.
When you are looking for a gown that is offbeat or non-traditional, also check out your local boutiques. Especially in major cities, there are little shops that carry unique and beautiful styles appropriate for weddings or other special occasions. You might just find the perfect little beaded or hand-sewn dress that will give you the one-of-a-kind look that you have always imagined.
Filed under Bridal Jewelry, crystal bridal jewelry, Wedding Planning | Tags: bridal gowns, Bridal Jewelry, wedding dress shopping | Comment (0)The Best Dresses for Busty Brides
Let’s face it, ladies: sometimes too much of a good thing is just too much! If nature endowed you with a bit too much in the bust department, flattering your figure is probably one of your top concerns when you are shopping for a wedding gown. Happily, you will find that there are many styles that will help to get your assets under control for your big day!
When you are shopping for a wedding gown that will get a large bust under control, think of structure as your best ally in reining in the girls. Run away from dresses that are filmy, unstructured, or don’t allow you to wear a great fitting bra or bustier.To get the right amount of structure in a wedding gown, look for styles that have bodices with boning and that are made from a substantial fabric,like a silk mikado. This will enable you to get a nice smooth fit that contains your chest nicely.
Choosing the right neckline is key for full-busted brides. Whenever you are trying to minimize the effect of curves, look for clothing that has strong straight lines. For example, a v-neck gown is an excellent option, as long as the neckline is not too plunging. Another flattering neckline is a portrait neckline, or a straight across strapless gown. Styles to avoid would be anything too curvy, such as deep scoopnecks or exaggerated sweetheart necklines.
Another great way to generate a flattering line on the chest is with your jewelry. The same long straight lines that work in a gown will be ideal for your bridal jewelry. To get the perfect piece, look into custom bridal Swarovski necklaces. Bridal necklaces that are custom made will ensure that you get the perfect length for your neckline, and the Swarovski crystals will ensure that they are fabulous!
It is always going to be more challenging to find the perfect wedding gown when you are not a perfect sample size. However, know that your dream dress is out there waiting for you, even if it takes you a little longer to find it.
Filed under Bridal Jewelry, crystal bridal jewelry, Uncategorized | Tags: custom bridal Swarovski crystal necklaces, wedding dress shopping, wedding gowns | Comment (0)