Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Wednesday Wedding Tip - Finding the Perfect Dress!

Today's tip is courtesy of  Merry Me Events


Now that you’ve got the ring, it’s time to find the dress! With millions of dresses out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed! Here are a few ideas to help your find the perfect one!

Lazaro gown

When you first start looking, don’t be afraid to look through magazines and bookmark every dress you find online. You’ll be amazed that even though they may look very different, they share some of the same qualities.

Once you narrowed down your search, RESEARCH, find out how much the dresses are and find stores that carry the line. You’ll be surprised that the prices for the same dress vary store to store.

Trunk Shows are a great way to get the dress of your dreams at a lower price! These are special events, which are held at bridal boutiques to showcase a designer’s new line and bring in some dresses the boutique does not normally carry. The best thing about Trunk Shows is that typically the designer’s collection is usually 10-15% off the original price!

Cymbeline Gown

Once you find out where the dresses are sold, make an appointment and be sure to ask when the designer’s next trunk show is. Usually you have to make an appointment for Trunk Shows, so if you can, go ahead and do it. It’s a great idea to go and try dresses on before the Trunk Show, so you know if you love the dress or not. If you find the dress you love go back during the Trunk Show to buy the dress, because most stores only recognize the “sale” price during the trunk show, be prepared to make your first payment when you are there.

Some dresses are only available at Trunk Shows, be sure to ask if your dress is something that they have in the store all the time, or if it is only available at the Trunk show. If your dress is not available at the store, request that the dress be brought for the Trunk Show.

Trunk Shows not only offer dresses for less than retail, they also offer a more customized fit. Because Trunk Shows are not actually a “sale” don’t be afraid to ask for 15% off if what they offer is 10%, you never know if you don’t ask! Good Luck and Happy (wedding dress) Shopping!
Here are some  upcoming Trunk Shows

February 26, 2010
Anne Barge Trunk Show
Belle Vie Bridal Couture
Chicago, IL

February 26- 27
Cymbeline Paris Trunk Show
Chicago, IL

February 26-27
White Chicago
Chicago, IL

February 26-28
Lazaro Event
Chicago, IL

Friday, February 19, 2010

Friday Fun Find - Get Married!

Have you discovered this find? 
                                                                         
My DVR is set to record the TV show every Saturday morning at 9:30. Host Stacie Francombe connects with brides as they discover and express their unique bridal style, giving you tips along the way!

There's so much more than a weekly TV show!  GetMarried.com is a resource that every bride needs in her wedding planning arsenal.  You can research, get inspired, shop and connect with other brides.

If you're like me, you LOVE flipping through wedding magazines for ideas and inspiration -- Get Married Magazine hit the stands in 2009 and it is incredible!

Brides who sign up on GetMarried.com will receive a free issue of this great magazine -- now that's really a FIND!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Wednesday Wedding Tip - Looking Gorgeous for your wedding

Today's tip is courtesy of Brides a la mode member Nicholas J Salon & Spa

Let’s face it; planning a wedding is no simple task, but looking great on your ‘big day’ is something every bride can achieve by following a few simple steps! Not every salon works with wedding parties on a regular basis and working with true professionals on your wedding day will ensure that everyone is exactly where they are supposed to be, exactly when they are supposed to be there! (Looking their best!)


Book your Salon: Depending on the popularity of your wedding date, booking your salon at least 6 months in advance is our recommendation. This way you can be sure to get the time you need with the stylist you want! Master Designers, who are known for their ‘Special Occasion’ look, book up quickly! Reserve appointments for you, your family and your wedding party at this time. When you are booking appointments remember to factor in travel time and changes of time if you or any of your guests are not from the area to ensure timeliness.

Haircolor & Conditioning Treatments: 6 weeks to go........this is no time to ignore your hair! Your stylist should suggest a conditioning treatment for you to use at home once a week until the week before your wedding. An analysis of your hair will determine what you need- moisture or strength or both! At this color appointment you should be 100% satisfied with your color and special attention should be paid to color placement and formula.

Trial Run Hair and MakeUp:  Schedule a trial run for your hair and makeup approximately 4-6 weeks before your wedding. You don’t want any surprises at the last minute! If you have a certain ‘look’ in mind, bring a picture or two! This gives your stylist and makeup artist a base to work from and avoids any misunderstandings. Your trial run is a must, a reputable salon will insist on one! This gives you the opportunity to make changes if necessary! Bring your head piece, veil or a sample veil from your bridal shop, they are accustomed to loaning these out and your stylist will appreciate knowing how the head piece or veil will attach before beginning your style.

Waxing or Sugaring: If you regularly use waxing or sugaring for hair removal, you can wait up until the week before the wedding to see your esthetician. If you are new to the world of waxing we suggest two weeks in advance. You don’t want to run the risk of blemishes marring your flawless look!

Haircolor & a Trim: Two weeks and counting! I know, I know.......you’ve been growing out your hair and you just can’t bear to cut it! Your ends need a trim; those ends don’t need to make an appearance on the big day! Remind your stylist of your upcoming nuptials so she is sure to only dust the ends! During this appointment a retouch of your color will ensure a fresh, but not over done look.

Manicure & Pedicure: Mani and Pedis are best with friends and family! The day before your wedding consider scheduling a ‘girls day out’ at the salon! This is a great time to include everyone.......who doesn’t love a little pampering? Enjoy the people who surround you, it’s time to soak it all in! (many salons offer delectable treats or allow you to bring in your own!)


The Big Day: The day of your wedding, hair and makeup are the only services you should be receiving. All of the decisions have been made; your salon is on board and knows your schedule for the morning. The hard work is done! This is where you sit back, relax and enjoy the day!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Married by Michiana - the Launch Party recap

If you weren't at Brides a la mode for the Married by Michiana Launch Party on Valentine's Day, you missed

The gorgeous new decor at Brides a la mode designed by Merry Me Events
Rob from U93's Rob and AJ show and some great U93 Swag!
Make up done by the uber fabulous Gabrielle Thompson
A great swag bag just for brides with magazines, gifts, delicious champagne, cupcakes and more
But most importantly, you missed the opportunity to have a video made by our professional videographer, Cathy Dietz.  Don't worry though -- you can still enter to win a wedding from Brides a la mode and U93, just go to U93's website and click on the Married by Michiana logo for all the info!
We are accepting videos until Friday, February 26 & voting will begin on Monday, March 1!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Over the top

I was chatting with some local wedding designers who attended The Special Event with me in New Orleans last month.  We all agreed that this was the most unique thing we saw at the show http://www.happyhourchandelier.com/



Can you imagine someone hanging from the ceiling, pouring champagne?  Over the top?  Yes!!!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Friday Fun Find - Bedazzler!

No, not that thing that puts sparkles all over your jeans, jackets and purses -- I'm talking about Bedazzle My BonBons!
These are delicious chocolate bonbons, covered in edible glitter!

I've had the opportunity to sample these on several occasions and all I can say is WOW!
As you can see, the bonbons come in a variety of colors and they would make quite a unique favor for your wedding reception!



Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Wednesday Wedding Tip - Making your older guests comfortable at the reception


Today's tip is courtesy of Brides a la mode member, The Music Place.

Here’s a wedding tip that could help your older guests enjoy themselves at your reception. Do not seat you older guests next to or in front of the area your DJ will be set up during the wedding reception. Your DJ should be on constant watch during the course of a wedding reception to ensure the music is just right, and never too loud, but seating your older guests in front the area where the DJ is location is a bad idea. Typically even if the volume levels are low, the older guests sometimes may feel it is too loud, and when it is time to turn it up for dancing or intros, it will be very uncomfortable for them.


Blake Eckelbarger,
President, The Music Place, Inc

Thanks, Blake.  That is great advice!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Are you a VIB?

Very Important Bride, that is?