Having A Minimony? We’ve Got You!

May 31, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

Out of the darkness of a pandemic comes one of the cutest terms we’ve ever heard: the minimony.

If you were forced to postpone your wedding, you may already be considering having a minimony. Many couples are doing this and if you look on the bright side of having to move your wedding date, it’s two celebrations to look forward to!

A minimony is simply a smaller ceremony on your original wedding date with fewer people. Perhaps at home in the backyard or another outdoor setting, still very much a wedding ceremony only on a smaller scale. The “sequel” wedding is your rescheduled future date, where the big party and celebration can be had with all your guests in person.

If you had to postpone your wedding, you already have your dress for the big day. If you are having a minimony, that dress probably isn’t going to work for a small wedding in the backyard. However, this is still a wedding ceremony and needs to be complete with an appropriate dress… but…

You don’t want to spend thousands of dollars again. Where do you look? With us, of course!

Many of our brides are in this position and some told us they are ordering dresses online only to send them right back. They think they will work because they are cheap, and when the dress arrives, they realize why it was so cheap. They don’t look or feel anything like the online photos and are incredibly disappointing.

We are happy to be able to help. Many of our brides are already booked to come back when we reopen on June 5th to take a look at our incredible sample rack.

These are high-quality designer dresses and are available at substantial discounts, very comparable to online pricing. This allows the brides to see them in person, try them on at our store, save time, save money, and get right to the seamstress for easy and quick alterations.

Beautiful Voyage dress for outdoor garden wedding

And really, who doesn’t want two dresses? Show different sides of you! For instance, perhaps the original dress is a fancy, sparkly ballgown complete with cathedral veil and tiara, but the backyard dress is a sweet, bohemian lacy one that works with a flower crown.

Or maybe the original dress is a satin, but the minimony one is crepe – both are classic plain fabrics, but crepe doesn’t have the weight or the shine which makes it a bit more appropriate for a smaller, summer gathering outdoors.

Gorgeous Morilee crepe dress with lace train

For the grooms, a full on tuxedo may not fit the bill either for a minimony. We have this covered as well.

Consider a suit or pants with a vest or suspenders and no jacket. The accessory colors we have allows you to put together the perfect look whether casual or ultra formal.

Long or bow tie can change the look, do what works!

Maybe a lighter color, try a sand or cornflower blue. We have them all!

Cornflower blue, wear with or without jacket

Whatever you decide, give us a call. If you’re doing the minimony and/or waiting for that one big day, we’ve got you! We offer great pricing for wedding dresses, along with suits and tuxedos, or if you just need accessory pieces. Make your appointment here!

Darianna News

New Safety Procedures For Re-Opening

May 30, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo’s calendar is filling up again and our new procedures will ensure that we are ready to safely welcome everyone on June 5th!

Our new brides will enjoy new dresses from Madi Lane, Morilee, Casablanca, Kitty Chen, and more…

Grooms will love dressing up in our new 2020 tuxedos – over 70 different styles to choose from…

All of our rescheduled couples will be welcomed back with open arms and distance hugs, which totally stinks because we are huggers here…

Which brings us to the changes we must make. With reopening comes new responsibilities and requirements that must be adhered to so that we can ensure everyone is as protected and safe as possible. Please take a moment to read these new procedures.

** If you are not feeling well, we ask that you reschedule the appointment. If someone in your group is not feeling well, we ask for that person to join you by video call. **

Until the CDC and Pennsylvania guidelines are changed, we will enforce the following:

Masks must be worn by staff and customers. We have them available for free, but we ask for a donation to our local Bucks County food bank.
Limit of 3 guests for bridal. Special arrangements must be made for larger groups. This is for proper distancing recommendations. WiFi is available for video attendees!
Walk-ins are welcome, however we ask you to call or text our store telephone number before entering to make sure we have appropriate space and staff.
Children under 13 are no longer allowed (unless being measured for a tuxedo or suit).
Tuxedo groups over four (4) will require appointments and/or must adhere to current distancing recommendations.

Other measures we have to keep you safe are:

Contactless payment methods are encouraged when possible including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and credit cards with contactless features. We have always accepted contactless payment methods and are sure we will find more interest in their use from our customers.

Hand sanitizers made available for use throughout the store.
HVAC inspection completed and commercial grade filters replaced on a regular basis (this has always been one of our procedures).
Cleaning/disinfecting will take place throughout the day and daily at closing by our staff.

General Safety Tips:

Consider limiting the number of stores visited in a day to reduce the amount of exposure to you and your guests.
Make a conscious effort to wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a mask, even if not directed to do so.
Use contactless payment methods wherever possible.
If there is a senior in your group, consider setting them up on a video call or ask staff if there is availability for a more private appointment. Try not to subject them to large crowds. Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo has the space to protect your loved ones – please let us know in advance if you plan on bringing a senior to your appointment so we can arrange accordingly.

In addition to these, please read our blog on our cleaning company and how they have adapted new cleaning procedures specifically to deal with COVID-19. It is extremely important to us that our customers feel safe and confident entering our store! Make your appointment here and as always feel free to text us with questions at 215-491-8500!

Darianna News, Guest Blogger

Feel Confident That Our Bridal and Tuxedo Store Is CLEAN and SAFE

May 24, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

Soon the restrictions will be lifted and we will all venture back out into the world. When I do, I personally expect that every establishment I enter knows how to clean in the age of COVID-19 and is committed to keeping me and their other customers safe.

But just how do we know that a store that looks clean actually is? Let’s take our own store as an example.

Our family owns and operates Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo and prior to the mandatory shutdown, we spent more time in the store than our own home. Since opening in 2013 we have always had store cleanliness as one of our top 3 priorities. We have used the same cleaning company for years: Bugajewski Facility Services.

We were introduced to this company when the owner, Ben Bugajewski, was the featured speaker at a Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce meeting. I didn’t think I would enjoy listening to a speech about cleaning, but when Ben started talking I was weirdly fascinated.

Ben and his company clean a number of medical facilities in the area and beyond, including both Pavillions at Doylestown Hospital. They have done this for years, and have always had a focus on exactly what “clean” means. If they didn’t keep medical facilities clean, then they weren’t safe.

I perked up a little bit after hearing this introduction. It only got better from there.

His knowledge of bacteria and germicides was incredible. He knew what bad guys made us sick and what chemicals killed them. He knew which chemicals were safe for humans and which chemicals required humans to stay away for a few hours.

Ben so easily pronounced names of bacteria, most of which had way too many letters, and I knew he was going to clean our store.

We could not be more proud to have Ben and his company continuing to not only clean our store, but also training us and giving us the products we need to make sure that you and your family are just as safe as we are when you enter our doors. There are products we use once daily and others we use throughout the day.

To that end, Ben sent us the certification he earned this month taking an online training course administered by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council regarding proper cleaning and disinfecting techniques with an emphasis on SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19. I can’t be sure of other stores, but we are prepared and ready to reopen!

How has Ben’s cleaning procedures changed with the onset of COVID-19?

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, the EPA released a listing of Products with Emerging Viral Pathogens AND Human Coronavirus claims for use against SARS-CoV-2 . “We began to use 2 additional RTU germicidal detergents with a 2 minute contact time against the virus compared to a 10 minute contact period. Due to the significant time period for delivery of these products we have sourced them directly from the two different manufacturers to maintain adequate inventory levels.”

In addition, he says, “We also are doing more frequent cleaning and disinfection of high touch surfaces, have used color coded micro fiber cleaning cloths for years, and have spent significant funds in the latest available cleaning equipment to assist our staff in removing soil prior to the disinfection process.

Since I started the company in 2004 we have always used two EPA registered quaternary hospital grade germicidal detergents for disinfection. One was an acidic based product and the other was an alkaline based product.

We used another EPA registered product which is based on free available chlorine Hypochlorous acid which is 4x more disinfection power that the hypochlorite ion. It is more active in the presence of organic loads and has a longer shelf life. It also has a label claim against c difficile spores which are extremely difficult to eliminate in a health care setting.

We are also doing additional education with our client base making sure that they are using compatible cleaning chemistries during the day for their internal cleaning.”

Now that you know our store is cleaned like a hospital, be confident we are ready for you!

Let’s get back to how do you know if a store is actually clean?

Ben published an article in 2005 in Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association that ranked store cleanliness as the most important attribute that a consumer was seeking. “A consumer in a retail clothing location focuses on the cleanliness of the front entrance, fitting room areas, cash check out areas and the store restrooms. There should be no visible soil in these areas of the store,” Ben wrote.

I then asked him how can someone feel confident that an establishment is clean? What does he look for when entering a store or restaurant? Of course, the all areas of the store need to look and smell clean, but beyond that he also looks for the following:

Are the employees wearing clean uniforms or clothing?
Are the employees taking any special precautions between clients/customers?
Are there adequate hand washing facilities available? (Hopefully they are not topping off their hand soap dispensers!)

Ben also intends on reviewing more frequently local health department inspection reports. GOOD idea!

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. It was fantastic for me to write this as I have a renewed appreciation and confidence in Bugajewski Facility Services, and the cleanliness of our store!

We can’t wait to welcome you back – make your appointment here!

Relationship Advice

Social Media: Is It Hurting Your Relationship?

May 12, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

With most everything closed and everyone at home, we are on social more than ever. While I am on these platforms mainly for business purposes, I still come across the couple posts. You know the ones, the too-cute #couplegoals pics that can make you feel like your relationship is missing something:

You ordered take out but while your eating, you decide to check Instagram and it shows your friend drinking a glass of wine, looking adorable and super excited to be cooking together with her new boyfriend…

A cozy movie night at home is going great, until he checks his phone and you wonder if he’s bored with you and wishes he were with his friends…

Your partner is constantly checking his/her phone and you feel ignored…

Are you giving (or getting) a vibe that who and what you have isn’t enough? That’s damaging and needs to be worked out properly. If you are happy in your relationship then you want to be with your partner and not constantly on social media.

If you prefer to be on social media then you need to reevaluate your relationship.

If your relationship is doing well and you are happy then you need to do the following when you get that insecure feeling:

Stop comparing! If you have a great relationship that you continue to work on and improve (because you do, every single day), you are already the envy of others. You don’t need to post constantly because other opinions do not matter. You can, however, post some pics simply because you are proud and not because you are trying to create a phony image.

Pay attention! When you have quiet or special time with your love, give your full attention. Don’t pull out your phone when it will make him/her feel you are bored wishing you were elsewhere.

If your partner uses social media to a point that bothers you, you need to be very upfront and explain your feelings. The more open you are with each other the better your chances of a successful and happy relationship.

Don’t let Facebook ruin your relationship. You can use social media in a healthy and fun way, but make time for just the two of you. A great way to reconnect is to put those phones away for a certain time every day and do something together, just the two of you, like take a walk or make dinner. Let the others try to convince everyone how rock solid they are, while you sleep with a smile knowing you don’t need to bother!

wedding dresses, wedding planning

How To Say Yes When You Won’t Stop Looking

May 11, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

Have you asked any of these questions:

“Do brides say yes on the first time out?’

“Do brides really buy the first dress they tried on?”

“Do brides ever buy without going to other stores?”

“Do brides buy without asking all their friends what they think?”

The answer to all of these is yes. In this blog we will discuss the bride who can’t say yes and if it resonates with you, hopefully our advice will help you through saying yes with confidence.

The most challenging bride is the one who cannot stop looking. She brings with her a group of eight on a Saturday morning, tries on 15 dresses, finds one she loves. She cries, everyone loves it… and then the question: “Are you saying yes to this dress?” She looks completely confused and says, “No, I can’t buy yet/at the first store/until I sleep on it/without my grandmother/without looking elsewhere.”

Aren’t you looking to say yes? Why did you bring this group to give so much attention and love to you and then say no when you are crying and they are so supportive?

Bride continues to shop all day, ending exhausted and confused with a list of maybes and one she really loves. She makes more appointments at other stores.

This bride refuses to say yes for months.

She finally makes a return appointment to retry the dress on that she loves, the one that made her cry, the one she can’t stop thinking about. She obsesses over photos, looks at it online, gets opinions of strangers on wedding websites.

She brings her group back again, although fewer attend. She still loves the dress.

“I really think maybe this is it, but did you get any new ones in that I haven’t tried?”

I ask, “How many stores have you been to? How many dresses have you tried on?”

Some brides tell me they’ve gone to 10-12 stores, even some in different states. That is at least 100 dresses tried on. One hundred wedding dresses and a bride still can’t pull the trigger. Not only that, her group is tired (“Just get it already!”) and the bride is stressed out (“Don’t push me into making this decision!”) It has become a chore. Instead of that first perfect moment to say yes with the emotion and the hugs and the support, it is now a frustrating disappointment because you are over a month into looking and still can’t say yes to the dress you came back to.

Why?

“I’m not getting the reaction I want.” – But you did the first time and ignored it…

“I don’t know if my fiance will like it.” – Your fiance loves you, and will love you in whatever dress you choose…

“What if I don’t like it later?” – You loved it the first time and you still do…

“I’m worried I might find something I like better.” – After 100 dresses, you think #105 will be the one when you’re back in the original dress?

“I don’t make decisions quickly.” – You immediately knew the venue, your bridal party, and you immediately said yes to the marriage proposal…

At some point, you need to be confident in your dress decision and move on with the planning. It’s your day and you will be radiant in the dress you choose!

The dress should make you feel gorgeous, you never want to take it off. You want to wear it to work, out to lunch, everywhere. When you find that dress, SAY YES. Stop looking because you won’t find one to beat it. If there is a dress you compare all others to, that’s the one. It doesn’t matter if your to-be sister in law didn’t react the way you wanted, it’s not her wedding or her dress.

You now must also consider the health implications of going to so many stores.

Our advice is always the same to brides who call themselves “indecisive” but made many decisions already with no problem:

1. Don’t bring a large group. If you want to show them, bring them to your try on, or plan a reveal to show them what YOU chose. They will cry when they see you in it! Many stores now limit the number of guests due to social distancing so that decision could be made for you.

2. Limit the choices. It’s like going to a restaurant with a 10-page menu… you went in wanting the steak but now you might want something else, because it might taste better, even though you really want the steak…

3. Be your unique self. Don’t buy a dress that others love on you but you don’t, one that reminds you of everyone else’s, or because it’s trendy now. Find unique designers or ones you can customize if needed.

4. Trust yourself. The dress you love is the right one and everyone will love you in it.

5. Buy from a reputable store. Read reviews! Are they known for great customer service, responsiveness, and truthfulness? Do they adhere to new laws and regulations? (WE ARE, AND WE DO!)

Yes, brides do say yes on the first day out, at the first store, to the first dress, without dozens of opinions from the people with them. You can, too! Let us help you enjoy the bridal appointment process and trust yourself!

Darianna Brides

Real Bride – Brittney Levash

May 9, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

We love featuring our brides! Read Brittney and Ryan’s love story here:

The Meeting- Ryan and I met at his family lake house at Lake Wallenpaupack, PA on 4th of July weekend, 2016. We went to school together, and were in the same grade, but never were friends. He knew who I was and always liked me, but I don’t recall him back then. After I was out of a very long relationship, my sister (who knew him through a mutual friend) invited me down with her to his family lake house and Ryan didn’t pass on the opportunity of asking for my number. The rest is history!

The Proposal- Ryan proposed at the lake on 04/28/18. It was “Dock day” which is the day that everyone helps put the docks back in for the summer season. It takes many hours and lots of help. I was helping around the clubhouse and little did I know that everyone there had known what was going to happen. Once the docks were done, Ryan asked to go down on our dock to relax for a minute. I hesitated and said, “We’ve been down there all day!” Thankfully I proceeded to leave the lake house and head down on the golf cart with him. Once we were on the docks we took a seat at the edge and just looked out on the water. I felt something on the dock and turned around and saw our friend Elaine who was taking a photo. I still had no clue he was going to propose because she is known for always taking beautiful photos. I said to Ryan, “Elaine is creepin’ on us.” He preceded to say she was there for a reason.. followed by a speech that I can’t even remember because I was so shocked! On our golf cart ride back, above on one of our friends deck, everyone started cheering as they had watched it happen and I had no clue. We got back to the house and it was decorated and the family was waiting. It was a beautiful moment.

The Pre-Planning Details- We already knew, before we even got engaged, that we wanted to get married at a venue on the lake called Silver Birches. Once we actually got engaged there was no other looking around, as we met at the lake and got engaged at the lake, it was such a special place for us, we knew there was no other option. We also wanted it to be in the summer, as that is the season we spend the majority of the time there. 07/26/19 was the date we had chosen. Bridal party colors were a serious of blush, darker pink and a tan for the girls. The guys wore light grey linen pants and white tops with grey and floral ties to match the girls. I wanted it to be light, cool and pretty. We had our family & friends as our bridal party and wouldn’t have had it any other way.

The Dress- I knew I wanted a vintage looking and very basic dress. I had dreamed of having some sort of sleeve, but after trying a few on, I did not like the feel. I went to one bridal store and didn’t have the greatest experience. I found Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo online after I was looking at a certain dress. I had the most pleasurable experience on my appointment day! It was such a warm and welcoming place and I was so happy. I ended up finding a dress that actually had 3/4 sleeves but I had my seamstress remove them. The final product was beautiful.

The Pre-Wedding Parties- I love to decorate and plan things, so needless to say, I had a handful of ideas for my own bridal shower.

My sisters, sister in laws and close friends did an amazing job pulling together the “I Do BBQ” that I was looking for! I wanted a casual rustic outdoor shower and that’s exactly what I got. Also, the weather was perfect!

My bachelorette party was in Charleston, South Carolina in June and it was the most beautiful place. The town is so pretty and we had so much fun!!

The Day of- The day of, all the girls came to Ryan’s parents house and we got ready there. We were able to relax and get pampered. My close friend did our makeup and my cousin did my hair. We rented a house on the lake for our friends and that Is where Ryan and the groomsmen got ready.

For my something blue & old, I had my seamstress sew part of my deceased father’s bandana in a heart shape, under my dress. That was a special thing for me.

The Ceremony and then Reception- The ceremony was outdoors at the venue, on the grass with the lake right beside us. We were a little nervous of how the weather would turn out but we were so lucky to have a beautiful sunny day.

I did realize I forgot my veil a few minutes after we left the house, but luckily we had time to turn back around! Phew! We had a simple quick ceremony and at the end we released butterflies for our family members who could not be there that day.

We had a lovely first dance. I had a recording of Ryan’s grandmother (who had passed last year) from when we called her to tell her we had just got engaged. I had my DJ add certain parts to the end of our first dance song as a surprise to Ryan, and it was so special.

Little did I know, he had a surprise for me too. As my dad has been deceased since I was 6, I knew we were just going to skip the father daughter dance and go right to the dance with Ryan and his mom. But, Ryan has something else in mind. He made the most heartfelt speech and then I got to dance with 4 special men in my life I was so shocked, emotional and thankful for that moment. It was a day we both will never forget.

To top it off, we had a huge lake party the following day with close family and friends. It was the most perfect weekend of celebration!!!

Brittney said yes to Sloan by Beloved and removed the sleeves:

Are you a Darianna bride and want to be featured on our blog? Email Daria@DariannaBridal.com!

Darianna News

I Want To ReOpen

May 9, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

I really do. My role will change somewhat for a time until I’m all healed up and the new Covid-19 procedures need to be strictly adhered to for the safety and protection of all, but still, I’m ready to reopen. Whenever that is…

Our bridal store is relatively young when we compare this industry. Before we came along we researched local stores and stores across the country to get an idea of what wasn’t working for brides.

The show “Say Yes To the Dress” set a precedent for bridal stores to step it up and put more emphasis on the excitement of being engaged, planning a wedding, and finding the perfect dress. When we opened in 2013, our focus was (and continues to be) on excitement.

Which brings me to today’s thought – why I can’t wait to reopen: I miss the excitement of the bridal appointment.

Having a packed schedule makes us feel so privileged and grateful! Watching the brides filter in (usually full of nervous energy) is so fun, I can’t wait to welcome everyone and put them at ease. Letting brides and their guests “shop” for dresses along with their consultant allows everyone to be part of that excitement. We have had so many brides tell us that they loved being able to see and choose the dresses they tried on as they were unable to pick their own from other stores.

Sometimes we have brides who find their dress but feel they still need to keep looking. We tell them, “When you’re ready to say yes to this dress, come back and let us celebrate with you!” Now with the virus changing the way we interact, you need to be really smart about shopping. It’s not in anyone’s best interest for a bride and her family to keep going from store to store trying on over and over with multiple people. When you find a dress you love, say yes.

If you have been in our store when a bride says “yes!”, you know firsthand that the entire store erupts in cheers and claps – from our staff, the bride’s family, customers who never met you, even from the guys in the tuxedo area!

There is nothing quite like saying “yes!” and joining the Darianna family. We can help you with maids and of course suits and tuxedos!

I know our different approach (be kind, don’t lie, don’t high pressure sell, keep store and dresses clean, etc.) changed up the vibe in our area. We have had numerous owners and employees from other local stores wander into the store ‘undercover’ (one even made an appointment) to see why brides love the Darianna experience. The answer is simple: our staff is equally as excited as brides and grooms about their wedding day. That is something that cannot be taught in training.

Our staff isn’t only there for a paycheck, watching the clock to leave. We know who’s coming in for the first time and we know who’s coming back in the store again, we know whose weddings are coming up quickly and we know the excitement of each one. There is nothing phony or judgmental at our store. When our brides send their fiancees for tuxedos, we then get to meet everyone – family and friends – right up to a few days before the wedding. We share in it and it never gets old!

We are excited to reopen and reunite our Darianna family! If your wedding is postponed, hang in there! You’re not alone. Call or text us anytime with questions 215-491-8500. If you are ready to make your appointment, Can’t wait to see you!

Uncategorized, wedding planning

The Bridal Registry: What To Ask For

May 8, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

Have you started your registry for your wedding?

I have some advice for you and it comes from a good place because after our Deanna was born (and before our store opened), I wanted a part-time job so guess what I did? I went to Bed Bath & Beyond and became one of their Wedding Registry Specialists!

Yep, I worked with brides and grooms helping them choose the best items for their registries!

When I say “best” I don’t mean most expensive, I mean the best for the couple. If the couple is into cooking, then yes, register the cookware that you want even if it is expensive. If you love to entertain, then get a complete and really good barware set, a great grill, or outdoor furniture!

There are many stores to register with and at the end of this blog I have included a link to a comparison of the most popular. Today the #1 registry site is Amazon which makes sense because many couples are already set with their household needs and will register for items they want versus duplicates of what they already have.

Other popular registry stores are Target, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and Crate and Barrel. Zola is another online option. Some couples register for money toward their honeymoon. A great idea to have the experience!

It has been a while since my registry days but I remember them well and quite fondly. Let me take you through the process:

China: This was always first because traditionally, you HAD to have a set of china. You might get pressure to register these pieces but if you are not interested, do not bother. Don’t put gifts on that you don’t want and aren’t going to use. If you do want china, however, there are gorgeous patterns and you can register all the pieces!

Cookwear: This is another area that can put some expensive gifts on your list. As I said, if this is your thing and you always wanted a certain brand, DO IT. Guests may go in on gifts and be excited to get it for you! If it’s not a big deal, my advice was – and still is – don’t go for the least expensive, look for a reputable brand that is reasonably priced but will last.

Flatware: Ahh, aside from picking china patterns, this was my favorite. Choosing the daily forks and spoons… no one cared much and would always pick the cheapest ones, I never knew why. They would blow off this section, until I got to do my demo. I would take a spoon out of the package they wanted to register and bend it right in half with no effort. “That’s what you get with this brand.” It was so funny to see the reactions! If you are in the position of purchasing or registering flatware, give the bend test a try, and think of me 😉 You should NOT be able to easily bend a spoon in half. You can’t eat ice cream that way for heaven’s sake!

Truly, get something of quality, you use these multiple times daily. You can get a second, even more formal set as well (especially if you get a set of china), and if you do, make sure to get the beautiful box to store it!

Bedding: Another favorite of mine. GET THE GOOD SHEETS. Wherever you register, ask for or read the comparisons between the different fabrics and once you select that, make sure you get a high thread count. It makes a big difference.

Dinnerware: Or “everyday plates” – this can be tricky. Couples would fall for a great pattern that wasn’t inexpensive, but the material it was made from was cheap. While I could get away with bending spoons, I wasn’t always able to demonstrate how easy it was to knock a chunk out of the rim of a plate. Some I could tap on a shelf and a piece would fall off, it was that easy. Ask what it’s made of. A very strong material you should look for is bone china which is actually a porcelain made with cow bone ash. If you want an everyday set that will last a long time and not chip, go for bone china.

Barware: Tons of options here, from full bar sets to crystal wine glasses and decanters, this deserves some thought. Maybe you’re more into beer and want separate pilsner and lager glasses and if so, register them! This section is very popular for guests and many times one of the first sections completed on the registry.

Bath: Your bath and hand towels are personal choice and usually are chosen by color. Make sure to register a bath mat, shower curtain, and any accessories that match like tissue box, soap dispenser, candle holder, etc. Guests can purchase two or three of those for you and have a great gift that you want and stay in their budget!

Other points to consider:

Your fiance may not be interested in parts of this process. It can take hours to complete. It works best when you get the big pieces done first and then return at another time for the smaller things like kitchen gadgets, everyday glasses, picture frames, candles and holders, etc.

Some helpful advice before you begin:

Discuss before you go what you want to get registered first so you don’t waste time and energy.
Eat before you go.
Don’t bring children.
Make sure to register gifts in a variety of price ranges.

Choosing your registry should be an exciting experience that symbolizes the start of your life together as you pick what you both want. Click the link below to compare options before you go:

https://www.businessinsider.com/best-wedding-registry

Trends, wedding dresses

Do You Want Sleeves On Your Wedding Dress?

May 8, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

At the beginning of May, usually that winter chill is out of the air. I should be happily in a tee shirt right now but instead it’s a sweatshirt and my hands are freezing. This made me think of brides searching for their perfect dress and whether it has sleeves!

Meadow by Madi Lane

Sleeves on wedding dresses are gorgeous. There are many different versions now, too, like off the shoulder, detachable, illusion, illusion with lace and buttons, full lace, etc. Look at your Pinterest board – even if you aren’t considering sleeves I’ll bet you have one pinned.

Trying on dresses with sleeves is very interesting. Some brides know that’s what they want and do not try any on without them.

Others think they want them but when they try on they find them restricting of movement, itchy, irritating, or all three, and they move on to others perhaps with a cap sleeve or smaller strap.

Then there is the bride who never considered them who tries on and falls in love! It’s one of the “game changers” in dress hunting that we love!

With sleeves you will want to consider:

– Will you be married in the heat? If you are getting married outside in the sun or on the beach, these may not be for you. Think of your ceremony, play that out in your head, does it make sense? You can always try a dress like this, Lennon by Beloved Bridal with removable sleeves:

– Do you have sensitive skin? If a dress bothers you at all during the trying on phase, that is not your dress! This applies to all aspects, not just sleeves. You will be in it for hours, it needs to feel comfortable all around.

– Are you a “throw your hands in the air” type dancer? If so, unless you have detachable sleeves, you wont be throwing them very high. Isabella by Kitty Chen is an absolutely gorgeous show stopper, but you’re not going to raise your arms too high in this dress:

– Is your wedding in the winter or a colder location? Sleeves are perfect for you, but they will not keep you “warm”. Unless you have a heavier lined sleeve – which further diminishes mobility – you may still need a fur wrap or cape if your ceremony is outdoors or for outside pictures.

For the best of both worlds, ask us for options like detachable on many dresses, or a pretty sheer matching jacket. Or we can have them made by our seamstresses at your fitting if you order the dress you love without them but are still undecided. We have capes, jackets, and fur wraps as well to customize your perfect look! Make your appointment with us here!

Wedding Dress Fabrics, wedding dresses

Three Things To Love About Crepe Wedding Dresses

May 8, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

Whether it’s a body-hugging mermaid or a romantic A-line, crepe dresses are sophisticated and timeless. No doubt you’ve heard about (and pinned) a few dresses in this amazing fabric, so in this blog we will go into more detail.

Crepe is a fabric that was traditionally made from silk or wool which is what gives some their “bumpy” appearance, but can now can be made from almost any fiber. Crepe georgette is very popular in dresses now because the georgette adds elasticity.

Crepe types vary from thin and lightweight to thick and heavyweight. Wedding dresses typically fall somewhere in between. They definitely aren’t thick and heavy because they would lose their beautiful drape and flow, however, they are not thin because then the dress could be somewhat see-through.

Wedding dresses in this fabric are not always lined underneath, but if they are it is usually with a satin or a charmeuse therefore need to have some thickness for proper structure and draping. A little thickness is also what gives crepe our first thing we love:

Hug Those Curves! You work hard to keep that body of yours in shape and it shows at every angle in a dress like Fallon by Madi Lane below, a stunning crepe dress with buttons down the back accentuating the assets! The incredible fit with a little mix of a georgette fabric gives not only the perfect silhouette but also allows the stretch needed to sit, walk, and do those perfect dance moves. Not to mention it will knock your fiance out all night long.
Smooth and Comfortable. Are there any two better adjectives to describe a wedding dress? Besides the ones already used above? Smooth always looks classic and sophisticated, clean and timeless. Comfortable is not always easy to get in a dress. When a dress has lace and/or beading, multiple layers of crinoline, a fitted high structured satin, it can be a long day wearing it. Scratchy, heavy, tight – none of these describe crepe. This fabric is ideal for sensitive skin as well.
The Color. Whether you choose white or ivory, the richness in this fabric is like no other. The whites are clean and bright with none of the “harshness” of other fabrics, the ivories are creamy and warm. Some crepe dresses are only made in one color so ask your consultant if there are swatches.