appointments, Darianna News, Uncategorized, wedding dress shopping

Our Gown-On-Loan Program

September 18, 2021 darianna Leave a comment

Did you know that Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo offers a gown-on-loan program to try on at our store? We do, and it is something our brides love! Here is how it works and why it’s so great.

Perhaps you are looking at one of our amazing designers and find a dress you would love to try on. You call and find out that it isn’t one in the store and you don’t want to wait for the next trunk show to try it on. That is where the gown-on-loan program comes in!

For a $75 charge that covers shipping, we will bring in up to two dresses from a designer that we carry for you to try. While we cannot guarantee what size or color they may have to loan, most dresses are available in at least two sizes that work for almost every bride!

That $75 is then credited to a new dress purchase! And it doesn’t have to be one of the loaner dresses, it can be any new wedding dress 🙂

The Mila dress from Madi Lane Bridal in ivory/mocha was brought in for a bride as a gown-on-loan — Mila from Madi Lane brought in as a gown-on-loan

This works so well for several reasons. First is the obvious when you see something online on a model and fall in love! You can’t wait to try it on and you search everywhere for it with no luck. We bring it in for you and you get to see for yourself if it looks as amazing in person as it did online. And then the real test: does it look and feel as amazing on you?

It also allows a bride to see a dress in person rather than buying it sight unseen without a way to return it. Special order dresses are not able to be canceled or returned so getting a dress on loan is a perfect solution!

Another reason brides love our gown-on-loan program is because there is no pressure to purchase. We never treat brides that way. We want you to be 100% sure, obsessed, over the moon in love with the dress you choose, and a high-pressure situation never allows for that. A bride knows her dress when it’s on!

If you decide to purchase, you are not buying that dress that has been loaned out. The loaner dress gets returned to the designer. We order you a brand new dress in your size and color choice.

An interesting fact about this program is that 66% of the brides who take advantage of this program purchase the dress they brought in. Meaning two out of every three brides who brought in a dress they fell in love with online said Yes to it!

Over half of the gown-on-loan brides knew their dress from a photo, that is amazing!

But other times it turned out not to be the one. Sometimes it just looks different in person. Other times it doesn’t work for her height, body shape, or even the venue. When that happens it’s not a bad thing because we then know what styles to introduce that she will love!

The gown-on-loan program is not a trunk show! You can read about trunk shows here for more information. While you can wait for a trunk show to try on a particular dress, they do not always include the dress(es) you want. The show may be a different collection and may not contain what you are looking for. If you are attending a trunk show and there is a specific dress you want, make sure to call to ensure it will be part of the show.

To make a request for this program, call or chat at 215-491-8500 and let us know what dress you are interested in. We can then get the details to you regarding timing and sizes available, and get an appointment set up for you. We look forward to seeing you!

About the author: Wendy Ianieri-Salerno is co-founder and co-owner of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, now in its eighth year in business. In that time the store has grown from a small bridal boutique to a full-service bridal store serving not only Bucks County, PA but the surrounding counties and even border states. With the customer experience in mind, Wendy steers the company by offering the best designers and wedding attire while creating a caring, family atmosphere. A life-long Bucks County native, she currently resides in Warrington with her husband and co-founder/co-owner Franco Salerno, and their two daughters for whom the store was named, Daria and Deanna.

Trends

Fall 2021 Wedding Dress Favorites

August 3, 2021 darianna Leave a comment

The new wedding dresses for fall 2021 are arriving in our store! This is always an incredibly fun time when our new dresses come in and we get to play with our new friends and even find new dress favorites!

Each of our bridal stylists has a vibe and a flair all of her own, just like each bride who comes in to our store. Our girls try on every dress we have and make sure they know everything about each one so that you have the best guidance and information possible for your search.

So while they try on every dress, each of our team members is unique as well and in this blog we will feature the staff dress favorites! Lets go!

Sarah’s favorite is Sutton by L’Amour

Sutton by L'Amour is a gorgeous design with lovely beaded details on the bodice, a sparkle belt with bow, deep plunge neckline, and low V-back — Sarah in “Sutton” from Calla Blanche’s L’Amour collecion

“I am obsessed with Sutton,” said Sarah about this dress, and we are not going to lie, the word ‘obsessed’ is what we love to hear in this business! “The simple yet delicate details are stunning. The beading sparkles and shines without being over bearing. I love how the neckline and the back of the dress are similar deep V shape. Sutton is also venue versatile and would be the perfect fit for a wedding at the beach, in a garden, or a lavish hotel!”

Marissa’s favorite dress is Alessandra from Eddy K:

Alessandra by Eddy K is a V-neck fit and flare wedding dress with intricate lace and a lovely sparkle — Marissa modeling the Alessandra dress from Eddy K.

Marissa is always partial to fit and flare dresses with intricate lace patterns. Alessandra called to her because of the deep V neckline, the subtle sparkle throughout, and in her own words the “gorgeous train” … which it most certainly does have!

Shannon’s favorite? Oh, well, we had to settle for her second favorite dress because her first favorite she will wear at her wedding this month… So we can’t give that one away! Her second favorite dress is Stella York #7103:

Stella York 7103 is both an empire waist and natural waist wedding dress with two subtle bands lining the waist and making it a very flattering silhouette — Shannon in the Stella York dress #7103

“I love this dress because it accentuates the waist with really subtle beaded bands which is so flattering – it gives both an empire and natural waist! I also love the pearl detail in the lace, it adds depth to the pattern.” This A-line shape is classic and looks so good on everyone!

Tori’s favorite is Nesta by Enzoani Blue

Nesta by Enzoani Blue he's a strapless mermaid dress with a sweetheart neckline and a beautiful floral lace pattern with a subtle sparkle throughout — Tori in Blue by Enzoani “Nesta”

“Nesta is definitely my favorite dress because of the modern floral lace, the subtle sparkle throughout, and gorgeous long scallop train!” Tori models so many dresses for us and for her to have a favorite says a lot about this dress. It also has a soft stretch underneath and has great support for a strapless dress.

Courtney’s favorite? Well just like Shannon she will be wearing her favorite at her own wedding next year so we will go with runner-up which is L’Amour’s Jenna!

L'amour's Jenna has a satin skirt with buttons and a shimmery lace bodice and a deep plunge neckline — Courtney in Jenna by Calla Blanche’s L’Amour

Courtney loves the unique design on Jenna – a very modern twist on the traditional! A lace and satin, natural waisted A-line has the start of tradition, but the plunging neckline to the waist is as modern as it gets! The frosted lace appliqué extends to just below the waist, and the buttons on the back of the skirt add lovely detail.

Top spot for Daria is still Natsuko by Enzoani Blue!

Natsuko by Enzoani Blue is a wedding dress favorite with its sweetheart neckline, lightweight tulle skirt with slit and optional off the shoulder straps — Daria’s favorite is still Natsuko

Daria fell in love with this dress when it first came in and has not found anything to knock it out of first place! A perfect sweetheart neckline with a tight fitting lace bodice holds everything in place, while the lightweight layers of tulle in the skirt add a romantic element. The skirt also has scattered lace appliqué and a slit, and the dress comes with off the shoulder straps for another romantic detail!

Kaitlyn’s favorite is Bea by Madi Lane!

Bea by Madi Lane bridal is a favorite with a sheer and light A-line boho wedding dress with long sleeves and a beautiful vine lace pattern — Kaitlyn picks Bea by Madi Lane as her favorite

Looking at this picture we can see why Kaitlyn loves this dress, this fits her personality perfectly! She says it’s her favorite dress because, “It is an off-white which is the color I typically go for and the lace is so pretty and feminine, but not overwhelming. It’s so elegant and definitely a fairytale kind of gown!”

As we look at each one in their dress favorites you can clearly see how different each girl is to pick the dress they did! While they love many of our dresses, they each have their own style and really gravitate toward those dresses. By trying on every one, they also get to know which dresses look great on which body types – which is a win for every bride who comes in needing a little extra assistance on where to start!

About the author: Wendy Ianieri-Salerno is co-founder and co-owner of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, now in its eighth year in business. In that time the store has grown from a small bridal boutique to a full-service bridal store serving not only Bucks County, PA but the surrounding counties and even border states. With the customer experience in mind, Wendy steers the company by offering the best designers and wedding attire while creating a caring, family atmosphere. A life-long Bucks County native, she currently resides in Warrington with her husband and co-founder/co-owner Franco Salerno, and their two daughters for whom the store was named, Daria and Deanna.

Seamstress / Alterations, wedding dresses

Even More Frequently Asked Wedding Dress Questions

July 10, 2021 darianna Leave a comment

Every day when we go into the store we are asked any number of wedding dress questions that we realize has been asked several times. We did a “What Do I Do If?” blog not too long ago and thought we would do another with a few more questions!

How many sizes can a dress be taken in?

This is very tricky and there is no one answer for this question. I personally have seen a size 12 strapless ballgown taken down to a size 0. Would I ever recommend this? Never. The bride who took the chance on this fell in love with a dress that was discontinued and it was her only option. She found one of our amazing seamstresses who worked with her and made this dress perfect!

Having said that we would not recommend sizing a dress down more than two sizes. This depends if it can even be done at all. If a dress has sleeves, a high mesh back, or ornate beading, this is definitely on a case by case basis meeting directly with a seamstress who sees you in the dress.

In many cases it can be done, but there are always costs associated and should be considered carefully. Perhaps ordering a new dress in your size would be less expensive than a sample needing a great deal of work.

How many sizes can a dress be let out?

Again there are a number of answers to this however we start by explaining something called seam allowance. Seam allowance is the extra fabric available inside a dress where the seams are sewn together. Sometimes you are able to get as much as an inch out of each seam allowance, other times there is nothing to use.

There is another option called a gusset. A gusset is when fabric is added to the same and can widen the dress significantly, but it will add another seam.

The lace up back is an option when asked the wedding dress questions of how to make a dress bigger — Lace up back

And finally an option is to remove the zipper and make the dress into a lace up back. We have done this a number of times when a bride and/or bridesmaid is pregnant and needs extra room.

What is a bustle and how much does it cost?

A bustle for your wedding dress is when hooks and or buttons are added to the back of your skirt to pull the train up to floor length. This is done prior to your reception so you are able to dance and move about without tripping on your train.

Bustles are typically not expensive, however depending on the length of your train, the fullness of your skirt, and how many hooks/buttons you will need factors into the cost. There are always multiple ways to do a bustle and your seamstress can show you those and price them out with you. However to give an answer, a one hook or button bustle can be s little as $30 when having your dress alterations and pressing done together!

What size do I choose if I measure between sizes?

It is definitely rare that a bride measures to a perfect size on a size chart. When we take measurements we then look at the designers sizing and put much thought into what size to get. Some things to consider are the largest measurement you have and the style of the dress.

Let’s say you fall in love with a mermaid dress. Mermaid dresses fit tight all over. If your largest measurement is your hip, then that is the size you need to order and here is why. When you have a dress that is tight on your hips you must be able to stand without it wrinkling and pulling, as well as sit down. Trying to let a mermaid dress out to fit the hip is not advised. Can it be done? Probably, however fit the hip in an instance like this.

How/where to measure for a dress — How to measure bust/waist/hip

Now if your largest measurement is your hip and you choose an A-line or a ball gown, you may not necessarily need to order for that measurement. There are any number of scenarios when it comes to measuring and your dress size and our stylists will explain and best advise you.

I am going to lose weight, can I order a smaller size?

It only takes one time where this goes wrong for us to say absolutely not. The best way to handle this is to wait until much closer to the wedding, get remeasured, and then order the size you are fitting into.

Our store refuses to order a size that a bride hopes to be. We will advise to order the size that you measure to that day, and if you lose you can take in. If you don’t lose, the dress will fit. Either way it works. Or better yet, come back closer to the wedding date when we must place the order and we can remeasure then. We will never order dresses too small in the hopes that a bride will lose weight and fit in it. It does not motivate anyone, it is an enormous stress knowing it won’t fit.

How should I hem my dress if I want to wear heels for the ceremony and flats for the reception?

This is another one of the wedding dress questions we get asked. When you him the dress ideally it should just skim the floor. You don’t want to trip down the aisle for sure! And if you are wearing heels it will skim the floor wearing those. If you take them off it will be too long. So what do you do?

The first thing we advise is to reconsider! Perhaps a comfortable pair of wedges would work for both the ceremony and reception, or a lower heel would work for both as well. If a bride is intent on two very different heel heights and one dress, we advise choosing one length, end it will usually be to make sure you do not trip walking down the aisle. Your first look and family photos will be taken before the ceremony and therefore the dress length will look best hemmed to the higher heel shoe.

Sure your dress will be too long at the reception and the bottom will get dirty, but that is what cleaning and preservation is for! You will be dancing the night away and will simply need to be careful in your dress that may be a tad too long.

Have wedding dress questions for us? Text us at 215-491-8500 and we will answer right away! For a great dress shopping experience and sound, honest advice, make you appointment here!

About the author: Wendy Ianieri-Salerno is co-founder and co-owner of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, now in its eighth year in business. In that time the store has grown from a small bridal boutique to a full-service bridal store serving not only Bucks County, PA but the surrounding counties and even border states. With the customer experience in mind, Wendy steers the company by offering the best designers and wedding attire while creating a caring, family atmosphere. A life-long Bucks County native, she currently resides in Warrington with her husband and co-founder/co-owner Franco Salerno, and their two daughters for whom the store was named, Daria and Deanna.

wedding dress shopping, wedding dresses

What Is A Trunk Show?

July 8, 2021 darianna Leave a comment

Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? A Trunk Show can call up many images! Clearly it is a “show” of some sort, but what exactly is in the “trunk”?

For purposes of this blog we are going to talk about wedding dress trunk shows, but the term “trunk show” was simply coined for the fashion industry to show their latest designs that were transported in trunks! The designer would be on hand with his or her newest creations to show prospective buyers and customers, take orders, and get feedback for future designs.

Now we don’t receive dresses in trunks however, they are carefully packed and shipped in boxes!

Let’s first talk about a regular dress shopping experience. You are engaged (woo hoo!!) and ready to shop for your wedding dress, which in our opinion is THE BEST part of the planning process! The normal experience is to make an appointment with us and allow your bridal stylist to guide you in selecting the perfect dresses to try on based on your season, venue, theme, body, and features/styles/fabrics you love. Our gallery is full of hand-picked, beautifully curated dresses from the designers we carry.

Wedding dresses in rows from Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo's wedding dress gallery — Our wedding dress gallery

Because the designers produce new collections twice a year, it is simply not possible for us – or any store – to carry every dress from every designer from every season. While most of us would love the opportunity, it is simply not possible. Buyers like us select dresses we feel best represent our brides, our market, and budgets! This is not an easy task when we want all of them.

Enter the trunk show!

Opening and displaying trunk show wedding dresses from designer Morilee with lace and tulle in ivory and blush colors — Opening and displaying trunk show dresses by Morilee

Designers offer trunk shows with their newest collection – unavailable to the public for months! You get first look and first dibs on dresses that may never even be seen on another bride! While this is amazing because you are seeing them before everyone else, there are other types of shows, too. We host trunk shows specific to plus-sized/curvy cut brides which we love to bring in, as well as best sellers, destination wedding dresses, and more!

Usually a trunk show will last one weekend and then the dresses are shipped to another location, but sometimes they can last as long as a week or two.

A trunk show can have anywhere from a dozen dresses to as many as 40! This means when you come during a trunk show there are that many more dresses to peek through and try on.

Planning and Researching!

You may find yourself looking online and pinning dresses that may be very similar in style and shape, and sometimes you will find the style of one or two designers to be very attractive to you. This is when you want to investigate which store carries those designers and when they will have their next show.

Our Events Page is full of trunk shows, for brides and Moms!

Gray and pewter mother of the bride dresses with lace and sparkle, sleeves in the long and short links, crêpe, chiffon, and satin fabrics — A few of our Mother of the Bride/Groom dresses

It is the perfect opportunity for you to see all of the options and it gets even better… If you say yes to a trunk show dress, usually there will be some type of incentive to purchase at the show whether it is a discount on the dress or an accessory piece or even a drawing to win a prize!!

Now what bride do you know that wouldn’t want that?! Check out our designers, our calendar of events, and make your appointment! Say Yes and become part of our ever-growing, awesome Darianna family!

About the author: Wendy Ianieri-Salerno is co-founder and co-owner of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, now in its eighth year in business. In that time the store has grown from a small bridal boutique to a full-service bridal store serving not only Bucks County, PA but the surrounding counties and even border states. With the customer experience in mind, Wendy steers the company by offering the best designers and wedding attire while creating a caring, family atmosphere. A life-long Bucks County native, she currently resides in Warrington with her husband and co-founder/co-owner Franco Salerno, and their two daughters for whom the store was named, Daria and Deanna.

Mother of the Bride/Groom

Hey There, Mother of the Bride & Groom

June 20, 2021 darianna Leave a comment

Hey there, Mama! Suzanne here. Congratulations on reaching yet another milestone in your never-ending journey as a Mother. You’ve survived the newborn stage, the terrible two’s, teenage rebellion that left you with a facial tic and those anxiety inducing college years. Now it’s time to celebrate the next chapter in your baby’s life….marriage.

As you’re picturing how beautiful your daughter will look or how handsome your son will be in a tuxedo, have you given a thought to what you’ll be wearing? Yeah. I didn’t think so. And, really….haven’t you endured enough already? Now your child has tasked you with finding a gown that makes your figure look fabulous, will fit in aesthetically with the bridal party, won’t make you look matronly, or show up their new mother-in-law. Oh, and of course you’re going to want that dress to camouflage the flaws, accentuate your assets and hopefully not require you to be trussed up in Spanx like a mummy. Easy, right? No problem. (Cue panic attack)

BUT, all is not lost. I’m here to help you. How? Because I AM you. I am firmly ensconced in middle age, possess a love of carbs, a loathing for kale and have a deep desire not to look like a swamp witch. I know I can help you find the perfect look with a little time, an open mind and some honest, constructive feedback.

Where do we start? Well, first I need you to know that in order to have as many choices as possible, you need to start your search at least 3-4 months before the wedding. Why? Because special order gowns take time to produce, especially in a range of colors and sizes. Sure, you could buy something off the rack and that’s definitely an option for many. But do you want to be stuck with only one color choice and a sample that’s battle worn from it’s time with the public? Wouldn’t it be nicer to have a brand new dress in a color you chose instead of being forced to take the clearance rack refugees? Give yourself the gift of time and choice….visit sooner rather than later.

Beautiful mother of the bride dress in a slate blue color with beaded short sleeves, V-neck line, fitted bodice into dropped waste slim a-line. — MGNY by Madeline Gardner

And, what about those colors? Are there specific colors for specific seasons? Can you wear a Dusty Rose in January? Short answer….yes. There really isn’t a specific seasonality to Mother’s dresses. I always advise having a conversation with the Bride before you start looking because there may be colors she would prefer you not wear. Or, maybe she wants you in something that compliments the bridal party. Find out ahead of time and make your search less stressful. Once you get the “rules of engagement” for your dress search, you’re better prepared to start this quest. Right now, the most popular colors for Mother’s dresses are Black, Navy, Silver and Charcoal Gray. Maybe those colors work for you…maybe they don’t. You’re not going to really know until you’re IN a gown.

Mother of the bride dress from Mon Cheri Montage line with an off the shoulder neck line, three-quarter inch sleeves and all over lace appliqué, shown in black comes in delphinium as well — Montage by Mon Cheri

But, what if I don’t know what’s going to look good on me? No worries….that’s why I’m here. I will give you honest, helpful feedback and suggestions on how to make that dress sit up and call you “mama”. Recently, I had a customer swear there was only a specific silhouette she could wear and that “everything else” would call attention to things she would rather camouflage. After a little nudge, she wound up choosing an amazing MGNY off the shoulder, column dress (style #71616) that actually minimized her concerns.

Exploring other options gave her the cougar vibe she deserved to be rocking as a Mother of the Bride rather than that “Granny dress” she thought she’d be trapped in. She was thrilled with her choice and I was happy to be there to lend an assist.

Navy mother of the bride dress with a boat neckline, beaded illusion top and three-quarter inch sleeves and a layered chiffon skirt — Navy is a popular color for Mothers!

The last obstacle in the formal wear version of “Where’s Waldo?” is the effect of weight loss on your gown. This is a very common inquiry, especially after last year found us all scrounging in our pantries and locked out of our gyms (and, if you’re like me, ignoring the elliptical in the basement because the solution to stress is a sleeve of Oreos). Do not wait until you are at goal weight to order a gown, you will most likely be too late to get anything you really want. You can order your gown and then focus on your weight loss plans. Most seamstresses will be happy to take a gown in to accommodate your moderate weight loss for the wedding.

Mother of the bride dress by MGNY designer Madeline Gardner with a beaded V-neck bodice and a chiffon skirt with a slit — Silver Mother dresses match most every color pallet

Hopefully, my little tutorial has pulled you off the proverbial ledge and inspired you to start looking for your perfect dress. Yes, it can be an intimidating task, but so was trying to survive on 4 hours of sleep with a colicky baby and a toddler that thought eating chalk was fun.

We’re here to support you at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo and help you find the perfect dress for this next big memory in the making. There is no appointment necessary for mother dress shopping, so head on over. I look forward to seeing that smile on your face when you find your perfect dress!

Suzanne Ardite is the manager of the mother department at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo. With over 25 years in the bridal attire industry – and spanning a number of states – her experience is vast and her compassion deep. There isn’t much she hasn’t seen or heard in this business! She is a valuable asset to our company and our customers and, knowing how stressful and important weddings are, she is in constant communication with our mothers. Suzanne lives in Solebury with her husband Frank and two children Kaitlyn (a 2021 grad of New Hope-Solebury High School!) and Francis, and is very active in the community theater. If you can’t tell from this blog, she has an outstanding wit as well that puts our moms at ease and keeps all of us in good spirits!

Darianna News

All In the Family 2021

June 7, 2021 darianna Leave a comment

I know I am biased, but she’s our daughter and it’s time for some professional recognition.

Most everyone knows that our family business is named after our two daughters, Daria and Deanna. Deanna is now 13 and getting closer to potentially and hopefully joining us in the store. Daria has been full time with us since graduating from James Madison University.

Three years ago we brought her on as Director of Communications to increase our brand awareness. Three years later, some the events, changes, and growth – in our business, our family, and in her – are surreal and immeasurable.

She came on in June 2018 and for Daria’s second half of the year she became involved with industry organizations such as the Southeastern PA chapters of NACE (National Association of Catering and Events) and ILEA (International Live Events Association). Joining these groups afforded new partnerships and friendships that last through to today!

The next year included involvement in both the Lower Bucks and Central Bucks Chambers of Commerce, as well as an amazing partnership with Visit Bucks County. Daria is a 2019 graduate of the Leadership Program provided by the Lower Bucks Chamber and is looking forward to being a mentor in the 2021 program.

Daria Capaldi speaking at the Leadership Program for the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce in 2019 — Daria presenting at the Leadership program

The partnership with Visit Bucks County afforded our company to be introduced to so many beautiful wedding venues and… we were offered the Premier spot in the Wedding Show held at Delaware Valley University. Our store was featured as the sole bridal, tuxedo, mother, and bridesmaid attire store and we put on a great fashion show!

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo Bridal models taking their final walk at the visit bucks county wedding show held at Delaware Valley University in March 2019 — Bridal Models at the Visit Bucks County Wedding Show, 2019

In addition, we were selected by ILEA and Bruleé catering to do a fashion show at a venue called Moulin in Philadelphia at their wedding show!

Fashion show for Bruleé Catering at Moulin in Philadelphia — Bruleé Catering fashion show at Moulin, 2019

We were approached by Peddler’s Village to participate in a photo shoot to highlight and advertise their wedding accommodations which we gladly did!

Peddler's Village edding photo shoot — Wedding photo shoot for Peddler’s Village

During this time, Daria personally became a wish grantor for the Make-A-Wish foundation. This is a very special and important position to her and we are proud of her for it.

Needless to say our brand awareness and partnerships were growing steadily! 2019 was an amazing year for us and we celebrated by taking a family vacation to Italy for three weeks in December! We celebrated our wins and were full of gratitude as we wandered the streets of Rome and Florence at Christmas time. In my life, I have never been more content.

Our family at the Vatican at Christmas 2019 — This is us, Christmastime at the Vatican 2019

As I personally look back on that trip, it means more and more every day. 2020 was about to happen and change everything.

Word of advice: Take the vacations.

January and February were solid months as we planned our 2nd Annual Visit Bucks County Wedding Show scheduled for early March. We were holding events of our own in the store and excited to begin offering dresses for our moms again. We had so many plans…

On March 5th, the first wave hit. A fever caused me to lose consciousness and fall. I would not be back home for five weeks while I re-learned basic functions of walking, dressing, using my hands… basically how to recover from and live with a severe spinal cord injury.

The second wave hit on March 19th. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all nonessential businesses to close. We had to lay off our employees. Our store would not open again until June 5th.

Daria moved back home in April. As a family we needed to be together to stay afloat, cope, and plan for what was to be – even though we had no idea what was to be.

We knew her position was going to shift immensely due to my condition and the needs of the store in the short term. There was so much uncertainty, but we had customers depending on us whether we were open or closed. Daria took over with communications and planning. Bridal and tuxedo video appointments were done while closed!

Owner Franco Salerno videos Daria Capaldi for an online bridal appointment during the company's forced shut down due to Covid-19 in May 2020 — Owner Franco Salerno videos for an online bridal appointment

When the store did reopen in June almost exactly one year ago, she was in charge of organizing shipments backed up from 3+ months, communicating with designers, and reassuring frightened brides and grooms – these were enormous tasks but she handled them without a hitch.

By the end of August, she had us caught up. Not only caught up but had a staff hired that was incredible, and a schedule that was packed every weekend. A year back in and we are so strong, as a business and as a family.

Daria Capaldi and Shannon Mullen-Kelly, bridal consultant and Darianna Bride whose wedding was postponed due to Covid-19 — Daria and Shannon, like sisters

On a personal note, it was incredibly exciting to me to see her take over with little assistance. As a parent, this is your job. Prepare them to be successful on their own. Let go of the rope and watch them fly.

Also as a parent, one of the most special memories is when your child takes his or her first steps to you. It was definitely a role reversal as some of my first steps, unassisted, were taken to her.

Since the beginning of 2021, we have held 12 trunk shows, added two new Bridal lines, added more to our mother dresses, were super happy to welcome prom back, and increased our tuxedo offerings. We have 12 more shows scheduled for the second half of the year, new Mom dresses coming this summer, and our text and chat communication options are customer favorites! Looking forward to expanding our family with new customers and staff members and jumping on any new opportunities that will pop up.

We celebrated our 8th year on January 7th and more than once we wondered what we would look like on that date. Well, we came out stronger on the other side, more compassionate, appreciative and grateful for what could have happened but fortunately did not. Through all of it, we continue to enjoy a 4.9 customer rating across platforms like Google, the Knot, Wedding Wire, and the Better Business Bureau. And we have been voted Best of Bucks Bridal 2013-2020.

As for Daria, to say I am glad she’s on our team doesn’t cut it. But I am. I am a proud and grateful momma. I cannot wait to see where we go as a company… and where that next family vacation will be… but you can be sure: we WILL take it!

Thank you so much for the support for our family business. <3 We can’t wait to meet our new brides and grooms and welcome them to the family!

About the author: Wendy Ianieri-Salerno is co-founder and co-owner of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, now in its eighth year in business. In that time the store has grown from a small bridal boutique to a full-service bridal store serving not only Bucks County, PA but the surrounding counties and even border states. With the customer experience in mind, Wendy steers the company by offering the best designers and wedding attire while creating a caring, family atmosphere. A life-long Bucks County native, she currently resides in Warrington with her husband and co-founder/co-owner Franco Salerno, and their two daughters for whom the store was named, Daria and Deanna.

wedding dresses

Ten Dresses, Same Body

June 3, 2021 darianna Leave a comment

Did you ever wonder what makes one dress look better on your body than others?

Sometimes there are such subtle differences that change the look entirely. We took ten dresses, two of the same style with tiny differences, and put them on the same body. Take a look, it is very interesting!

Let’s start with a slim A-line. Same banded, defined waist and a V-neck line. These two dresses are very similar in silhouette, yet one features a tighter bodice fit and tank straps while the other a more relaxed, boho feel with a deep plunge and cap sleeves. Notice how the banded waist is very flattering at defining this area of the body!

Sincerity wedding dress with a beaded V-neck bodice and banded waist on the left, Enzoani Blue Lilium dress on the right with a plunge V-neck and cap sleeves — Sincerity Bridal wedding dress on left; Lillium by Enzoani Blue on right

Now let’s look at two similar A-line dresses with halter neck lines. Halters are perfect for framing and featuring the shoulders and upper back and when filled in also provide more coverage than a V-neck or strapless dress. There are halter dresses that are not filled in, but the straps still fasten around the neck while leaving the chest area open. One dress has a beaded bodice and tiered skier with horsehair trim, the other a soft lace bodice with a tulle skirt and lace applique.

Casablanca's Andi wedding dress with a beaded halter top and a tiered skirt on the left, and Morilee's Analeise on the right with a halter lace bodice and lace appliqué on the tulle skirt — Beloved by Casablanca wedding dress Andi on the left, Morilee’s Analeise on the right

Ahh the strapless fit and flare! If you have a curvy body at all, this is a shape for you to try on for sure. Very similar dresses, one with a bit of a plunge neck, the other with a true sweetheart and a little more flare on the skirt. Such a feminine silhouette!

Great dresses for a curvy body! The Enzoani Nesta wedding dress has all over lace with a strapless neckline and a plunge neck, while Casablanca's Angelina has a strapless sweetheart with no plunge and a bit more flare in the skirt — Enzoani’s Nesta wedding dress on the left, Casablanca’s Angelina on the right

How about a long sleeve ballgown? These two dresses are hard to tell apart at first, but one is a bit off the shoulder where the other one has more coverage. One also has more and larger lace appliqué on the skirt, where the other is less adorned. Both of these dresses could be worn with a belt or a sash at the waist.

The Ambrosia dress by Morilee has long sleeves and is a bit off the shoulder with a ball gown silhouette, with a very similar dress called Analeigh by Kitty Chen with more coverage on the shoulder and less lace on the skirt — Ambrosia by Morilee on the left, Analeigh by KittyChen on the right

One of my favorite dress comparisons is this one of the mermaids. Each has thin beaded straps, lace, and a plunge neckline. The difference in the tulle skirt versus the tiered skirt changes the entire vibe between them!

The Nonee dress by Enzoani Blue is a mermaid with a lace bodice and a tulle skirt, next to Anisa by KittyChen with the same mermaid silhouette but a tiered skirt — Nonee by Enzoani on the left, Anisa by Kitty Chen on the right

So after seeing our gorgeous model in all these dresses, I chose one for her body that I felt showed off her best features: Tatiana by Casablanca Bridal! This dress has an open neckline with a bit of a deep V (youthful and romantic), double thin, beaded halter straps (frames her perfectly), a banded and defined waist (tastefully shows off bust line, shows her curves, and elongates her torso), with an A-line skirt with a layer of sparkle underneath a beautiful and feminine embroidered lace. What do you think?

Tatiana dress by Casablanca has a layer of sparkle underneath the embroidered lace pattern, double beaded straps that can be worn straight or as shown as halter, and a perfect a line shape for her body — Tatiana by Casablanca Bridal

If you were wondering what dresses will look best on your body type, come in and try some on. Take pictures and compare, and listen to your consultant. She can point out subtle differences that you may not even be aware of or suggest dresses you never thought possible for you. You don’t know until you start trying on, and we are sure we can lead you to your yes dress! The ideal time to purchase your dress is 9-12 months prior to your wedding. Make an appointment today!

About the author: Wendy Ianieri-Salerno is co-founder and co-owner of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, now in its eighth year in business. In that time the store has grown from a small bridal boutique to a full-service bridal store serving not only Bucks County, PA but the surrounding counties and even border states. With the customer experience in mind, Wendy steers the company by offering the best designers and wedding attire while creating a caring, family atmosphere. A life-long Bucks County native, she currently resides in Warrington with her husband and co-founder/co-owner Franco Salerno, and their two daughters for whom the store was named, Daria and Deanna.

tuxedos

The Rental Suit and Tuxedo Return Process

June 2, 2021 darianna Leave a comment

In this blog we will explain why a timely suit or tuxedo return is imperative!

Renting a suit or tuxedo for your wedding, or a prom, or any special event, is easy and exciting. Dressing up is a great feeling and when you look amazing the night is even better!

We normally receive suit and tux rentals about a week before the event. Sometimes they may arrive even earlier than that which is great! Once in a while, however, they come in very close to the date needed, and it is quite stressful. Let us tell you a few reasons this could happen:

Late returns: this is an unfortunate and common occurrence. If you are waiting for your tuxedo to arrive, but the person who wore it before you did not return it on time, that puts you in a bad situation. All of the garments go through dry cleaning and tailoring/alterations so they can be prepared for you. When the person before you does not return it in a timely manner that means you don’t get it as early as you should. This goes for our customers as well. We have a generous return policy and are very clear with return instructions. In addition we are open seven days a week for return convenience! Often times we wind up paying late fees for customers as an act of goodwill (sometimes we are chastised by customers for their own lateness). We expect everyone in our rental network across the country to return garments in a timely manner so that you can get yours in plenty of time. We also expect our own customers to offer this same courtesy to others.
Uncommon sizes: the most common sizes are the ones that have much greater availability. Less common sizes are not cut as often so there are fewer in inventory. Same with shoes – there are many more pairs of mens sizes 9-12 than there are under 8 and over 13. Here again, a timely return is imperative when the supply is less.
Unusual colors: Same as above so if others are using them, there is nothing to do but wait for them to be returned and shipped to us for you!

Whenever you rent something, whether it is a vacation home, a car, an apartment, or a tuxedo, there is a contract that is signed with clear instructions for both parties. You can’t keep a car past the rental date without a penalty, you can’t stay in an apartment after the lease ends, and you need to return a tuxedo by the due date. This is a contract agreement like every other rental and the renter must take responsibility to fulfill the terms.

The timely and complete tuxedo return ensures you will have yours in plenty of time, and the timely return of your rental ensures the next customer will have in plenty of time of his/hers!

We love serving our customers and helping them look and feel their very best on their important day! We do not want that feeling to be diminished because of fees incurred from late returns! If you have any questions regarding our return policies, feel free to text us at 215-491-8500, or stop in to see our easy rental agreement. We look forward to continuing to serve you!

About the author: Wendy Ianieri-Salerno is co-founder and co-owner of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, now in its eighth year in business. In that time the store has grown from a small bridal boutique to a full-service bridal store serving not only Bucks County, PA but the surrounding counties and even border states. With the customer experience in mind, Wendy steers the company by offering the best designers and wedding attire while creating a caring, family atmosphere. A life-long Bucks County native, she currently resides in Warrington with her husband and co-founder/co-owner Franco Salerno, and their two daughters for whom the store was named, Daria and Deanna.

Darianna News, Seamstress / Alterations

What Do I Do If… Q&As

May 2, 2021 darianna Leave a comment

We get so many questions last minute when plans or details change, especially in the age of Covid. Call these some frequently asked “What do I do if” questions specific to these times!

The most frequently asked question over the last 14 or so months has been, without a doubt, “I have gained weight, what do I do?”

The pandemic has coined not only the term “mimimony“, but also borrowed a phrase from the well-known “Freshman 15” (which describes the 15 pounds that freshman typically gain during their first year in college). We now have the “COVID-19”. When everything was closed – including and especially gyms – weight gains were rampant. Everyone stayed home and the result was a more “sedentary lifestyle” …

So what do you do if you have gained weight? If you have rented a tuxedo, you can simply come back and get remeasured! Not a big deal for the tuxedo. It can be a bit more complicated when it comes to a wedding dress.

We have had brides do their try ons and their dress fit beautifully, but their wedding was then postponed and when they tried it back on it did not fit. We would then get frantic phone calls asking what to do. Some would say they wanted to exchange for a larger size, which is not usually possible unless they are swapping with the sample in the store. Wedding dresses are not returnable and therefore not exchangeable. The chances of swapping with the sample are slim, because the sample size would need to fit you better than the one you purchased – but it has happened and we have done it!

Perhaps you ordered your dress and it hasn’t come in yet, but you know yoursize has changed. When your dress comes in, tell us you think your size has changed! Don’t be afraid to come in and try on, it may not be as bad as you think and that way you can be prepared for any adjustments! We are happy to take new measurements in case that will help put your mind at ease.

Depending on how much the size has changed, there is an option to do a lace up back where the zipper is removed and loops and a ribbon are added to the back. It will accommodate several sizes in the waist and bust area, and there are many dresses that are designed that way already!

What do I do? Wedding dress with a lace up back that is a great option when your dress is too small — Example of a wedding dress with the zipper removed and loops and ribbon added

If your dress happens to be fitted in the hips and you can no longer sit down or move in it, there is an option to let out a bit or add fabric to the side seams. Some of these alterations can get costly and stressful and there are times when it is simply in a bride’s best interest to purchase another dress that fits and sell the one that no longer does.

Our seamstresses do everything they can to make dresses fit perfectly. The advice we have is to discuss the options calmly and make a plan from there. Understand you are not the only one in this position.

It is the same thing with bridesmaids. We have had parties where maids have all gained some weight. Several have swapped dresses while others have had to order new ones completely.

Another question is “What do I do if my dress arrived, but my wedding was postponed 12 months?”

Bridal stores have different policies, some depending on the size of the store, some depending on business practices. Our policy is that we require the dress to be tried on and taken from the store when it arrives. Storing wedding dresses is very difficult for us, due to space restrictions, as we learned through the pandemic. Dresses that were in the store during our lock down made brides panic that they would never get them. Dresses that were on order that couldn’t be shipped to our store during lock down made brides panic. When lock down was lifted and the shipping started, we had hundreds of dresses arrive but not the space to store all of them! We do not want this kind of situation again, and the best way to make sure it doesn’t happen is to have brides in possession of their wedding dress as soon as possible.

If your dress arrives and your wedding is postponed. You should still come in, try your dress on, make sure that you know what alterations will be needed, assuming your size stays the same, and take it home with you. Any accessories will be included with the dress and should be kept together.

Dresses can be stored in our gown bags in a closet or lying flat under a bed, (assuming there are no animals in the home of course!) with no issues. Do not store a dress in a damp basement or in direct sunlight. Do not allow a dress to hang by its straps or sleeves, make sure it is hung up by the sewn in hanger straps. This way there will be no stretching of the sleeve and the integrity of the fabric and/or beading will remain perfectly intact.

How about, “I already bought my dress but I have changed my venue and I want a different dress, what do I do?” This is a very unfortunate circumstance. Once your dress is ordered, there is no stopping it. We cannot change the style, size, nor color, what you ordered and what was confirmed is what is coming in. Changing a venue does not allow us to change your dress with the designer.

Our advice is to choose the venue first. If you think there is a chance you may change it, do not order your dress. Bridal stores are not responsible for changes like this, so make sure you understand when you sign for a dress, that is your dress. If you decide you need a different one, you can sell the one you have and purchase a different one, but there are no exchanges or refunds.

If you find yourself in a position thinking “What do I do?” – reach out to us! We can help answer any of your questions and help lower your stress level 🙂 Whatever your situation, we are here to help as best we can!

About the author: Wendy Ianieri-Salerno is co-founder and co-owner of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, now in its eighth year in business. In that time the store has grown from a small bridal boutique to a full-service bridal store serving not only Bucks County, PA but the surrounding counties and even border states. With the customer experience in mind, Wendy steers the company by offering the best designers and wedding attire while creating a caring, family atmosphere. A life-long Bucks County native, she currently resides in Warrington with her husband and co-founder/co-owner Franco Salerno, and their two daughters for whom the store was named, Daria and Deanna.

Darianna News, wedding dress shopping, wedding dresses

A New Designer Addition: L’Amour by Calla Blanche

April 28, 2021 darianna Leave a comment

One of the great perks about working in a bridal store is seeing all of the dresses from all of the designers. One of the difficult tasks is choosing which dresses from which designer to include! We want to bring all of them in, but there simply isn’t space to do that.

We are so excited to announce that we are adding the line L’Amour by designer Calla Blanche to our inventory this fall! Dresses will be in by the end of the summer and we cannot wait to get them on display and on our brides!

Calla Blanche has four lines that retail in the United States and all over the world. With a fashion-forward approach to creating unique wedding dresses, you won’t find the basic, traditional wedding dresses that look like a million others that you have seen before.

L’Amour designer dresses apply new and inventive elements to classic designs including using color, textures, and luxurious fabrics and textiles. And that is a main reason we chose them! We want to offer the most unique designs to our brides, in the perfect price points – starting at $1,150!

Let’s feature two of our favorites that literally stopped us in our tracks when we saw them at New York Bridal market. The first one is Maisie:

Maisie dress by designer Calla Blanche from the L'Amour collection, this wedding dress has a lace bodice with a plunge neckline and off the shoulder lace sleeves, a satin belted waist and a beautiful chiffon skirt with a slit — Maisie by L’Amour

Such an on trend dress is Maisie with a much sought after chiffon skirt, as well as the slit and the satin banded waist. Combined with a lace bodice, this dress works for any venue. The plunge neck is held tight by nude mesh, and the beautiful lace off the shoulder sleeves give it the romance that every bride is looking for. Lightweight, clean, and elegant. A gorgeous choice that will stand the test of time without being dated or “traditional”.

The second dress is Amber:

Harkening back to decades past with it’s gorgeous bell sleeves and BoHo lace, the Amber dress was a must for our store. Light weight and a pretty lace pattern combine beautifully with a modern deep plunge neck and low back. We can picture brides getting married in the garden with nature elements surrounding them in a dress like this. The perfect flower crown accessory would complete this look perfectly.

There are dresses we have also chosen that are too new for us to even feature yet! We hope you will all keep an eye on our Instagram for these new beauties… And if you remember any dress name, remember Sutton… because it was the dress that made us grab the line.

There are always new dresses coming out and our focus is to keep them unique, ensure the quality of the fabrics and the construction, allow for proper ship dates, and in the right price points. There is nothing worse than a bride that goes from store to store seeing the same thing over and over. When they gets to us, they are excited again to start trying on! Or a bride who finds a dress at double the budget for half the quality. We have done that research already and can verify our designers are top-of-the-line without breaking the budget!

Generally you should purchase your wedding dress 9 to 12 months prior to your wedding date. Coming out to early means you will miss the latest season of designer dresses, coming out too late can put you at risk for rush fees or the inability to order the dress you want in time.

And the best part is the introductory trunk show event is scheduled for June 11 through June 13! We cannot wait to have these dresses on display for our brides to try!! Make your appointment with us here. We can’t wait to help you find your YES!

About the author: Wendy Ianieri-Salerno is co-founder and co-owner of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, now in its eighth year in business. In that time the store has grown from a small bridal boutique to a full-service bridal store serving not only Bucks County, PA but the surrounding counties and even border states. With the customer experience in mind, Wendy steers the company by offering the best designers and wedding attire while creating a caring, family atmosphere. A life-long Bucks County native, she currently resides in Warrington with her husband and co-founder/co-owner Franco Salerno, and their two daughters for whom the store was named, Daria and Deanna.