Schedule Appointment Call or Text: 215-491-8500

Video Appointments from Your Bridal and Tuxedo Store

Because of COVID-19 and social distancing requirements, Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo began offering video appointments for our brides and grooms even before the general shutdown in Pennsylvania. It turns out, our brides and grooms loved the service and began booking video appointments with us pretty immediately.

While we continue to monitor the Center for Disease Control’s recommendations for safe practices during the pandemic, we feel that a video appointment can be both convenient and appealing to those who want to further reduce the risk of the Coronavirus. We did re-open to serve you in our store on June 5, 2020 but created many new procedures to keep you safe.

In fact, the Intelligencer newspaper learned of our video appointments and sent a photographer to catch some of our appointments in action. On March 30, 2020, they published those photos describing several video appointments!

Even though we are a small, family business, we really enjoy using technology to keep in touch with our customers. There are so many methods to communicate with us and now video appointments are here to stay, even after we are past the coronavirus!

Most of our customers have done their video appointments with us by FaceTime or Google Duo. Google Duo is a free Google app that will allow an iPhone and Android phone to do a free video call together.

On a few occasions, we’ve done video appointments by Skype, Google Meet, WhatsApp and Zoom. Most of our customers enjoy the convenience of using their mobile phones for a video appointment, so FaceTime and Google Duo have been the most popular apps that we have used. However, we can accommodate other platforms as well.

Tuxedo Appointments

During your tuxedo and suit appointment, we will introduce ourselves and in the comfort of your own home, you will get to learn who we are and meet us by video connection! We will explain to you the entire rental or purchase process and provide you with timelines and advice on getting all of your groomsmen and fathers measured and fitted.

Co-owner of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo Franco Salerno holds a swatch color book to a video tuxedo appointment, while also displaying  black and brown shoe selections and a gray Michael Kors tuxedo called "Chrome".
Co-owner Franco Salerno doing a tuxedo consultation via video

Just like our in-person appointments, we will provide you with some ideas on what the fathers can wear, how to distinguish the groom from the groomsmen, and answer any of your questions about the process. We also explain the the difference between a tuxedo and suit and show you actual suits and tuxedos in the video.

We will also provide you with detailed instructions on how to get your out-of-town groomsmen to get measured and how they can easily submit their measurements and payments on our website.

Co-owner Franco Salerno showing tuxedo accessory photos to customers via video appointments
Franco showing accessory color swatches

After the video appointment, you will have several things to think about and the next time we see each other, you will have a better idea of what your groom will want to try on. We are just a text away if you forgot to ask a question, or think of one afterwards!

Bridal Video Appointment

So yes, we’ve done bridal video appointments too! These have worked in many different ways. During the shutdown ordered by Pennsylvania’s governor, we would have brides choose dresses that they like. We would also choose dresses for her based on what she likes in a wedding dress. Our daughter, Daria, would model the dresses and we would provide a live video feed to the bride so that she could see what the wedding dresses looked like on a person, as it moved, twirled, and sparkled. This is better than seeing it on the mannequin.

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo manager Daria Capaldi models an off-the-shoulder, lace wedding dress on video to be sent to a bride
Daria modeling a Madi Lane dress for a video appointment

This video appointment allows the bride to choose her favorite bridal gowns and rule out any that she is not interested in. This way, when she visits us in person to try her favorites on, she is ready to hit the ground running. We keep detailed notes of the dresses that will be tried on when the bride visits our bridal store. What a great way to research dresses and make the best use of time, all while staying safe at home!

During this appointment, as with our in-person appointments, we are able to explain dress fabrics, dress silhouettes, bustling options, customizations, and timing for arrival of your beautiful dress from the designer once ordered. And of course, we can answer any questions that you may have. We can even try on belts, veils and hair pieces in the video call if you’d like to see those as well.

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo manager Daria Capaldi video models an off-the-shoulder, lace wedding dress with a chapel length train in preparation for an online bridal video appointment
Videoing more details of a dress to send to a bride

Because of COVID-19, we are currently limiting the number of guests that are permitted to attend your bridal appointment. You are allowed to have 3 guests plus the bride, 4 people in all. To compensate for this, we can add other guests who would like to share in our bridal appointment by video.

Many of our brides have added Grandmom to her video appointment so that she can safely participate in the moment, or maybe it’s your friend in another state who could not travel to the area due to COVID. We recently had a bride FaceTime her maid of honor who was located in Colorado. The maid of honor anticipated coming to our store to share in her friend’s wedding dress shopping experience but due to COVID, chose not to fly during the holidays.

Bride in a mermaid lace wedding dress with a keyhole back using a ring light to share the dress details over the phone with her family who participated in the video appointment from home
Bride trying on with our ring light providing the most flattering views

Our bridal stylists can take the phone and camera and show the video participants a 360 degree view of dresses, accessories and of course your reaction! Brides can also use our ring light to capture the dress it in lighting that will show off all of its amazing features!

By Far Our Most Unusual Video Appointment

Our favorite video appointment was with a bride 7,000 miles away. We currently have a bride who lives in Seoul Korea. Because of the pandemic, she is unable to come home to try on wedding dresses with her family. The bride’s sister, who lives in Philadelphia, was kind enough to model dresses for her in our store during a video appointment. Through Instagram messenger, we communicated with the bride in Korea and helped her choose bridal gowns to her liking. When mom, sister and a friend came for the appointment, they also chose dresses for her.

Our bride in South Korea had her sister try on dresses for her!

The bride was able to see her favorite dresses on her sister and say yes to the dress from Seoul, Korea!

Making a Video Appointment

So how do you make a video appointment? This is very easy. You can make an online appointment and in the notes to your request, ask for a video appointment. You can also request a video appointment by texting our store’s telephone number: 215-491-8500. Video appointment requests can be made by sending us a message via Facebook Messenger, Instagram Messenger or message on Google from your mobile phone by Googling Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo. Of course, you can always call us too!

So what are you waiting for? Make your video appointment today! We can’t wait to meet you!

About the author: Franco Salerno is co-founder and co-owner of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, now in their eighth year in business. In that time, he built the tuxedo department into a force rivaling big box stores by providing expertise, caring service, and beautiful, quality formal wear. Personally invested in every transaction, Mr. Salerno provides customers with the utmost trust and confidence, assuring their wedding or formal event attire will be perfect. A native of Philadelphia, he currently resides in Warrington, Bucks County with his wife and store co-founder/co-owner Wendy, and their two daughters for whom the store was named, Daria and Deanna.

Top 8 Ways to Communicate With Our Bridal & Tuxedo Store

Your wedding day is the most important day in your life and the ability to instantly communicate with your vendors is vital. We at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo are in constant communication with our couples! It is one more way we can serve you better.

Right around the holidays, engagement season kicks into high gear and we get a lot of appointment requests! We want to make sure you know how easy it is to communicate with us, whether it’s before, during or after business hours.

Usually our store is open 7 days a week, but this time of year we like to give our staff some time off and we are closed during major holidays. However, if you received that engagement ring on Christmas day or New Year’s Eve, not to worry. You can still communicate with the owners as if our Philadelphia area bridal and tuxedo store were open!

We know you are excited to get started trying on wedding dresses. The new year brings a lot of appointments and sometimes it can be challenging to get the day and time you prefer. We can help with multiple and easy methods to communicate with us and book that appointment. We want to share in your excitement!

No matter whether our store is open or not, you can contact us with the following methods:

We are just a text away: You can text our store telephone number: 215-491-8500. Yes, you read that correctly! Send us a text. The owners personally respond to all messages.

Instagram Messenger: Send us a message through Instagram @dariannabridal.

Facebook Messenger: Send us a message through Facebook Messenger @dariannabridal.

Google Maps and Google My Business Messaging: you can send Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo a message on your mobile phone through its Google Maps listing.

Online Chat from our Website: start an online chat with us from our website. Very easy and convenient. Start one now HERE.

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo Website offers an instant online chat capability; customers communicate directly with the owners.
Live chat option – directly with the owners!

Send us a message through our website: Send one late at night, you’ll be answered in the morning!

Make an online appointment: Come on in for wedding dresses, Mother gowns, bridesmaids, and our gorgeous selection of suits and tuxedos!

You can always call us during business hours or leave a message outside of business hours: 215-491-8500.

As a family-owned, local business, it is important to us that you are able to contact and communicate with us on your own convenient terms. That’s why we’ve created all of these methods for you to contact us.

In addition, you will be surprised how responsive we are on all of these methods. Obviously, if you would like a more immediate response, we recommend texting us or using the various messaging services that we mentioned above. We monitor those everyday and most hours of the day (except in the middle of the night; sorry, even we have to sleep sometimes!).

Our family is here for you and we can’t wait to receive your messages and appointments. We love dressing our brides, grooms, mothers and fathers and will also take personal care of your bridesmaids and groomsmen.

From the moment you start communicating with us, you will see, we will treat you like family. Read our reviews and then start a conversation with us today. We can’t wait to meet you!

About the author: Franco Salerno is co-founder and co-owner of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, now in their eighth year in business. In that time, he built the tuxedo department into a force rivaling big box stores by providing expertise, caring service, and beautiful, quality formal wear. Personally invested in every transaction, Mr. Salerno provides customers with the utmost trust and confidence, assuring their wedding or formal event attire will be perfect. A native of Philadelphia, he currently resides in Warrington, Bucks County with his wife and store co-founder/co-owner Wendy, and their two daughters for whom the store was named, Daria and Deanna.

What’s in Your Wedding Box?

The Wedding Box. They are the tell tale sign of the beginning of wedding planning. Chances are that you have seen one or two bridesmaid proposal boxes on your Instagram feed at one point or another, but the wedding box has taken on a new role during weddings of the Covid era.

Let’s talk about all the different types of boxes that you may come across either while planning or attending a wedding.

The Bridal Party Proposal Box

The date has been set and the venue is chosen! Now it is time to formally ask your VIPs to stand next to you on your big day. This is when the boxes come into play!

Boxes will typically come either personalized with the recipient’s name or the question “Will you be my bridesmaid?” Many brides choose to fill their bridesmaid proposal boxes with items like wine or champagne, small candles, hair ties, personalized tumblers, jewelry, robes, and other small filler items.

For the guys, the boxes will feature items like beer or whiskey, customized shot glasses, koozies, a bottle opener, flask, a tie, cigars, and much more. Items can be chosen to fit each member of the party personally or be part of an overall theme (ex. beach, colors, necessities for your day, etc.).

Black box with a personalized flask, whiskey, cufflinks, sunglasses, and a tie clip, asking "Will you be my groomsman?"
Groomsman Box

No matter what goes into the boxes, the members of your wedding party will be ecstatic to stand next to you on your big day!

The Welcome Box

Some couples who have destination weddings or have guests who require overnight lodging will provide their guests with a Welcome Box. These boxes can be customized to fit the wedding theme, the couple, or even the destination where the wedding is being held.

Cardboard wedding box with a handle, and a label saying welcome to our wedding in calligraphy.
Welcome Box

One unique feature that couples can add into their welcome boxes is local snacks or treats! A tasty dessert or a traditional bite is a perfect way to welcome your guests not only to your wedding, but to the destination itself.

For those couples with beach weddings, a box with some snacks like plantain chips and fruits accompanied by some sunscreen, aloe vera, and perhaps sunglasses would be the perfect touch to prepare guests for a weekend in paradise. Personalized wedding favors like cups or some bubbly with a custom label are also a cute keepsake that will get your guests excited for the big day!

If your wedding festivities occur over the span of a few days, including a program to inform your guests of the timing of all the activities is a great idea to keep everyone on track and accounted for. Add a handwritten thank you note and you are all set to start the weekend of your dreams! The options for your Welcome Boxes are truly endless – have some fun choosing the items for yours.

The Covid Wedding Box

Given the current situation with the pandemic, many couples are opting to have smaller, socially distant weddings. Whether they decide to keep their in-person celebration or decide to go all virtual, more couples are opting to incorporate some form of a wedding box into their day!

For the couples who have chosen to continue their celebration with all of their guests present (and socially distant!), many couples choose to provide their boxes prior to the reception. These boxes can contain a branded mask and hand sanitizer, the guests table number, a program, champagne, bottled water, a slice of cake, favors, and a thank you note. This box eliminates the need for guests to move around the venue and helps contain the spread of germs.

Couples that chose to have a virtual ceremony might consider sending boxes to their guests with champagne, flutes, favors, candy, thank you notes, and perhaps details of their big reception should they choose to still have one. This allows guests to still celebrate with the couple from the safety and comfort of their own home.

Regardless of what option the couple chooses for their celebration, the use of these boxes during Covid has helped keep guests safe and happy!

The Favor Box

The final box you might come across comes at the finale of the wedding. These boxes are typically the smallest of the group. Favor boxes are given out as a “thank you” to your guests for coming and typically provide a little keepsake or treat. The outside of the boxes can be customized with a personal wedding label or designed to match the wedding theme or colors! These boxes can be filled with treats like macaroons, cake pops, cupcakes, M&Ms, taffy, chocolate truffles, mints, or chocolate covered pretzels.

If you are looking to provide a keepsake rather than sweets, consider custom koozies, cups, glasses, or shot glasses. Other non-edible favors can include candles, bottle openers, a bottle stopper, succulents, or personalized soaps. Choose something that will remind your guests of you newlyweds whenever they see it!

We hope this blog gave you some great inspiration to consider what boxes you would like to incorporate into your big day! Read about new trends for 2021 here!

About the author: Daria Capaldi is the manager of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo and one-half of its namesake. On the cusp of the Millennial/Gen Z divide, she is uniquely suited for understanding the wedding industry both from a business perspective and a bride’s planning perspective. A graduate of James Madison University and a participant in the Disney Internship Program, Ms. Capaldi upholds the customer experience as key. A Warrington, Bucks County native, she currently resides in Huntingdon Valley.

Top 10 Wedding Tuxedo & Suit Questions

Thinking about renting a suit or a tuxedo for your wedding? If you have questions, there is a good chance this blog will answer it!

What if my groomsmen and wedding guests live all over the country or don’t live in the area?

We at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo have a very easy fix for your out-of-town wedding guests who need a tuxedo or suit. All you have to do is provide us their zip codes and we arrange to get them measured near their home or work or free.

They can submit their measurements on our website here and even make their payments online on the same page! It’s as easy as that! We can even arrange to ship them their tuxedos or suits if they are not going to be in town at least 48 business hours before the wedding. This way, they can try on the tuxedo or suit in advance and call or text us (yes, you can actually text our store telephone number!) if they need any changes.

Read our blog here on dressing out-of-town groomsmen. You’ll be happy you did.

Our groom and his five groomsmen wearing the navy colored Sebastian tuxedo by Ike Behar. The groom differentiated himself by wearing a bowtie in a wine color with a floral pattern and matching pocket square, while his groomsmen wore a solid wine color bowtie and pocket square. He also had a Calla lily boutonniere while his groomsmen had carnations.
A groom and his men in the Sebastian navy tuxedo

How far in advance should I start looking for my wedding tuxedo or suit?

Another one of our frequently asked tuxedo questions! Being a bridal and tuxedo store, we know that the bride comes first. Once the bride says yes to her wedding dress, you are good to start looking at tuxedos and suits. Some of our brides like to make sure the bridesmaids have chosen and ordered their dresses before the guys start looking, but that is entirely up to you.

We generally give a range of looking at tuxedos and suits from 3 to 9 months before your wedding. Six months before the wedding is usually a very good starting place. We can work with you even the week of the wedding, however, the 3 to 9 month range helps the bride and groom make decisions and give the groomsmen enough time to get measured.

What is the difference between a tuxedo and suit?

This is a great question and we get it all of the time! In general, a tuxedo has satin on the lapel, has satin buttons, satin embellishments and sometimes finer stitching. Essentially, it’s a more formal look. Suits do not have any satin on them and typically have plastic buttons.

This photo of a groom shows a classic black tuxedo, evidenced by the satin on the lapel and the pockets. It also has fabric covered buttons making it a bit more formal. This tuxedo has a notch lapel, however tuxedos can also have jackets with a peak lapel and a shawl lapel as well.
A classic black tuxedo with satin on the lapel and pockets
This photo is of a groom wearing a tuxedo by Allure Me in mulberry that does not have satin on it. Instead, it has a thin stripe of stitching along the lapel where satin typically goes. It gives it a bit more formality without adding the shine of satin.
An example of a tuxedo with no satin, instead there is stitching on the lapel
This picture shows a groom wearing a three-piece hunter green colored suit. Suits do not have satin, and they usually have a plastic button. This, and all suits, will have a notch lapel jacket
Three-piece suit in hunter green

While many of our suits have beautiful and high end stitching and fabric, none has any satin on them. We do have a few tuxedos, however, that have no satin on them as well. The designers have created them with a self edging stitch along the lapel to emulate where the satin would have gone. This gives the tuxedo a more formal look without the sheen. In addition the buttons on these tuxedos are covered in the fine fabric of the tuxedo rather than satin.

Read our blog here on whether you should wear a tuxedo or suit for your wedding.

How do I know what the tuxedo/suit that I chose will look like on me?

When the groom rents a tuxedo or suit from Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, he is in for many pleasant surprises! One of those surprises is a free groom try on.

We know we may even have too much choice when it comes to suits and tuxedos, if that’s even possible! We have over 70 different styles of tuxedos and suits for rent and over 35 available for purchase. We also have about 1,000 different vest, bow tie, long tie and pocket square styles and colors to choose from. Honestly, if we can’t satisfy your color and style needs, no one can!

When you and your wedding party rents or purchases their tuxedos or suits with us, the groom is treated to a free groom try on. He and the bride are able to choose up to two full tuxedos or suits (jacket, pants and vest), 2 different shirts, 2 pairs of shoes, 4 vests and 4 different long and or bow ties. We prepare and alter the suits or tuxedos to the groom’s size and he gets to play dress-up in his exact size as if it were his wedding day. He can do his groom try-on up to a year before his wedding at no charge at all.

Our brides and grooms love this service because they then get to see what the groom will look like in his exact size well before the wedding. We even interchange all of the accessories that you choose so that you can see which long tie, bow tie and vest you like best.

What should the father of the groom and father of the bride wear to the weddings?

Our experience has been that 80% to 90% of fathers choose a tuxedo or suit different from the wedding party to help them stand out, while 10% to 20% of the fathers wear the same exact suit or tuxedo and just change the long tie or bow tie and pocket square. Often, the fathers wear a long tie or bow tie and pocket square that match the color of the dress of the person who is accompanying them to the wedding.

Our suggestion is choose which suit or tuxedo they will be wearing and they will be relieved of not having the pressure of choosing for themselves! Read our full blog here on ideas and trends on what the fathers of the grooms and brides wear to the wedding.

I gained/lost weight between the time I was measured for my tuxedo or suit rental and the date of the wedding; what do I do?

Not to worry about any changes in size! Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo has you covered. Our tuxedos are typically ready for pickup 4 to 12 days before the event. With 48 business hours noticed, we can adjust or fix any changes that may have occurred over the months and ensure the perfect fit, at no charge!

Certain grooms or groomsmen know that they are going to lose weight in anticipation of the wedding. In those cases, we typically request that they return to get re-measured 3 – 4 weeks before the wedding to make sure we have everything ready in the new and correct size.

When should everyone have their measurements and payments in for the rental?

Another great question! We prefer to have everyone’s measurements and initial payments in by 4 weeks before the wedding. We can still accommodate rentals with less notice but this is a very comfortable time frame for the bride and groom to give them the peace of mind that all of the guys are ready for the wedding!

Do I need an appointment to discuss tuxedos and suits for my wedding?

At Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, we provide a very personalized, one-on-one interactive service and recommend that you make an appointment to ensure we have a tuxedo and suit consultant available for you. While we do accept walk-ins, making an appointment will ensure that you have someone available to talk to you at your preferred time and that there is no wait.

You can make an appointment online or even text our store’s phone number. An appointment is not required if you just need to get measured for a wedding party (unless there are more than 3 of you coming at the same time).

How do I get a hold of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo?

By far, the easiest way to get a hold of us is by texting the store’s telephone number: 215-491-8500. We monitor and answer texts everyday whether we are open or not. You can also send us a message through Google, Google Maps, Instagram, and Facebook. Of course, you can always call us as well! You have constant access to the owners at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo.

Some of my groomsmen want to rent their suit or tuxedo and others may want to buy them. What options do we have?

With our Buy or Borrow program, 35 of our 70+ suits or tuxedos are available to purchase or rent. This provides your entire wedding party the flexibility of choosing what is best for them.

Do you have additional suit or tuxedo questions? Text us at 215-491-8500 and we will answer you immediately! We can’t wait to dress you for your wedding or formal event.

About the author: Franco Salerno is co-founder and co-owner of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, now in their eighth year in business. In that time, he built the tuxedo department into a force rivaling big box stores by providing expertise, caring service, and beautiful, quality formal wear. Personally invested in every transaction, Mr. Salerno provides customers with the utmost trust and confidence, assuring their wedding or formal event attire will be perfect. A native of Philadelphia, he currently resides in Warrington, Bucks County with his wife and store co-founder/co-owner Wendy, and their two daughters for whom the store was named, Daria and Deanna.

Embracing Some Color In Your Bridal Look

Have you ever seen bride photos with color incorporated into her look and wondered how you could pull that off? Maybe you have never been the type to buck “tradition” and don’t think that your wedding day is the time to start?

Tradition means something different to everyone, in different cultures, religions, and even simply personal preference. If you are toying with the idea, read on for easy ways to do it!

Color In Your Dress

For a number of years, designers have used color in the dress to highlight lace patterns. The darker the underneath, the more you can see the gorgeous lace design on the outside. The lace is always an ivory or white, but underneath can be colors such as candlelight, latte, champagne, mocha, blush, and even blue, red, and black!

Photo shows the same dress in two different colors. One color is Ivory with mocha underneath, the other is ivory with ivory underneath. You can really see a difference in the lace pattern when the mocha is beneath it.
Elora by Madi Lane, shown in ivory/mocha and all ivory

A trend we are seeing lately is designers using embroidery to include color. Pretty flowers and detailing are done in colors from pastel to bold and even metallics. A lesser expensive way to get this look is to have the pattern already in the fabric.

Color On Your Dress

So let’s say your dress is all white or ivory and you are thinking of a pop of color somehow. How do we do this? You can consider a sash, a thin strip of color at the waist, or a bow that could coordinate perfectly with your flowers or your bridesmaid dresses. You could add a belt with a colored flower, or a jeweled belt with sapphire, emerald, or ruby colored stones! If you like metallic, go for a dazzling rose gold belt to add a warm and subtle pop.

Photo shows a wedding dress with a pink sash at the waist with beading and pearls, and blush colored flowers on the side.
Blush sash with beading and flowers

Color In Your Shoes

If you are shy about adding color on the outside, consider doing it on your feet! Your shoes are an amazing way of showing a little bit of personality without it being “obvious”. And, it definitely makes for some great pictures and conversation!

Photo is a pair of light blue high-heeled wedding shoes that have beading on the back and wrapped around the heel, and dyed purple and yellow to match the wedding colors.
Dyed shoes to match the wedding colors

Our brides have done everything from Tiffany blue to navy blue, from pale pink to Ruby slippers, golden wedges, multi-colored cowboy boots, black Converse, Uggs, beaded Keds and Toms, we have seen it all! Even the ones pictured in multi.

Color In Your Hair

Have you thought of your hair accessories? Your veil can have rose gold, pink, gold, or silver threading. You can have a barrette, clips, or a comb that has gemstones. What about flowers woven in your hair done by your stylist, or a flower crown?

A new trend for 2021 that we are excited about is spray-painted flowers, one of the most widely used is baby’s breath. Baby’s breath is often woven into a bridal braid, or an updo which would be delightful!

Photo shows berry and peach colored flowers woven into brides hair
Berry and peach colored flowers woven into brides hair

Color In Your Jewelry

Perhaps you just want to add some jewelry. This is a beautiful way to express a color that may be very meaningful to you. A particular gem indicating a birthstone of yourself, your fiancé, or someone special to you would be not only a wonderful way to add color, but also to honor someone special.

It could even be your something blue!

Pearls are a gorgeous addition, and always appropriate, so consider adding some colored pearls for a real glam look!

Photo shows a strand of pearls that are multi colored, mainly pastel, but include pink light blue lemon, and sage green. Also shown are a matching pair of drop earrings
Gorgeous multi-colored pearl strand

Don’t be afraid to experiment. When you make your appointment for your dress try on, play and see what you think. This is your wedding, and your day to show your personality. If color is your thing, go for it!

Wedding Trends For 2021

It is hard to believe that we will be starting a new year in just a few weeks and that means we have a new year of wedding trends to look forward to! After the year we have all come through and changes none of us would have believed, some of these new trends are really exciting and may stick around far longer than most.

Our trend research comes from reputable wedding industry bloggers, blogs from Brides Magazine, the Knot and Wedding Wire, as well as from our industry vendor partners, and our own brides and grooms. We are delighted to pass these along!

Brides magazine reports that 81% of couples said that the pandemic has changed the way they intend to plan their wedding. The days of 200+ guests with jam-packed dance floors may be over for the foreseeable future while couples opt for the following:

Micro-Weddings With Live Streaming

Couples are planning more intimate dinner events of immediate family and friends of 50 or less in person, while offering “live stream” or “watch parties” for those who cannot travel. Having a virtual wedding with a livestream broadcast has been a great way for couples to say their “I do’s” and still have their nearest and dearest watch, even from overseas!

At Home Weddings

At-home weddings are a more budget-friendly alternative to the traditional wedding venue, and wedding trends this year indicate even more couples will be tying the knot at home. With the cost savings, couples can bring in luxe decor and have gorgeous backyard ceremonies!

Tent installed over stone patio with pendant lights lining the edge, lighting has cylindar shaped yellow shades in alternating patterns of blue and orange and navy blue flowers
Backyard wedding with tent and pendant lights in golds and yellows

Entertainment/Photography

There are entertainment companies who are getting creative, too! Some will do virtual live music, bring large screen TVs to your home for Zoom parties, guests can dance from their location, offer toasts and well wishes as though in person! Not only that, couples are looking for unique entertainment such as comics, dancers, food trucks, baristas, and mixologists.

Photographers are capturing the couple as more of a “photo shoot” rather than typical staged wedding poses, as couples see glamorous wedding photos on social media. The photography has been stepped up! Also, many now offer multiple video camera angles of the event and drones as well.

At Home Decor – Big and Bold

Tents with large flower installations, concept lighting displays, unique tables and mismatched seating are way in! For flowers, while whites with greenery is still a thing, but there is a shift toward bold colors like purple, yellow, and orange, and even colorful nostalgic themes like the 70’s! Even those 90’s babes are going all-in with music and snacks like juice boxes and Dunkaroos.

Outdoor evening wedding with string lights, tented canopy with tie back curtain drops, long picnic tables allowing for distance between guests, and beautiful greenery and candles lining the center from end to end
Tent with string lights and candles sets the tone

Weekday Weddings

Because so many 2020 couples were forced to move their date into 2021, venue availability is not easy to come by. Many couples are choosing to get married during the week, where they can have the venue they want at a much lower cost. What may have been unaffordable on a Saturday is completely in budget on a Thursday! And with that savings, they are opting for more luxurious details, such as premium alcohol, food/appetizer choices, and opulent table settings.

A beautiful autumn placesetting with plums, greenery, pinecones, and cinnamon sticks. Gold flatwear and gold-edged white china plates. When planning a micro wedding with fewer guests, placesettings of a more luxurious form are doable!
Lovely place settings are definitely in for 2021

Celebration Boxes

Of all the wedding trends, this might top the list! An amazing way to involve your guests, even those not physically present, couples are giving out/mailing celebration boxes! The boxes can be customized, stamped with the guest’s name, the couple’s names, wedding hashtag, or anything! A great way to give everyone what they need in one place and socially distance. The box could include a program, mask and hand sanitizer (custom labeled, of course!), table number, a custom cocktail kit or mini bottle of champagne. even treats like a mini wedding cake or cookies!

This celebration box includes hand sanitizer, soaps, candies and cookies, but items can be personalized with programs, masks, even mini-cakes!
Fill a celebration box with personalized gifts

Going Big With Flowers

Because of the popularity in micro weddings and the cost savings associated, there is more flexibility for other details! Couples opting for this choice (as well as livestreaming/Zooming) want to set the scene with dramatic flower arrangements as backdrops and statement altars as focal points! This can include large rectangle and/or moon gate structures with full floral coverage, huge floral installations, ceiling installations, and flower walls.

Flower wedding trends are incredibly fun, but this new one is so fun! Florists and event designers are spray painting ordinary flowers to create amazing displays! Baby’s breath is one of the most popular ways to get onboard, since it’s affordable and holds its shape without drooping or falling apart during the painting process. Anthuriums, pampas grass, palm leaves, plumosa ferns, and succulents are a few other options that look amazing when painted. Use colors like powder blue, lilac, and pink, for a cheerful aesthetic, or stick to metallics for an earthy, bohemian vibe.

Watch for sun palms to show up in many bouquets in 2021, edible flowers in wedding cakes and cocktails, and encased floral displays!

But Really… It’s The Dress

Ruffles, tiers, layers of lace, or a plain crepe slip dress, they are ALL in. Wedding dress trends for 2021, however, are sleeves, short dresses, and dresses with double looks.

A-line wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline, lace bodice with applique flowing down into light tulle skirt, and detachable sleeves
Madi Lane’s 2021 Brooklyn dress

Sleeves have evolved recently into something wonderful, the detachable ones (that come off the dress from the shoulder or top of bodice), along with the ‘not-attached’ sleeve that merely rests on the arm. Whimsical, romantic, and billowy, this accessory piece is a definite 2021 thing!

This picture shows a bride in a short plain crêpe dress, knee length, with a jacket that has three-quarter sleeves and buttons down the front.
Classic short wedding dress, Blanche by Morilee
Photo shows plain white form fitting dress, strapless with a sweetheart neckline, cocktail length to the knee. Dress comes with a jacket that transforms the look to a classic, demure statement.
Blanche without the jacket

The double look dress can take many forms. It can be a traditional dress with a detachable train, it can be a ballgown with a removable skirt that becomes a short dress or a jumpsuit, it can be a short dress with a demure jacket that when removed turns into a sexy, dance the night away dress (as in photo above!). Or this one that turns into a long sleeve romper:

Long sleeve lace top with high illusion neck and a detachable playing ball gown tulle skirt. When we moved, the outfit underneath is a one piece romper!
Poesy by Morilee has a detachable skirt to reveal a romper

We have also seen a shift toward a mid-range price point. Brides aren’t looking to spend $5,000+, but not everyone is looking for that cheap, on-line wedding dress either. Brides want quality, and a dress that represents her uniqueness. She also wants an experience with her bridal stylist that she will always remember as the day she found her dress. That is worth paying for!

Wedding trends for the men lean toward suits, and colorful suits as well. From pinks, blues, Mulberry, and hunter green, there are quite a few choices. We are also seeing a higher demand for tweed vests worn with bowties, or even a more casual look with suspenders and a long colorful tie. While the traditional tuxedo will always have its place, in 2021 we expect more of the laid-back, fun filled vibe as the “traditional” weddings evolve into more intimate events.

Three piece suit in hunter green with a sand color long tie and matching pocket square from designer Ike Behar
Hunter green 3-pc suit by Ike Behar
Three-piece suit in the color mulberry with a white bowtie and matching pocket square by Allure Men tops our suit wedding trends this year!
Mulberry 3-pc suit by Allure Men

Wedding trends come and go, however the year 2020 has brought about a few “trends” that may become the norm. It’s been a scary kind of year, full of uncertainty, but sometimes that’s what it takes to shift into a new way of doing things. Small in person events with unlimited guests “in attendance” across the globe is an amazing event to plan. From the flowers and entertainment to the attire, weddings are still going to be spectacular!

About the author: Wendy Ianieri 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, Ms. Ianieri 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.

What I Would Have Worn To the Holiday Galas If It Weren’t For COVID-19

So raise your hand if you are tired of COVID-19?! So are we! Sadly, all of those weddings, formal galas and annual corporate parties that occur this time of year are pretty much not happening this year because of coronavirus restrictions. While this is very disappointing, I’d still like to talk about what I would have worn had these events occurred. We are certain better times are coming and next year we all hope to be back to a normal festive schedule.

I feel pretty lucky because my wife and I own Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo and I have a choice of over 70 suits and tuxedos to wear every year. Add to that over a 1,000 different styles and colors of bow ties, long ties, vests, pocket squares and shoes and you can probably say I have quite a large wardrobe!

Every year, we add several new suits and tuxedos to our already large selection of rental and purchase offerings. This year was no exception and I was personally excited to wear some of our new styles.

While I will not have an opportunity to show off our new suits and tuxedos this year, I would still like to tell you what I would have worn had ‘COVID-19 not interrupted life.

Personally, I am a huge fan of Ike Behar suits and tuxedos. Why? There are two precise reasons: 1) all of this designer’s suits and tuxedos fit like a custom suit; 2) I have yet to find another designer that has more comfortable and luxurious fabric than Ike Behar.

Model in burgundy colored tuxedo with black satin shawl lapel and black pants
Ike Behar’s burgundy tuxedo

Having said that, I have worn Ike Behar’s navy tuxedo, charcoal gray tuxedo, checkered tuxedo jacket with black pants, burgundy tuxedo jacket with black shawl lapel and black pants and his classic black tuxedo with full satin peak lapel.

This year, there are two new styles I really wanted to try for our formal galas. The first one was quite unusual and I thought it would have been perfect for an October or November event. It is the Allure Men Mulberry tuxedo. The super elegant 130’s wool was one of the most comfortable I’ve felt in a long time and the unusual color was both subtle and handsome.

Model in Mulberry colored tuxedo with matching vest and pants, long blush color tie, perfect for holiday galas
Allure Men mulberry tuxedo

While this style is considered a tuxedo, there is no satin to be found on it! Allure Men cleverly created a stitched outline on the fabric of the lapel to emulate a satin border on the lapels. It adds formality to the tuxedo without giving it any sheen. In addition, the buttons on the jacket and matching vest are covered in the fabric of the tuxedo. I find this to be a nice touch. I would have worn the jacket, matching vest and slim fit flat front pants with brown shoes, a textured wine colored bow tie and pocket square, white and gold studs and cufflinks and a swiss pleated microfiber shirt.

The next styles I wanted to wear would have been more for a November or December event. I think it would have been more appropriate closer to the holidays. It is Ike Behar’s hunter green suit. We already went over how amazingly well his suits and tuxedo’s fit! The hunter green color is festive yet understated. The trim fit notch lapel suit is made of comfortable 100% worsted wool and has a matching hunter green vest. The hunter green flat front slim fit pants have very fashionable straight leg bottoms which is a common and great design of all Ike Behar pants (no bell bottoms here!). I certainly would have worn brown shoes with this suit and the long tie or bow tie and pocket square would have either matched my wife’s dress, shoes or had a festive theme to it.

Model in hunter green color suit with long white tie and matching pocket square, perfect for holiday galas
Ike Behar’s hunter green suit for holiday galas

Finally, if I needed a classic tuxedo for a formal event, I would have probably gone for the Ike Behar black tuxedo with full satin notch lapel. This tuxedo is striking in its looks but doesn’t make you stand out in an unusual or flashy way.

So there you have it. My two new picks for future galas are Ike Behar’s hunter green suit and the Allure Men Mulberry color tuxedo. And of course, my classic perennial standby black Ike Behar notch lapel tuxedo.

We hope next year brings a lot more cheer and festivities. When 2021 arrives, Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo will be ready to make you look your best. Any questions, text us at 215-491-8500. Browse one of our many suits and tuxedos here.

About the author: Franco Salerno is co-founder and co-owner of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, now in their eighth year in business. In that time, he built the tuxedo department into a force rivaling big box stores by providing expertise, caring service, and beautiful, quality formal wear. Personally invested in every transaction, Mr. Salerno provides customers with the utmost trust and confidence, assuring their wedding or formal event attire will be perfect. A native of Philadelphia, he currently resides in Warrington, Bucks County with his wife and store co-founder/co-owner Wendy, and their two daughters for whom the store was named, Daria and Deanna.