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Our Staff Picks: Favorite Wedding Dresses

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Our bridal consultants hear it often, “These dresses are all so beautiful, how can anyone pick one?” It’s true, we do carry fashionably savvy designers who make our job carrying their lines enjoyable because every wedding gown in our store is beautiful for varying reasons.

Often brides will ask for the opinions of our consultants and because this is what we do (and what we love to do, I might add), it’s easy for us because we work with brides every day and, therefore know our selection and inventory quite well. This works in our favor to help find the perfect dress for our discerning brides.

There are dresses that work on certain body types, and then there are dresses that work on every body, and truth be told: when a bride thinks she can’t wear a certain style dress, and we put it on her and she realizes she can – well in our store there is really no better feeling. We know she will feel as beautiful as she hopes to feel and it is our job to show her that.

However, all of that being said, each of our consultants has a couple of gowns that are their favorites. Just like a bride, we know what we like. So for this blog, we decided to have some fun and go behind the scenes in our bridal gallery and find out from our consultants which gown is their favorite.

Wendy’s Pick

Let’s start with shop owner, Wendy. Wendy started this business over six years ago with her husband, Franco, so, as the owner, she makes the final selections for our bridal gallery.  We consultants always get to choose our favorite new ones, but since we cannot bring all of them in, she has the final vote! In all of the years, and thousands of gowns later, Wendy’s top pick is Jayda by Kitty Chen.

“To me, this dress is perfection. It’s a classic style, an A-line with a full skirt, perfectly shaped and flattering sweetheart neckline, dreamy layered lace, a little sparkle… it’s so full of romance and joy. When I see a bride try this on, I can picture her with flowers, walking down that aisle, I actually see her as a bride.”

Of all the dresses Wendy’s daughter Daria has modeled  over the years, this is the one that made her cry (and it was only to take a photo!).  “That’s Daria’s dress.  At least for me, that’s it.  In the blush color.  We put her in Jayda and a veil, I just lost it. I’ll let you know if something ever beats it.”

Daria’s Pick

Daria has been working in the family business since opening in 2013  (it is named partly after her!) and, like her mom, she too has seen thousands of dresses and worked with hundreds of brides. Every bride is unique and so is every dress. Daria’s favorite is Sedona by Casablanca Bridal.

“The delicate lace is very classy and timeless, but still really fun with the royal train and the right amount of sparkle. The fit is gorgeous and works so beautifully on every bride.”

Daria said she also loves Jayda, but she prefers it in the ivory color… like Mother, like Daughter

Suzanne’s Pick

Suzanne joined Darianna as a bridal consultant with over 20 years in the industry. She’s seen the change from the age of the 90’s brides into the early 2000’s and now closing in on 2020. Working with thousands of brides, she’s also seen thousands of bridal dresses, yet even with all of that, her favorite wedding dress is the 1975 by Casablanca.

“This dress has everything. Lace and beaded applique, fit and flare with sweep train.  The built in corset is not only slimming but emphasizes the waist and curves and brides of all sizes look gorgeous in it. It is also equally appropriate for a boho chic wedding or a formal ballroom wedding.  Colors available to suit all skin tones, lightweight and easy to wear, it is definitely a go-to for me.”

 

Shannon’s Pick

Shannon has been a part of the Darianna family for over a year now, and her youthfulness and fun personality have certainly brought energy to the bridesmaids and brides. Not only that, she seems to know everybody!  Jumping into the bridal world can be overwhelming and new inventory comes quickly.  Shannon’s current favorite dress is the brand new December by Jessica Morgan.

“This dress is so elegant and with color options can be versatile to fit the venue.  The back is open, great neckline, pretty sparkle, and to top all that off, it’s light weight and more comfortable than most of the fuller dresses.”

 

Esther’s Pick

Esther is our most recent addition to the consultant floor and she loves working with our brides and spotting the perfect dress for each individual’s shape, personality and style. Her favorite gown was one she saw before she ever joined us. She was here helping her niece, Kirsten, find the perfect dress and her niece just happened to choose Esther’s pick (without even knowing it). Even as new styles come in, Esther still loves Casablanca’s Amber (#2289).

“I love the traditional elements of the lace over chiffon, the timeless elegance of the dress along with the illusion cap sleeve and back. However, my favorite part of this dress is the underlining of full sparkle that reminds me of fresh fallen snow.” Every time a bride says yes to this dress, we think of Esther and, of course, her niece who wore it just a couple of months ago in her winter wedding (and she customized it to have long sleeves).

Those are our picks and we’d love to help you find yours! It’s so much fun working with brides and hearing their stories of how they found their life mate. We love what we do and it shows.  Helping you find your dress is incredibly special and joyful. It’s a memory that will last a lifetime and we are proud to continue adding so many beautiful brides to our family!

Schedule your appointment and find your favorite today!

 

 

 

Uncategorized, wedding dresses

Satin, Organza, Chiffon: What Does It Mean?

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Brides-to-be should take their time deciding which wedding dress is perfect for them, but that can be tricky without a familiarity with the most popular bridal fabrics. Here’s a breakdown of the most common wedding dress fabrics.

Satin

Satin dress by Jessica Morgan with box pleats and jeweled belt

Although many mistake satin for a type of fiber, it actually refers to the finish of the dress, as is the case for many fabrics. Satin can be made of fibers such as silk, nylon, or rayon, but still be satin because of its finish. Satin is a tried-and-true wedding fabric that has been popular across the ages for its smooth finish and durability. Because of its body, it can be easily shaped for structured bridal gowns as well. Very formal (meaning very “bridal”), this fabric is a perfect choice for a formal affair and, if the affair is outdoors, it is best worn in cooler temperatures. Beaded satin dresses are very glamorous and incredibly classic.

Charmeuse

Charmeuse dress by Beloved with lace overlay

Charmeuse, while similar to satin, is much lighter, making it great for dresses that drape, slink, and flow. This fabric is high-end and has a sophisticated sheen and has a slight stretch quality to it. It is exceptionally comfortable, silky, and lightweight. These dresses are great for destination events, they pack and travel easily yet still look rich and beautiful.

Chiffon

Chiffon is a lightweight, woven fabric that is sheer and flowing. Because it is sheer, it is layered over itself or another fabric with more body. It is common in both bride and bridesmaid dresses. Although its lightness does lead it to snag easily, a well-made chiffon dress can create an ethereal, fairy-tale look for a bride’s big day.  Bride’s looking for a more simple and less formal wedding dress lean toward chiffon. Chiffon dresses also work well for destination or warm summer events.

Organza

Beaded organza tiered skirt on this Casablanca dress

Similar to chiffon, organza is a relatively sheer and lightweight woven fabric. However, unlike chiffon, organza has a stiffness that makes it a more natural choice for structured gowns with more shape. Like chiffon, organza is quite delicate. Beaded organza and appliques look incredibly pretty and shimmery on this fabric. Organza is often used with layered or tiered skirts as a softer and less “pouffy” alternative to tulle.

Tulle

Layered tulle skirt with horsehair trim on this Justin Alexander dress

Tulle is a slightly stiff, netted fabric that is often used in ballerina tutus and veils. Often incorporating lace, tulle is a great fabric for structured dresses or to give a dress with heavier fabric some lighter accents. Like chiffon and organza, it’s important to be careful with tulle, as it can snag or tear easily.  Tulle is often used in ball gowns to create the dramatic and voluminous skirts and is lovely when layered or tiered with a horsehair trim.

Lace

Ornately beaded lace and applique on this Kitty Chen Couture dress

Standing the test of time, lace has been a popular feature in wedding gowns for centuries. Lace is normally used as an overlay atop another fabric, giving it a highly detailed accent that is perfect for a sophisticated wedding gown. Lace styles are normally named after the city in which they originated, with Chantilly, Alençon, Brussels, and Venice among the most popular types in modern wedding trends.

Lace can be incorporated onto your dress as beaded applique, or pieces of lace hand sewn on, or can be layered over other fabrics or even other lace patterns.

Floral lace pattern on a new Spring 2019 Casablanca Bridal dress

Although being educated about fabric types is important for any bride choosing her gown, it’s also helpful to see a variety of dresses in person to become familiar with the characteristics of different fabrics. To familiarize yourself with different types of gowns, view our gallery of real brides and our Pinterest boards, then call Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo at 215-491-8500 for an appointment today. We can’t wait to meet you!

Uncategorized, wedding dresses

Shape Shifting: Your Wedding Dress Silhouette

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One of the most frequently asked questions a bridal consultant is asked usually revolves around what silhouette looks best on a specific body type. While there are no hard and fast rules regarding what will highlight a bride’s personal attributes, there are some general guidelines that may help you through the process of finding that perfect dress when you start your gown search.

First thing is that you need a caring consultant, equipped with the desire and experience to helping you. You are unique! Our team of stylists care about the individuality of each and every bride and know that there are many factors to consider when purchasing the most important and meaningful garment of your life.

Petite Brides 

Petite sized brides tend to measure under 5’3 in height. They require a more proportional fit in clothing to accommodate their smaller frames. Sadly for petite brides, most manufacturers cut their gowns for women who are 5’8 and above. (The idea being that it’s easier to cut and hem a gown rather than try to add more to the hemline.) And, while many manufacturers offer a gown length measurement for petite brides, gown length services may come with additional charges attached. While a perfectly petite stature may require some consideration when choosing a gown, it doesn’t have to be an obstacle.

A particular consideration for the petite bride is silhouette choice. Ball gowns, drop-waisted, full skirts and mermaid gowns tend to use layers of material to achieve a voluminous look. The petite bride will want to be discerning when choosing one of these silhouettes since sometimes the bigger gowns with tulle, lace and crinoline underskirts may overwhelm a smaller frame.

The petite bride may want to consider a sheath, fit and flare or a modified mermaid. These gowns give the illusion of an elongated frame. Trying to avoid a gown with heavy hem lace or horsehair finish also goes a long way toward lengthening your appearance. These types of finishes on a gown tend to give a definitive end point to the gown, which draws the eye. Fit and flare or mermaid gowns can be worn with confidence by a petite bride as long as the volume of the skirt is held to a minimum. This bride may also want to consider an empire waist or v-neckline. Both these design elements further enhance the illusion of an elongated frame.

The Curvy Bride

For the longest time in the bridal industry, it seemed that curvy brides were relegated to search among the back racks of a salon looking for their perfect dress. Rarely were they able to try on samples that actually fit let alone be given any kind of color or style choice. Thankfully, those days have been thrown to the wayside along with the corset, white gloves and pill box hat. The bridal industry has not only taken notice of your glorious curves, but they are now catering specifically to your needs. As a consultant at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, I am always thrilled when I can just grab a dozen different gorgeous dresses from our gallery in all different silhouettes for my curvy bride to consider during her appointment.

Being a curvy bride can come with pitfalls much like their petite bride counterparts. Rather than being vertically challenged, curvy brides may be challenged with generous bust lines or rounded hips paired with smaller waist lines. Curvy brides navigate between wanting to perhaps slim down certain aspects of their silhouettes while enhancing others. This can be achieved without compromising on the beauty of a gown.

Generally, curvy brides will gravitate toward A-line gowns. The waist is well-defined and the overall hour glass silhouette complements the figure. While A-line gowns are beautiful and well suited to a curvier body type, there are many more choices available to this bride.

The Fit and Flare silhouette are fabulous for highlighting a curvy bride’s assets to the fullest! The body hugging nature of a fit and flare accentuates a smaller waistline while putting those curves on display. Modifying the skirt volume so that it doesn’t overwhelm your frame is key to this look.

A basque waistline (waistline drops well below the hip line) is also a marvelous choice for this bride. Once again, it defines the hourglass nature of the body. Usually a basque-wasited dress will be paired with a tulle or English net skirt to complete the silhouette. Also, never underestimate belt accessories as an addition to any bridal look. Belts and colored ribbon are always a great way to add a little sparkle or color to a gown but also act as a focal point to the bride’s smaller waist.

Gown types that may not be as figure-friendly to our curvy bride would be a sheath, mermaid or massive ball gown bottoms. The sheath and mermaid gowns can sometimes appear to be overly restrictive on the figure and accentuate a look that you’d prefer to avoid. Voluminous skirts, while thought to have a concealing effect several decades ago, actually may do the opposite to a curvy or fuller-figured bride.

Another consideration for our curvy bride when choosing a gown is to consider her bust proportions. The best gown will define the bust line and accommodate your bust size rather than make you look and feel uncovered. When your breasts are not properly supported in your gown, it throws off the silhouette of your gown.

With designers now intentionally designing gowns for the curvy girl rather than just making bigger sized versions of their basic line, they have tackled this problem by incorporating better foundation structure in their gowns. You may now see more corset boning in the gown to help support the bust line or possibly elastic bands sewn into the bodice to help provide support and stability where it’s most needed.

Specific necklines will also help those who may need a little extra support. A jewel, bateau (boat), Queen Anne or tank neckline will always provide more support and structure for those who have fuller bust lines and need more structure. V-necks are perfect (and very flattering!) way to keep everything in place. Strapless is still a beautiful and viable option as long as the bra cup within the dress is large enough to accommodate your breasts. Also, never be afraid to employ fashion tape to keep everything where it should be. It is a translucent adhesive tape designed to adhere your dress to your body.

The Long and Lean Bride

Much like her counterpart brides, the long and lean bride has some unique needs as well. Oftentimes these brides are well above the average 5’4 woman which means they may require extra length added to their dresses. While it is true that manufacturers cut a gown for a 5’8 tall woman, if that bride wishes to wear a heel at her wedding that will put her over the industry standard. Contrary to her curvy counterpart, the lean bride tends to be less endowed in the bust area, which may lead to less definition in her gown’s bodice. These statuesque brides may wish to create the illusion of more curves and a fuller bust line to their look. As with our other clients, we can address these concerns with specific gown design.

While it may be true that the long and lean bride can wear a larger variety of silhouettes, there are still some styles that should possibly be left out of the mix. A fit and flare or mermaid style are designed to highlight body contours which our long and lean brides may not possess in abundant measure. Also, while a sheath helps elongate the frame, that may not be the goal of our taller ladies. And, conversely of the petite bride, hem lace or horsehair finishes at the bottom of your gown can work in your favor.

An excellent silhouette to consider for those lean brides may be a full-on ball gown. Their overall height enhances the overall effect of a ball gown and also boosts the illusion of a fuller hip line. Many ball gowns are designed with strapless bodices or with spaghetti straps, which work well for those girls who don’t struggle for control over their bust lines. Natural waisted gowns with body contour embellishments such as curved vertical laces or beading will give the impression of a fuller figure.

Unlike their curvy counterparts, the long and lean bride doesn’t necessarily need to focus on foundational support for her bust. Rather, she needs to highlight and define her bust line. This can be easily accomplished with the use of cups sewn into the dress or body sculpting adhesive push up cups.

All things considered, your gown should be as unique as the love between you and your fiancé. The guidelines I’ve provided you with are just that….general. You will have so many beautiful gowns from which to choose. Your ultimate goal is to find that gown that compliments your personality, aesthetic and body type. It also needs to be comfortable and not restrictive to movement as your wedding day will be long.

There will also be varying opinions and consultation with your support squad, but in the end it truly only comes down to your thoughts and feelings about the dress. You and your soul mate will be taking that wedding album out every year on your anniversary, it is a day that will never fade from your consciousness. As a consultant, I have seen so many phenomenal gowns, but I never associate a right or wrong choice when I’m working with a bride. To me it’s like choosing a rose. The flower is inherently beautiful. You just need to find the one that best expresses your unique beauty.

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Rain… On Your Wedding Day

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Your wedding is coming and how many times a day are you checking that weather map for rain? Oh no, it looks like rain… on your wedding day. Did you know that rain is the number one fear of brides-to-be when planning a wedding.

Is rain really that terrible?

It certainly can be tricky to say the least if you have an entirely outdoor wedding planned, however there are arrangements that you and your venue can agree on in advance just in case!

We’ve had couples get married in blizzards, under threats of hurricane, through ferocious winds, torrential downpours, hail, and lightening. It happens, it’s weather, and there is no sense stressing over something over which you have zero control. You plan for it ahead of time, instead.

Indoor Ceremony Space

If your venue has indoor space, make sure it is large enough to accommodate all of your guests. Find out the details on room set up, views, aisle, and that there is room for the photographer(s) and videographer.  If you have decor such as an arbor, columns, flowers, lanterns, and the like, can they be incorporated into an indoor ceremony? Who will set up? If you know these details in advance it will take off the pressure.

No Indoor Space

If there is no indoor space, discuss options for inclement weather such as tenting (does it have sides to block out wind and rain?), portable heaters, a walkway that won’t involve guests walking through wet grass? Chances are good your venue has been through this before and has a great Plan B option for you.

Photos

Ask your photographer/videographer about his/her experience shooting in inclement weather. What is some of their advice on how to get the best photos? Have you seen some of the adorable bride/groom shots under pretty umbrellas and holding hands and cuddling in the rain? The softer lighting and mist can create incredibly emotional backdrops that photographers are unable to replicate in the sunshine. And, what if you get that rainbow?!

And when it comes to those umbrellas, make sure there are plenty of extras for your guests.

Cover Up & Rain Accessories

Not just your heads with an umbrella! Consider a wrap or pretty jacket to match your dress to keep you dry and warm, and don’t forget shoes! Pretty rain boots might be just the right accessory for you and your wedding party, or consider other options like cute sneakers with no-slip soles. Put some thought into it regarding matching your colors, perhaps customizing the umbrellas with their names.

Let It Go

If you are upset, acknowledge that and then let it go. Breathe and be present. This is the day you are marrying your best friend – for better or worse, through sunshine or rain – and when your day is over you will start your new married life after having had the time of your life. Now go, plan ahead, and get married!

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Worry Free Wedding Dress Shopping

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You may have heard the news:  David’s Bridal has recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  We have brides coming to our store who are worried to purchase a wedding dress from David’s Bridal given the company’s financial difficulties and imminent store closures.

While they say there will be “no disruption”, filing for bankruptcy is the writing on the wall. Remember the brides who lost their deposits and never received their wedding dress from Alfred Angelo and the independent, local Ashe B. store that abruptly closed with no warning?  David’s Bridal filing for bankruptcy is the warning.

As an independent store, we are always heartbroken for brides who find themselves in that situation.  It is very stressful planning a wedding, and you need someone to take care of you, not make you worry.

The Writing on the Web

We figured something was up with David’s Bridal when we began seeing their corporate headquarters on our company website on a frequent basis.  Why would an international, multi-location company,  owned by a hedge fund, need to watch what our family business was doing?

They were watching us.  The only reason they would want to see what we are doing is to copy the recipe. Confident they can never copy our customer service, our commitment to our employees, nor our passion, it ended up making us laugh whenever we saw them back in, poking around.

We are family owned; they are owned by a hedge fund.

We are about people; they are about profits.

Two huge differences that cannot be copied.

Some of the other big box menswear stores are also showing signs of financial troubles.  They are having a tough time maintaining adequate inventory and choices. Two of them offer a total of 9 tuxedos and suits for rent.  Nine?! Again, all about the profits.

We offer 100! We are very happy and very proud to accommodate our customers.

Another unfortunate finding recently was when we came across a local store selling second-hand wedding dresses at higher prices than buying the dress new. That is a scam. Do your research on your vendors and don’t get burned.

Who We Are

We are a family-owned bridal and tuxedo store looking to give our customers a memorable experience.  Sure we could employ some of the financial tricks that others do to increase profitability and margins, but that’s not who we are.  We aren’t trying to squeeze profits to please the shareholders. We are committed to the bridal business for the long run and our reputation matters. In fact, our reputation has put us on the map.

When you come to our store, you will never be pressured.  From our founding, we made a decision to not compensate our employees with sales commissions so there is absolutely no incentive to pressure you to buy or spend beyond your budget for your wedding dress or tuxedos.

We are committed to offering high quality products for all budgets and are constantly researching brands for quality and value. Weddings are expensive and we promise to provide the highest quality for the price.

We support our family with this business and are proud to serve the community.  We are not a franchise or a chain. Darianna is the combination of our daughters’ names: Daria and Deanna. You may even have Daria as your bridal consultant!  Deanna, a little too young still, is not far behind!

We care about you and your wedding day. This is not a job for us, we live and breathe it. We are committed to building this wonderful and fun business the right way.

Direct Access to the Owners

You have direct access to the owners, almost any time of day.  You can text our store telephone number at 215-491-8500. The owners, husband and wife Wendy and Franco, will personally answer your texts, whether we are open or not.  Go ahead try it now!

Awards, Reviews, and Accreditation

When we say do your research on your vendors, we are serious!

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and have an A+ rating.  We even have 5-star reviews on the BBB site. Google  “Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo” and see our reviews on Google, Facebook, the BBB, The Knot, Wedding Wire, and Yelp.  We were even featured on the TLC wedding show Say Yes: Wedding SOS. Take a look at our Rave Page to see some of the many awards we have won, most recently 2018 Pick of the Knot, and our 5th straight win of the Casablanca Bridal Diamond Award.

We Are Committed to You

Unfortunately, some businesses fail.  Brides and grooms need to feel confident with and be able to trust the bridal and tuxedo store they choose.  Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo will build that trust with you from the time you text us, to the time you walk into our doors, and ultimately walk down the aisle.

Bottom line: We are here for you.  We will take personal care of you and you will have a lot of fun visiting us.  No worries!

Thank you for supporting our small business!  Make your appointment with us online. You can even text our store telephone number at 215-491-8500. Our family is here to serve all of your bridal and tuxedo needs far into the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trends, Uncategorized

Wedding Trends for 2019

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Planning a wedding for 2019? Wedding Wire’s experts tell the new must-have details to include in your ceremony and reception. Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo went ahead and tapped a few of our own Bucks County wedding experts to see if they are feeling these and we are super excited to provide on-point trends to consider for your big day.

Sculptural installations are the new centerpieces.

While sculptural floral installations of greenery and flower walls were very popular in 2018, expect a shift toward more unique pieces sitting tabletop. Greenery and wood are simple and beautiful. Kate Carroll, owner of KC Event Group in Chalfont, PA says, “For 2019, consider something other than flowers for a sculptural centerpiece. Use woods, ceramics, paper flowers and tie in some of your interests at the same time.”

Photo courtesy of KC Event Group; books on a tree
trunk slice create a unique centerpiece sculpture

 

Couples are choosing upgraded linens with lots of textures.

It’s not just sculptures that will enhance the look of wedding reception tables, in 2019 linens are going beyond basics. Go for a textured linen with edges of lace or embellished with beads and ribbons for a more ornamental setting.

Linens with color and lace will add a decorative touch
to your reception tables

 

Sunday weddings are on the rise.

Couples are hosting family and friends for weekend-long events including welcome parties, after parties, post-wedding brunches, and activities, and are now opting to celebrate with the main event on Sunday. “We love Sunday weddings,” says Tyler Ford, Co-owner of the Warrington. “Sundays are easier to book during peak months, and they can also be less expensive so you can add more to your reception like fun stations and upgraded entree selections and still stay in budget.”

When it comes to flowers, brides are choosing quality over quantity.
Greenery has always been popular in garlands and archways, but now brides are including more of it in their bridal bouquets. More greenery with fewer, yet large blooms like peonies and roses creates a soft and elegant vibe.

 

Rust is the new metallic.

Paired with cream and dark brown or navy, rust and copper bring an enriching warmth and sophistication to the table. Move over rose gold, it’s copper for 2019.

Dark brown, cream, and rust create a
dramatic tablescape.

Brides are opting for natural and classic beauty looks.

Bridal beauty is going classic in 2019. “My favorite go-to is a classic bridal look that enhances the bride’s beauty,” said Daneene Jensen of Daneene Jensen & Associates. “Perfected skin, slightly bolder eye with full lashes, rosy cheeks and complementary lip color looks great on every woman.” For hair she suggests, “Nothing too contrived or severe.” Go for styles that are effortless looking.

Hair by Daneene Jensen & Associates stylist Dara
reflects styles that are effortless and classic

Location-themed favors are a must.

Edible favors have been in for years, but for 2019 favors focused on the couples’ hometown is something your guests will love. “When it comes to favors, everyone’s favor-ite (see what I did there?!) is food!” says Kate Carroll. “Forego engraved wine glasses, coasters, and mason jars and consider giving some hometown treats. Tastykakes, soft pretzels, or even mini cheesesteaks keep your guests happy without breaking your budget.”

Interactive bars allow guests to customize their drinks.

Caterers have been offering food truck and interactive food stations for a few years, allowing guests to customize the food they eat during a couple’s cocktail hour, but the interactive bar is catching on for 2019. Consider a specialty bar, like tequila or scotch tasting, to get your guests involved in a fun activity.

Wedding dress sleeves are all the way back.

No, they aren’t 1980s sleeves. Today they are incredibly gorgeous illusion sleeves with lace, beading, and buttons. “It makes such a difference that sleeves are back,” said Wendy Ianieri, President and co-owner of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo. “Our brides and our stylists love all of the expanded options.”

Sleeves on dresses by Kitty Chen, Amare, Casablanca,
Beloved, and Jessica Morgan at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo

More blue tuxedos for 2019.

This is one of the hottest looks for the men. “Suit or tuxedo, the blues have it,” said Franco Salerno, CEO of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo. “The greys are still around, but I predict our new cornflower blue tuxedo will be very popular next year.”

Cornflower by Allure Men’s

Purple is replacing pink as the go-to maid shade.

Lilac, violet, wisteria, lavender, and heather are quickly replacing petal and shell pinks. Shades of purples are so on point right now, and the deep and vibrant plum and eggplant colors are replacing navy.

Shades of purple by Bill Levkoff
at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo

“Brides are asking for purples now,” said Suzanne Ardite, lead Bridal Stylist for Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo. “Whether the maids are in different shades or they are all in the same, it’s a lovely choice next to an ivory or white wedding dress.”

Not trendy?

Not into following the trends? Neither is Wedding Planner Amanda Dabbeekeh of Diamonds And Details. She says she loves when her couples don’t follow the masses. “If you love ‘rustic glam’, then plan the barn wedding with candelabras as your centerpieces. If you want to name the tables after your favorite cities or sports teams, make it about you and go for it.”

Whichever way you go, choosing the right vendors is key to keeping you stress-free and help your day turn out beautifully. It’s a great time to be engaged!

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo is a multi-award winning bridal and tuxedo store in Warrington, Bucks County, PA. We are pleased to partner with some of the highest rated vendors in the wedding industry, serving Bucks, Montgomery, Lehigh Valley, and Philadelphia Counties. Make your appointment with us today to see gorgeous wedding dresses and continue on your magical bridal journey with us!

 

 

 

 

 

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A Thankful Message

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As a family-owned bridal and tuxedo store in Bucks County, we have a lot to be thankful for all year round.  This time of year is especially sweet for us because we get to look back at the many great brides and grooms we dressed for their weddings throughout the year.  It is a brief moment of reflection because bridal season starts all over again for us on January 2nd since many get engaged over the holidays.

This year we saw the entry of our beautiful daughter, Daria, into our family business. She is a natural and loves working with brides and grooms. Chalk it up to a very smart millennial working with millennial brides-to-be! We are extremely proud that next year she will also become a wish granting volunteer for the Make-A-Wish foundation, an organization for which she interned during her college years.  We are thankful for having her to help continue our mission at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo.

Our little Deanna, who puts up with us being away so many hours, is a busy 5th grader.  She plays guitar and loves video and editing. She has done several videos for us already with plans for many more that we can’t wait to see. We are obviously thankful for our funny, fiesty Deanna and hope we can get her to come into the store more next year.

We are thankful for our wonderful new bridal consultant Esther Hughes. Both sweet and knowledgeable, she fits our company culture to the letter.  We love having her and are very proud that she was able to join us and spread her cheer on our brides.

Joe, our tuxedo and suit department manager has really bonded with our customers.  We are very thankful for his dedication and service. His easy-going personality is a perfect fit for our store, and for helping plan a wedding. Joe has very exciting news coming in 2019 so you’ll have to stay tuned for his announcement!

Suzanne is a true wedding pro.  There is nothing she doesn’t know about wedding dresses, accessories, wedding etiquette and more.  When you are assigned Suzanne for trying on wedding dresses, you’ll get an entire education on weddings! Plus, her sense of humor keeps our store laughing and lighthearted. We are very thankful that we have Suzanne.

Anyone who has met Shannon knows that she is a ball of energy.  And she probably knows somebody you know (she knows everyone!). Kind and capable, Shannon will help you try on wedding dresses, fit you for a tuxedo, talk about our large inventory of bridesmaid dresses, and find that perfect prom gown for you.  Thank you Shannon, we are grateful for you being with us and doing everything!

Paul is another newcomer this year in our tuxedo department. With his prior experience in the formal wear world, he knows as much about tuxedos as he does about dresses and fabrics!  Paul’s knowledge, fitting capabilities and reliability make us all thankful everyday he works with us.

And let us not forget Nick!  After several years of working with us, part time during the school year and full time in the summers, Nick thinks the pastures are greener at Penn State in State College!  However, we have good news, he is still working with us during the holidays, including this Thanksgiving. Stop by to say hello to him and take that obligatory selfie with him.  We are thankful to have Nick back for the holidays!

Anyone who has worked with us, knows how special our entire team is.  They are kind, hard working, fun, and just plain good-hearted. We would argue they are the nicest in the bridal business, but we’ll let you see for yourself!

Since the founding of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, we have always had a policy of being closed on all major holidays.  Our staff deserves this. We would like them to be home, enjoying time with family and friends.

Yes, we know, how can a retail store be closed during the holidays?  We’ve heard this many times over the years. Our staff is part of our family and we value and appreciate them far more than a few extra sales over the holidays.

With that in mind, we would like to inform everyone that we will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday.  We will reopen on Saturday, November 24th at 10 AM.

We have many weddings occuring during the weekend of Thanksgiving.  The owners are still available if you need something either for your wedding, would like to ask a question, would like to make an appointment or would just like to say hello.

Need to get a hold of us during opening and closed hours?  There are many ways:

  1. Text our store telephone number at 215-491-8500, even on holidays.  The owners will personally answer your text.
  2. Do an online chat with us at https://www.dariannabridal.com/
  3. Make an appointment online: https://www.dariannabridal.com/appointments
  4. Message us on google: https://www.google.com/search?q=Darianna+Bridal+%26+Tuxedo&ludocid=7498584596071933676
  5. Message us on Facebook @dariannabridal
  6. Message or text us via Instagram @dariannabridal
  7. Or call us at 215-491-8500.

Feel free to choose the contact method that works best for you.  

From Wendy, Franco, Daria, Deanna, Joe, Suzanne, Shannon, Paul, Esther and Nick, we would like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

 

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Real Bride Blog: Jenna Cusack-Gentert

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The Meeting

My husband and I met at work in Delaware. I had only been working there for a few months, but he had been pursuing me ever since he met me during my first interview. Our first date was a “non-date date”, he convinced me to hang out with him so I could meet his dog. After that, we pretty much spent every single day together. 

The Proposal 

Ken and I planned a trip to visit Laguna Beach, CA for a quick weekend getaway to be a part of a friend’s engagement. I had no idea that the engagement was going to be for us, so I went along throughout the weekend thinking I was helping to surprise someone else! Ken proposed on a cliff overlooking the ocean and shortly after that revealed to me he had flown in my parents, his parents, and our best friends. After the surprise of the proposal, our friends had a party for us at their house. I was extremely thankful that Ken spared no detail in making sure I had on a new dress, my nails done, and a photographer to catch our proposal in action!

The Pre-Planning Details 

We both wanted to have a springtime wedding with indoor options for the ceremony and the reception. Ken and I both wanted to have a unique venue and share our love of travel with our guests. We decided to get married in Nashville, TN since it is almost a halfway point in the U.S. for California (where Ken is from) and Pennsylvania (where I am from). I chose French Blue for the bridesmaids dresses and picked pale pink and peach for the flowers for a nice spring feel. I had five bridesmaids and Ken had four groomsmen.  

The Venue

We both liked the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville because they had multiple space options and great architectural features. We decided the venue was a perfect compromise for Ken’s love of country music and my love for museums. We also loved that the venue was one block from Broadway so our guests could check out the best bars in Nashville before or after the wedding! 

The Dress

I had my mom, my future mother-in-law, both grandmothers, my sister, younger cousin, and two of my bridesmaids attend my first appointment. I was extremely lucky that Darianna’s was able to handle such a large party and keep everyone’s opinions in line! I was pretty sure of what I did not want in a dress since I worked at a bridal store in college. After trying on over twenty dresses, I realized my previous opinions were wrong! I wound up picking a dress with everything I did not want; it was strapless, more of a ball gown shape, and had a lot of tulle!

I only went to Darianna’s and had only one appointment to find my dress and everyone agreed on the dress in less than two hours! We were extremely lucky to get the dress picked out on the first appointment because two weeks later I moved across the country to Arizona! 

The Pre-Wedding Parties

Eleven months before the wedding, Ken and I had moved to Arizona. We wanted our bridal parties to see our new house and visit Arizona since many of them had never even been here! Both of us had very low-key bachelor/bachelorette parties and spent our weekends showing off our new city Phoenix to all our friends! For the Bridal Shower, my mom and bridesmaids were wonderful and planned everything for me in Pennsylvania. I flew home for a weekend and they surprised me with the Bridal shower at a country club! 

The Day Of 

The day of the wedding was extremely relaxing, we stayed at a hotel attached to our venue and we had a wonderful hairstylist and makeup artist. For my something old, I had the pearl necklace my grandmother gave to me repurposed into a bracelet, my something new was the hair pins my mother-in-law bought for me, my something borrowed was my mom’s earrings, and my something blue were my undergarments. 

The Ceremony

We were very happy to have chosen an indoor venue since it rained the day of our wedding. For our pictures, we were very excited to be able to take pictures in any part of the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum and our first look was in the Ford Theater. We had so much fun taking pictures with our entertaining bridal party and they calmed our nerves for the ceremony! We had a quick ceremony in the Rotunda of the Country Music Hall of Fame which is an extremely unique space. We also were fortunate to have one of Ken’s best friends officiate our wedding, which put us both at ease during our vows. 

 

The Reception

The Reception was so fun but seemed to go by so fast! Our guests loved the photo booth we had, the cupcakes we had instead of cake, and the popcorn and candy bar at the end! Our favorite moments were dancing with our friends and seeing all of our guests hangingout together! We loved that our friends were able to meet each other (we had guests come from eleven different states!) and go out to the bars on Broadway after the wedding! 

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo is a multi award-winning bridal & tuxedo store located in Warrington, Bucks County, PA.  Call or go online to make an appointment with us!

Guest Blogger, Uncategorized

How About Some Custom Wedding Decor?!

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Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo is excited to feature another awesome vendor – this one makes the coolest custom wedding decor from cake toppers to table numbers to signage, and more!

So pleased to feature Lexi Eveleth of Everlaser, a fellow NACE member and a business professional to customize your wedding decor in one of the most unique ways we’ve seen yet!

Lexi Eveleth, Everlaser

 

Starting Out

With her background in graphic design, she began taking classes to learn how to use a laser cutter so she could make the décor for her own wedding including a cake topper, table numbers, an engraved seating chart, a guest book, and table décor.

Shortly after her wedding, she decided to pursue laser cutting as a business!

She created an Instagram account showcasing her designs and as her following grew, so did her business. She has designs that span between bridal, businesses, homes, and events.

Everlaser has gained so much attention and popularity that she had the amazing opportunity to work with big brands and make logo signs for Louis Vuitton for a flower wall and sale signs for Free People!

Products

When choosing your décor from Everlaser, you have the option to choose from available designs or work with Lexi on custom creations.

She likes to make her products out of natural material like 1/8th and 1/4th inch Birch wood that is stained or painted. She also uses different colored acrylics, paper, and leather depending on the product or preference.

The signage options for your wedding or bridal shower are endless, like:

  • invitations
  • table numbers
  • cake toppers
  • chair signs
  • directional signage
  • dessert bar signs
  • quotes
  • monograms
  • last name
  • ceremony backdrops
  • guest books

Everlaser also features adorable décor for little ones!  She offers shower and nursery signage as well as sweet mirror signs you can hang near their crib.

Check out the “kids” section of her website for a full selection (and to see her sweet little girl help promote).

Contact Lexi at Everlaser today to start designing your wedding decor!  On Instagram: @everlaser

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo is proud to partner with some of the best vendors in the wedding industry.  As members of NACE and the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, we are thrilled to have built relationships with so many professional and unique vendors.  Top professionals working together provide the ultimate experience in customized, stress-free weddings. Visit us today! Make your bridal appointment or call/text us at 215-491-8500 and let us recommend other outstanding vendors to help bring your vision to life!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guest Blogger, Uncategorized

Blended Organization: How To Create an Organized Home

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Today’s blog will help you organize your home and your “stuff” before moving in together.  I am excited to publish this blog because it is something most people don’t think about until it’s a little too late.

If you are about to move in with your partner, this is very important and practical information that needs to be considered before the move to help create an organized and harmonious blending of lives.

For the best advice, we tapped a 4-time Bucks Happening winner, fellow Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce Women In Business member, and a true professional in this field.  So proud to have as our guest blogger Audrey Cupo, professional organizer and owner of A Better Space in Bucks County to get you organized and off to a happy start!

How To Create An Organized Home

Audrey Cupo, Professional Organizer and Owner of A Better Space

Are you recently engaged to be married?  Have you recently “tied the knot”?  Congratulations!

The prospect of a new life together can be very exciting. However, it can bring challenges. One of them being blending two people – or families – into one.

As a professional organizer, I am often contacted by people  who have recently married or have moved in together and are now struggling with trying to fit two households into one.

As we all know, we can’t keep everything we own and still have room for someone else. It takes compromise, a concept we become so familiar with when in a relationship.

Just how do we make it all work?

  • Communication is key. You need to discuss what is going to stay and what is going to go. You cannot expect that one person is to give up everything in order to move into the other person’s home. It requires “blended organization”.
  • Avoid duplication. You might have double the furniture. You have to decide which sets of furniture will stay and which will go. Will they be sold, given to other family members or friends or perhaps donated?  NOTE: I discourage using a storage unit long term to solve this problem. It is an expense we don’t need to incur if we make some decisions.
  • The kitchen is a very common area in which blended organization comes into play.  Double the dishes and cook wear, this must be sorted through prior to the move.
  • Closet space.   It is possible that you might both need to weed out your wardrobe to reduce its contents to make it fit into the designated area.
  • Just too much stuff. You might have lots of artwork, nick knacks, collectibles. Do you have enough room to incorporate all of it? Does some of it need to be eliminated? I find that if someone is that passionate about something, you should do whatever you can to keep the collection in tact, but within reason. If it’s a large collection, it just might need to be downsized in order to make it fit into the home. Discuss solutions that work for everyone involved.

Remember, we need to own our possessions, not have our possessions own us!

The bottom line is that when you are combining households, you need to be sure to take the time to communicate about how each other’s possessions will fit into the living space.

It might mean eliminating things altogether or it might mean reducing the amount.

The other factor that comes into play is how each of you function, but that is a discussion for another day. (Be sure to read my next blog entitled “Why Is My Partner Causing Clutter?”)

If you have questions about how to blend your home to accommodate each other, don’t hesitate to contact me at A Better Space at (215) 491-5193 or visit my website at https://www.4abetterspace.com.  I would be happy to show you how you can achieve the home you envision for you and your special someone.
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Audrey Cupo is a full-time Professional Organizer and the sole proprietor of A BETTER SPACE based in Bucks County, PA. She specializes in residential organizing and focuses her business on helping people eliminate clutter, get organized and stay organized with her in-home services. Audrey is the creator of the “U Can Do It” information product line, writes blogs, articles, and guest blogs.  Her public speaking and workshops throughout the Bucks and Montgomery County areas focus on various topics including eliminating clutter, residential organizing, time management, paper management and household budgeting. To learn more about what A BETTER SPACE can do for you and to sign up for her free monthly newsletter “Organizing News You Can Use”, visit https://www.4abetterspace.com/.