Category Archives: Uncategorized

When to Say Yes to the Dress!: Your Go-To Gown Shopping Timeline

June 21, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time for you, your fiance and your family! One of the first things that comes to mind for a newly engaged Bride is of course, to get THE dress!

You made the decision to commit a lifetime together and now it’s time to pick out your dream gown to say YES to forever in! We are honored to be a part of one of the most exciting experiences as a soon-to-be Bride and we are here to help make the process fun and stress free, and provide an efficient timeline to make the wedding dress process a total success so you feel confident on when to say YES!

The best timeline to buy a dress is 9-12 months from your big day. This gives enough time for the dress to come in from the designer, as well as efficient time to schedule fittings for alterations. We do get your measurements to order your dress so it fits as perfect as possible. Many of our designer’s gowns are made-to-order. It’s very important to give yourself adequate time to avoid late fees and so we can get the dress you love in. If you are working with a shorter lead time or engagement of 4-6 months, it’s no problem. They are typically considered rush orders, and may just incur expedited shipping fees.

There is no right or wrong order as to what sequence in the wedding planning process you get your dress. It may be the first priority on your wedding check-list, or it may be after you select your venue to fit an overall style and feel. Every bride has their own unique approach and we welcome you with open arms whenever you are ready to make your appointment!

Before you come in for your appointment, we recommend you browse some style dresses you like. This is the time where you can get inspired by Pinterest and create a Wedding Gown board! You can get lost in Pinterest for hours… maybe even days! When we schedule your appointment you can even send us a link to your Pinterest Board or you can share images of dresses you like. This allows us to envision exactly what you are looking for and help us find the perfect dresses for you to try on when you get in!

Now that you know the timeline you should be dress shopping, it’s important to know WHEN to say yes to the dress. You will absolutely know WHEN you have your moment. There will be tears, oooh’s, ahhs, and cheers! Our biggest piece of advice is once you have THE gown picked out that you absolutely adore and cannot live without DO NOT second guess it. Stop looking for dresses. Second-guessing will only stress you out, over complicate the situation, and set-you-back in the dress selecting process.

Once the dress is into our store, you get to come in for a try on appointment! Which truly is the most magical moment because you are trying on YOUR own wedding gown for the very first time!! We know how important this is for you, and we even give you an estimated time of arrival via text.

Then voila! You get to bring home your gorgeous gown and can get alterations so it fits your silhouette ever so perfectly. Here at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo we also have tuxedo and bridesmaid dresses to complete the full look. Text the owners directly at 215-491-8500 for more details!

Uncategorized, wedding planning

The Bridal Registry: What To Ask For

May 8, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

Have you started your registry for your wedding?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other points to consider:

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

Some helpful advice before you begin:

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

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

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

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Hardship & Kindness

April 29, 2020 darianna 24 Comments

We have all faced hardship at some point in our lives. No one is spared from life’s difficult lessons. Thing is, you usually can’t plan for them and they hit out of nowhere. Then you find your support, your strength, your true friends, and your grit.

Dealing with the virus certainly hit us all, some far worse than others. As of this writing, I know of only two people personally who have had it, I know no one who passed from it. I am incredibly fortunate in that regard.

Others are not only dealing with the quarantine, but have illnesses of their own, compromised immune systems, chemo treatments, therapies, etc., who are struggling even harder. Many are out of work now because of it and struggling to make ends meet.

We are all going through this hard time together – some worse than others – and we will get through and hopefully find better, kinder versions of ourselves on the other side.

I wasn’t going to write this. I hoped I could heal before our store reopened and no one would know, but maybe it will help someone going through a different hardship right now.

On March 5, I wasn’t feeling well and wound up fainting early in the morning. When I came to I was bleeding from the head, could not sit up, nor move at all from the waist down.

After a two hour emergency surgery we were told I had a 50/50 chance of walking again. I badly injured C6 on my spinal cord. I fractured my neck.

I was a perfectly normal functioning woman with a family and a great business. A few days prior, my husband and I were featured speakers at a Chamber of Commerce meeting. We were helping our brides and grooms whose weddings were being postponed due to COVID-19. I was reading with my youngest and welcoming my eldest’s new puppy into the family.

In an instant, I was in the intensive care unit with staples in my head and paralyzed from the chest down.

Fortunately, I believe the very strong medications I was on kept me from panicking for the first week. In addition, it was determined that my injury was “incomplete” meaning there was a better chance I would be able to walk again. I was moved to a rehabilitation center for the next month.

At rehab it was determined that all the pathways were getting signals from my brain, a very positive sign! Now came the hard part – relearning everything.

I heard people say that before, that they had to “re-learn” how to do something very basic and I always wondered what that meant. I understand 100% now and it is exactly that. My injury affected everything from chest down, but C6 is responsible for wrist and hands. While I was fortunate to have some control of my left hand, my right was completely numb and would not work at all. I couldn’t hold a spoon to feed myself. Brushing my teeth was near impossible, brushing my hair was impossible, as was everything else from normal bodily functions to getting dressed or even sitting up.

Unable to do most everything, learning it all over was an extremely large and bitter pill on it’s own, but just one day into rehab I was fed a larger and more bitter one. I was told that visitors were not allowed due to the Coronavirus. I wasn’t going to be able to see my family.

At first I felt like I couldn’t breathe, but I remembered reading about the Corona patients who couldn’t see or speak with their families, and the families of the victims who passed away that couldn’t have a proper funeral. I felt fortunate not to have the virus and grateful to be able to speak with my family over the phone. Others were in far worse places.

I will spare you the rehab details but tell you I worked my ass off to the point of tears almost daily. I purposely watched no television or social media, I focused solely on getting better. In fact, I was reprimanded numerous times for exercising in my room alone (not allowed because I was a fall risk) and overheard a nurse refer to me as “cocky” for continuing to do it.

Because of my progress (score 1 for the cocky girl), I was able to come home early to continue my physical – and mental – therapy with my loves. Home Sweet Home.

The accident was two months ago. I can walk, my hands are improving, and I’m off all but two of the (ridiculous) 13 medications they had me on. I feel physically stronger every day and mentally, well, I’m getting there, too. My family is incredible, celebrating my ups (I love hearing, “Good job, Mommy!”) and encouraging me through the downs.

Franco has been by my side every minute, walking with me, pushing me farther, making sure I’m properly fed, and safe and sound. My beautiful girls help with my hand exercises, cheering me on, and keep me laughing! The addition of adorable puppy Eva (look at that face omg) completes the family and was the perfect addition, especially while I was away. It is a very long road ahead as recovery lasts up to a year, but this is my life and part of my story. I am no different from anyone facing hardship. We all have our cross to bear, some heavier than others.

Having the right support, attitude, determination, and grit is determining my outcome and I believe I will be a better person on the inside for this. I hope when the world reopens we will all be a little kinder, softer, and understanding.

Everyone will face hardship in their life, some are going through very difficult times right now. Please be kind and you will help their journey without knowing you made that difference. When it happens to you, you will appreciate that smile or the kind words.

The fact that we are shut down during my recovery has been an incredible blessing and coincidence (are there really any coincidences?) but I can’t wait to get the green light to reopen! I miss being open! While I may not be able to do appointments right away, I will be there helping and cheering when you say YES!

Thank you for reading and sharing in my story. I’d love to hear yours.

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How To Write Your Wedding Vows

February 27, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

One of the decisions you will make as you continue planning your wedding is that of wedding vows. Will you use the traditional or will you write your own?

We are all about writing your own vows, making them uniquely suited to your relationship. While they can be serious with a hint of silly, or downright funny with a true understanding of the gravity of the union, these are some of the most important and meaningful words you will ever speak.

You speak of the past, the present, and make promises for the future.

So you’re all set to write them and now what? What is coming to mind sounds ridiculous, canned, corny, and not at all what you want to convey. Help is here 🙂

Figure out what you want first: do you want short and sweet promises, more personal and intimate vows, traditional, religious, poetic or lyrical?

Then start with a statement of who your fiancee is to you (your love, your heart, best friend, world, etc.) and talk to him/her.

How have you changed, how has your life changed? Where were you before, where are you now?

Perhaps tell a short story to have your guests understand a meaningful event in your relationship. Maybe a song, a quote, or something just between the two of you that means a lot.

Continue with what you promise for the future! Here you can add something witty (“I promise not to hog the covers”) and if you are having a more religious ceremony, insert your favorite scripture verses as well.

Include gratitude, that you will always be there, that it is forever, for better or worse!

And end with a promise of “as long as we both shall live” or “all the days of my life”.

Once you start writing let it flow and don’t worry how long it is at this point. Get out a lot of what you want to say, then go back and cut it down to a manageable length. You can read it with a timer and see how long it is.

Consider sharing with your partner the “style” of the vows you wrote (if you are writing them yourself) – just in case he/she is also suffering from a little writer’s block!

Here is a sample of a traditional wedding vow:

I, [name], take you [name], to be my [husband/wife], to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; until death do us part.

Here is a sample of a personalized vow:

{Name}, I promise to respect and support you, to be patient and loving towards you, to work by your side to achieve the things we value and dream of, and to savor our time together. I pledge to you all of these things from the bottom of my heart for the rest of our lives.

Whatever you say, say it loud and proud, and BE MARRIED!

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Welcome To Prom Tuxedo Season

February 21, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

At Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, we love dressing you in your tuxedo or suit for prom. As a local, family owned business with children of our own, we understand how exciting and important this day is for you. We’ve been working with all of the local schools and dressing high school students for a long time and we are proud to serve the community. We’ve got you covered for prom and will take personal care of you.

Why Did We Write This Blog?

For parents and students who are going through the tuxedo and suit rental process for the first time, this may seem overwhelming. We feel that it’s an exciting time and the process should be a wonderful experience with a touch of fun. The purpose of this blog is to give you some guidance on making it the best for you and your son. We will make this process as easy as possible for you. Parents who have already been through this may also find this blog useful since it’s not everyday that your child attends prom.

We promise to take personal care of you and make this a stress free experience for you.

How is This Blog Organized?

Over the years, we have been asked many questions about renting a prom tuxedo or suit. What follows is a collection of the most frequently asked questions that we have received from parents, students and prom-goers over the years. Immediately following the question, we provided detailed answers that should help you easily shop for your tuxedo and suit rental from Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo. Feel free to find the exact questions that pertain to you. You will easily have your question answered on the spot. If you still have questions, please text us at 215-491-8500. We will be happy to assist you.

Where are We Located?

We are located in the Valley Gate Shopping Center in Warrington, PA. Our address is 241 Easton Road, Warrington, PA 18976. If you’ve ever driven by, you can’t miss us. We are the center store located between Buffalo Wild Wings and Red Robin. We are very visible right from route 611 just north of County Line Road and south of Street Road.

We are not far from the Wegmans in Warrington and we are in the same shopping center as the Walmart in Warrington.

We are only 6 – 10 minutes from Doylestown PA, and less than 20 minutes from Buckingham.

Here is more information on directions, locations and hours.

Who Do We Serve?

We serve Bucks, Montgomery, Hunterdon and Philadelphia Counties. We have served students from all of these schools for over 7 years:

Central Bucks South High School
Central Bucks West High School
Central Bucks East High School
New Hope Solebury High School
William Tennent High School
Council Rock High School North
Council Rock High School South
Hatboro-Horsham High School
George School
La Salle College High School
South Hunterdon Regional High School
Plumstead Christian Academy
George School
Lansdale Catholic
North Penn High School
Bensalem High School
Pennsbury High School East
Pennsbury High School West
Palisades High School
Pennridge High School
Archbishop Wood High School
Upper Moreland High School
Cheltenham High School
Abington High School
And more!!

Do You Have Parking?

We have a free parking lot! Tons of parking spots that will allow you to park right in front of our store. No need to pay for parking or drive around forever looking for a space! Feel at ease that your car can stay where you left it as long as you want at no charge.

Who Are We?

If you’ve ever met anyone who has been to our store, you’ll know that we are a fun and calm place to be. We will treat you like family and help you choose the right look for one of your biggest days in high school. We’re not a stuffy bunch! We are a little silly, we will make you laugh and we assure you that you will feel comfortable in our beautiful and large store. If you want to learn about the owners, feel free to click HERE.

We are a family owned, local business who employs locals like yourself. Many of you may already know some of our employees. Some of you already know Wendy and Franco (the owners) because you’ll see them out and about in the Bucks County area at local restaurants, grocery stores and attending their children’s events.

We are not a franchise or a chain. When you deal with us, you deal with the owners and our long-time employees. Darianna is the combination of our daughters’ names: Daria and Deanna. In fact, Daria may even help you with your tuxedo or suit rental. Deanna is still in school so she is not quite working with us yet (except for the occasional video that she makes for us!).

Our Employees

Wendy, Franco, Daria, Joe, Shannon, Tori, Marissa, Sharon, Paul, and Isaiah are always on hand to answer any of your questions and help you match the color of your date’s dress. In fact, your prom date may have already purchased her prom gown from Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo so we probably already know the color of her gown!

In addition, several of our staff members currently attend local high schools so they understand exactly what choices you need to make and will guide you every step of the way.

Franco is fluent in Italian. Isaiah is fluent in Spanish. Our store is quite large and our customers diverse so we have all of these fine people to help you!

How Can I Get a Hold of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo?

You can actually text us at 215-491-8500! Yes, you read that correctly! Wendy and Franco, the owners of the store will personally answer your texts whether the store is open or not. No one else answers those text messages other than the owners so you will not be speaking with a chat bot, computer or an outsourced service provider.

Of course you can always call us, submit an inquiry on our website HERE, message us on Facebook HERE, message us on Instagram HERE, message us on Google HERE, or do an online chat from our website HERE. There are plenty of ways to get a hold of us, whether we are open or not. We are always here to serve you. Yes, it is a commitment to provide all of these lines of communication to you but the owners feel that you deserve this level of service.

And for all of you who want to see some fun videos, we are on Tik Tok now: @dariannabridal

Do I Need an Appointment to Rent a Tuxedo or Suit for Prom?

No appointment is needed at all to choose and rent your prom suit or tuxedo from Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo. We are open 7 days a week and you are welcome to come in any time. Here are our Store hours:

Monday – Thursday Noon to 8 PM

Friday Noon to 5 PM

Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM

Sunday Noon – 5 PM

How Many Tuxedo and Suit Choices Do You Have?

We have 68 different tuxedo and suit styles available for rent with over 1,100 different choices in vests, bow ties, long ties and pocket squares. Most other places have no more than 7 to 9 choices.

We have tuxedos in all kinds of great colors: black, navy, cobalt blue, french blue, yale blue, hunter green, gray, burgundy,mulberry, red, ivory, white, and more! We have patterned tuxedos, classic looking tuxedos and suits and some really fun and wild looking ones! Nowhere will you find a better selection with a friendly staff to help you choose the best styles and colors for you.

How Long Does It Take to Choose a Suit or Tuxedo?

We’ve gotten really good at this! Our highly trained and experienced staff will take you through our large selection. They will save you time by showing you only what you are interested in. Are you only interested in navy tuxedos? Then they will only show you navy tuxedos or suits. Do you want gray, then they will give you a guided tour of our gray tuxedos. Do you want to stay within a certain budget? Perfect! We will only show you tuxedos or suits that fit that budget. We won’t waste your time or money on something you are not interested in.

Typically, people spend about 10 – 15 minutes choosing a style of tuxedo and accessories. We will advise you on what will look good with your date’s prom dress. We have an enormous choice of colors and styles of vests, bow ties, long ties, and pocket square. One piece of advice: try to bring a swatch of her dress or a picture of her dress. This will help us match her color more closely. If you don’t have a picture or a dress swatch, we will do the best we can to match it to one of our 1,100 different swatch colors.

How Long Does It Take to Get Measured for a Tuxedo or Suit Rental?

It only takes about 10 minutes to get measured for a tuxedo. You’ll love our unique method where we will have you try on a pair of pants, shirt, vest, jacket and shoes to make sure everything fits perfectly. Our fitting garments are specifically made to determine precise measurements. You’ll understand exactly what we mean when you go through the process. It’s quite a clever system that we use!

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Suit or Tuxedo?

At Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, we don’t like surprises. The good news is that the prices we give you include ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING! NO surprises! Our pricing includes: jacket, pants, any vest, any long tie or bow tie, any pocket square, an upgraded microfiber shirt, any shoes, cufflinks and studs. The pricing even includes damage waiver! With hundreds of accessory choices, you won’t have to compromise on choice because of price.

A word of caution: we often hear of stores offering pricing that seems too good to be true. And as you guessed it, the pricing is too good to be true. Beware of pricing that sounds quite low. It never includes everything that your son will need for prom and often will ultimately cost you more than the stated price due to add ons and premium accessory choices. Fortunately, our pricing includes any accessories your son chooses and all and any garments that he wants, including the 10 different pairs of shoes that we offer. Once you choose your suit or tuxedo, that will be your price at checkout and no more.

If you happen to come across one of our tux reps in the area, there is an additional discount offered through them. Search around on social media to see who the local tux reps are. They will show you how to receive an additional discount!

For Prom 2020, we have 68 different tuxedos and suits for rent at 7 package price points.

For an all inclusive package for designer tuxedo or suit rentals, we have plenty of choices and this year they range from Standard at $140 plus tax all the way up to Ultra at $240 plus tax with 5 price points in between. Again, NO Surprises. These prices include everything you will need to attend prom. We like to say that all you will need are underwear, socks, and tee-shirt!

Would you like to earn a completely free tuxedo or suit rental for prom? This can be done by being one of our tux reps. It’s fun and really easy. Text us at 215-491-8500 and tell us you’d like to be a tux rep. We’ll get you started right away! We give away a lot of tuxedo and suit rentals under this program every year. The free tuxedo even includes our high end rentals! Wouldn’t it be cool to attend prom in one of our Michael Kors tuxedos that you earned as a Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo rep?!

What If I Don’t Need To Rent Every Item For Prom?

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo does have partial-package rentals! We will give additional discounts when you don’t need to rent shoes or a vest. You can also rent individual items from us at a lower rate. Let’s say you only need to rent a bow tie or just a vest or even a few items like a shirt vest and bow tie? We have pricing for that as well but since we have thousands of options, you would need to come into the store to find out the pricing of the individual items you are looking to rent. We would be happy to help you with that as well.

If mom and dad are looking to save some money for the 2020 prom season, items one and two below give you an idea of the cost of renting a partial package:

Partial: Black tuxedo jacket, black tuxedo pants, microfiber shirt, cufflinks and studs, damage waiver – $99 plus tax
Partial: Black tuxedo jacket, black tuxedo pants, microfiber shirt, any vest, any long tie or bow tie, pocket square, cufflinks and studs, damage waiver – $125 plus tax
Full/Standard: Black tuxedo jacket, black tuxedo pants, microfiber shirt, any vest, any long tie or bow tie, pocket square, shoes, cufflinks and studs, damage waiver – $140 plus tax

Because our pricing is so appealing, we can only offer them while supplies last so we suggest that you come in to secure your tuxedo as soon as possible.

We also have gray, navy, cobalt blue, paisley, red, psychedelic,velvet, white and ivory tuxedo and suit jackets!

How Old Are Your Tuxedos and Suits?

Our tuxedo and suit rental inventory is virtually new. At Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, we have a very unique electronic inventory system. Every single garment (jacket, pants, ties, shoes, etc) has a barcode on it. When a garment is returned to our store, we scan the barcodes and the system checks the items back into our inventory system. Each time a garment is returned, the inventory system reduces the number of times a garment can be rented. After the garment reaches the maximum number of rental times, we either sell it second hand, donate it or discard it. We love supporting all of the local schools by donating our suits and tuxedos to band, choir and theater productions and often that’s where some of our inventory finds a permanent home. Most of our inventory is between brand new (never worn) to a maximum of 1 year old. You’ll be stunned by how new all of our items look. We have a vigorous quality control system to make sure you will have the best looking suit or tuxedo for prom.

When Will My Prom Tuxedo Be Ready For Pickup?

Depending on when you order your tuxedo for prom, we typically have your tuxedo ready for pick up 4-7 days before prom, sometimes more, sometimes less. The timing also depends on how popular a style you chose to rent. You are able to pick up the suit or tuxedo as soon as we notify you that it is ready at no additional charge, even if it is ready 10 days before prom. It’s a great way to make sure you are not scrambling right before prom to pick up your suit or tuxedo.

We will either call or text you as soon as your suit or tuxedo is ready for pick up. So make sure your voicemail is set up and your mailbox is not full!

When Does the Tuxedo or Suit Rental Need to Be Returned?

We request that you return your entire suit or tuxedo rental the day after the prom. This will allow us to dry clean and prepare the rental for the next prom goer so he too can enjoy our wonderful tuxedos and suits. Returning the suit or tuxedo late will cost $40 a day so we recommend that you have mom, dad or someone else return it if you are not available after prom.

When Should I Come in to Rent My Tuxedo or Suit?

With spring weddings and proms, this can be an intense time of year for everyone. The sooner you come in to choose your tuxedo or suit, the more likely you will be able to rent your first choice. Best case scenario is to come in 2 – 4 weeks before prom. Of course, we’ve had guys come in the week of prom or even a day before prom and we were able to help them, but again, if you come in sooner, you’ll have a better chance of wearing what you want to prom and mom and dad will most likely save more money. Our lesser expensive tuxedos tend to run out faster. With a 55,000 square foot warehouse, we have more tuxedos and suits than anyone. However, even our inventory sometimes feels the strain of spring weddings and prom.

We try to make this as convenient as possible by being open 7 days a week.

Thank You for Your Time!

Thank you for taking the time to read our prom tuxedo and suit rental blog. Never hesitate to text us at 215-491-8500 with any questions. We would be proud to help you.

Our family can’t wait to meet you!

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Your Dress Has Arrived!

February 13, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

After months of waiting, your dress has arrived! The most meaningful and important dress you will ever wear. She’s waiting for you in the store to do your official try on! How exciting! But wait, why are you so nervous?

You’re nervous because:

1) you’re not going to like it anymore, and

2) it’s not going to fit

Every bride says the same thing. Some come in looking like they are going to be sick from nerves. It is completely understandable because you have waited many months for this day, looked at your photos the whole time with clips all over it, and probably kept looking at new/different dresses online. You have now convinced yourself that you aren’t going to like it anymore. Not only that, but for whatever reason you have told yourself it won’t fit either.

And our response is always, “Your dress is gorgeous. Let’s go try her on and we will see.”

The reaction is overwhelmingly this: “IT’S GORGEOUS AND IT FITS AND OMG I STILL LOVE IT SO MUCH!”

That’s the best for us! We never say, “We told you so…” but we do think it 😉

It’s amazing for several reasons:

– New dresses are NEW. The lace, beading, shimmer… so much lovelier than the sample you tried on. It’s your dress, but way BETTER.

– New dresses are in your size. No clips on the back, no holding the front to see the detailing on the back. You see it from every angle and it’s breathtaking!

– This new dress is YOUR dress. This is the dress you’re going to walk down the aisle in. In this dress, it’s going to hit you: Holy sh*t, you’re getting married!!

The overwhelming excitement and joy is a feeling you will never forget!

Our bride Kaitlin, trying on her dress (appropriately named “Daria”) with the designer herself, Kitty Chen!

But remember – there are normal alterations that will be required and they are:

* Hem: which is shortening to floor length based on the shoes you will be wearing.

* Bustle: pulling the train up in the back to floor length. You will usually bustle your dress prior to entering the reception for your first dance. The bustle allows you to move freely about your evening without your train dragging behind.

Other adjustments that may be required:

* Straps (if your dress has them): adjusting to your shoulders for comfortable fit

* Bust: different cups or slight adjustments to provide a more secure fit and/or prevent gapping

* Take In/Let Out: some brides (most women in general!) are between sizes. This means that while one part of the dress could fit perfectly, another part may not.

These adjustments are easily made by a qualified bridal seamstress!

Do NOT be upset if part of your dress doesn’t fit perfectly at your try on, they rarely do. Your dress will be adjusted to YOUR body.

If you have had a significant weight loss or gain, let your bridal store know prior to trying on. There are always options.

Our advice is to have your first fitting done 4-5 weeks before your wedding date. At that time, you are closest to your wedding size and should not require multiple fittings.

If you need more custom work done – such as the bride in the featured photo above who had sleeves detached – then ask your bridal consultant/seamstress for the best timeline.

tuxedos, Uncategorized

Saying Yes… To the Tuxedo!

February 3, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

The Best Way to Style the Groom and Groomsmen

Have you ever wondered if a groom gets to have his Yes moment? His look shows his style and personality, and makes his statement as the most important man at the wedding.

Brides get to say Yes to the Dress with all the cheers and excitement, right? Now perhaps some guys aren’t into the “frills” like that, but we still would like some professional assistance and guidance in selecting the right look and feel great about it!

New 2020 suit style in French blue

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo ensures grooms feel this level of service, attention, and care. Grooms shouldn’t have to measure themselves or have a box sent to the house. How are you going to choose from a website photo? Why should you have to work with someone who isn’t really interested in you or your wedding party? And who wants to be limited to a handful of tuxedos and settle for that?

This is your wedding. You deserve a professional who will go the extra mile for you and your party. And the best part about all of this extra assistance and styling: Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo does not charge you extra for this attention and professional advice. We rent thousands of tuxedos and suits every year. We see a lot of men (and even some women) in our 68 different styles of tuxedos and suits available for rent. When you add the 1,100 or so different colors and styles of long ties, bow ties, vests and shoes that we carry, then we can probably say that we’ve seen more combinations of wedding attire than anyone one else in the Philadelphia region.

One of our favorite and probably most popular extras among our brides and grooms is our one-of-a-kind “Groom Try-on”. Just for the record, our second most popular service according to our customers is the ability to text our store telephone number!

At Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, we map out a plan for you in choosing and trying on formal wear for you and your groomsmen. Below are simple steps that we schedule for you to make things easy:

Wedding Tuxedo and Suit Rental Steps

Initial hour-long face-to-face consultation to learn about different styles available.
Choose two different tuxedos and/or suits to try on.
When convenient for the bride and groom, schedule groom try on and the reveal.
Thirty to sixty minute appointment to try on chosen suits or tuxedos in groom’s actual sizes.
Once final attire decisions are made, begin measuring groomsmen, fathers, ring bearers and other guests. Arrange for out of town guests to get measured for free anywhere in the country.

New Ike Behar for 2020 in Yale blue

Initial Tuxedo or Suit Appointment

Our initial tuxedo and suit rental appointment is very relaxed and fun. The bride and groom can make an appointment online or text us at 215-491-8500. In this appointment, the bride and groom sit down with one of our tuxedo and suit consultants for an hour and learn all about the 68 different styles that we offer for rent. Coincidentally, about 35 of those styles are also available for purchase as well. We will show you actual tuxedos and suits in our store and give you a full wedding tuxedo and suit education. We’ll also show you different long tie and bow tie styles, color swatches, numerous shirts and several different styles of shoes available. Our rental packages include everything. We like to tell our customers that all the guys will need for the wedding are underwear, socks, and Tshirt! Everything else is provided.

Given our large selection of tuxedos and suits, we will simplify this hour for you and make it very easy to understand. If the bride and groom only want to see navy tuxedos, we will only show them navy. At the end of this first appointment, our brides and grooms often say “this was a lot simpler than I thought”! You will be surprised.

There are often a lot of laughs at the appointment as well. As a family owned local business, we take personal care of you.

Next Step After First Appointment

From this initial appointment, the bride and groom will be given the opportunity to choose up to 2 full tuxedos or suits, or a combination of the two, two pairs of shoes, two shirts, 2 – 4 long ties or bow ties, or a combination of the two and 2 – 4 vests.

We often advise our customers to choose items that you would like to see both the groom and the groomsmen in. That way, when the groom tries everything on, the couple will be able to see exactly what the groom and groomsmen will look like, even if they are wearing different tuxedos and accessories.

Some brides and grooms know exactly what they want and choose all the try on items at the first appointment. Others want to think about it and either text us at a later date with their try on choices. Either method is perfectly fine with us.

Going the Extra Mile

This is the step where Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo really goes the extra mile.

Once we know all of the tuxedo, suit and accessory styles that the bride and groom have chosen, we then get to work.

We will pull together the groom’s chosen styles in his exact sizes. Wait until you see the system we use to determine the groom’s exact sizes; it’s quite clever! We will even hem the pants and jacket sleeves to the correct lengths. In order to prepare for the groom’s try on, we will put together the following packages as if it’s the couples’ wedding day and the groom is ready to get dressed:

2 Tuxedo and/or suit jackets in the groom’s exact size, sleeves custom hemmed.
2 – 4 vests in groom’s exact size.
2 different pairs of pants in groom’s exact size, pants length custom hemmed.
2 different shirts in groom’s exact size, including sleeve length.
2 – 4 different long ties or bow ties
2 pairs of shoes in groom’s exact size.
Studs and cufflinks.
Matching pocket squares.

The package is a fully dry cleaned, professionally altered and pressed tuxedo or suit rental just for the groom to try on to see how he and the bride like the styles and look. Really cool, right?!

We learned a long time ago that it’s very difficult to choose your wedding attire from trying on something that doesn’t fit you. Who wants to try on something that looks like your father’s jacket on you when you were a kid?! Additionally, knowing how this color bow tie will look with that tuxedo is tough to determine without seeing it on. It’s also difficult to see the entire look when you are trying on only a portion of the items.

We’ve solved all of these issues by)allowing the groom to play dress up with all of the exact attire and accessories in his exact sizes. In addition, you’ll even get to see how high quality our suits and tuxedos are by trying on our actual rental inventory, not samples.

New Allure tuxedo for 2020 in Mulberry

The (Second) Biggest Day, Or Maybe the Third!

With 2 – 3 business days notice, we can put together the groom’s look and chosen items. We prefer a little more time than that, but we can do it with as little as two to three days notice!

Either at the initial appointment or at a later date, the bride and groom schedule their groom try on appointment. Most schedule this by text message, others do it online. Do what is easiest for you.

The try on appointment is an hour long. We sit the bride at one of our round top tables and stools while the groom is set up in one of our large and private dressing rooms.

Couples are encouraged to take photos and videos of the groom in his different style choices. Seeing the tuxedo before your own eyes makes it so much easier for people to envision what they will look like on their wedding day, which makes our couples feel much more comfortable in their final attire selection.

Watching a groom emerge from the dressing room in a full tuxedo is very special. He goes into the room in jeans and comes out a whole new man. As a tuxedo consultant, seeing the glint in the eyes of our brides when the perfect tuxedo comes together for her groom, as well as watching the groom taking himself in looking exceptional, is so special for us. We love being part of it!

Come into Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, and take advantage of our try-on service! There is no measuring yourself, no shipping back and forth to choose your look. We ship nationwide to your grooms/bridesmen, but for you, visit us. We are professionals who will assist you, answer your questions, and take care of you for the most important day of your life. Just like your fiance will have help and guidance with her wedding dress, you deserve equal care at this time too!

Our family is personally invested in assisting you as you create your own family. Make your appointment today to begin your Groom journey!

Uncategorized

Where Will You Honeymoon in 2020-2021?

January 16, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

The wedding is over, enter the honeymoon phase! After the planning madness and the whirlwind of your best day ever, you get to enjoy ALONE time with your spouse. What a Cloud 9 feeling to close your eyes and picture this!

Have you put thought into your honeymoon yet?

Do you need the advice of a travel agent, complete with tours and packages? Maybe you’re a do-it-yourselfer, just get somewhere and wing it. There are so many things you can do that you must talk about how you want to spend your honeymoon.

Which one are you, calm and peaceful?

Or daring and extreme?

Or both? Tell your travel agent to find what activities you want (or don’t want).

What about food? Are you an American fare, steak and potato type?

Or have a more international palette?

Or both? Again, tell your travel agent and get your perfect trip booked!

Before we get to the current popular destinations, let’s list some other questions to answer and ideas to ponder.

Do you want to stay domestic or travel abroad?
Do you like all-inclusive packages with food and drink?
Do you want to relax or pack in the activities?
Do you want to be surrounded by people or more excluded?
Are you stressed at the thought of travel, afraid to fly, etc?
Would you consider a cruise?
How much do you want to spend on your honeymoon?
Do you want to get married at your destination location?

If you’re thinking of traveling abroad, there are some amazing places like Italy’s Amalfi Coast (pictured below), Santorini and Mykonos in Greece, Figi, Bali, Tahiti, and Bora Bora to name just a few.

While we are on the subject of traveling abroad, please take note of your passport! If you change your name but it doesn’t appear on your passport, you’re not leaving the country. It takes some time to change your passport and other documents over so make sure you have that in place well in advance of your trip.

Domestically, the top choice is always the Hawaiian Islands. Oahu, Maui, and Molokai are beautiful places to honeymoon. Also popular are places like California Wine Country (Sonoma Valley pictured above), Miami and Orlando in Florida, Jackson Hole, WY and Park City, UT (skiing, anyone?), or any of the incredible National Parks. Fall weddings can consider Vermont for breathtaking scenery.

Cruising is also a popular option and can take you to a number of great places for you to experience in one trip. Consider cruising the Greek Islands, Australia, the Mediterranean including Spain, France, and Italy, or perhaps Alaska. There are always good packages and specials running for cruises and some offer special bonuses for honeymooners. Some cruise ships can hold over 5,000 guests so if you and your sweetheart are people-people, this could be ideal for you!

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo is always vetting the best partners in the business, and we have recently added Helen Baxter-Amelsberg with Dream Vacations in Furlong, PA. She is a well-seasoned traveler, both domestically and internationally, and can lead you to the most perfect honeymoon to celebrate your new life together, or arrange the most perfect destination wedding and honeymoon in one. She’s also super friendly and fun and will make the process exciting for you.

Whether it’s peace and quiet or extreme action and adventure, anywhere on the globe, Helen can exceed expectations. Watch our social for the next in-store event with Helen coming in March! As a Darianna Bride herself just last year, she’ll have special presents for you!

accessories, Uncategorized

What If I Don’t Want To Wear A Veil?

January 10, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

You’re not alone if you are feeling on the fence, or just flat-out don’t want to wear a veil. It’s okay! We believe the only way to go wrong on your wedding day look is to agree to something that isn’t right for you!

We’ve done blogs on veils, the styles, lace and beaded edges, lengths, etc., but what if it’s just not your thing? Does that blusher piece over the face makes you cringe thinking of walking down the aisle like that?

Maybe you have tried them on and while you may appreciate the look on other brides and perhaps even seen your own look come together while veiled and standing in your own mirror, but something is amiss. It’s just not you.

Can you still feel like a bride sans that oh-so-traditional accessory?

Of course you can! Here are some tried and true options and suggestions.

How about a headband, a small metal piece with a bit of sparkle? This lovely addition stays pinned in your hair all evening. There are many different varieties of the headband.

Some can be pinned into your hair or you can find beautiful ones that tie in the back under your hair, leaving pretty ribbons flowing down the back. Add colored ribbons or gemstones for a personal touch.

Perhaps a larger piece like a thicker band or a tiara to add lots of formality and fun for the Princess on her day!

Outdoor ceremony? A flower crown (or even flowers woven into the hair) is a gorgeous, earthy option that lends softness and romance. Add greenery, color, berries, sparkle, whatever you love! You can add ribbons to crowns as well to take it up a boho notch.

Glam wedding? Try a bird cage or a fascinator, add some color if you want. An amazing way to throw your look back to a time of gilded sophistication and pomp!

Considering an up-do on your day? What about a bridal comb to top it off:

Or a beautiful set of hair pins:

Maybe you’re not into anything at all in your hair. Perhaps you’d like a wrap, a jacket, detachable sleeves, a cape, an accessory other than a veil.

Do not wear anything that feels like a costume or phony. You need to feel beautiful and confident so you shine as your authentic self. Try on all these different pieces with your dress and see what feels right.

Remember: the only way you can go wrong on your day is if you agree to something you know isn’t right for you. Don’t just choose a veil (or any piece!) because you feel you have to, because everyone else does it, because tradition says so.

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo has all of these accessory pieces and more! Make your appointment and let our consultants show you different looks to make your vision come to life.

Uncategorized, wedding planning

Bride Tribe: How to Choose Your Wedding Party

January 3, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

Choosing your wedding party is another exciting part of being a bride to be! Who is standing by your side when you say, “I do” is a personal choice and we have some advice for you to consider.

When we say personal, it is very personal. Your closest and most trusted persons should be by your side. Blood is thicker than water in many cases, but not all. Do not ask someone because you are “expected” to. This is your day and you want all good and positive vibes.

Talk to your fiancee first and make sure you are on the same page about the following:

Size of wedding: Are you having a small wedding with 25 guests? A bash with 400? This is helpful in either pairing down the party or extending it out.
Reciprocity: Were you a maid/MOH in other weddings? Do not feel that you must have someone in your wedding party just because you were in theirs.
The future: Can you see this person by your side if you have children, being in your life still in 20+ years? Do not ask someone simply because you need more people or feel obligated.
Consider their financial/logistical position: Saying yes to a maid/man role comes with a cost, and it may cause financial pressure for that person. Does he/she live out of state and will incur extra travel costs? Are they between jobs, or in school? He/she could wind up dropping out and causing anxiety on both sides.
Equal number: Do not stress over this. It does not have to be equal on both sides.
Do not worry about traditions or opinions. Do what feels right, it’s your day. If there is someone you think you should ask out of obligation but you foresee drama, do yourself (and the rest of your party) a favor and give that person a different role in your wedding.
If the thought of a large wedding party causes you anxiety, then make it simple! Have one or two people who are closest to you.

Consider these people carefully. They play a pivotal role in your day and you will want to be surrounded by supportive and reliable people to help you. Make a list of those you are thinking of asking and then assign the roles.

Maid/Matron/Man of Honor

Your maid of honor, matron of honor (if she’s already married), or man of honor (MOH) will be your right-hand person both before and during the big day.

Your MOH will be in charge of delegating tasks to the other bridesmaids, assisting with dress selection and fittings, organizing and hosting special events like your shower, bachelorette party, and other important milestones with you. She’ll also be the go-to contact on the day for any emergency issues that might arise.

This person should be supportive, organized, and positive, someone you trust completely, who knows you better than anyone.

Bridesmaids/Bridesmen

Your bridesmaids/men will play a huge part in the preparation and planning of your big day! They’ll help the MOH organize your pre-wedding celebrations and help with DIY projects.

You will also spend the morning of your wedding with them getting prepared for the big day. You’ll want to surround yourself with people that you can truly relax and have fun with.

Best Man/Woman

The best man/woman will be your groom’s number one sidekick in the lead up to the wedding day. This person needs to be reliable in order to take these responsibilities on board. He/She should also be somebody that keeps cool under pressure and can take control of group situations like formal attire measurements and fittings, and the bachelor party.

Groomsmen/maids

Your groomsmen/maids will be there to support the groom in any way possible and complete any tasks delegated to them by the best man/woman.

This group will greet and mingle with guests on the day by welcoming them to the ceremony, sometimes accompanying guests to their seats. Your chosen groomsmen/maids should be dependable and friendly.

Once someone has accepted their role, you should give a thank you gift as a sign of your appreciation. These gifts show your gratitude for the place they have in your day. Some of our favorites for the maids are jewelry, matching robes, champagne, gift box with chocolates and coffee, Bride Tribe tee shirts, a spa day, etc. For the guys, we love the engraved flasks, good liquor, tickets to a game, etc.

You can see why it is important for many reasons to choose the right people to be in your wedding party. It’s a super exciting time in your life and you want those around you who feel that, too!

We can’t wait to meet you and your wedding party! Make your appointment so we can show you great looks for the bride, maids, and men!