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A Mountain Wedding: Iconic USA Destinations

The United States boasts some of the most breathtaking mountain wedding destinations in the world, and it’s no surprise that they are among the most popular spots for couples to tie the knot.

Real Bride Katherine, Wedding in Oregon
Real Bride Katherine, Wedding in Oregon

Aspen, Colorado Wedding

One of the most iconic mountain wedding destinations in the US is Aspen, Colorado. With its stunning mountain backdrop, charming downtown, and luxurious wedding venues, Aspen is a dream destination for many couples. Aspen is also known for its world-class skiing and outdoor activities, making it a popular spot for couples who love adventure and the great outdoors.

Colorado mountain wedding
Real Bride Katie, Wedding in Colorado

Jackson Hole, Wyoming Wedding

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is another popular mountain wedding destination in the US, especially for couples who love the rugged beauty of the American West. Located in the heart of the Teton Mountains, Jackson Hole offers incredible wildlife and plenty of outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, and fishing. Couples can choose from a variety of venues, including rustic lodges, elegant resorts, and intimate ranches. Jackson Hole is also known for its Western hospitality, making it a warm and welcoming destination for couples and their guests.

Grand Teton, Jackson Hole, WY is breathtaking for a mountain wedding
Stunning Grand Teton, Jackson Hole, WY

Wyoming is also home to Yellowstone National Park which delivers some of the most beautiful mountain vistas in the country and has the second-highest average altitude in the country.

Lake Tahoe Wedding

Another popular mountain wedding destination in the US is Lake Tahoe, which straddles the border between California and Nevada. Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination that offers stunning scenery, including crystal clear waters, towering pine trees, and snow-capped mountains. Couples can choose from a variety of venues, including lakeside resorts, mountain lodges, and charming chapels. Lake Tahoe is also known for its excellent cuisine, and couples can enjoy farm-to-table dining experiences featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Montana mountain wedding
Real Bride Jacqueline, Montana wedding (with a heart-shaped cloud!)

Montana, Arizona, and Idaho Weddings

Destinations like Montana, Arizona, and Idaho are stunning as well, however if you’re looking for something on the East Coast there are amazing options on that side too! Mount Mitchell located in North Carolina is the highest mountain in the inspiring Blue Ridge Mountains (part of the Appalachians!) and Mount Rogers in the breathtaking Shenandoah Valley in Virginia are some of the most popular locations for elopements.

Sedona Arizona mountain wedding
Real Bride Jaime, Wedding in Sedona, Arizona

There are many travel agents that specialize in mountain weddings and event who can put together an unforgettable itinerary based on your must-do and must-see lists!

Wedding Dress Types

Our brides who opt for weddings in the mountain tend to prefer dresses with long sleeves to offset some of the cold! One dress our brides love for their outdoor weddings is Kitty Chen Carolina. This fitted beauty has a gorgeous beaded illusion back, lace sleeves, and lace appliques atop a layer of Chantilly lace. A long lace train is the perfect accent for photos atop a snowy landscape!

Another one of our favorites for weddings in the mountains is the Holly gown from Mia Solano. This pretty long sleeve a-line has delicate lace and a layer of glitter tulle that shimmers like snow! The back of this gown is so unique and fun with an illusion back that meets in the middle with some crystal buttons and a small keyhole back that flashes a peek of skin. Holly is lightweight which makes her a breeze to move in as you trek uphill for photos!

We hope this gave you some great ideas for your destination mountain wedding! It’s always best to do your research: you can find online wedding groups to join and chat with other couples to get information, as well as travel agents who specialize in destination weddings.

Featured Wedding Dress: Allira by Sophia Tolli

Meet Allira!

Designer: Sophia Tolli 

Why we love her:

As one of the first Sophia Tolli bridal gowns we have in the store, Allira set the bar high– like, really high. From the delicate beadwork, to the intricate lace, to the crisp crepe, Allira is a masterpiece! She is a prime example of why we picked up the Sophia Tolli line.

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Let’s Talk About Chantilly Lace

There are many different types of laces, but one of the most popular for wedding dresses is Chantilly. What exactly is it and how do you identify it?

Chantilly lace wedding dresses are a timeless and romantic choice.

This ornate lace is named after the town of Chantilly in France, where it was first created in the 17th century. It is known for its delicate and intricate floral patterns, which give it a feminine and ethereal look and used to create overlays or appliques on wedding dresses, adding a touch of softness and grace.

Chantilly lace wedding dresses are a timeless and romantic choice for brides who want a touch of elegance and luxury on their special day!

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How to Pick and Pack Your Destination Wedding Dress

A destination wedding at a beautiful and exotic location requires equally beautiful and exotic wedding dress.

Whether you’re traveling two hours by car or two days by plane, your gown is a very important part of your big day and it’s important to pack and transport it with care. Here are some tips on how to pick and pack your destination wedding dress:

PICKING:

When choosing your gown for a beach wedding, consider lighter weight fabrics like organza, chiffon, English net, and charmeuse. Shimmering beads and light sequins can create a magnificent glow from sunrise to sunset. Tropical locations with lush foliage and big colorful blooms can be thoughtfully matched with bold floral and/or leafy vine lace appliques on the dress.

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Featured Wedding Dress: Floriana by Morilee

Meet: Floriana
Designer: Morilee

Why we love her: 

Floriana by Morilee definitely has it all; sparkle, lace, buttons, tulle…everything! Yet her design comes together in such a way that it all works in perfect harmony. She is a beautiful blend of classic details with modern features. Everything about her will have brides shouting “yes!” the moment they put her on.

Floriana has a sweetheart neckline held up by crystal beaded straps. Her bodice is adorned with mixed beading on top of Alençon lace. The Alençon lace is regal and elegant; motifs of swirls, leaves, and roses decorate Floriana and her train. The unlined bodice is supported by boning, which helps give her structure as well as a corset-style look. Exposed boning is trending right now, but the classic silhouette and embellishments make sure that Floriana will stand the test of time!

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Featured Wedding Dress: Stella York Style 7501

Meet: Style 7501

Designer: Stella York

Why We Love Her: 

Design 7501 by Stella York is a perfect fit for the bride who wants timeless elegance! This mikado ballgown is flattering with a structured bodice designed to keep its shape and support the bust without too much cleavage. The square neckline tactfully covers up the chest and provides a modern twist to a timeless gown! Thick straps add extra support in the bust and transition into a soft scoop back that shows off a little bit of skin. 

stella york 7501 square neck
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Featured Wedding Dress: Kitty Chen Alessandra

Meet: Alessandra

Designer: Kitty Chen

Alessandra from Kitty Chen front view of beaded straps, plunge neck, lace pattern and fanned to the side train
Alessandra from Kitty Chen

Why we love her: If you are a bride looking to turn heads and WOW your partner at the end of the aisle, look no further than Alessandra by Kitty Chen! This stunning fit and flare has a little bit of everything blended seamlessly to make one knock-out gown. A v-neck plunge dips low into the bodice while side cut outs provide the most flattering hourglass shape. Beaded spaghetti straps nicely hold up the bodice, and adorn the low back with a little bit of beaded flare as they meet the gorgeous illusion back! 

Split beaded back straps
Split beaded back straps

The gown hugs the body nicely with her structured bodice and fitted skirt while still being flexible to movement and dancing with her soft lining. Alessandra’s sequined, shimmery lace lies atop a layer of subtle glitter tulle, and trickles all the way down the flared skirt to intricate, floral hem lace. The double-tiered, asymmetrical train is unlined and emphasizes the beauty of the lace for your walk to say “I do!”. 

She’s great for: the bride who wants a sexy (yet tasteful), fun, and flattering gown! Between the plunged neckline, sheer cutouts, and low back, there is a little bit of skin shown off at every angle while still maintaining a bit of modesty with a bit of lace coverage. Brides looking for some drama will LOVE Alessandra’s incredible back. The train pops against the ground to highlight the unique lace, but remains light and airy when it comes time to bustle her up.

Signature Kitty Chen low sexy back and layered scalloped lace train
Signature Kitty Chen low back and layered scalloped lace train

Alessandra is a very versatile gown when it comes to venues! Her elegant floral lace pattern would be perfect for a more formal wedding held in a country club, hotel, or ballroom. Imagine those photos on a grand staircase or shimmering in the city lights! The lightweight nature of the dress, low back, and cutouts ensure that this is a gown that brides will not overheat in which would also make her perfect for a beach wedding. Traveling with Alessandra is a breeze, only requiring a quick steam out when she arrives to your venue.

Ornate leaves and rose shimmery applique
Ornate leaves and rose shimmery applique

What makes her special: What doesn’t make Alessandra special? To know her is to love her! Her glitter tulle and sequined lace shimmer with each step you take and draw the eye to the incredible detail in this gown. Her low back with straps that split give the low and ornate back an extra boost! Her versatility to appeal to brides of all ages, venues, and shapes make Alessandra an amazing option for any bride. This dramatic fit and flare has it all without being too much, and not every gown can handle this amount of detail without being overwhelming.

Kitty Chen Alessandra is available in store in the khaki color with ivory lace (as pictured), but she is soon to be available in store in ivory with ivory lace! She is also offered in white on white lace. Come try her on for yourself here at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo!

How To Say Yes When You Won’t Stop Looking

Have you asked any of these questions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This bride refuses to say yes for months.

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

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

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

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

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

Why?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bridal Myths: Exposed!

We’ve all heard urban myths and legends. Some are funny like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. Some are creepy like Bloody Mary; the Woman in White and Area 51. Yet, even though we know these myths are based on nothing more than rumor and exaggeration, they still persist.

Like any other segment of society, the bridal world has its own share of myths, like:

“I will cry when I find my perfect dress;” “I will know my perfect dress as soon as I see it;” or “It’s best to bring everyone with me to my bridal appointments.”

Well, much like Bigfoot and the Woman in White, not all tales are true, especially in the bridal world.  Here are a few of the tales I’ve heard over the years.

  • I will cry when I find my perfect dress

Not always!  When you know it’s your dress, we call that “the Moment”.  Many brides do have the Moment with tears! Some completely break down as the reality hits (OMG, I’m getting MARRIED!)  Some experience a combination of a laugh-cry type thing.  Others light up, smile ear to ear and say YES with a cheer! And then there are brides who simply know and confidently say, I love it.  This is my dress, this is the one.

We love the brides who say, “I’m sure I won’t cry, I’m not like that.”  When those tears come, whoa boy.  It’s for real and there is no denying she found the ONE.

You may not cry, but you WILL have your Moment.  Trust that process.  You’ll know.  Not a myth.

  • I will know my dress as soon as I see it

Myth. As any experienced Consultant will tell you, there is a process to finding your dream dress. It’s not a matter of just finding the prettiest gown in the shop and calling it a day. There are many factors that should go into finding the dress for your special day:

What silhouette flatters your figure most? Where is the wedding taking place? What fabrics are you most comfortable in? What type of wedding are you having? Indoor or outdoor? Day or evening? Huge celebration or an intimate affair? How much detail work are you looking for? Do you want to deal with a train or would you rather have a cathedral veil for drama? What price point are you comfortable with?

All these answers are to be found in one dress and that requires a thoughtful plan of action. You will no doubt put on numerous dresses that are breathtaking and fulfill your vision. But, does it check off all your “must haves”?

Consistently, we have brides end an appointment with TWO favorite dresses which they need to weigh against each to make that final choice. While it does occasionally happen that a bride will click with her gown right away, more times than not, there isn’t a definitive “ta-dah” moment until the bride gives it much consideration against the others.

This is why we will encourage you to try different styles, silhouettes, and fabrics during your appointment. Our goal is to guide and support you as you navigate through a sea of white and ivory to find the gown of your dreams. Just don’t be disheartened if you don’t know your dress based on a first look.

  • To find my perfect dress, I will drive to dozens of places and try everything on to be confident in my decision.

Myth.  While this sounds like an excellent research plan, I can tell you from experience that this will leave a bride stressed and frustrated. The much-anticipated, incredibly exciting “Say Yes” moment becomes a chore.

With the Internet’s assistance, you will find thousands of dresses with similar silhouettes, features and colors that you will be trying to cram into your brain. Even the most detail-oriented bride will buckle under the weight of all the information being thrown at her by Google, her friends and the Consultants she encounters at each place she visits near and far.

Brides come in to see me with endless photos of gowns they’ve tried. Constant refrains are:

“Wait, why did we keep this picture?” “I don’t remember what was on the skirt/bodice that we liked…” “Was this the one Mom liked?” “Is this the same dress we tried on at the other place?”  And our very favorite: “Wait, didn’t we all hate this dress?”

Short story: I personally worked with a Bride who visited 12 different salons across the Tri-State area. She couldn’t say whether or not she liked the dresses she was trying on with me.  Every time she came out in a dress, she was riddled with questions and information:  “The other one was better on your figure.” “Now, do you like the beading on this one or this one (showing her a photo).” “Show her how this bustles.” “Let’s put a veil on and see how you feel.”  “Maybe you should try something plain, you liked a plain one at the other store last week.”  “Let me go pull another one I saw for you.”

She just broke down crying because after trying on literally over one hundred dresses, she was miserable. She didn’t like anything anymore.  The constant questions comparing every dress to something else she tried on previously had her too stressed her out to continue. There were TOO MANY.  Let your Consultant curate a beautiful selection for you and start from there.

Keep it simple.  Find a couple reputable stores who will make you a priority. Visit their websites, research the lines they carry and price points.  Read their reviews. (Read our reviews here!)  Make your appointment and try on gowns that you know will work both aesthetically and financially for your wedding. There is enough stress involved in wedding planning, be strategic in your dress search.

  • The more expensive the dress, the better it is

Myth Myth Myth Myth and Myth.

In my years as a Consultant, I have been privileged to work in different parts of the country and at different salons. I have worked with many top of the line designers as well as median designers. While it is true that most gowns are priced according to the quality of fabric, lace and embroidery used in a design, it is also true that you are paying for the privilege of wearing a specific designer’s creation.

There is absolutely no reason for a bride to overpay for a beautifully designed and well constructed gown. Today’s textiles are being manufactured with specific purpose and your comfort in mind. And, thankfully, these fabrics are not as expensive as their predecessors! Silk jersey and matte satins are being utilized by bridal gown manufacturers for more wrinkle free wear and lighter weight gowns. Many times, these modern fabrics provide a lower price point for the consumer.

Although there are still designers that command a premium price due to name recognition, I guarantee that no one will know if the appliques on your dress were sewn on by hand or if they were machine stitched.

  • The Consultant will try to push higher priced dresses to boost her commission

While I would love to qualify this as a total falsehood, I can’t.  If a store works on commission, this is true.

The reality is that commissions are incentives to sell, whether it’s a higher priced dress, or old stock they want to move out. Unfortunately, this can lead to high pressure sales tactics and even outright lies.

Yes, in the past, I have seen commission driven Consultants skirt the truth in order to close a sale. Sadly, these Consultants were poorly compensated and to make up for the unfair pay scale, a Consultant was forced to boost their compensation with commission. So, while I cannot entirely dismiss commission boosting as a total fabrication in the bridal industry, I can tell you how the Consultants at Darianna Bridal differ from them.

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo is a family-run, community based business. We are invested personally and professionally in the area. Our Consultants are compensated for their expertise, knowledge and professionalism allowing us to forego the problematic commission based sales paradigm. Our families live and work in the community that we serve. We are invested in our neighbors and want their experience here at Darianna to be a joyous one.

Whether you say yes to a brand new dress or a marked down bargain, we are thrilled to be part of your wedding… and the consultant makes the same amount of money. There is – and never will be – a commission structure in our store.

  • A Bridal Salon will order the dress too big so that they can make money off of the alterations

This is another one that cannot be completely disputed.

Brides need not be confined to an overpriced alteration “package” (or “flat fee”) for the sake of convenience. We allow the Bride to choose from several different seamstresses in the area who are extremely skilled and talented in bridal and formal wear alterations. These alteration providers are independently owned and operated, small businesses. They set their own pricing scale based on the intricacy of the work to be performed.

Alterations are necessary but time consuming. Sizing in the bridal industry is extremely different from any other piece of clothing you will ever wear or order.  Read our blog on sizing and how we try to get the RIGHT size!

As Consultants, we can offer you our considerable knowledge and guidance. Speak up and always let your thoughts be known about sizing.

  • Bridal salons are overpriced and have HUGE marked-up prices. Buying a gown on-line will save me hundreds of dollars.

MYTH!!!!  MYTH!!!! MYTH!!!!

The Amazon model of internet sales is revolutionary in terms of convenience, product choice and price comparison. Who doesn’t like hitting a button and having a package show up the next day fulfilling your need. And as much as my Amazon Prime account makes my life easier, it can’t always fulfill every niche. As the old adage says, if it’s too good to be true, it usually is.

Take for example on-line wedding gown vendors. We’ve all seen the Memes of the “knock-off” dresses.  That is not a myth either – those knock offs actually do look that bad.  Scarily, some even smell terrible, like chemicals or something burned.

Recently, we had a young lady rush into Darianna on a Friday afternoon clutching a gown, desperately looking for a replacement. The gown she was holding was an internet purchase. It was only $30. A total bargain, right?  Wrong. The dress construction was absurd (the bra cups were almost at her shoulders), the lining was entirely too small, and the lace bodice was completely off-color. Thankfully, we found her a great substitute that she wore to fulfill her Maid of Honor duties.  She paid a fair MSRP price on a quality dress, and spent an extra $30 on a dress she threw out.

Delivery of that bargain dress was delayed over a month due to its shipping origination in China. The site she purchased from had no customer service representative to speak with and no remedy for her situation. She purchased the dress from a picture and provided her credit card information to an unknown business entity in a foreign country.

At Darianna Bridal and Tuxedo, this is an untruth that we work to dismiss. We know our modern couple needs to be price conscious and we know they have other monetary considerations for their wedding day. Today’s Bride and Groom are graduating from college and entering the work force with incurred educational and life debts. We, as well as our manufacturers, are aware of this fact. We actively adhere to suggested manufacturer pricing guidelines so you can be assured of the best pricing available for the highest quality dresses.

Also, being a family run business, we have family and employees carrying educational and life debt. We know the importance of a budget. Our goal is to make your special day a reality, not to put you in debt.

  • My Bridal Squad is planning a party while I try on wedding dresses! Champagne, treats, and hours of fun for everyone! This is a great way to find my dress.

No one likes to have fun at a Bridal appointment more than the Consultants at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo. This appointment is meant to be a memorable and joyous experience! We are always excited to meet you and your guests. But, as with most things, there are considerations…

While it is sparkling good fun to bring in champagne for your crew to sip while you view, it does not make for good decision making skills.

We love to celebrate the final “YES!” with a champagne toast, but drinking alcohol is not a good idea throughout the appointment. You and your Squad should approach this decision with the contemplative attitude the task requires, then go celebrate properly at brunch or dinner!

And, while we love a gregarious group, when the attention strays from the bride, attention is diverted from the goal of finding her dress. It makes for good Instagram posts, but it is not helping the bride.

Short story: We had a very large group several years ago who brought boxed wine and a full spread of cheese and crackers. Rules were set at the start and everyone was on board. While it was fun in the beginning, it didn’t last. It turned chaotic with dresses being pulled “for fun”, silly photos being taken, and as the drinking continued, arguments started. The appointment was ruined and bride got nowhere.  The appointment was shut down after the scheduled 90 minutes and the group was upset that they didn’t have enough time to see the bride in all the dresses they pulled (“for fun”).

A bride will never find her dress this way and we learned a lot from that group (including NO outside alcohol).  We privately arranged to have the bride return with just her mother for the experience she deserved, where she was able to say yes and have a champagne toast on us.

Have a question or a myth you’d like answered?  Let us know in a comment! We’d love to confirm or debunk for you 🙂

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo is so proud to continue to curate the best dress and tuxedo selections for our couples at great prices. It is exciting to continue to add new dress designers (stay tuned for Morilee and MADI LANE Bridal!!) and carry the newest tuxedo styles! It’s a great time to be engaged!