Schedule Appointment Call or Text: 215-491-8500

Tag Archives: Wedding Dress Shopping

A Mountain Wedding: Iconic USA Destinations

March 22, 2023 darianna Leave a comment

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.

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, wedding dresses

Featured Wedding Dress: Allira by Sophia Tolli

March 21, 2023 darianna Leave a comment

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.

Continue reading →

Wedding Dress Fabrics

Let’s Talk About Chantilly Lace

March 20, 2023 darianna Leave a comment

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?

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!

Continue reading →

Darianna Brides, wedding dresses, wedding planning

How to Pick and Pack Your Destination Wedding Dress

March 16, 2023 darianna 1 Comment

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.

Continue reading →

Featured Wedding Dress, wedding dress shopping, wedding dresses

Featured Wedding Dress: Floriana by Morilee

March 14, 2023 darianna Leave a comment

Meet: Floriana
Designer: Morilee

Morilee Floriana is a lace and beaded fit and flare with crystal straps and then open back, comes with detachable sleeves — Morilee Floriana

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!

Continue reading →

wedding dress shopping, Wedding Dress Wednesday

Featured Wedding Dress: Kitty Chen Alessandra

April 26, 2022 darianna Leave a comment

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!

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

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!

appointments, Darianna News

New and Safer Appointments

August 22, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

COVID-19 has changed the way we serve our brides and grooms, but it is truly for the better! Deeper and more frequent cleaning processes, limiting group sizes, contactless payment methods – these are all measures that work regardless of a pandemic. It is about being safe, healthy, and providing that environment for all of our customers and staff all the time.

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo is open 7 days a week and is accepting appointments to try on wedding dresses, choose and try on tuxedos and suits, select and try on bridesmaid dresses and soon to choose your mother of the bride or groom dress.

Being a family owned business, the safety and health of our customers and employees are vital to us. In order comply with CDC guidelines and recommendations, we have implemented the following procedures:

All employees and customers are required to wear a mask in the store at all times. If you need a mask, we will provide you one for free.
Temperature checks are required for all staff and guests.
We are limiting guests to your bridal or tuxedo appointment to 3 persons plus the bride and groom. Any additional guests may participate by video call.
For safety of the children, we ask that children under 13 not be part of your appointment unless being measured for a tuxedo or suit.
We have a large store so we will be practicing adequate social distancing. It is also a good idea to consider limiting the number of stores you visit to reduce exposure to yourself and others.
Walk-ins are welcome and we take them as time and space allows. We ask that you call or text us before arriving to make sure there is room and we can take you: 215-491-8500
Hand sanitizer is provided for your convenience.
After each appointment, our staff sanitizes areas used by customers and staff.
At the end of the day, fitting garments are steamed and our store’s daily cleaning procedures are completed.

We Go the Extra Mile

Our professional commercial cleaning company is certified and trained to manage infection control and contamination for the corona-virus. They are so capable at what they do that they are used by some of the local hospitals on a regular basis for cleaning. You can read more about them here.

Video Appointments

We have been doing video participation and appointments since March 2020 and we have gotten quite good at this! If you prefer to do a video bridal or tuxedo appointment, text us at 215-491-8500 and we will make arrangements for you.

For parties exceeding the number of allowable guests, we would be happy to assist you in allowing other friends and family to participate in your appointment via video.

In addition, if you or someone in your group is not feeling well, please let us know in advance and we can either reschedule the appointment, or assist you in allowing for that person to participate by video.

Contactless Payment Methods

To minimize contact to surfaces, we do offer contactless payment methods: Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and RFID enabled credit and debit cards. While paying in this way is not required, we do offer the ability to pay in this manner for your convenience and added safety. As always, we accept, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, cash and checks.

Welcome to Our Family

Our family is ready to serve your family and your safety and health are our first priorities.

wedding dresses, wedding planning

How To Say Yes When You Won’t Stop Looking

May 11, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

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!

Guest Blogger, wedding planning

Wedding vs. Venue Coordinator

January 2, 2018 darianna Leave a comment

Contributing today is Galina Nemstov Wohl of Deserve Your Time, LLC. We met her through the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce and found her professionalism and aura just wonderful. Galina is a professional Certified Wedding Planner/Wedding Coordinator and also offers Special Occasion Planning and Concierge services. She has been a popular spotlight vendor at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo and we will be proud to have her in the store again this year.

In this blog, she reveals the differences you will find between a Wedding Coordinator and a Venue Coordinator – and there are some very important differences. Don’t find out too late that what you thought was covered by one actually isn’t! Read on to see which one you need at your wedding.

by Galina Nemstov Wohl

Wedding coordinator and venue coordinator, the two names sound very similar, but they differ in their responsibilities to the bride and groom.

Many brides mistakenly think that if their selected wedding venue offers an in-house coordinator, they wouldn’t need the services of a wedding planner at all, but there is a good chance that the bride could end up stressed out and facing a disaster on her wedding day, when the venue coordinator will not “perform” the duties of a wedding planner.

Unfortunately it is often assumed that the venue coordinator is going to help set up all your décor, manage and coordinate all third party vendors and generally oversee everything that needs to be done in order for your special day to run smoothly.

Do not be fooled when a venue coordinator will say to you, “I will take care of everything on the day of your wedding, making sure the day will run smoothly.”

Although the venue coordinator will offer her/his assistance with emergencies if you need it, that is totally a different thing from taking responsibility for running the entire wedding. To clear up the confusion between the duties of a wedding planner and a venue coordinator, here is a short checklist to help you remember what you can expect in most cases:

Wedding Coordinator’s Responsibilities:

*They will make sure all the vendors get to the venue on time
*They will communicate with the vendors in case there is an issue
*They will help to set up décor, flowers, candles to bring the bride’s vision to life
*They will stay at the venue until the end of your wedding
*They will run the wedding day according to the timeline that you or the wedding planner help you create

Venue Coordinator’s Responsibilities:

*They are responsible for the venue
*They will protect the interests of the venue
*They will make sure all the vendors have liability insurance
*They will ensure the food and drinks are served in the timely manner
*They will ensure basic set up of tables and chairs as it states in your contract

Now that we have some clarity on the difference between the wedding coordinator and the venue coordinator, you can avoid quite a bit of frustration and unmet expectations. A wedding planner/coordinator can save you time, money and offer wedding planning services to make sure your special day is stress-free.

Call us today for a complimentary consultation! 267-968-1210.

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo in Warrington is proud to feature guest bloggers whom we know and trust. Galina and Deserve Your Time, LLC offers multiple (and very affordable!) packages to fit your needs and to ensure the best day of your life really is!

Guest Blogger, wedding dresses

Thoughts From A New Bridal Consultant

December 18, 2017 darianna Leave a comment

Our newest Bridal Consultant, Jessica Hill, asked if she could blog about her position with Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo because she gets so many questions about working here. She sent it over and said if I “didn’t like it” it wouldn’t hurt her feelings.

Franco and I speak often about how much we appreciate our staff, but hearing it from a brand new employee who is in her second month with us was the best feeling. When the employees feel like family, they take care of our brides and grooms like family. It is not just a sale here, or just a job, it’s a connection for a lifetime.

Jessica mentioned she always wanted a position like this, and we think she is perfect for it! Read Jessica’s (unprompted!) blog below.

To me, Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo is a hidden gem. Popular with many but still undiscovered by some. Since starting two months ago I’ve been asked, “Hey how is it there?” and many similar questions. Well I will be happy to tell you.

First, let me start by saying I am married and many of my best friends are married. I have said yes to a dress and I have watched them say yes to many dresses, so my experience is coming from both points of view. I remember how we were treated from those “bigger box stores”. It was great saying yes to the dress but what many do not realize is the process does not end there. You go back for alterations, bridesmaids and groomsmen and the list continues. What I have found is after you say yes to the dress in the bigger chain stores you are then a number, a sale and that caring consultant has moved on to the next one.

The customer service at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo is unlike any place I have honestly have ever seen. The minute you walk in you become a part of the family. The best part you ask? Well you stay in that family even after you say yes and even after you are married! The sole purpose is to make everyone feel welcomed and have a great experience from the minute you walk in the door to the minute you walk down the aisle. By the way, the amazing and beautiful dress selections also make it easy for everyone to try on all different shapes and styles, making sure we cover all bases before saying yes.

Another amazing benefit to all brides and even potentially new customers is that you can call or text the store. The texting feature is amazing because if you have anything weighing on your mind it can be answered quickly and ease those worries. I’d say that would be a great feature for when the store is closed but Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo is open seven days a week to accommodate everyone’s schedule.

The kind, caring, and compassionate staff is what really sets them apart. Every time you enter the store you will see a familiar face. The owners Wendy and Franco are some of the nicest most hard working people I have ever encountered. They make sure everyone and everything is taken care of.

So hopefully I have answered some of your questions. I could go on and on but I think the best way for you to understand it is to come in and experience the Darianna difference.