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Tag Archives: wedding dresses

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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

Wedding Dress Fabrics, wedding dresses

Three Things To Love About Crepe Wedding Dresses

May 8, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

Whether it’s a body-hugging mermaid or a romantic A-line, crepe dresses are sophisticated and timeless. No doubt you’ve heard about (and pinned) a few dresses in this amazing fabric, so in this blog we will go into more detail.

Crepe is a fabric that was traditionally made from silk or wool which is what gives some their “bumpy” appearance, but can now can be made from almost any fiber. Crepe georgette is very popular in dresses now because the georgette adds elasticity.

Crepe types vary from thin and lightweight to thick and heavyweight. Wedding dresses typically fall somewhere in between. They definitely aren’t thick and heavy because they would lose their beautiful drape and flow, however, they are not thin because then the dress could be somewhat see-through.

Wedding dresses in this fabric are not always lined underneath, but if they are it is usually with a satin or a charmeuse therefore need to have some thickness for proper structure and draping. A little thickness is also what gives crepe our first thing we love:

Hug Those Curves! You work hard to keep that body of yours in shape and it shows at every angle in a dress like Fallon by Madi Lane below, a stunning crepe dress with buttons down the back accentuating the assets! The incredible fit with a little mix of a georgette fabric gives not only the perfect silhouette but also allows the stretch needed to sit, walk, and do those perfect dance moves. Not to mention it will knock your fiance out all night long.
Smooth and Comfortable. Are there any two better adjectives to describe a wedding dress? Besides the ones already used above? Smooth always looks classic and sophisticated, clean and timeless. Comfortable is not always easy to get in a dress. When a dress has lace and/or beading, multiple layers of crinoline, a fitted high structured satin, it can be a long day wearing it. Scratchy, heavy, tight – none of these describe crepe. This fabric is ideal for sensitive skin as well.
The Color. Whether you choose white or ivory, the richness in this fabric is like no other. The whites are clean and bright with none of the “harshness” of other fabrics, the ivories are creamy and warm. Some crepe dresses are only made in one color so ask your consultant if there are swatches.

Here are some other crepe dresses in our store that brides love:

Madi Lane Finley

Jessica Morgan Fantasy

FANTASY – Wedding Dresses | Bridal Gowns | KITTYCHEN COUTURE

Morilee Saskia

Madi Lane Ferne

Beloved by Casablanca Honor

Style BL307 Honor | Beloved By Casablanca Bridal

Jessica Morgan March

Make your appointment here to see these and many more! We can’t wait to meet you!

wedding dresses

The Strapless Dress: What To Consider

April 26, 2020 darianna Leave a comment

A few years ago, the strapless dress is all you saw. Typically it was a strapless fit and flare that looked great on all figures. As styles and trends change, so have the necklines, but strapless remains a very popular choice.

There are, however, details to be considered before saying “yes!” to a strapless dress. Most brides (and their guests) will agree it is not ideal for your dress to be falling down during your wedding. This is the main complaint of a strapless dress. This is able to be solved by the following:

The Construction of the Bodice – In order for a strapless dress to stay fitted, it must have a corset and/or boning throughout. The weight of the dress needs to stay on the ribs and hips, and the boning will keep the top stiff and in place.
The Cups – You must have the appropriate fitting cups. Too small will flatten and push you up and out. Too large will cause gapping. Neither are desired. Your seamstress will be able to assist you with this! If you are large busted, it is advised to go up in size in order for the appropriate cups to be sewn in and then taken in where necessary to ensure a tight fit.
The Neckline – Strapless dresses have several different neckline shapes: sweetheart, scoop, or straight across. Consider your bust size when choosing. If you are large busted and choose a sweetheart, make sure the dip is not too low and the sweetheart comes up high enough and goes just under your arm. You may want to consider something more modest such as a scoop which will give you additional support. Same if you are small busted as a sweetheart tends to have extra room between you and the dress. Alterations can usually fix this but it comes at a cost.
Strapless with Low or Illusion Back – These dresses are beautiful and can be a real “WOW”, yet are the most difficult we have seen to fit properly. A low back has no support at all and is nearly impossible to stay in place as you twist and move. An illusion back gives very little support, leaving the front to be fitted by itself. Consider having the back lined or you probably will be pulling it up regardless of alterations. There are undergarments that can help with these dresses, however it adds an additional layer between you and the dress that will require additional alterations.

Your wedding dress is the most important garment you will ever buy. It should be memorable and reflect your personality! You do not want your photos or your guests reminding you of dress malfunctions. Trust your stylist if she’s giving you advice or suggestions… We often have brides who fall in love with a dress that we know may cause problems or cost hundreds in alterations because of an ill-fitting top. Don’t be afraid to speak up! There are many ways to make the dress of your dreams fit your vision and flatter your figure to the fullest.

Seamstress / Alterations

The Seamstress

November 29, 2017 darianna 1 Comment

The dress of your dreams can turn into the stuff of nightmares with the wrong Seamstress. Read on for tips to ensure your spot-on, perfectly-fitted dress!

In the weeks leading up to your wedding day, you will be meeting with your seamstress for any necessary alterations to make your gown fit like a glove. These can be anything from a hem, bustle, take in, let out, and strap adjustments, to additional work to personalize your dress such as sewing in a handkerchief or other sentimental piece, adding buttons, changing the neckline shape, and more.

Some bridal stores charge a flat fee. This is okay if you need lots of work done and multiple fittings, but definitely not great if you only need a few changes.

Whatever alterations your wedding dress requires, there are some very important things to do prior to starting them.

First fitting. Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo recommends scheduling this 4-5 weeks before your wedding because you are closest to your wedding shape and weight. You will put your dress on and consult with the seamstress on adjustments. The communication must be clear and you must feel confident that she cares about you. She will pin areas where the work will be done. Also, bring your shoes for hemming and bustling purposes.
Find out an estimate of costs prior to having the work done. Hemming dresses with numerous layers, doing beadwork, removing/replacing appliques, these can add up so find out approximate cost first. (If your bridal store charges a flat fee, reconfirm there are no additional fees involved.)
If you feel like that particular seamstress is not a good fit for you, find another one. Recommendations from other brides, community groups, and online searches/reviews can lead you to another who may provide you the peace of mind and confidence required.
At your last fitting, make sure to take someone along for bustle instructions. The bustle is the lifting of the train of your gown (using buttons or hooks) that is done prior to the reception, allowing you to dance and move about without stepping on your train. You may even want to take a video of it, just in case a few glasses of champagne get in the way of remembering…

An idea to consider is to schedule your hair/make up trial just before your fitting, so you can see your look come together!

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo has trusted and experienced seamstresses doing fittings both in-store and in-studio. We also have relationships with numerous others who may be more of a fit for difficult schedules, locations, etc.

In addition, we work with bridal vendors who will do custom sizing, changes, petite cuts, custom lengths, and various other changes directly to your dress as it is being made and this can lead to real savings in your alterations costs.

The outstanding women we work with – our bridal consultants and our seamstress partners – are committed to making your dress perfect so you feel beautiful and confident on one of the most special days of your life. From the dressing room to the aisle, make your bridal appointment with us, find your dream dress, and let us take 5-star care of you.

New Store

We’re thrilled to introduce our new bridal shop!

April 17, 2016 darianna Leave a comment

Just six months after we opened our bridal shop in January 2013, we knew we needed to expand. Our brides and their families were so incredibly supportive and the word of mouth spread like crazy around Bucks and Montgomery counties and the Philadelphia area.

While it took more than a year to find and build our location in Warrington, it was so worth it! Our new store now features more than 3,000 square feet with a private bridal lounge and viewing area, along with room for hundreds of bridal gowns, a great tuxedo area, and a special section for moms too.

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