Bridal Gowns--What They're Made Of

Although looking fabulous is a must on your wedding day, nothing is more important than feeling fabulous. When shopping for a wedding gown, keep in mind you have to wear it, dance in it and mingle in it for many hours, so you'll want to choose a fabric that feels and moves as freely and beautifully as you do.

No bride wants to show up at her wedding in a gown that looks similar to a cheap Halloween costume. Textures and fibers play a vital role in the wedding gown's appearance, so be sure to take the time to inspect gowns as you try them on to see what they are made of. Popular wedding fabrics include silk, duchesse satin, and blends of silk and rayon. The dress should shimmer with the luster and gloss and should be heavy enough that it doesn't go flying around every time a breeze drifts by, but light enough that it is comfortable. Consequently, what you're wearing underneath your dress is just as significant. Ideally, you should purchase only the softest and finest fauzes, such as chiffon, organza and tulle, which are also practical choices since they are known for their buoyant properties.

When choosing a gown, you should also consider after-wedding preparations. If you are hoping to pack up your dress and preserve it, keep in mind that cheaper materials won't survive as gracefully through the years as the more high-end fabrics. If you want to hang on to your dress for a lifetime, it may be worth it to invest in a dress made of more resilient materials. If you can't afford the more superior textiles, don't worry. You can still obtain a similar look and feel without going over your wedding budget by using a good rayon instead of silk, or choosing a material, such as satin, that has polyester woven into it.

All in all, what matters is that you look and feel your best. Following these simple guidelines will help you choose the perfect dress for you, from the way it sparkles and moves, to the way it feels and hangs. Then, you can enjoy your wedding day without fussing over your apparel.

Springtime Array of Blooms

If your wedding happens to fall in the spring or summer months, you can enjoy the array of flower options that add life and flavor to your wedding ensemble. From delicate blossoms to bold flashes of color, the flowers you choose are a vital part of the look and feel of your wedding, adding just the right splash of color and scent to shape the mood of your entire day.
Here are some favorites.

The Rose:
A wedding classic, a rose is always in good taste. Roses come in an assortment of colors, so forget thinking you have to choose red. In fact, bi-color and garden varieties are becoming more and more popular, so don’t be afraid to choose an assortment of colors. Circus roses and carousel varieties are also increasing in popularity. One great aspect of roses is that they are affordable and widely available.

The Gerbera Daisy:
For a lighter, fresher look, consider gerbera daisies. Because pink is such a popular wedding color, these bright, fun flowers are a great choice, ranging in tones from light blush to vibrant fuchsia, providing you with many color options. Gerbera Daisies are an especially great option for outdoor affairs.

The Tulip:
Tulips are a great choice if your wedding happens to be in early spring, as their optimal growing season is January through May; however, many tulips are now available year round as well, so don’t dismiss this option if your wedding is in late summer, and you have your heart set on this beautiful, slender blossom. Tulips are considered the perfect spring flower and, depending on whether you choose field tulips or French tulips, can stand up to 24 inches tall.

The Peruvian Lilly:
Looking for the perfect addition to your bridal bouquet? Try this long-lasting bloom that comes in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, white, purple, red or orange alstroemeria. This unique flower is also an excellent option for topiary centerpieces.

The Asiatic Lilly:
Another option for lilies is the beautiful, exotic Asiatic lily. If you are hoping for a modern or sleek wedding look, Asiatic lilies are a perfect choice with their clean lines and variety of vibrant colors. Lilies of all varieties, including calla and oriental are some of the most elegant of all wedding flowers, but keep in mind that Oriental lilies give off a great deal of aroma, so if you or someone in your wedding party are sensitive to scent, you may wish to choose a less fragrant flower.

Stock:
Stock is a flower you may not have thought to use as it is newer to the wedding flower world, but it is a great option if you are hoping for a fragrant blossom that comes in a variety of soft wedding colors, including lavender, butter yellow, white and even fuchsia. This flower includes a small collection of tiny flowers making up a delicate whole.

While shopping for flowers, keep in mind there are endless options, so if you don’t find what you’re looking for immediately, don’t get discouraged. You are bound to find just the right shade, look, and size you are hoping for if you keep at it. Whatever you choose, enjoy the rich, beautiful freshness blossoms can add to your perfect day!

Bridal Gown Shopping--Book Your Appointment

Hoping to maximize your time and experience at a bridal shop? While many shops do not require you make an appointment, it is wise to do so. If you leave it to chance, you may arrive at the shop while store clerks are busy with other customers and your experience may end up being unsatisfactory, even though the shop may have everything you’re looking for.

Booking an appointment beforehand will assure the salespeople will be dedicated to helping you! Most shops will set aside at least one hour, sometimes two, to focus on meeting your specific needs. To use your time most efficiently, try to have an idea of what you’re looking for before you come to your appointment. You may even want to mention these details to the salesperson who books your appointment, so they can already have some dresses set aside for you to try on before you even enter through the front doors.

Some questions the clerks may ask you are:
1-What kind of dresses do you prefer: ball gown, mermaid, etc.?
2-Are you interested in couture bridal gowns, current trends, or older styles?
3-Is there anything you are specifically looking for in a wedding dress?
4-What is your ideal price range?
5-Are there other needs we can take care of for you while you’re here?

If the salesperson doesn’t ask for all of this information, don’t hesitate to offer it to them. The more they know, the better they will be able to assist you and the better your buying experience will be.

Kathleen’s Bridal Shop welcomes walk-ins, happy to do what they can to help whoever walks through their doors; however, they also accept appointments, so if you can plan ahead, call for an appointment first to assure there will be a salesperson waiting specifically for you. That way, your buying experience will be optimal. And don’t stress out if you run out of time--a friendly assistant will schedule a time for you to return to finish filling your important shopping needs if you don’t get it all done in one day.