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.

The Veil

Although you may not realize it, picking out the right veil is just as important as making the best dress choice. Because veils vary in length as well as simplicity, it can be a difficult chore to decide on the right one. Experts say it is important for your veil to enhance your overall appearance, complementing both you and your gown.

So, how do you go about it? Here are a few things to consider.

Proportion: A short veil will appear too informal with a long gown. Also, if you are hoping to add height to your appearance, keep in mind that a long veil—or one with multiple tiers--tends to overwhelm a short bride, having the opposite effect.

Fabric: Today, most brides choose a veil made of nylon tulle. If you are hoping for the more traditional silk tulle, remember it tends to get limp when it is damp, whereas nylon retains its stiffness. Rhinestones are not a good idea for a veil, as they will often appear as tiny black dots in wedding photos. When it comes to veils, you may wish to steer clear of embellishments, as even pearls and tiny satin bows can look spotty in photographs.

Veils can be made in various styles, so you’re sure to find one that completes your wedding ensemble perfectly. There is really no end to veil options and combinations. Here are a few types to consider:

Types:

The Blusher: A short, single-layered veil that falls right below the top of the bride’s shoulders. It can also be paired with longer veils that cascade down the back for a more ceremonial appearance. Can be both a formal or casual look.


The Fly-Away: A tad shorter than the Blusher, falling right at the neckline. It also can be paired with a wedding dress that has a distinctive back. A better pick for an informal look.



The Fingertip: The most diverse wedding veil. Cascades around back of bride, falling at hand-length. It can be paired with a shorter veil. Looks best with formal wedding dresses. Great also for a day-time wedding.




The Cathedral: It looks best when paired with a cathedral train. Can also be paired with a blusher veil so the front of the wedding gown is fully exposed.




Although these are four of the most popular styles, there are other types of veils to consider as well. So . . . just because you've finally decided on that gown that makes you look stunning, remember, your work isn't finished yet. You' ve still got to choose the veil that will accent you and your gown perfectly. Be sure to try the bridal shop where you bought your wedding dress first; that way, you already have your gown there and won't have to drag it back when deciding on a veil. Either way, hope you like shopping!

Frosting--Choosing the Right Jewels

Once you’ve chosen the perfect gown for your special day, it’s time to accessorize! Selecting jewelry is one of the most important elements of a bride’s ensemble. You want to embellish your look without going over the top. Deciding what jewelry is best depends upon your bridal gown. Most bridal shops carry a pretty extensive selection of bridal jewelry, so be sure to check there first since you will already have your dress with you and can easily see what will work and what won’t.

The good news is you don’t have to fork out a lot of cash to have great-looking jewelry. There are hundreds of on-line companies who sell faux pearl chokers and diamond-studded earrings for affordable prices. Nobody is going to be examining your jewelry to be sure it’s the real deal--just try to choose pieces that appear to be authentic.

Sometimes selecting the right jewelry can be more difficult than finding the gown you love. Above all else, it is important to obtain a look that is classy, which may mean toning down the brilliant rhinestones and opting for something a bit more subtle, like pearls. Pearl bridal jewelry is always a popular alternative because it can add dimension and beauty without detracting from other aspects of your bridal ensemble. Plus, pearls are always in style, while other, more obvious jewelry pieces may come and go. Keep in mind that, depending on the neckline of your gown, certain pieces will flatter you while others may be too much. A simple deviation in necklace style could alter your entire look, so it is important to choose carefully.

When choosing jewelry, it is also important to keep in mind that more does not necessarily mean better. It is a rare occurrence to find an earring, necklace, bracelet, and ring combination that looks good. So, if you are a person who prefers to adorn every exposed body part, make sure you select items that are delicate and elegant—nobody wants to look like their gaudy Aunt Josephine on their wedding day! If you are going for the supreme romantic look, consider losing the necklace, and go for drop earrings and maybe a few hair accents instead.

To avoid looking like a Christmas tree, experts suggest not pairing long dangle earrings with a necklace. If you really want to wear both, select simple diamond studs.

If it’s possible to pull your hair back into a “mock” do before trying on your jewelry, it may help you choose the accessories that will look best for your wedding day. Make the occasion a friend and family affair, taking trusted girlfriends with you to give you helpful advice.

Above all, have fun! Choosing the right jewelry can and should be just as fun as picking out the perfect gown. Good luck!

Cleaning Your Wedding Dress—Before and After The Big Day

Most people make the effort to properly care for and preserve their wedding dresses once the wedding is over, but seldom do they think about having it cleaned before the big day. You may wonder why this would be necessary, but chances are more than ten other bodies were in that gown at some point in time. Due to repetitive try-ons, your gown could have faint deodorant marks, lipstick stains, or discolorations from oily hands and faces. These flaws could be subtle enough to be unnoticed at first glance, but under the sun and spotlight they could become very obvious.

Fortunately, some dress shops offer cleaning and pressing services for your convenience. Kathleen’s Bridal is one of these shops! Depending on how dirty your dress may be, Kathleen’s offers top-notch cleaning for only $85-$125. Because many gowns include delicate intricacies, buying your dress from a shop like Kathleen’s can be a great advantage because they can care for your garment from top to bottom, including beadwork and hard-to-clean areas. You can feel assured your gown is in great care and will be ready for your big day.

If you do not have the option of having your dress tailored and cleaned directly through the bridal shop where you bought it, do your research and only take your gown to a professional cleaner that specializes specifically in bridal gowns. It is important to make sure they can properly handle the trims and bead work that may be on the dress, and don’t leave without asking them for additional tips on how to keep the garment clean up until the day of the wedding.

Once the dress is cleaned and pressed, hang it up using the intended hangar hoops (yes, those annoying hoops do have a purpose other than trying to escape and be seen at inopportune times). While a plastic bag may guard the dress from moths and dust, sometimes the plastic wrap has a way of yellowing the dress over time, not to mention the plastic has a higher chance of accumulating moisture with can cause your dress to mildew, so keep that in mind if your wedding date is a ways off.

Remember, experts say it may be important to clean the dress before and after the wedding. Even if you’re not planning on having the gown professionally preserved, you should have it cleaned as soon as possible after your wedding to prevent stains that were accrued during the reception to have time to set in.


There’s no better feeling than that of freshness and confidence, especially on your wedding day. Taking care to have your gown cleaned before the wedding can provide you with the assurance you look your very best. And making the effort to clean it afterwards will be well worth it as your gown can provide wonderful memories for years to come.

Wedding Gown Necklines—Which Is Right For You?

“I love this gown!” you might say as you stare at your image in the bridal shop mirror. But, does it love you back? Just because you are fond of a certain type of dress or style doesn’t mean it’s best suited for your body type and figure. This is even true where your neckline is concerned. Whether you are well endowed or have a small cup size, whether you have broad shoulders or narrow ones, even your height will determine what neckline flatters you most. Here are some basic guidelines to use when you go dress shopping for modest wedding gowns.


Jewel: This neckline is round and flows along the base of the neck. It is ideal for women who want the wedding gown to enhance the chest area.

Bateau: This wide wedding gown neckline flows with the curve of the collarbone. Use this neckline when the chest area needs enhanced.

Queen Anne: This neckline features a high collar at the back and sides of the neck, slowly curving down into a low, open heart shaped neckline. It’s suitable for almost every body type.

Square: This neckline is shaped like a half square. It is best for women who are well endowed, as it cuts low without being too revealing, but it is suitable and flattering for almost every body type.

V-Neck: The v-shaped gown neckline flatters many body types as well. The depth of the “V” will depend on the design of the wedding gown. It is best for women with a size “B” or “C” cup. It also flatters women who are full figured or hour-glass shaped.

Scoop: The scoop features a u-shaped neckline, flattering for just about any bride who plans to wear a wedding gown on her wedding day.

Sweetheart: This neckline, forming a heart shape at the bustline, is flattering on most brides.

Here’s a simple key to refer to:

Nice Collarbones : Bateau, Scoop

Well-Endowed: Square, Jewel, Scoop, Sweetheart

Accentuating an Average-Size Chest: Jewel, Scoop

Full Arms: Portrait, Scoop

Shorter Than Average Body Type: Queen Anne, Scoop

Hour Glass Figure: V-Neck

Chest Cup Size B or C: V-Neck

Remember, these are not hard and fast rules to live by when selecting your neckline—just guidelines to help you look your best. The ultimate decision is up to you—good luck!