Thinking warm thoughts: Spring inspiration

All this cold weather has us dreaming of springtime.  We put together this inspiration board for a Springtime wedding in the Twin Cities.

Bridal Gown: "Sydney" by Watters

Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Bridesmaid dress: After Six

Tuxedos: Grey Savoy

Flowers: Ashley Fox Designs

Cake: Gateaux

Hair Flower: "Peggy"

Seting: Como Conservatory

Here comes the MOTHER of the bride!

Shopping for a bridal gown is not only special for the bride, but it can be a special experience shared with her mother. It is so fun to see mothers from different appointments chatting between oohing and aahing over their daughters trying on potential gowns. Their conversations spread to the venue and photographer selections, they begin sharing opinions and offering each others' daughters advice on their gown selections. They congratulate each other on finding the perfect dress for their daughters.

With the spotlight on the bride and her quest for "the perfect dress", mothers (of brides AND grooms) often forget to search for the "perfect dress" for themselves!  Many mothers assume they can stroll the Mall of America and come out with something fabulous.  Too often, they come out empty-handed, or are told to "wait for next season".  When "next season" comes and goes, still leaving them empty-handed, that is when the panic sets in.

Why is it so hard to find a mother's dress, you ask?  Just like a bridal gown, mothers want a dress that makes a "statement" and tells a story about themselves.  They don't want to look frumpy or matronly, but also don't want to outshine the bride on her special day, or wear something guests might consider "inappropriate".  It can be a true challenge to find something that is elegant, classy, sophisticated, yet with a hint of sparkle and that certain "something special."

Gowns like this are not often stocked at your nearest megamall.  A mother who wants a gown made to a specific color that will compliment the wedding party (as well as her eyes), a gown that typifies "classic elegance", or a gown that does not have makeup stains from the previous person who tried it on...that mother is looking for a gown that is custom ordered especially for her. 

While this service can be quite affordable, it does take time.  Most mother's gown orders take about 12 weeks to arrive, and you'll need an extra month to build in time for proper alterations.  Total time: about 4 months prior to W-Day.

Depending on designer, mother's gowns can be custom-ordered for size/color from $189.  The average mother's gown at Bridal Accents Couture is about $350-$500, but even certain bridal gowns can be ordered in color (with no trains) for the truly discerning mother with couture taste and style.

To search for custom-ordered mothers gowns, appointments are often best.  Other key items to bring with you would be: a strapless bra, Spanx or other appropriate undergarments, a swatch of color that you are searching for, an idea of the setting (beach versus ballroom), and a budget that you'd like to stay within.

This one's for the MAIDS

We are eagerly gearing up for the Bridesmaid's Event

happening November 4-6th, 2010!

Although receiving a 10% discount on every bridesmaid dress is excitement enough, we just received confirmation that the Melissa Sweet and Priscilla of Boston bridesmaid collections will be visitng our salon in celebration of this event. These dresses are chic, fashion-forward, and best of all, affordable!

 What is the color to look for in 2011? According to Maureen Griol in the Bridal Guide, bridesmaids are going Plum Perfect: "From low-key lavendar to vibrant violets, the color purple is a naid's new best friend."

Bridesmaid's Event: November 4th - 6th, at Bridal Accents Couture

Fabulous prizes, discounts, and new dresses in-store this weekend only! 

Appointments requested: (952) 846-4496

It's Trunk Show Season!! (What does that mean, anyway??)

Many brides-to-be are beginning their search for the perfect dress for their 2011 wedding.  In order to provide the best selection and exciting shopping opportunities, Bridal Accents is in the midst of trunk show season:

In a nutshell, a bridal trunk show is a traveling collection of wedding gowns. The trunk show is usually in a particular salon for one weekend, which means that if you want to see it, it is important to book your appointment early.

 Trunk shows are very exciting events for several reasons: First of all, the gowns included will often be the newest styles from the designer. This means that you may have the chance to try on dresses that are not otherwise available in stores yet. Oftentimes, the sample in the trunk show is the only one in existence of its kind. This makes a trunk show the perfect opportunity to find a dress that will be unique, instead of ending up with the same style as half of the brides in town.

Brides from all over will come to experience the extra selection, positive excitement, and overall special shopping experience that trunk shows offer.  Brides-to-be are coming to take advantage of these specials and are ready to find their gown.

Trunk Shows give brides the opportunity to view more gowns from the featured designer and often offer show specials and discounts--something a bride with any budget will appreciate. One common discount is for a bridal store to offer a 10% discount on gowns ordered during the trunk show. If you think about it, 10% off of a designer gown would be quite a big savings. If you were purchasing a $3500 dress, wouldn't it be great to save $350? With the money you save, you could buy something special for your attendants, like pearl bridesmaid jewelry. If you save enough on the gown, you could even get a whole set of pearl jewelry for each bridesmaid, and really make them feel appreciated.

Trunk shows are really fun events for brides who are looking for that perfect gown. They are a great opportunity to see unique styles, talk to someone from the company, and maybe even get a discount as well. Trunk shows do move on quickly, though, so when you go, if you find your dream dress, be prepared to order it on the spot or you might never see it again!

Upcoming Trunnk Shows at Bridal Accents Couture:

Martina Liana Trunk Show

October 21-23

Price Range: $1,500 to $3,000

10% off your Martina Liana bridal gown purchase

Don't step on my BLUE bridal shoes!

When it comes to bridal accessories, color is not an immediate thought.  For years, there has been a steady stream of future brides seeking shelter in our shoe department, seeking the PERFECTLY matching shade to create an exact match to their bridal gown.  Comparing seas of shoes in hues named eggshell, candelight, antique, champagne, pale ivory, diamond white, and more, the "traditional" bridal shoe has a new rival:
This season't brides are saying no to the "simple shoe", and opting for fun, flirty, bursts of color.  Here are some images of our favorites!

REMEMBER:

when you find that PERFECT pair of shoes, be sure to bring them to ALL of your alterations appointments with your bridal gown.  You will need them to get the hem length exact, and to get used to moving and standing in them. 

ALSO:

Make sure that you have selected shoes that you can STAY IN ALL NIGHT.  Your dress is going to be hemmed to an exact length for THOSE shoes, and you don't want to trip your hem (and get it dirty!) when the shoes come off!  If there was ever a time to invest in a quality, comfortable shoe, this is it.  You WILL be on your feet most of the night, and are certain to get a workout with all the greeting, posing, and dancing!  Keep you feet happy, and treat them to a fabulous pair a shoes, irregardless of color.

Trend Alert: Summer Hair Florals

Hair flowers are hot right now! Whether for the bride, bridesmaids or even just for fun. It is in part due to the growing popularity of anything vintage. Women from every decade have worn flowers in their hair but the trend seemed to peak in the 1920s and then again in the 1940s.

Adding a hair flower to your hairstyle is like adding the final decorations to a cake. It just takes it to that next level of "gorgeousness". Silk flowers are highly preferred over fresh by stylists, as they can be bent and shaped into your style, and will stay "fresh" throughout the night.

For the true trendsetting brides, a large, dramatic flower is the way to go. Because this bride is not going for the look and feel of a "real" flower, many of our large flowers incorporate feathers and rhinestones.

Hollywood has embraced the hair flower trend!

Colored Flowers: Although white and ivory flowers are classic, many brides want to add a splash of color. Entire silk flowers can be done in color, or more discreet accents can be added, such as a recent bride who added a a "splash" of fuschia in the feathers that accented her hair flower!

Silk Gown Care Tips

We are always asked the best way to treat and care for silk gowns. When we came across these silk care tips, we felt it would be beneficial to share them with the world! When in doubt, always seek a professional.

First of all, did you know that Silk is a protein fiber and similar to human hair? Remembering this will help you when you think about the care and also cleaning it.
To prolong the beauty and life of silk garments, follow these simple guidelines in use and care:

1. Avoid extreme changes in temperature.

2. Since it is a delicate fabric strong detergents will harm the fibers and cause it to lose its silky properties.

3. Do not expose to direct sunlight as it will discolour a white garment and fade if it is coloured.

4. Silk has a natural elasticity which does not hold creases well. Therefore, if you hang your garment many of the creases will fall out naturally. Alternatively press with a dry iron on a silk setting, preferably while the garment is still a little damp. Steam can be used on heavier silks but could cause puckering and shrinkage on finer fabrics.

5. Use care when dressing and grooming to avoid staining silk items. Silk fabric is easily damaged by alcohol-based products such as hair spray, perfumes and chemical products such as nail polish remover. Apply perfume and hair spray before putting on a silk garment as the mist from such products may cause stains.

6. Once dressed, cover the garment with a towel before applying hair spray. Do not polish nails while wearing a silk garment as nail polish can remove color, damaging the fabric permanently.

Spot Cleaning Tips for SilkHere are some of my tips for spot cleaning silk. However a word to the wise, I always proceed with caution when cleaning silk and I test my method on an inconspicuous area first. If in doubt, consult a reputable dry cleaner.
I never use a wet method of cleaning; generally I use a moist sponge or cotton ball gently blotting the stained area until cleansed.

Red Wine: Immediately sponge out the area affected with club soda or white wine. Then dab the area with a mixture of cool water and ammonia. Blot dry.

Perspiration Stains: New perspiration stains are acid based while older stains become alkaline. I use a two part stage to remove these stains. 1. Add one tablespoon of vinegar to a half a cup of water. Blot the stained area with a cheese cloth or cotton ball, dry, and then use a mixture of alcohol and baby shampoo (see below) going over the same area. Rinse using a blotting method to remove solution.

Blood: There are a few methods that I have used ranging from one part hydrogen peroxide to 9 parts water, sponging with a lukewarm solution of Oxalic Acid (10%) or a mixture of 3 tbsp. alcohol and 3 drops of baby shampoo. Whichever method you use make sure you remove solutions with warm water blotting afterwards and clean towel to dry. I always have an absorbent towel underneath any spot cleaning I do with silk so that it does not penetrate into the other fabrics.

Lipstick: Over the years I have found that a mixture of 3 tbsp. alcohol and 3 drops of baby shampoo works the best to remove makeup. Generally, I always take a little container with me to every trunk show I go to. The key is to remove the stain as soon as you find it.

Perfume Stains: sponge with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water or a few drops of alcohol to a cheesecloth pad and then sponge fabric lightly.