Secrets of the Sample Sale

As a bride and consumer, learning how to be a savvy bridal shopper can be overwhelming. When announcements of sample sales come out, the "bridal buzz" kicks in and the shopping frenzy begins. While sample sales are an excellent opportunity to snag designer couture at unbelievable prices, we thought a few tips from the experts might be in order:
1. Remember, everything is always a FINAL SALE. Before you dive into your wallet, make sure that you will have no regrets about your purchase.
2. It helps to bring ONE trusted opinion with you. It can be anyone from your mother to your future sister-in-law to your maid-of-honor that you've known since kindergarten. Just make sure that you value this person's opinion. You do not want to bring any more than one person, as the store will undoubetdly be short of space, and multiple opinions can be overwhelming when decisions need to be made.

3. It is rare that a gown at a sample sale will fit perfectly. Most dresses can be easily altered to at least 2 sizes down. It is often more difficult to "open up" the seams to allow you to fit in a dress that is too small, but with a litle creativity and a good seamstress, you can make this happen (within reason). Options to consider for "enlarging" a gown by a size or two would be to: a) let out all side and zipper seams as much as possible. This is best for only plain gowns with no lace or bead embellishments. b) if it is too tight accross the rib cage, consider lowering the back neckline. This creates a more dramatic and sexy silhouette, while freeing up the constricted part accross your back. c) consider a corset or "lace-up" style back. Most seamstresses can adapt a tight zipper into an open lace-up with relative ease.

3. Check with a seamstress. Most bridal salons have a seamstress on site, or even on-staff. If the dress you are considering needs repair or alterations, it is best to check the opinion of a trusted seamstress before making your purchase. Don't be bashful--ask the seamstress how much it will cost for the changes you envision.
4. Consider cleaning costs: Bridal Gowns are different from your prom dress. Cleaning delicate silks can take up to a month, and cost anywhere from $75 to $150, depending on the process involved, and if pressing is included. If there is only a small spot on your sample, ask your trusted cleaner to do a "spot clean", which is much more economical.
5. If you are working within a strict budget, make sure you stay within your means. You can ask your bridal consultant to only show you dresses below a certain price point. Also, don't be afraid to ask for a better price! You may just get what you ask for!
6. If you have already purchased your bridal gown, you may want to stop into a sample sale anyway! Don't tempt yourself with other gowns, but you'd be shocked to find great bargains on other miscellaneous items that you need, like veils, shoes, headpieces, jewelry, garters, unity candles, guestbooks, and more!
We hope you have found this helpful in your quest for the perfect wedding at the perfect price. Cheers, and happy sale-ing!

A Blog for the Bridesmaids

As we are preparing for the annual "Bridesmaids' Event" that starts today, we thought we'd take a moment to share our insights on bridesmaid dresses:

FIT:
It is, naturally, difficult to find a dress that will be a flattering fit to every girl in their wedding party. Most bridesmaids groups consist of a range of sizes, from 2 to 22.
If your maids fall into this category, we recommend a flowy style with a full or a-line skirt and a band or sash at the high waist or ribcage. The waistband serves 2 purposes: to accentuate the naturally smallest part of each girls waist, and to break up the line of a fuller figure. A sash can also be tied in front, giving an elongating line to each girl's figure.

FABRIC:

There is a wide array of fabrics available to choose from when beginning the bridesmaid selection process.

LIGHT:A few of the lighter fabrics are: chiffon, taffeta, charmeuse, organza, organdy, duppioni, shantung, and georgette. These lighter fabrics are ideal for a summer wedding as they are lighter and flowier. They are also more "breathable" than a heavy satin if you are planning an outdoor wedding--which means your girls will be less likely to have sweat stains.

HEAVY: Heavier fabrics include: All satins (bella, renaissance, duchess, empress, etc), lame, and faille. These fabric choices are appropriate for a more formal wedding, or for winter weddings.

STYLE:
The bride is intended to be the centerpiece, so you want your maids to be a compliment to your individual style. If you have chosen a lacy, romantic gown, then you should consider a light and flowy bridesmaid dress to compliment your choice. If you have a streamlined and modern dress, then consider choosing a more modern look for your girls. Think about how the pictures will look with the bridal party together.

THEME & COORDINATION:

Many brides are worried about creating an exact tuxedo match to their bridesmaid's gowns. Although tuxedo shops, like The Tux Room, have an array of colors and patterns in tuxedo accessories, do not fret if you cannot find an exact match (or if the groomsmen refuse to wear the color you choose!). You are always safe to select a "classic black" tuxedo with black or charcoal accessories. You can always add a splash of the matching color with a pocket square, or by coordinating the boutteirs with the florist.

Ask your bridal shop for fabric swatches of your gown AND your bridesmaids. These are very useful to have when meeting with your florist, your decorator, and your planner.

TRENDS:

What is hot right now? We are still seeing a good amount of "sleeker" bubble skirts. Many bridesmaids dresses now have pockets, which we love! It is convenient, and adds a little "personality" to the dress. Rouching is also popular and flattering. We are also starting to see embellishments, which have previously been omitted from most bridesmaids styles. Adding a brooch, 3D flowers/accents, a touch of lace, or embroidery gives the dress a bit of pizzaz, and makes it much more "wearable" as a cocktail style dress.

SIZING:

Size is always the biggest concern for bridesmaids. A few things to consider:

1. Bridesmaids dresses can run small, so never rely on your standard "street size"

2. You want to be PROFESSIONALLY measured to select your size. You can get measured at any tailor, seamstress, or local bridal shop. There is usually no charge for this service.

3. Most girls are in-between sizes when they select a size. If this is the case, it is safer to select the larger size and have the rest of the dress taken in to fit you. As a rule, it is easier to take it in than to let it out.

4. Bridesmaids are strongly cautioned against ordering a much smaller size based on plans to lose weight. Think about what would happen if the dress still doesn't fit 2 weeks before the wedding--it would be too late to order a new dress, or even more fabric! Order safe.

5. Expect alterations. Expect alterations. Expect alterations. It is part of being a bridesmaid and getting the perfect fit foer your friend's event.

ORDERING:

You want to make sure to order your bridesmaid's dresses from ONE store, all at the same time. That way, the dresses are all cut from the same dye lot of fabric, and there will be no chance for color variation in the dresses. Most bridal salons should keep track of everyones sizes and payment status for you so that they can submit the order in its entirety.

NEW is NOW!

The most exciting time in the bridal world is...NOW.

As most cable television subscribers have witnessed, the fashion industry loves to be a flurry of energy and excitement, as seen on shows like "Project Runway", "America's Next Top Model", "Say Yes to the Dress", and "The Fashion Show." All season, bridal designers have been researching, sketching, sourcing silks, and creating the best new looks to be premiered in October for Spring 2010. All the preparation culminates in two ultimate bridal fashion shows: Chicago Market and the New York Wedding Couture show.

Lucky few bridal buyers, owners, and merchandisers have the opportunity to be invited to these fashion shows for an intimate look at the upcoming season's most sought-after looks.

Michelle Beck of Bridal Accents Couture has been a regular in attendance at these shows for well over 7 years. "The phone has been ringing off the hook with designers eager make appointments to show their latest fashions," says Michelle of this week's planning for Market. Most trips to bridal market are a 2-3 day whirwind tour of current and potential bridal vendors, ranging from couture gowns to jewelry designers to silk shoes. It is a down-to-the-minute rush against the clock to make a non-stop itinerary of fashion shows, showroom viewings, and collection bookings. Says Michelle, "The first appointment of the day usually begins at 8AM, with the final showing at 6PM, followed by optional cocktails and dinner with designers, fashion salespeople, and fellow buyers."
The Chicago market (October 10-12) was a successful 2-day trip for Michelle, still glowing from the exciting new looks and trends. A highlight of the trip was the Justin Alexander show, the brand's first show after a very recent logo redesign and european photo shoot. What did she experience at the Chicago show? "A return to old Hollywood glamour and elegance was evident through all of the designers' collections. There was also a resurgence of beautiful lace and beaded embellishments. For the 'modern' fashionista bride, this season revels in feathers and texural floral elements that adorn gowns and headpieces."
What is going to be shown at the New York market this weekend? We will keep you posted on our favorites!

Jumping for Justin Alexander

It is officially one week after the Justin Alexander dresses started "flying in" for the trunk show at Bridal Accents Couture. After 2 busy days of steaming and pampering the new arrivals, they were ready to be hung on display for excited brides to try on.

One of the first guests for the weekend was Valerie Podolinski from Event du Jour. She was visiting Andrea, one of her brides who was getting married this weekend and picking up her gown from Kim's Tailoring. Andrea was all smiles as she consented to try on her custom gown one last time in the store to be admired before she walks down the aisle. One of Valerie's favorite new Justin Alexander gowns was the #8428, which features a stunningly beaded bodice that gives ANY woman spectacular curves:Amidst the champagne, tears, and tissues, 18 dresses in total visited for the weekend, and 13 gowns were purchased. Of the 13 dresses, 12 gowns were by Justin Alexander and/or the sister company, Sarah Danielle. Of those 12 gowns, 11 were completely unique. It is so nice to see so many different looks being chosen--Justin Alexander does a great job of finding unique characteristics to put into each gown that truly capture different brides' individual senses of style.
Congratualtions to: Crystal, Carlie, Kristen, Jordan, Jennifer, Katie, Kelly, Melissa, Ashley E., Ashley K., Gabrielle, Laura, and Lindsay!