If you are wondering what September's Bride is like, or maybe you just haven't been in our store lately, I snapped a few photos today to share a few scenes from our store with our blog readers.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Someone On Your Side!
You've dreamed of and planned for your wedding, spending countless hours on the details and style.
When the big day arrives, you and your family will want to relax and enjoy the day, enjoying your ceremony, and then relax and celebrate at your reception.
Our Lead Planner with EVENTS by September's Bride, Michelle Torno, has written an excellent post at our EVENTS by SB blog. She shares her passion to be the bride's representative in her role as a wedding planner and coordinator to help the bridal couple and their families and guests just relax and enjoy the day.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
New Tuxedo Packages!!
If you ask a September's Bride customer what sets our boutique apart from other bridal stores, one of the answers will be "excellent customer service". Rachel and I, and each of our consultants, are absolutely committed to blessing our customers with a fabulous experience and we do everything in our power to ensure that shopping for wedding gowns, accessories, and bridesmaid dresses is fun and stress-free.
We want to extend that service into as many areas of wedding planning as possible so that choosing the wedding attire for your entire wedding party is seamless, stylish, and cohesive.
Each bride who purchases her wedding gown from September's Bride receives 20% off her bridesmaid dresses. (B2, Belsoie, and Jasmine)
Now we are excited to introduce a tuxedo package for these same brides. Here is what you'll receive:
Current Package Prices, including coat, pants, shirt, vest, & tie
Shoes & Socks at no additional cost
Free upgrades to microfiber shirts and flat-front pants (when available & desired)
All of our tuxedo rentals include a free tux for the groom when six or more tuxes are ordered; the groom's tux is 50% Off if five or less tuxes are ordered. Try-on tuxes for the groom and color samples for matching other fabrics are always available, too.
Friday, June 18, 2010
SB Bride :: Lindsey
Here are Lindsey and Chris, who were married last weekend.
Lindsey was a true joy to work with; from the time she chose her gown through her wedding weekend. Her mother and bridesmaids were fun and gracious. We are so honored to call her a "SB Bride"!
These images are from the wedding photographer's blog :: Harley Photography in Grandville, MI
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Wedding Gown Shopping Tips
This content was originally written in response to a request from Amanda Freeman of The Bliss Blog. It was originally published on that blog in March of 2010.
As much fun as it can be to begin the search for your wedding gown, it can be equally confusing and overwhelming. There are gowns in satin, lace, tulle; strapless gowns, V-neck gowns; gowns with full skirts and gowns with straight skirts. How do you know where to start?
I've shopped for a gown myself, altered gowns, cleaned gowns, planned weddings, and helped many women find THE ONE. So, here are some of my best tips:
1. Plan to visit NO MORE than three shops in a day. You'll get tired and confused after that.
2. Take one or two people along with you. Again, more than this, and it can be difficult. Once you find one or two gowns that you really like, you can bring a few friends back for a second look. YOU need to choose your dress, one that YOU love and YOU feel great in. Too many opinions will leave you confused. (And everyone will have an opinion)
3. Eat a good breakfast, and take a coffee break between shops on "Dress-Shopping Day". This allows you to slow down and think about each dress that you like, rather than having a marathon day in which they can all start to look alike.
4. Keep an open mind. Humor your mother and the saleslady; try on a few gowns that they suggest, too. Gowns can look so much different on your body than on the hanger.
5. Don't be intimidated, but be gracious. As the owner of a bridal boutique, we want our brides to ask questions about the gowns, the designer, and more. We love to help you as much as we can. But, on a busy day, we are often helping several customers at a time. Be understanding if a consultant steps away or seems a little hurried. Watch and listen to other brides. You may see someone else trying a gown that you want to try! You may overhear someone discussing their florist or bakery; perhaps you'll get a great contact.
Again, relax and enjoy the process. Most locally-owned shops, like September's Bride, want to provide you with excellent service and will help you find a beautiful gown that fits you beautifully. Have fun!
As much fun as it can be to begin the search for your wedding gown, it can be equally confusing and overwhelming. There are gowns in satin, lace, tulle; strapless gowns, V-neck gowns; gowns with full skirts and gowns with straight skirts. How do you know where to start?
I've shopped for a gown myself, altered gowns, cleaned gowns, planned weddings, and helped many women find THE ONE. So, here are some of my best tips:
1. Plan to visit NO MORE than three shops in a day. You'll get tired and confused after that.
2. Take one or two people along with you. Again, more than this, and it can be difficult. Once you find one or two gowns that you really like, you can bring a few friends back for a second look. YOU need to choose your dress, one that YOU love and YOU feel great in. Too many opinions will leave you confused. (And everyone will have an opinion)
3. Eat a good breakfast, and take a coffee break between shops on "Dress-Shopping Day". This allows you to slow down and think about each dress that you like, rather than having a marathon day in which they can all start to look alike.
4. Keep an open mind. Humor your mother and the saleslady; try on a few gowns that they suggest, too. Gowns can look so much different on your body than on the hanger.
5. Don't be intimidated, but be gracious. As the owner of a bridal boutique, we want our brides to ask questions about the gowns, the designer, and more. We love to help you as much as we can. But, on a busy day, we are often helping several customers at a time. Be understanding if a consultant steps away or seems a little hurried. Watch and listen to other brides. You may see someone else trying a gown that you want to try! You may overhear someone discussing their florist or bakery; perhaps you'll get a great contact.
Again, relax and enjoy the process. Most locally-owned shops, like September's Bride, want to provide you with excellent service and will help you find a beautiful gown that fits you beautifully. Have fun!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Pixel & Hank Couture!
As announced last month, my favorite local designer (and a 2008 SB Bride), Daisy of Pixel & Hank, has developed a fabulous line of bridal & special occasion accessories just for September's Bride! She calls it "Pixel & Hank Couture".
Here is a link to the amazing Amy Carroll's blog featuring a recent photo shoot that Amy did for Pixel & Hank. See something you like? Call September's Bride at 616-355-1433 or e-mail us to order.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Lovely Link
Back in April, Meg Lammers asked me to coordinate a photo shoot with the fabulous Amy Carroll for Meg's Fall/Winter 2010 line. Our boutique manager, Rachel, and one of our gorgeous brides, Miya, were our models; JamieLea of Engedi Salon provided the hair and makeup looks.
All items in the catalog are now available to order through September's Bride. Meg will be visiting us in September for a Trunk Show; but perhaps you need some gorgeous jewelry before that time. Any MEG Jewelry pieces purchased from the Fall/Winter 2010 line during the month of June will be discounted 10% if you mention that you saw this link on our blog.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Bridal Attire Timeline :: When to Order?
Tiffany is wearing "Reese" by Maggie Sottero; the "Chapel" veil by Jennifer Leigh; and the "Mae" necklace by MEG Jewelry; flowers by Dee of Elements of Elegance
My answer is almost always, "Once you have found the gown you want to get married in, buy it"
The reality is that waiting until the last possible moment to order causes stress. Even with a rush program, your gown may arrive only weeks before the wedding. Although we don't like to think about it, even gown manufacturers occasionally make mistakes and your gown may arrive incorrectly. Ordering at the last minute does not give the bridal boutique or yourself the "breathing room" that makes the whole process fun and stress-free.
Here are some guidelines regarding decision times for wedding apparel:
Bridal Gown :: 8-18 months before your wedding date
Bridesmaid Dresses :: 5-8 months before your wedding date
Mother's Dresses :: 4-8 months before your wedding date
Accessories :: 2-6 months before your wedding date
Tuxedos :: 1-4 months before your wedding date
Remember, these are general guidelines. Suggested times may vary by designer or store. At September's Bride, we are always happy to help you with timelines and make suggestions for the "right" time to order your gown!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Pretty in Purple
Shades of purple :: lavender, violet, eggplant...
Belsoie L3063
Belsoie 3066
Belsoie 3068
If you're wondering what to have the guys wear if your bridesmaids wear this color; both black and charcoal tuxes look fabulous with any shade of purple.
B2 - B3088
Flowers? For a Spring or Summer wedding, I love mixing yellow with purple. For a dramatic look, especially great for Autumn or Winter; use red flowers!
B2 - 3090
Inspired by a little purple? Our gown consultants would be honored to show you even more ideas on using this color or your favorite color in your wedding. Call us at 616-355-1433 for an appointment.
Need a little more guidance or inspiration? EVENTS by September's Bride is now booking for late 2010 and 2011. Our wedding planners & consultants will make your wedding come together perfectly!
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