September's Bride

We've Moved!

2012-01-10T07:35:00.004-05:00

Our blog has moved to our lovely new website! Please follow us here.

Great Shape :: Fit & Flare Gowns

2012-01-04T07:45:00.002-05:00

After seeing hundreds of women in thousands of wedding gowns, the consultants at September's Bride are pretty good at suggesting the best wedding gown silhouette for almost any body.

Each gown above is a "fit-and-flare" shape, worn by a real bride. This skirt fits closer through the hips and then flares slightly to the hem and the train. This shape gives girls with a straighter figure some curves and makes curvy girls look fabulous.

I think this is a shape that every bride should at least try!

Angelina Trunk Show Happening Now!

2012-01-02T20:18:00.001-05:00

Here is a lovely Angelina Bridal Couture silk organza gown that is here just through this Saturday, January 7 as part of the Angelina Trunk Show!

I've added a dramatic sash from Enzoani, jewels by MEG Jewelry, and a Jennifer Leigh veil to complete this gorgeous bridal look.

The ruched bodice has a pronounced sweetheart neckline, natural waistline and a full ball-gown skirt. The organza skirt is detailed with organza fabric manipulated into flowers. It is truly a work of art!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T13:50:00.001-05:00

This weekend, our Angelina Couture Trunk Show begins!

On Saturday, December 31, we will also be hosting Annette Kuiper, who is my manicurist. She will be giving complimentary hand massages to all of our guests from 12-2 pm!

We will close at 3 pm on December 31.
We are closed on Sunday, January 1.
We are open for appointments only on Monday, January 2.

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal

Holiday Hours

2011-12-21T07:30:00.002-05:00

It's Christmastime! I am looking forward to hearing lots of stories about diamond rings under the tree, in the stocking, or given as part of a romantic proposal under the mistletoe.

Of course, Christmas is for family and friends. We are adjusting our boutique hours just a bit over the next two weeks to allow our team to spend time with their loved ones.

Saturday, December 24, 10 am - 3 pm
Christmas Day, closed
Monday, December 26, closed
Tuesday & Wednesday, December 27 & 28, 11 am - 5 pm (Regular Hours)
Thursday, December 29, 11 am - 8 pm (Regular Hours)
Friday, December 30, 11 am - 5 pm (Regular Hours)
Saturday, December 31, 10 am - 3 pm
New Years Day, closed
Monday, January 2, open by appointment only

We welcome you to call for an after-hours appointment with one of our gown consultants if these Open Shopping Hours do not work for you. 616-355-1433

And, stay tuned for news about a Special Event happening the first week of January!

Venue :: Macatawa Legends CC

2011-12-19T07:23:00.000-05:00

Last week, Rachel & I had the honor of a personal tour through the Macatawa Legends Country Club & Banquet Facilities. Rich Espinoza, the new manager, and his assistant, Lacy, were so gracious and very knowledgeable about parties and weddings.

This large fireplace greets guests as they arrive in the lobby. What a cozy place this time of year, but imagine it decorated with fresh flowers and welcoming your guests to a summer wedding reception, too.

This room seats 90 guests for a small reception, but Rich tells us that it is usually used for a cocktail hour before dinner and for dancing and drinks after dinner. It is surrounded on three sides by a large patio, overlooking the lovely grounds. Your guests may stroll along the patio, enjoying the time before dinner.

I love these high ceilings in the buffet area. Your guests will not feel cramped or crowded at all, and this is also a wonderful area for your grand entrance as Mr & Mrs!

The large banquet room seats 200 guests comfortably at nice large round tables. There are several doors that lead in and out of this room and plenty of very well-appointed restrooms nearby.

A rainy December day does not show off the grounds as well as they deserve, but this is the view from the patio. The lawn is large enough for an outdoor ceremony, too!

EVENTS by September's Bride is a preferred coordinator for weddings and other parties at this great venue. We would be delighted to join you for a walk-through! There are still several weekends available for 2012. E-mail our lead planner, Rachel Ramos, at rachel@septembersbride.com for more information or to schedule a time to see the gorgeous Macatawa Legends and talk about your wedding vision.

Fun Winter Bouquet

2011-12-15T11:55:00.001-05:00

Look at this fun idea for a unique bridal bouquet.

The flowers are knitted in a variety of cream and blue luxury yarns and accented with alencon lace appliques. Cream tulle is tucked among the knitted flowers for fullness and lightness.

This would be so pretty for a winter wedding! Hey, who needs Pinterest when you have September's Bride?

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Winter Weddings :: Guest Attire

2011-12-14T15:27:00.000-05:00

Today, we have a guest blogger! I met Terryl online and learned that she loves to write about fashion. We put our heads together and I asked her to share some thoughts about style for wedding guests. With the holidays quickly approaching, there are Christmas, New Years, and Valentine's weddings for which to prepare.

Winter weddings are one of the very best excuses to get all dressed up and wear those pieces you probably couldn't get away with in many other situations.

The goal of dressing for a wedding is to be the second prettiest girl there. Don't distract from the bride, but don't feel like you need to dress boringly either. Maxi dresses in rich fabrics are refreshing and easy to pull off, so long as you mind your posture. And leave the white at home if you lack a death wish.

To avoid looking like just a mass of fabric, take a cue from recent runway seasons and try a one-shoulder dress. The asymmetrical neckline brings the focus upward, as opposed to standard sleeveless tops, which seem to scream, "Look at my arms!" Make sure to nip that waist to create shape, get some beautiful elevation under those feet for the illusion of impossibly long legs, and sway fabulously all night.

A cropped shrug is a better choice than your everyday pea coat and keeps with the fancy theme of the rest of your ensemble. Have fun with the shoes, and if you're doing heeled sandals, keep them relatively dark and match your tights. (A quick note on sandals: heels are a necessity, however, flip flops, even with a heel, are never acceptable.) It's always a good idea to choose between a statement necklace and earrings, but if you have an asymmetrical neckline, your neck is already fancy, so just stick with simple drop earrings that coordinate with the dress.

If you've got a sparkly number you're dying to show off, your best accessories will be confidence and a smile. Keep the rest of your outfit complementary to the darker tones of the dress to avoid looking like you're celebrating the new year, but ensure you lift those items to the sass of the dress. Try wedges instead of stilettos. If your tights match, your legs will appear lengthened, and a dark and opaque pair will slim legs as well. This could be the perfect outfit to debut that fancy vintage bag you found--just keep it compact.

When it comes down to it, don't be afraid to let your outfit make you feel special; you're allowed to look fancy. So take a risk! Break out the gown or those almost-too-beautiful shoes that make your toes hurt just by looking at them. Most don't have many opportunities to really dress up, so if the wedding allows, you might as well go all out and flex your fabulousness a little!

Author bio:
When Terryl Banta is not busy coping with the early-onset necessity of reading glasses, she can usually be found having nineties dress-up nights and trying to take pictures of her kitten, Alt, for viral tumblr content. Current obsessions: Alice Glass, aviator sunglasses, and Disastro Ecologico.

Curvy Collection

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Every woman should feel absolutely gorgeous on her wedding day. I firmly believe that there are styles of wedding gowns to flatter all shapes and sizes of women.

Just a bit of our "Curvy Collection"

So, at September's Bride, we are expanding our "Curvy Collection" of gowns; gowns in sizes 18 and up that we know will look great on brides with curves. Of course, all of our gowns can be ordered in any size, from 2 to 30; so we encourage our customers to shop all of our collections.

If you are concerned about being a "plus-size" bride, here are a few tips that can help you look look your best on your wedding day.

1. Shop with an open mind! Sometimes the gowns that will look the best on your body do not look the best on the hanger. Trust a good gown consultant to make recommendations for you.

2. Don't try on a gown that's too small or too big. No matter how much you like the way it looks, you won't feel pretty and it is easy to feel frustrated.

3. Ruching, sashes, and belts are your friends! All of these design elements work to create an hour-glass shape, which is exactly what you want on your wedding day.

4. Use jewelry and hair accessories to draw attention to your face and eyes, which is what every brides wants people to notice on her wedding day. Wear shining eyes and a big smile!

Make a personal appointment with one of our gown consultants today; we love to help!

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Holiday FLASH Sale!

2011-12-08T14:05:00.001-05:00

Holiday Flash Sale!

Saturday, December 10

10 am - 2 pm

This Saturday, from 10-2 we are having a Holiday FLASH Sale! Here are the details...

Call us (616-355-1433) to schedule an appointment...we have a limited number of 1/2 hours appointments available for this sale.

Order your wedding gown during that time and receive $400 in credit to use towards the bridal accessories of your choice at September's Bride. Veil, shoes, jewelry...it's all up to you!

Also, Cassie Celestin from White Dress Events will be serving all of our guests from a Gourmet Hot Chocolate Bar set up in the front of the store!

So, if you've been in and you have "the gown" chosen, this Holiday FLASH Sale is the perfect time to commit. If you've just started shopping; you're welcome to come in and take advantage of this awesome sale, too.

Feelin' Blue?

2011-12-07T07:40:00.000-05:00

You've heard by now that one of the biggest trends for 2012 is "mis-matched" bridesmaid gowns. Another trend is the return of full-length, flowy, romantic dresses for bridesmaids.

Here, Rachel combined these two trends with the very classic bridesmaid color, blue, to create a thoroughly fresh and modern look.

The addition of trendy jewelry lets the personality of each gown's wearer come out and create a interesting, fashion-forward, yet completely unified style for your wedding.

Hey, we absolutely love to do this stuff. Wondering how to dress your wedding party? Make an appointment today so we can show you some gorgeous options.

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Links We Love

2011-12-05T18:54:00.001-05:00

Like most of our brides, I'm just a little addicted to looking at photos of great weddings and reading all about the fabulous ceremonies and receptions that couples around the nation & world plan for their special days.

Here are a few of my favorites to check out regularly:

The wedding planning site, mywedding.com has a great blog called Delightfully Engaged. This lovely blog has it all...fashion, DIY ideas, photography...

Image courtesy of mywedding.com

Best blog from across the pond? I love Rock'N'Roll Bride. This blog is based in the UK and will occasionally feature a US or Canadian wedding, too. I'll admit that some of the style is just a little too "out there" for me, but it sure makes for a great way to lose myself in weddings for a half hour.

Image courtesy of Rock'N'Roll Bride

My favorite wedding fashion blog has to be from one of my favorite designers, Stephanie James! Her blog is full of eye candy with "real brides" in her designs. I never tire of looking at the fresh bridesmaid looks, both retro and modern.

Image courtesy of Stephanie James Couture

Of course, check back here to the September's Bride Blog regularly for the best in bridal fashion and West Michigan weddings!

Shopping with Tiffany

2011-12-01T13:42:00.001-05:00

I love to introduce our blog readers and September's Bride fans to members of our team.

A few months ago, I introduced Julie, who shares her thoughts and great style with you on our Vintage Couture Blog.

Today, I want to tell you about Tiffany. If you really want a memorable, high-touch, personal bridal shopping experience, make an appointment with her! Tiffany absolutely loves to work with brides, especially those who are struggling to find exactly what they want or who want a very unique, personal look. She is a great listener.

If you think Tiffany may look familiar, she was featured on the blog in the Spring of 2010 for another reason, the year that she and her husband spent on the mission field! She's also modeled for a few of our photo shoots!

Tiffany is available most Saturdays for appointments; she is also available for private evening appointments if that works best for you.

Call the boutique at 616-355-1433 to schedule an appointment with Tiffany or any of our consultants.

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Sashes from Enzoani

2011-11-30T13:55:00.001-05:00

We received some gorgeous sashes from Enzoani Bridal this week.

Of course, they look fabulous on Enzoani gowns and other designer's gowns.

But, they also look fabulous for the holidays paired with a long sweater or a tunic!

This is the Diana sash; pictured above in shades of ivory

pictured below in lovely blacks, pewters, and chocolate tones.

This is the Dillon sash, gorgeous jewels on a cream ribbon

We stock these sashes just one at a time and often replace them with a different style. So, if you see something you like, come in and see it in person before it is gone.

Newlywed Christmas Ornaments

2011-11-27T20:27:00.001-05:00

This will be my 20th Christmas as a married woman! By now, our Christmas tree is full of sentimental ornaments, ranging from engraved silver bells to plastic soccer balls.

I remember our first Christmas together. We put up the tree, arranged the lights, and hung our half-dozen ornaments. It looked pretty bare!

Here's an idea from a newlywed for a great way to inexpensively decorate your Christmas tree AND use up your extra wedding invitations, too!

Photo & Idea courtesy of Jen Wood

Follow us on Facebook for Thanksgiving Weekend Sales!

2011-11-21T19:10:00.001-05:00

Do you follow us on Facebook?

If you do not do so yet, now is the time to begin! Beginning Wednesday, we'll be posting great specials & sales all weekend long, through Saturday, November 26.

Happy Thanksgiving!

West 8th Apple Pie

2011-11-18T19:04:00.001-05:00

Here's my second recipe that I'm sharing with you this Thanksgiving.

Then we'll head back to talking everything weddings & wedding fashion :)

My youngest son LOVES apple pie. My whole family loves THIS apple pie. I call it "West 8th Apple Pie" because my two "secret" ingredients are from stores just down the street from September's Bride on West 8th Street in Holland, MI.

You will need:

Pie Crust (I find that the Pillsbury Ready Pie Crust is easier & better than anything I make myself)

6 large or 8 medium Gala apples, cut into small chunks
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 heaping teaspoon of Grandma Nettie's Pie Spice
available at The Seasoned Home in downtown Holland
1 1/2 tablespoons of Red Apple Balsamic Vinegar
available at Fustini's in downtown Holland
4 tablespoons butter

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Place one crust in pie pan. In a bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients through the vinegar in order.

Fill pie crust with apple mixture and dot with butter, divided into 8 parts.

Top with other crust, folding edges and crimping as desired. Cut slits in the top crust.

Bake for 40-45 minutes. Let cool before slicing.

"Like" this recipe on our Facebook page; I am giving away a set of my "secret ingredients" to a lucky fan!

Tami's Sourdough Stuffing

2011-11-16T20:46:00.001-05:00

No worries...I have no plans to turn this into a baking or cooking blog.

However, there are lots of women, both newlyweds and others, who are looking for great recipes for Thanksgiving and Christmas. In the spirit of the holiday, I'm going to share two of my favorite recipes to contribute to family meals.

Today...Tami's Sourdough Stuffing (makes 8 servings)

You will need:

8 cups dry sourdough bread cubes
4-6 slices of bacon
6 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped leeks
1 cup chopped celery
1 scant tablespoon fresh sage, minced
1 scant tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 lb baby bella mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup red wine
Olive Oil

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until just crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Set bacon aside and empty excess fat from skillet. (Set skillet aside to use for mushrooms.) Add 4 tablespoons of butter to a medium to large saucepan. Once butter is melted, add onion, leeks, celery, sage, and thyme to pan. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook until vegetables are tender, stirring to be sure they do not stick. Add the chicken broth, bring to a simmer then remove from heat. Set aside.

Return the skillet to medium heat. There should be just a bit of bacon fat left in it; add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add mushrooms to the skillet and saute until they begin to soften. Add wine to skillet and cook until the mushrooms have absorbed the wine.

Crumble the cooled bacon into small pieces.

In a large bowl, mix the bread cubes, bacon, and mushrooms. Pour the chicken broth and vegetable mixture over the top and mix well.

Rub a 2-quart baking dish with olive oil. Transfer the mixture into the dish and drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top. Cover and bake at 375 for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Enjoy and let me know how it worked for you!

Next...West 8th Apple Pie

Make It Your Own

2011-11-15T16:37:00.001-05:00

At September's Bride, we love to customize! Often, one of the first things that we tell brides who visit us is that almost all of our gowns can be customized and changed to make it "theirs".

Necklines...
Train Lengths...
Beading...
Colors...
Sleeves...
Skirt Shapes...
Fabric...

Our newest designer, Stephanie James Couture, is no exception! Just visit her blog to see her gowns on real brides in many sizes and shapes. There are also many "versions" of the same gown, to give other brides endless ideas!

This is the "Daphne" gown by Stephanie James Couture.

Celebrate Individuality!

2011-11-10T10:42:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I helped a gorgeous young woman in the boutique. She was getting fitted for a bridesmaid dress and was a bit disappointed about the size that I suggested. She called herself "fat" and I wanted to cry. She looked healthy, her skin glowed, her hair was shiny, and she had a wonderful figure that most women would envy.

You can imagine that there are lots of self-image and body issues floating around at a bridal boutique. Someone always thinks they are too short, too tall, too curvy, too flat...

There is no perfect body except when you take care of the one that God gave you!

Bridal gowns, like most garments, are often photographed on very tall, very thin models. Then, the photos are "enhanced" and the final image looks nothing like a real bride on her wedding day.

So, embrace yourself! Celebrate that you look absolutely stunning in the bridal gown, the bridesmaid dress, the mother's gown that you have so carefully chosen.

Shown above are Jenny and Bethany, beautifully decked out from the Grand Haven Wedding Walk Fashion Show that we coordinated back on October 29. Don't they look fabulous!

Shopping for Wedding Gowns

2011-11-04T07:03:00.001-04:00

It's Wedding Gown Shopping Season!

Wedding Season 2011 is winding down, and a very wonderful season it was! Our boutique served over 200 brides with wedding gowns, bridesmaid gowns, tuxes, and accessories. EVENTS by September's Bride offered consulting, coordinating, and planning to over a dozen happy couples. We are honored!

As Wedding Season for this year slows, Wedding Gown Shopping Season begins! All of the lovely ladies who are planning to get married in 2012 are visiting boutiques and trying on dozens of wedding gowns.

Did you know that you should ideally order your wedding gown 8-12 months before your wedding? Each of the designers that we carry at September's Bride make each gown to order for each individual gown. They can be customized and will be designed and sewn just for you! Gowns will take about 4-6 months from the time you order before arriving at our boutique. Then, you'll want plenty of time for alterations and accessorizing!

So, if you are planning a wedding in 2012 or even early 2013, these quiet months are the perfect time to shop!

Gown Shopping At September's Bride

What should you expect when visiting September's Bride to shop for your wedding gown?

Well, you can expect a friendly greeting shortly after you arrive. The consultant will probably ask whether or not you have an appointment. If you made an appointment, we will have a fitting room and a consultant ready for you. If you are just stopping in, no worries! We'll do everything we can to accomodate you.

At first, your consultant will take just a few moments to explain how the store is arranged, will ask you a little about your wedding and if you've been shopping for gowns. She will also ask if you need a strapless bra with which to try on gowns; we have lots of sizes, and definitely recommend at least trying to use our favorite style.

Your consultant will then let you browse our gown selection and choose some gowns that you would like to try. She will probably make a few suggestions, too. Our suggestions are usually based on your descriptions of what you like or a gown that we know would look fabulous on your body shape.

Once there are several gowns ready in your fitting room, it's time to start trying them on! We have a gorgeous fitting area upstairs in our store which is reserved for appointments and also used for walk-in customers if it is not already being used. Your "entourage" may relax while we offer as much or little help as you desire. Your consultant will be nearby with ready hands, clips, and tips. Trying on gowns at September's Bride is fun and pressure-free. We want you to enjoy yourself and feel beautiful.

Appointments

Because November usually begins the busy shopping season, we do suggest making an appointment if you plan to come in and try on wedding gowns. Saturday appointments are usually full by mid-week; so call early if you want to shop on a weekend. Weekdays are usually very open for appointments; we are open until 8 pm on Thursdays and are also willing to accomodate additional evenings for appointments if you wish.

Call us at 616-355-1433 or e-mail rachel@septembersbride.com to make your appointment.

We have a beautiful upstairs fitting area that usually accomodates two brides at a time. We suggest bringing along 2 or 3 trusted companions when you are shopping. Invite the people whose opinions you respect and who understand that the decision is truly yours!

Luxurious Crinolines, Slips, & Hoops

2011-10-31T21:22:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago, Rachel and I attended the National Bridal Market in Chicago. It is always so fun to see the new gowns and gorgeous things for brides.

A new manufacturer that we discovered this year is Richard Harris Designs, an accessories designer from the UK. We fell in love with the fascinators, shrugs, and slips that they design and manufacture.

Look at these wonderful lace and tulle crinolines! They can be customized in any color for you and are a step up in luxury from the standard-issue rental crinolines.

Stop in soon to see the collection in person.

One Day Left!

2011-10-30T21:31:00.002-04:00

There is just one day left in October...Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Stop in to September's Bride to see our Limited Edition PINK Jewelry or to donate to the cause.

Grand Haven Wedding Walk

2011-10-26T15:29:00.002-04:00

A few months ago, we were honored by Cassie of White Dress Events in Grand Haven when she asked us to coordinate the Fashion Show for this weekend's Grand Haven Wedding Walk.

Rachel and I have been hard at work putting together the Four Seasons Fashion Show. Yes, we'll have bridal looks for all four seasons! Here in West Michigan, the changes in the weather and scenery inspire so many parts of our lifestyles. Why not let nature's changes inspire your wedding, too? From sweet looks for spring to the warm tones of fall, there is something for every bride.

Also, be sure to stop by the September's Bride booth and say "Hi" to me, Tami. I'll be there all day from 11 am - 4 pm and would be honored to chat weddings with you.

Luxe Warmth

2011-10-20T07:18:00.000-04:00

Whether for a wedding, holiday party, or social occasion, almost any woman would want to wear this darling faux fur statement jacket instead of a plain cardigan or puffy jacket.

Special orders are available, and the jacket comes in this gorgeous winter white color as well as a chocolate tone.

SB Bride :: Corrinne

2011-10-19T07:27:00.001-04:00

Over two years ago, a lovely young woman came into our store to look at wedding gowns. I liked her immediately; she was so easy to talk to and had an effortless style about her. She chose and purchased her Casablanca gown, a gown which was also one of my favorites from that designer.

Corrinne's parents visited our boutique with her for her fittings and I also found them to be delightful people. So, I'm almost a little disappointed to share Corrinne's wedding photos, because it means we won't be seeing them as much around the boutique now that the big day has come and gone.

John and Corrinne's wedding photographer was Kate Morrow Photography. Check out Kate's blog for many more photos of this absolutely gorgeous wedding.

I love the next photo...we always suggest a crochet hook to help with the little elastic button loops on the back of wedding gowns. So nice to see that it worked for Corrinne's mom! (Who is wearing a beautiful gown from Jade by Jasmine)

The fabulous bridesmaid's frocks are black chiffon with a beautiful one-shoulder neckline and a full skirt. I think this style looks great on all of them. (B2 by Jasmine)

Best wishes, John & Corrinne, for a long, happy, and healthy life together. We appreciated the opportunity to serve you.

Wedding Gowns & Bacon?

2011-10-17T19:51:00.000-04:00

Last Friday, I was working at another of our family's businesses, Lemon Fresh Cleaners. I was called to the phone in the late morning.

A slightly distraught female voice was on the other end of the phone line. She explained to me that her sister was getting married that evening, and had to be dressed in her wedding gown for photos in just three hours.

The problem was that the wedding gown had been stored overnight in a house where some family members were staying. That morning, they had decided to make bacon and burned the bacon and grease, causing the odor of scorched bacon fat to waft throughout the house, permeating everything, including the fabric of the wedding gown.

I doubt there are very many brides who want to get married in a gown smelling of burned bacon grease.

So, they did the smart thing and called a reputable dry cleaners that specializes in wedding gowns. Little did they know that they also reached the owner of a bridal boutique.

In case anything like this ever happens to you or someone you know, here is some of the advice that I gave to this bride and her sister.

If we had had a bit more time, I would have definitely suggested wet-cleaning the gown, since it was made of polyester satin and this would have removed any trace of odor. Although we had time to clean the gown, there was not sufficient time to dry the gown. You would really need at least 24 hours to do so.

Since actually cleaning the gown was out, my next best advice was to hang the gown outside in the fresh air for 30-40 minutes. The day was breezy, which was good. Again, the gown was polyester satin, so even a little dampness would not harm the fabric. The same goes for any polyester fabric or a lace gown. Never put a silk satin gown anywhere that it could get water-spotted!

Lastly, I recommended trying a fabric deodorizer, such as Febreze. My cautions to this are that some people can be allergic or sensitive to the fragrance or chemicals in these products. You would not want to discover any sensitivity on your part or your groom's part on the wedding day!

If you ever have a wedding day emergency with a gown or bridesmaid dress, I'm honored to help!

MEG Trunk Show :: What to Expect?

2011-10-12T15:38:00.000-04:00

Around September's Bride, a visit by Meg Lammers for a MEG Trunk Show is legendary! But, not everyone knows why it's such a must-do or what to expect.

MEG Jewelry is one of the premier bridal and special occasion jewelry companies in the States. Each piece is designed and then hand crafted in the USA! MEG Jewelry is consisted featured in bridal magazines and is a staple at the best bridal boutiques, including Kleinfeld's in NYC.

September's Bride is so honored to be one of MEG Jewelry's Flagship Stores! This means that we have access to her entire line and Trunk Shows, where our brides can meet one-on-one with Meg herself to have their bridal accessories styled just for them.

Here are just a few images of Meg's 2012 line; sort of a "sneak peek" for our customers.

New Arrival :: Elsie by Maggie Sottero

2011-10-10T13:54:00.002-04:00

I want to show you one of our newest arrivals.

It's not unusual to have a bride come into September's Bride and request a gown "that's not strapless". Finally, the designers are listening and offering some beautiful gowns that have straps or sleeves.

Such is the case with this gown. Made of textural lace, this A-line silhouette fits a bit more snugly through the hips and has a beautiful rounded neckline in both front and back. A pretty silk band highlights the natural waist.

I've accessorized this gown with a simple two-layer veil named "Audrey Hepburn" from Jennifer Leigh Veils and a three-strand pearl necklace from Bliss Designs. I think the combination is a modern twist on a very classic bridal look.

Want to try this gown on and see it in person? We would be honored to have you visit September's Bride to see this or any of our gorgeous gowns. Just call 616-355-1433 to make an appointment.

Blessings,

Tami

In the News :: Wedding Walk 2011

2011-10-07T15:14:00.000-04:00

What's Brewing? Wedding Walk | WOOD TV8

Check out the fun segment from this morning's eightWest show. Tami is sharing with Joy all the fun things going on at Downtown Holland Wedding Walk.

Thank You!

2011-10-05T15:30:00.001-04:00

I'm so honored to read another great review from a happy Mom & bride.

September's Bride did a wonderful job for us. My daughter decided to wear my 1980 wedding gown. It had been carefully preserved but needed remaking. Sherry (alterations) did a fabulous job. The dress was mine initially but she made it look updated with a timeless classic look - it was now my daughters. They also did alterations on my daughter's reception gown and my MOB gown. We are so pleased. We took advantage of September's Bride's Couture service and we're so pleased! I would highly recommend to anyone having a wedding - don't shop anywhere else. ...Jan

I remember when Jan and her daughter Rachel came in for their first appointment with Sherry and myself. We had so much fun imagining the possibilities of re-styling the beautiful gown from 1980. (...a shameless plug here to be sure you have us preserve your wedding gown!) Rachel had a definite vision for her wedding and I am so honored that September's Bride was part of her wedding day!

...Tami

New Reviews!

2011-10-04T17:53:00.002-04:00

Today, two new reviews were posted on WeddingWire for our boutique! I love to read that we have made brides very happy!

Septembers Bride rushed shipped my dress, giving me just enough time to get alterations and have a gorgeous dress for the wedding. Thank you!!

I traveled several hours to purchase my gown and veil from September's Bride, and it was definitely worth it. The service was excellent and their selection was unique and beautiful. I also loved that they supported several of my favorite charities. It's a wonderful place that will give you the bridal experience you are looking for, I would definitely recommend them!

We would be honored if you would post your review of September's Bride, too.

2011-10-01T09:16:00.002-04:00

A quick share of a pic from the September 30 wedding of Kristen & Aaron, courtesty of Amy Carroll Photography.

Kristen wore a one-of-a-kind gown from September's Bride...she is gorgeous!

Best Wishes to this weekend's brides!

2011-09-29T13:48:00.000-04:00

SB is hiring!

2011-09-27T22:16:00.001-04:00

September's Bride announces a job opening for a part-time Marketing & Advertising Guru.

Interested? E-mail your resume to tami@septembersbride.com for further information and a full job description.

A marketing degree and/or experience and a good understanding of social media marketing and web analytics is a must! Perfect opportunity for a (mostly) stay-at-home mom who wants to work just 8-10 hours a week.

Heading to Bridal Market!

2011-09-24T15:45:00.002-04:00

Rachel and I will be at the National Bridal Market in Chicago this Sunday through Tuesday!

Follow us on Twitter @9bride for updates on the latest trends in bridal fashion!

Best Wishes to this weekend's SB brides!

2011-09-22T13:21:00.000-04:00

September's Bride Turns 4!

2011-09-19T18:46:00.000-04:00

Blessed to be a Blessing!

September's Bride is celebrating our 4th Anniversary this month. We are so excited and are looking forward to finishing our 2011 Bridal Season in a fabulous way and are already planning for the 2012 Bridal Season.

EVENTS by September's Bride has had a wonderful first bridal season, also. We are currently beginning to book dates for 2012 weddings.

Of course, we must give our appreciation to our fabulous customers! So, here are the Anniversary Specials that we are offering during the entire month of September.

PICK A LEAF... Choose a leaf off the wall at our store and on the leaf you'll find a discount written...5% off, 10% off, even $100 off! Use this discount on a gown or veil.

BOOK EARLY...Book us for Wedding Planning or Coordination for your 2012 OR 2013 wedding and get 10% off the package that best fits your needs. (Mention this post to receive the discount.)

BALANCE FORGIVEN...At the end of September, we will randomly choose one bride from all who purchased their gowns and made a deposit during the month. This very lucky bride will have her balance "FORGIVEN"...she will owe NO MORE on the gown once it arrives!

As you can tell, we are in the middle of an exciting month and we hope you'll share it with us!

Live Mannequin Night TONIGHT!

2011-09-16T12:42:00.000-04:00

Tonight is LIVE MANNEQUIN night in Downtown Holland!

This is the 4th year that September's Bride is participating and we are following the TV theme by portraying everyone's favorite wedding reality show..."Say Yes to the Dress"!

Watch for photos of the event over the weekend. If you're in the Lakeshore area...come to Downtown Holland tonight between 7:00 and 8:30 and VOTE for September's Bride!

Best Wishes to this weekend's SB brides!

2011-09-14T11:09:00.000-04:00

Best Wishes to this weekend's SB brides!

2011-09-08T12:58:00.002-04:00

Couture :: What does it really mean?

2011-09-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

This post was originally published back in 2007 and again in 2009. But, I have so many more readers now and lots of newly-engaged brides are shopping. I thought it would be a good "repeat". -Tami
The word "couture" is quite the buzz word in today's bridal industry. Perhaps you've been told by a saleslady, "This one's special, it's 'couture'"; or you've come across the word while looking at gowns on-line. It must be good, even if we don't completely understand, right?

"Couture" is a French word which means " the design and manufacture of fashionable clothes to a client's specific requirements and measurements"; up until the last few years, most of us Midwesterners would have said that something was "custom-made". If it had been custom-made of the finest fabrics, trims, and details available by your area's very best seamstress, it would have been, in fact, "couture".

Now, we are seeing almost every bridal line call their higher-end collections "couture". I'm sure you've noticed this, too. Instead of the original definition, "couture" means "high-end" or "more-expensive" in today's bridal market; at least to the end-consumer. I'm not sure manufacturers or bridal stores have done a great job explaining this to you, the bride.

All this to say, do we offer "couture" at September's Bride? You bet! See something you like in our sale room? Our talented seamstress and myself, with several years of re-making vintage gowns, will put our heads together and "couture" it for you! Did you know that Casablanca gowns can be customized for you, to your measurements and your preferences? And then, of course, we carry Angelina Bridal Couture and Stephanie James Couture, which are both truly couture in every since of the word, but still very affordable for us sensible Midwesterners!

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal!

SB Bride :: Rose

2011-09-03T16:18:00.000-04:00

Most of our brides, we get to know them about 9-18 months before their wedding.

Rose? We met her just 3 days before her wedding when she had a wedding gown fiasco. Someone recommended that she come to see us, and Rachel was able to help Rose find the perfect gown and design a sash to go with it!

Here are some photos of her absolutely beautiful wedding, courtesy of Craig Watson Photography.

Best Wishes to this weekend's SB brides!

2011-09-02T08:34:00.001-04:00

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Black & White Wedding :: Trend?

2011-08-30T10:34:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, Kim Kardashian wowed her fans with her modern, black-and-white-themed wedding. I especially loved seeing Kathie Lee Gifford and her daughter there in their white dresses; since they had just attended a wedding right here in our town the previous weekend!

If you're in love with the ultra formal black-and-white wedding idea yourself, here are a few ideas from September's Bride to get your style started.

Whether or not you ask your guests to wear all black-and-white is totally up to you!

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

SB Bride :: Anna

2011-08-27T15:27:00.000-04:00

Anna & Rick were married out in New York, but she is a native of West Michigan and bought her Casablanca gown, MEG Jewelry, and Jennifer Leigh veil at September's Bride. Anna was so much fun to work with; a truly delightful young woman!

Best wishes, Rick & Anna...from the team at September's Bride.

SB Bride :: Ashley

2011-08-19T10:08:00.002-04:00

Ashley is the most beautiful, bubbly bride!

She wore a gown by Angelina Couture with the most wonderful ruffled skirt.

Jewelry is by MEG Jewelry. Bridesmaid dresses and tuxes also from September's Bride.

The photographer is our friend, Steven Fox. I absolutely love the image of the bride and groom stopping traffic on 8th Street (right in front of September's Bride) to kiss!

SB Bride :: Jodie

2011-08-17T09:09:00.000-04:00

Here are Jared & Jodie, along with their entire gorgeous wedding party. If you think someone looks familiar, you're probably right about the blond in the front. Jared is the brother of our boutique manager, Rachel.

Jodie and Jared were just glowing with smiles their entire day! Congratulations and best wishes!!!

Be a Designer

2011-08-10T22:57:00.000-04:00

Here's your chance to be a designer! Using this great tool below, show us your best bridal or formal look. Mix it up, have some fun...think outside of the box!

We'll choose a few of our favorites to post on the blog.

Get your own Mini Editor from Polyvore

Why we do what we do

2011-08-09T17:04:00.000-04:00

This morning, I found this lovely sentiment posted on our Facebook Page:

You are all amazing! I am so thrilled my daughter found her dress at September Bride. You treated her as if she was your only customer! This mom appreciates you!!!!!

Thank you! Each member of the September's Bride team tries very hard to make each bride feel special and beautiful. It is nice to know that we succeed.

Just a pretty pic from our photo shoot archives!

2011-08-08T08:29:00.000-04:00

Here is Rachel in a vintage formal; perfect for an informal wedding, rehearsal dinner, or a one-of-a-kind Prom gown!

Photo by Simply Eden Photography

SB Bride :: Kim

2011-07-29T22:16:00.000-04:00

Every one of our brides is special and we are so honored to be a part of their weddings.

Once in a while, we are honored to serve a bride who is special beyond the boutique & customer relationship.

Kim is one of those young women to me. I met her when she was seven years old; she and her older sister, Kelli, began taking piano lessons from me way back in the late 1990's! As Kim grew into a lovely teenager, she was one of my boys' favorite baby-sitters. She showed up when I needed extra help in my house, my yard, and even took a few hours at September's Bride when we first opened. I dearly love Kim, her sister, and their family!

So I was very honored when Kim chose her Angelina Couture wedding gown from our boutique. The B2 bridesmaid dresses and the guys' tuxes are from September's Bride, too.

Kim and Jon, we wish you the very best in your life together!

(Photographs by Angie DeWitt)

New Arrival :: Justin Alexander

2011-07-27T14:18:00.000-04:00

I think this would be the perfect gown for a Spring wedding!

A beautiful silk dupioni trumpet gown with a strapless bodice is topped with the most darling jacket. A wide jewel neckline and elbow-length sleeves make this textured lace jacket into the perfect layer for a cool evening or venue. It also adds just a bit of coverage for a bride who wants a more modest or elegant look.

The gown also comes with a small hairpiece which matches the flowers on the jacket.

This gown is by Justin Alexander and available in West Michigan only at September's Bride!

SB Bride :: Elisabeth

2011-07-22T09:21:00.002-04:00

From the Elisabeth's first appointment at September's Bride, I knew she was going to become a wonderful and enjoyable SB bride! I was priveleged to help her find her gown, a gorgeous Justin Alexander floor-length ball gown.

Elisabeth also purchased her bridesmaid dresses and shoes from our boutique, as well as getting her tuxes for the guys through September's Bride. And...she used EVENTS by September's Bride for her wedding coordinating!

Click here to see more details from Elisabeth and Kris' wedding, including her DIY placecards, great bridesmaid shoes, and much more! Our lead planner, Michelle, dedicated an entire EVENTS by September's Bride blog post to all of the great photos & details.

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal

Totally Fab :: Trash & Treasure!

2011-07-19T13:19:00.000-04:00

When I was married in 1992, I took a spill while leaving the reception. Thankfully, I was holding tightly to my new husband's arm and just scraped my beaded shoes a little bit. No more damage was done. I was terrified that I may have somehow gotten my wedding gown dirty, though.

Now, brides in wedding gowns and their photographers make an entire session out of finding the most unique (and downright dirty) locations for "Trash the Dress" and "Rock the Frock" photography sessions.

At September's Bride, we've designed a package just for brides who want to experience the liberating feel of playing in their wedding gown without worrying about the dirty, mud, or mire! We call our package "Trash & Treasure" and it combines a 1-hour photo session with a complete gown cleaning and preservation, all done right here in West Michigan!

Want to learn more? Call September's Bride at 616-355-1433 or e-mail tami@septembersbride.com

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Annual Summer Sale!!! July 18-30

2011-07-17T22:08:00.000-04:00

You'll be smiling when you learn that all brides with 2012 wedding dates can receive 12% OFF any custom-ordered gown from September's Bride in our annual Summer Sale.

This year, the sale is for the next two weeks, from July 18 - 30.

No exceptions; so make your appointment right away; we expect a very busy two weeks!

Just a fun summer photo!

2011-07-07T20:19:00.000-04:00

Here's another image from our recent photo shoot.

Rachel is modeling a Casablanca gown, just having fun and showing off some options for a Trash & Treasure photo package!

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-02T17:48:00.000-04:00

September's Bride will be closed this Monday, July 4 so that our team may spend time with their family & friends.

We hope that you are blessed to do the same.

God Bless America!

SB Inspiration

2011-06-28T10:29:00.001-04:00

We sell some of the most popular and trendy bridesmaid dresses available. But, I also know that not every bride wants a "bridesmaid dress" for her wedding party.

While perusing one of my personal favorite fashion sites, Ruche, I came across this darling little frock:

I also knew exactly what wedding gown I would pair with this to complete a fabulously unique wedding style; Casablanca 2005, which just happens to be in the store window right now...

The color of the little frock matches the champagne belt and flower edgings on this great gown. Both styles are so classic and clean, but the details just pop!

September's Bride...a fresh approach to formal.

Trash & Treasure :: Teasers

2011-06-25T18:14:00.000-04:00

We told you about our awesome new product, Trash & Treasure. For just one price, you receive an hour-long "Trash the Dress" photo shoot, all of the edited images on CD, and a professional gown cleaning & preservation AFTER the fun!

This week, we had a fun photo shoot with our team to produce some images that we could use in our Trash & Treasure ad campaign. However, they are so absolutely gorgeous and fun that I could not resist sharing them on the blog right away!

Wouldn't you love a few photos of you in your special gown like this?

A huge hug & "Thanks" to Bailey, our model; Julie, the stylist; Allison Bower, makeup artist; and the wonderful photographer, Hannah of Simply Eden Photography.

SB Spotlighted!

2011-06-22T22:08:00.000-04:00

I was delighted to find our store highlighted by Lakeshore Shoppers on Facebook earlier this week. This really cool photo was posted along with this review of September's Bride:

Peeking through the 8th Street windows in downtown Holland of September's Bride, you'd never imagine the expansive collection of bridal gowns that await brides-to-be upstairs! I never knew that just up the stairs was a huge bridal boutique with many designers to browse with the help of exceptional associates to help you every step of the way! If you know someone getting married, guide them to shop locally!

New Arrival :: Lucious Layers from Angelina Couture!

2011-06-20T12:01:00.000-04:00

This gorgeous silk & lace gown is from the fabulous American design house of Angelina Couture. No beading or embellishment, just elegant design and the best fabrics.

A true A-line gown, this silhouette flatters any figure. The neckline is almost straight across, but could be ordered as a more defined sweetheart if desired. We have paired this gown with the Elizabeth Taylor necklace from MEG Jewelry for the perfect marriage of classic & modern style. There is just a sweep train on the skirt, so this gown would be at home in the garden or in the chapel.

September's Bride is the only boutique in Michigan to carry this wonderful designer!

Totally Fab :: Trash & Treasure!

2011-06-16T14:18:00.000-04:00

We've been brainstorming and working on this fun product for a while now; and it's time to let our blog readers in on the fabulousness!

Have you been thinking about "Trashing" your dress in a fun photo session?

Are you just a little worried about what might happen to it and how to clean it?

Well, we are partnering with our own Hannah, who also owns Simply Eden Photography to offer brides a 1-hour totally fun photo session in their gown, sometime after the wedding. After the session, just leave your gown at September's Bride and we will clean and preserve it for you.

All of this is just $295 and includes a CD of all your images with complete rights to them. Want to know more or schedule an appointment? Just e-mail us!

Planning a 2012 wedding?

2011-06-15T20:53:00.000-04:00

Besides gorgeous gowns, bridesmaid dresses, tuxes, and everything anyone in your wedding party would need to wear to look fabulous on your wedding day, did you know that September's Bride offers

EVENTS by September's Bride

Our team of three fabulous wedding coordinators and planners specialize in West Michigan weddings, especially the Lakeshore area from Muskegon to South Haven, including Holland, Grand Haven, and Saugatuck.

We have packages which include just setting up your wedding site to a full package, where we walk through the entire process with you.

To chat with someone today, call 616-355-1433 or e-mail

Rachel Ramos at rachel@septembersbride.com

Michelle Torno at michelle@septembersbride.com

and visit www.eventsbyseptembersbride.blogspot.com

Pretty Somethings :: Perfect Shower Gifts!

2011-06-11T18:29:00.000-04:00

September's Bride carries some lovely lingerie by Mary Green. Now that wedding season is here, be sure you have pretty things to pack for your honeymoon!

Of course, lingerie always makes a perfect gift for a bridal shower. We have silk panties priced under $30 and luxurious teddy sets up to $70. Something for everyone!

This summer's hottest accessory :: Earrings

2011-06-04T08:33:00.000-04:00

With the popularity of the one-shoulder neckline and the resurgence of bodice tops and even sleeves (!), fewer brides are opting for necklaces.

However, fabulous earrings are a must for almost every bride. Earrings focus attention on your face and on your shining eyes.

These wonderful jewels are from MEG Jewelry. The classic styling of natural pearls and Swarovski crystals complement almost any gown, from vintage to modern.

Memorial Day Weekend!

2011-05-26T07:21:00.000-04:00

Happy Memorial Day from all of us at September's Bride!

We WILL be open our regular hours on Saturday, May 28. (10 am - 4 pm) Appointments are always appreciated and suggested!

We will be CLOSED on Monday, May 30 to honor Memorial Day and allow our team to spend time with their friends and family.

Remember that at September's Bride, we give a Military Discount to any wedding couple who is serving in or a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. Please ask; we would be honored to share details and thank you for your service to our country.

God Bless America!

SB Bride :: Jenna

2011-05-23T15:43:00.001-04:00

Images courtesy of TAK Photography

Here are Justin & Jenna, looking absolutely fabulous on their wedding day!

Jenna chose a lovely gown from Casablanca Bridal. It is ivory chiffon with a champagne inset at the waist.

Best Wishes, J & J! Jenna, you were delightful to serve!

It's all about the shoes!

2011-05-12T07:25:00.000-04:00

I am always captivated by a bow. I love the modern twisted bow here with the small detail of rhinestones peeking out. These shoes would look wonderful with so many styles of wedding gowns.

They are dyeable, too!

If you're a Classic Bride: Picture them in Tiffany as your "Something Blue" peeking out from beneath a silk satin ballgown or sheath!

If you're a Vintage Bride: They would look romantic and fabulous in Champagne or Dark Ivory with a lace gown.

Are you a Fun Rock-N-Roll Bride: Definitely Hot Pink with Tea-Length Gown!

Whatever your style, we have shoes that will make you comfortable, stylish, and absolutely stunning on your wedding day!

What do you think?

2011-05-09T21:43:00.000-04:00

If you've been following this blog, my Facebook page, or my Tweets (@9bride), you know that I was mildly obsessed with the Royal Wedding of William & Kate. I had good reason to be, and the royal couple did not disappoint! I predict some great trends coming out of the UK for wedding-related fashion and festivities over the next few years.

However, I do wonder exactly how far American brides are going to take this inspiration? Should we be stocking up on look-alikes to Kate's gown?

One of our gown designers, Justin Alexander, has created a gown almost EXACTLY like the one that Kate wore on April 29. I'm looking for your input...do you think that brides want to wear this? Would you buy it for your bridal boutique? Give me your thoughts...

Our Royal-Inspired Wedding

2011-05-02T15:40:00.000-04:00

Here is our segment from this morning!

Make Your Wedding Royal: woodtv.com

Our Royal Wedding Celebration :: Fit for a Princess!

2011-04-15T14:13:00.000-04:00

We are excited to announce our plans for celebrating Britian's Royal Wedding!

Beginning on April 29 and running through May 14, we have special events, promotions, and give-aways planned. Plus, Tulip Time in Holland, MI is May 7-14, so we are tying our celebration into that city-wide festival, too.

On April 29, join us bright and early at 4:30 am for a Royal Wedding Viewing Party. You're welcome to come in your (pretty) pajamas. We'll be serving homemade scones, strawberries & cream, English tea, and American coffee. The big-screen TV will be set up at September's Bride and we'll have some fun watching the pomp and circumstance together. There will also be door prizes & special gifts. If you plan to join us, please RSVP by April 27 to tami@septembersbride.com.

On May 2, we'll be visiting our friends at WOOD TV's EightWest show to present "A Royal-Inspired Wedding in Michigan Style". We will be re-interpreting Kate's bridal look, invitations, flowers, and cake in a way that is accessible and appropriate for any Michigan princess.

Beginning May 3 and continuing through May 14, our "Royal-Inspired Wedding in Michigan Style" will be on display at September's Bride. Anyone who visits may register to win a night at the lovely Tesoro Inn on Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City AND a gift basket filled with our favorite romantic drinks, chocolate, and surprises.

Please join us!

How to wear a Tea-Length Wedding Gown

2011-04-13T11:35:00.001-04:00

One of the hottest trends in wedding gowns right now is the teal-length or ballerina gown. This was also a popular length in the 1950's, so it definitely evokes a vintage feel. Often considered less-formal than a full-length gown, that is not necessarily the case.

Styling this style of gown takes a different twist than a traditional gown for sure. Fabulous shoes are a must! This length also allows you to do a nice high-heeled pump for the ceremony with cute ballet flats or shorter heels for dancing into the night at your reception.

I love pairing a shoulder-length veil with this type of wedding gown. Something modern and full that brings attention to your face and eyes. For an outdoor wedding, wear a fascinator instead of a veil. (A fascinator is a fancy term for a headpiece of fabric flowers or feathers with a small bit of netting on a comb)

At September's Bride, we have a nice selection of tea-length gowns from Maggie Sottero, Justin Alexander, and Stephanie James Couture.

Upcoming Trunk Shows!

2011-04-04T19:30:00.001-04:00

May 6 & 7 :: MEG Jewelry Trunk Show. Appointments necessary.

July 21-30 :: Stephanie James Couture. Appointments recommended.

Make plans to visit our beautiful boutique and be part of the fun!

We will be closed on April 4

2011-03-30T19:12:00.000-04:00

On Monday, April 4, our boutique will be closed just for the day as we attend Bridal Market in Chicago.

We will be looking for more gorgeous gowns and other pretties to bring into our store.

We will reopen on April 5 for normal business hours.

Our EightWest Segment from this morning

2011-03-23T13:25:00.000-04:00

This morning, we were on eightWest, a local lifestyle show on WOODTV talking Bridal & Prom!

Time for Weddings & Proms: woodtv.com

SB On-Air This Week!

2011-03-20T21:07:00.000-04:00

This week, September's Bride will be featured on WOODTV's eightWest program on Wednesday at 11:00 am. We'll be talking Bridal Accessories & Prom Gowns.

It's Not Too Late for Expert Help!

2011-03-12T08:04:00.001-05:00

This post was originally posted on our EVENTS by September's Bride blog by our Lead Planner, Michelle Torno.

When you hear the words "Wedding Planner" you may think of someone who comes in and plans your wedding from beginning to end. That can be true, but most often Wedding Planners/Coordinators are hired to assist a bride that just needs some additional assistance on the wedding day to ensure that the wedding couple's plans and dreams come together perfectly.

It is never too late in your engagement to hire someone to help you. It is normal for couples to start feeling a lot of pressure from the wedding in last few months. Bringing a Coordinator on board to help you finalize the details of the decor, review and confirm your vendor contracts and run the logisitcs on the day of your wedding can relieve a lot of stress for everyone involved. At EVENTS by September's Bride, we include unlimited email and phone calls with all of our packages; this ensures communication but also helps the bride when she has questions on anything from etiquette to seating charts.

In the West Michigan area, there are many brides that are DIY savvy and enjoy working on the details of their wedding. This is wonderful during the planning process but can be a downfall on the wedding day. On your wedding day you should not be worrying that everything is being taken care of from decor set up to vendor arrivials. A bride and her entourage should be getting their hair done and having a wonderful breakfast or luncheon! This is where a Day Of Coordinator could assist, we come in and do all of the set up, run the logisitcs for the day and stay until the clean up from the reception is complete.

So whether your wedding is 18 months or 2 weeks away, consider hiring a Coordinator to help you throughout the process and on your big day. The investment in your sanity is definitely worth it :)

We would be happy and honored to help you in any way. You may contact Michelle at eventsbysb@gmail.com or michelle@septembersbride.com.

Spring & Summer Hours!

2011-03-07T07:19:00.000-05:00

The snow is still on the ground here, but we are looking forward to Spring, Summer, and Bridal Season!

We are expanding our open shopping hours to an additional evening to accomodate our customers.

Beginning March 8, we will be open until 8 pm on Tuesday evenings.

Prom 2011!

2011-03-03T18:47:00.001-05:00

You know us for our gorgeous gowns and excellent service for brides in West Michigan and beyond.

This Spring, high school girls can also enjoy the gowns and atmosphere that they deserve while shopping for Prom!

Join us on March 17 from 5-8 pm for Prom Night. There will be door prizes, fashion consultants, and lots of fun!

Gorgeous Gown :: Angelina Couture

2011-02-28T20:07:00.000-05:00

Here is a really fun gown from Angelina Couture. In silk dupioni, the front of the gown is a simple sheath with a wrapped bodice. The back and train is what makes this gown a true stand-out. Three very large fabric flowers grab attention and follow the bride around all day!

Newest Arrival :: Atha Sharod

2011-02-24T07:33:00.000-05:00

Last December, a classy guy from Chicago showed up at September's Bride with a collection of wedding gowns that he designed. This does not happen every day, so we (including the brides in the store) took a break and admired his gowns.

Two of his gowns are arriving at September's Bride this week; one is pictured here. This silk organza gown has very pretty daisy appliques and crystals embellishing the waist. With just a small sweep train, this gown would look beautiful for a garden wedding or in a summer chapel. As beautiful as the photo is, you have to see this gown in person to fully appreciate it!

I would pair this gown with a shoulder-grazing full veil, and necklace and earrings made of swarovski crystals.

Wedding Months

2011-02-23T16:10:00.000-05:00

Each week, I send out an e-mail newsletter called "Weekly Wedding Inspiration" (see the box to the right to subscribe).

A few weeks ago, the topic was choosing your wedding month and I shared how the reasons for choosing wedding dates has changed over time and also ranked the months in popularity for weddings.

I also asked the readers to share the story of their wedding month and why it was chosen. Here are a few of these stories.

From Elisabeth...

Kris and I got engaged March 17, 2010 and during that time my Dad had lost his job, my Mom was not working, and Kris' Dad had a business that was not doing well, so we were hurting financially all the way around. Kris and I are young, and we both had good jobs, but he couldn't pay for a wedding alone quickly either. So, although we didn't want to have a long engagment, we just had to for financial reasons. So, we knew we had to be engaged at least a year... so a year would have put us in March 2011, but I think March is just nasty and then my brother graduates from High School May 2011, so my Mom asked that we didn't do it in the spring, and June was close after his graduation and already too much happens in our family in June... so July 9 it is! We thought about waiting til the fall, but then that seemed like too long of a wait.
Plus, I just love Summer! and camping...

From Anne...

We were married May 5th, 1990 – over 20 years ago.

I’m Canadian, and John is American. The immigration process took 6 months for me to be approved, and when that happened, we had a 90 day window to get married. We had no idea when that 90 days would be, so nothing was planned until I was approved. We put it all together in a month and a half. Finding a location still available at the last minute was the deciding factor in picking the date.

Luckily, I was able to find a beautiful dress off the rack that fit perfectly & didn’t require any alterations.

Our wedding was very simple, but lots of fun.

We’re still happy & in love.

From Melanie...

I'm always surprised at the number of summer weddings - who wants to get all dressed up when it's in the 80's? We got married in early Dec. - my grandmother's birthday, actually. Fall weddings make the most sense to me, however.

What is your story??

Important News :: Essense of Australia

2011-02-20T20:39:00.000-05:00

This is the last week to order Essense of Australia gowns from September's Bride.

We are disappointed, but due to some changes in the Essense of Australia corporation, the sales territories have been redistributed and, since we were the newest retailer in our area, we no longer are able to offer these gowns.

We are working with Essense of Australia to get our account renewed, but at this point we are only able to order through the end of February.

We guarantee that any gown orders placed this week will be fulfilled.

After this week, our Essense of Australia sample gowns will be moved to our sale rack and marked 25% off.

Newest Arrival :: Justin Alexander 8528

2011-02-08T16:17:00.000-05:00

Look at this fabulous gown! It is a tulle gown with a dramatic bow on the one-shoulder strap, ruching on the bodice, a satin belt with a smart jeweled buckle and a wonderful ball skirt.

Justin Alexander is a wonderful bridal design house, and September's Bride is the only place in West Michigan to find these unique and classy gowns.

September's Bride :: Alive and Well!

2011-02-08T07:46:00.000-05:00

Don't worry...your favorite bridal salon in Holland is NOT closing.

Yes, a Holland bridal salon has closed; Diane Keith Bridal was on Lakewood Blvd. September's Bride has been in the news lately as we are trying to help as many brides as possible who were affected by the closing of the OTHER bridal store in Holland.

If you are a bride who was left without a gown or bridesmaid gowns, please contact us as we have made arrangements with some of the vendors to have your orders released to us that were placed with Diane Keith.

Newest Arrival :: "July", a SB Exclusive

2011-02-04T19:40:00.000-05:00

Last week, we were priveleged to have Jenna of Jenna McKenzie Photography visit the store for a mini-photo shoot. Jenna is one of our 2011 brides and we are honored that she chose to profile us on her blog and as a Preferred Vendor on her website.

I'll be sharing images from Jenna over the next few weeks. Today, I want to share these photos that she took of one of our newest gowns. This is a SB Exclusive, which means you can only find it at September's Bride. We call it "July".

July is made of beaded layers of taffeta, organza, and lace, beautifully crafted into a fit-and-flare gown with a lovely sweep train. The sweetheart bodice is so flattering!

A sweetheart of a look!

2011-02-01T18:58:00.000-05:00

Last week, I shared what I think might be the most universally flattering gown silhouette, the subtle "fit-and-flare". Here I am sharing a neckline that flatters almost any bride, called a "sweetheart neckline".

Sweetheart necklines can vary from a very pronounced "V" to a more subtle dip or curve. The photo here shows a very classic sweetheart.

SB Bride :: Michelle

2011-01-26T07:15:00.000-05:00

Here is lovely Michelle. Michelle was married in December wearing a beautiful lace sheath gown from Casablanca. I love how the illusion train is really highlighted in this photo. Michelle also wore jewelry and accessories from September's Bride. She wrapped her shoulders in a faux fur shrug to stay warm from the Michigan winter, too.

Michelle and I went to school together and I was honored that she found her gown from our store. I am so happy that she has found her Prince Charming and I wish them the very best that life has to offer, full of blessings from above.

Lakeshore Bridal Event

2011-01-22T20:55:00.000-05:00

On January 15, the Lakeshore Bridal Event was held in Holland at the Midtown Center. Coordinated by Katie Webster of Second Floor Bakery and Michelle Torno of EVENTS by September's Bride, the show featured the best of Lakeshore-area wedding pros.

One of the highlights of the Lakeshore Bridal Event each year is the Dream Wedding Giveaway. One lucky couple is chosen through a nomination process to win a $15,000 wedding!

Pictured above is our lovely model from the show, Elisabeth. Elisabeth is also one of our brides from September's Bride. She is marrying her sweetheart in July.

Prom Gowns are Here!

2011-01-19T18:36:00.000-05:00

The Subtle Fit-and-Flare Gown

2011-01-17T08:15:00.000-05:00

After seeing hundreds of women in thousands of wedding gowns, the consultants at September's Bride are pretty good at suggesting the best wedding gown silhouette for almost any body.

Both gowns above are a subtle or "modified" fit-and-flare. This skirt fits closer through the hips and then flares slightly to the hem and the train. This shape gives girls with a straighter figure some curves and makes curvy girls look fabulous.

I think this is a shape that every bride should at least try!

Important News on Maggie Sottero!

2011-01-11T20:09:00.000-05:00

Here is important news if you are planning to order a Maggie Sottero gown soon.

Effective January 31, 2011, the Maggie Sottero company will be increasing their prices. Any gowns ordered before that date will be at the current prices.

So, if you have found YOUR wedding gown from September's Bride, and it is made by Maggie Sottero, call us soon to schedule an appointment to place your order before the price increase!

Another Gown from the Trunk Show

2011-01-05T13:24:00.000-05:00

Here is Style 1404 from Angelina Couture, here at September's Bride for this week's Trunk Show.

Made of dupioni silk with a dramatic sweetheart bodice and dropped waist, this is a modern interpretation of a classic wedding gown.

The Trunk Show gowns will be here through this Saturday, January 8.

Weekly Wedding Inspiration Newsletter

2011-01-03T07:19:00.000-05:00

New in 2011...

Our team of wedding pros & consultants will join Tami in sharing wedding ideas & tips in a subscription-only e-mail newsletter each week.

Thoughts on charming weddings, Michigan venues, American wedding traditions...and more; delivered to your Inbox from EVENTS by September's Bride.

To subscribe, fill out the Subscription Form to the right...

Trunk Show Begins Today!

2010-12-30T07:52:00.000-05:00

Here's a quick snapshot of one of the Trunk Show gowns from Angelina Bridal Couture. We've been unpacking and getting these gowns ready over the past few days and as always, we are so in love with the gorgeous fabrics and quality of these gowns.

The linings are so soft, the details are so perfect...

The gown pictured above is style #1401, and is silk organza and french lace.

Call for your Trunk Show appointment; the gowns will be at September's Bride through Saturday, January 8.

What is a Trunk Show?

2010-12-27T08:55:00.000-05:00

December 30 through January 8 is our Trunk Show featuring the 2011 gowns from Angelina Bridal Couture.

What is a Trunk Show?

Most bridal boutiques carry a few carefully chosen gowns from each of their designers or manufacturers. A Trunk Show is when a designer will send a much larger selection of their gowns for a limited amount of time. Usually, the newest and the most popular gowns are included. It is called a "Trunk Show" because this collection of gowns will travel from store to store in a "trunk" (more likely to be boxes in our modern age).

At September's Bride, we offer 2-3 bridal gown trunk shows a year, along with a trunk show featuring bridal veils in April, and our ever-popular jewelry trunk shows with Meg Lammers in March and April.

Appointments are always recommended for the gown trunk shows and we also offer a discount on bridal gowns from the featured designer during the trunk show dates.

We would love to show off the gorgeous Angelina Bridal Couture gowns to you this week and next! Angelina gowns are from an American designer, hand-tailored in the finest silks and laces. Not heavily embellished, designer Angela Padron prefers to let the fabric and design be the focal point for her wedding gowns. Classic but modern at the same time, these are some of our favorite gowns at September's Bride!

And...September's Bride is the only bridal boutique in Michigan where you can find these fabulous gowns.

SB Bride :: Loribeth

2010-12-23T19:50:00.000-05:00

I absolutely loved working with Loribeth and helping her find the perfect gown for her romantic wedding in Savannah, GA. Loribeth has fabulous vintage style!

Sneak Peek :: PROM 2011

2010-12-14T09:00:00.002-05:00

The Prom gowns for Spring are arriving at September's Bride! We've spent lots of time finding the prettiest & most fashionable gowns for this year's high schoolers.

To keep up with all of the PROM happenings, visit our Facebook Page, PROM by September's Bride. We will be giving away $50 toward a prom gown to one of our Facebook Fans on December 31, 2010.

Gift Ideas from September's Bride :: Part 2

2010-12-13T07:41:00.000-05:00

Not only do we have great bridal and special-occasion jewelry, both of our jewelry designers also make great pieces of fashion jewelry.

We would love to help you find a unique and perfect gift for anyone on your list.

Here is the Urbi necklace and the Urbi earrings from MEG Jewelry