Of backs & bustles

Last post, I wrote about beautiful backs on wedding gowns. Following that "train" of thought (pun intended), let's chat about bustles.

Often, when a bride finds a dress she likes in our boutique, one of her first questions will be, "How does it bustle?" Well, there isn't always a simple answer to that, as most dresses have several bustling options. Here are three popular ones explained: (Some styles go by several names, I am using the names we use at September's Bride)

1. Traditional. The lower part of the skirt and train are pulled up over top of the upper skirt and fastened with a series of hooks. This looks a little like a waterfall effect. This option works for most gowns and has remained popular for decades.

2. French. This bustle option has become popular in the last five years or so. In this version, the lower part of the skirt and the train are attached under the upper part of the skirt with hooks or ribbons and the skirt "bubbles" in the back. The look is somewhat similiar to a "pick-up skirt". This option is good for plain skirts and for those with a border. This is the most costly bustle, and will take the longest for your attendants to do. But, it can look FANTASTIC!

3. Ballgown. This option is good for small trains and slimmer A-line skirts. The entire train is folded up under the skirt so that it "disappears". This is a sophisticated option that is becoming more popular, but I have also seen it on vintage dresses, too.

Of course, each style above can be done in many ways, too. When you choose your dress, get an idea of the bustle you like. Look through magazines at different bustles. Typically, the bustle is not decided upon until your first or second fitting with the seamstress. She can be your biggest help in knowing what will work and look best on your particular gown. Also, it is helpful to bring your Mom, MOH, or personal attendant along to your final fitting so that your seamstress can show her how to bustle your gown properly.

The photo above is from Amy Carroll's blog. The maids are putting a French bustle into the bride's gown. If you want more information with lots of photos, check out this page; note that some of her bustle names are different than I mentioned, but the concept is the same!

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

Beautiful Back

The back of your gown should be as beautiful and interesting as the front. After all, most of your guests will see the back of your gown most of the time. Think about walking down the aisle, dancing at the reception, running to the car...

I think this gown from Casablanca has a beautiful back. When choosing a veil to go with a gown like this, think very long or very short. For an elegant and formal ceremony, a long veil the same length as the gown will add an ethereal quality. You can then remove the veil or change to a shorter one for the reception. If your wedding is less formal or if you are a petite bride. I think a veil that just grazes the shoulder would be spectacular with this gown.

Avoid choosing a veil that "hits" at the same point as an interesting detail on your dress.

On another note...stop in to see our new Dark Brown Tuxedo! It is great for the guys in your wedding.

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

Maids

Dressing your maids can be stressful. After all, you have to make five or six friends and female relatives happy in a color and style that you typically choose, and then ask them to pay! (Check out this post at Pearl's Events blog for more discussion)

At September's Bride, it's our goal to make everyone, from the bride, to the maids, to the Moms, happy with what they are wearing for the big day. Feeling beautiful and comfortable is important for everyone in the wedding party.

We have chosen to carry two wonderful lines of maid's gowns, Belsoie and B2, by Jasmine Bridal. (BTW, Belsoie also has some gowns that are fantastic for Mothers)

These lines are designed to fit and flatter many body styles. Many fabric choices and colors are available. And, of course, myself and our consultants will be happy to help you make appropriate choices to flatter your gown, your wedding style, and the season.

Just this morning, I received several new maid's gowns in at the store. If you haven't stopped in lately to check out our gowns for Maids & Moms, please do!

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

Just this week...

I have a beautiful Casablanca gown in the store - just for this week. If you would like to try on this beautiful and hard-to-find, popular gown, visit the store before Friday, November 30.

Made of a soft taffeta, this gown features a deep V-neck, with narrow shoulder straps, and a ruched bodice. The skirt is a slim A-line shape, with a chapel-length train. Diagonal clusters of crystals highlight the bodice and top of the skirt.

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

Veils

I love wedding veils. Once a bride has chosen a gown in our boutique, I have lots of fun showing her different veil choices to compliment the gown. And, of course, each bride's personality and fashion style plays into the choice, too.

This week, we received some gorgeous new veils from designer Jennifer Leigh. Jennifer knows veils and knows bridal trends. She has beautiful veils in her collection, and she will also custom-design a veil for you.

Another thing Jennifer does is heirloom work. For example, if you want to wear your Mom's veil, but you want it to work with your new gown, we can send the veil to Jennifer, confer with her, and you will receive Mom's veil re-designed for you. Don't worry, if they veil has yellowed, discolored, or stained over time, we can restore that for you, too!

I am posting a chart about veil lengths. (sorry it's not larger; but it falls apart at the bigger size) I encourage you to try several different lengths when choosing a veil. A different veil can make a gown look more or less formal. There are so many options! Have fun.

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

Eye Candy

Sometimes I just can't get enough of looking at wedding gowns! Top to bottom, the designers are Novissima, Casablanca, & Lila Couture.

SAMPLE SALE

It's here - it's finally here!

Friday, November 23
Saturday, November 24

10 am - 4 pm EACH DAY!

Wedding gowns, formals, veils, jewelry, accessories; all at FANTASTIC prices. Do not miss this sale if you are looking for a bridal gown or a formal.

All purchases cash & carry. You will be delighted at the selection.

This week....

September's Bride will be closed on Wednesday, November 21, and Thursday, November 22, so that we may prepare and celebrate Thanksgiving with our families!

We have SPECIAL plans for Friday, November 23, and Saturday, November 24! We will be open from 10 am to 4 pm each day for our first annual Thanksgiving Sample Sale; see you then!

If you wish to shop our custom gown selection on Friday or Saturday, please call ahead for an appointment so that we can give you the attention you deserve. We do expect those days to be very busy with customers shopping the sale! Also, all purchases that day will be cash & carry.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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

Thanks!

Just a quick post to say "Thanks" to everyone who stopped in at the store during the Downtown Holland Holiday Open House this evening! We had over 100 people through the store and the entire Downtown area was full of holiday cheer.

Our next big event is next Friday and Saturday - our big SAMPLE SALE! There is going to be something for everyone at prices that will delight you! That's next weekend, November 23 & 24 from 10 am - 4 pm each day.


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

Delicious Decor

September's Bride is getting ready for Christmas! Over the past few days, two talented ladies have helped decorate for me. Deb of Decor by Deb has been helping decorate my windows since we opened, and she has re-themed them for winter. Deb does holiday home decorating. If you're interested in contacting her, please e-mail me and I will pass along her information.

The gorgeous Christmas tree in the store was decorated by Leslie of Belle Fleur.
Leslie is a very talented florist who is currently booking for Spring and Summer 2008 weddings! Be sure to check out her blog through the link above.

Now we are ready for this Saturday evening's BIG goings-on in Downtown Holland. This Saturday, from 6-9 pm, all of the Downtown merchants will leave their lights on for you and open their doors for the annual Downtown Holland Holiday Open House. Santa will be visiting, along with carolers, luminaries, roasted chestnuts, and lots of holiday cheer! Snacks and drinks are available at each store. (We're serving gourmet cheeses from Montello Meat Market and apple cider) Be sure to visit my friends Christina and Jodi at The Seasoned Home for a great holiday shopping and food experience; they are the best!

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

Hottest Veil Trend

Waterfall, Drop, Blusher, Mantilla; veil styles are definitely a way to personalize your bridal look. Back 16 years ago, when I was shopping for my wedding gown and veil, I thought that each dress had a veil that "went with" it; and you bought them as a set. Today's brides know that is definitely NOT true.

So, what do I see as the biggest trend for 2008/2009 in veils? Definitely the birdcage veil. It is a little retro, which makes it very modern. It's light and stays up off the shoulders; great for an outdoor wedding. For the destination wedding, what better way to say "I'm the bride"; but be comfortable and informal.

Try one on!

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

Win a Mercedes or a Honeymoon!

If I haven't persuaded you yet to visit September's Bride, here is a wonderful reason from Casablanca Bridal. In honor of their 10th Anniversary, the company is giving away $100,000 in prizes, including a Mercedes!

To enter, just visit our boutique and fill out an entry form - you don't need to purchase anything. More information is in the store, or visit this link for the official stuff.

See you soon!

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

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas...

Vintage Collection

I love vintage clothing. About 2 years ago, I began collecting vintage wedding gowns. I have some of these gowns on display in September's Bride.

I enjoy looking at the design and workmanship of each gown. I touch the fabric reverently, wondering about the bride who first wore the gown and what direction her life has taken. What dreams did she have when she chose or made this garment?

Some gowns I find tucked in the back of antique stores. I take them home and carefully clean them before determining if I want to add the gown to my collection or resell it.

Sometimes someone will bring me a family gown that has been carefully stored. I love these because I get to know something about the original bride.

Stop in and see some of my collection!

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

Ahh, Jessica!

Let me introduce you to "Jessica", a new 2008 design for Lila Couture. I absolutely love this dress. It is so unique, yet very classic. The lustrous silk satin reflects the light so beautifully; can't you see this in the candlelight? "Tuxedo" pleats detail the front of the simple, body-hugging bodice. Both the top and bottom of the gown are bordered in a mesmerizing band of perfect accordion pleats.

Here are a few ways I would suggest accessorizing this dress:

1. Classic. A silk-ribbon-edged fingertip veil; single strand of pearls; and drop-pearl earrings.

2. Modern. Diamond (faux or real) choker; diamond studs; silk headband.

3. Trendy/Retro. Silver pearls (Tiffany & Co); matching earrings and a birdcage veil.

Jessica will be arriving at September's Bride soon!

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

Busy Day!

Today was a busy day at the store, full of brides, maids, and moms! Congrats to Kate Z; who decided on her dream dress today; and kudos to Melissa V; who found her dream dress, veil, and jewelry in the sale room!

Rachel and I both had so much fun helping brides try on dresses and veils. It was truly a day when I can say; "I'm so glad I have this shop!"

Just a "heads up" to all of you Spring/Summer '08 brides - you can beat the "rush" if you order your gown and your maids' dresses before mid-December.

See you in the store soon!

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