Happy New Year!

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

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

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

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

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.  

Curvy Collection

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!

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?

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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?

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?

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

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

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!

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!

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.

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!

SB is hiring!

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!

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!

September's Bride Turns 4!

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!

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!

Best Wishes to this weekend's SB brides!

Couture :: What does it really mean?

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

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!

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

Black & White Wedding :: Trend?

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.