Pretty Little Somethings

Your perfect "something blue"; a lustrous silk charmeuse garter

The gown, the veil, the jewelry, the SHOES!  Each peice of your bridal ensemble is carefully chosen to coordinate and create your beautiful look for your wedding day.  It is so fun to see the bride for the first time in all her finery.

One of my favorite things that a bride traditionally wears is never really meant to be seen, except by the groom.  It really has no purpose except tradition; but, I love bridal garters!  Little bits of silk and lace, small enough to be totally luxurious or really fun; I think garters are the one piece in which "anything goes".

At September's Bride, the collegiate garters (U of M, Michigan State, Hope College, Calvin College) are very popular.  My favorites are the elegant silk garters.  There are also beautiful garters made of bits of lace and satin in popular wedding gown colors, such as blush and champagne.

Garters make wonderful shower gifts and can be customized in so many ways. 

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

At September's Bride, we always give a 10% Discount to those in the military or those who are veterans of the United States Armed Forces. 

Thank You! to our service people!

This weekend, we are extending our Military Discount to anyone who orders a custom gown.  Visit us today and ask about our Memorial Day Special.

September's Bride will be closed on Monday, May 30 to allow our employees to enjoy time with their families and friends.

EVENTS by September's Bride...a week left for May's special!

Do you need some last-minute help for a summer wedding? 

Are you planning a fall wedding after a short engagement?

Looking ahead to a big bash in 2011?

Our wedding planning service, EVENTS by September's Bride, is for you!

Michelle, our Lead Planner, is offering a May Special, too!  To celebrate our new "merger", all events booked during May 2010 will be 10% off the package price.  Please e-mail Michelle at eventsbysb@gmail.com to see if your date is available and for all the fabulous details!

It's the Quality that Counts!

I was dismayed a few weeks ago when I learned that the famous American designer, Vera Wang, has agreed to sell wedding gown designs to David's Bridal.

As a strong beliver in capitalism and the free enterprise system, I do not wish ill to my competitors, whether other independent bridal boutiques, or the "big stores", like David's or Bridal Warehouse.  But, the same free market system urges me to point out the differences between my products and others. 

David's Bridal does have some beautiful gown designs; and has relationships with other well-known designers, such as Priscilla of Boston and Oleg Cassini. 

However, in my years of cleaning, pressing, and preserving wedding gowns, even before owning a bridal boutique, I continually find wedding dresses and formals from David's to be of inferior quality.  The fabrics are scratchy and stiff and the construction is not as finished as others.  Again, customers who shop at David's are able to see, feel, and try-on the gowns; so the decision to purchase is completely theirs and I only wish them all happiness.

But, back to Vera Wang.  Vera's gowns have always been held up as the epitome of luxury and design in wedding gowns.  Never overly embellished with crystals, pearls, or beads; Vera Wang gowns are stunning because of the fabrics and excellent construction details.  I am dismayed because this partnership seems to "cheapen" her name. 

Most of us only wear one wedding gown during our lifetime.  When shopping for your gown, please take time to shop for quality and learn some of the differences between quality fabrics and construction and those that are mass-produced rather than custom-made for the bride.

It's worth the money...

Earlier this week, I shared some ideas about wedding fashion choices with which you could not go wrong.

Today, I have some thoughts on getting the most for your wedding dollars; what is worth spending your money on and where you can save.

1.  Buy a gown made of quality fabric and construction.  (Watch for a post later this week with more tips about this).  You don't want crystals popping off your gown before you even begin your walk down the aisle.  And what bride wants to be stuck in a dress with a scratchy lining all day or evening long?  This is the biggest day of your life; even if you only wear a T-shirt and jeans in "real life", it IS important to buy a quality gown that will fit you perfectly and in which you feel beautiful and comfortable.

2.  Get real.  Faux fur is great for your wedding day; faux jewelry is not.  Please do not cheapen your $1000 wedding gown with a $19 necklace from Claire's.  It looks much prettier to purchase a good-quality $500 wedding gown and spend $100 on a pretty necklace made of fresh-water pearls and Swarovski crystals.    (BTW, I have nothing against Claire's or fun, cheap jewelry; it's just not for weddings) 

3.  Buy or borrow a nice veil.  If you are going to wear a veil, wear a good one; made of high-quality tulle and professionally-applied embellishments.  Just like jewelry, I've seen too many beautiful wedding gowns cheapened with a poorly-made veil or a veil made of scratchy tulle that will not lay smoothly.  Since most brides only wear a veil for the ceremony, this is the perfect peice to buy "beautiful and basic" or to borrow from a Mom, sister, or friend.

4.  Don't shy away from the sale rack.  At September's Bride, I make it a priority to stock our sale rack with beautiful, quality gowns in a range of sizes and prices.  There are always some "surprise finds" there, too!  Buying off the sale rack at a full-service bridal boutique is definitely a fabulous way to get the most for your wedding gown dollars.  You'll still get excellent service, a quality gown, and access to the best seamstress and gown care.