This is a touchy subject. No one really wants to be on a budget but most of us find it is a necessity. Therefore, make sure you discuss issues with all those involved with paying any of the bills for the wedding. If your parents are chipping in, find out how much and for what items. Also true for the groom's parents. Or if just the bride and groom are paying, discuss expectations for each item. The worst scenario is for someone to be surprised with an unexpected amount on the final payment.
Here are some general guidelines on what you will spend on a typical wedding. I use that term "typical" lightly, because I know they are all different and can vary greatly. But this is a good starting point for discussions.
Reception 38%
Honeymoon 14.3%
Rings 14.3%
Photography/Videography 9.5%
Miscellaneous 8%
Bridal Apparel 5.7%
Music 4.7%
Flowers 3.5%
Invitations 2%
*Miscellaneous includes such items as rehearsal party, attendant gifts, limos
In the past, at a traditional wedding, the bride's parents paid for the majority of the items. The groom's family only paid for the rehearsal dinner. The groom himself was expected to pay for the marriage license, the bride's rings, the honeymoon, flowers for the bride, mothers and boutonnieres and the ceremony officiant's fee.
Nowadays, things are much different. Costs may be shared equally one-third each between both sets of parents and the couple. The couple may pay for the entire wedding themselves. Or the family may offer to pay for certain parts of the wedding such as the bride's gown or the reception dinner.
Once everyone has agreed on a dollar amounts, begin the planning. But keep the budget in mind. The worst thing to do is to fall in love with an item that you cannot afford. And to help with putting a budget in perspective use the above percentages for a $10,000 wedding. I think in my area of Indiana many people would consider $10,000 very reasonable for a modest wedding. But 3.5% for flowers is only $350. I don't think this would pay for flowers for everyone in the wedding party and definitely not any extras for table decorations at the reception. The 5.7% for the bridal attire is $570. This could possibly cover the bride's gown but not many accessory items or the groom's attire.
Going the opposite direction, if you plan to spend $2000 on the wedding gown, your overall budget should be in the $35,000 range. Also consider if you have a large family with a large guest lists, the percent for the reception may need to be bigger. Then the percentages for the other items may need to shrink to keep within the budget.
It is so much to think about but so fun to do!! Happy Planning!!
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Bridal Timeline
I have covered this topic previously but still get the question often, "When should I order _______?" This could be a wedding gown, bridesmaid, tuxedo or any other item needed for the wedding.
In our fast-paced lives, we tend to do things at the last minute. But as we say in the bridal business, our gowns come on the slow boat from China! And the unrest in China manufacturing has created some changes for our business in the past 2 to 3 years. So here is my update for ordering wedding items.
Wedding Gowns
I would suggest ordering a wedding gown at least 8 months before the wedding. And it is NOT unreasonable to order 12 months before the wedding. When you order a gown from an independent bridal salon, you are placing an order to make a new gown especially for you. This is unlike most of the big box stores who simply call other stores to find a sample gown for you.
When you order 8 months before the wedding, the gown should arrive 4 months before the wear date. Alterations will be 4-6 weeks. Allowing you the last 2 months before the wedding to relax about your gowns and focus on the details that could not be handled in advance.
And we hate to say it, but sometimes accidents happen. Factories shut down, planes, trains and delivery trucks crash. So when we order plenty in advance, we can get replacements when accidents happen.
Bridesmaid Gowns
Generally, bridesmaids will not require as much time as bridal gowns. Therefore, I would suggest ordering no less than 4 months before the wedding. Again, 6 months is perfectly fine.
If you know you are ordering from a company with a quick ship program or short delivery time, you may wait until closer to the wear date. But remember that you are taking the risk, not your store.
Tuxedo Rentals
Because tuxedos are usually rentals, you are not waiting for a garment to be manufactured. They are already hanging in a warehouse and just need to be packaged and shipped to your retail store for pick up. This makes the order time much shorter for tuxes.
Tuxedo orders should be placed at least 6 weeks before the wedding. If you have an April, May or June wedding and will be competing with prom orders, place orders at least 8 weeks before the wedding. By placing orders, I mean that all the guys should have gone into the store, gotten measurements taken and paid a deposit for the tux.
Accessory Items
It is impossible to put a deadline on all the accessory items. Items that are engraved will require more time that those that are not.
Accessories for your wedding gown will not require lots of shipping time, but you will need to have them to do alterations. For example, I can get slips in 2 weeks. But if your alterations are being done 6 weeks before the wedding, the slip will need to be ordered 8-10 weeks before the wedding.
So here is a quick list of wedding items for reference. Items should be ordered at this time length before the wedding.
Wedding Gowns 8-12 months
Bridesmaids 4-6 months
Mothers 4-8 months
Flower girls 2-8 months
Invitations 6-7 months
Engraved Items 4-6 months
Tuxedo Rentals 2-3 months
Undergarments 2-4 months
Shoes 2-4 months
If you have a specific question, please leave a comment or give me a call at 866-920-3094. And if you don't have 8-12 months until the wedding, don't panic. See my previous post for quick weddings.
In our fast-paced lives, we tend to do things at the last minute. But as we say in the bridal business, our gowns come on the slow boat from China! And the unrest in China manufacturing has created some changes for our business in the past 2 to 3 years. So here is my update for ordering wedding items.
Wedding Gowns
I would suggest ordering a wedding gown at least 8 months before the wedding. And it is NOT unreasonable to order 12 months before the wedding. When you order a gown from an independent bridal salon, you are placing an order to make a new gown especially for you. This is unlike most of the big box stores who simply call other stores to find a sample gown for you.
When you order 8 months before the wedding, the gown should arrive 4 months before the wear date. Alterations will be 4-6 weeks. Allowing you the last 2 months before the wedding to relax about your gowns and focus on the details that could not be handled in advance.
And we hate to say it, but sometimes accidents happen. Factories shut down, planes, trains and delivery trucks crash. So when we order plenty in advance, we can get replacements when accidents happen.
Bridesmaid Gowns
Generally, bridesmaids will not require as much time as bridal gowns. Therefore, I would suggest ordering no less than 4 months before the wedding. Again, 6 months is perfectly fine.
If you know you are ordering from a company with a quick ship program or short delivery time, you may wait until closer to the wear date. But remember that you are taking the risk, not your store.
Tuxedo Rentals
Because tuxedos are usually rentals, you are not waiting for a garment to be manufactured. They are already hanging in a warehouse and just need to be packaged and shipped to your retail store for pick up. This makes the order time much shorter for tuxes.
Tuxedo orders should be placed at least 6 weeks before the wedding. If you have an April, May or June wedding and will be competing with prom orders, place orders at least 8 weeks before the wedding. By placing orders, I mean that all the guys should have gone into the store, gotten measurements taken and paid a deposit for the tux.
Accessory Items
It is impossible to put a deadline on all the accessory items. Items that are engraved will require more time that those that are not.
Accessories for your wedding gown will not require lots of shipping time, but you will need to have them to do alterations. For example, I can get slips in 2 weeks. But if your alterations are being done 6 weeks before the wedding, the slip will need to be ordered 8-10 weeks before the wedding.
So here is a quick list of wedding items for reference. Items should be ordered at this time length before the wedding.
Wedding Gowns 8-12 months
Bridesmaids 4-6 months
Mothers 4-8 months
Flower girls 2-8 months
Invitations 6-7 months
Engraved Items 4-6 months
Tuxedo Rentals 2-3 months
Undergarments 2-4 months
Shoes 2-4 months
If you have a specific question, please leave a comment or give me a call at 866-920-3094. And if you don't have 8-12 months until the wedding, don't panic. See my previous post for quick weddings.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
50 Classic First Dance Songs for Your Wedding
About one week ago, I started a 31 day blogging challenge. I thought this would be so easy. I have been blogging for some time. I know what to write about. I know how to write. I just need to be dedicated enough to do it everyday.
Well, easier said than done. In 8 days, I have created 4 blogs. Ok, I intended to take Sunday off, but the other days were just too full of activities to find the time to create a blog. Then our leader for the challenge, Lesa, gave us a great idea. When time is short, use the expertise of someone else to help you out.
So today, I am forwarding 50 Classic First Dance Songs. This is a great collection. Everyone in every age category should be able to find a song they love listed here.
Enjoy your time imagining you and your partner dancing to each of these beautiful songs. And if you don't have time for all of them at the wedding, use the remaining songs to celebrate anniversaries!
1. "At Last" (Etta James)
2. "As Time Goes By" (from Casablanca)
3. "Come Rain or Come Shine" (Ray Charles)
4. "Because You Loved Me" (Celine Dion)
5. "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" (Elton John)
6. "Can't Help Falling In Love" (Elvis Presley)
7. "Chances Are" (Johnny Mathis)
8. "Close To You" (The Carpenters)
9. "Could I Have This Dance?" (Anne Murray)
10. "Dream A Little Dream" (Mamas & the Papas)
11. "Embraceable You" (Nat King Cole)
12. "Endless Love" (Diana Ross & Lionel Richie)
13. "Fascination" (Jane Morgan)
14. "Fever" (Peggy Lee)
15. "Forever and Ever, Amen" (Randy Travis)
16. "Forever" (Kenny Loggins)
17. "From This Moment" (Shania Twain & Brian White)
18. "Grow Old With Me" (Mary Chapin Carpenter)
19. "Here And Now" (Luther Vandross)
20. "I Finally Found Someone" (Barbra Streisand & Bryan Adams)
21. "I Only Have Eyes For You" (The Flamingos)
22. "I Will" (The Beatles)
23. "If I Loved You" (from Carousel)
24. "In My Life" (The Beatles)
25. "It Had To Be You" (Harry Connick, Jr.)
26. "Lady In Red" (Chris DeBurgh)
27. "Love Theme To Romeo & Juliet" (from Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet)
28. "Marry Me" (Neil Diamond & Buffy Lawson)
29. "One Moment In Time" (Whitney Houston)
30. "Our Love Is Here To Stay" (Billie Holiday)
31. "So This Is Love" (James Ingram)
32. "Some Enchanted Evening" (from South Pacific)
33. "Something" (The Beatles)
34. "Somewhere" (from West Side Story)
35. "The Best Is Yet To Come" (Frank Sinatra)
36. "The Rose" (Bette Midler)
37. "Tonight I Celebrate My Love For You" (Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson)
38. "True" (Spandau Ballet)
39. "Unforgettable" (Nat King Cole)
40. "Up Where We Belong" (Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warrens)
41. "Wedding Song (There Is Love)" (Captain & Tennille)
42. "Wedding Song (There is Love)" (Petula Clark)
43. "We've Got Tonight" (Bob Seger)
44. "We've Only Just Begun" (The Carpenters)
45. "When I Fall In Love" (Nat King Cole)
46. "Will You Marry Me?" (Vonda Shepard)
47. "Woman" (John Lennon)
48. "Wonderful World" (Louis Armstrong)
49. "You Are So Beautiful" (Joe Cocker)
50. "Your Song" (Elton John)
SOURCENew York City professional DJ Nicole Batchelor, who has spun for celebrity clients such as Steven Spielberg and Alec Baldwin, helped us compile this list. To book her, contact nbatchelor@nyc.rr.com.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Gown Silhouettes
Today's post will be a quick picture guide for different styles of gowns. Everyone wants to find the perfect gown for their body and wedding theme. The place to begin is with all the styles that are available.
Each style will look good on different body types. But the main thing to remember, is to be comfortable and confident on your wedding day.
The same options are available for bridesmaid or mother's gowns. You may want to consider different body styles if you have several bridesmaids who are shaped differently.
And finally, you may want to consider what is popular for the year. Although the following are trends for 2013, many of them will carry over to 2014. I remember seeing lots of these styles in Dallas and Chicago for the bridal markets. The only one that was not shown often was the corset bodice but is always a favorite for brides.
Each style will look good on different body types. But the main thing to remember, is to be comfortable and confident on your wedding day.
The same options are available for bridesmaid or mother's gowns. You may want to consider different body styles if you have several bridesmaids who are shaped differently.
And finally, you may want to consider what is popular for the year. Although the following are trends for 2013, many of them will carry over to 2014. I remember seeing lots of these styles in Dallas and Chicago for the bridal markets. The only one that was not shown often was the corset bodice but is always a favorite for brides.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Tuxedo VS Suit
While writing my last blog post, I realized that there may be some need to identify the difference between some of the items listed in the men's chart. So here goes!
We will start with the ultra formal. Pictured here is a full dress or tailcoat tuxedo. A tuxedo means it has satin lapels on the collar and a satin stripe down the side of each leg on the pants. Full dress coats are usually black, white or ivory and worn with matching pants.
The shirt is a wing-tip shirt which is different than a traditional business shirt with a lay down collar. The wing-tip allows the band of the bow tie to be seen around the neck. It is white or ivory.
Wing-tip shirts are traditionally worn with a bow tie but have recently been paired with a lay down collar shirt.
The tailcoat may be worn with a vest or cummerbund. White and black are the most formal but coordinating wedding colors may be selected.
Black shiny patent leather shoes will complete this look.
Pictured next is a traditional tuxedo. It still features the satin lapel and a stripe on the pants, but is cut like a traditional business suit.
These coats are available in a traditional, modern and slim cut to fit different body styles. They come in black, white, ivory, brown, navy and grey. They should be paired with matching pants.
This picture shows the newer lay down collar shirt. This is acceptable for a less formal wedding. It can be white, ivory or black. A traditional wing-tip shirt is usually worn for more formal occasions. The lay down shirt may be paired with a bow tie or the four-in-hand tie as shown.
The vest and tie may be black, white or a coordinating wedding color.
The pocket square in the left breast pocket, may be used with a boutonniere or flower on the jacket lapel.
Also shown in each picture are French cuffs. This means the cuff of the shirt is about 1/2 inch longer than the coat sleeve. It is also acceptable to have the coat to be slightly longer than the shirt. This is purely personal preference.
A suit looks very similar to a tuxedo but with no satin on the lapels or pants. It is paired with a lay down collar shirt of any color. A four-in hand tie as shown or a bow tie may be worn. Since most bow ties from tuxedo rental companies are shiny satin, you may want to consider purchasing a bow tie from a men's department to wear with a suit.
This picture again shows the French cuff at the sleeve.
A suit may be worn with a coordinating vest or without a vest.
A suit should be paired with a flat black or brown shoe not the traditional shiny leather for the tuxedo shoes.
Whatever your occasion, we can complete the right look for you. To help in your decision, consult the Jim's Formalwear Network. Their website at http://jimsformalwear.com has a great Tuxedo Builder to show you exactly what your choices will look like together.
The shirt is a wing-tip shirt which is different than a traditional business shirt with a lay down collar. The wing-tip allows the band of the bow tie to be seen around the neck. It is white or ivory.
Wing-tip shirts are traditionally worn with a bow tie but have recently been paired with a lay down collar shirt.
The tailcoat may be worn with a vest or cummerbund. White and black are the most formal but coordinating wedding colors may be selected.
Black shiny patent leather shoes will complete this look.
These coats are available in a traditional, modern and slim cut to fit different body styles. They come in black, white, ivory, brown, navy and grey. They should be paired with matching pants.
This picture shows the newer lay down collar shirt. This is acceptable for a less formal wedding. It can be white, ivory or black. A traditional wing-tip shirt is usually worn for more formal occasions. The lay down shirt may be paired with a bow tie or the four-in-hand tie as shown.
The vest and tie may be black, white or a coordinating wedding color.
The pocket square in the left breast pocket, may be used with a boutonniere or flower on the jacket lapel.
Also shown in each picture are French cuffs. This means the cuff of the shirt is about 1/2 inch longer than the coat sleeve. It is also acceptable to have the coat to be slightly longer than the shirt. This is purely personal preference.
 |
| Black Tuxedo with Camo accessories |
 |
| Grey Tuxedo |
 |
| Havana tan suit |
This picture again shows the French cuff at the sleeve.
A suit may be worn with a coordinating vest or without a vest.
A suit should be paired with a flat black or brown shoe not the traditional shiny leather for the tuxedo shoes.
 |
| Stephen Geoffrey midnight blue suit |
Whatever your occasion, we can complete the right look for you. To help in your decision, consult the Jim's Formalwear Network. Their website at http://jimsformalwear.com has a great Tuxedo Builder to show you exactly what your choices will look like together.
How does etiquette fit into my wedding theme?
Etiquette has been around for hundreds of years. Etiquette encompasses everything from what to wear to how to eat at a fancy dinner. And of course, there are several rules about what to do at a wedding. Since this is such a broad subject and can go on for pages, I will start with the questions that I hear most in the shop.
1. Who can wear white to a wedding?
Anyone can wear white at a wedding. The color white is a symbol of celebration, nothing else. Therefore most ministers or priest will wear white to a wedding. Likewise, any bride may wear white to a wedding. Even other attendants can wear white such as bridesmaids and groomsmen.
With that being said, ivory is the IN color. More ivory gowns have been sold in the past year than any other color. What does this mean? That ivory is usually a better color with most complexions. So if you agree that ivory is a better color for you than white, that is perfectly acceptable. Don't let anyone tell you that the color of your gown has anything to do with your lifestyle!
2. How should I word my invitations?
Invitation wording is based upon who is paying for the wedding. If the bride and groom are paying for the wedding with no help from parents, then the invitation should have only their names.
If the bride's parents are helping to pay for the wedding, then their names should be included on the invitation.
If the groom's parents are helping to pay for the wedding, then their names should be included on the invitation.
If both the bride and groom's parents are helping to pay for the wedding, they should all be included on the invitation.
That being said, who knew this before you read it? Probably not too many. I seriously doubt that guests will open the invitation and immediately think about who is paying for what at the wedding. I have also had many brides and grooms who wanted to include parent's names out of respect for them not because they were contributing to the wedding.
3. Is there a symbol for purity at a wedding?
Since we already covered the wearing of white and know that is not a symbol of purity, the next thing to look at is the veil. The veil is the only symbol of purity at the wedding. So technically a woman who is marrying for the second time, should not wear a veil. She may wear something in her hair like a tiara or flower but just not the veil.
And we know that we talk about equal sexes, but it rarely happen, so there is no symbol for the groom. I think maybe we should invent one. Any ideas of what we can have the groom do to show his purity?
But once again, this is not a commonly known rule about a veil. I have plenty of brides who admit they are not the purest but still wear a veil because that is the wedding look they want.
4. What should the women at the wedding wear?
Traditionally what to wear is divided into two times of the day. If a wedding is before 6 pm, the attire is different than weddings after 6 pm.
For weddings before 6 pm that are considered ultra-formal or formal, the bride and bridesmaids should wear long gowns. The mothers and flower girl should follow along with long gowns. If the invitations specify black tie, the guests should also wear long gowns. If not specified on the invitation, street length dresses may be worn by guests.
If the wedding is semi-formal, everyone may wear floor length (no trains) or tea length. The bridesmaids, mothers, flower girls and guests should follow the brides lead. If wearing long, others may wear long. If wearing tea length, then others should wear tea length or street length.
If the wedding is informal, short gowns or suits should be worn.
If the wedding is after 6 pm, there are no differences for the women. The changes are in the men's attire.
The best rule to remember is to take the lead from the bride or mother of the bride.
5. What should the men at the wedding wear?
Again the menswear depends upon the time of day but is actually more complicated than the women's attire. Here is a chart to help you out.
Before 6 After 6
Ultra Formal Cutaway coat, striped pants Full dress tailcoat, matching pants
(traditional wing-tip shirt, ascot and vest wing-tip shirt, bow tie
Ultra Formal Long or short tuxedo Long or short tuxedo
(contemporary) wing-tip shirt wing-tip shirt
Formal Stroller or waistcoat, striped Tuxedo with matching pants,
(traditional) pants, white shirt dress shirt, bow tie
Formal Formal tuxedo, dress shirt, Tuxedo, dress shirt, bow tie,
(contemporary) bow tie, vest vest
Semi-Formal Formal suit, white shirt Tuxedo or dinner jacket, dress shirt
(traditional) four-in-hand-tie bow tie, vest
Semi-Formal Dinner jacket or suit Dinner jacket or formal suit
(contemporary) shirt, vest, four-in-hand tie dress shirt, bow tie, vest
Informal Suit with any color shirt Formal suit, shirt
(traditional) four-in-hand tie four-in-hand tie
Informal Dinner jacket or suit Dinner jacket or formal suit, dress shirt
(contemporary) shirt, coordinating pants four-in-hand tie, vest
Now that you have read through all the do's and don'ts, let me add a HUGE asterisks.**** Always remember that it is YOUR wedding. The style of wedding gown, tuxedo, bridesmaid dresses or whatever that you choose, is exactly that: YOUR CHOICE! Etiquette has been around for hundreds of years and many changes have been made. Some more popular than others. And we also know that there are certain things that are done just to spite etiquette! So you decide upon the feel and look of your wedding. If you want to wear a veil for a third wedding, go for it. If you want your men to wear tuxes before 6pm, you won't be the only one. And I think it is perfectly fitting to add your parent's names to an invitation to honor them.
But on a cautionary note, remember that after your beautiful day, your pictures will be the only thing remaining. So make sure your decisions (like that tuxedo printed t-shirt for your groom) aren't regretted later.
1. Who can wear white to a wedding?
Anyone can wear white at a wedding. The color white is a symbol of celebration, nothing else. Therefore most ministers or priest will wear white to a wedding. Likewise, any bride may wear white to a wedding. Even other attendants can wear white such as bridesmaids and groomsmen.
With that being said, ivory is the IN color. More ivory gowns have been sold in the past year than any other color. What does this mean? That ivory is usually a better color with most complexions. So if you agree that ivory is a better color for you than white, that is perfectly acceptable. Don't let anyone tell you that the color of your gown has anything to do with your lifestyle!
 |
| PC Mary's Ivory Lace Gown |
Invitation wording is based upon who is paying for the wedding. If the bride and groom are paying for the wedding with no help from parents, then the invitation should have only their names.
If the bride's parents are helping to pay for the wedding, then their names should be included on the invitation.
If the groom's parents are helping to pay for the wedding, then their names should be included on the invitation.
If both the bride and groom's parents are helping to pay for the wedding, they should all be included on the invitation.
That being said, who knew this before you read it? Probably not too many. I seriously doubt that guests will open the invitation and immediately think about who is paying for what at the wedding. I have also had many brides and grooms who wanted to include parent's names out of respect for them not because they were contributing to the wedding.
3. Is there a symbol for purity at a wedding?
Since we already covered the wearing of white and know that is not a symbol of purity, the next thing to look at is the veil. The veil is the only symbol of purity at the wedding. So technically a woman who is marrying for the second time, should not wear a veil. She may wear something in her hair like a tiara or flower but just not the veil.
And we know that we talk about equal sexes, but it rarely happen, so there is no symbol for the groom. I think maybe we should invent one. Any ideas of what we can have the groom do to show his purity?
But once again, this is not a commonly known rule about a veil. I have plenty of brides who admit they are not the purest but still wear a veil because that is the wedding look they want.
4. What should the women at the wedding wear?
Traditionally what to wear is divided into two times of the day. If a wedding is before 6 pm, the attire is different than weddings after 6 pm.
For weddings before 6 pm that are considered ultra-formal or formal, the bride and bridesmaids should wear long gowns. The mothers and flower girl should follow along with long gowns. If the invitations specify black tie, the guests should also wear long gowns. If not specified on the invitation, street length dresses may be worn by guests.
If the wedding is semi-formal, everyone may wear floor length (no trains) or tea length. The bridesmaids, mothers, flower girls and guests should follow the brides lead. If wearing long, others may wear long. If wearing tea length, then others should wear tea length or street length.
If the wedding is informal, short gowns or suits should be worn.
If the wedding is after 6 pm, there are no differences for the women. The changes are in the men's attire. The best rule to remember is to take the lead from the bride or mother of the bride.
5. What should the men at the wedding wear?
Again the menswear depends upon the time of day but is actually more complicated than the women's attire. Here is a chart to help you out.
Before 6 After 6
Ultra Formal Cutaway coat, striped pants Full dress tailcoat, matching pants
(traditional wing-tip shirt, ascot and vest wing-tip shirt, bow tie
Ultra Formal Long or short tuxedo Long or short tuxedo
(contemporary) wing-tip shirt wing-tip shirt
Formal Stroller or waistcoat, striped Tuxedo with matching pants,
(traditional) pants, white shirt dress shirt, bow tie
Formal Formal tuxedo, dress shirt, Tuxedo, dress shirt, bow tie,
(contemporary) bow tie, vest vest
Semi-Formal Formal suit, white shirt Tuxedo or dinner jacket, dress shirt
(traditional) four-in-hand-tie bow tie, vest
Semi-Formal Dinner jacket or suit Dinner jacket or formal suit
(contemporary) shirt, vest, four-in-hand tie dress shirt, bow tie, vest
Informal Suit with any color shirt Formal suit, shirt
(traditional) four-in-hand tie four-in-hand tie
Informal Dinner jacket or suit Dinner jacket or formal suit, dress shirt
(contemporary) shirt, coordinating pants four-in-hand tie, vest
Now that you have read through all the do's and don'ts, let me add a HUGE asterisks.**** Always remember that it is YOUR wedding. The style of wedding gown, tuxedo, bridesmaid dresses or whatever that you choose, is exactly that: YOUR CHOICE! Etiquette has been around for hundreds of years and many changes have been made. Some more popular than others. And we also know that there are certain things that are done just to spite etiquette! So you decide upon the feel and look of your wedding. If you want to wear a veil for a third wedding, go for it. If you want your men to wear tuxes before 6pm, you won't be the only one. And I think it is perfectly fitting to add your parent's names to an invitation to honor them.
But on a cautionary note, remember that after your beautiful day, your pictures will be the only thing remaining. So make sure your decisions (like that tuxedo printed t-shirt for your groom) aren't regretted later.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Wedding Gown Prices
This past weekend, I traveled to Chicago for the National Bridal Market. I was able to view thousands of new gowns for the 2014 spring season. There are always three to four designers that I see because they are long standing accounts for my boutique. I love having this relationship with special people who will help if there is a difficult situation. There are also an additional 6-8 accessory vendors who are also important to my business.
But the second reason to attend a Bridal Market is to see what is new and who is up and coming in the industry. This fall it seems to be David Tutera!! He is huge on TV with two current shows that showcase his expertise in the wedding industry.
So with my daughter, niece and sister-in-law in tow for the show, they insisted we go to see the David Tutera Collection for Mon Cheri. Now this is a designer I have never carried in my store. I have seen the gowns displayed at several markets but never seriously considered purchasing the line. I really don't know why, the gowns are beautiful. I think the price point or maybe the required minimums is what I was afraid of.
Upon finding our seats for the style show, we are greeted by a sales rep for the company who informed us that David himself would be at this style show and would give us information about the available gowns. This really excited the daughter and niece but I was still cautious. I like David's TV shows and the gowns I had seen in the past but I was there as a buyer not just a fan.
And just like putting a bride in a gown out of her budget, I fell in love. His gowns were the most gorgeous I saw the entire weekend. They showed great detail with lace, embroidery, beading and bows. The fabric was rich and fitted each model perfectly. The detail to color was exceptional using a soft tea rose, stone blue or oyster to make the gown more dramatic that just white or ivory.
And since my daughter and niece who are currently looking for wedding gowns, agreed that these were a must have, I am in a pickle! My boutique currently caters for brides who want to spend under $1000 for wedding gowns. I have always taken pride in the fact that I can find wonderful gowns with great detail in the $600 to $800 price range. But the Tutera line has a average price point of almost $2000.
I have also justified that the brides in my area who want to spend in the higher price range will usually visit a larger city thinking they will get a better selection of gowns.
But now I am rethinking. If I put the higher priced gowns in the store, can I draw those brides? If I have David Tutera gowns, will brides be willing to spend more to have a gown designed by him? Will brides from larger cities like Indianapolis and Cincinnati come to Rushville just to purchase a David Tutera gown?
Purchasing this line of gowns would require almost twice the investment than ordering with my usual designers. Is the risk worth the investment? I would be spending more money but would be able to offer a quality gown with a great look by one of the hottest designers in the industry.
Please help!! I would like some feedback from former brides who maybe went over budget on the wedding gown. Why and how did you make that decision. Or if you are planning a wedding and want to have a special designer gown. Feedback would also be great from any business owners who have made these kinds of decisions.
And with all these things going through my mind, I didn't get a picture taken with David Tutera!! But here are a couple of my daughter and niece.
But the second reason to attend a Bridal Market is to see what is new and who is up and coming in the industry. This fall it seems to be David Tutera!! He is huge on TV with two current shows that showcase his expertise in the wedding industry.
 |
| Martin Thornburg and David Tutera |
So with my daughter, niece and sister-in-law in tow for the show, they insisted we go to see the David Tutera Collection for Mon Cheri. Now this is a designer I have never carried in my store. I have seen the gowns displayed at several markets but never seriously considered purchasing the line. I really don't know why, the gowns are beautiful. I think the price point or maybe the required minimums is what I was afraid of.
Upon finding our seats for the style show, we are greeted by a sales rep for the company who informed us that David himself would be at this style show and would give us information about the available gowns. This really excited the daughter and niece but I was still cautious. I like David's TV shows and the gowns I had seen in the past but I was there as a buyer not just a fan.
And just like putting a bride in a gown out of her budget, I fell in love. His gowns were the most gorgeous I saw the entire weekend. They showed great detail with lace, embroidery, beading and bows. The fabric was rich and fitted each model perfectly. The detail to color was exceptional using a soft tea rose, stone blue or oyster to make the gown more dramatic that just white or ivory.
 |
| Beautiful Tea Rose Trumpet gown on right. |
And since my daughter and niece who are currently looking for wedding gowns, agreed that these were a must have, I am in a pickle! My boutique currently caters for brides who want to spend under $1000 for wedding gowns. I have always taken pride in the fact that I can find wonderful gowns with great detail in the $600 to $800 price range. But the Tutera line has a average price point of almost $2000.
I have also justified that the brides in my area who want to spend in the higher price range will usually visit a larger city thinking they will get a better selection of gowns.
 |
| Ivory Lace over Stone Blue satin. |
Please help!! I would like some feedback from former brides who maybe went over budget on the wedding gown. Why and how did you make that decision. Or if you are planning a wedding and want to have a special designer gown. Feedback would also be great from any business owners who have made these kinds of decisions.
And with all these things going through my mind, I didn't get a picture taken with David Tutera!! But here are a couple of my daughter and niece.
 |
| Lindsay, David and Danniella |
 |
| Meeting David Tutera |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)