A HEAD OF THE TIMES

Amsale

Never have brides had so much leeway when it comes to headwear. 2010 marks a time when choosing you put on top of your head will add pizazz to your overall look. Thanks to those designers getting creative with netting, florals and plumes, the bride has so, so many options.

Oscar de la Renta

Pancake hat wrapped in netting.
Jenny Packham

A little bit of vintage to go with the evening gown look.

Lia McNairy and Antonio Gual

Light and airy, a headband of feathers would work for a Spring as well as Winter wedding.

Carolina Hererra

One of the great introductions this year by Carolina Herrera is the straw hat (she put out several) wrapped in ivory point d'spirit netting. Stunning . . .

Platinum

Getting ready for winter weddings this hat is a toasty charmer as well as chic.

Carolina Herrera

Another Carolina Herrera revival: The plume. It proffers a touch of the sophisticate as well as pure whimsy. Plumes are particularly flattering for the petite bride wanting to add some length to her look. Try a plume also if you're going with more of an evening gown look.


Amsale

This headband would pair up nicely with Amsale's clean-lined gowns

HOW TO SAY THANK YOU TO YOUR BRIDESMAIDS

A real drama queen by maia-arts featuring casadei shoes

Though there's a whole panacea of gift ideas in these sets, sometimes the best gift you can give your bridesmaid and/or maid of honor is the dress itself. I had a single bridesmaid in my wedding amongst a pack kids in taffeta. Other than a few purple sashes and tartans, it was an all white wedding with my maid in a simple white silk dupioni sheath. That dress was a gift. A year later when her boyfriend proposed, she wore that same bridesmaid dress for her own wedding. I was totally honored. Thus, I would never have asked her to pay for the dress and to this day she claims it was her greatest wedding present.

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summer collection by soulaima /NO SMOKING/ featuring Fendi bags

Untitled by kimmdavis featuring Dior accessories

Customary gift from bride to her maids is a stunner piece of jewelry. You can also say thank you in the form of perfume, Ray Bans and whole gamut of goodies found below.

pure by JessyM featuring Lipsy

Untitled by pettyd featuring Antica Murrina jewelry









There's no freshness. There's no originality by ♡•SimplyMoi•♡ Blazers Contest featuring Versace shoes







Happy Birthday Violet Peach!! by Natalcia♥(away) featuring Alexander McQueen shoes



Lovely Mermaid by BookwormForever! featuring Jessica Simpson shoes













Untitled by cappy featuring Forever21 accessories



Untitled by pettyd featuring Alexander McQueen accessories

Mello Yellow by ✰ Xaylia ✰ featuring Monsoon

Strategies to Make the Most of Bridal Shows

This past weekend I attended the Bridal Show Extravaganza. This show is one of the largest in Houston and when I say large, I mean large. I was completely exhausted after all the walking we did. I attended this with one of my very excited brides and she wanted to see everything. And there was definitely a lot to see.

There were tons of vendors from photography, cake decorators, bridal party attire, wedding planners, you name it, they were there. There was so much to see, one could easily become overwhelmed with the whole process, unless you had a wedding planner or coordinator like Alpha Prosperity Events. Therefore, since it is my job, as a Houston Area Wedding Coordinator, to make sure that you don't get overwhelmed, I have listed some things you can do to make the most of your time, while attending a bridal show in Houston or in your area. If you keep these thoughts in mind, I guarantee, you will feel like you got something accomplished.

1. Before going to the show, try to find out what vendors will be there. You can usually find this out online at the show's website.


2. Make sure you are not pushed for time. These shows have many vendors and ideas available and you don't want to miss any thing because you are in a rush.


3. Decide what vendors you are still needing to select or interview. Visit those vendors first.


4. Come prepared with a list of questions, the first question being, "Are you available for my date?" If they are not available, move on to the next vendor. Keep your questions brief for this first contact.


5. Be prepared to schedule an appointment. Vendors are trying to meet as many people as possible, just like you are. If you like their answers to your few questions, and they may be someone you want to consider, schedule another consultation with them at a date later in the week. Be aware of when their "show special" ends, and make sure it will still be available when you meet for your consultation.


6. Take your own notes, listing what you liked and didn't like about each vendor you speak with. Try to also write something about the vendor or the booth (very organized, nice outfit, close to Missouri City and Sugar Land area, loved the booth colors in pink and brown) to help you remember who was who.


7. Keep all your notes in one place, like your planner or notebook. The vendor will probably have fliers and handouts, but don't rely upon these only because you won't remember who was who after talking with so many.


8. Bring the groom, if you can talk him into it. It's his wedding too, and he might have some helpful ideas or suggestions about what he would like to see. Also, there are lots of tuxedo vendors at these shows as well, so you can get him and the groomsmen all "tucked" away.


9. Try not to have too many people attend with you because everyone will have an opinion and will pull you in different directions. But it is good to have a few trusted friends to help with some ideas and to help hold the many items you will pick up along the way. (All that paper gets heavy after awhile).


10. If you feel very comfortable with a particular vendor and they are meeting all of your needs, be prepared to book that vendor, right then and there. This is especially true if you are at on a short time line or if this vendor is a popular provider of service.


11. You may want to bring your own pre-printed labels. Vendors will be seeking your name address, wedding date and email when you enter for their give aways and raffles.


12. Bring your datebook, checkbook, credit card, so that you can take advantage of discounts and "show specials."


13. There are lots of freebies and ideas so register for everything but ask the vendor what they plan to do with your info. We wouldn't want to get spammed.


14. Wear comfortable shoes because you will do lots of walking.


15. Have fun and enjoy the attention because you will get lots of it.

The bridal shows in Houston offer a lot of vendors, information and great deals all in one place. You can do as much shopping or as little shopping as you like, it is totally up to you. These vendors have made a substantial investment to put themselves and their product before you. Why not take advantage of the opportunity to get some face to face contact with those you are trusting to help make your wedding day perfect.

And for those of you that can even fathom the thought of going to a bridal show or any thing like it, hire a wedding coordinator to make all of this planning so much easier.

PURITY

For brides looking for simple silhouettes in magnificent fabric look to
Acquachiara an Italian design house run by the talented Daniela Basile. Her philosophy is about as close to my own as any designer I've found yet: She believes the right gown is worn like a second skin. These seem not only to be worn as a skin as much as the bride's whole essence . . .

Photos courtesy Vogue Sposa

[CLOSED] Get Wedding Gowns, Evening Gowns, ROM Dresses At Amazingly Affordable Prices!!

Get wedding gowns, evening gowns, tea dresses & dresses for your sister entourage at amazingly affordable prices! Please read on to find out how to participate. You may read my past blog entries to see some of my customers' gowns and testimonials. This spree will end on 15 Aug '09, so hurry! Start looking around and do your research for your dream gown now!


Gown's prices range from $170 - $450 only!! Gowns will take about 4 - 5 weeks to arrive after placing your order.

You can view more gowns designs from here:
1) http://shop33483209.taobao.com/
2) http://shop11065745.taobao.com/


Pictures shown here are just some examples of the gowns. Do click on the links above and there are more gowns you can see! Some of the gowns are real-life pictures, so you'll also be able to see the quality of those gowns.

Because of the extensive amount of work to be done, I will be charging a $20 admin fee for each gown. It is possible to Make-to-Measure your desired gown too, but admin charges will be $30 for MTM gowns. If you want to make-to-measure a gown, please provide me with a CLEAR picture so that we can replicate it. Do also take note that it would not be possible to have a 100% resemblance to the gown you want. Afterall, those gowns that we see in bridal studios costs thousands to just rent. But there should be at least 90% resemblance.

It is advisable to do criss-cross back for a best fit. Do take ur measurements accurately too. U may post any questions you have here or you may send me an email at joanna_n9@hotmail.com, and I'll try to answer them within 24hrs. (sometimes also depending on supplier's response to my queries).

If you find the train too short and would like to do a longer train, its $40 for every 50cm train added.

Once you have confirmed you are buying, please get an order form & measurement template from me and fill up ALL details and email to me at joanna_n9@hotmail.com, with subject as 'Name - Order for WG/EG/Dress'. Do ask me if you do not know how to fill them in and need help.

All prices are estimated but shouldn't deviate much. Upon receiving your order, I will get back to you and confirm your order before you make payment.