What Do You Need Beyond a Wedding Dress?

Once you’ve found the perfect wedding dress, it’s time to accessorize your look.  Here we’ll give you the rundown on completing your wedding day look.

Headpieces and Veils:  

Most veils are held in place on your head with a hidden comb.  A headpiece is an additional accessory such as a tiara, headband, or wreath that can be worn alone or along with your veil.  Tips for topping it all off:

Before shopping, decide on the hairstyle you will be wearing on your wedding day.

Your veil or headpiece should coordinate with your gown.  The color, type of fabric or material, and adornments of sequins, beads, or crystals should all match those on your dress.

Keep it simple and flattering.  Experiment with different proportions, sizes, and lengths to balance your overall look.

Remember that you will be moving around in your headpiece, not just standing still.  Be sure that your choice is comfortable, allows you to move your head with ease, and that the veil can be removed after the ceremony.

Shoes:

Although white is still the most popular color, many brides are choosing various colors such as ivory, pale pink, blue and even metallics to keep their feet stylish.  Tips for putting your best foot forward:

Choose shoes that will work with the style and circumstance of your wedding and venues.

Go for comfort as well as style.  Focus on the simplicity and silhouette of the shoe.

In addition to classic satin, you can choose from a number of different materials, such as lace covered fabric that will complement your dress.

Remember that your wedding day is a long one, and that you will want to be dancing at the end of it.  Comfortable shoes can ensure this!  Break in your shoes a bit by wearing them around your home ahead of time, and gently scuff the soles to avoid slipping on carpets and polished floors.  Another option is a fun pair of sneakers for the reception!

Choose natural materials that breathe to avoid sweating and blisters.

Wraps:

If your wedding will take place during the cooler months you might need something to take the chill out of the air as you move between locations or venture outside for your Romantics photography session.

Many bridal salons offer fur or faux fur wraps in coordinating shades to wedding dresses.

Capes can be very stylish for a winter wedding.

Consider pashminas in your wedding colors for you and your bridal party.

Jewelry:

Many brides choose to wear a family heirloom piece on their wedding day (and free is a great wedding budget saver).

If you like the idea of a statement piece, but are a bit timid about it, consider adding it for your wedding reception look.

Try your wedding jewelry with your dress during your final fitting.  This will allow you to make adjustments if something isn’t working before the big day.

Often, the groom will present the bride with wedding day jewelry as a gift the day of the wedding.

Contact us to get started on your wedding plans.

www.mikestaff.com

Follow us on Facebook.

Get inspired!

How To Find The Perfect Wedding Dress

The wedding dress.  It may be the most iconic symbol of being a bride – and the most exciting to shop for.  Use these tips to help you find the perfect wedding dress.

What to wear. You’ll be trying on a lot of dresses when looking for your dream dress, so wearing a dress that is easy to get in an out of makes a lot of sense.  You will likely get assistance from a store rep, so you want to plan for that in advance.  Wearing tights and a strapless bra will give you some coverage during those times.  A side benefit of those is the tummy control panels and extra support a bra can offer will make the dress look better.  If you will wear heels on your wedding day, bring a pair that is close to the height you plan to wear.

When to shop.  Saturdays are usually the busiest days at bridal salons.  If possible, make an appointment for a week day evening.  This will result in more personalized attention for you.

Dresses can take four to ten months to arrive from the manufacturer.  If your chosen style may be discontinued, it may be necessary to buy over a year ahead of time.

Who to bring.  Shopping for your wedding dress is a fun event.  You may want to bring your mother, maid of honor or sister.  Avoid bringing your entire bridal party – too many opinions can become overwhelming and be too much distraction as you shop.

Just remember…no matter how enthusiastic everyone gets, don’t buy in the heat of the moment. Give yourself time to recover from the perfect dress “high”, and go back later to buy it. The vast majority of dresses in are non-returnable, so when you’ve bought it, you’ve bought it.

Before you shop.  Bring pictures of dresses you like with you to your appointment.  This will help your shopping assistant find similar dresses for you to try on.  This can help you to define the materials and styles that appeal most to you.  Be open minded though, you won’t know the perfect dress until you try it on.

Stay hydrated.  Trying on dresses can be a workout!  Dressing rooms are often warm, so bringing a bottle of water with you is a good idea.  Most wedding dress shops do not allow soft drinks or coffee to protect the dresses.

Bring a camera.  Most wedding dress shops will allow you to take a picture of yourself in dresses you are considering.  Check their policy before taking pictures though.

Wedding dress timelines.  It is common for your wedding dress to arrive 4-6 months after you order it.  You will likely need alterations once it arrives.  Ask the representative when you need to order your dress to allow for their timeline.

Buyer’s remorse?  Once you buy, stop shopping.  You do not want to find one you love more, or a better deal.  It will only make you feel bad and maybe even justify yourself on the need for two dresses. Instead, what you need to do is remember why you chose the dress you did and how it made you feel. Go get your dress out of the closet, put it on and stand in front of the mirror. You’ll remember exactly why it’s perfect.

Other wedding day items.  Once you’ve found your dress, you can select your wedding veil, shoes, slip and other items.  Many wedding dress shops also offer a full line of wedding accessories.

Questions to ask.

1. Does the store design custom gowns, update vintage gowns, or provide options when ordering particular gowns (for example, neckline or sleeve styles)?  What is the cost of these services?
2. Is the store willing and able to order a sample gown you may have seen in a catalog or magazine if they don’t have it in house?
3. What is the estimated wait time between ordering and arrival of dress?  If necessary, can the store accommodate rush orders and what are the additional costs?
4. What is the store’s policy for down payments, deposits, cancellation, and when is the balance due?
5. What is the cost of alterations?  Can you get the estimate in writing?  

www.mikestaff.com

Contact us to get started on your wedding plans.

Follow us on Facebook.

Get inspired!

Wedding Dress Shopping Tips

The wedding dress.  It may be the most iconic symbol of being a bride.  Shopping for your dream wedding dress can be one of the most enjoyable parts of your wedding planning, but can also be challenging.  Use these tips to help you as you look for the dress for your big day.

What to wear. You’ll be trying on a lot of dresses when looking for your dream dress, so wearing a dress that is easy to get in an out of makes a lot of sense.  You will likely get assistance from a store rep, so you want to plan for that in advance.  Wearing tights and a strapless bra will give you some coverage during those times.  A side benefit of those is the tummy control panels and extra support a bra can offer will make the dress look better.  If you will wear heels on your wedding day, bring a pair that is close to the height you plan to wear.

When to shop.  Saturdays are usually the busiest days at bridal salons.  If possible, make an appointment for a week day evening.  This will result in more personalized attention for you.

Who to bring.  Shopping for your wedding dress is a fun event.  You may want to bring your mother, maid of honor or sister.  Avoid bringing your entire bridal party - too many opinions can become overwhelming and be too much distraction as you shop.

Before you shop.  Bring pictures of dresses you like with you to your appointment.  This will help your shopping assistant find similar dresses for you to try on.  This can help you to define the materials and styles that appeal most to you.  Be open minded though, you won’t know the perfect dress until you try it on.

Stay hydrated.  Trying on dresses can be a workout!  Dressing rooms are often warm, so bringing a bottle of water with you is a good idea.  Most wedding dress shops do not allow soft drinks or coffee to protect the dresses.

Bring a camera.  Most wedding dress shops will allow you to take a picture of yourself in dresses you are considering.  Check their policy before taking pictures though.

Wedding dress timelines.  It is common for your wedding dress to arrive 4-6 months after you order it.  You will likely need alterations once it arrives.  Ask the representative when you need to order your dress to allow for their timeline.

Other wedding day items.  Once you’ve found your dress, you can select your wedding veil, shoes, slip and other items.  Many wedding dress shops also offer a full line of wedding accessories.

Questions to ask.

1. Does the store design custom gowns, update vintage gowns, or provide options when ordering particular gowns (for example, neckline or sleeve styles)?  What is the cost of these services?
2. Is the store willing and able to order a sample gown you may have seen in a catalog or magazine if they don’t have it in house?
3. What is the estimated wait time between ordering and arrival of dress?  If necessary, can the store accommodate rush orders and what are the additional costs?
4. What is the store’s policy for down payments, deposits, cancellation, and when is the balance due?
5. What is the cost of alterations?  Can you get the estimate in writing?  

www.mikestaff.com

Contact us to get started on your wedding plans.

Follow us on Facebook.

Get inspired!

Keeping Wedding Dresses Picture Perfect

The Oscars got us thinking about how the stars look picture perfect from arrival through the after parties. Here’s some tips to make sure you look red carpet ready all day long.

• Ask your florist to recommend flowers that won’t stain dresses or to remove any pieces that might.
• Check with your gown shop to see if your dress can be steamed or ironed. If so, carry a mini iron and water bottle in case wrinkles form.
• Choose dresses made of wrinkle resistant fabrics.
• Carry a bleach pen in case of emergencies. Again, talk with the dress shop to make sure the color is safe.
• Keep your dress protected in a garment bag whenever possible.
• Use a deodorant and antiperspirant to keep you and your dress fresh – especially important for warm days.
• Do your makeup before getting into the dress. Carry a drape cloth, towel or button up shirt to protect your dress during touchups.
• Sip clear or light colored drinks – save the cranberry juice for another day.
• Ask your dress consultant the proper way of getting into the dress. Some are better to step into and others slide down easiest.
• If your dress does not include one, ask your seamstress to place a loop for lifting your train as you walk.
• Assume that all doorways, benches and other surfaces have dirt on them. Use caution as you move throughout the day.
• Purchase a few yards of similar fabric if you love the look of seated pictures but want to avoid mess.
• Realize that your dress may get a few spots on it. Don’t let that ruin your wedding day.

We’re ready to photograph your wedding day. Click here to learn more.

Email us or call (248) 689-0777