Charlotte's Bridal http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog A Blog for the Contemporary Bride Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:00:55 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 Preserving your Bouquet…a Great Keepsake!! http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/03/11/preserving-your-bouqueta-great-keepsake/ http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/03/11/preserving-your-bouqueta-great-keepsake/#comments Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:00:55 +0000 Author http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/?p=551 My question is, what else would you want to preserve besides your wedding gown? How about preserving your wedding day bouquet! Your thinking, how can I do this if I throw it to the crowd of single ladies? Well, here is your answer to that dilemma. After you’re done walking down the aisle with your gorgeous bouquet, switch out your bouquet to a second one that is identical to it to throw to your friends and family…(they will never know the difference). This way you can forever keep your wedding day bouquet and also experience the thrilling effect of throwing one backwards over your head! Something cute that you could do as well is attach a note to your “throwing bouquet” on how to preserve the flowers best. Just in case the gal who caught your bouquet wishes to do the same. There are many different ways to preserve your flowers and one way is to get it professionally preserved which involves spending an extra $100 or so to do. Another way, which is one of my favorites is to hang the bouquet upside down and pin it to one of your walls and let it dry out on its own. Afterwards place it in a glass box and forever be able to view it without anyone touching them. Simply Beautiful!
-Shelbi

]]> http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/03/11/preserving-your-bouqueta-great-keepsake/feed/ The Good Old Wedding Gown Budget…. http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/03/09/the-good-old-wedding-gown-budget/ http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/03/09/the-good-old-wedding-gown-budget/#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:00:03 +0000 Author http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/?p=545 I see many beautiful brides a day, and help them try on many beautiful wedding gowns. I can’t help to chuckle when I ask the infamous question “whats you bridal gown budget”? The first thing the bride does is look straight to MOM. Then mom shrugs her shoulders very calmly with a puzzled look on her face because everyone in the room is looking at her, waiting for the response! The number comes out then mom looks to the bride for reassurance, and facial expressions. Waiting for the thumbs up or the thumbs down!

Ladies it’s very important to stay within your wedding gown budget.The price you see on the tag is the price of the gown only. So don’t forget to add on all the little stuff,like:
• Alterations-every seamstress has different rates, depending on what you need done, will cost you
• Custom changes to your gown from the designer
• Rush charges- If you haven’t found the “right” dress in your 5month time frame you’ll NEED a rush
• Accessories: such as, shoes,under garments, jewelry, veil, teara, the awesome stylish hair flower and hair pins
• Steaming and Pressing your gown
I’m sure I haven’t covered all the “little stuff” that’s just the BIG little stuff. So ladies when mom looks at you with your budget price and you give her the thumbs up, make sure you put all this into consideration. It’s a lot to think about, I know, just like everything else in planning a wedding one step at a time!! But PLEASE ask as many questions as you possibly can. NO question is stupid. I promise.
Another thing, if your budget can’t afford the $2500.00 dollar dress DON’T try it on for fun. Chances are your gonna like it, I don’t wont to see a sad bride. Don’t set your self up!!

Happy Budgeting,
Oneida

]]> http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/03/09/the-good-old-wedding-gown-budget/feed/ Don’t be Afraid to Accessorize http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/03/02/dont-be-afraid-to-accessorize/ http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/03/02/dont-be-afraid-to-accessorize/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:00:48 +0000 Author http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/?p=537 I love flowers! I wore a wreath of flowers in my hair on my wedding day and wish I could get away with wearing flowers in my hair everyday. I guess spending six months in Hawaii and wearing a flower behind my ear almost everyday has stayed with me over the years. I’m so glad a new trend in the bridal world is flower detailing.
I’ve been working in the bridal business for six years now and seen many trends come and go. It’s so fun when your personal style and tastes are reflected in the latest trends. It makes it so much more fun to show brides gowns that they are excited about and be able to connect with them on a personal taste level.42-16017707
I loved having flowers in my hair on my wedding day. I would have loved it even more if I would have a gown that had some of those same flower details on it. I wouldn’t change the fact that I wore fresh flowers in my hair but I think I would also add some sort of silk flower or head band with a coordinating flower detail in my hair.

I think it’s an awesome idea to pick some sort of detail from your gown and wear it in your hair and now with all the cool flower accessories and head bands it’s easy to do. We even have some local designers that could make something custom and really coordinate with your gown. The even better thing about wearing a flower or head band or combination of both in your hair, it’s something you can wear again. I wear head bands all the time and it would be such a sweet reminder of my wedding day to be able to wear something I wore on that day every once in while.
Don’t be afraid to accessorize! There are so many beautiful accessories out there you don’t have to do just the typical tiara and veil if that’s not your style. Let us help you find or create the perfect accessories that coordinate with your dress and overall look. You don’t need to live in Hawaii to love a flower in your hair. Have fun. Be creative. Be yourself.

Laurie

]]> http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/03/02/dont-be-afraid-to-accessorize/feed/ “Say Yes to the Dress”…..To Watch or Not to Watch…… http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/02/25/%e2%80%9csay-yes-to-the-dress%e2%80%9d%e2%80%a6to-watch-or-not-to-watch%e2%80%a6%e2%80%a6/ http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/02/25/%e2%80%9csay-yes-to-the-dress%e2%80%9d%e2%80%a6to-watch-or-not-to-watch%e2%80%a6%e2%80%a6/#comments Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:00:01 +0000 Author http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/?p=535 Almost every bride we work with has caught at least a few episodes of the infamous TV bridal saga “Say Yes to the Dress”. However, the jury is still out on whether it helps or hinders the dress shopping process. It certainly gives brides a glimpse into what the experience will be like and what to expect as they journey into bridal shopping bliss. So, it definitely wouldn’t be a waste of time to curl up on the couch with a box of chocolates & a copy of Martha Stewart Weddings and catch up on the latest Kleinfeld’s drama before you start your shopping. However, don’t be fooled by the wolf in a sheep’s wedding dress…..the show is just that……a show. Enjoy its entertainment value and the chance to check out the latest in bridal couture; but don’t let the limitless budgets & high pressure sales environment overwhelm you. You will set the stage for your own gown shopping experience & your consultant is there to guide you along the way & make you feel comfortable & confident. Savor every moment of shopping for your dress…..it is one of the best parts of wedding planning!
Rachel

]]> http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/02/25/%e2%80%9csay-yes-to-the-dress%e2%80%9d%e2%80%a6to-watch-or-not-to-watch%e2%80%a6%e2%80%a6/feed/ Choosing the “Right” Bridesmaid Dress http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/02/23/choosing-the-right-bridesmaid-dress/ http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/02/23/choosing-the-right-bridesmaid-dress/#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:00:51 +0000 Author http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/?p=532 So it’s time to pick bridesmaids gowns for your wedding party, but your girls are of every size and shape. Consider picking a designer and color and letting your girls pick a dress that suits them personally. Your special ladies will feel more confident because they’re wearing something that they feel comfortable in and that they may even wear again! This also allows your girls to pick a gown more suited to their budget if money is tight. Letting your wedding party choose their own gown will be a benefit for everyone, so relax and let them do the work!

Lauren

]]> http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/02/23/choosing-the-right-bridesmaid-dress/feed/ Engagement Guidlines….Men Pay Attention! http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/02/19/engagement-guidlinesmen-pay-attention/ http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/02/19/engagement-guidlinesmen-pay-attention/#comments Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:00:59 +0000 Author http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/?p=525 CBR002423My family and I were watching the Times Square Countdown on New Year’s Eve. We countdown, the ball drops, everyone yells, etc. The camera pans to this couple. The guy drops to one knee and proposes, the girl jumps up and down, starts crying and shouting yes. A couple of minutes later, one of the anchors starts interviewing the couple. Turns out that they’d planned on getting engaged for a while, but one of the girl’s stipulations was that he not propose in a public place. Obviously he decided to ignore that request, choosing instead to propose IN TIMES SQUARE, ON NEW YEAR’S EVE. Honestly, I think he’s lucky she said yes. Actually, she probably only said yes because there were so many people and cameras around. Way to completely ignore your girlfriend’s wishes while asking her to marry you! I realize that the likelihood of any guys reading this blog is slim to none, but still this is a very important tip: If a girl gives you any guidelines about a marriage proposal, and you want her to say yes, FOLLOW THOSE GUIDELINES.

Happy Engagement!!
Corinne

]]> http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/02/19/engagement-guidlinesmen-pay-attention/feed/ Here’s to the New Year!! http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/02/17/heres-to-the-new-year/ http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/02/17/heres-to-the-new-year/#comments Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:00:15 +0000 Author http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/?p=522 It’s the New Year, and lucky women are newly engaged. I’m so excited to hear all about the new plans, and meet the whole family. I love this time of year of family, friends, and being in your home town. I can’t wait to try all the new 2010 gowns on all of you lucky ladies. The only advice I have is DON’T wait till the last minute. Give yourself 6 months for your own peace of mind and sanity.

Happy Wedding Gown Searching,
Oneida

]]> http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/02/17/heres-to-the-new-year/feed/ Successful Portland Bridal Show!! http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/02/16/successful-portland-bridal-show/ http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/02/16/successful-portland-bridal-show/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:27:28 +0000 Author http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/?p=513 This year’s Portland Bridal Show was buzzing with excitement. Brides were eager to gather information from the hundreds of vendors that were at the show. Eric Newland of Hybrid Moon put together the fashion show video. It’s always fun to see the gowns on live models and on the runway. Contact us for more details on any of the dresses!! Charlotte’s Weddings & More PBS

]]> http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2010/02/16/successful-portland-bridal-show/feed/ No Need to Forfeit Your Shopping Experience http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2009/10/30/no-need-to-forfeit-your-shopping-experience/ http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2009/10/30/no-need-to-forfeit-your-shopping-experience/#comments Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:00:00 +0000 Author http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/?p=505 mpj043879600001Most brides dream of an expensive wedding with the couture wedding gown only to be disappointed and brought back to reality once you look at the price tag. Just because a bride is confined to a budget doesn’t mean that she can’t have the full shopping experience along with the bells and whistles. If you are in the market for an inexpensive dress, you don’t need to forfeit your shopping experience.

Set up your consultant with your expectations.

As a consultant, we will not ask about budget in order to for you to see as many dresses as possible that could possibly be ‘the one.’ However, we are there for  you. Don’t be afraid to discuss your budget and desires with your consultant. There are many designers out there that have a range of wedding gowns that are affordable to all and just as beautiful as the gown with the hefty price tag.

Be savvy about the time of year that you shop. If you have a long engagement, remember that many shops have annual dress sales in the late summer time. Pick up a designer dress at half the price.

Do you have a favorite shop? Sign up for their newsletters, emails or latest news that will spotlight certain designers or monthly specials.

Have fun shopping.

René

]]> http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2009/10/30/no-need-to-forfeit-your-shopping-experience/feed/ In Between Gowns? http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2009/10/19/in-between-gowns/ http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/2009/10/19/in-between-gowns/#comments Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:45:16 +0000 Author http://www.charlottesweddings.com/blog/?p=497 Are you having trouble deciding between two gowns? Try thinking the image you want to portray on your wedding day. There are so many different styles of gowns and they all can have a different feel.

Do you dream of a vintage or modern look? Would you love to be a classic Audrey Hepburn or a contemporary Natalie Portman?

Make sure your gown reflects the style of your wedding and embraces your personality to put forth the look you’ve always envisioned.

Try going out of the box. If one of the dresses is more daring than the other, go for it! Stand out of the crowd and feel as unique in your dress as you are in your personality.

Choose with YOUR heart, not your families. If your family is pushing you in one direction but your heart is set on another, don’t let that deter you from choosing the gown YOU always envisioned.

Lauren

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