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Ways to Relax Before Your Big Day

October 6, 2009 – 6:00 am

42-17371140Wedding planning can be a hectic and busy time for anyone. If you are like most brides your life keeps you more than busy with work, family and any number of other activities. If you are playing both the part of the bride and the wedding planner, stress can soon creep up on you. In order to enjoy yourself when your Big day finally arrives, you should take some time out of your pre-nuptial duties to relax. Here are some tips for relaxation from the Rush University Medical Center:

           

            ● Try to get regular exercise

  - Even if you’re not a gym rat, take regular walks with your dog or a friend, or go for a weekend hikes with your groom.

            ● Join a yoga class

   - This age old practice is great for stress reduction and relaxation. At the end of most classes there is a relaxation and deep breathing time that is sure to return you to your pre-engagement centered self.

            ● Schedule fun non-wedding related activities   

               - Remember dinner and a movie?

               - Try a stroll through the park during your lunch break

               - Pamper yourself with monthly manicures and pedicures

- Set several hours aside every Saturday for only non-wedding related    hobbies

            ● Record your journey

- A great way to process through stress is to put your thoughts in ink.    Keeping a daily journal is also a fun keepsake to revisit after the wedding is over!

            ● Do some volunteer work

- Put things in perspective by focusing energy on other people for an afternoon.

            ● Listen to your favorite band

               - Turn up the volume and dance

               - Try to catch some live shows if your favorites come to town

 

Most importantly BREATH! Enjoy the process, it’s a once in a lifetime journey!!

 

Emily

By Author | Posted in From Our Consultants | Comments (0)

But I can find it cheaper online…

September 28, 2009 – 1:20 pm

mpj039055200001These days hunting for a bargain has never been easier.  It’s simple, find what you want in a store, then google it and find it cheaper online.  Well, that may work for a book or car stereo, but a wedding gown?!  What you see online might not be what you get.  Here’s what those cheap wedding dress sites are not telling you: The gown you see pictured is most likely not the gown you will get.  Sites that offer a ridiculously low price are really selling you a cheap knock-off. They show you the picture of the dress by the designer you love and at the very last moment of check-out, there’s a tiny disclaimer that states that you will not be getting the exact dress.  Yeah, I know, bummer.  
Most importantly, you do not get the customer service and benefits from shopping at your local bridal shop.  If these shops are not supported, where will you be able to go to see dresses in person?  Where will you have the experience of trying on many gowns by many designers and be pampered by a personal consultant?  What are you really saving?
Melissa
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Found the Perfect Dress but your Wedding is a Year Away?

September 23, 2009 – 9:00 am

Just go for it!  Your wedding dress plays a huge role in the bearing of your wedding.  mcj043479100001

From the invitations to the cake, the style of your gown will resonate with the style of your big day.   Once you’ve purchased your gown, you know which colors, fabrics, and details will match your dress and you will have a complete palate that you can create a personal and unique look from.  Without your dress, colors can miss-match, styles can clash, and your day can look pieced together. 

If you’ve found that dress that was made for you, take the next step and make it yours.  It’s the most important piece of the puzzle (other than your groom!), so make sure it’s the first item to check off your list. 

Lauren

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Race for the Cure 9/20/09!!

September 21, 2009 – 9:00 am

imgp2547Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was yesterday September 20, 2009.  It was a beautiful day in Portland and there was a sea of pink.  The race is always an amazing and humbling experience.imgp2557    

We loved participating and acknowledging the strong women/men who have battled and won.  And celebrating the lives of those who have lost.  Look for more pictures on the website soon!

By Author | Posted in Around Town, Shop Talk | Comments (0)

Bridal Market for Spring 2010

September 10, 2009 – 4:41 pm

My manager and I just visited the Las Vegas Bridal Market and we were excited to see some new and unique wedding gowns.  By far Sottero & Midgley have out done themselves.  Their gowns were fashion foward with chunky crystals but still with classic fit and lines.  Ruffled and tiered skirts were extremely popular, as well as the one shoulder element.  Maggie Sottero also had some very fun pieces that had several different variations.  You could choose just the gown or add a halter strap or bolero, they even had detachable trains that you could convert into a veil.   Bolero jackets were seen with just about every other gown.  It’s a great way to add another element to your gown, especially if you are getting married in the fall or winter.

Casablanca was another designer who we were surprised with.  They had several short gowns for either a reception dress or an afternoon wedding.  They also went a little fashion forward on a few of their pieces with layers of organza and asymetrical cuts.    They still had their traditional strapless, lace gowns with an empire waistline and soft details.  As well as the satin, strapless, full skirt gown with traditional beadwork and scroll patterns. 

We did spend some time also focusing on bringing in more modest gowns.  The past several years we have been getting away from carrying many in the store but we hope to change that.  We have everything from taffeta, pick up skirts to tulle and lace.  We also chose some amazing gowns in plus sizes.  Overall we are very happy with what we saw at market.  It was a fun trip and we can’t wait to show you all the amazing gowns when they arrive in December!!

We’ll keep you posted as the gowns arrive!

Krysta

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Bridesmaidzilla!!

September 1, 2009 – 5:58 pm

This week I encountered a bride who was facing a bridesmaid mutiny. All of the bridesmaids do not like the bridesmaid gown that was chosen and purchased for the wedding. One of the bridesmaids is even refusing to be in the wedding if she has to wear the dress. Whaaaat? Seriously, this day is about the bride (and the groom).

I myself have paid way too much money for a bridesmaid dress picked out by the bride. From the first moment I saw the photo of the dress, I didn’t like it. I wouldn’t have picked it for my wedding and I would never have chosen the style for my body type or fashion sense. And what did I do about it? I did what any good bridesmaid should do:

  • When she chose the gown and told me she loved it, I said “were should I buy it?”
  • When she told me it cost over $200 (eight years ago) and was a (very unflattering) shade of light green, I said “I can’t wait to see how beautiful the dress will look with the flowers.”
  • When I received the gown and the need for alterations was obvious, I told her it would be ready for the wedding.
  • When she turned into a crazy stressed out shell of the women I knew, I did everything in my power to alleviate her stress and help her have the wedding of her dreams.

My point is that it wasn’t about me. It was the bride’s day and it was my job to be a loving and supportive friend and bridesmaid. Not ever would I have considered telling her the dress was not my favorite and even worse threaten to not be in the wedding. I would have worn a burlap sack if she would have asked! As I see it, when asked to be in a wedding you have two choices - decline or accept and vow to be supportive.

Jeri

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Join Charlotte’s for Race for the Cure - 9/20!!

August 26, 2009 – 6:55 pm

2008 Race for the Cure

2008 Race for the Cure

For the past several years Charlotte’s Weddings & More has been a proud participant in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. We love being a part of such a great cause. During the 5K co-ed walk we talk, bond and take lots of pictures. Experiencing this event first hand is like no other, you will be amazed at the amount of people that participate. So, we are asking you to join our team. We would love for you to walk with us and if you can’t you can Sleep In for the Cure. Bring your fiancé, mom, and your bridesmaids to walk with us. Once you have registered we will get you a Charlotte’s Weddings & More Race for the Cure t-shirt and we will keep you posted on any events leading up to the race. Click here to register with our team.

Team Name: Bridal Beauties and Buddies

Company Name: Charlotte’s Weddings & More

Type: Corporate

By Author | Posted in Around Town, Upcoming Events | Comments (0)

MOB’s & MOG’s…What Shall You Wear?

August 24, 2009 – 12:00 pm

18501229103310imgmotherofbride

Mother’s of the Bride and Mother’s of the Groom, there is no need to panic when it comes to “What shall I wear to the wedding?” There are so many options today. But you do need some general information before you go shopping. Is the wedding an informal, afternoon, outdoor wedding? Is it a very formal, evening, church wedding? Perhaps you are traveling to a beach location or a local vineyard.

Once you know the location and style of wedding, you will be able to decide whether you want to wear a long dress or something a little shorter. Color isn’t really that important unless your daughter or future daughter-in-law insists that you wear a certain shade. Remember you probably won’t be having any pictures with the bridesmaids unless one is related.

The most important part of finding a dress is looking for something that looks good on you and you feel beautiful in. Be open to trying on some different styles or colors and you might be pleasantly surprised. Also, Moms tend to wait until all other wedding details are taken care of before doing their own shopping. Mothers should plan on shopping at least 4 months ahead of the wedding to allow time for ordering their dress and alterations if needed.

Happy shopping!

Robyn – MOB

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Maggie SotteroTrunk Show 8/21 & 8/22

August 17, 2009 – 8:11 pm

Trunk shows are a fun and unique event where brides can learn about the latest bridal fashion trends. We will be showcasing gowns from Maggie Sottero that we normally do not have sampled in our store. Buy a Maggie Sottero gown during the trunk show and receive a $50 - $100 coupon towards the purchase of your wedding gown. You will also receive additional discounts on bridesmaids, moms and accessories.

View our collection of gowns on our website and save your favorites to your gallery, then send them to a consultant. Reserve your private bridal suite today!

One of our new favorite gowns is called Pamela.  It’s very fashion forward with a halter neckline detailed with ruffles and a low, sexy back.  It’s amazing on….trust me I have tried it!  It’s great if you want something unique and you have the personality to pull this dress off.  You will definitely make a statement walking down the aisle in this wedding gown.  Check it out at Maggie Sottero.com

Pamela Back

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Sneak a Peak Before or After the Ceremony?

August 4, 2009 – 2:50 pm

A long time ago it was thought to be bad luck if the groom saw his bride on the day of their wedding.  But as we have seen with many other traditions, things are a changing.

What is the benefit for the bride and groom seeing each other before the ceremony?

- Some couples feel that they would be more relaxed if they saw each other first.  It’s a way for them to spend some alone time together before the rest of the bridal party shows up.

- Some photographers think the pictures turn out better.  They feel that there is such excitement and joy that shows through the photos.  After the ceremony the look of the couple often changes and the relief that the most important part has passed comes through the photos.

- Seeing each other before the ceremony can give the photographer more time to get more photos.  The couple can seem rushed to get in as many photos as possible after the ceremony leaving their guests to wait for their arrival.  Which can leave guests feeling annoyed, since the party can’t start without the bride and groom.

What are the benefits to seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony?

- There is something to be said about the first time the groom sees his bride walking down the aisle.  The look of love that spreads across his face can be a magical experience for the bride and groom.  As well as for their family and friends!

- The couple can always take as many individual photos and a few wedding party photos before the ceremony.  The trick is making sure that the couple doesn’t get any sneak peaks of each other.  So, make sure you have a bridesmaid and a groomsman in charge of keeping the two apart.  This will alleviate the time the couple spends taking photos after the ceremony as well.

Really, the decision comes down to the bride and groom.  Seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day should be an amazing experience that you will want to remember.  When we ask our past brides what their favorite moment of the wedding was, they often say the first time they laid eyes on their groom and his reaction to her in her gown.  And it was something they will never forget.

Krysta

By Author | Posted in As We See It | Comments (0)
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