Friday, October 29, 2010

DIY Wedding Invitations!

'If you want something done right, do it yourself!'

I’m pretty sure that nearly everyone has heard a tragic story from a friend, relative, or sitcom, where wedding invitations come back from the printer with the wrong location, date, or heaven forbid, the names of the in-laws misspelled. So, if you are at all handy with a computer, you can cut your wedding costs, and maintain control of the design, information, and spelling of your invites. And while making your own invitations might bring up some scary mental pictures, depending on your experience, there are many resources that can help you make beautiful invitations that rival the one’s you can get from the printer.

Rather than giving in to the DIY stigma, and doing it completely yourself, I recommend turning invitation-making into an event. By including your friends or bridal party, you can benefit from their experience and help, turn the task into something fun. When my friend Jen got married, I was invited on a DIY invitation outing. We started with a trip to the paper supply store to purchase cardstock and trimmings, and then had lunch at a tearoom before returning home to design, print, and address the invites. We not only saved money, but we enjoyed spending time together, and helping with the wedding prep… Plus, we finished Jen’s invitations in one day.

Resources:

-Check out your local paper supply store for well-priced cardstock, envelopes and trimmings. Jen’s invitation supplies were purchased at:

Hollo’s PaperCraft, 1878 Pearl Rd. Brunswick, OH, (330) 225-0911

-Target also offers beautiful invitation kits in their stationary aisle for around $30 (50 ct.)

www.target .com

Monday, October 11, 2010

Fall Trend Report

After all, there is something about a wedding-gown prettier than in any other gown in the world.” ~Douglas William Jerrold

While it is true that bridal fashion has the benefit of a certain timelessness and classic style, anyone who has seen a wedding photo from the 80’s (or the movie 27 Dresses for that matter), can attest that the trends within this unique market are ever-changing. Some of us at the shop have just returned from an amazing trip to the Chicago Bridal Market, and therefore a fall trend report seems appropriate.

The first trend that seems apparent in upcoming seasons is a one-shouldered look that was seen at market, and also on the runway. Asymmetry is often flattering, and gives classic looks an elegant, yet edgy modernity. This quality is also present in another trend we identified for fall; asymmetrical draping.

Shopping Tip: When trying on asymmetrical gowns, be careful that the details enhance the dress, and your body. While well-designed asymmetry is interesting as well as flattering, an ill-conceived gown can make the wearer appear asymmetrical as well.

Floral embellishments have seemingly always been popular in the bridal industry. However, the rosette details being shown this season do not give off the prim and stuffy attitude of yesteryear, but rather a fresh femininity.

Color was also a trend that was all over market, and the runway. While Vera Wang showed a black dress in her latest collection, we suggest a less drastic, but still modern statement can be made by incorporating color into your wedding look in more subtle ways.

Shopping Tip: When looking at gowns, try a dress in a less-traditional ivory or champagne color. Many sample gowns shown in white are available in other colors. Sashes or ribbons at the waist can also personalize your look, and incorporate your wedding colors.

We’d love to help you incorporate ideas from these runway looks into your wedding dress search!



Friday, October 8, 2010

Chicago Bridal Market 2010


Oh goodness, where should I begin?? This past weekend Laura, Lindsay, and I took a small roadtrip to Chicago to visit Bridal Market. Our hotel was gorgeous and right in the middle of Michigan Ave! We were able to dine at Lou Malnati's (best deep dish pizza EVER!) and potbelly's (which I now am convinced that Ohio needs them). Once we got to market, it did seem very overwhelming at first, but after a while we got into the "shopping groove." Let me tell you, some of these dresses are beautiful! The construction, silhouttes, and even the little details like pleating and beading were very well crafted. We got to visit all of the booths throughout the two days and Laura was even able to make some amazing purchases for the store. We made a lot of friends while we were there, including the men at Jovani who gave us those lovely silver bags in the picture below. : ) This experience was one I will probably never forget, especially because we crammed all of this into an overnight trip. I'm so grateful that Laura gave Lindsay and I the chance to join her!
-Kati


PS. I also got the chance to take a peek at the work being done on the new shop, and it has completely changed since the house was purchased. They definitely have been working nonstop to make this a dream bridal boutique and it is going to be perfect! : )