Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Bridal Shop Tips-Before You Purchase Your Dream Wedding Dress



I often get a lot of questions from brides asking what to look for in a bridal shop. Although finding the right dress is of the utmost importance, do not underestimate the importance of finding the right dress at the right store. I caution brides from placing an order with more than a 50% deposit, any more than that should be a concern and is not industry average. Pay attention to former brides comments as to their service and delivery of the gown they ordered. Did the bridal shop deliver the dress they ordered, was it a counterfeit, were they intimidated into being conviced it was the dress they ordered, did it arrive the week of the wedding? I am always amazed at how often I hear "but I didn't think it would happen to me". Often times that puts the bride in a position of desperation and settles for anything, just to have something to wear. I recommend you get it in writing, delivery date, vendor, and anything else that is important to you. I always allow the bride to take a picture of the gown after she orders it, so there is never any question whether it is the same dress they ordered. If a store won't put their commitment to you in writing I suggest you run. Never order a dress from a store that is not an authorized dealer, check with the designer if unsure. Unfortunately for the great stores that provide great service, there are always going to be a few that challenge us all.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Can a wedding dress be fashionable yet appropriate for the Church?


Of course it can! We were so honored to be asked by Archbishop Naumann's office to be a part of an article written by Kara Hansen titled "A market for modesty" in the archdiocesan newspaper The Leaven. The article is full of advise and tips for Catholic brides, grooms, their parents, wedding consultants and priests to consider when a bride selects her wedding dress to assure it is proper wedding attire for the Church. It shows you can still be fashionable yet modest and respectful at the same time. There are also many other tips for all brides to follow when shopping for their wedding dress. The feedback from brides, mothers and priests has been amazing, surprisingly, not just from Catholics. You can see the entire article at: