10 New Winter Wedding Ideas

Samantha

Samantha

10 Things to Know Before You Go Wedding Dress Shopping

Photo: Chloe Moore Photography

Shopping for a bridal gown can be an intimidating and stressful process. Don’t fret! That is what I am here for, and I hope you find these blog posts helpful. I have compiled 10 things to know before you go wedding dress shopping to help not only ease you into the process, but to give you insight before you dive right in. Enjoy!

You should limit your entourage

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again — bringing a big group to the salon is a gown shopping don’t! Enlist one or two of your closest pals to help you start your search. This way you can find the gown of your dreams and not feel pressured by others’ opinions.

Hidden costs add up

Remember, your wedding gown budget doesn’t just include the dress. Your veil or headpiece and alterations will also add to your bottom line. Be sure to factor in these costs before you give the salesperson your final gown-shopping budget.

Undergarments are optional

Before you head into your appointment sans underwear and claim we said it was okay, read this: If you have a favorite strapless style or plan on wearing a particular body shaper, go ahead and bring it. You’ll ultimately need your gown-specific undergarments for your first fitting but not your initial appointment.

Salons take requests (really!)

Just because a bridal salon carries your favorite designer, that doesn’t mean it’ll have the exact wedding dress you’ve been dying to try on. If you phone in advance and request a specific style, chances are that a salon staffer will able to call for a sample of that gown especially for you.

You shouldn’t get discouraged

There are hundreds of bridal designers out there with literally thousands of designs – which makes the odds of your finding a fantastic gown, well pretty darn good. We know that coming up empty handed on your first trip can be a letdown, but don’t give up. You will find “the one.”

Shop for the body you have now

No matter what your shape, knowing your body shape – pear, full, thin, petite – is the first step in finding the right dress. Even if you’re planning on dropping 15 pounds before your wedding, your frame isn’t going to completely change because you’ve swapped cookies for carrots.

Always book an appointment

While you may get lucky and snag a salesperson just by walking in, scheduling an appointment is the only way to ensure that you’ll get a full hour of undivided attention.

It’s okay to pick favorites

To help guarantee that your gown shopping experience goes smoothly, ask a salon staffer when you call to book your appointment if she can suggest a favorite saleswoman. Or get recommendations from friends, and request a saleswoman by name.

Skip day one of any sample sale

We know you’re tempted to get there as soon as the doors open, but shopping on the first day of a sample sale can be downright messy. Do yourself a favor and call ahead to ask how many days the sale will run. Then go on one of the later dates.

Plan on playing hooky

Sneaking away from work will allow you to hit the stores while crowds are at a minimum. You’ll get more attention from the sales staff if you shop on a Tuesday morning rather than a Saturday afternoon. There will also be less people hogging the mirrors (hey, a little vanity is allowed)!

I hope you love some of these ideas as much as I do! Please feel free to comment with any additional ideas for our brides or with topics that you would like me to write about next! Also, please like us on our social media pages (links below)!

XOXO,

Samantha

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Signature-Bridal-444463092329776/timeline/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SigBridalSTL

Instagram: https://instagram.com/signaturebridalstl/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SigBridalSTL/

Wedding Dress 101 with Signature Bridal

Sketch credits: Ballgown: Angel Rivera, A-Line: Reem Arca on Wedding Bells Blog, Modified A-Line: Pricilla of Boston, Trumpet: Custom Couture, Mermaid: Claire Pettibone on Bridesfinds, Sheath: Orlando Magazine, Tea-Length: Wedding Dresses by Amee, Mini: Annette.

Wedding gown shopping – oh, where to begin! For starters, as a bride, you should aim to look like the absolute best version of yourself on your wedding day. And aside from your beaming smile and bridal glow, your dress will be front and center. We all have different body types, which is why it’s so important to begin the wedding dress shopping process by understanding the different gown silhouettes — and for which body types they work best. Here’s a quick and easy guide to breakdown the various wedding gown silhouettes!

Ballgown: The “fairy tale” dress, with a fitted bodice, flairs at the waist with a full skirt. Ideal for most body types but looks great on pears, since it hides the lower body. Not good for petites; the skirt can be overwhelming on a small frame.

Dress by Kenneth Winston

A-Line: Fitted bodice through the waist and flows out to the ground, resembling the outline of an uppercase “A.” Ideal for all body types.

Modified A-Line: Fitted on the bodice and hips and gradually flares to the hem, forming an “A” shape. The skirt of a modified A-line dress fits closer to the body than a traditional A-line. Ideal for all body types.

Dress by Kenneth Winston

Trumpet: Fitted through the body and flairs mid-thigh. The cut is between a modified a-line and a mermaid cut. Ideal for frames with small waists, such as the hourglass, banana, and petites. Not good for pears and apples, as it accentuates stomach and hip area.

Dress by Stella York

Mermaid: Fitted on the body from the chest to the knee, then flares out close to the knee. Ideal for slender frames and hourglass body types who are willing to show off their curves. Not good for apples and plus size body types.

Dress by Kenneth Winston

Sheath: Narrow shape that flows straight down from the neckline to the hem. Ideal for lean frames, such as petites and bananas. Also good on hourglasses who are willing to show off their curves. Not good for pears; sheaths will accentuate extra inches and can be unflattering.

Dress by Stella York

Tea-Length: Skirt falls in between the ankle and the knee. Ideal for all body types.

Dress by Stella York

I hope you love some of these ideas as much as I do! If you would like to see additional ideas, visit our Wedding Dress 101 Pinterest Board!Please feel free to comment with any additional ideas for our brides or with topics that you would like me to write about next! Also, please like us on our social media pages (links below)!

XOXO,

Samantha

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Signature-Bridal-444463092329776/timeline/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SigBridalSTL

Instagram: https://instagram.com/signaturebridalstl/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SigBridalSTL/

SB’s Wedding Timeline

Just engaged? Starting to envision your wedding? Wondering about all the things you’ll need to do and when? Our month-by-month snapshot of all your wedding to-dos will steer you in the right direction.

12+ months before
Date: ______________________

Envision your wedding and draw up a budget.
Assemble your “planning team.” Consider hiring a wedding consultant.
Pick a wedding date and time. Select several options, then check with your venues, officiant, and important guests before finalizing.
Start planning the guest list.
Look for and book ceremony sites and reception sites.
Ask friends and relatives to be in the wedding party.
Optional: Have an engagement party. You may want to register beforehand for gifts.
8-10 months before
Date: ______________________

Bride: Think about, shop for, and order your gown.
Envision reception food.
Decide what type of entertainment you want. A pianist for the cocktail hour, strolling violinists, a DJ, or band?
Think about your floral decor.
Research and book your wedding professionals. Interview vendors: photographer, videographer, reception band or DJ, florist.
Research a wedding insurance policy to protect your deposits.
Research and reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests.
Register for gifts.
Contact rental companies if you need to rent anything for ceremony/reception, such as chairs, tables, and tent.
6-8 months before
Date: ______________________

Book ceremony musicians.
Order bridesmaid dresses.
Start planning honeymoon.
Send save-the-date cards. This is a particularly good idea if you’re marrying during a tourist or holiday season or having a destination wedding.

4-6 months before
Date: ______________________

Attend prewedding counseling, if required.
Shop for and order invitations and wedding rings.
Shop for formalwear.
Renew or get passports, if necessary.
Envision your wedding cake and research, interview, and book a cake designer.
3 months before
Date: ______________________

Order wedding cake.
Hire a calligrapher, if you want your invitations professionally addressed.
Attend your shower. (It may be earlier, depending on when hosts decide to have it.)
Groom: Rent the men’s formalwear.
Hire wedding-day transport: limousines, other cars. Look into transportation sooner if you’re considering renting streetcars or over-the-top travel.
2 months before
Date: ______________________

Mail your invitations.
Write your vows.
Purchase gifts for parents, attendants, and each other.
Book your stylist and try out big-day hairstyles.
Book a makeup artist and go for a trial run.
1 month before
Date: ______________________

Apply for a marriage license. Check with the local bureau in the town where you’ll wed.
Bride: Have final gown fitting. Bring your maid of honor along to learn how to bustle your dress. Have the dress pressed and bring it home.
Call all bridesmaids. Make sure they have their gowns ready for the wedding.
Make last-minute adjustments with vendors.
Create a wedding program to hand out to guests.
Order and plan in-room welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.
2 weeks before
Date: ______________________

Review final RSVP list and call any guests who have not yet sent a response.
Deliver must-have shot lists to photographer and videographer. Include who should be in formal portraits and determine when portraits will be taken.
Deliver final song list to your DJ or bandleader. Include special song requests and songs you don’t want played.
Bride: Get your last prewedding haircut and color.
1 week before
Date: ______________________

Give reception site/caterer final guest head count. Include vendors, such as the photographer or band members, who will expect a meal. Ask how many extra plates the caterer will prepare.
Supply location manager with a list of vendor requests such as a table for DJ or setup space needed by florist.
Plan reception seating chart.
Print place and table cards, or finalize list with the calligrapher you have hired to do so.
Call all wedding vendors and confirm arrangements.
Give ceremony and reception site managers a schedule of vendor delivery and setup times, plus contact numbers.
Groom: Get your hair trimmed.
Attend bachelor/ette parties.
2-3 days before
Date: ______________________

Bride: If you need to, have your gown pressed or steamed.
Groom: Go for final fitting and pick up your formalwear.
Groom: Ask the best man to make sure all groomsmen attend fittings and pick up their outfits.
Determine wedding-party positions during ceremony and the order of the party in the processional and recessional.
Hand off place cards, table cards, menus, disposable cameras, favors, and any other items for setting the tables to the caterer and/or reception site manager.
Reconfirm final details with all vendors. Discuss any necessary last-minute substitutions.
Call the limousine- or car-rental company for pickup times and locations.
Arrange for guests without cars to be picked up from the airport or train station. Ask friends, attendants, or relatives to help.
Deliver welcome baskets to the hotel concierge; make sure to include names and delivery instructions.
Day before
Date: ______________________

Provide all wedding professionals with an emergency phone number to call on the day of the wedding.
Write checks and/or talk to wedding hosts (usually your parents, if not you) about any final balances to be paid at the end of the reception.
Night before
Date: ______________________

Rehearse ceremony. Meet with wedding party, ceremony readers, immediate family, and your officiant at the ceremony site to rehearse and iron out details.
Bring unity candle, aisle runner, yarmulkes, or other ceremony accessories to the site.
Give your marriage license to your officiant.
Attend rehearsal dinner.
Present attendants with gifts at the rehearsal dinner. You’ll want to do this especially if the gifts are accessories to be worn during the wedding.
Day of
Date: ______________________

Present parents and each other with gifts.
Give wedding bands to the best man and the maid of honor to hold during the ceremony.
Give best man the officiant’s fee envelope, to be handed off after the ceremony.
Introduce your reception site manager to your consultant or maid of honor for questions or problems during the reception.
Assign a family member or attendant to be the photographer’s contact so he knows who is who.
Postwedding
Date: ______________________

Prearrange for someone to return any rentals.
Preplan for attendants to take the bride’s gown for cleaning and return the groom’s tux to the rental shop.
Write and send thank-you notes to gift-bearing guests and vendors who were especially helpful.

I hope you love some of these ideas as much as I do! If you would like to see additional ideas, visit our Wedding Timeline Pinterest Board! Please feel free to comment with any additional ideas for our brides or with topics that you would like me to write about next! Also, please like us on our social media pages (links below)!

XOXO,

Samantha

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Signature-Bridal-444463092329776/timeline/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SigBridalSTL

Instagram: https://instagram.com/signaturebridalstl/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SigBridalSTL/

Is it really time to start talking about the holidays already? In order to provide you with the best service to meet your needs, we wanted to take a few minutes to post our revised holiday hours for 2015. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at [email protected] or give us a call at 636-778-3200. We are so thankful to be able to do what we love each and every day and we owe that all to you!

Revised Holiday Hours 2015

November 25th: 10 AM - 2 PM

November 26th: Closed

November 27th: Closed

December 23rd: 10 AM - 2 PM

December 24th: Closed

December 25th: Closed

December 26th: Closed

December 31st: Closed

January 1st: Closed

Happy Wednesday SB Brides!

Today I have a fun blog post for you with 23 save the date ideas that we love! Sending out your save the dates is exciting because it’s your first chance to officially announce wedding info to guests! If you are like most brides, you may be wondering what the deal is with save the dates, and why do you need them since you will be sending out formal invitations down the road anyways? We encourage you to consider sending out save the dates once the date is set in stone, because they not only help you plan your guest list far in advance, but also bring more RSVPs.

Save the dates are usually sent out at least 6-9 months before the wedding date. This gets you in planning mode even earlier in the game. If you are expecting traveling guests, advanced notice means more of these guests can spare time to attend. Also, save the dates certainly share more than just the date. You’d be surprised how exciting it is to receive a save-the-date when you’re a guest. They get guests amped up for the big day!

~Save the Date Ideas~

I hope you love some of these ideas as much as I do! If you would like to see additional ideas, visit our Save the Date Pinterest Board! Please feel free to comment with any additional ideas for our brides or with topics that you would like me to write about next! Also, please like us on our social media pages (links below)!

XOXO,

Samantha

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Signature-Bridal-444463092329776/timeline/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SigBridalSTL

Instagram: https://instagram.com/signaturebridalstl/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SigBridalSTL/