Everyone is familiar with the traditional wedding veil. Cathedral to fingertip, the lengths of the traditional veil often vary in size, shape and design. Many are equipped with the even more traditional blusher (ie. the part that goes over your face as you walk down the aisle toward your future hubby), and no matter how they’re finished, there is no arguing that traditional wedding veils have had a part in the wedding day ceremony for as long as the dress itself.
But today’s modern bride isn’t necessarily finding the same value in the traditional veil as their grandmothers and mothers did. In fact, the future Mrs. of today are looking for something a little more modern… a little more them :)
What are they? You may find yourselves asking. Well, like everything else for weddings in recent years, there’s all sorts! Below are 5 Alternatives to the Traditional Wedding Veil:
1) Birdcage Veil Beauties. Both modern and stylish, the chic styling of these trendsetters can be worn in a number of ways with a number of accessories detailing their magnificent form. And because of their no muss / no fuss simplicity, they can be styled in and worn for the entire day!
courtesy of etsy.com, pinkfashionz.com, weddingcometrue.com, asaclam.wordpress.com, olivialeighweddings.com and birdcagebridal.com
2) Framed with Flowers & Love. Organically whimsical and fashionably floral, headpieces draped in flowers have become all the rage with Bohemian and earth friendly brides everywhere. From over the top to under the radar, the fragrant veil alternatives can be styled just about any way the bride-to-be sees fit.
courtesy of etsy.com, loveyoumeanitblog.com, onewed.com, dressygirlkouture.com, honeybeevintagebridal.com, onewed.com and aprylann.com (bottom)
3) Grecian Goddess Goes Bridal. Greek mythology was filled with some of the most beautiful creatures ever immortalized on the page, and who wouldn’t want to channel their inner Aphrodite on their wedding day? Hello?!? The goddess of love, beauty, passion and desire?? Well, sure!
courtesy of portobellojewelry.com, pinterest.com, astylishbride.wordpress.com (insert), weddingwindow.com, etsy.com, greenweddingshoes.com and styleunveiled.com
4) Bring the Sass with Sashes. Creating a look that is both 70′s inspired and modernized by today’s bride, the sash veil is idyllic for outdoor, destination and Bohemian weddings. Decorate them with as much or as little as you want, and you’ll easily why this alternative is so amazing!
courtesy of simplybloomphotography.com, emmalinebride.com, greenweddingshoes.com, thenicholsblog.com and quirkyweddingsblog.co.uk
5) Veiled in Vintage with Cap Veils. Modernize the famed flapper look with cap veils. Inspired by the 1920s, cap veils have started to make a resurgence in recent years, and the final look they create couldn’t be more fabulous!
courtesy of onewed.com, thewhitegown.com, chicvintagebrides.com, lover.ly, sibodesigns.com and lover.ly
Eco-friendly weddings are all the rage these days and for all kinds of reasons! With more and more people jumping on the Team Mother Nature bandwagon, the popularity of eco-chic is booming. Now more than ever, people are realizing what we do today will directly correlate with what happens tomorrow… and they’re gladly making greener strides to a brighter future. Gooo, us!
With support growing exponentially – especially through media and celebrity gusto-, “going green” is currently at its most stylish. And what better way to this exemplify this beautiful cause than on the most beautiful day of your life… your wedding! Below are 7 tips to make sure your wedding will be green with envy:
courtesy of wedding-pictures.org
One) Pick Eco-Chic Wedding & Engagement Rings. From the very first, down-on-one-knee moment to the big day of “I do’s,” you will have countless opportunities to go green! For instance, even your bands can be eco-chic by choosing materials that are Mother Earth approved. Consider using recycled gold, vintage jewelry or buying from green-loving jewelers. Over fifty jewelry retailers have signed the Golden Rules agreement, promising to sell only gold from mines that are actively supporting human rights, labor, and environmental concerns. In addition, it is also possible to buy conflict-free diamonds, purchased from areas not waging war over gems. Buying “clean” gold and conflict-free diamonds ensures that you’re only supporting environmentally sustainable practices.
Two) Choose Earthy Friendly Invites. While many Web sites and blogs may tell you that E-vites are the way to go, I’d have to disagree. There’s a certain level of formality weddings should uphold, and while emailing may be the most eco-friendly solution, it’s definitely not the ONLY eco-friendly solution. For the paper lover, consider using only one envelope instead two. By cutting back on the inner envelopes and just sticking to one outer, you’ll save an abundance of trees. Because the process of paper production is incredibly costly to the environment, you should also consider using paper crafted of 100% recycled materials or even ones made from other natural materials altogether. Companies like Crane & Co. and Smock offer a great line of invites crafted of cotton and bamboo, making them a great way to go green for your wedding!
courtesy of weddingbee.com
Three) Go Green with Ceremony & Reception Sites. When choosing a “green” venue, it’s important for couples to take a few things into consideration before signing on the dotted line. First, if you’re serious about having a wedding that is both eco-friendly and fabulous, you should be aware that typical venues like grand ballrooms, swanky resorts and whoo-whoo country clubs are often times guilty of using vast amounts of electricity. Think about getting married outside, on a farm or in a botanical garden where au naturale sunshine can provide the light and heating and cooling systems are null and void. If a traditional venue is a must, look for one that uses recycled, energy-efficient appliances and biodegradable products, as well as energy saving bulbs and lighting.
Extra Tip for the Extra Green: Gas emissions from cars are one of the main factors causing ozone depletion. Consider having your ceremony and reception in one place to cut back on the fuel pollution caused by your guests having to drive from one place to another.
courtesy of onewed.com
Four) Shake it Up with Organic Menus & Catering. Because food is such a large part of so many kinds of celebrations, many couples find it harder to go green for their wedding menu… but don’t panic about having an expensive, organically grown vegan menu only. There are several ways to help the earth while still keeping up the taste! Try cutting back on things here and there to make a big difference in the end. Choose in-season produce, fruits and vegetables that are grown locally. This will cut down on the shipping and packaging costs, as well as the excess pollution and trash it causes.
courtesy of lightdreamphotography.com
Five) Think Outside the Flower Box. Word of warning: don’t let the bloom fool you. Just because Mother Earth can grow it, doesn’t mean that all flowers are eco-friendly. In fact, many flowers sold commercially are sprayed with harmful pesticides and fertilizers that pollute groundwater, kill organic material in the soil and have even made the workers fielding them sick. Yuck! Instead, consider leaving blooms out altogether. In the spring and summer, switch floral bouquets with ones filled with vintage brooches and colorful ribbons. In the fall, consider a robust display of locally grown gords and vegetables, and in the winter, try using fluffy faux muffs! There are also several substitutes for eco-friendly table centerpieces. Try decorating your tables with things that can be used again, like candles or vases filled with river rocks and colored water.
If flowers are a must, consider using locally-grown, in-season flowers. Just like your food menu items, this cuts down on the cost and pollution caused by shipping. Also, try potted plants for centerpieces that can be replanted later.
Six) Bring In Biodegradable Favors & Gifts. It’s time for everyone to start being honest with one another… favors – no matter how ahhh to the mazing brides and grooms think they are – are often times forgotten. They’re either left behind or thrown away, and because so many are made with non-biodegradable products, they are causing waaaay more harm than good. I would encourage you all to do what the Mister and I did, and in lieu of favors, donate to your favorite charities in honor of your guests. This not only gives money to a great foundation, but it also be rids the excess packaging it takes to wrap the favors and any leftover “trash” it may cause!
Seven) Reduce, Recycle & Reuse Your Wedding Dress. I know. I know. This is sometimes the hardest ones for brides-to-be to swallow because soooo many of us want our very own wedding dress. However, I would suggest because so much excess fabric, electricity and travel are needed to make and ship a dress to every soon-to-be-Mrs., that she first start inside her Momma’s closet. Vintage inspired gowns are the chicest chic there is, and you can always have them altered to fit your personality and style. It’s your something borrowed and something new all in one :)
Extra Tip for the Extra Green: Also consider donating your gown after you’re done with it. Since most brides only ever wear their dress once, this provides a venue for others to get just as much joy out of it as you!
You know you’re official when you take over Pinterest and turn your name into a verb, and that’s exactly what Mumford & Sons and “mumfording / mumsessed” has done. Haha! First of all, it’s always been a dream of mine to become so famous for something someday – preferably something totally awesome, but alas, I digress :) – that my name could become a verb; so, the fact that one of my fave folk bands is almost equally as awesome!
For those of you not familiar (gasp!), Mumford & Sons is an English folk rock band who emerged out of West London in 2007. Known for the folksy sound, quotable lyrics and old fashioned style – the latter being the main reason for their trending on wedding style – Mumford & Sons merges the sounds of bluegrass and folk that is both soothing and original.
And unless you’ve been living under a rock or in a place with no electricity or battery operated radios, I’m sure you’re familiar with their HA-HUGE single, I Will Wait from their album , Babel. In case you find yourself being one of the aforementioned people, here it is :)
Legit though — even my mom knows I Will Wait! God love Denise – favorite lady evs – but she’s not necessarily known for staying in the know, if you know what I mean… that was a whole lot of “know” for a sentence that didn’t know much of anything, ha!
Anyhoot, listening to their music, filled with banjos, mandolins, upright basses and the like, you can almost see the style through music. I like to envision it as if the 1920s inspired Chicago and The Great Gatsby went country :)
Brides and grooms are filling their big day celebrations with bowling caps, backless dresses, intricate headpieces, suspenders, mustaches, vintage cars… oh my! Check out below and see what I mean :)
For the Bride & her ‘Maids:
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) lambandblonde.blogspot.com, weddingwire.com, rffledblog.com, listenerextraordinaire.com, lambandblonde.blogspot.com, trulychicinspirations.com, art-deco-weddings.com, 1920s-fashion-and-music.com, archibaldphotography.co.uk and kootation.com
For the Groom & his Dudes:
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) weddingomania.com, greenweddingshoes.com, photojj.com, greenweddingshoes.com, pinterest.com, pinterest.com, lullafly.com, emmalinebride.com and groomsguideforwedding.com
Alright, ladies and gents, let’s point the pinkies outward and get classy for a moment, shall we?
<sips champagne from her Waterford crystal… and go>
While weddings have always been and will continue to be an affair for every bride and groom to plan as they see fit, there has been a definite resurgence of refinery as of recent years… and the pip pip cheerio of it all has me pleasantly surprised :) Sure, this kind of a sophisticated splendor never really went away, but one way that it’s really made an impact of late is in plated dinners at reception hall feasts.
courtesy of laynecorban.wordpress.com
Talk about decadently delightful :)
During an interview with Bridal Guide, Elizabeth Creasey of an LA based catering company, WHOA, Nelly! stated one of their current, biggest requests from Hollywood A-Listers in reference to these plated feasts is for gold silverware, suggesting a “more sophisticated” affair. Check out below for some examples of this golden boy appeal :)
courtesy of mylittleapartment.com, unitedwithlove.com and bellethemagazine.com
And if adding entree choices to your buffet free meal is an option, might I suggest you consider adding a dish that showcases either yours, his or both your cultural culinary? This is an extremely popular take for brides and grooms cross all cultures, and it adds an additional touch of sentimentality to an already beautiful occasion.
But if you’re wondering what to offer that will have mouths watering for more, why not try 2013′s go to dish wish: pork! ‘Tis true, kiddos. Apparently pork has become the go-to meat for today’s modern wedding settings. While it is one of the oldest and most commonly consumed meats all over the world, it also has the ability to be transformed into sooo many delicious dishes… so, forks up, porks up! Ha, I couldn’t resist :)
But no matter what you decide – buffet styled, plated meals, pitch in or otherwise – just be sure you make it your own :)
I have a confession, ladies and gents. That’s right. Here amongst friends, I need to admit something I’m not 100% proud of, and because everyone knows a public blog forum is the most discreet place to make an admission, I’m sure that’s where this will remain, right? Ooookkkkaaaay, here goes. I love peonies! Okay, well, that’s not the confession, but it’s important for establishing the premise of what will be noted as such :) But see, so pretty…
courtesy of Next Exit Photography
Alas, I digress. It was in my youth that my original obsession with the peony started. As I would ride my bike around the neighborhood, I was always drawn to the overgrown, bushy plant that began to bloom every spring in Mrs. Brown’s front yard. Because of the size of the plant, it would often grow outward and onto the sidewalk. It was in the moments of early summer, that my confession comes into play.
The plant – as you may have well guessed – was that of the beautiful blooming peony. Now, because the plant would sometimes end up a little on the sidewalk, I couldn’t help but run into it every now and again. So, if my bike “accidentally” (on purpose) veered toward the bush and knocked off a peony head or two, it would’ve been wrong of me NOT to take them home and enjoy them the way pretty flowers like the peony deserve to enjoyed, right? Yes? No? Maybe? Is this thing on?
*Hangs head in shame* I knew it! To you all, and most especially to you, Mrs. Brown, I am eternally sorry for my youthful thievery, but please know it was done out of love and they were appreciated to the fullest extent! <insert giant, sweet smile>
And now that I have that off my chest and more than likely worried some of you reading this – especially if Mrs. Brown ever comes across this blog, haha! – I’d like to move onto the real meat ‘n’ potatoes of the post, which is – of course! – the peony itself!
courtesy of weddingchicks.com
According to the Bridal Guide and brides the world over, the peony is the go-to flower for bouquets looking to create the most gusto! And it’s no wonder why! Comprised with deeply lobed leaves with large, bulbous and often fragrant flower blooms, the peony is available in just about every color under the sun! It’s petals – decorated in everything from reds and yellows to shades of whites and pinks – this beautimous blossom can be incorporated into every wedding color and theme there is :)
Great as a stand alone flower, paired in a bouquet of nothing but its own blooms OR accompanied by others equally as exquisite, the pretty peony is surely one standout flower that will have heads turning and breaths catching. Check out below and see what I mean for yourself :)
courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) bouquetweddingflower.com, visionsweddingboutique.com, bellethemagazine.com, etsy.com, exploredreamdiscoverblog.com (insert), countrybouquetsfloral.com, kissthegroom.com, bellethemagazine.com, bellethemagazine.com and elizabethannedesigns.com
Last summer when Matthew McConaughey tied the knot with long time girlfriend, Camila Alves, in front of 100 of their closest family and friends, a new trend was born! According to US Magazine, McConaughey and Alves took their guests, which included famed Woody Harrelson and filmmaker Richard Linklater on a “high end” camping themed wedding adventure at their home in Austin, Texas.
But this was not just your average, childhood, sleep-away camp escapade. Sure, the couple reconstructed their property into a campsite, but that doesn’t mean guests were roughing it by any sense of the phrase! McConaughey and Alves not only offered the option of “celebrating all night long, camping out in state-of-the-art tents set up on [the couple's] property,” but they also offered showers, restrooms AND air-conditioning! (Maybe the good ‘ole Kidwell family should’ve taken lessons from this duo before taking us on one of their camping “extravaganzas.” Ppppfffttt.
courtesy of dreamlovephotography.com
In regards to this kind of star-studded nuptial digs, however? Um, yes please! And I’m not the only one! Because celebrities tend to celebrate our biggest fashion and social trends, it’s no wonder that this idea took flight for brides and grooms planning their 2013 nuptials!
Coined “glamping,” grown up or glamorous camping has become all the rage with today’s modern brides and grooms looking to have a little fun! According to Bridal Guide, couples are finding the idea of an adult version of summer camp super fun and a way to keep the celebration going. Thus, paying proper homage to their ceremonial “I do’s.”
Not only that, but just like Matthew and Camila, they’re also doing it in style! These wedding themed campgrounds aren’t filled with leaky, over heated, days of Yore tents covered melted ‘mallows. Oh no. Brides and grooms taking on grownup camping are all about serving up guests with oversized, ultra luxe tents, complete with electricity and fresh linens! Talk about a new take on an old tradition!
Absolutely love love love this? But how about you? Would any of you turn your ceremony into a s’more-filled celebration?
Metallics. Both classy and flashy, bold golds and sterling silvers are two trendy accessories a bride can count on to never go out of style. From jewelry and shoes to clothing and headpieces, details dressed in metallic bling take on level of fabulous that simply goes unmatched by most accessorizing counterparts.
And when this stylish sass is added to wedding invitations, brides and grooms the world over are learning just how ahhh(to the)mazing their opening statement can be! For cereal, I just received one of these metal-stamped musings in the mail this past week, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was WOW’ed when the initial reveal took place. The foil stamped invites had just the right amount of three dimensional shimmer and truly created an ooh-la-la factor without a lot of fuss. *Fridge-worthy for sure!
In fact, it was the simplicity of the design itself that caught me by surprise the most. The actual invitation used to set the background for the foiling was nothing spectacular or out of the norm… just plain, crisp white 80# cardstock. And yet, the entire look was utterly fab!
It doesn’t take much to give a lot of drama when it comes to metallic-infused invites; so, brides and grooms can go with a very simple, very basic invite – which, plus side news flash! means they start off significantly cheaper than overly ornate versions! – and still get an expensive look with both sophisticated and inviting features. Not only that, but the metallic look doesn’t have to stop with the typical brassy-colors generally associated with precious metals… you can pretty much foil stamp whatever color your little bride-to-be heart desires! Yay!
There is one thing, however. While I can’t deny the DIY nature that most wedding invitations create, I also can’t help but foresee the trouble a do-it-yourself’er may encounter when it comes to foil stamping on their own. There are several sites – not to mention YouTube videos – dedicated to delivering brides how-to info on foil stamping from home… I can’t really see how this is feasible unless you have an extra $500-$1000 just lying around. Legit, the pressing machine is nothing short of a pretty penny!
And who wants to spend their money on a foil press machine when there’s a dress and accessories to buy!?? Pfffffttttttttt!
But as far as the trend goes, it’s nothing short of hot! Hot! HOT! And while buying a foil press machine for your home may not be on your Top 10 wedding needs list, it’s still something that’s totally doable for the professionals and looks absolutely incredible when complete!
AND! even if you’re a bride a dead set on doing your invitations, don’t want to buy a foil press machine but still want the look it creates, try stamping instead! Custom stampers and metallic looking ink pads are incredibly inexpensive and can still give you that same look for waaayyyy less!
Check out below for some foil stamped inspiration OR go to our simply chic invitations and get started stamping today!
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) ohsobeautifulpaper.com, kandievans.com, bellafigura.com, invitationsbyajalon.com, ohsobeautifulpaper.com, cecinewyork.com, swisscottagedesigns.com, invitationsbyajalon.com, orlandomagazine.com, digbyrose.com and invitationcrush.com
While weddings have always been a personal and intimate celebration of one couple’s love, these days, brides and grooms have really started to focus on the “personal” side of that adage more so than anything else. As each couple begins to shape their wedding plans, most find themselves creating a one of a kind celebration that will fit them perfectly and will be filled with creative ideas and personalized touches.
This truly is something that is extremely great for the day, but sad when you consider most of the wedding day accessories couples purchase won’t ever be seen or heard from again. So, it’s important to keep the ones that will stick around as a true representation of your life and love. After all, flowers will wilt; invitations will be tossed; food will spoil; bridesmaid dresses will more than likely be donated to consignment life and even your dress may be “trashed,” but one item every couple puts out in the hopes of recording and creating memories is the quintessential <trumpets sound!> wedding guest book.
And like every other aspect of a modern day wedding, guest books are no longer just the simple turn and sign books of yore. While traditional guest books still play their part in modern day weddings, more often than not, brides and grooms will opt for guest book alternatives that will not only fulfill the traditional roll of capturing guests’ names, but will also capture the trendier roll of sentimentality and personality.
Guest book alternatives also allow your guests to get more involved with your celebration, which is a win / win for everyone! Below are some fun ways to renovate your typical guest book, while creating beautifully unique memories to last a lifetime.
The Shadow Box of Heartfelt Wishes. Both brilliant to display and easy to love, this creative art-from-the-heart-kit lets your guest be a part of a keepsake you’ll proudly showcase in your home! After each guest signs his or her name on the heart cutouts provided in the set, brides and grooms will simply instruct them to drop the heart-shaped note inside the shadow box and watch as the memories are captured and art if created. Truly a meaningful wedding keepsake, as well as fabulous DIY project for the crafty bride!
Wooden Box filled with Memories & Rustic Charm. Talk about a standout home accessory. This ultra unique guest book alternative has both the looks and the sentiment to easily be so many brides and grooms favorite wedding day keepsake. Simply asks your guests to fill out their names, well wishes, memory cards and the like, and then, gently roll them up and place them in the box. Once the wedding day is done, you’ll have all their names and sentiments stored for life!
Envelope Book of Warm Sentiments. A favorite amongst brides and grooms hoping to savor the sentiment, this unique guest book looks traditional while remaining completely trendy. Fitted with lots of tiny envelopes, this book allows your family and friends leave little note cards full of their best well wishes, memories or wisdom. Read one wish each day to savor your newly-wedded bliss, or dive right in to all of them at once. No matter what you choose to do one thing is for certain, you’ll have priceless words and memories to treasure for all your years of cheers and triumphs to come.
While it isn’t the latest innovation for wedding trends, burlap is certainly one of its brightest… and the reasons behind its buxom presence – as well as ultimate saying power! – are almost limitless. Follow me, won’t you?
It is country chic at its finest.
With outdoor / barnyard / backyard etc. weddings taking over in recent, the shabby chicness of burlap’s ruggedly textured exterior makes it one of the most sought after and well suited compliments to any country themed thriller.
courtesy of kellyhornberger.com
It is a natural fit for neutral palettes.
As mentioned in a recent post: Neutrally Natural & Utterly Fabulous, weddings these days are all about earthy tones. Decorating with neutral colors offers a multitude of ways to add personality to your big day celebration, and accenting them with something as beautiful as burlap is simple and radiant.
But it also works well with BOLD.
In contrast with the above thought, burlap is also extremely complimentary to brighter, bolder colors as well. Because it has such a soft tan hue, it looks great with a number of cool and warm colors. Everything from bright, turquoise blues and magnetic magentas to crisp lemons and serene greens look great with the browns of burlap.
courtesy of jodimillerphotographyblog.com
It is both Eco-friendly and economically smart.
While the entire world is going green and pinching pennies, it’s nice to know something as amazing as this wedding day delight is ideal in both situations.
courtesy of delovelyaffair.blogspot.com
It does DIY like nobody’s business.
That’s right, ladies. Burlap is one of the best materials when it comes to creating details for your wedding day. Everything – and I literally mean e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. – can be done up in tid bits of the textured fabric and made a little more fabulous. I’ve seen everything from wedding invitations, chair covers, guest favors, unity candles, table runners, centerpieces, pew bows, bouquets, ring pillows, banners, bunting, accessories, arches… seriously EVERYTHING!… decorated with details of burlap, and they really were brilliant :)
Oh, you still need convincing? Well, check out below and see what I mean:
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) iloveswmag.com, jetfeteblog.com, etsy.com, thesweetestdigs.com, bluemagpieinvitations.com, etsy.com, lovewedbliss.com, thesweetestoccasion.com, twobirdsonestonewedding.wordpress.com, thesweetestoccasion.com, etsy.com, burlapcrazy.blogspot.com, etsy.com and jetfeteblog.com
photo courtesy of Belle Bridal Boutique’s facebook page
I gotta be real honest with y’all – as if you’d expect anything less :) – but I’m not sure the wedding market has it right when it comes to bridal couture. For instance, anyone who has ever visited a bridal gown store will know that one of the first things they tell you is that most dresses are “cut small.”
“What?” you ask.
This means that most wedding dress designers follow patterns that cause brides to have to go UP a size… and in some more traumatic cases, maybe even two or three!! Trust and believe, lovelies, I know how ridiculous this sounds, but it doesn’t make it any less real.
The number one reason this is so ridiculous is because women are clothes tag Nazis. What? We are. We can’t help it. There’s just something confidence-boosting about being an 8, rather than a 10… even if we have to lay down, suck in, lose a rib and <squeeeeezzze> every last, ever loving roll into place in order to make it happen. In this instance, we are all the wicked stepsisters of Cinderella… simply trying to fit our over-large feet into an uber small slipper…
photos courtesy of animatedfilmreviews.blogspot.com
Yep. That’s us. I realize to men – and even some women – this makes absolutely no sense, but that doesn’t make it any less true :) So why?? OH WHY? On the one day when a girl is supposed to feel her most beautiful, would bridal gown designers make them start with an extra large strike already? Ugh.
A strike that is further outraged by the fact that the majority of sizes bridal dress retailers carry are – on average – 8′s and 10′s, which according to bridal boutique etiquette, puts them closer to a 4 or a 6. Really, bridal world… really???
I don’t know about you, but I don’t know a lot of girls who would fit this “norm.” Sure, they have other sizes, but brides who, like me, might have a little extra somethin’ somethin’ will definitely struggle to get a good fit. And that’s not the kind of gloom and doom any girl needs on her dress shopping day!
Hence, why I LOAF anything and everything about a place who takes this theory of caution and throws it to the wind, and no place could do it better than Belle Bridal Boutique!!!
Located in Bellevue, KY – right outside Cincinnati, the privately owned, mother / daughter wedding dress store features fashions for the festively (& fabulously!) plump, and they make it their number goal to ensure every bride gets her Cinderella Experience. And I know this, because I witnessed their awesomeness firsthand :)
A couple months back, I had the privilege of accompanying my gorgeous (seriously, kids, girl has a face for poetry!), future sister-in-law, Jamie, on her dress shopping day. I was more than happy to make the 2 hour trip to Bellevue, and just when I thought I couldn’t be more excited to be surrounded by rows and rows of blinged-out bridal couture, we made it to the store itself… and my happiness soon escalated to straight ecstatic frenzy! I’m not kidding :)
Stacey, the daughter portion of the mother / daughter duo, met us with mimosas and smiles, and it was nothing but ahhhh(to the)mazing onward! Jamie got to try on dress, after dress – most of which had to be tugged back and clipped in due to access fabric, and spent the entire afternoon twirling, swirling and showing off in some of the most beautiful dresses ever!
Not to mention, we were the only ones there, which only made the pampered experience even more special. At Belle Bridal Boutique, they work by appointment only; so, there was never a need to share the space with anyone else. It was a very intimate, very sweet time for celebrating. We were never rushed or hurried and literally spent our entire afternoon sipping on champagne goodness and enjoying Jamie’s dress shopping experience.
An experience which left her feeling fabulous, beautiful, and most especially, comfortable!!
And who can say that when it comes to any experience including a fitting room? Um, practically no one! This kind of pleasantry made me start thinking how wonderful it would be to have more stores following this concept!! After all, it’s a great idea… and there’s npothing better than when a great idea turns into an even better business :)
So, I’d just like to say cheers to Stacey, her mom – Henrietta and all the beautiful memories and brides they’re making at Belle Bridal Boutique!
Oh! And if anyone other bride has locations of similar plus size bridal stores, please feel free to leave them below!
