Happy 2009!

We here at "What's Happening in Weddings" want to wish everyone a joyous and prosperous New Year! It's a time for new beginnings and if you're a 2009 bride, we hope you'll make us a part of your big celebration!

As always, if you have a specific question you'd like answered, please feel free to drop us an e-mail at Shannon@aBelleSoiree.com.

Congratulations!

What to do about tattoos?

You're inked, and you're engaged. What to do about hiding your tattoo?

Many brides are often concerned about their tattoos when searching for the right wedding gown. You can still have the beautiful skin showing gown you've wanted and hide the tattoo.

Many make-up artists are now offering "tattoo camouflage," a service in which they apply a makeup type product over the tattoo to conceal it before a special event.

For those of you looking for an "over-the-counter" application, check into using Derma-blend. It has long been known as the perfect make-up for those with facial imperfections, scars, or tattoos. This stuff is AMAZING. You can purchase it online by going to dermablend.com, or at your local JCPenney or Dillards department store!

Bridal Gown of the Day

Carmela Sutera

Style #429

Carmela is one of my favorite designers! I'm sure I've raved about her before. They use the absolute finest in fabrics and French laces. All of their gowns are made in the United States, something that is very rare these days. While they are at a higher price point, you are paying for suberb quality and attention to detail.

This dress we've nicknamed "Audrey." It's VERY Audrey Hepburn like and so much fun for the willing, fashion forward bride. It's actually a raffia ballgown, with two grosgain ribbons on the bodice and a beautiful bow.

This style is around $4500.00.

Thank you!

Just wanted to say a BIG thank you to those of you reading and commenting on the blog. It's great to get some feedback and know that their are those of you out there who are checking out "What's Happening in Weddings."

If you would like to see some articles on a particular subject, or if you have a question related to the wedding and events industry, drop us a line by leaving a comment here or email us at Shannon@aBelleSoiree.com

Ciao!

-Tip #1-

If you're a bride on a budget or you're going for a more simple approach, consider purchasing a bridesmaids dress instead of the traditional gown. They make an abundance of sophisticated, simple, and beautiful dresses in a variety of colors including white and off-white. Theses dresses are great for beach and garden weddings and average about $200. Nobody would ever know!

-Tip #2-

Bridal salons are the busiest on the weekends so take a tip from me, if you want excellent service and devoted attention call ahead and make an appointment at least a few days in advance. So often great bridal salons have to turn away brides because they just can't handle having anyone else in the store. Don't let this be you!

-Tip #3-

Look for a certified wedding & event planner by checking websites like ABC (national) or WPCF (central florida only). In order to be a member of these groups you must take courses, pass exams, attend conferences, meetings, and assist in other weddings.

-Tip #4-

Don't expect to choose all of your vendors or even your wedding planner based on a trip to a local bridal expo. Be sure to collect business cards and take notes based on what has stuck out in your mind about each business booth you've visited. Then, schedule follow-up appointments to review in detail their portfolios and qualifications. This will help you narrow down your selections.

-Tip #5-

Keep in mind when shopping for your gown that many dresses can be modified and altered to your liking. If you prefer something strapless, straps can be removed and vice versa. Train too long? Trains can be modified on most dresses.

-Tip #6-

Please remember that the average time for delivery of a wedding gown is 6 months! Bridal party gowns take between 2 and 3 months so plan accordingly. Remember that while the dress will be ordered as close to your size as possible, alterations will still be neccessary and will require an additional 4-6 weeks time.

-Tip #7-

Have your eye on an amazingly beautiful cake but it's totally out of your price range? Talk with your baker about the possibility of using styrofoam! Bakers now can create the look of that equisite cake you have in mind with only a portion of it being edible. They usually make the bottom layer real cake for your cake-cutting ceremony, but have simple sheet cakes in the kitchen that are cut and served to guests. This eliminates a great deal of the cost and you're guest will never know the difference!

Yucky favor alert!

*ALERT*

Okay, okay...a bit dramatic I know. But, have you ever tasted one of these things? While these decorated cookies are BEAUTIFUL and whimsical, they taste HORRID! They are hard cookies decorated with hard icing and they can be quite expensive! My suggestion is just to avoid these all together, unless you can work with a local baker to make fresh sugar cookies that will be chewy and delicious!

To favor or not to favor...

...that is the question!

Ever go to a wedding and you walked away with a little trinket you looked twice at and wondered how much the bride and groom spent on this thing you will never use? Want this to be the same for your wedding? I didn't think so. It's tough to find something useful, but inexpensive. In this article, I'll show you a few ideas for a range of budgets.

Brownie Pops
$3.50 each, less homemade

These are adorable, yummy, and festive mini-brownie pops. These are for sale on the favor site beau-coup.com, but could be made at home to save on cash. You can find round molds at a craft or baking store as well as the chocolate needed to make the coating and the lollipop sticks. These can be decorated with any theme, holiday, or even your monogram! Not an artist/cook? Enlist a close friend or family member who is and make them a special part of your special day!

Personalized mini oil and vinegar bottles
$5 each, less homemade

These are beautiful to look at and also something very useful for your guests. Oil & Vinegar bottles are used for decoration in kitchens but also as yummy dressings for salads and such. Why not incorporate a special recipe of yours and your fiance's own making by infusing them with different herbs and dried vegetables? You can also personalize them by printing labels with yours and your fiance's name as well as your wedding date. These are also for sale on beau-coup, but can also be easily made at home. Just purchase cute glass containers from a craft store or local kitchen supply store. Purchase the oil and vinegar from a warehouse club like Sam's or Costco. Have fun with it and use various shapes and sizes of bottles, unique to each guest!

Personalized CD's
Less than $1 a piece

What better way to give your guests a glimpse into your life by giving them an audio mix of your favorite songs as a couple? If your crafty on the computer, you can even step it up a notch by creating a DVD or CD slideshow of favorite pictures of you as a couple, set to a few good songs. Blank CD's & DVD's are so inexpensive now, and you can always find a good sale on them. Cases are also inexpensive and you can print your own labels from the comfort of your home! If you're feeling like you aren't creative enough, you can purchase custom labels from beau-coup.com.

Bridal Gown of the Day

Maggie Sottero "Aurielle"

One-piece, strapless, full A-line gown with lace-up closure. Grand in design, this style features a scalloped neckline and an asymmetrically draped bodice enriched with floral beaded embellishments. The dramatic back treatment is created by cascading draped bustles caught up with elegant beaded motifs.

http://www.maggiesottero.com

Bridal Gown of the Day

Oscar de la Renta

Style #10

Spring 2008

Oscar is a personal favorite of mine. This is a stunner that you probably have seen in many magazines. It is an "ivory embroidered strapless gown, framed in powder blue satin organza."

For more information on salons carrying this style near you, please visit

http://www.oscardelarenta.com

Alterations: What do I need to know?

Q & A on: Alterations

Does the purchase of my bridal gown include alterations?
-Not all salons or stores include alterations. Be sure to check with the store and review your contract. Always ask questions!

What if they include it in the price of my gown?
-While some stores do, it really isn't a good idea. Here's why...Say the dress costs $1500 including alterations. The TRUE cost of the dress could be just $1100. Say you only need a bustle and a hem done to the gown. This may cost you about $250. You've been charged $400 for alterations, when you only needed $250 worth. It's most always best to purchase a gown without them included.

The store I bought my gown from told me to start alterations already. I'm 4 months out from my wedding! Is this right?
-It isn't necessary to begin alterations this early. Your weight may fluxuate in the weeks and months leading up to your big day. Most professionals suggest making appointments 6-8 weeks out from your wedding date.