January 29, 2008 01:17:38
Posted By Your Fairy Godmother
So you are thinking about ordering your gown through an online site?

You may want to keep some things in mind why it is best to shop local boutiques - get the personal service you deserve and acutally see and try on dresses - HAVE FUN!

First - about half of the brides who come in to my store with a certain style in mind - choose something completely different once they see how the dress looks on them.

Second - sizing runs different for every designer and style. Choosing the right size could be a risk.

Third - You can feel the fabric - it could be luxurious, cheap, picky, or even flawed.

Fourth - What is the construction like? Will is be difficult to alter properly? Is it really a "new" dress or is it a leftover from 1980 and all the sequins have yellowed? Will the dress be too short?

There are many online sellers from China, recently. They use designer photos to entice you. Their price is incredibly, unbelievably, extremely low. You end up paying unexpected customs costs, there are shipping delays, and the dress that arrives is a poorly made copy of the photo you were shown. You are disappointed - do you think this supplier will do anything for you? NO - they are in China.

There are many discounting sites as well. So you think you are saving $100-200??? But will you really save anything in the end. Like I said earlier - sizing can be a difficult thing. Most brides need alterations. What to do? You can call local bridal shop. If the shop will accept your dress, more than likely they will charge you more for the service since you did not purchase from them directly. You can ask around for referrals, but a good seamstress is hard to find.

Saving $100-200  may be worth the time and stress to you. But be informed before you make a decision on the most important item of clothing you may ever purchase.
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Categories: bridal gown, wedding gown
 
October 11, 2007 09:14:53
Posted By Your Fairy Godmother

My inventory usually consists of over 1000 gowns! That's a lot. Yet, I don't have enough diversity to please everyone.
 
Many times, a bride walks in with a style in mind. But when she tries it on - yuck...not flattering. 
 
It is not unusual that I pull a gown off the rack that is completely different from what she has described to me - and that's THE dress!


Lesson 1 - be open minded, be very open minded.
Remember too, dresses are just fabric. The big bow, those ridiculous fabric roses, dangling beads, etc - they can be easily removed!
 
Even keep in mind that many sleeves can be removed if you are looking for a tank style dress. Straps can be added to a strapless. A modesty panel can be added to a plunging neckline. Lace too sheer? add a lining. Bra cups can be added to fill out a bustline or elimite the need for a bra/bustier.
 
You wanted a pick-up skirt - maybe it can be hemmed with pick-ups? You did not want a train - Adding a bustle to pull up the train keeps you from having to drag it around all day.
 
I have even added color to beading on a dress and veil with the creative use of some nail polish. Add a colored sash by using any shawl...or the remnants from the hemming of one of your bridesmaids' dresses. There is even a service that will dye the entire gown for you.
 
Lesson 2: Don't sweat the small stuff.
Some brides buy the first dress they try on. Others shop for months and become desparate. My advice is to try on several different styles to start with. This way you will narrow down your basic silhouette and fabric. Then it is all up to the details.
 
If you plan on special ordering, do it early and leave yourself plenty of time. The store has no control over the manufacturer's schedule or which dresses will be discontinued with little notice.
 
If you are shopping "last minute" don't fret. There are several designers that offer a rush service (for an extra fee) and may even stock limited styles for quick delivery. You may find it less stressful to purchase something off the rack. I am all about less stress.
 
Last week I had a bride come in who had 2 weeks until her wedding. She found a dress and took it immediately to the seamstress.
 
Lesson 3: Start searching early, when you find the dress - buy it!
Designers discontinue style with little or no notice. It is not a sales tactic to get you to purchase - it does happen --- a lot! I can'tt tell you how many brides have come back only to find that the dress they wanted was no longer being made. Then it's back to square one. 

 

-Your Fairy Godmother

www.belchertownbridals.com
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Categories: bridal gown, wedding gown
 
September 22, 2007 08:50:27
Posted By Your Fairy Godmother

As bridal shop owner I have some suggestions and advice for that day(s) you shop for your wedding gown.

 

Call ahead - make an appointment if you know your schedule. If you do walk-in, be aware that some stores may turn you away. Or you may end up waiting for a dressing room and service until they become available.
 
Bring only one or two people with you. Don't go alone. But too many people have too many opinions and it will get confusing. Remember this is YOUR decision.
 
Shop for YOUR gown. Leave the bridesmaids, flowergirl, and tuxedo decisions until you have chosen your style.
 
Do not bring young children. They do not have the attention span and you will not be able to watch over them. You will have a more enjoyable experience when you don’t have to keep chasing them out of the racks.
 
Do try on many different styles! Gowns look very different on YOU! Narrow your choices down to a few "maybe" gowns and retry them...after a few dresses - it gets confusing as to how each looked. Take photos if the shop will allow it - (many will not).
 
Use a strapless bustier if the shop can provide you with your size.
If you like a fuller skirt - try the dress with an extra crinoline.
Ask the consultant to show you how a bustle might look.
Finally - always pick out your veil/tiara with your gown for the full effect and color match!

 

HAVE FUN!

Your Fairy Godmother

Kathy Mailhot

www.belchertownbridals.com
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Categories: wedding gowns, bridal gown
 
September 19, 2007 08:15:19
Posted By Your Fairy Godmother

Dare to Dream

One of my customers suggested I start a blog as a way to help out today's overstressed brides!

 
I thought about it and decided it would greatly benefit brides if I shared the stories I hear from my customers. I am amazed by some of the tactics, salespeople, and just plain crap brides deal with.
 
I started my business in 1987 out of my basement. I now have a storefront and sell through the internet as well. I am a practical person and I don't believe it is necessary for businesses to take advantage of brides because they are emotional and stressed out.
 
To begin with - you don't have to spend $1000s on a gown you'll only wear for a few hours. And don't get me going on accessories, alterations, and other additions pushed onto customers oce they are hooked.
 
I hope this will be eye opening to many brides. I realize some won't care - they will pay anything for their day.
 
I will write as often as I can. I want to discuss gown design, designers, gown shopping, accessories, alterations, pricing, internet shopping, and stories my customers share with me.
 
Your Fairy Godmother
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Categories: bridal gowns, wedding gowns
 

 

 
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