Come to Belle’s Bridal on Thanksgiving Day weekend for some awesome savings!  Save 50% stock sample gowns.  Over 50 gowns to choose from in sizes 0-24W.  There has never been a better time to buy a wedding gown in Abilene.  Call (325)673-0033 to schedule your appointment NOW!

Belle’s Bridal Boutique in Abilene, Texas will be having a Robin Jillian trunk show from November 10th-21st.

These exclusive line offers European styling with some unique choices in lace and satin.  Robin Jillian gowns will be paired with special promos and pricing during this event.  If you’ve been eying a gown, now is the time to buy!

Select gowns also have matching shoes and veils.  Make sure to take a peek during your appointment.  This awesome line is fashion forward for the most stylish weddings.

Call early to schedule your appointment.  (325)673-0033.

As always, Saturday appointments usually need to be scheduled two weeks in advance.  If you are shopping at the last minute, always give a call.  Its possible there was a cancellation and we can get you in.

It’s a great time to be a bride at Belle’s Bridal Boutique!

You’ll find that lace is a popular wedding gown choice. However, don’t be tricked into thinking all lace is created equal. It SOOOO isn’t. And the quality of the lace greatly affects the price of your bridal gown. Some laces are soft intertwined delicate cotton, while others are pressed plastic commonly found on curtains at Grandma’s house. Guess which one costs more? Yep, the natural fibers always cost more and look better.

This lace beauty (pictured left) is by one of our couture gown designers. It features all over lace with long eyelashes. Eyelashes are the fringe that overhangs the edge of the fabric. The little fringes are called eyelashes on lace. And the best way to sum them up - status symbol. The longer the eyelashes, the more costly the lace.

If you look at Grandma’s curtains closely, you’ll notice that there are no eyelashes. This is a very EASY way to tell how much the gown you are looking at should cost. And by all means, if you are lucky enough to get an awesome gown with long eyelashes - don’t cut them off! It’s like ripping the Cadillac emblem off the hood of your new Catera.

The two most popular types of lace:

Chantilly lace: a delicate silk, linen, or synthetic lace having a six-sided mesh ground and a floral or scrolled design (pictured at right). Chantilly lace offers a nice soft romantic feel. It isn’t as thick as all over lace. Entry couture lines may utilize this lace in part of the design of the gown, thereby creating a more affordable product. Notice the little eyelashes on this lace around the scalloped edge. This is a moderately price lace (approx $60/ yard). The chanitilly laces carried in Belle’s Bridal Boutique in Abilene, is totally stunning.

And did you know you can purchase matching lace for your wedding gown? Say you want a cap sleeve, to embellish a purse, or have a custom veil made by our excellent seamstress. Remember, wedding gowns are customizable! You can easily add come lace, a lace cap sleeve, or other detailing that makes your gown all its own.

Acelon lace: This type of lace is more commonly known as “all over lace.” It’s an intricate design and made out of natural fibers such as cotton. This type of lace originated in France and is some of the most expensive lace you can buy.

The gown in the photo above is an example of acelon lace. This gown has nice long eyelashes and the weave feels three dimensional. Very cool. Very nice gown.

And the best part about these two most common types of lace - the real thing smells so much better than the PVC knock offs. Better yet - if you come in during a sample sale - you can often purchase a REAL lace gown for the same price as a knock off. So, ladies, let’s skip the pressed plastic. There is no reason for it when you can get the real thing.

PS - this time of year there are a lot of trunk shows and sample sales going on. Take advantage of the savings. You’ll be glad you did!

OK, today I a phone call from a girl at the Super Nanny TV show on ABC.  She sent the following info.  They are specifically interested in Abilene area brides with blended families.  If you have kids and want your wedding on TV, read the message below.

Thanks for speaking with me earlier. I’m writing to let you know some good news for brides and grooms… ABC’s hit parenting show SUPERNANNY is looking for families with kids who are getting married to be the next family visited by America’s #1 Nanny, Jo Frost.

SUPERNANNY wants to help people who have concerns about blending their families together. Perhaps the kids are a part of the ceremony and they’re terrified the kids are going to misbehave in the middle of their vows or maybe one parent doesn’t feel comfortable disciplining their fiancé’s kids.

We are seeking couples who would like SUPERNANNY to help make sure their wedding goes off without a hitch. To apply, brides and grooms can go to www.supernanny.com or call 877-NANNY-TIME (1-877-626-6984)!

And they will be in Abilene next weekend!

Abilene Family Expo 2008

Abilene Civic Center

1100 North 6th Street

Abilene, TX 79601

Saturday, October 25th    

12PM – 4PM

Belle’s Bridal Boutique in Abilene, TX is liquidating their stock of Alfred Angelo gowns.  This includes bridal and bridesmaids styles.  All Alfred Angelo wedding gowns in stock are marked down 50%-80% off.  Bridesmaids samples can be purchased for only $60 for short styles and only $70 for long styles!!!  Take advantage of this incredible clearnace sale!

Sale prices only apply to samples that are in the store - not on orders.

Call and make your appointment today: (325)673-0033 before they are all gone!

Belle’s Bridal Boutique in Abilene, Texas, is hosting a Winnie Couture trunk show now through the last week of October.  During this time you’ll get to see over 20 different Winnie gowns all in the same place.  Best of all - the best prices of the year on Winnie will be at this sale, so don’t miss it!

What’s a trunk show?  A trunk show is a time when a bridal shop will have more of a certain designers gowns on hand.  The trunk show is usually a limited time (a weekend) and then the extra gowns are sent onto the next trunk show in another city.  Basically, the gowns go on tour, stopping at a few stores per state.  Belle’s trunk show is a BIG one that extends through the last week of October.

Trunk shows are a fab time to see what other styles may be available and try them on.  The gown in the photo at the left is one of the gowns in this trunk show.  It is a beautiful gown that cinches the waistline, slims hips, and while it has a traditional flare, it has contemporary details that make this gown outstanding.

If you haven’t looked at Winnie gowns, you’ll want to take a peak.  Whether you are looking for the traditonal ball gown or something super sexy, they have several styles that fit the bill.  We also have their destination line in the store and on sale!  The desitnation gowns are silk!  So you’ll feel cool and look totally stunning.

Remember that all of the brides who shop at Belle’s Bridal Boutique are waited on by their personal wedding stylist during a private appointment.  This lavish treatment is avaible during the trunk show as well!  Bring your mom and your BFF, and get ready for a bridal appointment like none you’ve expereinced.  Our brides leave the store uber happy (usually with a skip in their step) while mom is repeating, I can’t beileve it was that easy!  At Belle’s Bridal in Abilene, it is easy - and fun - to shop for a wedding gown!  So make your appointment now by calling (325)673-0033!  We can’t wait to find the perfect gown for you.  ;o)

Belle’s Bridal in Abilene, Texas has brides drive in from Midland, Lubbock, the Dallas Metroplex, and as far as Oklahoma City to ask for our expert advice in choosing their couture wedding gowns, assistance with tuxes, and wedding day know-how. Here are some of the most common (and fun) questions answered!

YOU HAVE TO WEAR A VEIL.
FICTION. Traditionally brides have worn wedding veils for centuries, although recently, younger brides have ditched the traditional viel. Brides-to-be often think of big poofy silly things hanging off their head. Who

would want to wear something that makes them feel silly? Tip - a wedding veil should compliment your wedding gown. The wedding gown should be your primary focal point. Everything else should enhance your wedding gown, including your veil. Our best selling veil is an exquisite couture angle cut that flows to the fingertips. It adds the perfect finishing touch to any look, compliments any hairstyle, and makes you look like a bride. Alternatives to veils are jeweled hairpins, jeweled hair wires, bridal feathers, and birdcage veils for a more retro look.

YOU CAN SKIP WEARING A BUSTIER
FACT…sorta. Let me explain. There are wedding gowns that have the bustier built into them, therefore you do not have to wear another one. Its already there, which is neat because you don’t have to layer up. It is important to know that proper foundations are the difference between looking like a hundred bucks and looking like a million bucks. Gowns that do NOT have the interior structure to support you in fact need (please don’t skip it) a bustier or corset. Don’t skimp on the petticoat either, if your gown has a full skirt and doesn’t have a built-in. The fastest way to look frumpy is to purchase a poorly constructed gown and then skip the foundations.

ALL MY BRIDESMAIDS HAVE TO WEAR THE SAME GOWN.
FICTION. Today’s bridal party can chose to either look uniform by all wearing the same gowns, or they can diversify looks, styles, and colors. An overall theme should be the goal. The easiest way to achieve a theme is uniformity, however, the same gown in the same color may not suit all the figures and shapes in your bridal party. A little help from one of Belle’s Bridal Specialists and you can create a cohesive look that fit and flatter your maids.

WOOL TUXES ARE VERY HOT.
FICTION. But, you already knew that b/c you read the last blog entry! ;o)

BRIDAL GOWNS WILL NEED ALTERATIONS.
FACT. This is true, most bridal gowns need alterations. This is the most special dress you will ever own. Making it fit you perfectly is part of the equation to looking your best on your wedding day.

MARRIED WOMEN CANNOT BE IN THE BRIDAL PARTY.
FICTION. Married friends are welcome in any bridal party. Traditionally, all of the bridal party were ‘maids’ meaning they were not yet married. This comes from the traditional role of a maiden at court - her job was to follow and assist the queen. Sound familiar? Contemporary etiquette says it is all right to have married women be a part of your bridal party. They are called matrons, rather than maids.

BOTH PARENTS CAN WALK ME DOWN THE AISLE.
FACT. Traditionally, the father of the bride walks the bride down the aisle. However, contemporary weddings have offered this once in a lifetime role to both parents.

NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO GET NEAR ME IF I CHOSE A BALLGOWN.
FICTION. The ballgown, as many of our brides have dubbed the cupcake look, is a flattering elegant look. However many brides have concerns about family - and the groom - being able to get close for hugs and photos due to the size of the skirt. Never fear, froofy lovers! Ballgowns are all fluff and can compact easily when you have your 1st dance!

THE RINGBOY HOLDS THE RINGS.
FICTION. The ring boy is actually supposed to be holding fake rings. The rings on his pillow are decorative only. The thought behind this is that a toddler or little boy is highly likely to loose such a precious item. Traditionally, the maid of honor and best man hold the rings.

ALTER SHOTS TAKE ABOUT 45 MINS.
FACT. If you have an experienced photographer and your family is agreeable, you can have all your alter shots completed in a time efficient manner. This is one of the many perks to using a real wedding photographer and not a family friend. They get everything you need quickly, so you can get to the reception.

3 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING IS ENOUGH TIME TO BUY A WEDDING GOWN.
FICTION. Even if you are the fastest shopper ever and find what you are looking for in 5 mins, you may not be able to get that gowns sewn for you in time. Normal turn around time on wedding gowns is approximately 26 weeks. Then after the gown arrives, you will want to allocate 2 months for the seamstress. And if you plan to do bridal portraits (you looking fab in your gown prior to the wedding) that event usually occurs 3 months before the wedding. A safe timeline for wedding gown shopping is to begin 12 months ahead of time, and order no later than 9 months before the wedding. If you do not have that much time, our experienced bridal consultants can help you find your dream gown quickly and discuss rush options that can get your gown here in as little as 10 weeks for some designers. We advise to seek out the gown and purchase as early as possible. Allowing yourself more time in the 2-3 months prior to the wedding will make you a much happier bride, rather than biting your fingers off wondering when your gown is going to arrive.

I CAN GET OUR INITIALS MONOGRAMMED INTO MY TRAIN.
FACT. Winnie Couture is one of our exclusive designers who offers this sentimental feature. You can have you and your beloved’s initials monogrammed onto the train of your wedding gown. The scrolling initials blend with the design of the gown beautifully.

Belle’s Bridal in Abilene offers tuxedo rentals starting at only $69.95. And they have designer tuxes, so not only are they priced nice, you’ll look really nice, too. Why do the designer option when you have it? Easy, because designer tuxes are cut better and use better materials than your bargain basement tuxes.

A couple of years ago, the fad was disposable tuxes - except the guys didn’t really realize that the tuxes were so poorly constructed that they in fact would not wear beyond ONE use. These cheap tuxes earned the kick name of ‘disposable tux’ and were tossed in the trash after each use. A disposable tux cost you about $100. They were typically constructed of polyester blends, which were insanely hot! So not only do you have a garment that cost more than renting - it was also a LOT hotter. Remember your high school band uniform? Remember sweating to death the oder trapping qualities of the poly? Yuck. Not so sexy. And lets face it, a guy in a tux should look super fine and smell nice, too.

So, if you don’t chose a poly disposable tux, what should you choose? Well, you’ll want one that breathes. Natural fibers breathe better than most synettics. At least synthetics made for formal wear. In other words, you and wool are gonna be BFFs. Yep. That’s right. Wool. You’ll notice designer tuxes use wool pants and coats. Wool wool everywhere.

So, what’s with the wool? Won’t the guys be hot wearing wool? Its wool! Yep, you are no doubt thinking of being bundled in a wool coat and hat and being pushed out the door into a winter wonderland when you were a kid. Well, wool can be cool too. Its a natural fiber that BREATHES which means if you get hot, the heat can get through the fabric and not cause you to melt your manly presence when your body heat rises. And at weddings, there is usually some tension and you are gonna get hot. If you wear poly, the heat cannot escape. You might as well be wearing Saran Wrap.

So, use this simple tip - use a wool tux on your wedding day - and be that smashing guy your girl dreams of (and you’ll be cool to boot!)

During the next week I am off to check out some of the latest wedding gowns by 100s of different designers.  Belle’s will select gowns that flatter and look totally fabulous for our brides!  New gowns will start to arrive in the next few weeks!

And with that in mind - we are clearing out last years gowns at wonderfully discounted prices.  If you were looking to save a bit of cash on your wedding gown make sure you get into this sale before its too late.  Appointments this week are full, but there are still a couple spots (as of now) open next Saturday - the 6th.  Call (325)673-0033 to make your sample sale appoinment now!

For those of you that have been waiting for an awesome gown sale - here ya go. This sale is by invitation only. How do you get an invite to the secret sale? Easy, sign up below!

This sale is 100% secret. Each day between September 1st and October 26th, Homecoming weekend at ACU, you could get a sale coupon and save up to 80% off your wedding or homecoming gown! It doesn’t matter if you have already been to Belle’s Bridal or not.

Each day between September 1st - October 26th, an email will go out to ONE lucky person on our list with a voucher that entitles you to save 20%, 40%, 50%, 75%, or 80% off! That person will have the opportunity to attend the Secret Sale, choose their gown from select styles, and save on our gorgeous wedding and formal gowns! Make sure to RSVP to your invitation by phone by the deadline on your email. This is an awesome chance to get a wedding gown or homecoming dress at a HUGE discount!

This sale includes gowns by Alfred Angelo, Maggie Sottero, Winnie Couture, Bailey Couture Formal Gowns, Belle’s PROM!, and lots more!

I told you a freakin fab sale was on its way. Here it is! Check your email daily to see if you won the invite to the secret sale! You won’t want to miss this!

SIGN UP BELOW!