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.
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.