OK, the trend in couture gowns is slight embellishment…and the embellishment is getting chunky.  Many designers for the 2009 seasons have chunked up their bead work to stone work.  Some interesting items used on gowns include conical shells and gemstones.

This year one of the coolest things I’ve seen was the addition of gemstones like a very pale Tiger’s Eye to the gown.  It is SO cool!  Tiger’s Eye is a shiny stone that has a horizontal line that follows you as you move - kind of like an eye.  The embellishment incorporating the tiger’s eye uses it is a floral design on the bodice, forming an empire waistline.  LOVE this detail work!

Other gowns have chunkier crystals worked into intricate designs on the bridal gowns.  The gown below uses larger and smaller crystals embellished with silver thread.  The design is very delicate despite the larger stones.

The gown below shows the detail on a bodice with intricate bead work with a small floral pattern.  The effect is very subtle and feminine when taken in with the rest of the gown.  Most people don’t notice how many beads, pearls, and crystals it takes to make one flower.

Check out the leaf arches and how many beads it takes to make each one.  Each little bead allows for the gown to catch more light - this give your the perfect amount of sparkle.

Glass does not sparkle as much as crystal.  If your cheap friends give you a bunch a wine glasses from Target, rather than the Crystal ones at Dillard’s - you’d notice.  Same thing here - crystal is better.

Moving onto more coolness.  We have hand selected items that match the designs on these gowns.  Veils, shoes, tiaras, headbands, hair/ floral wires, and garters.  All these things match certain gowns perfectly!

Here is a cute little garter edged in sea pearls and silver beads.  The little pattern matches the bead work on one of our French Lace gowns.  Oh la la!

Add to that silk shoes with matching broaches.  And boy - you are gonna look smoking hot walking down the aisle!

This is one of our best selling shoes.  It’s perfect for couture gowns.  The simiple style is easy to wear and looks like a million bucks, while only costing around $100.  And did I say they are silk?!?!  Forget the shoe depot brands.

Looking hawt has never been so easy.  Make sure to ask your consultant what items match your gown at your visit.  With new gowns arriving daily and all these matching accessories, shopping at Belle’s Bridal in Abilene is SO easy!

Belle’s Bridal Boutique will be closed today due to the ice storm. All appointments will have priority rescheduling. Thank you.

We just received a new line of couture wedding gowns from Bailey Couture.  They are SO gorgeous you are going to totally die.  They’re like butter!  All silky smooth and perfect.  You’ll never want to take this off!!!

The cool part is some of these babies have pale white Tiger’s Eye gemstones on them.  The tiger’s eye is incorporated into the gown decoration.  It is so different and so stunning.  Sometimes different is just different - not here!  You HAVE to come in and see these!

Bailey Couture prices start @ $1200 and go up from there.  SO TOTALLY WORTH IT!  I’ll have to post some detail shots of these gowns.  You are so gonna flip.

In the mean time, here is a pretty bride in a Cinderella gown.  Isn’t she stunning?

So totally posting a couple of shots of these new gowns ASAP.  SO worth it.  You totally have to come in to see them for yourself.  ;o)

When you start shopping for your wedding gown it is really helpful to be able to know what kind of stuff you like.  There are so many different fashion terms that describe in detail what you like - and you only have to say a couple of words!   A good bridal consultant can navigate all this hoopla for you.  However, if you are forced to shop in some other place because you can’t venture into the totally fab Belle’s Bridal Boutique, get some know-how and save yourself a little time in trying to find what you want.

Think about how fast you can cut to the chase when you say, “I would love a Mikdao trumpet gown with a Chantilly lace Boarder Trim.”  Ta-dah!  BTW - if your bridal shop doesn’t know what you are talking about; personally, I’d run away.  They should know more than you and be able to tell you why what’s what and help you.  You’re the bride!  You deserve it!

Below is an excerpt from Glossary for the Fashionably Illiterate.  It describes some of the basics that you may encounter while shopping for your bridal gown.

Alencon Lace (uh-lon-sahn) : A fine French needlepoint lace of flowers and swirls on a sheer net background. The motifs are outlined with a heavier silky cord creating a raised edge. The true french alencon lace has what is know as a beard - a fringe of threads along the edges of the scallops. Less expensive copies don’t have the fringe.

Appliques (a-plih-kay): Additions either re-embroidered or sewn onto the fabric of the gown with an outline stitch.

Ballerina: A full skirt that reaches just above the ankles

Beading: Crystals, pearls, sequins that are stitched directly to the fabric.

Blusher: A short, single layer veil worn over the face during the ceremoy.

Border Trims: Braids, ribbon, ruffles or scallopped edges.

Brocade: A patterned fabric (jacquard) with a raised woven design giving an embossed effect to the fabric.

Battenberg Lace : A style of renaissance lace on a satin background, usually trimmed with beads, sequins or linen tape to form a clean scalloped edge.

Box Pleat: Two folds of fabric brought together to form a pleat.

Caviar Beads: A bead that is heat set to fabric

Chantilly Lace : A delicate pattern of swirls and floral designs with silky threads on a fine net background outlined in a heavy silk thread. This silk is soft to touch.

Charmeuse: An opaque, lightweight, soft satin that clings to the wearer and is less shiny than regular satin.

Chiffon: A delicate, transparent fabric with a very soft, feminine finish. This fluid fabric moves with the wearer and drapes well. Perfect as your veil or used in layers over other opaque fabrics. Silk chiffon is the luxury choice, for a more affordable option use the polyester chiffon.

Crepe: A flowing, sheer fabric with a pebbled texture.

Crepe Back Satin: A light to mid weight fabric with a smooth satin on one side and a crepe weave backing on the other. Ideal for brides seeking a dress with a satin shine.

Crepe de Chine: Like the crepe back satin, but of a lighter weight and is softer to touch. The fabric has a higher lustre than a crepe back satin wedding dress.

Crinoline: Also known as petticoat net, this is a stiff net used for petticoasts for the skirts of wedding gowns and can also be used in bows and bustles to add shape to the fabric.

Dot Organza: Organza with polka dots.Mikado: A lusterous, fine woven silk fabric that is heavier than regular silk.

Dupioni or Douppioni: a textured fabric is similar to shantung, although the woven nubbly texture is heavier and thicker than that of shantung. This is a beautiful fabric used commonly in wedding gowns.

Duchesse satin: a blend of silk and rayon that is lighter and less expensive than silk satin. Resists wrinkles well.

English Netting: A fine, soft netting made with cotton yarn. Commonly used in trains, bodices and sleeves.

Edging: Lace, cord, embroidered band or silk satin that outlines a section of fabric.

Embroidery: Elaborate designs stitched directly onto fabric by either hand or machine.

Faille (file): A ribbed finish on a low lustre cross weave fabric.

Flounce: a wide ruffle around the bottom of the skirt.

Georgette : A sheer, lightweight fabric with a crepe surface.

Guipure Lace : One of the most elegant of all the laces. A heavy, raised lace with an open background usually in large floral leaf patterns. The heavy stitching is embroidered onto paper (aetx cloth) that is dissolved leaving the motifs to stand alone. Also known as Venise lace in the US. Guipure is a versatile popular choice amongst brides. It can be pieced to create a bodice or used in the train.

Jaquard : A lightweight fabric with a satin background and a pattern woven into the fabric.

Mikado: A lusterous, fine woven silk fabric that is heavier than regular silk.  (It may also be called Raw Silk)

Organza: Flowing yet crisper than chiffon, this fabric is sheer and often used for full, multitiered skirts or to used under the wedding dress to achieve a full skirt silhouette.

Net : a mesh like fabric - used under the dress as a petticoat and in layers.

Peplum: A short skirt sewn on to the bottom of a fitted bodice

Satin: A medium to heavy weight, smooth, opaque fabric that is glossy on the front side and dull on the underside.

Shantung: woven to simulate the imperfections found in raw silk. This medium to heavy weight fabric has a homespun, nubbly texture and is lighter in weight than the doupioni. A stunning fabric often used in wedding dresses.

Silk: This fiber, made from the cocoon of silkworms, is luxurious, resilient, and strong.

Soutache: A narrow braid of ribbon sewn on as a trim to your wedding dress

Taffeta: A wonderfully crisp, smooth fabric that whispers as you move - shot with a watermark effect. Best suited to stiffer, fuller skirts with net petticoats.

Tea Length: A skirt that sits hemmed at the end of the shin.

Tiered: The skirt of the wedding dress that is comprised of layers of fabrics.

Tulip or Wrapped Skirt: A skirt that has free edges, one that is wrapped and folded over the other

Tulle: Also known as Illusion and is similar to organza however stiffer and coarser. Commonly used in veils and eye catching when layered to form the skirt of a wedding dress. This fabric tears easily so best behaviour please until at least after the cake has been cut.

Veilling: A very fine soft net used in adorning headpieces.

Velvet: A very soft, luxurious heavy fabric - very elegant and wears well with crepes, satins, furs or shantungs - suitable for winter wedding dresses. A wonderful fabric to use in bridal muffs, shrugs, wraps or as a trim on capes.

Yoke: Not the Irish one, this is the upper part of the bodice or a widened waistband where the rest of the dress is attached.

Now you are fashionably literate!  Go out there and find your gown!!!

Carmen is one of the sweetest brides I’ve ever meet!  She came into Belle’s Bridal Boutique (located over by Copper Creek restaurant on Loop 322 in Abilene) with a limited amount of time to plan her wedding - only 6 weeks!  Carmen had a total time crunch.

The moment she walked into Belle’s one of our expertly trained consultants began to speak with her about her ideal wedding gown and her wedding.  We found out that she would be at Erinshire Gardens for her wedding and reception.  Her consultant quickly navigated through 100’s of gowns to find her the perfect gown.  Belle’s even located hanging stock of her gown in her size and color, and received her gown back here at the store within a week!  Talk about totally awesome!  (Most wedding gowns have to be made from scratch and take a minimum of 12 weeks to arrive).

Then we rushed her alterations with our fabulous seamstress.  In three weeks time, she had everything planned.  She selected tuxes, created a beautiful color pallet of oranges and black, booked her wedding photography and was done!

Planning a wedding is easy when you have the right help.  This bride took advantage of everything that Belle’s has to offer and saved time and money.

Carmen even had time to have her bridal portraits made prior to the wedding!

Good luck to you and your new husband!  You guys were a blast to work with!  I love this shot from your bridal session.  You look perfect, Carmen!

If you haven’t lived in Abilene or San Angelo very long, you may not have been part of the West Texas Rehab auction yet.  Every year they have a HUGE auction to help raise money to help local folks.

This year Belle’s Bridal Boutique has donated a Winnie Couture veil.  This stunning veil is up for grabs to the highest bidder.

The auction is held in the Abilene Civic Center every year.  And in the past few years they have added online bidding.  Go and check it out!

http://www.rehabauction.org/auction/

Looking sharp for your wedding has never been so easy!  Belle’s offers a full line of tuxedo rentals to suit your style and budget. Its SO easy to find the perfect tux! All you need to do is come in and we can help you match up your stuff to form a very polished wedding.

Guys, if your girl has told you go get the tux, pick out what ever you want - come here! We can totally help you out!  To learn more about tuxes and choosing one that is right for you - make sure you read What’s Up With the Wool?

This bride and groom picked Belle’s Bridal Boutique in Abilene, TX for their tuxedo rentals. As you can see, Mr. Ellis looks fantastic.  They had an awesome wedding at the Paramount Theater in downtown Abilene.  The reds and golds really offer a super posh romantic feel.  Off-set by Mr. Ellis’ super-fine tux… Well, need I say more?

Thank you for choosing Belle’s Bridal Boutique!  You guys were a pleasure to work with and we wish you the very best!

Photo by TwoPair

Congrats you guys!

The weekend of Jan 17th we will be having a one day only sample sale. If you have been dreaming about a gown you tried on at Belle’s Bridal Boutique, now is the time to grab it before someone else does. Sample sale includes silk Winnie Couture Destination, Maggie Sottero, and Alfred Angelo. Sale prices are up to 50% off the tagged price on sample gowns. So call (325)673-0033 now to make sure you get an appointment. See you there!

Here is the new Abilene, TX wedding venues (wedding ceremony and reception locations) page we have been working on. It’ll be made a permanent link once I figure out how to do that. lol.

Until then, here ya go!

ABILENE WEDDING VENUES

Lots of people ask about wedding venues in Abilene, Texas. Belle’s Bridal Boutique knows all of them and many of our brides have held their weddings in these locations as well as some posh locations outside of Abilene.

Below is a listing of the most used wedding venues in Abilene and the surrounding areas. Some of the venues have yet to embrace the internet and so there is no link. For those who we were able to track down a link, please click through. Please note that Belle’s Bridal does not endorse these venues and is not affiliated in anyway. Please continue to do your own research to ensure you have the wedding of your dreams.

Some of the venues are called small, medium, and large. Here is a reference point for wedding sizes in Abilene. Small weddings are under 75 guest, Medium weddings are 75-150 guests, Large weddings are 150+ guests.

Wedding & Reception Venues:

MCM Elegante Hotel, Abilene, TX - This venue has a beautiful courtyard in the back of the hotel, behind the atrium. Beautiful during the day or night. This venue can accommodate larger groups. It has a Mediterranean flare with lots of wrought iron, wood, and rich colored adobe tiles.

Whitney Theatre, Albany, TX - This venue is outside of Abilene, but has gotten some kudos from local brides. The theatre has a castle-like feel and works well for smaller weddings.

1st Baptist Church - Downtown Abilene - This is a large grand church in downtown Abilene. They do allow non-members to wed here, however current members get 1st dibs on dates. There is a large stained glass window behind the pulpit. The foyer is decorated in marble. It is a very beautiful building that can accomodate larger weddings.

Willow Creek Chapel - Abilene, TX - Willow Creek is at the end of Treadaway on the south end of town. This chapel & reception site has indoor and outdoor facilities with a creek running through the property. WC also has decor on site and can offer assistance with other wedding services (photography, limos, catering, etc).

Cactus Hotel - San Angelo, TX - This venue is a historic hotel in San Angelo. Granted it is an hour from Abilene, but it is totally worth the drive. They have a grand ballroom that can accommodate larger weddings and receptions. It is very posh with multiple rooms so you can have your wedding and reception in the same building without switching the settings. Check it out.

The Grace - Downtown Abilene, TX - The Grace has indoor and outdoor facilities. One cool thing for smaller weddings is that you can get married on the roof-top. The Grace offers several different options and can accomodate most weddings.

T&P Event Center - Downtown Abilene, TX - The T&P is a historic building downtown. It is conveniently located near several other sites/ churches. T&P can accommodate larger weddings.

The Paramount Theatre - Downtown Abilene, TX - I LOVE the Paramount. This historic building is just awesome. Its dripping with rich detail, gilding, and ornate moldings. It’s red and gold color scheme screams posh. Perfect for medium weddings and smaller.

Windsor Ballroom - Downtown Abilene, TX - I wish they had a website, but I’ve yet to find it. The Windsor Ballroom is BEAUTIFUL. It is decorated in white with large arching windows and chandeliers. Its a very romantic, timeless place. Most weddings here are medium or smaller. You can have a larger wedding here, based on your ceremony and reception plans. Many brides have opted to have the ceremony and reception in the ballroom so that the room is re-set after the ceremony for the reception, while the bride takes her wedding pictures.

Wooten Ballroom - Downtown Abilene, TX - This is another historic ballroom in downtown Abilene. It’s smaller than the Windsor. The lobby is beautiful. The ballroom has large windows that stretch from the floor to ceiling…well, close enough. They’re HUGE.

Frontier Texas - Downtown Abilene, TX - This reception site is often overlooked and can be a really neat place for a reception. It’s very rustic with brick and stone and wood. Check it out.

Chapel on the Hill - Abilene Christian University - If you like blue and purple, then this place rocks. You can have the wedding in the chapel and have the reception in the rotunda below. This chapel has floor to ceiling stained glass windows on both walls and a white stone wall behind the alter/ pulipt area.

Logsdon Chapel - Hardin Simmons University - This chapel has a similar feel to ACU’s, however it has warm tones, rather than cool. It also has a huge organ so someone can wail here comes the bride for you!

Meadows at Creative - Abilene, TX - This wedding venue is an outdoor recption site. Several brides have said it’s very nice and worth the drive.

Erinshire Gardens - Abilene, TX - This little place was owned by a family up until 2008 when it was purchased and turned into a wedding venue. The grounds are still kept nicely with the upper and lower gardens. The venue has the feel of an English garden.

Church of Heavenly Rest - Abilene, TX - This is a very beautiful church in Abilene. This is a wonderful church for the members to get married at. As far as I am aware, it is not open to weddings for non-members.

I’ll post more as I come across them.