If the Dress Fits...Shopping for the Perfect Style

So we all wanna look fabulous on our wedding day, right ladies? Whether you want to transform into a diva like Beyonce or keep it timeless like Audrey Hepburn, this is your crash course on finding the perfect gown that best fits your hot, sizzling figure.

STEP 1: Determine what shape you are. For me, this is always a little humbling. While I wish I were 5'6", I'm really only 5' tall and beautifully puffy ballgowns just aren't as flattering.

STEP 2: Once you have determined your shape, start considering the design elements or style/theme you will want to fit your wedding. Many times, your location will also determine the style of dress. For example, if you're getting married in a tropical location with possible sand, you will want to stay away from dupioni silk or heavy ballgowns.

Straight-across Strapless: This style is simply straight across, no dips or curves.
Great for: Well-endowed brides because it minimizes the girls.

Tip-If you're top heavy, I would skip out on wearing a necklace and opt for more dramatic earrings. Wearing a big necklace will draw attention to your bustle. Another thing that will draw attention will be a lot of embellishments. I know every bride wants a little bling on their dress, try to steer clear of too much bling on the upper portion of your dress. Remember less is more!

Sweetheart Strapless: Unlike the Straight-across strapless, the sweetheart has a slight dip.

Great for: Smaller busted brides because it gives your chest some oomph and lengthens your torso, but pretty much anyone can pull this look off.

Mermaid: This style hugs your curves but then flares out right at the knee.

Great For: Petite women.

Tip- I wouldn't wear this type of dress for an outdoor wedding during the summer unless you want your dress sticking to you like gum on a shoe.

Trumpet: This is similar to the mermaid but instead of starting to flare out by the knee, the trumpet starts flaring at mid-thigh.

Great For: Top-heavy brides. The trumpet skirt balances your figure out nicely.

Ball Gown: One of the most traditional wedding dresses. It has a fitted corset and a full skirt. Petite brides beware! Since the ball gown is so big, the skirt will drown you and make you look tiny. You don't want the dress to wear you, you want to wear the dress!

Great For: Hour-glass or pear-shaped brides because it camouflages your lower half.

A-line: It starts off narrow at the top and then expands outward, like the shape of the letter "A".

Great For: Any bride! The A-line dress is the most flattering style on any body type.

Knee Length: Like its name implies, this dress stops at the knees. With brides making a wardrobe change into short dresses for the reception being such a big trend, knee length dresses are great for keeping up with trend.

Great For: Tall or short brides, this length helps showcase your sexy legs but without showing too much. With this dress, you can really make it all about the shoes. You always want to have one item be a focal point and with this dress, it will be the perfect opportunity to show off some incredible heels.

Knowing which design will flatter your figure best, will ensure you look red-carpet ready for your biggest day.

STEP 3: Start shopping! Most bridal boutiques operate on an appointment only basis. On average, each appointment will take an average of 2 hours. For a production shopping experience, remember the following:

1. Wear Spanx or an undergarment resembling what you will wear on the wedding day. Taking your own strapless bra to ensure comfort and a proper fit.

2. Take a pair of shoes which resemble the heel height you want for your wedding day.

3. If you hope to wear your hair up on your wedding day you should take a pony tail holder with you to simulate an up-do. This will be helpful when sampling veils to go with your dress.

4. Always remember to walk around the boutique in the dress along with sitting.

5. Last but not least remember to consider what the back of the dress looks like. On the day of the wedding, guests will look at your back 50% of the time.

Super Star Intern,

Kristi Gomez

{Wedding Dresses} A "Red Carpet" Design You'll Love

If you're like me, you love the newest trends in wedding dresses. Designers are using more texture, ruffles, layering and luxurious fabrics to create couture gowns. Heavy beading is just as gorgeous, but the concept of "less is more" sweeping fashion week for Spring 2011. One particular gown I recently feel in love with was by a designer Sherry Hill. Her romantic "red carpet" number would be perfect for the bride who desired a more manageable train or possibly an evening gown. If you're truly daring, try it in pink.

When considering accessories, this dress would truly "pop" with a few vintage pieces. I would suggest to keep the selections simple to avoid a "busy" look to the complete ensemble. Haute Bride has some perfect pieces that any bride would just swoon over!

Blissfully Inspired,

Samantha Darr

Owner/Lead Planner

Tips for a Bridal Shoot

Growing up in the Midwest, weddings were a little different. Culturally, some of the most common trends of today were virtually unheard of in the northern region of the United States. The Groom didn't have a chance to express his hobbies with a separate groom's cake. A charmingly adorable nephew only had the option of being a ring bearer vs. a bell ringer during the ceremony processional. And most importantly, the only time the Bride had the chance to test all components of her wedding day ensemble was during the last dress fitting. Thankfully, the bridal portrait shoot is commonly requested and found as a necessity even to allow the bride a dress rehearsal while having a ton of fun with a few friends and photography. Why only wear the dress for one day when you can wear it for two?!

When preparing for your bridal shoot, here are some tips to ensure your day is a success:

1. Have helpers whether they are members of your bridal party, personal friends or family members. This will give them a chance to see how the dress is to be properly zipped, buttoned and/or bustled.

2. Have a set of cloth white gloves on hand to be worn by those helping to move the train around during the shoot. It helps to protect the dress from sweat and oils. With being in Texas, this is a special consideration considering the heat.

3. Speaking of heat, be prepared for all that goes along with the heat. Spanx is truly the most comfortable item underneath to wear. Bring plenty of bottled water with a straw to stay hydrated to keep a glamorous smile. And oil blot paper. Shiseido truly makes the best with the most successful results.

4. Whether you're shooting inside or out, you will want to protect the skirt of your dress. A cream, ivory or white flat sheet (whichever best matches the color of your dress). Having something underneath your dress' train or for you to sit on will allow you the peace of mind to enjoy the shoot and get some fabulously creative shots.

5. Bring two pairs of shoes. One for comfort which you are OK with walking in the grass and one for the fun shoe pics. No need to scuff up your wedding day shoes!

6. Don't forget to order your bouquet. Not only is this a dress rehearsal for your ensemble, but it's a great opportunity to see how the bouquet will look and feel with your dress. Along with the type of flowers you've selected. Typically, a florist will make a slightly smaller version of the one you will have on wedding day.

7. Schedule your shoot 1.5-2 months prior to your wedding day. This will allow plenty of time to receive the dress from the designer, have it custom tailored to fit you and allow plenty of time to purchase your accessories. Also remember, it's important to have all of your shoes and undergarments purchased prior to beginning your alterations.

Blissfully Yours,

Samantha Darr
Owner/Lead Planner


(Photo Credit: Fort Mill Photography)

{Venue Location} Engagement Shoots

When preparing for an engagement shoot, it's important to talk with with your photographer to ensure you select a time of day to have proper lighting. High noon is never a great time for outdoor pictures due to shadows and glare. Most importantly, select a venue with the right style/feel for the pictures you want.

Due to a last minute need to reschedule a bridal shoot for today, our team quickly went into action to find an alternative location. Especially a location as architecturally interesting, romantic and glamorous as the Crystal Ballroom. As you can imagine, yes, many locations were already booked. We were thrilled by Morgan Lynn Photography's recommendation; Fiori Spa. With Morgna's experience at the venue, the pictures are going to more than the bride could have hoped for. The Bride was ecstatically happy with how lucky we are to have such a beautiful alternative venue. We are swooning over the serene environment that looks as though you stepped into the Italian countryside.

Part III: Suggestions & Fashion

A wedding is a tremendous investment. It is important to ensure that everything goes the way you have always dreamt. The dress is such an important piece of that dream. Make sure that when you shop for your wedding dress that you go somewhere that will treat you right and help find the perfect dress.

For our Dallas brides I would highly recommend working with:
- Marianne from Stardust Celebrations
- Sharon from Lulu’s Bridal
- Warren Barron

- Stanley Koershack

- Priscilla of Boston
- For beautiful custom gowns: Nha Khanh

For our Houston brides:
- Mia Bridal Couture
- Princess Bridal
- Brickhouse Bridal

- Winnie Couture
- Belle Mariee River Oaks

At all of the places mentioned above you will have excellent service, selection and expertise.

New Fashion Trends in The Bridal World:

There are some exciting fashion trends in the bridal industry you may want to test out. The feminine softness is the latest theme amongst wedding dresses. We are seeing that less is more.

That being said accessories have become a vital instrument in creating your overall ensemble. Items such as exquisitely beaded belts, broaches, or beaded head bands are easily accessible at any boutique. On occasions you can have decorative flowers or bows attached onto the dress in the places of your choice. If you go with less you can add sweet touches that will make this dress a perfect fit to your personal style.

Today is all about accessorizing!

Always Learning, Always Fabulous,

Vanessa Sinatora
Associate Planner

Part II: Creating the Perfect Moment

Day 2 our bride steps out of her home with a fresh pair of heels and new expectations. She gathers her crew and begins her dress shopping:

Imagine entering a gorgeous wedding gown boutique met by a fabulous white staircase. Upstairs you become surrounded by various different sections of exquisite gowns separated by top designers. A sales associate approaches you and assists with picking out various dresses of your choice making suggestions along the way based on your body type and skin coloring. Your hands run across all the different fabrics enjoying the textures, layers, and beading. This sales consultant will bring you and your family into a private dressing room where she will help you try on all the gowns of your liking. Based on your response she will bring you more dresses that will compliment your figure so much you could just cry. At the end of the day you will find a dress. This dress will likely make you do a little dance in front of the mirror, your mom will begin to cry, and sure enough the tears become contagious and the whole room, including you, will have smiling wet cheeks. The perfect dress has been found and a moment has been created.

Experiences are everything in life. Make sure this experience is so perfect that words can not express the joy and excitement you feel. Meet me for Part III for a few wise suggestions and a glimpse into the newest wedding dress fashion trends.

Always Learning, Always Fabulous,

Vanessa Sinatora
Associate Planner