Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Breast cancer awareness is something that everyone pays tribute to throughout the month of October and with the sea of pink everywhere how could you not! It’s important to know the facts!
(This information according to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer website.)

Remember...Early Detection Helps Save Lives!!!

Be sure you and your loved ones follow the recommended guidelines from the American Cancer Society for early detection of breast cancer. If there is a history of breast cancer in your family consult your doctor on the need to begin these steps at an earlier age.

• Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
• Clinical breast exam (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over.
• Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s.
• Women at high risk (greater than 20% lifetime risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year. Women at moderately increased risk (15% to 20% lifetime risk) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram. Yearly MRI screening is not recommended for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15%.
  
  

For more information regarding ways to help, support and give guidance please visit the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Website.

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ALSO...

Charlotte, NC is having a AVON Walk Charlotte on October 23-24, 2010.

Please REGISTER today!!!

For more information on that walk please visit the link below…
http://www.avonwalk.org/charlotte

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ANY BRIDE IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA AREA PLEASE CHECK OUT BRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER! They could really use your donations!!!

How-To: Mother-of-the-Brides

(picture provided by Sheila Glazov)

Your daughter is getting married, Congrats! Start the lists there’s so many things to do. Questions for you like…Can you help me mom? How much is that? It’s something borrowed, something blue…and what else? But being the mother of the bride (MOB) is not just being an ATM or encyclopedia on weddings it’s an intricate piece of the “wedding puzzle”, which now…you have to play. These days a bride usually has their own visions and ideals for their big day but every now and again the mother has to be there for the 32654016 dress fittings and cake tastings and place setting choices.

I should create a list and publish it on “How to be a Mother of The Bride”…although I’m sure there’s one somewhere out there! Here are a few things I’ve learned on my adventures with brides and their moms.

1. Be the cheerleader. Don’t be too opinionated; just give enough advice to seem like you’re the wise momma guru.
   
   
2. Discuss the budget. In order to plan a wedding a budget must be set in place before you can do anything else.
   
   
3. Go with your daughter to all of those bridal boutiques and try on as many dresses until she finds the one that she loves, if she’s lucky…you might pay for it too! (Note: if the dress she loves is over the budget you set, try to see if the budget can be moved around. Spend less on something not as important)
   
   
4. If she wants you to help research venues, florists, caterers, hotels. Do it with a smile :)
   
   
5. MOST IMPORTANTLY....MOMS:
   

• Choose your mother-of-the-bride dress because it takes 10-12 weeks not including time you WILL need to alter it.

• Choose a dress that fits your body type and also accommodates your fashion sense.
  ---FORMAL DRESS WEAR IS USUALLY 2 sizes bigger than your normal dress size. (for example: if I wear a size 10 dress, I would most likely wear a size 14 formal wear dress!)
  

• Pick a color that looks good with your skin tone and can play with the bridesmaid colors. (CAUTION: STAY AWAY from pastels; choose darker jewel tones or neutral colors!!!)

• Let the mother-of-the-groom know what designer, color and style dress you chose and if possible send her a swatch of the fabrics and/or pictures of you in it so she can find a dress that will be similar to yours.

• NOTE: Jasmine Bridal has a MOB’s collection that has so many different pieces within it. The Jade & Jade Couture Collections have a large selection of dresses with shawls/jackets/shrugs, flattering materials, wide variety of sizes from 2-26 and colors that will make any MOB feel like a million bucks!
  
  
  (we carry these Jade designs along with many others)
  

Jade Couture# K3348 & K3338

Jade Couture# K3379 & Jade#J3302

So keep this in mind…Mom’s are a valuable piece to a bride’s puzzle and if you pay heed to those tips I listed you should enjoy your experience as that important role. Your daughters' know how important you are and even though they might get “the bridal complex” A.K.A “Bride-zilla syndrome” they are lucky to have such amazing mothers! REMEMBER: Always stay encouraging and positive!!

Wedding Gowns 101: Sheath Silhouettes

SHEATH
Jasmine Bridal#F379

A sheath dress is one that is slim and/or form fitting; which is straight from head to toe. According to TheKnot.com “It’s the perfect look for a casual intimate wedding.” This in-house favorite displayed above is a sheath silhouette made from silky chiffon from Jasmine Bridal's Fall 2010 Collection. So if you’re the bride who wants a dress that isn’t going to be too full or over beaded this romantic style might be best for you.

You may ask…What is the best body type for this style of gown? Well after all my research I found that any confident woman whether full-figured or slender could pull this silhouette off. Also if you’re on the extreme height spectrum meaning: if your height is on the tall side or even on the petite side look to the sheath fashions to sculpt your body! My suggestion is to ALWAYS try it on, if you don’t get that emotional attachment feeling then your best bet is to stand clear of sheath silhouettes.

So ladies, this concludes the week of gowns 101. I know that you all have your prince charming now all you need is your glass slippers and your gown. I hope you feel educated and confident to find the wedding gown that you have been pondering over your whole life. Just remember it is most important to find a dress that’s a perfect fit. After my 101 you should be able to not only find a dress that best flatters your amazing figure but one that you can dance the night away with your family, friends and new hubby! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to come into The Bridal House and make an appointment with myself or anyone on our staff. We will find that dress for you!

Wedding Gowns 101: Bridal Ball Gowns

Jasmine Bridal #F361


Mori Lee #2501

Both of these ball gowns are similar yet different. The gown by Jasmine Bridal is more constructed with simple lines, pleating and elegant flowers. Whereas the Mori Lee gown is romantic with beading, tulle and sparkle! Nevertheless both gowns are true princess ball gowns and can truly make your day that fairytale you’ve always dreamed of!

Have you ever dreamed of a sparkling white fairy tale wedding gown that just exudes elegance? To me, ball gowns are symbolic of a romantic fantasy full of stories I was told as a child. But, princess or not you’re bound to be the center of attention.

According to Austin Scarlett from Project Runway “ball gowns enhance small waistlines, while hiding those last ten pounds you've wanted to lose from your butt or thighs.” So, since the bodice is tailored and the skirt is very full it fools the mind to pay closer attention to the upper half of the dress. Since ball gowns are so luxurious they can be worn with or without a train depending on the bride’s personal style. Along with options on the train different necklines vary with ball gowns like sweetheart, strapless, halters, one shoulders and spaghetti straps. Just make sure you choose a neckline that best suites the top half of your body as well as the bottom half.

Wedding Gowns 101: Mermaid vs. Trumpet

This age old question: Mermaid vs. Trumpet...has brides confused and lost when wanting to know what style of dress to ask for when they go shopping... Here's what I've experienced and let's see if it could help you choose what style fits you!

MERMAID

Allure Bridals #8700

This mermaid design by Allure Bridals is romantic, classic and sassy. It has a detailed sweetheart neckline covered in crystals and beading. In this stunning ivory color you can make a bold yet elegant statement. Ladies can opt to remove the flowers around the knees if they choose to. The surprise about this dress is that the skirt can be removed to become a fun little cocktail dress for your reception. We carry this any many other Allure Bridal gowns at The Bridal House! (pictures of this gown can be see on Allure Bridals website by clicking on the links given)

I often have brides ask me “what if any difference is there between a mermaid and a trumpet wedding gown?” Brides automatically think that if the dress hugs the body it’s a mermaid gown. Yes, to a certain degree this is true. A mermaid style does hug your body, BUT it flairs out at the knee. Whereas, a trumpet or fit and flair designed wedding dress is shaped through the hips to about mid thigh and then flairs slightly. These specific styles might be best worn on smaller more petite brides, although if you want to show off your curves either of these silhouettes would be benefit you greatly.
Both of these silhouettes seem to be scary to some brides, but personally I believe that these dresses allow a woman to feel bold and beautiful!

TRUMPET

Allure Bridals #8750

This trumpet style gown by Allure Bridals is very distinctive with its jeweled neckline. Not quite a strapless yet a subtle beaded one shoulder gives a it modern twist. The dress has a wrapped bodice which will accentuate the body in a stunning way. The little bow florets are just enough to give this dress some detail but not making it over the top. This dress can be ordered in various colors as well as the bow florets can be removed.

So ladies if your looking for a Trumpet or Mermaid style wedding dress come into The Bridal House and try on a few of our dresses. I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised what you will find...and remember all of our designer dresses are $1800 and under!

Wedding Gowns 101: A-Line vs. Empire

It’s our job here at The Bridal House to make sure brides find one of the most important pieces of clothing that they'll wear in their lives. We not only are a bridal boutique but a group of individuals who want to educate women on the different types of wedding gowns and their styles, shapes, colors, etc. Most women can pull off either the A-Line or Empire waist gowns but, here are a few tips of the trade that will help you figure out what design best suites your body type.

A-LINE

Mori Lee#4530
The A-Line design is a very popular style amongst brides because it clinches at the torso and has a more flared skirt giving an “A” type contour. Which can gives any bride a desired figure! Again this design can work with a thicker waist, broader shoulders, bigger busts, hourglass, bottom heavy, or even shorter petite woman.

EMPIRE WAIST

Mori Lee#2401

The empire-waist style is one where the skirt is from the bust line to the floor. This silhouette fits a bride who may have a thicker waist, broader shoulders or bigger busted woman. The knot says “It’s a great choice for pear-shaped brides because it disguises the hips”.

Empire Waist with A-Line Shape

Jasmine Bridal#T383

Now with the two different styles clearly explained, I can show you that designers mix and play on the two of these designs which results in a much adored shape. Below is a dress constructed by Jasmine Bridal, the gown has the Empire Waist and the A-Line shape. If you are a bride looking for a less full skirt and empire waist this dress might be for you!