Charlotte: Plus Size Brides = Beautiful Brides

Plus size brides ask me: How do I do this? How do I look for a pretty and classic dress? I don’t want a frumpy dress that looks boring and blah!

• I always calm them down and say: Relax, don’t simply pick any old dress off of the rack. This process takes time, patience, and advice from a trusted bridal consultant!

What does being a 'plus size' bride really mean anyway? Well by designers standards it's anything from a size 18 and up. Now keep in mind when trying on bridal gowns it differs from trying on clothes at your local mall. Mainly because formal wear runs 1-3 sizes bigger. So, you very well may wear a size 14, but chances are you would be considered a "Plus Size Bride" fitting in a size 18 wedding dress. Now I get girls who state..."Well it should be the other way around...if it was a smaller size I might like it better." But what I always say is..."It shouldn't be the size that you’re worried about, it should be how your body looks in the dress."

Here's a topic we hate to talk about...loosing weight! What bride doesn’t want to loose a few LB’s before having to parade around for her friends and family in tons of dresses? I mean usually they want to wait till the very last minute, giving themselves a goal weight. Instead of a goal weight they should focus on what they have to work with and then alter. I swear if I had a $1.00 for every bride, bridesmaid or mother would ‘claimed’ they wanted to loose weight, I’d be relaxing on some beach in another country not working as a bridal consultant. Most if not all gowns can be modified to fit your new slim bod! It is crucial that you focus on finding a dress you love, not would love to fit it. Be realistic, and you won't stress about finding that dress.

Brides, here's a bit of advice; as stressful as wedding dress shopping is make sure you leave enough time to order your dresses. Typically is takes 4-6 months depending on each designer to order a bridal gown. Plus size dresses are often the same.

Here are a few new styles that The Bridal House just got in from Julietta™ by Mori Lee.

Style # 3096

Style # 3093

These gowns come in sizes 16W-32W, ivory or white, with removable flowers on both. Each dress features specific details such as beading, ruching, pickups and bodices that actuate any woman including a full figured girl. Both dresses would come with spaghetti strap and a shawl. Mori Lee has other strap and bolero options as well.

To see these dresses and any other of our bridal gowns; please visit our website and schedule an appointment.

Our new hours are:
Tuesday 10am-7pm & Wed-Sat 10am-5pm

Prom 2011: New Arrivals

This week we were excited to see big boxes come in from all of our designers and inside were a bunch of colorful prom dresses with sparkle, beading and so much more....

We are eager and ready for our Prom 2011 season! The Bridal House will be hosting various activities at local high schools throughout the Charlotte Metro area, as well as a midnight event at our boutique.

Here’s a sneak peak at a few designs by...

Shimmer by Bari Jay

Riva Designs

Paparazzi & Flaunt by Mori Lee

• Those are just a few of the designs we have gotten in, they're are many more on the way...so stay tuned. To view all of the dresses we will be getting in for Prom 2011 please visit our facebook page by searching: Prom Night Madness (click on link)

November's New Arrivals!!!

Allure Bridals #8763

This Allure design is a gorgeous ball gown with a fitted bodice. It’s constructed with a silky smooth taffeta which molds and shapes the figure with ruching and shimmery Swarovski crystals at the neckline. The fuller skirt has these flowing pickup details and near the left hip area are 3-dimensional flower and crystal accents.

Allure Bridals has really made this dress with an eye for fashion. Since this gown would be suitable for any body type it comes in sizes 2-32. It can come in either white with silver accents or diamond white & silver (as shown above).

Mori Lee# 1609

This gown by Mori Lee is from the Spring 2011 Collection and happens to be one of my absolute favorites. It’s shown in ivory with silver embellishments. Made from “Lustrous Satin” it just really feels good when you have it on. The jeweled beading just gives you a little sparkle without going over board. The colors it can come in are white/silver, ivory/silver and champagne/silver. The sizes vary from 2-28.

Here at The Bridal House can remove that large flower if that detail isn’t one that suites your personality. But in my opinion this dress will definitely be a hot item this spring. No one has tried on this dress at our store YET…I wonder who will be the first?

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: 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!