Texas Bride

PHOTO by JENNIFER LEE PHOTOGRAPHY

20 FLOWER GIRLS

22 FLOWERS ARE THE ART OF THE PARTY

26 WEDDING ARCHES

30 WEDDING INSURANCE

34 THE PERFECT PLACE FOR YOUR WEDDING

38 TRADITIONS ARE WEDDING MAGIC

44 WEDDING INVITATIONS: BOTANICALS, MONOGRAMS AND SEEDED INVITES

46 THE CHARCUTERIE CRAZE, IT'S A REAL TREAT GARDEN DISTRICT

Johnnie P. Andrus

Meet your TEXAS BRIDE magazine coordinators:

Johnnie Andrus and Donna Little have been in the wedding industry for many years. Planning a wedding includes many details. Our goal is to provide a platform to make it easier for you to find the best of the best of SETX Wedding Pros.

Johnnie Andrus opened Cindy's Bridals in 1980. Cindy's Bridals offers beautiful wedding gowns and wedding party attire to fit any budget. Shortly after opening her successful bridal boutique Johnnie began the Bridal Traditions Wedding expo in Beaumont, Texas. Bridal Traditions is the longest running premier bridal show in SETX. It has proven to be a valuable asset to all our area bride and grooms to be, and a perfect place to visit local wedding vendors and gather all the information and ideas needed to make their special day perfect.

Donna "Marx" Little began her DJ career in 1986 with a degree in Broadcasting in Dallas, Texas. Donna has done every facet of being a DJ from clubs, radio and mobile DJ. With over 5,000 weddings since 1986 Donna will bring her experience and expertise to work with you to make your day one to remember - not to mention FUN! She specializes in customizing every detail to fit your style.

Southeast Texas has many wonderful wedding industry professionals but not all are created equal. We take the guess work out of it by providing you with experienced and dependable providers who know how to make your special day run smoothly.

CONGRATULATIONS AND HAPPY PLANNING!

all your dry cleaning & laundry needs!

JOHNNIE DONNA

This elegant small wedding designed by Claudia’s Wedding Library displays the perfect way to use Freshly Set’s designer tabletop products to add charm, elegance and detail that is fit to your personal style. Claudia explains her inspiration and design thought process when she designed this beautiful reception dinner in Tuxedo Park, New York.

Wedding in a box

Top Tips for Designing a Small Wedding by

Freshly Set is an e-commerce service offering brides the opportunity to rent designer tabletop pieces for their small wedding or party. “I created an opulent lakeside dinner, evoking a glamorous party that I imagined at a villa overlooking Lake Como. I love the combination of pinks and burgundy, and the Penny Morrison linen evoked the handmade, informal and cheeky look I was going for. An added bonus was the complex color combinations that challenged me and I think in the end worked really well! I wanted it to feel slightly homespun, complete with tarnished silver containers and (slightly) kitschy candle shades."

Claudia Hanlin

CLAUDIA'S TIPS!

• Throw out your pre-conceived design ideas that you might have for a big party. It’s the perfect opportunity to make it personal, not cookie cutter!

• Think home entertaining: time to break out the fine linens, antique silver and heirloom china. Don’t have enough? No problem. Mix and match to make it super personal.

• Individualize! Use place cards, hand write menu cards, leave a personal note at each place

UPGRADE. SERVE YOUR FAVORITE CHAMPAGNE. MAKE IT A PARTY TO REMEMBER!

setting. Toast every guest!

• Don’t skimp on flowers. This is not the time for a DIY project. Hire your dream designer and get a few lush centerpieces.

• Make it comfortable. If it’s outside, make sure you have cozy blankets available or pashminas, pillows and a few fire pits.

Here Comes the Guide... Reserve your advertising space in the next issue of TEXAS BRIDE Southern Style magazine!

This beautiful and informative Bridal magazine serves as the perfect Wedding Guide for all our Southeast Texas brides and grooms and debuts at our January First Look Bridal Traditions Show. Don't miss your opportunity to reach more brides and grooms when you advertise in this premier magazine. The TEXAS BRIDE Southern Style magazine is the go to guide for wedding tips, products, services and planning, making it the perfect place for you to advertise!

Call Donna Little 409-782-4316 or Johnnie Andrus 409-769-5330 for more information on how you can be showcased in the next issue!

Smart Ways to Save for your Special Wedding Day

SETX Wedding Pros is a network of industry leaders that meet monthly to discuss all things wedding. We work together to create a dream team for your event.

Businesses in our SETX Wedding Pros group hand each Bride and Groom $200 in Wedding Cash to use within our large group of network professionals to save you money.

If you are a wedding pro and would like to join us at monthly wedding mixers, call Donna 409-782-4316 or Johnnie 409-781-9092 to confirm attendance.

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ASK YOUR VENUE, DJ, PHOTOGRAPHER, BAKERY, ETC. IF THEY ARE A MEMBER OF THE SETX WEDDING PROS CHAPTER. YOU'LL BE HAPPY YOU DID.

Wedding

Glamorous Entertaining Glamorous Entertaining

By Mary Sharp

SIGNATURE COCKTAIL

Make your day memorable and easy at the same time. Create a signature cocktail that will satisfy the masses and serve it in pitchers on each table. This will keep the line shorter at the bar and save money on alcohol. The same is true if you are having a non-alcoholic event. Use antique and etched glass pitchers to serve mocktails that even your most critical aunt will love.

STRAWBERRY COCKTAIL

Strawberry Lemonade

Vodka

Triple Sec

Prosecco

Sparkling Water

Lime Juice

(For mocktail, leave out the alcohol)

FRESH OFF THE GRILL

Grilled anything is the perfect wedding food for lunch or dinner. Shrimp with a side of cous cous is light and filling. Be careful not to serve heavy foods at your wedding. Keep your guests and your fare light.

A SECOND OPTION

Another light and tasty grilled favorite is blackened scallops on top a bed of spinach. Always have two options for your guests. A carb-free option has become very popular in the days of keto, fasting and lean and green diets!

STARTERS

Equally pretty and delicious, a salad is probably the most cost effective starter to a premium meal. Make it colorful and tasty with different textures. Here, we have arugula, strawberries, feta cheese and pecans. Mix with strawberry vinaigrette dressing and it pairs lovely with your signature cocktail.

BRACELETS, RINGS & EARRINGS,

Oh My!

By Mary Sharp

WEDDING JEWELRY NOT JUST THE RING!

WEDDING JEWELRY DOESN'T HAVE TO BREAK THE BANK AND IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE ROYAL CRYSTALS. ELEGANT, TIMELESS JEWELRY IS MEANT FOR ALL OF YOUR WEDDING EVENTS, FROM THE SHOWER TO THE HONEYMOON.

Today's bride is elegant and practical. She understands the value of money and planning a wedding on a budget. This makes today's weddings some of the most memorable events to come. There will be special mementos and family heirlooms; the traditional more than the outrageous.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. These words mean more to today's bride than they did five or even ten years ago. The value of every purchase for your wedding should be scrutinized. That's why your wedding jewelry should be versatile, timeless and

elegant. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it should follow your everyday style. You may wear it to your wedding, your shower and your honeymoon, but you should be able to wear it for many years to come. Make it practical. Jewelry pictured is from Ring Concierge, a line of vintageinspired jewelry.

Morilee by Madeline Gardner proudly launches "The Other White Dress" Collection which is comprised of clean timeless looks fit for a casual or small intimate ceremony, chic wedding reception or other events. Weddings and their surrounding events are evolving past the wedding chapel, into intimate backyard gatherings, memorable vineyard and beach ceremonies & beyond.

By Madeline Gardner

The Other White Dress

FOR YOUR INTIMATE WEDDING OR EVENTS BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR CEREMONY, "THE OTHER WHITE DRESS" WILL COMPLETE YOUR WEDDING TROUSSEAU.

“I’ve designed The Other White Dress collection with personalization at the forefront of each style. A blank canvas for my brides to make their own, and bring their wedding day vision to life. From effortlessly chic to sophisticated and ultra-glamorous, this collection provides simple, sleek looks that can be versatility styled to beautifully complement any type of wedding setting. The perfect modern-day dresses for today’s everevolving bride.”

–Madeline Gardner

STYLISTICALLY SPEAKING

Brides can look forward to a flirty, Jackie O, tea-length style dress, a jaw dropping silky chiffon column dress with plunging low back, a wide leg jumpsuit which perfectly cinches the waist & romantic billowy sleeves that catch flight to have gorgeous movement to them. The iconic pieces all hold a timeless style infused with endless inspiration.

THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN PLANNING A WEDDING. TO ENSURE SUCCESS – AND YOUR SANITY – THE KEY IS ORGANIZATION. WE’VE COMPILED A DETAILED CHECKLIST THAT PAYS SPECIAL ATTENTION TO TIME-SENSITIVE DEADLINES, SO YOU CAN CREATE A FOOLPROOF CALENDAR AND TO-DO LIST.

Deadlines

Deadlines & Details

12 months +

 Select date, time and place.Then reserve venues!

 Decide on wedding size and style.

 Hire wedding consultant (if applicable) and create wedding website.

 Shop for gown.

 Begin guest list.

9-12 months

 Research honeymoon destinations.

 Book musicians, DJ, florist, photographer, videographer and limousines.

 Order invitations.

 Purchase gown and begin alterations.

 Ask friends to be in wedding party and order bridesmaid dresses.

6-9 months

 Finalize guest list and send save-the-date cards.

 Book appointments for hair, nails and make-up.

 Reserve attire for groom and groomsmen.

 Order cake(s).

 Purchase rings.

3-6 months

 Secure bridal accessories (such as shoes, jewelry, garter and mementos)

 Give musicians a list of songs you want them to play (or to avoid).

 Make food choices with venue.

2 months

 Mail invitations.

1 month

 Give photographer a list of pictures you want taken.

1 week

 Give final head count to reception venue.

The day before

 Hold rehearsal ceremony and dinner.

 Deliver everything to site and work out any kinks.

 Give marriage license to officiant.

 Present gifts to wedding party, parents and any other honored guests.

The day of

 Give rings and officiant’s fee to best man.

 Designate liaison for photographer to ensure all necessary pictures are taken.

 EXHALE!

NOTE: Larger cities have long waiting lists for wedding vendors so you may need to act sooner!

Girls FLOWER

FORMAL OR INTIMATE WEDDING, VINTAGE FLOWER GIRL DRESSES ARE CLEARLY THE MOST ELEGANT FOR YOUR SMALL ATTENDEES.

By Mary Sharp

VINTAGE LEADS THE WAY

There is actually a significance behind the flower girl. Her purpose is to lead the bride forward and symbolize the innocence fading away, and her role as a mother and wife coming forward. The tradition began in Ancient Rome, where the flower girl serviced the bride and groom by carrying wheat and herbs.

This is the perfect flower girl dress for your intimate wedding, large or small. Now you can dress your little princess in a vintage style dress everyone will love. The dress is beautifully crafted in Feltman Brother’s classic styling featuring exquisite hand embroidered detailing.

Flowers ARE THE ART OF THE PARTY

By Deanne Marks

GREEN HYDRANGEAS & WHITE RANUNCULUS

One of the most cherished flowers, hydrangeas blossom in well-tended gardens and grace floral arrangements around the world. They symbolize sincere emotions, gratitude, and deep understanding. In particular, Green Hydrangea flowers symbolize renewal and rebirth. The white ranunculus are a staple in high-end flower shops and wedding bouquets. The tissue-thin petals of the ranunuculus create a delicate addition to the bolder green hydrangea. Together, the two are a stark statement to your bouquet.

PEONIES

A peony represents wealth and honor. It also embodies romance and love, and is regarded as the omen of good fortune and happy marriage. Peony plants can live to be 100 years and still produce flowers. They are an excellent addition to a bi-color ensemble of green and white.

WHAT IS INSPIRING YOU?

Find inspiration in layering patterns. From bold geometrics to feminine florals, have fun piecing together unexpected patterns from the linens and flowers, to place settings. Let your floral linens steal the show.

SILVER PITCHERS

Gold, sliver or even patina vases and pitchers filled with pink peonies, green hydrangeas and accented with shades of bold pink filler flowers create the ultimate vintage look. Save money on vases and ask relatives to let you "borrow" a family heirloom. Place a card on the table with credit to the contributor.

VINTAGE

The vintage bouquet of variegated dark and light pink garden roses and draped with wisteria in a tarnished antique urn. The wisp of green ruscus gives this bouquet balance. This bouquet can accent an intimate candle light ceremony or a formal dinner with ease.

GETTING MARRIED ON A BUDGET?

The rest of your wedding decorations can be plain Jane if your wedding arch is out of this world, Stage all of your pictures with the arch in the background and you will have fond memories of your beautiful day for year to come.

ROSE PETALS AND GRAPE VINE ARCHES

Are you wondering where brides get all of the rose petals? There are companies that sell them by the thousands!

By Loria Clarenden

Wedding Arches

WISTERIA AND GARDEN ROSES

Start with a grapevine arch and decorate with garden roses draped with hanging wisteria vines. This arch will make a statement with your romantic, elegant wedding.

Try FiftyFlowers.com

GARDEN ROSES

You can never go wrong with garden roses with a back ground of ruscus.

OVER THE TOP

If your wedding is over the top, so should your arch. A simple frame draped with chiffon curtains and topped with garden roses in shades of pink, white rununculus and peonies, then draped with wisteria and crystals. An over the top statement for your wedding.

Take the Time to Shop Around!

When shopping for venues, dresses, photo booths, etc. you can pick from pictures and prices to make your decisions. When picking a DJ, Photographer, Videographer or Cake Artist, remember not to base completely on price. Price only inquiry does not tell you their experience, professional equipment, or personality. Take the time to meet with these services and ask questions.

Will your DJ be willing to take requests from guests? Will your DJ just play club music or will they emcee and keep your event flowing?

Will your photographer take hours taking staged pictures instead of knowing how to time your reception so you get to enjoy your big day?

Will your cake look beautiful in pictures only to turn out to be dry?

Rather than picking a DJ, Photographer or Cake Artist by asking on social media where often the friends or family recommend the business however not an unbiased recommendation, don't be afraid to ask other wedding vendors who they have worked with and recommend. They are a great information source to judge by.

Bride T

TAKE

YOU WILL THANK YOURSELF LATER.

Wedding INSURANCE

How To Protect Your Special Day

YOUR WEDDING DAY IS ONE LIKE NO OTHER -- IT'S YOUR TURN FOR A FAIRYTALE-COME-TRUE AND YOU WANT IT TO BE PERFECT. WEDDING INSURANCE IS A WAY TO GET PROTECTION FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY.

By Susan Manning

Most people who we recently surveyed didn’t realize wedding insurance existed. We asked 500 people about their weddings and wedding insurance, and found that 52% said they didn’t know wedding insurance is an option.

“These days, many venues actually require wedding insurance when couples book the place. Nevertheless, because weddings are a costly investment, it’s always a good idea to make sure that no matter what happens, you’re covered for any eventuality,” said David Berke, founder and CEO at eWed Insurance.

Weddings can be a major investment, which is why you may want wedding insurance. More than one-third said they paid at least $10,000 for their weddings.

HOW DOES WEDDING INSURANCE WORK?

Wedding insurance falls under special event coverage and usually comes in one-day, two-day and weekend length policies. There are two general types of policies:

• Liability

• Cancellation

Todd Shasha, managing director of personal insurance product management at Travelers, said wedding insurance

is the perfect way to protect a significant investment.

"No matter the size, location and scale of your nuptials, a wedding is a significant investment as couples and their families plan full weekends complete with a rehearsal dinner, the wedding event itself and perhaps a celebratory send-off brunch. A wedding insurance policy helps to protect that investment from common and costly mishaps that can occur before, during and after the celebration," he said.

WHAT IS WEDDING CANCELLATION INSURANCE?

Cancellation covers a canceled event due to illness of family, extreme weather situations or other unforeseen incidents. According to Shasha, as long as your reason is covered, wedding insurance can be a real benefit. He added that Travelers claim data show that vendor/ venue issues and severe weather are the most common and expensive causes for wedding insurance claims.

It doesn’t cover cold feet, though. A change of heart isn’t protected and neither is a simple rainstorm.The weather would need to be extreme

enough to prevent a safe ceremony or safe travels to and from the ceremony. Cancellation policies also don’t cover a vendor change once you make the deposit.

"Wedding insurance policies will help protect you in the event you have to postpone your event or cancel it entirely for those reasons and can also protect from other exposures, such as lost deposits, unplanned venue closings, military deployments or medical emergencies," Shasha said.

Ivy Summer, certified wedding planner at Voulez Events, said it’s vital for couples to review the contract’s language and ask if the coverage protects against acts of God.

“We call this the Force Majeure clause. It refers to anything that significantly impedes on vendors' ability to fulfill on their contracts. It's important to make sure the language insures you against anything that's outside of anyone's control,” Summer said.

WHAT IS WEDDING LIABILITY INSURANCE?

Liability coverage handles venue damages or injuries and illnesses to people at the wedding site. Some companies also offer liquor liability coverage, which covers you if a drunk guest gets into an accident after the wedding.

Shasha said there are many options under the liability policies.

"Optional liability and liquor liability coverage can be added to a wedding insurance policy to protect your contractually assumed exposures, such as bodily injury, property damage and personal injuries to third parties at the venues where your wedding ceremony, reception and rehearsal dinner will be held. Some venues require proof of liability insurance before the event takes place, so it's a good idea to get in touch with your venue ahead of time to make sure you have the right coverage," said Shasha.

Kerri McDonald from WedSure has seen many claims over the years, including hurricanes, fires, deaths in the family and closed venues.

“All sorts of things happen. A lot of people get injured at weddings as well and sue the venue and the bride and groom.Those are very large claims that can go into hundreds of thousands of dollars," she said.

Remember, while everyone hopes for the perfect, problem-free wedding day, that's not always the case.

ShareYour Love Story with all your guests & family

Now is a time like no other in your life. You met, you fell in love, you decided to marry and now you are planning your wedding - a day to be remembered for the rest of your lives.

You wish nothing more than for all your family and friends to know just how amazing your love story is! But with only one of you it would be hard to do UNLESS you were able to share with them your written love story in your own words . . . a wedding favor for your guests guaranteed to bring smiles to faces and warm glows to hearts.

You already know planning a wedding can be busy to say the least. The big day will be upon you before you know it and time will run out to do all the special things you wanted to do.

Your PERFECT LOVE STORY WEDDING FAVOR can be one detail you don’t want to leave out. Together we can create a wonderful keepsake and touching testiment of your love for those closest to you.

As a certified story teller I would be honored to help you tell your amazing love story. It’s fun and easy and I will handle everything for you to make sure you have the most memorable wedding favor ever for your guests.

Kathy Odom • Love Story Guide • 409-201-1060

Mr. & Mrs.

THE

PERFECT PLACE FOR YOUR WEDDING

Bri Johnson Photography ©

WEDDINGS TAKE PLACE

EVERYWHERE THESE DAYS. WINERIES, BEACHES, PARKS, HISTORIC HOMES, RESTAURANTS, HOTELS, GARDENS, MUSEUMS AND RESORTS ARE JUST A FEW LOCATIONS BRIDES CHOOSE.

San Franciscans may choose a trolley venue. In New Orleans, don’t be surprised to see a wedding party rumble by on a historic streetcar. Many brides wouldn’t think of getting married anyplace but her place of worship. Regardless of where you decide to tie the knot, these ideas will help you plan and budget.

Does your wedding have a theme? If you have your heart set on a formal wedding and reception, consider your place of worship, hotels or museums. Casual weddings would do well on the beach or in a park. If exotic is what you are thinking of, perhaps a destination wedding would be just your style. Visit your chosen venue at the same time you are planning the wedding. You’ll see what the venue looks like at that time of day and season. If you choose to have your event in a public space, check to see if there are fees, permits and scheduling requirements.

How much can you spend? Your budget will play a big part in your wedding venue decision. If the location of your dreams is more expensive than you planned, negotiate the price or reduce other expenses. Sometimes just changing your day or date will reflect a significant savings.

How many guests will you invite? Your guest list is critical in selecting a venue. If you

are planning to have an event for 300, don’t book the romantic, adorable chapel that only fits 50. The first question most venue representatives will ask you is “How many guests are you planning to invite?”

Who is going to coordinate the event? The last thing you need on your wedding day is to worry about the details. Traditional wedding locations may supply an onsite event coordinator to keep track of everything and coordinate deliveries and services. If you choose an untraditional site or decide on a destination wedding, you may want to hire a wedding planner to provide these services.

Does the location have all the amenities? Do you want a dance floor? Does the venue allow liquor and provide a bar? Is catering available and if not, is there a kitchen for outside caterers to use? Do you need to bring in already cooked food?

Troy Grover Photographers ©

Don't Get Caught in the Rain

So you've seen beautiful pictures of outdoor weddings on Pinterest, in magazines, on wedding sites, etc. Those pictures can quickly turn ugly if the weather decides not to cooperate. Unfortunately, our SETX area is known for it's unpredictable weather. From rain, humidity and heat, it can make planning an outdoor wedding more of a game of Russian roulette.

Many couples only plan for the outdoor option only to be stressed by unexpected weather. Don't be one of those. couples.

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TRADITIONS ARE

TRADITIONS ARE A PART OF EVERY WEDDING. HOW MANY OF THESE WILL YOU DO?

Troy Grover Photographers ©

Something Old, Something New, Something

Borrowed, Something Blue, a Sixpence in your Shoe.

This Old English rhyme set the foundation for one of the most popular wedding traditions among brides. Something old represents continuity, something new optimism for the future, something borrowed is borrowing happiness, something blue represents purity, love and fidelity, and the sixpence is for prosperity. Some brides combine objects, such as a borrowed, blue ribbon tied around her leg and dimes are often substituted for sixpence.

A White Wedding Dress

This is a fairly new tradition. Brides once wore their best dress, no matter what the color. Diverse colors went in and out of fashion. In 1840, Queen Victoria wore a

white dress, not to represent purity and wealth as commonly thought, but because it was the cheapest fabric available - it didn’t need to be dyed. That did it! White and ivory dresses continue to be the most popular wedding dress colors in America today.

The Wedding Ring

The wedding band is a traditional symbol of marriage. Wedding rings are mentioned in writings from ancient Egypt and early Roman times. The band is worn on the third finger of the left hand because both ancient Romans and Egyptians believed that a vein named vena amoris (love vein), ran directly from that finger into the heart.

Bridesmaids & Groomsmen

Every bride and groom wants their best friends and family members to be present when they say “I do.” These days your attendants are there to support you and

wish you well, but in Roman times, the bridesmaids dressed exactly like the bride to confuse evil spirits or enemies from kidnapping the bride. The groomsmen were on hand to abduct an unwilling Bride and drag her to the ceremony.

The Wedding Kiss

The phrase “you may now kiss the bride” typically signifies the couple is officially married and the ceremony is over. This tradition originated in Roman times when legal contracts were sealed with a kiss.

Throwing Rice

This tradition also goes back to Roman days when coins or seeds were tossed out to wish the newly married couple fertility.

Bri Johnson Photography ©

WEDDING INVITATIONS BOTANICAL STYLES

By Riley Anderson

MONOGRAM

Monograms are a wonderful way of adding a personal touch while keeping your botanical invites simplistic and classy. Match your wedding flowers to your botanical invites.

The wife's initial is first in the monogram, followed by the initial of the couple's last name and completed with the groom's first initial. While marriage monograms are not as common as personal monograms, they are the perfect detail to add to any wedding or celebration of newly-weds!

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability is a major trend throughout wedding planning and it's coming into wedding stationery, too. Use recycled and plantable seed paper for your invitations. It's great way to share the growth of your union with your friends and family. Be sure to print on the card, "This paper is embedded with plantable seeds. Plant with care and sow the love and joy we have for each other."

Plant this invitation and wildflowers will grow

The Charcuterie Craze ... ...

Many of today's brides are choosing charcuterie platters for their weddings. These often include a variety of meats, cheeses, jams or honey spreads, crackers, fruits and nuts as well as garnishes arranged and designed in a true art form. Popular options are to have your charcuterie displayed on boards, trays, lazy susans or in initial boxes.

Go and meet one of the most talented Charcuterie Artists in the Golden Trianglenone other than the creative Linda Cloessner from the Garden District based out of Orange, Texas. Linda loves to merge her food knowledge with her creative talentsthe result is an amazing transformation from the ordinary into something almost too beautiful to touch but too delicious to resist. Charcuterie is guaranteed to delight your guests and their appetites!

LOOKING YOUR BEST WITHOUT BLOWING THE BUDGET

MANY BRIDES EXPERIENCE STICKER SHOCK WHEN THEY GO DRESS SHOPPING FOR THE FIRST TIME. HOW CAN A DRESS YOU’LL ONLY WEAR ONCE COST SO MUCH? FORTUNATELY, YOU CAN LOOK FABULOUS AND FASHIONABLE WITHOUT GOING OVER YOUR BUDGET.

• Find deals online. Look for overstock or consignment web sites. Ebay and Craigslist both have wedding sections and there are other sites dedicated to reselling wedding dresses. Caution: Before you buy, check the return policy in case the dress doesn’t meet your expectations.

• Think inside the big box. Many retailers carry inexpensive formal dresses in white or ivory. You may be lucky enough to find one on sale. No one has to know that your beautiful dress isn’t a “wedding” dress.

• Look for resell shops. Thrift stores, consignment stores and local classified ads are excellent places to shop for a wedding

dress. Check carefully for stains, rips and other damage before buying.

• Bridal store bargains. Check out the clearance rack or opt for a white or ivory bridesmaid dress,

which can be much less expensive. Research bridal outlet stores in your area.

• Borrow a dress. A friend or family member may know of a “heirloom” dress available for you to use.

• Make your dress. If you sew, make your dress for little more than the price of the material. In all cases, a tailor can alter or customize your gown or add an accessory. A bow or sash around the waist, a new veil or a jacket can create an entirely new look. Use your creativity! With a little ingenuity, that sensibly priced gown can become your heirloom dress for the ages.