Affinity Weddings

Content

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10 Things to Know Before you buy the Dress

By Blaine Hill

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Artistry Up Close

By Nicole Molter

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Dressing the Dude

By Nicole Molter

10 Things to Know Before You Buy the Dress -By Blaine Hill

Finding the perfect dress is something that a lot of bride stress over, but there’s no need to worry about the wedding gown. Instead, use a few of these 10 tips to take that stress down a few notches.

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Keep the entourage small

Honestly, two or three people is enough.

Don’t drag the whole bridal party to the show because then you will get so much feedback that you won’t even know what YOU want anymore.

Keeping the amount of feedback small can really help you narrow the gown options down.

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Book an appointment

Booking an appointment is the best way to have a sales person’s full attention for at least an hour. Don’t count on finding an open sale’s member to help you.

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You can never too early to start

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Know you price range

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Be flexible

Finding a dress doesn’t happen overnight, so don’t expect it to! It’s never too early to book that first appointment and start trying on dresses, so you walk down the aisle in the dress of your dreams.

When you walk in to the bridal shop, you should know your exact price range. Tell your sales assistant the range so you can avoid falling head over heels in love with a dress you cannot afford.

You may have an idea of what you want, but don’t knock a dress before you try it on. The dress of your dreams could be hanging on a rack that you could have ignored if you had not kept an open mind.

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Pick favorites

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Wear the proper undergarments

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Don’t look too sloppy

There is no shame in picking favorites at the shop! Especially if you didn’t expect to like something! Keep your mind opened, but don’t waste time on the dress you don’t love only spent time on the ones you do love.

Picturing how the dress will look on you on the big day is easier if you were undergarments that you might wear the day of.

You may be tempted to roll out of bed and go to the fitting in whatever, but if you do minimal hair and makeup it will help you visualize the end product better.

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Don’t forget about the big picture

That super tight dress may be stunning when you stand there, but you have to remember all the sitting, dancing, and eating that must go on the night of

10 Have fun!

Seriously! Don’t stress so much. You wedding day will be perfect, because you’re walking down the aisle to marry the love of your life. So, what you’re walking in is less important than who you’re walking to.

Artistry Up Close -By Nicole Molter A dress is breathtaking in its entirety, but have you taken the time to look at the intricate details? The skill of stitching, the artistry in appliquÊ flowers, the beauty of beading—these are all great photograph opportunities as well as a different perspective to awe your guests.

Beaded Bodice

If you were to look up close, the placement of the beads has a purpose. Maybe there are sequins sewn underneath each bead for even more sheen.

Lovely Lace Sleeves

Lace sleeves are romance in wedding dress form. What kind of lace was used? Take a look up close. Let your photographer take some close ups with your arms draped gracefully by your face or at your side with your bridal bouquet.

Buttons Up the Back

Buttons up the back of a wedding dress creates a really elegant line on the brides back. Buttons are really simple, but when arranged in a certain way they are a timeless, sophisticated detail.

Take a Moment for the Train

The train is a larger feature of a wedding dress, but sometimes this detail does not get the attention it deserves. Some trains are covered in lace, scalloped on the edges or have ruching at the bustle.

Embellishments on Shoulder Straps

A little extra sparkle on the shoulder straps of a wedding dress adds a little extra gleam in the bride’s eye. A necklace may not even be necessary with this gleaming detail.

Sash Accents

Some extra sass is added with a sash. This is a beautiful accessory that flatters a brides waist and shows a little of her personality with sparkles or satin.

Chiffon Catching Light

Chiffon creates a misty effect around the bride— another great photo opportunity! Chiffon is a gorgeous material for a skirt, wrap, or even a voluminous veil. The fabric beautifully captures light as a bride wears this fabric.

Peek-a-Boo Petticoats

How fun are dyed petticoats that peek out from under the layers of a white dress? Have some fun with this lively detail! Your guests will be wowed, too.

Each dress is unique not only in style but in the details. Show off your personality with the little things added onto your dress. Point them out to your photographer, and let your guests admire them, too!

Dressing the Dude -By Nicole Molter A groom wants to look just as good as his lady on his wedding day! Of course, he wants his best friends to look great, too. There are so many ways to dress the groom and his groomsmen, so they all look sophisticated while still keeping the focus on recognizing the groom.

Dressy in the Front, Casual in the Back:

Draw attention to the groom with different attire than his groomsmen. Have him wear a blazer and his groomsmen wear vests. Jeans are acceptable in weddings today, so consider dark jeans for the groomsmen and kakis for the main man.

Tweed May Be What You Need

Tweed is perfect for cooler weather and can be found in so many colors. One suggestion is putting the groom in a burgundy tweed vest or coat and having the groomsmen wear olive. These functional pieces could even be worn for professional business after the wedding!

Sweaters Suit You Well

If you’re going for a more casual feel for your wedding, start the basis of the men’s attire with a simple button-up shirt and then layer with v-neck sweaters. Each man can wear a different color based on the wedding colors. Make the groom stand out with a bowtie or button-up cardigan.

Some Day My Prints Will Come

Plaid or floral, stripes or spots—prints are a fun way to show off your personality as well as the season of your wedding. Paisley or white polka dots are a vibrant choice for a spring or summer wedding.

How about red plaid or golden stripes for a heartfelt fall or winter wedding? Mix and match prints that don’t clash for a unique look from man to man.

These are just a few ideas for the vision you may have for your men. So many other options are out there! Your groom may have some suggestions of his own, too.