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Etiquette Editorial

For all you newly engaged couples out there, you may not realize that are many traditional rules and etiquette that you may want to consider when you start to plan your wedding. For many, the toughest part is knowing where to begin, and we're going to do our best to guide you along one of the most exciting journeys of your life. 

First things First: Creating a Guest List

Before you can plan anything else, you must first determine how many people you will be able to invite to the wedding. Much of this decision depends on who is paying for the wedding and what the budget looks like. If your parents are footing the bill, it is usually best to sit down with mom or dad first to discuss who they want on the guest list. If both sets of parents are contributing, both you and your fiance should discuss this with each other's parents. Afterwards, the two of you may decide which friends and other guests you wish to invite.

However, not every modern bride follows the traditional rules and may choose a different route for planning. Since the wedding is about you and your fiance, it is also acceptable to first sit down with the groom to discuss who the two of you wish to invite. Once the two of you have made an initial list, you can each talk to your parents and arrive at a total number of guests.

Insider Secrets:
If you're not sure which route would be better for you, it may be best to individually discuss traditions and expectations with both the groom and your families. Asking questions and being vocal about your preferences is the best way to avoid stepping on anyone's toes and making anyone feel disrespected during the planning process.

Once you have decided on your number of guest, you can begin to scope out appropriate venues!

All That Glitters is Rose Gold

Welcome to 2016! Since our bridal show on January 10th, we have been gushing with excitement over what this year will bring! What better way to kick off the month of love than with some shiny new bridal trends? Our theme in the store this week is all about the Rose Gold and Metallic color schemes and we thought we would share some of these amazing ideas with you.

1. Metallic Trends
We know we aren't the only ones who are obsessing over the gold and silver wedding theme. The little bits of sparkle and shine are a stunning way to liven up your reception venue. You can incorporate this style by adding a glitzy table runner, a sprinkle (or two) of gold to your cake, and delicate tea light candles to your centerpieces. The soft, but snazzy, details will create a whimsical and inviting feel that will have your guests excited to celebrate with you!

2. Bright On
When the sun goes down, the lights go up! Keep the evening from dulling your shine by choosing the best lighting to make those metallic accents sparkle. We love the look of Edison lights for an outdoor reception or a glowing, magnificent chandelier for a grand venue. The right lighting should bring out the warmth in the metallic hues!

3. Glitzy Gold
Our favorite way to embrace Gold is with your wedding ensemble. Some of our favorites include these breathtaking Ian Stuart gowns. Of course you can't forget your bridesmaids, and we are so excited about our new Christina Wu sequined dresses! The metallic and glitzy gold trends are all about being bold and taking risks, so don't be afraid to bring in the shine in other ways too. Adding a gold belt can accentuate the waist line and a bronze bouquet will really set you apart!

Shine with elegant sparkle or be the best BLUSHing bride in one of these stunning couture Ian Stuart gowns!

Photo Credit: carillo; ianstuart-bride; wilmingtonuplighting; adornmagazine; bridalmusings; modwedding

10 Things to Know Before Shopping for Your Wedding Gown

Congratulations, you're engaged! Now it's time to begin the hunt for the perfect dress. Before you even hit the stores, there are some things you should know about the process of finding your dream wedding gown. Here's our list of top 10 things you should know before shopping for your wedding dress.

1. Set Your Budget

Wedding gowns are available in a wide range of styles and prices, so shopping can be overwhelming if you don't have a starting price point in mind. It is important for a good bridal shopping experience to establish the maximum amount you are comfortable spending on your wedding dress because it is more difficult for you and your consultant when there is no price budget to go by. Communicating this with your consultant is the best and easiest route to finding a dream dress without breaking the bank. It is advisable to remember to factor in additional costs such as alterations, veils or headpieces, crinolines, and other accessories you might be interested in. If you do find a dress that is over budget but you can't live without, remember that you can adjust other areas of your wedding budget to create wiggle room. This day is about you and you should be happy in your dream dress, but also comfortable with the amount spent when you leave the store.

2. It's Never Too Early to Start Looking for Your Wedding Gown

As soon as that ring is on your finger, it's pretty much go-time on shopping for your wedding gown. The first two things brides should select are their venue and then the wedding gown. Your dress should compliment your venue, which is why these two things go hand in hand. Wedding gowns typically take 6-8 months to come in. For most brides, the wedding dress is the most delicate and lovely thing they will ever wear, and it takes designers time to craft a fabulous gown. If you plan on having a long engagement, purchasing your dress in advance can be beneficial. Some boutiques offer layaway options and payment plans so you don't have to spend all your money at once. If you are having a short engagement, or did not get around to wedding dress shopping early on, there are always sample gowns available for purchase.

3. Have a Plan

Like all good plans, research and appointment-making go a long way. We always tell our brides to get a Pinterest (if they don't already have one) for wedding inspiration. We also suggest wedding magazines and even a good dose of  'Say Yes to the Dress!' Bridal consultants are professionally trained to know what silhouettes will look best on you, but we need your opinion as well. It helps to know if you absolutely can't stand lace or would rather get married in your underwear than in a ball gown before you enter the bridal salon. Appointments are also highly suggested when shopping for your wedding gown. Most bridal salons, specialty shops, and department stores don't operate on a walk-in schedule. Although a lot of bridal salons DO allow walk-ins, appointments are recommended so the stylist knows you are coming and already has an idea of what you're thinking. It's best to be in the 'bridal state of mind', which can be done by planning early and booking your appointment. A consultant's goal is to help you recreate your vision by guiding you to a dress that compliments your venue, body, and personality.

4. Limit Your Entourage 

It's completely normal to want second or third opinions when trying on your wedding gown. This is "the dress of all dresses" after all, and who better to be there than your closest friends and family? However, we think it's best to think long and hard about who you will be bringing. Have a bestie who has always been a little bit jealous of you? Probably not a good idea to bring her. Or an aunt that has zero filter? Not exactly the person you want helping you find your gown. It is important to bring a positive entourage of people who will be on the same page as you throughout your appointment. As fun and exciting as shopping for a wedding gown is, it can also become overwhelming, and it doesn't help when there is too much "noise" from your friends or family, which can end up clouding your judgement. Remember: In the end, all that matters is that you love the dress.

5. Expect the Unexpected

Bridal salons tell you to keep an open mind for a reason... You might actually look good in styles you thought you wouldn't like! We have brides come in all the time saying they want this and that, and they leave with the complete opposite. If this happens to you, don't be disappointed! So what if you've been pinning mermaid gowns for the last year, just to find out they don't flatter you at all. This is why you try things on! You will find your wedding gown, and it will be the perfect gown for you. Keep an open mind, listen to your bridal consultants suggestions, and you will be one step closer to walking down the aisle.

6. Don't Forget About the Big Picture

Is this wedding dress going to drop jaws when you walk down that aisle? Is it everything you ever wanted? Will you be able to sit in it comfortably during the toasts? And dance like crazy on the dance floor? These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself when selecting a gown. If you can't envision the dress working in all scenarios, you may want to re-think it. You want to look beautiful, yes, but you also want to enjoy your night!

Note: A wedding gown is different than anything else you have ever worn before - it is going to take getting used to. There is a difference between feeling a little uncomfortable and feeling like you can barely move. We also suggest testing it out! Sit down while your trying on your gown, dance around a little bit, and really get a feel for how the dress fits you.

7. No Tears, No Problem

Despite the fact that every reality TV show has lead you (and everyone around you) to believe you will shed tears as soon as you come out in “the one,” this isn’t always the case. And that’s okay. Some brides cry at every single dress they put on. Some will never shed a single tear. Don't let whether you're crying or not determine whether you buy a dress or not. Go by your gut instinct and what you're feeling inside. 

8. Sometimes the First Dress is 'The One'

Just because this is the "dress of all dresses" does not mean you have to try on a million to find it. Sometimes it really is love at first sight! Usually, when this happens a bride will say, "But there's no way I can find it so quickly!" Yes, there is! Remember how I keep mentioning the bridal consultants are trained professionals? As soon as they see you and hear what kind of gown you're thinking of, they have options flying through their mind. They know what to put you in, and what you're likely to love. Therefore, finding your gown on the first try isn't all that shocking! We also have brides walk in, pick out a dress right away, and automatically know. It happens more often than you think, and there is nothing wrong with finding your dress so quickly! Relax and enjoy the moment. Having one of the biggest things off your plate means you can focus on other wedding planning details.

9. Don't Underestimate Great Shape Wear

Don’t underestimate the power of great shape wear. The gown of your dreams may not be perfect right off the rack. It may need alterations and it may need a little more shape, but these are easy fixes. Most bridal salons will have shape wear available for the bride to try on during their appointment. If they do not, once you say yes to the dress, you can go find what you need, and come re-try your gown on with the proper undergarments. A well-made corset or bustier can do wonders!

10. Dress Up (Just a Little!)

It might be difficult to imagine yourself walking down the aisle if you’re trying on dresses with post-yoga hair and no makeup. You don't need to spend hours preparing for your bridal appointment, but a little bit of makeup and styling could make all the difference. The gowns do go overhead when we dress you, so we don't suggest doing a fancy chignon; just that you feel your personal best by dressing up - just a little! It will be much easier to envision the big day, and help you to get in that 'bridal state of mind'.

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? We want to hear from you!

Photo Credit: confetti.co.uk; etsy; agentprovocateur; idthrowglitterintheair

Let Freedom Ring

Happy Thursday, everyone! Hopefully it's a short work week for all of you in anticipation of the upcoming holiday and you have something fun planned for the weekend.

First, I'd like to remind everyone that WE'VE MOVED and are officially open at our new location at 5200 E. Market St.! We are so thankful to all of our loyal and amazing customers. Without your love, patience, and support we wouldn't have made it through this transition as smoothly as we did. We are so excited and can't wait for all of you to come visit us in our new store!

Second, with the holiday coming up in a couple days, we wanted to take a moment to thank all of the military troops, friends, and family members. Veterans, active duty, and those who will serve in the future: we extend our gratitude to you on this, and every, day. Without you, we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms that we do. At Evaline's Bridal, we are proud to support our military brides by participating in the Brides Across America Event in the fall. Our goal is to give free wedding gowns to women who are either serving (or have recently served) in the military or are marrying someone who is. The event is just one small way that we strive to give back to those who deserve the respect and gratitude from our community. For more information about the event, please check out the Brides Across America website or contact us with any questions!

I hope everyone has a safe, fun, and beautiful Fourth of July celebration this weekend. To get you into the patriotic spirit just a little early, check out these festive patriotic wedding ideas!

Endearing Engagement
Show off your pride for the stars and stripes by incorporating the American flag into your engagement photos! Whether you're a military bride or not, you can't go wrong with our nations symbol of freedom wrapped about your shoulders!

Red, White, & Bridesmaids
The added bonus of hosting a patriotic themed wedding is that the color pallet is already done for you! Have your bridesmaids wear navy or royal blue or even a deep red or cranberry. It's easy to play with the right shades to fit your style and the theme, and don't forget: you get to wear the white!

Festive Favors
I mean, look at how cute these little mason jars are! These festive holiday favors are perfect for guests because they can use them year round. Plus, there are endless possibilities. We even like the idea of giving out little flags with your wedding details inscribed on them!

Sparkler Send-Off
There's no better time to whip out the sparklers than at the end of the reception as the newlyweds make their escape. If you're getting married on the Fourth of July, maybe you can even incorporate a fireworks display. Just remember to be safe!

Dazzling Details
Maybe you want to incorporate your patriotism in a more subtle way on your big day. The best way to do so is to sneak in little details as accents. We love this colorful bouquet, but you can also find a spirited garter or some blue and red shoes. Even just having a few small flags dotted in your flower and table displays are a cute and subtle way of showing off your pride!

Have any other ideas for a Fourth of July or patriotic wedding? Tell us what you think!

Photo Credit: ruffledblog; bridalguide; shewearsmanyhats; stylemepretty; 

spousebuzz

Something Borrowed: Traditions from Around the World

As we approach the end of June, we are sad to say goodbye to our month of wedding traditions. However, as we get closer to one end, we are also taking our first steps toward a new, exciting beginning. We will be opening in our new location in less than two weeks and our whole team agrees that this adventure feels surreal. We are all going to miss our location in downtown Warren greatly, but change can only be for the better. We hope you are all getting excited too and we can't wait to reveal our gorgeous new store to all of our loyal customers!

In the spirit of change, we are talking about wedding traditions once more this month, but with a little twist. Many brides today are still deeply connected to their roots and their culture. For example, big Italian, Irish, and Greek families are still around and have generations of wedding traditions that will likely never fade out. However, some brides come from a line of mixed cultures and traditions and choosing which to honor on the big day may not always be the easiest decision.

For this final June post, we invite you to take a tour around the world with us! Perhaps your "something borrowed" can be one of these timeless traditions from a different culture or one of the many that make up your ancestry.

South Africa:
It's tradition in South Africa for the parents of the bride and groom to bring fire from their own homes to light the hearth of the newlyweds. The act is a symbol of unity as they bring together fire and light from their own childhoods into a fireplace they will both share.

Jumping the broom is another tradition from South Africa in which the newlyweds hop over a broom to symbolize sweeping away the past and leaping into their future together!

Poland:
A fun Polish wedding tradition is known as the money dance. Guests are invited to share a one-on-one dance with the bride, for a donation of course. The maid of honor is in charge of collecting the money which then goes toward the honeymoon fund. In more adventurous families, such as mine, the guests are given a shot to toss back before joining the bride on the dance floor!

Germany:
In Germany, it is customary for the bride and groom to immediately test the strength of their union after saying "I do." The newlyweds must prove their ability to work together as they saw a log in half in front of their guests. That sounds like an awful lot of hard work!

India:
In India, it is popular tradition to draw elaborate henna designs on the hands of the bride as well as her female friends and family members. Henna has many spiritual meanings and is generally used to show the intricate bond between a man and his wife.



Ireland:
Handfasting is an ancient Irish tradition in which the hands of the bride and groom are tied together with rope or ribbon to signify their unity. A similar tradition can be found in other cultures and is noted as the root of the famous phrase "tying the knot."

Peru/England:
In place of the bouquet toss, in is tradition for single female guests to participate in a different event in Peru. The wedding cake is made to include several pieces of ribbon baked into the layers. The female guests each pull a ribbon and the one to pull out a ring is said to be the next to marry. A slightly different version is done in England in which each ribbon has a different charm on the end and they are designed to tell the guest's future.

Labyrinth
One tradition that's gained some popularity is one that can be seen in a few different cultures. A wedding involving a labyrinth includes the bride and groom walking the path separately and joining in the middle for their ceremony. At the end, the two walk out together to symbolize the unity of their paths in life.

Which wedding traditions would you "borrow" for your special day?

Photo Credit: matara; buzzfeed; theknot; flatbrokebride

Sources: bridalguide; buzzfeed; destinationweddingmag; labyrinthsociety

Out with the Old and In with the New

It's been quite the dreary week with all this rain, so hopefully a bright new blog post will lift your spirits today! As you've undoubtedly heard by now, Evaline's Bridal is moving! In the spirit of this big change, much of this month is about moving on from the old and welcoming the new. We've been cleaning out our closets, ditching worn boxes and styles, and are so excited for the promises of this new adventure.

But the store isn't the only thing experiencing some big changes. The wonderful world of weddings is also starting to trade old rules for new ones. Take a peak at some of our favorite new fresh takes on wedding traditions.

Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue. 
Don't get us wrong, we still absolutely love these traditions, but maybe having 6 pence in a shoe isn't quite as practical these days. Your something blue no longer has to be hidden or subtle. We adore seeing brides go bold with a pair of rockin' royal heels. Or maybe you want to include the tradition without making it a big deal. These cute bridal pins are a lovely way to honor the good luck charms with a slightly modern twist. Pin it to your bouquet or inside your gown; you'll know it's there even if it's not noticeable.

Your Wedding Dress has to be White
or ivory, or off white... One of our favorite bridal trends today is the colored gown. We feature quite a few spectacular gowns in store that are gold, champagne, black and white, blush, and even blue. The possibilities are endless! It's your special day and the gown should reflect your personality, so don't be afraid to expand your horizons.

You Can't See Each Other Before the Ceremony.
We know, we know, it's supposed to be bad luck for the groom to see the bride on the wedding day before the ceremony. But, it's 2015 and they also say it's good luck if it rains on your wedding day. Maybe it's time to shake the superstition and embrace the possibilities. First look photos are adorable and gorgeous. Plus, seeing each other before the ceremony gives you the chance to shake out some of the nerves. If you're still not ready to completely abandon the tradition, we also love the idea of using a wall to hold hands or pray together before the ceremony. Even exchanging gifts or notes in the same way can create an intimate moment for the two of you before you spend the rest of the day surrounded by friends and family.

Your Engagement/Wedding Ring has to be a Diamond.
Brides everywhere are trading the diamond for all sorts of other gorgeous stones, and why not? There are so many other stunning options such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Don't take our word for it, just check out these jaw dropping alternatives!

See more traditions you can twist on The Knot and check back next week for ideas on wedding traditions you can borrow from other cultures!

Photo Credit: somethingturquoise; bridebox; stylemepretty; eragem; zulily; etsy

The History of Popular Wedding Traditions

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." That's right, welcome to June, one of our favorite months! Can you guess why? We are right in the heart of wedding season and each year we like to celebrate by spending the whole month talking about wedding traditions - both old and new.

There are a wide variety of wedding traditions that date back hundreds of years and have evolved from many different cultures. To kick off the month with some fun, here are some stories about how some of the most popular wedding traditions started out!

The Bridal Party:
In Anglo-Saxon days, when the groom was about to abduct his bride, he needed the help of many friends, known as the "bridesmen" or "brideknights." The gentlemen would make sure the bride arrived at the ceremony on time and got to the groom's house safely afterwards. The bride also had women to help her, known as the"bridesmaids" or "brideswomen." It is also said that bridesmaids were to accompany the bride on her wedding day in order to confuse lurking evil spirits.

The Bride on the left, Groom on the right:
When the groom fought off warriors who also wanted his bride, he would hold onto her with his left hand while fighting them off with his sword in his right hand. This is why the bride stands on the left, and the groom on the right.

Something Blue:
In Biblical days, blue represented purity. Thus the bride and groom would wear a blue band around the bottom of their wedding attire, hence something blue.

The Veil:
In the cases of arranged marriages, the groom's family would inform him that he was to marry, but they very rarely let him see the bride before the wedding. After all, if the groom didn't like the bride's looks, he might not agree to the marriage. With this in mind, the father of the bride gave the bride away to the groom who then lifted the veil to see his wife of all eternity for the first time at the ceremony.

The White Wedding Gown:
Until 1840, when Queen Victoria's all-white gown with a honiton-lace veil became fashionable, a bride wore her best dress of whatever color. In Victorian times, white was a symbol of affluence and later took on an aura of virginal purity. Now, white is again a symbol of celebration, as in Roman times.

The Bridal Shower:
The shower evolved as an alternative dowry. In Holland, a bride's disapproving father would sometimes refuse to contribute to her dowry, so supportive villagers "showered" her with household goods.

The Aisle: 
A bridal path strewn with rose petals was thought to ward off evil spirits below ground and grant fertility. White aisle runners are also thought to secure the bride's safety as well.

Do you have any fun stories about wedding traditions? We'd love to hear them!

Photo Credit: partymarshmallow.tumblr; brides.com;

Information: Wedding Traditions and Customs History