Bridal Advise
By: JRA House of Design
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Bridal Tips:
- Everyone has an opinion regarding your wedding. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you need to somehow use it all. Gracefully take what applies, leave the rest.
- You’re the only one who will remember as much of your wedding as you will. Those memories better be of what you wanted and not what everyone else wanted.
- Don’t change your bra after the last fitting. It rarely fits.
- Bring sticky tape to the wedding. It works for all things
- Do not let anyone handle your dress after their make-up is on.
- Verbal agreements with wedding vendors mean nothing. It is a dice roll at best if you get their services. No matter how good of friends they may be, keep it professional.
- The oil in your hands will dirty your dress. Make sure you wash your hands (especially the tips of your fingers) before you put on your dress
- Brides who do not get a coordinator are likely to encounter more roadblocks. This is your day to feel ethereal and feel the least amount of issues.
- You’re the only one who will remember as much of your wedding as you will. Those memories better be of what you wanted and not what everyone else wanted.
- Brides who do not get a coordinator are likely to encounter more roadblocks. This is your day to feel ethereal and feel the least amount of issues.
- You’re the only one who will remember as much of your wedding as you will. Those memories better be of what you wanted and not what everyone else wanted.
- The worst thing you can do is buy a dress that is too small and say "I'll fit into it by the time the wedding comes." Whether true or not, This is an unhealthy approach and a poor way to treat your body.
- Do not store your dress when it is bustled.
Bridal Tips: Bridesmaids
Choosing the Dress:
Don’t think all your bridesmaids have to be dressed alike. These days, many brides will pick a color that they would like the gowns to be in and let each bridesmaid pick the style (usually from the same designer) that she wishes to wear. This way, each person is wearing a dress that complements her shape and shows off her best assets.
Dresses to Avoid:
Closed halter dresses and crossed bust lines are a risky choice. These dresses cause problems on many women of various sizes and shapes. They tend to gap and pull in strange places and most often cannot be easily fixed because of the cut. Altering these styles often require recutting the entire top of the dress. If this is the chosen style, I recommend ordering an extra yard of fabric in the event an extensive alteration is needed.
Closed halter dresses and crossed bust lines are a risky choice. These dresses cause problems on many women of various sizes and shapes. They tend to gap and pull in strange places and most often cannot be easily fixed because of the cut. Altering these styles often require recutting the entire top of the dress. If this is the chosen style, I recommend ordering an extra yard of fabric in the event an extensive alteration is needed.
Fittings:
(Especially if you are having them custom made)You must bring the shoes and bra you intend to wear to the fittings! Believe it or not, the bra can even change whether or not the dress needs to be hemmed in some cases.
(Especially if you are having them custom made)You must bring the shoes and bra you intend to wear to the fittings! Believe it or not, the bra can even change whether or not the dress needs to be hemmed in some cases.
Sizing:
I have yet to see a company who does a good job with bridesmaid dress sizing. When ordering, it is best to size up if you find yourself between sizes. For it is far easier to take it in than to let out. If the only measurements a company asks for is “bust - waist – hip”, proceed with caution.. These are not enough to get an accurate dress fit. Likewise, if they only ask you for your "size", you can be sure that something is not going to fit. The reason why you should not trust this is simple: Size means nothing in the garment industry. For example, a size 10 for one company could be up to a size 14 or 16 in another depending on how they choose to market their sizes. Their reasoning is that more women will buy their products if they think they are buying a smaller size. Don’t fall for this despicable trickery. The best thing is to have all the girls try their size on if possible. If the dress is by order only and you have some "out of the ordinary" sizes in your party, order a couple extra yards of the fabric as well. You may need it. It is best to be prepared.
I have yet to see a company who does a good job with bridesmaid dress sizing. When ordering, it is best to size up if you find yourself between sizes. For it is far easier to take it in than to let out. If the only measurements a company asks for is “bust - waist – hip”, proceed with caution.. These are not enough to get an accurate dress fit. Likewise, if they only ask you for your "size", you can be sure that something is not going to fit. The reason why you should not trust this is simple: Size means nothing in the garment industry. For example, a size 10 for one company could be up to a size 14 or 16 in another depending on how they choose to market their sizes. Their reasoning is that more women will buy their products if they think they are buying a smaller size. Don’t fall for this despicable trickery. The best thing is to have all the girls try their size on if possible. If the dress is by order only and you have some "out of the ordinary" sizes in your party, order a couple extra yards of the fabric as well. You may need it. It is best to be prepared.
Etiquette:
Have consideration for your bridesmaids. Especially the ones with families and children. When they are coming from out of town, they are probably tired and the kids either need a nap or need to be fed. Try not to load the bridal party up with back to back events. Especially if they still need to be fit for their dresses. Arrange for a steaming to be done at the hotel (or wherever the dressing location will be) the night before. It can be difficult to remove wrinkles incurred from traveling. Nothing worse than a haggard looking bridal party.
Have consideration for your bridesmaids. Especially the ones with families and children. When they are coming from out of town, they are probably tired and the kids either need a nap or need to be fed. Try not to load the bridal party up with back to back events. Especially if they still need to be fit for their dresses. Arrange for a steaming to be done at the hotel (or wherever the dressing location will be) the night before. It can be difficult to remove wrinkles incurred from traveling. Nothing worse than a haggard looking bridal party.
Cost:
The average cost for bridesmaid dresses should be around $175 to $275. If you get a dress for lower than that you got a deal. Be sure to check it closely for flaws, though. You tend to get what you pay for in this market.
The average cost for bridesmaid dresses should be around $175 to $275. If you get a dress for lower than that you got a deal. Be sure to check it closely for flaws, though. You tend to get what you pay for in this market.
Bridal Tips: Know Your Bridal Type
Shopping for a wedding dress can be the hardest thing to begin. Determining where to start the search can be overwhelming. I find fewer and fewer brides who like taking a trip to David's Bridal these days. There are an infinite number of ways to approach this. I recommend two things: First, Just go try stuff. Many brides are surprised at what they end up liking once they see it on. The second thing is to just know who the bride is.
Every bride has different interests and tastes. As such, it is difficult to give general advice regarding the pursuit of the perfect dress. The fact is, there really is no standard or governing rule for what you should look for. However, there are signs to look for which give an indication as to which direction you should begin. There are two sets of what I call “bridal archetypes” that identify a large group of brides. If you can identify yourself somewhere in this list, it could lead you in the right style direction. This list, of course, is not exhaustive. Few women will fit completely into any one category. You likely will be a blend of 2 or 3 of these archetypes. The goal here is to identify which you tend towards and which is most important to you. From there you will have some direction as to what kind of dress to look for. So, what kind of bride are you?
Traditional Bride:
The bride who honors tradition, and prefers simple elegance. One who might opt to have the wedding in her childhood home. Traditions may vary, but this woman is likely to keep her dress simple. And is not necessarily influenced by trends. It is best to select certain elements that you hate and that you like. put them in a list and compare it to what is out there.
The bride who honors tradition, and prefers simple elegance. One who might opt to have the wedding in her childhood home. Traditions may vary, but this woman is likely to keep her dress simple. And is not necessarily influenced by trends. It is best to select certain elements that you hate and that you like. put them in a list and compare it to what is out there.
Romantic Bride:
You've been dreaming about your wedding day since you were little, and you fantasized about being a princess and marrying your Prince Charming, you're a hopeless romantic. If you had it your way, you’d get married in a castle. These types of bride most often like a time period, an era or event to base her theme upon.
You've been dreaming about your wedding day since you were little, and you fantasized about being a princess and marrying your Prince Charming, you're a hopeless romantic. If you had it your way, you’d get married in a castle. These types of bride most often like a time period, an era or event to base her theme upon.
Chic Bride:
You're a trend setter, always one step ahead of the crowd. Style and fashion are a priority to you. You look for styles that are typically "all the rage". These brides I would send over to Firstview.com. They have every designer known to man over there, a perfect place to get ideas.
You're a trend setter, always one step ahead of the crowd. Style and fashion are a priority to you. You look for styles that are typically "all the rage". These brides I would send over to Firstview.com. They have every designer known to man over there, a perfect place to get ideas.
Theatrical Bride:
This is the woman who has always had a certain flair, who likes to make a big entrance, and is comfortable taking center stage. This bride could wear just about anything depending on how she feels in her life at any given point. She is best served having her dress custom made. That way she can add all the elements together into one astounding splash of a dress. Another idea could be to buy a dress and spruce it up with little details of your own.
This is the woman who has always had a certain flair, who likes to make a big entrance, and is comfortable taking center stage. This bride could wear just about anything depending on how she feels in her life at any given point. She is best served having her dress custom made. That way she can add all the elements together into one astounding splash of a dress. Another idea could be to buy a dress and spruce it up with little details of your own.
Bridal Tips: Shopping Archetypes
That’s The One:
This bride knows exactly what she wants. By all means, go get it, girl! Sometimes what they want does not exist and has to be made. In this event, search out a designer who speaks little and listens carefully. Be wary of the over-opinionated. They have to be good at problem solving and, most importantly, you must view their past work to see the quality of their design and construction
This bride knows exactly what she wants. By all means, go get it, girl! Sometimes what they want does not exist and has to be made. In this event, search out a designer who speaks little and listens carefully. Be wary of the over-opinionated. They have to be good at problem solving and, most importantly, you must view their past work to see the quality of their design and construction
“Gee, I Don’t Know...”
I recommend this bride clip out 30 clippings from magazines that catch her eye. It could be of anything, not necessarily a dress. When you lay them all out, chances are you will see themes in your taste. Let those themes be your guide to your dress.
I recommend this bride clip out 30 clippings from magazines that catch her eye. It could be of anything, not necessarily a dress. When you lay them all out, chances are you will see themes in your taste. Let those themes be your guide to your dress.
Does this look good? No, really does it? You sure?
This bride wants people to tell her what she wants and what she looks good in. This bride usually will resist making a choice unless three or more people she knows agree that it’s right for her. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this approach. However, to save some peace of mind, choose three people whose opinion you value the most and take them with you. Let that little council be the final word on it. If you ask too many people you will never nail down your dress. Also, remember that, at the end of the day it is you who will be wearing the dress. In other words, you'd better like it yourself :)
This bride wants people to tell her what she wants and what she looks good in. This bride usually will resist making a choice unless three or more people she knows agree that it’s right for her. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this approach. However, to save some peace of mind, choose three people whose opinion you value the most and take them with you. Let that little council be the final word on it. If you ask too many people you will never nail down your dress. Also, remember that, at the end of the day it is you who will be wearing the dress. In other words, you'd better like it yourself :)
I love that! Oh, wait, I love that other one too:
The one who wants everything and chooses nothing. To this bride I would recommend the 30 clipping homework challenge. As I stated above, when you lay it all out, you will see themes in what you like. From there you can determine what dress contains those themes. On the other hand, this bride may be happy having a custom dress made.
The one who wants everything and chooses nothing. To this bride I would recommend the 30 clipping homework challenge. As I stated above, when you lay it all out, you will see themes in what you like. From there you can determine what dress contains those themes. On the other hand, this bride may be happy having a custom dress made.
Chic Bride:
You're a trend setter, always one step ahead of the crowd. Style and fashion are a priority to you. You look for styles that are typically "all the rage". These brides I would send over to Firstview.com. They have every designer known to man over there, a perfect place to get ideas.
You're a trend setter, always one step ahead of the crowd. Style and fashion are a priority to you. You look for styles that are typically "all the rage". These brides I would send over to Firstview.com. They have every designer known to man over there, a perfect place to get ideas.
Can’t I just order something online?
This bride does not like to shop or try on dresses. In order to direct this bride I would first have to ask why. Sometimes women who have had challenges with fit are typically the ones who don’t like to try on clothes. Sometimes they simply don’t like dresses. If you have had the “fit” challenge I would throw this perspective at you: The biggest challenge for most women regarding fitting clothing has to do with “shape” rather than size. For example, 10 size 12 women can try on the same dress and only 2 or 3 are likely to actually fit it. Why? Because the shape of the dress is not their shape. It has nothing to do with your weight or anything like that. To these women I recommend a consultation. A custom made dress will solve this issue quite nicely.
This bride does not like to shop or try on dresses. In order to direct this bride I would first have to ask why. Sometimes women who have had challenges with fit are typically the ones who don’t like to try on clothes. Sometimes they simply don’t like dresses. If you have had the “fit” challenge I would throw this perspective at you: The biggest challenge for most women regarding fitting clothing has to do with “shape” rather than size. For example, 10 size 12 women can try on the same dress and only 2 or 3 are likely to actually fit it. Why? Because the shape of the dress is not their shape. It has nothing to do with your weight or anything like that. To these women I recommend a consultation. A custom made dress will solve this issue quite nicely.
Bridal Tips: The Right Attitude
It is a funny business, this thing of making women beautiful. As a designer, I find that I must be, in part, a counselor as well. Emotionally, it can be dangerous and unhealthy if you approach your personal beauty in the wrong way. Unfortunately, some women are fooled into thinking that some inanimate (or more graphically, a dead) object will be the determining factor of their beauty. I feel it is my responsibility to make sure that I do not lead women down this road when making clothing for them.They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. For the most part, this is a very true statement. All of us have the ability to determine what is beautiful to us. However, I believe this is a poor perspective when you are trying to find that which makes you beautiful. You see, this perspective requires that there is a contingency of people who do not find you beautiful. As true as that may be, it is hardly an encouraging thought. Sadly, there are some who do not think that they are beautiful
I believe that there are many things in this world that are inherently beautiful. They are uncontested, non-debatable facts. You will never really hear anyone say that beaches are unattractive. Tell me the last time you ever heard someone say that a sunset was ugly. Try to name one lake that is not peaceful or doesn't soothe you with its beauty. While it is true that some people appreciate these things more than others, you would be hard pressed to find someone who would dare challenge their inherent beauty. In the exact same way, there is a profound beauty to be found in every human being. Though it may be different for everyone, I believe it is as inherent as the beauty found in nature as described above. In short, I am saying that there is a beauty about you that is undeniable and not subject to another’s opinion (Even your own opinion). It will always be beautiful and it will always belong to you.
JRA designs’ primary goal is to bring out that beauty in all of our brides. Every bridal gown is a thrilling journey to this end. We are very disinterested in seeking out beautiful things by way of trends and “the latest thing” out there. Trends and current styles have their place. There is absolutely nothing wrong with them. Only realize they do not necessarily represent your beauty inside. They typically represent what is passing. Things like heart, passion, emotion, details, effort and creativity all reveal this kind of beauty. Though these things are not tangible or physically visible, they can be felt. These elements are the determining factors between “pretty” and “radiant”. “Pretty” is simply nice to look at whereas “radiant” affects people around you. It is infectious and people desire it. This is what we pour into our dresses. It is different with every bride and it is amazing to see every single time.